PREP Apocalyse - so, what are YOU doing?

Mongo

Mongo

Veteran Member
I was perusing the thread, "The world is preparing for an apocalyptic future" (Hat tip to Blacknarwahl) and got to thinking....

If you believe that BIG BAD things are possible to probable in, say, the next five years - what are YOU DOing about it? Of all the potential scenarios: WWIII, real pandemic, devastating cyber attack, economic collapse - none of them are even close in catastrophic terms to the disaster around Katrina or Covid - all would be MUCH worse, widespread, and long lasting.

So if you think it is a possibility (I do) what are you doing besides typing and talking about it? IMHO, 6 months worth of My Patriot Supply and an AR15 are not gonna be enough - not even close.

What say you?
 
Meemur

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
I just turned 65. Realistically, there's not a lot I can do. I got out of debt, moved to a small town in the middle of the country, and I try to be a blessing to my neighbors, while living the best life that I can. The rest is up to God.
 
nomifyle

nomifyle

TB Fanatic
Lets see, we live in the woods, we have several years supply of food and we don't go out much. We have other necessary supplies on hand that I won't go into detail.

Will things go tits up, its likely, we are on our own. And God's got a plan and I'm good with what ever way he's got planned. I've got Jesus in my heart and so does my DH. What else do we need?
 
T

Terrwyn

Veteran Member
All my preps have been for naught. The one prep I could have used now DH would have no part of because it was an added expense he didn't want. Long term care insurance. So because I gave into him on that I am now in the process of selling stuff. Involved in selling my weapons in a package deal to friend. Giving away tons of preps. Just plain don't care anymore about survival. He's 84 and I'm 81. I survived as far as I'm concerned.
 
attilla

attilla

Contributing Member
I'm 64 and just finished unrolling a 600 lb. round bale for the cows by hand.
I was/ am a CCW/CQB instructor and train weekly even now with my "tribe".
On the local C.E.R.T. Team, Search and Rescue, and Neighborhood watch.
Got a 74 year old blacksmith on the crew that doesn't walk well but swings a mean hammer...and runs commo..
Everyone can do something even if it's making coffee and sandwiches..
 
Sacajawea

Sacajawea

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Yep! I'm firmly in the logistics, support & auxiliary category myself. Still learning all I can about medicinal herbs - and growing them. I've added 4 buildings to my property - another residence & workshops. There is more fencing on the agenda this year, exterior/interior work on studio (and below, reloading shop)... and sweetie has ALL but one of our vehicles/equipment put into reliable operational order. He'll be rebuilding 2 more 4-wheelers and getting his 3-wheeler rolling soon too. We have wood storage - but also building bigger woodsheds to get our stock dry & well-seasoned.

I don't any longer see a need for FD, long term storage food. It's not bad, as in unappetizing. But I question the nutritional value. I have bought enough canning jars & lids that whatever we grow, we can freeze or store longer term. D's house is completely solar. I went fossil fuel back up - and push comes to shove, I'm more than capable of going completely non-electric. D is building a greenhouse. I'm considering low tunnels and hotbeds.

Both D and I have multiple "domestic skills" and first aid training; she has a small pack of farm dogs she's actively training. We raise geese; had ducks but they've gotten picked off... and no one but sweetie is willing to sit out in the cold & dark with a rifle to catch it. Goats have been discussed; maybe some Dexter cows. Sweetie and I can work horses & mules.

And I ride herd on a business and all things financial. (And as soon as I know what I owe Uncle Sugar this year... I'll be making some changes in that arena.)

There are 3 neighbors in our particular hollar. We know and co-exist with them (and help each other) as we need. D's friends are gradually moving into their own nearby properties, too. Same deal - they help each other out.
 
C

connie

Veteran Member
Yes I imagine many here have kept up with preps and supplies for years making necessary adjustments as we age. We have extended family in TX so eventually plan to land there..
Yes, EMP would be game changer for many including us.

I have personally been decluttering and downsizing my possessions. Things not useful and that I don't want to maintain. Simplify my life.
I follow nudgings I receive from HS.
 
T

Tennessee gal

Veteran Member
Meemur said:
I just turned 65. Realistically, there's not a lot I can do. I got out of debt, moved to a small town in the middle of the country, and I try to be a blessing to my neighbors, while living the best life that I can. The rest is up to God.
Click to expand...
Meemur, we’re on the same page. The Lord Jesus is my Savior. After nearly dying a few years ago from septicemia, I know each breath I take is from the Lord. I do what I can, but I no longer try to figure out the Lord’s next move. He’s in charge and has always been faithful . That is enough for me.
 
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Capt. Eddie

Capt. Eddie

Veteran Member
Tribe
Full solar
Deep water well
Food production and preservation
Potential for limited livestock
Ample existing food storage
Fuel storage
Lots of spare parts and tools and ability to install them
Comms with tribe

Could go on but you get the idea..
 
S

school marm

Veteran Member
What am I doing to prepare?
  • For myself
    • 30 minutes in the scriptures every day.
  • For myself and family
    • Acquire more food and medical supplies as budget permits and skills and practice using them every day, as we have for the past 15 years.
    • Expand garden, plant fruit trees.
  • For myself, family, and community
    • Get involved in local community
      • Volunteer at our tiny contract post office once a week
      • Volunteer with the volunteer fire department (support of fundraising and food for firefighters when needed—too old to fight fires)
    • Write a daily food and medical preparedness blog providing actionable information—not useless clickbait articles and rants. I started in 2018 as a way of putting my brain on paper for my family if I wasn’t around to help them in the challenges that lie before us. The information is free to all. The blog articles are eventually condensed and organized into books.
 
ChetekTech

ChetekTech

Veteran Member
My every day to do list...

Get right with God.
Spend time with family.
Enjoy the small things.
Try to learn something today that I didn't know yesterday.
Fill gaps in preps.
Exercise.

When the time comes for whatever comes my way, I have faith in God to guide me with what to do next. We all have a part to play in one way or another for what's coming. Indeed, some of us that are very prepared could have a heart attack or get hit by a bus the day before TSHTF.

My advice is to enjoy the small things in life, family and have faith in God. Nothing else matters and tomorrow isn't guaranteed.
 
P

PrairieMoon

Veteran Member
We recently finished our BOL cabin which includes a basement with 3 bedrooms when our kids come. Main floor has a master (well, not really. It's just large enough for a king and a small closet!). DH not interested in off-grid or anything that is "out there" or costs much. He puts up with my prepping.

So I have built up what I can over the years. Food supply is getting meager, so I'll be focusing on that for the next few months. Hygiene items fully stocked. Medications are good (I have an awesome pharmacy section!). Firearms are adequate (need to train). Fishing supplies - check; ability to stay warm in all seasons - check; ability to cook without electricity - check. Stored water and ability to filter - check.

We spent that past few years figuring out what grows best in this sandy soil and what the deer won't eat. Check.

As we move 'stuff' into our new area (and I'm taking my time!), I am trying to organize for easy and understandable access. For instance, I have a tote for 'emergency lighting' which includes several kerosine lamps that can be set or nailed on the walls if needed for extended outages, along with paraffin fuel and kerosine. I have a tote with nuclear related supplies that will include basic information (thanks, Shane) on what to do in that scenario. I plan to duplicate some of my totes for my kids to have at their homes.

We have a tribe, only they don't know it yet. They are friends and family, both in close proximity. In this county, if you're not a friend, you're a relative. I'm really not concerned about this. I have a plan to get dairy and meat. I should probably build up a supply of alcohol for bartering; it's a lifestyle around here. All German/Catholic and most never leave the county. (Except my DH! I'm a German/Norwegian Baptist!).

Things I really need to work on:
* Physical fitness. I'm 60 and during the past few years, I have been way too sedentary.
* Alternate water source. We have rural water, and live 1/4 mile from a large river, but I want our own well/sand point.
* Chicken coop / green house. Hopefully this summer. Even if we don't get chickens, I want to be able to.
* Medicinal herbs. Need to get going on this and figure it out. Extra rx meds run out.
* Spiritual preps. We finally have a church home that we are active in and getting to know more folks. Can and should spend more time in scripture and prayer. I'm considering starting a Senior Ministry.

So that's where I'm at!
 
hiwall

hiwall

Has No Life - Lives on TB
We live a hundred miles from the closest 4-lane highway. Spend time helping all our neighbors. We are all friends and each of us know we can rely on the others.
Have stored an extra box of Cheerios and have a spare bottle of water. I have a pellet rifle for protection. I am set for anything that comes my way.
 
T

Theophilus

Theophilus
I think about this everyday and work on it constantly. Trying to sharpen skills on 9mm, 223, 22KR, 5.7x28 and training a neighbor to do the same. Have a years worth of food or more, etc. In addition, trying to form a community of like-minded people who will stand together in the chaos to come.

The couple of hurricanes that came through [Niccole and Ian] proved to be a good test run on community reaction. I found out that neighbors need each other and helped each other. But, when people get desperate with anxiety and hunger -- not sure how that will play out.

For the time being, DW and I are trying to witness and pray for needs in our little hood. Many are spiritually indifferent so, we will see how that plays out in the future.
 
Kathy in FL

Kathy in FL

Administrator
_______________
Dealing with some crappy health issues head on. I am not the type that can simply let that stuff slide.

Dealing with my parents’ realities. That is also something i have no choice but to deal with head on.

Both of the above effect our current and future physical and financial needs, plans, and goals.

We added a second BOL. This one is lakefront in a close knit historical neighborhood. The upside to this location is we can drop a line off the seawall and it is the bass fishing capitol of the world. Something is always biting year round. The other thing is there is an established artisian well that doesn’t require electric. We’ll be upgrading to a good hand pump. House is older, well maintained, but needs some renovating. However we also have two exit strategies should we need one. Bass Pro Shop has thus far purchased 7000 acres in the vicinity and will be building a large resort. We can sell out in a couple of years and make our investment plus or we can AirBnB the property.

Our other BOL has received a lot of attention in the last 2 years though we did have a setback when Hurricane Idalia came thru on 8/30/23. We just finished the necessary clean up last month but are still finding a few more widow makers that need to be addressed in the wooded sections of the 45 acres. Gates and fencing has been repaired & secured but there are places in the road - which we own and no one else uses - that need to be dug out and replaced with new or additional limerock so it can age in and not be so noticable. The sinkhole collapsed during the hurricane and the old pond area continues to fill back up so before it gets too deep we need to dig it out some so it doesn’t spread the wrong direction.

Hurricane did a lot of damage to the orchard so i need to get in some new trees and we are expanding some of our edible landscaping now all the building and etc has hopefully been completed.

Both BOLs and primary home have had the LTS food rotated. FD food is now done at home with the freeze drier i bought though that needs to be taken up a notch where I haven’t been giving it the time I should have.

I can continue ad nauseum. This is a lifestyle, not just a thing we do to address worries.
 
Mongo

Mongo

Veteran Member
nomifyle said:
So Mongo, what are the things you are doing a lot of?
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I will likely shoot a YouTube video in response to this question. I post almost everyday what I am doing on my Patreon channel, Viking Preparedness. Other members of my Tribe also have media presences such as Bear Independent. We really are "doing the things" and we are not bragging but merely trying to inspire, motivate, cajole, shame others into taking this stuff seriously. If WE can do it - YOu can do it.

I fear many will very much regret the excuses they made for why they failed to prepare.
 
W

Wildwood

Veteran Member
Mongo said:
I was perusing the thread, "The world is preparing for an apocalyptic future" (Hat tip to Blacknarwahl) and got to thinking....

If you believe that BIG BAD things are possible to probable in, say, the next five years - what are YOU DOing about it? Of all the potential scenarios: WWIII, real pandemic, devastating cyber attack, economic collapse - none of them are even close in catastrophic terms to the disaster around Katrina or Covid - all would be MUCH worse, widespread, and long lasting.

So if you think it is a possibility (I do) what are you doing besides typing and talking about it? IMHO, 6 months worth of My Patriot Supply and an AR15 are not gonna be enough - not even close.

What say you?
Click to expand...
You need to preface this post with what you are doing so we can get a better idea what kind of answer you are looking for. As for me, I'm doing the same things I've been doing for the last twenty years...still going strong. That flu I'm just getting over knocked me back a peg or two but I'm not letting that stop me. Garden prep is what is on the agenda for the foreseeable future. I actually provide a big chunk of our food for the year with it and I'm older than you.

Meemur is being modest and if you ever read her posts, you would know it. She is in constant prep mode and always accomplishing things and improving her situation.
 
ShadowMan

ShadowMan

Designated Grumpy Old Fart
Wow.....we're a bunch of old farts aren't we? Just turned 69 and DW is 71.....:jstr: We've been busy since moving to the mountains four years ago. I think most importantly we found a good Bible based church and have an AWESOME church family. We've also started a little "Homesteading/Prepping group within the church. We have people that have been here on the mountain growing vegetables, fruits, chickens, goats and more for over thirty or forty years. LOTS OF LOCAL WISDOM there.

DW and I have been busy since arriving here on our tiny one acre homestead, repairing, refurbishing, restoring, reinforcing, remodeling and improving our cabin. Still a lot to do. Last season before SNOWMAGEDDEN we had a slot carved out of the little hillside across the creek behind us large enough for a greenhouse and raised bed garden. It gets the best sun there. That area will be built and garden going in this spring. We have a dozen fruit trees, Pine Nut trees and brambles that we've grown from seedlings that will be going in as soon as we're done with the snow this spring.

We're expanding a storage closet in the basement. Putting in a root cellar, dry storage room and storeroom in the buildup below the basement. We've added overhead storage in the garage. Who builds a garage WITHOUT rafters?!?! We now have rafters and a solid floor up there. Cabinets and work tops are going into the garage and the shop below it.

One of our biggest challenges is going to be going through thirty plus years of STUFF and thinning out that pile of boxes and crates. Things we've been carrying around and storing for who knows how long. Out dated, redundant and really probably not useful anymore, or just plain not needed.

I have pages of lists of things yet to do. Binders being filled up with information and guidelines. It seems like every day my To-Do list adds something like: build a bridge across the creek, terrace the slope for more fruit trees and brambles, Aquaponics, whole house water filter system, Solar power & water heating, forest fire roof sprinkler system, rain water collection system and cistern, HAM radio shack, small blacksmith shop, fallout shelter, improve outdoor lighting and security system, chicken coup, goat barn, medicinal & culinary herb garden, expand edible indigenous plants through out our property (permaculture)....and so on, and so on, and so on.

I don't know if this coming event is THE APOCALYPSE, or just another in a long line of human calamities that seems like an apocalypse. Either way we'll just keep on doing what we're doing, preparing for the worse and hoping for the best. IF this is the REAL END TIMES and we're called up to heaven leaving all this work behind, then maybe, hopefully, whom ever finds our place will thank GOD for their temporary deliverance and turn to HIM for salvation in the final end times.

Apologies for the long rant. :bhd:
 
Meemur

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
Wildwood said:
You need to preface this post with what you are doing so we can get a better idea what kind of answer you are looking for. As for me, I'm doing the same things I've been doing for the last twenty years...still going strong. That flu I'm just getting over knocked me back a peg or two but I'm not letting that stop me. Garden prep is what is on the agenda for the foreseeable future. I actually provide a big chunk of our food for the year with it and I'm older than you.

Meemur is being modest and if you ever read her posts, you would know it. She is in constant prep mode and always accomplishing things and improving her situation.
Click to expand...

I'm blushing. Thank you.
 
M

myrtlemaye

Contributing Member
Meemur said:
I just turned 65. Realistically, there's not a lot I can do. I got out of debt, moved to a small town in the middle of the country, and I try to be a blessing to my neighbors, while living the best life that I can. The rest is up to God.
Click to expand...
And I just turned 78 lol and have moved to a small town and am mostly out of debt other than mortgage which daughter will take over when I am gone. I am as prepared as I can reasonably be which is a good thing 'cause all of a sudden I seem to have gotten old. Husband and I are living with daughter and "boy" friend who are physically fit and skilled in useful abilities. If it hits the fan, the first critters I am going to eat are those darn obnoxous, arrogant geese lol.
 
cleobc

cleobc

Veteran Member
We live in an area that's 2-1 Rs to Ds. We are reclusive types with only a few friends/acquaintances, but we're pretty self-sufficient. We have a few cows, sheep, chickens, but only one horse left. Still have a pack of Border Collies (6) left over from competing with them. Building a new, smaller house with metal siding and roofing, lots of storage. Bought a small, movable greenhouse and am ordering fruit trees for an orchard in the new place. Already had a bunch of trees in pots ready to move and a bunch of berry vines. Have vegetable seeds on hand for the new garden. Spring comes late here, so I should have time to get the garden in, even though the house isn't done.
 
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