Introduction:
In a long-term event, people are left to fend for themselves without any outside help. These situations can lead to starvation and desperation, driving people to do unimaginable things. Institutions that provide trust and stability will crumble, resulting in a famine of biblical proportions. In this blog post, we explore the importance of shifting our focus from short-term preparedness to the aftermath of long-term events.
Different Mindsets for Long-Term Events
Short-term events are characterized by the expectation of outside help and the return to normalcy. However, long-term events require a different mindset – one of self-reliance and preparedness. In a crisis, essential services and infrastructure may break down, causing people to prioritize the safety of their families over work. Communication systems, emergency response networks, and even prisons can be severely affected. Those in essential professions like law enforcement, healthcare, and utilities may choose to go home to protect their loved ones instead of staying at work. It's crucial to recognize the unique challenges and shift our focus accordingly.
Emergency response plans and drills often cater to short-term incidents like hurricanes or power outages. However, these strategies seldom address the ramifications of a prolonged crisis where systems fail, and society as we know it disintegrates. Therefore, it is essential to adapt our stance from mere passive, temporary endurance to active, long-term sustenance.
To contend with the complexities of long-term events, there would be an imperative to adopt basic survival skills such as farming, hunting, or foraging. Not only would these abilities provide the means to feed oneself and one's family, but they could also provide a valuable trading commodity in a society where the established order has collapsed.
Underestimation of Food Shortage
One common misunderstanding is the underestimation of food shortage. Many people fail to realize the number of calories they consume on a daily basis, leading to a shortage in times of crisis. It's important to be cautious about sharing information about your food supply, as more people may show up to consume it. Starvation not only affects people physically but also psychologically. The report ‘Grid Down Death of a Nation' delves into the impact of starvation on human behavior, and firsthand accounts from historical events provide valuable insights into the desperation caused by food shortage.
The lack of awareness about the sheer volume of food required in a crisis situation might lead to a chaotic scramble for resources when supplies are already dwindling. To this end, acquaint yourself with nutrition information, and understand the caloric intake necessary to maintain optimal health during strenuous situations.
Moreover, devising a food shortage contingency plan is a vital aspect of prepping. This may include strategic long-term food storage, understanding the shelf-life of various food items, knowledge about how to store them adequately, and methods for extending their freshness. Rock-solid plans are essential, and equally ensure they are adaptable.
The Risks of Thievery and Cannibalism
In a post-apocalyptic world, thievery becomes a major risk as people try to steal food to survive. However, cannibalism may also become a shocking reality due to the scarcity of meat and the ease of hunting human beings. There is a hierarchy of violence and starvation in urban environments. While people may initially resort to stealing and begging, they may eventually turn to physical force or even killing if their loved ones are starving. The psychological toll of starvation and desperation on the human psyche cannot be underestimated, and firsthand accounts from books like ‘Red Famine' and ‘The Lucifer Effect' provide chilling evidence of how seemingly ordinary people can commit horrific acts.
The desperate struggle for survival can push people towards crime. Unsecured resources may rapidly become targets, thus safety measures and substantial defenses around food stores may become necessary. Thorough security plans, including physical security measures or alarm systems, can keep your supplies safe in such situations.
The horror of cannibalism may appear far-fetched but has been evidenced in mankind's history during times of extreme duress. In attempts to deter such desperation-induced atrocities, efforts should be aimed at cultivating a sense of community resilience, pooling resources, and maintaining a moral compass, even in challenging times.
The Importance of Preparing for Scarcity
Our current system provides access to food for even the poorest individuals, masking our primal instincts for survival. However, in times of scarcity, conflicts for resources arise, leading to dangerous situations. Prepping acts as insurance against uncertain times, just like having a backup location with food and supplies. By rotating and stocking up on food that we already eat, we can ensure preparedness without deviating too much from our daily lives. It's crucial to educate ourselves on the threats we may face, including cyber attacks, pandemics, and natural disasters, while not letting fear drive our preparedness.
A prepper's arsenal is not just food and water. Tools, basic medical supplies, fuel, power generation devices, shelter provision items, clothing – all these play a significant role in a survival instance. The redundancy approach, having a backup for your backup, should be considered when strategizing for scarcity.
Furthermore, acquiring a broad range of skills can make dealing with a shortage more manageable. Knowledge like improvising tools, creating alternative power sources, purifying water, and even recognizing indigenous plants for food or medicinal purposes, can all come in handy when the chips are down.
The Long-Term Commitment to Preparedness
Prepping is not a one-time effort, but rather a long-term process that requires continuous dedication. It's important to start with small steps, preparing for shorter-term events like tornadoes, and gradually increasing our preparedness timeframe. Beyond bugout bags and expensive gadgets, we should focus on sustainable solutions like purchasing land and saving money. Motivating individuals to take the first step is crucial, but it's equally important to consider worst-case scenarios and commit to long-term preparation. Having a survival mentality, gathering necessary information, and crafting a comprehensive plan are all instrumental in navigating an uncertain future.
Preparedness does not just mean procuring supplies; mental and physical fitness plays a key role. Investing time in maintaining good health, learning stress management techniques, and fostering a mental approach geared towards adaptability and resilience should be a significant part of your long-term plan.
Moreover, preparedness should not be an isolated endeavor. Encouraging family, friends, and neighbors to partake will not only spread the responsibility but also create a support network. Building a community of prepared individuals can enhance overall survival chances when the worst happens.
The Imminent Threat of Biblical-Scale Famine
The combination of factors such as the breakdown of law and order, lack of life skills, and limited resupply points to an imminent threat of biblical-scale famine. It's a frightening event that has never been witnessed before, making it even more crucial for individuals to contribute and support organizations fighting against these dangers. Whether it's offering financial support or volunteering time, every contribution counts. Additionally, following the author on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Patreon can provide valuable insights and updates on the ongoing battle against potential collapses of essential systems.
Our society's existing systems aren't built to handle a famine of biblical proportions. Thus, this eventuality should act as a call to action for all. Governments, NGOs, and individuals alike should take concerted action towards strategies that can help avoid or mitigate such a scenario.
It's not enough to merely prepare on an individual level. Lobbying government officials, advocating for better emergency management policies, and supporting food security initiatives can contribute towards societal resilience in the face of extreme famine. A collective effort is perhaps the only insurance we have against such an unprecedented threat.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, long-term events require a shift in our mindset and preparedness approach. Understanding the risks and challenges associated with food shortage, thievery, cannibalism, and scarcity is essential. Prepping serves as insurance against uncertain situations, but it requires a long-term commitment and education. By appreciating the fragility of our current way of life and considering various scenarios, we can better prepare for a future that may include biblical-scale famine. It's imperative to gather information, plan accordingly, and support initiatives that aim to minimize the risks associated with long-term events.