The Two Lists: Survival vs Morale

Beyond Just Staying Alive

When we started prepping, we made the mistake most people make: we only thought about survival. Water. Food. First aid. Power.

But here's what nobody tells you: survival isn't the hard part.

The hard part is the waiting. The boredom. The anxiety. The kids asking "when will this be over?" for the 47th time.

So now we prep with TWO lists.

List One: Survival

This is the stuff that keeps you alive:

• Water (4 gallons per person per day)
• Food (shelf-stable, stuff you'll actually eat)
• Power (to keep the fridge running and phones charged)
• Medical supplies (prescriptions, first aid, OTC meds)
• Shelter (staying warm/cool, staying dry)
• Heat or air conditioning (essential for comfort and safety)

You need this. It's non-negotiable. But it's not enough.

List Two: Morale

This is the stuff that keeps you SANE:

• Coffee (non-negotiable in our house)
• Heat or air conditioning (essential for my sanity)
• Games (cards, board games, activities for kids)
• Comfort food (chocolate, treats, familiar flavors)
• Freeze-dried fruit (the kids love it)
• Hot chocolate mix (for those Sunday mornings) (and maybe a bit of a spiker!)
• Entertainment (books, downloaded shows, music)
• Normalcy items (favorite snacks, comfort drinks)

Here's the thing: In a real emergency, morale matters more than most people think. A family that's fed but miserable is a family that's going to struggle. A family that has coffee in the morning and games at night? They'll get through it.

After the Hurricanes

You know what we were most grateful for?

Yes, the power stations. Yes, the water. But also? The coffee. The kids' favorite snacks. The board games we played by lantern light. The hot chocolate on Sunday morning.