Jun152009
56 Comments
10 Non-Edibles for Your Emergency Stash
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While not exactly edible, stocking up on these ten items will make everyday life more comfortable, whatever your emergency.
- deodorant/anti-perspirant. Picture this. You’ve been in your bunker for three weeks. Sponge baths are a rare treat. Then you remember your stash of Secret anti-perspirant. Ahhhh….. instant morale booster, especially if shared.
- feminine products. Periods don’t stop for something trivial like a nuclear war. A six month’s stash of tampons, especially o.b., won’t take up much room, and will greatly improve your quality of life.
- small items for entertainment. Choose multi-use toys and games. Playing cards or Play-Dough, for example.
- Bar soap. In a pinch it can be used for shampoo and even laundry.
- Zip-Locs of all sizes. These can’t be beat for everything from a tooth for the Tooth Fairy to containing nuclear waste, aka dirty diapers.
- Rope for a clothesline and clothes pins. Air-dried laundry smells and feels so clean and crisp. It may become your preferred method of drying, even after the electricity comes on, and of course there’s the added benefit of being oh-so-Green!
- a pack of never-before-opened underwear for each family member. Enough said.
- battery-powered CD player & CDs. There’s just something about beautiful music for defusing tension and calming nerves.
- Tylenol PM. Seriously. Do you really want to be 100% conscious wrapped up in your silver emergency blanket, huddled in the back seat of your mini-van?
- Toilet paper. But you knew I was going to say that, didn’t you??
Preparing for natural disasters, nuclear war, complete societal breakdown, doesn’t mean we have to lose our sense of humor. In fact, your sense of humor should be #1 on this list! Don’t ever hunker down in your bunker without it!
© 2009 – 2012, thesurvivalmom. All rights reserved.
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This Boston mom was ready for the worst
I can see why the police did what they did going door to door, but at
INSTANT SURVIVAL TIP: "One Year Food Supply!" A good deal or not?
Youtube is a great place to see how to make rocket stoves, hobo stoves
An Interview with Professional Survival Mom Suzanne
Thanks, PJ! There are so many great people in this community. Lots o
Debbie
Great List
If you have allergies, and/or the deoderant causes discomfort for
others ( in the bunker)
use baking soda instead. Use a salt shaker to dispense
the baking soda which also has multiple uses ie brushing teeth,
washing dishes, and clothes.
thesurvivalmom
That’s a great suggestion, not just to include baking soda but any other item that has multiple uses. Thanks for visiting my blog!
)
Lisa
Sherri McCulloch
Really helpful info. LOVE the Tylenol PM! I’d probably also take along some Motrin. Handy for us ladies when that unwelcome aunt visits, and handy for hubbies who have to put up with us putting up with said aunt.
thesurvivalmom
Sherri, I’m so glad you found my blog! Be sure to double check the expiration dates of any medication, and circle it with a Sharpie. If we’re going to be taking drugs, we want to make sure we get their full effect!
Lisa
Lone Star Prepper
Lisa,
I love your sight. I just found it a couple of weeks ago, and have spent hours reading nearly every post. According to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, most medication is good years past the expiration date. There are exceptions, insulin, tetracycline, nitro, etc. I was pretty excited about this find,as this was a concern of mine. I've been "prepping" for years and was unaware there are so many other suburbanites doing the same.
I've also thought of a couple of other areas that I haven't seen anywhere in the world of prepping.
1.) Birth control — if you're finished adding to your family you may want to consider a permanent procedure, thereby freeing yourself from the fear of an unwanted pregnancy. If you don't want a permanent option, make sure you have plenty of alternative methods in case prescriptions are inaccessible.
2.) Flooring in the house — if you're planning to refloor an area in your house, you may want to consider a hard surface (tile, laminate, wood, etc.) vs. carpet. The hard surface can be cleaned without a vacuum, which needs electricity. Plus a hard surface is easier to fully disinfect in the event of a pandemic.
LizLong
A simple "sweeper" can help even with carpeting with no electricity. It doesn't get down as deep as a vacuum, but things at least look better and are a bit tidier. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search…
John Stein
The Patriot Nurse has a YouTube clip about Rx expiration dates and the safe time frame beyond which many expensive medications are still effective. The military demanded this information because it was discarding millions of dollars worth of drugs. The information was provided by the FDA on the condition it not be made public by the military.
Dlpt
Don’t forget a Tide bleach pen……no tellin’
how long you will have to wear the same set of clothes!
thesurvivalmom
Debbie,
I don’t think a Tide pen ever crossed my mind, but you have a good point! Wearing the same clothes for even a couple of days in a row feels pretty icky. Add a few food and grease stains, and now your self-esteem is at rock bottom!
Most women want to look as good as possible no matter the circumstance. So, a stain remover pen is probably a good item to stockpile, and can you just imagine the barter potential??!
Seriously, a good friend of mine is already stockpiling Clairol Nice’n Easy #117, Natural Medium Golden Brown. Just in case.
)
Lisa
theotherryan
For more then a day or three’s survival it would be wise to include ‘family planning’ as a consideration. When it gets dark and there is not tv or the internet people tend to find other ways of staying entertained. All other elements aside it would be nice to have your family planning done by you and the spouse not being bored for that week when the power goes out.
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reverielarke
Great site and post. As much as I dislike buying a lot of Made In China goods, I admit I've been Dollar Store stashing lately. Packing away plenty of liquid soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, cotton swabs, rubbing alcohol, bandages, bar soap… AND plenty of TP- I'm stashing big packs wherever I can.
No moviestar or natural or manmade disaster is going to convince me one square is ever enough!
Thanks again.
thesurvivalmom
I know what you mean about Made in China!! It drives me crazy, too, but right now with so many of us wanting to stock up ASAP, those goods are often the cheapest out there.
Good luck with all your prepping, and here’s hoping for a bright future.
)
Lisa
Louise Russell
I just found your site and I think it's great. I have a really long essential non-food list. But the one thing I wanted to add to yours was vitamins. On a good day my kids don't eat all there vitamins, let alone if the choices are limited. I like the family planning addition. I also think any prescription meds needed for the family need to be stockpiled as much as possible. Some doctors even work with you to do this depending of course on the medication.
Josh
One thing to be wary of, as far as vitamins are concerned, if I may.
There are a LOT of concerns that the usual multivitamins- ones synthesized in a laboratory somewhere- don't actually work. They're beginning to think that the artificially synthesized vitamins are so far from the natural vitamins, your body doesn't process them, and in some cases, multivitamins have been shown to have negative effects!
Now, of course, I'm not telling you what to do at all, but I think it may be worth some research. Personally, I'd probably spend my vitamin money on food based supplements or dried fruit for storage. Just a little food (Or vitamins!) for thought.
TheSurvivalMom
Louise,
I'm glad you found my site, too! You are right about vitamins, and I actually have quite a few bottles stored. They have a limited shelf life, so it's important to keep track of your stock and rotate it. I would note that it's also worth your while to research which brands have the highest quality content.
Lisa
rhonda
This is the first visit to your site. I am very impressed. I intend making this a site I visit alot. Very good info,Lots of ideas I have not thought of. Just wanted to say thanks. I'm from Texas. Lots of preppers here. I intend telling all my friends about this site.Keep up the good work!!!
TheSurvivalMom
You know, it's comments like yours' that make me feel like a million bucks! Thanks so much! My blog will have a completely new and gorgeous look in about two weeks, so keep checking back!
Lisa
rhonda
Thank you,I will certainly check it out. Like I said this is a great site. I am fairly new to all of this. I only started my long term food storage a few months ago.I have made fairly good decisions,i believe. Its hard to get started when you need it all…lol.Your tips are invaluble to someone like me.
LizLong
Magnesium fire starter. Can be used for longer than you're likely to use it, and under more conditions than most matches.
TheSurvivalMom
Good suggestion. Even Bear Grylls uses one when he's out in the wild. (My kids have recently become "Man vs. Wild" fans!)
rightwingmom
After Ike hurricane we were w/out power for nearly two weeks. Despite having ALL laundry done before the storm, I found myself washing clothes in the tub.
I purchased the Wonder Wash and took it camping to Colorado this August. It really did work! Each evening we washed 3 – 4 (small) loads and hung them to dry. (2 adults and 2 boys) The team effort took us 30 + minutes each evening. The clothes weren't 100% clean, but close enough. I'm glad I own one now!!!
Disclaimer ~ The base is more "rickety" than I like, but my husband's a tinkerer. He's promised to build me a new stand if (or when) this one breaks.
Check out the Youtube demo. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUVR2vjRJRo
http://www.laundry-alternative.com/products/Wonde… is where I purchased it. It was less than $50.
(2 loads at the washateria use to cost me $10!)
Carol
Oh my goodness thank you rightwingmom for the link, we are remodeling our kitchen, bath & laundry right now and the laundromat cost is killing me! (a family of 5) I cook in the dining room and we bathe in our camper trailer but I have no tub to wash clothes in. I love that I can bring this camping AND add it to my preparedness stock. I have been pouring over this site and loving every bit of it!
Ron
Another thing to consider is diaper wipes.
When I mentioned them to my wife she commented that was all the troops had for bathing for the first year in the Sand Box. Don't know if that's true, but you can do almost the equivalent of a shower with a couple.
And of course they are designed to replace TP.
TheSurvivalMom
There are a few items you just cannot have too much of, and TP and baby wipes are two of them. I can't imagine having only baby wipes for bathing for a year, but in a severe water shortage, I'd be grateful. Thanks for visiting my blog!
LizLong
Most baby wipes are NOT flushable, though. You can buy brands that are, but they are more costly. The ones they sell at Costco are good, AND they have small packs you can carry with you – or put in your BOB or car bag. Not all brands break down well in the septic tank, apparently, so that's something to be aware of. Cottonnelle brand flushable wipes do fine in ours, though, per our septic tank cleaner.
TheSurvivalMom
That's very good information, Liz. When I had babies around the house, I pretty much relied on the Costco brand but, then, didn't have a septic tank to worry about. As long as we're all stocking up, we might as well buy brands that are septic tank friendly.
Kel
Yes, do NOT assume they are flushable unless you know for sure. Just sayin… you don’t want a sewage backup on Christmas Eve caused from wipes getting caught in the pipes and causing a clog. Not that I would know anything about that … and the extra charge for someone to come out on a holiday….
Kit
I was once traveling in the Australian desert for two and a half weeks, we managed 1 shower somewhere in the middle, the rest of the time we where lugging our own water (in a car but still) so anything more than a sponge bath was out. I tried a sponge bath once, the next time it was baby wipes and the baby wipes did a much better job. 110 degrees F means you get pretty icky and crawling into your sleep sac "freshly" baby wiped was pure bliss. I remember one day towards the end I felt just as good after a bay wipe wash as after a sauna and shower at home, comparitivly of course.
Blastfromthepast
Hi great web site.
Just my two cents for what it is worth. Disposable diapers cost big and a year's supply may take up more space than a small elephant. In the current economy maybe it is time to consider taking a step forward into the past? I'm talking about cloth diapers. Yes they stink and have to be washed. But after the initial out lay the cost detergent is much cheaper than disposables. To go with are baby safety diaper pins available today only at specialty baby shops, if you can find them and MHO plastic baby panties in graduated sizes. Leaks do happen.
The pluses are: less cost, less trash for landfills, less storage space needed.
The downside: more work, smell and less convenience.
TheSurvivalMom
I have friends who have used cloth diapers and survived! Until I have grandkids, hopefully many years from now since my kids are so young!, I'd be willing to give cloth diapers a try. The idea of paying for a few dozen diapers once, as opposed to many, many packages of disposables, is pretty tempting.
Grace Carter
Cloth diapers are the best–Less diaper rash, use only 1-2 Tbsp Tide or other detergent for a tubful or a washer load. Line with a plain paper towel to catch poo[, and use sunshine to bleach out any spots, not bleach which can cause rash. When the need for diapers is past, they make wonderful soft dust cloths.
erin
this is controversial but I must say it cloth and disposable are equally bad for the environment and equal in cost unless you coupon like me in which case disposable are cheaper. the soap to wsah said diapers is equally as harmful as dumping them in a landfill many studies have proven this I will save the environment by having my littles trained by 2 I have done it with two of them and one left to get done then we are done with diapers. my hubby has been fixed so no need to tote birth control or condoms either for those moments of boredom LOL
lhentz
Condoms still have a purpose. They carry water & are a good barter item.
Kathy
What a great blog! I'm new and we are preparing for inflation. Three non-edibles I'm storing are Chlorox, and Vinegar for household cleaning and disenfecting, and hydrogen peroxide for cleaning owies. I'm excited to learn all that I can here.
erin
clorox has a shelf life try calcium hypochlorite (pool shock) it should be the only active ingredient check that for sure 1 tsp to 2 gallons makes bleach the 1/100 parts water for clean water. stores easier to
Sean
This is going to seem weird coming from a male, but have any of you ladies looked into the "feminine hygiene cup" (there are dozens of brands available). It's reusable, easy to sanitize (a little boiling water, and/or peroxide), will last for years, and according to my wife generally makes life "easier". It also eliminates issues like the potential for toxic shock from the bleached products used in commercial products, takes up a LOT less room for storage, has less odor to it during your cycle (which could be important in a wilderness area), and will free up budgetting and space for other prep items, and has the benefit of less environmental impact, and packaging.
Eli
it really does work. An average woman spends $150-200 dollars a year on pads and tampons. Thats a really nice chunk to add to prep fund.
Kel
Yes! $30 up front and they last for years!
Sarah
Sean, yes it definately was weird, but a really well thought out post. Thanks for thinking of all us gals!
Rena H.
Something I haven’t seen any prepper blogs suggest, in the first aid or medical area, is treatment for yeast infections…any woman who has had one knows that they are uncomfortable in the extreme, also probably dangerous if left untreated for too long. I suggest having at least one, maybe two boxes of the fastest treatment on hand…. If you find you don’t have one and someone is in need, there are alternative home remedies… One that I know for a fact works is plain yogurt, applied like the cream OTC treatment…cools and over a few days should clear it up (must have live active cultures though).
I would so suggest, in addition to baby wipes, femeni e wipes and possibly some feminie deoderant spray.
Hope this helps someone.
Lady Glover
One thing you may want to consider is antibiotics. You can purchase them through vet supply companies which usually provide the same dosage capsules for a lot less.
A wise woman instructed me to stock up on several different types. I now have Erythromycin, Metronidazole, Ampicillin, Cephalexin, Amoxicillin as well as iOSAT Potassium Iodide Tablets (one pack for each family member~ i need to get additional packs for my pets). NOTE: Make sure you find tablets/capsules and avoid the powder packet forms.
This wise lady encouraged me (as a novice prepper) to start with food, medicine and books/reference material.
Also to consider on the medicine part~ She mentioned the Monistat treatment for yeast infections, witchazel and hydrocortizone cream. Adding to that list, I have stocked up on Oragel, Chloroseptic spray, Advil, Tissue Adhesive, Steri Strip Skin Closures, and lots of hydrogen peroxide.
I hope this contribution is helpful for others~
alana
great site and list lists. glad you mentioned rope. always have say a 15yard length of rope (1/4″) and other lengths, string (1/8″) – at least a 20yard reel – and learn some knots! you only need to know 3 or 4 basic hitches and knots. also tie wire – and pliers
STRING! ROPE! WIRE!, KNOTS and PLIERS!
A mom
Coconut oil is a natural anti-fungal and perfect for killing yeast infections. It can be used as personal lubricant (but not w/ condoms!). You can use a carefully peeled clove of garlic, inserted. You can use plain yogurt ahh, internally. Just keep some of those medicine dispensing syringes from the pharmacy on hand. Some of us women are terribly allergic to whatever they put in OTC yeast remedies.
The best long term family planning, will be learning the Fertility Awareness Method. Check out the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility for details. Condoms may run out, birth control pills/patches etc may not be available, but being armed with the knowledge of how your body works, and the ability to pass that on to other women is priceless.
MadeOneUp
I second the recommendation for learning Fertility Awareness. The book, Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler, is really an excellent introduction to the concept. It’s NOT the same as the “rhythm method” and is really quite reliable if used correctly.
I also second the notion of the menstrual cups. Really useful and far less wasteful than tampons or pads. Having some extras around might also be a good barter item.
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Venom
As much as I don't like the stuff, I threw a caffeine supplement into my stash. It might come in handy after a major natural disaster that will require being active and somewhat alert for long periods, i.e. digging through debris, or if we find ourselves in a Mad Max type scenario where you need to hold constant security for your safety, or your family's safety (see Hurricane Katrina aftermath- looting, raping and other violent crimes).
Venom
20ft of rope, or webbing, can be used as a makeshift stretcher or a harness. A carabineer or two would be beneficial to have as well. Good point on previous post- know a few knots. I've been taught a bunch, but easily forget them. Conduct a knots refresher whenever you're bored.
allie
I have been learning new skills every few days, i taught myself to make survival bracelets and make lye soap its easy and very cheap!
Pat
I store my antibiotics in the freezer in a ziplock bag. My daughter brought backna to from the middle east. And I always buy in Mexico cheap
Graywolf
Lots of good suggestions, but none about protection. I suggest a good lock back knife that has a million uses and after proper training 1 or more firearms. If things get really bad looters, rapists, and an assortment of no good nicks will be on the prowl. A water pureification method is a must. There are straws used in Africa available at Walmart for a miminal cost. Also consider space blankets, and disposable Ponchos. In cold weather gloves are a must. Good luck all.
Vic
Lots of good stuff. Finally someone pointed out having a locking Knife to your protection collection. A Hatchet and axe is also good, guns & ammo of course. You will need a couple of really good knifes (for hunting, defense, and cutting)..(suggest getting a Glove that you can’t cut through with a knife, for protection). Found on in the Fishing section of the store. If your near a lake – Fishing surplus supplies
I read all the posts and have to ad a couple of things: Antibactiral soap for feet, Good hiking boots besides regular shoes, and thongs if showers are made and multi people will be in it. Keep from getting athlets feet. Pick up some athlets feet powder or ontiment. (sorry if mis-spelled). Socks, shoelaces, and Arch supports. If you live in an area that is wet or has snow – don’t forget Rain boots, and also sealant spray for your other shoes. Or snow shoes.
Cloths hand washer (good metal tub that can be put on the fire, to wash and sterilize cloths), wash board or washer plunger. Of course laundry soap, but also soap for delicate items, spot remover, and bleach.
Speaking of bleach. They say that bleach only is good for 6 months. But Powder bleach (from a pool supply) I think that is has to be 5% Calcium hypochlorite) is what you want for Long term for your water. Also a SteriPEN, which uses batteries. It wouldn’t hurt to have a non-elect water filtrations system on hand.
As for batteries. You can buy bulk batteries at Costco for cheap, but also try and pick up Rechargeable batteries and a little Solar Rechargable battery kit (about $22 on Amazon).
Sewing and mending items (couple pairs of scissors- for cutting cloths/materials and hair), Needles for sewing (Normal to Heavy duty, straight and curved ones). So you can use for sewing injuries also. (so try and pickup some Surgical thread for your medical pack). Threads (normal, and Heavy Duty) for mending, or sewing leather. Pins and enclosed pins. Material for patching or sewing.
Someone said CD player and CD’s. Thats great, but also a DVD little portable player for your DVD’s. I picked up a Portable Solar Rechargeable system at Costco for $249 yesterday. I can recharge my batteries, run a small tv or radio, and came with a light (700 lumens) only using 3 watts. But I can recharge several items on it if needed like cell, if the cell system is still working.
Besides cards and games, also lots of Pens/Pencils/Color Pens/Cayons, with lots of paper drawing & writing, but also coloring books. I am 57, but in hard times -I don’t mind coloring. Puzzels, dice games, ect.
Don’t forget Good Tools, they will always come in handy. How to books are also great.
I stock (“Everything” – that I already use. Face creams, lip creams, shampoo/cond, ect. But Baby wipes are great and Hand stanitize wipes when low on water. (Cotonell is great for me because of no perfume for my face and privates. But Costco’s Kirkland is also great for everything else, but has a very strong smell).
Don’t forget Bedding (extra sheets, pillows, and some Cold weather blankets. Same for Cold Weather Jackets, Warm under cloths, warm hat, scarf, and gloves. If in the cold weather area’s, a good Tent that you can put up in the Living room and fit everyone in the house into at night, and use less wood or heating eliments. Also if you need to leave, you have a Good tent to take with you.
Lots of Candles, Lanterns, Propain tanks filled with Cooking stoves. I have a couple of different ones, but I also want to pick up the Volcano. So that I can use (Coal, wood, or propain). But I also want to pick up a Portable Oven. Cast Iron cooking pots and pans are great, but I also have a great Dutch oven, and I want to pickup a Clay Pot. (Speaking of that, having a fireplace or Pot belly/cooking stove is also great). But if not, have a book on how to build these things.
For gardening (extra pots, mose, stakes, plastic covering, plant food) anything that you use.
That goes for canning materials also.
Again – anything that you use now, have some type of stock supplied. Or things that you might need, if things go wrong. Good luck. I love reading these sites, because it reminds me of what I need, or something new that I had thought of.
Lindsay
I was going to add a Diva Cup (for menstruation) or similar, but see someone did – I second that! They last for soooo many years!
I will add, though, that in place of bar soap and detergents, a bottle (or a few bottles) of plain castille soap would be much more versatile. Works as a cleaner, shampoo, cleanser, could be used for laundry (by hand), dish soap, and so on.
Jan
Hi, New here, great site. Two things to add, vinegar–good cider with a “mother” in the bottom of the bottle can be used just a little in some water for a “spit” bath and leaves me feeling better than one with just water that takes quite a bit more water. and I am storing extra wash cloths when I find them on sale for use as reusable TP. I do not see people mentioning this, but I have a different dark color for each member of the family, more for the females who would need them for every use.
Penny
What is a ‘mother?’
Jan
Oh, the reason for the cider vinegar having a mother in it is so you can make more vinegar…