Bare Minimum

[themurseman]

I am not too worried about things but often think I am lacking because we have no supplies stocked except for food that we bought and dont want to eat and the water in our water heater. What do you guys recommend as the bare minimum for a family of 4?

 

[Hoosierkav]

1 gallon per person per day.

Of course, that is for all uses--drinking, eating/cooking, toilet, cleaning... In hot weather, you're going to use more, obviously.

Kroger has had their 3L jugs as part of their 10/$10 deal which makes it an easy way to get some bulk; plus, they stack nicely.

 

[themurseman]

Thanks.

 

[eldirector]

I've heard this expressed in groups of 3: 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months.

Even your benevolent Federal Government suggests having 3 days of pretty much anything you need on-hand.
https://www.ready.gov/kit

A similar list scaled up to 3 weeks will get you through most "average" emergencies, such as blizzards, ice storms, or even stretches of unemployment (can't pay your bills).

3 months? Now you might feel like your are a little prepared.

 

[10-32]

When I was living in an apartment, my bare minimum for each person was one case of bottled water (28 count), one milk crate with four gallons of water, and bucket of freeze dried food I picked up at Wal-Mart (I can't remember the serving count but it will easily cover 3 days).

Everyone also has a backpack with a bladder, emergency poncho, Mylar blanket, head lamp with extra batteries, pocket knife, and a basic first aid kit. The packs will hold 2 liters of water and all the food from the bucket if needed. The backpacks mainly used for when we go hiking but can also be used if we HAD to leave our home.

 

[themurseman]

When I was living in an apartment, my bare minimum for each person was one case of bottled water (28 count), one milk crate with four gallons of water, and bucket of freeze dried food I picked up at Wal-Mart (I can't remember the serving count but it will easily cover 3 days).

Everyone also has a backpack with a bladder, emergency poncho, Mylar blanket, head lamp with extra batteries, pocket knife, and a basic first aid kit. The packs will hold 2 liters of water and all the food from the bucket if needed. The backpacks mainly used for when we go hiking but can also be used if we HAD to leave our home.

This is a good idea. THanks!

 

[Thor]

One thing to consider. Survival will not be just you and your family in isolation, folks will both want to barter and then take your stuff. Consider all possibilities.

My worst possibility is to be on travel to the desert in CA when an EMP hits. I'm tough but that's one heck of a trek without supplies or weapons. I'd fear for my family in the time it took me to get back, vengeance might be all that's left. I do what I can to prepare but some scenarios are 'difficult'.

In the short term concern for the community will have to wait concern for the family. People who want to join the clan must bring something of value. If not it's going to be just another failed experiment in socialism...then cannibalism.