Economy is a disaster, military resources stretched thin, unemployment approaching record highs - all signs to me that we could be getting closer to the brink.
I'm trying to do som edisaster planning. I have some questions that I hope people could help with. I'll describe my current situation:
I live on a private cul de sac with one obscure access road (good). I'm on top of a hill so visibility is good in all directions. I have central forced hot air. I own several hand guns with a ~500 rounds of ammo total. My wife and I have two small children. We tend to "stock up" on food and BJs type things like TP, hygene products etc. By no means would I say we have several months or 1 year + food stores. I'm thinking I need to do a few basic things to shore up things planning wise.
1) Start to stockpile food - I bought the book Crisis Preparedness. Mostly geared at food production, storage, etc. I think I'm going to start to take the recommendations there to work up a 1 year supply for family.
2) A good rifle and/or shotgun - handguns will help, but I know I should have at least one quality scoped multi purpose rifle, and a Remmington 870, or similar, shotgun. Thoughts on this?
3) Alternate heat source. I don't have a fireplace, so I'm thinking I should get a wood stove. Question - where could I find a decent one that could be easily hooked into my current system? Is this possible?
4) Some quality clothing - I work in a white collar job, but if the SHTF for a long time, I would need some quality boots for me and the family, rugged outdoor clothing, etc. Any suggestions?
5) My wife has a small garden in the back. What could/should we stockpile to ensure that if we needed to expand and subsist from this garden we could do it?
6) I plan to stock up on some basics that I don't have like: duct tape, plastic storage containers, Pencils/paper, good ax, maybe get a chainsaw, dog food, medical type supplies. Anything obvious you would add to this list? What quantities would you suggest for a family of 4?
7) What happens when friends/neighbors/family show up at your door? Obviously I'm most inclined to help my immediate family, but should I build this possibility into my own planning for extra food, supplies, etc.?
I'm trying to do som edisaster planning. I have some questions that I hope people could help with. I'll describe my current situation:
I live on a private cul de sac with one obscure access road (good). I'm on top of a hill so visibility is good in all directions. I have central forced hot air. I own several hand guns with a ~500 rounds of ammo total. My wife and I have two small children. We tend to "stock up" on food and BJs type things like TP, hygene products etc. By no means would I say we have several months or 1 year + food stores. I'm thinking I need to do a few basic things to shore up things planning wise.
1) Start to stockpile food - I bought the book Crisis Preparedness. Mostly geared at food production, storage, etc. I think I'm going to start to take the recommendations there to work up a 1 year supply for family.
2) A good rifle and/or shotgun - handguns will help, but I know I should have at least one quality scoped multi purpose rifle, and a Remmington 870, or similar, shotgun. Thoughts on this?
3) Alternate heat source. I don't have a fireplace, so I'm thinking I should get a wood stove. Question - where could I find a decent one that could be easily hooked into my current system? Is this possible?
4) Some quality clothing - I work in a white collar job, but if the SHTF for a long time, I would need some quality boots for me and the family, rugged outdoor clothing, etc. Any suggestions?
5) My wife has a small garden in the back. What could/should we stockpile to ensure that if we needed to expand and subsist from this garden we could do it?
6) I plan to stock up on some basics that I don't have like: duct tape, plastic storage containers, Pencils/paper, good ax, maybe get a chainsaw, dog food, medical type supplies. Anything obvious you would add to this list? What quantities would you suggest for a family of 4?
7) What happens when friends/neighbors/family show up at your door? Obviously I'm most inclined to help my immediate family, but should I build this possibility into my own planning for extra food, supplies, etc.?