Courtesy of a link at Mom’s Scribbles, I came across this article at Prep School Daily. It summarizes and expands on what I’ve told many people over the years.
Where Does My Responsibility Begin and End?
I have pondered this question for years. And I still don’t understand the mindset of people who delude themselves into thinking that they don’t need to prepare because others will be willing to share, or forced to share, if necessary. I don’t understand those who prioritize material items over caring for their families. I don’t understand those who say they can’t afford it, when by all appearances, they can. I understand money is tight, been there and done that, but you do what you have to do to prepare. I just don’t understand those who say they’ll be coming to my house when they can’t feed themselves and their children.
And I also don’t understand those who do prepare, but say they will be happy to share with all who need it. Maybe I haven’t achieved the level of Christ-like compassion that they have. I know I have so many faults and sins to overcome. I’m working on it. But in the meantime, I take the words of the Apostle Paul to heart: “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (1 Timothy 5:8).
. . .
… don’t make our family out to be unkind or mean for not sharing our food. You were the one who neglected your family and refused to prepare. And if you didn’t care enough about them to prepare for them, why should I?
There’s more at the link, including some blunt, hard questions and choices. Recommended reading.
The author makes very telling points. If we fail to prepare for emergencies, why should others who did prepare share their preps with us? They’ll have demands on them from their own family and close circle. What right do we have to expect them to spend their time, money and resources making the preparations we should have made for ourselves?
Miss D. and I have a limited reserve of supplies for emergencies. We can live reasonably comfortably, food-wise, for a month, and stretch that to three months on a beans-and-rice diet if we have to. We also have a small network of close friends with whom we’ll share, and whom we’ll help if they need it. I’m more than willing to share my ammo stash with that same circle, knowing that they’ll do the same for me if need be. However, outside that circle, I’m going to be a lot more reluctant to give away things we’re very likely to need for our own use. Unless you have a claim on my wife and I that we already acknowledge, and which we’ve decided we’re prepared to meet, you’re likely to get a stony answer.
Looking at the current situation in our country, it’s hard to disagree with Divemedic when he says “We are in a violent phase of a revolution, a coup, an insurgency, call it what you will“. With less than four months to go before the elections in November, who knows what may happen? Are we sure we’ll still have a functioning society by then? In at least some of our larger cities, the answer to that question may well be “No”. If so, what are you going to do about it? Are you prepared, and do you have sufficient supplies, to ride out the storm? If not, what? I suggest you can’t rely on others to take care of you – they’re going to have more than enough to do to look after themselves.
Prepare yourself for emergencies now, or be unprepared. It’s a pretty stark choice – and there’s no realistic third option, like mooching off those who did prepare.
Peter
I discovered my preps were pretty good over the whole Covidiocracy. Showed a few issues, but the preps lasted longer than I thought they would (and I have now built back up to pre-Covidiocracy levels and am working on doubling down on things.)
One of the issues of having some in an emergency is your safety related to food. Don't cook outside during an extended emergency. Don't, if you can get away with it, cook with your windows open if ermegency-zombies are out there. Keep your waste down. Be discrete. Those who sit outside and grill and look all fat and happy will be the first target of the modern Levellers.
Other than that, the LDS puts out good planning lists for long-term storage. Seems they seem to like having a year's worth of staples and some luxury items around.
Got a few things I need to work on… sigh
The lockdown here was more personal due to age and we
managed to go 12 weeks without going near a store. After
that it is limited to "touchless pickup" or what used to
be curb service. Even then basic supplies are in good
shape.
At the same time I've been hard on chipmunks, squirrels,
and chucks that can make a mess of the garden. Must
practice. It may not be large garden but it gets me
fresh veggies and greens and give me and excuse to be
outdoors but not out in public.
One thing that is important is being flexible and knowing
how to get what you need through available channels.
Barter is fair game, if you can give me something I want
or can use fin exchange for something you need fair dinkum.
Eck!
Depending on where you live, a decent air rifle could (and may have) added those critters to your larder, thus extending your food supply.
My wife organized group buys for a number of people of emergency supplies. Many told her that when everyone panicked they looked in their basement and calmed down, knowing they were good because Nancy got them the stuff they need.
I don't really know what we have. She assures me that we're good for months.
One possible benefit of helping a few others is that it gives more defenders. People might be a bit more concerned with outsiders if OUR resources are at stake rather than YOUR resources.
One thing I will add is…
Do not talk about what you have to strangers, or really anyone you don't trust 100%
And especially, don't talk about it on the internet.
So far, even at the height of the Covid19 panic and the burning cities crisis, our local supply lines have held with only a few intermittent shortages. My wife and I have been topping off our preps a little at a time with every trip to the grocery store.
Good point about an air rifle. A 22 Cal inexpensive GAMO or such air rifle can be a surprisingly effective way to stop a garden destroying critter AND add it to the stew pot. .177 is far less effective in my hunting experience.
I found the Nitro piston modals a lot quieter than the older springer air rifles. Also very useful to use for firearms instruction both rifle and pistol.
Where else can you get 500 shots for less than 10 bucks?
the sad truth is.
every single thing you have will last until just about the end of the time the rifle is pointed at you.
you and i mean to be the one holding the rifle. OPMMV.
you and i know what a fallen civilization looks like, 99.9% of the rest have no idea.
OTGH, nobody makes it out alive.
One of their books I only read once. Lucifer's Hammer.