What will happen when people need food & water?

[The_Outlaw]

What will happen if our dollar collapses?
What if this country enters into another 'great depression'?
What if there is no more food and water stocked on the grocery store shelves?
This should be a wake up call folks, We should all prepare our homes with emergency food, water & ammo just in case the shtf...
Watch how people literally become 'savages' just to get their hands on some meaningless "stuff'.
.

 

[Bob Bihari]

A total collapse would not be pretty...especially in the larger cities. "Super-storm" Sandy was a perfect example; A majority of people did very little/nothing in preparation for the storm, and as soon as it was over, they all started wailing for someone to come & take care of them. Looting was rampant, and the area affected was actually much smaller than the Media made it appear.... many of the homes that were damaged were actually vacation/second homes (at least those on the Jersey Shore), so it wasn't as bad as some of the Hurricanes we get down here almost every year.

I've been through five MAJOR hurricanes since I've been here, and a hell of a lot of tropical storms, but we prepare for them, and take care of our own. Being without power for a few days a couple of times, and replacing my roof & pool screens is no fun at all, but we made it through without looting each others stuff.

If the economy collapses, and once the distribution system breaks down (won't take long - and they are TOTALLY dependent on it) the "metro" areas will turn ugly pretty quickly -they will be killing each other for food within a week...nobody knows how to live off the land anymore, and the Predator Class would be out in full force. Of course, those are also the areas that have disarmed the honest citizens - so it would be mayhem.

I have a 33000 gallon pool, a freshwater pond out back, loads of canned/dried foods and I live right next to one of the largest nature preserves in Florida with plenty of deer, possums, turtles, (and black bear, 'gators & snakes) etc.... and plenty of firearms & ammo. I could live very comfortably for years- no matter what. The biggest problem would be to keep the two-legged animals at bay - but everyone will have that problem.....just be prepared.

 

[Glockout]

Animals. Yeah, if the economy went down, power grid went down or any major disaster of the like, people would start killing each other in huge amounts. Of course none of that will happen and people who talk about those things are only making more money for the people who sell survival gear. I've seen that show preppers one time and I think those people are truly insane. Spending all of your money on the preparation for something that will never happen. Look, we have lasted this long. There is nothing that tells me that we won't keep going at least until I'm dead.

 

[fstroupe]

Look, we have lasted this long. There is nothing that tells me that we won't keep going at least until I'm dead.

Brother, this is not the country that survived other disasters. Not the country that survived "the Great Depression" (or the other dozen or so that we have been in). The current generations, except for the oldest of the senior generation, have never witnessed any discomfort at all.

Believe as you will. But if you are not at least mentally prepared for the changes that are about to come, you are failing your family and friends with a "head in the sand" attitude.

 

[K7lvo]

Someone was looking for the definition of Zombies. They have been defined in the above posts!

 

[Glockout]

Brother, this is not the country that survived other disasters. Not the country that survived "the Great Depression" (or the other dozen or so that we have been in). The current generations, except for the oldest of the senior generation, have never witnessed any discomfort at all.

Believe as you will. But if you are not at least mentally prepared for the changes that are about to come, you are failing your family and friends with a "head in the sand" attitude.

If it comes down to what you are suggesting, I would imagine very few of us will be alive to witness the aftermath. And I'm assuming we will have wished to have been killed during its onslaught instead of having to live with it afterward. I'm mentally prepared. I will save one bullet for myself after I have expended the rest.

 

[K7lvo]

Brother, this is not the country that survived other disasters. Not the country that survived "the Great Depression" (or the other dozen or so that we have been in). The current generations, except for the oldest of the senior generation, have never witnessed any discomfort at all.

Believe as you will. But if you are not at least mentally prepared for the changes that are about to come, you are failing your family and friends with a "head in the sand" attitude.

True. For starters, in the 30's 80% of the people lived on farms and ranches, and were, largely, self-sufficient, growing and raising most of their necessities. For instance, my dad always said that he didn't really notice the Depression. They raised most of their food, and always had eggs or milk to trade for sugar and spices. He didn't have any money in his pocket, but he'd never had much money before the Depression, anyway. He also said that the only people who seemed to have any money were Federal employees... Now, 90% of the people live in cities, and most of them will be in a total panic/rage when they run out of toilet paper and beer!

 

[Glockout]

Now, 90% of the people live in cities, and most of them will be in a total panic/rage when they run out of toilet paper and beer!

Do you have references to this statistic? I don't believe it. 90% of the American population lives with metropolis areas like NYC and Chicago? So only 10% of all Americans live in rural areas?

 

[mappow]

If you don't have a least a few ducks lined up (ALSO COULD BE USED FOR FOOD) then if and when the SHTF you'll be at a lost after a week, maybe two. Hunger and thirst will be a motivating factor for survival. I'm not saying that I have fully prepared for such an event but I'm thinking about 4-6 weeks before I'll need to roam. GOT MRE's ?

 

[K7lvo]

Do you have references to this statistic? I don't believe it. 90% of the American population lives with metropolis areas like NYC and Chicago? So only 10% of all Americans live in rural areas?

You seem to be making every effort to take the overly-optimistic path. It doesn't have to be a city of millions of people. Most people that live in cities of 100,000 - maybe even less - would have NO idea how to raise a garden or hunt and prepare game animals. Many of them think that hamburger comes from McDonald's or Safeway and chocolate milk comes from brown cows. Yeah, I'll stick with my 90%.

 

[-06]

The stat is that in the depression of the 30s 80+% of the population was agrarian(farmers or lived on farm land). Today it is about 9% that are agrarian. That leaves slightly over 90% that are not farmers or engaged in farming work. Disagree if you like but just look around--how many farmers do you know? Today they are considered a second class citizen even though they may drive a million dollar combine or tractor and till thousands of acres. Instead of arguing you might listen to him and learn/prep for your families survival. Sorry to "dump" on you but his stats are 100% correct. If you think "joe blow the eskimo" is going to be able to grow veggies on his tenth story apartment patio you are mistaken. They will swarm from the ghettos like the vermin they are expecting to get freebies by force if necessary. If you are not able, ready, and prepared to "repel boarders" then you will fall prey to the ravenous scum. Then they will have your arms and hit the next place with more power. They will have to be exterminated. If this sounds dreadful--it is--but will be totally necessary. Life as you know it now will cease to exist and the "law of the jungle" will take over.

 

[dcselby1]

A total collapse would not be pretty...especially in the larger cities. "Super-storm" Sandy was a perfect example; A majority of people did very little/nothing in preparation for the storm, and as soon as it was over, they all started wailing for someone to come & take care of them. Looting was rampant, and the area affected was actually much smaller than the Media made it appear.... many of the homes that were damaged were actually vacation/second homes (at least those on the Jersey Shore), so it wasn't as bad as some of the Hurricanes we get down here almost every year.

I've been through five MAJOR hurricanes since I've been here, and a hell of a lot of tropical storms, but we prepare for them, and take care of our own. Being without power for a few days a couple of times, and replacing my roof & pool screens is no fun at all, but we made it through without looting each others stuff.

If the economy collapses, and once the distribution system breaks down (won't take long - and they are TOTALLY dependent on it) the "metro" areas will turn ugly pretty quickly -they will be killing each other for food within a week...nobody knows how to live off the land anymore, and the Predator Class would be out in full force. Of course, those are also the areas that have disarmed the honest citizens - so it would be mayhem.

I have a 33000 gallon pool, a freshwater pond out back, loads of canned/dried foods and I live right next to one of the largest nature preserves in Florida with plenty of deer, possums, turtles, (and black bear, 'gators & snakes) etc.... and plenty of firearms & ammo. I could live very comfortably for years- no matter what. The biggest problem would be to keep the two-legged animals at bay - but everyone will have that problem.....just be prepared.

Bob, good post. Your mention of your pool caught my attention. I plan on using mine as well if I have to and intend to use HTH Pool Shock as a disinfectant if I need to use it. Are you of the same thought?

 

[Glockout]

Bob, good post. Your mention of your pool caught my attention. I plan on using mine as well if I have to and intend to use HTH Pool Shock as a disinfectant if I need to use it. Are you of the same thought?

I wouldn't use shock. Regular chlorinating tablets are good for drinking (once its in the pool obviously). Shock has such a high concentration of cyanuric acid, it could turn out bad.

 

[Glockout]

You seem to be making every effort to take the overly-optimistic path. It doesn't have to be a city of millions of people. Most people that live in cities of 100,000 - maybe even less - would have NO idea how to raise a garden or hunt and prepare game animals. Many of them think that hamburger comes from McDonald's or Safeway and chocolate milk comes from brown cows. Yeah, I'll stick with my 90%.

[Archived] U.S. Population Living in Urban vs. Rural Areas - Metropolitan Transportation Planning Planning - Archives - Census Issues - Planning - FHWA
Nope, 20% live in rural areas. I thought it would be closer to 30.

 

[K7lvo]

[Archived] U.S. Population Living in Urban vs. Rural Areas - Metropolitan Transportation Planning Planning - Archives - Census Issues - Planning - FHWA
Nope, 20% live in rural areas. I thought it would be closer to 30.

I can't get that page to load, but I'll bet they count all the "gentleman ranchers" as rural. These people may live on 5-10 acres, but their idea of farming is mowing an acre or so ogress with the John Deere lawn tractor and ranching is having 2-3 horses - none of which will help them a whole lot when the trucks stop rolling to the grocery stores. I still say 10%, at best, of the population will be able to provide for themselves. The rest will have to come up with an alternative supply. And for many, the alternative will not be pretty; for some, it will down right ugly.

Actually, even if 20% were able to mostly provide for themselves, That still leaves *80%* who cannot. How far will the parasites it the mega-cities, who are accustomed to the gorenment deliering a check to their door on a regular basis, spread, bringing their desolation with them? What about middle class America, who live in the suburbs? not only will they have few provisions, any who live within 2-300 miles of these population centers will probably be forced to pick up and move, bringing all the provisions possible, to escape the human tidal wave. Sandy has been brought up as an example, but it is minuscule in comparison. Most of its victims were still to shocked to react more than verbally before some form of relief reached them. In this scenario, there will be no discernible relief. People will have to adapt to whatever they can create as a new "norm." It's a grim picture, but its all too possible!

 

[Glockout]

I can't get that page to load, but I'll bet they count all the "gentleman ranchers" as rural. These people may live on 5-10 acres, but their idea of farming is mowing an acre or so ogress with the John Deere lawn tractor and ranching is having 2-3 horses - none of which will help them a whole lot when the trucks stop rolling to the grocery stores. I still say 10%, at best, of the population will be able to provide for themselves. The rest will have to come up with an alternative supply. And for many, the alternative will not be pretty; for some, it will down right ugly.

Actually, even if 20% were able to mostly provide for themselves, That still leaves *80%* who cannot. How far will the parasites it the mega-cities, who are accustomed to the gorenment deliering a check to their door on a regular basis, spread, bringing their desolation with them? What about middle class America, who live in the suburbs? not only will they have few provisions, any who live within 2-300 miles of these population centers will probably be forced to pick up and move, bringing all the provisions possible, to escape the human tidal wave. Sandy has been brought up as an example, but it is minuscule in comparison. Most of its victims were still to shocked to react more than verbally before some form of relief reached them. In this scenario, there will be no discernible relief. People will have to adapt to whatever they can create as a new "norm." It's a grim picture, but its all too possible!

I think at the onset one can fairly assume 40-50% of the people in inner cities will be killed by the looting, rioting and diseases. Then there will be about 5-10% inside those cities that were ready for when SHTF who will have a place set up to go once it goes down. Add that to the 20% and it gives you between 25-30% vs the 40-50% that's left in the cities. Now, getting out to the rural areas and fighting with the ranchers, groups of militia, etc, count on losing another 10-15% off the city scum. And probably 5% of the rural. Keep in mind, the looting and rioting in the cities will take months to die down and consume all the recourses. During that time, I should hope the rural dwellers take in as many of the city folk who were ready to bug out if they don't have a place set up. Combine that with the militia forces and good ole boys and a little organization, the city scum won't stand a chance. What will be left is the fittest most organized army of American citizens this country hasn't seen since the first revolution. Sounds wonderful.

 

[fstroupe]

If it comes down to what you are suggesting, I would imagine very few of us will be alive to witness the aftermath. And I'm assuming we will have wished to have been killed during its onslaught instead of having to live with it afterward. I'm mentally prepared. I will save one bullet for myself after I have expended the rest.

I'm not necessarily talking about civil war or revolution. I'm talking economic meltdown like "the great depression".

In the 1930s, America was still a Christian nation. Though times were extremely hard, there was nearly no crime. (other than the tail end of the idiotic gangster era, and the crimes being committed by FDR and the Congress) People today have little respect for each other.

I'm sorry....I have just a little more survival instinct than to wish I had died because of hard times.

You seem to be making every effort to take the overly-optimistic path. It doesn't have to be a city of millions of people. Most people that live in cities of 100,000 - maybe even less - would have NO idea how to raise a garden or hunt and prepare game animals. Many of them think that hamburger comes from McDonald's or Safeway and chocolate milk comes from brown cows. Yeah, I'll stick with my 90%.

Hell, in my "city" of about 700 people, I'd bet that only a handful have ever even grown a tomato, much less what you would call a large garden. Though most probably know someone who has.

Urban areas are considered to be population clusters of over 2500 people. My "city" has about 500 people and is incorporated. If you figured "incorporated cites" rather than "urban clusters of over 2500 population", you'd easily get 90%.

1. How many people reside in urban or rural areas for the 2010 Census? What percentage of the U.S. population is urban or rural? The urban areas of the United States for the 2010 Census contain 249,253,271 people, representing 80.7% of the population, and rural areas contain 59,492,276 people, or 19.3% of the population. In Puerto Rico, 3,493,256 people, or 93.8% of the population, reside in urban areas, and 232,533 people, or 6.2% of the population, reside in rural areas. In the Island Areas, 92.6% of the population, 347,487 people, live in urban areas, and 7.4% or the population, 27,678 people, live in rural areas.
2. Did the percentage of the U.S. population residing in urban areas increase from 2000 to 2010? Yes. The urban population of the United States increased from 79% in 2000 to 80.7% in 2010. Interestingly, this growth occurred primarily in urbanized areas, rather in urban clusters. The percentage of the U.S. population living in urbanized areas rose from 68.3% to 71.2% between the two years, while the percentage living in urban clusters dropped from 10.7% to 9.5%.

The stat is that in the depression of the 30s 80+% of the population was agrarian(farmers or lived on farm land). Today it is about 9% that are agrarian. That leaves slightly over 90% that are not farmers or engaged in farming work. Disagree if you like but just look around--how many farmers do you know?

Not attacking your figure, but that 9% is of people "living in the country" and not necessarily farming the land they live on. I know numerous people with acreage who have never planted a seed other than the St Augustine grass in their front yard....if they actually planted that because sodding is very popular. I'd bet the population of people who actually "farm" (more than a subsistence garden) is less than 5%.

I think at the onset one can fairly assume 40-50% of the people in inner cities will be killed by the looting, rioting and diseases. Then there will be about 5-10% inside those cities that were ready for when SHTF who will have a place set up to go once it goes down. Add that to the 20% and it gives you between 25-30% vs the 40-50% that's left in the cities. Now, getting out to the rural areas and fighting with the ranchers, groups of militia, etc, count on losing another 10-15% off the city scum. And probably 5% of the rural. Keep in mind, the looting and rioting in the cities will take months to die down and consume all the recourses. During that time, I should hope the rural dwellers take in as many of the city folk who were ready to bug out if they don't have a place set up. Combine that with the militia forces and good ole boys and a little organization, the city scum won't stand a chance. What will be left is the fittest most organized army of American citizens this country hasn't seen since the first revolution. Sounds wonderful.

Hmmm....now you are agreeing with us. Weird. Though I really don't expect it to be quite as disastrous as you predict.

Actually, the Continential Army was neither particularly fit nor organized at all. And the war was mostly fought by untrained militia who served for 90 days-1 year, accompanied (usually) by a number of "regulars". The Revolution was won mostly by luck, and because George III decided it would be too expensive to continue trying to rule America.

 

[Bikenut]

I have long maintained that in a collapse situation whether relatively short term like a storm disaster or long term like the collapse of the whole supply system it wouldn't be the government the average person would have to fear... it would be his neighbors ... and maybe even some members of his own family.

And in a total collapse of the economy situation gold and silver would be absolutely useless since there would not be anywhere to trade chunks of metal for goods... unless those chunks of metal were stuck in the ends of ammunition casings.

Ammo would be a very valuable trade good.. and a very valuable way of protecting goods.. or even getting goods... you know... from your neighbor.

 

[BC1]

My opinion is that the big cities will be hit the hardest. They are completely dependent on the corner store. Those of us in the country will hunt and fish. There's penty of wild game where I live and very few people. We have our own well water, septic system and electricity. There's a solid, long-term relationship between the few neighbors around us (25+ years). We've sat around talking about the subject. We would band together to farm, hunt and for protection from outsiders.

 

[Treo]

I’m with Ringo on this one, Biblically there isn’t going to be a long term collapse of society, if anything government is going to get stronger to the point of absolute state control.

That said the Bible does make it clear that the end times will be characterized by wars, natural disasters, disease and famine. I believe that part of the reason we’re told this is so that we can prepare for it at least to some degree.

If nothing else (and I say this every time this subject comes up) food prices are certainly going to raise so if for no other reason than to save some money it would be prudent to stock up on staples, canned goods and non perishables. In Colorado where it has been known to dump 5 feet of snow in one day that’s just common sense.

here's another story I tell every time this comes up

I used to work w/ some guys that were devout Mormons and we got to talking about their religious beliefs one day, specifically the concept of having a 2 year supply of food. One of them told me a story about a friend of his that was down on his luck and came to him to borrow money. He asked the guy what he needed the money for and the guy told him he wanted to buy some groceries for his family. My friend said he asked the guy “Well what about your 2 year supply of food?” and the guy responded “But that’s for hard times.”

To which my friend replied “What do you think these are?”