As a seasoned prepper, I’ve witnessed firsthand the panic that ensues when disaster strikes. Non-preppers often find themselves rushing to stores in a frenzy, clearing shelves of items they think they’ll need to survive. Milk, bread, and eggs are snatched up along with flashlights, batteries, and bottled water, leaving little for those who have planned ahead.
But there are alternative cooling and storage methods that can be used without electricity, such as burying a cooler or using a Zeer Pot.
As I’ve learned through my own experiences, it’s important for non-preppers to understand the limitations of their panic purchases. While milk and bread may seem like essential items, they require refrigeration and will quickly spoil in the event of a power outage.
Preppers can benefit from reading recommended survival books, creating last-minute shopping lists, and stocking up on items like garbage bags, matches, and vitamins. It’s important to remember that real survival can be tough, and sometimes even your closest friends may become your worst enemies.
In this article, we’ll explore non-preppers’ disaster shopping habits and alternative survival methods to help you prepare for future emergencies.
Key Takeaways
- Non-preppers tend to panic and rush to stores after a disaster, leading to shortages of essential items like milk, bread, eggs, bottled water, flashlights, batteries, and more.
- Alternative cooling and storage methods like refrigerators that run on oil, Zeer Pots, burying a cooler with a wool blanket over it, and a goldfish pond with a sun shade can keep food cool during a disaster.
- Preppers should consider reading recommended books like "One Second After" and "The Rule of Three" series, filtering water through earth, stocking up on valuable items like fuel, ammo, and silver Morgan dollars for trading, and making last-minute shopping lists that include important items like garbage bags, paper plates, tampons, and vitamins.
- It’s important to remember that survival can be ugly, and even friends can become enemies, and certain regions like Texas may face unique challenges during a disaster.
Common Non-Prepper Purchases
As a non-prepper, I know that when disaster strikes, my first instinct will be to rush to the store and grab milk, bread, and eggs, along with other common items like bottled water, flashlights, and baby supplies.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of buying what everyone else is buying, without really considering what we need to prepare for long term survival. This is because disasters can have a psychological impact on non-preppers, causing panic and the need to feel like we’re doing something to protect ourselves and our families.
However, it’s important to remember that these common items will only last for a limited amount of time, and won’t sustain us for long term survival.
As non-preppers, we need to start thinking about alternative options for cooling and storing our food, filtering water, and creating a sustainable living environment. By taking the time to prepare and research these options before disaster strikes, we can increase our chances of survival and avoid the chaos of last minute shopping.
Alternative Cooling and Storage Methods
I can keep my food cool during a disaster by using DIY cooling solutions such as refrigerators that run on oil, chest freezers, or Zeer Pots. These alternatives do not require electricity and are effective in keeping food fresh for a longer time. Additionally, burying a cooler with a wool blanket over it can provide insulation that also helps in preserving food.
When it comes to long-term food storage, there are several benefits that can be achieved through alternative cooling and storage methods. For instance, digging a hole in shaded earth, lining it with something, and covering it can keep food cool for a longer time. Also, Kimchi can be buried in the yard for long-term storage, and plastic barrels buried under the ground can be used as cool storage. Below is a table showing some alternative cooling and storage methods:
| Method | Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerators that run on oil | Does not require electricity | Can be expensive |
| Chest freezers | Can store large amounts of food | Requires electricity |
| Zeer Pots | Can keep food fresh for longer | Requires regular maintenance |
| Burying a cooler with a wool blanket | Provides insulation | Not suitable for all types of food |
| Digging a hole in shaded earth | Keeps food cool for a longer time | Requires a shaded area |
| Kimchi burial | Long-term storage | Only suitable for certain types of food |
| Plastic barrels buried under the ground | Can store large amounts of food | Requires a dry and cool location |
Using these alternative methods can help in keeping food fresh for a longer time, and it is important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of each method before deciding which one to use.
Survival Tips and Resources
Reading books like One Second After and The Rule of Three series can provide valuable survival tips and resources for anyone preparing for a crisis. These books not only offer insight into a post-disaster world but also provide practical advice on how to prepare for such an event.
Here are four essential survival tips and resources that can be found in these books:
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Water filtration: In a crisis, clean water can be hard to come by. Knowing how to filter and purify water is essential for survival. The books offer various methods, such as using ceramic filters or boiling water, to ensure safe drinking water.
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Valuable trade items: In a world where cash may be useless, it’s important to have items that hold value for trading. The books suggest items such as fuel, ammunition, and silver Morgan dollars as valuable trade items that can help in acquiring necessary supplies.
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Medical skills: Knowing basic medical skills can be a lifesaver in a crisis. The books offer information on how to treat common injuries and illnesses in a post-disaster world when medical help may not be available.
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Community building: In a disaster, community support can be crucial. The books highlight the importance of building strong relationships with neighbors and forming a community that can work together to survive.
By reading books like One Second After and The Rule of Three series, you can gain a wealth of knowledge on how to prepare for a crisis. From water filtration to community building, these resources offer valuable information that can help you survive in a post-disaster world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common mistakes non-preppers make when shopping for supplies after a disaster?
When shopping for supplies after a disaster, common mistakes include not pre-planning, panic-buying non-essential items, and overlooking alternative cooling/storage methods. It’s important to make a list, prioritize necessities, and consider long-term survival options.
Are there any alternative methods for storing food that don’t require electricity?
There are many alternative methods for storing food that don’t require electricity, such as traditional preservation techniques like canning, smoking, and drying, as well as foraging for wild edibles. Additionally, community resources and bartering methods can also be utilized.
What are some valuable items to have for trading during a crisis?
Bartering essentials during a crisis include fuel, ammo, and silver coins. It’s important to have a diverse range of items to trade, such as food, medical supplies, and hygiene products. Consider cultural differences and prioritize items with long-term value.
Are there any unexpected last-minute items that should be included in a prepper’s shopping list?
When preparing for emergencies, it’s important to include items like emergency essentials (first aid kit, flashlights, etc.) and plan for water filtration. Other unexpected items may include duct tape, superglue, and spare batteries.
What are some other considerations to keep in mind when preparing for a disaster?
When preparing for a disaster, it’s important to consider emergency communication options and self defense tactics. It’s also crucial to have a well-stocked first aid kit, a reliable source of clean water, and a plan for evacuation.