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Have you ever thought about what you will do if the SHTF and friends and/or family start knocking at your door, asking for help? During a local, temporary disaster such as an earthquake or hurricane, it would make sense to help them. I know I would.
But what if it’s a long-term disaster with no signs of abating? What if you only have enough food to last your family a few months? If you start letting in friends and relatives, then next thing you know, your food will be gone in a week. Then the people you helped will be right back where they started, only they’ll have dragged you down with them.
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That’s why a lot of preppers keep their stockpile a secret, as well they should. However, if you have a chatty friend or family member who spills the beans about your preparedness plans, then a lot of people might end up finding out anyway. If that happens, then you could end up in a situation where you have to turn people away–people you care about.
This is easier said than done. If people are banging on your doors and windows, begging for help. You or one of your family members are likely to cave and let them in. And even if you still don’t let them in, these people will get so desperate that they might try breaking into your home. Could you really shoot a friend or relative?
In this video, Ethical Preparedness discusses this problem and talks about what you should do. This is one of the most interesting and practical discussions of this topic I’ve ever seen. Watch it below.
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You need to think like it’s the 1800s. Who can provide you with the services needed to survive. Some people are natural gardners, some can identify plants and trees and their purpose towards surviving, such as making medicines. Some are better at hunting and fishing, while others know how to preserve the extra foods for later. Don’t forget you need protectors, teachers, and even entertainers! You need an elderly person to tell how they did things go survive in previous situations and they make good babysitters. Some people have more than one area of use also. Don’t forget you need someone with medical knowledge to see up a wound, or change bandages! But…keep your circle small and tight!!
Like the old bumper sticker from the 70’s says; “Gas, grass, or a**, no one rides for free.”
I’ve read that the people who will survive are the most social. Most people have something to offer—food to share, medical or mechanical knowledge, etc. The best thing to do is get to know people well enough to figure out how they can benefit the group. Sometimes that might not be labor or specific knowledge-it might be someone who can keep spirits up or help everyone resolve conflicts. And you should help people who can’t take care of themselves as much as you are able. That is what makes us human, and is, in fact, the reason why we have survived as a species.
I think that having a few comfort foods on hand will help to defuse some anger when people get sick & tired of beans & rice. Not to be used a lot but once in a while might make living with people not used to deprivation a lot easier on everybody.
keep your yap shut about your personal life – not just about prepping – just about everything in general ….
you just mention at work about where you live – come serious SHTF time – there’s a half dozen guys from work that got shagged from their homes and onto the refugee trail – desperation dregs up memories & thoughts otherwise totally forgot …
I really wish there were a transcript of this video available. #1, I hate videos – they’re just another form of TV and encourage passivity, IMO; and #2, if TSHTF we won’t have electricity, so how are we going to watch them anyway? I like to keep hard copies of the best articles for just that reason, plus it’s a lot easier to find the info you want when it’s on paper with highlighting and notes.
Same here–I never watch a video.
Agreed, I tend to just close down the page rather than watch, I’d prefer having a written article I can keep
The use of herbs for health and first aid…and an herb garden would make you valuable. Most people have no clue what to use. And some herbs are poisonous if used incorrectly, so knowledge is useful for keeping people well and safe and taking out those you have found you cannot trust.
I have no family and friends…makes things simple…..US ARMY RETIRED
Die alone then.
Everyone dies alone. The rest are waiting to pick over what you left behind.
Beau42, a little complication can be an aid to motivation and also provide some vital mental stimulation, get a dog then you will both have a friend. Regards.
When people show up, it needs to be clear that they will be expected to work if they expect to be fed.
security, gardening, waste disposal foraging, construction of barriers. the list is endless. decide ahead of time what your needs are.
You may be able to “survive” being a lone wolf but you will not thrive. Having a support system is essential for both physical and emotional wellbeing.