Smoking chimneys

[jansman]

If tonight were one after shtf, There would be a fire. OPSEC or not. The sound of my goats or chainsaw or chopping wood would attract others I think. However, if there was a real Zombie biker problem, then the chimney thing may be an issue.

[Optimystic]

I have had similar concerns, Im prepping because i beleive at some point the financial institutions will collapse and anarchy may well rule the streets, with no banks, no money, no food in stores and eventually no electricity/gas etc the less well prepped will come looking for what they can get.
We saw this during the riots last summer, and that was just a couple of days of ppl being a little bit miffed cos some other ppl were upset that the police shot someone.. now imagine that on a much larger scale over a much longer time frame and i really do think eventually those that survive the citys will move out on foot looking for what they can scavenge.. every home will become a target and maybe empty homes will be the first to be looted and ransacked.. but eventually the starving will move on to the occupied houses..
Either way those inclined to will try and ransack any house, empty or otherwise... So id rather stay warm and risk being found.. hopefully there will be enuff of us to defend the property and our new way of life!

[BelfastGranny]

I don't think there is any evidence in human history that mobs of starving "have nots"will rampage and attack the homes of the "haves"

It certainly did not happen during the Potato Famine in Ireland. The biggest killer was not hungry mobs of people - it was disease which killed the prepared and the rich just as much as the unprepared, poor and starving.

I think that the spread of disease is an under-considered area on all the prepper forums. American preppers certainly would be better stock piling antiseptics and antibiotics rather than worshiping and hoarding weapons.

One of the things that slightly puts me off as someone who has just very recently taken an interest in Prepping is the seemingly total lack of faith in human nature that many preppers seem to display (not necessarily on this forum)

I truly believe that the vast majority of people will work together, cooperate and not turn into homocidal maniacs despite any circumstances.

I do not think I would wish for survival for myself or my family in the bleak and savage world that some Preppers seem to forsee.

[Moony]

I don't think there is any evidence in human history that mobs of starving "have nots"will rampage and attack the homes of the "haves"

During Hurricane Sandy the poshest areas were targetted by looters who knew the police had better things to do than respond to break-ins.

Riots of 2011 ? Though it was mostly targetting shops rather than homes, individuals on the street were robbed in broad daylight too.

In Haiti after the earthquake bands of criminals preyed on the entire populace, particularly as many escaped the damaged prisons there. I remember seeing the laziest looters on a news broadcast..Groups of people were searching for food in the ruins of collapsed buildings and a group of guys with knives and metal bars simply waited for them to emerge from the buildings, threatened them and took all the food.

In many countries that rely on aid (particularly food aid) it is common for locals bands of the lawless (or even the army) to roll up after food is distributed and collect it all up, stick it in their trucks and drive off. A friend of mine helped in Africa a few years ago distributing mosquito nets and malaria medicines, nearly all of which was 'confiscated' by the army.

Sorry, but I won't be relying on the good will of strangers to survive any serious disaster or breakdown of society, sad though it is

[Optimystic]

I like to think Belfast Granny's post would be the eventual outcome of ppl behaving that way but.. i think some of the ppl in todays society have gained a sense of entitlement.. they already mug, rob and steal whatever they think they deserve to have,... Even now with the 'recession' and cut backs crime has already risen in burglarys, car theft, street robberys so I think we have to be preppared for the idea that some ppl will come to take whats urs!

[preppingsu]

I think the only way you will have that 'working together' ideal that Belfastganny talks about is to start now building that community.
If things go belly up people will be too busy worrying about their own families to consider their neighbours etc. Actually, that doesn't happen much now does it? How many times do we hear in the news of an elderly person who died at home and nobody knew!

[Optimystic]

I think the only way you will have that 'working together' ideal that Belfastganny talks about is to start now building that community.
If things go belly up people will be too busy worrying about their own families to consider their neighbours etc. Actually, that doesn't happen much now does it? How many times do we hear in the news of an elderly person who died at home and nobody knew!

Indeed.. I live in a tiny villiage and I only know my immediate neighbours to say hello to really..its a very different way of life now, ppl are too busy, working, kids etc to spend time building communities.
If the SHTF im not sure id even want my neighbours around.. one is a miserable selfish older gent and the other is a sullen selfish younger woman with kids in tow... both would be more of a hindrence than a help.. tho the gay boys over the road are on my list of ppl to befriend better!..lol

[Maddosammo]

I think the only way you will have that 'working together' ideal that Belfastganny talks about is to start now building that community.
If things go belly up people will be too busy worrying about their own families to consider their neighbours etc. Actually, that doesn't happen much now does it? How many times do we hear in the news of an elderly person who died at home and nobody knew!

Indeed.. I live in a tiny villiage and I only know my immediate neighbours to say hello to really..its a very different way of life now, ppl are too busy, working, kids etc to spend time building communities.
If the SHTF im not sure id even want my neighbours around.. one is a miserable selfish older gent and the other is a sullen selfish younger woman with kids in tow... both would be more of a hindrence than a help.. tho the gay boys over the road are on my list of ppl to befriend better!..lol

There is no way we're befriending anyone round where I live on a prepping level prior to or post SHTF. They are all hindrances.

[unsure]

got to say i agree , i only speak to my neighbours when i have to .

[CentralLondonPrepper]

Only in the event of a total breakdown of society where there is no police or military control would you need to worry about keeping such a low profile. It will only be after a total failure of infrastructure where no power, food, medical or emergency services are available would you need to isolate yourself. But in that instance and possibly just before you would need to have a more tactical approach. Fires, lights even moving in/out and around your home or land would attract attention from anyone close-by. How long could you live like that? If you have prepped food, water and health needs I would initially consider staying covert and watching, listening to what is happening around you. The situation may improve and eventually normal life would resume. The alternative is that a mob or just an individual may take you on in which case you should have prepared a defence plan and be able to use lethal force if you are in absoulutley no doubt your life is in danger. A body strung up at the end of a drive with a looter sign around their neck is a good deterent. People are smart and they may be smarter or more prepared than you so do not underestimate anyone. If they really want you out they will probably get you out dead or alive. Survival is the objective not saving bricks and mortar.