A lot of people nowadays are wondering what's going to happen in the near future. The stock market is wobbly, and employment is hard to find -- will the economy collapse? Russia is acting belligerent, and the U.S. government keeps "poking" them -- is war imminent? Diseases like Ebola and gastroenteritis are in the news, and people begin to wonder whether the American healthcare industry is up to the task of protecting us.
As a result of all this uncertainty, more and more people are becoming what's popularly known as "Preppers" -- people Preparing for whatever disasters may come.
Now, I don't think it's profitable to dwell too much on the doom and gloom, because that can incapacitate you. In extreme cases, it may make it hard for a person to get out of bed in the morning. But prudence dictates that if a storm cloud appears on the horizon a person takes shelter. That's what this edition of my blog is about... what skills and supplies does a family need to have to be best prepared for the future?
As a result of all this uncertainty, more and more people are becoming what's popularly known as "Preppers" -- people Preparing for whatever disasters may come.
Now, I don't think it's profitable to dwell too much on the doom and gloom, because that can incapacitate you. In extreme cases, it may make it hard for a person to get out of bed in the morning. But prudence dictates that if a storm cloud appears on the horizon a person takes shelter. That's what this edition of my blog is about... what skills and supplies does a family need to have to be best prepared for the future?
off the grid
adjective not requiring utilities such as electricity, water, etc.; also written off-the-grid, also called off grid, off-grid
Word Origin referring to grid, electrical interlocking system of transmission lines and power stations
adjective not requiring utilities such as electricity, water, etc.; also written off-the-grid, also called off grid, off-grid
Word Origin referring to grid, electrical interlocking system of transmission lines and power stations
I have lived off the grid 3 times, for a total of about 7 years, most of that time with my 4 children at home. Doing without modern conveniences is not impossible, nor even unpleasant once you get used to it. Some of the skills that might make it easier for you and your family include:
I highly recommend getting off any drugs you currently take. The only exceptions would be those essential to life, like insulin. Those who are dependent on insulin and the like won't live long if that supply is cut off, anyway. But if you're on antidepressants, Ritalin, blood pressure medicine, etc., find other ways to deal with life now, before that crutch is abruptly yanked out from under you.
As far as supplies are concerned, keep in mind 2 crucial points: Securing those provisions essential for life, but with an eye to what will either last a lifetime or is naturally reproducing. Examples: Solar panels, rather than a generator, because sooner or later you will run out of gas for the genny. Heirloom seed, rather than hybrid seed, because they will reproduce true to type, year after year. With those 2 points in mind, here are some of the things I recommend you stock up on:
Now is the time to practice all of the above, while your life does not depend upon your proficiency.
- Hunting
- Gardening
- Digging a usable outhouse
- Identifying wild plants: edible, medicinal, toxic
- Fishing
- Doing without
- Thinking independently, i.e., "outside the box"
I highly recommend getting off any drugs you currently take. The only exceptions would be those essential to life, like insulin. Those who are dependent on insulin and the like won't live long if that supply is cut off, anyway. But if you're on antidepressants, Ritalin, blood pressure medicine, etc., find other ways to deal with life now, before that crutch is abruptly yanked out from under you.
As far as supplies are concerned, keep in mind 2 crucial points: Securing those provisions essential for life, but with an eye to what will either last a lifetime or is naturally reproducing. Examples: Solar panels, rather than a generator, because sooner or later you will run out of gas for the genny. Heirloom seed, rather than hybrid seed, because they will reproduce true to type, year after year. With those 2 points in mind, here are some of the things I recommend you stock up on:
- Open-pollinated, heirloom seed
- A water source not dependent on electricity
- Fire starting tools (ferro rod, matches, Bic lighters, etc.)
- An energy-efficient house that stays reasonably comfortable without electric or gas heat in the winter, or air conditioning in the summer
- Durable hand tools -- knives, shovel, rake, fence-post driver, post-hole digger, axe, saw, mattock, hammers, and screw drivers (plus a supply of screws and nails)
- Firearms
- A non-gas-powered means of transportation -- bicycle, horses, etc. (or feet, if you're fit)
- Small livestock, like goats and chickens
- One or more good guard dogs (the livestock guardian breeds are good)
- Clothing -- warm, durable winter clothes, socks, coats, shoes, blankets, etc.
- A complete first aid kit (think of it as your "only-aid" kit)
- Canning supplies
- Wood heater, for cooking and heating
- Containers -- from 5-gallon buckets down to pans and pint jars
- Books (including a Bible) and a supply of hard copy of any information you want to save
- Prints of important pictures
- Items you can produce for barter
Now is the time to practice all of the above, while your life does not depend upon your proficiency.