Couple stockpiles 3 years of WW3 survival food and lists 15 must-buy items | World | News

A couple who are ‘preparing’ to equip themselves in case of war say they have enough supplies to last up to three years in case of a disaster.

Carrie and Colton Smith, both in their mid-30s, developed an interest in preparing for emergencies after a Chinese balloon flew over the United States in February 2023 by gathering supplies, honing survival skills and creating evacuation plans before it crashed.

Since then, the couple, who live in Gallatin County, Montana, have been collecting and storing supplies to survive the worst.

The duo has everything from a satellite phone to 55-gallon water drums, four generators, solar panels and a three-year supply of food with a 25-year shelf life.

Since the conflict between the U.S. and Iran broke out, Carrie and Colton said they’ve been “inundated” with how to begin preparations and recommend everyone start small by grabbing an extra pack of toilet paper or groceries when they go grocery shopping.

Carrie, a homemaker from Gallatin County, Montana, said: “People are realizing how fragile our modern systems are.

“Whether it’s communications or supply chain, a lot of people are realizing that and want to be self-sufficient.

“Self-sufficiency means making sure you have enough items at home to last you a while in the event of a disaster.

“Moments like this are when it’s important to be prepared; being prepared gives you peace of mind.”

Posting on social media via @housewifeprepper, Carrie said she felt the need to “get the house and family under control” after feeling threatened by the balloon incident in China.

As a housewife, she considered it her responsibility to undertake the preparation of their home.

He began collecting various supplies, including basic needs such as water, emergency food, and a radio.

Carrie said: “As a housewife, a woman can be the decision maker; every housewife should take this into account.

“This is an extension of taking care of your family.

“It’s not just doomsday or World War III; it could be job loss, natural disaster, anything.”

Colton, the project manager, likens it to preparing an insurance policy.

Remember that you may never need to use it, but it’s there in case disaster strikes.

He said: “This doesn’t make world events any less scary, but it does give you peace of mind having a back-up plan if something goes wrong.

“It gives us the feeling of being prepared and relaxed.”

Carrie and Colton said they have a 55-gallon water tank that will last them a year and a 25-year shelf-life food supply that will last up to three years.

Carrie said: “Our water supply can last us a year, and food can last us two or three years.

Carrie added: “People always tell us it’s a waste of money, but do you use your health and car insurance every month? No.

“But it takes a while before you say ‘oh my god, thank God I had these.'”

“We have added more freeze-dried foods with a 25-year shelf life to our stock.

“We have freeze-dried milk, fruit, macaroni and cheese, and beef casserole.

“It will make our time in a stressful situation more relaxing because you’re eating a good meal.

“We try to incorporate normal life into our freeze-dried food, so if something bad happens, we’re normal.”

Carrie and Colton prepared ‘escape bags’ containing clothes, food, torches and tools in case they had to leave at short notice.

They even created a dog protection bag for their pet, Goldendoodle Sky.

But there are also thousands of pounds worth of survival equipment just in case.

Carrie said the five main categories needed are food, shelter, water, self-defense supplies and ‘sacks’.

He said: “Food, water, shelter and strength are the most important things.

“From now on, self-defense items.

“Then communications, like walkie-talkies, satellite phones, solar-powered radio.

“These are the essentials of preparation.”

Colton said there are three main pillars when it comes to preparation; these include food, water and a generator.

From there, he said, you can branch out and include other elements.

He said: “Start small, it can be really overwhelming.

“Every time you go to the store and buy a bag of rice, buy an extra; if you see something on sale, buy it.

“When you go out, take an extra box of batteries.

“Over time you’ll build up that stockpile, so if something happens you’re ready.”

CARRIE AND COLTON’S TOP 15 SURVIVAL TIPS:.

• Water filtration and purification (portable filter, purification tablets/drops).

• Stored water supply (at least one gallon per person per day).

• Emergency food supply (freeze-dried meals, canned goods, rations).

• Ignition devices (ferro rod, waterproof matches, lighter, tinder).

• First aid kit (trauma supplies, medications, antiseptics, bandages).

• Emergency shelter (tarp, light tent, mylar blanket).

• Warm clothing and insulation (wool socks, thermals, waterproof layers, gloves).

• Multi-tool or survival knife (fixed blade preferred).

• Light sources (headlamp + flashlight with spare battery or solar power).

• Navigation tools (compass, maps, GPS backup if possible).

• Portable power source (solar charger, power bank, tri-fuel generator, solar generator).

• Communication equipment (emergency radio, whistle, backup phone, satellite phone).

• Personal defense tools (pepper spray, firearm where legal or alternative).

• Sanitation and hygiene supplies (soap, wipes, toilet paper, waste bags).

• Important documents and cash (waterproof bag containing ID, cash, emergency contacts).