SeaMonkey:
Boy been a while since been on here...
One thing about self sufficient is having good equipment. For example I have a 1942 Ford 2N, if your google image this, you will see what I am talking about.
If I was alive when this fine piece of engineering was purchased new, Ford Motor Company would GIVE me a NEW distillery to MAKE my own fuel with the purchase of a NEW Ford Truck, OR a NEW Ford Tractor.
What I do know is that old Henry was wary of the Carnagies and opposed them strongly. So by offering a method upon which to make your own fuel, you could theoretically offset the profits of the Carnegies.
With good equipment, stuff that will still function in 100 years (yes that means made in USA a long time before China was doing all our work...) you can be quite self sufficient. I grew up using equipment that is over 100 years old daily. People see it in action and see me using this "antique" stuff like it's brand new, and become very curious as to how and why I am able to use a device that they have never seen in their life...let alone know what it is, how to use it properly, as well as any and all accessories to it, repairs and maintenance.
This is why I can work with stuff that is hundred years old, as well as modern computerized equipment fuel injection and data flow. You have to really look at the big picture.
And the big picture is ugly, grim and not worth worrying about. You need to worry about yourself and your family, friends and anyone else in your ability to help in any possible way.
I agree that the next few months are going to be horrible for some people to get through. This summer is going to be hotter than anything before. The 9th year is here. Every 9 years the pattern repeats in the weather. Except as the pendulum swings hard to the cold....it swings equal to the hot. Last winter we had a high pressure lock over a land mass large enough to be considered big enough to hold about 7 countries within the high pressure lock, with record cold temperatures. This summer is to be a high pressure lock over an even larger area, with little to no wind, severe droughts, and lots of heat.
My best suggestion for the heat is to buy WHITE COLORED WINTER JACKETS. If it will insulate you from the cold, it will insulate you from the heat. White will reflect many of the light frequencies of absorption for heat.
You need to use the knowledge of the Pueblo Indians to use heat and rocks to get fresh drinking water.
I wish I could say more here, but I haven't the time at this moment.
AlaskaStar