Posted on 11/20/2015 10:28:09 AM PST by William of Barsoom
Micro-Prepping: Final Call. If you're reading these pages, you know it's coming. You probably also think it's close -- very close.
There's still some time, not much but just barely enough if you DON'T want to be caught totally short, but don't have the time or funds for a Full-Up Prep job.
So, I advise you to stop, think logically, asses your situation, and do the following simple and very short list of easy things before sundown.
1) Put some bottled water under your bed. As much as will fit right in the six-pack carriers from the store.
2) Get some food that doesn't need cooking or refrigeration. There is a myriad of choices at every supermarket. Just THINK before you buy.
3) Get a simple AM-FM portable radio and plenty of extra batteries. When SHTF your iPhone will not serve you well. Don't count on TeeVee or the internet to be accessable when SHTF. Have independent information sources.
4) Get some LED flashlights and plenty of batteries. LEDs are far more battery-efficient. You don't need big high-power ones: rather get a larger number of smaller ones - pocket or neck-lanyard types.
If you do these simple and cheap four things, you'll be in MUCH better shape than the majority of your neighbors, and can get through a week or even two with "all the plugs out."
Prepping is a deep and complex and expensive business at the high end, and it isn't practical for some people. But at the minimalist end, these four simple things, it can make a HUGE difference in your ability to get through whatever inconvenience the fates may deliver.
Several days too soon is MUCH better than five minutes too late, so GET THIS DONE! NOW! While the sun is still out and your credit cards still work!
MOVE!
And stock up on alcoholic beverages so you have something to trade with all of the folks who have been prepping for years ;)
Invest in a dozen or so mini bottles of booze, I got Jack Daniels... these can be used as barter
Good minds think alike....
If, like most people, you own a propane outdoor BBQ, get a spare tank and keep it in a cool area indoors (or outdoors away from direct sunshine or other heat.)
This allows you not to be limited to cold drinks and meals.
My purpose is to motivate a few people who have done nothing at all to do Something, no matter how modest, to help themselves before-the-fact. Now you can ridicule, dismiss, and disparage all you like, and point out by inference how minimalist these four points are, but have some consideration for those who have postponed and procrastinated because the job as the experts define it, it too big and expensive. You would serve these people better by contributing something positive as opposed to sniping.
First steps are followed by second steps — but only if first steps are taken at all.
And ALWAYS have shoes with you that you can walk a hundred miles in, if you have to.
You stand a good chance of NOT being home when the SHTF.
All good, common-sense things. Which means the potatoes out there won’t do it...
I keep hearing how efficient LED flashlights are. My only experience is a headlamp for working on household and workshop projects where I need strong light on a dark subject. The headlamp is powered by 3 x AA batteries and sure gobbles them up. I get the red warning blink after maybe one to two hours of use. I’m NOT impressed w battery life so far. But I DO love the high-intensity focused light.
What compact LED flashlights do you all like? There are so many to choose from.
For later.
And for many moderate and mild situations, the first steps can make a huge and adequate difference. I grew up on the Oregon Coast, and one could expect that every few years there would be a storm that would take out power for multiple days. All the steps outlined seem like second nature, and they suffice.
I now try to be 3-6 months ahead of the curve (though ideally about 18 months with regards to heat—I’m in Canada), and figure that simply surviving that long will be a very good leg up on most people if the worst does happen, and trust that God will provide.
Don’t forget ammo!
6) Fuel for heater.
Ammo is so dang heavy though.
You can drop it off at my place
7) Bottle of whiskey or vodka for drinking/disinfection.
Care to weigh in on William’s short list?
Although it's past normal barbeque season, make sure you have propane for your grill. You can cook food on it if everything is out. Neighbors who want to cook can be told to bring food to share.
Thanks...sheesh — only $4 each? Incredible. I like the idea of stocking up 20 of these and LOTS of AA batts.
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