Posted on 09/29/2012 5:08:42 PM PDT by outofsalt
I have been pondering emergency preparations for some time and enjoy the prepper threads from which I've learned a lot and have applied much. I was trying to find some good articles on essential tools for "a really bad day" scenario or, TEOTWAWKI. Many articles include things like cash and shelter and first aid. Even post it notes and looms have made some lists. I am looking for ideas for hand operated essentials and have my own list...Please help flesh out these ideas.
Old farmers were never without baling wire and barbed wire.
Duct tape.
There’s a learning curve with gardening. Some plant varieties will grow in your climate and soil, others won’t.
Pressure cooker, and pressure canner, and canning materials.
Rechargeable batteries and a solar charger, all lighting based on AA and AAA batteries and all led.
Multimeter that uses AA battery, wheel barrow, plenty of bic lighters, pulleys and muscle multipliers, a hand held loudspeaker, solar powered motion sensing lights (AA powered), a solar charger for you car battery that will keep it healthy when there isn’t gas, or to power your car horn alarm.
Walkie talkies
We’ve been using one of these the past few weeks. It had belonged to dh’s grandparents. Took us a try, or two, to figure it out. Coffee tastes great from this type of pot.
I read today that crab grass seeds can be harvested and used as flour. Have they seen those itty bitty microscopic seeds? That aside, letting the yard go to weeds will bring in edible weeds and will hide your garden that isn’t planted in straight neat rows.
You can build your bunker entrance and do the excavation from inside an existing structure/barn/outbuilding. This is what I did.
Doing this makes in undectectable from prying eyes from above since I do not believe the FERAL government has Xray vision YET....
That’s what I am talking about....make ‘em milking goats.....meat, milk, cheese and mowing rolled up on four legs.
Can’t beat that with a stick.
Also, some plants that look really good in the seed catalog, turn out to need babied to produce anything, while others can be neglected and in poor soil and still turn out a respectable harvest. It’s better to find out which is which now.
I know a lot can be done with just improving the soil, but I’m of the opinion that, in order to be considered for the survival garden, a plant has got to be willing to meet me halfway!
just picked up one of these with sheath at Wally's for $27.95... it's heavy duty titanium coated stainless steel for digging, chopping and cutting 
Camillus 18" Titanium Bonded Carnivore Machete:
First aid and health?
Toilet paper and pint bottles of booze. The more the better, as they can be used for barter.
I keep reading that ammunition is the best item for bartering, but you must have the right caliber. TP is one size fits all!
I’ve been looking for wax paper and havent seen it in a while. Where do you get it?
“I read today that crab grass seeds can be harvested and used as flour.”
Can they be fermented?
“Toilet paper and pint bottles of booze.”
I can see bartering toilet paper....
Rolls of duct tape and hefty garbage bags. Great for toting, storing, and sealing off windows and doors.
Lived thru the Mount Saint Helen’s ash fall out......
“I read today that crab grass seeds can be harvested and used as flour.”
Can they be fermented?
Yes.
http://www.eattheweeds.com/crabgrass-digitaria-sanguinalis-2/
“Crabgrass seed can be used as a flour, couscous or as a grain, such as in porridge or fermented for use in beer making.”
Our Lord is Good!
Yep, Duct tape and plastic sheeting works for water gathering in boats aand for sanitation needs as well.
Good stuff to have!
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