SHTF Planning

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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.?
 
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.

Good goal = 1 year. Example:

Suggested Amounts of Basic Foods for Home Storage
Per adult for one year

Grains: 400 lbs.
Dried Beans: 60 lbs.
Powdered Milk: 16 lbs.
Cooking oil: 10 qts.
Sugar or honey: 60 lbs.
Salt: 8 lbs.
Water (2 wks) 15 gal.

Helpful Site: http://grandpappy.info/hfood1yr.htm


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?

You have a good start. Do you have a reliable pistol?
Do you have enough ammo?
Do you have replacement parts for your current firearms?

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?

A wood stove would be an excellent plan. You can hook up most wood stoves to any fireplace that has a liner in it. Another option is a zero clearance wood burning fireplace.
The internet has much information.
I installed a used wood burning stove in my home last fall. Cost: $150.00 off of Craigslist. My installation was a lot more work than a normal one. It was out into a fireplace opening. I had to rebuild the top masonry cap, install a 6" stainless liner, fabricate an upper chimney cover, and a lower panel, among other things. It was worth all the effort tho.
Link on some info: http://hearth.com/econtent/index.php/articles/installing_a_woodstove

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?

Lots of great sites out there like this one: http://www.lapolicegear.com/footwear.html

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?

A "small" garden will minimally suppliment what you need. To live off the produce, you need several acres. Canning is your friend.

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?

Don't know.

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.?

You can't help everyone. Realize that helping people surmounts to handing out money. Help someone once, and like a fed deer, not only do they keep coming back, but there are more of them. Number one: Keep you mouth closed about what you have. Help you extended family out with your excess. Save your key stores for yourself and your immediate family.

Lots of discussions about everything that you have asked about at these links:

http://www.survivalistboards.com/index.php?

http://www.whenshtf.com/

http://www.frugalsquirrels.com/vb/index.php

http://www.backwoodshome.com/

http://www.survivalforums.com/fusionbb.php?fbb_session_id/54ecc60305b5f407a5d019c1040faddd/

Good Luck my friend, and welcome to the community of "those that prepare"....
 
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When talking about storing enough food for 2 adults, 2 children and 1 dog for one full year, how do you ensure that things aren't spoiling? If I bought 1000+ lbs of grain, where am I storing it and how do I ensure that it isn't going bad? Should I constantly be using it and replacing it with new provisions?

For example, if I have 1000+ lbs of raw grain, is this to say I should be making my own flour, cooking with it, etc. and then replacing it once I get down 10-20%
 
lot of archived information at survivalblog.com - most of the questions you asked, answers can be found there.

I would advize getting the shotgun ( mossberg 500 or rem 870) first, with a good stash of buckshot and slugs. Then get the battle rifle - note that the cost of battle rifle and ammunition now is going to be very high, and also hard to find, as the market has been cleaned out due to the Obama panic - a bit late in the game now to be doing this.

for grain storage, the food grade buckets, sealed mylar bags and oxygen absorbers help keep it fresh.

The people at Belchertown Co-op seem quite willing to help newbies learn more about bulk buying, food storage, etc.....see the posts here about them and their contact info.

don't forget having access to some source of Water if the power goes out ( if you are on a well) and if the muinicipal water supply stops flowing ( if you have town/city water).


clothing and boots - check the sales at LA_Police_Gear.com...also some of the surplus sites like Major Surplus and Survival....
 
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Mtn House & Saratog Farms

Posted previously...

I recommend Mountain House for meals and Saratoga Farms for fruits and veggies. Buy in #10 cans which have a 25-30 yr shelf life and provide about 15-20 meals each.

Here is a great source. http://www.thereadystore.com/ Free shipping over $100. Also good source on 5 gal water cans.

My quick estimate is 4 cans = 1 month per person primary food source or 3 months per person supplemental (this is what I use)

I prefer to get the individual items rather than the pre-bundled which have stuff I don't want.

- Breakfast: eggs w/ham, granola
- Fruit: mixed berries, bananas...
- Veggies: Broccoli, green beans...
- Entrees: various pasta w/meats, rice w/meat... anything protein & carbs
- Can also get various meets for added protein or ping some squirrels [wink]
 
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