welcome back to the Frugal americ Channel November is coming all too soon there is potential for more turbulent times ahead as well as winter approaching it's very important that you make it a priority to have some emergency preparations in place being as self-sufficient as possible can help in so many situations whether it's unexpected Financial challenges natural disaster civil unrest or any number of other possibilities having your preps in place can help to keep you and your family safe comfortable and healthy today we're diving into something incredibly practical and budget friendly am I the only one that didn't know you could prep this well at the dollar store it's amazing how many essential items you can find without breaking the bank whether you're new to prepping or a Season Pro the dollar store has got you covered let's take a closer look at these must-have items and why they're so important for your emergency preparedness let's check out 15 essential items you need to stock up on before November first up bar soap bar bar soap is a staple in any household it's long lasting essential for personal hygiene and super easy to store you can never have too much soap especially in emergency situations where cleanliness is crucial to prevent illness bar soap can be stored for years so you'll have it when you need it it can also be used to wash clothes or dishes in a pinch the dollar store has many types of bar soap to choose from so stock up now next batteries batteries are the lifeblood of many emergency devices from flashlights to radio having a variety of batteries on hand ensures that you can stay connected and see in the dark when the power goes out think about all the devices you rely on daily that need batteries in an emergency these devices become even more critical always check the expiration date to ensure they last as long as possible grab AA AAA and D for flashlights and radios these are the most common sizes and will cover most of your basic needs it's always a good idea to have a stockpile because you never know how long an emergency might last batteries can also be used for other essential gadgets like portable fans clocks and even some medical devices consider rechargeable batteries and a solar charger for a sustainable option candles are a must for Reliable light during power outages they provide a steady source of light and can also add a bit of warmth plus they create a calming atmosphere which can be a huge morale booster during stressful times imagine being in a dark room with no power a candle can make a world of difference look for unscented candles to avoid overwhelming scents in confined spaces don't forget lighters and matches for starting fires and to light your candles these are essential for cooking warmth and even signaling for help a good supply of Lighters and matches ensures that you can start a fire in any condition fire is not just for warmth it can also be used to purify water and cook food making it a crucial element of survival waterproof matches are a great find if you can get them first aid supplies are crucial bandages antiseptic wipes you name it in an emergency medical help might not be immediately available so having a well stocked first aid kit can make a huge difference from minor cuts to more serious injuries being prepared can save lives think about the Peace of Mind you'll have knowing you can handle minor medical issues on your own look for prepackaged first aid kits for convenience also check out our video about putting together a medical kit we've even included a checklist so you don't miss anything that video will be linked at the end of this one while you're at the dollar store stock up on canned goods like veggies beans and soups but don't forget a manual can opener canned goods are non perishable and can last for years making them perfect for long-term storage they provide essential nutrients and can be a comforting meal in tough times imagine the relief of having a hearty meal when fresh food is not available check for other shelf stable foods like beef jerky dried fruit nuts and protein bars these are are perfect for emergency bags kept in your car or for nutrition when you aren't able to cook anything toilet paper is a no-brainer and bleach is great for disinfecting and purifying water in any emergency maintaining hygiene is critical and these items help ensure that you can stay clean and healthy bleach can also be used to clean surfaces and prevent the spread of germs think about how essential these items are in your daily life and how much more important they become in an emergency make sure to get unscented bleach for water purification a Ziploc bags can store food and organized supplies they are incredibly versatile and can be used to keep items dry store leftovers or even organize small tools and supplies having a variety of sizes can help you manage your stockpile more efficiently imagine the convenience of having everything organized and easily accessible when you need it most look for heavyduty options for durability duct tape and plastic sheeting are super versatile for repairs and waterproofing duct tape can fix almost anything from broken tools to ceiling leaks plastic sheeting can be used to create makeshift shelters cover broken windows or even collect rainwater think about the countless ways these items can be used in an emergency situation consider getting extra rolls of duct tape you can never have too much flashlights are a given and a multi-tool can handle just about anything a good flashlight is essential for navigating in the dark and a multi-tool can be a lifesaver with its various functions from cutting to screwing to opening bottles imagine being in a situation where you need to make quick repairs or open a can a multi-tool can be your best friend look for Led flashlights for longer battery life also look for headlamps these type of flashlights can free up your hands when doing a task or when walking outside in the dark don't forget to include them in your car emergency bag finally instant noodles are easy to prepare with minimal cooking they are lightweight have a long shelf life and can be a quick and satisfying meal when you need it most just add hot water and you're good to go imagine the comfort of having a warm meal ready in minutes when you're in a stressful situation consider adding some canned veggies or protein to make it a more balanced Meal look for instant coffee hot chocolate and tea bags too even if you don't normally use these a hot cup of tea can be a real comfort in a stressful situation there you have it 15 plus essential Dollar Store items to keep you prepped and ready happy prepping remember being prep repair doesn't have to be expensive or stressful with a little planning and smart shopping you can build a comprehensive emergency kit that will keep you and your loved ones safe and comfortable in any situation so head to your local dollar store and start prepping today and don't forget the key to successful prepping is not just having the right items but also knowing how to use them effectively take the time to familiarize yourself with your supplies and practice using them this way you'll be ready for anything that comes your way if you found this video helpful please like subscribe and share with a friend that will appreciate it stay safe and stay prepared