Thread: preparedness

Originally Posted by vthomlinson

not exactly the same thing.. but i carry what is called the nannypack.. i basic blue jansport with everything i could ever possibly need for nanny survival..

diapers
wipeys
change of clothes
first aid kit
granola bars
sippy cups
random small toys
kids movies on dvd
laptop
mobile phone
notepad with vital information
crayolas and sketchbook
a $20 bill

i basically have everything i could ever need while away from the house with the smaller kids.. just the other day we took a trip to the natural history museum and ended up having to make our own way home via public transport.. it was a 2 hour adventure and you can be sure that i made use of many tools the nannypack had to offer.

I'm in your little club at the moment too. A sad, but enjoyable life I wouldn't wish on any childless couple.


Mick

To me, being prepared (thanks BSA!) is knowing that you will one day be in a situation where you will not have all the tools, all the information, all the skill, or all the ability to perform the task which will unfold before you.

You will need to rely on others to some extent. You will need to make hard decisions. You will need to adapt and overcome. You will need to learn quickly.

You will need some luck but you will not be able to rely on that.

I don't stock up on food. I stock up on what I need to get/make/grow food.

I frequently don't go looking for the perfect tool when I am tinkering, I use what tool is in front of me to see if I can make it work.

I know how to tie knots.

All through out college, I didn't have a bed. I slept on the floor. If I was visiting someone and they offered me a couch to sleep on, it was like being in the lap of luxury.

In short, I don't make things too easy on myself I push to try and figure out everything as though it is a problem to be solved. I think this is the greatest way in which I can be prepared: being truly creative.




-Rob

The way I see it if there is a really serious situation where you are on your own for a considerable period of time meaning months or more unless you live really out and away from population centers you will be overrun with people. Unless you landmine your property or have a 50 cal machinegun set up on your roof you will be in big trouble.

Originally Posted by sicboater

To me, being prepared (thanks BSA!) is knowing that you will one day be in a situation where you will not have all the tools, all the information, all the skill, or all the ability to perform the task which will unfold before you.

You will need to rely on others to some extent. You will need to make hard decisions. You will need to adapt and overcome. You will need to learn quickly.

You will need some luck but you will not be able to rely on that.

I don't stock up on food. I stock up on what I need to get/make/grow food.

I frequently don't go looking for the perfect tool when I am tinkering, I use what tool is in front of me to see if I can make it work.

I know how to tie knots.

All through out college, I didn't have a bed. I slept on the floor. If I was visiting someone and they offered me a couch to sleep on, it was like being in the lap of luxury.

In short, I don't make things too easy on myself I push to try and figure out everything as though it is a problem to be solved. I think this is the greatest way in which I can be prepared: being truly creative.




-Rob

Sounds good. What do you get, make, and grow, and how much do you rely on those today?

You guys have it all wrong. Once the dust settled and a post-apocalyptic society sprang up, we'd be the barbers.

Originally Posted by HNSB

To me the biggest part of preparedness is knowing how to be sustainable and how to adapt to the situation at hand. I couldn't agree more with your post Kevin. I don't believe that hoarding can ever make someone truly prepared.
I used to participate in a survivalist forum, but left as the overwhelming mentality of the people there was that a bunker full of canned goods was the equivalent of being prepared. That said, I do have about a two month food supply on hand. I also have hand tools and various antiquities that would make a life without electricity livable. I've also been studying various crafts and elements of living from pre-electric times. It is amazing how much knowledge has been lost in the age of convenience.
Heck, that is how I got into straight razors in the first place. I wanted a means of shaving without being reliant on razors from the store.

I am not a doomsdayer. I really doubt that I'll ever have a need to use most of what I've collected, or any of the skills and crafts that I've learned. But, it is comforting to know that in the one in a million chance that it would be needed I have it.
Oh, and I have the means to defend it as well.

The power was out here for about 12 hours last week. I know that's not a big deal, but it was nice to know that it could have been out for several days and life would have proceeded virtually normally for me and my kids. Of course I wouldn't have been able to visit SRP for awhile...
I don't have a generator, as I don't see a point in becoming reliant on things that require gas to operate. One day when I have the funds I might look at solar or wind as backup power.

I probably sound totally nuts now...

When you say two months; Is that strictly rationed micro meals or two months of regular everyday chow down/

all I have set aside is 3 or 4 days water and whatever extra food is left in the pantry next time we go shopping. It seems canned foods would work well enough for us.-pretty reliable, cheap, long shelf life.

So far the basis of my plan: doing without, is well seeded.

just thought i'd post a link to an article i just read.. having the right gear is one of the most important things. check it out.. it's a good read.

The Importance Of Having The Right Gear | Psychology Today

Originally Posted by MickR

It's all very well to have the gadgets, but if you don't have the mindset and willingness to use them, then you're as good as screwed. It's all very well to say you have the mindset, but you'll never know for sure if you've never been put to the test.
Then if you have all that, you'll also need the physical preparedness. A 'Big Mac' physique just won't cut it.


Mick

Hi Mick, like we learn from sharpening razors- it's good to practice. I do believe there are a few indicators one could reflect upon- how do you handle traffic when its back up and you need to be somewhere; or maybe even- how do you drive, courteous or aggressive? How do feel when waiting in long lines, or being in the rough side of town?

As I learned from watching the movie Dune; "Fear is the mind killer"

Actually I have the quote right here.

" I must not fear. Fear is the mind killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me, And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain"

I am one of those guys who has a "bug out" bag. It's pretty simple, but uncle sam along with good ole reading sure helps the mind, that's the most important tool of all. I've never been put to the test since 1992, but having a few choice things means a lot. Mine is in a simple, sturdy backpack that contains:
-Browning .22lr (it's one of those reliable guns I can't seem to miss with)
-brick of .22lr shells
-rem oil
-spyderco fixed blade knife (Bill Moran design featherweight in VG-10)
-fishing kit of my own design + "automatic fishers"
-water purification tabs
-cc size diamond "stone"
-nylon rope & "zip-ties"
-matches, magnesium fire-starter, steel wool
-bug spray (100% deet)
-Gerber multi-tool w/ replaceable carbide cutters
-compass
-my own first-aid kit

This is my go everywhere & do anything bag that would work great for me...nothing but what I would need to make it a few months. Mother nature would provide anything else I would need.
Scott

Originally Posted by gssixgun

The one thing I don't believe any of them cover enough is that regardless of how prepared your "home base" is, you have to either be able protect it, or move it, hide it, or lose it...

IMO This statement is of absolute importance, always have a way(or more) out of a defensive position. Dont get nailed down! If we are talking about a SHTF scenario, please remember the old Proverb, "The best defense is a good offense."