Emergency Preparedness
By ParaTed2k
@ParaTed2k (22940)
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
December 9, 2008 9:16am CST
What is it about us that we think everything will be the same one day to the next? We buy our groceries and use them up, expecting the store to be ready, willing and able to offer more to us whenever we feel like going to pick them up.
We flip a switch, knowing that the lights will go on... if they don't, no problem, we have replacement bulbs and even if we don't, the store does. We turn the water on and by golly by gosh, the water flows... and when it doesn't?
We are in a recession and most the people in America expect the government to do something about it. I'll admit that it's their job to do something about the national economy, but is it their job to do something about our own personal economies?
When we talk about preparedness, most people get visions of commoflage wearing wierdos, living in bunker in the desert or the mountains, shut off from society and living in fear of anyone who strays into their lives.
That isn't preparedness, that is survival. Survivalists live as though the calamity has already happened. Preparedness is taking action before calamity strikes. It's purpose is to reduce the effect calamity has on our lives.
Most of us could do fine for a day or two if the supply lines were cut for whatever reason. We have food we could eat, and even if we didn't have running water, most of us could with what little there would be... but that's just for a day or so.
We are encouraged to put together 72 hour kits in case of problems. Why 72 hours? Because that is the amount of time it really takes for our Emergency Management infrastructure to assess the situation and put a plan into action. Imagine how much more smoothly a disaster response would go if most the people in the disaster area could fend for themselves for the first few days at least.
We know hard times are coming, for a lot of people they are already here. What are we doing to help ourselves? Or is that the job of mommy and daddy government too?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
9 Dec 08
No it's not the governments job. And depending upon what kind of disaster it is my family could easily be shut in for weeks. Probably even months but, we would run out of milk and bread since I don't keep much of that. As long as my basement was entacted since that is where I keep everything.
1 person likes this
@CarlKnittel (692)
• United States
2 Jan 09
I used to have 6-8 weeks of food and supplies. Lately it's more like 2. On the other hand I have a rifle and a shotgun and the skills to get food when I run out. (no I don't mean robbing a neighbor)
1 person likes this
@Arkie69 (2156)
• United States
9 Dec 08
I have tried for some time to convince people of what you just said and they will not listen. We are in one of the most dangerous situations we have ever been in. Most people produce absolutely nothing of what they consume. If they can't go to the store and buy what they need to survive they just won't survive. All it would take to kill millions of Americans is to shut down the trucking companies. If the trucks don't roll then the shelves will be empty and there will be nothing to buy no matter how much money you have.
I am almost 70 years old and I lived through hard times in the 40's. My family was lucky. My dad was a farmer and He and the family raised most of what we ate. When the growing season was over we had enough food stored back to last us til the end of the next growing season. We lived year to year, not week to week like most people do now. It was hard work but we had a security that we don't have now. There are also a lot more people in control of our lives now than there was then. I don't like anyone holding the strings to my life. The more we can depend on our own ability the better we will make if should hard time hit us again.
@CarlKnittel (692)
• United States
2 Jan 09
The reason terrorists want to target the bridges into NY is because it would kill people. Not just the ones on the bridge but the ones stranded on the island. Commercial and gov't supplies would be gone in under 2 days but it could take as much as 2 weeks to get adequate relief to the stranded New Yorkers.
We killed air travel for a week because of 4 plane crashes. Imagine attacks using trains and trucks.
Imagine the worst. Bio Terrorism. Most of us go to work sick because we can't afford to get trouble or go to the doctor for an excuse. Some just do it to prove they can.
Imagine a couple of them have contracted plague virus. Going to work infects dozens who infect more while shopping or getting fast food. Before long it's spread hundreds of miles and when people learn the problem the only real solution if you don't have it is to hide at home and avoid catching it. Now your stuck at home for 2 weeks or so while the disease burns itself out. You couldn't go for supplies without risking infection. Would you survive, or starve?
1 person likes this
@CarlKnittel (692)
• United States
2 Jan 09
let me begin by saying I am not now and never have been a Mormon. Theologically my Mormon friends have found strong reasons for us to disagree. What we agree on, however, is critical.
First of all Family first. By sticking together as family we can survive much that would otherwise be insurmountable.
Second be a good Boy Scout and be prepared. Having reserves to provide in time of crises is a teaching everyone should embrace but our Mormon friends are often better at teaching it.
I don't know about keeping a 10 year supply of necessities on hand but a few weeks or more sure doesn't hurt. I prepare for natural and man made disasters but it was the flu that made me know I did right. It laid me low for over 3 weeks. My pantry was stocked and I had all the ginger ale, gatorade, coke, food and supplies I needed so I wouldn't have to go out in the weather while I was sick.
My SIL learned when the hurricane hit and she couldn't get fresh water for a few days. Others learn in other ways and far to many learn the hard way. What does it hurt to BE PREPARED.
1 person likes this
