With the Crimea referendum passed and Russia ready to annex the region, the United States and the European Union have threatened sanctions. The full extent of these sanctions is not yet known, and announcements are pending for the end of March. If these measures are concrete, they will of course be followed inevitably by economic warfare, including a reduction of natural gas exports to the EU and the eventually full dump of the U.S. dollar by Russia and China. As I have discussed in recent articles, the result of these actions will be disastrous.
For those of us in the liberty movement, it is now impossible to ignore the potential threat to our economy. No longer can people claim that “perhaps” there will be a crisis someday, that perhaps “five or 10 years” down the road we will have to face the music. No, the threat is here now, and it is very real.
The loss of the dollar’s world reserve status will destroy the only thread holding up its value, namely, investor faith. There are only two possible outcomes from that point onward:
A) The U.S. will be forced to default because no nation will purchase our Treasury bonds and support our debt spending, causing the dollar’s value to implode.
B) The Fed will choose to restart and expand quantitative easing measures, confiscate pension funds, raid bank accounts or issue new taxes in order to keep the system afloat; this will also end in the eventual collapse of dollar value and hyperinflation.
The consequences will lead to an explosion in prices — first in commodities and necessities like petroleum, imported raw materials, food, electricity, etc. and then in all other goods and services. Austerity measures will be instituted by Federal and State governments. Cuts to social welfare programs, including food stamps, are probable. Civil infrastructure will suffer. The cost effectiveness of maintaining public utilities could become unrealistic. Anyone relying on such services may find themselves cut off for days, weeks or indefinitely. Public suffering will invariably rise, along with public crime.
If events like Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans are any indication, the Federal government’s response will be inadequate, to say the least. The Federal Emergency Management Agency clearly cannot be relied upon to provide food, shelter, medical care or protection for communities. In fact, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Feds did far more harm than good, corralling people into camps where death was rampant and disarming outlying neighborhoods so that they could not defend themselves. Tens of millions of dollars in donated and Federally purchased necessities were never delivered to aid survivors. Trucks were turned away, and help from civilian sources was denied.
The point is, if you find yourself in the midst of a national or international catastrophe, you should assume that you will be on your own with whatever preparations you made beforehand. To assume otherwise would be foolish, given our government’s track record.
There are some people who will argue that during an international crisis, such as an economic war or a world war, there is no purpose to preparedness. They will argue that there is nothing an individual or family can do to weather the storm or fight back, because the scale of the threat would be “too great.” There is no place for such defeatism in the life of the liberty-minded. The scale of the threat is irrelevant, and only cowards give up a fight before it even begins. Survival and freedom require an unwavering conviction. Nihilists will fulfill their own prophecies, suffering a fate exactly as they imagine for the rest of us; living in fear, slavery, and obscurity.
That said, it is also important to acknowledge the truth that the majority of Americans today are utterly unready for a minor localized disaster, let alone a national or global crisis. This problem, though, could be easily remedied with a few simple beginning steps. I find that most people are not averse to the idea of preparedness, but many have trouble taking the first steps in the right direction. For longtime preparedness champions, the information listed here might seem like old-hat. However, I challenge each liberty movement member to approach at least one friend or family member who could benefit from the steps below. Prepping appears daunting to the uninitiated; show them how simple it can actually be.
Below is a list of goals that every liberty movement member and American can easily achieve starting today and continuing over the course of the next month. If enough citizens were to take the initiative to do these things, all threats — no matter how imposing — could be overcome.
Buy Three Months Of Food Stock
Food supply is the greatest Achilles’ heel of the American populace. Most homes store less than one week’s worth of food items at any given time. The average person needs between 2,000 and 3,000 calories per day to maintain sufficient energy for survival. It takes around four to six weeks for a person to die of starvation and malnutrition. In a collapse scenario, most deaths will likely occur within the first few months, either by weakness and illness, or by looting and violence. The idea is to at least get through this first catastrophic phase without becoming a villain, or falling victim to one. One person removed from starvation is one possible threat removed from the equation.
Three months of supply is not ideal by any means, but it will buy you precious time. Start with 2,000 calories per day per person. Bulk foods can be purchased cheaply (for now) and can at the very least provide sustenance during emergencies. A 20-pound bag of rice, for instance, can be had for less than $15 and provides about 30,000 calories, or 2,000 calories per day for 15 days for one person. Supplement with beans, canned vegetables and meats, honey for sugar, or freeze-dried goods, and you will be living more comfortably than 90 percent of the population.
Food stockpiling is one of the easiest and most vital measures a person could take. Yet, sadly, it is one of the last preparations on people’s minds.
Buy A Water Filter
Do not count on city water to remain functional. Even during a drawn-out economic downturn rather than an immediate crisis, there is a good chance that some utilities will be sporadic and unreliable. This means you will have to focus on rainwater collection, as well as water from unclean sources. Boiling the water will kill any bacteria, but it will not kill the taste of sediments and other materials floating around. A high-grade survival filter is the best way to get clean water that tastes good.
The average person needs about a gallon of water per day to remain healthy and hydrated. I highly recommend the Sawyer Mini Water Filter, which is a compact washable filter that can cleanse up to 100,000 gallons of water. It uses no moving parts, making it harder to break; and it costs only $20.
Buy A Small Solar Kit
Try going a week or two without electricity, and you may find how dismal life can truly be. The very absence of light at night reduces one’s productivity time drastically, and using fuel for lanterns is not practical in the long term. Solar power is truly the way to go for a grid-collapse scenario.
I’ve heard much whining about the cost of solar power, but small systems that will serve most electrical needs can be set up for less than $1,000. Two 100-watt panels, a power inverter, charge controller and four to six 12-volt deep-cycle batteries are enough to deal with most electrical needs in a survival situation; and all these items can be contained in a portable foot locker for minimal cost. New solar panels are much more effective in low-light conditions and winter weather as well, making solar a must-have prep item.
Store A Fuel Source
Twenty gallons of gasoline treated with fuel saver is not expensive to purchase today, but in the midst of hyperinflation, it may be impossible to obtain tomorrow. Kerosene is useful for heating and cooking. Propane can be stored for decades and runs numerous appliances. If you live in a forested area, dried wood can be had for free, and can keep you warm throughout the winter months (keep in mind the your local danger factor when using fire). It is vital to have a means to stay warm and fed during the most difficult seasonal changes, especially during a grid down scenario.
Find Alternative Shelter
There are no guarantees during a full-spectrum disaster. Having all your eggs in one basket is not only stupid, but unnecessary. Always have a plan B. That means scouting an alternative location for you and your family in the event that your current shelter comes under threat. This location should be far enough away from large population centers but still within a practical range for you to reach them. It should also have a nearby water source, and be defensible. Establishing supply caches near this site is imperative. Do not assume that you will be able to take all of your survival supplies with you from your home. Expect that surprises of a frightening variety will arise.
Buy One Semi-Automatic Rifle
At this point I really don’t care what model of rifle people purchase, as long as they have one, preferably in high capacity and semi-automatic. AR-15, AK-47, Saiga, SKS, M1A: just get one! Every American should be armed with a military-grade rifle. If you are not, you are not only negligent in your duty as a free citizen, but you are also at a distinct disadvantage against the kind of opponents you are likely to face in a collapse situation.
Buy 1,000 Rounds Of Ammunition
Again, this is by no means an ideal stockpile, but it is enough to get you through a couple rough patches if you train furiously. Cheap AK-47 ammo can be had for $5 for a box of 20 rounds. Get what you can while you can, because the prices are only going to skyrocket in the near term.
Approach One Friend Or Neighbor
Community is what will make the difference between life and death during a SHTF collapse. I challenge everyone in the liberty movement to find at least ONE other person to work with in the event of disaster. Lone-wolf operations may be strategically practical for short periods of time; but everyone needs rest, and everyone needs someone else to watch his back. Do not fall into the delusion that you will be able to handle everything on your own.
Learn One Barter Skill
Learn how to fix one vital thing or provide one vital service. Try emergency medical training, gunsmithing or metal working, as long as it is an ability that people will value. You have to be able to produce something that people want in order to sustain yourself beyond the point at which your survival stockpile runs out. Be sure that you are seen as indispensable to those around you.
Grow A Garden
Spring is upon us, and now is the perfect opportunity to grow your own food supply. If you have even a small yard, use that space to grow produce. Focus on high-protein and high-vitamin foods. Buy a dehydrator or canning supplies and save everything. Use heirloom seeds so that you can collect new seed from each crop to replant in the future. If every American had a garden in his backyard, I wouldn’t be half as worried about our survival as I am today.
Prepare Your Mind For Calamity
The most valuable resource you will ever have is your own mind. The information held within it and the speed at which you adapt will determine your survival, whether you have massive preparations or minimal preparations. Most people are not trained psychologically to handle severe stress, and this is why they die. Panic equals extinction. Calm readiness equals greater success.
The state of our financial system is one of perpetual tension. The structure is so weak that any catalyst or trigger event could send it tumbling into the abyss. Make no mistake; time is running out. We may witness a terrifying breakdown tomorrow, in a year, or if we are lucky, a little longer. The path, though, has been set and there is no turning back. All of the items above can be undertaken with minimal cash flow. If you receive a regular paycheck, you can establish a survival supply for yourself and your family. There are no excuses.
Take the steps above seriously. Set your goals for the next four weeks and see how many of them you can accomplish. Do what you can today, or curse yourself tomorrow. What’s it going to be?
You can contact Brandon Smith at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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written by Rodster , March 20, 2014
Awesome article and advice, i've done quite a few on the list but need to start work on the remainder. I love my freedom and don't like to be forced into doing things against my conviction. I refuse to live in a world like that. Living as a slave to a tyrannical government or IMF is not living.
It's called the "Hunger Games", folks. Look at what the IMF has done to Greece and any other Country looking for aid.
written by Rodster , March 20, 2014
Not on the list and one that should be. Learning close combat skills should help in the event you want or need to save ammo. :)
written by MODERNMINUTEMAN , March 20, 2014
Very good article to start some one to preparing but don't forget medical supplies especially if you have to rely on prescriptions. Some good doctors will work with you to stockpile meds that you may rely on and there are websites where you can buy antibiotics for infections or use Fishmox that are made for fish but are the same as what people take. If you can add to your weapons like a 12 ga shotgun and a good pistol and even a 22 rifle for small game. I guess prepping is never really done for you can always think of more things you can use.
written by Stryker , March 20, 2014
I agree that calamity as you describe is certainly coming, however, any shock to the financial system will result in catastrophic defaults on trillions of dollars in debt. With that much 'money' valuated in dollars disappearing, the result will be massive deflation. Banks will be insolvent,and the money in your accounts will evaporate, investment values will plummet. Individuals' net worth will be reduced to pennies on the dollar. The government won't be able to 'print' money fast enough to cover the shortfall and prices of everything will fall. He who holds cash and/or precious metals will be in a much better position than the guy with a nice sized savings account or pension.
written by NY1 , March 20, 2014
Some first aid supplies, some stored antibiotics, and some stored prescription medicine for anyone with a chronic condition might be adviseable. None of the above will be of much use if a family member with Diabetes can't get their medicine.
written by Nehweh Gahnin , March 20, 2014
I'm with Stryker on the deflation, as opposed to hyper-inflation. Here is a neat video with Max Keiser interviewing Nicole Foss: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4rkyxlyjoQ
I am also four-square in agreement with ModernMinuteMan and NY1 on the medical supplies. Following a crash, medical supplies will be rare and important, and medical expertise even more so. There are many great publications and youtube instructional videos that can help those who want to increase their readiness in this regard.
To Brandon's point on solar power for lighting (and other things), I would add that a good supply of paraffin bricks would be handy for the purposes of making candles, and has other useful applications, such as sealing joints, preventing worm infection in fruit trees, and some less kindly uses.
written by Brandon Smith , March 20, 2014
@Stryker
No, the money supply will definitely not run out due to deflation. You have to remember that there are trillions of dollars floating around in foreign markets held as collateral. When the dollar loses it's reserve status, those dollars are going to come flooding back into the U.S. Hyperinflation (or hyperstagflation) is the only possible result. Existing debt does not negate the money supply during such an event. Remember, when no bank wants dollars, those worthless pieces of paper end up stuffed in the pockets of common people.
Also, expect hyperinflation in prices due to currency devaluation. The Fed does not have to print in order to destroy dollar value, and the end of world reserve status will ensure an increase in premiums for raw goods and imports.
written by CL , March 20, 2014
Brandon
I would love to get a low cost solar setup going. The problem I am having is many of the cheaper solar panels have a very limited lifespan. Its not from the time you start using them but from the date of manufacture. Do you reccomend any specifically?
written by Bernadette O'Shaughnessy , March 20, 2014
As a writer and former 4-H gal, I have done a lot of investigating of the so-called container gardening. If you have a small patio in your backyard and live in a city apartment, this is for you! Google container gardening and you will soon see that the only thing you couldn't raise this way would probably be sweet corn! Plant fruit bushes like raspberries, boysenberries,etc. in bright containers and everyone will think they are some kind of flowers. Inside this circle you can hide your veggies,etc. Also investigate Aquaponics-its different from hydro ponics and enables you to raise fish and veggies together!
written by Brandon Smith , March 20, 2014
@CL
I like Renogy solar panels. They work well in low light and are affordable. I'm not sure about the lifespan but I've never heard of anyone having to replace theirs due to age.
written by krb , March 20, 2014
@CL
I bought my first solar panel from harbor freight. It's the three 12"x30" panel kit with controller, lights and battery connections. It's the amorphous kind but works well in low light. More kits can be bought and linked together.(see youtube videos) I know many people turn their noses up to harbor freight but for the price, $145.00 on sale, it's not a bad deal. Have had mine for a while a they still work great. Solar panels can be expensive but these could serve the purpose for your basic needs.
written by 444 , March 21, 2014
Most people have a plan "B" that are prepping. But you need a plan "C". In my plan "C" I would still have 3 Rifles 2 pistols, Food cache , ammo cache, close combat protection I would prefer a samurai style sword, water filtration, and enough other equipment to restart, and it can be stored anywhere you want. Plan for the worst hope for the best.
written by galileo , March 21, 2014
not just currency crisis, lets not forget that EMPS are a very real threat. MSM hasnt made much of an issue, although reuters picked up on a coronal mass ejection in 2012 that narrowly missed earth. it wouldve been a carrington event type of flare.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/20/us-space-solarblasts-idUSBREA2I1SV20140320
written by Andren Essen , March 21, 2014
A more technical variation of the same argument funded by NASA
http://www.atmos.umd.edu/~ekalnay/pubs/2014-03-18-handy1-paper-draft-safa-motesharrei-rivas-kalnay.pdf
written by galileo , March 21, 2014
andren it isnt an argument. the flare actually occurred, and just missed earth. not sure of your point about an
"argument"
written by Andren Essen , March 21, 2014
Galileo~The observations of the article and the post referal are all speculative. I stand corrected and replace the word argument with debate. However since geological time is to most people incomprehensible given a universal spread estimated at a physical span over some subjective 6 billion which is an ever revising number of years. With that concept it would also follow that the ground you now stand on could be at the center of the earth in perhaps a billion or so years. Just as we do not fully understand geological or planetary or solar cyclic cycles other than be a witness to the event, observe it howsoever it is recounted or relayed on a human level or an interpretation of it. We know of 11 year cylcles, we are aware of 26 year cycles, perhaps there are other cycles we can write as observations that require another event to affirm it, if there are humans who got the message from the first event.
The referring article refers strictly to an analysis of human events, the economics and the trials of each successive wave, even given natures or the natural worlds impact opr catastrophic event on it. From a planetary perspective, it doesn't care.
While it may be the case that centralist type planners and global thinking technocrats with quatloos for currency or ideologies purporting to solve the human problem run the world today. Its relationship with the law which in turn has a relationship with invocation of solar penumbra as a relevant factor in their decisions. We still have to deal with the fact that civilizations for an unknown but 'quantifiable' rational in respect of the referring article. Even further for reasons speculated just up and dissappear.
Even given the logical arguments of technology in a relative sense. Hubris is one thing, understanding fate as a marker of things to come or as they appear to become self evident, is no match for the complexity of the physical universe or nature herself. We are far behind in our technology for emulating anything nature has not already created or tried over time and is yet to try.
Still, I would like to see a response to the relationship with my referring article and not my abuse of semantics.
People are so literal these days it has become difficult to discern the difference between those who trawl the internet looking for an argument based on prose, grammer or misplaced t's, and those who wish to educate or share ideas.
written by falconflight , March 21, 2014
Mr. Smith, considering your points about the debasement of the currency, is there a place in one's shtf plan for gold and/or silver?
written by mdfavionics , March 21, 2014
I'm no Zero Hedge. I saw this article linked there.
I'm in full agreement. I posted a link with a few quick comments on my site
http://tri-fuelgen.com/index.php/entry/take-these-steps-today-to-survive-an-international-crisis
written by Brandon Smith , March 21, 2014
@Andren
"From a planetary perspective, it doesn't care."
How exactly do you figure that? The article uses economic and geopolitical collapse as examples, it doesn't rule out other possibilities. I didn't discuss solar flares because I don't have time or word-space to mention every conceivable threat to human existence. I didn't mention comets, earthquakes, or space dragons either. The ultimate cause is irrelevant. The survival mindset is what matters.
Worried about EMP and solar flares? Build a faraday cage. Worried about asteroids or nukes? Build a bunker. Worried about deadly viral outbreak? Learn sterilization and quarantine methods. Assume that when I publish a survival article here I have considered all possible scenarios, and let's try taking concrete measures. Let's at least get people started in preparedness instead of focusing on all the things that MIGHT try to kill us one day.
written by Andren Essen , March 21, 2014
Firstly addressing issues of technology. IMHO. Kiva styled dwellings are optimal for future designs as would be any semi subterranean structure with the greater proportion being subterranean. Amorphic PV's though not as efficient and much larger than the touted mono crystal based, will tend to outperform the specifications of the mono over all seasons and weather conditions.. The addition of a protective shield of toughened glass with a gravity or capillary based water heating system constructed of brass not copper and bonded with a baked black polymer adds a bonus as long as you do not exceed more than 20% of the surface area. If constructed correctly it will also work to support the protective glass. The amorphous PV is more robust, works in all season and at all tempratures. Spraying a very fine quality silicon on the exposed surface works to minimize surface maintenance. A bimetal thermal motor can be used if you pole rig your PV's to follow the sun for optimal exposure But protect them from exposure to rain. If you intend to be nomadic, mono PV's are the way to go, they are light and many very portable.
For water be extremely careful and assay the quality, even deep drawn can contain or be laced with a cocktail of heavy metals and other undesireable elements. If you have a rig that can freeze water there is a method that uses a proces of crystalization to remove many undesireable impurities. Coke, charcoal on a porous ceramic base can also be used to filter, if you can use pessure rather than gravity on your filter rig before it gets to being consumed all the better. Always let it stand for a few hours and draw gently from the surface. Every month or so draw down and pot the upper third and throw the rest on an area you designate for no mans land. Water and human waste free of pharmaceuticals or other introduced chemicals you get from wherever do consider setting up a stepped or terraced arrangement if you are fortunate to have a hill of at least 6 ft each and a minimum of 7 terraces if that is feasible. Get the waste along with other organic waste to the uppermost and allow it to filter down the terraces, Set it up as basically a composter and make sure you replenish it consistenly. Make sure you cater for heavy rain and have the runoff egress to the sides and not down the faces. Use the lower terraces for your kitchen garden. Little piezzo pumps are ideal for this... Whatever else you do, plant trees, lots of them. If and when SHTF, then I would not worry too much about gold and silver nor paper assets, as it will eventually cost you a bar or two for a loaf of bread whcih will be more valuable. That is your clue to what will be valuable, follow the old rule of Gold and silver are the tools of business and gentlemen and the previously civilized hoards that will be scavenging will not be gentlemen and will see little value in your utopian paradise.
As for my point I stand corrected on your intentions you may delete the offending post or reference even this one with my blessings.
written by Brandon Smith , March 21, 2014
@Andren
No problem. I realize there are many concerns to consider for survival preparation, and I'll certainly do my best to cover as many as possible because frankly, I want people to live (except the globalists, I don't intend to build a future in which they continue existing).
The primary issue is getting people started. If we can just get them to do the simple things, then other worries become easier to deal with.
written by Andren Essen , March 22, 2014
In answer to your imposition ""From a planetary perspective, it doesn't care." My answer would be nature, our little sliver of a biosphere just surface deep and perhaps a mile high, our jewel of a world is so riduiculously unique, we as humans fail to respect it as a gift. But my point in stating it was the world has an estimated life sustaining possibility of few billion years for life as we know it. Give or take a few hiccups She still has an estimated four billion years to play the game of creating the conditions for life to exist and the conditions to nurture its existence, whether it is with humans as the top of the food chain or something else is a matter of indifference I refer to the earth as the host planet. After all I imagine even nature is not a happy widower and we seem to like to make her a widower of Gods creations by the day with indifference. I believe Studz Terkel on his sojourn and reports of human life summed it up in respect of modern day industrialized man. Few think of forward looking family based communiies with a vision of the future, all appear to be replaced with thoughts of what is in it for me today and. I will worry about tommorrow when tommorrow comes or let others worry about those things and find solutions for me,
