40 replies
  • OFF TOPIC
  • |
Like those you see on TV? Just curious.
  • Profile picture of the author northernbird
    Hey Taskemann,

    I also do prepping, but not the Doomsday Preppers way. I prepare by having extra water on hand, MREs, canned food, plenty of batteries, candles, dry food (rice, pasta, grains), battery-operated radios, and I am in the process of getting a bug out bag. I may not survive a nuclear war, but I am better prepared than most folks I know.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

    JR
    Signature
    Aut viam inveniam aut faciam
    ~ I'll either find a way or make one
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8112319].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author taskemann
      Originally Posted by northernbird View Post

      Hey Taskemann,

      I also do prepping, but not the Doomsday Preppers way. I prepare by having extra water on hand, MREs, canned food, plenty of batteries, candles, dry food (rice, pasta, grains), battery-operated radios, and I am in the process of getting a bug out bag. I may not survive a nuclear war, but I am better prepared than most folks I know.

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

      JR
      Good to hear JR!

      I'm not prepping in the 'Doomsday Preppers' way either. I don't have my home stacked with guns and such things. I focus on stuff that will keep me alive and that will help me to survive in the wilderness. My plan is not to shoot people like many other preppers. I want to avoid danger, not seek it.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8112363].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    Originally Posted by taskemann View Post

    I don't want to sound insane, but yes, I'm prepping. Prepping is sadly a taboo, but I think we preppers are smart. Because while the ordinary Joe spends his money on car, house, life insurance, etc. We preppers spend our money on prepping, which is a type of insurance if you ask me. I think you're insane if you don't prep.

    I don't prep like those on Doomsday Preppers who has giant fortresses and 10+ years worth of canned food. But I have a Bug Out Bag, hideout places in the woods, tools that allows me to survive and some canned & freeze dried food.

    I don't know exactly the reason why I prep or what I think will happen, but it's an insurance in case something bad happens in the future.

    Are there anyone else on this forum who preps and share the same interest?

    This is the first time I tell someone I'm prepping lol.
    You are prepared for the future? WHAT? Are you stupid or something?

    HEY. People don't seem to notice what is happening in the US! OH YEAH, and the UK! OH YEAH, and also SWEDEN! And, let's see.... France, germany, Greece, Italy, NORWAY, denmark, spain, etc.... They refer to 1929 but refuse to realize what it REALLY was. So YEAH, we are teetering on life as we know it. I plan to buy gold on weakness and if my investments take off. I have foreign currency, and can communicate somewhat in several languages.

    Sadly, I can't prepare too much. I travel all over LIGHT. BUT, at home, I have a lot of bullets, a couple guns, enough food to last for several months, enough water to last for several weeks. On the road, I COULD last maybe a week. Laws vary, etc... so no gun/ammo. Where I am now, it is illegal to own a gun, at least like I have.

    Steve
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8112509].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    I've got enough bread and tuna till Tuesday. Does that count?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8112626].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bluecoyotemedia
    I also am a prepper but not too much

    lets see

    I left the U.S. and now live in costa rica

    I just finished installing a hybrid solar/wind system

    building right now a solar pump well

    and next year will be our aquaponics system

    oh yea

    I am also armed to the teeth..
    Signature

    Skunkworks: noun. informal.

    A clandestine group operating without any external intervention or oversight. Such groups achieve significant breakthroughs rarely discussed in public because they operate "outside the box".
    https://short-stuff.com/-Mjk0fDExOA==

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8112632].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ANCHORMAN
      For an American whats life like in Costa Rica ?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8837152].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
    I am a Floridian.

    Because of hurricanes, we are all preppers ( well any one here for more then a few years )

    I am now more of a prepper then ever before, because of my son.
    When ( if ) the shiit ever hits the fan, I am good to go.
    I have lost two houses due to hurricanes. One in Miami, one in Daytona.

    I know first hand how bad things get when your neighbors dont have food or water for a week.
    I lost a dog once ... I think some one ate him.
    Signature

    Selling Ain't for Sissies!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8112764].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    Prepping is not taboo. I don't prep for weird, conspiratorial reasons or zombies or anything like that. I prep for natural disaster to a small degree. I have a large amount of water stored for drinking and livestock in case the electricity goes. We have a well with an electric pump, so when the electricity goes, the water goes too.

    We have a propane stove and propane to cook on. I don't currently store canned or dried food, but I have thought that I might get some of that Wise dehydrated food. We have chickens so we have a constant supply of fresh eggs, and even chicken meat, if necessary.

    Small things ... nothing drastic.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8837310].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
      I'm not a hoarder because I know I can't take stuff with me when I go. So I guess you could say I'm prepped to go. Does that count?


      Terra
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8837452].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jeff Burritt
    Banned
    There's an old proverb which goes something like this:
    The fool looks ahead, sees danger coming, yet does not duck out of the way.

    Adversity mixed with opportunity. This is the human experience. It is prudent to see both. And live in the balance.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8839736].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    I wouldn't call myself a hardcore prepper, but I'm ready for a lot of stuff. Actually - I don't know why doomsdayers bother to prep since their scenarios are always that human life will be wiped off the planet. Do they think they'll be the only people, or almost the only ones in 7 bil to survive it? That's way freaking optimistic huh?

    Anyone who's not ready for natural disasters of whichever type hit their area is kinda crazy. If I lived where there were strong possibilities of floods, about the first thing you'd find in my pack would be a floatation device - boat, raft, etc. Where I am there are fires. I keep a bug-out bag handy.

    I don't call that being a "prepper". I just call it common sense.
    Signature

    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8841646].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Chris Worner
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post


      Anyone who's not ready for natural disasters of whichever type hit their area is kinda crazy. If I lived where there were strong possibilities of floods, about the first thing you'd find in my pack would be a floatation device - boat, raft, etc. Where I am there are fires. I keep a bug-out bag handy.

      I don't call that being a "prepper". I just call it common sense.
      IMHO common sense is not living in a area prone to flooding to begin with.

      -Chris
      Signature

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9235520].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ForumGuru
        Banned
        Originally Posted by Chris Worner View Post

        IMHO common sense is not living in a area prone to flooding to begin with.

        -Chris
        Easier said then done sometimes...

        The people of Cedar Rapids, Iowa got hit with a "500 Year Flood" and many of those folks had no idea they were in danger of being flooded out where they lived.

        Basically the same thing happened to the people of Rockford, Illinois when they got hit with (2) "100 year floods" in an 11 month time frame.

        My wife's parents had water up to the second story (9+ feet) in CR...and they did not live that close to the river that flooded. It's still unbelievable to this day that water reached their house.

        I had many neighbors directly below me flood out in Rockford, Illinois when Keith Creek flooded. It's a tiny creek with barely any water in it unless we had massive extended rains. When Aldeen dam fills up in the middle of the city the spillway drains into Keith Creek --> unfortunately the creek had not been cleaned out of fallen limbs and other debris for several years, and water backed up into areas that were thought to never be in danger of flooding. I could not believe my eyes when water came within a couple house of mine...I never in a thousand years would have thought water could reach the level that it did in my neighborhood.

        FWIW, Aldeen dam is actually a park...and many people in the city don't/didn't have a clue that it's a dam. It's a huge green space earthen dam built in he middle of the city that 99.X% of the time does has not a drop of water in it.

        What's also crazy is back in the day I built a few very high traffic photo galleries and disaster sites. One of them covered the Banda Aceh tsunami devastation, and another covered the Katrina destruction.

        I can tell you my wife was not very happy when I sold my boat last year.

        Cheers

        -don
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9235557].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author AprilCT
          If I ever get flooded where I live, you are all in trouble. We are almost on top of a fairly good sized hill, and I can't ever see any way we could get flooded. Bottom of the hills a few miles away can get a few feet in bad rainstorms, but not up here. We could be stopped from going places for awhile, but no boats needed to evacuate in my neighborhood.

          No water towers up here, either. One burst quite a few years ago and put three feet of water in some friends' home. At least it was overnight when no kids were out playing or it would have been a major tragedy.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9236238].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Kay King
            We've seen Fema in action twice now (Katrina and Sandy), and I don't want to deal with that nightmare.
            The nightmare is the storm - FEMA does what it can and it was a big help after Katrina and probably Sandy, too. People expect a lot and you can't erase the damage quickly or easily.

            FEMA is not perfect - but from emergency funds deposited into bank accts to housing, water, food, help clearing land and covering roofs...grants and loans...they did a lot of work here on the coast.
            Signature
            Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
            ***
            Live life like someone left the gate open
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9236335].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author garyv
    I'm prepared, but I'm not really a prepper that hoards items for survival. I've taught myself over the years how to survive with what the land provides. I can make a fire without matches or a lighter, I can sterilize water sources, and I can find edibles in almost any environment.

    I love watching youtubes on non-traditional ways of capturing and finding food.

    Here are some I've tried that work...




    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8842271].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
      Originally Posted by garyv View Post

      I'm prepared, but I'm not really a prepper that hoards items for survival. I've taught myself over the years how to survive with what the land provides. I can make a fire without matches or a lighter, I can sterilize water sources, and I can find edibles in almost any environment.
      FYI soda cans with no bait work real well for catching crawdads.

      I never new about that walnut trick for worms ... That was very cool to learn.
      Signature

      Selling Ain't for Sissies!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9235234].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
        If there there a total collapse in government services..like in the doomsday movies...

        It wouldn't be fun, and I don't think I'd want to be there.

        I'm right at the cusp of being too old to care that much about survival. Eating worms? You eat worms.

        I live in an area that is nearly impossible to flood, I have insurance, and money in the bank.

        I'm not worried about fires, floods, natural disasters, or zombies.

        Incredibly stupid people, on the other hand, scare me to death. And if they have guns, that's worse. Mobs of stupid people with nothing to lose....that scares me.

        The only reason we don't have a gun, is because I know I'd use it, and I know my wife wouldn't.
        Signature
        One Call Closing book https://www.amazon.com/One-Call-Clos...=1527788418&sr

        What if they're not stars? What if they are holes poked in the top of a container so we can breath?
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9235263].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author ThomM
          Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

          If there there a total collapse in government services..like in the doomsday movies...

          It wouldn't be fun, and I don't think I'd want to be there.

          I'm right at the cusp of being too old to care that much about survival.
          Eating worms? You eat worms.

          I live in an area that is nearly impossible to flood, I have insurance, and money in the bank.

          I'm not worried about fires, floods, natural disasters, or zombies.

          Incredibly stupid people, on the other hand, scare me to death. And if they have guns, that's worse. Mobs of stupid people with nothing to lose....that scares me.

          The only reason we don't have a gun, is because I know I'd use it, and I know my wife wouldn't.
          I'm right there with you on that (butt ugly smiley's)
          I have had survival training in boy scouts. My assistant scout master was x Army Ranger and he would bring a group of us out in the winter and summer for at least a week with only minimal tools and no supplies. You go a few days without real food and you'd be surprised what you will eat.
          The only reason we don't have a gun, is because I know I'd use it, and I know my wife wouldn't.
          I don't own any myself. My reason is because I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn if I was standing inside it and using a shotgun.
          I'm pretty accurate with a slingshot though and also with just about anything you can throw like knives and axes.
          I'm also good at concealment. I know how to make a Gilly suit and can track well enough.
          Signature

          Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
          Getting old ain't for sissy's
          As you are I was, as I am you will be
          You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9235285].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
          Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

          The only reason we don't have a gun, is because I know I'd use it, and I know my wife wouldn't.
          I've seen some of the looks your wife gives you. I'm pretty sure she'd use the gun.
          Signature

          Raising a child is akin to knowing you're getting fired in 18 years and having to train your replacement without actively sabotaging them.

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9235306].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
            Originally Posted by Dan Riffle View Post

            I've seen some of the looks your wife gives you. I'm pretty sure she'd use the gun.
            ........................................
            Signature
            One Call Closing book https://www.amazon.com/One-Call-Clos...=1527788418&sr

            What if they're not stars? What if they are holes poked in the top of a container so we can breath?
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9235311].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
          Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

          Eating worms? You eat worms.
          In the right situation ... I would eat you. ( take your mind out of the gutter -
          I am thinking leg chops and claude steak )

          No shame to my game
          Signature

          Selling Ain't for Sissies!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9235386].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author lanfear63
          Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

          If there there a total collapse in government services..like in the doomsday movies...

          It wouldn't be fun, and I don't think I'd want to be there.

          I'm right at the cusp of being too old to care that much about survival. Eating worms? You eat worms.

          I live in an area that is nearly impossible to flood, I have insurance, and money in the bank.

          I'm not worried about fires, floods, natural disasters, or zombies.

          Incredibly stupid people, on the other hand, scare me to death. And if they have guns, that's worse. Mobs of stupid people with nothing to lose....that scares me.

          The only reason we don't have a gun, is because I know I'd use it, and I know my wife wouldn't.
          That's how I feel, I do not want to be thrust back into to the stone age. Scratching out a living from the land. The wife once suggested we have a shotgun to protect ourselves in our home from hungry hordes in such an event. whats the point. Our tins of stuff would only last so long anyway. The only thing I would do with that gun is shove it in my mouth and pull the trigger.

          I'm getting old enough to not worry about it either.
          Signature

          Feel The Power Of The Mark Side

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9237581].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rlhurst
    My goal is to be able to make it through the aftermath of a natural disaster for 90 days. I learned to can meat by watching Youtube videos. Who knew one could can meat that would last on a shelf in the pantry for a year?! I didn't. I now have about two months worth stored. And yes, I have eaten some already and survived.. lol. I have one 55 gal barrel of treated water that will keep fresh for up to 5 years. And am adding more. I have tarps stored in the attic to cover the roof of my house if needed. Medical supplies, cooking stove/fuel, batteries, etc.

    The government, with all the good intentions it might have, will not be able to help the citizens, to the extent needed, should a disaster occur. Just look back at the past ones as a learning tool. I figure the more I'm prepared, the fewer resources I'm taking that can be given to someone else. And should someone try and partake themselves of something I have, that they don't... well, I'm prepared for that too....
    Signature
    I do voice over work... here's a SAMPLE
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9235105].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    One of my prepping tools is to have family/friends in as many places as possible in case of need to bug out. We've seen Fema in action twice now (Katrina and Sandy), and I don't want to deal with that nightmare.

    Seems that the thanks button is random in here now.

    Claude - you have a very good point about guns. People get killed when they point them, then don't have what it takes to shoot a human. Knives are just as dangerous (and more painful) for self defense. If someone takes it away from you, you're steak.
    Signature

    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9235320].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      One of my prepping tools is to have family/friends in as many places as possible in case of need to bug out. We've seen Fema in action twice now (Katrina and Sandy), and I don't want to deal with that nightmare.

      Seems that the thanks button is random in here now.

      Claude - you have a very good point about guns. People get killed when they point them, then don't have what it takes to shoot a human. Knives are just as dangerous (and more painful) for self defense. If someone takes it away from you, you're steak.
      Knives are just as dangerous? Yes, within 3 feet.
      Signature
      One Call Closing book https://www.amazon.com/One-Call-Clos...=1527788418&sr

      What if they're not stars? What if they are holes poked in the top of a container so we can breath?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9236437].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
        Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

        Knives are just as dangerous? Yes, within 3 feet.
        That's only a meaningful rejoinder if you can outrun the guy with the knife.
        Signature

        Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9236559].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
          [DELETED]
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9237345].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
            Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

            I will say that a knife is more useful. You can open cans with it, cut meat, sharpen sticks, and use it as a weapon.
            I can open a can with a gun. You might lose a lot of the can contents, but it can be done.

            I hope this doesn't become a "gun" thread.
            ...said the guy who just posted a comparison between knives and guns.

            (I tease because I like you.)
            Signature

            Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9237405].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author thunderbird
              Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

              I can open a can with a gun. You might lose a lot of the can contents, but it can be done.

              (I tease because I like you.)
              You're right! And there might even be a little bit left to consume:
              Signature

              Project HERE.

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9237595].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    More people are killed by knives each year than rifles.

    Those TV shows where the guy is holding the knife up and dancing around ready to fight are trash. Most of the time on the street you won't know someone has a knife until it is right against you. If you know the guy has a knife before he's even close enough to be dangerous - he's an idiot.
    Signature

    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9236577].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AprilCT
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      More people are killed by knives each year than rifles.

      Those TV shows where the guy is holding the knife up and dancing around ready to fight are trash. Most of the time on the street you won't know someone has a knife until it is right against you. If you know the guy has a knife before he's even close enough to be dangerous - he's an idiot.
      Definitely dangerous people,close or not. I was leaving work around 7:30 p.m. one night and walking a few blocks away to get my car to drive home. I saw a man with a long knife thrusting it around in the air over his head, yelling and screaming about a half block away from me. Fortunately there was a hotel I could run inside on the way to my car and call police. I never knew whether he was caught or what happened, but that was definitely frightening. He was probably sky high on something.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9238201].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
        Originally Posted by AprilCT View Post

        Definitely dangerous people,close or not. I was leaving work around 7:30 p.m. one night and walking a few blocks away to get my car to drive home. I saw a man with a long knife thrusting it around in the air over his head, yelling and screaming about a half block away from me. Fortunately there was a hotel I could run inside on the way to my car and call police. I never knew whether he was caught or what happened, but that was definitely frightening. He was probably sky high on something.
        Knives are more dangerous than guns. If he was waving a gun around, it wouldn't have been so scary.
        Signature
        One Call Closing book https://www.amazon.com/One-Call-Clos...=1527788418&sr

        What if they're not stars? What if they are holes poked in the top of a container so we can breath?
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9240896].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author HeySal
          Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

          Knives are more dangerous than guns. If he was waving a gun around, it wouldn't have been so scary.
          Funny. I was just thinking that if SHE had a gun, she wouldn't have found him so scary.
          Signature

          Sal
          When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
          Beyond the Path

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9241551].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Canned and dried foods only go so far. Heirloom organic seeds should be a part of anyone's supply list.

    Actually, I have the thought that people should be buying these seeds and throwing some that will grow wild in their own area around on public lands whenever they can. If we had forests of food growing, we'd not be so dependent on the machine in the first place. I know in some areas people are being arrested for growing food in their own yard and that is pretty scary. If the bottom fell out, the gov might decide to do an IRS on us and refuse food to factions they find hostile to a takeover. Food and fuel. If you can keep a source of food and fuel, and can defend it or hide it, you're ahead of a vast majority of the population.
    Signature

    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9237683].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author David Maschke
    Preppers are mentally ill, IMHO.

    Nowhere in all of recorded history can anyone give ONE example of how food, shelter, or water kept someone alive, in bad times or during good times.
    Signature

    I

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9237970].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author HeySal
      Originally Posted by David Maschke View Post

      Preppers are mentally ill, IMHO.

      Nowhere in all of recorded history can anyone give ONE example of how food, shelter, or water kept someone alive, in bad times or during good times.
      You are kidding right? Seems to be a boycott on the new smilies.
      Signature

      Sal
      When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
      Beyond the Path

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9237979].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author David Maschke
        Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

        You are kidding right? Seems to be a boycott on the new smilies.

        I don't know what I was thinking. I forgot to add clothing to that list.
        Signature

        I

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9237992].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Nearsighted is okay. It's always easier to hit something that's just a little over arms-reach anyhow. If he's a ninja.........he wouldn't be dancing around swinging his knife, now would he? Displays of weaponry don't fit real well into the stealth mentality.

    The plot dissipates into a watery, unpalatable broth.
    Signature

    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9242233].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Claude - you deleted your post and made me look crazy. I don't need help to look crazy. Don't do that any more. okay?
    Signature

    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9243429].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      Claude - you deleted your post and made me look crazy. I don't need help to look crazy. Don't do that any more. okay?
      I posted and then thought better of it. But you're right, it's not a good practice.
      Signature
      One Call Closing book https://www.amazon.com/One-Call-Clos...=1527788418&sr

      What if they're not stars? What if they are holes poked in the top of a container so we can breath?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9244184].message }}

Trending Topics