Have you checked out the news lately? You can’t turn on the radio, the tv, or click the up ‘Net without hearing some kind of doom and gloom going on in the world, country, state, or your local town.
Let’s see… a drought that’s causing high grocery prices, wildfires and other disasters; warmer temperatures globally that have caused glaciers to melt; West Nile disease is back on the rise, a global economy that could collapse at any minute; mutant butterflies due to the Fukishima nuclear power plant meltdown; and I can’t tell if there are more crazy and violent crimes these days or if the media has just gotten better at reporting them.
And that doesn’t take into account some of the changes we’re seeing as far as giving up our rights as citizens such as cameras on every street corner in some big cities (all in the name of terror and coming to more street corners near you), police in riot gear putting the smackdown on free speech (no – I’m not bagging on the police), people using free speech to advocate their own particular brands of hate, random shootings, violent crimes, etc etc. I’m not going to use statistics here, just look at your favorite newspaper and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
Infrastructure is slowly eroding and money that should be going to fix it is going to other places.
Even here in Maine it seems that we’ve had a lot more crime lately. Not to mention the bottom has fallen out of the lobster market, heating prices are through the roof and I somehow doubt that the oil companies are going to lower prices because people are going to be cold this winter due to the high cost of heating oil. People aren’t able to pay for medical care, which means hospitals wind up giving away millions (locally) of dollars of free healthcare, which puts a strain on the hospitals that have to eat the costs and lay off employees who no longer can pay for bills or medical costs, which… well, you get the idea.
Be Prepared
Any way you look at today’s world it seems to me that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a little extra food and water kicking around in your basement… just in case. Whether you get caught in a wildfire, a storm, a drought, famine, some kind of man made disaster, an economic crash or what have you, or even getting fired from your job, having some extra supplies on hand is just smart business.
If you haven’t got a bug-out bag think about getting one. Do you have enough food and water stored to get you through a minimum of a 30 day crisis? Is your first aid kit and training up to snuff? Is your money safe from economic trouble? Can you stay warm in the winter if the power goes out? Can you cook off the grid?
One of the ways I used to get prepared was to look around at my local environment and ask myself, “If the power grid went offline, and no supply trucks came to resupply the grocery stores, and no police officers were around to protect us, and no doctors were on call, or I had to walk ten miles to escape a fire, what would I do to survive?”
When you can start to answer those questions you are on your way to being prepared.
Levels of Preparedness
Being prepared doesn’t mean you’re crouched in a bunker, desperately clutching an automatic rifle, and waiting for the zombie hordes to overtake your position. To be fair, some people do match this description; however, there are various levels of preparedness and I think that the above mentioned prepper is in the minority. Most people I know who prep are pretty rational and smart people.
Where do you fall in the following list:
1. The world is ending soon and my bunker, guns and ammo, and enough food and water for ten years and other preps are ready to go.
2. America is going to collapse and society as we know it will end; therefore, I have food, water, guns and am trying to live self-sustainably off the grid as much as possible.
3. We could be in for a rough patch or I might get fired from my job, so I’ve got enough food for 90 days, and have a bug-out plan in place if I ever need to get out of Dodge.
4. Things might get dicey if the economy goes down the hole or I get laid off, so I’ve put away enough food for 30 days and I’ve got some money stashed away to help get me through a rough patch.
5. I think things could get rough, but I don’t really have any preps in place yet. I’m still on the fence about becoming a prepper like you guys who read this blog.
How about folks? Where do you fall in this little hierarchy?
Are you ready?
-Jarhead Survivor
Why It’s Smart To Be Ready
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58 comments
I’m glad I’m not the only one who noticed infrastructure slowly crumbling. This past year, I’ve noticed a heckuva lot more utility work, particularly electrical work going on. Can’t drive ANYWHERE without seeing the blue and yellow hazard lights flashing somewhere along your route. Traffic lights not being replaced quickly, busy intersections with 4 way stop signs taking their place. I think our growth is definitely beginning to have effect with quicker wearing down on grid.
Crime is up (bad economy does that as you said above) but its a different sort of crime I see. CRAZY stupid offenses, things which just make me shake my head.
j.r. – I think you gave voice to what I was trying to say… it’s not the amount of crimes out there – it’s the sheer craziness of them! People are absolutely crazy these days!
Our mental health system in America was never very good and now it’s falling apart. Crazy is the right word for a lot of those crime because the people committing them ARE crazy. It’s really sad, as most of those folks could be healthy productive members of society with a little bit of support and some cheap medications.
As in dayz of old, “this won’t ever happen to me” I’m too smart or, _____ fill in the blank, when word’s in general mean nothing, when catch phrases are thrown about, it denotes the civilians have their heads in the sand and the government has gone wild, as the emperor with no cloths, so many are afraid to look and see, to their demise it shall be, and more and more are feeling the affects and wondering why, tsk tsk tsk… I do thank all of you for keeping your heads up and freely sticking your necks out to sound the alarm, encouragement goes far. TY “C”
almost out of level 5.
admiring levels 4, 3 and 2 from a distance.
Right now I am a #4 working my way to #1. I know the things in 1 will take place, my preparedness is just trying to catch up. MY bug out bag is always evolving, but I am currently pleased with my car’s bag. I have also started carrying a purse, (a smaller BOG) so I don’t look quite so odd walking into work or other public venues. Instead of my 5 days rations, I only keep 1 days worth, I keep a simple 1st aid kit, basic pocket knife, some paracord, and my fire starter with a compus. Might not be as complete as my car’s BOG, but it will do in a pintch. I am currently buying a house that sits on a modest acreage, so I will finally be able to start my mini-farm, and slowly work my way off of consumer dependence.
Used to only prepare for hurricane season, but after waking up I would say I’m a high 3 borderline 2. If I have to go to a 1, then I quit.
I am a 4 working towards self reliance, unfortunately I feel bugging out of my area is not an immediate possibility if SHTF, please please please keep the info flowing!! I am working on cooking and heat solutions if the power should be out a long time, my stores are slowly building, I am trying my hand at canning tomatoes this summer (practice before you really need it!!) all while trying to get the debt cleared up. Also, since there is no such thing as a dumb question….what is paracord, I see it mentioned in a lot on the posts, what might I need it for and where do I get it?? Info from the #1’s and #2’s is informative, from #3&4 encouraging, anything below that, GET GOING! I feel you can’t complain about the politicians if you don’t vote, you can’t complain about SHTF if you haven’t prepared!
ORRN:
“paracord” is a thin rope with a braided synthetic sheath, and a core of (i think) seven twisted “strings” inside. its original use was as shroud lines on a parachute. (connected the canopy to the risers)
AKA: “550 cord”
(per the wicanopedia article)
Nylon Krenmantle Rope “Military Specification Cord, Fibrous, Nylon”
(core of 7 t0 9 “yarns” of 3 strands each)
MIL-C-5040H (type III)
550 Paracord is the duct tape of the cordage world. You just have to have some in your pack because it’s so damned useful. Google it and you should be able to pick some up online for a relatively good price.
I’m a 3.5 My goal is a 3. Anything more than that and I wouldn’t live anyway. I’m Diabetic Type 1
Almost a number 2. Living off the land is tough here. Live in the mountains. Makes farming real difficult. Im not foolish to believe I will be able to hunt for food. Everyone else here will be doing the same thing. Ive already noticed allot less deer and turkey in the past 2 years. I dont care to be around for a number one situation.
Para cord as I understand it is rope made out of many layers. You are able to pull the strands out of it. Thus a 3 foot section of heavy rope can be turned into 12 feet of thinner material. Or make a heavy section of rope more suited for a lighter application, ex makeshift fishing line.
Perhaps im incorrect in my understandings. But thats the way I understand it.
Solid 2 here, just don’t have a converted silo for a bunker.
Actually been prepping for most of my life; mentally and materially.
J.R.’s has axynom, is that a word? Anyway, he states to think in 3’s, for example, 3 sources of water, do you have a well, collect rainwater, a pond, a creek or know where the closet ones are, same with food, fire, shelter, know the law as new ones are on the book’s, some states do not allow the collection of rainwater, insane as that is, some EPA law’s require special permits to dig a pond even,,,, think in sources of 3’s, and do network with like minded folks near you !!!!!
I figure I’m at about 2.3 .
I am convinced that the only person left alive in 5 years will be Chuck Norris!
He’s so tough that he can make onions cry!
I love Chuck Norris! Here’s another Chuck fact: When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.
That was funny Jarhead – I laughed out loud!
BTW, does the boogeyman really look for Chuck in the closet?
Of course he does. As a matter of fact there is no chin behind Chuck Norris’ beard. There is only another fist.
Chuck wasn’t born. He punched his way out of his mother and grew a beard shortly thereafter.
the boogeyman has to keep all his toys crammed under his bed, so there’s no room for Chuck to fit under there.
Down Here in GODS COUNTRY:) Ky. we have allways kept bout a years food in the pantry(farm folks) heck I think my mom could feed 20 over the winter. Guns& hand tools , Evrywhere. Survival & preping are all about mindset anyway. Lately I’v been knaping flint & obsidian arrow & dart points. This fall its time to take the youngun to the woods and start teaching . The one thing that you can prep, and allways keep, is your mind. teach them young and they’ll survive and thrive anywhere. Think of it this way. if thing realy go to SH*& , can you feed your family? Move them cross country? Unseen? Can you /they make useable and efective wepons frome stuff in your enviorment? Can you make shoes? Clothes? Can you dry food? Make pemican? Know what rosehips are? (best sorce of vitimin C out there) Know how to leach acorns to make flower? Ya’ll know what puff ball are for? See theres a lot more to this stuff than stickin’ bambi with a pointy stick .I have ask myself this , What happens when the food runs out , My garden won’t be egnough , and for the first year of the great dieing I’d have to fight just to keep seed. If things go as badly as I fear they will,We’ll be damn lucky if the FALL just sets us back to the 18th century. But on the up side I hear that they are gonna clone mammoth.
As soon as I get a solid method of water catchment or we move to the promised land, we’ll be a solid 2 instead of a great 3. The desert southwest , might be great for work and a steady paycheck, but environmentally speaking, this place is the pits, if you’re trying to grow crops, on marginal land using drip irrigation with town water. At least the animals produce in the longer growing season. Oh by the way; Jarhead with your recent discussions about contingencies, you’ve inspired me to pursue black powder technology with a vengeance, thanks for the inspiration.
That’s great KC. Good luck with it!
A solid 2.5. Solar panels are definitely in my near future.
Man, I cannot believe you conned people into revealing what their storage levels are. Nice job Ftards.
Right. It’s all part of my nefarious plan to sneak down their chimneys at night and steal their preps like the Grinch at Christmas.
“Ya better watch out! Ya better not cry! Ya better not pout I’m telling you why! Jarhead Survivor is coming – on by!”
he’s making a list, checking it twice. going to come take my beans and my rice. Jarhead Survivor is coming-on by!
He sees you when your sleeping,
He knows when your awake,
He knows the level of your preps,
And he knows what he’s gonna take,
That was a nice little detour into hilarity! Hahahaha, thanks to all of you that carried that.
SnW,
You are hopeless.
Tell me exactly someone is going to track it down & pinpoint yours or someone’s stores via this venue?
Buffalo Springfield circa 1966
“Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you’re always afraid
You step out of line, the man come and take you away”
SnW has a point.
we were just kidding him a little. I don’t have a copy of all the comments I’ve made to blogs, but I expect that some of them are in my FBI file.
We are on “the list” just for subscribing to this blog. I’ve probably been on the list way before I came onto this. Crap, gotta go. Someones at the door.
I wonder how many people have never looked into sites like this on the net because of the paranoia of being watched?
Wow – great logic! You assume several things:
– that they are revealing the truth.
– that they have already given enough info for the average prepper to iptrack them across the web then cross check that with physical addresses.
– that anyone who has the guts to come, read and post has anything other than the libertarian mindset, ‘I’ll help my fellow man help themselves, not help themselves to my work.’
– That using foul words (however carefully abbreviated) is anything but impolite and self-serving.
In the end, you seem to believe that just calling people names counts as an actual helpful and kind comment. It is not and no matter how much you wish it, will never be.
Have a wonderful day!
BTW 4 – working on 3, skills and alternative energy, & the wife has started to come around. “You know, I’m thinking we just need to turn the who back yard into a food garden…” Whoo Hoo. Well, after that I said “Hmmm I think we need at least 1 row if not two of flowers {ahemmm… edible…} to go with the vegemals and herbs.”
some rosebushes around your perimeter might be good. (although some people don’t like their scent) rose hips are a good source of vitamin C. they are a perenial, so you only need to plant them once.
some varieties grow like mad, so don’t plant them too close to your walkways. (you might need to trim them back too often)
I’d have to put myself at a 2.5. I’m not quite ready to say I’m “attempting to live self-sustainably” but I’m practicing the skills I’ll need to do so (gardening, electrical back-up systems, etc.)
I’m at about 3, I am trying to figure out a bug out location if I absolutely have to go. I am having a really hard time figuring out where to go.
you may never need it.
and we won’t revoke your prepper status just because you don’t have a BOL. “shelter in place” is the best option IMHO.
keep enough gear on hand to “camp out” if the trip takes a few days. keep the mindset that you are a Vacationer, not a refugee. I keep a “spontaneous weekend getaway” bag packed, plus a few pieces of gear in my “day hike” bag.
…a mutual arrangement with “family” might be an option.
Question 1:
If the Internet wasn’t so darn pervasive, would we have the same troubles AND would we be as hypersensitive or numb as we are today?
Question 2:
Is it possible that we see what we want to see or gravitate towards a particular mindset?
Example – you are in the market for a red Ford Explorer & suddenly you begin to see them everywhere, whereas they were pretty much non-existent to you conscious mind prior.
Stop reading the news for a month & see how you feel & how you views change. I once stayed at a resort for a couple of weeks that had no outside contact with the world – they controlled the environment. It was amazing how little stress was experienced & how one was able to simply relax. No Internet, no cell, no laptops, no TV to distract the kids …. paradiso!
Some people may comment that I am not paying attention to the world but I will give my attention to that which I can control & disregard the rest. Calamity Jane said it best a while back with regards to the national election – (paraphrase) don’t worry so much about them & focus on the local ones because they will make the most difference to you. Well said Jane.
the only things I control, are the things that I do. and like much of the general population, I can barely do that.
(hence, all the crazy, stupid crimes happening out there)
“They” tell us all the time: “Think globally, act locally.”
and yes, “the law of attraction” says we attract to ourselves that which we think about. I will concede your point, in my own case: I do “see what I believe”.
I believe there are few feelings worse than being hungry.
I believe this winter will be cold. (especially if my family is homeless by then)
I believe the POTUS, and his administration are monsters. I believe they’ve placed thousands of firearms in the hands of other evil persons, in other countries and here, in an effort to subvert the Second Amendment to the Constitution. (by causing public outcry)
I believe that “Red Ford Explorers” are rust prone, and you should look for an S-10 Blazer instead.
http://mtairy.patch.com/articles/group-works-to-encourage-gun-shop-owners-to-sign-code-of-conduct-at least-one-says-he-wont
the article I tried to link was about Philly gun shop owner, Fred Delia, who co-operated with Federal investigators…
then faced picketing by the “community”. it’s not just happening in AZ, TX, and NM. I have to conclude they’re feeding some of the guns to criminals much closer to home.
Don’t you remember the protests of the Vietnam War in the late 60’s? I do & quite vividly. There were hundreds of thousands that protested nationwide. Every major city was affected in a big way & looney, making the Occupy Wall Street movement look like an Amish picnic.
Further, the population of the US in the late 60’s was 200M people. Today we have over 310M people so relatively speaking we’d need 30% more people (about 500-600 thousand) doing the action – a near impossibility to insight that many into a full scale riot.
If they did decide to riot, it would be quickly quelled once a couple thousand protestors got cut down by Marines with M4’s. That’d be a show stopper.
Not too mention we had several major race riots in 1965.
Point being, tension is nothing new among people in the US.
I remember well enough.
you can’t exterminate the middle class, until you disarm the middle class. the first people they will cut down are their own “useful idiots”. the hard core communists were stashing guns back then, for now.
the “money” economy/ demand economy, is primarily a middle class phemenon. once that colapses, “they” plan to be in charge of the “command” economy.
are you sleeping bourgeoisie?
No, I am probably more awake than ever but stopped caring about which the way the wind is blowing each day. It’s nothing more than distraction & has little effect upon my daily life.
Personally I think all of this bombardment of the bad economy, general unrest of people & the rest of the negative news & information puts people in an awful trance state. Life happens right in front of you not in D.C. or Afghanistan or China or the movie theaters or ____(fill it in)_________.
Like they say about gall stones – this too shall pass & the pain will be a distant memory sooner than you think.
Are you sleeping Bourgeoisie? actually wasn’t a question, it’s a little childrens song I learned last week from David Codrea, and Mike Vanderboegh.
♫ …And when the Revolution comes, we’ll kill you all with knives and guns,Bourgeoisie. Bourgeoisie.
I’m a number 3. Except instead of saying we could be in for a rough patch I’d say we will be in for more than a few rough patches.
I must have missed one of the hyphens. (link not working)
the EVIL pervades the entire “Executive Branch”.
State, FBI, ATF…
… i think Sen. Joseph McCarthy was even more right than he knew.
Joseph McCarthy left a wake of way too many ruined lives and planted the seed of government induced paranoia.
Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.
incited Hungary, 1956. Czechoslovakia, 1968. The “Bay of Pigs”… CIA, State Department.
possibly supplied Chambliss with the dynamite, through “informants”, 1963. The people of Kurdistan, 1988-1991… “informants” may have known about McVeigh, before OKC, 1995… fast foreward to 2009. after notable failures in “wide receiver” during the previous administration, they conduct “fast and furious” . (working for gun control, “under the radar” as POTUS told Brady Campaign) This is an Epic crime against the people of Mexico, again conducted with help of “informants” to the Department of Justice.
and your point?
Just a few lives McCarthy wreaked havoc upon:
Dashiell Hammett
Waldo Salt
Lillian Hellman
Lena Horne
Paul Robeson
Elia Kazan
Arthur Miller
Aaron Copland
Leonard Bernstein
Charlie Chaplin
Clifford Odets
Stella Adler
These people were most certainly a threat to the security of our nation ….. hardly.
He was a gay, pedophilic, cocaine using US Senator from Wisconsin who ruined the lives of countless numbers of Americans in his paranoid witch-hunt against alleged Communists and who severely damaged the American political system until he was brought down.
His chief counsel, Roy Cohn was a mirror image in every facet & a very brutal prosecutor for that thug/barbarian McCarthy.
As I said –
Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.
you forgot the most important thing: Republican.
if he wasn’t a republican you couldn’t make the pedophilic association with “gay”, because gays are normal in every way.
I forgot to include Ruby Ridge among the executive branch EVIL deeds. the anniversary of that PATCON inspired crime wasn’t long ago either.