10 Item Survival Checklist For The Coming Economic Collapse

Most Americans have become so incredibly spoiled that they have NO idea how to survive if they suddenly couldn't run down to Wal-Mart and fill up their shopping carts. The truth is that whether it is a complete economic collapse (which becomes more of a possibility by the day) or whether it is another natural disaster like Hurricane Katrina or whether it is a bird flu emergency, we are moving into times when we are likely going to need to learn how to survive.

The following is a list of 10 key items that you will want to make sure that you and your family have in case you are faced with a survival situation.....

#1) Storable Food

Most Americans cannot conceive of a world where you can't just run out to McDonald's or to the supermarket and get all the food you want. However, when the economy collapses, you and your family are going to need food. Even if you plan to grow food you better have a substantial amount of storable food put away.

#2) Clean Water

Most people could make it for a number of weeks without food, but without water you will die in a matter of days. You and your family are going to need clean water. Is there an abundant supply of water near your home? Will you be able to boil water if you need to? Without clean water you just are not going to survive for long.

#3) Shelter

What would you do if you lost your home or you were forced from your home? You and your family will need a warm place to sleep. Make sure you aren't just relying on the power company to keep your home warm in the winter. If you need firewood, start chopping now. In addition, always make sure you have a backup plan if you have to leave where you are at. Do you have family you can move in with if necessary? Do you have a tent that you could set up in the woods?

#4) Warm Clothing

This is especially important if you live in a colder climate. You are your family need to prepare as if you would not be able to depend on the power company. Store up clothing as if you would have to make it without heat if necessary. Always make sure to have plenty of blankets as well. Already there have been recent news stories of people freezing to death inside their own homes after having their heat turned off. Don't let that be you.

#5) Communication

This is especially important if you live in an isolated area. Always have a way to communicate with the outside world. Whether it is an emergency cell phone or something else, if you are able to call an ambulance in a timely manner it might save your life. Also, you are going to want a way to be in contact with your family and close friends. It is those who are willing to work together that will have the best chance of making it.

#6) Lighters Or Matches

There may come a day when you need to start a fire in order to cook food or to boil water or to stay warm. When that day comes, do you really want to try rubbing sticks together to start a fire? Of course not. Now is the time to put away a supply of lighters or matches so that you will be prepared when you really need them.

#7) Comfortable Shoes

This is an item that not a lot of people think of when it comes to survival. But someday people either won't have cars or won't be able to depend on them. So what will you do then? When the economy collapses, a whole lot of people are going to have to do a whole lot of walking. Make certain to have some shoes on hand that will be comfortable.

#8) Flashlight And Plenty Of Extra Batteries

Just think about what happens when the power goes out now. What quickly becomes one of the most important items? A flashlight. Without a flashlight, you won't be able to do much of anything after the sun goes down. Also, make sure you have plenty of extra batteries, because in a prolonged crisis your flashlight will be of little help without batteries.

#9) A Battery-Powered Radio

In a crisis situation, you will want to know what is going on in the world around you. A battery-powered radio can be a great source of information. You can even get a wind-up radio in some stores that doesn't require batteries at all. Now, you can certainly survive without a radio, but you are your family will feel much better if you have some way of keeping track of what is going on out there.

#10) Sanitation Supplies And A First Aid Kit

What would you do without toilet paper? What if you had to go without soap or shampoo for several days? You get the idea. Things can get messy and smelly fast. Make sure that you and your family have plenty of sanitation supplies on hand. In addition, make sure that you have first aid supplies so that you can treat any injuries that occur.

Lastly, always have a backup plan for everything. When you are out there surviving on your own and things don't go according to plan, what are you going to do?

Have a plan.

The reality is that times are only going to get harder and people WILL want to start heading for the hills. Do your research and find out what you are getting yourself and your family into.

Those who are well prepared will have the best chance to make it during the times to come.