I got a few reminders on why preparedness is important today

[ronlarimer]

This morning the power went out for about an hour and during that time I got a few reminders:

• My kids are completely ill-equipped to be without power!  They are 3 & 5 and kept whining about the lights, the TV, I want eggs etc.  It looks like I need to start taking them camping.
• Adults don't know what to do either.  I decided to run out to see if any nearby restaurants had power and saw the following.  2 cars sitting at a railroad crossing because it was down due to the power being out (I went a block down to a non controlled crossing), 4 cars at a gas station that had no power (how do they think the pumps work), and I went dunk'in doughnut's figuring they would sell what they had and witnesses 3 cars sit at the speaker (umm, really?)
• Right as the power went out my wife asked if I knew where the flashlights were and was a little shocked when I pulled one out of my pocket and before I left my wife asked me how I was going to get the car out of the garage.

I have always approached preparedness assuming most people wouldn't be, but that they were at least aware of how the world around them worked  e.g. What no longer works without power, where food comes from, et cetera.  I think I need to rethink that.

[Timothy]

It's that way everywhere.........sheep waiting for someone to herd them in the proper direction!

[twyacht]

Hey NC Buckeye, My Father lives right off Hwy 73, Lake Norman in Cormelius right off exit 25, I remember going through Hurricane Hugo, 9/89, being without power for a few days, while watching McGuire Nuclear "glow" nicely.... I even thought of running an extension cord, as I knew they still had power...

We had some oil lamps, batteries, gas grill, and just kinda "camped out" at the house.

The sheep, are always going to be in line at the drive thru,.....complaining on why they aren't coming through on the speaker..

Sounds like a camping trip is in order, I used to go to the Uwharrie National Forest. Kids will get a valuable bit of experience, and usually enjoy the heck out of it.

[dipisc]

Hi;

     For those of us who are constanly thinking and accumilating the basic and expanded items needed for emergency prepardness we always come across those who keep thier heads in the sand and think that "it" wont last long or that someone will come to the rescue.

     The older I get, the more I like my shower hot water or Coffee ( hot ) in the morning. In another forum was a posting of the Mormon preparation listings and it can open up your thoughts on things. Even if you are not in a disaster/shtf area - you will be affected by family and friends and some despratates coming into your "safe" area. You have to be ready for that.

[sledgemeister]

When the SHTF two things are certain, one has to be prepared to take what is needed and defend against those who wish to take yours.
Of course the more one is prepared the less taking is needed and better the defence will be.

[Sponsor]

[JC5123]

You make very good points. Those of us that are aware for the need to be prepared take that knowledge for granted. Forgetting that most of our neighbors will be sitting on the curb waiting for FEMA to come save their sorry butts.

[tombogan03884]

What do you do when they insist you share with them ?

[CJS3]

My family and some friends all know that I have a cache of weapons and survival supplies. The standard joke, especially with some of my nieces and nephews, is that we're goin over to uncle Bone's house if the SHTF. The last couple of years, my reply has been,"only if you bring your own food".

[MikeBjerum]

My family and some friends all know that I have a cache of weapons and survival supplies. The standard joke, especially with some of my nieces and nephews, is that we're goin over to uncle Bone's house if the SHTF. The last couple of years, my reply has been,"only if you bring your own food".

I'm afraid that it isn't a joke.

Actually it is a joke today, because they think you are one for your preparedness.  However, that is exactly what they will do - only without the food.

Standard DRTV Disclaimer:  I am speaking in generalities, and I do not know your family.  However, applying the average American test to the comment would make me damn scared!

[tombogan03884]

Back to my previous post. What do you do when the unprepared, possibly relatives, start forcefully demand that you share what you have with them ? If you do, you lessen the chances of your immediate families survival.
Are you prepared to kill third cousin Harvey ?
You better be because he is very unlikely to take no for an answer.