SHTF - When and how will you know?

[BigSkiff]

We have another thread currently running about what you'd grab when the SHTF. That got me to thinking ................... When will this happen and how will you know when it's happening and when to react? On the surface that sounds like a no brainer but it will likely be a bit more confusing than that.

When will the SHTF? When there's rioting in the big cities like NYC, Chicago. and LA? Does it start when food gets scarce? Does it start when the economy collapses? Does it start when gas costs $4.00 a gallon? I guess my precept here is; short of a world wide invasion by extra terrestrials, at what point do you decide that the Stuff Has Hit The Fan? And when do you arm up and lock down? I know my own answer but I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts.

For you personally; When will you know, and what will be your response?

[texastaurusguy]

C'mon Skiff, I think the answer is obvious.....when the zombie is at your door saying "BRAINS.....BRAINS....."

Seriously, I think a terror attack on major cities or a nation effecting natural disaster or weather event would be a no brainer. Other than this, I think you would need to keep a good radio handy with either a sufficient supply of batteries, or a hand crank for replenishing power. If cable/satellite went out, that would be about the only way to stay plugged in.

[Robby]

I know we will go on high alert, if riots,food shortages, terror attacks or such start occuring. We have a plan, not sure how long it will work for, but its all we have is hold out until things stablize. I am too far from the Mtn's to go there, but not far enough from a major city to feel safe if things go way south??

[Jake3501]

When rioting and looting begin in my home town and the law is unable to contain it, I will view that as SHTF. When nothing is left for food on the shelves at local grocery stores. When my city no longer has running water for a number of days, that may be SHTF.

When the blue hats are marching into my city, that will be an indication of SHTF.

If B.O. gets re-elected, that will be an indication the S is going to HTF and all of the above items will shortly happen.

[smithlock]

I think it's more of a "frog in the pan" scenario and happening incrementally right now.

[reno911]

Honestly look at history. We have had instances before were it was only a matter of hours before people were in stores rioting and fighting for simple things like water... I can not remember the city but a water main ruptured and every one went nuts. The military helped a bit but even they ran out of water for the public...

With the limitless amount of data at our finger tips, via cell phones, the web, etc etc. I would have a feeling the word would spread extremely fast.

There is also the shock effect. Do not forget about that. Most people (tsunami in 2004) will stand and stare until it is too late because the shock of the matter will not allow their brains to register danger. Only a few would actually see the water receding and think oh shit I better get to high grounds.

Most people are not prepared for anything large scale, others think that they are safe and will be protected my our military and government (idiots), and then there are those who have a better grasp on humanity and know when SHTF humans turn more animal than anything else and expect this to happen.

[45 Forever]

Riots in the streets and at the local grocery is a good indication for it all coming down. I think thats what we have all planed for. The first 30 days will tell how bad its going to be. Roaming mobs going down the block, I feel is to late unless you have planned for that. By that time I will have moved to one of several farms in the country that has mutual friends. Good luck to all as I fear now more then ever we are not far away of some event. I do believe it to be a natural earth event and think the bad weather is just a normal occurrence for our planet.

[proffett]

I think it's more of a "frog in the pan" scenario and happening incrementally right now.

+1!
I agree.
Ribbit.
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Sizzle.

[MilProGuy]

"For you personally; When will you know, and what will be your response?"

For me, it will be a call from my battery commander, under the orders of the Commander of the Mississippi State Guard, informing me to "saddle up" because "the balloon is going up"!

As the ranking NCO in our company, I would then contact the enlisted personnel and advise them of our activation.

Presently, the MSSG personnel are not armed...but in the event that the Governor gives that authorization order, I have my 24/7 OSS .45 and my PT92 AL 9mm ready with a stockpile of ammo.

All State Guard M.P. personnel have a "go bag" in their closets, ready to go in the event of activation; and each month we drill, we are preparing for any SHTF situation that may arise.

[texastaurusguy]

I guess my short answer to Skiff's question is, when I have to either answer my front door or travel down the road with my AR-15 within reach.