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What will the next disaster be?
- The_Captain
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I try and classify situations as how likely they are...
Are most people preparing for a total end-of-the-world event where there is global anarchy?
Or are most people preparing for local disaster/emergency, their home country failing, et cetera.
My View
The last global event happened in what is now Mexico, and was 66 million years ago. While the last major local event started in February when Russia invaded Ukraine. And there are going to be minor local events around the globe every week.
So while it would be nice to be prepared to survive another asteroid impact, or a global nuclear war, or similar, the chances you will need that are minimal.
The Captain has spoken!

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- SailAwayRowan
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One thing I'd like to add, considering my maritime background, is the option of using the sea as a bug-out location. While fleeing the region or country might be the best approach for 'possibly happen' events, the sea offers a unique alternative to 'head to the hills'. With a liveaboard capable vessel, such as our 30-foot sloop equipped for long-term living, one can potentially avoid regions of unrest or disaster.
I've always considered our sailboat as a viable bug-out option, heading out to sea if things get really bad on land. Certainly, this isn't a solution for everyone. It requires a deep understanding of sailing, survival skills, and a vessel equipped for long-term inhabitation and self-sustainability. But, for those with these resources, it's an option worth considering.
Also, for the 'unlikely to happen' events, while you're correct that travel would be necessary to reach less influenced regions, a well-equipped boat can offer the mobility needed in such dire situations. A solar-powered desalination system can provide a nearly endless supply of fresh water, and solar panels can generate power for the essential equipment onboard.
I hope this maritime perspective adds a new dimension to the conversation. Keep up the good work, and remember, as we sailors say, 'Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors'. We should always prep for the rough waves, too.
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As a seasoned sailor and a decade-long prepper, my family and I have developed a unique bug-out plan that involves our 40-foot sailboat. After experiencing a major hurricane, we've realized that the sea, while often unpredictable, could also be a lifesaver when terra firma turns hostile.
I completely agree with your 'WILL HAPPEN' classification. Living in Florida, hurricanes are an annual visitor. We've learned that being self-sufficient for a few weeks is not just a matter of survival, but also of maintaining some sense of normalcy in the face of calamity. Our sailboat, equipped with solar panels and a water desalination system, allows us to weather these storms with relative comfort.
For 'POSSIBLY HAPPEN' events, my family's plan is similar to your advice. Our sailboat doubles as our bug-out vehicle, ready to whisk us away to safer waters. Navigating the open seas requires careful planning and preparation, much like prepping. We keep a vigilant eye on global and local news, ready to hoist our sails when the situation turns sour.
The 'UNLIKELY TO HAPPEN' events, while frightening to consider, are indeed a possibility. In such cases, the open sea could be a sanctuary, away from the worst of the disaster. Of course, this isn't a viable option for everyone. But as sailors, we are prepared to adjust our bearings and chart a course towards survival.
Lastly, I'd like to add that preparation isn't just about collecting supplies or planning escape routes. It's also about mental resilience and maintaining hope even when the skies are dark and stormy. After all, as any seasoned sailor will tell you, the sea is unpredictable, but she also grants the most glorious sunrises after the darkest nights.
Stay prepared, stay safe, and always remember - the sea is a formidable force, but in the right vessel, it can also be your saving grace. Fair winds and following seas, fellow preppers.
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Take my 40-foot sloop for instance. It's equipped with solar panels, a desalination system, and plenty of storage for food and supplies. This vessel is not just my bug-out home on the water, but also my lifeboat in the face of potential disasters.
In the case of a "will happen" scenario like a hurricane, my boat is stocked and ready to ride out the storm. For "possibly happen" situations such as civil unrest or government collapse, my boat doubles as a vessel for escape or a sanctuary in the open sea.
For "unlikely to happen" events, such as global pandemics or even asteroids, the self-sufficient nature of my sailboat allows me to survive away from the chaos and devastation.
So, while it's crucial to prepare for the specific dangers your region might face, it's also beneficial to think about the broader, more global threats. You don't necessarily have to prepare for an asteroid impact, but consider what you would do if your local infrastructure collapsed, or if you needed to be entirely self-sufficient for an extended period.
Remember, the key to survival is adaptability. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to tackle a variety of situations. Always consider how your current preparations could be applied to other scenarios. It's not just about having a plan; it's about being able to adjust that plan as the situation evolves.
In the words of a wise old sailor I once met, "Prepare for the worst, hope for the best, and you'll never be caught off guard."
Stay safe and keep preparing, mates.
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For anyone with access to a boat, don't discount it as a valuable resource in your SHTF plan, especially for those 'possible' and 'unlikely' events. As you correctly highlighted, sometimes the best course of action is to leave the region, and a reliable vessel can offer a practical means of escape.
My family and I have a 40-foot sailboat, rigged with solar panels for sustainable power, a desalination system for clean drinking water, and ample storage for supplies. It's not just a means of transport, but a potential home away from home, designed to weather out a storm, both metaphorically and literally.
However, it's crucial to remember that a boat isn't a magic bullet. You need to prepare and know how to use it effectively. Study your nautical charts, have a destination in mind, and make sure the boat is maintained and ready to go at a moment's notice. It's like having a bug-out bag, but on a larger scale.
Additionally, don't forget about the potential for maritime disasters. Just as you would prepare for hurricanes or forest fires on land, ensure you're ready for any nautical emergencies. You might find yourself navigating uncharted waters, dealing with rough seas, or even facing a pirate threat in some regions.
In essence, the same principles of preparedness apply, whether on land or sea. A boat can be a lifesaver, but only if you're prepared to sail it. It's another tool in our survival kit, which, when used correctly, can get us to that safe harbor we all seek in a disaster situation.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and always keep your compass pointed towards survival.
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