Starting My SHTF List!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rforsythe

Out of curiosity, what do you *need* a genny for? I'm having a hard time coming up with things that couldn't be handled with solar chargers or hand-crank-type items, or done with less convenience but less/no power usage.

---

My well pump- 1.5 HP motor, 240V

This can be run with an inverter & solar- but will require 4kW inverter with nothing else running for startup. If I ever do a new well pump (here or elsewhere) I'll spring for the extra $$ for a DC-powered well pump.

I also have a heat pump for heat currently, that could be replaced with emergency wood-burning system- but if I need a 4kW inverter to run the well pump, that same inverter can run the heat pump (just not at the same time), and it's very efficient.. (ground source heat pump, 400% efficiency)

I'm looking into getting a nice genny to power my two fridges and the freezer full of meat. I could definately last a lot longer with all that food staying cold.

My opinion is if there is an issue that requires people to be on their own for 3 months, it's going to be a lot longer than 3 months... At least a year.
Otherwise 1-3 month supply for a bug-in, but get it packed good enough to bug-out if you really have to.

My thoughts on some of your beginning list:
If you are thinking a deep SHTF, don't forget your seeds.
Go with non-GMO. Especially if you have land, your temporary food supply will run out quicker than you think.

Communications - as mentioned if EMP oh well with anything that was not Faraday caged. But good ol' CBs are my first choice otherwise, still millions of them out.

Medical supplies - make sure you have training for whatever you have. Don't plan on taking out an appendix in an emergency with all the cool supplies if you have no training - dead is dead.

Generators - I can't recommend any higher than a couple honda eu2000i generators with a parallel power kit. A lot lighter to move around over a 4k and you can use individually when needed without going through the gas or parallel them for the 4k. Plus the built in inverter is basically needed nowadays for anything electronic (plus these are pretty darn quiet).
But I would agree if you can go solar once you get where your going but it should already be there - toting around panels large enough to do much will be hard.

Remember the rule of 3's: 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without shelter (in extreme enviros) 3 days without WATER, 3 weeks without food, and of course 3 months with "companionship".
Water is much more needed than food short term.
Get a water filter device - I like the Katadyn Pocket: 13,000 gallons on 1 filter.

Blankets - not just to keep warm but if you are running lights you can use cheap blankets nailed, taped, etc over the windows. You can pick up 12 wool & fiber blend LARGE blankets for cheap.

Tents, sleeping bags, etc. of anything you would take camping.

Fuel - for gas cans I would also highly recommend finding surplus wedco military cans - the NON-CARB compliant, they don't make them anymore for the U.S thanks to the enviro freak regs.
Get the stabil and store the gas if you can. If you wait to go fill your cans up when you need them - you won't be getting any gas.

If you have pets - don't leave them out of the plan. Dog food, etc.

Hopefully some of that will help you with your a beginning of a plan...

Construction sites, fuel in every piece of equipment, first aid kit in each, big heavy batteries, easy place to pick up a serious generator, and a dozer makes a decent "poor mans APC". One of the local quarries would make an ideal stong point. Most have easily defended locations, bulk fuel farms, generators you can run small towns on, every one I ever worked at used bottled water, and had about a months worth stock-piled. Plus, if they blast, well, yup, tons of explosives, litterally.

I love this thread. I am in the middle of building a BOB too. The one thing I think I didnt see listed was one of the frist things I got. Para cord not sure if it was listed but it comes in handy.

Good call black...Para, or 550, cord is exceptionally versatile and strong.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by blackford76

Construction sites, fuel in every piece of equipment, first aid kit in each, big heavy batteries, easy place to pick up a serious generator, and a dozer makes a decent "poor mans APC". One of the local quarries would make an ideal stong point. Most have easily defended locations, bulk fuel farms, generators you can run small towns on, every one I ever worked at used bottled water, and had about a months worth stock-piled. Plus, if they blast, well, yup, tons of explosives, litterally.

---

Yep.. Gotta agree on this one. I've worked a few quarry's around town and this is the place to hold down the fort. That or the hard rock underground mines up the hill.

I have stashed a few hundred ounces of silver coins. I figure to trade for food and needed items if paper dollars are worthless!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BushMasterBoy

I have stashed a few hundred ounces of silver coins. I figure to trade for food and needed items if paper dollars are worthless!

---

Might not find some one who wants to trade food water ect for non eatables.

Silver is a natural antibiotic.They now weave it into bandages! I buy socks at the local military exchange and they have silver woven into the soles, to reduce bacteria. I also make my own colloidal silver as a sinus spray to stop infections. Gold is more expensive...but silver saves lives! Link below...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_uses_of_silver