I have no idea what I am doing.

[sisi62]

Hello! I am here because I have no idea what I am doing but have this internal almost obssesive complusive need to all of the sudden gather information I have never been interested in before. I am a teacher and the one thing teaching has taught me is to never stop learning from those that know more than you. So here I am in South Florida (not of my choosing but for family emergency reasons). I am constantly "thinking" about how to get out of Florida in hurry and head home to NC. It is a thought that never leaves me. I think of swamps and alligators and snakes and instantly wish I knew how to fly a plane. But I have begun to do something about this "calling" as I call it. I am reading stuff I don't understand and becoming overwhelmed at what I must do first and second and third. I don't even know if I will recognize when it is time to get out but get out I must. My problem seems to be twofold, not only do I not know how to get out of here if the world goes beserk but I have two elderly parents that I could never leave behind. Fortuantely, my father taught me when I was younger how to handle a gun since he was a hunter but that is as far as my experience with outdoor adventure went. I am lost. I don't know where to begin. I look at map after map of trails and cannot seem to conect one from southern florida to the AT. Going all the way around to Alabama seems impractical not to mention probably not survivable for my aging parents. As I have taken countless children under my wing and taught them to read, I am hoping that someone here will do the same for me so that I do not feel so alone and don't have to question my sanity every five minutes. So, if there is someone out there who has a heart of gold, the necessary intelligence and would be satisfied with my eternal gratitude, I sure am hoping that you answer this post.

[Bearman202]

Don't sweat it. None of us are born knowing this stuff. You start at the beginning, and keep it simple. I started by getting a week's worth of everything I use in a normal week. That was over and above my normal stuff. Instead of buying one of everything, I bought two. If you come at this with the attitude that you have to have it RIGHT NOW, you're going to be overwhelmed, unless you have a LOT of money. As you go, you add things that you don't normally own, like MRE's or camping equipment. I buy those as funds allow. Usually, I keep my eyes open, and when I see a decent deal on something, I buy it. It's pretty rare that I go out with the intent of buying a specific thing. Hit the dollar stores and the thrift stores where you are. When you buy something, try it out. I can't emphasize that enough. There is a lot of stuff out there that proclaims to be the greatest ever, but unless you actually try it out, you won't know for sure if it's right for you.

Since your plan includes getting out of dodge, (G.O.O.D.) you need first to get a reliable vehicle that can go where you may need to go. I have a Toyota 4x4 with all-terrain tires. In the event of an EMP (Electro-Magnetic Pulse) from a nuke or a CME (Coronal Mass Ejection, a.k.a. solar flare) I don't know if it will still run, but it's the best I can do right now. Make sure it will carry what you need to carry, plus your parents and what they will need. It sounds like an extremely difficult task, but you can do it. Are your parents still mobile? It will make a huge difference.

The other thing to keep in mind is that people are exceptionally resilient beings. We have the ability to adapt to extremes. Because of that, don't let this stuff overwhelm you. Do what you can, persist, and pray for the best. i.e. don't get discouraged because you can't afford a $9,000 whole-house generator! <G> Keep reading, ask a LOT of questions, and persevere!

[monkeybird]

I was in your position about 2 years ago. I wanted to do everything at once. Well, that doesn't work. So, I prioritized. Food, Water, Protection. I spent a set amount of money each month and in two years I've accumulated a lot of necessary survival supplies. I also learned to accept my limitations. I will never have a spread like James Wesly Rawles the Survival Blog guy. It is beyond my financial means, as well as my knowledge base.

I learned a lot from various forums and YouTube. If you watch all the Lowdown's and Protus's videos. They were excellent for the novice and the experienced prepper. Watch them.

[EX121]

I would add ask yourself questions, such as why do I need to go to NC? Where in NC? Then ask, what mode of transportation, when, how long to take & etc? Then as far as learning skills & acquiring stuff ask "What do I need first & how can I get there? Write out a plan. Get input from your parents? Good Luck & hang in there it's a long journey.

[Lowdown3]

Very well said MB.

Welcome to the forums, we are glad your here.

Their IS time to prepare, the question has always been and will always remain- what will people do with that time?

[Matt In Oklahoma]

I can't help you with your navigation process. Perhaps one of them Floridians there can. One of the reasons is them "trails" you speak of are subject not be there do to water. I will leave that to someone more qualified and geographically able. However on the rest perhaps I can help, I will try by telling you what I do:

I have a 2inch binder. In it I have a packing list of items needed and a step by step instructions list on what to do in events such as snowstorm, earthquake, firestorm, all out bugout etc. On each list I have things such as papers, prescriptions, food, water etc. IE:This way my family won't be trying to load a 55gl barrel when I yell at them to load the water in the truck, it tells them, or reminds me to yell, to load just the 5gl cans in the bathroom closet.

You need to make one for each reason you might leave Florida such as an all out bugout, hurricane, fire etc. Make your list to include specialty items for your parents such as medical needs. special foods etc.

You will need to sit down, think, plan then organize. This will make you stronger and confident. Practing a load up and movement later will make you capable and a pillar of strength when you will be needed.
This selfmade instruction manual will help keep you calmer and get you thru the OODA loop quicker. OODA is Observe (I see a problem) Orient (I can do this or this to help myself) Decide (make your desicion of what needs to be done) Act (follow your plan but understand plans are flexible and may change as the situation develops).

Be calm, be strong, pray, prioritize and act methodically as you would with any other complex task. There is much work to be done however we all eat out steaks one bite at a time. Ask questions on here with each issue you encounter. These are good folks who are always willing to share their knowledge and offer suggestions. Be proud that you have reconized the calling and reached out for the help you desire and no longer follow the flock of sheeple.

[jmsneorrcom]

I am new to prepping too. imho it is only common sense to at least prepare for natural disasters that could happen in your area.
from past examples of disasters IE Katrina, the thought of having 3 days stock of food and water is no longer valid. you throw in the lawlessness that occured and you have another disaster too. I am aiming to have at first 3 weeks of water on hand. it is recommended you have at least 1 gallon a day for consumption or 3 gallons for very hot areas. I store mine in resilense 7 gallon containers that I buy at Wal-mart for about 10 dollars each. I fill it with tap water and rotate it every 6 months to keep fresh. if you cant afford that 2 litter pop bottles cleaned out will work also. just keep in mind that water weights 8 pounds per gallon so dont make your containers too big that you cant move them if you need too
we are working on storing 3 months of food on hand. we are buying long term canned food such as DAK meat, spam and dinty moore products and others that seem like they have a good shelve life and are easy to prepare. some MREs as well
from there we will increase the amount of food and water storage with food buckts. It is overwhelming at first so I think it makes it easier to try to have small goals to at least get started and it does get easier after that.
James Rawles book "surviving the end of the world as we know it" has very good information and philosophys in it. I would recommend for you to read it.

[biathlon]

No need to beg or apologize here Sis. These folks are superb and we all will be more than glad to help any way we can. Do your folks need medications? Are you equipped to keep everyone outdoors for awhile? Exposure will harm you faster than dehydration or hunger. Have you looked at the water issues addressed here? If you need to ex-fil the area of operations you're in now I hope you have all the fuel you'll need to get where you're headed.

[Gwynmael]

Sisi - 1st things 1st - you have to remember to breathe. :-)

I'm a newbie myself and lurked here and other places for months. It's normal to become frantic and your head in a whirlwind when you first wake up. Breathe, pick a small task, and get started. Just like the kindergarten joke - how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Picking a small task and getting that completed will give you a sense of accomplishment and help ground you a little.

If you're a list-maker like me, get a 3ring binder, spiral, comp book, whatever you like best and start writing as things pop in your head. Remember, this is just to get it out of your brain and written down. You can come back later and rewrite and organize and CHECK STUFF OFF! :-) Eventually you'll probably end up with multiple 3ring binders, tons of dividers, and a system that works for YOU.

A priority I would recommend for you, after water, is stocking up (getting backups) of any medications or special foods your parents need. This can take a while, but even having an extra month's supply will help. A good starting point would be writing down all their doctors' contact info, insurance info, what their meds are for, dosage instructions, and when they're due to be refilled. I know there's more info out "there" on this, but I'm pretty sure you can refill 3 month scrips at like 2 1/2 months. If you stick to refilling as early as possible (and as early as you can afford) your stock will add up faster than you realize.

Again, remember to breathe and pray. Once you can see you've made even small headway, the frantic/OCD feelings will ease. Exercise helps me alot when I get to feeling frantic about something, I just make sure my ipod is charged to listen too - otherwise its just more time for brain to run off without me. :-)

[Tofu]

Welcome Sisi! I think I can answer one of your questions. Before I got into my current occupation I was a flight instructor. 9-11-01 taught us that in case of emergency the first thing the feds are going to do is shut down the airspace. So flying is not going to be very practical. Now if you're wanting to spend some time and money learning a new skill, I might suggest learning how to sail. Would never suggest doing anything illegal, but if it hits and you find yourself able to acquire a sailboat all of the sudden you've got an escape plan that doesn't involve aligators or walking dangerous trails.

But like everyone else here is saying the best thing to do is breathe. Prioritize your list. Do what you can, when you can. Who knows, you might find a way to get back up to North Carolina while we still have time. Just know you are not alone, and we will survive togehter. Keep the your chin and faith up.

T

[arcangel911]

Hello Sisi-

As a former southern floridian and now a north westerner Florida resident, I would have to say that if you can sail or get a ocean kayak with a sail, and stay close to shore, you may have some abilities there. If I may be so bold, what is in NC and also, how many people are you planning on moving with you?

[protus]

AGHHHH the END IS HERE AGGHhhhhhh

scream that once as loud as you can ( in sound proof room helps) LOL ..now that its out of the system.... you can go from there.

1st.

welcome to the forums!!! I hope you find the answers to any question you have ...if not ask and we will help.


Now. MB said it well.


The one thing to remember is that if you spaz out,get over whelmed youll burn out. Then you wont complete any prep related goals.

Concentrate on what you need.
food
water
shelter
protection( self defense)

dont fall for quick easy gimmicks or the need to rush into things.

So many folks get into the

"time is short,,,i dont have time.... i need it now......"

type of mindset.
dont fall into it its a hole that is hard to dig out of once your in it.

make goals and stick to them.....
(example)

3 days of food
then 3 weeks,,,,3 months.....6 months......... build....learn, test yourself and the skills you learn.

[sisi62]

Don't sweat it. None of us are born knowing this stuff. You start at the beginning, and keep it simple. I started by getting a week's worth of everything I use in a normal week. That was over and above my normal stuff. Instead of buying one of everything, I bought two. If you come at this with the attitude that you have to have it RIGHT NOW, you're going to be overwhelmed, unless you have a LOT of money. As you go, you add things that you don't normally own, like MRE's or camping equipment. I buy those as funds allow. Usually, I keep my eyes open, and when I see a decent deal on something, I buy it. It's pretty rare that I go out with the intent of buying a specific thing. Hit the dollar stores and the thrift stores where you are. When you buy something, try it out. I can't emphasize that enough. There is a lot of stuff out there that proclaims to be the greatest ever, but unless you actually try it out, you won't know for sure if it's right for you.

Since your plan includes getting out of dodge, (G.O.O.D.) you need first to get a reliable vehicle that can go where you may need to go. I have a Toyota 4x4 with all-terrain tires. In the event of an EMP (Electro-Magnetic Pulse) from a nuke or a CME (Coronal Mass Ejection, a.k.a. solar flare) I don't know if it will still run, but it's the best I can do right now. Make sure it will carry what you need to carry, plus your parents and what they will need. It sounds like an extremely difficult task, but you can do it. Are your parents still mobile? It will make a huge difference.

The other thing to keep in mind is that people are exceptionally resilient beings. We have the ability to adapt to extremes. Because of that, don't let this stuff overwhelm you. Do what you can, persist, and pray for the best. i.e. don't get discouraged because you can't afford a $9,000 whole-house generator! <G> Keep reading, ask a LOT of questions, and persevere!

I am overwhelemed with the response! I cannot begin to tell you how relieved I am. I have begun to buy things like solar powered radios and flashlights, 5 gallon water containers, and books on survival. I have one ally, which is my nephew who is 21 but everyone else thinks I am nuts but that is OK cause I'm used to that. I know I have to go slow and buy things slowly as my pocket allows but my biggest problem is getting out of Florida and recognizing when to do it so I am not stuck with all the crazies (and believe me they have all gathered here in South Florida even on a good day). It's funny you should mention the $9000 solar powered generator since I have to admit was my first thought. But, that quicky changed. Thank you for making me feel like I AM DOING the right thing and I AM NOT INSANE.

[sisi62]

I am overwhelmed with the response! Maybe I am not INSANE after all. I have begun gathering things. I started with 5 gallon containers, and solar powered "anthing that makes sense". I think that your idea of buing two of everything is a great idea and I will begin to do this and you are right, I have to try this stuff out because It is better to know now what works and what doesn't. I had to laugh at your $9000 whole house generator idea since, I have to admit, was my very first thought. Obviously, I moved on to the second thought which was to start doing something. I have bought survival books which I am reading but I know that I should find a class somewhere so that I can feel prepared. Thank you for taking the time to help me. My gratitude is endless.

[sisi62]

I will watch those videos! Thanks for your help. I know I need to go slow but I also know that I have to begin. And you are right, the urge to do everything at once in overwhelming but not practical. I have to go where my pocket takes me. Thanks for your help. I am truly grateful!