Thursday, October 17, 2019

Common Sense Prepping

When I first realized the need to be prepared for bad times, I did some online research.  I watched videos.  I read blogs.  I looked up statistics.

I found there was a vast amount of information out there.  There were sites that told me about the gear that every prepper had to have.  There were lists of foods that were absolutely necessary to store.  Other sites showed me how to survive out in the woods.

I dutifully made lists of the recommended items.  I searched online for the best prices on various items.  I worked out scenarios of what would constitute a SHTF moment and what would be needed in those situations.

And then my common sense side said, "Hold on.  How much of this stuff really applies to you."

First off, I am not going to be building any shelters in the middle of the forest.  I am an old woman with health issues.  I am connected 24/7 to an oxygen machine, fondly referred to as R2D2, due to it's size and shape.  I would be hard pressed to make it to the end of the block, to say nothing of heading to the hills.  Having knowledge of bushcraft skills might be fine for someone young and healthy, but for me...not so much.

These facts eliminated the need for specialized gear.  My gear consists of a variety of flashlights, oil lamps and candles.  It includes a propane camp stove and a propane space heater.  It also includes two pressure canners and two dehydrators.  The dehydrators will be useless if the lights go out, but in the meantime they have made it possible to stock up on dried food.  The rest of my gear is the normal household tools and utensils.

Most of those of my vintage are on a fixed income.  We can't justify spending large amounts of money on the recommended freeze dried foods or the pre-packaged ready to eat meals.  My solution to this problem is home canning of a variety of meats and vegetables and fruits along with lots of soups and stews that only need to be heated or, in a pinch, can be eaten right out of the jar.

Not everyone has the skills or equipment for home canning.  But by adding a few extra cans of food every time one shops for groceries, a deep pantry can be a reality over time.  Some of you are aware of the fact that due to health issues, I use a grocery delivery service.  Each delivery includes a couple of items I can not make at home, like sugar, flour, powdered milk, rice, etc.  These are stored away for future use. I use what I store, so food is rotated out and replaced regularly.

I once watched a video of a woman who had a full sized chest of drawers completely filled with health and medical supplies.  She had everything from leg splints to neck braces to several kinds of over the counter pain killers to vitamins of every kind. There were medications for every possible situation.  I was impressed.

But I can not afford to do the same.  What I have done is to stock up on the basics - aspirin, burn cream, peroxide, alcohol, band-aids, cough drops, etc.  I add to the stash from time to time - items like diarrhea medication, multi vitamins, antibiotic salves.  And I found a good First-Aid book that covers the common medical and injury needs.

If a person has the wherewithal and the storage space for a full compliment of prepping items, good for them.  But most of us tend to pinch a penny or two in our daily lives, so we do the best we can with what we have to work with.

The main point is that we do something.  Sitting idly by, waiting for the government to rescue us in times of disaster isn't going to cut it.  The way things are going, I doubt that rescue will be on the minds of 'our betters.'  Seems more likely they will be the ones we have to watch out for.  The better prepared we are, the better our chances.

Keep on prepping.

30 comments:

  1. God bless you Vicki! I've been reading your blog off and on for several years now and am deeply impressed with all your prepping efforts. After I read about the man who died in 12 minutes in California when PG&E cut the power out (he was using an oxygen machine) I was wondering if you could get a solar-powered battery re-charger to operate your R2D2 (if it can use a battery backup that is)? Was wondering since you haven't mentioned anything about it.

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    1. Anon...Thank you for your kind words. The machine I use is the only one where the rental of same is partially covered under Medicare. R2D2 runs only on electricity. A generator is not possible for use in a second floor apartment. However, I have checked into the small battery powered units. I am saving for one now as they cost around $2500. I am also researching solar battery chargers.

      I am not likely to keel over and die without the oxygen. But breathing would be more difficult. As much as I dislike being tethered to a machine, it does make the quality of life much better. Thank you for your comment and concern. They are greatly appreciated.

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  2. Indeed; do SOMETHING. I tell this to everyone at work, and those I talk to when this kind of conversation comes up. Invariably, someone tells me "I'm comin' to YOUR HOUSE if the SHTF!" OK; if you want to walk a long way only to walk a long way back... empty-handed,... have at it...

    The medical supplies; I carry a number of OTC meds in my everyday bag. Believe it or not, it's the anti-squirt (diarrhea pills) that gets the most use... and usually not by me! You'd be surprised at how easy it is to get a case of goopy-butt when you're on the road! Those pills allow me to be a prepping ambassador, so I give them out whenever someone at work needs them. Sometimes, all you have to do is plant the seed...

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    1. Pete...I don't under the mindset that expects someone else to take care of them in a SHTF situation. Guess not only am I old in age, I seem to be old school as well. When I hear the 'I'm coming to your house,' my stock answer is "No. You aren't."

      Good idea, carrying the diarrhea pills. I doubt too many are aware that prolonged diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration and other problems. I get it about planting the seed. A couple of the nurses I see here have commented on my home canning shelves that are plumb full. I usually tell them that when they are out fighting icy roads and blowing snow to get to a store that is probably already sold out of bread and milk, I will be sitting, cup of hot chocolate in hand, watching the storm from my rocking chair. Once in a while I have seen that little spark of understanding in their eyes. As you said...we need to do SOMETHING...

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    2. What's your plan if R2D2 fails, Vicki?

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    3. Pete...I am in no danger of dying should I be without oxygen for any length of time, but breathing would not be as easy. Under normal circumstances and because the equipment is rented, I will make a call and get a replacement R2D2. I have a large backup tank good for several hours if needed.

      In a SHTF situation I am out of luck should we lose power. That is why I am working on saving money to buy a battery operated portable oxygen machine and a solar battery charger. They are spendy but necessary to maintain a decent quality of life under adverse conditions.

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    4. Battery-powered; yeah; that's where I was going... In a pinch, have your son go down to Harbor Freight and get you an inverter. You can hook it up to his car battery and run a cord to your machine through a window. Leave the engine running, and the inverter will power R2D2 until the car runs out of gas!

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    5. Thanks for the suggestion, Pete. I hadn't thought of that solution to the problem. And I will definitely keep it in mind.

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  3. In a SHTF scenario, it will be the ones with common sense that survive.

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    1. Gorges...With some common sense, a person can usually figure out solutions to problems even when they have not much knowledge or experience.

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  4. So true. I try and put at least one thing in my shopping cart 'extra' every time I shop. I also make sure to stock up every time the grocery store offers a caselot sale. It's funny, I keep squeezing more and more into my apartment.
    Great post, as always.
    Cheers, SJ

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    1. Thanks, SJ...It is amazing the amount of supplies a person, with a little bit of imagination, stuff into a small apartment. :) So many people think they have to spend vast amounts of money on prepping supplies, but we know that a little at a time can quickly add up to a goodly amount. Even a few items a week will put us miles ahead of those who are doing nothing.

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  5. I read all that stuff, too. And, I watched the videos. I concluded I could not carry a five gallon bucket as far as the end of my short driveway. I planned to stay where I lived. I can, with many trips, pack my car. But, what then? I kept lots of food and a few medical supplies, very few, and it is all gone. When my house was demolished with no warning, I did manage to rescue new cases of canning jars and the dehydrator. Someone stole all the medical stuff and other valuables.

    By the way, stop using Immodium for a rescue. The body is trying to rid itself of toxins. So, in some cases, the diarrhea is trying to save you from death. Unfortunately, I forgot what to use instead.

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    1. Linda,,,Those of us with limitations often need to find ways around doing things that others can easily manage. Might take us longer, but usually we can get the job done - one way or another. :)

      As far as the use of Imodium goes...reference Jennifer in the comment below. She is much more well versed in the use of medications than I am.

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    2. fibre capsules and a lot of water

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  6. Imodium's (loperamide) job is to slow down intestinal mobility and keep fluids IN. As such, it is good for some cases of diarrhea, gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and mild traveler's diarrhea. There is a good reason why it is on WHO's List of Essential Medications--it's cheap and it works.

    Imodium should not be used for cholera, salmonella, typhoid, or C. diff infections. For these illnesses, you want to get the bacteria OUT as soon as possible.

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    1. Jennifer...Thank you for your comment on the use of Imodium. I appreciate your sharing of knowledge on this subject. I have read about cases where diarrhea can occur frequently when a person's normal eating habits are changed, which certainly could be the case in a SHTF situation. Just one more good reason to be prepared for unforeseen events.

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    2. Vicki,
      Correct. But you never know when it is an upset stomach or e coli. Better to err on side of good than to just assume that everything is just eating too much candy. I still stand y what I said.

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    3. Linda...We each have our own opinions on what is the best thing to do in any situation. And each of us has to make their own choices. The better informed we are, the better the choice. I know you don't just accept anything at face value, so I know you will do what is right for you just as I will do what is right for me. Another thing we can disagree on without any animosity. :)

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    4. I remember reading that there is an OTC Med that can keep a water borne illness from killing a person. Unfortunately I don't remember what it is. Red

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  7. Wow. such a powerful post. Add a little at a time, one day at a time. baby steps. You have to crawl, before you walk, before you can run.

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    1. Thanks, Rob...The more people who can take care of themselves in bad times, the better off we all are.

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  8. I'm with you, Vicki. Common sense will be a real advantage when we are faced with emergencies or difficult times. Hopefully, having ample food storage and other household supplies in-house will make it less difficult. I am a firm believer in preparedness and feel much more secure for it.

    Today, along with some meal preps and baking, I worked on an additional preparedness activity. For years I have always had two bags packed and ready to go out the door. One bag is a small backpack which contains absolute essentials...my meds, cash, credit cards, checkbook, small first-aid kit, and planner. I am always able to find those important items at any time. The second bag is a small rolling bag containing two basic but complete outfits, pajamas, sweater, and basic toiletries. I could go almost anywhere and have what I need. It may seem ridiculous to some people, but I know that if I should get called away from home due to an emergency I can leave almost immediately. I will be able to leave the house knowing I have brought the basics with me and guess what? No running around the house gathering things up when time is of the essence. I am ready to go if the need should arise. It was time to remove the spring/summer for the fall/winter items. It took less than 30 minutes.

    Vicki, I would rather be ready for whatever is lurking around the corner just waiting to catch me off guard tHan not. There are so many things we can do and many don't cost anything...maybe just a ltitle time. We simply need to make the added small but significant plan or effort.

    Thank you for your article...very good information!
    Common sense tells me we need to get our ducks in a row...CW

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    1. Hi CW...Common sense seems to be at a premium these days, but I have always believed that even if a person is lacking in knowledge, by using a little common sense we can usually figure things out.

      I really like your preparedness method of the two bags. Makes perfect sense. I have my essentials like cash, checkbook, meds, etc. in a small drawer that is easily accessible. But a small bag would be much better. I keep my medical card, debit card and social security card in my checkbook, but think I might add a copy of my birth certificate to the smaller bag.

      If I can sum up the courage to look in my closet from hell, I do believe I have a larger bag that would hold clothing, toiletries and the medical supplies I need for my legs. Brilliant idea and I believe you have lit a fire under me to do the same.

      I should have thought to do this very thing. A few years ago one of the apartments in my building caught fire. My apartment wasn't damaged, but I had to leave it quickly. When I reached the street I realized I had nothing with me except the clothes I was wearing. I think I will be digging out those bags in the morning.

      We don't know for sure what is coming - only that it is headed our way. I have no doubt. I have been concentrating on food and water but there are ever so many small things that can make life in a bad situation just a little bit better. Sometimes I get a little bit complacent and that is not a good thing. The time for those ducks in a row is now - while we still can.

      Thanks for the reminder.

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    2. Nice reminder. I have a very small bag, one of those 'string bags' they sell for kids.It's in a bookcase close to my front door so at the ready but out of sight. I also have a copy of my passport, renter's insurance and dog's vaccination records. Clearly I need to update the contents. I need to organize a rolling bag with clothes like CW suggested, brilliant idea, love how we can learn from each other.
      I also keep a dog leash and collar in my bedside table next to the flashlight. I wanted to have those at the ready should I ever have to dash out the door in the middle of the night. Oh, and I'm lucky to have a stash of food in my car. Need to resupply the drinking water there.
      Cheers, SJ in Vancouver BC

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    3. SJ, it sounds like you are ready to roll. I'll just add this little tidbit...I wear black most everyday. I do wear scarves in cooler months to add color. Two pair of black slacks, two black long sleeve knit tops, two scarves and a sweater made packing the bag easy. I'm not a fashionista, but I will be dressed...CW

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    1. Thanks, One Family...I think it is more deciding what is good for each of us and for our families and following that path. This prepping isn't a one-size-fits-all thing, although many who sell the gear and supplies would have us think so. Each situation is different.

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