SHTF Groups

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Originally Posted by HoneyBadger

...I wish I had friends.... [BooHoo]

ETA: Just kidding! HoneyBadger don't care!

well.. I kinda do wish I had friends... :(

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You need a hug? I am a little too far away to give you a hug. [Coffee]

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Originally Posted by Omicron

For my wife the epiphany came during hurricane Katrina, when New Orleans flooded and society went to shit down there almost overnight. Runs on stores, looting run rampant, police confiscating guns from people just trying to hunker down and protect their property, people forced into evacuation shelters where crime ran rampant, etc. She realized then just how thin and easily broken down our infrastructure is, and got 90% behind prepping. We've been accumulating supplies ever since. [Beer]
The one thing we try to lean toward accumulating though is stuff we normally use in every day life, so that we're always rotating our stock. Water was an issue until we figured out a system for rotating through that too.

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My wife has been slowly coming on board with the idea of stocking up over the last year. However, she has recently been pushed into overdrive because of the fires. Our hometown, Woodland Park, had a tiny bit of trouble getting gas and other things because the main highway was shutdown. Nothing major, but enough to be apparent. We don't live there anymore and it didn't affect us directly but it reminded her that our supply chain is extremely fragile. Now she is making lists too. It's great to have a second set of eyes looking at our prepping priorities. Her organization skills are far superior to mine so her input will be extremely valuable regarding how we can store the things we use everyday.

Example: we drink a lot of milk at my house. A lot. We are currently evaluating different bulk dried milk options for flavor and price. If the price beats what we get milk at the grocery store for, and we like the taste, my home will likely soon only drink milk from powder and then we can justify buying a ton of it.

Our philosophy is "it will cost more tomorrow, so why not buy as much as we can now."

Don't believe this? Google "cost of beef rising" for one example...

Although, the missing piece in our preps is her shooting skills. She is OK with guns and knows the basics but she won't practice.

My "group" consists of my family. We're a bit too spread out to offer support in a major, instant type of SHTF scenario, but we bounce ideas off each other almost daily. If things were to slowly degrade (like a major depression) the family would merge and provide direct and mutual support.

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Originally Posted by hollohas

My wife has been slowly coming on board with the idea of stocking up over the last year. However, she has recently been pushed into overdrive because of the fires. Our hometown, Woodland Park, had a tiny bit of trouble getting gas and other things because the main highway was shutdown. Nothing major, but enough to be apparent. We don't live there anymore and it didn't affect us directly but it reminded her that our supply chain is extremely fragile. Now she is making lists too. It's great to have a second set of eyes looking at our prepping priorities. Her organization skills are far superior to mine so her input will be extremely valuable regarding how we can store the things we use everyday.

Example: we drink a lot of milk at my house. A lot. We are currently evaluating different bulk dried milk options for flavor and price. If the price beats what we get milk at the grocery store for, and we like the taste, my home will likely soon only drink milk from powder and then we can justify buying a ton of it.

Our philosophy is "it will cost more tomorrow, so why not buy as much as we can now."

Don't believe this? Google "cost of beef rising" for one example...

Although, the missing piece in our preps is her shooting skills. She is OK with guns and knows the basics but she won't practice.

My "group" consists of my family. We're a bit too spread out to offer support in a major, instant type of SHTF scenario, but we bounce ideas off each other almost daily. If things were to slowly degrade (like a major depression) the family would merge and provide direct and mutual support.

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As far as not wanting to practice. My GF love if we make it a date, bring picnic food, set up a course, and compete against each other. Try it! unless she just hates shooting.

I have been reading through a lot of the posts in this thread and started to analyze some of the info.

I determined there are different types of SHTF scenarios. Each one might require a little different action.

Each family, couple, or single member of a group need to have the ability to hold their own in case they are separated, but work/strive to get together with their group with several potential meeting spots.

I always thought the best way to survive would be nomadic as a group.

My home is not the perfect setup to be defended easily as many others wouldn't be as well if it came down to it.

Depending on the time of the year the mountains with the 150+ backwoods trails / service roads requiring a major 4 wheel drive might not be able to travel either due to snow. Head south to warmer climate, open areas.

Also thinking in a group dynamic, having certain roles ideally it would be nice to have a doctor or medic, someone who understands how to grow food, etc.

my group originated in Louisiana. great growing season, fertile ground, plenty of water, and an indigenous population of so many "have nots" that makes it near impossible to stock enough bullets.

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Originally Posted by Goodburbon

my group originated in Louisiana. great growing season, fertile ground, plenty of water, and an indigenous population of so many "have nots" that makes it near impossible to stock enough bullets.

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So you going to make a run to Louisiana or are most close by now?

Everyone mentions food supplies, medical supplies, water source and of course training and weapons. I was thinking those with groups that have been organizing what about a library of books and reference material? SHTF internet might be useless, and having something tangible would survive better. Also thinking about seeds for plants etc.

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Originally Posted by Skully

So you going to make a run to Louisiana or are most close by now?

Everyone mentions food supplies, medical supplies, water source and of course training and weapons. I was thinking those with groups that have been organizing what about a library of books and reference material? SHTF internet might be useless, and having something tangible would survive better. Also thinking about seeds for plants etc.

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Having people on board who posses these skill's are great. If not technical manuals, prints and diagrams to fix what needs be should already be in stock. Not everyone i know is mechanical, medical minded or who knows what. Cross Training is something that needed to be at the forefront of any group. Owning trauma kits yet knowing how the hell to use them (and when) will be more harmful than helpful.
Around here things are loose yet able to come together as needed, in short time period. I feel the mother nature kind of disaster, be it tornado's, floods FIRE, will show any group where the strength and weakness lie vs, storm troopers goose steeping in to a location near you.
Ice storms late spring dropping power lines, is the neighborhood able to cope, alternate power wise for X time w/out assistance from EMS.

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Originally Posted by Skully

Everyone mentions food supplies, medical supplies, water source and of course training and weapons. I was thinking those with groups that have been organizing what about a library of books and reference material? SHTF internet might be useless, and having something tangible would survive better. Also thinking about seeds for plants etc.

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You are definitely thinking along the right lines here. [Awesom]
I'm assuming Internet would be useless, so I've been accumulating physical books and computer based equivilents (pdf's, etc) for some time now. In a prolonged SHTF scenario (TEOTWAWKI) these knowledge bases/references will be priceless. Also have enough seeds to plant crops for years.

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Originally Posted by HoneyBadger

For you married fellers out there, are your wives totally onboard with your prepping or bug out plans? If so, how did you do it?

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use your preps.... instead of buying a 1lb sack of flour say "hey we go through a lot of this lets get that 25lb bag" start buying doubles of the canned stuff you cook that way your rotating through your stock. also if shtf your not stuck eating plain garbonzo beans wondering why you bought all this food youve never cooked with before

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Originally Posted by Skully

Everyone mentions food supplies, medical supplies, water source and of course training and weapons. I was thinking those with groups that have been organizing what about a library of books and reference material? SHTF internet might be useless, and having something tangible would survive better. Also thinking about seeds for plants etc.

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i have a solar charger for our kindle fire ive downloaded probably 600-700 books on everything from small team tactics to field dentistry ideally i would love to have all of them in print form but as long as i take care of the thing i should be ok

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Originally Posted by Omicron

You are definitely thinking along the right lines here. [Awesom]
I'm assuming Internet would be useless, so I've been accumulating physical books and computer based equivilents (pdf's, etc) for some time now. In a prolonged SHTF scenario (TEOTWAWKI) these knowledge bases/references will be priceless. Also have enough seeds to plant crops for years.

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Me too Omicron. I think it was on this forum that I originally downloaded a large compilation of documents (thank you again to whomever I grabbed it from), or maybe it was during my short stint on uscca (I do not recommend anyone bother joining the uscca anymore). I've since added several more docs to it, so anyone who wants it feel free to download everything I've gathered from my skydrive via the link below. It's a series of 3 zip files. There are pdf's on topics ranging from stenography, medical, weather, knots, weapons, alternative power, etc. Definitely a LOT of great material. Sheesh, just the army survival manual that's included has enough to keep you busy for weeks. I am uploading everything now, so if you're fast, you may not see all 3 zips yet.

https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=5CAC39F3F5A343D5!144&authkey=!n!n6PpM6 YF8%24

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Originally Posted by Sawin

Me too Omicron. I think it was on this forum that I originally downloaded a large compilation of documents (thank you again to whomever I grabbed it from), or maybe it was during my short stint on uscca (I do not recommend anyone bother joining the uscca anymore). I've since added several more docs to it, so anyone who wants it feel free to download everything I've gathered from my skydrive via the link below. It's a series of 3 zip files. There are pdf's on topics ranging from stenography, medical, weather, knots, weapons, alternative power, etc. Definitely a LOT of great material. Sheesh, just the army survival manual that's included has enough to keep you busy for weeks. I am uploading everything now, so if you're fast, you may not see all 3 zips yet.

https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=5CAC39F3F5A343D5!144&authkey=!n!n6PpM6 YF8%24

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All 3 zips are available now.

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Originally Posted by Sawin

All 3 zips are available now.

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Sweet, grabbed them. Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Omicron

Sweet, grabbed them. Thanks!

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Was it worth the bandwidth? [Coffee]Lots of material huh?

I am interested in why some are relying on electronic devices? Not giving any shite but I am an up-most firm believer in "MURPHY's law."

An EM pulse for example could wipe out modern electronics which are in everything now, even automobiles. Typically we all associate it with a nuclear explosion but scientifically it can occur in the cosmos. DO you guys print these documents then seal them in air tight storage?

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Originally Posted by Skully

DO you guys print these documents

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Yes.

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Originally Posted by Skully

then seal them in air tight storage?

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Nope. Not a bad idea.

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Originally Posted by Skully

I am interested in why some are relying on electronic devices? Not giving any shite but I am an up-most firm believer in "MURPHY's law."

An EM pulse for example could wipe out modern electronics which are in everything now, even automobiles. Typically we all associate it with a nuclear explosion but scientifically it can occur in the cosmos. DO you guys print these documents then seal them in air tight storage?

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Don't worry Skully, I'm not relying on electronic devices. I have a lot of stuff printed and have books as well. Heirloom seeds too. You can help grow and protect the food. We live close enough :).

EMP aside, if push came to shove and I needed to print more out, I could rather quickly using various alternative power sources to keep my computer and printer working for a while, but I think the real key is to read the stuff ahead of time and try to learn as many functional skills now, as possible.

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Originally Posted by hollohas

Yes.



Nope. Not a bad idea.

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I was thinking paper degrades so if you want to keep them for reference or to teach in the future keeping them safe in airtight containers would be the safe way.

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Originally Posted by Sawin

Don't worry Skully, I'm not relying on electronic devices. I have a lot of stuff printed and have books as well. Heirloom seeds too. You can help grow and protect the food. We live close enough :).

If push came to shove and I needed to print more out, I could rather quickly using various alternative power sources to keep my computer and printer working for a while, but I think the real key is to read the stuff ahead of time and try to learn as many functional skills now, as possible.

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Yeah you mentioned Kindle and thought, hmmmmmm until it got fried or something. I like the library idea, yes reading and learning things now is good, but I always reference materials if it has been awhile. I have always been a jack of all trades, learn fast. I like to take things apart, read and study them until I am comfortable with the knowledge.

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Originally Posted by Skully

....I like the library idea, yes reading and learning things now is good, but I always reference materials if it has been awhile. I have always been a jack of all trades, learn fast. I like to take things apart, read and study them until I am comfortable with the knowledge.

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You and I are a lot alike in this regard as well.

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Originally Posted by Sawin

You and I are a lot alike in this regard as well.

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Most towns still have libraries, a short trip to one can get you started. Think of something that you have said " If i had a few extra hours a week i would like to learn" The start reading.

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Originally Posted by Sawin

Was it worth the bandwidth? [Coffee]Lots of material huh?

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OMG yes. Amazing quantity of really good content - thanks!!!

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Originally Posted by Skully

I am interested in why some are relying on electronic devices? Not giving any shite but I am an up-most firm believer in "MURPHY's law."

An EM pulse for example could wipe out modern electronics which are in everything now, even automobiles. Typically we all associate it with a nuclear explosion but scientifically it can occur in the cosmos. DO you guys print these documents then seal them in air tight storage?

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Like others here, I print them.

If you print them use a laser printer not ink jet also make them front and back to save tons of room.

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Originally Posted by Omicron

Like others here, I print them.

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One thing about me is I over think things a lot. Years in my field analyzing behaviors. Sometimes it can work for me other times I just annoy others. [Coffee]

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Originally Posted by Omicron

OMG yes. Amazing quantity of really good content - thanks!!!

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Good I'm glad. I sure was when i first downloaded it all. Feel free to share the link with others who can benefit.

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Originally Posted by Sawin

All 3 zips are available now.

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Thanks for the info! Ill be set for a while with these [Beer].

I consider my close friends my family so I guess I'm a hybrid of sorts lol. Besides it'll help have a couple more people with security and different peoples knowledge to last longer if need be.

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Originally Posted by Sawin

Me too Omicron. I think it was on this forum that I originally downloaded a large compilation of documents (thank you again to whomever I grabbed it from), or maybe it was during my short stint on uscca (I do not recommend anyone bother joining the uscca anymore). I've since added several more docs to it, so anyone who wants it feel free to download everything I've gathered from my skydrive via the link below. It's a series of 3 zip files. There are pdf's on topics ranging from stenography, medical, weather, knots, weapons, alternative power, etc. Definitely a LOT of great material. Sheesh, just the army survival manual that's included has enough to keep you busy for weeks. I am uploading everything now, so if you're fast, you may not see all 3 zips yet.

https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=5CAC39F3F5A343D5!144&authkey=!n!n6PpM6 YF8%24

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holy crap there is some great info. thanks bud[Beer]

I belong to a general "group" if you will called Zombie Squad....no we aren't zombie nuts, its just a saying... if you are prepared for Zombies you are prepared for anything. Anyways good group of guys lots of info, and we do charity work as well.

www.zombiehunters.org

We have a CO specific forum too.

Few of us roam through zombie's CO chapter too. There are less than 20 members active there if I am not mistaken.

Anyway, planning and exchanging ideas here are good, but how about a meet and greet one of these weekends. I have met many of you, would love to sit down for a lunch to pick your brainnnnn..brainnnnn.. on prep stuffs. Meanwhile, we can build trust. [Beer]

I'm always interested in End Of The World discussions, meetups, plans, etc. I always thought it'd be a good idea to kind of have a group nearby, so when shtf, you could meet and go to costco or a grocery store when society starts to plummet to do your last bit of stocking up. It could get sketchy going it alone to one of these locations. I always feel like there must be some group of rednecks that has a plan to lock down their local costco and shoot anyone that tries to get in, in the event of some sort of societal break down. I may be over-thinking it a bit, but that's better than not having a plan.

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Originally Posted by wack8

I'm always interested in End Of The World discussions, meetups, plans, etc. I always thought it'd be a good idea to kind of have a group nearby, so when shtf, you could meet and go to costco or a grocery store when society starts to plummet to do your last bit of stocking up. It could get sketchy going it alone to one of these locations. I always feel like there must be some group of rednecks that has a plan to lock down their local costco and shoot anyone that tries to get in, in the event of some sort of societal break down. I may be over-thinking it a bit, but that's better than not having a plan.

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Where you get my strategic end of world game plan from, someone hack my pc???????

I'd have an interest see how you "city" folk are doing it.

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Originally Posted by wack8

I'm always interested in End Of The World discussions, meetups, plans, etc. I always thought it'd be a good idea to kind of have a group nearby, so when shtf, you could meet and go to costco or a grocery store when society starts to plummet to do your last bit of stocking up. It could get sketchy going it alone to one of these locations. I always feel like there must be some group of rednecks that has a plan to lock down their local costco and shoot anyone that tries to get in, in the event of some sort of societal break down. I may be over-thinking it a bit, but that's better than not having a plan.

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That could get ugly really quickly. Especially if it's more than your group. Best to have some supplies at home and not plan on shooting people you don't have to.

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Originally Posted by wack8

I'm always interested in End Of The World discussions, meetups, plans, etc. I always thought it'd be a good idea to kind of have a group nearby, so when shtf, you could meet and go to costco or a grocery store when society starts to plummet to do your last bit of stocking up. It could get sketchy going it alone to one of these locations. I always feel like there must be some group of rednecks that has a plan to lock down their local costco and shoot anyone that tries to get in, in the event of some sort of societal break down. I may be over-thinking it a bit, but that's better than not having a plan.

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Are you being serious?

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Originally Posted by keylay31

That could get ugly really quickly. Especially if it's more than your group. Best to have some supplies at home and not plan on shooting people you don't have to.

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If he needs supplies that bad, he was never prepared.

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Originally Posted by MB888

Are you being serious?

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Haha, semi-serious. Mainly curious if there were groups out there that would do that kind of stuff. I'd probably try to do a last minute big grocery run before things got too serious. I'm not gonna go in guns blazing to lock down my local Safeway, or fight my way into one that is locked down. I was really just seeing if anyone thought that stuff like that would happen.

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Originally Posted by jim

If he needs supplies that bad, he was never prepared.

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And the whole point of the post wasn't about the fact that I'm not prepared, I have supplies to bug in for a few months. This thread is about SHTF Groups though, not about having supplies in my house. When SHTF I'm not intending on turning into a crazy, I'd prefer not to fire my weapon at all, unless someone was trying to raid my house. Just throwing out some extreme thoughts / questions because I feel like that's what people hangout in these SHTF topics for, but I could totally be wrong.

What a great discussion. Building a group of like minded people is great but my neighbors would all be dead weight. What about Colorado AR-15 being the foundation for 'our' group. I'm thinking the group would be for trading of supplies and services. We would have to have meeting places and ham radios for communications. Just having a trading group would make a huge difference in surviving. Ham radios are needed because you can't depend on the internet or phones.


CO AR-15 Trading Group:
1 - Places to meet for trading supplies and services.
2 - Predetermined ham radio frequencies for communications.
3 - Some way of identifying each other.

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Originally Posted by ronaldrwl

What a great discussion. Building a group of like minded people is great but my neighbors would all be dead weight. What about Colorado AR-15 being the foundation for 'our' group. I'm thinking the group would be for trading of supplies and services. We would have to have meeting places and ham radios for communications. Just having a trading group would make a huge difference in surviving. Ham radios are needed because you can't depend on the internet or phones.


CO AR-15 Trading Group:
1 - Places to meet for trading supplies and services.
2 - Predetermined ham radio frequencies for communications.
3 - Some way of identifying each other.

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I think this sounds great, but I would like to have some way to keep it private so that anyone with google can't see our planned meeting places and such. I think somebody mentioned making an invite-only subforum on here to talk about it and I like the idea. I just don't want people with bad intentions knowing our secrets. [Tooth]

I know I can trust some of you... not sure about the gay narrated honey badger though. [ROFL1]

Agree with Honey Badger: privacy would be a prudent measure...