Hi All,
I’d like to contribute some details on my preparations in a region where tricky geography, difficult society, and extremely difficult legal issues can make planning difficult. As for tricky geography, Long Island is essentially a 100-mile long 23-mile wide (at its very widest) ‘no outlet’ roadway prison stuffed with nearly 8 million people. Take a peek at the Wikipedia page about the island to get the idea. We are east of New York City with its 50 million people in the immediate 35 mile radius. When things get Schumeresque – there is very little most residents will be able to do except flee or misbehave. I expect lots of both. I expect that anyone close to the city will flee West over the crossings, and many will flee east to somewhat less populated areas. The suburban sprawl will become untenable quickly without outside intervention – which scares me even more than unrest.
That said there are some regions that can be found that offer some protection. Were my family not near such a region we would already have left. We plan on leaving within the year in any event.
When I mention difficult society – this is an integrated area consisting of de-facto segregated communities (realistically, just look at the make-up of public schools and see that it determines what your community make up is like in most areas). There is a mix of illegal aliens, poor, working class and upper class residents mainly divisible by determining distance to the coastline. A satellite view of the region can show how crowded the neighborhoods are. Even the ‘middle class’ to ‘upper class’ neighborhoods have homes generally on less than 1/2 acre. If you are fortunate enough to live near the coastlines – you are surrounded by upper-middle or wealthy neighbors – and although I hate to generalize, I will. Most of them work in offices in New York City and push paper for a living. Therefore they couldn’t change a tire on their BMW if their lives depended on it. These people are completely unprepared. Good honest middle class, working class and more modest people in the area are much more capable of self sufficiency but are in such proximity to one another that during a crisis I can’t imagine things going smoothly. They are also unprepared.
As for legal difficulties – pistol licensing on long island is insane – a ‘sportsman’ license takes 6-9 months to get, costs hundreds and doesn’t entitle you to carry. You can be disapproved for vague reasons.
A pistol license is not required for long guns on Long Island, however you have onerous laws to comply with to bring a rifle west of Nassau County. New York State effectively extended the [expired Federal] assault weapons ban. Pre-[1994] ban rifles and magazines are pricey.
My preps follow a certain proviso – we have to bug in. There is no reasonable way for our family to bug out at the onset or during a crisis. We have very small children and the logistics of safely bugging out are nearly impossible. Luckily, we are in an area that is likely to be bypassed by the horde due to great geography. We are also in a defensible area that can be blocked off to vehicle traffic with 24 hour neighborhood cooperation.
As for preps – food, water, shelter, heat and protection are primary, followed by general supplies and niceties.
FOOD: We have a one year supply for our family plus several unexpected knocks at the door. It is comprised of 6 gallon food grade buckets, Mylar lined C02 evacuated oxygen absorbed Rice, Beans, Red Wheat, Oats and Corn, with a huge emphasis on rice because it is so available now. I’ve laid in buckets of additional honey, sugar, salt, and long shelf life groceries including various pasta, canned tuna, and much more. There is a large emphasis on white rice. I also stored Ziploc freezer baggies on top of the mylar bags so that I can readily distribute packs of rice as charity. We also have several cases of freeze dried meats, veggies and fruit – although the storage generally favors carbs and protein. I consider the vermin proof buckets in my basement our ‘strategic’ food supply. In addition we have a substantial MRE supply – for protein to balance out the rice. I favor purchasing cases of meat only entrees like meatloaf, meatballs in sauce, sloppy joe, etc – to put atop the rice or pasta. This system works for me – but has some drawbacks. When the rice comes within a year of my protected expiration ( I’m banking on eight years of storage life ) I will have to donate the entire lot and likely restart. I would love to find us in that position in eight years because it means we forestalled the crisis. I think trouble cometh within 12-18 months or sooner.
We also have tactical MRE bins with complete MRE meals. Also I have a large supply of MRE crackers, peanut butter, cheese spread etc – because they make great highly transportable and mostly complete meals in themselves. With little kids I need some variety so I’ve stored deserts and sweets too. Our food stores are located in three different parts of the house as well.
WATER: On city water – our initial plan is to store as much water as the situation allows – in our bathtubs using hurricane liners I’ve purchased. We also have several dozen cases of bottled water and 6 5 gallon coleman camping containers which I rotate every three months. We have purification tablets, a Katadyn pocket, and … a 13 foot 2800 gallon swimming pool which can be used as a tank. When covered it stores nearly 18 thousand pounds of water. Furthermore I’ve set up rain barrels at the gutters on the high side of the house. We also have a bucket of pool shock. There is a well on our property and I can get to the water with a rope and bullet bucket but have not tested it or the water yet.
SHELTER: We have good trees on the property and a wood stove – as well as a backup I got on ebay. That provides heat and cooking as well. Additional stove rope seals, compound and venting pipe have been stored as well.
PROTECTION: After much thought, I got a pistol license on Long Island. I’m fearful of knocks at my door when TSHTF from the police to collect my guns (.45, 9mm and .22) – but I will just have to take that risk. As for long guns – an AR-15 with Eotech 557 and 4x fts magnifier, a POF .308 with a 4-12x scope, a Remington 700 in .308, my trusty Benelli nova shotgun, and a Marlin Papoose .22. Several extra boxes of ammo are stored. Furthermore – I have several guns in place that I envision for my neighbors in time of need including an SKS and some pistol caliber carbines. I do try to gently nudge some neighbors to prepare – but not too often and not too hard. I don’t want to stand out too much–that is OPSEC.
GENERAL SUPPLIES: Gasoline preserved with Sta-Bil. It is rotated for cars and the generator. Also we keep our cars’ fuel tanks at least 3/4 full as a rule since 9-11. For solar power I’ve rigged up a small solution – as we are on a tight budget. Essentially 750 watt inverters powered by two deep cycle marine batteries charged by two 80 watt solar panels and a charge controller. This gives us power for light, comms, battery charging, the fan on the wood stove, and a touch more.
Two sets of FRS radios – one set in an ammo can, in case of EMP.
A multitude of NiMH batteries, chargers for both 110 VAC and especially 12 volt [DC to DC charging]. A multitude of disposable batteries of all types.
Medical supplies suitable to my situation. I won’t provide detail, but suffice it to say I keep everything from antibiotics to anti-radiation thyroid [KIO3] pills for the kids.
Hand tools of reasonable quality and many kinds and repair materials, plastic sheeting, duct tape and screen material.
Non-hybrid seeds, gardening supplies and tools, and fencing materials to keep the deer and other critters out.
LAPTOP COMPUTERS – can be powered by solar for education and entertainment. CD-ROMs and other media for the same purpose.
BOOKS – I’ve bought plenty, including The Encyclopedia of Country Living . I’m presently drooling over my copy of Rawles on Retreats and Relocation.
CAMPING SUPPLIES – Speaks for itself. Loads of these for fun and emergency.
INVESTMENTS: Silver and Gold – well – I agree they are important but cannot afford that yet. Perhaps during the crisis I can trade silver from other people in exchange for food, batteries and other things in barter.
FAITH: Loads of it. As a Jew from Long Island I keep to the first testament and don’t eat pork. I do believe. I love G-d. I know that HE is the Giver of the Law. And I do my best to either obey or atone.
It is noteworthy that the world would not be in this mess if we followed His Commandments. Even following most of those ten would likely keep the planet out of trouble …
Well, that is about it. In this area I believe that any further large scale prepping is not warranted and not the best investment. I also want to keep the entire setup as portable as possible. When we move – I believe I can trailer most of my logistics to our new home. I can really delve into self sufficiency at that point.
Warmest Regards from New York, – David