Chapter 5 – Supplies & Equipment
This chapter is all about lists. While the focus of this book has been on staying put, or “bugging in” at current location, should society break down and lawlessness increase, you may consider bugging out in a vehicle or on foot, if you haven’t already. If you bug out, you will have to shelter-in-place somewhere. The following lists are items to seriously consider in all situations.
You should also consider having barter items on hand. Sharing your supplies with anyone beyond those who live in your household is unadvisable. How do you look your hungry child in the eyes if you “helped out” all of your neighbors because they failed to prepare? Everyone has the opportunity to make their nest as secure and as well-stocked as possible. Enough said.
So, what is a barter item? It is a supply that you are willing to trade with someone for something they have that you may need. Alcohol, cigarettes, matches, and extra food stocked for this purpose should be among your first go-to barter items. Why these specific items? Let’s be pragmatic – alcoholics and smokers have addictions. They will be far more willing to trade their supplies of food, water, first aid supplies, etc., if you are trading in their currency, i.e., alcohol and cigarettes. Therefore, keeping some on hand, even if you do not smoke or drink yourself, is a good idea. If you can’t bring yourself to trade in this “emergency currency”, buy extra food, in particular, protein bars, jerky, etc., that others will find value in and will readily trade with you for something you need. Batteries are also a good trading item, as they are small, you can trade a few at a time, and people will need them.
General Supplies
Soap
Razor
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Personal/Baby Wipes
Pandemic Specific Supplies
Equipment
Barter