You and I
are headed into tough times. I don't
need to tell you that. The economy is
crashing, exactly as the climate becomes increasingly unstable.
This is
my list of must-have tools to take you through any Depression, or just a
temporary break-down of the system.
Those little times of trouble could be from an Earth Quake, a climate
induced storm, a terrorist attack, riots, or global flu. But I think the most likely cause will be
the greed of the former capitalist system.
No money.
I'll go
through the list fairly quickly. Just
picture what you have, don't have, and what goes into your own collection.
1. You need the ability to walk five miles every
day. Your body is your most important
tool.
2. The
only way to prepare is to train. You
know, actually get out and walk at least a mile a day.
3. Good
foot-wear - a pair that can go 5 miles a day for three years. And an extra pair, when those wear out.
4. Rain
boots and snow boots.
5. Two
backpacks: one small with good support for light grocery runs. One aluminum pack frame, with optional carry
bag, to carry water jugs, firewood, or your bug out gear. Must have wide waist strap, should have
optional tump line to neck.
6. Rope,
twine, and chain. One piece of really
heavy rope, a couple of inches thick and twelve feet long. At least 25 feet of half inch rope - 50 feet
would be better.
The chain
is for security, to keep your gear from walking away from someone else.
7 You
should have at least five 5 gallon plastic buckets with lids in your emergency
supplies. Good for water, storing grain
against rodents, all sorts of things.
8.
"Come Along" hand winch or double pulleys.
9. Two
twenty pound propane tanks, full.
10.
Coleman type camp stove with 2 hoses (1 extra) to connect to 20 pound propane
tank.
11.
Pressure cooker ("American Classic" preferred $300 if you can afford
it. No gaskets, lasts a lifetime.)
12. One
standard thermos, and one wide-mouthed thermos for each person in your
party.
13.
Camping cooler (or two).
14. Some
way to cook over wood. Fireplace, wood
stove, patio wood burner, or just a camp fire.
15. Swede
saw (at least 15 inch blade)(plus two extra blades)
17. Axe
(quality with good handle) and hatchet.
18. Learn
how to identify trees by their bark.
19. Cast
iron frying pan, pot, and kettle if possible.
If not, all metal camp cooking set (inexpensive).
20. Fire
tongs, and fireproof oven mitts.
21.
Optional: Dutch oven to bake over a fire, or even propane cook stove.
22. Long
handled shovel, rake, and hoe.
23.
Garden seeds to supplement your food supply.
24.
Sunscreen (two years supply for all people in your family)
25. Sun
hats and sun glasses (two pairs) for all in your party.
26.
Optional: 50 Watt solar panel (Seimens recommended, will last 25 years) and two
deep discharge batteries.
27. 12
volt taillight bulbs (can run off any battery you find, with some 12 volt wire)
28. LED
headlight and batteries for each person.
29. LED
battery operated (100 watt brightness) for about 3 months of room light.
30. boxes
of candles (lots) plus waterproof matches.
30 Two
tarps - one large enough to double as a tent, one small enough to backpack and
cover up at night.
31. At
least 4 stretchy bungee cords, different lengths.
Another
time we'll discuss medications, barter items, knives and security. I'm Alex Smith. Grab the full broadcast
of "Tools for Tough Times"
from our web site, ecoshock.org.