I wasnt really sure how to title the topic but Ive realized something recently that really bothers me.

Not too long ago I had stumbled across this site and while looking around this particular forum about survival you all peaked my interest. I hadnt thought much about it before, but I was open minded to it. Anyhow, Ive slowly started to piece together emergency supplies (when money allows), but when I try to subtly bring the topic up with friends and family (to test the waters so to speak) theyre all very ignorant of the idea of preparing for any disasters. I havent informed any of them yet that I have begun to do so. And Im hesitant to tell them now. The reason it bothers me is that I really would hate to see my friends and family become some refugees, or starve to death, etc. simply because they ignored the signs they needed to accept. The other reason I am bothered by this is that I dont want to have to divide up my supplies for friends and family when Im the one who did the preparation, spent the time and money for everything, only to have it consumed quickly by those who failed to prepare. I feel kind of selfish for feeling that way and yet angry at them for their ignorance. Nothing ive tried to do has swayed their outlook on the idea either. They seem to think that everyone that prepares are a bunch of nut jobs, that wear tinfoil hats.

Im not expecting anything out of this thread ive just become so frustrated with it, I had to vent a little.

Thanks

You can't save people from themselves. You can tell them what you are doing and try to help them see the light. Explain that getting supplies isn't just for a military scenario. Those of us who have been affected by hurricanes are well aware of how quickly basic services can dissappear after a natural disaster.

That said, there is nothing you can do for them. Most of my friends laugh when I get supplies delivered to my office. Some have started preparing on their own.

If things get so bad you have to rely on your supplies, then you have to make a choice. I would always be there for my family if they were near me, but anyone else would be out of luck, unless they had something to contribute.

Personally, I wouldn't mention anything miltary, zombie, or terrorist related. Tell them it is incase you have a shitstorm and lose power or something. Of course the supplies could be used for any of the four situations I mentioned, but they might not realize until it happens

I think most folks who have done some disaster preparation have encountered your situation.

Personally, I think each of us has to do what our own family or situation dictates when putting together survival supplies. The main problem, as I see it, is that the spectrum of disasters is extremely wide. I suspect that most serious survival situations will involve many people brought together ranging from immediate family to complete strangers. We have no way of knowing what the strangers might be able to contribute. In addition to maybe being hungry, they might have supplies, tools, weapons, or skills that complement whatever we have accumulated.

So, I suppose the best way to deal with the emotions of the thing is to put together your supplies assuming there will be nobody but you or your family. However, be ready to recognize that you may not be alone when and if trouble comes and THEN you might be forced to make some really tough decisions about revealing what you have done. I wouldn't beat myself up over all the unknown possibilities or whether you should or shouldn't tell the world what you are doing. Just focus on your family and let future events take care of themselves.

The chances are you are never going to need your stash of goodies anyway. If your stuff is like mine, it will be in prioritized, tough, storage boxes cluttering up your basement which can be a survival problem in and of itself.

Many months ago I was all into telling people to prep. Warning people about the economic down falls coming.
Most people blew it off and were/still are idiots and didn't pay attention.
Said, it will all correct itself.

Now look whats bubbling up.
The economy is going in the toilet.

I still post here about things.
But in my personal life I now keep quiet about it.
I still pump up my family members to get preppared as best they can.
But others like co-workers and friends I say nothing to them now.

A few have since approached me and are asking questions. But now I really don't
want anyone to come knocking on my door for any reason what so ever.
Wheather its for help or any other reason.

Hard to hide too much since I get stuff sent to my office.
Soon a massive amout of Mountain House freeze dried meals will be delivered here.

My boss has made the comment that he doubts there is anything that could happen I would not be preppared for.
Hopefully he won't feel at ease to let me get laid off first when the time comes because he feels I can handle it best.