In an emergency, don't expect to mooch off others

Courtesy of a link at Mom's Scribbles, I came across this article at Prep School Daily.  It summarizes and expands on what I've told many people over the years.

Where Does My Responsibility Begin and End?

I have pondered this question for years.  And I still don't understand the mindset of people who delude themselves into thinking that they don't need to prepare because others will be willing to share, or forced to share, if necessary.  I don't understand those who prioritize material items over caring for their families.  I don't understand those who say they can't afford it, when by all appearances, they can.  I understand money is tight, been there and done that, but you do what you have to do to prepare.  I just don't understand those who say they'll be coming to my house when they can't feed themselves and their children.

And I also don't understand those who do prepare, but say they will be happy to share with all who need it.  Maybe I haven't achieved the level of Christ-like compassion that they have.  I know I have so many faults and sins to overcome.  I'm working on it.  But in the meantime, I take the words of the Apostle Paul to heart:  "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel" (1 Timothy 5:8).

. . .

... don't make our family out to be unkind or mean for not sharing our food.  You were the one who neglected your family and refused to prepare.  And if you didn't care enough about them to prepare for them, why should I?

There's more at the link, including some blunt, hard questions and choices.  Recommended reading.

The author makes very telling points.  If we fail to prepare for emergencies, why should others who did prepare share their preps with us?  They'll have demands on them from their own family and close circle.  What right do we have to expect them to spend their time, money and resources making the preparations we should have made for ourselves?

Miss D. and I have a limited reserve of supplies for emergencies.  We can live reasonably comfortably, food-wise, for a month, and stretch that to three months on a beans-and-rice diet if we have to.  We also have a small network of close friends with whom we'll share, and whom we'll help if they need it.  I'm more than willing to share my ammo stash with that same circle, knowing that they'll do the same for me if need be.  However, outside that circle, I'm going to be a lot more reluctant to give away things we're very likely to need for our own use.  Unless you have a claim on my wife and I that we already acknowledge, and which we've decided we're prepared to meet, you're likely to get a stony answer.

Looking at the current situation in our country, it's hard to disagree with Divemedic when he says "We are in a violent phase of a revolution, a coup, an insurgency, call it what you will".  With less than four months to go before the elections in November, who knows what may happen?  Are we sure we'll still have a functioning society by then?  In at least some of our larger cities, the answer to that question may well be "No".  If so, what are you going to do about it?  Are you prepared, and do you have sufficient supplies, to ride out the storm?  If not, what?  I suggest you can't rely on others to take care of you - they're going to have more than enough to do to look after themselves.

Prepare yourself for emergencies now, or be unprepared.  It's a pretty stark choice - and there's no realistic third option, like mooching off those who did prepare.

Peter