Threats To Society

[Fat-Prepper]

I think this belongs here, I started a blog series about possible threats to society that would force preppers to go into full swing. It's something I plan on doing once a week and posting on my blog, which I will share it here as well because I would love to to hear everybody's input. In my first scenario, I discuss the power grid going down. So read and enjoy!

https://outlawordinance.wordpress.com/2016/04/10/threats-to-society-volume-1/

 

[melissa7]

I think this belongs here, I started a blog series about possible threats to society that would force preppers to go into full swing. It's something I plan on doing once a week and posting on my blog, which I will share it here as well because I would love to to hear everybody's input. In my first scenario, I discuss the power grid going down. So read and enjoy!

https://outlawordinance.wordpress.com/2016/04/10/threats-to-society-volume-1/

I liked your post. I got a little confused when you began talking about EMPs, then switched to nuclear bombs, then back to EMPs. I get it though. It wouldn't take a very big bomb either, to cause a large blackout. Even a small bomb, if detonated in the atmosphere, at just the right altitude and location, could cause an EMP that could wipe out the power grid for a large portion of the U.S., if not all of it. Scientists are now saying that we're due for some rather large solar flares from the sun...which also cause EMPs.

Either way, man-made or nature, a massive grid-down situation would most certainly cripple our civilization as we know it. I've heard experts say that if such an event occurred, that 99% (yes, you read that right!) of the population would perish. Personally, I think that's a pretty good estimate considering that most people I know are not prepping for disasters of any kind. Due to our secretive, but necessary, nature, I don't know what percentage of the population are real survivalists - preppers already prepared to survive for years, if not a decade or more, if it goes dark - are. However, I would guess that the number is very low, compared to the entire population of the U.S.

An EMP event is one of the most frightening to me. One would have to be super-prepped to survive in such a situation. And death would be slow and painful for those who would starve to death, or needed medication to live. God help us all

 

[Fat-Prepper]

Most definitely, yeah I mentioned nuclear bombs because in my opinion the both go almost hand in hand. Yeah, our grid is very fragile as it is, it seems since the cold war America has gone to the mentality of, "The government can fix it.". I don't see 99% of our population perishing, though I think that number will be a bit extreme, but I see more like 50-75% decline due to hunger and panic. I think what most preppers should do is though is consider faraday cages, if they can afford it EMP proof some of their electronic gear, or buy replacements in the event of the EMP. I've heard for about the past three years the sun will be releasing solar flares, I have heard it enough that I really don't worry about it to much, but yeah that's also a likely scenario.

 

[Gazrok]

No matter WHAT the big event, the grid going down is going to be the real kicker.
It has SO many aftershock effects.

Nuclear plants
Hospitals and medical care
Stores can't sell
Gas stations can't pump
No lights at night = major crime wave and anarchy
Loss of sanitation
No running water (pumps all down)

 

[jimLE]

people not knowing what to do without their cell phones,iPod,iPad,desk top pc,no tv,no vehicle to drive where they need to go,no more red-box for movie rentals.

 

[Maverick]

Perhaps changing the font color to something more easier on the eyes like green or white with a tab bit larger font I had to highlight it to make it easier to read. Us o'l folks need a little help

 

[Gazrok]

Good point. This generation is going to simply riot when Wifi and GPS go kaput....

 

[Fat-Prepper]

Perhaps changing the font color to something more easier on the eyes like green or white with a tab bit larger font I had to highlight it to make it easier to read. Us o'l folks need a little help

View attachment 5568

Yeah thanks for the input Maverick, I had been tinkering with colors I was using dark green but then I randomly chose blue, sorry for the inconvenience, but thank you for the feed back it will help me make my blog a little better.

 

[Fat-Prepper]

No matter WHAT the big event, the grid going down is going to be the real kicker.
It has SO many aftershock effects.

Nuclear plants
Hospitals and medical care
Stores can't sell
Gas stations can't pump
No lights at night = major crime wave and anarchy
Loss of sanitation
No running water (pumps all down)

You're exactly right it would make our modern day society topple, I myself use my cell phone a lot, but in a grid down I know it will be useless, I try to imagine what would happen if the grid failed, but I can't see to paint a clear picture in my mind. All I can see is pandemonium, it would be hard to figure out what to do the first few days/weeks it was down.

 

[Brent S]

You're exactly right it would make our modern day society topple, I myself use my cell phone a lot, but in a grid down I know it will be useless, I try to imagine what would happen if the grid failed, but I can't see to paint a clear picture in my mind. All I can see is pandemonium, it would be hard to figure out what to do the first few days/weeks it was down.

I kind of think a faraday cage would be useless. If a large emp hit and took down the grid, it would be down for a long time. Without power electronics aren't worth anything. A ham radio would be the exception here. Cell systems would be worthless, but ham operators tend to be pretty resourceful people that could find a way to power up intermittently and spread news and information. It is scary that most of America dosent even own a manual can opener. I'd put the general population risk at 70% perishing in the first 90 days. Between loss of the medical system, fresh drinking water, sanitation, no food distribution systems and the violent crime and looting, anyone in the large inner cities would have a rough time.

 

[Fat-Prepper]

I definitely agree with you there, though if one has a solar system set up in their house make sure they EMP proof valuable hardware for the system and keep a radio or something of that nature with it to hear the emergency signals once the government gets power.

 

[Silent Bob]

I guess I've had an optimistic look about the grid going down. I've spent much of my life studying history (on my free time, when I wasn't deployed or working on one particular virus or bacteria. Its part of why it's my fourth profession and why I am in a 4 walled facility teaching facts (Fun with Flags) each day. So lets be a little pragmatic here and not so much gloom and doom. I will give it to you all, I've spent my money on Solar Power, Generac systems, Goal Zero products, a wind technology apparatus and other power generating systems...but I got to believe we are going to get through it, abate, those with the prepping mindset at least.

Here is a bit of trivia for you all...know a man who helped author the Declaration of Independence, coauthored the Treaty of Paris 1783 and proposed initially the Albany Plan of Union. You got it, the same man who was a representative to England prior to the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War and was ambassador to France. He was the man that actually believed that France would give the colonies, yes that right, a Ship of the Line (in those days, the battleships and modern carriers of today's navy) for free. He was a player-player, quite the ladies man in Paris, even though his face would not launch a "thousand ships". You've been salivating with this answer, so if you thought of the man that published Poor Richard's Almanac, was possibly the first forger of money in the U.S...you know that man was the inventor of the bifocals, a host of other inventions and proved the conductivity of electricity by inventing the lightning rod (which by the way is still used today)...that man was Benjamin Franklin.

Why do I bring this up, I've always believed that American's (not that I have an ethnocentric view of our country), far from it, as I served with many other nations and believe men and women have always contributed best to mankind, when the chips are down. We've placed a man on the moon, when people said it could not be done. The U.S. owns many patents and still believe that the youth of America can still contribute toward the growth and brilliance of humanity. I will granted you, their are days, when some of my little twerps, think they are indestructible and "are know it all's", but I have to believe that when and if, the grid does go down, their will be many, who will accept it, go on their merry way and find an alternative source of energy that will restore some semblance of order and not forecast what many state will happen in prophecy. Granted, I am sure, eventually, I will get around to writing some simulation or one of you that loves to write about the grid going down, will contribute his thoughts and energy by crafting a scenario for us all to communicate our thoughts. Alas, I do believe even simple "Joe Snuffy" will find someway to generate power either though his windmill contraption or sitting on some treadmill that provides power to his much needed powered item. Certainly not Joe Snuffy, then Jim Bo Bubba, as I am sure he will certainly miss his moments of the Grand Ole Opry and his 8 Track Tape? Oh, dang sorry Pandora download on his IPhone.

Okay, or at least I hope so...or all of those lovely DVD's, I've stored are going to collect dust. So lets have a little faith people. Me, I am simply terrified at the thought of catching the common cold and dying from some weird bronchial problem. Oh yeah, that's payback for sitting in the Gulf when that crazy dictator blew up all the oil wells and dang it if I didn't have to go back again to that infernal place, all simply because some rich CEO and political PACS told a Texan that their were WMD's all over that place, wonder where your tax money is located after 15 years...yup lining the pockets of those same $#@ holes.

Sleep well tonight, I know I've got AC/DC power.

 

[Brent S]

I guess I've had an optimistic look about the grid going down. I've spent much of my life studying history (on my free time, when I wasn't deployed or working on one particular virus or bacteria. Its part of why it's my fourth profession and why I am in a 4 walled facility teaching facts (Fun with Flags) each day. So lets be a little pragmatic here and not so much gloom and doom. I will give it to you all, I've spent my money on Solar Power, Generac systems, Goal Zero products, a wind technology apparatus and other power generating systems...but I got to believe we are going to get through it, abate, those with the prepping mindset at least.

Here is a bit of trivia for you all...know a man who helped author the Declaration of Independence, coauthored the Treaty of Paris 1783 and proposed initially the Albany Plan of Union. You got it, the same man who was a representative to England prior to the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War and was ambassador to France. He was the man that actually believed that France would give the colonies, yes that right, a Ship of the Line (in those days, the battleships and modern carriers of today's navy) for free. He was a player-player, quite the ladies man in Paris, even though his face would not launch a "thousand ships". You've been salivating with this answer, so if you thought of the man that published Poor Richard's Almanac, was possibly the first forger of money in the U.S...you know that man was the inventor of the bifocals, a host of other inventions and proved the conductivity of electricity by inventing the lightning rod (which by the way is still used today)...that man was Benjamin Franklin.

Why do I bring this up, I've always believed that American's (not that I have an ethnocentric view of our country), far from it, as I served with many other nations and believe men and women have always contributed best to mankind, when the chips are down. We've placed a man on the moon, when people said it could not be done. The U.S. owns many patents and still believe that the youth of America can still contribute toward the growth and brilliance of humanity. I will granted you, their are days, when some of my little twerps, think they are indestructible and "are know it all's", but I have to believe that when and if, the grid does go down, their will be many, who will accept it, go on their merry way and find an alternative source of energy that will restore some semblance of order and not forecast what many state will happen in prophecy. Granted, I am sure, eventually, I will get around to writing some simulation or one of you that loves to write about the grid going down, will contribute his thoughts and energy by crafting a scenario for us all to communicate our thoughts. Alas, I do believe even simple "Joe Snuffy" will find someway to generate power either though his windmill contraption or sitting on some treadmill that provides power to his much needed powered item. Certainly not Joe Snuffy, then Jim Bo Bubba, as I am sure he will certainly miss his moments of the Grand Ole Opry and his 8 Track Tape? Oh, dang sorry Pandora download on his IPhone.

Okay, or at least I hope so...or all of those lovely DVD's, I've stored are going to collect dust. So lets have a little faith people. Me, I am simply terrified at the thought of catching the common cold and dying from some weird bronchial problem. Oh yeah, that's payback for sitting in the Gulf when that crazy dictator blew up all the oil wells and dang it if I didn't have to go back again to that infernal place, all simply because some rich CEO and political PACS told a Texan that their were WMD's all over that place, wonder where your tax money is located after 15 years...yup lining the pockets of those same $#@ holes.

Sleep well tonight, I know I've got AC/DC power.

I too Bob tend to be an optimist mostly. I think your right, many will find a way to keep going, even devising ways to power things as needed, and will create luxuries. However, initially, and espechially in the large cities, I don't expect to see the finest from humanity. There will be a time that anarchy will rule, and until a rule of law is established again, I think laying low and going as unnoticed as possible is wise advice. Mankind is resourceful, tough and intelligent, and I believe is capable of pulling through just about anything.

 

[Fat-Prepper]

I honestly think if the grid goes down the first to decline would be those with socialist ideologies, those who want freebies. The honest good hearted people with strong work ethics and creative process will be the ones to come together and bring us back up.

 

[Silent Bob]

I honestly think if the grid goes down the first to decline would be those with socialist ideologies, those who want freebies. The honest good hearted people with strong work ethics and creative process will be the ones to come together and bring us back up.

Yes that is very true. I also have told my students that they didn't want to even come around my area, as the entire area will have concertina wire, cordoned off, and will be patrolled with armed neighbors, as most of my neighbors are either in the military or are local PD, Deputies Sherriff's, and even two state patrolmen. Two years ago, the town's grid was down for the night, we were pretty up and rolling in about an hour. One of the officers (down the street, patrolled every hour), but knew some of us were sitting outside in rocking chairs and blankets. We had a few people coming around and snooping, but as soon as they saw the lights (had the Generac powering some very efficient strobe lights and flood lights) on them, many turned around and went somewhere else. Very little vandalism or breakin's in our area.

My neighbor across the street is part of the local SWAT (he comes over from time to time to borrow either a tool or sometimes when he needs a replacement part for one of his weapons), he knows that I've got a well stocked work bench. So yeah, I agree on that one.

Brent agree with you on that one.

 

[Brent S]

Yes that is very true. I also have told my students that they didn't want to even come around my area, as the entire area will have concertina wire, cordoned off, and will be patrolled with armed neighbors, as most of my neighbors are either in the military or are local PD, Deputies Sherriff's, and even two state patrolmen. Two years ago, the town's grid was down for the night, we were pretty up and rolling in about an hour. One of the officers (down the street, patrolled every hour), but knew some of us were sitting outside in rocking chairs and blankets. We had a few people coming around and snooping, but as soon as they saw the lights (had the Generac powering some very efficient strobe lights and flood lights) on them, many turned around and went somewhere else. Very little vandalism or breakin's in our area.

My neighbor across the street is part of the local SWAT (he comes over from time to time to borrow either a tool or sometimes when he needs a replacement part for one of his weapons), he knows that I've got a well stocked work bench. So yeah, I agree on that one.

Brent agree with you on that one.

I think having law enforcement as a neighbor, and working on good terms with them is really a big plus for the security of your family. Anytime something big happens, they are the most informed, and your best ally to team up with. Not to mention, are in charge, making an alliance even more important.

 

[Fat-Prepper]

My neighbors are mostly elderly, but one is a Vietnam vet and one was involved with the fire department so I have a few resources...

 

[Rob Painless]

I too Bob tend to be an optimist mostly. I think your right, many will find a way to keep going, even devising ways to power things as needed, and will create luxuries. However, initially, and espechially in the large cities, I don't expect to see the finest from humanity. There will be a time that anarchy will rule, and until a rule of law is established again, I think laying low and going as unnoticed as possible is wise advice. Mankind is resourceful, tough and intelligent, and I believe is capable of pulling through just about anything.

Yep. I agree. I'm more of an optimist too. With our collective knowledge & abilities, solutions will be found for most any problems that come up. If the grid were to go down, even if for a long time, people's ingenuity will lead to their finding new ways to make things happen. Especially when couple with capitalistic desires and a free market environment....which I think there would certainly be in that scenario. Don't get me wrong, I feel sure there will be some bad times. Some REALLY bad times in some places such as inner cities an ghettos Also for people with medical problems, as well as the chronically lazy. If/when the water stops flowing through pipes, it will have devastating effects on large population centers. Not to mention food supplies. But, I think people will prevail and find a way to work through it.

 

[Maverick]

Even some members of the donner party survived against insurmountable odds with very limited supplies, lack of knowledge and sickness so yes, us humans will adapt and prevail all though at a heavy loss, also remember a human senses are far more keen when hungry than those that are full! The primal instinct takes over

 

[Silent Bob]

I just trained my 200 students (my two other counter parts don't teach it, I think I am the only one in my district that does so, apparently preps and tornado response, is not on their expectation list) on what to do during a tornado. Many of them, more or less listened, not really taking too many notes, but a few did. One thing I made sure they did was find their old bicycle helmet, football or baseball helmet and told them to lay it near their bed with a flashlight. We went through the drill on what to do when a tornado siren sounded, we have them all around the city, even though I've told my city EM that he doesn't have on placed in the new development areas that would give them sufficient warning. Last time, we had wind swept rain 80mph winds that caused the sound to be lost. Anyway, my all my students learned how to thrown their other little sisters/brothers in the tub (inner bathroom or closet) and place the couch cushions and pillows. I told them it was a waste of time (time being of essence here) to try and pull a mattress in there, which is recommended by some EM and national agencies (not going to mention who), but ever try to get a mattress on a bed, any your asking a kid to do, so, they've been schooled to close the door. I taught them how to make a BOB, even with their old school pack, which most have thrown in their closet and to search their home for some simple essentials. We even made a small first aid kit with a Ziploc bag, nothing special, some Band-Aids, had them cut up some old T-shirts (except red or orange colored) and make them into cravats, the spare cloth was used to make up roll up bandages. Told them to raid the pantry for granola bars, bottled water, spare batteries, and if they had some money, should buy a little weather/fm/am radio from Walmart or Sports Store here. Many were really excited, as I gave them a small compass (yeah one of those cheap one, we took match sticks and Vaseline cotton balls (made them in class), some small kindling wrapped up with some paracord (instructed them how to use paracord, some are now making bracelets after school and then a mini mint (Altoids) survival kit (see a PDF on that one).

Ironically, on Friday, our school had both a fire drill and a disaster drill (tornado drill). All the kids I taught, knew their role and were doing the duck and cover routine.

Of course, and the end of the day, I was pretty gassed, but the kids were asking if we could do some more field craft activities and had to disappoint them by telling them, that we were going to learn about the Constitution and Bill of Rights for the next two weeks. You should have seen them, even the girls were crushed, as many of them were having fun. One of my girls is big into hunting and loves to do outdoor activities and she was really begging!

I know this posts had nothing to do with topic. But if you that live in Tornado areas or are accustomed to the Thunderstorm type events, might be a good idea to test out your equipment and plans...just a friendly reminder.

Regards and Good preps to you all!

 

[jimLE]

great post bob..to bad more teachers,parents or who ever aint doing that..i've seen more thunderstorms last year.where they showed the sections of clouds that were going in counter clock wise motion on live radar..in which that has gotten me more serious about fixing up the hall closet like i need to.one place from me, thats 36 miles each way.where i enjoy camping out.they got a tornado.and if i figure right.that'll be less then 15 miles cross country,maybe less then 10 miles.and to me.that alone is to close to home.

 

[Silent Bob]

Yes, Jim internal closets are the way to go. Right now, even the above ground shelter business is booming after last years terrible tragedies. I went to Moore in 2015, to help out with the tornado that struck there (spent most of the time, just helping some of my friend's neighbors). My good friend (who is like a brother to me) actually had that same twister pass his home by a 1/2 mile, yes that close and he/wife were riding it out in a small broom closet in the hallway. Now he has a garage type shelter, like the one I have in my garage (placed in 2004). We store a bunch of prep material in there now, as I built a bigger one underground in 2008. The garage one measures only 10 by 5 feet wide, it reminded me of a grave. hence why the bigger one which measures 12x45 feet is connected to the home by a small underground vestibule.

Last year, the sirens only sounded once and that funnel, was just west of the city. Pretty much skipped over a major highway and then finished off a few farmer's wheat fields. Our surrounding towns were very fortunate. I spoke to the guys who come down from Norman to teach our weather spotter's every year. In one of those break moments, I asked if the speakers believed that whether polar shift and green house effect had anything to do with it; on the record they could not really say; other than they believed that green house gases have contributed to the melting of the polar ice caps (no duh, we know that), but off the record, the non-verbal's stated it all. So who knows, my friend, one thing is for sure, you and ma, better have that all planned out, I simply don't want to be making a trip down there, other than as a social call to bring a six pack of beer to you.

 

[jimLE]

only a six pack? you from tha city or somptin? LOL

 

[Silent Bob]

Well I only bring the good stuff for friends. strangers I just stop into Walmart and get the sale stuff. Also, where their is a six pack, their is typically at least a 20 year Scotch Reserve. Oh...wondering since your a true blue Texan...can you handle that lovey nectar from Scotland?

 

[Maverick]

If he doesn't like scotch then I got some 200 proof hooch (the real stuff) for him, be warned though, the real stuff taste like shxt.

 

[jimLE]

bring it on..

 

[Brent S]

View attachment 5569 bring it on..

Nice Imoge Jim!

 

[melissa7]

I just trained my 200 students (my two other counter parts don't teach it, I think I am the only one in my district that does so, apparently preps and tornado response, is not on their expectation list) on what to do during a tornado. Many of them, more or less listened, not really taking too many notes, but a few did. One thing I made sure they did was find their old bicycle helmet, football or baseball helmet and told them to lay it near their bed with a flashlight. We went through the drill on what to do when a tornado siren sounded, we have them all around the city, even though I've told my city EM that he doesn't have on placed in the new development areas that would give them sufficient warning. Last time, we had wind swept rain 80mph winds that caused the sound to be lost. Anyway, my all my students learned how to thrown their other little sisters/brothers in the tub (inner bathroom or closet) and place the couch cushions and pillows. I told them it was a waste of time (time being of essence here) to try and pull a mattress in there, which is recommended by some EM and national agencies (not going to mention who), but ever try to get a mattress on a bed, any your asking a kid to do, so, they've been schooled to close the door. I taught them how to make a BOB, even with their old school pack, which most have thrown in their closet and to search their home for some simple essentials. We even made a small first aid kit with a Ziploc bag, nothing special, some Band-Aids, had them cut up some old T-shirts (except red or orange colored) and make them into cravats, the spare cloth was used to make up roll up bandages. Told them to raid the pantry for granola bars, bottled water, spare batteries, and if they had some money, should buy a little weather/fm/am radio from Walmart or Sports Store here. Many were really excited, as I gave them a small compass (yeah one of those cheap one, we took match sticks and Vaseline cotton balls (made them in class), some small kindling wrapped up with some paracord (instructed them how to use paracord, some are now making bracelets after school and then a mini mint (Altoids) survival kit (see a PDF on that one).

Ironically, on Friday, our school had both a fire drill and a disaster drill (tornado drill). All the kids I taught, knew their role and were doing the duck and cover routine.

Of course, and the end of the day, I was pretty gassed, but the kids were asking if we could do some more field craft activities and had to disappoint them by telling them, that we were going to learn about the Constitution and Bill of Rights for the next two weeks. You should have seen them, even the girls were crushed, as many of them were having fun. One of my girls is big into hunting and loves to do outdoor activities and she was really begging!

I know this posts had nothing to do with topic. But if you that live in Tornado areas or are accustomed to the Thunderstorm type events, might be a good idea to test out your equipment and plans...just a friendly reminder.

Regards and Good preps to you all!

You sound like a great teacher! I know that kids love doing "hands-on" stuff in school, and I think that it helps them retain the information better too. And it's cool that you're training youth about simple survival techniques. It's too bad that some of their parents probably don't know a thing

 

[jimLE]

thats so true Melissa.so many people are raised into thinking nothing will go wrong.and that the gov will always be there,to step in and help.in which history proves differently.and i agree that,what bob is doing,is a good thing.and that hands on learning is diffidently the way to go on something like that..

 

[Maverick]

For the most part of what I have seen over the years is that people, parents in particular are over cautious in there life style and parenting skills in other words it's easier to be cautious than to teach depriving the young of fortitude in the most important time of the young one's life, the development begins way to late in life today. Development doesn't begin with being book smart, it starts before the child can walk. No, today society smother's the kids into stupidity.