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jackovesk
7th January 2012, 02:12
January 5, 2012

Gaye Levy
AP

Sitting around the holiday dinner table, my guess is that at some point the conversation turned to the economy, natural disasters and the need to prepare. And, it is also my guess that there were a lot of roll-eyes as your companions thought, “Oh boy, here we go again”.

Okay, perhaps I assume that you live and breathe preparedness like I do, but even if you don’t, I am certain that you have run in to people that are in what I like to call “Disaster Denial”. So what signs do these people display? (And no, I am not referring to the “I am blindingly stupid to reality” sign.)

http://www.pakalertpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/7-Reasons-People-Refuse-to-Prepare-for-Disaster.jpg

Listed below are some common excuses for not preparing.

It is what it is. If my time is up, so be it.

The problem with this is that if there is a disaster of any type, there is a strong likelihood you will survive. And if you are going to survive, you might as well be safe with food, water, first aid and a way to defend yourself and your property.

Bottom line: Just because a disaster occurs does not mean it is time for your to “go”. You will likely live through it, so why not live through it safely and with adequate supplies and gear to sustain and protect yourself.

Planning for a disaster will be a jinx and if I do it, it will happen.

Now this is silly, especially when it comes to natural disasters.

For the most part, hurricanes, earthquakes, winter storms and volcanic eruptions happen on their own schedule. There is nothing you can do to prevent them so why not be ready? Not only that, but people who have prepared and who have taken steps to plan ahead often come through the experience feeling like it was not such a big disaster after all.

Bottom line: It is the people who fail to plan and prepare that are caught by surprise and are least able to cope when the inevitable disaster occurs.

I refuse to live in fear of the unknown.

The key here is to educate yourself so that you do not live in fear. Assess the risks in your area and for someone in your particular financial condition. There is a saying, be prepared not scared. That definitely applies.

Bottom line: Take steps to prepare for the specific disasters that may occur in your geographical area. Then do your best to educate your loved ones so that they too can live without fear.

I can not afford to prepare (or I am not rich like you).

With careful planning (and perhaps one less pizza a week) it is not difficult to take small steps toward building up your preps bit by bit, week by week. Some cans of food, some water purification tablets, some pepper spray – none of these things are overly expensive, especially if acquired slowly over time. In addition, the pursuit of knowledge is free and simply knowing the risks is half the battle.

Bottom line: Gradually increase your back-up supplies over time and as you can afford them. Even if all you do initially is prepare for a short-term power shortage (flashlights, batteries, glow sticks), you are still doing something. You will be surprised at how quickly the items in your survival closet build up.

The government will take care of me.

What rock have you been living under? Has the government taken care of the health care debacle in this country? Nope. Has the government restored a healthy economy and jobs to the populace? Nope. Has the government effectively and efficiently provided disaster relief in the past? Not really. As a matter of fact, I just read today that FEMA is seeking to recover more than $385 million it says was improperly paid to victims of hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. And that is the fault of the victims? Give me a break.

What you can count on is the government spending billions of dollars on wars that we have no business waging, and, of course, billions in taxpayer dollars on big company bailouts that ensure that the top CEOs of this country have multi-million dollar compensation and bonus packages. This is the same government that will go after some poor taxpayer for what they perceive to be a $100 shortfall on their annual tax return.

Bottom line: Do not believe for a moment the government will be there to bail you out and provide relief in an emergency. Quite the contrary; expect to be on your own.

I am too old to start.

Taking care of your personal needs has no boundaries age-wise. Yes, you may be on a fixed income and you may be moving about a bit slower, but hopefully you still have the will to live and the will to survive. Whether you are in your 60s, 70s, 80s or beyond, take the time to prepare a disaster communication plan with contact names, phone numbers, and a potential escape plan should an earthquake of other natural disaster occur. Enlist the help of your children or younger neighbors and share your concerns with them.

Bottom line: Preparing a communication plan does not cost a dime in dollars, nor does it take any physical strength. All you need is time. Do not feel that you are too old. If you have made it this far, chances are you still have some great years left. You are never too old to begin to prepare for the unexpected.

My faith will carry me through.

Yeah, maybe. But I would rather go halfway just in case the big guy is busy doing something else when a disaster or crisis hits. Your faith will not hydrate you with sufficient drinking water, nor will your faith feed your starving body. Being spiritual and having faith is a good thing and will help you mentally to overcome a dire situation, but it is your stored food and water that will sustain you.

Bottom line: Facing reality will go a long way in helping you deal with a disaster. Having the insight to know the risks and prepare for them will demonstrate to your family your willingness to provide and care for them. That, coupled with your faith, will be a powerful and unbeatable combination to get you through.

The Final Word

Procrastination is defined as the act of putting off, delaying or deferring an action to a later time. Alas, that time often never comes. And so I say: procrastination is not your friend and might quite possibly be your ultimate downfall. If you have friends or loved ones who scorn the preparedness lifestyle, please share this article with them. Encourage them to take make a plan, to build a kit and to get involved in ensuring that their future will be safe.

Let us work together to stamp out disaster denial.

http://www.pakalertpress.com/2012/01/05/7-reasons-people-refuse-to-prepare-for-disaster/

TargeT
7th January 2012, 02:22
http://zombiehunters.org/ is my favorite place for survival info.. I'm the vice pres. of the chapter here in alaska, its a nation wide group of like minded individuals, NO politics allowed, just survival info, write ups & discussion. GREAT resource as actual people go out and field test the gear they have then put up documented results..

Selene
7th January 2012, 03:07
So many people - even those who spend their time online speculating: “What about the coming CME/disclosure/Planet X/pole shift/three days of /earthquakes/ascension/2012 Mayan etc etc…” - will still fail to take the simplest, most prudent planning and prepping precautions for themselves and their loved ones. Not even a week’s worth of food and fresh water stashed on hand. Just in case, even so.

That would be Too Real.

Because to take any action at all would be to acknowledge your fears or inner warnings, to exist in an integrated way in the Real World; to take action based on one’s inner guidance is a step that many are afraid to make. To move from your imagination, dreams and even rational concerns into ordinary life, well, that’s too much to contemplate….

Jackovesk, yes, sadly.

Regards,

Selene

risveglio
12th January 2012, 18:28
I've used some of these excuses before but my biggest problem is not knowing where to begin. I did stock pile food for a while but most of that was lost because of an unseen circumstance. Right now, I don't have a ton of disposable income since I am paying for a wedding but I have been trying to rebuild my food stockpile. I really regret not learning much outside of what was taught in school and maybe some sort of survival group would be ideal just in case.

Target, the "Where are We" link on the site you posted does not work, at least not on firefox. Not sure if you could get that to the right people or not.

christian
12th January 2012, 19:01
my biggest problem is not knowing where to begin.

Keep it simple, check your daily needs first: water (a filter), food, warmth (shelter) - have it in a grab and go kit, that's the real basic. On top that anything you think could be of use, like a first-aid-kit, dollars, metals, guns, tools, maybe a book showing edible plants or other survivalist knowledge, but don't pack it too full, you should be able to walk with it ;)
And be sure you know how to use your stuff before you get out, like a camping stove or whatever.

Miller
12th January 2012, 19:33
All the survival books say Stay Put - if you can - but if you live in the City then you'd better have weapons and prepare for Mad Max. Doesn't look good does it and ascension looks far off too . . . let's all work hard for something else.

Humble Janitor
12th January 2012, 19:46
Perhaps these people choose not to live in fear, jackovesk?

Do we really need to stockpile stuff that will more likely go bad before we have a chance to use it?

TargeT
12th January 2012, 20:23
Target, the "Where are We" link on the site you posted does not work, at least not on firefox. Not sure if you could get that to the right people or not.

Broken for me as well, though I never go anywhere but the forums really ;)

http://zombiehunters.org/forum/

I'll message someone, thanks!