"Thomas Jefferson said a democracy is dependent on an informed citizenry. I don't care whether it sounds corny or not. It's the truth." -Jim Lehrer
Carefree Truth
Issue #820, March 23, 2020
Issue #820, March 23, 2020
I requested and received these preparedness tips from a retired police officer who lives in our neighborhood. I thought it was pertinent and well worth sharing, so with his permission, here is what he sent.
Lyn
Being an Eagle Scout, I have lived by the motto, “Be prepared”. It was certainly taught to me and reinforced throughout my 29 year police career. The military and big business and corporations have numerous contingency plans that encompass natural and man made disasters. Having a well thought out, specific plan(s) is like having a fire extinguisher; you hope you don’t have to use it, but it’s good to have nearby.
There are numerous ways to be prepared. Start with yourself/your family. Certainly do not hoard, but do have enough supplies of essentials: food ,water, medicine, medical supplies, flashlights, batteries, etc. Keep your vehicles' gas tank at least half full all the time. I even keep a 5 gallon gas can full. Have enough cash on hand; if the Internet goes down, credit cards will be useless. If SHTF, you will need to count/depend on yourself.
There are numerous websites that help with the above, from the government type like FEMA, to “preppers “. Information/education is a good thing. Pick and choose from them what you want.
Do not advertise or talk about in casual conversation what you have stockpiled. You never know who will coming knocking on your door if SHTF. Use common sense.
I strongly suggest that you own a gun.....when seconds count, the cops are minutes away, or longer. “Typical” burglars and thieves look for the easy houses, they look for targets of opportunity. They avoid houses that have dogs, security alarm company signs and cameras. Professional burglars won’t waste their time in our neighborhoods. So when the time comes, if it does, having an active VISIBLE block watch should deter potential looters.
Hurricane Katrina is a great example of societal collapse in a short time and a how “civilized” people resorted to surviving. Google it, it’s an eye opener.
At the very least, I think neighborhoods should have an accurate, up to date list of houses that are full time residences, part time and unoccupied, with owners' phone numbers. A list of the elderly, disabled, and those with compromised immune systems would be useful so we could help them.
I think we all agree that we hope this virus will end soon and society will remain civil, but no one knows. It is best to have plans for all sorts of incidents. Utah just had an earthquake last week. Add a major natural disaster to the Phoenix area, and who knows what will happen.
People have been slow to adhere to government guidelines to help stop this virus. The media of all stripes have added to the confusion and hysteria. No one knows who or what to believe. The worst case scenarios could happen and sooner than anyone thinks. Cabin fever, boredom, frustration, depression and unemployment can lead to panic and basic human survival instincts.
This is probably way more than what was asked for, but once I got going and thinking about it all, I got on a roll. However, I do firmly believe that we, as a society, have become too soft and depend on the government, or at least on some else, to take care of us.
Be safe, be prepared, stay positive and have hope, for this too shall pass.
Lyn
Being an Eagle Scout, I have lived by the motto, “Be prepared”. It was certainly taught to me and reinforced throughout my 29 year police career. The military and big business and corporations have numerous contingency plans that encompass natural and man made disasters. Having a well thought out, specific plan(s) is like having a fire extinguisher; you hope you don’t have to use it, but it’s good to have nearby.
There are numerous ways to be prepared. Start with yourself/your family. Certainly do not hoard, but do have enough supplies of essentials: food ,water, medicine, medical supplies, flashlights, batteries, etc. Keep your vehicles' gas tank at least half full all the time. I even keep a 5 gallon gas can full. Have enough cash on hand; if the Internet goes down, credit cards will be useless. If SHTF, you will need to count/depend on yourself.
There are numerous websites that help with the above, from the government type like FEMA, to “preppers “. Information/education is a good thing. Pick and choose from them what you want.
Do not advertise or talk about in casual conversation what you have stockpiled. You never know who will coming knocking on your door if SHTF. Use common sense.
I strongly suggest that you own a gun.....when seconds count, the cops are minutes away, or longer. “Typical” burglars and thieves look for the easy houses, they look for targets of opportunity. They avoid houses that have dogs, security alarm company signs and cameras. Professional burglars won’t waste their time in our neighborhoods. So when the time comes, if it does, having an active VISIBLE block watch should deter potential looters.
Hurricane Katrina is a great example of societal collapse in a short time and a how “civilized” people resorted to surviving. Google it, it’s an eye opener.
At the very least, I think neighborhoods should have an accurate, up to date list of houses that are full time residences, part time and unoccupied, with owners' phone numbers. A list of the elderly, disabled, and those with compromised immune systems would be useful so we could help them.
I think we all agree that we hope this virus will end soon and society will remain civil, but no one knows. It is best to have plans for all sorts of incidents. Utah just had an earthquake last week. Add a major natural disaster to the Phoenix area, and who knows what will happen.
People have been slow to adhere to government guidelines to help stop this virus. The media of all stripes have added to the confusion and hysteria. No one knows who or what to believe. The worst case scenarios could happen and sooner than anyone thinks. Cabin fever, boredom, frustration, depression and unemployment can lead to panic and basic human survival instincts.
This is probably way more than what was asked for, but once I got going and thinking about it all, I got on a roll. However, I do firmly believe that we, as a society, have become too soft and depend on the government, or at least on some else, to take care of us.
Be safe, be prepared, stay positive and have hope, for this too shall pass.