Decided thsi is all just a waste of my time

[Rightleftupdown]

NC. Have been on this board lots since the start of the pandemic and don't want posts linked. I started off in Feb getting really worried and came onto these boards for information, advice and ideas. All of which I got in a considered and measured way, and which for the time I was grateful for. I can't help think now though that it was such a load of bollocks though (the prepping, not aimed at any individuals on here). I got myself into a state, spent a fortune on stuff. Water purifying tablets? Out of date, in the bin. Medicine items? Out of date, in the bin. Oxymeter? Unused, waste of money. Nebulizer? Unused, fucking hundreds of pounds. I could weep when I think about how much I spent. Good wise, I bought very little I won't eat but I don't think I can look at another piece of bloody cous cous. I don't think any of this was helpful to a healthy state of mind for me, it just gave me a false sense of control despite contribiting to me being really fucking anxious. At least my shopping bills this month have been slim.

[Sideorderofchips]

Yeah pretty sure that's what 99% of texas said once

[gigity]

Several people buy some extra so they don't need to go to the shop

Suddenly the shelf looks emptier than it usually would

So the next people think oh shit there's a shortage. I best make sure I have plenty

Each time the shelf gets emptier ubtjl there is none left

Then some people panic. Go on social media and say there is a shortage. More people panic and rush to their local shop to get as much as they can.


Then it becomes a shortage.

I find the hierarchy thing interesting, surely those who bought extra in the first place are contributing to the panic felt by others later on?

[Sideorderofchips]

They could well be. Add into it news and media talking about a virus or bad weather that might effect x yz and suddenly people will make a trip to the shops they didn't originally intend to make.

Where as preppers buy or order when they are shopping anyway.

[gigity]

Yeah pretty sure that's what 99% of texas said once

and? Syria used to be a pretty peaceful country but I'm not going to prep for war because it came to Syria. That doesn't mean war won't come here though, I just don't see the purpose in prepping for it.

[Purplerayhan]

regulars helped out those that needed it with advice

Now it all seems to be getting better it's back to ridicule.

THIS.
I came acrossn Jan 2020 when it was looking iffy elsewhere and I received nothing but good advice and a warm welcome. There have definitely been unnecessarily antagonistic posts towards the stalwarts which is a shame. There are things that I haven't used but I might have needed them so🤷‍♀️

[Sideorderofchips]

If you do not see the point in prepping why are you on here? That's like me going over to style and beauty and questioning it because I don't see why someone needs 11 different mascaras

[FindingMeno]

Saving money is, in itself, a form of prepping.
To be able to get by financially because of a job loss/ illness or similar is a great way to prepare for future eventualities.
I'm not an equipment or gadget buyer in any way. However since do keep a larder, a large bottle of water, candles/lanterns/ headtorches/ batteries, and a medicine/ first aid cupboard.
We cannot prepare for every possibility unless we are minted and can buy a fully equipped bunker and a means of getting there quickly.
What we can do is prepare sensibly for the more likely scenarios - loss of power in a powercut, loss of water because of a mains burst, ATM's going down temporarily, job loss, and illness.
Learning skills can be free - and fun. Having the ability to grow food, identify wild edibles, administer first aid,and build a fire and cook on it, are all skills that could be useful.

[Sideorderofchips]

I'm teaching all three of my kids basic first aid, fire lighting and growing food. Why? Because it's life skills. Used to teach them to kids when I was a scout leader.

[FindingMeno]

Oh, and I keep an old style phone.
I learnt that when I was 38 weeks pregnant and we had a 24 hour powercut.

[AViewFromTheWindows]

All the furloughed ir laid off people would have been glad of extra food stashed away, I am sure.
Unemployment will be on the rise again shortly once the furlough scheme ends. It is high already.
Price rises are on the wway as are tax hikes. If I 'future purchase' food at the lower price or when I can afford it before a job loss or tax hike then I am saving money. It takes a bit of pressure off omg how am I going to feed the family.

[TipseyTorvey]

Fully agree with sideorderofchips. Prepping is a long game, not short order panic for a specific situation or news reel. I make sure we always have a car prep kit. A bug out bag for each person in case we need to leave suddenly and a month's back up of food. Always have done. His board has helped me get a few extra pieces in that I hadn't considered and lovely people have helped me with basic gardening stuff too which helped so much last summer. I strongly object to sideorderofchips remarks about mascara tho. Can never have too many of those, world end or not! 😂

[gigity]

If you do not see the point in prepping why are you on here?

I said I didn't see the point in prepping for a war or a month long polar vortex. That doesn't mean I don't think it's pointless to have candles in the house in case of a power cut. I said I find the whole thing interesting & did indeed stock up/prep last year.

[Sideorderofchips]

Different people prep for different things.

It all depends what you personally believe a real threat is.

[FindingMeno]

The other thing is the ability to help neighbours.

I think covid really has taught me how you cannot prepare for all eventualities.
I bet barely any preppers had huge supplies of medical grade face masks to see their families through months and months.

It's all about balance.

[LunaHeather]

I am surprised by this post - all sounds useful useable stuff.

I've never thought of myself as a prepper

But I live alone and have had a lot of health issues. Before I was 20, I thought it was common sense to have a good stock of basic medicines, tinned food in case of power cuts, bottled water in case of water supply issues.

I've only ever lived in quite small flats but you bet if I had a house and garden, I'd have a generator and a chest freezer. Just things like the big storm in the 80s when I was a child mean it's common sense to me.

I'm not expecting a zombie apocalypse. I also hate shopping so stock up when I go. Aldi, don't like to spend more than that.

[Sideorderofchips]

@FindingMeno

The other thing is the ability to help neighbours.

I think covid really has taught me how you cannot prepare for all eventualities.
I bet barely any preppers had huge supplies of medical grade face masks to see their families through months and months.

It's all about balance.

Oh I don't know. Pandemic lady on doomsday preppers was pretty sorted for that!

[gigity]

That's like me going over to style and beauty and questioning it because I don't see why someone needs 11 different mascaras

Plus I like & use the S&B boards but would question why someone needs 11 mascaras 😆

[FindingMeno]

@Sideorderofchips

She was a special case

[gigity]

It all depends what you personally believe a real threat is.

What do you think the real threat is?

[Sideorderofchips]

[quote FindingMeno]@Sideorderofchips

She was a special case [/quote]
Man I bet she feels so vindicated now

[FindingMeno]

@Sideorderofchips and I'm sure she's ramped up her preps in case this wasn't the big one.
She must be fun to live with

[Sideorderofchips]

Although tbf I did buy a pack of 50 for a whole £2.52 in 2017 just in case...

[AViewFromTheWindows]

@gigity

It all depends what you personally believe a real threat is.

What do you think the real threat is?

Did you read my post above? The threat of the employment landscape changing is real for many.

[gigity]

I specifically wanted to hear from side though. I understand the budget point of view.

[Sideorderofchips]

What do I think personally a major threat is?

Well the global pandemic we are in for one. With a virus that mutates quite regularly.
Unemployment? My job is very secure however I can not account for future illness that would affect my ability to work. Cost of living rise? I live on a small island with a very high cost of living. Power cuts? Don't we all?