Scenario: GAS PUMPS SHUT OFF TODAY FOR GOOD

[MooreTime]

...how would you handle this scenario?

First of all, I would go into survivor mode. As of now I live in Los Angeles.
I have about 3-4 months worth of stocked up food. I'd hang low at home close to a friend for a few months. Try to bring as little attention to us as possible. I would even go out and filter out our drinking water at night-time so that people wouldn't notice us too much.

I figure after about two-three months most people would die off, leaving very few from starvation and chaos.
From that point, I would begin my journey on foot (Maybe partially by car that I would save...if it wasn't stolen/destroyed) to Texas where friends/family have a farm. Then, I would begin rebuilding my life.

Your thoughts?
What is your scenario like?

It's just a thread for thinking sake, is all.

[pamela]

good exercise MooreTime, this sort of thing keeps us sharp and always planning.
let's see. We'd stay here as this is our doomstead. If for some reason we had to flee, I'm looking towards the mountains here. that's about the only place we could go.
I'm hopeful though that our little area will be able to ride out anything short of a catastrophic event such as natural disaster or direct nuclear strike.

[MooreTime]

In the meantime I think I need to learn more about farming/seeds/etc.

in fact, i KNOW i need to

[Phildo]

I would even go out and filter out our drinking water at night-time so that people wouldn't notice us too much.

where is this water coming from?

I figure after about two-three months most people would die off, leaving very few from starvation and chaos.

And why were you and your stash not found by "searchers" during that two-three months and also no longer with the living?

=========

Not being critical, just trying to understand your concept.

[pamela]

Phildo, he may be filtering rainwater. That's what we do here.
is that right MooreTime?
also, Phildo has a good point about searchers finding you and your stash. Are you well hidden or able to be?

[MooreTime]

Hi Phildo,

I would resort to any water possibly available.
I have about 2 weeks of water stored up. After that, I have my Katadyn Water filter, 10,000 gallons before filter needs replacement. I would resort to puddles, ANYTHING. Mainly POOLS though. I have access to one. Lots of water I can filter there. Like I said, survival.

...and no...my place isn't hidden. But I'm on the 2nd story in an apartment complex. I might have to defend myself, if necessary.

[Chesyre]

volunteer for dead plebe disposal duty , keep anything interesting and get free soylent kibbles and bits for the furry family members

[Zac]

If you live in LA, I would suggest seriously thinking about relocating.  I can't think of a good plan to deal with a situation like a more severe widespread version of the riots that occurred after the acquittal of the cops who beat rodney king.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992_Los_Angeles_riots

In the LA area, I think it would be difficult, if not impossible, to lay low for a few months and hope either a dieoff occurs or the situation improves.  And I doubt you would want to venture out at night amidst civil unrest.  If civil unrest occurred and the government was unable to quickly restore order, criminal gangs would take over and warlords would emerge as has happened in other countries with the collapse of civil authority.

Also, keep in mind the katadyn backpacking filters will remove particulates, but not dissolved contaminants or smaller viruses such as the ones that cause hepatitis or viral gastroenteritis.  The best choice for removing dissolved contaminants is activated charcoal and boiling is the best choice for viruses.    Filter for particulates, filter with activated charcoal, and then boil should yield very safe drinking water. 

I live in a suburb of the Sacramento, CA area.  I selected this area because housing was relatively affordable at the time I got my house and it seemed like a good safe area.  The bad areas are not that far away though, no more than 20-30 miles.  My plan in case of civil unrest is to stay put because I think this area will be more insulated from crime than most surrounding areas.  Travel will become very difficult and hazardous amidst civil unrest.  For now, the local police are not very busy and will respond to minor complaints like graffiti and barking dogs.  There has been a substantial increase in property crimes such as auto burglary over the past year, but crimes rates are still much lower than the rest of the Sacto metro area.  I imagine the areas where police are already busy now (during relatively normal times) will become completely lawless during more troubled times.

[MooreTime]

Hi Zac,

I realize I live in one of the worst areas to be in when it comes to my scenario of "Gas turning off"

I do plan on moving by spring 2011 however. The reason I am here is to save money.

[dagrove22]

Since I do not have a doomstead. I would backpack to a large forested area, hike to an interesting well hidden,(three sides protected by natural formations), location and camp.
That is the condensed plan.

[comrade simba]

After three days of no gasoline L.A. and every other major city simply erupts. You're dead.

As for myself, I will be able to graze the goats on the yummy growth between my fence and the road out front without worrying about a Tyson's chicken truck slamming into them. First thing I'd do is clean the guns and move certain items from the house into the woodland caches. Start cold smoking all the meat in the freezer 'cuz the power will be out real soon.

Probably post like hell on this board LMAO at all the "doom is fun on an internet chat board" lamazoids that are soon to be in highly uncomfortable positions. And pm the nearby doomers to see if they need a better place to bolt to.

[Chickengirl]

My daughter is at her father's place (200km away). I'd go get her (fueling up car and containers at our small local if possible). We'd stop off at a couple of stores on the way home to get a few things (extra chook food, extra seed, things that we would find handy but wont be available in the short term, or perhaps ever).

We would then siphon the fuel out of the car once we were home to use for other things - chainsaws (yes, we have axes etc too), the small genny should we need it. The car would be of very limited use if there was no fuel.

[Grower]

Why are the gas pumps off? Is it because we're out, or because the electricity is off? That makes a difference in my planning.

Yep, first thing is to can and dry all the food in the freezer. I can use my canner on the propane stove OR wood grill and plug the dryer into the solar unit. Wattage is just below the limit.

Put together clay pots and wet sand for something to "refrigerate" a few things that need it.

Keep glued to the solar/crank radio.

Assuming the fam is FINALLY on board ( ) work out important plans related to food, energy, and protection. I've got the plans. They just have to get on board.

You know, I need to put some thoughts into this. I'm not sure I have an Actual Action Plan for something sudden. Not in terms of 1. 2. 3.
For example, I think it'd be important to plan out menus for 2, 3, 6, (or whatever) people based on food stores.

Good thread.

[Sharsta]

Chickengirl,

If you have a normal car that runs on petrol, think about getting it converted to LPG also.
We did ours (Magna) in August last year (see Doomer Transportation - Page 9 - LPG Conversion) and we haven't regretted it for 1 second ever since (50c per litre vs $1.20 to $1.30+ per litre and about the same 'milage' per litre for everyday running around etc).

What I'm trying to say is: full tank of petrol and a full tank of gas - we can do about 800km in an emergency without stopping.

and when we did a trip to South Australia a little while ago, we just printed off the LPG availability at service stations on our route and took it with us.

http://www.lpgautogas.com.au/index.cfm?Action=Availability

[rbrgs]

Walk up to my neighbor's and talk to them about how much diesel they have and where we're going to put the roadblock.  Lock and load.