Hi, I have just been reading some of your Steps for Prepping. I totally agree with everything that I have read so far. I am new to this site. I live in Australia and have been thinking about prepping for some time but just haven't taken any steps in that direction. Is it something that you do as a group? I have read on another forum where people advertise for "members" and have criteria that needs to be met. Do you work together with a community or just solo?
In 2004 I went thru 4 hurricanes in six consecutive weeks. Hurricanes Charley, Francis, Ivan, and Jeanne all hit one after each other. Charley hit in august, and was responded to in a normal fashion. But there was no time for any rebuilding or government assistance when 3 hurricanes hit only ten days apart in one month. September 5th: Francis (cat 4), Sept 15: Ivan (cat 3) Sept 25th: Jeanne (cat 3). There was only a matter of a few days before the next one came in. For that entre time there was no power anywhere to be seen in any of the neighborhoods around my house, nor street lights. There were downed trees, power poles, lines, and signs every where. Thousands upon thousand of trees like pick up sticks strewn across roads. Not even a 4x4 can traverse dozens of trees six feet in diameter strewn together in a mass of carnage. Where's your aid coming now? Oh and by the way you have 3 days before the next Category 3 hurricane hits. Better get chopping!!
As far as being a 'community' I feel this needs to be approached with caution. I noticed a few people after a month of no assistance acting the same way the 5 foolish virgins responded to the wise. " we didn't prepare, give us your stuff!!" However there is such a thing as personal accountability. Why aren't you prepared? Why is it now my responsibility to take care of
your family? As horrible as it may sound my family eats first then me. I go hungry if needed. If I don't eat you can be sure no one outside my family is!
However I provided power for my next door neighbor, and the household behind me for lights and refrigeration. I was also able to provide water to 5 homes (including the two stated) by connecting garden hoses to their houses to my well. We had a 'daisy chain' of hoses going in one side of a house to the other. Honestly I'm laughing so hard. we still laugh about my 'community well'. water pressure was horrid, but it worked. I also provided my 5 chainsaws, axes, shovels, and various landscaping equipment to help with debris removal.
Also I'm not alone.... The vast majority of my community is likewise minded, and we came together as community. We all live in the country and kind of click up like that anyways.
But we knew each other for years previously. We had like 10 gas grills going in my, and my rear neighbors back yard. Because I had power to keep food. We survived together.
This is crazy... but it was a good time. I love my neighbors. Great peeps.
