Preppers

[Solocle]

Since all Armageddons appear unexpectedly — it is part of the specification — there is a common-sense case for keeping an emergency kit available. I suggest as much of the SAS survival manual stuff as you can fit in the largest single trunk that will go in the boot of your car. Replace all perishable items on a half-way to sell-by basis. Do I do this? Absolutely not. Is it worth doing? Probably yes; not because you will ever use it but because it acts as a practical reminder that houses burn down, houses flood, houses subside, disease strikes unpredictably, revolutions occur, invasions happen, and so on and so on. How many Jewish families have jewels sewn into clothing, bank deposits in three or more countries, family arrangements to lodge people rendered homeless? They are an expert group at this kind of activity — and they survive.

Well, I can't say that I have any of that, probably the closest I ever got was having a cycle route planned and ready to go to the nearest port if I wanted to leave the country from university. But tbh I didn't have much stuff I could schlepp with me anyway.

That said, I did see an example of this sort of concept in a bomb shelter in Tel Aviv.

This is for an entire apartment building (9-10 people), but the assumption will be that it's just while awaiting rescue, not an apocalypse above.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Realistically, I've more chance of being run over on my bike than any of that happening.

Well, maybe there won't be Armageddon anytime soon, but I think a shortage of some foods will bring great price increases soon.
I remember when you couldn't find a head of fresh garlic in Scotland, unless you went to foreign delis.
The shortage will be of the foods we now take for granted, imported.
While I normally have about a couple of weeks worth of cooking ingredients at home, I'm planning to stock up on some stuff - not toilet paper!
I'm also planting a few more summer veggies.
Not prepping for the 5,000, I'll end up sharing my stash anyway if there are shortages.

 

[DRM]

I believe our man Accy has a tin of anchovies just in case

 

[Webbo2]

It would seem we have a couple of months worth of puppy food. I’m sure Bertie would be willing to let us have the odd bowl of kibble should Armageddon occur.

 

[wafter]

IMO it's very sensible to fortify yourself against uncertainty to a reasonable extent; while I think this is becoming increasingly common government advice in some European countries.

Let's not forget that cities are intrinsically unsustainable in isolation and rely on provisions (food especially) brought in from outside. All it takes is a fuel shortage and it won't take long before people are fighting amongst themselves for what's left.

While I subscribe to this mindset I've been crap at implementing it. I've started stockpiling non-perishibles when on offer (as much to guard against inflation than owt else) however given my dietry requirements I rely on a lot of fresh(er) stuff. I did also have a freezer full of mainly chicken, however this has become somewhat depleted.

I only buy reduced stuff but the offerings appear more scant than they once were. Probably ought to just bite the bullet and get some in on multi-buy discounts as it's not a whole lot more expensive while it's all sure to go up soon once the oil situation really starts to bite..

I take some comfort from the fact I don't use the car much (usually a tank of fuel lasts a couple of months and I keep it topped up) while I'm used to using the bike which is pretty sustainable as I can fix most stuff myself and have a good stockpile of consumables. If energy prices rocket at least the flat is pretty frugal to run.

I think in the face of mild disruption I'd be better off than many; if it all went properly south I'd go back to the homestead, barracade myself in as it's likely more secure, further from population centres, has an open fire which can be fed on wood scavanged from the immediate rural environment as well as the ability to heat water with either gas or electric..

 

[Webbo2]

If think if we get to the stage where all services are gone we might have all disappeared in a mushroom cloud. So why worry whether you have enough tins of bake beans.

 

[vickster]

Weirdos

 

[Pat "5mph"]

If think if we get to the stage where all services are gone we might have all disappeared in a mushroom cloud. So why worry whether you have enough tins of bake beans.

Yes, there's that.
I didn't want to say it!

 

[Accy cyclist]

My kitchen's tins, dried pulses, packets etc is full, just in case. Plus I have lots of tins and dried foods in my bedroom.🧐

 

[VinSumRox]

We are fairly rural so have back up for power cuts i.e. a log burner, camping double stove and if necessary we can use the motorhome for showers, cooking and being warm. Tend to have a weeks worth of most stuff and plenty of basic supplies to survive off!

 

[geordie458]

Yesterday visited a friend’s house. They showed us their stocks. Cupboards full of tinned fish, vegetables, fruit, canned meat; cases of cereal, milk powder, vitamin tablets, bottled water, puritabs , filled their garage, their car sat on the drive outside*. They’ve applied for firearms licences.
Without going into the politics of the upcoming Armageddon, are you ready for it?

*Where the EMP would render it useless.

Tins cool, but garage full? Park bike inside too lol. EMP fries cars, pedals forever ngl.

 

[slowmotion]

I still have my enormous stash of tinned pilchards, but peanuts and beer are running dangerously low.

All in all, given the state of the world, I'm not doing too badly.


BTW, what is the storage life of tinned pilchards? Maybe I should start making pennican.

 

[figbat]

During the great Covid shortage I made sure I had plenty of flour and yeast. Then at least I could make bread and pasta.

EMP fries cars, pedals forever ngl.

Another reason to avoid Di2 - at least an EMP won’t shut down cabled gears.

Right now we’re not really stocked for Armageddon, although we do have a horse. EMP-proof transport and/or sustenance.

 

[classic33]

I still have my enormous stash of tinned pilchards, but peanuts and beer are running dangerously low.

All in all, given the state of the world, I'm not doing too badly.


BTW, what is the storage life of tinned pilchards? Maybe I should start making pennican.

Five to six years, why'd you ask.

 

[presta]

I'm thinking that if the panic buying starts up again and the supermarkets introduce measures to deter it, I'll probably end up being prevented from placinging the usual online orders that I normally make.