It was so easy to stock up on food. I filled a couple of grocery carts with cans of soup, tuna, chicken, ravioli, and I was ready for a 2-week zombie apocalypse. Easy-peasy. Stocking up on non-edibles, though was trickier because I had to keep in mind the changing needs of a family of four and our needs ranged from razors to selenium supplements to dental floss.
Those non-edibles, though, are every bit as important as food. While your family’s needs will be different from anyone else’s, here’s a short list of 10 items that pretty much every household needs.
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. However, a much better option, by far, is a menstrual cup, such as the Diva Cup that I review here.
Small items for entertainment
Choose multi-use toys and games. Playing cards or Play-Dough, for example. Yard sales, dollar stores, and thrift shops are all very good places to buy these. They’ll keep kids busy during stressful times and will provide diversions for the adults in the group.
Bar soap
In a pinch it can be used for shampoo and even laundry. Buy a variety of soaps, including some that do not have a lot of extra dye or perfume added. You should also stock up on classic laundry soaps, such as Zote or Fels-Naptha. These are terrific as stain removers and as an ingredient for homemade laundry detergent.
Zip-Loc bags 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
This is something that most folks will overlook in their zeal to stock up on freeze-dried food and ammo, but sooner or later, the kids are going to outgrow theirs and mom and dad will appreciate having a nice, fresh set. Ditto for bras.
Battery-powered CD player & CDs
There’s just something about beautiful music for defusing tension and calming nerves. I put this in the category of “Sanity” when it comes to packing emergency kits and making survival preps at home.
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 for hours?
Toilet paper
While it’s true you can’t stock up on enough toilet paper to last indefinitely, but you can stock up on a year’s worth. I’ve done it. Use coupons and store sales to bring the price down. Keep track of how many rolls your household uses in a month, multiply by 12, and you’ll know about how many rolls you’ll need. Some have argued in favor of using cloth wipes in lieu of TP, and this isn’t a bad idea in general, but it will require the ability to bring a few gallons of water to a boil at least 2-3 times per week, and then dispose of the resulting “black water” in an area that won’t contaminate ground water or growing, food-bearing plants.
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!
This article was originally posted in June, 2009 and has been updated.
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.
That’s a great suggestion, not just to include baking soda but any other item that has multiple uses. Thanks for visiting my blog! :o)
Lisa
wash hair with plain baking soda.
I’ve done this for years, and my hair is a lot shinier. I also rinse with vinegar – 2tbsp + 2 c water. There is no smell … LOL
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.
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
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.
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…
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.
Don’t forget a Tide bleach pen……no tellin’
how long you will have to wear the same set of clothes!
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. :o)
Lisa
In the old days, women wore aprons to avoid food and grease stains on their clothing. They had only one or two everyday outfits and one for good (church, etc.) so an apron saved the clothing from becoming stained and dirty. Saved a LOT on laundry as well. Stock an apron or two.
Excellent idea! We do need to look to the old ways, including why they did what they did.
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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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.
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. :o)
Lisa
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.
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. 🙂
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
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!!!
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
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.
Magnesium fire starter. Can be used for longer than you're likely to use it, and under more conditions than most matches.
Good suggestion. Even Bear Grylls uses one when he's out in the wild. (My kids have recently become "Man vs. Wild" fans!)
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!)
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!
A long time ago I purchased the WONDER WASHER non-electric model. It’s a remarkable, effective machine that can keep 2-3 pieces of clothing at a time pretty clean. Great to have when there’s no power!
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.
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!
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. 🙂
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.
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…. 😉
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.
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.
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.
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.
I also made reusable baby wipes out of flannelette that I would wash with the nappies, I used flushable liners which kept the cloth nappies cleaner after number 2s. They were easy to have on hand in a small tub with a little warm water. Also most modern cloth nappies do not need to sit in water waiting to be washed. Which wastes water and is a hazard for kids. When no longer needed they are great cleaning cloths too.
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
Condoms still have a purpose. They carry water & are a good barter item.
When my daughter was an infant, cloth diapers were the only thing I had to use. It was when the disposables were just making the scene and were incredibly expensive! They were usually used for traveling, which was a blessing while moving to Seattle and she was only 4.5 months old. But, Wow! They really leaked! Nothing like they are now! But, for the cost even today, cloth diapers makes more sense economically. And they make fantastic cleaning cloths when the original purpose has passed! I can’t imagine not having cloth diapers in my BOB or backpack with a baby. Having enough disposables are simply not gonna fit!
When my kids were babies, Sears had cloth diapers with gripper snaps. No pins. They were adjustable. Don’t know if those are still available today… they were also prefolded… had to be to have snaps. I loved them.
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.
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 😉
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.
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.
Yes! $30 up front and they last for years!
I second that! But as with all other preps, use them now! There is definitely a learning curve, as well as finding the brand that works. It took me three tries to find the brand that works for me-Meluna. They are now available in the U.S.
Sean, yes it definately was weird, but a really well thought out post. Thanks for thinking of all us gals! 😉
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.
I just started reading the posts, but had to chime in on the yeast. Babies can get yeast infections on their bums, women can also get yeast infections under breasts, men and women in their groins. These increase during host humid times, as in power outages (esp. here in Texas). Having antiyeast creams and ointments are a necessity at these times.
Those are great suggestions, Diana. Thanks.
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~
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!
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.
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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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).
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.
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!
What is a survival bracelet?
Probably a paracord bracelet
A paracord bracelet. Sometimes they have handy “survival” tools woven into the bracelet, such as a P38 can opener or small compass.
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
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.
What is a lock back knife and what kind would you suggest to purchase?
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.
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.
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.
What is a ‘mother?’
it is the stuff that floats in non pasteurized vinegar. you can make more vinegar using it as a “starter” much like making a sourdough starter.
Oh, the reason for the cider vinegar having a mother in it is so you can make more vinegar…
If all you’re using the Tylenol PM for is sleeping, I would suggest just buying Benadryl (diphenhydramine), which is the ingredient in Tylenol PM that makes you drowsy. Considering all the reports of how too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) affects your liver, you don’t want to be taking it if you don’t have to.
I’ve stocked:
-school supplies, even though my kids are all grown. I have grandkids, and know that they will need to learn and be creative.
-a variety of books for every age and interest.
-baby supplies, including disposable and cloth diapers, for any little ones who may arrive.
-fabric, patterns, and notions.
*I’ve stocked some colloidal silver. Does anyone have any experience with it? I bought it from a “prepper store,” but have never used it, and I’m not sure about it. Any advice would be appreciated.
I’m a believer in non-traditional remedies and have used colloidal silver off and on for a few years. You may be interested in making your own. Here are the instructions: https://thesurvivalmom.com/colloidal-silver/
Thank you.
Black water is considered unprocessed.
If you are sterilizing cloth diapers by boiling, the resulting water isn’t going be an issue. Think of an emergency situation (such as a bugout) and the water sources you would boil to kill bacteria and viruses from a variety of contaminated sources. It would make diaper backwash seem pleasant.
Hi Robert. When I was researching gray water a few years back, I spoke with a man who designed gray water systems. He was VERY strict about what water could be reused and which couldn’t, to the point that water from laundry that had contained underwear was unusable in a gray water system. On this side of a dire emergency, we can easily talk of boiling water, but with the time, water, and fuel that takes, I’m just not at all convinced that relying on cloth wipes is a good idea, but I know there are many in the prepper community who would disagree.
No no no on Tylenol and Motrin or anything with acetaminophen. This product inhibits the body from filtering toxins. Most foreign countries only allow this by prescription only. Big pharma is not our friend. There are many different types of natural medicine you can use that are much better for you and they really work. Another thing, yes I do want to be aware when shivering in a vehicle, just in case of bad things.
What natural/holistic medicine would you recommend?
I would add a few more items: baking soda, white vinegar, both for cleaning all things; unbleached natural coffee filters for filtering pond water before sanitizing it, and lets not forget the tablets, or bleach, or hydrogen peroxide for the sanitizing agent, rubbing alcohol, witch hazel, iodine for a multitude of medical and cleaning possibilities.
Borax and washing soda: both can be ingredients in making your own laundry soap, liquid or dry.
Clays: Bentonite, or other clay (Kaolin, French green, Rhassoul, Red Moroccan) for use as a detox internally or externally.
I have about 30/12-18 roll packages of TP. I’m READY! I buy them when they are on sale, and store them in a mostly unused upstairs area.
For those looking to listen to music, if you go to eBay, type in t 508. This is a little radio that also has a spot to insert a micro s d card. You can also listen to am/fm radio stations.The neat thing is it can be charged with a solar charger or power cord. It has a different model number, costs about $12 from china and can also be hooked up to a bluetooth speaker, couldn’t synched it tho, had to manually plug it in.At least his way if we have a hurricane I can listen to the radio for weather updates.
Vaseline is a critically important go-to item in my grab bag and backpack. I wouldn’t “leave home without it!” The outdoor environment is a tough place and hands, feet, all exposed skin gets dry or some sort of abrasion. A very thin layer of Vaseline is a simple but effective substance that alleviates skin problems of all kinds, as well as a barrier to prevent them occurring. It’s really helpful for a baby’s bottom creating a barrier against the wet or poopy diaper. And a cotton ball that has Vaseline worked into it makes an incredibly effective firestarter that burns long enough to get a good fire going…even works well with the strike bar (personal experience using this method)! I’m sure you’ll have a ton of great ideas for this inexpensive, very versatile item+
I skip Vaseline and put on coconut oil these days, especially on baby’s bottom.
I’m a big fan of coconut oil, too.
Petroleum-based creams may be damaging to cloth diapers, as an FYI. Here are some details: http://www.fluffloveuniversity.com/learn-about-cloth-diapers/diaper-creams-and-cloth-diapers/
On that toliet paper thing…I buy TP that is either “triple” or “mega” rolls…you 3 or 4 times the sheets on a roll in not much extra space (it’s wound much tighter)…I’ve also been buying the tubeless stuff…you can squish a lot more rolls in the same space…Now, I know the rolls are good for making fire starters and such, but, by the time you need them you should have them…and chances are your dryer isn’t going to be working anyway to provide more lint.
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I am of the opinion that combination OTC drugs aren’t always the best idea. My comment pertains to your suggestion of Tylenol PM. It is a combination of 500 mg. Tylenol and 25 mg. Benadryl. If you store plain Tylenol and plain Benadryl you have more flexibility for its use. And if you really want a pain reliever to sleep just take tylenol with the Benadryl that has other purposes as well.
Thanks for the info!
This is a great list of items. I always think to have snacks or the simple bandaid etc.. but this will cover more “emergencies” and have me looking prepaid. Going to create this stash today.
For myself, I’d open those new underwear and wash them before stowing them.
I didn’t see Tylenol PM coming.
Never occurred to me that I could have to rough it through the night knowing I’ll be rescued in the morning. It’s an interesting tip because it could save you from a long night.
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