First $1,000 for New Preppers

Purpose

• Not for extreme wilderness survival
• Aim: Shelter in place for about a month
• Cover food, water, power, and basic cooking needs
• $1,000 is substantial, but useful for educational purposes or tax returns

Food Supply

• Budget: At least $100
  • Types: Shelf-stable food, dried beans, rice, peas, powdered milk, vegetable oil, salt, sugar
  • Avoid: Expensive freeze-dried meals
  • Canned Goods: Especially those with meat, pasta sauces with meat
  • Importance: Prolonging mental and physical health

Water Supply

• Aquitainers: 3 units, ~$60 total
  • $20 each, 7 gallons each (21 gallons total)
  • Features: Spigot for easy dispensing
  • Usage: Drinking, washing, cooking
  • Durability: Adequate for home use; careful handling is essential
  • Supplement: Bottle water for longer term

Water Filtration

• Gravity Filter Setup: ~$60
  • Components: Sawyer tap water filter, food-grade plastic bucket, spigot kit
  • Additional: Pillowcase as a pre-filter
  • Capabilities: Remove sediment, microplastics, bacteria, protozoa; use bleach or boil for viruses
  • Consideration: Activated charcoal filter for pesticides in agricultural areas

Cooking Options

1. Butane Stove: $25-$60

• Fuel: Butane (cans ~$4 each); 10 cans recommended
• Safety: Indoor use with precautions
• Capability: Boiling, cooking, heating food

2. Rocket Stove: $70-$160

• Types: EcoZoom Versa preferred for durability
• Fuel: Natural materials
• Utility: Boil water, cook large quantities
• Durability Issue: Avoid using flimsy materials like certain bricks/cinder blocks

Power Generation

• Solar Setup: ~$450

  • Utility: Lights, charging devices, small batteries
  • Advantages: Long-term, no fuel storage needed

• Gas Generator: ~$450

  • Considerations: Fuel storage, fuel stabilizer

• Rechargeable Batteries: ~$40

  • Essential for devices requiring AA, AAA, D cells

Defense and Misc. Items

• Defense: Consider forgoing solar for self-defense items

  • E.g., firearms, training, ammo

• Extra Budget (~$70):

  • EDC Tools: Folding knife, multi-tool, small flashlight
  • Basic Tools: Hammers, screwdrivers, hand saws, manual drills
  • Storage & Misc.: Buckets, totes, tarps
  • Emergency Radio: Rechargeable by USB, hand crank, or solar
  • Outdoor Gear: Hatchet, folding saw
  • Cleaning Supplies: Toilet paper, sanitizing wipes, paper plates
  • Medication: OTC pain relievers, fever reducers, stomach remedies, Pedialyte

Extra Tips

• Water Saving: Use disposable dishes
• Pest Control: Stocks of pesticides, trash bags

Conclusion

• Prioritize based on individual needs and risk factors
• Adjust spending according to personal circumstances
• Link for additional resources on first $100 spending for new preppers