Convinicing the wife I'm not nuts...

KodiakFan24

KodiakFan24

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I've been mulling over the idea of 'preparedness' for a while now, always putting it off as impractical, unnecessry, etc. Seeing how the goverment has failed those in NY/NJ after Sandy has solidified the idea that we as Americans can no longer rely on the government in an emergency. Being a devoted husband and father, I need to make some basic changes to at least try and make things easier for my family should there be another natural or man-made disaster.

First and foremost, if the impending zombie apocalypse becomes reality or we get invaded by aliens, welp, we had a good run. I'm not looking to prepare for the end of the world or to re-populate the Earth after some super flu pandeminc. However, if my wife or I get stuck on 93 and need to get home (MA/NH border) we have basic supplies in our cars. If the power grid fails or there is a food/gas shortage, we can ride it out for 30 days at home.

My wife either thinks I'm a bit nuts or is good at teasing me. How can I get her to understand that stocking up on some essentials, at least initially, is not a waste of time/energy/money and that some extra cans of soup or kidney beans or sacks of rice is not "doomsday prepping?" Has anyone else had this challenge?

Similarly, I am in the process of getting my LTC-A as I recognize preparing for an emergency also involves personal defense, which has also posed its share of problems with the Mrs., which is odd as she grew up with guns. She feels that somehow our kids would find the gun safe, get passed the biometric lock, trigger lock, load the magazine, chamber a round and pull the trigger.

I, on the other hand, would rather start the kids (8 and 6) now in teaching firearms familiarity/saftey and emergency preparedness.

I am completely new at the practical side of this - not even sure what goes into a GHB or what I should be aiming for as far as per-person caloric intake should food become scarce. I ordered a book that was recommended to me about family preparedness basics so that should help, but currently we all lead pretty sedentary lifestyles aside from daily trips to the gym, and what I want to do is have all of just a bit more comfortable with the idea of self reliance and what to do in an emergency.

So, end of rambling, unfocused entry. I'm sure everyone has their own ideas on the subject and I'm looking forward to reading them.
 
Welp.. I can put in my 2 cents... for what it's worth.

My fiancee and I watch Doomsday Preppers and like to giggle at some of the silliness while we pick up good tips/ things to think about for our 'prepping'.

Currently, our prepping consists of some extra food/water, etc for when we suddenly get 2 feet of snow, we're not stuck at the supermarket with everyone else panicked at the thought of not getting that extra loaf of bread. I try to gently increase the 'what if' scenarios. She's slowly getting more on board. We're looking into getting a wood stove and I'm modifying part of our basement a bit at a time to allow for more food and water storage. I'm also gently pushing her to talk more with her brother who is looking to buy some land North of us for "camping"

As for firearms, she's completely bipolar on the matter. Her family has a long history with ownership while mine does not. She was supportive of me getting my LTC and has her certificate- but she doesn't (yet) see the value in spending $100 for her to have a permit too. She asks "Why would I ever have to carry? It's scary" just after she tells me that I'm required to carry anytime we go to the movies now.

She also doesn't understand all the mechanics involved and is concerned about if the gun will 'go off' accidentally if it's just sitting in the safe. As much as I try to explain, she's a little hands-off. I think that once I get her out to the range and put some rounds downrange, she'll get past most of her irrational fears.

I do know that once we get to the point where we have kids that are at the mobile/ curiosity stage, we'll have to revisit how everything is stored/ out of sight, etc... But I do know that my kids will grow up with an understanding/respect for firearms.

I don't really have much advice on the matter beyond asking yourself "Who is responsible for making sure your family sees another day"

Edit: I am interested in local .. meetings of like minded individuals ... so If there are any (new or not) preppers who would be willing so share knowledge, feel free to drop a PM.
 
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Do a ton of reading and research. You will find what works for you. The wife will follow in time, mine did. Now she is as into it as I am. Just be careful not to let it take over your life and leave the tinfoil hat on the table. With young kids, you may want to prioritize the bug-in route above bug-out, but obviously prepare for both.
Shelter, heat, water, food, and above all-firearms and ammo!!! First aid, flashlights, batteries.....
 
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baby steps, like don't lead with the zombie apocalypse theory, lol

get a costco or BJ's membership if you don't already. Approach it like this: buying in bulk will save you money. Designate a stock room and makes some lists about what you use regularly--that's what you need most. It's not so hard. You don't need to go out and buy anything labeled "survivor" supplies like MREs. Just get normal household items that won't expire past a year or two and keep them handy: canned soup, beans, rice, etc.. Add a simple radio (not a $80 survival radio!), flash light, batteries, and some water and you're 90% there.
 
Go to Ready.Gov and see what FEMA suggests for families. They have checklists for both "stay" and "go" scenarios focusing on a three day timeline. Not what you call far-fetched - pretty down-home.

Maybe it's just me but when I hear the term "Zombie Apocalypse" I tend to consider the speaker to be a little touched. Perhaps if you focus on the practical side of keeping your family safe, secure and comfortable for the type of winter storms that are the most likely threat in New England, she will take you more seriously.
 
Currently, our prepping consists of some extra food/water, etc for when we suddenly get 2 feet of snow, we're not stuck at the supermarket with everyone else panicked at the thought of not getting that extra loaf of bread. I try to gently increase the 'what if' scenarios. She's slowly getting more on board. We're looking into getting a wood stove and I'm modifying part of our basement a bit at a time to allow for more food and water storage. I'm also gently pushing her to talk more with her brother who is looking to buy some land North of us for "camping"
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That's my thinking as well. I heard a line about food prepping, something like "prep what you eat, eat what you prep." sems not only practical but lessens the culture shock. who could object to a few extra cans of what we already eat, right?
 
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Another_David said:
baby steps, like don't lead with the zombie apocalypse theory, lol

get a costco or BJ's membership if you don't already. Approach it like this: buying in bulk will save you money. Designate a stock room and makes some lists about what you use regularly--that's what you need most. It's not so hard. You don't need to go out and buy anything labeled "survivor" supplies like MREs. Just get normal household items that won't expire past a year or two and keep them handy: canned soup, beans, rice, etc.. Add a simple radio (not a $80 survival radio!), flash light, batteries, and some water and you're 90% there.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I've noticed it's REAL easy now to spend a sh!t ton of money on everything under the sun.
 
Great advice here so far, particularly leading with a recent and real event such as the maelstrom following Superstorm Sandy. All of my serious, heavy prep stuff is at my brother's house in the next time, as that's the SHTF locale for us. As for my house, I eased her into the concept by stocking 10 gallons of water and lots of cans of soup.

She laughed at me at first for putting so much food away; on Thursday she texted me and said "If this storm is as bad as they say it's supposed to be, then all of that food and water you put away might come in handy".

As for the gun thing, it's just a matter of incremental steps as well....she would break down sobbing at the mention of the word "gun", and now she's alright with physically seeing my firearms. It's just exposure to the ideas and concepts over time. Keep at it.
 
Private John Shooter said:
With young kids, you may want to prioritize the bug-in route above bug-out, but obviously prepare for both.
Shelter, heat, water, food, and above all-firearms and ammo!!! First aid, flashlights, batteries.....
Click to expand...

That's my thought. Realistically, we have no where to bug out to, so it'll be a matter of us staying safe and secure in our house.
 
What would be a good basic GHB for the wife's (and mine) car? She works in Boston at a law firm, so her hoofing it anywhere in heels isn't possible. I imagine a pair of insulated hiking boots, multi-tool, cord, poncho, blanket, some high calorie energy bars, water purification tablets, basic first aid, flashlight would be in an al-season bag, then just swap out some clothes based on the season. What else?
 
BTW my wife didn't mind food, fuel and such but thought I was completely out of my mind for storing four jugs of water.

Then in 2010 there was a the Boston Water Main break and we got a "boil water" order for a few days. Then she realized that having drinking water was not guaranteed.

Also, "camping gear" is totally acceptable.....
 
My GF of 15 years used to laugh at me. Now after this blizzard and 2 days w/ out power, she isn't laughing anymore. Funny how just a short time without modern amenities can completely change someone's point of view. Honda generator on the way, wood burning stove in basement project is being explored, and food stores are due to increase substantially.

Guns and ammo = well that is already covered.

She laughed at me for having all the "camping gear" too - since I only go once a year. But let me tell you, when the heat went out I couldn't pry my zero degree sleeping bag form her cold numb hands with a pry bar...
 
Buggin said:
Is she packing? If so extra ammo/mag. If not, pepper spray. Water bottle, extra socks. Whistle.
Kinda depends on how far she has to go.
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Nope, at least not yet. But the idea of me carrying concealed is completely crazy to her so I don't imagine her carrying anytime soon. Pepper spray is a good idea. Do you need a FID for that in MA?
 
ThePreBanMan said:
My GF of 15 years used to laugh at me. Now after this blizzard and 2 days w/ out power, she isn't laughing anymore. Funny how just a short time without modern amenities can completely change someone's point of view. Honda generator on the way, wood burning stove in basement project is being explored, and food stores are due to increase substantially.

She laughed at me for having all the "camping gear" too - since I only go once a year. But let me tell you, when the heat went out I couldn't pry my zero degree sleeping bag form her cold numb hands with a pry bar...
Click to expand...

Part of our problem is right now we live in a townhouse with no basement so we're very limited when it somes to storage.
 
house is on a nat gas generator, wife has her LTC, we're pretty set in that regard, 15,000gal of water in the pool, half a doz flashlights, portable radio, 6 sleeping bags, stove, etc....but we do need to stock up on food. usually have a couple of week's worth or so, just never get around to 'stocking up'

tried a couple of Wise meals free from their website...not bad. I think I'm going to go that route along with some canned goods
 
KodiakFan24 said:
Nope, at least not yet. But the idea of me carrying concealed is completely crazy to her so I don't imagine her carrying anytime soon. Pepper spray is a good idea. Do you need a FID for that in MA?
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Yes.

RE: The water, 6 gallons for $6 is a no brainier. Aside from "crazy prepper reasons" it has many uses. I use it in my dehumidifier (distilled leaves no residue). When I go to the beach or hiking I take a gallon or two--it's so much cheaper than buying drinks anywhere. I often buy liter bottles too, which cost more but then I refill them with tap, although I don't store them long term like that.

Water does take up considerable space. I can understand your condo space premium--that sounds like your biggest problem. Just do what you can do.
 
Use real life New England scenarios. Blizzard 2013, that big snowstorm where people were on the road for 10 hours getting home, hurricanes, floods.

Save EMPs, zombies, UN blue helmets, and martial law until she is on board.
 
She may be just good at teasing you.

Honestly, it's been in the back of my head (forever). My girlfriend actually approached me on this subject & I laughed. She thought I was mocking here - I wasn't, I thought is was cute & quite happy that she shared my thought process.

The down side was that she wanted to do everything right away & spend, spend, spend. That's not how I do things. I'm a thrifty guy. I know how to re-purpose things & how certain items can serve as multi-purpose.

We've started small with day-packs & 72-hour packs. You can find a lot of cheap or used stuff on the internet (craigslist). We belong to a BJ's so some bulk purchases are easy to check off the list.

We just got dumped on with over 2-feet of snow! Did you loose power?
If not, you could have - for days. What supplies did you have stocked / prepared? By this, I mean you did not go out like an idiot Wed-Friday to get additional supplies, unless it was part of your normal shopping. part of prepping is not to panic buy.

In the past 2 storms (not including this snow storm) I've lost power for more than 3 days.Having a backup is peace of mind.
 
If water storage is problematic due to space limitations, look at a filtration / sanitizing systems that are available. Some of them use UV light to sanitize and filter as the water is consumed.
 
KodiakFan24 said:
What would be a good basic GHB for the wife's (and mine) car? She works in Boston at a law firm, so her hoofing it anywhere in heels isn't possible. I imagine a pair of insulated hiking boots, multi-tool, cord, poncho, blanket, some high calorie energy bars, water purification tablets, basic first aid, flashlight would be in an al-season bag, then just swap out some clothes based on the season. What else?
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A wad of cash. Road maps covering the area between Boston & your home. Socks.

In winter, a set of mittens/hat, etc. In summer, a hat.

Weight starts adding up fast, but a little emergency radio (so she can get updates on weather/traffic/whatever the trigger event might have been would not be a bad idea.
 
KodiakFan24 said:
My wife either thinks I'm a bit nuts or is good at teasing me. How can I get her to understand that stocking up on some essentials, at least initially, is not a waste of time/energy/money and that some extra cans of soup or kidney beans or sacks of rice is not "doomsday prepping?" Has anyone else had this challenge?
Click to expand...

First, I would recommend finding out if she is just teasing you. If she supports all of this and/or she doesn't care but is willing to support it if it matters to you, then you are clear to focus on actual preps. If she is reluctant, find a hook that appeals to her - cost savings, budgeting, fewer trips to the grocery store each week, blizzard/hurricane preparedness.

bob6180 said:
She also doesn't understand all the mechanics involved and is concerned about if the gun will 'go off' accidentally if it's just sitting in the safe. As much as I try to explain, she's a little hands-off. I think that once I get her out to the range and put some rounds downrange, she'll get past most of her irrational fears.
Click to expand...

Any chance something like this video would help? SHOWING her that they will NOT go "just go off," even when getting beat on might help counter the emotions more than you reciting facts or technical specs.

 
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Generators are nice, but they suck gas, Inverters trade off between output and sipping gas.

For long term power outages where gas is an issue (NY/NJ last fall) an inverter is 3 times more efficient than a generator, if not more, plus the ones I use weigh 48 pounds and the size of a couple of 30 packs... it is easily transported.

Potable water or filtration, food for a couple of weeks, crank radio, LED flashlights.... warm clothing, blankets
 

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