At the request of Buzz, I hereby designate the Georgia Preppers thread!
Please feel free to talk amongst yourselves and plan, congregate, speculate and commiserate the state of viral affairs:)
Hello GA.! Is there anyone else out there? I have read through the ATL thread and would like to have yall here along with the rest of us. Sounds like we are all pretty spread out as it is. I live in the north part of Dawson County and commute to Atl. 4 days a week through Cumming on the GA express buss down to the North Springs station and from there to work at CDC (NO I am not a doctor and I do not work in the influenza branch.)
I have been pondering the fate of our state and the Atlanta area in particular since I use MARTA (along with a few hundred thousand others every week). Since ATL airport is an huge hub I expect the virus to get to our fair city very early on. I expect infected travelers and/or employees from the airport to contaminate the MARTA trains and hand rails, not to mention the air in the cars. I think we should have a very early trigger point for all of us in the ATL area and in particular those who use the MARTA system. I would like to hear anyone who has thoughts on the matter.
Buzz, I would assume you are correct. Not much prepping going on in my area, north of Atlanta about 35 miles. We’re heading out tomorrow to gather some more supplies. I glanced through “The Great Influenza” at Borders today. Scary stuff. Can’t imagine what conditions would be like if it happened today. Crossing my fingers and hoping we’ll be using a lot of those supplies on camping trips later.
Concerned Dad,
Get the book and read it. It’s great writing in addition to great information and you are going to want to pass it along to the skeptics in your own social circle.
We yanks are ignorant of our own history, generally. This piece of our story was deliberately buried.
Concerned Dad - Roger that. I have enough to go on a camping trip from sea to shining sea! Am due to retire in Jan. 07 (if my ex, will let me) and my new wife and I have been talking about touring the whole country while we can. I wish this thing could just fizzle out somehow. But I don’t think it will. I think we are in for some really bad times. I read the great influenza book a few months ago. We bought 2 extra copies and sent them to our kids to read - one for my kids and one for my wife’s kids. So far only i of hers (with wife and 4 grandkids) and one of mine (single) have agreed to come up to hunker down in the mts. with us. My 2 other kids are prepping but want to ride it out in FL. My wife’s 2 others (both with their own children) are very resistant to buying in and aren’t even prepping. We worry about them a lot and pray they will come around.
Do you live on the 400 corridor? In the burbs or do you have some acreage?
Hello Buzz and Concerned Dad, I live in Kennesaw. Maybe we should get all of the cocerned people in the greater Atlanta area together and have a meeting. From what i’ve expirienced so far a booth at waffle house should be big enough.
Hello. I am a science teacher and mother of small children who has been lurking and prepping since fall. (My dh is not on board but overlooks all the stuff I have stashed away.) I’ve read Barry’s book. I would also like an early trigger point but, so far, I haven’t met anyone in my school system who takes BF seriously.
I’m a bit east of Athens in Oglethorpe County. Our little district here is beginning to form a community response group loosely organized around the volunteer fire department. We have a RN and a physician in the community. Our household has been prepping personally for about six months, and are in the second year of expanding our garden considerably.
And like everyone else, I’m not seeing much prepping or concern although at least some of the area natives might already do that as a matter of course.
I’m in Columbus…I retrieved Barry’s book from the library and I am currently reading it.
Hi everyone, I’m in Midtown Atl. Been prepping for about 2 months and now trying to decide if I should keep my family here or go down to Brunswick should the shtf.
Buzz, We’re off of 85 just north of Gwinnett Co. I also am a teacher and don’t hear much from our people about prepping either. When I bring the subject up all I get is “It’s media hype and they’re just exaggerating the problem.” I don’t even want to bring it up with them as most people I know aren’t doing any prepping at all and seem unconcerned about this. I’m making some headway with my wife family but she won’t read any of the articles I run off for her yet. It’s very frustrating.
I understand everyone’s concern about their difficulties getting loved ones to get on board. My family too thought I was a nut when I started talking about it. (Some still do) But most seem to have come around and the families seem to be in various stages of acceptance and some are even prepping. You can see an exchange of information between me and my daughter Liz in FL on the “Florida Preppers string. Rather than trying to pursuade everyone with my superior debating skills (which are non-existant)I would just give them something I would print off the net and hand it to them and say something like “I’m no expert but read this and see what you think. Some of the stuff I provided included things off the Pandemicflu.gov website and some were articles like the citypages interview of Dr. Mike Osterholm at www.citypages.com/databank/27/1320/article14219.asp That is the location of the article. ( don’t do links very well - sorry)
I don’t think it serves any good purpose in family relationships to try and argue others into prepping. I think it is counter productive. Just watch out for the latest on the spreading of the virus, the death rate, also referred to as the case fatality rate or simply CFR. Print the articles and such off and just keep giving the more information. And more, and more, and more. After all you are doing it because you love them.
I would be interested in hearing about any good sales for prepping supplies anyone has or info about sources for solar energy and prices, things like that.
Good luck in your prepping.
Best Regards, Buzz
Buzz, Wish i could be more help in reguards to solar equipment. But haven’t looked into the option personaly. As for getting others aware, your not alone in finding resistance. I certainly mean no one any harm, quite the oposite. I just think, as was stated by Dr. Webster that most people can’t comprehend such high fatalities. Or how it would effect the life they have grown used to. I allways state that i don’t know it will happen, and that in fact hope it does not. I guess anyone is considered an alarmist untill the snooze button can no longer be pushed on an issue. Look forward to talking with you in the future. And let’s hope were wrong to worry about this disease. Becuase if were right, God help us all.
Decatur, GA… I have been stocking supplies steadily, for several months. Lots of cans…
I have been stacking stuff in my car (trunk) in case I have to leave the city in a hurry.
I would like to meet F2F with some local Atlanta preppers…anyone interested?
The Northeast Georgian- ‘Counties plan for flu pandemic’
“On Wednesday, representatives from Habersham, White and Rabun counties took the first step in planning for a flu pandemic.
Approximately 25 people from various segments of the three counties met at the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center in Clarkesville to begin creating Community Pandemic Influenza Plans for each county. The planning meeting was led by Emergency Preparedness Director Mark Palen, Public Information Officer Dave Palmer and Training Coordinator Sheryl Wynn, all of the Georgia Department of Human Resources’ (DHR) North Health District (District 2).
According to Palmer, each community plan will be an annex to the North Health District “All Hazards Plan,” which, in turn, is part of the state plan….”
…”Segments of the community that will be involved in creating the Community Pandemic Influenza Plan are government, public health, media, schools, faith-based organizations, business, transportation, healthcare systems, volunteer/service organizations and the general public…”
…”In addition to discussing the Community Pandemic Influenza Plan, Sheryl Wynn gave a presentation on the Medical Reserve Corps, which is an organization of volunteers founded to answer President Bush’s call for volunteers to support their country.
Of Georgia’s 229 volunteers, 144 are non-medical, 70 are medically trained and 15 are trained in mental health. The volunteers will receive general training and they will receive more specific training depending on the emergency they are called to answer….”
…”“If you have a pulse and you’re willing and interested, we can put you to work,” she said. Information on the Medical Reserve Corps can be found at www.medicalreservecorps.gov.”
http://www.thenortheastgeorgian.com/articles/2006/09/15/news/top_stories/05topstory.txt
Hi fellow Georgians…I confess that I live so close to the border that I usually lurk on the Alabama page.
Nevertheless…I would like to point out that the State of Georgia has perhaps, the MOST LAME pandemic preparedness information available. Not to mention that the State of Georgia HAS NOT stockpiled Tamiflu.
Highlights from the GA State Department of Health’s Website
Highlights from the “Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Standard Operating Plan”
OK on to quotes from the FAQ
Travelers to affected countries are advised to avoid poultry farms and live bird markets during their visit. In addition, wild waterfowl or waterfowl showing signs of disease should be avoided in these countries. Although birds in Georgia are unlikely to be infected with bird flu, it is always a good idea to avoid contact with birds showing signs of disease. People who raise waterfowl or poultry should immediately report any suspicious disease in their birds to their flock supervisor or veterinarian. Those with pet birds, such as parrots, cockatiels, love birds or budgies should not worry about their pets getting “bird flu” if they have not been out of the country or in contact with birds from other countries. (OK…are we stupid)
No, there is a surveillance program to detect avian influenza viruses before they enter the food chain. In addition, there have been no human infections in affected countries as a result of eating commercially processed poultry products.
From the Master Planning Kit
Because we will not be able to rely on medications, self care will be key to avoiding getting the flu during a pandemic. So…1. Keep Away from People Who Have a Cold or Flu & 2. Wash Your Hands More Often
prepare themselves and their family, and what to do when the pandemic arrives. A well informed public can help to slow the spread of the pandemic. Materials are being developed by CDC and GDPH to inform the public about the pandemic threat. (GREAT…well just wait for the CDC to get around to it!)
I could keep on going and going. GEORGIA needs to GET MOVING on this!!! It doesn’t look like they are taking it seriously, and the CDC is not helping!
ok. nuff said.
To AMT I just brought home my first Tamiflu today. I feel likeI am finally getting some where. A Publix store told me they have lots of Tamiflu on hand . So what gives? I live in the Alpharetta/ Roswell area. Maybe someone can help me w/ this ,I live in a upper middle class neighborhood and we have a monthly newsletter Ihave yet to see anything about the flu. I would like to approach some of my neighbors but I have this rejection thing in the back of my mind. I don’t want to be looked at weird when I drive through the neighborhood. One more thing, one would think living so close to the CDC we would be at the top of the list.
Libby in Atlanta - 19:37
Look at the Red Ribbon Pandemic Awareness Thread
This is the thread for a panflu conference that Goju went to.
Both threads should give you some really good info to get started.
AMT - 16:24
Georgia’s pandemic preparations are a joke. Anyone feel like Atlanta will be one of those cities left twisting in the wind?
As far as Georgia’s PTB, they are thinking with their hubris. You have to remember that Gainesville, GA is THE POULTRY CAPITAL OF THE WORLD. (How would you like to live 30 minutes away from that? Oh, wait, the 2 chicken houses next door might be more problematic!!!) TPTB are basing their assumptions on the avian flu staying in birds and being able to contain it there. I’ve been banging my head against the brick wall on this one, and I’ve gone pretty darn far up the chain with some very influential people at my side.
Bottom line unofficial official answer: we are on our own until people start dropping dead, even then, Atlanta & Savannah will be the focus. Got to keep the port and the airport open.
Libby in Atl-
I am going to ask my doctor for a prescription for Tamiflu. If nothing else, I will get to see how he feels about the situation ethically, especially because the State is discouraging the personal stockpiling of Tamiflu. (But companies can do it! Its ethical if you are a company…ark.) Worst case scenario: he will treat me like a crazy person, and say no. Then I will try to find another MD who will prescribe it. Who knows, it may not help at all.
Nevertheless, I am deeply disappointed at the State of Georgia’s apparent lack of concern. While they seem to be doing more in the past month or so, they have no guidelines for personal prep. NONE. They are waiting on the CDC on that!!! (LOL)!!!
I have seen nothing on the topic in Columbus. I am also afraid of talking about it for fear of being labeled a nut.
Reading through the GDPH site, there do seem to be some volunteer opportunities (in theory) for local pandemic planning. I would rather help that way - through a formal channel, rather than chatting with friends and neighbors. If you have a homeowner’s association, you could work through them - so it can be a bit more anonymous. I don’t…
The thing is I don’t want to get roped into being a volunteer during an actual pandemic due to my responsibilities at home. (Toddler) So I don’t know.
Libby -
The Pandemic Flu Awareness week is also a great thread for info to pass out.
Good luck in the meeting! Remember to be prepared and not panicked!! The Goju thread had a lot of great ideas in it. I myself have been pounding the pavement since the beginning of August when the news of the 100,000 rabid dogs being killed started to come to light.
I just adjust my tinfoil hat and swoosh right in. LOL! Just kidding! I actually dress like I’m going to a very important business meeting, leave my emotions at the door, and try to tailor my speech as much as possible. When I started on my ‘Mommy’ network, I started with the stats on how children die in our state and the percentages on that. Then I work towards gearing them up for an 80% CFR rate in the age group that ALL of our children are in. Boy, there’s no better way than getting a mom’s attention than through her children. In my play group, there are 8 mothers, and 4 are now prepping. I’m still working on the other 4, one of who is my best friend.
I’ve been working on my local health department since last year, and they’ve just now had a meeting. Check out MaMa’s article from 13:36. My play group has also been hounding them. Were we responsible for the meeting? We will never know. Did we make sure that they had accurate facts and figures? You bet your bottom dollar!
Anyway, this is a long and rambling post to the effect that you are not alone. There are other Georgians out there. You have to get 20 No’s before you get a Yes. We try to reach out to at least one person with the goal to get that person to reach out to at least one other person, etc. etc. etc.
And, you know what? If even 1 person out of 50–100 stops to listen to what I have to say, I consider that week a success. I am still prepping for me and mine. I have a long way to go and many family members to convince. I feel like Chicken Little each and every day, but I have to keep trying. I owe it to my daughter, my nieces, my nephews, and my godchildren. For me, it came down to the question of what I would do for my daughter. After some hard soul searching, I realized that I would be one of those people who turned to cannibalism if I could help her survive, and I don’t ever want to have to go there. Feeling like an idiot every day is a lot better than having to eat my neighbor! (Ok, so I would cook the beejeebies out of the chicken and the cows next door and eat them first, but you get the idea.)
Blue Ridge Mountain Mom -
I am glad to hear I am not alone in thinking Georgia is especially behind on this issue. (Although I would rather hear that my perception is wrong and that there are great things I just don’t know about.)
Our City’s Public Health Department has a little list on their website but I am not reassured. The problem is that we have so many low income people here. Low-income people need to start thinking this one though because it takes longer to prep when you are on a budget. Alabama seems to be doing a better job than GA in this regard!
amt - 21:56
I know what you mean about the low-income issue. There are a lot of people in my area on some kind of government assistance. You’ve got to love being a hillbilly in the sticks!! On the other hand, we’ve got a lot of people with land and gardens. I stress getting by with only prepping for the basics, ie milk, flour other things that you cannot grow, but I do assume that we will still be able to grow our own food. One of my prep strategies is to get people to extend their garden inside during the winter. (Of course, thanks to global warming, we are in a prime location for an outside winter garden as well.) I have folks growing different veggies in pots that they start once a week. It really saves money at the grocery store, especially if you team up with another mom (or dad!) to exchange the veggies with. (Of course, that really helps the grocery budget in general and doesn’t work for germ exchange during a pandemic.) I have found myself showing people how to grow potatoes in a garbage bag with some dirt in it.
I guess that I have taken Leavitt’s warnings to heart that we will be on our own. We are mountain-folk here born and bred. Some of us are more than willing to shoot anyone coming on our properties without a pandemic being in progress. ‘Official’ help is distrusted. Most people don’t believe anything that our elected officials say anyway. Just being a regular mom who grew up here and didn’t transplant into the area really helps me out with credibility. Dealing with an audience that 7 out of 10 times already has 2 weeks worth of food in the house just because the nearest grocery store is a 30 minute drive away also helps. Most people are on well water, have fireplaces and have access to other water and plenty of fuel. We are working on building a sense of community about the bird flu that will fight the FEAR that kept people from helping starving children in 1918. We mostly still know our neighbors, and I hope that we will still help each other out. I just don’t know.
What kills me? The freaking officials! I have more luck just out and about talking to people than I do with our lovely elected officials who are supposed to give a rat’s arse about the people who elected them. The Atlanta officials are even WORSE!! They believe that they’ve been tried by fire because of the 1996 Olympic bombings, and they’ve got their plans firmly in place. Sheesh!!
bump
Blue Ridge Mountain Mom – at 22:41
I just purchased a farm up in the mountains with many of those prerequisites being as you stated…wells, septic, wood burning stoves, livestock, gardens, etc. The fact that 5 is one of the few ways in or out would hopefully be a plus, especially if the community bands together.
Shad.