Critical Supplies

In a bug-out, off-grid or grid down situation it is essential that you maintain functioning critical services for your family. These services are the baseline items necessary for survival. This list represents these items. When stocking core supplies the survivalist needs to keep two issues in mind. The first is portability, it may be necessary to quickly move these survival items. Secondly, heating items must use a common fuel source that can be transported.

Emergency Food
 A ten pack of Mainstay Emergency Food Rations can keep one person alive for 30 days. You should keep one case in your car, one at work and at least one at home. I have about seven cases stashed in easily accessed supply caches.
Grain Mills
 There is no harder work than grinding corn for tortilla’s using two large rocks, you smash your fingers and the corn meal is very inconsistent. I have both of these mills. If you are planning to make flour yourself get the Porkert otherwise the Grizzly will be fine.
Heaters
 A natural disaster or long term disruption in supply can easily leave your family without life sustaining heat. Close off as much of your house as possible and use one of these Mr. Heaters to keep your family warm. The 20000 BTU heats 600 sq feet, the 10000 BTU 300 sq feet. You should also stockpile a few 20 pound bottles of propane. I have one of the larger models.
Hot Water
 Hot water may seem like a luxury in a survival situation but if you are utilizing dehydrated food stores it becomes critical. I have used both of these units and prefer the Eccotemp for sheltering in place or a stocked survival cabin. If you are planning to bug out to a remote site the Zodi is a little more rugged and has a pump system installed so lake or rain water could be used. Both units operate on 20 pound bottles of propane.
Propane Stoves/Oven
 Food preparations can be done over an open fire but this is not practical if you are sheltering in place at your home or apartment. I love this little unit. It is portable and efficient plus it has an oven for baking breads. This range operates on a 20 pound bottle of propane and can be used indoors. I have been using mine for a couple of years now.
Solar Cookers
 Why waste fuel when the sun can cook for you. Solar cookers work great for preparing dehydrated foods. I have a large homemade solar oven but use the Deluxe Solar Cooking System when I go camping. It’s portable and very easy to use. I have not tried the Sun BD Hybrid but it looks quite useful.
Solar Power
 Lighting is necessary to exist comfortably especially in winter. The Sunforce 60-Watt charging system combined with a couple of Wal-Mart deep cycle batteries and an inverter will provide adequate lighting for reading and work. The unit is mobile and usable in your camper, cabin or home. I got by with a 45-Watt model for 3 years. A great inexpensive alternative to high end solar power systems.
Water Filters
 Clean water is essential to your survival. You have three options to remove harmful contaminants from unclean water. The water can be boiled, distilled for filtered. Boiling and distilling are great but require a tremendous amount of limited fuel. Filtering your water is the most cost effective method. Clean water is essential in preparing dehydrated foods. I have both these units, the drip filter is on my counter at home and the pocket filter is kept in the truck.