If we are in fact on the verge of a peak oil energy crisis, the question that naturally should follow is, “What should I do to prepare?” Beyond the obvious answer of informing the general public and calling politicians and corporations to action, that is a difficult question. It is difficult because, unlike a snowstorm or hurricane, we don’t know when it is going to happen (soon or twenty years from now), nor do we know exactly what will happen. Lifeaftertheoilcrash.net suggests the following list of preparations:
(1) Develop the right attitude – If you know that a crisis is going to occur and you even have some idea of what to expect, you are way ahead of most people. It is important to have a ‘can do’ attitude and not be a quitter. Your ability to do well in the midst of crisis is directly correlated to how positive your attitude is. There is no financial investment here and the benefits will be present even if crisis doesn’t come. In the words of Louis Pasteur, “Chance favors the prepared mind.”
(2) Stay healthy – It makes sense to be fit even in these easier times that we live in today, but in harder times your health is even more important as medicine may be in short supply, transportation to hospitals may be more difficult, and hard labor may be required of you. Again, regardless of an impending crisis, good health is something we should always strive for, so start today by improving your diet, exercising, and dealing with chronic health issues.
(3) Get out of debt – Debt is not good for any of us, especially when times are tough. Pay off debt as quickly as you can and be free from financial obligations. Beyond that, simply your life, reduce consumption, and live on less. We can all make small lifestyle changes that can free up our disposable income for more productive purposes (cell phone/ internet/cable packages, entertainment/vacation/dining options, ‘big ticket’ items/toys).
(4) Decide where you’re going to live – People that live in very cold climates, in very large homes, or in homes that require a lot of upkeep may consider moving to a more mild climate or into a smaller house. Downsizing may also help reduce debt and/or free up some spendable cash. Having land available for gardening is a plus.
(5) Buy a good sleeping bag – In the event that your home heating system does not work during the winter months for any period of time (brownout, blackout, etc.), a decent (rated to -20 degrees or less) sleeping bag is certainly a worthwhile investment.
(6) Have a month of food on hand – In a peak oil crisis, transportation will become increasingly difficult, making food deliveries and visiting supermarkets difficult as well. It makes sense to have food on hand to help you through any crisis (blizzard, hurricane, earthquake, etc.), and this is no exception. Have at least a month of food on hand to feed your entire family. Buy things that you will eat, remembering that you are buying for survival not taste. Foods like white rice and dried beans will last indefinitely if stored properly, and canned foods can easily last for two years. There are many online retailers that sells dried food storage packages in #10 cans. Be sure to rotate stock to ensure quality.
(7) Get good peers – It makes sense to be in close contact with other like-minded people with whom you can share resources and skills. These people are already part of your life: family, friends, neighbors, and church/club contacts. Talk to those you trust about peak oil and encourage them to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. There is certainly strength in numbers.
Considering our basic needs of clean water, food, shelter, sanitation, and transportation, here are some items that could come in handy:
Knife/Multitool
Fire starter
Gun/bow/traps/snares
Sturdy footwear
Backpack
Fishing pole
Do your homework on peak oil & survival
Alternative transport – fuel efficiency, motorcycle, scooter, bicycle, walk, horse
Warmth – stove, cook stove, solar cooker
Tools
Duct tape
First aid kit & skill
Water purifier/supply
Seeds & gardening tools
Camp toilet
DC-AC inverter (car to elec.)
Hand-powered well pump
