Posted on 07/16/2010 11:33:58 AM PDT by Red in Blue PA
1. Following the wrong advice: Many new survivalist become fixated upon the advice given by others. They read the latest preparedness book or blog post and automatically assume the advice given is best them, without considering their individual needs, skill level or location. In order to be self-reliant you need to learn to think for yourself.
2. Not eating what they store: Many new survivalist fill their pantry with unfamiliar foods, thinking they will adapt their diet “when the time comes” this is nonsense. You need to learn how to prepare and use these foods now, so they become a familiar staple.
3. Relying only on their food storage: Many new survivalist think once they have their one year supply of survival foods, that’s the end. Don’t get me wrong, having a deep larder is important, just don’t overlook the possibility of needing to replenish your supplies, and obtaining the skills and resources needed to do that.
4. Not storing enough salt: Many new survivalist fail to store this staple in the quantities needed. Don’t discount the importance of salt. I suggest at least ten pounds of iodized salt per person as a minimum.
5. Building an arsenal: I see this all the time. Many new survivalist spend thousands on weapons and related gear, yet have only a two-week supply food and no water filter. This is stupid. I love guns and gear as much as the next person – but I know food and water are more important to my survival. Sure; we need weapons to protect what we’ve put away, just don’t neglect the other stuff.
6. Relying on bugging out: I’m not a fan of the “grab a bug out bag and head for the hills survival strategy”. In most cases you’re better off staying where you are. Having a bug out bag is a good idea, just don’t make bugging out your only plan or first priority.
7. To much stuff not enough skill: Many new survivalist believe they can be saved though buying. This fantasy has been promoted by self-serving survival gurus for years to fill their pockets with cash. Sure supplies are useful and some are needed – just don’t become dependent on stuff instead develop your skills.
8. Storing only one type of food: More than a few new survivalist have made this mistake. I can’t remember exactly where I read it, I think it was on another survival blog – but the author suggested his readers store hundreds of pounds of wheat and nothing else. While wheat is the backbone of my food storage, storing only one type of food, no matter how versatile is foolish.
9. Not taking care of pet needs: Many new survivalist fail to consider the needs of their pets. If you have pets you must plan for their needs by laying back the necessary supplies to keep them fed and healthy.
With all the beans and cheese, you probably can produce your own source of energy as well; now if you can just learn how to harness it.
For water purification, there is something better than HTH out there now, it’s dichlor pool shock. 1/4 teaspoon, yes, I typed that correctly, will purify 55 gals.
http://www.ldsprep.org/WATER.doc
There’s a software program, Depiction, that helps organizations and individuals plan various escape routes. It uses numerous different types of maps and anticipates events such as floods, road closures, etc. www.depiction.com, and they’re having a free Webinar on the 22nd, I believe.
” The other option is to have a couple of barrels of water stored in the basement. “
Good for short-term bare-survival - and, with a little bit of preparation, you can devise some kind of rainwater catchment and filtering system to replenish...
However, if you’re thinking long term, ya gotta be thinking in terms of agriculture and that means irrigation - and that means a substantial natural supply of water, and the means of retrieving it....
YMMV - I don’t claim to have any one-size-fits-all answers that will suit everyone - I can only share my thinking and my preparations (some of them, anyway) for my local conditions....
Great post! I thought about adding dried beans to my stores but then decided on canned beans. Yes, they take up more space but they are already hydrated. Water might be a premium and I don’t want to waste it on bean rehydration. Also, I added fully constituted soup for the same reason. Water is needed for condensed soup.
In “Little House on the Prairie,” their dog saved their lives more than once. I’m talking about the book series, not the TV show.
Note to self: buy extra ammo.
#12: Not keeping track of experiation dates. I have a list of items and exp. dates. When the time draws neer I will either use it myself or donate it. At that time I will also rotate in a fresh supply of that item.
It would be nice if they knew how to use the English language. I have a hard time taking any advice from someone who doesn’t get the concept of ‘plural’
Hand pump? Wind mill? Put them in storage until needed.
My well is 220 feet TBH. Can not hand pump. But my pool has about 3k in it and most of the local surface streams can be treated.
Actually, I have not looked at backup pumps recently. Something to do until quiting time.
Along with that, knowing what expiration dates are hard dates, and what “expiration dates” are on products just because the manufacturer wants you to buy more.
One word: Spreadsheet.
This will have all of your items along with a column for when they are to be replaced.
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Ask how she is going to fulfill the Great Commission when she’s struggling to feed herself and her family.
On the other hand, those who are prepared ahead of time will have the “extra” time to share the Gospel.
One morning years ago my parent’s well pump went out. My dad, being the man that he is, had an extra one on hand (don’t ask). Until he and my brother got everything in working order, mom tied a rope around a jar with a handle on it. We dipped water out of the well with it. It wasn’t easy or fast, but we had water.
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