It’s happening. If you’re reading this article, you’ve considered the idea of prepping. You more than entertain the idea of Shit Hit The Fan (SHTF). But maybe you never got around to creating a SHTF strategy and storing appropriate supplies.
Now, here we are, watching our economy plunge into a full-fledged state of dystopia. Coronavirus panic buying is all over the news.
Maybe you believe this is worth it because we’re being told of a dire, deadly pandemic. Or maybe you see this as a coup, a move to remove President Trump from office.
In the end, it doesn’t matter what your sociopolitical analysis be. It only matters that you’re prepared.
And it seems, many of you got caught in the chaos.
Today, let’s discuss what you should be doing to consistently prep for disaster. There are still things you can do right now to help your situation. But more importantly, there are things you can do to consistently build up a prepper supply.
Right Now
Let’s quickly deal with the items you can accomplish right now. But don’t be shortsighted and only do these things, develop a full SHTF strategy.
Get gas.
Go out today, if you can, and get gas. You should always keep a full tank of gas. But now, it’s more important than ever.
Being this is a pandemic, why would you need to run?
That’s not – That’s never – the point.
Case and point: Illinois declared an emergency order that empowers politicians to stop the sale of gasoline, as well as ban ammo and firearms, and seize property. That’s here, in the Chicago Tribune, where they let you know that such a drastic measure “won’t happen.”
Go out and get gas today.
Keep a low-profile
When you are out and about, keep a low profile. Do not wear expensive watches. If you have a less expensive car, bring it out. Don’t brag about your toilet paper or ammo supplies. If you have cash, don’t tell anyone, including your extended family. There’s a likely run on banks about to happen, as reported in the NYTimes. Be aware.
Order available prepper food storage
We all seen the dismal images flooding social media and news outlets of empty Costco shelves. Depending on where you live, you might already feel overwhelmed and without any capacity to get food.
But grocery stores aren’t the only place you can obtain emergency food storage. Most common people don’t understand that companies sell prepper food supplies online.
For example, the last we checked, Valley Food Storage has plentiful supplies. If you can simply order one of their prepper food storage containers, you can then at least sleep easier at night.
Get Ammo
Being you’re a reader of USA Carry, I’d assume this is obvious. Yes, some places are running out of ammo. But don’t buy the hype. Go online and order from popular places such as Palmetto State Amory, or take a low-profile stroll in your local gun store (if it is still open).
If the economy continues to plunge, people will get desperate.
Going Forward
Right now, we are dealing with what appears to be a pandemic. People are in full panic mode, turning over their rights to politicians in fast order.
But you should not just prepare for pandemics. It’s important to have a basic SHTF strategy. Beyond just what’s happening right now, there always looms unforeseen natural disaster events, economic spirals, civil uprisings, and power grid attacks. There is no shortage of reasons why you should have an ironclad SHTF plan.
Let’s look at the most important prepper items you can store for a SHTF plan that keeps you and your family safe following a catastrophe.
Before we get started, I recommend every get a FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer. This will allow you to store food more efficiently. Additionally, make sure you have a few can openers.
Water
It goes without saying that water is imperative to life. But creating a prepper water plan isn’t cut and dry.
Yes, you should collect bottled water. But an obvious issue arises, depending on the size of your storage area. Bottled water takes up a lot of space. There is a company called Water Brick that makes water bricks. These bricks allow you to more efficiently store water. It’s a consideration if you are low on storage capacity.
But even with water bricks, space can run out.
So it’s important to have a way to filter water. I recommend Lifestraw for every member of the family.
I also recommend water purification tablets.
In both cases, you are able to survive on available water. Of course, you’d probably use a Lifestraw or water purification tablets after you’ve exhausted your water bottle supplies.
Collect Rain Water
You can also collect rainwater, although some states outlaw such methods (I wonder why?), it’s a great way to build up a supply or drinkable water.
TankRO is a good option to help you store water. It holds 4 gallons of water.
Canned Foods
Today, canned foods are being swiped from grocery store shelves faster than Florida lighting blazes holes in sand.
But inventory is being refilled.
Look for the following:
- Beans
- Spam
- Tuna
- Corn
- Any Meats (if you have a Costco membership, be on the lookout for canned meat deals)
With canned foods, there is hardly any end to what you can store. Remember, canned foods are good beyond their expiration dates.
MRE Meals
Military meals are an easy way to build up long-term food storage. MRE meals tend to be inexpensive to purchase and can quickly ramp up your prepper food storage.
Grains
Grains are easy to store and caloric-dense.
- Rice
- Oatmeal
- Kinds of pasta
Equipment
The following equipment can be helpful in cases where the power grid collapses, or worse.
- Charcoal Grill (some charcoal stored)
- Cast Iron Pan
- Matches
- Lighters
Medical Supplies
A doomsday scenario means worrying about food, water, self-defense. But it doesn’t mean everyday aches and pains, or even injuries, cease to exist. It doesn’t mean you can’t get an upset stomach. Or, even worse, be exposed to radiation.
You need solutions.
Potassium Iodate Tablets
You hear a lot of preppers talk about potassium iodate tablets. But why?
What happens in the event of a nuclear meltdown, would you be safe?
California is among many states, whereas the risk for nuclear reactor meltdowns exists. If such a dire event unfolds, you can take these tablets to help stop your thyroid from absorbing the radioactive iodine. The protection doesn’t last forever. However, if you have a full tank of gas and you’re bugging out, it could just save your life.
Tylenol
Stockpile this common pain reliever.
Immodium
Having Immodium on hand is important. If SHTF goes down, you are likely to immediately suffer from an upset stomach. Stress, combined with a drastic change in diet and eating times, might prompt your stomach to rebel.
N95 Masks
You’ve probably heard more about N95 masks these days than you ever thought you would. Right now, it is nearly impossible to get access to such masks.
To clarify, N95 masks are really only helpful if YOU are sick, and you want to protect your family. For example, if you are living bugged out and you come down with the flu, you don’t want to make things worse by giving that flu to your wife and kids. Hence, the N95 mask is helpful in a preventative way.
Ammo/Guns
This is USA Carry. We’d expect you to understand the importance of stockpiling guns and ammo. When SHTF goes down, there will be a rush for ammo. We’ve seen that with coronavirus.
If you are new to guns, I recommend 9mm and 5.56/.223 calibers. Both ammunition types are readily available and affordable. The 5.56/.223 is very inexpensive and can be ordered in bulk. This is great news for a prepper looking to hedge his or her bet against a doomsday scenario.
Conclusion
This week, the masses have been introduced to cold reality. Coronavirus has exposed us all to how quickly a thriving economy can spiral into a near dystopia in a matter of a few days.
Folks, this is why we prep. The good times tend to lull us into false senses of security. Coronavirus has ushered in a new period of government control, martial law, and panic buying.
It’s not too late to prepare for this and future catastrophes. Be mindful and be strategic.
