#prepper supplies

[prep4tomoro]

The Dollar Store is My Friend - Emergency Preps on a Budget:

Money is tight for most of us. We're living paycheck to paycheck, trying to make ends meet. We have very little in the way of extra funds we can put toward preps. Sure, we'd all love to be able to drop a few thousand dollars on dehydrated food every other month but that just isn't going to happen for most of us. So, here are some ways we can stretch our dollars to get the most bang for our bucks. Even my favorite Dollar Store (Dollar Tree) has been inflated to $1.25 but consumables still go right down the drain or in the trash. Why spend top dollar? With my shift to a Conserver Lifestyle and "Needs vs. Wants" approach to buying, I have a new-found friend; the Dollar Store. These types of stores have different names, depending on where you live, but each item in the store is about $1.25 (as of this posting date - Feb 2023). These stores buy discontinued, B-rated or near-expired goods in mass quantities. Because of this, they get them cheap and can sell them cheap; even paper products. Supplies don't need to be expensive. Dollar Stores, Pawn Shops, Surplus Stores and Yard Sales are some local options. Search for free stuff web sites. If you're adventurous, take a Dumpster Diving excursion. Don't just get stuff because it's free unless you can barter (trade) it for stuff you actually need/want before, or during, a crisis when stores will run out of inventory and people will run out of their supplies. Store, organize and prioritize supplies in easy-to-move containers for quick access and relocation if evacuation is necessary. Electric and fuel may be unavailable for power tools; get hand tools for repairs. Brainstorm about ways to stretch dollars to get the most bang for the buck. Now, it's doubtful that you will find your "favorite brand" and, if you do, it may be near its expiration, but part of being a Conserver is being a good shopper. Now and then I have found cheaper items in my regular grocery store or Walmart but, generally, this is my go-to place for cheap stuff that will go down the drain, toilet or in the trash anyway like shave cream, after shave, razor blades, toothpaste, cleaners, laundry detergent; you get the picture. And, chances are, the next time I visit, the brands that were there before, won't be there again. I don't recommend buying ingestibles (things you will eat, swallow or drink) unless, (1) they are not expired and, (2) you intend to use them before the expiration date. Unless you have money-to-burn or need that expensive perfume or cologne, I highly recommend these types of stores to save money. Other Ideas for Inexpensive or Free Preps: Yard Sales Military Surplus Stores Pawn Shops Flea Markets Thrift Stores Consignment Shops Dumpster Diving freecycle.org/ Do It Yourself (self-reliance) It's been mentioned, throughout this web site, to start slow and small with Emergency Preparations otherwise it's easy to become overwhelmed and go crazy buying stuff you don't need and over-spending. Like anything we want to purchase, we should make our shopping list, budget for it and stay within that spending limit. Related Resources: Dumpster Diving and Acquisition Guidelines Reduce Waste Find Low Cost Survival and Emergency Preps from Pawn Shops and Flea Markets 25 Prepper Items To Look For at Flea Markets and Thrift Stores 50 Preparedness Items for Less Than $5 Each Minimalist Living - The Conserver Lifestyle Battery-Less Devices [Author's Reference Link]

[11-Cs Basic Emergency Kit] [14-Point Emergency Preps Checklist] [Immediate Steps to Take When Disaster Strikes] [Learn to be More Self-Sufficient] [The Ultimate Preparation] [P4T Main Menu]

This blog is partially funded by Affiliate Program Links and Private Donations. Thank you for your support.

[fishbaitslime]

watching/learning about prepping has become one of my favorite things to do

[books-by-gauss]

Lehman’s in Kidron, Ohio is definitely a one-of-a-kind store. Established in 1955 to mainly serve the growing Amish community, Lehman’s has now grown into both a brick-and-mortar store and online powerhouse for homesteaders, preppers and all those seeking a simpler life. If you are ever in the area, it is certainly worth a side trip, but plan to spend some time there. Until then, check out some of their great offerings on this web link.

[snugglyporos]

// doomsday prepper blocks

[lonniemichaelfulbright-blog]

The Defender's Chronicle FYI

EMP preparedness: How to protect your electronics By Zoey Sky // Jul 19, 2024 Both non-preppers and preppers often rely on various electronic devices. But there is a potential threat that could render all devices useless in an instant: an electromagnetic pulse (EMP). Before SHTF, learn how to EMP-proof electronics and start a prepping stockpile for your family. Below are some tips on how you…

[luminescentmoth]

"Why do people like gouache as a medium I don't understa-"

"-oh. Oh I think I'm starting to feel it."

[thepennyprepper]

Six Items Preppers Often Overlook

When gathering our supplies for an emergency situation or a prolonged crisis, there are lots of things that are easy to overlook. Here are six items you'll want to include in your prepper packs.

Tissues. Unless you're someone who is frequently using tissues already, you probably won't realize you forgot them until you get your first runny nose after the SHTF event. It will be very uncomfortable to manage a runny nose without tissues. They do take up a lot of space, so I recommend taking them out of the box and putting them in zip lock bags, at least 3 boxes worth. If the crisis lasts longer than your tissues, you'll want to have some nice, cotton handkerchiefs or bandanas to use that you can wash. Have at least 5 tucked in your prepper pack.

Calendar. If we enter a prolonged societal collapse and/or grid-down crisis, you won't be able to check your phone or the TV to see what day it is. You'll want to keep track of the date, so that you can anticipate seasonal changes and be aware of how long it's been since the SHTF. I bought a little 5-year notebook calendar. It goes through the year 2028. That way, you can cross off the days as they pass and always know what the date is.

Clock. Along the same lines, you'll need to keep track of time. Your digital devices may not work or may not continue to work. It is a good idea to have a small battery operated analog clock with plenty of extra batteries. A wind-up clock is a good option as well, I have both. If you do lose track of the time, you can always set your clock to noon when the sun is directly overhead, and you won't be too far off. A wind-up watch is handy too, as well as a battery watch, but make sure you know how to change the battery and have an extra or two packed away with it.

Glasses. If you wear glasses, it really would be a good idea to get a spare pair in your prescription to pack away in your prepper packs. In an emergency, glasses are something that are easily forgotten. At least buy some cheap "cheaters", which are basically magnifiers. Try them on in the store (you can get them at Dollar Tree) and see which strength is best for you. Pack at least three pairs, and grab some cases to put them in. There is nothing more frustrating than needing to read an instruction manual or something and not being able to see the text! I also have a few small magnifiers with a light in them. You can find these at Dollar Tree as well. You will want to add a few pairs of cheap sunglasses to your stash too.

Mirror. This is something you wouldn't necessarily think of, but there will be times you'll want a mirror. (This item is important if you are bugging out!) You may need to look at a sore eye or a part of your body that is difficult to see easily. You can also use a mirror with the sunlight to start a fire in a pinch, or to signal for help. Purchase a few inexpensive compact mirrors in a case or small hand mirrors with a case. If the case isn't sturdy, cut a few pieces of cardboard from a cereal box and slip one piece on either side to protect the mirror from breakage.

Pens and Paper. You'll want to write things down during the crisis period, and paper and pen is something easily overlooked. Have at least a dozen pens and at least a dozen pencils along with a few manual pencil sharpeners. If you have to bug out and your pens are exposed to extreme temps, they may not work, so having pencils is vital. Buy a few notebooks at Dollar Tree in various sizes to add to your packs. You might want to throw in a few sharpies or other markers as well.

There are six inexpensive items you should have in your packs. I pack my items in water resistant zippered bags with handles that can be carried in one hand. I keep a file, which I print out as I go along, listing the items in each bag, which are numbered. I will describe my prepper storage system in more detail in a future post.

[prep4tomoro]

SKILLS, NOT STUFF, Will Sustain You in an Emergency:

Prepper-types love their gear, and gear can be good if it is accompanied with the knowledge to use it. But survival requires serious skills (primarily fire-making) and methods outside of just storing gear and food for disaster. Gear cannot be the only answer to emergency preparation. Knowledge and skills needs to take precedence over gear; skills like Intelligence Gathering, Escape and Evasion, Personal Care, Defusing Hostility, Unifying the Community, psychological exercise, and non-weapon Personal Protection are a few skills to practice over gathering gear. When the ultimate catastrophe occurs, there will be a huge group left that will be doing everything they can to survive. Learning Skills is more important than gathering stuff. You are a stranger surrounded by enemies and everyone around you feels the same way. What should you know before this happens? Basic Skills to learn:

Shelter - Build a Wilderness Shelter

Fire - Start and Build

Water - Collection, Filtering and Purification

Food - Hunt and Fish with Weapons/Tools and Snares and Learn about, and forage for, Edible Plants

First Aid - Learn Basic and Advanced

Defense - Self-Defense, Weapons Use, Shelter and Perimeter Protection

Signalling - for help and communication with others

Keep a Positive Mental Attitude

An expert survivalist may not need a guide but the average person may have a memory lapse of personal survival skills, especially during times of stress. While everyone should regularly practice their survival skills, always keeping a Quality Survival Guide nearby will come in handy to help others or to refresh the memory during a stressful situation or just brain farts. A quality guide should include first aid, shelter and fire building, water collection and decontamination, wild edibles and catching game, defense, signaling and other survival topics. [Reference Link] Related Resources: Testing Your Family's Survival Skills Regularly Practice Your Emergency Plan Never Stop Learning New Skills

[11-Cs Basic Emergency Kit] [14-Point Emergency Preps Checklist] [Immediate Steps to Take When Disaster Strikes] [Learn to be More Self-Sufficient] [The Ultimate Preparation] [P4T Main Menu]

This blog is partially funded by Affiliate Program Links and Private Donations. Thank you for your support.

[resistancekitty]

This was a good read. The part about storing portions of your supplies (especially cash) in separate locations is a really good tip. You’re less likely to lose all of it that way. Just make sure it’s in “safe places” you’ll actually remember in case your situation suddenly changes and you end up having to bug out after all.

[solardrop]

beanstalk.

aaron hotchner x fem!bau!reader

summary: a loser at the local pub thinks spencer is your boyfriend. Aaron drags him. tags: fluff. creepy men being creepy. body shaming (of spencer I'm so sorry). spencer just catching strays in general. word count: ~1.7k a/n: based on an ask. I was gonna just write my thoughts or a short 500 word drabble or something but then ended up writing this until the point I forced myself to just end it lmao. I think it gets a bit convoluted and cringe at the end but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ it was fun! not proofread. divider cred @/cafekitsune

The pub was going to the rue the day they made half-off appetizers their weekly special.

The team squeezed in two pushed-together tables and binged on the greasy delights. you and Spencer had gotten into sharp back and forth about the apocalypse on the way there, which earned the both of you a quick banishing to a corner of the table where the rest of the team wouldn’t be subject to your bickering.

You rest your head against the cool concrete pillar you were sandwiched against. A table pressed against a half-wall facing outdoors was a hard sell to a bunch of field agents. However, Penelope’s animated declaration for the team to ‘live a little’ —specifically, to do so before Rossi got any greyer— landed you a wonderful view of the outdoors. You could watch all the homey, drunken people sway to the music flowing from the patio. The crisp night air flushes the overwhelming smell of burnt grease away from your nose. Maybe you could convince Hotch to grab a window seat for some date nights, you have to admit, the vibes were growing on you. While you enjoy poking the brain of your younger genius friend, you miss the solid warmth of Aaron beside you. Thankfully, he opted to sit in front of you instead. 

You took the opportunity to tease him. You kick him playfully under the table, stealing his attention away from the conversation he is having with Derek. He turns to squint at you for a moment, only to grab your food to sandwich it between the wall and his thigh in retaliation. His fingers drum a steady rhythm against your ankle, the ticklish tap tap tap making you squirm. You motion to ensnare his ankle with your other leg when Spencer turns to point his flimsy white plastic fork at you. 

“If emergency services were still in full effect during the zombie apocalypse, there would be a drastic increase in the number of people infected and a significant loss in—”

“A significant loss in medical supplies. Spoken like a true prepper Reid. What's next, gonna tell me about the importance of learning how to pickle your own food for rationing?”

“Actually, during the Great Depression housewives pickles things that lasted their families almost—”

His impending rant is cut short by the return of your server. Anticipating the bill, Rossi reached for his wallet before the woman shakes her head at him. Instead, sliding a drink and a folded up napkin on the table and nodding her head at you. 

“For the lovely young miss by the window.” She flashes a smile at you, “One of our lovely patons seems to fancy you.”

All eyes snap to you, all the color draining from your face as you stare down at the offending item. The drink was almost glowing at you, bright pink glitter swirling in the liquid with pink gummy hearts floating at the top and crystal sugar bedazzling the rim. There was no way this was actually something for the human body to consume. Even Penelope’s brows raised in shock at its extreme display. 

You glance at Hotch, his leg picking up a steady bounce next to yours after the waitresses revelation. His face is hardened, jaw rocking back and forth as he glares at the folded paper next to the drink. You clear your throat and face the woman again.

“Can you tell me who sent this?”

She juts her sharp chin over your head towards one of the outdoor tables. Hotch’s neck cranes around before your own, and you lock eyes with an older man sitting a few tables down. His face was unpleasantly square, the outdated sandy mullet crowning his head doing him no favors either. He raises his beer bottle towards you with a wink. You shiver, scooting closer to Spencer when the admirer hauls himself out of his stool to stride towards you. Aaron has turned almost fully towards outside now, his brow raised.

“Ohh this is gonna be good,” JJ whispers from the other side of Reid. The comment earns her a sharp glare from Hotch, a blush burning in her cheeks as she goes back to nursing her cheeto-crusted mozzarella sticks.

“I just don’t understand,” Spencer starts, “There are seven other people at this table including men at this table why would he be bold enough to-”

A sharp knock sounder off the ledge of the short wall. 

“Well, hello darlin’. I don’t mean to interrupt the dinner with your friends here, Hello friends, m’  names Miles!” He flashed his eyes around the table with a toothy, mustached smile. 

“But i couldn’t help but see your pretty little face in this window ‘ere and I had to buy ya’ a drink!” 

“Ah… Thank you but um-”

“Don’t even sweat it beautiful!” Small specs of saliva fly from his mouth, causing even Spencer to jump back pulling on the hem of your shirt. As if to use you as a human shield from the germs the man was spewing in his general direction. Hooray. Your hero. 

“I even wrote my number on that there lil’ napkin for ya’. My momma raised a gentleman, so I gotta buy you more than a lil liquor before I take you down.” His beady eyes shoot down to your cleavage before snapping back to your face, licking his lip. 

The fingers on your ankles pause at this. Aaron stares down the side of the mans face, lips pressd into a fine line spread across his face. You decide to jump in before your boyfriend takes it upon himself to tear the mystery man a new one.

“Listen, I appreciate the sentiment but, I’m here to have dinner with my friends and my boyfriend so… I could pay you back for the drink? No harm done-”

“Boyfriend!?” He steps back, eyes scanning the table once more before landing on Spencer and snorting. 

“This lil’ stringbean? You can’t possibly be serious” He smiles at Spencer before he continues “Jack and the beanstalk here could barely muscle steel so ya’ll stuck him with plastic,” He waves a crooked finger aimlessly around the table, “And you expect me to believe he’s wrangling a fine figure like yourself down every night?”

That seems to hit a sore spot for Reid, who finally peeps his head from around you. He takes the moment to ramble about the millions of germs and pathogens that could be found on community utensils even after a full wash cycle. Much to the dismay of the creep and team alike, so much so that Derek had to nudge him with his foot. With the conclusion of Spencer’s monologue the man continues

“Anyways, darlin’ for one night let me take you for a spin. Lil' boy like that won't do ya' any good. I promise you only a bigger, older man knows how to really take care of someone crafted as fine as you.” His eyes lower to your chest again and stay there. 

“I assure you she already knows that,” Aaron spits. 

Your eyes snap to his face. He seemd deceptively calm now, his expression almost bored. 

“Pardon?” Miles asks, half-heartedly turning his body towards him. 

“I’ll put it like this for you Miles. Stringbean over here isn’t her boyfriend,” Spencer begins to squeak out in opposition to his new pet name, but Hotch’s voice bellows out above his own, “I know you’re pathetic, that was apparent from the moment you walked up here puffing your chest after buying the cheapest drink on the menu as a gift. But I’m almost surprised you made your impotence so obvious too, considering you made eye contact with everyone you view as non threatening, the women, the man in his late years, the kid.”

Aaron lazily cocks his head towards Morgan, “But not me and my friend here in the corner. But I’m sure you thought you got away with that. Now, I’d suggest you move. The cologne you sprayed to mask the smell of Motel 8 is starting to wear off.”

Your ears warm at his words. Every sharp word honeyed by his calm, almost sweet tone. He spoke as if he was reading the well thought out profile of an elusive crimminal instead of just some ass in a sit down. God you wanted to kiss him. He’d have to let team politics go just this once right? Just a thank you peck. 

Before you can move to move ask him for one, Miles sputters out, “Talkin’ to me like I’m some dumbass— Who the hell d’ya think you are man!?”

Each syllable causes a spray of spit to launch out his mouth, forcing you to scoot even closer to spencer to evade the line of fire. His face shines with sweat and grease, red rising from his shirt collar as he barks at Hotch’s words. 

“I’m her man. Her bigger, older man. But I’m sure you already knew that, since you still refuse to look at me.” Aaron reaches down into his pockets, flipping out his credentials with deft fingers, “And I’m also an agent. As is everyone at the table including the woman you’ve spent the past several minutes sexually harassing.” He scowls, “Now, go sit down and shut the hell up.”

Miles' eyes finally rip away from you to meet his now. The angered flush erupts across his whole body now. He opens his mouth several times before closing it again, iced out by the cold stare Hotch gives him. He turns on his heel and marches back to his table without a fight. He sniffs his collar before jumping back in clear disgust.

A beat passes and the whole table erupts into laughter at the absurd happenings. Aaron’s face softens, still frowning in the general direction of the slimy man. Jolting when Derek claps him on the back and shakes him in praise. 

“Alright Hotch! Racing to defend your girl, I didn’t know you had it like that!”

“Well, I’m not surprised,” You stretch across the table to grasp his hand, kissing his knuckles before he could protest. He envelopes your hand in both of his and gives you a warm smile,  “my man is my hero in and out of the field.” He breathes out a laugh, knocking his knee against yours for your teasing. 

“Next time, you and String Bean get into it, we’re doing a different seating arrangement.”