In response to the post What if Hillary Wins? and participating in my first Q&A post goingray58 left the following comment:
List what you think are the 10 most important things to complete over the next 18 months to prepare. (this assumes post election is not good I suppose). Also assume like everyone limited resources. It’d be great if each step were prioritized … most to least important.
Great question and ever since I have come under the strong belief that Hillary Clinton will be the next President prioritizing preps has been on my mind. Just for clarity let me explain: I believe that over the last 8 years this country HAS in fact been fundamentally changed and not for the better. I see this only continuing under a Clinton presidency and am very concerned what the future holds. Racial tension, open borders, a divided country, terrorism – and a $20+ trillion dollar Federal deficit. All these things and more are motivating me to set a timeline for preparedness.
With goingray58’s question it appears I am not alone. 18 months would be approx 1 year into her first term. Regardless of the precision of the timing I think the following “steps” would help increase the odds of succeeding in a collapsing country:
#10 Antibiotics – Post-collapse life is going to result in a dramatic increase in cuts and abrasions from physical labor. The risk of infection post-collapse will increase as well. Having antibiotics on hand could prevent someone from losing their life.
#9 Fuel – Any type of economic struggles or collapse will cause fuel prices to skyrocket and supplies to potentially dry up. Putting away extra fuel will cushion any issues and provide an emergency reserve. Regular gas should be stored in metal containers if possible and treated with PRI-G Fuel Stabilizer. Diesel stores much better than regular gas. How much? As much as you can afford and safely store. Safety is worth mentioning. Store fuel away from any residential buildings and if stored in metal drums make sure they are grounded.
NOTE: Definitely add a pump to siphon and transfer fuel. Scavenging fuel may be a common activity in the future.
#8 Transportation – Transportation is often discounted but consider the incredible benefits. A car, truck or anything similar can carry supplies, people, even animals and cover great distances in short periods of time. Vehicles can get people out of bad areas to safer areas.
Consider vehicles types. A big truck might get you 13 miles to the gallon. A small hybrid may bring 40-50 miles per gallon. Which one is better in a fuel starved environment? Motorcycles, scooters, ATV’s and UTV’s are also options to consider.
#7 Toilet Paper/Sanitation – Toilet paper is not something that is easily replaced or substituted for. It is inexpensive and as much as possible should be stored. Make plans on how bathroom activities will be handled and gather the necessary supplies.
Stock up on bar soap, liquid soap, and deodorant as well. Lysol and bleach should be put back. Overall these items are not expensive and can be found at dollar stores and discount outlets.
#6 Develop a Bug Out Plan – Even if all intentions are to stay in place preparation for evacuation must be put in place. If for whatever reason a need to relocate becomes evident just heading out in a random direction is not the answer. Becoming a refugee is not the answer. Do the research. Network with people. Find a location which to go. Have a plan and the ability to pick up and go.
#5 Firearms Training – By far there are too many preppers out there that talk about guns, read about guns, and even dream about guns but do not really know how to use them. There is a big difference between punching holes in paper and using a weapon in defense of your life.
Find a firearms instructor who can see what skill level you’re at and elevate your skill level where it needs to be. Defensive pistol and carbine classes are a good step. You need to get as comfortable as possible with your firearms being able to shoot them with either hand, different positions, and at different ranges. Reloading proficiency and handling weapon malfunctions are important areas for training. Group movement and communication is also important and requires a substantial investment of time and effort to get it right.
When the brigands show up at the gate of your neighborhood and a firefight breaks out that is NOT the time to discover that your magazines are in pouches backwards or that the battery to your rifles Bushnell TRS-25 is dead.
#4 Communication – Information is valuable. It will be even more valuable after any type of collapse. Getting news of what is going on not only in your area but in surrounding areas will be extremely beneficial. Information obtained over the airwaves can influence decision making and planned activities – such as whether it is safe to travel through and area or not. An AM/FM radio is a minimal effort and getting one with shortwave even better.
For personal communications a few pairs of FRS/GMRS radio’s will allow people to talk up to 2 miles apart. Consider the advantage that provides. Additional distance can be gained using Ham radio’s such as the Baofeng UV-5R and more expensive options.
Don’t forget CB radio. Although much of the CB band in some areas is covered with profanity and other offensive communication it can be very useful.
#3 Firearms – Much like the 2nd Amendment protects all other amendments, firearms protect yourself, family, and supplies. In a collapse there will be tremendous desperation. Normal, friendly people will become destructive and violent. If you are not prepared to take defensive action against those wanting to take supplies – well, you may not have your supplies for long.
I recommend the following for a BASIC firearm battery –
- Semi-auto centerfire carbine/rifle. This could be an AR-15 variant, AK, Mini-14, M1A – whatever you feel comfortable with and can afford.
- Pistol – whether a revolver or semi-auto practice and be able to shoot it accurately. My current pistol of choice is the Canik TP9SA 9mm.
- Shotgun – Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 pump action 12 gauge.
- Bolt Action Centerfire – for long distance shots a quality bolt action in .308, .30-06, or .300 Win Magnum. Current choice is the Ruger American.
- Rimfire Rifle – The .22lr is such a versatile round its inclusion in a survival battery is mandatory. Hundreds of rounds can be purchased for little money. My current choice is the Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 with the Ruger 10/22 coming is a very close second.
#2 Stock Up on Food & Water – Pretty common sense thing here but nevertheless extremely important. Food. Food…..and more food must be stored away and then add even MORE. Water is certainly part of this as in physical water but then add water collection methods and filtration.
I’m a big believer of storing what you eat and eating what you store. When it comes to food storage everyday foods are very inexpensive. I’m talking canned meats, vegetables, fruits, soups and stews. Buy on sale and buy in bulk. Adding literally hundreds of pounds of rice, beans, and pasta can be done on a budget and stores extremely well.
Freeze dried food – such as Mountain House – is lightweight, tasty, stores for decades – and is expensive. If it can be afforded freeze dried foods are a great addition to add variety to the food storage program.
Don’t forget a variety of spices, flavorings, sauces, and herbs. Pounds and pounds and salt and sugar must be put back.
Oh – don’t forget what I consider one of the ultimate survival foods – pancakes!!! 50 pounds of “Just Add Water” pancake mix and a couple dozen bottles of syrup will make hundreds of pancakes.
I’m getting hungry.
#1 Join or Develop a Group – This might catch many by surprise that the number one step to take in preparation for a collapse is get a bunch of like-minded people together. Surviving in a post-collapse world where desperation is commonplace and evil can run free requires security. Patrolling even a small property front, back and sides with two adults 24/7 is nearly impossible. Being in a “survival group” of like-minded people who can band together when the Shumer Hits The Fan is critically important.
A few thoughts:
- Skillsets are important for members though intelligence, character, and loyalty are even more so. Skills can be acquired.
- Members need to gel and get along. If they can’t it will be a problem.
- Members must commit to be part of the group meaning they must attend meetings and participate in activities. Sure “life happens” but by far that needs to be the exception and not the rule.
- Physical handicaps should NOT rule out members. A communications expert in a wheelchair is invaluable. Going overboard on member requirements may eliminate those could truly be assets.
- Morals are important. You want decent people in your group. Those that treat people like crap now will do so and worse after the Shumer hits the fan.
- Military experience might be good but not necessarily. Just because someone was in the military doesn’t make them a wilderness expert or a tactical genius. There are plenty of people that served that shot a gun to qualify and that’s it.
- Trust comes with time and building of relationships.
The more people in the group the easier it will be to get all the tasks worked on that need attention.
Ok folks – thoughts?
JR