Saturday, April 21, 2012

Theory of Preparedness

Theory of Preparedness

The theory of preparedness is often a much debated topic. Lessons learned from generations past, have proven the validity of preparedness in today’s uncertain economy. Our ancestors, young and old, struggled in challenging times, but yet prevailed. Why? 

The answer is preparedness. Being prepared was not a choice, but a lifestyle, and a necessity. 
Today, supplies of food stuffs, medical supplies, clean water and the essentials of life are readily had. But even today, the theory of preparedness remains the same. Unforeseen events, circumstances, or emergencies can suddenly create hardships that the average household is unable to cope with and respond to, if caught with limited resources. The number of individuals or families who wish to maintain the stability of their current lifestyle and have taken steps to ensure this, is growing. Is this possibly a re-awakening of the rapidly disappearing survival tool called common sense?

A grass roots movement, termed "Preppers" is sweeping our nation. While the unaware are spending countless hours watching American Idol, or updating their status on Facebook, concerned Americans are quietly making preparations for a less comfortable future. 
Sales at long term food storage vendors, are sky rocketing. For some, stocking pantry shelves with shelf stable food stores, water, medical supplies, is a counter measure in the instance of a SHTF(sh*t hit the fan) situation, be it on a personal, local, or wide spread level. Vacuum sealers, Mylar bags, dry goods, and canning supplies are just a short list of prepping items commonly purchased. However, food is not the only items being stashed away. Fuel, water, personal hygiene items, ammunition, and firearms are also much coveted items.

For many, the act of prepping, or preparedness, is a part of everyday life. Concerns over a faltering economy, personal financial difficulties, temporary or extended job loss, rising fuel and food costs are at the top of the list of polled responses. For others, it is out of fear of shortages in the food supplies. Still others prepare for an economic collapse. While there is no one definitive catalyst to prep, each reason will stem from a personal concern. The important factor is that you are preparing.

America witnessed a "shtf" situation on a massive scale during 9/11. Others suffered total loss during Hurricane Katrina. More recently, several areas of the country have been subjected to the raw power of natures wrath during a massive tornado outbreak. Not all were victims, but most experienced disruption in food supplies, communications, electricity, public services, and medical facilities in the stricken areas. While preparedness offers no 
immunity from shtf, it does provide alternative means or assets that can be utilized in a post-shtf scenario.

Simple preparations for difficult times could be a life saving step for you and your family.

Monday, April 9, 2012

A Reason For Preparedness



Uncertain times lay before us. A faltering economy, unprecedented job loss, sky rocketing food and living costs, are all valid reasons to insulate yourselves against disruptions to your way of living. Preparations need not be extensive, or all consuming.  The simple act of purchasing one extra can of food, or a pound of beans or rice, even a gallon of bottled water, along with your regular grocery purchases, could provide you and your family with the sustenance to weather an unseen emergency.  Personal emergencies can present themselves in many forms, and at the worst possible times.  Weather, geological, social, or even financial disruptions, such as a temporary/extended job loss, are just a small sampling of such emergencies.  


Preparedness takes on many shapes and forms.  


1. Mental prep:  Having a plan.  Take the time to discuss with your immediate family & friends the who, what, when, where, why.
   -Who to contact and how.
   -What is the plan
   -When to enact your plan
   -Where should you go
   -Why


2. Physical:   In emergency situations, stress, physical exertion, & disrupted sleep schedules place heavy tolls on the body. Does your physical condition limit your ability to respond, endure, and survive in an emergency situation? What can be done to rectify any areas lacking? An ample supply of health critical medications is also a consideration.


3: Food preps:   Take stock of your current food supply.  Having an ample supply of nutritional goods is key to your survival. Foods that can be prepared without the use of modern conveniences, (electricity, running water) in a grid down situation should also be considered. Foods with extended shelf life are also coveted in instances of long term disruptions.


4: Water:   Water holds the highest priority on this list.  A reliable source of potable water, is without doubt, the single  most important life sustaining preparation. If storing water is not an option, consider alternative means of purifying or sterilizing your available water supply.


5: Shelter:  Protection from the elements is also a requirement.


Although general in nature, the above list is not all inclusive, but rather a thought provoking summary to start you on the path to a sustainable existence for yourself and your family.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Will We Keep Going Through Life Like This ??

As the last few days have past I have been re-awaken. I see that in life if you go against the grain you are quickly labeled and made out like a trouble maker. I thought this was a country that you had a right to stand up for what you believe. I was wrong, we are so scared to say things as it might mess up the flow and people might get upset and we should not be like that.

We should be free to speak what we want to. We should never have to remain silent of our beliefs. Isn't this what free means??

I have always said things that needed to be said. I have been labeled as reckless, childish, whining, and many more that I would rather not say.

To me if it walks like a duck, sounds like a duck, looks like a duck, then it is a duck. Following so far.

All through life people have been scared to speak there mind for what may happen to them if they do. I see it everyday. No matter who it is if you go against the normal then you are labeled. That's what they want to happen people. They want us to think that if we go against it then we are crazy or liars or trouble makers.

Will we never change, it will never change. It has been this way from the start and it will not change until the end.

Please don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe no matter what. If it needs to be said then say it. Don't hide and be afraid what will happen. We all should learn that and maybe, just maybe it would be a different world we live in. The truth is the truth and nothing can ever change that.

Just because you say something today that people don't like because they are afraid of the truth does not make you any different than you were yesterday.

People are quick to judge and take sides as they are scared as well. It is not there fault, to them it is the everyday normal. They just like me and you that is reading this have did it before. We are scared in this life we live as no one knows the out come of it. But never let time slip by when you should have said something and didn't.

I know there is tons of people out there with good intentions and ideas that would not say it because they were worried they will be looked at differently. We are brought up through life like this..

Sorry to ramble on but please stand up for what you believe, for what you think is right, for what needs to be said. No matter the label you can at least be satisfied that you spoke your mind.

Remember those people labeling you are just as scared. Stand Up Now Or Lay Down Later!!

WE THE PEOPLE !

Thank you for reading...Ecp

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Remember Don't Forget To Check Your Preps

Everybody should take a look at there preps and see what is missing. We get caught up in the prepping and forget the little things we need. I do it all the time. Checking your preps should be done monthly. This is my opinion please do what is right for you. A lot of people get tons of one thing and never get salt, sugar, spices, and things like that. I try to stock things I like.

I will say that if it ever gets bad you will eat things you do not like. Try different things now that I find on sale. You may have to eat it later. For example you do not like Tuna so you do not buy it. But if the SHTF you would much rather have Tuna than eat a Rat.. Just saying. Think about it. I always check to see what is missing in my preps. Sit back take a good long look at what you have and think of what you need to add. Watch videos or ask a like minded person to give you ideas. We all learn something new all the time.

Some people stock tons of rice but nothing to go with it. A simple package of chicken or beef bullion will flavor that right up. Kids will suffer the most as they will not eat just anything at first. They will eventually eat it but hard on them at first. Make things from your preps to let the kids try it out. Then adjust it accordingly. Cooking sources are just as important as food. With out a way to cook it you will be eating it raw.

Learn to cook what you prep. We all stock things and know how to cook but can you cook with out heat. Do you know how to make rice with just water? Or how long it takes to make it that way? Just check around because knowledge and common sense are the key to preparing.

I want to touch on another topic here. Remember if it gets bad you will need a way to protect your family. I know you have a gun. But always remember practice makes perfect. Know your choice of weapons. Study them and shoot them. Anyone can tell you what weapon to buy but you have to choose what is best for you. Only you know what you can handle. Only you can decide what is best for you. I want to say that guns do not work with out ammo. Unless you plan on just throwing your weapon at people.

Learn to hunt, trap, and fish now it may come in handy and you do not want to be out there trying to learn while your hungry. Read books and go out and try it first hand. Farming and gardening are a plus too. You need seeds to grow a garden so put some in your supplies. They will come in handy.

See being prepared is more than stocking up.Prepping is knowledge. You will need it. Like I said I am not an expert just offering my ideas and thoughts. You have to do what is right for you. Enough rambling from me.

Thanks for reading this and remember to LIVE -- LAUGH -- PREPARE

Monday, August 22, 2011

The Economy Slowly Going Down Hill

I see it more and more as everyday passes. The type of work I do shows it more than you can imagine. See I buy and sell things. People bring it in and sell it as well as I go out and look for deals. Everyday I see the hard times that are upon us. People selling there valuables to get money for food and to pay the light bill or whatever they need at that time. It just keeps getting worse. The economy is not getting better at all. More and more people everyday are loosing there jobs, getting laid off, or what have you. If they only put something back like food or a little extra cash. Would it have helped out?

Of course it would have. See if you have food put back for a rainy day, like job loss or economy collapse. You would not have to worry about were the next meal is coming from. You would not have to sell everything that means something to you just to eat.

You think it does not happen here. Come spend the day in my shoes. Then take that home with you. It will change the way you look at things I guaranty it. It is hard to watch someone sell the only thing they have left to feed there kids or self. Very hard..

See that's were Prepping comes in handy. Just think about this. You owe a light bill, but you need food to live. Your hungry and your kids are hungry but if oyu do not pay the light bill you will be in the dark. Now add in the it is winter time so no heat.

If you had food put back you could eat what you have saved and pay that bill. But nothing put back could and will have an effect on your lifestyle. See it is simple to see why we need to prep, very simple. You have to have food and water to live. Not to be comfortable but to sustain life. So that being said. I am no expert but I am far from stupid. I have a food supply. I know what is happening around us. I want you to wake up and see it. I want you to think about why you should have food put back. Yeah it all sounds crazy, but is it? Is it a bad thing to be prepared? I don't think so.

I think is is better to have and not need than to need and not have. Wouldn't you say you agree. Think about this. You have a spare tire right? If you get a flat you change it with the one you have and get back on the road. Same thing. You go on a trip and take things with you right?

Every one should have extras. I know it is hard if you are barely getting by now but you have to try. We are going through some hard times right now. As I said at the start of this. I see it getting worse daily. Do you have children? Think about them. There is a lot to think about and this is just some things to help you think. Do what you can now and do not be with out if or when something does happen. Job loss can be enough to change your life, if it gets bad then well you know.

I am not a very good blog writer but I will keep trying and trying to get people to listen and wake up.

Below are some videos that might help you in some areas. There is also links to other people that give out great information. Be sure to check them out..

Thank you for taking the time to read this...