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Post SHTF survival. Some ideas for everyone.
It seems that most folks here are concentrating most of their efforts on physical preps. Canned food, non perishables, weapons, gear, and equipment etc. Theres nothing wrong with that, in fact I do think its vital, but I believe theres something that might be more valuable than all those things mentioned that isn't getting enough attention.
Knowledge. That and survival mindset.
I'll start with knowledge. I get the feeling that alot of folks out there that are new to our way of thinking are stocking up on supplies, but doing little to further themselves for life after shtf.
So let me point out a few things that may be useful for some of you out there.
Ask yourself this question. What are your plans as far as food go when your preps run out? If you do not know, or are waiting until S actually HTF to figure something out I suggest you put almost everything else aside and deal with this issue now. I understand that many city born and bred do not have the advantages of those born on farms or out in the sticks. I know for many the kind of hands on learning I have been blessed with is out of the reach for many. This should not discourage or deter you from doing what you can. At the very least invest in some books and read, read, read. Its better than admitting defeat and doing nothing. And I would bet that anyone here on this board that doesn't know anyone willing to teach them can find someone here in their general area to help them out. All you have to do is ask.
Get some first aid training, if possible. Again, failing that read. Knowing how to stop arterial bleeding or splinting a broken bone might save either your own life, or a loved ones.
Ask yourself this question if you live in an urban or city environment. What are your plans if you need to leave that environment? Do you plan on driving? What if this option is not possible? Are you prepared to walk? Can you navigate overland without signs and roads? Bottom line here is if you do not have a plan, and are not prepared to hoof it, your chances of making it out are slim.
I could go on and on about all the things that everyone really should know. The list is endless. I'll sum this portion up by suggesting everyone sit down and think things through. Be honest with yourself, and figure out what is priority for you. Food always tops the list. The ways to produce and provide food for yourself and others is an absolute must for everyone. Once thats down, turn your attention elsewhere. Learn to use a compass and maps. Get some firearms training. Learn some basic mechanical skills, etc etc. But seek this knowledge now. Do not sit around and do nothing. Make an attempt, anything is preferable to nothing.
Now, the survival mindset.
Without this, I almost guarantee you will not survive no matter how much food and gear you have stored. Sooner or later your stored food will run out, or your gear will fail or get left behind for any number of reasons. Learn to use the most important tool you have: your mind. When something goes wrong, or your gear fails, and I promise you it will happen, learn to improvise. Do not panic and do the first thing that crosses your mind in a tight situation. Keep your cool and think.
A word on comfort.
Understand that comfort does not equal survival. In fact, seeking comfort can and will get you killed in a survival situation. What I mean by this is alot of people waste valuable time and energy on being comfortable, while neglecting the the things they actually need to survive. An example would be a group of people post shtf putting all their efforts at creating some kind of electricity, when they have no food, and little water. Provide the basics before taking anything else on. You can live without power, not food. Think about your environment and what threats are facing you. If its winter, then obviously shelter and warmth are a priority.
I bring that up because many people in survival situations make these kind of mistakes. Don't fall into the comfort trap. You will need to learn how to prioritize your basic needs, and be willing to be uncomfortable sometimes to ensure survival. Do not ever substitute a basic need with a comfort item.
Know thyself.
Be honest with yourself and your capabilities. Do not over estimate your abilities. Almost everyone does this, and its important that you realize this fact. If you think you can walk x amount of distance carrying y amount of weight, always plan on the least amount of what you think you can do. This will better your chances of achieving whatever goal you have made plans to accomplish. If you make unrealistic plans this will put you in bad situations every time you fail. Take that into account when planning.
Stay busy.
I cannot stress this enough. Doing nothing is the absolute worst thing you can do in a survival situation. Do not allow yourself the luxury of sitting around feeling sorry for yourself. It will eat you alive, literally. Always strive to better your situation. If you have adequate food and water, and shelter is taken care of don't call it good and sit on your butt. Gather firewood, clean weapons, improve your shelter, whatever. It doesn't matter what you do if the basics are covered, but its important to keep your mind occupied. Take the time to take care of yourself, whenever possible. Bathe, clean your clothing, and take care of any wounds or even scratches or scrapes.
Be willing to make difficult decisions.
Almost every shtf scenario will force people to do this. Think about these things now, and make up your mind about what you will do in each situation. This is a tough one, but its worth thinking about. If you look around here you will find many threads about this very thing. People are always curious about how others might react to a given situation. Many are the kind of things that simply cannot be answered until face to face with them. That should not stop you from exploring your own feelings and ideas.
Know that post shtf you may have to kill someone or someones to defend your own life. No one really knows if they can do it or not until it happens, but do think about it. I'm not advocating any kind of violence, merely pointing out that it may be necessary in the interest of survival.
Consider what you will do to help others. Can you turn away starving people if feeding them means you or yours will starve? Thats a tough one, but its likely to happen. You need to think about that.
Those are just a couple of examples of things that each and every one of us will have to come to terms with if and when shtf. Take the time to think about it on your own. Try and make your decisions as best as you can as this will pay off if your actually faced with them some day.
The last thing I have is this: There are no dumb or silly questions. If you need to know, ask. If your too embarrassed to post, then feel free to PM, if I don't have an answer I'll do my best to at least point you in the right direction.
IYAAYAS
KISS Keep it simple stupid
It seems that most folks here are concentrating most of their efforts on physical preps. Canned food, non perishables, weapons, gear, and equipment etc. Theres nothing wrong with that, in fact I do think its vital, but I believe theres something that might be more valuable than all those things mentioned that isn't getting enough attention.
Knowledge. That and survival mindset.
I'll start with knowledge. I get the feeling that alot of folks out there that are new to our way of thinking are stocking up on supplies, but doing little to further themselves for life after shtf.
So let me point out a few things that may be useful for some of you out there.
Ask yourself this question. What are your plans as far as food go when your preps run out? If you do not know, or are waiting until S actually HTF to figure something out I suggest you put almost everything else aside and deal with this issue now. I understand that many city born and bred do not have the advantages of those born on farms or out in the sticks. I know for many the kind of hands on learning I have been blessed with is out of the reach for many. This should not discourage or deter you from doing what you can. At the very least invest in some books and read, read, read. Its better than admitting defeat and doing nothing. And I would bet that anyone here on this board that doesn't know anyone willing to teach them can find someone here in their general area to help them out. All you have to do is ask.
Get some first aid training, if possible. Again, failing that read. Knowing how to stop arterial bleeding or splinting a broken bone might save either your own life, or a loved ones.
Ask yourself this question if you live in an urban or city environment. What are your plans if you need to leave that environment? Do you plan on driving? What if this option is not possible? Are you prepared to walk? Can you navigate overland without signs and roads? Bottom line here is if you do not have a plan, and are not prepared to hoof it, your chances of making it out are slim.
I could go on and on about all the things that everyone really should know. The list is endless. I'll sum this portion up by suggesting everyone sit down and think things through. Be honest with yourself, and figure out what is priority for you. Food always tops the list. The ways to produce and provide food for yourself and others is an absolute must for everyone. Once thats down, turn your attention elsewhere. Learn to use a compass and maps. Get some firearms training. Learn some basic mechanical skills, etc etc. But seek this knowledge now. Do not sit around and do nothing. Make an attempt, anything is preferable to nothing.
Now, the survival mindset.
Without this, I almost guarantee you will not survive no matter how much food and gear you have stored. Sooner or later your stored food will run out, or your gear will fail or get left behind for any number of reasons. Learn to use the most important tool you have: your mind. When something goes wrong, or your gear fails, and I promise you it will happen, learn to improvise. Do not panic and do the first thing that crosses your mind in a tight situation. Keep your cool and think.
A word on comfort.
Understand that comfort does not equal survival. In fact, seeking comfort can and will get you killed in a survival situation. What I mean by this is alot of people waste valuable time and energy on being comfortable, while neglecting the the things they actually need to survive. An example would be a group of people post shtf putting all their efforts at creating some kind of electricity, when they have no food, and little water. Provide the basics before taking anything else on. You can live without power, not food. Think about your environment and what threats are facing you. If its winter, then obviously shelter and warmth are a priority.
I bring that up because many people in survival situations make these kind of mistakes. Don't fall into the comfort trap. You will need to learn how to prioritize your basic needs, and be willing to be uncomfortable sometimes to ensure survival. Do not ever substitute a basic need with a comfort item.
Know thyself.
Be honest with yourself and your capabilities. Do not over estimate your abilities. Almost everyone does this, and its important that you realize this fact. If you think you can walk x amount of distance carrying y amount of weight, always plan on the least amount of what you think you can do. This will better your chances of achieving whatever goal you have made plans to accomplish. If you make unrealistic plans this will put you in bad situations every time you fail. Take that into account when planning.
Stay busy.
I cannot stress this enough. Doing nothing is the absolute worst thing you can do in a survival situation. Do not allow yourself the luxury of sitting around feeling sorry for yourself. It will eat you alive, literally. Always strive to better your situation. If you have adequate food and water, and shelter is taken care of don't call it good and sit on your butt. Gather firewood, clean weapons, improve your shelter, whatever. It doesn't matter what you do if the basics are covered, but its important to keep your mind occupied. Take the time to take care of yourself, whenever possible. Bathe, clean your clothing, and take care of any wounds or even scratches or scrapes.
Be willing to make difficult decisions.
Almost every shtf scenario will force people to do this. Think about these things now, and make up your mind about what you will do in each situation. This is a tough one, but its worth thinking about. If you look around here you will find many threads about this very thing. People are always curious about how others might react to a given situation. Many are the kind of things that simply cannot be answered until face to face with them. That should not stop you from exploring your own feelings and ideas.
Know that post shtf you may have to kill someone or someones to defend your own life. No one really knows if they can do it or not until it happens, but do think about it. I'm not advocating any kind of violence, merely pointing out that it may be necessary in the interest of survival.
Consider what you will do to help others. Can you turn away starving people if feeding them means you or yours will starve? Thats a tough one, but its likely to happen. You need to think about that.
Those are just a couple of examples of things that each and every one of us will have to come to terms with if and when shtf. Take the time to think about it on your own. Try and make your decisions as best as you can as this will pay off if your actually faced with them some day.
The last thing I have is this: There are no dumb or silly questions. If you need to know, ask. If your too embarrassed to post, then feel free to PM, if I don't have an answer I'll do my best to at least point you in the right direction.
IYAAYAS
KISS Keep it simple stupid
