In the event of a natural disaster (Hurricane Katrina) or man-made disaster (an epic financial collapse), there’s bound to be high anxiety coupled with mass chaos. If you’re not a prepper, that’s understandable, I get it, you don’t want your family and friends to think you’ve lost your marbles and entered a state of perpetual paranoia. But, if you’re like me a wanna keep it on the lowdown, and acquire a few things that may be useful in these particular scenarios, take note. Now, I am not a prepper, per se, but I do think we live in difficult times, with many challenges ahead, so I am accumulating a few things. I’ll give you a hint at what I am keeping in close proximity, just in case the s$@t hits the fan:
How-to and reference books:
Say you wanna build a fire, without matches, could you do it? A good reference book on how to build a fire would come in handy.
Since grocery stores typically have 3 days worth of inventory on hand at all times, you might want to learn about growing your own food sources, canning, and raising livestock. This may be difficult if you live in a big city, but there are options for food prepping in an urban setting.
Wanna forget all your woes, and drown your sorrows in alcohol, having the knowledge of making moonshine, may come in handy.
The internet, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, these may be obsolete during a disaster, so you might want to consider the antiquated operation of a transistor radio, and learn to build and maintain one. Lastly, your world will be completely rocked without the ability to have some power, whether it’s to keep you warm or provide some sort of lighting. Learning how to build small heat and power systems for remote areas will definitely come in handy!
Guns and common caliber ammunition:
Whether or not you’re a gun rights advocate like me, or a gun control advocate, guns and particularly ammunition will be in great demand. Homeland security is buying up ammunition in mass, not sure why they need 1.6 billion rounds of ammo, but nevertheless it is driving up the cost for the small buyer. Common caliber ammunition can also be used to fend off that hungry trespasser, hopped up on moonshine, looking to steal your livestock. Another great use for guns and common caliber ammo is that it becomes sort of a currency, a bartering tool if you will. If you need water filters or a first aid kit, you may be willing to trade a box of 12 gauge shells for them.
Silver Coins (preferably pre 1965):
These American Eagle coins have a higher silver content to them. Yes, the government has been watering down the amount of silver in a quarter since 1965, probably even before that. These are great for collection, and will likely go up in value in the years to come. Silver is used in many different products from medicine to solar energy. Also, Silver’s uses far outweigh those of gold, not to mention with gold trading at $1318.70 an once, it’s hard to make change for small purchases.
A Community
Seeking like-minded folks who also believe it’s prudent to prepare for any number of disasters, can not only be therapeutic, but beneficial should disaster strike. One family may be fabulous at raising livestock, another may be great at carpentry and small building projects, yet another may have the experience to provide adequate security. These are all necessities in a disaster setting, so by putting all the human capital together, everyone can benefit.
Productive Farmland:
This is a tough one in the middle of New York City, I get that. I also understand that in many parts of the country the cost of a productive acre can be unaffordable. That said, today’s price will look cheap in ten years, and there are a lot of government programs which can help offset the cost of your land. Take for instance, the Environmental Quality Incentives Programs (EQIP) which provide grant money to land owners who are willing to take part in conservation programs which include; improving soil quality, erosion control, and maintaining and improving plant and animal habitats. With EQIP, you can still raise your livestock, grow your garden, facilitate your prepping, all while doing your part to protect the environment and hey, get paid while doing it!
Photo credit Barkers and Rubes
Here are a few others things you may want to keep in close proximity:
Tools
First Aid kits
Water and water filters
Gas and diesel
First aid kits and other medical supplies
Candles
Batteries
Zip Lock bags.
Do you think that the financial preppers list of ‘Must Have’s’ would work for you in case of emergencies?