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Letter Re: COSTCO Stores as a Source for Storage Food and Survival Gear

Dear Jim,

I’m in no way affiliated with COSTCO [1] but have the store to be an outstanding source for survival gear. The other night I saw in the store, for example:

Bottled water, rice, beans, canned foods, soup
Waterproof (submersible) 25-liter backpack what would make a good Bug Out Bag
Twin pack Motorola 35-mile (max/optimal conditions) FRS [2]/GMRS [3] radios with NOAA [4] weather alerts: $50 — I bought a pair
Twin pack LED tactical aluminum flashlights with strobe setting: $20 –I bought several
Power Generators (two models)
Really good prices on batteries of all types (from AAA to marine)
Tarps, storage shelves, storage boxes/bins (the Allied Moving kit, seasonally available, is a great deal for a ton of cardboard boxes)
Bulk quantities of toilet paper, feminine products, diapers/wipes, etc.
Trash bags, foil, plastic wrap, ziploc bags, Gladware, etc.

First aid kits, bulk quantities of Band-Aids, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer
Bulk Vitamins, Over The Counter (OTC [5]) medicines
5-gallon bucket of emergency food rations
A 14-gallon portable gas tank/pump-dispenser on wheels.

In the past I have seen other useful items such as photovoltaic panels, gun safes, etc.

I just wanted to point out that this fine company has apparently made a conscious effort to cater to the preparedness community. Best regards, – CZ

JWR Replies: You’ve reminded me that I should mention that my “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course [6] (presently offered at a special sale price) focuses on stocking up at “Big Box” stores, like COSTCO and Sam’s Club. The course includes a “walking tour” that I narrated at a Sam’s Club store. (It was transcribed and is included in the course binder. In it, I show in the course how to stock up inexpensively at Big Box store, all in just one or two trips, even if need be at the Eleventh Hour.