Contingency Planning

[Trev]

I'm not a survivalist type, but it does seem to me that there's a significant possibility of problems in the future.. ranging from extended power outages, to droughts, lack of ability to get food, and so on.

We know the "terrorists" would love to down our power grid, or perhaps poison our food/water supplies. We also know the weather has been "kind of weird" the last few years. Not being prescient, I have no idea how things will play out. I'm not sure what kind of contingency plans are reasonable and prudent, versus over-the-top.

We have a generator now, and our neighbor has a well we can get water from. I have a reasonable amount of diesel stored, and a few big bags of beans and rice, petfood, and that sort of thing.

Just wondering, it it isn't too far off-topic, what kind of plans others feel are a good idea? I know it's hard to think of all the things that *might* happen.. and this line of thought could become an obsession. I don't want to go to that extent.. just looking for ideas if others care to share them.

Thanks,
Bob

 

[Egon]

Trev:

Could you post a map showing where you are located so I know where to go if things go bad!!!

I've always thought adaptability may be the best contingency plan.

Egon

 

[rancar]

Trev...

You may want to stock up on things that you can barter with if things really fall apart. Yes, food is one thing....especially canned and dry goods. You might want to think of various types of tools. Also, think about precious metals of some type....gold and silver coins may do. If you are in the country, stay there. If in an urban or suburban area, think of finding a place in the country. Urbanites will likely have a tougher time of it surviving than those in the country that have learned to live off the land. Most of all, nurture friendships with your neighbors. This may be one of the most precious and useful resources one will need in times that you speculate upon. Just a few quick thoughts...I have many more but I may find I'd likely be writing a book.

Bob

 

[Spencer]

I agree with Rancar that having things to barter with is a good plan. As he mentioned old silver coins that everyone can recognize as real will be more valuable than paper money. I know some militia type guys who think that ammo is good to have on hand. Not that you would need to shoot anybody but they think that other people will be eager to trade for it and of course you could always hunt for food.

 

[RanchMan]

Although Egon was definitely making a joke, on a more serious note, if things got really bad, count on those who were less prepared than you attempting to utilize your stores. "Desperate times" make desperate people, and even the nicest person you know may very well fall back on their instinct of self preservation (starvation will do that to folks).

I’m not suggesting what to do, or how to do it - I’m just saying that this aspect is something you should consider because, again, if things get really bad, don't count on your neighbors to remain civilized & law abiding citizens. The “what to get” is a great question - the next one though is “how to keep it.”

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Egon, head south, across the lake and past the Nuke plant.
Easy to find the house, but WARNING, his wife is Canadian.

 

[Wingnut]

... is that Candian as in pacifist or as in "one of them rednecked Western Canadians who refuse to let Cretin confiscate their guns"?

 

[Trev]

Egon, Franz and Wingnut,

I will make no comment about the female of the species, beyond saying that when her eyes turn dark it's time to run before the head does that scary 360 degree rotation number. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

As for pacifist, yeah.. she is still waffling about letting me buy a shotgun. I'm slowly wearing her down, though. Gawd, I hope she doesn't read this board! /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

 

[Trev]

Rancar and Spencer,

<font color=blue>You may want to stock up on things that you can barter with if things really fall apart. Yes, food is one thing....especially canned and dry goods.</font color=blue>

Darned good idea!! Thanks! Also, whatever medicines might be needed, first aid supplies, etc. Jeez, now I know why those survivalist types spend so much time thinking about this stuff.. there is always something more, isn't there?

 

[Trev]

Hi Ranchman,

<font color=blue>Although Egon was definitely making a joke, on a more serious note, if things got really bad, count on those who were less prepared than you attempting to utilize your stores. </font color=blue>

I know. That though has crossed my mind.. but I'm more planning for short-term stuff.. you could go nuts if you tried to plan for a complete meltdown. We've always said we'd share what we have with anyone who is in need. OTOH, if they break in, that may be a different story. Have to think out the moral implications of all this in a lot more depth!