Recent events got me thinking about my emergency plans. I believe that we are heading into Chaos not more order, especially with the continued socialization of American (The United States of America) culture and policies. The general public constantly shows how eager they are to panic when an act of God occurs. Even a simple winter storm can shut down cities and cause people to abandon rationality in a very short time. With that being said, how much is too much for being prepared? Obviously every community is different and has different challenges, but it seems like every site or source that I have found dives into stupidity by making “preppers” a target or threat for the socialized system. The focus is always guns, which panics the socialized society to death. In some cases I agree, as you need to have plenty of practice to be of any help in an emergency, gun or no gun. How do we change it? I would focus on a better prepping list! Here is mine, what are your thoughts?  Am I wrong?

1.Get your family into shape (Not only is it a bonding experience, but fit people are treated better and are more efficient in an emergency)

2.Involvement in the community: At least meet your neighbors (Build rapport with the community, or at least your social area. Numbers will count when stupid happens). Don’t separate yourself from the “pack” or you will be the deer if the crowd gets ugly.

3.Basic survival skills (learn to be handy and self sufficient, having “stuff” doesn’t matter if you can’t use it, or if it is taken by the masses)

4.Supplies, sure, but hide your stuff! (Be involved and make friends, but don’t show people what you have, envy may go over the top when stupid happens) I believe water is the most important and learn where to find more (natural sources). Plan on how you will bring it back and purify it.

5.Natural Disasters seem like the most likely form of Chaos that will visit. Don’t plan on your house and stockpile of awesome to survive. Have a plan to get out when and if needed.

6.Have a PACE plan for the basics (Water/Food, Shelter/Heat, Protection, Escape, and Communications). Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency but realized you can’t carry much on foot and still be able to move efficiently (25 to 35lbs max for a healthy adult male)

7.Self Defense, start with basic hand to hand combat (don’t waste your time with Karate, striking gives the unskilled the highest chance for success, learn some basic grappling… focus on throws from close strikes and clinches) work from unarmed up to armed, close to far. Due to modern society, you won’t be able to open carry in many places, especially after an emergency has been declared. If you get detained, you can’t protect your family! Guns should be concealable, at least in a pack. Things would have to be in total collapse for you to get away with a full battle load in public.

15 minutes could save you......






 

Yeah, you are right. I'm just tired of preppers getting a bad rap for enjoying their firearms. But on the flip side, most preppers become tacticool gear hoarders that couldn't help in an emergency.

All I can recommend is plan, prepare, train, train, train, train, train, train, train and train.  Mental knowledge and experience can never be taken from you when simple tools can.  When the balloon goes up you will have to make a lot of decisions very fast.  As we say in the Marine Corps Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful).

OP, I've been thinking of almost the same things.

Where in AZ are you?

Fort Huachuca, AZ

I just finished watching a prepper video on youtube and was frustrated. Everyone focuses on the guns. Don't get me wrong, I think prepping is a great excuse to buy a cool gun but let's be honest. Total collapse to the point where you can get away with rockin your full battle load around... I don't know. I say get in shape, practice some basics and have enough to get you through a natural disaster. My biggest concern being on an Army installation is troop strength reductions. Everything is contracts, Security, Cooks, Supplies, ect. If stupid happens, they are going to go home but the general public is going to come to us for answers and help are no longer set up to give. That's scary.

I agree w/ what your saying 10thmountain.

Here is some things I have noticed over the many years about the average person that I rub elbows w/ on a daily basis...

1) They don't like to hear about bad news, the truth, or things that will upset the fantasy world that they live in.

2) Woking out is hard. Very few people really do seriously work out. It takes discipline, dedication, time & a desire. Family time seems to be restricted to self-serving internet entertainment these days, instead of actually being involved & engaged w/ each other in important issues of the day. So to work out together is even less of a reality.

3) Becoming involved with a neighbor on a healthy social level is rarity these days. Most of the time it is a shallow relationship at best, that includes gossip & unimportant conversation. Or a non-exsistant relationship altogether.

4) Basic survival skills are lost on most peeps. See #1

5) Supplies for a rainy SHTF type day is better spent on other important things like season tickets to a sporting event, or new cool shoes, purses, latest N greatest smart phones, starbucks etc.

6) during a natural disaster, the government will save me type thinking controls the average persons thinking.

Your #6 & #7 falls into my #2, #5 & 6.

But for us that do try to plan ahead & be prepared…

Yes, I also agree that it seems like most like to focus on the weapons part of the survival/SHTF seanario(s). But, not all of us are going to be able to focus our efforts evenly ( time, money & planning/prepping ) on all the aspects of preparation for SHFT.

Some might be better at food & water preparing storage ( my father is pretty good at this )

Some better at the "Bug-out" planning ( I think I'm better at this part of SHTF type stuff )

Some have fighting skills more honed than others. ( I need to get better at this )

Some have farming skills / knowhow that others do not. ( I have some skills in farming / growing food )

Then there are the very well rounded got all the survival / SHTF stuff covered & under control people. ( I haven't met to many of these types )

This stuff ( from what I have learned ) takes time, money & dedication. Unless this is something you can throw endless amount of time & money at, it will be better in some areas, & need improvement in the other areas.

I would hope that If something happened so bad, that we need to use this skills & supplies to survive, that we could come together & give, use each others skills where lacking. Improve the situation, & even help the sheepole if possible.

But, I personally haven't met too many SHTF thinking people that don't have the mindset of all hope is lost if something bad happens and they don't seem to want to share, or help others that are lacking, or didn't prepare.
I understand, your not going to give away all your food to the unprepared populace now in a panic, and now will kill you for a 8oz bottle of water.

A very small percentage of any society actually is constructive & helpful. Most are selfish, users & takers, and even when faced w/ a life & death situation, will still always pick themselves to live over everyone else, to include close family.

If something does happen to change our world / social structure in a SHTF situation, most will not do very well. The stronger will prey on the weak, the criminal element will thrive. It will be up to the socially responsible people like you & me to help who we can, even if they did not prepare. Even if they burden your supplies that you have worked hard to build ( this is my Biblical / Spiritual opinion on the subject )

Sorry if long winded and / or off topic OP, I could go on more, but need to stop for now.

 I live in Mesa, AZ.

 email is the best contact if you ever want to share thoughts, opinions , ideas w/ me.  ( Or we can continue in this thread )

nvm.

I agree that prepping should include more than just guns and it is a shame when anyone mentions prepping they immediately think of crazy people hoarding supplies, building bunkers and arming them selves with scary looking weapons.

1) being in shape is important be int SHTF survival and just living a happier and healthier life style.
2) I try my best to talk to my neighbors when i can, there is safety in numbers especially people you can trust. It also keeps me up to date what going on it the community such as minor burglaries that dont make the evening news but are good to be aware about.
3) having skills is important for SHTF but also everyday life, gardening can safe on food bills, sewing can prolong the life of clothes, almost all survival skills can help you live a more productive normal life style.
4) i think stock piling years of food is wasteful and makes you look crazy with barrels of wheat stored in your basement. I personally only prep for 2-3 months of food and supplies, its much more cost effective, and can be done using canned and non-perishable goods, no need for MREs or barrels. All the supplies we need for several months fits into the pantry in our kitchen plus a closet in the basement, all out of sight. ive only had 1 person comment on the excessive amount of food we had and i just said "yeah we buy in bulk to save money" and they replied "oh thats a good idea I should do that too"
5 & 6) its always good to have a back up plan but i wold always make staying in you home the priority and venturing away from your home on food would be a absolute last resort.
7) similar to 5 & 6 you should stay in your home if possible, this puts you at a big advantage as far as self defense goes, its your home you can walk it in the dark, you know where to hide, which stairs make a creaking noise, etc... Getting a concealed carry permit would be nice so you have the option to bring a firearm if you do leave your home. A basic self defense course would be a good idea but i wouldn't waste money on karate or other stuff like that.

Summary
Disaster preparedness is smart, just remember to set yourself realistic goals and not get carried away with all the prepper hype.

I've been out and about for a while. Good to see some like thinking people are still enjoying the converstation.

Working on getting my concealed carry permit next month. At least getting the paperwork together.

Everytime that I think, no way could anything really bad ever happen, I hear the news... lol ugh.

Arizona College students were beaten by cops that cleared the streets because they wanted to. People were having fun on the street and the police state decided that they no longer had the right to be there. It's only a matter of time before we all have to decide how much we will allow. I really think Socialism could kill our constitution and with it our country. There are more people voting that do not pay taxes than do pay taxes... and most love their big goverment benefits... Law only applies when they want it to. We'll see what happens in the 2014 and 2016 elections
VOTE!

Prepare for a house fire or a natural disaster. Global thermonuclear war likely isn't worth surviving. To borrow Solomon's advice, Eat, drink, and enjoy today, because everyone dies and has no more anything eventually.

Exactly, I hate to see people wasting money on a 10 year stockpile of stuff that will just go bad when they could have invested the money and spent more time getting in shape and getting out and having a goodtime with their family.

You can't plan for stupid.

Better to have and not need, than need and not have.

You shouldn't be prepping things you don't use in day to day life anyway. That is why you rotate your food supplies, you buy new and put it in the back and use what is about to expire.

As with your overall comment, everything in moderation.

When all else fails. We can count on Godzilla.

misses the point entirely car insurance is required by law prepping is not

as with everything there is a line of diminishing returns prep as comfortable but do you need 4 tons of firewood a suv size generator and 400 gallons of gas [probably not

I don't know, the government is now asking people to "stock up" for support encase of natural disasters...

From the people that MADE us buy insurance, I'm going to laugh when the government makes people prep... but only from select companies... and if you "can't afford it" the government will pay way to much to supply those who won't work for it.

The over emphasis on guns ties into priority of work. Of course the priorities are different for some but security should be at the top of the list. If you can't secure what yourself and your stuff, everything else is moot.

1. Security
2. Shelter
3. Communication
4. Food

I couldn't agree more.  It's insurance that you WILL need in one way or another.

I got furloughed? Glad I had all that food stockpiled up.  I won't need to use any money on that.

Another idiot shoots up a school?  Glad I purchased hills of ammo at pre '08 prices.

(This one directly happened to me) Friend gets injured from a motorcycle accident?  Glad I had my medical kit in my truck when I got the call.

Everything will come in handy at one point in your life.

Some people spend too much money on nonsense.  I see a lot of preppers putting money into things they don't need.  You have more rifles than you have people in your group?  You don't need more unless you have a collection.  Use that money to deck out your rifle with what you NEED.  A GOOD quality light (surefire or equivalent), not one from walmart.  Buy a good red dot, it will make you more accurate if you don't have the skill set with irons.  Buy good mags, and a good sling.  You don't need that extra $2200 1911 when a Sig, Glock, or FN pistol sitting in your bedroom.

Don't get me wrong, if you have all your preps in order, splurge away! Buy that FN Scar 16s you always wanted!  But until everything is well rounded, don't buy things you don't need.

I don't go overboard with prepping because I figure I can't stay at my house more than a few weeks, and I'll be traveling light when I leave. I'd rather spend money and time on the things I can take with me, my brain and body, and in nurturing the relationships that will keep me alive. People always forget relationships are a prep.

Have you read Selco's account of his experiences in Bosnia? http://www.shtfplan.com/emergency-preparedness/a-survival-q-a-living-through-shtf-in-the-middle-of-a-war-zone_10252011





Sounds more survivalist in philosophy than prepper-ish.

I agree.

But I think general fitness and the ability to outrun trouble is the best strategy. If you are fit, everything else is easier, even shooting, if it comes to defending yourself against a group.

Go for family walks, runs or workouts. Do it as a group. Talk about plans for emergencies like a fire, natural disaster or home invasion.

I just hate seeing groups that focus only on firearms for security. How fast can you get to your guns and how would doing so escalate your situation? Self/ home/ business defense sure. You need a complete program (Hand to hand, knife, small object/ pipe, large object/ bat crowbar, handgun, long gun) Nothing crazy, just a routine that would develop your skills and be fun. Shooting completions, Judo class with your kids or family. Camping and fishing. We ate rattlesnake last week. (FYI cook it like fish and leave the skin on while it grills).

What I was thinking is realistic scenarios. I see plenty of preppers that have tons of toys but can't use them effectively. While we have all seen the photos and videos of riots and know the need for weapons to defend your home or business; IF you get on the move, what scenario would allow for you to have an AR15 slung while you walk the streets (yes, I understand that it is legal in many places. However, law enforcement doesn't always know the law and it may put a bulls-eye on you or your family's back.) I think a lighter, concealed approach is better. (again I am not saying that a Glock 19 is better than my SCAR17 in a firefight... lol) But having a weapon without attracting attention might be better in a REALISTIC scenario.

I was stationed at Fort Meade MD (Between Baltimore and D.C.) in 2011. During a massive heatwave the power was knocked out for a week straight. No AC credit cards, grocery stores, restaurants and banks closed.... no riots. just saying

Another thing is antiques. They're not really my style, but I have oil lamps, a washboard and the beginnings of an antique hand tool collection.

Good thinking. Remember nuclear winter predictions? In the event of major chaos many 19th century inventions will work, last longer, and are easier to fix

And they look cool.

My wife makes homemade soap. It's awesome.

Actually,  YOU seem to have it in your head that laws only apply when you want them to. Bunch of drunks in the street not dispersing when told to? Their own problem. Laws apply to EVERYONE, all the time. Bunch of little sociopaths.

If someone was breaking the law, the officers should have done their job.

What happened was officers in riot gear started to clear the streets and people, not doing anything wrong was assaulted and put into the hospital without even being arrested.

Watch the videos and see for yourself.

When those who are supposed to enforce the law do not know the law and enforce what they want, we have trouble. When a law is unconstitutional it should be challenged. Too many examples of people's rights being trampled on.

I have to say, I came to this thread assuming it would be filled with paranoid babble and gung-ho. To my surprise, there are actually some great points made here.

I'd like to reiterate the antique tools and implements stated above.

I'm not the "reinforced bunker" type. No amount of money I'll ever earn could fend-off a worst case scenario End of Days. But I do feel realistic prep is a must. Obviously, a clean selection of reliable, light arms is good to keep, but as much as I'd love to go target shooting with a .50 cal, I would not want to be using it for its designated purpose. If my survival in a certain location is dependent on anything greater than .308 Win, I'm gonna' take a pass on holding my ground , and find a spot that a .308 can provide me the desired security.


A lantern and sufficient oil is a no-brainer. A stainless surface, sterno, candles, etc., and a multi-tool/"Rambo" knife - good stuff. Cordage (nylon and natural, + several spools of dental floss and/or fishing line), Tupperware, ACTIVATED CARBON. Clean linens (bed sheet and pillow cases can be made into multiple filter devices for both water and air, using cheap, simple activated carbon, as I'm sure many know, plus wound dressing, makeshift children's hammocks, etc.).

PVC tubing, of multiple diameters, stored one inside another with screw-tight ends. There are dozens of uses, including makeshift weaponry, plumbing, etc., that a 6' section of PVC can be used for. Several sizes, even better. The thinnest piece of PVC I have is around 1/2 OD. This would make a great bow, blow gun, etc., or could be cut into 45-degree angled lengths to make hunting (or other) traps.

Duct tape, a 12-pack of Bic lighters, a sturdy hammer and some leatherman's tools, good stuff.

Most importantly, as far as supplies, I think a reliable vehicle with good fuel economy is a MUST. (a diesel Benz from the mid '80s comes to mind, as it relies on little in the way of "printed circuitry" to operate).

But all those things are useless if you do not understand how to get to safety, or secure your own location. Training in the use of any weapon you may need is only a part of survival. You need to have a book/manual on plants and edible fungi, knowledge of first aid, a surplus of antibiotics (ointment and pills), and you need CAMO or expertise in blending with surroundings.

Little things can save you in big situations. Being ready to live like a cave man at the drop of a hat is something much of the Nintendo/iPod generation is going to FAIL at...

SF

 
.

edible fungi, that's what my mother-in-law was making when she came to visit. I think she called it spaghetti.

Survival skills are awesome, make it a family event.

I didn't think about floss. Interesting, lots you can do with fishing line.

Would you go diesel for flexibility of fuels or regular gas for availability in the short term? You could always make a wood buring car engine for fun, put some 24s on it... sweet.

Depends on what you are prepping for.
Tailor your preps for your geographic area, hurricane, tornado, wildfire, earthquake, whatever is likely.
SHTF is a bit over the top unless you have an underground bunker complex that is fully stocked.
Now a reasonable prepper will have cash on hand for emergencies since you may not be able to find a working ATM, some food and medical supplies and protective clothing like boots and gloves, dust mask.
Sit down and make a list of events that you want to prep for, hint, if you don't have at least a couple of fire extinguishers at the top of your list, you are doing it wrong.

#1 prep is keep healthy, you don't need to be an athlete but if you are in such bad shape that you require medication to stay alive, well all the preps in the world won't help you much.

Bingo.

I like to keep $1000 in 10s and 20$.

A week worth of water (and we live near a fairly reliable source)

30 days of food (some of that is 5 boxes of MREs)

My biggest challenge is 4 kids (newborn, 2, 4, 6) and 2 dogs, the cat and fish get eaten... lol

I say good planning op. Recent disasters as well as the riots should be proof enough to anyone that if the chips are really down, outside help is NOT coming, so be prepared yourself.

Law enforcement and Government have proven that they would rather not face a PR fight than protect a neighborhood or it's tax payers. Better to have a camera, friend and a firearm. Stay home and wait until the idiots go to bed. They mostly come at night, mostly....

Protect tax payers...lol

More like tax collectors. My parents in WV pay taxes on pets... lol. They come around every year and "check" and deliver the paperwork on all of your property, cars, animals, property improvements ect... Or how about Law Enforcement units that sit in a car all day collecting taxes through speeding tickets instead of doing patrols to limit crime through presence.

Can you imagine what the founders would say if they were around today?

That's the 'Big 4" That I concentrate on.

People refuse to separate "security" from firearms.

In a emergency situation, our law enforcement/ para-military elements will not worry about your rights or your plan's security requirements. You will get arrested or at least detained and will not be able to protect your family or property in many situations.

Just have a PACE plan for what is the most dangerous and most likely scenarios.

Sure, its possible. But it doesn't justify the attacks I saw on video.

Check out some of the videos for yourself. Remember these are the same "protectors" that went house to house taking firearms from homes during Katrina, and have yet to return them.

Nothing is perfect, but I wont defend people just on the principle that the police are always right and liberal students are always wrong. Government made a bad call in asking to clear the streets with force. Proper escalation should have been applied. It was just a bad operation all around.

I wasn't there. However, I knew someone who was. It was bad.

Prepping as in having some cash, food and firearms and ammo, not to mention always being aware of your surroundings. Not a waste.
Or building a giant underground bunker fully stocked for 25 years. If you have the extra cash why not but I would say for most of us a waste of time and money.
Prepping is less a stockpiling of stuff as using your zombie bait.

P Get more beer before heading home
A Have a friend bring beer
C Fireball in the freezer
E Gin from the fridge



K, so I did my PACE for likely events, what next?

Actually you are more likely to lose your job and/or have medical issues rather than chaos and disorder so having stores of long lasting food and exercising will probably do you better than having night vision gear and body armor.

Just experienced the 1st real use of our preps; my mom went into the hospital and had a 35 day stay.  Being able to be in the ICU with her everyday for 8 to 12 hours, work a full time job and keep my dad & SO fed without having to figure out when I'm going to squeeze in going to buy groceries and toilet paper was truly a Godsend.

Prepping is a fantastic waste of money, right up until the point it isn't.

That reminds me. I need a generator.

I think things like body armor are cool ideas for personal survivability, but realistically there is probably very little chance of actually needing to use it outside of the house. I think staying out of sight would be a better plan. If I have to leave the house with the family for safer territory, we're carrying normal looking gear/backpacks, not tacticool molle covered multicam/ACU/military patterned gear with really obvious rifles with huge scopes, etc. Low profile only. Don't look like a threat or looter. Just my opinion. Someone else might think that stuff is great and worth the money.

None of the stuff you listed sounds like a waste of money.

I am almost 70 years old, retired of course. Grew up in a prepping family, Cold War bunker and all. Mom and dad were always prepared due to the Cuba conflict, then in the 1980's we had a near ww3, so preps were renewed, including recertifying meters, dosimeters, etc. After my parents passed, I moved back into the homestead, with wife and have continually upgraded, preps, ammo, became an AR armorer, added several new rifles to the multitudes of many different calibers of existing. Wife and I are both healthy, active and continually learning. I practiced martial arts for over 30 years of my life, started reloading at the age of 13, even casting handgun bullets. I still use the same Lyman turret press today cranking out hundreds of rounds yearly.
Wife and I have also taken several Gun fighting tactical courses. It is a way of life.

Update: I feel we are closer to a major conflict today that at any time in the last 50 years.  We are doing even more upgrades including making the house more 12 volt dependent with accessory lighting, run off solar panels, including the well. Think RV technology.  Fallout shelter has been upgraded with its own well, LED lighting and solar to charge batteries.
I know a lot of you are thinking this is taking it to an extreme with shelter and all. . Well we have used all of this during hurricanes, as a continious wine cellar, canned goods and as a secure place for paperwork. We also use it as our own personal grocery store. Use what you store, store what you use.  I do not plan on having to use this as a fallout shelter, as we are not in a prevailing wind pattern for 9-10 months of the year. Winter time. Maybe. This evolved over years not months.

Then be quiet, mind your own business.  Stay out of spotlight, and have alternate plan.

My children who are now 40, and with kids are also with the same mindset. One lives in Michigan,has a basement, would not buy an all electric home. He knows the value of gas, and a home gen set. During one winter when the power was out for 4 days and the whole neighborhood was dark, a neighbor came over and ask if he could at least turn off his Christmas lights. He was warm and comfortable. None of this happens by chance.  He has food for his family for about 6 months and realizes that is minimal. You have to make it happen.  You have to have the mindset.

It has taken me 50 years, to accumulate the proper preps. We are eating now some of the 30 year old Mountain House freeze dried foods. Really not bad. Would be great if hungry. Use Honeyville Grains for bulk, Walmart.com for other emergency foods. Order 50.00 shipping is free from Walmart.
Important thing is to start. Make it a priority. Without food, water, and a way to protect it you are in a world of hurt.
If you have a family and don't prepare, you are grossly negligent.

I am a prepper because I live in the Washington, D.C. metro area.  Electricity supplies are unsteady here, power has gone out for a week to 10 days at a time in my neighborhood six times in the last 15 years, not due to international terrorism, but because of decades of power grid neglect.  The local power company has finally caught up with their backlog, but now acts proud that we did not lose power for a week after every thunderstorm.  Naturally, I have a big generator.  Some neighbors have natural gas powered generators built into their homes.  

Once you go to that expense all you really need is a water purification system and food.  There is a large PDF out on the net that has been referred to as "the Mormon advice" that explains how to set aside a year's supply of food, long story short: set aside raw grain and a hand mill for the grain, along with some lard, salt and sugar.  I opted for a three month supply of food, which is basically lentils, rice, pasta, some canned meat and fish, just add water sauces, powdered milk, oatmeal, because I find it easier to eat some of it and replace it as time goes buy.  

I am well within the death zone of any serious nuclear attack on the capital, so I don't worry about that at all, and if we have to evacuate the entire capital region there may not be anywhere safe within walking distance.  If a nasty storm is coming my plan is to grab the meds, the go bag, toss the emergency food and water purification system in the back of the SUV, and carry credit cards and checks [if the banking system is destroyed I will substitute extra ammo to barter, but that would be some storm].   In the event of an earthquake we hope to survive and stay in place.  For staying in place I have a chain saw, some big hand saws, some medium hand saws, crowbars, axe, big hammers, and so on for rescuing, securing and repairing.

The most probably and realistic prep scenario that you are likely to encounter is a weather related event.  

The government publicly recommends every household to have the ability to sustain itself for 72 hours without outside assistance.

However, many of us in the emergency planning community know that everyone should have the ability to sustain themselves for a minimum of 2 weeks.

It's not, really, if you do it right.

Much of prepping is simply "stockpiling".  Stockpiling means you can buy large quantities of things you'll use on sale, and use your stash to bridge the gaps between sales... with plenty left over to add to the supply.  Maximize savings by clipping coupons (or ordering them online), and next time there's a sale, buy again...

It's not hard to save 50% over the 'walk-in' price if you do this faithfully, which means you never pay full price for that particular item again.

It adds up.

I can't think of very many "prepper" supplies I have that don't eventually get used up and replaced.  OK, I've got a few packages of Quik-Clot that I hope to never have to use, and some iodine pills, but...  

For me and family, stay at home, drive out or hike out. Preps for Home. Preps for drive RV or preps for hike. Have side by side for travel also.  Will I be out when shit hits, try to make it back home? A lot of variables...plan B might not make it. Good luck gentleman...

Edit: prepping is good planning. Little at a time adds up... Bandaids for that accidental cut...

I have about a two months supply. It's winter here and never know when we might get snowed in for a few days.

Kind of late to the game here, but this thread isn't too far from the top.  When a lot of people think of prepping, they think of preparing for some kind of zombie outbreak, invasion, tyrannical government, or some other form of mass chaos.  But how many have prepared for what normal life will typically throw at you?  Do you have enough savings to sustain your family should you lose your job?  If you were in the path of Hurricane Florence and had to evacuate, would you be financially and materially prepared to?  If you were in MA where the gas line explosions happened, would you have somewhere to go or the financial security to live until the situation resolved itself?  In the previous two scenarios, do you have all of your valuables documented so that you will be appropriately reimbursed for them from your insurance company?  If your car took a shit tomorrow, would you be able to obtain a new one without putting a huge financial strain on your family?  None of these things are as sexy as hunkering down in your house for 6 months while we fight off China and North Korea from our borders, but they're a lot more likely to happen.  It's not a short read, but this article is pretty interesting if the above makes sense to you.

http://lcamtuf.coredump.cx/prep/

It is like insurance, stuff will last for years, but some cans start popping, things get really stale and nasty even when you vacuum pack, and eventually you have to throw stuff away, but just keep up, rotate and keep storing...Water, buy 2.5 gallon heavy duty waters, the small bottles start leeching into the water start deforming and eventually blow oout...But, get as much as you can...God bless and god protect us all...