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Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013 |
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Everyday Preps – Ammunition and Food Are Good To Have, But Not Enough
Eric Peters
When people talk about “preps” they’re usually talking about things like ammunition and food – both of which, obviously, are good things to keep handy in the event the SHTF. But, it’ll also be good to keep your teeth – otherwise you’ll have trouble eating that food – and the ammunition you use to down those deer won’t do you much good without a blender. And a straw. Not only that. An abscess can be just as lethal (only slower and more painful) than a gunshot wound. There is strong scientific evidence that a correlation exists between tooth decay/bacteria in one’s mouth and other, more serious ailments. Dentists will not be easy to find in a SHTF scenario, so avoiding – or at least, putting off – the need to find one in a SHTF scenario is arguably just as important as having sufficient food and ammo. So, buy toothpaste. And floss. And extra toothbrushes. Figure one tube for a month, two packs of floss for a month and one new toothbrush every six months. Get enough for a year ahead at least. All this stuff keeps effectively indefinitely, so there’s no downside to stocking up. Worst case – best case, actually – you have pre-bought items that are certain to get more costly in the months and years ahead, even if the S does not H the F. And unlike MREs – which you may never eat if the S doesn’t H the F – you will use that toothpaste, floss and spare brushes. What else? Of course, there’s TP. Don’t forget TP, whatever you do. Sanitation is absolutely crucial to surviving, long-term (and even short-term) in a SHTF scenario. Corn cobs won’t cut it. There’s a reason why the average person died in his 40s in the 18th century: Filth. Which leads to disease. Which leads to – death. TP will help keep things clean – which will help keep you and yours alive – as well as comfortable. Like toothpaste and floss, TP also has the virtue of being imperishable. There’s no harm in stocking up. And potentially, much to be gained. Related: It’s smart to think about what you might do if the plumbing stops working – because city water’s off (or you can’t run your well pump regularly). If you live in a rural area or at least have some backyard, a “necessary” – as Thomas Jefferson called them – will be something to consider. You absolutely do not want to you-know-what where you live. Next item: Salt – iodized salt – is another item we often don’t think much about but which is essential to maintaining health. Iodine deficiency correlates with mental retardation in children and thyroid problems in adults – especially goitre, a hideous (and painful) swelling of the voice box. It is reported that 90 percent of all goitre cases result from iodine deficiency. Goitre is relatively rare in the U.S. and other developed countries, where iodized table salt is part of the everyday diet. But in a SHTF scenario, the everyday table salt we take for granted may no longer be granted. Salt is one of those things most people can’t make for themselves; iodized salt even less so. Most houses – including prepper houses – have a small supply of this essential item. If that’s you, rectify the omission. Buy enough salt to keep you seasoned – and healthy – for at least a year. You can buy a 25 lb. bulk bag for about $13 at Sam’s and other big box stores. Don’t forget that in addition to preserving you, salt can also be used to preservemeat without refrigeration – another excellent reason to have plenty on hand for just-in-case. Lighters. How will you make fire in a SHTF situation? Matches get wet – and you need a lot of them to equal the fire-starting capability of just one Bic lighter. Buy several “value packs” of 4-6 (or more) lighters at a time and store them. These packs are cheap – I recently bought a five pack at Wal-Mart for less than $2. Lights. It’s a good idea to keep spares on hand. You may have a generator; you may have a solar array. But what good is power if you’ve got no fresh bulbs when the old ones burn out? Incandescents are still dirt cheap, too. You can buy a large quantity for next-to-nothing. Pet supplies. Most healthy dogs and cats can – in a pinch – eat whatever you eat. But what about special needs pets? It’s a good idea to Extra glasses – if you wear ‘em. Remember that prepper rule? The one that says two is one – and one is none? If you depend on glasses to see clearly, it is imperative to have at least one extra pair on stand-by; ideally two. Glasses get lost – or stepped on. Or just scratched. What happens if you can’t see very well when the SHTF and you can’t go down to the optometrist for a refill? Exactly. Ditto any medicines you may need – such as allergy pills or other over-the-counter stuff . Get extra. While you still can. Delivered by The Daily Sheeple Contributed by Eric Peters of Eric Peters Autos. Eric Peters is an automotive columnist and author who has written for the Detroit News and Free Press, Investors Business Daily, The American Spectator, National Review, The Chicago Tribune and Wall Street Journal. His books include Road Hogs (2011) and Automotive Atrocities (2004). His next book, “The Politics of Driving,” is scheduled for release in 2012. Visit his web site at Eric Peters Autos. Please share: Spread the word to sheeple far and wide
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v.8
These are very important items. Your four legged family members need to be taken care of, or risk being their dinner. I try to keep food on hand for them, which prevents them from becoming menu items. Toilet paper, water filter, light bulbs, and toothbrushes are not as sexy as guns and groceries, but could be even more important to maintain a level at least slightly higher than stoneage. Tooth and dental care will probabily end up claiming more than its fair share of victims, I believe “The Stand” covered secondary, and tirtary causes of death in the event of a societal collapse.
Ya know, if/when you cut the feet, head and tail off of a cat or dog, they pretty much resemble a squirrel and like it or not, they are ALL EDIBLE!
Im being serious here, dont forget “family planning” and feminine hygiene products as well. Another thing is sutures, they can be found on amazon quite cheap and I found using a summer sausage for practice is enough to at least avoid amputation! Its close now, keep prepping.
. Try stiching chicken skin, use thighs, or backs for practice. Partially frozen chicken will still be edible if you work quickly, and keep the area clean, just remove the skin and sutures before cooking.
Good idea, Thanks! Hopefully Ill never have to put it to the test…
I would never eat my pets. They are more important than lots of people I know.
But it just ain’t right to eat people!