This community doesn't seem big on introductions, so I'm skipping one entirely. Hi, though. I hope I don't break any rules. Here goes.

Anyway, as it stands right now, it is somewhat likely that my city is going to be ground zero for a war with a neighboring country. While I am hoping for the best, my optimism is wearing thin. If it comes to war, I'd like to be prepared, purely defensively, and to protect me and my friends. Sorta simplistic, but that's it. Some of us have years of work as artists, writers, filmmakers, thespians, philantropists and the like that I want to preserve. This is my home, and I don't think I need to emphasize that I wouldn't like to abandon it.

I just don't know where to start. I just figured that since you guys regularly go through such information, and this is a hub of sorts, you'd have a few pointers, or at least nudge/shove me in the right direction. again, I don't want or (think that I) need to know anything that might be preemptively or overtly hostile in nature. I just need some material to read, or something along those lines.

I suppose there isn't any text on a few of my concerns. Like maintaining a constant connection with the outside world, to be able to get news and all, e.g. the internet. What to do for "money"? If such a thing exists in a warzone. "Money" that lends itself to the acquisition of electricity and the like. And stuff like keeping paintings, books and all safe. And possibly, how to recover some of your assets if you are forced to leave them behind. A number of us help out, at schools for those who can't afford an education, charities helping such people, etc. and considering that many of them won't be able to pack up and leave, I don't really know what to do if we try and support them through it all. ugh. I really don't know what to ask.

I would and can list more questions, but there's no point making a long post if someone was going to address it anyway. I don't want to actually impose or imply any moral obligations on anyone in the process either. I'll ask if I feel its appropriate, but really, anything would help get me my bearings. If I feel something is unaddressed, or I want clarification, I'll ask. No worries, really.

Thanks in advance.

If this is a serious request, I'll be more than willing to help you out. I've seen first hand what war can do and it ain't pretty. But it would be nice to know a little more about the enemy and what kind of attack you're expecting. Is it the Russians? But, personally, I need a little more assurance before I involve myself in your case. But here's a little starter. The classic Special Forces Caching Manual, everything you'd ever wanted to learn about hiding things.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/7965410/TC-3129-Special-Forces-Caching-Techniques

You could also look up brother Hirudinea's books on scribd.com - lots of relevant books there.

s1109 has PM'ed me and I can see his problems.
I don't think it's going to be as bad as you fear, but it's probably going to be bad - in my opinion, it already has.
The way I see it, other than leaving the country, your best bet is staying in the cities, the rural areas will not be very friendly places for outsiders.

You don't have any skills that are marketable in a disaster situation, other than being a handyman.

Since you're new to this, the first place you should look to is the motherload of disaster and emergency information - FEMA.

http://www.fema.gov

You'll probably spend the few days just downloading stuff.

Kresson Kearny's book is also worth reading:

http://www.oism.org/nwss/

This one is probably way too apocalyptic, but it does contain some good information:

http://www.cybertrn.demon.co.uk/atomic/

More information from the American Red Cross

http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_239_,00.html

Some good information here too:

http://incaseofemergencyblog.com/

You should use your connections in the medical community to stockpile necessary medical equipment. But you need to learn how to use it. Are there any advanced first aid or paramedical courses you can attend?

This should have you going for the next couple of weeks. If there is something you don't find, then don't hesitate to ask.

Oh, and yes, the Mormon preparedness manual isn't bad either:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/8218747/Emergency-Preparedness-Manual