Bugging out, staying,...but do you have what it takes?

[jdavionic]

I know we've had several threads on the BOBs, survival stashes at home, etc. But do you have what it takes, aside from the gear? What I mean is, let's say you have BOBs that have provisions for 4. A neighbor or relative that you like shows up at your doorstep immediately following a disaster. They have no provisions, small children,...but all you have at hand is the stuff that you planned for covering you and your family (or whatever your circumstance) and nothing more.

Do you tell them that they are on their own, when giving them food, water, etc means that you will not be able to survive as long?

If everyone is trying to evacuate and things are getting rough with violence and your neighbor asks for a firearm & ammo, do you give them one?

Or do you just say, 'sorry, you're on your own'?

The psychological stresses during an SHTF should be considered. And yeah, I expect a lot bravado-type of feedback; but you really need to be prepared with the assortment of stuff that you've set aside, physically prepared to endure some tough times, and mentally prepared to endure all sorts of stress including some like I've outlined above.

Just some food for thought. I'd be very interested in your feedback, whether there are any books that cover this type of topic, etc.

[Frenchy]

I think that this is more of a concern in the urban environment rather than rural. My neighbors tend to be quite self-reliant out here in the Hinterland.

[jdavionic]

Originally Posted by Frenchy

I think that this is more of a concern in the urban environment rather than rural. My neighbors tend to be quite self-reliant out here in the Hinterland.

You're probably right, although you could become a magnet for relatives and friends from other areas. I know folks that plan to go to their relatives farm in the event of a situation.

In my situation, I would expect possible complications from neighbors, in-laws in the same subdivision, and my parents that are within an hour drive. WRT neighbors, you never know who will come knocking on your door. I have one that is a nice family that I like with 3 kids, etc. Fortunately the husband is an avid hunter and I expect that he'll be quite capable of taking care of his own. However I expect neighborhood "friends" to be coming out of no where looking to us for help.

In-laws...we'll they've been a thorn in my side for a long time. Arrogant, anti-gun,...my immediate desire would be to drop them before they reached my house. But realistically speaking, I would fully expect some confrontation here. I imagine my wife would be panicked and want to help her sister. I've already told her that in the event of an emergency, they are on their own. She says 'that's fine', but I sense that's not fine if we were to be in that situation. My plan is tell her black & white - do you want your children to live or die? Taking on your sister & her husband will likely decrease the odds of our survival. Both are out of shape, pretentious nerds without an ounce of common sense or outdoor knowledge.

Then comes the parents...this one is actually amusing. My Dad & I have spoken. Both of my parents are in their 70s, and they have guns, food, etc. Dad has already told me that he & Mom are not going anywhere. If it's nuclear, biological, or chemical, he said at least they've had a good life. If there's random violence, etc following the aftermath, he just said that there will be a pile of bodies outside of his door until he runs out of ammo. And no, he's not kidding

[Frenchy]

I've made contingency plans to help family close enough to get here...All others are on their own.

[XD_from_LBC]

I think I would help out and share with a non-planning friend, especially if they had kids. Even if that means depleting my stash. As long as I have food I would share. But I am not going to be running no soup kitchen either. I guess it would depend on the friend. Family, for sure.

As for the firearm and ammo, hell no. Who knows what they would do and if they even know how to use them. Everyone that I know that doesnt own a firearm, doesnt want to. They are going to have to deal with that on their own.

[Bree]

If SHTF you will not survive long alone. Our world has become such that people need one another. We have diverse skill sets and very few people have all the skills necessary to to everything needed to survive and prosper. Like it or not we need other people.

Whether you take in everyone and anyone is a different question. I suppose that would be a case-by-case decision. But the bottom line is that closing your mind to all outsiders is closing your mind to one of the necessities of modern existence... reliance upon other people.

Very few and I mean VERY FEW people who try to be utterly independent "mountain men" (or women) will live.
My $.02.

[LUVMYSIGP225]

I have no sympathy or empathy for anyone who does not prepare.

I am a big fan of natural selection.

[jdavionic]

Originally Posted by Bree

If SHTF you will not survive long alone. Our world has become such that people need one another. We have diverse skill sets and very few people have all the skills necessary to to everything needed to survive and prosper. Like it or not we need other people.

Whether you take in everyone and anyone is a different question. I suppose that would be a case-by-case decision. But the bottom line is that closing your mind to all outsiders is closing your mind to one of the necessities of modern existence... reliance upon other people.

Very few and I mean VERY FEW people who try to be utterly independent "mountain men" (or women) will live.
My $.02.

It is true that very few people currently have the skills & knowledge required to survive on their own. However, it doesn't mean that they can't survive. But folks that grew up camping, fishing, hunting, etc will have an advantage. Certainly survival skills go well beyond these experiences...but they are a good start. Fortunately I have experience in all of them. Then comes the question of whether you've got the "right stuff" packed or stocked to survive. If you've seen my BOBs & lists, I think I've got a good headstart there too.

Does it mean that we will survive on our own? Nope. But I don't feel the need for depending on others. Unless Survivorman (Les Stroud) lives in my area, I don't see where someone else is going to bring any benefit to the table for me.

[LUVMYSIGP225]

You do not have to be SurvivorMan.

Growing up in rural farm country and learning to hunt, fish, camp, raise crops, slaughter livestock, canning and jarring, shooting, cutting wood, etc. has prepared me to handle most situations, I believe.

My 3 years in the Army fortified those skills.

I am no Rambo, but I am extremely comfortable in the outdoor element.

Most importantly, I am well prepared to hold down the fort at home for nearly 30 days. Heat, water, light, radios, food, first-aid, and ammo. A solid 30-days.

Then, if I have to move out to the family's farm, I am prepared to do that.

Sounds kinda sick, but I hope I get to put it to the test someday. SHTF sounds kinda fun. Call me nuts.

[aiformula]

yer nutz.