Saturday, October 31, 2009

How to Prepare for TEOTWAWKI

TEOTWAWKI what's TEOTWAWKI? For those who don't know TEOTWAWKI is an acronym for "The End Of The World As We Know It."

TEOTWAWKI refers to a total breakdown of government, financial systems and society. Think the Mad Max movies or, more realistically, the book/movie "No Blade of Grass" to get an idea of what the term means.

If you Google TEOTWAWKI and do a bit of research you'll find TEOTWAWKI adherents generally break down into two groups: gun "nuts" and sustainable food storage/growing supporters.

The food adherents point out, correctly, that you can't eat guns.

The gun "nuts" point out, correctly, that a guy with a gun can get pretty much anything he wants from a guy without one.

(This is not an idle argument. I'd once just met a man who, when the subject of Y2K came up, opined that he wasn't storing any food because he had a gun. This man was a sergeant on the local police force.)

Realistically both groups are correct. A rational person who believes TEOTWAWKI is coming will want stored food and a way to protect themselves from those who have weapons but no food.

The term TEOTWAWKI became popular during the run up to the Y2K (Year 2000) nonevent in 2000 but its roots go back before that.

If you feel yourself becoming enmeshed in a desire to prepare for TEOTWAWKI keep in mind that beyond a certain reasonable point preparation for TEOTWAWKI hinders or even prevents preparation for other, more likely, events.

Yes, in the year 2009, a recession or depression seems likely in our future, but the actions that make you more prepared for the MOST LIKELY scenario of 2010 or 2012 is to pay off debts and buy canned food that you normally eat by the case when it's on sale.

Some extra cash on hand and some canned food will see you through smaller events like blizzards, hurricanes, tornados and the aftermath of earthquakes.

Of course if TEOTWAWKI really comes you can run down to Costco or Sam's Club and buy cases of everything with your paid up credit card. If it turns out that Orson Welles' grandson was having a bit of fun at your expense, well, Costco is famous for its return policy.

To Comment on this article
E-Mail Me
Unless you specifically ask me not to, I'll post your reply here in the blog so everyone can read it. Of course I'll remove your last name, email address or any other specific information for privacy reasons.