As their name suggests, “forever foods” are items that are meant for long-term survival. All preppers understand that having access to clean food and water is a priority during a crisis, but the question of how to store food for the long-term inevitably comes up. While many survival foods are made to be stored for a few months (or years), perhaps all of them do come with expiration dates.

Luckily there are many foods that never expire. We’ve listed 12 of them below. Take note that a lot of the foods we’ll be talking about will not be enough to prepare a complete meal, but they can add flavor and some calories to typical survival fare.

1. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) — As long as you keep it sealed, ACV will last forever when stored in a cool, dry pantry. You can use ACV as a dressing for salad, as a marinade for meat, or even as a non-toxic cleaning product for your home. ACV also boasts a number of health benefits, from being a great natural hair cleanser to an ideal natural weight loss supplement.
2. Salt — Just make sure to buy the pure kind. Seasoned salt does expire. Pure salt, however, can last indefinitely. You can use salt to also extend the shelf life of other foods like meat or even fruit.
3. Soy sauce — Soy sauce is mostly made of salt, which explains its long shelf life. As long as you leave it unopened, soy sauce can last forever. The condiment is a great way to add some flavor to your meal.
4. Pemmican — Created by Native Americans, pemmican is a concentrated blend of fat and protein from lean and dried meat. Traditionally, pemmican was made from bison, moose, deer, or elk.
5. Raw honey — It is true that honey will crystallize over time, but it is still safe to eat after you heat it for a little bit to get it back to the right consistency. You can combine this with soy sauce to make a simple but delicious glaze to your meats.
6. Corn starch — When kept dry, corn starch can stay good indefinitely. You can use it to thicken stews or gravies.
7. Dried lentils — Lentils are some of the best survival foods because they are easy to cook, have a high nutritional value, and are excellent sources of protein. There is also evidence to suggest that legumes can help regulate blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes.
8. Alcohol — Distilled liquor serves two purposes. The first is to help uplift spirits when SHTF. While dangerous when taken in excess, alcohol can help people in crisis feel less stressed. During a SHTF scenario, alcohol can also be used as a barter item, or a disinfectant.
9. White rice — Stored in the right conditions, white rice can last forever. Just be sure to store yours in an airtight container to keep bugs out.
10. Powdered milk — This can serve as a good alternative source of calcium and vitamin D during emergencies.
11. Hardtack — Hardtack was a favorite during the Great Depression. It is a mixture of water and flour that is formed into a hard cracker. While the taste may be bland for some, hardtack can provide long-lasting sustenance during an emergency.
12. Ghee — Ghee is butter that has been boiled until all the moisture has evaporated. This helps lengthen its shelf life.

These “forever foods” are important additions to any pantry, and any prepper worth his or her salt should have a least a few of them in their bug-out location.

Sources include:

MDCreekmore.com

Blog.SurvivalFrog.com

MedicalDaily.com

OffTheGridNews.com

Burns should be addressed immediately to prevent infections and to offer relief to the injured individual. But when SHTF and you don’t have access to emergency medical services, you can treat mild or moderate burns using the home remedies detailed below. (h/t to DoomAndBloom.net)

Burn wound treatment basics

When treating burns after a survival scenario, you must first cool the wound with running water for about 10 to 15 minutes for best results. If you don’t have access to clean, running water, submerge the burned area in cool water.

Never use ice on burned skin. The injured skin is traumatized and using ice on the patient’s skin will constrict blood vessels and decrease blood circulation to an area that desperately needs it.

Burns, especially severe ones, should be treated by medical experts. But when you only have access to limited supplies or if the burn is minor, these natural remedies will do in a pinch.

Aloe vera

As a succulent plant, aloe vera has some thick and fleshy parts. These viscous parts allow aloe vera to retain water in its natural habitat. Aloe vera likes warm climates, but it can be grown successfully indoors in pots.

According to studies, aloe vera helps maintain moist conditions in damaged skin. This plant is anti-inflammatory, and it encourages faster healing. Additionally, aloe vera promotes circulation and inhibits the growth of bacteria.

Soothing aloe vera is an important remedy because it’s very simple to use. Just cut a leaf, scoop out the slimy flesh from the leaf, then apply it to a minor burn. Reapply aloe vera several times daily, with or without a bandage covering the burn.

Oatmeal

Use oatmeal to relieve itching that may occur when a burn starts to heal. Prepare a lukewarm bath, then add a cup of uncooked oatmeal to the water.

Help the patient get into the tub, which may be slippery because of the oatmeal. Let the patient soak in the oatmeal bath for about 10 to 20 minutes so that a thin coating of oatmeal remains on their skin.

Raw, unprocessed honey

Honey, a common remedy for various kind of wounds, is also used to treat burns. However, it is best to use raw, unprocessed honey since it retains its antibacterial activity and hydrating properties. (Related: Survival medicine: Are you familiar with the medicinal uses of honey?)

Follow the steps below to use honey as a burn remedy:

1. Cool down the burned area with running water, then apply a generous amount of honey over the burned skin.
2. Spread some honey on a waterproof dressing so it doesn’t stick to the patient’s skin. Cover the entire area.
3. The dressing over the burned skin may start to fill up with fluid oozing out from the wound. This will require regular, frequent dressing changes to keep the wound clean.
4. If you used cling wrap on the burned area, let it stay in place for the first 48 hours, then check and add more honey to the damaged skin. After 48 hours, cover the burned area with new cling wrap or non-stick dressings for another 48 hours. Repeat this step for at least eight to 10 days.
5. Do not remove or wash off the honey from the burned area for the first 20 days, or earlier if the wound has already healed.
6. Reapply the honey regularly and fill up any deeper areas of severe burns as needed. When applying honey, make sure it extends over the edges of the burn to prevent exposure to air until healing is completed. Remember, even air contains bacteria that may infect the wound.

Witch hazel

You can use witch hazel to make a cooling compress for burns. Witch hazel extract contains tannins, and these chemicals can help ease inflammation and soothe first degree burns. Apply witch hazel directly to the skin to reduce swelling, repair damaged skin, and prevent infection.

Soak a compress in full-strength witch hazel, then apply to the burned area. Reapply the witch hazel compress as frequently as desired.

When disaster strikes, use these natural remedies to address mild burns.

Sources include:

DoomAndBloom.net

Healthline.com

Herbs aren’t just used to enhance the flavor of food. When SHTF, preppers know which medicinal herbs can be used to address different health complaints like headaches or a sore throat.

It’s easy to grow various kinds of medicinal herbs in your garden or on your patio. Even if you live in an apartment, you can grow herbs on a windowsill right in your kitchen, all without spending a fortune.

Before you use any of the plants included in the list below, consult a healthcare professional to determine if they will interact with any medication that you are currently taking.

Here are 10 medicinal herbs that preppers need in their garden. (h/t to HomesteadSurvivalSite.com)

Basil

There are several varieties and sizes of basil. However, holy basil is the most popular because of its healing benefits.

Basil functions as an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, and it is used to prevent illness and infection. The herb can be used as an antiseptic for scrapes and cuts. Additionally, it can relieve tension headaches since it has muscle-relaxing qualities.

Fresh basil can be used to make a medicinal tea that can address a cough, indigestion, or a sore throat. The herb is also used to relieve congestion due to colds and painful insect bites or stings.

Bergamot

Bergamot, which is also called Oswego tea or bee balm, is an aromatic herb. Add bergamot leaves to salads if you want to make a delicious and nutritious dish.

Bergamot is used to ease digestive issues, lower a fever, and to relieve headaches. You can apply fresh bergamot leaves to your skin to heal pimples and other blemishes.

To make bergamot tea, put a handful of bergamot herb leaves and flowers into a teapot. Pour at least two cups of boiling water over the herbs, then cover the pot. Let the tea steep for five minutes. Add a little honey if you want a sweet tea, then serve while still hot.

Chamomile

Chamomile is often used for its calming properties, but the plant can also help relieve an upset stomach. Additionally, chamomile can help treat skin irritations and acne scars. Chamomile is also used to calm babies with colic.

Cloves

Cloves, the aromatic flower buds of the clove tree, are used as a numbing agent for tooth pain. Use clove if you have a dental emergency while you’re living off the grid. If you have a toothache, apply clove juice or clove oil to the area that hurts for immediate relief.

Cloves are used to address dental problems because of their antibacterial properties.

Additionally, cloves contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Fiber can help prevent constipation, vitamin C can boost your immune system, and vitamin K is an important nutrient for blood clotting. Cloves also contain manganese, an essential mineral that can support brain function and help build strong bones.

Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant flower with calming effects. The flower can be used to make a topical antiseptic for the skin. Lavender can relieve digestive problems and headaches, and it can help induce sleep. (Related: Medicinal wildflowers to harvest when hiking.)

Lemon balm

Lemon balm is easy to grow, and this versatile herb can be used to treat digestive problems, insomnia, and wounds. Lip balm made from lemon balm can soothe cold sores.

You can ease digestive problems with lemon balm tea. To make the tea, use two tablespoons of fresh lemon balm leaves or a tablespoon of dried leaves for each cup of boiling water. Let the mixture steep for an hour, then strain and add honey or lemon before drinking the tea.

Oregano

Oregano, often used in Italian cooking, is an aromatic and flavorful herb with many healing properties. The herb can help treat digestive issues, headaches, menstrual cramps, muscle pain, nausea, and toothaches.

Oregano oil can be used to treat insect bites and burns. Finally, inhaling the scent of oregano and oregano oil can help open up nasal passages.

Peppermint

Inhaling the scent of peppermint, sometimes called “the world’s oldest medicine,” can help relieve nausea and vomiting symptoms associated with motion sickness. Peppermint can also promote oral health and prevent bad breath.

Thyme

Thyme is a popular herb used in French cooking and can help ease cold symptoms like congestion, coughing, and indigestion. The herb can also be used to make a poultice that can reduce throat pain. It also supports the heart and circulatory system.

Wooly lamb’s ear

Wooly lamb’s ear is called “Nature’s Band-aid” because the herb’s soft leaves can be applied directly on minor cuts and scrapes to slow down or stop the bleeding. The herb’s leaves also have antibacterial properties that can help prevent infections.

Wooly lamb’s ear can also be used to reduce the pain and swelling caused by bug bites and rashes. If you have an upset stomach or diarrhea, drinking wooly lamb’s ear tea can make you feel better.

Plant these useful herbs in your garden so you always have access to medicinal herbs when SHTF.

Sources include:

HomesteadSurvivalSite.com

Healthline.com

When SHTF, you need to still wipe your butt. The collapse of modern society aside, it is necessary that you still maintain good sanitary practices so that you stay alive. Without proper sanitation, it becomes incredibly easy for germs to wreak havoc and potentially decimate entire populations.

In order to see the full extent of what improper sanitation can do to your health, let us look at an extreme example. Kibera, which is located in Nairobi, Kenya, is considered Africa’s largest slum and is part of the top 10 worst slums in the world. There are approximately 2.5 million dwellings in this settlement, representing 60 percent of the Nairobi population occupying just six percent of the land. There are no toilet facilities in most of Kibera, and one latrine — which is usually just a hole in the ground — is shared by up to 50 shacks or households. Disease and malnutrition are widespread here, and a fifth of children die before their fifth birthday. Half of Kibera’s population are children under the age of 15, many of whom have become orphaned by AIDS.

We may have it easier here in America, but that doesn’t mean that we can disregard the importance of sanitation when life as we know it turns on its head. Humans need to expel waste regularly to keep our own bodies clean. This means that, no matter what happens, all of us have to keep our backsides clean as well as our hands in the aftermath.

The dirty truth about dookie

Unsanitary conditions can lead to severe illnesses. Human waste is a huge source of contamination in this regard, both as a primary and secondary vector.

Direct contact with feces means possible infection from germs until you thoroughly cleanse and sanitize your hands. Animals are also attracted to waste, and everything from rodents to dogs to insects will gather around your daily deposits, and in turn become possible vectors of disease.

An average adult will produce three-quarters to one pound of solid waste a day. This waste can be deposited in one or more movements, which means that you will have contact with your backside one to three times a day on average. As a result, you will need to wash and sanitize your hands this many times lest they contaminate everything else they touch. (Related: Staying healthy after SHTF: Best hygiene practices.)

How to stay clean

After you do number 2, you will need to wipe somehow. The best way to do this is with toilet paper. This is why we generally recommend that you begin stockpiling this item now way before SHTF.

If you run out of toilet paper, you will need to use something else. Let’s take a look at some alternatives:

• Paper from books, magazines, or newspapers — This can work well, but heavily inked paper can become slippery and hard to manage, especially when wet. The ink may also stain your backside and introduce more germs. Newspapers are also quite stiff and may tear your skin if used incorrectly. We recommend that you crumple up the paper several times before wiping so that they become soft enough to use.
• Cloth — This is a reliable go-to. Just make sure that your cloth is clean before you wipe! Do not use rags or anything else that has been chemically contaminated.
• Leaves — Generally a good idea, but take the time to choose one that is not from a poisonous plant. Leaves are fairly comfortable to use, and are generally plentiful.
• Snow — This has the added benefit of cleaning your butt while wiping.

Whichever method you decide on, remember to always wash your hands after.

Read more articles on how to stay clean even after SHTF at Preparedness.news.

Sources include:

TheSurvivalistBlog.net

BorgenProject.org

Kibera.org.uk

Nyumbani.org.uk

Healthline.com

Life goes on. Never will this be truer than how our economies will still function after SHTF. And while there have been – and are – many discussions on what to do during an emergency event, not a lot of attention is given to how life will change post-crisis.

After a crisis, the economy will most likely revert to a barter-and-trade system. Let’s take a look at the potential situations that may happen. (h/t to BeansBulletsBandagesAndYou.com)

Community salvage

In a large-scale disaster, it is likely that there will be the absence of a functioning government. Transportation and communication may be limited. With no established order, anarchy may ensue, and properties will no longer be owned by any one person.

Now, if the local government is relatively intact, a small community can come together to reform some kind of order. If this doesn’t happen, however, you should take it upon yourself to ensure your survival as well as those of your loved ones. Try to recover anything and everything that could be of use in a post-apocalyptic world. This includes finding items that have short shelf lives and those that can be used to ward off potential attackers.

It is never recommended that you become some sort of a vigilante, just because there are no rules. Procure weapons to protect yourself and your family; never use them to enforce your own law.

A note on weapons

Weapons are primarily items that can be used to deter attackers. These can range from guns to knives to other things such as baseball bats, crowbars, or fire extinguishers.

When choosing a weapon for SHTF, remember that you aren’t selecting items to hunt down game or predators. You are choosing arms that will help you and your family stay alive. A firearm should be your first choice when choosing a SHTF weapon, but carrying one requires you to weigh the rewards against the risks, particularly if it is illegal.

You may choose alternative weapons; just remember to select those that will not deteriorate quickly.

Weapon selection is an important aspect of economic stability post-SHTF, because you need to protect yourself first before you can focus on trading goods.

Establishing a trade

It is likely that you will begin with a one-on-one trade with a fellow survivor. This transaction involves only you and the person you are dealing with, usually at a location agreeable to you both.

Eventually a community of like-minded individuals may be established. A secure location may be set up and people will come at a predetermined time to do their trading. Depending on the situation, a permanent setup can be made, or people can make trades wherever and whenever they want.

There are more in-depth articles that will talk about bartering when SHTF, but in general:

• Have something of value. To even begin a barter, you will need to have an item that someone else wants. After SHTF, this will usually be some kind of resource such as food, water, clothing, or medicine. Keep in mind that the “value” of something depends on the individual. What may seem “valuable” to you may not be so to another person. (Related: 10 Bartering items to have when “S” really hits the fan.)
• Find someone to barter with. The beauty — and curse — of the bartering system is that there is no established price for any item. You will need to find someone who has something you want and is willing to trade it for something you have.
• Negotiate. This is another discussion completely, but how well your transaction will go depends on how well you are able to negotiate. A good rule of thumb is to talk about the value of the item you are offering. You can talk about how useful it is, or how difficult it was to obtain.
• End the deal peacefully. This is very important. Whether or not you and the other person come to an agreement, always leave each transaction peacefully. This prevents any sort of bad blood.

Read more articles on what may happen after SHTF at Preparedness.news.

Sources include:

BeansBulletsBandagesAndYou.com

Survival-Mastery.com

SurvivalFrog.com

If disaster was a human named SHTF, it would be that person who takes delight in dropping by unannounced and seeing you at your worst: still in your PJs, out of coffee, and taken utterly by surprise.

The kind of person who takes advantage of your unpreparedness to ask to borrow the keys to your new car while you’re still in shock at his arrival. The kind of person who acts surprised that you’re surprised and makes you feel like 12 kinds of an idiot for being surprised. The kind of person you must always plan for like an unpleasant in-law, whether you want them to come by or not.

SHTF doesn’t generally drop by at the most convenient of times, nor does SHTF care about your prepping excuses. In fact, SHTF thrives and grows exponentially under more adverse circumstances.

25 Excuses That Won’t Matter When the SHTF

So, suck it up, put on your boots, and power through it – SHTF doesn’t care about your prepping excuses.

1. SHTF doesn’t care about inclement weather – snow, hail, tornadoes, pouring rain, and hurricanes all just add to the party atmosphere for SHTF.
2. SHTF doesn’t care that you sprained your ankle, broke your leg, or are otherwise less than ambulatory. If you have to bug out without a vehicle, you have to bug out, regardless of your injury status.
3. SHTF doesn’t care that you decided to start prepping after you take that trip to Disneyworld (because how can you do it before? That trip is expensive!!!!)
4. SHTF doesn’t care that you are on a boat in the middle of the ocean, regardless of what you paid for the luxury cruise.  (Check out recent ill-fated Carnival Cruise of the Triumph or the Viking Sky if you don’t believe me!)
5. SHTF doesn’t care that you had planned to get your vehicle repaired.  You have to evacuate regardless of the leak from the oil pan, the condition of the brakes, and the funny noise in the transmission.
6. SHTF doesn’t care that the entire family is ill with the stomach flu.  The entire family will just have to pause to throw up while bugging out.
7. SHTF doesn’t care that you need new hiking boots and that you just haven’t had time to get to the store and buy them. You’ll be walking through the apocalypse in the ratty ones with the sole half torn off.
8. SHTF doesn’t care that you planned to buy some emergency food with your next paycheck. You’ll be dining on a can of peaches and some stale crackers.
9. SHTF doesn’t care that you always use electronic banking. If the ATMs are down and you have no cash, you cannot buy anything.
10. SHTF doesn’t care that you had planned to get the propane tank refilled and now the propane trucks aren’t running because of the ice storm that has turned your neighborhood into a mini Arctic Circle.
11. SHTF doesn’t care that you used all your ammo at the range and Wal-Mart has been out for the past month.
12. SHTF doesn’t care that both the store and Starbucks are closed because of a power outage and you are totally out of coffee because you didn’t prep for that.
13. SHTF doesn’t care that you are wearing high heels when your car plummets to the bottom of a ravine – you still have to climb out.
14. SHTF doesn’t care that the pharmacies are closed because of a pandemic and that you have no OTC medications or home remedies – if you catch the virus, you will suffer through it without medicine to treat it. And so will your kids.
15. SHTF doesn’t care that your truck is almost out of gas and the local gas stations have closed because of the disaster.  If you have to bug out, you may end up walking instead of driving.
16. SHTF doesn’t care that you are depressed because you just broke up with your spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend. SHTF doesn’t care if you’re in a funk because you lost your job or your dog died. S happens when S happens.
17. SHTF doesn’t care that you have made a rock-solid plan to get in shape – as soon as the weather warms up.  You’ll be sucking wind as you hurry up that hill in the cold.
18. SHTF doesn’t care that you are visiting your in-laws, the most unprepared people on the planet, and you failed to put some emergency food, water, and supplies in the trunk of your car.
19. SHTF doesn’t care that your wood is not dry. It’ll bring you a blizzard if it wants to bring you a blizzard.
20. SHTF doesn’t care that you have 300 pounds of beans, wheat berries, and rice but failed to plan on a way to cook them.
21. SHTF doesn’t care that you don’t know how to cook over an open fire without inflicting 2nd-degree burns on yourself.
22. SHTF doesn’t care if you have only a week’s supply of toilet paper – if the crisis lasts longer than a week, things will be progressively less pleasant regardless of your intention to purchase more Charmin.
23. SHTF doesn’t care you planned to reinforce your door frame, install a metal security door, get a ballistic shield, and build a safe room – if thugs arrive to invade your home, your hollow core doors will serve as a minor inconvenience instead of a deterrent.
24. SHTF doesn’t care if you think guns are bad and scary. Rest assured, if you don’t have one, the people coming to take your supplies will.
25. SHTF doesn’t care if you think “doomsday preppers” are bat crap crazy, if you don’t believe the fecal matter is headed towards the oscillating device, or whether you think it’s all an alternative media conspiracy theory.

Whatever your excuse may be, you may rest assured, it could easily be on this list. And SHTF won’t care about that either.

You already know what you should do.

You probably already know the things that you should be doing to prepare for a disaster. How will you feel if you procrastinate doing them and your family suffers because of it? Most of the time, it’s an inconvenience, but in some cases, a lack of preparedness can mean the difference between life and death.

If you need help and motivation, check out this article, which was designed to boost your prepper mojo in a hurry.

The world is increasingly more dangerous. The signs couldn’t be blinking in brighter neon. It’s time to get prepared. No more excuses. Disaster won’t wait to strike until it’s convenient for you.

Please feel free to share any information from this article in part or in full, giving credit to the author and including a link to The Organic Prepper and the following bio.

Daisy is a coffee-swigging, gun-toting, homeschooling blogger who writes about current events, preparedness, frugality, and the pursuit of liberty on her websites, The Organic Prepper and DaisyLuther.com She is the author of 4 books and the co-founder of Preppers University, where she teaches intensive preparedness courses in a live online classroom setting. You can follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter,.

Financial literacy is an oft-forgotten aspect of prepping. A crucial detail to preparing for the worst-case scenario is recognizing that you need enough money to weather out the storm. How you decide to plan for your financial success – and consequently your long-term survival – depends on you, but one way you can achieve this is by buying items in bulk.

Buying items in bulk has several benefits, but perhaps the most advantageous one is that it allows the smart prepper to save money. Done correctly, purchasing essentials in bulk can save a family up to $500 a year. It also means spending less time in the supermarket, which can result in even more savings. Studies suggest that many buyers frequently indulge in spontaneous purchases.

Then there is the concept of buying in bulk in the first place. If a crisis was to happen, a prepper will find himself more or less good to go, thanks to his foresight to have bought the necessary items beforehand.

There are many key steps that you can take in buying in bulk on your own. This article will explain one of the simplest ones, and that is to join a food-buying club.

Why you should consider it

A buying club is composed of like-minded individuals who merge their grocery list to purchase food in large quantities at low prices. Typically, they make one to two large sales a month, and use a single whole-seller. The main goal is to buy everything from toothpaste to grains from a single seller, which may equal to savings that are half of your typical expenses.

Before you join such a club, remember that buying in bulk requires planning. You will need a lot of jars, cans, and all types of containers to store the food that you will buy. You will also need a large freezer to prevent spoilage. (Related: Survival Basics: The six enemies of food storage.)

How to get started

There are already many established food-buying clubs all across North America. The staff at your local grocery store may be able to point you toward the right direction. Most of them are aware of the clubs within your area and can help you find the nearest one. However, if you are unable to find one, you can always start one yourself.

Recruiting members

It is generally recommended that you find at least 19 other people (apart from you) to have a good, solid club. This is because most wholesale food distributors have a minimum order of $500 or more. The more members you have in your club, the more you will save. Typically, a larger order leads to volume discounts and reduced shipping costs.

You can try recruiting members from your own family, friends, or even neighbors. If you are active in a social media group, you may want to try tapping them as well. Use flyers at work, or drop a couple at your local market or wherever people usually gather to buy food.

Keep in mind that you should let all the members of your future club know the rules when they apply to join. Let them know how often you are planning on ordering or if there are limitations to the types of goods being purchased.

Selecting a vendor

Choose a company that doesn’t limit their sale to commercial accounts. You will want to do your research on reputable vendors — perhaps those that already supply to other food-buying clubs.

If it’s possible, try establishing a relationship with your local farmers. Not only will you get fresher produce, you can also save more money this way as there will be no shipping costs.

You will need to coordinate among your members how you plan to order and distribute the goods. This process requires a lot of patience and can be difficult to implement and organize, but always keep the goal of increased savings in mind. Your diligence will pay off in the future.

Sources include:

PreppersWill.com

MindBodyGreen.com

When preparing an Everyday Carry (EDC) kit, you need to consider how much extra weight you’re willing to carry on a daily basis. As detailed in the guide below, you can opt for a smaller belt EDC kit or a slightly larger pocket EDC kit with more useful items. (h/t to MCCreekmore.com)

If you’re not sure what to include in your EDC kit, think of common scenarios that may occur in your area or any items or gear that you may need when SHTF.

Here are some useful survival items to consider if you want to prepare your own EDC kit.

Belt EDC items

For a basic belt EDC, you can make do with a multitool. Depending on the brand, a multitool can have various features, such as:

• Bottle opener
• File
• Knife
• Pliers
• Saw
• Scissors
• Screwdriver
• Wire cutters

Multitools can cost as much as $15 to $90, so do your research to find a brand and model that suits your budget and prepping needs.

Pocket EDC items

This option depends on how roomy your pockets are. You can also store smaller items in a portable kit that can fit in your pocket for easy access.

• Flashlight – A pocket-sized flashlight is essential for any EDC kit. Consider getting a bright, compact flashlight with multiple settings for brightness and flashing.
• Mini lighter – A lighter is a useful survival item even if you don’t smoke. You should know how to start a fire using basic tools, but having a lighter makes things a lot easier.
• Small pocket knife – Like the multitool, you need to choose a pocket knife with features that are useful for you on a daily basis like a bottle opener, knife, nail file, Philips screwdriver/s, scissors, small flat-head screwdriver, toothpick, and tweezers. (Related: Items that you should carry with you every day… for the ultimate prepper.)
• Tactical blade – A tactical blade is a handy self-defense tool. It’s small enough to hide and you can easily defend yourself using a high-quality, sturdy model.
• Tactical pen – It’s up to you if you want to splurge on an expensive tactical pen, but if you’re only after the basic features, get a pen that you can write with and is sturdy enough for self-defense.
• Wallet – A prepper’s wallet isn’t just used to store credit cards, IDs, and money. You can turn it into a makeshift EDC kit by carrying some Band-Aids for minor cuts and scrapes. Additionally, you can hide a survival card with assorted prepping tools in your wallet.

Wearable EDC items

Wearable EDC items are easier to carry since they don’t need to be concealed like tactical blades or pens, especially if you work in an office setting.

• Belt – Consider wearing a light belt without a metal buckle so it won’t set off metal detectors. In a pinch, you can use your belt as cordage or as a tourniquet.
• Hat – Wear a standard baseball cap to shield your eyes from the sun and to keep warm. During winter, switch to a wool hat for extra warmth.
• Watch – A high-quality prepper watch may include useful features like an altimeter, barometer, compass, and a thermometer.
• Wearable tool bracelet – Leatherman offers bracelets that aren’t just decorative. Each link has a tool that you can easily access, like screwdriver and hex bits. However, the bracelet doesn’t come with a knife blade.

With these EDC items, you can rest easy even if you’re at the office. These small but useful items and tools may help you survive when SHTF in urban areas.

Sources include:

MCCreekmore.com

BackdoorSurvival.com

Food storage, like learning and mastering various prepping skills, takes time and effort. To ensure that your survival stockpile has enough food to last your family for a long time when SHTF, follow the food storage tips enumerated below. (h/t to TheSurvivalMom.com)

1. Stay within your budget. Stockpile different kinds of canned food that are shelf-stable, but don’t spend money you can’t spare on supplies.
2. Learn how to preserve food. If you don’t have the money for a freeze dryer, try home canning to preserve fruits like apples, berries, figs, grapes, or peaches. You can also home-can vegetables like beans, carrots, garlic, and greens so your family has access to nutritious food even after SHTF.
3. Always repackage food. In general, food that comes in a cardboard box or flimsy plastic bag like flour or cornmeal must be repackaged. (Related: How to easily repackage your survival food for long term storage.)
4. Choose a food storage area that is free from pests. If you’re looking for a non-toxic method of controlling pests, sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the floorboards of your pantry. Alternatively, you can set out small containers of cornmeal mixed with borax for a non-toxic way to kill any bugs. Rodents can chew through plastic five-gallon buckets, so keep an eye out for rodent droppings in your pantry.
5. Protect stored food from the “enemies of food storage.” Things like heat, humidity, light, oxygen, pests, and time can make food deteriorate more quickly. Heat is the worst, so store your food in cool areas.
6. Don’t buy food that no one in the family will eat. This only wastes your money and space in your pantry that should be used for items that everyone can enjoy, like pasta or home-canned fruits.
7. Make sure the bulk of the food in your pantry can be used in multiple recipes. Instant meals are convenient, especially for short-term emergencies, but fresh and healthy ingredients are more of a long-term solution.
8. Collect at least a dozen recipes that use only shelf-stable ingredients that your whole family can eat. This way, no one will suffer from food fatigue even if you have to keep eating the same thing for a long time.
9. Rotate the food in your survival stockpile. Rotating food means using the oldest food on the shelf and replacing it with new food to prevent spoilage. Be careful about food storage conditions, especially heat, so the items in your pantry will stay fresher for longer. However, if you have food that is more than five years old, start using and replacing it.
10. Stock up on comfort foods. Even if SHTF, the whole family’s mood can be improved if you cook comforting food like macaroni and cheese or baked desserts. Stock up on the ingredients for their favorite meals so you can cheer them up during a particularly long power outage.
11. Always buy something for your survival stockpile when you’re doing the groceries. You don’t have to spend a fortune on extra cans of canned vegetables – a single can after each trip will add up after a week.

When SHTF, you’ll need more than food in your survival stockpile. Use coupons to save money on other essential items like cleaning supplies (e.g. baking soda and bleach) and toiletries.

Stocking up on survival food means you’re buying them at cheaper prices and planning ahead for a time when those prices will increase. Food price inflation is tricky since it isn’t always about the price of the item but the size of the package and the number of ounces the package contains.

Follow these tips to gradually build up your survival food stockpile before SHTF.

Sources include:

TheSurvivalMom.com

MomWithAPrep.com

Blame it on the media: Preppers don’t actually wear tactical clothes in public. We don’t wear tin foil hats over our heads, either. When you look at our lifestyle, you’ll see that everything we do is done for preparing for the unknown. We understand that while no one can truly know what the future brings, we can try to plan for whatever eventuality. Whether SHTF or not, it brings peace to our minds to know that that we’ve done all that we could to prepare for a potential disaster.

This seemingly “pessimistic” outlook on life has labeled us as the kooks of society. Many people believe that you can spot a “prepper” by the clothes we wear. To wit, that we all wear military clothing.

But seasoned preppers understand the dangers of standing out. You can be tactical without looking the part, and it is especially important for beginner preppers to consider this.

An article on The Organic Prepper gives a perfect example. Here, one person was busted for being a “prepper” after being caught wearing tactical gray pants, a 5.11 shirt, and dark glasses. This “survivalist” was wearing these clothes in the middle of an airport, where everyone else was in vacation clothes (i.e. funny shirts, shorts, jeans, etc.). Not only was he dressed extremely out-of-norm, but the person was also walking around with a “tough” expression on his face, leering at other people and generally giving off the impression that he was — by all means — “tactical.”

However, this behavior does more harm than good. In a real grid down situation, it is in your best interest to blend in with the crowd. People are often operating on their basic instincts when SHTF and will target people who they consider to be vulnerable or weak — including, yes, people who stick out like a sore thumb.

You may be scratching your hand at the irony of it. If a person looks “scary,” surely people wouldn’t attack them, right? To a certain extent, this is true, but mobs also target people who look like they’re play-acting as well. People who generally overdress in military or tactical clothes look like they’re trying too hard to be scary. And even if they did have some training in self-defense, they still become a target because of their potential value. A scary-looking person will probably have essential survival items like a knife or something. A mob can easily overpower a single person. It’s a crowd against one, after all.

No, the best course of action before, during, or after-SHTF is to maintain anonymity. Other prepper articles will be more extensive on how to achieve this, but in general:

• Look like everyone else — During a crisis, most people will lose weight due to a lack of food. They will also have not enough water to bathe often or wash their clothes. Even if you have properly stocked up on crucial survival items, it will do you good to lose weight (or look like you have) when SHTF. We also recommend that you avoid washing your clothes too often. Because it is still important to maintain cleanliness when SHTF, we still recommend that you shower regularly — just don’t look like you have. (Related: Tips on how to not stand out once SHTF.)
• Make an effort not to stand out — Do not put your attractiveness on display during SHTF. As we’ve discussed earlier, you still need to be prepared for potential disaster, but you should be very careful with how you appear to the public. This extends to the clothes you wear. Our earlier example described a person who wore tactical clothing, but this also applies to bright clothing or exceedingly flashy items.

The most important thing to remember is that you should never display what you have during an emergency. You should always be prepared, yes, but you do not need to broadcast this to the world.

Sources include:

TheOrganicPrepper.com

BackdoorSurvival.com