Countries banding together (sort of) against ISIS, this COULD lead to a war larger than just restricted to the presently involved area of the middle east. HOW will it impact the rest of the world, is a question that needs to be asked.

Something I consider a very real concern is a severe and deadly flu. I used to do HIV work and hang out with infectious disease docs. You ask them of the likelihood of a repeat of the 1918 flu pandemic and they say "it's a question of when, not if."

The Matt Damon movie "Contagion" gave a good flavor of some of the problems that will arise.

This is what drives my food storage. I figure I have about 3 weeks of regular food and another 2,3 months of long term food stored. Figure it will give us a fighting chance.

Our biggest threats around here are tornadoes and ice storms. We prepare for them by having food, water, back-up heat sources, and emergency lighting.
We are not as prone to damage from an earthquake on the New Madrid fault line like Randy, and are high enough to not be concerned with flooding. Other concerns like social unrest or an expanded war keep us aware but not as concerned. A small solar array will provide electricity to get us by, and we have several radios with short-wave capability to stay informed. We also have the "means" to protect ourselves in the event of other people preying on those who are prepared.

How much will the solar power in the house Tom?

I have enough wattage for lights, tv, computer, and short runs of the refrigerator/freezer. I keep 6 x 100# and 6 x 20# bottles of extra propane on hand, and have three generators, one being an inverter type. 300# of charcoal for grills, as well as many 1# bottles. I have a boxwood stood for wood fires if an absolute necessity, and over a cord of cut firewood as well. Oh, 75 gallons of gas for the generators too.

Tom,
You have an excellent energy, food preparation, and heating plan.

I guess the whole "Adapt and overcome" thing stuck!

Marines: be one or wish you were!

Well I wasn't one so...

Remember Belgium was on lock down for about four days, what if it started the day before your shopping day and you only had one days worth of food left?

A lot of people have the "3 days of food and water" for Earthquake preparedness. A minimum should be one week and food that doesn't need to be heated up.

MM

My biggest worry living where I do is heat it has already been well into the teens here and will go much lower soon. I have an old wood stove and enough pipe to install if the power grid fails and puts the furnace out of commission. Luckily the cold will make food storage easy until spring.

Oh and I do have a ready supply of fire wood that I keep and use for the fire pit in the good times.