Its official...I'm a 'prepper'...

Tyreguy · 02-22-2012, 11:08 AM

I caught two episodes of the new "Doomsday Preppers" on NATGEO (national geographic). Although I have made steps and purchases to prepare for several types of disasters typical to our region, I have not gone full bore like some of the individuals I saw on that program. I did learn hard-hitting facts, and saw things that I haven't thought of (or are ill-equipped to handle). But thats the point of the show.

Now, I like the fact that the folks who have participated are from varying degrees of income, so its not a whole show based on I-can-afford-everything-so-I-don't-have-to-worry individuals. There were a few like that, but most were blue collar people.

Now, based on what I saw, everybody had a different idea/version of what will happen when the fit-hits-the-shan and they prepared almost specifically for that particular event...and some were definatly prepping for the long term.
Others, like myself, are looking at a shorter duration of societal collapse and/or natural disaster that would/might/will cripple my area/region.

There is so much to consider! And the dollar signs just keep adding up with the possibilities of have vs. want vs. need. And just when I thought I had most everything I was going to need...I saw this program...and holy crap...I had to start rethinking/replanning for stuff I hadn't thought of.

I am proud to say that me and the DW could survive for a few weeks comfortably in the house. If we had to 'bug out' (a term they used) and least we would have portable housing (Yay Jayco!), food to eat, and be armed.

I am, by no means, even remotely close to the gung-ho super survivalist spend-every-dollar level that some of these folks are. But I like to think that with what I have stored and at my disposal, I will be ready.:hihi:

**Crabman** · 02-22-2012, 11:13 AM

Remember the Hank Williams Jr song, "A country boy can survive". It says a lot....

Quahog · 02-22-2012, 11:23 AM

Pick up the book "How to Survive the End of the World As We Know It" by James Wesley Rawles.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/045...656c7064757-20

CrazyTed · 02-22-2012, 11:37 AM

Just remember what has happened in past disasters in the US. Then prepare yourself to handle those situations. Ammo is cheap now compared to after it happens.

Seann45 · 02-22-2012, 11:47 AM

I have over 400 dehydrated meals in 2 sealed plastic cans... one in the RV full time one in the house... got em at Costco in Phoenix... will be there in a few weeks again and hope to get a few more of them ...just in case..

Quahog · 02-22-2012, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seann45

I have over 400 dehydrated meals in 2 sealed plastic cans... one in the RV full time one in the house... got em at Costco in Phoenix... will be there in a few weeks again and hope to get a few more of them ...just in case..

Here you go, Seann. $85 for 330 meals, shipping and handling included. I love Costco for this kind of stuff.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...=1&topnav=&s=1

Shin Pond Hunter · 02-22-2012, 12:29 PM

I too watched a few episodes on Nat~Geo; I would equate this with the fall-out shelters people built in the 50's. Hope we never need the preps that some of these people have gone thru. Although, I am a certified FBI firearms instructor... I could start a little side business

Tyreguy · 02-22-2012, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quahog

Pick up the book "How to Survive the End of the World As We Know It" by James Wesley Rawles.

Holy crap batman. Thanks pal (sarcasm)...I just skimmed one page of the blog...and its 37+ (I didn't actually count) pages of 'stuff' that is both highly informative, and could get expensive...but crap..LOTS of information to be absorbed and thought about!

Denise · 02-22-2012, 01:14 PM

(Hey... I forgot, 12/21/12 is coming up this year! Funny not a lot metioned in media about that yet LOL!)

Being from earthquake territory, we take advantage of our tt in that we have about two weeks of non-perishable food items taht don't attract mice or ants, as well as a couple of 25lb bags of rice. We keep the water tank more or less full. At home, we restock the shelve regularily and don't wait until they are emtpy. We have this huge water storage tank in the side yard.

Tyreguy · 02-22-2012, 01:18 PM

I really liked the narrator in his views of the public themselves, AFTER the SHTF.
We will be a society (anarchy?) of have and have not...an the 'have nots' will be forced to try and take away from those who 'have' for a means of survival (read: desperation).

My biggest fear will be that moment when hundreds of thousands (depending on your locale) realize there ain't nothing left to loot or steal from the storefronts. And we all know what that leads to.

Rustic Eagle · 02-22-2012, 01:34 PM

In general, I think folks that do a fair amount of camping will be a little more resourceful than the general public in the event of a national emergency.

Quahog · 02-22-2012, 01:52 PM

Oh yeah... things you rarely even think about. I also picked up the "Army Survival Guide" for my Kindle for $0.99 about two weeks ago. It has a lot of good stuff in there too.

wiscampsin · 02-22-2012, 02:22 PM

Remember Y2K ?? Lots of folks thought the worst and prepared for it. Come mid January of 2000 you could buy a NIB generator real cheap.

David472 · 02-22-2012, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiscampsin

Remember Y2K ?? Lots of folks thought the worst and prepared for it. Come mid January of 2000 you could buy a NIB generator real cheap.

Yea, too many chicken littles around here. People make money on your fear.

Quahog · 02-22-2012, 03:01 PM

Do you guys also remember Katrina? It doesn't take long for a bad situation to go really bad given the right conditions.

Tyreguy · 02-22-2012, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quahog

Do you guys also remember Katrina? It doesn't take long for a bad situation to go really bad given the right conditions.

This example, by far, represents the exact truth in failure on a national level.
The ill-prepared found out the hard way that local police, local government, federal government..you name the agency...they weren't there to help. For days..and weeks.

Those who stood their ground against the aftermath and helped anyway they could with the resources that they had, were few. And they stand proud.

Shin Pond Hunter · 02-22-2012, 05:31 PM

Pandora's Box! Not going there (Katrina comment)...

**Crabman** · 02-22-2012, 06:32 PM

If we want this thread to remain open, let`s stay on topic and leave out the Katrina stuff. I`ve had to edit/delete a few posts. Cheers.

Shin Pond Hunter · 02-22-2012, 06:44 PM

Crab, good call.

Denise · 02-22-2012, 07:36 PM

Here's one of a few good resources to suggest how to use your rv as a resource during it's off-duty time

Is your Rv Emergency Ready?

Not long ago, Lee's neck-o-the-woods (Virginia) experienced a rare earthquake. You really don't know what can happen. Plan for the unexpected. If you have and RV, you have a great opportunity to be better prepared for and emergency. Happy prepping!

You may also like: