Economic Collapse and Family Survival

We are told that we have reached the bottom of the economic trench in our current global crisis. Economic gurus are paraded daily on every media outlet, as if to convince and reassure the American people that all is well. Yet millions upon millions of Americans are jobless or homeless and many more are preparing to join this growing number. A downward spiral that continues through this uncharted abyss with no end in sight. What are American Families to do at such a time in history?


Regardless of whether or not our Government can deal with the current situation, our number one priority is to the safety and well being of ourselves and our loved ones. Steps need to be taken to insure that we can continue to meet our most fundemental obligations. This is not the time for inaction or apathy or even denial because these can have grave consequences for you and your loved ones.


I am not trying to scare you into a corner with your head between your legs but instead to rally my fellow Americans to empower themselves through potentially tough times.


We as individuals, couples and families need to start planning now and I mean NOW for the possibility of economic times that may be much worse than the Great Depression. Imagine the money in your bank gone, the supermarkets empty in a matter of minutes with resupply not in the immediate future and your place of employment is, until further notice, closed. What do you do when you run out of food at home and maybe water with no power, heat or gasoline to drive somewhere? What do you tell your child when he says "Daddy I'm Hungry".


There is nothing wrong with being prepared in an emergency. You will not be crazy but prudent if you plan for risks that you may face in the future. We teach our Boyscouts to "always be prepared" and so should we. We must prepare within the context of our own lives and that takes careful planning.


Should I stop paying my bills and quit my job? Absolutely NOT!!! Just because you see potential danger doesn't mean that things will definately happen.


What if nothing happens? Great!!! I will be the one eating my stored food and beverage celebrating and I guess I won't need to go to the store right away.


I would like to offer a few suggestions on what to focus on. First of all, any preparation is better than none. The degree to which you prepare is an individual decision based on your expectation of risk, your current means and the situation that you find yourself in.


Think about were you live. Do you live in the City , Suburbs, Rural area or the Country? Do you live in a warm or colder climate? Different situations require different preparation. The following are important topics and should be planned for separately.


Water and water storage-You don't last long without it. If the city or town shuts down the water what do you do?


Shelter and Heat- If you live in a cold winter climate you need locally available fuel supply that is renewable eg. Wood. Don't forget magnesium fire starters and other ways of starting a fire because matches and lighters run out. You might be better off leaving the area and staying with relatives whom you have assisted in getting prepared.


Food and beverage-Store what you can. If you live paycheck to paycheck start slow always taking care of your regular priorities in everyday life like paying bills first. Store Rice, Beans, Pasta, and other dry storables, Canned meats, Sugar, Honey, Flour, Peanut Butter. They say it is better to look for food when you are not hungry.


Remember God/Nature made a world that is renewable and reproduces. Grow gardens and can and jar. Keep Chickens for eggs, meat and manure for your garden. Dairy Goats produce 1-2 Gal milk per day that does not require pasturization, meat, manure, and hides. Rabbits produce fur, meat, manure and can reproduce quickly. Sheep produce fleece and meat, etc. All these creatures graze greens in the spring and summer but require feed that must also be stored in winter. I recommend lowest grade Dairy Cattle feed for all (Chickens,Goats, Rabbit, Sheep), It is currently still inexpensive at 12 dollars / 100 lbs. These are all commodities that can be used as food or trade for other things.


The ideal amount to store is six months until you can harvest more but as I said, something is better than nothing.


Fishing and Hunting-Try to acquire snare and snap traps which are quiet and reusable, Lots of fishing line, Vermiculture (Earthworms) can come in handy for fishing and animal feed and they turn your compost into usable fertile dirt. Don't forget lots of hooks and nets.

Medications for medical conditions, antibiotics, first aid supplies and cold, flu and pain remedies.

Clothing for all weather and sewing materials.


Rifles, handguns and Ammunition if legally applicable and feel comfortable to possess.


Candles, lanterns, flashlights, toiletries, radios. Camping gear is always nice to have.


Finally, how to and pleasure Books and games and cards to spend quality time with those we cherish.

Our society and the world is due for a change and change is always scary at first but necessary. We just need to get past the initially difficult hurdles of the moment. We have created an unsustainable system of consumption and greed. However, America will not perish beneath the waves of history but shall be transformed. What it will become is ultimately up to us. God Bless us and God Bless America.

NewAmericaNow@ymail.com