With nuclear war looming, you may be considering building a bunker. This is a brilliant idea! A good bunker will protect you from the radiation and fallout that will occur during an atomic bomb blast.
While there are many steps to take to build your perfect shelter, one of the essential things for any survivalist to have on hand is food and water.
Often, in the panic of an attack, thoughts turn to stockpile supplies. But you shouldn’t wait until after there’s been a nuclear strike before building your bunker. It takes time and money to put together everything needed for survival in an emergency.
In this blog post, we’ll go through what supplies you need so that when disaster strikes, you’re fully prepared!
Top 25 Supplies to Keep in Your Bunker
1: Dried beans and peas
Beans and peas are a great source of protein and can be stored for long periods. They also require little water, making them ideal for stockpiling. While they may not be the most appetizing meal, they will provide you with the sustenance you need in a disaster situation.
2: Canned meat
It’s not the most delicious thing in the world, but it will do in a pinch. So make sure you have plenty of canned meat on hand so that you can survive in case of an emergency. Plus, canned meat is an excellent source of protein, which your body will need to stay strong during a crisis.
3: Dehydrated fruits
Dehydrated fruits are a great way to have a quick and healthy snack on hand in an emergency. They are also lightweight and take up minimal space. Make sure to bring in your favorite flavors, such as apples, pears, and bananas. These will help keep your morale high during difficult times.
4: Spices
If there is one thing that you should stock up on, it’s spices. Not only do they add flavor to food, but they can also help disguise the taste of tainted or spoiled food. Some good options to consider include salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, and Chili powder. What’s more, spices can also help you make do with less-than-ideal recipes.
5: A water filter system
You will need access to clean drinking water, so a water filter system is essential. Choose a system that filters out both chemical and biological contaminants. Make sure to stock up on filter replacements.
6: Bottled water
Water is essential for staying hydrated, but it needs to be purified first. Potable Aqua Water Treatment Tablets are iodine-based tablets that disinfect water quickly and easily. You can also boil your own drinking water or use a LifeStraw personal filtration system if you have enough fuel for the fire.
7: First Aid kit
You never know when you might need first aid, so it’s essential to have a well-stocked kit on hand. Make sure to include bandages, tape, scissors, and any other supplies you might need in the event of an injury.
8: Copies of important contacts
If you lose access to your phone or computer, having a hard copy of important contacts can be lifesaving. Make sure to include your family members’ contact information, as well as the contact info for your doctor and insurance company.
9: Clothing
In the event of an emergency, you may have to evacuate quickly. So make sure you have clothes packed in case you need to leave in a hurry. It’s also essential to pack weather-appropriate clothing, so you’re prepared for any situation.
10: Pet supplies
If you have pets, make sure to pack food, water, leashes, and any other supplies they might need in an emergency. You may not be able to take them with you if you have to evacuate, so it’s essential to have everything they need to survive on their own.
11: Entertainment
It’s essential to have something to keep your mind occupied during a crisis. Pack books, puzzles, games, and other forms of entertainment to help pass the time.
12: Food and water
It’s essential to have enough food and water to last for at least 72 hours in an emergency—stock up on nonperishable items that will meet your needs both physically and mentally.
13: Personal documents
Make sure to keep copies of important personal documents like your driver’s license, passport, and insurance cards in a safe place. If you need to evacuate quickly or if something happens to your original copies, you’ll need these documents.
14: Maps of the area and a compass
You’ll need a way to orient yourself and navigate, especially if cell service or GPS is down. A great place to start is with maps of your area. If you live in an urban environment, these can be found at your local library or online. If you are out of the city and need to move around safe areas for evacuation, having a map will allow you to identify where landmarks are located to know how far away they are from one another.
15: Ammunition for your firearms
It is essential for those who have firearms always to have ammunition on hand. You never know when you might need a backup supply of bullets for hunting or other purposes. Make sure to stock up on different calibers of ammunition so you are prepared for any situation.
16: Ham Radio
Ham radio is one of the best ways to stay in touch with others during a grid-down emergency. The radios are also great for listening to broadcasts from other parts of the world, which could be helpful if you need information about an impending disaster before it happens or assistance after one has occurred.
17: Fire Extinguisher
You must have fire extinguishers handy at all times because even small fires can quickly get out of control and threaten your entire shelter. Many people do not realize that they should only use water on electrical fires, so having these supplies will help increase everyone’s safety while inside the bunker once SHTF hits.
18: Solar Charger
Solar chargers are necessary, especially since most electronic devices require electricity to charge them up once their batteries run low. Chargers can be used to power up devices such as radios, flashlights, and cell phones.
19: Spare Batteries
It’s also essential to have plenty of spare batteries on hand for all of your electronic devices. This includes everything from flashlights to ham radios. If the grid goes down, you’ll need to be able to continue using all of your gadgets without having to worry about running out of power.
20: Firearms
Firearms are a common topic, but if you live in an area prone to natural disasters or civil unrest, it’s essential to have at least one on hand. Make sure you have a variety of firearms so that you can cover all your bases – long guns for distance and close-quarters pistols, for example. If you do not yet have any firearms and want a few for your bunker, a 30-30 shotgun and pistol should suit you very well for the long haul.
21: Antibiotics
Antibiotics are essential for any prepper’s bunker supplies. You never know when you might get an infection, and antibiotics can be the difference between life and death. Make sure to stock up on a variety of different antibiotics so that you can treat a range of infections. While we legally cannot advise this, nor do we desire to, it is understood that preppers tend to use fish antibiotics in place of human antibiotics for this purpose.
22: Seeds
If you need to start a garden, or if the world is coming down and you need to take your chances in nature, seeds will be at the absolute top of your list. While you might find other food sources, seeds are the cornerstone of any sustainable food plan. So make sure to stockpile a variety of heirloom and non-GMO seeds that will give you the best chance at success.
23: Tinder (Fire Starting)
You never know when you’ll need a fire, and having tinder on hand is essential for getting a blaze going. Tinder can be anything from dryer lint to small twigs, so make sure you have some in your bunker.
24: Toilet Paper
This one is a no-brainer. You’re going to need something to keep you clean when nature calls, and toilet paper will do the trick. So make sure you stock up on plenty of rolls before disaster hits.
25: Fishing Supplies
Fish are a great source of food, and with the right supplies, you can catch them in your bunker. You’ll need a fishing net, hooks, line, bait, and a container to store your catches. Many different types of bait can be used, but earthworms are a good option because they’re easy to find.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big should my bunker be?
This depends on how many people you plan to accommodate and for how long. But, a good rule of thumb is to allow for at least 100 square feet per person. So, if you have a family of four, your bunker should be 400 square feet. However, you also need to think of what you plan on using your bunker for. For example, if you think you may need it for a long-term stay, you may need to opt for a larger size. However, temporary uses only demand small spaces. So, once you have figured this out, you can better understand how much room you’ll need!
How much does it cost to build a bunker in the ground?
This depends on the type of bunker you want and how much work needs to be done. A small, basic bunker should start around $25,000, and a large complex one would cost closer to $500,000. These prices are just an estimate as costs can vary greatly depending on your location – it is cheaper in rural areas than urban ones because materials have to be brought out from town by truck or tractor-trailers, which dramatically increases the price.
Which states allow for building bunkers on the property?
This is a question that many people have, and the answer changes depending on the location. The general rule of thumb is that if your bunker doesn’t violate any local or state building codes, then you should be in the clear. However, it’s always best to check with your local authorities just to make sure. Some states are more lenient than others when it comes to bunkers.
Takeaway
Now that you know what to put in your bunker, it is essential to look at some of the supplies you will need to make sure you and your family are safe.
Always make sure that you have enough food and water for at least 72 hours. It is also essential to make sure that your emergency supplies are easily accessible, so if there were an emergency, the first thing people would grab would be them.
This includes anything from nonperishable items like canned vegetables or fruit, pasta, rice, cereals, etcetera up to freeze-dried products, which can last years without spoiling.
