Tracking the next pandemic: Avian Flu Talk |
Barter & Trade Items... |
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inthesticks
Adviser Group Joined: December 18 2007 Location: Arkansas -- US Status: Offline Points: 3284 |
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Posted: December 18 2007 at 4:51am |
There is a lot of information about Prep items. What about items that can be used for bartering/trading? If some national calamity takes place which forces the breakdown of government and society...bartering will be very useful.
Does anyone have an idea of good stuff to stockpile, which can be used to barter? I imagine these sort of lists would be similar to Prep lists, but I would like to get other people's views.
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Lone Wolf
Valued Member Joined: October 28 2007 Status: Offline Points: 253 |
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Imported items - (coffee, sugar, ect). If the pipelines go down, pipelines from other countries will take much longer to come back. Then there are vises like cigarettes and alcohol.
Also if you could pickup some cheap hand guns, those people that don't believe in them could change their mind (but that could be tricky).
I believe even cheap food would be a good barter, there are so many people unprepared.
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coyote
Admin Group Joined: April 25 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 8395 |
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Lots of TP for when tshtf..
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Long time lurker since day one to Member.
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jacksdad
Executive Admin Joined: September 08 2007 Location: San Diego Status: Offline Points: 47251 |
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Toilet paper, face masks, OTC medications, hand cleanser, latex/nitrile gloves.
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Rockhound
Valued Member Joined: April 17 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 150 |
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any consumable will always be indemand, and a good barter item. guns , ammo,toothpast,anything you need and use now will be demand latter if TSHtF
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Will you let everbody in your house?
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Rockhound
Valued Member Joined: April 17 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 150 |
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Knowledge will be in the most demand , doc , nurse, macanic, carpenter, farmer,scientist,
and of course pandemic flu forum folks lol |
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Will you let everbody in your house?
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johngardner1
Valued Member Joined: August 20 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 678 |
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Batteries, equipment, medical equipment/supplies. Medicine in general. Tamiflu, Relenza, expect stores to empty out within hours.
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I am not a prophet
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diego
Valued Member Location: Michigan Joined: June 16 2006 Status: Offline Points: 121 |
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barter was done years ago with smallpox infected blankets, today it's bird flu. contact with others will be like playing Russian roulette. don't gamble with the lives of the little ones.
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prprd1
advanced Member Joined: March 13 2006 Status: Offline Points: 28 |
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I have seen a list of the first 100 thing to disappear during a disaster (originally post to the net by amber satterwhite aka the oiled lamp) Unfortunatly, I can not locate at the moment. However, My advise is to locate that list it has good info as well as what has been presented in this thread and then think outside the box! Because that is what everyone else will be trying to barter with ( I don't see the point of trading nails for nails or ammo for ammo) If you have enough stocked for you and your family. you should be good. Skills are your best option! imho
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bullets and water!
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prprd1
advanced Member Joined: March 13 2006 Status: Offline Points: 28 |
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Found it!!!
The 100 Items That Will Disappear First In The Potential Collapse (but not necessarily in the order of their disappearance) #1. Generators; good ones cost dearly; gas storage is risky; noisy; target of thieves; maintenance, etc.) #2. Water filters, purifiers #3. Portable toilets #4. Seasoned firewood #5. Lamp oil, wicks, lamps #6. All types of fuel; Coleman, propane, gasoline, kerosene, diesel. #7. Guns, ammunition, pepper spray, knives, clubs, bats & slingshots #8. Hand-can openers & hand egg beaters, whisks #9. Honey, syrups, white, brown sugars #10. Rice, beans #11. Vegetable oil #12. Charcoal & lighter fluid #13. Water containers #14. Mini heater head (Propane) #15. Grain grinder (non-electric) #16. Small propane cylinders and the adapter to refill them from the larger size #17. Goats, chickens, pigeons, ducks, rabbits, milk cows #18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. #19. Baby supplies, diapers, formula, ointments, aspirin, etc #20. Washboards, mop Bucket w/wringer (for laundry) #21. Cook stoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene) #22. Vitamins (Critical, due to forced daily canned food diets.) #23. Propane cylinder Handle-Holder. Small canister use is dangerous without this item. #24. Feminine hygiene, hair care, skin products #25. Thermal underwear, tops and bottoms #26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets & wedges #27. Aluminum foil reg. & heavy duty #28. Gasoline containers (plastic or metal) #29. Garbage bags (impossible to have too many.) #30. Toilet paper, Kleenex, paper towels #31. Milk -powdered & condensed (Shake liquid every 3 to 4 months.) #32. Garden seeds (non-hybrid A MUST) #33. Clothes pins, line, hangers #34. Coleman's pump Repair Kit: #35. Tuna fish (in oil is preferable over water) #36. Fire extinguishers (or. a large box of baking soda in every room...) #37. First aid kits #38. Batteries (all sizes, buy furthest-out for expiration dates) #39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies #40. BIG dogs (and plenty of dog food) #41. Flour, yeast & salt #42. Matches "Strike Anywhere" preferred. Boxed, wooden matches will go first. #43. Writing paper, pads, pens, pencils, solar calculators #44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in wintertime) #45. Work boots, belts, Levis & durable shirts #46. Flashlights, light sticks & torches #47. Journals, diaries & scrapbooks (Jot down ideas, feelings, experiences: Historic times!) #48. Garbage cans, plastic (great for storage, water, transporting - if with wheels) #49. Men's Hygiene: Shampoo, toothbrush/paste, mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc #50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient) #51. Fishing supplies, tools #52. Mosquito coils, repellent sprays/creams #53. Duct tape and WD40 (if it moves, and it is not supposed to, use the duct tape, if it doesn’t move, and it is supposed to, use the WD40) #54. Tarps, stakes, line #55. Candles #56. Laundry detergent (Liquid) #57. Backpacks & duffle bags #58. Garden tools & supplies #59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies #60. Canned fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc. #61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) #62. Canning supplies (Jars/lids/rings/wax) #63. Knives & sharpening tools: files, stones, steel, oil #64. Bicycles, tires, tubes, pumps, chains, etc. #65. Sleeping bags & blankets, pillows, mats #66. Carbon monoxide alarm (battery powered) #67. Board games cards, dice #68. Rat poison, roach killer #69. Mousetraps, ant traps & cockroach magnets #70. Paper plates/cups/utensils #71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & anti-bacterial soap #72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc. #73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave) #74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels) #75. Soy sauce, vinegar, bouillons, gravy, soup base #76. Reading glasses #77. Chocolate, Cocoa, Tang, Punch (water enhancers) #78 Lanterns, Coleman, kerosene #79. Woolen clothing, scarves earmuffs, mittens #80. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs #81. Gloves, work, warming, gardening and etc. #82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, trail mix, jerky #83. Popcorn, peanut butter, nuts #84. Socks, underwear, t-shirts, etc. (extras) #85. Lumber (all types) #86. Wagons & carts (for transport to & from open flea markets) #87. Cots & inflatable mattresses (for extra guests) #88. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing) #89. Wire of all types, bailing, fencing, (barbed and smooth), electrical #90. Screen patches, glue, nails, #91. Teas #92. Coffee #93. Cigarettes #94. Wine, liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc.) #95. Candies of all kinds #96. Screws, nuts & bolts #97. Chewing gum #98. Any type of food not listed above #99. All kinds of pharmaceutical supplies #100. Nails, string, twine, rope, spikes |
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bullets and water!
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PandemicsHappen
Valued Member Joined: December 11 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 183 |
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prprd1,
Thank you. I lost my copy too. |
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prprd1
advanced Member Joined: March 13 2006 Status: Offline Points: 28 |
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Paramedicshappen,
Your welcome. |
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bullets and water!
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hachiban08
Senior Moderator Joined: December 06 2007 Location: California, USA Status: Offline Points: 15627 |
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is it safe to try and trade and barter or share?
i know this from a fact that if you try to share stuff w/ someone and ask them not to tell anyone else and they say they wont, then you give them something and someone says where did u get it from and they single you out. that has happened to me b4, usually w/ candy or food, so now it makes me not want to trust people as much because of that because in an emergency crisis, that singling out could get dangerous. |
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Be prepared! It may be time....^_^v
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hachiban08
Senior Moderator Joined: December 06 2007 Location: California, USA Status: Offline Points: 15627 |
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awww..that smilie looks mean, not the type i was going for...
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Be prepared! It may be time....^_^v
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PandemicsHappen
Valued Member Joined: December 11 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 183 |
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Hachican08,
Daily life during and after a pandemic is part fact from past events (1918) and part prediction due to the complexity of life in soon to be 2008. For example, in a worst-case senario 50% of the population is affected by human avian influenza. Two thirds of those 50% will be very sick. The 'waves' of illness come and go in 3 month cycles for a couple of years. The people not affected in one wave may be affected in the next. Now think of a severe snow storm, hurricane, or other situation where the power may be off and many people don't go to work for a few days. We don't see much of an impact since we bounce back due to the limited impact of a couple of days without services, food in the stores or gas in the tanks. This type of limited impact is what most people think of when the discussion is of pandemics. However, this limited impact won't be the case unless we are lucky when the avian influenza virus mutates to a form that is easily transmissible from person to person and will be in a form that causes mild flu symptoms versus severe cytokine storm symptoms. If 50% of the workers are abscent for weeks at a time or have died, this will affect all companies. The people who work at banks, people who fix electric outages, people who drive the trucks, people who work at hospitals, etc. etc. The federal and state government won't be able to come to the rescue of the 100's or 1000's of cities and town that are dealing with the same problem. How will people respond? Who knows? This issue is so different from anything we've dealt with before there is really no way to know what will happen. Will the country work together like the Pilgrims did in 1620 when they landed on Cape Cod? Will they work together like the family farmers of early America? One thing that will be needed is some group to take the lead and get us through the tough times. The government may not be in a recognizable form. What's your prediction of how we will respond? |
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johngardner1
Valued Member Joined: August 20 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 678 |
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Govt has been working to make sure banks and financial institutions function.
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I am not a prophet
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hachiban08
Senior Moderator Joined: December 06 2007 Location: California, USA Status: Offline Points: 15627 |
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I feel like once the pandemic strikes, as in the y2k times, people will be in mass panic and that some fearmongering will go on. also those that are prepared may have to fight off intruders trying to get their rations..then govt will send out troop to have drive-thru rations. That seems kinda like a scarist point of view but i feel like that might happen. oh but i do have a question... Ok, say the pandemic happend during the school year, since im a senior, would that mean that i wouldnt graduate? would everyone be held back?=[
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Be prepared! It may be time....^_^v
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flowerchild
V.I.P. Member Joined: March 04 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 134 |
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No you would get credit for what you have already done. The semester should end in a couple of weeks. You may just have to repeat the next semester (if it starts between Jan. to June.) But the graduation program should be cancelled. Can you imagine all those people? I don't think in many towns it would be, it's too symbolic, and many towns will be in denial. I also face this problem, my son is a senior this year, also.
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hachiban08
Senior Moderator Joined: December 06 2007 Location: California, USA Status: Offline Points: 15627 |
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yes, my semester is from jan- june.
so they'd cancel graduation as a safety issue or as an emotional issue or both? what part of the u.s. do you live in? im from California |
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Be prepared! It may be time....^_^v
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johngardner1
Valued Member Joined: August 20 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 678 |
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Given govt blackout, I am no longer a proponent that despite our prepping we will survive automatically. We won't know what's going on until we see incontravertible evidence in our physical environment, such as large numbers of ill and dead. Remember, I told you about the man who died. Nobody knew he was dead for a week and how they found out I don't know. People are going to die for the most part peacefully in their homes.
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I am not a prophet
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johngardner1
Valued Member Joined: August 20 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 678 |
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However, emergencies happen and it's smart to prep regardless of whether we are successful at surviving BF. I took prepping to heart after Katrina. Pandemic is one of only a few possible disasters, like massive fires in cities, or earthquakes. Or even volcanos, I was 10 years old in May 18 1980 when St. Helens blew. Seattle didn't get any ash, it went the other direction. But I don't think anyone here is responsible if they state that without a doubt we'll survive BF, since our survival depends on our ability to know that pandemic is occurring so we can isolate ourselves.
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I am not a prophet
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flowerchild
V.I.P. Member Joined: March 04 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 134 |
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Hachiban08, sorry I meant to say it might be cancelled if bf has already started here. I have a feeling they would keep the ceremonies, because like in 1918 they had parades to keep up appearances. But, my son has talked to several teachers about bf. One even gave me a couple of books I didn't have about it. Those teachers have talked to others. The ripple effect will be, that I believe those teachers won't show up when it hits here. School will have to close if a certain amount of teachers are gone (it's the law). It started when I encouraged him to give his assigned speeches on BF, when he could choose the topics. It was slow and took a couple of years, but it worked. Even if our school district doesn't have a plan, at least some of our teachers are well informed with facts about it.
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inthesticks
Adviser Group Joined: December 18 2007 Location: Arkansas -- US Status: Offline Points: 3284 |
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I would think that if a pandemic of any sort were to strike the nation, it woiuld probably be similar to the events portrayed in Stephen King's "The Stand". With uncontrolled flu cases showing up nationwide, police/medical/govt. authorities won't be able to control the spread. This, of course, then leads to mass panic, looting and riots, and eventual economic collapse.
Another scenario is depicted in the book "Lucifer's Hammer", about a large comet which strikes Earth. The consequences are devastaing to say the least, and the book describes how certain American survivors learn to survive the aftermath. Some scary reading, as govt. ceases to exist, and survivors band together to protect themselves and try to make a living.
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Suzi
Admin Group Joined: September 02 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2769 |
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I've read Hammer. I remember how the senator had his men stand out on the road to meet the refugees coming to the senator for help. One guy would stand close to the entrance to the estate and meet the folks. Another would be concealed in the woods with a high-powered rifle. As the people would approach the first guy would listen to any news they had to tell then basically tell them the senator could not help them and to move on. If for any reason he felt threatened he would raise his arms as in surrender. This was the signal for the guy in the woods to shoot. Larry Niven is one of the best.
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quietprepr
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That definitely sounds like the worst case scenario.
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"Learning is not compulsory... neither is survival." - W. Edwards Deming
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hachiban08
Senior Moderator Joined: December 06 2007 Location: California, USA Status: Offline Points: 15627 |
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yep does sound like a WCS. some people may be more panicy with the adrinaline pumping.
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Be prepared! It may be time....^_^v
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newprepper
Valued Member Joined: August 08 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 31 |
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The barter item I'm storing is salt. It's so cheap but when all danger is over it will be one item that might not be available and people need salt. Even animals in the jungle go for miles looking for a salt lick.
Another item is of course, rice. I don't even like it but it's cheap and filling. |
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hachiban08
Senior Moderator Joined: December 06 2007 Location: California, USA Status: Offline Points: 15627 |
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i love rice hehe its a staple in japan^_^
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Be prepared! It may be time....^_^v
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johngardner1
Valued Member Joined: August 20 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 678 |
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Gasoline is virtually as valuable as food in my opinion. Can't flee the cities and the monsters that are left after pandemic without gas.
If you encounter gas stores still open, if abandoned after pandemic, to open the till without a cash transaction all you need to do is hit subtotal, then total, and it will open the till. I've at a time worked at a gas station. The buttons to select which pump number was on the top, you hit the right button, then enter in the dollar amount, hit subtotal, then total, and the till thinks yuo paid for it in cash. That saves money in your electronic bank account for later emergencies. Make sure you steal what cash you find in the till too. This is what's smart though - instead of just 20 or 30 from the till, put in 10k, then instead of putting the pump back into the slot and terminating the transaction, leave it lying on the ground with the lever still flipped up, and you'll be able to drain gas from that pump until the dollar amount has expired. 10k of gas should last you for over a year. I fear gas will eventually crystallize and be useless in the tanks after two or three years. |
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I am not a prophet
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jacksdad
Executive Admin Joined: September 08 2007 Location: San Diego Status: Offline Points: 47251 |
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I hear you - chowing down on a big plate of rice and vegetable curry as I type. Couldn't imagine being without it, which might explain why I have about 150 lbs stored away. Barter item? Not sure I'd want to part with any until I was sure there was going to more in the stores. Most of the rice I eat comes from abroad (India usually - I love basmati rice) so I expect it to be very scarce for a long time. In fact, maybe I should buy more... |
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johngardner1
Valued Member Joined: August 20 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 678 |
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Also, remove the cash tray from the till, because that's where they store large bills 20 dollars and bigger. Other thieves might not remember this and you can score cash.
Cash is going to be slightly worthless in the upcoming months and years of after-pandemic, but it's better than nothing. Change and dollar bills will get you into a vending machine. One scenario I think we haven't covered yet in after-pandemic is if we have larger numbers of survivors, just not enough to rebuild - say three or four hundred in your area, as opposed to the thousands that are there now. The stores will be empty quick. I think a lot of us are planning on more or less complete obliteration of the population, but that might be not so. However, you are most likely to survive in large groups than on your own. Remember, meat will perish quickly and the only way to stop that is to freeze it. So as soon as you can, go to the store and take all the meat and bread and put it in the frozen food section. You should do it with bacon, sausages and hot dogs too, and all the bread products you can save, cuz that means sandwiches later. Bread freezes great, can be a bit moist dethawed but edible in my opinion. Also, you need to go to all the stores you are aware of and do the same thing there. You could have years of meat if you ration well and the power stays on. |
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I am not a prophet
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jacksdad
Executive Admin Joined: September 08 2007 Location: San Diego Status: Offline Points: 47251 |
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I suspect that if you plan on going out to raid stores, you'll likely get yourself shot as a looter. If it's a major hit akin to 1918 it will be worse than anything any of us has experienced, but it'll be survivable with thorough planning and prepping, rather than resorting to stealing and looting. Hopefully the people on this forum have taken notice of the warning signs and should be getting ready. Wandering the streets after the fact trying to find supplies is a tactic that should be left to the non-preppers. Use the time you have wisely and don't allow yourself to be sideswiped by this thing. Besides, in a pandemic those who didn't prep in advance will undoubtedly already have stripped the stores clean (if the authorities haven't stepped in to prevent looting with curfews and martial law).
In reality, you certainly won't have the luxury of moving the food you need into store freezers and expecting to have sole access to it for years. A very large and hungry population will probably take issue with you on that one. And don't forget that the power outages that just about all the pandemic scenarios predict will make it a moot point anyway. It'll start to thaw and spoil the first time the lights go off, even if it's only for a day or two. Prep now or regret it later. "One scenario I think we haven't covered yet in after-pandemic is if we have larger numbers of survivors" The dead will be in the minority - even the worst case scenarios I've seen put global fatalities at around 400 million, which would leave over 6 billion survivors. There'll be a lot of us left to get over this. |
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hachiban08
Senior Moderator Joined: December 06 2007 Location: California, USA Status: Offline Points: 15627 |
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i see what everyone is saying and i understand.is katrina a good example of unpreparedness?
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Be prepared! It may be time....^_^v
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Lone Wolf
Valued Member Joined: October 28 2007 Status: Offline Points: 253 |
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I would say yes. The power struggles and passing blame. The bad coodination between the powers that be. Even the red cross had to stop because of lawlessness.
I think the outcome would be far worse with a pandemic because 80 to 85% of the people evecuated with katrina. In a pandemic there would be nowhere to go.
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johngardner1
Valued Member Joined: August 20 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 678 |
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Many people still here think that america will recover, but if the flu is as lethal as we suspect, my scenario of fairly large numbers (in excess of 300) are possible.
If you haven't seen anyone for three weeks, going to the store is not looting. I know some of you have preps for years, but what about five years down the road? |
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I am not a prophet
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jacksdad
Executive Admin Joined: September 08 2007 Location: San Diego Status: Offline Points: 47251 |
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I've read as much as I can on the subject to try and get some idea of how a major pandemic might possibly affect our current way of life. While I'm hoping with all my heart H5N1 will turn out to be a dud that we can look back on and laugh about, I'm trying to prepare for the absolute worst possible scenarios in case it hits us with everything it's got and we're forced to deal with conditions that normally only drought stricken and war torn third world countries encounter. Based on predictions from many sources, in such an eventuality we should absolutely consider the possibility of food and water shortages for extended periods, minimal healthcare, and utilities operating sporadically. However, I don't think I see the same thing you do John. You seem to paint a picture of a dead world along the lines of Omega Man/I am Legend with few survivors. The death toll might well be tremendous if we see something with the lethality of the Spanish Flu, but the odds of surviving would still be greatly in our favor. Even if 1 in 20 succumbed, that would still leave a one in 19 chance of surviving. There is however a good chance that we may find ourselves (at least for a while) living in a society that to all intents and purposes has been kicked back a century or two, and that's what we have to prepare for.
You seem to be relying less on taking advantage of the prior knowledge you have of a possible pandemic and prepping accordingly, and more on food and supplies being available for the taking in empty stores. It won't be like that in my opinion. I think quarantined cities, curfews and martial law are definitely a possibility if rioting gets out of hand (which it undoubtedly will when the hungry masses realise the federal government can't and won't be feeding them), and anyone looting stores will likely be shot on sight or arrested and taken into custody. Then you'll be in a holding cell in close proximity with others who may well be infectious - not good. All the best advice suggests buying in enough supplies for the duration of a pandemic if you can, and sheltering in place. That's a lot of preps and I'm not there yet, but I'm trying. Five years, in my opinion, is an unrealistic number and a lot longer than I think you need to plan for, and my worry is that if we throw time frames like that into the mix we may potentially disillusion new preppers and have them give up before they begin. There will be food, but you won't be able to say with any certainty when it will be available, so you should plan accordingly. I like the idea of trying for three months of self sufficiency, then six, etc. It gives you attainable goals without the burn out factor of going all out for longer periods from the start. We should be basing our prepping - and our advice to others who are new to the idea of a pandemic - on solid science and past experience. Put simply, buy what you need now while you still can, and get ready to sit tight. |
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jacksdad
Executive Admin Joined: September 08 2007 Location: San Diego Status: Offline Points: 47251 |
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Yep - classic example. Fears had been raised many times prior to Katrina about the effects of a direct hit by a hurricane on that part of the Gulf coast, but not enough was done. The resulting carnage speaks volumes. I can't remember which member here uses it, but at the bottom of their posts is a quote that reads "Chance favors the prepared mind". We've been blessed with the knowledge that pandemics happen regularly and will undoubtedly happen again - and maybe soon. They didn't have that luxury in 1918 but we do, and we should make the most of it. I'm prepping for myself and others in my family who don't believe it will happen. Hopefully they're right, but I refuse to let their complacency guide my decisions, as that could lead to the death of someone I love and care about. Prep on :) |
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hachiban08
Senior Moderator Joined: December 06 2007 Location: California, USA Status: Offline Points: 15627 |
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I extremely agree with your veiws jacksdad. A lot of my friends dont really believe that bird flu is even a real threat at all. so i tell them about all that is going on and show them the reasearch and i got a few to understand the severity of the matter. Some however, dont believe it so i feel for them. My friend and I are discussing what else to put in our preps,but we both have a family of 3 so what do we do with that? How much of stuff for each person and for how long. since we are still in high school and neither of us have jobs*but are looking*, its hard for us to prep well but we DO try. So what kinda of prepping advice do you give us considering our circumstances?
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Be prepared! It may be time....^_^v
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jacksdad
Executive Admin Joined: September 08 2007 Location: San Diego Status: Offline Points: 47251 |
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hachiban08 - I'm sure everybody on the forum has found the vast majority of the people they've spoken to about BF are not interested, or are in complete denial. I usually try once, but if that person is obviously not receptive then I just get on with my life. I also think there is a certain amount of risk in letting others know you're prepping, so I keep a low profile in that respect and tell people I have a little put away, but not much.
Prepping with limited funds is a problem. About the only thing I can say is get what you can, when you can. Every little helps, and you'll be surprised how much better you'll get at picking stuff that will actually get used once you move past the planning stage and begin prepping. I've found dry bulk foods to be the best deal (rice, beans, pasta, etc) and if you store them properly they last a long time, and don't take up much space. I usually pay about $7 for 25lbs of rice or flour (which will fit into a 5 gallon bucket), and pasta can be picked up cheap if you buy in bulk. Try and find some stores that supply restaurants in your area (like Smart and Final or Costco) for the best prices. If you just come back from a shopping trip with a couple of cans or a bag of rice for your preps, you'll be heading in the right direction. You'll be surprised how good you'll get at this once you actually start collecting supplies. My priorities regarding things to buy has changed dramatically since I started - it's definitely a learning process, so get started as soon as you can. Don't be afraid to ask - there are a lot of good people on the forum that have been doing this for a lot longer than me. |
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Levygoddess
Valued Member Joined: November 22 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 381 |
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ok Jacksdad...tell me when you first started...what have you learned? Another question...I got a foodsaver for Christmas..how long can dog food last in those packages? Would it be safe to go ahead and seal up some food for my dogs now? Also..I understand what you mean about trying to tell people...Ive just gotten disgusted with it..so I go on...then they say Ill be at your house if it hits...and I tell them, you may make it to the porch but I wont be sharing, Ill shoot!! I do have one friend that is as serious as I am about it and we have discussed these people at length...
She just said the other day, "You know these people that refuse to do anything for themselves will be the first one with a hand out when it gets bad", and she is right!!! this has kind of made me angry cause, I know it will happen. I dont discuss it anymore because Im like you...I dont want people thinking they can just come to my house..What I take the time to do for me and my family is just that. See I think once it goes to phase 4 all these people are going to start scrambling...and there will be a shortage of everything...prices will go up...what we are paying $1.50 for soup today will be sold for $5.00 when this happens...My thing is Im just trying to find the space for everything...and you dont want to attract pest...so I'm working on it...I have some things but not like some of you guys that have months worth! I have about a months worth of food and not nearly enough of water...but I will keep doing it...maybe I will get there...by the way...Im starting to keep a spread sheet so that I will know what I have on hand at all times. |
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God put us here for a reason
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Suzi
Admin Group Joined: September 02 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2769 |
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It would be wonderful if Phase 4 would last a long time and people would know what it means and have time to prep. I am worried it will last about 1 day or maybe we will skip it altogether.
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hachiban08
Senior Moderator Joined: December 06 2007 Location: California, USA Status: Offline Points: 15627 |
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jacksdad-I see what you are saying. My closest friends are the only ones who seem to take interest in what i have to say because i am probably the wisest of my friend considering they come to me w/ help for their problems. Yea only the friend i was talking about and i are prepping. she is also my only friend that knows of my preps. Would a place like Winco be good because they also sell bulk food. Wow the rice here in the central valley,California is i think like $3 for 5 pounds. I'd be poor tryna get some rice=[ and i LOVE rice. My other friend works at her family's meat locker and gives me like a pound of beef jerky every so often even though it costs $10 per pound. She gives it to me for free. So should i stock up on what she gives me? How long does it last? So buying in bulk helps you save $$?Can it be put in a normal ziplock bag or some special type of bag?
Yes, every time longs drugs has a sale on pork n beans or canned hormel tamales, i get some, i currently have i think 20 cans of those.i just have one bag of flour tho. Can those nutrigrain bars be useful? Sorry for so many questions =\ |
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Be prepared! It may be time....^_^v
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hachiban08
Senior Moderator Joined: December 06 2007 Location: California, USA Status: Offline Points: 15627 |
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I truthfully feel that stage four wont last too long maybe at the most, a few weeks. It would be sad if we skipped stage 4. Hmm.. idn why but i feel like with these recent cases, we may be at or near stage 4. what do you think Suzi and others?
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Be prepared! It may be time....^_^v
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Levygoddess
Valued Member Joined: November 22 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 381 |
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hachi...ziplock has come out with their own vacuum pack bags and gadget...the machine is $10.00 and then they sell the bags...if you wanted to get some bags of rice and pasta, you could maybe seal those...I know this might sound crazy but every time I go to a restaurant I ask for extra..ketchup, taco sauce, salt pepper etc...and I put it in my stash...Dont forget the reason for using paper plates and cups is to make your water stretch farther. Im going to use under my beds as storage for can goods and sealed food.
One other thing I thought I would pass on is...back in the old days they kept beds warm with rocks that they had in the fire...they would wrap it up in covers and put it in the bed...it would keep the bed toasty all night...I know it sounds crazy...but if it keeps you from freezing to death I guess it would be ok...just dont burn yourself getting the rock out of the fire!!!! If you have pets...here is an idea...Im going to take what I normally feed tem in a day and (dry food) and seal it in bags for each day...that way I will know how many days of supplies I have...you can use Ziplocks for this or a foodsaver.... |
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God put us here for a reason
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hachiban08
Senior Moderator Joined: December 06 2007 Location: California, USA Status: Offline Points: 15627 |
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You have very good ideas Levygoddess. I should get that machine. I try to get a little bit of supplies each month. Oh, that isnt crazy in the least, i am always asking for extra condiments and such and napkins to save up.
oh, isnt that what they did in pirate of the carribean? with the hot pain thing under the bed?i could store manythings under my bed because its like a day bed. yea i have like 4 dogs. they can go through a 50 lbs bag in like 3 weeks. so in that case, should we get like 4 50 lbs bags to last 3 months? |
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Be prepared! It may be time....^_^v
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