Used by the prepper community, Beans, Bullets and Band-aids, is quite a well known expression. This has become a catchy phrase because it outlines the three essential things that would be needed in a disaster scenario. Beans signify the food, water and shelter that are necessary to sustain life; the bullets represent the ability to protect oneself as well as family, in addition to being able to hunt and protect one's freedom; the last term, bandaids, symbolize people's healthiness and cleanliness. So what are some of the necessities that fall within the phrase beans, bullets and band-aids?
Beans, Bullets and Band-aids:
Beans-
Food- If you would like to start storing food there are some things to think about. How long will the food last? Is this something that you and your family will realistically eat? Will the food survive if there is a disaster and no electricity? How will you cook the food you have stored? The amount of food stored ultimately depends on the person that is storing it. But, keep in mind that you need to have enough food for the amount of time a foreseen disaster will last. If you are just preparing for a short term disaster then maybe only a few days to a week of food is necessary. If your preparations need to last after a massive break down of society or a major disaster, you may want to have a few months to multiple years of food stockpiled. Also you may want to raise your own livestock and have a fruit and vegetable garden. Hunting and Fishing are also a great way to get food. Just a note, all grocery stores combined in one city usually only have about 3 days worth of food for the entire city.
Water- When there is no water coming out of the sink where will you find fresh, clean water? You may want to keep water stockpiled as well. There are a couple options for this. You can keep water bottles or gallon containers full. There are also water tanks that come in various sizes anywhere from under 100 gallons up to thousands of gallons. If you are lucky enough to be near a river or lake, this may be a good source of water. There are many types and sizes of water filters that don't need electricity and make even the worst water safe to drink. There are also tablets that can be placed in water to purify it. A well would also be a fantastic water source, but can be quite pricey to build. Ultimately, there are many options, but it is a good idea to know about the natural water sources in your area.
Shelter- Where will you stay? You will need a place that is safe, dry and warm (and hopefully comfortable as well). Many people will probably just stay in their houses. This can be a good option as long it is safe. According to the Beans, Bullets and Band-aids theory, a home that is on a significant amount of property, hidden from main roads, can be a great shelter for disaster scenarios. Those that already live a survivalist lifestyle will be at an advantage and may have a home that uses renewable resources like solar or wind. These resources could come in very handy. There are also many others that have a separate home just for survival circumstances. So if you have the money, this may be a great investment for you and your family.
Bullets-
Protection- Having a way to protect you and your family is very important during trying times as people in desperate situations will take desperate measures. Guns are a very important part of protection and may be able to diffuse a situation where talking and negotiating do not solve the situation. There are many different types of guns and many theories on which ones to own. Of course, any gun is better than no gun, but remember, each type of gun has different scenarios that make it useful. If your target is relatively close, a shotgun or pistol may be the best option. If your target is 60 yards or more away, a rifle is probably the best option. However, protection is not just limited to guns. Reusable and quiet weapons such as bows or knives are great to have because you constantly run the risk of depleting your bullet stockpile. Protection could also be in the form of a fence or barbed wire outside your home that deters thieves and other mischievous people.
Hunting- This also goes into the food category of beans, bullets and band-aids. In order to hunt efficiently and effectively, you need to know which hunting weapons to purchase and use. A.22 rifle would be much better for squirrel and varmint hunting than a 7 mm magnum rifle. However, a 7 mm magnum rifle would be more effective for hunting an elk and other big game animals. A bow may be better in any situation, as it is silent and will not arouse attention like a gun. Another great idea is the use of traps. These are reusable and are semi-passive ways of finding food. They can also protect your home from intruders. In the forest and plains areas, squirrels, elk, deer, birds, turkeys and water fowl are all great sources of protein. In the desert, tarantulas, snakes, birds, deer, insects and javelina can provide a great food source.
Band-aids-
Preventative- Though not a conventional step to beans, bullets and band-aids, staying in shape and being healthy is one of the best ways to prevent problems during an end of the world scenario. When we are healthy we are able to work harder and more efficiently. Being healthy and in shape can also promote productivity. Some of the ways to prepare for an end of the world scenario are to eat right, exercise regularly and keep an active lifestyle. Knowledge of minor medical procedures is also a great way to prepare.
Medicines- If you need a certain medication to maintain a productive lifestyle, make sure to have a surplus of them on hand. There are some doctors that will give extra prescriptions for the purpose of preparing and stockpiling, so the beans, bullets and band-aids theory suggests asking and explaining your situation to him or her. Additionally, there are some medicines that should be kept on hand; antibiotics are an important one. Cipro and penicillin are some of the most popular, but don't forget the many over the counter medicines that are used regularly. These can include aspirin, allergy medicines, cold or flu remedies, diarrhea medicines, stool softeners among many more.
Medical supplies- Non-medicinal medical supplies are also very important. For instance, how will you dress a wound or set a broken bone? It is good to have band-aids, bandages, braces, splints, and thermometers on hand. The more you know and have increases the chances of surviving.
This is only a start to beans, bullets and band-aids. The one thing I haven't discussed yet is the importance of research and knowledge. If money is an issue, this is a great place to start. This necessary step to survival just happens to be free. There are many great books and tutorials online that will teach you anything from CPR and fishing to gardening, at no cost. Now that you know about beans, bullets and band-aids, you can start preparing for any scenario you see fit.
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