A US couple who became 'preppers' to equip themselves if war breaks out say they have enough supplies to last a YEAR if disaster strikes.

Carrie and Colton Smith, both in their mid-30s, felt the need to take their survival into their own hands after a Chinese balloon flew over the US, before being shot down, in February 2023.

They began researching everything they would need to survive if a war began or if there was a natural disaster or power outage.

Since then, the couple, who live in Gallatin County, Montana, have been gathering and putting away supplies so that if the worst occurs, they can survive.

The pair have everything from a satellite phone to 55-gallon water drums, a generator and freeze-dried foods which can last 25 years.

Carrie, a housewife, and Colton, a project manager, reckon they could last a YEAR off-grid using their current supplies if needed.

Carrie, who posts on social media @housewifeprepper to a combined one million followers, said: "The Chinese balloon was a big wake-up call for me - I realised I needed to take matters into my own hands."

"I grew up in California where there are earthquakes, so my family were always prepared for natural disasters - but the balloon took things to the next level for us."

"Prepping is very expensive and you can't do it overnight - but it's an investment, like a form of insurance."

"For instance, a generator is $1,000 and we have four. Our 55 gallon water storage tanks are $500 each and we have three of those."

"And guns can be $600 to $1000 each and we have multiple to protect ourselves."

"If there was a power outage, most people wouldn't make it very long - but we have enough supplies to last a year."

Carrie 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 considered it her role to take on the responsibility of prepping for their home.

She began gathering together a range of supplies - including basics 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 3, it could be a job loss, a natural disaster, anything."

Carrie and Colton have both prepared 'bug-out bags' - emergency survival grab bags - in case they need to leave in short notice.

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

But they also have thousands of dollars worth of survival gear just in case.

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

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

"After that, self-defence items."

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

"Those are prepper must haves."

They purchased a freeze-dryer so they can store their food to last a long time, and have a year of food pre-prepared.

They also have three 55-gallon water drums along with other water supplies such as a water filter.

They have a selection of weapons - including guns, knives, tasers and pepper spray, just in case they're required for hunting or self defence.

As for power, they have power banks, a generator, batteries, tanks of gas, solar panels and propane.

They also have solar-crank radios, clothing, money in cash and on cards, fire-proof safe pockets for important documents and even bicycles.

They even have a life raft so they can stay afloat during floods - which saved one of their social media followers' lives after they shared it on their profile.

Carrie said: "One follower messaged not long after I had posted a $12 life raft online that people might want to buy if they live in a flood zone."

"They told me they bought it, and then their home flooded, and the raft saved their life."

The couple has their enormous collection of supplies spread across several different locations - including their own home, friends' houses and their cars.

Colton said: "We have a network of friends who can rely on one another in an emergency situation."

"It's best to be self-reliant but you do also need friends and family that can help when needed."

While the couple say others may be confused by their approach, they feel it's better to be safe than sorry.

Carrie said: "When people think of a prepper, they imagine a guy - not a housewife like me."

"But it's becoming more relatable, and it's not just for war, it's real life."

"It's about feeling confident in the supplies you have."

"It's not extreme, it's smart."

Carrie and Colton's Top 15 Survival Must Haves:

• 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)