Long-Term Survival
You should already have your Get Out Of Dodge (GOOD) plan in place, but you may be struggling on what to bring with you when you bug out. Whether you plan to shelter-in-place or you are evacuating to a predetermined location, here is a list of items you should consider keeping on hand. Remember: by the time you need these items, it will be too late to purchase them.
Go Bag #2
You may need to venture out in order to forge, barter or assess the situation in your area. While your bug out bag (aka Bag #1) will suffice, it is a good idea to have another prepped bag in case you are forced to shed gear. First off, a good bag is essential. You have to find the bag that works for you, but we like the American-made 5.11 Rush 72 Tactical Backpack, which was built and field-tested by U.S. Special Operations veterans. Fill it with appropriate clothes, food and water, at least two light sources, weapons, and a fire source. Also consider the LifeStraw Go, a portable water bottle filter. You’ll need much more than this, but there isn’t a one-size fits all solution. Think about what you need and get your pack staged in your shelter. When packing, light is right.
Fire Extinguishers
Who is going to fight fires when the zombies are in control? The Zombie Fire Department? No, you are. Have a few fire extinguishers on hand to take care of business and don’t forget to maintain them.
Tires
Not many people think about keeping a few extra tires on hand for emergencies, but it is something everyone should consider. The reason why is obvious: tires may be difficult to obtain when everything goes downhill. Businesses like TireBuyer.com make it easy to order tires online and have them shipped directly to your home. Don’t let a blown tire stop you from getting your Mad Max inspired vehicle on the road.
Portable Solar Power
A portable solar power kit is great because you can take it with you should you need to relocate. The Sunforce 50048 60W Solar Charging Kit is a cool piece of affordable gear that comes with everything you need to start generating free power. The kit includes four 15-watt amorphous solar panels with durable mounting frames, a 200-watt modified sine wave power inverter, a 7-amp solar charge controller, and a wiring kit with accessories.
Bleach
Bleach can be used for sanitization and water purification — two things you’ll need when push comes to shove. According to Clorox, bleach has a shelf life of a year if it is stored at 70 degrees. After that, it breaks down into salt water, which won’t do much good in a survival situation. Write the date on your bleach bottles and rotate them. Note: Only trained professionals should attempt to purify water with bleach. Do not try it unless you know what you are doing.
Training Manuals/How-To Books
You might think you know everything you need to know, but you don’t know what you don’t know. Stock-up on training manuals in order to refresh your memory and to teach others who may not have as much training as you.
Here are a six books to consider:
1. “Wilderness First Aid: Emergency Care in Remote Locations” by American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)
2. “Special Forces Survival Guide: Desert, Arctic, Mountain, Jungle, Urban” by Alexander Stilwell
3. “Gardening When it Counts: Growing Food in Hard Times” by Steve Solomon
4. “Basic Butchering of Livestock & Game” by John J. Mettler
5. “The Trapper’s Bible: Traps, Snares & Pathguards” by Dale Martin
6. “The Expert Preppers Ultimate Survival Library” by Skip Tanner
You can pick up the bound and printed copy of the Expert Preppers Ultimate Survival Guide here
Check out more recommended books here
