I have been reading and talking to folks a good bit lately about Y2k and I must say I feel like its coming at a pretty darn bad time for me. I guess I'm just curious what suggestions people might have for someone who doesn't have the financial stability to go out and buy barrels of food and property with a well and a garden and all that??? I feel like...well, like I'm pretty much screwed. Seems that most of the preparedness costs money. Any thoughts? Also, when do you think a good time is to pull out money from the bank? And whats the best source of dried food products you folks have found? Thanks, Nathan/20/Wa

-- Anonymous, August 26, 1998

Answers

Dear Nathan,

There are many older people with money but without your health, strength, and ability to weather the storm. Find a few who are worried about y2k, find out what they need from you and go to work. You might find more help on a relocation web site or the Cassandra Project. This one on utilities might not be of much help for this type of problem.

Steve

Steve.

-- Anonymous, August 26, 1998

If you are going to take any money out of the bank, start immediately. If everyone tries at the same time, the banks may close. If you are short on money, you probably shouldn't worry about buying dried foods. From what I hear, all of the suppliers have pretty empty warehouses and are months behind on orders. My opinion is that you would do better to buy a dehydrator and vacuum sealer (such as Fresh Saver) and package your own food. If you search the web, you should be able to find a list of Mormon canneries. If one is in your area, you can get dry food canned in nitrogen to last for years. Check to see if you have any family or friends who have farmland. If things get really bad, the farmers aren't going to be planting tobacco and cotton. They will be planting a smaller acreage with food. You might be able to use part of their property to grow your own food, or you might be able to give them your labor in exchange for what they grow. Since most farmers are older, inexpensive young labor would probably be welcomed. Also, if you buy food in bulk from Sam's Club or Price Club, you should buy some every week or so, instead of trying to buy everything at once. As far as I can tell, most regular food will be in good supply until the very end. I am buying extra food each week. For example, I will buy a 20 pound bag of rice and repackage it myself with my Fresh Saver vacuum sealer into 1 cup packages. That reminds me that, more than food, you need to find a place that has a water supply, either flowing stream, natural spring, or hand pumped well. I wish I had known about this problem a couple of years ago, because I don't have a fortune to spend all at once either.

-- Anonymous, September 10, 1998

Nathan: I hope you won't completely dismiss what I have to say, but... There are a growing number of churches in the US that are starting Y2K programs. They are stockpiling large amounts of foods, water, firewood, etc. with the anticipation of giving it away in the event of a Y2K disaster. They consider this to be an opportunity to serve or "minister". Churches are typicaly made up of a mixture of older, established people(they have money and land) and younger people (who have more time and energy and strength). In my experience I can't believe that a church with such a program would turn down your help or turn down your need should the occasion arise. Having the resources, help, talents, skills, of a church congregation could be useful. Some people say if the grid goes down the nation will resort to anarchy. But maybe people will recognize that we do need each other and, dare I say it, God to get by in a time of crisis. Best of Luck. D. H.

-- Anonymous, September 13, 1998

I am new on the net--I am a 64 yr old retired heavy equpment operator--I have served in two military branches serving in both honorably--have worked with highly educated engineers--all my adult life--have a grandson in colledge here in MAINE--I know the problems--you face and hoe rediculess they are--as you can see I am not a typest--but I do have an inexhaustable amount of facts--that just might help you out--espeacially the y2k thing--e-mail me stanza4@wbtv.net JIM

-- Anonymous, September 13, 1998

I understand your fear and frustration, I've heard this similar concern from some acquaintances in your position. I suggest, some few key ideas: get a small group of friends/people together with your similar circumstances (try talking to your family - if this is an option) and figure out what each of you can offer. (Unte Reader has an excellent mini-book on preparing as a group). This way you willl not be footing 100% of a very large bill. This will spread the cost, tap into a variety of skills, share the work, and give you someone to offer/receive emotional support with.

Lastly, I suggest reading up on how to do things yourself - it doesn't take alot of money to participate in a community garden, do your own repairs. This sounds odd, but I had a very long chat with a mormon friend of mine, and I learned a great deal. Not only is this group of people "prepared" they are very thrifty - you may glean a great deal. Don't go it alone, best of luck....

-- Anonymous, January 02, 1999