WEEK 19
Networking
One key element to my own prepper/survivalist philosophy is that it’s nearly impossible to survive a long-term societal collapse without assistance from others. I believe it’s imperative to foster relationships now with family and neighbors to provide for better security and overall living conditions later.
There are several ways it’s helpful to have like-minded people around you now.
• Pooling of resources: Perhaps you and two of your neighbors are all planning expanded gardens this year, and each of you needs to use a good rototiller. Rather than each of you laying out money to rent or purchase one, consider going in on it together. If the daily rental fee of a tiller is, say, $75, you each chip in $25 and work as a team to get all three gardens done in one day.
• Sounding boards: While knowledge of survival-related websites, groups, and message boards online is certainly advisable, it’s always great to pick the brains of folks who are intimately familiar with your own local area. If you were looking for a great romantic restaurant to celebrate your anniversary, would you have better luck using Google or asking around at work?
• Barter/trade: When circumstances prevent you from running to the hardware store to get the tool you need to fix your generator, you may find that a neighbor has exactly what you need. He’ll help you get the generator fixed, and in turn you’ll let him charge up a few batteries. Or perhaps he’s drowning in eggs and would love to trade you a dozen if you happen to have a pound of flour or sugar. Maybe he can help you fix that leak in your roof if you could help weed his garden? Back in the day, folks did these sorts of things all the time.
• Security: The more eyes and ears paying attention to what happens in the neighborhood, the better as far as I’m concerned. Granted, every neighborhood has a “busybody” who feels it’s a calling to know just who is sleeping with whom and where, and those folks are at times a bit hard to handle. But they’re the same ones who’ll be able to tell you just how many times that navy blue SUV has driven through the neighborhood late at night.
It can be difficult, though, to make a connection when it comes to prepping. Often, we feel that we’ll be ridiculed or mocked for our interest in planning for a calamity. But given the rapid increase in both interest in and awareness of prepping—look at the numerous TV shows, books, and websites discussing it—I think things are changing, at least a bit. More and more people are “waking up” to the reality that they need to prepare themselves and their families, rather than rely on a government agency to swoop in and save the day.
I’m not suggesting that you go door-to-door in your area, asking if people have heard the end is nigh and inviting them over for a tour of your preps. What I am suggesting, though, is bringing up the subject of prepping with your neighbors to gauge their interest. Could be they just saw an episode of Doomsday Preppers, and while they felt some of those people went a bit far, they’d like to learn more about disaster readiness.
Lately, I’ve been fielding e-mails and messages from family and friends who are suddenly interested in learning more about prepping. Sometimes it’s the result of a TV show or book; other times it’s like the blinders just fell off and common sense has returned. Whatever the case is, I’m always happy to answer any questions they have. You should do the same.
WEEK 19 ASSIGNMENTS
TASKS
1. Make contact with at least three people this week and work the subject of prepping into the conversation. I don’t care if they’re immediate neighbors, coworkers, or local family members. Consider using recent news stories about stranded motorists as a starting point. Talk about vehicle emergency kits, get home bags, that sort of stuff to get the ball rolling.
2. Review previous assignments and complete those that are unfinished.
SAVINGS
Add $10 to your Prepper Savings Account.
TOTAL PREPPER SAVINGS ACCOUNT: 
WATER STORAGE
One gallon (or two 2-liter bottles) per person or a case of bottled water for the household.
TOTAL WATER STORAGE:
GROCERY LIST
3 cans vegetables, your choice
2 cans fruit, your choice, but stick with those packed in water or juice, rather than syrup
2 cans meat (tuna, chicken, beef), your choice
2 cans soup, not condensed (they require water)
1 package dry soup mix
1 lb pasta, your choice
