Very basic survival kit for economic collapse

I’m an optimist who also thinks that fear-mongering makes us stupid, so I try to never add to it. But I’m also a realist and I care about people. The effects of the crash of 2008 were probably more devastating to more Americans than Katrina, but the slow-motion tragedies have not been covered by the news media, such as the homeless families I saw camping in Florida in 2009.

Since the same factors that led to the crash of 2008 are still operating full force, it is probable that another crash is coming. But even if by some miracle this does not happen, storms hit from time to time, power lines go down and life as we know it can be disrupted. So collect what you need to survive either natural or man-made disasters.

Having survived several major ice storms, hurricanes and three days on a mountain without any supplies, I think there are a few things you will need.

What will you need? You can go without air for three minutes, water for three days and food for three months (depending on the amount of reserves you carry on your body.) Water is extremely important. If the water goes off, what will you do?

1. You need roughly a gallon of water per day. To sterilize water of unknown purity, you can boil it for one minute, add water purification tablets or add 8 drops of bleach (regular, unscented) to each gallon and let it sit for 30 minutes before drinking it.
2. You need to regulate your body temperature. Our houses and our clothing do this, assisted by our electrically-powered heaters and air conditioners (which won’t be working.) Plan ahead for what you need to do according to your climate.
3. You need to eat. Survival stores sell special freeze-dried food, etc, but you can fairly easily store up extra (normal) food that is simple to prepare. The refrigerator won’t be working.  Here’s a good list. Don’t forget a hand-operated can opener!
4. You need to cook. If you live in the country, you can cook with wood, but you will need a very sturdy pot to take the direct flames, like the old fashioned cast iron frying pans and kettles. If you live in the city, what will you do? Do you have cookouts? What fuel do you use? Keep extra on hand. And don’t forget the matches!

Above are the very basic necessities. Plan to take care of yourselves and your loved ones.

Medication? First aid kit and extra meds?

Candles? Flashlights with batteries?

Transportation? Gasoline?

Communication? Battery-operated radio?

On the bright side: Our ancestors survived a 6,000 year-long Ice Age. We’re going to be fine.