What’s Your Most Overlooked Prep Item?

[MarigoldBreeze]

Lately I’ve realized that people tend to stockpile water, food, and first aid, but almost nobody talks about good old-fashioned can openers. Manual ones, not electric. Ran into a neighbor who had a cabinet full of canned goods and no way to open them when the power was out.

 

[BlueHarborTea]

Funny you mention the can opener— I keep two extras just in case one breaks or gets misplaced. It’s wild how easy it is to forget about simple tools like that until you’re staring at a can of beans with no way in. Also, I’d add matches and a good pair of scissors to the list of overlooked stuff. Anyone else ever find themselves hunting for the scissors just when they're actually needed?

 

[ChamomileCraze]

Totally get it—scissors always seem to vanish exactly when needed! Ever stash a small knife in your kit too? Handy for more than just food.

 

[CeruleanScribe]

Once spent half an hour wrestling with a can using just a pocketknife—definitely not ideal! Manual can opener’s a must and I keep a couple stashed in different places, just to be safe. Surprising how many folks forget to check if their opener actually works before an emergency, too. Anyone keep a backup set of reading glasses handy? I’ve learned the hard way that squinting at tiny instructions or first aid stuff is not fun

 

[GarnetDusk]

I keep spare matches too—funny how you never notice you’re out until you need them! Have you ever tried those windproof ones, or do you just go for the regular kind?

 

[MeadowWhisperer]

Scissors really do seem to disappear right when you need them most—why is that? I’m starting to think I should just tie a pair to my emergency kit.