One thing you don’t want to be during the coming “crunch” — a polite word for “collapse” — is dependent on the system. The more you can take care of yourself, the better off you’ll be physically, financially, emotionally and even spiritually. Here are 20 ways to become more self-sufficient while you still can:
- Get a small Solar Panel Kit
that can be used to run a laptop or recharge batteries - Drill a water well and install a hand pump or solar-powered DC pump
- Set up a rainwater collection system or rain barrel
- Stash some cash: stock away some green dollar bills and lots of U.S. nickels
- Own and learn how to use a handgun, rifle and shotgun
- Store some ammunition
- Own and know how to use a water filter
- Start a garden this spring and acquire more food production skills
- Save garden seeds so you can plant the next generation of food
- Acquire a wood-burning stove for heat and cooking
- Possess a large quantity of stored food; enough for at least 90 days
- Get to know your local farmers and ranchers
- Store up valuable barter items that are relatively cheap today: Alcohol, coffee, ammo, matches, etc.
- Safely store extra vehicle fuel (gasoline, diesel) at your home or ranch. Be sure to use fuel stabilizers to extend their life.
- Learn emergency first aid skills and own first aid supplies. This could save a life or possibly save a trip to the emergency room.
- Start growing your own medicine. Plant and grow aloe vera, oregano, garlic, cayenne pepper and other medicinal herbs that can replace a surprisingly large number of prescription drugs. Oregano, for example, is a potent antibiotic. Aloe vera treats cuts, scrapes and burns.
- Own emergency hand-cranked radios so you can tune in to news and announcements. My #1 recommended brand is Freeplay.
- Boost your immune system with vitamin D and superfoods
- Increase your level of physical fitness
- Learn how to raise animals such as rabbits, chickens, goats or cows.
[Via NaturalNews.com]
Be sure to check out:
Top 100 Items to Disappear First in an Emergency
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In some states collecting rainwater is now illegal and one will be fined for it.
That's true Lana, it is illegal in Utah and there are restrictions in Colorado, Washington and Arizona. However even in those states, it is incredibly difficult to identify and/or penalize houses that collect rainwater.
They would have to find me first….. Still can't believe these states are claiming the water isn't yours. Truly unbelievable.
I wish I could print every page and extended page located on this site. I would like manual referral as I don't think I'll complete or memorize these great directions. Saving in a file and hope to be able to access my laptop with a homemade solar. Thanks
Hey sapphire. You should start using Evernote to collect this information. It’s free. And while it keeps your information in the cloud, you also have a full archive on your hard drive. It’s accessible on your mobile device as well. [I don’t work for Evernote nor do I make any money from them. I’m just a long-time user and evangelist for a great product] Check ’em out and learn about a lot of incredible features that I think you’ll find useful. evernote.com
Hello,
Great List of things to do and get.
I have a question, why save Nickles? I'm not sure I understand this. Silver and small bills yes and Gold if you can. I have read taht others say the samething but do give a reason.
Thank you
Christie
Christie, old nickels (pre 1964) contain silver which makes them significantly more valuable than a new nickel. Theres a great article about this at http://www.survivalblog.com/nickels.html
Only nickles made during 1942 – 1945 contain silver. All other years are just … nickle. Pre 1964 dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollar coins contain silver, but not nickles or pennies.
True. Those were the "war nickles". But with the rise in the price of copper, the "melt value" of an ordinary nickel is currently 4.6 cents (US). In any kind of inflation, they will soon be worth MORE than just 5 cents. (Courtesy of http://www.coinflation.com/ )
The reason people save nickels is because their melt value is more than the 5 cents that the coin is worth in money. Last I checked, nickels were worth about 7 and a half cents. BUT…it is currently not legal to use them for their content because it is not legal to destroy/deface US currency. There is much speculation that that law may be changed In the near future. But no one knows for certain.
Paper dollars will be worthless I do not know why they are on the list.
These tips will be of no consequence when these Executive Orders Are Initiated Signed By President Obama
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embe…
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/executiveord…
ps. i dont vote. so i aint trying to convince you. just showing the facts.
Brianlouky, don't believe everything you're told. Look up the truth for yourself. E.O.'s are like a company memo for the executive branch. They do not apply to anyone outside of the executive branch.
those of us living on the poverty line can only get survival skills such as hunting, fishing, and gathering food from our environment. Not everyone can afford to hoard things or get fancy gadgets. If you at least learn survival skills you will be a lot better off than city folk that depend on the government.
So what this article seems to be saying is – apartment dwellers like me are screwed.
if the crunch does come concern about powering laptops and cell phones should be last on your list scrp heap
Well, cell phones will probably be worthless AS PHONES, but they contain a GPS receiver that will still remain useful, and you can store a lot of USEFUL e-books on one micro SD card. Also, you can scan in a lot of important documents and store a copy there.
This article has only reminded me how far behind I am ;). There's hope though, right? Gotta get working on a lot of those for sure.
Thanks for writing this! Love your site. This exemplifies what we have been working on as well at survivalkey. Such a crazy intense time we live in. If we all together can help others be ready… winning!! Would love to get your take on what LTG Ret Jerry Boykin said about the current times and being prepared in regards to what we're doing. Here's a link.. http://bit.ly/1bf04nW
I think the list is good and helpful. However….if some of the things that I have researched are indeed true, we will not be allowed to live out our days in peace, self sufficiently. They will hunt down and incarcerate anyone not with the new program. Our troopa re spread all over the world, the police here have been majorly militarized, and there are even reports of foreign troops here to take care of business cuz they won't care about us like our own would. They also have robots (search d.a.r.p.a. ), drones, and other technological marvels to ensure control over this populace. Getting stocked up and prepared is good, but we also need to plan and be ready for more than just existing…
How about a small water fountain pump? This can surely be very useful.
The art of prepping sensibly is to do it a little at a time and not blow your regular budget. Things like "Ramen Noodles" are not gourmet but are super cheap, easy to store and easy to fix. Most canned goods are less than a dollar and adding even one or two cans per pay check will add up quicker than you think. I store water in old milk jugs just in case local water gets contaminated or goes out. I have found many useful items such as propane tanks, firewood and garden items on Craigslist in the free section, never know what you'll find, just have check every time you can and jump on them. Be safe everyone !!
Please send info if you have it. Thank you
i do not understand this statement: My #1 recommended brand is Freeplay. Recommended brand of/for what
I apologize for the confusion. The post was not edited properly. The recommendation is for Freeplay brand hand cranked emergency radios. The post has been updated.
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