I received a Private Message from someone asking for advice, and am sharing a portion of that PM.
I cannot give advice to anyone about what to do beyond making basic preparations. I totally disagree with the 72-hr spin. It's ridiculous.
Everyone has different needs, obligations, financial and family considerations. Some of you live in small towns. Some in large cities. Some of you live in suburbs. Some of you know your neighbors. Some of you don't. Some live up north, with the potential for freezing weather. Some live down south.
You have to do what you personally are comfortable with and what feels right for you.
My personal recommendation is to try and have 3-months of water, food and prescription drugs on hand. BUY IT NOW. Much may not be available later in the year. Blame it on "just-in-time" inventory connected to those scanners at the check-out counter.
You want to be self-sufficient to make it thru the winter. Have an alternate form of heat. If you live up North, learn now to try and prevent your pipes from freezing - and buy your materials now.
If you're gonna depend on a fireplace or wood-burning stove ... buy your wood now. It needs to be "seasoned" and takes a minimum of 6 months for that to happen.
If you can't do 3 months. Do a month. If you can't do a month, do a couple of weeks. But 72-hrs is a joke.
When push comes to shove ... everyone has to do what's right for them.
Just when I'm at my lowest point and feel such sadness for the way things are going ... I received your PM. I do what I do to raise awareness so people will take precautions and make preparations. But, it often feels SO hopeless.
I spent $12,000 of my own money and 2-years of my life "trying to save the world". I met with major media back in the fall of '97 (including Technology Editor of Time Magazine) to explain embedded system situation. I was trying to target and build awareness with techies, engineers and CEO's. I wanted the problem fixed, and realized so many didn't know what part of the problem was. And, until they understood the problem ... it wouldn't get fixed.
No one was interested.
My sister has been in TV broadcasting for 25+ yrs (first CBS, now FOX affiliate). Thought she might be helpful in spreading the word. They connected me to the reporter who was going to do a Y2K series. Reporter wasn't on the net. Didn't even have email. So you know what kind of story that was. It was a 5-part series. Though she did use my Washington D.C. and national connections for quotes and sound-bites.
Just got off the phone with my sister. I wanted to send her recent senate testimony on community preparedness for TV station to use as background info. FYI: Sis lives in 16th largest city in U.S. & has 2 counselmen as neighbors. I wanted her to forward them the info.
She doesn't want to get involved.
Thinks I'm over-reacting. Is upset that I gave up my "lifestyle of the rich & famous" to move up to Oregon.
It's SO hopeless. How in the h*ll is this stuff gonna get fixed when community officials, broadcast media, local newspapers think it's not a problem - and make fun of those who want to discuss it reasonably - and call them "wackos"? SIGH
Back in '97 I thought this Y2K deal would get fixed. In early '98 I thought there was still time, if everyone hauled-*ss. I don't anymore.
It took me over a year to figure out what I had to do, the sacrifices I was willing to make and how much I was willing to spend to protect my family.
Good luck to you. You have tough choices ahead. And a lot of learning and soul searching to go thru.
Cheryl
P.S. Last year I had 3 radio programs contact me, 2 TV stations and several newspapers (all in top 5 markets). Would you believe ... only 2 had access to the net for up-to-date info?? Even the reporter from the L.A. Times ... I had to email her husband cause she couldn't download any info. I couldn't believe it.
P.P.S.S. I also give NO investment advice.
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