One of the most important, yet least discussed, aspects of disaster preparation is to obtain appropriate clothing. This is especially true if you are in an area where seasonal weather patterns or climate conditions vary. You always want to make sure that you have items that will either keep you warm or cool as necessary, and it is important that you have some backup items on hand as well. Let’s take a look at some simple suggestions that can help you to plan and stock up so that you will have an ample supply on hand.
Think Ahead
It is very easy to think of the moment when buying and stocking up on clothing. We tend to purchase items based on the season and current weather conditions. However, it is important to think ahead and get some items that will be useful a few months down the line. What would happen if a crisis happens next week or next month and access to clothing becomes difficult? Try to get winter clothes in the summer or vice-versa so that you won’t run the risk of getting caught off-guard in the future.
You also should think about whether getting different sizes of clothing is important as well. Think about growing kids, or whether or not you or someone in your family will gain or lose weight. Planning ahead also involves estimating whether or not items will fit in the future. While it may be possible to barter or trade clothing based on what you need in the future, it is always better to have some items on hand so that you don’t have to rely on that option. Think about how often you need to change sizes of clothing and plan accordingly so that you future needs are covered as much as possible.
Appropriate Material
Choosing the right clothing for the occasion is just as important has choosing the right size. If you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors or on the road, chances are that you will need to consider durable items that can withstand a lot of abuse. Flimsy shorts and shirts can tear easily, buttons may fall off and seams may fray. While these items may be good for sheltering in place, you want to make sure that you have your bases covered for times when you need to wear something a little bit stronger. Assembling a collection of items that vary in thickness and contain different types of material will help you to add or remove layers in order to regulate temperature and promote comfort as well.
You should also consider what items are easy to pack and transport, especially if space is at a premium or you don’t want to be lugging around a lot of additional weight. Consider conditions that you will encounter during planned bug-out or relocation events so that you will be able to prepare accordingly instead of scrambling to find appropriate items at the last minute.
Finally, make sure that you conduct an inventory and create a checklist before you start planning as well as on a periodic basis in the future. This will help you to maintain a balanced supply of items without having too much of one item and not enough of another. Always make sure that you have backup supplies as well as a variety of alternatives as well. It is always better to overestimate your needs instead of falling short when access to supplies matters the most. Take the time to plan and organize your clothing stockpile now and see how this simple step can dramatically enhance your preparation efforts well into the future.
