Radio Preppers

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: RadioRay on October 11, 2012, 11:29:09 PM

Title: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: RadioRay on October 11, 2012, 11:29:09 PM
... and is it better than THIS one?

(http://oirsworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/the-importance-of-backing-up-dilbert.jpg)


Just askin'

:)  ;)  :D  ;D  :o  ::)
de RadioRay ..._ ._

Ps.  I saw his "plan" and just HAD to share it.  Dilbert lives in the real world...
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: Jim Boswell on October 12, 2012, 02:50:51 PM
Yes, we have a plan. My Wife and I live out in the country, about 100miles from a major city. Our plan is to honker down and stay put. I will use my radio gear to find out what is happening. I have HF, VHF, UHF transceivers, add to that several monitors and CB gear. We are ready, my station is set-up on battery back-up and solar power is available.
No, I don't have dozens of guns and cases of food. Our main worry is weather problems.
I have been through hurricanes, tornadoes and ice storms. We can rough-it for a few weeks if needed.

Take Care,   73'S   KA5SIW
Title: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: White Tiger on October 12, 2012, 04:23:00 PM
I have a plan - and I guess you could say it's to hunker down (you big Harry dog)...I was calling it "bugging IN". Unfortunately I am currently NOT 100 miles away from the "zombies"...I am about 5 to 10 miles away from some housing projects and one of the largest cities in Florida.

Two and a half years ago I sat down with our extended family - and we developed the ragged edges of a very loosely organized plan to identify where we were, drew some conclusions, and discussed what we needed to do - first individually - then as a larger group. One of the family members was WAY ahead of everyone else and put the information together in a packet for the other 4 families. Some of us took that to heart, some of us played around the edges, none of us ignored it.

Our most recent addition was to add communication - I volunteered to be the communications person for the group. Each family agreed to get their Tech license if I got at least my General. I hope to achieve that goal tomorrow - I'm going to take the exam for Technician, General & Extra.

Because I have lived in a state that has seen "disruptions to service" (at various times I've either lost power or water, or both), we already had some emergency food and water for a 3 people for 2 weeks...but with the path our country has taken we decided to expand our stores a bit...enough food to take us a year, but only enough water to take us 2 months. Don't get me wrong, I think water will be THE most critical item, I just know how often it falls here in the swamp...so we have some collection devices and a means to treat water.

When you expand your plan, it means you inventory larger amounts of what could become very valuable. So, I studied the various types of protective devices, reviewed how much money my budget could afford (in view of the fact that we had recently spent money on acquiring storage food), acquired several devices, learned how to care for them, and learned how to use them. I also acquired what I believe to be adequate levels of ammunition for each "protection" device.

Then I turned to communications - thanks to WA4STO's help - I've been able to acquire my radio, power supply, antenna, mast and accessories to enhance contact. I have also recently downloaded the FEMA app for emergency preparedness and I am contemplating then Title 44 CFR app that some one on this board directed me to.

We have a plan, everyone on THIS board needs to have one! No matter who wins the election, financial and civil trials are coming.
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: RadioRay on October 12, 2012, 05:47:52 PM
I'm in rural, coastal Viginia, right off of the Chesapeake Bay - near the end of a peninsula. We have some down side but not much , compared to the many benefits to living here. A generally mild climate, long growing seasons, peace & quiet most of the time and people who - even one generation before, remember at least SOME of their meals on their dinner tables coming from The Bay and the family garden/farm. Where I sit, the farmer across the field just harvested his field corn, soy beans down the street, goats milk around the corner, my chickens gave me two eggs today and three for each previous day - and I only have a few. My hot season garden is winding down and I'm planning the fall season plant placement right now and yes - my compost pile is doing just fine on anything that I cannot feed to the chickens in good conscience. 

The Chesapeake Bay is full of food and is a natural transportation route for those who know and a natural barrier for those who don't know how to live on the water. We have some lite ranching in this area to suppliment the farming & watermen. A person would have to PLAN to drive here to find us, because nobody is going to find us by accident, because the few roads in here, are not a through-way of any kind - it's a dead end. Tactically, we're surrounded on three sides by water for over fifty linear miles, with one land route in from the cities, but it's easily blockable, because of the many water crossings which a car cannot get across, but few bridges to our landward side. Water barriers can be good or bad - depending upon your relationship with the water.  The biggest dimwits in the world can setup an effective check point at a low bridge surrounded by high ground.  So, if left alone, common people , many of us with hands-on military experience in third-world-hell-holes, who CARE about defending our homes would do even better against that pesky 'Looting Tourist' problem.   

   >:(  >:(  >:(  >:(  >:(  >:(  >:(  >:(  >:(  >:(  >:(  >:(  >:(  >:(  >:(  >:(  >:(  >:(

     "Ya'll need to take it on up the road a piece and DON'T come back now - y'hear?"
                                                  :o


It's a fine place and it's home, so that makes it 'special'. Whether during a sudden shock SHTF situation or the slow drain of the current economic depression, there are far worse places to be if you want to grow/catch your own food, put-up canned whoo-knows-what in the pantry for winter and enjoy living so far from Baltimore, D.C. Richmond... You know the score. We do have a slight problem with the 'entitlement class' locally and their tendency toward criminality - even when well fed by our tax dollars, but if the economy goes 'bang! , that can be worked-out - if necessary, which it will HAVE TO be worked-out peacfully, whatever that requires. The tools for working this out depend entirely upon their initial tactics for feeding themselves by their own hands, many for the first time in a generation or two. Farming and fishing without fuel requires labor (1) We'll all be a little thinner, which - looking ay MY wastline, wouldn't be a bad thing - in moderation.


... and then, there's ham radio -...-  but that's for another day.

de RadioRay ..._ ._
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: White Tiger on October 12, 2012, 06:41:26 PM
RadioRay - regarding the entitlement class: they have a surprising affinity for self-preservation. Those that figure wrong, don't last long. Many tend to self-eliminate.

At any rate - the concept of "keeping your powder dry" comes to mind during periods of civil unrest.

My particular swamp is located much further south. I hope I never have to use the preparations for what I think is coming - I prepared for the worst I have ever seen...and being a civilian you wouldn't think that to be too bad...but I have seen months of power outage, been completely cut-off from accessing my family for months, seen National Guardsmen armed with automatic weapons standing guard at gas stations, and in front of grocery stores...and even in that environment I've seen carloads of men cruising a neighborhood - later found they were armed and driving around listening for the sound of a generators...

Anyone can survive a few days of inconvenience - heck most of us have 3 to 4 days of food on-hand that we don't really like - that we could live on for THAT long...what NO one is prepared for is that our grocery stores have 3 days of food on the shelf - very few people in this country have ANY plan for what would happen if they were cut off for several weeks or months...

...you only ever have to go through something like that once before deciding you won't ever do it again.
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: gil on October 12, 2012, 08:55:59 PM
I don't have a plan...

I wish I owned land somewhere isolated, but no... I have no family within reach. So, basically, it's me and that's it.
Everything I read about prepping emphasizes group strength. Something I definitely need to work on.
I have friends, but most of them are certain everything will always be just fine. I am not so sure.
As far as being prepared, I'd say I am half-way there. Emphasis for me, given my predicament, is mobility.
Finding prep per-friends is not easy, because I don't want to draw attention to myself. My few friends who would be good candidates for a prepping group don't have the means to buy any supplies. The wealthy ones don't care, they have their heads in the sand. Isn't that peculiar?

My only possible plan is to move to the American West or somewhere in Asia or South America.. In any case, not inside any large or medium city.
The older I get though, the more important the proximity of a good hospital becomes, just in case...

Ya'll have a great week-end,

Gil.
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: raybiker73 on October 12, 2012, 09:08:55 PM
I have several plans for several possible scenarios, but I don't rely heavily on them. Like someone once said (I think it was Eisenhower or Churchill), "the battle plan only lasts until the first shot is fired." I'm fortunate in that I live about 100 miles from the nearest large city, in a very rural area, and I come from a culture where growing your own food and fixing your own problems is the norm. The problem is, if some major catastrophe were to occur, and all those (literally) millions of people from the cities were to spread like locusts across the countryside, they would eventually get here. That's the point where the plans don't matter much anymore.

I think that we as preppers sometimes tend to underestimate the size of the problem. I know I'm guilty of it myself once in a while. But, consider just HOW MANY people there are in the U.S. alone. If you take all the preppers, and even add in all the rural/homesteader folks and people who practice at least a small amount of self-sufficiency, we are a very very VERY tiny minority, and the plague of locusts has the advantage just on sheer numbers. And, they are for the most part utterly and completely dependent on retailers, governments and raw purchasing power to fulfill even their most basic needs. They'll be tired, they'll be hungry, they'll be desperate, and sooner or later they'll be headed straight for us in numbers that defy comprehension.

That said, I am well-stocked and well-supplied, I grow and preserve a lot of food, I fix my own equipment and load my own ammo, I hunt and fish and trap, I use heirloom seeds so that seeds can be "recycled" from year to year, etc. I think that in the event of a catastrophe, I'd be one of the ones with a decent chance of surviving. I hope I never have to test it.
Title: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: White Tiger on October 12, 2012, 09:54:53 PM
Quote from: gil on October 12, 2012, 08:55:59 PM
I don't have a plan...

I wish I owned land somewhere isolated, but no... I have no family within reach. So, basically, it's me and that's it.
Everything I read about prepping emphasizes group strength. Something I definitely need to work on.
I have friends, but most of them are certain everything will always be just fine. I am not so sure.
As far as being prepared, I'd say I am half-way there. Emphasis for me, given my predicament, is mobility.
Finding prep per-friends is not easy, because I don't want to draw attention to myself. My few friends who would be good candidates for a prepping group don't have the means to buy any supplies. The wealthy ones don't care, they have their heads in the sand. Isn't that peculiar?

My only possible plan is to move to the American West or somewhere in Asia or South America.. In any case, not inside any large or medium city.
The older I get though, the more important the proximity of a good hospital becomes, just in case...

Ya'll have a great week-end,

Gil.

Gil, you make it here, and you have a place to stay on your way out west - we'll make you the head of comms or group security - your choice!  Maybe while you're here you can teach me something about morse and the the rest of our group about comms & self-defense while you're here!

You might have to bring some food - And I know that compromises your desire to travel light - but if for no other reason, you could use it to barter your way into a vehicle and/or fuel!
Title: "Entitlements"
Post by: RadioRay on October 12, 2012, 10:59:24 PM
White Tiger -  Yes - they are the initial problem and it may take way too much time after things go BANG! for the generally decent people to get up to speed with that fact and be willing to man check-points and etc.  At least we only have a VERY limited avenue of land-based approach.  Anything on the water that is out-of-place would have a tough time getting through and many of these guys may not swim all that well, especially with some of the lead weights we'd be sending their way - at high speed.   8)

(http://www.halloweenforum.com/attachments/halloween-props/9026d1262803176-turning-house-windows-into-pirate-ship-gunports-06_deadmanscove.jpg)

The next group of 'people' if we want to call them that, would be federal politicians takine advantage of the situation for their own avarice.  We would be better-off left alone, but that was tried before and the Feds invaded The South then too. Let's hope that it never comes to any of this and that we can once again be a nation ruled by only 10 Laws, without a total meltdown. I can - however- forsee the Feds confiscating from 'hoarders and vigilantes'.... and the media covering their actions in smiling-head accolades for the generally dumb viewers.

Yes - I had an aquaitance of mine kicked into a coma in the L.A. Riots.  He tried to go out there to help with a Bible under his arm.  If you knew him, you'd know that he was genuine in that he lived his beliefs. It took him two years to die in the hospital, at untold cost to his family.  As far as I know, his murderers are voting (or running?) in the upcoming elections...

I'd rather team with 5 of the right types than 20 of the wrong. There is a good mix of skills within one mile of this place and I intend to be one of them.


de RadioRay ..._ ._
Title: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: White Tiger on October 13, 2012, 12:11:03 AM
Love the picture - and the sentiment RadioRay!

I too hope it never comes to that - but I am concerned that these classes weren't invented for nothing. Someday, someone, somewhere will try to push the class war a little too far. What scares me is that we are so dangerously close to 50% being bought-off by government types that take from me to buy favors for them...

No, I think if you come for the bull, you shouldn't be surprised to find the horns.

It is a lesson that has to be constantly taught.

If we keep letting others define "fair" there won't be anyone left to defend the wagon pullers, from the wagon riders...
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: gil on October 13, 2012, 01:19:39 AM
Thanks Tim, yes, I think I would make it there ;) I don't think I would be a good Morse teacher though :-\ Hand-to-hand combat, certainly, but I know near to nothing about tactics other than what I've learned from books and a few tips from my ex-Spetsnaz instructor.. I wish I had military experience, always can come handy.. Too old for that now. I have a month worth of food, not the appetizing type, and will add more to that very soon. I need a new tent, otherwise I'm set with camping gear. My bug-out bag is 75% done.

I would want to move to the West before any triggering event. After would probably be too late. I think there are many "like-minded" individuals there. I bought a topographic map of Idaho last summer, when the idea germinated in my head. It was August, so of course that helped. Luckily for me (or because I made the right career choice), I can work from anywhere as long as I have Internet. Tough I am getting tired of computers. I like building stuff, designing actually.. Idaho is only an idea so far, but who knows...

I want to learn more about country living. I wished I had hovered around my Grandmother when I was a kid, I would have learned a lot, instead of just eating the stuff! I also want to learn more about Horses... I know just enough about hunting.

Hopefully the National deficit will just evaporate, right?  ::)

Gil.
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: Sunflower on October 13, 2012, 03:13:16 PM
Quote from: gil on October 12, 2012, 08:55:59 PM
I don't have a plan...

I wish I owned land somewhere isolated, but no... I have no family within reach. So, basically, it's me and that's it.
Everything I read about prepping emphasizes group strength. Something I definitely need to work on.
I have friends, but most of them are certain everything will always be just fine. I am not so sure.
As far as being prepared, I'd say I am half-way there. Emphasis for me, given my predicament, is mobility.
Finding prep per-friends is not easy, because I don't want to draw attention to myself. My few friends who would be good candidates for a prepping group don't have the means to buy any supplies. The wealthy ones don't care, they have their heads in the sand. Isn't that peculiar?

My only possible plan is to move to the American West or somewhere in Asia or South America.. In any case, not inside any large or medium city.
The older I get though, the more important the proximity of a good hospital becomes, just in case...

Ya'll have a great week-end,

Gil.

Don't short change yourself. One is more mighty than a lot of heavy weighted fringe and more mouths to feed and protect. It is easier to blend in or hid as a "ONE."

I have options not plans exactly. My options increase with the more I learn and take action ).

Money is the least of the problems. The poorest people I have known are the best prepared on a moment to moment basis. There life style is simple and they are independent.  These are the kind of people that would not cry over a snowstorm closing down the roads for 6 weeks, or electric down 6 weeks due to ice damage over most the state. These comments are made with real people in mind - stuff I have experienced or witnessed. 

Most of these people do not call themselves preppers, but might acknowledge that they think the world is in a mess of trouble.

BTW,  chickens don'ts come home to roost unless you open the door and feed them. Food does not come from food stamp cards (SNAP). The most important parts of my prepping have had little to no expense to them. Much of what has cost money, has ended up costing me less money because I buy in bulk and eat very differently now.

I am not grinding my own wheat yet, but I do have a grinder finally. Later, since I am in wheat country, I hope to buy in bulk - I mean in biger bulk than mill sacks. I have been reading on the internet how to clean grain, how process corn, etc. There is a lot of food growing around me that for a long while I was to inept to even consider how to process into real food. Like from field to kitchen counter. I am less intimidated by those considerations now.

I no longer buy fatfree food when I shop (like premade dressings, icecream). I recently made that decision. Fat free stuff is not making me thinner, and when the grid is down around here, it is the fat that keeps me happier. Think of such foods as mental health help.

Vitamins and spices are a big part of my plans. I have 200 pounds of salt stored up. Of the parts of my plans (options and lack of options) is communications, hence this site.

Fukishima, many other examples point to the hazards of depending on a sail boat. I vote for hiding. Do I have such options yet, no, but it is a longterm dream goal. That is one option I want to have. Yes, there is the land, but water and other factors will have to line up. I am very very lucky as far as the potential to reach some of my goals/dreams. Not all perfect, but the locations I have in mind will be 100percent better than being out in the open should things get to that.
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: underhill on October 13, 2012, 04:20:21 PM
We have a plan, but it's heavily seasoned with a concept borrowed from a local SAR group: "Semper Gumby", or always flexible.

I agree that the country is in trouble, and things could easily go sideways at any time.  One of our main natural disasters here, would be a major earthquake, which after the first Great Shakeout exercise a few years back, is actually well defined, and time spent preparing for this has us somewhat prepared for most anything but a direct nuke strike.   Firestorms, grid-down, national guard activations, you name it are likely after a major quake here.

We've always been campers and outdoor oriented, so the basic plan is for 'bug-in', to slip into camping mode, with some stealth as needed, including a radio watch to monitor local freqs, for a clue as to what may be coming our way, power generation will be limited to solar panels.  Really nowhere else for us to go right now, tho the location is really lousy, I'm pretty surrounded by 'entitlement' types.

I took CERT training with an adjacent city, Long Beach, they were very ham friendly, but focused away from my hometurf, nach. 

Later, CERT was offered in my local city, so my wife and I took the course together.  LA County fire hosted, and it was not so ham friendly (WE will do the comms, >YOU< won't be needing it).  Ok fine, reset my expectations with them.  Still the standardized CERT training was worthwhile.

I had hoped that inside intel would flow, but hasn't proved to be the case, really.  The local ARES group mission is evolving to support the hospitals in the region, and most sub regions have been grouped into a LA County-wide core, which seems to be centered in the opposit end of the county, about 70-90 miles from my home turf, again. 

So, none of the 'institutional' groups, in this area, seem to meet the needs I perceive for my family group.

With sons moved out this year, one married, one with long term girlfriend (very likely married soon, lol), things have gotten a bit easier, but at the same time more complicated.  Can't seem to get the concept of infrastructure free comms being essential to them, nothing ever 'breaks' here, so complacency is easy.  Also, we've started casting an eye toward possible relocation, Alpine Az, or further north? LOve mountains, not so much deserts, but fewer people in the deserts.  Lots of food potential in ocean coastal environments.  Planning has to focus on what/where we are, as well as where might end up, hoping we have enought time to get there.

Current goals for myself and wife, mine are to push us into more infrastructure free comms, I'm starting to slowly teach her how to use the spare HT (I have a couple of vx-6r's, they hear the entire local spectrum of interest, and don't drink too much power) to gather intel locally, and she is very slowly studying for her tech, right now using ham test online.  Aside from comms, working on improving cashflow.  I've also tried growing various veggies with mixed results, right now I've had success with several culinary herbs, so keep trying with the edibles.  It's a learning curve.  Livestock, not yet, location. 

Also in the queue I want to try to learn some primitive blacksmithing, there is a pretty good video from Hoods woods on knife making which would be a good starting point.   Also they haven a video on Bronze casting I don't yet have.

Good question, some great comments, I loved the intro picture, RadioRay, I might use it a a cover for the 'family disaster handbook', lol.  Keep the subject matter in the right mood, lol. 

Have a great day everyone

Underhill
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: Sunflower on October 13, 2012, 06:22:54 PM
@ underhill, nice to hear about wife's interest in amatuer radio. Congratulations with the son's out of the nest. Perhaops, I now understand the "underhill" phrase better.  8)
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: underhill on October 13, 2012, 07:31:08 PM
Hi, Sunflower

Actually, um,  underhill... I am a bit of a Tolkien fan, and in the lord of the rings, book 1 after leaving the Shire with the Ring, the protagonist, a hobbit named Frodo Baggins, took on the 'traveling name' of Mr. Underhill, as directed by Gandalf the wizard, in an attempt to avoid the Black Riders of Mordor, who were pursuing him in an attempt to take the ring of power from him.   Of course the ruse didn't work very long.

It has a number of allusions that appealed to me.  If I'm using an online alias, might as well have a little fun with it, lol.

Wow, that sounds nerdy! :)

Underhill
Title: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: White Tiger on October 13, 2012, 11:30:37 PM
"Mr Underhill..." said the Elven King...in an odd yet vaguely familiar way...

Sorry, I could not resist mixing my metaphors...or is that allusions...(never can keep them straight anymore...)?

I had been contemplating those same entities for actual training - and I'm glad you shared the mixed receptions - as I was almost sure that All I would find was what you described at your CERTS group sponsored by the local fire dpt., many former local LEO's and EMT's have related a growing hostility amongst the new hires down at city hall.

I think I will check out emergency certification here - but I don't have any misconceptions that it will be anything but a learning experience - it should ALL be a pleasant experience....but give a few guys some power and watch 'em start making rules (at which point I usually move to the back of the room, near the door...)!

In the end, it doesn't matter if you decide on the red pill, or the blue pill...you still end up in the Grey Havens, eh?

It's HOW you get there that counts...
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: Sunflower on October 14, 2012, 08:57:24 PM
Good story Underhill.

In our neighborhood, the Sheriff is still king. Meaning if you have a problem, they are happy to come out and assist. I really like our Sheriff Dept - they look out after the elderly and such. The mention of Leos and EMT made me think of that. Politicians come and go - so do Sheriff sometimes. Talk about heated politics during election time. Seems like the Sheriff Race is always the bigger and more interesting one.

If you are thinking about relocating, I would consider the kind of places that are covered by Sheriff Dept. There is just a certain kind of old fashion living that I associate with dealing with Sheriff/deputies etc - at least here in Kansas.
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: Gambrinus on October 15, 2012, 12:17:15 PM
My plan is to stay put unless that becomes impossible.  Currently my car is not suited for traveling through severe weather so if a hurricane was coming my way, I would have to make the decision to bug out days before.  At least I would have several bug out locations if needed.  If I stay, I?m in pretty good shape and post storm would be the biggest concern. I don?t have a generator yet and I?m holding out for a propane one with a buried tank. I will probably have a better suited car for next hurricane season.  I don?t have a means for growing food but I have the ocean.  There are also a few lakes/ponds in my hood I?m thinking about stocking when no one is looking.  If the S that hit?s the F is not weather related (becoming more likely), I?m still better off behind my concrete walls.

One of my biggest problems is my wife works in another state and we go back and forth.  Sometimes I?m there and sometimes she is here. Most times we are not together so it?s very possible that if the S did hit, we would be hundreds of miles apart and if it was bad, we would be better off staying where we are rather than traveling so I?m pretty much on my own as well.

I?m a CERT sector leader and now a member of our county emergency operations through the local Amateur radio club.  I?m building up my radio equipment and our local city/county fire and EOC are VERY supportive.  We are exploring how we can improve our communications and looking into the possibility of adding repeaters in dead areas. I was very surprised just how supportive they actually are.  They even opened up their fire and police training facility and instructors for advanced training.  They promise more training and support to come.  They are also very protective of us by keeping other county agencies from trying to tap into the resource for things we are not trained or suited for such as manning shelters (no thanks).

I speak to my CERT team for the necessity for prepping but I don?t advertise outside of that and even there, I only go into detail about a bug out bag and a few days of food. I don?t ever show and tell, if friends don?t prep, they don?t need to know of someone elses.
Title: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: White Tiger on October 15, 2012, 01:56:06 PM
Quote from: Gambrinus on October 15, 2012, 12:17:15 PM
My plan is to stay put unless that becomes impossible.  Currently my car is not suited for traveling through severe weather so if a hurricane was coming my way, I would have to make the decision to bug out days before.  At least I would have several bug out locations if needed.  If I stay, I?m in pretty good shape and post storm would be the biggest concern. I don?t have a generator yet and I?m holding out for a propane one with a buried tank. I will probably have a better suited car for next hurricane season.  I don?t have a means for growing food but I have the ocean.  There are also a few lakes/ponds in my hood I?m thinking about stocking when no one is looking.  If the S that hit?s the F is not weather related (becoming more likely), I?m still better off behind my concrete walls.
Sounds like you're plan is similar to my plan - it also sounds like you're somewhere near me...and by extension...Gil...?
Quote from: Gambrinus on October 15, 2012, 12:17:15 PM
One of my biggest problems is my wife works in another state and we go back and forth.  Sometimes I?m there and sometimes she is here. Most times we are not together so it?s very possible that if the S did hit, we would be hundreds of miles apart and if it was bad, we would be better off staying where we are rather than traveling so I?m pretty much on my own as well.
This is a PERFECT option! I believe that certain SHTF events call for "Bugging In", while another set of variables and situations would dictate "Bugging Out" (the duration of the event, the problems associated with traffic exiting a state before an event, the organized  response to an event, and the relative estimation of security of your location and the civil support).

I say your situation is PERFECT because - depending on where your wife works - you could design around a bigger SHTF event (or an event that has a more complicated response (like an Earthquake, long term power-grid failure, or the shear number of events that government must respond to over a large area). Have you thought about buying a BOL and stocking it with similar supplies/equipment? That's what I mean by your situation being perfect! No matter what, you would have a fall back location. And what makes it all the more perfect is that most of us have to talk our wives, significant others into the idea of considering buying a survival retreat - you already have that taken care of!

Have you ever considered that if your wife holds at least a tech license - she could communicate with you? In the unfortunate event something did happen while you were apart - you would have a peace of mind that A) you would KNOW she's safe, and B) she would KNOW you were safe - if the worst did happen! C) you could coordinate last minute items before deciding to go where she is!
Quote from: Gambrinus on October 15, 2012, 12:17:15 PM
I?m a CERT sector leader and now a member of our county emergency operations through the local Amateur radio club.  I?m building up my radio equipment and our local city/county fire and EOC are VERY supportive.  We are exploring how we can improve our communications and looking into the possibility of adding repeaters in dead areas. I was very surprised just how supportive they actually are.  They even opened up their fire and police training facility and instructors for advanced training.  They promise more training and support to come.  They are also very protective of us by keeping other county agencies from trying to tap into the resource for things we are not trained or suited for such as manning shelters (no thanks).
I was becoming interested in the CERT program - but I heard a few stories that concerned me about areas where the authorities were NOT so supportive and did expect ALL volunteers to be chess pieces to be moved into any role THEY decide for THEIR resources...

Like you said - sorry - I'm just NOT the guy you want listening to complaints about the shelter blankets not being thick enough, not being long enough, or the lights being too bright...
Quote from: Gambrinus on October 15, 2012, 12:17:15 PM
I speak to my CERT team for the necessity for prepping but I don?t advertise outside of that and even there, I only go into detail about a bug out bag and a few days of food. I don?t ever show and tell, if friends don?t prep, they don?t need to know of someone elses.
Good plan. Ive had unexpected visitors to my home that discovered some of my stash...usually they turn to me with a quizzical look/raised eyebrow...I just tell them "if you've lived through a hurricane, you know what that's for..."

I'm concerned others aren't preparing - early on I warned as many as I could that they needed to do something. Now, though, if you can't read THESE tea-leaves, and know you should be preparing, then at this point nothing I say is going to convince anyone to change! The people I am concerned with are those that believe they should be preparing...but just don't have the means to do so...some of my family fall into that category, this means that Once my basic needs are met...I store some of the basics for them...
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: gil on October 15, 2012, 04:48:28 PM
Quotefor next hurricane season.
Quotesounds like you're somewhere near me...and by extension...Gil...?

Sure sounds like it...?

Anyone within driving distance of Tim and myself should gather in person once in a while for coffee and chat...  :D

Gil.
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: Gambrinus on October 15, 2012, 06:26:32 PM
Quote from: gil on October 15, 2012, 04:48:28 PM
Quotefor next hurricane season.
Quotesounds like you're somewhere near me...and by extension...Gil...?

Sure sounds like it...?

Anyone within driving distance of Tim and myself should gather in person once in a while for coffee and chat...  :D

Gil.

That would be great.  I'm about as far south on the west side before the alley.  I'll be in mouse town a few days next month for their half marathon.  Pm me if it sounds doable.
Title: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: White Tiger on October 15, 2012, 09:49:35 PM
Quote from: gil on October 15, 2012, 04:48:28 PM
Quotefor next hurricane season.
Quotesounds like you're somewhere near me...and by extension...Gil...?

Sure sounds like it...?

Anyone within driving distance of Tim and myself should gather in person once in a while for coffee and chat...  :D

Gil.

I'm in!
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: raybiker73 on October 15, 2012, 10:01:03 PM
From all the talk of hurricanes, I'm going to guess that none of you are near Pittsburgh.  :(
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: gil on October 15, 2012, 10:04:39 PM
Nah, why live in the cold?  8)

Gil.
Title: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: White Tiger on October 16, 2012, 03:10:52 AM
Quote from: raybiker73 on October 15, 2012, 10:01:03 PM
From all the talk of hurricanes, I'm going to guess that none of you are near Pittsburgh.  :(

Who would LIVE in Pittsburg?

I'm actually/originally from about 100 or so miles to the West of Pittsburgh....Home of the Buckeyes!
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: Gambrinus on October 16, 2012, 10:15:27 AM
Quote from: White Tiger on October 15, 2012, 01:56:06 PM
Quote from: Gambrinus on October 15, 2012, 12:17:15 PM
My plan is to stay put unless that becomes impossible.  Currently my car is not suited for traveling through severe weather so if a hurricane was coming my way, I would have to make the decision to bug out days before.  At least I would have several bug out locations if needed.  If I stay, I?m in pretty good shape and post storm would be the biggest concern. I don?t have a generator yet and I?m holding out for a propane one with a buried tank. I will probably have a better suited car for next hurricane season.  I don?t have a means for growing food but I have the ocean.  There are also a few lakes/ponds in my hood I?m thinking about stocking when no one is looking.  If the S that hit?s the F is not weather related (becoming more likely), I?m still better off behind my concrete walls.
Sounds like you're plan is similar to my plan - it also sounds like you're somewhere near me...and by extension...Gil...?
Quote from: Gambrinus on October 15, 2012, 12:17:15 PM
One of my biggest problems is my wife works in another state and we go back and forth.  Sometimes I?m there and sometimes she is here. Most times we are not together so it?s very possible that if the S did hit, we would be hundreds of miles apart and if it was bad, we would be better off staying where we are rather than traveling so I?m pretty much on my own as well.
This is a PERFECT option! I believe that certain SHTF events call for "Bugging In", while another set of variables and situations would dictate "Bugging Out" (the duration of the event, the problems associated with traffic exiting a state before an event, the organized  response to an event, and the relative estimation of security of your location and the civil support).

I say your situation is PERFECT because - depending on where your wife works - you could design around a bigger SHTF event (or an event that has a more complicated response (like an Earthquake, long term power-grid failure, or the shear number of events that government must respond to over a large area). Have you thought about buying a BOL and stocking it with similar supplies/equipment? That's what I mean by your situation being perfect! No matter what, you would have a fall back location. And what makes it all the more perfect is that most of us have to talk our wives, significant others into the idea of considering buying a survival retreat - you already have that taken care of!

Have you ever considered that if your wife holds at least a tech license - she could communicate with you? In the unfortunate event something did happen while you were apart - you would have a peace of mind that A) you would KNOW she's safe, and B) she would KNOW you were safe - if the worst did happen! C) you could coordinate last minute items before deciding to go where she is!
Quote from: Gambrinus on October 15, 2012, 12:17:15 PM
I?m a CERT sector leader and now a member of our county emergency operations through the local Amateur radio club.  I?m building up my radio equipment and our local city/county fire and EOC are VERY supportive.  We are exploring how we can improve our communications and looking into the possibility of adding repeaters in dead areas. I was very surprised just how supportive they actually are.  They even opened up their fire and police training facility and instructors for advanced training.  They promise more training and support to come.  They are also very protective of us by keeping other county agencies from trying to tap into the resource for things we are not trained or suited for such as manning shelters (no thanks).
I was becoming interested in the CERT program - but I heard a few stories that concerned me about areas where the authorities were NOT so supportive and did expect ALL volunteers to be chess pieces to be moved into any role THEY decide for THEIR resources...

Like you said - sorry - I'm just NOT the guy you want listening to complaints about the shelter blankets not being thick enough, not being long enough, or the lights being too bright...
Quote from: Gambrinus on October 15, 2012, 12:17:15 PM
I speak to my CERT team for the necessity for prepping but I don?t advertise outside of that and even there, I only go into detail about a bug out bag and a few days of food. I don?t ever show and tell, if friends don?t prep, they don?t need to know of someone elses.
Good plan. Ive had unexpected visitors to my home that discovered some of my stash...usually they turn to me with a quizzical look/raised eyebrow...I just tell them "if you've lived through a hurricane, you know what that's for..."

I'm concerned others aren't preparing - early on I warned as many as I could that they needed to do something. Now, though, if you can't read THESE tea-leaves, and know you should be preparing, then at this point nothing I say is going to convince anyone to change! The people I am concerned with are those that believe they should be preparing...but just don't have the means to do so...some of my family fall into that category, this means that Once my basic needs are met...I store some of the basics for them...

You should take a look at your local CERT program.  As with most volunteer organizations you have to sift through the floaters.  But I?ve meet some pretty capable people and have been making good connections with fire/ems/eoc that can?t be a bad thing.  If for nothing else it?s some free training that you can always use for yourself and there is never any requirement that you show up.


I won't be happy if wife and I are unable to join up in an event unrelated to a natural (localized) disaster.  Man made events are the only ones that can paralyze and render very large portions of the country unsafe.
Title: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: White Tiger on October 16, 2012, 02:45:37 PM
Interesting stuff Gambrinus, and it reminded me of a conversation with a fellow ham friend of mine. that's when I concluded this hang-up Im having about following thru on seeking to volunteer/train is that - There are two different motivations between Preppers and emergency coordination teams. The thing that intrigued me about aligning with a volunteer group is that I might be able to develop/use new skills...but the more I talked to more experienced Ham operators, the more I have come to realize that clubs of specific interest, and/or field days & hamfests could be just as beneficial.

I got into radio to further develop my sense of community - of likeminded folks - aware of the problems we're facing and are committed to preparing for the worst. After some careful consideration, I concluded (for me) that my limited time has to be spent continuing to add to the strength of my preparations and those of my immediate "community". I am aware of CERT and other emergency response volunteer groups - and they're charter - but (to me) the situation has really moved beyond "normal". This means I have to make sure my current plans work, and if not (like...oops, my antenna mast crashed...) what'd I do wrong, what can I do to differently next time?

Not that there is anything wrong with folks motivated to help to provide assistance after an emergency, especially under more normalized conditions...I just think (for me), these are not normal times and we need to develop skills for maintaining contact on a more personal/non-continuity-of-government type level. Just people talking to people.

nothing wrong with training to look after hordes folks I don't know, to a problem I may or may not have seen coming - just that for now, and for me...for one of the first times in my life Im trying to make sure my motivation is for those closest to me for a problem I am convinced is coming - that not too many folks seem worried about.
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: Gambrinus on October 16, 2012, 04:15:38 PM
I couldn't agree more.  The way I look at it is there will be different levels and sources of s that will be hitting the fan. My priority will always be me and my family.  In a way, joining CERT and the ham radio team is in the worse case helping me prep for when it all breaks down to little or no gubmint. During a low level event, if I can help my neighbors that's great.  Something more and things will change. 
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: gil on October 16, 2012, 04:15:57 PM
QuoteNot that there is anything wrong with folks motivated to help to provide assistance after an emergency, especially under more normalized conditions...I just think (for me), these are not normal times and we need to develop skills for maintaining contact on a more personal/non-continuity-of-government type level. Just people talking to people.

Amen!

Gil.
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: WA4STO on October 16, 2012, 08:14:18 PM
Quote from: White Tiger on October 16, 2012, 02:45:37 PM
Not that there is anything wrong with folks motivated to help to provide assistance after an emergency, especially under more normalized conditions...I just think (for me), these are not normal times and we need to develop skills for maintaining contact on a more personal/non-continuity-of-government type level. Just people talking to people.

Amen, indeed.

For some decades now, I've looked to the Amateur Radio Service for help understanding the Part 97 "basis and purpose".  One of those purposes has always been public service communications.

So, in the 70s, I found myself marshalling my ARES troops (I was the ARRL Section Manager for Virginia at the time) around the North Anna nuclear power plant, showing the VA Office of Emergency Management just how clever we were, passing traffic around the area in what would have been the evacuation plan for the State.

In the 80s, I found myself marshalling a different set of troops, this time around the Pilgrim Nuclear Power plant in Massachusetts in what had by then become part of the national plan for evacuations, primarily so that the plants could be certified as having a viable "safety plan".  Hoo boy...

And in the 90s, I found myself at ARRL HQ, meeting with the 'served agencies' (Red Cross, APCO, Salvation Army, and the federal SHARES program, run by the National Communications System.)  There's an interesting read about SHARES and NCS, which you can see here:

http://www.ncs.gov/library/issuances/NCSM%203-3-1.pdf (http://www.ncs.gov/library/issuances/NCSM%203-3-1.pdf)

It finally dawned on me that these programs and agencies had precious little to do with public service communications and everything to do with helping the agencies.  The agencies?!  Yup.  Same ones that are getting millions of new bucks from the Department of Justice Assistance program.  They don't need us any more.  The DOJ feeds the states with cash, the States disperse it, usually, to the LEOs.  The LEOs replace their VHS-based cameras in the cruisers with slick new digital ones, and in turn for the cash, the LEOs put the data (it's all data now, ya see) onto their servers, and the Fusion Centers suck it all up, where it will get stored -- most likely -- in some bizarre NSA facility in Utah.  Everybody's happy, cept for those concerned about their rights to privacy. 

When we were working with the agencies to craft or re-establish the memoranda of understanding with them, did we ever contemplate "making a deal" with the public?  Uh, that would be a no.

On a related topic (honest, it is), there was a time, prior to the 90s, when business was not allowed to be conducted via amateur radio.  And there's a fair number of old timers among us who think that's still the case.  It's not.  We did away with that Part 97 rule (or more accurately, we severely modified it) in circa 1990.

In the years prior to 1990, we used to get into some pretty bizarre "debates" (often on the air) about not conducting business.  Here's three examples that immediately come to mind:

1.   QSL bureaus are volunteer groups who accept mass mailings of QSL cards from overseas, sort them, and mail them to the Stateside amateurs.  It's somewhat more complicated than that, but that's the gist of it.  And we would frequently see radiograms going around, stating that Joe Q. Ham had six ounces of cards waiting for him at the bureau.  But hams love debates.  And they bitched, moaned, and carried on about how those particular radiograms were conducting the "regular business" of the bureaus.  Sheesh.

2.  The American Red Cross would frequently use the Amateur Radio Service to send radiograms hither and yon, asking for blood, donations, help manning a race, whatever.  Same complaints.

3.  Hospitals developed extensive hospital disaster communications systems.  Same complaints, believe it or not.

Did all of the so-called problems get solved when we rewrote the rules?  Nope.  But first, let's see what the new rules entail.  It's simple:  Licensed radio amateurs are forbidden from communicating via ham radio in ways that would be of "pecuniary interest" to themselves OR THEIR EMPLOYERS.

Voila, now we could use the autopatch to call for a pizza, unless you happen to work for Dominos.  Couldn't do that before.

But, guess what, hospital employees were, well, employees, after all.  New rules didn't help them with their emergency communications needs.  Ditto for the Red Cross and for ARRL HQ folks who still couldn't accept a radiogram asking a question about their Worked All States application.

I haven't been paying attention the last decade or so, but I understand that the FCC has examined some of these issues and made decisions based on what the intent of the new rules was.  That'd be good.

Anyway, I find it refreshing that the folks here on this board (thanks, Gil -- you're the best!) are beginning to understand that "the public" is getting itself a far different definition these days.  No longer is it the local Sheriff's Office, the State OES, or the bajillions of federal agencies that comprise "the public".  The public is us.

73 de WA4STO
Title: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: White Tiger on October 16, 2012, 11:15:46 PM
Now to THAT ^^^ I will say AMEN!

I can only continue to state how differently I feel - due to the times we're living in. It's not just a phrase we typed to improve our speed in high school - these ARE the times that try men's souls.

Over the last 2 years I have spent money and time on things that I never would have thought I needed just 5 years ago...and they are for things I - personally - think my family and group might need in case the world as we know it, falls apart. Those resources were redirected from other areas...mostly they cost time... which cannot be replaced...and which many more like me no longer have to dedicate.
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: RadioRay on October 16, 2012, 11:34:30 PM
What I am finding to be encouraging is that a younger (25-30 year old) demographic is getting into prepping on a scale I have not seen before.  Previously, it was old men like me.  Now, I have questions from young nurses, or some young man who I bump into in conversation and it turns to prepping and the world in general.  Maybe - just MAYbe the TV is loosing it's grip. Naturally, many of the returning vets are switched-on, especally if they understand the long range trends of over expanding 'the empire' and how historically, that's usually the last thing that a fiscally & morally bankrupt country does to try to maintain control: look at the former USSR, The British Empire or Rome for that matter.   It's also a period of increasing political tyrany, with federal (feral) government having their fingers in everything from guns to guacamole. "Creating jobs" by stuffing the government full of evermore useless eaters is NOT building an economy, it's tearing it down, because federal government is a debt, not a way to actually earn money.

Yup - we do indeed live in interesting times.


>Ray


Ps. I remember escapees form the former communist bloc telling me that the reason they were caught by surprise and became de facto prisoners in their own lands was the same thing heard in this country: "We never thought it would happen here.". 'Here' being their home countries. Unfortunately, We do not have an America to escape to.
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: gil on October 16, 2012, 11:58:12 PM
Time and money that could be used for other things more pleasant to think about. Maybe because I don't own a television or care about sports, I have time to look around and get worried. We would be fools not to make some preparations. Unfortunately we are surrounded by fools. Like those lounging on the Titanic's deck laughing at people putting life vests on... Because of course the boat couldn't sink. If I was 25 and not 45, I would pray for it to hit the fan. Now I know better. I am nowhere near ready, and that little voice is screaming in my ear to hurry up. Intuition is nothing more than data processed by our brains unconsciously. Usually those feelings of uneasiness are well founded, because they are based on observation and powerful processing outside of our grasp. Like Tim, I had no worries five years ago. Today is woefully  different. I just hope nothing goes down before the spring.. One thing is certain, as Luck hints, we are on our own. That is why I urge people here to get on the air and call each-other. I just had a nice long QSO with RadioRay on 30m :) Bless him for being so patient with my slow-as-molasses Morse copy speed. We need to know who we can trust and exchange information with. Remember that everything has an end, and that includes the Internet. The Internet doesn't run on servers and fiber optics, it runs on money. Everything does these days. Money isn't green, it's black and it comes out of the ground. How reliable is that given what it takes to get it out? So they just print more monopoly bills.. I feel like sailing on a cardboard ship and there is a suspicious black cloud ahead. Everyone is partying. The captain and crew are stashing money in their shirts, heading to the lifeboats with a smile and a gun handle sticking out of their pants, while I'm at the bow getting more gray hairs realizing that there aren't enough life boats for everyone. I'd rather be partying too, but now the warning bells are too loud. I want to scream to everyone that they are fools and we are going to take the plunge, but I know they'll just laugh and think I'm crazy. What is that whooshy sound under my feet?

Gil.
Title: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: White Tiger on October 17, 2012, 02:01:58 AM
Gil, while I was reading your post I could not help but think of something I have remembered since I was a child:

As it was in the time of Noah, so shall it be in the end of days...

And Ray, as I was typing a post earlier - I actually mistyped Federal, as Feral...it would be sad if it were not so true. When I used to hear politicians warn about what would happen if we as a nation kept "taxing to spend"...that if we lost freedom here, there would be no place to for US to seek asylum - I remember thinking it was great political theater, but could not imagine how this could ever actually happen.

I too have considered what others who came here as refugees - told me. I spent a lot of time in South Florida, many of my customers were Cuban immigrants. They gave me the script for how this would happen - and the worst part of it is - it happened anyway.

For now...I don't prepare to avoid the inevitable collapse of the current system...I am preparing to get through the transition period.
And this shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone...

...so is the government.

Which kind of brings us back to what Luck was saying - the government agencies that we volunteer for have slowly switched their charters...they ARE concerned about saving something...but it isn't Superman's values (Peace, Justice! And the American way)...they're in it to preserve government, hold on to some power.

(Geez, when I read my stuff anymore...I sound so cynical...)
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: Sunflower on October 18, 2012, 12:14:58 AM
This was a really good read. I am in the company (internet-wise) of like minded folks. On the way home tonight, that was the topic - having so few like minded folks to communicate with. I look at my sis and her husband - there is so little they agree on except for which channel to watch on the boob-tube. 

No TV here, but do turn on the computer a little too often. INo longer get in any piano practice or to the many chores that I could be working on. Right now, helping my husband day to day is the main thing. I use to worry so much about him if the grid went down. I still do, but it won't be as bad. I have a handicap accessible bathroom set up ready to go as one example. I have tons to do to get fully set up. Yes, I hope to not wait until the lights go out fully before getting the rooms ready. I have made a start, but have long way to go. Prepping has kind of transitioned from hobby to way of life more and more. I am starting to acquire some skills also (like dealing with pack rats, keeping pump going).

Little things matter, for example, each room has a flashlight ready to go or a candle and matches nearby.     

Gil is right. Congrats to GIL for getting on the air. Inspiring. I still need to study the Tech book fully. I get through parts, but have have a long way to go and a lot more to review. The way it is going, it will be after the holidays before I can test.

I can relate to Gil. My uneasy feeling (more like silent terror) for what is going on began years ago, but it was not until 4 years ago that I started hearing about what sort of action I might take to lessen our woes. I began making big changes then. Every 6 months I can see major progress. I still have big holes in our preps, yet there is much progress. When I started I did not have any means to cook without electricity, nor did we have more than a couple weeks of food. A water filter has been one the best investments to my peace of mind. I think of HAM - or at least the hope of becoming a Amateur Radio person as important as a water filter - like the water filter of our back up communication interests.

 
Around June/July this year I had this uneasy but certain feeling that "planning time" was about to pass. I knew it was time to stop trying to advise/inform others, and to just work on last minute preps for our home.

I understand the gist of White Tiger. I have some exposure to cultural interests also. It is kind of chilling.

For those of you still real worried about water, do what I did. I bought some clean rbbermade trashcans with good lids and filled them up. Added bleach and change it out every 8 months or so. Adding bleach helps when I don't get them changed often enough too.

BTW, does anyone know if adding epson salt will help perserve water. I heard a story about adding epson salt to a car battery tonight, and it made me think of the cruder water supplies on the place.
Title: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: White Tiger on October 18, 2012, 10:33:03 AM
Sunflower - that idea you shared about using Rubbermaid trash cans was fantastic! I don't know if they were meant to use that way - and if you we're to store them in direct sunlight it would facilitate in the breakdown of the plastic into the water...but if you're storing inside and change it on a regular basis, that's a good solution! How many gallons does one trash can hold?

I own a couple of blue, food-grade rated (blue filters the UV light out of sunlight so that the plastic doesn't breakdown into the water supply) 55 gallon drums, I keep about 1 month supply in bottled water, and I have a water-bob for the bath tub. I also have some rain collection going on.

You definitely have a lot more to plan around than some of us - but you have a working plan that is getting you to the level of preparedness you need - as WA4STO says: "good on ya'...!"

As for water purifier, my son and I hiked a section of the Appalachian Trail a couple years ago. We asked an outfitter about a good water purifier - as you can't possibly take all your water with you on a hike - so you have to purify water from streams, creeks, rivers, even mud puddles (and believe it or not, we actually DID take water from a flowing mud puddle), and we were pointed to - AquaMira (http://aquamira.com/preparedness). We used it and never had a problem. You can buy it from the link I provided, or you can find it at some WalMart locations. It is apparently the same purification system that municipalities use. I have personal experience with this product - so I bought enough to treat 55 gallons at a time - if you add this to your water filtering system - you shouldn't have any problems.
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: Sunflower on October 18, 2012, 08:48:19 PM
I use a dark brown trashcan. A light blue one too. They are stored out in the shop building. It is about 30 gal, but I only fill part way. So far, no damage from freezing. Last year was a mild winter. During a hard freeze, the trash can may not hold up too well. I keep 5or6 of the 5/&6 gal units in the home where freezing is not usually the problem.

Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: KC5OTL on October 19, 2012, 04:58:30 AM
My plan is simple, as far as what I will disclose publically.

I plan on continuing with my preparations until some event triggers a SHTF scenario.  After that, I plan on getting out of the way until the rage burns out and then I can be a part of the solution, rather than a part of the on-going problem.

Sincerely, it's getting far too late in the game to be broadcasting specific plans.

What I do know is that, mental fitness will be every bit as important as physical fitness.  And, on top of all else, you had better be all prayed up and in good standing with, and in the center of, God's will and plans for you.

Water, food, shelter, clothing for the season, some Silver, Gold, or both, some defensive measures, some skills, tools, trapping, gardening and barter skills, all of these things will be required and will be in very high demand.

You should have at least 6 months to one year of food and other supplies to get through the peak of the chaos and through a full growing season.

After the Zombies and gangs burn themselves out by way of self destruction, you might begin to start living in something like the mid to late 1800s.

Consider this... 65 percent of the U.S. public is addicted to some form of emotion stabilizing drug.  When the drugs are cut off, there will be about 170 million zombies walking around going berserk while they transition through detox.  The same will be true for the alcoholics and heavy illegal drug abusers.

When the system collapses, anyone believing that it isn't going to get bad really doesn't understand the true scope of the situation this country has devolved into.

What I have described above is only the part of the Iceberg that you can see.  What is below the surface will prove to be orders of magnitude more catastrophic!  And you can bet on it!!!

With the state of the economy, such as it is, if it weren't for food stamps (EBTs) hiding the real view of the dire-straights this country is in, this country would have fell into total chaos several years ago.

The absolute best thing a rational person can do is to get out of the way and let all of the riff-raff burn itself out and then clean up the mess in the aftermath.

The perception is far more than a bad feeling, it's understanding that this country is already in total free-fall and the powers that be are not only doing nothing of any substance to slow or stop it, the powers that be seem to be doing things to deliberately accelerate the collapse.  And when the sudden stop comes, it's going to devastate everything about your way of life as you know it today!

Enough said...
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: Sunflower on October 19, 2012, 05:49:21 PM
Amen to that last paragraph above. The collapse is being accellarated with even a digger hole for us to climb out of.
Title: Re: Do YOU Have A Plan?
Post by: Sunflower on October 24, 2012, 12:41:16 PM
http://www.freeownersmanualpdf.net/ebook/37-critical-food-items-free.pdf

This is a nice list to check over. There are many pages, and different kinds of lists provided with this document.

The chainsaw part is the that improved on after the list. I know have more chain oil on hand. Still need to get more 2 stroke.

Recently, I added Mobil 1 in various viscositys to my preps. I heard that Mobil 1 oil might be good for gun oil in a pinch.

I have reached my quota for wheat in buckets. I have seen researched how to clean my own. I have not practiced it yet, but will at some point. I figure that by cleaning my own from local sources, that I would be able to extend the life of what I do have.