Secret Stash?

I have only shown my family .. but don't dwell on fear that your friends are going to try and rob you when SHTF. It may be a good idea to never talk to your neighbours about your stash because they are the ones most likely to break into your home. I am fortunate that I have a family who is on board with prepping ...

I agree with LG on this one completely. Good luck

I'm inclined to agree that it's a good idea to keep specifics to yourself. Most people are somewhat preconditioned to assume that emergencies can't happen to them and if they did the 'system' will save them so they tend to look at anyone who prepares as some sort of paranoid delusional.

It's very tempting to share/discuss with others (especially in the interests of improving your survivability by being part of a group instead of solo) but unless they've already indicated a serious interest (pretty rare in my experience) it usually doesn't turn out well to just show people abruptly what you're working on. In the event of a catastrophe there probably is a good chance they'll remember you and show up at your door though, willing to share your precious resources without having contributed to them (or possibly just try to kill you and take them-survival situations change people).

I try to be pretty vague while starting conversations with people who I suspect might have an interest and judge by their reaction how to continue. Finding or starting a local group would seem to be all but impossible between the ones who think 'prepping' makes you nuts and the 'preppers' who are understandably concerned about disclosing specific information to others (as to their supplies, location, etc...). It seems like meetups with people in your area could work, that way you have a chance to get to know them over time, only 'teaming up' if everyone has a good vibe about each other. I've never tried networking with strangers outside of my occasional posts here so there might be more issues with the meetup approach than I envision; I've only checked for interest among family members and friends (with no real success).

That having been said, I don't really think there would as high a risk from meeting like minded people online, I imagine we're all pretty similar; decent average hard working people who see the potential threat and prepare for it, not dirtbags cruising forums to locate stored food (too much work and risk for the scumbags-grocery store is close by and easy target). My contention would be that the bigger threat in a SHTF scenario would be unprepared neighbours and random strangers passing by in search of provisions. That of course could range anywhere from poor refugees you would probabaly want to help (though, unfortunately losing supplies in the process) to roving gangs of raiders.

Note: stealth/concealment/cover is key---when there is no food, no power, no anything what will your retreat smell, look and sound like? Cooking food, woodsmoke, chickens in the back yard....?

I do not talk about it. A few comments to friends about preparing were met with sarcasm and laughter so I just dropped it. My own family is ok with it they are used to my having projects, and all the back and forth to the garage and basement is just background noise to them. My wife is supportive but neutral 😛 . She is actually a more experienced camper, fire builder, wood chopper than me as she was a pretty avid canoe tripper before I met her.

My kids do not know much about what I am storing as I do not want them to talk about it outside of the home, or think that it is a big deal.
I increased the food storage for the kitchen by using a hall closet so that got them used to there being lots of food around upstairs, and I think now they just assume it is normal to have cases of soup, bean, tomato's, and pasta. 😀

I dont talk about it. My wife deals with it. LOL. I think the prepper thing is becoming more mainstream, but still not something talked about. Look at the numbers for the posts. many people look but dont/ cant be bothered to sign in or create a profile. I think the interest is there, but do people care enough to make any effort? If /when SHTF what will your comfort level be with having "the gang" over? Thats the question. Like previous posts have said, when its all bad, people change. if they have kids...will they come to your house for the benefit of thier kids..? What will you do when they come. So many questions so little time...Keep it on the down low.
The Beav

My husband is starting to question the items and amounts I have stored. He got mad at me and called me a hoarder. wow that hurt, he hasn't even seen the new items I've purchased and stashed 🙂 Oh well, as long as I can keep it all organized and not all over the floor, he can't complain

You need to get him on board. Try the subtle way of renting prepper and end of the world type movies, disaster movies, so info is fresh in his mind, them subtly bring up the prepper stuff.

Hey there.

I've been meaning to employ a program for "undercover" preppers, reading what has been posted, I feel here and now is as good a time as any!

The basis of the program is an individual selects through a list of options to determine the "package". For example, one could select food, 6 months supply, 3 people, etc. With this info, a price or total is calculated to dictate the amount of $ needed to supplement this plan or goal. That is then divided by the time frame an individual wishes to acquire these goods.

What I offer is the joining of the preppers in a discrete involvement that allows them to deposit funds each month into their personal "supplies fund" that would in return bring them closer to their goal. The goods would all be purchased in larger quantities than any individual would purchase for themselves, thus giving our every dollar greater buying power. In these economic times, how could you do with any less? Here's the purpose for the prepper seeking discretion, all of the goods would be stored at my location. Thus never having your family, neighbors or friends witness or know of your investment. I'm equipped to support many so with the supplies storing, you could also "rent" refuge. I'm offering my location as a retreat or bug-out location. I would rent you a "vacant" cot, for you and yours until (god forbid) you arrive. As well as full refund and buy out options for anyone who has a change of heart.

We are equipped here to feed and house several families. We have extensive security strategies as well as defense and weapon tactics training. All who are interested please apply.

Like I said, I've been meaning to pitch this idea and here I have. I have many more details and exact Information avail. on request. This is currently only on paper and not in practice, so help me build it and make it happen! Strength and security in numbers. Thank you all.

Just registered and I agree it is not a good idea to discuss your supplies with anyone other than close family. I have a large pantry in the basement stocked with a large supply of food but once others became aware of it ....(my kids told extended family) I know I would have at least 50 relatives at my door in the event of tshtf. I am now rethinking the location of my supplies. Although I would not be able to refuse anyone help in times of need it would render the whole idea of prepping usless.

aries I am unable to pm you as i just joined...I guess I need afew posts first. Could you please email me at and.ali@rogers.com as I would like to discuss your idea of pooling rescources with you although I dont see many people being willing to pay you to do their prepping for them.

Thanks Andy

I do agree with you on the lack off forkin out money into my pocket. But as they say, sh!t ain't free! Lol anyways. I'm still interested in using my place for storage as well as a shtf retreat. And myself am looking for people to team and train with. Anyways, I pm'd you Andy, as well, in case you can't respond, I emailed you. TTY soon I'm sure.

It's surprising how many people aren't aware of the hazard of telling others about your food storage. I would never get together with anyone I met online to prep with. All of my group, I've known for years. All it takes is one wrong person to have knowledge of your stash and you might as well start giving it away. If you want a good example, just read my post in long term food storage.

I agree op sec is key but refusing to meet people over the Internet is a little ridiculous in my opinion. For the simple fact that you can tell the world everything, either way, them or your neighbors are going to seek your stock, and from your fear of people knowing, you dont appear equipped to handle and protect that location. That given, defeats the purpose of prepping. Go spend your money on something else, otherwise your just picking up the bill on these peoples buffet.

hi all,

my thoughts on this is to physcially meet with ppl out of my living area, this dimishes any chance of threat from within the community i live and increases my odds of survival by talking, planning, thinking sharing with like minded and about what is to befall us all, so c'mon y'all beyond niagara area! pm me, lol

I agree op sec is key but refusing to meet people over the Internet is a little ridiculous in my opinion. For the simple fact that you can tell the world everything, either way, them or your neighbors are going to seek your stock, and from your fear of people knowing, you dont appear equipped to handle and protect that location. That given, defeats the purpose of prepping. Go spend your money on something else, otherwise your just picking up the bill on these peoples buffet.

My neighbours don't know about my stash. I knew everyone in my group for years before I brought them in. I am a sniper trained, combat veteran. Every member of my group has skills needed to carry on and a couple them, like me, are also combat veterans. They have all contributed to the effort and they know that opsec is vital. If TSHTF we are well prepared to deal with predators and anyone who comes knocking had best do so politely.
It's a matter of prudence, if people don't know you're there and don't know about your stash, there is less chance that they'll come looking for it. I don't have any great desire to be on anyones list.