The first order of preparation is to take a deep breath at least twice as deep as your pocket. You need to assess your immediate threat levels and appropriate responses to same. If a nuclear devise goes off how is a bow going to help ? The still developing story of Katrina and now Rita (why do I think of old G/Fs with these names and shiver <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />) is providing valuable lessons. As Forum member Peanut in Baton Rouge recently discovered potable water and gasoline are literally the lifeblood of our society. People naturally react to these events with a 'hurry up and get everything now' mindset. Small fortunes were made after 9/11 by surplus vendors selling gas masks. An acquaintance bought a closeout grabbag of survival and homesteading books about the same time. 9 out of 12 books were about Y2K, one on raising poultry, a gun buyer's guide from 1998 and an out of date radio frequency guide. Your first order of business is to take a inventory of what you have NOW. Then use the many resources online and LEARN.