Letter Re: Thoughts on Beginning Preparedness

James,
There have recently been some really good posts on SurvivalBlog. I found B.J.H.’s Thoughts on Beginning Preparedness very interesting. Not just because of useful information, but because it highlighted the differences between each of us and our situations. My first survival/TEOTWAWKI book was When Technology Fails: A Manual for Self-Reliance, Sustainability, and Surviving the Long Emergency by Matthew Stein. It made sense to me, so I started with lots of extra house/car keys, hidden appropriately. Next was Bug Out Bags (BOBs) for the whole family, and emergency bags in the cars. Then I started stockpiling food and water for an extended bug-in situation. I’ve continued from there…

In contrast to B.J.H., being a long-time outdoorsman, I am heavy on firearms and I’ve also participated in IDPA and IPSC. So I already had guns staged around the house. Similarly, I am a long-time, avid gardener. I never thought of these things as “prepping”, they were just the right thing to do. It is fascinating how each of us has different skills and tools, recognize the need for improvement in different areas, and prioritize different resources or threats.

Concerning B.J.H.’s future plans for a water filter, and J.E.’s Low Cost Preparedness article, I would highly recommend the Katadyn Siphon Water Filter. I have smaller filters in the BOBs, and a high end filter for the retreat. But at 40-some dollars, and a 5,800 gallon capacity, this a very affordable way to produce potable water without hand-pumping or electricity. I would use a sari filter first, then the Siphon, to extend the life of the Siphon.

Thanks for all your work updating your blog, daily. It is much appreciated. I try not to waste your bandwidth, but sometime I simply must reply. Thanks again and God bless, – Stew M.