who's a prepper?

[JackieLikesVariety]

wouldn't you like to be a prepper, too?

interesting subject, lookit this.

I should add that I am not a prepper, being barely able to deal with life when the shit isn't hitting the fan.

but the whole cultural implications interests the freak outta me.

[kayaker]

I bought a ton of toilet paper the other day. Not a prepper purchase though. The grocery store loyalty card system screwed up and offered me many TP coupons along with email offers.

I was worried the store was going to call me on it, but I purchased eight giant packages of TP for the price of one. With my luck I'll have a colostomy by sunset.

[JackieLikesVariety]

With my luck I'll have a colostomy by sunset.

OK, don't say that.
anyway, you could still use it to blow your nose. and there are other uses for TP which I forget just now.



anybody want to talk about DOOMSDAY? (because having a few supplies in case the power goes out just makes sense)

I am reading on some of the links and I apparently need to be buying silver and gold.

[3acres]

Nope, not a prepper. I have enough food, fuel, and water for temporary problems, like losing power for a few weeks after a storm or earthquake. But I have no reason to survive the fall of civilization or ecological collapse or World War 3 or anything else I might be prepping for.

[Harry]

Watch a few of the YouTube videos on the subject. There's basically two schools of thought: whatever you stockpile isn't going to be enough, and unless you're in a family compound, your friends and neighbors are just going to gang up on you and take it. That's one. The other is that those folks are batshit crazy. Nothing less than a total breakdown of our society can justify the money they're spending or the preparations they are making, and if that happens, see point one.

[JackieLikesVariety]

Originally Posted by 3acres

Nope, not a prepper. I have enough food, fuel, and water for temporary problems, like losing power for a few weeks after a storm or earthquake. But I have no reason to survive the fall of civilization or ecological collapse or World War 3 or anything else I might be prepping for.

totally makes sense, to do this.

and what Harry says is true, if civilization really falls apart do I think I can prepare for that? do I want to?

big overlap with very sensible ideas - frugality! self reliance! and then there are folks that spend all their money and time on it. seems wasteful to me.

so much fear-mongering - didn't societies always think The End Is Near?

[Iris]

I am not a Prepper in the sense that I think the world's going to end or civilization is going to collapse or any of that stuff, but I'm a fan of post-apocalyptic type fiction. So I've got a couple of survivalist books and e-books on hand. I really liked Surviving the Apocalypse in the Suburbs, for instance. Related interests for me are the various homesteading and urban homesteading sites. Wanna know how to stock up? I recommend the self-published Kindle single called Poverty Prepping.

[Stupid Sexy Flanders]

I am not a conspiracy theorist, but it seems reasonable to me that there might be an emergency that disables the power grid and other services for an extended period.

We have about 2-3 months of food on hand, a small PV system, and a couple of bug-out bags. Always keep the cars fully gassed.

Not there yet, but I see the point in having a generator, some water storage, and an alternative heating method like a wood-burning stove.

[mswas]

My apocalypse survival guide is a book on edible plants of the northeast.

I wish I lived on some land where I could grow my own food.

[Panacea]

Not a prepper, but we are building an earth-sheltered concrete dome house. It will have a wood-burning fireplace/heater in it.

We have a spring and many fruit trees on our property; we will have a garden and the woods are full of deer and rabbit. We will be positioned fairly well in case of emergencies, I think.

[mswas]

Originally Posted by NinetyWt

Not a prepper, but we are building an earth-sheltered concrete dome house. It will have a wood-burning fireplace/heater in it.

We have a spring and many fruit trees on our property; we will have a garden and the woods are full of deer and rabbit. We will be positioned fairly well in case of emergencies, I think.

I could live without electricity without much problem. I've done it for several weeks at a time and rather enjoyed it.

[Panacea]

I would be dead in the water as far as billable work is concerned, but yeah. Especially in warmer months when we could use a camp shower, letting the sun heat our water each day.

[mswas]

Originally Posted by NinetyWt

I would be dead in the water as far as billable work is concerned, but yeah. Especially in warmer months when we could use a camp shower, letting the sun heat our water each day.

Well, certainly for billable work. If I were going to live like that I'd probably try to develop some kind of crafty project and sell it on the internet. So like spend a couple of weeks making some stuff to sell then go to a place that has internet and populate a website. Emerge from the woods a week later to fulfill orders, that sort of thing.

But actually what I'd really be into is making nervous systems for greenhouses. Basically just a bunch of sensory/motor channels that measure the Ph, water levels and other stuff among my plants and my fish in an aquaponic setup. Something where I could walk through the garden and then look at some analytics and adjust as necessary.

In that case, I'd need to have solar panels. I'm liking the idea of a house with Photovoltaic Spanish Tiles. When the Graphene advances in photovoltaics come around to the market, it's going to be awesome. Also, the flowing water would generate a little bit of power.

So if I were gonna go full prepper I doubt I would do it without tech. I could also sell kits and installations for people who wanted one. I need to save money to get a down payment for a house, but we've got a community upstate that we're looking at because we have friends up there and it's a cool little town. So maybe 5 years from now this is a viable option.

[kayaker]

We've got horses. And a grill. Won't go hungry, anyway.

[Wolf Larsen]

I'm definitely a prepper. We need to stockpile a bit more food and need to get a water purification system ready to roll, but we're mostly ready for shelter in place options as well as bug out now options.

I'm probably a modified prepper because I'm not worried about end of civilization scenarios, but I am worried about localized breakdowns like Sandy, Katrina/Rita or the San Francisco earthquake. Basic goal is to be able to live for 10 days with no help and deal with at least a dozen zombies.

[Panacea]

That's right, the hubs was supposed to be making steel plates for our windows in case of zombie attack, wasn't he?

I'll tell him to get right on that.

[kayaker]

Originally Posted by Wolf Larsen

Basic goal is to be able to live for 10 days with no help and deal with at least a dozen zombies.

Heh. We could totally do that. Freezer, stocked pantry, windowsill herb garden, various weaponry and ammo. And TP.

[3acres]

Originally Posted by NinetyWt

That's right, the hubs was supposed to be making steel plates for our windows in case of zombie attack, wasn't he?

I'll tell him to get right on that.

But...isn't doing the plates the woman's job?


runs away really, really fast...surprisingly fast for a short fat man

[Panacea]

HAHAHA!

[Panacea]

Originally Posted by kayaker

And TP.

Toilet paper stops zombies? :zombie: Who knew !!!

[mswas]

There is no way to prepare for Zombies as the zombie most likely to get you in the initial phases are loved ones. After about a week or two you are unlikely to get taken out by a zombie because you will have nutted up by then.

[Jaglavak]

I've got food and water for a couple months, several kinds of water purifier, and a bugout bag. My camping gear does double duty for cooking and cold weather. A small propane BBQ, a Coleman stove, and a 5 gallon tank works for me.

This is quake country. Like, magnitude 9. In the event that I survive the initial hit I expect water, power, and sewer to be out for at least a few months. I'd hunker down in place for awhile. I have enough extra to buy off the neighbors, for awhile. But if the whole region is nuked I would pull up stakes and move.

[KidVermicious]

Originally Posted by 3acres

Nope, not a prepper. I have enough food, fuel, and water for temporary problems, like losing power for a few weeks after a storm or earthquake. But I have no reason to survive the fall of civilization or ecological collapse or World War 3 or anything else I might be prepping for.

This. I have a bugout bag and consider myself prepared for most common emergencies. I don't consider zombie attacks or nuclear holocausts to be common.

[kayaker]

What constitutes a bug out bag exactly?

I used to keep my passport in a bank safe deposit box. My gf jokingly pointed out that I might require my passport immediately one day. I eventually retrieved my passport and began keeping it at home. "Just in case".

[Wolf Larsen]

Bug out bag: food, water, simple medical supplies, warm clothing, a knife, a compass, a small radio, something you can sleep in. Some parachute cord, a space blanket, a gun and some ammo. Some halzone tablets or other water purification system. Some TP. Some money.

The idea is that you can grab it and a jacket and be ok for a couple of days with nothing else.

[KidVermicious]

Originally Posted by kayaker

What constitutes a bug out bag exactly?

Basic survival stuff. If you have to hit the door NOW, you grab the bug out bag and go.

The only remotely plausible thing that I can think of that would get me moving that fast on short notice is Yellowstone. But my bug out bag lives in the truck anyway because I'm often out and about in areas where a vehicle breakdown could mean an unintended overnighter, and it's got most everything I'd need to comfortably sit tight for a day or so and wait for rescue.

[Panacea]

A bug out bag is recommended for those in hurricane or flood zones, for example. It should be checked and updated yearly.

[kayaker]

OK, we keep that kinda bag for pontoon adventures.

[silenus]

We live close enough to the San Andreas fault to see it from the kitchen window. Hell, yes we're preppers! When that sucker cuts loose we could be weeks without power or outside supplies. We keep a well-stocked pantry, emergency supplies, water stores, and have various bug-out kits available. Like others, the camping gear doubles as survival gear. Both vehicles have bags. The car can get us through 72 hours. The truck can get us through the Zombie Apocalypse.

[Uthrecht]

Originally Posted by NinetyWt

That's right, the hubs was supposed to be making steel plates for our windows in case of zombie attack, wasn't he?

I'll tell him to get right on that.

Well, for whatever humanoid-based apocalypose scenario you get, I'd say steel plates over the windows is not your best first line. Bars alone would be enough to keep them out, particularly ones that curve outward to keep things away from the glass a little. Sure, they could potentially break the glass, but that's only bad in the cold, at which point you could have plates to seal it back up. But cover them over as your go-to and lose the light?

[KidVermicious]

Don't underestimate the value of glass as sound insulation. Zombies shuffling around outside your window can keep you awake all night, and Les Stroud says you have to get your rest.

[JackieLikesVariety]

who is Les Stroud?

[mswas]

Originally Posted by JackieLikesVariety

who is Les Stroud?

http://lesstroud.ca/survivorman/home.php

Definitely watch his show, it's awesome.

[Jaglavak]

Yeah, well Les Schwab says you need front tires and your shocks are shot.

[Pere]

Originally Posted by 3acres

Nope, not a prepper. I have enough food, fuel, and water for temporary problems, like losing power for a few weeks after a storm or earthquake. But I have no reason to survive the fall of civilization or ecological collapse or World War 3 or anything else I might be prepping for.

If you're really ready to go three weeks with no electricity, no trips to grocery stores, and no outside assistance of any kind, then you're well ahead of most people.

[Wolf Larsen]

Found some prepper supplies that are both awesome and very cheap. Ikea has some candle lanterns that take tea candles. The lanterns have glass sides and are pretty windproof and also work well when carried. The lanterns are $3.99 and a brick of 100 tea candles is also $3.99. Each candle is good for at least 4 hours, so for eight bucks you get 400 hours of light. The lanterns are also quite pleasant looking and make a nice centerpiece. Wolf-Bob says check these out here.

Candles here.

[southernlady]

Another place to look for supplies that do not require electricity is Lehman's (they cater to the Amish).

Being prepared for most natural disasters is not only smart but in some areas, a part of life.

[Wolf Larsen]

They have an excellent looking machete for only $11. Every zombie prepper should have at least one.

[The Superhero]

Originally Posted by southernlady

Another place to look for supplies that do not require electricity is Lehman's (they cater to the Amish).

Being prepared for most natural disasters is not only smart but in some areas, a part of life.

I'm not a prepper at all (though I suppose I really should put together a reasonable earthquake kit one of these days)...but they've got some really, really great stuff on that site.

[southernlady]

Originally Posted by The Superhero

I'm not a prepper at all (though I suppose I really should put together a reasonable earthquake kit one of these days)...but they've got some really, really great stuff on that site.

It's even better to wander the store in person...great way to spend an entire day. (AND lots of money)

[stormie]

oooh, That's what it means.

I was a little shocked.

My ex-mom-inlaw was this before it was cool. Earthquake, um, happy-post-earthquake packs are supposed to include some of this stuff, but I never did. Never did any tornado preparation either.* Smart yes, but my plan is to be one of the vast unprepared, wandering the streets scrabbling for food. With my machete.

I guess if you have an underground weather shelter that would be a good place for it too.

*actually my plan is to never, ever live in a tornado-rich place. Yikes two miles wide?

[Jaglavak]

Originally Posted by The Superhero

...I suppose I really should put together a reasonable earthquake kit one of these days...

It doesn't have to cost a bundle. There are a lot of fancy kits and supplies out there, but canned food and something to heat it on works just fine too.

My camp kitchen is mostly stuff from yard sales, and fits in a medium size tote. A couple pots & pans, some plastic plates & bowls, flatware, spices, baggies, foil, dish soap, etc. Plus space for dry goods like cans, cereal, and crackers.

A camping water filter was my top top priority, though. That'll cost $75 - $100 but it's worth more. Second was a backpack stuffed with enough waterproof clothing to sleep in the snow. Now is a good time to find a ski suit at the thrift shop for about five bucks.

[Mustard Stain]

Originally Posted by NinetyWt

Not a prepper, but we are building an earth-sheltered concrete dome house. It will have a wood-burning fireplace/heater in it.

That sounds pretty cool. Is the house going to be off-grid?

[iampunha]

We're not preppers, but you wouldn't know it from looking at our stockpile.

We have enough food (bit short on canned meat and vegetables, but the prices on those things make it hard to stock up on without $$$ing) to last some months. We also don't have a great supply of bottled water (hard to get as cheap as I'd want).

I detailed some of what we do in my couponing thread many months ago. Since this is not about couponing, I will say only that you don't have to spend a pile to stock up on a pile.

[Wolf Larsen]

Mrs. Larsen was over by the Ikea and picked up two more of the lanterns and two more bricks of candles. So over 1200 hours of light for $24.

[Wolf Larsen]

Picked up a Steripen system at Costco today. Seems like a great way to deal with the water needs. Since I have a pile of batteries anyways, going the 10 days with no services won't mean we go thirsty. Plus it kills Giardia, and that is a huge plus around here.

[Paul in Qatar]

No. If the world ends, I suppose God would smite the Middle East first. I do have the World's Scariest First Aid Kit in the trunk of my car. Other than that, nothing.

[JackieLikesVariety]

why is it scary, does it have photos of spiders?

[Dragonlady]

Snakes in the trunk - nuf said....

[jali]

I'm a proud preppie. My high school was St. Francis Preparatory School.
Go Terriers!


I have paper towels, and toilet paper and cleaning fluids to last for months since these are security blankets for me. Food? Nah. I can live off the fat of my thighs for months.