People find trading goods or services to be of value. A person can be very successful and provide things for their family if they are skilled in a craft and have a good work ethic. Many skills remain in high demand today.
Mechanics are needed in a crisis, as people may need to move to a new location. Homes might require repair, or a person might need clothing because theirs have been destroyed. Some individuals don’t have a green thumb and will need to get fresh fruits and vegetables from others. Communication and electronics skills are of great help, as are first aid and alternative healing abilities.
These skills are only a few of the many abilities that may be in high demand during a crisis. Choose one of interest and begin learning more today. Once that skill has been mastered, move to another. Over time, an impressive resume will have been built. Prepared Bee can help a person choose which skills to focus on first.
Items to Have on Hand
Goods come in two types: renewable and non-renewable. Renewable items are things such as fruits, honey, and eggs. They can be produced regularly. Non-renewable goods are those that a person needs a limited supply of. Once they have the item, they typically don’t need another for an extended period. A shovel or piece of furniture is a good example of a non-renewable good to barter.
A person should always focus on their needs before gathering supplies to barter. When gathering these supplies, focus on ones that are in demand and can be produced regularly. Keep those items that cannot be produced at home, so there is less need to barter for them if disaster strikes. What items might be good in a stockpile?
Food
Every person needs food to eat. When stockpiling, choose non-perishable items. Stock items used regularly that aren’t essential when building a disaster supply. Include items such as hard candies and chocolate chips.
Recipes
Create a book of basic recipes that use very few food supplies. While it’s wonderful to have food stockpiled, it won’t be of much use if a person doesn’t know how to prepare it. When a good recipe is found that requires things typically found in the home or stockpile, add it to the book. This recipe book may become a family treasure that is handed down through the generations.
Cooking Supplies
Have manual tools on hand if the power is out for a long period. A manual can opener and pots suitable for cooking over an open fire are two things that should be found in every home. They become of great help when a person must find alternative ways to prepare meals.
Canning Supplies
Every person should learn how to can food. This skill becomes of great help when food must be preserved. Canning salt and vinegar should be stockpiled with other canning supplies, as many people don’t keep these items on hand.
Cleaning Supplies
Have a robust supply of cleaning goods and disinfectants. During the pandemic, people realized how valuable these items are and how hard they can be to come by during a crisis. A non-electric washing machine is an investment people should consider as well.
Drinking Water
Every person must have a way to purify drinking water when a natural disaster occurs. Water filters and purification tools are excellent for this purpose. Having a few cases of bottled water available is of help in the first few days after the crisis until other measures can be put into place.
Basic Tools
Every person needs a set of basic tools to handle simple repairs. Learn to use these tools early, so there is no need to do so in an emergency. As skills progress, invest in additional tools. Choose those that can be used manually, as power typically isn’t available following a major disaster.
Medication and First Aid Supplies
Keep a stock of prescription medications on hand. A first-aid kit is essential, and people need to stock up on infant supplies. Individuals who wear glasses or contacts should also have a backup supply. Include vitamins and supplements in this kit, as a person might not be able to get what they need from their diet alone.
Vehicle Maintenance Supplies
Ensure vehicles always have sufficient fuel to relocate in a disaster. Keep a supply of oil, windshield wiper fluid, antifreeze, and more to carry when taking trips. Store a tool kit in the car and basic repair items, such as spark plugs and hose clamps.
Fire Tools
Fire can be used for heat, cooking, disinfecting items, and more. Have waterproof matches, fire starters, kindling, and wood available if disaster strikes. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home to alert family members to any potential dangers.
Gardening Equipment
A person might find they need to grow their food to survive after a disaster. Have basic gardening tools on hand. In addition, stockpile non-hybrid and non-GMO seeds of different varieties for a well-balanced diet.
Power Production
Every person needs backup power sources in place during a crisis. A battery bank or generator is helpful, as are batteries. Have a phone charger and portable charging unit on hand. They can be used to contact authorities if help is needed during or after the disaster.
Communication Equipment
Communication tools are essential during a disaster. Keep a solar-powered radio available to receive communications from local authorities. Invest in two-way radios and a CB radio to connect with other people when normal communication methods cannot be used. Have backup power sources for these items, so they are always available.
Safety Items
People do things out of character when they are desperate. A person must protect their family and belongings from harm. Weapons and other survival tools are helpful during this time. Include items in a safety kit that normally aren’t needed, such as a gas mask and signal mirror. Most people don’t barter these items, but if a person has an excessive amount, they can receive a nice trade for items that otherwise would have little value.
These items are of great value following a disaster, making them ideal for bartering. However, the focus needs to be on providing for the family first. Once this goal has been met, preparing a bartering stockpile becomes the next task. Begin taking steps today to become more self-reliant and build relationships with others who have similar goals. Doing so will allow you to do more than simply survive when disaster strikes.
