Listing on things I need for prepping

Posted by franky290@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 54 comments

I live in a condo. It's 800sq ft though but trying to make room in laundry room to store some of my prep items

Im planning to get get aqua tainers which I hope they don't break or leak

Getting a watts reader to know each appliances voltage

Get chopped woods for fireplace for winter..... Actually I may have someone inspect the fireplace

Power battery/ portable generator with solar panel for power outage.

Not sure if I should get a hot plate or campfire stove during power outage

Not sure if chest freezer will fit in dining room Would iceless cooler or mini fridge work?

Get a couple of solar panel USB power bank for kindle, retroid pocket, and Nintendo switch

Get a bugout bag for worst case scenario with fire starter kit

I know there's something I didn't list but here my list so far I'm focused on .. what do you guys think of it. Condo is not prep friendly to store alot of things

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actualsysadmin@reddit

Since space is at a premium, I would look into gas for heating as well. A couple propane tanks you can cook or heat with

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franky290@reddit (OP)

Should I get the small propane or large. I can't leave propane out on patio due to HOA restriction

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actualsysadmin@reddit

I mean, the larger ones you can refill. The tiny camp stove ones you aren’t supposed to refill.

You could get some of the large green ones. Personally, I would hide a 20 gallon one in a large plant pot or something.

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desrevermi@reddit

Think vertically. Do you really need 10 foot ceilings? Perhaps a shelving unit to occupy some of that space can be functional in addition to floor-to-ceiling shelving.

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franky290@reddit (OP)

I have food supply, can opener, power banks 1-2 charges, AA & AAA batteries, flashlight and lanterns, med kits, hydroxide, baking soda

Ordered a 30w solar usb for travel, life saver filter, mylar bags.....

Are mylar bags substitute for food grade buckets?

I did shop at Costco and spend more than expected there.

Still need water supply, better bed frame to store supplies

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Cute-Consequence-184@reddit

Yes and no about the mylar. Depends on how thick you bought. Mice will get through the mylar easily, many get mylar bags and then stick them in a non food grade bucket to help keep mice away

You can get what is called "bed lifts" and they will give you extra room under your bed. Then you can get something like rolling under bed storage containers that work well. The wheels make it easy to access and also to pull out and clean. Then just get a longer bed skirt to hide everything.

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franky290@reddit (OP)

I didn't thought of regular buckets with mylar bags. I'll add that along with this frame

Limited-time deal: Wulanos Queen Size Bed Frame, 3500lbs Heavy Duty Metal Platform with Steel Slats Support, Sturdy and Noise-Free, 14 Inches High Bedframes with Ample Storage, No Box Spring Needed https://a.co/d/7F01hsW

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Cute-Consequence-184@reddit

Good going

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Cute-Consequence-184@reddit

If won't allow a long post so I'll post several smaller comments

If you have a back yard, you could pick up a used BBQ grill for power outages. Personally, I prefer a 2 burner propane stove with the hose that will allow it to run off a 20lb propane tank. That way in pretty weather I can cook outside and in horrible weather, it can come inside and I just crack a window open for ventilation. You don't have to use a 20lb tank either they are just cheaper to refill and they last a very long time. The 20lb tanks can also be used with a small tank top propane heater for winter power outages. But you do what you can afford. The portable propane stoves also work for tailgating, camping and picnics.

If you get a briefcase solar panel, you can pair that with several battery banks for entertainment. I have a multi-panel folding solar panel in my truck I use to recharge battery banks for my phone and the phone I use as a book reader. Also might want to add in a deck of cards or a board game or three.

A fire starter kit can be several lighters. Oh it is great to know how to use a ferro rod, and trust me, I have had one save my butt before, but get some lighters and stash in your vehicle and around the house where you will remember where they are. And whatever for kit you buy, go ahead and practice until you are proficient with it. Just don't buy it and stick it in your bag and call it done.

You haven't mentioned lights at all. To cook safely, you will need lights. I recommend getting a room light- a large light that can light up a small room enough to cut food and cook safely, they have some now that not only have rechargeable lithium batteries, but have places to put standard replaceable batteries. You can get a head lamp for moving around, going to the bathroom and such and a neck light for doing crafts, reading and close up activities. But you can start out small. I started out with puck lights that used Velcro under my cabinets that I could pull off and carry around where needed.

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Cute-Consequence-184@reddit

Depending on how much you cook and how much food you keep on hand, you might just want to stick with what you have. Freezers will thaw out quickly when empty. So if your freezer is half empty when the power goes out, it will thaw more quickly than if it is full. What we always did growing up was keep water bottles in the freezer. We could always pull one out when we needed to travel to have cold water, but they also helped regulate the freezer temperature. And if it is winter when the power goes out, the water bottles can always be put outside to refreeze and replaced in the freezer. And if you have enough water bottles, some can go into the back of the fridge to cool it down also and help keep food fresh. And in a power outage opening and closing that fridge and freezer let's all of the cold air out. So yes, get a small Styrofoam chest and once a day take all of your cooking supplies out that you intend to cook each day. If you have a vehicle, you van also use the backseat or trunk in the winter to keep groceries cold. Just be careful if you have large bears close.

You haven't mentioned hygiene and sanitation. You will need water for basic cleaning. You don't need anything fancy, you can even use plastic wrap and wax paper over plates to reduce your need to wash dishes in a power outage. But you will need to be able to do basic cleaning. Learn to use a dry sink, basically where you are using something like a garden water rose head instead of running water. And those fit most 2 litter bottles also. And you use a catch basin so you can use the grey water to force flush a toilet. You might also want to have on hand non-scented/non-dyed hand sanitizer to help keep you clean in the kitchen.

Do you know if your toilets keep working when the power goes out? Most cities will have enough infrastructure they can keep running unless it is a major blackout that affects the water plant. But you might get a 5 gallon bucket with a seat anyway just in case. You can always use the bucket for storage outside and use the top as an extra seat. You might never need it, but having a composting toilet (with heavy duty bags) on hand is never a bad idea if your area gets bad weather regularly.

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Cute-Consequence-184@reddit

Ok, the fireplace. DO NOT USE IT IF IT HASN'T BEEN CLEANED!. Seriously! My area had a ln ice storm in 2009 and power was out for a week and more. People died because they used fireplaces without cleaning the chimney. It made national news. Not only that, most fireplaces are for "looking pretty" these days and not for actually heating up a house. If you think the heat will be out for several days only, you can get a Mr. Buddy style heater. Even the tank top ones would work in a single room and heat for 3 -5 days on a 20lb propane tank. But the best thing you can do for winter power outage is get warm clothing with merino long johns or at least a high quality non

-merino set. Personally I have a waffle weave silk set that is insanely warm. Get yourself several pairs of wool socks, get a wool hat, wool mittens and gloves. Layer up in the cold like you are a farmer checking cattle. Then get a wool blanket for your bed. If you are allergic to wool, just put it inside a duvet cover. I stitched mine at the edges between 2 flannel sheets. You can also wear the hat, socks and mittens to sleep in if it is really cold. A sleeping bag would help also. You can even out up a tent inside to make a small area to sleep in where your body heat will help warm the area.

Now for heating inside and ESPECIALLY since you have a fireplace, get a CO monitor. No joking- GET ONE! That will let you know if the fireplace is trying to kill you. It will also help monitor any propane/butane devices you use inside. You could go an extra step and get an explosive gas monitor to use when you use propane or butane inside. Yes, you should be opening doors at least twice each day and doing an oxygen exchange and keeping a window cracked, but in many houses this is inadequate to refresh the O2 levels.

And skills. Focus on your skills. But like having lighters around when you have a ferro fire starting kit, use your brain

You didn't need hard core MREe if you have enough canned food for 2 weeks. Those are usually a waste of good money and they aren't that good anyway.

Oh, and did you know that you can use the water in your water heater to wash dishes, flush the toilet and general cleaning? Yes, you just have to watch a video on how to do it correctly and own the tools/hose needed. So most condos will have a 40 gallon tank at least -unless it is a shared water heater-then you are up a creek. But if you have a water heater available, you can turn that off and use the water inside during an emergency. Still drinking and cooking will take a gallon each day unless you use dehydrated food, beans or rice, then you need more. water. If you want to store rice, store parboiled rice that doesn't need to be rinse or minute rice. And you can use the liquid that comes in canned vegetables to cook with instead of draining it in the sink. You can also make your own bagged meals like these instead of storing rice and beans. She has many videos and she even shows how to make your own MREe with freeze dried supplies. But be sensible when buying supplies. You didn't have to get anything expensive, honestly.

Oh, and if you have a vehicle, get it prepped as well.

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franky290@reddit (OP)

What about water bob and Brita water filters? I'll add warm clothes on the list. Not sure where to store propane. Can't set it outside due to HOA restriction

Lot to take in. Trying not to be overwhelmed on things i need for prepping

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Cute-Consequence-184@reddit

Brita does nothing except improve the taste of city water. It doesn't remove anything except chlorine

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franky290@reddit (OP)

I don't have a backyard. Just a patio. I'll get more lighters. Didn't think of neck light for drawing or a head lamp

Should I get rechargeable batteries or stick with buying regular

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Cute-Consequence-184@reddit

Stick with regular. The rechargable are great but they are always dead when needed. I personally have both but I also have a solar panel to recharge things

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Cute-Consequence-184@reddit

How strange, I can make a short comment today but not a long one? Strange

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SunLillyFairy@reddit

Do you have a private patio? Is it covered? What kind of fireplace? Wood burning and flush with the wall?

Just thinking about solar, generator and cooking options.

Seems like you’ve got a good list started. If you are going to use alt fuel for cooking or heat, be careful with carbon monoxide and consider a battery operated CO detector.

Chest freezers come in lots of different sizes. They don’t use as much power as other appliances, and are a good option for storing food. With 800 sq ft you’ve got a space issue, so I’d start looking into creative ways to make storage space.

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franky290@reddit (OP)

I do have a patio. But it's not covered. Fireplace flush to the wall.

I'll try to measure around my room for chest freezer setup.

Would carbon monoxide detector on ceiling count? Unless I can cook outside by patio

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SunLillyFairy@reddit

If you cook outside (like on a camp stove) you shouldn’t have to worry about CO, but it’s always a good idea to have a detector and they are not expensive.

If I had a regular fireplace, I’d have it set up for cooking. They sell inserts made for that, and as long as it’s a normal size with functional fireplace it’s a good alternative. But… in the summer you won’t want to do that… too hot.

Your patio without a cover has an advantage for solar.

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Led_Zeppole_73@reddit

I can’t find a use for a carbon monoxide detector in my home.

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SunLillyFairy@reddit

Understood, we all decide what we want/need in our homes. 😊

Here’s a general info article on them, at the bottom it has a link called “what are combustion products”that describes what types of things can make CO. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-about-carbon-monoxide-detectors

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Led_Zeppole_73@reddit

No detector needed in my home, as I can‘t think of anything that would emit carbon monoxide. A smoke detector otoh, definitely.

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franky290@reddit (OP)

Didn't know that existed.

Not sure if HOA would of me hanging solar on patio. I might have to ask on that

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SunLillyFairy@reddit

I was thinking of the regular, stand up panels that are often used to charge power stations. (This type) Nothing affixed.

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franky290@reddit (OP)

I see. I guess I need a power generator to go with that

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SunLillyFairy@reddit

Solar has a lot of options and can be a whole other topic. Some kind of portable (like camping) system may work well for you… it all depends on what you are trying to run and what your budget is. There’s a good forum for this at r/solarpower.

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franky290@reddit (OP)

Would this also be recommended if I bugout

30W Portable Solar Panel ETFE Foldable Solar Panel Charger with QC3.0 18W USB-A/C Port, IP67 Waterproof USB Solar Panel, Ultra-Fast Charging for Camping, Hiking, and Outdoor Activities https://a.co/d/ccx7st2

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ottermupps@reddit

Go watch Brass Facts' video on apartment prepping - not exactly what you're doing, but the concepts and solutions he discusses could be quite useful for you.

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franky290@reddit (OP)

Definitely getting a new bed frame for storage. Possibly canned food with mylar bags of rice

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vlad1492@reddit

Power battery AND portable generator is a good combo. Charge the battery from the generator if solar is not enough. Greatly reduces generator needs and runs quiet at night.

Hot plate takes a lot of power. Great if you have it to spare. Medium size and up battery packs can do this. Propane/alcohol/butane stoves exist too.

Chest freezer tends to be most power-efficient way to keep food cold. Some have the option to switch between refrigerator and freezer. If you have room, maybe one of each?

USB power banks are handy. The ones with solar panels built in seem like a good idea but maybe not. Tiny panel takes forever to charge, meanwhile the battery is getting hot. Better I think is to have a dedicated panel charging a big battery, recharge the little ones form there.

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Reduntu@reddit

You don't have enough space to be unrealistic. You need: Some lanterns/headlamps, a butane/propane camp stove, a means to stay warm with no power (an appropriately rated sleeping bag and/or Mr buddy heater), a first aid kit, 72 hours of water, some non perishable food, and maybe a power bank. That's all you really need for the vast majority of emergencies. And make sure to do your laundry before the apocalypse.

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franky290@reddit (OP)

I got 3 lanterns, 4 pack of 24 AA batteries and 4 pack of 24 AAA batteries. 2 First aid kits, just need to add solar usb panel, camp stove. Not sure how many propane I need for stove

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PlantoneOG@reddit

Make a few vairous meals with it that you might expect to prepare, track how long each takes to cook and get an idea of the burn time per canister when cooking. And then multiply by 3-5 days worth from there.

Only way to know 100%

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XRlagniappe@reddit

You might want to check out some apartment prepping sites:

https://apartmentprepper.com
https://www.primalsurvivor.net/apartment-preppping/
https://offgridworld.com/20-tips-for-the-apartment-prepper/
https://urbansurvivalsite.com/must-have-supplies-for-apartment-preppers/

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franky290@reddit (OP)

I'll check into it..... I should have looked into YouTube. I blame myself for jumping ahead on reddit

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heatherjasper@reddit

YouTube is very hit and miss when it comes to prepping. You might end up on some "Doomsday is a-coming!" fearmonger or some "bugging out is the only option" enthusiast channel. I usually view those as trash TV.

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XRlagniappe@reddit

That's what Reddit is for.

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ROHANG020@reddit

What...this question has ben asked before??? shocking...

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thunderblade95@reddit

A rifle and pistol for said worse case scenario. I suggest at ar15 as there are many affordable options that are good. And canik 9mm as they come with a holster, couple extra mags and cleaning kit. Do a lot of research first and when you do purchase it, go to a class to learn gun safety and how to use it. There are also youtubers who also show you the basics as well

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franky290@reddit (OP)

Got an AR-15 Smith and Wesson and fn509 9mm

I'm researching on which holster to get

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thunderblade95@reddit

I have a fn 509c and I use a vedders iwb holster. It's a kydex leather combo and it's very comfy. I carry at the 3 position so it's great for me. My only complaint would be that because it's not full kydex that you have to reholster before tightening the belt

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