I strongly believe that your worst enemy in time of such a disaster may well be those individuals in your neighborhood that know that YOU are prepared as they will inevitably tell others and will immediately attempt to align themselves to you for the purpose of utilizing your supplies.

Imagine the scenario where you are bombarded from all directions to feed literally dozens of people who are pounding on your door, much like the millionaire who hits the lottery. You will quickly find that a soft heart will dwindle your year supply of food down to about two weeks overnight.

Sad to say, the best option for the prepared individual is to remain low key and invisible, regardless of the population density. Your neighbors may know more about you than you realize regarding such matters of preparation when a long term crisis strikes. You need to be keenly aware of the fact that the worst parts of human nature will become quite apparent if you are known to be a good source of food.

It is ignorant to think that the next economic collapse will be anything short of incredibly devastating with a complete break down in the social fabric of our society. Ultimately, your best friend will be a cold piece of steel in your hand with a full magazine and an even colder attitude. I recommend the .45 cal auto pistol with as few moving parts possible. If you haven’t stocked up on at least 1000 rounds and at least five clips by now, you’re screwed.

After the first month or so, the population will have “fed upon itself” and those left with any physical strenth who rove in small gangs with weapons will become the second and more serious level of threat. How you handle your attitude in the first 30 days will determine your chances of survival past the critical first few months.

Do not stray from your home unless absolutely necessary, if for nothing more than legal reasons if on the slim chance that law and order are restored. Stay off the streets and do NOT use lights that are visible from the street. Maintain good noise discipline and remember that every small mistake and oversight, could well be your undoing to the stalkers and hunters looking for their next meal.

Get real and listen up. When society breaks down, don’t expect the police to come save you. It is a cold heart and calculating mind that survives in a post apocalyptic world. Let’s hope that we never have to go through such a horror show, but don’t be surprised either. The vast majority of the population doesn’t even want to think about the potential of such an event, let alone prepare for it mentally and materially.

That same individual with that attitude will be pounding on your door looking for you to save them from their own foolishness and they won’t be polite about it for very long either. On this you can rest assured.

Phred

Also may want to consider a natural gas generator, that will save you up to fifty percent as would a gas generator.

Water by the five gallon drums, plant gardens and fruit trees for canning for the winter months.

While having a arsenal with ammo is a scary thought but for fresh meat once in awhile its a thought to consider.

Sanitary products stored up is always’ good, however get all kinds for all purposes.

If something like the great depression were to happen today, and it is so possible these days, there are many millions of more people today then there were then, times will be much more difficult and much more desperate, people have to feed their families and will do what ever they have to, while it is good to share when you have it to share, your household has to be secured first, then you share with extended family and friends, though I personally couldn’t imagine ever turning someone away hungry, not in my nature at all. Then again times we are in now I would never have imagined could have happened either?

Always’ important to store medical supplies of every sort, bandages, sterile pads, ointments, iodine, alcohol etc.