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Home Editor's Pick
What To Do If They Find Out You Are A Prepper

What To Do If They Find Out You Are A Prepper

Michael Major by Michael Major
April 18, 2023
56
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Despite our best efforts to conceal that we are preppers, there is a good chance that your neighbors will eventually figure it out for themselves.

I’ve written before about how to keep others from discovering that we are preppers, and we should be doing everything in our power to limit other people’s knowledge of how prepared we are.

So the question is, what should we do if someone discovers that we are a prepper?

How Could We Get Found Out?

One of the unfortunate facts about living in a neighborhood is that there will be people who are nosy and overly interested in other people’s business.

There are many ways that we can conceal our preparedness mindset, but there are many ways that our habits will betray us. For example, when our neighbors see us always putting a get-home bag in the car’s trunk, they wonder about it and may even ask what it is for.

Related: 15+ Survival Items To Keep In Your Car At All Times For SHTF

Another thing that can be our Judas is when there is an extended power outage in the area, and you are the only one on the street with electricity. Regardless of how they find out, we need a plan for what to do if someone discovers we are preppers.

Turn Them Into Preppers

Your first and best course of action is to convince them that prepping is not fringe or weird but is the best thing to start doing to protect themselves and their family.

Prepping is daunting for many people just starting out, so try to make it as approachable as possible.

What To Do If They Find Out You Are A PrepperStart by telling them how easy it is to prepare a simple 72-hour kit and make sure to let them know that FEMA and the government suggest that everyone should have one. Most preppers have a bunch of checklists lying around, and handing some off to your neighbor is an excellent way to get them thinking about preparedness.

If you have excess gear or supplies that you can comfortably part with, gifting some to your neighbor is a good way to spread a little goodwill which will help them get started prepping and hopefully keep them from turning to looting when faced with an SHTF situation.

Let Them Know You Are Ready To Defend Your Family And Preps

It is inevitable that people who discover that you are a prepper will say that if there is a disaster or emergency, they are going to come to your house.

This is where you should make it clear that you only have enough for your family for a short time and have a plan to defend your property.

You need to deploy some diplomacy here. The last thing you want to do is tell your neighbor that they will be met with gunfire if they come knocking after SHTF.

Instead, let them know that you have thought very carefully about how to defend your home in case of looting, and your policy will be not to open the door for anyone outside your immediate family.

What To Do If They Find Out You Are A Prepper

Telling people that you will potentially use violence to defend your home is a touchy subject.

You must walk along a thin line between informing them that you are ready for looters and outright threatening to start shooting everyone on sight.

One way to have this conversation is as such:

Neighbor – “You look like you’re ready for the end of the world. If anything happens, I’m coming to your house.”

Prepper – “It may look that way, but most of my gear is for camping and hunting. The truth is that we’ve got enough for a short-term emergency, maybe two weeks if we ration everything. That’s only for our family, though. We are hunkering down as soon as things go bad, and that door opens for no one.”

Neighbor – “What? Even us? We’ve been neighbors for decades!”

Prepper – “As I said, I’ve only got enough for my family. Looting is going to be a big problem, and we have planned a pretty elaborate defense of our house. No one is getting in.”

Neighbor – “Wow, you’ve really thought this through, haven’t you?”

Prepper – “Yeah, I have, and so should you. I’ve got a bunch of checklists you can have to get your family prepared as well. If you want, I’ll also send you some links to stuff I’ve found online. The government wants you to be prepared for 72 hours, but preparing for two weeks doesn’t take much more. I’ve probably got some extra stuff laying around as well you can have to get started.”

⇒ Why You Should Never Hide Your Stockpile In Your Basement

The conversation above is only an example but notice how the prepper downplayed the amount of time they were preparing for and made it clear that he would not be opening the door for anyone and was ready to defend their home without threatening anyone directly or exposing what that defense is.

Keep A Watchful Eye

Some people will find out you are a prepper and will not be interested in prepping themselves or engaging with you in conversation about it.

In many cases, these are just average people who don’t care about what you are doing and are simply staying out of your business. However, they may also be at arm’s length because they plan to take your supplies by force.

There is no good way to tell who is going to turn to looting and who is not, so you should be wary of everyone who knows you are a prepper. Don’t treat everyone like criminals, be civil, polite, and helpful.

Treat everyone the way you would like to be treated but be aware that anyone who knows you have food, water, and supplies could resort to looting if the situation becomes desperate.

We can not do much to eliminate the possibility that we will find ourselves outed as preppers to our friends and neighbors. In fact, the more people around us we can convince to become prepared, the better.

Forming a community of preparedness is only going to benefit us and the neighborhood as a whole. So when someone realizes you are a prepper, try to bring them to your side rather than ignoring them and considering everyone around you a potential threat.

You may also like:

The 8 Warning Signs Before a Russian Nuclear Strike

How To Build The Invisible Root Cellar (Video)

Why You Should Put A Coin In A Cup Of Frozen Water In Your Freezer

5 Ways To Cook When SHTF Without Attracting Attention

Harvesting and Using Dandelion Roots – The Natural Detoxifier

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Comments 56

  1. A. E. says:
    2 years ago

    BASIC EMERGENCY KIT LIST, for diy
    How to Build a Kit for Emergencies

    Did you like this comment? 6
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  2. Wood says:
    2 years ago

    Good article. Much more to preparedness than buying an extra can or two of garden peas.

    Did you like this comment? 9
    Reply
    • Jack65 says:
      2 years ago

      In the 20th Century all this stuff was more or less common knowledge to folks. That has become lost in the 21st Century. With the internet there is a lot of armchair generals that never camped in the wilds that call themselves survival experts of retweeted info.

      There is good solid prepping info on the internet. We must look at the info and use some discernment that it’s not misinformation. Not all the experts that say they have military background are really true to their word. Anyone can copy info off military survival books or copy info from the internet to backup their expertise.

      Chinese Trick Took app, is a good example of dumb butt challenges that people like to gravitate to. So beware of where we get out information from. Just saying.

      Did you like this comment? 14
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      • chricchristopsccc says:
        2 years ago

        not just this , Google ( who sells your data , sensors you and keeps records ) owns 90% search engines in world
        Do the research
        China is tracking, keeping tabs, watching you all , everything about you
        bigger than big brother
        Massive surveillance So Be Descrete , secretive, keep your work quiet
        less they know the better off you are

        Did you like this comment? 2
      • Toni Geren says:
        2 years ago

        Best information comes from our parents and gr-parents that actually lived thru it. Sadly today? Best information comes from the MSM, so called education propaganda that hasn’t a clue how to survive anything except a video game. God help this country!

        Did you like this comment? 2
  3. Richard Williams says:
    2 years ago

    I make a point to be on at LEAST a conversational basis with all my “nextdoor” neighbors and friendly with other nearby ones. With that in mind, this is one of the best thought out articles that i’ve seen in a while. Turn your neighbors into preppers is an excellent idea. I have a modicum of people skills and that seems like the best idea. Several times the subject of preps/disasters/power outages has come up and when drug into that conversation i don’t lie, but i say stuff like “yep, i’ve got 30 pounds of dried rice and beans, but they’re awfully hard to chew w/o water”. Lol We chuckle and move on to something else. Bug out vehicles-“got 8 vehicles at my place and two of em’ do even run!”. Disarming, self-depreciating, funny comments. Only a VERY small # of people really know what i’ve stocked up on. And really, it’s mostly foodstuffs and food prep that i have. It’s Really Expensive to go full blast on Prepping. Ummm, concrete bunker capable of withstanding a nuke, normal appearing house that’s in reality almost impenetrable, heavy duty semi-armored 4wd/offroad vehicles, pallets of ammo and guns, ALL great to have, but i have none of. Just that previous sentence is easily over half a mil, if you stick to some sort of budget. I’m more focused on basic home security, growing, cooking, food prep, and basic dependable 4wd vehicle. That’s it. All i can afford. Got Huge house payments right now and 3 more years to live like a monk to pay it off. And, i’ve still got LOADS of stuff to learn about related to above. I like books.

    Did you like this comment? 26
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    • Jack65 says:
      2 years ago

      Yep, we just do what we can in our income level. Some of us are on a fixed income and some are coming late to the prepping with the current DC Swamp in in charge. Don’t believe many people realized what happens when Trump fixed the Southern Border Wall. Now abandoned by the Chinese puppets in DC.

      Have put together basic gardening tools and stuff. Water is a slight issue being in the urban area. Do have small lakes around. But those maybe choking points for law enforcement protecting those areas against the local population. Depending on how much SHTF chaos there is.

      It would be great to live in the rural areas away from the unprepared. The rural areas will have their own issues to contend with too. Unless you live in the Himalayas, each country will have it’s pro’s & con’s of survival lifestyle.
      Just do the best we can, a major percentage of preppers are not 100% complete. There are always skills to learn, prepping is an on going life skill.

      Did you like this comment? 16
      1
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      • Toni Geren says:
        2 years ago

        Yes prepping is a continuous lifestyle. I grew up in the 60’s with parents that prepared . My parents raised ALL of our food so I guess I am above today’s current game. And I am still not 100% although at least I will eat with my own garden and my 32 chickens serving me breakfast everyday ++

        Did you like this comment? 9
  4. Jack65 says:
    2 years ago

    The chickens will give you away at some point when laying eggs. Or when a predator comes by the chicken coop. We live in a small urban slope neighborhood. So chicken coop is up on the backyard.
    The chicken coop is hidden behind bushes. It’s fairly concealed. The usual chicken noise is not noticed during the day. But only when young chickens lay an egg.
    Noise concealment is something to look at with nosy neighbors too.

    What have other members done to solve this problem.

    Did you like this comment? 7
    1
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    • Major Payne says:
      2 years ago

      Move away from the public

      Did you like this comment? 1
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    • Valerama says:
      2 years ago

      Fortunately a lot of non preppers have chickens now. And gardens. The cost of eggs recently has made the demand for chicks and pullets skyrocket.

      Did you like this comment? 2
      Reply
  5. crazysquirrel says:
    2 years ago

    Some people will find out you are a prepper and will not be interested in prepping themselves or engaging with you in conversation about it.

    Yes I have a neighbor EXACTLY like that.
    I even offered to get them started with something as a bucket and tomato plant – all they had to do was water it when needed. I offered several times too, not just once or twice.

    They refused!

    I know they will be my door when they get thirsty and hungry.

    Problem is what do I do?

    Share with them and hope they don’t run their mouth to others about where they got food and water or simply explain to them that they brought it on themselves and nope – nothing for them.

    Christian thing is to share. But sharing may cause my family to suffer and die because of lazy people.

    What to do, what to do?

    Did you like this comment? 12
    Reply
    • Jack65 says:
      2 years ago

      Aside from Christian values, we may have to make the decision of the final option to the unprepared neighbor, the ugly truth comes. No one really knows what will happen in the SHTF. We can make educated guesses from past real life scenarios.

      Some of those past SHTF scenarios were based in non-internet and smart phone era. But the population back then were not Marxist brainwashed, they had commonsense. As the newer generations have been demoralized. These people hate America and Christian values courtesy of public education.
      Some people are hopeless just like the hardcore homeless who don’t want help, period. The druggies and hardcore homeless are the walking dead zombies of those science friction movies we see.
      God is our hope through thick and thin.

      Did you like this comment? 13
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    • Dreaded says:
      2 years ago

      I am a Christian also and think sharing is the thing to do but giving is not a thing to do. Thier is a difference between Christian sharing and giving. So, best case is since you’re trying to survive, and they want in then put them to work for whatever food you give them. For instance, you need a garden plowed and have no plow, but you can use a shovel or hoe so put them to work for whatever food they get. They share the work they get the benefits. This is called sharing.
      This way they help provide for you and them. If they are not willing to work for it, then say sorry I have nothing for you be on your way.

      Did you like this comment? 15
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    • Dreaded says:
      2 years ago

      Another thing I forgot about is there may be to many neighbors needing food and water. In this case you have only so much work for them and only so much food to spare. So put them to fishing and trapping. If they are using your equipment what they catch they can share and eat. But don’t give them guns to hunt with this could be your downfall. This way, more people get feed.
      I think the bible was written without having an emergency or shtf in mind.

      Did you like this comment? 4
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    • D says:
      2 years ago

      My approach for the single neighbor would be to give them a free meal, and advise them any foodstuffs after that would have to be purchased/bartered for like value. If they don’t have something you would be interested in receiving in payment for food, they will have to get it elsewhere for you to be interested in the trade.

      Did you like this comment? 6
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      • Major Payne says:
        2 years ago

        They will kill you for whatever you have

        Did you like this comment? 6
        1
    • MIKE says:
      2 years ago

      It is, in fact, the Christian way to help. But the Bible does, in fact, specify that if you don’t work you don’t eat, (not in those specific words, so don’t go there.)
      We are also not called to support the lazy. If a person is disabled, then we are called to help. We need to follow the word, not the mandates of those who decided that they know better than you what GOD asks from you.
      Read yourself, ask for knowledge. Come to understanding through prayer not some dictatorial religion.
      GOD bless and keep you at all times.

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      • Backwoods Squirrel says:
        2 years ago

        Actually…. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 says EXACTLY those words…

        Contemporary English Version
        We also gave you this rule: If you don’t work, you don’t eat.

        Most of the others say it this way: King James Bible
        For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

        Did you like this comment? 9
    • Toni Geren says:
      2 years ago

      Family? Yes. Others? To bad you were to stupid to listen. I have learned you can’t save the world, only a little corner of it. I know many that should have listened, but to far gone to listen to anything but MSM garbage. Tried, failed and time to ,move on.

      Did you like this comment? 2
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      • Backwoods Squirrel says:
        2 years ago

        Toni, you better ask yourself how far out ‘family’ reaches. Children, grandchildren, aunts, uncles and their children and grandchildren, cousins and their children….. you get the drift. Where I live, everyone is related to each other by blood or marriage in some form or fashion and there’s 47 here. I cannot FEED 47 people and anyone else that might come to them for help that is related to them thus ‘family’ to me.

        Did you like this comment? 1
      • Backwoods Squirrel says:
        2 years ago

        Edit: I know the children of aunts and uncles are our cousin’s I’m talking about the cousins’ cousins. (Uncle by marriage’s brother’s kids.) I think we need to figure out just how far outside the circle of immediate family we are willing and ABLE to go.

        Did you like this comment? 2
    • Wood Stock says:
      2 years ago

      For one…. if there’s just me and my neighbor left and there’s one bean left, each of us will get half a bean before we are out of food. One cuts the bean, the other gets to choose which half they want.
      Otherwise, I will share and share and share again until there’s nothing left to share. What would the Good Samaritan do? God is more than capable of feeding his children and those who are not his children. Jesus didn’t do mighty works in a lot of cities because of their unbelief, and I expect similar results in the near future.
      When it’s a struggle over food and the flesh wins over our Spirit, then we tend to try to justify traditionally unchristian behavior like denying food to hungry people, etcetera. Whenever it happens, it will be a humdinger of a litmus test as to what we really are on the inside.

      Did you like this comment? 3
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  6. Darlene says:
    2 years ago

    Your neighbors should be your tribe. A lone wolf is never going to make it hunkering down

    Did you like this comment? 6
    3
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    • Dreaded says:
      2 years ago

      I agree but with a big BUT only if they are willing to share the work, defenses, and be at peace withing the group. If they want to run things and have not been the prepper or is new to the group already set up that has to be dealt with quick. Which every group has to have some sort of leadership (thinking along the lines of several people having to agree on something).
      Neighbors if like most will have people with attitudes that is not conductive to the group those people have to be weeded out or shown they have to change their ways.

      Did you like this comment? 8
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      • Jack65 says:
        2 years ago

        Too many cooks spoil the soup. Eventually people in the tribe have differences of options leading to problems. The 1970’s Hippie communes are a great example the blue sky, pie in the sky turns dark. Some did survive but eventually become more of what they ran from, the MAN.

        Did you like this comment? 10
    • WMD says:
      2 years ago

      IF, IF, IF they are all people you can trust….

      Did you like this comment? 3
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    • Eagle Demolitions says:
      2 years ago

      Only if your neighbors are not idiots, there are a few in the neighborhood on the wrong side of God so that ain’t gonna work.

      Did you like this comment? 3
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      • Toni Geren says:
        2 years ago

        Sharing and stealing are 2 different attitudes/ Will always be ready to share. If coming stealing? eat lead.

        Did you like this comment? 1
  7. Lancinator says:
    2 years ago

    As I’ve said several times, before here, twice, I approached, my neighbors on each side of my house about prepping, neither of them were interested in doing it themselves, and both said they will be showing up on my doorstep if something happened. Fortunately, they have both moved away. Now I keep my preps very quiet. One thing I have done is stocked up on Mr. noodle. There was a sale at Walmart and I sealed a bunch of it away, and have trays of the stuff on the shelves. Any neighbour that shows up will be told that we don’t have much, but I can spare a few Mr.Noodle packs. The problem is that my new neighbours on either side are from groups where they have huge extended families that will inevitably hike over and move in with my neighbours. I might be willing to help out a young family of four, but how about mom and dad from the old country? The four brothers and their wives and kids? The cousins and nieces? Sigh. As I’ve said to my own kids – after many years of work and a lot of money, I have enough to feed our family for a few months, or give everyone on our street one meal and then we starve alongside them. The choice isn’t hard to make.

    And failing that, I’m originally from Northern Alberta, often called “Canada’s Texas”, unlike the majority of my neighbours (I’m sure) I’m the only one with a bunch of firearms, a whack of ammo, and all of us with the training to use it effectively. I’d hate for it to come to that – desperate and starving people will eventually reach a point where they’ll decide that “…if I can’t have any, then you can’t have it either!” and they’ll stop trying to take your stuff and just burn you out, I don’t care how many rounds of 5.56 HP I have, someone will succeed eventually. Short of moving to the middle of nowhere, all you can do is keep your preps quiet and wait for them to drop a hint that they’re of a like mind before bringing up prepping.

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    • MIKE says:
      2 years ago

      It is not easy or comfortable to be a realist. To think like those you are defending against. But there you have it…stated in the very real.
      GOD bless you at all times. That is were the REAL comfort comes from.

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    • Major Payne says:
      2 years ago

      So kill them first

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  8. Robert Mayfield says:
    2 years ago

    not really worried about the next door neighbor but the government…you never said anything about that…

    Did you like this comment? 1
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    • Eagle Demolitions says:
      2 years ago

      When the government finds out…… by then it’s too late and then you better pack a lunch because it’s gonna be Game On!!

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    • A. Mississippiensis` says:
      2 years ago

      Your neighbors are going to get to your door just a wee bit quicker than the National Guard.

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  9. Backwoods Squirrel says:
    2 years ago

    We live out in the country with very few people around and those that are are related to each other in one fashion or another. We’ve had ONE cousin say “I’m coming to your house.” He was told “If you can get past the pile of bodies at the gate.” Both laughed. You’d have to know this bunch around here. There are rumors rolling around the county that we have enough arms and ammo to outfit a battalion. It’s not TRUE but it might make them think twice as my husband (though retired now) was a Sargent (USMC) who ‘humped the pig.’ He also has a FFL manufacturing license (thus the wild rumors.) NOBODY comes unannounced through our gate….NOBODY. That’s not US doing that, that’s them being extra careful. LOL

    Did you like this comment? 2
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    • Toni Geren says:
      2 years ago

      You might also want to employ that “keep your big mouth shut thing.” You have just invited everyone to your stash. Stupid!

      Did you like this comment?
      1
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      • Eagle Demolitions says:
        2 years ago

        So let me get this straight, you know exactly where she lives ? State ? Town ? You think you got the balls to try and over take them ? How do you know her husband or her for that fact is not an ex sniper and will remove your head from your torso ? Who’s the big mouth now tough guy ?

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      • Fart knocker says:
        2 years ago

        Not worried about a ex jar head running his mouth

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        2
    • Major Payne says:
      2 years ago

      So kill him take his full auto guns

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    • Backwoods Squirrel says:
      2 years ago

      Why does it seem that everyone is of the mindset that when the SHTF occurs, people will continue on with their daily routines as if nothing has happened. That will get you killed and raided in a heartbeat. OpSec is vital. This includes more than simply keeping your mouth shut about what you have. It’s about having plans and security around your home. Do you have barriers? A good field of vision to SEE anyone coming? A security patrol to watch for intruders? A plan if they come? The training to deal with, not only simple looters but, those who are trained? Do you have a Plan A, B,C and even D for such occasions? Do you have the fire power and numbers around you to help out? That’s just a few of the questions that need to be answered for you and your family’s safety.

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  10. Christine says:
    2 years ago

    There was much missing from the article. The government already knows who is storing food and supplies – just track down who purchased what. Any website selling 25 year foodstuff will certainly have a shipping list complete with addresses. What better way for the government to have all these individual storage sites just for the taking!
    Pay cash for large purchases. Then store them somewhere where only YOU know where.

    Did you like this comment? 1
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    • Toni Geren says:
      2 years ago

      Or better yet? Grow your own!

      Did you like this comment? 2
      Reply
  11. chricchristopsccc says:
    2 years ago

    yes , Intel , spent billions on big brother watching you , your purchases, and what you have to take from you in times of need
    so PLAN , Prepare , be ready , failure is inevitable
    watch all the evil being accepted , treated as normal, with no consequence and no law and order
    That is why , YOU can never trust those who are in any position where they love money, position, power, control more than country
    and why anyone who believes in stealing is ok , lying is ok , a little wont hurt is not trustworthy
    Ethics are essential to survival
    Remember choices have consequence or reward
    LOVE GOD whole heartedly , Love your neighbor as Yourself , Give to the needy , NOT the Greedy
    Separate need from lust for more, selfish Greed
    Food Yes , as a daily ration , not years of selfish greed
    have a hiding place and tell no one

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  12. William says:
    2 years ago

    ? if they find out, ….just make sure no one sees where you buried them. Top them off with some bushes , flowers and maybe a slab of concrete with a bench overlooking a garden with some cool lights.

    Did you like this comment? 1
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  13. Tag Geren says:
    2 years ago

    First thing you can do is keep your big mouth SHUT! Get off of social media and KEEP YOUR BIG MOUTH SHUT! Ditch the jewelry, stop dressing like you have billions to spend on the latest fashions, and live like the “neighbors” think you are “eccentric” Hide your stash in plain site! The doofus of the world never look in plain site! My father died a multi millionaire and not a person on the planet knew it. I learned the lesson well! The wannabe’s are the ones at risk. the ones that don’t give a s**t what others think? Aren’t.

    Did you like this comment? 2
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  14. Leam says:
    2 years ago

    I’ve been in my rural area for over 40 years, and I can say that I’m not aware of anyone within 10 miles that isn’t a prepper. (The nearest small town is 22 miles.) Everyone has livestock, fields, gardens, and most are veterans. One has a brewery we go to, and another nearby neighbor just brought in 30 head of cattle. (The distant mooing is a new sound to get used to) We trade, we talk, so far so good. The only problem we might have would be the government, but they’re probably not interested in what’s happening way out here. Hah, unless we’re the bugout location others are thinking of.

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    • Illini Warrior says:
      2 years ago

      ???? – the GOV starts with the local guy that people call to get a dead skunk scraped off the road >>> you think the guys that govern and powerbreak the laws to twist them their way are preppers? >>> actually think they are going down seeing their families starve without using that GOV authority ….

      study the After Action Reports that came out after natural disasters – Katrina is a doozy >>> NOLA PD driving around in confiscated Cadillac Escalades – private boats seized – retail stores cleaned out by first responders under emergency orders – private buses seized to empty the SuperDome to Houston’s AstroDome ….

      given the correct circumstances – they’ll be door-to-door confiscation with the more obvious places hit first >>> don’t worry someone will be wearing a badge and have his orders …..

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  15. Jerry T says:
    2 years ago

    The way I see it, and after talking with several law enforcement people, government employees are people getting paid to do a job. If shtf happens, no job. They are also humans with families that need them at HOME. The Prez. might have a few zealots , but most will be taking care of family. If they abandon what they work for and have, the government wont be able to replace it. They,(the government higher ups) as usual, will be trying to cover their tails with no concern for the employees.
    After a few months,and most of the ill prepared are no longer with us, then the government might come out of cover. I’m sure most will disagree, but give it a thought.
    As for my neighbors , they are family, and our plan is a four house, kill box, plan. Sometimes neighbors are Good !

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  16. Anna says:
    2 years ago

    Do what you can and trust God for the rest. If you’re His, then He will never leave you. I’ve learned that throughout my life, I’ll trust it to the end. Thank you God. 🙂

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  17. Lonnie C Larson says:
    2 years ago

    I live in a small town, (450-460 population). There are about 275 residences/houses at last count. 3/4 of the population are firearms owners, (275-300). 1/3 of the households have sustainable gardens and are prepared for a few years, (90 households). 1/2 of the households are prepped out to 6 months and 3/4 of the population hunt and fish as well, (90 households, 275 people). The remaining 90 or so households are prepped out for 1-2 weeks at a time, with about half of those that will bugout totally when the SHTF. 2/3 of the population have a covert distrust for the government as well, (300). The town is small enough that the people will come together to weather any storm that might come our way.

    With the looming Y2K Bug, our city installed a couple of huge generators to power the well and sewer system each. Our fire department is equipped with a huge backup generator as well. Our town is close to another larger city with Sheriff department and a large hospital.

    We are rural with access to a major river about 3 miles away with lots of smaller streams nearby. We have a vast network of public lands for hunting as well. If we can keep FEMA at bay, we should be able to make it out alive.

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    • Backwoods Squirrel says:
      2 years ago

      Sounds like a good place to try and ride it out. I have a couple of questions though. You don’t have to answer here just to yourself if you want. How large is ‘larger’ population wise and how close is ‘close?’ Where I am, it’s 17 miles to the largest city in my county. That city has less than 3K people. I know that the people in the cities are going to start heading for the rural areas once the food is gone in their area. How much trouble that will be depends on a lot of factors such as mode of travel. Will vehicles run and will there be gas to run them at that time. If the people are having to walk, the farther away they are the less likely they’ll have the energy (couch potatoes and starving) to actually do much fighting. It’s another animal if they have vehicles and can drive in/out. Road blocks and choke points are important to keep the flow to a minimum if it truly is a WOROL situation. Some areas can do that easily having only a few “major” road and then only dirt/logging roads as access points. Others, it’s difficult because of all the side streets.

      SO MUCH to think about.

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  18. Karl says:
    2 years ago

    I’ve made it a point NOT to discuss it outside of my immediate family. They know better than to talk about it to anyone else.

    Not that it clears us from all the possibilities in any way, but anyone coming into the house will see a display of over 100 awards for marksmanship. That alone has in the past proven to be a powerful deterrent to violence in my neighborhood.

    BUT…. To address the questions of others, anyone who subscribes to askaprepper is likely already on a list somewhere.

    Your Thoughts?

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  19. Mbl says:
    2 years ago

    I’ve said it before here that nearly everyone in my area prepares for winter. We have a larger summertime population, and the snowbirds quickly learn that correctly closing up their summer place before they head south makes for many fewer headaches come spring.

    Seasons include seasons of life, too. Some of my neighbors are now quite elderly. One who died last year at 96 decided to sell most of his woodworking tools when he was 95, as he realized within himself he wasn’t going to do many more projects and didn’t want to saddle his wife with having to deal with it after he was gone. While he still took care to prepare his garden beds for next season, he was not interested in having food around that could keep for 30 years.

    Where I am, power stays on for the most part or is quickly restored. About ten minutes away, they lose power often, so most houses have a generator.

    During 2020 a number of out-of-staters thought coming here was a good idea. Some were out-of-season snowbirds but many more were simply fleeing a more populated area, arrived with nothing, and were mortified to find they couldn’t get much here. Some didn’t understand that we have many seasonal businesses that are open only in season. If you’re year-round here, you know that and either stock up or do without until the open season rolls around again.

    My point to this ramble is that in some places nearly everyone prepares to a degree, and it can be different depending upon season and season of life.

    If someone is tracking my data to see what I bought, he might see the MREs and granola bars in my car, or in our packs when we go hiking. Or the #10 can of freeze-dried food in my tent when I’m camping. The generators at nearly every house 10 minutes away from me speak more about the grid than saying, “WE ARE PREPPERS!”

    If I live in a crowded city, then a daypack or kayak might look wildly out of place. If I’m in a setting close to hiking trails and lakes or rivers, then seeing these items and food or gear to go with these activities would be preparing in a sense, but it doesn’t necessarily scream, “I AM A PREPPER POISED ON THE EDGE OF SHTF!”

    It goes back to a similar article about being a gray man. While I can pretty easily guess at which neighbors are more hard core preppers, there are many more where it’s true to a degree, but you don’t know how far. And so far as I can tell, we’ve all been happy enough to keep it that way.

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  20. Foreign Light says:
    2 years ago

    I have a couple of new very superficial RUDE mean busybody neighbors who recently moved to my neighborhood from out of state. They are so shallow and superficial they make constantly HOA like complaints and I don’t live in a HOA neighborhood. I have had to report them to the local sheriff for trespassing and harassment. All attempts at being kind, nice, respectful, and civil failed. I suspect these people to be the least prepared and the least welcome on my property in any situation. I am doing everything I can to secure my property.

    Did you like this comment? 2
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  21. A. Mississippiensis` says:
    2 years ago

    Let’s just say I am going to have problems.

    Did you like this comment?
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