No. that’s what I’d like to do. I was responding to the question in post 25 of “So if you had some cash just sitting on the sidelines,what would you do?”
Right now, we’re looking at insulating the house, putting in a new window or two, getting a new front loader washer, finishing remodeling the bathroom. We could save some money with some of those improvements and I think we ought to before any inflation hits and the money is worthless.
ChocChipCookie has a survivalist ping list that could help you get started.
*sigh* where to begin....
We already live pretty far out in the country in a small town but don’t have a lot of property. Living more out in the country is going to be safer when TSHTF. Less likely an immediate problem with looters and gangs and likely the grocery stores will be looted out in a day or so. Once the food runs out in the cities, it’s going to get ugly real fast. However, everyone will be heading out into the country cause they think food will be there.
Some people have emergency bug out kits stored in their cars. A backpack, an extra pair of sneakers, water, some freeze dried or high energy snack food to carry to get them home.
First off, don’t tell anyone about it. You don’t want them all coming after you for food because they didn’t prepare, and they will and they will expect you to cheerfully share what you have, not thinking that that will make you run short sooner.
The essentials are considered water, food, ammo and a gun, and any medicines that you might need. Lead is considered a better investment that gold or silver, by survivalists. I think salt is going to be an overlooked necessity.
There are many foods that can be stored very easily. I use canning jars for mine as the lids make an airtight seal even though I don’t process them. I store grains, nuts, and spices in mine, usually in the freezer until I need the freezer for meat. Even when they’re not in the freezer, they are pest proof in the jars. However, the jars can break. If you’re somewhere where you can stay, canned goods shouldn’t be a problem, like tuna, soups, etc. but they’re too heavy to carry when *bugging out*.
I have my own canning supplies, a canner, a pressure canner, tons of canning jars and a fair supply of lids. I am able to home can food I can find locally.
I also have a decent stock of paper goods and soaps and shampoos and laundry detergent. A large part of that is because I HATE dragging the heavy stuff in through the slop in the winter, plus, you never know when you’ll be homebound cause of an ice or snow storm. When everyone is in panic mode at the local Wegmans stocking up for the storm before it gets any worse, (they’ve already waited till it started) I’m at home looking out the window thinking that it’s nice that I don’t have to go anywhere.
You know, a good book to read is One Second After. It’s a fictional scenario of what happens after an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) fries all the electronics and society breaks down. It is rather thought provoking and if you’re prone to it, you’ll be crying your eyes out towards the end. I’m not and I was.
What the book really showed me was that without too much trouble, one could have a nice little store of food that, carefully managed, could get them by for a few months. It certainly wouldn’t be what we’re used to, but you could survive on that.
Well thanks Metmom. Even if someone “bugs out” where are they planning on going? I’d assume with other family members perhaps.
I think I’m in that denial mode in between trying to determine how best to secure myself. Somehow I thought putting a bumper sticker on my window door that reads..”Protected by a 350 magnum”, showing a gun, might be enough to make someone up to no good wonder. ..”Does she or doesn’t she”? (You can stop laughing now)...But when I read about the economy, the possibilities I do get afraid.
I painted and re-carpeted my little bungalo here last summer. The carpet was that awful commercial type. It was a great project and my landlord was delighted of course since I paid for it and did the work. Great thick padding and the carpet was also high grade at a fabulous price! Course I had that installed for me. But this helped a great deal with insulating the floors better, I have an apartment over a garage and the floors were always cold.
You sound like you’ve got your fair share of projects! I remember when. But that was before I lost my husband..years ago now..I have learned at last how to be single!
Who is ChocChipCookie? I’ll put in search and maybe discover. You are right about city living and once food is gone they’ll go to the country next. But maybe by then gas won’t be available and so few who could get there..ya think?
Another thing about this other apartment. It is built on the backside of a new three bay garage, so it looks like part of the building.(Landlords new business), I wouldn’t have considered it except it is really very nice indeed, inside all the more. But you would not really know it was there. Lots of yard too. Plus a garden area. Downside is it is ground level. Still, as things look like they will be going I am really considering this with all considered. It’s located in a tiny village, with only about five businesses scattered throughout. None are grocery. As said..it is really pretty far off the beaten path. Hummmm-mmm am really thinking things thry now.
Sounds like you are pretty set with all the things stored and talent to can things etc. I’ll chech into the book. Am going to need some reading over the winter and I don’t like reading books on the net.Yulk!
Thanks for the advice.