suburbansurvivalist.net

The need for matches can not be understated, and a box of 250 is extremely cheap.  If at all possible get “Strike Anywhere” matches.  Many stores now only sell “Strike on Box” matches which as the name implies the box must be used to light the match (which is fine until the box gets damp). 

Buy several boxes (or dozens of boxes).  Store them in a sealed freezer bag or other method to protect them from getting damp (and ruined).

This will make a great barter item during long term emergencies.

Propane (or other gases) in the typically outdoor grill will not last for long when being used to cook several times a week.  However storing extra propane (if the local laws allow) for any grill already owned can be a good hedge against rising costs, and give a longer use in emergencies.

There are a variety of specially designed small white gas stoves on the market with one or two burners that will also run on unleaded (car) fuel.  They generally cost more than the typical white gas stove, but if purchasing one is an option, it can be a good investment for survival or camping.  Never use unleaded fuel in a white gas stove that is not designed for it!

Consider alternative ways to cook outside the home: Other methods might include a white gas stove, fire (wood) pit, charcoal grill, solar stoves or a variety of other methods.

When considering future plans on cooking outside, remember that most modern cookware is not adequate to outdoor cooking.  Light weight pans with Teflon or other fancy coatings will not hold up over an open fire.  Avoid pans with plastic parts such as handles!  Most of the heavy weight pans have metal handles that become very hot when cooking outdoors so have pot holders for moving the pot and lids and long handled (metal or wood) tools for stirring.

Having several fire extinguishers in the home is critical, even in non-emergency times. Some homes have a single fire extinguisher somewhere under the kitchen sink, but most homes do not have one in every room. Small ‘kitchen’ fire extinguishers can be purchased from $10 to $20 easily, and every major room should have one.

People often think of a tipped over candle or grease fire while cooking as possible concerns, but think they can easily be handled by ‘stomping them out’ or finding the baking soda and throwing it on the fire. Both of these are true, if you have experience doing this it is easy… if not it can be quite a challenge the first time. Then a small fire can turn into a lost home easily. How long will it take to find the baking soda: Just a minute or two? A small fire can expand to an entire room in that time frame. When a small fire starts, the time frame to take quick decisive action is 10 to 15 seconds at the most. This means (1) Knowing where the fire extinguishers are; (2) Knowing how to use them; (3) And acting.

In a teotwawki scenario, running water and fire fighting services may not be an option. Having a way to put out a fire when it is small would be a critical preparation between loosing a residence or not. But in these scenarios, there is an added risk of flames inside the home for heat, light or cooking. There is also the added risk of a jealous neighbor or neighborhood thug throwing a small fire bomb at the home (on the porch or through the window. Again, the fire extinguisher can make the difference between loosing the home or not (which could be life or death in a teotwawki scenario).

Most commercially made fertilizer that will be bought at typical stores is made from oil, and will see price increases as oil rises. The primary purpose of fertilizer is to put the major nutrients back into the soil that plant growth removes. However, most fertilizers ignore the minor (and micro) nutrients. Many gardeners swear that these are vital to healthy plants, fruits and the consumer; but this is in dispute by officials.

Composting is generally considered easy, and there are several gadgets that can be purchased to make it easier. It can also be done in a small space in the back yard. Some devices claim to be able to make compost in as few as 4-6 weeks, but without them, in a simple ‘pile’ composting can be complete in 6 months. In theory, through the course of composting, the minor (and micro) nutrients will be added back into the soil

In addition to traditional composting, there is a form of ‘worm composting’ – letting earthworms eat the material and harvesting the worm dung as fertilizer. When earth worm composting make sure to include egg shells or some other form of digestible calcium so the worms can reproduce.

The heat in the compost generally kills most (but not all) microbes and weed seeds. Also note that the heat from normal composting will kill earthworms.

Anticipate the rise in fertilizer costs, by starting the compost pile today.

Save money by buying in advance.

Make a list of every liquid that is conventionally used in all lawn equipment, vehicles, mowers, tractors, generators, etc. The list will probably start with several different weights of motor oil, transmission fluid, 2-cycle oil, and chain lube. Buy a few extra bottles that can be consumed in a reasonable time for regular maintenance. Then every time one is used, make sure it is replaced with a new one to cycle the stock and to always have some on hand if the items are need during an emergency.

As briefly mentioned before: Having multiple vehicles is one option for dealing with higher gasoline prices without reducing the readiness of the survivalist planning. Have a larger vehicle such as a truck for towing a boat, hauling wood, towing another vehicle, going cross-country, or getting through some sort of barricade. Have a small (fuel efficient) vehicle for daily commutes, general errands, and long distance travels.

If budgets permit, there are several good options for a third vehicle: (1) Cheap and disposable vehicle as a backup if one of the other vehicles breaks down; (2) And older EMP resistant vehicle; (3) Classic car for investment value; or a (4) Motorcycle.

Having more than one vehicle also has additional benefits if someone in the family (or group) breaks down, there is a fully functional vehicle to drive and pick them up. If there is more than one driver in the family, then unless a vehicle breaks down, no-one will be stranded without a vehicle if an emergency occurs, more gas is stored inherently in the combined gas tanks, and if the family has to bug-out there is more storage area with multiple vehicles.

Another benefit of having more than one vehicle is that if the family falls on extremely tough financial times, one (or more) of the vehicles can be sold to raise cash (which will be less effective if the country is in a massive depression at the time).

If oil were to go over $200 per barrel (and gasoline were to go over $6 per gallon), consider how that will affect travel. Consider the number of miles driven using one’s current lifestyle, and calculate how $6 a gallon (or $8 for easy math – just double) will effect the budget. Re-calculate this expense with each planning change.

Daily Gas Bill = (2 * Price per Gallon * Miles in One Way Commute to Work) / (Miles per Gallon)

Monthly Gas Bill = (20 * Daily Gas Bill)

Consider these options…

There are a group of people who in the survivalism movement who have in the recent past decided to live in the country, and commute to work every day. If these individuals drove 50 miles to work (20 mpg) the gas bill would be over $400 a month. There are many benefits to this lifestyle (security), and a few draw backs (gasoline cost & time).

There are other individuals who have found employment within walking distance from their residence, or in more extreme cases actually move to new location that would be within walking distance of new found employment. There are huge savings benefits to this (gasoline cost). Some who have this lifestyle no longer own a vehicle.

Still others have opted to purchase and start riding alternatives for the daily commute: Bicycles, motorcycle, electric cars, motor scooters, moped, etc. Some included in the commute a mode of mass transit.

Those making payments on vehicles have very limited options: (1) An individual that has a gas guzzling truck or SUV, may decided to trade it in for a small car; (2) May drive less; (3) Buy a cheap alternative (bicycle, moped, etc); (4) Buy a small car either on payments or directly; (5) Car pool.

However those with paid off vehicles have similar options (but with better financial consequences): (1) Keep the larger vehicle for special trips or hauling, but save up to buy a second small car from an individual at a very discounted price; (2) Sell the larger vehicle to buy a smaller vehicle; (3) Buy alternatives (bicycle, motorcycle, moped, Electric car, etc); (4) Car pool; (5) Drive less, or drive alternative vehicle instead.

These options can be combined, modified or otherwise configured to meet one’s needs.

Although reducing gasoline consumption, moving closer to employment, finding employment closer to home, or riding a bicycle often are all great options for some people, be wary of giving up the automotive vehicle. Even though the Suburban Survivalist recommends bugging out only when absolutely necessary (and becoming a refugee) not having the ability to bug out seriously limits options in a survival situation. And surviving in the suburbs (or anywhere) is greatly depending on having options. In addition, if budgets allow, it is recommended that families have two or more vehicles.

When planning for what appears to be the future of energy costs, always counter-balance the plan with other options. When making purchases or plans based on $10/gallon gasoline, consider how those plans will be affected if gasoline returns to $1.20 per gallon. As unlikely as this reduction sounds, during the 1970’s when gold exploded to over $800 an ounce, it was considered ‘impossible’ (by many) that it would drop to $250 and ounce; yet it happened.

The point is not to discount the possibility of extremely high priced oil, but to consider all the possibilities, and included all possibilities into future plans. It is reasonable to plan for higher priced oil and gasoline, but ensure that the plans include the possibilities of a drop in oil prices or possibly very limited (or no) oil available at all.