First, let me say from the start that I am NOT a "prepper," in the sense that I do not have 6 months of food stored, Geiger counters, etc., etc.
But by the same token, I think we all have to recognize that catastrophes happen - be they man-made or stemming from natural disasters. And of course, there will be the "haves" and the "have nots" when it comes to items that will be in demand in emergencies.
I've run across a number of articles recently that list barter items - that can be traded in lieu of paper money. These items are common, but when supplies are short, people get desperate for them. In approximate descending order, here are the ones most often mentioned:
Cigarettes Yup, people with the addiction for tobacco wil be desperate for them. They don't have a long shelf life; sealing in airtight containers or storing in the refrigerator will prolong their usability.
Alcohol Good whiskey is always in demand as a minor anesthetic, wound cleaner, fire starter help, etc. For the record, I like Rebel Yell Bourbon if I had the choice.
Antibiotics and medicines Aspirin, Neosporin, Tylenol, etc. may be needed by many.
Sanitation and first aid supplies Feminine hygiene, first aid stuff like Band aids, gauze bandages, hydrogen peroxide, etc. will be in demand.
Ammunition Probably best to have plenty of .22 LR and the popular military calibers - .223, .308, 30-06, and the more popular handgun calibers - 9mm, .45 ACP, .357 mag, .38 special, etc.
MREs Meals, Ready to Eat will be in demand by the hungry. Biggest advantage is long storage life.
Silver coins Coins with high silver content - none of the more modern stuff. Older 50 cent pieces and dimes, etc.
Laundry detergent Hard to wash clothes adequately without it.
Water bottles These can provide life-saving water to those in need of it.
Fire starters Matches, cigarette lighters, survival starters
Sugar During WWII, most often in demand and heavily rationed. Essential for a child's sweet tooth.
Toilet paper Need I say more?
Water filters/purifiers Your water supply may demand these.
Bleach Makes a great water disinfectant.
Batteries Much of today's equipment demands them.
Candles A still-useful source of light in emergencies.
You may think of more, but I hope you will find this list of interest.
John
But by the same token, I think we all have to recognize that catastrophes happen - be they man-made or stemming from natural disasters. And of course, there will be the "haves" and the "have nots" when it comes to items that will be in demand in emergencies.
I've run across a number of articles recently that list barter items - that can be traded in lieu of paper money. These items are common, but when supplies are short, people get desperate for them. In approximate descending order, here are the ones most often mentioned:
Cigarettes Yup, people with the addiction for tobacco wil be desperate for them. They don't have a long shelf life; sealing in airtight containers or storing in the refrigerator will prolong their usability.
Alcohol Good whiskey is always in demand as a minor anesthetic, wound cleaner, fire starter help, etc. For the record, I like Rebel Yell Bourbon if I had the choice.
Antibiotics and medicines Aspirin, Neosporin, Tylenol, etc. may be needed by many.
Sanitation and first aid supplies Feminine hygiene, first aid stuff like Band aids, gauze bandages, hydrogen peroxide, etc. will be in demand.
Ammunition Probably best to have plenty of .22 LR and the popular military calibers - .223, .308, 30-06, and the more popular handgun calibers - 9mm, .45 ACP, .357 mag, .38 special, etc.
MREs Meals, Ready to Eat will be in demand by the hungry. Biggest advantage is long storage life.
Silver coins Coins with high silver content - none of the more modern stuff. Older 50 cent pieces and dimes, etc.
Laundry detergent Hard to wash clothes adequately without it.
Water bottles These can provide life-saving water to those in need of it.
Fire starters Matches, cigarette lighters, survival starters
Sugar During WWII, most often in demand and heavily rationed. Essential for a child's sweet tooth.
Toilet paper Need I say more?
Water filters/purifiers Your water supply may demand these.
Bleach Makes a great water disinfectant.
Batteries Much of today's equipment demands them.
Candles A still-useful source of light in emergencies.
You may think of more, but I hope you will find this list of interest.
John
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