SHTF bartering must-haves: 13 Things that will be in demand after an EMP attack

By zoeysky // 2023-05-25

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You might already be familiar with common disaster scenarios that you need to prepare for, such as natural disasters or societal collapse. One of the most serious disaster scenarios involves an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack. Such an attack could destroy most of your electronics and also take out the electrical grid. Because countries like the U.S. use electricity for almost everything, you can expect society, the infrastructure and the supply chain to come to a shocking halt after an EMP attack. If you're worried about where you're going to get more survival supplies after such a disaster, you should start stocking up on supplies that can also be used for bartering after SHTF. (h/t to UrbanSurvivalSite.com) Preparing for an EMP attack can also help you prepare for less serious events, like a long-term power outage or any event that requires you to bug in or stay at home until it is safe to travel again. According to the report of the EMP Commission, somewhere between 60 and 90 percent of these people will die of starvation after an EMP attack, within a year. People will also be desperate for equipment and various supplies, so learning how to barter efficiently will also be key to your survival. If you're not sure which items to stock up on before SHTF, take a look at the detailed list below:

Alcohol

Even if you don't drink, you should stock up on alcohol because many people will be looking for alcohol after a disaster. You might even benefit from having an occasional drink, such as after a very stressful situation like an EMP attack. For effective bartering, it may be better to trade with alcohol in small bottles. This could be more expensive but when it's time to barter, you're still trading a bottle. Those desperate enough for a drink will increase the value of that smaller bottle in their minds. (Related: Prepper essentials: 50 Emergency items to stock up on before disaster strikes.)

Batteries

After an EMP attack, small electronics like handheld devices might continue to work. But these devices will need batteries, most likely AA and AAA sizes. You should also stock up on lithium ion batteries and button cells (watch batteries). According to battery manufacturers, alkaline batteries can be stored for up to 10 years. This means that you can safely stockpile batteries, without worrying about them going bad. Just make sure to rotate your supplies after trading.

Cigarettes

After SHTF, some people might start looking for cigarettes to help them deal with their stress. If you have space in your stockroom or pantry, get cut tobacco and rolling papers since they will last much longer than cigarettes. And even if some smokers prefer their favorite brands, they might be willing to barter for other brands after SHTF. Factory-made cigarettes don't store as well as raw tobacco, mostly due to the additives that they contain.

Coffee

According to data, caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world. Data also revealed that a whopping 90 percent of Americans consume caffeine regularly. After an EMP attack, many people will still crave a cup of coffee, so stock up on instant coffee, coffee beans or ground coffee for bartering. If space is limited, stock up on whole coffee beans since coffee starts to age once it is ground. Ground coffee loses flavor and becomes stale faster than whole coffee beans. Don't forget to stock up on a manual coffee grinder if you are getting coffee beans. If possible, buy a big grinder so you can grind half a pound within minutes.

Firestarters

When facing a large-scale disaster event like an EMP attack, you may have to go back to using fire for heating and cooking. This could be a problem for non-preppers who didn't think to stock up on fuel and alternative ways of cooking and heating their home, so make sure you stock up on firestarters for bartering. Buy matches for trading and other items you can use to start a fire properly, like tinder, flint and steel, or a ferro rod and striker.

First aid supplies

Medicines and first aid supplies will be in demand after SHTF. After an EMP attack, many people might suffer major and minor injuries and anyone who didn't prepare will need first aid supplies to treat wounds. Treating those injuries could also become a constant problem, especially if medical facilities are overrun after a devastating EMP attack. Stock up on the following first aid supplies before SHTF:

Antibacterial cream
Butterfly closures
Chest seals
Cotton swabs
Elastic bandages
Gloves
Hot and cold packs
N95 masks
Rubbing alcohol
Scissors
Splints

Fuel

Cars might not be running after an EMP attack, but people will still need gasoline for other tools and uses. Gasoline can be used for starting fires and running chainsaws. However, gasoline doesn't store well, although it stores better in metal gas cans compared to plastic containers. People will also need other flammable fuels and materials such as kerosene, propane, mineral oil and wood. Wood might be particularly useful, although some people will be able to cut their own firewood. Some of these fuels may not be all that practical to store, but after SHTF there may be someone else who will need whatever extra you can add to your stockpile.

Medicines

Medicine will be one of the first things that will run out after a disaster like an EMP attack, so stock up on whatever you can legally get your hands on. It will be almost impossible to create a general stockpile of prescription medicines unless you are a pharmacist, but you can stockpile over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for trade. Common items like antihistamines, medicine for diarrhea and pain relievers will all be popular after a disaster. Herbal medicines are also a great alternative to OTC meds, so start learning about medicinal herbs or plant some in your home garden today.

Personal hygiene products

People will also need various personal hygiene products to keep themselves clean in a post-SHTF world. Stock up on these essential hygiene items:

Bar soap
Chapstick/lip balm
Combs
Cotton swabs
Dental floss
Deodorant
Diapers
Feminine hygiene products
Hairbrushes
Hand sanitizer
Lotion
Razors
Shampoo
Shaving cream
Toilet paper
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste

Preserved food

With the transportation and ordering systems down, stores won’t be able to restock once they sell out their current supply. While there may be food around, it won't be as easy to get it where it is needed and local supplies will be all that anyone has available to them. But these local supplies may not even make it to the stores. And if they do, what will other people do when those stocks are used up? Unless there are food processing plants nearby that still has a stock of raw foodstuffs to process, even local stocks will run out rather quickly, leaving people without food. The value of food is based on its necessity for survival. The scarcer the food, the greater its value. This means the value of food will increase over time, as shortages increase. Monitor the current situation in your area so that you know how much your food is worth. Stock up on preserved food, or learn how to preserve food at home using fruits and vegetables from your garden so you can barter for other supplies.

Soap

Soap may not seem that important, but it can be crucial to your survival after SHTF. People will need a lot of soap to wash their hands, especially since proper hygiene is key to preventing the spread of diseases.

Toilet paper

Toilet paper is another survival essential that you should stock up on if you plan on bartering after SHTF. Preppers know that there are other options in a post-EMP world, but none of them are as convenient and comfortable to use as toilet paper.

Water filters and purifiers

Clean water is important for your survival, and if you run out of water after an EMP attack, you will need water filters and purifiers to ensure that the water you harvest from an outside source is safe to use. Regardless of quality, any water filter will go bad after continued use since its pores will eventually fill with sediment. One solution is to use filters that are back-flushable. While they are more expensive, they don't go bad so quickly. Alternatively, you can use water treatment options like chlorine bleach to chemically purify water. Whatever you stock up on, get plenty of it and think of your options for long-term use and bartering. Bartering after a disaster can be a risky business, so always transact with a friend or two so you can protect each other if the other person tries anything funny. Keep your supplies hidden, and don't tell anyone else that you are a prepper or that you have a stockroom full of bartering goods at home. This ensures that no one tries to steal from you after SHTF. Even if you are bartering with a fellow prepper after an EMP attack, you should go well-armed, with good defenses and with a trusted friend or family member. Never barter at home and take the necessary precautions to ensure that you’re not followed when you return home after bartering. Watch the video below for tips on how to hunt for tools for your stockpile at flea markets. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.

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