4 level of misery and how to prepare

The first section are the 4 levels of misery. They offer time frames, probable causes, and what I think the chances are of any of it coming to pass. The whole thing seems a little overwhelming which is way I have been a little haphazard in my preparations process. It is localized to where I am living mountains near the sea.

Okay here are three standard lists. There are several variations to them. The first is a general you should stock up on this. The second is a personal experience list of a fellow in Bosnia for the war. The last is a food list which counts by calories. Calorie wise is roughly what a 190lb man needs to eat working a physical job like carpenter, bike courier landscaper etc. It is a little lean on Vit C, D and has lots of stuff which does appeal to me taste wise. It is only a sample




1.Life Interruption 12 hours to 72 hours

A heavy rains cause a landslide. It shuts the highways down for a couple of days power is out for a similar amount of time. Although we have so many hydro projects I can't imagine that it would be much worse than that. This almost certain to happen at some point.

2.Local Disaster 3 days – 3 weeks

Massive flooding forces evacuation of large sections of the lower mainland. Friends from flood prone areas are displaced. Your own basement is flooded upper floors livable. Small medium earthquake. Power is off for a long period of time. Maybe hurricane Katrina like small scale looting, certainly fist fights over gasoline and water. This nearly happened in 2003 and it could happen within our life time

3.Regional Disaster/Single Acute Event 3 weeks – 3 months

This could be an earthquake causing the local dams to burst and wipes out the low lying areas. Large earthquake in near by city with a resulting tsunami with a huge unexpected exodus from the city. Possibly the solar flare causing all electronics to crash through out a lot of north America. Maybe related to the Big One an earthquakes that causes California to slide into the sea. No planned evacuation hungry/cold people maybe large scale looting we are forced to share our food with friends and family to keep them from going hungry. Somebody awake with a loaded gun at home at all times.

4.Global Disaster/Misery unending 3 months – 1 year

Complete break down of the financial system. Military coup and resulting civil war in the USA or real war like with China. Society unravels quickly or slowly but with a finally resulting in a mess which can be rewoven. Once the initial wave of looting and fighting is over people form collectives for farming, medicine returns to 1860s standards. People certainly starve to death in North America a bad crop year means people might starve again. 10 or 15 years to recover to the 1950s tech level but with satellites, 30 years and there are liver transplants, wireless internet on your cellphone. This could go either way if it doesn't happen by 2014 I think we are good but by 2014 it will be too late to prepare.





5.TEOTWAWKI – The End Of The World As We Know It

Asteroid strike War which climaxes in Nuclear exchange. The insert worst case whatever fucking dead rise up from the graves. The threads of society are torn forever. 30 years on people are hunting with bow and arrow, people are breaking rocks with other rocks. The Dark Ages most people will never use a bank card, drive a car, turn on a tap for water, we never see or hear from a friend of family member who lives more than a 3 days walk ever again. I don't think this will happen and no amount of preparing will prepare anybody for this.

This list is common all over the net so I can attribute to anybody.

1.Generators (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy...target of
thieves; maintenance etc.)
2. Water Filters/Purifiers
3. Portable Toilets
4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 - 12 months to become dried, for home uses.
5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile
ANY!)
6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.
7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.
8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.
9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar
10. Rice - Beans - Wheat
11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,)
12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)
13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR
PLASTIC ONLY - note - food grade if for drinking.
16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.
17. Survival Guide Book.
18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term lighting is
difficult.)
19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc.
20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)
21. Cookstoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)
22. Vitamins
23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous
without this item)
24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products.
25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms)
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil)
27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)
28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)
29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).
30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels
31. Milk - Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)
32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)
34. Coleman's Pump Repair Kit
35. Tuna Fish (in oil)
36. Fire Extinguishers (or..large box of Baking Soda in every room)
37. First aid kits
38. Batteries (all sizes...buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)
39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies
40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food)
41. Flour, yeast & salt
42. Matches. {"Strike Anywhere" preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators
44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.)
45. Workboots, belts, Levis & durable shirts
46. Flashlights/Lightsticks & torches, "No. 76 Dietz" Lanterns
47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience;
Historic Times)
48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting - if with
wheels)
49. Men's Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc.
50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)
51. Fishing supplies/tools
52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams
53. Duct Tape
54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes
55. Candles
56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)
57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags
58. Garden tools & supplies
59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies
60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.
61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)
62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax)
63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel
64. Bicycles...Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc
65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats
66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)
67. Board Games, Cards, Dice
68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets
70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)
71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)
72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.
73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)
74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)
75. Soy Sauce, vinegar, bullions/gravy/soup bases
76. Reading glasses
77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)
78. "Survival-in-a-Can"
79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens
80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog
81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)
82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky
83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)
85. Lumber (all types)
86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)
87. Cots & Inflatable mattress's
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.
89. Lantern Hangers
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws,, nuts & bolts
91. Teas
92. Coffee
93. Cigarettes
94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,)
95. Paraffin wax
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
97. Chewing gum/candies
98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)
99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs
100. Goats/chickens

From a Sarajevo War Survivor:
Experiencing horrible things that can happen in a war - death of parents and
friends, hunger and malnutrition, endless freezing cold, fear, sniper attacks.

1. Stockpiling helps. but you never no how long trouble will last, so locate
near renewable food sources.
2. Living near a well with a manual pump is like being in Eden.
3. After awhile, even gold can lose its luster. But there is no luxury in war
quite like toilet paper. Its surplus value is greater than gold's.
4. If you had to go without one utility, lose electricity - it's the easiest to
do without (unless you're in a very nice climate with no need for heat.)
5. Canned foods are awesome, especially if their contents are tasty without
heating. One of the best things to stockpile is canned gravy - it makes a lot of the dry unappetizing things you find to eat in war somewhat edible. Only needs enough heat to "warm", not to cook. It's cheap too, especially if you buy it in bulk.
6. Bring some books - escapist ones like romance or mysteries become more
valuable as the war continues. Sure, it's great to have a lot of survival
guides, but you'll figure most of that out on your own anyway - trust me, you'll have a lot of time on your hands.
7. The feeling that you're human can fade pretty fast. I can't tell you how many people I knew who would have traded a much needed meal for just a little bit of toothpaste, rouge, soap or cologne. Not much point in fighting if you have to lose your humanity. These things are morale-builders like nothing else.
8. Slow burning candles and matches, matches, matches







This 2nd list in greater detail from Grandpapa.info I think it bears repeating.



Quantity

Item (Number In Parenthesis = Total Calories per One Bag, Jar, or Can)
70 Pound Long Grain White Rice in 10 or 20 pound Bags (15,000 Calories per 10 lbs.)
70 Pound Whole Wheat Berries or Flour (Not self-rising) (7,500 Calories per 5 lbs.)
30 Pound 5 lb. Bag Corn Meal (8,040 Calories per 5 lb. Bag)
36 Boxes 16 oz. Box Spaghetti Noodles (Angel Hair or Thin) (1,680 Calories)
36 Boxes 7 oz. Box Macaroni and Cheese (260)
4 Boxes 42 oz. Box Quaker Quick 1 Minute Oats (4500)
4 Boxes 5 lb. Box Quaker Quick Grits (7930)
4 Boxes 32 oz. Box Aunt Jemima Buttermilk Complete Pancake/Waffle Mix (3200)
48 Cans 5 oz. Can Bumble Bee Brand Tuna in Oil (Water pack has fewer calories) (187)
24 Cans 12.5 oz. Can Chicken (360)
12 Cans 16 oz. Can Dak Brand Canned Ham (No refrigeration required) (800)
24 Cans 12 oz. Can Spam (1020)
24 Cans 5 oz. Can Vienna Sausage (375)
24 Cans 12 oz. Can Roast Beef (375)
48 Cans 15.5 oz. Can Sloppy Joe Mix (210)
48 Cans 24 oz. Can Armour Brand Beef Stew (with Potatoes & Carrots) (630)
48 Cans 15 oz. Can Chili with Beans (700)
96 Cans 15 oz. Can Beans (Assorted Different Varieties) (370)
180 Can 15 oz. Can Mixed Vegetables (Note: Green Beans have few calories) (140)
12 Box 32 oz. Box Instant Potatoes (Add water only preferred) (3440)
48 Cans 15 oz. Can Fruit Cocktail (315)
24 Cans 6 oz. Can Tomato Paste (125)
36 Cans 26.5 oz. Can Hunt's or Delmonte Spaghetti Sauce (420)
12 Cans 4 oz. Can Sliced Mushrooms (not pieces) (40)
12 Cans 10.75 oz. Can Cream of Chicken Soup (To eat if you get sick) (300)
12 Boxes 64 oz. Box Powdered Instant Non-fat Dry Milk (6,400)
24 Cans 12 oz. Can Evaporated Milk (480)
3 Boxes 32 oz. Box Velvetta Brand Cheese (short shelf life) (2,560)
4 Jars 34 oz. Jar Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (8,040)
4 Cans 3 lb. Can Crisco Shortening (12,430)
12 Boxes 1 lb. Box Butter (Shelf Life is short unless Frozen) (No Margarine) (3,200)
12 Cans 8 oz. Container Hershey's Cocoa Powder (900)
8 Cans 16 oz. Can Hershey's Cocoa Syrup (1200)
6 Boxes 16 oz. Box Corn Starch (1,680)
25 Pounds 5 lb. Bag White Granulated Sugar (8,500)
12 Pound 1 lb. Box Light Brown or Dark Brown Sugar (1,700)
12 Pound 1 lb. Box Confectioners Sugar (1,800)
12 Boxes 20 oz. Box Brownie Mix (or Cake Mix) (2,200)
6 Jars 18 oz. Jar Light Corn Syrup (1,920)
6 Bottle 36 oz. Bottle Log Cabin Syrup (3,600)
9 Jars 16 oz. Jar "Sue Bee Brand" Clover Honey (1,280)
12 Jars 18 oz. Jar Peanut Butter (3,040)
12 Jars 16 oz. Jar Jelly or Preserves (1,300)
24 Pkgs. 5/16 oz. Package Hodgson Mill Brand Yeast (Store in Ziplock in Freezer)
12 Cans 10 oz. Can Baking Powder (Store in Ziplock Bag in Refrigerator or Freezer)
12 Boxes 16 oz. Box Baking Soda
6 Bottle 2 oz. Bottle Vanilla Extract
48 Each Beef Bouillon Cubes
48 Each Chicken Bouillon Cubes
24 Pound 4 lb. Box Salt (Morton Brand Canning and Pickling Salt) (Pure Salt)
12 Jars 2.6 oz. Ground Black Pepper (or Whole Peppercorns) (Walmart)
12 Jars 3.12 oz. Onion Powder (Walmart)
2 Jars 0.9 oz. Oregano (Walmart)
2 Jars 2.5 oz. Garlic Powder (Walmart)
2 Jars 2.37 oz. Cinnamon (Walmart)
1 Jar 0.4 oz. Parsley Flakes (Walmart)
1 Jar 1.75 oz. Cayenne Red Pepper
2 Jars 2.62 oz. Cream of Tartar
2 Bottle 15 oz. Bottle Lemon Juice (Short shelf life)
1 Jug 1 Gallon Jug Apple Cider Vinegar

One-Year Emergency Food Supply for One Adult

Ecomonic tight rope

Last year I theorized that the government couldn't find buyers for its T-Bills given the amount that they wanted to sell plus the low, low interest that they are offering.  Apparently the Federal Reserve is the biggest purchaser in a quantitative easing attempt.

/ http://www.pimco.com/LeftNav/Featured+Market+Commentary/IO/2010/Let%E2%80%99s+Get+Fisical+January+2010.htm.

I you will have to copy paste the address for now sorry I can't directly link

The Federal Reserve is buying the T-bills to cover the money that it is giving to the government. I think the plan is to gradually devalue the American dollar which has some merit. Having recently studied the economic revival in Argentina from having its crash peso I can see some similarities. Notably the USA is agriculturally self sufficent, and is capable of producing a number of its own practical and luxury items.

It goes of course it is a crash then it is game over for the civilized world. Great Depression II except without the soup kitchens. Huge numbers squatting in the the homes they once owed. Well bad.

Preparing for the new world

It didn't actually take much convincing to get my significant other SO to agree to disaster preparations. Not wanting to break the budget we have both agreed to put $50.00 a month towards preparing to make the best of the worst. Together we hike climb and hunt so we already have quite a bit of gear in the locker.

Our first purchases
A spare filter for our portable water filer 35.00
2 packets of disposible lighters 5.00
Vitamins Centrum + Ca,Mg,D comb.
An extra bag of dog and cat food.

My goal is to put aside 10 bags of cat and dog food. As is the bag of dog food will feed my dog for 6 weeks it would do for me and the girl for a week. Basically that is 20 man weeks of food.

History has shown that people tend to hate the hoarders. In the event that things go badly the dry food gives us an option for trade or something to give away charitably. In this way even if we are living on better food it may well seem we are living on dog food. I also quite like my dog and the cats although I would eat them if push came to shove. A survey of the shelves show 2 weeks of freeze dried camping food 2 weeks of dry and canned food on the shelves maybe a month or more in the freezer. We hope to bring the dry foods up to 3 months soon but inside a budget.

Death comes for us all

The shit storm of Haiti has me rethinking my age old fascination with disaster preparations. As all children of the cold war the end was always nearly apon us according to the media. Not the boring end of world but the fancy fireball from the sky hand of god smiting kind. Let's face it gradual global tempture increase and national debt stripping a lifestyle into grinding poverty and early death hardly makes for epic heroics and silver bullet solutions.

Fascination would be the best description not a lot of real preparations. I was a teenage boy in a small town in the mountains when the film RED DAWN came out. Me and my friends endless discussed our plans and rendez-vous points. I being a bit more serious than the rest actually bought box of 00 buckshot for my singleshot shotgun, and everytime I bought .22 ammo would buy 100rds shoot 75 and keep the balance as a stockpile.

It was of course a different time and place. A 14year old boy could walk into a hardware store and buy ammo off the shelf. The .22 ammo was never a problem and when I went to purchase the 12ga. the shop owner looked me straight in the eye and asked "You NOT poaching are you?"
"No Sir. " I replied, "I just thought it would be good to have around, just in case." This response resulted in an approving nod and no other questions.

To digress for a moment this brings to mind an even earlier memory. I was in grade 3, which would have made me 9 or 10 I think, the teacher received a box sealed with tape. She turned to the boy sitting closest to the door and asked to borrow his knife. He said that he didn't have one. The teacher was shocked then asked everyone who had a knife to hold up their hand. 3/4 of the boys and a few of the girls raised their hands. First she borrowed a knife and over the course of unpacking berated the little boys who didn't have a knife. She believed that every little boy should have a pocket knife. I have taken it a step further and I believe everyone should have a pocket knife including little girls.