My Shit+Fan Scenario

There's been a lot of gloom and doom in the news about our current economic situation. This has led me to think a lot about how I envision a shit+fan scenario is going to unfold in my household and what it means for my preps.

• Hubby (our only source of income) will be laid off. Hopefully, he will be able to eventually find another job in his industry (medical). Lesson: We need to get 6 months of expenses built up in a cash reserve asap.

• The prices of groceries, gas, and other necessary items will continue to rise until the cost becomes unmanageable for the average household. Lesson: We need a larger stockpile of short-term essentials.

• As the economy continues to collapse, crime and riots will grow exponentially. Lesson: We need to boost our home security.

• Eventually, power outtages and water supply difficulties will make many homes inhabitable. Lesson: We need a backup plan for both power and water.

• Hungry and homeless family and friends--particularly those aware of my preps--will show up on my doorstep, looking for refuge. Lesson: I need to consider the possibility of refugees when calculating my food storage needs.

I admit that I've been slacking a bit when it comes to prepping. My pantry and short-term food storage (canned goods, dry pasta, rice, etc.) supply is pretty much depleted. We've been eating from it, and I haven't wanted to spend the money to restock. I can't remember the last time I added anything--even a #10 can--to my long term food stockpile.

Hubby and I have been in a bit of a cash crunch thanks to loaning a deadbeat relative some serious cash (We expected it to be repaid, but have now learned that we'll never see a penny of it.). As a result, we just haven't had the extra scratch to buy that additional can of soup or box of pasta at the supermarket. We have, quite frankly, been watching our pennies.

So I need to recommit to prepping, even if it means cutting my budget in other areas.