Aug162010
Prepare like there’s no time to waste
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PDFI wish you knew me in person. I wish you could see for yourself that I’m a calm, rational, and mature person, not inclined to hysteria or panic. I’m saying this because what I’m going to write about next may sound, well, hysterical.
Last week I happened upon an article by Greg Hunter, When Will Financial Armageddon Begin? in which the author cites financial expert John Williams of
image by Editor B
shadowstats.com. His predictions are scarcely encouraging.
The day before last Friday’s dismal jobs report, Williams said, “. . . the timing of the looming U.S. financial Armageddon is coming into better focus, with increasingly high risk of it breaking within the next six months to a year.”
“Financial Armageddon . . . within the next six months to a year.” I called Williams to see why the odds of calamity have accelerated. He told me on the phone last night, “What is happening now to bring the timing into focus is the economy IS turning down. It is no longer the perspective the economy is going to turn down. That, in turn, will eventually trigger all the problems with the dollar, the debt and the deficit.”
How quickly could a collapse happen? Last year I posted A scary scenario: The One-Hour Meltdown with a link to an article that details just how rapidly a financial crisis could spell the end of the world as we know it. Hunter quotes Mallory Factor of Forbes who, apparently, concurs that a sudden collapse is very possible.
“In an age when billions of dollars in securities are traded in nanoseconds, when a 24-hour news cycle seems long, why should national decline be exempt from what the Germans call Zeitgeist, the spirit of the age? The Book of Revelation, speaking allegorically of ancient Rome, states, “Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” Ancient Rome surely did not expect its sudden fall any more than the Soviet Union did in 1991, or than America does now.”
As if this news wasn’t dreary enough, I spotted yet another must-read at American Thinker, An Argentina-like Economic Crisis by Scott Strzelczyk. Argentina’s collapse, which began in 1998, resulted in nearly60% of the population living at poverty level or below just four years later. Could that happen to my family?
image by Don Hankins
A year from now, we may read this post and laugh at my tone, but I don’t think so. I think there’s an urgent need to prepare. Here are some of the steps I’d like my family to take.
- Buy a little 4-seater car. We own a Tahoe and a good-sized pick-up, and the vehicles suit our lifestyles and work requirements very well. However, should the economy bottom out, I want a reliable vehicle that uses very little gas and will serve as our main transportation. I’m thinking of something in the $4000-5000 range, cheap to operate, cheap to insure.
- Prayerfully consider what to do with what remains of our retirement savings. Retirement may become a wistful memory for my generation and those of younger generations. Between a weakened dollar, sky-high long-term unemployment, falling home values, and an overall decline of the economy, we may all be trying to eke out a living well into our 60′s, 70′s, and beyond. (Thank God I had the foresight to marry a man seven years younger than me! When I’m an old lady, he’ll still be in fine working condition!)
- Curb our appetite for the newest, latest and greatest toys. Will cool high tech toys seem like such a smart purchase if we can’t afford basic necessities?
- Go back through our budget. Again. I don’t want indulgences now to endanger our financial security later. Depending on future events, we can always add luxuries back into our budget, but let’s take care of first things first!
- We have four couches, a love seat, and a sectional. Why? It’s a long story. But if you ever come over to my house, you will have a place to sit, maybe even take a nap! We can easily sell two of the couches and the love seat. This week they’re going on Craigslist, along with our massive collection of Star Trek VHS videos. (Attention ST fans!) I want extra cash in my grubby hands to buy a little more food for our pantry, maybe a couple of water barrels, definitely some silver coins. How much could you sell or use for barter in order to acquire more essential goods?
- Think really hard about our kids’ piano, guitar, and horse-riding lessons. It really kills me that a tanking economy could demolish dreams of thousands of kids who have amazing, God-given talents but whose families won’t have the funds for extra training and lessons. Who knows how much talent will go unrealized and
image by ND Strupler
undeveloped because of empty bank accounts? This category will be one of the last to go.
- One expense I’m going to fight to keep is a couple of monthly donations to charities whose causes mean a lot to me. These will be one of the last expenses we cut. We’ll continue giving to our church. Giving to others softens a part of our hearts, even in the toughest times, and it’s a practice I want to continue for my own sake but also for that of my kids.
- Take better care of what we own. We’re not careless people, but things do have a way of getting lost around our house. If money becomes scarce, I would feel so foolish if I had to replace an important item because we had lost it or stepped on it or it became a victim of any number of crazy things that go on around here!
- Declutter. I’ve written about this before, and I think it’s more important than ever to unload hundreds, maybe even thousands, of pounds of stuff that isn’t necessary or relevant and just serves to take up space. I’ve had some good runs with clearing out the junk in our home, but I get sidetracked. Starting now I have a new focus and purpose.
- Emphasize healthy eating and healthy living. Family hikes and bike rides aren’t just for fun and bonding but for strengthening our bodies and cardiovascular systems. No amount of stored food, spare tools, or stash of firearms and ammo can take the place of good health.
Fernando Aguirre, Ferfal, over at Surviving Argentina wrote about watching a family rummage through a dumpster looking for dinner, and then sitting together on the ground to eat. He said that broke his heart more than anything else he had witnessed. I don’t want to be that family! The time to prevent such a scenario is right now.
Will our country’s economy improve over the next several months and years? Few experts believe so. I am so thankful that we have this window of time to become more aware of current events, learn from history, and plan for a future that is uncertain at best.
© 2010, thesurvivalmom. All rights reserved.
(62) Readers Comments
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Even if you aren't living in a car, you need to read these terrific survival tips!
Stopped by to get some information. Right now I'm planning to move t
Walking Onions Invaded My Bug-Out!
Just go out and grab a few whenever you need onions. It is that simple
Walking Onions Invaded My Bug-Out!
I absolutely love walking onions! I cannot get regular onions to produ
will
If we only had a crystal ball. I am struggling with some of the issues you raised, but the one weighing most heavily on me now is the retirement account – should I bite the bullet, and withdraw enough to pay off the mortage? (and thereby have to pay the early withdrawal penalty). Or perhaps take a loan against it, and buy silver as an inflation hedge? Or withdraw all of it, pay the penalty, but then have control of the cash.??? Are we going to experience deflation or inflation, a currency collapse, or will the economy muddle along for several more years?
I guess I'll try to figure out how to best hedge with what I've got, and hope the next leg down is more of a slow drop rahter than a massive flash crash.
TheSurvivalMom
I know exactly what you mean. Not even the experts know what to expect. On the same day, literally, I'll read one expert predicting inflation, another deflation, someone else hyperinflation, and today Peter Schiff predicts an, "inflationary depression, which is the worst possible depression you can have." Sheesh! It's hard to know what to do when even the experts can't agree.
Barbara
I've tried to de-clutter. I really have. For years I called in minimalizing, picturing in my mind clear counters, organized closets, uncluttered pantries and basements. Apparently, I am completely disabled to do this. I can trot out tons of stuff to the trash and Goodwill and, all unconsciously, trickle just as much back in.
I've given up, telling myself that all this "stuff" is actually useful. If a disaster happens I may just be
able to use it, or trade it.
That being said, I agree on the coming times. I feel it in my bones. My heart feels urgent. Is someone whispering in my ear?
TheSurvivalMom
I know what you mean, Barbara. We've been planning a move to a new location for some time, so for me, serious de-cluttering is part of the whole moving experience.
tracy
I declutter the stuff that just weighs me down that I can't imagine will serve any purpose after the fit hits the shan. (Then, of course, I fill the empty spot on the piano with a beautiful glass-globe oil lamp instead. Voila! Home decor that is useful if the worst happens.
Kirstie
I've been telling my husband "I feel it in my bones" for the last year. Thanks for making me feel justified.
TheSurvivalMom
I've always believed in women's intuition, and I've learned to trust my instincts. My husband should listen to me more often.
)
Anne
Hey, never regret those lessons for the kids. Who knows if they will one day be glad, in the midst of the recovery — or the ruins of what was once our country — that they know how to dance and play music, when a harvest comes and they have a cause to celebrate. We can't afford to be nothing but grim; it's too dehumanizing.
Take care & God bless
Anne
Liz Long
My kids will be getting swim lessons this fall. If nothing else, it may keep them alive someday.
Saralyn
I have never invested in gold or silver before. It seems that it may now be something I need to give SERIOUS attention. How would I invest in silver? Where? How? Things to look for? etc… I appreciate any suggestions and guidance!
TheSurvivalMom
Saralyn, you might start by visiting your state's prepper blog. Some states have very active blogs, others do not. However, people there and the ones who are active in the various prepper/survival forums might steer you in the direction of a good and honest coin shop/seller. <a href="http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net” target=”_blank”>www.americanpreppersnetwork.net Start by keeping an eye on the price of silver (Don McIlvaney gives excellent advice, <a href="http://www.mcalvanyica.com/)” target=”_blank”>www.mcalvanyica.com/). Buy actual coins or bullion in small amounts. If the time should come where you have to use it for everyday currency, small increments will be easier to carry and spend. Also, buy junk silver, American coins (quarters and dimes) that were minted before 1965 contain enough actual silver to have inherent value. Do a search for junk silver over on SurvivalBlog.com for a lot more info.
LizLong
"Junk silver" means coins that were circulated enough to look worn. Collectors aren't really interested in them so they aren't as valuable, but for prepper purposes, that's hardly an issue. (This is something I didn't know a year or two ago, so I assume many others don't either.)
Richard J. Medicus
I've used Lear Capital out of California. Their prices seem good and they delivered. Silver is easier than gold because it's not as costly up front. Whether gold or silver, buy it.
Maxine
Saralyn……….go on site to "KItco". read all that is there and when you are finished you will understand that is the safest place to buy, save, and when needed sell your silver. They gurantee to buy back anything you buy from them.You can buy the silver and gold and other metals from the pretty coins to the actual block metal. I did it once and I will do it again. They do not charge for storage. The needed use of silver and copper will be greater than gold.
apartmentprepper
This sounds serious to me. I am with you–now is the time to refine the budget even more by cutting out "frills". We did a lot of decluttering a year ago, but feel like we can cut down some more to free up space for preps. Now I am seriously considering lowering the retirement savings to free up cash for silver coins.
Tess Pennington
Survivor Mom — you continually read my mind! I am in the process of coming up with a "plan" on decluttering my home, as well as my life. There are a lot of unnecessary things we are hanging onto, that we really do not need. I am currently having buyers remorse because I just bought my daughter 3 pairs of shoes — she's 5. Seriously, what was I thinking?
But I constantly find myself falling into the consumerism trap…. maybe we all do. But all we can do now, is catch ourselves from falling into the debt trap (i.e over consumption ), the unprepared trap and continually remind ourselves this.
And one more thing, you rock!
Tess
TheSurvivalMom
I'm hot, sweaty, and dusty. Guess what I've been doing for the past couple of hours?? LOL We have a nightmare of a playroom/schoolroom/pantry that had been calling my name for months. I don't even know how many pounds of trash I hauled out of there! Welcome back, BTW!!! We'll have to get caught up.
) Re: shoes for your daughter. When mine was between the ages of 4 and about 8, I went on a SERIOUSLY addictive Gymboree kick. Well, you know, every Gymboree outfit has matching shoes, right? I'm way too ashamed to say how many pairs she had. I was, quite literally, her wardrobe mistress. LOL
LizLong
When I want to go buy something, I try to make sure it's prepper related (most of the time, anyhow). Instead of a cute pair of heels, I buy a couple (clearance) pair of cute but practical sneakers. Instead of a new dress, I get a new mechanical (non-electrical) kitchen gadget. I'm also using clearance sales to stockpile other things that could be useful. We have more Crayola crayons than my kids can ever use, for instance, because they could make a good barter item. (Everyone agrees that Crayola is #1, it's not even a question, in crayons.) And we have enough Easter Egg dye to last through their childhood years from last years post-Easter clearance.
rightwingmom
This post bulls-eyed me! I recently cleaned out: under my oldest son's bed, the hall closet, and the bottom of my pantry. All locations have been reorganized for stockpiling. Pantry floor now holds my canning equipment and canned food items. My oldest son is great about mom putting rolling storage buckets under his bed and storing everything from paper plates and Ziploc bags to deodorant, bar soap and shampoo. Now my younger son is offering his space both closet and under his bed. I'm SO blessed!
Budget decisions are very difficult. I've had to decide to limit paying off debt in order to put money towards stockpiling. I'm making SOME headway on our debt and trying to rationalize the need to have supplies on hand in prep of a TEOTWAWKI scenario. If we experience a national (or global) financial disaster, we won't be the only people unable to pay their bills. Poor credit scores will become way too common! Thankfully the mini-van is paid off.
TheSurvivalMom
More families than we realize are in the same boat. Do we pay off debt, save money, or stock up? Very few people, especially nowadays, can do all three. With every paycheck it's a matter of setting priorities, and it does feel odd that the priorities we set now are different than what they would have been just two or three years ago.
Michael
Hi I think we all will need to learn to live an Amish lifestyle.The sooner the better unfortunately.We can get buy w/o electric.
TheSurvivalMom
I suggest, possibly, an Amish lifestyle but with plenty of firearms and ammo.
)
Liz Long
We can only get by without electricity if we prepare first to do so. And that is part of what we should do.
Penna
#6 Tell's me that you have never been without. Is this true?
Penna
Sorry, I mean as a young one.
Sue in Alabama
I am trying to get my house in order-literally. Making some repairs that have been long overdue-new roof, plumbing repairs,etc. Continue to stockpile-eating lots of rice and beans (by choice) and continue to exercise. Just trying to do what makes sense to me. However I must admit that as a retiree it makes me nervous to dip into savings but on the otherhand if our system collapses paper money wil be worth nothing and I will have nothing. Makes those #10 cans worth their weight in gold methinks!
TheSurvivalMom
Here's yet another article, http://yhoo.it/ctpqmd
Michael
Hi,I agree about the firearms and ammo for self defense.I'm thinking about boots for winter and wood stove,but I think in order to last long enough a family would need at least 10-12 wooded acres for fuel.I'll need to learn to get the most bang for the buck on all purchases.I think there is no time to waste but not to panic.The new paper currency down the road may well be charmin. I have seen some nice places in the northern Arkansas area.I was pleasantly surprised to get 60 cents a pound for aluminum cans yesterday.
LizLong
Barring an EMT, I think most situations end up with intermittant inability to get food / power / life necessities. A wood stove would give you the ability to get by for short periods even with a MUCH smaller amount of wood available, and would also enable you to decrease your electricity usage and bills. So, IMHO, still worth it. I plan on looking into those in the near future.
Don
Michael,
chk State Parks and Corp. of Engr. lakes for permission to cut dead trees, bet you have a terrific supply of free wood for that stove! Also, construction sites may be another source.
Don
Jim
Lisa,
(Started reading this year, first time posting). Thank you for everything on this site. It has been really helpful. I'm pretty new to prepping and I have taken a number of steps this year thanks in part to all the information you have provided.:
1. I have about 2 months of food for my family of 4.
2. I have taken fiream classes and I am waiting on my license (7 weeks and counting in MA…sheesh!)
3. Learing about a number of topics – Bug out bags, canning (I actually asked for a pressure canner & supplies for Christmas), security, water purification, gardening, and other skills.
4. Started a garden this year. Its small, but I plan on making it 2-3x bigger next year.
…continued…
Jim
Currently, I've been working on expanding the food supplies, but I have some higher ticket items that I'm considering and wondered of yours (and others thoughts) on it:
1. A Big Berkey: I know water is essential. I have a Katadyn portable filter (with spare filter), but I figured something bigger and that takes less effort is a priority, given that water is a "good" walk away. Are there cheaper (but almost as good) options? Thoughts on the (sand-charcoal-sand-charcoal) filter on the "Colony" as a cheap basic item to resort to?
2. A source of Heat – A wood stove is pretty pricey around MA, but necessary in surviving the winters? Anyone have any suggestions on types, brands, etc? Also, Kerosene heaters aren't exactly legal in MA (but if the need arises – oh well). Are there suggestions for one? Any safety or other tips on kerosene heaters?
TheSurvivalMom
Jim, I'm so glad my blog has been helpful to you. I keep saying that men make up about 25-35% of my readers, and I don't think I'm that far off! Have you checked around on prices for the Berkey? My new advertiser sells them (see the ad to the right), but I haven't done any comparison shopping. A lot of people are stocking up on granular calcium hypochlorite, a product used as a pool shock. This is far more stable and long-lasting than bleach and is a real bargain. The only negative comment I've read about it is that it can be hard to find. It should never be stored anywhere near a heat source and should be kept isolated from organic materials.
Here is some information regarding how to use calcium hypochlorite to disinfect water. (Found this over at <a href="http://www.whenshtf.com.)” target=”_blank”>www.whenshtf.com.)
"Add and dissolve one heaping teaspoon of high-test granular calcium hypochlorite (approximately ¼ ounce) for each two gallons of water, or 5 milliliters (approximately 7 grams) per 7.5 liters of water. The mixture will produce a stock chlorine solution of approximately 500 milligrams per liter, since the calcium hypochlorite has available chlorine equal to 70 percent of its weight. To disinfect water, add the chlorine solution in the ratio of one part of chlorine solution to each 100 parts of water to be treated. This is roughly equal to adding 1 pint (16 ounces) of stock chlorine to each 12.5 gallons of water or (approximately ½ liter to 50 liters of water) to be disinfected. To remove any objectionable chlorine odor, aerate the disinfected water by pouring it back and forth from one clean container to another.
I should add WHEN MIXING DO NOT INHALE FUMES. "
Can't help you much with the heater question. In Phoenix we just wear an extra t-shirt in the winter months. ;o)
LizLong
I'll re-post if I find it, but an Irish woman I know has talked about a common Irish stove commonly used for heating, cooking, and possibly as a water heater in Ireland. They don't have one because our climate in the Mid-Atlantic is too mild and it wouldn't make sense, apparently, but it would probably be good in your area. So if you meet a genuine born-and-raised in Ireland type, you might just ask them for a recommendation. She did look into buying one here, it was just a climate issue, so they should be available for you.
Pool shock + acetone = chloroform, which is REALLY not recommended for medicinal use at this point in history. I looked it up after I read the comment in One Second After that they wish someone knew how to make chloroform. Just informational, not a recommendation to either make or use it, but since pool shock was mentioned, I thought I'd add this. http://www.ehow.com/how_5530525_make-chloroform.h…
Jim
Thanks Liz,
Actually my folks are from Ireland, so once spent a couple of days out in the bog cutting "turf" they use in those stoves. The stuff smells great and it sometimes still is the primary way to keep the house warm over there. Thanks all for the comments.
LizLong
Let me know if they can tell you more about the good kind of stove!
Jim
…continued…
3. A generator (or something to create eletricity) – I have no ideas about generators, someone suggested a Honda, but I figure I'd need one to power the furnace (and washing maching but not at the same time), fridge, a few lights, and occasionally the TV/Radio. Are there any thoughts of what to look for in a generator (i.e. features, minimum power output, etc.)?
4. Source of food: I've planted the garden, but I'm considering planting 2 or 3 fruit trees (about all I'll have room for)- Are there suggestions for what may be the easiest to grow: apple, pear, etc.? Are there differences in the types of these fruits?
5. Fiream – Once I get my license, my current plan is to get a rev. and a SG. I grew up without any in the house, but I see the need given the current road that we are headed down. Given my lack of experience, I chose these two options based on ease of use and dependability. I figure something is better than nothing, but I'd appreciate any thoughts/comments by yourself and other experienced readers.
Again thanks for all that you do.
TheSurvivalMom
Re: firearms. Your choice of a revolver and shotgun are good. I like pistols just because the magazines hold more rounds. Make sure your revolver uses common and easy to find ammo.
Ruth
Jim, as far as fruit trees find out what grows best in your area. There are definately different varieties of each fruit. Know what zone you live in and find trees that are recommended for that area.Also before you buy them find out if they are self-pollenating or if you need more than one for cross pollenation. As far as room goes for planting you'd be surprised what you can do with little space. We live in a manufactured home community (trailor park) our lot size is approximately 1300×80 our home is 28×80 with a 12×20 deck. We have turned the majority of our landscape into edibles. We have 5 apple trees, 1 peach, 1 cherry and 1 plumb tree. We also have strawberries, raspberries, grapes and currents. I grow a variety of culinary and medicinal herbs and a few veggies here as well. The big veggie garden is at my sisters house though, about 12 miles away.
Ruth
Correction -our lot size is approximatey 130 x 80. I guess the 1300 was just wishful thinking.
Matt
Revolvers have a long and heavy trigger pull. I recommend a Glock 19, low recoil, easy to pull trigger (which helps with accuracy), low cost, very very reliable, and just as simple as a revolver (no external safeties, levers, etc), very common caliber of ammo.
Jim
Hi Matt,
Thanks, I've been looking into a number of options as the license is still pending. Unfotunately in MA, you can only get pre-98 glocks and given that they are over 12 years old – they go for a pretty good price due to availability. Some here state that it is still a good option and definitely under consideration.
LizLong
Ask some local nurseries about fruits. Apple trees are pretty hardy, I believe, which is why Johnny Appleseed wasn't Johnny Kiwiseed.
We just got a Wonderwash so we can at least lesson the electric load for laundry. (There's a post on it recently, if you didn't already see it.) I'm still going to want to use the electric machine for at least some of it if humanly possible, but I think it'll be a help.
If you have a well, the well pump may be your limiting factor. My dh is looking into it right now but it might necessitate a MUCH bigger generator (with more EMP-sensitive electronics) than we were hoping to buy.
LizLong
Ask some local nurseries about fruits. Apple trees are pretty hardy, I believe, which is why Johnny Appleseed wasn't Johnny Kiwiseed.
You also need at least two to cross-pollinate. We got some semi-dwarves and some regular ones. This way, we'll have a variety of tree heights, types of apples, and times of year we get fresh apples. I thought about pears and plums, but they're apparently very susceptible to disease around here and my gardening skills aren't up to that yet. 
There are dwarf apples, which would be good space-wise for a small space, but I'm not sure if they reproduce well if that's needed.
But we have lots of berry bushes planted and a good start on both medicinal and kitchen herbs. We also have a section of flowering plants like roses and daylilies that are also edible. That will be MUCH less obvious to anyone trying to figure out who is growing food they can steal. We are also planting nicotine and marigolds as insect-repellents.
Tomatoes love Carrots is a good book because it talks about companion gardening. We have strawberries and potatoes planted together because of its recommendations and they're both very happy. Next year I plan on adding some pole beans.
Ruth
I planned my veggie garden this year using "Tomatoes Love Carrots". It has done very well.
hourxreport
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Jason
TheSurvivalMom
Thanks, Jason. Keep up the good work with your blog.
Melinda
I would encourage you to continue paying for your kids lessons. The skills they are learning now could be useful later to earn an income. All those skills will still be needed/wanted after TEOTWAWKI and the ability to teach them could also be useful as a bartering tool.
TheSurvivalMom
So far, so good, Melinda. I don't want their talents to be casualties of an economic depression. Bartering for lessons is also an option for me and other families.
Bryan
Survival mom, have you considered buying a used diesel powered Mercedes? There are plenty around, some with low miles, and the pre-1985 MB's tend to be easy to work on, parts are available in most European car wrecking yards, diesel fuel will store in 55 gallon drums for up to a couple years, and the Mercedes diesel powerplant is practically bulletproof-Mercedes makes heavy truck diesel engines that are designed to go up to a million miles. I was looking for a diesel powered pickup, and was surprised at the number of diesel MB's there are around, some under $1000! The earlier models tend not to be as luxury as later models-many came with vinyl seats and hard plastic dashboards. If I wasn't so heavily invested in my Nissan I'd seriously look at one. There are also diesel Volkswagens floating around, but the VWs aren't as high quality.
GoneWithTheWind
How long do you think you are going to be able to power your fridge and furnace with a generator? If TSHTF that stuff is all history. You would be better off preparing some sustainable alternatives and not trying to maintain a 21st century lifestyle. The little 1000watt and 2000 watt Honda generator are the gold standard for small generators. If you need one they are expensive but good.
LizLong
That depends on how much hits the fan, and of what variety. In an Argentine-style scenario, there is still power, albeit intermittant. In a One Second After scenario, your generator may well be unusable along with everything else. There is a wide range of what might happen and while being able to go fully off-grid is a laudable goal, it is distinctly not the first step and there are many other things to do before making a full-on effort to get entirely off-grid – such as getting a generator.
In addition, even if it does all fall apart, the ability to use that fridge and furnace for short periods might be extremely helpful. What happens if you kill a large animal in the summer? A functional fridge could give you a few extra critical hours to get it smoked, salted, or otherwise preserved before it goes bad, and would also keep it safe from critters while you're doing it. Just something to think about in your planning.
Jim
Along Liz's points, the way I see it is that I am going to plan for what I think is "reasonably possible", which is an Argentina-style scenario, where there will be intermittent power. Along with this – I am also thinking about the "rule of 3's" where I will have 3 ways to heat the house (1. furnace -via generator, 2. wood stove – don't have one yet, 3. kerosene heater- don't have one yet). For the fridge -1. intermittent electric, 2. generator, 3. Solar – I've been reading about $600 DIY solar setup and using that with a small DC RV fridge.
TheSurvivalMom
Jim, check out Michael Cox's website <a href="http://www.survivalsolarsystems.com” target=”_blank”>www.survivalsolarsystems.com. He sells solar powered refrigerators, among other things.
Heather
Great article! May I also suggest purchasing reference books. Dare to Prepare by Holly Deyo is a must have and its 600 pages cover everything from food storage, alternative power and energy, hygene, first aid, shelter, water, nuclear/radioactive and EMP attacks with some real-life examples of disasters. I'm learning about canning, dehydrating, making herbal remedies, alternative pet care. Growing my own veggies in a few raised beds and planters; planted berries and a 3-variety dwarf apple tree after tearing up 5 ft of cement at the end of my driveway. My yard is "sun-challenged" but am making do with what I get.
LizLong
We moved a bookcase into the basement for all our "prepping" books – survival, gardening, first aid, etc. It's totally full and we're still finding more to buy. Sigh. Media (books, cds, dvds, magazines – all the stuff you can ship "media mail" with the USPS) is the weak spot for everyone on both sides of the family, so I should've known this would happen! Sounds like you're off to a good start on your garden.
inaminute
I just read a great idea from that guy (don't you love my precision?) who survived and wrote about the Argentina collapse. He said buying gold and silver coins wasn't always the best idea, and to try pawn shops for silver and gold wedding rings. Gold chain necklaces are also useful, as the links can be broken off. I'd never thought of that before.
c.marie
Thank you for writing a clear thoughtful article that I can send on to my family and friends. Have been reading about what was comimg/is here for over 30 years. I have been trying to explain (and not doing a very good job) to those around me that society has believed in an illusion presented to us every day on the 6 o'clock news, in the ad campaigns of the corportions and by the entertainment industry. That illusion is now disintegrating and the truth of the finacial reality is breaking through with hard impact. The 'needs and wants' idea is in vogue now.
Dene Brock
I almost feel like you are telling my story. I too began to have that urgent feeling that I needed to get organized, get uncluttered — and GET READY. Not exactly what I'm getting ready for.. but my instincts are giving strong warning signals.. telling me to prepare for the storm. Thanks for the great article, and good luck on your preps.
hourxreport
What I also wanted to add,
please people – don;t forget electricity & internet will be past tense
get your alternative energy organized now
and make sure you got some analog radios that can work on alternative batteries
get those 27MCs now we still can
for the rest I hope peopel take it serious,
cuz to me it seems nobody is
Jason
http://hourxreport.wordpress.com/how-to-survive/
hourxreport
Extra on my page now: instructions how to survive in case of a false flag hoaxed alien attackl, which is closeby.
please check it out, for your own sake!
http://hourxreport.wordpress.com/2010/10/12/hour-…
hourxreport
if I may add, seems things are going down this months
I urge you all to pack up, leave the cities
find safety and stock up on food and meds
final countdown is running already!
please be smart and make wise choices
but make sure you are prepared!
Jason