Termite wrote:My flying buddies are coming over for BBQ in 15 min, and I forgot to stock the beer fridge............
I didn't get invited, but I'll bring beer.
On a more serious note, SHTF means to me that I might not live another hour. Here in Louisiana we're real good at events like hurricanes where the power might be out for two or three days, and I know how to deal with that, but for me, SHTF has always implied an immediate and identifiable threat to human life that will occur over a short time span.
For example, a massive storm that disrupts utilities, even for several weeks isn't SHTF. When the zombies show up in the front yard, scavenging for food, that's SHTF.