Even during what has to be the weirdest year (please go away, 2020), it’s important to find things to be thankful for. As you sit around the table this Thanksgiving, we hope you will spend some time reflecting on the many reasons you have to be grateful, such as a roof over your head, food to eat, and a source of clean water -- all the things you need to survive.

Today, we’re focusing specifically on the 15 preparedness tools we are thankful for. The advancements in technology and modern innovations have provided many new tools that make it easier for people to survive even the worst possible disasters.

1. Air purifiers

2020 has made us more aware of the need to have clean air to avoid potential health risks. The wildfire smoke that drifted across many states and much of the nation again this year reminded us of the need for filtered indoor air. That’s why we’re thankful for the Alexapure Breeze, a True HEPA Air Purifier. It utilizes a four-stage filtering process to rid your space of all the nasty bugs, allergens, pathogens, and chemicals. The Alexapure Breeze removes up to 99.97% of airborne contaminants from your space, including viruses.

2. Water filtration devices

Water is essential for survival; however, if you find yourself stranded in the wilderness, the water you may find might not be safe to drink. Drinking unclean water can cause serious, life-threatening illnesses. Our forefathers didn’t have the tools we have today to filter and purify water – that’s why they drank beer instead of water in the colonies. Fortunately, we have a wide variety of water filtration and purification tools available. For example, the Survival Spring by Alexapure is a pocket-sized water filter that filters 99% of water contaminants. In addition to filters, we have drinking water germicidal tablets.

3. Shelf-stable foods

My Patriot Supply is proud to offer a variety of emergency survival food for long-term storage. Since we never know when a disaster or lockdowns will happen, these long-term food supply kits give peace of mind. We know that our customers are thankful to have shelf-stable foods that last up to 25 years stored in their pantries – and they will be especially thankful for them when the time comes to use them.

4. Fire starters

Knowing how to build a fire is key to survival. While you can build a fire by just rubbing two sticks together, we are thankful for advancements that make starting fires much easier. For example, you can purchase waterproof matches that help in any weather and fire starters that make the process happen much faster.

5. Emergency radios

When disaster strikes, you need some way to be able to tell what is happening on the outside. That’s where an emergency radio comes in. We’re thankful that emergency radios have advanced to include hand-crank radios and solar-powered radios, so you can still access the outside world even if you don’t have batteries. Pro tip: make sure your radio picks up the NOAA Weather stations, too.

6. Solar-powered tools

Speaking of not needing batteries, we are grateful for the large number of solar-powered preparedness tools available today. Not only do these work without batteries, but they also replace the need for outlets and chargers. Here are some of our solar-powered tools:

• GoSun Go Portable Solar Oven
• 9-in-1 Multi-Function LED Solar Rechargeable Flashlight
• Ready Hour Wireless Solar PowerBank Charger & 28 LED Room Light

7. Cell phones

Cell phones are great preparedness tools that offer compass navigation, GPS, numerous survival apps, and flashlights. As long as you have a signal, you can use your phone to call for help in a dangerous situation. Make sure you can power it when the electricity goes out with a solar power bank.

8. First aid supplies

In addition to standard first aid kits, individuals can now stock Ready Hour Blood Clot Powder in their bug-out bags, or they can invest in a Civilian Trauma Kit. This level of first aid was not widely available until recently.

9. Multipurpose tools

Modern multi-tools are designed to make things easier for outdoor adventurers, as well as provide much-needed emergency equipment. For example, some multi-tools today include screwdrivers, pliers, saw, wire cutter, nail puller, bottle opener, awl, and file. And, we can’t forget the camper’s knife that includes a fork, spoon, and knife.

10. Duct tape

We will always be thankful for the strength and versatility of duct tape. If you aren’t convinced, read 25 Ways to Use Duct Tape in an Emergency.

11. PLBs

PLBs are personal locator beacons, and they can make the difference between being found or stranded without help. They provide emergency radio signals and allow for communication practically anywhere in the world, even in remote locations. We are thankful for the advancements in technology, such as PLBs, that have led to amazing rescues.

12. Survival blankets

We are thankful scientists with NASA and Skylab worked together to create space blankets in the 1970s. These space blankets have evolved to today’s survival blankets, which are designed to retain heat and reflect heat back to the body. The blanket is windproof and waterproof, which protects individuals from falling victim to the elements.

13. Generators

If you have ever experienced a days-long blackout, you understand why we are thankful for home generators. When Puerto Rico experienced a year-long blackout, they survived by relying on generators. Let’s add a word of caution when using these. Do your internet research on the brand. Some have a history of recalls and starting home fires.

14. Snake bite kits

One of the preparedness tools we are most thankful for that we hope we never have to use is a snake bite kit. The kit includes simple instructions, three suction cups, lymph constrictor, scalpel, and antiseptic swabs to provide relief from venomous snake bites before you can reach the hospital.

15. Heated camp showers

This one may not seem as important, but the ability to take a warm shower at the end of a long day is definitely something we are thankful for. With the Solar-Heated Camp Shower, it’s possible. 

Happy Thanksgiving, friends.

In liberty,

Elizabeth Anderson

Preparedness Advisor, My Patriot Supply