Americans preparing like never before - are you ready for the unexpected?

[ktlight]

Hurricane Katrina. Hurricane Gustav. The recent tornadoes throughout the south. Flooding in Missouri. The devastating fallout from a major earthquake along the New Madrid fault line. The devaluation of the U.S. dollar. Hyperinflation. Civil unrest.

All of these are disasters that have happened or are waiting to happen, and each one brings with it unique circumstances. But there a few common threads interwoven through all of them. One of the most important of those is the issue of personal preparedness.

All over the country an increasing number of people seem to have gotten the message that in worst-case scenarios, government - local, state or federal - may not be there to help. In Colorado, for example, residents are stocking up on extra food, water, weapons and ammunition - even scrap silver and reserve stocks of gasoline. Some people are even preparing secondary shelters and bunkers.

"It's becoming apparent to many Americans that depending on our local, state and federal governments in the event of an emergency, catastrophic societal collapse or widespread disaster will not be sufficient to meet the needs of your family," writes Mac Slavo of the prepper Web site SHTFPlan.com.

Such preparations are reportedly being made all over the country. But why now? What has changed?

In short, millions of Americans, quite simply are feeling uneasy about the future. They see dangers everywhere: the decline of the U.S. dollar and potential demise of the euro; the growing unrest in the Middle East and, more importantly, mounting protests in our own country; natural disaster after natural disaster; and the ever-present threat of terrorism all have combined to make Americans the most nervous about their future that they've been since the 9/11 attacks.

To be fair, even the federal government is urging people to be prepared. But agencies like FEMA are only recommending people stash about three days' worth of provisions because they are operating under the presumption that government services will be able to reach you by then and take over providing for you.

While in most circumstances that might be the case, the preparations taking place around the country now are not, in large part, based on "normal" disasters. They are being based on worst-case scenarios that, unfortunately, too many people refuse to consider.

Most of us have auto, home, life and health insurance. Think of preparedness as "disaster insurance." Why wouldn't you do it?

source
http://www.naturalnews.com/032344_Americans_preparedness.html

[crosby]

i have taken every penny i have and invested them in what my family and i will need to keep us safe, fed and sheltered. we can't run off to another place for safe keeping, so we're staying right where we are and will fight it out till the end. and you're right, something has changed and even the sleepers are starting to feel it. i think time is running out, and the battle to control is becoming the main foresight for the ptw. get what you need and get it now. have all your provisions in place. that is all that we can really do. be ready.
regards, corson

[jjl]

please dont forget potassium iodide. There was a shortage after the quake in Japan. (It's cheap enough to have a few handy for neighbors)

[Humble Janitor]

I'm not preparing for anything because I do not fear anything at this point. I have seen a lot this year and I am still here.

How many times must people cry like chicken little before we realize that they're trying to make a profit off of our fear with their "survival gear"?

[andrewgreen]

I'm not preparing for anything because I do not fear anything at this point. I have seen a lot this year and I am still here.

How many times must people cry like chicken little before we realize that they're trying to make a profit off of our fear with their "survival gear"?

I agree Im not living in any kind of fear so not preparing for anything!!

[Calz]

I'm not preparing for anything because I do not fear anything at this point. I have seen a lot this year and I am still here.

How many times must people cry like chicken little before we realize that they're trying to make a profit off of our fear with their "survival gear"?

I agree Im not living in any kind of fear so not preparing for anything!!

I have several weeks of food and water for my family ... but that doesn't imply coming from or living in fear.

There are a number of things that could disrupt the flow of goods and having a couple weeks of basic supplies seems reasonable. Beyond that I agree and have made no preparations.

[sshenry]

There is a difference between having contingency plans and living in fear.

Example: My family and I lived for three years in Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico, being suseptible to Hurricanes, we kept a "hurricane" cupboard with emergency supplies in it that would tide us over until the worst was over. And it was not unusual to go up to a week or two without electricity or drinkable water.

There are those that say that we should have contingency plans in case of 'worst case scenarios'. But can anyone truly plan for the kinds of changes that we're talking about here? Chances are that it will be nothing NOTHING like any of us expect, and then what? Will those who have made elaborate plans and preparations feel that their safety net has been pulled out from under their feet?

The key of course is being mentally prepared for no matter what happens. KNOW that in spite of your best plans, you could end up with nothing, and come to grips with the fact that you are not always going to be in control of your situation. If you find yourself in a situation you did not expect or plan for, understand that there is nothing to be afraid of, because they can't hurt you - not on the levels where it matters. Nothing can hurt you in that regard. We attach so much meaning to this life - to this body. Of course we should take reasonable precautions, but when the fear of what could happen begins to dominate our thoughts; then we've got a problem. We're obviously attaching too much meaning to the events themselves, and not enough to what they mean for the world and for humanity in the long run. :)

[Lord Sidious]

I'm not preparing for anything because I do not fear anything at this point. I have seen a lot this year and I am still here.

How many times must people cry like chicken little before we realize that they're trying to make a profit off of our fear with their "survival gear"?

I would agree, but only in part.
The test should be with those warning you, do they stand to profit from your response to the warning?
If so, that should be taken in context, if not, then their reasons may not be what you thought they are.

[Moonwish]

Our government says 3 days worth of supplies because they must say something.

I think having food and water on hand for an extended time is good sense. It doesn't come from fear, just planning. What is there was a temporary distribution problem? People in cities would likely go crazy after a few days. Why leave your home to mingle with them?

People who live in the country know to plan. Or at least they did. I wonder how many of my neighbors are really ready to be "on their own resources" for even a week?

I hope everyone is putting in a garden using heirloom non-GMO seeds this year. It not only tastes good and gives you some resources, but it helps preserve our genetic diversity and inheritance--something Monsanto wants to steal.

Do it just to piss off Monsanto :-) That's reason enough, isn't it?

[Lord Sidious]

Our government says 3 days worth of supplies because they must say something.

I think having food and water on hand for an extended time is good sense. It doesn't come from fear, just planning. What is there was a temporary distribution problem? People in cities would likely go crazy after a few days. Why leave your home to mingle with them?

People who live in the country know to plan. Or at least they did. I wonder how many of my neighbors are really ready to be "on their own resources" for even a week?

I hope everyone is putting in a garden using heirloom non-GMO seeds this year. It not only tastes good and gives you some resources, but it helps preserve our genetic diversity and inheritance--something Monsanto wants to steal.

Do it just to piss off Monsanto :-) That's reason enough, isn't it?

THE best reason is love.
If you have family then you are OBLIGATED to plan for their wellbeing.

[777]

There is a saying in Britain that "what happens in America will hit us five years later". Now this is very literal and I wouldn't even give it five years. This makes me ponder my contingency plan here in the UK. I'm guessing fuel, non gmo food/seeds and some form of water supply? Is there anything else we can do, since weapons are illegal here, not that I'd store them anyway.......?

[Moonwish]

I agree M'lord. Love is the best reason for any and everything. It is the fabric of the universe.

[Moonwish]

There is a saying in Britain that "what happens in America will hit us five years later". Now this is very literal and I wouldn't even give it five years. This makes me ponder my contingency plan here in the UK. I'm guessing fuel, non gmo food/seeds and some form of water supply? Is there anything else we can do, since weapons are illegal here, not that I'd store them anyway.......?

One thing I strongly suggest is to buy a Berkey water purifier--first designed by the UK military for cleaning H2O "out in the field" for soldiers. They work with very dirty water and are simple in design, using carbon (charcoal?) filters and a drip system. You won't get far without potable water. With this, you filter standing water if needed.

I use one with my well water and it is fantastic. I suggest the "spare parts" kit and some extra filters. You can reuse filters for a very long time by cleaning with steel wool occasionally.

I also keep on hand things like tinned sardines, dried fruit, rice an grains in jars, canned "exotic" items like tahini & coconut milk.
I also always have a big sealed jar of curry powder and other spices since I can curry anything and like it (well, mostly anything)

[Calz]

THE best reason is love.
If you have family then you are OBLIGATED to plan for their wellbeing.

Ya know m'lord ... beneath that Master of Nuggets exterior (do I hear Metallica in the background?) beats a heart of gold (no ... it must be Neal Young).

:dance3: :rap: :drum: :rap: :dance3:

There are many many here who appreciate what you bring to the forum

:nod: :clap2:

[777]

There is a saying in Britain that "what happens in America will hit us five years later". Now this is very literal and I wouldn't even give it five years. This makes me ponder my contingency plan here in the UK. I'm guessing fuel, non gmo food/seeds and some form of water supply? Is there anything else we can do, since weapons are illegal here, not that I'd store them anyway.......?

One thing I strongly suggest is to buy a Berkey water purifier--first designed by the UK military for cleaning H2O "out in the field" for soldiers. They work with very dirty water and are simple in design, using carbon (charcoal?) filters and a drip system. You won't get far without potable water. With this, you filter standing water if needed.

I use one with my well water and it is fantastic. I suggest the "spare parts" kit and some extra filters. You can reuse filters for a very long time by cleaning with steel wool occasionally.

I also keep on hand things like tinned sardines, dried fruit, rice an grains in jars, canned "exotic" items like tahini & coconut milk.
I also always have a big sealed jar of curry powder and other spices since I can curry anything and like it (well, mostly anything)

Excellent advice thank you Moonwish. I hadn't considered dried fruit, but it's a must thinking about it. I have some huge vacum pack bags I've never found a use for. Looks like I bought them for a reason after all!

[Moonwish]

THE best reason is love.
If you have family then you are OBLIGATED to plan for their wellbeing.

Ya know m'lord ... beneath that Master of Nuggets exterior (do I hear Metallica in the background?) beats a heart of gold (no ... it must be Neal Young).

:dance3: :rap: :drum: :rap: :dance3:

There are many many here who appreciate what you bring to the forum

:nod: :clap2:

I agree--and I think it must be Neil Young too

[Lord Sidious]

THE best reason is love.
If you have family then you are OBLIGATED to plan for their wellbeing.

Ya know m'lord ... beneath that Master of Nuggets exterior (do I hear Metallica in the background?) beats a heart of gold (no ... it must be Neal Young).

:dance3: :rap: :drum: :rap: :dance3:

There are many many here who appreciate what you bring to the forum

:nod: :clap2:

Thanks nugget, much appreciated.