Any "Preppers" Out There?

[johnsben]

I have two children and a wife. We have been prepping for natural and economic disasters for a while now. More importantly, we've found that prepping aligns well with other important lifestyle choices we've decided to make.

• Homeschooling - the epic failure that is public school has made us all in on this one. We plan on teaching our children practical skills as well as the traditional academic coursework. If someone is going to "brainwash" my child its going to be me not some government run school.
  Saving money - when you're prepping you buy things in bulk and by adhearing to first in first out process you save a lot of money by consuming what you have.
  Homesteading - my wife and I are very focused on knowing what we put into our bodies for food. You can buy organic or non-gmo but you're trusting someone else to make sure its healthy. We just bought a 35 acre farm. We have chickens and cows and plan on adding more. Besides knowing where our food comes from, live animals is the best way to preserve food.
  Faith - we believe prepping aligns with our faith because it takes our dependence off other humans and puts it on the providence of God.

I still work a fulltime job in the financial service industry so its not like we're living in a log cabin in the woods. I work in the risk management field and I see all the measures companies and people take to "diversify" their portfolio. Well I see our lifestyle as a diversification of our assets that protects us against certain risks, similar to a 401(k).

Prepping makes more sense than just the extremes that people talk about.

 

[ACamp1900]

I would love to flat out home school, but it's illegal in California... you can Indy Study your kids but you have to follow the same basic pacing plans and such... or at least put them in programs that do.

 

[Rizzophil]

I would love to flat out home school, but it's illegal in California... you can Indy Study your kids but you have to follow the same basic pacing plans and such... or at least put them in programs that do.

I knew CA was a unionized state but I didn't know it's illegal to home school. That strikes me as odd.

 

[johnsben]

I would love to flat out home school, but it's illegal in California... you can Indy Study your kids but you have to follow the same basic pacing plans and such... or at least put them in programs that do.

It strikes me as oppressive.

 

[Polish Leppy 22]

It strikes me as oppressive.

Democrats and union thugs are all about choice when it comes to abortion. Not education.

 

[Polish Leppy 22]

I've decided every Saturday from now on I'm putting aside a certain amount of money to buy supplies and putting them in the basement. I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Also getting a gun and a generator for christmas. I used to make fun of preppers. Now...not so much

 

[Fbolt]

address? before you get the gun.

 

[woolybug25]

Democrats and union thugs are all about choice when it comes to abortion. Not education.

No reason to get all angry-political.




I totally understand why a state would want a minumum level of education provided by an approved curriculum. You can teach your kid whatever you want outside of that curriculum, but if they are going to provide you state universities, financial aid, etc. Then I think it's fair that they have a way to evaluate what your child has learned over the course of their education.

I have met quite a few home schooled kids that can tell you everything about the bible and "life skills", but cant do basic algebra or communicate effectively with people outside of their family. It's important that if a state wants to properly manage its education effectiveness, that they have the abilitiy to put guidelines into place for what our youth needs to be learning.

 

[Polish Leppy 22]

No reason to get all angry-political.




I totally understand why a state would want a minumum level of education provided by an approved curriculum. You can teach your kid whatever you want outside of that curriculum, but if they are going to provide you state universities, financial aid, etc. Then I think it's fair that they have a way to evaluate what your child has learned over the course of their education.

I have met quite a few home schooled kids that can tell you everything about the bible and "life skills", but cant do basic algebra or communicate effectively with people outside of their family. It's important that if a state wants to properly manage its education effectiveness, that they have the abilitiy to put guidelines into place for what our youth needs to be learning.

I'm not saying it's perfect or that I'd even do it. But to eliminate the freedom to choose isn't fair to parent or child.

On the flip side, look at our kids' math and science scores nationwide. I bet a majority could talk all day about "tolerance", "social justice", "community", and other fluffy words but our math and science scores are poor. And that's being kind about it.

 

[Polish Leppy 22]

Also want to add that people are leaving California by the thousands (and it isn't because they fear earthquakes). On the flip side, people are invading Texas and voting with their feet.

I'll let yall figure out why...

 

[woolybug25]

I'm not saying it's perfect or that I'd even do it. But to eliminate the freedom to choose isn't fair to parent or child.

On the flip side, look at our kids' math and science scores nationwide. I bet a majority could talk all day about "tolerance", "social justice", "community", and other fluffy words but our math and science scores are poor. And that's being kind about it.

How exactly are we suppose to look at those math scores if the parents aren't actually required to test them? That's the thing. No state has an issue with parents home schooling their kids, the only thing that they ask is that they teach a basic curriculam and take the appropriate tests. That way these children can be evaluated and metrics can be created for them to be allowed admittance into colleges.

That's the thing, all of those "fluffy" things you are talking about is what they are trying to protect the children from. There are ton of parents in this country that would rather teach their girls "life skills" like cooking and cleaning and leave them without the basic skills to get a future job or contribute to society. Without instituting a basic curriculam for children to learn its impossible to ensure that parents will actually teach their children the skills necessary to make it in the workforce.

Btw, Texas' population isn't skyrocketing because of people "voting with their feet" from CA. It's people "voting with their feet" from Mexico.

 

[Polish Leppy 22]

1) I was talking about those math and science scores of kids in public edu, not those home schooled.

2) If parents meet state standards and curriculum for their kids, whatever else they put in to replace "health, art, and music" is up to them.

3) If you're telling me mexicans are moving to Texas, that's one thing. If you think they're all on the books and those numbers attribute to the population bump, that's the joke of the day.

 

[IrishinTN]

Can e please keep this thread about prepping? There are plenty of threads on the board for politics and issues facing our country. I avoid them for a reason.

 

[Polish Leppy 22]

back to prepping...who's got fun toys?

 

[IrishinTN]

I'm getting a solar powered generator soon. That will be a fun toy. I can run my freezer and my refrigerator at the same time for up to 12 hours, which will obviously take them through the hottest parts of the day. I won't need to run them continuously through that time, either. Just long enough to keep things cold/frozen. Running it one hour out of every three should work. Can also recharge while they run.

 

[woolybug25]

1) I was talking about those math and science scores of kids in public edu, not those home schooled.

2) If parents meet state standards and curriculum for their kids, whatever else they put in to replace "health, art, and music" is up to them.

3) If you're telling me mexicans are moving to Texas, that's one thing. If you think they're all on the books and those numbers attribute to the population bump, that's the joke of the day.

1) How would you know if home schooled kids would score better if they're not scored? Furthermore, home schooled kids are part of the US scores because of mandating testing. So dog public/private schools all you want, because currently home schooled tests scores are included in that number.

2) What is your point with this? This is exactly what I have been saying and exactly what is happening. No state limits what parents can teach their kids. The only thing that they ask is that they fulfill a basic level of curriculam and take standardized testing. The rest is, and always will, be up to the parents. If you agree with this, which it sounds like you are, then what was your original point to begin with?

3) Prove otherwise. Almost all polling, statistics and research has shown that the vast majority of population boom in Texas over the last 50 is largely contributed to by immigrants. If you take that out, their growth % is smaller than states like Colorado and Oregon.



To get back on track with prepping.... I recently went to my buddies wedding this weekend and his entire family is from Manhattan. They were devastated and mostly unprepared for Sandy. I asked them what they would do differently next time, and their responses suprised me.

1) Gas; The lines for gas are insane and it was being rationed. Many people ran out of gas waiting in line for it. Most people told me that next time they see a storm like that coming, they will fill up all of their cars and every spare tank they have.

2) Water; The grocery stores were empty by the time the storm hit.

3) Generators; You couldn't buy one for any amount of money once the storm hit. Most people told me that once they were available again, that they would be buying two. That way they either had a backup, or a significant bargaining chip for supplies.

4) Oddly, not one person told me that they wish they had guns. I thought that was very strange.

 

[Polish Leppy 22]

the other convo is going nowhere quickly. back to prepping...

can't believe they didn't mention guns. if $hit does hit the fan one day and I have a ton of supplies and people know that, I'm defending my supplies and my family (if I have one).

I'm 5'7'' and wiegh 165. This guy is getting guns to protect himself, his property, and his family. Not to run around town and go on shooting sprees.

Generators, gas, water, canned food are all a must

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

Don't forget cash! A while back, when we had the big power outage here in California, people were stuck because they didn't have cash. When they went to buy gas and last minute supplies like water, they were screwed because all the debit and CC systems were down. Be sure to keep some cash stashed away. Small bills especially. In our debit and credit dependent society, not many people carry cash like they should.

My wife just got me a generator for an early Christmas present. I am also working on building my own solar battery charger. I recently bought new hand crank flashlights in addition to the other flashlights I already have.

If you have emergency bags/kits, I also recommend you use them on a regular basis. Don't just put them on the shelf and store them for when the SHTF. My wife and I use the supplies in our bags regularly. That way, not only do we know what we have, we also keep things fresh and rotated and we know what we will actually use and need.

Basically, the system that works for me so far is - If I use all the batteries I have in the house, I pull the next set from my emergency kit. I then replenish the emergency kit from my back-up stores in the garage. When my stores in the garage get down to a certain level, I go buy more at the store. This keeps the supplies in my bag fresh and rotated regularly. It works for batteries, first aid, food, ammo (if you can carry in your state), water, and many other categories as well.

 

[woolybug25]

Don't forget cash! A while back, when we had the big power outage here in California, people were stuck because they didn't have cash. When they went to buy gas and last minute supplies like water, they were screwed because all the debit and CC systems were down. Be sure to keep some cash stashed away. Small bills especially. In our debit and credit dependent society, not many people carry cash like they should.

My wife just got me a generator for an early Christmas present. I am also working on building my own solar battery charger. I recently bought new hand crank flashlights in addition to the other flashlights I already have.

If you have emergency bags/kits, I also recommend you use them on a regular basis. Don't just put them on the shelf and store them for when the SHTF. My wife and I use the supplies in our bags regularly. That way, not only do we know what we have, we also keep things fresh and rotated and we know what we will actually use and need.

Basically, the system that works for me so far is - If I use all the batteries I have in the house, I pull the next set from my emergency kit. I then replenish the emergency kit from my back-up stores in the garage. When my stores in the garage get down to a certain level, I go buy more at the store. This keeps the supplies in my bag fresh and rotated regularly. It works for batteries, first aid, food, ammo (if you can carry in your state), water, and many other categories as well.

What are your thoughts on alcohol? I know it might seem frivelous, but I would think that a flask of good bourbon, a flask of good tequila and a flask of something overly harsh like everclear would be a good thing to put in a Bug-Out Bag. For three reasons really:

1) If sh!t really hits the fan, and you know that its about to end, go out in style.

2) The everclear could come in handy for injuries or for general first aid.

3) The good bourbon/tequila could be worth more than gold to the right person. A flask of bourbon to a person that thinks they may never enjoy it again, might be a barter chip that could feed your family for a month.

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

What are your thoughts on alcohol? I know it might seem frivelous, but I would think that a flask of good bourbon, a flask of good tequila and a flask of something overly harsh like everclear would be a good thing to put in a Bug-Out Bag. For three reasons really:

1) If sh!t really hits the fan, and you know that its about to end, go out in style.

2) The everclear could come in handy for injuries or for general first aid.

3) The good bourbon/tequila could be worth more than gold to the right person. A flask of bourbon to a person that thinks they may never enjoy it again, might be a barter chip that could feed your family for a month.

I completely agree with alcohol as a prepping item. It has great shelf life and it does have many uses. Barter, first aid, sleep aid, or just a good ol' comfort item. I keep mostly bourbon and vodka because we can't get Everclear in California. I also keep plenty of the small airplane size bottles on hand. Sometimes easier to hand out than a bigger bottle if you are trading, but I keep bigger bottles too.

 

[Polish Leppy 22]

What are your thoughts on alcohol? I know it might seem frivelous, but I would think that a flask of good bourbon, a flask of good tequila and a flask of something overly harsh like everclear would be a good thing to put in a Bug-Out Bag. For three reasons really:

1) If sh!t really hits the fan, and you know that its about to end, go out in style.

2) The everclear could come in handy for injuries or for general first aid.

3) The good bourbon/tequila could be worth more than gold to the right person. A flask of bourbon to a person that thinks they may never enjoy it again, might be a barter chip that could feed your family for a month.

Everclear is illegal here in PA. We go to DE for it haha

 

[ND NYC]

what event is it that you are all prepping for?

 

[PLACforever]

We can never agree on what to keep the most of Catsup or Ketchup?

It's whatever the Heinz company tells me.

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

what event is it that you are all prepping for?

It doesn't have to be any one thing. It can be a natural disaster like we just witnessed with Superstorm Sandy or it could be a power outage. More extreme beliefs think that a terrorist group or rogue country could trigger an EMP over our country. While others think that we are headed for a complete breakdown of our financial institution.

It could be any thing. The population of this planet, as a whole, really doesn't need an excuse to go completely nuts. What will happen to a community if food or water ran short. Most people don't shop for more than a few days at a time. Food would become scarce pretty quickly. Preppers just try to stay ahead of the masses in case something does happen.

I also believe that the government won't be the ones to come save me in an emergency. I would much rather strike out on my own than rely on a government run "shelter". Look at what happened in the Superdome during Katrina. FEMA, in my opinion, is a terrible organization. I would much rather be stocked and ready (or locked and loaded as the case may dictate) and bug out on my own than rely on any government agency to provide for me.

Prepping is something specific to each individual. Some people have experienced things first hand to affect their beliefs while others look at the possible scenarios ahead of their community and this country and having made some preparations helps them sleep a little better at night.

 

[woolybug25]

what event is it that you are all prepping for?

There are varying degrees of "prepping", I see them in two teirs. Here are some examples:

Teir 1
- Plague
- War
- Atomic Carnage
- Apacolypse

Teir 2
- Earthquake
- Hurricanes
- Tsunami
- Power Outage

Both would require people to "survive", but on completely different levels. I plan more for teir 2, but other people prepare for both. If you live in NYC, as your handle assumes, then there probably is some useful info in this thread for preparing for a storm like you just had.

 

[IrishinTN]

Economic collapse would fall somewhere in the middle. Not Road warrior but at least six months of gray outs and food shortages, based on previous countries experiences.

 

[woolybug25]

Economic collapse would fall somewhere in the middle. Not Road warrior but at least six months of gray outs and food shortages, based on previous countries experiences.

If we were, say Greece, then I would put economic collapse in teir 2, but since we are the US of A, I would definetely put that in teir 1. If our economy truly crashed on a major level, it would be a world disaster. Keep in mind, i'm not talking about recessions or depressions, i'm talking about "China collects on their debt" type collapse.

 

[IrishinTN]

If we were, say Greece, then I would put economic collapse in teir 2, but since we are the US of A, I would definetely put that in teir 1. If our economy truly crashed on a major level, it would be a world disaster. Keep in mind, i'm not talking about recessions or depressions, i'm talking about "China collects on their debt" type collapse.

Agreed.

 

[RubberSoul]

One year is the rule for the LDS. We are working on it but having to save up supplies for two wives and four children takes some time, lol.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

*As a public educator, a parent's choice to home school their children does not offend me at all. You are entitled to raise kids any way you wish, and the fact that you care about their education is a hell of alot more than most kids get these days, so kudos to you.

However, the "public school brainwashing" comments fit perfectly in this thread, seeing it is dedicated to hoarding food for the rapture. I feel a run on tinfoil coming on, might want to stock up.

All kidding aside, I have no plans of prepping (too lazy), but understand why some feel the need to. I'll sleep fine when the dead come back to life knowing my Colt M4 is under my pillow.