Long Term SHTF Question/ Decision Topic

[docsherm]

I have had several conversations with a friend about what truly is the best way to prepare for a long term SHTF situation. A lot of people would say to stock up on everything that they can and then start to grow and produce their own stuff. That is one mindset that has some valid points. Others would say learn as much as they can so that your mind is that best tool that you have. There are also several other ways to approach it.

This topic is for small towns and people that live in the country. In a true SHTF long term situation the cities are going to be a huge mess, yes I am being nice. Over 100 years ago the small towns and rural areas in the US were working just fine with little to no input from larger areas. The people in these areas would realistically return to that type of lifestyle. If you deal with small towns much you understand that the way things are done there is a bit different then the way things are done in the city. Farming and ranching communities are still working like that in a way.

Here is the question/ decision topic: Would not a few months of supplies and a valuable skill set be better off in the long term for a true SHTF situation?

What I am saying is that if you have enough supplies to last you a few months (as an example) and then start to barter your skill set for the supplies that you need be a better option than living in a hole with a ton of food? By a skill set I am taking about something that people need all of the time. As an example a doctor, carpenter, plumber, and so forth. Obviously some skills are not going to be as needed in the same capacity as they are now. As an example accountants and lawyers are in high demand now but their skill sets are not going to be critical after a true SHTF event.

What are your thoughts on this and what skill sets do you think are going to the most valuable? Remember that skills like EMS are only good if they have somewhere to take them and that a community can only support a few “security” specialists.

OK, I get the point.....Stop focusing on the "get the garden ready". It was an example. When you read that part replace it with "shave the dog" or what ever else you want......... I removed thit so that the discussion can become productive. Stop focusing on the minutia.

[Koshinn]

What I am saying is that if you have enough supplies to last you a few months so that you can get a sustainable garden started (as an example)

Why haven't you already started your sustainable garden? Learning how to garden when your next meal and life literally depends on it is not the best idea I've seen.

[docsherm]

Why haven't you already started your sustainable garden? Learning how to garden when your next meal and life literally depends on it is not the best idea I've seen.

I have, it was just an example. So do you have any imput on topic?

[RearwardAssist]

I don't think it would have to be an either or situation. why not have a ton of supplies and a skillset to barter?

[Koshinn]

I have, it was just an example. So do you have any imput on topic?

I think the premise of having to do everything yourself combined with a community is ... Strange. The whole point of a community is to allow specializing, which is more efficient than everyone trying to grow their own food, make soap, make candles, fix firearms, make horseshoes, build houses, etc.

Get supplies and make sure you are an expert at a craft. No need to farm in a community environment unless you already do that and you can provide surplus to store and trade. Otherwise the bigger farmers will be wanting to trade their excess produce for your ability to heal their wounded and sick or fix their car or whatever it is that you do.

As to what skills are needed... It greatly depends on how much shtf and what caused it. Most small towns have all the vital areas covered by people who have done it for decades. If you're currently working a desk job, I'm guessing you'll have to get into manual labor or apprentice under someone.

And many jobs won't be as useless as most people believe. Even third world shit holes need lawyers, for example. Once you get back into a stable currency, you're going to want those accountants, because barter sucks. Etc.


I know this is a completely non-romantic realistic version of shtf, but it's the most likely situation unless you bug out innawoods and intentionally separate yourself from society. But that isn't the topic here.

[Gatorbait]

IMHO...
SHTF sustainability will all depend on your particular local market needs, whether it be goods or services. Each of us will need to have a skill, or set of tools, or resources to produce something of value. Once again, it depends on what is needed locally. What is of value in Gatorbait's small town, may or may not be of value in Doc Sherm's small town. What natural resources are in your area? How close is the closest salt mine? Who are the local distiller's? Who has a fresh water supply that does not need filtering?This is one of the important aspects of practicing what you would do then...NOW. I would say that if you are not working a garden now, you will not be successful in doing it then(SHTF). If you are not bartering now, you will not know who can/does barter, who are fair traders(who are the crooks), what they have to trade, who values things like precious metals(and who do not), etc. Which doctors and which lawyers value gold and silver eagles, now? Tying to establish these things once things go South, will be ten times more difficult rather than now. Where are the local markets and who are the market makers? The current pawn shops, flea markets, farmers markets, swap meets will only be starting points......

As far as valuable skill sets or abilities go, I would suggest having 4 or 5 to draw from. For me, it will be :

1. Battery re-charging/small electrical provider
2. Water distiller/ filtration
3. Precious metal assayer,
4. Non-electrical firewood processing
5. Non-mechanical transportation services
6. Communications station/translation services

A pile of resources will only last a definite amount of time, no matter how big it is(natural resources like salt mines and fresh water springs excluded). Practicing skills and participating in current local markets now is the best way to find out what will work for you on your local level.

Just my small town opinion...

Cheers,
GB

[NWPilgrim]

I believe in developing multiple options in parallel. Store up food and water as you can (canned foods, dry staples, some MREs and lastly the freeze dried). In doing so you can choose to learn to preserve food, grow some of it, and if you look for local sources you develop contacts for more foodstuffs in good times and bad.

I think being able to build and/or repair SOMETHING is always a good skill nad even more so in long term depression/disaster. Shoes, engines, buildings, electric, plumbing, concrete, gunsmithing, reloading, vehicles, hand tools, sewing. Learn the skill, get the tools, stock on supplies for it, and put it to use now so it is second nature when desperately needed.

Lots of other areas for useful skills such as gardening/farming, raising livestock (even if it is just chickens), HAM, bicycling, hiking, camping, dog training, etc.

[High Tower]

Here is the question/ decision topic: Would not a few months of supplies and a valuable skill set be better off in the long term for a true SHTF situation?

I think this would be the ideal way to go. As far as needed skill sets, I tend to look at what the pioneer towns in the mid 1800's needed since that is pretty much where we'd be if things got that bad. Farmers, carpenters, metal workers, medical types, and handy men in general. Most farmers would meet dang near all those criteria. The Amish could teach us a thing or two as well. And brewers - life would be that much better if there was someone who could make some nice microbrew.

And if life didn't get to that point, it would still be handy to have those types around.

[hatidua]

what skill sets do you think are going to the most valuable?

Being willing to do, instead of observe.

[JusticeM4]

I have discussed these with My roomate and planned such preps for SHTF situations, and started with some small steps of our own.

Usually a good supply of food/water, medical supplies, and guns/ammo is a good start and should sustain you for a few weeks or months depending on the stockpile. Having long-term solutions is more ideal, like a sustainable food source (gardens, seeds, etc) and water purification and water source/collection method.

Valuable skill sets do come in handy i.e. Doctors, nurses, carpenters, mechanics, farmers, hunters, metal workers and the like. The typical management people or office worker with no skills will be of no use in these situations if they do not learn a skill or adapt. My roomate is a mechanic at a Dodge dealership so he can practically fix any car, and I'm in the medical field so I have basic first aid skills and access to medical supplies from my hospital if needed.

As far as bugging in or out, my thoughts/plans are either to own a cabin somewhere in the country or up in the mountains close to a water source (river or lake). You can fish and hunt for food, and grow a garden as well. Buy some equipment like generators, chainsaws, drills, etc as those become handy. Of course, stock up on gas and batteries too. Have a reliable form of transportation, preferably a truck/SUV in case you need haul certain items or travel.

Electronic devices may not always be useful in a shtf situation; your Ipod, blueray player, or TV may be useless but they can be used for entertainment *if* electricity is available. A handheld GPS is a must, Sat phones, and multiple walkie talkies. thats why you need a generator to charge these unless you have a solar charging option.

I'm sure I missed a few things, but IMHO the most important things to consider are sustainable food/water sources, medical supplies, followed by shelter and trasportation.
I think it was in the movie 'World War Z' that said guns & ammo are only half-measures. You need more than that to survive. Just my 2c