We don't want to see you go out like that. Here are a few good tips for preparing for a famine of Biblical proportions, a famine that experts believe could be a direct consequence of global warming, natural disaster, or nuclear terrorist attack.

Mass starvation on a global scale is a very real threat and can threaten your very survival. That includes your family and friends.

No matter what you've been led to believe, your microwave is not a magic box that will always serve you food when you need it.

Nor will there be any employee fridge to forage in on your lunch break... because when famine hits, the 'lunch break' will be a thing of the past.

And your co-workers may resort to cannibalism - so be ready to make a fast exit if you see that gleam in their eyes, or just have some Milk Bones on hand. Because if you don't prepare for the very real possibility of famine brought on by natural disaster or nuclear attack, you might be eating Milk Bones yourself.

And when those run out, you might have to eat your dog.


Famine, in History

The End of the Old Kingdom- In the mid 22nd century B.C., Egypt was a place of great magnitude. Then there was an unspecified and short lived climatic change that truly impacted during the time of Unas (2381-2345). No one really understands what caused the weather problems; however, the results of these climate changes seems clear.

Lake Moeris dried out, the Nile lowered, and bad harvests followed. Unfortunately for the Old Kingdom of Egypt, that spurred on a great famine throughout their lands. All of these factors also led to civil disobedience and strife.

And the Old Kingdom never fully recovered.

Famine - A social and economic crisis that is often accompanied by widespread malnutrition and starvation which leads to epidemic and significantly increased mortality.


Famine, Present Day

The Causes of Famine and Mass Starvation

Famine can be caused by any number of factors. However, some of the most common reasons for famine are climate changes (as noted in the previous example concerning Egypt's Old Kingdom). Therefore, drought, crop issues, and pestilence are oftentimes the culprits. That said, famine can also be brought on by war and political problems.

In fact, from a political vantage there have been instances when certain political maneuvers seemed to have caused or inexplicably failed to stop famine. In such cases, those in power have literally ended up depriving the middle income and poor. In fact, many believe that the North Korean famine of the 1990's was a direct result of such issues.

There are many whom believe that almost all famine is- in essence- truly compelled more by politics than nature (in other words, problems that cause issues in the food supply can be handled by a savvy and caring government).

Regardless, with the natural changes occurring all around us - global warming, anyone? - the possibility of widespread famine due to climatic changes is becoming more and more plausible, even in the United States of America.


How to Survive a Famine

Okay, the first thing you do is contact emergency personnel if problems with your family's ability to sustain itself occurs. Historically, the United States- unlike countries like North Korea, for example- will make decisions that are more in the best interests of its people during such a situation.

However, you shouldn't assume that the United States will be able to come through for you. After all, if it wasn't completely clear after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans that we are not in charge of nature, then here's a newsflash:

We are not in charge of nature.

Editor's note: God is.

Still, political policies will play a huge role in determining whether or not we survive a famine. However, since that is in essence outside of our control (with the exception, of course, of the voting process) let's talk about three other things that could help during a famine. Namely, these are growing food, hunting / trapping food, and storing food.


Growing Food During a Famine

This one is tough to talk about simply because the growing of food may in essence be dependent on why the famine came about. That said, here is a concept worth mentioning.

The Green Revolution- Okay, the Green Revolution basically refers to the spread of technologies for subsistence agriculture to countries that needed them. Thus, things like pesticides, irrigation projects, and nitrogen fertilizer. These concepts and materials were first spread to Mexico in 1943 via a collaborative effort between the Rockefeller Institute and Manuel Avila's presidential administration from Mexico.

Actually, we left something out. You see, there were also these 'miracle seeds'. In other words, scientists involved in the Green Revolution created strains of wheat, rice, and maize that were hardier than the others before it. Thus, these seeds and their offspring tended to survive better than those before it. These seeds were called high yield or hybrid seeds.

Now you're probably asking what this has to do with surviving a famine on your own. Well, simply follow suit. In other words, you'll need some know how, strong seeds (look for hybrids), land, and pesticides / fertilizers. Further, if you're worried about a famine in your neck of the woods, call a garden center and ask them what crops, pesticides, and fertilizers would work best in your area.

Regardless, during a famine growing food will almost certainly be a tough prospect. After all, if it were easy, then the famine wouldn't be occurring, right?

Which leads us to the next section of this article.


Hunting / Trapping Food

If you've ever watched the hit television show Jericho then you know that it's about a small Kansas town and its trials / tribulations after a nuclear attack has decimated the nation. And if you've been watching recently, you know that the town is starving and there doesn't appear to be any wildlife left in the area.

In other words, there's nothing to hunt. Obviously, the demand while hunting would likely be great during a period of famine, and this would negatively impact the amount of prey available (as would whatever is causing the famine). Regardless, hunting would still probably be important in such a situation.

Along with this, those with hunting backgrounds would be best off. However, for all of you non-hunters, there's one thing you need to know right now.

You're going to need hunting gear and weapons.

If you believe there is a chance in the growing months and years that a famine might occur in your neck of the woods, then you might want to consider purchasing a gun. After all, guns are no doubt beneficial to the hunting process. In fact, it may also be needed to defend yourself.

Then again, there are many in society that are strongly against the purchase of firearms. Thus, that represents a conflict for them.

The good thing is that there are alternatives (like bows, for example). Though, to be frank, nothing works better in hunting than a firearm.

Further, here is a list of related hunting supplies you might want on hand if it all went down.

1. Fishing pole
2. Rabbit trap
3. Bait
4. Crabbing gear (if you live in an area where this is possible)
5. Camouflaged clothing
6. Hunting knife

And there are hosts of other things that might come in handy depending on what you're hunting for and the area of the world you live in. In fact, here's a hunting store that might serve to get you thinking the right way-


Storing Food

Preparation is the key to everything from coaching a football team to rallying your friends and family to survive during famine / mass starvation. Thus, if you're worried - and if you look around, you'll probably realize that you should be - you might want to start buying non - perishable food items that expire way down the road.

After all, growing food and hunting when the demand is high will probably not always go your way. Thus, non-perishable food items (dry foods) would certainly help you and your family get on their feet.

Along with this, it would be prudent to get your hands on foods like white rice, wheat, and beans. When appropriately packaged and stored, these foods can sometimes last for decades. Speaking of storing dry foods appropriately, here are some things to consider.

1. Have #10 cans on hand.

2. Have foil pouches (made multilayer laminated plastic and aluminum).

3. Buy some bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PETE bottles). These are used for long term dry food storage.

Further, dry foods should be stored at a temperature of 75 degrees F/ 24 degrees C or lower (recommended). If this prerequisite cannot be met, the foods should be rotated. Beyond that, moisture should be kept to a minimum (one way to help this along is to keep containers off the floor).

Also, keep things like cooking oil and long term storage items (oftentimes in PETE bottles) out of the light. And, of course, keep all foods protected in pouches or bottles (as this will serve many functions, one of which is to protect from insects / rodents).

Finally, to help in reducing the threat of moisture, oxygen absorbing packets may be utilized for sealed items.

There are several different formulations for this depending on the type of food and other factors, so read the directions carefully. In fact, this should always be done as significant problems can occur in food storage when directions are not appropriately followed (this is true for food storage in general, not just oxygen absorbing packets).

When in doubt, check with emergency personnel and professionals in the field.

Last, but certainly not least, there's the perishable items. Obviously, meats will need to be stored frozen. Further, it would be prudent to consume these first. The same can be said for fresh vegetables and fruit. Don't go into your dry food stash until it's needed.

In sum, famine is truly a broad topic that can come about for a host of reasons. Thus, the way it must be combated can change depending on the situation. This article provides a brief summary of how a famine might be dealt with and is designed to get you looking in the right direction.


Famine Caused by Natural Disaster or Nuclear Attack

If your area is hit by a devestating natural disaster, such as an earthquake or tsunami, or if multiple cities in the United States are nuked by terrorists (as talked about in other articles on this site), access to food can shut down fast.

In a situation like this, you may find yourself quickly without food (and without drinking water, depending on the severity of the disaster). Many experts recommend having a backup supply of food and water that will support you and your family for up to 90 days.

If things get really chaotic in the world, you may want to go for a backup that will last up to six months.

In this day and age, stocking up on non-perishable foods, large jugs of water, and cash (if your bank is closed indefinitely or there is no power for an extended period, credit cards / debit cards won't be any good) is probably a smart thing to do.


REFERENCES:

Famine

Storing Food and Water