Posted on 09/04/2005 8:42:18 AM PDT by tsmith130
I can't think of a better place with better people to start a discussion on recommendations for survival preparedness. A list of items that people here find necessary to survive during a disaster. As we've all seen this is our personal responsibility. I'm sure there are sites all over the internet with this information but Freepers are the best...so have at it.
"You mean that there are people that DON'T have Tabasco around ALL THE TIME?"
Well, I don't really like tabasco, but some MREs truely demand it.
Plain old ketchup is good to have, also, and I've developed a taste for curry ketchup, something I first ran into in Germany. My commisary stocks it, but I don't know if anyone else does. Try it, if you can, you'll probably like it.
some tips on getting from point a to b
will add my 2c later
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=154545
Personal responsibility BTTT!
Bump for later - Thanks!
Also, keep a list of your Rx numbers in your evacuation pack and use a national pharmacy. I was able to easily fill a Rx many states away while on vacation just by going to the local Eckerds - I was in their database.
I found this link on another bulletin board. I love the way it gets you organized to add a few things each week to your 'preparedness' kit.
www.avertdisasters.org/html/72_hour2.html
(Thats "Get Out Of Dodge" pack.)
bump for later read
thank you good friend
"Also, keep a list of your Rx numbers in your evacuation pack and use a national pharmacy. I was able to easily fill a Rx many states away while on vacation just by going to the local Eckerds - I was in their database."
I'm retired military, so most of my prescriptions are at the base hospital, so it won't work well for me, but it is a very good suggestion for anyone who deals with civilian pharmacies. My wife has one of her prescriptions through Sam's Club, something the base doesn't carry, and it is essential for her, so I'll be borrowing (stealing, whatever) your idea for her. Thanks for posting it!
bump for later read
"Be specific....I'm a gun novice."
Benn thinking about this, so here comes the lecture:
Shotguns are best for facing a mob or crowd. (That can be as few as one or two opponents, actually.)Pistols are for close-up, after they've gotten in too close for the shotgun, as a go-to-h3ll option. NOT recommended for primary defense, so if your funds are limited, go for the shotgun first.
If you're a guy, and average to large, anything in 12 gauge is good. Go for 00 (called double-ought) buckshot. I have been known to alternate 00 and slug rounds; I particularly like something called a "Brenke" slug, (spelling uncertain) as they can penetrate and take out people behind the one you shoot first. Most folks like shot loads only, though.
For smaller guys, and the ladies, a 20 gauge may be more appropriate. Children, too. Find a good (i.e., well-recommended) gunshop in your neighborhood, and talk to the folks there. Some have indoor ranges where you may be able to test-fire guns, and also take gun safety courses. I'd also join the NRA, and any other gun groups that strike your fancy. They offer training, and knowledgeable help in selecting weapons.
Size and recoil and comfort in holding and controlling the weapon are more important than brand names, but some of the weapons mentioned on this thread are there because they are known to be reliable and sturdy. You can't go wrong with any of them, and as far as I know, nearly all are available in a range of calibers (properly gauges, in shotguns). If you have kids, you might want to start them with a .410 gauge.
Hope that helps.
Isn't that an oxymoron?
All this information and links to other information is great! Thank you to everyone that contributed. I'm savin' this thread!
I thought it might be. I think I'll stick with canned soups.
Water, food, fire, shelter. In that order.
There are purifiers and purifying tablets. because of the importance of water it's hard to overdo it. Including the hot water heater in the basement, I have about 80 galons in reserve at my house. Even if 3/4 of it is destroyed I still have ten days of water.
http://www.minifarmhomestead.com/homestead/purifywater.htm
That's a good resource for SHTF water.
I have about two weeks of food stored with my emergency supplies. I've got canned foods, packaged foods and a few mres. I also keep extra stores on the shelf in the kitchen. I could empty a rubbermaid 25 gallon tote and with a sweep of the hand have another two weeks of food.
Cooking, purifying water, heat. You might survive without fire but it would be miserable. A medicine bottle filled with cotton balls that have been saturated with vaseline, a magnesium and flint, a swiss army knife and a pencil sharpener. (use a stick about the size of a pencil and make shavings) Small package, doesn't have to stay dry. Will make fire anywhere but underwater.
Shelter. Anything is better than nothing. I keep an army poncho in my hunting pack. I keep a heavy tarp in both trucks. Those and a little rope are light, easy to carry and keep. Right now I have a simple 3 man tent.
A shotgun is very important. I keep the mossberg 500. I could buy a more expensive model but the mossberg has served me so well I'm not going to change now.
A shotgun in .12 or .20 guage will take game of all sizes. It will also serve well as a defensive weapon.
Ammunition management is important though. Shotgun ammo is heavy. With my favorite shotgun I keep a 55 round bandoleer. I keep 15 slugs for deer and defense. I keep 20 rounds of #7 1/2 for smaller game from pheasant down to squirrel. I keep 20 rounds of #2 goose loads in 3" magnum. They will take duck and goose and will also double as a defensive round. The shot is about the same size as #4 buck and there is more of it. Second gun for me would be a reliable .22. Good ammo is light and inexpensive (4$ for 50 CCI velocitors at walmart)
I know I'm on track when I'm of a like mind with Travis McGee. I'm taking delivery of a pop up camper later this week. I'll be raising the suspension to make it more viable off road. The frame will be extended to add capacity. I'll be adding skid plates and nerf bars for added protection. I'm thinking about an auxillary fuel tank with an electric fuel pump that operates with the cigarette lighter and hose long enough to fuel the towing vehicle easily.
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