Seriously though, while I don't believe it's the end of civilization, the combination of this reading plus current world events have lead me to decide maybe it is time to be a little more prepared in my everyday life. With that in mind, here is the short version of my preps and some thoughts as to why. Keep in mind that I don't want to be paranoid, just more prepared. Hopefully, nothing bad ever happens, and I am just spending a couple hundred dollars for nothing. If all else fails, I can go camping or something.
First, while getting my financial house in order is a top priority, as explained in an earlier post, I'm still going to buy another home. I'm going to roll the dice that we can pay for both, and hopefully make a few bucks by renting the one in Fl. At some point, I still intend to sell the Fl home, but I'l love to wait 2-5 years when prices have recovered to some extent. My primary focus over the next 12 months is to keep our credit cards at zero balance, and get a car paid off. Secondary (or maybe tertiary) is to save for retirement and/or college. I've decided to put retirement first, and tell the GCs that they can damn well go to public universities if they wish to continue their education. I know it's cold, but I've come to the conclusion that if we have to finance our retirement ourselves, we need to focus on that first and worry about college second.
Next, I'm on the hunt to build up a "bug out bag". For those of you who don't know what the hell that is, it's basically an "oh shit" bag which would have various survival and comfort related items in it. My current (very short) list is this:
- Basic backpack. I'm looking for a Molle type bag, used that I can pick up cheap.
- One or more canteens, plus some method of filtering or purifying water. I am assuming that I can get water wherever I am prior to an emergency.
- First aid kit. I figure a minimum of the band aid type, but I want to add some medications such as sinus and pain relievers, an Ace bandage (or 2), maybe some Benadril or something. Enough to handle minimal emergencies, with maybe some additional.
- Duct tape. 'nuff said.
- A multi-tool and a folding blade knife. Also in this category would be channel lock pliers and a pair of screwdrivers, one philips and one flat blade. A screwdriver with changeable tips would be fine also. Possibly a small pry bar? Also a cane knife or hatchet might be smart.
- Wool socks, inexpensive parka and/or several ponchos (obviously not the bright yellow ones!). A wool or other type of knit hat, a baseball style or floppy hat in a neutral color.
- I'm thinking that some zip-loc bags in various sizes would be handy. They could be used to store things, or food or water. Large ones could be cut open to make a small solar still, or to wrap something in conjunction with the tape.
- I'm inclined to throw in a .22 caliber pistol, and 50 rounds of ammo, but this might be dangerous if stopped by the police. I need to research the legality of this some more.
- Method of starting a fire. I plan for strike anywhere matches, and lighters. I may also acquire some of the flint/steel strikers, and maybe something else.
- Wipes/toilet paper along with bug spray and sunscreen. For shelter, a small tent, or some plastic sheeting to make a tent. Possibly a ground cover or lightweight sleeping bag.
- Some plastic tubing, or an actual siphon. This will probably just live in the car and not be part of the actual bag, but could be very useful to have. While in this vein, a 12v compressor, tire repair kit and jumper cables too.
- A couple of MREs, freeze dried meals, power bars or something long lived to eat.
This will just about do it. I don't know that this is useful to anyone, and based on my research I know I've left out some things, but I believe these are the essentials.
Later
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