It's Time to Prepare

I have always had the highest respect for preppers. I’m not talking about survivalists that live in a bunker in the woods with 47 guns of various sizes waiting for the end of civilization. I’m talking about people who are prepared for real life issues like severe storms and other problems that can interrupt vitals services. These are people that know how to make a Faraday Box and know about using rain barrels. They are everyday people doing everyday things who just happen to be a bit more ready in case something goes wrong.

I don’t know how to build a Faraday Box, but I just may want to learn. The chance of disruption of vital services is higher now than it has ever been. Storms are getting stronger and political tensions are higher than ever. The picture associated with this article comes from a CNN report on power outages. You can read the full report at Power outages have spiked in the past 10 years. Here's what's to blame | CNN. The report points to the weather changes and to the age of the power infrastructure. Recently there were attacks on power stations. Those attacks mainly involved shooting firearms. It pointed out how easily civil strife could end up in a major power outage.

We are also dependent on power more than ever. Outside of the obvious needs like lighting and HVAC there are other things. Most of us rarely pay with cash. We use debt or credit cards more for almost all of our transactions. With the retail systems down, they will only be able to accept cash. Also, it will not only be electric vehicles that won’t work. Gas pumps require electricity also.

I believe we need to prepare for the possibility of a disruption of vital services. I’m not great at making things like a Faraday Box, or rain barrels. I know I should consider those things if I really want to be prepared. Right now, I’m thinking about the basics, storing food, and making sure we have enough battery operated devices and associated batteries, and have first-aid supplies. I should store some extra gas, but I am worried about doing it safely. One other thing I have is a bug-out bag in each car in case there is some reason we can’t get back to our house. Our bug-out bags contain canned food and bottled water for a few days, first-aid supplies, and hardware such as can openers. Just in case.

This is just something to think about.