Prepping

NS Gearhead · Nov 30, 2013

Yeah, lots to think about. That was my wife's reaction when I started talking about doomsday stuff; "you just need a gun with three bullets" I'd rather go down fighting. If you're new to the SHTF stuff, watch this;
After Armageddon - A SHTF scenario. - YouTube

I'm just being careful not to go too crazy; sure I could put all my resources into prepping, but that's what crazy people do. LOL Watch "Doomsday Preppers" Point in case. LOL However, not doing anything, or being prepared for anything is just as crazy. We just had a wind storm that took out the power for hmm, 6hrs, took out 6 trees on my property, and ripped some sideing off my neighbor's house. Not too extreem, but damaging and a reminder that we're not too far away from something more.

Again, it's easy to get carried away and not see the forest from the trees, so to speek. Start with the most likely senario that would effect you and plan to be self sustained for how long it may last (longer is better obviously). Their is someting to be said for the way passed generations lived. We visited a heritage site this summer. It's a working town from the 1800s (I think). 99% of what the needed they made. Nothing was wasted. No one got a free ride. Everyone had and job, and contributed. I had a chance to visite a hemenite (sp?) comunity in Manitoba... that was cool. They're like Amish, but use electricity. They share everything, and believe in having the best of the best, as well as being efficient as possible. For example their houses were set up in a townhouse style; because it's easyer on heat. The community had a laundromat; a couple women worked there. All SS, above and below. Very cool. They talk a little funy, and make their own clothes, but other then that I thought they were awesome.

As far as defence... well we're the last house, on the last rd of the subdivision. One Rd in/ out where I am. My neighbor's of the same mindset as I am, and has a collection of smoke sticks. 22 & 12 are at the top of my list, but a Rem 700 and Glock 9mm are on there too. I have thought of pre-cutting 3/4" ply and insulation to board up 1/2 or more of the windows in the house (remember, I'd be heating a fair sized house with just one woodstove). Hold out where their's only one way in/out in your house, and keep it pointed in that direction when someone's inside. OR, leave, let them get comfy, and pick them off one at a time as they exit the building.

Another thing I have to consider is prepping at work. I'm a thermal plant operator, and law requires someone be here 24/7. Twice in my career an operator (thankfully not me) have been stuck at work for several days due to their relief not being able to come in. My current employer has a 1MW getset for the plant... but keeping a locker full of food, and personal hygene products isn't a bad idea.

So yeah, short term supplies/ non end-of-the-world stuff first, then perhaps shift towards the more extreem after. For example; In the short term I'm storing water, but I may make a berkey filter;
Berkey Water Filter Systems - World Leader in Portable Water Purification Also heading towards more getting back to basics. It would be a good idea for me to stockplie some wine kits when they go on sale as well as the sterilizing stuff. That way all we need is water and we can make wine when all goes to ****. LOL I'd have to check shelf life. I know the wine I've made so far is only good for one year. Oh; picked up another 2lbs of inside round today for our 2nd batch of jerky. The first was so good, we don't want to try another kind yet. LOL Other then the salt, a fairly healthy snack. Better then chips I suppose.

Oh question for you guys; The arsinic in my well water is due to the water trickling through the bedrock, so would the water in the surrounding lakes and streams also have it?

NS Gearhead · Nov 30, 2013

Also; people say to store what you eat anyway... but we eat fresh produce, dairy and breads. No saving those. We don't eat canned much of anything... but if it was that or starve I'd have no problem with them. LOL

Larry Caldwell · Nov 30, 2013

nc redneck said:
Very Interesting post. Your thoughts on this part. How are you going to defend your house and family. Modern construction of houses, and in my case have so many doors and large windows that defending it against 5 or more people set on stealing your stockpile of food may be impossible. Anyone who lives within 50 miles of a large population of people would be at high risk. If you cant protect your supplies from theft and probably increasing by the day people who want to take it from you. It might become worthless as you may be forced to leave it behind for your own personal safety.
Many people on this sight may not have that issue as they already live on large tracts of land aweigh from populated city's. Would like to hear your input. I am not sure the first one to leave may not be better off.
I also think in the event of a long term catastrophe ammunition, liquor and medicine would be the next type of currency and easily transported.

This sort of thinking always astonishes me. In the country, there is no reason to let looters within a mile of your house. It's easy to set up barricades and ambushes. You know the terrain and trails, while they don't. Barricades across the roads put them on foot, where they are easy to pick off. The neighbors would quickly organize 24 hour sentries

Larry Caldwell · Nov 30, 2013

The best thing to do with jerky is cook it into stews. It salts the stew and adds meat.

dmccarty · Nov 30, 2013

k0ua said:
Same one we have, Wifey loves it. The seal comes from a precision metal to metal fit like a JIC fitting.

Well, we are supposed to use some petroleum jelly on the lid to help seal the metal to metal fit. Not sure it is really needed but I do smear some petroleum jelly on the edges from time to time just because. :laughing:

Later,
Dan

creekbend · Nov 30, 2013

Just a thought. If you are planning to raise food in a garden, it would be prudent to obtain Heritage Seeds. Not all hybrid seeds can be used and saved for future use. Correct me if I'm wrong. Just a thought.

Larry Caldwell · Nov 30, 2013

creekbend said:
Just a thought. If you are planning to raise food in a garden, it would be prudent to obtain Heritage Seeds. Not all hybrid seeds can be used and saved for future use. Correct me if I'm wrong. Just a thought.

Squashes and brassicas are promiscuous cross pollinators. Cauliflower and broccoli will cross pollinate with turnips and mustard. Pumpkins will cross pollinate with cucumbers and zucchini. Either you bag the blossom and pollinate each flower by hand, or you take whatever nature hands you.

LJH · Nov 30, 2013

Larry Caldwell said:
Squashes and brassicas are promiscuous cross pollinators. Cauliflower and broccoli will cross pollinate with turnips and mustard. Pumpkins will cross pollinate with cucumbers and zucchini. Either you bag the blossom and pollinate each flower by hand, or you take whatever nature hands you.

Oh yes, that whole squash, pumpkin & gourd family is shameless! :laughing: Sometimes the result is interesting though. Heirloom/Heritage seeds are what you want. They produce true to the parent plant and you can continue to save seed from year to year. Some hybrids will too, but you can't always count on it. Again, results not always bad, just undependable.

randy41 · Dec 1, 2013

it makes more sense to grow food that doesn't require refrigeration. if you grow broccoli (for example)chances are that you would end up with too much to use at once. potatoes, onions, carrots, squashes, and some others keep very well with just a root cellar. i suppose you could trade excess veggies that don't keep well for something a neighbor might have. things like lettuce, spinach, and other greens can be grown all year round in most places with minimal plant protection. if you seperate the plantings by distance or time you can preserve the squash seeds each year.
when i've thought about this scenario i've thought in terms of using my existing farm as a refuge for close relatives as well as myself...my 3 kids all live in big cities. but i don't really see any of this actually happening.