Preparedness

[rationtin440]

I'm curious about this, but if anyone does not feel comfortable replying I totally understand. This question is mainly for those members who live outside the U.S: How popular/accepted is the idea of preparedness at an individual level? Here in America there are many people who call themselves "survivalists" and "preppers" because they believe in being ready for any kind of major disruption to power, food distribution to stores, whether it be from major storms or something more sinister like EMP burst or major terrorist events. I know that there are different laws in many places governing firearms ownership and even how much food a person can store which may involve "hoarding" laws, but I'm curious how the idea of preparedness, including the storage of food and firearms, is in other countries represented here. Thanks.

[Bypah]

I can tell you this out of personal experience with the recent tornado in OKC ament and hurricanes in my caribbean homeland. ALWAYS BE PREPARED!!!!

When this tornado passed my wife was alone at home and she was ready. I had everything "prepositioned" around the house so she knew what to do until I arrived home.
Food wise I'm the firm believer of always buy extra and save it for the "rainy days" also since we both have medical issues we keep ourselves well stocked with the basics of first aid items and our meds. Plus my experience with CERT training helps too.

[laughing_man]

In Japan, the preparation to a big earthquake is a realistic problem.
The Japanese government is appealing to prepare the water and food for three days to all the homes and companies.
There is relief of SDF after three day at the latest.
I am storing water, food, portable toilets, an antiseptic, and other various things.

[ak70g2]

In Romania/Eastern Europe, you can do as you wish, as long as you keep relatively quiet. The "state" (authorities) don't make a move against you (your right of property is sacred and guaranteed by Constitution, and this is VERY serious, after 45 years of "state property" in communist era), but the neighbours, which will look at you like to a lunatic. Old folks, raised in "red" era, are accustomed to have all worries resolver by the "big daddy" and the younger ones have entirely other things to "think" (easy money, flashing cars, stupid music, etc.)

So, as long as you keep your mouth shut, you can have in your basement anything you like, including explosives.

[Treesuit]

I would say this is a good tie into my thread I started some time ago "what would you put into your Bug-out-bag". Here in the socialist Pacific Northwest, people are in two camps when it comes to disaster preparedness. Those who plan ahead and those that are in "reaction" mode when something bad happens. We also have the "extreme survivalists" who live out in the woods and people and the government think they are quite dangerous, those people I tend to just leave alone. Pretty much you can have anything you want or need in your home just as long as you don't attract the attention of the local authorities or some neighbors.

[Bypah]

Here in the central wilderness we also have both, the ones that expect the government and everybody else do everything for them and the hardcore survivalists.
This is a simple matter of common sense...if you know you're in tornado,hurricane season, you know you need to prepare yourself.
Even prepared, things can cactch you off guard but you can manage.
But there are some people that are simply butt lazy and just want free stuff, free loaders!!!

[rationtin440]

Thanks for replies everyone! My view on preparedness is this: we have a duty to our families to be prepared to survive and function, and not wait for the government to step in and set up the tents and wait 3 hours in line for food or water. Consider this: it is better to be able to help yourself and your neighbors because that is how communities are supposed to pull together, rather than wait for government aid that may or may not come. Besides, not to turn this into a political rant, but a government that is big enough to "take care of" and "provide relief" to the people is also big enough to do other things to the people.