The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
1 | P a g e
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
2 | P a g e
Contents I. Disaster Preparedness the Essentials of Emergency Supplies ............................................ 3
II. Are You Prepared For a Natural Disaster? ......................................................................... 5
III. Survival Skills ..................................................................................................................... 7
IV. Using Proper Tools when you cook .................................................................................... 9
V. Oddball Items needed in the house During a Disasters .................................................... 10
VI. Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 29
VII. Final thoughts ................................................................................................................... 33
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
3 | P a g e
I. Disaster Preparedness the Essentials of Emergency Supplies
Whether it’s an earthquake, a flood, a tornado, a hurricane, or a brush
fire, we all need to be prepared. And what better way to ensure your family’s
wellbeing than to have the emergency supplies you need, always at hand? When
people feel prepared, they cope with emergencies better. So make it a family
project to assemble what you need.
Before disaster strikes
Although you can’t always know in advance when a particular disaster
will strike, seasonal or regional patterns can often tell you what to expect. Be
sure to have on hand the supplies your family will need.
Water: You should store at least one gallon of water
per person per day, for a minimum of three days. A normally
active person needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just
for drinking. Other needs include washing, cooking and
sanitation. Children, nursing mothers, and those who are ill
need more water. High temperatures can double the amount of
water needed.
To be prepared with the safest emergency supply, it is recommended you
purchase commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original
container and don’t open it until you need it. Store the containers in a cool, dark
place, and rotate them every six months.
Food: Include a three-day supply of non-
perishable food per person, avoiding items that will
make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole
grain cereals, and canned foods with high liquid
content. Stock canned foods, dry mixes, and other
staples that don’t require refrigeration, cooking, water,
or special preparation.
Individuals with special diets and allergies will need particular attention,
as will babies, toddlers and elderly people. Nursing mothers may need liquid
formula, in case they are unable to nurse. Canned dietetic foods, juices and
soups may be helpful for ill or elderly people.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
4 | P a g e
First-aid: A first-aid kit is another essential item. It should contain Band-
Aids, antibacterial cream, antiseptic /disinfectant wipes, Tylenol, Motrin,
Aspirin, tweezers, a small roll of medical tape, small dental emergency kit,
gauze and other items that can help you to treat scrapes, insect stings, splinters,
small eye injuries and a number of other minor injuries.
Multi-tool: A good multi-tool is an item that you should never leave
home without! Most models contain strong pliers, folding knife, small saw,
metal file, hole punch, flathead screwdriver, wood saw, wire cutter – and for
some scissors.
LED Flashlights (preferably hand crank, solar or
shakelight): You should own one or several LED flashlights.
I say several because they are now so inexpensive and readily
available that there is no reason to only own one. Make sure
you purchase lots of extra batteries when you buy them. It
should be durable, and non-incendive, meaning simply
that it cannot spark an explosion.
Personal hygiene kit: Personal hygiene is one
of the first things to go in a large disaster, and
maintaining your personal hygiene during disasters and
emergencies is of the highest order.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
5 | P a g e
II. Are You Prepared For a Natural Disaster?
With the various types of natural disasters that have taken place in recent
years, many people have started to realize that they may not be prepared for
such events to take place. No one wants to think it can happen to them. We have
all seen the footage of Hurricane Katrina and it was a reality. This type of
natural disaster is something that does happen to real people. Even the fires
spreading out of control in California remind us of the types of natural disasters
that can take place.
It is important to pay close attention to the warnings that hopefully will
be broadcast on TV and the internet if a natural disaster is possible. It is
unbelievable the number of people that ignore this information. If you are asked
to evacuate the area do so as quickly and calmly as you can. Rescue efforts may
not be available for those that remain behind. It is a good idea to have a battery
powered radio that you can carry with you to continue listening to the
instructions as you are traveling.
You should have an emergency supply kit on hand at all times just in case
you do happen to be in a location where a natural disaster happens. Bottled
water and canned foods can be stored for long periods of time. You want
enough for each family member for at least five days.
Should you have to remain on your own for a few days until rescue teams
can reach you these items will help you to survive. The food in your refrigerator
can spoil if the power goes down which is common after a natural disaster.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
6 | P a g e
Make sure you keep medications on hand for those that need them on a
regular basis. If you have small children in the home, make sure you have the
necessary supplies on hand for them. Stocking up on personal items such as
diapers, toilet paper, and toothpaste can help you stay healthy during a natural
disaster. Since you may be without power for several days you will want to
have lanterns and flashlights readily available.
A small first aid kit with essential items can be useful because you never
know when someone will be injured as a result of a natural disaster. Do your
best to clean the injury and prevent infection until proper medical care can be
received for the individual. Many people worry about their pets during a natural
disaster, but you may not be able to keep them with you during that time. If
possible though, store food for them as well so that you won’t be sharing the
food you stored for your family with them.
A natural disaster can be very scary for everyone, but especially for
children. Make sure that everyone is able to get plenty of rest and that children
are allowed to openly share their feelings. Too many parents think it is best not
to tell them what is going on, but that tends to make them more afraid as they
definitely know something is taking place around them.
Hopefully you will never have to experience a natural disaster, but it is
wise to be prepared. Having the essential items in place that you will need can
make the difference between your survival after the event takes place or your
death. It is a good idea to practice emergency procedures for natural disasters
with your family as well.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
7 | P a g e
III. Survival Skills
In case you have to spend any time in the wilderness, you'll need to have
the necessary skill set in order to tackle any threat to your wellbeing.
Survival means staying warm and dry, hydrated, uninjured, and finding
your way out of the wilderness. Of course, eating is crucial too, especially in
this kind of situations. Here are some survival skills you can learn easily.
Easy Survival Skills
1. Put dried moss or milkweed fuzz in your pocket as you walk, so you’ll
have dry tinder to start a fire, just in case it’s raining later. Cattail fuzz
works well too, and you can experiment with different materials.
2. If it looks and tastes like a blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry – it is.
There are no poisonous berries in North America that look like a
blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry. Take a taste, and just spit it out
completely if it doesn’t taste right.
3. Make a pile of dry leaves and dead grass to keep warm in an emergency. I
have slept warmly without a blanket, in below-freezing weather, in a pile
of dry grass.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
8 | P a g e
4. Put a stick upright in the ground, and mark the tip of the shadow. Mark it
again fifteen minutes later. Scratch a line between the first and second
mark, and it will be pointing west. Techniques like this can save you
when your compass is lost.
5. Clouds form in the Rocky Mountains just before the afternoon storms in
summer. Hikers are regularly killed by lightning in Colorado. Birds often
fly lower before storms. Learning to read the sky and the behavior of
animals can keep you out of trouble.
6. One of the biggest killers in the wilderness can be hypothermia, and
getting wet is the biggest cause. Get in the habit of watching for ledges or
large fir trees to stand under when you think that rain may be coming.
Learning to stay dry is one of the more important survival skills. The only
condition is that the storm isn't accompanied by lightning. If it is, you
must find a cave or other place for shelter.
7. To stay warmer, sleep with your head slightly downhill. It takes some
getting used to, but it works.
8. Get in the habit of filling water bottles every chance you get, and you
won’t have such a hard time with any long dry stretches of trail. Drink up
the last of your water right before you fill the bottles too.
9. Break a “blister” on the trunk of a small spruce or fir tree, and you can
use the sap that oozes out as a good antiseptic dressing for small cuts. It
also can be used to start a fire, and will burn when wet.
10. Bark from a white birch tree will usually light even when wet. In a jam,
you can also use it as a paper substitute if you need to leave a note in an
emergency.
The above are just a few tips and techniques you can easily learn.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
9 | P a g e
IV. Using Proper Tools when you cook
In case of a disaster or any crisis is in your area and you are able to stay
in your home, you may want to be prepared. When you make your preparations
for a long term survival situation, you want to make sure you cover the basics:
water, food, shelter, batteries. If you want to know how to keep your food in a
good state and which are the best ways to storage your food, please read the
following chapter.
Storing Food, the Basics
Foods stored in the freezer or refrigerator should be sealed in order to
avoid the spoilage of aliments. It is crucial to keep raw meats and poultry sealed
as best as possible due to their tendency to drip and seep bacteria into foods not
intended for cooking or even your leftovers. This can cause a common illness
called “food poisoning”.
Perishable foods should be kept at a temperature of 35 to 40 degrees
Fahrenheit to maximize freshness. These foods include, but are not limited to:
all meats (beef, pork, poultry, fresh water fish and seafood), eggs, all dairy
products (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.), most fruits, and most vegetables.
Why does cooling or refrigerating help preserve
foods? Well the basic science is simple. Temperature is a
measurement which tells us how fast molecules are
moving. The refrigerator is a tool which slows the
molecules in food thus decreasing the rate at which the
food spoils. The warmer the food is the faster the rate of
spoilage, which is why freezing our food is so
advantageous. Freeze foods at temperatures lower than
zero degrees Fahrenheit for longer storage periods.
This list can go on for quite a few pages, but what about thinking at other
necessary tools? In case you are in time of war, disaster or crisis in order to
prepare your food you’ll need a lot of tools. In the following lines I will show
you a list of what you should procure in order to have things in your kitchen that
no one else has.
These tools can help you prepare your food or keep it in good condition.
Imagine how powerful that would make you in any post-TSHTF barter
situation.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
10 | P a g e
V. Oddball Items needed in the house During a Disasters
I will present you “oddball” items that you never would have thought of
and some you have never seen on any other survival checklist.
#1. Plastic, cellophane
Useful in any area of plastic items are ideal for any
type of needs and meet any exigencies. These include
storage items, plates, bowls, bins, trays for children and
kitchen items. It ensures a high level resistance at the
usage. Foods stored in the refrigerator or freezer should
be in excellently wrapped packaging such as cellophane and tin foil or in sealed
containers such as zip lock bags and plastic bowls with lids and locking
mechanisms. A pad lock is suggested to keep kids and spouses out of your
favorite ice creams. The main point is that the food is sealed; nothing gets in
nothing gets out. Food sealed effectively preserves flavor and moisture also thwarting any
attempts of other foods with dripping juices and stronger aromas seeping out
and transferring into dishes they are not meant to be in. Not to mention making
a refrigerator much fresher and easier to clean. Pack emergency supplies listed below in bags or boxes made from
resistant plastic and place them in safe places in the house: in the closet under
the stairs. It must be easy to carry; in case of emergency you can take them with
you. Choose food that should not be refrigerated, cooked or prepared that can
be eaten by the whole family. Here are the best examples:
Canned food preparations: boiled beans, peas, fish, meat, fruits,
vegetables, cereals, candy.
Pasteurized milk, juice, coffee, tea (bottled)
Sugar, salt, pepper, instant
Do not forget the forks, knives, spoons
Special food for children or for people who require a special diet
(diabetes)
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
11 | P a g e
If you have pets do not forget to set aside food for
them. Also, identification ID of the family like passport and
ID card should be kept in a safe place and must be stored in
plastic bags that are tightly sealed. The main idea is that
products like cellophane are ideal for packaging and
transporting various food products and non-food type.
#2. Toilet paper, paper wipes and towels
Toilet paper is suitable for frequent use and is intended for household use.
Towels and roller towels are easy to use and indispensable in any kitchen. Paper
towels soak up water because they are loosely woven which enables water to
travel between them, even against gravity.
Paper towels can be individually packed (as stacks of
folded towels or held coiled) or come in rolls. It has similar
purposes to conventional towels, such as drying hands, wiping
windows, dusting, and cleaning up spills.
Table napkins are super absorbent and are very practical. Folded towels
ensure optimal absorption while being sensitive to skin contact. They are
available in various quantities, colors and number of layers. You can
definitively use tissues and paper towels in the kitchen if you want to cook or
pack aliments and to erase something sticky.
In case of emergency, you can use the paper tissues for your primary
needs. Tissues and paper towels are useful in other circumstances like keeping
your nose clean or your hands dried.
When is mess in the kitchen and you have no spare rags, toilet paper and
wipes can help you perfectly. It's good when you cook, to have a
clean kitchen.
Wipes and toilet paper can be useful for you if you want
to have a clean room to cook.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
12 | P a g e
#3. Sealing clips
A sealing clip is a clip that is useful when
you want to store your food in good conditions.
Clips are a perfect tool if you want to keep the
food fresh, seal food or aliment bags. Also, they
are freezer-safe and dishwasher-safe.
In case you need to store some food, you must know that with these clip
you can fast clip and seal.
#4. Wood boards
What You Can Do with a Wood Cutting Board Inside of the Kitchen
Anything you can do with a small piece of
wood, you can do with a wooden cutting board.
It's a pretty versatile thing in the realm of re-
purposing. In case you need a little jump start on
some ideas, here are some examples for
inspiration:
Use it to top an ottoman coffee table, in lieu of glass or a tray.
You can use a cutting board instead of a tray anywhere, really.
Use a bunch of them to make a coffee table.
Use it as a platform or foundation and use it as a shelf for your kitchen.
It can be handy for improvised rafts.
#5. Lighters & matches
In case of any disaster you can easily remain
without any source of energy like: electricity and
gas. In those moments you should be prepared. You
should have in your house at least a dozen of
matches in case you want to prepare some food or to
warm yourself.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
13 | P a g e
If you do not have gas, the lighter or some matches can be useful to
kindle fire. A few wooden sticks, ignited by a matches or a lighter, can help you
cook the food even if you do not have gas. You will not depend of your electric
stove or oven.
Also, you can use lighter papers that are actually
paper shredder mixed with sawdust and pressed when
they are still wet to keep the form. Paper briquettes are
dried and used as fuel in terracotta stoves or oven with
wood.
In those moments of crises, lighters and matches can be the best solution
for you if you don’t want to starve.
#6. Gas tank
There's a good chance that the gas will be cut once a
disaster hits. In case of any emergency like this, it is good
to have a gas tank at home. Buy yourself at least a bottle
as back-up just to be on the safe side.
The cylinder helps you cook and in this way you
don’t have to eat raw meat or uncooked vegetables. It may
help to heat a room, and to make fire, etc.
#7. Lamp, lamp wicks and gas
Gas lamp is a source of light, powerful enough for illuminating tents,
shelters or houses without an electricity source. It can be used with gas bottles
with standard valve. It can be equipped with hanging chain. It has glass cylinder
around the sleeve incandescent.
The main idea is: in case of something going wrong
and you remain in the dark without any source of light; a
lamp is a very good idea. In this way, you can make light in
the room where you are staying. For example: in case of an
earthquake, the energy from your house could be down and a
lamp would be more useful than ever.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
14 | P a g e
If you buy a lamp, don’t forget about its wicks and gas. Without it, you
could use the lamp just to decorate your house and it’s the last thing you want in
case of a disaster.
#8. Can opener
A lot of canned products are now being
packaged with pop tops, but get a good can
opener for the others. There are some electric
that sell for reasonable prices and do a good job,
but get a manual one too.
When the power goes out, it can be frustrating not to be able to open the
cans. The best opener is also the simplest opener. It is very efficient in the
kitchen.
The manual can-opener is a device used for many years to open cans.
It requires fewer resources to make.
Use no energy; only require the use of your hands.
They are cheaper to buy.
It is easy to store and easy to clean.
#9. Food hanging rope
In case something wrong is happening and you need a lot of space to
deposit your food, this rope could be useful for you. You could storage your
food by hanging it on the rope. In this way you save up on the storage space and
can store it all in one place.
The rope for hanging the food was used by our
grandparents to dry the food. Now it is used by the
butchers to hang the meat. It’s an excellent idea to keep
your food up, possibly at the level of your eyes to be able
to keep it safe.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
15 | P a g e
#10. Manual juicers
In case you will be forced by circumstances to stay
in the house, it is not recommended to eat only meat. On
the contrary, consuming fruits and vegetables is healthy
anytime and manual juicers are the best way to prepare
your favorite juice full of vitamins.
Choosing a Juicer
There are many advantages to eating fruit and vegetables. Water-soluble
vitamins (such as vitamin C) are destroyed by heating, so there will be less
vitamin C in a cooked carrot than in a similar raw carrot.
You can assimilate the nutrients easily by cooking or juicing. It is more
nutritious. Cooking and juicing breaks down tough fibers and allows the
digestive juices to work more effectively on the vegetable. This is particularly
important for someone who is elderly, ill or who has impaired digestion.
Carotenoids are plant pigments that give yellow, orange and red fruit and
vegetables their color. Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants, so have a role in
helping us fight old age and cancer.
Juicing fruit and vegetables is an excellent way to combine the
advantages of both raw and cooked. There are a lot of different juicers out there,
so I after a long research I discovered more information about juicing and
juicers.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
16 | P a g e
The high mineral and nutrient content, combined with the vibrant life-
energy of fresh fruits and vegetables, makes pure, fresh juice a part of a healthy
person’s diet.
Making fresh juices provides you with the same live enzymes that are
available in raw fresh fruit and vegetables. These fresh raw foods give you more
energy, and you feel it as soon as you drink it. It can clear your head and make
you feel light and energetic.
There are basically two types of juicers: centrifugal juicers and
masticating juicers.
Centrifugal juicer merely grates fruits and
vegetables, leaving strings of unbroken cells. The pulp
usually remains very moist, because the process has not
extracted all the juice. Not only is this more wasteful, but
the juice is paler, more watery, lower in nutrient value and
often quite insipid in flavor.
Masticating juicers provide richer, more flavorful, nutritious juices. They
more thoroughly break up fruit or vegetables, and press out the juice from the
resulting pulp inside a nose cone with a narrow opening.
This is far more efficient than centrifugal action. A good masticating
juicer will extract up to five times more nutrients than centrifugal juicers. Many
masticating juicers will also make smoothies, purees, nut butters, pasta, baby
foods and frozen fruit ice creams.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
17 | P a g e
#11. Rain gauge
A rain gauge could be the best option in case you are stuck near your
house and you don’t have potable water to drink. You know very well that you
can’t survive without water more than a few days. It is difficult for you to keep
your body hydrated if you don’t have water.
The rain gauge is a device for collecting and measuring the amount of
rain that falls. So if it’s raining, that could be your chance to gather some rain
water that you can drink. In my opinion a rain gauge is an efficient tool to use in
case a disaster is happening.
#12. Mix system of water filtration
Charcoal water filter, Reverse Osmosis Water Filter, water softener/
Potable aqua water treatment tablets
Water is the most precious commodity. Access to clean water is
paramount for survival.
I know I said that water is a basic need, but if you have dirty water
around is not good for you because you can’t drink it and automatically you
can’t cook with it.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
18 | P a g e
Water filters will help you clean water of dangerous viruses and bacteria,
so that you will not contact Cholera or any other type of germ. If you don’t have
clean water to drink you will not survive much time. It is important to have
healthy water which will be useful when you cook or heat your food. A water
filter will help you maintain clean the water that you drink and wash with.
Potable Aqua tablets provide
purified drinking water. PA tablets remove
iodine taste and color. This is the most
important aspect from all:
Keeping your water clean in order to
maintain you healthy.
#13. Containers and markers for containers
Using proper food storage is very important to your health and your
family’s health. It is up to you to provide proper storage solutions for every type
of food that comes into your home.
This is no easy task. If you plan to store large amounts of food, you need
to have the room to do so. It is also important to realize that foods go bad quite
easily and quickly. Taking the time to find the right solution to your food
storage needs can even help you save money and the most important for you to
not starve.
Do not use plastic containers to heat food because they contain
substances that are harmful to health. You must have in the kitchen containers
for storing cooked food, fruits, vegetables and dairy products.
Choose the right size
It is very important that when we buy
food containers, to choose depending on
how we use them. If you want a casserole for
cooked food, it must be taller and larger.
Contrary, if you want to store the casserole
cheese or berries, cherries then casserole
should be lower.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
19 | P a g e
Do not buy blindly, just because you really like the design or shape of the
container. It might as, once you’re home to find that size of the casserole does
not fit with the amount of food you want to deposit.
The cover should close tightly
If you look for a container for storing cooked meals, soups or meals with
more sauce you would have to be extremely careful in how well the lid is
closing.
Search for resealable containers in order to
ensure that your food doesn't spill. The way of
clamping the lid is perhaps the most important
"feature" of casseroles and another reason: a
hermetically sealed lid will not let odors into the
room.
The markers for containers
There's always a chance that you'll need to survive on your food supply
for a long period of time. In order to keep your containers organized, it is better
to note on each of them what it contains.
When a crisis arrives, the last thing you’ll
want to do is search through containers to see
what is inside of each. Buy some markers for
containers and write what is inside each of them.
It will be much easier for you to find the type of
food you’re looking for.
Purchasing and Storing
It is quite important for you to purchase foods that are in good condition
especially if you will have them in your home for a long period of time. But,
you can also package them to make them last longer. For example, fresh
produce such as vegetables and fruits can be canned or placed into a vacuum
sealing to keep them fresh much longer.
For meats, it is important to use them within their date or to freeze them.
You should freeze them properly without defrosting them more than once to
use. You can also use a vacuum sealer to do this work as well.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
20 | P a g e
Having Enough Room
One of the biggest problems that many have when it comes to food
storage is that it is hard to find enough room in our kitchen cabinets for the
products that we purchase.
In order to have enough room, you can
think outside the box. Using your fridge and
freezer effectively is one thing. You can store
canned goods in boxes in a cool location as
well. You can add bins or containers to your
kitchen as well.
Using proper food storage means keeping everyone satiated and healthy
even in case of crisis.
#14. Utensils for Repairing the Sink
In case of war or other crises you will not
have the plumber come to your home to fix your
sink, to unclog and help you with this kind of
repairs. Everybody will be on their own and
you’ll have to buy proper utensils for repairing
the sink.
The sink is very important in the kitchen especially when you want to
cook because it is the place where you wash the meat, vegetables and other
ailments. In order to be able to repair the sink you have to invest in some
utensils like: sloppy sink pump, gaskets, washers, tap/ battery, pipes, etc.
Of course, owning the tools and not knowing how to use them isn't a
great idea. So learn how to use each tool and how to fix sinks and other things
that could break down.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
21 | P a g e
#15. Cast iron frying pans
Cast iron frying pan is a versatile workhorse and no other pan even comes
close to its league.
Cast iron cookware has excellent heat
retention properties, and can be produced
and formed with a relatively low level of
technology. Seasoning is used to protect bare
cast iron from rust and to create a non-stick
surface.
Types of bare cast iron cookware include Panini presses, waffle irons,
crepe makers, Dutch ovens, frying pans, deep fryers, tetsubin, woks, potjies,
karahi, flattop grills and griddles.
Iron pans retain heat well and, due to their thickness, food does not burn.
An iron pan forms naturally its own non-adherent and not harmful layer.
Although at high temperatures small amounts of iron can be released in the
food, it is not toxic and is very useful for people which are suffering from an
iron deficiency.
But their use is not recommended for boiling liquids because of the risk
that too much iron can reach the food and interfere with absorption of nutrients
from food.
#16. Dutch ovens
A Dutch oven is a thick-walled (usually cast
iron, but also ceramic and clay) cooking pot with a
tight-fitting lid. This kind of ovens are well suited
for long, slow cooking, such as in making roasts,
stews, and casseroles. Virtually any recipe that can
be cooked in a conventional oven can be cooked in
a Dutch oven.
Dutch oven cooking is one of the best ways to make meals in case you
can’t cook with gas. A large and deep Dutch oven will have room for many
serving sizes so that you can feed an entire family.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
22 | P a g e
In case of a crisis, the sources of gas will be off. A Dutch oven doesn’t
need it. You can make a fire with woods and after that, put the oven full of food
on it. The Dutch oven resist at high temperatures.
Dutch ovens are great for breakfast, not just dinner so you can use it
easily in case of any emergency. It is good for any kind of food because this
oven can be a replace tool for any pan, grill or pot.
#17. Space Saver Cup
Finally, no more wasted space when you
packing a cup. The unique design of this space
saver cup allows you to fit another cups or bottles
inside it. Made from high-quality stainless steel, the
wire handles fold flat to save space and extend
enough to use the cup to cook without burning your
fingers. Also, it is great as a measuring cup with
easy to read graduations on the side of the cup.
Remember, you goal is to make a better storage of the food and tools in
order to have more space. I think this tool is ok to be procured. In case of any
disaster it will be very useful.
#18. Wood
Are you prepared for a worst case
scenario? Imagine that a tragedy is coming and
you are helpless, what you’ll do then? It’s better
to be prepared before the tragedy is happening.
Wood can be a key tool in your house if you want to survive in normal
conditions. It can be used as sound insulation material. It is a poor conductor of
heat, so it is very suitable as thermal insulation.
The wood is used for multiple purposes and in many forms, but the most
important is the global use as fuel. You can use the wood in case you don't have
gas. If you need to cook, a fire will be perfect to make your meal. Also, it could
be used in case you want to warm some water, to warm yourself and your
family, etc.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
23 | P a g e
#19. Tools for Hunting
The food you already storage will not last forever. You have to be
prepared in case you will be needed to procure the food alone. You will need
entire hunting equipment in order to be able to hunt.
Maybe you think I’m joking or messing with you, but imagine you and
your family still alive after a huge disaster without any source of food. The first
thing you’ll want to do will be eating in order to avoid starvation. Hunting specially requires suitable clothing and equipment that would
protect the hunters from extreme conditions. To ensure safety during hunting, it
is really essential to be prepared with a proper hunting gear. Hunting gear mostly consists of clothes, under wears, caps, jackets,
knifes, gloves, compass, boots, gaiters etc.
Body Protection
For your body protection you should keep at least
2 pairs of clothes suitable to the temperature conditions
of your location. This also includes special type of under
wears which are designed to keep your body warm or
cool as per the environment.
For hunting, it is best to choose clothing made of cotton or wool rather
than nylon jackets or rain suits as they are produce lots of noise when you move
about.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
24 | P a g e
To have a firm grip, to be able to run fast and to
stay protected from many types of ground insects,
choosing the proper type of foot wear is essential. One of
the best options is to go for a light weighted ranger foot
wear as it is both strong and less in weight.
Last but not least hunting gloves are a must, as they keep your hands
protected, make it easier to keep them warm or cool and also help you have a
better and firm grip.
Tools and Equipment
It’s always better to have a sleek and easy to reload rifle. For starters it is
always advised to have a light weighted rifle.
It is always better to carry even alternative firearm, like handguns as they
are very light and can perform quite well when equipped with a telescope.
Another important tool is the knife as it always serves in an essential hunting
gear for many unexpected situations.
Other important stuff
Hunting involves a lot of navigation in unknown places, so carrying a
map, binoculars and GPS can be helpful.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
25 | P a g e
#20. Plant pots for starting seedlings
These survival seeds grow easily and have nutritional content.
Barley can be planted in the spring and winter. It has the best results
when planted early in the season.
This grain has loads of health benefits and a variety of
purposes like major implications for those who are
concerned with maximizing longevity, avoiding disease,
increasing athletic performance, and fighting obesity.
Beans are very high in fiber, calcium, Vitamins A, C and
K. They should be planted in the early summer and are one of
the easiest vegetables to grow. Staggering your plantings will
give continuous yields.
Broccoli is a good source of protein, Vitamins A and K.
It is a vegetable that grows fast. Plant seeds in mid to late
summer to be ready for the fall harvest. This plant has a
tendency to give yields past its first harvest. And can take
light frost with no problem.
Carrot is high in beta carotene and vitamin A. It
prefers cooler weather and should be grown in the fall, winter
and early spring. Also, it grows easily.
Cauliflower is high in dietary fiber, Vitamin C and K.
This vegetable is a cool season vegetable. It harvests over a
short period of time and cuts out a high head yield.
Corn is a warm weather crop and should be planted
after last frost. Has a good amount of proteins, calcium and
iron. The plant will produce two ears per stalk.
Cucumber is good sources of Vitamins A, C, K and
potassium. This is a warm weather crop and one of the
easiest vegetables to grow. Continuous picking increases the
plant’s production.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
26 | P a g e
Eggplant is a night shade vegetable, high in fiber,
antioxidants, and a good source of vitamins B1 and B6.
Eggplants are warm weather plants and should be planted
after last frost. This is a very versatile vegetable to cook
with.
Kale is considered a super food due to its high
vitamin content and very easy to grow. You can plant kale
anytime from early spring to early summer. If you plant
kale late in the summer you can harvest it from fall until
the ground freezes in winter.
Lettuce is packed with essential vitamins and
proteins, iron and calcium. Plant it two weeks before last
frost as well as in the fall 6-8 weeks before the first frost
date. It is one of the earliest crops to harvest. There are
many different varieties that offer different nutritional
content. This plant grows quickly and harvest can be
extended by taking a few leaves at a time.
Melon is a good source of fiber, B6 and folate. Plant
it 4 weeks after the last frost as these fruits are intolerant to
cold weather. Cantaloupes and Melon varieties need lots of
space to grow. Getting the dwarf size of these fruits can save
space. One melon plant will produce two melons.
Okra contains a high quantity of vitamin A, K and
folate, and calcium. It can be plant 2 weeks after last frost.
This vegetable has a variety of uses in soups, pickled or
canned.
Onion and Garlic are a good source of dietary fiber,
Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, folate and potassium. It is
recommended to plant the onion in mid to late October.
Onions can be pulled earlier and used for green onions.
Peanuts are a good source for healthy fats, Vitamin E,
protein and antioxidants. This is a hot season plant and should
be planted in April until Early June.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
27 | P a g e
Peas are a good source of protein, fiber and have a good
source of 8 different vitamins including vitamin A, B6, and K.
This is a winter loving plant that is resistant to frost.
Additionally, these vegetables grow easily.
Peppers grow after the last frost. There are many
varieties of peppers as well as choices on if you want them to
be hot or mild. Sweet peppers grow easy. The more peppers
are harvested, the more the plant will produce. Peppers are
high in Vitamin A and C.
Potatoes are high in fiber, Vitamin B6, Potassium and
Vitamin C. Plant 4-6 weeks before last frost. 1 plant yields
5-6 young potatoes.
Pumpkins are packed with vitamins such as thiamine,
niacin, Vitamin B6, folate, iron, Vitamin A, C and E. Start
planting pumpkin seeds in the late spring. Pumpkins require
lots of room for the vines to grow.
Radishes are high in Vitamin B6, dietary fiber, Vitamin
C and iron. It can be started 4-6 weeks before last frost. Many
have had success growing radishes in the fall as well.
Radishes are very tolerant of weather conditions.
Spinach is a super food based upon its large array of
vitamins such as Vitamin A, C, iron, thiamine, thiamine and
folic acid. It grows best in cool weather.
Squash is a good source of Vitamin A, B6, C, K, and
dietary fiber. There are both summer squash and winter
squash varieties. Most are prolific producers. Picking
squash regularly encourages a higher yield.
Tomatoes are a good source of Vitamin A, C, K, E,
Potassium, thiamine and Niacin. Plant tomatoes in the late
spring and plant it again in the late summer. One of the
advantages of planting tomatoes is that it grows fast.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
28 | P a g e
Turnips/Rutabagas are high in B6, Vitamin C, Iron
and Calcium. Seeds should be sown in late May or early
summer. Turnips are fairly disease free and easily cared for.
The greens as well as the root can be eaten.
Wheat is high in copper, zinc, iron and potassium. Winter wheat can be
planted from late September to mid-October. This is the preferred variety due to
the nutritional content as well as the protection it gives the soil in the wintertime
compared to spring wheat.
Spring wheat is planted in early spring. This is one
of the most commonly used food crops in the world.
Planting a 10×10 plot will yield enough wheat to obtain
between 10-25 loaves of bread. Moreover, wheat can be
sprouted for added nutrients or trimmed for wheat grass in
fresh juice.
Having a wide array of food choices when times get tough will keep
spirits up, nutrition high and give each person a high amount of energy.
Do research and find the best plants for you and your family. Become
familiar with planting cycles at a local level. Finding pertinent information
regarding soil conditions, natural fertilizers, and germination of seeds can get
you ready for a good planting season.
The more prepping you do on this, the better your family will eat
when they need food the most.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
29 | P a g e
VI. Recommendations
To be able of surviving an earthquake or any kind of disaster, you should
always be prepared for the worse. The following are key stuff to bring with you
that can help you survive.
Putting Together a Home Earthquake Kit
If you live in an area prone to seismic activity, it’s vitally important that
you have an earthquake kit in your house or in your car so that you’ll have
emergency supplies if you need them. Even if you don’t live in an area that is
prone to earthquakes, you might want to create a basic disaster survival kit to be
used in case of tornados or other types of natural disasters.
Ideally, your earthquake kit should contain enough supplies for you and
your family to survive for a period of up to three days. Beyond the basic
considerations of food and water that are physically necessary for survival, you
will also need a few additional items to help you make it through the aftermath
of an earthquake.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
30 | P a g e
One of the first things that you’ll need is some sort of light source in case
the electricity has been knocked out in your area. Since you’re going to want to
make sure that your light will work when needed, your best bet is to choose an
LED flashlight or lantern since they have a drastically reduced energy usage and
will keep a charge longer in storage than most standard flashlights.
Test any LED flashlight that you have
every few months to make sure that it still works,
and if you’re using an LED lantern that has
multiple lighting modes then you should take the
time to test every one of its modes.
Another essential piece of equipment is a multi-purpose tool that has
knife blades, pliers, screwdrivers, and even saw blades and can openers in it. Be
sure to store your multi-purpose tool with your LED lantern or LED flashlights
so that you can find it quickly once you’ve located your light source. You’d be
amazed at how useful a multi-purpose tool can be after an earthquake, and you
may even find uses for it that you’ve never considered.
Also in your earthquake kit should be a fully-stocked first aid kit so that
you can treat any injuries that might have occurred during the earthquake. Make
sure that you have common items such as blankets, toilet paper, and hand
sanitizer with your first aid kit so that you can cover basic needs and provide
warmth and sanitation for anyone who is suffering from shock.
Other useful things to include in your earthquake kit are enough money or
traveler's checks to be able to meet any monetary needs that you might have in
case the banks are closed due to the earthquake.
You should also have a safe with copies of any
important documents that you don’t want to be lost or
damaged in an earthquake, as well as clean clothes for both
warm and cold weather so that you and your family won’t be
forced to wear the same clothes for several days in a row.
Make sure that you check the expiration dates on any food or medicine
that you keep in your earthquake kit, and change out any stored water that you
have every few months. This will prevent you or your family members from
getting sick due to expired food or stale water.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
31 | P a g e
Preparing an earthquake kit is an important activity that should be done as
a family to ensure that everyone knows how to use the items inside and where
to find it if an earthquake occurs. Being prepared for a disaster may very well
save a person’s life.
In any survival situation, if you want to be able to cook and storage your
food in normal conditions, in your kitchen you will need aliments bags and
garbage bags.
Aliments bags
Some foods need to be kept in the fridge to help stop bacteria growing.
These include foods with a "use-by" date, cooked foods and ready-to-eat foods,
such as desserts and cooked meats.
These bags are essential for food storage. In case something bad is
happening, you’ll not have time every day to cook so it’s better for you to cook
in advance and put some reserve in aliments bags like: baked peppers,
eggplants, meat, etc.
It's particularly important to store meat safely in the fridge to stop
bacteria from spreading and avoid food poisoning.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
32 | P a g e
Re-using bags
With more and more people re-using carrier bags, whether for
environmental reasons or to avoid paying for new ones, the following tips will
help prevent bacteria spreading to ready-to-eat food:
Keep raw meat and fish separate from ready-to-eat foods in separate bags.
If you use re-useable bags, keep one or two just for use with raw meat and fish
and don't use the same bags for ready-to-eat foods.
Re-useable bags (and single-use carrier bags) should be disposed of if
there are spillages of raw meat juices.
After or before you cook is important to put the food first in special
aliments bags/ carrier bags and after that in the fridge or in freezer.
Garbage bags
There is nothing worse than seeing garbage blowing down the street of
your neighborhood. Wildlife is just as vulnerable to garbage and many animals
have lost their lives after becoming tangled in waste or mistaking garbage for
food.
It is up to you to make an effort to minimize this unsightly, and
sometimes hazardous, problem. With what helps garbage bags at cooking? It's
very simple: if you do not take garbage bags with you, you will fill all the
kitchen garbage. You do not want that. The best and hygienic is to throw
leftovers and other garbage in garbage bags.
By keeping garbage in its place like garbage bags, you are making the
world just a little better for everyone.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
33 | P a g e
VII. Final thoughts
Even it is a crisis situation you have to take care what you eat and in what
circumstances. You have to take care of the cleaning and sanitary conditions:
Keep food in covered containers.
Keep cooking and eating utensils clean.
Keep garbage in closed containers and dispose outside, burying garbage if
necessary.
Keep your hands clean by washing them frequently with soap and water
that has been boiled or disinfected.
Discard any food that has come into contact with contaminated
floodwater.
Discard any food that has been at room temperature for two hours or
more.
Discard any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture.
Use ready-to-feed formula, if possible, for formula-fed infants. If using
ready-to-feed formula is not possible, it is best to use bottled water to
prepare powdered or concentrated formula. If bottled water is not
available, use boiled water. Use treated water to prepare formula only if
you do not have bottled or boiled water. Breastfed infants should continue
breastfeeding
Do not:
Eat foods from cans that are swollen, dented or corroded, even though the
product may look safe to eat.
Eat any food that looks or smells abnormal, even if the can looks normal.
Let garbage accumulate inside, both for fire and sanitation reasons.
The Top 20 Oddball Things to Store before TSHTF
34 | P a g e
Flood, fire, national disaster or the loss of power from high winds, snow
or ice could jeopardize the safety of your food. Knowing what to do before and
after an emergency can help you reduce your risk of illness and minimize the
amount of food that may be lost due to spoilage.
Power outages can occur at any time of the year and it may take from a
few hours to several days for electricity to be restored to residential areas.
Without electricity or a cold source, food stored in refrigerators and freezers can
become unsafe. Bacteria in food grow rapidly, and if these foods are consumed,
people can become very sick.
In any crisis, people will get panicked and will not be able to think
straight. This is why it is important to store in time some additional things that
can help you prepare your food or keep it in good condition.