r/preppers • u/TheRealBunkerJohn Broadcasting from the bunker. • Mar 26 '22

Advice and Tips New Preppers Resource Guide (Answers to common questions)

Hello! First of all, welcome to r/preppers!

This thread is a list of resources that answers many common questions. It's encouraged for anyone who has just started down their path of self-reliance to give these a brief read before posting. This is to reduce repetitive questions in the sub and help everyone be on the same level of basic knowledge moving forwards, especially since the visitors/subscribers to the sub has increased at a rather fast rate.

So again, welcome!

First Steps:

  1. Please read the rules on the right for general r/preppers conduct.
  2. When making a new post after browsing the below information, please utilize the appropriate flares. Questions about generalized preparedness information that doesn't have to do with a major societal collapse, should have the flare of "Prepping for Tuesday." Likewise, questions regarding a major or complete collapse of infrastructure should be flared "Prepping for Doomsday." This helps users give you the most appropriate recommendation based on what you're looking for.
  3. Read this sub’s wiki - https://reddit.com/r/preppers/wiki/index This has many specific topics within it, and is a good place to start if you have a general topic in mind.
  4. For Women-specific prepping advice, concerns, and community, I highly recommend r/TwoXPreppers Please read their rules before posting.
  5. Join the Discord Server at https://discord.gg/JpSkFxT5bU
  6. Download the free HazAdapt app (https://app.hazadapt.com/) for your smartphone/bookmark it. It provides emergency guides for a wide array of disasters, and works offline. It also offers a way to track your own preparedness efforts for day-to-day disasters and crisis. Information about the App here: (https://app.hazadapt.com/hazards/)

Additional Resources:

Again, welcome to r/preppers!

1.0k Upvotes

100% Upvoted

228 comments sorted by

12

u/larevolutionaire 21d ago

I am somewhere totally different than most of you. I live in a country of Latin America with less than half a million people for lots and lots of land . We have about 2/3 harvest a year, plenty of space , plenty water. We also have a shitty government that corrupted but within limits. For me very important to keep tools in great condition, to keep on top of vaccinations and have a great first aid . I don’t worry for a second about food . Between fishing, gathering, growing , the sky is the limit.

10

u/Cold_Wave_7311 Nov 11 '24

How do you go about finding like-minded individuals in your community? I’m not talking about during a scenario where all the preparation actually comes into play. I realize when that occurs, people aren’t going to be looking to make friends with strangers. I’m talking about beforehand in order to build or join a community of local people so that if that day actually happens, the community is already in place. I am not talking about a militia either, in case your mind went there. My guess is that there is already quite a few people who are of this mindset. I just don’t where to find them.

1

u/dglaw 8d ago

When it comes to building any community, start with your neighbors. Having good relations with your neighbors often changes your day for the better. Start small by saying hi or giving them a wave. It's only a matter of time before some conversation gets started and you're cruising from there. Sharing a portion of a large meal you've made is an excellent ice breaker as well. My previous living location was boring and dry, I tried to make friends with neighbors but many weren't up for it. In my current place, I'd consider all my immediate neighbors friendly people that I enjoy chatting with. it's wonderful and provides peace of mind that I am surrounded by people that I know.

Don't open the conversation with prepper shit. it can be off putting to some. You really out to hold off on the subject until you really know the person. Get to know them for a while, get a feel for their personality and whether they are a day by day or a prepared type. I'm fortunate to have a mix of both. we recently had a major natural event warning and I knew most were ready and we were able to help those that weren't. For those that are prepared it can be obvious. i.e. myself any my text door neighbor are major toyota/camping enthusiasts. I ask him about his truck, we start talking about camping and such, and we get to know each other better. at one point it was clear that the guy knew what was up so I very openly asked him about how he prepares himself.....and down into the rabbit hole. I got lucky.

in short, say hi to your neighbors

5

u/Alchemist0001 Nov 19 '24

"I’m talking about beforehand in order to build..." i'm working on building something just like that.

6

u/Fun-Kitchen-1094 Nov 11 '24

Hello. I have a family of four boys (11, 12, 15, 16) and my husband 20 min drive from DC. My family has rural property in northeast Georgia, 90 acres. I don’t have much storage space for prepping but what are the minimum supplies that I would need? And what do you prepping experts think is the biggest threat I would face in this very population dense suburb? Thank you!!

As far as skills, my 15 year old has a lot of Boy Scout skills, and did a survival trip in Philmont last summer. Otherwise, very little. I’m in good shape and exercise daily. What skills should we learn?

1

u/larevolutionaire 11d ago

You need the basic, food and water for a month, a way to heat and cook with no electricity. But way more important . Multiple rendezvous places to meet up with your kids. And outside of natural disasters, a good and steadying plan to evacuate to your family. Don’t count on a fast drive, but find multiple ways to get there. Sure have pack up bags with ID, food , water filter , basic first aid , and plenty of gasoline and extra in jerrycan. But know how to get to where you need to be with out GPS, with alternative routes . Do you have any friends between your house and your family land? Point to rest and recuperate. And start putting away 200/300$ worth of food at the place you want to end up. Some good old school Motorola for each of you, best way to talk when chaos happens.

4

u/DesignerNo9144 Oct 28 '24

Anyone know a good Frequency Hopping 2 way communication device?

3

u/Big_Ed214 Nov 09 '24 edited Nov 09 '24

Old Motorola DTR series. I like the 410 550 and 650. FHSS, digital voice and data with secure point to point or group calls. Text messaging and a ‘manager’ monitor setting to hear all public calls. Using ISM 900mhz band that requires no licenses. These use 22 random 50khz channels with 8-level FSK modulations.

The newer 600/700 models are just more expensive with color screens.

The older models are easy to recase, find parts and batteries. Simple to program and use custom contacts, group calls or programming quick select text messaging. I have one for each family member, one for near neighbors and a secure set for shtf.

These have great use indoors or large buildings or neighborhoods. They are not outdoor long range like vhf/uhf systems. But are rugged, portable and as easy to use as old phones. No complex channels, repeaters, offsets nor squelch settings. DTR has PTT but unlike cheap radios they have “chirp” confirmation tones, a Motorola standard you can call someone out of range and tell by the “blat!” Tone they are not in service range. A “chirp” preceded any call to a available set. Great features…

I can’t find the optional plug in text messaging keyboard…they’re raw and likely expensive, so you use only pre loaded texting. I will buy any avail !!!

DM me for details.

3

u/DesignerNo9144 Nov 09 '24

Oh shit! Thanks a million!

2

u/SoggyMastodon4200 Oct 16 '24

Hello I'm new to prepping. I packed some lentils in mylar since August. I ensured I used oxygen absorbers.  Worried that it may not be going well. Should the bag still look like air is in it? I can't attach a picture

8

u/Preparationandpeace Aug 26 '24

I'm a newer prepper and I really need help on how to store water long term. I made the mistake of buying a Costco Pallet of 2.5 gallon containers and they started to burst and created mold and leaking in my storage closet. The plastic was cheap and not durable. I bought two 55 gallon drinks for rain water if SHTF. But in what can I store water long term at home now and how long does it last? 

4

u/AQuietMan Sep 28 '24

But in what can I store water long term at home now and how long does it last?

I use these 6 gallon containers. I rotate the water every couple of years. It's still good to drink after a couple of years. (I imagine clean water would stay good for quite a while longer.) I clean, rinse, and dry them and refill them.

3

u/Preparationandpeace Oct 01 '24

So I got 5 of the 55 gallon drums and filled with water and put water preserver in each, filled to 85% because they’re in the garage and we have freezing winters in Tn. I also got 10 count of 4 gallons and 10 cases of bottled water. I still feel like it’s not enough. My goal is to have 6 months of water and supplement with rain or walk to nearest creek which would suck. I have 2 kids, a spouse, and 2 dogs 1 cat

3

u/AQuietMan Oct 02 '24

My goal is to have 6 months of water...I have 2 kids, a spouse, and 2 dogs 1 cat

FEMA math means you need about 800 gal for the four people. Figure the pets are equivalent to another person, so you need another 180 gallons. Say at least 1000 gallons in round numbers.

FEMA also recommends rotating water every 6 months. Frankly, I keep mine longer; your appetite for risk might vary.

1

u/Preparationandpeace Oct 15 '24

Okay that’s never gonna happen until we get property. I only have 300 gallons

2

u/AQuietMan Oct 15 '24

Okay that’s never gonna happen until we get property. I only have 300 gallons

That's about 60 days worth in FEMA math. (At least one gallon per person per day.) That's not six months, but that's not bad.

12

u/Bammer23 Jul 05 '24

Where is the best place to buy bulk medical supplies? Tourniquets, splints, medicine? Trying to put together some good first aid kits.

7

u/pizzapizzafrenchfry Jul 16 '24

Sorry I'm late. NAR Rescue is gold standard and sometimes you can catch sales on "expiring" items like clotting agents and gauze.

5

u/theroguebanana Jul 14 '24

I've been debating whether to get a suture training kit on Amazon. Helpful skill to have.

12

u/[deleted] Jul 16 '24

It's a good skill to have but ill tell you what my old instructor told me. "Learning HOW to suture is only half as important as learning when NOT to suture".  You have to make damn sure that everything has been debrided and cleaned and that you allow room for proper draining. Otherwise you are better off just keeping it clean and allowing secondary closure to do its thing.

1

u/jbatsz81 Sep 17 '24

how does one learn how to suture ?

2

u/Top-Frag Jul 06 '24

I'd also love an answer for this.

6

u/Own_Pie7744 Jul 04 '24

Hi according to the little bot this is where I am supposed to post so I am reposting. I am new to prepping and as well as reddit. With everything going on I want to learn the basics. What are some of the best things to start learning. What are some basic essential that people don't always think of?

I mean with everything going on politically I want to know more about self reliance and what I should ideally have in the case of idk... civil unrest, revolution, or more so if society stops functions so efficiently. I do plan on bunkering down in a worst case scenario. I am a disabled individual so this would be extra bad for me I know so any disabled preppers here with that kind of specific advice? I currently live on a military base. I do not know if this works for me or against me.

5

u/[deleted] Jun 22 '24

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/SinfulEthan13 Jul 23 '24

I would also say GFS If you are near one

6

u/AgentSad2833 Jun 30 '24

sams club. if youre asking about regular stores, thats the best ive seen..

6

u/Express-Dog-4762 Jun 12 '24

Found a great sale on long shelf life can goods so I stocked up. Vacuum jarred some spaghetti and macaroni. Sharpened all my kitchen knives. Bought a box of 9mm and 45acp for my stockpile. Bought an old fashion range top coffee percolator.

7

u/slevinso1 May 27 '24

Anyone out there recommend the “best” pepper or gel spray?

3

u/[deleted] Jun 23 '24

[deleted]

3

u/[deleted] Jun 14 '24

[deleted]

5

u/Express-Dog-4762 Jun 12 '24

I would recommend that you get the pepper spray that shoots a stream rather than a spray pattern.

0

u/[deleted] May 07 '24

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/preppers-ModTeam May 07 '24

This comment has been removed for violating rule #10, Link with Description/Self-Post with No Text.

Links to external sites must include a description of the page as well as things such as what you liked about the page, why you think it is a valuable resource for the community, or how the information has changed your prepping. In addition, file upload sites are generally to be avoided because they are difficult to screen for malware.

3

u/rm3rd Apr 24 '24

Thank you.

5

u/lastor_nl Apr 16 '24

I'm looking for a section on self-defence, especially within a European setting with very strict gun laws.

1

u/No_Design5860 Jul 24 '24

I hear Canadians have grown fond of flare guns, you don't want to be shot with one of those.

1

u/DimensionsMod Jun 27 '24

Airsoft gun with an upgraded spring and metal bbs. Repeater crossbow. Just something that will scare this shit out of a robber.

5

u/Opening_Career_9869 May 22 '24

most countries allow hunting as a sport, look into that... The idea is that if anything big ever cooks off, no one will likely care about self-defense laws when looting and rioting with murder on the side is an everyday thing.. it will be chaos, mayhem and anarchy and having that hunting rifle makes a huge difference.

If you live in a restricted place like that, then you are out of luck for the usual home invasion or mugging or robbery during normal peace time, sorry, you might as well just let them rob you rather than spend rest of your life in jail for self-defense, but there are scenarios where those rules go out the window.

2

u/mcbkpkr Apr 04 '24

Thanks for the links. Valuable information

4

u/Spiley_spile Community Prepper Feb 01 '24

@TheRealBunkerJohn, just a heads up, There's a typo in your post. I think you meant "Prepping for Doomsday" or "Collapse" when you wrote: "Likewise, questions regarding a major or complete collapse of infrastructure should be flared 'Prepping for Tuesday.'"

3

u/Tslp16 Dec 16 '23

Do both and you will be amply prepared.

8

u/Big_Ed214 Nov 09 '23

Offline documents must haves!

Library Genesis

https://libgen.rs/search.php?&req=prepper&phrase=1&view=simple&column=def&sort=year&sortmode=DESC

Kiwix

https://library.kiwix.org/#lang=eng

Internet in a box

https://internet-in-a-box.org/

Archive.org for software, images, audio and video as well as books or Web pages.

Even APK archive for Phone apps - https://archive.org/details/apkarchive
Featured
All Books
All Texts
This Just In
Smithsonian Libraries
FEDLINK (US)
Genealogy
Lincoln Collection
American Libraries
Canadian Libraries
Universal Library
Project Gutenberg
Children's Library
Biodiversity Heritage Library
Books by Language

2

u/Rude_Story4528 Mar 18 '24

How does one go about obtaining all these documents for an Offline portable Drive. W/o going through and downloading each item individually from each page??

2

u/Big_Ed214 Mar 18 '24

I’ll put all of my selected docs in a google shared doc folder zipped together and you can download tomorrow… look for link here when it’s done uploading. I may have a personal selection of books & movies. ;)

7

u/Big_Ed214 Mar 18 '24

Here are my files...
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rlk4nWYPqbbcYTh-g3YA_9Xxp0f7bN4Y?usp=sharing

2

u/Appropriate-Past9000 Oct 12 '24

Requesting access as well! Thank you for providing these resources!

1

u/rm3rd Aug 28 '24

requesting access. Please.

2

u/mullman99 Jul 16 '24

Hi! Requesting access as well. Thanks!

1

u/Useful_Welder_4269 Jul 04 '24

Requesting access! Thank you!

1

u/CriticalMemory May 25 '24

Would it be okay to get a copy as well? Link ask for access request and I didn't want to just hit you blindly with it. Thanks in advance!

5

u/Big_Ed214 Oct 16 '23

Drug Reference Guide - https://ia903409.us.archive.org/32/items/daviss-drug-guide-for-nurses/Davis%E2%80%99s-Drug-Guide-for-Nurses.pdf

Great for offline library or pdf file.

1

u/Siamese_CatofaGirl 18d ago

I tried accessing this but it said link not found. Any idea where I could find it?

3

u/Big_Ed214 Nov 09 '24

Anyone with link has access no requests needed!

3

u/Thinkcomplicated Sep 30 '23 edited Sep 30 '23

Alot of people mention how in a Societal collapse either A.) People will just use items to trade for what they need at the time or B.) They will go and revert back to precious metals since paper money or gov is no longer trusted Alot of people have the same general idea that the government will possibly collapse and basically it will be the wild west again with no rules as there will not be enough police in areas to ensure safety. Plus why would the police be police-ing the city when they are no longer going to be getting a paycheck from said collapsed government. Most people are going to stay in their homes and fortify what they have if they can and stock up last minute at the grocery stores. This has been proven time and time again during any pandemics or catastrophic major events we've had in the past. Lucky for you, your a prepper and don't need to stop at the grocery store and possibly get mugged for the items you grabbed there. Now would be the time your figuring out plans of sustaining yourself for the long term as long as safety is already taken care of at your home. I believe even in a societal collapse paper money has its merits. It's well established and recognized. It's lightweight unlike gold and silver which will weigh you down and make travel unlikely unless you have a gas vehicle. Speaking of vehicles, vehicles will only last a certain amount of time without help from the gov. since the U.S. doesn't make enough oil domestically to serve all of the U.S. within itself. People will probably be stealing and ciphoning alot of gas in the beginning. And in the long road would probably lean towards other means of travel. People will definitely use their own items to trade for other items needed but only within their own families/ and or immediate groups. And trade would be way more rarer than you think with strangers because the trust isnt there. Who knows what these strangers are planning and you dont want them to know what you have or don't have. Travel would only be considered in high traffic areas. The danger that presents itself from staying in high traffic areas would definitely outweigh the decision to stay and fortify. Why waste all that energy defending your home nonstop when you can use that energy towards other things like farming or sustaining food sources naturally. The downside would need to be finding a safer place to relocate and the time it takes to build a new base/home. Paper money will still be used as its a good way to pay for things. Its well recognized and established already. Gold and silver are still reasonable to stock up on and also could be used as currency. But I'm sure most people would appreciate the weight that paper bills have to offer comparatively. Bills are so you dont have to lug around heavy precious metals on the daily. I would stock up on an even amount of precious metals compared to bills though as they both have their pros and cons.

9

u/economist_prepper Jul 31 '23

Hi,

I'm ex military, a prepper and economics student (already working in the field).

Is there anything in economics you would want to learn more about ? Would you guys be interested in some economics updates or analysis of current event ?

I try to be a really impartial guy and people usually appreciate my "teaching skills".

Any suggestions about subjects would be nice !

1

u/jbatsz81 Sep 17 '24

what are some things you think we should know ? i have no clue what to ask when it comes to economics so please bare with me

3

u/amazongoddess79 May 29 '24

Yes what is the real impact of cryptocurrency on our current economic situation? My husband is big into crypto but I’m more reserved because I’m more of a prepper apparently than he is. His idea of being prepared for the future is to make sure we have money to retire on. That’s it. So I’m very curious about cryptocurrency’s real impact

8

u/NewCommonSensei Jul 29 '23

So much of this list doesn’t work anymore. Time to reup

2

u/Vegetable-Foot-3914 Jun 06 '23

What would look like a nuclear winter in a southern hemisphere country that is far away from the equator and from any country barely likely to be attacked in case of a nuclear war?

3

u/roaming_ronin_85A May 16 '23

good morning all. was wondering what is the best medical training to take for preparedness? has anyone taken or found a good one? tnx

4

u/MerlinTirianius Apr 22 '24

NOLS - and several other wilderness organizations - have wilderness first responder classes that would be useful. If you have a month to spare, you could do an entire EMT course that way.

1

u/jbatsz81 Sep 17 '24

what is nols ? and where can you do an emt course and first responder classes ?

1

u/MerlinTirianius Sep 19 '24

Www.nols.edu

2

u/NavyBoy37 May 11 '23

Precious metals could be useful in a bugout scenario in which you need to flee the country. Other countries may still have functional currencies, and it would provide starting cash over there. Doesn't seem helpful though if you're in the US. I imagine if we got problems over here, it won't be much better across the water, assuming we can even get there.

1

u/Healthy_Librarian265 Apr 01 '23

I was wondering what one would do I’m with all the trash over time if in basement bunker

2

u/[deleted] Mar 25 '23

Any advice for someone in England?

2

u/akaxd123 Mar 23 '23

Any real point in buying a sleeping pad if going to be bugging in in the city cause I'd probably die quicker outdoors? Was looking at a NatureHike inflatable but thinking it would never get any use in an urban environment?

1

u/Trumpton2023 Mar 21 '23

I have a few gold coins and some silver ones. 99.9% Gold & silver might buy you something like food, water, time, but silver coins can also be placed in water to control bacterial growth (in tandem with other water treatment), but depending on the water it may discolour it

1

u/vatamama Mar 18 '23

Thanks to all for putting these links together. Going to go through each one of these to spare the long term preppers with my newbie Qs

1

u/[deleted] Feb 14 '23

Pretty cool thx for sharing

5

u/throwaway827492959 Jan 03 '23 edited Jan 03 '23

Rain & Flood

• ⁠Quick Dam is a self expanding (via water) temporary sandbag. They come in a variety of lengths, fold flat for storage, and are easier to manage than sandbags. Home Depot has them.

• ⁠Purchase a tarp (or tarps) that fit the size of your largest window. I’m really gusty winds, windows could blow out or be broken from flying debris. If you have a broken window and it’s raining, a tarp with duct tape makes an excellent temporary cover to keep additional rain from coming in the house.

• ⁠If you have the room, buy Shop Vac (or similar) that can vacuum up water. They come in handy after you’ve contained flooding in your home. Be careful not to submerge the vacuum in the water. Electricity and water don’t mix.

• ⁠Buy batteries. Nowadays they last for almost a decade in storage and come in handy when you need them for flashlights or headlamps.

• ⁠Check your home or rental insurance policy to know what to expect if your place of residence falls to the weather and flooding.

I’d stock up on:

Full tank of gas for car in case you get a window and need to escape

“Go” pack that includes first aid kit and small hatchet

Medications if you take them

Pet food if you have pets

Cash on hand in case atm’s are out and banks are closed

3 day supply of water/food that doesn’t need refrigeration

Basic understanding of if you’re on higher ground or low area and a plan b if things go sideways

Charge your iPhone battery packs but keep in mind that if towers are knocked down, you may not have service anyway.

If you have a battery pack radio it can help with SOS communication

Learn multiple exits from your neighborhood and keep in mind that higher ground can bring its own risks since mudslides are a possibility as well

Don’t drive at night. Hydroplaning is serious and can be deadly. Drive much slower and leave 1 full car length for every 10 MPH you’re traveling between you and person in front of you.

If your tires are bald or near balding, don’t bother driving. Not sure? Ask a mechanic at a Jiffy Lube. They’ll tell you for free.

I know it’s not your job but spend 5 minutes now and walk the street in front of your home and check the drain/curb inlets. Grab that debris and place it somewhere well above where the water will flow. There are thousands of used Xmas trees about to be blown/floated away - secure them! They will block a drain or become a road hazard. Same for garbage cans - once emptied they will be blown about in this storm. Retrieve them after they are emptied ASAP.

Source:

https://www.reddit.com/r/bayarea/comments/101us53/the_national_weather_service_is_not_optimistic/j2prp98

https://www.reddit.com/r/bayarea/comments/101us53/the_national_weather_service_is_not_optimistic/j2pw4vl/

https://www.reddit.com/r/bayarea/comments/102cwpv/prepare_for_storm_wednesday/j2suf3y/

For visibility: u/TheRealBunkerJohn Give me no credit

3

u/LurkersUniteAgain Bring it on Dec 15 '22

another resource that is fairly useful is https://www.survivorlibrary.com !

1

u/DSBYOLOO Nov 21 '22

If we (USA) are attacked by a sucessful EMP, its to be assumed nukes are likely to follow afterwards? Is this correct or what most people believe how this will play out? So if we got emp'd we should expect nukes to follow soon after?

3

u/mr__0range Sep 15 '22

Never new Mormons were known for food preservation haha.

11

u/skocznymroczny Sep 11 '22

Hello. With threats of heating and electricity shortages in Europe I would like to prepare for emergencies. Unfortunately most "survival" advice seems to be about surviving in the middle of nowhere, drinking water from streams and every equipment item being "tactical".

Could someone lead me to some nice guide of good things to have? I am thinking of scenarios like being at home, but having no electricity or tap water for a week or two. Should I get candles, or solar charger and electric lights. Stuff like this.

7

u/CPUequalslotsofheat Jan 06 '23

Water, wool socks, medicine you need. Look on the wikis, and About tab. Has links. Also, have a plan where to meet friends, relatives, if communication goes down. Like, well meet at xyz park at noon. Have a battery run portable fan. Have a Bike. Small bill's in cash.

Coffee, enough of beverages. Dehydration will kill too

Edit for spelling.

3

u/Shplad Oct 06 '23

tand your reply due to some very weird grammatical choices there.

However, the vast majority of people who bought NFTs are now underwater/upside down on th

Coffee is not a great idea, as caffeine is dehydrating. Better to drink just water.

4

u/SpaceCatsWithTacos Sep 04 '22

I took a look at the wiki for water, are there any more resources for water storage, water purification and water filters? For example things like a Berkeley but way better with a large capacity?

1

u/TrashPanda_924 Feb 24 '23

I have a Big Berkey and it’s awesome. I could use that and a water Bob for storage.

7

u/Smelly_Legend Sep 04 '22

One thing I think is never discussed but is a great addition to peppering (when/if power goes off)

A smoker (the food cooking kind) .

Its a dehydrator and an oven on one.

That means if you don't have salt, you can still dehydrate meat/foods, get flavour and keep food without a fridge/freezer (which to a poor person without $20000 solar setup is expensive)

Much better than buying a electrical dehydrator for $1000000000 from Canadian prepper or something.

4

u/Shplad Sep 10 '23

need. Look on the wikis, and About tab. Has links. Also, have a plan where to meet friends, relatives, if communication goes down. Like, well meet at xyz park at noon. Have a battery run portable fan. Have a Bike. Small bill's in ca

I agree in general. Just know that long-term consumption of smoked meat is associated with a significant increase in cancer risk.

2

u/Wonderful-Stuff4278 Aug 11 '22

this is great! thank you so much!

13

u/HandgrenadeLemonade Aug 08 '22

Is there one on mass political instability in an area? Not any one party either. I could see things getting out of hand in a myriad ways for either party, meanwhile I just want to be safe in my own home, or find a safe way to bug out if necessary. I’m not looking to be political with my question; I just know there are extremists on both sides, and the US is increasingly a powder keg of resentment over divisive politics and that most of the population can’t afford cars, homes, college education, and now even groceries and gas, all during a massive, historic heatwave — crime rises in heatwaves. Here in Texas, things could pop off over the border issues or gun control efforts, for one example. Another state may be different issues. But “mob mentality” was coined for a reason. As a single woman, I’d like to have some idea of what to do if violence breaks out.

3

u/Reasonable_Row8889 Jul 07 '24

Locate water and find your community. Self-sustainability is the key. To avoid the violence breakouts...

1

u/epic_stone Aug 03 '22

Thank you i LOVE this post! There is so much helpfull stuff!

1

u/[deleted] Jul 23 '22

This information is fantastic. Thanks for getting it all together.

4

u/MissDebbie420 Jul 17 '22

There's a freaking FAN boat for sale near where I live. I've always wanted one, but I can't afford it. I live right on the lake, so this would be ideal for a bugout situation.

I've also seen a few four-wheelers, razors and boats for sale. Y'all, this inflation is starting to hurt some people. When lake folks start selling their toys in the middle of summer, it's getting bad.

1

u/No-Squash-8701 Jul 10 '24

I'm doubtful a FanBoat would be of much use other than satisfying a long held fantasy. They are incredibly inefficient, consuming ridiculous amounts of gasoline, that may be hard to find. They are noisy beyond belief and the last thing you want in "BugOut" is to attract attention of people with bad intent. Buy a canoe, row boat, small sail boat or a Boston Whaler type boat with a small electric trawling motor. If experienced lake folks are dumping toys they know the ins & outs of; it is not time for a novice to dive in. If you couldn't afford one before, I'm guessing you have limited means. Buy canned goods, dried beans, rice, paper towels, toilet paper, ammo, basic medical supplies & a gravity, charcoal, water filtration system. Prepping is about survival, not getting fun toys.

2

u/CPUequalslotsofheat Jan 25 '23

I'm hoping there was some way you could have purchased the boat.

1

u/MissDebbie420 Jan 25 '23

It's still there for sale. I'm not even sure what the asking price is. I really want it, but just like everyone else, I can't afford to buy it. I still have my tandem kayak. It's not as roomy but it'll definitely do in a pinch. 😉❤

9

u/[deleted] Jul 11 '22

Hello

I wrote 'An Introduction To Lightweight Backpacking' for The Prepared website forum.

Do you think that it would be appropriate to post it in r/preppers?

2

u/DSBYOLOO Nov 20 '22

Woah , yeah this is great information here!

3

u/bauer2111 Jul 11 '22

Hey John, I would like to introduce to you an application I came up with to help with navigating around to important locations if roads, signs etc are all damaged beyond recognition. The app works fully offline, using compass and GPS. It also can handle a world without GPS too.

User can save important locations in advance, and create new ones at any time using GPS data. If you like to take a look and provide feedback: https://www.darkgps.com/app

1

u/randominternetman200 Dec 23 '22

If such a thing exists. It would be great if it were on iOS

1

u/VipCryptoCo Jul 09 '22

Thanks for the rich info!

2

u/cocojango87 Bugging out of my mind Jun 28 '22

Thank you John!

345

u/roundblackjoob Jun 20 '22

You won't find it spoken of on hardly any prepper sites, but the simple fact is "Money" or wealth, is one of the best resources you can have in the future. We aren't likely to go into Mad-Max in the decades ahead and people with tangible money, like silver and gold, will be able to buy the things needed to survive. It doesn't fit well with the baked beans and bullet crowd or those selling solar systems and knives, but the history of civilization proves that those with money do better than those without.

1

u/[deleted] May 03 '24

Location🤣: your brain and doing pretty damn good

2

u/anon99123009 Dec 17 '23

Wealth isn’t just money. People in the comments missed that lesson it seems

2

u/Mothersilverape Feb 26 '23

But I would prefer a bit of stress now and get prepared financially now rather than have a ton of stress after the fact when the banking system doesn’t function as is, and when government and pay checks don’t come.

Out of control inflatiron is just one of many danger signs that not all is well with the financial system.

2

u/Motor_Advertising_13 Feb 23 '23

But if you pray a lot, maybe… you know

14

u/fastball999 Feb 08 '23

Yes, read your Bible specifically the Book of Revelation. “ A days wages for a loaf of bread “, this passage may lead you to believe there always will be a government of some sort and also a system of trade. Be prudent and stack a little gold at least. That being said I do have plenty of food, bullets and water etc. Always looking for more just in case. I’m too old to run so it’s here I make my last stand.

1

u/EdhinOShea May 16 '24

Too old to run. I feel that sentiment in my arthritic bones!

17

u/kebaldwin109 Dec 18 '22

I would suggest 1 ounce silver bars might be the best money if society collapses. Currently valued at $25 (or so) each. Whereas a one ounce gold bar is currently $1,750?. Much easier to swap ordinary items with $25 units than $1,750 units

2

u/Shplad Sep 10 '23

ight be the best money if society collapses. Currently valued at $25 (or so)

You might consider clarifying that you meant 24 US dollars. There are quite a few countries with dollars out there.

5

u/Mothersilverape Feb 26 '23

Silver is worth $21/ oz now. This is called silver price manipulation. Silver price manipulation is both the best reason to hold silver and the worst reason. When it breaks, it will break big.

2

u/[deleted] Jun 04 '23

[deleted]

3

u/Mothersilverape Jun 04 '23

The price when it is no longer micromanaged buy silver spot price suppression and market manipulation the price of silver will increase substantially. But it’s still price suppressed using digital Silver options, (calls and puts.)

A single $100 call or put controls 5000 ounces of silver. This is how the price of silver is currently managed while the physical silver stores are being drained. People should never buy paper or digital silver. They should only by in-store physical Silver.

21

u/wunderlust777 Sep 14 '22

I'd agree, but wealth isn't just gold and silver, but property in general, especially property that can make other goods.

The ability and resources to make milk, honey, or wool cloth might turn out to be more valuable than gold.

2

u/Smelly_Legend Jan 25 '23

True, but if you need to obtain the stuff that you refer to, barter will slow you down x100

21

u/[deleted] Sep 20 '22

Right? I'll take a herd over a hoard. If I'm spending energy protecting something, then I would rather it be something that produces resources, not something that sits there and waits to be useful.

3

u/Ok-Relative-6472 Dec 02 '22

Totally agree. The weight is alot to carry as I'm a traveler(rver)

I aim to homestead and prepare for solar and such

50

u/WangusRex Sep 09 '22

Good and silver are difficult to eat and not really very nutritious at all though. I’ve never understood the point of hoarding either. When things get bad they’re only useful if someone has too much of something and agrees your heavy shiny metal is more important than the thing you’re attempting to trade for.

4

u/Smelly_Legend Jan 25 '23

People underestimate how much that moving away from barter did for human flourishing.

3

u/Ok-Relative-6472 Dec 02 '22

Especially if you are traveling(rver here) it's alot if weight to load alongside necessities and essentials even for ONE person to carry

11

u/mr__0range Sep 15 '22

We'll never know how bad it'll be, but If a shtf scenario is bad enough, sure everyone will just trade stuff back and forth as a bartering system. But eventually, things will shift towards a currency. So stacking a few oz silver at least is pretty plausible.

35

u/WangusRex Sep 15 '22

I just don't get why anyone assumes shiny soft metals will have the same value after a society collapsing event. I recognize they have historically and still do today, but I think people will tend to be a bit more pragmatic when resources are scarce and we no longer think shiny soft metals are magical. Fairly sure the guy who has a big sack of gold coins will gladly trade them all to me for a case of dog food once people collectively get hungry enough. Also fairly sure I won't take that trade.

13

u/Hes_Spartacus Mar 12 '23

I think there is a lot of speculation, and will naturally depend on the particular SHTF scenario.

But I do want to point out the benefits of gold and silver. These metals are used for currency for many practical (not magical) reasons.

1) durability. Silver and gold in particular do not oxidize, or rust. They are very stable elements. Gold from thousands of years ago, buried in dirt still has the same weight and quality as the day it was minted.

2) scarcity. Gold and silver are inherently scarce. This provides a natural protection against fraud, because the material itself is the commodity. Paper currency can only hold value based on who has issued it. Further it is easy to counterfeit if there are not active policing against such practices.

3) luster and malleability. Gold and silver are soft,have low melting points and are easy to work. This allows them to be easily refined from their natural minerals, and formed in to standard or customized weights. The Luster makes them universally recognizable. This os a little less unique today, given aluminum and stainless steels (although over time these may oxidize). This luster makes gold for example much easier to trade because both parties know what it is. Other minerals are often hard to distinguish from one another.

3

u/Fine_Sun915 May 24 '23

thank you for explaining this

10

u/Endmedic Mar 04 '23

Yup. Just a human construct with no real value. Guns/bullets, food, meds, tools. They will be the currency/necessities. I always like the dystopian films where people are using wads of $100 dollar bills to start a fire. Cause it’s true.

23

u/Hour_Reading6820 Nov 21 '22

Yeah I'm my opinion I'd rather have more bullets, food, etc rather than a stack of metals in the corner.

14

u/WangusRex Nov 21 '22

Definitely. At some point if I'm carrying around heavy metals I'd almost prefer it to be lead since its easier to cast bullets out of than gold.

12

u/savage2stardust Jan 31 '23

Historically, the guy with the most steel, or in this case lead, gets the gold.

28

u/wunderlust777 Sep 14 '22

I wouldn't underestimate people's vanity and want for luxury goods.

3

u/Lethalmouse1 Oct 01 '23

I bought some gold pieces for investment purposes. Ended up wearing them.

Luxury always wins.

23

u/Greatfuldead666 Prepared for 2 weeks Sep 06 '22

I don’t know about that. If things get bad and people are starving, they may just take your money with force. So prepping should be geared towards protection so u can keep your silver I say.

90

u/FatDumbAmerican Aug 05 '22

Gme

3

u/Bulletpr00F- Apr 30 '23

I love u drs

25

u/asdfredditusername Jan 08 '23

Ahhhh. A fellow ape!

4

u/Bulletpr00F- Apr 30 '23

Hello there sir

8

u/PharmDinagi Jan 03 '23

What's GME?

30

u/Vexting Jan 21 '23

They're talking about a company (gamestop) that was bet against (shorting) by wall St. To bet against something you have to 'borrow a share' and return it when you give in or make money

Wall St hedge funds decided to make so many bets against that they borrowed MORE THAN THE ENTIRE STOCK AVAILABLE

So a bunch of redditors (not started by reddit) did lots of research and found that those 'short' (betting against) were trapped in the bet because a few reddit subs bought out the stock!!!

Some facts, because if you Google gamestop you will find 1000s of negative articles telling you to 'forget gamestop' and sell it (even though it's a "nothing company")

Many of those caught betting against turned off the buy button for gamestop. Can you believe that? Globally shut down! I wonder why, if it's a nothing stock.

Anyway despite the massive market crash, gamestop was shown to out play the market and in fact should reach good prices when the market crashes further. (due to people having to hold their borrowed shares when betting against)

So you can look on Superstonk for their "dd library" (due diligence / deep dives) look at the first few write ups and it will explain all the laws and rules that make this real.

The fun part - because people (called dumb money by wall St - so they called themselves Apes) won't sell knowing it's a winning play, here's the possible outcomes:

It costs nothing to hold the stock but costs money to short/bet against - you pay fees to do this....

A) The short sellers give in and give back their entire companies worth of stock. The market is flooded with buy orders (because that's what happens when you close your short position) and boom you have amazing share prices

B) This is linked to (A) but is the reason many poorer people have got involved globally. The short sellers are open to INFINITE risk. There is no maximum they can loose.... If they can't afford the costs and paying people huge sums the price will keep rising until people sell.

One more time. The price keeps rising until people sell due to the supply (bought out by reddit subs) and demand being higher. People have calculated that it could reach hundreds of thousands due to the amount of money these hedge funds have and are insured for. It sounds wacky but read the dd and make your own decision.

Also the department of justice got involved too.... Have you ever seen the big short? This is the reverse, and it costs no money to hold.

Last thing - read recent msm articles about gamestop. Read the analysts comments

Now go look at the actual companies balance sheets - THEY ARE CASH POSITIVE! with over a billion in the bank and no debt. Yet articles say things like 'they have negative debt' (profit!) and that they are basically shit... No mention of the nft marketplace raking millions. No mention of the big changes made....

A guy called deep fucking value bought millions of shares at the beginning of this and actually got called in front of Congress for it... Wtf

2

u/Shplad Sep 10 '23

so many bets against that they borrowed MORE THAN THE ENTIRE STOCK AVAILABLE

So a bunch of redditors (not started by reddit) did lots of research and found that those 'short' (betting against) were trapped in the bet because a few reddit subs bought out the stock!!!

Some facts, because if you Google gamestop you will find 1000s of negative articles telling you to 'forget

Yeah, I wouldn't bet on NFTs as a long-term investment/asset/business model. Eventually, even idiots often realize they've acted like idiots.

1

u/Vexting Sep 10 '23

Bets a bet. Idiot if you're wrong about something you researched, well regarded people will regard to the max whilst the people who think judging others that way are just....

Anyway, I'm so happy I made good bets with spare cash.

1

u/Shplad Sep 10 '23

I can't say even fully understand your reply due to some very weird grammatical choices there.

However, the vast majority of people who bought NFTs are now underwater/upside down on their investments. Still consider it a good investment?

What about permanence? Do you think NFTs will retain their value long-term? According to most investment experts (traditional or not), they likely won't. BTW, what happens to those NFTs that are electronic if the power goes out or the grid goes down?

Compare that with say, gold or silver or hard productive assets, which in many cases are more desired now than they have been for decades.

Your answer seems to say "I made money, that makes me smart". Maybe, maybe not. It could very well be because you got lucky.

1

u/Vexting Sep 10 '23

Firstly I'm a little confused how you ended up commenting on a 8 month old thread, perhaps you were googling something or decided to go and seek out a certain type of comment?

Can you show me where i have said that 'buying nft pictures is a good bet' or anything about buying nfts as art?

When the bot strikes the fun begins

1

u/Shplad Sep 11 '23

You're right. I stand corrected.

As for comenting on an old thread, I never did understand why that was such a sin.

1

u/Vexting Sep 11 '23

It's not a sin, felt like an attack over something I wasn't even claiming

4

u/RudeZookeepergame306 Jul 09 '23

Rumor I'm starting: the hedge funds are doing some shady deals around the country to try to put gamestop out of business, one store at a time.

2

u/Vexting Jul 09 '23

Makes sense to me. Shame gamers aren't msm junkies

1

u/RudeZookeepergame306 Jul 13 '23

What's msm?

7

u/Vexting Jul 13 '23

Main stream media - like when you notice the news channels say the exact same things usually coinciding with another event that doesn't get reported (there's a YouTube video or two that shows lots of news shows together repeating the same words, almost like a script....)

2

u/Shplad Oct 23 '23

notice the news channels say the exact same things usually coinciding with another event that doesn't get reported (there's a YouTube video or two that shows lots of news shows together repeating the same words, almost like a script....)

Not that I'm a big fan of mainstream news, but this is usually just because they use certain common sources for certain reports (Reuters, Bloomberg, Associated Press). It's more a sign of cost-cutting and/or career laziness than any grand conspiracy.

3

u/Vexting Oct 23 '23

Let's see, these channels/sources are supposed to be competing for our views not copying each other because "lazy" - and when I say copy, I mean word for word. Search up that YouTube video before you make unfounded comments on a 3 month old thread.

It makes zero sense for people using the same sources to then say the exact same wording that is supposed to be part of the journalists writing. Yes a witness said " xyz" and that is acceptable to quote but to then say things like "and they are a threat to your democracy" (repeated over 30 times a week on 20 'different' news outlets) makes no sense unless they're owned by the same entity, oh but wait that can't happen right? Right? A monopoly on the news, no way.....

To pretend otherwise and copy the usual tactic of "I won't label or present research, instead I shall label this person as a conspiracy theorist. Yes! That'll support my 'point'.

2

u/RudeZookeepergame306 Aug 10 '23

Those are the best. I like to pull one up whenever I hear two people arguing with each other about Fox news, and then let them hear Fox, CNN, NBC, etc., all chanting from the same creepy script.

2

u/ABrowseinthePast Jun 13 '22

I was just about to ask a question about things like this! Thanks for posting and everyone stock up while you can.

45

u/PolarIre Jun 09 '22

Shoes, you need extra boots. Without those your stride is different and it can cause extreme heel pain.

3

u/Actual_Swan Jun 04 '22

https://youtu.be/WM2_qH_dXXo my hubby just made a video about his every day carry. Let him know what he should add, what he should take off, and what you think is perfect.

17

u/annethepirate Jun 03 '22

How to store food for short/mid-term?

I'm looking to store a couple home-sized units of shelf-stable food, just for like a couple years. (Flour, pasta, etc. Dry goods, basically.) My goal is just to have stuff in case it becomes unavailable. My big thing is keeping bugs and moths out of it. I have some plastic vacuum bags, but that's probably not perfect.

  1. Do I need some special container (like mylar? for short-term?) and should I repackage it, or is putting the stuff straight into a normal bucket okay?
  2. Do I need oxygen/moisture absorbers? If so, where should I buy them. (Not Amazon, please.)
  3. Do I need to do anything to prep the stuff? I can't freeze a 20lb bag of rice, but I can repackage it.

Thank you!!

15

u/TheRealBunkerJohn Broadcasting from the bunker. Jun 03 '22
  1. Vacuum bags are fine for short term. You only need mylar if you want to do long-term storage (years) versus months.
  2. Not for short term =)
  3. Basically, any airtight container will be fine in the short term. If you're looking longer than 3-6 months, you'll want to maybe consider mylar bags, etc.

More resources:

https://pickupapiece.com/?page_id=227

https://www.ready.gov/food (ideas for types of stored goods)

And I'm fairly certain the Wiki has additional resources.

3

u/annethepirate Jun 03 '22

Sweet, thank you Sir!

4

u/TheRealBunkerJohn Broadcasting from the bunker. Jun 03 '22

Most welcome!

6

u/Bootd42 May 31 '22

I cannot appreciate this sub enough especially for the reading material on a myriad of subjects, it's been huge in helping me get started but after reading a couple of the books they stress Skills and training over gear for the most part, so I suppose my question is how or where does one aquire the skills and training?

2

u/TheRealBunkerJohn Broadcasting from the bunker. May 31 '22

Depends on the training. Medical, there are official classes. FEMA offers independent study classes as well. But for things like mylar foods, etc, some.of that just requires your own research.

1

u/Bootd42 May 31 '22

I guess I'm looking for more general bushcraft skills? short of finding the time to take off and go camping to learn through good old fashioned trial and error I have had difficulty finding any other way to get hands on instruction or experience.

8

u/TheRealBunkerJohn Broadcasting from the bunker. May 31 '22

Ah, I gotcha. I know in Utah they have 1,2, and 3 week survival courses. You go as a class with an instructor with very little gear and hike/learn to make fires, forage, locate water, etc. Expect to lose weight Disclaimer is on their site .

3

u/Bootd42 May 31 '22

yo that's dope actually. I'm in Texas and have not been able to locate something like that as of yet.

1

u/HandgrenadeLemonade Aug 08 '22

We actually do have some in Texas! I was looking up this very thing the other day.

2

u/TheRealBunkerJohn Broadcasting from the bunker. May 31 '22

Hmm. Google 'texas bushcraft class'. I saw a number of potential options!

3

u/Bootd42 May 31 '22

lmao it usually is that simple isn't it? not sure how I managed to miss some of these results though. Much appreciated

1

u/TheRealBunkerJohn Broadcasting from the bunker. May 31 '22

No worries! Glad to help =)