The Amish are well-known for their simple, self-sufficient lifestyle, which includes being prepared for almost any situation. Their reliance on natural resources, handmade tools, and minimal technology gives them resilience in emergencies. These essentials help ensure the Amish are prepared to weather almost any situation, and with a little planning, you can too. By focusing on quality, reusable items and basic skills, you’ll be better equipped for self-sufficiency and resilience. Here are 20 essentials the Amish typically keep on hand, plus some tips on how you can incorporate these items into your own preparedness routine.
Non-Perishable Food (Grains, Beans, Canned Goods)
Why They Use It: Dry and canned foods have a long shelf life and are essential for food security.
Tips: Stock up on beans, rice, pasta, and canned vegetables. Rotate items regularly to maintain freshness.
staceyhomemaker
Home-Canned Fruits and Vegetables
Why They Use It: Canning preserves the harvest and prevents food waste.
Tips: Try canning your seasonal produce. Invest in jars, lids, and a pressure canner to start preserving at home.
masterclass
Manual Tools (Hammers, Axes, Hand Drills)
Why They Use It: Amish communities often work without power tools, relying on durable, manually operated equipment.
Tips: Equip your home with manual tools. Practice basic skills, like chopping wood or using a hand drill, for off-grid situations.
The Spruce / Kelsey Hansen
Root Cellar for Food Storage
Why They Use It: Root cellars maintain a stable temperature for storing root vegetables, preserving them for months.
Tips: If possible, create a small root cellar or use cool, dark spaces like basements to store potatoes, carrots, and onions.
homesteadingfamily
Cast-Iron Cookware
Why They Use It: Cast iron is durable, holds heat well, and can be used over an open flame.
Tips: Invest in cast iron for cooking flexibility. Season it well to maintain non-stick properties and prevent rust.
zishta
Wood Stove and Firewood
Why They Use It: Wood stoves provide both heat and cooking capabilities in winter and during power outages.
Tips: Have a wood-burning stove if feasible, and stockpile firewood in dry storage. Practice safe wood-burning practices.
cuttingedgefirewood
Herbal Medicines and Remedies
Why They Use It: The Amish use medicinal herbs for minor ailments, reducing reliance on pharmaceutical drugs.
Tips: Learn about common herbs (like chamomile, echinacea, and peppermint) and how to use them safely. Store dried herbs for emergencies.
medlineplus
Handmade Quilts and Wool Blankets
Why They Use It: Wool and handmade quilts offer excellent warmth, even without electricity.
Tips: Keep extra blankets, especially wool ones, which retain warmth even if damp. Consider making or purchasing quilts for added insulation.
indiamart
Bicycles and Horse-Drawn Wagons
Why They Use It: With limited use of cars, the Amish rely on bicycles and wagons for transportation.
Tips: Have a bicycle as a backup form of transportation. Keep it in good working order with a repair kit and spare tubes.
capegazette
Oil Lamps and Candles
Why They Use It: Oil lamps and candles are essential for lighting when electricity is unavailable.
Tips: Stock up on oil lamps and candles. Practice safe usage, like placing them away from flammable items.
wolfard
Manual Water Pump
Why They Use It: Amish homes often have hand pumps, which allow access to well water without electricity.
Tips: If you have a well, consider a hand pump. Alternatively, keep a supply of bottled water and store water in barrels.
simplepump
Homemade Soap and Cleaning Supplies
Why They Use It: Self-made soaps and natural cleaning supplies are chemical-free, versatile, and always available.
Tips: Learn basic soap-making with ingredients like lye and animal fat. Stock up on baking soda and vinegar for cleaning.
Samantha Okazaki / Today
Sewing Supplies (Needles, Thread, Fabric)
Why They Use It: Mending and creating clothing from scratch is common, reducing dependency on store-bought items.
Tips: Keep a sewing kit with needles, thread, and fabric. Practice simple repairs, such as patching holes or hemming.
dutchlabelshop
First Aid Supplies and Natural Remedies
Why They Use It: Preparedness for minor injuries or ailments reduces the need for immediate medical assistance.
Tips: Have a first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers. Include basic herbs like aloe vera and tea tree oil.
inpulsecpr
Gardening Tools and Seeds
Why They Use It: Gardening ensures access to fresh food and reduces dependence on grocery stores.
Tips: Stock up on seeds (beans, carrots, lettuce), and maintain basic gardening tools like a hoe, rake, and trowel.
growingfamily
Pressure Cooker and Canner
Why They Use It: Essential for safely preserving food, reducing the need for refrigeration.
Tips: Learn pressure canning techniques for vegetables, soups, and meats. Follow safety guidelines to avoid contamination.
theprairiehomestead
Bulk Baking Supplies (Flour, Sugar, Yeast)
Why They Use It: Baking staples are essential for making bread and other foods from scratch.
Tips: Keep a stash of baking ingredients, as they’re shelf-stable and versatile. Store them in airtight containers to keep them fresh.
webstaurantstore
Wind-Up or Solar Radio
Why They Use It: Reliable for staying informed without electricity, especially in emergencies.
Tips: Get a wind-up or solar radio for emergency broadcasts. It’s a valuable tool in situations without power or internet.
Vinegar and Apple Cider Vinegar
Why They Use It: Vinegar is useful for cleaning, preserving, and even treating minor ailments.
Tips: Stock vinegar for cleaning, pickling, and as a natural remedy for skin and digestive issues. Store in a cool, dark place.
Isa Zapata
Books on Skills and Self-Sufficiency
Why They Use It: Knowledge on farming, animal care, and basic medical practices is invaluable.
Tips: Keep reference books on gardening, first aid, and homesteading. In an emergency, having written knowledge is a big advantage.
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