Last night Mr. Bug-out renter sent an email letting me know he got a job offer in Reno. That's not where they'd like to live and Mrs. Bug-out renter is having a fit having to leave the Bug-out place. She's not physically well enough to be able to stay there without him. His job starts in 2 weeks. He will go to Reno, figure out where they are going to live, then try to move Mrs. before his job starts.
This evening I got another email from him. He said that there's a possibility that another job is opening up in a ranching town where he was born and raised. He would even be able to rent his little apartment at the ranch that he'd lived in for years before he and Mrs. Bug-out renter got together. Now he's hoping for this job instead. So am I. He'll be much happier on the ranch than in a city. Mrs. Bug-out renter is not going to be happy no matter what but should like the ranch better than the city.
This leaves me with the question of what to do with the Bug-out place. Because it is so out of the way it's an easy target for the druggies to loot. They take what they can to sell for drugs or whatever. Mrs. Bug-out renter has several times walked out on the front porch, carrying a shotgun, yelling at strangers to go away. And they do! But, what about an empty place?
If they move out how do I keep my preps safe? A burglar alarm wouldn't do any good. Nobody would hear it and even if 911 was called when it went off it would probably take 45 minutes for the sheriff to show up. Do I need to get a metal container? Even if I did it would probably be used as target practice. I could hang up the motion camera to get photos of the hoodlums but that doesn't mean the sheriff would have time to do anything to make problems go away. I really don't want to move out there full time, I'd rather be where I'm at. I don't know anyone else that I'd want to rent the place to. Anybody have any ideas on how to keep an unoccupied structure undisturbed?
Wow...tough call. My cabin stays empty...BUT I have neighbor's that watch out for us. Tiny community of "mountain people". We've always been good to them and they are always good to us. They let me know if I have a bear problem, snow pushing doors open, trees fallen down...powerlines down. Great people. I have one fellow that will clear the driveway down to the cabin and light the fireplace and stove if I call him to let him know I'm coming during the winter. When I go up I bring fresh eggs, homemade cheese, lots of fruits and veggies, honey and fresh baked bread...I take them up to the bar and the owner passes them out. If I do any canning while I'm there I always drop off some jars...I heard they shake dice to see who wins them! How did you find your current renters?
ReplyDeleteMrs. Bug-out was a friend of mine. I met her future Mr. and offered the place to them since once they got married. They paid the taxes and insurance on the place so their rent was really low. Instead they kept the brush cleared and tried to get a garden spot started. That's a good idea to bring some homemade things to the other neighbors to help them want to keep an eye on the place. There's no local bar - but I love that idea!
DeleteIf you want to keep some of your preps there, have you thought about making caches that you can bury? On You Tube, Southernprepper1 has a few videos on how to make them and conceal them. He uses 55 gallon drums and even a plastic septic tank (new of course)! Just an idea. If you have no neighbors near to your bug out location to help keep an eye on the place then concealment may be your only option.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea, burying preps. GI Jim has spoken to me about that many times but I haven't really given it much thought. Now I will.
ReplyDeleteOK, Lets solve your dilemma. Number one, you probably will rent again , but are waiting for the right person to do so. There might be even someone viewing your blog that might need a place. Get the word out in the survivalist community. I lost your phone number at the store . But, if you call and give it to me I could pre-screen possible renters and call you with their contact info.
ReplyDeleteNever, bring them to the place !! Meet them at Starbucks or a location like this and interview them. If they are true survivalists they will appreciate your caution, not get pushy to see the place.
Until it rents, have the lovely children make some paper mache mannequins that are life size. Position these with some clothing on in the windows or inside the house with a light or two on. If you have an extra vehicle, park it out front. These must be moved or have position changes everyday. (including the car). This shows a presence and will stop all , but the hardcore addicted thief. Having a radio or TV on will also help the ruse.
G.I. JIM
I'll probably be up sometime this week. We can talk then. I need more paracord. Any color this time.
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