Spend More Time Around the Fire! – SHTF Prepping & Homesteading Central

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Practicing fire craft is about making a fire on a regular basis. It’s not easy but it’s doable. A fire pit outside and fireplace inside can make a huge difference in how often you light fires.

You can harvest your own tinder, you can make tinder bundles and you can practice starting that fire. All of this goes a long way.

Now, making fire indoors is a bit of a farce because you don’t have any issues with the weather to deal with. However, it’s still good practice. It’s a practice in patience and watching that fire come together and knowing what it needs.

You can only roast so many marshmallows over the fire so what do you do with fire after you are bored with just starting a fire and sitting around it.

There are many ways that you can turn a fire different colors. It’s the simple addition of other chemicals and elements to your fire. A colored fire can be very exciting. It can get the attention of the kids and add a little something to the night.

It’s also an excuse to light a fire!

Cook Dinner

Cooking over an open fire is another great skill to learn. You should certainly know how to utilize things like grill grates and dutch ovens. Cooking over an open flame is mostly about controlling heat. If you can control the heat you can go a long way. This comes with practice.

The fire is a great place to teach other survival skills and teach others how to make fire, too! The fire itself is entrancing, especially to children. When you give them the power of making fire they will want to learn more from you.

We have gathered around the fire for a very long time. It’s basically woven into humanity. We are the only creatures to have figured out how to harness fire. Therefore we are meant to enjoy it.

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After watching recent events unfold and speaking to family and friends, my wife and I decided to start prepping. Preparedness is a big part of our lives now and I would be honored to share some knowledge with you. Here at SHTF Prepping & Homesteading Central we gather the best prepping, survival, homesteading and DIY articles from around the web.
– “Those who prepare today will survive tomorrow.”

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No-Till Garden Cover Crops, How To Stop Next Year’s Weeds This Fall! – SHTF Prepping & Homesteading Central

No-Till Garden Cover Crops, How To Stop Next Year’s Weeds This Fall!

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Are you ready to fire up that tiller for the growing season? Here is a story that you might enjoy.

In my early days of gardening, I thought that tilling was so important. I didn’t realize that there were seeds being shot all over my garden as I tilled that land. It looked good after I was done and that was what I thought mattered. 
No-Till Garden Cover Crops, How To Stop Next Year’s Weeds This Fall! - The idea of planting cover crops is very appealing. We compost and we add materials to our gardens to assure the soil is prepared for the next year. If you are inoculating your soil with nitrogen from these cover crops your plants will benefit.

The reality of soil is that its best left alone. The world beneath that which we see with our eyes is astounding. From rotting organic material to fungus and even earthworms.

Even microbiology much smaller than we can see with the naked eye plays a huge part in what your garden is capable of. 

Rather than till up the land in your garden its likely time to consider planting a cover crop! 

The Benefits of Cover Crops 

The idea behind planting cover crops like red clover, rye or buckwheat is that you can not only keep the soil from breaking down but you can also enhance it with nitrogen producing plants. Most of the plants you grow are going to be hungry for nitrogen. 

Cover crops are the method to use instead of tilling in fertilizer and other minerals. 

Mow and Plant

When the time comes to plant you are going to be able to simply mow these plants a few times and then plant.

For a long time, the idea of turning over the cover crops into the garden prevailed. The better method is to leave those crops and mow them down. Your plants will benefit from this and so will your soil. 

These cover crops will also take up the room that other weeds might take. Now you don’t have to worry about weeding as much. 

Get cover crops on your side and put them to work in your garden today! 

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After watching recent events unfold and speaking to family and friends, my wife and I decided to start prepping. Preparedness is a big part of our lives now and I would be honored to share some knowledge with you. Here at SHTF Prepping & Homesteading Central we gather the best prepping, survival, homesteading and DIY articles from around the web.
– “Those who prepare today will survive tomorrow.”

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Stop Disease Carry Pests in SHTF – SHTF Prepping & Homesteading Central

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Pests will equal death when you are in an SHTF situation. This is a historical situation that has played out many times over and over again.

Image: instructables.com

Your ability to keep things clean and to keep yourself and your family separated from these diseases causing pests will increase your chance for survival. 

DIY pest control is also a great way to , and may even be a necessity if professional pest control is out of reach. Store-bought poison or natural repellents work especially well for a lot of pests, but poison can be dangerous to your family and natural options don’t quite cut it for bigger pests like mice.

Soda Bottle Mousetrap

This mouse trap is small enough to put pretty much anywhere in the house and doesn’t use poison, springs, or anything else that could be dangerous to curious little ones.

It takes just a few minutes to assemble and is super easy – just a soda bottle, clothes hanger, a bit of 2×4 and some hardware is all it takes! Once the critter finds himself trapped, you can just bring the bottle outside and let him out into the wild.

Sealing Your Home

Another huge way of dealing with pests is to inspect and seal your home. By doing a thorough inspection of your home and sealing holes or cracks with caulk or other sealants you can keep tons of creatures out of your home. 

The Pest Triangle

Just like a fire triangle, pests have conditions that they prefer and if you take those away you will have the ability to keep pests at bay. Understanding the pest triangle is critical to keep pests away from the home. 

Water, Food and Harborage are the three important parts of that triangle. Harborage is material and locations where nests can be made. 

Pooling water and food sources should all be removed from your property, as well! 

0.0

After watching recent events unfold and speaking to family and friends, my wife and I decided to start prepping. Preparedness is a big part of our lives now and I would be honored to share some knowledge with you. Here at SHTF Prepping & Homesteading Central we gather the best prepping, survival, homesteading and DIY articles from around the web.
– “Those who prepare today will survive tomorrow.”

Permanent link to this article: https://www.shtfpreparedness.com/stop-disease-carry-pests-in-shtf/

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10 of the best knives for survival and SHTF prepping

10 of the best knives for survival and SHTF prepping

In a survival situation, a knife is going to be one of your most essential tools. When you buy any type of gear, whether it’s kitchen tools or sports equipment, the stakes generally aren’t that high if you get it wrong, but the wrong survival knife can mean the difference between life and death. Here is a look at some of ’s top choices when it comes to survival knives.

Army and Air Force Issue Survival Knife

This professional-level knife comes with a sharpening stone, so you can always be sure it will be sharp enough to deal with whatever task you throw at it. Its carbon steel construction gives it plenty of durability, while its rust-resistant finish protects it from the elements.

The CRKT M21 Aluminum Folder

This lightweight folding knife comes with two safety locks to keep accidents at bay and features a three-inch blade. At 3.2 ounces, it’s easy to carry around in your pocket so you’ll never be caught off-guard, and you can flip it open with just one hand for those times you need to react quickly.

If you don’t have a good multi-purpose knife, it’s time to get one, and this is a great starting point. Its serrated three-inch, 50/20 blade is only the beginning of the story; it can also be used as a LED flashlight, signal whistle and spark rod. This means you don’t need to carry around several separate tools to accomplish these tasks, saving up room for other items.

KA-BAR Full-Size Black with Straight Edge

The fact that this knife is used and loved by the U.S. Marine Corps says all you need to know. The seven-inch, 1095 chrome-vanadium steel blade is not only dependable, it’s also versatile enough to handle any job.

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Spyderco Bushcraft G-10 Plain Edge

This popular knife is renowned for its ability to cut through game and wood equally smoothly. It features a full tang, and it is known for its superior resistance. The ultra-sharp edge angle makes slicing an effortless task.

If you’re on a tight budget, the Frost Mora Knife will give you a lot of bang for your buck. This Swedish-made knife comes with an elegant wooden handle, and you can pick one up for less than $20.

The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Adventurer

If you’re looking for a knife that can accomplish multiple tasks, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option than the classic Swiss Army Knife from Victorinox, who boast more than 130 years in the business. In addition to a blade, you’ll find screwdrivers, a bottle and can opener, a toothpick and tweezers. Just 2.9 ounces of added weight is a small price to pay for all this functionality.

This high-quality knife has a 10-inch blade made of steel with a powder coating for rust-resistance. Its Black Linen Micarta handle absorbs shock, so you could even attach it to a pole and use it like a spear.

This design has stood the test of time, getting its inspiration from the daggers used in the Bronze Age 4,000 years ago. Its biggest selling point is its handle, which features 70 triangle segments to give users a superior grip while allowing for water and other debris to slide right off of it.

Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point

If you’ve already got a lot to carry around, you’ll be glad you have the thin and light Cold Steel Recon 1 on hand. Its stainless clip attaches easily to a pocket or belt and it weighs just 5.3 ounces, so it won’t weigh you down or get in your way as you navigate a hostile environment.

There are a lot of survival knives on the market, and some are far better than others. The biggest question to ask yourself is what you think you’ll use it for most and then look for quality pieces that meet your needs.

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Prepping to barter when SHTF: What skills to learn and items to stockpile

Prepping to barter when SHTF: What skills to learn and items to stockpile

After the world has gone sour, do you think banks and financial institutions would still function and keep printing money? Do you think we would still be able to walk up to a store and trade a piece of paper for an item that we need or want? A devastating act of terrorism such as a bioweapon that could render all of us fearing for our lives and would make the very concept of money meaningless.

such as axes, hammers, saw blades, spoke shaves, among others, are going to be prized commodities. He who sits on a pile of toilet paper will be treated with reverence. (In any case, one should learn how to make do without tissues – how do you think ancient caveman lived before their invention?)

A necessity for every homestead is someone with the knowledge of how to butcher an animal and preserve them for future use by salt curing, dehydrating, or smoking. Another important skill to learn when it comes to food processing is how to brew beer, mead, vinegar, or other alcoholic beverages from simple materials. 

The basics of animal husbandry are also important to a homestead. Farm animals are precious, for they can reproduce and provide meat. Not only that, they can also be a source of other food products such as milk, dairy, or . Knowing which animals to breed and how to properly breed them is a must.

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In a post-apocalyptic scenario, anything can happen. People might get lost, injured. People might even die. To keep abreast of your family, friends, and loved ones, it is necessary that you know how to use a ham radio. Knowing how to make and set up an antenna to improve your radio signal and mastering the Morse code are also wonderful skills to have in your arsenal.

Items that you can barter after the apocalypse

  • Salt, sugar, pepper, and spices. Long-term food storables such as salt, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, dehydrated or cured foods, and some cheeses, among others are good to stock up on. This is because you are guaranteed of a food supply. A makeshift dehydrator would be in demand, as it can make herbs and meats last for years.
  • Blankets. Blankets are a good tool for bodily protection, especially those made of wool. They will help you not freeze at night, protect you from sandstorms, and provide you with heat.
  • Alcohol and tobacco. During tough times, some people turn to the comfort of spirits to make themselves forget about the current conundrum that they are currently in. Also, it would be difficult to get hold of tobacco products during a catastrophe, so if they’re valuable now, imagine how much more valuable they would be then. Stock up on alcohol and tobacco, as these can last for years.
  • Tools. Practical tools such as blades, hatchets, axe heads, and hammer heads are very important during these trying times. They are needed for utilitarian purposes. They could also be used as weapons.
  • Barrels. Learn how to filter water. For this, you would need a lot of barrels.
  • Seeds. Obviously, one of people’s main concerns would be how to properly feed themselves. Seeds, i.e., growing your own food, would be the solution to this issue.

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Information is power: Why you still need to keep yourself aware during SHTF situations

Information is power: Why you still need to keep yourself aware during SHTF situations

Smartphones are handy because they let us access data right away, but can we still use this information when society collapses?

Preppers value data, be it survival skills like fire-making or foraging or knowing where the safest bug-out areas are. To prepare for survival scenarios, most prepper groups assign someone as their “information specialist.”

The good thing about prepping information is most of it is available online, and it can be legally obtained. Read up on these sources and access data while you still can because when SHTF, it might be lost forever. (h/t to TheOrganicPrepper.com.)

As long as you know where you look, you can archive data from public sources for intelligence purposes. This act of data gathering is called “open-source intelligence.”

The two kinds of information

The first kind is survival information, which refers to two types of data:

  1. News and disaster warnings that will keep you updated on incoming or ongoing events.
  2. Information and gadgets that you can gather now to be used if and when SHTF. This type includes any information concerning people and places local to you, your state, and nationally, maps, and radios, etc.

The second kind is the “History of Technology and its Use in the Restoration of Civilization Information” along with gadgets that you don’t particularly wish to use or need right now but can be useful to your long-term survival after a survival scenario. It includes:

  1. PDF books on tools and machines from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, such as the Industrial Revolution.

This might all sound overwhelming, but you can start by honing your situational awareness, which refers to “knowing and understanding what’s going on near you and its possible impact on you.”

Try to be more aware of everything and everyone around you. Take note of small details that often go overlooked. Paying attention during various situations can be the key to your very survival.

Try to remember important details in any situation, calmly process this information, and think of how this can affect you. To do this, you can start gathering maps and read up on how you can locate sources and avoid possible dangers using those maps.

You can hone your situational awareness by watching the national and world news every night. Additionally, you can prepare a small digital TV, like a 12-volt DC TV, with the appropriate antenna/s so you can monitor all local TV stations. Keep this TV in a Faraday cage so it can remain usable even after an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack.

If you’re not familiar with an EMP attack, you’ll know one has taken place if the power goes out and cell phone networks are down. If you’ve kept a radio in a Faraday cage, it won’t pick up any stations and most cars, except antique vehicles, will also be unusable.

  • All electronics would also cease working
  • Bank accounts would disappear
  • Planes would fall from the skies
  • Nuclear plants would be unable to cool down the reactors
  • Water pumps would stop working

Once you’ve confirmed that an EMP attack has taken place, start enacting your post-EMP plan. Don’t be stuck in denial like the general public, and start making the necessary preparations so you can keep your loved ones safe.

Online references

Visit the websites below so you can stay informed about potential natural disasters and any disaster warnings. Some of the sites below offer email alerts:

The majority of the information in the links above are made up of electronic files that can be obtained freely and legally. Just make sure your computer or device can read PDF and TIF files.

When SHTF, you’ll need more than food and weapons to ensure your safety. Staying informed can help protect you and your loved ones before disaster strikes.

You can read more articles about how you can gather information for your group when SHTF at .

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What emergency communication tools do you need when SHTF?

What emergency communication tools do you need when SHTF?

When SHTF, an emergency communication tool is a must since during a disaster you will need to stay informed.

For example, in the event of a hurricane or tornado warning, a NOAA weather radio or one that can receive NOAA broadcasts can help you stay safe. (h/t to TheOrganicPrepper.com)

While a cell phone doesn’t have functions like a radio has, it’s your best option for limited event emergencies. However, you will eventually need a backup communication tool, especially if the network gets jammed due to heavy phone use. You can still use a cell phone to send text messages, which is more effective during an emergency situation.

You will also need an AM/FM radio so you can monitor the news from local stations. You can also benefit from a two-way radio, especially if you need to call for help.

During a survival scenario, local radio or TV stations may cease operations. When this happens, emergency communication tools may just save your life. However, you need to figure out how to monitor the news because it will give you a way of assessing the extent of the damage caused by any disaster.

After you get a radio, set it up with the correct type of antenna so you can use it properly. Study the manual so you know what each button, dial, and switch does.

Check what stations are available on each frequency, and what stations will be operating. Try to monitor AM stations, FM stations, and shortwave stations.

When gathering information for your group, you can gather data from these sources:

  • AM and FM broadcast radio stations
  • Amateur radio
  • Print media (e.g., newspapers)
  • Satellite internet
  • Shortwave radio
  • TV (local broadcast and satellite channels)

The two types of radios

Receivers for emergency communications can help you monitor the news.

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  1. AM and FM radios – Most AM/FM radios are battery-powered, but those using solar charged batteries are recommended.
  2. Shortwave radio receivers – Shortwave receivers can receive almost all of the useful radio spectrum. They can receive from 100 kilohertz (kHz) to 30 mHz, 60 mHz, 1000 mHz (1 gHz), and even 2.5 gHz. However, they don’t usually receive trunked systems (e.g., police and other agency response radios). Shortwave radio receivers can be expensive and the price depends on the highest frequency they receive. The receivers cover the shortwave frequencies (high frequency [HF], very high frequency [VHF], ultra high frequency [UHF]) and several or all amateur radio frequencies. Cell phone frequencies are blocked on radios sold in the U.S., except for some government agencies.
  3.  Police scanners – Police and a lot of other government agencies and private companies like utility companies (power, natural gas, telephone, etc.) rely on two-way radio communications. The majority of older radio systems used by these agencies operate in the AM mode and these radio communications can be received by several shortwave radios. There are many frequency ranges used and you may need an HF radio, VHF radio, or UHF radio receiver.

Transceivers for emergency communications include two-way radios. With a transceiver, you can transmit and receive communications.

  1. Amateur radio/ham radio – Private individuals use amateur radios for personal conversations and they aren’t suitable for commercial use or for broadcasting. These two-way radios cover various bands or portions of the radio spectrum. Amateur radio operators must be licensed to transmit and you need an FCC assigned call sign when purchasing a ham radio transmitter or transceiver. In the U.S., amateur radio licenses are available in three different levels: the Technician class license, the General class license, and the Amateur Extra class license.
  2. Citizen band (CB) radio – CB radios are available in mobile radios for vehicles, base stations for home use, or in handheld or walkie-talkie models. CB radios can only go up to a maximum of five-watt power output with a limited range of a couple of miles. CB radios operate in two modes: AM and Single Side Band (SSB).
  3. FRS, GMRS, and MURS radios – Family Radio Service (FRS) are small handheld radios available in different stores. FRS radios are two-way radios that can be used to get in touch with houses in your block. These low powered (1/2 watt) radios operate on batteries and are for short range use. FRS radios can be used even if you don’t have a license to operate. General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) and Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) radios are higher powered (five watts) than FRS radios and mostly used by businesses. While GMRS require an FCC license to operate, the MURS does not. No test is needed for the license and you just need to apply. GMRS radios are only usable up to a few miles.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to invest in emergency communication tools. Read up on which option is suitable for your needs so you can stay in touch when disaster strikes.

You can learn more about emergency communication tools that you can use when SHTF at .

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Make the Most of Water Storage Today! – SHTF Prepping & Homesteading Central

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Water storage methods and means are very important. At the moment we are living through a time where clean water is plentiful and its a means of good living.

While water is very important in survival, if we set ourselves up properly we should be just fine. 

However, you need a gameplan for your water storage. That should be a many-tiered gameplan. It should include or you should at least consider the following. 

If you are going to depend on well water, be sure that you have some sort of off-grid pump. These are easy and you can even make your own! 

For any of these water methods, you are going to need some sort of water filter. It will just make the water safer or more palatable. It’s worth an investment in a quality water filter. 

Good high-value rain barrels are also very important. These make water catchment much easier. In fact, once you hook up four of those, water catchment basically handles itself. 

Water Sourcing

Another big part of water preparedness comes down to knowing where to source water from. Do you know where the creeks and rivers are located? Do you have the means to transport that water? 

If you have a means of sourcing water from a river, that means you will have water for about as long as you need it. As long as the water is not contaminated beyond recognition. 

Do It All!

When it comes to water, just do it all! Take advantage of all the sources of water and all the water storage you can muster. Be sure that water is one of those things you dont have to think about much. It takes about $500 to really put a dent in your water storage needs. 

1.0

After watching recent events unfold and speaking to family and friends, my wife and I decided to start prepping. Preparedness is a big part of our lives now and I would be honored to share some knowledge with you. Here at SHTF Prepping & Homesteading Central we gather the best prepping, survival, homesteading and DIY articles from around the web.
– “Those who prepare today will survive tomorrow.”

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5 Items Every Prepper Needs for the Cold Weather – SHTF Prepping & Homesteading Central

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You have probably noticed it already. The temperatures are dropping and cold weather is getting ready to roll in.

 We are only a month away from true cold hitting the nation and that will come in a hurry. If you are prepared for that cold it might not be such a big deal to you. 

What are the best ways to prepare for that cold? There are a number of ways that preppers can gather themselves against the cold. Here are some of the best preps to battle the winter.

DIY Hand Warmers 

One of the easiest and most effective little projects to add to your EDC bag is hand warmers. These are very cool, easy to customize DIY projects that can be created at home with things you already have on hand. 

You can head out and buy these hand warmers, too! However, they are so easy to make that once you do it you will never buy them again. 

The shemagh is the perfect item to have on hand for sneaky cold days. You can use this large piece of cloth to cover your neck or your head or both! That is a big deal in the cold. Just covering your neck and head can make a huge difference in the heat your body loses. 

Gloves 

If you are keeping your body active, on most cold days a good pair of glove sand a good hat can make all the difference. Waterproof gloves really help. So invest in some good wool or insulated gloves. 

Water Proof Boots

If it’s cold and you start to get wet, life gets worse in a hurry. Whether you are out walking in the snow or working in it, you need some good waterproof boots. They should breathe and you need good wool socks, too! 

The boots are critical. 

Off-Grid Heat Source

When the power goes out, how do you keep your family warm? How do you plan on warming your home? Collapsible wood stoves are a big help and so are kerosene and propane heaters.

4.5

After watching recent events unfold and speaking to family and friends, my wife and I decided to start prepping. Preparedness is a big part of our lives now and I would be honored to share some knowledge with you. Here at SHTF Prepping & Homesteading Central we gather the best prepping, survival, homesteading and DIY articles from around the web.
– “Those who prepare today will survive tomorrow.”

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The Realities of the S Part of SHTF

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By GrizzlyetteAdams

In the preparedness community, the acronym SHTF means, to put it politely, when the Stuff Hits The Fan. It is generally understood to mean chaotic times or extreme hardship caused by severe disasters or apocalyptic events.

For the past couple of decades, high profile mega-disasters have been hot topics for discussion in many internet forums and other social media. Movies and books about a post-apocalyptic world have presented many possibilities that are uncomfortably close to the truth of what it would be like to deal with intense hard times because of things such as pandemics, protracted war, or widespread economic failure.

Most people are not prepared for SHTF scenarios.

Time and time again, historical events have revealed how fragile the fabric of human society is and how easy it is to tear it apart. Today, we are facing a fresh kind of hell that the world has never seen before. The gears of our highly computerized and industrialized society are so tightly linked that a series of bumps in the beltway can destroy our way of life. Unchecked interruptions in the normal flow of things could quickly evolve into the dreaded scenario that is often referred to as TEOTWAWKI (The End Of The World As We Know It).

Most of us know people who are not well prepared for ordinary disasters, much less extraordinary and widespread catastrophic events capable of producing a severe SHTF situation.

Although 60 percent of Americans believe that preparing for disasters is very important to them, only 17 percent claim to be prepared for an emergency. The Department of Homeland Security revealed this disturbing statistic in a survey that was reported on the disaster preparedness website, Ready.gov.

SHTF will bring out the worst in people, and some will be especially dangerous.

Some of us are more or less prepared to deal with the 17 percenters, but unfortunately, there are other kinds of people who are far more dangerous. Prepare to meet them when the SHTF:

Gangs: These experienced predators are highly skilled in getting what they want and will be even more dangerous if they are driven to survive on a basic level for food, water, and medical care. History shows that chaotic times often generate widespread syndicated-style crime. When the SHTF, expect newly formed gangs that will be just as motivated as preexisting gangs.

Preppers, survivalists, existing militia, and snipers: These groups may be formidable adversaries when their supplies run low. They may be more dangerous than criminal gangs because they have a broader skillset than most gang members.

Common thieves: Those who have made their living by stealing from others have honed their techniques to be as efficient as possible. Experienced thieves are experts in searching out and plundering their targets without being detected. If these individuals are motivated by stealing to survive, they will be a force to reckon with. Prepare to stay ahead of them in the game.

Walmartians: Many who are heavily dependent on Walmart and other big box stores may have difficulty surviving without running to a store every few days. When their pantries are bare, expect them to be wild-eyed and desperate. We are all familiar with this group; they are in almost every family and community.

Parents: Unprepared parents will probably be among the most desperately motivated people you may ever encounter. Normal parental instincts kick in when their children’s safety and well-being are threatened. Sometimes this can involve extraordinary strength and drive. There have been news reports of superhuman feats by desperate parents, including mothers who lifted extremely heavy objects such as automobiles to free their trapped children. Imagine how dedicated some parents will be to ensure the survival of their children in the face of disasters…

Seemingly helpless people: One of the oldest criminal tricks in the book is to use women, children, and the elderly as “bait” to lure unsuspecting soft-hearted victims. Seemingly helpless people have been successfully used as decoys and accomplices to gain access to a targeted home or group.

What will you do if you meet some of these people when the SHTF?

Here are a few tips to use a springboard for generating your own ideas and creative solutions that may work in your situation:

Countermeasures against Walmartians, gangs, preppers, survivalists, militia, and thieves: You may be less of a target if it looks like you have already been robbed or don’t have anything they want. If you must be in the public eye when food is scarce, it might be a good thing if you looked just as malnourished as everyone else. Creative prep items: oversized clothing and perhaps realistic theatrical cosmetics. A very light touch of soot or dirt under the eyes and under the cheekbones can help give the appearance of being ill or deprived.

Even if you look as deprived as everyone else, keep in mind that human trafficking will ramp up to unprecedented levels during lawless times, so you should also take measures to be less of a target as possible. I

Countermeasures against snipers: The occurrence of sniper warfare has led to the evolution of counter-sniper tactics. You can learn about them here.

Countermeasures against desperate parents and seemingly helpless ones:  A friend of mine, TMT Tactical, shared some helpful thoughts on this tricky situation:

You have to ask yourself some simple questions:

(1) How did this “helpless person” survive long enough to find their way to your doorstep or property? That is your first red flag. The truly helpless do not usually survive for any length of time during the survival phase in a SHTF event. Certainly not long enough to walk to your doorstep (especially in a rural area).

(2) What condition is this person in? That is your second red flag. Are they injured and decrepit from a difficult journey or simply dirty and underfed? A loner is not likely to be in very good shape and may have cuts, bruises, and serious injuries. The “bait” may be underfed and dirty but not seriously injured enough to slow down their captors.

(3) What supplies or equipment is this person carrying? That is your third red flag. A lack of supplies or equipment could be an indicator they are being taken care of by some other force (group) or they may have stashed their stuff before showing up at your doorstep.

I realize that I must harden my home…and my heart. I cannot jeopardize the safety of my household. In a widespread austere situation, there will never be “just one” helpless person. Even if a stranger was truly in need, I know that I could not take care of all the helpless ones that may cross my path without compromising my responsibility to my family.

Another consideration: strangers can bring calamity to your household through diseases or dangerous mental illnesses that may not be obvious at first glance. The combination of no available medicines and no doctors can be a recipe for disaster for your family. By the time you realize something is horribly wrong, it may be too late. Is this the gamble you are willing to risk?

Because of these principles, I have resolved to never open my door to a stranger and endanger my household during extremely hazardous times. But if possible, I would like to find a way to sneak ahead of those who seem to be truly helpless and leave a “care package” along the roadway in such a way that it appears to have been accidentally lost and not deliberately planted.

What do you think?

Can you think of creative ways to reduce confrontations with members of lawless groups during a prolonged and widespread SHTF event?

Of course, I have heard more than a few people say they would respond to any of these threats with bullets. Self-defense is certainly in order but realistically, even the most well-armed can be outnumbered or may eventually run out of ammo during a lengthy event. What then? Now is a good time to brainstorm, explore ideas, and plan ahead.

About GrizzlyetteAdams

My brother called me Grizzly Adams like it was a bad thing. I took it as a compliment and fashioned my cyber name after Mr. Adams who dropped out of society in 1852 and made the wilderness his home. I pretty much did the same thing over twenty years ago and discovered what Mark Twain said is true, “A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way.”

I watched a few popular prepper’s myths bite the dust and also learned not to depend entirely upon stored supplies; instead, I celebrate them with a view to how temporary they are. Skills and knowledge are far more enduring and are among the best back up plans we can ever have.

Most of all, I also discovered that the so-called Hard Times can be the best of times.

I love to share with my readers the things I have learned in the way of being a prepared and experienced survivalist, bush crafter, herbalist, hunter/gatherer, primitive organic gardener (no store-bought stuff!), plus a bunch of other things related and unrelated. I am also an unapologetic thriftyista; I know that being frugal can buy us the freedom to enjoy the things we love most.

There are several books inside of me that are threatening to spring out soon (watch for announcements on my Twitter page:  GrizzlyeteAdams).

This content was originally published here.

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