Supplies After SHTF: Where to Find Them

Essential Locations to Source Supplies When Disaster Strikes

Knowing where to find essential supplies can be crucial for survival when disaster strikes. Some individuals may believe that their extensive preparations mean they won’t need to search for additional resources. However, even the most seasoned preppers can encounter unexpected situations that require them to seek out supplies that they may not have anticipated needing.

Consider the possibility that you could face scenarios that demand immediate action despite your meticulous planning. What if your shelter or vehicle sustains damage? You might find yourself in dire need of parts to make repairs. If a vital piece of equipment is destroyed, you will need an alternative solution quickly. Additionally, if medication like your mother’s prescription pills goes missing, you may have to search for substitutes. Even more pressing is the situation where you must care for a pregnant woman or a parent with a young child, necessitating the hunt for infant formula.

These scenarios illustrate a few situations that could arise in a post-disaster environment.
Once you start considering them, you will realize the circumstances that could require you to scavenge for supplies.

When a crisis occurs, scrounging for essential resources may become a necessity. If someone’s life is on the line, there may be no choice but to take action. Before discussing strategies for effective scavenging, it’s essential to clarify the distinction between scavenging and looting.

Understanding the Key Differences: Scavenging vs. Looting

The aftermath of significant disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina, showcased the stark contrast between scavengers and looters. Many witnessed footage of individuals racing through streets, grabbing jewellery and electronics. The distinction between scavenging and looting is evident in these situations. Looters are not focused on survival; they exploit the chaos for personal gain.

Those who loot are well aware that their actions negatively impact others. They understand that their theft will be felt by the original owners, who will eventually return to find their belongings missing. In this sense, looters operate morally like thieves, prioritizing their desires over ethical considerations.

In contrast, scavengers operate under different principles. They search for necessary items only after societal structures have collapsed, focusing on what has been abandoned or discarded and is unlikely to be missed. Scavenging may involve taking food or medicine in desperate situations where lives are at stake, but it does not extend to stealing directly from others in a way that inflicts harm or loss.

While some may argue that taking without permission constitutes theft, the moral landscape shifts drastically in survival situations. Those inflexible in their moral reasoning may find themselves ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of a post-disaster world.

Strategically Deploy a Scout for Effective Resource Gathering

Once you’ve identified the area you wish to explore for supplies, it’s wise to deploy a scout. Equip your scout with essential gear, including binoculars, a radio, and a firearm for protection. The scout’s primary responsibility will be to survey the area before your leading group moves in, ensuring safety and feasibility for the scavenging mission.

Using binoculars, your scout should spend several hours observing the surroundings. This observation period is crucial to ascertain whether the location is inhabited or if any potential threats, such as bandits, are lurking nearby. While this may sound overly cautious, the absence of law enforcement can lead to dangerous individuals taking advantage of the situation.

Your primary concern should be the safety of your team. You want to avoid confrontations leading to violence or theft while scavenging. Maintaining communication with your scout through a radio is essential. This allows for real-time updates on the situation, and if the scout determines the area is compromised, they can swiftly return or redirect to a safer location. In the event of lost communication, your team will be aware of a potential issue and can send a backup.

Understanding the Purpose of the Scout’s Firearm

It should be evident that the scout’s firearm serves a protective purpose. As they assess the landscape, the scout should be vigilant for any obstacles complicating the scavenging process. Barriers such as barbed wire fences, tall walls, ditches, and bodies of water can significantly increase risk and difficulty in retrieving supplies.

Additionally, the scout should remain alert to any signs of structural damage, such as buildings compromised by explosions or natural disasters. Entering a structure that may collapse poses significant risks, so assessing the environment’s integrity is vital before proceeding with a search.

Utilizing local maps can also help you plan your scavenging route. Familiarize yourself with all entry and exit points in your target area and have alternative pathways in place in case your primary route becomes inaccessible. This level of preparation and awareness can save time and prevent unnecessary complications.

Before embarking on a scavenging mission, your group must weigh the endeavour’s potential costs, benefits, risks, and rewards. Consider whether the items you seek are essential for survival or merely comforts that would improve morale.

Develop a Comprehensive Scavenging Plan

After determining your target locations and specific items to seek out, the next step is to select your team carefully. It is crucial never to send anyone alone on these missions. Individuals may encounter accidents, such as twisting an ankle, and may require assistance to navigate back to safety. Furthermore, significant items or obstacles may necessitate the strength of multiple people to manage effectively.

Remember that a single individual is far more vulnerable to threats than a group is. Ideally, your team should consist of multiple members, though this may vary depending on the number of people available. You should also ensure that younger camp members are supervised at all times.

Your scavenging team should have a comprehensive toolkit, including bags for carrying supplies, cordage for securing items, lock picks for accessing locked areas, cutting tools for various tasks, siphoning equipment for liquids, and water jugs to carry essential resources. Additionally, carrying respirators and goggles is advisable if the environment is dusty or potentially hazardous.

If you have multiple locations to explore, prioritize their order based on accessibility and necessity. It is often best to start your search in areas further from your base, gradually working your way back to avoid the exhaustion of transporting supplies over long distances. If you anticipate finding heavier items in specific locations, plan to tackle those last to conserve energy.

In cases where your scavenging efforts may extend over several days or weeks, consider acquiring a map to mark the locations you have already searched. This will help prevent redundancy and ensure that your time is spent efficiently.

Identifying Key Locations for Scavenging Supplies

In a post-disaster scenario, potential sources for supplies are abundant, and your search can encompass a wide range of locations. The following are some prime targets to consider, along with the types of valuable resources you might uncover in each.

Automotive Repair Shops: A Treasure Trove for Parts

In the quest for crucial parts, automotive repair shops will likely yield better results than general department stores. This trend becomes more pronounced after a disaster when resources are scarce. You may find tools, spare parts, and even fuel that can be pivotal for keeping vehicles operational.

Abandoned Vehicles: Hidden Gems Awaiting Discovery

Remember to search abandoned cars under the trunk, seats, and glove compartments for food, tools, or other essentials that might have been left behind. Additionally, auto components can serve multiple purposes. Suppose someone in your group possesses mechanical skills. Upholstery can be repurposed as insulation or bedding, wiring may be used as cordage, mirrors can function as signalling devices, and car batteries can provide power or be used for parts in other vehicles.

Churches: Sources of Food and Supplies

While taking resources from a church may feel ethically questionable, it can be justified in a dire situation where the building is abandoned. Many churches that once provided meals for the needy may still house canned goods and other supplies in their kitchens and storage areas.

Distribution Centers: Untapped Resources Await

In the aftermath of a disaster, many people will first flock to grocery stores, leaving distribution centres relatively untouched for extended periods. These warehouses often contain large quantities of food and supplies that could be overlooked. Also, don’t forget to search semi-trailers, which may hold non-perishable items and other valuable goods.

Fire Stations: Unexpected Supplies and Resources

Fire stations can be a hidden goldmine for supplies, offering food, clothing, and various essential items. Additionally, fire trucks often contain large water tanks filled with hundreds of gallons of water, which can be filtered and used for drinking or sanitation purposes.

Gas Stations: Worth a Quick Check

While gas stations might be among the first places to be picked through, it’s still worth stopping by to check for any overlooked items. You never know what supplies might remain.

Government Buildings: Emergency Resources at Your Fingertips

Many government buildings, including federal installations, utilize commercial-grade solar panels and backup power sources. These locations may also house critical emergency supplies in a crisis.

Grocery Stores: A Second Look May Yield Surprises

While grocery stores are likely to be raided quickly, it’s important to explore less obvious hiding spots. Look behind shelves, displays, and cash registers for any food items that might have been overlooked. Additionally, don’t forget to check restrooms, offices, stock areas, and loading docks.

Hospitals: A Vital Source for Medical Supplies

Hospitals will likely contain a wealth of food, clothing, and medical supplies. Scoring every closet and drawer is essential, as you may find critical resources to aid recovery or survival.

Residential Homes: Thorough Searches for Essential Needs

When it comes to residential scavenging, leave no stone unturned. Inspect all rooms, garages, basements, attics, and backyards or storage sheds. Water heaters can hold significant drinking water, and homes with swimming pools may provide additional water sources. Don’t overlook metal mailboxes; they can be repurposed into makeshift wood stoves.

Marinas: Abandoned Boats May Hold Valuable Supplies

Inspecting abandoned boats can be fruitful, as they often contain emergency food supplies, communication equipment, fishing gear, and firearms. These resources can significantly enhance your survival capabilities.

Office Buildings: Sources of Snacks and Supplies

Office buildings can be a source of hidden treasures. Look for vending machines that may still contain snacks, food, and small tools left on workstations. Most offices should also have fire extinguishers; janitorial closets can be goldmines for cleaning supplies.

Pawn Shops: A Potential Source for Weaponry and Gear

Pawn shops can offer a variety of items, including firearms, ammunition, and other valuable tools. You might even uncover functional electronics, such as walkie-talkies or ham radios, which could prove essential for communication.

Pet Stores: Keeping Your Pets Fed

If your pets are still with you, visiting a pet store can help ensure they receive proper nourishment without depleting your food supply. While humans can consume pet food in dire circumstances, it should be approached cautiously, as it may not adhere to the same safety standards as human food.

Restaurants: A Hidden Source of Food

Although restaurants are likely to be empty, it’s still worthwhile to check for overlooked canned goods or bags of food. However, be aware that any freezer items may have spoiled and should be cautiously approached.

Retail Stores: Beyond the Grocery Aisles

When exploring retail stores, consider items other than food. Look for entertainment options such as books, cards, board games, or sports equipment, which can help maintain morale during tough times.

Schools: Educational Supplies and More

Schools can be treasure troves of valuable items. Look for tools, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and cleaning supplies. Cafeterias may still have food available; if you have time, check lockers for snacks with a long shelf life.

Self-Storage Facilities: Potentially Valuable Finds

While self-storage facilities may require time and effort to access, they can be worth exploring. Although you may not find food or perishables, you could uncover clothing, essential gear, and equipment to enhance your chances of survival.

The Article Where to Find Supplies After SHTF Appeared First On Survival Avenue.