It’s lonely being a lone wolf.
Sometimes those of us who prepare for emergencies get a “lone wolf” reputation, which can add to the notion that we’re alarmists and perhaps a bit crazy. Sometimes we find ourselves as the only one among our friends who has a bug-out bag prepared and food and water stored up.
It’s a great idea to be prepared, even if you’re the only one, but it’s much better if you have a group of like-minded friends. Your chances of surviving during a disaster will be much greater if you are part of a team rather than just an individual. The best way to start up a team is with family members. If your spouse and kids are onboard with what you’re doing, things will be a lot easier. If not, you should find some friends and neighbors who have an interest in prepping.
Once you’ve established your group, you’ll want to assign responsibilities. Among them would be food and water, power, medical, security, sanitation, gardening, maintenance, communications and logistics. Another suggestion is to meet periodically to discuss those roles and emergency plans. As we saw recently in Oklahoma, all it takes is a storm to completely disrupt people’s lives and put them into survival mode.
If you’d like to learn more about why a team is better than an individual when it comes to prepping, as well as practical advice about how your group can function prior to an emergency you should check out this article, “Teamwork in Prepping.”
Do you consider yourself a “lone wolf” when it comes to prepping? If so, is that out of choice or because you haven’t yet found others with your same dedication? How about you team players…how many people are in your prepper group? If you’ve formed a group with a variety of people who have different roles, please let me know how you’ve set that up. Hope to hear from you about this.
I, like other women here, am a lone wolf. Been one for some time, just started prepping 3 years ago and realized the one person that could cost me my life lives in my household, elderly mother. She likely doesn’t mean any harm, but she likes to talk and on more than once I heard “well we have enough bottled water to last a month!”. No, she has no clue about the other preps and won’t be told about them.
My neighbors have one thing on their minds – getting high. I’m in WA state at the moment but have been doing serious research lately for a new location. Nothing wrong with wacky-tobacky, it’s just not something I’d want to barter with:)
As for a group, no thank you. There are two quotes that I’ve learned in my multiple decades walking this planet:
1. If you can’t protect what you have, you’re just the caretaker for the person who will take it from you. And
2. You can not be betrayed if you have no people.
Until it’s proven otherwise, I’ll stick to being a lone wolf.
I also am a lone wolf prepped. My husband talks the talk but doesn’t walk the walk. I have been prepping since 129009503 but we recently moved and my water storage barrels had tp be left behind. I now live in central FL and except for 2 aunts two hours away know no one. Any suggestions?
I’m an over the road truck driver who has been preparing on and off as finances permit for 20 years. Yes, I have a place to go, northern Idaho, lmao, who knew. I’m hoping to have a chance to find a more local or regional job and relocate closer to my bug out location with friends. Truth is I could get stuck in Virginia, Florida, Kansas or where ever. I have prepared with a folding bike, a special hitch, a trailer that can easily carry 650 to 700 lbs. Yes, I’ve actually tested it. I keep 12 months of emergency rations, electronics in Faraday deviced, water purification, weapons, gold and currency with me at all times. I keep portable ham equipment as well. Truth is we won’t pick the season, the weather, or the location of when things turn to crap. I admit, I pray for the best, prepare for the worst and hope it never happens. Of course the problem is how does a person like me network with others so when the SHTF I can head to the nearest location and make an arrangement to help provide security and communications with someone of a like mind who understands some safety in numbers with someone who will not cause a drain on them. We all understand that things can go bad quick and if I’m lucky I’ll have about 3 days to figure out a location where I will be stuck for a good 6 months to a year before it would make sense to travel. I’d appreciate any ideas
How do you find like minded people in your neighborhood? I am “lone wolfing” it as my wife doesn’t see the threat. My closest “wolf” friend is 30 miles away so it would be difficult to team up in a SHTF situation. Anybody in the Deltona or Orange City, Fla. area?
My husband doesn’t believe “it” will happen in the U.S. and makes fun of my efforts. I am busting my butt canning fruits and veggies in season and all kinds of meats when they come on sale. He told me the other day that I am a hoarder and I must stop “bottling” everything I get my hands on. I am not hoarding – I am storing. I have 15 1/2 grandchildren and know that our children will all come running home if they can get here when TSHTF. This is causing marital issues, but I know he will be glad someday. How can someone so intelligent refuse to see the signs…………..
The greatest prepper in history was a man named Noah!
Talk about a “lone wolf”, thought to be crazy!
If no one will get on it w/me…I’ll be on my own. 60 year old lady. Maybe my guy will help, God certainly will. Why is all this going on? Agenda 21 is partially in operation now. I pretty sure my small town fire and police will work with the people and our veterans. God bless.
Or, I’ll just walk right into the fray or toward the guillotine ‘cuz I will not turn on my God, or His Son. Made this decision many years ago.
They’ll never take all of us. R.
Frankly, I don’t trust ANYONE; once desperation sets in everyone who even guesses you might have “just a bit” to share will overwhelm and plunder all you have sacrificed to save. It is a lot easier to be QUIET than turn away people who could have prepared themselves but didn’t bother. Nobody I know personally believes anything will happen, including my fiancee so I’m on my own here, but prepping…….
I’m running into many of the same issues with friends and family others have mentioned. Runs the spectrum from being TOTALLY unconscious of extant dangers to “oh well, if things go to [email protected] and I die, I guess it is my time”, or “Well, I hope I’m among the first to go; I don’t want to live after a collapse”, …
So I do what little I can within my very meager income.
This question of seeking like minded individuals really requires a lot of thought and preparation on your part and others.
When SHTF and it will in one form or another; the only thing you must concern yourself with is “Can you count on yourself?”
Sure it would be great to meet others like you and who are willing to throw-in with you. But when the rest of the people are too busy running around looking for their Government sponsored “Bail OUT” you and a few others will be waiting and watching in a manner of inconvenience than desperately looking for survival.
There are those who fear that when others become aware that they are well off and supplied that these looters, raiders, and thugs, and neighbors will come-a-knocking on their doorstep. Perhaps, this is why the federal government made a law to confiscate any and all foods and supplies in a national emergency from any resource.
These people are correct in fearing that the masses may come and beat down their door. If these people were surrounded by like minded people; the question now becomes, how will they fare if a like sized group of people try to take what they have?
If a family of say 10 families; banded together would a group of well armed people of about 6-8 people be able to take what they have, including the lives of these 10 families. The answer is yes. It can happen. It happens all the time in real life. Fifteen to twenty armed men took 300 young girls from a school and took them away to become muslin wives.
By keeping your situation on the quite and forming well organized groups of people that believe in the same things you do; can save your life and assist you a hell of a lot better in surviving than if you were on your own. It is in the planning and the preparation that will really help you All to survive.
There will be people that will beg for your help, there will be people that will come to your door naked as a jaybird, but they are for the here and now. Once your supplies are exhausted, they will depart looking for another source to exploit. They will say, “To Hell With You” and be down the road, again. If you turn them away, they may return with others and take what you have.
The only solution is to take care of yourself and family first. Next, pull your community together in a common cause. Just don’t share to much information on yourself and your supplies. Make sure that others are willing to put in the same amount of supplies or help as you do. It can very quickly to become a very one sided situation if you are the one supplying everything. The bottom line is this: every person must be responsible for themselves. If they are not part of the solution; then they will become part of the problem.
Now the question is how do you find like minded people such as yourself? Look for the Preppers convention. There are Preppers out there willing to educate you in one thing or another. Find out when they are going to be in town and take their class. Sometimes an outfitter, camping gear company, will put on a conference or your gun show is in town; it is here where you will meet others that are willing to teach you something plus have like minded individuals attending. On youtube.com, look up the Patriotic Nurse , the Skinny medic, or Mainprepper. These people talk the talk and walk the walk. The Patriotic nurse and the skinny medic travel the country, teaching classes pertaining to medical aid in a SHTF situation. Check them out.
The only person you can count on in a SHTF is yourself. So get ready and be prepared.
I live in central Utah. Farming area with mtns, rivers and animals. But not way to get a bug out place and no with to prep with. Any one know of people in this are that might be interested in a group?? tks
Utah has many like-minded folks. You might start with an expo and see if you meet anyone you kin with: http://www.utahpreppers.com/
Am trying to chat with operator: When the water is
sucked up into the mouth. then you expel it into a container?
I felt it very reassuring that your picture for this “article” was the “Lone Wolf”! The wolf has been and is my “totem” animal and I actually have that picture in my home. I can empathize with Colleen and Mary! I’ve had a prepper mindset for decades and have begun several times to “prep”, only to have my life upset and my prepping gone by the wayside. Well, I don’t give up, and about a year and a half ago, I started over again, and now I’m pushing forward, alone, but determined. It is VERY difficult to find like-minded, trustworthy people who are willing to do the work and commit to a different future. I’m keeping my eye open in my area, but this lone wolf is not waiting – I’m prepper-minded all the way!
My totem animal is also a wolf and I have one on my shoulder that come along for the ride all the time! I am aloe as well and just keep working on it. Am a disabled Veteran know things or going to hit the fan sooner than later. Would like to chat with you about your preps. email if you wish. thanks Connie
I live in SE TN and have begun trying to prepare. My husband says it is all govt bs. this group against that one and there is nothing to it. Hard to prep with no support. Not sure how to express need to prep to other family members in the area without possibly giving out too much info that could later cause problems. One I feel closest to lives 2 hours away. Possibly too far once “it” happens. Suggestions?
You might start by steering him to Ready.gov. They have some low-key prep for just every day emergencies – black outs, floods, etc. Maybe once he’s on board for the likely events, he’ll be more ready to talk about more serious events.
Glenda, all you can do is to network. Between you and your friend 2hrs away, I’m sure that there are more people like minded in between.
I live in south Tennessee. I am a senior and alone. like you I don’t know how to get in touch with other people. Who can you trust?
your husband is a fool just look around this country and see it fall apart little by little .I been telling people for years now and if they don.t listen let them go (screw them) you can not teach a fool
My wife and I started off as a small pack of wolves. We have been preparing for a short time (relatively) now but are far ahead of the curve compared to many people we know. We are rubbing off on some of our friends and neighbors for some of the self-reliant things we do and they are starting as well. We also just completed a wilderness survival course at the local community college and met a group of people that think like us. We have agreed to continue teaching each other things now that the class has ended. One of the members is a security guard that teaches hand-to-hand and tactical shooting, another is a nurse, one is a machinist, etc, etc. We can pull together to learn better than we can each learn on our own.
I live on the out skirts of town. I am in agreement with the person from Houston. Where I live near the beach, there are meth labs and questionable neighbors too. Somewhat a prepper, I have a garden and some chickens. I do share my eggs with my neighbors, but they are not that interested in the whole get ready for a rain day concept. Family are not that interested either. Sad.
Just remember Ms. Helms, when the Stuff hits the fan you will be their hero because you are the one they will be coming to because you are prepared and they were not. They expect that someone will take care of them, why not you. You can lead a horse to water; but, you can not make him drink. Put yourself on the down low. Keep it quite and keep to yourself. Stay safe.
That is great Seawulf. Now all you have to do is to plan and coordinate yourselves in case of an emergency. See what the strengths and weaknesses of your group and fix them. As a group you are much stronger.
Yes. A lone female wolf….in the Houston area. looking for others in this area.
I am doing all i can. I am in the suburbs; but hear the country life is full of Meth labs and dangerous people. Ideas on that?
My wife and I just took a wilderness survival course at the local community college. The class was only so-so, but we met of like minded folks. We have all agreed that we can continue on our learnings and preparedness now that the class has ended. They aren’t necessarily right next door, but are within a few miles of our home.
I live. 60 miles south of houston. I use to prepared and got discourage.by my family now I have no family I have loss interest.
Finding reliable people to form a group for what is probably to come is almost impossible. The larger the group the more chance there will be a “fellow traveler” among them which can and will spill the beans about the food, arms, water availability, etc. that the group has set aside for their survival. If there is Martial Law then everything you or your group has can and will be confiscated by the people in power for the “common good”. They will have the superior arms and personnel to do it. I would just love to have friends that I trusted enough to start a “reliable” group if the time ever comes when it is necessary. Every organized group is infiltrated by those who would betray all their preperations for a “pat on the head” from Big Brother. Don’t even think about the militia’s that are everywhere because they will be the FIRST place that big Brother will go for to acquire all their goods and to eliminate the threat that they would pose. I really do hat being so negative but I know human nature too well and am convinced that the vast majority of “brainwashed” people in this country are not to be trusted.
Agree 100% James. Beyond family and a few close friends I would hesitate to align with any group regardless of their name or history.
To true. This is why you must execute and plan accordingly. Even in a group of trusted people never put all your eggs in one basket. You might have to depart from one another as quickly as possible and go your separate ways. Treat every situation with a grain of salt. The best prepper is the one that prepares for the unexpected.
I have done a lot to prepare but I do not tell anyone other than my son as he is starting to understand what I have been talking to him about for years but I don’t know how to reach or meet others who are of a like mind. Any suggestions???? Gene Bulling
One other thing is all the bug out conversations! Being fortunate enough and observing the forthcoming crisis along with city dwellers if you will being “in the country” and securing premises to the max with steel doors, window guards, security cameras having dirt and a pond they will have to come to us including having distance from road with residence we feel adequate. Suggest too as many as have the ability to move out from smaller towns allowing access only when desired while keeping what you think, believe and are doing to prep truly close to the vest.
The Reagan theory of trust and verify by testing to see who will do real “favors” before shtf and then utilize only on limited basis. I’ve been looking watching listening reading and now thought for past to years the 5 G’s Grub, Guts, Guns, Gold an as always God will show up somewhere in there is only reality to be truly prepped if you will. Seeing nothing government will do can do as voters and people being either ignorant or totally oblivious to reality of U.S and world makes me believe simple things, entitlement riders, cyber attack on power grid any small glitch cities will erupt, transportation and communication goes down with executive order allowing takeover of natural resources and communication government insiders can ignite and promote mass mobs in order to show power and make it clear what they can do. Lets get real homeland security nothing more than governments personal army. Huge ammo orders, armored vehicle orders recent order for pepper spray of 500,000 with ability to propel 150 feet seems to reveal they expect it happen.
All that said God be with us all and closed lips about preps keeps us safer in my opinion!
Steve
What I see is reality and serious problem. Being a 2 person family that’s solid and prepping in eve yway armament wise, food wise, gardening wise, security wise in todays world establishing true trust is beyond the scope of most who don’t even realize. Taking into account how majority now THINKS some are their friends will erode if the circle is expanded and the “group” becomes more concerned with own immediate needs of themselves and their love ones. Suggest everyone take long hard look at reality of the 5 W’s when the chips are down. Who, what, where, when and why apply and everyone should look inside to view others when establishing “team” group concept. I know after 66 yrs and examining reality of new world as it is gets us down to ONE! Too many self serving people giving lip service to “you can count on me”. Suggest you write about reality of true examination of how others will respond when the chips are down.
Regards
Steve
I am a lone wolf. I live in the city and am a nurse. My family are either too lazy, believe “it” can’t happen here or are disconnected from reality. I have reached out to Oathkeeper and militia groups for info and support and never hear back from them. I have stockpiled, sealed and stored food and water. I have bought water puricication tablets, fiters, purchased a generator & 2, 5 gallon gas cans, insist my husband keep 3 butane tanks full for grill use and bought a cord of firewood. I know there is more I need to do ie: safe room, air purity concerns but it is difficult on my own. I would love to be able to learn from experienced people but don’t know where or how to find them. Besides being a nurse, I am a seamstress, welder, gardner & I know I have many important skills that a group could utilize for survival. Right now I resent my family for their lack of interest and wonder if I will be able to share my stockpiles with them when the SHTF, especially those who laugh at me right now!
Colleen,
I am in a similar situation. I don’t know anyone else who is preparing, or at least admitting it. I am in KY and would like to hear from you if you are near me, or have information you are willing to share.
Colleen, I know how you feel. I have the same problem with my wife and family. For the most part I just let their criticism and snide remarks fall by the wayside. Over the years my wife has been enjoying my hard earn prepping. They day will come when she will be happy to have me save for that rainy day. But until then I am force to trudge along by myself.
If I can help you please let me know. I have a military background, medical experience, and other connections that can assist you.
Colleen,
I can relate to your sit rep! The few family I have left all think I am way out there and off my rocker for preping to the extent I do. I would love to have you in my group if it all goes to heck ; any group would! You bring a lot to the table, so don’t give up on finding others with your mind set close to you to join up with and by all means keep stock piling your preps!
My wife is active duty and we have moved 11 times in 22 years so it is very hard to get close to folks and form a group. I manage to find one or two every where we go, but always know it is going to be a short lived bond. I have been a lone wolf since high school never depending on anyone since i was 15 and left home. Like you can bring a lot to the table to the right group, but until my wife retires and we can settle at our farm I am in the same boat you are if things go badly any time soon. stay focussed and stay true to your beliefs and may God help us all, I do believe we are at an epic time in America and a drastic event will happen very soon! god Bless America !
That’s all a good idea, “BUT” if “S.H.T.F.” because of the Government and U.N. troops are sent after us to over power us, they will be going after the groups of preppers that have been detected by they’re purchases or by loose lip’s or surveillance and other groups like militias that are under surveillance already and will be the first to be hit and they’re threat of resistance removed on first strike by air, most likely! It will be the small teams of “TRUE PATRIOTS” that have kept they’re mouths shut, looked unassuming, have some military training, prepped properly and have a plan of survival first before a plan of attack, not resistance! Yes, they will be coming to us, that’s part of the plan! But they don’t know the lay of the land like we do and we need to prep. for an all out killing at every bridge, gulley, airfield, underpass, overpass! Convoy’s can only be stopped by starvation of fuel, bridge destruction, I.E.D’s and fire. Most don’t have the expertize to make an I.E.D. with enough power to stop an A.C.P. much less a M.R.A.P., but a large long burning fire like Napalm will do the trick! You must scatter into small undetected teams to pre-determined locations with the proper weapons, munitions and a resolve to kill all that threaten us to the man! “If you don’t” they will do it to you and any survivor’s will be tortured for where the rest of us are! After the initial attack is when the resistance begins and the second plan of attack is readied because they will be sending more! “GOD BLESS AMERICA”, “DOWN WITH OBAMANATION” and “DEATH TO TYRANT’S” and the “NEW WORLD ORDER”! Remember, conserve, “ONE SHOT, ONE KILL”! Spay-n-pray is only when being overrun and danger close or your clearing a room full of Traitors and or insurgents like anyone in a blue helmet! Our troops for the most part are on our side and so is most law enforcement, that’s why “OBAMANATION” is massing Russian and Chinese U.N. troop’s here and they will have no problem in a systematic killing of anyone whom resists they’re “AGENDA 21” take over off all the masses of Americans! You have given up more than you know with “OBAMACARE” and it’s about to bite us in the ass hard! “REAL HARD”!
Hi Deb, not all country life is full of meth etc. If you really want to know the place to be, Rocky Mountains. Being in the towns cities is where NOT to be. You will either be dead or in a FEMA camp which is the same thing… There are place’s which people don’t talk about for obvious reasons…
K
The real place to be is the ROCKY MOUNTAINS. Read your history. The Vietnam War who one that? We couldnt get those natives out of those mountains? Now look at Afghanistan the Russians couldn’t do it! And do you think we are going to it? No way in hell!
Jesus Christ said flee to the mountains.
I am a Lone Wolf, due to a lot of circumstances. My age, my education, my mobile status in life, distance from family, etc. Difficult to find anyone that I can trust. Too many are friendly to a face but when the going gets rough, they cannot be found.
I am not a big eater and the people who I have tried to prep with before, consume more in one day than I do in a week. Their appetite is so furocious that I feel threatened that their appetite will overtake them and they will not be considerate enough to ration the food.
Then others just ‘scoff’ at the idea of prepping.
Suggestions are welcome.
Mary, you are correct. It is difficult to find someone you can trust be it family, friend or stranger.
Most people live in the here and now. Chances are they don’t know what it means to starve or to go without. People with large appetites tend to be the first to be unprepared. They will be the first to knock on your door for your help. They will take what they can and move on to the next free meal that they can find.
All you can do is to take care of yourself and keep it to yourself. Stay safe.
Mr. Knutson, glad to read your story, media just makes stuff up. My wife and I figured the small town people of that area are use to being stranded from snow and bad weather. Glad to see that there was people helping people and that your preparations where in place for you and your neighbors. We have been flooded twice and know what a job it is to recover from it. My neighborhood all pitched in and helped each other. Even the neighbors that didn’t know each other. We all know each other now. Funny how a common tragedy does that.
Advertisements on your web site that flash or move are so distracting that after a couple of times I will just delete your site from my mail list because if you are stupid enough to subject me to something flashing while I am trying to read you probably don’t have anything worth reading.
Rob, you are the kind of person that will be found on the side of the road because you didn’t take the time to read the sign, trouble ahead.
If you don’t think there is anything worth reading; then, you must think that there isn’t anything worth learning. I hope you are prepared, because you are the kind of person we are talking about, the uninformed and unprepared.
Rob
Please check your computer…pop-ups are a real pain, but aren’t giving me ANY trouble on this site, nor as much as my fiancee has on all her sites.
research pop-up blockers.
~~~good luck
Dear Frank,
We have just gone through the now infamous “Colorado Flood of 2013.” Of course, after the first few days the mega-media called it good, but recovery work will take years, I tell you now my family and circle of influence are still working 8-12 hours a day, helping neighbors cleaning up the aftermath.
Fortunately, when it hit, we had an Evac-Plan” in place! Wife and daughters were “out’a here” in about an hour, once the 911 evacuation call came. You know me, I stayed behind working with the local fire/sheriff/rescue group. Our little village was blessed by the Lord. The high waters came within 3 blocks of our home, but all was well.
Our community of Merino, CO was an island for a week … no roads in, no roads out, but since we and many neighbors were “prepared” (knowing this sort of thing could happen all was fine). Those of us who had 30+ days food, helped those families who didn’t have squat.
God Bless,
Orrin M. Knutson
Mr. Orrin Knutson, I think we would like to hear about your experience. How did the local government work out? What were the positives and what were the negatives. The people that that didn’t have squat, was it because they were unprepared or because they didn’t have time to evacuate? What changes would you like to see? What changes would and could you do the next time something like this happens? You see your experience and information that you provide can assist others in preparing for a similar situation.