What Key Preps Haven't You Completed?

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Just like the Feds and biz are, uhmmm, "99%" compliant, you may find yourself in two months the wrong side of 99% ready.

For instance, we still haven't had vaccinations updated, gotten our passports redone (those in the family who need them), picked up enough potassium iodide or finished up a small set of vital winter-clothing purchases. The ham radio exam waits for November 10 or so, but that is scheduled and I'm-a-studying.

You don't need to provide a confession here, though some of your missing elements may jog others of us to get going, but use this post as a reminder to sweat the small things. Quickly.

And for those of you on very tight incomes, $100 or so will get you quite a long way, either with a bug-out bag or simple water, food, heat support. Check out the archives.

-- BigDog (BigDog@duffer.com), October 30, 1999

Answers

Well, I hate to admit that I'm not prepped and ready to go. After all, I am the 14 Days of Preps guy. And while I am prepped for 14 days at home and 14 days on foot. Still, there's quite a few things that I have been putting off: wood stove, more firewood, chain saw, plywood and screws to cover the windows, and canned fruit and vegetables, gas, kerosene, and lots of other things that aren't popping to mind right now. So I'm broke right now. That's the way the nice cookie crumbles. But it doesn't mean I'm going to go out of my mind.

Do what you can. Keep on keeping on.

Sincerely, Stan Faryna

-- Stan Faryna (faryna@groupmail.com), October 30, 1999.


P.S. Plan B! I got no Plan B! That is annoying.

-- Stan Faryna (faryna@groupmail.com), October 30, 1999.

Well, we still need to fill our gas and kerosene barrels, get stove pipe for the woodburning cookstove, and find a small propane refrigerator. Splitting wood is not high on anyone's list around here. Still need to pull those hand pumps from the wells & cisterns and replace the leathers. Need to stock up on dog and cat food - surprised myself when it occurred to me that we had managed to stock up for the livestock because corn and oat prices were too low so we were keeping it - now we will feed it to the animals. A number of miscellaneous things like batteries, more ammo, etc.

Big Dog did you really need to start this list, now I feel further behind than I thought I was??

-- Beckie (sunshine_horses@yahoo.com), October 30, 1999.


Being a GI for a year and a half, I've had plenty of time to do my preps. However, I wonder if anyone thinks there isn't something they could add to their supplies.

I need to get my water barrels down to the basement (not an easy task for a senior!) and fill them up. Need to practice how to use my kerosene heater, before December. Lots of organizing to still do, with my stash!

Should still stock up on more cat litter, pet food, maybe a few more warm clothes, possibly some more blankets, in case my family decides to escape the city, get one of those carpet sweepers, in case I can't use the vacuum cleaner.....always something else, isn't it?

-- Jo Ann (MaJo@Michiana.com), October 30, 1999.


I figure everyone should be ready for 3 things.

#1. relative normal - like just a recession

#2. depression

#3. more serious systemic difficulties

I'm fully ready for #1 and #2. For #3: our handpump needs work as it is too slow; no oral antibiotics or dental stuff yet; no scanner; ought to have 1 more fire extinguisher; a few more little things. Could get it all done in one or 2 days if I didn't procrastinate. But there is no end of preps for #3 really. At some point you have to draw the line, even though circumstances could conceivably cross that line next year.

-- Gus (y2kk@usa.net), October 30, 1999.



Stan: I am shocked! My hero not ready:)! Kidding of course. I think just about now everyone should have at least tried out all new items purchased to increase familiarity. Stoves, lights, generators etc. If you are not proficient now Murphy will get you!

-- Neil G.Lewis (pnglewis1@yahoo.com), October 30, 1999.

Hey Big Dog-

My nagging bane is the lack of a narrowing gap between what I/we absoutely need to survive, and those things I want to make life more than just *bearable*. I'm confident in my skills, abilities, and resources for extended survial mode living, I just don't want to go there.

Just as in remediation, it will be those things *unexpected* that will be the greatest challenges. Got tools?

-- Michael (mikeymac@uswest.net), October 31, 1999.


Still havn't a camper for the big truck. Maybe tomorrow. Last race Nov 13-14 can start then finalizing plan "O" (outa here). Plans A (home) and B (store) petty much done. Need dental check.

-- Carlos (riffraff1@cybertime.net), October 31, 1999.

To clarify my statement (grin), I am prepped beyond 14 days at home (food, water, etc.) and have 14 days of preps in my bug out bags.

-- Stan Faryna (faryna@groupmail.com), October 31, 1999.

I think we have several months basic food and two months water. We have other stuff, like extra scotch tape... If this goes on for years, we'll just have to manage as the Russians and Cubans do now-- on very, very little.

-- Mara (MaraWayne@aol.com), October 31, 1999.


Still needed:

Night vision goggles, firewood, 1000 more .223's, 600 .40S&W, MORE FOOD (only 4 mo's worth so far). Wife hit Sam's yesterday, spent $500+.

Done:

Gasoline (220 gallons; 4 drums), water (440 gallons; 8 drums, + Berkefeld), propane (500 gallon tank, for the generator & furnace), propane conversion kit for furnace, 20kW generator ("hospital grade" muffler), 3500 rds .223, 700 12g shot-shells (asst'd #'s), 5000 .22LR, 200 .30-06's, 200 .300 WinMag's, 600 .45 ACP, 2 mini-14's (w/red-dot scopes), Mossberg Persuader, Ruger 10/22, .45 ACP and S&W .40 pistols, .30-06 & .300 WinMag scoped hunting rifles, pet food & supplies.

---------------------------

God I HATE Y2K! 62 days remain. About 1475 hours.

-- Dennis (djolson@pressenter.com), October 31, 1999.


Hving only bought Ed's book on 5/31 and GI-ing immediately, and having been out of work for 9 months previous to that and only in a new job for a month, I think I've done pretty well in plain hard work in prepping. However, when you live paycheck-to-paycheck, there is that realization that you will NOT have all of the items which you should have in order to be more sure of "making it" through. I still have to get a really warm overcoat, thermal underwear, a good water filter, kerosene, some other food items, antibiotics, and a dozen small but vital miscellaneous items. With only one check left to use towards this goal, and not having heard about a loan I thought I had, there is no way I will be ready. This is rather scarey, actually.

I worry more about those I love who are not going to be ready at all with any preps.

-- Elaine Seavey (Gods1sheep@aol.com), October 31, 1999.


Dennis: Where did you get your night vision goggles...and how much did they cost?? Are you satisfied with the quality? Thanks!!

-- jeanne (jeanne@hurry.now), October 31, 1999.

Do NOT have them yet. Demo'd a set at Cabela's in Minnesota. Good performance for the price. Brand: Hi-Tek, price $799. Will be putting a set on layaway just prior to Thanksgiving....

-- Dennis (djolson@pressenter.com), October 31, 1999.

After my husband sat on my glasses one evening, I realized I need to get them repaired (they are still not balanced after bending them back) and I need to have a backup pair.

Our 5 1/2 yorkie developed an extensive body rash from flea bites that she is allergic to. This despite being on Program. Went and purchased cream for rash and Advantage. So now she is on two flea control programs. Bought old fashioned flea powder and flea soap just to make sure. Need to get more cream in case she develops rash again.

Still need to get water barrels in garage down to basement and filled with water.

Presently fighting cold, need to get cough medicine and expectorant for first aide kit. Need to review where all supplies are located.

Bug out bags are now complete, need to add a few more nutrition bars.

Need to spend some time getting spiritually centered to cope with whatever happens. Especially important preparation for me.

-- Leslie (***@***.net), November 02, 1999.



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