21 Essential Items to Hoard

21 Essential Items to Hoard for Disasters: A Comprehensive Guide. Items to keep in your bug-out bag.

GEAR & TOOLS

12/20/20246 min read

21 Essential Items to Hoard for Disasters: A Comprehensive Guide

Disasters, whether natural or man-made, can strike at any time, often leaving individuals and families unprepared. From hurricanes and earthquakes to power outages and pandemics, having the right supplies can mean the difference between survival and struggle. This article outlines 21 essential items you should hoard to ensure your safety and comfort during a disaster.

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The Necessity of Preparedness: Essential Items for Surviving Disasters

The easiest and fastest thing to build is a long-term SHTF a barter box. I spoke with someone who recently contacted me on IG about what a barter box should include. I told him to include hygiene items and ways to stay warm at a bare minimum. You can even go to the dollar store and buy all the items your intend to trade. Aside from that, try to think about your geographic location and what you need everyday for different times of the year. I mean REALLY think. Tooth paste, floss, toothbrush... Socks, toilet paper, napkins... What about small tarps? Something that is $4 from the hardware store could be worth $100 post-SHTF. Simple stuff that we take for granted. I even recommend dishing out the money to buy a carton of cigarettes and a couple glass bottles of vodka including the small carry-on ones as well. Since this is for prolonged disasters, consider that you can sell the cigarettes individually and ration out the alcohol as shots for when people had a bad e.g. after a rough gun fight, a failed food scavenge, loss of a loved one, etc. These are things to think about if you are in a built up SHTF community with trade routes established. Bad guys will be everywhere post-disaster, look what happens every time there is a disaster within minutes: Looting. Imagine when those same people are desperate long-term. That's why securing your barter box and not telling anyone is huge deal...

Disasters rarely announce themselves. Hurricanes churn in the distance, earthquakes strike without warning, and civil unrest ignites like a powder keg. The nature of the threat changes, but the constant is this: survival favors those who prepare. Essential emergency items, gear, and tools are the foundation of readiness, the difference between being a victim and staying alive.

Water is non-negotiable. Without it, the human body falters in days. In floods or hurricanes, municipal supplies become contaminated or fail entirely. Earthquakes rupture pipelines, cutting off access. Storing enough water for each person in your household for 5 years is ideal, but having enough for a couple weeks is a decent start. Water purification tools—filters, tablets, or even small, portable distillation kits—turn questionable sources into lifesaving supplies. The ability to secure clean water means the ability to outlast the crisis.

Food follows close behind. When shelves are stripped bare, the unprepared turn desperate. Non-perishable items with long shelf lives—freeze-dried meals, canned goods, and staples like rice and beans—provide sustenance without dependence on refrigeration. It is important to have a plan for 30 year food storage. A portable stove or camping burner ensures you can prepare meals when power is gone. For extended crises, seeds and gardening tools allow for sustainability, transforming food storage from a finite resource into an ongoing solution.

Shelter is critical when nature turns hostile. Hurricanes shred roofs, wildfires devour homes, and winter storms reduce heating systems to silence. Emergency tarps, compact tents, and thermal blankets provide immediate protection from the elements. Have enough items for a 72 hour emergency kit. They’re not luxuries; they’re lifesavers when traditional housing fails. Urban dwellers face additional challenges in finding secure shelter during riots or civil unrest, emphasizing the need for portable, durable alternatives.

Medical skills and supplies are a bridge between injury and survival. First-aid kits equipped with more than just band-aids are essential. Trauma dressings, hemostatic agents, and tourniquets handle life-threatening injuries until professional help arrives—or when it doesn’t. For chemical spills or toxic exposure, protective masks and gloves shield against unseen dangers. Stocking personal medications ensures chronic conditions don’t become fatal liabilities.

Communication links you to the outside world when the familiar systems falter. Power outages sever phone lines and disable cell towers, leaving you blind to the evolving threat. Battery-powered or hand-crank radios provide access to emergency broadcasts, while satellite phones and walkie-talkies maintain contact with family or community members. In areas where information becomes a weapon, staying connected becomes a critical advantage. There are also affordable ham radios for disasters that are critical to have.

Light is often taken for granted until the power grid goes dark. Flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns provide more than illumination; they create security in the shadows. Rechargeable batteries paired with solar chargers extend the life of essential electronics. Fire-starting tools—waterproof matches, lighters, and ferrocerium rods—bring light and warmth when fuel supplies run dry. In environments where light means hope, preparedness means carrying it with you.

Tools and gear adapt to the nature of the disaster. Hurricanes demand tarps and ropes, while earthquakes necessitate pry bars and gloves to navigate rubble. Multi-tools, compact but versatile, handle everything from cutting wood to repairing equipment. In regions prone to flooding, sandbags and water pumps buy precious time against rising waters. Tailoring your gear to your location and its specific threats is a hallmark of readiness.

Security becomes a priority when order collapses. Civil unrest and widespread panic bring out the worst in human nature. While firearms remain a contentious topic, their role in personal defense cannot be ignored. Pepper spray, personal alarms, and reinforced locks provide non-lethal options for those hesitant to arm themselves. Knowledge of self-defense tactics reinforces your position in scenarios where security becomes a matter of survival.

Disasters take many forms, and no two crises are identical. Preparation isn’t about predicting the future; it’s about equipping yourself for the unpredictable. The right tools, supplies, and mindset transform chaos into an environment where survival becomes possible.

1. Water

Water is vital for survival. Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Aim for a two-week supply, and consider water purification tablets or filters for long-term emergencies.

2. Non-Perishable Food

Stock up on canned goods, dried foods, and other non-perishable items with a long shelf life. Focus on high-calorie, nutrient-dense options like beans, rice, pasta, and peanut butter.

3. First Aid Kit

A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for treating injuries. Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, tweezers, and any prescription medications.

4. Flashlights and Batteries

Power outages are common during disasters. Invest in durable flashlights and stock up on batteries. Hand-crank or solar-powered lights are excellent alternatives.

5. Portable Power Bank

Keep portable power banks charged to ensure your electronic devices, especially phones, remain functional.

6. Satellite phones and Emergency Radio

An emergency radio with NOAA weather channels keeps you informed about developing situations. Opt for models with hand-crank or solar charging options.

7. Fire Starter Tools

Matches, lighters, and fire-starting kits are essential for warmth, cooking, and signaling for help.

8. Blankets and Warm Clothing

Hypothermia is a risk in cold conditions. Stockpile thermal blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing for every family member.

9. Personal Hygiene Products

Maintaining hygiene is critical during a disaster. Store soap, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, diapers (if needed), and toilet paper.

10. Multi-Tool

A multi-tool with functions like pliers, knives, and screwdrivers can assist with a variety of tasks, from fixing equipment to opening cans.

11. Fuel

Keep a supply of propane, kerosene, or firewood for cooking and heating. Ensure proper storage to minimize risks.

12. Cooking Supplies

Include a portable stove, fuel, and durable cookware. Don't forget utensils and a manual can opener.

13. Personal Documents

Store copies of important documents like identification, insurance policies, and medical records in a waterproof bag.

14. Cash

During disasters, ATMs and card payment systems may not work. Keep small bills and coins on hand.

15. Prescription Medications

Ensure a supply of essential medications for family members. Consult your doctor about obtaining extra for emergencies.

16. Masks and Gloves

Pandemics and certain environmental disasters require protective gear. Stockpile disposable masks and gloves.

17. Duct Tape and Plastic Sheeting

These items can seal windows and doors during chemical spills or to prevent exposure to contaminants.

18. Seed Stockpile

For long-term emergencies, store seeds for growing food. Heirloom seeds are ideal as they can produce viable seeds for future planting.

19. Pet Supplies

If you have pets, ensure a supply of their food, medications, and other essentials like leashes and bedding.

20. Tools for Shelter

Store basic tools such as hammers, nails, rope, and tarps to make repairs or build temporary shelter if needed.

21. Books and Games

Disasters can be mentally taxing. Books, games, and puzzles help pass the time and alleviate stress.

Bonus Tips for Storage and Maintenance

Rotate Supplies: Regularly check expiration dates and replace items as needed.
Storage Conditions: Store items in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Custom Needs: Tailor your stockpile to your family’s specific requirements, including dietary restrictions and special needs.