What else besides food?

Have you ever thought about what you might like to have on hand should you not be able to go to the store for a few days, weeks or even months?  These things are easy to add to our basic three month supply, usually store well and last quite a bit longer than most food items.  Some of them definitely go on my list of  "have to haves".

Here's a list of some things to think about:

Wheat grinder (electric and hand operated, in case of no electricity) Hand crank blender Towels/rags (paper and cloth) Plastic wrap/aluminum foil Recloseable baggies Plastic containers with lids (butter bins, etc.) Dish soap, laundry detergent Favorite spices (rotate annually) Condiments such as ketchup, syrup, jelly, etc. (rotate annually) Garbage sacks Alternate cooking source (you may want to try making a wonder box - for information on what it is and how to make one you can check out these sites: Wonderbox pattern  Cooking with the wonderbox

Toilet paper, tissue, enzymes (for portable toilets) Portable toilet, privacy shelter Shampoo and lotion, deodorant Soap (soap bars last the longest) Toothpaste, extra toothbrushes, dental floss Feminine hygiene products Razors, shaving cream, extra blades Medicine, contact solution or extra glasses First aid kit and individual first aid items

Garden seeds (several cans for replenishing or exchanging) Water barrels, siphon pump, portable water containers Activity games, cards, paperback books Old clothes for outside labor Water filter for replenishing your water supply Wonder Washer (hand operated clothes washer) Candles, lantern, or other light source pet food bleach or other cleaners hydrogen peroxide rubbing alcohol

Beyond just being prepared in the event of an emergency I find that I save money by buying things in advance.  I can watch for sales and then I don't end up making those "hurry up" trips to the store because we are out of toothpaste, tp or shampoo.  Having a few extra medicines on hand can really save the day as well and if you have babies or babies visiting you, it doesn't hurt to have a nice stash of diapers, wipes, rash ointment and formula or cereal.  If you don't end up needing these things there is always someone who will.