I’m a doomsday prepper — here’s everything you need to know about surviving a catastrophic event

nypost ^ | 3/14/2024 | foxnews

[bitt]

Doomsday prepping was once a concept people believed was reserved for conspiracy theorists and paranoid uncles, but fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic is leading more and more Americans to plan ahead in the event of a future catastrophe.

Amid a recovering supply chain, two brewing conflicts involving nuclear powers, hackers bent on compromising electric infrastructure, the possibility of solar flares and concerns about engineered bioweapons, Nelson said it is not unrealistic to look at the world today and say: How prepared am I to take care of my family?”

“Americans have this Armageddon-type thing where they think that there’s a secret space shuttle waiting to go get that meteor. You know, there’s always an answer somewhere. Somebody’s hidden something underground. And we’re good, right? We like to believe that our big government has got a solution for everything.”

But the truth, according to Nelson, is that while there are plans, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for any one-size problem, and the government cannot reasonably have a plan that accounts for everything.

Nelson calculated that if a freezer goes out, people will only have that food for three days. If the power goes out, Americans are now reduced to five days of food in their homes. A local suburban or urban area will also have about two weeks of food and has generators if the power goes out, but when people are dependent on storefronts, they will quickly be emptied out.

“In the event of even a temporary supply chain collapse, most homes are within two weeks of being entirely dependent on handouts from a government entity or non-government organization,” Nelson said.

“Anybody who doesn’t have 3 to 6 months of basic staples and food within your home, and the ability to grow a garden. Then what’s your plan? I mean,

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

You are ignorant of plants, how and where they are grown and how they can be used.

That is ok. It is not your profession. It is mine.

[Whatever Works]

When I was young, I was a prepper. Now I am old, infirmed and even with preps wouldn’t live long and would be a burden to those I love. I’ve taught my kids well. I’m ready to meet my maker when He calls me home. We are all at different places. I didn’t really enjoy a lot of my life as I saved, set aside, and cared for others. I’m still caring for others and now trying to enjoy a bit of what’s left. Best of luck to y’all. Make it a better world.

[ansel12]

LOL, you seem unable to understand what you are reading, no wonder you keep posting this movie-type thinking of a post-apocalyptic world.

Try to think in terms of more realistic prepping rather than The Road Warrior and The Postman.

You can prepare to grow tea and tobacco and get them to some futuristic market of rag-wearing survivors using horse-drawn old cars or you can stockpile some booze and instant coffee and sugar for a more realistic scenario.

[fini]

"We’d get tired of wild turkey... "

Not me. I like Wild Turkey, Wild Turkey 101, Wild Turkey Rye.... .

[fini]

One of the biggest problems with storing food is ensuring that you have enough fat. It typically doesn't store well and we absolutely need it. It is hard to get from wild sources, because wild animal are typically not fat. You can starve to death on a diet of wild rabbits, because they do not have enough fat (Though I have heard that if you eat the brains you will get some fat.).

I store a couple of large cans of Crisco and just throw them out when it expires.

[roadcat]

my neighbor has food.

Be sure you have lots of barbecue sauce, you can eat anything with the right sauce. Even a neighbor if he doesn't have food. (Also have coals or gas to cook with.)

[Bonemaker]

I was a Wild Turkey 101 guy too for years! Got a little older and went down to Bushmills 80. Older liver couldn’t take take it anymore. Get plenty high...er I mean content now!😀

[wgmalabama]

I’m more of a scotch or vodka guy but enjoy your wild turkey Bourbon Whiskey.

[Bonemaker]

I’ve loved them all at one time or another in my misspent youth. I’m 83!😎

[1FreeAmerican]

It is important to understand that if the SHTF the people who don't have stuff will hunt down the people with stuff and take it - even if it means killing them.

I knew a prepper who boasted about how much weaponry they had, and I asked “how many of those guns can you shoot at the same time?”

Picture a “BLANK STARE”.

[ansel12]

We have plenty of emergencies, when does that happen in America?

[Gritty]

So I'm wondering why a Federal Agent is prepping to bug out to Alaska.

Have you asked him how he plans to get the fuel to make the trip?

[wgmalabama]

Then by all means stick to wild turkey. I may switch if it gives me a shot at 80s. Joking aside….

That’s the down side for me (around 55).. I’m not retired yet but I have a pretty good guess that I won’t make it that long. I had advanced lymphoma and 8 rounds of chemo in my 30s. Makes my retirement planning difficult because I doubt I’m looking at living another 30 years but no one knows when God will call me home. None of my family shares my hobby of planning for SHTF so when I’m gone they will just have to wing it. Kids are close by for now but moves for career advancement is always an option.

[crusty old prospector]

Well, there you have it.

[saturn]

I’m not really sure, I use extension cords when I need it, sorry I couldn’t help you with that question.

[SlipperySlope99]

Yes, because even if you ‘have’ food, the question will be... can you keep it.

Exactly there's going to be people scavenging a couple days after the supermarkets are emptied and they aren't going to take a polite "no" for an answer. Your best bet is to look like you don't have food as the hoards come looking and living in a remote location will help.

[DouglasKC]

“If something happens to the world that completely destroys the food supply chain for 3 to 6 months then getting food is probably least of your worries.” Yes, because even if you ‘have’ food, the question will be... can you keep it.

Immediately go on half ration or less. Get skinny as fast as everyone else or you will be suspect.

[Bonemaker]

Hopefully you got all the bad stuff out of the way in your 30’s mate. All any of us can do is fight the good fight and hope for the best. On a wing and a prayer as wise pilots say. Amen.

[Guenevere]

Bttt

[mdmathis6]

Well any mass event that leaves you dependent on solar panels greater than a year or so probably won’t mean they would wear out before then. 5 years in? Then one would expect the performances to drop. Batteries are more the issue.