Been on this site for a few months now, and have made decent steps in getting somewhat prepared. Some aspects have been easier than others.
I titled this thread Prepping with Disability because i am "Disabled" to a large degree, some have possibly seen posts descrbing my physical limitations - chronic degenerative skeleto-muscular condition causing weak bones, joints, lack of muscle mass, pain in all my joints 24/7, lethargy, no sense of smell. As a result of this i have a litany of health issues, most debiitating is a back that only lets me stand for short periods of time and to spend a good potion of the day stretched out on the bed. The back deteriorated after a 3rd injury about 4yrs ago which leaves me mostly housebound.
I am fortunate that i live in a small dwelling that i have adapted to my physical needs. I get my groceries delivered and family helps out with things as needed.
Prepping while unable to get out and about presents a challenge for sure, i scour Ebay, the catalogues and other sites.
in all but extreme situations i would be Bugging in, hence my emergency supplies are pretty much my cupboard stores. I have made a couple of attempts and currently have a rolling suitcase with a 3 Day kit (just in case). Unfortunately it needs refining again and again.. I am considering purchasing an old school method of transporting items. A shopping cart, yup a granny cart. It would be big enough for the basics i'd need and can be dragged along.
being a large large guy my clothing takes up a lot of space especially in a "Bug Out Bag" and is not currently in my small suitcase, as i can't carry my backpack full like i used to the switch to a cart is looking likely. If i had to leave most likely a family member would "pick me up" so having more than 1 bag is doable, but i do want to have a basic kit that the back pack will add to. As you can imagine pain relief is a key prep for me, 🙂
So any other preeps out there prepping with big time physical limitations? Or for family members with the same?
Looking forward to seeing whats what.
I grew up on Looney Tunes, Marx Brothers mvies and Robin Williams, Enter my mind at your own risk
Razerp, my intention is to stay put unless the area is threatened by bushfire. In the event of a fire I will have to evac my mum who is disabled. She has a degenerative condition which makes walking and moving around extremely painful for her so my plans have to adapt to suit her. A bushfire threat means that we will be out of here (hopefully) well before the situation reaches crisis point. Property can be replaced - people (and pets) can't. I can load up the car with my dogs, cats, guinea pig, my daughter and myself (with our kit) in under 10 minutes.....mum takes longer to get organised and it's quite obvious that I can't "rush" her. Medication is high on her list (or rather the list that I have made for her) of things that are required, followed by clothing and her animals. I will be taking full responsibility for water, food, shelter etc for all of us. I know the car will be bulging with 3 people, 3 dogs, 4 cats and a guinea pig plus essentials though.....
Russell Coight....outback legend
Including myself in the 'Disabled' category I know the key needs for us is Medication (Meds) - in the short term - all's OK, But the long term does not leave much of an option.
What planes have you made for long term sustainabliity as that will be my main issue?
I'm old, tired and crotchety - what's your excuse???
Long term options - growing enough fruit and veg (plus dehydrating excess in solar dehydrator if I have no electricity to use the current model) to enable an adequate ongoing supply. Stocking up on "essential" items (gardening tools, hand tools, information). Learning new (read old style) skills to replace those currently dependant on local infrastructure. Looking at bush medicine, Nutrition, Homeopathic remedies, herbal remedies, & natural therapies to provide solutions to problems in the health related field. Trying new food items (think local vegetation commonly called bush foods) as viable options to increase range of available foods. Honing skills learnt in the military to assist transition back to a more self-reliant lifestyle. Making/building what I need now while materials are still affordable. Repairing/recycling & re-using what I already have. Working smarter not harder to overcome any current issues now rather than later. Enough?
Russell Coight....outback legend
This one's really, really old, compared to the others, but I'm new and poking around.
One of the ways you can save space in a bag is by adding a set of good rain gear, pants and coat. I know "save space" by adding stuff. Bear with me. Good rain gear tends to have flies that open to allow air circulation. Therefore, with several sets of underwear and a tank or tee, the pants will be okay and the jacket is okay - stuffy, but okay - in the rain. All those vents close, though, and good gear has ties that snug it close to the body, trapping air inside. In winter a set of thermals or fleeces, tops and bottoms, add insulation. So a roll of rain gear, the tops and bottoms of thermals or fleeces (silk is warm but light and thin, although 'spensive), and a couple pairs of shorts, one or two light shirts, and you have clothing for all four seasons. Socks are a must, but socks should live stuffed everywhere because they have a ton of uses.
You also might consider a folding game cart instead of the suitcase. A bucket or a couple of different bags could be attached, they're made to go through ugly terrain, they can fit in compact space, and if you need a ride for a little while, that's a possibility as well. I have to carry a solid ton of water for the pets and have the potential of a senior or 3 and 1-3 small children. The game cart is the only way that works and is far, far easier to deal with on curbs.
Good luck. I hate that this is such a struggle for you.
-P
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