How to Mentally Prepare Yourself for the Epic Economic SHTF That’s Coming – Activist Post

In my last article, I tried to establish the relationship between the economy and SHTF and provide some insights on some implications that institutions and other factors have in determining the outcome of collapses (economic or otherwise). Now let’s talk about the practical matters of the looming economic SHTF.

It’s time to see more about what’s coming and how to prepare for it. 

Nothing has happened yet. Why should I worry?

I know many people are tired of hearing the economy will crash, and we’ll suffer the consequences for years to come. I get mocked all the time for continually talking about a reckoning of epic proportions. “For more than a decade, yet nothing has happened,” I keep hearing. 

And my reply to that? “Wrong!”

First, a lot has happened: the 2008 GFC was the most severe financial crisis since the Great Depression. Millions got wiped. We can still feel reflexes of it today. Second (and perhaps the most important): the situation of the worldwide economy has deteriorated significantly since then. 

Some people must wake the f*ck up and smell the coffee.

According to Bloomberg, reports estimate global debt at . And that’s by the end of 2020. Notwithstanding the possibility of underestimation, that’s already more than 350% of global GDP. Wait, there’s more: last year, the Federal Reserve printed 40% of all USD currently in circulation. Ouch.

With that, I ask, how come nothing has happened? Does it take a three-digit IQ to see the implications? 

So, who said we’ve seen the worse of this yet? Yes, people will wake up indeed, one way or another. And what a shock it will be. Very few are aware, and even less are preparing for what will likely be a suffer-fest. 

An early warning does not mean the warning is wrong.

There is always something governments and institutions can do to kick the can down the road. In fact, since early 2008 (even before that), governments have done precisely that in overdrive. 

Unlike natural disasters, the powers that be can artificially postpone economic SHTFs.

In practice, this means we may keep living on borrowed time for a while. But at one point, reality will assert itself and catch up. A lot of brilliant people believe that reality is coming soon.

Hindsight is 20/20

And that’s why being a prepper is a mindset. In 2018-2019 if someone told you the entire world would lockdown for months thanks to a virus and engulf us all in this craziness we’re in now, how would you have reacted? 

When I say bad days are coming, I’m not talking about or trying to predict the end of the world. Arguing that is a distortion. Being prepared doesn’t mean I’m living in a bunker with a gas mask and tons of canned food. Life goes on, and we should be out there living it while we still can. 

But this isn’t incompatible with being ready and aware. Don’t stick your damn head in the sand: use it instead. Is it better to be early and prepared, or late and unprepared? With all the warning signs blinking red, the choice should be obvious.

Many in the prepping community don’t see a financial crisis as sexy or impactful.

Maybe the world of finance and economy are viewed as too complex, too esoteric, too corrupt – in short, too distant – especially by a conscious and pragmatic bunch like preppers. 

Also, older and newer generations have lived on a tailwind for the last two or three decades, an exceptional situation provided in great measure by fake money printing, heavy interventionism, and scandalous bail-outs. That undoubtedly contributed to making a lot of people soft and complacent.

I don’t know if those are the reasons or not. Understandably, most would rather deal with the practical aspects of prepping (also because it’s easier). But preparedness is all about planning, forecasting, cycles of abundance and scarcity, rational consumption of resources, resilience, etc. So, in essence, prepping is economy.

Now, on to what matters: preparing for an economic SHTF

Those who find things are volatile now shouldn’t wait until this runaway train hits society headfirst. When people realize the size and depth of the fraud and that their wealth, savings, pensions, and rights are in danger (or have evaporated), they will react. 

How much of a storm it will be? We’ll see. But that may force the governments to crack down even harder to contain the revolt. And if that happens, the mechanics of action-reaction could mean ever-growing bilateral tensions and conflicts within societies (and possibly external ones too). 

You may think I am gloomy. However, look into history again and draw your own conclusions. Regardless of what you see or where you live, you can do better than to take things for granted. It is time to remain alert and active, not alienated and complacent.

Take action now.

Don’t wait until something happens to start researching and learning how to live in a world with an economy entirely different from the one we had for the past 20 or 30 years. 

I know this sounds like basic prepping advice. But it is less about stockpiling food or ammo and more about not underestimating the blow that living a simpler or more limited life can have on ours, our family’s and friends’ psychology (and physiology too).

On that, Daisy provides a wealth of advice on living frugally in many of her books and articles. . Go back to their writings and heed their words. It’s actionable stuff that can provide a lot about preparation and survival during personal and collective economic SHTF events.

Deep economic crises can last a lot longer than other SHTFs.

Natural or man-made disasters can have a much quicker resolution, so it’s easier to prepare for them in many ways. Stockpiles and other preparations are good for these situations and can ease the blow of an economic crash. 

But stuff doesn’t last forever. Some preppers in Venezuela had food stocked for a year or two. At the time it seemed a lot, and on all accounts this helped them go through the early phase. But the ordeal has been going on for twenty years. Think of that for a moment. It’s a lifetime – and it hasn’t ended yet. 

The correct mindset is a marathon, not a sprint. This is why gear, stockpiles, and equipment matter but more in the short-term: to provide some comfort, safety, and confidence as a way to soften the blow. Mid- and long-term, especially in a lasting economic downturn, require a different mentality. 

Think of economic SHTF preparation in other ways.

Life goes on. It’s perfectly fine to keep enjoying your current lifestyle. Continue consuming and using products and services that are still available and your financial condition allows. But get ready for a downgrade. Research, learn, test, get acquainted, and live some time using alternative/lower brands and options. 

See how this change affects you and your family. I know most people can adapt. But losing can hurt, and it’s much better when it’s voluntary, or we know how it feels. This exercise can ease the transition practically and psychologically and save a lot of work in case of shortages, price hikes, or a reduction in the variety and availability of products, which are all common during economic downturns. 

Don’t underestimate the importance of this sort of preparation for surviving a more harsh economic collapse. Just look at the tsunami of mental and psychological illnesses that stemmed from the lockdowns and the whole craziness we’re living.

Invest in tools.

Here is more of a practical tip. Refurbishing, reusing, repurposing, recycling and repairing were common ways to save money during the ’70s and ’80s. Inflation is higher on first necessity items and lower or even negative on less essential products and services. These are precisely the ones that can be DIYed. 

Installing or repairing stuff around the house or car leaves more to be used in other goods and necessities or saved and invested. You can generate income by doing this too. Tools are still cheap, so it’s a good idea to have a good set ready along with complementary items such as screws, blades, PPEs, and other non-perishables. (Even if you don’t know how to use them now.)

Have an Inflation Mentality.

On payday, my father would take us all to the supermarket to pull carts topped. Non-perishables would be purchased all at once to be stored and rationed. He’d also top the tank of the car and pay his bills that same day.

It was that, or his salary would be over well before the month was. Prices would rise daily, sometimes twice per day. Everyone did the same for decades until the country could contain inflation in the mid-’90s. Sounds too crazy? Can you imagine living in such a world? 

Perhaps you should because even though there’s no way to tell what kind of scenario we’ll have this time around, a particular type of mentality is necessary to navigate a fast-changing economy and optimize resources. Inflation, deflation, or stagflation scenarios require a shift: we must think in terms of purchasing power instead of affordability when facing an economic SHTF

War-gaming possible scenarios.

Think of the many different ways that an economic SHTF can, directly and indirectly, affect you and your family. Consider the implications for your job, career, savings, mortgages, investments, pensions, income, healthcare, everything. 

Also, think about practical changes in everyday routine: how will transportation, leisure and entertainment, safety, shopping, and other routines and necessities (yours and your family’s) be affected, both by the changes in the economy, the society, the politics, and your community. 

Do the above to plan and implement the necessary preparations to provide home and personal safety, health, mental stability, etc.

Here is an interesting read from Daisy back in 2017 on What a Second Civil War Would Like Like. 

Don’t forget the pandemic.

Whatever your views on the whole COVID-19 ordeal, things like virus developments and government impositions, lockdowns, mandates, vaccines, etc., are still a threat and can compound issues. I defend that everyone should be free to decide how to act, but either way, everyone can be impacted by consequences and changes. Use common sense, and don’t play the fool for anything.

Establish plans for short, mid, and long terms. 

Be aware that generational economic downturns don’t happen suddenly. There can be shocks and crashes of various magnitudes with more immediate and grave consequences, but things usually occur in stair-steps cycling through booms and busts (as they’re happening right now) while we ride to the bottom.

Short term means having preparations (cash and provisions) to deal with frozen accounts, bank holidays, confiscations, bouts of social unrest, things like that. Mid term can include shortages, disruptions, blackouts, and overall decadence and failure in public services and utilities. And the long term, all the effects of inflation compounded with stagnant or declining economic growth (stagflation) and everything that comes with it.

Some (many?) things cannot be anticipated or planned. 

And that’s fine. We must accept, not worry, and not stress. Don’t get stuck on that. Reflect, discuss the possibilities, take notes on what you can, and move on. Stay calm, positive, and open on what you can’t. Stay mobile and agile. Keep improving. Above all, learn to roll with the punches and adapt. Learn to decide fast and act swiftly. None of that takes special skills, much less gear or stockpiles. 

Hyperinflation is essentially a failed state.

Inflation is a form of taxation, a very punishing and unfair one. Most important, high levels of inflation mean a broken-down state and society, which has reflexes and ripples through all aspects of everyday life.

Expect a lowering in infrastructure investment and maintenance, a worsening (or failure) of public services and necessities, a general reduction in quality on everything public and private. And, of course, all the social volatility that we know will occur.

The lack of “Crisis Memory” may turn things worse.

Most people today have no idea what are things like the indexed economy, price control, and how the market and government respond to these things (hint: shortages, withholds, confiscations, price gouging, and all kinds of scams and tricks). 

There are now entire generations that have no memory of living in such an environment. These issues haven’t been on the minds of the individuals and the collective for decades now. 

Will this lead to mistakes, misreadings, bad judgments, and wrong calls? Probably. The market isn’t even considering the possibility of crashes and changes (yet). I’m afraid this will worsen the consequences of the impending economic disaster. But I hope I’m wrong. In fact, not just about this but everything else.

Final thoughts about an economic SHTF

Much of what happens in the economy is related to the psychology of the people and the collective. When things are good, and everyone is happy, we behave one way. When things are bad, and people are in a bad mood, afraid or pissed, we behave totally differently regarding money, savings, and everyday life. And this ends up shaping up the future, and the reason why it’s impossible to predict it. 

The main takeaways are:

How are you preparing?

Do you believe we’re about to face a massive economic crisis? Why or why not? How are you preparing yourself for a long-term economic SHTF scenario? Let’s discuss it in the comments.

Fabian Ommar is a 50-year-old middle-class worker living in São Paulo, Brazil. Far from being the super-tactical or highly trained military survivor type, he is the average joe who since his youth has been involved with self-reliance and outdoor activities and the practical side of balancing life between a big city and rural/wilderness settings. Since the 2008 world economic crisis, he has been training and helping others in his area to become better prepared for the “constant, slow-burning SHTF” of living in a 3rd world country.

Fabian’s ebook, Street Survivalism: A Practical Training Guide To Life In The City, is a practical training method for common city dwellers based on the lifestyle of the homeless (real-life survivors) to be more psychologically, mentally, and physically prepared to deal with the harsh reality of the streets during normal or difficult times. 

You can follow Fabian on Instagram @stoicsurvivor

This content was originally published here.

/by

How to Mentally Prepare Yourself for the EPIC Economic SHTF That’s Coming

Author of

In my last article, I tried to establish the relationship between the economy and SHTF and provide some insights on some implications that institutions and other factors have in determining the outcome of collapses (economic or otherwise). Now let’s talk about the practical matters of the looming economic SHTF.

It’s time to see more about what’s coming and how to prepare for it. 

Nothing has happened yet. Why should I worry?

I know many people are tired of hearing the economy will crash, and we’ll suffer the consequences for years to come. I get mocked all the time for continually talking about a reckoning of epic proportions. “For more than a decade, yet nothing has happened,” I keep hearing. 

And my reply to that? “Wrong!”

First, a lot has happened: the 2008 GFC was the most severe financial crisis since the Great Depression. Millions got wiped. We can still feel reflexes of it today. Second (and perhaps the most important): the situation of the worldwide economy has deteriorated significantly since then. 

Some people must wake the f*ck up and smell the coffee.

According to Bloomberg, reports estimate global debt at . And that’s by the end of 2020. Notwithstanding the possibility of underestimation, that’s already more than 350% of global GDP. Wait, there’s more: last year, the Federal Reserve printed 40% of all USD currently in circulation. Ouch.

With that, I ask, how come nothing has happened? Does it take a three-digit IQ to see the implications? 

So, who said we’ve seen the worse of this yet? Yes, people will wake up indeed, one way or another. And what a shock it will be. Very few are aware, and even less are preparing for what will likely be a suffer-fest. 

An early warning does not mean the warning is wrong.

There is always something governments and institutions can do to kick the can down the road. In fact, since early 2008 (even before that), governments have done precisely that in overdrive. 

Unlike natural disasters, the powers that be can artificially postpone economic SHTFs.

However, not indefinitely.

In practice, this means we may keep living on borrowed time for a while. But at one point, reality will assert itself and catch up. A lot of brilliant people believe that reality is coming soon.

Hindsight is 20/20

And that’s why being a prepper is a mindset. In 2018-2019 if someone told you the entire world would lockdown for months thanks to a virus and engulf us all in this craziness we’re in now, how would you have reacted? 

When I say bad days are coming, I’m not talking about or trying to predict the end of the world. Arguing that is a distortion. Being prepared doesn’t mean I’m living in a bunker with a gas mask and tons of canned food. Life goes on, and we should be out there living it while we still can. 

But this isn’t incompatible with being ready and aware. Don’t stick your damn head in the sand: use it instead. Is it better to be early and prepared, or late and unprepared? With all the warning signs blinking red, the choice should be obvious.

Many in the prepping community don’t see a financial crisis as sexy or impactful.

Maybe the world of finance and economy are viewed as too complex, too esoteric, too corrupt – in short, too distant – especially by a conscious and pragmatic bunch like preppers. 

Also, older and newer generations have lived on a tailwind for the last two or three decades, an exceptional situation provided in great measure by fake money printing, heavy interventionism, and scandalous bail-outs. That undoubtedly contributed to making a lot of people soft and complacent.

I don’t know if those are the reasons or not. Understandably, most would rather deal with the practical aspects of prepping (also because it’s easier). But preparedness is all about planning, forecasting, cycles of abundance and scarcity, rational consumption of resources, resilience, etc. So, in essence, prepping is economy.

Now, on to what matters: preparing for an economic SHTF

Those who find things are volatile now shouldn’t wait until this runaway train hits society headfirst. When people realize the size and depth of the fraud and that their wealth, savings, pensions, and rights are in danger (or have evaporated), they will react. 

How much of a storm it will be? We’ll see. But that may force the governments to crack down even harder to contain the revolt. And if that happens, the mechanics of action-reaction could mean ever-growing bilateral tensions and conflicts within societies (and possibly external ones too). 

You may think I am gloomy. However, look into history again and draw your own conclusions. Regardless of what you see or where you live, you can do better than to take things for granted. It is time to remain alert and active, not alienated and complacent.

Take action now.

Don’t wait until something happens to start researching and learning how to live in a world with an economy entirely different from the one we had for the past 20 or 30 years. 

I know this sounds like basic prepping advice. But it is less about stockpiling food or ammo and more about not underestimating the blow that living a simpler or more limited life can have on ours, our family’s and friends’ psychology (and physiology too).

On that, Daisy provides a wealth of advice on living frugally in many of her books and articles. . Go back to their writings and heed their words. It’s actionable stuff that can provide a lot about preparation and survival during personal and collective economic SHTF events.

Deep economic crises can last a lot longer than other SHTFs.

Natural or man-made disasters can have a much quicker resolution, so it’s easier to prepare for them in many ways. Stockpiles and other preparations are good for these situations and can ease the blow of an economic crash. 

But stuff doesn’t last forever. Some preppers in Venezuela had food stocked for a year or two. At the time, it seemed a lot, and on all accounts, this helped them go through the early phase. But the ordeal has been going on for twenty years. Think of that for a moment. It’s a lifetime – and it hasn’t ended yet. 

The correct mindset is a marathon, not a sprint. This is why gear, stockpiles, and equipment matter but more in the short-term: to provide some comfort, safety, and confidence as a way to soften the blow. Mid and long-term, especially in a lasting economic downturn, require a different mentality. 

Think of economic SHTF preparation in other ways.

Life goes on. It’s perfectly fine to keep enjoying your current lifestyle. Continue consuming and using products and services that are still available and your financial condition allows. But get ready for a downgrade. Research, learn, test, get acquainted, and live some time using alternative/lower brands and options. 

See how this change affects you and your family. I know most people can adapt. But losing can hurt, and it’s much better when it’s voluntary, or we know how it feels. This exercise can ease the transition practically and psychologically and save a lot of work in case of shortages, price hikes, or a reduction in the variety and availability of products, which are all common during economic downturns. 

Don’t underestimate the importance of this sort of preparation for surviving a more harsh economic collapse. Just look at the tsunami of mental and psychological illnesses that stemmed from the lockdowns and the whole craziness we’re living.

Invest in tools.

Here is more of a practical tip. Refurbishing, reusing, repurposing, recycling and repairing were common ways to save money during the ’70s and ’80s. Inflation is higher on first necessity items and lower or even negative on less essential products and services. These are precisely the ones that can be DIYed. 

Installing or repairing stuff around the house or car leaves more to be used in other goods and necessities or saved and invested. You can generate income by doing this too. Tools are still cheap, so it’s a good idea to have a good set ready along with complementary items such as screws, blades, PPEs, and other non-perishables. (Even if you don’t know how to use them now.)

Have an Inflation Mentality.

On payday, my father would take us all to the supermarket to pull carts topped. Non-perishables would be purchased all at once to be stored and rationed. He’d also top the tank of the car and pay his bills that same day.

It was that, or his salary would be over well before the month was. Prices would rise daily, sometimes twice per day. Everyone did the same for decades until the country could contain inflation in the mid-’90s. Sounds too crazy? Can you imagine living in such a world? 

Perhaps you should because even though there’s no way to tell what kind of scenario we’ll have this time around, a particular type of mentality is necessary to navigate a fast-changing economy and optimize resources. Inflation, deflation, or stagflation scenarios require a shift: we must think in terms of purchasing power instead of affordability when facing an economic SHTF

War-gaming possible scenarios.

Think of the many different ways that an economic SHTF can, directly and indirectly, affect you and your family. Consider the implications for your job, career, savings, mortgages, investments, pensions, income, healthcare, everything. 

Also, think about practical changes in everyday routine: how will transportation, leisure and entertainment, safety, shopping, and other routines and necessities (yours and your family’s) may be affected, both by the changes in the economy, the society, the politics, and your community. 

Do the above to plan and implement the necessary preparations to provide home and personal safety, health, mental stability, etc.

Here is an interesting read from Daisy back in 2017 on What a Second Civil War Would Like Like. 

Don’t forget the pandemic.

Whatever your views on the whole COVID-19 ordeal, things like virus developments and government impositions, lockdowns, mandates, vaccines, etc., are still a threat and can compound issues. I defend that everyone should be free to decide how to act, but either way, everyone can be impacted by consequences and changes. Use common sense, and don’t play the fool for anything.

Establish plans for short, mid, and long terms. 

Be aware that generational economic downturns don’t happen suddenly. There can be shocks and crashes of various magnitudes with more immediate and grave consequences, but things usually occur in stair-steps cycling through booms and busts (as they’re happening right now) while we ride to the bottom.

Short term means having preparations (cash and provisions) to deal with frozen accounts, bank holidays, confiscations, bouts of social unrest, things like that. Mid-term can include , disruptions, blackouts, and overall decadence and failure in public services and utilities. And the long term, all the effects of inflation compounded with stagnant or declining economic growth (stagflation) and everything that comes with it.

Some (many?) things cannot be anticipated or planned. 

And that’s fine. We must accept, not worry, and not stress. Don’t get stuck on that. Reflect, discuss the possibilities, take notes on what you can, and move on. Stay calm, positive, and open on what you can’t. Stay mobile and agile. Keep improving. Above all, learn to roll with the punches and adapt. Learn to decide fast and act swiftly. None of that takes special skills, much less gear or stockpiles. 

Hyperinflation is essentially a failed state.

Inflation is a form of taxation, a very punishing and unfair one. Most important, high levels of inflation mean a broken-down state and society, which has reflexes and ripples through all aspects of everyday life.

Expect a lowering in infrastructure investment and maintenance, a worsening (or failure) of public services and necessities, a general reduction in quality on everything public and private. And, of course, all the social volatility that we know will occur.

The lack of “Crisis Memory” may turn things worse.

Most people today have no idea what are things like the indexed economy, price control, and how the market and government respond to these things (hint: shortages, withholds, confiscations, price gouging, and all kinds of scams and tricks). 

There are now entire generations that have no memory of living in such an environment. These issues haven’t been on the minds of the individuals and the collective for decades now. 

Will this lead to mistakes, misreadings, bad judgments, and wrong calls? Probably. The market isn’t even considering the possibility of crashes and changes (yet). I’m afraid this will worsen the consequences of the impending economic disaster. But I hope I’m wrong. In fact, not just about this but everything else.

Final thoughts about an economic SHTF

Much of what happens in the economy is related to the psychology of the people and the collective. When things are good, and everyone is happy, we behave one way. When things are bad, and people are in a bad mood, afraid or pissed, we behave totally differently regarding money, savings, and everyday life. And this ends up shaping up the future, and the reason why it’s impossible to predict it. 

The main takeaways are:

  1. Since no government can produce anything, if much, they have the power to make things worse. In the end, it’s always the people who pay the price and have to make all the sacrifices. 
  2. While these kinds of significant economic events are terrible for most people, they are also excellent opportunities for those who prepare to move up in life and stay ahead.
  3. So get busy: whatever your situation, preparing intellectually, mentally, and psychologically is within reach. Study, get literate in economy and finance if you will. At the very least, don’t be an “economy denialist.” And, of course, keep working on any material preparations you deem essential. No one knows about you better than yourself, so betting on ourselves, whatever happens, is the best strategy of all.

How are you preparing?

Do you believe we’re about to face a massive economic crisis? Why or why not? How are you preparing yourself for a long-term economic SHTF scenario? Let’s discuss it in the comments.

About Fabian

Fabian Ommar is a 50-year-old middle-class worker living in São Paulo, Brazil. Far from being the super-tactical or highly trained military survivor type, he is the average joe who since his youth has been involved with self-reliance and outdoor activities and the practical side of balancing life between a big city and rural/wilderness settings. Since the 2008 world economic crisis, he has been training and helping others in his area to become better prepared for the “constant, slow-burning SHTF” of living in a 3rd world country.

Fabian’s ebook, Street Survivalism: A Practical Training Guide To Life In The City, is a practical training method for common city dwellers based on the lifestyle of the homeless (real-life survivors) to be more psychologically, mentally, and physically prepared to deal with the harsh reality of the streets during normal or difficult times. 

You can follow Fabian on Instagram @stoicsurvivor

The post How to Mentally Prepare Yourself for the EPIC Economic SHTF That’s Coming appeared first on The Organic Prepper.

This content was originally published here.

/by

How to Get Home Fast After the SHTF

This post may contain affiliate links.* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read our affiliate policy.

When the SHTF, the last thing you want is to be away from home. But sometimes, circumstances beyond your control mean that you’re stuck at work or out running errands when disaster strikes. If that happens, don’t panic! 

There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting home quickly and safely. But before we talk about that, let’s talk abut why you might end up in this situation in the first place.

Article continues below.

What Are Some Scenarios That Might Require You To Get Home Fast After SHTF?

In an SHTF scenario, there are many potential dangers that could prevent you from getting home to your family. A nuclear attack, a pandemic, or even a large-scale natural disaster could all lead to mass panic and gridlock on the roads. That’s why it’s important to have a plan in place for how you will get home as quickly as possible.

Keep in mind that an SHTF situation might not be super localized. For instance, you could be at work and find out that a nuclear bomb has been detonated in Europe, sparking WWIII. Obviously, you’ll need to get home fast and get to your bug out location – but getting home in this situation, where others might not yet be aware of the extent of the danger, might be a little easier than a more localized issue.

You may find that you have more trouble navigating your way back home in the event of a natural disaster, local terrorist attack, incident of civil unrest, or other catastrophe that directly impacts your city or town. 

Because of the different scenarios you might encounter, it’s a good idea to have multiple plans in place (and multiple escape routes) so that you can tackle any kind of crisis that strikes – and get to where you need to be – without delay. 

In the event of a major disaster, your first priority should be to get home as quickly as possible. If you live in an urban area, this may mean fighting your way through gridlocked traffic or dealing with other obstacles. Here are a few tips to help you get home fast after the SHTF.

Don’t Wait for Government Help, Like Everyone Else

In a disaster, the first 72 hours are critical. If you wait for government help, you could be waiting for days or even weeks. 

But if you take matters into your own hands and get home fast, you stand a much better chance of surviving. 

Waiting for government help is not a wise strategy. Instead, you need to be prepared to take care of yourself and your loved ones. That means having a bug out bag packed and ready to go, knowing how to use survival skills, and having a plan for getting home fast. 

Get Out of Immediate Danger First

It’s every prepper’s nightmare: SHTF. But if you find yourself in the middle of a true disaster, your first priority should be to get out of immediate danger. 

Once you’re safe, then you can start thinking about getting home. If you’re caught in the middle of a city when a large earthquake hits, for example, your first priority should be to find shelter and ride out the aftershocks. 

Once it’s safe to leave, your best bet may be to walk, since roads and bridges could be damaged or blocked. If you’re able to make it to public transportation, that may be faster, but it could also be more crowded and dangerous. In any case, getting home fast after the SHTF is all about staying safe first and foremost.

Check for Injury or Exposure

Before you start running towards your loved ones, it’s important to take a moment to check for injury or exposure. If you’ve been wounded, it’s essential to stop the bleeding and get medical attention as soon as possible.

Want to prep but not sure where to begin?
Click Here to Get Your FREE One Year Urban Survival Plan!

Likewise, if you’ve been exposed to hazardous materials, it’s important to decontaminate yourself before coming into contact with others. 

Decide Whether You’ll Need to Go Home or a Bug Out Location

After a disaster strikes, there’s a good chance that you’ll need to evacuate your home in order to stay safe. But what’s the best way to get away from the danger? Should you head for your bug out location, or try to make it back home? 

The answer depends on a number of factors, including the proximity of your home to the disaster, the severity of the danger, and your own personal preferences. If you live in a remote area, or if the danger is just too great to stay put, then it may be best to evacuate to your bug out location. 

On the other hand, if you’re relatively close to safety and you’re confident that you can make it back home without incident, then heading for home may be the best option. 

Ultimately, the decision of whether to go home or bug out is a personal one, and there’s no right or wrong answer. What’s important is that you make a decision and stick to it. Trying to second-guess yourself in the middle of a crisis is only going to add to your stress levels.

Get a Map

When an emergency strikes, time is of the essence. If you’re trying to get home fast, the last thing you want to do is stop and fiddle with a map. But in a pinch, a map can be your best friend. 

A good map will not only help you navigate your way home, but it can also help you avoid obstacles and hazards. If you’re caught in heavy traffic or bad weather, a map can help you find an alternate route. And if you get lost, a map can help you backtrack to safety.

Keep a map with you at all times – remember, your GPS may not work when the SHTF. 

Keep Your Phone Charged  

In an emergency situation, your phone will be one of your most valuable assets when there’s still a signal. Use it sparingly to conserve battery life, but make sure to keep it charged in case you need to make a call or use GPS.

If possible, invest in a portable charger so you can keep your phone charged on the go.

Identify Choke Points

In a grid-down or SHTF scenario, one of the most important things you can do is get home as fast as possible. Depending on where you live, this could mean navigating through a city or rural area that has been plunged into chaos.

To give yourself the best chance of getting home safely, it’s important to identify choke points along your route in advance.

A choke point is any location where there is potential for congestion or violence. This could be a major intersection, a bridge, or even a stretch of empty highway. By identifying choke points in advance, you can develop a plan for avoiding them if necessary.

In some cases, this might mean taking a longer but more direct route. In others, it might mean finding an alternative route that avoids the choke point entirely.

Plan Out the Fastest Routes Ahead of Time

The best way to make sure you can get home quickly is to plan out the fastest routes ahead of time. Familiarize yourself with the terrain and find the shortest, most direct path home.

Make sure to take into account any obstacles that might slow you down, such as rivers or steep hills. And always have a backup plan in case your primary route is blocked.

Keep Supplies in Your Vehicle

In an emergency, every minute counts. If you find yourself trying to get home fast when the SHTF, you’ll be glad you kept supplies in your vehicle.

Here are a few essential items to keep on hand:

Here are a few more ideas for your vehicle survival kit.

Consider a Motorcycle or Bicycle if That Might Be Faster

While cars and trucks may be the first choice for many people, a motorcycle or bicycle might actually be faster. In a grid-down scenario, traffic jams will quickly form, making it difficult to make any headway in a car. But a motorcycle or bicycle can easily weave through stalled traffic. 

Additionally, if fuel becomes scarce, a motorcycle or bicycle can still be ridden, while a car will be effectively stranded. And in the event that roads are blocked by debris, a motorcycle or bicycle can often find a way around obstacles that a car would have to go over or around.

Get a 4×4 Vehicle

If you’re trying to get home fast when the SHTF, then you’ll want a 4×4 vehicle. 4x4s are designed for off-road driving, and they have the power and traction to handle any terrain.

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Plus, they’re built to withstand the elements, so you won’t have to worry about getting stuck in the mud or taking a wrong turn and ending up in a ditch. And if you get into an accident, a 4×4 is more likely to protect you from serious injury than a smaller car.

Here are some other bug out vehicles to consider.

Have a Backup Plan

No one knows when an emergency situation will happen, which is why it’s essential to have a backup plan. If you find yourself in an SHTF scenario, the last thing you want is to be stuck without a way to get home. A good backup plan will ensure that you can get home fast, even in the most challenging circumstances.

There are a few things to consider when setting up your backup plan. First, you’ll need to identify all of the potential routes that you could take to get home. This may include main roads, back roads, and even off-road paths. 

If you live in an urban area, a backup plan may mean having a bike or walking shoes stored away so you can get home if public transportation is no longer running. If you live in a rural area, you may need to have a map of back roads and trails so you can avoid any blocked highways.

Judge the Variables When You Decide Which Route to Take

In an emergency situation, every second counts. That’s why it’s so important to plan your route in advance and know which roads to avoid. Depending on the situation, you might need to take the quickest route possible or the route that will avoid populated areas.

Here are some things to consider when making your decision:

Communicate the Plan (and All Backup Plans) to All Family Members Ahead of Time

Any good plan begins with clear communication. When it comes to emergency preparedness, this is especially critical. If you wait until an emergency situation is unfolding to try to communicate your plans to your family, it will be too late. You need to sit down with your loved ones and make sure that everyone is on the same page. 

Discuss the various scenarios that could unfold and how you would respond to each one. Agree on a meeting place and establish a communication chain in case you are separated. It is also important to have backup plans in place in case your primary plan fails. 

Avoid Strangers

Avoiding strangers is always a good idea, but it’s especially important in a crisis situation. You also need to be careful of large groups of people, as they could be looters or have other malicious intent. Sick and/or contaminated people should also be avoided, as they could pose a health risk.

Roadblocks and checkpoints can also be dangerous, as you never know who is manning them or what their intentions are. Finally, be aware of disabled vehicles, as they could be hiding an ambush.

What to Keep With You for When SHTF

Anyone who has ever been stranded on the side of the road knows the importance of having a few key items in their car. However, in a survival situation, these items can mean the difference between life and death. 

The items you’ll want to keep with you will likely vary between person and person, but here are some suggestions.

With these items, you will be prepared for anything that SHTF.

Final Thoughts

The best way to be prepared for an emergency is to have a plan and practice it often. By following the tips in this blog post, you can be confident that you know what to do in case of an emergency. The most important thing is to start today. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

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Edible Game You Can Hunt In The City After SHTF

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

Are you tucked away comfortably in your suburban or urban home reading this? Well, whether you know it or not the brush, thickets, woods, and even the streets around you are ALIVE.

In the daytime, there are squirrels traveling up and down trees and rushing across the powerlines. There are doves sitting on your windowsills and rabbits hiding in the thickets at the end of the road. 

Article continues below.

If it’s nighttime, there is even more action! Prey and predator alike are taking care of their business in their own nocturnal way. 

Most of these animals constitute edible game and can be a source of food in the worst case scenario. If an economic collapse or cataclysmic disaster leaves the supermarkets and farmer’s markets all closed up and you have no food to eat, edible game in the city could be the solution. 

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Why Would I Eat Edible Game in the City? 

With the supermarket shelves full and food prices only incrementally creeping up, you might wonder why you would consider eating things like squirrels and rabbits or even rats! 

Well, as a nation, we are not headed in the right direction. We are facing a fuel crisis, inflation crisis, morality crisis, world war, and debt crisis. When I say we, I mean the entire world! These are not just American problems. Access to fuel and food are going to become a serious issue. 

A full blown economic collapse could force serious changes in your way of life. How you gather food and cook it could be part of that radical change.

Now, if you are going to take advantage of this edible game, then you need to have a way to catch, lure, or kill that game. This could be through using hunting methods or trapping methods. These are all important and, when practiced, can be incredibly effective. 

Types of Edible Game in the City 

The squirrel thrives in deep woods but also in urban environments. It doesn’t take a large stand of trees to support squirrels. They are also good at getting food from whatever source they can. From stands of oak trees in urban parks or backyard gardens, the squirrels will find something to eat. 

Squirrels don’t have a lot of meat on their small bones, but they are easy to kill or catch, and they are just as easy to skin and prepare. 

Best Methods: Small conibear traps are great for trapping. You can affix them to trees to catch them coming down from nests. An air rifle is another effective way to kill squirrels. Pellets and BBs can do the job quietly and affordably. 

The humble rabbit is a delicacy. It depends on where you are in the country or the world if you are going to agree with that. Rabbits are hiding in a park near you. They are quick in the right circumstances, but they also freeze when they are scared. 

Rabbits are pretty easy to kill and dress, too. They have much more meat on them than squirrels. I think rabbit is an incredible meat. It is very lean but can be cooked with things like bacon and broth to make it exceptional. 

Best Methods: Use an air rifle or the .22 rifle for taking rabbits. A bow with a judo arrowhead can be effective at stunning or even killing rabbits. Arrows are quieter than rifles. 

The nocturnal mega rat marsupial known as the opossum is lurking in even the most urban areas. If you can get over being close to these hissing creatures, then you can take advantage of them as food. Now, they are not as tasty as the two previous game animals that we talked about. 

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Since the opossum is nocturnal, you will have to hunt them at night or set traps to kill them. It could be dangerous to go out at night in a SHTF situation with a firearm. 

Best Methods: No matter what you use to shoot opossum, do yourself a favor and affix a flashlight to it. Pellet guns can kill them quickly and quietly.

The trash panda gets around in urban environments. Given the name, I think it is easy to understand where and how you can find them. I often see big fat racoons in the early hours of the morning. These animals would be easier to trap in a 220 conibear than they would be to shoot. 

Larger racoons have decent amounts of meat on them. The pelts of many of these animals could be used, too. If you know what you are doing. 

Best Methods: Larger traps, live traps, air rifles or even .22 rifles would all be sufficient to kill racoons. 

Dove is a sought after bird by hunters. Dove season is a big deal for many hunters. The dove breast is small, but it’s still meat. These birds like to hang in fields and can be busted up into the air by dogs or even just by walking through these fields. 

In a more urban setting, you can find doves sitting on power lines or in small trees on the street. Headshots are best for these birds as you do not want to put pellets or bird shot into the small breast. 

Best Methods: No. 2 shot in a 20 gauge shotgun is how you enjoy an afternoon of dove hunting. The only consideration here is the noise. In a collapsed world, people will hear continuous shots going off and it might bring them closer to see what’s happening. 

To avoid that, you might consider BB guns or air rifles. Though hitting a fast moving dove with an air rifle is probably not easy. I have never tried it. 

Squab is an unfledged pigeon, and it finds space on some of the most popular French menus. These pigeons are around 4 weeks old and have been raised for eating. Still, they grow up into a bird that loves city life. 

Pigeons are plentiful in cities all over the nation. They are a great city food for people who are looking for meat. They are the same size as doves so you will get a similar amount of meat. You are gonna need at least one bird per person.

Best Methods: Treat these birds like similar sized birds. In fact, the same methods used for dove are going to work for pigeon, too. 

These fat little buggers are usually hiding in backyards or on roadsides in cities and suburbs. Sometimes I run 5 miles of road in a suburb, and I see these groundhogs running all over the place on that little stretch of road. 

Groundhogs have about 1 to 1.5lbs of meat on them. That is a good amount of meat for a single small game animal. 

Best Methods: Groundhogs can be put away using everything from shotguns to BB guns. Just be aware of the type of shot you use. You do not want meat to be riddled with birdshot or something like that. Instead.

The .22 rifle or even the .223 round from an Ar15 is a great pullet for putting a groundhog down fast. Archery is also a possibility. 

Creeks and streams even in the most urban areas are often home to muskrat. These creatures are surprisingly tasty. They run the banks of creeks and streams looking for food. This usually happens in the wee hours of the morning or as the sun is setting. 

These creatures are mostly nocturnal, and they look just like beavers without tails. They are smaller though. 

Best Methods: When it comes to muskrat, your best method is to set killing traps like the 110 conibear or snares, down by the water. Look for areas where travel routes tighten and place your traps there. 

You have probably seen or read some kind of apocalyptic tale where survivors are eating rats. Rats are the most plentiful protein resource in cities. I have seen rats as big as house cats in the basements of Philadelphia. 

While most people bristle at the idea of eating rats, there is gonna be a lot of them around in the city and you could argue their populations will only grow in times of disaster and collapse. When human waste and trash is left to fester, these creatures will thrive! 

Best Methods: There are two routes to take when considering rats as food. The first is killing traps. Killing traps are great because they do not cost ammo, they are quiet, and the food is ready to process when you come back to the trap. 

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You could also consider projectiles. I would recommend something semiautomatic as you could happen upon several rats, and you will want to be able to put several down at a time. Air rifles or even handguns that are powered by CO2 are a great example or a semiautomatic .22 rifle would be great. 

Eating predators is a different kind of challenge. These predators often need to be lured and having something like a predator call is a great way to do that. The fox will come to a predator call. 

The fox is furry, and you can take advantage of the fur as well as the meat. You will not get a ton of meat out of a single fox. They are lean animals. 

In the city, you are not going to see a lot of foxes, but I have seen them wandering the paved streets at night and in the early mornings

Best Methods: The .22 rifle is about the best weapon for killing a fox for meat. They are too small to hit with a shotgun. 

Coyotes are pack animals and while they are not as formidable as wolves, they can still pose a serious threat if you are out in the woods trying to kill one. Since they are predators, they will also need to be called in and lured using the scent and sound of prey animals. 

Coyotes are serious survivors, so unless you are truly interested in hunting them and willing to put in the effort, don’t bother. Coyotes are nocturnal and very sneaky. 

Best Methods: Coyote hunters use tech like night vision to see the predators as they approach. They also use prey animal calls to get the attention of the coyotes. A rifle with some stopping power is best used against these animals. Though a shotgun would work, too. 

The Question of Pets

In a serious collapse, people are going to have no choice but to turn their dogs and cats loose in the streets, eat them, or watch them starve to death. Unless they have prepared emergency food for their pets, they will largely be out of options. 

This will lead to a lot of stray pets on the streets. Stray dogs and cats are edible game in the city. The question is whether or not you want to include them on your menu. This is something you should consider now. 

Just remember, extreme hunger will force you to do desperate things. 

For a long time, we have eaten small game like squirrels and ground hogs. Many hunters and trappers still do. Factory farming has simply made it much easier to get our hands on a decent steak without the hassle of raising, trapping, or killing anything. 

In the event of a serious economic collapse, a breakdown of modern society, or even the continued collapse of our supply chain or energy sector, all that could change. 

What are you going to do when meat is no longer in Styrofoam containers under plastic wrap? Will you be able to feed your family? Now might be the time to start learning how to take advantage of edible game in the city. 

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