Where to start?

[Bob]

Hello, Ive been reading about preparedness for about two years now. At first my prepardeness was more so weather related. The last two winters we been snowed in for a week or two I know that doesnt sound like much but it opened my eyes. I was prepared with food and fuel I wasnt one of those running to the store and stockijng up then. When the cost of fuel and food going up my focus has changed. So what is my next step. I have water for two weeks, food for a month, fuel for cooking and heat, and some basic hand tools. What area should I look at next? Im thinking small solar battery charger for weather radio, cell phone, ect. Thanks for any help

[protus]

water
shelter
more food
protection.
comms/intel- aka radios

use your snowed in experiances ,look back at what you needed,,what you wanted and what you think would make those snowed in days better.

[protus]

dbl tap.....

[Grand58742]

If you focus down on the four basics: food, water, shelter and security, you are pretty covered for most basic emergencies. I see you have food and water covered for the short term, but what about longer?

Food: One month is good, but you can always use more. Expand your stocks. Eat what you store and store what you eat.

Water: Two weeks is a good amount, but do you have the capability to produce more? I.E. a water filter? Along with that is storage. Can you store more if the need arises? No financial interest here, but JRH has several good water filters available on the links from this site.

Shelter: How well is your house prepared for other emergencies? I see winter weather changed your outlook, but what about the tornadoes that have been happening in that part of the world? Do you have a shelter or prepared place to go? Do you have an alternate means of shelter if you need it? A tent or some other form of temporary shelter that can be used?

Security: Missed this portion or maybe you omitted it for a reason. But you should be thinking along the security lines of firearms and self defensive capabilities. While Oklahoma is fairly tame from what I've read, there is always that chance of looters in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Having security means you have the capability to protect your family and property before law enforcement is able to respond.

Also along the lines of security is first aid. Take courses and have supplies on hand to deal with emergencies. By your location, you know emergency services will be swamped in the aftermath of a disaster. Assist them by being able to help yourself first with basic needs and get advanced care later.

Also, I don't know if you have a BOB or not, but that is always a wise investment. There will be times you may need to leave your house unexpectedly. A BOB can help you get by for several days if not longer. Three days should be the minimum for you (and your family?) to be able to bug out and head to a shelter or other prepared location.

Items to consider in no particular order if you don't have them already: first aid kit(s), vehicle maintenance, generator, sturdy clothing for winter and summer applications to include gloves and boots, chainsaw, increasing types and varieties of hand tools, ropes/tow straps for vehicles and probably a hundred little things that can help make life easier during an emergency.

But above all, have a plan to deal with likely emergencies in your part of the world. Plan on the best and worst case scenarios to include bugging out of your home and go from there. Proper planning is far more valuable than any gear alone can provide. Best to think out your plans now and limit the Murphy factors by thinking out everything.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

I try and do something weekly. I have a small budget so sometimes it's not much. I move around each week and do stuff in different areas. This week i may get something for weapons, medical kit or training. Next week it might be fire starting, food and a book and so on. I do a weekly e-mail to some of my brothers and sister here in Oklahoma to try and stay motivated. They are a good bunch with alot of knowledge though you almost have to drag it out of them sometimes:) Our weather here is something that must be prepared for between floods, tornados, snow/ice and droughts that are constantly happening. I concur with what the others have posted for sure. Food, water, shelter and something to protect it and yours. I also throw in training because as an instructor of several subjects I am stunned by skills and lack of by "experienced" folks. Welcome aboard once again, glad your here.

[Bob]

Thanks for all the great advice. Im going to inventory my food today and my tools. Ive got a "BOB" and three places to bug out too. With maps for alternative routes. Security is a main concern Im lacking in firearms only one 12g and a case of shells ranging from bird shot to "00" buck. Plan on working on that. Im adding to my food supply everytime I go to the store, even if it is only a few new can goods each time. Going to also add to water supply today. Hardest part is there is so much to do and where to start, Im going to look at it from the best and worst case scenarios and see what Im lacking and would need the most. Thanks again. One big question. Would you prepare for economic brake down or natural disaster? Im thinking natural disaster first.
Another subject I'm going to look at building some asset food, plants the produce multiple fruits and vegetables (apple trees and tomatoes) animals like chickhens and rabbits (meat and eggs) Thinking about working on a rabbit hutch would like to have chickhen coop but live in town and it is against the law. May build it and have it ready to go have a buddy that I can get chickhens from when everything hits the fan.
My plan is to live life like it isnt going to happen but prepare for it to happen.
Again thanks for the help and looking forward to input.
Bob

[jimmydiablo]

Welcome to the forum. Like you I am getting one or two items weekly, my dilemma us I have wife and 3 kids so that much mire to store, don't forget hygene and toiletries for your supply.

[Klayton]

Don't forget the little things!!

Today wife and me went to a library book sale, loaded up on over 100 books for less than $60.
When the lights go out, there will be no more re-runs to watch. **wink**
Time to dust off your personal library and starting reading some good books again. :)

[barfife]

Keep in mind all the valuable training and medical manuals available on this and other sites for free. My suggestion is to make a couple on a zip drive and put one in every B.O.B. and also print out a hard copy for your home library. If we have no electricity, those "hard copies" would be worth their weight in gold.

Also remember that when you learn a new skill set, share it with another family member or neighbor. The more each team (family) member knows, the better your group will become. YMMV