Hello all,
As some here may know, my wife and I have a small ranch and we are planning to "bug in" for any SHTF scenario. Since one person can't think of everything, I'm looking for folks to weigh in on things. First, I'll show the layout (I know, I know, OpSec, but without showing you, I can't get good feedback). Also, not like I'm throwing up the address.
Then, I'll explain what the overall game plan is. Some of these preps are in place, some aren't yet, but all have their place in the timeline of the next 3 years. What I'm looking for is:
1) Weaknesses
2) Suggestions
3) Any other feedback
I may forget some things in the initial post, so may make additions as they are pointed out.
Thanks in advance.
Here's the place:
We are about 5 miles outside of town, and it's a town of about 30,000 people.
The yellow line is our property line and perimeter fencing. The light blue lines are interior fences.
F = Fruit trees, R = Rabbit hutches, V = Veggie Garden, G = Gas Storage, C = Chicken Coop
SECURITY
If the SHTF, one of my first goals will be using the chainsaw and felling some trees over the main road leading to us. (to prevent a bunch of vehicles coming through).
All the perimeter fencing is lined with trees, making it impossible to get a vehicle though, except for the roadside fence and the drive fencing. For these, I'm putting in posts every 3' to work as vehicle barriers (like you see in front of convenience stores, to prevent folks from plowing into the store).
The House is concrete block (as is the Garage, Shop, and Shed. The Stables (both) are wood and the Storage Trailer is basically an old semi trailer. The home with the orange colored fencing noted is a separate lot, our elderly neighbor, and a good friend (I include her in the preps, though we haven't discussed it much. She dismisses the need saying she's too old, but said if it all goes to hell, well she expects we'd likely use her place to keep her and others comfortable). Rosebushes grow under windows, which have security film. Outer doors are strong wood with deadbolts and top/bottom locks as well as kick-in plates. Slowly but surely, we're adding decorative (though functional) ironwork to the windows.
We have driveway sensors to alert us when someone comes up the drive, and a few security cameras (which we can access even with cell phones). Right now, this is more so we can really see who is here, than anything else... Also, motion sensor lighting throughout the ranch.
We have firearms, (pistols, rifles, shotguns), lots of ammo, and will be getting the equipment to make out own reloads. All family members and our survival group (those that will be coming here) know how to shoot. Two of our group are ex military. One is a current cop, and another is a former EMT.
Behind us is acres of open pasture (not ours). In a SHTF scenario, I have concrete blocks, concrete, rebar, and sandbags stored, that I can use to make sentry pillboxes to keep guards safe while on watch. These will be built in places to provide 360 degree monitoring of the perimeter. Most of the inner fences have an electric wire, though vs. people, this is really more of a nuisance than anything else. (though someone getting shocked will likely cry out and alert a sentry).
There is also going to be a small but secret (location) bunker on the ranch that can house us (cramped) in a pinch, but it is really more for fallout than anything else. (it will be concrete though, so like a saferoom too).
WATER
For water, we have a well, 3 rain barrels, 4 water tanks, and stocked bottled water, in addition to nearby fresh water sources. We will be switching the well to solar power, but also have a backup diesel generator for it. In the Backyard, we'll be adding a pool also (which can provide quite a bit of water for washing). Also a hot tub on the back porch that holds a bit of water we could use for washing.
FOOD
For food, we are adding chickens (C) next season (both meat and eggs), we have rabbits (R), and are growing fruit trees (F) and a vegetable garden (V) (the Garage hides it from the road). Also, by the front door, there is a small culinary/medicinal herb garden around a small koi pond. Around the house perimeter we grow other medicinals and some other fruits. We stockpile dried foods, spices, and prep materials and ingredients as well as a lot of home-canned veggies, fruits, meats, etc. Also home dehydrated foods. If the SHTF, we'd convert the Rear Pasture to a large garden (because you can't see it from the road). Pets will eat scraps, veggies, and fruit from trees (horses will graze on grass). We're specifically growing carrots, apples (yes, there are 4 kinds of apples you can grow in FL) , and lettuce, for example, to help feed particular animals.
MEDICINE
We've been stocking up on med supplies, and as mentioned, one of the team is a former EMT (and she's offered to train others if need be). We also grow medicinal herbs. One of our neighbor's rooms would be the infirmary. Our team member has access to good pro equipment.
POWER
Eventually, I'd like to go full solar, but that is beyond the 3 year plan. Until then, solar for the well will at least ensure running water. Also, diesel generators to try and keep the house cool, and the fridges and freezers cycling. The plan is to eventually get a kit and make biodiesel and use this in a SHTF scenario. We have Gas Storage drums (G), next to the Garage. In a SHTF scenario, we'll put up cinder block walls to make them more secure. We also have a wood fireplace, and a lot of stored firewood (from a downed tree we had to cut up)...so we can do some cooking and heating with this. We also store some propane.
TRANSPORTATION
We have 3 horses of our own, so that's a primary one. I have a diesel truck with multiple tanks that is ideal for using biodiesel. Also, we store diesel fuel. Our tractor is also diesel. We do store one drum of regular gas too (for the other truck and the lawn mower).
COMMUNICATION
We'll be adding HAM radios after we get licensed, but for now, (and even after) we also use small two-way radios for communicating on the ranch. (well, we currently use cell phones, but we've used the radios before). The trucks also have CB's, and the ranch has a CB to talk to the trucks. This is really more left over tech, but is functional.
TRADE ITEMS
Once things settle down, we hope to be able to barter with other survivors (even gangs if needed). One of our group is into brewing his own drink, and we could easily grow tobacco. Also, we could offer medical treatment and excess food/water for trade, biodiesel, and ammo reloads. I've posted before on how to do some safe trade, so no need to expound here on it.
SHELTER
All current residents keep their current rooms. We'll split up the shop and make half into another bedroom. Other group members have room in our neighbor's home. (should she change her mind, we can convert stalls in the main stable into actual rooms easily enough).
WASTE
We have a septic system for toilet needs (two if counting the neighbor's) but we're also adding a composting toilet to the stables, just because it will be nice to have one out there. In a SHTF scenario, we plan on driving a load of garbage some distance away, then burning it (at night). We don't want to advertise our presence right after.
I think I've covered most of it, but I'm sure I'm likely forgetting some things.
As some here may know, my wife and I have a small ranch and we are planning to "bug in" for any SHTF scenario. Since one person can't think of everything, I'm looking for folks to weigh in on things. First, I'll show the layout (I know, I know, OpSec, but without showing you, I can't get good feedback). Also, not like I'm throwing up the address.
Then, I'll explain what the overall game plan is. Some of these preps are in place, some aren't yet, but all have their place in the timeline of the next 3 years. What I'm looking for is:
1) Weaknesses
2) Suggestions
3) Any other feedback
I may forget some things in the initial post, so may make additions as they are pointed out.
Thanks in advance.
Here's the place:
We are about 5 miles outside of town, and it's a town of about 30,000 people.
The yellow line is our property line and perimeter fencing. The light blue lines are interior fences.
F = Fruit trees, R = Rabbit hutches, V = Veggie Garden, G = Gas Storage, C = Chicken Coop
SECURITY
If the SHTF, one of my first goals will be using the chainsaw and felling some trees over the main road leading to us. (to prevent a bunch of vehicles coming through).
All the perimeter fencing is lined with trees, making it impossible to get a vehicle though, except for the roadside fence and the drive fencing. For these, I'm putting in posts every 3' to work as vehicle barriers (like you see in front of convenience stores, to prevent folks from plowing into the store).
The House is concrete block (as is the Garage, Shop, and Shed. The Stables (both) are wood and the Storage Trailer is basically an old semi trailer. The home with the orange colored fencing noted is a separate lot, our elderly neighbor, and a good friend (I include her in the preps, though we haven't discussed it much. She dismisses the need saying she's too old, but said if it all goes to hell, well she expects we'd likely use her place to keep her and others comfortable). Rosebushes grow under windows, which have security film. Outer doors are strong wood with deadbolts and top/bottom locks as well as kick-in plates. Slowly but surely, we're adding decorative (though functional) ironwork to the windows.
We have driveway sensors to alert us when someone comes up the drive, and a few security cameras (which we can access even with cell phones). Right now, this is more so we can really see who is here, than anything else... Also, motion sensor lighting throughout the ranch.
We have firearms, (pistols, rifles, shotguns), lots of ammo, and will be getting the equipment to make out own reloads. All family members and our survival group (those that will be coming here) know how to shoot. Two of our group are ex military. One is a current cop, and another is a former EMT.
Behind us is acres of open pasture (not ours). In a SHTF scenario, I have concrete blocks, concrete, rebar, and sandbags stored, that I can use to make sentry pillboxes to keep guards safe while on watch. These will be built in places to provide 360 degree monitoring of the perimeter. Most of the inner fences have an electric wire, though vs. people, this is really more of a nuisance than anything else. (though someone getting shocked will likely cry out and alert a sentry).
There is also going to be a small but secret (location) bunker on the ranch that can house us (cramped) in a pinch, but it is really more for fallout than anything else. (it will be concrete though, so like a saferoom too).
WATER
For water, we have a well, 3 rain barrels, 4 water tanks, and stocked bottled water, in addition to nearby fresh water sources. We will be switching the well to solar power, but also have a backup diesel generator for it. In the Backyard, we'll be adding a pool also (which can provide quite a bit of water for washing). Also a hot tub on the back porch that holds a bit of water we could use for washing.
FOOD
For food, we are adding chickens (C) next season (both meat and eggs), we have rabbits (R), and are growing fruit trees (F) and a vegetable garden (V) (the Garage hides it from the road). Also, by the front door, there is a small culinary/medicinal herb garden around a small koi pond. Around the house perimeter we grow other medicinals and some other fruits. We stockpile dried foods, spices, and prep materials and ingredients as well as a lot of home-canned veggies, fruits, meats, etc. Also home dehydrated foods. If the SHTF, we'd convert the Rear Pasture to a large garden (because you can't see it from the road). Pets will eat scraps, veggies, and fruit from trees (horses will graze on grass). We're specifically growing carrots, apples (yes, there are 4 kinds of apples you can grow in FL) , and lettuce, for example, to help feed particular animals.
MEDICINE
We've been stocking up on med supplies, and as mentioned, one of the team is a former EMT (and she's offered to train others if need be). We also grow medicinal herbs. One of our neighbor's rooms would be the infirmary. Our team member has access to good pro equipment.
POWER
Eventually, I'd like to go full solar, but that is beyond the 3 year plan. Until then, solar for the well will at least ensure running water. Also, diesel generators to try and keep the house cool, and the fridges and freezers cycling. The plan is to eventually get a kit and make biodiesel and use this in a SHTF scenario. We have Gas Storage drums (G), next to the Garage. In a SHTF scenario, we'll put up cinder block walls to make them more secure. We also have a wood fireplace, and a lot of stored firewood (from a downed tree we had to cut up)...so we can do some cooking and heating with this. We also store some propane.
TRANSPORTATION
We have 3 horses of our own, so that's a primary one. I have a diesel truck with multiple tanks that is ideal for using biodiesel. Also, we store diesel fuel. Our tractor is also diesel. We do store one drum of regular gas too (for the other truck and the lawn mower).
COMMUNICATION
We'll be adding HAM radios after we get licensed, but for now, (and even after) we also use small two-way radios for communicating on the ranch. (well, we currently use cell phones, but we've used the radios before). The trucks also have CB's, and the ranch has a CB to talk to the trucks. This is really more left over tech, but is functional.
TRADE ITEMS
Once things settle down, we hope to be able to barter with other survivors (even gangs if needed). One of our group is into brewing his own drink, and we could easily grow tobacco. Also, we could offer medical treatment and excess food/water for trade, biodiesel, and ammo reloads. I've posted before on how to do some safe trade, so no need to expound here on it.
SHELTER
All current residents keep their current rooms. We'll split up the shop and make half into another bedroom. Other group members have room in our neighbor's home. (should she change her mind, we can convert stalls in the main stable into actual rooms easily enough).
WASTE
We have a septic system for toilet needs (two if counting the neighbor's) but we're also adding a composting toilet to the stables, just because it will be nice to have one out there. In a SHTF scenario, we plan on driving a load of garbage some distance away, then burning it (at night). We don't want to advertise our presence right after.
I think I've covered most of it, but I'm sure I'm likely forgetting some things.
