Prepping is NOT expensive and it doesn’t take rocket science to figure it out. Storing food is a question that is very often brought up on the survival message boards. There are good ways to store up years worth of food (buckets, mylar, and O2 absorbers) but you can get a couple months supply of food for your self or each member in the family for right around $100. After searching Wal-Mart for the best deals and best prices, I’ve come up with this list. This is a $100 list of groceries that would keep one alive for 2 months comfortably. I personally have all these items stored, along with water for 2 months for myself. I think that a 2 month supply of food and water would be a good start for any beginner wanting to get a stash back. $100 won’t break the bank and you can put these item’s in a closet and they will keep for a least a year in the original packaging.
Once you get your 2 month supply, you will need a way to cook the food if/when the power goes out. This is where my alcohol stove comes in. This thing runs off of HEET (Methyl Alcohol) or Denatured Alcohol. It burns very pure, and very hot. This will boil a cup of water in just a couple of minutes, and 1 oz. of fuel will run the stove for 15 minutes. More than enough time to cook most stuff.
Finally, you need water. Most people will tell you that water is MORE important than food. You can go a good while without food, not you won’t last long without water to drink. I get these Reliance 7 gal. Aqua-Tainers from Wal-Mart for $12 a piece. Just 8 of these and you have 2 months of water for yourself (1 gal per day.)
And that should have you ready for any disaster that heads your way. Food and water are the two most important things. You would also want some cold weather gear/warm weather gear, candles, guns and ammo, flashlights, and batteries. If you can eat, keep warm, and have a little light, you’re going to be in a lot better position that most of your neighbors in the event of a disaster.
11 comments
Bullseye
February 10, 2009 at 3:39 am (UTC 0)
OK Matt, on my way to your house to check out the ultra cool stove. You can cook me up a bite to eat to show me how well it works. LOL Man a really great post. Just goes to show anyone can prepare with just a little money and a good head on their shoulders. Great Post !!
Scorpion
February 10, 2009 at 5:19 am (UTC 0)
Great post
heet works okay but 93 percent alchol is cheaper. a good propane or even better a dual fuel campstove is a better idea i found one at a flea market for 10 dollars
during the 10 days of no power i used it and my grill to cook all of our food . there very economicl on fuel in 10 days i only used 1/2 gallon of fuel.
TEAM HALL
February 10, 2009 at 12:31 pm (UTC 0)
That was great Matt! Thanks.
nitewalker
February 10, 2009 at 1:29 pm (UTC 0)
Good post Matt. It just goes to show a lot can be do if you really want to. A side note for you Bullseye since you like the alky stove so much, you can make your own with a 1# coffee can,a roll of tp and two pieces of wire. Just put the tp in the can and take the wires an cross them on top of the can then bend them over the sides so they stay in place. Pour alcohol in on the tp and lite it. The wires will keep the pan from putting the fire out and let flames spread a bit on the pan. When you are finished put the fire out by covering the can to rob the oxygen then put your wires in the can and put the plastic lid on the can so the good stuff doesn’t evaporate. Now it will not be as cool looking as Matt’s but it will work just as well.
Bullseye
February 11, 2009 at 2:48 am (UTC 0)
Nitewalker, thanks man, gonna try that.
matthiasj
February 11, 2009 at 2:53 am (UTC 0)
Thanks for the tip Scorpion and Nightwalker. I will be on the lookout for a couple gallons of denatured alcohol. I will also be getting a propane stove and heater for the propane tanks we keep stored up, and might get a few more for good measure. I’m prepping like a madman and will keep you guys posted on good deals and prep supplies.
erniesjourney
February 12, 2009 at 4:12 am (UTC 0)
Excellent Matt! Love it – and anyone can prep without a ton of money!
Ernie
Susan
January 11, 2010 at 10:36 pm (UTC 0)
We are looking for fellow preppers in and around the Lexington area.
Susan
January 11, 2010 at 10:37 pm (UTC 0)
We are looking for fellow preppers in and around the Lexington area.
matthiasj
January 12, 2010 at 12:24 am (UTC 0)
Susan, there's lots of us, including active members from Lexington in the forum. Make sure you stop by http://www.kentuckypreppersnetworkforum.com
Wheat Grinders
April 24, 2010 at 8:38 am (UTC 0)
Storing of food & water is quite essential to mange in case of disasters.So your list is just like a good checklist,thanks for the information.
Grain Flaker