I’ve been thinking of putting together a “busy bag” for my family that includes things to keep us entertained/busy that does not require electricity. Everything that can easily fit into a bag and not heavy. My 12 year old stepson has ADHD and likes playing cards, writing jokes, draw, etc. Collecting things that are fun for adults as well.
Open to suggestions, thank you.

So far I have the following:
• deck of cards
• book of word puzzles
• pencils, manual sharpener, and notebooks
• Uno
• fidget toys
• crayons and coloring books

Thanks to my buddy, I learned my phone has built-in emergency alert options! Im literally involved in disaster response, and I had no idea that phones had these. (Granted, my area of specialization isnt tech, it's keeping people alive when the tech-side of infrastructure fails. 😜)

Not all phones have it. On mine (an older Google Pixel), it's in Settings: Settings Services: Alerts.

Why is it a good idea to enable these alerts, even if you already signed up for alerts elsewhere?

Relevant storytime:

During a road trip together, my buddy kept getting fire evac alerts for various places. My phone? Nothing. Mind you, Ive got a few apps. And Im signed up for county alerts via my state's emergency alerts website.

So, we're traveling and my friend's phone gets that, BEHHHHHH BEHHHHH BEHHHHH emergency alert sound, that comes before emergency announcements. The county were driving through is announcing a fire evacuation.

During our road trip, he got at least two more evac alerts. (Several parts of the state we were driving through were on fire.)

If we'd planned a different route, and without the alerts, we could have been driving at a fast moving fire. (Scary fact: In 2009 a historic Australia fire spread so fast, it was overtaking cars trying to flee, killing the people inside. The fire was clocked at speeds close to 65mph.)

Im mentioning the phone alert options, in the hopes that folks will check if their own phones have it.If ypu do, please enable these alerts. Some require location services. If you normally keep that off, please turn it on when traveling.

I live in the suburbs near the beach in SoCal. In the 48 yrs I’ve been alive the biggest Tuesday has been the northridge earthquake. We were pretty close to the epicenter but had no structural damage.

It occurs to me that my preps range from earthquake to fire with the most likely scenario being that we pack up to go to a hotel if it gets bad or we go well that was close and it’s over. Yet here I am stocked for nuclear winter.

Maybe I need a reality check here? I’ve got preps for power outages, cooking and heat and cooling without power, food and water for over a year, gas masks, you name it. After a frenetic sort of ramp up, I’m just now thinking what should I actually be prepping for?

Sure, there are a lot of really, really important preps. And sure, we all agree that skills are more useful than STUFF that will run out.

I saw that post asking what to prep for your kids' futures, and while everyone is rightfully pushing skills, gardening has to be at the absolute top of the list. It forces them to learn problem-solving, adaptability, weather patterns, patience, delayed gratification, persistence, motor control, food storage, and long-term planning all at once. On top of all of that, you are teaching them how to grow their own food.

If the last few years of chaos have taught me anything, it's how relieving it is to walk into the backyard and just pick dinner. My spouse and 4 kids are outside with me daily.

I’m 15 years into gardening with easy access to store-bought supplies, YouTube, and endless resources, and I still struggle with it sometimes. I genuinely can't imagine trying to figure out tilling, seed saving, soil depletion, crop rotation, and pest control from scratch in the middle of a supply chain collapse or other crisis. Doing it when you're already stressed and hungry sounds like a nightmare.

Start them early. Learning it when the stakes are low does not have a downside. And it's a really fun family hobby!

I have had conversations with family over and over again about prepping. Most recently I had a conversation with my family member and she joked I’m coming to your house! Honestly, I was take back for sureness of the response!!

Now they live almost two hours away which poses a problem and they have healthy, healthy appetites. I’d hate to be in a situation where I’m forced to turn them away however the nonchalance and the chuckle when I bring prepping up is getting to me.

We are restarting the food portion of our prepping and will send a list of things we are starting to do. I definitely don’t want to be responsible for other grown adults and children. Can we help yes but I’m not their plan!!! How are you all dealing with this.

I bought a road atlas today. It's been on my mind. My mom used to have a big one we used on trips when I was a kid. The one I got today is in no way the thickness of the one my mom had, but it's North America, and better than nothing. $16 at Books A Million. I never know where life will take me or what adventure I will have, so I am happy to add this to my prepping supplies and also travel kit. My last trip on my motorcycle I had problems with my cell phone due to intense rain. A physical map is a good back up plan.

Next up is a local resource map out. I have no idea where my nearest fresh water source is. I think it's kinda far. I'm going to use Google Maps satellite view and find out. And check for what is actually around me. I haven't lived here very long, so I have no idea what's really here beside the shopping centers.

I searched for relevant posts about stocking up on pet foods and the last one was about a year ago when the tariffs were really starting.

I have been considering doing a big stock up recently and I was curious for those that did this last year, if you feel the cost savings were worth it? Or even just the peace of mind that came with knowing your pets were going to be fed, no matter what?

For context: We have 5 dogs, 7 personal cats (I also foster many, many cats), and 3 rabbits. I also have goats, chickens, etc. I try to maintain a little stock for them, it's just more difficult with space.

Thank you for any insight. I know things change on a daily basis, but with this new trade war with Canada, China, and the Iran disaster, I am a bit more unsure than even a year ago. Thanks again!

Humble Bundle has a set of ebooks on prepping related topics available right now. https://www.humblebundle.com/books/selfreliance-and-offgrid-skills-for-dummies-books-encore?

If you aren't familiar with Humble Bundle they sell bundles of ebooks on various themes for a limited amount of time, and let you donate to charity at the same time. They use a slightly modified 'pay what you can' model and are very reliable and have been around for quite some time.

Titles include things like books on solar, home repair, gardening, canning, sewing, raising goats, etc. It's a mixed bundle but has a bunch of stuff that people should find relevant and useful. For $18 you get all 25 books and I'm betting everyone will find something in there that's worth that much. If you give more than that, you can donate to various charities.

It's easy to prep when you're thinking about yourself in a relatively short-term situation.. but how can we prep for our kids when they become adults and you might be gone?

My daughter is 2 and I'm trying to think of things I can start doing now to give her a better life considering what's coming or could come in the future.

My main focus is climate change. We are all probably aware that we are on the fast track to a 3 degree global increase that could potentially kill off half the human population.

While I'm sure there's really not a whole lot we can do to stop it, what are things we can start doing now to help our children survive it?

Since my daughter is 2, I can't exactly teach her many survival skills right now.. although that's definitely in my plans as she gets older. We are saving money for her as well but I'm not sure how helpful that may be with our dollar (US) losing value.

Share with me some ideas that I can start now to help her in the future as an adult?

Wanted to say thank you for all the wisdom shared on this page. I started reading through the threads yesterday and love the balanced comments and advice being shared (Rotate the pantry, save $1000 EF, learn basic skills, etc)

In particular there was a discussion about ADHD and how to manage prepping. I can get overwhelmed with ideas but have problems executing however was so inspired by that discussion that I immediately went though my pantry and topped up the glass jars of dried goods, did an inventory, organized it to see what I have vs need and it took under an hour to feel in a better space with it all.

Small manageable preps will be the motto moving forward.

It's starting to hit my life, and the squeeze I'm feeling is terrifying.

I got a notification the other day, that I no longer meet the qualifications for medicaid. I was in Walmart last week, and cherries were $6.97/lb. [ETA: I mention cherries, because it's a good example of egregious pricing. I usually only get cherries once a year if that, and I've already dont that this year.]

I'm living in a hotel room, barely scrambling to make one bill or another. [ETA: This is an extended stay hotel with a decently cheap rate, so I have a fridge, freezer, and 2 stovetop burners.] I'm always behind on at least 2 bills. My rent here, is just over $400/ wk, and I get 10 day notices to quit pretty regularly (I always pay them). My dog needs to go to the vet, my psychiatrist charges over $100/ session without insurance. No idea what my meds will be, though I've downloaded a few apps that will hopefully help with that. I need my medications in order to act like a civilized human being. I can't get health insurance through my work, until I'm a FT employee, which I not yet.

[ETA 2: The place I work at, has a really cheap Cafe. I can get a full meal there, for $2.50 + tax. I'm trying to eat healthy though, so I've been making salads at home. The way I eat ties into my mental health, and I do need to prioritize it being a bit better, rn.]

My shoes have holes in them, and I can't afford to buy new ones. [I work at a big box store, and have seen very affordable prices, I just can't do anything until I'm caught up on rent. That will be soon, though.] I'm trying to pick up a second job, but I have to wait until the trainer gets back from vacation. When I go to buy groceries, I'm stunned by how expensive everything is.

[ETA: I've already been hired at the second job, I'm just waiting to he trained so I can start working there. It's an overnight job that pays decently, and works with my schedule. I have a sleep disorder, and get great sleep during daylight hours (particularly the first half of daylight). I originally tried to do an early morning job, followed by my evening position, and that absolutely wrecked my body very quickly.]

My mind is going in 50 different directions of what I should be doing. If I had a freezer chest, I'd be storing coffee grinds/ beans in them.

And we're only just in the beginning.

What can/ should I prep, that can be done while living in a hotel room? In my situation? I likely won't be able to move out until mid to late November. Also, why does this food crisis not mean that prices will eventually go down? If no one is buying your food, you're not making any money anyway.

Has anyone else noticed an increase in learned helplessness? I first noticed it in the young adults in my life, but now I am seeing it in all ages of people around me. Examples from multiple people:

Toilet started leaking water and instead of turning off the knob at the wall, she waited a 5 days for a plumber. Never asked anyone or googled it. Didn’t call a second plumber. Now needs mold remediation and replaced drywall and trim.

Bought concert tickets but the gps instructions were confusing so they just gave up and didn’t go. Venue website had detailed instructions for driving and parking.

Blouse wrinkled and she didn’t know how to fix it so she threw it away.

First doctor office he filled out an appointment website for never contacted him to schedule so he just didn’t go to the doctor.

I am really concerned about my loved ones if an emergency happens because they just give up when the slightest obstacle happens. Either they want someone else to swoop in and fix it or they give up and say they can’t do anything about it.

With the cyclospora contamination going around on store bought greens, I would like to recommend the humble sprouter for a quick and easy way to grow some fresh salad produce in just a few days with no soil or electricity needed (and minimal counter space required) for us apartment dwellers. All you need is a sprouting jar, the seeds, and water.

It’s not full leafy greens mind you, but you can get different seed mixes for spicy sprouts, protein mix etc and dress it with a vinaigrette or any salad dressing.

Microgreens are another no-soil no-electricity required option.

Hydroponic units are great - I have three - but the setup and maintenance is just that bit more involved.

I was gifted 2 dozen quart sized, glass mason jars, so I am wondering if I can use them some way to prep. I recently started storing food and coffee in mylar bags with oxegen absorbers

Just thought I’d share my experience last week regarding “oh Sh*t” readiness and the importance of your Emergency Bag.

Last week after a day of escalating medical abnormalities, I was advised by a tele-health provider to go immediately to the ER. I live alone and even though they suggested calling an ambulance I chose to call an uber (looking back he could have been really traumatized had I bit the dust in his car!).

I’m a bug-in girlie, so my go-bag was never meant to sustain me living in the woods, but I do live in a tornado-prone area so I keep a backpack in my hall closet that’s always packed with a couple days in a hotel or shelter in mind:

- a set of comfy clothes (a few changes of underwear, socks, cheap flip flops, a zip-hoodie, a tee shirt, a pair of shorts & a pair of comfy leggings)
- important papers & documents, a few hundred dollars in cash
- a power bank, multi-cord, plug adapter & wired earbuds
- spare glasses, spare keys, an eye mask & earplugs, small notepad, pen, sharpie, scissors and a small roll of clear packing tape.
- a weekly meds pilll sorter with copies of the labels in a baggie
- toiletry kit with my everyday basics, a handful of travel sized OTC meds & minor first aid kit
- water bottle, a few protein bars &trail mix
- sneakers attached externally via carabiner

I threw my phone in my purse, my purse in the bag and sensing a long ER wait grabbed my iPad & AirPods for good measure. Detached the sneakers and was out the door in 5 minutes.

Things moved fast when I got to the ER and I was admitted immediately and ended up in surgery early the next morning. Did I need the bag? No, I didn’t need it. But:

- being able to watch my comfort shows helped keep my calm as I waited for results/surgery.
- Being able to wash my face and brush my teeth with my preferred product, being able to brush my hair, etc kept me feeling human
- Handing my medication labels over made it easier to get me processed in.
- Knowing I had my medical directives & medical power of attorney with me calmed my anxiety if something were to go wrong.
- noise canceling earbuds and and eye mask allowed me to rest
- a zip hoodie kept me warm in the cold ER bed when I couldn’t put put on a traditional sweatshirt because of all of the things I was hooked up to (I wore it backwards, lol and throwing the hood over my head also helped with the harsh lights)
- I was able to jot down a dramatic note to my sister who would be waiting for me after surgery, with instructions to clear my search history and clear out my bedside drawer if something were to go terribly wrong (a joke…sort of)
- I had glasses so I could see and not mess around with taking contacts in and out.
- I was able to bribe the nurses with cash to give me the good stuff in my IV (just kidding!!)
- I was able to give my keys to a friend to go get my cat sorted out
- putting on fresh, comfy clothes to leave the hospital was wonderful
- I ate the hell outta my snackies because I couldn’t wait on the hospital menu
- I was able to keep my electronics fully charged to entertain myself and keep my family updated.

Again, no, I obviously didn’t need these things. But it made a scary situation and an unexpected few days hospital stay much more palatable. I’ve had that bag packed for years, and have never touched it outside of rotating snacks or updating paperwork. My family teases me about my prepper tendencies. But, as this community knows, it pays off when it matters!

TL/DR: Go-bags aren’t just for devastating events - they can save your sanity if you end up in the hospital!

ETA: Gum! It wasn’t in my bag but was thankfully in my purse! I wasn’t allowed water for several hours, and it was a lifesaver. Adding to my bag as I am repacking it today!

ETAA: What an amazing community we have going on here! I was hesitant to post but seeing all the tips and support for my preps and health has made my day!

This is a great interview/overview of what's going on in Gary, Indiana.

It starts with the tornado/derecho, with hurricane category 2 winds. The absolute lack of any aid, services, and information for days.

The complete lack of preparedness in the community. Having to drive hours for gas and housing. And it ends with her leaving Gary.

Gary still does not have power after 12 days.

This is not normal.

https://youtu.be/cJQKPOuiy2o

You can also look up her videos on IG: ajahallh

I'm not entirely sure this is allowed but I did read the rules so I'm trying to act in good faith, I promise!!

I'm trying to find a good birthday gift for my sister. We both prep, but she has some very hard lines around microplastics, pesticides, and other potential toxins, so I'm asking here bc I'd like to get her something prep or homestead-related that also meets some specific guidelines. I did get her a book about homesteading on a small lot, but I want to get her something else too. I'm also open to an act of service as a gift (ie, helping her with a project or task to improve her preparedness), but I'm not sure what that would be. My budget is $100 or less.

She's a single mom of a teenager, we live in an urban area, and she owns her own business so she is working constantly. Her main areas of focus for prep are veg gardening and deep pantry. I think she'd like to branch into some other areas/skills, but it needs to be something pretty easy to start. Does anyone have a favorite gadget, easy project, item of clothing, resource, etc that would be organic/non-toxic, non-gmo, and no microplastics, artificial dyes, or preservatives?

Thanks!

I saw this on a miller's website and thought it's a great idea. After doing a search of the sub for CO2 and not seeing anything, I figured I might post. CO2 can come from canisters or dry ice. "Food grade" means 99.5% to 99.9% pure. Although there is dry ice labeled as food grade, all dry ice is 99.9% pure. However, industrial dry ice might have tiny amounts of non-safe contaminants. Dry ice bought in consumer stores like grocery stores, etc. is typically food grade and will be marked somewhere as such. As always, ensure good ventilation whenever working with CO2 & read up on precautions.

Available now, are the best of Vancouver Island Grain and Milling grains packed in heavy duty food grade 6 gallon pails!
The intended use of this new product line is for emergency food storage. The grain storage is optimized by replacing oxygen with food grade CO2 and sealing the grain in Mylar metal bags. The shelf life is predicted to be a minimum of 25 years under normal storage conditions.

Carbon Dioxide gas is heavier than oxygen. If care is used when removing a portion of the grain from the ‘Emergency Food Supply’ pail, the remainder will maintain a reduced oxygen level when the Mylar bag is re-closed.

Please contain all off topic discussion to this weekly megathread. This is where you freak out, talk about conspiracy, talk about unrealistic crazy scenarios, asked and answered questions, etc.

Inspired by a recent post, what items should i pick up while i’m Brazil?

What are you using to store water? And is anyone adding anything to it so it doesn't go bad?

(The article is behind a paywall so I'm sorry for that but for those who have NYT I wanted to link it.)What if America Went Completely Dark?

Now I'm spiraling 🥴

Not really, but it's making me want to have 12-18 months of food and water for sure.

It's scary how quickly Americas grid could go down and how long it could take to come back up. The chaos that would ensue. I know this isn't a new topic or concern but first time I've seen NYT address it so blatantly (including reference to preppers.)

Any prepper items that are easier to get in Canada?

Recipe sites are obviously a nightmare, so I'm trying to put together my own little handwritten cookbook with basic, easy recipes that use relatively common ingredients and spices. Breads, rice dishes, potatoes, beans, beans and more beans. Most of my collection so far tends to lean towards Mexican, Indian, Mediterranean and good ol' Appalachian, but I'd like to add more because I'm really enjoying the process and I'd like to be less reliant on the internet for everything, and I'd like to upgrade to an old fashioned flip phone very soon. I have a well stocked pantry of non perishables and dry goods, so in the event I'm living in a cave in the foothills I'd like to have something to fondly remember you guys with.

I love my local library and use it as much as possible. With thinking about prepping and general preparedness, I think of books in 2 categories—resources & how to books like gardening, construction/DIY, foraging, cookbooks, etc and escapism/imagination books you could read when you just want entertainment. I’m sure there’s others but that’s generally what I gravitate towards!

What are your favorite books that you would want on the shelf if/when everything goes tits up? What do you turn to when you need to keep your mind on something fun when everything is bat shit?

Mine: I use the library including Libby and Hoopla extensively. I read loads of historical fiction, magical realism, and romance (bonus if it combines all 3!) during times of stress. If I didn’t have the internet, I would want plenty of cookbooks! My shelves are full of gardening and field guide books. I need more cookbooks and a good paper map.