Neighbors

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I also believe it's a good Idea to put a little away for the Neighbors...Remember you still have to live there when this is all over.

How much is enough?once it is known you have supplies you will be in mortal danger if you give food then there is the question of water ,we would love to help as many as possible but you help one then they have loved ones who need help and so on ,i do not want to come across as being uncompassionate but this is survival you have taken the time and effort to acquire the knowledge and the outlay to prepare yourself and members of your family.I feel mean saying this but in a time of survival its everyone for themselves it is ruthless, vile and a journey i hope we never have to take.I guess we will not now how we will react in the presence of death.

Gulfcoastmama had some comments regarding the nature of people in general after Hurricane Katrina. They weren't pretty and I think what she said comes from the horses mouth. Personally, if my kids were dehydrated and starving, I would do whatever I could to help them. That is simply being a parent. You throw in the mix of druggies and alcoholics who are coming off their drugs,people with no conscience to begin with and possibly the released prisoners from Folsom prison. There are two families that are dear friends who know that I have prepped but haven't done a thing for themselves or their families. I will help them as minimally as I can for fear that I will run out. I am the youngest of eight kids who all have families. Imagine if they all showed up at my doorstep?Neighbors whom have heard the same warnings and not heeded them?They will get very little or no help. I can't stretch my preps that thin. I am already thinking that we should pack all the preps and go to our cabin so that I will not run into any of that.The thought of my house being ransacked makes me sick but it would be a survival situation. So, my long-winde answer would be no. I won't answer the door.My neighbors don't know that I have prepped and, hopefully, will not find out.

Hotair has it right.  About 15 years ago, we had a terrible blizzard hit our region.  It was called a "Hurricane of Snow" and dumped about 4 feet of snow in 18 hours.  Prior to the storms arrival, TV correctly called the track and advisories went out.  People hit the stores and though it was not widespread, there were still enough instances of fights in the aisles over milk and bread in multiple supermarkets.

     I was taught by my parents that whatever we give, we will get back tenfold. I really believe this, so as for myself and my daughter, we are storing as much of everything as possible in the event that someone needs help. Still hoping though that the foodbank will get it all.

I'm sure all the men here will be on patrol...  we will keep together, share our resources.  Many people grew up here.  We live near something unique.

HappyCamper: "There's something else I was wondering. If people were buying extra Jars for canning...If I bag a deer and I'm sure I will...I going to need extra Jars to can the meat...Nothing should go to waste..I'm hoping to share venison."   


I did a lot of canning of berries, and other spring/fall fruits & veggies.

I have been stocking up on canning jars (people give them away on Craigslist.com for free if you'll pick them up), lids and such. I have filled an extra freezer (also very inexpensive on Craigslist) with meat and a few other things. If it really does come down to locking up I intend to start canning right away...I don't want to risk waiting and not having electric power, etc. I also have rice, wheat, sugar, powdered milk and other canned goods as well as sundry items.

I am buying dried basics to keep in the garage for others. I intend to store in two different places, one obvious & the other unknown except by family. I think it is important to know ahead of time what you can/will share with others and at what point you will need to stop to be able to continue taking care of your immediate family. Still, I can't imagine saying no to someone with children.

And..not just for BF but for earthquakes, effects of the current war, even a terrorist act in another state could cause shipping to slow/stop and cause shortages. Or any other disaster that may require us to be self-sufficient for any period of time. This way I'll be one less person draining the stores & available resources at the last minute, leaving more for others.


    

I have come up with an indirect way of informing my neighbors, this is my plan...I have made an extended list of things U will need for a extended stay at home and a list of helpful tips 4 safety and how 2 prepare in event od demise. I will make copies(about 100) and send them 2 my family members and distribute 2 neighbors. They have the choice then 2 decide what they want 2 do--- be cautious or ignore it all 2gether. I will have done my part 2 inform my family and neighbors. Then it is up 2 them 2 survive. U cando this 2 being that U have computers. It doesn't take long.

I have gotten extra suplies for the neighbors, because I may need my neighbors help and I would want to be able to repay (or barter) for services if needed. The guy that lives behind me (older couple, adult DD living at home that is a friend of my middle DD) they have a wood burning stove and he already has lots of wood for the winter, he is also a mechanic by trade, they also have a garden. I am not sure what help I might need but I know in the past he has come home from his mechanic shop to get my car started and not charged me anything. So if he did not want money and wanted something else I would want to have something to give him. My next door neighbors on either side are retired widows, both have family in town, so I would assume their families would help them, they would probably go stay with family. Guy that lives across the street mangages the bank not sure what he could do for me. On the other corner retired woman from my church, also has family in town and would stay with them most likely, two houses down a Baptist preacher with wife and 2 kids, hopefully they will be prepared. Another behind neighbor, a friend from church, married, 2 kids, they will need help as they barely make it day to day with food as they are house poor and have an $1800 a month mortgage.

Good job Christy. 

It really depends on the situation.If and when BF hits I will be responsible for the welfare of 4 women and 5 children.If I can get my little tribe prepped I would like to be able to stock up on extra rice,beans,soups,and water for any unprepared neighbors.These are the people that will be the biggest threat or help.My main worry is turning away the wrong person and having them try to set the place on fire.

 All the months of prepping for myself,and trying to get people on board without showing my hand,I find most people just don't think this is a real threat,and I've been called neurotic,crazy,etc. Frankly I don't care what happens to my neighbors, This isn't something that took everybody by surprise,So really,is it our responsiblity to save them? I got my food, water,meds,and ammo...I've had  my windows security gated,had them put a drop of solder on all the bolts, nobody is getting in..Cost and arm and a leg,but it's worth it..Too much stress and planning all these months to give to someone that did'nt prep for themselves! Sorry guys,I'm just not to altruistic lately....

  Yesterday a husband and wife couple moved next door to me.  They both work for the Red Cross    They are very nice and caring.  They are in charge of distribution of food and supplies.  I think they will be a great asset if any diaster hits.  In a few days I will ask them if they have heard anything about the BF and if so what preps are being done by the Red Cross.

Anharra, good suggestion.  Those extras are also very inexpensive.  

A supermarket for the community, no.  For the friends and family, maybe. The friends and extended family will have to be satisfied with whatever they get. 

This is pointless babcom.  You seem to think that I'm suggesting "feeding the community" and "full open door".  Quite frankly, I'm not sure where you are reading and hearing this.   Perhaps it's because you are new here is why you are not understanding what I'm saying. 

Another avenue of helping our neighbors can happen through "church pantries".  Those of us who are involved in church, synagogue, mosque, etc...could suggest hosting some sort of food pantry. 

There are churches and other community organizations that are prepping...but, perhaps, with some encouragement, more could come on board?

I am planning on sharing with my neighbors in need on a personal basis.(my own stash..:)....and I am trying (although, lately it seems in vain) to start a food drive and pantry in our church.  The focus would be for "emergencies".

Have started to get extra bags of rice noodles sauce etc for neighbours.

as my post said...I would drive the extra food over to the school.  Most all small neighborhoods here have their own elem. school.

Babcom, everything you said was valid.  We were just talking about two different things.  We raise the bar around here when it comes to planning and prepping.  We are way ahead of the planning game - we discuss the advanced courses.  Like I've said, the members here are the experts when it comes to panflu planning.  They know how to safely get these things done, as they should since we’ve all been here for so long. There are not a lot of people who will ever make it this far in their planning, so a lot of the burden may have to fall on us.    

 

Also babcom, welcome aboard.

 

A

hi Babcom;

Its just a matter of doing what you can when you can.
Should you risk your families well being?   No.
Should you try to help others?    Yes.
Why? If it really gets so bad that people are knocking on your door begging for food what will you do?
The strong prey on the weak.The group will prey on the individual.
How can you protect your garden without your neighbors help?
Can you protect you family and home by yourself 24 hours a day for weeks on end?
Ask any prior service  how high stress effects the mind and body after just one week.
I suggest everyone try watching their home for 24 hours straight.Just like you would during a pandemic.Then decide if you need your neighbor.
Ask yourself this. If you run out of food,your child or loved ones are hungry,
no one will help you,what will you do to feed them?