What Ammunition to Buy Before A Shortage

What Ammunition to Buy Before A Shortage?

We are nearing the end of the year 2021 and the pandemic is still very much happening. While this is not the first time that we have seen a shortage of goods and services, the current situation has its way of affecting literally everything. In March of last year, when the pandemic was declared, so many people were sent home and had to decide how they would craft their day around their new work-from-home schedule.

This led to many people participating in their favorite hobbies on a more regular schedule. Firearms were no different. The mix of producing less ammunition, consumers demanding more, and other things such as protests led to a severe shortage of ammunition. However, there are some good ones to stock up on.       

To Stock Up Or Not

Many people feel the need to stock up on ammunition during this time. We are seeing the same thing that happened with toilet paper at the beginning of the pandemic occurring now with ammo.

The fact of the matter is, although everything has shot up in price due to supply and demand, some ammunition is more in demand than others. In addition, this shortage is proving to be different that the most recent one and shortages before. We are seeing different types of ammo selling out.

Ultimately, it seems that the ones that are the most powerful and easier to shoot will be the most expensive and the most in demand of them all. Additionally, even though many have said that the ammunition shortage has reached its peak, that does not mean that you will start to see everything come back super-fast.

These heavily demanded ammunitions will take the longest time of any to bounce back. Their prices will still remain relatively high for quite some time.

Ammo Supply Can’t Keep Up With Demand

Ammunition manufacturers are producing inordinate amounts of ammo, but it has still proven difficult for their supply to keep up with consumer demand. The pandemic halting the production of ammunition coupled with second-hand sellers and consumer stockpiling really makes it hard for the producers to keep up.

As food and supplies flew off the shelves early in 2020, people started to get very defensive. They flocked to buy guns and ammunition, which led to an unprecedented amount of demand. Once there was hardly any ammunition left on the shelves, this became the new stressor for many.

With this demand not being predicted, sellers could not proactively limit the number of boxes people were going to buy, that came later when things were too far gone.

This article aims to examine what caliber of ammunition you should have bought before the ammo shortage of 2021 and where things are standing as of right now in terms of cost and production.

.22 Long Rifle Ammunition, A Good Bet

what caliber of ammunition you should have bought before the ammo shortage of 2021

Upon arriving at your local supplier, you may see that many of your favorites are sold out for months at a time, and your only hope will be pre-ordering them online or happening to get lucky by arriving soon after a new shipment has come in.

However, this is not the case for the .22 long rifle ammo. Some are a bit confused by this, simply because this is one of the types of ammunition that was very, very hard to come by in the last shortage. This could be because everyone stocked up on it from the last time, in fear of this possibly happening again. Although it can be a bit bulky and is not known for being one of the most powerful types of ammunition, it will still serve its purpose, especially if you are solely shooting for enjoyment purposes.

As time has gone on, it has become a bit scarcer than it was in the beginning of the shortage, but it is still doing better than other types of ammunition.

5.56, Not the Best Idea Right Now

If you love shooting with 5.56 ammunition, I am sure that you were already very aware of this. I also bet that, if you really love shooting, this pandemic and shortage has definitely hit you hard.

This ammunition is one of the most highly demanded in the country, and we are still seeing the prices sitting very high. At one point, a box was forty dollars more than the price that it originally sat at. If you are someone who is very loyal to this ammo, I am sure that you may have had to take a break from shooting for a while during this time.

Even as demand goes back down and returns to semi-normal levels, producers are still going to have a hard time keeping up.

9mm, Also Not the Best Idea

These rounds were one of the most affected by the pandemic, and this was seen across the nation. Originally, the price of this ammunition was a little over ten dollars a box. However, during the height of the pandemic, it stayed at over forty dollars per box. During the top of its pricing curve, we even saw it rise to about sixty dollars per box.

This is much more expensive than others, existing in the priciest category. For reference, the first type of ammunition we mentioned did not see its price skyrocket that much farther than twenty dollars.

Ammo to stock up on

While the demand for this caliber has settled a little bit, it is still definitely one of the most difficult to get, and that is if you want to dish out a pretty penny. However, luckily this type of ammunition is not projected to be one of the calibers that suffers the worst from the inequitable supply and demand issue.

This is good since people have already begun to flock to the stores to stock up on this, since it has been out for such a long time. In the past couple of months, we have seen the prices drop a bit from what they were during the peak of their pricing.

Conclusion

We hope to see this for others. I would suggest either buying now or watching the prices to see if they drop a bit further before the winter season. These are definitely still expensive, but not the worst kind to buy.

 

Why The AR Platform Is Perfect for Preppers

The AR platform is one of the most widely chosen types of firearms for militaries, police, and civilians all over the world. Many of the same things that make it popular in those settings also make it, in our view, an excellent platform for preppers.

The AR15 Platform Is Perfect for Preppers

While AR-15s may all look the same, different upper receivers and barrel lengths can change the rifle’s purpose. This is just one of reasons, in a wide range of reasons, that speaks to the genius of Eugene Stoner’s original design. We make the case that the AR is one of the best platforms for preppers because it works for a wide variety of people and missions all over the planet, as it has for half a century.

The Best Things About The AR-15

One of the best things about ARs is that they’re relatively light. While it’s certainly possible to get a rifle well into double-digit pounds of weight with a lot of accessories, a relatively reasonable setup that has a collapsing stock, a 16” barrel, and an optic is still likely to be shy of ten pounds.

The more weight you can save in your prep, the better. If for no other reason, you will be less fatigued by carrying a lighter rifle around. Second, less weight on the gun means you can carry more ammunition should you need to defend yourself.

The AR is an exceptionally flexible weapon. With a red dot sight and a standard length barrel, you can clear rooms up close and personal and, just as well, engage targets out to 500 yards. This is assuming, of course, that you put the time into learning how to shoot well.

The AR-15 Is Versatile

More broadly, the AR is not only excellent for self-defense but is also a great rifle for game animals of all sizes, so knowing how to use one can keep you alive in several different regards. Practice is key, however, if you want to get the most out of this weapons platform.

ARs are rugged weapons, assuming you do your part in maintaining them. But, like all machines, their parts wear out, break, and occasionally need replacing. This is where the AR shines in the American prepping context in particular.

AR-15 a popular survival gun

Because the AR is such a popular platform, you’ll likely be able to find parts for it nearly anywhere you go, whether things are relatively normal and you can buy parts, or things have gone severely sideways, and you have to scavenge parts from other people. Either way, being the most popular kind of rifle out there ups your odds at keeping your rifle up when it counts.

Similarly, ammunition for the AR is widely available. Here we would make one specific recommendation: get an AR that is rated to shoot 5.56mm NATO. Most .223 caliber guns will chamber and shoot 5.56mm just fine, but it may result in excessive chamber wear.

Assuming your AR is fine with shooting 5.56mm, you’re in luck as it is one of, if not the, most widely produced cartridges in the military world. This makes it an attractive option for preppers.

The AR-15 Is Customizable

You can also customize your AR for your specific needs. For instance, I live in an urban environment but one that is near a lot of rural lands with a magnifier that snaps into place instantly. This gives me the kind of flexibility I need, but you might find yourself needing something totally different.

The AR-15 Is Customizable

I could see someone who was prepping for a totally urban bug-out bag going with a suppressed AR pistol with a much shorter barrel, to save on noise signature and weight. I don’t happen to care too much about noise, so I didn’t bother. The point is, you get to take the time now and make the gun yours.

Conclusion

Overall, we think that an AR is an excellent platform for preppers. Because it’s so popular, you’ll be able to find parts and ammo to keep it up and running, and many of the things that have made it popular with militaries, like weight savings, also make it an awesome choice for preppers.

Our personal choice for prepped weapons are ARs, so this advice comes from a place of thinking through what we might need a rifle for on the worst of days: we hope you find some of these reasons compelling, too!

 

5 Items Missing From Your Prep

What's missing from your preps?

If you are new to gun shooting, then learning basic gun safety and range officer commands is not enough for you. Most people do not realize but owning a rifle comes with responsibility. You have to ensure that nothing is missing from your prep before you go for shooting. Some experienced shooters may suggest that you need just the essential items in your gear. However, be extra careful and prepare a checklist before you go to the shooting range.

A further piece of advice is to try not to compromise on the quality of these items if you are new to gun range shooting. These items can last for years if you invest in the right ones. So, let us see what you will need.

5 Items for Your Shooting Range Prep

Following are some of the best items that every new gun range shooter should have.

Range Bag

A range bag is an essential part of your prep as you don’t want any inconvenience. This bag is available in various materials and designs, and finding the perfect bag for your range trips will make it easier.

You will need the bag even if you rent a weapon from the shooting range. A range bag should have enough space to carry two pistols, tons of ammunition, your hearing safety gear, and a few snacks in case you want to munch on during breaks.

Quality Range Bag

These range bags are best for people who own guns and want something to carry safely. However, throwing your guns in the bag without checking isn’t the best idea. We suggest you take a look at gun cases or rifle slings to avoid accidental shootings, so you can protect yourself and others at the shooting range.

Safety Equipment

Keeping and handling your guns carefully is essential for safety. In addition, you must ensure to protect your eyes and ears when you are at a shooting range. You may not know, but most shooting ranges let visitors rent these items out for temporary use. However, if you love going to the shooting range frequently, it is best to get your own gear.

 Investing in a good pair of goggles and ear defenders will keep you safe during your shooting practice. Additionally, the safety equipment available at gun ranges may not be of high quality or used by many people already, which will impact your shooting accuracy.

Having your safety gear at the shooting range ensures that you have full control over your weapon. Further, it gives you peace of mind, blocks out distractions, improves your shooting skills, and enhances your overall shooting experience. We also suggest checking out UV-protected goggles if you are going to shoot in the outdoor shooting ranges.

Cleaning Kit

Cleaning kits are a must if you take your weapon to the shooting range. It doesn’t matter how old, or new your gun is; you will need to clean it properly after a shooting session, whether at your home or at the shooting range. You should know that these kits aren’t too expensive, so you don’t have to worry about investing extra money in them.

Everyone should bring a cleaning kit to their shooting range, as using a clean weapon allows shooters to practice with more precision. Cleaning your gun is part of its maintenance and will prolong its life and ensure that it stays in top-notch condition.

You can find several cleaning kits with a collection of the best tools in the market for a relatively affordable price. However, make sure you choose a good quality cleaning kit for your weapon if you want better results.

Pen, Tape, and Camera

Carrying a pen, tape, and a camera are some of the things that most new gun range shooters overlook. These items are a staple for experienced shooters at the range as they can note their shooting score with a pen, helping them keep an eye on their progress (and brag about it later, if it’s good enough).

Similarly, the tape helps keep the targets up, assisting in a perfect shooting experience. Finally, carrying a camera can help you make memories at the shooting range that you can cherish forever. While these items are not must-haves, it is better to carry them if you have enough space in your bag. It will only make your shooting experience more fun and rewarding.

Comfortable Clothing

When you are going to a shooting range, you don’t have to dress up in a suit. It is best to wear comfortable clothes so you can focus on your aim and move your hands/arms easily while shooting. For example, wearing sturdy, close-toed shoes is the most common footwear choice for most shooters.

Similarly, wearing comfortable loose clothes to the shooting range will allow you to easily draw and withdraw your weapon. However, you should not wear shirts or pants that are too loose because it will make it difficult for you to shoot accurately.


We also suggest wearing a full sleeve shirt if you are visiting an outdoor shooting range. Carrying a nice pair of goggles or eyewear can also help you protect your eyes from UV rays.

Bugout Bag, Range Bag

Another Essential Item

Since we have mentioned the basics, here is another suggestion that every shooter must keep when visiting a shooting range.

Magazine Loader/Unloader

Loading and unloading gun magazines can take time and make things harder for you, especially if you are new to gun shooting. You can find these speed loaders in various designs according to your gun; for instance, fixed or detachable speed loaders for semi-automatic firearms are quite popular among shooting range enthusiasts. These loaders slide over the magazine, pushing, pushing the top rounds to the bottom, assisting the loading process.

Conclusion

Having the right items for your shooting range prep can help you with your shooting practice. There are several other shooting range items that you can choose, but these essential things are great to get you started on your target practice.

Don’t Miss Out On The Best Survival Rifle

The Best Survival Rifle

When traveling, hiking, or camping, we all hope we never have to defend ourselves against people or wild animals. It can be daunting and discouraging to try to think of how you will defend yourself in the direst of situations.

There is an option you can easily obtain and keep on your person in case of emergencies: a survival rifle. You do not need to have multiple guns on your person to defend yourself; you only need to have one that you can quickly be ready and fire.

There are many rifles on the market, all made to provide protection. There is the Chiappa little badger, the Henry AR-7, the Ruger 10/22 takedown, and your standard AR-15. But which of these is the only survival rifle you will ever need? How do you choose?

Why The Ruger 10/22 Is the Best Survival Rifle

First, we must determine what we are looking for when seeking a survival rifle. Just like with any other weapon, we want a survival rifle to have speed, accuracy, and maneuverability.

Survival rifles are unique, though, in that you want to be able to travel easily with them on your person. So, a lightweight firearm and ammunition are preferable. It also would be nice to have a rifle that is compact and easy to break down.

All of these characteristics are needed when seeking a survival rifle, especially if you are planning to take it with you in the great outdoors.

Off the beaten path, there is not much mercy if you run into a wild animal or even a “wild” person. Having a weapon that is easy to assemble and accurate in its shot will save you in a life or death situation out in the sticks. The best rifle for this job is the Ruger 10/22 Takedown.

Reliable & Compact Survival Rifles Are the Best

The Ruger 10/22 Takedown is a rifle that will exceed all expectations. Not only is the Ruger 10/22 light and reliable to fire, but it also can be broken down into two pieces for easy packing and transportation.

This rifle has become the standard option for semi-automatic .22 long rifles since it was created in the 1960s. Weighing in at 4.6 pounds, the Ruger 10/22 can be handled easily regardless of your stature. It has a real stock and comb, creating a cheek rest and handguards.

If you question the validity of having a rifle you can break down and store for traveling, that is lightweight and easy to use, look no further than the United States Air Force. Many Air Force pilots keep a similar survival rifle in their bags in case they need to eject themselves from their aircraft.

Survival rifles like the Ruger 10/22 are practical and compact tools to keep for survival. So much so that military members are willing to keep them in their back pockets in case of emergency against an enemy!

The speed and accuracy you can gain from the 10/22 will provide you with protection from your enemies, be it a human or an animal. Rifles are known for offering better range than shotguns or pistols.

They also provide a large amount of accuracy while having much less recoil than a shotgun. The Ruger 10/22 provides all of these benefits while also having the ability to be broken down into two parts for easy storage and transportation.

Don’t Break the Bank

This semi-automatic rimfire rifle also will not break the bank. While some compact survival rifles can get up to one thousand dollars or more, the Ruger 10/22 Takedown comes in at just above five hundred dollars.

This is a great price for anyone who is looking for a survival rifle. Even saving just a minimal amount each paycheck, the average shooter will be able to purchase this rifle from places like Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shop, and the Ruger online store.

The Takedown is widely available and affordable. Therefore, safety from humans and animals alike is also available and affordable for anyone who wants it.

If you are seeking some recreation on your adventures, the Ruger 10/22 will also be fun to use for plinking. “Plinking” is the term used when referring to shooting targets made out of household items such as soda cans or milk jugs.

Survival Rifles Can Also Be Fun for Target Practice

This is an ageless game that provides fun and practice for all ages. Having the Ruger 10/22 around will make it possible for you to home in your skills and take out some stressful energy while also providing the peace of mind you need when traveling in unknown areas.

Another fun thing you can do is go varmint hunting. Varmint hunting involves hunting small wild animals such as squirrels, prairie dogs, and rats. Not only is this a fun way to bond with friends and family while in the great outdoors, but it is also great practice for survival.

Varmint hunting with the Ruger 10/22 Takedown will allow you to practice gathering your food in case you ever got lost or stranded in the wild. Carrying a large, heavy, traditional rifle would prove to be difficult and create more challenges than benefits.

With the Ruger 10/22, you can easily pack, travel, and sneak up on your target without giving up the quality and accuracy of the firearm.

Conclusion

For the price, compactness, and ease of operation, you cannot beat the Ruger 10/22 Takedown. Toting this rifle around will make you and anyone traveling with you feel safe. You can also have it around for impromptu hunting and plinking; this would come in handy if you need to help someone learn how to shoot!

The ammunition is light and is readily available at most firearms stores. This is the ultimate survival rifle and the only one you will ever need. If you are searching for a gift for someone you love or for protection for yourself while traveling, hiking, or camping, this is the rifle for you.

Once you make the purchase, you will not regret it for yourself, the person you gift it to, or those around you. All will be protected in the case of a life-threatening emergency.

How To Use A Compass

Using the compass alone

This is a very easy lesson, and I would say, not sufficient for those who would like to travel safely in unfamiliar terrain.

The first thing you need to learn, are the directions. North, South, East and West. Look at the figure and learn how they are. North is the most important.

There are several kinds of compasses, one kind to attach to the map, one kind to attach to your thumb. The thumb-compass is used mostly by orienteers who just want to run fast, and this is the kind of compass I normally use. But not in this tutorial. I would recommend the third kind of compass. Lets take a look at it:

How to read a compass

You see this red and black arrow? We call it the compass needle. Well, on some compasses it might be red and white for instance, but the point is, the red part of it is always pointing towards the earths magnetic north pole. Got that? That’s basically what you need to know. Its as simple as that.

via How to use a Compass alone.

 

5 Tips For Finding The Right Firearm For Your Situation

If you finally decide to own a personal firearm, there are several considerations that you must consider before purchase. It would be best if you had a clear intention for your gun use, as it could be for pleasure, personal defense, work, hunt, or any other purpose. It’s crucial to make the proper selection for your first firearm purchase to ensure that you’ll be happy and satisfied with it, as you would be using it for many years.

5 Tips For Finding The Right Firearm For Your Situation

It could be overwhelming to go into a gun shop and find the best firearm from their wide range of choices. It’s imperative first to know what kind of gun you like to own. Perhaps you’re interested in a single stack 9mm handgun or some other pistol? Whatever brand you prefer, and whichever factors and features are essential for you, you must do your research and understand their differences.

Consider the following tips in finding the perfect firearm for your situation:

  1. Know Its Purpose

Guns will have many different features depending on their purpose. This means that if you plan to purchase a firearm as a means for defense, you’ll end up having something completely different than when you find a gun for shooting competitions. You must determine your reason for wanting to purchase one first before looking for all the selections available. 

If you’re looking for survival firearms, there is no one definite best firearm as scenarios are varied. Take advantage of learning about the different kinds of weapons instead.

Another thing is to decide is the frequency of use for your gun. Are you planning to use it regularly? If so, this factor should also influence your purchase decisions. You can ask for an expert’s advice as to which gun is best for regular use.

  1. Choose Between New or Used Guns

If you have budget restrictions, it’s understandable to want to buy a used firearm instead. However, you must be careful of its condition, so make sure to find something that comes from a conscientious owner. As a second-hand buyer, you must inspect the pistol meticulously to avoid any problems and conflicts later.

On the other hand, if you have enough money to splurge for a brand-new gun, go for it because nothing will beat the quality and condition of being the first owner of a firearm. There are many perks for brand-new guns, like a factory-backed warranty, friendly support from authorized dealers, and you can inquire about many other accessories and firearm parts to give you practical gun knowledge.

  1. Choose Between A Pistol or Revolver

Before coming up with the features and functions you want, you need to decide if you wish to have a revolver or a pistol. 

Revolvers are no longer common for service use because they usually have limited bullet capacity on their cylinder. It also requires ample time for you to load up the bullets. If you want a semi-automatic function, then this type of gun is not for you. 

Furthermore, revolvers are also larger and heavier, so it’s not convenient to bring them around, mainly because it’s challenging to conceal. On the brighter side, revolvers are exceptionally reliable as well as easy to control and maintain. These are some of its good sides, so think about their merits and demerits well before purchasing a revolver.

As for pistols, they have dominated the professional field of service and defense these days, primarily because of their semi-automatic function. The design is modern; they are highly reliable, functional, and safe to use for any circumstances. They also offer a wide range of use. With its high magazine capacity and fast reloading procedure, you won’t ever have to take time before you can start shooting again. Find 80 lowers here.

fn guns

5 Tips For Finding The Right Firearm For Your Situation
  1. Enroll in A Firearms Training Course

Before purchase, it’s highly recommended for you to take up a training course first. There are many benefits to tactical training for civilians as you learn more about the weapon’s safety and proper handling. You will also be educated about the different types of guns and which ones would be comfortable for you to use. Other than that, you’ll also have an opportunity to test out different firearms and seek advice from your instructors, who are gun experts.

  1. Try Before You Buy

Feel free to finally go to a gun store if you have already finished the tips mentioned above. You can inquire about the specific gun you want and ask for further information and recommendations. Being able to touch and see the weapon personally can somehow help you decide, but make sure to handle the gun in a safe manner, as it could be dangerous. 

If possible, it would be better for you to try the gun you want first at a shooting range, with the guidance and support of an experienced shooting instructor. It’s different when you can test and try out how the gun works in your own hands.

Conclusion

Besides the required skills for using a firearm and a steady hand when shooting, educate yourself further about the firearm aspects, products, models, and accessories. Don’t forget to practice your shooting skills, too, if you want to be a better handler of your gun. Use these tips, and you’ll be able to find the perfect firearm eventually.

8 Useful Skills to Have to Barter During SHTF

Bartering is a great way to acquire goods and services because no money is needed to conduct the transaction. As we discussed in an earlier article, in times of economic collapse, hyperinflation can occur. This is a phenomenon where basic goods and groceries become unaffordable as money becomes almost useless.

Develop your bartering skills

This has happened multiple times throughout history, including recently in Venezuela. Having in-demand skills to barter can help you survive such a crisis

What Is Bartering?

Bartering is trading. Bartering can involve goods or services. For example, if you have extra ground flour but no vegetables, you can trade some of your flour for vegetables. Or you could trade lessons on how to use spreadsheets in return for vegetables.

Bartering has existed for millenia, and indeed was used before money was invented. In our modern world, when countries experience a serious economic crisis, citizens often return to bartering. In 2011, residents of Greece returned to bartering to get their needs met. For example, NPR reported that one woman who lost her job, asked her neighbor: “Could you please do the ironing for me, and I will teach English to your children?’”

Trading skills for food or other services is the best way to acquire what you need to get through a crisis. Having skills that many others need will make you a valuable member of any community.

There are numerous reasons that bartering could become necessary including hyperinflation, economic problems, natural disasters, power outages, political problems and disruption of the supply chain.

 

How to Barter

You don’t have to wait for a crisis to barter. You can start practicing your bartering skills today and they can be helpful in everyday situations. You’ve probably already bartered at some point in your life. For example, maybe you’ve fixed a neighbor’s car in exchange for some carpentry work in your home.

You can start by building good community relationships – it’s almost like starting a new business. Don’t wait until a crisis is upon you and get prepared. Learning how to negotiate can also be helpful when it comes time to trade your skills for products.

If you don’t have a skill that you think would be useful, start learning a skill today.

Home Repair and Carpentry Skills

Here are some examples of useful skills that will be in-demand during an economic collapse

Most homeowners struggle to fix problems in their home. Problems can quickly become urgent. For example, a storm can cause downed trees and flying branches that can damage roofs and windows leading to water leaks and damaged interiors.

Plumbing and electrical problems — such as backed-up toilets or smoking outlets — often require special skills and can be urgent too.

Basic carpentry skills can go far, such as building a new set of stairs, a deck, an add-on, or fencing. Remember that in times of crisis family members who lose jobs may consolidate and move in with relatives. That can lead to an increase in the demand for sectioned-off rooms, modifications to basements, garages, lofts, and so on.

In dire times, some families may need to barter to have an open-air shelter built (a simple one-roof structure) to quickly accommodate friends and relatives that are down on their luck. In these cases being able to build outhouses may also be in demand.

If you have skills in any of these areas, you will be somewhat self-sufficient and you’ll be able to trade this skill for the items you need.

Barter your skills

Mechanical Skills

Making sure vehicles are running properly during a crisis is important, and most people today don’t have the necessary skills or knowledge to repair a car. It really is a gift.

Having knowledge of vehicle repair will make you popular in any community. Mechanical skills go beyond changing tires, oil, or repairing cars. You will likely be able to repair other pieces of equipment like small generators, small tractors, chain saws, snowmobiles, electric or non-electric bikes, ATVs, motorcycles, and lawn mowers.

Knowledge of First-Aid and Emergency Response

Skills like cleaning and bandaging wounds, treating minor illnesses and splinting fractures could make you indispensable in any community.

Whenever treating someone medically, there could be legal liability issues associated with it, though. Therefore getting certified would be wise.

There are many community opportunities for learning emergency response, such as Red Cross courses or joining your local CERT or your state defense force (if your state has one). State defense forces, like the Texas State Guard, operate under the authority of the state’s governor and may be called on to support local National Guard units by providing traffic control, setting up communications centers, assisting in search and rescue, or providing other logistical support.

Midwifery

This is one skill you will need to be legally qualified for, of course. A crisis will not stop babies from being born. During a crisis, hospitals could be closed or overrun with patients. Having the skill to help women give birth would be a valuable bartering skill in the community. 

Gardening Skills

Knowing how to grow your food will not only give you food to barter and peace of mind, but you can also teach others how to grow their own food.

Gardening Skills

A simple way to start is to begin buying seeds to store up. (These can also be bartered.) Try growing one single type of crop, like potatoes or strawberries. You’ll learn a lot about what works and what doesn’t that you can then share with others.

The carpentry skills we mentioned above also apply to gardening, as you’ll be able to create raised garden beds, chicken coops, fencing, and tool sheds.

Hunting and Fishing

Having the skill of knowing how to acquire food for yourself and others is excellent for bartering. Being skillful at hunting, fishing, and raising animals will not only get you the food you might need, but enough extra food to trade for other products and services.

Be sure to research what licenses and safety classes (for hunting) might be required in your area. If you choose hunting then you’ll also want to learn whether there are game meat butchers in your area and how they operate or if they will teach you how to prepare your own catch.

Communications

During a crisis, there is a good chance that telephones and cell phones may not work (or may not work consistently). Having a ham radio and the ability to build an antenna out of a piece of wire is a skill you can use. Getting a ham radio license is not difficult, and you can find used radios at affordable prices. With this skill, you and your community can keep in touch with family and authorities outside of your community.

Other Skills and Services To Consider

We’ve mentioned 8 skills that may be in-demand in a time of economic and social upheaval. Here are a few more we’d like you to consider:

  • Transportation: Those without transportation may need a way to get to the grocery store or appointments.
  • Lessons: teaching others how to do something is valuable. Lessons might include how to create a website, use a computer or certain software, how to fix a piece of equipment, or how to install fencing.
  • Mending clothes: in times of mass joblessness people will increasingly need to mend holds and tears in their current clothing.
  • Cooking, cleaning, and laundry: those who have in-demand skills and multiple family obligations will likely need help keeping their own household going.
  • Security: how to use common items or tools and weapons to protect oneself and others
  • Clearing land: knowing how to clear downed trees from roadways and how to clear brush on property
  • Firewood chopping and stacking: the skill to turn raw logs into firewood and stacking it in a stable formation
  • Snowplowing and sanding

Summary

Learning a new skill today will help you prepare for any type of crisis. And it will give you the confidence that comes from becoming more self-reliant.

Even if you already have a bartering skill, learning a new one will make you twice as valuable to those around you.

Tips for First-Time Homeowners when Prepping for Natural Disasters

Prepare for the worst

Everyone should have a natural disaster game plan. As a first-time homeowner it’s even more important to make sure you and your home are ready for an emergency situation that might come down to evacuating your home or sheltering in place for an extended time period. When you are getting settled into a new home it’s an ideal time to think about getting these plans in place. Here are some disaster preparedness tips that can help everyone in your household feel more at ease about the unthinkable. 

Prepare your disaster kit 

One of the simplest steps to take, no matter where you live, is to gather what disaster preparedness experts like the American Red Cross call an emergency kit. This is a store of supplies that you can quickly take with you if a disaster strikes and you need to evacuate your home. It will provide you with basic necessities for at least three days. Kits will be personalized based on your specific needs and should include items like: essential medications, a flashlight, first aid kit, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, family emergency contact information and copies of important documents, blankets, water, cash, portable chargers for electronic devices, and nonperishable food. These items should be stored together somewhere in your home that is easily accessible in a moment’s notice. No matter if your city or town is at risk for a flood, tornado, earthquake, hurricane, or even has a low risk of natural disasters, this kit is essential.

Be aware of your surroundings

Knowing what to expect can help you stay on your toes in an emergency situation. The National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University has built a tool which allows you to enter your address to see the level of hazard risk for your area — for example, for an avalanche, earthquake, drought, landslide, or other disasters. The tool will also give you an overall hazard index which can help you better understand general natural disaster risk. As part of your research, knowing the radio stations in your area that cover breaking news can keep you in the loop about what’s happening if there is a widespread power outage and mobile phone reception is down for an extended period of time. 

Natural disasters happen

Enroll in disaster insurance

Depending on where you live and the hazard risks, your homeowners insurance policy may or may not cover your home, such as for natural disasters like an earthquake or flood. Once you understand the potential hazards for your area, talk with your insurance agent about understanding disaster coverage and add extra coverage if necessary to add to your peace of mind. For example, California residents will definitely want to consider earthquake insurance, while people living in Texas will want to think about flood coverage. 

Make an inventory

When working with your insurance agent to determine your coverage you will be asked to give a basic inventory and value estimate of the items in your home. This list will be essential if you need to report damage as part of filing an insurance claim. Making an inventory might also include securing important documents like birth certificates, marriage licenses, and passports in a waterproof box or folder and adding this to your go kit.

Taking these preparedness steps can help put you at ease about natural disasters since there is no way to predict when they might strike. When you have a plan in place you can also help ensure the safety for everyone in your household if you do need to face a hazardous situation.