The End Is Near: Here’s the Gear You Need

Preparing for the end of civilization or the world is serious business.

Whether it’s a zombie apocalypse, an economic collapse, or a natural disaster, you must be ready when the time comes to survive the event. Let people make fun of you and call you a doomsday prepper, but be proud of that title. The hecklers won’t be laughing when society falls and they’re not prepared.

What Disasters Can Heavily Impact Society?

There are a variety of disasters that can cause terrible damage and break down the distribution of community resources, wreak havoc on commerce, and crush society. World history records disasters in the past and shows us where we went wrong. Don’t think these events can’t happen again. They can and they will.

Earthquakes strike with no warning and, even though we prepare for hurricanes, the devastation can be catastrophic. All we need to do is look back at Hurricane Katrina to see this. There are also volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, flash flooding, tornadoes, and more.

Economic disasters cripple the economy. The most severe financial crises in the world include:

  • 1772’s Credit Crisis in Europe
  • The Great Depression 1929-1939
  • The OPEC Oil Price Shock –1973
  • The Asian Crisis –1997
  • The Financial Crisis of 2007-2008

These economic disasters brought down some of the largest companies and banks in the world. The International Money Fund stepped in to develop bailout packages to help some countries avoid default.

The zombie apocalypse speaks for itself. Then there’s the nuclear holocaust and an asteroid strike—although we’re not sure any supplies can save you from an asteroid strike.

Survival Gear and Supplies Needed to Survive Disasters

To survive a disaster, you’ll need reliable survival gear and plenty of necessary supplies. Here are the main supplies and gear essentials that will keep you out of ration lines and increase the odds of your survival. Experts recommend stockpiling at least a 30-day supply of essentials for disasters of epic proportions.

Water

Water should be the number one priority on your list of survival supplies. You can go about two weeks without food but only 72 hours without water. The key here is drinkable water. Each person requires approximately one gallon of water each day, so, for a family of three, that’s 90 gallons of water.

There are short-term solutions, such as water bricks. They take up less space than other containers. You can also use a 50-gallon drum, as long as it’s for food. Don’t just purchase gallon water jugs and put them in your basement or garage. Over time, chemicals in the plastic leach into the water, contaminating it. Always look for food-grade plastics to store food or water in.

You don’t know what will be polluting your water supply. Keep bleach on hand because one gallon of bleach can cleanse about 3,000 gallons of water. It eliminates things such as pathogens, parasites, and bacteria from water, but not oils, poisonous substances, sewage, or chemicals. You can also purchase water filters, disinfecting tablets, and other methods to purify water. Boiling water also kills parasites, pathogens, and bacteria.

There are other long-term solutions to your water problem. You can set up a rainwater catchment system quite simply with a rain barrel.

Food

A 30-day supply of food is a lot to store at once, so you may need to stockpile food over time. Five-gallon buckets with gasket lids are excellent for storing dry, staple, and bulk foods. You can also purchase mylar bags for food storage. Just make sure that you get oxygen absorbers to drop in them before sealing them up.

Bulk, staples, and dry foods to store include:

  • Sugar
  • Honey
  • Salt
  • Legumes/beans
  • Rice
  • Wheat
  • Oats
  • Flour
  • Powdered milk
  • Pasta
  • Powdered cheese
  • Canned cheese
  • Canned butter
  • Energy/power bars
  • Peanut butter
  • Coconut oil
  • Freeze-dried foods for variety
  • Baking soda/powder
  • Tea
  • Coffee
  • Cornstarch
  • Soy sauce
  • Spices
  • Apple cider and white vinegar
  • Canned food

You’ll also need things to cook with and some other necessary items for food preparation, such as:

  • Can opener
  • Paper cups, plates, utensils, and towels
  • Cast iron cookware
  • Camping stove or wood-burning stove
  • Solar oven
  • Pet food

Medical Supplies

Medical supplies are also critical for survival, especially when no more community resources or stores exist. Keep in mind your family’s special needs when storing medical supplies. There are some basic supplies that you’ll want to keep on hand:

  • Band-Aids
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • An antibacterial ointment such as Neosporin
  • Steristrips or butterfly bandages
  • Tape, pad, and burn gel
  • Duoderm
  • Rolled gauze
  • ACE bandages
  • Material for splinting
  • Shears/scissors
  • Blister treatment
  • N95 masks
  • Alcohol pads
  • Surgical gloves, preferably Nitrile
  • Aspirin/Tylenol
  • Snakebite kit
  • Mercury-free thermometer
  • Vaseline
  • Benadryl
  • Needles/sutures
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Tweezers
  • Syringes
  • Quikclot
  • Q-tips
  • Chapstick
  • Insect repellent
  • Antibiotics
  • Prescriptions/vitamins
  • Potassium/iodide tablets for radiation poisoning
  • Sunblock
  • First aid manuals

Security

You’ll need to protect your family and property if things really go south. People may know that you stockpile supplies and, in desperation, they may try to hurt you or your family or break in to gain access to those supplies.

Purchase a handgun and a shotgun if you don’t already have one. Shotguns can be quite intimidating when you rack the slide. That sound makes people stop in their tracks. You may want to add a rifle to your collection. If the end truly is near, hunting for food may become a necessity. Don’t forget to stockpile extra ammunition.

You’ll need a knife for various reasons—perhaps for protection or for processing the animals you hunt. Good tactical equipment can also give you the advantage when the end is here.

Here’s another tip: Get to know your neighbors. If there is complete anarchy, your neighbors will be your closest enemies or friends. Get them into prepping for the end of the world and develop a plan for keeping your neighborhood and family safe.

Regardless of what others think, prepare for the worst but hope for the best—that’s an excellent motto to live by. If you prepare and nothing happens, then that’s okay, but if something happens and you’re not prepared, it’s too late. Stock up on important items such as medical supplies, food, and water. Create a defense plan with neighbors and stock up on ammo for your guns. Preparing in advance increases your chances for survival during whatever natural disaster or apocalypse occurs.

Written by

Mark Hedman serves as the CEO for LA Police Gear. Mark oversees a little bit of everything, from product development to walking the dogs from our Valencia, CA headquarters. Before joining LA Police Gear, Mark was just a kid that was very interested in programming and e-commerce. Starting from the bottom, he worked his way up through all stages of the company. Mark loves animals and the outdoors. He tries to spend as much time at the range as possible or hanging out with the pups.

Latest comments
  • If it’s really “the end “, then you need on mre thing on the list (at least on my list). The Holy Bible. If you’re going to be facing the end, then you had better be on the right side with God.

    • Spot on William the only way to escape the bad end.

    • Amen! Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-10. Those verses in the Bible sum it all up.

  • I am Really Impressed, Mark ! You were able to Include ALL of the Essential Factors in ONE Clean, “Straight-forward”, Readable, and All Inclusive Article. No one could have stated better (or more concisely) Exactly what each one of us Must Do. “Here’s the Gear You Need” . . . Indeed. Just add Essential Knowledge and Training – and you’ve Got It.

    • I have written a fairly detailed article about exactly “How To” Safely Purify your drinking/ cooking water and your containers. You can follow these details easily with some specific and comprehensive preparation.

  • Please keep religious and political views out of comments. I am an atheist and a prepped. I read these articles for information not religious dogma.

    • “There are no atheists in foxholes”

    • You are not born with the right to NOT be offended. . If you are offended by words your chances of survival are low, let me guess all you have is guns and ammo?

    • How about YOU practice a bit of tolerance for other’s beliefs? Many people post things I may or may not agree with, but telling them to stifle their beliefs is just snark…and not helpful in any way. If someone finds comfort in a belief in a higher power, be it God, Allah, Jehovah, Buddha, Sky Brothers, old sticks and bottles, or a mature Oak tree, just let it roll on by. Historical evidence suggests that those are the people who will be willing to help others in times of need…not so much atheists, who answer to only themselves. Stop the snark, please.

      • You are so right Sue. Religion plays a huge part of life in times of good and disaster. The snarks just can’t bring themselves to see the light and will do anything to stifle those who have faith.

    • There ain’t no atheist in a foxhole. You’ll find God at the last minute. You ha e no say so whatsoever.
      You have to power whatsoever to change this. So do dismiss it.
      Mike

    • To bad for you. We let people talk about what ever they feel is important. Just remember that you don’t have to read it. I found in the Army there were not many guy’s who didn’t ask for “Gods” help when the shit hit the fan. It’s quit apparent you have never had any one shooting at you with a full auto AK or RPG’s going over you.

      Good Luck
      Gman

    • I don’t know why white people are so wrapped up in 3rd world, middle eastern, desert “religions”.
      Hail Odin. A white man’s God.

  • Ric, nothing personal toward you or against you, but everyone has a right to their own thoughts and comments. If you don’t like someone’s comment, skip it and move on. But don’t try to control their expression. You are just as free to read these comments for information as anyone else is for “religious dogma” or anything else. In my view, the whole reason we are losing our freedoms in this country and that a collapse is coming is because for too long people have tried to limit other people’s speech, expression, or opinions in favor of their own agenda. As equals, I respect your opinions and our right to disagree peacefully.

  • You forgot another end of times even. When the sun has a major hissy fit and gives us another 1859 Carrington level event and fries every electronic device on the planet, That or its deliberate man made/terrorist equivelent.. Then its wellcome to life in the middle ages or a Mad Max world.

  • need a correction >> the economics stagnated in 2007 because of the old Hellery or Obammy election prospect – it was a “2008-2009 Financial Crisis” because of Obammy that lasted both of his terms ….

  • The advice to stockpile ammo would have been great six months ago. Now, you’ll find only empty shelves or outrageous auction prices. That ship has sailed.

  • Hello a very good artical. good info and to the point.
    Now just because someone doesnt believe, doesnt make them right. if you dont believe then dont but dont think you are right and the person who does believe is wrong. most believers wont ridicule you for not believing, so leave it be.
    Also we used to buy a brick of 500 .22 lr shells for $15 not that many years ago. and still have a bunch of them. then there were none to buy at all and when they came back in stock they were $30 for a brick of 500. then $49 a brick. not sure what the price is now. the last ones i bought last year were on a good sale for $27 if you took a case of bricks which is 10, 500 round boxes. i bought a couple of these cases and should have bought a couple more in hind sight
    stay safe and healthy every one

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