Do hurricanes qualify as SHTF scenarios?

[Yoda]

Here I am, in a Tampa suburb, and we MIGHT get some effects from hurricane-wannabe Issac.

My "WRM" stocks include about 1,000 rounds of ammo for each caliber gun that I own. You aren't familiar with the term "WRM?" It's old Air Force speak for War Reserve Material. It's the stuff you never touch until you're actually at war. Your SHTF supplies are my WRM stocks.

Anyway, with a maybe/maybe not hurricane wandering in our general direction, I almost bought some more ammo tonight. Then I thought, "Why put out more money for more ammo? I've already got a whole bunch!" Then I thought, "But does a hurricane, assuming there is one, really meet SHTF/WRM criteria for breaking into the emergency stocks?"

Right now, I'm thinking a hurricane DOESN'T justify breaking into my strategic reserve. The 1,000 rounds that I've packed away for each caliber are for some as-yet-undefined future situation in which new ammo can't be got at any price. I don't think a hurricane meets that criteria. I can buy ammo today, so I shouldn't break into my WRM stocks.

Your thoughts? What are YOUR criteria for starting to draw ammo from your SHTF reserves?

(And YES, I rode out many hurricanes in the Fort Walton Beach area in the Florida Panhandle, so I have some idea of what life can be like after a good hurricane. You can't imagine how utterly black everything is at night when there isn't a functional electrical outlet for a hundred miles, and the "You loot / We shoot" signs aren't just a clever phrase. In such a situation, if you've got a few cans of gasoline, everyone wants to be your friend.)

- - - Yoda

 

[tarosean]

Having been throu several hurricanes, water, canned food, propane/charcoal and batteries are far more useful than ammo...

 

[wojownik]

Do Hurricane's qualify? Not in and of themselves, IMHO.

+1 Having recently gone a week without power, and my concerns were a lot more focused on the household items that were mentioned. Make sure you have those kinds of basic supplies stocked up, plus a battery powered radio if you don't have one already ...

 

[nosmr2]

No. They are natural disasters.

 

[michaelbsc]

WRM. Good term.

No, a hurricane isn't a WRM/SHTF scenario at all.

A hurricane is a "do I have supplies to last without ordinary utilities for X days, and medical supplies for first responder in case of emergency needs?"

X days is defined by where you live. Along the coastline barrier islands away from population centers X might very well be 20 days, but probably only hours. Major suburbs is extremely unlikely to be more a few days, but also probably hours.

SHTF is "let's gather the neighborhood and plan, because we're on our own."

My major nit pick with most SHTF plans is that they aren't community centered. People are community based, and the idea that we can survive poking a rifle barrel out the window with a bajillion rounds of ammo isn't sensible to me.

The idea that "our neighborhood" can band together like the rebels in that WW-II movie with Daniel Craig fighting the Nazis, can't remember the name right now, has merit. A community can survive. A lone wolf won't.

Now, will it help of you bring a few thousand rounds of ammo and some rifles to the community? Sure, you betcha!

 

[coloradokevin]

Having been throu several hurricanes, water, canned food, propane/charcoal and batteries are far more useful than ammo...

^^ What he said.

Do you honestly anticipate needing anywhere close to "1,000 rounds of ammo for each caliber gun that I own"? This is a hurricane, not a war. Sure, having a weapon or two for self-defense isn't a bad idea when natural disasters strike, but being realistic about the situation is far more important.

When I say "be realistic" I'm trying to suggest that you might want to put more emphasis on:

1) Sufficient shelter.
2) Food supplies.
3) Water supplies.
4) Possible evacuation routes.
5) Securing your property (house, cars, boats, etc).
6) Ensuring an adequate supply of candles, stove fuel, etc (camping type equipment).

Having more than 1K rounds per firearm is not at the top of my list for a natural disaster. We all know what the acronym "SHTF" stands for, and you can define such a situation however you want. But, short of a complete breakdown of society, or a civil war, I can't see why you'd ever need a personal "war reserve" of anywhere close to the amount of ammo you already have.

Don't get me wrong, I have at least that much ammo on hand here. But, that's more for convenience and saving money via bulk purchases than it is about anything else.

As for 'drawing ammo out of your reserves', I think you'll know if you actually need to do that.

 

[12131]

SHTF threads won't last long here. Y'all know that.

 

[Centurian22]

I think it's kind of a self defeating question personally. If you find yourself in a position to need it you will obviously use it. If that happens, you will replenish the supply ASAP afterwards. The only time said concept falls short is if the WRM event strikes immediately after the hurricane. I can't see a hurricane causing the need for more than a couple hundred rounds max but I've never been through one. Given that you live in FL where hurricanes can be a frequent problem if you wish to be ultimately prepared have a "Long Term" supply (your 1k rds of WRM), a "Medium Term" (maybe 500 rds for events such as hurricane), and "Short Term" for range trips, hunting, rotating self / home def supplies.

 

[Texan Scott]

If by "fan" you meant hurricane, and the "S" stands for "small cars", I suggest your most urgent tactical consideration is the difference between concealment and cover....

 

[voicomp]

If you have discretionary $$ and adequate supplies of batteries, chow, meds, water, etc. (sufficient for your pre-emergency perceived likely needs) buy the ammo. If you dont need it for the emergency, put it in your WRM and do some extra target practice with what you replace....

 

[ugaarguy]

"But does a hurricane, assuming there is one, really meet SHTF/WRM criteria for breaking into the emergency stocks?"

Right now, I'm thinking a hurricane DOESN'T justify breaking into my strategic reserve. The 1,000 rounds that I've packed away for each caliber are for some as-yet-undefined future situation in which new ammo can't be got at any price. I don't think a hurricane meets that criteria. I can buy ammo today, so I shouldn't break into my WRM stocks.

Unlike the verboten fantasy SHTF topic, you bring up a very real scenario; so I hope this stays open.

A hurricane (or similar natural disaster) is about as SHTF is most of us will ever face. These are exactly the scenarios where your WRM stocks come into play. Use the funds you have now for extra food, water, fuel, and like supplies. If you (Lord forbid) have to use that WRM ammo to keep looters or other predators at bay until order is restored then so be it. You kept yourself alive and intact until order was restored. After that you just replenish your WRM ammo stocks for the next natural disaster we all hope never happens (but you live in Fl, and we all know the next hurricane ain't if, but when).

The important thing is that you're continually evaluating your preparedness right up to the event. You already have ammo stashed away. It sounds like you already have other supplies stashed away as well. Just stay safe and keep us updated.

 

[Trent]

When I was younger, I remember seeing footage after Hurricane Andrew rolled through and flattened most of the state down there.

The ONLY image I still remember clearly is a man sitting on a lawn chair in front of a completely devastated house holding a 12 gauge shotgun and a sign that said in big red letters "LOOTERS WILL BE SHOT ON SIGHT."

He was protecting what little he had left.

Hurricanes CAN qualify for a valid SHTF scenario.

Plan accordingly. Will you need a thousand rounds for every caliber?

Heck no.

One scattergun with buckshot and a few rounds will probably be more than adequate. Was for that man.

But, there's prepared, and there's prepared.

I'd be more concerned about how to transport all that stuff if you had to bug out from a big one, like Andrew. Loading up thousands of rounds of ammo and firearms sure as heck limits your mobility options.

 

[Ignition Override]

Wondering whether homes are abandoned for a few days must be what looters want to know.
For those who don't live in rows of houses-such isolated homes must be much more vulnerable, not just when people go to work during the week.

You saw signs from post-Katrina in LA and MS: "Owners are here and armed", etc?
I cant imagine how many hurricanes criss-crossed Florida that year.
Displace "refugee" cottonmouth snakes or a submerged gator could be a larger risk for people by swamp water/flooded yards or streets.

 

[mortablunt]

We generally don't do SHTF, as others have pointed out. However, having emergency preparations such as food, water, medicine, and ways to signal your presence is something that everyone should do.

 

[kozak6]

Honestly, a full magazine for a pistol should be much more than you will need. You aren't shooting down the hurricane, and you aren't fighting off screaming hordes of looters.

Focus on things that you might actually need, like food, water, batteries, flashlights, etc.

 

[AWorthyOpponent]

Having been through many hurricanes as a Florida native, I can say that I'd rather have a generator and a full tank of propane for my grill than just about anything else. If situations turn out really bad (think Katrina), firearms would be necessary to protect yourself, and your family from harm, and your property from looters and such.

MY recommendation: you have enough ammunition to get through a post hurricane problem. It is not a TEOTWAWKI situation, as the rest of the country will rebuild you, and things will return to normal. Invest in a generator, grille and propane, gas, and some good steaks. Good food will make it a better experience. With a generator, you can use your fridge as normal, and even power a window AC unit to keep one room comfortable.

 

[Sam1911]

If we don't do "SHTF" threads (and I think we've been ABUNDANTLY clear about that ), I suppose that means we don't do "WRM means SHTF" threads either.

And what in the world are you thinking of "breaking into your stash" for anyway? Can't SHOOT a hurricane and absent any other actual THREAT, you don't need any ammo at all, let alone your last reserve of 1,000 rounds.

Secure some water, some food, emergency power supplies, fuel, and a way to leave if/when the time comes to leave.

If you need your last 1,000 rounds...well it was nice knowing you!

Closed.