Runner, I think that my feelings about preparedness must be very similar to yours.
I have simply made a personal decision that I couldn't bear the anxiety I would have if I had to wonder whether I was going to have to spend a few nights in the high school gym with 500 other people coughing ...
The steps I have taken have involved almost no "extra" expense ... saving empty water jugs so that they can be filled with tap water; buying extra tuna, baked beans, rice, kitty litter, and so on.
As I have posted on this thread before, if I end up in March or so with a trunk full of canned goods en route to the local food bank, I will be thrilled. If I donate my unused Coleman battery op lanterns to the church youth group for their camping trips, I will be thrilled.
The rotary phone that I bought for $12 (including shipping) on ebay is, I agree, a waste if not needed. So is possibly the cheap battery op radio I bought, but I'm sure the teenager next door can always use an extra for the beach!
Okay, I admit that the wood stove I installed may be an extravagance. Vermont Castings, designer enamel, gorgeous! But the truth is that I hated my fireplace and hadn't used it for years, while I love the new wood stove and will use it frequently! And my 2 cords of wood were a gift from a friend.
My senior citizen mother-in-law knows that if her power goes off, she can simply walk to my house. My neighbors on both sides know that they're welcome to sleep, cook, and relax at my wood stove.
The peace of mind that these preparations give me is, to me, invaluable.
Oh! And did you know that Cheeky and kholt are going to be here too? <g>
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