Foxnews: Preppers, once mocked, say they were ready for coronavirus crisis

[Maverick]

Across the U.S., "preppers" have been planning for an event like the coronavirus pandemic for years.

Now, as a run on toilet paper and necessary supplies have created vast lines and panic in our nation's supermarkets and stores, some are able to sit back and relax — while being humble enough to avoid saying "I told you so."

“We're not laughing. We're not saying ‘I told you so,' when people are out there fighting over toilet paper and hand sanitizers,” said Ohio resident Paul Buescher.

“The apocalypse is not a thing that's going to happen,” she said, according to AL.com. “But if you think about being prepared for the zombie apocalypse, you're probably going to be prepared for the coronavirus.”

https://www.foxnews.com/health/preppers-avoiding-panic-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-us

 

[user 7704]

My husband went to our friends grocery today and he had us a case of Ramen noodles. He said they were selling like gold.

That makes a total of over 100 packs. This is not healthy, but my son can make it without assistance in case he was stranded here alone. (God forbid) He won't be healthy, but he won't starve.

 

[jontte]

I told you so....ok, I just had to say it,won't do it again...promise..

 

[Codokaktus]

My prepping experiences helped me a lot, staying calm and focused now. It seems that it calm down my employees as well, to convert my company into a home - Office Chat room. That we should be now, calm, attentive and demonstrating to our people surrounding us responsibility...

 

[GaRp58]

I never said "I told you so" Did not even think about it. Just thought "****, how many will not understand till it is too late", "how many will be begging, stealing, breaking down mentally and even being able to die/kill for their fight for food..." Do and did I prep right?" "did I forget something?" BUT, to make myself feel better or justified and tell someone now running in fear that "I told you so"...no.
My job as a prepper is to lead the way, be a good example, learn more, prep more, want more and give more ideas and info to those who DID AND DO understand why we prep... So far, I have gotten many peoples attention, trained lots of survival classes, prepped for the whole family and feel no fear or danger yet. Time will tell if I was the biggest fool or just had a hunch and a good idea at the right time.
Just like playing the lottery or buying something on the stock market...get lucky or just blow your money??? God bless us all. GP

 

[BillMasen]

I have not said I told you so either, I have nothing but contempt for the masses who truly are to stupid to live.

 

[Frozen Tundra]

I never said "I told you so" Did not even think about it. Just thought "****, how many will not understand till it is too late", "how many will be begging, stealing, breaking down mentally and even being able to die/kill for their fight for food..." Do and did I prep right?" "did I forget something?" BUT, to make myself feel better or justified and tell someone now running in fear that "I told you so"...no.
My job as a prepper is to lead the way, be a good example, learn more, prep more, want more and give more ideas and info to those who DID AND DO understand why we prep... So far, I have gotten many peoples attention, trained lots of survival classes, prepped for the whole family and feel no fear or danger yet. Time will tell if I was the biggest fool or just had a hunch and a good idea at the right time.
Just like playing the lottery or buying something on the stock market...get lucky or just blow your money??? God bless us all. GP

Very well said. I think it's about getting back to the basics... my grandparents all had root cellars. They were filled with all sorts of home canned veggies from the garden, some store bought shelf stable items, canned venison, dandelion wine and other goodies. They weren't preppers, that's just how those people lived. They had been there, and they had seen it... maybe they didn't have food pails and all the self defense items I do, but grandpa had a 45-70 and they were more worried about bears than a hoard coming from some high pop area. They were self-sufficient. That's what I try to emulate.
Some folks think we're crazy for not relying on uber eats to supply our sustenance... I'd be willing to bet our ranks will swell after this is all over!

 

[dirtdiva]

Very well said. I think it's about getting back to the basics... my grandparents all had root cellars. They were filled with all sorts of home canned veggies from the garden, some store bought shelf stable items, canned venison, dandelion wine and other goodies. They weren't preppers, that's just how those people lived. They had been there, and they had seen it... maybe they didn't have food pails and all the self defense items I do, but grandpa had a 45-70 and they were more worried about bears than a hoard coming from some high pop area. They were self-sufficient. That's what I try to emulate.
Some folks think we're crazy for not relying on uber eats to supply our sustenance... I'd be willing to bet our ranks will swell after this is all over!

Frozen Tundra for my husband and I, we grew up as children and grandchildren of people that lived through the great depression and for my husband dust bowl. We cut our teeth on the stories of struggle and desperation. Grasshoppers eating the handles out of the hoe and living on grits and sweet potatoes all winter. It affected my own parents so much as children that until the day they died they always had a full larder/pantry/root cellar etc. Never would they get caught without again. It always reminded me of Scarlett O'hara in Gone with the Wind. "As God as my witness I will never be hungry again." Those lessons have been forgotten by a new generation and may be destined to be repeated.

 

[user 7704]

Growing up in the country, everyone was a prepper but didn't know it. It was just a way of life to can, dehydrate, raise chickens etc.

The next generation seems to have stepped away but thankfully many of us remember what our grandparents did and have tried to bring back some of the simpler ways. I started canning and dehydrating to cut down on processed, chemically infused food. I add a little salt to some of my canning goods and that's it.

 

[dirtdiva]

Growing up in the country, everyone was a prepper but didn't know it. It was just a way of life to can, dehydrate, raise chickens etc.

The next generation seems to have stepped away but thankfully many of us remember what our grandparents did and have tried to bring back some of the simpler ways. I started canning and dehydrating to cut down on processed, chemically infused food. I add a little salt to some of my canning goods and that's it.

Prepper, Survivalist, Homesteader and sometimes just plain old farmer the labels may change but the mindset is the same and survival is still the goal for us all. And we all hopefully learn from one another.

 

[GeorgiaPeachie]

My husband went to our friends grocery today and he had us a case of Ramen noodles. He said they were selling like gold.

That makes a total of over 100 packs. This is not healthy, but my son can make it without assistance in case he was stranded here alone. (God forbid) He won't be healthy, but he won't starve.

They would and are good to have. I feel Everyone needs to be growing potatoes! They really can sustain a person.

 

[GeorgiaPeachie]

Growing up in the country, everyone was a prepper but didn't know it. It was just a way of life to can, dehydrate, raise chickens etc.

The next generation seems to have stepped away but thankfully many of us remember what our grandparents did and have tried to bring back some of the simpler ways. I started canning and dehydrating to cut down on processed, chemically infused food. I add a little salt to some of my canning goods and that's it.

My mother was happily surprised when I reverted back to my grandmother’s way of living. It felt “right” and “natural” to me. Truthfully, I’ve never felt better. Hubby could not understand it for a long time...being a city boy. LOL He got stuck on his point of, we don’t need to do this. We can buy everything we need. But after enjoying the things coming from the garden and the fresh eggs, he is all about it now!

My children are very much connected to the land. I am grateful for that.

 

[dirtdiva]

They would and are good to have. I feel Everyone needs to be growing potatoes! They really can sustain a person.

Another great option is the sweet potato. Better shelf life than the potato. Less susceptible to wilts and fungus problems in some climates when growing your own. A little different nutrition/vitamin set. Especially in hot climates and poor soils.

 

[user 7704]

They would and are good to have. I feel Everyone needs to be growing potatoes! They really can sustain a person.

I plant potatoes, but as I've mentioned before, the walnut poisoning Juglone, makes them hard to grow.

 

[dirtdiva]

I plant potatoes, but as I've mentioned before, the walnut poisoning Juglone, makes them hard to grow.

Couple questions Robin please. Have you had your soil tested? How many walnut trees do you have?

 

[JackDW]

My opinion only, don't start using your prepping supplies. The stores (in the US) are stocked and there is everything you could still need readily available. What I do suggest is use the opportunity to rotate your stored foods so you store the freshest to extent the life as long as possible.

Went to a local Food Lion yesterday to see if I can get a few odds and ends. Shelves fully stocked. Even had TP (which I didn't need). I picked up fresh bread and some fresh produce and anther case of bottled water (they had lots of different brands). Only thing I couldn't find was ground beef. They had plenty of other beef products, just no ground beef. Most likely, if I shop in the morning, they would have had it. OH, make sure to keep your tanks topped off. With the cheap gasoline prices, that may be the best deals you can find today.

 

[GaRp58]

. OH, make sure to keep your tanks topped off. With the cheap gasoline prices, that may be the best deals you can find today.

Our neighbor works at the local gas station and just sent us an info. We should go fill all tanks and cannisters. HER boss sent an e-mail that she and all other workers there should fill up before they go home today. He is not sure how well the supply here is guaranteed and how fast the re-supply will occur...Also good idea Jack, keep shopping just like normal and keep your reserves in reserve...GP

 

[DrHenley]

I'm trying to keep the preps in reserve and replenishing normal supplies as I can. I'm about down to the last non-reserve paper towels however. I'll have to get up early in the morning and try to hit the supermarket before it gets cleaned out.

 

[Proud Prepper]

We are also low on paper towels. I'm seeing edible garden plants disappearing. No ground beef here either.

 

[DrHenley]

I don't buy ground beef and I don't trust my wife to buy it either. Last time she bought some it tasted old. Most of the ground meat we buy is pork, which she uses for a lot of Chinese dishes. My favorite is eggplant, which is sliced in quarters and stir fried with some ground pork, garlic, and sweet and sour sauce. MMMMM my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

I thaw out a venison roast and grind it fresh when I need ground red meat for burgers, chili, or spaghetti sauce. I mix it with olive oil to make burgers.

 

[Proud Prepper]

I don't buy ground beef and I don't trust my wife to buy it either. Last time she bought some it tasted old. Most of the ground meat we buy is pork, which she uses for a lot of Chinese dishes. My favorite is eggplant, which is sliced in quarters and stir fried with some ground pork, garlic, and sweet and sour sauce. MMMMM my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

I thaw out a venison roast and grind it fresh when I need ground red meat for burgers, chili, or spaghetti sauce. I mix it with olive oil to make burgers.

I make my burgers with ground venison and pork, we call them 2 critter burgers.

 

[Frozen Tundra]

I tend to avoid most store bought proteins. I shoot a couple deer annually, I have a neighbor that raises a few steers and hogs (free range, no drugs). I get some beef and pork from him. If I dont know what's in it, or cant pronounce what's in it, I'm not inclined to eat it. Not to go down a rabbit hole, but I grind my own venison burger... I add about 15-20% bacon in the grinding process... BEST BURGER EVER!

 

[GaRp58]

There is a butcher shop about 50 yards away from my front door. They get their meat from nearby, butcher themselves and when we get ground, they will ask what type of meat, what % of beef or pork and then grind right in front of you. Only grinding with my old hand machine is fresher...but at about $9.00 per kilo, not the cheapest. GP

 

[DrHenley]

We have a real butcher shop not too far from here, but I don't go there very often. I might try to swing by there this afternoon and see what they've got (if they are still open).
I've been meaning to try to find some mutton to try with my coffee rub. The supermarket only has lamb.

 

[user 7704]

All of you old times on this Forum know the story of me and my husband.

Dang, he has really stepped up during this time. He actually says he understands why I have always been a prepper and asked for the tools, generator, etc. He has really stocked us up on meds and food much more than I already had.

He is also using this time to change his drinking habits.

Of course, we will never be a typical married couple but it's nice to see that we can work together for the health and safety of our family. Maybe we can get through this and not have to constantly be in separate rooms.

I told him that the distancing wasn't hard for me because I always treat him as if he has a virus. He actually laughed.

 

[dirtdiva]

All of you old times on this Forum know the story of me and my husband.

Dang, he has really stepped up during this time. He actually says he understands why I have always been a prepper and asked for the tools, generator, etc. He has really stocked us up on meds and food much more than I already had.

He is also using this time to change his drinking habits.

Of course, we will never be a typical married couple but it's nice to see that we can work together for the health and safety of our family. Maybe we can get through this and not have to constantly be in separate rooms.

I told him that the distancing wasn't hard for me because I always treat him as if he has a virus. He actually laughed.

Robin sometimes life has a way of slapping you in the face from time to time to make you face what is truly important. Hang in there. Hoping this too shall pass.

 

[user 7704]

Yes. I have Juglone and at one time I had 2 around each garden. The poison goes 100 ft from the tree drip line. I cut the trees but the roots are far reaching.

 

[dirtdiva]

Yes. I have Juglone and at one time I had 2 around each garden. The poison goes 100 ft from the tree drip line. I cut the trees but the roots are far reaching.

There are places on my property where basically I am sitting on a slab of rock. Extremely sandy with a very acidic soil. In those places I simply put in raised beds. Nothing fancy. Just native lumber from the local mill. I get about 5 years from it depending on how much it rains. Mine are about 6 inches deep. The first fall that we built them I simply saved all my newspapers and shredded, shredded that years oak/hickory leaves with mower, added some horse manure, coffee grinds and bought a load of mushroom compost. I layered all my materials in the boxes and let it rot all winter. I plant shallow rooted vegetables in them such as my greens, cabbage, lettuces, beans just whatever. I love my boxes now. They have been a wonderful success It eliminated my lack of soil problem and still allowed me to garden that sunny area. You may like to try it. I still garden traditionally in some areas but adding boxes made the areas not ideal now suitable for crops.

 

[user 7704]

There are places on my property where basically I am sitting on a slab of rock. Extremely sandy with a very acidic soil. In those places I simply put in raised beds. Nothing fancy. Just native lumber from the local mill. I get about 5 years from it depending on how much it rains. Mine are about 6 inches deep. The firts fall that we built them I simply saved all my newspapers and shredded, shredded that years oak/hickory leaves with mower, added some horse manure, coffee grinds and bought a load of mushroom compost. I layered all my materials in the boxes and let it rot all winter. I plant shallow rooted vegetables in them such as my greens, cabbage, lettuces, beans just whatever. I love my boxes now. They have been a wonderful success It eliminated my lack of soil problem and still allowed me to garden that sunny area. You may like to try it. I still garden traditionally in some areas but adding boxes made the areas not ideal now suitable for crops.

I dig a hole in my garden and fill it with bagged soil, sand, banana peels, etc. I use my garden as a bowl and fill it in. Been doing this for 21 years and the clay soil is breaking down and is much better. Take out the night shade plants and corn and I can grow a good garden. I have 3 and I've learned what grows best in which garden.

 

[dirtdiva]

I dig a hole in my garden and fill it with bagged soil, sand, banana peels, etc. I use my garden as a bowl and fill it in. Been doing this for 21 years and the clay soil is breaking down and is much better. Take out the night shade plants and corn and I can grow a good garden. I have 3 and I've learned what grows best in which garden.

Sometimes that is all you can do is keep ammending it.