Peek inside a real doomsday bunker — with the 15 essential items preppers say will keep you alive for a year

They won’t be doomed.

A couple from Montana has turned to full-scale “prepping” in response to rising global tensions, they say — stockpiling enough supplies to survive a year off-grid in case of war, natural disaster, or prolonged power outages.

Carrie and Colton Smith, both in their mid-30s, began preparing for an uncertain future in early 2023 — after a Chinese surveillance balloon was seen flying over the U.S., triggering national concern before being shot down.

The event was a “wake-up call” for the couple, prompting them to take survival into their own hands.

“I grew up in California, where there are earthquakes, so my family was always prepared for natural disasters — but the balloon took things to the next level for us,” Carrie, a housewife who now shares prepping tips to over one million followers under the handle @housewifeprepper, told SWNS.

“I realized I needed to take matters into my own hands.”

Since then, the Smiths have amassed a wide range of supplies, including four generators, three 55-gallon water drums, freeze-dried foods with a 25-year shelf life, and various forms of protection such as firearms and tasers.

They’ve also invested in solar panels, satellite phones, solar-crank radios, and even a life raft — an item she said once saved one of her followers’ lives during a flood.

The Smiths believe they could survive for a year off their supplies.

“Every homemaker should factor it in,” Carrie said. “It’s an extension of caring for your family.”

Carrie emphasized that prepping isn’t just for major catastrophes.

“It isn’t just doomsday or World War 3; it could be a job loss, a natural disaster, anything,” she said.

The couple has built a comprehensive plan, including “bug-out bags” for themselves and their Goldendoodle, Sky, to grab and go.

They’ve spread their gear across several locations — including their home, cars, and even friends’ houses — forming a small support network they can count on in a crisis.

Their supplies cover five core categories: food, water, shelter, self-defense, and communication.

Though some may view their lifestyle as extreme, the Smiths say it’s simply responsible.

“Prepping is very expensive and you can’t do it overnight — but it’s an investment, like a form of insurance,” she said.

“It’s about feeling confident in the supplies you have. It’s not extreme, it’s smart.”

Carrie noted that food, water, shelter and power are most important, followed by self-defense items and then communication tools.

15 essential doomsday bunker items for preppers:

• Water filtration & purification (portable filter, purification tablets/drops)

• Stored water supply (at least one gallon per person per day)

• Emergency food supply (freeze-dried meals, canned goods, rations)

• Fire-starting tools (ferro rod, waterproof matches, lighter, tinder)

• First aid kit (trauma supplies, meds, antiseptics, bandages)

• Emergency shelter (tarp, lightweight tent, mylar blanket)

• Warm clothing & insulation (wool socks, thermals, waterproof layers, gloves)

• Multi-tool or survival knife (fixed blade preferred)

• Light sources (headlamp + flashlight with spare batteries or solar)

• Navigation tools (compass, maps, GPS backup if possible)

• Portable power source (solar charger, power bank, tri-fuel generator, solar generator)

• Communication gear (emergency radio, whistle, backup phone, satellite phone)

• Self-defense tools (pepper spray, firearm, where legal, or alternative)

• Sanitation & hygiene items (soap, wipes, toilet paper, waste bags)

• Important documents & cash (waterproof bag with ID, cash, emergency contacts)