Why Keep Emergency Supplies?

You are not a person who believes in doomsday, so why bother keeping supplies?

Over the past year or more we have seen a very noticeable increase in every day people coming into our store; Army Navy Outdoors that are more willing to tell us they are buying emergency supplies to be prepared for, well just anything. In the past people would not want to say why they were making purchases of emergency or bug out bags and felt If they did, they would appear to be a extremist or doom and gloom. Most of the new customers for this may not even own a weapon, are white collar professions in a suburban home and not the image some people may have of a prepper stock piling freeze dried food, and gear in a dark room. I myself am a father and live in a middle class community where I am close to all our basic needs. I do not own a weapon, I do camp and hike and know how to survive in the wilderness. I took the task to do a lot of research on prepping so that we can help our customers better and the more I did the more it makes scene to encourage everyone to have items on hand when you need it more then just a lantern and basic storm supplies. When I then choose to write an article about this I wanted to do it from a point of view of what I and you would consider an average person with no real desire to prepare to the maximum degree but to the point where we feel safe.

I am personally from South Florida where hurricanes are a regular threat, and if you are not prepared invariable every couple of years you are literally left in the dark for a day or two due to some sort of storm. Over the past 20 plus years I have also seen thousands of our customers rush into the store after a storm warring is broadcast rushing to buy anything they can get because they did not plan ahead. Year after year we see this and it never changes. After watching so many disasters on TV both natural and man made, an everyday person would have to ask themselves “is this possible where I live?” and “what would my family do?” Our history shows that our country is prepared for the most common threats and the worst ones that we can think of, but the disasters with the least possible chance of happening takes us by surprise and leaves us very un-prepared. FEMA states that local 911 will not be available in most emergencies. “They are overwhelmed” and as we have seen may not be able to get to you in a timely manor.

“A prepper is someone that simply strives to be self-sufficient and not dependent for aid.”

Today, many families have less then two weeks of food in their homes, we have become a dependent on the grocery store and convince. I myself shop a few times per week based on what we need or want that day for dinner etc. Stores today both grocery and retail goods control inventory cost by using “just in time delivery”. Grocery stores also only carrying enough perishable food to last a few days without getting re-supplied. Boxed food is only in supply for a couple of weeks worth of sales. If you have even been in an area where a storm is coming and people stock up aren't you amazed that the largest of box retailers in hardware and groceries are empty in a matter of a couple days. I for one hate being the one on the road fighting crowds to get batteries, or some pasta and water.

We have all thought that if it gets really bad just get in the car and go a different directions or to a friends house.. Well, you along with 50,000 of your neighbors feel the same way. During this time gas is short and you may find yourself stuck on the road for a day or more in traffic and now you are looking for food or place to sleep because you are number 50,001. In fairness, most common disasters happen in a small area and you may be able to leave, but what about when it only last for a couple of days or covers such a large area it absorbers most of the state? How about when the roads are blocked from tees, debris and traffic. Why have to leave just because the power is out for only a day or so and stores around you are closed or empty.

My point is, that to be prepared is not extreme and the more relent on supply chains and technology we are the more it makes scenes that we are able to be self sufficient for a reasonable time period.

So, what do you prepare for? Everyone may have a different type of threat and comfort based on where you live and what your beliefs are. From storms, to long power losses, snow ins, washed out roads, or even concern of foreign action. There is also the simple “I just don't know”. Being prepared is just that, not knowing what storm or action but being able to help yourself and family for the time you need and have first aid and emergency supplies on hand when needed. It is not crazy to be prepared for emergencies even for a few days. The worst that can happen is you do not use it and eventually go camping. Remember that a couple generations ago having prepared supplies was just the way people lived every day. Stores were not around the corner, power was not consistent and people were all just responsible for themselves.

Once you also get started you may find you like the aspect of becoming more self sufficient and enjoy learning survivalists skills even if it is just for fun. If you feel you want to know more about preparing you and your family for emergencies as a regular person, read our next article on “How do you Start Preparing without going overboard” and take a look at some of the emergency preparedness items here. You can also check out FEMA's web site on being prepared.