Preparedness Thoughts

A week or two ago I promised to share some thoughts on current preparedness needs/recommendations. Given all that is going on in the world, it is far better to be prepared for the worst even as we hope and pray for the best.

Once I get my stipend, my hope this month is to buy new shoes. The current shoe is about four years old, and sadly Red Wing is slipping a bit on the quality front as they used to last five to six years. I’m semi-smiling as I type that, but it’s not fully a joke and yet not fully a complaint. One of the reason I want new shoes is that if things do go really far south, as they easily could, good shoes are a necessity and likely to be in short supply. They may also have to last a while.

As with a number of items, even if the shoes are made in the U.S., some of the critical materials and/or components are not. My Red Wings, for example, are composite-toed safety shoes and some of the most comfortable for walking and general activities I’ve ever had. I even wear them to Church as they look nice. A number of the components are not made in the U.S. (not sure about the shoes right now and too lazy to take them off to check) and are from locations where shipping could get iffy in certain circumstances (Pacific region, cough). So, new shoes are on the menu if I can squeeze the money out of the budget. They were $90, but with inflation may be up towards $120 now. Grumble.

In fact, with the edema under control for now I would also like to get a new pair of tennis shoes as well. The previous pair is at least two years old and they do not hold up nearly as well as the Red Wings. Again, even ordering online, a good pair that can handle walking and even some light hiking is going to be around $100. But, having something light and comfortable for general wear and use is a good idea.

If you don’t have a good pair of boots, allow me to highly recommend getting some. Me, I’ve got one or two pair of uniform boots left, along with some hazmat-rated work boots in very good shape, and possibly a couple of other odd pairs of boots that should be in good shape. Think I’m set, at least for now. A pair of insulated or plain rubber farmer boots might not be a bad investment too, and you can get them at some place like TSC or Rural King for about $40.

On boots, get some that can be used for work, but are also comfortable for walking or even hiking. Boots are good protection on more than one level, so look at the area you where you live and get boots that will work for you. Having the waterproof farm boots comes in quite handy for dealing with rain, mud, and more. Good idea to keep the feet dry as much as you can.

This might be a good time to replace some electric/electronic items as well. In this case, I’m talking about things like beard and hair trimmers, razors, toothbrushes, and such. Again, most of those come in whole or in part from overseas. If your phone and computers are more than two or three years old, you may want to consider upgrading while you can. Me, I may look at a new beard/hair trimmer here soon.

I’m also looking to restock razors and razor blades a bit. Again (and again) most of these are made overseas. Having a good supply on hand is just a good idea and not necessarily a major expense. Cost more than they should, IMO, but not totally outrageous.

Now, me personally I’m looking to stock back up on olive oil as I use a lot of it. Also avocado oil. Keeping a good supply of fats on hand is a good idea, as if things get really interesting fats are some of the hardest things to find. I’m even looking into rendering and storing my own tallow, and upping the amount of lard on hand.

Also, if anyone wants to hit the Wish List and get me some 5-gallon or 2-gallon food buckets, I would love to stock away more flour. And wheat berries for grinding. However much you have, you almost can’t have enough flour on hand. Got a couple of other things I would love to put away in bulk, but flour is something I see as a particularly good idea. It has a tendency to be very needed, and to get scarce very fast.

A final thought for a quick post: Look to your edged weapons right now too. Many knives, and even swords and axes, are either made overseas or use materials made overseas. Have noticed that even on some knife brands that boast “Made In The USA” the blades are from China. Knives, hatchets, axes, machetes, and even swords are very useful tools in everyday life, and become even more important in emergencies. Prepare accordingly. And, yes, I’m still annoyed at having to throw away my pocket knife at the hospital. Dang things have gotten expensive to replace.

Just a few thoughts on things I think might be a good idea to acquire and/or put away right now. If you sew, fabric is something to think about too.

The ride is likely to get very bumpy. Be prepared, and try to avoid the bumps you can. So, be prepared. And keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

6 thoughts on “Preparedness Thoughts”

  1. I’m talking about things like beard and hair trimmers, razors, toothbrushes, and such.
    Seems if you’re talking about preparing, what you want to stock up on is non-electric razors and toothbrushes. (Why isn’t that teethbrushes? You don’t buy one for each tooth.) And it’s easier to invest in some hair scrunchies and make a ponytail than to think about cutting your hair. 😉

    if things get really interesting fats are some of the hardest things to find
    Yeah. All those vegans are way too lean. And wild critters can be lean meat, as well. (Of course, many of them are vegan, come to think of it.)

    And, yes, having a spare for almost anything is useful, just because Stuff Happens. And we discovered that globalism is shakier than all the dreamers ever thought it could be. A timely post.

    1. Some good points, but have to disagree on it not being preparedness to refresh electronics and such. In fact, you just gave me an idea for today’s post. 🙂 Thanks!

      1. I didn’t say it wasn’t a good idea to refresh electronics.* I said it might be a better idea to prep with non-electronic versions for bad times. If things are going to get bad (let’s say a really bad winter storm across Texas) you will need or want tools that don’t require electricity. And if supply chains are an issue, non-electronics are likely to be more replaceable than electronics.

        (* Poor communications on my part, if it came across that way.)

        1. No worries and it gave me a good excuse to get into my definition of preparedness and link back to that category and more. Also, the chance to point out that it was quite optimistic — I really do think we have good odds of bouncing back from most of what could happen in 4- to 6-years. Thanks, and thanks for the good suggestions (this time and in previous posts). Much appreciated.

  2. I had not specifically considered flour. Like everything else, it goes on the grocery list when the last in the house is *opened*. I make my own bread, so I go through about 1# a week, which is a 5# flour bag every month or so. That seems sufficiently prepped for both the space I have and anything that I want to survive.

    I bought a drastically overpowered computer a couple of years ago, just in case TSMC “had issues”. I’ve been putting off buying a tablet, but it may be time. Just because we cannot get new high-end chips doesn’t mean the Intertubes will break.

    1. For me, I go through a good bit of flour each week. The girls (my sourdough starters) go through a bit each week with feedings, but I also cook for my Church as well as myself. Ideally, I’d like around 200 lbs of AP flour on hand for emergencies or disasters since I would likely be feeding others. Add to that 60 or so pounds of bread flour, which I don’t use that often. I don’t really have the space for that right now, but it is a dream.

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