Way back in Week 10, we talked a bit about networking to find like-minded folks in your area. By now, all these weeks later, odds are pretty good you have friends and family who are aware of your prepping tendencies. In fact, I’d be willing to bet you’ve heard at least one some variation of, “If something does happen, I’m just coming to your place.” As you continue on your path of disaster readiness, you’ll hear that quite a bit.
I’m a big proponent of community survival. By that, I mean I believe odds of survival are greatly enhanced when you have a group of people working at it, rather than just going it alone. That being the case, I’m not necessarily opposed to having certain people show up after TSHTF…as long as they know what they’re getting into.
A fellow prepper I know drafted the following letter that he has given to select family and friends. These are people who are likely to show up and their presence would be welcome for one of a variety of reasons.
To a select few loving family and friends. Many of you know I am a “prepper”, “doomer” or whatever other term society has tossed at those of us who are self reliant and know I work hard to day to make sure my family will be taken care of in times of strife. Now, so you understand, the family I can offer to support is my direct household, not yours. But I am making you an offer and if you choose to participate then we can work together to prepare for each other.
I am willing to do 90% the work of sorting, packaging, storing and other wise prepping if you are willing to contribute product or time. Below is a list of items that are needed in order to make sure there will be room and supplies for you if the need arises. Not all these items are your responsibility. Some have already been purchased others can be group buys to reduce cost per person.
Food:
Beans
Rice
Flour
Corn Meal
Rolled Oats
Sugar
Salt
Baking Soda
Baking Powder
Yeast
Seasonings
Lard
Dry Pasta
Honey
Syrups
Fresh Meat ( To be canned )
Canned Meat ( Fish, Ham, Beef, Chicken )
Canned Vegetables
Frozen Vegetables ( To be dehydrated )
Fresh Vegetables ( To be canned or dehydrated )
Fresh Fruit ( To be canned or dehydrated )
Canned Fruit
Commercially Canned Food ( Soups , Stew , etc )
Powdered Milk
Powdered Egg
Popcorn
Peanut Butter
Coffee
Tea
Pickled Items ( Olives, Pickles, Peppers )
Instant Gatorade or other Electrolyte drink
Powdered Bouillon
Hard Candy
Medical:
Reserves of any Meds you currently take.
Band Aids
First Aid Ointment
Rash Cream
Gauze
Medical Tape
Ace Bandages
Splints
Storage:
Ziploc Bags ( All sizes )
Canning Jars
Canning Lids & Rings
Plastic Buckets ( All sizes & food grade )
Plastic Bowls with screw on lids
Vacuum Seal Bags
Barrels ( Plastic and Metal all sizes )
Misc Supplies:
Bleach
Water Filters / Purifier
Portable Toilet
Petroleum Jelly
Lamp Oil
Wicks
Oil Lamps
Coleman Fuel
Hand can openers
Hand egg beaters
Charcoal ( Hard wood type preferred )
Propane Cylinders
Feminine Hygiene
Haircare Products
Skincare Products
Bow saws
Axes
Hatchets
Splitting Wedges
Hammers ( Claw, Sledge )
Sharpening Kit
Aluminum Foil ( Regular & Heavy Duty )
Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)
Garbage Bags
Toilet Paper
Kleenex
Paper Towels
Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid)
Clothes pins, line, & hangers
First Aid Supplies
Batteries ( All Sizes )
Matches ( Strike Anywhere preferred )
Notebooks
Pencils
Pens
Flashlight
Glow sticks
Fishing supplies
Mosquito repellent, sprays/creams
Duct Tape
Electrical Tape
Tarps
Stakes
Twine
Nails
Rope
Candles
Laundry Detergent
Backpacks, Duffel Bags
Garden tools & supplies
Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies
Bicycles
Tires, tubes, pumps, chains,
Sleeping Bags
Blankets
Pillows
Mats
Mouse & Rat Traps
Board Games, Cards, Dice
Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap
Cots & Inflatable mattress
Gloves ( Work, warming, gardening, etc )
Hats
Cotton neckerchiefs
Shoes & Work boots ( Your sizes )
Lumber ( dimensional & plywood )
Pallets
Generators
Lights
Extension Cords
Security:
Chains
Locks
Knives
Bats
Bullets ( We can discuss caliber )
Batons
Note: I suggest you eat attempt to also obtain a working amount of silver or gold coins, bars, etc. in order to barter for other items we do not have if the need arises.
The idea here is to help these folks be accountable and get them involved. Explain to them that you’re willing to store the items and maintain them as needed, but they need to provide them to you.
In some situations, you may find a few of these folks are willing to just give you some money here and there for you to purchase the items on their behalf.
Another approach is to explain to them that they can’t just show up empty-handed. You might give them a list similar to the above and explain that should they need to come to your place for safety, they should bring as many of those items as they can carry.
Your assignments this week:
1) Identify those family and friends who are most likely to show up at your door as well as those who may not have that as a plan but would certainly be welcome. Communicate with them the need to help you help them should the worst come to pass. Use the above letter as a guideline and adjust it as needed.
2) How are you set with water filtration and purification supplies? Make sure you have at least three distinct methods and practice with each of them.
