Why being a survivor makes you a good citizen

[jjspirko]

Lots of survival minded folks get labeled as nut cases and the like. Now I really don't care that some sissified dude who will be dog chow in an SHFT scenario thinks I am a wack job. Who cares! Yet I do care about those people who are reading forums like this wondering if it is worth it to be prepared. People on the fence so to speak.

So today I was thinking about how being prepared actually makes you a better friend to society. Like in my truck and car in addition to the survival basics part of being prepared is I keep things like

Basic tools
Jumper cables, lights etc
5 gallons of water
5 gallons of gas or diesel
1.5 gallons of gas or diesel (the fuel the vehicle does not use)
Blankets
Basic First Aid Stuff
Fire Extinguisher
An Emergency Cell Phone (disposable type in case mine dies)
One of them power supplies you plug into your lighter to jump a dead battery
50 feet of good rope
duct and electrical tape
An electrical kit - fuses, connectors, crimpers
Putty Type Epoxy
A Few MREs
Matches, Flares and other things that burn

And quite a bit more. Now of course if I get stranded those are all good to have and could save my life in a SHFT they can help me get home or to a destination. Yet what about every day.

If I don't need it and it is easy to replace and you do, in peace time it is yours my brother. So 3 times in my life I have found people with no gas on the road and gave them my extra, no charge just a please pass it on some day. Then filled up when I passed the next station.

I have given water to those over heated, I have jumped quite a few folks. If I found a person starving and lost in my travels I would have food to offer them. I have stopped at an accident and the first aid kit was great to have until the paramedics got there.

In addition in a situation being prepared and knowing what to do is something that lets you help people. So it is not just about us, to me those who are prepared for war and the best citizens in time of peace. So if you on the fence this is still another reason to get off of it.

Start with your vehicles folks, they are the one place you are most likely to be other then your home or office if there is a real problem.

[TNDadx4]

Very nicely said! I keep a lot of that personally as well. I've been worried about the saftey of carrying gas, so I don't.

[sheen_estevez]

Yet I do care about those people who are reading forums like this wondering if it is worth it to be prepared. People on the fence so to speak.


Good post,
I would have to say most people who read and post on this site and sites like it are already prepared, many just need to tweak what they are doing a bit.

[hunter63]

Very good post.
Being an old Boy Scout, "Be prepared" has always been my motto. My father was the same way, so I guess I come by it naturally.

I can't tell you how many times I have stopped to assist for breakdowns, accidents, and just helping out neighbors.

I have always been amazed that in situations like that, that a lot of people will just stand there and wait for someone to jump in and take charge.

First aid and CPR training have been useful, and I would advise anyone to take it if you have a chance.

[jjspirko]

hunter63,

I to have been amazed at a few things....

1. Like you say the way some just wait for help, I mean not even trying to wave anyone down, just put up the hood or what have you and wait.

2. How totally unprepared and uneducated many people are about cars and the most basic skill needed. Like how to change a spare or jump a battery. I honestly think to get a DL you should have to know at least a bit of basic car maintenance.

I guess you nor I should be amazed by this though, just looking at the reality of society today. My dad used to say, "If they ever just turn off the lights I bet half the people will just lay down and die", I think today it may be closer to 80%.

TNDadx4,

At one time I also worried about carrying fuel, then I thought about it this way. If carried in a proper canister it is no more a danger then the 26 gallons in my trucks tank or 14 in my cars. I also realized I don't hesitate to get gas in a can for my boat or my lawnmower, etc. So I just thought what is more dangerous.

1. Fuel in a proper can in my trunk or stored in my lock boxes in my truck

or

2. Running out of Gas and having to walk through South Dallas or some other crap hole in the dark.

Of the two I have personally decided the fuel is less dangerous. Not trying to change your mind or nothing just saying how I looked at the issue.

[TNDadx4]

TNDadx4,

At one time I also worried about carrying fuel, then I thought about it this way. If carried in a proper canister it is no more a danger then the 26 gallons in my trucks tank or 14 in my cars. I also realized I don't hesitate to get gas in a can for my boat or my lawnmower, etc. So I just thought what is more dangerous.

1. Fuel in a proper can in my trunk or stored in my lock boxes in my truck

or

2. Running out of Gas and having to walk through South Dallas or some other crap hole in the dark.

Of the two I have personally decided the fuel is less dangerous. Not trying to change your mind or nothing just saying how I looked at the issue.




Thanks for your input. I may give it a try. I remember hearing on the news that it was "bad" to carry a gas can in your trunk. I guess the bed of a pickup is another matter. I was always worried about a (plastic) gas can in my trunk building up vapors, then the cap popping off from the presure, etc.