Hello everyone. It has been a while since I have written. WOW have a lot of things happened since then. There is so much to cover and so much to try to fit in. Which I think it’s part of the plan. Constantly having things moving so fast that we can’t get caught up before the next big thing happens. This actually hides what is going on behind the scenes. A kind of “look at this hand up here” while the other comes in low and punches you in the gut. Brace yourself, I can only see things getting way worse in the coming months.
This brings me to a subject that is, in my honest opinion, very important for us to consider. Preparedness. Most of us can remember the last election cycle where we had everything from a virus to riots. A lot of my friends were completely caught flat-footed as various types of supplies were scooped up and became hard to get. Others were afraid to go out and get things. There was always the threat of violence anywhere, anytime. For me, I learned as I grew up, regardless of being on the low side of the income scale, to always stay stocked and prepared. It paid off greatly then and I have a feeling it will pay off again as well. With threats from our weakened energy situation, foreign governments, a massive number of unvetted unknowns that have crossed our border illegally (and continue to do so, daily), election time again, and a very unhinged left wing, it has the potential to be very, very interesting in our near future. Even if you take all that away, we have hurricane season, winter, and weather in general. So, I think it is kind of important for us to consider maybe putting a little (or a lot depending on your income, needs, and views) aside. Some of you already know this stuff. For some of you, it might be new. Either way, I hope my advice and experience can help or at least remind you of one thing you might have forgotten.
Food for our family as well as ourselves. This can be accomplished in many ways. There are survival foods that can be purchased in large quantities. These can be an expensive up-front purchase but can save money in the long run and they last a very long time. If budgets are limited, as they are for many of us, then grocery store food is a good option. Canned goods can be good. Some last 3 to 5 years and others just two years per manufacturers’ expiration dates. Be careful when you buy an emergency supply at the supermarket. Check the dates. Most stores will put the stuff that is going to expire soon up front. Watch for this. Dried beans are good. Bulk bags of rice are good if you can keep them dry. Canned meats. Do not forget veggies and canned fruits, your body needs both. There are many things you can do. Refrigerated things try to avoid unless you have a generator and plan to eat them first. We’ll talk more on that later. For a good supply of food you know you like and will eat, this is a good way to gradually build a good supply. Mark either the items or the shelf they are on with the expiration dates to keep track and for ease of rotation. Over-the-counter meds are another thing. Cough meds are great, so you are not coughing and attracting attention to yourself or giving away your position. Whatever you use, from Advil to Aspirin, some extra will help. Paper products. Do not forget hygiene and living cleanliness. There are many other things to consider purchasing but this is a start.
Pets are another concern. My suggestion is to go out and buy a little extra of whatever your pet(s) eat and set it aside. You can do this either each time you go shopping, bulk purchase as much as possible, or both. If you are like me, they are family, and I am committed to their survival as well.
Water. Well, this is different for everyone. I live in the country, have a well, a stream behind my house, and a large lake nearby. Some have city water. No matter what your situation, some bottled water will help you keep going until you get yourself situated for a longer-term water supply. There are many options for this from hand pumps to personal filters, to large gravity filters, to purification tablets, and other ways. This is hugely dependent on your area, population, and water supply type. There are rainwater gathering techniques, to just simply a buildup of canned or bottled water. Do not forget water for hygiene uses as well as flushing a toilet.
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Powering things will be a problem. Batteries are an obvious thing. Whatever types you need, keep a supply. Rechargeable things are great, if you have a generator or a solar charger to charge them on a regular basis. If you have a natural gas generator that is awesome! As long as the natural gas is flowing, you are good to go. If things get too out of hand, well then enjoy them while you can. Use that resource to make better friends that might need some water, charging, or just warmth. Those friends might come in helpful when SHTF. Well, we can hope they do anyway. If you have a gas or diesel generator, make sure you have it secured so it cannot be quickly unhooked and stolen. Also, make sure you have a good amount of fuel to power them and that too is secured. The advantage is when the natural gas is shut off, you can keep going. You can even stretch your gas amount by just running it to cool down the fridge, warm up the house if needed, and build up water pressure then shut it off for a while until it needs to be done again. The downside is storage of the generator and fuel. Fuel stabilizers are your friend. Rotate the gas every year or 2 in your vehicle or lawn mower. Hand crank radios are great for information, and some have charging capabilities as well as a light attached to them. REMEMBER to NEVER run a generator inside and watch where the exhaust is going. CO can kill you and the heat can ignite things.
Heat and cooking. Again, this is depending on your situation. If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, then keep it maintained and a supply of wood for it secured. Kerosene heaters are great as long as you keep them clean, wick clean, and a safe distance away from objects in your home that can catch fire. Be sure to watch kids, pets, and adults from knocking the heater over. In many places, Kerosene cannot be obtained so it might not be an option. Clothing will be a big help in maintaining your warmth. Be VERY careful with whatever choice you make and its use. It can destroy and even kill you if improperly used. Everything from fire to CO poisoning can happen. This goes for cooking as well. Grills are great! Natural gas ones are good as long as the gas is flowing. Propane is awesome as long as you have extra cans of it to keep you going. Wood burning or briquet are also awesome as long as you have the fuel needed to keep them running. REMEMBER to consider CO and ventilation problems that can occur as well as fire hazards.
Clothing. This is an area-specific as well as a budget thing. A lot of us want the uber-expensive high-speed operator harsh weather gear but cannot afford it. So be smart with your choices. Make sure to stay dry and have changes of items so you do. Decide on types, colors, and materials that are right for you, your family, and the situation you are in and preparing for. Keep it clean as well as dry.
Lighting. Well, that can be anything from candles, oil lamps, battery-powered things if you have the batteries to keep them going, rechargeable lights if you have the ability to recharge as needed. Be careful with lighting. It can be a fire hazard as well.
Hygiene is a definite consideration. Anything from toilet paper, paper towels, soaps, toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorants, contact solutions, clothes cleaning supplies, etc. Remember a lot of this needs water. Infection and filth go hand in hand. Stay as clean as you can.
First aid can be as simple or elaborate as you can afford, and your personal training allows. Simple bandaging, tapes, and solutions to disinfect can go a long way. Those of us who have more training can prepare further.
Sealing broken windows can be done with plywood and long screws if you have the means or just simple plastic sheeting. Staples with cardboard on the edges are good to a point. Thin strips of wood with nails are much better. This can also be used to keep things dry from leaks and keep cold air out.
This is not an end-all-be-all list of things to get and do to be prepared. Not by a long shot. This is also a stationary plan for you as if you are staying home in the situation that occurs. If you need to go mobile, that is a whole new subject. It requires quick reaction, weight considerations, etc. This is just a suggestion so that if we experience a crazy time or one even crazier, we are not caught flat-footed. There are many books and videos that will have more information you can look up. I did not plan on reviewing what is needed involving firearms, NODS, etc. If you are in this group, I am sure you are good to go. I can go over this if you all really want me to. Let me know. This is just a list of a few things to get you thinking, spark an idea that you can add something, or point out something that was overlooked. The best thing is to know you are fairly well prepared and can sleep well knowing it. At minimum, begin to evaluate your current situation and supplies and adjust accordingly. This can be accomplished on any budget. The left will rely on the government for everything, we kind of try to keep that to a minimum. I tell all my friends and family to do just these things. We need to be prepared, stay vigilant, and stick together. REMEMBER TO CONSIDER SAFETY!!!! Damn, I hope there will be less stressful, happier times so I can write happier things. Until next time.
