This brief essay serves as a reminder, for the new year.
As we enter 2025, both geopolitics and global economics are displaying some profound changes. The Ukraine war, the fall of Assad’s government in Syria, and the ongoing civil wars in Burma (aka Myanmar), Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, and Ethiopia all have the potential to spill over into wider conflicts. Ditto for potential invasions in Taiwan and South Korea. Meanwhile, the rise of the BRICS trade bloc, the out-of-control U.S. National Debt, global debt as a whole, and the run-up of precious metals prices are all evidence of deep-seated economic trouble. The source of those economic woes can be traced to the abandonment of gold-backed currencies and the predominance of fractional reserve banking. With Donald Trump beginning his second term in office, there is talk of a brewing trade war triggered by higher tariffs. This could be something similar to the tariff war of the 1930s.
For preparedness-minded families, these manifold threats are quite troubling. They should spur a recommitment to stocking up and making plans to live independently for months or even years. That level of self-sufficiency could be needed in the event of another pandemic, an economic collapse, or a Third World War.
The following might sound redundant to what I’ve been preaching in SurvivalBlog for two decades, but it bears repeating:
Stock Up
SurvivalBlog has always had an emphasis on food storage and water filtration. If you haven’t already, stock up! And if you have stocked up, then take a close look at your larder, and fill in any gaps in your food and water preps. Buy non-hybrid seeds and plant a larger vegetable garden, this coming spring.
Tank Up
Top off your stored fuels: Gasoline, diesel, propane, home heating oil, firewood (or coal), and kerosene. If you can afford it, get a larger propane tank, preferably underground, with zincs attached to protect the tank from corrosion. Gasoline can be stored for just a few years, even with Pri-G added, but propane store indefinitely. And after you have your tanks topped off, take a close look at your battery supply, and top that off. That includes buying Li-Ion rechargeable batteries and DC-to-DC battery charging trays.
Team Up
Talk with your neighbors, and make plans for hard times. Standardize with handi-talkies that are in the same frequency band, and set up a practical communication plan. Develop a contingency plan for neighborhood security. Think in terms of creating a Neighborhood Watch on Steroids.
Train Up
I recommend getting wilderness first aid training, learn CPR, and study the proper use of AEDs. Get competent firearms training, including team tactics. Once you have that training, cross-train your relatives and neighbors.
Arm Up
You probably already have firearms and ammunition covered. But consider this: In the modern context, arming up also includes having plenty of full-capacity magazines, body armor, and night vision gear.
Stack Some Silver
Although gold is now pushing $2,725 per Troy ounce, silver is still affordable — at under $31 per ounce. Given the declining value of the U.S. Dollar, silver is still a relative bargain. Shop around for the best silver prices, pay cash (for your privacy), and stack it deep.
Be Ready To Barter
As you complete your family preparedness logistics, lay in extra supplies that will allow you to barter and dispense charity. See the SutrvivalBlog archives for lists of suggested barter items. Common caliber ammunition and salt are both still at the top of my barter recommendation list.
Be Your Own Fire Department
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles illustrated the need to be able to protect your own property from fire. When seconds count, fire department response may be hours away. So that means not just having smoke/CO detectors and fire extinguishers inside, but also clearing away any flammable brush or nearby trees, outdoors. Think: defensible space.
Pray Hard
Get right with God and recognize Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection. You need to accept Christ as your savior. Don’t expect God’s blessings unless you are in covenant with God. Study the Bible and ask God for his guidance, providence, and protection. And please pray for our nation and our elected representatives! – JWR