Prepping & World Conflicts

Does it seem like we are heading closer to world war 3 these days? It does to me. In this week’s show Lisa and I talked about prepping & World conflicts, and how it seems like all the pieces are being set in place for a major change.

During World War 2 there were the Axis and Allies, and today it seems like seems like everyone is picking sides in the same way. What is also alarming is that no one seems to see the writing on the wall. Just about everyone who lived during World War 2 are gone, and people these days have no idea about what could actually happen.

We have been lucky enough to live without a conflict like this that affects us right here at home like WW2 did. We have had Korea and Vietnam, but when Americans think about war, it’s just something they see on T.V before going about their day.

SPP172 Prepping & World Conflicts

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War Has Changed

Back in the 40’s cutting off supply lines meant roads and territory, these days it means the internet and cyber security. While we still need boots on the ground, much more can be done to weaken a target before it even comes to that.

In the show we talked about what the timeline might look like if something like this were to happen. On the surface it looks like it would be cyber warfare, leading to military conflicts, leading to nuclear war.

It could also be something that happens overseas that pulls us into the fight, forcing our hand. With unstable countries like North Korea and Iran, it wouldn’t surprise me if something started off because of a nuclear strike, rather than ending with one.

We have had the luxury of being far enough away from our enemies that the closest they could get to us is Pearl Harbor. Those days are gone, and it’s only a matter of time before something happens right in our backyard.

Cutting off critical infrastructure in the United States is easier than ever before, and while Russia is ramping up their nuclear arsenal, we are doing nothing. As a matter of fact, we are going in reverse and dismantling our military.

Americas Top 10 Fears

Before I get into what my main concerns are when it comes to prepping, I found this list that is quite telling when it comes to why prepping is becoming more mainstream. Just about everything on this list is why each of us feel like preparedness is so important.

• Corruption of government officials (same top fear as 2015) — 60.6%
• Terrorist attacks — 41%
• Not having enough money for the future — 39.9%
• Being a victim of terror — 38.5%
• Government restrictions on firearms and ammunition — 38.5%
• People I love dying — 38.1%
• Economic or financial collapse — 37.5%
• Identity theft — 37.1%
• People I love becoming seriously ill — 35.9%
• The Affordable Health Care Act/”Obamacare” — 35.5%

How to Prepare (My Top Concerns)

In the show we talked about what our main concerns are when it comes to preparing. While I think it’s important to be prepared if a nuclear strike happens, I think we need to prepare for the hard times that might come before that.

It’s possible that these conflicts start overseas, and could affect our economy and our daily lives in a way that doesn’t involve military conflict for most Americans. This could include a grid failure and critical infrastructure caused by an EMP, job losses and hyperinflation.

Food Storage: This continues to be on the top of my list because this is something people will be fighting for on a daily basis if there is none…or very little. This can be done fairly easily, and be done over a short period of time.

There are a few options when it comes to food storage. Purchasing a few extra canned goods each week is a good way to build up your food storage, and purchasing dehydrated food is a great option because of convenience (storage) and shelf life.

Water Storage: While it’s possible that if we are looking at something that causes our economy to tank we would still have water and an electrical grid, there is still the possibility that water would become a concern.

In my opinion knowing where to find water, and knowing how to clean water is more important than storing water. While water storage is important, it is almost impossible for most Americans to store enough to last for an extended period of time.

Fuel Storage: Fuel storage is important for many reasons, and also a challenge for most people. Depending on the scenario we still might be able to use our generator, drive to get water or supplies, or offer help to our community.

Fuel storage is not just gasoline, fuel storage includes fuel for cooking and fuel for heating our homes. Wood, Kerosene and propane all need to be considered depending on our personal situation.

Grid Down: With our electrical grid the way it is, and with our dependence on technology, preparing for a grid down event is always a priority. We need to have alternative plans to communicate with our family, and alternative ways to light and heat the house.

Even if the grid doesn’t go down, if the economy tanks and you lose your job, you might not be able to pay the electric bill. Having alternative is very important, even if it’s only for a short period of time.

Security: Regardless what the situation is, security is something we always need to be vigilant about. Even if it’s just an economic crisis, crime will still be on the rise. The last thing we want it to build up our food storage only to have it stolen from us.

This also includes personal security. If someone comes to take what we have, the odds are they won’t care if we are home or not. Most people will not care that you took the time to prepare. They will feel entitled to what you have because “it’s only fair.”

Investing: We are going to go into more detail next week about investing in gold and silver, but it’s important to get our finances in line (as much as possible) while we can. There is no way to tell how useful having gold and silver will be in a post collapse society, but the odds are it will be.

Bartering: Bartering supplies is sometime overlook by preppers because there is just so much we need to do for ourselves first. With that being said, bartering supplies could be the difference between you getting what you need, or having to go without.

Having bartering supplies could also help you to be seen as the “good guy.” If you are able to help other people, you might be able to create needed alliances. Keep in mind, there is another side of this coin that makes you a target.

In Closing…

As I look back on what I have written I see that not much has changed when it comes to how I am preparing. What has changed is my heightened sense that something is just over the horizon, and now is the time to take care of the loose ends.