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tr2212
Member
Condo is the basically the same thing, and I am trying to get started, too. Right now, ammo, water, and food are what I have so far. I have a small BOB with MREs and the basics for 72 hours, but I have a long way to go before I will feel anywhere close to confident.
jimLE
A True Doomsday Prepper
is the apt,efficiency ? or is it 1 or 2 bedroom?.the size of the apt decides what you can stock up on and store.like tr pointed out.water and food first.first aid kit..weapons of choice..
by the way...WB
by the way...WB
Silent Bob
God Like
Yes, welcome back...I am researching some stuff for my friend who is on this site...so here are some recommendation, which are standard on my home doors.
1. Install a grade 2 door bolt lock (that is if your landlord would allow it or the lease allows you to make some modification to your apartment or condo).
2. On the strike plate, use longer screws (3 1/2 work the best, this reinforces the strike plate and prevents anyone from jamming it). I don't think you need to mention this to the landlord and the screws can be obtained at Walmart, Lowes...etc.
3. If your lease allows it, add window film to your windows this prevents rocks or objects from being used as an forced entry device and also add window alarms (they are pretty cheap, but if anyone is messing with your windows...your going to know it, mine are the expensive ones that are actually hooked to our alarm system that is handled by our security system firm).
4. This is pretty cheap, you can buy one of those door jam alarms...cheap, economical and you don't have to install it at all.
5. If your lease allows this one..then your going to have some primo door guard. It is called EZ Armor, I've included the website for you...
http://armorconcepts.com/EZ-Armor/?...5DYxkgx0-pBavqWZAVyEn7sycpPS7tblLmxoCHL_w_wcB
If you own your condo...then I'd advise to use a steel door, I have one that is Kevlar impregnated. A windows are impregnated with Kevlar resistance and I had the front facing of my home reinforced with rebar and concrete before the brick facing was added. I know you can't make that type of investment, but included into future reference if you ever decide to build a home.
alabaster
1st Member Of DPF
SilentBob has some great ideas for those who own their places and aren't fighting against HOAs, too.
Regardless of what type of house you live in, you might be well served to take a Personal Protection In The Home course, and a "Refuse To Be A Victim" course. They will help you understand the concepts behind personal security and will help you identify your weak spots. They will also help you understand how to fix them and how to evaluate the situation so that you know if you should be staying put or getting out of Dodge. Classes are priceless and can bring up info that you never knew you even needed. Those will help get you along the road to security, which is but a part of prepping.
If you live in an apartment(People in condos usually specify they own theirs), then you might try to find folks in your building and complex that are also preppers. That too is going to be difficult, but safety is in #s. Safety is in #s, safety is in #s. And finally, safety is in #s. That's assuming you can trust them when it's survive or die time.
You might also consider bugging out, though this depends on the situation. Living close to people you aren't teamed up with is a HUGE hazard, and in an apartment complex, you are literally surrounded by potential threats. I've mentioned time and again the differences between "Supply prepping" and 'Survivalist Prepping", and having lived in a condo and an apartment during my adult life, I can tell you that you probably don't want to be there if things go sideways. In this case, I would recommend again that you take a look at some classes and learn about your area and how to "Camp" there with minimal supplies. You may get looks if you tell people you want to learn to live without your preps should SHTF, but any good survivalist enjoys helping someone learn the craft. Try to get by in the sticks with as little as possible.
Ultimately, I'm not sure if I just typed out a hugely long post about something that doesn't even work towards an answer to your question. Other than an apartment, what's your situation?
Regardless of what type of house you live in, you might be well served to take a Personal Protection In The Home course, and a "Refuse To Be A Victim" course. They will help you understand the concepts behind personal security and will help you identify your weak spots. They will also help you understand how to fix them and how to evaluate the situation so that you know if you should be staying put or getting out of Dodge. Classes are priceless and can bring up info that you never knew you even needed. Those will help get you along the road to security, which is but a part of prepping.
If you live in an apartment(People in condos usually specify they own theirs), then you might try to find folks in your building and complex that are also preppers. That too is going to be difficult, but safety is in #s. Safety is in #s, safety is in #s. And finally, safety is in #s. That's assuming you can trust them when it's survive or die time.
You might also consider bugging out, though this depends on the situation. Living close to people you aren't teamed up with is a HUGE hazard, and in an apartment complex, you are literally surrounded by potential threats. I've mentioned time and again the differences between "Supply prepping" and 'Survivalist Prepping", and having lived in a condo and an apartment during my adult life, I can tell you that you probably don't want to be there if things go sideways. In this case, I would recommend again that you take a look at some classes and learn about your area and how to "Camp" there with minimal supplies. You may get looks if you tell people you want to learn to live without your preps should SHTF, but any good survivalist enjoys helping someone learn the craft. Try to get by in the sticks with as little as possible.
Ultimately, I'm not sure if I just typed out a hugely long post about something that doesn't even work towards an answer to your question. Other than an apartment, what's your situation?
Silent Bob
God Like
I think you should read Alabaster's post very thoroughly, I think it may have answered some good questions. I know that both courses Alabaster mentioned would add to your understanding of preparing for this type of environment. I have to admit, it the early 2000's, I had little if any urban warfare experience, resources and knowledge were very limited, other than some field notes left over from house to house searches from both World War 2 and Vietnam. I know that some of us were actually reading after-action notes from the Battle of Hue, a bit from some leftover action notes from Somalia, but the tactics had not been developed like they have today. I even picked the brains of some of my friends in law enforcement before heading to Afghanistan in 2001.
I am sure their are tons of resources that can make your apartments and condo's better prepared, but like I've advised Jontte, it would also be a good idea to look over your neighborhood, find likely escape avenues, routes that offer some cover from upstairs observations. Not sure if you both have military backgrounds, but their is a technique on how to complete a route of travel, and am sure that Alabaster and Jontte have an understanding of that concept.
Spot on Alabaster on your post! Jontte, still working your research.
alabaster
1st Member Of DPF
This post should and probably will take off. I imagine there are a lot of folks living in apartments, or have loved ones who do, that are into prepping or at least security of apartments. The armorconcepts pieces look fantastic, and after looking up reviews of tem, I am going to look at buying them for everyones house in our family. Seriously. That really is just the beginning, but the key is to avoid confrontation, and keeping people OUT will be a huge step in that direction. Now there have been a couple other threads on DPF about apartments, but they addressed space issues and other things, which are also very real concerns. Regardless of budget, there will be certain restrictions in apartments that you just can't overcome. You'll have to learn to work with and around them.
Are you living alone, and do you know anyone else in the building or complex? What is the surrounding area like?
Are you living alone, and do you know anyone else in the building or complex? What is the surrounding area like?
jontte
A True Doomsday Prepper
do you live on ground lewel or higher up??
I'm on second floor, which gave me the problem of possible exit if needed and that problem got solved with rope..and as Silent Bob mentioned;escape avenues-> scout your surrounding..carefully and memorize as much as possible
I'm on second floor, which gave me the problem of possible exit if needed and that problem got solved with rope..and as Silent Bob mentioned;escape avenues-> scout your surrounding..carefully and memorize as much as possible
Silent Bob
God Like
Also,
Here is the site for the window film you can apply to your windows. Also they do block out UV. http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail..._b5a5pka1vBNkg9pCjowIaAnaI8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds
I added these and the added the Ez-Armor to my daughter's apartment about 2 weeks ago, because she is on the access floor and our rental agreement allows us to add any security features to the apartment.
You can add ventilating locks if your windows are of these type:
. Added to all my home windows and I installed these on my daughters apartment. You can find them at Lowes and Home Depot for next to nothing.
You can add a key track stop, if you have sliding glass windows.
Again another Lowes thing. These are really cheap and come in pairs.
Hope this all helps you out.
Here is the site for the window film you can apply to your windows. Also they do block out UV. http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail..._b5a5pka1vBNkg9pCjowIaAnaI8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds
I added these and the added the Ez-Armor to my daughter's apartment about 2 weeks ago, because she is on the access floor and our rental agreement allows us to add any security features to the apartment.
You can add ventilating locks if your windows are of these type:
You can add a key track stop, if you have sliding glass windows.
Hope this all helps you out.
Maverick
Top Poster
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supposed Bosnia war survivor (1 year) This has been freely distributed
Our city was blockaded by the army; and for one year, life in the city turned into total crap. We had no army, no police. We only had armed groups; those armed protected their homes and families. When it all started, some of us were better prepared. But most of the neighbors’ families had enough food only for a few days. Some had pistols; a few had AK-47s or shotguns.
After a month or two, gangs started operating, destroying everything. Hospitals, for example, turned into slaughterhouses. There was no more police. About 80 percent of the hospital staff were gone. I got lucky. My family at the time was fairly large (15 people in a large house, six pistols, three AKs), and we survived (most of us, at least).
The Americans dropped MREs every 10 days to help blockaded cities. This was never enough. Some — very few — had gardens. It took three months for the first rumors to spread of men dying from hunger and cold. We removed all the doors, the window frames from abandoned houses, ripped up the floors and burned the furniture for heat. Many died from diseases, especially from the water (two from my own family). We drank mostly rainwater, ate pigeons and even rats.
Money soon became worthless. We returned to an exchange. For a tin can of tushonka (think Soviet spam), you could have a woman. (It is hard to speak of it, but it is true.) Most of the women who sold themselves were desperate mothers.
Arms, ammunition, candles, lighters, antibiotics, gasoline, batteries and food. We fought for these things like animals. In these situations, it all changes. Men become monsters. It was disgusting.
Strength was in numbers. A man living alone getting killed and robbed would be just a matter of time, even if he was armed.
Today, me and my family are well-prepared, I am well-armed. I have experience.
It does not matter what will happen: an earthquake, a war, a tsunami, aliens, terrorists, economic collapse, uprising. The important part is that something will happen.
Here’s my experience: You can’t make it on your own. Don’t stay apart from your family; prepare together, choose reliable friends.
1. How to move safely in a city
The city was divided into communities along streets. Our street (15 to 20 homes) had patrols (five armed men every week) to watch for gangs and for our enemies. All the exchanges occurred in the street. About 5 kilometers away was an entire street for trading, all well-organized; but going there was too dangerous because of the snipers. You could also get robbed by bandits. I only went there twice, when I needed something really rare (list of medicine, mainly antibiotics, of the French original of the texts). Nobody used automobiles in the city: The streets were blocked by wreckage and by abandoned cars. Gasoline was very expensive. If one needed to go somewhere, that was done at night. Never travel alone or in groups that were too big — always two to three men. All armed, travel swift, in the shadows, cross streets through ruins, not along open streets. There were many gangs 10 to 15 men strong, some as large as 50 men. But there were also many normal men, like you and me, fathers and grandfathers, who killed and robbed. There were no “good” and “bad” men. Most were in the middle and ready for the worst.
2. What about wood? Your home city is surrounded by woods; why did you burn doors and furniture?
There were not that many woods around the city. It was very beautiful — restaurants, cinemas, schools, even an airport. Every tree in the city and in the city park was cut down for fuel in the first two months. Without electricity for cooking and heat, we burned anything that burned. Furniture, doors, flooring: That wood burns swiftly. We had no suburbs or suburban farms. The enemy was in the suburbs. We were surrounded. Even in the city you never knew who was the enemy at any given point.
3. What knowledge was useful to you in that period?
To imagine the situation a bit better, you should know it was practically a return to the Stone Age. For example, I had a container of cooking gas. But I did not use it for heat. That would be too expensive! I attached a nozzle to it I made myself and used to fill lighters. Lighters were precious. If a man brought an empty lighter, I would fill it; and he would give me a tin of food or a candle. I was a paramedic. In these conditions, my knowledge was my wealth. Be curious and skilled. In these conditions, the ability to fix things is more valuable than gold. Items and supplies will inevitably run out, but your skills will keep you fed. I wish to say this: Learn to fix things, shoes or people. My neighbor, for example, knew how to make kerosene for lamps. He never went hungry.
4. If you had three months to prepare now, what would you do?
Three months? Run away from the country? (joking)
Today, I know everything can collapse really fast. I have a stockpile of food, hygiene items, batteries — enough to last me for six months. I live in a very secure flat and own a home with a shelter in a village 5 kilometers away. Another six-month supply there, too. That’s a small village; most people there are well-prepared. The war had taught them. I have four weapons and 2,000 rounds for each. I have a garden and have learned gardening. Also, I have a good instinct. You know, when everyone around you keeps telling you it’ll all be fine, but I know it will all collapse. I have strength to do what I need to protect my family. Because when it all collapses, you must be ready to do “bad” things to keep your children alive and protect your family. Surviving on your own is practically impossible. (That’s what I think.) Even you’re armed and ready, if you’re alone, you’ll die. I have seen that happen many times. Families and groups, well-prepared, with skills and knowledge in various fields: That’s much better.
5. What should you stockpile?
That depends. If you plan to live by theft, all you need is weapons and ammo. Lots of ammo. If not, more food, hygiene items, batteries, accumulators, little trading items (knives, lighters, flints, soap). Also, alcohol of a type that keeps well. The cheapest whiskey is a good trading item. Many people died from insufficient hygiene. You’ll need simple items in great amounts. For example, garbage bags. Lots of them. And toilet papers. Non-reusable dishes and cups: You’ll need lots of them. I know that because we didn’t have any at all. As for me, a supply of hygiene items is perhaps more important than food. You can shoot a pigeon. You can find a plant to eat. You can’t find or shoot any disinfectant. Disinfectant, detergents, bleach, soap, gloves, masks. First aid skills, washing wounds and burns. Perhaps you will find a doctor and will not be able to pay him. Learn to use antibiotics. It’s good to have a stockpile of them. You should choose the simplest weapons. I carry a Glock .45. I like it, but it’s a rare gun here. So I have two TT pistols, too. (Everyone has them and ammo is common.) I don’t like Kalashnikov’s, but again, same story. Everyone has them; so do I. You must own small, unnoticeable items. For example, a generator is good, but 1,000 BIC lighters are better. A generator will attract attention if there’s any trouble, but 1,000 lighters are compact, cheap and can always be traded. We usually collected rainwater into four large barrels and then boiled it. There was a small river, but the water in it became very dirty very fast. It’s also important to have containers for water: barrels and buckets.
Our city was blockaded by the army; and for one year, life in the city turned into total crap. We had no army, no police. We only had armed groups; those armed protected their homes and families. When it all started, some of us were better prepared. But most of the neighbors’ families had enough food only for a few days. Some had pistols; a few had AK-47s or shotguns.
After a month or two, gangs started operating, destroying everything. Hospitals, for example, turned into slaughterhouses. There was no more police. About 80 percent of the hospital staff were gone. I got lucky. My family at the time was fairly large (15 people in a large house, six pistols, three AKs), and we survived (most of us, at least).
The Americans dropped MREs every 10 days to help blockaded cities. This was never enough. Some — very few — had gardens. It took three months for the first rumors to spread of men dying from hunger and cold. We removed all the doors, the window frames from abandoned houses, ripped up the floors and burned the furniture for heat. Many died from diseases, especially from the water (two from my own family). We drank mostly rainwater, ate pigeons and even rats.
Money soon became worthless. We returned to an exchange. For a tin can of tushonka (think Soviet spam), you could have a woman. (It is hard to speak of it, but it is true.) Most of the women who sold themselves were desperate mothers.
Arms, ammunition, candles, lighters, antibiotics, gasoline, batteries and food. We fought for these things like animals. In these situations, it all changes. Men become monsters. It was disgusting.
Strength was in numbers. A man living alone getting killed and robbed would be just a matter of time, even if he was armed.
Today, me and my family are well-prepared, I am well-armed. I have experience.
It does not matter what will happen: an earthquake, a war, a tsunami, aliens, terrorists, economic collapse, uprising. The important part is that something will happen.
Here’s my experience: You can’t make it on your own. Don’t stay apart from your family; prepare together, choose reliable friends.
1. How to move safely in a city
The city was divided into communities along streets. Our street (15 to 20 homes) had patrols (five armed men every week) to watch for gangs and for our enemies. All the exchanges occurred in the street. About 5 kilometers away was an entire street for trading, all well-organized; but going there was too dangerous because of the snipers. You could also get robbed by bandits. I only went there twice, when I needed something really rare (list of medicine, mainly antibiotics, of the French original of the texts). Nobody used automobiles in the city: The streets were blocked by wreckage and by abandoned cars. Gasoline was very expensive. If one needed to go somewhere, that was done at night. Never travel alone or in groups that were too big — always two to three men. All armed, travel swift, in the shadows, cross streets through ruins, not along open streets. There were many gangs 10 to 15 men strong, some as large as 50 men. But there were also many normal men, like you and me, fathers and grandfathers, who killed and robbed. There were no “good” and “bad” men. Most were in the middle and ready for the worst.
2. What about wood? Your home city is surrounded by woods; why did you burn doors and furniture?
There were not that many woods around the city. It was very beautiful — restaurants, cinemas, schools, even an airport. Every tree in the city and in the city park was cut down for fuel in the first two months. Without electricity for cooking and heat, we burned anything that burned. Furniture, doors, flooring: That wood burns swiftly. We had no suburbs or suburban farms. The enemy was in the suburbs. We were surrounded. Even in the city you never knew who was the enemy at any given point.
3. What knowledge was useful to you in that period?
To imagine the situation a bit better, you should know it was practically a return to the Stone Age. For example, I had a container of cooking gas. But I did not use it for heat. That would be too expensive! I attached a nozzle to it I made myself and used to fill lighters. Lighters were precious. If a man brought an empty lighter, I would fill it; and he would give me a tin of food or a candle. I was a paramedic. In these conditions, my knowledge was my wealth. Be curious and skilled. In these conditions, the ability to fix things is more valuable than gold. Items and supplies will inevitably run out, but your skills will keep you fed. I wish to say this: Learn to fix things, shoes or people. My neighbor, for example, knew how to make kerosene for lamps. He never went hungry.
4. If you had three months to prepare now, what would you do?
Three months? Run away from the country? (joking)
Today, I know everything can collapse really fast. I have a stockpile of food, hygiene items, batteries — enough to last me for six months. I live in a very secure flat and own a home with a shelter in a village 5 kilometers away. Another six-month supply there, too. That’s a small village; most people there are well-prepared. The war had taught them. I have four weapons and 2,000 rounds for each. I have a garden and have learned gardening. Also, I have a good instinct. You know, when everyone around you keeps telling you it’ll all be fine, but I know it will all collapse. I have strength to do what I need to protect my family. Because when it all collapses, you must be ready to do “bad” things to keep your children alive and protect your family. Surviving on your own is practically impossible. (That’s what I think.) Even you’re armed and ready, if you’re alone, you’ll die. I have seen that happen many times. Families and groups, well-prepared, with skills and knowledge in various fields: That’s much better.
5. What should you stockpile?
That depends. If you plan to live by theft, all you need is weapons and ammo. Lots of ammo. If not, more food, hygiene items, batteries, accumulators, little trading items (knives, lighters, flints, soap). Also, alcohol of a type that keeps well. The cheapest whiskey is a good trading item. Many people died from insufficient hygiene. You’ll need simple items in great amounts. For example, garbage bags. Lots of them. And toilet papers. Non-reusable dishes and cups: You’ll need lots of them. I know that because we didn’t have any at all. As for me, a supply of hygiene items is perhaps more important than food. You can shoot a pigeon. You can find a plant to eat. You can’t find or shoot any disinfectant. Disinfectant, detergents, bleach, soap, gloves, masks. First aid skills, washing wounds and burns. Perhaps you will find a doctor and will not be able to pay him. Learn to use antibiotics. It’s good to have a stockpile of them. You should choose the simplest weapons. I carry a Glock .45. I like it, but it’s a rare gun here. So I have two TT pistols, too. (Everyone has them and ammo is common.) I don’t like Kalashnikov’s, but again, same story. Everyone has them; so do I. You must own small, unnoticeable items. For example, a generator is good, but 1,000 BIC lighters are better. A generator will attract attention if there’s any trouble, but 1,000 lighters are compact, cheap and can always be traded. We usually collected rainwater into four large barrels and then boiled it. There was a small river, but the water in it became very dirty very fast. It’s also important to have containers for water: barrels and buckets.
Last edited:
Maverick
Top Poster
- Joined
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6. Were gold and silver useful?
Yes. I personally traded all the gold in the house for ammunition. Sometimes, we got our hands on money: dollars and Deutschmarks. We bought some things for them, but this was rare and prices were astronomical. For example, a can of beans cost $30 to $40. The local money quickly became worthless. Everything we needed we traded for through barter.
7. Was salt expensive?
Yes, but coffee and cigarettes were even more expensive. I had lots of alcohol and traded it without problems. Alcohol consumption grew over 10 times as compared to peacetime. Perhaps today, it’s more useful to keep a stock of cigarettes, lighters and batteries. They take up less space. At this time, I was not a survivalist. We had no time to prepare — several days before the shit hit the fan. The politicians kept repeating over the TV that everything was going according to plan, there’s no reason to be concerned. When the sky fell on our heads, we took what we could.
8. Was it difficult to purchase firearms? What did you trade for arms and ammunition?
After the war, we had guns in every house. The police confiscated lots of guns at the beginning of the war. But most of them we hid. Now I have one legal gun that I have a license for. Under the law, that’s called a temporary collection. If there is unrest, the government will seize all the registered guns. Never forget that. You know, there are many people who have one legal gun, but also illegal guns if that one gets seized. If you have good trade goods, you might be able to get a gun in a tough situation. But remember, the most difficult time is the first days, and perhaps you won’t have enough time to find a weapon to protect your family. To be disarmed in a time of chaos and panic is a bad idea. In my case, there was a man who needed a car battery for his radio. He had shotguns. I traded the accumulator for both of them. Sometimes, I traded ammunition for food, and a few weeks later traded food for ammunition. Never did the trade at home, never in great amounts. Few people knew how much and what I keep at home. The most important thing is to keep as many things as possible in terms of space and money. Eventually, you’ll understand what is more valuable. Correction: I’ll always value weapons and ammunition the most. Second? Maybe gas masks and filters.
9. What about security?
Our defenses were very primitive. Again, we weren’t ready, and we used what we could. The windows were shattered, and the roofs in a horrible state after the bombings. The windows were blocked — some with sandbags, others with rocks. I blocked the fence gate with wreckage and garbage, and used a ladder to get across the wall. When I came home, I asked someone inside to pass over the ladder. We had a fellow on our street that completely barricaded himself in his house. He broke a hole in the wall, creating a passage for himself into the ruins of the neighbor’s house — a sort of secret entrance. Maybe this would seem strange, but the most protected houses were looted and destroyed first. In my area of the city, there were beautiful houses with walls, dogs, alarms and barred windows. People attacked them first. Some held out; others didn’t. It all depended how many hands and guns they had inside. I think defense is very important, but it must be carried out unobtrusively. If you are in a city and SHTF comes, you need a simple, non-flashy place, with lots of guns and ammo. How much ammo? As much as possible. Make your house as unattractive as you can. Right now, I own a steel door, but that’s just against the first wave of chaos. After that passes, I will leave the city to rejoin a larger group of people, my friends and family. There were some situations during the war. There’s no need for details, but we always had superior firepower and a brick wall on our side. We also constantly kept someone watching the streets. Quality organization is paramount in case of gang attacks. S hooting was constantly heard in the city. Our perimeter was defended primitively. All the exits were barricaded and had little firing slits. Inside we had at least five family members ready for battle at any time and one man in the street, hidden in a shelter. We stayed home through the day to avoid sniper fire. At first, the weak perish. Then, the rest fight. During the day, the streets were practically empty due to sniper fire. Defenses were oriented toward short-range combat alone. Many died if they went out to gather information, for example. It’s important to remember we had no information, no radio, no TV — only rumors and nothing else. There was no organized army; every man fought. We had no choice. Everybody was armed, ready to defend themselves. You should not wear quality items in the city; someone will murder you and take them. Don’t even carry a “pretty” long arm, it will attract attention. Let me tell you something: If SHTF starts tomorrow, I’ll be humble. I’ll look like everyone else. Desperate, fearful. Maybe I’ll even shout and cry a little bit. Pretty clothing is excluded altogether. I will not go out in my new tactical outfit to shout: “I have come! You’re doomed, bad guys!” No, I’ll stay aside, well-armed, well-prepared, waiting and evaluating my possibilities, with my best friend or brother. Super-defenses, super-guns are meaningless. If people think they should steal your things, that you’re profitable, they will. It’s only a question of time and the amount of guns and hands.
10. How was the situation with toilets?
We used shovels and a patch of earth near the house. Does it seem dirty? It was. We washed with rainwater or in the river, but most of the time the latter was too dangerous. We had no toilet paper; and if we had any, I would have traded it away. It was a “dirty” business. Let me give you a piece of advice: You need guns and ammo first — and second, everything else. Literally everything! All depends on the space and money you have. If you forget something, there will always be someone to trade with for it. But if you forget weapons and ammo, there will be no access to trading for you. I don’t think big families are extra mouths. Big families means both more guns and strength — and from there, everyone prepares on his own.
11. How did people treat the sick and the injured?
Most injuries were from gunfire. Without a specialist and without equipment, if an injured man found a doctor somewhere, he had about a 30 percent chance of survival. It ain’t the movie. People died. Many died from infections of superficial wounds. I had antibiotics for three to four uses — for the family, of course. People died foolishly quite often. Simple diarrhea will kill you in a few days without medicine, with limited amounts of water. There were many skin diseases and food poisonings… nothing to it. Many used local plants and pure alcohol — enough for the short-term, but useless in the long term. Hygiene is very important, as well as having as much medicine as possible — especially antibiotics.
Yes. I personally traded all the gold in the house for ammunition. Sometimes, we got our hands on money: dollars and Deutschmarks. We bought some things for them, but this was rare and prices were astronomical. For example, a can of beans cost $30 to $40. The local money quickly became worthless. Everything we needed we traded for through barter.
7. Was salt expensive?
Yes, but coffee and cigarettes were even more expensive. I had lots of alcohol and traded it without problems. Alcohol consumption grew over 10 times as compared to peacetime. Perhaps today, it’s more useful to keep a stock of cigarettes, lighters and batteries. They take up less space. At this time, I was not a survivalist. We had no time to prepare — several days before the shit hit the fan. The politicians kept repeating over the TV that everything was going according to plan, there’s no reason to be concerned. When the sky fell on our heads, we took what we could.
8. Was it difficult to purchase firearms? What did you trade for arms and ammunition?
After the war, we had guns in every house. The police confiscated lots of guns at the beginning of the war. But most of them we hid. Now I have one legal gun that I have a license for. Under the law, that’s called a temporary collection. If there is unrest, the government will seize all the registered guns. Never forget that. You know, there are many people who have one legal gun, but also illegal guns if that one gets seized. If you have good trade goods, you might be able to get a gun in a tough situation. But remember, the most difficult time is the first days, and perhaps you won’t have enough time to find a weapon to protect your family. To be disarmed in a time of chaos and panic is a bad idea. In my case, there was a man who needed a car battery for his radio. He had shotguns. I traded the accumulator for both of them. Sometimes, I traded ammunition for food, and a few weeks later traded food for ammunition. Never did the trade at home, never in great amounts. Few people knew how much and what I keep at home. The most important thing is to keep as many things as possible in terms of space and money. Eventually, you’ll understand what is more valuable. Correction: I’ll always value weapons and ammunition the most. Second? Maybe gas masks and filters.
9. What about security?
Our defenses were very primitive. Again, we weren’t ready, and we used what we could. The windows were shattered, and the roofs in a horrible state after the bombings. The windows were blocked — some with sandbags, others with rocks. I blocked the fence gate with wreckage and garbage, and used a ladder to get across the wall. When I came home, I asked someone inside to pass over the ladder. We had a fellow on our street that completely barricaded himself in his house. He broke a hole in the wall, creating a passage for himself into the ruins of the neighbor’s house — a sort of secret entrance. Maybe this would seem strange, but the most protected houses were looted and destroyed first. In my area of the city, there were beautiful houses with walls, dogs, alarms and barred windows. People attacked them first. Some held out; others didn’t. It all depended how many hands and guns they had inside. I think defense is very important, but it must be carried out unobtrusively. If you are in a city and SHTF comes, you need a simple, non-flashy place, with lots of guns and ammo. How much ammo? As much as possible. Make your house as unattractive as you can. Right now, I own a steel door, but that’s just against the first wave of chaos. After that passes, I will leave the city to rejoin a larger group of people, my friends and family. There were some situations during the war. There’s no need for details, but we always had superior firepower and a brick wall on our side. We also constantly kept someone watching the streets. Quality organization is paramount in case of gang attacks. S hooting was constantly heard in the city. Our perimeter was defended primitively. All the exits were barricaded and had little firing slits. Inside we had at least five family members ready for battle at any time and one man in the street, hidden in a shelter. We stayed home through the day to avoid sniper fire. At first, the weak perish. Then, the rest fight. During the day, the streets were practically empty due to sniper fire. Defenses were oriented toward short-range combat alone. Many died if they went out to gather information, for example. It’s important to remember we had no information, no radio, no TV — only rumors and nothing else. There was no organized army; every man fought. We had no choice. Everybody was armed, ready to defend themselves. You should not wear quality items in the city; someone will murder you and take them. Don’t even carry a “pretty” long arm, it will attract attention. Let me tell you something: If SHTF starts tomorrow, I’ll be humble. I’ll look like everyone else. Desperate, fearful. Maybe I’ll even shout and cry a little bit. Pretty clothing is excluded altogether. I will not go out in my new tactical outfit to shout: “I have come! You’re doomed, bad guys!” No, I’ll stay aside, well-armed, well-prepared, waiting and evaluating my possibilities, with my best friend or brother. Super-defenses, super-guns are meaningless. If people think they should steal your things, that you’re profitable, they will. It’s only a question of time and the amount of guns and hands.
10. How was the situation with toilets?
We used shovels and a patch of earth near the house. Does it seem dirty? It was. We washed with rainwater or in the river, but most of the time the latter was too dangerous. We had no toilet paper; and if we had any, I would have traded it away. It was a “dirty” business. Let me give you a piece of advice: You need guns and ammo first — and second, everything else. Literally everything! All depends on the space and money you have. If you forget something, there will always be someone to trade with for it. But if you forget weapons and ammo, there will be no access to trading for you. I don’t think big families are extra mouths. Big families means both more guns and strength — and from there, everyone prepares on his own.
11. How did people treat the sick and the injured?
Most injuries were from gunfire. Without a specialist and without equipment, if an injured man found a doctor somewhere, he had about a 30 percent chance of survival. It ain’t the movie. People died. Many died from infections of superficial wounds. I had antibiotics for three to four uses — for the family, of course. People died foolishly quite often. Simple diarrhea will kill you in a few days without medicine, with limited amounts of water. There were many skin diseases and food poisonings… nothing to it. Many used local plants and pure alcohol — enough for the short-term, but useless in the long term. Hygiene is very important, as well as having as much medicine as possible — especially antibiotics.
jontte
A True Doomsday Prepper
very scary reading,makes you really think...
a thought just did pop-up; it's so much easier to live in denial; nothing like this will ever happen to me,my government will be there to protect me and my family 'cause we live in a civilized world with no wars and all wars will be fought far away if there is fighting...
one more reason for me to stock up on food and other stuff,I have enough right now for me to last atleast 4-6 months,longer if needed, 2-3 months if I have my loved ones at my place
a thought just did pop-up; it's so much easier to live in denial; nothing like this will ever happen to me,my government will be there to protect me and my family 'cause we live in a civilized world with no wars and all wars will be fought far away if there is fighting...
one more reason for me to stock up on food and other stuff,I have enough right now for me to last atleast 4-6 months,longer if needed, 2-3 months if I have my loved ones at my place
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jimLE
A True Doomsday Prepper
that it is...thing is,i read it at least once or twice before..but yet i don't recall if it was here in DPF or else where..
jimLE
A True Doomsday Prepper
and the thing of it is..it does get the point across to what a nation wide situation could be like ..and that'd be for every country..just have a look at the way things are in Ferguson, Missouri right now..
jimLE
A True Doomsday Prepper
and thats why im interested in ALL MEDICINAL HERBS...im gradually stocking up on them when it comes to the ones i at least think that they'll at least be of some vaule to a great deal of vaule...and will be planting the ones that needs planting now(if any).then next year for what needs planting then..pluss..im not seeing any doctors.in which that means no precriptions for me..so the herbs will come in handy for when i do need one of them in some way or another
tr2212
Member
Ditto. I just got started down this road, too. Any recommendation on which ones to stock up on first?
carhugger_prep
Member
Here is my two cents that might work for an unused room in a apartment or condo. Store your preps there and have some pre-built defenses that can be assembled quickly. Have a barrier that can be placed in front of doors to make it harder for intruders to kick in and have barriers that can be put over windows.
Wow. I started a great forum lol. To answer some questions that were asked. I live in a rural mountain town. Three hours from Montana and four hours from Canada. Sinse the move was recent I had to start working, there for prepping is barely started. Nearest surplus store is a hour from here. But there arevpawn shops and couple major sporting goods locations. My plan so far is to start the stocking process, looking into property in the mountains for a bug out location. And begin training in various fields. First aid...hand to hand combat.... Coming from a hunters family gives Me a shooting edge but I need practice as we all do. But need to actually kill a animal to eat myself. Want to start a garden. Lots of ideas and plans. Where to start. Are there any good sites to find MREs ? Let me know. Also I know of one other prepped and she lives across town
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