So I just finished watching NATGEO's "American Blackout". So not prepared....

After watching this tonight, I realized that I have a lot of work to do. I have never considered being a prepper, but I think I should. Not just for me, but for the family. So this brings me to my main question.

Where does a freshman prepper start on a shoe string budget? What should the first items be to stockpile? I am sure water is #1. So I leave this to you pros. Please advise.

Thanks,
GNO

You don't need to stockpile items as much as you need to gain knowledge.

I have a LifeStraw in my BOB as well as knowledge on where to find water. I also happen to work in a water treatment plant so that part I have covered well.

Food. Many different items that you can store/keep. Even growing your own or hunting your own. Again, more knowledge.

Shelter. You going to stay where you are? Or leave? Have a plan for both. Could you survive for an extended length of time in the worst possible scenario? Plan for that.

People on here (myself included) say that if you are prepared for a zombie apocalypse, you are prepared for anything ( not really believing that a zombie apocalypse could happen).

Check out all the threads on this forum and it should give you a good place to start. Tailor it to your (and your familys) needs.

Edit: Link

It depends.

What exactly are you prepping for should be your first question. Are you looking to be locked down during a natural disaster?

If so, that's quite different than planning to run somewhere. The first key is to figure out what you are planning for.

reply to post by superman2012


Thank you. I guess I have something to consider. Bug out or dig in? I happen to live in a rural area, but have the main reservoir directly across the street. I will have access to water, but face the possibility of others gathering there too.

reply to post by Spookybelle

I have read that if you prepare for a pandemic you would be prepared for everything. Is this good advice?

Damn forgot that was on. I saw a preview and that even scared me a bit. I would be totally screwed...I would have to rely on some of my other family members as they are great outdoors men. God help us that this does not happen.

reply to post by GNOarmy


Bugging out and living in the wilderness really isn't going to be an option because a million other Joes are going to have the same plan and its going to come down to the largest gang with the most guns controlling everything. Unless you plan on getting to the most remote places on earth, this is not really a sensible option.

If you would like to separate what a real situation probably will be from the fictional idea many preppers have, I would suggest reading this interview with a man who survived Bosnia, living in a city with no absolutely no control, and every man out for themselves.

Odds are this is what you will face, because its actually happened.

learnhowtobeprepared.com...-Ul

Worth the read if you legitimately want a realistic scenario.

reply to post by GNOarmy

If you are in a small community you have an advantage. I live in a town of 650. I know many people in town and know what their jobs are and how they could help in an emergency.
Write a list of people that you know their jobs and what capacity they would be able to help and have a loose "emergency plan". If the time ever comes, they will welcome someone who can lead by example and help everyone come together. That's my plan. I just hope I never have to use my plan and that everything is good forever.

Nothing like insurance though right?

How about sanitation,ie hand sanitizer? Toilet paper!
Candles/kerosene lantern & matches; flashlights/batteries.
Aspirin, band aides,antibiotic ointment,etc.
A means for cooking -sterno stove, hibachi,rocket stove...?
Sleeping bags & essential warm clothing.
Dry beans are cheap & nutritious.Salt, sugar...anything that keeps indefinitely.
True preppers would tell you 'guns and ammo' should be first on your list.
Any tools you have need of, but for sure a good knife, saw, hatchet.
Some say a fishing line & hook, but I don't trust food from the water much...
That should give you a few ideas.
Ms. Nugget

I have been buying rice and canned goods. Flour, sugar and such.

A little bit here and there. My bills were pretty much overwhelming this week but I still bought two cans of 1 pound 11 oz green beans for a dollar apiece.

I have a marine battery for my jon boat $80, you can get a smaller one a little cheaper, inverter from ebay for $22. In the past i was buying little solar panels on ebay for about $10 to $30. I have about 45 watts worth wth a small charge controller for $18(really cheap one). It isn't much but the power went out last winter and I was one of the only people on my block with a light, radio, and phone charger.

I usually spend what I can. From $2 to $20.

I am worried about security though.

reply to post by Spookybelle


Many thanks. Lots to consider. This really is brand new for me, so thanks for the info.

Honestly? Take a WHOLE different approach. I'm saying this because I learned like many in Missouri did during the Ice Storm in 2007. 10 days, for some, with no services and no power..in January. I thought I knew what I'd need ..and I thought I had it too. I didn't know squat. I knew what I thought books told me...

It took sitting for almost 2 weeks with nothing ..nothing at all. Generators were going for cash no one had much or any of...and even the generators on the RR's were being stolen (THAT took real doing..). Stores.. Gas.. Nada.

I guess the best approach? sit with nothing and try and place yourself in the mindset of nothing outside the home being of ANY help to give you what you don't already have. Right there. Inside 4 walls.

Now...without power, running water or heat? What do you need the 1st morning? What do you need by that night? Within a day? You'll be realizing things you could never have thought of ..without reaching for or wishing for it and not having it to grab.

reply to post by nugget1


I'm in the process of growing my own food, and fish in my basement. A small scale experiment. I even started with one of the hardest to grow veggies in aquaponics, cucumbers! I'm documenting it all and will write a thread about my success (or failure) in the future.

There are so many things that factor in to your prep plans I agree knowledge is the cheapest so much information out there.
Awareness would be the next thing. It's cheap.but the knowledge will have to come first so you know what to be aware of.

reply to post by superman2012


I do feel comfortable with my location and neighbors. All farms around me. Cattle and grains. The nearest town is about 2 miles from me with a population of about 2k. The next largest populated are is about 18 miles away with a population of about 50k. I am sure those folks would head in my direction seeking assistance and fleeing the masses.

liejunkie01
I have been buying rice and canned goods. Flour, sugar and such.

A little bit here and there. My bills were pretty much overwhelming this week but I still bought two cans of 1 pound 11 oz green beans for a dollar apiece.

I have a marine battery for my jon boat $80, you can get a smaller one a little cheaper, inverter from ebay for $22. In the past i was buying little solar panels on ebay for about $10 to $30. I have about 45 watts worth wth a small charge controller for $18(really cheap one). It isn't much but the power went out last winter and I was one of the only people on my block with a light, radio, and phone charger.

I usually spend what I can. From $2 to $20.

I am worried about security though.

edit on 27-10-2013 by liejunkie01 because: z

You can usually buy organic grain (if grown where you are) for pretty cheap from farmers. Either use it for seed, or store it. There are many ways to use it and it keeps MUCH longer then flour...and it's cheaper too.

reply to post by Wrabbit2000


This is why I live in the desert. As long as you know how to get water out of a cactus your pretty much set.

And we have enough of those to go around.

superman2012
reply to post by nugget1

 

I'm in the process of growing my own food, and fish in my basement. A small scale experiment. I even started with one of the hardest to grow veggies in aquaponics, cucumbers! I'm documenting it all and will write a thread about my success (or failure) in the future.

I love cucumbers. I found a cucumber soda this summer. Was great! Can't wait for your report.

GNOarmy
reply to post by superman2012

 

I do feel comfortable with my location and neighbors. All farms around me. Cattle and grains. The nearest town is about 2 miles from me with a population of about 2k. The next largest populated are is about 18 miles away with a population of about 50k. I am sure those folks would head in my direction seeking assistance and fleeing the masses.

Free labor to plant your crops and do whatever else they can to help out. Bartering would be great then.

Of course, you would have to watch out for the "bad guys".

reply to post by superman2012


Great idea. I am former LE and trained as an EMT. I am sure there are services I could provide i.e. medical treatment