This list does not mean that you have to have absolutely every item on it in order to survive if the worst would ever happen. It is simply a list of items that will help you to be able to survive in times of disaster or economic struggle. The more items that you have, thus the better prepared you are to face adversity and the easier it will be for you and your family to get through tough times.

If you are well prepared then it won’t matter if there is a storm, an earthquake, loss of a job, illness-whatever happens you WILL get through it.

There is no better insurance than to know that no matter what happens that your family is prepared.

You may already have health insurance and life insurance so why not add your own brand of survival insurance?

Okay, Josh & I have researched and talked about it and here are the items that we want to have in order to be self sufficient.

-wood

-corn

-pellet

-solar

-wind

-generator

For the best protection it is a good idea to have 2-3 extra alternative heat sources

-solar

-wind power

-generator

-hand water pump

-water barrels

-cistern

-protection from storms

-storage for canned food

-storage for garden produce

-area to grow mushrooms

-to extend growing season for months

-when attached to your home could provide extra heat during winter months

-provide food during the growing season

-grow enough to feed your family during Winter months

-control over how fresh your food is

-control over whether your food is organic or use of less pesticides

-grow a wide variety of fruits

-use for fresh eating; can or dehydrate for use later

-growing your own nuts can save you LOTS of money, provide protein and good nutrition

-good for snacking, make nut butters (like peanut butter) and add flavor & crunch to dishes

With nuts costing $8 and more per pound it won’t take long for a nut tree or shrub to pay for itself

Once you know that you have food, water, heat & lights no matter what happens you will have peace of mind.

A means of protection to keep your family safe is another good idea

Pay down your debt and try to be debt free

If you can then try to get your home & your car paid for asap. This could mean buying a little older model vehicle or a less expensive home.

When you are debt free and have food put aside as well as alternative heat, lights, etc. then if you would lose your job or have an illness in the family you can get by on little money but still be able to eat well and stay warm

If you can, it is nice to have a bit of property so as to raise your own chickens for fresh eggs and meat or to raise other animals and to grow your own food.

If you don’t have much property then you can still grow at least some of your own food. Plant a fruit tree or two & maybe a nut tree. You can grow a nice amount of vegetables by growing upward. Grow beans, squash, cucumbers & such on fences and you will be able to grow a LOT in small spaces.

You can also tuck vegetables into your flower bed, plant a strip of vegetables next to the garage. Every spot that you can grow something will help you to be more self sufficient. AND home grown foods will help you to be healthier too

Mushrooms are another crop that you can grow. These can be grown either in your basement or root cellar. They can also be grown outside in a shady area