Are We Prepared?

DebateUSA ^ | 8/18/03 | Jon Alvarez

[jonalvy44]

Are We Prepared?

What's next? Many of us just survived the Blackout of 2003, an event that left us with many of the same feelings of shock we experienced after 9-11 and the dread preceding Y2K. It was another reminder of how vulnerable our free and open society truly is. We will now be forced to deal with and strengthen our aging energy infrastructure. Authorities have assured us that, despite our initial fears, this was not terrorist-related. Nonetheless, the feelings we experienced were as traumatic. Now may be the time to ask not only what is next, but also whether or not we are prepared for the next such crisis.

Many people have already forgotten the anxiety that gripped our country prior to Y2K. That was probably the first instance since the Cold War where Americans felt genuinely threatened. The Blackout of 2003 served as a reminder of how dependent upon energy and technology we all are in living our day-to-day lives. What if the blackout had been more severe? How would we cope? That is something we need to ask ourselves.

How prepared are we to deal with such calamities? Can we even imagine life without electricity? As crazy as that may sound, we must realize that things are different today. Anything can happen. The Cold War generation lived under fear of a nuclear attack. Like Y2K, this fear never materialized. The events of 9-11 made Americans realize that bad things can happen within our country. The threat of nuclear war has raised its ugly head once again with the recent news that N. Korea is a nuclear power and quite possibly Iran as well. Whether it is terrorists with nuclear weapons or a failing national power infrastructure, we could wake up one day and be without electricity and a whole lot more.

The Blackout of 2003 had a crippling effect on America for one day. Like 9-11, we saw good will rise above mankind's basic instincts towards selfishness and self-preservation. Were this to have been a more permanent crisis, how long would that goodwill last? What about many of the social services we all rely upon? What impact would such an extended crisis have on the ability of the police to maintain order? How would we obtain food? These are some basic questions of which we should all be asking ourselves. Ultimately, it is up to each and every one of us to be responsible for our own well being should such an occurrence take place. Like 9-11, we should learn something from this latest catastrophe.

Y2K laid the groundwork for people to realize that life, as we know it could radically change in an instant. No one was prepared for the catastrophe we experienced on 9-11. Likewise, the Blackout of 2003 caught many in this country completely off guard. How can our country continue its current pattern of growth and urban sprawl without adequately examining the resources needed to sustain such growth? Our country is at odds with itself over how to best handle this. How long could you survive were everything to shut down?

We should all have a personal plan of action to ensure our own survival should disaster once again visit itself upon this country. It's time to take a personal inventory, to determine what we are doing today to better prepare for tomorrow. Whether it is short or long-term, the point of the matter is that we should all be prepared. How many in America now own generators to provide electricity at home? What about a stockpile of supplies when the grocery stores are closed? Weapons to protect your family in case of anarchy? These are just some of the things considered necessary in order to survive in the uncertain world of tomorrow. Will you be prepared?

[FreedomPoster]

You can get mylar milsurp blankets at gun shows for $10-$15.

[camle]

oh no, JA, I am not offended. The blackout was sporadic and there were pockets of power throughout the area. In our mobile society we can jump in the car and go to someplace where there IS power if we need AC, etc.. We can always stay in a motel if need be for a few days.

it's no wonder the IRaqi's laugh at us the way our media whines over this. it is really trivial and the best time to be without power if one thinks about it.

[Core_Conservative]

This centralization is risky and, imho, stupid.

It also helps out when your area is in a heat wave and can't produce enough electricity - and needs to buy it. Get a grip - preparation is one thing. I have been prepared for major emergency situations since before Y2K and that was when I worked for the Power Company!

[camle]

you mean that a cup of Joe isn't worth a 3 hour trip????:-)

[Judith Anne]

Taxpayers here in the midwest don't need to be paying for the NE power companies to upgrade. Period.

[jammer]

Ms. Jammer and I live in Jackson. If you want baths, you are welcome to hop down and take them here!

[Hatteras]

Can't help you there, Mr. Rocker. Fortunately for us, we have very nice neighbors... Okay, well there is the one fella with the search light over his garage that lights up the neighborhood when someone walks by in the street. But, with no power, that problem's solved.

[Quix]

I agree with you.

I believe a major natural disaster is around the shorter corner.

I suppose it could be another big terrorist attack. But something is looming closer than I'd prefer, by far.

I think the timing is hanging on a variety of variables related to Christians and the population in general as well as how we treat Israel. Will see.

Thanks for your post.

[netmilsmom]

>>mylar milsurp blankets<<

What are those?? I looked it up on Google with no hits?

[netmilsmom]

You must live near Livonia. I lived in Redford and you're right. At least a couple days during every spring rain season.

[netmilsmom]

>you mean that a cup of Joe isn't worth a 3 hour trip????:-)

You win! Yes, three hours in the car with the AC for the kiddies and the little tv set up running Blues Clues is WELL worth it. But only when it ends at a Starbucks!! ;-}.

[netmilsmom]

Why thank you so much! I'm on my third pot of boiling hot water, walking up the steps and keeping the kids and cats away. I have to say, this is an adventure. If Metro Beach wasn't polluted as well, I'd be washing them there!

[MissAmericanPie]

Gee, it was only a little power blackout. But I'll do like I did in Y2K and horde revlon and maxfactor cosmetics. I still have ton's left from Y2K anyway, that stuff is hard to move when there isn't an emergency.

[Core_Conservative]

Taxpayers here in the midwest don't need to be paying for the NE power companies to upgrade. Period.

Do you really think it's just the NE that has the problems. CA had their problems last year. Government regulations are keeping the power industry from upgrading in a cost efficient manner (maybe Abraham will get off his dead behind and repeal some of this garbage).

[FreedomPoster]

milsurp is a non-common-enough (I'm thinking) abbreviation for military surplus.

They're cheaper than I remembered.

http://www.adventureproshop.com/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=APS&Product_Code=ATL-4946

http://www.healthyharvest.com/product_info.php?products_id=690

[bets]

Honestly I don't remember the brand. It's hand pumped, small. The filters filter down to the smallest microbes. It's just a good idea to have around in case you're somewhere there isn't any good water (like on a hike that's "gone bad" - lost or run out of water or whatever). A person can fast for a long time, but they can't go w/out water for very long. Plus drinking bad water will kill you pretty fast too. So, good water is at the top of the list of necessities, even above food.

[jonalvy44]

Wow...And I guess it's crazy to think some radical Muslims could coordiante the hi-jacking of 4 planes to use as missiles vs the United States as well, huh?

Denial is not just a river. I'm still amazed at how some out there think we will continue to experience massive population growth, mind the eco-terrorists, and voila!, we'll still have all the comforts electritiy provides, etc. Either you're very naive or I'm very paranoid. I'd rather err on the side of caution.

[Carry_Okie]

All those who turn a blind eye to the loss of American family farms take note: Where will you run in time of crisis? Will there be anybody there with tillable land, seed, tools, and knowledge? Do you prefer to be held hostage to foreign suppliers? Is it worth keeping farmers in business or should we keep witlessly putting them out of business over bogus environmental concerns so that "investors" can make a profit overseas?

Think about it.

[camle]

LOL~! I have a tin camping coffee pot in the motorhome complete with matching tin cups. Put the water on the campfire, dip in some one-cup-coffee bags (like tea bags, only coffee) and you have a cuppa that'll keep ya awake and P-ing all night!:-)

[jonalvy44]

Someone just sent me this list, pretty detailed:

The 100 Items That Will Disappear First In The Potential Collapse
(but not necessarily in the order of their disappearance)

#1. Generators; good ones cost dearly; gas storage is risky; noisy; target of thieves; maintenance, etc.)

#2. Water filters, purifiers

#3. Portable toilets

#4. Seasoned firewood

#5. Lamp oil, wicks, lamps

#6. All types of fuel; Coleman, propane, gasoline, kerosene, diesel.

#7. Guns, ammunition, pepper spray, knives, clubs, bats & slingshots

#8. Hand-can openers & hand egg beaters, whisks

#9. Honey, syrups, white, brown sugars

#10. Rice, beans

#11. Vegetable oil

#12. Charcoal & lighter fluid

#13. Water containers

#14. Mini heater head (Propane)

#15. Grain grinder (non-electric)

#16. Small propane cylinders and the adapter to refill them from the larger size

#17. Goats, chickens, pigeons, ducks, rabbits, milk cows

#18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc.

#19. Baby supplies, diapers, formula, ointments, aspirin, etc

#20. Washboards, mop Bucket w/wringer (for laundry)

#21. Cook stoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)

#22. Vitamins (Critical, due to forced daily canned food diets.)

#23. Propane cylinder Handle-Holder. Small canister use is
dangerous without this item.

#24. Feminine hygiene, hair care, skin products

#25. Thermal underwear, tops and bottoms

#26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets & wedges

#27. Aluminum foil reg. & heavy duty

#28. Gasoline containers (plastic or metal)

#29. Garbage bags (impossible to have too many.)

#30. Toilet paper, Kleenex, paper towels

#31. Milk -powdered & condensed (Shake liquid every 3 to 4 months.)

#32. Garden seeds (non-hybrid A MUST)

#33. Clothes pins, line, hangers

#34. Coleman's pump Repair Kit:

#35. Tuna fish (in oil is preferable over water)

#36. Fire extinguishers (or. a large box of baking soda in every room...)

#37. First aid kits

#38. Batteries (all sizes, buy furthest-out for expiration dates)

#39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies

#40. BIG dogs (and plenty of dog food)

#41. Flour, yeast & salt

#42. Matches "Strike Anywhere" preferred. Boxed, wooden matches will go first.

#43. Writing paper, pads, pens, pencils, solar calculators

#44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in wintertime)

#45. Work boots, belts, Levis & durable shirts

#46. Flashlights, light sticks & torches

#47. Journals, diaries & scrapbooks (Jot down ideas, feelings,
experiences: Historic times!)

#48. Garbage cans, plastic (great for storage, water, transporting - if
with wheels)

#49. Men's Hygiene: Shampoo, toothbrush/paste, mouthwash/floss, nail
clippers, etc

#50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)

#51. Fishing supplies, tools

#52. Mosquito coils, repellent sprays/creams

#53. Duct tape and WD40 (if it moves, and it is not supposed to, use the duct tape, if it doesn’t move, and it is supposed to, use the WD40)

#54. Tarps, stakes, line

#55. Candles

#56. Laundry detergent (Liquid)

#57. Backpacks & duffle bags

#58. Garden tools & supplies

#59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies

#60. Canned fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.

#61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)

#62. Canning supplies (Jars/lids/rings/wax)

#63. Knives & sharpening tools: files, stones, steel, oil

#64. Bicycles, tires, tubes, pumps, chains, etc.

#65. Sleeping bags & blankets, pillows, mats

#66. Carbon monoxide alarm (battery powered)

#67. Board games cards, dice

#68. Rat poison, roach killer

#69. Mousetraps, ant traps & cockroach magnets

#70. Paper plates/cups/utensils

#71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & anti-bacterial soap

#72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.

#73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)

#74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)

#75. Soy sauce, vinegar, bouillons, gravy, soup base

#76. Reading glasses

#77. Chocolate, Cocoa, Tang, Punch (water enhancers)

#78 Lanterns, Coleman, kerosene

#79. Woolen clothing, scarves earmuffs, mittens

#80. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs

#81. Gloves, work, warming, gardening and etc.

#82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, trail mix, jerky

#83. Popcorn, peanut butter, nuts

#84. Socks, underwear, t-shirts, etc. (extras)

#85. Lumber (all types)

#86. Wagons & carts (for transport to & from open flea markets)

#87. Cots & inflatable mattresses (for extra guests)

#88. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)

#89. Wire of all types, bailing, fencing, (barbed and smooth), electrical

#90. Screen patches, glue, nails,

#91. Teas

#92. Coffee

#93. Cigarettes

#94. Wine, liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc.)

#95. Candies of all kinds

#96. Screws, nuts & bolts

#97. Chewing gum

#98. Any type of food not listed above

#99. All kinds of pharmaceutical supplies

#100. Nails, string, twine, rope, spikes