Are You Ready?

[The Stig]

The scenario: a multi-state storm system knocks out power to your area for days on end. You are holding your own. Uncomfortable but getting by because you thought ahead and had some cash on hand, water on the shelf and a generator (with fuel).

Your neighbors, who are waiting for "the government" to rescue them suddenly collectively realize nothing going to happen. In true "it's not fair" spirit they suddenly realize you're living in relative luxury. They want a piece of it and show up on your doorstep demanding you share the wealth.

Scenario two: a hurricane destroys your county and people in your sub-division are doing what they can to recover. After several days it becomes obvious you were prepared and are getting by. You're only slightly less miserable in the 100F heat but your preparations help make things a little better. While out cutting down limbs that are dangling near your house, a group of people from the local neighborhood come by. They'd like you to donate some of your supplies to some families who didn't think ahead.

Scenario three: A wild fire is consuming your area. As you are loading up the family car to head out, and putting in the last neatly placed tub of supplies, a neighbor comes up to you frantically. They demand that they ride out of danger with you because their car doesn't have enough gas.

Are you ready for this? Have you mentally prepared yourself to be strong in the face of emotional people? Will you have the resolve to act should the time come?

Not even sure what sort of response I'm looking for here. I guess it's easy to say "yea, I'd kick their ass" but have you really thought through how you'd handle situations such as these?

Because they are coming. Whether the SHTF event is big or small, there will be people who didn't prepare and just want you to bail them out.

Have you prepared for that scenario? Are you Ready?

[eagle326]

Four words Stig.

Get Off My Lawn. :mad:

[Fatty]

mentally, physically, and logistically prepared? yes, yes, and yes. As far as neighbors/zombies...

scenario 1- I would allow them to negotiate who got to use my other outlet on my generator (drawing straws etc. possibly someone could donate a fridge for the local neighborhood to keep things from spoiling, i wouldn't care, they would compromise, not me. They've been taught to "suck it up" when things get put back on them amirite? :P) that is of course assuming they had fuel to contribute, otherwise, I wouldn't feel obligated.

scenario 2- same as above, I feel no need to donate anything besides advice. Its up to them to barter their way for what I have. Still doesn't mean that I'll want what they have.

scenario 3- of course I'd let him/her load up. If you're already going in the right direction, whats 1 more body? Of course, the agreement would be based on exactly that... just a ride. After that he/she would be responsible for themselves, just like any other American.

[apssbc]

In both scenario one and two I would explain that I have a little extra to spare. I would pass out some of what I have extra. Maybe allow them to use some power in shifts or offer to store perishables for them. Now if they arent happy with my generosity then we have a dilema, I will use force if necessary. Maybe working outside and open carrying would be enough of a clue to make them behave. Being that scenario 1 and less so scenario 2 things will get back to normal I may share a little more of my canned items and such without delving into my lts foods. Also security needs to be kept in mind because when society starts reaching this stage they will get desperate and chances are thing will get ubly and possibly violent.

I may also consider bugging out if it deterioates to this level. Give them some supplies to appease them and get out of dodge before they come back for more. Bugging out is all about timing if you want to do it safley.

Scenario 3 I would tell them to take their car and well follow to get as far as they can. From there we can make arrangements if they run out before you can pawn them off on the authorities. Or give them a spare gas can or two, I can make the trip to and from my bol 4 times with a full tank. I have spare gas at my house I would probably give them some fuel and we could convoy out.

There is no right answer, the scenarios have so many variables from how far you must evacuate, to how many people are in need. There is no one answer to these. Main thing is were a minority. The world is full of consumers and we are at a serious numerical disadvantage that no amout of fire power or supplies can overcome. We cant feed them or shoot them all. So the best we can do is know your neighbors, and think these scenarios through, and prep for them.

Steps that may need to be taken may be having some extra supplies ready to be handed out to appease the sheep and buy yourself some time, openly carrying a weapon may deter some violence and keep people in check, bugging out at the right time is crucial for your familys continuing survival, maybe beginning to establish a neighborhood "gov" could be in order. Have everyone place some supplies, services ect on the table. The earlier this is done the better. These are just very few ideas to a multitude of problems produced during a situation. Everyone will have a different approach. But its my two pennies.

[Echo2]

Scenario 1: BTDT...luckily the power came back....the neighbors ran one extension cord. They have a wood stove....but really wanted to have coffee. I was quite comfortable....but only have one close neighbor. If it was to be longer term...I would goto BOL.

Scenerio 2: OPSEC....and agian....I would goto BOL....if not possible....secondary BOL....both have more folks to defend preps.

Scenario 3: toss them a five gallon can and wish them well....good luck.

Mentally prepped....due to the fact the general welfare of my wife and children...is more important to me than you could ever be.

[eagle326]

Scenario 1
They want a piece of it and show up on your doorstep demanding you share the wealth.

Scenario 2
While out cutting down limbs that are dangling near your house, a group of people from the local neighborhood come by. They'd like you to donate some of your supplies to some families who didn't think ahead.

Scenario 3
. They demand that they ride out of danger with you because their car doesn't have enough gas.

These are the 3 reasons they need to get off my lawn. Now I'm not beyond helping ; But if you come to me with any of these 3 scenarios Then you just told me you live for the moment and / or are a socialist who believes that what's mine is yours if needed even though I'm the one who prepared for the just in case situations. And this includes my immediate family in this situation. Now this may sound cold hearted but everyone who knows me knows my way of thinking and living.

P.S.
This is to just clarify my 1st. post.

[Stg1swret]

1. Leave now on your own, or some one can pick up your body in the morning
2. You can have all the bark you can eat.
3. Start walking folks, or you'll be crispy critters.

Life is hard, I'm harder.

[bacpacker]

Great question and several good and valid responses. Here is my way of looking at it, knowing most of my neighbors pretty well.

Senario 1: Our close neighbors on one side is a man with 2 kids, next to them his mom and dad, just down the road his brother, SIL, and 2 kids. The other side is a gentleman, wife and two adult kids. Then one single retired lady. We have already dealt with a lot of damage last year during the tornados and hailstorms. Granted it wasn't a long term power outage, but every one worked together to take care of things over the first day or two till things settled down. I feel sure that would happen in a worse case scenario. Outside of that there are folks down the road in both directions I don't know and some I wouldn't trust just seeing how they live. To those folks I would offer a minimum of dried beans and rice in exchange for labor for something to benifit the community. No work, no food. I feel certain the others would back me as well.

Senario 2: Hurricanes aren't likely up here, but tornados would cause similar damage, same comments as above apply.

Senario 3: Like some others have mentioned, I would offer a 5 gallon can and to convoy out. I think most of my closest neighbors would be on board with working together for this. It's not that far to a couple of town's and the athuorities would have shelters set up for them to go to.

This would be a hard road to hoe and won't be any fun when it happens. But you better start thinking through these scenarios and others for your area, because at some point it is very likely something like this would occur and force your response quicker than you want to deal with it.

[The Stig]

Scenario 3: toss them a five gallon can and wish them well....good luck.

Other neighbors see you handing out your 5-gallon can and then start asking for "theirs"

Now what?

ETA: Just throwing out a what if...not arguing.

[The Stig]

Wow...some really good replies! Good stuff folks.

Looking forward to reading more.

[Dropy]

in none of these scenarios would it have gotten so far as to demand they come to me. We take care of each other up here. We look after each other. Help each other out and it comes back to ya eventually. That doesnt mean i would let all my eggs out of the basket....but i would help out willingly.

[Echo2]

Other neighbors see you handing out your 5-gallon can and then start asking for "theirs"

Now what?

ETA: Just throwing out a what if...not arguing.

Well since I only have one neighbor....I'd wonder where they all came from....:)

But since I'm bugging out from a fire.....getting any extra fuel away from my house doesn't sound like too bad of an idea.

I will have already had one of the boys top off our rides....so what's not being used needs to be moved away from the house anyway.

If they are my neighbors....and odds are I'll see them again....I'll collect from them later.

[apssbc]

If I have more to spare then I may. Or the other neighbors are told I'm out and I gave it away...it also depends on the neighbor, some I like more than others ;). Once again someone comes up acting like a dick then theyll learn quickly how hard I can be. They decide how far they want to take it...It may end up bad. However one of the best ways to be there for your family is to avoid conflict if possible...if possible.

[bacpacker]

Beggars attitude will go a LOOOOOOONG way in determining whether they are helped or not. Crappy attitude or threats will get them nothing more than trouble they don't want. Willingness to work, in particular for the good of everyone in the area will speak volumes for them and will get them some help.

[Sniper-T]

Being quite rural, I don’t have too many neighbours, There is one on each side (my closest, who is better prepared than I am in several aspects but not others – see Hobbit House thread), and the other, not so prepared, but with skills. They would be welcomed and helped as necessary. Down the road are a couple that I stop and talk to on the road occasionally. And beyond that are ones I wave to as I drive by. Most of them refer to me as “The guy that is always shooting”.

As people do talk I am sure that some know something of my set up, but not enough to know that I would be doing ‘well’. My house isn’t visible from the road, so it would be difficult for them (or anyone) walking by to see anything without trespassing! A time into an event it would be easy to make things look worse than they are, especially from a distance.

Scenario 1: It is not likely that anyone would show up at my door step “demanding” anything (That quiet guy down the road that is always shooting), but if they did, I would explain a few things very politely. I have a large pond, if they want some water, bring pails and leave them at the road. I’ll fill them and leave them there for pickup. If they want food, I’ll point to a skunk, cat, or raccoon hide that I’ll have hung up conveniently, and say that I just shot that and they are welcome to the leftovers.
If polite doesn’t cut it. Then I will stop being polite.

Scenario 2: Similar to above, except I’d offer them a portion of my kills, but they cannot be fussy as to what they get. Water is a given, but I take no responsibility for purification. Everyone has a fire pit, so they can boil it themselves. Nothing else is visible or known about by anyone (Pantry items).

Scenario 3: If I have extra gas, I would ‘donate’ it to help out. They are my neighbours, so I will see them again to collect. If I do not, I can hook up a trailer, and they can pile on that, or I can throw a chain around their car and drag them to a safe zone, and drop them off.

Barter is king… I have little patience for anyone who expects something for nothing, If SHTF; I don’t expect that I would become more tolerant to freeloaders. If they have something I want or need, then something could possibly be worked out. They can spend an afternoon hauling wood for me, in exchange for a meal.

Me, my wife, my friends, and my preps are my first priority. If some numb nut drove home to the country without enough gas to leave… Well, they’re just freakin’ idiots. I would not leave behind anything of mine to make room for anything of theirs. People can always pile on and hang on to something. I could also hook onto my boat, which would provide more room for people, and a few things.

Great Thread Stig, thought provoking! May I suggest a
Scenario 4: Similar to above, but YOU are the one that got smacked the hardest! The tornado/hurricane/fire/whatever, took your home/garage/sheds/vehicles, etc. you and yours are ok, but all you have is what you are wearing when you scrambled out of the house at 0300. Most of your neighbours made it ok or better, but you have NOTHING! What do you do now?

[Echo2]

Scenario 4: Similar to above, but YOU are the one that got smacked the hardest! The tornado/hurricane/fire/whatever, took your home/garage/sheds/vehicles, etc. you and yours are ok, but all you have is what you are wearing when you scrambled out of the house at 0300. Most of your neighbours made it ok or better, but you have NOTHING! What do you do now?

Find car....establish comms....get to closest BOL to restock

[apssbc]

I would hopefully have grabbed some items. Begin picking though the wreckage. There is bound to be items that could be of use. There's no way every ounce of supplies or bob's are gone. There will be pots, pans, knifes, bags, ect to survive the trip to the Bol. At most it should take a week to walk it.

I would make a pile of supplies/useful items, hopefully I could get help from neighbors....but if not no big deal it will just take longer. If I couldn't get a ride from neighbors I would ask to at least make a phone call or two to try and get a ride from family. Again if no help is avaliable whatsoever I will load up and start walking to the Bol to resupply and continue with life.

[Sniper-T]

A category 5 tornado hit near here a few years back, the pictures of the affected area didn't show the damage to the houses. For the most part, they showed the absence of houses. Several dozen were nothing more than an empty hole in the ground (basement), and nothing left to even suggest it was once a cared for home/yard. most didn't even have grass left. from the highway, it looked like a stretch of field, possibly with a couple low areas. from the air, you could see that the low areas were basement holes.

[Echo2]

The safe is anchored with 6, 3/4" anchors...over 8" into the concrete slab....hopefully it would be there.....but really never heard of a tornado in my AO.

[realist]

Scenario #1: You should never demand anything when you are coming for a handout. In this situation they would be told to leave politely but forcefully.

Scenario #2: They can get their donations from the Salvation Army or Red Cross. However since they are so dependent on the Government they maybe they should wait for them, oh yeah they have been. In this situation they would be told to leave politely but forcefully.

Scenario #3: The dog is heavy, about 125 lbs but he should be able to sit on your lap okay. Which bus stop do you want to be left off at? Also refer to scenario #1 don’t demand when you come with hat in hand or you can get out. I would give them some extra gas to get them on their way. BTW "Please" goes a long way when you have hat in hand………..

We had Scenario #3 last year without the demand, a fire at the end of the road threaten to cut us all off. We just stopped and grabbed everyone on the way out. Talk about good public relations. Now everyone is talking to one another.

I get along with all my neighbors and we have cordial communications between each other. When there has been a problem on the lane we have all banded together to deal with it and it has worked very well. I feel very confident that we would make it through very well.

Sniper as for Scenario #4: "Plan B" I have a fall back plan as well as support people in the general area that would be able to take us in but this would be just for overnight. We would then move to the BOL for shelter the following day.

[izzyscout21]

not to be a dick, but.....

Scenario 1:

Molon Labe............enough said. It's not my fault you didn't plan ahead.


Scenario 2: SOrry, guys, but I only have enough to keep my family going. I sympathize, I really do. It is a bad turn of events that we are in, but I simply cannot take food out of my small children's mouths. Hope you understand

Scenario 3: Siphon what you can out of my lawn mower. It should get you far enough to get out of immediate danger. Got to go.

[ak474u]

not to be a dick, but.....

Scenario 1:

Molon Labe............enough said. It's not my fault you didn't plan ahead.


Scenario 2: SOrry, guys, but I only have enough to keep my family going. I sympathize, I really do. It is a bad turn of events that we are in, but I simply cannot take food out of my small children's mouths. Hope you understand

Scenario 3: Siphon what you can out of my lawn mower. It should get you far enough to get out of immediate danger. Got to go.


Kinda feel the same way... I do however, realize I'm gonna have to live with my decision after the fact, or move away.


So... I think I'd have not offer to help, if not in material goods, maybe with skills that would help organize the community. IMHO, if it has come to this, we have been bad stewards of our hard earned prepper knowledge. Being there for one's neighbors is the American way, lots of community shine in the face of adversity if there is a leader of some sort whether it be the sheriff, mayor, or that old vet with the flagpole in his yard that others look to for guidance. If I were able, I'd be the first one to break out the chainsaw and hammer to help the neighbors get their homes secured or debris cleared, especially for those too old to do it themselves. This alone, gets people "on your side" (hopefully) if the have-nots come knocking. Often people need to be shown the way, and that they CAN overcome their situation. I have little pity on those who would endanger their family by not having a plan, or a surplus of food that can get them by, but I understand it. We've been lulled into a sense of peace in a dangerous world by having modern conveniences close at hand, and lots of people live for today.

I feel obliged to make a smart comment...

People don't know what to do, heck, if I hadn't watched Red Dawn 436 times I wouldn't know how to hold off commies with only a handful of high school kids. It's all about training.

[cwconnertx]

The scenario: a multi-state storm system knocks out power to your area for days on end. You are holding your own. Uncomfortable but getting by because you thought ahead and had some cash on hand, water on the shelf and a generator (with fuel).

Your neighbors, who are waiting for "the government" to rescue them suddenly collectively realize nothing going to happen. In true "it's not fair" spirit they suddenly realize you're living in relative luxury. They want a piece of it and show up on your doorstep demanding you share the wealth.

I always prefer to have a conversation and help where I can, so perhaps I might offer to loan out some tools or do a little teaching, but I also will not be giving handouts that I might need. Since this is a storm and eventually order might be restored, I see a good teaching opportunity about being prepared, and maybe self reliance, but I will have to be clear I am dealing from a position of power and I will give out what I choose, which depending on attitude might be nothing. Of course if I am out working there is a Glock 19 on my belt under my tshirt. Its easier to be helpful from a position of power.


Scenario two: a hurricane destroys your county and people in your sub-division are doing what they can to recover. After several days it becomes obvious you were prepared and are getting by. You're only slightly less miserable in the 100F heat but your preparations help make things a little better. While out cutting down limbs that are dangling near your house, a group of people from the local neighborhood come by. They'd like you to donate some of your supplies to some families who didn't think ahead.

Another teaching opportunity, send the less fortunate by. I can probably use some labor in return for some stuff, or even sell some, my money is always tight. I like my neighbors. But in the 100f degree heat I am not sure what I can reasonably do for them anyway. I can always trade some rice and beans for something I might need. (I am cajun and we make some good rice and beans) Perhaps a block party is in order.




Scenario three: A wild fire is consuming your area. As you are loading up the family car to head out, and putting in the last neatly placed tub of supplies, a neighbor comes up to you frantically. They demand that they ride out of danger with you because their car doesn't have enough gas.

I don't have room. I will gladly sell or give the gasoline I have stored, since its better used than adding fuel to the fire. I like my neighbors and will do what I can up to the point I can't afford to or am unwilling to because of attitude or any reason I feel.

I think making friends with the neighbors ahead of time is a good bet, plus if you invite them to the shooting range with you from time to time, they will have the proper attitude they ask for assistance.

I think this quote (unknown source) sums it up "Be polite, professional, and have a plan to kill everyone you meet"

[The Stig]

Beggars attitude will go a LOOOOOOONG way in determining whether they are helped or not. Crappy attitude or threats will get them nothing more than trouble they don't want. Willingness to work, in particular for the good of everyone in the area will speak volumes for them and will get them some help.

After thinking about it this is where I fall. If a neighbor approaches me, the situation allows and I've got goods to spare I'll likely help assuming they have a good attitude. This is especially true for my immediate neighbors. If they are humble, maybe offer something in barter and just genuinely asking for help there's a good chance I'll help out in some fashion.

Now, as others have suggested, that help may not be exactly giftwrapped in the form they wish. Like Izzy's example, I may not load them in my personal car but I may let them siphon gas out of the mower. I may not bring them icy cold bottled water but let them filter from rainwater I've collected. Things like that.

However, if they approach demanding help, with an attitude or trying to give me the "it's not fair you have it and I don't" spiel they will be invited to play a game of Hide And Go Fuck Yourself.

It's at that point where things can get ugly. Desperate people do ugly things. Entitlement mentality really leads to ugly behavior.

[The Stig]

I always prefer to have a conversation and help where I can, so perhaps I might offer to loan out some tools or do a little teaching, but I also will not be giving handouts that I might need. Since this is a storm and eventually order might be restored, I see a good teaching opportunity about being prepared, and maybe self reliance, but I will have to be clear I am dealing from a position of power and I will give out what I choose, which depending on attitude might be nothing. Of course if I am out working there is a Glock 19 on my belt under my tshirt. Its easier to be helpful from a position of power.

This



I think this quote (unknown source) sums it up "Be polite, professional, and have a plan to kill everyone you meet"

And That

[mitunnelrat]

I would hopefully have grabbed some items,but if not I text mitunnelrat, since that's likely to be working in this scenario, and while I'm waiting for him I begin picking though the wreckage. There is bound to be items that could be of use. There's no way every ounce of supplies or bob's are gone. There will be pots, pans, knifes, bags, ect to survive the trip to the Bol. At most it should take a 4 hours, because help is always available if comms are up.


Fixed it for ya.

- - - Updated - - -

I don't have much time available tonight to give any really detailed answer, but most responses here mirror my own feelings.

[Dropy]

none of these scenarios are the type to cause a TEOTWAWKI sort of thing. Which means things will eventually regain normal....

[Echo2]

none of these scenarios are the type to cause a TEOTWAWKI sort of thing. Which means things will eventually regain normal....

this is quite true....hard to say what you would give up when there is no chance for resupply later....

[ladyhk13]

Great question and several good and valid responses. Here is my way of looking at it, knowing most of my neighbors pretty well.

Senario 1: Our close neighbors on one side is a man with 2 kids, next to them his mom and dad, just down the road his brother, SIL, and 2 kids. The other side is a gentleman, wife and two adult kids. Then one single retired lady. We have already dealt with a lot of damage last year during the tornados and hailstorms. Granted it wasn't a long term power outage, but every one worked together to take care of things over the first day or two till things settled down. I feel sure that would happen in a worse case scenario. Outside of that there are folks down the road in both directions I don't know and some I wouldn't trust just seeing how they live. To those folks I would offer a minimum of dried beans and rice in exchange for labor for something to benifit the community. No work, no food. I feel certain the others would back me as well.

Senario 2: Hurricanes aren't likely up here, but tornados would cause similar damage, same comments as above apply.

Senario 3: Like some others have mentioned, I would offer a 5 gallon can and to convoy out. I think most of my closest neighbors would be on board with working together for this. It's not that far to a couple of town's and the athuorities would have shelters set up for them to go to.

This would be a hard road to hoe and won't be any fun when it happens. But you better start thinking through these scenarios and others for your area, because at some point it is very likely something like this would occur and force your response quicker than you want to deal with it.

BP I think that we are pretty much in the same situation where we are now too. Old man who just lost his wife last year has the 500 acres next door to us (at the dead end), the people in next house on the opposite side of the road have lived here his whole life (they take care of the old man) and his brother lives 3 houses down (they owned all the land here at one time), the man right across the street ownes the next 500 plus acres and his son and nephew live in the next 2 houses down the road from him, the house closest to us on this side of the road is the mom of the woman who ownes the house right next door to her. We are actually the only ones who aren't related or lived here our whole lives.
I don't think we would have problems here, we would have people knocking on our door making sure that WE were alright. Sometimes I really hate the thought of leaving this road.

[DarkLight]

All of these are much like the bomb shelter episode of The Twilight Zone in that if it isn't a EOTW scenario and I will see and have to live with these people again I'm going to try to work with them. That having been said, after my soul is taken care of my family comes first, period effing dot.

Next is their attitude as has been stated repeatedly so I won't rehash it via my iPhone keyboard. Lastly is what I really have to share that usable to a large group.

What could help sustain another family for 3 more days could be used up by the community in one meal. Likewise, if I'm giving one neighbor gas and a fight breaks out over the gas can and it ruptures or spills then something potentially irreplaceable has been wasted and lost. It's a matter of scale I guess in how I go about sharing what little I have.

One of the key things might be to try to stay a little lower under the radar in the first place though. Obviously a generator makes that a little more difficult but the amount of trash you are generating is going to give away how much food you are eating. The amount of energy you can expend as opposed to those around you will also give the lie to howich food you may have. Just a couple of things to think about and be aware of before others notice it for you.

[apssbc]

Fixed it for ya.

- - - Updated - - -

I don't have much time available tonight to give any really detailed answer, but most responses here mirror my own feelings.

Thanks alot man. You are correct that would probably be the working scenario in a situation for me or you. Were not far from eachother and seeing as this is not a emp type event radio comms should at least be up, and vehicles running. Help is not far away...

[LUNCHBOX]

The scenario: a multi-state storm system knocks out power to your area for days on end. You are holding your own. Uncomfortable but getting by because you thought ahead and had some cash on hand, water on the shelf and a generator (with fuel). This scenario shouldn't be a problem for most of us here, this is our most basic mindset.

Your neighbors, who are waiting for "the government" to rescue them suddenly collectively realize nothing going to happen. In true "it's not fair" spirit they suddenly realize you're living in relative luxury. They want a piece of it and show up on your doorstep demanding you share the wealth. This could (and probably will) get very ugly. If there really is not going to be any help coming then hopefully you and yours have come together in time and can keep or give away what you want.

Scenario two: a hurricane destroys your county and people in your sub-division are doing what they can to recover. After several days it becomes obvious you were prepared and are getting by. You're only slightly less miserable in the 100F heat but your preparations help make things a little better. While out cutting down limbs that are dangling near your house, a group of people from the local neighborhood come by. They'd like you to donate some of your supplies to some families who didn't think ahead. First and foremost..."THEY" are not going to donate anything of mine! That will be our (groups) choice.

Scenario three: A wild fire is consuming your area. As you are loading up the family car to head out, and putting in the last neatly placed tub of supplies, a neighbor comes up to you frantically. They demand that they ride out of danger with you because their car doesn't have enough gas. Again, there wouldn't be any demands made by "THEY" or we roll out short a few neighbors. But I have always said that we will need the numbers to make it through a SHTF scenario and I hope bringing them along may help me with that. (take them)

Are you ready for this? Have you mentally prepared yourself to be strong in the face of emotional people? Will you have the resolve to act should the time come? For this one.....If you said your ready for how any one of these scenarios could turn out then your a better man than me. I have been places and seen stuff and I won't sit here and say I'm ready for whats ahead. I/we will be as prepared as can be and then do our best from there.

[apssbc]

Well out lunchbox. I'm as prepared as possible to deal with these scenarios. Mental preparation is huge. You need to truly believe in what your saying to be able to act on it. It would be hard to let any neighbor suffer because it's not in our nature to not help. But to ensure mine and my families survival I may have to leave others behind.

Luckily with my job I have become very good at accepting and dealing with horrible/gross/cruel things that come with the job. Keeping from emotional attachment with my patients keeps me in the game. I can still be empathetic and not get attached.

Try a 7 yo girl doused in gas and lit on fire by her father. Alive and conscious while you attempt to treat her. Then when you send her off with one ambulance you then need to treat the father for his accidental burns to himself...dont think I wasnt tempted to end it right there for him. Things like this (and I have many more) can make a person very cold and cynical to society. But I truly think it will benefit me in the long run when it comes to turning people away knowing full well they may die because of my decision...or post shtf dealing with death/decay/and evil that comes with major shtf events.

[LUNCHBOX]

Believe me, I'm not down playing any members thoughts on how to or how they would deal with any given scenario. I just know it is sometimes easier said than done. I wish us all good luck no matter what comes our way.

[The Stig]

Believe me, I'm not down playing any members thoughts on how to or how they would deal with any given scenario. I just know it is sometimes easier said than done. I wish us all good luck no matter what comes our way.

I do wonder about those of us who've never "been through it". Are we really as ready as we think we are? Humans, as apssbc pointed out, and you probably see every shift, can be downright shitty/mean/cruel/self centered/plain old whacked out of their minds.

It's one thing to be tough from behind the computer screen. It's quite another when there's 15 angry people on your porch screaming at you, demanding help, while your 4 year old daughter is just inside the front door.

Another poster pointed out that most of those situations are going to be temporary. If you start blasting people, for example, when order is restored you will get the joy of sorting that out. Then there's civil suits beyond that. Going to jail instead of being there to help clean up doesn't strike me as helpful. Getting financially destroyed by a civil suit doesn't either.

So while on the one hand I'm resolutely confident the safety of my family will not be jeopardized, I think situations might not be as cut and dried as we can pretend here in cyber world.

Don't know...just food for thought.

[Echo2]

The mental aspect is a biggy. If you've noticed....most of my responses involve me going to my BOL.

We have PREPPED for getting to the BOL cut, bruised, busted up, and buck naked.....we PLAN on not arriving that way.(My field locker generally stays with me...Pelican 1600 series)

Having to bail out of my house with out my totes and guns would be full of suck...but as soon as I get to the BOL....I get fresh clothes, new (broke in) boots...and I can pull a primary and secondary weapon and rig out of the safe....so can the Mrs...and both the boys....and the girl...less the weapons.

Most of my mental preparation...has been to get my family safely to the BOL...at all cost. If this means leaving w/o some gear....OK...I'm not going to like it. If it looks like a "end times" event.....best to stay outta my way....because if I feel you may be jeopardizing the safety of the family....you will be removed from the path.

Once at the BOL....and all are present and accounted for....The set up begins...it's all mapped.... all devices to be installed....items dispersed to proper areas....sand bags to be filled and stacked....comms antenna to be raised and repeater to be positioned...batteries located...water tanks to be filled....obstacles to be situated....gates and chains to be raised....fuel tanks to be dispersed.....propane tanks to be dispersed....generators to be dispersed.... etc.

We have done many drills....and drive varied routes every time we go to a meeting there.....I only hope it is enough.

[Alas Babylon]

As has been mentioned, none of these scenarios are TEOTWAWKI, so things should get back to normal.
As long as my family are safe an secure, I would prefer to help out and use this as a prepping school for the neighbors. Share some basic stuff: rice, beans, tarps. I would not hand out too much, and none of the LTF storage.
I would hope that what would happen is I could get them to see why they too should be prepared, and hopefully some will get the message. Then, when the big one does hit and we won't be coming back to the old normal, maybe the neighbors will be better off, and we can support each other when we really need too. I woudl think this too good of a teaching oppertunity to pass on by not helping out.
Of course, this all goes with the temporary SHTF situation. In TEOTWAWKI, I'm closing the gate and putting out the no treaspassing signs (unless my neighbors saw the light, and one already has).

[tompnoid]

as a community we have dealt with this almost the whole neighborhood has generators and such as far as gas goes for those generators we would all drain tanks and be out about the same time. during last years flooding and hurricane knocked out power for like 9 or 10 days we all had generators fired up. most people didnt even come outside i was out grilling all my food for dinner and whatnot because oven is electric and generator cant push it. just fridge freezer and couple of fans enough for essentials. as far as neighbors showing up needing food would barter for beer or ammo. if things get ugly i got plenty of shells and bullets me and my son will lay down the whole 50 people in my neighborhood. if need be

- - - Updated - - -

oh and if someone wants to ride in the bed of the truck to bug out im cool with that highly doubt anyone would ask though my neighborhood is pretty rugged individualists

[ladyhk13]

Has anyone thought about what they would do if it wasn't their nieghbors or "zombies" who came knocking on their door demanding their supplies but law inforcement instead? What if they came demanding your supplies to feed the 'have nots' and oh by the way while they are there they also want to confiscate your guns and ammo (remember Katrina?). So what do you do then?

[The Stig]

Has anyone thought about what they would do if it wasn't their nieghbors or "zombies" who came knocking on their door demanding their supplies but law inforcement instead? What if they came demanding your supplies to feed the 'have nots' and oh by the way while they are there they also want to confiscate your guns and ammo (remember Katrina?). So what do you do then?

Honestly no. Not really.

I think it's far more likely that a gaggle of idiot, unprepared neighbors demands their "fair share" of my stuff than door-to-door confiscations by LEO/government bodies.

It's also why it's a good idea to build relationships with your local LEO, town officials, emergency management officials etc before a SHTF event of some sort. Far easier to hear about such a thing happening if you're tied into "the loop" so to speak.

[msomnipotent]

Scenario 1: I plan to be proactive because my neighbors are vicious bastards. My plan is to get involved right away and offer all or most of my fresh food and some of my canned goods to the community because "I just happened to go grocery shopping right before this happened". My family will use the LTS food. I hope to be able to reorganize my pantry in the kitchen before the horde comes so only some basics and canned goods will be visible and our food is out of sight. While I hate most of my neighbors, I can't sleep knowing their kids are hungry and we have food, so I bought Kraft Mac N Cheese and Chef Boy R Dee up the ying yang just for this purpose. I have a mini fridge that I will offer for medications only, but I know some yahoo is going to demand to store popsicles for their kids morale or their companion animal's special diet food, and I will go ape crazy. My take down and arrest will preempt rescue efforts on the nightly news.

Scenario 2: I will give them my wish list of food as I have already proactively shared all of my food with my neighbors. I still don't know what I would do if they actually gave me food. It is a catch 22 as I would be taking food out of someone else's mouth but causing problems for myself if people figure out that I don't need it.

Scenario 3: Technically, I think that we would have to go on foot. Our subdivision leads out onto only one street, which happens to be the busiest in the county. It would be a parking lot. If a neighbor really expected us to drive them anywhere, I would probably just toss my keys to them with a warning about the parking lot. But if we could drive out, I have a few 5 gallon gas cans. I would tell them gas cans are in the corner as we pulled out of the driveway. If we could drive out and saw people walking or running, they wouldn't have to ask. I would just pull over and open the door. People can always sit on other's laps or something, as long as it wasn't a big crowd. Knowing my luck, it will be a big crowd that tries to take over the van. Luckily, my husband always drives and he doesn't have any problems knocking people over with the van. I learned that myself the hard way.

As for the police--I live in an area that the local police really doesn't care about and the town across the street doesn't have authority. I wouldn't be surprised to see the other town's people come to us for help, but they are probably better prepared than most here. I already gave away my food and somehow lost my Marlin 60 AND Mosin in a freak rabbit hunting incident. That wascally wabbit!

Am I mentally prepared? Almost positively not. I am a total sucker for a sob story and am absolutely timid around people I don't know, until you piss me off. The bigger the jerk, the bigger my backbone grows. I am working on confronting people. I just stood up for myself last week (twice, if you count the epic saga in the ladies section), and it was a big step for me. She was really nice, too. It didn't get me what I wanted, but at least I said something and that was what I wanted to accomplish. Yay me!

[ladyhk13]

I will do whatever my husband tells me to do. I trust him with my life. I'm sure there will be some things where I will have some better ideas (more common sense things) but since he spent 22 years in the military dealing with life and death situations and weapons pretty much the entire time I think I would follow his lead when it comes to our safety. I think we will work well as a team though because we each have our strengths which compliment the others' weakness and I think after remodeling 2 houses in the past 5 years and still totally in love with no major fights along the way I think we can probably do anything together!
I do agree with MrsO though about the being non confrontational for the most part unless the person is being a total jerk...the bigger the jerk the taller my 4'11" frame gets (and chairs help).

[Gunfixr]

The scenario: a multi-state storm system knocks out power to your area for days on end. You are holding your own. Uncomfortable but getting by because you thought ahead and had some cash on hand, water on the shelf and a generator (with fuel).
Did this one already, back when Isabell came through. We were "in the dark" for close to 12days. We did not, and do not have a generator. We were prepared. After the skies cleared, most of the neighborhood got together and cleared the streets, and whomever's driveway needed it. No one came knocking for supplies.

Your neighbors, who are waiting for "the government" to rescue them suddenly collectively realize nothing going to happen. In true "it's not fair" spirit they suddenly realize you're living in relative luxury. They want a piece of it and show up on your doorstep demanding you share the wealth.
More than likely I'm telling them NO. If it is just a storm, and I have more supplies than I could use, then perhaps, depending on their attitude. If it's an unknown long term, the answer is definitely NO.

Scenario two: a hurricane destroys your county and people in your sub-division are doing what they can to recover. After several days it becomes obvious you were prepared and are getting by. You're only slightly less miserable in the 100F heat but your preparations help make things a little better. While out cutting down limbs that are dangling near your house, a group of people from the local neighborhood come by. They'd like you to donate some of your supplies to some families who didn't think ahead.
Maybe, as a hurricane usually means a short-lived emergency. Again, attitude plays a big part. It also depends on what they want. I may give them a way to help themselves.

Scenario three: A wild fire is consuming your area. As you are loading up the family car to head out, and putting in the last neatly placed tub of supplies, a neighbor comes up to you frantically. They demand that they ride out of danger with you because their car doesn't have enough gas.
They cannot ride with me, as there simply not be enough room. But, we do have 3 vehicles, and to me, only one is considered my BOV. I might give them one of the others to drive, as it would just sit there and burn up anyway. If my supplies are more than I can take along, I could spare some.

Are you ready for this? Have you mentally prepared yourself to be strong in the face of emotional people? Will you have the resolve to act should the time come?
It has crossed my mind on several occasions, so I've pretty much made my decisions. So now, I can only hope I will stick to it.

Not even sure what sort of response I'm looking for here. I guess it's easy to say "yea, I'd kick their ass" but have you really thought through how you'd handle situations such as these?

Because they are coming. Whether the SHTF event is big or small, there will be people who didn't prepare and just want you to bail them out.

Have you prepared for that scenario? Are you Ready?

Pretty much.