Outdoor Adventure USA

National Preparedness Month

Note: Net will continue on September 15.

Even to the most uninformed, it must be painfully evident that that our current crop of disasters, our emergencies, as well as the panic driven conditions of late, have all impacted every person in this country and every community. And, the situation always appears to be the same - empty shelves, panic buying, large areas without food, power, water, gas, or communications, and a huge number of Americans who are not prepared.

The optimist in me wants to believe that our awareness of the need to be prepared may be improving, especially as we are exposed, almost on a daily basis, to disasters that are unfolding right before our very eyes, which are mostly man made in nature. More on the net!!!

The elites have always made fun of what they despairingly call, "preppers." But, as our current disasters continue their southern trajectory, this elite yuk festival just doesn't seem funny anymore. Being prepared has almost entered the main stream of American life, especially since the impending nature of current events has increased our awareness (I hope) of the need to be prepared. Being prepared, even if it is as simple as having some basics, can go a long way towards protecting you and your family. And, while this may sound simple, (and to a large degree, it is,) there is much more to it than having a few bottles of water and an energy bar. So, our goal here is not to thoroughly cover the topic, but to provide some basic information which we hope will encourage those who believe in being prepared to either get started or to improve what you already have. If we are able to pique your interest, then your next step is to begin your research and then get going.

We expect this to be a participational net, meaning that we want input from our listeners. In that regard, here are some suggested topics for discussion.

Discussion topics

1. What should you buy first (and in what order should I buy supplies)

2. How many days should you be prepared for

3. What to store besides food and water

4. What communication devices should we have

6. What to do if your house is destroyed, along with your preps.

7. What kinds of self protection should you consider.

8. What tools should you have

9. Best ways to store food

10. Best ways to store and treat water.

11. Safety measures

CURRENT DISASTERS, IN THE MAKAING

I believe that it was Fred R. Barnard who coined the phrase, "A picture is worth a thousand words." But while Fred was making a good point, there is much more to it than that, because a picture can convey details and emphasis that mere words cannot. And, pictures create emotional reactions that also make points, that words cannot. What follows are pictures, arranged into three categories of disasters that are developing, as you read this.

WATER



Lake Mead Water Level (July,2022), But Worse Now

David Becker/Reuters


Lake mead comparison 2000 to 2022 - NASA Satellite Images


Interesting note about Lake Mead from the National Park Service, (see: https://www.nps.gov/lake/learn/historic ... d-b-29.htm)

At 9:51 a.m. July 21, 1948, a B-29 Superfortress, weighing in at 104,556 pounds, took off from China Lake, California. It traveled to a test area near Lake Mead to conduct high-altitude atmospheric research. After the last measurements were taken, the pilot took the plane a little lower. Both the pilot and co-pilot thought they were around 400 feet above the lake’s surface, but the altimeter was reportedly off. Around 12:30 p.m. traveling at 230 miles per hour, the B-29 struck the water and sank to the bottom of Lake Mead where it still lies today.

Drawing of resting position of B-29.


Lake Powell (March, 2022) The "Bathtub Ring" Shows previous water level. Worse Now

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images


Lake Naciamento

Jackie Iddings


Lake Nacimiento. Photo by Ezekiel Mendez



In the next post.
POWER
FOOD

FOOD

Anyone notice that food prices are up, a lot!!! Wonder why? The answer requires a certain level of math proficiency. Specifically, we need to add up the numbers, or facts, to see if the proverbial 2 plus two actually equals 4.

This article appeared in the August 3, 2022 Report of the American Farm Bureau Federation:

Less water means less agricultural production from a region that produces a sizable share of our food supply. Through careful stewardship and hard work, farmers and ranchers across areas facing persistent, severe drought produce more than 80% of fruits, nuts and vegetables, more than 80% of wheat, more than 50% of dairy, and more than 70% of beef for our nation. The impact of the drought could place added strains on the supply chain and overall economy as American jobs and food security depend on this region.

According to our survey, most farmers in the regions impacted expect water allocations to be cut in half, which means crops and livestock production will be down significantly as well. Farmers and ranchers are making cuts on top of cuts from last year. Among ranchers who already reduced their herds in 2021, half will be selling off more this year to get by. Crops are down too, with 37% of farmers surveyed saying they had to plow under crops because of a lack of water—that’s up from 24% of farmers last year. Orchards are also being pulled up, with 33% of farmers reporting the destruction of permanent crops, like fruit and nut trees, as prevalent in their area due to lack of water.

Fallow Fields



The lack of water is affecting just about every food item upon which we depend. When the supply of food items fails to meet the demand, what happens? Here is where we need our math skills. The unavoidable answer, if we correctly add up the facts, is that when the supply dwindles, significant shortages of food will occur, and prices for the food which is available, will soar.



POWER

Our power situation is a text book example of a self inflicted wound. The need for a reliable and expanding source of power has been evident for decades, so there are no excuses for our current situation, which is best portrayed by the following text message which arrived on my phone today, and to be clear, this is not the first one in the last few weeks:

SCE: Extreme heat continues to stress the power grid. Please conserve energy today after 4pm to reduce the need for power outages.

Previous such text messages included a warning to NOT charge your electric vehicle. This is not the first year that power outages have plagued the "Golden State", and no one can claim that this was an unexpected event. So, when our power needs exceed our capacity, it should be evident that we need to improve our situation.

So, what can be made of the following:

• California has allowed, and some might suggest, even supported, the elimination of nuclear power, to the point that we have only one plant still operating today. And, it was scheduled to be shut down.

• The Iron Gate Dam is scheduled for demolition, on the lower Klamath River near Hornbrook, CA. Similar plans to demolish three dams on the Eel River are also moving forward.

• The State of California plans to ban the sale of gasoline powered vehicles, in favor of all electric vehicles. There are currently over 14 million registered vehicles in this state.

• The generators at the Oroville Dam were shut down recently due to low water levels.

WORKING WITH CONCEPTS

Situational Awareness

• In moderation...GREAT!

• In excess, many would say "Hyper-Vigilant..." What is the right or wrong mix and how do you find the right mix?

o 1:250K: International/National Level

• W/out getting too political...How many times have you heard that? It ain't easy...especially in this, amateur radio format

• Even in the military, at a Soldier or NCO of the month board, it was common to be asked "current event" questions along with several other subject matter like military history, technical questions on regulations and the maximum effective range of an excuse...I mean a weapon system...

• While this appears to be getting into the weeds, it is nice to understand those trends that will directly and sometimes indirectly effect you and your group; weather, legislation, land/retirement holdings, roadways and by ways, regulations on items you may consider for your preps

• Example of something you would never have thought was an international concern and has become a worldwide issue we see even at the 1:24k level; https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-proced ... te-housing

• Look at the above example and ask the rhetorical question, NOT to be addressed on the net, "Are there common phrases found in this edict you have heard locally?"

o 1:100K: National Level

• As above, do international policies effect national policy? If so, is it magnified or diluted by the time it gets to the national level?

• Federal vs. state and local laws, painting within the lines and staying above board...Practice the "Gray Man" concept at all levels

• When to get involved and shape trends...as in register to vote, contribute to organizations that represent your cause

• Always a concern, "What is the right amount of exposure?"

o 1:50K: State/County Level

• We all see issues happening around us that deal with challenged "neighbors," here's an example that will directly impact Californians; https://www.gov.ca.gov/2022/09/14/gover ... l-illness/?

• What about the multitude of website, blogs and YouTube University sites that offer tons of content; how much is too much exposure?

• Try groups that remain mainstream and consider the ramifications of joining groups you believe could be considered "subversive." Army SGM Mike Glover's organization, Fieldcraft Survival," for example, provides a truly measured idea of what we are facing and how to deal with issues but I'm sure there are issues and Mike has even eluded to kicking people off his platform for being too...aggressive?

• However, I think there is merit in listening to Mike's perspective and the content has been solid as far as I've seen to date; https://fieldcraftsurvival.com/about-us/

o 1:24K: City Level

• Line of Sight/Direct Fire Level; those issues that directly and even indirectly effect you and your team.

• Get training like the series held at 5.11 shops under the Always Be Ready (ABR) theme; for example Building Your Own First Aid Kit sponsored by USCCA in Temcula; https://511abracademy.usconcealedcarry. ... 42ac120006

• Definitely within "direct fire" for my community, here's an example from the 1:50k view celebrating the adherence of the above state policy in the City of Riverside where I live; https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=48 ... 5077978547

• Network with agencies like your local CERT, ARES, RACES, ACS/ECS, Red Cross, AmRRON, ARRL hospital group, Police/Fire...

• Volunteer and be a part of the solution

• Where do you go if the local area is not safe...see trends above...we all have our homework

Good evening. Please check in
Randy KF6KOC
and
Becky KF6RGR

thanks!

Please check me in.

Phil

Please check me in.

Phil

Check in please - Thanks - Bernie

Please check me in: Bob -- WY6R

Please check us in,

Jack M KK6WXQ
Kevin P KK6DGL
John D KM6FXI

Thank you!