Real lessons. Zero illusions. No excuses.
We talk a lot about “collapse” — but most people haven’t lived it. At least not the way preppers imagine it: all-at-once failure, empty shelves, lawlessness. The truth? Collapse usually hits in layers: power goes out, services stop working, help doesn’t come. Then people panic. Then things break — fast.
In Canada, we’ve had warning shots. Ice storms, fires, pandemics, outages — all small previews of what a true systemic failure might look like. Let’s break down what real events have taught us — and how to get out clean when things turn bad.
🧊 1. The 1998 Ice Storm – Collapse in Slow Motion
Over 4 million Canadians lost power, some for 30+ days, in deep winter. Trees snapped under ice. Roads were impassable. Help was spread thin.
Lessons:
- Grid can fail for weeks.
- Wood stoves > space heaters.
- Community support matters — a lot.
Prep Tip: Have off-grid heat. Manual tools. A small neighborhood alliance is worth more than gold.
🔥 2. The Fort McMurray Wildfire – Sudden, Total Evacuation
In 2016, 80,000 people had minutes to leave. Fuel ran out. Roads jammed. Homes gone by morning.
Lessons:
- Evacuation might give you 10 minutes.
- Traffic becomes a trap.
- First responders can’t save everyone.
Prep Tip: Gas tank always above half. Bags by the door. Routes memorized.
🛒 3. COVID-19 Lockdowns – The Supply Chain Snap
2020 showed us how thin the veneer really is. Items vanished. Messaging changed daily. Fear set in fast.
Lessons:
- People panic fast.
- Essentials run out fast.
- Government help comes late, with strings.
Prep Tip: Beat the rush. Think two seasons ahead. Have a mental health plan for lockdown fatigue.
❄️ 4. Remote Northern Communities – Living in Slow Collapse
For many in the North, regular life includes empty shelves, fuel delays, and months without supply flights. No fantasy — just normal.
Lessons:
- Infrastructure is fragile.
- Local food skills = resilience.
- Trade and barter > credit cards.
Prep Tip: Grow, raise, preserve, and trade. If you can’t make it or store it — assume it’s not coming.
🚨 Prepper’s Evacuation Checklist
“Out the door in 5 minutes or less.”
When collapse accelerates, it’s time to move. This is your no-BS, no-time-left checklist. Everything you need to stay alive without help, fuel, or second chances.
🎒 Personal Go-Bag (Per Person)
- 40–50L backpack
- ID, cash, USB with documents
- Knife, multitool, fire kit
- Headlamp, flashlight, batteries
- Water filter, 2–3L of water
- 3 days of food
- Trauma kit + meds
- Paracord, tarp, socks, gloves
- Phone + charger + paper map
- Comms plan copy & rally point notes
🧰 Vehicle Load-Out Kit (Modular Bins)
🔋 Power & Lighting
- Solar charger, lanterns, power bank
- Rechargeable batteries
🍲 Food & Cooking
- 7-day food kit (dry staples, jerky, oats)
- Portable stove, pot, utensils
- Manual can opener, soap, rag
💧 Water
- 20L jug, extra filters, tabs
- Gravity filter system
🛏 Shelter & Warmth
- Tent, sleeping bags, wool blankets
- Cold-weather clothing
- Work gloves, boots, hand warmers
🏥 Medical
- Full trauma kit, meds, OTC drugs
- Sanitation: wipes, TP, waste bags
🔒 Security
- Legal firearms + ammo
- Slingshot, air rifle, binoculars
- Motion alerts, radios, frequency list
📦 Tools & Fuel
- Shovel, axe, pry bar, rope
- Fire extinguisher, jumper cables
- Fuel can (stabilized), siphon kit
- Hidden cash, burner phone, backup keys
🗺 Planning & Navigation
- 3 evacuation routes
- Rally points (local and distant)
- Hard copy comms plan
- Laminated call signs, codes
- Offline maps, fuel cache markers
- Faraday-bagged tablet/GPS (optional)
🚗 Vehicle Readiness
- Tank above ½ at all times
- Weekly system check: tires, fluids, battery
- Load-out prepacked in labeled totes
- Go-bags in passenger cabin, not trunk
🧠 Final Word
Collapse isn’t cinematic. It’s cold, confusing, and crowded. The people who stay calm and move early are the ones who get out with options.
You don’t need to be rich. You don’t need to be a bushcraft expert. You need a plan, packed bags, and the mindset to leave now when the signs are there.
📌 Collapse is a matter of time. Survival is a matter of preparation.
