Reputation of being "equipped"

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.

I don't have any friends. If anyone shows up after TSHTF, they're SOL. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Survival is a team sport!!

I've seen and heard too many stories of when asked what someone that is not prepared what they would do in case of disaster. They would show up on their "prepared friend's" door step.

Excuse Me. I think not.

While survival is a team sport. the folks I want on my team are those that are prepared to be in the game not some freeloader. Now if a fellow preper should happen to loose everything shows up I would be much more likely to help. Rather than someone that expected my preps to make up for their stupidity.

My neighbors do NOT. Nor will they ever, if I can help it. I live in a neighborhood where all too many of my 'neighbors' think a house with no one home equals a department store with a five finger discount. My close friends and family know vaguely but not in scope or detail. My coworkers - all know I have a knack for having all sorts of interesting things in my Maxpedition. A few like minded individuals are more privy to my home prep stuff - we often trade ideas etc.

Once the quarterback has yelled "disaster", no substitutions are permitted. Anyone attempting to join the play will be forcefully ejected.

My family knows somewhat about my preparedness, and my friends who pay attention know I always carry some gear with me. I've impressed my new sister-in-law many times because of this. But for the most part I live a secret preparedness life.

I don't advertise. Being a young woman, and having a slight frame, most people assume that I don't know how to do the things I know how to do. I don't show them. There is a BOB bag in the linen closet that my husband hasn't even looked through. I don't even share this community with people I know. I guess I don't really trust their reactions.

However, if you want to help your community become more prepared, just share some information with them on stuff they need to get for themselves. Post a list somewhere, maybe one that is modified to be family-friendly or office-friendly. Don't tell them what you have.

You should also be prepared, when sharing information with people, that they might appreciate it but still do nothing.

Too late for me, I’m pretty much outed.

I am the “go to” guy if you need a tool or something fixed. I helped set up the neighborhood block watch (neighbors have called me when things go bump in the night. “Why are you calling me? Call 911). I tried to organize a neighborhood emergency response team (NERT?) (Our county was promoting this years ago). I used Y2K as a reason to encourage my neighbors and family to get prepared. The outcome of Y2K was irrelevant. If not Y2K, then it will be an earthquake, if not an earthquake it will be a volcano, etc. I have given firearms training to several of my neighbors. The UPS man knew what was up when I had a large shipment of long term storage food delivered (nitrogen packed grains) to my house. I am a Boy Scout leader (Be Prepared). I’ve lived here over 20 years; everybody knows me and knows who and what I am. Low Profile is no longer an option. When the jig is up there will be lines at my door. Now, how to best handle it?

I have decided my best option is to work out arrangements that are mutually favorable. I have some medical problems, so heavy labor is out. I can trade food stuffs for work. I may take a hat and draw names allowing one neighbor a night to join us for dinner. Maybe I’ll allow the children in our neighborhood to eat breakfast (oatmeal) with us. If I completely close my doors to my neighbors my options are limited and I may have a mob on my hands. If I give away the farm, the food won’t last long and won’t serve its intended purpose of feeding my family. If I carefully share and barter, my options are open and I buy a lot of goodwill with those that may turn against me. I would really hope that the whole experience could be positive and set an example for our neighborhood to continue as a close knit group. If this is naïve, then I fall back on superior firepower.

There was a time I was young, optimistic, pro-active, “make the world a better place”, “don’t give them a fish, teach them how to fish so they can feed themselves” kinda guy.

I’m now a bit older, maybe wiser, more cynical, less naïve. I pick and chose my battles. My charity is no longer unconditional, it goes only to those that are deserving (forgive me Gandhi and Mother Theresa). If I had it to do over I’d probably keep a lower profile to keep more options open. If I ever move to a new neighborhood I’ll go into “urban stealth” mode. Hide your cards, then play what it takes to win. If my neighbors come to my door needing help, I’ll hand out “Call 911 for Emergencies” stickers to them.

TR

(Note to self: Pick up some “Call 911 for Emergencies” stickers.

Wihout a doubt, the best thought out and realistic reply I've seen on this topic to date.

Most of my friends know I have "stuff" but they do not really even know what the stuff is or what it is used for. I tend to only let people who are like minded in on the big secret. My friends that are not like minded I try to convert by reminding them to take some drinking water and a snack before they leave on long trips and then slowly working my way up to Swiss army knives on key chains.

Well, I have earned my reputation due to my bag of tricks that I mentioned elsewhere. Keep in mind that goes into other bags, which have a habit of having odd things fall into them (I have no memeory of them going in there) that happen to be very handy for the task and situation at hand. I've pulled out odd ball books that people are talking about, becuase as fate wouldhave it, I was reading them or had them in my bag as a reference for something I was doing elsewhen in the day.

"Go to Kevin, he carries everything all the time."

No, I just happened to be liked by the dryer gnomes. I will trade the occasional sock for dryer gnome logicstical support. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

First, here's to hoping that you never have to find out.
Second, if it comes down to it, hopefully, your "best" scenerio develops.
Third, don't forget to lock and load.

Troy

And don't keep all your stuff in one place.

Sue

My closer friends know I'm equipped, as are many (but not all) of them. Often they jokingly say that if the SHTF they'll come over here and eat and drink MY stuff with me. I have two standard replies:

Reply #1: You're a good friend, and your family is welcome to anything I have... after I make sure there is sufficient for my family. Unfortunately, that may take several weeks.

Reply #2: Please come on over. Gutted, cut into strips, and sun dried you look like you'd provide us with around 50-60# of jerky. So please do come over.

I guess the balance goes to how far you trust your fellow man.

You asked how many (if any friends and family know about my "preparedness")? Not any immediate neighbors. My wife and her family. The "what to do when" scenarios have been discussed among us. As for friends, there are some with whom these discussions have taken place, but most have not. It doesn't take very long to find out how most people feel about "preparedness". If they don't think about it or don't prepare, I don't waste my time. I am not the Shepperd.

I don't make a point or a big deal about being "equipped." I deploy my gear or first aid items when necessary. Word of mouth takes care of the rest.

-- Craig

So we are back to the Twilight Zone episodes again.

Here's my conclusion after seeing how the average Iraqi fared when TSHTF:

You can acquire all the items you think you will need to survive during hard times. You will get to keep said items so long as you can prevent others from taking them from you, either by clandestiny, or by force. There were no exceptions.

If you plan on being equipped to survive in a community environment, you'd better include a suitable means of defense. Sooner or later, someone in need is bound to discover that you are doing better than they, and will want to do something about it.

One day I was out hiking with some friends and when we got back to the trucks I opened my tool box to get something out and the guys noticed all my gear that I had stored in it. My truck immediately took on the nickname of a "urban tactical vehicle" and they tease me about it often. however I have recently noticed the guys have started carrying alot of the same things i do......LOL funny how that works...

The only ones that know I'm prepared are my close friends and family. I made the mistake of talking to a couple of my employees about being prepared, they just shrugged it off and said if anything ever happens they will just come to my house,I said "NO your NOT" and they acted surprised, I explained to them that I just told them they needed to be prepared and how to prepare and that their response was :we'll come to your house" The jokes on them. Tell only those that you are prepared to help.

My neighbors are the last people who will know that I'm a closet preparedness addict. The thing is, it's Southern California -- everyone should be prepared for big earthquakes and wildfires. Many just take it a day at a time.

Close friends know.

Example:
We were just on a week-long beach house vacation with three other families. At some point, in the middle of the night, one of the moms knocked on our door and asked if they could have some ibuprofin. There was no question that I'd have several analgesics (in fact I have aspirin, ibuprofin, naproxin sodium and acetometiphin in the pharma section of the large FAK).

Later, on the beach, the question was "can we have some string?" not "do you have any string".

As we left, one car had a dead battery. Straight to me they came...can we use your jump-starter battery?

Yep, I have been outed.


Half think I'm mental,
Half think I'm mad,
The rest think I'm crazy,
I'm the only one who's sane.....

It's terrible that most folks here have to talk about being prepared as if they had a bad gambling or drug habit. That said I am also conflicted about revealing skills and my preparedness level. Like izzy I have similarly been caught with my trunk bucket ;^). Although its nice to be thought of as the "go to guy" I think pizzaman has a thoughtful point on the negotiating tactic. It can sometimes take a tribe to survive and if folks have skills or equipment they can trade or cooperate with, more power to the tribe.

I am currently training to be a teacher and I'm learning it is important to teach what you know but not to treat it like a pulpit. Starting a group in your community is a good thing I think so long as it is for educational and mutually beneficial purposes. I believe my local red cross conducts some training on disaster preparedness topics and could be a great addition to such a forum. Most folks who take the time to show up to such a group would likely be inclined to contribute in some way even if its minimal (3-day) preparedness on their part thus eliminating the burden on local responders and your doormat.

I have tried my best to only recruit my immediate family and friends since I'd be wanting to help them when the SHTF but its a difficult idea to sell to them when buying food and survival supplies deals with budgeting and many, many hours of prep.

Besides using survival Christmas gifts, frequent reminders of Katrina anniversaries and "peak oil" news articles I am all out of ideas to get their preparedness levels up. I am almost to the point of just asking what they can contribute in such an event since they will be showing up in an emergency anyway. Being chief of a tribe of moochers is not my most favorable of survival scenarios.

Cheers,
Nemo.

Some of my team mates know that I am usually prepared and they all bug me when they need something. I make it to easy for them.

So I have been keeping my preparedness quiet.

The power went out at work a couple days ago. No one else but me had a flashlight. I mentioned to someone that I had my flashlight with me if anyone needed it. First answer I recieved "Of course you would have a flashlight, it doesn't surprise me." (it was meant as a compliment)

I am low key key about my EDC, however I guess that enough people over the years have seen me use bits and pieces of my EDC that some have caught on to me. Now if I could only convince them to make and carry their own EDC...

It's amazing how a complement can come out sounding sometimes. I am not only some what prepared, i also have a wicked tool fetish. As in "Hi my name is Ray and i have a Tool problem". Was helping a friend of mine repair some old plumbing at his mom's house. After we are through and i am stowing everything back in the truck he comments that if he is ever stranded on a deserted island, he wants to be stranded with me and my truck. I know he meant it as a complement and if these words had been spoken by a pretty lady it would have inflated my ego a bit, but coming from an ugly old guy..........

When I was still working, they called me "gadget man," but who do you think they came to when they wanted something? Anything? Yup, the Old Bald Guy...

I'm known around the hospital where I work as the "ever-prepared guy with the toolbelt" because of the fannypack full of syringes/saline/gloves and what-not I carry when I'm working.

People come to me to open their cans of chili for lunch because they know I carry a Leatherman at all times.

It can become a pain at times (had a female coworker come to me looking for tampons once) but slowly they are learning. I'm finding some folks learning it's ok to be " a little weird" and prepare for stuff. Some of my coworkers are actually carrying little LED flashlights on their keychains and extra set of scrubs in their car which is a start.

I use it as a teaching opportunity. When they come to me looking for stuff I ask them what are they going to do when I'm not around?

Each hurricane season I'm asked for my hurricane punchlist by several folks. Slowly they're learning, especially as I'm learning to take more time off and and subsiquently unavailable.

I'm known at work as "Inspector Gadget" by the PHRASECENSOREDPOSTERSHOULDKNOWBETTER..

It ain't a compliment.


Situation is: I work in a rather large warehouse. Been there about 10 years. Been there, done that, seen it all.
Power outs, flooded, medical emergency's, fire's, Darlek's invading the Earth (joke). You name it, it's happened.

Power out: Guess who had to walk around and collect all the other employee's on the floor?
Yep, yours truly.

Flooded: A certain bright spark managed to clobber a main cross pipe for the sprinkler system with 4 ton of truck. With predicable results. I was the only one with the brains to improvise waterproof overboots.
Guess who's still getting abuse about it 3 years later?
Yep, yours truly.

Fires: Sometimes a truck goes up in smoke (electrical fire.)
Guess who is the only one who punches the alarm, grabs an extinguisher and puts it out. Then gets a bollocking for the alarm? "But you didn't NEED TO push the ALARM. The FIRE was OUT."
Yep, yours......

I just had Fire Marshal training. Next time that happen's some one is going to get a very nasty surprise.


And just to add insult to injury, it was one of the Polish Totty who dubbed me IG. She also has some what limited English. Also knows that I carry a SAK. Wanders up to me every few days with a can. Hands it to me and says "You open."

I'm working on the "please......"

Welcome to the club. I occasionally tell them the correct title is Q.

"I'm Batman." said with a cold, steely voice...

-Blast

Maybe something to add to the kit? If you're single it could be an easy way to strike up a conversation. Sorry, that was too funny.

"...PHRASECENSOREDPOSTERSHOULDKNOWBETTER...."

Slipped that one in, didn't you???

...and sheesh, I was <deleted> for a sh**ple comment...not fair

No one ever said that life was fair...

You can always tell a PHRASECENSOREDPOSTERSHOULDKNOWBETTER..

They have fashion sense.

And no pockets....

I was able to read all the replies that were posted and I came to the conclusion that I am a very lucky man. I have been prepared for about 25 years now (sometimes when I didnt even know it). My best friends both of whom I have known for 20+ years have always been prepared and when were young and dumb, we would call each other and say grab your bag... we are headed for the hills. Then we would go. It took all of 15 minutes to be on the road.

Now I am blessed by being surrounded by people that are prepared. My two friends and I still have our bags, but they are now BOBs as we go to my cabin when we go to the hills. When creating my BOB, my wife said what are you doing honey? Now she has a BOB of her own. I mentioned casually about being prepared to my new stepfather and I find out he is PREPARED! He has more of a EOTHW mentallity (or collapse of the local government). I know that my family will be safe or at least prepared. I only have one concern and that is for my son. He currently lives with his mother across town and when I mentioned his BOB that I created for him, her responce was "that is just silly! God will take care of us..." I am all about a higher power, but I do beleive that he helps those who help themselves.

I mentioned being prepared to my new neighbors, just casually, and I got a responce of "Could you teach me some things and help me get something together for my fiance and me?"

Like I said blessed. As far as people showing up at my house when the SHTF, they can have whatever I leave, cause I will have been long gone when they show up. Stuff is just stuff and if I dont have it with me, it isnt important enough to help me and my family survive.

this one is probably my favorite on the list of dumb excuses people give for not preparing. Even more so than "FEMA will save us."

Based just on recent natural disasters, I'd say God has proven to have little interest in the wellbeing of His children. Where was God when the tsunami hit Indonesia and killed 230,000+ people? where was God when Katrina decimated NO, or when any of the recorded hurricanes and tornadoes destroyed hundreds of homes, leaving thousands of people with nothing but their free will and their faith? Years of memories and financial commitment wiped out. And why doesn't God talk some sense into the idiots who repeatedly decide to put up more houses in the exact same spot where the last ones got blown away, when it should be obvious to these people that the odds of it NOT happening again are absurdly small? I've seen some miraculously good things happen, but i've seen so many more bad things happen with no silver lining.

Most of those folks would probably say that those poor 230,000+ were of the "wrong" religion, so God ignored them. I hate that mentality as much as you; I've got a few friends like that and it drives me insane.

Anyway, onto the thread... I'm not quite Inspector Gadget, but my girlfriend knows most of my preps, and gives me crap for buying flashlights and knives (a Fenix and a S30V blade Kershaw, so it's pricey). But she tends to blab a little about me always carrying a knife or flashlight, so I've started keeping the other EDC quite. To be fair though, I don't tend to carry much more. A power bar, mini multi-tool, pen, some cash in my backpack (still a student after all).

Looking into adding a fire starter, but here in Detroit, I doubt I'll have a pressing need for that! Plus, I can't start a fire with a spark unit without an accelerator anyway, so that would entail carrying tinder. Speaking of which, has anyone tried Ranger Rick's SOS fire starter? I like the size; please PM if you have any experience with it! Thanks.

Ditto



& use the same construction methods (even if it does meet code).

Oii!

Daleks invading Earth!?

Where´s your Sonic Screwdriver then?

/Stefan

I have found it to be a problem, both at work and at home.

At work, they know that I always have my mini-mag and a leatherman on me at all times. Since I'm a scouter, they act like I'm the second coming of McGyver. One of my responsibilities here is the safety officer. When trying to organize a first aid class, I actually had a co-worker (or cow-orker as Dogbert calls them) say that they didn't need first aid training. If there was ever an emergency, she would just stay with me since I know how to handle them.

At home, my DW has a similar attitude, even after living with 2 scouts and a scouter. I have just decided to make whatever preperations that I need and deal with the nagging later.

I was looking at that as well, looks interesting but small. If anyone gets any info, PM or post it? Thanks!

Kris

during highschool i was known for having everytihng with me all the time, even if that wasn't quite accurate. extra pencils, paper, flashlight, dental floss, umbrella, 550 cord, emergency ponchos, playing cards, dice, batteries, etc. If it was legal to carry, i probably had it on me or in my locker. My friends used to say "ask Erik, he thinks of something and it appears in his pocket." since going to college, i've thusfar avoided being the go-to guy, though i think my classmates in my computer class are starting to catch on. To my friends and family, i'm definitely the go to guy. my sister compares me to Burt Gummer.

Don't need one mate. I have a Leatherman......


Mind you, my best mate has a 6 year old son. He has one. I'll just throw him at 'em.

Long ago a wise person told me to learn how to type and how to sharpen a knife but warned me not to let anyone know that I knew how. Used to be if people knew you were in danger of being deluged by requests for favors.

Now typing isn't such a big deal and people have shifted to disposable knives or are so used to dull knives they no longer understand the difference. Used to be most men, and a lot of women, had a knife and most took some pride in keeping it relatively sharp. Not so much any more. Different times.

It is one thing to be known as 'Handy' and good in a tight spot and quite another to have a reputation for holding large stocks of emergency supplies.

Working in a trade I have tools. I don't lend out my regular work tools. I do keep a set of back-up/junker/loaner tools on hand. If a helper forgets his tools or we are working in an environment that eats tools or a neighbor needs a wrench these are the ones that get handed out.

After a few times borrowing the same tools I lean on the borrower and suggest that that if they owned their own they wouldn't have to spend their time begging for what they need.

I have a pantry well stocked but other than that small stockpile there is no reason for anyone to know about anything else.

I really don't worry about intruders rudely requesting or demanding a share. In my experience a firm word and a clear message your not likely to tolerate much nonsense is usually all that is necessary. I have noticed that the handle of a hog-leg peeking out around the edge of a shirt has a definite sobering effect.

I dont want to get into a theological discussion, as everyone has there own beliefs, even if if is not to believe. However, I do know that I can count on myself and my experience to fair pretty well. As for my son, I was able to take the thread discussion, and totally P*&S my ex off telling her that I wanted to teach my son to shoot a 22cal rifle thinking that every boy that is nearing manhood should at least know how to shoot. I then asked her to keep his BOB with him in his room. That started round 2. Anyway, at this time I still have his BOB at my house, in ready, especially since we have had flash flood warnings almost every week for the last 2 months. Not only that! They live 50 yards from one of the two creeks running through town. I am at wits end, but by God I am prepared.

Note: I just happen to have some free time on my hands and in regards to the SOS Four-Finger-Fire-Starter...

Listen guys & gals, if you want more info on the SOS four-finger-fire starter, why don't you go directly to the source - ME! And ask for a free sample to test out.

I'm willing to give away a few (3) free samples provided the requestor is sincere, honest and a regular ETS forum contributor and not some "loose cannon."

Send me your request offline at: survivalnecklace@hotmail.com and provide me your ETS forum user name. And after checking out your user name and reviewing your past and present ETS forum input and you don't appear to be a loose cannon. I will give away three four-finger-fire starters to first three who contact me provided you agree to do a fair and balance test & review and post it here on this forum.

Fair enough? Again, newbies and loose cannons (com'on you know who you are) need NOT to apply.

Hmmm, I just might agree to do this with some of my other products too. But for now, just my four-finger-fire starter.

Okey-dokey?

Remember, first come - first serve, no newbies and no loose cannons. And if you happen to be offended by this requirement, well too bad, then don't apply.

Caio from Bardolino - Italy!

Ranger Rick Tscherne

US Army, Ret. (1972-93)
Owner, www.therangerdigest.com

Oh well, I guess I'm out...

-Blast

You'll like it here. We have things that go BOOM!

-Blast

Personally I don't know if I would go that far. I am a very religious person, but I am of the firm belief that the best helping hands God will ever give me are on the ends of my wrists.

I have one, and it works well...
The sparks are short but 'bushy' if you know what I mean...
So you have to get CLOSE to your tinder, but a spark likely to hit a good spot if you do.

P.S. Does anyone read D.R.'s reviews??? He reviews this fire starter on this very site! His review is what enticed me to get one...

I still don't see the difference between a SOS four-finger fire-starter and a BIC without fuel, cut in half..

And that is what it is, except for the fact that he has already done the cutting and drilling, and put the metal to stop the flint from falling out in it...
The loop and ranger band around the case is what makes the difference in use.

I read somewhere that...maybe British troops...or someone carried tampons...good compact source of tinder.

And you might get the rep of the guy who thinks of everything.

At first I thought of suggesting throwing some Midol or Pamprin in there for good measure...but that might not be received as well

My personal creed...

In light of all the catastrophic events of the past few years, if you are too freakin' stupid to prepare for yourself and your family...don't come whining to me when TSHTF.

Ok, I probably wouldn't really be like that, but people who lack responsibility (FEMA, George Bush, God will take care of me) really honk me off. It is not MY job to take care of the huddled masses of those in denial. When did we all become so helpless?

That's the real trick though. The convincing part.

I did get a kick out of the time asked me if I had toe nail clippers on me

I'll take pockets over fashion anytime...although since cargos still seem to be in fashion...

OMG...I can't stop laughing! Q...that's great!

There are pills for that.

As I am so fond of saying..."One can live with zeal without being a zealot".

I too am a teacher and try to gently educate about this topic. Does your area have a CERT group? Mine does, but they require a minimum of ten people for the training, and so far I'm out of luck. If they don't have one, you can start one. Some people might be more comfortable with a specific protocol that comes from the government...and then again, others might avoid that

Don't know if there is a pill that will fix me or not, but having a tool problem is contagious. A couple of my married friends have said that after the wife found out about some new knife, flashlight, or other tool of choice that they were warned about spending to much time around me.

The answer to folks becoming too reliant on your preparations is call "tough love". Deny them now while it isn't an emergency so maybe they'll be better prepared when it really is an emergency and you aren't there. When they ask for something the first thing you should ask is, "Is this a life or death emergency?". If not then let them deal with it.

FLASH NEWS ***************
There is a foot and mouth outbreak 2 miles to the south of where I live.

Poor PHRASECENSOREDPOSTERSHOULDKNOWBETTER..
R.I.P.

While none of my neighbors know the true extent of my overall preparedness, they ALL know of my very extensive gun collection. It can be quite funny seeing the looks on their faces when I clean my collection outside. Based on the feedback and comments I get, I can pretty well gauge which ones are also probably prepared.

My philosophy is "the fewer that know my business, the better." Everyone has the oppotunity to prepare, but if they fail to do so, it's not my problem. I'll share my knowledge and resources with others who are like minded, but if others want to put their faith in government, they must live with that decision.

The odd thing is that I do carry tampons (hey, I have a wife and a daughter and a pathological care-taker complex!!!)

Besides, the little OB ones are just the right size for packing a nosebleed that won't stop.

my family knows exactly what i do and why, and i keep encouraging them to do more also. sometimes it just comes down to giving them their own b.o.b starter kits.

but ive gained this type of rep slightly at work with a few people who have seen my sak or a few catalogs i buy my goodies from.
i try to give them little pushes in the right direction and have seen a few take to it slowly but atleast have more interest in learning about preparedness now.

when the student is ready the teacher appears, listen to what people say especially after a big disaster (tsunami,eathquake etc).

then play a little game with them of "well if this ever did happen here, what do you think you`d do to make it out ok?"
just hypothetical, pretend stuff to gauge their responses and willingness to learn to prepare.
with those who seem worthy you can expand the game into other scenarios and see if they begin to formulate better ideas and perhaps prepare a little (with some nudging suggested).

as far as the rest of those who REFUSE to learn or just rely on fema/odin/someone else to save their ass i have a tried and true phrase: "not all baby turtles are meant to make it to the ocean."


edit: as for the daleks....hide on higher levels, they cant climb stairs hehe.

Although I'm not. a lot of my family and neighboors are mormon and preparedness is the norm, so nobody thinks twice about the contents of my garage or anything else.

I used to have a Lt who said that when the food riots hit he will get rich selling maps to the mormons houses. The one mormon in our office was not amused...

Well actually being a Mormon, I have to say that I am amused. I would love to show someone my gun and ammo collection while they are TRYING to see my food storage.

Should be a fun time!

I figure after the first couple of bodies out front, then a sign hanging above them saying "No Soliciting or Begging".

Most people should get the hint.

I came to the conclusion long ago that I have no problem protecting my life or those in my family by using deadly force. At first it scared me that I came to that conclusion and was comfortable with it, then I realized that it is either them or me.

"...it is either them or me..."

Words to live by...

And die by....depends who you are and which end of the gun you are looking down

Hmmm... if it wasn't for the fact my ex-sister-in-law wasn't a prepared Mormon, I'd almost sign her up for this program. *nasty grin*

Maybe we can have my ex (and her sister) recruited...