Household Cleaning Items You Need in Your Bug-Out Shelter
We often tend to overlook the obvious when deciding what to pack and bring to our bug-out shelters. We focus on food, water, security and survival supplies that will give us greater access to self-sufficiency. While all of this is important, it’s also important to remember to include some basic items that will make life a lot easier out in the field. Let’s look at a couple of examples of common household items that you don’t want to be without.
Broom
How many of you have included a good broom in your survival stockpile checklist? Probably not many, and it makes perfect sense. Sweeping is not something that usually comes to the front of our minds when preparing for SHTF. However, imagine how difficult it will be to pick up dust and dirt from the floor of where ever you are staying following a crisis?
I remember being out in a cabin, a half-day’s drive from any store, only to find out that I didn’t have a broom to clean the dust that accumulated on the floor while the cabin was unoccupied. I broke some glass, and had a heck of a time picking up all of the pieces as well. I ended up creating a makeshift broom from some branches of pine trees, and it was marginally-helpful, but trust me, having a broom would have made life so much easier.
Rags
Rags are an essential, yet often overlooked supply item. You don’t need a lot of imagination to see their practical value during the course of everyday life. Make sure that you bring a bundle with you that will allow you to do everything from cleaning surfaces to washing dishes or using in the workshop. The also make perfect improvised bandages, slings and tourniquets during medical emergencies as well.
Scouring Pads, Sponges and Brushes
A packet of pads and sponges will be a life-saver in terms of washing dishes or taking care of household chores. Try scraping off gunk from the bottom of a pan with your fingers or a piece of silverware. How are you going to scrape off rust or clean battery terminals on vehicles? These are just a few of a million uses that all of these items have to make life easier. Without them, you’re dead in the water when it comes to basic cleaning and maintenance around your bug-out location.
Bleach
Bleach is one of the most powerful and versatile all-purpose cleaners that needs to be in every bug out location. It disinfects, it removes stains and it can be used to purify water when other options are not available. It also has a million and one other uses that don’t need mentioning here. However, many people forget to include a couple of bottles in their supply checklist, and the regret it later on.
These are just a few examples of things that can easily go unnoticed while preparing for a bug-out situation. Make sure that you pay attention to the ordinary, everyday things that we need to accomplish basic tasks, because we can not escape chores or keeping our living and work spaces clean no matter where we may be living.
What other items can you think of that will make life easier out in the field? Write them down, bring them with you and make sure to share your ideas with others so they can be better prepared as well.
