How to Survive a Total Economic Collapse

[Jeffrey]

... or natural disasters.

This is a study thread. Please, contribute helpful information. The governments are preparing (http://www.infowars.com/no-obvious-reason-for-why-china-is-massively-boosting-stockpiles-of-rice-iron-ore-precious-metals-dry-milk/), and so should we.

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How to Survive Total Economic Collapse

Purchase goods and valuables such as guns for hunting and personal protection, and basic food supplies such as whole grains and legumes, which are easy to store. Invest in water purification bottles and tablets, and keep some bottled water on hand to meet immediate needs in the event of a shortage. All of these will make it more possible to survive a total economic collapse in the event of panic-induced disaster.

[...]

Prepare a first aid kit, sewing kit and other practical necessities of daily life to aid in survival of a total economic collapse. These are good things to have on hand anyway, for regular daily life as well as for emergencies.

[...]

Get to know your neighbors and build a community wherever you are. In the event of total economic collapse, life will become very local and survival will depend on working together with others, beginning with families.

[...]

Grow some of your own food and raise animals for meat, if possible. Chickens and rabbits are small and easy to tend. Chickens provide eggs as well as meat and are excellent sources of protein and fat, both of which critical for survival. In economic downturns such as a recession or depression, being able to produce food is a important skill to have.

[...]

Learn how to barter, and stock items to trade. Think about necessities (wool blankets, soap, boots, duct tape, ammunition) as well as luxuries (chocolate, tobacco, alcohol). Useful tools will be more valuable than money if there is a currency collapse. Useful barter items will be helpful to have on hand as you prepare to survive an economic collapse.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_2130484_survive-total-economic-collapse.html

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20 Things You Will Need To Survive When The Economy Collapses And The Next Great Depression Begins


Storable Food
Clean Water
Shelter
Warm Clothing
An Axe
Lighters or Matches
Hiking Boots or Comfortable Shoes
A Radio [and a HAM radio]
Communication Equipment
A Swiss Army Knife
Personal Hygiene Items
A First Aid Kit and Other Medical Supplies
Extra Gasoline
A Sewing Kit
Self-Defense Equipment
A Compass
A Hiking Backpack
A Community
A Backup Plan


Full descriptions here: http://www.businessinsider.com/20-things-you-will-need-to-survive-when-the-economy-collapses-and-the-next-great-depression-begins-2010-5?op=1

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http://www.goldstockbull.com/wp-content/uploads/100-things-that-disappear-in-economic-collapse.pdf

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http://www.usdebtclock.org/

http://www.usdebtclock.org/world-debt-clock.html

[Jeffrey]

uhnKB6rsV2o

This is probably a good investment.

http://dev.bitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/lifesaver-bottle-04.jpg

More here: http://www.lifesaversystems.com

[Heartsong]

A bicycle is a good idea too. a pedicab maybe.

[bennycog]

what do you do if you have medical conditions that could hinder your community? and these medical conditions require drugs or other to keep you functioning?
example: diabetic, I think you would have to come to realise that you will not make it through unless you had a massive stock and a sun powered fridge..

[norman]

Hi Vivek, I've noticed you post some really well grounded stuff. I appreciate that.

My dilemma is that I'm almost convinced that what's really going on is a lot bigger than anyone's lifetime. Reaching for the survival aids is attractive to a part of me but it's not the part of me that I' most passionate about or even sure is worth a stab. If I was a seriously clever operator in this wicked world and had a hell of a lot to lose, I might feel different, but I haven't and don't.

What I see is confronting me is a deliberation of 'purpose'. I'm the first to admit that I'm unsure what my purpose "IS" but I have to eventually go with my basic gut intuition.

That's not at all what I might sound like I'm all about when I speak or write about current issues. I usually step aside from 'news' and take a swipe at what it means to my conscious mind.

I don't know if it's my age or what it is, but, I really only feel hollow when I engage with current affairs. My speaking mind has one view but my deeper mind has something else going on that I can't even explain.

I think I'm trying to tell you that I believe I am about something very much bigger than one single lifetime. I don't know how to put it any better than that.

All I really care about ( as an ultimately selfish being wrapped up in in a package of 'conscience' ), is that "I do it right".

I don't really see this single lifetime as much more than a "class" I attend in my growth towards something I would only spoil by putting a name to it.

I DO understand, to a point, the idea that there is something real about putting up a correct resistance to a 'wrong'. There is plenty of wrong to put right, but being "right" isn't what it's all cracked up to be, me thinks. I know I've never seen or researched anyone who ever got it right.

Survive this hump if you feel it is so right for you, who am I to know what your ultimate path or purpose is ?

Hell, I'm not even sure what my own ultimate path or purpose is.

[sunflower]

We have been stockpiling mainly for short term emergencies ever since the ice storm. That was a good wake up call for us.

I have come to realize that orderly and proper storage and rotation of food items is important if you don't want wastage. You can use empty pop and juice bottles as well as larger water containers depending on available storage space. Dried legumes use water for soaking and simmering as well as longer cooking times. A mill is needed if you stockpile grains. Dehydrated foods need water too but cook quickly and are easy to store. Canned goods are easier to reheat but take up space. Many food products are packaged in foil pouches which means longer shelf life.

If you have a garden canning equipment is useful. If there are community gardens in your area you can put your name on the waiting list. Or start using the front lawn. If you use heritage or bio seeds you can collect seeds for the next year. Preparing a root cellar will extend the life of your produce. You can't rely on the freezer.

A kelly kettle as well as other kinds of camp stoves that use twigs etc for cooking are useful when no other fuel is available. Solar products and gadgets can make life easier when power fails.

On my to do list: getting a couple of solar panels hooked up to our solar generator so we can recharge the battery on the laptop. Either that or print out all the important survival information I have been collecting for the past few years. ;)

The ice storm also made us realize how important it is to stockpile wood or whatever fuel we need for our emergency heating systems. Many apartment dwellers were forced to leave their apartments when the landlord drained the water pipes. You are fortunate if you live in an apartment complex that has emergency generators.

The Avalon read only forums have a wealth of information dealing with many issues and aspects of survival. Not all of us are in the same situation nor feel the same way about prepping. In our hearts we know what is right for us personally.

[pyrangello]

Thanks for all the links, I'll pass them on. I've listened enough to my grandparents over the years talk about when the depression hit. The difference between back then and now are many , no credit cards back then, no 2cd mortgages back then, many, many people lived off of farms and canned food back then . So yeah if and when the wheels come off the cart , it's going to be a hard lesson for many. I say do what you can do to a point where you feel comfortable and then forget about this and live your life.

For info on the medical stuff and longevity of drugs you can buy the book "dare to prepare" from www.standeyo.com They list everything in that book for drugs taken from a study the army did. Very very resourceful.

There are many signs all around us , all one has to do is connect the dots, thanks for many dots of the proactive kind here.

[GoodETxSG]

what do you do if you have medical conditions that could hinder your community? and these medical conditions require drugs or other to keep you functioning?
example: diabetic, I think you would have to come to realise that you will not make it through unless you had a massive stock and a sun powered fridge..

Yes, powering medical equipment and refrigeration is a problem. Also talk to your doctor about having a couple months at least of back supply. As long as they are not narcotic the doctors are usually okay with it. Tell them FEMA and DHS web sites recommend this (Insurance will not pay, so it will be out of pocket)
Good parts to buy and keep in a closet. Awesome thing to be able to build and sell/trade in a natural disaster.

NOTE: I PERSONALLY PREFER USING BANKS OF CAPACITOR'S SINCE BATTERIES ARE EXPENSIVE, NEED MAINTENANCE AND TO BE REPLACED OFTEN.I USE THIS RULE FOR BATTERY BACKUPS AS WELL AS FOR POWER BANKS FOR SOLAR/WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS. YOU CAN USE CAPACITOR'S AND BATTERIES IN TANDEM AS WELL. I FIND THAT IF YOU SPREAD YOUR POWER BANK AROUND YOU DO NOT HAVE A SINGLE POINT OF FAILURE (DOING THE SAME W/ENERGY COLLECTORS)

==============================

Building A Battery Backup Power System
http://survivalpunk.com/building-a-battery-backup-power-system/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=building-a-battery-backup-power-system
After the recent power outage I had decided I would not procrastinate building my Battery backup system any longer. I had the money set aside for it for weeks but kept putting it off. While the power outage didn’t last very long it was the kick in the ass I needed. The truth is that it will take longer write this article than it did to put together the system. Like I do with most things I do I tried to find the sweet spot of cheap, easy and most bang for your buck. Lets get down to building!

http://survivalpunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/DSCF9179-300x225.jpg

The System

http://survivalpunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/DSCF9171-300x225.jpg

The Box


The Supplies
For the supplies I bought everything from the Walmart down the street from me. I have my issue where i like to buy things locally, you could probably source these items off the internet and save a few bucks. I would highly recommend going over to Battery 1234 get the videos and listen to the podcast that Steven Harris did on The Survival Podcast. These are the items I chose based on his recommendations, local availability and the my power needs.

The Supplies

http://survivalpunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/DSCF9172-300x225.jpg

Everstart 92 Marine battery (LIKE I SAID I PREFER CAPASITOR'S)
Schumacher 100 amp battery charger/ maintainer
Schumacher 750 watt power inverter
A fifty Foot extension cord
A power strip
25 foot long jumper cables
A plastic storage box to house it all.

http://survivalpunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/DSCF9175-300x225.jpg

Drilling the Holes

Putting it Together
This took no time at all to do. First I found an empty corner of the my living room with an unused power outlet. I drilled two holes in the box, probably add a third hole to a second extension cord. Put the battery in the box in the opposite side that you drilled the holes. The charger in the other side with the power cord going out one of the holes, clamp the charger onto the big poles on the battery, making sure that you match polarity. Next add the power inverter, clamp the inverter onto the little poles on the battery. Run the male end of the extension cord through the second hole in the box and plug into the inverter. I rolled up the rest of the cord and then set it into the box. That’s the whole process put your lid on and forget it until you need it. I tested it to make sure that it worked. I plugged in a fan and it ran perfectly.

http://survivalpunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/DSCF9178-300x225.jpg

Final System

Final Thoughts
The only two things in the system I debated about were the battery, I thought about getting two, and the inverter. I decided that I only needed one battery for my power needs. I mostly want to run some lights, and charge my phone and laptop. Maybe run the tv for a little bit and run the fridge for an hour at a time to keep it going. Next was the inverter, I was really looking for an 800 watt and they only carried 750 watt ones. I’m not sure how well it will preform until I have a chance to really use it. The long jumper cables I got were to recharge the batter during a long power outage using my car. Since I’m in an apartment using a generator is not really an option. The battery is quiet and unnoticeable. This system will work for me and my small energy needs you will need to research and build the system to met your needs.
What do you do for backup power? Batteries, Gennie, Solar? Let me know in the comments!
Today’s article brought to you by the great folks over at Survivalgearbags.com home to all your Bug out bag and tactical needs. Help support Survivalpunk by supporting the great folks at Survival Gear bags.

[GoodETxSG]

Excellent system,
I was stuck out in an isolated location for SOME TIME and used a hillbilly water filter... I had to do some extra Jerry Rigging but I used 2 5 Gal buckets, a layer of gravel, a layer of sand in one bucket with holes in the bottom and placed it over the empty bucket and waited as the water sllllowwwly dripped through, I then used the small amount of "activated charcoal" from a pet store I carry on these types of excursions as a final filter in a smaller PVC canister I already had built to remove metals/chemicals. It kept me hydrated for several weeks. Often you just need to learn to MacGyver with what you have on hand or better yet go to the list of things that disappear first and buy/store them as well as visit Lowes for some other useful parts. With some of these skills you can build items to trade/barter for food or other items you need. Skills, Precious Metals, Most Common Ammo etc would be the currency for those that survive the first weeks of a collapse IMHO (And as I was trained).



uhnKB6rsV2o

This is probably a good investment.

http://dev.bitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/lifesaver-bottle-04.jpg

More here: http://www.lifesaversystems.com

I bicycle is a good idea too. a pedicab maybe.

[GoodETxSG]

NOW, if you really want to go ALL OUT and think ahead... you can scale this system to feed your family or be the most popular neighborhood farmer/market/fishery around during a collapse and be able to barter for anything you need. But this is going ALL OUT as I said. People use this system every day in 3rd world countries TO SURVIVE as they have no choice. They came up with it out of "necessity is the mother of invention"

With your land you can build a totally self sustaining system. People have smaller systems on their balconies or garages with enough food for a family of 3 or 4. A tank that is a Fish farm, Hundreds of pounds of fish meat a year, and hundreds of pounds of of what vegetables per year (Every 10 weeks etc) during economic down turns. Survival food is good to have too but this has been used in Haiti and Palestine for decades and is brilliant and resourceful as poor starving people have to be. Anyway, You can build your own and not buy one and have it on any scale you wish. Blue prints are easy to follow, live fish can be ordered and Non GMO Seeds as well. It is well worth your time with all the signs of the Economic Crash coming that will rival the Great Depression.
=========================================================

We are now pleased to announce our introduction of Aquaponics, to allow you to have more use of your back yard while being even more self sustaining!

It is NOW possible to have a backyard fish farm with our custom aquaponic systems!
__________________________________________________
Have a small back yard or patio, and want to get the most out of it?

Have you ever dreamed of having a self sustaining way to grow your own food including vegetables and meat, but just no room to do it?

Well, look no further...you have come to the right place.

We build one of the best systems out there, with the end user in mind, and simplicity as well as beauty blended into your very own patio fish farm & garden!

Pictured below you will see our design, with and without a modern wood enclosure...additionally, you can order a greenhouse from us that is the perfect size for our units!

Imagine having veggies that grow twice as fast because they are completely organic and have a clean and free growing root system...also, you do not have to adhere to soil spacing either, i.e., if you are told to plant a certain type of seed with 20 inch spacing, you could easily plant them 6 inches apart (sometimes closer) in this system, meaning less, space, but more plants for more food!

To make it even sweeter, you can raise your very own Tilapia (known to be one of the best and fastest growing fresh water fillet fish anywhere), or any other number of fish to your liking. You can easily grow 30-50 pounds of fish in this system. If you want more, simply utilize more than one unit for a variety of fish!

The basic footprint of this unit will only take up about a 4 foot x 5 foot space. If you have more room, then even better. Different spacing on these units can be adhered to for easier access to the fish, or multiple units.

The grow bed is on top, and the fish tank is below...no need for feeding the plants or worrying about constantly poor water conditions, as the plants take in the fish waste as nutrients, keeping the water clean for your fish!

Our systems are very basic, and once set up do not require much maintenance at all.

Not interested in fish for food? You can use the bottom tank as an above ground pond with Koi, Goldfish or any other type of fish you want and the plants will still get the same nutrients!

There are so many benefits to this system:

No back pains as the garden is at standing level
Fresh organic vegetables
Fresh organic meat
Completely self sustaining, low maintenance farm
No need for a lot of space (can even be used on an apartment patio)
Starting plants from seed is a simple task
Once established, no more costly expense at market prices for veggies & fish
A relaxing atmosphere added to your backyard, and an awesome conversation piece
An educational tool for young & old
Much, much more

Wood frame design (pictured with modern trim & T1-11 planked siding...can also use tongue & groove, ship-lap, etc.), paint or stain, different spacing, etc. are all optional to enhance and contain your new fish farm! Depending on type of set up, there are many different types of timers, water pumps, air pumps, heaters, grow bed media (we use hydroton, but river rock or any other type of rock can be used as well), waterfall system, different spacing of top & bottom bed, green house, pond lighting, etc, are other options.

We also specialize in building backyard structures such as chicken coop / coops, rabbit hutch / hutches, dog house / houses and anything else.

We can also assist in getting you started with organic fish and seeds/plants.

Whether you want to grow lettuce, tomatoes, rhubarb, cauliflower, broccoli, strawberries, cucumbers, squash, perch, tilapia, catfish, etc....it's all in your control!

These units are based on a similar premise to hydroponic systems, but by far superior in many ways, and much less equipment is needed, keeping crazy costs down. Once the initial system is set up, there are very minimal if any ongoing costs unlike with hydroponics.

THESE SYSTEMS CAN ALSO BE MADE FOR INDOOR USE (garage, basement, or anywhere else!)!

Our systems start at $1,395 ready to go in the basic design (everything you will need except for the fish & plants)

http://buildyourownaquaponics.info/

http://buildyourownaquaponics.info/what-is-easy-diy-aquaponics.html

http://www.treehugger.com/green-food/aquaponics-usa-ready-to-use-aquaponic-kits-for-home-fish-farming.html

http://www.treehugger.com/green-food/aquaponics-made-easy-dvd-video.html

http://www.treehugger.com/green-food/diy-aquaponics-a-video-roundup.html

http://www.treehugger.com/green-food/aquaponics-the-urban-food-revolution.html

http://www.aquaponicsusa.com/Aquaponics_USA_Accessories.html

http://www.aquaponics.net.au/

http://www.growfish.com/aquaponics.html

http://www.treehugger.com/green-food/access-to-aquaponics-starter-kits-for-49999.html

http://faircompanies.com/videos/view/backyard-aquaponics-diy-system-to-raise-fish-with-veggies/

http://www.treehugger.com/green-food/snowcamp-aquaponics-diy-fish-farming-with-zero-experience.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBspR2p0YYM

[meat suit]

the thing with aquaponics (I got a system) is that you must be pumpung water continiously.... or your fish and then your plants die.
an off grid backup for the pump is a must. my pump is only 35 watts so its not a huge load and could be easyly covered with a solar/battery setup.
if you dont have fish, you can pee in it as well... thats what I am doing at the moment....

[GoodETxSG]

What ever keeps the nitrate's going brutha lol,

I had lots of failures before I got it down so to speak. I used similar backup systems (Home Made) as my post above and have a dedicated solar/propane generator system and backup parts and pump systems. It is needed because this "Retreat Location is completely off grid", has a well and rain water collection system and although no animals the pins are broken down in storage so I can buy some chickens, rabbits, and maybe goats or cows for milk and other things.

Getting the auto feeder to work properly with humidity issues as well as water loss to aeration for the fish as well as evaporation took quite a while. Coming back after a week to find dead plants and fish is frustrating to say the least. But I got the kinks worked out and make the drive more often... of course don't post pictures on facebook or show it off to friends and family for security reasons. It has worked out pretty well though. I have it setup now to where I can scale it up very easily to produce more food.

The system is isolated to where critters are kept out, but birds and other critters will not leave my Fruit Tree's alone... I have tried just about everything. Maybe I should Pee on them, he hee... (Kidding). But commercial netting and other gimmicks just make them work harder for their treats.

I like having a good 6 months of high quality Freeze Dried Food, Eggs/Milk and Prepared Meals for each person on hand, but they get tiresome to eat and DHS/FEMA have already made provisions to not only confiscate weapons but peoples emergency food as well.

Eventually I plan on building a nice "Home" out there for my family to live full time. Once I do that I will setup the rest of the "Farm" which my daughter is begging me to do. It will just be one heck of a commute from there into N. Dallas to work. I just turned 43 so I guess its time to start thinking about my final resting place... I mean where I kick up my feet and rest. ;)


the thing with aquaponics (I got a system) is that you must be pumpung water continiously.... or your fish and then your plants die.
an off grid backup for the pump is a must. my pump is only 35 watts so its not a huge load and could be easyly covered with a solar/battery setup.
if you dont have fish, you can pee in it as well... thats what I am doing at the moment....

[Mandala]

I read an article about emergency water purification in 3rd world countries. Take the labels off old water bottles, fill with the least polluted water (river, stream, puddle) you can find, and place them out in the sun on a piece of sheet metal for 8 hours. The uv rays will kill all the bacteria.

¤=[Post Update]=¤

By the way V, thanks for the article. Are you having a gut feeling to get the info out or just taking precautionary measures?

[xbusymom]

Just wanted to resurrect a couple of past threads...


http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?350-Living-Off-the-Grid-Survival-Techniques

http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?38653-Be-Prepared-For-Unprepared-People..-

http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?6005-20-Things-you-ll-need-to-survive&highlight=things

I think knowledge (or books) on how to do things the old-fashioned way, without electric machines, or an engineering degree... needs to be considered also...

I already have the book 'when technology fails' by matthew stein, and I bought about 15 'for dummies' books just last week on various pioneering skills, (raising chickens, canning, woodworking, solar house construction, basic gardening, basic smithing, etc.)

I am looking into a way to 'microfilm' all those books... ?? My thought is to be able to throw the microfilm rolls into my bugout bag and 'read my books' (w/magnifying glass or projector setup) later.

[Jeffrey]

By the way V, thanks for the article. Are you having a gut feeling to get the info out or just taking precautionary measures?

Yes, well, I am trying to keep my guts from churning. Actually, mental preparation is something I've really got a good handle on.

Please, everybody understand -- this isn't "doom-porn". It's potentially helpful foresight. It's not something to believe or buy into, it's something to think about.

It's based on a collection of world events, world renown experts that are predicting trends, whistle-blowers, and others in the alternative media realm who I respect.

All of their hard earned knowledge and research are lining up. There is a pattern, and it's pointing to the same thing. Again, I hope it doesn't happen, but there is no harm in being prepared. If it's a non-event then, hey, at least you learned something about survival, about economics, about the sun, about people. I hope the only thing we have learn is that people can be paranoid! Although, I see it as being aware and alert -- and justifiably so.

In all seriousness though, this material is important.



http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?46887-From-Bill-Ryan-the-Ultimate-Hypothesis&p=656105&viewfull=1#post656105

http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?57495-Why-is-the-US-government-buying-so-much-ammunition

http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?57349-World-financial-affairs-coming-to-a-head-...-potentially-within-weeks

At least the first page of the three threads above should be read. Digest it, look into it, make your own judgements.

The economic situation will definitely come to a head within the next few years. Maybe sooner than later.

Hopefully, these wars don't come to a head at all.

I'm also keeping a close eye on the sun and space whether, as are many people.

[gripreaper]

Thanks Vivek. This 1 hour documentary has all of the relevant statistics in it, although it is right paradigm centric against the liberal bias. Overlook that, and it tells you how the frog is getting boiled.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYkl3XlEneA

[Mulder]

Just a couple of errors I made to help the rest of you:
1. All perishable foods must be protected from vermin - rice must be frozen for 1-2 nights to kill bugs in it. Then put bags of it in a plastic tub with a lid and duct-tape all around the rim of the lid to keep all bugs out.
2. Pure honey is the best storable food - honey stored in the Egyptian Pyramids could still be eaten today!
3. You need a method to cook your stored food e.g. a BBQ or butane canister camping stove & fuel bottles!
4. You must try eating your stored food now to see if you can stomach it. I've found I can't stomach any main courses. Freeze dried meals and dehydrated mains taste revolting to me.
5. Rotate your stored food and eat it EARLY before it's expiry date (move it to your pantry 1 month early and replace it with freshly brought food. Put new food at the back of your storage area).
6. Don't forget water - you need at least 1 gallon/day per person and empty your water every 3 months (maximum) so it doesn't taste sour when you need it.

[MorningSong]

Here are a couple of links with an enormous amount of downloadable info on surviving just about anything in any location:

http://www.armageddononline.org/disaster-prep-help.html

http://modernsurvivalonline.com/survival-database-downloads/

[GoodETxSG]

Aquaponics system is still up and running strong... fresh fish, fresh veggies all off grid baby!!!
Something to look into for real. Or at least research for future use ;)