I was just re-reading Doug's Earthquake & Disaster Preparedness Kits article, and something struck me. He was talking about gathering supplies and then says, "Keep the existence of these supplies a secret from all others. Loose lips can result in stolen or pilfered supplies. When you need them, they may not be there."

In another article he relates the story of a friend who cut themselves rather seriously and by-passed a police officer and first aid tent to find Doug because the friend knew Doug would have something to take care of it. He then says he could have worse reputations.

My question is, do people in your home areas know that you are someone who is equipped? Neighbors, friends, relatives, etc. I'm guessing folks out there aren't living secret, preparedness lives, and I'm pretty sure no one keeps a neon sign in the front yard saying, "Prepared". (Maybe my idea for the ETS bumper stickers wasn't so good, eh?)

Do you think it's about living your life, and not advertising it? I'm interested in getting my community more aware of preparedness needs, but at the same time I don't want to open myself up for supply confiscation if a situation arises.

Where's the balance?

Personally, most of the people I know are also prepared. The only exception might be my elderly parents, who do and would depend on me anyway. I don't go out of my way to tell people about what I have, but I generally don't hide the fact either. If it comes up in conversation with someone I am not completely familiar with, I will ususally see where the conversation goes, and what their circumstances are, then decide what I say or not.

We all know load of people who just don't care. They expect gov't to take care of them when something happens. Now yes, gov't will be there eventually but for some time they will be forced to be on their own. And who do you think they are going to look up to? You - the prepared one. Now there will be two groups of people and first one will ask for help while the second one will take what they want.

People know I'm prepared but my charming personality also lets them know that polite is the way to go with me and not the attitude. In case of emergency I have a loose agreement with my friends who will be more than happy to set up a network together and pull supplies setting up organzied and orderly way of life until resolution happens.

Now for little stuff PSK, FAK, flashlight and cutting tools I'm more than happy to share.

I sure don't advertise the level of my preparedness. Don't want it stolen and most importanly I don't want a lot of "friends or friends" appearing on my doorstep to be saved.
Just like concealling your generator or not powering up your whole house. No need to invite trouble.
Dave

My "equipped" reputation is based on my EDC and only some of the survival items in my truck (first aid kit, flash light, etc.). The rest of my preparations are not advertised. People would expect I could offer basic assistance, but would not know I am prepared for much longer than just overnight. While I'd love to be able to help everyone, my family comes first. You can't save the whole world.

I can't remember the subject coming up in conversation.
gino

My family and close friends know they could come to me if needed for supplies or assistance. Beyond that I don't advertise outside of my own circle. For example, my neighbors probably have no idea about my little preparedness hobby.

I'd rather leave it that I go to others with what I can spare, than having strangers knocking on my door with outstretched hands.

I get friends who would do the same type of thing as Dougs friends, but more for tools and useful items and not so much as first aid.
What I carry tends to hide in what I would use for work, and if questioned about why I carry something I can usually explain it like that, but I dont tell everyone about everything I carry.
2 of my best friends will speculate about what I have packed away but it doesn't go any further than a few sly jokes. They are both very capable people and are resonably prepared anyway, but we have never discussed anything in conversation about what we have prepared or why. We pickup ideas from each other because we can relate ideas across vastly different occupations.

SOME of my neighbors seem to have caught on that I've always got the right tool to fix the problem, and they're not afraid to ask for my oppinion or help... far more have DEFINITELY taken notice of my dogs and general redneck attitude, and walk well around my yard rather than through it...if you get my meaning. Besides, most of my long term goodies are cached anyway <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Troy

I guess that everyone handles it a little differently. I have done a number of things during my life and can almost always claim the tool or item was used during some former occupation. Also now that I have to live in town for a few years there are several things that I did not sale when the family sold our farm, so most of the rest of the odd items that are visible can be put off on “junk” that was on the farm that I never got rid of.