Where Do We Go From Here....?

[Deleted]

Ok, we all know that the stock markets went down the tubes and things got all shaky all over this third rock from the sun. Now, where do we go from here?

Most of us on have chatted about being prepared and how we can live without those things that this lifestyle has given us -to be taken for granted.... But when you really think about it, now seriously, just how many of us can get along WITHOUT?

Another thing is how are we going to be able to keep what we do have from others taking it? Remember that I live alone and do not have any plans for moving someone else in. Crime is getting bad in this little area of the world and I am sure that other places are not that different.

Just last week I had a bag of kitty litter stolen off of my porch....how much worse things can get, I am not going to risk a guess.

TH

[Kathy]

I just moved from a rural area to an inner suburb. The only thing I am very conscientious about doing is locking my vehicle and windows-now that I was moved to the second floor that's not quite as big of a concern but still I don't take chances.

When the day comes that I move to a larger place with a patio door, I will be sure to put the patio door lock on as well as a gerry stick.

After the break in in Memphis, I have learned that even if the window is locked, a small hole can be made with a glass cutter near the window lock and the thieves can unlock the window & lift it. So I would put upright gerry sticks so that a thief will have to bust out the whole window-hopefully if someone was busting out a window, I'd hear it or someone would.

I am not ever going to keep all of my preps at my place, I have a secure storage unit about 6-7 blocks away that has 2 cut proof locks plus it's a code gated entry.
I lost a lot both item wise and $$$ wise when I was burglarized first in Memphis then 18 mos later at the farm in AR, so I am going to minimize the risk of losing everything by 'diversifying' location. It may work, or not but at least it lets me feel like I'm doing something positive to protect my 'stuff'.

[momo]

Things are really getting bad if kitty litter gets stolen.

Kathy has a good idea. Split your good stuff up. That way if you are hit you won't lose it all.

I haven't heard about anything being stolen around here. I think the locals know we are home alot and that DH has guns. We also have a neighbor who has been known to run strangers off with shots in the air. Maybe that helps too. That being said..you can never be entirely safe anymore.

[Kathy]

That was the worst part about break in #1-they took my guns.

I've replaced them but it makes a person really think.

Another good thing about having multiple locations for your preps and valuables is if there would be a natural disaster-for me most likely a tornado or earthquake, for others maybe a hurricane or flood; you have a better chance of one of the locations not getting hit.

Friends of mine a few years ago lost everything when a tornado tore their house apart. Just about 1/2 mile down the road, not even a tree limb was broken.

Another thing I just ordered was a security bar for my door. I got mine at DrLeonards.com for $6.99.

Door Guard

Since you never know who may have a key for your doors or knows how to pick a lock, I wanted that extra security while I slept.

I don't know if it's legal in your area but a canister of pepper spray or mace is a good thing to have; just learn how to use it effectively before you need to use it.

[Deleted]

I don't know if it is legal or not, but I do carry pepper spray with me when I take the horses out for a ride....as well as my cell phone....whatever you do, remember to NOT leave the cell phones on 'vibrate' when riding a horse...

Illinois laws are not to protect the home owner, or the innocent, so I am taking my chances and going to the most extreme to protect myself, my property and animals...enough said.

I think that is a great idea about not storing everything in one place...I had not thought about that very much. I used to keep things stored at different locations when I lived in Alaska, but not thought about doing that here. Thank you much for briging that up. I need to work on another storage place.

I want to put up a large privacy type fence around the house and buildings....to keep in what I want in and keep everything and everyone else out. Oak lasts for 20 years and the treated pre-made privacy fencing does not last that long...so, I am going to go with the oak; I can get it straight from the sawmill and if I buy 'outs' (lower quality boards) I can get them for even less...and I get to sort them out so I get the better ones! Yeah!
My horse corrals are all made of oak; 5-6 feet high....as I had made them taller and stronger when I adopted the BLM Mustangs....special fencing was required for the Mustangs.

TH

[Kathy]

Something that I noticed when I lived in California, the houses with the window bars, security door and burglar alarms were 'hit' in my neighborhood while our house which had none of those things never got broken into.

I wonder if there's a fine line between protecting ones possesions & self and by being very visibly secure with alarms, bars and even extra secure fences if it's like announcing that you have something worth stealing?

It's just an observation but I found it odd that out of 26 houses, ours was the only one not hit in a 2 yr time frame.

I'm trying to figure out that line here in Iowa; it seems less volatile and crime ridden here in my area of Des Moines but appearances can be deceptive.
Luckily, there is an online daily crime report and since I got here 2 1/2 mo ago, most of the crimes have been petty stuff as opposed to assaults and break ins.

[bbird]

I think your right Kathy, and having extra visable security measures is a sign "I've got something worth stealing." Everyone should think of ideas they can use that are not visable, or at least not obvious. We have security camera's but unless you are looking for them, you wouldn't notice them. We also have ran 2x6's up each side of the door on the inside of the door, then another 2x6 sits across, and behind those boards so that if anyone gets past the double locks and kicks open the door, they won't be able to. Not the prettiest things, but I sleep better knowing someone is going to have to make a lot of noise before they enter my house.

One thing to make sure you do is not leave things outside that attract attention. With the tweakers driving around to get easily sellable things, like metal and pawn shop sells, if you have stuff outside you are just asking for trouble. I know that is hard to do when you have farm equipment, and animals but make sure you keep the quads, the metal pile, bikes, lawnmowers out of sight. I've heard a lot about tools disappearing too, so buy a good lock, and maybe barracade the shed so their is "noise" if someone does try to get inside.

Get a dog. Perferably ones that are not stranger friendly, not losing their hearing, and not too scared to go out in the dark. ( I hang my head in shame)

One thing I have been thinking alot about is when I go shopping in town. I'm actually too laidback, and find myself thinking I am safe because there are more people around me. (I know, weird) The car is always locked now, the windows up, and nothing visable laying on the seats. My purse is always on me, or I have the strap between me and the cart. (that was a hard thing to learn) I only carry cash if I am using cash, or a debit card if I am using that.

Just little things, and I'm sure most people know to do that already. My advice would be to just be more aware. I'm trying to be more aware without becoming too paranoid. I want to find the balance of being happy and free with the added bonus of being safe. Its starting to become a fine line to walk.

[Deleted]

After watching the local news late last night....I feel worse about the area I live in....this breaks my heart, but here I have been worrying about crime like breakins, etc.

Well, there is a boy ten miles from here that has MS and has been attacked again...and injured. He cannot even feed himselfand is in one of those wheelchairs that he controls by moving his fingers....

He was attacked in his home town at the Riverfront Park....which is supposed to be safe. Some teens thought that it was fund to knock him out of his wheelchair and kick him and beat him; he suffered several kicks to the groin area....

That was about a month or so ago....and the local law has done nothing! Investigating it....yeah! Like the handle all things.....do nothing! The state's attorney is a joke too....she denied comment.

The boy was so afraid that he stayed inside until recently, as he was in fear of being attacked....he finally went out again and was once again attacked....this time worse than before!

He was held down on the ground and a spoon was heated up with a lighter and shoved down his throat....yet, the police are not doing a thing!

His mother went on tv with her message and I hope that something is done before these teens do worse!

This is a small agriculture area and used to be safe before the police/law/sheriff's office, etc got bad. Of course the state brought in some 'misfits and rejects' from the bigger cities and relocated them here...where there are no jobs or factories.... So how is that going to help???
I guess they had to put some one into the new housing......

TH

[Kathy]

You know, if possible, with crime that bad in your area, moving might be a wise choice before you're assaulted or harrassed. Being alone out in the country with that kind of violence being so close would have me packing.
I'm not much into running from problems but sometimes you just have to put your own safety & life ahead of the pride of standing your ground.

Please be careful.

[Deleted]

I think that eventually it will be that way all over...well, not in the most remote areas, but who knows?

I cannot sell out now, as no one has any money to buy the place and I cannot afford to move without a job....I am going to have to tough it out for a bit longer. Believe me, I want to move!

If people are starving....for food or drugs.....they will find you and try to take what they want.

TH

[homefire2007]

TH, yes there are bad people out there, the criminal element will always take advantage of others in tough times. But, I believe with my whole heart there are many, many good ethical people out there too. When and if times get as bad as many predict...I will share what I have and pray for the best possible outcome. If force is used against me or mine, my son's rifle is nearby.... All we can do is sit tight, cut the fat and ride it out.

[Kathy]

My parents, children of the Depression always told us:
Plan for the worst, hope for the best and don't worry about stuff you can't change because you don't control the whole world.

I kind of think this is one of those times; be prepared for some hard times, keep your faith whatever that is in and after you've done all you can to help yourself prepare; just live each day like it's your last.

When the SHTF, if it does, I think people will rise to the occasion and be more supportive than criminal towards their neighbors.
I know, that isn't a popular belief but I will go to my death believing in the underlying goodness of humanity when the chips are down.

[Deleted]

I seen some things this past week that makes me wonder....while I was at the store...in the parking lot.

This was in a bigger city, that was true, but it was in broad daylight...lots of people around.

An old man and woman parked in the handicap area. While they were still in the car, a young couple with children in a mini van drove through the parking lot, a little too fast...sure enough, he hit the bumper of the old couple's car....got out, checked HIS van and then sped off!

The old man got out, with the help of two canes and not one of the onlookers offered him any help....not one of them! I went over and gave him the make, license plate number, etc., of the van. He thanked me and soon police arrived....after they checked HIM OUT, his car, license, insurance, etc. they finally left to look for the van...who was long gone.

Secondly, a lady had a small child that was carrying a NEW stuffed toy that had just been purchased in the store....another older kid/young teen grabbed it and ran off....got into a car and they all left....with them all looking out the windows to see if anyone was coming after them! One of the clerks at the store told me about that, as there was some cop cars out front and I asked them what had happened...

No, I do not think that it is human nature for people to stick together when the SHTF. Sadly enough, I think that greed rules, as well as self preservation.

TH