I just finished reading a novel about the aftermath of an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) attack, and it has me thinking about survivalist issues.
As an urban-dwelling minimalist, let’s just say I’d be up the creek if the SHTF. I have three days of food and water at best, and nothing to speak of in terms of tools or other supplies. (I’m certainly not bragging about this, and in fact am a little embarrassed to admit it.)
Although I know it’s prudent, every fiber of my being is against the notion of stocking up. However, I think when it comes to emergency preparedness, I’ll have to fight against my minimalist instincts. Although my city isn’t prone to natural disasters, terrorism and pandemic diseases are a concern.
But here’s my dilemma: I would imagine if a BIG catastrophic event occurred, a period of lawlessness would follow. (In the book, roving gangs of looters ransacked the houses of those who were “prepared.”) I’ll likely never own a gun, and certainly wouldn’t be able to shoot someone stealing from my vegetable garden or pantry. Therefore, even if I did have adequate supplies, I would fail miserably at “defending” my property.
I’d be more inclined to strap on a backpack, get out of Dodge, and hope for the best. To that end, I should probably be learning how to boil chickweed, purify water, hunt small game, and catch and clean fish (none of which are likely to happen, either).
In general, my philosophy is to take each day as it comes, and not worry about the future. What will be, will be. However, I’m starting to wonder if that attitude is too irresponsible in this context.
At this point, I think my best option is to befriend someone who lives on a defendable, self-sufficient property, or knows how to survive in the wild. So if any such person reads this blog, and would like to see it continue after a worldwide meltdown, please consider taking me in. Living within walking distance of London would be a big plus. I’ll organize your closets, and dispense inspirational minimalist quotes, in exchange for food and shelter. ;-)
I’d love to know how everyone else plans for potential emergencies. Have you stocked up on food, water, and supplies? Can you be self-sufficient if necessary? Or would you hit the road, and put your fate in the hands of Providence?
On another note: I’ve run out of Real Life Minimalists! Would anyone like to be featured on Monday?
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First keep it simple.I have nowhere to bug out.do have enought food and water on hand for a week.Live in florida.So storms are a problem.Electric power can be down for weeks.Our emergency camp stove keeps us in hot canned food.Cards and board games,puzzles,books to pass time.Handcrank radio and flashlight.Battery lanterns,candles for light.We get by pinic supplies to save Eberwater.Dishwater to flush toliet Car charger for call phones.
I have been thinking a lot about this lately. I am also an aspiring minimalist. I figure survival and minimalism are not mutually exclusive. I am working on my 3 day Bug Out Bag, which would be as minimal as possible, while still covering essentials. Food (most likely meal bars), water, matches, tarp/blanket for shelter, change of clothes/shoes appropriate to season, important papers, first aid items/sanitation/prescription medication, mini crank flashlight/radio/cellphone charger, cell phone , sentimental pictures/portable usb, multi tool, metal cup, cash and jewelry). This would all fit in a light weight back pack. Each member of the family should have one with appropriate items ( special toy for kids, medication for those who need them, pet items, ect). I have also been stocking my pantry in case of emergency, most likely natural disaster or extended power outage. The way I figure it, there are levels of preparation: 1. A basic personal survival kit .If you want to go really minimal, a book of matches and essential medication might be all you need. That will cover heat and water purification, all you need is to find shelter, water and something to boil it in lol. If you want a bit more, feel free to add some things but make sure they fit in a pocket sized container. 2: 3 day Bug Out Bag (see my list above) 3: an evacuation kit consisting of camping gear/bucket of food/water and sentimental items which go in the car/bike trailer. In addition, an emergency kit for the car (if you have one) is a great idea. 4: longer term shelter in place items , such as alternative sources of light, heat and food ( including growing your own). So there you have it, immediate term, short term, longer term and extended term. I don’t worry too much about defense, our community has a history of helping each other out and if not, well, maybe it is just my time to go. Or I could add a big dog in addition to my 2 little ones lol. I am thinking the Bug Out Bag might be a good compromise for you, preparation and minimal at the same time. I want mine light weight in case I have to evacuate by walking or biking.
I think the best way to be survivalist with regard to minimalism is to take a survival class and/or read a bunch of those US army field manuals. Knowledge is inexhaustible, unlike even the most abundant emergency stockpiles. When the stockpile runs out all you have left is your mind and body. Basically prepare yourself by learning survival techniques (living off the land, etc.), learning armed/unarmed martial arts, staying fit and healthy, and maintaining communication with trustworthy people. Supplies are essential of course but can only last for so long.
I recommend CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) – a disaster preparedness organization funded by taxpayers. I believe there’s at least one in most major US cities, and it’s normally free. They even provide First Aid/CPR certifications.
As far as supplies, the most important things I would include are:
http://www.amazon.com/Emergency-Survival-Food-Supply-Meal/dp/B0029BE7AW
water, seeds, gold, contact info on paper, generator, knives, multi-purpose pocket tools
Where we used to live, we would have power outages and flooding every year. I kept water, peanut butter, crackers, granola bars, etc. For a few days. I grew up with a hoarder and would never hoard. Neighbors had storage freezers and the entire contents had to be eaten or thrown out so they wouldn’t go bad. We moved to a 4th floor condo, and I have never stocked up except a few gallons of water and an extra bag of cat food and cat litter. I do keep some canned beans but we eat them anyway.
We just saw the movie “the Martian” where he makes his food supply last longer by growing a crop on the Martian surface. They also show him losing weight over a period of time. Judging by how people act when they hear there will be a period of extreme cold weather, I have to think most people have no extra food at all. I plan to use up the food in my refrigerator and freezer first and then the canned and dried food I have.
I have a lot of canned and dried beans and oatmeal. Also rice and pasta. I am troubled by where the people eat lunch.