Glen Tate, Author of 299 Days – Advice for Preppers
I was excited to have the opportunity to interview Glen Tate, author of the 299 Days series of books. Thus far I have read four of the books, soon to read Volume Five. First, a quick background from the author’s bio:
Glen Tate has led an amazing life – and one that took a surprising turn. He grew up poor in the rural logging town of Forks, Washington. He worked hard to become a successful professional with a job in the political arena. Thinking he’d finally made it and everything was great, he was stunned to see how corrupt government is. From his observations at his job, he realized that America is collapsing and bad things are coming. Very soon. He began to prepare for him and his family to make it through the civil unrest of the coming collapse. That meant he had to return to his rural roots – quite a shock to his family and friends. Even more amazing was that he wrote down what he foresees happening during the collapse and it became a ten-book novel series published by Prepper Press.
On with the interview…
1. The first book, 299 Days delves into the main character’s need to prepare, but his wife is not convinced. Many preppers can relate to this predicament – what advice can you give them?
GT: When dealing with non supportive family members, you have to stay calm and not be perceived as over-reacting. The first thing you need to do is accept their position: they feel your concerns are crazy. Get them interested by appealing to what’s important to them. For example, if they are concerned about the kids, then keeping the kids safe in a disaster would appeal to them. On the other hand, if guns are a “turn-off” to them, downplay or stay away from that topic. You know your relative or friend very well, so you already know their likes and dislikes. Use whatever works in your favor to get them on your side.
Editor’s note: This is excellent advice and I am going to try it. I personally know people in my family who consider preparedness “just something that I do,” One of the relatives is motivated by financial gains, so perhaps stressing how stockpiling can save money, while others are protective of their families. Family safety in an emergency would be of interest to those relatives.
2. Most of our readers live in big cities, and it is a big concern that cities will become unsafe in a disaster. What would you say is the biggest obstacle to getting a bug-out location and what can you do about it?
GT: The biggest obstacle to finding a bug-out location is money. Not everyone can afford to buy land in a rural area. While things are normal, write down a list of potential places, including names and addresses, that you can run to in the event of a large scale emergency. Don’t store it electronically in the event there is no power. This list can include friends and family whom you know enough to have contact information. They do not need to be immediate family, but can be 2nd or 3rd tier contacts. Try contacting them ahead of time and get a feel for how they would react. If anything happens, such as an economic collapse, during the early stages, try and be the first one to ask. Have something to contribute – bring your supplies with you. Throw everything you can take in a U-haul trailer and get out.
3. Grant Matson, the main character, has a group that he trains with – what do you think about defensive training for the average person who does not have the same contacts?
GT: Spend as much on training as you spend on guns and ammunition. Training is often overlooked but it is essential to build confidence and familiarity with your weapon. Even if you just try something once, it takes the mystery out of it and you will not hesitate to act when the time comes. You can practice at the range or even shoot at cans in a gravel pit. You will carry yourself with confidence which also makes a difference in how people perceive you.
4. In the book, Grant’s daughter learns how to shoot – what is a good age for children to start learning about the proper use of firearms?
GT: It really depends on the child’s maturity. Some seven to eight year old children have a readiness to learn while some may not be ready.
5. Although ammunition is starting to become available again, they are still expensive. What advice can you give?
– Stock up when you can. Always get a few boxes as they become available.
– Consider team reloading. Find a team you can do hand-loading with and share the cost.
– Use 22s at the range. If you can, get a 2nd gun that functions the same, mechanically, as your favorite gun. This way you are training with less expensive ammunition.
6. If you can only choose one rifle, what would it be?
GT: I am an AK fan, but since the question is only of one type, I would choose the AR-15, because it is easy to operate ergonomically.
7. We try to stay away from politics at Apartment Prepper, but what would you say is the biggest risk for our country at this point?
GT: The problem is non-partisan, the country is borrowing too much, spending too much, and printing money too much. Both parties are not acting fiscally responsible and the highest risk is economic in nature.
Politicians do try to do what the people want, and many or their constituents feel entitled and believe there is such a thing as a “free lunch” The problem is, this willingness to take stuff is not sustainable. An economic crash will cause problems to the political system, which in turn will cause social break downs.
The good news is we can all prepare while we still can and I feel I am doing what I am meant to do: get people aware of the need to prepare and get the message out.
We had a great interview with Glen Tate. Although the 299 Days series of books is pure fiction, Glen is an active prepper and has experienced or witnessed many of the situations described. Thank you Glen for taking the time to speak with Apartment Prepper.
This is an archive of: http://apartmentprepper.com/glen-tate-author-of-299-days-advice-for-preppers-plus-a-giveaway/
