Be Ready If Disaster Strikes - Part 2

In last week's article I said to prepare to take notes. Well, here we go. This week's article is Part II of "Be Ready if Disaster Strikes"?

Let's get right into specifics. Here in the Ozarks, we are somewhat insulated from the initial turmoil and break down of society that many people are forecasting. What that means is we're better positioned to take care of ourselves IF we realize that we should prepare to take care of ourselves.

I was talking to a preacher friend the other day and he asked what my order for preparation was. I told him when the fruit cakes and gang members decide they have stripped the cities, where do you think they'll come next? My first consideration is weapons, ammo and accessories. My "basic" armory suggestion is a medium to long range rifle, 12 gauge pump shotgun, defensive handgun and a .22 rifle.

The Preacher asked, "How much ammunition for each one?" I said, "All you can buy!" Normally, that would just be a question of dollars, but there is already a move to pass a new gun ban as well as the Ammo Accountability Act which will greatly increase the cost of ammunition as well as substantially decrease its availability.

The rifle and shotgun are simple; most of you probably have a .22 rifle and a shotgun. As for the defensive handgun, a .45 or .40 caliber is best in my book. This might be a little too big for women, they may prefer a double stack 9mm - this is my wife's preference. More bullets are always better, go high-capacity if possible especially on the 9mm. Wheel guns are good (revolvers) but semi autos can carry up to three times the number of rounds.
With this basic armory you can defend your family and property if needed and feed them (hunting) if necessary.

Do you have a garden? Think about one and start now. Do you have a freezer? Do you have a generator? Do you have fuel for the generator? Do you know how to can? Do you know how to butcher? Do you know someone that does? Do you have fan belts for your vehicles, and oil, head light bulbs and fuses? Are you on good terms with your neighbors?

You need an axe, a fixed blade knife, a locking folding knife, a multi-tool, a hatchet and chain saw with fuel. You need flashlights and batteries for each vehicle and several rooms in the house. CB radios and walkie talkies may end up being a better than cell phones.

Do you have lamps and lamp oil should power go out? Candles? Matches or lighters? Do you have a pantry and is it well stocked?

How many women do you have in your home? Think TOILET PAPER and feminine hygiene products - very few people think of this. Remember guys, this is what we train for but most of the ladies will get pretty tired pretty quick. The easier it is on them, the easier it will be on us.

Now, I hope you have been making preparations and already are stocked up on these items and others you have thought of. Don't forget water. You can live for a couple of weeks without food, but only about three days without water. Are you on a well? Can you pump that well without electricity? Medicine, particularly prescription medications, is big consideration. I recommend having alternative over-the-counter medications on hand in case there's a delay in getting a prescription medication filled.

If you have not made any preparations yet, here are my suggestions:

Save two liter jugs and fill them with water to flush toilets.

Each trip to the grocery or Wal-Mart, pick a couple of extra items and store them separately.

Once a month or so, buy another box of ammo, extra toilet paper, paper towels, candles, etc.

Check your generator, if you don't have one - get one! Check your stored fuel to make sure it has been stabilized.

For every weapon you have that requires a magazine, have no less than four magazines for each.

Make sure you have cleaning equipment! You have to take care of your weapons if you expect them to take care of you.

Ammunition should be stored in ammo cans as they are designed to maintain the initial quality of your ammo. If you aren't sure where to find them, the Army Navy Surplus store on Sunshine in Springfield is a good place to find these, as well as cantines and other survival essentials.

Now, for the most important item on your checklist - your brain! Each morning check the news for signs of civil unrest and riots. Begin the process today. Talk to your family and have a plan. It is like wearing a seat belt. If you never need it, you're okay. If you do need it, you better already have it on, because there won't be time to buckle up. Plan ahead and try to anticipate everything you can. Extend the number of days and weeks you may have to survive without outside support or supplies. Prepare as though you are preparing for the worst ice storm possible and you should be in pretty good shape.

Talk to your neighbors; see what they are doing and if you can work together. That will be the secret in getting through a breakdown of society, should it come. Divide and conquer!