[M1A_Owner]

We all know what SHTF stands for, but let's clarify it further. What EXACTLY defines the SHTF? At what point will you consider the S having HTF? What is the exact clear definition of when all Hell breaks loose and it's time to put your survival plans into action?

 

[bigchoad]

Good question. I really don't know what a single "event" that is SHTF outside of nuclear war or a planetary disaster like an asteroid impact would be. So, I guess it's a function of reading the signs like a stock market collapse runaway inflation, shortages or martial law being declared; and making your own decision. For me the signal to get last minute stuff (stuff I'd like to have but can live without) would be a major stock market drop, one in which the markets are closed for several days in a row. After that, I'll keep an ear to the news. I'm not sure what the trigger for me will be but when I make the decision, I'll drop what I'm doing and head for home to fort up.

 

[VeT|Us]

When police / military / National Guard etc is too occupied elsewhere to protect us civilians in an emergency, and its pretty much every man for himself, I'd say the S has HTF.

Looting, some disaster etc making help from authorities unavailable, will make me fortify, or Bug Out.

 

[RotorHead]

There are a number of events that could trigger a SHTF response, my money is the economy at some future point. but a biologic attack alone the lines of the "Dark Winter" exercise is a much closer threat. There will be a number of precursors to an economic crisis, but not much warning for the other.

 

[Different]

I define it simply but broadly. SHTF means you or yours have a big problem right now.

 

[Metal Militia]

My def is when we no longer are a republic. When our Constitution and Bill of Rights are depleted or when single rights are dimished. When a foreign nation enters our main homeland. Or when you are targeted by a crooked government to be made an example of.

 

[Guest]

Well shoot, Metal Militia!
By that definition the S has already HTF, and has been H ing T F for a LONG time.

Maybe a narrower definition?

 

[Super Six One]

I guess my defintion of SHTF is when the goverment cant function for it's purpose..... SERVING US I mean if we pay all these tax dollars in if they can't do any thing for us I think we are screwed. I don't mean food stamps or health care. I mean like providing us a safe land to prosper.


Just my take on it. Im sure I will get some flak.

 

[Gunseller]

SHTF maybe different in different areas as to the cause and duration. I may not be able to define it but, as once stated about porn, I know it when I see it.
Gunseller

 

[SWO daddy]

Think of the LA riots (Rodney King), or Hurriacane Andrew in South Florida as local SHTF situations.

If any deal like that struck near home, I'd be limiting travel to the extreme and going to condition red, unless I thought evacuation would render my girls safer.

 

[JAP]

Someone is shooting at you for any reason.
Someone will definately shoot at you for any reason.
Someone is killing others (unlawfully) for any reason.
Your choices are return fire or flee.
That is my definition of SHTF.

 

[chud]

i think it is a self perpetuating thing. For a large majority of folks, a power outage for a few days is SHTF. As time goes further, that groups problems radiate outward, and thus cause more S to H more peoples F, and it spreads. (By power outage I mean like what happened in the northeast a while back.) If one like that happens for more than a day or 2, in the summer or winter time, you would have thousands just die from exposure. 15,000 is the number they say died just from a heat wave in France last year. By being aware and prepared, you move yourself further out from the 'epicenter' of all the S flinging. I would not want to be in a major city!
As the waves of S get heavier, more of those unprepared to deal with them will just die. Most folks don't think about it that way, but so many are so dependent on all the trappings of civilization and a McDonalds on the corner, that they will not be able to gear up for survival before they simply starve, or do some crazed thing out of desperation and are killed by someone like me who is prepared enough and stable enough to simply go on the defensive for a little while while all the wheat settles out and the chaff gets swept away.

 

[BRONZ]

What swo daddy said,

LA Riots
East Coast Blackout-first few hours anyway

If you prepare even a little bit you'll be better shape then most.

 

[bigchoad]

Maybe we should goose up the ante
TSHTF might be when its all going to hell and there is no cavalry coming to the rescue. In LA, the cops/National Guard were eventually coming and we knew the power would come back on on the east coast eventually, but if those events are happening simultaneously and much more wide spread and there is NO police/Guard/Army/FEMA
Then I shall loudly proclaim that The S has most definitely hit the Fan

 

[Seacowboys]

hmmm...when J. Kerry gets elected.

 

[SWO daddy]

I would NOT want the police, military, or FEMA coming to help me. I am more than capable to do without them.

 

[Metal Militia]

Right-on! Anyways we are always alone when it comes to trouble. They come way late. Sounds mean and unspirited, but it is the truth.

I would NOT want the police, military, or FEMA coming to help me. I am more than capable to do without them.

 

[S.K.89]

My defintion as a 15 year old would be when me or my family are in danger of death from another person or group of persons, also in the event of a riot of a long term power outtage. Or even should people turn into zombies and begin to crave felsh. Then the S has HTF. But that's just my ideas.

 

[farmerj]

as of current,

Living in town, when I have to start the generator to keep the basement dry.

Communities will pretty much police themselves or else the neighborhoods will. Just stuff I have seen.

a real world SHTF. Willb e when WW III truly starts in the states. Hopefully it will never come to that.

 

[Shoot762]

No beer on Sunday.