Survival and Prepping In the News

Well, this almost isn’t fun anymore!  Prepping is “main stream” and everyone is looking around and thinking “Holy Shit, things really COULDcollapse and I might be on my own for a while!”  The good news is that you are waaaaay ahead of the curve and you’ve been stockpiled for a while… RIGHT?  Of course you have!

In today’s survival and prepping climate you can feel free to be a little more liberal with who you tell about your survival or preparedness tendencies.  Who knows, you may even make a survival buddy or two.  Of course they may be “fair weather” survivalists and when things begin to stabilize they will cease and desist their survivalist ways, but that shouldn’t stop you from trying.  If you are a single survivalist feel free to post a risque online dating profile.  “Camouflaged, well armed, paranoid suburbanite seeks canning enthusiast who enjoys .223 rounds, rotating food stores and can signal ‘I love you’ in Morse code via eye blinking“

You know prepping is main stream when Kiplinger gets into the fray!  Aren’t they a frickin’ finance magazine?  Anyway, here is a decent article on main stream prepping along with some financial survival advice.  God knows I could use that right now!  Doesn’t anyone have a good recipe for pigeon stew?  I am getting hungry and I seem to have no money anymore.

Here is one BIG positive to the whole “the US is crumbling into a pile of dog feces” debacle … Illegal immigration declines as U.S. economy falters.  It turns out that if the US isn’t so pleasant and ripe with opportunity illegals immigrants stay OUT… Maybe we are onto something here?

Not to stray too far from the discussion of finances and disaster but here is a really interesting article on the new “currency” in the prison system.  It has been said that the prison system is a glimpse into the future of a apocalyptic world.  They have their own rules, regulations, currency and hierarchy.  Usually dominated by gangs and run by the toughest and roughest hombre in the group the prison system is based on the survival of the fittest.  It seems that once cigarettes were banned, the inmates needed a new currency or store of wealth and decided the packets of mackerel.  WTF?  No one would eat them and they were available at the commissary so they were the perfect medium for exchange.  This just proves that even the simplest of economic systems needs a currency.  When the dust settles and new world begins to rebuild, there will have to be a new form of currency.  I truly believe it will be based on gold and silver.  It would be almost impossible to rewire the survivors’ brains to not believe in gold and silver as a place to store value.  Or it could be mackerels… What do I know?

WARNING: Of the Topic Personal Rant Ahead:   Ok, WHEN WHEN WHEN are we going to cut foreign aid?  SERIOUSLY, we should be getting it from other countries right now.  It is like your neighbors, you know the ones… they spend more than they have, they are so far in debt they don’t know what life without debt is like, they refuse to stop spending and they are GIVING MONEY AWAY TO PEOPLE WHO HATE THEM!  The US gave away $21.2 BILLION dollars in 2007!  Source.  That money should be here AT HOME HELPING AMERICANS!!! COME ON, THE TIME TO BE PROTECTOR OF THE WORLD IS OVER.  BRING IT HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keep up your prepping.  Everyday gets us a little closer to complete self sufficiency.  I truly believe that everything will be fine but I am not betting my families life on it!  ARE YOU?

Herd Mentality

Great Article on the “Herd” mentality as it relates to the stock market here.

Brain and behavior studies clearly show that when information is scarce and threats seem imminent, people often stop listening to their own logic and look to see what others are doing.

This is exactly what we have to fear when the grid goes down.  This is the sort of MASS PANIC that will be present when people have no TV, phone, internet or other way of communicating due to a massive event.  I love the line … “people often stop listening to their own logic and look to see what others are doing”.  This explains riots, looting and general chaos. 

Be leery of the herd!  They will take to the streets and roads when times get ugly.  They are going to raid supermarkets, sporting goods stores, pharmacies and anywhere else the herd decides to go.  DO NOT GET CAUGHT UP IN THIS.  Normal people who would never take part in this type of behavior will be out in the herd.  Maybe your neighbors or friends.  This is why I preach that you should stay locked down during the initial hours or days of an event.  You are prepared (presumably) so stay home, lock the doors load a few magazines and SIT TIGHT.  Don’t feel the need to go out and try to stock up on last minute items.  You are going to expose yourself and risk your family’s safety if you don’t return.

THE HERD IS OUT THERE! 

-SP

Intro to the Latest Survival Novel

Water and sewer systems aren’t working. The hospital is closed. The city is littered with debris and officials are asking for help against disease-carrying mosquitoes. One of the biggest challenges may be ensuring clean drinking water for the region.

“We’re telling people who are here if they can leave, leave!”

Dramatic? Yes! Fiction? No!  See the actual story, this is going down in the Heartland of America. 

Water is an essential element of life, we can’t live without it but too much water can kill untold numbers!  What a dicotomy!

-SP

My Biggest Survival Fear…And Probably Yours Too!

Like many of you, I am just a suburbanite schlub who loves his family, works hard and has the foresight to realize that prepping is important.  I am not a former military intelligence officer.  I didn’t run Black Ops in Denang during the Tet Offensive of (whatever year?).  Those with military experience may (I stress ‘may’) have an advantage of us normal everyday folk.  Those with criminal or gang experience do have an advantage.  If you are a serial killer, well, you get where I’m going.

See, I believe that if the disaster is big enough and its effects are long lasting, society will break down.  Like Katrina has shown us, people can go from calm law abiding citizens to man-imals willing to kill, rape and loot in a very short period of time.  Like many of you, I am well armed, well stockpiled with ammunition and reasonably proficient at civilian arms fire.  I am confident that I have the sufficient skill to hit what I am aiming at.  But will I “take the shot”?  I am scared shitless at the thought of having to do it!

My dad was in Vietnam.  When I was old enough he talked about his experiences a little.  He told my that killing another person is more difficult that putting a burning needle in your eye. Yes, a little more detailed than I needed but it got his point across.  Killing another human being is VERY difficult!  If you are serving or have served in IRAQ or Afghanistan then you may be at an advantage when it comes to making that decision.  If you killed another human being then you are far less hesitant to pull the trigger.  You have already made a “you or me decision” and taken a person’s life to save your own or that of a fellow serviceman.  If you are an infantryman you may have had to actually look at their face and see the consequences of your actions.  If you are an A-10 pilot and just unleash hell from the sky perhaps you don’t have the experience of getting your hands dirty. 

If you are a gang banger who has been raised in a violent world and seen death throughout your life then you are the future leaders of the groups that will raise from the ashes of society.  Too dramatic?  Ok, fair enough.  Remember, these kids (mostly teens and twenty year olds) are going to have violent tendencies to begin with.  Making the change to man-imal in a lawless society will be effortless.  If you are a serial killer, well, then you were out killing anyway and you might actually not like the competition!  Let alone now all your victims are armed!

That brings us to you an me.  I love my family.  I will shoulder the burden of taking another man’s life if I believe it is necessary to save theirs.  I do not want my wife or children to have to live with the regret and stress of killing another person.  But if it comes to that, do I have what it takes to shove the burning needle in my eye?  Do you?  I don’t have an answer.  The situation hasn’t occurred.  I can tell you that I will do everything I can to avoid it, be prepared if it needs to happen and do my best to make the right decision depending on the circumstances.

Many of you know that I am in the legal field.  I am currently awaiting my bar results in order to be a licensed attorney in the state of California.  I do not practice in the criminal law field which covers self defense and the defense of others so anything said is not to be construed as legal advice.  The common law allows a person to use deadly force if reasonably necessary to protect your life or the lives of others or to prevent grievous bodily harm.  Every state is different as the requirements of self defense are usually codified (defined by law).  It is useful to pull your state’s statute (law) on self defense and know the requirements.  Some states are more liberal than others.  Ask Joe Horn about that. The belief that your life is in danger is a subjective one.  In other words, it is YOUR belief or opinion at the moment the action took place.  It is not what a judge, jury or prosecutor believes after the dust settles and everyone has time to reflect on the actual circumstances, it is what you felt or believed at that very moment.  In a time of societal unrest and violence your subjective belief that your life was in danger will be easier to proof to a jury (if a later trial takes place).  When the looting starts and the bullets begin to fly, it is reasonable that a person would interpret an adversary’s even slightest move as a danger to their life. 

If it gets crazy out there, do your best to mentally prepare for doing some nasty, regrettable yet necessary shit!

Prepare, Care and Live!

-SP

Working Class Attire and Bugging Out

Seriously, has it been almost two weeks since I posted last?  Even after I promised to post daily?  Wow, I apologize to the loyal readers that visit my site daily.  I have some treats coming up like shirts and bumper stickers.  All very covert.  Pictures only so you will know who your fellow preppers are without broadcasting your beliefs all over town. 

My new job is taking all my time.  I hope you can forgive me and understand that.  I am a hard working guy and when someone pays me for something I do it the best I can.  A life lesson my dad taught me… “no matter what you do, do it the best you can and people will respect you for it”

I am working on the fourth floor of a law firm and wearing business attire everyday.  Suits, ties, dress slacks and unbeleivably uncomfortable shoes.  I am working about 45 minutes from my home which is quite opposite from the 2 minute commute I used to have.  My wife and I had a perfect system for collecting the family (who got which kid so there was no overlap) and getting back home in case of disaster.  Now, it is all FUBAR.  I am 30 miles away if the balloon goes up and she will be left at home to fend for her self for about 15 hours.  I figure I can travel on foot at about 2 miles per hour considering terrain, hydration and my physical ability (which is pathetic, I admit it!).  I have been studying my new job’s area of operation and have tried to plan for emergency egress.  I have a handheld GPS in my get home bag so I can travel the back roads and even traverse the woods if necessary.  But how can I do that in dress gear?  I can’t!

All working class stiffs like myself need to have travel gear in the car or office. That means reliable shoes, jeans, athletic socks and perhaps a long sleeve t-shirt.  You should have a boonie hat and rain gear in your get-home-bag already, if not… get it!  You do NOT want to be trying to walk any substantial distance in dress shoes and socks.  OUCH!  My cousin (true story) was in Manhattan when the trade towers went down on 9/11.  He had to walk out of Manhattan which was 5 or 10 miles before he got to working mass transit to get home.  When he got home he had to throw his shoes away because the were destroyed from the walk!  You will not make it if you are stuck in your office attire.

Thank you to all my loyal readers.  Forgive me for the lull.   The blog will be back to full steam soon…. I promise.  Until then look for my interview in Details in November.  A lot of other preppers and bloggers were interviewed.  Hopefully the story is positive. 

The shit hasn’t hit the fan in a while so look out!  It happens when you least expect it.

-SP

Prepping For Different Climates

You never know when the shit is going to hit the fan (I don’t usually swear, but I am feeling saucy today).  According to Murphy’s Law, disaster will strike at the worst possible moment.  Included in that is extreme temperatures or weather conditions.  I live in a climate that is basically mild.  No snow during the winter and the heat is dry during the summer.  However, We are currently in the middle of a little heatwave with the temperature around 105 which sucks.

When making your prep plans, please account for possible extreme conditions due to our loving Mother Nature.  I cannot speak for those of you that live in snow country.  You have a much better idea of what you are up against.

When planning for water consumption most of us use the two gallons per person per day.  That is based on a temperate climate.  Crank the heat dial up to 100+ degrees and your water consumption is going to increase to 3 or more gallons per day based on your exertion level.  No matter what you are doing, your going to need more water the hotter it gets.

When I planned out my bug-out-bags and get-home-bags I included gear and provisions for both climate extremes.  I included large brimmed hats and sunscreen for a hot day’s walk home as well as the same gear for my kids in case they are with me.  That includes the kid friendly sunscreen.  I have ponchos (adult and kid) for a walk home in the rain and the hats will work to keep the rain out as well. 

Even if you live in a paradise like California, you should be prepared for extreme colds.  Obviously you don’t need to prep to the extent that those who live in snow country do.  Many of us have the thermostat set to 50 or so in the winter and don’t even realize the heater kicks on in the middle of the night to help keep the extreme cold out.  But once the power is down, you may soon realize just how cold it can get, especially at night.  Keep those old blankets and comforters instead of tossing them.  Throw them in a garbage bag and into the attic.  They may not look good (or smell good) when you need them, but warmth over comfort wins every time!  You may wish to invest in a Mr. Heater portable heater that runs off Coleman propane, especially if you have really little ones.  They need the warmth more than we do. 

Remember, things go bad when you least expect it and when external events will make that event even worse.  Plan for rainy, sunny, snowy, hot, humid, frozen conditions. 

-SP

For the Survival Gamers Out There

There really isn’t much for us survivalist/prepper/gamer types.  That is, until now!  Check out Fallout 3 from Bethesda, the guys that did the hugely successful role playing game Oblivion.  (If you are not a gamer then you can stop reading now and go back to reloading ammo, surfing the net anonymously or whatever we normally do)

Description:

Vault-Tec engineers have worked around the clock on an interactive reproduction of Wasteland life for you to enjoy from the comfort of your own vault. Included is an expansive world, unique combat, shockingly realistic visuals, tons of player choice, and an incredible cast of dynamic characters. Every minute is a fight for survival against the terrors of the outside world – radiation, Super Mutants, and hostile mutated creatures. From Vault-Tec, America’s First Choice in Post Nuclear Simulation.

Story:

Vault 101 – Jewel of the Wastes. For 200 years, Vault 101 has faithfully served the surviving residents of Washington DC and its environs, now known as the Capital Wasteland. Though the global atomic war of 2077 left the US all but destroyed, the residents of Vault 101 enjoy a life free from the constant stress of the outside world. Giant Insects, Raiders, Slavers, and yes, even Super Mutants are all no match for superior Vault-Tec engineering. Yet one fateful morning, you awake to find that your father has defied the Overseer and left the comfort and security afforded by Vault 101 for reasons unknown. Leaving the only home you’ve ever known, you emerge from the Vault into the harsh Wasteland sun to search for your father, and the truth.

Key Features:

• Limitless Freedom! – Take in the sights and sounds of the vast Capital Wasteland! See the great monuments of the United States lying in post-apocalyptic ruin! You make the choices that define you and change the world. Just keep an eye on your Rad Meter!
• Experience S.P.E.C.I.A.L.!– Vault-Tec engineers bring you the latest in human ability simulation – the SPECIAL Character System! Utilizing new breakthroughs in points-based ability representation, SPECIAL affords unlimited customization of your character. Also included are dozens of unique skills and perks to choose from, each with a dazzling variety of effects!
• Fantastic New Views! – The wizards at Vault-Tec have done it again! No longer constrained to just one view, experience the world from 1st or 3rd person perspective. Customize your view with the touch of a button!
• The Power of Choice! – Feeling like a dastardly villain today, or a Good Samaritan? Pick a side or walk the line, as every situation can be dealt with in many different ways. Talk out your problems in a civilized fashion, or just flash your Plasma Rifle.
• Blast ‘Em Away With V.A.T.S.!– Even the odds in combat with the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System for your Pip-Boy Model 3000! V.A.T.S. allows you to pause time in combat, target specific body parts on your target, queue up attacks, and let Vault-Tec take out your aggression for you. Rain death and destruction in an all-new cinematic presentation.
• Mind-Blowing Artificial Intelligence!– At Vault-Tec, we realize that the key to reviving civilization after a global nuclear war is people. Our best minds pooled their efforts to produce an advanced version of Radiant AI, America’s First Choice in Human Interaction Simulation. Facial expressions, gestures, unique dialog, and lifelike behavior are brought together with stunning results by the latest in Vault-Tec technology.   

Eye-Popping Prettiness!*– Witness the harsh realities of nuclear fallout rendered like never before in modern super-deluxe HD graphics. From the barren Wasteland, to the danger-filled offices and metro tunnels of DC, to the hideous rotten flesh of a mutant’s face.

I personally can’t wait to live out my post apocolyptic fantasies on my high def tv!!  Check out the official site here.  It will be available on the XBOX 360, PS3 and PC.

-SP

Start Spreading the News….

I’m leaving today… no, I am not leaving!  Those are the words to New York, New York and it is New York that is in deep do-do…  Check it here

Oh man, talk about your worst fear… trapped in a building shaking and swaying like a drunken teenager!  Scary stuff New Yorkers!  All the preps in the world may not save you if the BIG one hits.

Ok, I am a little negative today, it happens from time to time!

-SP

From Safe to Armed in 60 Seconds

Many of us have pretty massive arsenals.  Shotguns, rifles and pistols.  I get excited just thinking about it!  The question you have to ask yourself is how fast can I go from safe to armed?  In my opinion if the SHTF and things go bad and the violence is at your door you need to be ready to repel borders in 60 seconds. 

If you have kids and guns you should have a gun safe.  If you have a gun safe then going from safe to armed in 60 seconds is relatively easy.  I keep my tactical Remington 870 ready to rock.  I keep 7 “00″ low recoil buck shells and 3 hollow tip slugs in the shell carriers.  That way I can grab the gun and be off in seconds.  I also keep my new Heckler and Koch USP .45 in a state of ready.  She is in a Blackhawk Tactical holster with a paddle holster attachment.  That way, no matter what clothes I am wearing I can clip the paddle holster on and roll!  For the .45 I keep two magazines of Hornady TAP Self-defense loads (235 grain) for some serious power. 

Between 20 rounds of .45 and 10 shotgun shells I feel that I am covered for unknown emergency situations.  Your rifle doesn’t need to be ready to go because rifles are typically for offensive reasons.  However, it couldn’t hurt if you do get your rifle prepped and ready. 

You definitely don’t want to be loading magazines or doing through ammo cans for ammunition when the manimals come knocking. 

Be ready to rock!

-SP

Building A Personal Gold Reserve

Have you ever noticed that the world’s nations have gold reserves?   Why, because they aren’t stupid and they know that their currency is only as good as the faith that people put it in.  The faith that the dollar you just took for digging a ditch will be accepted at the grocery store for food and beer.  Without that faith, fiat currency (paper currency) is worthless! (well you can still wipe your a$$ with it but toilet paper is much preferred).  Check out the updated stats here. EVERY Country has SOME reserves!

Knowing that a nation’s currency will become worthless in the most trying times, governments know that they MUST hold their most important asset, the country’s reserves, in an asset that will NEVER be worthless.  In fact, gold has been the defacto currency since … hmmm, let me think, oh yeah THE BEGINNING OF TIME! (look, I am no historian so I am sure some guy is going to email about some Sumerian Tribe circa 650 A.D. and all about how they used cat paws or otter tusks as a currency.  It is an exaggeration, I know it, you know it… lets move on)

In the event of a serious scenario in your country you are going to need to think about relocating.  Hard as it may be to think about now, but if the US gets nuked that Canadian border is going to start looking pretty sweet!  How are you going to start a new life?  Your gold reserves.  Your brokerage account is going to be worthless as it is just numbers in a computer unless you actually hold your stock certificates in your home vault.  Yeah, neither do I!!  Gold is your uber-rainy day stash and if the SHTF, then it is pouring rain and it is time to tap the gold keg.  You better hope you had the forethought to have one.  You can take gold to any, and I mean ANY country in the world and trade it for local and worthy currency that you get you food, clothes and rent on an apartment while you look for work to sustain your family.  Without some sort of reserve to take with you in the only international “currency” you are going to be living on the streets for a while until the money starts rolling in.  Gold is relatively portable and easy to transport. 

Take advantage now, start buying the American Eagle 0.10 of an ounce and socking them away.  This is one place Mr. Rawles and I agree.  They are at a good price at about $90 shipped right now at a number of places.  I order from BullionDirect.com. $90 here and $90 there will get a good little collection going.  You can usually trade a coin dealer 9, 0.10 ounce coins for a full ounce bar or coin because the 0.10’s have a premium.  How you want to hold your gold is up to you.  If you are a suburban prepper with some decent wealth then put some money in tangible gold and silver.  It will preserve some of the wealth you have worked so hard to accumulate, inherit or steal!  Besides, over the last few years it has turned out to be a decent investment (although not a sure thing)

Of course, I want to call your attention to the fact that if the situation is serious enough then FOOD is the new currency.  You can’t eat, smoke or drink gold so in a way it is still fiat currency.  It requires the faith if you accept it for your work done, you can use it to buy stuff!  Always, Always have your food squared away plus a 25% reserve before starting your gold reserves. 

And NO, I do not believe that we are at risk of the government confiscating our gold.  Is it possible? Sure.  The same way it is possible that a comet will hit the earth or aliens will make contact.  But the odds are too low to prep for it and like most relatively intelligent people, I play the numbers.  If you are truly paranoid about it, then take off your foil hat and go buy the coins in person for cash at a local coin store.

Having some gold or silver reserves will help you if you need to secure anything after a serious collapse because no one is going to be taking dollars… lol, they are getting to be worthless WITHOUT a serious event!  Everyone knows gold, everyone wants gold and there is a good chance everyone is going to trade for gold!  As preppers we are essentially little pack rats accumulating what we think we will need when “things” are no longer available as they have been in American society for over a hundred years.  Gold will allow you to preserve your wealth like your food will preserve your life. 

-SP