Today, millions of Americans say that they believe that the United States is on the verge of a major economic collapse and will soon be entering another Great Depression. But only a small percentage of those same people are prepared for that to happen. The sad truth is that the vast majority of Americans would last little more than a month on what they have stored up in their homes. Most of us are so used to running out to the supermarket or to Wal-Mart for whatever we need that we never even stop to consider what would happen if suddenly we were not able to do that. Already the U.S. economy is starting to stumble about like a drunken frat boy. All it would take for the entire U.S. to resemble New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina would be for a major war, a terror attack, a deadly pandemic or a massive natural disaster to strike at just the right time and push the teetering U.S. economy over the edge. So just how would you survive if you suddenly could not rely on the huge international corporate giants to feed, clothe and supply you and your family? Do you have a plan?
Unless you already live in a cave or you are a complete and total mindless follower of the establishment media, you should be able to see very clearly that our society is more vulnerable now than it ever has been. This year there have been an unprecedented number of large earthquakes around the world and volcanoes all over the globe are awakening. You can just take a look at what has happened in Haiti and in Iceland to see how devastating a natural disaster can be. Not only that, but we have a world that is full of lunatics in positions of power, and if one of them decides to set off a nuclear, chemical or biological weapon in a major city it could paralyze an entire region. War could erupt in the Middle East at literally any moment, and if it does the price of oil will double or triple (at least) and there is the possibility that much of the entire world could be drawn into the conflict. Scientists tell us that a massive high-altitude EMP (electromagnetic pulse) blast could send large portions of the United States back to the stone age in an instant. In addition, there is the constant threat that the outbreak of a major viral pandemic (such as what happened with the 1918 Spanish Flu) could kill tens of millions of people around the globe and paralyze the economies of the world.
But even without all of that, the truth is that the U.S. economy is going to collapse. So just think of what will happen if one (or more) of those things does happen on top of all the economic problems that we are having.
Are you prepared?
The following is a list of 20 things you and your family will need to survive when the economy totally collapses and the next Great Depression begins....
#1) Storable Food
Food is going to instantly become one of the most valuable commodities in existence in the event of an economic collapse. If you do not have food you are not going to survive. Most American families could not last much longer than a month on what they have in their house right now. So what about you? If disaster struck right now, how long could you survive on what you have? The truth is that we all need to start storing up food. If you and your family run out of food, you will suddenly find yourselves competing with the hordes of hungry people who are looting the stores and roaming the streets looking for something to eat.
Of course you can grow your own food, but that is going to take time. So you need to have enough food stored up until the food that you plant has time to grow. But if you have not stored up any seeds you might as well forget it. When the economy totally collapses, the remaining seeds will disappear very quickly. So if you think that you are going to need seeds, now is the time to get them.
#2) Clean Water
Most people can survive for a number of weeks without food, but without water you will die in just a few days. So where would you get water if the water suddenly stopped flowing out of your taps? Do you have a plan? Is there an abundant supply of clean water near your home? Would you be able to boil water if you need to?
Besides storing water and figuring out how you are going to gather water if society breaks down, another thing to consider is water purification tablets. The water you are able to gather during a time of crisis may not be suitable for drinking. So you may find that water purification tablets come in very, very handy.
#3) Shelter
You can't sleep on the streets, can you? Well, some people will be able to get by living on the streets, but the vast majority of us will need some form of shelter to survive for long. So what would you do if you and your family lost your home or suddenly were forced from your home? Where would you go?
The best thing to do is to come up with several plans. Do you have relatives that you can bunk with in case of emergency? Do you own a tent and sleeping bags if you had to rough it? If one day everything hits the fan and you and your family have to "bug out" somewhere, where would that be? You need to have a plan.
#4) Warm Clothing
If you plan to survive for long in a nightmare economic situation, you are probably going to need some warm, functional clothing. If you live in a cold climate, this is going to mean storing up plenty of blankets and cold weather clothes. If you live in an area where it rains a lot, you will need to be sure to store up some rain gear. If you think you may have to survive outdoors in an emergency situation, make sure that you and your family have something warm to put on your heads. Someday after the economy has collapsed and people are scrambling to survive, a lot of folks are going to end up freezing to death. In fact, in the coldest areas it is actually possible to freeze to death in your own home. Don't let that happen to you.
#5) An Axe
Staying along the theme of staying warm, you may want to consider investing in a good axe. In the event of a major emergency, gathering firewood will be a priority. Without a good tool to cut the wood with that will be much more difficult.
#6) Lighters Or Matches
You will also want something to start a fire with. If you can start a fire, you can cook food, you can boil water and you can stay warm. So in a true emergency situation, how do you plan to start a fire? By rubbing sticks together? Now is the time to put away a supply of lighters or matches so that you will be prepared when you really need them.
In addition, you may want to consider storing up a good supply of candles. Candles come in quite handy whenever the electricity goes out, and in the event of a long-term economic nightmare we will all see why our forefathers relied on candles so much.
#7) Hiking Boots Or Comfortable Shoes
When you ask most people to list things necessary for survival, this is not the first or the second thing that comes to mind. But having hiking boots or very comfortable and functional shoes will be absolutely critical. You may very well find yourself in a situation where you and your family must walk everywhere you want to go. So how far do you think you will get in high heels? You will want footwear that you would feel comfortable walking in for hours if necessary. You will also want footwear that will last a long time, because when the economy truly collapses you may not be able to run out to the shoe store and get what you need at that point.
#8) A Flashlight And/Or Lantern
When the power goes off in your home, what is the first thing that you grab? Just think about it. A flashlight or a lantern of course. In a major emergency, a flashlight or a lantern is going to be a necessity - especially if you need to go anywhere at night.
Solar powered or "crank style" flashlights or lanterns will probably be best during a long-term emergency. If you have battery-powered units you will want to begin storing up lots and lots of batteries.
#9) A Radio
If a major crisis does hit the United States, what will you and your family want? Among other things, you will all want to know what in the world is going on. A radio can be an invaluable tool for keeping up with the news.
Once again, solar powered or "crank style" radios will probably work best for the long term. A battery-powered until would work as well - but only for as long as your batteries are able to last.
#10) Communication Equipment
When things really hit the fan you are going to want to communicate with your family and friends. You will also want to be able to contact an ambulance or law enforcement if necessary. Having an emergency cell phone is great, but it may or may not work during a time of crisis. The Internet also may or may not be available. Be sure to have a plan (whether it be high-tech or low-tech) for staying in communication with others during a major emergency.
#11) A Swiss Army Knife
If you have ever owned a Swiss Army knife you probably already know how incredibly handy they can be. It can be a very valuable and versatile tool. In a true survival situation, a Swiss Army knife can literally do dozens of different things for you. Make sure that you have at least one stored up for emergencies.
#12) Personal Hygiene Items
While these may not be absolute "essentials", the truth is that life will get very unpleasant very quickly without them. For example, what would you do without toilet paper? Just think about it. Imagine that you just finished your last roll of toilet paper and now you can't get any more. What would you do?
The truth is that soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, toilet paper and other hygiene products are things that we completely take for granted in society today. So what would happen if we could not go out and buy them any longer?
#13) A First Aid Kit And Other Medical Supplies
One a more serious note, you may not be able to access a hospital or a doctor during a major crisis. In your survival supplies, be absolutely certain that you have a good first aid kit and any other medical supplies that you think you may need.
#14) Extra Gasoline
There may come a day when gasoline is rationed or is simply not available at all. If that happens, how will you get around? Be certain to have some extra gasoline stored away just in case you find yourself really needing to get somewhere someday.
#15) A Sewing Kit
If you were not able to run out and buy new clothes for you and your family, what would you do? Well, you would want to repair the clothes that you have and make them last as long as possible. Without a good sewing kit that will be very difficult to do.
#16) Self-Defense Equipment
Whether it is pepper spray to fend off wild animals or something more "robust" to fend off wild humans, millions of Americans will one day be thankful that they have something to defend themselves with.
#17) A Compass
In the event of a major emergency, you and your family may find yourselves having to be on the move. If you are in a wilderness area, it will be very hard to tell what direction you are heading without a compass. It is always a good idea to have at least one compass stored up.
#18) A Hiking Backpack
If you and your family suddenly have to "bug out", what will you carry all of your survival supplies in? Having a good hiking backpack or "survival bag" for everyone in your family is extremely important. If something happened in the city where you live and you suddenly had to "go", what would you put your most important stuff in? How would you carry it all if you had to travel by foot? These are very important things to think about.
#19) A Community
During a long-term crisis, it is those who are willing to work together that will have the best chance of making it. Whether it is your family, your friends, a church or a local group of people that you know, make sure that you have some people that you can rely on and work together with in the event that everything hits the fan. Loners are going to have a really hard time of surviving for long.
#20) A Backup Plan
Lastly, it is always, always, always important to have a backup plan for everything.
If someone comes in and steals all the food that you have stored up, what are you going to do?
If travel is restricted and your can't get to your "bug out" location immediately do you have a Plan B?
If you have built your house into an impregnable survival fortress but circumstances force you to leave do you have an alternate plan?
The truth is that crisis situations rarely unfold just as we envision. It is important to be flexible and to be ready with backup plans when disaster strikes.
You don't want to end up like the folks in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. You don't want to have to rely on the government to take care of you if something really bad happens.
Right now the U.S. strategic grain reserve contains only enough wheat to make half a loaf of bread for each of the approximately 300 million people in the United States.
How long do you think that is going to last?
Now is the time to get ready.
Now is the time to prepare.
The United States economy is going to collapse and incredibly hard times are coming.
Will you be able to survive when it happens?
Are you ready for the Rapture? If not, then get your guns and bullets ready!
I just typed out a slew of great info on survival,as Ive been training over 20 years,but it came up as an error when I tried to post and Im not typing all that Again,But I will tell you that a swiss army knife wont cut it,you need a good beefy knife like a K-Bar fighting knife something you can use to pound,dig,chop,and even kill with if nessesary,a SOG is another good choice,remember you get what you pay for.Also read and study up time I believe is short a good manual is Emergency Preparedness and Survival Guide from Backwoods Home magazine is a very good book to have along with all tha military survival manuals you can get your hands on,arm up with a Good rifle a good sidearm and plenty of ammo,enough food for a year and good luck.Praying Helps moreso than most would believe,God Bless.
Why is the general concensus that America is going to get what it deserves? God rules and He is superabundant in grace toward us. If we will only believe in the Son. I think this is just a symptom of American self-centeredness. We’re so important that the entire Bible is about us. Actually, the entire Old Testament is about Israel and is not for Christians, other than use for examples to us. The 10 commandments, part of a 613 commandment Law are entirely obsolete– do not apply to us. Messiah’s commands are for us. The Gospels, too, are written before there was ever a church. Only the Epistles address the church. And the Book of Revelation takes all the Old Testament prophecies and places them in chronological order of occurance.
The next fulfillment maybe the Rapture of church Saints. The invisible church will go up and the visible, Laodicean church will remain to go through the Day of the LORD, the Tribulation. So get in the Ark– Jesus CHrist.
All this rapture talk to escape the tribulation, folks it is wrong.
Christians are going to go thru it, at least the first half.
I used to believe in pre-tib rapture, not any more.
A time of testing is coming on the church, as well as judgment upon the nations.
2 Thessalonians shows we will be going at least, thru the 1st half.
2 Thessalonians 2: 1-4 2:1 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers,
2Th 2:2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come.
2Th 2:3 “DON’T LET ANYONE DECEIVE YOU” in any way, “FOR THAT DAY WILL NOT COME” until the rebellion occurs “AND THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS IS REVEALED,” the man doomed to destruction.
2Th 2:4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
The 10 commandments don’t apply to us??????
Matthew 5:17
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; “I HAVE NOT COME TO ABOLISH THEM” but to fulfill them.
————————————-
Why is the general concensus that America is going to get what it deserves? God rules and He is superabundant in grace toward us. If we will only believe in the Son. I think this is just a symptom of American self-centeredness. We’re so important that the entire Bible is about us. Actually, the entire Old Testament is about Israel and is not for Christians, other than use for examples to us. The 10 commandments, part of a 613 commandment Law are entirely obsolete– do not apply to us. Messiah’s commands are for us. The Gospels, too, are written before there was ever a church. Only the Epistles address the church. And the Book of Revelation takes all the Old Testament prophecies and places them in chronological order of occurance.
The next fulfillment maybe the Rapture of church Saints. The invisible church will go up and the visible, Laodicean church will remain to go through the Day of the LORD, the Tribulation. So get in the Ark– Jesus CHrist.
The 21st century will be seen as one of increasing U.S. superiority in Global economics.
Remember, with 5% of world population we produce approximately 25% of global GDP. Our naval power has more control over world waterways and thus high influence over trade.
Our land to human ratio is 2 times what europe enjoys, we produce 85% of the amount of Crude of Saudi Arabia and are second in Natural gas production only to Russia.
We hold more pending patents in biotechnology and nano technology than the next 14 countries combined.
Afraid of China? With roughly 8.5 trillion in yearly GDP, they have well over 1 billion people. Only 60 million live above the US poverty level. They are more afraid of internal collapse than we are of external domination.
There are fault lines of conflict, but the fear of invasion from external military forces is irrational.
The life span in 1900 in the US was 40. Global gdp, even with our current situation, is expotentially higher than any time in world history.
A metaphysical answer, when there is no proven evidence of metaphysical presence, is ridiculous.
We will repair and evolve. Technology is coming at us faster and with it ingenuity.
By the way, your comment board is full God talk. God judging, God is irritated.
Is this belief system common to those leaning toward acopolypse? Is that why so many militia groups intertwine with religous groups?
The use of mental energy considering the effects of unmeasurable God force on outcome of global improvement, then swinging it to the downside, is indicative of faulty education.
We are the Universe thinking of itself. Science is unravelling the mysteries but it makes it no less wonderous.
What would happen to the moral background of your readers if the body of Jesus was found. If the underpinning of spirituality would be undermined in this situation, what is the quality of your faith?
The analysis of most of the commentors is based upon metaphysical thinking. The conclusion that we will see children, in mass , digging for food out of garbage heaps, is derived from this same level of keen analysis.
I am sure they are ready for survival. I assume some just cant wait to show the world their preparedness.
The middle path, cautious optimism and tenacity , will win the day.
My comment about those 20 things did you submit is perfect. I just want to add the two major things did you have is salt and water if you are in a hungry feelings just take small salt and 1 glass of water. To avoid pasma lipas gutom. thanks.
None of us know if the scenarios above are in fact predictive. Preparedness for disasters is recommended anyway by Federal authorities. Is it possible for Western nations to have a long protracted depression? Of course it is. Therfore common sense approaches like batteries, flashlights, Swiss Army Knifes are as as basic as scouting and military training. THe global economy is very vulnerable because of the debt bomb. The Bible does predict a horrific time prior to a new world. But it also says to have faith, not fear. Another Christian viewpoint is “pan tribulation”. Everything will eventually pan out alright.
Speaking as someone who has lived through both the Rita and Ike hurricanes I can tell you that you had better be prepared to provide for yourself and your family. When there is no electricity, water, phone service, gasoline and other services we depend on, things can get primative in a hurry. You need food, water, medicine and first aid supplies, a camp stove or Hibachi to cook on and a way to protect yourself from the elements as well as from people. All of this was needed and it wasn’t even a complete breakdown of the government. If there is a complete breakdown there will be no one bringing bottled water and MREs. My father always taught us that if you need a helping hand you’d better look at the end of your arm. So you’d better learn to be self-sufficient.
And, just a nod to those who are waiting to be raptured. “Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the EARTH.” Jesus was quoting Psalms 37:10-11 in his sermon on the mount. So, you’d better be prepared to survive on the earth whether it’s just a government meltdown or really THE END.
Remember Y2K Huh
I cannot believe some of these comments. Example the GPD of the United States is today a fraction of what that used to be and this economy is no longer an exporting economy. People regardless if you do not or you believe the bible clearly things tell you that this boat has sunk and if you are intelligent enought to get around and travel not to exotic resorts where they want you to stay away from the squalor we have already in many of our cities that is your problem. Today we have two United States of America. The one class regardless color have it all and the one regardless of color have not period. The United States is a bankrupted nation and owes over 53 trillion dollars and China now keeps it running along with Europe. Stop your fantasy lies and wake up people.
First of all, the food is still moving because the credit markets didnt freeze, the economy collapse, the bond market dumped and interest rates went through the roof. This is the crash of the dollar. It is based on the relationship of the economy to bonds to interest.
Keeping the food and commerce moving was a key and decisive, if not perfect, maneuver.
We have a ways to go, the President said so in the State of the Union. That was a little over a year ago. We are in a correction, the time of real risk was managed by the very government so many rail against.
Butch, if serious, is taking things now. He is not, just getting people like us to spend hours on these crazy blogs…
Figster! A perfect trap is one which even as you sense it you are drawn further into it. Sex is like that for teens and 20 somethings. If it weren’t so seducing most of us would never have been born. Our country is in a trap. Yes the bailouts the government have implemented have put off the inevitable but not prevented it. Our debt has exceeded our ability to pay. When either interest rates climb again and/or our total debt exceeds our GDP we will collapse. There is no other choice. Probably the last time in our history when we could have gotten out of this mess whole was in the late 70’s. We were cetainly warned back then! But since then we have continued to borrow, tax & spend until today we owe $13 trillion and we have to borrow another trillion or so each year to keep our heads above water. Like sex to a teenager our politicians just naturally prefer borrowing more rather then facing the music. But the piper must be paid. If not this year, maybe next, maybe the one after but soon. At least with sex the reality hits you 9 months later. There is less time then you think…
We lived on a sailboat for 23 years. All of the above sounds familiar. We were on our own, carried at least 6 months food and propane, and were happy. Who needs civilation?
I’m not worried. It will only happen in America or at least that’s where the worst social chaos will occur. Show the world what we see in your movies.
Thanks for posting this. I’ve been reading and worrying since I found the Market Ticker blog about 3 years ago, but am really not prepared. I am going to try to follow as many of these steps as possible. The world is in for some really tough times and I just hope civilization survives it (the economics are worse now than before the Great Depression and remember what that led to; it’s almost a certainty that a collapse of this magnitude brings war sooner or later).
O common people do you not know a Troll like
Butch when you see one? The idiot is purposely trying to stir up controversy so just ignore the fool.
The article is valid and should get you thinking about what it would take to survive. Nothing in the future is guaranteed and learning survival techniques are invaluable. Take a look at the first 4 volumes of the Foxfire books.
One thing that I would disagree with the author about is most of the population lives in cities in this country and when the food runs out they will migrate to the country or rural areas. You can only defend for so long but if you have a mob of desperate and crazed people bearing down on your hideout, you will not be able to stop them all with guns or all the ammo in the world.
Keep in mind that being highly mobile by foot and with light and functional equipment may be your only hope to survive. The contingency plan idea at the end is extremely important. I would have put that first in the article.
Well this is it. We have to implement birth control policy at once.
Figster -
Wise words
@Sunshine, sorry man, I’m a professional researcher and I’ve personally debunked all those claims like not being able to sell your house without making energy saving upgrades etc. and there is no credible evidence supporting any of it.
That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have food, water, medical supplies, pet food, heritage seeds, etc. for an emergency.
A financial collapse IS a possibility, maybe a long shot possibility but…the way I see it, we take out health insurance in case we get sick, and car insurance in case we get into a wreck, it is relatively CHEAP to provide a little basic needs insurance for your family in the case of an economic collapse or any other kind of natural or man made disaster.
I just don’t think it’s the big bad govmnt we need to be fretting about.
As we can all see, their is an established pattern of decline. History proves that all empires fail. Is the western Empire that we all live failing? YES! What type or group of individuals have weathered storms like this with the least impact? Typical rural family farmers are the best equipped for success. Learn, practice and remember a community is better then an individual when it comes to survival!
As far as the Law of Moses not applying to us, why do you think it is included in our Bibles? Jesus (Yeshua) said the law would not pass away until all is fulfilled. He fulfilled the Law of the Feast of Pentecost IN US FROM HEAVEN (SEE LEVITICUS 23) SO THE LAW IS STILL APPLICABLE.
IN A TIME OF LAWLESSNESS TO HEAR PEOPLE SAY THIS WHO PROCLAIM THEY BELIEVE IN THE JEWISH MESSIAH IS A SHOCK. IT IS TIME TO DIG IN CHRISTIANS, AND SEE WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE LAW OF MOSES AND GOD WHEN OUR LEADERS ABANDON ALL LAWS AND COVENANTS.
WE ARE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE SO DON’T BRING ANY MORE UPON THE CHURCH BY DOING WHAT OUR LORD SAID HE DID NOT COME TO DO. ALL WILL NOT BE FULFILLED UNTIL WE SEE CREATION REDEEMED AND EVERYTHING “RIGHT”.
SEE LEVITICUS 23 FOR THE BLUEPRINT HE BEGAN ON PASSOVER, THE NEXT STEP WAS ON PENTECOST (THE FEAST OF WEEKS) AND THE NEXT GREAT MOVE OF GOD WILL BE THE LAST TRUMPET CALL OF GOD ( ROSH HASHANAH IS THE SAME FEAST DAY AS WAS GIVEN BY MOSES) 10 DAYS LATER THE DAY OF ATONEMENT BEGINS AND WILL ONLY LAST FOR FIVE DAYS, THEN THE FULFILLMENT OF THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES BEGINS FOR 1000 YEARS.
IF YOU DON’T DO YOUR HOMEWORK, FOLKS…YOU DON’T GET TO GO ONTO GLORY. THE BRIDE MUST BE READY FOR THAT “SEASON” AND TIME (SEE 1 THESSALONIANS 5 FOR A CLEAR STATEMENT THAT PAUL WAS SPEAKING TO PEOPLE WHO ALREADY KNEW THE “LAW” AND WHAT THE FEASTS MEANT…IT HAS BEEN REMOVED BECAUSE IT IS “JEWISH”)…
READ YOUR ENTIRE BIBLE AND BE READY AS THAT DAY APPROACHES. NO MAN CAN KNOW THE DAY OR HOUR, BUT WE SURE AS HEAVEN CAN KNOW THE TIME AND SEASON (1 THESSALONIANS 5).
Just EXACTLY what Scriptures did the Messiah teach on in Tabernacle?
A: “OLD TESTAMENT”
Wake up younglings.
The Bible is ONE Book, (not two).
“ISRAELITES”, (not Israelies)are LITERALLY positioned CLOSER TO THE HOLY OF HOLIES, in the Heavenly Holy Temple. The Gentiles stay WITHOUT.
Love the Law, it is my staff.
There will be -0- “RAPTURE”, till the LORD OF HOSTS returns AS SUCH.
sheesh
Talk with Family or Friends that experienced
the Depression of the 30’s.
They have good advice and the depression we experience probably will have many similarities.
I lived during the depression. hard times. We
had chickens(for eggs) a pig, salted it down in
layers(no refrigeration)A cow(for milk and meat
A garden(my mother would can during the harvest)
People helped others(much compassion) My father
worked 12 hours a day 7 days a week and we just
got by.(when he could find work)
Be prepared for any eventuality: food, fuel,
clothing, a few gold or silver coins, a motor
bike or bicycle. learn to grow your own food.
Have love in your heart for all and pray to the Lord for guidance in all you do.
“Im not typing all that Again”
This attitude will serve you well in the hard times to come
If Christianity is the way–why then are there all these different denominations and endless disputes about doctrine and what the Bible is “really” saying. Utter confusion and nonsense.
And to you survivalists—”the sky is falling–the sky is falling!”
Great point from an earlier reply–remember Y2K?
You know, for all those folks saying this wont happen, I understand they kept saying that in 1929 too. That the recession was over and good times were coming soon. Bernanke even said “unusually uncertain” economic future for us. Japan has been throwing stimulus money at their problem for years and it hasnt worked. There will be an “expert” assuring us “it wont happen” right up to the very day we go to the grocery store only to find empty shelves and rioting in the streets.