I’m confident that most of you have plenty of food stocked away. Many of you have at least a small vegetable garden, and some of you even have livestock of some sort.

That’s great, but what happens during an extended disaster or a total collapse of society? Eventually, your freeze-dried food and canned goods will run out. You’ll have a tough time getting all the essential amino acids your body needs from plant-based protein sources alone. It’s not impossible, but the volume of plant-based protein you’ll need to consume will quickly whittle away your food supply.)

Fortunately, a little knowledge goes a long way because there are plenty of places to find food—especially protein, during a collapse of society.

Kennels

We may view dogs and cats as our cuddly little pals here in America, but they are a food source throughout the world. If society collapses and your survival is on the line, you better be ready to get over your emotions and make a meal of Fido. Since most people would be busy fighting over the last pack of Oreos at Walmart, kennels would become a great place to find plenty of fresh meat with little or no competition. The dogs and cats are even tucked into convenient cages, making you job of harvesting them simple.

Pet stores

The same principles apply here, but with a larger selection of choices. (Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, fish, reptiles, etc.) You’ll find the added benefit of a stockpile of food for the animals and antibiotics used in aquariums and ponds.

I would also recommend taking a few pairs of animals you can breed for a sustainable food source. Rabbits are an ideal choice.

Zoos

I appreciate the beauty of the animals you find at a zoo as much as anyone, but I will happily slaughter a giraffe to feed my family. There are a couple of things to consider here:

1. Nearly every animal in the zoo is larger, stronger, faster, and much more dangerous than you.
2. Nearly every animal in the zoo provides more meat than you can carry or consume before it spoils.

Based on those facts, it’s important that you have a plan, support, and weapons. A semiautomatic rifle capable of efficiently killing the target is essential, along with enough people to quickly butcher that animal. (I recommend nothing smaller than a 5.56, but preferably .308 or larger.)

In the case of predatory animals like lions or tigers, it would be wise to drag it from the cage or pen before butchering so his buddies don’t attack you during the process. Sure, you could shoot them too, but a pride of dead lions would spoil before you could eat the meat, and during a collapse you don’t want to waste anything.

Also be sure to enter with caution and stay alert at all times because you don’t know if any animals have escaped their enclosures.

Aquariums

You’ll probably have to harvest food from aquariums relatively quickly due to potential water contamination. They usually have robust backup generators to keep their filters running, but that is designed for natural disasters like hurricanes that may only last for several days. Once you start stretching into weeks or months, algae, bacteria, and other pathogens can quickly overtake even the largest aquariums, killing of the marine life.

You may be able to harvest some marine life relatively easily, but the larger tanks, like the one we have here at the Tampa Aquarium will require fishing gear—in some cases, heavy-duty fishing gear, to pull the fish out.

Amusement Parks

Speaking of restaurants, there are dozens of them scattered throughout most amusement parks, making them a plentiful and reliable source of food that never crosses most people’s minds.

School cafeterias

You can find a lot of food in school cafeterias and since most of it will be either canned or dehydrated, or frozen in walk-in freezers powered by backup generators, it should be fresh for a long time to come. Keep in mind that this will only be accessible during a total collapse of society. Schools are often used to temporarily house and feed people during short-term disasters.

Grocery Stores

You’ll have to hit your local Publix pretty damn early if you hope to find anything, but even then your chances are pretty slim. People will usually mob the store leading up to the event, whether it’s a hurricane, financial collapse, or something else, and following the event, it’s one of the first targets for the unprepared. So don’t get your hopes up. It’s probably best to avoid this entirely due to the risk of violent encounters.

Restaurants

Like grocery stores, expect restaurants to be picked over pretty quickly, but you might find something.

Distribution Centers

Most people don’t give any thought to how the food gets to their grocery store so they aren’t even aware this exists, making it a step up from your local grocery store. When you take into account the fact that distribution centers are usually located outside of heavily populated areas, they become even more appealing during a collapse.

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There are so many places to live when doomsday approaches us, and they all offer their fair share of resources that can be crucial to our survival. So where should you go? 

Where should you not go? When should you go? Let’s talk about everything you need to know when deciding where you’ll retreat to when doomsday approaches us.

Where are the best places to live when SHTF?

There are not only great locations all around the world fit for doomsday preppers but also great spaces within the United States. 

Here we’ve listed some international locations as well as some locations within the United States to look into when deciding where you should begin prepping. 

International Locations For Doomsday:

• Antarctica: unlikely to be affected by war, avoid if climate change becomes increasingly worse.
• The Isle Of Lewis, North Atlantic Ocean: a plethora of natural resources, isolated area, unlikely to be invaded.
• Tierra Del Fuego, South America: unlikely to be hit by nuclear fallout, unlikely to be invaded.
• Yukon, Canada: hunting, trapping, river commute, hard winters.

United States Locations For Doomsday:

• The Dakotas: farming, largest prepping communities, has one of the largest bunkers in the world.
• Montana: low population, known as a survivalist state, however, is in a shot of a nearby supervolcano located in the Wyoming area of Yellowstone National Park.
• Washington: average population, good water quality, and area for cultivation. Avoid the Seattle area.
• Idaho: low population, low levels of pollution, gun-friendly.

Why be in these places when SHTF?

It’s ideal to be in places that are not only safe and rural but also can provide you with essentials you might need, such as clean water, good hunting and trapping, and a good cultivation rate. 

These places are also ideal for avoiding militia and actual military bases that might pose a threat to you.

When should you try to get to these places when things go south?

Many people will pre-plan, and while it’s good to get to these places as soon as possible, states like Montana already have an actual market perfect for doomsday prepping. 

At the same time, those people who are or have already created a safe space for doomsday prefer to be anonymous and remain in unknown locations.

If you do not want to prepare in advance or cannot afford to, it’s important to have at least a stash of things to use for survival on hand that you can take with you want to commute to the place you want to go. 

These include tents, sustainable foods that will last you long periods of time, fire starts, and so much more.

What places should you avoid?

While there are many great places out there, there are also places you should avoid. These places all have characteristics that we should keep in mind. 

Characteristics include areas with extreme populations or civilizations—for example, bigger cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Houston are all places you will definitely want to avoid.

It would be best if you also avoided places where it may be hard to begin cultivation for a food source, such as dry areas that are known to have droughts in some areas such as California, Nevada, or Arizona. 

Unless you have somehow configured how to have a working air conditioner at your prepper location – surely you’ll want to avoid these places anyways. 

Final thoughts on where to go when SHTF

You will find great places to retreat to not just within the United States but around the world. These include locations such as Montana or Antarctica. 

Of course, every location has its own perks and setbacks, which is why it’s important to understand what the land you are retreating to can offer. 

Getting to these places in time can be crucial, and it’s important to know how serious things are when commuting to these rural areas. 

Avoid places with mass populations and civilizations, as well as locations that have military bases, especially when traveling to your desired location.

I can also you find below 10 Realistic SHTF survival situations that most people Don’t Prepare or Plan for!

While many of the threats you will face can be easily predicted by looking at recent events, we wanted to look at some very likely SHTF scenarios that very few think about, and almost nobody prepares for. These are threats they may present themselves during short-term disasters, but in all likelihood, these threats will be the ones that start to pop up during those extreme long-term situations where people lose hope and become desperate.

SHTF Law Enforcement Issues

1. No Law Enforcement

During an extreme SHTF scenario, it is very likely that law enforcement and emergency responders will be pretty hard to find; in fact, I would go even further and say that they will become nonexistent. Even during small-scale disasters, law enforcement officers often leave to take care of their own families first. When things go bad (empty grocery stores, no utilities, mass riots, violence, etc.) you are more than likely going to have to defend and take care of yourself.

2. Fake Law Enforcement

In a SHTF Scenario, you need to be on the lookout for everything including people impersonating law enforcement and military personnel. During a catastrophic event, you will most likely see criminals preying on the innocent by pretending to be either police, firefighters, emergency personnel, or military officers. In fact, almost every time a natural disaster hits we see criminals posing as some type of first responder in order to gain easy access to areas where they can then take advantage of the situation and loot homes and businesses.

You have to be able to quickly determine who are the real law enforcement officers or be prepared to stay away from people at all costs.

3. Law Enforcement and the Military Will Try to Take Your Guns.

Think it can’t happen? It already has!

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans Police Superintendent Eddie Compass ordered all local law enforcement, including the U.S. Marshalls office and the National Guard, to seize all civilian firearms.

Without warrants, armed National Guard troops and New Orleans law enforcement officials forcibly confiscated over 1,000 legal firearms from law-abiding citizens. The New Orleans gun confiscation should serve as a warning to how the government and law enforcement officials will react during a large-scale national disaster.  

It’s very high on the probability list that they will come for your guns!

SHTF Personal Safety Issues

4. Gangs & Raiders

When things go bad, there will likely be more people who mean to do you harm than there will be people who are prepared. This is something that you must accept and learn to deal with. The fact is, most people have no idea what it really takes to survive, and once their safety net is removed, they will become increasingly desperate and unpredictable. Even your once jolly neighbor will become a threat when he is faced with surviving without knowledge or supplies.

Let’s face it, even during the good times there’s a certain segment of our population that’s just downright insane. From the idiots who go nuts and riot after their team loses a game to the violent criminals and gangs who are already terrorizing big cities throughout America, there’s little doubt that a total collapse will make urban living almost impossible.

5. You need to be able to Defend Yourself.

During an extreme emergency situation, the lunatics of the world are going to be roaming the streets looking for easy victims to target.  If you’re serious about survival, you need to train yourself in multiple self-defense styles and techniques. This means arming yourself with not only weapons but also with the knowledge of how to defend yourself without them.

These are things you should be doing now to ensure you can protect yourself during a SHTF situation:

• It Starts with Developing your Situational Awareness: This is probably the single most important self-defense skill you can have. It will allow you to defuse most dangerous situations before they can become a threat to your safety.
• How to Protect Yourself from Violent Mobs of Criminals: The really scary thing about situations like this is when people start to mob up and form groups. You need to be prepared to take on multiple attackers, and you need to know how to quickly get out of hotspots and trouble zones.
• Surviving Active Shooter Situations: Sadly this is a SHTF situation that we have to deal with now, in our everyday lives. Imagine how bad things will get during an actual crisis!

SHTF Sanitation Issues

6. Garbage will become a Killer.

This is another survival topic that’s not often thought about or discussed, but it’s one that will probably become one of the biggest problems you will face during any long-term disaster situation. If the gangs and criminals don’t get you, the real danger might actually come from something that you already have in your home: GARBAGE!  

You need to have a serious plan on how to deal with it and how to make sure your general sanitation doesn’t become a threat. Check out our article on how to deal with Garbage during a SHTF disaster.

7. You have to Stock up on Sanitation Items

When planning to survive a long-term disaster or collapse, one thing that’s often overlooked is the danger associated with a lack of adequate sanitation. It’s certainly not a pleasant thing to think about, but this one issue has the potential to kill more people than any other survival issue we can talk about.

Even today, because of liberal policies that are destroying big cities throughout our country, we are starting to see Medieval diseases reemerge because of unsanitary living conditions in homeless and immigrant populations in these urban hell holes. In fact, in California multiple disease outbreaks are running through these populations including Typhus.

Mental & Physical Health Issues

8. Maintaining a Positive Mental Attitude during a Survival Situation

The ability to maintain a positive mental attitude during a survival situation is something that needs to be taken seriously. It’s also something that you need to start working on now, before disaster strikes.

Making it through a survival scenario often comes down to how well you can control your emotions. Keeping a positive frame of mind in the face of an unthinkable threat will help you process what’s happening and will help you respond to the situation without giving into fear.

9. You must be prepared to face a number of physical and mental challenges.

From dealing with a lack of sleep and inadequate hydration to coping with hunger pains and other stressors, survival can take a huge toll on your body. One of the best things you can do to ensure your survival, in just about any situation, is to make sure your body and your mind are trained to survive. This means motivating yourself to get off your butt and get in shape before it’s too late.

SHTF Communication Issues

10. You will be cut off from the outside World.

In a survival situation, knowledge is going to be a critical factor in determining the ultimate outcome of your situation. The ability to be able to predict what will happen during a survival situation is an important part of being prepared and often comes down to your ability to send and receive information.

When the power lines go down, and the radio stations stop transmitting, there’s one line of communication that will still be alive and well.  

First looking at weather patterns, it appears that if there is nuclear fallout, where could you want to be? Remember weather patterns start in the West or North West and move across the country and change throughout the year, but always for the most part blow from East to West. So if you live East of the West Coast you could be in trouble if a Western city gets nuked. Then there are the East Winds in CA, which are called the Santa Ana Winds which are hot, fast moving and dry, the worst possible conditions for fires. As we see every few years in the Southern CA mountains.

So then perhaps you might wish to live on the West Coast, fairly good weather all year and the wind blows the other way. But you would want to live far from any major city on the West Coast. Not in LA, Not near the Nuclear Power plants, Not near the Military bases of Pt Mugu, Camp Pendleton or Vandenburg AFB. So where? Probably on the coast between Humbolt, CA and mid state OR. But alas there are huge faults along the West Coast and the OR Coastline is riddled with issues from liquefaction to offshore Tsunami generating Earthquake faults.

San Francisco gets huge Earthquakes as we know and LA is not immune either and neither is the central valley of CA with it’s issues after proof in the Coalinga Fault. Living between the Russian River and OR Coastline near the coast would be okay even with these issues. Also you would not be down wind from any fallout and you are not a target. Safe in that you have fish for food and lumber for heat and no need for much of anything like power, surrounded by capable woods people.

You would have lots of rain and no water that would be polluted running off from areas of fallout. Of course from an attack by sea from the Pacific side in the case of invasion, you would not be in the best spot, we are not expecting any wars, yet 20 years from now will China be our biggest trading partner or will 2 billion of them like this piece of real estate? If we were attacked for some reason you would have air support from all the Navy and Air guard Bases along the Pacific Coast. Where are other good spots? If Seattle was not hit by a weapon of mass destruction then you still have Earthquakes and remember MT. Saint Helen. There are some cities inland on the I-5 freeway surrounded by mountains, but they are close to volcanoes too?

Where else would be good? Well not Phoenix, not Las Vegas and Reno is over the hill from CA and gets all it’s left over weather. Boise has issues too. Although there are other cities in ID worthy of mention. Salt Lake is on a huge Earthquake fault. How about Helena MT, drought plagued and fire issues. Kellogg ID, superfund area. Billings out of water, Bozeman? Well too close to the State Park and there are issues with the volcanoes there too. Butte, MT also too close. Casper WY out of water and down wind in case of Volcanic Activity from Yellow Stone. Also think if Portland, SF or LA are not hit with nukes then we like, Four Corners, Elko NV, Battle MT (armpit) are doable with large underground water supply but it has arsenic in it. Winnamucka NV many not be safe either, but has thermal activity for power. ND and SD seem safe too, but winter weather is tough. Ogalla underground aquifer is being drained fast and could cause Earthquake from collapse. Western NE, not good, Denver either in case of water supply issues in future or fallout from volcano in Yellow Stone. How about in the Northern Section of AZ? Flagstaff has harsh weather, fire season. Winslow AZ is okay, with rail and FWY, but isolated. Of course these are only a few western states really and well we have identified several great locations with everything you need to survive.

Having studied the FEMA reports and the regional issues of each area and state and the disaster plans, we are well served by such data, but it falls short and a comprehensive plan of attack needs to be considered, because many people living in a region will need supplies, such as we see after major Hurricanes. Which by the way leaves us to wonder if there are in fact any safe cities on the entire Eastern Seaboard, Gulf Coast or West FL coastlines. As we saw in the black out of 2003, the Hurricanes and loss of power, the many fires in drought areas of CA, AZ, NV, MT, ID, OR, NM these are all big issues.

When multiple disasters hit, and transportation is down, power is out, water turned off, dams broken, bridges out, etc. Then what? Well, for some it will be their demise, others have adequately planned. Some of the safest cities are sitting near large underground water supplies and generate their own power or have co-generation plants, which are co-ops near by. Those mid western cities near large rivers are not safe due to the issues with flooding, as we have seen and continue to see every three to five years some town gets it. The water is fresh and clean in those areas and very soft, but when it floods, it is a disaster and very dangerous too.

Some would say it is probably unnecessary to have a major disaster plan, however it is a good exercise anyway, in planning. Things of importance are fresh water supply uncontaminated, food supply, encapsulated market, not over populated, no problems with contaminated air from normal weather patterns know and comparable to the last 200 years, out side of a fire zone and a defendable location. Also of secondary importance out side the risk of major seismic activity, travel from major highways causing and influx of others trying to get away thus bringing in diseases or viruses or using up local natural resources. Worst places to be D.C., state capital cities with lots of military bases close by, cities on major freeways with bridges and no other ways around for over 40 miles or passes on mountain ranges.

The cities which do not make the safest cities are Denver, Dallas, Mobile, Biloxi, Seattle, Chicago, NYC, Orlando, Tampa, Las Vegas, Salt Lake, LA, etc. Cities with no way to get out the population quickly are of problem, for instance DC with it’s daily grid lock or Los Angeles, Atlanta, SF, etc. Cities, which rely on outside sources to get in important stuff are bad. Not to mention you are more likely to die from an auto wreck, although on the plus side they have the cleanest and best filtrated water supplies. That of course a trade off from the polluted air around you which could also kill you before your average life expectancy figure.

Port cities and cities with big major airports, which are hubs for major airlines are bad too. Cities that are big but do not have fed banks are one click down on the list too. Think of the logistics by train too. Cities which are down river close to major railroad bridges, which handle lots of interstate trains are bad too. Port cities get an extra bad deal. Cities which are close to port cities which are over 2 million population are dangerous too. Large cities near borders of Mexico are dangerous if they have over 2 million populations.

San Diego County, San Antonio, Phoenix, Austin TX, Houston, even throw in Tucson, El Paso, Yuma all bad. Already at a fresh water problem time due to droughts and over populations. Santa Monica is bad and LAX is a bad area to be near. A problem at the sewer treatment plant near LAX could be devastating with chlorine gas and weather patterns, with a weapon of mass destruction. Worrisome also to our scenario of possibilities is the major computer brain areas. Like Silicon Valley, Seattle, VA and other Internet hubs, which would also include Boston.

I would like to see a comprehensive plan to save American lives if an attack or Mother Nature event occurs, one which encompasses the entire country. Perhaps this is a good job for our war planners at the Pentagon, to try a reverse order plan, it would help them learn where best to minimize vulnerabilities and an action plan against International Terrorists or Catastrophic Mother Nature Events.

I have been to every city in the United States over 10,000 population. Where have you lived? Have you lived through a natural disaster? Many of us have. The Hurricanes alone last year alone added 40 more million people to that list, it was a costly year for FEMA, but we made it through and showed resilience. So where are you safe? The answer might be nowhere or everywhere and preparation and quality of first reponders may hold that key. What were your concerns, and immediate needs during that period in your life when you faced such uncertainty? What would you tell others who plan to protect the property and lives of America, too the first responders, planners and those entrusted to protect humanity in the times of need?

It is the final backup plan for a lot of us in the case of a disaster. A generous supply of cold hard cash to buy our way out of trouble, pick up as many last-minute supplies as possible or to acquire resources that are unavailable to anyone with a credit card in a world where the electricity is out and the internet is down. We frequently talk about having cash for emergencies, but how much cash should you have if the grid goes down? What will you be able to purchase with your doomsday supply and how long would it last in the first place?

One of our readers made a recommendation the other day to have between $500 and $1000 in cash for your bug out bag and at the time it prompted me to consider again if this amount makes sense. In my personal preparedness plans I have a supply of cash but I am always trying to figure out if what I have is enough or too much. Will it even matter when TEOTWAWKI comes and how can I best use the cash I have to survive?

Why do you need to have cash on hand?

You want to know the time when you will need cash the most? It will be when you can’t get to it. How many of you right now have no cash at all in your wallets or purses? I used to be the same way. I never had cash and relied on the ready availability of cash machines or most often the ability to pay for virtually everything with a debit card. How convenient is it to never have to make change or worry if you have enough cash when with the swipe of a card your bank account funds are at your disposal. This is a great technological advance, but the problem is that this requires two things to be functioning. First, the card readers and ATM machines require electricity. If the electricity is out, neither of these two machines works. The second thing is a network connection. If the network is down, even with electricity the transaction won’t work and you can’t pay for goods or get cash from your bank.

In a disaster, one of the first casualties is electricity. This doesn’t have to be due to some cosmic solar flare that has rendered the grid useless, it could be as destructive and common as a fire, flood, earthquake, tornado or winter storm. It could also be from simple vandalism or perhaps terrorism. A major fiber optic cable was cut in Arizona back in February leaving businesses without the ability to accept payments. When the electricity is out, you aren’t going to be able to access your cash via the normal means so having a supply on hand is going to be a huge advantage for you in the right circumstances.

Even if there is no natural disaster, you are still at the mercy of your bank. What if your bank closes or there is a bank holiday declared because of some economic crisis. In any of these situations, if you are dependent on access to money that is controlled by either technology or physical limitations like a bank office it is wise to have a backup plan should either of those two conditions prevent you from getting cash.

What is cash good for in a crisis?

I think there are two levels to consider when it comes to keeping cash on hand. There is the bug out scenario mentioned above where you would have some “walking around money” to take care of relatively minor needs like food, a hotel or gas. The second is for a longer or more widespread unavailability of funds. Let’s say the economy tanks and the price of everything skyrockets but stores are still open for business. Your bank is one of the casualties, but you had a few thousand dollars of cash stored away that you could use to purchase food, gas and necessary preparedness items for your family. In this scenario, the government is still backing the fiat currency and vendors are still accepting it as a form of payment. For this scenario having a few thousand dollars makes sense.

But what if we have an extreme event where the currency is devalued and is essentially worthless? Your thousands of dollars might only buy you a loaf of bread. Don’t believe it can happen? It did to the Weimar Republic after WWI so it can happen again. That isn’t to say it will, but you should balance how much money you have squirreled away under your mattress with supplies you can purchase now that will last and keep you alive during that same event. My goal is to make sure I have the basics I need to survive at home for several months to a year without needing to spend any cash. This way, if the money is worthless, I still have what my family needs to survive.

If we have a regional disaster where you can bug out to a safer location, your cash should serve you well. Of course if you are in a safer location, assuming electricity was working your access to bank funds should still be working. If this is truly the end of the world as we know it, how long will that cash you have be worth anything?

How much cash do you need?

So the million dollar question is how much cash should you have if the grid goes down? I always try to plan for the worst case scenario. My rationale is that if I am prepared for the end of the world as we know it, I should be just as prepared for any lesser disaster or crisis I may be faced with. The way I see it is if we do have a disaster, you aren’t going to be using that cash most likely to pay your mortgage, student loans, rent, or your credit card bills. Cash will go to life saving supplies and this will need to be used in the earliest hours of any crisis before all of the goods are gone or the cash is worthless. Once people realize for example that the government has been temporarily destroyed, they aren’t going to want to take your $500 for a tank of gas. They are going to want guns, food or bullets.

I also don’t see you using your cash to buy passage to another country, but that’s just me. I know there is a historical precedent for that, but I am not planning on that being something I realistically attempt with my family. I am also not planning on bribing any officials with cash either. My cash is for last-minute necessities and then it is back into the hopefully safe confines of my home to plan the next steps. For that I have only a couple of thousand dollars in cash stored away. I figure if I need more than that I didn’t plan well. Also, I would rather spend my money on supplies like long-term storable food and equipment than having a large horde of cash. With that amount, I figure I can make one last run if needed or be able to weather any short-term emergency when I can’t access cash.

What is the best place to hide cash in your home?

I wrote a post awhile back titled, How to hide your money where the bankers won’t find it that had lots of good ideas for reasonably safe places you could store cash. As I said in that article, you do have risks involved with keeping cash in your house, but I think you have just the same, if not worse risks relying on banks to keep your money safe and give it back when you want it. There are a million places to hide cash, but you can get tricky and buy a fake shaving cream safe to store several hundred dollars in there. Just be careful you don’t throw that away. There are other options like wall clocks with a hidden compartment inside that might be less prone to getting tossed in the trash. Your imagination is really all that is needed for a good hiding place, but I would caution you that you don’t store cash in too many places or you could forget where you hid it. This happened to me when I had hidden some cash behind an item that I ended up giving to my daughter because I thought I didn’t need it anymore. Imagine my surprise when she came into the living room and said, “Dad, I found an envelope with a lot of money in it”. I gave her a twenty for a reward…

What about you? How much cash do you think you need to have on hand and what do you plan on spending it on if the grid goes down?

Without laws, society would be chaotic and people would be able to do whatever they wanted. This could lead to violence, theft, and other crimes. Laws also protect our rights as citizens. They give us the right to a fair trial, the right to vote, and the freedom to express ourselves.

What would happen if there were no laws? I believe the human conscience can help a law-abiding citizen remain lawful with or without the laws.

At first, total anarchy. People are made aware that no laws exist. All major highways quickly fill with crashes because a small minority of idiots go fast or in the wrong lane or both. Since, presumably, police have stopped policing, except for perhaps a few renegades who simply enact vigilante justice on anyone they disagree with, the crazies start running the asylum within hours. Hate crimes increase by orders of magnitude, with nobody bothering to stop lynch mobs from going on witch hunts.

Corporations are initially hit quite badly (more on this later), with people looting and overwhelming their mostly deterrent-based security. Because people are not generally psychos, even armed security does not generally shoot looters.

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Currency quickly begins to undergo hyperinflation, as do things like precious metals. Weapons sales increase considerably, seeing as now all civilians, for the time being, must rely on their own means or their connections for self-defense, instead of relying on the legal system.

The existing vestiges of interpersonal power, namely, large corporations that produce a necessary good, criminal gangs, remnants of the police force, possibly churches or mosques or synogogues, and neighborhood watches quickly, within weeks to months, become the most powerful organizations in their respective territory. Free to shoot anyone who doesn’t agree, or simply withhold from them resources that they need, the monopolistic and collusive organizations quickly gather territory and start punishing people who violate their unwritten or written rules. Those in rural areas find themselves cut off from supplies and in danger of falling victim to criminal gangs, extremist groups, and new military forces alike, with their local defensive abilities bring far overwhelmed by their attacker’s capabilities. Local law becomes quite strict. If I had to guess, religious rural areas would tend to form heavily religious local laws, but more focused on defense, securing resources, and group cohesion, than on truly religious matters. Religious extremists would also play into the mix, likely forming their own proto-state similar to the Islamic State in Iraq and a Syria, but perhaps not quite as large or as bad.

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Overall, we’d go from liberty to rugged individualism to factional and sectarian totalitarianism fairly quickly.

Some people might attempt to re-form the previous state. Others might go for the state of their dreams, and still others might just do whatever they can to maintain power and stability in their new state. There would be a good many people who decide to “bug out” upon the government abolishing itself and society collapsing. Some such people would be well-prepared survivalists with a bunker in the wilderness stocked with food, weapons, medicine, etc. Others would just bring a hiking tent and whatever groceries they could carry on foot or on bike to a remote area. Highways may become a problem because traffic could back up hundreds of kilometers from anywhere habitable, potentially leading to mass starvation on highways without car-traversible roads. The logic of bugging out is questionable. On the one hand, someone with years worth of food and a large group with them going off to a secluded bunker might be better off than the medium-sized towns. On the other hand. A small group can be easily overwhelmed by criminal gangs and pillaging armies, often being murdered or starving as a result. This was best seen in Argentina’s economic collapse of 2001, where after society had recovered, the government had found rural survivalists dead in their bunkers, their supplies looted and their defenses overwhelmed by criminal gangs.

Big cities would face another problem. There is simply no way for dense urban cores to get enough food without imports. As freeways, harbors, airports, and possibly even railways would likely be not operational, and emergency relief organizations would be overwhelmed and underfunded, because nobody would be paying taxes and money couldn’t buy much anyway, as well as because a lot of people would stop working and focus on their own survival, and because the sheer scale would be too enormous to control, starvation would be a real problem in city cores once stored food had been exhausted.

Individual farmers would suffer as well, with much of their crop likely being pillaged by new governments and criminal gangs to feed their subjects or sell/barter for exorbitant prices.

However, large farming corporations would probably be able to hire good security, and so could largely just ramp up prices. They could try to collude with power plant owners and factory owners to form a new state, or simply become the agro-industrial complex of other formative states.

Overall, law and order would eventually return, though likely not in exactly the same form. There is a notion of originalism, which basically states that after the instability would come a reboot of the original state or one with similar goals, or goals desirable to the people.

On the other hand instability has also in the past resulted in significant rethinking of the state. The US for example might see a leftwing West coast socialist democracy arise, or a reactionary southern feudalist theocracy with family and small town values as the cornerstone of government. Chances are that any new state would offer a vacant promise that the lawless times would never occur again, and blame ideological dissenters for causing the problem, instead of an arbitrary ruling that laws shall be eliminated. Any new state would probably be heavily focused on defense, expansion (reclaiming their rightful homeland) and agrarian living for at least a few years, so it’s unlikely that first world service economies would arise within that time or that states focused on economic liberty would arise either.actually, it’s pretty likely that even a new state that preaches rugged individualism would be more collectivist and have higher taxes than the current US, or most western democracies.

Overall, you’d like see most states trying to imitate their former country for legitimacy, even if they share little in common besides borders. This is a lot like how, Russia, France, Italy, the Papal states, the Holy a Roman empire, Byzantium, and probably others, all claimed to be the true heir to the Roman empire, despite being only vaguely descended from it, if at all.

Most-likely, the country would resurface as multiple smaller authoritarian states vying for power.

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Where is the best place to live in the US during and after the apocalypse?

While trying to figure out the answer, I’ve looked inside of prepping blogs to find a consensus for the criteria known to be essential for any place to survive in during the wake of such an event. That is, any event that can potentially destabilize society to the point of no return to normal any time soon. It will be important for you to have whatever supplies you need ready ahead of time before you travel to your destination. So start getting ready.

That being said, the criteria for the best area to survive in can be broken into three categories:

1. Human factors, 2. Natural factors, and 3. Economic factors

Human Factors:

• Low population density (40 people per sq. mile or less)
• Distance to major/minor cities (50+ miles away)
• Distance to military bases (50+ miles away)
• Distance to nuclear power plants (100+ miles away)
• Distance to interstate highways
• Low poverty rate
• Low violent crime rate

Natural Factors:

• Easy access to fresh water
• Abundance of wild game
• Low natural disaster risk
• Dense forest cover
• Adequate soil textures
• Adequate rainfall
• Low drought risk

Economic Factors:

• Higher job growth
• High abundance of non-renewable natural resources available for extraction (coal, oil, natural gas, metals and minerals, lumber, etc.
• Higher educated citizens

Now that we know what to look for, I’ll narrow down a map of the U.S. by one category at a time using other maps I have compiled. The “Orange” counties are those disqualified, which will then become and remain dark gray when the next factor is applied. For simplicity reasons, we’ll focus on the continental U.S. But before starting I will say that the state of Hawaii is probably a fairly safe place to be considering its isolation, moderate climate, and the Polynesians have managed living there by themselves for millennia.

The first most important thing is population density or lack of it. This is common sense since you don’t wanna be around massive numbers of unprepared people when SHTF. Ideally anywhere under 40 people per square mile is best. The blue shaded counties are where to go.

Next is proximity to major and minor cities. A distance of at least 50 miles away is best.

Stay out of counties that contain Interstate highways as the most desperate people will use them traveling in search of resources.

We are now isolated from any major threats from large populations and groups of people. But, there is still the possibility of martial law being put into effect. So it’s best to keep our distance from military bases.

And nuclear reactors, in case of meltdowns occuring during grid failures.

The last places to “watch out” from are areas with already high poverty and crime rates. When they no longer can depend on Uncle Sam for their existence, it will get ugly. Avoiding these areas may potentially eliminate our options in the Southern states but I would like to keep them open for now for climate reasons. We’ll use a 25% poverty rate limit for the south and 20% everywhere else. (The south includes WV, southern MO, and eastern half of OK and TX)

I won’t make any exception for violent crime rates. Those will be applied evenly across the board. Lighter counties are safer.

We are now looking at a map of what are probably the “safest” counties in the United States. But now that the potential for human threat is minimized, we must figure out where is the best place to settle down based on what resources there will be available. The most important thing is easy access to fresh water always within close proximity.

Next in my opinion is wild game abundance, which you need for food during winters and harsh growing seasons, and for protein in general.

You wanna be safe from natural disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes. Given recent events I think it’s safe to eliminate the lone county remaining in Florida.

This is a potentially controversial assumption, but the amount of forest cover over an area may be a good indicator for how much local resources there will be for us to utilize for our way of life. Everything from ecosystems that support wild game and edible plants to having plentiful amounts of lumber if needed (especially in the winter). Forests are just as useful as farmland. At least 25% forest cover is beneficial.

We need to grow food. This requires a number of things. Most important of them are good soil textures and rainfall. Drought-prone areas must be avoided. Warm climate isn’t necessary and depending on your environment you can expect to have different lengths of growing seasons. I will subtract all these variables all at once from the next map.

The best soil textures are ones with a close to even mixture of sand, silt, and clay, together known as loam. This mixture holds nutrients best. Anywhere on the scale from sandy loam to clay loam will work for most vegetables, fruits, wheat, nuts, and other produce.

This map is just for reference. Knowing your plant hardiness zones is key to scheduling your growing seasons with which types of produce you can expect to grow based on the average climate of your zone. Generally speaking, your options get wider the more south you go with more varieties of produce able to grow in warmer climates. There is also the potential for yielding not just one but two or more crop yields in a year with longer growing seasons in warm climates.

Rain should be 20 inches or more a year. So anything from dark green (40″+) all the way to light orange (20″) is good. Of course avoid regions that most often experience drought.

With all agricultural factors considered, this is what’s left on the map.

A variety of choices are left spanning different parts of the US. These are places that have everything we “need” to survive. You can perhaps at this point choose to pick whichever is closest to where you currently live. It is arguable that depending on the nature of the apocalyptic event the local economy may or may not make a difference on your quality of life. But let’s see where factoring it leads us.

A strong local economy in a rural area can indicate the presence of a stable natural resource based economy be it agriculture, mining, logging, etc. These resources can potentially be very important for the economic growth of the area and in the rebuilding of other economies through the exporting of these resources. It’s best to pick the areas with current stable job growth with high natural resource reserves.

Areas with 2.5%+ job growth with heavy natural resource reserves and industries:

The culture of where you live can be rather important. To borrow from one commenter, “You need a community. No matter how much of a bad ass you are you have to sleep sometime. It is great to consider things like natural resources and growing conditions, but you also need people with the knowledge to put those attributes to work for the community.” Areas with a high concentration of college graduates can indicate the presence of a college or of other skilled service providers which can potentially contribute to the needs of a community in areas such as healthcare, engineering, agriculture, etc. Areas with a population of at least 20% college graduates would be good.

We have 5 finalists:

Archuleta Co., CO

Hinsdale Co., CO

San Juan Co., CO

Hubbard Co., MN

Highland Co., VA

At this point, let’s eliminate by comparing.

For extra isolation, eliminate Highland County, VA.

For better access to water, rain, and wild game, eliminate Archuleta County, CO.

For a place with less poverty and crime, stay out of San Juan County, CO.

At this point the decision for me comes down to the potential for future economic growth and a population that is more wilderness survival conscious, which leaves us our winner….

Hinsdale County, Colorado

I welcome any suggestions from you for additions, corrections, or edits to help accurately improve the results I have found and will perhaps make updates to everything based on them in the future

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The factor that most Preppers are concerned about most is virtually always linked to government collapse, unrest with war, or other disastrous scenarios. 

Nevertheless, with as much prepping as many of us do, it’s essential to understand which laws may not lean in our favor and those that do.

This is why I’ve created an article that’s simple to understand and broken down easily. Throughout this article, I’ve listed each state which may negatively or positively impact you.

This keeps it short and sweet so you’re left with a considerable amount of knowledge to keep you out of trouble. 

Plus, you may even find a state that suits your prepping style better than the one you’re currently residing in. First, let’s cover the federal laws.

Top 6 Federal Laws To Know.

1: Anti-Hoarding Laws

The main idea of prepping is to store as much food, water, ammo, weaponry, first-aid, and other essential items as possible to make survival in any SHTF scenario more likely. A law that can come between this, however, is the federal anti-hoarding law.

This law means that if you have too much food, water, or other supplies stored, the government can take it from you. There is a catch, though; This law only applies if the food was obtained during a crisis.

Many people think that this law applies in all cases, but if you buy supplies outside a crisis, then it is perfectly legal and the government cannot legally take your cache. Nevertheless, if they don’t know about it, it doesn’t exist, right?

2: Explosive Laws

Explosives are sought after to possess by many preppers, as explosives are essentially the biggest middle finger to most protection materials like armor. Not to mention it’s clearing abilities. 

First and foremost, you need a license to possess explosives, I’m not talking fireworks, but the big boy explosives like tannerite. Many types of explosives are not technically explosives until they’re mixed with certain chemicals, though.

However, as soon as they’re mixed and become explosive and you do not possess a license, you can land yourself in big trouble, in any state. To avoid this, go down the list below and check out the state website.

3: Moonshine Laws

If you’re surprised that I’ve included this law, don’t be. It’s not just about the buzz, but the fuel that moonshine can provide you to power certain equipment. If I told you that it’s federally legal to make moonshine at home, you’d call me crazy, but it’s true.

There is a catch, though. Firstly, you’ll need a federal license to do this legally. Then, you have tons of restrictions. The main being that alcohol can only be used for fuel, not drinking. Although it’s the same as what the moonshine is made of; you understand…right?

There is no limit as to what size of the distillery you can have, but if it’s used for alcohol, it can only be up to one gallon. Nevertheless, it’s a great way to make your fuel at home legally, for a “couple of reasons.” 

4: OSHA Gasoline Regulations

Gasoline is needed to power most vehicles and other means of transportation or equipment, which are in many plans being made by preppers to escape town while bugging out. The gasoline can also be used for generators. 

If you are currently storing gasoline or plan to store gasoline in the future, then understanding the laws put forward by OSHA is critical. OSHA states that gasoline cannot be stored near exits, stairways, or near highly trafficked areas.

They also state that any storage area must be OSHA approved, as well as the nozzle and hose used if any. Not following these laws could land you an expensive ticket, or worse. Keep in mind, any container used to store gasoline must also be approved to store gasoline.

5: Selling & Growing Tobacco

A product, or plant, rather, that I see many preppers store for bartering, personal use, and more is tobacco. This plant, which is used in cigarettes, cigars, and snuff products is legal to grow on your personal property.

You don’t even need a license to do so, but this must only be for personal use. Now the very law that makes this legal for only personal use may not even exist if SHTF, which is something to think about if that’s when you plan to barter it.

This is great, considering all of the opportunities this brings. This way, if you own a farm, homestead, or any other area great for tobacco growing, you can do so without worry of any prosecution.

6: Martial Law

This is one of our worst nightmares: government takeover, literally. Martial law, while not enforced in everyday life, is worth knowing what it is. Martial law starts with military control of the public, in most cases. If the civil rule fails, Martial law is there to take over. 

If a SHTF scenario like nuclear war, EMP, solar flare, or mega volcanic eruption occurred, Martial law would likely be enforced. This will bypass essentially all of your rights, privately and publicly. 

Although Martial law is unlikely to happen, if it does, you should be prepared. Not only prepared by having food and water, which is important if civil unrest occurs, but prepared to give up your rights. We cannot fight our Military, so preparing is the next best option.

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Top 6 Factors To Consider In All 50 States

1: Handgun Carry Laws

If you’re like most preppers, you have some sort of firearm ready to protect you and your family. Since covering all firearms would require us to omit much of the article, we will only be covering handguns, which often have the strictest laws. 

Many states require a license to either carry openly or concealed. If you’ve recently moved, or see a move in the future to another state, knowing if open or concealed carry is allowed or not could be a make it or break it deal for you. 

This is also important for novices to know because it’s easy to cover your handgun strapped to your belt with your shirt which would make it concealed and land you in trouble, depending on the state. Nevertheless, you’ll see the laws for this very topic under every state.

2: Taser Laws 

If you live in a state that prohibits concealed carry or just simply want to carry a taser instead, knowing the taser laws for your state is also critical. Tasers are not necessarily something known to pose a deadly threat, but possessing one in some states can land you in jail. 

Many states allow them, but only openly, or vice versa. These are also great for use in areas where firearms are illegal, and pack a punch if used correctly. This list will cover the taser laws in every state.

This list is for regular tasers, not stun guns or other complex tasers like tools. Many states prohibit stun guns, so do not get the two confused and get yourself into trouble. Nonetheless, tasers are a great tool to have, especially if you do not have a firearm.

3: Knife Laws

I don’t know about you, but I and many other individuals carry a knife at all times of some sort. I’ll be honest, I was very surprised at the sheer amount of knife laws throughout the states. There are many different knives, all falling under different types of weapons.

Some of them are known as deadly weapons, others, known as non-deadly, some of them are even illegal if it looks too intimidating which could “scare” someone, Nevertheless, I’ve covered the general knife laws for every state.

Most notably, I found that pocket knives were legal in an overwhelming amount of states, but others like gravity or butterfly knives were legal, only if carried openly. Several types of knives exist, so please check the state website for more information if you do not see yours.

4: Rain Harvesting Laws

Water is essential to store for anyone, but this is especially the case for preppers, as this is one of the most common preps. This is not the only reason to catch rainwater, though. Rainwater is a great source of water for everyday use.

This is especially the case for those of you who live off-grid or do not have many other resources for water readily available. This law is important to know because it’s easy to set up a rain harvesting system and not think about whether or not it’s legal, because it seems so natural to do.

Something just does not sit right with me as to the government regulating mother nature’s gift. I’ve covered its legality in every state, this way you can stay out of trouble if it turns out to be illegal or regulated in your state.

5: Trapping Laws 

Many preppers live off-grid and naturally assume that trapping is perfectly fine to do, and this is true in most cases. However, some states make this act outright illegal or require you to trap during a specific time of the year, depending on the animal.

Since there is not enough room to cover each animal here, I’ve covered whether or not it’s actually legal in each state. Many states also require a permit, and some others require one to catch certain animals, so it’s best to check the states website to view the specifics.

Nevertheless, this list will cover which states allow it, just in case you’re unknowingly trapping where you shouldn’t or if you want to know this fact about other states, which may be the case if you want to move at some point and trapping is a food source for you.

6: Solar Laws

Solar panels are undoubtedly one of the most renowned, world-changing pieces of technology ever created. They’re used by collecting sun rays and turning them into energy, which can be used to power anything from homes, businesses, equipment, and more.

Many states require a permit to use solar panels, others only allow them for certain uses, and some states require you to stay connected via the grid. This kind of defeats some of the purpose that many are seeking – off-grid use.

The laws for solar panels are pretty different from state to state, which is why I’ve added them to this list. Some states also provide incentives to use solar, or if you stay connected via the grid.

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6 Critical Laws To Know For Preppers: All 50 States

1: Alabama 

Alabama State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Alabama requires that everyone who carries a concealed handgun must possess a permit, open carry does not require one.
• Taser Laws: No laws were found that banned the use of any type of taser in the state of Alabama.
• Knife Laws: Switchblades, butterfly knives, gravity knives, dirks, stilettos, and all folding knives are legal. Knives such as bowies are illegal when concealed.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: This is considered a right on private property for all residents.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Disconnecting from Alabama power is illegal, so you must pay up to $5 or more per kilowatt used by solar to Alabama power.

2: Alaska

Alaska State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Open and concealed carry requires no permit to use.
• Taser Laws: There are no laws in Alabama that prevent the use of any Taser.
• Knife Laws: There are no knives that are illegal in Alaska at this time, whether it be open carry or concealed carry.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: This is legal under all circumstances in Alaska.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Perfectly legal, but Alaska lacks much sunlight, which may affect the solar charge.

3: Arizona

Arizona State Website 

• Handgun Carry Laws: No permit is needed for open carry, but concealed carry requires a permit.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal in Arizona, no types banned.
• Knife Laws: Arizona has no laws as to what types are illegal.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: This state allows rain harvesting systems for all residents.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: You must pay a solar tax if you disconnect from the power grid, which is illegal otherwise.

4: Arkansas

Arkansas State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Open carry allowed with no permit, concealed carry requires a permit.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: All knives are legal in the state of Arkansas.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: The state allows this with only a few minor restrictions.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: There are zero laws here stating it’s illegal or requires taxes.

5: California

California State Website 

• Handgun Carry Laws: Concealed allowed with a permit. Open carry prohibited.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Hidden knives such as key knives, canes, and other similar styles are illegal in California. Most switchblades and daggers are also illegal. Pocket knives are legal.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Rainwater catching is legal in the state of California.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: It is illegal to use Solar in California unless you obtain a permit in some areas of the state.

6: Colorado

Colorado State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Colorado allows open carry without a permit, concealed carry requires a permit.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Colorado bans the use of all ballistic knives. However, bowies, butterfly knives, balisongs, stilettos, and dirks are legal.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Residents can catch a maximum of 110 gallons at any one point.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Colorado says that it’s legal to use solar, but some areas require you to be connected to the grid.

7: Connecticut

Connecticut State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Must have a permit for both open and concealed carry.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: There are no knives which are found to be illegal in Connecticut, many knives have maximum sizes to keep under to stay legal.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: This is legal and has zero regulations in Connecticut.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Solar is legal in Connecticut.

8: Delaware

Delaware State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Open carry prohibited, concealed carry requires a permit in Delaware.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Any knife which will not set off a metal detector is illegal, plus any knife over 3”. No other restrictions were found.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Delaware allows the harvest of rainwater, with no regulations.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Solar use is encouraged in all areas of Delaware.

9: Florida

Florida State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Open carry prohibited in some cases, concealed requires a Florida permit.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Ballistic knives are not legal. Knives are legal under 4”, but all knives require permits if over 4”.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Zero regulations exist in Florida for rainwater collection.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Florida is still in a mess with solar laws, but it now appears to be legal.

10: Georgia

Georgia State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Open carry allowed, concealed is legal with a permit.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: There are no restrictions as to what you can carry, but you must have a permit if the knife is over 12”.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Must only be collected for the use of outdoor purposes.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Georgia allows for full disconnect from the grid by using solar power.

11: Hawaii

Hawaii State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Both concealed and open carry requires a permit.
• Taser Laws: It is illegal to own a taser of any type in Hawaii.
• Knife Laws: Tactical knives are legal. Butterfly knives and switchblades are illegal. Any knife that is considered dangerous is also illegal to carry, open or concealed. 
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Hawaii enforces no type of regulations for collecting rainwater
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Solar panel usage is legal in Hawaii.

12: Idaho

Idaho State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: No permit is required to carry a handgun concealed or openly.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Only pocket knives are legal, all other types are illegal unless they are shorter than 4” unless you have a permit.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Virtually no regulations on collecting rainwater.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: All residents are allowed to use solar energy and stay off-grid.

13: Illinois

Illinois State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Open carry is prohibited, although concealed is allowed with a permit.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Ballistic knives, throwing knives, and switchblades are illegal unless you have a firearm permit, which makes switchblades legal. Pocket Knives are legal.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Many regulations exist in this state. Cannot store rainwater.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Solar is encouraged here.

14: Indiana

Indiana State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Concealed and open carry requires a license in Indiana.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Any throwing knife or ballistic knife is illegal, but knives such as dirks, daggers, and pocket knives are legal.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Indiana promotes the act of collecting rainwater.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Unfortunately, solar energy is illegal in Indiana, except for some cases when they’re placed on or near log cabins.

15: Iowa

Iowa State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Licenses are required to carry openly and concealed in Iowa.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Ballistic knives are illegal. It is also legal to open carry any knife, but illegal to carry knives longer than 5”.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Zero regulations exist that prevent rainwater collecting.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Iowa promotes solar use, but many areas require a permit.

16: Kansas

Kansas State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Kansas does not require a permit to carry a handgun concealed or openly.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Many knives like Bowie’s, daggers, and stilettos are legal. Ballistic knives and throwing stars are illegal.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Rainwater collecting is legal in this state.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Some areas allow solar use, but it requires you to be connected to the grid. Others don’t, so it’s best to contact your city hall.

17: Kentucky

Kentucky State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Concealed requires a permit, however, open carry does not.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: All knives are legal in Kentucky, but if not a pocket knife or hunting knife, it cannot be legally concealed.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: The state of Kentucky allows rainwater collecting for all.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Kentucky allows full-spectrum use of solar panels throughout the state.

18: Louisiana

Louisiana State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Open carry does not require a permit, concealed carry does in Louisiana.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Automatic knives are illegal, but all other knives are legal in Louisiana.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: This act is legal, as long as each tank is adequately protected.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Solar panel use if found to be legal, requiring no permits.

19: Maine

Maine State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Permits are not required to carry a handgun openly or concealed in Maine.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Concealed carry of dirks, switchblades, and stilettos are illegal. These are otherwise legally openly carried, including pocket knives, hunting knives, and throwing stars.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: There are zero regulations for collecting rainwater.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: There were no anti-solar laws found in Maine, a state that encourages solar use.

20: Maryland

Maryland State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Open and concealed carry both require a permit in the state of Maryland
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: All knives of any type are legal in the state of Maryland. Almost all knives are illegal to conceal, except knives similarly sized to pocket knives.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: No regulations were found in Maryland for collecting rainwater.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Solar power is legal in Maine, but expect to have to get a license to do so legally.

21: Massachusetts

Massachusetts State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Massachusetts requires a permit for concealed and open carry.
• Taser Laws: It is illegal to own a taser of any type in Massachusetts.
• Knife Laws: Generally, all knives are legal. However, any knife that can be locked open is illegal, or if it’s perceived as dangerous. Spring release knives are also illegal.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Massachusetts allows the act of collecting rainwater.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Solar energy is legal in Massachusetts, but permits may be required in some areas.

22: Michigan

Michigan State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Open carry is allowed without a permit, but concealed carry requires a Michigan permit.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: All legal knives can be carried openly. This includes daggers, bowie knives, dirks, butterfly knives, and switchblades.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Collecting rainwater is legal in the state of Michigan.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Michigan allows the use of solar panels, rarely requiring a permit to use them.

23: Minnesota

Minnesota State Website 

• Handgun Carry Laws: Permits to carry is required for both open and concealed carry.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Knives can only be carried with the purpose of utility. Any knife that is designed to cause harm is illegal.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Collecting rainwater is legal with zero regulations found.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Fees may be required in your area, but solar panels are otherwise legal.

24: Mississippi

Mississippi State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Concealed carry requires a permit, open carry, however, does not.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Any knife is legal, provided you do not conceal a bowie, switchblade, or butcher knife, as doing so is illegal.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: It is legal to collect rainwater in Mississippi.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: It appears that Mississippi requires you to be connected to the grid for solar use to be legal.

25: Missouri

Missouri State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: You do not need a permit to carry a handgun openly or concealed.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Missouri allows the use of daggers, throwing stars, slim knives, dirks, and switchblades. Pocket Knives and hunting knives are also legal. You can conceal a knife under 4”.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Rainwater collecting is not regulated in this state.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Missouri has zero laws negatively affecting solar usage.

26: Montana

Montana State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Concealed carry does require a handgun permit, but open carry does not.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: There are not any laws that prohibit any certain type. Just the size, which maxes out at 4”.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: No laws or regulations were found for collecting rainwater in Montana.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Incentives are given to some people who install and use solar in Montana.

27: Nebraska

Nebraska State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: This state only requires a permit for concealed carry, open carry does not.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Ballistic knives, stilettos, switchblades, and bowies are legal to use, although you cannot conceal any knife over 3.5”.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Rainwater collecting is legal in this state with no regulations.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Nebraska has very relaxed solar laws, making them legal in this state.

28: Nevada

Nevada State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Nevada allows you to carry openly, but requires a permit for concealed carry.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Bailsongs, throwing knives and stars, dirks, daggers, and hunting knives are legal in Nevada. However, these knives are illegal to conceal, except for pocket knives.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Must possess a water rights grant, otherwise illegal.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Permits are required in most areas to use solar, but it is otherwise legal.

29: New Hampshire

New Hampshire State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: License required for concealed and open carry, although open carry only requires a loaded firearm permit.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: All knives in the state of New Hampshire are legal.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: This state has no regulations for collecting rainwater.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: New Hampshire offers incentives to those who use solar while tied to the grid, they are also legally untied.

30: New Jersey

New Jersey State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: New Jersey requires everyone to possess a permit for open and concealed carry.
• Taser Laws: It is illegal to own a taser of any type in New Jersey
• Knife Laws: Bowies, throwing stars and knives, balisongs, and pocket knives are legal in New Jersey. You cannot conceal carry any of them except for pocket knives.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Rebates available. Otherwise, zero regulations were found.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: In most cases, residential homes can legally be untied and powered by solar.

31: New Mexico

New Mexico State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Concealed carry does require a permit in New Mexico, but open carry does not.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Stabbing knives, bowies, throwing knives, dirks, and daggers are legal. These are illegal to conceal, however, except for pocket knives.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: The collection of rainwater is legal in New Mexico.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Most areas require a permit, but solar panels are legal in New Mexico.

32: New York

New York State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Open carry is prohibited, but concealed carry is allowed with a New York permit.
• Taser Laws: It is illegal to own a taser of any type in New York.
• Knife Laws: Hunting knives, stilettos, gravity knives, and daggers are legal to possess in New York. Ballistic knives, cane swords, and knuckles knives are illegal.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Taught in school and heavily encouraged, no requirements.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: New York is strict with solar panel usage, but if you play your cards right, this can be done legally.

33: North Carolina

North Carolina State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Open carry is permissible without a permit, but the state does require a permit for concealed carry.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Gravity knives, bowies, dirks, stabbing knives and switchblades are legal. It is illegal to possess ballistic knives, bowies, dirks, and daggers while they are concealed. 
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Rainwater is legal in North Carolina, with no negative regulations.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Solar panels are legal to use to power your home, untied from the grid.

34: North Dakota

North Dakota State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: No permit is required in North Dakota to possess a handgun, openly or concealed.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: All knives are legal in North Dakota. However, some of them cannot be concealed. This includes gravity knives, scimitar, dirk, daggers, and sabers.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: The collection of rainwater is found to be legal in this state.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Solar panels are legal to use in the state of North Dakota.

35: Ohio

Ohio State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: A license is needed to carry a handgun concealed, but not openly in Ohio.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Gravity knives, balisongs, ballistic knives, stilettos dirks, and daggers are legal. Any knife considered a deadly weapon is illegal. 
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Collecting rainwater is legal for use of fewer than 25 people.
• Trapping Laws Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: There are now laws that make solar panel usage illegal in Ohio.

36: Oklahoma

Oklahoma State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Open carry does not require a license, but you’ll need one to carry concealed.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Daggers, stabbing knives, switchblades, gravity knives, and stilettos are legal, including many others as zero knives are illegal. However, Any weapon considered offensive or over the top is illegal.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Oklahoma has zero regulations on collecting rainwater.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: You’ll need a permit in most areas, but solar is otherwise legal in this state.

37: Oregon

Oregon State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Allowed to open carry without a permit, but must possess a license to carry concealed.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Automatic knives, daggers, dirks, gravity knives, balisongs, and stilettos are legal to use in Oregon. These are illegal to carry concealed. Pocket knives can be concealed carried.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Legal only by collecting via roof systems, others no regulations.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Solar is legal in Oregon with no laws requiring permits.

38: Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: No permit is needed for open carry, but it does require one for concealed carry.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Penknives, daggers, disguised knives, and bowies are legal but cannot be concealed. All other knives are legal, but it must not be offensive.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: This state enforces zero regulations for collecting rainwater 
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Pennsylvania does not allow anyone to be disconnected from the grid, but solar panels are legal in this state.

39: Rhode Island

Rhode Island State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: You will need a permit in Rhode Island for the open and concealed carry of a handgun.
• Taser Laws: It is illegal to own a taser of any type in Rhode Island.
• Knife Laws: Dirks, daggers, sword canes, and stabbing knives are legal in Rhode Island, but they must be openly carried. All other knives are otherwise legal.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: 10% installation tax credit given to people collecting rainwater.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: You’ll find that the incentives are nice, as they are offered when solar panels are used in Rhode Island.

40: South Carolina

South Carolina State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Open carry is prohibited in South Carolina, although concealed carry is allowed with a permit.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: All knives are legal. Balisongs, dirks, stilettos, switchblades, and stabbing knives are legal. These cannot be concealed. 
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Legal with zero regulations found in South Carolina.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Incentives are offered in the state of South Carolina, offering incentives.

41: South Dakota

South Dakota State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Concealed carry requires you to possess a permit, but concealed carry is legal without one. 
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: There are no knife laws in South Dakota.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Zero regulations were found for collecting rainwater.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: There are no laws that make solar panel use illegal in this state, nor are there any permits required for common usage.

42: Tennessee

Tennessee State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: A handgun license is needed for carrying openly and concealed in Tennessee.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: There are no knife laws in Tennessee.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Rainwater collection is legal in Tennessee with no regulations.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Tennessee allows the usage of solar panels in all areas of the state.

43: Texas

Texas State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Texas requires all who possess a handgun to have a Texas license to carry.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Most knives are legal, except for ones that feature knuckle buster similarities. All blades legally max out at 5.5”.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Rainwater collecting systems must be built into the home.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Most areas do not require a grid connection, but solar is legal in the entire state.

44: Utah

Utah State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: All handgun carriers are required by law to possess a permit in Utah.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Any weapon considered dangerous to human life is illegal. However, dirks, daggers, gravity knives, bowies, stilettos, and automatic knives are legal, openly carried. Pocket knives can be concealed carried.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Registered =2500 GALs, non registered =200 GALs
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Utah allows everyone to power their homes using solar energy.

45: Vermont

Vermont State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Vermont does not require anyone to possess a permit to carry a handgun, openly or concealed.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Knives such as the dagger, stilettos, throwing stars, stabbing knives, and disguised knives are legal, openly carried. Switchblades are legally openly carried under 3’.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: There were zero regulations found for collecting rainwater.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: You will not need any permits to use solar energy in Vermont, nor do you have to be connected via the grid; but if you are, you may receive incentives.

46: Virginia

Virginia State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Permit is not required for open carrying, but you will need one to carry a handgun concealed.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Daggers, dirks, gravity knives, switchblades, and throwing knives and stars are legal in Virginia. These cannot be openly carried, but pocket knives can be.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: No regulations found, installment income tax credit available.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Virginia allows the use of solar panels throughout the entire state.

47: Washington

Washington State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Permissible to carry openly, but may not draw under any circumstances. Concealed carry requires a permit.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: Throwing stars, dirks, disguised knives, stilettos, and daggers are legal. Pocket knives are also legal. Switchblades are illegal under any circumstance.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: No regulations were found that prohibit collecting rainwater.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: Solar usage is legal throughout Washington, and grid tying is not required.

48: West Virginia

West Virginia State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: No permit needed to carry openly, but you’ll need one to carry concealed in West Virginia.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: All knives are legal in West Virginia, but some of them must be openly carried. This includes most knives over 3.5’. Daggers, gravity knives, switchblades, dirks, and stilettos cannot be concealed carried, nor any knife over 3.5”.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: Rainwater collecting in West Virginia has zero regulations.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: You are allowed to power your home via solar in the state of West Virginia, with no license required.

49: Wisconsin

Wisconsin State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: Wisconsin does not require a permit for open carry, but it is a must to carry a license for concealed.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: There are no knife laws in Wisconsin.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: This state has no regulations that prohibit this.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: No laws are stated that solar use is illegal in Wisconsin, and you do not have to be connected via a grid.

50: Wyoming

Wyoming State Website

• Handgun Carry Laws: No permit is required for open carry or concealed carry for residents of Wyoming; they are voluntary to make specific processes simpler. Nonresidents are required to have a license to carry from a state that Wyoming honors.
• Taser Laws: Tasers are legal to use in this state.
• Knife Laws: There are no knife laws in Wisconsin.
• Rain Harvesting Laws: The collection of rainwater is legal with zero regulations.
• Trapping Laws: Trapping is legal in this state.
• Solar Laws: There do not appear to be any laws that state solar use is not legal in Washington.

Disclaimer: None of this is legal advice. Please check with your local government to ensure these laws haven’t changed and are accurate before you follow them as true; we hold no responsibility for any actions taken motivated by this article.

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Verdict

This article was created for those looking to learn a few laws about their state, this way you can be informed about laws, some of which you may not have known even existed. Many of them do not go into detail, which is nearly impossible, as many laws have pages worth of information. 

However, this list should give you a good idea of what to look for in each state, this way you stay out of trouble. You may even find a state that suits your prepping style better than the one you currently dwell in.

Nevertheless, if you know of an interesting law that we did not include in this list, let everyone know by commenting below. The final rule, which is essential for every prepper to understand, is to simply keep private.

The causes of deflation are linked directly to fractional reserve banking causing fiat money inflation and the massive credit inflation of the past 70 years. The only cure for credit inflation like we have had is a big credit deflation. Thanks to government protection and encouragement banks were able to lend with first only small cash holdings in reserve. In the last decade our government and the Federal Reserve Bank required no reserves backing your deposits. None! We had a credit binge. Even the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) and FNMA, Fannie Mae – the Federal National Mortgage Association both went bankrupt and had to be nationalized. You and I the taxpayers now own them. We are on the hook to pay for future failures.

The following is a long list I think shows why the argument for a deflation leading to hyperdeflation is valid. The GREATER DEPRESSION that started in 2000. It’s an end of a mania bubble and an 90 year long Kondratiev long wave cycle that all capitalist economies apparently go through. We are in a Kondratiev wave winter right now. Most asset values will drop by 90 percent into 2025 and unemployment may hit 30%.

When seeking the cause of deflation we need to remember that the real cause was credit inflation. Many items on this list are manifestations of the credit bubble popping. What is remarkable is the depth and number of related items on the list.

This Kondratiev long wave took some 80 years start to finish and the next on may take 100 years.

10 Causes of Deflation Leading To The Greater Depression:

1- Growth of government at all levels federal, state, county and city due to the socialist neo-Keynesian belief that the economy can be micromanaged. Money is sucked away from the free market economy to fund inefficient and bloated programs. Eventually the largess grows to be one third of the economy and then causes it to get top heavy and crash. The big government parasite that is welfarism sucks all the life from the economy.
This Kondratiev long wave took some 80 years start to finish and the next on may take 100 years.

2- Military waste. Wars and much of the money spent by all the different divisions of our defense departments is poured down a hole in the ground-never to be seen again. Oil, food, time, materials, manpower, blood and lives wasted.

3- Governments support of favorite industries that would not make it in a free economy. Real estate bubble – unwise lending practices such as everyone should own a home nonsense. Government Oil depletion allowances meant there was no incentive to conserve or develop alternate energy sources. Solar best!

4- Real estate deflation – end of a mania – Prices down 33 per cent already leading to reduced wealth of individuals, reduced capital gains tax revenue and reduced real estate property tax revenue.

5- The coming stock market losses will make people feel poorer so they don’t spend. Pension and retirement accounts lose money on stock and bond investments hurting ability to pay those retiring. 90% drop predicted. In a secular bear market with a bear market rally (B wave) rally topping in the first months of 2025. If you draw a line connecting the bottoms of the index moves you get a straight line pointing down to the right. This is a bearish technical chart pattern called a declining neckline.

6- Oil. High petroleum prices sucking money out of people’s pockets that could have gone to purchasing goods and services in the market. We are all on an oil food chain using dead dinosaur and prehistoric plant deposits for our energy instead of whale blubber like we used to. Oil money is sent to foreign countries, which, in some cases is used to pay for attacks on America. Then there is the inefficient gas guzzling autos, appliances, lighting and phantom loads on TVs, computers, microwaves etc. Heat rises right. Why are all the working parts of refrigerators underneath the area meant to be cooled? Heat rises up through the whole refrigerator or freezer box. What a waste of trillions of dollars of oil all these years.

7- Job losses – high unemployment meaning less money is around to buy goods and services. Thus, slow sales causes businesses to lay off more workers in a vicious circle cycle snowball effect.

8- Collectable items, antiques, art and possessions in general loosing value. Lower prices when people try to sell. They feel less wealthy and cannot buy as many necessities. There will be many bargains in all kinds of property and possessions at the bottom as people sell assets to stay afloat.

9- Credit tightens up. Banks and other lenders fears lead to strict lending standards. Businesses can’t expand. A low interest rate is sure sign money is on sale. It is a sign of weak demand and deflation. Transparency is code for more oversight & rules, by the way.

10- The Internet has lowered the cost of doing business online. This means it is easier to startup a business. Business and jobs also go offshore to cheapest providers. Prices drop each year due to this and quantity of scale price reductions. Think calculators.

This global deflationary depression will be twice as big and twice as long as their 1930’s depression that brought socialist fascist Franklin Roosevelt into power.

If you have any dissatisfaction with my content, you can tell me here and I will fix the problem, because I care about every reader and even more so about your opinion!

“Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”-Sir Winston Churchill

In my previously published article series we examined the Panic of 1819 and the precedent it set for the bigger financial meltdowns that would come. We also examined the “Postwar Boom Period,” of the 1920’s about how economic growth created successful business profits which raised the standard of living for most Americans. As a result of this prosperity, Americans had enough spare cash to get involved in real estate speculations and stock market investments. A wave of chance taking swept the nation. Everywhere there was uncontrollable wasteful spending and powerful profiteering. In one of his campaign speeches President Hoover said: “…we shall soon, with the help of God, be in sight of the day when poverty will be banished from this nation.” Oh yes, things were certainly looking nifty. America belonged to the businessmen. It was theirs to exploit to the fullest. As a result of growing consumer credit, Americans were able to buy many more luxuries than they could afford. American businessmen and financial experts felt too confident that erratic fluctuations in the business cycle were finally under control. Their confidence and cockiness fogged their judgment to the point that they failed to see the danger signals that were everywhere. Nonetheless, they were so convincing in their future predictions that even President Hoover was taken in by what they said. It was a terrific time for him to assume office. Business was strong, the American people were enjoying prosperous lives, industry was thriving and the biggest stock market boom in the history of the United States was almost into its fifth year. He swelled with pride as he entered his first term, addressing the nation, “I have no fears for the future of our country. It is bright with hope.” Little did he know, his troubles would begin in late autumn of 1929. He would end his fourth year as an object of scorn and ridicule as the depression deepened. Voters felt that he was a “do-nothing” president who helped cause the Greatest Depression America has as of yet ever faced. This article, part 1 of a 3 part series, covers the beginnings of the mother of all economic meltdowns, the Great Depression. Parts 2 and 3 cover the Depression itself and its effects on America and the history of this great nation.

Some Warning Signs of Economic Difficulty Ahead

Already in 1928 at least 549 banks closed their doors and the funds of thousands of depositors were frozen. This was seen especially in Florida where the land boom collapsed as a result of the devastating hurricane of 1926. In comparison to the previous years, residential construction throughout the nation was dwindling which directly affected the industries that supplied them with materials. Though business inventories had tripled, by 1929 consumer spending was already slipping. Yet the stock market continued to flourish. Unconstrained speculation began to worry financiers and the president also, though he unsuccessfully urged the New York Stock Exchange to suppress the maneuvering of securities. Economic experts were personally advising their friends to get out of the market before the crash came. Stocks were being forced up to mind-blowing prices by speculative buyers. People were borrowing money from banks to continue investing into the speculative markets instead of into businesses. Inflation was out of control, especially with regards to credit. The American banking system had long refused to exercise self-control and was heading for trouble. The roller coaster ride was now in its final stage, inching its way towards the peak as industrial production, labor and commodity prices began a steady decline. As the stock market began to behave erratically during the months of September and most of October of 1929, the roller coaster finally positioned itself for the downward plunge.

The Beat Down of the American Dream

The Panic of 1929 and the ensuing depression were the most terrible the country had ever suffered. The stock market crash in October 23, 1929 wiped out an average of more than a billion dollars worth of paper values a day. When the stock market crashed there was almost $11,000,000,000 in loans placed against speculative stocks. After the crash, there was a mad scramble to get liquid. Panic selling prevailed. By the end of the day on October 29, 1929, a record of 16,410,030 shares had been sold with a total loss in value of 880 issues, which was roughly estimated to be more than $8,000,000,000. Investors by the thousands had entire fortunes wiped out. Millions of people invested in gilt-edged securities lost all their savings. Unemployment, which stood at 1,500,000 in the month of the collapse, had risen to 4,500,000 by October of 1930. A staggering total of 15 million were unemployed throughout the whole depression. Those who worked did so for extremely reduced wages. The flow of money into productive business slowed down to a trickle. The country was suffering from under consumption, not overproduction. Some attribute this panic to over-expansion and debt, overextended notes and discounts, over investment and falling prices. Banks were weighed down with government bonds, real estate mortgages based on exceedingly appreciated valuations and highly speculative securities. Mass hysteria reigned. Most government and business leaders kept insisting that the economic conditions were stable. Even President Hoover said in May, 1930, “We have now passed the worst and shall rapidly recover.” Although this prosperity propaganda was not true, it at least managed to put the nation’s fears momentarily at rest. It contributed to a booming stock market recovery during the first months of 1930 when the Dow Jones Industrial average went from a low of 198 to 294. Nonetheless, it was too late. The roller coaster had already started down a devastating downward economic spiral. There was no stopping to its incredible speed.

Devastating Effects and The Law of Attraction

The Great Depression, beginning in the United States had spread to most of the world’s industrial countries, bringing foreign trade to a standstill. There was a rapid decline in production and sales of goods. Thirteen to Fifteen million people were left unemployed as a result of plant shut-downs. Bankrupt businesses and banks closed their doors. Depositors who had entrusted the bank with their life savings discovered much to their shock and dismay that they were wiped out by the bank collapse. Americans were glued to their radios day and night in the hopes of hearing some news that the ordeal was over. Large numbers of concerned people, afraid that their bank would fail, would run to the bank and withdraw all their money. As withdrawals continued, bankers refused to borrow or give out any loans. As the Depression got worse, people lost faith in the banks. Those who had money and gold hoarded it. On December 11, 1930, the largest bank failure in the nation’s history took place when the bank of the United States closed its doors in New York City. Almost 400,000 depositors were affected by the bank’s failure. On December 23-26, 1930, the Chelsea Bank and Trust Company, with six offices in the New York region, was forced to close by a run that was started the day before. Three days later 20 small banks in six Southern and Midwestern states also closed. In 1931, there were 2,294 bank failures, twice that of 1930. Bank failures and the stock market crash reduced the whole of purchasing power.

On October 1, 1931 U.S. Steel cut the wages of 220,000 workers by 10 percent. Also, that same year, President Hoover in his annual message to Congress on December 8th called for increased taxation to make up for the deficit of $902,000,000 for the fiscal year of 1930-1931.

The American people were in a serious financial hole with nothing to grab onto to bail themselves out. Many had to depend on charity in order to survive. Farm and home foreclosures were at an all-time high. Everywhere Americans were suffering physical and emotional hardships. People were not buying. They just couldn’t afford to do it anymore. Gone was the exuberance of “the good old Days”. In Part 2 of this 3 part series, we’ll examine the effects of the Great Depression on America.

If you have any dissatisfaction with my content, you can tell me here and I will fix the problem, because I care about every reader and even more so about your opinion!

We have not yet become walking zombies but I declare we may actually be a country of sleep walking idiots who need to wake up before it’s too late!.

In view of today’s time it is in my opinion that more and more people are beginning to feel that we now live in some uncertain times and everyone is simply trying to makes sense of all the mess and confusion.

A 2012 poll from the Pew Foundation claims that 40% of Americans believe that the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ will occur by the year 2050. I think it will happen sooner than that however, it is stunning that even though we are witnessing Islamic encroachment, houses of worship falling away and mass immorality of society we do see many American Christians standing strong.

What is interesting to me about website analytics is it not only will provide you with how many individuals visit my website, but it will also inform me of what exactly they are looking at and how long they are on the site. I find it interesting that despite the fact of the very valuable and informative content I provide most visitors fly through the site and then are off to other important website such as facebook to “like” the ridiculous photo or comment someone just shared.

The world-wide-web, that we must not forget, created by Al Gore, can be extremely mind boggling. From time to time a person may actually slow the heck down and take a moment to actually contemplate what it is they are actually reading.

To the defense of those who function in this manner, it may simply be because everything changes at such a rapid rate these days that it may just be easier to not deal with things until they are actually affecting you directly in a manner that you notice. But usually by then it is too late for you to do anything about it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with your continued living of life in this manner until everything comes crashing down that is and then you will be seeking help from those who prepared and then they will have the right to throw the “I told you so in your face”. Those who pay no attention to the warning being provided for free will soon be in the category of those that represent the old saying; ?They never knew what hit them.?

Since 1948 Biblical prophecies about the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ have been occurring on a mass scale in comparison to the last 1500 years or so of history. So why are most people not caring at all about this? Jesus Chris himself said it best. In chapter 24 of Matthew, Jesus lays out the exact world circumstances that are going to happen prior to His 2nd coming.

But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.? (Mt 24: 37-39)

Eating, marrying, and drinking are pretty common things in today’s era, so is there anything wrong with this picture? Most people are simply too preoccupied with their own daily affairs to pay much attention to anything else. The price they will pay for being so easily distracted is more than likely beyond their comprehension; what they fail to realize is their decision to ignore the warnings will most definitely cost those around them they care for as well.

Part of the problem today is that many are raised and taught in a system with secularist teachers, who are eager to fill pupils mind with mass false instruction and untrue historical “facts”.

For example, anyone in the United States who picks up a picket-sign and goes off to protest in favor of the Palestinians case for State creation or their hypothetical genocide and maltreatment by Israel are perfect specimens of victims who have been subjected to lazy, outrageous and false teachings of history.

Those very few who were willing to seek truth outside of the bogus de-education in the standard dumbing down institutions, and took the time to properly research the actual facts will take note that before 1948, a Palestinian State never existed., Historically, Palestinians have been a band of tribes that lived my nomadic means wandering throughout the region for as long as history documents and have no more been a state than my backyard is Babylon.

After years of launching rockets and detonating bombs against Israel and sending suicide bombers in to kill Israel men, women, and children, is accepted because we have failed to check the teaching curriculum, and we have failed to examine the character and intentions of those hired to instruct our children all while our education system is dismantled into rubbish; because your too busy? That is absurd!.

Society overlooks the very serious dire warnings outlined in scripture about how we are to consider Israel. If we continue living and creating a society of sleazy filth and a nation of immorality, continue turning a blind-eye to the corruption in government in the White House all the way down to city municipalities and in addition to our egotistical worship of anything material, then we are left with only one last remaining hope that keep us from being next from being labeled just another country that has fallen under the hand of God’s judgment. This passage from the Bible is straight forward.

Regarding Israel God said, “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Gen 12:3)

We have to end the continuous absurdity of our time.

I will leave you with one last verse from the prophet Jeremiah.

“A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel, for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the Lord their God.” (Jer 3:21)