So purchased a travel trailer to accommodate all 6 of us and all needed gear for all occasions. If we didn't have it we tried to make something similar and work with it or go without. But even with all the preparedness and stock piling. The kids were the hardest to accommodate. The teenagers were bored since I cut all communication devices off unless an emergency arose. So they were going through social media withdrawal. As much as we were outside as possible exploring and learning about our new surroundings, when nasty weather comes they're inside. Which makes for miserable little children full of energy.
We moved location often every two days was a new place. No comfy campgrounds or amenities, just what we brought. I do believe after three weeks coming from mission bc, going through southern bc to southern Alberta to northern Alberta over to northern bc and back to mission,was a trial to see what it really takes and where improvement is needed.
At this point I'm thinking a travel trailer would have to be temporary. Used long enough to get to a long term place. To haul necessary gear and food. To live comfortably enough while heading to a permanent destination.
Just my two cents.
That is okay idea if you get out first wave what happens if it looks like a hwy in states when hurricane comes? What happens if you cant use or have to change transport modes? God forbid something happens to trailer, whats next plan or cache of supplies?
mamabear - What a great experience for you and your family. You will learn so much. Keep us posted on how it goes.
I know the first time we lost power up here at -40C for 4 days I sure learned what worked and what didn't work, plus what I didn't have that I needed to get ie...always keep 2+large water containers full of water, containers to put food from fridge and freezer in that the little critters can't get into. Most importantly keep my food stocks up.
Very good points. I actually haven't thought much of another mode of transport. As of now I don't have an location to stock pile stuff at but I'm slowly working towards it for sure. Although I have been stocking up on critter/water proof food grade containers. I also have water storage containers too. I have allocated 10gal per person within my family unit. But also have smaller easy to carry and refill to if unable to bring the larger sizes. Same with my food storage too, large stock piles but easily accessible smaller versions if necessary. Have also been stocking up on cloth diapers as well. They come in handy for more than just children.
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Good point Screedcrete,
I do have all of that for everyone. I have insulated coveralls from the pipe line days. And those work, along with layers for sure.
I liked another's posters idea of having a bike for everyone that can ride and a bike trailer or two would be handy. Would be good transportation when fuel is gone and the roads are impassable or have check points.
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Point well made. You're right if someone or something wanted to stop me they could. Now you've got me thinking......what could I use?
I'm trying to make it to Timmies.....just don't want to say yes and then can't find a sitter for my children. But I am planning to go 🙂
I'm sure more heads are better than one.
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As a prepper/survivalist and raising three kids to adulthood I've given a lot of thought to this subject. Its an on-going process over the years; you do what you can do and hope for the best. Fortunately, for me and my family, its worked out. Don't expect immediate rewards, what you do with your kids today might not reach fruition for years.
Institute a program, even if its only in your own head, no one needs to know, and you don't need a researched plan down on paper with 'targets' and must reach goals, deadlines etc. No pressure, let it flow. Young children don't need to know all the gory details and horror stories. "Why" they're doing something isn't important to them. The following are just suggestions, do with them what you will.
Initiate 'games' that teach desired behavior and skills. For example: in a 'bug out' situation, children must be able to be quiet on command. A game (especially good for normal car travelling) where each child is timed for being absolutely quiet and motionless will encourage this behavior on command. Start with one minute of quiet, then two minutes etc. Make it a competition. To start something like this, you don't ask, you just state: "I want to play a game."
Symbols are important teaching aides. Perhaps a web belt can be given at a six year old's birthday, along with a small canteen and a pouch for personal things. At each succeeding birthday (as good as yardstick as any), add equipment to the belt as the child learns skills, similar to Boy Scout merit badges. At 8 years old a prepper child should be able to handle a small knife safely (after instruction), build and light a small fire; so the knife and a container of waterproof matches can be added to the belt. Just a couple examples, but you can see how the child's pride and esteem can be built around the "grown-up" symbols of his/her belt.
Let me know what you think...
For whatever it's worth, I made the transition of living full time in a travel trailer last year. On the other hand, I did it with 2 cats who were much easier to please.
The first thing I did was begin replacing the fiberglass insulation with high-density styrofoam which has far better insulating properties. Last winter, even at minus 25 degrees, it was warm and comfortable. My current plan before winter is to make a slip-on cover that will encapsulate the entire trailer with openings for the door and a couple windows, and line the inside of it with fiberglass insulation.
For my own sanity, I installed a 46" flat screen TV and have well over a year's worth of movies and TV shows archived on external USB hard drives. All the electronics I've been installing are selected for low power consumption so I can run them off a battery -- power inverter combination for several days without recharging. I also replaced the fridge with an energy efficient electric one that only draws 0.5 amp when running. For a test last summer, I disconnected the charger and used battery power for an entire month without recharging. Hopefully by next year I'll have solar power for the long-term.
From my own experience, the actual transition from living in a house to living in a travel trailer is the most difficult part. Once you've begun to adapt you'd be surprised at how comfortable it can be, and now a year later I can't imagine ever going back to a house.
I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather, not screaming in terror like his passengers.
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The more I think about this topic, the sadder I feel. Any bug out will be extremely difficult for children; the worse the situation, the worse the effects. Historical statistics indicate that in any major social upheaval and famine that everyone under the age of ten will die. I believe that it is our duty to ensure that our children, grandchildren, extended family children, etc. do not succumb to this statistic. "My grandchildren?...ain't gonna happen."
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Whatever tomorrow brings,… I will be there! 😉
This subject has us thinking the unthinkable and speaking the unspeakable, its so abhorrent that many mentally gloss over or outright ignore. Keeping our head in the sand will not save anyone. I too, get the feeling that many preppers don't realize what SHTF actually means. In this context it means the end of childhood, the child can no longer be a 'child'. Perhaps preparing for the 'worst case' scenario might save at least one young life. In otherwords, children are prey.
You would think that this topic would be overloaded with opinions, but...