Author Topic: Question for ggreg: how best to prep (Read 2771 times)

MariaCatherine · « **on:** June 12, 2014, 01:09:38 PM »

I seem to understand your posts the best, that's why I'm asking you. Of course I'm interested in anyone else's advice too.

How might you advise someone who's on government disability assistance and who lives in government housing, on how she might prep?

A water filter is within this person's budget. But as for storing food, it's a real challenge because she doesn't drive, and has a lot of trouble just supplying for her weekly needs. She usually has to go out shopping for one thing or another about 3 times / week as it is. Huge bags of bulk grains are out of the question even by cab because she lives on the 3rd floor and sometimes the elevator breaks down for long periods of time. Even when it's working, cab drivers won't deliver to the door. She has arthritis.

Because she's somewhat immobile and has trouble standing for long periods of time she hasn't been able to maintain her social connections, which generally require more meetings than she has energy for. Even chatting in the parish hall requires that she stand.

In the past she's asked for various kinds of help from people she thought might be able to, but has found that the kindest people are already too busy to do anything more.

ggreg · « **Reply #1 on:** June 12, 2014, 01:36:24 PM »

Humans are social animals. Some ultra-tough, fit, lucky, armed, prepared John Rambo or ex special forces types might be able to survive, but most people will need a community around them, regardless of how well they think they have prepared.

If I was a woman with health issues I would find some useful skill to offer the community such as child care or teaching and trade that as part of a local community. In other words, kinda sorta like what happens today.

Welfare will be one of the last things to go. The moment Uncle Sam stops welfare checks you are going to have millions of people losing it and going on the rob.

Ultimately though we all need to be ready to make a good death. Whatever happens, or does not happen in our lifetimes we can all be dead tomorrow and will be dead before the next few decades have passed.

Croix de Fer · « **Reply #2 on:** June 12, 2014, 03:43:08 PM »

Quote from: MariaCatherine

I seem to understand your posts the best, that's why I'm asking you. Of course I'm interested in anyone else's advice too.

How might you advise someone who's on government disability assistance and who lives in government housing, on how she might prep?

A water filter is within this person's budget. But as for storing food, it's a real challenge because she doesn't drive, and has a lot of trouble just supplying for her weekly needs. She usually has to go out shopping for one thing or another about 3 times / week as it is. Huge bags of bulk grains are out of the question even by cab because she lives on the 3rd floor and sometimes the elevator breaks down for long periods of time. Even when it's working, cab drivers won't deliver to the door. She has arthritis.

Because she's somewhat immobile and has trouble standing for long periods of time she hasn't been able to maintain her social connections, which generally require more meetings than she has energy for. Even chatting in the parish hall requires that she stand.

In the past she's asked for various kinds of help from people she thought might be able to, but has found that the kindest people are already too busy to do anything more.

This woman needs to be with her family, if she has one. If society more or less collapses while this woman is alone, then she will not make it through... Sorry if that sounds callous, but it's the truth.
ggreg made some good points, too.

MariaCatherine · « **Reply #3 on:** June 12, 2014, 04:01:55 PM »

That's all good advice, especially to be prepared spiritually for whatever comes.

You may already have thought of this, but if she could take care of children, or teach, or live with her family, she'd be doing those things! But that's very good advice in case she might be able to some time in the future, so thank you.

Tiffany · « **Reply #4 on:** June 16, 2014, 08:59:28 AM »

Her first priority should be water and food that doesn't need to be cooked in case of no water and power outage.

She could ask people to give her their empty 2L bottle and store tap water in them.

She should start storing some food she likes that doesn't have to be reheated.

Does she receive a bag of commodities each month? It usually has several items that shelf stable and do not need to be heated like tuna, peanut butter, and peaches. Of course if it's distributed in a location she can get to that doesn't do her any good.

ggreg · « **Reply #5 on:** June 16, 2014, 09:17:33 AM »

If she is really THAT helpless and alone then she won't make it.

The only things she needs are a Rosary and a Crucifix, a few bottles of water and a loo roll. Make a good death.

However, God in His providence may provide. You never can tell.

But we've been waiting a long time.

Tiffany · « **Reply #6 on:** June 16, 2014, 09:50:43 AM »

I disagree Ggreg. She can certainly prepare for a short term emergency.

MariaCatherine · « **Reply #7 on:** June 16, 2014, 09:54:12 AM »

Tiffany, I can't upvote you anymore, but I agree with both you and ggreg. This lady really is quite helpless and alone, but at the same time, any tiny bit of prep she can do would be better than none at all.

Tiffany · « **Reply #8 on:** June 16, 2014, 12:32:21 PM »

2 jars of peanut butter, 4 box of crackers, 8 2L of water, 10 cans of tuna, and some canned fruit she has food and drink for a week when the trucks can't get through and the power is off. If she can't open cans she can use foil and plastic packages.

If she can store extra water like keeping a bucket of water in her bathroom then she can flush her toliet if the water is off.

$15 at Family Dollar for things like a pack of plastic utensils, baby wipes, flashlight with extra batteries, sunscreen, bleach, and hand sanitzer go a long way.

If she takes medicine see how she can get an extra supply 2 weeks would be idea but try for at least 3 days.

PerEvangelicaDicta · « **Reply #9 on:** June 16, 2014, 10:48:09 PM »

MariaCatherine, I'm going to guess that your friend does not have a computer?

MariaCatherine · « **Reply #10 on:** June 17, 2014, 02:52:50 PM »

Quote from: PerEvangelicaDicta

MariaCatherine, I'm going to guess that your friend does not have a computer?

She does have one, as well as internet. Why do you ask?

MariaCatherine · « **Reply #11 on:** June 17, 2014, 02:55:28 PM »

Quote from: Tiffany

... sunscreen ...

:confused1:

Tiffany · « **Reply #12 on:** June 17, 2014, 07:16:38 PM »

Quote from: MariaCatherine

Quote from: Tiffany
... sunscreen ...

:confused1:

Depends on her location (a $3 used blanket might be a better investment) but with disasters people often have to spend more time than usual outside for different reasons like waiting in line, clean up, or because it's cooler outside than inside with no a/c or fans.

PerEvangelicaDicta · « **Reply #13 on:** June 17, 2014, 10:53:41 PM »

Quote from: MariaCatherine

Quote from: PerEvangelicaDicta
MariaCatherine, I'm going to guess that your friend does not have a computer?

She does have one, as well as internet. Why do you ask?

There are so many interesting "prepper" websites that she could review - so many of them written by women. It would be empowering for her to learn and make decisions on what is best for her and her budget. Just a way to give her more confidence and diminish her feeling of helplessness. Do you think that would help?

You are so kind to help her.

MariaCatherine · « **Reply #14 on:** June 18, 2014, 10:21:55 AM »

Quote from: Tiffany

Depends on her location (a $3 used blanket might be a better investment) but with disasters people often have to spend more time than usual outside for different reasons like waiting in line, clean up, or because it's cooler outside than inside with no a/c or fans.

That makes sense. Thank you.