WEEK 42
Planning for Postcollapse Excursions
During any lingering sort of disaster, such as a lengthy pandemic or perhaps an electromagnetic (EMP) strike, there may come times when members of the family or group will need to venture out into the world. For example, perhaps supplies of certain medications are running low. Or it could just be the need to gather information about the world at large.
The prudent prepper needs to foresee this possibility and plan for it. For our discussion here, I call those who go exploring “scouts.”
It’s important that any excursion be planned out in great detail. The ideal scouts will be those who are quick and intelligent, and know the area well. They need to be able to think on their feet, making snap decisions as necessary.
Maps of the area are essential for planning. Take the time now to acquire as many detailed maps as you can find, including road atlases, street maps, even the small municipal maps often found in telephone books. It would also behoove you to take those maps with you when you’re out and about now, jotting notes about the area. Knowing where you can potentially find supplies if things go from bad to worse will be helpful.
Another thing to consider, when the time comes, is to combine the existing maps with any information you gather or glean from various sources and draw up new maps, complete with notations on who’s now residing where, known deaths in the area, and other vital information. As scouts return, they can add their observations to the maps, keeping things as current as you can.
When a scouting mission is being planned, the scouts should be given lists of needed items as well as a way to bring those items back. This is where having a stash of empty backpacks may come in handy. When possible, scouts should also have communications equipment so they can stay in touch not only with home but with each other. Two-way radios or portable CB radios may work well for this, depending on the range involved.
Using the information available, specific routes should be planned and memorized, with alternates included. It’s important that the scouts stick to the plan as much as possible. In the event that things go awry, the remaining family members will want and need to have at least some idea of where to search.
With rare exception, the scouts should strive to remain unseen, or at least unnoticed. This means they should try to blend in, mirroring the appearance of those around them. Disheveled and dirty will likely be the name of the game. This also extends to being aware of noise that may be generated by the scouts’ searching. Avoid kicking in doors or smashing windows, for example.
Time is of the essence. Get in, grab what’s needed, and get back home as quickly as is prudent. Every moment spent outside the home or retreat increases the risk of detection. The route back to the retreat, though, should not be a direct one, in case the scouts are detected or followed. Taking a more circuitous route will help in determining if they’re being tracked.
It’s a good idea to develop some sort of code that the scouts can make to those at home upon their arrival that would indicate either all is well or they’re under duress. This could be as simple as placing a colored bandanna in the front pocket to show that the scouts are fine, while no bandanna would indicate something is amiss. A corresponding code from the group or retreat would not be a bad idea either.
If numbers allow, two or more scouts in a group would be much better. They can then back each other up as well as keep additional eyes out for danger. With that in mind, planning should include contingencies in the event that the scouts are separated. A few different meeting points should be chosen on the map and communicated to each scout. If separated, scouts should immediately proceed to the nearest meeting point and wait for a given period of time to see if everyone is able to make it. If someone doesn’t show up within that time, the remaining scouts should proceed back to the retreat to regroup and plan the next move.
WEEK 42 ASSIGNMENTS
TASKS
1. Obtain several maps of your local area, the more detailed the better. Begin planning routes on foot to locations that you feel are most likely for you to have to visit after a collapse.
2. Think about the people you’ll have in your group and decide who you feel would make for the best scouts. Give thought to how they should be equipped for a mission.
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 canister oatmeal or 1 box flavored instant oatmeal packets
1 jar pasta sauce, your choice
1 canister table salt
1 lb pasta, your choice
