Brilliant information, thank you all. Definately thinking more about food options and the advice to try on bags before deciding is invaluable.
Deeps, in particular your suggestions resonated with me, thank you
I am as far from the You Tube image of a UK based prepper as you can get (at least I think I am
), I see it as matter of pride that none of my kit is DPM as I an not comfortable with how useful that kit would be in an emergency - generally it isn't the best (lowest bidders win contracts), it may send the wrong message and could scare off people who may need your help / could help you, and could be seen as threatening and may be met with pre-emptive aggression
.
My musings, as random as they are, are these, but I would be greatful of others insights please:
1. I believe that prepping applies to all areas of life and is actually simply a state of responsibility for my family and myself - by that I mean that there is a tangible cost every time the emergency services are called out to assist anyone, both a monetary cost and the risk that if you are being helped then those limited resources are unavailable for someone else who may need them more - e.g. I love hiking and if I went out on the hills without taking adequate kit and precautions then I would potentially become a liability and that isn't right imo.
2. I want to be ready for any immediate, short term emergency (eg RTC, power cut, accident in the home), I couldn't live with myself if a loved one was further harmed because I didn't have the right kit / skills available - in my view having a minimum of an hv vest and first aid kit in your car should be mandatory, as I believe it is in some European countries. With rapid blood loss being the most likely cause of death in an emergency, any responsible person should have the kit and requisite knowledge to tackle this if nothing else.
3. Self sufficiency - in the event of flooding, power loss, fuel strike/lack of availability (with the lack of stock deliveries in supermarkets that would result), everyone should have the capability to not only look after themselves for a week or more from reserves but also to look after the most vulnerable in society. At no other time in human history have we as a population been so reliant on a daily shop, tap water and the statutory authorites to save us in an emergency (even localised) and I believe that is a dangerous thing.
4. Hobby element (hopefully) - I admit it, I'm a giant kid! I love the idea of prepping for a global emergency.... I have had some of biggest belly chuckles ever watching the You Tube video of the young lad who has stockpiled 12 emergency blankets to project himself from a nuclear blast! The same kid had an NBC (CBRN) suit (with no boots, respirator or gloves) but no toilet roll or money saved. The homemade sub premise on this forum..... some of your comments... 'arrrghh me harties!' I love 'collecting ' gucchi kit, trying it out and attempting to thrive rather than survive (recent Bear Grylls / Ed Stafford cliche alert
) when in the crapest conditions I can manufacture for myself.
5. I love the idea of self-sufficiency and owning a small holding )although I am entirely unqualified and totally inexperienced to do so. My hero is Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, or perhaps I'm just jealous?
6. I would love to meet like minded people, particularly those local to me in order to build a community and share knowledge and experience - lets face it, in the worst case scenario, where the wheels truly come off, none of us can do it alone. We would need to become part of a diverse community made up of people with many different skill sets to possibly hope to start again.
Well that's my thoughts on the concept of prepping and I would love to hear you thoughts and hope to start discussion.
Cheers,
Dusty
