Preparedness : Prudent or Paranoid?

Survivalists and Survivalism

Sadly, the media generally tends to portray “survivalists” and “preppers” as fringe extremists or hostile militia types. “Survivalists” are often painted as paranoid and psychotic backwoods militants who live either by themselves or in isolated communes with lots of guns, ammo, canned goods, perhaps waving a confederate flag. Or worse... maybe they are “religious fanatics”.

When many people in our society hear the word “survivalist”, they often picture a paranoid and militant camouflage-wearing racist conspiracy theorist who lives in the woods by himself, spends all of his time in his root cellar cleaning his guns, canning and conducting taxidermy experiments... occasionally venturing out in his pick-up truck for “supplies” with his German Shepherd. But contrary to what some would have you believe, there are actually very few David Koresh’s or Randy Weavers in the “survivalist” circles. I am here to tell you that “Burt Gummer” (of Tremors fame) is not the embodiment of the “survivalist” spirit.

Sure, there are a few “survivalists” out there with a tendency to subscribe to the “conspiracy theories” du jour or are even a wee bit “unbalanced”... but doesn’t every “subculture” have its crazies and extremists? Sure they do! But does that mean that the vast majority of survivalists and preppers are completely nuts? Of course not!

The reality is that the vast majority of “survivalists” and “preppers” are simply regular folk who are much more honest with themselves about the fact that the quality of life so many of us have grown accustomed to is a fragile balance that can (and does) break down at a moment’s notice.

Survivalists are simply far more attune (more than many of their friends and loved ones around them) to the fact to the fact that disaster strikes every day. And these individuals tend to prudently take action based on these realizations. They are honest with themselves about a few very realistic facts. For example, of us at any time, indiscriminately... and it almost always when we least expect it. Survivalists also build upon this realization with great vigilance as they diligently make preparations for these scenarios. Some criticize this as paranoid, but is that really fair?

Society often views “survivalists” as eccentric folk who live in fear of absurdly unlikely scenarios... but is this fair? What is less responsible, over-preparing or not preparing at all? “ Likeliness” is completely subjective, is it not? Just ask a Katrina survivor... yet how many Americans who live on the coast have a preparedness kit or plan of somekind in place? The statistics would be staggering, I’m sure. Vigilant. Family snowbound, father died. One man’s conspiracy theory is another man’s... ;)

Is this really what survivalists are like? Of course not. Well... at least not most of us.  ;)

Crazy? Or “Crazy like a fox”?

Most of us would tend to agree that a spare tire and jumper cables are a great idea to have in your vehicle. And most of us acknowledge that smoke alarms and fire detectors are a pretty good idea too, right? And... anyone who neglects these items might be irresponsible? So... where is the line truly drawn? When does preparedness become vigilance and vigilance become neurosis? And who gets to make this determination?

So, who exactly is the arbiter of what constitutes “going too far”? Have you every asked yourself that before? Who was it that decided that stashing some candles and bottled water was extremist? Interesting.

Connotation
Conscientious vs. Paranoid. Vigilant. Radical. Crazy. Forward-thinking. Extreme. Fanatic. Prepared.

Currently in our society, you are considered “conscientious” if you follow certain societally endorsed practices. You are considered “wise” and “prudent” if you make provident decisions regarding investments and retirement. You are viewed as “forward-thinking” if you make “conscientious” choices about the food your family eats or the impact your lifestyle has on the environment. Preparing for the future

(Preparedness)

Let’s take a look at just a few of the precautions most of us take everyday without a second thought:

Now rarely do any of us have car accidents, get mugged, fall victim to house fires, experience break-ins, or fall out of boats, etc. ... but at the same time most of us wouldn’t dream of driving/riding in a car without wearing a seat belt. And walking alone at night without some form of personal protection isn’t the best idea either. Not testing our smoke detectors regularly would be a pretty bad idea. Similarly, not having an alarm system or a big dog to alert us while we sleep is something many of us are not willing to do. Not having a life jacket on (or at least near by) while fishing or boating is simply  irresponsible (not to mention illegal.

So, most of us take the aforementioned precautions to make sure we don’t get injured, drown, fall victim to an attack or break-in... yet we fail to take precautions when it comes to making sure we are safe, warm/cool, hydrated, nourished, illuminated, etc. when/if we lose power, get stranded in our vehicle, get lost on a day hike, lose our home to a tornado, hurricane, fire, flood or earthquake, or other unexpected situation. How much would it take to put together a “72 Hour Kit” of items that can get you and your family through the next 72 hours comfortably? Is that really such an “extremist” notion? No, of course it isn’t.

So, what items should go into such a “72 Hour Kit”? Let’s take a look at a very basic list of absolute bare minimums:

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