Northern Ohio Outdoor Network- Back to Basics Hello, My name is Christopher Storm. I am starting a new group dedicated to Mutual Aid, Prepping and Friendship. I am welcoming All American Citizens who are concerned about the Future of the Country, State, Economy, etc, and are concerned for the Welfare of their Families and Friends during times and/or events that qualify as a Local or National Emergencies/ Disasters. Examples- Tornado, Flood, Earthquake, Terrorist attack, Economic Depression- basically, anything that causes Distress or Harm to the Citizens of the United States and/or disrupts Public Services and what is now- day to day living. I feel that this type of group is very beneficial to everyone. Many skills and arts have been lost thanks to Betty Crocker Cake mix, Swanson TV dinners, the Microwave, and other so called technological advances. Do you see where I am going with this? Ask yourself- if you had to, could you catch and clean a fish for dinner, grind grain into flour bake bread from scratch, kill an animal, skin it and tan a hide to make clothing?? Not too many people can do any of these in the Modern American Society, especially the "city dwellers". We are all at a severely crippling disadvantage if the "Grid goes down" as is shown countless times on the Movie screen. Is it a possibility that through a Natural or "Man made" Disaster that the Power may go out? I was in Iraq during the Black out of the early 2000's. People were only inconvenienced in most places. During power outages in California and Arizona, people died of Heat Stoke when their air conditioners could not run without electricity. When you Family is hungry and the Banks are closed due to a power outage and credit card machines are off, can you buy food? Probably not. If right now, as you are reading this, a Tornado tears down the lines................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... pause for effect just to prove a point- what will you do? Is you food going to thaw in the freezer? Could you dehydrate some of it, salt the meats and dry them for later use? Would you wrap a few blankets around the freezer to help insulate it and maybe get an extra hour or 2, just long enough for the power to come back on? Would you panic? Do nothing? All members and participants should be willing to Network to share ideas, training and skills on First aid, Dehydration, Food Storage, Farming, Gardening, Native Plants both Edible and Medicinal, Canning, Hunting, Fishing, Tanning, Trapping, Tracking, Baking, Brewing etc. My plan is to teach, share and learn new and lost skills. I would eventually like to pair like minded people up into "Helper Teams" that can assist other members during times of Crisis and Emergencies. Anyone who Believes in the Boy Scout Motto- "BE PREPARED" and is willing to do just that. I hesitate to say "Survivalist" due to the Media giving such bad publicity to anyone who calls themselves a Survivalist. If you are not sure if you belong here or are unsure, just tell me your thoughts and concerns. I have been helping people and guiding people on "Preparation" for many years and someone finally coined the name "Preppers" which basically is just a way to not be called a "Survivalist", though in order to SURVIVE, you must PREPARE. My catch phrase is "DO SOMETHING" Anything you do to increase your chances of survival by "prepping" is a step in the right direction. ***This is a NON-MILITANT GROUP, I have no issues with the ownership of Firearms. We will talk about how to protect yourself, but will not make it a main focal point. I personally believe that not only does everyone have the "RIGHT" to own a Gun, but everyone should be encouraged to own one and know how to use it safely and properly. With this being said, This is is no way, shape or form to be considered a Militia. I believe in the "GOOD GUY" Militias, but this is the wrong type of group for the "shoot 'em up guys"- SORRY. Thank you for your interest. The group will be talking via phone, Internet, and in person at least once per month. Sincerely, Christopher Storm Remember- DO SOMETHING!!