This is a working document. It is not complete, but it is an attempt to be as inclusive as possible. You will surely think of many things that could have been included, but were not. You may be unhappy with the underlying assumptions, such as the inclusion of information about considering moving out of the country. Please feel free to leave a comment on page in question.  Also, their is an attempt here is to be as complete as possible without being any more political than necessary. 

Originally, this document was divided into two sections. The first section was entitled Long Term Advanced Preparation. This section has been removed. The reason being the belief that Long Term Advanced Preparation is no longer a possibility; the need for action is already here. Peak oil and U.S. financial problems will be upon us soon if they are not already. So the Principles of Preparedness that are presented here are of a more immediate nature.

There are many suggestions here. Many of them will require a good deal of work to accomplish. No one will do all these things. But doing some will involve you in the process of making decisions about what to do with the money, space, and time you have available. The suggestions will also stimulate you to discover the thinking that is behind these suggestion. Sometimes you will think, “Why would anyone think that would be necessary?” Other ideas will make you think, “I wouldn’t have thought of that.” Don’t let this long list stop you. Start doing what you can and what you think is most important. Doing something now helps with the anxiety of knowing that problems are on the horizon.

Finally, there are three ideas that inform all the suggestions made below. Please keep them in mind as you look at the more specific recommendations.

REDUCE  DEBT  ...

This is probably the most important and most difficult thing that any of us can do. It creates the most flexibility in times of difficulty. It also makes you less able to be manipulated and threatened by those to whom you owe money.

BUILD  LOCAL  SUPPORT  …

Building groups and small communities to work together means delegation of responsibilities is possible with fewer tasks for each person, but maybe more important, it allows us to support each other, to talk about these difficult times and plan, and to protect each other and work together on a larger scale.

PROTECT  YOURSELF  …

It’s important not to get too extreme here, but everyone wants to do what they can especially if there are few opportunities to coordinate with others. The more each person prepares the more there is to share when needed and the easier it will be for everyone to accomplish needed changes.