25 Things Everyone Should Hoard

Today, it’s all about 25 things everyone should hoard for an emergency. When disaster strikes, it’s typically too late to start planning, making a list, and then heading to the grocery or big box store to pick up various types of survival supplies. By the time you get there, people could already be out of control, ransacking the shelves and looking for food storage items and supplies you should have already stockpiled.

With the floods, tornados, fires, hurricanes, and extreme drought conditions we’ve been hearing about, I wanted to update this post I published a few years ago as a reminder. I’m sure you all took my suggestions seriously back then, but there’s no harm in a friendly reminder. LOL

This doesn’t have to be you in this type of situation. Be prepared. Take a look at these 25 things that everyone should hoard in case of an emergency. My list may not contain items you feel are necessary based on your family’s needs for emergency preparedness. Can you think of other things everyone should hoard for an emergency? 

The term hoard has taken on a negative connotation. We see TV shows about hoarding and how disruptive it can be for families. What I’m suggesting here is that we inventory and store many everyday items in a volume most families don’t consider necessary. The challenge is, in times of emergency so many of these things become unavailable for an extended period, putting families at risk.

25 Things Everyone Should Hoard

1. Pain Relievers

Having Aspirin on hand can help relieve headaches and reduce fevers. Applying the cream version directly to burns, scrapes, and cuts can also reduce pain quickly. It even works well on a bug bite or bee sting. If you use Tylenol or Ibuprophen, please stock them and be sure to rotate them as needed based on the expiration dates shown on the package.

2. Electrolytes

Catching a fever with flu-like symptoms during a crisis is not only bad but can be deadly. Stocking up on electrolytes, such as Liquid IV, can help replenish your electrolytes and keep you from dehydrating. We had some family members experience dehydration in the past few months. One ended up in the hospital for four days. We must have liquids available when we get sick.   

3. Hand Crank Radio

Not being informed during an emergency can be even scarier without the critical information from the outside world. Purchase a hand-crank radio to help with this challenge. How do you make important decisions if you don’t know what’s going on in your area? The good thing about this solution is that no batteries are required. 

4. Multi-tool 

Having a multi-tool you can attach to your belt during a crisis could prove to be more effective than carrying around a toolbox full of heavy tools everywhere you go. Most of them have knives, scissors, a screwdriver, a bottle opener, a can opener, and pliers. 

5. Firearms or Other Weapons

Unfortunately, bad times usually bring out the bad traits in people. Having firearms stashed away to protect your family is important, even if you aren’t fond of them. If you are totally against guns, find some other solution or form of protection for keeping your family safe.

It isn’t good enough just to have them, you also need some training and practice so you can effectively put them to use. Personal safety is critical since you could misuse the firearm or other weapon and hurt yourself or other innocent people.

6. Extra Blankets 

Heaven forbid if an emergency were to strike in winter. But if it did, make sure that you’re ready. Electricity and keeping your home heated by natural gas might not be options. Make sure to have plenty of extra blankets stored away, just in case.

It’s also a good idea to have warm coats, long-sleeved shirts, thermal underwear, thick socks, stocking caps, etc. You need enough for all family members, keeping in mind different size requirements. Being wet in cold conditions can prove life-threatening, so plan to have extra changes of clothing for all family members.

7. Duct Tape

Duct tape has so many uses. You could patch a tent, patch a hose, better insulate your shoes, and so on. Mythbusters (television show) even made a kayak with duct tape and a few pieces of wood. In case you missed this post, Duct Tape: Why You Need to Store It. Gorilla Tape is even better.

8. Paracord

Paracord, like duct tape, has many uses. It’s much stronger and lighter than typical rope. You can use it to tie sticks together to make a shelter. Paracords can also be used for climbing, a fishing line, a sling, and countless other survival uses.  

9. Batteries

You’re going to go through a bunch of batteries during the emergency, depending on its severity and the length of time it affects your area. Make sure you stockpile batteries of all kinds while preparing for an emergency. If someone in your family uses a breathing machine or respirator, be sure to stock up on the appropriate batteries.  Please look into a solar-powered backup system like a Jackery Solar Unit.

I also like the products from Goal Zero. Their battery backup systems are very valuable when the power goes out and you need to run that oxygen concentrator, CPAP machine, nebulizer, and more. Consider purchasing the solar panels you can use to recharge these units, particularly if you live in a sunny location. In Southern Utah we had over 300 days of sunlight each year, it was a real blessing.

10. Flashlights

Having extra flashlights hoarded away will keep your family out of dark situations at night. In my opinion, you can never have too many flashlights. Matt, one of my readers, told me about OLights, you can’t go wrong with these. They are now my favorite flashlights. OLight Flashlights

We also have solar flashlights you keep charged by placing them in your windowsills. Each day the sun comes out you have the comfort of knowing they are being charged and are ready to go!

11. Can Openers

Canned food (besides your dehydrated and freeze-dried food) is about the only source of food you will find that hasn’t spoiled. So when hard times hit, make sure to have a handy can opener with you. You can never have too many can openers, right? Regular Can Openers and #10 Can Openers. Be sure to have the manual-operated openers besides some electric models since you may have lost power to your home.

12. Charcoal/Lighter Fluid/Campfire fuel 

Charcoal is a great way of cooking your food. Be sure to have plenty of lighter fluid or campfire fuel to help speed up the process. Besides charcoal, there are other good options for fuel, so just in case you missed this post be sure to check it out: My Favorite Emergency Fuel To Store For Survival

13. Camp Stove 

Camp stoves are not only great for camping but also available in case of an emergency. They don’t give off smoke like a campfire does, keeping you from giving away your location if you feel the need to hide for some reason.

14. Water Filters

Not having clean water to drink will get you sick in a hurry. Have several survival water filter units to keep your drinking water fresh, and be sure to stock up on some replacement filters as well. Water Filters: If you have barrels full of water, you need to be sure they have the attachments to get the water out, if necessary.

I put Water Preserver in my barrels and storage tanks since it keeps the water in drinkable condition for up to five years. AquaRain Filters

15. Hand Sanitizer

Stock up on hand sanitizer ahead of time to keep germs away. Since you may not have access to fresh water and hand soap during an emergency, this is the next best thing.

Over the past couple of years, we should all have become very aware of why it’s a great idea to have plenty of hand sanitizer where we can easily access it.

16. Freezer Bags

Freezer bags will not only store your food and keep it fresh longer, but they also work great for storing other things. You can even use them as a mixing bowl or for marinating your meat. 

We have found the gallon-size bags to be the most useful, but the pint bags are great, too. It’s better to have a bag bigger than you need than one with limits to the volume needed.

17. Garbage Bags

Garbage bags serve many purposes, not just for taking out the trash. They can be worn as rain ponchos, shelter covers, and human waste sanitation and disposal. 

Be sure to follow the guidelines of your local sanitary disposal agencies so your family is kept as safe as possible. In the event we need a temporary body bag, these will have to work.

18. Paper Cups/Plates/Towels

Don’t eat like an animal just because it seems like the world’s end has occurred. Eat and drink like a king and queen on paper plates, cups, and paper towels to clean your mug. Please stock up on paper plates, cups, bowls, and plastic silverware.

19. Toilet Paper

Just imagine not having toilet paper during a crisis. Now that’s talking about “the end of the world” scenario. Stockpile toilet paper for a much softer, more sanitary way of cleaning yourself. You’ve seen stores like Costco run out of toilet paper and paper towels from time to time over the past couple of years. Don’t be the family that has run out and needs this critical product. Janet reminded me about getting a Toilet Bidet; it works well without electricity. Less toilet paper is required.

20. Laundry Detergent

Another great item to hoard for an emergency is laundry detergent. You might not have a working washing machine, but you can still clean your clothes the old-fashioned way, with laundry detergent and your two hands. I posted an article a couple of years ago highlighting some “do-it-yourself” clothes washing machines. In case you missed this post, check it out: How To Make Emergency Washing Machines

21. Shampoo/Soap

Taking a shower every day after a catastrophic event has taken place might not be an option. Yet when someone in your party begins looking at you funny or is avoiding you, at least you collected plenty of shampoo and soap to get the job done. Please stock up on some baby wipes, even if they dry out you can add water to them and perform a critical body area “sponge bath!”

22. Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly)

If you’re already in a miserable situation, getting an injury sure doesn’t help. Vaseline works excellently on soothing cuts and scrapes. I recently wrote a post outlining several ways Vaseline can come in handy. In case you missed this post, you may want to take a few minutes and read it: 20 Ways to Use Vaseline

23. Tooth Brushes/Toothpaste

Gather several toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes to keep your teeth pearly white on the grayest days you can remember. There is no reason we can’t keep up with many of those personal hygiene steps we take for granted.

24. Lysol/Clorox Bleach

Lysol and Clorox bleach help kill germs on countertops, doorknobs, and other areas where you want to keep yourself and your family members safer from sickness. Consider Lysol your new best friend during an emergency. 

25. Gasoline/Propane

Having ways to prepare your meals or keeping an automobile running might be tricky without gasoline or propane. When an emergency strikes, you can count on them not being available.

If you add appropriate additives, gasoline should be good for 3-6 months or longer. Be cautious where you store it. Never store it in your home or garage. I don’t even like having it in my shed. I don’t store gasoline on my property because of fire danger near our home.

If you store gasoline, I’d keep it in a 5-gallon tank at a minimum and consider placing it in a covered area away from the house. I keep my propane tanks on my back patio, sheltered from the sun.

Other Items/Steps to Consider When Storing for an Emergency

• Stored water
• Apple cider vinegar
• Pet food
• Purify your water with a filter
• Don’t forget to check expiration dates
• Baking soda
• Firestarter
• Rice, beans, pasta
• Bottles of water
• Buckets
• Bleach (good for 6-12 months for sewage issues)

These are 25+ things that everyone should hoard in case of an emergency. If you’ve taken measures to prepare for the unexpected, what other items would be crucial for survival? 

30 Non-Food Survival Items To Stockpile

Things to Stock Up On Before a Hurricane

Final Word

It’s a good idea to be prepared for natural disasters in any way possible! While you’re at it, ensure you have good bartering items, and check the shelf life of items you’re hoarding and storing. These are things we should hoard for an emergency, I promise. May God bless this world, Linda

The post 25 Things Everyone Should Hoard appeared first on Food Storage Moms.

from Food Storage Moms