SHTF List of Issues To Prepare For

[411man]

The vast majority of Americans should prepare to deal with the collateral effects of the nuclear attacks as they will most likely not be directly hit with a nuclear strike except in the event of a full blown WW III situation.

This list would also apply to major Natural Disasters, riots, etc.

Some of the collateral effects to be dealt with would be:
1) Sudden and major shift in population out of the attacked areas.
2) Disruption of the Electrical Grid and rationing of electricity.
3) Disruption of Food supplies and rationing.
4) Disruption of Gasoline, Natural Gas, Heating Oil, and other fuel supplies and rationing of said supplies.
5) Disruption of Water supplies and Water Quality.
6) Loss of Civil Order and resulting curfews.
7) Loss of or reduction in one's income due to reduction of hours at the job.
8) Restriction/Rationing of one's movement and the everyday supplies needed to continue daily life.
9) Criminal/Governmental threats to one's continued position of personal property and survival supplies and equipment.

This is a partial list but points-out the major issues to be dealt with.

[Jonas Parker]

The vast majority of Americans should prepare to deal with the collateral effects of the nuclear attacks as they will most likely not be directly hit with a nuclear strike except in the event of a full blown WW III situation.

This list would also apply to major Natural Disasters, riots, etc.

Some of the collateral effects to be dealt with would be:
1) Sudden and major shift in population out of the attacked areas.
This would be a problem in a small town when a large town contingent of street-gang members arrived suddenly. The answer is an armed population. There would be "open season" on gang-bangers with no bag limit.
2) Disruption of the Electrical Grid and rationing of electricity.
The loss of the food in the freezers would be the immediate problem. Long term problem here would be heating for those in northern climates. Best defense is to make certain you can live without electricity.
3) Disruption of Food supplies and rationing.
This is why we stock up on foods and garden seeds.
4) Disruption of Gasoline, Natural Gas, Heating Oil, and other fuel supplies and rationing of said supplies.
Once again, the folks up north would be hit hardest here.
5) Disruption of Water supplies and Water Quality.
Here is a big city problem. Fortunately we're within a half block of a working well, though I wish I had one on site. Remember, your hot water heater holds 30-50 gallons of potable water. Just remember to shut off the inlet valve before contaminated water can get in to your tank from the municipal water system.
6) Loss of Civil Order and resulting curfews.
An armed population, or in this case an armed neighborhood watch with very loose rules of engagement is the answer.
7) Loss of or reduction in one's income due to reduction of hours at the job.
Somehow I'm not worried about paying my utility bills when there are no utilities. We're pretty much debt free now and work hard to stay that way. Only the JC Prenny credit card will not be paid. Probably a couple of hundred dollars in small bills will last us quite a while.
8) Restriction/Rationing of one's movement and the everyday supplies needed to continue daily life.
If I've planned ahead and am well stocked with necessities, and my neighbors are too, this shouldn't be a problem at least for the first year.
9) Criminal/Governmental threats to one's continued position of personal property and survival supplies and equipment.
Aha! And here's the rub. FEMA can legally take our supplies and redistribute them to the folks who haven't done any preparation at all. Best defense is to cache everything possible and keep a very low profile. Criminals... well I suppose body disposal might be a problem...

This is a partial list but points-out the major issues to be dealt with.

I really don't think any of us are so astute that we can think of every contingency, but you've sure done a good job of trying. Thanks for the information.

[411man]

Well, my aim is to get people to see the inter-relationship of the various effects which would come along with Disasters or a SHTF attack situation the prepare for them.

I certainly have not thought of them all.

[Goldenspurholderx2]

Observations from Iraq not mentioned earlier.

Corruption at all levels of government. "I have this food to distribute equally but I am going to take care of my family and friends fist, Joe Q. Public can have the scraps" or my favorite, "I am paid by the local government to distribute this water, but you aren't getting your tanks filled unless you can come up with $5.00".

Sanitation, raw sewage flowing in the streets.

Lack of medical treatment facilities.

Turf or "Clan" Wars between neighboring communities for resources, be it hunting grounds, fire wood, fishing streams.

Outsiders trying to take advantage of the situation, read raiding on border towns by undesirables from neighboring countries.

[411man]

Thanks for the additions Goldenspurholderx2 ! I shall add them to my list.

[Goldenspurholderx2]

One more that I forgot, and it's a doosey!

How many of our youth and adults are currently on anti-psychotic drugs?

In Iraq I had to detain a 14 year old boy who murdered his parents, uncle and raped his 12 year old cousin. Pretty much there was no good reason except there was something wrong with his internal wiring that was magnified once the structure of the current system had been compromised. Once these people can't get their meds and the law enforcement structure is diminished there are going to be problems.

I don't like to think about all this crap, but if it helps others in the future.

[411man]

You are so right about your last addition to the list being a "DOOSEY" !

[archy]

Some of the collateral effects to be dealt with would be:
1) Sudden and major shift in population out of the attacked areas.
2) Disruption of the Electrical Grid and rationing of electricity.
3) Disruption of Food supplies and rationing.
4) Disruption of Gasoline, Natural Gas, Heating Oil, and other fuel supplies and rationing of said supplies.
5) Disruption of Water supplies and Water Quality.
6) Loss of Civil Order and resulting curfews.
7) Loss of or reduction in one's income due to reduction of hours at the job.
8) Restriction/Rationing of one's movement and the everyday supplies needed to continue daily life.
9) Criminal/Governmental threats to one's continued position of personal property and survival supplies and equipment.

This is a partial list but points-out the major issues to be dealt with.

I'd consider the first 6, at least, to be *tripwires* indicating that *yes, the time is here* and as an indication of how serious/ how developed the situation has become/is becoming.

There are several earlier *tripwires* that would raise the eyebrows of most here, but at the point any of those nine above only the most deluded would consider life to be *business as usual.*

Remember, when life hands you lemons, make lemonaide. And try to hook up with someone who was handed Scotch.

[Dr. X]

You are so right about your last addition to the list being a "DOOSEY" !

My last addition would be a DEUCEY, as in Ma! Then let the skels fall where they may...:cool:

as ever,
Dr. X

[DRAFTED]

Item number six would be your most serious problem. Most of the others are prepared for with a bit of early planning. Being ready to defend yourself and others will be paramount.

[411man]

I agree with your point DRAFTED.

I would even go further and say that the same would be true in circumstances not resulting from Nuclear attacks.

[MdlMkr 7.62]

I agree that #6 and #9 would be the biggest "variables" to deal with.

The water in your water heater tank is only sort-of potable. A water heater tank is a breeding ground for waterborne bacteria. Ask a plumber / pipefitter if he would drink from his hot water tank and listen to what he says.

[411man]

Excellent point on the Hot Water Tank water's drinkability !

[MdlMkr 7.62]

Wal-Mart (I know, not my favorite store either) sells 5 gallon water bottles for $11.95 filled with water. THey have a screw on cap and refills are .25 a gallon. A much safer way to store water than a water heater tank;)

[411man]

It was posted on another survival oriented board that a near roit occured at a Costco in B.C. over bottled water when the order to boil local water was issued. Read the story on this llink and see how quickly things can go south.

http://americasnewssource.com/2006/arthur-weinreb112106.htm

Be Prepared ! Stay Prepared !

[Kyrottimus]

If you're going to store water, make sure it's distilled. This way there are no minerals or anything that will allow the water to stagnate.

[MdlMkr 7.62]

Rotate your water supply too. Just like any other foodstuff, water should be used up and stock rotated.