Tag: preparedness

See Part #1 here – – > Current Events and the Decline of America Part #1

In Part #1 of this series, I did my best to provide some perspective on the current state of America and compare it to the great idea she once was. All great empires and societies throughout history come to an end….eventually. Can it be saved? Yes. It is possible. The actions required to accomplish such a feat is not going to occur with our current political climate and social self-destructive ideology. There would have to be some great reckoning to generate change that will not only unite this country but unite with the ideals which it was founded.

So, we have identified that America has run its course and although we can have hope we need to face the reality that the world as we know it changing – and not for the better. The American Empire will transform – is transforming before our very eyes. The big question for all the prizes is what do we do now?

Here’s the answer:

You must enact your American Exit Strategy.

What is an American Exit Strategy? Simply put it’s a plan of action in which the desired outcome is to minimize the potential negative effects of a changing society, government, and culture. One of the many goals would be to become as independent and self-reliant as possible. Reducing dependency on such things as grocery stores, government programs, and policies, and service industries is desired.

If you are familiar with Mark Goodwin’s book American Exit Strategy, that is absolutely where the term comes from. In the book, the economy and civilization are collapsing. It is suggested by the Conservative, Independent Presidential candidate in the story that people must prepare by stockpiling food and other supplies and relocate out of the cities where civil unrest is sure to occur. He refers to the preparation for what is coming as an American Exit Strategy.

From a preparedness perspective, the correct course of action is to minimize exposure to risks and threats. With all that has happened, is happening, and the uncertainty around the corner getting away from potential civil unrest must be made a priority. Getting out of the cities – away from the cities – and into the country is essential. If permanent relocation is not possible and in many cases it’s not, then creating a “bug out plan” to relocate must be the main component of the American Exit Strategy.

Relocation: Population Density

The most dangerous threat when it all comes crashing down comes from people. Take a look around at what is happening in the area of Seattle known as “CHAZ”. When lawlessness spreads and civil unrest become more the norm being as far away from population centers will be immensely beneficial. Population density is generally measured in the number of people per square mile. When planning an American Exit Strategy, relocation – or at a minimum having a bug out location that has a very low population density is a priority.

Small towns and small communities generally have smaller problems. They also react at a much lower level to events transpiring around the world – or up the highway in a larger metropolitan area. Having a neighbor some distance away measured in hundreds of yards or miles is much better than in feet.

Example:

Mars Hill is located in the very northeastern part of Maine. It’s a very small town hours away from what anyone would consider a large city. The population density is approx. 42 people per square mile. Mars Hill has a crime rate score of A-, which is significantly better than, say, Atlanta which ranks an F. While crime rate scores are subjective and based on many data points they are a useful guide when comparing areas.

Mars Hill has a population of between 800-1000 people depending on the source. With a population density of 42 per square mile, it would not be difficult to find land “out on the sticks” with few neighbors.  Raw land can be purchased as low as $400 per acre in quantity and away from more populated central areas. Population density plummets in these more remote locations.

The negatives for Mars Hill:

• Low employment opportunities.
• Severe winter weather with snowfall annually measured in feet.
• Short growing season.
• Dangerously frigid temperatures during the winter.

There are more specifics to consider when looking at a location for bugging out or completely relocating to. This example just covers a few basics.

[Most people will go out of their way to avoid an area like this, -21° F]

Shelter/Housing

Once a decision is made for relocation, typically the next question to answer is in regards to housing. Do you get a piece of land with a house, build a house, camper, RV, Yurt, shed, tent? The options are endless. Available funds will likely be the deciding factor.  For those with a large source of funding – a house, cabin, bunker, or fortress or whatever will be selected and it’s an easy decision(get what you want). For the purpose of this article, I’ll focus on those like most of us(on a budget).

A few thoughts:

• Campers/RV – for those on a budget, campers and RV’s are hands down the best value in protection from the elements. Campers come as self-contained homes with all the typical essentials and comforts at a fraction of the cost of an actual house. Obviously, things such as lighting, heat, air conditioning, etc. require electricity. Off-grid power can be set up with solar fairly inexpensively and campers are readily compatible. Generators are frequently used as well in combination with solar to provide power as needed.

When looking for a camper or RV it pays to have patience and perform widespread searches. There are some fantastic deals that can be found by anyone IF you take the time to look and don’t jump on the first one you see. The specifics about the different models, designs, options, etc. is not something to be covered in this article. One thing I will say is you DO NOT have to have a vehicle capable of moving a camper. There are many moving services available across the nation that will move a camper hundreds of miles, put in its place – at very low costs. This is one of the main reasons it pays to search large areas on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc.

• Sheds – Go search the internet for information on living in a shed and you’ll find a hodgepodge of information from customization and suggestions on how to do it, to how dangerous it is and you are evil for suggesting such a thing.  Let me cut to the chase: A shed is NOT a house and as a structure is not built the same as a house. Regardless – it is a viable option to consider when setting up a “camp” or “retreat” for surviving some seriously bad times. In fact, it’s a viable option for having a weekend getaway as well, but, that’s for another article. There are considerations that must be made when setting up a shed to live in. Those specifics go beyond the scope of this article, however, I will say that things such as ventilation, leveling, moisture control, insulation, utilities, sealing, sewer, water – just to name a few.

Minimally sized sheds capable of being lived in can be purchased for as low as $3,000. The costs go well beyond the initial cost as those modifications and additions already mentioned must be done.  Building it yourself will save quite a bit of money.

• Shipping Container – Shipping container homes are often discussed as a means for inexpensive, yet, durably constructed shelters. There are good reasons. Containers are used for shipping “stuff” across oceans aboard large ships. They are durable and built for stacking. They are NOT built for burying.

There are two basic sizes – 20′ foot and 40′ foot containers at 8 feet wide. This is 160 and 360 square feet respectively. With the correct skills, containers can have windows and doors cut in them. It is NOT safe to inhabit a container as they are built.

Much like a shed, shipping containers are hollow shells and will need to be furnished and finished with sewer, light, power, etc. Large flatbed trucks must access the area in which the container is being placed so this may negate some areas.

Shipping containers can be purchased as low as $1,500-$3,000 each and can be stacked or placed side-by-side. Some very unique and interesting housing units can be built with containers.

• Tent – Probably the least expensive shelter option is the tent. In the picture below a large what I would call “base camp” tent is shown. Tents can be purchased in a variety of materials such as canvas that are extremely durable. Large base camp tents often have openings for tent stove chimneys.

The con’s on tents are obvious with very little protection from the elements leading the way.

Supplies

A complete discussion on supplies needed within an American Exit Strategy plan would go well beyond the scope of this article. What I will say is the old adage – “Beans, Bullets, and Band-Aids” is a good start. Common sense dictates that essential supplies need to be available in quantity. Large quantities.

Examples of Supply Catagories:

• • Food
  • Water
  • Firearms, Ammunition, Magazines, etc.
  • Medical Supplies – prescriptions, first aid, Flu medicines, etc.
  • Sanitation
  • Communication
  • Cooking
  • Tools
  • …..and more

How much to stock up on is a discussion that will have brothers stabbing each other with butter knives. The answer breaks down simply as much as possible. Common suggestions provide a minimum of one year of everything. What happens when one year goes by and everything is used up? Plan accordingly.

Storage of supplies is another issue. Built your American Exit Strategy plan around a shed? You’ll need another shed just for your supplies.

An entire series of articles could be developed just of the various supplies needed to live an independent and self-reliant life.

SUMMARY:

In Part #1 we reviewed what has happened to this country and the case was made that it’s truly just a matter of time before it all comes crashing down. The events we are witnessing now would fit right into the stories of such books as 299 Days, Patriots, and Doomsday: Apocalypse. Unfortunately, we are in the real world and presently are experiencing the early stages of a domestic conflict.  The next few years will be very interesting as over time things will likely evolve to be more volatile and dangerous.

The hope – and my gut is telling me – is there will be a pause in the escalation. This temporary delay is what I and many others are counting on to work towards the completion of our American Exit Strategy. Whether permanent relocation is the plan or bugging out to a pre-determined location – the time is now to get ready.

Last thing: There are those that will suggest implementing such a plan is giving up. They may suggest it’s an act of cowardice. I think quite the opposite. It’s being responsible and dealing with these changing times in an appropriate manner. I am no less a Patriot today than 10 years ago. I love these United States and for all it stands.

Please comment below and share your thoughts.

Rourke

Rourke: Follow my personal American Exit Strategy Project only on Patreon!!