Interesting read on the new survivalists thread. It does raise an interesting question. Just what should be put aside as basic emergency supplies?
The most likely near term problem for most people will be created by Mother Nature and will, generally, be local in nature. Emergency needs will be much different in that scenario then in one where life as we know it has screeched to a halt.
My opinion (worth everything you paid for it):
Firearms: .22 rifle and a shotgun will do for most things. They could be supplemented with a center fire rifle and a handgun. In most cases caliber and capacity will take a back seat to presence. I know what I prefer for these but preference does not make necessity despite what I sometimes read in this and other forums. Traps and snares could actually be very useful for securing meat and something quiet like a bow or sling might be handy.
Basic supplies – 7 days food, water, and cooking/heating fuel. This should get you through most problems until public order and supplies are at least somewhat restored. We have these, along with some extra clothing and sanitary supplies, in five gallon lidded five gallon buckets. They are easily portable and take up little space stacked in a corner.
Longer term storage is a bit bulkier and requires substantial planning and funds. Time frames too can be somewhat arbitrary. 3, 6, and 12 months are common terms. Realistically, firearms may become more necessary the longer you are forced to use stored food. . Water is a constraining item. Authorities recommend storing 1 gallon per person per day at a minimum. It is heavy and bulky. 50 gallons of water weigh something like 544 pounds. Personally, we have an easy month or an uncomfortable 2 months before our water supply is strained. Fuel is the second constraint but a few bags of charcoal and a Dutch oven can make things easier.
So, what are some practical suggestions for emergency supplies and their storage and usage? A far ranging approach is welcome.
(My wife has even asked women contemplating long term storage of supplies, “Have you thought about what you are going to do about birth control?” That always raises and eyebrow or two.)
The most likely near term problem for most people will be created by Mother Nature and will, generally, be local in nature. Emergency needs will be much different in that scenario then in one where life as we know it has screeched to a halt.
My opinion (worth everything you paid for it):
Firearms: .22 rifle and a shotgun will do for most things. They could be supplemented with a center fire rifle and a handgun. In most cases caliber and capacity will take a back seat to presence. I know what I prefer for these but preference does not make necessity despite what I sometimes read in this and other forums. Traps and snares could actually be very useful for securing meat and something quiet like a bow or sling might be handy.
Basic supplies – 7 days food, water, and cooking/heating fuel. This should get you through most problems until public order and supplies are at least somewhat restored. We have these, along with some extra clothing and sanitary supplies, in five gallon lidded five gallon buckets. They are easily portable and take up little space stacked in a corner.
Longer term storage is a bit bulkier and requires substantial planning and funds. Time frames too can be somewhat arbitrary. 3, 6, and 12 months are common terms. Realistically, firearms may become more necessary the longer you are forced to use stored food. . Water is a constraining item. Authorities recommend storing 1 gallon per person per day at a minimum. It is heavy and bulky. 50 gallons of water weigh something like 544 pounds. Personally, we have an easy month or an uncomfortable 2 months before our water supply is strained. Fuel is the second constraint but a few bags of charcoal and a Dutch oven can make things easier.
So, what are some practical suggestions for emergency supplies and their storage and usage? A far ranging approach is welcome.
(My wife has even asked women contemplating long term storage of supplies, “Have you thought about what you are going to do about birth control?” That always raises and eyebrow or two.)
what if?? That is always the question but certianly by odds of what has happened happening again you can figure out your needs. I am of the DRH crowd but if I was thinking of going mobile I would figure step by step what is the most important items and what it's going to take to move the weight according to where I want to go.
