List of overlooked items to stockpile as WW3 fears grow

In light of deadly new missile exchanges in the Middle East, news consumers have been forced to consider the items they'd stockpile first if s**t was to really hit the fan.

Increasing concerns come following US-Israeli airstrikes inflicted on Iran on Saturday (28 February) by American President Donald Trump and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu.

The 'massive assault' - which killed the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei - was supposedly the pair's official response to the Islamic Republic's oppression against its own people. Trump and Netanyahu also claimed that the destruction of the country's controversial nuclear programme served as a secondary intention.

New Iranian leaders responded to the attack by launching drones of their own in the direction of American-Israeli troops, devastating areas across Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.

The US and Israel launched missiles at Iran over the weekend (Mahsa / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images)

The devastating exchange has sparked global concern regarding the possibility of a Third World War - and in turn, prompted questions regarding the best items to stockpile as a result.

Yesterday (3 Mar), Tyla reported on a list of vital survival items previously gathered by the European Commission, which includes:

• Bottled water and portable water filters
• Non-perishable food and energy bars
• Torches and backup batteries
• Fire-starting tools and a first-aid kit
• Warm clothing and shelter equipment
• Multi-tool or survival knife
• Communication devices such as radios
• Important identification documents and cash
• Navigation tools such as a compass and maps

The European Commission previously gathered a list of essentials (Getty Stock Images)

Apparently, however, this list just includes the basic necessities and fails to consider items that would prolong life and improve wellbeing in the long run.

In the realm of healthcare, one Reddit user also suggested items centred on dental hygiene. In cases where society as we know it collapses, they predict dentistry will be seen as a luxury no one will be able to afford.

"Emergency tooth repair/fillings, gel to numb teeth/gums, Silver Diamine Fluoride to stop cavities, floss and brushes," they list, followed by: "Baking soda for cooking, cleaning, brushing teeth."

It's not just dental care that some preparers believe will fall to the wayside, however, with some emphasising the importance of not overlooking other unpleasant human ailments.

Medication for 'lice, bedbugs, parasites/pin worms, athlete's foot, yeast infections, ringworm' should be stockpiled, they emphasise.

One Reddit user suggested head lice medication (Getty Stock Images)

Similarly, birth control is supposedly an absolute must. I mean, what could be worse in the midst of global warfare than the prospect of discovering, on top of everything and in a world of rations, you're with child?

Feminine hygiene products are also vital for sanitation purposes, and therefore shouldn't be overlooked.

The same Reddit user also suggested investing in water purifying and filtration devices whilst tech shows are currently in stock, along with 'respirators/gas masks and replacement filters'.

Asked for further suggestions of most commonly-overlooked items, another debater chimed in: "In my opinion, it’s bags. I always see stuff about bug-out bags, but never anything about an empty bag.

"Think about it, what if you need to quickly grab random stuff for a specific reason, and all of your bags are full? Or what if you plan to go somewhere to grab supplies? You need bags."

Some Reddit users suggest stockpiling birth control and contraceptives (Getty Stock Image)

A third recommend: "A can opener."

"Spices, food is great to have, but a good supply of basic herbs and spices could be a real moral boost and a over looked bartering item," a fourth also piped up. One also advised: "If you wear glasses have an extra pair in you recent prescription stored away."

Another suggested supplies that'll come in handy to mend clothes that become wrecked by ensuing chaos.

"Sewing kits that are more than just a cheap button replacer," they added. "You need a decent sewing basket with shears and needles and threads for different things, and having tape measures and other sewing tools makes the repair and fabrication of clothing SO MUCH better."