27 Supplies to Be Ready for a Collapse of Society
by In an unpredictable world, it’s important to feel prepared for any scenario—especially a major societal collapse. With so much going on these days, it has never been more important to get ready for a worst case scenario.
Whether it’s natural disasters, economic crashes, or even a breakdown of government and services, having essential supplies can make all the difference for your family. Here are the top must-have supplies you should invest in to help you be ready for anything that comes your way.
Water Filtration System
Access to clean water can become scarce in an emergency, and bottled water will only last so long. A high-quality water filtration system ensures you can purify water from lakes, rivers, or even rain.
Look for systems that remove bacteria, parasites, and other harmful contaminants. These are lightweight, easy to use, and ideal for both home use and on-the-go emergencies. With a good filtration system, your family will always have access to clean, safe water, even when traditional water supplies are unavailable. Personally, we have a solar water filtration as shown here so we can get clean water even if there is no power. There are several other options for purifying water that you should also be aware of.
Long-Term Food Storage
Stockpiling enough food is crucial for survival. Focus on long-lasting, non-perishable items like canned goods, rice, pasta, beans, and freeze-dried meals. These types of food can stay good for years and provide the calories your family needs.
Consider a mix of comfort foods too—sometimes familiar tastes can help keep everyone’s spirits up during tough times. Remember to rotate your supplies to prevent spoilage.
First Aid Kit
In a world without immediate access to doctors or hospitals, a fully stocked first aid kit is essential. Make sure it includes basics like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and gauze. You may also want to add medical supplies for more serious injuries like splints or sutures.
Don’t forget to include any prescription medications your family members might need. In a prolonged emergency, running out of essential meds could be life-threatening.
Manual Can Opener
Many of the foods you’ll be storing will come in cans, so it’s a good idea to have a manual can opener. Electric openers won’t be much help if the power goes out, and trying to open cans without the right tool can be frustrating and even dangerous.
A sturdy, reliable can opener will save you time and prevent injury when you’re hungry and stressed. It’s a small item, but an essential one.
Flashlights and Batteries
When the lights go out, having a good flashlight and plenty of batteries on hand will be a lifesaver. Choose LED flashlights for their long battery life and brightness. It’s also wise to have headlamps, which allow you to work hands-free.
Stockpile a variety of batteries, especially the sizes that power your flashlights and other critical tools. Rechargeable batteries paired with a solar charger are also a great long-term option.
Fire Starters
In a post-collapse world, the ability to make fire could be crucial. Fire starters, lighters, waterproof matches, and flint can help ensure you can cook food, boil water, and stay warm. Fire-making skills are just as important as the tools, so practice with them beforehand.
Pack multiple types of fire starters in case one method fails. Having a few different options increases your chances of successfully starting a fire when you need it most.
Emergency Radio
An emergency radio will help you stay informed about what’s going on outside. Look for hand-crank or solar-powered radios so you don’t have to worry about batteries running out. Some models even come with built-in flashlights or USB ports for charging your devices.
A radio can give you critical weather updates, emergency broadcasts, and other important information. Staying connected to the outside world could give you the upper hand in a crisis.
Blankets and Sleeping Bags
Staying warm is a top priority in any survival situation. Pack warm blankets and sleeping bags for each family member. Opt for sleeping bags that are designed for cold weather, especially if you live in a colder climate.
Thermal blankets or “space blankets” are compact and can retain body heat in an emergency. Keeping your family warm can prevent hypothermia and make sleeping in uncomfortable places a little easier.
Multitool
A good multitool can be a lifesaver in emergency situations. With a combination of knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and more, you’ll have the tools to tackle a wide variety of problems. Choose a high-quality multitool that will last and keep it in a place that’s easy to access.
Whether you need to fix something around the house, cut through materials, or even prepare food, a multitool gives you flexibility and functionality in one small device.
Toilet Paper and Hygiene Products
It’s easy to forget how crucial hygiene is in a survival situation until you run out of toilet paper. Stockpile as much as you reasonably can, along with other hygiene essentials like soap, toothpaste, and feminine products.
Good hygiene will keep your family healthier and help prevent illness, especially when medical services might be unavailable. You can also consider stocking up on baby wipes, which are useful when water for cleaning is limited.
Portable Stove and Fuel
A portable stove is a great tool for cooking without electricity or gas. Choose a model that’s compact and easy to use. Make sure to stockpile plenty of fuel canisters to keep it running for the long haul. We recommend not using electric options since you may may have no power for a while.
This will help you prepare meals and boil water, even when traditional utilities fail. Having a way to cook hot meals can boost morale and provide essential warmth in cold weather.
Solar Charger
In a world without reliable electricity, a solar charger can help keep your devices powered. Choose a model with enough capacity to charge multiple items like phones, radios, or rechargeable batteries.
Even though cell service may be down, your phone could still be useful for storing emergency information, offline maps, and important contacts. A solar charger ensures your devices stay functional when the power grid collapses.
Duct Tape
Duct tape is one of the most versatile tools in your survival kit. It can be used for repairs, sealing gaps, making splints, or even as a temporary bandage in a pinch.
A few rolls of duct tape can solve countless problems when you’re in survival mode. It’s strong, waterproof, and easy to use in a wide variety of situations.
Seeds for Planting
Once your stockpile starts to run low, growing your own food will be essential for long-term survival. Heirloom seeds for fruits, vegetables, and herbs are a smart investment, as they can produce crops year after year.
Make sure you know how to garden and have the right supplies like soil, fertilizer, and gardening tools. Growing your own food can help keep your family fed when store shelves are empty.
Dust Masks
If there’s a collapse of society due to environmental factors like wildfires or chemical spills, dust masks will be essential. They help protect your lungs from harmful particles in the air, especially in cases of poor air quality.
Keep plenty of masks for every family member, and make sure they fit properly. In a dusty, smoke-filled environment, breathing clean air can be the difference between life and death.
Cash in Small Denominations
In a societal collapse, access to banks and ATMs may be limited or nonexistent. Having cash on hand in small denominations will allow you to buy essential goods or trade with others when needed.
Store the cash in a secure, waterproof location. While credit cards and digital payments may no longer work, cash will still hold value, at least in the early stages of a collapse.
Pepper Spray
Pepper spray is an effective, non-lethal way to protect yourself and your family from potential threats. It’s easy to carry, easy to use, and provides a quick means of defense.
Having multiple cans in various locations, such as your home and car, ensures you’re always ready to defend yourself if necessary.
Bartering Items
When traditional currency loses its value, bartering may become a common way to get what you need. Stockpile useful items like batteries, alcohol, lighters, and even hygiene products that you can trade with others.
Bartering can help you get essentials your family might run out of, especially if you’re able to offer something that’s in high demand.
Cooking Oil
Cooking oil is an often-overlooked supply that can be invaluable in a collapse. It’s not only important for cooking but can also be used as a fuel for lamps or as a trade item.
Make sure to store oils that have a long shelf life, like coconut oil or ghee. These will last much longer than regular vegetable oil and provide essential fats for your diet.
Tools for Repairing Shelter
Maintaining a secure shelter is critical in any survival situation. Have basic tools like hammers, nails, saws, and a crowbar to make repairs or build barricades if needed.
Whether you’re reinforcing your home or patching up a temporary shelter, these tools will help ensure your family stays safe from the elements and potential intruders.
Extra Clothing and Footwear
You never know what conditions you’ll face in a societal collapse, so packing extra clothing and sturdy footwear is essential. Make sure you have weather-appropriate clothes, including rain gear and cold-weather garments.
Having the right clothes will keep your family warm, dry, and comfortable, even when conditions outside are harsh or unpredictable.
Fishing Gear
If access to food becomes limited, fishing is a reliable way to supplement your food supply. Keep a basic fishing kit with hooks, lines, and lures, even if you’re not near a water source right now.
Fishing is a sustainable way to feed your family in the long term, especially if you live near lakes or rivers. Make sure you know how to use the equipment so you can rely on it when the time comes.
Maps and Compass
GPS systems may not work in a societal collapse, so old-fashioned navigation tools like maps and a compass become crucial. These can help you find your way if you need to evacuate, relocate, or scout for resources.
Keep detailed maps of your local area and any potential safe zones. Knowing where you are and where you’re headed can be vital for survival in chaotic times.
Books on Survival Skills
Knowledge is one of the best tools you can have during a crisis. Books on survival skills, foraging, first aid, and self-defense can guide you when the internet or other resources are unavailable.
Having physical copies ensures you always have a reference, even if power and communication lines are down. These books could teach you life-saving skills that could make all the difference in an emergency.
Prescription Eyewear and Backup Glasses
If you or anyone in your family wears glasses or contacts, it’s essential to have backups. In a collapse, replacing lost or broken eyewear could be nearly impossible, and poor vision can severely impact your ability to function.
Keep an extra pair of glasses in your emergency kit and consider stocking up on contact lenses and cleaning solution. Clear vision is important for tasks like navigating, hunting, and defending yourself.
Ropes
Ropes are incredibly versatile and can be used for countless survival tasks, making them an essential addition to your emergency supplies. From building shelters and securing tarps to hauling heavy items or even creating makeshift clotheslines, a strong, durable rope will serve a variety of purposes.
When choosing ropes, opt for ones that are both weather-resistant and strong, like nylon or paracord. Paracord, in particular, is lightweight yet extremely strong, and can be unraveled into thinner threads for even more uses, such as fishing or sewing. Having different types of ropes on hand ensures you’re prepared for whatever situation comes your way.
Sewing Kit
A sewing kit may seem like a small and simple addition, but it can be crucial in an emergency. Clothes, tents, or bags can easily rip or tear during a crisis, and having the ability to repair them will save valuable resources. A basic kit with needles, strong thread, scissors, buttons, and fabric patches can help you mend clothes or even create new gear from old materials.
Additionally, a sewing kit can be useful for medical purposes, such as stitching up wounds in extreme situations. With a little skill and a reliable kit, you’ll be able to keep your family’s gear and clothing in good shape, no matter how long the emergency lasts.
Preparing for the collapse of society may seem overwhelming, but having the right supplies on hand can give you peace of mind and keep your family safe. By gathering these essential items now, you’ll be ready for whatever the future holds. While we hope these extreme situations never happen, it’s always better to be prepared.
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