Economic Collapse Preparedness: What to do? (End of USA preparedness)

Surviving Argentina ^ | 1-26-2011 | Ferfel

[Frantzie]

It was during that conversation with Ray a few days ago that he nailed me with that question. We had been talking for about an hour about how things went down here in Argentina, the similarities, inflation, how “shopping carts” keep getting more and more expensive, how crime affects your lifestyle. But what to do? The person now gets it, the person not only understands the wisdom in preparing for disasters large and small but comprehends that due to the current economic situation, life in general is going to change from now on, unemployment, inflation, loss of life quality in general, crime. But now what?

[nascarnation]

I understand what you’re saying.
However my gut tells me most of those members of the Baraqqi Coalition are no match for determined patriots.

[The Duke]

However my gut tells me most of those members of the Baraqqi Coalition are no match for determined patriots.

I'm not so much talking about winners and losers. I'm talking about the destruction that will be wrought along the way.

[PA Engineer]

It takes 40lbs of wood to boil 5 gallons of water - this is the reason you don't want to count on boiling water for purification.

I agree with you calcium hypochlorite recommendations based on my experience with bleach and a well injection system in our home.

I think you may need to recalculate your estimates for the water boil. With a Rocket Stove and an average Chord of wood (seasoned) one would have a minimum of a 2152 degree rise in temperature of 40lbs of water with 40lbs of wood.

[CottonBall]

For those interesting in an ongoing survival thread, here's a great one. Lots to read and lots of info on prepping, food storage, food preparation, gardening, building, and news stories. And lots of great Freepers willing to share their expertise.

Weekly Roundup - Living On Nothing Edition [Survival Today - an On going Thread #3]

[Red Boots]

How many gallons of bleach would a 1 lb bag of calcium hypochlorite make ?

[The Duke]

How many gallons of bleach would a 1 lb bag of calcium hypochlorite make ?

One heaping teaspoon of calcium hypochlorite will purify 205 gallons of water. I don't know how many heaping teaspoons are in a pound, but of course there are very many. I bet that one pound bag would purify at least 12 person-years of water.

Compare buying that one little bag for a couple of dollars to hauling wood and starting fires on a daily basis for years, and you start to appreciate the advantage.

Here are some good reference links:

http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/better-than-bleach-use-calcium-hypochlorite-to-disinfect-water/

http://www.grouchyconservativepundits.com/index.php?topic=16464.0

http://www.surviveabide.com/Advanced/Water%20Plan/Water%20-%20Purifying.htm

[The Duke]

The story in Argentina is not as bad as many represent it as being. I started doing a lot of business down there back when the collapse happened, and have worked closely with collegues there since then. These young guys never missed out on their soccer games and rock concerts down through the years.

I'm sure there were some horrible situations down there during this time, but it was definitely not Mad Max. In fact, in many ways I envy the folks I know there the quality of life they've had. Even right out of college they had housekeepers, doctors there make house calls, and the list goes on...(the biggest downside is drinking that darn turpentine they call "Mate'" out of a fancified gourd!)

One thing they *don't* have there is the right to own a gun. And I know they have MANY sleepless nights as a result (I've heard the stories).

Also, they do sometimes have groups of bandits prowling the freeways, and stopping cars to commit robberies. It's not a total catastrophe, but it's certainly a mixed bag.

[LiveFreeOrDie2001]

Can you add me to the ping list please??

Thanks!

[ChocChipCookie]

Done

[NeoCaveman]

Of course, the other average citizens won't have a death sentence hanging over them, and several million people hunting them.

For some reason, that made me smile.

[FerFAL308]

Hi, just wanted to say that you can own firearms here in Argentina. Check RENAR website.
Its a bit more complicated, almost impossible actually now, to get detachable mag fed centerfire rifles, but you can own pistols, shotguns, bolt and lever action rifles relatively easily.
Take care folks,
FerFAL