This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred. As you read this book it is intended for entertainment purposes only. Statements should not be used as, or in place of, medical or survival advice.
Copyright © 2020 by Oz McTatety
BSF
All rights reserved.
Thank you for purchasing an authorized edition of this book and for complying with copyright law. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the copyright holder.
To contact the author email at [email protected]
Design and composition by Teresa Muniz
Cover design and illustrations by J. L. Alfaro
ISBN-13: 978-1074228767
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prologue
The Tregors
Normalcy Sets In
Take the High Road
The Road Less Traveled
One Step Closer to Home
It Was Only a Matter of Time
A Family Recovering
To Bug Out or Not to Bug Out
A Family United
The Details
Farewells and Bugging Out
Expect the Unexpected
The Cabin
Unanticipated Help
Entropy – Organized Chaos
Difficult Journey
The Arrival
5 United
Securing Zulu Papa
Strangers Find Strangers
A New Day and a New Challenge
The First Step – Becoming Self-Reliant
Security Breach
A Family Trial
Damion’s Fate
The Unforeseen Future
Epilogue
Note from the Author
PROLOGUE
First and foremost, thank you very much for purchasing and reading this series. It’s truly appreciated and I’m very humbled. Understanding my background will help you as the reader understand why the series is written as both a story and a handbook with actions that the reader can take to better prepare for any Stuff Hits the Fan (SHTF) event.
My educational background consists of a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry, a Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry, an MBA, and a Master of Science in Management. I have written fifteen peer-reviewed articles in well-known publications including the Journal of Analytical Toxicology. I’m the author of ten books on preparedness including the Best Seller “The Prepper’s Handbook, Second Edition.” My books can be found under the pennames Zion Prepper, Oz McTatey, and Bryan Foster. My family and I have been featured on the Discovery and History Channel. On the Discovery Channel, I shared my expertise on how to prepare for an earthquake, specifically, the New Madrid. While on the History Channel, I shared my expert opinion on potential pandemics, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Ebola, and H1N1.
I strongly believe in understanding the potential impact and preparing for man-made and natural disasters of any type. As such, I’ve written the EMP series to describe the actions, behaviors, and adaptability of individuals and groups during an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP); a highly probable event.
Book 1: 458 Miles and 24 Days, focuses on Oz McTatey and his family during the first six weeks following multiple Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) attacks on the United States of America. The power grid, and essentially anything with electronics, no longer functions. Without power, life in the United States is no longer the same; nor will it ever be.
We learn that Oz McTatey, the main character, is confronted with having to travel from Georgia to his home state of Kentucky by either biking or walking. Although he was a prepper and physically prepared for his journey, he was unprepared for the emotional behaviors and unpredictable actions of desperate people. Along his travels, he encounters Naomi and Cheyanne Brennan and assumes responsibility for their wellbeing. Naomi, an Active Duty Chief Petty Office—Master at Arms, and her daughter—a junior in high school—were traveling from Florida to California when the EMP hit. Together with Oz, they fight and survive to live another day.
While Oz is desperately trying to get home to his family, his wife Nicki, son Randall, daughter Cali, parents Lloyd and Connie (affectionately known as G-ma and G-pa to their grandkids), and Benny, their ten-pound Maltipoo, are challenged by neighbors and groups of unprepared people willing to do whatever it takes to find and take their food, medical supplies, and survival gear. They are confronted with aggression and heavily armed groups who launch an all-out assault to kill and take everything the family has.
Ultimately Oz, Naomi, and Cheyanne make it to Oz’s house in Kentucky and after several life-threatening injuries the family must pick up the pieces. They’re confronted with more questions than answers.
Would they bug out or would they remain at the house? Would they be attacked again by the same or different group and, if so, would the family be ready? If they stayed, would they find like-minded people and be able to form coalitions, or could they find other Mutual Assistance Groups (MAG)? Would they be able to grow and store enough food for the upcoming year? Would they be able to find others with whom they could trade and barter with? When and how would Oz find BJ, his son?
Book 2: A Life Without Power continues the real-life decisions and challenges that a highly-probable EMP could bring. It further explores the actions and behaviors of men, women, and families who are desperate for food, water, heat, shelter, and security. The series also explains actions that you can take to prepare your family for the unknown.
In closing, I encourage you to research and understand the impact and probability that a cyberattack or EMP could have on the nation as well as your family. An excellent source is my colleague Michael Mabee’s research that can be found at https://michaelmabee.info/ and the work of the Secure the Grid Coalition at https://securethegrid.com/ who is working hard to rally the United States government to take action before it’s too late.
If you enjoy this book, I would truly appreciate a 5-star review on Amazon. If you feel it’s not warranted, or you simply have questions or would like to connect with me, please email me at [email protected] or [email protected]. I always appreciate feedback, recommendations, and suggestions that will make me a better author.
The More You Know the More You’re Prepared!
Very Respectfully,
Oz McTatey
1
THE TREGORS
Brian and Elizabeth Tregor, emergency room physicians, met Oz McTatey in 2002 while attending a Civil Defense seminar hosted by Zion Prepper. Oz had gone to the seminar alone because he and his wife, Nicki, were temporarily separated due to jobs. Nicki had relocated to Kentucky for a new job as a nurse while Oz stayed in Illinois until he could find an opportunity that would relocate him with his family. As a chemist, there weren’t many opportunities in the small Kentucky town due to significantly less industry.
When not working, Oz spent time with Brian and Elizabeth and soon discovered they were like-minded. Brian and Elizabeth shared that they had been preparing food, medical supplies, guns, ammo, and general supplies for either a man-made or natural disaster. Both families firmly believed that it was only a matter of time before the next man-made or natural SHTF event happened. Furthermore, they agreed that together they would never be as unprepared as they were during 9
/11 and, more importantly, the families would train and support one another in future man-made or natural disasters.
Eventually, Oz found a great opportunity in Kentucky and left Illinois to be reunited with his family. During the time they spent together, Oz, Elizabeth, and Brian became best friends and developed a relationship that would last a lifetime.
Five years later in 2007, and while living in different states, The McTatey and Tregor families felt it was necessary to take the next step in their preparations: find a Bug Out Location equidistant between their two households. After agreeing on a location and property, the families developed the Bug Out Location and, over time, accumulated large stores of food, water, medical supplies, and other life-sustaining supplies. With continued training and a Bug Out Location, both families had prepared the best they could, but for what, they did not know.
“I WAS TALKING to Oz and he said it was our friendiversary,” Elizabeth said with excitement. “You know, our friendship anniversary. Our families have known each other for seventeen years now. He wanted you and me to know how important we are to him and Nicki. He’s a good man.”
“It’s hard to believe it’s 2018 and for almost two decades we’ve planned and trained with them,” Brian said. “We make a good team.”
“That’s weird,” Elizabeth said looking perplexed. “My phone just went blank. It shut off. Let me try your phone. Not sure what’s wrong with mine,” she said as she reached for Brian’s phone.
“Hmm, your phone is dead too,” she said. “Neither phone will reboot. Black screens.”
“Hang on,” Brian yelled as he gripped the steering wheel with both hands and slammed on the brakes.
Coming to a sudden stop, he was amazed to see that every car, in both directions of the road, had stopped for no apparent reason. Several cars, because they were tailing so close, collided into one another.
“Are you okay?” Brian said in a panicked voice.
“I’m fine,” Elizabeth said picking up the phone that she dropped. “Pull off to the side of the road.”
Subconsciously, Brian pushed the gas pedal but the electric car did not respond.
He looked at the dashboard and then pressed the “start” button. His hope was that the car’s computers would reset and that there would be no further issues driving home. He pushed the gas pedal and again the car’s electric motor failed to engage. Their electric vehicle was no longer running. It was perplexing that their brand new 2018 Tesla Model S had just quit. They had owned the car for only two weeks and it had a mere 200 miles showing on the odometer. It was running one minute and the next it wasn’t.
“Car quit,” Brian said. “Hand me my phone.”
Forgetting that Elizabeth had just told him it was not working, Brian attempted to power the phone on.
No screen, no power, nothing. Regardless of how many times he hit the power button, it would not turn on.
Being emergency room physicians, Brian and Elizabeth exited the vehicle and began checking on those involved in the collisions. Nobody was hurt but it wouldn’t have mattered anyway. They had no medical supplies with them and there was no way to contact emergency services. The best they could have done was to administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), stop major bleeding, and comfort the injured. Brian had no confidence that emergency vehicles would run.
Brian looked around at his surroundings and turned to Elizabeth and asked, “Elizabeth, what do you notice about the neighborhood?”
Elizabeth looked 360 degrees around her and then up and down the neighborhood street before responding. “The transformers: most of them are black and smoking. Something hit them. Like an . . . EMP.”
Brian overheard several people state that they were unable to start their car. That was enough information for him. He went to their car and took out their Bug Out Bags. They slung them across their shoulders and began walking home.
BRIAN AND ELIZABETH arrived home after walking for several miles and reflected on what they had seen. Throughout the two-mile walk, they observed vehicles of all types, as well as motorcycles, that had just quit working. Transformers on all the power lines had some type of damage ranging from black smoke being emitted to some still on fire. Bystanders were perplexed at what happened and literally had no clue as to what to do. They didn’t act. They were helpless and obviously waiting for everything to magically go back to normal.
“Stunned and paralyzed,” Elizabeth turned and looked at Brian as she unlocked their front door. “Everybody we passed was stunned and paralyzed.”
“Please grab the SHTF – Elevated Threat Manual, “Brian asked Elizabeth.
“Of course,” Elizabeth whispered.
The SHTF- Elevated Threat Manual outlined the actions to be taken by both families, the McTateys and Tregors, when the Stuff Hit the Fan. More importantly, the manual contained a section outlining the requirements of when to bug out to their jointly owned cabin in Kentucky.
Examples of when the families would head to their Bug Out Location in Kentucky would include categories such as pandemics (H1N1), large-scale terrorism, economic collapse, loss of the power grid, and chemical/nuclear threat or release. With the bug out categories set and agreed upon, the families further defined the specific action levels that would automatically trigger the Bug Out Plan. They are:
EPIDEMIC
May lead to bugging out if extended. Examples of recent epidemics include Avian Flu, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola, Influenza, Lassa Fever, MERS, Meningitis, SARs, Smallpox, Yellow Fever, and Zika.
ACTION: Shelter in place with weekly reassessment of situation.
BUG OUT IF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA IS MET: If epidemic officially becomes PANDEMIC with the following criteria:
20 deaths within a five-mile radius or 50 deaths within a twenty-five-mile radius of your house.
Monitor CDC, local health department, news, and police scanner for up-to-date information.
TERRORISM
Examples of recent domestic terrorism include Pittsburgh synagogue shooting (2018), Congressional baseball shooting (2017), Orlando night club shooting (2016), San Bernardino shooting (2015), Charleston church shooting (2015), and Boston Marathon bombing (2013).
ACTION: If localized, shelter in place for a minimum of two days.
BUG OUT IF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA IS MET: If terrorist event continues to affect localized area for > 5 days.
Assess daily and bug out sooner if necessary.
If infrastructure is affected: water quality, loss of power, limited food supply, sewer backup.
If terrorist event leads to societal breakdown in your area: looting, stealing, rape, violence, damage to property, martial law, and imposed curfews.
ECONOMIC COLLAPSE
ACTION: Monitor triggers that may indicate economic collapse is coming. Triggers include: An inverted yield curve: occurs when the yield (the return an investor in bonds receives on bonds with a short duration) exceeds the yield on bonds with a longer duration.
The VIX: an index that is tied to market volatility using S&P 500 index options. Also known as the Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index (CBOE VIX), it is used as an indicator of the stock market’s anxiety and concern over short-term future market performance.
Market Cap to GDP: Logic dictates that the worth of a company should be related to the output of an overall economy. As such, this is one of several indicators of a potential market collapse if metrics become skewed. Use this as an indicator only in combination with the above and be aware that market capitalization comes from companies that are global; therefore, there may not be a 1:1 correlation to the US GDP.
Wealth to Income ratios: An indicator of a potential recession. Given strong stock market conditions, forecasters are generally blindsided by recessions because they tend to be preceded by economic strength.
Other observable/reported indicators: political infighting (domestic and international), trade wars, strained international relationships, international selling and
buying of United States bonds, Treasury issuing additional debt, ever-increasing national deficit, and local gas and merchant prices.
LOSS OF THE POWER GRID
ACTION: Monitor natural and manmade events to include: cyberattacks, solar flares, and EMPs. Solar Activity: Monitor Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) and Solar Flare activity via phone app found at http://www.spaceweather.com.
Manmade: Monitor https://alertsusa.com/ via phone app, local news, shortwave radio communication, and internet.
BUG OUT IF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA IS MET: Incoming X Class solar flare or CME:
You may only have 10-24 hours to bug out before all power is lost for an extended period (maybe years).
Incoming M Class solar flare or CME:
Monitor to find out area of impact. May not need to bug out but be ready.
Incoming nuclear threat (EMP – Electromagnetic Pulse) from nation states.
CHEMICAL/NUCLEAR THREAT
ACTION: Monitor https://alertsusa.com/ via phone app, local news, shortwave radio communication, and internet.
BUG OUT IF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA IS MET: Incoming or confirmed chemical or nuclear threat from nation states.
Imminent concern from local nuclear power or chemical plant.
ELIZABETH RETURNED SEVERAL minutes later and handed Brian the manual. He turned to the page that outlined how to monitor EMP events and the Bug Out criteria should it be warranted:
As he sat down, he told Elizabeth, “The best I can classify this as is an ‘Incoming nuclear threat from a nation state,’ he quoted from the manual.
“We agreed with Oz that this event means we, and they, bug out. We need to get to Zulu Papa (ZP) in Kentucky. It’s the only place we know that will provide the safety and security we need.”
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