Four Current Events that Could Challenge the Prepper Lifestyle

^[1]ReadyNutrition Readers, in these uncertain times, many will still say that nothing is certain except death and taxes (Ben Franklin).  Well, eventually we all die, but we wish to postpone that “life-changing” event for as long as humanly possible.  When the SHTF, millions will die ^[2]: such is inevitable.  The taxes will probably be gone for a good while, but we are going to lay out a “What’s Happening?” of the major threats we will have to deal with that can cause the “death” part.

Current events have revealed some “bleak” news, almost on a daily basis.  Let us look at some of the upcoming events that we need to be aware of:

Today – September 30: The primary “window of opportunity” for a Russian invasion of Ukraine and/or western Europe ^[3]; heavy rainfall in the month of October will leave the ground too soft for armored and mechanized units to operate an offensive effectively in the region(s).

September 30 – October 7: There will arise problems with the U.S. Dollar, possibly involving some kind of “currency exchange” as SDR’s (Special Drawing Rights) are attempted to be instituted by the IMF within the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Banking System.

October 1: Control of the Internet will be effectively handed off by Obama via the Department of Commerce to foreign control (primarily Russia and China).

November 8: “Super Tuesday,” a.k.a. Election Day in the U.S.  We already know the potential for fraud and civil unrest ^[4].

These are some of the “main events” to take note of and monitor closely.  North Korea has been testing missiles and they set off a nuclear device last Friday, 9/9/16.  The threat of EMP ^[5] (Electromagnetic Pulse) from them is very real, along with the same capabilities from China, Russia, and potentially from Iran.  In addition, there are several “hot zones” that can morph into a full-blown conflict and potentially escalate into war, these hot zones being the South China Sea and the islands contested between China and Japan, the two Koreas, Syria, and Ukraine.

What can you, the reader, do about these situations?  From a personal perspective, you can do much to increase your chances of survival for yourself and your family.  Here are some steps, “down and dirty,” to take to prepare yourself if any of these situations turn into a full-blown SHTF scenario.  We’re going to mention these steps (not necessarily in order) and field questions from you in the Comments Section of this blog.  Before this, let us point out the crucial step:

Be aware of what is happening in the world, the country, and your immediate locale.

Now we’re not going “in-depth” with the steps.  Most of you know them and have used or are using them, and to do an analysis on each item is beyond the scope of this piece.

1.  Be sure that each member of your family of the right age has access to a firearm and ammunition where they are the exact moment that the balloon goes up.
2. Go-bag or “Bug-out bag ^[6] packed and ready for each member of the family, and with that family member when the balloon goes up: to contain 3 days’ worth of food, 1 day’s water supply, a method to purify water (filter, tablets, or fire), fire starting equipment, ammunition for the firearm, a first-aid kit, a compass, poncho/canvas for a tent/lean-to shelter, ground cover (foam or inflatable pad), light sleeping bag, extra socks, heavy jacket, gloves, a hat, a good flashlight and spare batteries, and a small radio with good earphones and extra batteries.
3. Rally Point: for you and your family, a place for everyone to meet up, in case your home has been compromised, and a timetable to arrive there [note: do not stay in the rally point beyond meeting up with one another!], and make it close to the house.
4. Hide/shelter site: for you and the family to “hole up” for a few days, and then either proceed to a long-term bug-out location, or return to the house if feasible.
5. Assignment of duties: for you and your family.  Primary duty that all capable share is security.  The assignment relates to secondary duties.  Example: Mom’s a nurse, so she’s the “medic,” and big brother’s the hunter and fisherman…he’ll be assigned to collect food, etc.
6. Secure some commo and radio gear in EMP-proof containers: this will ensure that you have a means of finding out what’s going on after a nuclear exchange/EMP.
7. Fuel up: At least 10 gallons per vehicle, and put some stabilizer in the 5-gallon cans.  You’ll have to watch for your storage laws in the area, but if you get good, sturdy containers that don’t leak, you could store 10 gallons in your truck or trunk of your car, or in a shed to take with you.
8. Top off all vehicles at the half: when half a tank is gone, fill it up.  It’s a pain, but it’s better to fill up more often and have a full tank of gas then to run around close to empty.
9. Plan for each type of emergency: this is critical.  You need to have courses of action for each scenario that arises, and the corresponding gear and equipment to face it.  Radiation calls for a survey meter (a.k.a. a Geiger counter), dosimeters, and maybe a nuke-alert radiation detector.
10. EVERYBODY IN THE FAMILY MUST KNOW ALL OF THIS AND ACTUALLY TAKE PART IN IT.

If you can make it back home and plan on making a stand there, then have all of these measures in place in case you have to get out of Dodge in a hurry.  As things come to a head, you need to stay on top of them as the situation changes and not be caught unaware of any changes you may have to make as a family.  We welcome your questions and comments.  Stay aware, stay alert, and stay alive.  Keep up that good fight!

 

JJ