I am still waiting on Michael Levitt to give his talk to our government. Is any one in Tennessee out there prepping or working on the problem?
YEP there are a few of us. I am just looking at this board though, and don’t think it’s the right thing to invite someone here to another one.
If you’re a member of a board that discusses panflu, you can check our Resources page to see if it’s already listed. (That link should take you straight to that section of the page.)
Bringing a new board to our attention once is not a problem at all. Posting constantly to do nothing more than advertise another board would be considered a problem. And I say that as the person most likely to deal with it. ;-)
Worried in the city - I live right across the Georgia line from you. It has been snowing at my house for 3 hours. Is it snowing your way. How’s your prepping going?
I am in Memphis. It often snows north, west, east, and south of us, but rarely here. I am prepping, but it is difficult to know what is needed or how much is needed. How about you?
I have been prepping for a while, but in light of the recent events, I think we had better kick it up a notch….or 4 or 5. How many are you prepping for?
I have 4 people, 3 cats and a Laborador dog. I have been trying to get friends and co-workers interested but am having little success. I got interested in this topic a year ago. How about you?
Family of 5, 1 fat cat and 1 little dog and 1 hamster. I started prepping last summer and the new events are not sitting well. We are currently stocked for at least 6 months on most things, 12 months on others. I want to complete my preps ASAP. Is your living situation suitable or will you be leaving your home?
As with you, we can’t carry it all if we decide to leave so we plan to stay. Have you made any efforts to educate others?
To worried, and Michelle, look at avian talk it’s listed in the resources list on this site. There are a few from TN, GA and AL there.
Michelle, are you in NG and about how far from Chattanooga? I have only been able to talk to one person about preps, others think we are NUTS.
Oh and I forgot the important thing.
Pogge, thank you for your understanding and kind response.
Is there anyone out there from East Tennesee? My In-laws are coming from there to visit us and she already questions many of our decisions, ie. homeschooling, having her grandkids in TX, my influence over my husband, why the heck he married me - you get the picture. We actually have a great relationship, as long as I know my place. Well, my pantry looks like Sam’s Club and every closet in the house has water and/or food in it. I pray she won’t look under the beds because the TP supply will send her over the edge. How am I supposed to explain this? There are so few TN posters, why? I have nothing to show her and say, “Hey, they are prepping in your neck of the woods, too!” Advice please….
bump
anyone in Tennesse prepping? I have found no one in my area getting prepared. I would like to hear from people in Tennesse maybe exchange ideas on where you are finding some good buys. The dollar store has 29 oz. canned fruit for 1.00, canned hams for 2.00 the cheapest places to buy. Save a lots have great deals on canned foods and powerded milk. Whole sale foods have bacon by the case for 11.00 does not need to be stored in frig until opened. also case of 12 coffee for 12.00, case of12 peanut butter 7.50 potatoes au gratin 12 can case for 4.50, chicken stock case of 24 for 6.50 and frosted flakes case of 92 prepared in bowls for 12.75..Krogers has canned brown bread for 2.59 I have tried this before buying more and it is very good. If anyone has some more places to find cheaper items for prepping I would love to hear from you. I am storeing enough for 15 people for 4 to 6 months. Save a lots has large bags of rice for 1.00 and bags of large beans for a 1.00 shell macaroni for 30 cents. I am needing canned meats and can’t seem to find any, if anyone knows a place I would be greatful for the information. I need powerd eggs, I also need ideas. I have just begun to prep and I have enough for 15 people for 1 month. I need some information on how to get canned butter. I would love to hear from Tennesse people..How you are preparing and where you are finding most of your preps
Greeting Indian. I am in East Tennessee and have been prepping since March. Most of my bulk items; flour, sugar, rice, beans and such, I have been buying at Sam’s Club in Knoxville. There are several good internet sites that I have purchased #10 cans of freeze dried meat, vegetables and cereals. I am about 90 % on food for 5 people/6 months. I am installing a stand alone propane heating system within the next 2 weeks. Just picked up my 55 gallon water barrels at Volunteer Drums in Knoxville for $35 each. Also got a used 55 gallon drum to burn trash for $10. My next big effort is to cut/split 3–4 cords of firewood. I am interested in exactly where you bought the canned bacon, not sure if the store is Whole Foods or if that is a brand, googled Knoxville on the internet but did not come up with any grocery called Whole Foods. Otherwise sounds like you are being consistant and wise in your prepping, it is amazing the money that can be saved by shopping around.
I am sorry, They sale wholesale and it is not a to far of drive for you. I live in Kingsport and it is about 1 1/2 hour drive for me. It is called Newport bargin Barn.. the bacon is vacume packs of 15 pieces and there are 12 packs to a case..The only thing I have for storing water is many many 2 liter pepsi bottles ( 100) so far. I am thinking I might get by.. I am getting wood free from a lumber yard and I can install a wood burning stove within a few hours in my house when needed. I don’t know why I bought this wood burner several years ago but now I am happy I did. I am having a hard time finding off brand medication like cough, cold meds. I have went to the just a dollar stores and they say they don’t stock it till winter. My family is big and we have assigned each other different items that we are responsible for. I live very very simple and I have to shop around for the best buys, since I am not good at shopping,because I go out for food items once every two months. I am not in much need of anything on my day to day living. But when you are prepping for 15 it will take a lot of everything. I don’t know how to buy from the internet becasue I have never had a credit card, never needed one. and I don’t know the first thing about it, so I have to rely on what I can find in stores.. I really don’t have much experience on shopping at all. When you store your water do you put bleach in it? when I fill my 2 liter bottles do I put any bleach in it to keep it clean? I know how to dig a outdoor toilet and cook basic foods and how to survive because that is how I live everyday. I am not good at getting ready for this. I really don’t understand this flu but feel the need to get prepard. I have been reading what others are doing to get ready and I become lost and feel like I could never live up to what they are doing because I simply don’t make that kind of money to buy all the fancy things and would never know where to buy them anyways. I can cook from hot coals make about anything. I know how to use herbs to heal. I can find my way in the woods, build things from junk but I can’t find my way in a large grocey store. I burn trash from a big hole I dug 4 foot deep, when the ash get to much I cover it up and dig another. I choose to live simple many many years ago and I never have had to buy medication but now feel the needed to have some for the grandchildren, they only thing i do buy is a goodie power for old age pain haha. I am well blessed with good old wool blankets, everything I wear in the winter is wool. I feel like I am not doing such a good job as to what other people can do and was looking for hints or direction on the cheap way of doing it. I am really over whelmed , maybe if I live more modern I could understand all the fancy stuff. I will tell my daughters about sam club and maybe they can help me find the one in our area. What are # 10 cans? how big is that? is it like a 6 lb can of food?
Bless you Indian and East Tennessee!
I thought I was the only interested person in the state! I have felt so alone and devalued by the non-bird-flu-believers around me.
I have concentrated my purchases from Walmart, Costco and my local grocery store.
Please do not feel ovewhelmed or money-short! We all started with a can of Tuna, or in my case a bag of rice. Some of us just started our collections a little further back than you did, so we have collected more.
Just do what you can do, when you can do it, and set small goals. The longer goals will take care of themselves. I envy Indian’s knowledge of how to build things to make a situation work. I am helpless with that.
TxTn Everybody here thinks I am crazy too, including my family and my in-laws. I rarely discuss the subject anymore human-to-human. We just have to live with their negative thoughts. I like to say, “I am prepared for earthquake or any other emergency” when my supplies get noticed.
I wish our governor would take this issue seriously but I don’t think that is happening. So the local officals here are ignoring the issue too.
FYI I looked up TVA and learned the following:
They get 30% of their power from nuclear power plants they own. They have some hydro power plants. Most of their electricity comes from 11 coal burning plants. One plant uses burns about 14,000 tons of coal a day, an amount that would fill 140 railroad cars. http://www.tva.gov/power/fossil.htm
There is an article on the TVA site that refers to a problem in “purchased power costs.” http://tinyurl.com/qgjgp While this is not explained, it appears to me that TVA is purchasing power from other power companies. Remember, power generated can not be stored for long and must be used almost immediately. My worry is this may be from the fragile grid system we have spoken about in other threads.
I contacted TVA by e-mail and got this response:
TVA is committed to ensuring the safety of the public and our employees and to providing a safe and reliable supply of electric power. TVA maintains a Continuity of Operations Plan to address various emergencies. In addition, like many other government agencies and private companies, TVA has established a team that is updating our emergency operations plan to address the possibility of a flu epidemic. The team is developing an agency-wide plan to enable TVA to continue to operate during and after a possible pandemic. This includes identifying critical functions, employees, and suppliers necessary to maintain business operations.
The TVA region covers an 80,000-square-mile area that includes Tennessee and parts of six adjoining states — Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia. For a map, please see our website at http://www.tva.com/sites/sites_ie2.htm
In response to your question about purchased power costs, TVA does buy some electrical power from other power suppliers. That’s because buying power is sometimes more economical than generating electricity, and sometimes additional power is needed to meet customers’ high demands for power. The power we would buy usually comes from areas within or adjacent to the TVA region. The cost of the power varies greatly with market conditions — supply and demand. Prices are influenced by several factors, including the cost of fuel, such as natural gas, the time of year, and even the time of day. For example, a very hot summer afternoon would increase the need for electricity to power air-conditioning and meet other needs, thus driving up the price for potential buyers. TVA purchased about 9 percent of our power needs in Fiscal Year 2005.
We hope you find this information helpful. If you would like more information on TVA, we invite you to visit our Web site at www.tva.com. Thank you.
These are the questions I asked them to get that response:
I live in Memphis and my local utility informs me they get all their power from TVA.
How many days supply of coal does TVA keep at it’s power plants in case of an interuption in coal supplies/delivery due to a pandemic?
What percentage of employees must work in order for a plant to keep functioning in case of a pandemic?
Does TVA have a pandemic plan?
When TVA refers to “purchased power costs” does tht mean form time to time TVA purchases power from other places/plants? If so, where does the purchased power come from usually and how frequently on average does TVA purchase power?
Bless you all!
Indian,
A number 10 can is a little larger than a 4 lb can of crisco. It is much lighter.
It refers to long-storing freeze-dried food usually purchased on the internet. You would have to do an internet search of your area to see if there are any survival businesses that carry freeze-dried food within driving distance. Maybe you’ll get Lucky!
Honeyville Grain is where I got my powdered eggs in number 10 cans. http://store.honeyvillegrain.com/ They have great prices, look at their web site. (I am just a customer) The no. 10 cans are specially packaged without oxygen to last a long time, 10–20 years. Honeyville will probably take a check, just call and ask.
Re Water: http://tinyurl.com/fwa7m I got this from the main wiki page on the left side, personal preparedness tab
Good Luck!
If your worried about heating, you can install a wood burner from a window. take a window pane out and replace it with a piece of metal tin ..Roofing tin is cheap, cut a hole in it for your stove pipe to go thru. You can put flat river rocks under the stove. You can buy wood burners at flea markets cheap. Apartment people can do the same. they make small metal wood stoves that would be a prefect size for apartments..If you can’t get wood start getting the burner logs at a grocery store, the kind you just light with a match, I think they burn for three hours each..You can buy a case at a time. you can cook and warm your home at the same time. I buy all my needs at flea markets. so I really don’t have much to buy in the area of lighting, heating and cooking. All I need is a well stock pantry. You can find some great iron skillets with lids at a flea market. You can use these like a dutch oven, place you skillet in hot coals. Coal, wood, barbecue.. put the coals on top of the lid, biscuits will cook in 10 to 15 minutes golden brown, cornbread 20 minutes. you can even make flat bread from flour or round bread for sandwitches. First thing is don’t get to scared, When the time comes you will go into survival mode. Right now your spirit does not have to, you have all you need but when it comes time survival is a natural thing inside you, it takes over and you will know what to do. I live this way each day because it is who I am, I have no morden appliances, most people in my area call me a old hippie indian, haha. It is true. If you have wash tubs, the old metal ones with handles. I have all sizes and a wash board. I have one the is bath size( large horse water metal tub), you can build a small fire from tree limbs that is dried under the tub and have a wonderful bath outside even in the winter time. wash your clothing all from a small fire. apartment people can heat their water from the wood stove and pour into a wash tub for a bath, you can find these at flea markets or hardwares. I do have electricty and it has made me a bit tender in certain areas but if have to I can go without it. Apartment people can get old car tires cut the rim, turn it inside out and put dirt in them and raise food from these on roof tops, it is like solar heat and all plants grow better than in my garden space because I do tire garden also..The tire garden keeps heat better especially in the fall months, the sun heats it up and the tire stores the heat. so I can have fresh veggies longer. Dollar store carries a good latern for 2.00 and lamp fuel for 2.00 big bottle so it dont have to be expensive. I use them all the time and they work just as good as my old timey ones. Metal pee pots with lids are great to have also, slid them under the bed at night and dump them out in the mornings. You may have to go antique store for those..Mine have a long wire handles for carrying. In the winter months I use the great outdoors to keep about all my stuff cold. I use laundry bags to hang from the ledge of the porch for cheese, meats and set things like milk, drinks right on the porch. Believe it or not my milk and stuff is colder than what a frig can do. I don’t go out in the winter times due to flu anyways and people around hear know not to come visting if they have a cold. I just won’t let them in. I don’t have to take medications and I am not going to let someone in my house that is sick or has been. I put a sign up at the front gate each winter that reads. Do not Knock at my door if you are sick, you are not welcome. So staying put for months is not a great deal to me. I do winter time things to keep me busy. mending socks, blankets, hanging heavy curtains and cooking. If you need more information on living simple eamil me at mamahaynes@jyhad.com
Indian
Sounds to me that you will be a survivor for along time, no matter what type of disaster may occur. Where are you getting your water supply now? If the source is currently safe ( tested ) then you will not need to add bleach to the bottles. However, if the water source is questionable or changes during an emergency, such as collecting water off your roof, then yes you will need to treat the water. There is great info on this site on water issues, but sounds like to me that the best for you would be boil your drinking water, that will make it safe to drink and get rid of everything. Water you use to cook, clean, bath in does not need to be boiled. Some nasty stuff (sorry can’t remember all the names of the micro organisams) will not be killed by bleach alone, a small amount of iodine can also be used and then let the water set for up to an hour before consuming. But best to do some research on this site about specifics, it has some great resources.
Worried in the City
I have not talked to many people around my area that are interested or concerned about a pandemic. However, I have noticed certain items being bought more regularly and short supplies in a couple of stores that I frequent. That said it is still apparent that there are not many preppers. I constantly watch, but to date have not seen anyone that I could say was definately prepping. My only success is a friend that lives in Boise that is now prepping, he is doing the minimum, but at least it will be shelter, water and some food, which which will help him and his family be survivors.
Some great info on TVA, from your research it is apparent that we will not be able to rely on them for a sustainable source of power if a pandemic does occur. That is why I am installing a stand alone propane heating system in the house. I might follow Indian advice and pick up a used wood stove as well. I have a natural gas fireplace, but it is not efficient and produces poor heat. I will have plenty of wood cut and more standing that can be easily cut.
Any good to hear that some else is planning and again great job on the TVA info.
I am totaly dumb at water storage, I have never had to do it..I do use county water. It is small commuity water system and I am sure they will not be able to keep it going if this happens. I have been saving the coke and pepsi bottles for some time and figure I can store water in these. the community water system is treated water. I have my pepsi bottles cleaned. I would like to start putting water in them now since I have so many. what I can’t seem to understand what I am reading . since I will be using water from a treated water system do I need to add some drops of bleach to it? or can I just filled these bottles from my tap and lock down the lids and store. I have my food supply worked out( not done but written supply list for the next months for weekly prepping) and all the other things. I have my barn orgnized with clothing, blankets and all the odd and ends things I will need for 15 people. I just can’t get the understanding of how to store water safely.
INDIAN,
See EastTN at 21:20 above.
East Tennessee,
When Katrina hit, we entertained several evacuees. One of them had to separate from his family so he could help repair the natural gas lines. He explained to me that the lines had to be pressurized in order for the natural gas to flow down the lines. Katrina interupted the pressure and no gas would flow. I assume they need power to pressurize the line. I too have a natural gas fireplace but think it will not work without power.
This is probably the stupidest plan ever. Since in Memphis it rarely goes below 40 degrees. I just plan to wear my old scuba wetsuit in the house if I get cold. I bought snowsuits and long Johns for the kids from e-bay for $20-$30 each. My husband refuses to get/have firewood.
East Tennessee is a lot colder. But those wetsuits are unbelievably warm. They are designed to keep you warm in a constant flow of cold water removing your body heat. Air does not remove body heat nearly as well, so the wet suit should work in much colder air temperatures. (Uncomfortable probably though)
Indian
You are correct. There is no definite answer to your question: “must I add bleach to my perfectly safe tap water to store it.” I have read both ways, so I have personally done both. My first batch I put in tap water only. After 3–4 months I emptied, refilled and threw in some bleach. I think you will be fine either way if you use bleach before you drink it.
I lived in Dickson, TN (west of Nashville) for a few years. In a 2–3 week post-ice-storm power outage, I had the only manual can opener in my apt. building (of 6 apts.) We shared, needless to say. Stores in the area had run out the first day of the outage.
Last year, when packaging supplies for Katrina/Rita victims, I remembered the ice storm. I cleaned out the 99 cent store of its manual can openers (they had ten), and we at least were able to pack ten boxes of canned goods with a can opener. No one had been donating can openers with the canned goods.
My conclusion: These are likely to be an overlooked item. If possible, people should buy them cheap and in quantity. They will probably be in short supply during any power outage. I just can’t stress this enough!
Also, if you donate canned goods to any disaster-related food drive, put a can opener in each box of canned goods.
Thanks!
SoCal
Good advice on the can opener, have a couple but will pick up some more. By the way have spent considerable time in Dickson with friends that live there.
Worried in the City
The wet suit idea is creative and should work well for those cold days. I am considering a backup kerosene heater as well, if you have room to store kerosene, it might be a good way to provide some heat on those really cold days. Finally got a handle on what my inventory can provide based on meals/days. I have a few holes to fill, but overall very pleased with my preps for 5 people for 6 months. Have to slow down and let the money catch up for a few weeks.
Worried in the City - thank you. I had given up on any TN advice. I realize that most people in that area have canned crops each growing season. I know my own MNL has her pantry stocked every time we go up there. I also know how resourceful they are, I married one. Maybe that is the thing with a lack of acknowledgement, they are surrounded by natural springs, mountains full of game, and the knowledge of how to use the land. The more I think about it I could convince myself to move up there. My MNL would love the idea. By the way, Indian, my husband is from the Tri-City area and went to school in Gate City. Thanks
Music City Here. Have a place in the country where I commute.
Live on a one way in gravel road that leads to the mouth of the Buffolo, Duck and Tennessee Rivers meet.
Don’t expect to be hunting or living off the land due to other H5N1 vectors such as fish, mammals, ticks etc…..
Can live off the land and am set up for it… seeds and all…but i’m afraid of the enviornment till the virus weakens and we build some basic immunity or vaccine.
Hi!
I live right under the Tenn. line, in Kentucky. Westmoreland County is just above us and we go to Nashville often.
Indian, I think you are way ahead of most of us! You are remarkably resourceful! I am so impressed! I also believe in your intuition! You are a smart woman!
Smas Club has a really good canned chicken.
Corn at 10:36 One thing you say kind of puzzles me “I’m afraid of the environment till the virus weakens.” I’ve heard others on FluWiki say things like that which imply the virus will kind of hover around forever. My understanding, and I’m not a biologist, is that viruses need a host to persist in the environment. If nobody or no critter is sick and passing it on, then it dies out at that place in a matter of days. I can see some persistence in wild birds, but I’m not sure the HUMAN pandemic strain will appear in them at all, although it should be possible for another human pandemic strain to develope in them, I suppose. My understanding of the “waves” of the pandemic is that each is a new strain (or is the word “type”?), a new mutation, like the new variants of seasonal flu which prey on us every year. Perhaps there is a biologist out there who can deal with this authoritatively. Dr. Webster, the preeminent flu biologist in the country, is a Tennesseen. From Memphis, I believe. “Paging Dr. Webster. Dr. Robert Webster.”
You are correct that a host is needed or the virus dies eventually. I have read that it can live a long time ponds/water. Warmer environments kill it faster than cooler ones.
You are correct that a H5N1 infected duck that poops on my hands as I walk outside may not necessarily carry a virus that can jump to humans.
The problem is that H5N1 appears to be able to infect so many species, that I am unsure if fish can catch it eating duck droppings in a lake or squirrels in my trees.
Since the common flu we still get today is the descendant of the 1918 flu, in that way the flu does appear to stay around forever.
I am a lawyer but H5N1 is my Hobby. You have done a good job studying this issue!
Gary – at 11:10 Eventually we will all have to be exposed and develope immunity to some strain of H5N1 along the way. Usually pandemic strains weaken as they go in time. less people to expose each time around. We can only hide long enough till it weakens or a vaccine is developed.
This stuff is nasty and I fear the cross species barrier nature of this virus till it gets down to %2 percent kill ratio
To be completely honest I feel that the Quanghi (sp?) strain from the Suchiean (sp?) region is somebodys bio experiment gone bad.
what we really have here in H5N1 is closer to ebola = flubola.
There is much written on the topic. speculation yes and no.
well enough of that I feel safe in the hills. Plenty of whiskey er ,,,uh I mean disenfectant recipe and tobacco.
I just wish others around me would get interested in this. It is a flubola.
Just wanted to say that I’m prepping in Memphis, too. One of our biggest concerns is safety. If we do have a pandemic, all the preps in the world won’t help if we can’t defend ourselves.
Worried in the city have you thought about safety matters?
I would not want to be in Memphis during an 18–24 month period of a pandemic. Memphis will become another New Orleans. New Orleans had an over 20 percent poverty rate who exixsted on government support. I am sure Memphis is close to that number.
I live in a suburb east of the city. Yes, we have thought about it a lot. Corn I agree with your New Orleans reference.
I have decided to stay in my home and hope that the true criminals can’t walk so far (Assuming gas supply shuts down with everthing else)
My second hope is that with so many homes/neighborhoods available for attack in the city/suburbs that my home/neighborhood blends in the mix and might be overlooked.
We do have firearms and a labrador in case of actual attack. Of course gun ammo does not last long in a war-like situation.
I have tried to get a lot of food so that people I know, don’t attack us or starve on my front lawn, merely because they at the moment think I am stupid/paranoid. (My kids have told every one they know about my crazy preps so every one knows I have food.)
If you have a lot of water/preps, you will realize that your car can only hold so much food and water if you leave. There is no guarantee of saftey in your ideal shelter. So I bought a lot of stuff and decided to fight here.
If I lived close to the ghetto or in an apartment house with a common ventilation system, I would try to find a relative to stay with and put my preps there, awaiting my arrival.
Wonderful to meet a Memphian! Tell me your ideas too!
A tree fell on my mothers house north of New Orleans durring Katrina. 3 weeks later after power was restored and the roads cleared…. we came in to fix the house. Alot of the neighborhoods had signs at the entries saying… “You loot we shoot”
When we first arrived in the area, (I knew a back way) at about 2 AM… A car followed me till i got a few miles down the road. I know it was a neighborhood watch.
The point is. Criminals don’t want to work for their loot. You will have to band together in your neighborhod with a select few who will play by the isolation rules and make it hard for the crooks…
I don’t know about starving desperate people though….I would think they will be easy targets acting out of desperation. Shutter the thought of hungry innocents at the door.
Guess one could always eat looters….properly cooked of course. :)
Corn: That is exactly my ultimate plan. If I can get my neighbors to prepare, then we can band together to protect the neighborhood. I would like to have an emergeny horn/signal that if one house has problems the others will help.
Before I bring that idea up, they need to first admit that BF might be a problem and hopefully save some food for themselves.
Also their must be some type of quarentine agreement within the group. Just a few like minded individuals are all you need.
Weather the neighbors agree or not yopu could still put up the signs around the neighborhood. “You loot we shoot.” you colud make the neighborhood apear to be all together.
I live in the country on a one way in and out gravel road. My inlaws… (the neighbors) are farily ignorant about BF and of course I am an alarmist.
I plan to make the outside of my house look like a dead zone and appear infected to keep others away.
Will probably also block off the road. place alarms and sensors etc. in the area. if thinge start to get real crazy.
Till there are deaths locally the neighbors won’t pay attention. They all live week to week. Buy then it is too late and they are useless for support as they might infect the group.
Straglers would have to agree to quarentine for two to three weeks before admission to the group.
So even all they way out here in the country it is still a hopeless situation at best to rally an apropiate and timely response. ….mmmm…
better plan on sticking it out with your immediate family that live with you and those that agree to isolate and shelter just in time if there is such a time.
Just one kid sneaking off in the middle of the night to meet their lover could threaten the whole group. If you catch them trying to sneak back in they would have to be placed in quarentine isolation.
Kinda reminds ya of all those zombie movies…don’t let them bite you while you are trying to fight, help or escape.
Who knows what the future holds/ no place is guarenteed safe.
You are so right that no plan is guaranteed safe.
There are to many variables. Maybe that is why businesses, hospitals and governments are having such a hard time with the planning.
I ended up as you did just planning for my family and hoping other things will fall into place. The loot or shoot signs are a good idea. I will add it to my plan.
I had considered making the house look infected. Will that encourage looters because they assume we are all dead? Who knows. I sure hope none of that is needed.
How a Tennessee red neck deters looters,,,,,,,,
Place a large bowl on the porch with a note. “Gone to get Dog Food. Pit bulls haven’t eaten in a week,”
Place sign in yard. “Love the movie Broke Back Mountain…come on in.”
Place another sign in yard. “Pet Adaconda Snake missing. Finders Fee.”
Sing in yard. “Take anything you want, just leave my ford Pick Up alone.”
Sign in yard. “Flu Experiments Today. Test subjects only beyond this point.”
Sign in back yard. “By the time you read this you will be covered with ticks and fleas.”
Sign in yard. “Grand mas 180 proof Bird Flu Remedy. Sold here by the jug or jar.”
Sign by chicken pen, “ Hillbilly bird flu live test kits sold here.”
and on and on……..
We’re gonna make it. Celebrate life.
Funny!
Very funny indeed!
Worried in the City, you asked about my ideas. We’re currently stockpiling water and food, but have yet to find the best plan regarding where to be during a pandemic. We’re not located next to a ghetto (the neighborhood itself is actually quite nice), but certainly there are very poor and crime-ridden neighborhoods within walking distance of our home. Our current best thought is to head to a home in the eastern suburbs belonging to our good friends. They’re open to this idea, but aren’t yet prepping and give me funny-yet-understanding looks with I suggest they start serious preps. It does seem that generally in this city very few people are talking about bird flu.
I’d also like to do some research to determine what kind of preparation the city and county are doing. I’ve heard next to nothing about this in the local media. Do you have any knowledge re: this issue to share?
Anon,
I e-mailed or hand delivered info to several people in January 2006. My city mayor Sharon Goldsworthy never responded. The county mayor AC Wharton said “thanks.” The state representative Steve Cohen said he just learned of the problem, and then went to a legislative meeting on it. He was the nicest to me! My religious leader Micah Greinstein called to say thanks, but I have noticed no further action.
I hand delivered BF info to our health reporter for the Commercial Appeal, Mary Powers at 495 Union . As large BF events occurred I e-mailed her. She never responded or reported the story.
I e-mailed 4 messages to the number-Two-in-command at my work. (Government Agency, well known locally, I am too scared to name names) The messages were never acknowleged. Unfortuantely the friends, family and neighbors I personally talked to about BF reacted similarly.
What should you do? I, of course, feel e-mail is great, because you lose nothing (ie: personal humiliation) in the effort.
Whether you ask your pandemic questions via e-mail, letter, phone call, or in person, I hope you ask your questions. Then just let the chips fall where they may. At the worst you will have started the BF education of somebody.
There are some sample letters on the wiki somewhere.
A lot has happened since January and maybe your people will be more receptive to the message now. Let me know what happens!
Thats me above Worried in the city, I forgot to change the handle from the petition thread.
I also wanted to mention that, because I am a lawyer in government, I know AC Wharton and Steve Cohen personally. So the e-mail wasn’t received from an unknown voter.
I can only speculate that all-the-above-listed-people would question the accuracy of my health knowledge, since it is not my chosen profesion.
Perhaps they are working on the problem now.
Worried in the City,
First, many thanks for all of your efforts. That’s impressive and important work you’ve done.
The lack of response from various officials is disheartening. But I take your encouragement re: my contacting TPTB seriously, and will follow suit.
I forgot, I also contacted the heads of my childrens 2 schools. One said thanks. The other said his private school was meeting with city and county schools to jointly form a pandemic plan. I haven’t heard anything else.
If you have any other ideas let me know. Basically I have quit discussing the issue except on fluwiki.
Great efforts Worried.
I have found no support in my community, with no interest in discussing the issue. We live in a small town, as well as away from the denses section. Our subdivision has 1–3 acre lots, so we have some privacy. I currently have a garden, but have plenty of seed to increase the size and yield. Just went back thru my food inventory list and updated my food plan. I have 3 meals for 6 people for 6 months, then 2 meals a day for another 3 months and then enough beans, flour and rice to last another 3 months. I was pleasently suprised by the numbers. I will keep building my supplies, but it sure is a relieve to know that with last minute shopping and with food on hand ( from 3 residences), and produce from the garden that we could actually go over one year with out re-suppling. Don’t want to do that, but sure is nice having the “insurance”. Still have work to do in getting my chain saws sharpened, additional chains and spare parts purchased, and then cutting firewood. I guess there will always be something to do.
Will try to improve my outreach this month. I work for the federal government and we have a plan, but is very generic and no specific direction to employees. It deals mostly with Continuity of Service/Operations. I asked about the inclusion of helping employees, thier familys and the administrative aspect of employee issues ( what happens in a few thousand employees die, do we have the ability to process claims, distribute death benefits, process insurance changes/requests) and the response was that it is being discuss. I will be going to our DC office next month and will have discussions with some of the staff there and see if I can get some response. I am hoping they will ask me to work on the national plan, will see what happens.
Great to meet another government servant! It takes special skill to work with thousands of people around you and the type of managers that we get. I bet we have a lot of personality traits in common.
I envy your garden. Instinct tells me I need one, but my yard (small) is too shady for grass to grow. I am hoping we can cut down some trees eventually.
I am so proud of your preps! Go East Tennessee!!! I have kept this secret until now, so as not to discourage people. Assuming one-cup-servings per meal, give or take, I have a years worth of beans and rice. I figure friends and family will eat it and then we will all restock. (Instinct tells me the restocking will be dicey)
Are you having trouble staying motivated now that your preps are so successful? I was compelled to buy stuff for a year and a half. Now, I intellectually feel the need for more stuff, but I can not make myself buy it. I sure hope this “enough already” instinct is correct.
If you want to get depressed read the Mississippi thread. I posted my TVA info in all the TVA states and was envious of Mississippi’s progress.
I have had some outreach success which I think I should mention. A co-worker “got it” and started prepping almost 2 years ago. My husband now “gets it” and has quit complaining. My mother-in-law recently saw the light and has started prepping. She has gotten one of her daughters to prep too. I have a neighbor who told me she is prepping thanks to my liturature. So while I am disppointed at perceived rejection, outreach is probably an education process.
Do we Tennessians dare coordinate to write our governor? I am also mulling over sending a packet to a local radio station(FM 100) as one of their daily discussion topics.
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Ok I give, letter writing is a bad idea.
I usually don’t post , but am happy to find this thread. I’m in West TN. My daughter-in-law is a public health nurse at our county health department.She told me about 8 months ago that the workers there had been told that they would be housed in place for a period of time, and that I am the designated keeper of my grandchildren.
We’ve been doing LOTS of prepping.Almost to the point of ENOUGH.
Good to hear from you sawmiller.
Just curious if your daughter-in-law was specifically told this based on avian flu or just general disaster planning. If it is for the avian flu, give the hospital an “A” for planning efforts. Of course the down side is the emotional stress on the family. She is very lucky to have grandparents with the right attitude to prepare for any type of potential distaster/problem.
Best of luck to you.
Hello Sawmiller. I am trying to get my mind straight on prepping in East TN. I am ify about what to do since I eat fresh or frozen foods. I dont buy canned but since I will be taking in my grandchildren, I feel like I must. Then I think about what will I do with all the canned foods if this don’t happen. Money is so tight that I feel like I don’t know where to start. I don’t want to to be wasteful with what extra I have but at the same time I feel the need to do lots of prepping. People in my area are not prepping, no one even talks about it because they feel like it will never happen. My husband thinks it is a good idea to have about 3 months worth of foods and medication for all of us. At the moment we are noticeing a lot of people going to the hospital with a bacterial infection in their lungs. Also some sort of virus is causing broils on people. Just in my family we have had three people who have caught the bacterial infection. My sister in law who is a co at a local dept store said two employs are in the hospital with a virus infection with broils on their skin. Other neighbors are telling me of people in their familys are sick. I know it is not the Bird flu but I have never heard of so much illness in the summer like I have this year hear in my area. Has anyone else noticed infections going around in their area? I would like to see more people in Tennessee write and tell how they feel about the bird flu and if they are prepping. Where they are finding canned meat that isnt so pricey.
Welcome Monk and Sawmiller! I “ditto” EastTn comments to Sawmiller at 19:01.
Monk, In the end you follow your gut. FYI My husband bought canned foods in 1999 for Y2K. I got them out in 2006 and opened them and tried them. I could have eaten all of them in an emergency. The Ravioli/spaghetti tasted a little tinny. The chicken noodle soup tasted a little off (but my kids never noticed until I told them) The green beans, baked beans and corn were perfect. I believe food lasts longer than the expiration dates.
I avoid preserved food too, as it aggravates my arthritis, so I do not see us eating our stored food in regular food rotation as most wikians do. That’s why I chose cheaper longer storing beans and white rice.
As to viruses, we have a nasty vomiting/diare.. one going around. I am sure the boils and baterial infections will get here. When my friends do get secondary bacterial infections here it is harder for antibiotics to kill them now. Take care of your health out there!
I am trying to get word out in my area but I get the push off. I am somewhat overwhelmed. I have four of my grandchilden for a few days, just in two days I can’t believe how much they can eat. I am wipe out. I have been prepping for about four months now and thought I was getting ahead until the grandchildren came. It forced me to relize how on earth will I have have enough food for months on end. I do have support from one of my daughters, at the moment is trying to find food buckets for free, she is buying all medications and personal items. I have decided that I am going to write down what I think I will need and buy one item at a time until I have enough of that item and move on to the next. I am trying to write out a menu and hoping I can judge how much I need for at least two meals a day for all these people. I am buying some can foods with dates 2009. I been buying rice and dryed beans and stuff like that, I am a newbie and still trying to find my way around this site for more information. I got some good imformation from reading Indian post. Found a few things from the flea market, coleman stove at a price I could afford and a dutch oven. So now me and hubby are scanning the flea markets and thrift stores for stuff we will need. I am checking on a lumber yard that is 50 miles from us to see if I can get free left overs. Sorry to hear you have arthritis because I have it to, some days good some weeks bad.
Another idea I liked was building a solar cooker. I used a cardboard box, aluminum foil and glue. http://solarcooking.org/plans.htm
Gen Info http://solarcooking.org/solarcooking-faq.htm
It took me half a day to build it. I washed a lot of glue off my hands in the process. I tried to test it, but the day was very very gusty and it blew it over. I haven’t tried since then.
I have spent some time on the site and would be happy to help you locate any info you need.
Monk
Interesting info on the infection going around because my wife has been having the boils occur on her hands. The doctor was puzzled about the symptoms. Did various tests, the rhumatoid arthritis test was positive, so that is where she is headed next. She also has had extreme muscle and joint pain, not sure if that is associated with the boils or not.
We are in Sevier County, so it would be interesting to hear where you are.
Just keep plugging away at the preps. I started by saying I want a week of dinners with a certain item (such as canned Dinty Moore Stew) and gradually bought the amount I had planned, and just continued with a variety of items. After awhile it adds up and gives you a bench mark for each item. If you are near Knoxville, the Volunteer Drum and Barrel company has 55 gallon water barrels for $35. I also got a 55 gallon drum for burning trash for $10.
Amen to the good day bad day thing. (also good day to a bad week or month) I am young enough that none of my contemporaries understand. It makes it very difficult to plan any kind of activity since you may feel poorly at the appointed time. Good luck with your arthritis! I hope you don’t have the tiredness that can go with it.
Worried
I bought a solar oven and have been doing some test cooking with it. The cookies, rice, stew all came out fine. The 2 tries with biscuits were marginal. I keep trying canned biscuits, I going to try some bisquick biscuits this weekend. Also, will try cornbread, brownies and maybe some pinto beans. (Not sure about my fixation with biscuits, but seems like something I should have during the SIP)
Layed awake one night planning/designing a pizza oven, the kind using wood in an enclosed space. I would use it bake breads and such. I am going to try a metal 55 gallon drum, line it with fire bricks, have a vent and chimney. The whole drum will be buried with only the front open (but minimized) in a slope, thus using the ground dirt to retain the heat. It certainly would not last years, but think it would last months. I think I will do some testing and see. Anyway another project.
EAST TN I am about two hours from you. also the throwing up and the other end with high fever is going around hear also. I have lived a long time right old and I have never seen so much sickness in the summer months like I have this year. It is like flu season hear in my town. I was just wondering if anyone else has noticed a difference in sickness compared to other summers. I just find it strange for all these virus going around in the summer time, anyone else notice
East Tn, what is the temperature outside when you solar-cook on average? How long does the stew take to cook on average? You encourage me to resume my solar cooking testing after my first weather related failure.
I love your metal drum idea. My grandfather had a metal drm for burning things. In the winter, during family reunions we sat around the drum outside all day warm and cozy. It is a useful item to have. The cooking drum idea makes perfect sense. Where does one get a metal drum?
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I used canned stew, 20 oz I think, and it cooked about 40 minutes, might have been warmed all the way through sooner, but just let it stay in the cooker. I had brown rice in a separate container and they both came out great. The cookies took about an hour. The visible thermometer read 260 degrees, but the containers are sealed and painted black, so I think they were alot hotter, between 350 −400 would be my guess. The stew was boiling when I took it out.
Look in the yellow pages under drums or barrels (or gooogle memphis for drums/barrels). We have a place in Knoxville, that have 55 gallon drums that had orange juice concentrate in them, they sell them for $10. I going to pick up 3 more this weekend. Am storing cat litter and dog food in them, as well as my drum oven and one to burn trash.
Thanks!
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The weekly prep trip to Sam’s Club, I purchased rice, ramen, mac cheese, coffee and spagetti. Amazing that I can make 100 meals for 6 people (nothing fancy, just sustaining) for $ .90 per meal. This prepping thing sure has opened my eyes to saving money buying in bulk and quantities. Also stopped and bought 2 more 55 gallon drums, my wife brought home a new golden retriever, so have to plan the preps for one more mouth (and a big one at that). I got the drums for $10 a piece and even a couple of lids for $1 each, seems like a great deal to me. One drum I am going to attempt to make my drum bread oven!!!!
On the road starting Sunday for the next 2 weeks, seem to not enjoy the travel as much as I use to, and watch the news and check this site regularly just to re-assure myself things are calm. I need to put together a bag for travels with masks, gloves, antiseptic wash and other stuff, just in case this goes down and I still have to travel home.
I finished getting my wood storage area prepared. Hopefully when I get back I can start cutting wood. I want to cut at least 3–4 cords. Also made the finally arrangements for my stand alone propane system to be installed as well. It is costing alot, but will provide adequate cooking fuel, as well as heating in the winter if the power grid is not operable, from the 500 gallon tank. It is a great thing to have anyway for any type of emergency that could cause the power to go down and the propane BBQ will always have fuel, no more running out of flame in the middle of the cookout. At least that is how I sold it to my wife:)
Worried
I found this company in Memphis, there may be others:
Tennessee Container Corp (901) 452–1853 2790 Harvard Ave Memphis, TN 38112
Definity worth calling around to get the best deal.
East Tennesse, Great work! Thanks for the drum info. I will call. You must update me on the retreiver. I am a dog lover. I learn a little more about dog-training with each large dog we get. (and live with til old age intervenes)
Have you remembered to add fat to your preps? Until BF, my hobby was studying dieting and nutricion information. In American History, a group of soldiers wintered out west in a fort. Winter raged outside. The only food available was elk which was abundant but has almost no body fat. (I think it was elk, maybe another type of deer) Historians went back and calculated that these men were eating thousands of calories each day and were ravenous/starving due to lack of fat in the diet. We chose crisco because it has a long shelf life. Fat helps stretch your food stores nicely as a high calorie item. You eat more or less fat as your supplies dictate.
Great work on the firewood and propane. Wish I could……
Have a great trip! The car prep idea is good. It could help you in any type of emergency (a little food, water etc.)
I asked my husband. It was the Lewis and Clark expidition. We saw a special on the history channel (or a like channel)
Thanks WitC
I have crisco, lard, vegetable oil and a ton of peanut butter. I also bought some powder butter and margarine, not sure how that will be but just thought it would be good to have.
I had the small dog and cat prepped for 6 months, but a big dog will definitly be challenging.
Keep spreading the word.
You are so on top of this! God knows what I am forgetting that is completely obvious. Travel safely.
Form my local newspaper dated 6–26–06 Re Tennessee Plan
Tennessee has updated its 2003 global flu response plan, but the state epidemiologist said it is still undergoing legal review and hasn’t been released. Shelby County officials are planning to hold eight meetings in July and August to craft a local strategy. It faces a Sept. 1 deadline.
Meanwhile, local officials in Tennessee and Arkansas face summer deadlines for crafting their own plans.
Officials in all three states also face a Saturday deadline for notifying federal officials if they will tap federal matching funds to order additional supplies of the prescription antiviral drugs known to speed flu recovery and reduce the risk of death.
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Hello worried In my county hear in East Tn. our officals are putting together a flu plan. I don’t have a link to it. The dead line is July. How is your prepping coming a long. I am getting there slowly. I have noticed one at the grocey with prepps items. The bad thing is no one knows of this plan our commuity is doing, if they don’t advertise this on TV news or newspaper.The public will not be aware nor be ready if this happens. I live in a small town and people dont believe me when I talk with them about this flu until they hear it from the leaders they are not going to do anything about being getting their household ready. It is sad truly sad. I have told friends, kin folks,neighbors and people at my church but it is like my words fall from my lips and hit the ground and are not heard. So all I can do at this point is try and get my family ready and it is hard and worry some trying to get all you need. I have 5 small grandchildren and wish to keep them healthy and alive.
My experience is the same. No one believes, even with the media now covering it. I too have quit talking about it.
When others bring up the topic to me, they get upset with my answers. A few expect me to educate them about every single thing (no effort themselves). When I do send a tip, they ignore/argue it.
I don’t understand.
I have lost hope in my government’s plan.
My prepping lately has consisted of watching TV shows. I used Netflix and watched Frontier House, Colonial House, 1900 House and 1940′s House. They took regular people and dropped them into a specific time period. The psychological adjustment to living without electricity and immediate hot water was interesting. I bet our families will react similarly.
I also watched programs about things that have happened in the past. There are various scenerios that all end with lack of food - such as disease, war, drought, volcano, climate change etc. I am surprised how often I see this problem now, when I never noticed it before. It was just history to me before.
I ask myself, just because it has not happened in our life time, how can I be so sure it can’t happen? Wouldn’t extra food be a good idea no matter what? Still my friends do not understand.
I am glad you understand. Your desire to protect your grandchildren makes you rise to the occasion. I know it requires a huge sacrifice. Stand strong, and nurture yourself when possible. Good Luck!
There is a lot more to worry about than a flu pandemic. I am preparing for it just in case, but in my opinion, I think the government is using scare tactics just as they have everything else in the last 5 years. I believe we will have a major world wide financial meltdown within 2 or 3 years - which there will be no coming out of such as 1929.
Stock up for the near problems (like getting you through the first 2 years) but also plan long range (i.e. books on making soap, books on gardening and food preservation, books on building, books on medicine and herbs, old and new hand tools, etc.). Obtain 5 gallon plastic buckets. You can carry water to the garden and use them for a composting toilet (google for “The Humanmanure Handbook”). If you don’t garden, start!!
Google for “Peak Oil”. This will cause more problems than the pandemic the government is trying to scare us about - to include that financial meltdown.
If you are really worried about a flu pandemic, there is only one thing without a prescription that I know of that will attack an upper respiratory infection (flu). That is Elderberry Extract. NOTE: those in Eastern TN, the elderberries have just finished the blossums and getting the green berries. Locate some and watch for them to turn a dark blue or black. GET THEM BEFORE THE BIRDS GET THEM!!.
To make the extract:Fill a gallon glass jar with ripe elderberries. Poor in enough high proof vodka to cover the berries. Put in a dark cool location for several weeks to a couple of months. Take the jar out once in a while and shake it. Poor the contents into a fine mesh bag (CLEAN pantyhose will work) to strain it. Twist the bag to force the contents out until the pulp is fairly dry.
DO NOT take this until flu or cold symptoms are present. You need to let your amune system work. If you take it as a preventative, your amune system will not fight off the infection. The extract is to boost the imune system during the infection. The dose is 3 to 5 tablespoons per day during sickness.
Look up and learn how to make colloidal silver. I have been drinking this for 10 years and don’t get sick - and don’t listen to the BS about turning your skin blue. I suppose it could if you made it super strong and drank 5 gallons a day but everything requires some common sense. And be careful about listening to anyone that says to make it using sea salt or any salt.
Water - if you can swing it, purchase a British Berkefeld water filter. In my opinion, best on the market. Can take creek water (or rainbarrel water), run it through the filter and drink it. Right now we have enough filters to filter 3,000 gallons of water. Want to at least double that.
Carl E TN
Carl E Tn
“…Stock up for the near problems (like getting you through the first 2 years) but also plan long range (i.e. books on making soap, books on gardening and food preservation, books on building, books on medicine and herbs, old and new hand tools, etc.)…”
Do you have any book recommendations? The things I found, when I was looking, started wth, “go to the store and get…”
I too am worried about the financial implicitons of excessive national borrowing, peak oil, outsourcing labor. The end result is the same, no matter which event kicks it off.
I have several hundred books in my library but I will try to list a few of the most important ones (in my opinion). I am pushed for time so may add to the list over the next days-weeks.
The number one book would be “The Encyclopedia of Country Living” by Emery.
From there would be: “Seed to Seed” by Suzanne Ashworth. “Making and Using Dried Foods” by Phyllis Hobson “The Natural Soap Book” by Susan Miller Cavitch “Chicken Tractor” by Andy Lee & Pat Forman “Let it Rot” by Stu Campbell “Gardening Without Work” by Ruth Stout “Square Foot Gardening” by Mel Bartholomew “Lasagna Gardening” by Patricia Lanza “Identifying & Harvesting Edible & Medicinal Plants by Dean “Fundamentals of Nursing” by Kemp & Pilliteri “Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing” by Scherer “How Can I Use Herbs in My Daily Life?” by Shipard “Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Chevallier
There are also 2 magazines that I have subscribed to for about 15 years (and I have every issue saved in plastic covers in 3 ring binders). I would rate each of these on a scale 1 to 10 as a 10.
“CountrySide Magazine” “Backwoods Home Magazine”
Do a search on the net. They both have excellent web sights.
There is also a monthly newspaper I subscribe to: “The Idaho Observer” (also on the web). They have a monthly article titled “Back to Basics” which have excellent articles on home treatments for sickness and disease.
Thanks! I will get hopping!
Books can be very expensive. Some of the books in my library I paid $40 and $50. Here is a sight that will help you find used books.
Apparently the used books (among other things) are of a very specific type and not one we’re going to advertise here at Flu Wiki. Link deleted. - pogge
Good tip. I’ll try there.
My paper said Tn has published it’s pandemic plan on it’s website. Have you loked yet?
My paper said the Shelby County Health Dept is going to have 7 meetings on the subject. I hope it goes well.
That is the link to the Tn 2006 plan
Oh dear, Most of the plan deals with hospitals and what they should do.
Here’s the part I don’t like: Vaccine Administration Priority Groups in Tennessee: Note: The prioritization of recipients may change in future federal guidance. The priority tiers listed here match the federal guidance issued in 2005. Top Tier (health care service providers): All direct patient care providers in hospital settings Second Tier (medically high risk): (the really old and really young) Third Tier (medically at-risk groups):(immunocompromized and pregnant) Fourth Tier (preservation of social function): Public health emergency response workers critical to pandemic response, but not providers of direct patient care. Key state and local government leaders Fifth Tier (medically at-risk): ??? Sixth Tier (preservation of social function)Public safety workers who are non-EMTs (police, fire, 911 dispatch, correctional facility staff)Utility workers involved in critical processes to support the work of power, water, sewage systems. Transportation workers transporting fuel, water, food, medical supplies and public transportation.
Hi Worried!
I hope you and your chicks are well. Go to TSC, if you have one nearby. They have some books on how to do all kinds of things. I was looking at one the other day, although I can’t remeber the name. It was a large, paperback book on how to do just about everything yourself and was about $25. I plan to go back and buy it
What is TSC? I hope you are fine too. I really enjoyed the mom11 thread. Oh Well.
Hi Worried!
It is the Tractor Supply Center. They have all kinds of goodies! I’ll stop in next weekend and see what the title of the book was. I saw it while struggling with Mr. 11, who wanted to head towards the little toy tractors. It was a big book and had all kinds of things in it. If it looks like something you are interested in, after I go look again…I could just pick up a copy and pop it in the mail to you. I’m pretty sure citys don’t have tractor stores…Do they?! I think they may be on-line, but not sure if you can order. I may look later, after these little rots quit fighting. Bad enough when one blows, but very bad day, when they both do. Gonna grab that garden rake and head to my beans. These chicks act like a garden tool is a stun gun and stay clear away, less they get the privilege of pulling a weed or two!
Also the Amish shopkeeper’s daughter is going to give me a recipe for making cheese and teach me how to do it. They use a liquid rennet, which they carry in their store. If you are interested, I’ll pass this on. I think this would be fun, without bf looming. However, I am finding fun harder and harder to find with each passing day! Everything just seems like more and more work! Have a nice day! Thanks for your friendship!
Thanks! We do have a Tractor Supply Co here. I will check.
What about starting a personal issues and BF preps thread to discuss all our family/health problems and how it affects our BF preps? Maybe that is topical enough to keep the thread alive?
I’ll try it now.
HI!
That sounds like a good idea. There are so many preppers, with many other things to deal with.
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I was researching Peak Oil as Carl E TN suggested. One interesting article said something to the effect that the Peak Oil crisis would be delayed by a few years when the bird flu pandemic occurs. So in other words hope for the pandemic, so the world has less demand for oil, which will delay the Peak Oil crisis. WOW, what a world we live in. I think my baby boomer generation will ok, but am gravely concerned for the kids and the next generation, what are they going to have to deal with. This eye opening awareness sure has made re-evaluate my life and what I want to do the next few years. I can’t help but start planning and prepping : /
From Shelby County Newspaper
Expect local shortages of food, medicine, hospital beds and life-saving medical care if a deadly new flu virus triggers a global epidemic, local health officials warned Wednesday. Such a virus would kill as many as 6,000 Shelby County residents as it moves through the community in waves lasting six to eight weeks and continuing for 18 months to two years, according to federal estimates….About 50 Shelby County elected officials, first responders and government administrators attended Wednesday’s session at the University of Memphis. They got a crash course in virology, influenza and public health. http://tinyurl.com/jeevb
Shelby County has panflu on it’s website http://tinyurl.com/f97dd
I wish I could figure out who attended the seminar.
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My city is responding!
I e-mailed my mayor some suggestions and included my January e-mail. She responded with what appeared to be solid ideas. She asked for additional suggestions to which I have responded.
I am so pleased!
Great news WitC, a light in the tunnel. The folks of Memphis will never know or understand the concern that you are showing for them, they are very lucky to have you as a concerned citizen and thoughtful neighbor working hard for their welfare and futures.
Elvis is probably rocking to the news!!!!!
It is of my humble opinion that you shouldn’t “worry” about a pandemic. Allow me to explain.
A pandemic is iffy and maybe. But what is NOT iffy and maybe is peak oil and the world wide economic collapse that it will bring. Unlike a pandemic, there will be no upside to a recovery from peak oil. It will be down hill all the way to the bottom with no climb back to the top!
My point. If you prepare for Peak Oil, you will automatically be prepared for a pandemic.
Join the Yahoo chat group on Peak Oil - Running on Empty 2 (ROE2). You will learn a lot.
An extract from a flier that a member of ROE is preparing follows:
Gas prices are rising WITH NO END IN SIGHT!
Your children will be unlikely to: Be able to attend college. Find good jobs. Have adequate4 medical care. Have enough food to eat. Be warm in the winter & cool in the summer. Travel much
They will be likely to: Live in a much more polluted world than you do. Go to war over oil and gas resources (already are). Live as long as you do.
But it is NOT all depressing because, like a pandemic, there are things you can do. Change your life style and CONSERVE. Buy local food. In the future, not grown within 100 miles, you won’t eat it! Research Peak Oil and tell others. Educate! GROW A GARDEN! Teach your children about the future and teach survival. Prepare (as some of you are doing now) only think LONG TERM.
I believe in 2 steps to preparation. (1) for the short term (IMO about 2 years). I need to have enough of everything to last that long and DURING THAT TIME I need to learn to grow a larger garden, make soap, expand into some basic farm animals such as goats, chickens, and rabbits. Learn how to make bread better than we do now, find suppliers for grains for grinding flour (or find someone that grinds grains). Hone old fashion skills that will be required when there is no electric or modern conveniences.
There will be oil for a long time. It will get progressivley less and a lot more expensive. As oil and gas gets more expensive, the things that modern civilization “needs” will get more expensive. You will learn to do with a lot less whether you like it or not. It will be easier to do it on your own and get used to it than later when it will be shoved down your throat and you won’t know how to react (survive).
Combine Peak Oil, Global Warming (extreme weather, rising oceans, inability to use carbon emiting fuels -like coal, increase in insect numbers due to warming) Middle East Conflict (possible start of WWIII), The War on Terror (which is a war on Militant Islam - like the crusades), Increase in Zoonotic Diseases Infecting Humans
It sounds like a prediction of Nostradamus.
I have concluded that the Earth is telling us, there are too many people on the planet. I end up where you do, which is :we all need to have a self-sustaining system of existance and that lot of people are going to be at risk.
I recommend William(?) Kunzler’s The Long Emergency on the topic of peak oil, climate change, and epidemic disease converging. It is a very well written and, largely, well researched investigation into the end of oil, and with it, the end of the industrial economy as we know it. His thesis is that oil was a one shot resource, ideal for industrialization, that once depleted is irreplacable. He feels it has allowed the Malthusian population explosion from the pre-industrial world carrying capacity of about 1 billion to the present level of about 6.4 billion. Modern factory farming with its machinery, oil-based fertilizers, processing and transportation to market, will collapse with the withdrawal of oil. And, of course, as goes food, so goes the civilization. Epidemics get a mention as one of the ways the natural balance of population and resources will be achieved, with H5N1 as the most likely means for thinning that population. His treatment of alternate energy resources for helping us slow the rate of descent into a meager future, I feel, is a little dismissive, but I think he captures the shape of the beast that is coming to eat us rather well. In terms of the practical questions: Now what? and What am I supposed to do?, like you’ve said above, it doesen’t make a lick of difference — It’s prepping as usual.
I recommend William(?) Kunzler’s The Long Emergency on the topic of peak oil, climate change, and epidemic disease converging. It is a very well written and, largely, well researched investigation into the end of oil, and with it, the end of the industrial economy as we know it. His thesis is that oil was a one shot resource, ideal for industrialization, that once depleted is irreplacable. He feels it has allowed the Malthusian population explosion from the pre-industrial world carrying capacity of about 1 billion to the present level of about 6.4 billion. Modern factory farming with its machinery, oil-based fertilizers, processing and transportation to market, will collapse with the withdrawal of oil. And, of course, as goes food, so goes the civilization. Epidemics get a mention as one of the ways the natural balance of population and resources will be achieved, with H5N1 as the most likely means for thinning that population. His treatment of alternate energy resources for helping us slow the rate of descent into a meager future, I feel, is a little dismissive, but I think he captures the shape of the beast that is coming to eat us rather well. In terms of the practical questions: Now what? and What am I supposed to do?, like you’ve said above, it doesen’t make a lick of difference — It’s prepping as usual.
I recommend William(?) Kunzler’s The Long Emergency on the topic of peak oil, climate change, and epidemic disease converging. It is a very well written and, largely, well researched investigation into the end of oil, and with it, the end of the industrial economy as we know it. His thesis is that oil was a one shot resource, ideal for industrialization, that once depleted is irreplacable. He feels it has allowed the Malthusian population explosion from the pre-industrial world carrying capacity of about 1 billion to the present level of about 6.4 billion. Modern factory farming with its machinery, oil-based fertilizers, processing and transportation to market, will collapse with the withdrawal of oil. And, of course, as goes food, so goes the civilization. Epidemics get a mention as one of the ways the natural balance of population and resources will be achieved, with H5N1 as the most likely means for thinning that population. His treatment of alternate energy resources for helping us slow the rate of descent into a meager future, I feel, is a little dismissive, but I think he captures the shape of the beast that is coming to eat us rather well. In terms of the practical questions: Now what? and What am I supposed to do?, like you’ve said above, it doesen’t make a lick of difference — It’s prepping as usual.
Sigh. Patience, patience. Is it possible to thin my over population of posts?
Not in our public library, alas another book to buy. Thanks for the tip.
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In the opinion of many - to include myself - the Long Emergency has begun!!
I ordered it a few days ago and look forward to reading it. I also ordered the “The Encyclopedia of Country Living” by Emery. Thanks for your help!
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Gary, East Tn, Carl E. OMG! I get it. “The Long Emergency” is profound. I recognize it as the truth just like I recognized the truth in pandemic flu and recenly in global warming. Thank you to all three of your for your nudges into this area.
Do y’all recommend any websites the equivalent of fluwikie on the subject? I am going to explore Carl E’s recommendation of the Yahoo chat group on Peak Oil - Running on Empty 2 (ROE2) today. I had been exploring solar the past week, now I see why I have been so dissatisfied. Thanks gentlemen!
I have been visiting ROE2 and some very interesting discussions. I tend to spend more time in the prepping rooms and have picked up alot of great ideas. On this site I have the plans for the hand pump for wells that GarynearDeathValley has provided. I am going to build the pump this weekend. One of my next house preps is to pump the septic system and have the well serviced. When I service the well I will install the hand pump. This will just be another water delivery system, no matter for what emergency.
I still neeed to get “The Long Emergency”, it sounds like it really made it clear for you WinC.
Thanks.
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There are several good educational media out there about peak oil. A DVD titled “The End Of Suberbia”. Book by Mathew Simmons “Twilight in The Desert”. Book by Heinberg “The Party’s Over”.
Of course what Peak Oil will ultimately do is cause a total world financial collapse. The recovery (if there is one) will take years and then the U.S. will be totally unrecoginzable. It will be up to the people about what form it will be - Republic, Democracy (one of the worse), dictatorship - or worse.
And who knows, this thing with Israel may lead us into WWIII. If that doesn’t get us, global warming will and maybe sooner that what many on this list think. I just read a report that the Amazon rain forrest cannot survive a drought more that 2 years. It is in it’s first year now with no end in sight. The trees will die after 2 years and when they do, they will release thousands of years of stored carbon into the atmosphere very quickly witht he end results possibley making our planet uninhabitable. All within maybe 10 years!
We do live in interesting times!!
Touche. Did you hear Allen Greenspan say the other night that the last time Americans savings rate was so low, was right before the great depression? There are failing crops across the nation, loss of cattle plus a dustbowl being created right now in the west.
I am still in an adjustment reaction. I can plan for 2 years with intermittant services and a plague thinning the population with a return to normal thereafter. Trying to survive without fossil fuels, surrounded by desperate people, and no hope of medical care is a deal breaker. My mom’s Bird Flu plan is to die. Who has the resources to create an alternate Amish life “just in case?” Who will tend your crops and livestock, train your horses while you work to keep your health insurance? Who has good enough health to abandon job/health insurance and live off the land “just in case?” I dream of immigrating to Canada. If only my family bought into any of this.
Where on ROE2 are you finding the good stuff. I am clicking around but not being very successful. Thanks!
Try this link to the forum section of ROE2
Try to enjoy the now, the trip is what is important not the destination. We never know when, by what means or how each of our final destinations may occur. We hope it is along way off, but you never know. So make the best use of your spirit, mind and soul everyday and enjoy life to its fullest.
You have a lot to offer the world WinC, we appreciate your words.
The Chicago Tribune Article is great. It confirms “The Long Emergency” and even quotes the author. I e-mailed it to friends. One answered, there is plenty.
Have you explored con views as to whether of not our ROE views are incorrect? My research only yielded a 2004 article which mentions a Jewish plot that I do not find credible.
Your forum link was just what I wanted. Thanks! It has great prep tips. My current idea is to get a group of people to buy suitable land together to split financial risk. In an emergency, we can flee there, and work together on defense and food production. The hardest part is convincing people that this is a prudent precaution.
Thanks for all your great ideas!
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HI WitC
Great idea on the shared land, I am also looking at alternatives. The big decision is whether to stay in TN or look somewhere else. I am from out west and would love to return, but evaluating all the factors, TN has alot of value if/when the long emergency becomes reality.
We are headed out to Washington State tomorrow, we will around the area as we vacation. That area has some of the same resources as TN and is worth looking at.
Am a little nervous going in/out of Seattle, due to all the international flights. But life must go on and we have had this trip planned for a year, so no backing out. Things seem to be heating up in Asia again.
Hope you avoided the security delays!
Thought you’d like to know…
Manchester Times- “Coffee County is to join other Tennessee counties in developing a plan to respond to pandemic influenza.
A work session for local officials and community representatives is to take place at 9 a.m. Aug. 23 in the community room at Coffee County Administrative Plaza.
As the state Department of Health has announced, under the leadership of Gov. Phil Bredesen and Tennessee Health Commissioner Dr. Kenneth Robinson, Tennessee is actively engaged in a planning process for responding to pandemic influenza.
Each public health region is responsible for developing regional response plans, with “annexes” in those plans for each county…”
more… http://www.manchestertimes.com/news/view_sections.asp?idcategory=43&idarticle=1046
Thanks MaMa!
In the past 6 months I have made numerous trips to Sam’s in Knoxville. It has been suprising that I have not seen (from my opinion) anyone else that appears to be prepping for an extended SIP. There are always a lot of shoppers, but from the cart contents most are purchasing short term items. Verses me with the bags of rice, cases of tp and cases of # 10 fruit.
My preps are at the 92 % for 1 year (6 people). This means that the house is built and actually pretty strong and ready for the big, bad wolf to try and blow me down, (but still lacking in some of the decorations and feature comforts). I still need treats (more chocolate), snack foods, short shelve life items; but overall feeling comfortable with my current position.
My DH knows of my plans and is supportive, but does not participate. My in-laws are unaware of my plans, I feel security maybe compromised if they were aware at this time.
Should be DW, not DH. Hope she doesn’t see this!!!!!
Greetings from another East TN prepper. I noted that some were buying water barrels in Knoxville. Last night, I picked up a truckload from a gent who works at the Pepsi bottling plant off John Sevier Hwy and brings them home to clean and sell. Food grade, have only held Pepsi syrup. 55-gals: $8. 15-gal (easier to manage when full, also have a handle on ‘em): $3. 5 and 6-gal HEAVY opaque white plastic: $2. He had a few hundred of the 55′s, less of the 15′s and smaller ones. He (obviously) can get more. He lives in Kodak, and seems to be quite a nice fella.
I don’t think it appropriate that I post the guy’s full name/number here without permission, but will say that I found him by callng the Pepsi plant and asking if they sell the barrels. The receptionist said “we don’t, but one of our guys does…call Wayne at xxx”.
Put me in the camp that doesn’t talk about their preps much at ALL to those they know (including family). The discretion saves on any “he’s gone loopy” attitudes, and frankly, keeps my options open should disaster hit. I’d help anyone I reasonably can (with close family and close neighbors/friends coming first), but cannot feed the world and don’t need any heartbreaking (or lifetaking) confrontations with desparate folks who “heard froma friend of a friend that you have some stuff”. I also try to subtly encourage neighbors and family to prep a bit, but do not and will not set myself up for them to think “if something bad happens, I’ll be coming to YOUR house” (instead of getting their own supplies now when they’re unneeded). It’s a fine line to walk, but I think it’s an important one.
I had us pretty much set for stored food until my wife was recently diagnosed with celiac disease and must eat a gluten-free diet. It’s not quite back to square one, but it sure left some big holes (and a serious oversupply of wehat and other things).
Big Mo – at 11:37
Thanks for the info, good to have you on the forum. Did Wayne have lids for the 5 and 6 gallon buckets? Have been wondering if anyone else in this area was watching BF. I think it is very wise not to discuss prepping, need to plan on taking care of family first.
EastTN, I wish he had buckets (and lids), as the bakery staffers at a certain local grocery are sick of seeing me, I think. ;-)
He has 5 and 6-gal barrels…actually, I think he has some 4′s as well. These would be great for folks wishing more portability etc. They are heavier plastic than the Aquatainers one finds at Walmart, and they seal tightly. For the price you can’t beat ‘em, IMHO. I already have ~150 gals in smaller containers, so didn’t really need any of those..but I bought one 6-gal anyway just to fill a small space in the truck when packing ‘em in. ;-)
The bigger barrels will go to the barn after I bleach-treat ‘em. I’m likely going overboard with water, since we have a well and handpump should power go out…but I guess it’s better to have it and not need it than the other way around.
And by the way…you’re not the only one buying preps at Sam’s in K-town. They did make me wait while they unloaded a truckload of rice one day…said something about you having been there that morning. ;-)
Anyone getting worried in West Tn? I am wondering if Memphis is considered a “salvageable” city what with FedEx, major banking and transportation activity and significant research base for AF. On a good day, Memphis seems in dire straits and I am hearing little to no activity for the masses around pandemic planning. Anyone else hearing anything hopeful?
MEMMOM Greetings from West Tn! I haven’t heard anything that isn’t posted above. People seemed deterimined to put it out of their heads. Read all the above info about Memphis I posted throughout this thread, then let me know what you think or have noticed.
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