I have referenced this list before, the first hundred things that disappear in a collapse. It was originally created based on the feedback from survivors of the Bosnian war with special attention from the experiences of those who lived through the siege of Sarajevo. The list has been updated (to some degree) to reflect the slightly different world we live in these days and a slightly different culture/economy.
I few weeks ago Wonderful Wife and I reviewed the list together. We did our best to determine what items did, or did not, apply to us. For the items that did apply we tried to determine how well we had that item covered. For the items where we determined there was a gap we put together at least a rough plan for filling the gap.
I thought it might be useful to some of you to share our thoughts on the items, our gaps and our plans. I also thought it might be useful to share these things because many of you might have better ideas than we did. So, feedback is not only encouraged but would be much appreciated.
Here are the next ten items on the list:
91. Teas
I buy tea on a regular basis and vacuum seal it for longer storage life. We have quite a bit stocked away mostly larger tea bags for iced tea. I think I may start stocking up on smaller tea bags for hot tea as well.
92. Coffee
We are not coffee drinkers although I do keep some coffee on hand for guests. With that said, I think stocking some for bad times is a good idea. When times get tough a cup of coffee might be a needed pick me up. It would also be a good barter item. Whole beans would store better but a coffee grinder would be an extra expense so we’ll go with ground coffee in vacuum sealed containers.
93. Cigarettes
No one in the family smokes anymore so we don’t need them. Many recommend them for barter but (in my opinion) they don’t last long enough to stock them for that purpose.
94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc.)
I don’t know if wine would be a great choice for this. Wine can be stored, under optimal conditions, for a really long time. Should we need it for bartering I doubt it would optimal conditions. We would focus on hard liquors like whiskey and particularly vodka or even things like Everclear. Clear, high-alcohol, unflavored distilled spirits are better for use as medicinals, to sterilize things and still can be used for barter or consumption.
95. Paraffin wax
Someone help me out on this one. We don’t stock or use paraffin wax and I am not sure what we would use use it for.
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
Yep, this is a good idea. We have quite a collection already but need to stock up on more.
97. Chewing gum/candies
I think hard candies are a good idea. Many types of candies are damaged by high or low temperatures or go bad easily. Hard candies last a really long time and are more stable in storage. Trust me, I have eaten any number of mints from the bottom of my grandmother’s purse when growing up. Peppermint candies also have the benefit of helping to settle an upset stomach.
98. Air guns and bb’s/pellets/CO2 cartridges
We have a few airguns for training purposes and some CO2 cartridges and BBs for them. Outside of training purposes I don’t see any real value for in them in a collapse. On the other hand I also have an air rifle that packs a pretty hefty punch. It could be used for hunting small game. While I would not rely on if for self defense, I would definitely not want to be on the receiving end of this rifle.
99. Hats and cotton neckerchiefs
Hahaha! Like flashlights, I seem to collect hats and caps to a ridiculous degree. I also use bandanas regularly as a head wrap (bald and sweaty) and handkerchief so I have a stack of them as well. I ordered several more in camo for use when attending tactical training classes.
100. Goats/chickens
My homeowner’s association would definitely not be OK with either one of them. With that said I would love to be able to move somewhere that I could keep one or the other or even both.
Well that’s the list please make suggestions and provide your thoughts on these items.
Be alert, get prepared, fight the good fight!
God bless and God save the Republic.