How to Buckle Up for Uncertain Times
Laying out a system to help you and your loved ones figure out where to go from here; using the SWOT (strength, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis as a way to clarify what you need, now.
While I have been making a point to share global/nationwide game-changing developments that can have significant implications on our lives, I have no intention of leaving you in the lurch. Please read on for those interested in not being a sitting duck and struggling to weather the upcoming storm.
When I ask people if they are ready for any possible food, supply, or fuel interruptions, many respond that they don’t know where to start. Or they state they are kicking themselves for not starting sooner. In either case, stop beating yourself up and start getting focused. There is no better time than the present…. and as I’ve mentioned in previous newsletters, all indicators point to some rough months ahead.
This is why I have been encouraging people to get ready now.
To better prepare, I mentioned in an earlier newsletter how conducting a SWOT analysis (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threats) on yourself, your family, and your friends to help you in case of severe supply chain interruptions can help clarify what you’re missing and your next steps. As a starting point, you can start by reading the list of 100 Items to Disappear First During an Emergency at the bottom of this newsletter. Don’t let it overwhelm you. Your effort may be daunting if you try to collect all these items yourself. BUT if you go at this with a circle of your friends or family, you will realize you can check off the bulk of this list.
When I was on the city council, and as mayor, our city would hold a professionally facilitated strategic planning session every six months utilizing this SWOT analysis. It was a fabulous tool to identify what was most important to our city and the subsequent actions we needed to take as leaders and city staff. It allowed us to look at our city from a micro-macro perspective while keeping us focused on the next steps and clarifying who had to do what and by when.
Before you begin your SWOT analysis, ensure you have an excellent note-taker and start by writing down each person’s name and then list their skills/knowledge/supplies/stocked goods.
Here’s a sampling of what a SWOT analysis may look like when you’re done:
STRENGTHS
Bob: has lots of tools, knows how to build including brick, stick, stone, electrical, plumbing, knows additional tradespeople, excellent with a chain saw, welding, raising chickens, has guns/ammo, can fix anything.
Kris: excellent medical skills, former military, defense, construction, conflict resolution, radio communications, jack of all trades, good with irrigation, has ample water tank storage on the property.
Ellen: herbal, homeopathic practitioner, excellent cook/baker, knows how to ferment, can preserve, good worker-bee and researcher, excellent babysitter, has space on property for RV parking, can raise rabbits/chickens, has well on solar, has dried vegetables, onions, a big bag of dried onions, spices, dried mushrooms, fruit, coconut oil, olive oil, pasta, white rice oats flour beans brown rice, white rice, meat canner, canned salmon, sardines, tuna, tomato sauce.
Once everyone has had the chance to share what they have to contribute, then you start identifying your most significant weaknesses as a group. Your list may end up looking something like this:
WEAKNESSES
We need:
Portable solar packs with charging stations, radios, recharge batteries,
Push mowers, electric-powered tools
Go bags: life straws, solar battery packs
Bucket toilet with containers
Seeds/sprouting seeds
Communication devices other than cell phones
Fuel/air filters for cars, oils, and spare batteries
Extra DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) for diesel-powered engines
We all have property but no capacity to survive on land individually
Lack of ability to communicate with each other when power-grid is down (happens during fires and snowstorms)
Defending ourselves 24/7
Vulnerable alone at home or traveling
Need electric scooters
We have many emergency items but in different locations
OPPORTUNITIES
Many permaculture experts in the community
Good growing season
Tightly-knit community
Long distance from a big city
Lots of available water
Many local, family-owned farms
A centralized community kitchen
A local women’s weapons course
THREATS
Shakey economy
Terrible leadership/decision making
Global upheaval
Threatening supply chain interruptions
Many community members unprepared for hardship
Lacking off-grid skills
Dependent upon failing power grid
We live in a high fire danger area
Fuel interruptions
Once you go through this analysis, you can better identify what you have, don’t have, and what you need to prioritize. Again, check out the 100 Items to Disappear First During an Emergency below before your group gets going on the SWOT analysis. This will help you jog your memory and get into the right frame of mind. Also, once familiar with what you are missing, keep your eyes open at thrift stores, swap meets, and Craig’s list online for affordable options.
Before you wrap up your SWOT meeting, ensure you have identified a few of the most critical steps you need to take next, who will undertake the respective action(s), and the date the action will be completed. Then make sure you have all agreed to the next date for a gathering to update each other on your progress. This is key. If this isn’t done, it’s easy to let things fall to the wayside and not be completed.
My partner and I have found it very comforting to do this analysis within a small group of close friends. We know we are here for one another. We know we have each other’s back, and what is ours is theirs. This is what community is all about. You can find this communal opportunity in your town, apartment complex, neighborhood, or city block. People all around you are ready and willing to undertake these next steps. Just starting the conversation will get you going in the right direction.
If you have any questions, additions, or suggestions, please put them in the comments below.
100 Items to Disappear First During an Emergency
1. Generators. (Good ones cost a lot. They’re noisy, a target for thieves, require maintenance, etc.)
2. Water Filters and Purifiers.
3. Portable Toilets.
4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 to 12 months to become dried.
5. Lamp Oil, Lamps, Wicks. (Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)
6. Coleman Fuel. It’s impossible to stockpile too much.
7. Weapons. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots, and other weapons for self-defense.
8. Kitchen Tools. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.
9. Honey /Syrups / white and brown sugar
10. Rice – Beans – Wheat.
11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it, food burns/must be boiled, etc.)
12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)
13. Water Containers Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY.
14. Mini Heater head (Propane) (Without this item, propane won’t heat a room.)
15. Grain Grinder (Non-electric)
16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.)
17. Survival Guide Book
18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without it, long-term lighting will be difficult.)
19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. Ointments/aspirin, etc.
20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)
21. Cookstoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)
22. Vitamins and other supplements
23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder
24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products
25. Thermal Underwear (Tops & Bottoms)
26. Bow saws, axes, hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil)
27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)
28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)
29. Garbage Bags (It’s Impossible To Have Too Many)
30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, and Paper Towels
31. Milk – Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)
32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)
34. Coleman’s Pump Repair Kit
35. Tuna Fish (in oil, not water)
36. Fire Extinguishers (or..large box of Baking Soda in every room)
37. First Aid Kits
38. Batteries (all sizes…buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)
39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies
40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food as well)
41. Flour, yeast & salt
42. Matches (“Strike Anywhere” preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators
44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.)
45. Workboots, belts, Levis & durable shirts
46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, “No. 76 Dietz” Lanterns
47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experiences)
48. Garbage cans – Plastic (it’s great for storage, water, transporting – if with wheels)
49. Men’s Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, etc.
50. Cast Iron Cookware (sturdy, efficient)
51. Fishing supplies and tools
52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams
53. Duct Tape
54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes
55. Candles and wicks
56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)
57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags
58. Garden tools & supplies
59. Scissors, fabrics & and sewing supplies
60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, and so forth.
61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)
62. Canning Supplies (Jars/lids/wax)
63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel
64. Bicycles – Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc.
65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats
66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)
67. Board Games, Cards, Dice, Puzzles
68. d-con Rat poison (please don’t use it, it kills wildlife), MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets
70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)
71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)
72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, umbrellas, etc.
73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)
74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and fuels)
75. Soy sauce, vinegar, bullions/gravy/soup base
76. Reading glasses and glasses repair kits
77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)
78. Survival-in-a-Can
79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens
80. Boy Scout Handbook
81. Roll-on window insulation kit
82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix, Beef Jerky
83. Popcorn, Peanutbutter, Nuts
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)
85. Lumber (all types)
86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)
87. Cots & inflattable mats
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.
89. Lantern hangers
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws, nuts & bolts
91. Teas
92. Coffee, instant and regular
93. Cigarettes
94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc.)
95. Paraffin wax
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
97. Chewing gum/candies
98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)
99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs
100. Goats/chickens
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This is a few items that I have:
Emergency dental filling repair, and oral glue for crowns that come loose. (both are available on Amazon)
A First Aid it with additional creams and bandages. A GREAT first aid book is Herbal Medic: A Green Beret's Guide to Emergency Medical Preparedness and Natural First Aid
Medication that you take daily. Jase medical will provide you with any medication you take as well as a supply of common Antibiotics with a book on how and when to use. Medication last for over a decade longer than their expiration date. The military tested antibiotics that were 30 years old and they were 80% effective.
Book on making herbal remedies that are as effective without the side effects of harmaceuticals.
Book on foraging in your area.
Games and cards.
And last but most important, a BIBLE.
Thank you for all this. This kind of assessment is vitally important.