THE ULTIMATE

PREPARED
BUG-IN GUIDE

EMERGENCY HOME
PREPAREDNESS

S. LEE
 ISBN:9798847889636

Copyright © 2023, all rights reserved. This book or any part of

itthereof shall not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever
without the express written permission of the publisher except for the
use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly article.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 4

CHAPTER 1: Reasons to Plan for the Worst Outcome 10

CHAPTER 2: Planning for Quick Evacuation vs. Staying Put 14

CHAPTER 3: My Budget for Prepping 18

CHAPTER 4: Food 24

CHAPTER 5: Water 40

CHAPTER 6: Heating, Lighting and Energy Solutions 46

CHAPTER 7: Medical Preparations 52

CHAPTER 8: Home Repairs / Vehicle Preparation 60

CHAPTER 9: Communications 66

CHAPTER 10: Weapons 74

CHAPTER 11: Home Defense 78

CHAPTER 12: Bug-Out Bags 86

CHAPTER 13: When to Bug-Out 92

CHAPTER 14: To Avoid Future Déjà Vu,

Long-term Events Should be Learned from History 98

CHAPTER 15: Community Survival Planning: What It Takes 106

CHAPTER 16: Barter And Trade: Not Just for Baseball Cards 124

CONCLUSION 130

RESOURCES 134
INTRODUCTION

THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE

EMERGENCY HOME PREPAREDNESS

S. LEE
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I want to help you, the reader, survive an emergency, whether

you choose to stay at home or leave in case the situation cannot
be handled by staying put. I will cover various scenarios, from
natural to human-made disasters, and provide guidance on how
to prepare for SHTF (Schumer Hits the Fan) items to purchase,
how to budget for prepping, and how to make the crucial decision
of either staying home or relocating to a more secure area. After
reading this book, you will be equipped with the necessary knowledge to
prepare for emergencies, including stockpiling essential items like gear, food,
and water and acquiring crucial survival skills. You will be able to keep
yourself and your family safe during challenging times.
So, what is “prepping”? Prepping is the art of being prepared
to survive in the unknown waters of the world. It is all about
being ready for anything that life throws your way. Have you ever
stopped to think about how we, as modern humans, have remained
unchanged for tens of thousands of years?
Our brains are almost identical to those of hunter-gatherers
from 20,000 BC, in terms of both basic structure and IQ. And yet,
we are quite different from our ancestors when it comes to our
state of mind.
Today, most of us in the western world are completely
dependent on modern civilization. We take things like running
water, electricity, and personal security for granted. We live in
comfortable, air-conditioned bubbles and have food and clothes
available on a whim. We have become complacent and reliant on
rule-based order, democracy, and a loving government.
But what if something were to happen to disrupt our
comfortable way of life? What if we were faced with a natural
6 | S. LEE

disaster or economic collapse? Most of us would be completely

helpless and foodless. We would be hopeless.
It is a scary thought, but the truth is that our economy is based
on services, and most of us are crammed into megacities, living in
concrete-made caves. We are dependent on state protection and
various companies, with meaningless jobs that would be useless in
a survival situation. But the good news is that we have the same
basic survival instincts as our ancient ancestors.
If they could survive for hundreds of thousands of years, so
can we. We just need to re-learn the survival skills they used.
That is where prepping comes in. Prepping is all about being
ready for anything, from natural disasters to societal collapse. It
is about learning the skills needed to survive off the land and
being prepared for any eventuality. So, if you want to be ready
for anything life throws your way, start preparing today. Learn the
ancient survival skills practiced by our troglodyte ancestors and be
ready for whatever comes next.
Let me tell you about some of the crucial skills our ancestors
had to rely on to survive. These skills are often forgotten and
laughed at by the people who have their fancy iPhones with all
sorts of apps, even for survival. Here are some skills that we need
to relearn:
• Learning how to track and hunt wildlife is essential. Our
hunter-gatherer ancestors developed this skill early on,
and it was a significant step for humankind as it developed
our cognitive abilities, social cooperation, and boosted
confidence. This skill also allowed us to become more
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independent in terms of food sources, and animal proteins

and fats helped to feed our developing brains.
• Knowing what to eat and how to medicate yourself is
another ancient survival skill that is almost extinct. In an
outdoor survival scenario, knowing what you can eat and
how to care for yourself without an ER or drugstore is
critical. This knowledge used to be passed down from
generation to generation for thousands of years, but we
have lost that art in our modern world.
• Navigational skills are also important. Our early ancestors
were able to travel and trade thousands of miles away
from their homes without the use of GPS or maps. For
example, indigenous Australians used a combination of
storytelling, pictographic maps, and artwork to navigate
the vast Australian outback.
• Learning how to make clothes from scratch is another
crucial skill. Depending on the climate and available
resources, there are countless methods for making your
own clothes and shoes. Shoes are particularly important,
and they can be made from a variety of materials such as
eel skins, deer, moose, elk, reindeer, old tires, and even
wood. Leather clothing is also essential for surviving the
winter, and we can learn from the American Indians who
took care of themselves during the colder months.
• The most important ancient survival skill that we, as modern
humans, have lost is group survival. It is concerning that
we live in a society that is so focused on individualism and
the “every man for himself ” mentality. Sure, this approach
8 | S. LEE

might work for us now when everything is functioning

properly, and we are dependent upon “total strangers” like
the grocer, police officer, or utility company for our daily
needs. However, we take these conveniences for granted
and do not realize that we are all in this together.
Back in the day, survival meant banding together with your
peers, friends, and relatives to maximize the tribe’s chances of
success and survival. It is essential to think about the concept
of localism, which opposes globalism and focuses on local self-
reliance in a SHTF scenario. Nowadays, we hardly know our
neighbors and do not even want to know who they are. There
is little to no interaction with our surroundings, as we view the
people around us as competitors rather than allies. But let me tell
you, the lone-wolf approach is the worst possible strategy for
long-term survival. I strongly advise finding 2-3 family members,
2-3 friends, and at least one neighbor who thinks the same way you
do. Because, without a community, there is no real security. If you
look at any SHTF scenario, the people who ended up surviving
were the ones with the strongest community. So, let us prioritize
group survival and create a strong network of people who can
support each other during challenging times.
CHAPTER 1:
Reasons to Plan for
the Worst Outcome

THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE

EMERGENCY HOME PREPAREDNESS

S. LEE
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I ‘ve been noticing lately that the current events happening around
the world are getting more and more worrisome. I have heard a
lot of talk about prepping in certain circles for the last few decades,
but nothing major has happened yet. However, with everything
that has been going on recently, like the COVID-19 situation that
started back in 2020 and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it is more
important than ever to be prepared for a black swan event (an
unpredictable event).
Even though the stock market is doing okay, government
statistics (except for inflation) are strangely optimistic because they
are cooked. The economic situation of “real people” in the “real
world” is getting worse by the day, especially if you are not working
on Wall Street. The government’s response to the pandemic
situation with lock downs destroyed the middle class and small
businesses, which led to supply chain shortages worldwide and
catastrophic inflation. Central banks around the world are printing
money like crazy and incentivizing people not to work, which only
makes things worse.
And then there is the war in Ukraine, which has the potential
to become World War III if those crazies running the world think
they can profit from it. Ukraine is one of the world’s leading food
and commodity producers, and the US and EU imposing sanctions
on Russian oil and gas plunged the European Union into an energy
crisis that has never been seen before. There are still supply chain
issues that are causing worldwide inflation, which is only made
worse by the fact that all world governments reacted the same way
by trying to mitigate the COVID crisis through money printing.
12 | S. LEE

As someone who is concerned about the potential for society

to collapse and the possibility of food and water shortages, I am
constantly thinking about how to prepare myself for the worst-
case scenario. With tensions rising between the US and China
over Taiwan and the stock market at risk of a meltdown due to
unforeseen events, the world is becoming more uncertain.
But what can I and others do to prepare for a possible SHTF
situation when I am already struggling to pay my mortgage and
make ends meet? It is easy to get caught up in stockpiling and
buying gear, but I know that will not be enough to save my life
or yours. Instead, the most important aspect of prepping is
learning survival skills and adopting the right mindset. In a crisis,
the knowledge, and skills I have acquired will be the difference
between life and death. That is why I am committed to developing
my situational awareness and staying calm under pressure.
Of course, I am not saying that stockpiling is useless. But as
the saying goes, “Omnia mea mecum porto”—I carry all my things
with me. The skills and knowledge I have gained are always with
me, even if I lose my gear or stash.
Before I can even start prepping, though, I need to consider
what I am prepping for. If I am living in the city, I need to have a
plan in place for whether to stay or go in the event of a disaster.
If I decide to bug out, I will need to focus on light survival gear
and short-term emergency supplies. On the other hand, if I
am planning to stay put, I will need to focus on stocking up on
food, water, and other supplies. But living in a rural area has its
advantages, especially when it comes to prepping. In a tight-knit
community like the one I live in; we can pool our resources and
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knowledge to prepare for any eventuality. Whether it is a natural

disaster or something more sinister, I know that I can count on my
neighbors to have my back.
In the end, though, prepping is about more than just survival.
It is about being mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared
for whatever life throws your way. And that is something that’s
valuable no matter where you live or what you are preparing for.
CHAPTER 2:
Planning for Quick
Evacuation vs.
Staying Put

THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE

EMERGENCY HOME PREPAREDNESS

S. LEE
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 15

I believe that this step is particularly important. I often question

whether I should bug out or bug in, and it can be difficult to
know when to stay or when to go. In the prepping community, it
is recommended that I stay in my home and “stand my ground,”
but I know that there are no absolutes when it comes to prepping.
Emergencies are always evolving, and situations will require
me to adapt. There are many situations when sheltering in place
is impossible and/or suicidal. For example, I might be facing
an incoming war with a superpower capable of nuking my city,
or more “benign” things like massive flooding, an impending
hurricane, a catastrophic earthquake, a massive volcanic eruption,
a chemical or nuclear spill, or even Godzilla going nuts. In any of
these scenarios, if I do not hit the road ASAP, I could become part
of these grim statistics.
So, bugging out should always be high on my priority list, but
not necessarily the first option. I have a responsibility to use my
judgment to reduce risks during an emergency. The main lesson to
be learned at this point is that I must prepare for both bugging in
and bugging out. If I can only handle one or the other, I am not
prepared. I know that my first instinct might be to hit the road
when something bad happens or is about to happen, i.e., to “do”
something in a crisis. However, staying at home should always be
the default choice of where to ride out an emergency (except in
the situations mentioned above), and I should only bug out if the
advantages of bugging out overrule that stay-at-home scenario.
There are many advantages to staying at home during an
emergency. I have a right to be there; that is where all my stuff
is, and I ideally know my neighbors/neighborhood, escape routes,
16 | S. LEE

nearby resources, etc. I can safely use lethal force to defend my

home, as opposed to when I am away from “my castle.” It is easier
for people to contact me in case of a grid-down scenario, and
I have the home field advantage. Also, community is especially
important when it comes to surviving emergencies, and if I stay
where I already know and trust people, and they know and trust
me, my chances of survival will be much better.
To make it simple, everything is a matter of risk analysis—
weighing the pros and cons of each scenario. If the cons outweigh
the pros, I should make the best decision for me and my family, but
I need to be realistic and forget about magical thinking.
I passionately believe that if something can go wrong, it
eventually will. That is why it is important to have a bug-out plan in
place. A bug-out location is a destination that is stocked and ready
to go when you need to leave your home quickly due to a disaster
or emergency. It could be as simple as your aunt Karen’s house in
the country or a remote cabin in the Rocky Mountains. However,
it is important to remember that your bug-out location should be
no more than 50 miles from your home. This way, you can reach it
within an hour by vehicle and have a few days to get there on foot
if necessary. Timing is everything when it comes to bugging out.
Ideally, you want to leave before a disaster strikes to avoid getting
stuck in a mass exodus with desperate people. It is not easy to bug
out, and it is not something you should do unless you are facing
imminent danger and need to remove yourself and your family
from harm’s way.
When bugging out, it is important to have a vehicle always
ready to go. However, you should also be prepared to finish your
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journey on foot if necessary. A bike, either motorized or not, can

be a great option for bugging out. It allows you to carry supplies
while remaining unencumbered by a heavy backpack. With the
right bike, you can even navigate outdoor trails and snow. It is also
an option that helps you avoid congested roads and stalled vehicles
that could prevent your escape.
Before deciding to bug out or stay put, it is crucial to have
the best information available. Use prepping forums, social media
groups, mass media, and word of mouth to gather information
about the situation. However, if the power grid goes down, having
a HAM radio or other means of communication is important.
Regardless of the emergency, it is essential to start preparing
now with emergency supplies, food, and gear for both your home
and your bug-out location. As the old Chinese saying goes, “A
journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Start
taking those steps now to ensure the safety of your family.
CHAPTER 3:
My Budget for
Prepping

THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE

EMERGENCY HOME PREPAREDNESS

S. LEE
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I f you are looking to take your first steps towards preparedness,

I recommend having at least 60–90 days (about 3 months) of
supplies on hand.

Why, you ask?

Well, let us be honest: while our government claims that there is
no significant inflation, the price of food (and everything else) is
skyrocketing while our income is dwindling. It is predicted that the
cost of food will increase by 3.5–4.5% in 2023, and the supply chain
for goods will continue to be challenged as fuel prices, inflation,
and food become less available. Couple that with the threat of
domestic unrest, the war in Ukraine (and the enormous amounts
of money and supplies we sent them), and the threat of war with
Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, and we cannot predict a
decrease in the cost of food and necessary supplies.
Extreme weather patterns have already destroyed crops and
taken lives around the world, and disease and famine are knocking
on our door. By ensuring that my family and I have at least 60–90
days’ worth of food now, we can prepare to secure more food on a
full stomach rather than waiting until we are hungry and desperate.
Furthermore, water for drinking and growing crops is at an
all-time low due to the drought in the US, giving us a glimpse of
what actual famine in the United States could look like. Ranchers
are culling their livestock as there is not enough water or food to
sustain them, so we may see meat prices drop temporarily due to a
supply glut, but they could spike dramatically when meat becomes
scarce. And bird flu is already taking its toll, with 49 million birds
dying or being culled in 46 states in 2022.
20 | S. LEE

A sizable percentage of American families are living paycheck

to paycheck, but the good news is that food and other supplies
are still available even if you are on a tight budget. However, this
situation could change at any moment. Those shelves that are
currently packed with food could become empty in a matter of
hours in case of an emergency, particularly if it is a global-scale
event like a financial crash or a future WW3. We have already seen
what panic buying can do - just think back to the toilet paper and
disinfectant shortages during the COVID-19 scare.
The same goes for regional problems like floods, hurricanes
(remember Hurricane Katrina?), or wildfires. So, it is crucial to
start prepping now and stock up on supplies before it is too late.
I have learned that even a local blackout due to a traffic
accident that affects only a few blocks can become an unpleasant
experience. The same goes for personal incidents, like getting
seriously sick or losing your job. It can be overwhelming when
you are just starting out budgeting for a SHTF event. I remember
feeling confused and asking myself, “What do I get first?” “How
can I afford to get anything on my fixed income?” It was
overwhelming. But I learned to start where I was and not panic
about what I did not have at the beginning. I followed common-
sense steps first. I calculated my current income and made lists of
my current expenses. I set realistic goals for myself and my family,
and I chose a budgeting strategy that worked for us. I also adjusted
our habits and automated our savings and bills. Finally, I tracked
our progress.
If you have not done these things before, trust me; you will
feel much more in control of your budget overall. Knowing where
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 21

you stand financially will better prepare you for your next steps.
Panicking that you do not have enough food and supplies makes
no sense, and it paralyzes your ability to move beyond where you
are at and robs you of acting in the present. In the past, I found
that getting rid of overhead expenses was the fastest way to reduce
bills and even allow me to save a little money.
Do you really need to have cable TV? How about those lattes
you buy before going to work? You might have to put off your
vacation or the extra items you want and focus on the things you
need. I remember having to have the economic reality ‘talk’ with
all my family members about new goals and the need to rearrange
priorities, but I promise that it was worth it in the end.
Making a list of all the items you need and checking them
off is really satisfying. I also learned a few tricks for buying less
expensive food. Aside from learning a few new skills like canning
and dehydrating, I could easily learn how to stock up on extra food
a little at a time when I go to the grocery store. A large can of corn,
for example, can be bought with my regular grocery trip items. I
saved it or divided it into smaller family-size portions and frozen,
canned, or dehydrated it for my pantry.
I have also learned to find bargains with coupons and go to
the back of the store, where they have racks of discounted items
for sale. You can ask your butcher if he or she has bargain meat
available or is approaching expiration, and look for generic items
you need instead of name brand items. Look for items on the
bottom shelf of each store aisle and note if the price is less than
what I see at eye level. You should buy items that you can actually
use rather than items that you never usually use or eat, and rotate
22 | S. LEE

your food at home to keep stored items from spoiling. Veggies

and fruits can be dehydrated, so they can be used at a much longer
shelf date. Make and cook your own food instead of buying it
prepared, then store it properly for future reheats. How many of
us have purchased perishable items that had to be thrown out
before using them?
Budgeting is a skill that everyone in my family can master. I ask
my elderly relatives how they got through challenging times. I have
learned that our elders produced ingenious methods of getting
by without the luxuries we have come to expect in our day and
age. I also include my pet’s needs when budgeting. That includes
their medications and food. You would be surprised at how many
people forget this fact.
CHAPTER 4:
Food

THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE

EMERGENCY HOME PREPAREDNESS

S. LEE
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I want to share some valuable information with you. In the

past, grocery stores used to have huge warehouse areas in the
back where they received fewer but larger shipments of goods.
Nowadays, things have changed drastically, and most stores only
have a maximum of three days’ worth of supplies, including food
and water. The reason for this change is that grocery stores now
receive multiple shipments every week and have abandoned the
“warehouse policy.” However, this policy makes our food and
water supply chains very vulnerable if anything happens to the
transportation infrastructure. The grocery stores will run out of
everything within a few days, at most three days, if there is no panic.
Have you noticed that certain items in your grocery store are
rearranged to fill in empty spaces on shelves? Even with creative
rearrangement of goods, you still notice empty areas. This attempt
to show that there is enough food to satisfy customers has not
always fooled the savvy customer. The general rule of thumb is
that I should be able to survive for 2–3 months on my own in the
event of catastrophic supply chain failure or things like the power
grid going down for extended periods.
This means you should start stockpiling nonperishable foods
and water for a three-month supply if SHTF. Before anything, you
should not forget one of the most important rules of prepping:
everything is a negotiation, and anything can be negotiated,
especially when it comes to buying, trading, or bartering stuff. You
need to get yourself in the habit of negotiating and not be ashamed
of asking for discounts, especially if you are buying from private
individuals or small companies (mom-and-pop establishments).
26 | S. LEE

Coupons are useful, but the art of negotiating is a survival skill

that will allow me to thrive during tough times.
You will be pleasantly surprised to find out that sometimes
people will drop the price for no apparent reason, but keep in
mind that the art of negotiating consists of offering a plausible
reason for a price drop. That is the “back and forth” game.
Anything can be a reason for a discount: buying an already opened
item, buying enormous quantities of “stuff,” buying a damaged
item (scratched, with small or minor defects that do not impair
its usability), buying items that are close to the expiration date or
even expired, and so on. I am no stranger to the back areas of a
grocery store, where overstocked, dented cans, expired, and little
used products are discounted and placed on a shelf or in a grocery
basket, waiting for sale.
Here is a little-known fact: You can safely buy and use expired
items, such as canned goods or various chemical products. The
USDA explains that the “best if used by” or “before” date means the
expiration date is recommended for the best quality or flavor of the
respective goods. It does not mean that items are unusable or bad.
Now, if you are on a tight budget, you can eat/use most of
the canned products long after their actual expiration date. When
it comes to our modern-day canned food, which contains lots
of preservatives and is pasteurized, its actual shelf life is not
the problem. It is not that old food that will make you sick, it is
contaminated food that will.
You can become sick from food poisoning if the food is
contaminated with salmonella or various strains of e-coli or
listeria bacteria, even if the food just arrived yesterday in the store,
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regardless of whether it is fresh or canned. Bulging, leaking or foul

smelling food will be your indicator that food is bad.
When it comes to stockpiling canned foods or any other
supplies, the most important thing to keep in mind is handling and
storing them properly. If I have this part covered, I can safely use
and consume them for years beyond their official expiration dates.
For instance, canned foods typically have a shelf life of about three
years, but if I store them in a cool, dry place, such as a basement,
they can last for up to seven years without a problem. However, I
always remember to discard dented cans. I also keep an eye out for
food and other items that are close to their expiration date, as they
are often significantly discounted.
When it comes to negotiating a better deal, cruising farmers’
markets is a terrific opportunity. Farmers want my hard-earned
cash, and they do not want their goods to go bad while there is
money to be made. So, I ask for a sweet deal, such as getting three
for $1 instead of paying 50 cents for one. By shopping at farmers’
markets, I can reduce my costs and develop a relationship with the
farmers that may lead to more deals in the future.
For instance, a rancher may not only sell me a pig, but also offer
to butcher it for me for a price. I even asked if I could watch the
butchering process so I could learn how to do it myself in the future.
This skill may come in handy if I ever find wild game to process.
By becoming an expert in the fine art of negotiation, I am one step
closer to becoming a hardcore prepper, as negotiating is a basic life
skill that will make a difference and pay me back until the end.
When it comes to having 60-90 days of supplies, I find that
the cheapest foods that do not require refrigeration and will last a
28 | S. LEE

long time if stored properly like: rice and beans (and similar stuff),
canned foods, and, if I can go the extra mile, dehydrated/freeze
dried foods that will last until they are eaten. For a family of four,
you should make sure to have the following items in stock:

• Water (360 gal (about 1362.75 L).): Store at least one gallon per
person per day.
• White rice (40 lb.)
• Legumes (15 lb.)
• Freeze-dried and canned meat (60 lb.)
• Dried pasta (25 lb.)
• Fruits and vegetables in cans (90 * 2 cans)
• Oil (3 gal)
• Flour (30 lb.)
• Instant coffee and juice powder (50 oz (about 1.48 L). / 200 oz
(about 5.91 L).)
• (12 jars; 10 pound) honey, jam, and sugar

I always keep in mind the food storage choices for my family.

Food choices should reflect what they will actually eat. You should
buy condiments that your family actually uses regularly and avoid
exotic items unless you plan to use them later to barter with.
Make sure you have extra salt and dry goods like powdered eggs,
powdered peanut butter, powdered milk, rolled oats, and ghee
(clarified butter that can be stored for up to 24 months), as well as
many other additional items to help extend your food larder.
You can make pre-made meals that can be stored in vacuum-
sealed mason jars for easy meal preparation. Rice, beans, and
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freeze-dried meats can be layered in the jar to provide an easy

one-meal preparation. While emergency food buckets can be
bought for SHTF scenarios, (remember that they usually contain
an abundance of sodium for preservation, and their food quality
can be questionable). Pre-filled buckets may also not have the food
selection that you or your family would like. The advertised days’
duration of emergency food for each person is not always realistic.
Bon Appetit!
As you prepare for a future emergency, you should consider
your family’s unique nutritional needs. A 30-60 day supply of food
may not last as long as advertised, and it does not take different
caloric needs into account. You must ensure that the food that you
prepare has a long storage life and requires little or no cooking or
refrigeration in case utilities are disrupted.
It is important to teach each family member how to shut off
utilities and use a fire extinguisher. Emergency numbers should
be posted on the family refrigerator. Equipping everyone with the
best emergency knowledge for survival is crucial.
You should make sure to include the needs of your family
members.
Infants, children, young adults, and elderly family members
have different caloric needs, and they may have special diets to
consider. Salty or spicy foods may increase the need for water,
which may be in short supply.
According to the Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates, breast
milk and formula have an average of 20 calories per ounce. School-
age children will need about 1,600 to 2,500 calories per day, and
teenagers will require even more. It is essential to be prepared for
30 | S. LEE

a drastic change in food habits for children and teenagers. Food

rationing will be a new concept in the SHTF world, and a whole
new appreciation of food choices will take place.
The human body can live without food for extended periods
of time, up to 3 weeks without food and sometimes longer.
The first four days without food will be difficult, resulting from
a change in body chemistry. The human body will switch from
the primary energy source of carbohydrates to fat, then protein.
Hunger pangs usually will subside after three days, with occasional
nausea, weakness, and headaches by day four or five. Once the
body chemistry adjusts, the feeling of euphoria and unexpected
energy may take place.
Consider your pets. Keep a 30-90 day supply of food for them
and rotate it to keep a steady supply available. Most animals can
survive on scraps for a brief time, but you must keep in mind that
your family’s own food needs will make scraps meager for animals.
If you decide to evacuate your home, you will have to consider that
the items that you bring with you need to be minimal, including
food and medicine for your pets. Your pet may have to rely on
their own natural instincts to obtain their food.
Always make sure to have the following items packed away in a
kit for pets. The list provided by ready.gov/pets shares information
for a brief time (several days only). It should be helpful as a
checkoff list:

• Food: Keep several days’ supply of food in an airtight,

waterproof container.
• Water: Store a water bowl and several days’ supply of water.
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 31

• Medicine: Always make sure to keep an extra supply of the

medicine your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof
container.
• First aid kit: Talk to your veterinarian about what is most
appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs.
• Collar with ID tag and a harness or leash: Include a backup
leash, collar, and ID tag, and have copies of your pet’s
registration information and other relevant documents in a
waterproof container and available electronically.
• Traveling bag, crate, or sturdy carrier: Make sure to have
one for each pet.
• Grooming items: Pack pet shampoo, conditioner, and
other items, in case your pet needs some cleaning up.
• Sanitation needs: Include pet litter and litter box (if
appropriate), newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags,
and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s
sanitation needs.
• A picture of you and your pet together: If you become
separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of
you together will help you document ownership and allow
others to assist you in identifying your pet.
• Familiar items: Always put favorite toys, treats, or bedding in
your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.

I love gardening and have learned a lot about it by reading and

networking with my neighbors. The added benefits of striking up a
conversation on gardening with my neighbors help me make bonds
with like-minded people who I might need later. This method of
32 | S. LEE

research can let me know what kind of soil is in my area and let me
know what pests have been problematic for my neighbor.
I did a test on my soil and did my research as to what veggies
I can grow in my area. I even planted a few flowering plants to
help with pollinating insects. I learned about natural fertilizers to
prepare my soil. I even considered an inexpensive greenhouse for
starter plants. Placement of my plants effectively can ward off plant
pests and complement soil fertilization for a successful garden. It
is always a trial-and-error situation for the gardening beginner, but
what do I have to lose? Nothing! It is a learning curve. I’ll do better
next time.
If you have limited land available (like in most urban areas),
raised bed
gardens may be your best bet for more food production.
Heirloom seeds are the most effective seeds available. Heirloom
varieties have better flavor, are hardier, and have more flexibility than
hybrid varieties. I would use all seed varieties in a SHTF scenario.
This is about surviving in either a short or long term scenario. Save
your seeds in a cool dark place like your bug out location, buried in
a water-tight canister if you have to leave your home.
I know there is no better satisfaction than to harvest food. I
have grown it myself. I have learned how to be the go-to person
when it comes to gardening. There is a certain pride in it.

Here is a list of healthy veggies that you can produce to

supplement your food supply:
• Beets
• Broccoli
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 33

• Pole, Beans
• Broccoli Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Chard (Swiss)
• Corn
• Cucumbers
• Kale
• Lettuce
• Onions
• Peas
• Peppers
• Potatoes
• Radishes
• Tomatoes
• Zucchini

Spices that are more often used and easier to grow include:
• Sage (Sage is used in poultry dishes and stuffing)
• Parsley
• Oregano
• Mint
• Thyme
• Dill
• Chives
• Garlic
• Cilantro
34 | S. LEE

You can also grow your own medicine cabinet:

• Aloe Vera gel
• Borage (Starflower)
• Peppermint
• Comfrey
• Yarrow
• Meyer Lemon Balm
• Echinacea
• Pennyroyal
• Lavender

You might not be used to harvesting your own meat. You will
want to supplement your canned/stored vegetables with fresh
produce. Learn how to safely forage for food in nature, such as
mushroom hunting, berry picking, and nut gathering. Learning to
grow food and improving your family’s chances of survival should
be at the top of your priority list.

Farm Animals:
Aside from wild-game hunting and fishing, the greatest domesticated
animals to ensure your survival in a SHTF situation are:

• Rabbits (they breed fast)

• Peacocks (roosters at a minimum, hens at the maximum). All birds
lay both meat and eggs.
• Quail (per above)
• Ducks (excrement is a great garden fertilizer)
• Geese (same)
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 35

• Specific fish if you have an open water source, such as a pond or lake.
• Goats (if you have the space and the patience). Nanny goats provide
milk that is used to make cheese and other products.
• Pigs (again if you have the space)
• The Honeybee

When acquiring animals, you must consider your location.

Many locations have limits, especially if you live in an urban area.
Cattle are not required to apply! The drawbacks with producing
beef are as follows: they require more space, they will not be able
to process meat for 12-18 months (around one and a half years),
you must supplement their nutrition, which can be pricey, it is
more difficult to handle breeding, and they are a major loss if a
predator takes them.
I can also advise you to complement your diet by hunting,
trapping, and fishing. You must be aware of the limitations imposed
by your local and state governments. When you are attempting
to keep thieves away from your stash, you do not need to deal
with the government in an already stressful situation. Authorities
should be concentrating their efforts on the bad guys, not on you.
If you are a competent cook, you can prepare your canned
meals in Mason jars and the like, i.e., you can buy copious quantities
of chicken or beef on sale and eat the meat in your kitchen.
Another option is to purchase a large number of sealed/
aseptic foil-packaged food, such as tuna, beef, or chicken. They
taste wonderful, are inexpensive, simple to prepare, and will keep
you going for a long time even without refrigeration. However, you
must keep in mind the expiration dates.
36 | S. LEE

When storing, remember to rotate your items according to the

FIFO (First In First Out) of storage technique, which is used in
grocery stores. You do not want to find yourself in the unfortunate
predicament of realizing that your stockpile has gone bad on you
when you need it the most!
The Most Common Food Preservation Methods:

• Chilling.
• Freezing.
• Sugaring.
• Salting.
• Canning.
• Packing with a vacuum.
• Dehydrating

Food preservation is crucial for three reasons:

• To reduce harmful germs - microorganisms such as E. coli,
Salmonella, and other pathogens can cause food to spoil in
long-term storage.
• To preserve food quality - food deteriorates over time due
to spoiling. Mild spoiling does not make food unsafe to eat
in many circumstances, but it has a substantial impact on
its taste, texture, appearance, and nutrients.
• To save money - waste is expensive. Avoid buying more
than you can use.
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 37

Now that we have discussed why and how to start collecting

food, let us speak about food storage and security. Purchasing items
is one thing; properly and safely storing them is quite another.
If you have decided to start food prepping, you will need a
lot of extra space within your home: a large kitchen with a pantry
(plenty of cupboards would be best), an extra bedroom, under beds,
a basement, and so on. Unfortunately, most city inhabitants face a
situation in which space is at a premium and you must be extremely
inventive about how and where you can store your preparations.
In an ideal world, you should be able to keep your food stockpile
inside your home, in a (climate) regulated environment that does
not interfere with your daily life.
Pests (rodents, insects, and the like) and anything else that
could spoil your food should be kept at bay.
One of the most common gasses used for MAP is food grade
nitrogen (modified atmosphere packaging). Its purity of 99% makes
it exceptionally effective in removing oxygen from packaging,
preventing rot, and extending shelf life. Food preservation packets
that can be purchased and placed in airtight containers.
Heat is the most dangerous enemy of your food stockpile;
avoid storing food in the attic area, even if it is nonperishable (that
is a relative term, it depends on how you store it).
OPSEC (Operation Security, a military word) is also necessary
for any survivalist, which means you must keep your stash safe
from prying eyes. I hope your underage children do not shoot their
mouths out because you have extra stored food!
A dry basement is the greatest area to keep food and other
survival supplies. If your basement is not dry, you may still use it,
38 | S. LEE

but you will have to put your belongings in waterproof containers,

such as five-gallon buckets or plastic totes; even a garbage can
(made of plastic and with a secure top) would suffice.
It is best to freeze your pre-packaged goods before storing
them for extended periods of time. Freezing commodities like rice,
cornmeal, or flour kills any weevil eggs that may have contaminated
your supply.
If you store contaminated foods, you will find that your
treasured stockpile is no longer usable when you need it the most.
To avoid this, freeze your foods for a few days to kill the pests.
After the freezing procedure is complete, the goods must be sealed
to avoid future contamination. Spraying food-grade diatomaceous
earth around your food stockpile will protect it from future bug
invasions and will kill any insects that would have survived your
earlier precautions.
That material can be mixed into the food because it is a natural
product that will not hurt you; just do not put too much of it in
and avoid inhaling it because it will irritate your eyes and lungs. If
you live in a small apartment, the next issue is storing your supplies
(food and water).
Do not worry; even the smallest condominium has underutilized
additional places that may be put to effective use; for example,
you can store substantial amounts of food in specially constructed
bags that fit nicely beneath your bed.
You can even create furniture out of plastic totes, such as a
table consisting of two totes put a few feet apart and topped with a
wooden board. This will provide an inconspicuous storing area that
is also used as a table, especially if you cover it with a gorgeous cloth.
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 39

You may also put items inside attractive boxes that make
excellent coffee tables, and you can even purchase an extra chest
of drawers and fill it with food and other items.
There are numerous additional locations where food can be
stored; simply use your imagination and inventiveness! What about
the unreachable place at the top of the closet? You can store totes
in there, as well as on top of your refrigerator, in the bathroom
behind the towels, behind your microwave oven, behind the couch,
and so on.
Another wonderful area to store food is the garage, but you
must be extremely cautious about the types of foods you store there.
Garages are not climate regulated therefore you must keep freeze
resistant items such as canned foods, freeze-dried/dehydrated foods,
beans, rice, and things like that. These foods may endure freezing
conditions successfully and without rotting, especially canned meals
because they are not pure water and have a low freezing temperature
due to the inclusion of flavors and food additives.
As a general guideline, if the temperature inside your garage
remains at or above freezing in the winter, you are good to go!
A clever method for keeping your garage slightly above freezing
in hard winters is to keep an incandescent light bulb in there, if
necessary. If you own your home, even if it is a small apartment,
you may be as imaginative as you like with storage spaces: You can
even build a drop ceiling and store some of your food there, or a
crawl space under the house for storing delicacies!
If you are a do-it-yourselfer, you can easily construct artificial
walls behind shelves, cupboards, and the like.
Storing your stuff in this manner contributes significantly to OPSEC!
CHAPTER 5:
Water

THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE

EMERGENCY HOME PREPAREDNESS

S. LEE
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 41

W hen it comes to storing water, it is important to remember

that it is a crucial element for survival. Personally, I find
it easiest to buy bottled water, whether it is in big containers or
individual bottles.
It is also a clever idea to have a combination of both bottled
and tap water. In the event of a catastrophic event, having a means
of collecting water can be a true lifesaver for you and your family.
If you are prepping on a tight budget, you can always reuse
soda or juice bottles for storing tap water for the long term. You
just need to make sure that the containers are heavy-duty and clean
before storing water in them. It is also important to note that if
your tap water is chlorinated by the city, you can safely store it for
the long term without any prior preparation. However, if it is not,
it is smart to use extra chlorine in your water supply to avoid the
growth of nasty stuff inside.
As a rule of thumb, you should store at least one gallon of
water per adult per day on average. Infants require about half a
gallon per day. If there are family members experiencing illness,
burns, or wounds, you can double or triple the amount of water
needed conservatively.
In cases where water is not readily available or renewable, you
should consider storing at least a 60 to 90-day supply of water
for each member of your family. If you are unable to store this
quantity, you should store as much as you can. If supplies run
low, you should never ration water. To purify or sterilize water for
long-term storage or for consuming it on the spot, you can add up
to eight drops of chlorine without a problem. You can add up to
eight drops of chlorine for every gallon of water.
42 | S. LEE

After adding the chlorine, stir it and wait for a few minutes
for it to evaporate. One teaspoon of bleach can disinfect five
gallons of water. Remember to leave the water container open for
at least 10 minutes after adding the chlorine so that the substance
will evaporate into the atmosphere over time. Use plain chlorine,
not the scented type, which will leave a toxic residue. I personally
recommend Clorox. If you want to play it ultra-safe, use hydrogen
peroxide instead of chlorine for sterilization, but you need to make
sure that it is food grade peroxide.
Another method for purifying water for later storage or for
consumption on the spot is to use a water filter. It is much easier
to carry around a water filter when bugging out near a water source
than burdening yourself with five gallons of water to carry. There
are also water bottles that have built-in purifiers. They use gravity,
or “suction power,” for filtering the water, and they have the
obvious advantage of less weight to carry if you need to hit the
road fast. You can also make your own water filter by using a cone
made of a strip of bark and filling it with successive layers of sand,
charcoal, grass, and small rocks. Charcoal can be improvised from
burnt pieces of wood. After putting the water through the cone
and getting it filtered through those layers, You can pour it into a
container. Repeat the process a few times for better results.
If you do not have a commercial water filter, there are a few
methods I have learned to procure pure water in the wilderness.
The easiest and oldest way is to boil water. All you need for that is a
fireproof receptacle and the means to make fire. Before boiling the
water, you filter it, especially if it contains large particles floating in
it, by using a towel or a t-shirt to strain water through.
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 43

Another method I use is to use purification drops and tablets,

military style. This is one of the least expensive and easy-to-use
water purification methods. The downside of the method is
that the water treated that way does not taste so great. The main
ingredient in these is iodine, but there are also chlorine/potassium
permanganate.
If needed, you can build an evaporation trap into the ground.
All you need to do is dig a hole in the ground and put a container
in the center at the bottom of the hole. Cover the hole with a
plastic sheet, making sure that no moisture can escape. Put a small
rock on the plastic cover in the center over the container, thus
creating a dip. Water will evaporate from the ground, condense
on the plastic cover, and drip down inside the container. The best
thing about this method is that the water is perfectly safe to drink.
I must consider that this is not the fastest method to get myself to
drink water, but it works like a charm, anytime, anywhere.
I even know how to get water from a tree. I put a plastic bag
with a hole in it over a branch. The tree produces water through
a process called transpiration, which is the process through which
the tree’s leaves release oxygen and water. It drips down the bag,
through the hole, and into a container, thus forming drinkable and
usable water.
In a survival situation, you can use a toilet tank (the water refill
tank in back of the toilet) as a source of water. The water in the
refill tank may be “safe” to drink if it has not been treated with
chemicals. It is hard to get over the psychological avoidance of
this choice, but this is survival. You can also use residue water in
44 | S. LEE

your water pipes or hot water tank with some purification steps.
Additional sources of water include your fish tank (after treatment).
Water procurement aside, let us talk a little bit about storing
the water inside your home. If you have limited space, well, use
your imagination. Water is not that tricky to store for long-term
use as food; You can store it inside closets, behind the couch, or
other furniture, anywhere.
Moving to the outside of your home, if you have a yard and
enough space available, guess what? You can collect rainwater from
your rain gutters into any water receptacle that can hold water. I
know that there are places in the US where it is illegal to do that. We
are living profoundly sick society. An emergency is an emergency.
It is unusual for a government in a free country to tell people
what to do with their property or land if it is not causing any
problems. Anyway, you can collect rainwater and use it for
flushing the toilet, in your garden, or wherever. Filter it and use
it for drinking, cooking, washing, etc. The best thing is to collect
rainwater using big 55-gallon plastic barrels because I can get them
for free or at bargain prices (used) from bottling companies.
Collecting rainwater is a set-it-and-forget-it deal; it just works
by itself if it rains.
CHAPTER 6:
Heating, Lighting
and Energy Solutions

THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE

EMERGENCY HOME PREPAREDNESS

S. LEE
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 47

I nitially, you can use more layered clothing and more thermal
blankets when your environment becomes too cold. Here are
some additional ideas you might consider investing in to keep
yourself and you family from hypothermia before your power grid
goes down:

• Use your fireplace (it is more than a decorative feature).

You should have enough wood supply on hand or have
access to it. Tightly rolled newsprint paper on-hand from
Magazines and old newspapers can burn like wood if
processed correctly. Learn how to make papier Mache’
bricks to burn as firewood.

Years ago, I learned a great trick to produce more heat from

a fireplace. Obtain 2–3-inch tempered metal tubes (3 or 4), cut
and bent to make a “C” with the open ends facing outward to the
room. The top of the “C” is angled a little further out so when
cooler air is drawn in at the bottom of the tube, the top of the
tube sticks out from the fireplace and as air heats up, it forces it
into your room to warm it efficiently. You tap-weld the tubes to
your fireplace grate and put your firewood within the confines of
the “C” opening. Obviously, space the tubes evenly. It works great
when you want to optimize the use of your existing fireplace heat
exchange potential. There are kits that have fans at the bottom of
the intake tubes that force heated air out of the top of he tubes,
but as I may have issues with energy, it is better to use a passive
system of heating cool air naturally.
48 | S. LEE

• Invest in a pellet stove insert for your fireplace

• Invest in a pellet furnace
• Use Vent less L.P. heater (s)
• Obtain a Wood, coal propane or oil stove for heating
• Invest in a Solar system with backup battery bank
• Learn how to use at-home candle or lard container heaters
for emergencies

Here are some preventative methods to conserve heat:

• Close off unused rooms, seal windows (kits available),
close fireplace flue (when not being used)
• Insulate attic areas and walls adequately before the fall &
winter months
• Sleep in one common room to increase room temperature
and share body warmth

Here are some lighting solutions:

• Garden stake solar lights
• Long-burning candles (Do not forget matches or lighters)
• Kerosene lamp and fuel
• Flashlights (do not forget batteries)
• Hand crank/solar lantern
• Chemical sticks /Chemical lanterns

Proactively prepare your home with alternative methods of

using solar, wind, or hydro power. These methods of energy
production are most useful when paired with appropriate integrated
deep-cycle energy storage batteries. They can be more costly, but
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 49

they provide energy upon demand. Obtain as little as one of

these batteries for your home to twelve batteries if you decide
to completely go off-grid. You will also need to obtain accessory
equipment to convert solar to usable electricity voltage. In case of
power outages, a 10kWh Battery Pack can power your home for
about 8 hours - on average 1kWh / hour for 8 hours. Combine the
10kWh Battery Pack with solar or use it independently to provide
your home with power both day and night.
The lithium-ion battery is one of the popular energy wind
solutions that engineers and homeowners commonly recommend
providing reliable solar and wind energy storage power systems.
Use electrical batteries in solar energy applications that can be
used to store wind-generated power. Lead-acid batteries are also a
suitable choice as they are well suited to trickle charging and have
a high electrical output charging efficiency.
Hydropower, or hydroelectric power, is one of the oldest and
largest sources of renewable energy, it uses the natural flow of
moving water to generate electricity. Hydropower is an affordable
source of electricity that costs less than most. If you have access to
a running stream with approximately 18 degrees of ground slant,
you can achieve an alternate means of energy for your home needs.
This is achieved by converting the gravitational potential or kinetic
energy of a water source to produce power. Water flows through a
pipe, or penstock, then pushes against and turns blades in a turbine
to spin. A car alternator can be used to convert kinetic energy
to electricity. Naturally, a deep-cycle battery can store electricity
produced by hydropower. A more direct method of producing
electricity can be obtained with an electric generator.
50 | S. LEE

For as little as $350 dollars, you can get a generator that will use
gas or propane for fuel source. There are house hook-up kits that
are a little more costly (around $500) that can be hooked up to your
regular house electricity. This is worth it if you do not want to be
in the dark without heat.
Obtain alternative methods to energizing your batteries too.
You can even obtain a stationary bike to produce energy. When
you start pedaling the stationary bike, you exert human energy
on the flywheel. The flywheel [then] turns on an electric motor
that has coils. As the coils turn, they produce electricity via
electromagnetism. Pedaling the bike for 30 minutes is enough to
produce electricity that can light seven light bulbs for 12 hours,
turn on a fan, power a TV, and charge phones.
Here is a thought, you can offer to provide battery ‘fill-ups’
to your neighbors for goodwill or for barter. I bet someone will
take me up on a chance to recharge their phone or radio. If you
can obtain a fuel or energy source, your services will be needed
in a grid-down situation. You and your family can barter for this
service and get in shape!
CHAPTER 7:
Medical Preparations

THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE

EMERGENCY HOME PREPAREDNESS

S. LEE
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 53

I n the medical field (from which I am now retired), I knew that

when a patient came into the Emergency Room in distress, the
team would use the “A, B, C’s” (Airway, Breathing, and Circulation)
to triage them. I also knew that potential Shock could be deadly
if not treated. So, I dealt with the obvious first, then the not-so-
obvious. I would make sure the patient had an adequate airway,
administer oxygen if needed, and put pressure on any bleeding
areas as needed. I also checked for adequate blood pressure and
drew blood, obtained urine for analysis to determine any other
underlying causes of the ongoing emergency. I then thought about
my next move.
It was crucial for me to follow a specific process to provide the
patient with the best chance of survival. That is why it is important
for everyone to learn basic first aid.
It is not helpful to have supplies that you do not know how to
use. The American Red Cross or a similar organization in your area
can provide classes periodically. Basic CPR and applying bandages
and slings are important. However, I understand that not everyone
in the family needs to be trained in every emergency condition. It
is important to consider age and coping skills.
I would not want my six-year-old grandson to stuff a large
gauze dressing into a gaping abdominal wound! It is important to
know who your nearest medical professional is and make at least a
casual acquaintance with them. They should be able to remember
my face for easy identification if I ever need medical assistance in
the future. In a SHTF event, it will be hard to know who to trust,
including medical
54 | S. LEE

professionals. They need to consider their own safety and that

of their family too.
It is essential to have at least a 30-day supply of all necessary
medications for family members who take medication (90 days
is better). Make a request to your family medical provider for
extra refills with maximum quantities of medication so that you
can always have as much medication as you can. It is not a bad
idea to keep them in the freezer or refrigerator to keep them past
their expiration date for a brief time, but only if they are not
temperature sensitive.
Writing down your medications, strength, and simple instructions
on how to take them will aid you and others in administering
them accurately. It is also essential to write down who ordered the
medications and their phone number. You can get another refill
later if you run out. Document your drug allergies and sensitivities,
so medical professionals know which drugs to avoid.
It is vital for your family to know where the above list is located
if it is not in your wallet or purse. Your bug out bag may be the
best location. Obtain an extra pair of prescription glasses and extra
batteries for your hearing aids.
The following is a brief list of over-the-counter drugs and
things that you should keep on hand for one person. Place
everything in a large canvas/multi-pocket bag so that everyone can
access it. Make certain that everyone who is in charge understands
where it is in case of an emergency.
As a resource, include a first aid how-to booklet with your
homemade first aid medical kit. Not everyone will use it frequently
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 55

enough to recall previous training (if they had any). If you have
more than one person to look after, multiply the following items:

• 1 bottle ibuprofen (Advil)

• 1 bottle acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Aspirin (one bottle)
• 1 box antihistamine
• 1 box of Imodium/Loperamide
• 1 box Sudafed (or equivalent)
• 1 box of throat lozenges
• Bismuth tabs, 1 box
• Dramamine, 1 box
• 1 package of stool softener
• 1 tube hydrocortisone cream
• 1 tube antifungal cream (TAC, Miconazole, or equivalent).
• 1 bar of soft soap for cleaning (no need for antibacterial).
• 1 bottle of alcohol (hand massage gel and liquid)
• Orajel (also known as clove oil) for toothaches, 1 bottle
• 1 dental filling kit (for interim repair)
• 1 bottle wintergreen oil (to relieve stomach distress)
• 1 bottle of iodine
• 1 tube betadine ointment
• 1 container Vaseline
• 1 box of nitrile or vinyl exam gloves for each member in
the household (in their size)
• 1 bottle hydrogen peroxide (diluted to 12 strength with
clean water)
• 1 tube of maximum strength sunblock
56 | S. LEE

Dressings and bandages:

• 1 box of Band-Aids (all sizes)
• Gauze Rolls that conform (assorted sizes) 2 rolls of each type
• 2 wound compresses or sanitary napkins
• Irrigation syringes (two)
• 1 box of sterile gauze pads
• 2 rolls medical tape
• 1 box of alcohol wipes
• Ace Bandages (assorted sizes), 2 each
• 2 triangle bandages
• 1 packet molefoam (to use if you eventually hit the road –
walking)
• 1 second skin
• 1 bottle liquid bandage
• 1 Silvadene or burn cream
• 1 box Tegaderm (clear dressing)
• 1 box of steri-strip or butterfly closures
• 1 set of Sam-splint moldable foam splints
• 1 Israeli bandage (a clotting bandage used to control
bleeding)
• 1 Suture kit (if you know how to use it!)
• 1 tourniquet each
• 1 roll duct tape
• A smidgeon of fishing line
• Dermabond (two tubes)
• 2 instant cold compresses
• 1 pair bandage scissors/shears
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 57

• 1mg epinephrine: Used to treat severe allergic responses.

(An auto injects pen costs around $40 and can be purchased
online.)

The list above is a wonderful place to start. Those with medical

experience may choose to incorporate more elements. Remind
everyone that the list above is for anyone who does not have
considerable medical knowledge. Having a stockpile of drugs and
equipment can make you the go-to clinic in the neighborhood for
medical professionals. Depending on the number of your supplies,
this can be good or harmful. You may be perceived as their
automated pharmacy if supplied to your friends and neighbors.
The notion that you have a lengthy list of medical products on
hand could quickly drain your supplies in a crisis. If a desperate
person believes you have something they desire or need, they may
force their way into it. First, look after yourself and your family,
then others as needed. Be prudent.
Having said that, the following antibiotics are available
without a prescription if used on animals (including fish). Most
individuals will recognize the pills and their dosages, however
there are restrictions on their use when purchasing them for
human consumption without a medical provider’s order. They are
significantly less expensive than what you would pay at a traditional
pharmacy. I am not advocating that you use them without the
approval or order of a medical professional. That would be both
unethical and illegal.
Individuals who use antibiotics should be knowledgeable on
how to use them correctly. Antibiotics should NEVER be used
58 | S. LEE

to treat a simple cold! Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses

such as the common cold or influenza; instead of antibiotics,
medications that block viruses are referred to as antiviral drugs or
antivirals.
The following is a list of antibiotics that a smart prepper should
keep on hand. A PDR (Physicians’ Desk Reference) may tell you
how much to take and how long to take it for a full treatment. You
MUST take all the suggested dosages (particularly for youngsters)
and amounts exactly as directed, or you risk a super illness. Take
the entire course of antibiotics, even if you “feel better” and decide
not to finish the course or try to save the rest for later. I cannot
emphasize this more. Also, drink enough of fluids to help flush the
residue out of your system and avoid being ill:

• Ciprofloxacin 500mg: Treats infections and is also

administered to people who have been exposed to anthrax.
• Azithromycin 500mg: Treats atypical mycobacterial
infections and bacterial heart valve infections.
• Bactrim D.S. 160/800 mg: For the treatment of bacterial
infections.
• Amoxicillin 500mg: For the treatment of infections or
stomach ulcers.
• Flagyl 500/400mg: For the treatment of bacterial
infections. Especially useful for urinary tract infections.
• Fluconazole 100mg: Used to prevent and treat fungal
infections.
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 59

Antibiotic kits are available for the prepping community. In

my own judgment , Jase Medical, LLC is at the top of my list.
They are a legitimate firm that can be reached by conducting a
simple online search for Jase Medical. They not only give you a
selection of antibiotics in your own name, but they also offer a
handy emergency antibiotic guide to assist you choose the right
antibiotic and administer it correctly when you need it. I put my kit
in the fridge to keep the medicines fresh. A medical professional
will screen you before you purchase your antibiotics by asking a
series of questions online.
If you want to stock up on suture material for animal use
or training, you should know that you may do it online. Because
this can be costly, choose your suture material thoughtfully and
sparingly.
Again, suture material is not required unless you are skilled in its
use or must close a large bleeding without the prospect of obtaining
higher level medical assistance. If possible, use Dermabond for
smaller lacerations such as facial or limb lacerations, or even Duct
tape if needed.
During an Emergency Response “Lack of access to adequate
and appropriate sanitation and hygiene can be a chronic public
health concern that contributes to the spread of disease in low
and medium-income nations. This scenario can deteriorate during
environmental disasters and public health emergencies. In reaction
to disasters and emergencies, open defecation and garbage disposal
are prohibited.
CHAPTER 8:
Home Repairs / Vehicle
Preparation

THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE

EMERGENCY HOME PREPAREDNESS

S. LEE
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 61

REPAIR MATERIALS

S ince we are talking about long-term survival (up to three

months, remember?), you should be prepared to DIY home
repairs, which means you should have tools and repair goods
on hand. Needless to say, you’ll need basic tools like a standard
hammer, lump hammer (a heavy hammer used for driving stakes
or breaking stone), and chisels, levels, screwdrivers, wrenches/
spanners, pliers, tape measures, utility knives, caulk gun, table/
hand saw, drill press, a battery-powered tool (power dill and the
like), a vise grip, ax, splitting maul, shovels.

Preparation of the vehicle:

Vehicle readiness is also important if you have decided to “leave
the hood for good” in the event of a SHTF.
The most apparent thing is to keep your car(s) topped off with
gasoline, and you may also keep a couple of gas cans (filled with
gas, obviously) around in your well-ventilated garage or shed with
fuel extender to reduce fuel breakdown over time. Rotate stored
gas as needed into your vehicle and refill gas cans afterwards. You
can get gas cans at your local gas station, but do not tell everyone
where you keep your extra fuel, okay? Who needs to know if you
have anything extra so they may come and steal it?
Your vehicle(s) must always be in good functioning order in
case you need to bug out immediately for whatever reason. Keep an
inflated spare tire, jack, and a set of tools (including a good pair of
gloves) in the trunk, and routinely check oil, fluid levels, and battery
health, as well as jumper cables. A good tow cable will also be useful.
A working headlamp is great for night repairs on your vehicle.
62 | S. LEE

Because I reside in the far north, I need to ensure that my

winter tires are usable and, yes, that I already have rims on them,
because I will not have time to arrange ‘an appointment’ to replace
my tires should a SHTF situation strikes. I keep my Battery Start
Pack kit fully charged and ready in case I have trouble starting my
vehicle in the freezing cold temperatures. My vehicle already has
a battery warming pad and an oil pan heater. Now, it has been
my best preparation in getting my car ready for work on chilly
mornings. I also have a functional lamp and an ice scraper with a
brush in my battery start kit.

Extras that are required

In terms of vehicle preparedness, each vehicle should include its
own vehicle bug-out bag.
Here is a quick list of what you should pack in your VBOB
(Vehicle Bug Out Bag):
Because survival revolves around food and water regardless
of the scenario, your vehicle bug-out bag should contain non-
perishable food items (such as canned foods, protein bars, and/or
emergency food rations such as pemmican) to last you at least three
days (the more the better) and at least a gallon of water (preferably
in a metal container that can be used for boiling, cooking, and so
on), as well as a portable water filter for the long-term (remember
that in a survival situation, water trumps food by a long shot).
I linked a solar charger with a charging cord to my vehicle
bug-out bag to keep my phone charged in case I become stuck and
use up my phone’s battery. If I need it, it also serves as an extra
flashlight.
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 63

Here is everything you will need for your 14-pound 72-hour

VBOB bag, as recommended by David at Ultimate Survival on the
YouTube
Channel:
• Tactical Messenger Sling Bag by UTG
• Sunglasses for Tactical Use
• Klean Kanteen Single Walled Water Container 40 oz.
• HX5 130 Lumen Focusing Flashlight from Coast
• Sabre Chili Gel
• Work Gloves Made of Leather
• Tactical Scarf Shemagh
• Stainless Steel Cup GSI
• Scrubbing Pad
• Bivy SOL Escape Breathable
• 4-liter MSR Dromedary Hydration Bag
• SOL 2 - Emergency Bivy for One
• Mini Sawyer Water Filter
• Trash Bags (55 Gallon 3 Mil)
• Trash Bags, (42 Gallon, 3 Mil)
• Mora Knife Companion
• Ultimate Adventurer Survival Kit by Best Glide
• Electrical tape
• Schrade Diamond Sharpener Compact Pocket Carry
• MRE - Ready-to-Eat Kind Bars
• Tea, Earl Grey (or your own brand)
• Titan Type III cordage
• Tasco Monocular 10x
• Standard Bandana
64 | S. LEE

• Bandana for Survival

• 30 Count Coleman Bio wipes
• Headlamp by Bear Grylls
• Pocket Boy Silky Folding Saw
• The Silva Compass
• Fine Sharpie Marker
• Navigation Cards Esse
• Neck Lanyard for Compass Holder
• ID and money holder on a neck lanyard (As previously
indicated, keep a few hundred bucks in small denominations.
Keep a copy of the necessary identification on hand as well.)
• Pistol Socks for your small arms.
• Predator Pocket Slingshot
• .38 caliber slingshot ammunition
• Condor Urban Go Bag - Backpack Snugpak Stratosphere
One Person Breathable Bivy Snugpak Jungle Bag are
among the upgraded options.
Check out David’s YouTube channel and subscribe for great
survival advice. Because I reside in the far north, I keep a cold
weather thermal jacket, boots, and gloves in my car as well. It
makes me feel a lot better knowing that I am prepared in case I get
trapped. I would remember to waterproof maps of my area too!

MAPS:
Go online and order maps of your area. I am fond of hunting
maps, contour maps, trail maps. Inform yourself as to how to read
them and how to use a compass too. Make a family game of it and
have family members take turns plotting courses and identifying
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 65

features on maps. Plan ‘what if ’ emergency scenarios with family in

the event that they could not get back home or became separated
from each other. Waterproof your maps with acetate sheets to
preserve them and keep them usable.
CHAPTER 9:
Communications

THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE

EMERGENCY HOME PREPAREDNESS

S. LEE
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 67

I n today’s world, emergencies and disasters are becoming more

frequent and unpredictable. Whether it is natural disasters
like hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, and wildfires or
human-caused events such as terrorist attacks, power outages,
and pandemics, emergencies can be life-threatening and result in
loss of life, injury, and property damage. That is why I wrote The
Ultimate Prepared Bug-In Guide to be such a crucial topic to be shared
with you.
This guide provides you with a comprehensive approach to
preparing for emergencies. It includes step-by-step instructions on
how to create a family emergency plan, assemble an emergency
supply kit, and develop communication strategies. It also provides
information on how to stay informed and aware of potential
threats and how to evacuate safely when necessary.
Communication is a vital aspect of emergency preparedness,
and the guide provides a range of communication strategies,
including the use of cell phones, two-way radios, and emergency
alert systems. It emphasizes the importance of practicing
communication methods and keeping contact information up to
date. By following the guide’s advice, I can help you ensure that
your family members are safe, and that everyone can plan what to
do prior to an emergency.
Another crucial aspect of emergency preparedness is having an
emergency supply kit or ‘caches’ of supplies to meet the needs of
you and your family for survival. The guide provides you with a
comprehensive list of essential items that should be included in your
preparedness, such as food, water, first aid supplies, and personal
hygiene items. Communication from outside emergency sources
68 | S. LEE

and between family will help you make better decisions for your
decision-making. Having the proper communication equipment
will reduce the stress of ‘guessing’ what dangers may be coming
your way.
We all get news from a variety of sources, such as TV, radio,
the internet, or smartphone. If you knew something catastrophic
was coming your way and you were suddenly cut off from getting
needed updates, your sense of danger and uncertainty would
certainly spike.
Communication boosts the overall morale of everyone, which
is key when things get tough. That is why it is so important to stay
connected to the outside world and to be able to share valuable
information with your loved ones.
Having alternative methods of communication will definitely
help your peace of mind and that of your loved ones. It will allow
you to make informed decisions. Obtaining information from a
reliable source will provide a better picture of emerging dangers
and allow you to make the fateful decision to stay at home and
weather the storm or the incentive decision to leave immediately
for a safer environment.
In the event that your electricity or energy is depleted, I highly
recommend getting a hand crank or solar radio with shortwave
and longwave capabilities. This will allow you to stay up to date
on developing news and emergency situations, even if you are off
the grid.
Another great option is to obtain walkie-talkies for yourself
and your other family members. Not only are they an excellent
way to stay connected during an emergency, but they can also be
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 69

used when you are outside your home and do not have access to
a phone. Make sure to check if you need a license to operate your
device-like walkie-talkies with the capability of nationwide and
international high-frequency bands, to ensure appropriate licensure
for transmission. They usually have a greater range which is great.
There are a few options for radios that I recommend. The first
is a hand-held (walkie-talkie), such as the Baofeng 2-way radio with
the UV-5R. It is a dual-band radio with 128 channels and comes
with a charging station (you need to have access to electricity). A
pair of these radios will cost you around $80 USD ($40 per unit),
and you can easily purchase them online.
Another option is a hand-crank or solar radio, such as the Kaito
KA500. It is a 5-way emergency radio that includes AM/FM/SW/
NOAA weather alerts, as well as a flashlight, reading lamp, and cell
phone charger. It is also affordable, costing around $50.
Of course, if you use a smartphone, you could use it to stay
informed as well. However, you need to keep in mind that using
your phone too much could drain the battery, and it might be
difficult to recharge it during an emergency. Additionally, you
should be aware that using your phone means that you could be
monitored by authorities, which is something to keep in mind.

Communication Strategies for Emergency Preparedness:

I have seen firsthand the importance of effective communication
in emergency situations. In times of crisis, every second counts,
and miscommunication can have disastrous consequences.
Effective communication helps to ensure that all parties
involved are on the same page, which is critical when time is of
70 | S. LEE

the essence. It ensures that everyone is aware of the situation, the

risks involved, and the actions being taken to mitigate them. This
helps to prevent confusion, reduce panic, and provide a sense of
direction and control. Furthermore, clear communication helps to
coordinate the efforts of different emergency services and ensure
that resources are used effectively. It allows for a more efficient
response to emergencies and saves lives.
People are often scared, confused, and traumatized during
a crisis, and clear communication can help calm them down by
providing them with accurate information that can give them a
sense of hope. Communication is the foundation of an effective
response. It helps ensure that everyone is working together towards
a common goal.
Moreover, a communication plan helps to avoid misunder-
standings and conflicts. When there is an open line of commu-
nication and everyone is aware of what is expected of them, it is
easier to resolve any issues that arise. It is much easier to address
a problem when everyone has agreed on a communication system
rather than trying to solve it during an argument.
With a set of communication guidelines in place, each member
of the household can understand their responsibilities and
expectations, leading to a more efficient and organized lifestyle.
This can range from deciding on a set time for meals to making
sure everyone knows where important documents are kept. You
can plan activities that work for everyone, which can foster a sense
of togetherness and create opportunities for bonding.
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 71

Identify key communication methods such as cell phones,

two-way radios, and emergency alert systems:
Share information with others as you are able.
In emergency situations, you may also use emergency alert
systems, which send out automated messages to many people at
once. These systems are particularly useful in situations where
time is of the essence, and it is crucial that people receive valuable
information quickly.
The most important thing is to choose the right communication
method for the situation at hand. Whether it is a quick phone call,
a message sent via two-way radio, or an emergency alert sent out
to a large group of people, always be ready to use the tools at your
disposal to ensure that communication is clear and effective.
In addition to cell phones, two-way radios, and emergency
alert systems, there are many other communication methods
that can help you to stay connected with individuals and groups.
For example, email and text messaging can be useful for sending
detailed information or communicating with people who are not
immediately available.
Video conferencing is also becoming increasingly popular, as
it allows individuals in various locations to communicate face-to-
face in real-time. This can be particularly useful in situations where
travel is not possible or where it is important to have visual cues to
aid communication.
Social media is another communication tool that you can use,
particularly when communicating with large groups of people or
with members of the public. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook
72 | S. LEE

can be used to disseminate information quickly and respond to

queries and concerns from the public.
The key to effective communication is to choose the
right method for the situation at hand. This requires careful
consideration of the message, the audience, and the context in
which the communication is taking place. By using a variety of
communication methods and being flexible and adaptable in your
approach, you can ensure that crucial messages are delivered in a
clear, concise, and timely manner.
CHAPTER 10:
Weapons

THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE

EMERGENCY HOME PREPAREDNESS

S. LEE
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 75

I believe that the second amendment is important because it

allows me to have guns for self-defense. In my vehicle bug-out
bag, I always make sure to have a gun and a high-quality fixed-
blade knife. They can come in handy in any situation, not just for
self-protection. A knife is a versatile tool and a must-have item in
any survival kit. Meanwhile, a handgun can be used for hunting at
close range or signaling your presence. You never know when you
might need it.
When it comes to emergency preparedness and home defense,
there are active and passive measures. I personally prefer active
measures because they are effective when things go south. Guns
are the most recognized and identifiable items against intruders for
self-defense in a SHTF scenario.
Before owning a gun, make sure you have experience using it
and know how to safely secure it. It is also important to have the
proper permit and ownership papers. If your local government
requires it, a concealed carry permit should be on your person.
You can get into a lot of trouble if you do not follow the rules, so
make sure you know the law concerning owning weapons.
Even if you are prepping on a tight budget, I believe that
owning a firearm is still essential. There are plenty of budget
guns available, both new and used. However, the most important
thing is to make sure that your self-defense weapon is reliable and
accurate. When you pull the trigger, it must shoot every time, and
the bad guy must fall if your aim is good. In terms of gun caliber,
I recommend a common caliber like .38/.9 mm because other
calibers have expensive ammo. It is important to stockpile plenty
of ammo along with your guns, and cheaper is better.
76 | S. LEE

Do not look for bells and whistles on a gun. All you need is
reliability and accuracy, so forget about fancy scopes and night
vision. These are luxuries that you can upgrade later. A .22-caliber
rifle is ideal for hunting and home defense. It is a valuable tool for
a new shooter, with low recoil, cheap and readily available ammo,
and enough power for self-defense. However, there are better tools
out there if you are looking for home defense only.
Let me give you a few examples of low-cost self-defense
weapons that have been around for a long time and have proven
their worth in battle:

• Model 60 Marlin
• Remington Model 597
• 9mm Springfield XD/45 ACP
• Ruger LCR.38 caliber variant
• an older model Glock pistol (the new ones are expensive).
• Ruger GP100.357 Magnum
• Sigma Smith & Wesson The list goes on.

When it comes to finding the best self-defense weapon, a

pump-action shotgun is the way to go for home defense. It is not
just my opinion; even the police and SWAT teams use this type
of weapon for good reason. The damage it can produce at close
range is devastating, and the sound it makes when chambering a
round is enough to discourage any intruder. The Remington 870
and Mossberg 500 are both reliable choices and are priced, starting
at around $200. Shotguns are easy to use and incredibly effective
in close combat, making them perfect for home defense. Plus,
12-gauge ammunition is widely available and inexpensive, making
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 77

it easy to purchase in copious quantities for training or stockpiling.

The lack of licensing requirements for long guns is also a plus.
Speaking of ammunition and weaponry, it would be nice if
adults and responsible, knowledgeable teens in your family can use
the same type of ammunition if possible (depending on what type
of weapon, of course). You can share ammunition with each other
as much as possible so you are not scrambling for your own exotic
ammunition when actively defending your other family members.
While shotguns may lack accuracy and range, they make up
for it with ample blast patterns that can hit anyone in the general
direction you are shooting. As a secondary option, I would
recommend a six-shooter revolver for its reliability, simplicity, and
affordability. The best calibers for home defense are .357 Magnum
and .45 ACP, but they must be used correctly.
While firearms are the go-to for self-defense, other options
can include pepper spray, a crowbar, a fixed-blade knife, a hatchet,
a crossbow, a bow, air rifle and even a survival slingshot. The
advantage of cold weapons is that they can be improvised on
the spot, and you will never run out of ammo, but using them
effectively in a survival situation takes practice. It is important to
remember to purchase and use a gun cleaning kit to keep your
weapons in top shape.
You should know your weapon intimately and be comfortable
in using it. This means you should practice using it routinely, clean
it and store it properly. You should have gun cleaning supplies
available and owners of weapons should be able to clean them well.
Only responsible people who are able to handle their weapon need
to have one. Everyone should have good judgment and have respect
for their firearm. We already have a lot of idiots in the world!
CHAPTER 11:
Home Defense

THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE

EMERGENCY HOME PREPAREDNESS

S. LEE
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 79

I believe that for my peace of mind, it is important to learn the

basics of hand-to-hand combat. To ensure my self-defense, I
think the best thing to do is get some boxing lessons. I prefer to stay
away from fancy “ninja style,” “karate kid,” “special operations,”
or “black mamba” ballet stuff. Boxing just works. It is a highly
effective self-defense technique that builds character and is the
manly thing to learn.
If hand-to-hand combat is not your thing, then I suggest
sticking to guns. But before you even think about buying a gun for
home defense, I highly recommend that you learn how to use them
properly (as stated before). You should begin weapons training
before making that decision and continue training with my weapon
of choice on a weekly basis. Not only is it loads of fun, but it may
also save your life someday.
Let us talk about another solution for home defense: specially
trained dogs. If you want to properly defend your home with the
meanest breeds of dogs, here is my list of the top ten intimidating
guard dogs: German Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler,
Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, The
Moscow Watchdog, Boerboel (this is the only dog specially bred for
home defense), Argentinian Mastiff (huge dog and very territorial,
also good with children), Cane Corso, and finally (the best there is):
Caucasian Shepherd. This dog is what you need for home defense
in any imaginable situation, believe me.
Dogs are great for early warning systems, especially at night.
Having a mean looking dog guarding your home is always a great
idea since dogs are awesome when it comes to discouraging
potential intruders. These dogs have healthy appetites, so feeding
80 | S. LEE

them can be a little costly. If you have children, make sure your
dog is a good companion to them and that there is no sign of
aggression toward them. A drawback is that they can also be an
obstacle to noise discipline if you are bugging out with stealth.
They can be a real handful to control if they are sensing the stress
you are under too.
When it comes to home defense, nothing is one hundred
percent secure. We are talking about a process involving layers
of protection, each with different degrees of effectiveness. For
example, fences and walls are not impenetrable, but a good fence
or wall can deter potential intruders and prevent trespassing,
increasing your level of safety. The best fences are those you can
see through, like a chain link fence, so you can spot potential
intruders at a distance. Building a fence around your property does
not mean raising a 10 feet high/barbed wire- prison-style fence.
Your aim is to create a significant obstacle for a potential home
invader, not to build an impenetrable defense. If you own a large
property, fencing may be impractical for financial reasons, but you
can always fence the area close to your residence and maintain
clear sight lines for the rest of the property.
Another method of passive home-defense is to secure/
reinforce the doors and windows. Windows and sliding glass doors
can be reinforced using a specially designed security film, and you
can install hurricane shutters to provide an extra layer of security
to your residence. The doors can be secured using door lock
reinforcements, like a barricade or by installing specially designed
metal security doors.
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 81

Booby traps are not an innovative idea for home defense.

They can maim or even kill innocent bystanders and they are illegal.
You should avoid all devices that may severely injure/kill a person
entering your home, even if it is a certified burglar. You will be
charged for manslaughter, and you will have a tough time defending
the rationale for use of a booby trap. It is not worth the risk.

Environmental and medicinal safeguards:

What should you have ready in case Covid-19, or another virus
makes a comeback. Seriously, these are some goods that every
serious prepper should have on hand:
• N95 gas masks.
• Plastic sheeting.
• A roll of duct tape.
• HEPA filters.
• Trash Bags
• Borax and lime for temporary toilets.
• Towels and toilet paper.
• Dishwashing liquid.

OPSEC:
I’ve previously mentioned OPSEC briefly. This is a military word
that our readers are certainly acquainted with, and it stands for
Operations Security.
The trouble is the first rule of OPSEC is that you must not
discuss your stash!
The same is true for the second and third rules! Lips that are
too loose can sink ships. You do not need to say anything or show
82 | S. LEE

them where your emergency supplies are. You should keep such
information to yourself at this time. You could put a neon sign on
your house saying, ‘Come and get it!’
The fewer people who know about your preparation project,
the better. Never keep your belongings in plain sight. You do
not have to gloat to your friends, coworkers, and especially your
neighbors about your stash and the stuff you have; do not post
images of your gear/preps on Facebook, Instagram, or other
social media platforms.
Now, the worst-case scenario is that you will be laughed at and
scorned for being a crazy survivalist. But, in the event of a SHTF
crisis, guess what: you will be a piggy bank for all the people who
know about your hoard and are unprepared for anything (and that
makes for the vast majority).
Are you willing to share your hard-earned/built hoard with
strangers rather than your family? Will you be able to refuse them?
Are you prepared to defend your stash at gunpoint against
hordes of hungry and desperate people?
The simplest method to avoid these unpleasant (to say the
least) events is to keep your pie-hole shut! If your friends and co-
workers are making fun of those crazy preppers, join them, make
fun of them too, and do not let anybody know that you are one
of the “prepared”. Obviously, you must also educate your family
members, particularly your children, on OPSEC. Nowadays, public
schools interrogate students about their parents’ actions, such as
whether they have guns, and the FBI has begun to question people
who buy absurd things like food and ammo; preppers are now
associated with domestic terrorism! I mean, aren’t we living in
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 83

a weird world? Refusing to be dependent on the government in

the land of the free and home of the brave is now considered
domestic terrorism.
So, keep your mouth quiet and do what needs to be done.
Nobody cares what you do with your property or what you keep
inside your home, whether it is water, food, or guns. It is your
constitutional right to do so, so go ahead and do it.
Again, do not photograph your collection, especially if you
are a gun enthusiast, and NEVER post them on the Internet,
Facebook, Twitter, or other social media networks. I know it is
exciting to compare your supplies to those of other preppers, but
you may become a target not just for people who are not prepared,
but also for our own government, which is supposed to protect us.
Just read the news to see that I am not exaggerating or
overreacting. In case you didn’t know, the US government has the
authority to enter your home and seize your excess food supplies
in an emergency, and I am sure they will if given the chance.
Remember Hurricane Katrina? In case you forgot or were
unaware, numerous government agencies confiscated people’s
guns for no other reason than the “good, safety, and security” of...
I am not sure. I do not understand the idea of disarming people
and leaving them vulnerable to looters and robbers who always
appear in the aftermath of natural disasters/society breakdown.
You should not rely on the government to defend you in the
event of a SHTF crisis. You will be on your own for the time
being, and your family will rely on you for food, protection, and
shelter. We all hope that day never comes, but it is preferable to
plan for the worst-case situation while hoping for the best. If you
84 | S. LEE

are fortunate enough to live in a rural neighborhood with like-

minded neighbors, you can always attempt networking with them
for security.
Setting up a neighborhood watch, for example, can do wonders
in terms of defending the community from looters. It is well
understood that in times of peril, people tend to band together
and share resources if necessary. However, you must first locate
such a community. The first step is to try to meet your neighbors,
discover where they stand politically (left or right), debate current
events, see whether they prefer self-defense, preparation, or are
Constitutionalists, and so on.
Also, attempt to assess which people in your community can
be an asset in an emergency. You can find out who has medical
abilities, who has served in the military, who has a HAM radio,
knows how to grow food, who knows how to hunt or who can fix
a car or a refrigerator, and so on.
You should get to know your neighbors. Try to network with
trustworthy like-minded people, and be mindful of who may
become a problem if SHTF.
CHAPTER 12:
Bug-Out Bags

THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE

EMERGENCY HOME PREPAREDNESS

S. LEE
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 87

A bug-out bag is one of the first things a survivalist should

think about putting together. It is an essential piece in every
prepper’s inventory. A bug out bag is a must-have survival item
for those SHTF scenarios where you either have to leave in a
hurry during an emergency or have available as a resource go-to
in your home.
When you must leave the premises and live for at least 72
hours in who knows what environment/situation.
A bug out bag (BOB) can cost anywhere from $20 to hundreds
of dollars, depending on your budget.
When it comes to constructing a bug out bag, the internet will
overwhelm you with a plethora of options and ideas. There is so
much material available that it can make your mind spin, but the
principles of preparing a BOB are simple.

Regardless of budget, a bug out pack should have the

following items:
• Food and water (at least a three-day supply of MREs/
dried/canned meals, as well as a high quality/efficient
water filtering device)
• Clothing, such as a poncho and an emergency blanket (you
can find those at camping supply stores).
• Items for personal hygiene (toothpaste, deodorant, baby
wet wipes, soap).
• First-aid supplies (should include tweezers, suture kit, safety
pins, surgical tubing, razor blades, tampons, hydrogen
peroxide, gauze, bandages, scissors, antibacterial ointment,
88 | S. LEE

ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen, thermometer, band

aids, antibiotics, blood pressure cuff, snake bite kits).
• Culinary items such as a can opener, basic cutlery (forks
and knives), enamelware camp cups, a single burner stove,
and a metal pot.
• Fire-starting equipment, such as simple plastic lighters,
waterproof matches, a striker, and emergency flares.
• Back-up radio/communication systems/devices.
• Paracord.
• A multitool, like a Swiss Army knife.
• Hatchet.
• A powerful spotlight.
• Duct tape (optional).

Your emergency bug out bag should also include crucial

documents such as your driver’s license, medical insurance, recent
family photos, copies of your credit cards (front and back) with
customer service numbers, emergency phone numbers, and so on.
Go on a scavenger expedition with your family to collect and
organize the following paperwork: Wills, Living Wills, Powers
of Attorney, birth certificates, stocks and bonds, valuable coins,
copies of deeds, titles (house, automobile, other), family photos,
credit card details, and so on. Make sure you have emergency
phone numbers in a secure pocket in your bug out bag. Everyone
in your household who is trustworthy should be aware of where
these goods are kept. You may have elected to bug in, but you also
know that you can bug out with all you need with reasonable ease.
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 89

Most essential, do not forget about ‘King Cash.’ I mean, if the power
goes out or banks are hacked, or whatever, and you cannot use
plastic debit/credit cards, you are out of luck unless you have a few
hundred dollars (or more) on hand.
Speaking of King Cash, it is critical to have at least $200 in
small denominations, such as ones, fives, tens and twenties, for
emergency purchases when, for instance, there is a queue of people
in front of you. Smaller bills will be appreciated by the person at
the register. When there is a shortage of shop items, it becomes
more difficult to make changes, and restocking smaller amounts is
difficult, if not impossible.
Everyone in the family should have their own bug out bag
and be able to quickly get to it when the time comes. In terms
of weight, strive to keep your bug out bags as light as possible
without compromising “content”. The argument is that lifting
capacity differs from carrying capacity in that a person who can lift
50 pounds may not be able to carry 50 pounds for 10 miles.
A person should be able to carry 10 to 20% of their own
weight on average, so keep that in mind while putting together
your bug out bags. Keep your bug-out bag ready and accessible. If
you must depart at the last minute, there should be no last-minute
additions. Even the dog should have a bug-out bag. It would be
fantastic if they were also prepared to have it linked to them to
carry it! I am sure I do not have to remind you but carry your bug-
out bags on planned walks with your family every three or four
weeks. You can work out potential issues with what you should
be carrying and practice real-life challenges your family members
may encounter. It is also an excellent approach to foster genuine
90 | S. LEE

team camaraderie. You may also have an enjoyable time with each
other in the beautiful outdoors. When you return home, make sure
to replenish everything you used during your adventure. Families
can familiarize themselves with the bag’s contents better if they
routinely use it too.
Consider simulating calamities along the trail, such as dealing
with injuries and employing noise discipline to conceal your
probable escape plan if you must leave home on foot. This will
be challenging. If you have younger children accompanying you,
be prepared to deal with their youthful excitement. Practice hand
signals with one another to underline the importance of remaining
as silent as possible. You and your family will also want to practice
using communication gadgets. If your iPhone cannot be utilized,
having a working knowledge of hand-held walkie-talkies may come
in handy later.
Recognize and applaud your family when they accomplish
something well and offer constructive assistance when they can do
something better. As the family’s leader, your upbeat demeanor will
be closely scrutinized. In a SHTF scenario, it makes no difference
whether you are a man or a woman. Set a good example for those
around you. It will provide a more secure and less ‘out-of-control’
situation for all those involved. Your tranquility will give you and
others strength.
Check your bug out bag at least once every three months. Food
products go bad, and practice will keep you on top of what you
have in the fridge. If you are carrying vital documents, make sure
they are current and up to date. Is the money still there? Check.
Where is my identification? Check, etc.
CHAPTER 13:
When to Bug-Out

THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE

EMERGENCY HOME PREPAREDNESS

S. LEE
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 93

I n my world of survivalism, “bugging out” means escaping

danger in the event of a societal collapse or natural/
manufactured disaster in a planned, organized and tactical fashion
that will most benefit me and my loved ones. It is a secure means
of survival.
If something bad happens, my first instinct is to get away
from the city as soon as possible. You do not want to deal with
the hungry, desperate masses or the criminal gangs fighting over
supplies. In a collapse scenario, the cities will turn into chaos and
the police may not be there to help anyone else as they took their
own families into consideration. As someone who is preparing for
the worst, I know that bugging out requires having a safe place
to go to. Even if you currently live in a small town, being within
100 miles of a big city means you need to have a plan for yourself
and your family to be safe. Ideally, your bug-out location should
be around 50 miles away, but if it is further, you can cache your
chosen bug out location beforehand with supplies to avoid carrying
everything with you such a long distance.
It is important to remember that if a SHTF event happens,
everyone will be thinking of leaving the cities affected and heading
to suburbs and rural areas to distance themselves from competing
individuals who are thinking the same thing. Hunger is a powerful
motivator and can quickly turn into a riot when there is no more
food on the shelves. That is why suburbs will only last for three
days before they get overrun. If you do not live in a heavily fortified
community, you should consider a bug-out location - just in case.
Regardless of where you choose to go,
94 | S. LEE

Here are my top five bugging out sites in the United States:
• If you live in the eastern side of the United States, the
Mid-South, particularly east of the Mississippi River, is a
great spot to get away. However, you should avoid the New
Madrid fault zone (see it up on Google, it spans territories
in Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee), which is
one of the country’s most earthquake-prone fault zones.
• The Great Plains are also a viable option, particularly if
you are interested in agriculture and cultivating your own
food. Again, avoid the New Madrid fault zone and keep a
lookout for tornadoes (think Tornado Alley). Most of the
population density in the area is low, which is ideal for a
BOL (bug out location).
• Why The Northwest is the best BOL in the United States,
with many freedom-loving Americans and many lakes
and rivers, as well as rich wildlife. Consider the states of
Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and even eastern Washington
(not urban places, that is a no brainer). Many places have
low human density, and you can also raise your own food/
livestock.
• If you are familiar with the Southwest, it is a good pick.
The weather is lovely, there is enough space to bug out,
and the people are friendly and enjoy their freedom. The
disadvantages are the risk of drought and the prevalent
illegal emigration. Overall, it is an excellent location for
preppers.
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 95

• The Mid-Atlantic (think North Carolina and South

Carolina, as well as the southern vicinity of Washington,
DC) is another suitable place to create a bug-out refuge.
The scenery is stunning, and the people become kinder as
you travel south.

Wherever you choose, you should be flexible and realistic as to

any circumstance that would keep you from any choices above.

Let us now examine the fundamentals of bugging out:

Your location is critical: how far away from your current house is
your BOL, how quickly and safely you can go there in the event of
a crisis (you do not have to rely on public transit for that), you get
the point. Rural locations are the best and safest, especially if you
have friends there or are well-known.
What kind of shelter do you have in mind if you have already
settled on a location?
Can you afford to build a house on that piece of land? Are
you going to utilize a tent (a desperate measure)? The answer to
that question will influence how long you can remain there (in the
winter, you cannot stay in a tent for too long, for example).
You can buy an empty plot of land (a cheaper option) in a
remote rural area and gradually build up your homestead.
You will eventually be able to have a BOL that will allow you to
survive for a longer period of time, as opposed to an improvised
one that is only temporary and dangerous.
96 | S. LEE

If you cannot afford to build a second home, consider using

shipping containers, a mobile home, or an RV; the possibilities
are endless.
You must learn survival skills, such as how to live off the
land; however, I am not talking about the principles of gardening
and hunting (which everyone knows in theory), but rather the
practical things, which may take years to master, so you should
have started yesterday.
You must understand the fundamentals of your BOL, such as
whether there is wildlife in the area (stockpiles do not last forever),
whether the soil can be used for agricultural purposes (whether it
is fertile or not), whether there is water nearby, whether livestock
can be kept, and so on and so forth.
Water is necessary for survival, therefore having a clean water
source close to your bug out locations is critical.
Water can be stored in a cistern or something similar, but it
will not last forever. A good bug out location is located near a
river or another natural water source. A water catchment system
is fantastic, but it may be unreliable during a drought. Having
multiple methods for collecting and storing water can help you live
and prosper on your homestead. You will need enough not only to
keep you and your family hydrated throughout the year, but also
for your animals and food garden. Local (edible) wildlife will be
drawn to your water sources as well.
When selecting a bug out location, consider the weather, as
you should plan for harsh winters in some locations and natural
calamities (flooding, tornadoes) in others.
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 97

Consideration of protection is a challenging task. It implies

more than just firearms, ammo, and shooting techniques. It also
implies that your bug out location should be carefully disguised and
effectively hidden. A good bug out location should be unobtrusive,
difficult to find, and relatively simple to defend. Make sure the
terrain gives you the best advantages of defense if you have to
stand and defend it. The Getaway strategy is critical since even the
best bug out location is useless if you cannot get there. You should
plan the time and have multiple ways to your bug out location (at
least three “safe” ones). Obviously, you should avoid populated
locations as much as possible.
CHAPTER 14:
To Avoid Future Déjà Vu,
Long-term Events Should
be Learned from History.

THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE

EMERGENCY HOME PREPAREDNESS

S. LEE
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 99

“I t’s been 112 days since the lights went out and did not come back on. I
keep track of the days by crossing them off on the calendar before bed.
If someone had told me that a major disaster was coming four months ago, I
would have thought they were being overly dramatic. I have been meaning to
start this journal for a while now but there is always so much to do. At the end
of the day, I am usually too tired to write. However, it is important to have a
record of what we have been through and what we will continue to face. Who
knows, someday this journal will be studied in schools.
Four months ago, I could take hot showers whenever I wanted. Now, I
am lucky to bathe once a week in water that others have already used. Sixteen
weeks ago, I had my pick of restaurants. Today, we eat whatever we can find,
grow, hunt, or trap. It is amazing how quickly life can change. I am living
through a nightmare. This is the end of the world. When we talk about long-
term events, we are talking about catastrophes that bring society to a halt. It
takes a long time to recover from these events. Tornadoes and hurricanes are
terrible, but they do not cause the same level of societal collapse…”
Thankfully, these events do not happen often, but they do
happen. It is important to learn from history so we can prevent
future disasters. Let us look at some historical examples.

Pandemics:
When we talk about pandemics, we are referring to epidemics that
affect large numbers of people across national or international
borders. It is not just a simple case of a cold spreading throughout
a school district. The first thing that comes to mind for many of
us is the Black Death, also known as the Black Plague. Historians
estimate that up to 200 million lives were lost from around 1347
to 1350, and up to 60% of Europe’s population was decimated in
100 | S. LEE

just three years. This pandemic of the bubonic plague began in or

near China and spread through the Silk Road to Europe, with fleas
carried on rats infesting merchant ships and spreading the disease
everywhere.
It is difficult to grasp the magnitude of these numbers. Imagine
if two-thirds of the United States’ population died within a few
years. How long do you think it would take for things to get back to
normal? Experts suggest that it took Europe 150 years to recover.
As I look back in history, I am reminded of the flu pandemic
that took place during World War I from 1918-1919. It was the
first major outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus, often referred to as
the Spanish flu due to distorted news reports back then. The
government censors did not allow much negative news to hit the
airwaves to keep wartime morale up. Therefore, when the news
of the deadly flu spread in the countries at war, these censors did
what they could to keep it hushed up. However, Spain was neutral
during the war and did not bother keeping things quiet, resulting in
news reports that indicated Spain was being hit harder by this flu
than the rest of the world, hence the name Spanish flu.
What I find chilling about this flu outbreak was how it targeted
healthy segments of the population. It was not centered among the
elderly, the infirm, and children; rather, it was the strapping young
adults who were hardest hit. This was due to how the flu virus
worked, by causing what is called a cytokine storm in the body.
The virus would send the patient’s immune system into overdrive.
The healthier the patient was at the outset, the more powerful the
body’s immune response, resulting in a cytokine storm of such
force that it killed the patient.
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 101

It is terrifying to think that this flu pandemic hit every corner

of the planet. While numbers are still sketchy, estimated death tolls
range from fifty to one hundred million. No matter how you look
at it, that is a lot of dead bodies, but bear in mind that most of
them perished within a nine-month period.
As I ponder whether something like that could happen today,
with all our modern medical knowledge and advanced technology,
I cannot help but wonder if the authorities would act quickly to
stop the infectious disease before it got out of control. However,
as I reflect on the fact that HIV/AIDS has been around since
1981, and they still haven’t found a cure for it, I cannot help but
worry about the possibility of another pandemic.

Long-Term Famine Survival Tips from a Prepper:

As someone who is preparing for long-term survival, you should
understand the potential danger of famine. Famine is when there
is a widespread lack of food, which can lead to an increase in
deaths in a specific region. This can happen due to crop failure,
natural disasters like a long-term drought or political upheavals. In
some cases, both natural and political factors can combine, causing
severe food shortages.
I remember the devastating floods that occurred in North
Korea in July 1995. The floodwaters destroyed crops, arable land,
and emergency grain reserves. Unfortunately, North Korea did not
have the means to bring in resources from outside the country.
Estimates range up to three million deaths due to the famine that
resulted from the floods.
102 | S. LEE

The Irish Potato Famine is another well-known example of

a famine. Between 1845 and 1852, approximately one million
people died in Ireland because of a potato blight that wiped out
the primary source of food.
I know that famine is not just about starvation. When people
start to starve, their immune systems begin to weaken. Along with
the lack of essential services like medical care and clean water, this
can lead to outbreaks of diseases that can be fatal.
Even though we may live in a nation of plenty, I understand
that the ever-changing climate could take a turn for the worst and
cause massive crop failures. The domino effect from even one or
two bad seasons could send the country into a tailspin. As someone
who is preparing for long-term survival, I am taking the necessary
steps to ensure that I have a plan in place if something like this
were to happen.

Economic Collapse:
Of all the long-term disasters out there, I find economic collapse
the hardest to define. It could mean hyperinflation or a lengthy
economic depression resulting in mass bankruptcies and high
unemployment. But no matter the cause, one thing is for sure:
there’s always mass civil unrest.
In the economic collapse that hit Russia in 1998, banks closed
and people started hoarding basic commodities. Inflation rose to
about 84 percent, while food prices went up almost 100 percent.
The ruble decreased in value and millions of people lost their
life savings as banks failed. Those living in urban areas, were the
worst off. People had to stand in long lines for even the most basic
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 103

supplies. The elderly on pensions suddenly found their much-

needed money cut off. Hospitals were also affected, with massive
reductions in already scarce drug supplies.
Around this same time, Argentina experienced its own collapse.
After several years of economic instability, the bottom finally
fell in 2001. Unemployment rose to about 20 percent, and the
government froze bank accounts for twelve months, allowing only
small withdrawals each week. People took to the streets to protest,
and the demonstrations soon turned violent. It took several years
before anything that could be called recovery began to take place.
I cannot help but wonder, what would I do if the government
suddenly froze my bank account? What if the little money I could
scrounge up was all but worthless? This would be another reason
to keep money in your bug out bag.

Freak occurrences:
Freak occurrences are events that are unexpected, extraordinary,
and sometimes unpredictable. These events can range from natural
disasters like volcanic eruptions and earthquakes to pandemics
and economic collapses. The impact of these events can be far-
reaching and can have long-term consequences that affect people’s
lives in significant ways.
The eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815 is one example of a
freak occurrence that had a global impact. The volcanic eruption
caused a massive cloud of ash and debris to be released into the
atmosphere, which led to a significant cooling effect on the planet.
This resulted in a decrease in agricultural productivity, causing
widespread famine and poverty in many parts of the world. In fact,
104 | S. LEE

the year 1816 became known as the “year without a summer” due
to the severe and unexpected climate change that resulted from
the eruption.
Another example of a freak occurrence is the COVID-19
pandemic. While scientists had warned about the possibility of a
global pandemic for years, no one predicted the exact timing, or
the scale of the COVID-19 outbreak. The pandemic has had a
profound impact on the world, causing widespread illness, loss of
life, economic disruption, and social and psychological distress.
Freak occurrences serve as a reminder of the fragility and
unpredictability of the world we live in. While we can take measures
to prepare for these events, there is always a degree of uncertainty
and risk involved. It is important for individuals, communities, and
governments to remain vigilant, resilient, and adaptable in the face
of unexpected and sudden events. By doing so, we can minimize
the impact of these events and work towards creating a more
resilient and sustainable future.

Horror Stories:
It may be hard to believe, but the Tambora eruption played a role in
the creation of two popular horror figures in modern times. While
on a vacation in Switzerland, a group of friends were forced to stay
indoors due to harsh weather. They decided to hold a contest to
see who could author the scariest story, and Mary Shelley won with
her story Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus. Another friend, Lord
Byron, wrote A Fragment, which inspired John William Polidori to
write The Vampire. This work influenced Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 105

This contest took place during the “Year Without a Summer,”

which was caused by the falling temperatures resulting from the
Tambora eruption. The wintry weather destroyed many crops,
with only a small percentage being harvested in some areas. This
led to a significant increase in grain prices, tripling in some places.
On June 30, 1908, a massive explosion occurred in Siberia near
the Podkamennaya Tunguska River. The explosion was believed to
have been caused by a meteoroid or comet that exploded about five
miles above the ground, releasing energy that was a thousand times
more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. The
blast leveled an area of almost eight hundred square miles, with no
known human casualties due to the remote location.
However, if a similar event were to occur in a populated area,
the consequences could be catastrophic. While most meteoroids
burn up before hitting the ground, those that do survive are
small. But an explosion or strike in a populated area could have
devastating consequences. This is just a brief overview of some
historical events, with other long-term events and examples of
societies that have fallen apart, such as the Romans and Mayans.
What other calamities might the future hold? What events will
shape the world to come?
CHAPTER 15:
Community Survival
Planning: What It Takes

THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE

EMERGENCY HOME PREPAREDNESS

S. LEE
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 107

“...M any of us have started attending weekly community meetings,

which are like old-fashioned town hall meetings. We are
creating long-term strategies while also dealing with present issues. A handful
of the parks are planning to plant spring gardens. Many folks have seed
packets, but many of them are quite old, so we are not sure how many will
germinate. Still, looking ahead is a good thing. We should have done that a
long time ago.
It was decided early on that whatever was left in the supermarkets and
convenience stores would be seized and stored at the high school. People with
canning equipment rushed in to help preserve the perishables. Guards were
stationed to deter looters and robbers. They then began slowly distributing it to
others in need.
Every week, an increasing number of people arrive and wait in line. Yet,
we have been told that between those supplies and a few additional sources, we
should be able to survive till spring. Of course, this is in addition to the deer
and other game that we hope to harvest throughout the winter.
All of us, at least those who are physically capable, now have work in the
community. I worked a couple shifts a week at one of the roadblocks we set
up throughout town. I have also been assisting with cooking and serving meals
at the school.
Of course, none of us receive anything resembling a paycheck. I suppose
we just accept it as part of the package. Our contribution will determine
whether the community survives.”
It pains me deeply that it took a massive calamity like this to
finally wake us up and realize that we need to be human to each
other for us all to live.
I have always been an advocate for communal survival
preparedness. When it comes to surviving a long-term disaster,
108 | S. LEE

lone wolves usually do not fare well. Over the years, I have had the
opportunity to meet several survival specialists. Men and women
who could go out into the woods with nothing but a pocket knife
and return a month later having gained fifteen pounds and riding a
bike made from willow branches and honey badger carcasses.
When asked, every single one of them would tell you that living
off the land for extended periods of time is their backup plan, not
their primary purpose, in the event of a disaster.

What Exactly Is a Community?

I suppose we should define “community” for the sake of clarity.
For the purposes of this discussion, it refers to a group of people
who are all living within a specific perimeter following a calamity,
whether by accident or intentionally. A community can be a town
or a city with a population of several thousand people. It could
also be a small neighborhood within a larger city or a semi rural
development on a town’s outskirts. The community may even be a
group of people who have constructed an off-site survival retreat
and have been working on it for years.
For our purposes, it is difficult to define or quantify the term
“community” in terms of population figures. The overarching
principle at work here is that a group of people has a better chance
of long-term survival than a single person.

The Advantages and Difficulties of Community-Based

Survival:
The first and most obvious advantage of community-based survival
is the abundance and variety of goods available in the community.
 THE ULTIMATE PREPARED BUG-IN GUIDE | 109

Survival groups that have planned:

The number of purposeful survival organizations in the United
States and internationally has increased dramatically in recent
years. The aim behind them is to bring together a group of people
with similar beliefs ahead of time, producing a coherent body that
works together to plan for future survival. Some are well-prepared,
having secured real estate, built structures, and stocked up on
supplies. Other clubs are more informal, analogous to a hunting
club, where members meet just occasionally but have committed
to assist one another if the need arises.
These organizations are known by a variety of titles, including
retreat groups, mutual aid groups (MAGs), and intentional
communities. They are, overall, a fantastic idea. Becoming an active
member of an organization dedicated to long-term survival may be
both informative and useful to you and your family. Most existing
groups, on the other hand, are not looking for new members. In
fact, most organizations are made up of people who have known
each other for many years and have developed the level of trust
that only a lifetime of familiarity can provide.
You can consider forming your own group rather than trying
to join an existing one. Starting a group is far more than simply
purchasing a plot of ground and placing a few goods on it. If this
is an option you want to investigate, I highly recommend Charley
Hogwood’s MAGS: The People Part of Prepping. We will talk more
about communal assets later, but first do some quick mental math:
In your town, how many restaurants, schools, bars, convenience
stores, and supermarkets are there? In fact, every one of those will
have a sufficient supply of food on hand. If the proprietors of such
110 | S. LEE

enterprises contributed to a community storage facility, the supplies

could go a long way toward keeping people supplied for a time.
There is also a certain amount of safety in numbers. A group
of people has a better chance of establishing appropriate defenses
than simply one or two people. You can, for example, set up
alternating shifts for lookouts.

Many hands make light labor and all that:

You also have a wide range of available skill sets. As much as
we would like to believe otherwise, it is quite impossible for one
person or even a small family to possess all the necessary abilities
for long-term survival. Nonetheless, within a community, the odds
are that there will be at least a few, if not several, medical experts,
many gardeners, and several skilled artisans. When you combine
police officers, hunters, and weapon enthusiasts, you have the
makings of a formidable defense force.
Of course, community cooperation is not all sunshine and
rainbows. A town will have many more people to feed than a tiny
family. There will also be many different personalities that must
be brought together and focused on a shared purpose. Leadership
challenges might arise at any time creating resistance to new ideas
that can affect your security.
To be honest, not everyone in town is likely to be a model
citizen. There will always be a percentage of liars, thieves, slackers,
chronic drinkers or drug addicts, and other undesirables in any
large organization. Of course, that percentage will fluctuate, but
it will always exist. There are also people that like to be heard
above everyone else and are troublemakers. They cause people to
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lose focus of the problems at hand and make it difficult to gain

a consensus when decisions need to be made. Their resistance to
hearing others can really anger people who want to get together to
find answers.
Another issue is that many municipalities are still slightly
behind the times in terms of catastrophe planning. Certainly, they
might make a few public service announcements about keeping an
emergency kit in the car or distribute brochures outlining FEMA’s
emergency preparedness requirements. But, when it comes to
long-term issues, many towns, and villages, not to mention larger
cities, simply do not discuss the subject much, if at all.
And this is where you come in, my reader. While the “powers
that be” may not be concerned about an EMP bringing down
the grid, you can surely do your own research and be prepared to
help if such an event occurs. What follows is based on a concept
known as the “Survival Community Ideal.” Remember that reality
is rarely perfect, and some of the following advice may not be
applicable to your specific situation. Yet, it is critical to give each
careful consideration so that you are better equipped to assist your
own community in surviving whatever may come down the line.

Roles Within the Community:

To ensure the survival of a community during a long-term crisis, it
is important to understand the separate roles that are necessary for
a community to function effectively. Each role is vital to the overall
success of the group, and while some individuals may be able to
fulfill multiple roles, it is important to have a diverse set of skills
and abilities within the community.
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Leadership:
Leadership is an essential role in any community, especially in the
wake of a disaster or crisis. In many cases, elected officials such
as mayors, council members, and city administrators may naturally
assume leadership positions in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
This can be a good thing, as these officials often have experience
with interpersonal conflict resolution and people management, both
of which are critical skills needed in times of crisis.
However, simply holding an elected position does not
automatically make one an effective leader. The ability to inspire
and guide a group of people through a tricky situation is a skill that
requires both experience and empathy. A good leader can make tough
decisions, communicate effectively with a diverse group of people,
and maintain a sense of calm and stability in the face of chaos.
One of the most important traits of a good leader is the ability
to work collaboratively with others. In a crisis, it is essential to
bring together individuals with diverse skills and perspectives to
solve problems and make informed decisions. A leader who can
effectively manage a team of people with varying backgrounds and
experiences will be much more likely to succeed overall.
In addition to their role in managing people, a good leader will
also have an unobstructed vision for the future of the community.
This may involve setting specific goals and objectives, as well
as communicating these goals to the rest of the community. By
providing a sense of direction and purpose, a leader can help to
bring together individuals who may otherwise be struggling to
cope with the aftermath disaster.
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Effective leadership is essential to the survival and success

of any community, especially in the face of a crisis. By working
collaboratively with others, maintaining a sense of calm and
stability, and providing an unclouded vision for the future, a good
leader can help guide a community through even the most difficult
of times.

Logistics:
Planning is a crucial component of any community’s survival
strategy during a long-term crisis. It involves managing the
resources, supplies, and personnel needed to keep the community
running smoothly. While the leaders of the community may make
decisions about what needs to happen, it is the logistics team that
will be responsible for executing these plans.
Logistics professionals have experience in coordinating
complex operations involving many people and resources. They
are not just middle-management types, but rather individuals with
the ability to create concrete plans and leverage available resources
to achieve their goals. These individuals are skilled at keeping
track of supplies and predicting future needs to ensure that the
community has what it needs to survive.
In a long-term crisis, logistics plays a critical role in ensuring
that the community can maintain a steady supply of food, water,
and medical supplies. Logistics professionals will be responsible for
overseeing the transportation and distribution of these resources,
as well as managing the storage and inventory of supplies.
Logistics also plays a vital role in coordinating the efforts of
different teams within the community. For example, the logistics
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team may work closely with the medical team to ensure that
medical supplies are delivered to where they are needed most.
Similarly, logistics may coordinate with the security team to ensure
that critical supplies are protected and secure.
Logistics is a key area that should not be overlooked when
planning for a long-term crisis. The ability to coordinate and
manage resources effectively is essential to the survival of any
community, and having skilled logistics professionals on hand can
make all the difference in the world.

Security:
Security is an essential element for the survival of any community
during a crisis. It encompasses several different areas, including
protection against external threats, scouting missions, and
enforcement of community rules and laws.
One of the most critical aspects of security is protecting
the community from external threats. During a crisis, there may
be individuals or groups who want to take what the community
has, whether that be food, water, or supplies. These threats can
come in the form of looters, bandits, or other groups looking to
exploit vulnerable communities. To protect against these threats,
the community will need to have individuals with military or law
enforcement experience who can set up a perimeter, conduct
patrols, and coordinate emergency response teams.
Another security-related task that may be necessary is
conducting scouting missions. These missions may involve
venturing outside the community to gather supplies, information,
or to assess potential threats. It is important to have a group of
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individuals who can undertake these missions while also being

protected by others within the community.
Finally, the community will need to have some means of
enforcing rules or laws within the group. While some might dream
of a completely anarchic society, the reality is that some form of
law and order will need to be in place to ensure the safety and
well-being of everyone. This could involve a group of individuals
who are designated to enforce the rules, or it could involve a more
democratic approach where everyone has a say in the decision-
making process.
Security is a vital component for the survival of any community
during a crisis. It requires a diverse set of skills and abilities and
requires everyone within the community to work together to
ensure the safety

Medical:
In any long-term crisis, medical care is critical for the survival of
the community. While it would be ideal to have a fully equipped
hospital with a trained medical staff, the reality is that many
communities will not have access to such resources. In such
cases, the community will need to rely on individuals with medical
expertise and experience to provide the necessary care.
There are a variety of roles that can be filled within the medical
group of a community. These include doctors, nurses, paramedics,
and EMTs who are trained to provide emergency medical care. In
addition, those with first aid certifications, such as Boy Scouts or
Red Cross volunteers, can be invaluable in providing initial care to
those who are injured or ill.
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Dental care is also a vital component of medical care. Dentists

and dental assistants can provide critical services, such as tooth
extractions, to help prevent infection and alleviate pain.
It’s important to tap into the medical expertise within the
community and identify those who have the necessary skills and
training to provide care. In some cases, training may need to be
provided to individuals who are not currently certified in medical
care but have some related experience. By building a strong medical
group within the community, the community can ensure that it is
better equipped to handle any medical emergencies that may arise
during a long-term crisis.

Grunt Labor:
Grunt labor is a term used to describe physical work that is often
labor-intensive and requires little skill or training. In times of
societal collapse, such as natural disasters or other catastrophic
events, the need for grunt labor becomes especially apparent.
While it is true that many roles in a post-apocalyptic society
will require specialized skills and knowledge, there will also be a
great need for those who are able to perform manual labor. This
can include tasks such
as debris removal, clearing roads, and providing basic services
to those in need.
Grunt labor can be an essential component of post-disaster
recovery efforts. It is often the first step in rebuilding a community
and can help to create a sense of normalcy in the wake of a
catastrophe. While it may not be glamorous work, grunt labor can
provide a sense of purpose and contribute to the greater good. It
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is important to note that even those who lack traditional survival

skills will still have a role to play in a post-apocalyptic world. Grunt
labor can be a valuable contribution to any community, and those
who put in the physical effort can be an asset to any recovery effort.
While specialized skills will be essential in a post-disaster world,
there will also be a great need for grunt labor. Those who are willing
to put in the physical effort can make a valuable contribution to their
community and help to rebuild in the aftermath of a catastrophe.
So, if you find yourself lacking in specialized skills, take heart in
the knowledge that there will still be plenty of work available for
those who roll up their sleeves and get to work.

Community Asset Evaluation:

As previously stated, most community leaders, if they consider or
talk about disaster planning at all, focus on the common short-
term calamities. Few, if any, people think about the kinds of
long-term calamities that we are discussing here. As a result, I
recommend that you plan time for them. Start generating a list of
the community’s assets with a pen and paper. The overarching goal
here is to obtain a sense of what resources would be available to
the community in the event of a disaster.

Private Assets are Being Seized:

As we progress through this section, you will note that I have
occasionally included privately owned firms as assets that may be
used for public good. While I am conflicted about this approach,
it is worth considering. Certainly, if the proprietors of such firms
are readily available, they should be consulted, and permission
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obtained before any outright seizures are carried out. Yet, with so
many big-box retailers out there, the entities that control those
items may have ceased to exist in
If such steps are adopted, a comprehensive accounting
of the resources seized should be made as soon as feasible. As
things return to some form of normalcy, those affected may be
compensated in some way.

Water and Food:

There are dozens of locations in your neighborhood where huge
volumes of food, particularly those suitable for long-term storage
(such as canned products), are kept as a matter of routine business.

• supermarkets
• taverns
• discount merchants
• convenience stores
• school cafeterias

As soon as this is a long-term event, steps should be taken to

safeguard these assets against looters. While some of the larger
establishments may have nothing left, given that they are the easier
targets, many people will neglect the smaller retail outlets and, very
surely, schools. Taverns and bars will be targeted as well, but looters
may have overlooked the food in their eagerness to get at the beer
and liquor. If any enterprises in town have their own cafeterias,
they should be mentioned in this category as well.
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Vending machines that may have survived the initial assault

should also be considered. True, chips and candy bars are not exactly
healthy, but many vending machines also provide semi-healthy
options like granola bars and nuts. When you are thinking along
these lines, keep in mind that many employees store food stashes
at their desks. It is not much, but it all adds up. Assume the office
building has seven Stories and fifteen workstations or cubicles per
floor—more than a hundred meal options in just one building.
Bottled water, as well as other beverages, will be available at
the same retail shops and vending machines. Remember that, while
soft drinks and the like are not as nutritious as plain water, they
can quench thirst in the short term. But should I be called out for
leaving something out, many sodas and other canned or bottled
beverages may really be
harmful to the body overall. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means
it causes you to urinate more frequently.
Make a note of any nearby natural bodies of water, such as
rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams. While such water will need to
be filtered and disinfected, developing a system for doing so on a
continuous basis for community residents would not be difficult.

Medical Supplies:
In times of emergency or disaster, medical supplies become
a critical resource that can mean the difference between life
and death for those affected. Whether it is a natural disaster, a
pandemic, or a large-scale accident, having access to basic medical
supplies is crucial for emergency responders, medical personnel,
and individuals.
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The availability of medical supplies depends on the

infrastructure and resources within a community. In rural areas,
access to medical supplies may be limited, and residents may need
to travel long distances to access basic healthcare services. In
urban areas, medical supplies may be more readily available, but
the sheer volume of people in need can strain the resources of
local hospitals and clinics. In the wake of a disaster or emergency,
medical supplies can become even scarcer as demand for these
resources increases. This is why it is important for communities to
take proactive steps to stockpile and distribute medical supplies to
those in need.
One way to do this is by partnering with local businesses and
organizations to secure first aid kits and other supplies. This can
include reaching out to schools, factories, and other businesses to
request donations or assistance in securing supplies. Additionally,
local pharmacies, medical clinics and dental offices may have
valuable medications and supplies that can be repurposed in
emergency situations.
While it is important to have access to medical supplies, it is equally
important to ensure that these supplies are stored and distributed
safely. This means taking measures to ensure that medications and
other supplies are safely stored and labeled, and that they are only
distributed to those who are authorized to use them.
The availability of medical supplies can be a matter of life and
death in times of emergency. By taking proactive steps to secure
these resources and distribute them to those in need, communities
can better prepare for disasters and ensure the health and safety of
their residents.
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Shelters in an Emergency:
Community leaders are well-versed in emergency housing, but it
never hurts to be prepared. If the disaster destroys many dwellings,
survivors will be displaced and in need of housing for an extended
period. Consider where these people could be housed. Numerous
churches frequently provide emergency refuge for the homeless,
especially during the chilly winter months, but space is usually
extremely limited. You must think bigger.
School gymnasiums are a popular choice. If there are not enough
cots, most schools have a surplus of mats that might be used.
If there are vacancies in nearby apartment complexes and hotels,
the owners may let refugees stay for a while, at least until other
arrangements can be made. Even if the current owners are from
out of town and unavailable, a property manager is certainly there.
While it may be impossible to forecast in advance, another
possibility worth considering is that families may be ready to take
in one or two extra individuals if enough food and supplies are
available. This is especially true for youngsters whose parents have
died or were away when the crisis struck. If this option were to
be implemented, I would propose contacting whatever remains of
local law enforcement and talking with them to ensure that no
known sex offenders are already resident in the “foster” homes.

Land for Repurpose:

I have proposed the notion of establishing a community-based food
production system in the aftermath of a disaster. Most cities have
huge plots of land that might be transformed into gardens or animal
raising places. Parks and golf courses are two examples of big open
122 | S. LEE

regions appropriate for farming. Several schools also have enormous

amounts of flat ground that may be exploited. The soil may not be
ideal, but it can be easily improved with additives like peat moss and
fertilizer obtained at hardware stores and garden shops.
Of course, even little plots of land should be utilized.
Condominium development courtyards and apartment building
backyards should be seeded and planted. Every little bit helps.
People should be encouraged to grow their own gardens, with the
goal of donating any excess to the community’s food store.
Nevertheless, and let me be clear, this type of arrangement
should not be interpreted as taxes in any way, shape, or form.
Complete voluntarism is the way to go.

Problems with Security:

Get a map of your community’s area; a map with a street-level view is
preferable. Do your homework and identify every single community
access point. Every freeway, back road, and even well-known hiking
trails or bike lanes that enter the village should be documented.
These are the entry places where refugees are likely to arrive. As a
result, these are the areas where guards or barriers should be installed
to prevent unknown individuals from entering the region. It would
certainly be impossible to fence off the entire community.
Fortunately, humans are generally somewhat lazy. They will
travel the roads and highways rather than go through miles of
unknown forest and farmland. As a result, those are the areas that
should be of the greatest concern and merit the most attention.
CHAPTER 16:
Barter And Trade: Not
Just for Baseball Cards

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O ver time, it became increasingly clear that the greenbacks

we had all relied on as currency were worthless. At first,
people started small-scale trading with their neighbors, exchanging
goods and services instead of money. For example, a few candles
might be swapped for a generator charge. However, as people
began to realize the true value of hard goods, trading became more
widespread. A pair of gloves or a bar of soap could be worth two
cans of stew, while homemade jerky or brandy might be traded for
repairs or other services.
Some individuals even began offering their skills and services
as a form of currency. For example, Mrs. Krueger would can your
garden harvest for a portion of the yield and promise of returning
the jars. However, there were some discussions about creating a
standardized system of currency, like the dollar, but this would
require a universally accepted standard of worth.
After a societal collapse, money would only hold value if it
could be used to purchase goods and services. Without a reliable
electricity source, high-value items such as flat-screen TVs and
tablet computers would be worthless, while practical items like
wool blankets, heavy-duty gloves, and strike-anywhere matches
would be highly valued. An item’s worth would be determined by
what it could bring in trade, like how people may get a great deal
at a garage sale if the seller has little idea of an item’s true worth.

Purchasing Barter Items:

If you are preparing for a long-term disaster, it is a clever idea to
consider stockpiling products expressly for barter if your current
form of currency runs out. I attempt to follow a few guidelines
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when determining whether products are suitable prospects for

future bartering.
First, the thing must be inexpensive right now. It makes no
sense to me to spend a lot of money stockpiling items that may or
may not be useful.
The following are ten top barter items:

1. Alcohol/booze
2. Heirloom seeds
3. Tobacco (bulk cans of tobacco with rolling papers)
4. Toiletries (toothpaste, soap)
5. Salt
6. deodorant, (and so on)
7. Sugar/honey
8. toilet tissue
9. Coffee/tea
10. Chocolate
11. Fresh veggies and fruits are required for commerce. Of
course, this rule is partly relative in that what I consider to
be expensive may not appear to be such to someone else.

Second, items must be long-lasting. For example, nothing

perishable or fragile. You want to concentrate on items that can be
stashed on a back shelf in a closet and forgotten about until they
are needed.
Finally, and maybe most importantly, the thing should be
valuable to you. That is, the thing must be useful to you even
if the opportunity to exchange it never presents itself. Consider
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stockpiling barter products as holding a little more of something

you would already want to have on hand.
There are, of course, exceptions to these principles, which
we will discuss momentarily. But, if you follow the following
instructions, you should be all right.

Three Bartering Rules.

If what we suspect is correct and bartering becomes a normal
aspect of life in a post-collapse world, you should follow a few
broad guidelines.

1. BE FAIR IN ALL BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS.

Do not enter a trade with the goal of taking advantage of
the other party. You may have to deal with them again in
the future, and it will be much better if they remember you
as someone who did the right thing for them. Ideally, both
sides in each trade will believe they got the better bargain.
2. DON’T SELL ANYTHING YOU CAN’T AFFORD
TO LOSE.
I believe that many of us have been in a comparable
situation and done something we afterwards regretted. At a
rummage sale, I once sold a good compound bow for cents
on the dollar. Why? We, the group ‘143 Prepper’s Long-Term
survival guide,’ were broke and in serious need of money.
So, I let everything go for the sake of a song. While we put
the money to beneficial use by purchasing much-needed
groceries, I still wish I had sold anything else. Fortunately,
we live in a time when you can go to a store and purchase a
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replacement. But you will not have that luxury if no stores

remain open.
3. AVOID SO-CALLED “SWEETHEART” DEALS.
These are scenarios in which you might offer someone an
incredibly fantastic deal, usually because they are a good
friend or neighbor.
The trouble with this is that people talk, and if you do not
provide the same deal to someone else, they may become
offended. While that may not seem like a huge deal today,
if that individual is the only one around offering fresh
eggs, you may find yourself painted into a corner.

I can readily imagine little, open-air marketplaces springing up

in the aftermath of a huge event. They will resemble contemporary
flea markets in appearance and will allow individuals to swap this
for that in a safe setting. Moreover, some community leaders may
even encourage the growth of such markets. This would not only
encourage some form of business but would also give a method of
fellowship among community members.
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A s a prepper, I believe in the three Gs of prepping: gold,

guns, and a getaway plan. These three simple words
contain a world of wisdom, especially when it comes to a survival
situation, whether it is a society collapse scenario or weird stuff like
a meteor strike, zombie apocalypse, deadly pandemic, or nuclear
fallout. Your scenario is as good as mine. Our modern society is
a very fragile machine, and it does not take much to bring it to a
total halt.
Imagine a nationwide power outage caused by an EMP strike, a
solar flare, or a computer virus that disables all our infrastructure,
which depends heavily on the internet and computers. It is common
knowledge among preppers that everything is possible.
When SHTF, there are two types of people in this world: those
who stay and face the music, and those who run for cover. The
cover is better.
Having a getaway plan is essential in a society-collapse scenario.
The first thing is to get out of there as soon as possible; that is an
easy decision. Having friends in the country or a cabin somewhere
remote would be a promising idea, obviously. The difficult part is
to get out of the city, and that is not as easy as it might sound. You
must be among the first to react and leave the premises; hence, you
should be prepared to leave everything behind in 30 seconds flat if
you feel the heat around the corner. What does that mean for you
and your family? Well, you will have to be able to protect them, and
that means guns (it would be an innovative idea to know how to
use a firearm too).
Maps come in handy too, in a world without GPS tracking
systems. Also, you must have the means to provide for your family
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in a world without working online banking systems, ATMs, credit

cards, and all the other benefits of our ultra-high-tech world. So,
you must have silver or gold stashed and easily available, as well as
cash. Of course, that means you must stay away from the banks.
If the system fails, paper money will become useless, and barter,
gold, and silver will remain the only currencies. So, stack gold or
silver coins in a safe place that is easy to reach and carry and not
dependent on “modern” infrastructure. Investing your extra cash
in precious metals is a
win-win situation. Owning guns for protecting yourself and
your property is one of the trademarks of American culture.
“Preparation is the key to survival; don’t wait for a crisis to strike before
taking action, because by then, it may be too late.”
RESOURCES

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LIST OF PREPPER RESOURCES:

Top 27 Online Resources for Survivalists and Preppers
The below list is Written by Sam Jacobs, Writer and chief historian
with Ammo.com

Secret Garden of Survival

There’s no two ways about it: All the ammo in the world isn’t going
to do you any good if you don’t have anything to eat. That’s why
Secret Garden of Survival is the very first entry on our list. This website
is run by Rick Austin, a well known and highly respected member
of the prepper community who runs Prepper Camp, definitely
something to look into if you’re starting from square one.
The Secret Garden of Survival provides you with insight not
just on how to grow food, but also how to keep your food supply
a secret from what the website calls “the zombie hordes.” This is
especially important since some preppers go all in on ammo – and
when they run out of food, well, even good people are going to
start acting ugly. You’ll learn how to produce a high yield, allowing
you to feed your family and friends without having to worry about
raiders taking it.
136 | S. LEE

The Secret Garden of Survival provides you with insight not

just on how to grow food, but also how to keep your food supply
a secret from what the website calls “the zombie hordes.” This is
especially important since some preppers go all in on ammo – and
when they run out of food, well, even good people are going to
start acting ugly. You’ll learn how to produce a high yield, allowing
you to feed your family and friends without having to worry about
raiders taking it.

Survivor Jane

Survivor Jane is the website run by Rick Austin’s wife, Jane. The site
bills itself as “Survival Preparedness for Women.” To that end, you
will find information on how to look your best while the zombie
apocalypse is raining down destruction around you. Survivor Jane
fills an important niche in the prepper and survivalist community:
Giving practical and actionable advice oriented toward women for
the end of the world or the end of a work shift late at night.
Inside you’ll find information on how to prep your bug-out
bag, as well as food, first aid, grooming, and hygiene tips – all for
the woman getting ready for the S to H the F. If that doesn’t sound
useful, she also provides information on female-oriented self-
defense and home invasion scenarios. More than just a prepper
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blog, this is a website for any woman who wants to know how to
defend herself – and look good doing it.

When it comes to survivalism, this is perhaps ground zero for

a lot of people – but it’s not just about survivalism and prepping.
The Survivalist Blog also covers homesteading, guns, the outdoors,
DIY projects, and food. If you’re into prepping, great, but it can
also be a wonderful resource for people leading more simple and
rural lives. Learning how to make your own stuff means less
money spent, new practical skills acquired, and more time spent
with friends and family.
The overall focus of the website is on being practical, not lofty.
To that end, there’s a regular feature showing what has been done
to prep over the course of a week. Seeing what serious preppers do
on a weekly basis is a great way to take a lot of the mystery out of
the process. If you read a blog entry a day, you would get a serious
education in how to prepare, how to homestead, and how to live a
more fulfilling life less reliant upon big-box store commerce.

Survival Blog publishes daily, and is one of the oldest survival

blogs on the internet. Proprietor James Wesley Rawles is the name
in survivalism, having literally written the book: How to Survive the
End of the World as We Know It. He has also authored a series of
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novels about survivalism and prepping. The movement to move to

the American Northwest and wait for the end of the world as we
know it. (TEOTWAWKI)? That’s called “American Redoubt,” and
you can thank Rawles for that one as well.
Rawles focuses on TEOTWAWKI, but not just from man-
made sources. He’s equally concerned with natural disasters. What’s
more, you’re going to find more of a focus on Christian charity on
his website, as it’s a core part of his identity and beliefs.
You’ll find a wealth of reasonable information about
TEOTWAWKI, all of which is surprisingly plausible. Rawles has
thought about every nook and cranny of what might go wrong in a
cataclysmic scenario and is passing his knowledge on to you, totally
for free. This should be a daily part of any prepper’s reading.

Maybe you’re not necessarily looking to survive a zombie

apocalypse. Maybe you just want to live off grid. Or maybe you
use off-grid living as a way to prepare. No matter what, OFFGRID
SURVIVAL is an excellent resource for people living that kind
of lifestyle. Not only will you get actionable advice suitable for
beginners and old hats alike, you’re also going to get slice-of-life
stories from people living a similar lifestyle to your own. In an
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increasingly centralized, commercial and statist world, it can be

good to see others like you living outside of the box.
The site is run by Robert Richardson, author of The Ultimate
Situational Survival Guide: Self-Reliance Strategies for a Dangerous World.
He boasts more than two decades of experience living off the grid.
He’s also been teaching it to others, which is perhaps what makes
his website so accessible. Frequently a guest on national news
outlets, his training runs the gamut from survivalism to hunting to
martial arts to emergency communications.

If the post-apocalyptic world is going to need anything, it’s

moms. So, thankfully, we have The Survival Mom around to teach
moms and potential moms how to prep and survive. The website
includes a blog, a podcast, a store, and books and tutorials –
everything that the modern mom can use to start getting prepared.
Lisa Bedford has been running The Survival Mom since 2009,
and she’s compiled over 1,600 articles to help people prepare and
improve their lives while they do it.
One of the best things about The Survival Mom is that it will
show you how to prep without becoming totally overwhelmed.
She has taken baby steps toward prepping, and can show you how
to do the same. The Survival Mom is living proof that little steps
on a consistent basis can have you ready for any emergency.
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A lot of survivalist blogs focus on two main things – guns

and groceries. However, there’s always going to be an economic
element to when SHTF. How will you prepare economically for
TEOTWAWKI? What’s more, how can you read the economic tea
leaves to know when you’re closer to TEOTWAWKI than not?
The Economic Collapse is where you can follow monetary policy,
the energy markets, and currency fluctuations. You can also follow
a rather unlikely stream of information: the weather. Big weather
events are a favorite topic of TEC’s proprietor, Michael Snyder.
This is also a Christian blog and that philosophy runs
throughout everything Snyder does. His more political and
philosophical writings (as well as more information on weather)
can be found at The End of the American Dream. Both of these
are worthwhile reading for preppers, especially those interested in
tracking the news to see both the beginning of the end and Biblical
prophecy in today’s headlines.

With so much content for new preppers, old preppers and

wanna-be preppers to dig through – the word for American
Preppers Network is “dense.” What’s more, the breadth of the site
is impressive. They cover food and guns, of course, but also health,
proper food storage, self defense and sustainable living.
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The keyword in the name of the website is “Network.” That’s

really what the site is – by preppers and for preppers. There’s a
forum and a HAM radio network associated with the website,
which will help if you have questions or if you just want to socialize
with other people in the prepper community.

Peak Prosperity is a library, or series, of courses about proper

prepping. They sell books, including ones endorsed by Zero
Hedge’s pseudonymous founder Tyler Durden. You can get these
in classic paper, ebook or audiobook format. However, one place
where Peak Prosperity really distinguishes itself is seeing prepping
as a small part of a greater whole. Getting ready for the SHTF is all
well and good – but what do you do in the meantime?
They’ll help you to answer that question with one of their
books, specifically about how you pick the right career path. The
“Crash Course” is totally free and gets you up to speed on why you
should be living a purposeful life – one that includes getting ready
for TEOTWAWKI.

This one is probably the most gun-centric of the sites we list

here, but by no means does that imply that SHTF Blog only discusses
firearms. Recent excellent pieces include a Coffee Can A Survival
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Kit and a question very near and dear to our heart: “Are We Living
In A Police State?” The website also includes a forum where you
can keep in touch with other members of the community.
One of the things we really love about this site is that they
inject some personality into their writing. The above-mentioned
police state article is simply one example of this. We’re also big
fans of “The Care and Feeding of Socks” and “Surviving SHTF
Holidays.” The whole subject of SHTF can be very difficult and
morose to deal with. Having a bit of levity and personality injected
into the topic is always a welcome addition.

SHTF Preparedness is fixated on what you might call lifestyle:

Food, what to do with old jeans, how to spend your money, survival
gear reviews, and the like. It’s a great place for both recipes and for
advice on how to find the best meat when the best meat isn’t found
at the grocery store. There are also excellent tutorials for making
your own stuff around the house.

Modern Survival Online (also known as “MSO”) is a comprehensive

website about prepping for people at all levels of the game. They
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run the gamut from how to prepare food and guns (of course!)
to how to use survival and prepping skills to improve your overall
quality of life in the here and now, long before SHTF.
One of the best things about the site is their insightful
commentary on all things prepper – including the article questioning
whether urban survivalism is even truly possible, the top candidates
for where World War III might start, lessons on survivalism from
the Great Depression, and how to prepare children for disasters
big and small. These thoughtful and insightful articles are one of
the things that sets MSO ahead of the rest.

They’re useful and they’re just plain cool. Survival Sherpa is both.
You can see just what can be done with a minimal supply of tools
and the land around you. This is a subset of survivalism known as
“self-reliance skills.” Arguably, these are the most important skills
you can have in a SHTF scenario. Who needs a large stockpile of
food when you know how to fashion a bow and arrow from the
materials around you, starting with a rock to cut down the tree.
An admirable aspect of the website is the proprietor’s emphasis
on teaching these skills to children. Whether we end up in a SHTF
scenario or not, there are few better ways to get kids off on
the right foot than with teaching them survival skills. These are
confidence boosters if nothing else. He’s also very candid about
his own foibles and shortcomings, which is great as a reminder that
even the experts aren’t always perfect.
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The Survival Doctor is a website maintained by a legitimate medical

doctor: Dr. James Hubbard, MD, MPH. While people often get
hung up on “guns and groceries,” it’s important to remember the
other side of the coin – medical care in a world where you can’t
dial 9-1-1. This spirit is what led Dr. Hubbard to start this website.
There are articles on how to get started with prepping, as well as
general health articles for those concerned about staying in top
shape, even when the S is not Hing the F. This website is truly a
public service for preppers and non-preppers alike.

While preppers and survivalists are often thought of as “meat

and potatoes” kind of people, there’s no denying a lot of overlap
between the prepper community and those interested in organic,
healthy lifestyles. The Organic Prepper is dedicated to the overlap of
these two areas of interest. Inside are articles about prepping, but
also frugal living, the organic lifestyle, current events and weather
patterns.
There are also a number of books on the site available
as resources for those interested in frugal living, prepping and
the rest of the above-mentioned topics. File this one under our
general category of “great information for reasonably normal
people who may or may not think the end of the world is coming
at any second.”
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Commander Zero
One of the great things about Commander Zero is that it’s both
prepper instruction and a daily log of one man’s slog through the
world of prepping and survival. Much of the appeal comes from
watching him identify problems and work through them on a day-
to-day basis.

The Skinny Medic

The Skinny Medic is run by a paramedic and is designed to turn you into
a first responder – or at least a slightly better one than you are now,
in the event that you find yourself in a traumatic medical situation.
In addition to medical information, the channel also contains
info about firearms and gear reviews. While he’s very clear that
this is not a substitute for formal medic training, some informal
training is better than none at all. Become ready so that others can
continue to live.

Sensible Survival
It’s all in the name: Sensible Survival. Cool, entertaining and
informative – this website is for people who are trying to acquire
new skills to make their lives better while getting ready for the
SHTF scenario. Gear reviews, flashlight reviews, knife reviews,
and information about how to pack about a million different kinds of
bug-out bags round out the rest of the content on Sensible Survival.
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One thing that all of our recommended YouTube channels

have in common is an emphasis on the practical, and Engineer 775
is no exception. Two of the main areas of expertise he shares are
energy and water – both of which are absolutely critical in any
kind of disaster or catastrophe. There are even tutorials that are an
intersection of these two topics. Very cool stuff, whether you’re a
prepper or just curious about what humans can do.

Can you prepare in a city? The City Prepping YouTube channel

thinks so and is dedicated to showing you how to prepare for
disaster without having to relocate to the Idaho panhandle. The
channel aims to provide the 80 percent of Americans living in
cities and suburbs with the information they need to survive and
thrive in the event that disaster strikes
The owner of the channel holds a degree in microbiology and
has worked for several NGOs in the third world. He now works in
the tech industry and lives in Southern California, which means his
lifestyle is probably not all that different from yours.

Preparedmind101
Preparedmind101 (or PM101) is maintained by a man with a passion
for blades and gear. So if you share those interests, following this
channel is a no-brainer. Proprietor Chris Tanner also focuses on
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wilderness survival, bushcraft and getting into the right mindset

for prepping properly.

In the Rabbit Hole is an urban prepper podcast with a focus on

teaching you how to get ready for calamity in cities and suburbs.
Going strong since 2010, these are some city slickers who love the
outdoors and love sharing their passion with listeners. They want
to make a very dark topic accessible, entertaining and fun – an
absolute must listen for urban preppers.

The Survival Podcast is precisely what survival and prepper media

ought to be: Accessible, fun and filled with skills that will improve
your life – whether or not the world as we know it comes to an
end or just keeps plugging along the way we’ve always come to
expect. While many preppers have libertarian politics, these are
rather explicit on Jack Spirko’s podcast. In addition to the podcast,
there’s a blog on the website that’s worth reading.
The Survivalist Prepper Podcast is a realistic, down-to-earth, dense
and informative podcast for people at all levels of prepping. The
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show is broad-based, but primarily focused on how to handle a

crisis (however, they also have a broad view of what constitutes a
crisis). One of the best aspects of this show is that they understand
you’re far more likely to have a personal calamity than you are to
experience the end of the world. To that end, they show you how
to prepare for all of the above. The website includes prepper tools
and a guide to prepping for beginners.

Mind4Survival (also known as M4S) features host Brian Duff

interviewing other people who are knowledgeable about the world
of prepping and survival. You’ll learn things that might save your
life, but will definitely improve your quality of life while you wait
for the end of the world. Duff is a former Army Ranger, paramedic
and firefighter, so he definitely knows a thing or two about survival
and prepping. He’s a very down-to-earth podcast host who can give
you practical advice about how to protect yourself and your family.

The Casual Preppers Podcast is, like the other podcasts on our list,
accessible and entertaining. It’s also very slick and professional,
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and it’s a great place to start for people looking to regularly listen
to a prepper podcast.
The orientation of the podcast is for regular people looking to
make improvements in their lives through prepping.

The Feedspot for Survival

One great way to cover a broad range of survival and prepper
information is with this Feedspot of the top 100 survival blogs on
the internet. Dig through it and see if you can find anything that
appeals to you personally. Subjects of interest are always the best
place to start or to continue your prepper and survivalist education.
The Casual Preppers Podcast is, like the other podcasts on our list,
accessible and entertaining. It’s also very slick and professional,
and it’s a great place to start for people looking to regularly listen
to a prepper podcast.
The orientation of the podcast is for regular people looking to
make improvements in their lives through prepping.