The good news is you have started to prepare for some sort of a survival situation.

Being prepared for at least a few days without food, water or life's normal amenities is even recommended by the federal government, so you know if they are saying you should, the likelihood you need to do so is very high.

The bad news is like all of us, you probably will make a bunch of mistakes, including buying things you do not need or will not use – it is part of the survival learning curve.

Smart buying, given all the survival gear, equipment, and supplies that are on the market, is incredibly hard unless you know what you are doing (which most of us do not) or you have someone to guide you.

On the next page, we cover some general advice for a few things to avoid.

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