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Introductory Note: I wrote this plan as the local Neighborhood Watch Captain and instructor for a nearby monthly Preparedness Workshop. I’m convinced of the value of having a written plan to follow in the immediate aftermath of a disaster or crisis. I’m sharing this for those sheepdogs who do not yet have a plan in hand – start with this and edit it. Make it your own. But have a plan. When it gets crazy this may help you get through it all.
Be Prepared. Trust God. We can do both!

FIRST 15 MINUTES
Walk / bike / drive through the neighborhood and call everyone together at the (neighbor’s name) garage/barn. Ask each family to bring a chair and something to write with/on.
Make it clear: “I am not in charge, but will help organize. We will vote on someone to lead when we return in one hour.”

A. Pool what we know:
1. Begin with Psalm 127:1-2 and pray for God’s guidance and protection
2. Discuss speculations and ideas. Write it down on a big tablet: What We Know
3. Immediate problems? Medical, livestock, family, etc. Everyone accounted for?
4. Benefits of cooperation: pool tools, knowledge, encouragement, mutual defense
5. Fire control (candles / heaters) and safety are critical at this point. Slow down, think.
6. Designate a Watch Center (barn, home, shed, yard, vehicle, etc.) as a central meeting point

B. Plan to collect more information, can anyone share the following:
1. Monitor battery / solar-powered radio in Watch Center
2. Monitor TV if power available or someone has a battery powered one
3. Who has handheld radios? One to monitor at Watch Center, one to send with corner/intersection Watch(s), one with scouting party
4. Centralized news post [“What We Know”] on flip chart / large paper and someone responsible for maintaining it. Neighbors gather information from their outside contacts. As information comes in mark the “Reported” information as “Confirmed” (by two or more sources) with Dates (and sources if possible). Post in a common area at Watch Center.

C. Send everyone back to their homes, come back in one hour, one representative per household:
1. Reassure their family members
2. Review available supplies and note what they’ll need in the next 7 days: “Basic Four”: Security, Shelter, Water, Food. Also: lights, medicines, special needs
3. IF they’re going to arm themselves they MUST keep a low profile: handgun concealed, long gun in  vehicle
4. Contact their immediate neighbors who may not have checked in
5. A couple of people volunteer to come back with coffee (?) and cookies / snack (?)

FIRST HOUR
D. Upon return, quick vote for temporary Neighborhood Emergency Coordinator. Facilitator and coordinator only, all neighborhood participation remains voluntary!

E. Share and post any new information on WWK. Discuss the possible course as the incident develops for brainstorming and mental preparation. Begin to formulate a plan – write it down.

F. Voluntary family status reports: immediate needs, needs/shortages in the next 7 days
1. Coordinator begins keeping track of neighborhood needs
2. Volunteers to help with immediate neighborhood needs (next 24 hours)?
3. Any family members unaccounted for? Any chance neighborhood group could go find them?
4. Agree to a Daily Meeting time and place? Neighborhood pot luck?

G. Suggested General Neighborhood Watch Rules [Post at Watch Center]. Add to this as needed:
1. Golden Rule! Survival is a team sport, do your part. We are in this together and we need each other.
2. All participation is voluntary
3. Even though this is an emergency/disaster we are not going to break the law, nor the Constitution, nor human rights, nor violate personal or family privacy.
4. Information security: Minimize radio chatter, VERY careful what we say to passersby
5. The Watch Center phone number (if phones available) is: ________________________
Interoperable radio settings?
6. Light and noise discipline until we know what we’re up against
7. Low profile: no rifles or shotguns visible, handguns carried but concealed at all times
8. Emergency signaling with phones, whistles, air horns, or tire rim gongs.
     One, slowly repeating = gather for information           
     Three quick = security emergency
     Five quick = fire emergency

H. Scouting Party: ask for 3 volunteers to check the main roads in each direction, contact the State Patrol / Sheriff’s district / Police precinct / local fire station, look for areas or buildings with power, check the area gas stations to see who can pump gas and what conditions are like there. Contact neighbors who have any overlooks or high points on their property and see what that view is. Radio on only to report and only if it can’t wait. Low profile, weapons out of sight.

I. Use signaling / phone calls to call a brief meeting when the Scouting Party returns.
1. Based on information available decide whether or not to start an Observation Post, Quick Response Team, or Roving Patrol.
2. Pick a time to meet the next day. Morning? Evening? Both?
3. If information is available by radio or TV consider asking for a volunteer to monitor them at least every 2 hours overnight. If there is information that cannot wait until the next day’s meeting, this person should contact the Neighborhood Emergency Coordinator by runner/phone or sound the general “Gather for Information” signal.

NEXT DAY
J. Open every general meeting with a brief Bible verse and prayer. Summary and update of what we know.  Agree when to meet next.

K. The first night should be pretty quiet. If trouble starts overnight begin an improvised armed Roving Patrol until morning. Discuss the rules of engagement so everyone understands what’s expected, and we don’t break any laws. Discuss the Force Continuum or pick people who already know what that is. Decide whether or not to staff the Watch Center 24 hours a day. Based on updated information decide whether or not to start an Observation Post, Quick Response Team, or Roving Patrol:

L. Observation Post (optional): Ask for 2 persons to park a vehicle for four hour shifts at one or more intersections controlling access to the neighborhood 
– Supply with: paper, pencils, handheld radio, cell phone/air horn, binoculars (firearm)
– Send with TWO “Neighborhood Watch” signs and wire to post/hang them.
– Will need something to occupy themselves (books, magazines, articles).
– Write out instructions (Post Orders), list supplies to pass on to the next shift: Contact passersby who stop to get more information and/or direct them to the Watch Center. Watch for anything unusual, groups in vehicles. Radio on only to report. Report to Watch Center.
Get volunteers for the next “relief” Observation Teams so that Post is manned until sunset and a new team takes their place at sunrise.
If OP approach is helpful or informative consider continuing it.

M. If circumstances warrant the Observation Post people could also function as a Quick  Response Team to check out activity they see on the road or in the fields, to respond to requests for help / alarms for security, medical, and fire. Will require a vehicle, bicycles, or people who are fit for quick response. Consider centrally pooling firefighting equipment.
QRT could also function as an armed continuously Roving Patrol if we’re getting a lot of people on foot or there has been a high level of trouble without outsiders. Intensive Patrol could cover neighborhood at random intervals, perhaps at a minimum of once an hour.

N. Anyone who would like a refresher on safe firearm handling, simple IFF rules, and Use of Force, and combat handgunning could voluntarily get together for a quick class / orientation. Everyone carrying a firearm into the Watch Center or performing any “official” duty needs this refresher.

O. Review in greater depth the Four Basics (Security, Shelter, Water, Food). Discuss options for: sanitation, keeping insulin cool, developing medical problems, trash disposal, etc.

P. Carpooling / team / group for trips into town? (security in numbers) Obviously depends on the incident and needs…

THREE TO SEVEN DAYS LATER
Q. Issues. If the incident has lasted several days, if circumstances warrant, or if the nature of the incident makes it clear it will be long lasting or generate civil unrest, discuss the following issues at one of the Daily Meetings:
1. Repeat Scouting Parties, or ongoing Roving Patrols?
2. Establish a continuously-staffed Watch Center?
3. Non-family/friends as Refugees: Screening/Probation? Space? Integrate/Separate? Save as many as we can! Growth is healthy. Uncontrolled growth is cancerous.
4. Escort people passing through the neighborhood?
5. Community bartering needs? Daily/weekly meetup for bartering?
6. Potential need for evacuation, family decision, pros and cons of entire neighborhood evacuation / bugout, distribute a Recommended Bugout List so people will take essential items and aren’t loaded down with non-essentials [People should assemble BOBs now!]
7. Switch to weekly informational meetings?
8. Contact with / coordination with other adjoining neighborhood groups / organizations?
9. Make plans for contact with hostile gangs / looters? Hide / Confront? Low/high profile? Caching. Rules of engagement. Signaling. Weapon and movement training. IFF. Checkpoint / roadblocks?
10. Long-term issues on the horizon: cold, rain, food preservation, special needs, supplies holding out (Security, Shelter, Water, Food)?
11. Distributing charity / food and water assistance. Centralized distribution is safer!
12. Plan for ecumenical worship services?
13. Plan weekly potlucks?
14. Expanding the number of families included in our group? Merging with other existing groups? Reporting to or being supervised by outside government agencies?
15. Identify to the group who is available to help with gardening, maintenance, livestock, food storage and preservation, etc.
16. Set up a centralized daycare to free up parents to work? Daycare area could be extra secure location for children during expected encounters with raiders.
17. Plans for detention / punishment for thieves, raiders, etc. Set up basic legal process.
18. Agree on outer neighborhood perimeter, inner perimeter. No “fort” mentality – fixed defense will fail. Central location for children and livestock when warned of trouble?

R. Ask for volunteers to assist the Coordinator – or have the Coordinator pick – who will form the Leadership Team. The titles below are meant to be solely functional, pick your own! (The less they resemble military or police or government position titles the less these volunteers are likely to get carried away with their role.)
1. The neighborhood should elect an Assistant Emergency Coordinator to be involved in all leadership discussions, fully briefed, and be able to fill in for the Coordinator if he/she is (1) incapacitated or (2) offsite. Authority falls to the AC only under those two circumstances and then only if it is a time-sensitive decision.
2. The Coordinator (and staff) must select a trustworthy and experienced Security Advisor for internal welfare to watch for people who are not handling the stress well and might crack, become violent / abusive to family, leave to contact raiders/gangs/drug dealers. Watch for internal theft, coercion, scams, keep an ear out for rumor control. This person would enforce light and sound discipline.
3. Designate a volunteer Medical Advisor for neighborhood medical oversight. Will discretely monitor individuals for malnutrition/dehydration and illnesses. Organize neighborhood health emphases, training, clinics.
4. Designate a volunteer Defense  Advisor to begin implementing defense plans agreed on by the Neighborhood or by the leadership (depending on how fast leadership develops, how fast the neighborhood boundaries expand to include new families, and how fast defensive capacity needs to be available).
5. At some point an Operations Advisor might need to be chosen by the Coordinator to oversee the general function of the neighborhood, food distribution and preparation, sanitation, etc.
6. Someone should volunteer to be the Neighborhood Chaplain to facilitate worship services and see to the spiritual health of the neighbors.
7. If and when the Watch Center is continuously staffed 24/7, and there are potential identified threats, the general staff above could “officially” create the position of the “Staff-in-Charge” in the Watch Center to coordinate and oversee immediate responses to security or fire emergencies until the Defense Advisor can arrive to take charge. The SIC will oversee the Observation Post(s), the Quick Response Team, and any Roving Patrols and will notify the Watch Coordinator and Defense Advisor of any emergencies.

A PERSONAL NOTE TO THE EMERGENCY COORDINATOR

“When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.” – Edmund Burke

1. Expect new pressures when you take on a leadership role. Be prepared for old struggles, temptations, and spiritual warfare to intensify and new issues to come up including struggles with self-image, self-esteem, and self-doubt.
2. Be careful not to take on more responsibilities than you can handle, or to take yourself (and your ideas) too seriously. Humility and perspective are absolutely essential to leadership. Delegation to capable persons is the secret of good leadership.
3. Don’t get in a rut. What worked in the past might need to be modified for your present situation, or might not work at all. No two experiences are identical. And for that matter try to let go of the guilt and fears from your past leadership experiences. Be fresh and creative.
4. Even though you’ve got “inside information” now doesn’t mean you’ve got all the facts about everything going on in the neighborhood. Go ahead and share your concerns and questions with those in leadership with you. Your input is important, but accept the possibility that they, not you, have got the “big picture.”
5. You were chosen to lead, not to be the moral and political watchdog of the neighborhood. It is a dangerous thing to try to read the inner motives of others. “Watchdogs” can easily and accidentally sow suspicion, kill trust, and destroy any good they could do as leaders. Instead, treasure relationships, and show love and mercy to all. (But know when to be firm! 🙂
6. Everything changes sooner or later. Sometimes change is rapid, at other times imperceptible, but this always requires flexibility. Keeping your head, not taking things personally, and not advertising your insecurities will help the rest of the group feel better about the transition.
7. Watch out that you don’t “share” problems with the wrong people. Some things might not be appropriate at the time to tell even your spouse or family. Get your facts straight and avoid misunderstandings.
8. Your identity is more than your job description. Whatever God wants, wherever he puts you is the best place to be. You don’t have to feel threatened when someone else does a great job too, or when you’re asked to change jobs. This isn’t a contest, its life in community, serving God and others. Surrender that competitive spirit to God.
9. Sooner or later you’re going to discover that those in leadership with you are human too and have their share of struggles and shortcomings. We’re all in process, all growing in Jesus, and all at different stages.
10. Frustration, anger, a constantly critical attitude – these are signs that you are expecting too much out of others and have taken your focus off God’s sovereign leading. Have faith in Jesus that he is at work in the people around you. Get your expectations in line with scripture.
11. The Constitution is still the rule of law and the Bible is still the standard for determining right and wrong. You’ll make difficult gray-area calls that you may regret later, but keep your foundation!
12. Odds and ends: the crazier the crisis the more structure it needs. Make lists and follow those lists when bad stuff happens and it will help you stay focused and not miss something important. Seek God in everything. Trust God with the outcomes. It’s not all up to you. No plans are foolproof. Anticipate as much as possible the shortcomings of human nature. Recognize mob psychology. Expect Murphy’s Law failures, always have a Plan B. Long-term strategy is essential. One-time solutions can be traps. Swallow your ego. Leaders serve. Treat others like you want to be treated. Cut people some slack. Delegate, but hold people accountable. Don’t give people too much responsibility too quickly. You don’t have to know or do everything – let other people shine. Be genuine. Lead by example. Communication is absolutely essential! Communication starts by listening. Without communication hatred and resentment will be the natural outcome even in good people! Keep morale high, but tell the truth. One lie will undo your credibility and undermine your efforts to save as many as you can. There will be a terrible price for lying… Do the best you can. No one can ask for more.
You can do this.

Preparedness is on the periphery of public health. Many facets of local and federal public heath deal with disaster preparedness but almost never for preparations beyond 72 hrs. I have worked in public safety and healthcare administration in various capacities for over 20 years and the subject is almost taboo. However, it is the growing “pink elephant” in the corner of the room.

Anyone who works or deals with disaster preparation in an official capacity knows that official disaster assistance is woefully inadequate and that there are many scenarios that could trigger a “collapse, or severe problem, extending beyond 72 hours. Anyone involved in official circles knows why the subject is taboo: the government (but really politicians) cannot be seen as incapable of handling a nationwide emergency. There is also a desire to prevent panic over various societal pressure points. Some officials are actually naïve enough to believe it cannot, or won’t, happen (yes, normalcy bias can affect all levels), much like the public, whom is generally ignorant to this issue as well.

So where did this idea of preparedness come from? Some who have lived in rural or frontier areas have always done some level of it at home. Ex-military and public safety personnel have a natural affinity for it. Those who engage in wilderness survival or outdoor activities have some of the skills necessary for it. It has evolved for many out of observations that our society is degenerating and that a collapse may be inevitable. So as a result, over the years, like minded preppers have written books, developed blogs, became consultants, some conventions have sprung up, and a small niche market has evolved for various suppliers.  This is a very comprehensive and detailed body of works, if one knows where to access it.

Unfortunately, if one looks to truly thrive, and not just survive, in the coming collapse, we must look beyond ourselves, and even beyond our small groups of like-minded individuals, and get others to buy into the concept of preparedness. There are two worthwhile purposes to this mind set: to tap into resources that are present in members of the public who are otherwise ignorant of this need and, secondly, to decrease the numbers in the golden hoard (at least in your local area) by expanding the number of prepared people.
What I am suggesting is a form of social marketing. Instead of selling a product, we are selling a concept or idea, such as stopping tobacco use, or treating high blood pressure. There have also been moderately successful public health campaigns for traditional disaster preparedness. This is how we must view getting more of the public aware of the need for preparedness. Unfortunately, there will never be a public health campaign for this type of long term preparedness.

This is an activity that needs to begin now, before the proverbial “11th hr”. It is as essential as the purchase of preparedness items and weapons training. It is a distant cousin of military PSYOPS use of propaganda, but the desired result is the same: get more people informed and to be your ally.

I am going to provide a method for a seasoned prepper to plant the seed for as many potential groups as possible. What you need is a structured plan to disseminate the need and concept of preparedness to your own group (even if already established), and then be able to engage others, outside your group, in learning about preparedness. 
[First a word of caution: I am not suggesting giving away your personal preparedness secrets or plans. In fact, I am not even going to teach specific preparedness techniques in this methodology. This is solely for “getting buy- in” so that others can begin their preparedness journey headed in the right direction, and know where to get further information and resources  If you are creating your initial group, the presentation format is for use after you have some trustworthy people in which to consider group formation.]
Any marketing plan must begin with planning. This is a very extensive process but we can simplify it for our purposes here. We must discover a need and trigger for our message, and we must define our competition.

We have to define the need for preparedness. This is simple: the public is unprepared for an emergency lasting more than 72 hours. Then we must find a scenario that will be an example for the need for preparedness. This is commonly referred to as the trigger. This is the idea that illustrates the need and causes the masses to gain buy-in into your message.
Although there are many valid scenarios for engaging in preparedness, some may be too exotic, scare off others, or seem too insurmountable for many from the public at large. EMP, pandemic flu, and meteor strikes come to mind. Some such as natural disasters may seem too common and easily handled by the government-despite the evidence from aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Economic collapse is probably one the most tangible scenarios to use as a reason or be a trigger. The evidence of economic collapse is present to many in their own everyday lives, and evident in the media. Some shock factor in the scenario may be needed to get their attention.

In the case of social marketing we do not have a competitor selling a rival product. We do have competition in the form of public resistance pushing against our preparedness message. This is commonly referred to as the Normalcy Bias. The pervasive, misinformed idea that bad things will never happen, or affect our region or ourselves.

The Method
The marketing process follows a set of simple steps which need to be identified and defined specifically for our underground marketing campaign:
Need–             the public is unprepared for an emergency lasting more than 72 hours
Purpose–            to get local community members to understand the need for better preparedness (remember, you are not teaching prepping in depth, but planting the seed for further learning)
Message–            We live in a fragile society whose infrastructure and people are threatened by potential emergencies from which our recovery may be severely limited
Target Market– those people in your community with contact and the ability to influence others opinions- the Influentials (we will discuss them later)
Presentation–            your power points, AV aides, videos, etc
Communication Channels–            the educational sessions that you host
People–             your core group of instructors/presenters (“inner circle”)
Value and Satisfaction–            the audience gains an understanding and sees the worth in the information you provide
Buy–In–            the influentials “get it” and begin promoting the concept of preparedness to others
Behavioral Response–            your local community members begin learning and initiating preparedness activities           

People and Target Markets
If you are alone in preparedness then you will need to target an “inner circle” as your first target market. You will want to find a group of folks of a similar mind-set, or at least some interest in preparedness. Ideally, they  would have a  variety of areas of expertise. This is the group that will help you to develop your presentation and help do your presentation to succeeding groups. These will be the people that will be your core group of instructors/presenters.

These subject matter experts would include a farmer/gardener; someone from law enforcement or a military background; an RN or paramedic; a scout/ outdoorsman; and a tradesman (plumber, electrician or mechanic). This varied group would be ideal because they have knowledge directly related to preparedness topics, and could in all likelihood become your group of preppers, if you do not already have a group.
If you have an existing group engaging in preparedness then much of this will be done. This group of presenters could include members of a few different preparedness groups. Remember that not everyone is a natural teacher of comfortable speaking to groups of people, but most knowledgeable folks are willing to provide content.

Let’s discuss the next target market in a little more detail. This will be made up of the group that we called the influentials. These are the folks who are well- connected and whose opinion people trust. It allows for the greatest spread of ideas. They are likely people you already know but have not really thought of in this manner. They would include pastors or religious leaders; Boy Scout leaders; PTA Presidents; American Legion members; and/or members of Chamber of Commerce. They would then look at their friends, family and contacts in the public at large as their target markets in order to spread these ideas.
[A word of caution when involving government officials or law enforcement, you must be sure of exactly who you are including, and feel them out for awhile before you start inquiring about their interests. (As with anyone you would share this knowledge with.) Many from government will look skeptically on the concept of preparedness and might see you as a threat. Alternatively, there are many in law enforcement /government service that will readily deflect the government “party line” and may already be prepping themselves.]

The Presentation
Once you have an interested group of folks who have some interest in the concept of preparedness, or need convincing, you will need a follow up presentation that will be: concise; focus briefly on the main aspects of prepping; and most of all, convince the group of the need for preparedness.  You will want to leave them with a few practical prepping ideas that they can do immediately after your presentation. In public safety circles this level of knowledge is known as “awareness level” knowledge.
You will want to keep the presentation to about 2 hours with a 15 min break in between. Most adults do not stay awake nor stay interested beyond this point for a talk or lecture. There will also be time needed at the end for questions. A power point show is likely the easiest vehicle for the physical presentation. Photos and video clips are also good within the show for reinforcement. A seasoned teacher could assist you with creating a catchy slide show that would keep everyone’s attention and still get the point across.
You will need to be knowledgeable enough in preparedness topics to carry the presentation for about 3 hrs maximum. Your subject matter experts will be used for areas you are personally not that knowledgeable with, or to add further professionalism for more buy-in.
Some props could also assist you in making the point. An actual G.O.O.D. bag or medical bag; a water purifier; firearm examples; and/or a food dehydrator would allow some hands-on time and avoid death by PowerPoint.
The following is an example outline with major bullet points that could be used for the slide show:

Preparedness 101
Why do we need to engage in Preparedness?

• the public is unprepared for an emergency lasting more than 72 hours
• We live in a fragile society whose infrastructure and people are threatened by potential emergencies from which our recovery may be severely limited
• The government will not be able to help most people- cite examples here such as Katrina
• Any Federal response is based upon resources from the States and Local agencies

What are the risks that we potentially face?

• Natural disasters- hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, etc
• Economic collapse-hyperinflation of the dollar; high gas prices (emphasize impact on prices for all goods that are shipped); food and commodity shortages; civil unrest; looting
• Terrorism-explosives; dirty bomb; martial law; rationing
• Pandemic Flu- lack of medical services; inability to travel
• Internet/Gas pipelines/Power grid- how our  fragile infrastructure is tied to these 3 entities & how a disruption in 1 would cause all 3 to collapse

The Big Risk we all face?………             Economic collapse

• Hyperinflation: the government prints money without end & prices on everything sky rocket; spending ceases and economy grinds to a halt- a la Germany after WWI
• Deflation: the dollar gains in value & commodities drop in value – Great Depression
• Unemployment numbers- they are artificially low & do not represent the underemployed & those who have stopped looking
• Banks are not lending- we have no growth in business or jobs
• Related Social Issues-
• • The generations that survived the Great Depression/WWII grew up in modest means, had a work ethic & could sacrifice- the generations since 1945 have lived in relative opulence & had many entitlements…….…….when our economy collapses life will not be easy or nice; when a people who have whatever they want, when they want don’t get it, they will not be so easy-going & nice-  CIVIL UNREST & RIOTING
  • As of 2006, 50% of the total income in the U.S. was concentrated in the upper 10% of the population; almost 25% of the total income in the U.S. was found in the upper 1%- this is the greatest disparity in U.S. history***

The Masses are wholly unprepared for any of the previous risks
            Levels of Preparedness- 0-5*

• Typical apt dweller; travels for employment; eats out mostly & lives out of a suitcase; the first refugees
• Typical urban/suburban home owner; limited food; no disaster mind set or kit; likely unprotected
• A homeowner that has 48-72 hrs worth of supplies; knows local risks; has a plan for 72 hrs; assumes help from authorities
• A homeowner that has 3-6 months worth of stored food/water; a means of protection/security; some back- up power; has some basic medical & wilderness competence; knows help may not come for some time if ever
• Has 1 yr stored food/water; a means to replenish food stores continually; several levels of security; has formed a group of preppers; either lives at or has a retreat location; has renewable energy in place; a continuous water supply; has a store of precious metals
• Lives isolated, off the grid & is completely self-sufficient; unaware of many potential threats

Questions to get their minds working
Ask group where they are personally on this continuum?
Assume they know where the nearest Big Box store is – then ask where the nearest food distribution center is? How does just-in-time inventory affects us in an emergency?
Ask where they would get medicine if the pharmacies are empty?
If they own a generator, what would they do when the gas runs out at gas stations?
Looting begins by armed bandits in their neighborhood, what will they do for protection?
If they were to evacuate: When is best time? How would they do it? Where would they go?
About 80% of America is currently at Level 2 or below
The Focus of Preparedness
What exactly does “prepared” mean?
What are the priorities?
Food- “Beans”

• Water stored and a means to purify it- a natural source is ideal
• Nutritious canned food stored in temperature sensitive environs
• A garden for growing vegetables; planting fruit trees
• A means for hunting & owning/access to  livestock
• Gaining the ability to can, dry & preserve/store food

Get-Started Point:  build a garden, start buying canned food & secure a source(s) of water- WATER ISYOUR FIRST PRIORITY
Security– “Bullets”

• You will need guns despite the contrary views on gun ownership- criminals will use them
• A shotgun & a rifle is a good start plus 1000 rounds of ammunition- you also need to learn how to use them
• Learn the basics of home defense- locks; perimeter; warning devices
• Own a medium to large size dog
• Decide early if you are staying or leaving your home when things turn bad

Get-Started Point:  buy a shotgun & rifle then take a gun safety course
Medical Care- “Band-Aids”

• Take an EMT course for basic medical care concepts (preferably a Wilderness EMT course)- almost any community college will offer this
• Begin stockpiling emergency care supplies plus OTC & any prescription meds
• A formally trained MD/RN/paramedic will be necessary once you form a group
• Get vaccinated as needed now & get any pending dental work done
• Prevention of illness/injury will be the watchword after a collapse

Get-Started Point:  Start a fitness routine & quit using tobacco
Homesteading- “Buttressing”

• Organize, Acquire & begin Rotating food in a pantry (O.A.R.)**
• Implement an alternative power source (solar, generator, etc) for a freezer, recharging batteries, radio, flashlights, etc
• Purchase Lithium- ion rechargeable batteries in all sizes needed
• Work out the logistics of sanitation with no power grid for your home
• Decide where you will develop your post-collapse home/retreat before investing

Get-Started Point:  clean out your house & throw out/sell all non-essential items or junk in your possession
[“Beans, Bullets, Band-Aids”- *]
One More Thing……

• Start & secure a stash of silver coins to use for currency in a post-collapse world

Go or Stay? -When things start to fall apart

• This will depend greatly on where you live now: city, suburbs, or rural

Staying Put/Choosing a Retreat Location

• City/urban–  you need to “Get Out of Dodge” (G.O.O.D.)
• • Looting/riots, fires & lack of resources
  • Evacuation needs to be done in advance at first sign of unrest
  • Sanitation & disease problems

• Suburban-  not optimum but feasible for retreat in certain cases
• • if within 20 mi of a city, surrounded by cities and/or in a congested sub-division- G.O.O.D.
  • if closer to rural areas- assess the defensibility of your home; ability to grow produce; access to water
• Rural/Farm–  you are likely in second best position of the four
• • How close to an Interstate are you? (refugees)
  • What is your wild land fire & flood danger- no FD response post-collapse
  • How much help do you need to defend & work the land
• Rural/Mountains- the best area for a retreat/home in the post-collapse world
• • Montana; Eastern Idaho; Wyoming; Adirondack & Blue Ridge Mountains
  • Best access to water & natural resources
  • Limited population & far from potential urban area refugees

Evacuating

• You need a pre-determined destination, so the previous applies
• Caching or pre-staging supplies at the retreat location is advised as more than 72 hrs worth is needed, plus valuable family items may be added as this could be a permanent move as well as trip supplies
• Vehicles- a crew-cab pick- up or solid SUV (set up for off-road) is the preferred G.O.O.D. vehicle
• Fuel must be stored to allow for the trip (gas pumps do not work if  the grid is down)
• You need to be prepared enough to go before the first signs of unrest/panic or the freeways will be impassible

Get-Started Point:  research and stock a G.O.O.D. bag for each family member in your house (use as a hand-out to the group during presentation)

How to Form a Group

• Friends & family are the natural starting point
• Honesty, trustworthiness; belief in God; good work ethic goes without saying
• At least 3-4 members at a good fitness level that are good at firearms
• You will need a medical specialist; mechanic/tradesman; gardener; someone adept at food preserving
• General preparedness competence for all members

Resources for Further Information
SurvivalBlog.com edited by James Wesley, Rawles
*How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It by James Wesley, Rawles
The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery
**Just in Case by Kathy Harrison
Holding Your Ground: Preparing for Defense if it All Falls Apart by Joe Nobody (www.PrepperPress.com)
Wilderness First Responder Textbook by Buck Tilton
***It Could Happen Here: America on the Brink by Bruce Judson

This ends the example presentation you can use to make the help make the case for preparedness. It is important to emphasize the need for accessing further resources. I have read many within this genre and found these to be both comprehensive and accessible for beginners. (I base my opinion on teaching adults Public Safety for many years.) You can probably start with the resources listed above, but obviously there are others of similar content. It is important to have some that are comprehensive, and some that can slowly bridge from a modern life to a preparedness mindset without being overwhelming.
Getting “buy-in” and changing a mindset takes time. It is not an overnight event and needs to be fostered and encouraged. If you begin these presentations you (and your core group) will be seen as the “experts”, so having sufficient knowledge of preparedness is essential and you will need to learn more. You will also need to practice what you have been teaching, as well and be able to give advice in the future.