37 Essential Preparedness Items People Often Overlook

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In this article, I’m diving into 37 essential preparedness items people often overlook that could be game-changers in a crisis. From security tools to household items and morale boosters, these are the things you’ll wish you had thought of before the unexpected happens. That’s important because most people stockpile the basics like canned food and water, but what about the items that could truly make or break your preparedness plan?

Security and Protection

1. Solar-Powered Motion Sensor Lights: These lights can deter potential intruders while providing visibility around your property. They are also self-sustaining and reliable during power outages, making them a must-have for security.
2. Solar-Powered Security Cameras: These cameras ensure continuous surveillance even when the grid is down. They store footage on local or cloud systems, providing peace of mind and evidence if needed.
3. Heavy-Duty Zip Ties: Zip ties have endless applications, from securing gear to performing temporary repairs. Their durability makes them an invaluable tool in emergencies.
4. Camouflage Netting: This can be used to conceal supplies, vehicles, or even small shelters. This item can be critical for maintaining privacy and reducing visibility.
5. Pepper Spray: This non-lethal self-defense tool is portable and easy to use, providing a layer of protection in unsafe scenarios

Medical and Health

1. Eyeglass Repair Kits: For those who rely on glasses, these kits ensure that minor breaks or adjustments can be managed with professional help, which could be available.
2. Activated Charcoal: This is a versatile item for poison control and emergency water filtration. Its ability to absorb toxins makes it a first-aid and preparedness staple.
3. Eye Drops are essential for maintaining eye health and relieving irritation caused by dust, debris, or smoke.
4. Dental Temporary Fill Kits: These kits provide a stopgap solution for dental emergencies, alleviating pain and preventing further damage until professional care is available.
5. Antifungal Cream or Powder: Helps treat and prevent fungal infections like athlete’s foot, which can quickly become problematic in damp or unsanitary conditions.

Hygiene and Personal Care

1. Hairbrushes and Combs: Maintaining personal hygiene is vital for morale and health. These lightweight tools, often overlooked, make a big difference.
2. Disposable Gloves: From medical needs to sanitation tasks, these gloves provide a hygienic barrier in various situations.

Household

1. Mouse Traps or Rodent Poison: Preventing pests from contaminating food supplies is crucial. These items keep your storage areas secure.
2. Super Glue: A multipurpose tool for repairing items or even closing small wounds in an emergency.
3. Manual Tools: Items like hand saws, drills, and screwdrivers ensure that repairs or construction can continue without electricity.
4. Hardware (Nails, Screws, Wire, etc.): These small but essential items are often forgotten and are invaluable for building or repairing infrastructure.
5. Sandbags: Useful for flood control or as stabilizing weights, sandbags are versatile and effective.
6. Clothesline and Clips: These simple tools make Drying clothes without power easier and more hygienic.
7. Plastic Sheeting Can be used for shelter, water collection, or window sealing during storms or other emergencies.
8. Safety Pins: Handy for temporary clothing, gear, or first-aid application fixes.

Water

1. Collapsible Water Jugs: Lightweight and easy to store, these jugs expand to hold significant amounts of water when needed.
2. Plastic Sheeting: Doubles as a water collection surface when rain is scarce.
3. Funnels: Simplifies transferring water between containers, minimizing waste and spills.
4. WaterBOB: This heavy-duty plastic bladder fits inside a standard bathtub and holds up to 100 gallons of water. It is perfect for emergencies with advance notice, like hurricanes.
   • Compact: Easy to store until needed.
   • Large Capacity: Provides a significant water supply.
   • Sanitary Storage: Keeps water clean in a sealed environment.
   • Quick Deployment: Easy to set up and fill with an attached pump for dispensing.

Cooking and Food

1. Spices and Bouillon Cubes: Long-lasting and lightweight, these items can make bland emergency meals more palatable, boosting morale in tough times.
2. Vinegar: A multipurpose item for cooking, cleaning, and preserving food.
3. Non-Electric Coffee Grinder: This tool ensures that coffee enthusiasts (and some of us coffee addicts) can still enjoy their daily brew without power.

Comfort and Morale

1. Hard Candy or Gum: With an extended shelf life, these items provide a small comfort and a quick energy boost.
2. Books or Decks of Cards: Entertainment options to combat boredom and maintain mental health during downtime.
3. Hot Water Bottle: Provides warmth and soothes aches in cold or stressful conditions.

Miscellaneous

1. Cash: Small bills are crucial when digital payment systems are unavailable.

Bug-Out Bag

1. Urban Toolkit (Small Bolt Cutters, Pliers, Pry Bar, Silcock Key): These tools allow access to resources like water or locked supplies in urban settings.
2. Foot Powder: Prevents blisters and keeps feet dry during prolonged activity.
3. Washcloth: Useful for personal hygiene or cleaning gear.
4. Anti-Itch Cream: Essential for treating bug bites or skin irritations.
5. Work Gloves: Protects hands from rough or hazardous materials.
6. Trash Bags (Various Sizes): Serve multiple purposes, from waste disposal to waterproofing and even makeshift shelters.

The Bottom Line

Considering these often-overlooked items empowers you to elevate your preparedness plan to cover a broader range of potential scenarios. Remember, preparedness isn’t just about having supplies; it’s about being ready to face challenges with confidence and resilience. Take a moment to review your stockpile and see how you can fill the gaps today!

Additional Resources

Stay safe,