Communications
1. radio/TV/land line/cell phone
2. Crank shortwave radio with NOAA channels
3. CB / Sat. phone
4. FRS ( family radio service)/GRMS (general mobile radio service)
5. HAM (amateur radio - license required)

Security
1. not interested in security
2. basic self defense and a canine companion
3. variety of edged weapons and a protection trained canine companion
4. firearms and surveillance mechanisms
5. restricted firearms and sophisticated surveillance mechanisms

.

I find this an interesting process in analysis, not just measurement...

Now one of you with all these scales and knowledge of the "Dark Magic" should set up a google spreadsheet with requisite formulas 😆

Then it could be modified slightly if necessary by users, but primarily; it would put all the rankings into a single location for charting.

Any volunteers ❓ ❓ (come on, you know you wanna...)

Right on Dangphool. That is where I would like to see this tread going. So far we seem to all agree on ten important components of prepping. We have developed a working five point scale for six of these components. We still need to describe five steps for general supplies, psychological preparedness (mindset), personal skill sets and being part of or preparing a group. Anyone can jump in so let's have all your thoughts.

The concept of personal skill sets almost warrants a thread of its own as there is a plethora of skills that would be useful, many necessary in a SHTF situation.

You mentioned Mind set. That is the largest subject that would drive most people to suiside should the SHTF. My own wife is part of that mind set, in a way. If the word were to come that TEOTWAWKI, she said that the the bar would soon to be emptied. Meanwhile, I'd be packing up the van with what I could, then try to pour my wife into the passenger seat. Should she refuse to go, what should I do, 1) tie her up and take her 2) leave her and her son (35 and mule brained) there on their own, or 3) stay and parish with them. Catch 22?

I pick number 2

You mentioned Mind set. That is the largest subject that would drive most people to suiside should the SHTF. My own wife is part of that mind set, in a way. If the word were to come that TEOTWAWKI, she said that the the bar would soon to be emptied. Meanwhile, I'd be packing up the van with what I could, then try to pour my wife into the passenger seat. Should she refuse to go, what should I do, 1) tie her up and take her 2) leave her and her son (35 and mule brained) there on their own, or 3) stay and parish with them. Catch 22?

I vote for a combination...
tie her up and take her, but leave the mule brained son.
PS...the next day when her head is the size of a football field, tell her you forgot to prep the tylenol.

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A slightly different tact..... since society has been seeing that everything is "idiot proofed"... all it has done is to increase the number of idiots. At one time common sense was called that for a reason. The lack of same weeded out the remainder very quickly. In a SHTF situation... do you really want those who can't or won't think for themselves and have the mindset of a mule... or to be less than charitable just plain dumb? IF this ever comes to pass it will be a great equalizer and society will be winnowed like grain. For Ranger 2012 I go with Number 2.

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With the reorganiztion of the board we are back to the most relevant posts for this topic. So again we seem to all agree on ten important components of prepping. We have developed a working five point scale for six of these components. We still need to describe four steps for:
1. general supplies
2. psychological preparedness (mindset)
3. personal skill sets
4. being part of or preparing a group

Anyone can jump in so let's have all your thoughts.

OK so mindset, I am constantly "surviving". I have that covered. I crumble for an hour or two then I jump back in like a fighter! Honestly, I can not remember a moment in life that I am not waiting for the bottom to fall out. It is a blessing and a curse to have that skill.

For me the most important things to have were/are:
1) Food/general supplies (of course)
2) Security of some sort (I have that too, solar powered alarms on windows and doors now... got em at cdn tire) I have started working out with the goal to attend martial arts classes in the late fall (this will be difficult and a huge milestone for me)
3) I would LOVE to be a part of a group. I was for awhile. I had friends as my back up, then I had yet another SHTF in my life and they don't want us around anymore. (I have special needs kids so that deters most people from letting us all in the group) I won't give up on my boys. It's not an option.
4) Learning new skills. I have made it my own little mission to learn new skills this year. I try to learn something new once a week, hands on. So far this year I have learned new ways to make fire, , how to assemble a cargo net, how to make moccasins, we assembled a teepee the other day at my friends place... it was pretty cool (I could not do it alone though... it wasn't easy)
5) Sustainability. I need a place where I can grow my own food. Raise chickens, goats, pigs. Garden and possibly have a greenhouse or at the least a hoop house for a longer growing season. Since my latest SHTF has happened, I have had to use the majority of my downpayment savings to survive and regroup, I am having to almost start over yet again... survival. lol

Flexibility
Adaptability
Resourcefulness
Courage
Honor
Loyalty
You have these in abundance... we could all learn from your experience... and your survival. Thanks for sharing.

I have most of these, seems like I'd be more wanted after a SHTF than I am now. Old, broken and out of work. Salavee or something like that. 😉

Hey Ranger don't you just love knowing that you would be one of the most wanted, respected and sort after people?.Only the world has to almost end first? What's up with that?