Editor’s Commentary: In the article below by our great friends at Natural News, author Zoey Sky lists the 50 items she believes everyone should have before the crap hits the fan. I adore Zoey’s writing, but I have to admit that putting together a list with a perfectly round number rubs me the wrong way because it makes me wonder, “Were there 53 but she dropped three of them because she wanted to hit the 50 mark? Or were there 48 but she added two that weren’t really necessary?”
Anyway, nitpicking aside, I do have two additions for this list. First and foremost, if you’re a Bible-believing Christian there is no prepper list that can be complete without multiple Bibles ready to go. We have at least a dozen we’ve accumulated over the years, and knowing my wife there are probably a dozen others I’ve never even seen. Some are small, some are large. Different translations. Whether the crap hits the fan or not, the most important thing on either side of the apocalypse is your Bible. Today, most have easy access to it. In the future, you may be wishing you did.
The other addition I would put on this list is firearms and ammunition. She lists stun guns and pepper spray for self-defense which are acceptable when on the move and only need to slow an assailant while you run away, but they are NOT acceptable self-defense weapons for home safety if the crap hits the fan. Neither is guaranteed to stop an assailant, nor are they great against multiple assailants. Moreover, what are you going to do if someone enters your home in a collapsed society in which you cannot just have the police come to pick them up after you pepper spray them? Are you going to drag them outside and hope they don’t come back? Then, of course, there’s the old adage, “Never bring pepper spray to a gun fight.”
Otherwise, this is a great starter list for “Late Preppers.” I would STRONGLY recommend everyone visits my preparedness page. We hand-selected sponsors based on two criteria: (1) Quality of products, and (2) Are they patriotic, America-First companies? We have excellent options for long-term storage food, precious metals, bugout bags, med kits, solar power, long-term storage antibiotics… check it out for yourself.
Here’s Zoey’s list…
Many life-threatening situations can catch preppers off-guard. But you can prepare for most disasters by stocking up on essential supplies like food and survival gear.
And while even the most experienced prepper can’t anticipate all disaster scenarios, knowing you’re prepared can help ease some of your worries. Detailed below are 50 survival items you should always have in your home before SHTF. (h/t to AskAPrepper.com)
Alternative power sources
These alternative power sources will come in handy if the power goes out at night.
Flashlight
If the power goes off, you will need a sturdy flashlight and batteries to navigate home.
You can also keep things hands-free by getting headlamps, while lanterns will also help keep your home lit.
Generator
An emergency backup generator can help keep the lights on at home during a power outage. It will also keep your electric appliances working.
Hand-crank radios
A cordless hand-crank radio will be an essential source of weather alerts, power and light after SHTF.
Matches
You will need matches, especially waterproof ones, to help start fires in a damp area or light candles.
Spare light bulbs
Keep spare light bulbs at home in case the ones you are using are burned out and it isn’t safe to get new ones after SHTF.
Health and safety supplies
The supplies will help keep your home clean and prevent infections.
Bleach
Bleach is a versatile ingredient that can be used as a disinfectant to kill bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Essential hygiene items
You need assorted hygiene items to maintain proper hygiene and avoid the spread of disease.
Fire extinguisher
Make sure you have a fire extinguisher at home to help extinguish or control fires.
First aid kit
Your SHTF first aid kit should include the following items:
- Antacid
- Antiseptic wipes
- Bandages (assorted sizes)
- Burn gel
- Cough drops
- Gloves
- Hydrocortisone anti-itch cream
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Laxatives
- Medicines
- Petroleum jelly
- Rubbing alcohol
- Scissors
- Splints
- Thermometers
- Tweezers
Hand warmers
If you lose power in the winter, hand warmers will provide heat. They can also provide soothing heat for muscular or joint aches.
Insecticide
Use insecticides at home in cases of pests and disease outbreaks.
Moist towelettes
If you don’t have hand sanitizers or access to soap and running water, use moist towelettes to sanitize a dirty surface.
Respirator masks and gas masks
When environmental disasters strike, a respirator mask will help protect your family from the contaminated air.
If you find yourself stuck in a pandemic, chemical or biological attack, using a gas mask may be the difference between life and death.
Seeds for medicinal plants
You will want to grow your own medicinal herbs in your home garden when going to the pharmacy isn’t an option.
A shovel
A shovel can be used to dig in your garden, or it can be used as a makeshift weapon for self-defense.
Sanitation and hygiene
These must-have items will keep your home clean and sanitized even after SHTF.
Garbage bags
Get sturdy garbage bags to get rid of waste properly and keep your home clean.
Off-grid laundry
When there is a power outage, you can use five-gallon buckets, a washboard and clothespins to wash and dry clothes even if you can’t use your washing machine.
Portable toilets
If you need portable toilets after SHTF, get a five-gallon bucket that can be emptied at a distance from your homestead.
Self-defense
When SHTF, you may need these tools for self-defense.
Stun gun
Keep a self-defense weapon like a stun gun at home in case looters try to steal from your property during civil unrest.
Pepper spray
Pepper spray is another non-lethal self-defense item you should keep at home for emergencies. If you prefer something stronger, learn how to use your firearm of choice properly and stock up on extra ammo.
Bedding items
These items will ensure that you get a good night’s rest even after SHTF.
Emergency blanket
Emergency blankets will keep your body warm and prevent your body from losing heat, which can help save your life if you are suffering from hypothermia.
Extra pillows
Make sure you also have extra pillows at home so you can sleep well after disaster strikes.
Spare items
These spare items are useful for charging small devices or miscellaneous needs around the house.
Extra batteries
You’ll need lots of extra batteries for small items like flashlights and headlamps.
Notepad and pen
Use a notepad to stay organized, like keeping track of your food supplies.
If someone gets sick, write down someone’s symptoms and times they occur in case your doctor needs it.
Power bank
With a power bank, you can recharge your cell phone or flashlight.
Spare chargers
Always keep a spare USB and long cable charger for your phone and other rechargeable devices.
Spare glasses or contact lenses
If you or someone else in the family wears eyeglasses, you will need spare glasses or contact lenses in case something happens to your usual pair.
Spare home keys
Keep spare home keys so you can unlock the front door if you lose or can’t find your usual keys.
Food and water supplies
Food and water supplies are crucial if you plan on bugging in or staying at home after SHTF.
Food
Stock up on dry foods that can be stored for a long time like dried fruit or canned food. (Related: Food preservation 101: A step-by-step guide to air-drying fruits.)
Pet food and supplies
If you have pets, you also need to stock up on pet food and supplies so you can provide for their needs in case of emergencies.
Water
Always store clean water for drinking, cooking and sanitation for the whole family.
Water filter
You will need a water filter in case you lose access to clean running water and you have to filter rainwater or water from wild sources.
Vegetable seeds
With vegetable seeds you can grow your own food in a home garden.
User-friendly kitchen items
Use these tools for cooking and food prep when SHTF.
Aluminum foil
Use aluminum foil to store leftover food or for cooking over flames.
Cast iron cookware
Cast iron pans are heavy duty and they can withstand high temperatures. Cast iron cookware is best for cooking over a direct flame on a campfire.
Insulated ice chests
Use insulated ice chests to keep your food cold when the power is out and you can’t use refrigerators.
Propane heater
Use a propane heater at home to heat water, cook and even dry clothes.
Rocket stove
When the power grid goes down, you can use a rocket stove to cook since it doesn’t need electricity.
Seasoned firewood
If you live in a cold climate, you can use seasoned firewood to stay warm.
Important documents and cash
Book of DIY projects
Use a book on DIY projects to help your family get through times of economic crisis, long-term blackouts, riots, hyperinflation, hurricanes, martial law or other unforeseen events that may disrupt your normal way of life.
Cash
Always keep emergency cash at home so you can buy supplies if you can’t withdraw money from the bank.
Important documents
Keep your important documents safe at home so you can easily access them if SHTF.
You can also save digital copies of documents like IDs and passports on an encrypted USB flash drive.
Assorted supplies for binding, tying, opening and sewing
Duct tape
If you have duct tape at home, you can use it to seal cracks temporarily. Duct tape can also be used to create a sturdy rope if you don’t have cordage.
Manual can opener
Make sure you have a manual can opener so you can safely open cans of food from your stockpile.
Multi-tool
With a good multi-tool, you can do quick repairs.
Plastic sheeting
After SHTF, you can use plastic sheeting to seal your windows, doors or air vents.
Plastic zip ties
Use plastic zip ties to close a garbage bag and avoid contamination.
Pliers
You’ll need sturdy pliers to cut an electric wire.
Thread and needle
You can use needles and thread to repair clothing or even suture a wound during emergencies.
Waterproof bags
Use waterproof bags to seal valuable items like phones, batteries and flammable materials and keep them dry after SHTF.
- Prepare before SHTF and stock up on survival essentials like food, water and various tools and supplies.
- Watch this video about cheap prepping items for your stockpile.
- This video is from the Survival 101 channel on Brighteon.com.
More related stories:
- Prepping 101: How long will bottled water last in your stockpile?
- Prepping must-haves: Medical supplies and first aid kits.
- Prepping essentials: Stock up on supplies now to prepare for looming food crisis.
Sources include:
Two Storms, One Harvest
Every food crisis in living memory has been a one-shock event. The 2008 price spike was a commodity bubble. The 2020 shortages were a logistics failure. The 2022 grain scare was a war on one exporter’s ports. Each time, the system bent, adjusted, and recovered, and each time the experts assured us afterward that global markets are simply too big and too diversified to fail.
What nobody in Washington seems eager to discuss is that 2026 is shaping up to be something the modern food system has never actually faced. Two independent shocks, one climatic and one geopolitical, are converging on the same harvest cycle at the same time. Not sequentially. Simultaneously.
Start with the weather. The Pacific Ocean is currently building toward what forecasters now openly call a record event. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center puts the odds of at least a strong El Niño near 88 percent, with roughly two in three odds it reaches “very strong” status, the tier reserved for perhaps three or four events in the entire satellite era. Every major global model now projects a median peak in Super El Niño territory, and most of them project it exceeding the 2015-16 event, which until now held the modern record. Sea surface anomalies were already brushing the super threshold in mid-July, months before these events normally peak. The atmosphere has already shifted into El Niño mode, and the event is forecast to crest in late fall and early winter.
This is not about “climate change.” It’s about the standard cycles of weather, and the cycle we’re currently in is one that has likely devastated societies in the past. We’re better prepared as a society today, but not all Americans are equally prepared.
Serious households have started doing the quiet math on their own. Grocery bills tell part of the story, and the forecast maps tell the rest, which is why long-term food storage has moved from fringe hobby to mainstream line item in the family budget, with established suppliers like Heaven’s Harvest seeing demand from people who five years ago would have rolled their eyes at the idea. That instinct is not paranoia. It is pattern recognition, and the pattern is worth walking through carefully.
Editor’s Note: Heaven’s Harvest IS a sponsor, but the warnings of this article are real and would be written even if we didn’t have a survival food sponsor. With that said, those who take advantage of what they offer can use promo code “Patriot” for 15% off.
The Fertilizer Clock Is Already Running
While the Pacific warms, the second shock has been unfolding in the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict with Iran turned the world’s most important energy chokepoint into a contested waterway, and the consequences reach far beyond the gas pump. Roughly a third of global fertilizer trade moves through Hormuz, and the disruption sent urea prices up 86 percent year over year by March, with a 53 percent jump in a single month.
The World Bank projects energy prices rising about 24 percent in 2026 and fertilizer about 31 percent. By its own accounting, fertilizer prices ran 35 percent higher in the first five months of this year than the same period last year.
Here is the mechanism the nightly news will not explain. Fertilizer is not a grocery item. It is a time-delayed input. The nitrogen a farmer in Iowa or Punjab could not afford to apply this spring does not show up as a problem this spring. It shows up as a thinner harvest six to twelve months later.
The World Bank’s own food security brief concedes that the effects of reduced applications earlier this season “are likely to become visible only later in harvest outcomes.” Translate that from institutional language into plain English and it means this. The damage is already done, it is already in the ground, and we are simply waiting for it to arrive on the shelf.
Now check the calendar. Six to twelve months from the spring planting season lands us squarely in late 2026 and early 2027. Which is precisely when the strongest El Niño in the instrumental record is forecast to peak, bringing its signature droughts to Southeast Asia, Australia, southern Africa, northern Brazil, and South Asia, the very regions that grow the world’s rice, sugar, and oilseeds.
The World Bank warns openly that a strong El Niño “could disrupt multiple crop belts simultaneously” on top of the conflict-driven input costs. Their baseline projection assumes the Middle East disruptions ease by autumn. What in the last two years of Middle East history suggests that assumption is safe?
The System Has No Slack Left
The comfortable answer is that global markets always adjust. But adjustment requires slack, and the slack is gone. Global cereal production is expected to decline from last year’s records even before El Niño does its work. The UN World Food Programme, hardly a den of right-wing preppers, is calling this the most significant disruption to its supply chains since Covid and the invasion of Ukraine, and its supply chain director put the stakes bluntly.
Today’s supply chain challenges are tomorrow’s hunger crisis.
There is also a political dimension that markets cannot price. When food gets scarce, governments do not behave like economists. They behave like politicians. Export bans, hoarding mandates, and panic buying at the national level turned the modest rice shortfall of 2008 into a global crisis, and analysts are already warning that import-dependent nations are the first dominoes.
The 2015-16 Super El Niño, a far weaker event than what is now forecast, threw tens of millions into food stress across Africa and Asia. This one is projected to be stronger, and it arrives with fertilizer already rationed by price and shipping lanes already contested by missiles.
What Joseph Knew
Scripture does not treat preparation for lean years as faithlessness. It treats it as wisdom delivered in advance to those willing to act on it.
Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt: And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt.
Joseph did not respond to that warning with a hashtag or a committee. He stored grain during the years of abundance, and when the famine came, Egypt stood while its neighbors begged. The lesson is not that famine is certain. It is that the time to prepare is precisely when preparation still looks optional.
Nobody who filled a pantry in a year of plenty has ever regretted it, and nobody standing in an empty aisle has ever been glad he waited for certainty.
None of this calls for panic, and panic is the enemy of sound judgment anyway. It calls for the same unglamorous prudence our grandparents considered ordinary. Keep some cash margin, know your local growers, and put real food in deep storage while it is cheap and available, because the entire arc of this story is that cheap and available is a closing window.
Families looking for a straightforward place to start can visit Heaven’s Harvest and use promo code Patriot for 15 percent off long-term storable food. The forecasts may yet soften, the strait may yet reopen, and we should pray they do. But hope is a fine thing to hold and a foolish thing to eat.
