Oh that reply of Lon Tanner's above ought to be framed, lol What a neat thread, your original post is a good one imo @Marie Mallery , and a nice change of pace to the threads I seem to get hooked on. But so far, I haven't started hoarding, or even trying to be a little prepared if something took everything I have. I'll include income because worse case scenario is what put in my mind, and "could I survive". Well it wouldn't be easy, now at my age and dwindling capabilities. I've still got some physical strength, and sort of a "necessity is the mother of invention" kind of knowledge, but all in all, I near died trying to tent-camp last Summer. Not once, but 3 times I tried it, all with an enormous sense of relief when I walked back into my apartment, equipped and organized. I've often thought if I had to live where if we did have anything, like an RV for example, we would most likely have to fight off the "bad people" like you see in movies, or Washington DC, lmbo!! I had to add that last thing, heehee!! I do know how to shoot, and handle a gun, but I don't own one, I know how to build a fire if I have a little paper and matches, twigs, and some bigger twigs, then some wood, and I can cook over an open fire if I have a pot or pan. Other than that, I guess going to the bathroom is even a "skill" when you have to go. I gave away all my camping stuff, except a lantern and a butane stove because I figured I could use those if we lost electricity for long. Now that is all said, and I am seeing I am not prepared to lose everything, at all. Not even any close friends so we could help eachother out, I think I'm depressed now, LOL!!
Knowing how to fire a gun but not having one may be like needing to drive a nail but not having a hammer. I also know people who own guns but have no ammo. Everyone should have a backup heat source if they live in cold country, and everyone should have a way to obtain water for drinking that does not need electricity or municipal services. Food is nice, but lack of food takes a while to kill you. You also mentioned toilet facilities; you can dig a hole in the back yard if you have a house. If you are in an apartment, a bucket will have to do.
I was thinking a lot more like having nothing, and something catastrophic destroying the world, or our part of it. Like having to live like whoever invented the wheel etc. LOL!! Cold climate or not, I'm pretty dependent on my creature comforts. I don't have room in my small apartment to store up for a catastrophe. I think there's a lot to be said for those that are surviving out in the woods, or literally live off the land, make-shift shelters. I'd like to meet up with a single-man that was skilled in living that way in case we had to do it one day. I'm teachable, and can follow directions (much more a follower than a leader) Although I have other skills that would fit in nicely to pull my own weight in the deal, lol!! In fact, I'm pretty sure I could weave a basket! A basket could come in handy!!
I am sure there are single guys out there with the skills you require, but it might be easier to join a group of preppers. I think Facebook has groups, but there are probably forums out there as well. I know here there are religious groups affiliated with some churches who are preppers and prepare to help out the less able in their communities. We have fairly frequent disasters, so it always pays to be ready.
I can't join a group without honestly having an interest in prepping. Although, I could actually say finding a preppy man could be an interest couldn't I I'd probably have better luck in the produce section
I doubt I'll even be around to worry about it when it happens. Then again, at the rate I'm going, maybe not. Like Scarlett O'Hara, I'll worry about it tomorrow.