Why do we need to engage in
Preparedness? The public is unprepared for an emergency lasting more
than 72 hours, a nationwide emergency or a multiple-region
event
We live in a fragile society whose infrastructure and people
are threatened by emergencies from which our recovery may
be severely limited
The government will not be able to help most people, i.e.
Katrina, Fran
Any Federal response is based upon resources from the
States and Local agencies
Preparedness less than 72 hrs (localized natural disasters)
will use the same concepts detailed here but with smaller
amounts & less redundancy-see www.fema.gov
Once Upon a
Time…..the Family was
the Center
• we have spent 3
decades promoting
individualism over the
family and community
•It is
family/community/
faith that will pull us
through adversity
It Has Been Written…………
Mat 6:19-20; 24-34-know God, avoid worry &
greed ( not to be interpreted as avoid preparing)
Gen 41:1-32 -Joseph- fed many after saving up
for a famine
Gen 6:21- Noah- you are to take every kind of
food…
1Tim 5:8- if anyone prepares for his family….
Proverbs 27:12- the prudent man forsees
danger….
Ecclesiastes 11:2- give a serving to seven and
also to eight……
Mat 25:1-13- ....and those who were ready went in
with Him to the wedding (spiritual prep)
The US population is basically a
safe, well-provided for, well-
adjusted people with strong
infrastructure……..or so we
think?!
…Greeks, Romans, British and Communist Russia also
thought so
Lets Reflect………..
What are the risks that we
potentially face? Natural disasters – hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, etc
Terrorism – explosives; dirty bomb; expansion of war-
martial law, fear
Pandemic Flu – bird flu, smallpox- large numbers of
deceased; lack of medical services; inability to travel
Internet/Gas pipelines/Power grid – our fragile
infrastructure is tied to these three entities and a disruption
in 1 would cause all three to collapse.
Economic Collapse – hyperinflation of the dollar; high gas
prices; food and commodity shortages-civil unrest; looting;
rationing
The Key to Our Society = power grid +internet +
gas supply
•The connection between
these 3 items cannot be
over-emphasized
•Neither can its
importance to our current
standard of living
•If one of these fails- they
all fail – and our society
basically goes back to a
pre-industrial society
The Big Risk we all face?.....
Economic Collapse Hyperinflation: costs more to buy same amt- the gov’t prints
money w/o end (QE 1-?) and prices on everything sky rocket;
spending ceases and economy grinds to a halt – Germany after
WWI
Deflation: the dollar collapses in value and commodities drop in
value as well – Great Depression
Poor Economic Growth:
Unemployment Numbers – they are artificially low and do not represent
the underemployed and those who have stopped looking
Banks are not lending – we have no growth in business or jobs
NAFTA tied us to others & Euro problems will affect us
QE is backed by derivatives & derivatives do not have sufficient
GDP to support them for long
Related Social Issues
The generations that survived the Great Depression/WWII grew up in modest means, had a work ethic & could sacrifice….. the generations since then have lived in relative opulence & had many entitlements
When our economy collapses life will not be easy or nice-when a people who have whatever they want, when they want it, don’t get it….. they won’t be easy-going nor nice …in other words- CIVIL UNREST & RIOTING
As OF 2006, 50% of the total income in the US was concentrated in the upper 10% of the population- almost 25% of the total income in the US was found in the upper 1%
this is the greatest disparity in US history!
A Word on Revolutions………
Extreme economic inequality
Economic shock-’08
Failed “Change”- failure of rising expectations: unemployment; health care;
cost of living increases- in opinion of > half the population
Weak Middle Class- relative deprivation: not destitute but at a lower
economic level than one expected to be & less hope of improvement
Feeling of Distrust / Incompetence in Gov’t- wars; immigration; Katrina;
threat of gov’t shut –downs; local gov’ts going bankrupt; sequestration; fiscal
cliff- in opinion of > half the population
Spark- trigger of conflict: 2nd economic shock; terrorist attack
Series of unplanned reactions to a series of cascading events
Led by middle class NOT lower classes (due to anomie among lower)
Seemingly out of nowhere (Soviet collapse in ‘89)-but in reality trigger
points simmer under the surface of society
Most revolutions occur after a long period of foreign conflict- producing
ready-trained veterans at home: Iraq & Afganistan
Most revolutions occur after a period of political
stagnation/polarization
Normalcy Bias
The pervasive, misinformed idea that bad things will never happen, or effect our region or ourselves
The Reality is: that crime is at an all time high; we are wide open to another terrorist event- our stores hold enough food & fuel for an avg suburban population for 24 hrs (w/o re-stock)- we as a people are completely dependent on technology for ADLs & lifestyle
We are focused on secularism & immediate gratification
The concept of Self- Sufficiency has been bred out of us & neglected
Even rural America (pop. < 2000) is dependent on technology for many things for daily life
Extreme Apocalyptic Thinking
i.e. “Doomsday Preppers”
This other extreme is also less than helpful
Meteors, a “New Ice Age”, the “Super-volcano” & other extinction-level events can all happen but are very unlikely & unlikely
successful in preparing for
One must be balanced in any prepping approach & not over-emphasize a particular aspect- i.e. guns, bombs, etc
Normalcy bias is still a bigger threat than this by many factors
The Masses are Wholly Unprepared
Levels of Preparedness- 0-5
0- Typical apt dweller; travels for employment; eats out mostly & lives out of a suitcase; the first dead or refugees
1- Typical urban/suburban home owner; limited food; no disaster mindset or kit; likely unprotected from social violence
2- A homeowner that has 48-72 hrs worth of supplies; knows local risks; has a plan for 72 hrs; assumes help from gov’t
3- A homeowner that has 3 -6 mos. worth of stored food/H2O; a redundant means of security; some back-up power; has some basic wilderness/medical competence; likely has a garden; knows help may not come for some time
4- Has 1 yr stored food/H2O; a means to reliably replenish food/H2O stores continuously; several levels of security; lives at a retreat or can get to one; has a grp of like-minded preppers; has reliable renewable energy in place; has a store of precious metals/barter goods
5- Lives isolated, completely off the grid; is completely self sufficient; unaware of many potential threats
Some Things to Ponder……
Most know where the nearest Costco is, but where is your nearest food distribution center or restaurant supply?
Where would you get medicine if the pharmacies are empty?
Many own a generator; what do you do when the gas runs out or the pumps have no power?
What do you do when you call 911 & there is no answer because police, fire & EMS stayed home for their families?
When is the best time to evacuate? How? To where?
Could you shoot someone in self-defense?
What does it mean if your State refuses to send its NG &n resources to help the Fed gov’t?
We have never faced a national emergency that has affected all (or most) of the 50 States
80% of the US is currently at Level 2 Preparedness or below
The Focus of Preparedness
What exactly does “prepared” mean?
What are the priorities?
Can I do this where I live?
What I am I not knowledgeable in?
Could I live in a pre-industrial society-result of a rapid decline?
Do I have to get used to a life similar to the 1930s-1940s-result of a slow decline?
**It really all depends on how much, and how close together, the ”dominoes fall” as to whether we have a slow societal decline- that can be responded to- or it is a rapid societal
decline -that cannot be managed by government**
Public Response to Disasters
Event
Cooperation- most work together initially & hope for relief
Conflict- when relief does not come or resources dwindle
Chaos- break down of law & order
Re-Alignment- survivors bond & re-group Evil-doers also re-group
6 mos. After the chaos, those surviving will have survival skills
Groups will form around a common culture/ideal
Fear people/groups without a moral compass (faith)
Foreign governments?!
Return to New Normal- a changed region/country ; new gov’t; sectionalism
Time frames on these periods vary according to culture & precipitating event
When things start to fall apart…..
When will you know it is the beginning of a rapid national decline? A run on the banks & stores
Power grid, gasoline & internet disruptions
Rioting/unrest begins (the first sign of such)
Your friends &neighbors in Public Safety don’t go to work
Martial law is declared- it is likely too late
You are in heaven with Jesus watching all of this
THINGS CAN UNRAVEL VERY QUICKLY SO BEING PREPARED AHEAD OF TIME IS ESSENTIAL
We are already currently showing signs of a slow decline
….It May Fall Apart Very Quickly!
The Roman Empire (really their gov’t & control) fell apart over a period of yrs-their society was agrarian & de-centralized so everyday life cont’d as normal overall
We are very centralized & have a much more technologically based infrastructure- so we would likely fall down to the pre-industrial level much faster
Core of Preparedness
It really does not matter whether your
concern is a natural disaster, slow
economic downturn or a rapid
economic/societal decline
These five areas comprise what you will
need to survive, thrive and/or develop
self-reliance
FAITH- “BIBLE”
When law breaks down there needs to be a foundation for society- people need guidance
People will need and be looking for something solid to cling to and derive support
When catastrophic events occur they are frequently interpreted in biblical terms- many times not accurately
Many do not have Jesus
We as Christians need to be here to spread God’s word
When Jesus returns, he will return to a populated Earth-if we have the means to survive provided for us, we should use it to help others- God provides to people thru other people in order to achieve his purposes as well as by His direct hand
Get-Started Point- find faith; find out what Jesus can do for you; bring the Word to others
Moral Responsibility
Those of us that have the means & abilities to help ourselves and survive are blessed
The physically & developmentally disabled, elderly and orphaned will have no safety net when the gov’t ceases to aid them
In times of trouble we especially have a calling to help those of lesser means and abilities
FOOD- “BEANS”
Water stored and a means to purify it- natural source is ideal
Nutritious canned food stored in temp sensitive environs
A garden for growing vegetables; planting fruit trees
A means for hunting & owning/access to livestock plus cooking w/o utilities
Gaining the ability to can, dry & preserve/store food
Your water/food supplies must be replenishable
The scope of your needs is based on the number of people you need to collectively support
Get Started Point- Secure a water source(s)- IT IS YOUR FIRST PRIORITY; start buying a supply of canned food
SECURITY- “BULLETS”
You need guns despite the contrary views on gun ownership- criminals WILL use them and the police will not be there to bail you out
A shotgun & a rifle is a good start plus 1000 rounds of ammo- you also need to learn how to use them
Learn the basics of home defense- locks; perimeter; warning devices
Own a medium-large dog w/ basic obedience
Decide early if you are staying or leaving your home when things turn bad
Get Started Point- buy a shot gun & take a gun safety course
MEDICAL CARE-“BANDAIDS” Take an EMT course for basic medical care
concepts (preferably a Wilderness EMT course)-any community college will offer this
Begin stockpiling medical supplies plus OTC & any Rx meds needed
A formally trained MD/RN/medic will be needed once you form a group
Get vaccinated PRN & get dental work up to date
Prevention of injury/illness will be a watchword after a collapse- organized health care will be very limited
Get Started Point- start a fitness routine & quit tobacco use
HOMESTEADING-“BUTTRESSING” Organize; Acquire; & begin Rotating food in a pantry (O.A.R.)
Implement an alternative energy source(s) (solar, generator, etc) for a freezer, batteries, radio, flashlights, etc- your power must be replenishable
Buy lithium-ion rechargeable batteries in all sizes
Work out the logistics of sanitation with no power grid for your home
Eventual replacements for mass produced cleaners, soap, insecticides, etc will need to be made
Decide where you will develop your post-collapse home/retreat before investing
Repair, Reuse & Re-issue of many things from clothes, tools to grease & foodscraps
Get Started Point- clean out your house & throw out all non-essential items or junk
And If It Does Not Fall Completely
Apart…..a Slow Decline
A very depressed economy w/ law & order will
produce a very different world from what we are
used to
Even if order & gov’t is maintained crime/conflict
will rise - some element of security will be needed
Life will become more self-reliant out of necessity-
Repair, Reuse & Re-issue will be watch words
Shortages & power outages will likely be
common- a garden, well-stocked pantry & a back
up power source would be prudent
Food & Medicine should be your priorities
You will need to become much less dependent on
cell phones & internet-based ADLs
One More Thing(s)……..
You don’t need to do this yourself; start thinking how to collaborate
Start & secure a stash of silver coins to use as currency in a post-collapse world Silver is more denominizable than Gold
Barter items to stock up on: flour/wheat grain; salt; sugar
ammunition (in common calibers)
ETOH; coffee; tea
fuels
Staying Put/Evacuation - Choosing a
Retreat Location
Your priorities & retreat attributes will remain the same regardless of staying or leaving
This decision will depend greatly on where you live now
4 Options: Leave for a retreat that your extended family or you
will live
Leave for a cooperative retreat w/ pre-established members
Stay where you are & collaborate
Stay where you are & stick w/ family
City/Urban
**You need to “Get Out of Dodge” (G.O.O.D.)**
Looting; riots; fires & lack of resources
Disease will be rampant in a short time
Evacuation needs to be done in advance at first sign of unrest - before gridlock
All utilities are tied to the grid sanitation, water, gas
The ability to defend & provide for yourself will be extremely limited
Suburban
Not optimum but feasible for a retreat in certain cases
If w/n 20 mi of a city; surrounded by cities; and/or in congested sub divisions---G.O.O.D.
If closer to rural areas- assess your defensibility, ability to grow & hunt, access to water
Most homes are not set up for living w/o modern utilities Lack insulation; screens; traditional fireplace
You will need assistance with transporting necessities to your home most suburban areas are not set up for homesteading
needs- parcels of arable land; wooded areas w/ game; running water
Rural/Farm
You are likely in the second best position of the four
Your visibility & isolation could make you a target
How close are you to an interstate? (refugees)
What is your wildland fire & flood danger?(no fire response post-collapse)
How much help do you need to defend & work the land? Do you have non-motorized farm implements?
Alabama; Mississippi; Georgia; No. & So. Carolina; Tennesee (these states do not depend on irrigation & have longer growing seasons than Midwest & mild winters)
Rural- Mountains
The best area for a retreat/home in post-
collapse world
Montana; Eastern Washington & Oregon;
Idaho; Wyoming; rural Colorado-Adirondack,
Green, Sierra Nevada, Smoky & Blue Ridge Mnt regions
Best access to water & natural resources
Limited populations & far from potential
urban area refugees
Most defensible
Retreat Attributes
As far as possible from population centers, interstates, & avenues refugees will take
Access to replenish able water sources
An adequate amt of arable land for your group size
An area that is defensible 360 degrees
Access to wood but also have optimum sunlight
A well ventilated & insulated bldg(s)
Wild-land fire & flood protection
Like-minded neighbors
Assess proximity to industrial centers- pollution, hazmat, fires
Get-Started point: research your locale & look at your home; determine whether you are best suited to stay or look elsewhere
Evacuation-G.O.O.D.
You need pre-determined route(s) to your retreat location
Caching or pre-staging supplies at the retreat location is advised as more than 72 hrs may be needed for the trip-limits what you haul as well
Family valuables could also be added- this could be a permanent move
Vehicles- a 4x4 crew cab truck; solid SUV(set up for off-road) is the preferred G.O.O.D. vehicle
Fuel must be stored to allow for the trip (pumps dn work if grid down)- diesel would be best
You must be ready to go quickly before the highways are impassible
Get Started Point- research & stock a G.O.O.D. bag for each family member
How to Form-Join a Group
Honesty; trustworthiness; faith in God; good work ethic; ability to teach; “Could I depend on this person with my life?”
Friends & family are a natural starting point
At least 3-4 people at a good fitness level & are proficient & seasoned with firearms
You will need a medical specialist; mechanic/tradesman; gardener; leader/organizer
If joining- What are your marketable skills/knowledge & resources?
General preparedness competence for all members-start education early as groups grows & matures
Save Money NOW……
Keep $ out of reach of U.S.- Swiss; India or invest in tangibles
Buy Gold & Silver- consider undeveloped farm land
Diversify-Long haul- Commodities (not traded in U.S. dollar)- Index
stocks- Lrg, well-diversified companies (GE, GF, Boeing, defense
industries)
Max contributions or start a 401K- Roth
No 2nd Mortgage & pay down existing- change to fixed rate
Used reliable transportation
Get out of the “high-rent district”
Buy bulk- spend less on needs
Use lower cost education options
Avoid capital gains taxes on inherited assets- in your name or on
deed for 2 yrs
End frivolous spending
Resources
www.fema.gov
www.survivalblog.com
www.radiofreeredoubt.com
www.ncpreppers.com
www.PrepperPress.com
The Encyclopedia of Country Living- Carla Emery
Just in Case: How to be Self-Sufficient When the Unexpected Happens- Kathy Harrison
How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It-James W. Rawles
Holding Your Ground- Preparing for Defense if it All Falls Apart- Joe Nobody
Wilderness First Responder Textbook- Buck Tilton
http://carolinareadiness.com/ (Western Carolina Readiness Store)
http://homestead.org
*The information contained in this PPT is a combination of my research & knowledge plus information found in the references cited as resources on this page
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