DIY Essentials for Preppers
In uncertain times, self-reliance becomes invaluable. Whether you’re preparing for natural disasters, power outages, or other emergencies, having essential DIY skills can help you build a stockpile of useful resources, fortify your home, and make life in survival situations more manageable. Here’s a list of a dozen practical DIY projects that cover security, shelter and more, helping you be ready for whatever life throws your way.
I cannot possibly cover all items in this article, but there is already a wealth of information on this site that should make you far more in-the-know.
1. Home Defense Perimeter: DIY Tripwire Alarm System
Use Sound Grenade by BASU units to connect to your trip wires. You then have 130dB alarm system set off by your DIY trip setup.
The pull activation offered by the Sound Grenade by BASU is just the ticket!
Keep your property secure by setting up a simple tripwire alarm system. These units above are simple to install as above phot states. They can be installed around entry points to alert you if someone attempts to enter.
If you want to go old school with complete DIY, then use the old fishing line and bells method. A proven system.
2. Solar Power Generator
A DIY solar generator provides renewable power and can keep essential devices running during power outages. For this project, you’ll need a solar panel, a deep-cycle battery, a charge controller, and an inverter. This generator can charge phones, power lights, and run small appliances.
Renogy 200 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel Starter Kit is the ideal way to go; especially if you’re wanting to bug-out in an RV or caravan. It’s relatively straight forward to set up.
The other piece of kit you need is the inverter. The Renogy 1000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter 12V DC to 120V AC provides good value and is well made for the price tag.
Tip: Add a solar panel suitcase to make it portable and easy to deploy.
Check it out Renogy solar panel and charge controller(off grid)
Check it out Renogy 1000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter 12V DC to 120V AC
3. Rainwater Harvesting System
Water is a vital survival resource. Building a rainwater harvesting system is a straightforward way to store water for emergencies. Use a food-grade barrel, PVC pipes, and mesh screens to collect and filter rainwater safely.
Tip: Add a basic filtration system to remove larger debris, and consider adding purification tablets for extra safety.
4. Rocket Stove for Cooking
A rocket stove is an efficient, portable stove that can be made from simple materials like bricks, cans, or concrete blocks. This compact design uses small twigs as fuel and can reach high temperatures quickly, perfect for off-grid cooking.
Tip: Make a portable version using a metal can for emergency cooking on the go.
5. DIY Composting Toilet
If plumbing becomes unusable, a composting toilet provides a sanitary way to manage waste. Use a 5-gallon bucket, sawdust, and a toilet seat for this project. This toilet system uses minimal water and allows for odor-free waste management.
Tip: Line the bucket with biodegradable bags for easy disposal.
6. Pallet Wood Furniture for Storage
Pallets are versatile and easy to repurpose. With basic carpentry tools, you can turn pallets into shelves, benches, or tables for your storage area. Use them to organize canned goods, tools, and other supplies.
Tip: Sand down the pallet wood to avoid splinters and add a coat of weatherproof paint if used outdoors.
7. Basic Root Cellar
In a survival scenario, preserving food is essential. A root cellar provides a cool, dark environment for storing perishables. Dig a small pit, line it with wood or concrete blocks, and cover it with a hinged door. This setup keeps root vegetables, canned food, and even water cool.
Tip: Place straw or sawdust in the bottom to insulate and regulate moisture.
8. DIY Water Filter
If clean drinking water is scarce, a DIY water filter can be life-saving. Use a food-grade plastic bottle, sand, charcoal, and small gravel to create a basic filtration system. Pour water through the filter to remove contaminants, making it safer to drink.
Tip: For extra safety, boil filtered water before drinking.
9. Firewood Rack with Cover
Keeping firewood dry is essential for heating and cooking. Build a DIY firewood rack with weatherproof lumber and add a tarp cover to protect the wood from rain and snow. A simple rack can be made using cinder blocks and wooden planks.
Tip: Stack the wood with spaces in between for better airflow and faster drying.
10. Emergency Shelter with Tarp and Paracord
In case of evacuation, knowing how to set up a quick shelter can be invaluable. Carry a tarp and paracord in your emergency kit. To build a shelter, secure the tarp between two trees or poles with paracord. This setup provides temporary shelter from the elements.
Tip: Use stakes to secure the edges of the tarp to the ground, adding extra wind resistance.
11. Self-Watering Planters
If fresh produce becomes scarce, growing your own food is essential. Self-watering planters ensure your plants get the water they need with minimal effort. Use plastic bottles, PVC pipe, or food-grade buckets to make a reservoir-fed planter that conserves water and reduces the need for frequent watering.
Tip: Add nutrient-rich soil and choose plants that grow well indoors for year-round food supply.
12. Multi-Purpose Survival Shovel
A survival shovel can serve many functions: digging, chopping, cutting, and even defense. Create a multi-purpose survival shovel by modifying a standard shovel to have serrated edges for cutting and sharpened edges for chopping. Attach a paracord handle for extra utility.
Tip: Store it near your emergency supplies or carry it with your survival kit when on the move.
These DIY projects give you the tools and skills to handle survival situations, whether you’re at home or out in the wild. From clean water and food storage to security measures and emergency shelter, these DIY essentials can make a difference in any scenario. Preparing now not only provides peace of mind but also empowers you to take control in a crisis.
