Hiker1,

Welcome to the forum and thanks for your input. I think many of us on this forum share your concerns about being prepared for whatever comes our way and disrupts our normal routines. I believe that it comes down to taking responsibility for our own lives (and those of our loved ones) when things go bad rather than relying on others. At least for that relatively short time it takes for the official world to get their act together and respond.

I do not place the local first responders in the group of folks for whom we would have to wait. They have saved my butt a couple of times and I give them all due credit. To all the EMTs, LEOs and fire folks out there, THANKS! But, as with all professionals (waiters, doctors, teachers, etc.), the more I can do to make it easier for them to do their jobs the better I feel. So by being prepared and knowledgeable I can make it easier for them to help those who can't help themselves.

Andy