Plan for the worst. Hope for the best. All any one of us can do is the best we can at that moment in time. Decisions made, whether good or bad, have consequences. Everything we do has consequences.

When making decisions, whether it be what to have for dinner or how you will get yourself and your loved ones out of harm's way if SHTF, having information beforehand is always a good idea. Even then, we don't always have the right information. 

When it comes to catastrophic events, sudden SHTF, or events that cause civil unrest, time may not be on our side. Making snap decisions in any of these situations inevitably leads to some regrets and moments of, "If I only knew then what I know now." 

Here are 4 of those things I wish I had known.

Stockpile, but also consider other alternatives

Having a stockpile is useful. A well-stocked pantry with food items that have a long shelf life will get you and your family through an emergency situation for some time. 

But, what if the emergency situation goes on far longer than expected? Whether you're home, at your BOL, or fled to another country, you can grow and produce food from the land. And you should. 

Your stockpile should have more than just food items. Sure it's great to have a whole arsenal of weapons if you can afford it. But, you will be grateful later on when you have things for hygiene, like soap and toilet paper in that stockpile. (Handmade soap, even better.)