Just got back from a hike - I'm going to throw this post together with shit I can think of off the top of my head - this is no guide but just basics I can think of that you probably are already aware of.But, what I've been thinking, and here's where I'm curious about your input also @ENOCK , what about storing stuff for helping people or for trading in case ca a power breakdown?
I think you could make a killing if you can trade lighters, candles, cooking oil, liqueor or Instant Coffee. Or water purifying tablets. Lol or a solar USB charger will probably trade for a Porsche
a paper map of the region that you live in I assume would also be valuable if there's no google maps.
1. How have I prepared?
I'm no professional hardcore prepper but I do take steps in case of an event, my quick list:
- Basic Medical Kit
- Generator - Gas
- 2-Way Radios for Communication
- 4 AR-15's (Shit load of Ammo)
- 4 Double Barrel Shot Guns (Shit load of Ammo)
- 4 Handguns w/Ammo
- Water ( Water purifying Filters / tablets / 275 IBC Water Tote Tank to capture Rain Water )
- Food - 3 months worth stored up for 10 humans - mostly MRE's - Canned Foods
- Batteries - Matches - sleeping bags - blankets
- Fire Wood
2. What about storing stuff for helping people or trading in case a power breakdown?
That would be known as Bartering and that is always good to keep in mind in such an event. First we have to take into consideration our environment - are we in a City / Urban Setting? or are we in a Rural Area with a small population. Each situation brings a different set of circumstances which means Prepping for each scenario will be different.
For instance if you live in a rural area you may not have to store as much food as someone living in an Urban area. Living in a Rural Area a person is more likely to be near small communities that are more close nit - more self sufficient - access to Farm land where food is grown, in these areas the community is more likely to come together and work with each other to make sure everyone is taken care of. (depending on the severity of the event and how long it lasts.)
Living in an Urban / Big City will have a higher risk of survival and will be more cut throat dog eat dog situation!
Rural - focus on home security.
City/Urban - prep for everything - home security + Food/Water - store 3 months of food/water. Protecting yourself and your family will be a priority so load up on Guns - Ammunition - Knives - Machetes anything you think will help protect you in the event looters or desperate souls looking for anything to eat attempt to break into your home and take what you have left.
Remember in a City - should power be out for extended times those Supermarkets will be looted within the first weeks and no trucks will be traveling to restore the shelves ...and if this event is Nationwide or Global - good chance National Guard won't be there to help.
If his goes down - the first week will be like Black Friday Shopping ...soon after the food disappears and the despair sets in ...
Rural area I'd prep:
Essentials: Generator - Gasoline - Firewood - Guns - Ammo - Seeds - Water - Clothing/blankets - Food (MRE / Canned Foods) - Batteries
Barter Goods: All the things you already mentioned - Matches - Booze - Entertainment games/magazines/books - anything that may hold value to someone in a Blackout could be used for bartering.
Lot of preppers think Gold/Silver will have some value in an event like a months long blackout but I disagree - I don't think monetary items will be worth anything ....only items for pure "SURVIVAL" will be of importance.
City/Urban prep for the exact same thing as Rural just focus on storing more Food/Water and Weapons for protection along with securing your residence and maybe having a safe room set up.
That's all I got for now ...