SHTF Headline News – When It’s Breaking – It’s Too Late to Prepare

SHTF Breaking News. Not the ordinary breaking news, but I’m talking about the real bad stuff. Something that jolts awake the masses. Something big. Maybe a ‘black swan’ event. Or, maybe a shocking culmination of a series of events that have gone unnoticed by most. I could provide a lot of examples. But the simple point I’m making here is this.. When it’s (SHTF) ‘Breaking News’, it will quite likely be too late to prepare.

It’s one thing to prepare for ordinary bumps in the road. After all, those bumps happen often enough that most people should expect it (even though many are still caught unprepared). But it’s quite another to contemplate and prepare for the really big/bad ones. Some call it SHTF. When the shite hits the fan, so to speak.

The big thing to think about in this regard is ‘the supply chain’. Big disruptions tend to break these supply chains. And if the SHTF is big and bad enough, well then, when it happens – what you have may be all there is, and all there will be for a period of time.

Why don’t people think about, or prepare for SHTF until it’s already headline news?

I believe there are a number of reasons, including the following.

A lack of awareness pertaining to any of the number of SHTF events that could affect them. The reason for the lack of awareness could be several. Perhaps the leading indicators have been kept from the public at large. Maybe there’s a complete lack of interest beyond their local sphere of life. Or a normalcy bias that all will continue to be fine. Maybe it’s the stigma that such thoughts or preparations are a bit ‘nutty’.

And you know what? You can get away with that for the majority of ‘typical’ scenarios that might disrupt life from time to time. Even if you have just a few days of extra food and supplies, you’re probably good for lots of situations. But that’s not what I’m talking about here..

I can always get what I need, somewhere…

“No worries, I’ll be able to run down to the store, even after ‘it’ happens, to get what I need.” Or, There are two frozen pizzas in the freezer, so I’m good..” Or, “I can just get in my car and drive to Walmart (or wherever). There will always be access to supplies available somewhere out there within reach. Right?”

The thing is, this may be true for immediate mitigation. Maybe.. that is if the power is still on. But I’m talking about a real big and bad SHTF event or series of events. Most everyone just assumes that ‘stuff’, supplies, food, whatever, will always be readily (or near readily) available. Those assumptions and supplies will get thrown out the window right quick..

Safety Nets will always be there, right?

We all know that governments (federal, state, and even local) in some areas can be especially ‘giving’ when it comes to safety nets. Some on the receiving end truly need these safety nets, and I have compassion for those who do.

However those systems are abused, some very badly. It has implanted a mindset of never ending or always available ‘help’. Food, supplies, even money. So why should they prepare?

People may also figure that they will simply rely on family or friends if things get bad. Or maybe they’ll head over to Uncle Joe’s place out in the country (because they know he’s some sort of ‘prepared’). Well, if SHTF is real bad, maybe Uncle Joe won’t be entirely pleased to see you at his door with your hand out.. (just sayin.. so think about it).

SHTF Is A Very Real Possibility In Today’s Uncertain Times

War, and on many fronts. Terrible economic collapse, leading to Greater Depression type living. These two are front and center in today’s realm of SHTF Headline News for those who can see. Each of these two (war, economic collapse) have many terrible additional follow-on risks and ramifications.

We are already in war. In my view, this is going hotter. And we’re talking about nuclear armed super powers. There seems to be no stopping the escalation.

We are already in economic collapse. Banks are failing. Inflation is crazy. The economic catastrophe in motion is all around us, despite the talking-heads assuring that all is fine.

When any of these ongoing events suddenly culminate into SHTF Breaking News Headlines, well, it will be too late to prepare.

[ Read: Preparedness Beyond Just Short Term – Think “Local” ]

[ Read: Be Prepared. Not Fearful. Not Scared ]