Preparedness – Page 2 – The Laughing Wolf

Asteroid Threat? X-Prize It

Over on X, Stephen Fleming was talking about the need to get on serious asteroid defense. Quick Aside: if you are serious about space and space exploration/exploitation, you should know and follow Stephen. In response to his post and a number of comments, I made a simple suggestion: X-Prize the mission as NASA is not up to it in my opinion.

In the long run, it will be a lot less expensive and likely to drive development of some key industries — not to mention creating new and innovative technologies and applications — than trying to run it as yet another government program. Make it open ended in all the key details: launch systems undefined, method undefined, tech undefined: the only thing that should be defined is success (asteroid does not hit Earth) and if there are any secondary objectives that need to take place (exploration, detection, etc) at the same time.

Make sure that teams can win rather than an individual company. I can think of some interesting and potentially effective partnerships right off the top of my head. It also has the chance to push the launch industry along and get some real competition to Space-X underway, which would be a good thing.

Also, though it would require some long-overdue revisions to space law/treaties, give the successful company twenty-year (pick a period) rights to that asteroid or to any asteroid that poses a threat and is neutralized. Depending on the type of asteroid, there could be some nice materials to be extracted/exploited. If nothing else, novelty sales could be quite the thing. Think about it, what would you pay to own a knife or other object made from the asteroid that threatened Earth? Again, this is an opportunity to start bootstrapping orbital industry and making needed changes to space treaties/law.

Minimize the regulatory process as much as possible. Under the previous administration this was weaponized and that’s the last thing we need right now. Use this as a means to identify problems while impact odds are low, so that we have an effective and robust system/options in place for real need.

Since there is already some huffing and puffing over my contention that NASA is not up to this, let me lay out the basics. First, I have done work for NASA as a contractor on both Spacelab and later SPD/Commercial. I grew up in the 60s on NASA and can-do. Heck, Von Braun himself recruited my cousin Jimmy to join his team and was involved in those heady days. Those days, however, are gone.

Yes, NASA has demonstrated that asteroid deflection can be done. Exercise for the student: look up the full timeline on that, from when it was first proposed to actual implementation. Then look up the budget for that over those years. NASA can still do some amazing things if given enough time and massive budgets.

As part of that, consider also that NASA has not successfully designed and implemented a new man-rated launch system since the mid-70s (STS). The current Constellation/Orion/WhateverElseTheyCallIt literally costs more than a billion dollars per launch, they have launched how many (?) and I could go on but there is no way to consider it a viable and successful system. Keep in mind that most (cough) NASA programs began decades ago.

Then, as I’ve mentioned before, there is the institutional culture of no failure. Not that failure is not an option, but that if there is even a chance something won’t work perfectly in view of the public, it tends to get canned. That also ties into the perfect safety issue, which tends to stifle innovation and more. There is more, but those are going to be two huge hurdles for getting anything done through NASA.

Put anything and everything on the table as an option, from nukes (the government has a small and obscure agency that actually owns all our nukes, DoD merely “leases” them so to speak) to a space broom. Nothing off the table, nothing can’t be tried as keep in mind that the prize only pays out for success.

For planetary defense of this nature, we need fast, we need nimble, we need innovation. Government is going to be the obstacle, not the facilitator. Doing this as an X-prize makes economic sense and opens the doors of economic and scientific advancement in space exploration/exploitation.

Just my two cents…

Oh, and if you missed this wonderful bit at Instapundit a while back:

O it’s Elon this, an’ Elon that, an’ “Chuck ‘im out, the cad!”;
But it’s “Elon, please, a rocket!” when the rocks are lookin’ bad.
When the rocks are lookin’ bad, my boys, the rocks are lookin’ bad,
O it’s “Save us, Mr. Elon!” when the rocks are lookin’ bad.

Best Laid Plans

Last week, I had the chance to test some of my emergency preparedness when I was hit with the fun joys of food poisoning. If your emergency plans don’t encompass dealing with illness and injury, you may want to update your plans. Fact is, if you end up in a true emergency and sheltering for an extended time, you are going to have to deal with any number of illnesses as it is impossible not to share in those circumstances.

Now, I thought I had some pretty good preparations in place. In fact, I had just upped my anti-nausea (AN) and anti-diarrhea (AD) a month or two ago, and thought I was in pretty good shape overall. That turned out to be a touch optimistic.

Here are a few lessons learned that I will share for your planning use, and to remind me of what I need to do as well. Already taking steps, but…

First up, I generally don’t try to control things at first. It used to be that doctors would try to stop both ends as it were. However, it turns out that if the body is trying to purge things, there is a good reason for it and it is best to let it happen. The “plug them up” school may have done more harm than good it seems. The problem comes if the body doesn’t stop trying to purge and/or you (the patient) gets dehydrated.

Problem 1 for me was finding myself on the bathroom floor at one point, doing pinch tests to check for dehydration and checking other vitals to see if I did need to call an ambulance/help. However, when the body had signaled the urgent need to get to the bathroom now, now, now I did not think to grab my phone or do anything other than run, and my bedroom and the bathroom are at opposite ends of the basement. Not sure what to do about this, but do need to figure a plan for emergency communication.

Problem 2 was the bathroom itself. The landlord’s relatives who built it out did their usual high-quality job (cough, choke, wheeze) with the result that literally freezing air from outside was effectively being ducted down onto the floor — and me. Eight inches up from the floor, blissfully warm. On the floor, not so much. I did eventually manage to get back to my room and get a throw, but it really needed additional help. Was not surprised to have some respiratory issues the next day (and very cold feet and hands). Moving is an option, otherwise not much I can do about this one. Considering vacuum packing some throws and blankets and finding a way to store them in the bathroom, but…

Things That Worked 1: I always have solid, liquid tight wastebaskets in every room. Both in the bedroom and in the bathroom, this proved wise. Having them allows for emergency storage and transportation of liquids. In this case, I used them to catch and store what came out up top while sitting on the can. Was able later to empty them, clean, sterilize, and put them back to normal use. I use plastic grocery bags to line them as it makes getting trash out quickly an easy process.

Problem 3 is that I can’t find the flippin AD meds. Apparently I put the OTC and one prescription AD in a good safe place and not with all the other meds. I ended up using InstaCart to get some more delivered. BTW, would have been more impressed with them if they hadn’t left out the sports drink I ordered. I may try another service one day soon to see how they do, as a delivery service could be a good thing to include in preparedness planning. Didn’t need a lot on the AD, but did use it to taper things down later in the week.

Things That Worked 2: having a full-range of OTC items. In this case, having both antacids and anti-gas OTC agents has been very good and effective. In the case of food poisoning, having the anti-gas items is a big plus.

Things That Worked 3: During the time I could not get back to my room, I used a measuring cup from under the sink as a cup. It’s normally used to make saline and fill things. Rinsing the dust out got it clean [it’s kept clean normally, but the dust issue in that bathroom (mostly from the ceiling being another “quality” job) is incredible]. May look at a bagged cup and maybe putting a can of lemon-lime soda in there for emergencies. I will say it was very nice of the housemate to bring me down some bottles of water and ginger ale when he got home from work that next morning. The landlord just had a knee replacement and was not available to get down the stairs and help.

Problem 4 ties back to Problem 1 in that I really do need to be where people can get to me at need. When I move (more on that here soon) I really do need to be where there are good people around me and/or nearby. I’m not real thrilled with that on some levels, but I do have to recognize reality.

Things I Need To Add 1: I used to keep a couple of 2L bottles of a popular lemon-lime soft drink and of ginger ale around for illness. Not sure when I quit doing it, but need to add in some cans (longer storage) of same to my supplies. I also need to find some good powdered electrolytes (little sugar and no B vitamins) to keep on hand. Sugar and salt can make a good emergency solution, but having the better ingredients is the way to go if possible. Oh, no B vitamins because if you are flirting with dehydration you don’t want large amounts of B6 as B6 toxicity is no joke. When hydrated, it usually flushes out, but dehydration changes that equation.

Still recovering, but on the mend. Wanted to get an AAR down for my planning and to give you some food for thought for yours.

More soon. Be prepared and keep your family and friends 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.

Thank You!

There was no paperwork at all in the box, so I simply want to say Thank You!! to whoever sent this. It really did brighten my day (needed that) and I am looking forward to trying it out and playing with it here soon. As for those who don’t know what it is, you are in for a treat too soon I hope. Thank You!

Itchy Feeling (Updates Below)

Okay, not sure what is going on other than that I think The Attack should be in non-fiction. Of many things going on right now, check out this story which should be ringing alarm bells far and wide about sleeper cells and worse. There are several others out there, all of which should be raising hackles and alerts.

For all I would be reluctant to step beyond the Firelight yet, starting to get a real itchy feeling about Monday and the days just beyond. Everyone is happy (and should be) over the election results and the chance to save the Republic. Problem is, what makes you think the deep state and progressives are going to play by the rules? They’ve already shown a large and varied willingness to step beyond the law on various fronts. What makes you think they are just going to lay down and follow the law now?

Interesting that the WEF is 20-24 January, right in time with the inauguration. An inauguration that looks to have a host of those hated by progressives (Milei, Nigel, Katie Hopkins, Musk, Bezos, Pichai, Cook, Altman, Zuckerberg, possibly Meloni, Orban, Bolsonaro, and more) in a small area. Now, add to that a number of darlings of the WEF and Deep State who are suddenly announcing they won’t attend. On one level, good as their absence will raise and enhance the event. On a different level, interesting that some of them will be at events or places well away from a potential ground zero. At the risk of sounding very “conspiracy theory” some of them are at locations where there have been multiple reports of emergency bunkers being built by “nervous” millionaires. Or bigger.

Also, how do you think corporate (legacy) media would respond if something like “The Attack” took place on or just after Inauguration Day? Heck, given what has been going on with DOJ, FBI, DHS, SS, et al, what if they stood aside if not helped?

Yes, I am a professional paranoid. There is a point to game things worst case, so as to be prepared. What we are seeing now could be totally random and innocent, or it may not. Face it though: you are about to have most major and many minor “enemies” of the elites/deep state (world wide) in a small area for several days while good progressive elites are well away and bunkered up (and dispersed).

Probably paranoid, but my shoulder blades are itching. After Butler, I have no faith in those in charge of security at almost any level. Frankly, I hope some foreign who have been cagey do stay away, just to thin the target pool. I also think that Trump and JD need to be widely spaced. As in very, very, nuclear-level widely spaced. Something’s not right. Pay attention. Hope this is wrong, but life could get very interesting real fast.

I’m going to be very busy with Theophany (spent most of today on it actually) the next few days. Will mostly be at Church, but will be keeping an eye on things and will cover as needed/can. Again, hoping I am wrong and the itchy feeling between my shoulder blades is just dry skin. That said, not going to bet on it for all I hope that is all it is.

More soon. Be prepared and keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

UPDATE: Moving inside due to “weather” and some major changes to security perimeter. Note that “weather” could well be legit, or it could also be a good cover for reacting to other things. Only time (and the usual DC leaks) will tell. Also, looks like security is beefed up elsewhere too (Not a big DCD fan, but info is info). See this as an additional info point.

UPDATE II: I am delighted at all the continuing last-minute changes to events and plans. Funny that so many progressives are highly upset at them, you would think (as quite a few have noted on X) that it upset sightlines and plans. I want to see more to be honest. Not just on the day, but after. I noted above that the next few weeks could be very interesting. Then you get stories like this which prove the point. It’s still not too late to prepare, or to read The Attack if you have not already done so. No, link generates no payback to me FYI, prefer honest donations if I do good. I’ve been using the recent time at Church to offer up some prayers for today and the days ahead, prayers for peace, for growth, for safety, and more. I encourage you to join me, as I think such is very much needed. I don’t often do this, but will share a daily prayer that is modified from a traditional Orthodox Christian prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ Our God, forgive our iniquities. Through the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, save the suffering people of Earth from the yoke of the godless authority.

I will note that non-respectful discussions of the prayer will see the banhammer brought out of storage. Also, is anyone surprised at the last spasm of pardons? The Biden Regency is protecting all those it can, and through them others as well. All the more reason change is needed.

And if you need something unsettling for the day, think about this. Note the dragging of feet on confirmation hearings for several key players in the new admin. Now, look at the line of succession. Particularly look at who is where as of about 1230 hours today. Now, literally, look at where 1-3 are at that time. Now, look up who is 4, 5, and 6 and where they will be. More soon.

UPDATE III: Made it through the day surprisingly peacefully. Thank you Lord! As of this morning, Rubio is confirmed so as soon as he is sworn in a major problem in succession is fixed. Now to get the others in place.

Now to make it through the next few weeks. Read the comments as several good calls about things. One of my concerns remains attacks against civilians and infrastructure. It would not need assistance from elements of the government (already had that) nearly as much as weaponized elements of DOJ, etc. standing down or simply not standing up at need. Blame the new admin and not the failures and machinations of the past Regency. The next 2-6 weeks are critical in terms of change-of-command and dealing with rot. That said, Trump seems to be coming in with better intel this time, and plans laid out, and that could narrow the window, possibly even considerably. The top of the chain is relatively easy in many respects, it’s down the chain that time is needed along with good leadership. Keep those prayers and thoughts going folks. We are NOT out of the woods yet, but we are in a much better place than we were yesterday morning.

Some Thoughts On Bugging Out

This post was inspired by Mr. James Woods on X, who posted about a local (Independent?) pharmacy that was opening early this morning to help people who had evacuated without their medicines. Before anyone starts to chest thump about being too good to get caught like that, let me just say Horsehocky.

Fact is, even those of us who think and prepare can get caught out under the right circumstances. Unless you have a very good doc, pharmacist, and insurance company, the odds are that medicines are going to be one of the last things dumped into your boogie bag. I know I can’t afford to get a set of meds just to keep at the ready, and frankly few of us who are older can do so.

In this case, it does reinforce the need to have thought out what you need to grab on the way out the door. I sincerely hope and pray I and you, dear reader, never have to bug out on extremely short notice. Keep in mind that things went from idyllic to a taste-of-hell quite literally in a matter of minutes for those hit by the fires. Most of the time between ‘oh we might want to take steps’ and ‘oh shit’ was spent trying to prevent fires and fire damage. The focus was on prevention and preservation, not on bugging out. I watched one video where two guy literally did get out the front of the house as the back apparently went up. They waited so late trying to save the house that they had to evac on foot (not a good thing). One of them kept repeating “I’m sorry bro, we tried” over and over again even as they went out into the smoke and flames on foot.

It’s a very human thing to want to fight to save your home in the face of such a threat. It is the focus, not the concept of bugging out, which can and does seem like a defeat under those circumstances. In some ways it is; which, just makes it worse to pull the plug and run.

Which makes it all the more important to plan ahead. I’ve talked about it before in Preparedness Pays, but it needs repeating because life is not neat and tidy and precise. Life is messy, hard, and comes at you fast. It is easy, deadly easy, to get caught up in a last-minute cycle of ‘I Need To Save…” It’s not the easy stuff — the copies/certified copies of important documents both paper and electronic, cash, etc. — that gets you. It’s the sudden thought of that gift from Aunt Nell, that menu or other item from a first date, the little things that are a huge part of our psychological life. Of home. The home you are about to lose. You are not likely to be thinking fully on plumb at that time.

Again (and again) we are not talking about a bug-out situation where you have time to think, plan, pack, and prepare. We are talking about a situation where you have to switch from defense of the home to immediate bug-out in a matter of minutes, if not seconds. That’s the hardest thing for some to plan for and handle.

For such situation, I tend to use the 90-second rule. Basically, if I can get to something in 90 seconds and have room, I will pack it out. For example, I’ve already thought about having to do an immediate departure of my home. There are several things that could happen which would cause me to have to depart PDQ. Trick is, evaluate what options are available for transport and grab the appropriate go-bags and get in the last minute items.

In 90 seconds, I can have all my medicines and supplements into my “on me” go bag. In 90 seconds, I can have the stockpiles of same in a separate bag. In 90 seconds, I can grab the small number of essential books and have them packed. If I can get to it in 90 seconds, there is one photo album I want to grab. Everything else is expendable. I am actually a very sentimental person, and there are small things that are incredibly important to me for that reason. None of them are worth my life or the life of those I love. Their loss will suck, but life can be rebuilt. New things can and will come in to take their place. Life will go on.

You need to be thinking and planning on that basis now. When you see the flames suddenly shoot up is not the time for thinking, it is the time to react. It is time to cut on the sprinklers, activate the defenses, and begin preparing to boogie.

Clothing, food, shelter, water, copies of documents to prove you are you and what property you own, cash and/or other valuables — those are the easy things to prepare. They are the easy decisions to make.

The hard decision is often how fast to pull the trigger on the boogie; and, what are the things you really want to take with you. Think about those now, while there is time and you can think rationally about them. The real key for me, at any rate, is to look at it on the basis of 90-seconds and if having it is worth a life. Like I say, for me it comes down to a photo album if possible. There are a couple of other things that if there is time and room/weight (you may be packing out instead of driving), I would love to grab. I might give up an edged weapon for the guitar, but would not give up a firearm. I want a balanced load, in all senses of the phrase since what I have may have to get me by for a while. Potentially a good while.

Again, think and plan ahead. For wildfires and earthquakes, there is likely to be little to no notice. That’s when planning ahead really counts. Just remember: things can be replaced. People can’t. Don’t let a thing put a life at risk. Especially your own.

More soon. Be prepared and keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Preparedness Pays: Layering

Back before the screen broke, I posted here asking about rechargeable batteries. While I was thinking more in the small-scale (AAA, AA, D, etc.), there were a number of good comments including an actual use testimonial of a larger system by Old Paratrooper (who I was glad to see came through Helene in decent shape). Read the comments, as there is a lot of good food for thought there.

While I do have (and want to beef up, please hit the tip jar) a fair supply of basic batteries with long shelf life, I don’t like single modes of operation. I especially don’t want to put all my eggs in one basket when it comes to emergency power. If I had my own place, I’d love a large generator, one of the small ones for critical items, and lots of UPSs around as an additional layer for critical items like heat, sump pumps, etc. It’s the same reason I have multiple ways of lighting in an emergency.

Repeat After Me: Single mode is a single point of failure. Redundancy Rules! Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.

On the last one, count on Murphy to stick a finger or more in on the failure. That’s guaranteed. Don’t let him get the chance.

Now, I am interested in the smaller rechargeables for more than one reason. First, is general use in day-to-day life. Second is having another layer if you move beyond inconvenience and into a real emergency or disaster (inconvenience: 0-3 days; emergency: 4 days – 4 weeks; disaster: >4 weeks, may talk about this more soon as revising previous definitions). Having something you can recharge, particularly if you can use USB or an interface with a solar blanket or other similar system gives you a way to power small electronics, light, and more. Even better, it is independent of outside systems. Think about it a bit, think there couldn’t be circumstances where even after an “emergency” is over it might not hurt to have the capability to run radios/coms or other devices without the need to access grids outside your control?

The more layers of redundancy you can add, the better off you will be. That is especially true if things go sideways. And things go sideways more often and more easily that we really want to think about.

So, regular batteries are a finite resource, especially if things have gone from emergency to disaster. Having another layer that falls between batteries and larger backup systems is a very good thing. It’s also relatively inexpensive, which makes it easier to put in place. Just remember, if things go sideways, you can’t have enough layers.

Rechargeable Batteries?

can’t see what I’m typing, but wanted to ask what YOU think are the best rechargeable batteries systems on the market? Interested in AAA, AA, C, D, and 9 volt. Would love USB as well as plug in, so as to increase options in an emergency. Been less than impressed with energizer, and don’t trust Duracell that much these days, but want to know what you think and if I should change my mind on anything

Thoughts?

About That Dishwasher Trick…

I’ve seen this a time or two, and several times here in the last couple of days. A well-intentioned post about putting valuables (documents, photos, etc.) into your dishwasher to protect from flooding. This can, indeed, work, but…

Keep in mind that what makes even minor flooding nasty is that sewers and other drain lines back up — even with septic tanks. You may only get an inch or two of flooding above ground, but it can push sewage back and up inside your home. That’s one reason to pay the extra to have check-valves installed on your lines, as it can save you a biohazard experience.

Now, that’s not really going to help all that much in major flooding, as in feet of surge and flood. It will help a bit, but… Still well worth the cost, IMO.

Now, as to the dishwasher. Yes, they are designed to keep water in during operation. They seal up very nicely. They still have to have a drain line, and not all models have a check valve on said drain line. Which means that with the right pressure, it will not only get water through the drain line but a nasty biological soup given where the drain line goes.

Suggestion: the drain line in most cases these days is a flexible plastic affair. If it does not have a valve, and you can (in advance) install a cut-off valve for it. You can disconnect and plug. Or, you can simply clamp it shut. Might want to consider two of the three for some redundancy. If you do that, you are likely to keep it from filling with water or primordial soup almost no matter what.

Second suggestion is to put your valuables into sealed plastic or mylar long-term storage bags. You can even get some photo albums into a 2.5 gallon zipper bag. It may be from my time at NASA, but go for triple redundancy on what you put in the dishwasher. That way, you might lose part but should not lose the whole no matter what. If all goes really well, everything is safe and dry even in major surges/floods.

Just a quick thought to share this morning. Take care, be safe, and be prepared! Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark, and/or wet.

Get Out!

If you are in, or even near, the path of Hurricane Milton, my strong suggestion is to get out of there now. You really should have done it a day or two ago, but there is still time. Just remember that it is going to take about three times as long as normal, and that’s going to get worse the longer you wait. Try to see where everyone is headed (N. FL, GA, etc.) then veer off. See what options there are in FL too.

Need to do a longer post on bug out, as there have been some excellent comments and thoughts (and thank you to those who have made them!). Just remember, by the time you decide, you’ve already probably missed optimum. Also, know that decisions depend on good data, which is a point to be discussed soon.

Yesterday’s doctor’s appointment went well overall, just need some willpower to give up some recent indulgences. Today has been busy, but finally got the info I needed for Thursday’s appointment and testing. Reminded them I am allergic to the standard contrast, really hoping they get that info. Also trying a different route to get legal help on the lack of car title transfer, since the first legal aid group not only didn’t call, you can’t get through to them at all now. So, trying a different group.

Did up a jar of Bavarian mustard, ketchup, and my first effort at KUAN ketchup for something were are doing at the Church later this week. KUAN is Kicked Up A Notch, and it is, with a delayed bit of kick that I really like. Will see what others think of it.

More soon, have to go run an errand or two while I can. Be safe out there, be prepared, keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Preparedness Pays II: Coms, Data, and Government

One of the most important things for a true disaster is having backup coms. I’m not talking just having walkie-talkies or radios for in-group communications, but multiple ways of getting information from, and to, the outer world.

The disaster in Appalachia is proving that every day. Without alternate coms, people are not getting rescued, not getting supplies, and are unable to let anyone know their plight. With alternate coms, things get done to help them. Have heard of at least one use of a signal mirror, with rumors of more.

In this previous post, some good comments came in on alternative coms. At the risk of sounding paranoid, here are some quick thoughts.

Get Starlink. It truly has been the backbone of restoring coms, data, and more in Appalachia (and elsewhere). Also, check into upgrading your phone as needed to take advantage of satellite com (again, Starlink) for them. Purportedly Elon is looking into a “plan” for those wanting it as a backup so that you only pay when you use it. Meantime, Starlink has made it free to use it from the worst hit areas. That’s leadership and service. Also, Starlink is a lot harder to jam. More on that in a bit.

Look into Citizen’s Band (CB) radio. We used to use it in my neck of Appalachia as a way of coms, sharing news, and even relaying info in emergencies. If someone has a CB, especially a CB base station, and a working phone, you have a lifeline. It also didn’t require a license or other paperwork. These days, it is so far off the mainstream that some jamming systems probably aren’t set for it.

Ham radio has been a backbone of emergency relays and communications since radio first hit the scene. If there isn’t a ham near you, look at helping start a local or school club. It may not be the best for intra-local, but you can reach the world with it and if you have multiple users (not uncommon even in small towns), multiple opportunities to communicate with the wider world.

Corollary: Have one or more radios that can pick-up multiple bands including short wave. Many emergency radios already have them, but get as many radios as you can with them. Even if you can’t transmit, word can still get to you. It worked well in WWII and for a literary reference think of Potterwatch in the Harry Potter books. Be prepared.

Keep in mind that even with generators or batteries, cell phone towers are often the first to go down in a disaster. Don’t count on them, though it is great if they do keep working. However, keep in mind that cell phone jamming systems are powerful, portable, and common. The government (at more than one level) actually does have plans to jam over large areas at need to prevent “unauthorized” communications in a variety of situations. Again, don’t count on them.

Why the talk on jamming and such? Well, here’s a few things. Government, particularly the feds but also far too many states, are at best chaotic neutrals in a true disaster/emergency. In fact, as we’ve seen in Maui (where if you listened to/obeyed LE and the govt, you died) and now in Appalachia, they often tend towards chaotic evil. When you see helicopters grounded and non-governmental groups ordered to stop operations (videos out there), and LE threatening to arrest people for trying to salvage their belongings (again, video out there), you start to see the problem.

Over on X, Dennis Wingo and I had a short (in my case, very as was on a bus bouncing badly) discussion on FEMA and some state agencies. I’m extremely thankful that I did not do a practicum to complete certification to be an On-Scene-Commander given what things have devolved to today. Short version is that the system has rotted and become corrupt. If your thought that the corruption at the border with the various NGOs and such was limited to that part of operations, you are sadly mistaken. Read both chains at the link: the corruption with the NGOs, preferred providers, etc. has firmly taken hold in the main disaster response area.

The best disaster response is LOCAL, then area, then state. The worst thing to come out of Katrina is the current system. The current federal system hates and works by any means to prevent “self-deployment” and initiative, and frankly is dedicated to controlling all information exchange and operations. Even if so doing causes deaths or makes the situation worse. Also keep in mind that it is a very short walk from chaotic neutral to active evil in such a situation.

And again, let me state that FEMA and even some state (sadly even some local based on another video) agencies, will try to retaliate against those who did deploy and get things done before they got there. They can block those agencies from working with FEMA, issue advisories official and unofficial that block grants, and do other things to put them out of business and keep them out of future operations and operational areas. Just wait, watch, and help raise hell when they do it.

Meantime, a good rule of preparedness is not only not to count on the government for anything, but plan from the start to be prepared to work around it at need to ensure your survival and safety. At best it will be a neutral entity, and as we have seen from Maui and elsewhere, it is far more likely to be effectively an enemy. Given how some of the FEMA (and TEMA) people are acting, don’t be surprised if some go missing sooner or later in Appalachia. Remember those strangers who went up Rocky Top…

Oh, as for some of the stories of confiscations, turn-aways, etc. possibly being bot driven: given the videos out there where turn-arounds, arrest threats, and other delights being committed by our “elites” and “betters” in government and LE, the big problem is that the stories are quite believable. We see and hear the actions of government at every level doing those very things. Why wouldn’t we believe that it extends further? When you squander public trust for power, don’t be surprised when people believe the worst of you and don’t trust you.

One more thought: given that I have no faith in the upcoming election, might I suggest that people of like minds start developing networks right now to stay in touch off grid as much as possible? Networks, relays, and such of like-minded might come in handy during unrest, much less a full-up disaster.

You can never have enough redundant coms. Period. Plan accordingly.