Surviving in an Uncertain World

Choosing the Right Haven and Preparing for the Long Haul

Where is the safest place to be when the SHTF? What are your food storage needs? How about water and medical? Let’s talk about it… starting with location…

Considering Geography and Climate:

Often, isolation equates to safety in the face of disaster. Natural barriers like mountains can serve as a protective shield from immediate threats and the ripple effects of larger-scale events. The Appalachian Mountains, which run from Georgia to Maine, are particularly notable. Their challenging landscape is balanced with an abundance of resources: thick forests for shelter, fuel, and food, and countless freshwater sources for drinking and even power generation.

Another area of interest is the Ozarks, covering parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Beyond their natural isolation, the Ozarks offer fertile soil and abundant water, perfect for farming, hunting, and fishing. Further north, the Rockies in Montana and Idaho offer similar advantages, pairing isolation with resource richness.

Economic and Infrastructure Strengths:

Some locations thrive on local, sustainable economies, which can be a huge advantage during widespread economic troubles. Burlington, Vermont is a shining example with its focus on local farming and sustainable practices. Additionally, the Amish communities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana are worth noting. Living predominantly off-the-grid, their expertise in farming, and construction, and their tight-knit community structure make them natural safe havens.

Grid Independence and Cyber Protection:

In the event of EMPs, CMEs, or cyberattacks, locations that are less dependent on national power grids or have alternative energy sources have a clear advantage. Texas, boasting its independent power grid, is particularly well-positioned. Other areas like cities in Arizona or Nevada, which rely heavily on solar power, could also be better protected during power outages.

Potential Risks to Consider:

Equally important is to identify areas of potential danger. Proximity to military bases or strategic locations can be hazardous during global conflicts. Major cities, with their dense populations, can become chaotic and resource-deprived quickly. Coastal areas also carry risks from tsunamis and other water-related threats.

The Value of Community:

While natural resources and strategic location are essential, the spirit and resilience of a community can make all the difference. Communities with strong bonds, proactive disaster preparedness measures, and sustainable economies will always stand stronger.

Ultimately, while no location promises absolute safety, informed choices based on threat analysis can maximize survival chances. Emphasizing isolation, local sustainability, and community strength is the key to identifying a protective haven. Preparation and foresight remain our best allies.

Building Your Food Storage:

For long-term survival, storing the right foods is crucial. Focus on nutrient-rich items with extended shelf lives that are easy to prepare and widely available. Here's a suggested food list for a six-month supply for one person:

• Grains: Rice (60 lbs), Pasta (20 lbs), Oats (20 lbs), Quinoa (10 lbs), and Flour (30 lbs).

• Beans: Various dried beans (30 lbs) and Lentils (20 lbs).

• Canned Goods: Veggies, fruits, meats, and soups (24 cans each).

• Essentials: Salt (5 lbs), Sugar (20 lbs), Cooking oil (3 gallons), Baking supplies (2 lbs each), and Natural sweeteners like honey (5 lbs).

• Snacks: Dried fruits (10 lbs) and Nuts (15 lbs).

• Dairy Alternatives: Powdered milk (15 lbs) and Shelf-stable almond or soy milk (24 cartons).

• Beverages: Coffee (10 lbs) and Tea (500 bags).

• Spices: Basics like pepper, garlic powder, etc. (about 1 lb total).

• Others: Peanut butter and jelly (10 jars each), Crackers (20 boxes).

Understanding Water Storage:

Water, essential for survival, must be stored properly for emergencies. Ideally, store one gallon of water per person daily, covering drinking and basic hygiene. For a family of four, this equates to 120 gallons for a month. Use food-grade plastic containers, avoid reused containers, and for dedicated long-term storage, consider 55-gallon water barrels. Keep your stored water in cool, dark places and rotate every six months. If in doubt about water purity, consider boiling or using bleach as a disinfectant.

Medical Preparedness:

During prolonged emergencies, access to medical facilities might become limited. Hence, it's crucial to have a comprehensive medical kit. Beyond having the right tools, proper training is paramount. Basic supplies should include bandages, gauze, antiseptics, pain relievers, and more.

Depending on your knowledge, you might also store advanced tools like sutures, scalpels, and tourniquets.

Essentials for Your Medical Kit

• Basic Supplies:

  • Various bandages

  • Sterile gauze and adhesive tape

  • Antiseptic wipes or solutions

  • Tweezers, scissors, and a thermometer

  • Disposable gloves

  • Common pain relievers

• Advanced Tools: (based on your expertise)

  • Sutures and needles

  • Scalpels

  • Sterile saline solution

  • Tourniquets

• Medications:

  • Broad-spectrum antibiotics

  • Antidiarrheal medicines

  • Allergy medications, including EpiPens for severe allergies

  • Vital personal prescriptions

• Specialized Items:

  • Burn treatments

  • Snake bite kits

  • Electrolyte tablets

• Hygiene:

  • Hand sanitizers and soap

  • Feminine hygiene products

Also, keep a mix of essential medications and specialized supplies like burn creams or snake bite kits. Several books, such as "Where There Is No Doctor" by David Werner and "The Survival Medicine Handbook" by Joseph and Amy Alton, can provide invaluable medical guidance in emergencies.

Thanks for reading! This newsletter is a carefully curated, algorithm-free, reader-supported publication. If you'd like to support my work, consider purchasing my books on Amazon, exploring essential supplies at Jase Medical with code "CREEKMORE10" for a discount, stocking up on survival needs at My Patriot Supply, or becoming a member of my YouTube community for $1.99. Your support keeps this community thriving!

All the best,

M.D. Creekmore