So what will happen in the future when there is no Internet communication and documentation? What will happen if you can't share you vital information with the world thru satellite communications? It would be lost. Our future generations will know nothing of what is happening during these desperate times. They will not be able to learn from our mistakes or our outstanding accomplishments. But they could. It all relies on each of us as individuals. What do you believe the future will want to know about the current events? What is important to document? If you are going through a tough time that follows a big flood or a hurricane type disaster, any thing that you do to survive will be interesting to our personal families. What you do to survive may help others who encounter similar situations. In a long term situation, you could be a key to future history books. You could be the person who documents information that could help, if not save, future family members and strangers.
What kind of items should be in our stock pile of prepping items to document the current events. These items are so simple and most are pretty inexpensive. Unfortunately, most people will not even have these items stocked. Let's take a look at a start of what you should have.
Paper - that's a no brainer. But what kind? Anything that will stand up to the test of time. In other words, not the stuff that is super thin and meant for wrapping glass from the store. A basic paper for school work is ok, if you take care of the way it is handled, before and after used. Sketch books are pretty neat to have for writing and for drawing. Little sketches would be a great documentation. When you begin to build structures,, gardens and devices, sketches will be helpful for the immediate and the future. Linen based paper is pretty durable and hold up to a bit of dampness pretty well. Tablet paper will hold up the best so that is something to keep in mind. About those serious about documentation and sharing for the future - it's time for the journals. Don't waste your money on the dollar store journal, look for journals that are well bound for durability and sturdy paper. I don't believe you have to put every little note in a journal, but the important information should be kept safe here. And shielded for the elements in a strong plastic bag.
Lastly, if we are properly prepared, we have a generator and some solar panels to charge small items. Don't deprive yourself of a couple of basic recording devises. A small digital recorder for voice documentation would be great if it has a rechargeable power system. Even a camcorder would be helpful for occasional and important events. Any of these items need to have the ability to download on your computer. Purchase extra memory, if applicable, and batteries also, just to be safe.
Think about it - you have a computer (hopefully you can have an extra battery for back up), you have recorders that can download onto your computer, and an external for security reasons, and you have written notes. And you have a solar charger for these small electronics. Are you feeling ready to document?
Here's some suggestions for your list -
Pencils - this is not the idea writing tool since it will not hold up like ink, but if your pens dry up, they will be priceless. Get a ton of these. They are cheap, especially when it is back to school time and will never go bad.
Pens - any that have permanent ink. It may be work testing some to see what stand up to a bit of water on the paper, without running. Not all durable ink is in an expensive pen so get a lot of them. Seal them in Ziploc bags that will remain unopened so they won't try up.
Paper - durable and preferably bound so it will not scatter and tear. Lined and unlined is fine.
Journals - for the serious writer.
Sketch books - no need for the huge ones. Have ones that are easy to handle and maybe even have one in your BOB, just in case.
Colored pencils and crayons - mostly for the kids but also could come in handy when sketching plans that have multiple layers. Could also be helpful when making those chore list so the little ones can easily see their responsibilities. Unfortunately crayons are heat sensitive but the attempt doesn't hurt.
Digital voice recorder with extra battery and memory
Video recorder with extra battery and memory
Durable plastic bags with good seals or heat sealable. If you can find archival quality bags, these would be the best for storing paper goods.
And of course your computer and charging system.
OK - there's your list. Documentation is priceless to the future generation, but it also pretty darn therapeutic. For adults and kids alike.
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