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Duct taping your windows will not save you from radiation poisoning.
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You may have to dig a latrine (more than one time).
image by foxtongue
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You may not receive any government benefits or payment from your place of employment during a disaster.
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It is possible that you may be sick or in the hospital during a disaster.
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Your pets may not survive.
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It is likely that your cell phone will not work.
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No one is coming to help you.
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Insurance doesn’t cover everything, if there is an insurance company left.
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There will not be enough food and water for everyone.
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If it is the end of the world, the previous nine tips will not matter!!!
by David Michaud
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I'm the original Survival Mom, and have been helping moms worry less and enjoy their homes and families more for 9 years.
Latest posts by The Survival Mom (see all)
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11. You mother in law could be visiting you when it happens, or you could have other guests. Then you'll be stuck with them indefinitely.
my mother in law lives with us..so she is already stuck with us*G*
I watched "After Armageddon" on History International the other day. It was based on a overdue pandemic wiping out the majority of our planet's population. It had a liberal slant to it, but the information was basic common sense and the unpreparedness of most people. It walked through what we could expect when it's TEOTWAWKI.
I agree with one expert: our society is 9 meals away from total chaos and most people are NOT prepared.
Thanks for mentioning that show, I am looking it up now.
After you watch it, I'd like to know what you think.
I just got done watching the entire thing. I would have to say that I think about 90% of what they talked about in that show could happen. This especially after what I heard about the after effects of Katrina, the economy collapse of Argentina, and the quakes in Haiti and Chile. Some of that stuff did happen during those situations, so I could see it as quite feasable that it could happen during a pandemic. Even with a major storm in areas that normally do not get things like snow storms, grocery stores tend to run out of food real quick. That is just a start.
I finally finished watching it. I thought it had some excellent tips in it for surviving a true TEOTWAWKI scenario. One I caught, in particular, is that children will become the most vicious food foragers. I've already told my kids that if are ever desperate for food, it's THEIR job to get it!
I watched it about a month and a half ago and found it fascinating. There were so many things that I didn't even think about before. I thought the experts lent some authenticity to the show, but I still can't get over why the man headed into the desert!!! It had a lot to say about human nature and the survival of the fittest. I have the show to thank though because right after I saw it, I Googled it and tried to order it on-line. YouTube has the whole show, so I watched it again. And then….the world of preppers opened up to me. It was through that show that I found The Survival Mom and everyone else out there who believes that something BIG is going to happen and we need to be ready for it! Thank you all for helping us to get ready.
I have thought about how to turn away unwanted family memebrs if something happens. How do I say to my brother, "I love you and your kids but your wife can't stay?" or if my husband's brother shows up with his kids and I have to say "Sorry, we don't have food stored for 3 kids that are allergice to wheat, gluten, yeast, dairy etc." One brother-in-law is on the same "prepper" page as us. I have planned for my Mom but my husbands parents…well, not so much
Personally, I think you have to suck it up if it's someone you just don't like. If there is a reason you think they are or probably are a genuine threat to your family (severely clinically psychotic, for example, and you know they won't be able to get their meds anymore to stay stable), that's different. However, it is YOUR home and if they can't abide by reasonable rules that everyone else has to live by, then it is reasonable to give them a warning, then tell them to leave. And if they can't eat the food you have stored, that's their own problem. You can't plan for everyone, and someone with needs that specific really needs to be more prepared anyhow.
As for your husband's parents, why are you (and, more importantly, your husband) not planning for them? We are planning more for MIL than my parents because she has a VERY limited income, limited mobility, and is generally pretty dependent on me in her daily life. SHTF isn't going to make it any better. My parents have more income, more stuff already (sleeping bag, first aid, etc), and are physically in better condition. In short, they don't NEED the help as much. We do space in the house and other things set aside in consideration of all of them. Frankly, I think it's fair for you to put prepping for your husband's parents largely on his lap. If there is something that one of you is pretty much entirely responsible for (food, ammo, first aid – whatever), then you need to take care of both sets of grandparents, like them or not, unless there is another reason not to, like one lives really far away.
I have to admit, anyone who stays with us has to eat what we like. If they don't like it, then they should've prepped better their damn selves. KWIM?
One element of preparedness is thinking through situations just like the ones you describe? What will you do if a hungry family shows up at your door? Ferfal, Surviving Argentina blog, says that the most haunting scenes, to him, aren't dead bodies lying in the streets but witnessing starving families sitting down to dinner in front of a dumpster. I can drive by a panhandler, knowing he will almost surely take the $5 I give him and purchase whiskey, but could I do the same to ragged, skinny kids? We all may face some moral and ethical dilemmas like this, and until we do, I don't think any of us know exactly what our reaction will be.
I agree with Lisa.
Just to clarify: in this case, I was referring specifically to immediate family. Realistically, you can't let part of your brothers family stay but not his wife, unless there is a real specific reason. For instance, if she's recently released from jail for cooking up meth, you're off the hook on letting her on your property.
I have discussed many scenarios with an email contact and until it happens, we will never know—my husband knows me—we have saved and sacrificed on a limited, self-employment income(you know how that is) to store these supplies—he says when they come to the door, I'll cave in.
I believe in the after-life, heaven, and maybe caving in isn't so bad in God's eyes.
Word to the wise–don't tell close neighbors; my next-door said he's go to this church if stores are empty and I told him he was part of the problem, not the solution, to grow up, he has 2 children!!!
I agree with you they need to get some of the stuff they like
I have spoken briefly on occassion about the need to "Be Prepared" with all my various famiily members. The family members that scoff and make fun of "Preppers" I cross off my list. They are the grasshoppers that fiddle while the ants work away. My door is closed to them. My kids come first. Prepare your heart for tough choices now not when they come knocking at your door.
On one hand, I say, "Keep your mouth shut!", but on the other, it's hard to not try and encourage people to be better prepared when you really believe our country could be in for some very hard times. I've gone public with my preparedness efforts to try and reach those who are scared of the future, feel powerless, and desperately need someone to come alongside them and say, "You're in control of more than you might think. Start with these baby steps…"
We can't help who we love, but we can TRY. I love my daughter-in-law for my son's sake. For his sake, and his beautiful children, how dare I say anything against her. God Bless her. I prepare for her to come to me in a disaster. I plan for my brother who thinks I'm a nut case to prepare. I will share what little I have for the darling toddlers who live next door and play in my yard. For the humanity in me, I will just prepare the best I'm able, and then God help us all.
P.S. It is YOUR home, and your prepps. Admit who YOU think is right. If someone YOU think is wrong, disruptive or detrimental to your group/ family becomes a problem, diplomatically, regretfully, and firmly put them out.
I'm just reading your past minutes and I happened upon this article. My husband and I are facing not getting paid by NYS this Wednesday. Being "peace officers" for the state we have no choice but to go the work and not get paid. The state and Fed. Governments hold us hostage as they spending way to much on entitlement programs and not pay their employess. A lot of these things are very real threats these days.
11) if you were prepared and stored food and water for your family, YOU WILL need a gun w. ammo to guard those supplies.
Yes, I'm ready for about 18 months….yes, we have purchased 3 guns and ammo.
Still storing water and bleach for purification.
12) NEVER tell your neighbors you are storing food and water. Big mistake!!!
I need some help here. I am new to all of this!! And frankly, afraid of what may happen. I have started to set back supplies. Im not sure how long these supplies will last, but I try to add to it every couple of days.
Here is where my problem lies—–should I be hiding these things where visitors to the house cant see them?
Where is the safest place to put them? Where to put them incase the local government comes looking for our food and other non food items? How do I get my husband to understand what I am doing? He thinks that I am just stocking the pantry for the winter.(we are self employeed and the winter is our lean season) I am not sure how to bring up the subject with him. He is not the kind of person to panic and I believe he thinks that it is not needed. (he made fun of my mom when she was stocking and worried about Y2K).
These questions go on and on. I guess I just need some guidance here. I am afraid if SHTF, that we can be killed for our food and supplies. We live in a small town and everyone knows everyone. What should I do?
Here are some answers to your questions. Please feel free to email me if you'd like.
1. Yes, do keep very quiet about what you are doing. This includes the people in your household if they are not on board with the idea of preparedness and/or you're afraid they might talk.
2. Be creative in how and where you store things. Most food should be stored in dark, cool places anyway, so storing it in bins, under beds, etc. makes good storage sense. Maybe a major de-cluttering is called for. Getting rid of unwanted and unused stuff will create more space to store your 'preps', as some people call them, and might even bring in some extra cash if you can sell things via Craigslist, eBay or in a garage sale.
3. Read my blog post from last week, "Is your spouse survival minded or a skeptic?" It offers some suggestions for bringing up the subject and getting your husband on board. If he still isn't convinced, keep doing what you're doing. The Y2K issue is brought up every now and then, and the only problem with Y2K was that people were stocking up for a single event. When it was obvious that nothing bad was going to happen at midnight on January 1, 2000, most people felt foolish about their concerns. Preparedness today means taking a longer view of an uncertain future, and everything you're doing won't be wasted. Stored food can always be rotated into your regular meals. Paying off bills and debt is always a good idea. Learning "old fashioned" skills, such as canning and sewing, has actually become trendy!
But do keep quiet. Feel free to post here at SurvivalMom with your questions and concerns. There are lots of other supportive women (and men) who know just how you feel. We all learn from each other.
am, by default, the MATRIARCH of BOTH our families.
am planning, stocking for 24/25 (children counted as 'halves') people, including a former sister-in-law
we own two homes/buildings on the same block..can shelter / ALL
am trying to 'think through' the roles to be played. laundress, guards. health tenders
am starting with stocking white RICE, which, in proportions is ..amazingly 600#, but only as ONE of 5 of 30 meals per mo. with others being, PASTA, POTATOES, CABBAGE or SQUASH or other VEGETABLE (or 'greens')
annnd..
BREAD! (based)
next…
hoping for time to garden for above vegetables plus TOMATOES, ONIONS & GARLIC. plus herbs.. AND STEVIA!!!
I think it's vital to think ahead about WHICH of our supplies we store WHERE. an attic might be best for dry storage
cooler basements for vegetables or canned goods.
let's not forget about possibilities of mice or even, dare I SAY it, in those times…RATS
don't think would put much in sleeping areas
thinking of WHO…
might be good to have some 'NON-rule followers' (in my case nephews, maybe a niece)
to ..um.. 'procure' if anarchy develops, some hens, a rooster, and several goats
additionally…some unspoken things:
people will KILL your pets for food
and..we might need to kill birds ALSO for protein : (
don't think will get rid of, so fast, anything could BURN, like extra chairs,
nor SHOES..
or eyeglasses that someone might barter something FOR
also am stocking up on bars of SOAP, now, while cheap as can be stand-in someday for: detergent, dishwashing, or shampoo.
have also purchase two dozen plastic plates & bowls. stocking paper plates make me laugh. might wish were CANS of food, instead!
a few thoughts
Skills for necessary people: Mechanic, Engine repair, Welder, Blacksmith, Firearms repair and ammo reloading, Construction, Architect/Home reinforcer, Agriculture:- farming expertise; seed saving and animal care, Bee keeping, Doctor/Medical Assistant, Vet, Well construction/Water table expertise, Engineer:- community planning; manufacturing; electrical; electronics and ham radio expert, Martial arts training, Wild foods expert, Hunters, Chemist, Sewing/Textiles, Soap making/Candle making, Hygiene products, Homeschooling/Tutoring, Food preparation, Sanitation.
I’m sure there are others but that is a good list for starters, Oooh and of course Comedians, Storytellers, Musicians and Brewers to lighten the mood. Basically get yourself a good community that has core skills.
Also Hygiene gel that doesn’t require water (Test it on your skin to make sure it doesn’t cause any nasty reactions – you don’t want to be in a difficult position to find you have an unknown skin allergy to add to the mix!). Water is precious, preserve it or make sure you live near a stream with adequate filtration methods.
My deepest darkest fear is this: what would I be willing to do if things are at the absolute worst, I dont mean bad I mean absolutely no chance at survival at all. Would I be able to do what I need to do and would God forgive me?
Would your God want you to survive or perish?
FYI, when you cannot make a call on or to a cell phone a text message may still work.
Make sure you have a land line for hard wired communication as well as mobile and the people you would want to contact in an emergency have one too.
TO Optimistic Pessimist and someone with Military Training
If your work schedule is not steadfast, it can be a benefit. I regularly come home between 9-10pm after work, so on a Saturday evening, I can do grocery shopping. 1. There are less people in the store, and 2. When I come home, it is less likely my neighbors will see what I am bringing home. Also, I recently purchased a small safe, for important papers and such. In the event SHTF happens, and homes are raided, I have found a generic cardboard box which slides over the top of it–and scrawled “baby blankets” in Sharpie marker on the side. It’s always worth a shot.
Seems that the first and most important prep tip is spiritual preparation. The Bible says the end of the world is when Jesus returns. Being ready for that event is the only thing that really counts because if you’re not ready, you’ve really missed the boat!
My entire family knows I prep, I have ask them if they would like to help me either by buying things their self, or by helping with money, the ones who do will have a place the ones who don’t wont… simple as that. my parents have already passed away, as for my mother in law she is welcome to come I’m more concerned with brothers/sisters and their spouses and kids and their kids kids… the ones who could offer something,, like hunting,, medical help ect I would probably let them in. the ones who have nothing to offer,, well I’m sorry but my kids and husband mean more to me and just as I wouldn’t take food out of their mouths right now I wouldn’t do it in a shtf case
It is good to look at scenarios now … while you have the presence of mind to think over situations. Like most of us we have extended family that shops for supper tonight after they leave work. They do not understand why people ” hoard “. In my discussions I usually ask what they think of this or that situation. Recently, our entire town was blacked out due to Hurricane Arthur. Power was shut off and businesses including grocery stores were closed. Most of the grocery stores did not have back up power and had to throw out perishables in less than two days. I have solar as a back up and when a few people came by .. I had bread and a couple cans of tuna. I have lots of provisions down in the cellar, but I did not advertise it. I shared what little I appeared to have … and let everyone know if things got any worse I was coming to their house. Again, this suggested to them that they were better off … As things played out, the power did come back on, but know one invited me to their place ..and no one made a second visit to my place. We must be careful about the image we present. If the whole community is blacked out and you are BBQ ing expect company. If you are cooking a can of tomato soup, and offer a bowl … no harm done.
These are harsh but so truthful.
For many years I would be the crazy to plan and had stores put away for the group I am with but I was super lucky to have had a win fall on my Taxes in 1991 to have had time to purchase two large disaster bags for a large family with training I also got from ReedCross to deal with hurricane Andrew August 1992
Being prepared is vital, as for food prep I did not hear anyone talk about 25 year dry food storage like Wise foods or other brands. Easy to store great selection of meals and not expensive. I plan for somewhere in the area of 15 people that I would take in.( my family ) I purchase one or two containers a month and look to stop when I reach a two year meal plan for all I plan on coming plus a few extra. Water and filtration is very important, can’t live but few days with out water! From there it’s the planning of defense of the home place. Yes weapons…. what kind and who will be handling them. My preparation is more based on a collapsed society and anarchy. But I would rather be prepared for the worst case than not be prepared at all. Lots of great discussion on here, glad I not the only “nut”. By the way if your planning is on the lines of what I laid out you need to get night vision scope or goggles as your most dangerous times are going to be at night.