Warning: TL;DR alert. If anyone isn't interested, then carry yer ass back to the #buttstuff thread...
I don't recall where you left off, so I'll just add my three cents. My core preps, whether for a 3-day power outage, months of civil unrest, or a ding-dang EMP, are mostly the same. The following are what I believe to be the minimum...
Wood stove: Some people can't make this happen, but in my mind it is absolutely critical. I would do everything in my power to come up with a creative way to retrofit my home to accommodate even a small one. Bare minimum (like if the old lady won't tolerate one, and cuts you off from oral pleasure), at least have a used one, and some stovepipe/flashing in storage. I've managed to have one at every place I've lived over the past fifteen years (minus about six months). We already use it for our primary heat, but I can also "cook" on it, and use it to boil/sterilize water. If a person can't obtain a wood stove, then they have to come up with alternatives to accomplish the same role; Buddy heaters, camp stoves/grills, water filter (camp/backpacking type), extra propane/isobutane, BBQ grills, etc...
Water: Pretty self-explanatory; we be deadz without it. The pinnacle of water prepping is having a well that you could retrofit with a hand pump, if things really went south. I'm not in that situation right now, so I have some water stored, and filtration/sterilization capabilities (and a fairly dependable water source, at least for awhile). Rain barrels are an idea, depending on where you live. Also, I store a bit of bleach for water sterilization.
Food: Buy LOTS of non-perishables, and just rotate through them to keep them fresh, even if it's stuff you wouldn't normally eat. I have rice, beans (dry and canned), a variety of canned fruits and vegetables, canned tuna and chicken, baking needs, condiments (including spices, honey, sugar, salt/pepper, mustard, etc.), and lots of other stuff that lasts awhile. I also have a freezer full of food, but that will only last as long as my generator will run (add extra, stabilized fuel to the list). Food is an area where that Costco or Sam's Club membership is really important. I keep a good stock of nuts, granola bars, dried fruit, etc... Additionally, the crazy Mormons have a non-perishable food resource (
https://providentliving.churchofjesuschrist.org/self-reliance/home-storage-centers?lang=eng) .
Lighting: This is critical to both convenience and morale. I have a shit-ton of candles, oil lamps and lanterns, propane and isobutane lanterns, and battery-operated lighting (flashlights, headlamps, lanterns). Additionally, I keep lots of batteries, wicks, oil/kerosene, globes/chimneys, and propane/isobutane on-hand and in storage. My kids and I are going to learn candle-making in the near future, so I'll have to keep those supplies on-hand.
Firearms/ammo: Way too big of a topic to get into at the moment. Bottom line: Have something, ANYTHING, to keep you/your family safe and fed.
Regarding the EMP/vehicle question: Yes, older, carbureted vehicles. This is still probably only a temporary solution, as gasoline goes bad so quickly, and diesel will eventually run out. That said, real SHTF survival is about outlasting the idiots. If you have a 1977 Jeep Wagoneer, will it help you and your family survive just a little bit longer than people who are completely stranded? Of course it will. Alternative vehicles also apply here. If an EMP actually pops off while your kids are at school, wife is at work, and girlfriend is at the yoga studio, you'll be pretty damn glad that you've got that Ford 8N and trailer, so you can rescue them. Shit even an older riding lawnmower, bike and trailer, or ATV/dirt bike/motorcycle apply in this scenario. Admittedly, this is an area where I'm lacking. I've got some of those alternatives available, but I'm saving money for an older vehicle, preferably a truck or SUV.
The above only scratches the surface of how I prep, but I don't want to bore you too much. I'm definitely no expert (like
@Stihl sawing ) at this topic, there are just way too many variables, but...I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express about six months ago.
