Like many others, I collect data daily regarding how to prepare for SHTF scenarios. But I have become selective in this process as to have a vast pile of information, but unsorted and thus inaccessible is just dumb. Can you imagine how much of your collection is just speculation of others? And how many times do you need to save the same information, just repeated in a different order? This is when I realized that I needed to trim off the fat and get to the core of each topic.
I started this thinning process over a year ago and have created a system along the way of sorting and categorizing data that allows me to find pertinent information in a much shorter timeframe. It's not a perfect system, but it allows for constant upgrading and modifying as I break down each subject into more specific topics.
Storing of Continuous Data Files
I do this sorting by simply creating folders within folders. This method allows for subject breakdown into specific topics and although it can become complex, it saves repeatedly looking thru the same files again and again. Here is an example of my first breakdown subjects...
1. Possible Disasters
2. How to Prepare
3. Contingency Plans
4. When SHTF
5. First Aid
Now everything I collect seems to fit into one of these categories better than the other...see my methodology?
If you take these subjects tot he next step, they look like this.
1. Possible Disasters
1. Natural Disasters
2. Manmade Disasters
3. Basic Preparations
4. After a Disaster
5. Search and Rescue
2. How to Prepare
1. Stocking Up
2. Prepare the Home
3. Family Preparedness
4. Prep Your Vehicle
5. Electronics
6. Finances
7. The Neighbourhood
3. Contingency Plans
1. Become Self Sufficient
2. Bug Out
4. When SHTF
1. Bug In or Bug Out?
2. Hunker Down
3. Taking Stock
4. Neighborhood Watch
5. Government Actions
5. First Aid
- EMERGENCIES -
1. Minor Injury
2. Examination
3. Ailments & Cures
4. Drugs
5. Patient Evacuation
6. Health and Hygiene
7. Veterinary
Now I don't profess this is the only way to do this, I just thought others might benefit who haven't discovered a way of approaching this problem as yet. You have to start somewhere to whittle down this collecting process to a realistic size and delete all that is redundant or misinformed.
I am starting a new approach to various topics and including only that which I consider worthy of mention from me own stockpile of information. I am trying to speed up this process somewhat so I can have a life back. I hope others will be as selective and share that which is best so we can all benefit from their acquired knowledge too.
If you feel that I should break thing down even further, just ask but I think you should have an overall idea as to how this system can work now. And if you have a better system, mention that too as I stated this is just the approach that I am using as I sort thru all.
~ Good luck ~
Thanks for the details ideas .
Oyy Knuckle,
If not too much to ask can I put that on my blog. I just love the systematic approach.
Regret comes last, if it comes early its called registration!
In the end, only fellow preppers truly respects other preppers.
When nothing happens, the world will laugh at you.
When SHTF, what will happen when they found out you got supplies?
Oyy Knuckle,
If not too much to ask can I put that on my blog. I just love the systematic approach.
As usual, have at er...
Looked nice and tidy.
Regret comes last, if it comes early its called registration!
In the end, only fellow preppers truly respects other preppers.
When nothing happens, the world will laugh at you.
When SHTF, what will happen when they found out you got supplies?
Yes it does. What program is that? The Color folders helps alot. Presentation is always the finishing touch!
You want the next breakdown? They do go further.
for instance, I broke down the Medical aspect as someone trying to solve a medical dilemma fast. As example, in one area I divided up the body into categories such as Head, arms, legs, torso. Each then broke down further in such a logical fashion as no one wishes to waste time during any crisis. This is an approach not likely found in a medical book but is something any person who knows little about the topic can easily work with. Reducing the options helps people stay focused and get to the answers faster.
I eventually created a selection of files that fit on a single DVD which means it is under 4.7 GB's of info. I excluded all videos as they took up vast amounts of space and you'd have to take notes along the way anyways. Book form means they are already notes. I converted all information into PDF format so they could be viewed with anything from tablets to cellphones, PC's with MAC,Linux or Windows on them.
I believe that the knowledge that you carry on a USB flashdrive or MicroSD card could then maybe save a life or the information could be even used as barter to those who needed it most. If this aspect isn't incentive to start considering copying stuff off this forum, then I figure your likely not very prepared, no matter how much food your stockpile. Knowledge is as important as any other aspect of prepping, and your for alot rougher ride unless you work alot of this out beforehand.
Rainbow Folders
http://www.freewarefiles.com/Rainbow-Folders_program_5495.html
But its only for coloring.
Some website provides iconpack as *.dll files that contains many icons ike vehicles and weapons icon.
Regret comes last, if it comes early its called registration!
In the end, only fellow preppers truly respects other preppers.
When nothing happens, the world will laugh at you.
When SHTF, what will happen when they found out you got supplies?
This is slick and logical. Just what I have been thinking about. You can organize url links in the same way. Thanks