More and more are making life changes for prepping/survival

[Drinkthekoolaid]

I'm starting to have anxiety that I'm not doing enough and quickly enough.

Many are now publicly stating or sharing their growing interest in a preparedness lifestyle

This is the newest that I just came across.


I find it completely interesting and alarming at the pace on which others are making major lifestyle changes and they're all independently coming to similar conclusions.

I will be watching this YouTube series.

I think I need to work on expanding my group of trusted friends and family who are interested in similar things.

 

[Acer-m14]

made it to 16 seconds .. sorry i'm out .. Shady past ..

 

[spat]

We have commercial water here at the new place (private utility, not a municipal water department).

We are looking to get a well drilled anyway.

That and getting our solar installed and I will feel like we're "settled" in the new place.

Still not as "prepped" as I'd like, but at least a bit self sufficient.

 

[Deplorable Me]

We have commercial water here at the new place (private utility, not a municipal water department).

We are looking to get a well drilled anyway.

That and getting our solar installed and I will feel like we're "settled" in the new place.

Still not as "prepped" as I'd like, but at least a bit self sufficient.

To be independent with solar you need on site electric storage (batteries) like a UPS system. Allows the fridge and sump to work at night. You may want to consider a generator as an added layer of redundancy.

For water well, practical at your future location in the dry climate? A friend in the dry section of Wyoming reclaims house grey water to water his fruit trees.

 

[spat]

To be independent with solar you need on site electric storage (batteries) like a UPS system. Allows the fridge and sump to work at night. You may want to consider a generator as an added layer of redundancy.

For water well, practical at your future location in the dry climate? A friend in the dry section of Wyoming reclaims house grey water to water his fruit trees.

Yes, will have moderate battery storage.

Many of our higher load critical appliances (AC primarily) will only need to run during the day, so I think I can get by with a smaller battery bank compared to the solar array.

It's not our future location anymore. We've been here for several months now. Yes, it's desert, but this year at least the rainy season has make it look more like NY than a desert.

I am planning a rainwater harvesting setup, but with the well and solar (and our position at the top of the mountain) I think the well will be probably be all we'd need.

We will really just use the rainwater storage for irrigation.

My side yard. The bad news is that my rifle range is overgrown and I can't even see the target now. I've just had too many other projects to clear it up.

 

[Deplorable Me]

Yes, will have moderate battery storage.

Many of our higher load critical appliances (AC primarily) will only need to run during the day, so I think I can get by with a smaller battery bank compared to the solar array.

It's not our future location anymore. We've been here for several months now. Yes, it's desert, but this year at least the rainy season has make it look more like NY than a desert.

I am planning a rainwater harvesting setup, but with the well and solar (and our position at the top of the mountain) I think the well will be probably be all we'd need.

We will really just use the rainwater storage for irrigation.

My side yard. The bad news is that my rifle range is overgrown and I can't even see the target now. I've just had too many other projects to clear it up.

View attachment 124890

Do they make hybrid solar-wind generator systems? This would be good at night and on lower solar gain days.

Ceiling fans. Lots of times we turn off our AC and just use the ceiling fans. Still comfortable in a 77F bedroom without cooling the whole house. I like AC on humid days but dry days I'll take the ceiling fans.

The nice thing about house-battery back-up is you can always expand the system by adding more batteries.

 

[spat]

Do they make hybrid solar-wind generator systems? This would be good at night and on lower solar gain days.

Ceiling fans. Lots of times we turn off our AC and just use the ceiling fans. Still comfortable in a 77F bedroom without cooling the whole house. I like AC on humid days but dry days I'll take the ceiling fans.

The nice thing about house-battery back-up is you can always expand the system by adding more batteries.

Many of the solar inverters have multiple DC inputs. You can use one for a string of solar panels and one for wind turbines.

We have talked about that, if I was building this in NY more than 50% of our power would be wind.

But out here in AZ wind should be way less. 10% maybe, due to the fact that the solar is far more efficient here.

I'm not sure it's worth the complication to add wind. Probably better off spending the time and money on more solar.

 

[Dunedain Ranger]

Hurricane Sandy back in 2012 is what did it for me. I was in my mid 30s, and my daughters were 4 and 16. The whole immediate area that my house was located in was completely flooded. Across the street from me a very large and deep lake, and then 4 blocks behind me was saltwater estuary river. Well the river flooded so much that it ran into the lake across the street from me.

I am not sure if you can picture what i am saying, but literally the ocean river behind my home flooded over all the way to my backyard, and on either ends of my block that same water flowed into the lake across from me. My home was literally an island at this point. Now what you must understand is that the water flooding behind me and on the sides of me, into the lake in front of me, was flooding into ALL my neighbors homes. Whole blocks of flooded homes, washed out foundations, collapsed homes, cars submerged, and all around me.

I was the LUCKY on and my immediate neighbors to the right and left and in front of me. We were in the middle of the block, and it happened to be the highest point in the area. All 4 blocks of homes behind me, about 60 homes, were flooded and destroyed by the salt water river, and the ends of my block the water continued to the lake. We were trapped on all sides by water, literally stuck there untill the water subsided a few days later.

Now the fun began. We had NO gas, as the lines were destroyed and flooded, we had NO electric, we had no water service. This was in OCT or Nov, if i am correct, and it was getting colder. it was my family of 4, and my few neighbors. After the water subsided, i drove my older daughter to Staten Island, thank God my wife had the foresight to fill both our cars with gas before, as now there was no gas anywhere from flooding and electric out, my 16 year complained non stop because she couldnt CHARGE HER PHONE. Thats why i drop her at my parents home on Staten Island. Myself, wife, and 4 year old daughter, were lucky enough to be able to stay at a relatives in the area, that was not as affected as my home was.

Eventually, things got back to normal, and like i said we were the LUCKY ones. My house was NOT damaged or flooded. The water reached my backyard line and then rolled back, and the lower ends of my block on each side flowed into the lake, which raised the whole lake by 2 feet. My poor neighbors had to deal with the rebuilding, relocating, fema, insurance, and all that. Now the area is pristine, and rebuilt and beautiful.

That said, this experience changed me. I became a prepper right after and in my early to mid 30s. I said, NEVER again shall i be unprepared, and taken unawares. Since then i have multiple homes now, in different areas and states. I have pristine, fully stocked with game, and fresh water, 26 acres of land, as a bug out retreat. ALL my homes are stocked with food, back up power sources, filtered water options, etc. My main place is slowly being converted into a sustainable farm, with enough land for a small community. I have an aquaponics system that serves as a full greenhouse 4 season garden of vegetables and fruits, and potatoes, and doubles as way to farm raise tilapia fish perpetually. Plus chicken, turkey coops. I have goats for food, milk, and brush, grass removal. I am on grid, but can be off grid and fully functional with the flip of a switch.

I am not done yet though. Eventually i will be constructing barns with loft apartments for friends/farm hands. Modular homes for my parents and sister brother in law and nephew, i already have my home on that land too. There is one road in and one road out. It is gated, with a guard house. I have strategic spots along the property for stashing and using as protection, as they are perfect shooting blinds. My eventual goal is to completely work the land full time. I have friends and family that want in, and are willing to live on and help with the land. Thats why my next move is building barns for more and larger livestock, and with fully functional loft apartments above for those who want in.

I have solar power, propane tank back ups, generator back ups, i have back ups for the back ups. I have renewable food sources, with back ups, i even have an underground shelter and bunker. Thats what hurricane Sandy wrath created for me.

 

[JaguarJaguarGolf]

To be independent with solar you need on site electric storage (batteries) like a UPS system. Allows the fridge and sump to work at night. You may want to consider a generator as an added layer of redundancy.

For water well, practical at your future location in the dry climate? A friend in the dry section of Wyoming reclaims house grey water to water his fruit trees.

Can we have the batteries in NY? Or is that a local ordinance? I researched wind/solar years ago and vendor said no batteries arrays allowed in NY State.

 

[JaguarJaguarGolf]

Hurricane Sandy back in 2012 is what did it for me. I was in my mid 30s, and my daughters were 4 and 16. The whole immediate area that my house was located in was completely flooded. Across the street from me a very large and deep lake, and then 4 blocks behind me was saltwater estuary river. Well the river flooded so much that it ran into the lake across the street from me.

I am not sure if you can picture what i am saying, but literally the ocean river behind my home flooded over all the way to my backyard, and on either ends of my block that same water flowed into the lake across from me. My home was literally an island at this point. Now what you must understand is that the water flooding behind me and on the sides of me, into the lake in front of me, was flooding into ALL my neighbors homes. Whole blocks of flooded homes, washed out foundations, collapsed homes, cars submerged, and all around me.

I was the LUCKY on and my immediate neighbors to the right and left and in front of me. We were in the middle of the block, and it happened to be the highest point in the area. All 4 blocks of homes behind me, about 60 homes, were flooded and destroyed by the salt water river, and the ends of my block the water continued to the lake. We were trapped on all sides by water, literally stuck there untill the water subsided a few days later.

Now the fun began. We had NO gas, as the lines were destroyed and flooded, we had NO electric, we had no water service. This was in OCT or Nov, if i am correct, and it was getting colder. it was my family of 4, and my few neighbors. After the water subsided, i drove my older daughter to Staten Island, thank God my wife had the foresight to fill both our cars with gas before, as now there was no gas anywhere from flooding and electric out, my 16 year complained non stop because she couldnt CHARGE HER PHONE. Thats why i drop her at my parents home on Staten Island. Myself, wife, and 4 year old daughter, were lucky enough to be able to stay at a relatives in the area, that was not as affected as my home was.

Eventually, things got back to normal, and like i said we were the LUCKY ones. My house was NOT damaged or flooded. The water reached my backyard line and then rolled back, and the lower ends of my block on each side flowed into the lake, which raised the whole lake by 2 feet. My poor neighbors had to deal with the rebuilding, relocating, fema, insurance, and all that. Now the area is pristine, and rebuilt and beautiful.

That said, this experience changed me. I became a prepper right after and in my early to mid 30s. I said, NEVER again shall i be unprepared, and taken unawares. Since then i have multiple homes now, in different areas and states. I have pristine, fully stocked with game, and fresh water, 26 acres of land, as a bug out retreat. ALL my homes are stocked with food, back up power sources, filtered water options, etc. My main place is slowly being converted into a sustainable farm, with enough land for a small community. I have an aquaponics system that serves as a full greenhouse 4 season garden of vegetables and fruits, and potatoes, and doubles as way to farm raise tilapia fish perpetually. Plus chicken, turkey coops. I have goats for food, milk, and brush, grass removal. I am on grid, but can be off grid and fully functional with the flip of a switch.

I am not done yet though. Eventually i will be constructing barns with loft apartments for friends/farm hands. Modular homes for my parents and sister brother in law and nephew, i already have my home on that land too. There is one road in and one road out. It is gated, with a guard house. I have strategic spots along the property for stashing and using as protection, as they are perfect shooting blinds. My eventual goal is to completely work the land full time. I have friends and family that want in, and are willing to live on and help with the land. Thats why my next move is building barns for more and larger livestock, and with fully functional loft apartments above for those who want in.

I have solar power, propane tank back ups, generator back ups, i have back ups for the back ups. I have renewable food sources, with back ups, i even have an underground shelter and bunker. Thats what hurricane Sandy wrath created for me.

There was Irene back then also if I recall. I know a guy up north of Grahamsville whose home was just washed away. Nothing left but the foundation, and it was moved, canted.
Remind family and friends not to tell others what you have.

 

[Deplorable Me]

Can we have the batteries in NY? Or is that a local ordinance? I researched wind/solar years ago and vendor said no batteries arrays allowed in NY State.

Never heard that one. Contact a contractor outside your area. I find some vendor/contractors are limited and will make up stuff to cover their inadequacies.

 

[Robin]

 

[GOPerfect]

I think I like seeing this.

Seems like many may be very far behind the curve though.

I am part of a community, we work with each other; we teach, educate and train together.

Community is good, as long as full trust is involved. Being a loner if real bad happens is not a good thing.

 

[Dunedain Ranger]

There was Irene back then also if I recall. I know a guy up north of Grahamsville whose home was just washed away. Nothing left but the foundation, and it was moved, canted.
Remind family and friends not to tell others what you have.

Let them come and try to take it !!!! Lol, seriously though, you are correct. Part of being in my circle is keeping it close to the chest.

 

[Dunedain Ranger]

I think I like seeing this.

Seems like many may be very far behind the curve though.

I am part of a community, we work with each other; we teach, educate and train together.

Community is good, as long as full trust is involved. Being a loner if real bad happens is not a good thing.

I like what i am hearing, and i would LOVE to be part of a community like yours. I am in the process of literally creating my own community, but i would love to group up with like minded. When you say, "you are part of a community", does that mean literally living together, or as neighbors, or in the same vicinity? Or is this an on line community? I am very curious to know how your set up is, and i completely agree with trust, working together, and same goals.

 

[GOPerfect]

I like what i am hearing, and i would LOVE to be part of a community like yours. I am in the process of literally creating my own community, but i would love to group up with like minded. When you say, "you are part of a community", does that mean literally living together, or as neighbors, or in the same vicinity? Or is this an on line community? I am very curious to know how your set up is, and i completely agree with trust, working together, and same goals.

Incoming PM in ten minutes.

 

[livingston]

I have a bit of a unique neighborhood. Not real close with the neighbors but on a friendly basis. ... Have a pharmacists that has horses and lives on down the road. Girlfriend has worked for a surgeon in the past and also a nurse and nurse practitioner within 10 minutes of our home. A ham operator lives down the road . Many farms raising beef,dairy, crops, and vegetables. Folks that I know on a personal basis . Some have worked in factories keeping machines going others have good carpentry skills. . So is this a community ? Perhaps not what we are talking about.. But folks one can ask for assistance dealing with a problem or issue and get some help if need be,

 

[GOPerfect]

I have a bit of a unique neighborhood. Not real close with the neighbors but on a friendly basis. ... Have a pharmacists that has horses and lives on down the road. Girlfriend has worked for a surgeon in the past and also a nurse and nurse practitioner within 10 minutes of our home. A ham operator lives down the road . Many farms raising beef,dairy, crops, and vegetables. Folks that I know on a personal basis . Some have worked in factories keeping machines going others have good carpentry skills. . So is this a community ? Perhaps not what we are talking about.. But folks one can ask for assistance dealing with a problem or issue and get some help if need be,

A community is made, not built.

As long as people around you are similar in thought, word and deed, and ate willing to work for the common benefit of all; you have a community

 

[Tintalieau]

no man is an island

 

[Vapor]

Yeager is cringy at times, sorry. I can't watch most of his stuff.


You can have all the cool shit in the world, but if push comes to shove, and you ain't got no grit, you're not gonna make it. You have to have skills ,and be willing to endure very uncomfortable situations. A community is great, but how much can you trust people, and how easily with the give up?


I'd rather have 4 buddies with grit, who would rather have their nuts literally chopped than turn me over, over 15 pukes who will give up or run crying once things get rough.