There are two messages. One - be prepared Two - Home is where the heart is that is where you will survive the best
Here are articles that describes what the Natural Gas industry is up against.
Natural Gas: A Vital But Noncompliant Industry
http://www.gulfpub.com/wo/archive/archive_98-04/bug-shemwell.html
http://www.cga.ca/PressRelease/Y2K.htm
If there is a high risk to power-energy as theses links suggest then society is down the tubes. In the middle of winter. From what I have seen in here there is little talk on surviving such an event although well meaning people have said to head to the hills, then what? Doubtfully few that post or lurk have had the experience to survive this.
My name is Brian Henderson and I have lived in isolation in the Northwest Territories in the Canadian Arctic. This was a 1000 miles (driving) from a Big Mac folks. So to contribute my share I am going to type out info that could give you ideas on your preparations. It has been 14 years since I have been in that life style so this is a deja vu in thinking about the effects of Y2k. Bare with me as the info may jump from topic to topic. A web site on survival in harsh conditions should be forth coming.
As we are well aware full effects of Y2k is during the winter. For much of us that could mean bitter cold weather to deal with. Riots are going to be foolish to worry about. Freezing to death is the first thing to avoid. Snowsuits and moose boots are first on my list. Check out army surplus as their gear is cheaper and I know their boots are the best. These boots look like rubber boots with nylon tops, usually white with felt liners. Get several liners as then you can dry them out as needed, your sweat is your worst enemy. Keep heads, hands and feet warm. Buy lots of clothes by the way as manufactured items are not likely to be around.
Plan on living in a smaller open area and sleep with others if possible. An airtight stove is invaluable as is a chainsaw. I would recommend having two stoves. One for flash heat and another for steady heat. This is not normal in the arctic but a consideration. The tin wood stoves that sell for less than a $100 are a good choice. They are light weight for traveling also if you must. Convert your house to a survival area and put the wood stove at a lower point than your living area. A basement with a stove pipe coming up through the floor is a good idea. If there is no chimney prepare to take out a door or a window and have a insert for your stove pipe. Have a good supply of well seasoned wood, maul, axe and a good bowsaw with several blades.
In the event of total collapse and freezing tempt. most would not recognize water as the greatest problem. Snow is not a good idea to melt anywhere as pollution could cause health problems. The last thing you need. The best idea is a distiller on the wood stove for drinking water. My experience is having a 45 gal. drum that was filled by a water truck. This is not likely but a good idea in a small community. This problem should be the highest priority after getting warm.
In the bush we used propane. Portable, flexible, easy and convenient, having a 500lb tank or 20lb tank one can cook, heat, light, generate excetera. For a few months this is a good all round solution and can be used with natural gas apps. I would imagine, (does anyone know?). A hundred lb. tank could go a long way if only for cooking. One would of course use their wood stove for cooking when ever possible.
Food would be long term storage of course. If you wish to eat rice like Cory at least buy lots of Soya sauce :o). Dehydrated foods is the best bet. You can cut and dry food during the next 18 mo. and have loads of portable/healthy/stable munchies. This I think is a growth industry. Up north the natives even dry meat which strangely enough they call Drymeat. This is a staple up there and is liberally covered with lots of lard. On this note read Lost in the Barrens by Farley Mowat. Preparing for the winter is a challenge. Fishing is a good source of food. If you are truly adventurous ice fishing with nets or lines is a good bet. One could even consider snares for small animals. Their fur could be used on collars of clothes.
Here is a few ideas of many I plan on posting. On a personal note your sanity is critical. Diversions such as games and hobbies are rewarding when the novelty of chopping wood wares thin. I plan on having plenty of good cassettes of music and a cat battery or three to keep the car stereo happening. And books. In the likelihood of Y2k disruptions we must keep knowledge growing. Get books on any topic that interests you and then some. Music instruments for entertainment.
Till the next installment may I leave you with this thought, do not consider men your greatest challenge if there is disruptions it is yourselves. Your inner nature and contending with the outer Nature is the greatest hurdle. Western culture has insulated us from nature, inner and outer. It is my belief this is the great denial humanity has. Once you have done the life and death game with nature you understand reverence for her. At least once during the summer go camping in a tent. Cook over a fire. Make bannock :o)
Before enlightenment chop wood and haul water
After enlightenment chop wood and haul water