Preparedness

[Mr.Anderson]

Can't find the "Buying a Gun" thread started by 3D...perhaps because I am new, I don't have access?


I used to teach marksmanship and gun safety. I like what Mr. Scott said... It takes a long time to learn how to use one (under stress) with any efficiency and some people will never get it. You don't live in a movie. Also, they can easily be used against you if you don't have a lot of experience. Having a gun tells people, "shoot first, ask questions later."

Personally I no longer have anything but a small game shotgun, but if I were to buy a gun I would buy from a friend or acquaintance (not registered).

As far as self-defense I would recommend martial arts including fencing. (Fast feet beats fast hands any day).

As far as hunting goes. A Crossbow is great but also takes lots of practice. You don't want bleeding, suffering animals running around, especially if you are not fit enough to chase them down for hours.

BTW a 9mm is quieter (and easier to be accurate with) than a .45

 

[rrraven]

Insert Quote
Quote from: Hildegarda
Quote from: Cubbex
I do not believe someone is going to take people's food, do not believe the people is going to let the police or whatever group to do that.
Historically, that's what ALWAYS happens. It's not a matter of belief.

Absolutely. As Laura said in this very thread:

Quote from: Laura
I talked to an old farmer down the road one day and he told me that during WW II, the government sent troops around to take the food from all the farms to feed the army. They took everything. Then they issued food coupons that were for barely enough to keep a person alive.

my mum told me that when they hid freshly made canned food in WW2 they would put it in the deepest corner of the cellar and then empty a vacuum cleaner bag over the lot to give it that ancient,many year old ,untouched look

 

[Ca.]

Here it is - I found this (plus the 100-item list) posted on another forum: _http://www.emergencypreparationforum.com/the-first-100-things-to-run-out-in-an-emergency-50.html

The first 100 things to run out in an emergency
Stumbled upon this online and thought it was worth posting here.

100 Items to Disappear First

1. Generators (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy...target of thieves; maintenance etc.)
2. Water Filters/Purifiers
3. Portable Toilets
7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs,
13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY - note - food grade if for drinking.
14. Mini Heater head (Propane) (Without this item, propane won't heat a room.)
15. Grain Grinder (Non-electric)
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. Candlles
91. Teas
92. Coffee
93. Cigarettes
94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,)

Yes cigarettes, will be a very hot commodity. Yes lots, and lots of cigarettes and cigarette papers.

And bees wax candles, burn brighter, and longer, and cleaner.

Mosquito bed nets and face hats big plus for flys too.

# 36 a big yes for that unforeseen possibility that a fire may start. More than 3 is a good investment, and ones for different class of extinguisher's for class A, class B, and Class C type fires.

Wiki Fire Classifications. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_classes http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_control

Classes of Fire
From CFA Wiki

There are six classes of fire categorised by type of material:

Class Type of material Examples

Class A Carbonaceous Wood, paper,cloth, rubber, plastics
Class B Liquid fires Petrol, kero, oil, tar, paint wax
Class C Gaseous fires LPG, Propane, Butane
Class D Metal fires Aluminium, magnesium, sodium
Class E Involving electrical equipment Kettles, irons, toasters, electric blankets, TV’s and appliances
Class F Fat fires Cooking oils and fats
These classes are referred to by different extinguishing media. For example, Class A Foam is used for Class A types of fires, ie, carbonaceous. AB(E) fire extinguishers can be used on Class A (carbonaceous), Class B (liquid) and Class E (electrical) types of fires.

Laboratory simulation of a chip pan fire: a beaker containing wax is heated until it catches fire. A small amount of water is then poured into the beaker. The water sinks to the bottom and vaporises instantly, ejecting a plume of burning liquid wax into the air.

 

[rrraven]

And bees wax candles, burn brighter, and longer, and cleaner.

where did you hear that???

I have made candles from bees wax...I found they burn sooty and don't give much light but smell nice

commercial ''bees wax'' candles have 70% paraffin wax to make them burn bright enough

but bees wax mixed with kerosene (melted together) make a great,long-lasting water-proofing for canvas

 

[Ca.]

And bees wax candles, burn brighter, and longer, and cleaner.

where did you hear that???

I have made candles from bees wax...I found they burn sooty and don't give much light but smell nice

commercial ''bees wax'' candles have 70% paraffin wax to make them burn bright enough

but bees wax mixed with kerosene (melted together) make a great,long-lasting water-proofing for canvas

Hey rrraven, A bee keeper and candle maker of the bees wax said so. And i have bought locally made bees wax candles that do indeed preform as stated, with no soot that i could tell and yes were pleasent to the smell.

Thought i would add this FWIW, wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beeswax

Candles
Beeswax candles are preferred in most Eastern Orthodox churches because they burn cleanly, with little or no wax dripping down the sides and little visible smoke.[citation needed] Beeswax is also prescribed as the material (or at least a significant part of the material) for the Paschal candle ("Easter Candle") and is recommended for other candles used in the liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church.[8]
Beeswax is used commercially to make fine candles.

And one last, from a seller on line (it's not necessarily mean that's it"s the bible ), but perhaps her experience's in the production of the Bees wax candle making. www.beeglo.com

Beeswax Facts

Beeswax in the only substance known to humankind that, when burned, emits a negative ion. Negative ions circulate the room neutralizing the positive static charges that keep contaminants airborne. When this charge is neutralized, the contaminants-dust, odours, mold, pollen, viruses and other toxins-fall to the floor. The convection current created, via combustion, when the candle burns draws contaminants to the flame where they are deposited into the molten wax surrounding the wick. This causes the wax to darken.

Beeswax produces a multi-level vibration that calms the inner senses. This vibration can be seen in the golden halo surrounding the flame.

Beeswax sweetens the room with the pure scent of honey.

Beeswax candles burn hotter, brighter, longer and cleaner than conventional candles.

Beeswax is non-toxic, and non-carcinogenic


Paraffin Wax

Paraffin is a greyish-black sludge by-product of the petroleum refining process. To make candles the paraffin is bleached, textured, coloured, and scented using carcinogenic chemicals. When burned, the carcinogens fill the room with toxins that coat the walls, furniture, and the inside of your lungs. Check out the internet for more information on the toxicity and carcinogenic effects of paraffin

"Breathing fumes from burning paraffin candles is essentially the same as breathing the exhaust fumes from a diesel engine"

~ Bill Reno, Entomologist/Writer

 

[Nienna]

fwiw, you can get 100% beeswax candles that have no parafin in them. I've used 100% beeswax candles and never see and soot or smoke from them. The wax should be clean with no dirt or debris in it before making the candles. Debris and such can cause the candles to burn sooty. Also, they need to have the right kind of wicks.

There are some candle makers who don't clean the debris out of the wax properly, you can tell by the color of the candles. They will be darker.

My two cents.

 

[anart]

I really think that while it's a good idea to understand that our future is uncertain (as all futures are), there is a bit of a risk here to turn into 'survivalists' who are so focused on physical survival that they lose the whole point of this all - which is learning and being aware enough and knowledgeable enough to deal the best way one can with whatever happens or doesn't happen.

I just think there is a fine line here - and I personally have no intention of living in a world where I have to eat grubs to survive - nothing against the grubs, of course - or living in a world where I have to kill other human beings to protect 'my stash' of sustenance. I mean, this is just my personal opinion, but death is really no big deal. So while it absolutely IS important to take reasonable precautions and to pay strict attention to reality right and left, I think this tendency to run into survivalist territory is a bit of a slippery slope. The most important thing, from my perspective, is awareness and while that can and does include taking care of necessities in times of uncertainty, this should not be a singular focus.

Our bodies are not ourselves. We must, as responsible individuals, do our best to arrange things so that we are here to help others when things get difficult - but I suppose I am just suggesting that a careful eye be brought to the subject of walking that fine line between common sense and obsession when it comes to what is ahead of us. fwiw.

 

[3DStudent]

I really think that while it's a good idea to understand that our future is uncertain ...

These are good points anart. I for one, have been obsessing over this. But I haven't been totally ignoring the forum or other things. Still, I think I want to get a few things checked off to get or do for such a situation and then maybe call it quits and see what happens.

I want some basics like a non electric water purification source and a non electric cooking device. And I'm thinking about gold too, which would still be a good investment if not much happens.

We must, as responsible individuals, do our best to arrange things so that we are here to help others when things get difficult...

Maybe thinking of it as you are doing this for others and not yourself is a good idea, dropping all of the self preservation feelings. After all, it takes quite a bit of energy to always be worrying about the self it seems. I think I need a little more faith in myself and/or the Universe.

 

[SolarMother]

I really think that while it's a good idea to understand that our future is uncertain ...

These are good points anart. I for one, have been obsessing over this. But I haven't been totally ignoring the forum or other things. Still, I think I want to get a few things checked off to get or do for such a situation and then maybe call it quits and see what happens.

I want some basics like a non electric water purification source and a non electric cooking device. And I'm thinking about gold too, which would still be a good investment if not much happens.

We must, as responsible individuals, do our best to arrange things so that we are here to help others when things get difficult...

Maybe thinking of it as you are doing this for others and not yourself is a good idea, dropping all of the self preservation feelings. After all, it takes quite a bit of energy to always be worrying about the self it seems. I think I need a little more faith in myself and/or the Universe.

I wholeheartedly agree, Anart and 3D. After trodding down the sometimes obsessive survivalist road with hubby for several years, I for one am really noticing just how much energy goes into 3D/fear, watching out for the self. It is a fine line and I know I feel a lot of energy and joy when I have the aim of arranging things (having the faith to allow the Universe to do that) so that I can help others.

 

[Ellipse]

I just think there is a fine line here - and I personally have no intention of living in a world where I have to eat grubs to survive - nothing against the grubs, of course - or living in a world where I have to kill other human beings to protect 'my stash' of sustenance. I mean, this is just my personal opinion, but death is really no big deal.

This is true as long as you're alone, have no family, no friends or no one else to take care or simply to live with and help. More, do not eating grubs if it can let you survive is a kind of suicide I think.

 

[anart]

I just think there is a fine line here - and I personally have no intention of living in a world where I have to eat grubs to survive - nothing against the grubs, of course - or living in a world where I have to kill other human beings to protect 'my stash' of sustenance. I mean, this is just my personal opinion, but death is really no big deal.

This is true until you're alone, have no family, no friends or no one else to take care or simply to live with and help. More, do not eating grubs if it can let you survive is a kind of suicide I think.

Hmm, to have no family, no friends or no one else to help or take care of would mean you're basically the last human on earth - since there is always someone to help.

 

[Ellipse]

May I ask where our European members have bought theirs?

Seem we can buy it in Europe due to legislation. There's an interesting (French) thread here: http://www.forums.supertoinette.com/recettes_431594.bocaux_sterilises_et_botulisme.html . Someone explain why a sterilizer is enough in his opinion.

 

[Lucius]

hmm I was working and I think over taking credit for the preparation? Now I bought all the necessary things - the repayment would have been so low that hardly would be felt as a loan for 9 years. :) What do you think about this approach?

without a loan also will manage to buy things you need but it will take me 15 months
where food prices might be too high?

 

[Ellipse]

I just think there is a fine line here - and I personally have no intention of living in a world where I have to eat grubs to survive - nothing against the grubs, of course - or living in a world where I have to kill other human beings to protect 'my stash' of sustenance. I mean, this is just my personal opinion, but death is really no big deal.

This is true until you're alone, have no family, no friends or no one else to take care or simply to live with and help. More, do not eating grubs if it can let you survive is a kind of suicide I think.

Hmm, to have no family, no friends or no one else to help or take care of would mean you're basically the last human on earth - since there is always someone to help.

Yes, problem to express myself accurately.

What I want to say is: don't you think you will try to survive to help others and try to be the last one who die?

 

[anart]

What I want to say is: don't you think you will try to survive to help others and try to be the last one who die?

I would certainly try to help others, since that's why I'm here, though I think the 'last one to die' idea is rather horrific. With that said, death is nothing to be afraid of, and being afraid of it - living one's life in 'mortal fear' of mortality - is a waste of energy. At some point, death is preferable to living in a nightmare - just my personal take on that, of course.