From hurricanes and floods to deadly diseases and earthquakes, it is easy to see why prepping for disasters has become such as popular hobby. Between the years 1998 and 2010, 640 disasters took the lives of over 12,000 individuals. Due to these staggering numbers, preparing your home and family for potential disasters is imperative.

Of course, purchasing new tools, supplies, and disaster preparation kits can be expensive. Since a large part of survival depends on living off the land in a frugal manner, utilizing surprising items during a disaster is wise. If you are creating a disaster preparation kit for your home or to use on the go, consider these must-haves that are cost-effective and smart.

Frisbee

Purchasing a Frisbee from your local sporting goods or discount store may cost a few dollars or less, but it is a great prepping investment. While surprising to hear, you can use an inexpensive Frisbee in the following ways:

• Shoveling Tool – Use your shovel to dig out and scoop away dirt for building shelter or a hiding spot.
• Paddle – If you need to travel down a river or creek, use the Frisbee to paddle through rough waters.
• Collecting Tool – Collect water to disinfect before drinking. In addition, use your Frisbee to collect and carry berries or other edible items when out in the wilderness.
• Distress Signal – Fan smoke from your fire to signal distress to emergency workers.

Of course, your Frisbee can also help break the monotony of surviving day-to-day life. Enjoying a bit of fun with your family promotes a healthier lifestyle by reducing stress.

DIY Ammo

Weapons are an imperative part of your family's survival. From hunting animals to eat to defending yourself against dangerous people, you will need one or more guns—and gun reloading supplies—after a disaster. Unfortunately, stocking up on ammo can be expensive and finding ammo after a disaster will be challenging. To stock up on ammo at home, reloading equipment is a great investment.

After running through a tumbling machine, old brass casings are free from old primer and gunpowder. A reloading press will turn the old casing into active ammunition for your gun, but be sure to utilize the correct press for your specific gun. These are two main presses, but each type offers a manual or electric version:

• Metallic Cartridge – If you are reloading ammo for a pistol or rifle, use a metallic cartridge press.
• Shot Shell Press – Use the shot shell press when reloading shotgun shells.

Creating ammo at home is not only affordable, but also ensures your family is ready when and if a disaster occurs.

Duct Tape

Investing in a few rolls of duct tape can increase your chances of survival in priceless ways. While inexpensive, a roll of duct tape is incredibly durable and compact. Surprisingly, you can use duct tape in the following ways during a disaster or emergency:

• Bandage or Tourniquet—A first aid kit is a smart addition in emergency preparation, but you can also use duct tape as a bandage or tourniquet. Clean cuts, scrapes, or larger wounds with alcohol or lemon juice before covering with a piece of clean cloth. Then, secure the entire piece of cloth to the skin with duct tape.
• Spear—Attach a knife to the end of a tree limb using duct tape. The tape holds the knife in place so you can effectively hunt or use the spear as a weapon.
• Shelter Construction—Build a shelter by securing tarps or cardboard boxes to trees using duct tape.   Since it is waterproof, consider creating the roof of your shelter with multiple pieces of the tape.

Preparing for a disaster of any magnitude is not a fun process, but using common sense and creativity can help your family survive. With these surprising must-haves, you can prepare for a disaster without a large investment.