There’s no doubt that preparing for an SHTF scenario is not something you can do in a week or two. It takes time, a little bit of money and a little bit of work.

Only problem is that the more we know, the more we feel like we know. So we start absorbing information like a sponge. We end up learning things that we’ve never even considered back when we were unawakened. Some of these things may even be considered weird by the average Joe but we know better.

I have a few interesting survival ideas for you that I think you might like. These are not the common sense ones as that everyone’s talking and writing about. The ones in this article are meant to not only help you but to make you say:

Ahh, I never thought about that. That’s clever!

Ready? Let’s get started with #1.

Idea #1: A Clever Way To Rotate Your Food Stockpile

If you’re stockpiling some of your food under the bed, there’s a neat little trick to easily rotate it. Always deposit the cans on one side of the bed and remove them from the other. This process will naturally push the older ones through and cause you to take the oldest can when you want to use one.

Pretty neat, right?

Idea #2: Need A Dog To Protect Your Home?

Don’t spend hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars on one. There are plenty of dogs in need of adoption that are going to be great friends and faithful protectors.

When you go to the shelter, consider selecting the biggest and strongest dog instead of the cutest, most cuddly puppy. Most people don’t do that as they’re mainly looking for companions.  Not only do the older dogs need love too, but they’ll be an immediate improvement to your home security system.

Idea #3: A Family Photo…That Hides A Secret

Let’s say you buried some of your valuables somewhere on your property. You obviously want to remember exactly where that place is but you don’t want to write it down or leave any marks or clues. How do create a reminder so that only you and your immediate family know the exact location?

Easy. Just take a photo of your loved ones standing on the exact same spot where you’re supposed to dig. Make copies of the photo and have everyone keep it in their wallets and bug out bags. No one will ever know or guess the true purpose of those photos…

Idea #4: Use These Part-Time Weapons To Escape An Attacker

We all know that a having a gun is a great way to provide for your own self-defense. But what if we can’t reach it in time or, even worse, your local laws prevent you from carrying in public? Try out some of the items on my “part-time weapons” list. These are everyday items that can be used to successfully inflict pain and give you those much needed seconds to escape your attacker:

Pens, car keys, high-heeled shoes, bandanas, lollipops – those are all great everyday tools that can be used to hit some of the most vulnerable parts of the human body: the eyes, the cheek, the nose, the groin and so on.

Idea #5: Clean Your Teeth With Baking Soda

It’s obvious that, post-disaster, maintaining good personal hygiene is going to be tough. Keeping your teeth healthy is one of those challenges that, fortunately, has a simple solution: baking soda.

And the recipe for homemade toothpaste is dead-simple. Just mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with half a teaspoon of water until they form a paste. Use a lid to make it. That’s it; all you have to do now is dip your toothbrush inside and start brushing!

(As a side note, baking soda is also known for whitening teeth naturally. Use it for at least a week once a day and notice the results.)

#6. Stock Up On Condoms – They Have Many Uses

The interesting thing about condoms is that they can aid you procuring food, water, they can help you make shelter and – yes –even help you start a fire.

This last use is very interesting. All you need is a condom and some water. Fill the condom with water, tie it up and use it as a magnifying glass to focus the solar flares on some tinder (you will need good tinder, such as straw or tinder fungus).

#7. Light A Wet Match

If you have matches that got wet for whatever reason and you don’t really have dry wood to help you start a fire, there is another way…provided that you have access to direct sunlight and a flashlight.

The trick is to disassemble the flashlight, take out the reflective part and stick one of your matches inside, with the flammable end sticking out where the light bulb used to be. Now hold the flashlight in direct sunlight until the match dries up and starts flaming. You’ll need to quickly remove the match when that happens!

Wrap-Up – Were These Survival Ideas Useful?

Of course, these are just a few of the tricks, tips and tactics that only smart preppers know. When you think about it, there are numerous items that have countless uses (and in many cases save your life). Condoms are such an example, then there’s duct tape, paracord, tampons, chap stick, bandanas, zip ties, bungee cords and even tin cans.

Stay safe and don’t forget, it’s not just about digging for unique survival ideas but also about your set of skills (read more on them here and here).

Guest Poster: Dan Sullivan

Founder at Survival Sullivan

His dad was military. His grandfather was a cop. They served their country well. But Dan doesn't take orders from anyone. He's taking matters into his own hands. He's not just preparing, he's going to friggin' war!