I was warned that this thread is a bit dated however, I believe this is a timeless discussion and deserves an update periodically.
First, so that this is all in context, we plan to hold down the fort. Joining the refugees in a mass exodus to nowhere just doesn't seem anymore promising than a good bug in plan.
Here are a few things I have discovered in the last 8 or 10 years of pondering the atrocious possibilities of an EOTW scenario;
1, Put some distance between you and your advisory, meaning, 308 or 30:06 battle rifle and learn to use it. All the mall ninjas have fallen into the cool accessory trap of AR-15 variant and do not realize its effective range is only 2-250 yards and the meager 223 will break up in the brush. I much prefer the ability to go through trees! Also, you will not be fighting from your home. A parameter must be set and friends/neighbors included in the defense strategy or you will loose.
2. Water. Here, we are on a well and will not rely on solar and generators for the long term. I'm sure the panels will attract attention and turn the hole domicile into a target. We got a hand pump with 300ft of lift tube that can be dropped into any well around here and I'm sure I will be-able to trade 8hrs of pumping for a sandwich.
3. You need protein. Plant nut trees now! Especially Hazelnuts, they are a favorite of deer, squirrels and other eaters that will be looking for the same thing you are. Plant way more than you need, you will use them.
4. Focus on Cole vegetable family in the garden. We have found that a mere 2 collard plants will just about feed the neighborhood. Basically, the Cole provides the best production and nutrition for the given area. Collard and kale in particular do not seem to attract the worms that cabbage and broccoli does. As a bonus, they will grow right through the snow with little protection and grow in poor soils. You can also plant them outside of the garden proper as a stealthy eatable shrub. Next would be root veggies, potatoes, turnips, beets etc.
4. As mentioned earlier, There was no way to smoke all that meat! This is where salt comes in. You will need lots of it! Right now it is super cheap in a couple hundred pounds is not too much to have around. Get yourself some hersch pickling pots. These are what the old world used to preserve most of their food. Practice now, make yourself some yummy sauerkraut. From what I remember, in the series Jericho, a war was started over salt!
I know this is in no way a complete list but it just may bring some life to this thread and encourage everyone to add a few tidbits to something that should be an ongoing conversation.
Paul