Archive for month: November, 2020

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by Selco Begovic

Timing or the importance of perfect timing in SHTF can be a matter of life and death.

For a starting point, you need to understand something that I mentioned in previous posts. When SHTF occurs, the situation is fluid – it can change quickly, and you need to recognize those changes so you can react in time, and in the proper way.

The real danger is other people

I like to say that when the SHTF most probably your enemy is not going to be some foreign invaders, UN troops, or people that are very different than you.

It’s very possible your enemy will be the people that today live around you.

What will make them your enemy?

Well, a lot of things. The SHTF itself, the lack of resources, hate, polarization, absence of a system, absence of repercussion for their actions…

But always the main reason will be the lack of resources, and it is something I wrote about a lot in my book. That makes every person your possible enemy.

How does the importance of timing come into play here?

Well, it is on you to time your plans and actions based on the situation around you.

Here are a couple of examples:

Answers to those questions are quite different based on the time (or timing) when you are answering them. Simply if there is no system still working, everything falls apart. The timing of your action is important. You must understand what the rules are so you can choose how (or how hard) your response will be.

And do not forget, since it will be fluid the difference can be as little as a half-hour of time. Or even minutes.

A law-abiding citizen

Yes, I know, most probably you are a law-abiding citizen.

But, you cannot be a law abiding citizens in a situation where there is no law at all.

So what are you gonna be?

I am not suggesting anything here, but, again, your actions should be different in normal times and world without law and order. I am talking here not about violence, but about your feelings of who owns what when all falls apart.

If you recognize in time that there is simply no system, and there are things that actually suddenly do not “belong” to anyone, you can make good decisions about acquiring things you need. And trust me if you do not make it then, you will make it later. Only later you are not gonna have so many choices or opportunities.

No, I am not talking about stealing from other folks or looting your local mall during a bad weather event or riot.

I am talking about your acts in the first days of an event that is gonna be complete and prolonged world without a regular system of law and order.
Timing there also means that you need to recognize when some things are more important than others…for example, food is more important than some big-screen TV.

Actions on the ground

Timing also means a lot while certain things are happening when SHTF, especially in the very early stages of SHTF.

The early stage is important, because most of the people in that stage are not sure of:

You, as a survivalist/prepper, should be ahead of those people and you should know, or at least have an educated guess about the 4 questions above so you can time your actions appropriately.

Looting/scavenging

There is nothing too much philosophical here, and here is one example:

Something happens, and people are looting the mall.

What are you going to do?

Well, the most obvious answer is that you’ll stay at home because it is safest.

But let’s say you need medicines, food, or whatever.

Well if it is a real and serious SHTF, I would say you are gonna go there and “loot.” Only it is technically not looting anymore, because there is no law and order. It is not coming back for a long time or ever. So if you are smart, you’ll go there and stock up with important medicines, or food, or lighter fluid or similar stuff.

The timing is perfect because the answers to all of the above questions are “satisfying” for that. And you as a prepper for sure are not gonna loot stereos and TVs.

Most of the other people gonna be stupid and loot that useless stuff, because they completely missed the understanding of what is going on.

The timing here can be tricky too because you need to check if there are other people who understood how serious the situation is (based on the above questions). If they did, then you might lose your life there looking for food or medicines, simply because a lot of other people could be doing the same.

And do not forget, criminal organised groups WILL eventually figure out what is important, so they will eventually come to control that.

So, the timing is important, but again, the timing of your understanding of the term “law-abiding citizen” here is something that you need to figure out first when something serious happens.

You also need to know when to leave.

I have said before if I had realized what was coming when the SHTF for me, I would have left. But I waited too late. I missed my time.

You must be ready to leave everything (physical) in a split second if that means survival and life.

Learn to operate in terms of “less is more” or in other words, try whenever you can to substitute dependence on things with owning knowledge of a particular skill. For example, owning a big stash of water is great, owning skills and means to purify near water sources is even better.

Be ready to alter your plans – do not value your current plan so much that you are ready to die for it. Have an open and flexible mind so you can recognize that moment when your current plan becomes worthless. Do not act like “my plan (bugging out, or bugging in) is so good that I am ready to die for it.

Timing is everything when the SHTF.

A lot of things and actions in the world of survival are simply words. Those words will have different meanings when SHTF, based on the moment in time and based on when you are taking your actions. You as a prepper need to time your actions according to the events around you, and you need to be ready to kinda bend based on the events unfolding.

Have you ever had poor timing?

Have you ever been the victim of bad timing or missed a window of opportunity during an emergency? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments.

About Selco:

Selco survived the Balkan war of the 90s in a city under siege, without electricity, running water, or food distribution. 

In his online works, he gives an inside view of the reality of survival under the harshest conditions. He reviews what works and what doesn’t, tells you the hard lessons he learned, and shares how he prepares today. He never stopped learning about survival and preparedness since the war. Regardless of what happens, chances are you will never experience extreme situations as Selco did. But you have the chance to learn from him and how he faced death for months.

Real survival is not romantic or idealistic. It is brutal, hard and unfair. Let Selco take you into that world.

SHTFPreparedness may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.

What does SHTF currency look like?

We all like to speculate but it’s hard to really know what will hold weight in which situation. It’s hard to imagine a time when cash is no longer king. However, if the currency is devalued by massive debt and inflation we could see that in our lifetime.

Let’s take a moment to look at these four currencies and see which will play well in the SHTF scenario.

At the very least your emergency plans should involve a cash emergency fund of $1,000. This fund is to be held onto in case of emergencies that affect your finances.

In the near future cash is going to get things done. A cash fund should be your first consideration before anything else.

While gold has long been a means of currency around the world, the price of gold is so high that it is hard to use practically. You would struggle to buy food and provisions with gold.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, gold is currently over $1,700 an ounce (as of 4/26/2020)! That means you would need flakes to buy food or you would need some means of making a change. That’s a lot of moving parts for an SHTF barter.

I would not make gold a big player in your SHTF wealth profile unless you are looking to make large purchases that you can secure.

The SHTF currency that makes the most sense to me is silver. It gives you a value that can be used for the purchase of most things. Likewise, it’s easy to afford in meaningful batches and can make a big difference in a hurry.

At $15 an ounce (as of 4/26/2020), you can start putting silver away today!

The reality of collapse currency could be much different. It could be skills, labor, or the human body itself. As sad as that is, in Venezuela women are crossing over to Columbia in order to sell their bodies to feed their kids.

That is a real collapse. Pay close attention.

Bonus: How to Make Pemmican, the Original Survival Food

Invented by the natives of North America was used by Indian scouts as well as early western explorers.

Native Americans spent a great deal of time on the go and depended on having portable, high-energy, highly nutritious, and filling foods that would last for long periods of time without refrigeration.

Pemmican is a portable, long-lasting, high-energy food. It’s made of lean, dried meat that’s crushed into powder and mixed with hot, rendered fat. This makes it one of the ultimate foods to have stockpiled for when SHTF or disaster strikes.

People really should avert their gaze from the modern survival thinking for just a bit and also look at .

These guys were the last generation to practice basic things, for a living, that we call “survival skills” now.

by Ken Jorgustin | Nov 20, 2020 | 12 comments

You may only choose two long guns and two handguns. They will be chosen for a time of SHTF. In other words, a time of extreme turmoil, social chaos, collapse, shortages, revolution…if you get my drift.

Maybe one scenario is as follows. The globalist Marxist Commies come into power. Subsequently they do what they always do — try to take your guns. Without arguing about how you might mitigate that, lets just say you’ve planned ahead for it. Maybe you put aside two specific long guns and two handguns that “they” wouldn’t find.

Or maybe that doesn’t happen at all. But you’re considering all aspects of a hypothetical collapse and you’re deciding what might be best in the long gun department and the handgun department.

I will initially refrain from putting out my own opinion so as to get your comments without influence. I’m sure there are lots of opinions, and I put this out there for fun… (haven’t done a “gun” post in awhile).

Lets see where we end up, and I’ll update this post with some of the highlights.

Ready, Set, Go!

22 revolver with 22 mag cylinder, sks. Why can use 22 short or the cci 22 quiets for quiet hunting, any 22 ammo for general use. 7.62×39 is just fine.

Gee I should have read more closely. 2 of each? wow? I picked for utility and plain out total reliability. Would I select two different ones or more ammo instead. Only the Owl knows. 🙂

Probably a single/double barreled shotgun 12 gauge with a full set of chamber adapters so I could use anything I found in “lost ammo”, and more ammo….

Been awhile since I looked at purchasing a gun, but as a kid my friend and I shot lots of different guns and 10s of thousands of rounds. 12 gauge slugs either 000 or 00 buckshot are absolutely devastating to anything in its path so I’d opt for a pump 12 gauge of some sort. I had an M&P 9mm that was a smooth shooter and a large capacity magazine. Too bad it got lost deep in the woods.

The ones i have when it goes ugly

I hope Ige doesnt read these posts!! haha

Ige is why its so hard to come home. Living in Oklahoma where we can buy and own anything we want, Pro 2nd. What would i do with all my “stuff”.

any kind of high powered kind of rifle for longer range hunting a semi auto 12 gauge for home defense a 9mm hand gun and a 45 handgun for short range stopping power

This was a mental exercise that I thought through years ago because it’s fun. In my head I decided I’d like to just store 22LR, rather than buying various ones to keep track of. That would allow me to use a pistol such as a Ruger SR22, a Ruger 10/22, as well as even going into The Saint that had been fitted with an insert to accept 22LR, then toss in a revolver too if desired. Seemed practical to just streamline the gun selection off the ammo stored in my scenario.

Kel Tec PMR 30 22 mag, Glock 21, Mossberg 12ga with mini shell adaptor, AR.223

A 10/22 semi auto rifle, Mini 14 .223, Both can be used to hunt what’s near me.
357 revolver & 45 semi auto for defense from man or beast…I prefer Ruger from my Rifles
Colt for my pistols.

Remington 870 12 gauge pump with vent rib and slug barrel.
AK-47 7.62×39
Colt Woodsman .22LR Pistol
S&W 686 .357 mag revolver

#1 Mossberg 20 gauge pump with a bunch of different barrels
#2 Well made AR-15 with a bunch of mags
#3 Glock 19’s x2 with a bunch of mags,

If allowed one more by the Gun Czar Bozo O’Dork , it would be a Ruger .22 “American” bolt action in .22 LR.

SHTFPreparedness may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.

2020 has made clear the importance of being prepared for SHTF situations. Perhaps one could say it didn’t go that bad, but there isn’t a point in waiting for things to go off rails before taking action. It’s sensible and easier to be prepared, and this SHTF prepper supply list can pave the way for beginners and be a handy tip for pros.

Unprepared people panic and spend their time and energy on illogical things. The long lines outside stores during the great toilet paper rush of 2020 are your evidence.

How Do I Prepare for SHTF?

There are plenty of everyday things we don’t give a second thought to but they are invaluable if SHTF. Consider things like nail clippers and cotton balls. They aren’t exactly remarkable or exotic but could be invaluable in a difficult situation.

A simple way to approach this is through priorities. Necessities to sustain you come first. If there’s still more space available, you can add other things as well. What you keep is also guided by the location you choose.

Those intending to stay at their own home don’t have to worry about moving things. However, if you have to travel to another location, there will be things that can’t come along.

Even if you’re planning to stay at your place, it’s still a good idea to have a “bug out bag” or emergency bag. This bag essentially includes necessities that you take along.

Let’s kick off this SHTF prepper list with some necessities.

Consider these numbers the extreme limit – dehydration will start taking its toll a lot sooner. Likewise, water is important for sanitation, cleaning, etc.

According to ready.gov, each person needs at least a gallon of water every three days.

Bottled Water

Bottle water is a seemingly straightforward solution for potable water. Some FDA-approved water bottles can last for up to two years if unopened.

Some, like Blue Can Water, have a shelf life of up to 50 years. It’s a bit pricey, but have to pay for that shelf life.

You could start with this right away and purchase water with your next trip to the store. Keep a convenient amount that can last for at least a few days.

Have a system where you use water bottles at home when they get close to their expiration date. Don’t forget to replenish your stock!

Bottled water isn’t always cost-effective. Large reusable water barrels or containers can store a lot more water at a fraction of the price.

But it’s always possible to treat the water and make it potable. Besides, there is always the possibility of using it for cleaning or sanitation purposes.

Portable and/or Large Water Filters

If you have a way to store a lot of water, getting a large water filter will ensure you have a convenient and steady supply of potable water. This applies to places that are intended for use as shelters.

Having a portable water filter like the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is critically important. Whether you travel or stay put, a portable water filter will always come in handy.

When traveling in a SHTF situation, a dependable water filter is a lifesaver. You may not be able to carry enough water or trust that the water available en route will be safe.

Those of us who enjoy the outdoors and go camping know that water is heavy. This is why camping and hiking gear for longer trips include ways to get potable water through filtration or treatment.

Portable water filters are a good pick here. You can also include solutions like water purification tablets, which too are often used by campers.

Another choice is chemical agents like bleach. A few drops of regular, unscented chlorine bleach will kill off most bacteria and viruses in water.

According to EPA recommendations, about two drops of 8.25% bleach are good enough for a quart/liter of water.

In a pinch, even coffee filters can be used for pre-filtration. They won’t kill germs, but they can help remove contaminants like dirt, some critters, and other small particles. Paper filters are better, but even metal filters can do some work.

Here’s the SHTF prepper supply list for securing your water supply:

Food is another survival necessity and a must for any SHTF prepper supply list. Again, for this scenario, before we cater to our taste buds, we must first cater to our necessities. Good preppers start with calorically dense, long-lasting, and low-prep bulk food.

Our SHTF list of supplies needs nutritious survival foods that have a long shelf life, don’t need much preparation, and can be stored without refrigeration.

Food Supplements

Supplements like bulk carbohydrates and bulk proteins are easily available in convenient, large packaging. They are nutritious, easy to store, and relatively cheap to stockpile. All you have to do is store them in a cool, dry place.

Long-Lasting Common Foods

Some popular and staple foods have ridiculously long lifespans for storage.

When properly stored, rice can last decades. The variety of rice and the way it is processed does make a difference, so check the expected shelf life before buying it as part of your survival plan.

Other options include rolled oats and pinto beans.

Wheat grains can last a good time too, but flour doesn’t last very long. And keeping grains alone would also require ways to grind and manage them.

Oils are a good source of fat and a good item for any prepper supply checklist.

Cooking oils like coconut oil and avocado oil can last 1-2 years and give your food a quick dose of fat. You could even have a small amount directly, but there’s a risk of intestinal distress by direct consumption.

Nuts like cashews and almonds are nutritious and last for a long time.

Other items like beef jerky and protein bars have high energy content and can last a long time. These items are perfect for a bug out bag and even storage.

Canned Foods

When choosing canned meals, give the highest priority to canned meat. Stored properly, these can last 5 years or more.

Canned veggies, on the other hand, would be pushing expiration dates in a couple of years.

Canned foods are heavy and relatively expensive, so try to strike the right balance.

Livestock and Pets

This falls into a more specialized category, where your place of shelter is capable of handling animals. Additionally, it should be possible to manage the food for the animals. Chickens, rabbits, goats, sheep, even cows can form a part of this group.

Pets that aren’t livestock can be useful, too. Remember, you will have to feed your pets in addition to yourself.

Dogs can do guard duty while cats and ferrets hunt vermin. Exotic pets like spiders and snakes aren’t a good choice for a shelter. Other pets like rodents and fish are off-limits too.

Cooking Gear

Things like lighters, fuel, and cooking utensils are essential.

Survival lighters are a very convenient pick for any preppers gear. Their application in starting fires can come in handy for more than just cooking. Matches should do fine too. If you intend to use a stove, make sure you have plenty of fuel.

As for cooking utensils, pick cast iron products. They aren’t the best looking, but they can help get iron into your diet and have ridiculously long term lifespans.

Here’s a quick rundown for our preppers supply checklist for food:

Defense and Weapons

Before you act on this section, you should check on your local laws on gun ownership and weapons.

Unpredictability is a hallmark of SHTF situations. It could be an inconvenience, or the world may go straight to hell in a handbasket.

Panic can make people do crazy things. Weapons are an essential part of any prepper checklist.

A handgun/pistol and some ammo can go into your bug out bag, while larger guns and rifles can be at the base.

In case firearms are not possible, it’s worthwhile to look at other options as well. Hunting bows/arrows, basketball bats, and anything else that can be used as a weapon should find its way to your shelter/base.

If nothing else, keep all your kitchen knives with you. They’ll come in handy – and not just as weapons.

Medicines and First Aid

Any necessary or life-saving medicine you need should be part of your bug out bag as well as other packaging. These include medicines for existing medical conditions (heart medication, insulin, EpiPen, blood pressure medication, etc.).

Also, keep a first aid kit at hand. Things like bandaids, gauze, cotton balls, scissors, thermometer, cold pack, antibiotics, etc. are part of any first aid kit.

Other medications, as necessary, should find a place as well. Potassium iodide tablets that can help with radiation exposure are a must for preppers.

Masks have proven themselves to be useful. Include N95 and N99 masks in your inventory. Depending on how thorough you want to be, items like gas masks and hazmat suits should be considered.

A SHTF prepper checklist for medicines includes:

Here are some items that should find a way into your checklist. They’ve proven themselves to be more than useful in most situations, and thus are necessities.

Recheck and Organize Your SHTF Prepper Supply List

Getting your SHTF prepper supply list together should start with basic necessities. Once you’ve secured your shelter, food, and water supply, other things start getting easier and more sensible.

Next, think of medicines, hygiene, and defense. If you have to travel in an SHTF scenario, also consider the vehicles and fuels you’ll need.

While our list is intended to be comprehensive, there are always special circumstances and conditions that affect individuals. Never shy away from changes that make things more suitable for your use.

Bonus: How to Make Pemmican, the Original Survival Food

Invented by the natives of North America was used by Indian scouts as well as early western explorers.

Native Americans spent a great deal of time on the go and depended on having portable, high-energy, highly nutritious, and filling foods that would last for long periods of time without refrigeration.

Pemmican is a portable, long-lasting, high-energy food. It’s made of lean, dried meat that’s crushed into powder and mixed with hot, rendered fat. This makes it one of the ultimate foods to have stockpiled for when SHTF or disaster strikes.

People really should avert their gaze from the modern survival thinking for just a bit and also look at .

These guys were the last generation to practice basic things, for a living, that we call “survival skills” now.