What day is it even? Oh yeah, Friday. Weird times you guys. I just wanted to share some emergency prep tips with you all (COVID-19 and beyond) as we all try to navigate our new normal.

As a prepper, the biggest and most immediate concern is starvation. However, there are a lot more things you will need in a catastrophic emergency situation. Other than food, you need tools to prepare the food, medical supplies, ways to keep up with hygiene, and more! Keep reading for a comprehensive list of things to keep on hand beyond food.

Toilet paper. 

There’s a reason this is number one… Toilet paper is a very important part of our lives. Make sure you have kept track of how much your family uses each month and have enough for the amount of time you are prepping for. This will help keep a bit of normalcy through a bad situation, and it will save a lot of water that would need to be used without it.

Water. 

Dehydration is another top concern for preppers. Water is an absolute necessity, and we need it to drink, bathe, cook, and clean. Running water can also be used as a force to run a water wheel you can hook up to a generator. It has so many uses, so it is important to have as much of it stocked up as possible. You should also be sure to delegate between drinking, cooking, and bathing water and use with extreme prejudice. You should have enough drinking water for every family member to drink for however long you’re planning for. In addition to this, you need enough remaining water for everyone to cook, clean, and bathe with. Suffice it to say, you can never really have too much water. 

Power sources. 

If you don’t have a fancy water wheel generator like we mentioned above, you are going to need alternative power sources. Batteries, solar panels, and/or a regular generator are all great to have. You need a way to provide light and regulate the temperature of your space. Extreme temperatures can kill as quickly as anything else, on top of causing lots of health issues. Fire is great for this, but if you are in a place that is not well ventilated, it could suffocate you. Fire also does nothing to help during any kind of temperature spike. You must be able to constantly feed a fire as well, and that can be very taxing on your supplies. Stock up on batteries for heaters, cooling fans, and light sources; get a solar powered generator—and a backup generator just in case; and make sure you have some kind of burner to cook your meals or boil water on. 

Cooking supplies. 

Cast iron is great for this because it is all one piece, and very durable. Just make sure that you have high heat proof gloves to handle it with. You can find cast iron pots and pans in all shapes and sizes, so stock up and keep them in your designated space until you need them. Knives, can openers, peelers, and cooking utensils will be needed as well. Do your best to find ones that are simple, durable, and all one piece. You do not want tools that will fall apart over time. You will also need plates, bowls, and eating utensils; so, get enough of those for everyone. I would recommend stainless steel for its safety and durability.

Medical supplies. 

You definitely need first aid supplies and backup medications for anyone that may need them. Stockpile these things carefully, and make sure you pay attention to expiration dates and interaction info. Have bandages, disinfectant, compression wraps, gauze, stitching tools, antibiotics, expectorants, vitamins, supplements, crutches and even a wheelchair if you can. You never know what could happen and prepping is all about being prepared for anything.

Books. 

Knowledge is power, and books cannot be deleted or drained of their battery power. Have books about local plants that are safe to eat, how to hunt and dress game, field medical care, etc. Most importantly, READ THEM. They are useless unless you have studied what you need to know from them. So choose the books you need, read them, and make sure everyone else in your family has access to them to be prepared as well.

Basic tools. Having a big toolbox can be a lifesaver in an emergency situation. Make sure you have one with all the basic hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches; and build from that if you can. A dremel, soldering iron, drill, and more are also very useful. Be sure that you have plenty of nails, screws, nuts, bolt, and rope in case you need them as well. 

There you have it, some things to keep on hand other than food when you are a prepper. Be inspired by this to take another look at your supplies and make sure you really have all the things you could need in the event of a catastrophe.