A couple who became ‘preppers’ to equip themselves in case of war say they have enough supplies to last up to three years if disaster strikes.

Carrie and Colton Smith, both in their mid-30s, developed an interest in prepping – preparing for emergencies by accumulating supplies, developing survival skills, and creating evacuation plans – after a Chinese balloon flew over the U.S., before being shot down, in February 2023.

Since then, the couple, who reside in Gallatin County, Montana, have been collecting and storing supplies so that if the worst happens, they can survive.

The duo have everything from a satellite phone to 55-gallon water drums, four generators, solar panels, and a three-year supply of food – with a 25-year shelf life.

Since the conflict between the U.S. and Iran erupted, Carrie and Colton said they have been “inundated” with queries about how to start prepping, and advise everyone to start small by either picking up an extra pack of toilet paper or food when you go grocery shopping.

Carrie, a housewife prepper, from Gallatin County, Montana, said: “People are noticing how fragile our modern systems are.

“Whether that is communication or supply chains, a lot of people are waking up to that and wanting to be self-reliant.

“To be self-reliant is to make sure you have enough products at home to last you a whilst during a disaster.

“Moments like this are when it matters to be prepared; being prepared gives you peace of mind.”

Carrie, who posts on social media @housewifeprepper, said she felt the need to “take control over the household and family” after feeling threatened by the Chinese balloon incident.

As a housewife, she regarded it as her responsibility to assume the duty of prepping for their home.

She started assembling a variety of supplies – including essentials like water, emergency food, and radios.

Carrie said: “As a housewife, the woman can be the decision maker – every homemaker should factor it in.

“It’s an extension of caring for your family.

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

Colton, a project manager, likens prepping to an insurance policy.

Noting that you might never need to use it, but it is there in case disaster does strike.

He said: “It doesn’t make world events any less scary, but it gives you peace of mind that you have a backup plan if something goes wrong.

“It gives us the feeling of being prepared and comforted.”

Carrie and Colton said they have a 55-gallon water tank that could last them a year, and a food supply with a 25-year shelf life that could last them up to three years.

Carrie said: “Our water supply could last us a year, and food could last us between two or three years.

Carrie added: “People tell us all the time that it is a waste of money, but do you use your health and car insurance every month? No.

“But it takes one time where you are like ‘oh gosh, thank god I had those.”

“We’ve added more freeze-dried food with a 25-year shelf life to our stockpile.

“We’ve freeze-dried milk, fruit, macaroni and cheese, and beef stew.

“It will make our time in a stressful situation more comforting as you have decent food.

“We’re trying to incorporate normal life into our freeze-dried food, so we have normality if something bad does happen.”

Carrie and Colton have both assembled ‘bug-out bags’ – containing clothes, food, torches and tools – in case they need to depart at short notice.

They have even created a doggie bug-out bag for their pet Goldendoodle, Sky.

However, they also have thousands of pounds worth of survival equipment just in case.

Carrie said the five main categories required are food, shelter, water, self-defence items and ‘bug out bags’.

She said: “Food, water, shelter and power are most important.

“After that, self-defense items.

“Then communication – like walkie talkies, satellite phones, a solar-crank radio.

“Those are prepper must-haves.”

Colton said there are three main pillars when it comes to prepping, these include food, water and a generator.

From there, he said you can branch off and incorporate other items.

He said: “Start small, it can be really overwhelming.

“Every time you go to the store, if you grab a bag of rice, buy an extra one; if you see something on sale, grab it.

“Whenever you’re out, grab an extra box of batteries.

“Over time, you will build that stockpile, so if something were to happen, you would be ready.”

CARRIE AND COLTON’S TOP 15 SURVIVAL TIPS:.

• 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 + torch 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 defence 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).