How Do You Survive The First Two Months After SHTF?
The first two months after a worst-case scenario are extremely important to survival. They will be pivotal because that’s when things will be the most volatile and dangerous. You will be having to deal with many potential problems. These will typically fall into a few categories such as water, food, shelter, and safety as you will be surrounded by chaos. You need to know how do you survive the first two months after SHTF?
So what do you need to do?
Prepare
This is nothing new, but something that has to be said! The more preparation you have, the higher your chances are of surviving whatever SHTF event occurs. You never really know what it will be.
Yes, preparing is so essential to your survival in the first two months! That doesn’t mean you do not have a plan for what to do after SHTF. It is key to check and make sure you are making sure your mental health is in order. When things go south you want to be in a calm and logical state of mind.
So today we’re going to talk about how to survive the first two months after SHTF. We’ll talk about what to do in those crucial first weeks and months after disaster strikes so that you can stay safe and healthy throughout the long haul ahead!
The Reality Of The Grid Going Down
The Reality Of The Grid Going Down is something that will change daily life as we know it. The key area will be that water which we take for granted will not be running. This will be a result of the lack of power and you will not have electricity. It creates a domino effect.
Then panic will ensure as people realize things are getting “do or die”. The once filled grocery stores will be no more, and stores and shops could be looted. It will be hard for law and order to make sure people are safe when there is no power.
There will be a chain effect of problems that will arise as a result of no power and water.
Water Is So Important To Have Ahead Of Time
Water is so important to have ahead of time to survive the first two months after SHTF. You need water to live, and if you don’t have it, you’re going to be in trouble.
We all know how important water is to keep us alive. When the grid goes down everything changes, especially your use and access to water.
You can’t just turn on your faucet and get what you need anymore. Water has become a commodity that needs to be carefully preserved and managed.
You must learn how to store water now so that you’ll be prepared when SHTF.
Options For Water When SHTF
When SHTF, there are a few things you should have ahead of time. You should have enough water stored. You can use bottled water, water tanks, and the like.
To figure out how much water you’ll need for however long it lasts. This will be done by figuring out how many people will be using the water. Then how much each person needs per day and multiply it by the number of days you expect to need it or until help arrives(average 1 gallon per day, per person).
It’s also important to make sure that your water stays fresh and clean, so consider adding purification tablets or filters to your supplies.
Collecting Rain Water
You can also collect rainwater as well if the SHTF has not affected the environment that severely. Such as a nuclear attack for example.
If you want to make sure that you’re prepared then make sure that you have some sort of source of clean water available so that you can use it as needed until such time when things start going back to normal again (hopefully).
Purification
You should, also have at least one or two items that can purify water. There are so many that can make undrinkable water drinkable very easily. My favorites are the following: Platypus® GravityWorks™ Pump-Free Water Filtration, Sawyers Squeeze, or Berkey Water Filter. These do not just “filter” the water but purify it from what we can not see lurking in the water.
You Need Enough Food For The First 2 Months At Least!
Now I know what you’re thinking… ‘I can just go to the store to get food.’ Well, think again! When SHTF, grocery stores will be the first place people go to get food. The fact is when SHTF people will be scared and panicking.
And that’s not all. You also have to consider the possibility of fighting breaking out because of rising tensions between those who have enough food for themselves and those who don’t.
The best way to avoid this is by having an adequate supply of food at home before the SHTF event happens in the first place. This way you won’t have to worry about fighting over food with other people or even worse. You could get seriously injured or killed defending yourself or your food. It’s not worth the risk!
Grocery Stores Will Be Dangerous
The reality is that grocery stores will not be areas that you should try to go to. At the start of when SHTF and during it. If you do you are putting yourself at a high risk of things going horribly wrong.
The reason for this is that grocery stores are very dangerous places. Think of all the people who will not be prepared. This will be the vast majority. They will be hungry and thirsty. It is common knowledge that when people get desperate, people get dangerous. Even more when there is chaos!
Think of not getting help, if something bad happened. The importance of electricity for law enforcement and military personnel is key. Help may never arrive or it may come too late. Do not put yourself in this situation!
Stockpile Food Right Away
When the SHTF, you don’t have time to waste. Stockpiling food is essential if you want to stay alive and keep your family safe.
Here’s what I would do:
1. Eat all of your favorite foods that will spoil fast at the start of SHTF. There is no point in not eating that ice cream in the freezer. If you have alternative power to keep the freezer going then never mind.
2. Make sure you have enough food for at least two months after SHTF. Try to focus on items with a long shelf life like dry, canned, and dehydrated foods.
What Foods Are Prepared For Doomsday?
3. I started with rice and then worked from there. Take things in steps and before you know it you will have a good stockpile ready to go!
Storing Food Properly
One of the worst things that can happen, is you spend all this time and effort in storing your food. You are ready to survive SHTF for 2 months and longer. But you do not store your food properly and all that work and money is not as successful as it could be.
The key elements to long-term storage are the following: no humidity, a cool area, and an area with no sunlight. This will give your food its best chance of lasting for a while.
One of my favorite ways is using mylar bags! They are easy to use, cheap, and can be reused again if needed!
You will need a few things before you begin:
- -Mylar bags – Size depends on how much food you want to store
- -Sealer or hair straightener works
- -Oxygen absorbers to throw in the bag
- -Permanent marker, To make sure you know what type of food is in the bag and for how long ago it was stored.
Avoid Injuries & Know How To Treat Them
Just because the SHTF doesn’t mean you should stop being a smart person. Take a deep breath and then evaluate the best next course of action. Use common sense and do not try to be a hero!
You know what we’re talking about here. You don’t want to be the guy who tries to do a backflip on a surfboard and breaks his ankle. You should help someone if you can, but do not put yourself in situations where you can get injured.
One of the most important things you should have is a first aid kit. You will not be able to access a hospital or any medical help. The ability to take care of injuries on the spot is key! I would make sure to have extra items for every member of the group or family. Such as an extra bandage for each and extra pain relievers.
First Aid
There are many different first aid kits. Some are small and some are large and lack important items. I would make sure you have at least one of each of the following items:
Ace Bandage (2)
Adhesive tape (1 roll)
Alcohol wipes (5)
Antiseptic wipes (5)
Antibiotic ointment (1 tube)
Anti-diarrhea tablets
Allergy medicine
cough drops/throat lozenges
Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Surgical Mask
first aid antiseptic (spray/bottle)
laceration closures
You can easily improve the list of items, and make sure to always have extra medicines prescribed to you by a doctor.
Keep a Weather Radio On Hand for Storms and Warnings
In the first hours of when SHTF, you will want to stay informed as much as possible. Knowledge is power and even more so when SHTF. So depending on what has occurred, you may not be able to access the internet/tv. Or you will need alternative means of communication.
If your power goes out, or cell phone towers are down, having a radio helps to keep you informed when other means of communication could be down.
A radio is also helpful in that it can help you listen in on local broadcasts or emergency alerts that may come through.
Many radios are hand-powered and there are various other types.
Walkie Talkies
Another item I would have, to keep in contact with my group/family. If you are separated for some reason when on the move or for another reason. You need to stay in contact. It’s another item that never grows old!
The First 72 Hours
When SHTF, it really does. The first 72 hours will be very dangerous. There will be massive amounts of people who will be angry, hungry, thirsty, and so forth. So you either bug out to a safe location or hunker down where you are.
If you plan on bugging out, then you need to make sure that your bug-out bag is stocked with essential supplies for at least 3 days (longer if possible). You also need to have a backup plan in case something happens along the way that prevents you from reaching your destination (i.e., a car breaking down).
If you decide to stay put then having enough food and water on hand will be imperative. I would recommend having a security system set up, and having weapons for protection.
Protect Yourself From Looting and Uprising
Protect yourself from looting and uprising by arming yourself with a firearm! Looters will be rampant, and they will take anything they can get their hands on, including guns.
In the event of an emergency, it is important to be prepared. There will be looting and fighting all around. You do not want to be caught in the middle of this. The vast majority of businesses/shops will be looted. There will be a sense of hysteria and survival of the fittest mindset. So having a firearm will be essential! The chances of your home being attacked will be higher, especially if you live in a populated area.
Secure All Windows and Doors
You want to secure your weak points in where you are living. The main areas are windows and doors. Having a few pieces of plywood could help secure a door or window. The downside to securing a window on the outside is people could want to get inside more.
They could think people or other valuable things/supplies are inside. So you will have to determine what works best for your situation. You could secure your windows internally, as to not make your home look like more of a potential target.
I would use plyboard to strengthen my door and seal of windows from the inside. I would have the plyboard on the other side of the window and curtains.
Or it could be a deterrent for potential looters and people who, would do you harm. If you have plyboard on the outside. Do what you think is best and keep a calm level head.
Make Sure You Have a Plan B
You never know what’s going to happen in life. When SHTF, things can change quickly and you have to be able to pivot!
That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a plan B, just in case things don’t go according to plan.
Make sure to have extra gas, so you do not have to stop at a gas station!
Your bug-out bag should have at least 3 days’ worth of food/water and supplies to get you to safety at least. Which we mentioned.
Cash And Documents On Hand
We all know that SHTF can come without warning. You can see it on the news or you have experienced it personally. We need to be prepared.
When SHTF, you’re going to want cash on hand. If you have any gold, that could come in handy as well for its inherent value.
You’ll also want documents in order, things like your birth certificate, social security card, car registration/ insurance information, and like.
In the event of SHTF, I would have at least $500 put away in a safe location where I could access it quickly if necessary. I would also keep all my important documents together in a water-proof bag/fire-proof. So they’re easy to grab if there’s an emergency evacuation or some other urgent situation requiring me to leave home quickly.
What To Expect In The First Few Weeks
I have been asked many times what to expect in the first few weeks of SHTF. It’s a simple answer, a lot of things. You are going to see so many things, which you did not think were possible. Things that are just plain wrong. There will be debris scattered around and stores’ windows broken. Animals will be more prevalent as things break down.
Think of all the acts of cruelty that people will demonstrate towards each other.
I would highly recommend staying put or getting out of dodge (as much as possible). If you want to see what’s happening, stay close to your home base. Do not put yourself in harm’s way, you want to get through the first 2 months alive, with all members of your family/group in one piece.
There Will Be No Law
When there is no law, in order to protect your life and liberty things get dark. It is amazing how dark things can and will get if the basic elements of society are no longer there. There will be no justice if someone injures, kills, or does anything else to another person.
It will be similar to the movie “purge” in some aspects. It’s true that when the grid goes down, and society breaks, down bad things happen. So being able to protect yourself and your family will be essential!
What Will Happen When You Hit 2 Months
Welcome to two months.
This is when reality will really come knocking. You will know that things are not going back to normal. This will embolden and make things more dangerous. People will realize that and will do literally whatever they want.
You’re not quite out of the woods yet, but you’re closer than you were a month ago.
You’ve survived two months with power outages or no power. The reality is you will have made it without any food deliveries from uber eats. This is the time to really take stock of where you are at and if you need to move on.
Is it time for you to move on from where you are? Maybe you have enough supplies to stay where you are long-term, but maybe not, and if that’s the case, then what do you do? Do you stick with your plan B or do you go somewhere else?
If your plan B is still viable then stick with it and focus on getting there. It will allow you to focus elsewhere.
I would rely on the group of people I know in my neighborhood or area ahead of time. There is safety in numbers, so keep that in mind if you have to move somewhere else.
Alternative Power
Having access to alternative power doesn’t need to break the bank. I would have at least a foldable solar panels to power important electronics. The more power you can produce without the grid, the better. Keep in mind that other people will want that power to, even more so in a populated area.
So Make Sure To Have A Group Already In Place
This can be an official or unofficial group of people who think the same way you do. Who share the same values and who you can trust.
Choose Your Defenses Wisely
You have to have a firearm and I would recommend having more than one weapon to protect yourself with. If SHTF you want to be able to fall back to other forms of protection if something happens to your first. A rifle followed by a shotgun or handgun would be my first weapons of choice for protection.
I personally feel that the best way to defend yourself if something happens to your firearms is :
A cross-bow is another favorite of mine. It allows you to have range between your attacker and yourself.
Large knife or machete. I would have a small knife on me, if I lost my pistol in a fight for example.
A bowie knife is another good option because it can be used as a weapon and also used for survival purposes (cutting wood).
The first two months after SHTF will be the most difficult. You will need to be prepared mentally and physically to survive. There will be no law and order and things will get dark. You must protect yourself and your family. Take stock of your supplies and if necessary, move to a safer location.
It’s key to have alternative power sources and choose your defenses wisely. Most importantly, have a group of people you can trust to help you survive. So you should have a good idea of what you need to do in order to survive the first 2 months.
