#144881 - 08/20/08 04:08 AM
More media discussions about preparedness
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Crazy Canuck
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 02/03/07
Posts: 3235
Loc: Alberta, Canada
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In the wake of a massive propane explosion in Toronto, Canada, which caused a large evacuation, the media has rediscovered the preparedness issue. From the Globe & Mail: "When disaster strikes: Emergency precautions. Are you ready to run? Some keep duffel bags stuffed with food rations. Others ask how much preparedness is too much" http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080819.wlemergency19/BNStory/lifeMain/homeI was particularly struck by the comments of one "child rearing expert" who suggested that actual preparations (bug-out bag) were too stressful and traumatic for children, and that a list of things you need was a better choice. ARGH! Comments about the story above (quite revealing, though not a surprise): http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080819.wlemergency19/CommentStory/lifeMain/home
Edited by dougwalkabout (08/20/08 04:19 AM)
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#144887 - 08/20/08 06:46 AM
Re: More media discussions about preparedness
[Re: dougwalkabout]
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Enthusiast
Registered: 07/02/08
Posts: 395
Loc: Ohio
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I was particularly struck by the comments of one "child rearing expert" who suggested that actual preparations (bug-out bag) were too stressful and traumatic for children, and that a list of things you need was a better choice. ARGH! Experts! Note: The "he" in the following quote refers to a six year old boy.He would ask questions like 'Well, has this ever happened here before? Have we ever got a tornado?' " but would then promptly return to his Xbox, she says. It doesn't seem like this young fellow was too traumatized or stressed.
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#144891 - 08/20/08 09:28 AM
Re: More media discussions about preparedness
[Re: Grouch]
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Enthusiast
Registered: 11/04/07
Posts: 369
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You know what? I don't even try to argue with people about these things. It's not my problem. I'm prepared, and that's all that matters to me. When disaster strikes, Darwinism will weed out the unprepared.
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#144892 - 08/20/08 09:35 AM
Re: More media discussions about preparedness
[Re: dougwalkabout]
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Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 11/09/06
Posts: 2851
Loc: La-USA
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IRT the experts, I am reminded that there are many fools and idiots walking around with many kinds of college degrees.
_________________________
QMC, USCG (Ret) The best luck is what you make yourself!
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#144930 - 08/20/08 02:16 PM
Re: More media discussions about preparedness
[Re: dougwalkabout]
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Enthusiast
Registered: 12/03/05
Posts: 232
Loc: Wyoming, USA
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It is an interesting article. The Thread link with comments on the story was even more interesting. B.A. (one of the contributors) was very insiteful and had more information then the article. As far as being prepared, my 8 year old son has a bag that I packed and is set up for him. Only issue with packing childs bag is that it requires a LOT of updating as they grow, eat more, skills improve etc...
Overall I like the mothers preparedness and forethought. May not be the way I would do it, but at least she is doing something.
_________________________
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. Thomas Jefferson
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#145022 - 08/20/08 10:46 PM
Re: More media discussions about preparedness
[Re: dougwalkabout]
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Cranky Geek
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 09/08/05
Posts: 4642
Loc: Vermont
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I'd think most kids would be more confident and less worried if their families were prepared.
But I grew up with this, so I might not be normal.
_________________________
-IronRaven
When a man dare not speak without malice for fear of giving insult, that is when truth starts to die. Truth is the truest freedom.
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#145029 - 08/21/08 12:02 AM
Re: More media discussions about preparedness
[Re: epirider]
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Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 05/05/07
Posts: 3601
Loc: Ontario, Canada
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I have an 8 year old son and last time we had a tornado warning, my son (who lives with his mother) called and asked if I would come pick him up - which I did. When his mother asked him why he wanted to go to my house he replied "thats where my emergency stuff is...", proptly walked to the jeep and waited for me to follow. Ya, I would say it makes him more comfortable. I am still not sure how comfortable his mother is now, but hey, if she wants to get prepared she will. Epirider, you didn't ask, but here's a suggestion: why not make him a kit to keep at his mom's house? I've got a step daughter who lives with her mom, and we've made her a kit for both houses. Granted, she's 17 so has considerably more freedom than an 8 year old. I'll bet you'd feel better knowing that he had the basics when he's with her and, speaking as a mom, I bet your ex would feel better such a thing ever happened again. I recently made a kit for my 10 year old nephew. He's been preoccupied with the possibility of a natural disaster since the recent earthquake in China. He didn't help build the kit but we discussed everything in it, how and when to use it, etc. His mom was a little hesitant, thinking that it might heighten his fear but she says the exact opposite has happened. No more nightmares since he's had his "just in case" pack beside his bed. I don't think the topic of preparedness is as much of problem as the way we approach it. Once kids become aware of the possibility of emergencies - and especially if they've witnessed one - ignoring that reality isn't an option. Better, in my opinion, to empower the child against their fear by helping them feel and be prepared for "just in case." That said, I'm not a fan of too much adult driven, specific talk about disasters. I feel it's better to let the child lead. When they're ready to learn more details, they'll ask!
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#145040 - 08/21/08 12:31 AM
Re: More media discussions about preparedness
[Re: bacpacjac]
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Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 11/09/06
Posts: 2851
Loc: La-USA
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BacPacJac, you have stated the basic wisdom that has completely eluded the "child raising experts"!!!
_________________________
QMC, USCG (Ret) The best luck is what you make yourself!
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#145047 - 08/21/08 01:20 AM
Re: More media discussions about preparedness
[Re: dougwalkabout]
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Enthusiast
Registered: 07/01/08
Posts: 250
Loc: Houston, Texas
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I was particularly struck by the comments of one "child rearing expert" who suggested that actual preparations (bug-out bag) were too stressful and traumatic for children, and that a list of things you need was a better choice. People always project their own beliefs onto their children whether its really a worry of the child's or not. And it usually becomes part of the child's belief system as a result. My free advice for the night: If you are going to project something on to your children, don't let it be frailty and inability.
_________________________
You can't teach experience.
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#145063 - 08/21/08 02:30 AM
Re: More media discussions about preparedness
[Re: bacpacjac]
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Enthusiast
Registered: 12/03/05
Posts: 232
Loc: Wyoming, USA
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I fully agree with your approach Bacpacjac. I approached the subject of keeping it over at her place and even tried it once before. It turned into a travesty. When I was going through my BOB's (wife's and mine) I called to get his and update it with larger clothes and make sure all the food was still edible (no mold, holes in packaging etc.). They were unable to find any of the contents other then the sleeping bag, the pack, and part of a flashlight. When I asked as delicately as I could what happened to all the equipment, her responce was "OOOhhh, I don't know, its around here somewhere..." Hence, the new BOB is kept at my place as having equipment scattered in places unknown is as good as not having it at all. My son understands the purpose of it and I also encourage him "messing with the stuff" to become familiar with all of it. Afterward he is very peticular on packing it the way it was and putting it away. His mother on the other hand, thinks it is a silly waste of money and *not quoting here* GOD and the government will take care of us should we have a disaster... OMG! Well at least you all know one of the reasons why we split ways. Back to the discussion at hand, I agree with your phylosophy when it comes to kids and preparedness and not talking disasters, but prepared to stay safe and well.
_________________________
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. Thomas Jefferson
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#145084 - 08/21/08 04:40 AM
Re: More media discussions about preparedness
[Re: clarktx]
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Crazy Canuck
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 02/03/07
Posts: 3235
Loc: Alberta, Canada
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In fairness to the Globe & Mail: I think they found an "expert" with a contrary point of view just to provide some obligatory balance. Overall, the article was entirely fair and reasonable in terms of people making preparations.
I also think kids gain confidence from preparations, especially if they are included in some way. You can't really isolate children from reality; they figure it out. But you can help them deal with it. Think of the original Grimm's fairy tales (no Disney there).
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#145371 - 08/22/08 05:44 PM
Re: More media discussions about preparedness
[Re: dougwalkabout]
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Journeyman
Registered: 03/04/04
Posts: 71
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A lot of the comments seem to be people wondering why they would need to prepare for such things.
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