Posted on 01/06/2016 12:59:49 PM PST by w1n1
Many survival preppers talk about stashing their cache supplies and its content. But, not much is talked about other things to look for or have in their cache that doesn't fall under food and water. Here 10 that you may have overlooked.
1. Heirlooms Seeds - For the uninitiated, heirloom seeds are ones that are a true strain. Meaning, if you grow a watermelon from an heirloom seed, the seeds found in the ripe melon can be planted the next season and will, theoretically at least, grow just fine.
2. Greenhouse Supplies - Even a very basic hoop house covered in plastic will greatly extend the growing season. You can find plans online for several different types of DIY greenhouses.
3. Fire Extinguishers - When all fire-fighting duties fall on you and your family, you'll certainly appreciate the addition of at least a few decent fire extinguishers.
4. Wagons - Whether it is a robust model like you’d find at a garden center or just an old Radio Flyer, wagons are excellent back savers.
5. Feminine Hygiene and Health Products - Many if not most preppers will think to stock up on things like pads and tampons, especially if there's a female involved with the prepping.
6. Sewing Supplies - If traveling down to the local discount retailer to pick up new duds becomes no longer an option, having at least needles, thread, and some patches will extend the life of your clothes. Read the rest of the story here.
I know it sounds nuts but it’s true. The book covers a LOT of survival ground in a SHTF scenario. If it was written as a ‘real’ survival book with the zombie stuff removed, it would be a well known resource for the purpose.
This is why a rocket stove is good—you can burn whatever you pick up off the ground. Less cutting and splitting.
Also, KOBALT makes a great battery operated chainsaw. Uses a lithium ion battery that charges in 60 minutes.
“Even better, get an old wood burning stove and learn how to convert your vehicle to run on wood gas once the juice runs out.”
Better have a vehicle with a carburetor and no electronics. And a trailer to haul the wood, someone riding shotgun to chuck wood and a mechanic to rebuild the engine after a couple of thousand miles, maybe keep him under the hood to tweek the smoke to air ratio as you drive.
Several feet of snow.
6x8 inch Fresnel lens. You don’t use it up, you do have to plan to start your fire when the sun is out which is most days where I live.
I made sure I tested my magnesium bars ahead of Tshtf by starting a wood fire to cook the sheep we butchered. So give your Fire starting implement a try now.
I usually rub a couple of dry cliches together, although aphorisms will work in a pinch.
Lol. In that situation, trust me, soap would be needed first.
Bottles of hydrogen?
In reality a person needs three guns.
One long range Rifle: To stop them well.. far away
One shotgun: To stop the ones you didn’t get “far away”
One handgun: well, if I have to explain it, then you’re already dead.
Semper Fi
For a person with knowledge of guns, I totally agree. And of course, this is my opinion only. I am not an expert and an FAR from ever being one.
But a person without gun knowledge is not going to be able to sight or adapt to/use the scope on a rifle for long range without practice beforehand and won’t be so hot with a handgun in a pressure situation. Thus my ‘spray and pray’ shotgun suggestion. I’m also looking at this from an “If you got only one” standpoint.
Another thing to consider. Most people will hesitate to kill at long range as the idea of killing a human goes through their mind as they get the target sighted. The shotgun lets them get the sense of urgency for fight or flight because the target isn’t ‘on TV’ and can still be far enough to avoid a direct up close fight.
After a few kills, yes. They will be over the hump. But getting to that point alive IMO isn’t best with a long gun.
Barge to say that I am not a MM fan but loved Fury Road.
Non-stop action. Good special effects. Great story.
Ladies have special considerations to consider.
https://m.youtube.com/user/TheWellArmedWomanTV
The well armed woman also has a blog and classes around the country.
Google.
If you can afford range fees, many shooting ranges will let you RENT different guns to try them out. If possible, do that.
Otherwise, a few trips to a gun store to just fondle the inventory helps immensely, too.
You can go into any gun store and ask questions—guys like to help, but still a guy doesn’t quite “get” the woman’s perspective.
Try holding various rifles and shotguns, to see what feels comfortable.
Ask lots of questions about type of ammo, how easy is it to get ammo. Some guns can use more than one type of ammo, and that’s an advantage.
Don’t buy anything your first time in the store. Look and compare. Bring a notepad and write stuff down about the guns that interest you. Then go home and check the internet for more pros and cons on those particular guns.
There are lots of gun forums online but I found these overwhelming. I was reading words, not understanding the jargon.
Put your hands on a few guns FIRST, find out what sorta feels good for you—much like test driving a car. (Like cars, there’s make and model. Oftentimes a lot of confusing letters and numerals. Those are important. That’s why I like to take a notepad.)
THEN go to the gun forums and read the threads on THAT particular gun.
Are you a lady of small stature as I am? Some things that were of major concern to me:
1.) the weight of the weapon. Most shotguns and many rifles are too dang heavy for me to hold up, making accuracy of aim nearly impossible. BUT I didn’t want lightweight to equal wimpy. You want as much power and range as possible, but ease of operation for YOU is essential. Try aiming the weapon for a full minute, see how much your shoulder hurts !
This weight issue was the big one for me.
My experience was that every guy I asked, advised me to get a 12 guage. Could. Not. Hold. It. Up. YMMV.
2.) the kick. I did not want a weapon that would knock me down when fired.
If I miss and end up on my butt, the Bad Guy now has the advantage.
3) adjustable stock? I like these because the gun can be shortened to accommodate my little bitty arms. This in turn helps the weapon seem less heavy to hold.
4.) sighting. Would I need to purchase and install a scope? Some guns have laser sights.
5.) single shot or multiple?
6.) range. How close do I hafta let the feral hog get before I choot ‘em?
7.) ammo, availability and expense.
I hope this helps some.
Dehydrated water? Now THERE'S an idea!!! I'm gonna be RICH!!!
For laundry soap, I save our detergent jugs when they are empty (there is always some leftover soap in there) and add water to refill them then store them in the basement. The jugs are very heavy-duty so I don’t have to worry about plastic breakdown.
I label them to make sure everyone knows they are not for drinking. I plan to use them for laundry and general cleaning should the shtf.
Aww! Ain't that just the way it goes? *sigh*
LOL!
I always though it'd be fun to try to convert a pickup to steam.
Great post.
What do you think about a 12 gauge shotgun for a woman -vs- a 20 gauge?
20 ga pump action shot gun.
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