As part of my resting today, I watched some of my favourite YouTube channels and saw something very interesting happening. So many of them have decided to figure out how to prepare for the worst possible scenario's.
Now as a frugal person I have always tried to prepare for storms, rising prices and any other small challenge that could come my way. The way I see it, if the worst possible happens we probably won't be here to see the results.
Since these people profess to be frugal, shouldn't they have prepared for those small things already? I do know some have a pantry, but many of them seem to purchase items that need to be frozen (power outages or hacking of the power grid would take those full freezers out right away).
The cash on hand I think is a great idea, and one that I do just in case. However saying to go to your corner store to purchase groceries if big stores suffer a computer shutdown, won't work in many cases. We have one corner store here in my city, and they no longer sticker price their groceries or cleaning supplies. Most places have gone to the run the barcode and get the selling price. Even our 7-11 stores have moved to this method. No electricity would also mean the stores coolers would no longer work and food would spoil quickly.
None of them mention getting a generator to run their electric appliances. Some even talk about using their phones to watch movies they have downloaded if the internet goes down. Hmmm, how would they recharge their phones, laptops or tablets with now electric. Yes, if they fill the vehicle with gas they could in fact use the running vehicle to recharge things. Still gas would run out fairly quickly with the constant recharging of phones and such.
Lately I have been purchasing more canned goods, and making sure I have propane for cooking on my camp stove or on the BBQ. Not many of the YouTubers I watch even mentioned that. They do mention candles and solar powered lanterns and such. They even speak about stocking up on batteries. Yet not many mention purchasing canned goods. Lots of canned meat and veggies to be had for the pantry, and my next $10.00 pantry spend will probably be canned potatoes and canned fruit, if I can get a good deal.
So do you think one should prepare for the worst possible scenario? Or just prepare for the smaller happenings that we are used to?
Off to get some more sleep as I have been coughing, sneezing, and dang cold. Will try and visit you all, but the way I am feeling that might have to wait until tomorrow.
Everybody have a wonderful evening.
God bless.
I hope you’re feeling better soon, Jackie. I definitely keep a good deal of canned food on hand including meat like chicken and fish. I try to prepare for what is happening here like when the snow storm was supposed to come in January. We could last a while if something big were to happen, but I don’t prepare for that.
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I have noticed that as well, and I think some think they have been frugal, but not the same way you and I are. I have always prepared for whatever might happen - at least since the late 90's (remember Y2K)? I always have cash on hand - just in case. Stores, banks, gas stations, etc. will not be working if there is a major power outage or something.
ReplyDeleteI even went as far as a whole house generator so as to have power (hubs at the time had medical equipment). That was pricey, but the best investment we ever made.
Canned meats and veggies and fruits smart to have on hand.
My husband and I are at opposite ends when it comes to this. I take a more, " I'll deal with it if it happens" and he's the forever boy scout = Always be Prepared! I've always been ready for those rainy days but I just can't wrap my head around some of the outlandish ideas of serious preppers. We have a generator and emergency food storage, thanks to my husband but I guess I just refuse to worry about it. I've had to do some prep, in case of earthquake and fire but the apocalypse scenario, I just don't think about.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your points. We have the same camp stove and grill with extra propane. I have lots of canned goods and dry goods. We have a backpackers water filter.
ReplyDeleteWe made the investment of purchasing a Jackery solar generator. I hope you feel better soon. Sue in Minnesota
Living within 30 miles of a Nuclear Power station, there doesn't much point of prepping as we'd all be gone anyway!
ReplyDeleteI don't have a lot of storage space in my small house so keeping a huge pantry or large containers full of water is a no-no. I do always have as good a store of food as space allows, some bottled water and candles, battery powered lanterns, radios and torches. I also have a woodstove and a small gas camping stove.
ReplyDeleteI believe in being prepared, but not going over the top about it.
I prep for bad weather, days we can't get out, we have a stove and BBQ if the power goes down, but if the sh*t hits the fan, I'm not sure I would want to be involved, even if I had the choice.
ReplyDeleteI'm an idiot sometimes - the other day my electricity was out while the meter was replaced. I was watching curling on You-tube on my laptop. I thought, that's okay, my laptop battery is fully charged without thinking that the internet would be down while the power was out. :p
ReplyDeleteYou are correct, cellphones won't last forever and need electricity to charge. Charging in the vehicle works for awhile, but when one runs low on fuel, the gas pumps also run on electricity.
I wonder if they already have generators? Maybe they have solar? And maybe they didn't think about newbies coming to watch their channel. I prepare for what I can and a generator is on the list. Living in FL I have been lucky so far in that I almost always have power, but that is bound to run out too. Inevitable. I am growing some tomatoes and peppers this year, but not a big garden yet. There are a few farmer markets around though that I can buy veggies. My main focus this year is going to be community. Who has the meat I can buy? Eggs and dairy also. And what neighbors can I depend on too.
ReplyDeleteSorry that you've come down with a cold, hope you're feeling better soon. I've collected a few things together in a box, i.e.candles, radio, batteries, etc. and keep a bit of cash in the house, but I don't have anything to cook on or masses of tins in the cupboard.
ReplyDeleteWe can't really prep as much as I would like to because living in a small apartment means there isn't much room for storage. I do know we need to invest in some candles (and matches!).
ReplyDeleteAs a Latter Day Saint I am very familiar with prepping. But I will tell you from experience this can be very wasteful. You can be prepared, but over doing is just plain costly. Moderation in all things my mother used to say. Also fear sells, and they need ideas to get you to watch. I think what you do now is just fine..
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