I think most of us prep for a variety of possibilities (and most preps are useful in most situations), but no doubt, there are some that simply seem
more likely to us than others. So, which scenarios do you feel are the most likely to affect you? In most of these scenarios, the scariest thing is
going to be dealing with other survivors, who likely would kill you to take your resources.
For me: (in order of likelihood)
1.
Job Loss - Sure it's a SHTF event, at least for me. Last time, my beginning prep ways helped us stretch our dollars a bit. That bit of
success (and use of the preps) convinced my wife of the value of it. Likewise, in this economy, may happen again for either of us.
Preps include basic preps, renewable water supply, renewable food, stockpile of food and water, stockpile of other supplies, fuel, etc.
2.
Natural Disaster - Whether localized or bigger, chances of a hurricane affecting us are fairly decent. Luckily, such an event would be short
term at best, and well within our current supplies.
Same preps as above, but including window covers, and cleanup equipment, power outage options such as propane for grill, oil lamps for light, weapons
and ammo, etc.
3.
Financial Collapse - How we've avoided it this long is frankly a mystery. Of all the country-affecting scenarios I can think of, this one
is at the top of my list. If and when it happens, it may take months or even a year to get back to some sense of normalcy, and that is likely being
optimistic.
Same preps as with 1, but last minute stockpiling of commodities such as cigarettes, medicine, fuel, etc.
4.
Government Takeover - Martial Law. Big brother takes over. Not much we could do here against tanks, planes, drones, etc. In such a case, all
we can hope for is to not be noticed much initially, and then find a way to work within the system that arises. Revolution (unless major parts of the
armed forces join it) is suicide.
Basic preps
5.
Pandemic - I'll include the Zombies in this category, only in a "Rage Virus" like capacity. There are lots of contender viruses out
there. Luckily, many modern techniques and global cooperation helps keep this in check, but modern air travel can mean a particular nasty bug, that
has a long onset time, could result in a major pandemic, killing millions.
Same preps, but adding more medical supplies, more means of avoiding contamination (masks, goggles, gloves, soaps, etc.)
6.
EMP Attack - If our enemies wanted to hit us, this would certainly be the most devastating way to do it. Just one weapon could cripple the
majority of the US infrastructure and basically send us back to the 1800's. Like scenario 3, a big "downside" here (from a prepper standpoint)
would be that without some big "kill off", you've now got the entire current population, all vying for very finite resources. It will get VERY
ugly, and very soon. Also, like 3, it would take months or even a year or more to even get things going again. There are many of our current potential
foes who could mount such an attack (China, Russia), or who are close to it (Iran, NK).
Same preps but adding spare electronics parts for vehicles, some devices stored in Faraday cages (most people have several in their home, such as
ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, washers, dryers, safes, etc.). If expecting the pulse (such as we've been warned, etc.), more of our electronics (and
our vehicles) can survive, but if a surprise, not much left.
7.
Nuclear Attack - Very similar to above (5), but likely less devastating. Why? More than likely, such an attack would be localized, or
spotty. Also, if terrorism, would likely be a ground burst vs. an air burst, lessening the radius affected. Also, we do have a missile defense system
that could intercept a good number of inbound ICBMs in the case of a broader attack, though I wouldn't count on it completely.
Same preps but stockpiling some soil, seeds, radiation treatment supplies, etc. We're outside the affected radius of even the nearest likely targets,
but depending on how many hit and where, we have a decent chance of survival here. It's the nuclear winter, radiation levels, etc. afterwards, which
may get us.
8.
Chinese Invasion - Currently pretty unlikely, but in my lifetime, it wouldn't surprise me. May even be more of a repo situation than an
invasion.
Same preps, but add in some Chinese language tools, dictionaries, phrase books, and possibly learn the language.
I could devise a round list of 10, but really, these 8 scenarios are why I prep. Hopefully, eventually I can prep for all of them. With the recent
addition of two more mouths to feed, I went from having 3 months of supplies, to about 4 weeks of supplies. So, I'm constantly working towards
increasing that number (comfortable survival time). Within the next 3 months, I hope to be at 1 month of supplies. Within 6 months, be at 3 months
survival time, and within a year, be at 6 months survival time. After that, just keep going from there, within means. Takes money and time.
So, what is your list? What worries make you prep?