Those of us who wish to be prepared for whatever may lay ahead, are always faced with unique situations and challenges. Those challenges may include such things as: lack of funds, a difficult location, non-supportive or elderly or disabled family members, your age or stage in life, etc. The list goes on and on. However, is it imperative to find solutions and make plans? I think so!
While my situation is a little unusual, I count myself as truly blessed to be one of those individuals who knows the time to be prepared is now, rather than later. I am not about to be deterred or overwhelmed. I do not want to face these challenging times without a plan. Neither should you.
The questions you ask now may be the key to your successes later. I knew I needed to have a plan or plans that I could realistically attempt to implement. I began by making an assessment of my situation; then formulating several plans along with a variety of solutions including skills and preps that could work for my unique circumstances. While my needs will be quite different from yours, the process of forming the plans will be easy to follow. If I can do it, you can do it.
My circumstances are as follows: I am a 59 year old female…wife, mother of two sons ages 26 and 36, grandmother of five, and a retiree from the teaching profession.
My husband and I purchased a second home about six years ago where we could spend warm winters prior to and during our full retirement. Our thinking being that the prices were going to continue to rise rather than decline. Oh, wow, were we wrong! Since my retirement, I have been spending the winter months at the second home in the warmer climate. My husband who is self-employed could do the same, but has chosen to reside in the colder climate during the winter months and remain involved with our business. The youngest son resides in the same state as dad and is a full-time student/part-time employee. The oldest son is self-employed and lives in a very large state in the south with his wife and five children. Okay, my circumstances are not really a problem so far, just somewhat unique.
Challenges are as follows:
Differences of opinion exist within the family: I know the times are changing! My oldest son knows the times are changing! We are both spending our time and resources seriously preparing for the very difficult times that we believe are ahead of us. Husband and younger son think the two of us are way off base and have done little or nothing with regard to preparing for what is ahead.
Do I bug in or bug out? Bugging in will mean being alone without a support system, in a city of 3 to 4 million “sheeple.” Bugging out will mean driving across country alone in what could be difficult circumstances, for a distance of 1200 to 1800 miles, to get to family.
Do I travel 1,200 miles… to my older son’s home in a conservative state where he is quite prepared to take care of and defend his family and their home; knowing full well that I could become an additional burden to the already large family? He and his wife are hoping that I will join them.
Do I attempt to make the 1,800 mile trip back to my husband and younger son, which happens to be in a fairly liberal state with much more extreme weather conditions; only to find that there have been no provisions put aside or preparations made for difficult times ahead? For heaven’s sake, they don’t see the train wreck coming!
What am I preparing for? I am preparing for anything and everything that is not the norm; whatever, whenever, or wherever that may be.
Here is what I have done so far or possible solutions for potential challenges:
- I maintain a three to six month’s storage of foods that I eat regularly. These foods can and usually are taken with me when I make my seasonal shift from one location to another.
- I have purchased a S&W .38 revolver with Crimson trace laser, an S&W Bodyguard with laser, a Ruger 10/22, and a Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle, each of which are stainless steel with synthetic stocks and easy to maintain. I have a nice supply of ammo.
- I obtained my concealed carry weapon’s permit for two states; the third state recognizes one of the acquired permits.
- I made the change from driving a small luxury car to a nice 6.2 liter crew cab pick-up truck. Yes, it takes more fuel, but it is safer and more capable of being driven under difficult weather or road conditions.
- I purchased a very quiet used Honda generator that only had logged 10 hours of use from a relative who needed the money. That was an awesome deal at half the price of a new one.
- I purchased a half dozen fuel containers, which I can fill within minutes. I am getting closer to filling and rotating on a regular basis. I do have Sta-Bil in my preps. I have also calculated the amount of fuel it will take to get to the shortest destination.
- I purchased a Coleman Dual Fuel Camp Stove and keep fuel on hand.
- Since I live in a desert climate, water storage is a must. I always maintain a good supply in transportable containers.
- I keep a nice amount of cash on hand and also have a good amount of Silver Eagles as back up.
- I keep all documents including my passport in a ‘grab and go bag’ along with a good B.O.B. filled with cold weather clothing and survival gear.
- I purchased a good quality sleeping bag, which is also included in the B.O.B.
- I have made a very serious attempt to acquire new and used books, which I feel would be quite useful if the internet becomes unavailable.
- I read survivalblog.com daily and always monitor world events via real and preferred radio or television stations.
- I have made a commitment to read The Bible daily, as well as other very informative books.
- I do take medications on a daily basis, and make purchases through a national chain. Because the insurance does not want to allow more than a 30 day supply per renewal, I am considering larger purchases through Canada. This is not my preference, but may be my only way of obtaining a supply that would last for more than one month per renewal.
Did all of this happen overnight? Absolutely not! I first evaluated and prioritized! I have since acquired the skills and preps over the past two years as my money would allow.
Do I have all of the answers? Heavens no! However, knowing that I have acquired some new skills and new useful items, gives me more confidence that I will be prepared for the coming changes. I simply pray I will know what to do and where to go when the time comes that I must make that decision.
Are you prepared? I hope so! If not, and you have been waiting for a nudge to move forward with your plan, consider this article to be that nudge. Don’t plan to fail, because you failed to plan. What are the possible challenges you and your family may be facing in a natural or man-made disaster or event? Come up with solutions and set your goals to be accomplished within a realistic time period. Face one challenge at a time, and get to it! Time may be running out!