Hello my friend and welcome back! I live in South Central Louisiana and in the midst of this historic flood, I often find myself thinking this may not be SHTF, but it sure as hell feels like it! I, like so many others, have lost my home and many of my possessions. I am not alone, as there are hundreds, if not thousands, like me but who had no insurance at all. This got me thinking about SHTF and what I can learn from this disaster. This is also the topic of today’s post so grab a cup of coffee and have a seat while we visit.
It is starting to feel like all I talk about lately is water. Whether it’s testing it for purity or those who have been hurt through flooding, there is a lot of talk about water here in South Louisiana. The truth is that it does feel and look like SHTF has actually hit and I am trying to deal with the aftermath of it. I decided to use it as an opportunity to study the people I come in contact with, to see what I can learn from both them and myself in the middle of all of this.
Let me start with the many people I have come in contact with. The first thing is that there weren’t as many variations as I would have expected. There were basically 5 groups that everyone seems to fall into.
The first group is the “Criers’” (no disrespect intended) who just couldn’t seem to stop crying long enough to do much of anything. These were the most distressing of all to me, as they seem to be bordering on the edge of a mental breakdown and were completely lost. Some of the people who showed these traits surprised me. People who always seem so sure of themselves just fell to pieces and couldn’t seem to get it together no matter how hard they tried. I have actually seen a few Preppers who fall in this group, I’m sorry to say.
And then there are the “Zombies”, these are the ones who just simply cannot accept what has happened to their world and walk around with that thousand mile stare. When they look at you, you can see that they have retreated deep inside themselves. Their eyes show that no one is home, when you look at them. They have lost all hope and see no way forward.
There are the “Criminals” here as well. Because the Criminals know that cops can’t get to certain areas because the roads are closed or their just overwhelmed with everything that is happening as well, Criminals do what they want. They see this as an opportunity to do what they want without reprisal. Steal, rape, whatever they want and while a few groups of them have been caught, many more get away with their crimes.
There are the “Leaders”. They are people who find it inside themselves to rise to the challenge and use their inner strength to help those around themselves. While suffering their own loss, they use their anger with what has happened to drive them on. In the case of most SHTF events, these will be the survivors. People rally around them even though they would never ask them too. Great leaders are not born, but rather rise from the ashes of a disaster to lead the people to safety.
The last groups are the “Angels” the ones who manage to escape the flood and are trying to help the less fortunate. Whether they are from the Red Cross or a local Church, they are a Godsend and if it were not for them, I feel there would be many more “Zombies” than there are now. Granted, in a Major Disaster where everyone is affected, there would be no one to take their place.
Let me also add, that while I hear Media, BLM and hundreds of other groups who promise to help, they are nowhere to be found. In a time of crisis, people don’t really seem to care about the color of a person’s skin, but tend to focus on just helping as many as they can. In the end, it will be just us helping each other and the Red Cross volunteers who seem to care so much that saves us. While the US Government talks about how they are mobilizing efforts to help us, we have seen no such help here in Lafayette which is a major city here in the Gulf Coast State. For now all we have seen is talk and nothing more. People in small towns still waiting on food and water since August 13th.
So, exactly what have I learned from all of this? That being a Prepper can help, but it is no guarantee that you will make it when the time comes. If people fall apart or come unhinged from something like a flood, then many more will simply lose it altogether in a major crisis. If you truly want to survive a major SHTF event then you need to prepare yourself mentally and be totally honest with yourself.
The single best piece of advice I can give you is to not get attached to anything you have. Whether it’s your home to your Preps, don’t get attached. In a blink of an eye they can be gone and you may be left with nothing but the clothes on your back and your go bag. The most common words I have heard from people is “Everything is gone, what am I going to do now?” It’s this attachment to things we own that seems to be what hurts us the most. Have a plan if you are suddenly stuck with nothing at all. Learn everything about surviving in the wild, from what plants to eat to how to build a fire and a shelter out of nothing but what is lying around you.
Learn how to live with nothing, so that when you lose everything, you will still be able to survive and function. Well that is it for today and I hope you will learn from experience, so until next time, stay safe, stay strong and stay prepared. God Save America!
-Sarge-
PS:
If you have noticed the name going from “The Sargent” to “Sarge”, it’s because too many people kept writing me and telling me it was spelled wrong. Even though the spelling was in intentional, some people had trouble with it. For this reason I shortened it to just “Sarge”. It’s still me, but a shorter version of the name.
Hi Sarge. Pecan Island native here, but many miles from there these days. So SO sorry about the flooding. I’ve been keeping in contact with friends down that way and have heard of those 5 groups from them. Praying for you all down there and truly hoping that life gets back to its easy norm very soon. I sure do miss home and that will ALWAYS be home. It taught me how to hunt, fish and preserve food. We grew 4 huge gardens and lived on our own food the entire time I was growing up. That helps prepare for SHTF in big ways. Loved the article and will keep you in my prayers. Toodles.
Hold tight you should have what you need by weeks end!
Maniac -out
God Bless you! Any and all help is appreciated!
I will let you know when it arrives. 🙂
Sarge
Sgt, you were hit with floods and my area is hit with fire. I was not personally affected, but dear friends of mine lost everything. The local community has come together and donations of food, water, personal supplies, diapers, you name it came pouring in. Two local charities arrived with food and prepared meals for first responders and evacuees. The Red Cross showed up, but I don’t think the locals trust such agencies anymore. Only a couple of people showed up. Local farmers and ranchers showed up at the fire to load out livestock and bulldozer around homes to stop the fire. First responders lead horses to the nearest safe pasture and put them inside the fences. They also captured and contained dogs that were unable to leave with their owners. I do love living in a rural community.
Hang in there Shiloh! Like I keep telling my wife, It’s not the end, but rather a new beginning. The issue here is that almost everyone was hit by the floods so we are all scrambling to get back on our feet. Were trying to help each other out here, and I find that it’s making us a stronger community. Good luck and I will add you and your community to my prayers for a quick recovery from the fire. 🙂
-Sarge-
With all the hoopla about how government is always ready with FEMA I feel the need to rid my stomach of its contents. I have seen a few trucks of food and water sent and other trucks stopped by FEMA. Unless the trucks have the “proper paperwork” they cant pass. Why do we need paperwork in a crisis. If the truck is full of water or food what do they think will happen? My observation is control. Only the ones by recognized names like red cross can do the job. The same red tape for poor people who cannot communicate between their insurance if they have any and themselves. Fema wont move without the paperwork from them. This was to be changed after the storms that hit up north. What happened? With all the money spent for disaster management i see no improvement. It seems our tax moneys are ill spent. Who stands to speak with the voice of the people? Government hasn’t the time between tee’s to give a moment to the problems of this flood. The promises empty and the results none. Yet the emperor can do no wrong.
Grampa
Grampa, I agree with you 100%. If it wasn’t for the Red Cross and local volunteers, there would be no help at all. FEMA and all of the others have done nothing at all as far as I have seen! Thank you and and depend on none of them!
-Sarge-
So sorry to hear of your loss. I’m 70 yrs old & raising grandkids on my Social Security so I’m unable to help financially. You will certainly be in my thoughts & prayers. Didn’t know your boys were in Idaho; I live in Mountain Home (about 40 miles from Boise).
Linda, Thank you and prayers are as good as gold to me. I know exactly where Mountain Home is. My oldest son works and his wife have been working for Micron for many years now. He is an Electrical Engineer there. I will have to look you up next time I get up there. Unfortunately that may be a while. Say a prayer for me, and I will add you to mine every night. 🙂
-Sarge-
Sarge,I read an article where the government is trying to have people on the coast in Louisiana move permanently. Wondering if you have heard about it?
No Thor, I haven’t heard that one. I guess they know that these Cajuns would be almost impossible to root out once they get in the swamps. Can’t impose your will on people if you can’t find them. 🙂
So Sarge, what, as fellow preppers can we do to help YOU!? I am sure many would pitch in to help. Funds? Where do we send them? Supplies? What is needed and where do we send them. Even help in replenishing your prepper supplies! Let us help! Please provide information so we can all help! God Bless you all!
Deb,
I’m sorry for the late response, but to be honest I was humbled by your offer to help. I have never asked anyone for anything and I have to say that this is very hard for me to do. My address is 537 Apollo rd, #238 Scott, La 70583. as to what I need…. I hate to say it but cash would be the best because it would help me put it with the little money that I have left to get another RV to live in. Nothing fancy, just something that doesn’t leak. I have applied for a FEMA grant, but I don’t think I will get one because it’s an RV and not a regular house. I’m still short $4000 dollars and I am doing everything I can to get help with getting it. It’s hard to go to people with your hat in your hand, but I’m desperate. Other than that, just anything you are willing to donate would be great! Just no cleaning supplies please! It is the only thing that anyone seems to want to give out. Not to be picky, or ungrateful, While I did lose a little of my Preps I think that I will be OK but I know others would be excited to have even a bag of rice right now. Anything any of you could do to help would be greatly appreciated.
I have always said that Preppers are the greatest people in the world and this just proves it!
Thank you so much and may God bless you and keep you safe.
-Sarge-
Sarge, it is good to learn you are still among the living, even if it is the “walking wounded” as it were, and no pun or disrespect intended, meant or inferred.
Like you, I live in a designated “flood plain” however, unlike you, we don’t see the volumn of rainfall or live below sea level (this is, after all, the Sonoran Desert of SW AZ) but when it does rain hard or for long periods of time (yessiree, it happens!) the only two roads leading out of the area quickly become impassable. We become stuck.
Truly a sobering consideration as I’m sure you are well aware of.
Getting back on track, I have required Flood Insurance on my home structure (required because I have a mortgage) but not on the contents. I figure if I lose most/all of the contents it would give me an opportunity to buy newer and better “stuff,” and “stuff” is all it comprises anyway. It is all replacable, albeit at higher cost, but I will be forced to rebuild and endure a minimalist lifestyle.
And, honestly, while I do NOT like the idea of replacing so much “stuff,” truth is I have a lot of shi, er, “stuff” I should divest myself of anyway. So there is that.
Outside of the aggravation and anguish you are suffering from at the present time, I’m confident you WILL pull through stronger and more resilient than before.
If I lived a reasonable distance from you I assure you I’d be there in less than a heartbeat to help you get back on your feet and squared away.
I don’t recall ever reading about you having a wife and/or children but if you do I am confident that you are having NO trouble doing the Manly things a Husband, Father and MAN do to put your lives back together. It’s part of your Manly Essence.
Pardner, if there is ANYTHING I can do or offer from my part of the country, you need only ask. And if there is ANY way I can produce what you need, Brother (and fellow Sergeant, US Army – Disabled), I do everything within my mortal powers to make it happen, Cap’n. 😉 As a minimum you can rest assured I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless, Good Luck, Keep your Chin Up and Keep On Keepin’ On (KOKO)!
This, too, shall pass, Pardner.
Huggy,
All of my boys are grown and Live in Idaho. It is just my wife of 36 years and myself. Thank you for your kind words and they are greatly appreciated. Right now the very best thing you can do for me and the rest of those effected by the flood is to prey for our safe deliverance from the disaster. Just so you know, I was able to find an RV sales company to work with me today and if it goes through then I should well on my way to recovery.
Thank you my friend, I know we will make it because we have the blessings of God and good friends like you to see us through. Never give up and never give in. Hoo-Ah!
Sarge!
sarge, I didnt experience floods,but Dorcheat Bayou came within hundreds of feet of my home this past winter. I am 1/3 mile from dorcheat,so seeing it nearly in my yard was cause for great concern. I have at least experienced the trepidation,fear and anxiety that come with the potential for catastrophe. It sure changed the way I prepped and where I kept supplies. Incidentlly, I am a solavore solar oven affiliate. The owner of solavore has made an offer to sell flood stricken victims the oven at her cost. I’ve notified the local TV station here,but not received a reply. If you are in contact with any red cross personell or know who that offer might benefit, I would be glad to forward her email and personal phone number. I can imagine that having a means of cooking that doesnt require a persons presence,would sure free a person up to continue working.
If you don’t mind, could you please forward the information to me at Bob@americanpreppersonline.com I know several people who might benefit from it. I would love to get one to do a review on it if possible. Let me know BC and thanks for your help.
Sent email.
Thank You!