What types of SHTF scenarios are people basing plans on?

[CJofWolfcreek]

I live in North Dakota, so most contingencies are planned around the winter weather. We're well stocked with food, have 500 gallons of propane, an 80 gallon water heater to tap off of should the water supply fail. If it does and the 80 gallons gets depleted, mother nature provides in the way of snow to melt. My wife and I are volunteer EMT's, so we get looked after by the neighbors in some extra ways. It's nice to dread digging out the driveway only to find someone has come by with their tractor and cleared it so we can get to the ambulance if need be.

We have a generator and 3-4 vehicles to siphon fuel from once gas cans are emptied. Everyone in this town hunts if they are physicaly able so any looting would be put down real fast.

A few years ago we got hit with an early October snow and ice storm that knocked out power for several days. We got a big generator going over at the community center and began calling neighbors and looking in on them for their well being. Surprisingly few people needed to go to the community center. Lots of tough old farmers up here. Ever start digging out your car and have a dozen people show up to help? Ever get stuck in a snow drift and have a state senator stop and yank you out?

Thats why I live where I live, people help each other out. It's a community, not just a cluster of houses.

 

[mtheo]

I started keeping supplies and fuel after the blizzard of '78.

I have on a few occasions mentored a few individuals about laying in some water, food, gasoline and an alternative way to heat and cook for at least a week. The most common response is: "we'll just come to your house." :-(

 

[Titan]

I don't know how good of an idea burying a propane tank underground would be. Underground Propane Tanks

Barb,

Thanks for the link. It looks like there's a lot more to consider than I had thought. The main objective was to keep the tank and its contents away from intruders in a time of crisis, but I may need a different plan.
.

 

[Titan]

...
I get gas for the generator, board the windows and wait. If the issue mandatory evacuation all that means is you are stuck in your car in a massive traffic jam.

Thank God we did not have anything this year.

The traffic jam issue is a huge deal and Floridians know it better than most with respect to evacuation.

You load up, and even with a topped off vehicle, you can just sit and burn in traffic for hours/days.

That won't be acceptable and could be fatal in certain scenarios.
.

 

[Titan]

I do, Titan.

Entire 'hood of seven homes is served by an underground, central tank. Never a problem. Suspect it's rarely refilled b/c I have never seen a truck so doing. No idea just how big, though.

Be safe.

Excellent. Do you know what it is made of?

Barb posted a link to a site warning of electrolysis against metal tanks buried in the ground and the risks of floating in high water areas, etc.

I don't know if an alternative is a polymer or fiberglass tank or if that gets ruled out by pressure requirements. Lots to look into.

.

 

[Titan]

...
And you will find that you can't go it alone. A good-size group of people is much better able to cope and defend than one or two people. A group can have specialties, such as medical, dental, logistical, an armorer, hunting, power, perimeter defense, etc. Each member of a group should be able to contribute a specialty and be cross-trained in other specialties, a la Special Forces personnel. That's what survival will be all about.

As to any other scenario besides monetary collapse,

The whole idea of group collaboration is one I'm struggling with. There clearly are benefits, but there is a concern that as you get into a group, or as a group grows larger, you introduce risk via the number of personalities, liabilities, etc.

I need to develop the perfect group.

 

[berto]

Planning for a major earthquake leaving the SF bay area in shambles. Local FD told me to plan on 7-10 days of being on my own. I plan on hunkering down at home in my nice quiet neighborhood and working with my neighbors. Problem is many of them aren't prepared. They're also unarmed and of the hippie persuasion.

A fire after the quake would really mess with my plans but I have a slightly flawed back up plan.

Too many people plan on driving away, they're in for a surprise.

 

[Titan]

...
Oh, and make sure you have plenty of whisky-you'd be amazed at the stuff you can get from the National Guard in exchange for a bottle of likker-or so I've been told

Thanks to a disaster veteran for a great tip!

 

[Titan]

Realistically, my most likely disaster in this part of the country is that the cable tv/phone/internet goes down.

I hope you're right, Barb.

But you might want to plan for the potential of a hit on Washington or New York and consider proximity and wind direction.

I've seen some photos of some of your stash and know you already appear to taking a good approach.

 

[Titan]

Next time you visit an RV store, ask them about solar chargers. They make some huge arrays. One I saw last year rolled up. It was probably 30' long and 3' wide. A couple of them and you'd get a charge pretty quick. And they're basically maintenance free, just keep the surface clean so the sun can reach it.

Do you think a solar heater for a small pool could be adapted to the same purpose (trickle charging an electic vehicle?

 

[Titan]

Here is something on it. I misstated, said 50 miles, writeup says 35 to 40,----still

2010 Polaris Ranger Lineup Preview

Our 'magnanimous' federal government is also offering rebates of about $3,500 for this type of vehicle (or golf carts, etc.) under the alternative energy initiatives.

I guess the token gift to 'wealthy' hunters and golfers is to throw a bone, to soften the blow of all the tax increases they're staring at.

 

[Zilmo]

I hope I don't run out of toilet paper.

 

[Titan]

I started keeping supplies and fuel after the blizzard of '78.

I have on a few occasions mentored a few individuals about laying in some water, food, gasoline and an alternative way to heat and cook for at least a week. The most common response is: "we'll just come to your house." :-(

That's when you offer to show your gun collection!

 

[Titan]

Does anyone have any experience in what happens in a natural disaster if you show up at a shelter with firearms?

I assume they turn you away or take your gun(s).



Given a choice, would you give up your arms for the protection/resources of a shelter?

.

 

[ElToro]

i too live in the SF bay area and an earthquake is a major issue for us... altho, the bay bridge is closed indefinitely tonight and tomorrow becuase the quality caltrans job of fixing it last month just broke, commute tomorrow should be fun....

i double up on canned corn and green beans and bottled water and TP every time i roll into costco. have enough with camping stove to eat and feed my fam for a few weeks. baby # 2 due Jan 4. so that throws another wrinkle in the works. keeping extra cases of diapers on hand is another new expense.

the local commie rag even had a story about EMP burst recently
Businessman: US must heed electronic terror threat - San Jose Mercury News

all your technology will not be working after this happens.

financially ? i buy silver and gold and bullets and guns and contribute to my 401k just in case im wrong and live to a ripe old age.

i try to implore my wife to not let her gas tank get below 1/2 and usually top it off for her if i run an errand i have only one 5 gallon can for teh lawnmower but refill as needed. probly should get 1 or 2 more

i work in downtown SF but live in the east bay getting home if the big quake hits and all the bridges go down will be a serious hike. i keep a small grab and go bag at the office. extra pair of socks and tennis shoes and spyderco folder and a sweatshirt and bottle of water and candy bars. it might be a long walk.

 

[Titan]

Thanks.

I forgot to list the EMP issue. It's certainly a big risk, IMHO, and the consequences would be mind boggling.

.

 

[BarbC]

But you might want to plan for the potential of a hit on Washington or New York and consider proximity and wind direction.

I've seen some photos of some of your stash and know you already appear to taking a good approach.

I've already gotten conditioned by harsh winters on a remote farm, the 9/11 attacks when I worked in view of NYC, and Hurricane Isabel. My whole life seems to be planning around emergencies.

Yesterday at work, I realized that even though my job is supposed to be administrative, I'm the first responder to emergencies when I'm there (The last lady I picked off the floor had shattered her dentures in her mouth when she fell and there was blood and teeth everywhere). So I ordered a really complete first aid kit with a CPR kit, medical gloves, and cold compresses for the office and I might just get one for the house too.

It's part of the whole "self-defense" plan.

 

[The Big D]

Excellent. Do you know what it is made of?

Barb posted a link to a site warning of electrolysis against metal tanks buried in the ground and the risks of floating in high water areas, etc.

I don't know if an alternative is a polymer or fiberglass tank or if that gets ruled out by pressure requirements. Lots to look into.

.

Don't know but will ascertain all available info for you.

Might not be until Friday that I can get it and get back to you. Is that okay?

Be safe.

 

[feralmerril]

One other thing to worry about. I have reason to belive that there is technology out there that can shutdown all electrical. I have heard it claimed that even your flashlight wont turn on and your car cant start.
I havent personnaly seen it, but heard of it secound hand from people that claimed to have experienced it in remote desert test areas 25 years ago. If the goverment really has that, that would really cut down your odds of long term hit and run wilderness survival!

 

[Zilmo]

I'll be needing more tinfoil, too.