There’s a certain fantasy of how one would perform during a SHTF situation. If you’ve done any prepping at all you imagine different scenarios. Bad stuff could happen. Those of us who’ve been at this for a while would like to think we are pretty competent. When push comes to shove we’ll be shoving and pushing right back.
That’s the ideal anyway. It might even be true -on our best day.
Unfortunately, disasters don’t work on our schedule. No, that’s not when the bad thing happens. When the brown stuff hits the rotary stuff we might not be at our best. It’s going to hit when we are short of funds, the pantry is unusually depleted and we have a leg in a cast.
Two things are important during that sort of situation. The first is having community that will pull you through. It might be as simple as someone dropping off a case of canned food to get you past a bad patch. It could someone picking up all the slack, doing your job because you can’t. Nothing beats having a tribe you can rely on. Most of us would like to be the one helping, but there’s no shame in accepting help when you need it.
The second thing is to actually set up your situation so you can survive with minimum effort. Instead of thinking what a big macho man could do, think what a 12 year old kid could do. If a smaller weaker person can keep the household going you stand a much better chance of surviving.
Some examples:
If it takes a big strong person to keep the woodstove going you might want some backup heat that only requires flipping a switch.
Maybe you have massive whole wheat storage, a manual grain grinder, and a good wood fired bread oven. However, now you are laid up and the 12 year old has to take over. Some canned crackers and a big jar of peanut butter might be just the thing.
Imagine you have a remote bug out location. In the best of times you could don a 40 pound pack and hike all the way there. With that leg cast on it might be better to live full time in a decent bug in location.
Instead of actively hunting and fishing, maybe you only have the strength and energy to set out a few critter traps. They work while you are napping on the couch.
Few of us have never been injured or sick. We have to prepare for those time when we are not at our best. Actually, it’s a good idea to run that way more often than not. Just because you can do the hard things doesn’t mean you should.
-Sixbears
Amen! Also having an ongoing supply of ready wood, kindling, easy fire starters (like wax and lint) close at hand. But do be aware of drawing ants if woodpile is too close to home. With critical systems 1 is none even that switch it on system, 2+ is better.
ReplyDeleteCommunity or tribe, or trusted friends that have each other's back is the MOST important thing in any situation.
When I had a stalker issue all I had to do is blow my whistle and that stalker found herself holding her gun surrounded by several flashlights and firearms. Situation resolved until my neighbor the Sherriff responded and removed the stalker.
The foolish court case she generated was destroyed by many witnesses. It's a pity we don't have enough mental health beds anymore.
Sounds like there's a wild backstory to your stalker story. Kinda brings the crazy to 11.
DeleteMental health in this country is in terrible shape and that causes no end of grief.
Being prepared physically, that is having the stuff you need to survive etc. is no good unless your head is in the game as well. If it hits the fan most folks check out and lose the ability to think. Zombies, a real scenario our fair government is actually prepared for. The plans are on the net. I wonder what they're preparing us for? hmmm.
ReplyDeleteOne has to wonder about the Zombie plan. Having your head in the game is a biggie. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to stay calm and do nothing.
DeleteSometimes doing nothing is the best plan.
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