Do We Become Preppers?

[Data Diva]

I think the pandemic taught us that at least it’s a good idea to have enough food and supplies to last a few days at home.

[Bethany]

Yeah, I’ve been thinking about this a lot. I’ve been considering learning to can food. I also learned how to make pinto beans in my instant pot so that I can keep a stash of those on hand. Probably not a bad plan to have a stash of things on hand. I’m worried about possible food shortages as A) migrants are not showing up to pick the food we do grow and B) tariffs will make imported foods expensive.

[Barbara]

Okay, embarrassed to admit I’m in the pepper mindset the past few months. I’ve got a meshtastic radio on the way, a solar power bank (handheld), already have solar lights portable cooking, water filtration from backpacking and camping. I’m not sure what to do about finances and risk mitigation. I did get pet supplies so I can go a few months without purchasing any. I am not so far gone that I have a closet full of paper goods yet.

[Bethany]

Oh, I still need to get more pet food. Thank you for this reminder! I should pick up an extra bag or two of my doggo’s food.

[Elkay23]

In August of 2020 I created a 3 page, letter sized chart/checklist to begin stocking up on supplies (mostly from Costco) that would last 6 months. I wanted to have all these supplies in by the end of October. Factors leading to this was Covid, the upcoming election uncertainty, and the coming winter. For each item I determined how much I’d use each week, the source, and the price. I waited until the end of October to purchase some food items that were perishable, but with long expiration dates. I accomplished the task, and it gave me some sense of security. As long as you actually use the items in a timely manner and not let food items expire, and rotate new food in, I recommend it. Of course, if  the proverbial shit would really hit the fan, you’d have to be prepared to defend all that stuff.

[Duke City Smoke]

Really good group to follow on Reddit. It is focused towards women but I have found some very useful information.

https://www.reddit.com/r/TwoXPreppers/

[Brent Michael Kelley]

It’s never a bad idea to be self sufficient. I think the country is overdue for a shift in how we produce energy. If everyone produced their own energy but remained connected to a grid, we could have an energy surplus. That’s long-term, looking at a time when grown ups are in charge again. In the short term, you’re not going to be sorry you have a few months worth of supplies on hand.

And learn some Brazilian jiu jitsu or kickboxing, because the “your body my choice” trashbags are feeling emboldened and validated by this administration.