If you believe everything mainstream news outlets tell you, our nation is on the verge of an economic collapse, not to mention all the other issues related to the global pandemic, supply chain issues, crude oil prices & availability, and what Russia is doing over in Ukraine.
As a general guideline, most of us try not to get caught up in the drama of what the media is reporting and the combination of misinformation & loosely-based facts.
With violence on the increase, you need to be prepared for what may come of all this. This blog will serve as a guide to prepare yourself and your family for the violent protests and potential violence that will undoubtedly occur.
What is SHTF?
Obviously, SHTF is an acronym. SHTF is short for “Sh!# Hits The Fan”. In short, it refers to any situation or event that tests your survival and preparedness skills.
What situations are considered SHTF will be different for different people. It can range from a natural disaster, to losing the power grid, or a full on collapse of society.
The event could last anywhere from a few days to a few months. Most preppers are thinking of a total collapse of society when preparing for SHTF.
Here are the most common situations that can constitute a SHTF event.
- Pandemic
- Major Natural Disaster such as a hurricane
- Another World War
- Nuclear Attack
- EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse)
- Grid Down
- Economic/Financial Collapse
Additionally, there are many who anticipate that the collapse of the economy will come more slowly, with inflation creeping ever higher, unemployment on the rise, and increasing civil unrest. Sound familiar?
This is a slow yet slippery slope that can easily turn into a SHTF event and overtake you before you know it.
Is body armor necessary for SHTF?
Saying that you need body armor for SHTF may seem a little paranoid and extreme to most.
Yes, you probably won’t need it every day, but there WILL be situations where you would want it. In other words, it’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
When the world gets turned upside down people, for the most part, will remain civil for a period of time, but when they begin to struggle to get enough food or water for their families there is a shift in mindset, and the chances that everyone remains civil is little to none.
With the availability of body armor to the civilian market, there is no reason to not buy body armor. Even if you can’t afford it at this moment, start saving for it now so that you can eventually buy it. You can’t put a price on life.
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Does Body Armor Expire?
The expiration of body armor is something to keep in mind when preparing for SHTF. The gear you purchase for an SHTF event may never get used (and that is a good thing).
The shelf life of body armor isn’t forever. Even if you never get shot, there are various considerations to make regarding your body armor’s replacement.
Body armor does have an expiration date. In most cases, this expiration date is around 5 years. This, of course, depends on materials used to produce said armor.
When the expiration date passes, replace your body armor. And consider the full cost of ownership over full life. A plate that lasts 15 years is usually far cheaper to own than a plate that needs to be replaced three separate times due to warranty restrictions.
It may seem like a better idea to go with the cheaper material, but if you’re paying that cost every 3-5 years, you’re probably spending more than if you would have purchased a better armor with an expiration date of 10-15 years, which by the way, ShotStop offers.
How ShotStop Can Help You Prepare For SHTF
SHOTSTOP LEVEL III+PA BODY ARMOR PLATE
If it were my family and I ever thought they needed protection, the Level III+PA plate is the one that I would buy.
This is the lightest, thinnest, and most versatile Level III on the planet and it’s NIJ-Listed to support our claim. At only 2.7 lbs and only 0.7” thick per plate, this plate is not cumbersome for any adult or adolescent.
The massive protests around the country have included gunfire from rifles, pistols, and shotguns. Our Duritium® Level III+PA will protect you and your family from any pistol caliber and multiple hits from an AR-15 or Ak-47.
We know it may sound extreme, but it’s always better to have something and never need it than need it and never have it.
When it comes to family, there is no reason not to be prepared.