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Prepper's Long-Term Survival Guide: Food, Shelter, Security, Off-the-Grid Power and More Life-Saving Strategies for Self-Sufficient Living
Prepare your home and family for any life-threatening catastrophe with this step-by-step survivalist guide filled with techniques, strategies, and DIY projects from a lifelong prepping expert.
The preparation you make for a hurricane, earthquake or other short-term disaster will not keep you alive in the event of widespread social collapse caused by pandemic, failure of the grid or other long-term crises. Government pamphlets and other prepping books tell you how to hold out through an emergency until services are restored. This book teaches you how to survive when nothing returns to normal for weeks, months or even years, Practical water collection for drinking and hygieneStoring, growing, hunting and foraging for foodFirst aid and medical treatments when there’s no doctorTechniques and tactics for fortifying and defending your homeCommunity-building strategies for creating a new society
The preparation you make for a hurricane, earthquake or other short-term disaster will not keep you alive in the event of widespread social collapse caused by pandemic, failure of the grid or other long-term crises. Government pamphlets and other prepping books tell you how to hold out through an emergency until services are restored. This book teaches you how to survive when nothing returns to normal for weeks, months or even years, Practical water collection for drinking and hygieneStoring, growing, hunting and foraging for foodFirst aid and medical treatments when there’s no doctorTechniques and tactics for fortifying and defending your homeCommunity-building strategies for creating a new society
208 pages, Paperback
First published February 11, 2014
241 people are currently reading
1643 people want to read
About the author
Jim Cobb
11 books66 followersJim Cobb has been a prepper since long before that term ever came into use. He's been studying, practicing, and now teaching survival and preparedness for about 30 years. Jim has written several books on the subject, including Prepper's Home Defense, Prepper's Long-Term Survival Guide, and Prepper's Financial Guide. He also regularly contributes to magazines such as American Survival Guide, Survivor's Edge, and OFFGRID.
You can find Jim at his website - Survival Weekly. He also has a consulting business found here - Disaster Prep Consultants.
Jim is also very active on Facebook .
You can find Jim at his website - Survival Weekly. He also has a consulting business found here - Disaster Prep Consultants.
Jim is also very active on Facebook .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 22, 2022
End of the world survival porn is apparently one of my kinks. I wouldn't call myself a prepper, more like prepper-curious. But, nothing fires up the temperature of my cerebrum like the idea of prepping for a world without rule of law. It tickles the hominid part of my brain that worries about future famine and the safety of family and friends. You know - anxiety centers. My rational mind categorizes this knowledge the same as insurance, better to have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it.
One big takeaway - Water. Losing access to clean, drinkable water is the biggest mortal threat people face after disasters like earthquake, flood, or the loss of the electric grid. Stock up or get a filter. Humans can go a long time without food, especially if carrying around an emergency supply of adipose (That's what it's for!).
This book will help with all the basics of how to outlive ill-prepared neighbors. Or go the extra mile and head out to a hand-built homestead to grow squash, raise chickens, and maybe work on that manifesto. Pro tip - Don't buy the Kindle version.
One big takeaway - Water. Losing access to clean, drinkable water is the biggest mortal threat people face after disasters like earthquake, flood, or the loss of the electric grid. Stock up or get a filter. Humans can go a long time without food, especially if carrying around an emergency supply of adipose (That's what it's for!).
This book will help with all the basics of how to outlive ill-prepared neighbors. Or go the extra mile and head out to a hand-built homestead to grow squash, raise chickens, and maybe work on that manifesto. Pro tip - Don't buy the Kindle version.
April 14, 2014
The Prepper's Long-Term Survival Guide by Jim Cobb is a book that I greatly anticipated reading.
In reading this book, I love the way that each chapter begins with the concept that the reader is currently dealing with a long term situation that coincides with the theme of the chapter. That opening in each chapter helps with the mindset needed to deal with the information that follows.
Chapter 1 begins with some events from history and then lays out several probable, potential scenarios that could occur in modern times from pandemics to economic collapse. The case is cogently laid out that whatever your concern, that right now is the time to plan for whatever it is that concerns you.
Chapter 2 deals with the topic of water. The human body can survive roughly three days without water after which our bodies start to shut down. From water procurement to filtration and proper storage, this chapter deals with all of the aspects of this precious resource.
Chapter 3 talks about food and what types of food to store. While this book is not the place for in-depth conversations about hunting, fishing and trapping, those topics are also touched on and provide some food for thought. Food preservation techniques are also talked about, including how to make a small root cellar-like storage area to keep food cool. The chapter ends with the topic of cooking and includes a section on making a simple solar oven.
Chapter 4 is the medical chapter. It talks about training and medicine and includes a comprehensive listing of a medical bag. It wraps up with some great information of common natural remedies.
Chapter 5 goes into hygiene which is an oft overlooked area of prepping. This chapter speaks about topics from proper human waste disposal to bathing to garbage disposal. While not too pleasant, it is an important area for which to prepare.
Chapter 6 discusses clothing and the proper items needed for the tasks that will most probably be done in a post-collapse environment. The fact that one will be spending more time outdoors than he/she probably does now figures into the important considerations of this chapter. Later on, the chapter discusses shelter and the importance of it as well as various common sense ways of keeping warm and cool.
Chapter 7 covers security, including structures and weapons as tools as well as a description of the mindsets that one needs to adequately provide for the protection of a yourself and your family.
Chapter 8 talks about tools of all kinds that will be needed in a world of an extended crisis. Tools for basic repairs, tools for gardens and tools for various jobs around the house and property are covered. Overlooked topics such as protective safety gear and communications are also discussed.
Chapter 9 deals with a topic that I admittedly have not heard a lot about when reading or talking about preparedness… entertainment. After the initial realization of what is happening regarding the crisis sets in, people will be spending time performing manual labor and other duties, but there will still be periods of down time.
Chapter 10 examines well thought out bartering parameters for items and services as well as potential post-collapse professions.
Chapter 11 discussed the importance of communities and community planning. A lot of people think that the lone-wolf approach to survival is the way to go, but this drastically overlooks the necessity of having others and the diversity of skills and resources that that brings. This chapter also covers very practical ways for dealing with refugees.
Chapter 12 ends the book on a high note, that is the hope that being prepared can provide. It is a pleasant change from the doom and gloom that is often portrayed by some preppers.
At the very end of the book, there is a pretty complete checklist as well as a suggested reading section for the beginnings of your own survival library.
The depth of information that is covered in this book is incredible as is the unique way that the author makes us really think about ideas, situations and resources that are mostly overlooked in the usual short-term survival planning resources. All that being said, this book belongs in the hands of anyone who is concerned with a long-term disruption in society as we know it today. It's practical, common sense approach makes it a valuable asset to all those who wish to not only be prepared, but for those who want to thrive.
Most prepper books provide you with the fundamentals and tell you what it takes to make it through a temporary crisis, be it a hurricane, tornado or ice storm. What happens, though, when the crisis lasts longer? What will happen in the event of a pandemic or economic downturn? This book fills a much needed information gap in the prepper community for a resource that deals with the long-term events of a disaster that lasts beyond the first 72 hours.
In reading this book, I love the way that each chapter begins with the concept that the reader is currently dealing with a long term situation that coincides with the theme of the chapter. That opening in each chapter helps with the mindset needed to deal with the information that follows.
Chapter 1 begins with some events from history and then lays out several probable, potential scenarios that could occur in modern times from pandemics to economic collapse. The case is cogently laid out that whatever your concern, that right now is the time to plan for whatever it is that concerns you.
Chapter 2 deals with the topic of water. The human body can survive roughly three days without water after which our bodies start to shut down. From water procurement to filtration and proper storage, this chapter deals with all of the aspects of this precious resource.
Chapter 3 talks about food and what types of food to store. While this book is not the place for in-depth conversations about hunting, fishing and trapping, those topics are also touched on and provide some food for thought. Food preservation techniques are also talked about, including how to make a small root cellar-like storage area to keep food cool. The chapter ends with the topic of cooking and includes a section on making a simple solar oven.
Chapter 4 is the medical chapter. It talks about training and medicine and includes a comprehensive listing of a medical bag. It wraps up with some great information of common natural remedies.
Chapter 5 goes into hygiene which is an oft overlooked area of prepping. This chapter speaks about topics from proper human waste disposal to bathing to garbage disposal. While not too pleasant, it is an important area for which to prepare.
Chapter 6 discusses clothing and the proper items needed for the tasks that will most probably be done in a post-collapse environment. The fact that one will be spending more time outdoors than he/she probably does now figures into the important considerations of this chapter. Later on, the chapter discusses shelter and the importance of it as well as various common sense ways of keeping warm and cool.
Chapter 7 covers security, including structures and weapons as tools as well as a description of the mindsets that one needs to adequately provide for the protection of a yourself and your family.
Chapter 8 talks about tools of all kinds that will be needed in a world of an extended crisis. Tools for basic repairs, tools for gardens and tools for various jobs around the house and property are covered. Overlooked topics such as protective safety gear and communications are also discussed.
Chapter 9 deals with a topic that I admittedly have not heard a lot about when reading or talking about preparedness… entertainment. After the initial realization of what is happening regarding the crisis sets in, people will be spending time performing manual labor and other duties, but there will still be periods of down time.
Chapter 10 examines well thought out bartering parameters for items and services as well as potential post-collapse professions.
Chapter 11 discussed the importance of communities and community planning. A lot of people think that the lone-wolf approach to survival is the way to go, but this drastically overlooks the necessity of having others and the diversity of skills and resources that that brings. This chapter also covers very practical ways for dealing with refugees.
Chapter 12 ends the book on a high note, that is the hope that being prepared can provide. It is a pleasant change from the doom and gloom that is often portrayed by some preppers.
At the very end of the book, there is a pretty complete checklist as well as a suggested reading section for the beginnings of your own survival library.
The depth of information that is covered in this book is incredible as is the unique way that the author makes us really think about ideas, situations and resources that are mostly overlooked in the usual short-term survival planning resources. All that being said, this book belongs in the hands of anyone who is concerned with a long-term disruption in society as we know it today. It's practical, common sense approach makes it a valuable asset to all those who wish to not only be prepared, but for those who want to thrive.
Most prepper books provide you with the fundamentals and tell you what it takes to make it through a temporary crisis, be it a hurricane, tornado or ice storm. What happens, though, when the crisis lasts longer? What will happen in the event of a pandemic or economic downturn? This book fills a much needed information gap in the prepper community for a resource that deals with the long-term events of a disaster that lasts beyond the first 72 hours.
September 24, 2016
I guess I'm reading too many zombie books but I thought I'd better get myself prepared in the minimum way by at least reading one of the prepper books. Boy, this one is filled with a lot of good information but also some pretty nitty gritty stuff - when buying a knife make sure you can keep a grip on the handle if it's wet with either blood or water (and he mentions blood first). I searched for a cheap copy to keep and found out LDS has a free downloadable book with a ton of ways to prepare so I'll check that out. Hmm, maybe I'm just a little paranoid.
January 14, 2020
This book must have ben written by a right wing American!
Not a word about collaboration but a lot of text on weapons, how to stop refugees and how to protect yourself from other people (everyone seems to be a potential murderer!). In addition, the author suggest that everyone should bring a bible - even people without faith! Hell, I'd rather bring a good novel after the Apocalypse than reading that old bullcrap.
Not a word about collaboration but a lot of text on weapons, how to stop refugees and how to protect yourself from other people (everyone seems to be a potential murderer!). In addition, the author suggest that everyone should bring a bible - even people without faith! Hell, I'd rather bring a good novel after the Apocalypse than reading that old bullcrap.
April 6, 2014
Jim Cobb has done it again. Taking prepping a step beyond the Bug-Out Bag, this book discusses plans you should have in place in the event there is a long-term crisis, without the doom-and-gloom feeling some prepping books can have. While he goes back to the basics…food/water/shelter…he also gives some great tips on DIY items (homemade water filter anyone?), talks about items you may not have considered (cards/dice/books/crayons/instruments) and refers the reader to other quality publications if they want to know more about certain subjects.
Each chapter begins with a fictional journal account from someone living through a social collapse. It helps set the stage for the chapter, and drives home the point (without preaching) how important the items in the following chapter will be.
Jim Cobb writes in a style that is easy to read, and more “let me help you make sense of this and get it done together” instead of the “if you don’t do this, your family will die” style. Whether you are a seasoned prepper, or someone just thinking of taking that first step to prepare for the future “what ifs”, his books “Prepper’s Home Defense”, “Prepper’s Complete Book of Disaster Readiness” and “Prepper’s Long Term Survival Guide” are must haves for your library.
Each chapter begins with a fictional journal account from someone living through a social collapse. It helps set the stage for the chapter, and drives home the point (without preaching) how important the items in the following chapter will be.
Jim Cobb writes in a style that is easy to read, and more “let me help you make sense of this and get it done together” instead of the “if you don’t do this, your family will die” style. Whether you are a seasoned prepper, or someone just thinking of taking that first step to prepare for the future “what ifs”, his books “Prepper’s Home Defense”, “Prepper’s Complete Book of Disaster Readiness” and “Prepper’s Long Term Survival Guide” are must haves for your library.
April 23, 2020
Covers the basics, but doesn't really go into detail about a lot of things like food storage and home security. Other books cover it in more detail. Writing is solid.
January 14, 2021
I enjoyed Prepper’s Long-Term Survival Guide by Jim Cobb WAY too much. Part of me was curious when I put this on the year’s reading list, and part of me was being funny. Guess there really is a latent Prepper inside of me, or maybe just a Boy Scout. I love being prepared! Or maybe it’s just shopping and hoarding that I love. Or all three.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is preppers-long-term-survival-guide.jpg
Image from Amazon.com
So, really, I read this book because I started a Pandemic book club. There are two lists running simultaneously for this club. One of them is geared toward mental and emotional health and the other is toward practical and physical survival. We began with a spiritual/Christian book about finding peace anywhere at any time, which I’ll get to reviewing in a sec. As for the other list, I kinda laughed as I announced Prepper’s. And kinda didn’t laugh, because we have been in a pandemic for ten months at this point, it seems to only get worse and worse, and have also been through periods of quarantine, panic, and resource deprivation. Thankfully, the lack of resources hasn’t gone much beyond masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectant, and for awhile there, toilet paper and chicken (although, with hurricanes and winter storms here, I have also been through gas shortages, flooding, and many bread and milk famines). At this point, though, it’s not hard for me to imagine what a different event could have done to my supply chain and for how long. What if I had no access to water? Or enough food? Or electricity? Or transportation? Or internet? Or the government? Or emergency services? Or medicine? Whatever. My point is that if I lost access to even one of those things for a prolonged period—a situation I can now imagine pretty easily—I would be in some trouble. So I thought we could start our “other” pandemic reading list with something very basic: a post-apocalyptic guide which might have come in handy last year.
Let me say some good things about this book, as someone who has not read any other books in the field. (Though I did choose this one because it came highly recommended.) Broken down by sections that covered each of your basic post-apocalyptic needs (water, food, medicine, hygiene, shelter, security, tools, currency, community, and even some entertainment), it contained lots of easy and really low-cost or even no-cost ideas. This is a practical book. It doesn’t go deep enough to be your only book on the subject, if it interests (or concerns) you, but Cobb constantly points you in the direction of other resources: websites, books, classes, training, etc. It would take someone a long time to build up their essential supplies, because it would take some cash and even more time. (If you took it to the extreme, it would require some real life adjustments, too.) The point of this book is to give others access to the knowledge of the Preppers, without making you start from square one. I found Cobb’s writing to be engaging, especially for something so chock-full of the nitty gritty and information. I thought he was funny and even light-hearted, considering his topic. He felt warm and inviting, while also gently telling me that I would for sure need guns to keep me from being killed, raped, etc.
Yes, this is the side of the book (weapons, security), and of Prepping, is what I suppose freaks a lot of people out. The truth is, you don’t have to think there is going to complete fall-out to go ahead and stock up on the necessities in case of a situational catastrophe (like a major earthquake or terrorist attack or something very feasible), but Preppers follow that line of thinking all the way to the very worst case scenario. In that scenario—let’s face it—you would need to protect yourself and your family. Let’s just hope it never gets to that. If you’re a pacifist, fine, but you would have to figure out how to police the people around you without incarceration, law enforcement, a justice system, etc. In the worst case scenario. Cobb also warns that some people can go too far with their prepping, at least in an emotional sense, and l found his advice to be level-headed, calm, and to give options while expressing the cold, hard reality of a possible future. Honestly, my studies of history let me know all the time what a privileged and cushy time we live in now. Most the people of history did not have options when it came to empowering themselves or being taken advantage of. I’m rooting for democracy. Speaking of which,
the other day, I saw a friend on social media refer to far-right Republicans as “Preppers.��� Prepping may be from political motivation, but the hobby—or even way of life—is not political in nature. It should run the scope of the political spectrum, though perhaps there are parts of the spectrum—the far fringes, mostly—that would more readily embrace this practice, would all but require it, considering their doomsday prophecies brought on by conspiracy theories, etc. This does not mean that other people can’t guess that eventually the poo is going to hit the fan in one way or another and determine that they want to be a little or a lot prepared—thus “Prepper”—when whatever that is happens. I mean, it kinda starts with an emergency kit in the car, a day bag for hiking, and a Bug Out Bag for Hurricane season. (I also thought it was interesting that this same friend is a natural Prepper: very independent, constantly learning and diversifying herself, strong, and does things all the time like bake bread and raise goats.) Like I mentioned, I think that this year has driven home the idea that unexpected, unpredicted things will come. I have always kept a weary eye out, just as that student of history, since all empires collapse without fail. But when and how that will happen; well, it’s felt closer, lately, realizing that politics, disease, and/or an environmental crises or event could really mess with my way of life. The result may not be as bat-poop crazy as our postapocalyptic canon portrays it, but if my family is without even one sector of what we need, I don’t think having a plan B in place would be a terrible hobby. It doesn’t have to mean you're stocking up on firearms. But a rain barrel and a garden count as forethinking while helping you ease off the environment-heavy grid and giving you some peace of mind. How very independent and modern of you.
Cobb says that this book is not really for beginners, but I didn’t have any trouble understanding what he was saying or keeping up. If you are considering doing some prepping of your own, this seems like a resource you would want to have on hand and even work through. There are checklists in the back as well as lists of sources, so I honestly think it’s a great place to start. Each chapter begins with a fictional, ongoing account of a family surviving after an EMP strike that takes out all the electricity. These sections are mildly interesting and written just fine, though it was the specific thoughts and advice that kept me riveted. Yes, this could scare you and make you feel resentful, like he's making a big stink over nothing. On the other hand, Cobb thinks that this is the time to do some things, some of them from items you already have around your house, to be proactive instead of reactive. Yes, the book is sometimes stone cold in its estimation of things (though I’ll point out there is a whole chapter about establishing a representational and protective community with the neighbors you haven’t yet shot and also the hopeful conclusion that he believes in the resilience of humanity), but it’s also realistic (considering this is only a possibly future) and chock full of factoids, exposing a way of life that I was interested in observing and thinking about in relation to my own life.
A COUPLE QUOTES:
“Yes, there exists the distinct possibility tht during your lifetime something may happen to turn the world, or at least your world, on its ear …. Right now, at least, you have the luxury of being able to take steps, to make plans, so you’ll be able to take steps, to make plans, so you’ll be in a better position” (p20).
“The fewer the people who know anything about your preps, the fewer the number of people who may show up with their hands out later” (p96).
***REVIEW WRITTEN FOR THE STARVING ARTIST BLOG***
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is preppers-long-term-survival-guide.jpg
Image from Amazon.com
So, really, I read this book because I started a Pandemic book club. There are two lists running simultaneously for this club. One of them is geared toward mental and emotional health and the other is toward practical and physical survival. We began with a spiritual/Christian book about finding peace anywhere at any time, which I’ll get to reviewing in a sec. As for the other list, I kinda laughed as I announced Prepper’s. And kinda didn’t laugh, because we have been in a pandemic for ten months at this point, it seems to only get worse and worse, and have also been through periods of quarantine, panic, and resource deprivation. Thankfully, the lack of resources hasn’t gone much beyond masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectant, and for awhile there, toilet paper and chicken (although, with hurricanes and winter storms here, I have also been through gas shortages, flooding, and many bread and milk famines). At this point, though, it’s not hard for me to imagine what a different event could have done to my supply chain and for how long. What if I had no access to water? Or enough food? Or electricity? Or transportation? Or internet? Or the government? Or emergency services? Or medicine? Whatever. My point is that if I lost access to even one of those things for a prolonged period—a situation I can now imagine pretty easily—I would be in some trouble. So I thought we could start our “other” pandemic reading list with something very basic: a post-apocalyptic guide which might have come in handy last year.
Let me say some good things about this book, as someone who has not read any other books in the field. (Though I did choose this one because it came highly recommended.) Broken down by sections that covered each of your basic post-apocalyptic needs (water, food, medicine, hygiene, shelter, security, tools, currency, community, and even some entertainment), it contained lots of easy and really low-cost or even no-cost ideas. This is a practical book. It doesn’t go deep enough to be your only book on the subject, if it interests (or concerns) you, but Cobb constantly points you in the direction of other resources: websites, books, classes, training, etc. It would take someone a long time to build up their essential supplies, because it would take some cash and even more time. (If you took it to the extreme, it would require some real life adjustments, too.) The point of this book is to give others access to the knowledge of the Preppers, without making you start from square one. I found Cobb’s writing to be engaging, especially for something so chock-full of the nitty gritty and information. I thought he was funny and even light-hearted, considering his topic. He felt warm and inviting, while also gently telling me that I would for sure need guns to keep me from being killed, raped, etc.
Yes, this is the side of the book (weapons, security), and of Prepping, is what I suppose freaks a lot of people out. The truth is, you don’t have to think there is going to complete fall-out to go ahead and stock up on the necessities in case of a situational catastrophe (like a major earthquake or terrorist attack or something very feasible), but Preppers follow that line of thinking all the way to the very worst case scenario. In that scenario—let’s face it—you would need to protect yourself and your family. Let’s just hope it never gets to that. If you’re a pacifist, fine, but you would have to figure out how to police the people around you without incarceration, law enforcement, a justice system, etc. In the worst case scenario. Cobb also warns that some people can go too far with their prepping, at least in an emotional sense, and l found his advice to be level-headed, calm, and to give options while expressing the cold, hard reality of a possible future. Honestly, my studies of history let me know all the time what a privileged and cushy time we live in now. Most the people of history did not have options when it came to empowering themselves or being taken advantage of. I’m rooting for democracy. Speaking of which,
the other day, I saw a friend on social media refer to far-right Republicans as “Preppers.��� Prepping may be from political motivation, but the hobby—or even way of life—is not political in nature. It should run the scope of the political spectrum, though perhaps there are parts of the spectrum—the far fringes, mostly—that would more readily embrace this practice, would all but require it, considering their doomsday prophecies brought on by conspiracy theories, etc. This does not mean that other people can’t guess that eventually the poo is going to hit the fan in one way or another and determine that they want to be a little or a lot prepared—thus “Prepper”—when whatever that is happens. I mean, it kinda starts with an emergency kit in the car, a day bag for hiking, and a Bug Out Bag for Hurricane season. (I also thought it was interesting that this same friend is a natural Prepper: very independent, constantly learning and diversifying herself, strong, and does things all the time like bake bread and raise goats.) Like I mentioned, I think that this year has driven home the idea that unexpected, unpredicted things will come. I have always kept a weary eye out, just as that student of history, since all empires collapse without fail. But when and how that will happen; well, it’s felt closer, lately, realizing that politics, disease, and/or an environmental crises or event could really mess with my way of life. The result may not be as bat-poop crazy as our postapocalyptic canon portrays it, but if my family is without even one sector of what we need, I don’t think having a plan B in place would be a terrible hobby. It doesn’t have to mean you're stocking up on firearms. But a rain barrel and a garden count as forethinking while helping you ease off the environment-heavy grid and giving you some peace of mind. How very independent and modern of you.
Cobb says that this book is not really for beginners, but I didn’t have any trouble understanding what he was saying or keeping up. If you are considering doing some prepping of your own, this seems like a resource you would want to have on hand and even work through. There are checklists in the back as well as lists of sources, so I honestly think it’s a great place to start. Each chapter begins with a fictional, ongoing account of a family surviving after an EMP strike that takes out all the electricity. These sections are mildly interesting and written just fine, though it was the specific thoughts and advice that kept me riveted. Yes, this could scare you and make you feel resentful, like he's making a big stink over nothing. On the other hand, Cobb thinks that this is the time to do some things, some of them from items you already have around your house, to be proactive instead of reactive. Yes, the book is sometimes stone cold in its estimation of things (though I’ll point out there is a whole chapter about establishing a representational and protective community with the neighbors you haven’t yet shot and also the hopeful conclusion that he believes in the resilience of humanity), but it’s also realistic (considering this is only a possibly future) and chock full of factoids, exposing a way of life that I was interested in observing and thinking about in relation to my own life.
A COUPLE QUOTES:
“Yes, there exists the distinct possibility tht during your lifetime something may happen to turn the world, or at least your world, on its ear …. Right now, at least, you have the luxury of being able to take steps, to make plans, so you’ll be able to take steps, to make plans, so you’ll be in a better position” (p20).
“The fewer the people who know anything about your preps, the fewer the number of people who may show up with their hands out later” (p96).
***REVIEW WRITTEN FOR THE STARVING ARTIST BLOG***
May 5, 2014
This is the first book I have read that addresses the question of how to prepare for a social, economic or other disaster that extends beyond the 72 hour, one week, and even the one month format. Although many principals are similar, this book explains, in detail, the advanced measures that need to be taken now. The author breaks down each critical objective, which makes it an even more valuable reference when you will need it. Additionally, the subject of the post collapse community is addressed in detail with recommendation for leadership structure, rationing of supplies, laws and defensive security. Several times the book details ways to make yourself more valuable as a member of such a community, by learning specific skills now. This book is definately for an advanced preparedness person or group that is looking for direction once they have the one month supply. What this book is not, is something you put off reading.
June 9, 2014
A Great Prepper Primer. My love for PA Fiction led me down the path to Prepping for Survival. When I found out Jim Cobb was publishing a new book I requested a copy for review. Thank you Jim, this book is an excellent resource for developing a long-term survival plan. I already have several books dealing with the specifics of Survival Medicine, Food Storage, and Civil Defense. This is a book that ties together all the aspects of family and community survival. I especially liked the Checklists provided in each chapter and suggested reading at the end. This is an excellent resource for anyone new to the concept of preparedness and also a great tool for the seasoned Prepper to do an overview of their preps.
October 3, 2017
Jim Cobb does an excellent job taking the mystique and mis-information out of long term (post 72 hour) preparedness. Given the recent issues in Florida, Texas, and PR (especially Puerto Rico) and loss of power and basic services, this is a must for those who want to understand what they can do to help themselves and others.
January 3, 2019
As another reviewer noted, this is a shallow book at best. The author really lost me when he started talking about expropriating property from local businesses.
March 31, 2019
Borrowed from the library, and skimmed over. Some very good background about why prepping might be useful, some of different scenarios where being self sufficient might help you survive, or at least survive with less distress.
Overall, this seems like a generalist introduction to the topic, and there are two features which make it seem a bit silly (and perhaps more scary). That much of the assumed configuration around which the survivalism is based relies upon having a large farming block. Seeing as I can not yet even afford to replace my rapidly ageing car, I'm not sure a 'hobby farm' is really a near possibility. The other feature which worries me is the emphasis placed upon personal protection, particularly with firearms i.e. hand gun, rifles, shot guns. When push comes to shove all my political correctness may go out the window... yes I would like have responsible firearm skills, but in the current climate it seems like the social and economic risks associated with firearm ownership outweigh the potential lifesaving benefits during some kind of civil strife i.e. were home invasions to become a regular thing.
This is an American book (and an American moment in large part). There is good pioneering wisdom, but also some tinges of Yank insanity represented by this publication. I watched a scene from an interesting documentary featuring propaganda from the early cold war, in which promoting the idea that we could survive nuclear holocaust was based largely upon the desire to fill our cold war opponents with doubt that a they could deliver a knock out blow before retaliation. I don't swallow the criticism whole, but I suspect 'eeking' out a subsistence living on the edge of the desert year after year, after the collapse of civilisation would be pretty different than this product of Hollywood might suggest.
I hope I would have the courage to endure and persist in a changed world and not allow all my principles to be compromised by the threat that it might occur. It is hard to determine which of my current principles are merely a luxury though.
A case of 'would like to be more self sufficient and resourceful' and will do what I can and take up one or two of the suggestions, but am not going to completely restructure my life in anticipation of the coming global economic and military conflagration.
Overall, this seems like a generalist introduction to the topic, and there are two features which make it seem a bit silly (and perhaps more scary). That much of the assumed configuration around which the survivalism is based relies upon having a large farming block. Seeing as I can not yet even afford to replace my rapidly ageing car, I'm not sure a 'hobby farm' is really a near possibility. The other feature which worries me is the emphasis placed upon personal protection, particularly with firearms i.e. hand gun, rifles, shot guns. When push comes to shove all my political correctness may go out the window... yes I would like have responsible firearm skills, but in the current climate it seems like the social and economic risks associated with firearm ownership outweigh the potential lifesaving benefits during some kind of civil strife i.e. were home invasions to become a regular thing.
This is an American book (and an American moment in large part). There is good pioneering wisdom, but also some tinges of Yank insanity represented by this publication. I watched a scene from an interesting documentary featuring propaganda from the early cold war, in which promoting the idea that we could survive nuclear holocaust was based largely upon the desire to fill our cold war opponents with doubt that a they could deliver a knock out blow before retaliation. I don't swallow the criticism whole, but I suspect 'eeking' out a subsistence living on the edge of the desert year after year, after the collapse of civilisation would be pretty different than this product of Hollywood might suggest.
I hope I would have the courage to endure and persist in a changed world and not allow all my principles to be compromised by the threat that it might occur. It is hard to determine which of my current principles are merely a luxury though.
A case of 'would like to be more self sufficient and resourceful' and will do what I can and take up one or two of the suggestions, but am not going to completely restructure my life in anticipation of the coming global economic and military conflagration.
July 15, 2018
Beyond the first 72 hours . . . drama. This book was interesting. I read it for a character background study. The beginning of this book discusses all things that can go so wrong that we are tipped into a wild west frontier scenario. It supposes a society where every person is out for herself. It's about how to stock up and get ready and each chapter introduction pre-supposes that the worst has already happened, the Zombie appocolapse or an economic collapse, pandemic or just some freak occurance. The text reads like a person's diary after the societal collapse, but it so laced with fear of strangers, that at times reading it felt like I'd been punked. For example, about being sneaky with what you have on hand it said: "If three months have gone by you don't want to be the lone person in the neighborhood who has actually gained weight while everyone else is starving." Here's another: "What do I mean by funneling? This refers to forcing intruders to stay out of certain areas and move into locations where they are better targets for you." One side bar directs the reader to make "charity survival kits" as a sort of barter. "Explain to them [strangers/intruders] in no uncertain terms that this is the only help they are going to get from you and should they approach you again, they will not enjoy the experience." If you read this book, take it with a grain of salt, and add hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to your survival cache and be sure to read about how to build a society rather than how to retreat from one.
March 28, 2021
Loved it!
Overall a very comprehensive prepper's book.
I would say for newcomers into the field and also more experienced and prepared folks will both benefit from this. I myself am a newbie who is just getting started and have the basics for food, water, security, etc. This book really helped me identify some areas that 'needs improvement', especially a medical plan, medical supplies, hygiene items, and some tools to have on hand that I had not considered previously.
Fun, light, full of great information. I would highly recommend this book to any prepper or wannabe prepper just getting started.
Only reason why I gave it -1 star was because of lack of diagrams/drawings/illustrations.
Overall a very comprehensive prepper's book.
I would say for newcomers into the field and also more experienced and prepared folks will both benefit from this. I myself am a newbie who is just getting started and have the basics for food, water, security, etc. This book really helped me identify some areas that 'needs improvement', especially a medical plan, medical supplies, hygiene items, and some tools to have on hand that I had not considered previously.
Fun, light, full of great information. I would highly recommend this book to any prepper or wannabe prepper just getting started.
Only reason why I gave it -1 star was because of lack of diagrams/drawings/illustrations.
September 5, 2024
This book offers a solid introduction to the essential knowledge needed before an EMP could disrupt the electronic grid. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that global events can strike unexpectedly, and even democratic governments can falter—not due to inherent good or evil, but because of incompetence.
Despite the grim threats looming in 2024, the book presents a hopeful message: learning self-sufficiency, identifying garden seeds that reproduce, and utilizing solar generators are empowering skills. These forms of knowledge not only prepare us for the future but also strengthen our connection to nature and foster community bonds.
Despite the grim threats looming in 2024, the book presents a hopeful message: learning self-sufficiency, identifying garden seeds that reproduce, and utilizing solar generators are empowering skills. These forms of knowledge not only prepare us for the future but also strengthen our connection to nature and foster community bonds.
July 24, 2021
This book falls somewhere between common sense and teaching enough to let you know how much you do NOT actually know. Each section offers other books for follow up reading to get a better grasp on the topic being discussed. In the beginning it claims to not be a very good book for beginners due to the 'advanced' content, but I think this is actually a fantastic book for beginners.
I gave this book 4 stars, because it is a great place to start your journey on becoming a prepper/survivalist, but really fails to teach any one subject in any detail.
I gave this book 4 stars, because it is a great place to start your journey on becoming a prepper/survivalist, but really fails to teach any one subject in any detail.
October 3, 2021
Probably the best prep guide I've read. It serves as a nice checklist for preparing for the unthinkable. Quite honestly, if the proverbial crap hits the fan and the world breaks down for more than 21 days, we are in big trouble anyway. Plan ahead and make sure your plan covers you completely for 21 days. This book will help you do that and then some. In short, have emergency food for 21 days, a good first aid kit, and warm clothing... you already know you need firearms and ammunition to protect yourself.
January 12, 2023
Again my horizons have broadened
Jim Cobb has a unique way of bringing out the things in preparedness that seem to me to have slipped through the cracks. So many things in this book made me think "wow, why didn't that occur to me?". This is another one that I considered worthy of getting both the ebook and the terrestrial version, because if the worst were to happen, it will be a go to source of information. In these days, when the forecast is pretty grim, I suggest that you get this book and read it. Information like this is valuable in ways that can't be expressed enough.
Jim Cobb has a unique way of bringing out the things in preparedness that seem to me to have slipped through the cracks. So many things in this book made me think "wow, why didn't that occur to me?". This is another one that I considered worthy of getting both the ebook and the terrestrial version, because if the worst were to happen, it will be a go to source of information. In these days, when the forecast is pretty grim, I suggest that you get this book and read it. Information like this is valuable in ways that can't be expressed enough.
April 26, 2020
Excellent Thorough Guide
I consider myself somewhat knowledgeable in this area and I learned a ton of new information and ideas. Great for true beginners as well. As I write this (end of April 2020) the possibility of economic collapse is more real than I ever have experienced in my life. However, it’s not too late read this book and get to work!
I consider myself somewhat knowledgeable in this area and I learned a ton of new information and ideas. Great for true beginners as well. As I write this (end of April 2020) the possibility of economic collapse is more real than I ever have experienced in my life. However, it’s not too late read this book and get to work!
May 9, 2020
This is not a how to book but rather one that describes what you should think about in order to prepare for longer term survival. It is well written and breaks the planning up into many clearly defined sections. It’s a good book for the beginner as long as you know what it is that you’re getting, namely a book about what to think about and not a detailed how to book.
July 4, 2017
Come for the interesting technical advice and key details you might overlook, that side of the book is very solid and you are DEFINITELY not going to be sticking around for the poetics of this cheeseball libertarian. An easy "would recommend" if you are interested in this stuff.
December 14, 2018
I was over my head reading this book. Wasn't quite prepared for all the information it threw at me (even though the book warned me ahead of time). My advise would be to read the back of the book. It summarizes all of the prepping topics he goes over.
February 5, 2020
A good reference book on the preparing your household for short or long term emergencies.
Nothing particularly new or unique about the ideas or preparations, but lots good reminders and how-to projects.
Nothing particularly new or unique about the ideas or preparations, but lots good reminders and how-to projects.
August 5, 2021
Should have bread before covid
Not a gloom or doom... Just facts about the end of life as we knew it...death plague. Spanish flu. Hurricanes...now covid. Texas during a winter storm unprepared. Good solid advice.
Not a gloom or doom... Just facts about the end of life as we knew it...death plague. Spanish flu. Hurricanes...now covid. Texas during a winter storm unprepared. Good solid advice.
February 20, 2022
The foreward really gives it away. Not a book for the experienced prepper. I already knew and had thought of quite a bit of the content, however there were several aspects I hadn't thought of or seen in my prepper groups. An easy read; shouldn't take more than an hour and a half, tops.
April 20, 2025
With the current climate in the United States, this book felt necessary. It was very stimulating and scary at times. I appreciated his frankness and the scenarios at the beginning of the chapters kept me engaged.
May 2, 2018
Easy enough to read and some decent thinking behind sustaining without electricity.
July 16, 2020
Has some good strategies for a SHTF scenario. But this book is just a minimal introduction to survival prepping. I was expecting more.
February 1, 2021
A valuable guide of tips on how to survive a post-apocalyptic/economic collapse/etc. scenario, presented in an easy-to-read and organized fashion. I found it to be a contemplative and enjoyable read.
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