A common and persistent theme over the past couple years in prepping and survival blogs has been food prices. I have seen various numbers relating to the percentage of increase in general food prices as well as specific individual commodities, but every one of them shows "up". And not just up, but up at a much higher rate than standard inflation should be driving it. What effect will greatly increased food prices have on us as individuals and our society in general?
If you do an internet search for rising food prices, it seems like all of the MSM (main stream media) outlets have had an article or two on the trend. When you read these articles you see that they are merely doing lip service in reporting the problem. All they talk about is how it is caused by higher fuel prices and how it will affect the lower income families by forcing them to apportion a couple more percent of their income to their food budget.
If that was the only result we wouldn't be doing too badly. But if you look deeper, you find more problems. THIS article associates higher food prices with the outbreak of riots. It was after reading that particular association that I really put thought into food prices. What would that do to me, and those around me? Could large scale riots really happen in these United States and in my hometown? I have come to my own conclusions after thinking it over and pondering what my immediate neighbors might do if times got worse.
So the question is WWYD if prices rose enough to impact you in a negative way? What will you do now to prepare for that seemingly inevitable occurrence?
I, personally, am slowly expanding my pantry and learning to garden.
-A pantry can be built slowly with long term storeable goods for very cheap if you buy the things on sale, or can be built quickly with a large influx of cash. Even a full pantry is a limited option.
-Gardening is your unlimited option, but it can't be learned overnight. There are so many local variables to be considered, it is something that must be learned over time with trial and error.
Some of the resources I use and highly recommend for information and ideas are Jack Spirko, Marjory Wildcraft, Alexander Wolf, and John Robb.
THIS is a decent spot to look at some historical prices of popular commodities.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Gardening Fail
Okay, I have to admit I'm pretty bummed out.
My wife and I are trying to learn how to garden. I've read a lot, purchased four raised bed kits, put them together, bought a cubic yard of 'planting mix', planted tomatoes, peppers, cukes, zukes, squash, basil, lettuce, spinach, bush beans and carrots. (Based on different 'square foot gardening' principals of what spacing you should do, what should be planted next to what etc.)
I set up a soaker hose system on a timer, got it working well, and then we went on vacation for a week. What could go wrong in one week? We got home from vacation, and I noticed that everything in the garden (well, almost everything) was dead. It had dropped to below freezing three mornings in a row where I live.) This is June, people! It's not supposed to freeze anymore!!! I had a beautiful 'German Giant' tomato that was almost three feet tall. Dead. Other tomatoes, dead. Peppers, dead. Basil, really dead. The only things that lived are the things I planted from seed. Spinach, lettuce, carrots and my bush beans.
I'm thankful that I wasn't counting on this experiment to keep me alive.
So--now I'm thinking of what I can do to prevent this from happening again. I'll buy some 'Wall-O-Waters' from the feed store. I'll convert an old dog kennel into a greenhouse. I've seen plans on instructables.com where you can have the greenhouse doors open and close automatically. I may have to build something like that for where I live. My buddy CopperKnight didn't lose any of his plantings--but he does live 'in town' where there is a little more heat contained overnight.
What would you do to make sure your garden doesn't get killed off by an unexpected event?
Like I said...I'm glad this is a learning experiment for me. Hopefully if/when the SHTF...I'll have some food to store for the winter.
My wife and I are trying to learn how to garden. I've read a lot, purchased four raised bed kits, put them together, bought a cubic yard of 'planting mix', planted tomatoes, peppers, cukes, zukes, squash, basil, lettuce, spinach, bush beans and carrots. (Based on different 'square foot gardening' principals of what spacing you should do, what should be planted next to what etc.)
I set up a soaker hose system on a timer, got it working well, and then we went on vacation for a week. What could go wrong in one week? We got home from vacation, and I noticed that everything in the garden (well, almost everything) was dead. It had dropped to below freezing three mornings in a row where I live.) This is June, people! It's not supposed to freeze anymore!!! I had a beautiful 'German Giant' tomato that was almost three feet tall. Dead. Other tomatoes, dead. Peppers, dead. Basil, really dead. The only things that lived are the things I planted from seed. Spinach, lettuce, carrots and my bush beans.
I'm thankful that I wasn't counting on this experiment to keep me alive.
So--now I'm thinking of what I can do to prevent this from happening again. I'll buy some 'Wall-O-Waters' from the feed store. I'll convert an old dog kennel into a greenhouse. I've seen plans on instructables.com where you can have the greenhouse doors open and close automatically. I may have to build something like that for where I live. My buddy CopperKnight didn't lose any of his plantings--but he does live 'in town' where there is a little more heat contained overnight.
What would you do to make sure your garden doesn't get killed off by an unexpected event?
Like I said...I'm glad this is a learning experiment for me. Hopefully if/when the SHTF...I'll have some food to store for the winter.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
If I Wanted to Save America
Not too long ago a video was posted on YouTube called If I Wanted America to Fail. This video holds a lot of truth about These United States, but presented the information in a negative manner, without answers on how to fix the problems that it brings to light. Sure, you can read the photo negative of the comments on why America has the problems that we do and see what the solution is, but it doesn't really present things that the individual can do to help.
Jack Spirko did a segment on it during one of his TSP podcasts where he called the survival podcast community to action to create a video response that highlighted some solutions and some specific actions that each of us can take to make things better. This is the best video response as chosen by the community: If I Wanted to Save America.
I'll tell you that Jack and his Survival Podcast have been an inspiration to me for the past couple years. If you are looking for something helpful to listen to, or even something more than talk radio, commercials, and an occasional song to fill your commute or to listen to while you mow the lawn, give it a shot.
So, as this is the Survival:WWYD blog, may I suggest that you watch the two videos, especially If I Wanted to Save America if you don't want to watch both, and let's hear what do you plan to do to make your place better. Start with yourself, your family, your community. I'll warn you, though, even a small step towards more freedom... more self sufficiency can be addictive and cause you to want even more. Give it a try, it may just be the best addiction you can have.
Jack Spirko did a segment on it during one of his TSP podcasts where he called the survival podcast community to action to create a video response that highlighted some solutions and some specific actions that each of us can take to make things better. This is the best video response as chosen by the community: If I Wanted to Save America.
I'll tell you that Jack and his Survival Podcast have been an inspiration to me for the past couple years. If you are looking for something helpful to listen to, or even something more than talk radio, commercials, and an occasional song to fill your commute or to listen to while you mow the lawn, give it a shot.
So, as this is the Survival:WWYD blog, may I suggest that you watch the two videos, especially If I Wanted to Save America if you don't want to watch both, and let's hear what do you plan to do to make your place better. Start with yourself, your family, your community. I'll warn you, though, even a small step towards more freedom... more self sufficiency can be addictive and cause you to want even more. Give it a try, it may just be the best addiction you can have.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Do it yourself Faraday Cage
CopperKnight and I were talking a while ago about making a whole room into a Faraday Cage. Something to protect the electrical gadgets we all dearly love in the event of an EMP strike. I saw a great tutorial a while ago that turned an ammo can into a Faraday Box. Very easy to do--just line the whole thing with thick closed-cell foam, and then wrap your electronics in bubble wrap and place them inside.
WWYD? If you were to build one this weekend, what would you place inside?
I'm thinking of a solar-powered/crank-powered AM/FM/Shortwave radio. I have a mini Grundig I bought a few years ago that would be the perfect size to put in there. An 8GB thumbdrive with copies of important information and stuff that could be useful once the power is (hopefully) restored.
Maybe an older digital camera that I don't use anymore. Take the batteries out and keep them separate from the camera. Document things that happen after the EMP strike.
A good LED flashlight with batteries. (removed, just like the camera)
A Brunton solar-powered charging kit for hiking/backpacking. That way I could power up the rechargeable AA and AAA batteries for my devices.
Heck...I'd put my iPad in there but I use it almost every hour of every day.
Let me know what you'd put inside that you'd like to keep safe.
WWYD? If you were to build one this weekend, what would you place inside?
I'm thinking of a solar-powered/crank-powered AM/FM/Shortwave radio. I have a mini Grundig I bought a few years ago that would be the perfect size to put in there. An 8GB thumbdrive with copies of important information and stuff that could be useful once the power is (hopefully) restored.
Maybe an older digital camera that I don't use anymore. Take the batteries out and keep them separate from the camera. Document things that happen after the EMP strike.
A good LED flashlight with batteries. (removed, just like the camera)
A Brunton solar-powered charging kit for hiking/backpacking. That way I could power up the rechargeable AA and AAA batteries for my devices.
Heck...I'd put my iPad in there but I use it almost every hour of every day.
Let me know what you'd put inside that you'd like to keep safe.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Book Review: The Jakarta Pandemic
This
is another book in the disaster/post-apocalyptic genre that has
valuable information on preparing for a disaster. The author provides
some good food for thought on things to store up at home in case
disaster strikes along with some other “advice”.
As
can be gleaned from the title, this book focuses on the effects of a
serious pandemic. The setting is a smaller community not too far from a
large metropolitan area. After a pandemic with a high mortality rate
strikes, vital services (trash collection, utilities, food delivery,
schools, emergency responses) are shut down. The hospitals are filled
up and very ill people are just sent home to die when there is no room
or medication for them. No one will go out and about risking
infection.
The main character
has sufficient preps to lead his family through the crisis. One of the
conflict points arises when his neighbors do not have any supplies
(food, medicine) stored up and realize he does. Does our main character
share and risk running out himself, or does he fend off his neighbors
and friends to save his family? Perhaps there is a semi happy point
between.
A couple other clashes arise when people begin to flee the population centers:
-The
“refugees” beg for assistance that no one can afford give when such
actions would lead to exposing one’s family to infection and to a rush
of charity seekers when word gets out.
-Many
area homes are vacant as neighbors have died or fled to other
locations. What is to be done when strangers of unknown intent start
occupying the deserted houses?
The
book has some good ideas for items to stock as well as equipment to
obtain. In addition, it is filled with moral dilemmas the protagonist faces that we all will also face if a similar situation presents itself. It seems best to think these possibilities through before we face them in a stressful time and may make rash decisions.
The story line is good, and much more localized than the Deep Winter
series. In the beginning it seems like the author is trying to sell
“Tamiflu”, but he does move away from it as the story develops. It’s
worth the time to read and apply the scenarios to your own situation.
In addition to food, do you have medication stored up? What about a way to heat your house if utilities are shut down in winter? If you have a fireplace or wood stove, do you have a way to circulate the warm air? Will you have to face city folk fleeing TO your area if they are deserting the urban zone? Do you know your neighbors well enough to guess if they will be a help or a hindrance in an emergency?
The book homepage: http://jakartapandemic.com/
The author's blog: http://stevenkonkoly.com/
Thursday, April 19, 2012
What to do with Neighbors?
Today's post is about neighbors. It poses the question of what to do with your neighbors in a SHTF scenario. Each of us will have different answers based upon our individual situation.
If there was a disaster of some sort that left the area isolated from help for any time, or even if the occurrence made it appear as if you would be isolated, what is going to happen to your neighbors? I'll assume you have a plan (or at least an idea) of what you would do if something bad happened, but does your plan incorporate the nearby residents? Even if you have no inclination to help them, you can't discount their effect on your plans.
There are several types of neighbors you have right now. There are, of course, many more, but these are good for our illustration. Here are some personalities:
1. Problem children (police are often there, frequent unfriendly behavior)
2. Needy (elderly living alone, disabled, single mom with kid(s))
3. "Normal" family (mom, dad, kids)
4. Unknown (secretive, quiet, new, just don't know them)
Problem children should never be underestimated. Are they drug users likely to explode if they go any extended period of time without their fix? Maybe they are just obnoxious blowhards that aren't really a threat. Do undesirable individuals come and go constantly; maybe there are a few extras at the location when the SHTF event occurs adding to your woes.
Needy neighbors are just that, in need of extra help. They may be very nice, but how long will they last if their routine is interrupted? Maybe it's a mom with kids that are just old enough to stay at home alone for a couple hours. Was mom there when SHTF? Are the kids home alone? Do you have an elderly or disabled neighbor that relies on electricity for medical needs (oxygen, battery charger for devices). Do you have any plans to help them out without request or if they knock on your door? Do you turn away your neighbor that might die without electricity when your generator is running and powering your house?
Do your "normal" neighbors have any plans or abilities to survive on their own? Do they have anything stored up, or will they become "problem children" when dad realizes this is for real and he can't feed his kids.
Take a moment to evaluate the neighbors you know nothing about. If at all possible, try to contact them now, just to say "hi" and have a conversation or invite them to a BBQ this summer. Removing as much of the unknown factors as possible before there is a problem will help you a lot when making your plans.
What other types of neighbors to you have and how will they react if they are isolated from their electricity, daily grocery store trips, or any other outside world contacts? You won't always be right in your assumptions, but if you have thought of this before hand, you will at least have some sort of plan to give them food, access to power via your generator, or something more drastic if the need arises.
So... WWYD with your neighbors in a SHTF scenario?
If there was a disaster of some sort that left the area isolated from help for any time, or even if the occurrence made it appear as if you would be isolated, what is going to happen to your neighbors? I'll assume you have a plan (or at least an idea) of what you would do if something bad happened, but does your plan incorporate the nearby residents? Even if you have no inclination to help them, you can't discount their effect on your plans.
There are several types of neighbors you have right now. There are, of course, many more, but these are good for our illustration. Here are some personalities:
1. Problem children (police are often there, frequent unfriendly behavior)
2. Needy (elderly living alone, disabled, single mom with kid(s))
3. "Normal" family (mom, dad, kids)
4. Unknown (secretive, quiet, new, just don't know them)
Problem children should never be underestimated. Are they drug users likely to explode if they go any extended period of time without their fix? Maybe they are just obnoxious blowhards that aren't really a threat. Do undesirable individuals come and go constantly; maybe there are a few extras at the location when the SHTF event occurs adding to your woes.
Needy neighbors are just that, in need of extra help. They may be very nice, but how long will they last if their routine is interrupted? Maybe it's a mom with kids that are just old enough to stay at home alone for a couple hours. Was mom there when SHTF? Are the kids home alone? Do you have an elderly or disabled neighbor that relies on electricity for medical needs (oxygen, battery charger for devices). Do you have any plans to help them out without request or if they knock on your door? Do you turn away your neighbor that might die without electricity when your generator is running and powering your house?
Do your "normal" neighbors have any plans or abilities to survive on their own? Do they have anything stored up, or will they become "problem children" when dad realizes this is for real and he can't feed his kids.
Take a moment to evaluate the neighbors you know nothing about. If at all possible, try to contact them now, just to say "hi" and have a conversation or invite them to a BBQ this summer. Removing as much of the unknown factors as possible before there is a problem will help you a lot when making your plans.
What other types of neighbors to you have and how will they react if they are isolated from their electricity, daily grocery store trips, or any other outside world contacts? You won't always be right in your assumptions, but if you have thought of this before hand, you will at least have some sort of plan to give them food, access to power via your generator, or something more drastic if the need arises.
So... WWYD with your neighbors in a SHTF scenario?
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Social Unrest
A mindset important to survival is not just reacting to what happens, but paying attention to what is going on around you and being prepared for things that are not only possible, but are probable and predictable. To be safe and secure you need to be aware of what is happening in your local area, your state, our nation and in the world around us.
Here's the story behind the scenario for today's WWYD:
Last year the state welfare office in Atlanta had a glitch that caused food stamps to be issued late. People weren't told they were getting no more assistance, they were told that there was a snafu and they would be a DAY LATE. Many people lined up outside the office demanding THEIR benefits. A couple of people told the news crew that they and their kids hadn't eaten all day because they didn't get their food stamp money. For more details on this incident here's the news clip:Food Stamps Late
Here are a couple of things to keep in mind regarding the mindset of these individuals:
-the government benefits are theirs and they didn't get their money like they deserve
-they apparently don't have one child's meal worth of extra food in their house, nor the means to buy a 50 cent Cup-O-Noodles at the grocery store.
Today's WWYD:
Your state is having financial troubles and sometime in the near future declares bankruptcy expecting the federal government to clean up behind them. OR The state employees go on strike and don't show up to work. In either case, the machine breaks down and state monies aren't disbursed. The welfare/food stamp crowd from this major city shows up at the office because their debit cards aren't credited their allotted amount and now their family can't eat. There is no one to complain to because the state office is closed. A riot breaks out. The office is destroyed, but the crowd is not satisfied because they still can't eat. They head to a nearby grocery store where looting commences. The crowd grows as people see an opportunity to run off with everything from a local megamart. The sentiment spreads throughout the city and now there are several riots in various places.
You live nearby, WWYD?
-Bug out, assuming a large mob can't be stopped as police are overwhelmed and stay away? (see Rodney King riots) Do you have a place to go and a plan on what to take and what to leave?
-Bug in, assuming your house will be bypassed or you can fend off a large, angry crowd? What's your plan for defense, not only from people, but also fire supression from Molotov slingers?
You work nearby, WWYD?
-At what point to you head out towards home to get away? Do you have various routes planned in case one is blocked? Do you have a way to stay at work and keep safe?
Bonus WWYD:
You have been paying attention to the news and know that they money won't be coming, so you have a couple days notice that something might happen. WWYD to prepare?
Here's the story behind the scenario for today's WWYD:
Last year the state welfare office in Atlanta had a glitch that caused food stamps to be issued late. People weren't told they were getting no more assistance, they were told that there was a snafu and they would be a DAY LATE. Many people lined up outside the office demanding THEIR benefits. A couple of people told the news crew that they and their kids hadn't eaten all day because they didn't get their food stamp money. For more details on this incident here's the news clip:Food Stamps Late
Here are a couple of things to keep in mind regarding the mindset of these individuals:
-the government benefits are theirs and they didn't get their money like they deserve
-they apparently don't have one child's meal worth of extra food in their house, nor the means to buy a 50 cent Cup-O-Noodles at the grocery store.
Today's WWYD:
Your state is having financial troubles and sometime in the near future declares bankruptcy expecting the federal government to clean up behind them. OR The state employees go on strike and don't show up to work. In either case, the machine breaks down and state monies aren't disbursed. The welfare/food stamp crowd from this major city shows up at the office because their debit cards aren't credited their allotted amount and now their family can't eat. There is no one to complain to because the state office is closed. A riot breaks out. The office is destroyed, but the crowd is not satisfied because they still can't eat. They head to a nearby grocery store where looting commences. The crowd grows as people see an opportunity to run off with everything from a local megamart. The sentiment spreads throughout the city and now there are several riots in various places.
You live nearby, WWYD?
-Bug out, assuming a large mob can't be stopped as police are overwhelmed and stay away? (see Rodney King riots) Do you have a place to go and a plan on what to take and what to leave?
-Bug in, assuming your house will be bypassed or you can fend off a large, angry crowd? What's your plan for defense, not only from people, but also fire supression from Molotov slingers?
You work nearby, WWYD?
-At what point to you head out towards home to get away? Do you have various routes planned in case one is blocked? Do you have a way to stay at work and keep safe?
Bonus WWYD:
You have been paying attention to the news and know that they money won't be coming, so you have a couple days notice that something might happen. WWYD to prepare?
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