Survival Kits
Best Manual Wheat Grinders For Emergency Survival 2023

Whether you’re prepping for the end of the world, or just a really bad storm, it’s a good idea to have a manual, hand-operated grinder or grain mill. In most survival scenarios, the power grid is down, and even if you have a generator, you’ll still want to conserve your power as much as possible.
Grain is both cheaper than flour, and you can store it for longer. Depending on how you store it, whole grains can last several years in a cool, dry location like a bomb shelter. Wheat flour, on the other hand, only lasts between six and twelve months under the best circumstances.
Now that we’ve convinced you to get a hand-powered wheat grinder, here are our picks for the best wheat grinders and hand grain mills for emergency survival.
Comparison Table
How We Chose Our Ratings
To make our initial list of above-average manual grain mills, we checked with preppers all over the internet to find out which models they prefer to use. Then, we compared the mills against each other and separated them out based on pricing.
We split our list up into three categories: budget, mid-range, and high-end models. Within each one, we compared the wheat grinders against each other again to determine the grade we’d give them. Each of these wheat grinders could receive top ratings when compared to all the other manual mills on the market, but our ratings are specifically comparing them against other top models.
The Best Wheat Grinders and Hand Grain Mills for Emergency Survival
Budget: Back to Basics Hand Grain Mill
The Back to Basics hand grain mill is a compact, lightweight hand grinder with stainless-steel grinding burrs. It can adjust from coarse to fine grinding, depending on what you’re making. The built-in clamp allows it to easily mount on a table or counter-top, with rubber pads to protect against scratches. The grain hopper can hold up to 2 ¼ cups of whole grain.
This inexpensive little wheat grinder is versatile and user-friendly. If you’re a beginner and you’re not sure exactly what kind of grains you’ll be milling, the Back to Basics grain mill will give you a lot of options. It comes with a two-year warranty, but you should always test your survival equipment to make sure it works before you have an emergency.
At $, the Back to Basics hand grain mill is the most inexpensive grinder on our list. Many customers reported that their arms got tired very quickly while using it, though that could be said of any manual grinder. Some customers say they’ve been using the mill every day for years without any issues, so despite its low price, it’s built to last.
Overall, we think this is a great little beginner-level hand grain mill that can fit into almost any prepper’s budget. We rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Budget: Victorio Hand Operated Grain Mill
Victorio is a big name in budget-friendly manual kitchen tools. Their VKP1012 hand operated grain mill is a durable and compact grinder that can handle rice, oats, wheat, quinoa, barley, and other hard, dry grains. Its stainless steel grinding burrs are self-aligning and precision machined to ensure you get smooth and even grains.
Victorio’s hand mill can adjust from coarse to fine, depending on what you’re making. The compact design makes it easy to store the grinder in a cabinet or drawer when you’re not using it. A spacious hopper can hold up to two cups of grain at a time, and you can mount the whole thing to a countertop up to two inches thick.
With a price of only $, the Victorio hand mill is another budget-friendly model that’s easy to use and hard to screw up. It’s very popular with customers, with some claiming that it can grind wheat into flour the same consistency as the store-bought stuff. Several customers said that some of the bolts sheared off or wouldn’t stay tight, so keep an eye on that if you choose this model.
For the price, this is a good little hand grinder that is backed by a popular name in manual kitchen appliances. We gave it 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Budget: Victorio Deluxe Grain Mill
Victorio’s second entry on our list is the deluxe model, VKP1024. It comes with all the same features as the VKP1012, but with a larger hopper and an optional motor. You can tell just by looking at it that you can use it for more serious grinding than the normal version.
The Victorio Deluxe features a 4 ½ cup hopper, a mounting clamp, and an adjustable dial to choose how coarse you want to grind your grain. The mill itself is , though you can buy it with the motor for $. A motor is a fantastic option if you’re planning to use the grinder on a regular basis, versus just storing it away for emergency situations.
The Victorio Deluxe hand operated grain mill is one of the highest-rated models on Amazon, and we chose to give it 4.9 out of 5 stars.
Mid-Range: Wondermill Junior Deluxe Hand Grain Mill
The Wondermill Junior Deluxe hand grain mill is sort of the entry-level choice for people looking to move up from a budget mill to something more efficient. It’s very popular in the prepping community because of how durable, fast, and easy it is to use.
The Junior Deluxe can handle both dry and oily grains, something the budget models can’t do. It has stainless steel burrs for oilier grains like cocoa beans, and stone burrs to grind wheat and corn more efficiently. According to the product description on Amazon, this grinder can process 1.25 cups of flour in a single minute, which is much faster than the cheaper models.
The Wondermill Junior Deluxe hand grain mill goes for $ on Amazon, which is on the low end for this class of grinder. Customers found it easy to put together and start using, even though it doesn’t seem to come with instructions. A limited lifetime warranty means that even customers with broken or defective grinders were eventually satisfied with their purchase.
The Wondermill Junior Deluxe is a great choice for someone looking to level up from a cheap hand grinder. We think it’s worth 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Mid-Range: Family Grain Mill with Motor Base and Free Hand Base
The Family Grain Mill wheat grinder is truly versatile, with extra attachments available to turn it into a flaker mill, food processor, or meat grinder. It can also be attached to a KitchenAid or Bosch mixer.
Unlike the other models on our list, the Family Grain Mill comes with the optional motor, which you can use when you have power. This grinder is also the only model on our list that’s made entirely of plastic, though it has stainless steel burrs.
Amazon customers didn’t have a single negative thing to say about the Family Grain Mill. Even when used manually, the grinder works quickly and almost effortlessly. For $, you’re getting a versatile, multi-purpose tool that’s perfect for preppers or survivalists. Our only concern is the plastic body, which seems like it would be less durable than the metal models.
The Family Grain Mill is a convenient and unique little grinder that can serve a variety of functions, so we gave it 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Mid-Range: Country Living Hand Grain Mill
The Country Living hand grain mill is an American-made tool with a lifetime warranty. It’s constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum, with a cast iron flywheel and high carbon steel grinding plates. The Country Living mill is heavy-duty, with an emphasis on heavy. It’s not the kind of appliance you can leave sitting out unless you have a huge countertop.
This hand grain mill doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles of the other mid-range models; it’s simply a serious grain mill for people who need something that will grind a lot of wheat and that will last a lifetime.
At a price of $$, the Country Living hand grain mill isn’t for the faint of heart. However, the flour it produces could easily pass for store-bought. According to customers, this grain mill delivers a consistent grind and makes fantastic bread. The crank moves smoothly and easily, allowing you to process a lot of grain in a short time.
If you’re a hardcore prepper looking for something to last through the apocalypse, the Country Living hand grain mill is the perfect option for you. We rated it 4.9 out of 5 stars.
High-End: DIAMANT D.525 Hand Mill
The DIAMANT hand mill is the model that every serious prepper dreams of buying someday. It’s made of solid cast iron, making it very sturdy as well as very heavy. The v-belt flywheel rotates smoothly and is easy to motorize if you desire to do so.
A long wooden handle means you can use two hands to operate the DIAMANT mill, or you can share the work with another person. It can handle all types of grains, including moist varieties like coffee and cocoa. Large steel grinding discs make short work of whatever you choose to grind in your hand mill.
You’ll definitely get some sticker shock from the DIAMANT hand mill. At $$$, it’s a major investment, but one that should last you for decades. Due to the high price, there aren’t as many customer reviews as the other models, though there are plenty of preppers out there who fantasize about one day being able to afford a DIAMANT grinder.
The DIAMANT D.525 hand mill is the most solid, long-lasting hand grinder on our list, and it can handle a variety of grains. That’s why we chose to rate it 5 out of 5 stars.
Buyer’s Guide
Before you decide on a manual wheat grinder, you should ask yourself a few questions. What type of grain do you want to mill, and what are you making with it? If you want your wheat grinder to also act as a coffee or cocoa grinder, you’ll need to look for a model with a stainless steel mill that can handle oily grains.
Another thing to consider is how fine you need your flour to be. Very few manual wheat grinders are capable of milling flour as finely as the store-bought kind. Some of the models on our list have optional motors, or recommendations for attaching a third-party motor, which will allow you to get the best of both worlds.
How often are you going to use your grinder, and how much flour do you need to produce? The small, inexpensive models are going to work a lot slower than the mid- or high-end models, with the average manual mill producing about six cups of flour in 30 minutes.
Other Tips
Whole grains will need to be hulled before you can mill them. If you’re growing your own grain, that’s something you’ll have to do yourself, whereas you can buy pre-hulled grains for added convenience.
Though we primarily focused on wheat grinders for bread flour, you can use manual grain mills for other purposes. With the right kind of hand mill, you can grind freeze-dried fruit for yogurt or smoothies or cocoa beans for chocolate syrup or hot chocolate. You can grow your own herbs and spices in the garden, then use your wheat grinder to turn them into powder.
With a manual grain mill, not only will you be able to store grain for much longer than flour, but you’ll be able to eat healthy, homemade bread even in a power outage. If you’re serious about the prepping lifestyle, a manual wheat grinder and hand grain mill is an investment you shouldn’t overlook.
Survival Kits
Ultimate List of 20 Emergency Preparedness Christmas Gifts

In our commercialized world, there are so many products begging you to buy them – especially around Christmas time. It can be difficult to find gifts for people who simply don’t seem to need anything!
No matter how many fun games, electronics, vacations, or furniture someone might have, none of that will benefit them in times of crisis. And preparedness is so often overlooked.
That’s why, this year, my family is planning to give emergency preparedness Christmas gifts. Join us and give the gift of life! From fire safety to food storage, the possibilities are endless. Keep reading to see what we’ve come up with.
Fire Safety Christmas Gifts
Fire Extinguisher

Yeah, I know nothing says I love you like a fire extinguisher, but it is a practical and fire safety conscious gift that you can give. Besides, every home is required to have them by code. Feel free to use our gift tag


Fire/Carbon Monoxide Alarms


These are great fire safety gifts for people that live in older model homes since building codes didn’t require them in every room until the 90’s (I assume since my home didn’t have them in every room). Many homes still don’t have any kind of carbon monoxide alarm either. Just one can save a life, and a home.
Feel free to use our gift tags


Fire Blanket


A fire blanket is a great alternative or addition to a fire extinguisher because it’s lightweight, easy to use, has no expiration, and no messy cleanup. They also make a very affordable and practical Christmas gift for the preparation-focused gifter.
Fire Escape Ladder
In the event of a fire, it’s especially dangerous for someone living above the first floor. A high fall can harm/kill you just as surely as flames can. That’s why an emergency fire escape ladder can make an awesome gift!
If you’re strapped for cash this year, this is the perfect gift to make at home. Here is our guide for a DIY Fire Escape Ladder.
If you’re strapped for time but have some cash, there are plenty of affordable emergency escape ladders on the market to choose from! We really like this one:


Fire Emergency Stickers


Most people don’t consider that firefighters have no way of knowing how many people need to be saved. Having stickers like these scattered throughout the house could mean the difference between some of your family and all of your family making it out.
Fireproof Cloak


This is another amazing survival piece that you can gift this Christmas. In a house/room with no escape, protection for those few precious minutes before the fire department gets there could mean everything.
Fire Safety Goggles


These fire safety goggles pair perfectly with the cloak for all-encompassing protection. The goggles can also be practical for friends and family who have hands-on hobbies like metalworking, woodworking, or home improvement.
Children’s Fire Safety Book


This cute fire-safety storybook would make an amazing gift for a family, especially bundled with the fire extinguisher. With so many things for kids to learn, parents agree that they’ll take all the help they can get!
Food Storage Christmas Gifts
Freeze Dried Food Variety Pack


Knowing that you have enough meals to survive and thrive through worst-case scenarios will give your loved ones a peace of mind that they didn’t even know they needed.
Water Purification Tablets


When preparing a food storage, many people overlook the resource that’s even more important: water. You never know the state of the water you’ll have access to when enduring an emergency situation. These tablets make the perfect, affordable Christmas present that might save lives.
We’ve written a whole article about water purification tablets – find it here.
Bulk Flour


Without access to a grocery store, your pantry flour supply would dwindle pretty quick – as would other essentials like oats, spices, cereal, milk, etc. Buying these basics in bulk would yield great emergency preparedness christmas gifts.
If you’re able to find even larger quantities of flour, check out our post here where we pack bulk flour for long-term food storage.
Mylar Bags With Oxygen Absorbers


Another great budget-friendly option gives your friends and family all the basics that they need to start their own food storage!
Survival Tool Christmas Gifts
Hand Crank Flashlight


One thing you do not want to go without in an emergency situation is a flashlight. There are lots of reasons why regulars wouldn’t work in an emergency – no batteries, electricity, etc. This one by FosPower has 5 different ways to charge, including hand-cranking. It also serves as a radio and phone charger, making it a perfectly useful and practical tool.
For more hand crank flashlight ideas, check out our post here.
Solar Generator


Possibly even more important than a flashlight is a generator that can power all of your needs in an emergency. You never know if you’ll have access to electricity or even gas in an emergency, so it’s important to only rely on the resources that won’t ever go away – like the sun.
Car Window Smasher


Plummeting your car into a body of water definitely constitutes an emergency, and too many are caught in situations like these with no escape. These little window smashers double as seatbelt cutters, and they are absolutely essential to have in the car at all times.
Emergency Survival Kit


Get them everything at once with this awesome, handy, very affordable tool kit. As you can see, it comes with all the basics that a person would need to endure an emergency situation – from shovels to fishing equipment to medical supplies. And, it all fits in a convenient backpack.
QuikClot Gauze


Everyone should have a first aid kit already (check out our guide to making Dollar Store first aid kits), but sometimes basic medical supplies don’t quite do it. Like it says, this incredible gauze is proven to stop bleeding 5x faster, which could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.
Baby Choking Suction Device


Everyone knows that choking is a huge contributor to infant mortality, and it’s amazing that there are devices out there like these that can save a child’s life. Any parent would be thrilled to receive something like this (even if they already have one – the more the merrier for the car, different rooms, school backpack, etc).
Emergency Mylar Blanket


These are absolutely essential to have in an emergency kit – especially if you live somewhere cold. It doesn’t take much to freeze, and even just one winter night in the elements can be fatal. There’s no excuse for not making sure your whole circle has these super cheap heat-retaining blankets!
Personal Safety Christmas Gifts
Keychain Alarm


Many experts insist that, when attacked (by humans AND animals), it’s best to draw attention to your situation and encourage the attacker to flee. These keychain alarms make loud noise and flashing lights when unplugged, which definitely draws attention, and they’re super convenient to keep around.
Another perk to keychain alarms is for the elderly who could fall and not be loud enough to reach the ears of anyone close.
Pepper Spray and Stun Gun


Lots of people have keychain mace (including me), but not as many people know that you can carry a stun gun for self defense. It emits electricity to “stun” your attacker, causing “intolerable pain” – which is something you need when fighting for your life. This is the perfect affordable emergency preparedness gift or stocking stuffer!
Conclusion
Each holiday season, everyone endures the same stressful consideration of what to gift friends and family. The perfect solution is emergency preparedness gifts! They can be as simple or extravagant as you’d like, and, no matter what, you’ll feel confident in giving a meaningful (and possibly life-saving) product.
If you love this article, you’ll also love:
5 Amazing Ways to Use Pine Sap For Emergency Survival
Are You Prepared For An Emergency?
Ultimate Guide To Starting Your Long Term Food Storage


Preparedness Mama and its collaborators have created a one-stop shop of critical resources for families looking to prepare for disaster. We know firsthand that getting ready for the worst with a big family poses some particular challenges.
We’ve learned from the past so that you don’t have to make the same mistakes again. Fear of the unknown is one of the scariest things in life, but we hope that Preparedness Mama’s treasure trove of practical advice will make that unknown less daunting and ultimately help take the scared out of being prepared for every single one of our readers.
Survival Kits
Day 21 – 72 Hour Kits – Comfort and Entertainment

It’s hard to think that anything will make you feel more comfortable after a disaster.
But remember the little things. What are the things that can make things a bit more durable?
In the midst of a crisis, comfort items within a 72-hour kit can be the soothing balm that helps individuals navigate the emotional tumult that often accompanies emergencies. The psychological impact of these seemingly simple items should not be underestimated. While the primary objective of a 72-hour kit is to provide the essentials for survival, comfort items play a pivotal role in maintaining one’s mental and emotional well-being during challenging times.
When thinking about comfort items, envision the security of a soft blanket wrapped around you, the nostalgic aroma of a favorite snack, or the reassurance that personal mementos can bring in a time of distress. These familiar and cherished items offer a sense of normalcy, acting as emotional anchors that keep us grounded in an otherwise unpredictable situation. The act of snuggling into a cozy blanket or savoring a beloved treat can provide a comforting routine, which can be invaluable when the world around you feels chaotic and uncertain.
It’s hard to think that anything will make you feel more comfortable after a disaster.
But remember the little things. What are the things that can make things a bit more durable?
Sleeping bags or Comfortable Blankets
-Every kit should have the reflective super blanket, but let’s face it, they’re like snuggling up to tin foil. An ultra-light sleeping bag or even a cheap light fleece blanket can be a small source of joy. An inflatable or ultra-light pillow would be heavenly.
Practical Purposes of Comfort Items
Moreover, comfort items can serve practical purposes as well. That soft blanket isn’t just for comfort; it can also provide warmth when the temperature drops. Favorite snacks can supply a quick energy boost when needed most, and personal mementos can offer motivation and resilience during tough times. The psychological comfort they provide extends beyond simple sentimentality; it is rooted in their capacity to improve our emotional state and, in turn, our ability to cope with adversity. So, while these items may not seem critical in the traditional sense, their significance becomes evident in their ability to offer solace, emotional support, and even practical advantages during a crisis.
Entertainment for Mental Resilience
One key aspect of the importance of entertainment lies in the need to reduce boredom and isolation during a crisis. Boredom can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and restlessness, and isolation can intensify the emotional toll of a disaster. Having entertainment items in your 72-hour kit can serve as a lifeline during these trying times, providing a means to stay engaged, maintain a sense of normalcy, and alleviate the stress that often accompanies emergencies.
Ideal Entertainment Items
So, what are the ideal entertainment items to include in your 72-hour kit? Remember your entertainment needs to be versatile so it can be repeated without losing interest and a portion should be family-oriented.Here are some suggestions:
- Books: A well-chosen book can transport the mind to different worlds, offering an escape from the immediate challenges. Be sure the books are new and unfamiliar but similar to some beloved favorites. If your kids have a stack of favorites that they could read for hours – purchase a second copy and pack them as well. Familiarity is an important thing in helping them cope as well. Don’t forget school workbooks since it could be a while before schools open. Homeschooling will help establish a familiar routine and a sense of normalcy, which is vital for emotional recovery.
- Playing Cards: A standard deck of playing cards is a versatile source of entertainment, offering a variety of games for individuals or groups.
- Comfort Items: Every child seems to have that one ratty stuffed animal that they literally can’t live without. Don’t forget it! Pack a second in your pack, or get as close as possible. You are not going to be able to search your house looking for it. If their favorite changes frequently, just be sure to pack something. A security item is vital in helping them cope and gives them a feeling of security. Once again, a small dollar-store stuffed animal is a great way to go. Same with a small blanket which you can also find at dollar stores.
- Puzzle Books: Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and brain-teasers provide mental stimulation and a sense of accomplishment.
- Board Games: Compact versions of board games like chess, checkers, or travel-sized editions of popular games can provide hours of entertainment.
- Notebook and Pen: Having a notebook and pen allows individuals to jot down their thoughts, maintain a journal, or engage in creative writing or sketching.
- Musical Instruments: If anyone in your family plays a musical instrument like a harmonica or a ukulele, these can offer both entertainment and emotional comfort.
- Art Supplies: Compact art supplies such as colored pencils, sketchbooks, or adult coloring books can serve as creative outlets.
- Battery-Powered Radio: This will help you stay informed about the situation, receive critical updates, and even offer a connection to the outside world, reducing feelings of isolation.
- Indoor Games and Rules: This site has it all; simply print a few and add them to your pack. www.fungameskidsplay.com– classic games, clapping games, etc
- Scriptures: Individuals find solace and strength in including scriptures or religious texts. For many, these sacred writings provide a source of spiritual comfort, hope, and guidance during times of distress. Whether it’s a compact Bible, Quran, Bhagavad Gita, or any other religious scripture, these texts offer a connection to one’s faith and a source of reflection and inspiration. In an emergency, the power of faith and the soothing words of scriptures can bring solace, helping individuals find inner peace and mental resilience as they navigate uncertain and challenging circumstances.
These simple entertainment items are not only effective at passing the time but also offer a much-needed distraction from the challenges at hand, fostering mental resilience in the face of adversity.
Entertainment Items to Avoid
Opt for entertainment that is compact, lightweight, and has a broad appeal within your family or group. Avoid items that are excessively bulky, fragile, or require substantial power, such as large board games, heavy musical instruments, or electronic devices with limited battery life. You don’t want to carry 20 lbs of batteries, and they will go through them – FAST! Besides, we’ve all experienced the meltdown that accompanies being forced to turn something off or when the batteries die.
Additionally, items that may be overly distracting, controversial, or inappropriate for the circumstances should be omitted. The goal of your entertainment choices is to provide comfort and a sense of normalcy, so ensure that the items selected align with the overall purpose of maintaining morale and mental well-being during challenging times.
Hygiene
The importance of maintaining personal cleanliness during a crisis cannot be overstated. In these challenging times, personal comfort and well-being are paramount, and hygiene plays a pivotal role in preserving one’s physical and mental health. A well-rounded 72-hour kit should include personal hygiene items, such as soap, toothpaste, and sanitary supplies, ensuring that individuals can maintain a sense of cleanliness and self-care, even in the direst circumstances. While comfort and entertainment are crucial, they should not come at the cost of neglecting our personal hygiene, which is not only a matter of health but also of comfort and mental resilience in the face of adversity.
There’s nothing like being able to shower after a long day. Sorry, I can’t help you there unless you decide to pack a camp shower (possible but bulky). However, simple items for personal hygiene can go a long way towards making you feel human again
-
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Soap
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Wet wipes
Contraceptives
– (BLUSH!) It may be the farthest thing from your mind now about what you’ll be doing after a disaster, but my midwife in South Dakota swears that any kind of blackout is always followed by a surge in babies nine months later. Just be prepared so you don’t have to fret or deal with morning sickness while trying to get your life back together.
Toilet paper
Even seemingly mundane items like toilet paper can make a world of difference. While the focus primarily revolves around sustenance and safety, the inclusion of toilet paper should not be underestimated. When faced with unexpected challenges, maintaining personal hygiene and a semblance of normalcy can significantly impact one’s mental and emotional well-being. Toilet paper, often taken for granted in everyday life, becomes a comfort item in emergency situations, providing a sense of familiarity and cleanliness. The inclusion of this basic necessity in a 72-hour kit acknowledges the importance of both physical and psychological comfort, ensuring that individuals are better equipped to face adversity with a little more dignity and peace of mind.
Basic Toiletries
Basic toiletries, such as soap, toothpaste, and sanitary supplies, are cornerstones of personal hygiene and should be integral components of any 72-hour kit. Soap allows individuals to cleanse their bodies, removing germs and reducing the risk of illness, which is particularly critical when traditional hygiene facilities may be unavailable. Toothpaste not only supports dental health but also offers the mental comfort of fresh breath and a sense of normalcy.
Sanitary Supplies
Sanitary supplies, such as feminine hygiene products or disposable diapers for infants, ensure that individuals can maintain a sense of cleanliness and self-care, even when confronted with adverse conditions. This is particularly important for the emotional well-being of women and parents who are caring for infants.
Feeling clean and refreshed can have a significant impact on morale, reducing feelings of anxiety and discomfort. When individuals can attend to their personal hygiene needs, they are better equipped to face adversity with a sense of self-respect and resilience.
Weather Protection
Weather protection, such as waterproof clothing, compact umbrellas, or emergency ponchos, should not be overlooked. These items not only shield individuals from the elements but also offer the comfort of staying dry and warm, a basic need that can significantly impact mental well-being.
Being prepared for adverse weather conditions ensures that individuals can stay comfortable and engaged, enjoying their chosen forms of entertainment in safety and security, even when nature’s elements are at their most challenging.
Building a Well-Rounded 72-Hour Kit
Creating a 72-hour emergency kit is a critical step in ensuring you and your family are prepared to face unexpected crises with confidence. A well-rounded kit should encompass not only the fundamental essentials for survival but also comfort items and entertainment options. This comprehensive checklist serves as a guide to help you build a 72-hour kit that strikes the ideal balance between meeting immediate needs and promoting mental resilience.
Regular Review and Updates
Your 72-hour kit should be periodically reviewed and updated. Check expiration dates on food and medications, refresh water supplies, and replace batteries. Update clothing and personal documents as needed, and ensure that your comfort and entertainment items are current and relevant.
Building a well-rounded 72-hour kit is a testament to your commitment to preparedness. It goes beyond surviving; it’s about thriving, even in the face of adversity. By striking the right balance between essentials, comfort, and entertainment, and by regularly reviewing and updating your kit, you’re not only safeguarding your physical well-being but also preserving your mental and emotional resilience during times of crisis.
Conclusion
Recognizing the significance of comfort and entertainment within 72-hour kits is a testament to the holistic approach to readiness, addressing both the physical and emotional needs of individuals and families during times of crisis.
As we mark National Preparedness Month, we encourage you to take the National Preparedness Month Challenge. Prepare your own well-rounded emergency kit, striking the ideal balance between essentials, comfort, and entertainment. By doing so, you’re not only securing your physical well-being but also fostering the resilience of your mind and spirit. The path to preparedness is a journey that empowers us all to face an uncertain world with confidence, determination, and unwavering strength.
Survival Kits
5 lessons I’ve Learned Trying to Rekindle My Preparedness Kit Romance

Rekindle your preparedness kit romance. Get your 72-hour kits out of the closet, brush off the dust. Bring it back to the way things used to be.
Hello, February!! We’ve had many crazy snow and ice storm days here in the Pacific NW since the beginning of the year. As if I needed more than normal life to derail my resolutions. However, the storms certainly helped me accomplish a few. We’ve spent several days homebound due to icy hills, freezing temps, and howling wind. Oh, and a few power outages. Lots of opportunity for preparedness practice at our house! It’s made me realize that I’ve fallen out of love with my emergency kits.
As we’ve learned from our power outages and tried to follow through with the goals we set, I’ve learned 5 lessons about how this happened and how to reclaim the preparedness relationship I used to have with my emergency kits.
Lesson 1: Making an Emergency Kit Isn’t Enough!
Keep the fire alive for your kit so it doesn’t die out and leave you stranded. We often assume the hard part of being prepared is getting started. I think keeping the kit ready for action may actually be harder than starting from scratch.
Things change, A LOT when you have kids. Growth spurts, new babies, potty training and diapers, the seasons, new school years, and activities!
All these variables affect our preparedness supplies as much as they influence our day-to-day lives. But since these changes usually have us rushing around before we’ve fully adapted we often neglect to update our kits, plans, and forms. So, a few years could go by before you get around to re-doing it and by then, half your kit has to be replaced, (A shameful cough) like mine. Which leads to…
Lesson 2: Set Biannual or Quarterly Dates With Your 72-hour Kits.
Refresh your memory for what’s in those bags, and update what is outdated.
I like to think of my preparedness kit as my Survivor Alter Ego, my silent second life. Sadly it’s as messed up as anyone would be if they were locked up in a closet for a year at a time.
I have kids and limited space, so all the kits will not fit into one place. Instead, we stash the kits where kids can’t “enjoy” them and they are scattered throughout my house. I rationalize this as not putting all my eggs in one basket. Truth be told it just makes staying on top of things even harder. Get around this by setting regular dates with your kits. Like the doctors or the dentist.
Hopefully, you date your spouse more than twice a year. Include your kit in your conversations. Think about it, more than just a fleeting “I should look through that.” Date your kit!
LESSON 3: Store Your Stuff Together.
Long distance relationships are complicated and hard.
You know what keeps me from starting to go through my kits? That I need to have everything out to go through it. With 8 people in my family that can be a LOT of work! Naturally, there’s always a reason we can’t get together.
Related Content: Building your Emergency Supplies without Stress
Not enough time, space, or the house is destroyed already. The easier your kits are to access, the more you’ll be able to connect with them. Not just to keep them stocked and rotated, but when you NEED them in an emergency. Close the gap!
Lesson 4: It’s a Family Affair!
No one really appreciates what others quietly do for them.
If you always get stuck with clean up, you resent it and eventually get a bit burnt out or apathetic about it. It’s not good for one person in a relationship to carry all the weight. Teamwork is important.
More importantly, what you don’t work on, you don’t think about. Preparedness is a mindset, a lifestyle! It needs to be a part of your regular life, and your family’s too! Involve them in your emergency kit preparations and updates, embrace it.
More importantly, listen to your family’s thoughts and opinions (unless you have small children than just smile and nod because their suggestions will likely be hilarious!). It’s their kit too, so help all family members be invested in the relationship.
Lesson 5: Make it fun!
Hopefully, you don’t approach date night with a business attitude. “Hello hun, it’s time for our monthly dinner meeting. Here’s the agenda for the evening.”
I would find excuses to avoid that date night, and probably any of those dates in the future. So make it fun! Don’t just go through your checklist quickly try to get through it so you can do something else. Make it a scavenger hunt, a race, a look-and-find game. Laugh and talk together as you work.
Even just having old (not expired or moldy) food from your 72-hour kits while you watch a movie and sort through them makes the job more enjoyable. You may even want to have dates with your kit(s) more than once every year or so.
This February, please rekindle that preparedness romance. Fish those kits out of the closet, brush off the dust. Open up your backpack and your heart to the way things used to be. It could save your life one day.
Tell us, how did your kit date go? Did you rekindle the romance?
Preparedness Mama and its collaborators have created a one-stop shop of critical resources for families looking to prepare for disaster. We know firsthand that getting ready for the worst with a big family poses some particular challenges.
We’ve learned from the past so that you don’t have to make the same mistakes again. Fear of the unknown is one of the scariest things in life, but we hope that Preparedness Mama’s treasure trove of practical advice will make that unknown less daunting and ultimately help take the scared out of being prepared for every single one of our readers.
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