Yet Another Cycling Forum

Off Topic => The Pub => Topic started by: Morat on 08 December, 2018, 11:53:01 am

Title: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Morat on 08 December, 2018, 11:53:01 am
Being a forum of largely independent minded and practical folk (from my reading of it anyway) is there a lurking tendency to "Prepping"? I wouldn't class myself as a full on survivalist but I've realised that I do derive quite a lot of satisfaction from a full food cupboard and I naturally like to keep my cars and bikes maintained/full of fuel/pumped up. I also make Jam and other preserves. I did enthusiastically mantain the tinned food/water reserve that the government recommended after 9/11 - but I stopped when I moved house.
Is this just sensible or should I start looking for property in remote Montana? Does anyone else wonder if they should fit a standby generator in the Garage? :)
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Torslanda on 08 December, 2018, 12:06:48 pm
Given that we seem unable to generate enough electrons to keep our lights/tellies burning 24/7 already and that we're about to tell all the countries that we depend on to generate it for us to go fuck themselves, a generator is a prudent investment IMHO.

Whether we'll be able to buy any petrol/diesel to run it when the lights go out might be a moot point...
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Jakob W on 08 December, 2018, 12:08:04 pm
IMO it's sensible to be prepared for a couple of days' disruption - water main gone, snowpocalypse with extended power cuts etc. But trying to prepare for anything more is playing pretend, in the UK at least. We're a small island with a large urban population and a heavily industrialised society running on a just-in-time basis; heading for the hills just isn't an option for 90% of people. The people I know who have been thinking about this - mainly in the context of climate change - reckon that the best approach is to try and build community resilience rather than individual prepper stashes. Easier said than done, of course...
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Gattopardo on 08 December, 2018, 12:20:00 pm
Given that we seem unable to generate enough electrons to keep our lights/tellies burning 24/7 already and that we're about to tell all the countries that we depend on to generate it for us to go fuck themselves, a generator is a prudent investment IMHO.

Whether we'll be able to buy any petrol/diesel to run it when the lights go out might be a moot point...

Is that the EU jackboot?
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Gattopardo on 08 December, 2018, 12:20:57 pm
Not allowed to stock pile meds so expect me to go a bit funny.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Ben T on 08 December, 2018, 12:23:00 pm
Always sensible to keep a pitchfork under the stairs to beat zombies off with.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Kim on 08 December, 2018, 01:10:28 pm
I'm inclined towards having a week or two of food, simply because I might get ill/injured without warning and unable to do any shopping.  We keep a few bottles of water because this house has no water storage, (we're on a water company emergency list that means they're supposed to deliver us bottled water if the supply is disrupted, because barakta can't carry that much weight home from a shop, but so far that's only happened once when some planned works didn't disrupt the supply, and not when leaks did).

Electricity isn't much help without food or communications.  I can generate enough for modest amounts of lighting using a bicycle or solar panel.

Medication... neither of us are likely to die in the medium term as a result of not having it.  Just pain and disability.

Anything more serious and we're fucked anyway.  Better to concentrate your 'prepping' on realistic threats like burglary, fire or Conservative governments.  Anybody not backed up your data recently?  Sometimes the disk fairy comes...
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Gattopardo on 08 December, 2018, 01:15:31 pm
Always sensible to keep a pitchfork under the stairs to beat zombies off with.

Guns for show, knives for a pro?
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: madcow on 08 December, 2018, 02:41:16 pm
Candles, woodburner and a few spare cylinders of bottled gas are enough to keep the household going.
Eating the entire contents of the freezer in one go will be the biggest challenge if the leccy is off for any length of time.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: ElyDave on 08 December, 2018, 03:18:58 pm
I've got a big enough stash of wood and camping gaz for a week or so, though the veggie patch is a bit thin this time of year. 

As for meds - it has a long shelf life in the fridge, I can easily stock 6 months worth. Beer, I can be self-sufficient in about 2-3 weeks, just in time to celebrate the return of "normality", whatever that is.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Morat on 08 December, 2018, 03:43:42 pm
Well in the old house we had oil central heating and open fires for heat so even with the electricity off (which would take out any central heating I can think of) there was a ready source of heat which could also be used for cooking at a pinch.
The new house is far less rural and on mains gas for heating/hot water and cooking (with electric ovens). So I guess cooking on the hob would still be possible although I'd have to light it with _gasp_ a match!

Maybe I'll cook a double batch of Marmelade this year in case the Seville Orange supply is disrupted next year :)
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: ElyDave on 08 December, 2018, 05:25:25 pm
I have plenty of pickled cucumbers  :)

Though I'm not sure they'll sustain me for that long, not high calorie density stuff  :(
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 December, 2018, 10:59:00 am
I might be misremembering or misinterpreting, but wasn't Charlotte into this kind of stuff? Certainly seem to remember her talking about her "EDC" and hunting rabbits.

Generators: Most shops and small businesses in Indian towns have a diesel generator chained up on the pavement for the daily "load shedding." It makes city centres unbearably noisy and stinky (as well as cluttering the pavements even more). Larger businesses and critical places like hospitals have large generators built into a basement or a separate building, and they tend to run far quieter and cleaner. Some people have UPSes at home but most people just make do with rechargeable LED lanterns.

Very occasionally there were water shortages too. Mains water was turned on three times a week to fill a sump from which it would be pumped to a 1,000 litre roof tank (plenty for three flats, larger buildings would have larger tanks). On one or two occasions this didn't work (maybe someone forgot to pay the man in charge of the valve, maybe something was actually broken) and then you could call out a private tanker. Far more annoying was the occasion the galoots on the ground floor went away for the weekend leaving a tap on, draining the roof tank (the tailor who had a little shop in the same building conjured up a key from somewhere and sorted it). There was also an occasion when the supply was contaminated (not that it was really safe to drink unboiled but on this occasion it was probably not safe even boiled) and the Corporation actually came round telling everyone not to use it. It turned out the people opposite had a ground well with good water and didn't mind the whole street using it in these circumstances. But I think those all count as examples of neighbourhood resilience in a community that's used to these events; no guarantee at all that similar things would happen or work here, and not just because we're not used to them.

I did enthusiastically mantain the tinned food/water reserve that the government recommended after 9/11 - but I stopped when I moved house.
I don't think I've heard of this before, probably because I was in ABROAD at the time. Hard at this distance to say whether I would have done so but I'm inclined to think I wouldn't have bothered.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: ian on 09 December, 2018, 05:45:00 pm
I think we're OK for beer – we just moved two boxes from the garage to the porch which doubles as the walk-in fridge this time of year. It's all the strong stuff with distant best-before dates. Come the end of civilization, a 16.5% imperial stout will take the edge off it. Plus frankly, we have enough gin to last about a century.

I checked the canned goods and it's three tins of sardine, one little tin of anchovies, two tins of tomatoes, two tins of butter beans, three tins of Green Giant 'Salad Crisp' sweet corn and that's about it. I'm aware that selection makes me sound possibly the most middle-class person ever.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Jurek on 09 December, 2018, 05:47:46 pm
I think we're OK for beer – we just moved two boxes from the garage to the porch which doubles as the walk-in fridge this time of year. It's all the strong stuff with distant best-before dates. Come the end of civilization, a 16.5% imperial stout will take the edge off it. Plus frankly, we have enough gin to last about a century.

I checked the canned goods and it's three tins of sardine, one little tin of anchovies, two tins of tomatoes, two tins of butter beans, three tins of Green Giant 'Salad Crisp' sweet corn and that's about it. I'm aware that selection makes me sound possibly the most middle-class person ever.
Sounds like your cats will be ok.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: ElyDave on 09 December, 2018, 05:52:14 pm
I forgot to add, I'm the only omnivore in a houseful of vegetarians - I should be the last to go
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: MikeFromLFE on 09 December, 2018, 06:03:08 pm
We've lived in the same house for the last 35 years, and I've always been convinced that we are more likely to be evacuated than other areas due to the combination of industries nearby. It's never happened. I do keep a grab bag in the spare room with a few essentials should it ever happen.
Plus in view of the idiot politicians supposedly running the country I've added a few other odds and ends to the usual stockpile, which Hopefully I'll use up during next summer.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Ham on 09 December, 2018, 06:06:51 pm
While I'm reasonably insulated against manufacturing shortages, as I make most food from raw ingredients and there are always substitutes, the one thing that would hurt would be energy shortages. As our energy is heavily dependent on external supplies, that's an unfortunate possibility.

On the stocks front, I am coincidentally trying to ease back down from overstocking in everything, not for a zombie-pocalype but mostly for convenience and economy. It'd be a right bugger if I have chosen just the wrong time.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: ian on 09 December, 2018, 06:32:04 pm
I think we're OK for beer – we just moved two boxes from the garage to the porch which doubles as the walk-in fridge this time of year. It's all the strong stuff with distant best-before dates. Come the end of civilization, a 16.5% imperial stout will take the edge off it. Plus frankly, we have enough gin to last about a century.

I checked the canned goods and it's three tins of sardine, one little tin of anchovies, two tins of tomatoes, two tins of butter beans, three tins of Green Giant 'Salad Crisp' sweet corn and that's about it. I'm aware that selection makes me sound possibly the most middle-class person ever.
Sounds like your cats will be ok.

Not if they notice that we've run out of tuna (in spring water, of course!). There's usually a couple of tins of tuna and red salmon (the latter which I eat with a fork when no one is looking, it was the poshest thing in our house as a kid, so strictly rationed; the one benefit of being an adult is that I can snarf down as many tins of wild red skinless and boneless* salmon as I want, but I still feel that I have to hide this in case my mum appears behind me to clip me around the ear). The cats are crazy for tinned tuna, less so for salmon. Oddly, neither of them like fresh tuna.

We do buy 20 kg bags of Science Plan cat food in bulk, so actually the cats will probably be fine. We'd have learn to like cat food, I suppose.

*didn't have that back then, which meant my dad would sort through and give us kids the bits of bone and other manky bits. My memoir should be on the WH Smith's misery porn shelf.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Feanor on 09 December, 2018, 06:35:26 pm
[…]
I checked the canned goods and it's three tins of sardine, one little tin of anchovies, two tins of tomatoes, two tins of butter beans, three tins of Green Giant 'Salad Crisp' sweet corn and that's about it.
[…]
Sounds like your cats will be ok.
Not if they notice that we've run out of tuna (in spring water, of course!).

I don't think it's the tuna the cats will be nomming...
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: perpetual dan on 09 December, 2018, 06:43:02 pm
I reckon I can make a week of meals from the dry / tinned food in the cupboard, and we have some camping gas. The kids will learn to like bean surprise.

If brexit breaks the food supply I’m relying on hot wiring a fishing boat and heading to France. :demon:
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: ElyDave on 09 December, 2018, 06:43:18 pm
[…]
I checked the canned goods and it's three tins of sardine, one little tin of anchovies, two tins of tomatoes, two tins of butter beans, three tins of Green Giant 'Salad Crisp' sweet corn and that's about it.
[…]
Sounds like your cats will be ok.

A couple of days on tuna and kibble until Ian reaches perfect ripeness
Not if they notice that we've run out of tuna (in spring water, of course!).

I don't think it's the tuna the cats will be nomming...

A couple of days on tuna and kibble until ian reaches perfect ripeness
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Steph on 09 December, 2018, 08:27:15 pm
I am already sizing up my neighbours. Plenty of dead wood about at the moment.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: hellymedic on 09 December, 2018, 09:09:04 pm
David complains there's too much stuff in the cupboards, fridge and freezer.

I suppose there's 2-3 weeks supplies in hand.

I've had Sainsbury's deliveries cancelled, can't get out and David hates shopping.

I have emergency bottled water for supply failure.
We have candles and torches to use if the electricity fails though I would be unsafe with a candle and would sit in the dark if home alone with no power.

I keep a hardwired landline phone connected so we don't need mains power to make emergency phone calls. (Power failed for a few hours last winter.)

Our gas cooker can be lit with matches should the need arise.

If BT failed, we'd have to find a book...

Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: pcolbeck on 09 December, 2018, 09:17:16 pm
Since we have power cuts several time a year usually for several hours at a time and memorably one Christmas for three days we always have a supply of candles and battery torches.
We tend to have a full freezer (Mrs Pcolbeck is a batch cooker of casseroles and the like). I have an air rifle so could have a pop at the local bunny population to keep us in food.I keep thinking about stocking up on canned fruit and meat against a possible few months of chaos if we hard Brexit.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: spesh on 09 December, 2018, 09:20:38 pm
I am already sizing up my neighbours. Plenty of dead wood about at the moment.

Neighbours,
Everybody needs good neighbours
Just a tasty steak each morning
Helps to make a better day

Neighbours,
Need to get to know each other
Next door is only a cookbook away

Neighbours,
Everybody needs good neighbours
With the proper seasoning
You can't tell who's pork or man

Neighbours,
Should be there for one another
That's when good neighbours become good viands
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: ElyDave on 09 December, 2018, 09:25:22 pm
Since we have power cuts several time a year usually for several hours at a time and memorably one Christmas for three days we always have a supply of candles and battery torches.
We tend to have a full freezer (Mrs Pcolbeck is a batch cooker of casseroles and the like). I have an air rifle so could have a pop at the local bunny population to keep us in food.I keep thinking about stocking up on canned fruit and meat against a possible few months of chaos if we hard Brexit.

A few years back my sister ended up doing Christmas dinner on the barbie
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Morat on 09 December, 2018, 09:32:32 pm
Since we have power cuts several time a year usually for several hours at a time and memorably one Christmas for three days we always have a supply of candles and battery torches.
We tend to have a full freezer (Mrs Pcolbeck is a batch cooker of casseroles and the like). I have an air rifle so could have a pop at the local bunny population to keep us in food.I keep thinking about stocking up on canned fruit and meat against a possible few months of chaos if we hard Brexit.

I have a shotgun and seem to live quite close by. I'll swap you some pigeons for some of your rabbits? :)

Of course, being cyclists we'll all be in a good position to benefit from empty roads come the Apocalypse.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Torslanda on 09 December, 2018, 10:38:42 pm
I reckon I can make a week of meals from the dry / tinned food in the cupboard, and we have some camping gas. The kids will learn to like bean surprise.

If brexit breaks the food supply I’m relying on hot wiring a fishing boat and heading to France. :demon:

I'm planning a motorcycle holiday and may just not bother coming back...
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 10 December, 2018, 08:12:37 pm
If Brexshit really does hit the fan & supply chains are disrupted the government might try to take things over  :facepalm:   Ministry of Supply ?


I'd imagine bulk food & medicines taking shipping priority , with other daily essentials having to wait.   Stock up on toothpaste, loo roll, toiletries, sanitary towels, spices to make bland food palatable. Basic painkillers & cold remedies.    There might well be a run on the banks, so if you can, get a good chunk of cash out now, before everyone else panics.


I've got a couple of big LED lanterns for light, spare batteries for same.  While I've got camping stoves they are no good with proper pans so I'll probably get a couple of these https://www.blacks.co.uk/equipment/258605-campingaz-camp-bistro-2-stove-mid-blue.html  & some cartridges.   I always keeps some bottled water in, the pipes to my flat are external & freeze every cold  spell.





Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 December, 2018, 08:52:46 pm
There might well be a run on the banks, so if you can, get a good chunk of cash out now, before everyone else panics.
Pounds, euros or dollars?  :demon:
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 10 December, 2018, 08:58:14 pm
Gold sovereigns if you’ve got em! Dig that old medallion or chunky ring out of the drawer.  ;)
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Kim on 10 December, 2018, 09:02:37 pm
Pound now competing with Bitcoin in the race to the bottom?
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: ElyDave on 10 December, 2018, 09:06:05 pm
Gold sovereigns if you’ve got em! Dig that old medallion or chunky ring out of the drawer.  ;)

gold fillings anyone - Charles Bronson style?
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Feline on 10 December, 2018, 09:52:22 pm
I have a definite tendency to stockpile food in the cupboards as Simon would no doubt tell you. However my motivation is not really survivalist- we live out in the sticks where it's over 10 miles to the nearest decent supermarket and I frankly cannot be bothered with running out of things. If I run out of something whilst I am cooking I have usually had too much wine to drive anywhere to buy anything.

That said, I am seriously considering buying a genny- but this is to run the pond pumps in the event of a power cut rather than live off. I'm in the process of getting some solar panels installed on our house- but this is more for environmental reasons than to be self sufficient in a zombapocalpyse  ;D
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Nuncio on 11 December, 2018, 08:28:49 am
3 podcast series I've listened to have, coincidentally and tangentially, touched on prepping - one on Waco, one on Ruby Ridge, and one on Y2K. The Y2K one included a story about someone who prepared for the 1/1/2000 apocalypse by buying 200 hamsters and a lot of hamster food, with the intention of a using them as a self-sustaining (until the hamster food ran out, I suppose) meat supply. It didn't report if he was also intending to try to generate power from hamster wheels.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: pcolbeck on 11 December, 2018, 08:43:04 am
That said, I am seriously considering buying a genny- but this is to run the pond pumps in the event of a power cut rather than live off. I'm in the process of getting some solar panels installed on our house- but this is more for environmental reasons than to be self sufficient in a zombapocalpyse  ;D

When we had the house rewired a few years ago I got the sparky to put in a proper isolation switch to cut us off from the mains and a socket where you can plug a generator in to feed the house electrics. Again not for the zombie apocalypse but more because we get a fair amount of power cuts and I could see that might get worse due to the lack of investment in the infrastructure. We need electricity to keep the central heating pumps turning and the log burner on (it has a back boiler with a pumped not gravity fed circuit). As it is we haven't got round to it a the power-cuts whilst no less frequent have got shorter, now hours rather than days.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: ElyDave on 11 December, 2018, 08:52:51 am
we used to have regular power cuts for long durations, very much reduced now.  Due to my son's disabilities we are on the priority list for all the utilities, whether that extends to a genny or not has not been tested yet.

For the zombapocalyse/trump-troubles/may's mayhem, I have a stout brick-built shed full of pointy and heavy things, some being both pointy and heavy
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 December, 2018, 09:20:19 am
Gold sovereigns if you’ve got em! Dig that old medallion or chunky ring out of the drawer.  ;)
I was reading recently about art of dubious origins that might or might not have been stolen by Nazis during WW2. Apparently one of the reasons there was a boom in art dealing in Germany immediately before during and after the war was down to the lack of conventional commodities for speculation. I suppose in the true ultimate and cataclysmic apocalypse complete with four horsemen, the prepper's tins themselves become currency. Or maybe the horsemen's horses for white, red, black and pale bolognese?
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 14 January, 2019, 08:59:53 pm
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jan/14/i-dont-trust-the-government-to-look-after-me-or-my-dog-meet-the-brexit-stockpilers


https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jan/14/we-have-a-brexit-shelf-readers-prepping-for-the-no-deal-scenario


Equally suited to POBI , but as this thread is already here.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Pedaldog. on 14 January, 2019, 11:31:51 pm
Trangia, Meth's, dried pasta, few bottles of water.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Kim on 14 January, 2019, 11:42:44 pm
Don't forget the bogroll.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Beardy on 14 January, 2019, 11:48:30 pm
Which reminds me, I really should clear the old brick septic tanks of the junk our previous owner dumped in them in case I need to recommission them in April.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 15 January, 2019, 12:05:26 am
Don't forget the bogroll.


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-46865944/could-no-deal-brexit-lead-to-loo-roll-logjam (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-46865944/could-no-deal-brexit-lead-to-loo-roll-logjam)


https://prospect.org/article/brexit-panic-brits-run-out-toilet-paper


"Each Brit consumes 110 toilet rolls a year—two and half time the European average. The United Kingdom is Europe’s biggest importer of loo paper and it is said that only one day’s supply of toilet paper exists in stock. If Britain leaves the EU Customs Union and Single Market in five months’ time and the trucks transporting toilet paper are held up at Calais or Dover, British bottoms will have to be wiped with torn-up newspapers as in bygone days."
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 January, 2019, 12:39:36 am
"Each Brit consumes 110 toilet rolls a year—two and half time the European average."
The implication being we're two and a half times as full of shit!
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 January, 2019, 09:04:47 am
Don't forget the bogroll.


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-46865944/could-no-deal-brexit-lead-to-loo-roll-logjam (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-46865944/could-no-deal-brexit-lead-to-loo-roll-logjam)


https://prospect.org/article/brexit-panic-brits-run-out-toilet-paper


"Each Brit consumes 110 toilet rolls a year—two and half time the European average. The United Kingdom is Europe’s biggest importer of loo paper and it is said that only one day’s supply of toilet paper exists in stock. If Britain leaves the EU Customs Union and Single Market in five months’ time and the trucks transporting toilet paper are held up at Calais or Dover, British bottoms will have to be wiped with torn-up newspapers as in bygone days."

This will at least prop up the flagging circulation of the tabloid press.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: DuncanM on 15 January, 2019, 09:31:44 am
I listened to this (apologies for the itunes link - you can find it elsewhere), so I've stocked upon tins and UHT milk and stuff. If the brexapocalypse is avoided then I'll just give a load of it to the food bank.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fall/id1437140842?mt=2

Irritatingly, if we have a power cut, the solar panels are no use for powering things because the inverter relies on the phase of the supply to sync with mains. In theory a power bank would help with that, but a decent size one is 5 grand, and the payback time is terrible.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Kim on 15 January, 2019, 11:56:37 am
I listened to this (apologies for the itunes link - you can find it elsewhere), so I've stocked upon tins and UHT milk and stuff. If the brexapocalypse is avoided then I'll just give a load of it to the food bank.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fall/id1437140842?mt=2

I really hope it doesn't get serious enough for barakta to have to drink UHT milk.  I'll never hear the end of it.  Maybe I should invest in a cow...


Quote
Irritatingly, if we have a power cut, the solar panels are no use for powering things because the inverter relies on the phase of the supply to sync with mains.

They all seem to do that, presumably in the interests of not electrocuting unsuspecting linespersons working on what they reasonably expect to be a dead cable.  I expect an island-capable inverter would require interlocking with some sort of appropriate isolation (think generator changeover switch) for you to be allowed to connect it to the grid.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 January, 2019, 11:59:05 am
I listened to this (apologies for the itunes link - you can find it elsewhere), so I've stocked upon tins and UHT milk and stuff. If the brexapocalypse is avoided then I'll just give a load of it to the food bank.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fall/id1437140842?mt=2

I really hope it doesn't get serious enough for barakta to have to drink UHT milk.  I'll never hear the end of it.  Maybe I should invest in a cow...
There's an easy way to avoid that. Persuade her to go vegan.  :demon:
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Torslanda on 15 January, 2019, 02:32:27 pm
"Each Brit consumes 110 toilet rolls a year—two and half time the European average."
The implication being we're two and a half times as full of shit!

We don't go thru 4 rolls a week...
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 January, 2019, 03:11:39 pm
"Each Brit consumes 110 toilet rolls a year—two and half time the European average."
The implication being we're two and a half times as full of shit!

We don't go thru 4 rolls a week...
Now you're yanking our chains.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: barakta on 15 January, 2019, 08:44:42 pm
I listened to this (apologies for the itunes link - you can find it elsewhere), so I've stocked upon tins and UHT milk and stuff. If the brexapocalypse is avoided then I'll just give a load of it to the food bank.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fall/id1437140842?mt=2

I really hope it doesn't get serious enough for barakta to have to drink UHT milk.  I'll never hear the end of it.  Maybe I should invest in a cow...
There's an easy way to avoid that. Persuade her to go vegan.  :demon:

 :sick: most plant milks taste worse than UHT...
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 January, 2019, 09:02:22 pm
Mrs Cudzo (who is not vegan) has made an extensive empirical trial of the best plant milks to go with coffee. She currently reckons almond but seems to change her mind from time to time. There does seem to be quite a lot of variation from brand to brand.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Pickled Onion on 15 January, 2019, 09:07:21 pm
"Each Brit consumes 110 toilet rolls a year—two and half time the European average."
The implication being we're two and a half times as full of shit!

Toilet paper in ABROAD is tougher than the soft BRITISH kind, so instead of two sheets folded twice, a single sheet folded once is normally enough. So really we're only a bit more full of shit.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 January, 2019, 09:19:28 pm
That just means British arses are softer. And sorer!
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 January, 2019, 09:22:06 pm
Actually I'm not sure I believe that loo roll figure. As Tors pointed out, 4 rolls per week per person? I reckon that might be a household figure not a per person.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 15 January, 2019, 09:37:07 pm
An 9 pack of Andrex finest on my way home tonight.  And Tesco had Twinings Lansang Souchong for £2.50 per box, which is 80p off the normal price.  I bought all 6 boxes on display. 
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Kim on 15 January, 2019, 09:56:23 pm
Mrs Cudzo (who is not vegan) has made an extensive empirical trial of the best plant milks to go with coffee. She currently reckons almond but seems to change her mind from time to time. There does seem to be quite a lot of variation from brand to brand.

But the one thing they all have in common is that they'll be stuck in a queue in ABROAD when the brexshit hits the fan.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: ian on 16 January, 2019, 09:22:03 am
I don't mind almond 'milk' but it tastes nothing like milk and a lot like almonds. Oat milk tastes like white emulsion, a fact I've verified. Almonds, of course, because of their irrigation needs will destroy the world quicker than cows with WMDs. But they are so tasty.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 January, 2019, 09:37:26 am
I don't mind almond 'milk' but it tastes nothing like milk and a lot like almonds. Oat milk tastes like white emulsion, a fact I've verified. Almonds, of course, because of their irrigation needs will destroy the world quicker than cows with WMDs. But they are so tasty.
Video or it didn't happen! Oh, you didn't mean emulsion paint...
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: ian on 16 January, 2019, 10:17:10 am
I don't mind almond 'milk' but it tastes nothing like milk and a lot like almonds. Oat milk tastes like white emulsion, a fact I've verified. Almonds, of course, because of their irrigation needs will destroy the world quicker than cows with WMDs. But they are so tasty.
Video or it didn't happen! Oh, you didn't mean emulsion paint...

Well, literally I suppose it is an emulsion, but yes paint. Anyway, I think anyone who's attempted to paint the lunar landscape of an artex ceiling can validate this.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 January, 2019, 10:18:41 am
Growing plants on the moon is nothing compared to painting its ceiling.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Kim on 16 January, 2019, 12:28:17 pm
I don't mind almond 'milk' but it tastes nothing like milk and a lot like almonds. Oat milk tastes like white emulsion, a fact I've verified. Almonds, of course, because of their irrigation needs will destroy the world quicker than cows with WMDs. But they are so tasty.
Video or it didn't happen! Oh, you didn't mean emulsion paint...

Well, literally I suppose it is an emulsion, but yes paint. Anyway, I think anyone who's attempted to paint the lunar landscape of an artex ceiling can validate this.

+1 corroboration.  At least I wasn't wearing expensive new glasses, like my mum was.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: pcolbeck on 22 January, 2019, 09:45:15 am
I always have a knife on me. Either a Swiss Army knife or an Opinel or similar. I also keep one in the car. Also a mini Mag lite. Does this count as prepping :)
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 January, 2019, 10:37:11 am
I always have a knife on me. Either a Swiss Army knife or an Opinel or similar. I also keep one in the car. Also a mini Mag lite. Does this count as prepping :)
No, just "going equipped". Officer!
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: diapsaon0 on 22 January, 2019, 04:01:51 pm
I always have a Swiss Army knife in my pocket and a Topeak Alien multi-tool in the saddle bag.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Beardy on 22 January, 2019, 04:44:45 pm
I always have a knife on me. Either a Swiss Army knife or an Opinel or similar. I also keep one in the car. Also a mini Mag lite. Does this count as prepping :)
No, just "going equipped". Officer!
Although intent is generally the acid test that allows the officer some discretion. I inhereted a 12” bladed knife in a leg scabbard, but I’d not take it out of the garage unless I was traveling to a dive site with the intent of diving. It would be very difficult to explain why I was carrying that down the high street. But I’ve usually got a knife in my pocket, either a Swiss army or a Opinel, both of which are technically illegal as they both have locking blades. I can’t imagine why I would be stopped, but if I was I’d hope that I’d be able to convince the officer to use his discretion in my favour as I have no intent to us it as a weapon. That said, I try to remember to take it out of my pocket when I go into THAT LONDON
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Kim on 22 January, 2019, 05:02:29 pm
I can’t imagine why I would be stopped, but if I was I’d hope that I’d be able to convince the officer to use his discretion in my favour as I have no intent to us it as a weapon.

I think this is what's technically known as white privilege.  Age helps too, of course.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 January, 2019, 06:19:08 pm
Age makes a big difference. Once you hit your 40s, strangers start assuming you're harmless.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: ian on 22 January, 2019, 07:44:04 pm
I'm not sure of the benefits of arresting middle-age men with penknives. Unless there's a Swiss Army fifth column set on retrieving their lilac cows.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Kim on 22 January, 2019, 07:56:48 pm
Age makes a big difference. Once you hit your 40s, strangers start assuming you're harmless.

When not riding unusually-shaped bicycles, I've been invisible to teenage oiks for at least 5 years now.  This is approximately the same amount of time since someone last asked to see my ID when purchasing drinkohol/solvents/stabby things.  I expect I could walk around Camden all day and nobody would try to sell me weed.

Obviously I'm too white and female to ever have been randomly stopped and searched.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 January, 2019, 08:20:43 pm
I think I've only every been asked for ID when buying something twice in my life and those were both in the last six years or so: both as security while test riding bicycles. Actually, might be three times. I bought two of the bikes but not the middle one. Prevalent suspicion, general carrying of ID and enforcement of minimum drinking etc ages where not yet fashionable when I was sufficiently young to suffer from them (or at least not yet in the places where I was, even though some of them had higher ages).

But I was thinking not just of hossifers of the loire and beenage hoiks. "You know you're middle aged when... " random female strangers choose to sit next to you on the bus, etc. I guess this doesn't apply if you're female.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: ian on 22 January, 2019, 08:37:46 pm
I got offered home-delivered weed in Herne Hill the other week. I still got some cred. Or a ridiculously hipster beard. That said, I doubt he delivered all the way to Surrey. Even entrepreneurial drug dealers fear the bear.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Tim Hall on 22 January, 2019, 11:11:55 pm
I bought an Opinel for someone as a Christmas present. I had to produce photo I'D (I used my driving licence) and the fact I'd produced said I'D was recorded on the receipt.

For weed, just hang around my Scout Hut car park. (For clarity, my Scouts aren't dealing, it's just the car park is a bit off the main drag and is favoured by people driving cars with blacked out windows and stinking of the stuff)
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 January, 2019, 11:32:53 pm
WE do have rather a lot of tins. This is Dez's doing. He thinks Brexit is a very real threat. Mind you, as a kidney transplant patient who would probably die in about a week without his immunosuppressants, he has a better reason than most. He has ben gradually building up his most important drugs.

I suspect that if the shit really does hit the fan on 29th March and there's a breakdown in food supply and civilisation, then we will be amongst the first to be devoured by the feral residents of Saarfend.

The maxim: never trust a tory.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: pcolbeck on 23 January, 2019, 08:04:39 am
I sometimes wonder how hundreds of French tourists don't get arrested in London. It seems like every French person carries an Opinel and whips it out whenever they are eating an apple or whatever. The lock ring on them makes them illegal (stupidly) as a carry in the UK.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: DuncanM on 23 January, 2019, 11:17:12 am
My Opinel lives in my bike tools, but I assume that's a reasonable "carry" reason. I didn't think the blades on the swiss army knife locked. I can't see how to do that anyway.
I had to surrender it when we went to the Harry Potter Experience! Somewhat embarrassing...

On topic - I bought some more tins and long life milk the other day.  My wife objects to it being in the kitchen, so it's now moving to the garage.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 January, 2019, 11:32:11 am
Not all Swiss army knive blades lock. It depends on the model.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 23 January, 2019, 11:43:28 am
I no longer carry a SAK or Leatherman when visiting London. Too many of the places I go to have bag searches & metal detectors.  The woman at the Royal Galleries at Buckingham Palace thought my tiny Leatherman Squirt was gorgeous , but I still had to collect it on the way out.


Boots have 2 x 125ml tubes of Colgate toothpaste for £4 so I stocked up on that.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: spesh on 23 January, 2019, 11:49:18 am
These might be useful reading.

Thread on stockpiling tips by Dan Kaszeta: https://twitter.com/DanKaszeta/status/1076187776918409216

Blog post by Jack Monroe: https://cookingonabootstrap.com/2018/11/15/what-and-why-im-stockpiling-for-brexit/

There is also this booklet put together by James Patrick, which is based on a civil defence document that Sweden produced. Anyone who's following him on Twitter (https://twitter.com/J_amesp) will already know that he takes a fairly grim, unvarnished view of what's happening, and what could happen:

https://thermopylaeco.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/getting-ready-together1.pdf

Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: pcolbeck on 23 January, 2019, 12:16:46 pm
This stockpiling thing would have made my late Granny very happy, she always had a cupboard full of cans of meat and fruit just in case.
I think it was quite common amongst those who lived through the depression then the war and rationing.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: ian on 23 January, 2019, 12:24:37 pm
This stockpiling thing would have made my late Granny very happy, she always had a cupboard full of cans of meat and fruit just in case.
I think it was quite common amongst those who lived through the depression then the war and rationing.

If she was like my gran, she was still trying to get me to eat stuff she'd squirrelled away during the war. In the 1980s.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 23 January, 2019, 12:46:13 pm
£15:99, not a bad price for an emergency stove.   I got one for £12:50 in Blacks , but they've stopped that offer now.    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-CAMPINGAZ-Camp-Bistro-2-Stove-Portable-Ultralight-Gas-Camping-Hob-RRP-24-99/303038398284?epid=1885466847&hash=item468e7eff4c:g:r~0AAOSwXaRZ9el5:rk:20:pf:0
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: spesh on 23 January, 2019, 12:58:32 pm
This stockpiling thing would have made my late Granny very happy, she always had a cupboard full of cans of meat and fruit just in case.
I think it was quite common amongst those who lived through the depression then the war and rationing.


There's the thing - we've had it remarkably easy since the end of rationing after WW2, and the fact that things haven't fallen over in the way that they have elsewhere has lulled us into a false sense of security regarding the resilience of the networks and systems that underpin our way of life.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Wowbagger on 23 January, 2019, 02:35:07 pm
That's the thing, isn't it? If Brexit happens as planned and we are all suffering but carrying in that very BRITISH way that we do when it snows, then we are all going to come on here and revel in each other's tales of derring do. That is, of course, if Chris Grayling hasn't offered Rogerzilla £14m to use YACF as a means to ferry goods between Ramsgate and Zeebrugge.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Butterfly on 23 January, 2019, 09:50:55 pm
I no longer carry a SAK or Leatherman when visiting London. Too many of the places I go to have bag searches & metal detectors.  The woman at the Royal Galleries at Buckingham Palace thought my tiny Leatherman Squirt was gorgeous , but I still had to collect it on the way out.


Boots have 2 x 125ml tubes of Colgate toothpaste for £4 so I stocked up on that.

Another advantage of being white, female and innocent looking to the point of naivety, and also carrying far too much stuff in my many pocketed bags just in case - no one has ever persisted far enough into the depths of my bag to find the SAK - I think it's been to all the major museums in London. The American customs did once find the scissors in my first aid kit on the way into the country, after I'd failed to wreak havoc with them on the plane, and didn't seem to know what to do with the information, since there was clearly no point in confiscating  them at that stage. They were sure I was up to something since I didn't have any checked in baggage at all, but they couldn't work out what, and due to being W,F & IL, they gave up trying to figure it out. No one has ever tried to sell me weed either. Not even in Camden or Brixton. Or if they did try, i didn't notice.

I am trying to build up some stocks, but it's a bit awkward with not having a house. There are 6 + kgs of pasta and some tinned goods  in storage in Leeds or somewhere though. I'm trying to buy a few extra tins or jars every shop.

I follow my grandmother's adage that one should always be well in hand with soap so have plenty of that. (Old soap lathers less, so lasts longer. Less of a problem in the super-hard water area in which I grew up than in the soft water of Sheffield where she did.)  My mother had 23 bars of soap in her clothes drawers(that I saw, there may have been more) when we helped her pack up her house last year.

We have enough variety of camping stoves and their fuel to keep us going a while. Except the primus, but I've never used that so it will be last resort, it that's the only fuel I can procure.

Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 23 January, 2019, 10:09:35 pm
And the SAK doesn't really matter as you are usually accompanied by a small, blonde weapon of mass destruction anyway  ;)
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 January, 2019, 10:13:14 pm
We have enough variety of camping stoves and their fuel to keep us going a while. Except the primus, but I've never used that so it will be last resort, it that's the only fuel I can procure.
Never used a Primus? Right, who's hacked Butterfly's account and where's the real Butterfly?
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Butterfly on 23 January, 2019, 10:16:47 pm
And the SAK doesn't really matter as you are usually accompanied by a small, blonde weapon of mass destruction anyway  ;)

 ;D Very true

We have enough variety of camping stoves and their fuel to keep us going a while. Except the primus, but I've never used that so it will be last resort, it that's the only fuel I can procure.
Never used a Primus? Right, who's hacked Butterfly's account and where's the real Butterfly?

I've only had that stove about a year, until last year I didn't even know my dad had it to scrounge! We don't have a petrol stove yet, but I think we have most other options covered.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Pingu on 23 January, 2019, 10:27:58 pm
...If Brexit happens as planned...

There's something very wrong with that phrase.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 January, 2019, 01:53:56 pm
Quote
If the current trend for Brexit boxes is anything to go by, it is likely that consumers will rush to stock up on emergency foods such as tinned goods and bottled drinks in the build-up to March 29, in lieu of a Brexit deal. Ironically, these products are also the least likely to suffer from a lengthened border check as they will not spoil. In fact, it is only panic buying that will cause any kind of disruption.
https://theconversation.com/brexit-food-shortages-are-not-inevitable-keep-calm-and-dont-panic-buy-110543
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 31 January, 2019, 08:33:55 pm

Aldi have 1.5kg tubs of Ainsley Herriots Spicy Couscous for £5:99
It’ll be good for camping trips if nothing else.
Good Parmesan at £2:49 as well
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 January, 2019, 08:44:16 pm
I reckon in case of real shit really shitting on the fanning fan, perhaps the most useful thing you can stockpile is money.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Kim on 31 January, 2019, 08:49:22 pm
I reckon in case of real shit really shitting on the fanning fan, perhaps the most useful thing you can stockpile is money.

But probably not BRITISH money.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 31 January, 2019, 09:48:15 pm
I've a few Euro's left from my last foreign tour, though I'd not want to be caught with them when the witch hunts for Europhiles start.  A few dollars & some Swiss francs as well.  Don't think the rupees or Icelandic kronur will be of much use.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 January, 2019, 10:34:26 pm
Deutschmarks always used to be the cash of choice, presumably euros have taken their place. But that's in a different economy in different places. I don't think Tesco will want either of them.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: perpetual dan on 01 February, 2019, 02:12:11 pm
I'm thinking of Euros or veg seeds / trap making equipment makes most sense for when the government fail to unbrexit the food supply by the end of April.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 01 February, 2019, 02:48:47 pm
I’m pondering taking the trailer to a garden centre & buying a few growbags.  I can probably do lettuce & tomatoes on my balcony.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 February, 2019, 08:21:08 pm
Does SNODEH give us a taste of Brexit panic buying to come? Sainsbury's clean out of bread and milk (not even the cages they put the bottles in – don't know whether they'd simply sold out or no delivery came today) and closing at 19:30. It's normally open till 22:00. OTOH, the little shop round the corner that sells the nice thick tasty milk was well stocked.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 17 March, 2019, 08:19:45 pm
2 cases of decent plonk delivered.  It's only going to get more expensive.  If Brexit doesn't happen on the 29th I may have to drink it....
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Formerly Known As on 19 March, 2019, 10:20:12 pm
I'm a prepper, although prior to the age of the I interweb I'd have been called a...

SURVIVALIST!!!!

Shock horror indeed.

Food and non perishables for the family for about 3 months, independent powers supplies, several weeks of water (more with rationing), legally held firearms and crossbow so hu ting and civil defence ar covered, financial independence, enough wood to heat and cook for a year.

Aside from being able to look after me and my loved ones in a SHTF situation, as a patriot I consider it my duty to reduce my reliance on government support in times of national emergency.  I also use as little road fuel as possible (I'm a cyclist you see, with a tiny car that hardly uses any fuel) thus reducing the countries reliance on foreign energy sources.

Common sense, preparedness, patriotism.  What's not to like?
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 21 March, 2019, 01:19:28 pm
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-47640908 (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-47640908)


True Blue Brexiters will have to use the Daily Heil.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: bludger on 21 March, 2019, 01:37:05 pm
Well they've steered us up the creek without the paddle, I was hoping I'd at least have something to wipe my arse with while here but it looks like the raging old bastards have made sure to rob me of even that precious luxury.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Formerly Known As on 21 March, 2019, 03:06:16 pm
They stole your arse?  ???
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Regulator on 22 March, 2019, 01:20:46 pm
This stockpiling thing would have made my late Granny very happy, she always had a cupboard full of cans of meat and fruit just in case.
I think it was quite common amongst those who lived through the depression then the war and rationing.

Yep.  When one of our local oldies died a few years ago, they found her under stairs cupboard and pantry were packed full of tins - some of which were over 40 years old...
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Formerly Known As on 22 March, 2019, 10:09:59 pm

Yep.  When one of our local oldies died a few years ago, they found her under stairs cupboard and pantry were packed full of tins - some of which were over 40 years old...

Did you risk trying any of them?
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Butterfly on 22 March, 2019, 10:19:56 pm
Well they've steered us up the creek without the paddle, I was hoping I'd at least have something to wipe my arse with while here but it looks like the raging old bastards have made sure to rob me of even that precious luxury.

Stock up now on washing powder and use flannels or cut up old sheets and towels. Dampen with water and they do a better job than tp anyway. You can get a bucket with a lid to store them once used until they are washed. If you don't have any rags to use, you can get washable wipes from ebay or posh ones from cheeky wipes or similar companies.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Kim on 22 March, 2019, 10:21:46 pm

Yep.  When one of our local oldies died a few years ago, they found her under stairs cupboard and pantry were packed full of tins - some of which were over 40 years old...

Did you risk trying any of them?

This is what the Manx Beard Club (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vjT_fFUFLs) are for.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 March, 2019, 12:15:51 pm
Well they've steered us up the creek without the paddle, I was hoping I'd at least have something to wipe my arse with while here but it looks like the raging old bastards have made sure to rob me of even that precious luxury.

Stock up now on washing powder and use flannels or cut up old sheets and towels. Dampen with water and they do a better job than tp anyway. You can get a bucket with a lid to store them once used until they are washed. If you don't have any rags to use, you can get washable wipes from ebay or posh ones from cheeky wipes or similar companies.
A practical tip on this thread! (from a practical person, it must be said)
After that there's left hand and water.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: rogerzilla on 23 March, 2019, 03:04:57 pm
Just poo before a shower, then you can use the Calcutta rinse.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 29 July, 2019, 07:52:55 pm
I'm having an online discussion with a friend about buying loo roll in bulk  :facepalm:


54 rolls of Andrex Supreme for £21.90 or 45 rolls of Regina Softis for £24.99.   Never tried the Regina stuff but their kitchen roll is good.     
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: BrianI on 30 July, 2019, 09:52:25 am
I'm having an online discussion with a friend about buying loo roll in bulk  :facepalm:


54 rolls of Andrex Supreme for £21.90 or 45 rolls of Regina Softis for £24.99.   Never tried the Regina stuff but their kitchen roll is good.   

Don't worry, after Brexit it'll be back to good old fashioned Izal Medicated Toilet Paper. Stiff upper lip and all that...
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 30 July, 2019, 10:07:07 am
She says she used to buy the (German) Regina stuff at Aldi, but they stopped stocking it. She asked & was told that the crash in the £ had made it uneconomical to import.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: spesh on 30 July, 2019, 10:43:25 am
I'm having an online discussion with a friend about buying loo roll in bulk  :facepalm:


54 rolls of Andrex Supreme for £21.90 or 45 rolls of Regina Softis for £24.99.   Never tried the Regina stuff but their kitchen roll is good.   

Don't worry, after Brexit it'll be back to good old fashioned Izal Medicated Toilet Paper. Stiff upper lip and all that...

Come on, get with the narrative - we'll all be reduced to fighting each other for the last dock leaves in the country by the end of November...
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 30 July, 2019, 10:59:42 am
Exactly.  Those of us who’ve cornered the market in bog roll can sell it for vast profits & clean up....
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 31 July, 2019, 11:51:54 pm
It arrived today.  I'm going to have to stash it in the loft.   Perhaps I can rig up some form of continual dispenser, with all the rolls sellotaped together & feeding down through a slot in the ceiling ...
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 August, 2019, 05:11:32 pm
Exactly.  Those of us who’ve cornered the market in bog roll can sell it for vast profits & clean up....
But how are you going to clean up once you've sold it all?
<boom, tish and taxi>

It arrived today.  I'm going to have to stash it in the loft.   Perhaps I can rig up some form of continual dispenser, with all the rolls sellotaped together & feeding down through a slot in the ceiling ...
Just have a look through the designs of Heath Robinson, there's bound to be something...
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 09 August, 2019, 01:13:36 pm
Sainsburys have 125ml tubes of Colgate toothpaste at £2.  Stock up.       I should get some more brush heads for the electric toothbrush as well.  Imported so will not be getting cheaper.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 09 August, 2019, 04:19:39 pm
I'm currently vegetarian, but if (when?) we start getting seriously short of food I'll just make burgers from the nearest brexiteer that opens their gammon mouth.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 09 August, 2019, 05:50:45 pm
https://twitter.com/bbcbreaking/status/1159865053690126342?s=21 (https://twitter.com/bbcbreaking/status/1159865053690126342?s=21)


Power cuts ? We’ve not even Brexited yet. Roll on the three day week....
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: spesh on 09 August, 2019, 07:07:50 pm
https://twitter.com/bbcbreaking/status/1159865053690126342?s=21 (https://twitter.com/bbcbreaking/status/1159865053690126342?s=21)


Power cuts ? We’ve not even Brexited yet. Roll on the three day week....

https://youtu.be/g_rWja1Xiu8
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 August, 2019, 12:05:28 pm
Andrewc, you are a mere amateur...
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife/boardmasters-festival-2019-newquay-weather-3192915
(https://i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/incoming/article3192902.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_toilet-rollsJPG.jpg)
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: perpetual dan on 10 August, 2019, 07:27:17 pm
I'm currently vegetarian, but if (when?) we start getting seriously short of food I'll just make burgers from the nearest brexiteer that opens their gammon mouth.

I thought the standard advice was to compost them, because of the toxins accumulated by “apex” predators.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 10 August, 2019, 08:28:41 pm
I'm currently vegetarian, but if (when?) we start getting seriously short of food I'll just make burgers from the nearest brexiteer that opens their gammon mouth.

I thought the standard advice was to compost them, because of the toxins accumulated by “apex” predators.
Apex? More like bottom feeders.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 18 August, 2019, 11:33:37 am

https://www.reddit.com/r/ukpolitics/comments/crvuse/operation_chaos_whitehalls_secret_nodeal_brexit/


Public water services are likely to remain largely unaffected, thanks to actions now being taken by water companies. The most significant single risk is a failure in the chemicals supply chain. The likelihood of this is considered low, and the impact is likely to be local, affecting only hundreds of thousands of people. Water companies are well prepared for any disruption: they have significant stocks of all critical chemicals, extensive monitoring of their chemicals supply chains (including transport and deliveries) and sharing agreements in place. In the event of a supply chain failure, or the need to respond rapidly to other water supply incidents, urgent action may need to be taken to make sure people continue to have access to clean water.


Only hundreds of thousands.  That's OK then.....  :facepalm:


https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007MMEPTG/ & https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00AF561T4/

Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 23 August, 2019, 05:51:23 pm
Aldi have 1Kg tubs of Meridian crunchy peanut butter for £4.99.  Keeps for ages & a good source of calories.   I'm going to shove it in the loft so I don't eat it all before TEOTWAWKI.


https://www.trueprepper.com/peanut-butter-survival-food/
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Kim on 23 August, 2019, 05:52:37 pm
Suggest you shove it in something meece-proof.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 August, 2019, 05:53:32 pm
Aldi have 1Kg tubs of Meridian crunchy peanut butter for £4.99.  Keeps for ages & a good source of calories.   I'm going to shove it in the loft so I don't eat it all before TEOTWAWKI.


https://www.trueprepper.com/peanut-butter-survival-food/
Find something audaxer-proof.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 23 August, 2019, 06:08:40 pm
I shall be popping down to Clas Ohlson tomorrow & buying some more plastic storage boxes in their closing down sale.   :(


Edit:  4 x 40L plastic storage boxes with lids for £14.  Better quality than the ones Tesco are selling as well.    They are doing 50% discount on lots of stuff & sadly it was the busiest I've ever seen the place.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 25 December, 2019, 01:07:33 pm
https://thesurvivalmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/LDS-Preparedness-Manual.pdf


The Mormon Survival Guide.    Does not include instructions for building an interstellar ship to get the hell away from disaster.*


*Expanse reference.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 24 February, 2020, 05:19:49 pm
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/24/zombie-apocalypse-coronavirus-stockpilers-emergency-food (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/24/zombie-apocalypse-coronavirus-stockpilers-emergency-food?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other)


A crisis is a business opportunity.  I read last week about a Hong Kong supermarket being raided for toilet paper.  I wish I’d bought a few crates of surgical masks last year to flog on Ebay :-)
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: rogerzilla on 24 February, 2020, 06:32:10 pm
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/24/zombie-apocalypse-coronavirus-stockpilers-emergency-food (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/24/zombie-apocalypse-coronavirus-stockpilers-emergency-food?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other)


A crisis is a business opportunity.  I read last week about a Hong Kong supermarket being raided for toilet paper.  I wish I’d bought a few crates of surgical masks last year to flog on Ebay :-)
Toilet paper?  Nick the bulk rolls from work or do the Calcutta rinse  :D
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Morat on 24 February, 2020, 09:37:55 pm
https://thesurvivalmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/LDS-Preparedness-Manual.pdf


The Mormon Survival Guide.    Does not include instructions for building an interstellar ship to get the hell away from disaster.*


*Expanse reference.

That is an eye opener. I had no idea that the Mormons are required to keep a year's worth of supplies by their church. I also had no idea they could spin out 20 pages of bible references to prove the need for it.  :o  ???
The Catholic church is a more succinct. "The Pope said so" would cover it.

So, apart from learning how to fish I think I could manage a 96 day survival pack. But what will MI6 think when they see that lot on my internet history?

Edit: after reading some more... These guys REALLY mean it!
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Pickled Onion on 25 February, 2020, 07:52:52 am
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/24/zombie-apocalypse-coronavirus-stockpilers-emergency-food (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/24/zombie-apocalypse-coronavirus-stockpilers-emergency-food?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other)

Quote
“If you think about what’s in your kitchen cupboard today,” he says, “it’s a few tins of beans, some manky rice. You might be able to cobble together food for a few days."

Is this true? Do people really not usually have enough food to last a whole week and "just nip in the car, pop to the supermarket," several times a week?
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Kim on 25 February, 2020, 01:38:53 pm
Is this true? Do people really not usually have enough food to last a whole week

I think it depends on whether you're inclined toward actual cooking in the first place, and whether you have more than one cupboard and half a shelf in the freezer for storing all your stuff.  It's also easy to buy food one meal at a time when your daily commute involves walking past suitable shops.

I've always been inclined to keep at least a couple of weeks worth of food, bogroll and medication around, in case I get ill.  The only thing worse than having to go out in the cold and do things when you've got a nasty chest infection is being insufficiently prepared for a bout of D&V.   :hand:
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 February, 2020, 02:21:32 pm
I thought I was behind one such in the queueueueue at Mr Sainsbury's House Of Toothy Comestibles yesterday.  Huge bags of cheapo frozen chops, enormous piles of tinned fish, gallons of milk and a sack of sugar bigger than my head.  Until I saw the logo on her sweatshirt.  Vetinary service ;D
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: spesh on 26 February, 2020, 02:32:23 pm
I thought I was behind one such in the queueueueue at Mr Sainsbury's House Of Toothy Comestibles yesterday.  Huge bags of cheapo frozen chops, enormous piles of tinned fish, gallons of milk and a sack of sugar bigger than my head.  Until I saw the logo on her sweatshirt.  Vetinary service ;D

I dunno, that seems like a cunning way of getting the stockpiling done without spooking the sheeple.  :demon:
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Greenbank on 26 February, 2020, 02:33:35 pm
Is this true? Do people really not usually have enough food to last a whole week and "just nip in the car, pop to the supermarket," several times a week?

Two different things.

I go to the local supermarket 6 or 7 times a week. We don't really do a "big shop" and tend to just buy stuff for the next day or so each time we pass it (and one of us passes it at least twice a day on the school run or on the way to work - on foot I may add). Every couple of months we'll either do a big shop in the car (or by delivery) but this is generally for heavy items that we don't want to have to lug home by hand, stuff like washing powder, etc. I like the spontaneity of cooking rather than planning things a week in advance.

But I could probably feed all 3 of us for a good 3-4 weeks with what's in the fridge/freezer and cupboards if necessary.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 02 May, 2020, 03:13:18 pm
https://www.thenation.com/article/society/coronavirus-global-food-crisis/


All this , and Brexshit on top.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: quixoticgeek on 03 May, 2020, 12:22:03 pm
I no longer carry a SAK or Leatherman when visiting London. Too many of the places I go to have bag searches & metal detectors.  The woman at the Royal Galleries at Buckingham Palace thought my tiny Leatherman Squirt was gorgeous , but I still had to collect it on the way out.

When I was in London most recently I met up with an old friend. We thought we'd nip in a museum. She turned to me and asked "how big is the knife you have on you?" She appears to know me too well. On that occasion I had just my Leatherman Squirt, which security didn't even notice. Normally tho I tend to carry a Svord Peasant Mini knife, it's UK legal in that it doesn't lock, and is short. I tend to keep it in my bra, much to the amazement of people round these parts when I take it out to use it. I did so in a restaurant with a group of friends a few weeks before lock down. This then started a discussion on which surprised people more, the fact I carry a knife, or where I store it...

I don't consider myself a prepper, tho I have dabbled in bushcraft, I do have a week or 2's worth of camping food plus stoves etc... in the house. I was certainly better prepared when I lived in Kent, there I had an array of weaponry, 500l of water, and several weeks food, as well as knowing where I could forage locally. But as non of the weaponry would fit through Eurostar security (for some reason longbows and 2.7m spears are outside the luggage specs for said service...), I left it all behind.

Over here I normally do a home delivery from the supermarket every 6-8 weeks. This usually coincides with when toilet roll is on offer, and I get 2 16 roll packs for a couple of euro cheaper. The supermarket website has a handy feature for "add your usual stuff to basket" What I didn't realise is it doesn't check if you have already done this, meaning that having already gone through and added lots of stuff, including said 32 bog rolls, I then click "add usual stuff", and it added them again. Resulting in the guy arriving at my door with 15l of coke, 64 toilet rolls, and a couple of crates of food. This was in January, rather useful timing given what happened in March...

We got a letter recently telling us that the electricity company is coming to rewire the feed to the building, and we can expect to be without power for a whole day. I had a rummage, and have dug out the pair of 3kva UPS, and charged them. Then rejigged the network to run off a USB powered access point, meaning I can run it off one of my 100Wh battery banks. Meaning I just have to power my laptop and the cable modem off the UPS. Should last for most of the day, I hope.

I am realising that I am woefully deficient in solar power in this country, I left my panels in the UK.

When I lived in the UK I was an emergency response volunteer with a large UK charity, this gave me some useful training, and more importantly, an insight into what the UK has ready to roll in event of emergency. I'm not a prepper, I'm just a paranoid geek...

J
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 May, 2020, 02:47:50 pm
And how does a 2.7m spear fit into foraging? Are there still mammoths roaming the Kentish Weald?
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: quixoticgeek on 03 May, 2020, 02:53:09 pm
And how does a 2.7m spear fit into foraging? Are there still mammoths roaming the Kentish Weald?

To be honest the last thing I hit with a spear was a human... I tend to think of them more as a defensive weapon than one for hunting. For hunting I have the bows... That said the last thing I shot with a bow was a friend...

J

Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: quixoticgeek on 03 May, 2020, 02:59:30 pm
For hunting I have the bows... That said the last thing I shot with a bow was a friend...

Correction, the last thing I shot that wasn't myself. I'm still not sure how, but I managed to shoot myself in the face with my own arrow.

J
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 May, 2020, 03:15:29 pm
I note you say "was" a friend. Understandable. If I shot myself in the face with my own arrow, I wouldn't be my own friend anymore either.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Jurek on 03 May, 2020, 04:42:25 pm
And how does a 2.7m spear fit into foraging? Are there still mammoths roaming the Kentish Weald?

To be honest the last thing I hit with a spear was a human... I tend to think of them more as a defensive weapon than one for hunting. For hunting I have the bows... That said the last thing I shot with a bow was a friend...

J
My one-time work colleague whom, for the purposes of this post, we'll refer to as Bad Stuart, lives in one of the less salubrious parts of Brum.
On the inside of his front door, attached to the frame using a Terry clip, is a javelin.
That's not exactly a close-combat weapon.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: quixoticgeek on 03 May, 2020, 05:02:17 pm

My one-time work colleague whom, for the purposes of this post, we'll refer to as Bad Stuart, lives in one of the less salubrious parts of Brum.
On the inside of his front door, attached to the frame using a Terry clip, is a javelin.
That's not exactly a close-combat weapon.

My cqb weapon if choice was always the Sæx. I used to sleep with one under my pillow. When I explained this to a friend who was sharing the bed, they said "that's fine, no sæx before marriage..."

Unfortunately. As with everything else, Eurostar security means it's in the UK still...

J
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 04 May, 2020, 09:33:27 am
And how does a 2.7m spear fit into foraging? Are there still mammoths roaming the Kentish Weald?

To be honest the last thing I hit with a spear was a human... I tend to think of them more as a defensive weapon than one for hunting. For hunting I have the bows... That said the last thing I shot with a bow was a friend...

J
My one-time work colleague whom, for the purposes of this post, we'll refer to as Bad Stuart, lives in one of the less salubrious parts of Brum.
On the inside of his front door, attached to the frame using a Terry clip, is a javelin.
That's not exactly a close-combat weapon.
Use it like a quarter-staff, it would be very handy I think. Particularly if you jab at feet with the end.

So, MrsC has taken to ordering food online. While she was unpacking the 3 boxes of food delivered at the end of last week (various flours, dried beans, 500g bags of spices), I made a comment about we we are starting to look like 'preppers'.
"What's a prepper" she says "I've never heard that word.".

There are two of us. So much food here that it doesn't fit into cupboards, there are now stacks of plastic crates full of food.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: davelodwig on 04 May, 2020, 12:03:33 pm
And how does a 2.7m spear fit into foraging? Are there still mammoths roaming the Kentish Weald?

Just before lockdown, I went out and bought another 500 shotgun cartridges. Plenty of pigeons, phesants, and other wildlife I can turn into food with those.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Kim on 04 May, 2020, 12:33:51 pm
This thread's making me feel under-armed.  (Not in the deodorant sense.)
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Wowbagger on 04 May, 2020, 12:38:05 pm
This thread's making me feel under-armed.  (Not in the deodorant sense.)

I'm sure you can molish a bow and arrow of sufficient power to deal with the ASBO geese.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 04 May, 2020, 02:55:35 pm
This thread's making me feel under-armed.  (Not in the deodorant sense.)


Heinnie's will meet all of your stabby / choppy requirements.   You can supplement your Mora with a machete or axe......  https://www.heinnie.com       (The Marbles Bolo I bought was very sharp out of the box , but is very ORANGE).


I keep Percy the Precautionary Pickaxe Handle in my hall,  for a less lethal response....       
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Morat on 09 May, 2020, 05:27:50 pm
I Thought you were all going a bit nuts with the weaponry, until I remembered my 12 bore. I don't normally even see it between Feb 1st and mid November...

I've given in and found a large bag of Strong White Flour, one of Strong Wholemeal Flower and bought two of these food tubs to keep it all in.
If there's a second lockdown, I'll be ready.

In the meantime we're bakers. We haven't bought a single pre-baked item since the lockdown began - home made just tastes better. If we had the time during "normality" I'd keep on baking.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07JHCV1NR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Proper job!
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 May, 2020, 07:04:46 pm
Interesting read here (https://theconversation.com/living-with-bunker-builders-doomsday-prepping-in-the-age-of-coronavirus-136635) on optimism, selfishness and altruism in prepping communities as well as their rejection of survivalism. Also raises the issue of prepping for what happens when you come out of the bunker – but then frustratingly doesn't explore it.
Quote
Nestled among Kansas cornfields in a landscape devoid of any noticeable natural topography, a verdant mound can be seen from a dirt road. Surrounded by a military-grade chain fence and in the shadow of a large wind turbine, a security guard in camouflage paces the fence line with an assault rifle. If you look closely, you might notice what looks like a concrete pill box perched on the top of the small hill, flanked by cameras. What lies underneath is a bunker that is unassuming, unassailable and – to many – unbelievable.
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: andrewc on 17 May, 2020, 07:41:01 pm
Interesting read here (https://theconversation.com/living-with-bunker-builders-doomsday-prepping-in-the-age-of-coronavirus-136635) on optimism, selfishness and altruism in prepping communities as well as their rejection of survivalism.
Quote
Nestled among Kansas cornfields in a landscape devoid of any noticeable natural topography, a verdant mound can be seen from a dirt road. Surrounded by a military-grade chain fence and in the shadow of a large wind turbine, a security guard in camouflage paces the fence line with an assault rifle. If you look closely, you might notice what looks like a concrete pill box perched on the top of the small hill, flanked by cameras. What lies underneath is a bunker that is unassuming, unassailable and – to many – unbelievable.


Sounds like a great setting for a J.G. Ballard novel.   
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: quixoticgeek on 17 May, 2020, 08:14:55 pm
Interesting read here (https://theconversation.com/living-with-bunker-builders-doomsday-prepping-in-the-age-of-coronavirus-136635) on optimism, selfishness and altruism in prepping communities as well as their rejection of survivalism. Also raises the issue of prepping for what happens when you come out of the bunker – but then frustratingly doesn't explore it.
Quote
Nestled among Kansas cornfields in a landscape devoid of any noticeable natural topography, a verdant mound can be seen from a dirt road. Surrounded by a military-grade chain fence and in the shadow of a large wind turbine, a security guard in camouflage paces the fence line with an assault rifle. If you look closely, you might notice what looks like a concrete pill box perched on the top of the small hill, flanked by cameras. What lies underneath is a bunker that is unassuming, unassailable and – to many – unbelievable.

I wonder if they remembered the hair clippers...

Reading the article I notice no mention of health care. No infirmary, no morgue. Imagine locking yourselves in a 75 person village for 5 years, to sit out the apocalypse, then discovering 4 months down the line someone has had a heart attack, and you have nowhere to put the decomposing body without opening the hatches.

What happens if someone has a child in there? What about all the complications of pregnancy? Do they have anyone trained as a midwife, or are they relying on a some book in the basement library?

Kinda want them all to scramble into the bunker, and then watch it as an experiment... See how many of the 75 people who go in, can make it out in 5 years...

J
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: spesh on 17 May, 2020, 10:14:40 pm
Interesting read here (https://theconversation.com/living-with-bunker-builders-doomsday-prepping-in-the-age-of-coronavirus-136635) on optimism, selfishness and altruism in prepping communities as well as their rejection of survivalism.
Quote
Nestled among Kansas cornfields in a landscape devoid of any noticeable natural topography, a verdant mound can be seen from a dirt road. Surrounded by a military-grade chain fence and in the shadow of a large wind turbine, a security guard in camouflage paces the fence line with an assault rifle. If you look closely, you might notice what looks like a concrete pill box perched on the top of the small hill, flanked by cameras. What lies underneath is a bunker that is unassuming, unassailable and – to many – unbelievable.


Sounds like a great setting for a J.G. Ballard novel.

I think he kind of covered that in his first novel, The Wind From Nowhere. It doesn't end well...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wind_from_Nowhere (contains plot spoilers, obv.)
Title: Re: Preppers and prepping tendencies
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 May, 2020, 11:30:24 am
Interesting read here (https://theconversation.com/living-with-bunker-builders-doomsday-prepping-in-the-age-of-coronavirus-136635) on optimism, selfishness and altruism in prepping communities as well as their rejection of survivalism. Also raises the issue of prepping for what happens when you come out of the bunker – but then frustratingly doesn't explore it.
Quote
Nestled among Kansas cornfields in a landscape devoid of any noticeable natural topography, a verdant mound can be seen from a dirt road. Surrounded by a military-grade chain fence and in the shadow of a large wind turbine, a security guard in camouflage paces the fence line with an assault rifle. If you look closely, you might notice what looks like a concrete pill box perched on the top of the small hill, flanked by cameras. What lies underneath is a bunker that is unassuming, unassailable and – to many – unbelievable.

I wonder if they remembered the hair clippers...

Reading the article I notice no mention of health care. No infirmary, no morgue. Imagine locking yourselves in a 75 person village for 5 years, to sit out the apocalypse, then discovering 4 months down the line someone has had a heart attack, and you have nowhere to put the decomposing body without opening the hatches.

What happens if someone has a child in there? What about all the complications of pregnancy? Do they have anyone trained as a midwife, or are they relying on a some book in the basement library?

Kinda want them all to scramble into the bunker, and then watch it as an experiment... See how many of the 75 people who go in, can make it out in 5 years...

J
There's a lot of things they don't mention. Toilets for instance. Do they have a septic tank large enough for five years or do they somehow get it all to soak into the surrounding soil? Or perhaps they have a system where the pee is filtered and sterilised and ends up as clean water (cos they don't mention that either) and the poo is dried and ends up as fuel? But these are technical questions and pretty easy to solve (probably) if you've got $20 million to spend, and a bit dry (not literally... ) for an article that's not about the technical details.

Harder to do is the staff (medical, engineering, etc; are they retaining medics, electricians, plumbers, or just hoping there will be some among the residents? And the social aspects, which he has thought about, but some (same people) you obviously just have to put up with.

And then what will that live feed show on five years plus one day and what will you do upon surfacing?