Hello From TN

[infinity]

Hello everyone,

I am new to this site and to the whole concept, so I have a lot to learn. Frankly, I am very concerned about the future and my ability to "survive" and protect my family from such things as an EMP attack.

Even if I went out and bought a bunch of food and a gun to protect it, I'm not sure I would last five minutes. I just finished "One Second After" and it is truly a frightening scenario. Clearly it would be a struggle to survive. It seems to me that teaming hordes of hungry people would take away anything that a person might have set aside during good times for their personal (and family's survival).

Any thoughts on this? I'm just trying to figure this out. I'm not a hunter, don't own a gun and don't have any food set aside, but I feel like I need to "DO" something. I'm just not sure what or whether I'm kidding myself that anything can be done. This is really stressing me out. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Lostinoz]

Hello and welcome! I am excited to see another person from TN. here!!

I'm not sure how to address all of your concerns, though I would suggest keeping a low profile. You would definitely not want to advertise that you have a stockpile of food in your home.

It sounds as though you may be on information overload at the moment. :( This happens to most everyone when they decide to make a drastic change in their lifestyle due to circumstances beyond their control. The good news is that it is never too late to start preparing for the "what if" situations as long as stores are still open and trucks are running.

Pick one area and focus on that and when you have that under control, move on to the next area of focus.

If you could give more details of your living situation, like whether you are rural or in a city, rent/own, could help others in giving advice. There are many knowledgeable people here and I have to say that I think they are all wonderful! :)

Again, glad to have you here!

[infinity]

Defintely on information overload!

You are so right! I just don't have a clue.

I live in an xurb outside of Nashville - about 30 miles or so. I travel a lot for my job and am terrified that an EMP could hit and I would be stranded a considerable distance from home. Walking a great distance might just kill me. LOL

I am a single mum and it's my daughter that I worry about protecting the most. I am not well connected to a large support group - mostly by choice since I find too many people are liars, cheats or very needy. I'm so busy just trying to make it from paycheck to paycheck and take care of things that I don't have much energy left for much else - incluidng other people. (Plus, I'm fiercy independent.)

It seems like it would cost a lot money to get prepared. I can't afford a bunch of land, guns and ammo, etc.

I think you're right - the only way to do this is to focus on one thing at a time. But won't my "stuff" just get stolen by the masses anyway? (even if one keeps a low profile). Or is it a case that you just hope for the best and try to prepare anyway because you've got to at least try.

I don't know anything about guns, at all and so I am looking for a good course in the area. Does anyone know a good place for lessons a total newbie?


At this point, I'm trying to read everything I can. It seems like a person needs to have a group of like minded people (in their area) that could band together and help each other out.

Either that or try to work with local authorities to make sure some kind of plan is in place specifically for an EMP attack - such as hardened (protected) communications and transportation equipment, ways to maintain order, etc. I'm sure they have something, but I'm not sure one can count on them.

[pathfinder3081]

Welcome to the show Infinety, Don't let all the fear overwhelm you. Just take it all a day at time. Just read and enjoy the information here. There is lots of it. And be careful not to let it all blow your mind. This crap can keep you awake at night. (smile) Things have away of falling into place. More people are wising up, even in Tenn.(bad joke sorry)

[Lostinoz]

As for the defense area, I will leave that to our other resident experts. ;)

Regarding hiding your stash of food to keep it from being stolen is something we all have to think about.

These are things I have "heard" about..

Creating false walls inside of closets.

Taking down sheetrock and lining the walls with canned goods and then replacing the sheetrock.

Putting packaged food items inside of PVC pipe and burying it in their flower beds.

Burying packed coolers in their yard, etc.

But definitely pay attention to a thread that was on here earlier about a person who left maps to locations in each of his stashes. :(

You mentioned that you are living paycheck to paycheck, so I think I would start with basics like beans, rice, flour, sugar, etc. Do you have access to a water supply or would you need to store water as well?

[Lostinoz]

Welcome to the show Infinety, Don't let all the fear overwhelm you. Just take it all a day at time. Just read and enjoy the information here. There is lots of it. And be careful not to let it all blow your mind. This crap can keep you awake at night. (smile) Things have away of falling into place. More people are wising up, even in Tenn.(bad joke sorry)

Ha Ha Pathfinder! :p

Infinity, I meant to add that yes, all we can do is try.

By the way, I grew up in Waverly, Tn. Do you know that area?

Oz

[infinity]

Not originally from this area

Thanks for all the great ideas. I just would never have thought of them and it makes me feel a little more confident about even beginning this journey.

I have heard of Waverly, TN but don't kniow anyone from there. I'm from Canada originally. (I've been reading previous posts and I wouldn't recommend anyone going up there in an emergency. It is just too cold to survive the winters without heat. I know my pioneer ancestors did it, but they had the knowledge that we have long lost.

The only water I would have access to would be the stuff coming out of my tap. I do own my own home, but there isn't any spring or creek nearby that I know of. I'm in a small town made mostly of others who commute into Nashville everyday.

[waitnc]

Infinity,


Welcome, like the others have been advising any prep and contemplation of the possible is putting you ahead of most. I too travel 5 days a week in my line of work and wonder if I'd have to hoof it from Knoxville to the Lexington, KY area. I figure the 150 mile distance via freeway walking would take approx. 50hrs + or - some. Should the EMP scenario occure a person needing to get somewhere will have 1 or 2 days at best before mobs and gangs form ready to steal your every last thing you have. If you travel on a route look into knowing what country roads are between you and a place you want to get to, of course country folks will not be as quick to panic and freeway travellers I figure. I intend to be ready with a travel bag with some powerbars and water and tennis shoes. Along with the appropriate
line of clothing for the season. I can't mention the type of weapon due to regs in my line of work. If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

[Big_Saw]

Welcome to the "learning center"....

[Bayou Blaster]

Welcome Infinity

Just take it one day at a time. I don't think anyone here built up there emergency reserves in a day. Little by Little and over time you will be able to solidify your preps. Like Lostinoz mentioned, start with the basics: Rice, Beans, Canned Meats and Vegetables, Water etc. What I did when I started building up food reserves was to buy a little extra when I went grocery shopping. With canned foods I would look for those items with the furthest expiration dates into the future. Canned goods normally last longer than the expiration date away. Don't forget to rotate your food reserves. I eat what I set aside so the oldest food reserves get eaten first. Look at other items you can later build up: Soap, Detergent, Dishwashing Liquid, Toilet Paper, Toiletries, Medicines/First Aid, Comfort Items etc.

As far as firearms are concerned we can help you with that when you are ready. I've got a fair bit of experience in this area as do several others here. If cost scares you, many Gunshops offer layaways. Additionally you can buy a quality firearm that does not have to cost an arm and a leg.

Times are tough for alot of people, Just set a little bit aside every week and see how fast your preps build up. If you have a back yard start a small garden. Great project you can share with your Daughter. My Daughter loves the idea.

As far as EMP is concerned we can go into that in greater detail later. For now if you are worried about the commute back home to your daughter in the event of an EMP, I would suggest getting a small folding bike and keeping it in the car until you can purchase an older vehicle which is less susceptible to EMP. You'll get there sooner than you know. Keep your chin up. Again Welcome and God Bless you and yours.:)

[nicnap]

Welcome to the board...I am learning too.

[Trapper]

welcome glad to have another one from tn I'm from clarksville where you close to

[Zombie Axe]

Welcome aboard :)

[infinity]

Thank-you everyone!

I really appreciate how welcoming you all have been and such great suggestions. A folding bike in the car is a realy good idea. Walking would just take too long. I would never get back to my daughter in time. She would be left so vulnerable.

God, this is all just so scary to think about, but I feel I must get started. If nothing ever happens, then at least I'll get some peace of mind. I pray to God that nothing ever happens.

Thanks again to everyone. I'll be reading, and reading and reading.

May God keep and protect us all.

[Skyowl]

Welcome to the show. Glad you've come on board. There is lot's to learn here. Enjoy everything you find. A great bunch of people are here to help with anything you might need. :)