Hey Guys.
I came upon your site, and all I really had to say, was “Wow”.
I suppose I’m not the best candidate to be a survivalist. I’m 21, I rent my apartment, have a mountain of student loans, and work as a waitress. My friends are mostly of the classic female-materialistic variety, and have no immediate concerns beyond a swimsuit sale at PacSun.
Anyway, I’m an avid reader. I began to develop an interest in the term “Peak Oil”. I read several articles, and conducted a few small studies of my own. The fact that many of the articles said that we’d begin to see problems (power outages, ridiculous gas prices) in 2008 due to having past peak oil. Well, it got me worried.
From there, I began to notice other things. My grocery bill went up
significantly, and I realized I’d have to budget my grocery money to foods that were cheaper and had a longer shelf life. I did some research, and found the statistics that proved that I wasn’t simply over-shopping. I haven’t had a raise in over a year, but I’m spending on average about $20 per-month more, on my basic grocery list. Needless to say, this really disturbed me.
From there, I began an extensive research of web articles, publications,
editorials, and came upon several survivalist sites and resources. It drove me to the realization that our society is, indeed, on the verge of collapse. With the gross incompetence of our current government, the threat of an event of WMD in the US, Avian Flu, Peak Oil, Global Conditions… well, I’d have to say, to use the term: It won’t be long before TSHTF.
Needless to say, my friends think I’ve gone nuts.
I can veritably assure myself, however, that this isn’t just in my imagination. I consider myself a smart person – I was going for my medical degree at JHU/UNH, before a series of mishaps bumped me from that path, and I ended up being a waitress.
Anyway, I started a bit of basic preparation. With every grocery trip, I picked up a few items to add to my “stash” of canned food, medical supplies, and basic utility items. I’ve been doing this for about six months, and I was pretty proud of my efforts, given that I’m operating on a very limited budget. Then, I came upon your site, and realized that I was still incredibly unprepared.
I’ve got to say, reading through all of your articles and resources, I was completely overwhelmed. Even with my efforts, I haven’t even scratched the surface of what I’d need to do to be even basically prepared, for, well, anything.
Given my financial situation, I don’t know if I can make even a basic preparation effort in the next year or so. I’ve been attempting to save up to purchase a small firearm, to give myself the assurance of some sort of protection.
Anyway, I guess I’m simply writing to you to see if you can offer me any advice. I suppose I’m experiencing the classic level of fear, right now, that accompanies someone who has just realized that they are incredibly unprepared, should TSHTF. The “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course seems to be an incredibly valuable resource for someone in my situation, yet I don’t think I can afford it at this time.
As you guys seem to really, really know your stuff, I was just wondering if you can offer me any advice or guidance. I suppose I just need to reach the level of assurance to know, that no matter what happens, my family and I will be alright (and what I need to do to reach that level). Thank you so much. Sincerely, – Carolyn G.
JWR Replies: Many thanks for your e-mail. I get similar ones every week. Do not feel overwhelmed. Just work at preparedness systematically, and gradually. Even with modest preparations you are already miles ahead of your head-in-the-sand friends and neighbors.
In your circumstances, the best thing that you can do is team up with like-minded people in your area. The Survivalist Group Matching Page (courtesy of the fine folks at SurvivalistBooks.com) reportedly works well. But of course use caution, just like you would with any other on-line person-to-person matching service. Proceed with prayer. Have some lengthy phone conversations long before you ever reveal your address or decide meet face to face. Avoid both the lunatics and the Tommy Tactical wanna-bes.
I assume by your reference to UNH that you live in (or near) New Hampshire. If so, you are fortunate to live in one of the most conservative states in the northeast. It is also home to one of the two Libertarian Free States Projects. (The other one is in Wyoming.). Many of the “Free Staters” are also strongly preparedness-minded. You might find some contacts in your area through their organization.
You also mentioned that originally had an interest in attending medical school. That may or may not still be a realistic option for you. But you could at least get involved with your local EMT organization, part-time. That will provide you with some free or very low cost paramedic training that will be invaluable in the event of TEOTWAWKI. In preparedness circles, honest-to-goodness skills are more highly valued than money. There are lots idiots out there that have money. Their wads of cash don’t automatically make them useful or even trustworthy to be in retreat groups. I’d much rather be associated with plain folks that know how to fell a tree, pull a calf, rebuild an engine, raise a garden, or set up a perimeter of security. Gather and hone some valuable skills and you will make yourself indispensable to any retreat group.