I've made some progress with my family: they know of my preparedness planning (to an extent), and most of them openly embraced the kits I made them for Christmas. The tough nut to crack is my sister.

We live near DC and she will probably always work in a high-risk area. Thankfully, she didn't freak out after 9/11 like some people and bring in a huge bag to work with a parachute in it or something, but I can't even convince her to prepare for ANYTHING IN THE LEAST. I made her a small PSK, but she practically scoffed at it and said she would "leave it in her car". Completely non-threatening, highly functional items, and she ignores it.

She doesn't seem to want any part of this, as if carrying a PSK admits something. I feel that if what has already happened wasn't enough to convince her to carry even a Photon and a bottle of water, nothing will be.

That's when you dump her out in the middle of the wilderness on a cold day with only her purse. Come back in about 8 hours <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Seriously though, some people just won't be convinced.... keep trying though

It's the ostrich effect. It just seems to be a little exagerated in her case. I think that maybe if one in ten people are prepared then maybe society will survive.

And if one in one hundred actually pack around a parachute, then at least there are a few more portable shelters kicking around than I thought there were! More power to 'em!

Regards, Vince

I wouldn't mind a parachute <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Some people react to disaster scenarios by simply refusing to believe it could happen to them. They feel if they allow themselves to think it could happen to them, it will.

It's like the young woman who was interviewed after the last power outage in the northeast: If you prepare for it, it's like admitting that it could happen again.

Some theorize that people raised on a heavy diet of television think that all problems will be solved within 30 or 60 minutes (with time deducted for commercials).

You can't do more than just keep trying.

Sue

A bottle of water is heavy and bulky, so I wouldn't expect anyone to carry one unless they expected to use it.

The photon is another matter. All I can think of is to emphasis the non-emergency uses. I use my LEDs several times a week, just casually. A small knife is used even more often, for opening packages and doing my nails. The other core device is a whistle. Would it help to present it as a rape/mugging alarm? I reckon a hard blast on a fox-40 would give most rapists pause for thought. Even if she never gets to blow it (and I hope she never does), just having it can be a comfort sometimes; reduces the feeling of helplessness eg if she is alone and there is someone she isn't quite sure of.

The other cunning ploy is to turn it into jewelrey. I am pretty sure you can get attractive silver whistles on neck-chains. I doubt you can get one with integral blade and LED, but I could be wrong or maybe you could have it custom made. Don't be too ambitious. Any little thing could help.

Does she carry a mobile phone? They often have backlights strong enough to see by. Better than nothing anyway, if it's pitch dark. The trick is to know and remember to get it out and use it when the time comes.

Information may be the best thing you can give her. She can't leave that at home. Even if she dismisses it when you talk to her, there's a chance it will be there in her head when she needs it.

I think light sources are very important. You need not only low powered lights for long runtime, LED's for reliability, but also some bright incandescents for long range illumination, and rechargeables for economical use. Also, you need a headlamp for hands free use in case you have to fix something, and of course you need backups in case something starts working. Here's a picture of someone properly equipped with suitable flashlights. Some people might think these are more lights than are strictly necessary, but I say it beats getting caught in the dark. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />


(Source: Stainless on candlepowerforums.com)

Does your sister have children?

If so put it on the basis is that these items will make it easier to get home to them. And that anyother preps are for them. If she has children and any maternal instincts saying it is for the children will make most women fierce converts.

If she doesn't well just keep trying.

Paul, you look like a human magnet!

That DEFINITELY qualifies as over-kill <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.

Troy