I don't know about you guys, but my friends, classmates ( im only 15 so.. )and stuff say that i musst be nuts to carry all those survival thingy's ( it's only a big PSK and some small items) so the q is how do you guys handel that ? and how do you convins them that it isnt BS ? <br>(sorry bout the spell, my engish just sucks and i havent discoverd how to use the spell check.. )

PC2K,<br><br>I like your english just fine - but if you want to spell check... if you have an English spellchecker for a word processing program, just compose your post or reply in the word processor, spell check it, and then cut-and-paste from the word processing program to here.<br><br>Tom

Re: "how do you convins them that it isnt BS ? "<br><br>The easiest way is don't tell 'em. Put your PSK in your backpack or your pocket and leave it there until you need it. If they don't know that you are carrying the things they can't tease you, at least not about that.<br><br>The first time that they need something that you pull out of your PSK (bandaids, asprin, flashlight) will be the last time that you are teased.<br><br>Stay safe.<br><br>Seth

People have always laughed at me carrying all sorts of survival gear. Of course, they always come to me when they want something, but they laugh the rest of the time.<br><br>That pretty much came to a halt last year when my girlfriend and I avoided the WTC attacks by a few hours. Something like that brought home to me (and to everyone else) that these disasters don't just happen to 'someone else'; they can happen to *you*.<br><br>Sure, if we *had* been inside the WTC at the time of the attacks, my stuff may have been of no help. Or we may have (in fact, probably would have) got out fine without it. But it's just the whole proximity of the attack that brought home how uncertain life can be, and how you can never know when or what disaster or emergency may strike.<br><br>(In fact, I felt an overwhelming sense of guilt at not being in NYC during the attacks; as if I'd 'run out', some sort of chicken. Ridiculous, I know. There's nothing I could've done to help. But, you know, the brain's odd like that.)<br><br>Anyway, think of your kit like insurance; you desperately hope that you'll never need to use it in a real emergency, but by God, if one comes along, be thankful you've got it!

PCK2<br><br>I agree with Tom. Best bet is to prepare for the emergencies you think you may encounter, but not share all the details with your friends. I think sharing with your family is a good idea however. This gives you a chance to fully articulate your choices for PSK items, your preplanning steps etc.<br><br>I am fairly well equipped to deal with several emergencies, but have not shared all with my coworkers. My family knows the details as they are part of the plan, but it is easy for people to make fun of things that they do not understand.<br><br>I have made some positive points for preparation during several of our building evacuations. Last fire alarm we were all standing in the rain, I had my hat coat and bag. I was able to distribute a rain jacket, poncho, and hat to coworkers who were wet and cold. I also had a large plastic garbage sack as a raincoat, but no one I work with was willing to look that crazy. Fortunately, we were allowed back into the building before anyone was hypothermic. I was warm and dry, those unprepared were wet and cold. Preparation rules.<br>

I live in a dorm (I study at univ. in a city taht's not mine) I ever have my SAK on my belt, and my friends and "dorm-collegues" had ever joked my out for carrying it. Or for carrying a roll of duct tape in a pocket etc.. But when they need something they stop :)<br>Tipic situation: someone (often a girl) asks if someone else has a lighter to fire a sigarette. I throw out my muini bic and punctually (s)he say: "what's the reason do you carry this lighter? You don't smoke!"<br>I always answer: "If it does hurt you, I'll return it in my pocket..." :)<br><br>So I agree with the others: don't say them anything: when it needed you will use what You have.<br><br>ps:<br>don't worry for your english: it's said to you by an italian ;)<br><br>mac

A few days ago I spent 15 minutes under the scrutiny of a local sheriff ( I eventually departed without any citations following the energetic intervention of the California Highway patrol.) My carkit was dumped on the street and thoroughly dismembered. The officer triumphantly produced my sheathed and innaccesable knife. "What is this used for?People cut things with those officer." I fully expected my aspirin to be bagged for the narcotics lab, but again, my fortuitous working friendships with the local Chips saved any further silliness. The sad truth is sheep don't like individuals, as if by voting to be vegetarians the wolf agrees. I think that makes us guard or herding dogs, unloved by both. I agree, keep quiet and only bark in emergencies.

Pat, what you experienc(ed) is known as "survivor guilt." You are not unique. The victims of 9/11come in many degrees and forms.

You are welcome. (speaking for all of us common sense CHiPs)...

PC2K,<br><br>You communicate very effectively. I don't have any trouble understanding your meaning. <br><br>Like the others, I just quietly carry my gear. I don't discuss it with others who do not prepare. They don't understand or care. Jokes are as close as they can come to contingency planning & preparing. Your interest is part of being a well-rounded person. On the other hand, do keep your parents informed. That is part of good family relations. They may also have ideas that you haven't considered.<br><br>Good luck,<br><br>John