From Flu Wiki 2

Forum: Flu Prep an Escape

25 September 2006

Mo – at 21:32

I was thinking this just the other day and then saw this thread open in the Forum Index but no comments. Prepping allows us to be in control, or seemingly in control, of a situation. The more daily chaos or stress, the more we can feel in control by prepping. Y2K, 911, Bird Flu … all opportunities to gain control over a situation that may or may not come. Any thoughts? (I’m thinking most will disagree on this site because people who seek control, often don’t realize it). Not a slam, just an observation. Anyone prepping because they feel more in control of their lives and those of their family after organizing things, buying food, fuel or various items?

Kim – at 21:41

I admit it, I am a control freak. Guess over the years, I’ve learned two things… if you want something done right, do it yourself; and don’t rely on others cause you’ll likely be disappointed.

Watching in Texas – at 21:43

More secure? Yes. More in control? No, I am seriously afraid that the only thing in control here is the virus itself.

anonymous – at 21:48

It helps reduce the stress of a situation I know I have no control over by making me feel that I am doing something to ensure the survival of my children.

KimTat 21:48

Sure I like control when possible, learned a long time ago that control is an illuision most of the time. But I’ll do my best to try to control the survival of my kids and the people around me, If I don’t it feels like I have given up. I can’t seem to manage giving up very well yet.

I’m-workin’-on-it – at 22:24

Mo, it may only buy us enough time to influence the direction an outcome will take, but I’ll take that. If what I do now, gives me enough time & enough options to have some choices ahead of me then, I’ll keep on prepping.

Edna Mode – at 22:27

Mo – at 21:32 Any thoughts? (I’m thinking most will disagree on this site because people who seek control, often don’t realize it).

The only thing I think I disagree with is your assumption that people who seek control don’t realize it.

True story:

Last night while tucking my 8-year-old son in, something led him to muse aloud about how much he and I have in common.

“Like what?” I asked.

“Like we are both so loving, and we are both kind of control freaks…”

Out of the mouths of babes.

INFOMASS – at 22:31

What is the option to prepping? Not prepping. So what do you tell your spouse or kids when shortages emerge and it is a choice of going out to get infected or going hungry? Maybe we get sick anyway and maybe society collapses and anyone without fifty acres and a 19th century lifestyle is doomed, but in a situation less bad than that, who would want to be without some options to stay home? With or without the psychological benefits, anything less than doing some prepping seems irresponsible to me. Which is not to say that prepping doesn’t have some soothing effect, which might be partly illusory.

EnoughAlreadyat 22:59

Control? If I was doing this to control stress or choas, I’d consider myself a dismal failure. These preps are stuffed all over my house. I am trying to figure stuff out (like whether to use mylar or whatever, how many calories of nutrient dense foods can I obtain at the most economical price for my large family, or how many ways can I find potable water sources) that is stressing me to the max. Chaos? That would be the preps stuffed all over, or the going after the preps on an already tight budget and schedule, etc, etc, etc.

I’d rather take a vacation off somewhere with my husband. That would give me control AND provide releif from stress and choas. The money I’ve spent… could easily have been spent on that instead of what I am doing. In fact, I wish I could be like so many of those people who don’t “see” this pandemic for the real threat it is. And, I didn’t do anything for Y2K. 911, I did an extra month or so worth of prepping and made sure we had BOB and plans… because I lived in Houston at the time. I also prep for hurricane season… because… well, go figure.

I can say with certainty and sanity… I am not doing this to give me “control” over the stress and chaos in my life. I am, however, hoping it will provide relief from just that down the road.

This is giving my stress. This thing will come… sometime, somewhere… a pandemic will come. I was trapped last year in a hurricane situation, and I am here to tell you it wasn’t pretty… not even prepped!

anonymous – at 23:20

Prepping is a great thing to do to justify putting off other tasks. What could be more important than planning to provide for your self and your loved ones, and so the thinking goes…

I work from home and find it extremely easy to convince myself to spend just 10 more minutes on the wiki, or check out one more prepping site. The problem is that all of a sudden it’s hours later and focussing on prepping can really sap the energy that should be going to other things.

Medical Maven – at 23:29

We are all panflu “Walter Mittys” here, sailing away on the good ship “Tamiflu”, with the galley crammed and the wind at our backs. That’s the escape. Our reality, which we will confront soon enough, will be slightly less horrific than what the locals down at the bar will experience who spend all of their spare money on beer and cigarettes.

As Northstar’s dream hinted at, a quick death is sometimes much kinder that a grinding psychodrama with no seeming end.

Damn, I’m cheery tonight. Sorry.

worrywart – at 23:36

We don’t have control over the virus, but we do have control how we choose to react to it. NOthing wrong with that!

Poppy – at 23:40

Watching in Texas – at 21:43 Ditto for me.

TRay75at 23:44

I can only say that my lack of adequate preps only shows me how little control I have over things. I have become more fatalistic the longer I am out of work and physically not able to return to any meaningful or living-wage jobs - beginning to think that perhaps my sole purpose in all this is to save others by my contributions here while knowing that I will watch my 9-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter die because some over-aggressive Type A personality slammed into my minivan on the way to work last December and damaged my spine.

I figure that in the same way that many in affluent areas of the northeast considered the people stranded in New Orleans as stupid and collateral damage, the same will be said of me - when in fact I had the financial and physical health cushion I need so badly now ripped from me by stopping for a stoplight that early December morning.

Prepping as an escape would be a blessing, if somehow things hold off long enough to get back on my feet financially and physically such that I have the chance to do so. I think being enlightened by the wiki has also hurt my ability to make what before may have seemed rational judgments about what jobs to take and what to do when my lease expires in December.

Some days I wish I had NO KNOWLEDGE of the term PANDEMIC, and I could go on living like there will be a tomorrow in which picking a safe job and looking at college for my kids and retirement for myself before I’m 80 would be realistic. The sad part is, if I discuss this view with a mental health professional, then my family will have to deal with Daddy in a nut house and no one to protect them if I am right about this threat.

So if someone can show me where this is control I’d love to understand it - to my senses I feel more out of control than ever before.

26 September 2006

Texas Rose – at 00:26

When I was a kid, we lived in a mobile home in Kansas. We spent a lot of time in the nearest storm shelter, riding out tornado warnings or other severe weather.

My mother kept a bag filled with crackers, PB, water, a transistor radio, and a small blanket to sit on. Next to that was her purse and a small diaper bag filled with stuff for my baby sister. Every time the siren sounded, she would grab the baby and each of us kids would grab a bag. Then we would head down to the shelter for the duration of the warning.

Inevitably, out of all the people in the shelter, we were the only people in the shelter with something to put on the dirty concrete floor, the only people with food and water, and a means to listen to the news. Other adults would stash their kids inside the shelter and then stand off to one side so they could smoke or drink the beer they had brought with them. They NEVER brought anything for their kids. My mother would eventually tire of listening to crying hungry children and share our crackers and PB with them but she never gave any to the adults.

I learned two things from that time: 1)Always be prepared for a short notice emergency, and; 2)Most other people will never prepare even the tiniest bit, even when they know they should.

Me, I prepare for anything and hope nothing happens.

Pixie – at 00:26

TRay75 - I made that comment about the Northeasterners, cozy and dry and safe, who made derisive remarks about those caught in Katrina. My point was - they were wrong. They did not see the myriad of individual cases that made up that event. They lacked compassion, and it was wrong of them.

You’re beyond reproach here, as you are making the effort that my neighbors still won’t make. They won’t inform themselves. They won’t use what they have to ensure the safety of their children, the same safety you so want to offer yours. That is a big difference. I don’t know what I will think about them, ethically, when the time comes and they realize their error. Your regret comes from a situation at that stop light that you had no control over. They will have more regret because they will know that they had a great deal of control over their situation and will regret their willful lack of action.

For me, Y2K was a complete non-event. I never even thought about picking up an extra can of soup because I knew too many people who had begun entire new careers working to prevent that much discussed calamity. And, Bill Gates, the heads of the airlines, they all assured us that nothing would happen.

9/11 had a greater effect on me, and I moved my family to a less densly populated area as a result. But still, one incident, or a few, would not mean that Costco could not meet my needs so I have not worried much futher about it.

A potential pandemic was different. Instead of the Bill Gates-types telling us that there was nothing to worry about, all the key people were telling us that they were worried. The science continued to back up those claims. The message of those like Osterholm about our ordinary existance being interrupted was none too subtle. For this event, it seemed as sensible to buy beans and rice as best I could as insurance in the same way that I try to have health insurance for my children as best I can. Most people do not have your passion though, Trey75, and have more insurance on their house than beans & rice in their basement. You’ll do fine. You care and that will make a way.

anonymous – at 05:55

being in control..why is this being made out to sound like a bad thing?

Edna Mode – at 07:41

Pixie – at 00:26 TRay75 - I made that comment about the Northeasterners, cozy and dry and safe, who made derisive remarks about those caught in Katrina. My point was - they were wrong. They did not see the myriad of individual cases that made up that event. They lacked compassion, and it was wrong of them.

Yikes! I live in the Northeast, and I didn’t hear one single person say anything even remotely close to this sentiment. People in our town—and region—were devastated. We donated time, money, volunteers. My then 9-year-old daughter raised $1,600 to send to NO. While our family may have been cozy, dry, and safe, we were suffering sympathetically as we watched the horror unfold on TV. I know that’s nothing like personally being caught in the middle of the maelstrom, but our hearts were with those in NO—and no, we didn’t think those who were trapped were stupid and collateral damage. We thought (and continue to think) that our government failed to the degree of committing attrocities.

seacoast – at 07:53

Edna Mode - 7:41

Ditto

What happened in New Orleans changed my life!

Mo – at 07:58

anonymous – at 05:55 being in control is not a bad thing, but my point was that people escape from their daily stresses by keeping busy prepping because they are trying to gain control in some aspect of their life. I’m not being judgemental. I was throwing out a thought. I don’t know if anonymous – at 23:20 is the same person but that’s what I was talking about. The tendency to escape to this site, prep a little more, instead of doing the drudgery of everyday life.

Dusty – at 08:01

It’s funny but I was thinking about this same thing — I think I have a tendency to write a few more things on my list, organize a bit more etc when I’m stressed about work, kids, every day things. There’s nothing like the feeling you get when a storm (hurricane) is brewing outside and you look around at your family and see that they are all safe, the food, water and flashlights are in place and you’re ready to face the threat. I think this is the feeling we are all striving for when prepping for bf.

Eccles – at 08:11

Edna Mode @7:41 Also ditto.

When Katrina happened I sat transfixed watching the man-made disaster unfold immediately following the weather event. The only derisive comments that I made were directed at a city about 150 miles from me here in the East. As Edna Mode, we undertook to send help down that-a-way, not derision. While folks up here didn’t mobilize to quite the extent we did as when Andrew hit Florida, I encountered no smug SOB’s who felt superior to the events in NOLA, and therefore safe.

The only such attitudes I encountered were later, on the web, in the Blogosphere, from primarily conservative pundits who engaged in economic and racial class smearing, I think as a means of deflecting the blame from the true guilty parties in the then extant administration.

So when those same folks NOW tell us “You are on your own”, I listen and take heed. They have demonstrated their abilities in public, and have announced their intentions. What more stimulous do I need to act?

KimTat 08:17

Trey I work in recruitment for a job board, I cant get you a job but I can at least send you off in different directions and maybe hook you up with someone who can help. Shoot me an email. I’m on my way to work now and won’t check my email until tonight

Dr Dave – at 08:24

To me, preparation for a pandemic is not an escape. It is a confrontation. Every day when I check Flu Wiki to see what has happened, I renew the confrontation. When I delve ever deeper into the nuance of patience care, I renew the confrontation. This is not a pleasant past-time for me, but it does provide me with a measure of satisfaction, because I am actively acquiring the means to impart some control over my family’s future.

Imagine yourselves three months from now. You have not prepared. A pandemic is sweeping across the globe and you are running out of food, water, OTC medications, and sanitation supplies. You have no recourse but to go out of your home, risk exposure, and see if any stores still have merchandise. That version of the future is not very pleasant and that is the one I wish to avoid. Now imagine yourself three months from now with everything you need to be completely self-sufficient in your own home for at least six months. You are not starving, you are not freezing, and you are not sick. If a pandemic is truly unavoidable, that is future I would rather have for my family.

I admit that my knowledge of the impending pandemic makes me very afraid, but my fear is offset somewhat by my level of preparation. And, really, that is all I can do about it. Prepare.

Green Mom – at 08:35

Anon at 5:55-because there is no such thing as being in control. There is only the illusion of being in control. At best we can tweak the odds so that the outcome of a situation is in our favour.

I’ll use Trey’s example of a car wreck, because I had one myself last week. Unless you stay locked up in your house there is no way you can guarentee that you will not have a wreck-Didn’t Trey say he was stopped at a light? I know SO MANY people COMPLETLY stopped at a light or stop sign rear ended by a careless driver. Or accidents that happen by random chance-, or a bad bit of weather, or an animal, say a deer suddenly bounding in frount of you. You can’t control it. What you CAN do is insist everyone wear seat belts, make sure you have decent tires, your car is in good repair and running well, that you practice safe driving techniques, etc etc. I could not avoid the wreck I had,(unless I had just stayed in bed that day!) but by taking precautions-i.e. the seat belts, etc, We all WALKED away from a frount end collision. For me, prepping is just another version of seatbelts.

Is it an escape? No, it is not. An escape for me would be reading a good mystery, or flipping through the Paris Collections in a fashion Mag, or strolling through a fine arts museam. A vacation would be fabulous, but instead I spend a lot of time and yes, worry like so many others on the wiki trying to find the best preps at the lowest price. I would much rather read Vogue than the pathology of pig diseases.

JWB – at 08:54

Dr. Dave beat me to the punch.

Prepping is escapism? Just the opposite. It’s facing reality head on.

Pixie – at 09:35

Here’s an example of the lack of heart I think I saw in some people here during Katrina. A local chain of furniture stores volunteered to be the collection point for backpacks that people could buy on their own, fill, and donate directly to the children affected (who had lost everything). I asked the principal of my daughter’s school and our PTA if we could simply sent around a notice telling people of this opportunity to help. I was told no. They would not send around a flyer (I was not asking any direct help or suggesting we participate as a group - just that they inform people of this very nice opportunity to do something). I was told they would do one collection of money for a playground and that was it. And, that was it.

Not everyone here, of course, felt a lack of sympathy for or motivation to help the Katrina victims, but I am being honest when I say that many did. It makes me wonder and worry about what happens when everyone is potentially affected equally.

My neighbors were, of course, alarmed at the lack of inadequate government response in N.O., and were critical about that too. I thought that that would at least spur them to action, to more self-reliance. I have told them that I have heard Leavitt say, on more than one occasion, that no one will be coming to help them if a pandemic strikes. Katrina and those words had a great effect on me, and I personally believe them. My neighbors are resisting that message with all their might, or should I say with all their minds. I just do not understand how they can square their feelings about Katrina with their current stubborness (and that’s what it is at this point) to insist that they do not need to prepare for a pandemic in any way. I personally just don’t get it.

Kathy in FL – at 09:35

For me preparation is like insurance. I spend time and a good deal of money to try and bring a measure of security for my family in the event of a catastrophic event … car wreck, hurricane, house fire, disability or death, etc.

My spouse and I would be less than responsible if we weren’t looking at current events in the world and trying to “insure” that their direct and negative impact on our lives is minimized.

I’m not saying that I can completely prevent a catastrophic or current event issue from impacting us, but I can MINIMIZE as much as possible the NEGATIVE impact of such an event.

I don’t expect private organizations or a government program to “come to my rescue” when something like this occurs, especially if it is a known risk that I have not prepped for. I think that in and of itself is irresponsible and unrealistic.

I believe it is up to the individual to participate in their own and their family’s survival and prosperity. I also feel people should be accountable when they do not use common sense practices to “insure” a measure of security — lock your doors and windows, wear your seatbelts, don’t spend more money than you make, don’t smoke or do drugs, don’t drink and drive, don’t operate heavy machinery while taking cold medicine, put money aside for “rainy days,” etc.

I don’t think that is a control issue, I think it is being a responsible parent, spouse, and citizen.

But notice all of my “I” statements. I’m taking responsibility for myself and those in my household. I’m well aware that there are people out there with other opinions and I will not force my set of values on them. That would be a control issue. <grin>

Pixie – at 09:38

GreenMom at 8:35

Yeah, who would have thought we would be reading about the pathology of pig diseases! lol! I’m going to chuckle about that one all day today - thanks!

JWB – at 09:43

Perhaps a more appropriate question would be, “Are you obsessed with prepping?”

My answer: Prepping is a state of mind, a lifestyle. It is neither new nor trendy. Historically speaking, what is new is to be NOT prepared.

That said, yes, I’ve become more obsessed with it from the viewpoint of someone who does nothing. From my perspective, no. There is a growing real danger on the horizon. The time to spend more time than ‘normal’ prepping is now.

Mo – at 10:05

Here’s another question — are the regular posters on this site, and I mean the ones who comment on practically every thread every day, using this site to escape what they should really be doing with their time? I’m not talking about the scientific types who share knowledge regarding the mutation of bf or the ones who keep us up to date on news stories so we are prepared. It’s the other posters — I think they use this site and prepping as an escape from their current life — they have an opinion on absolutely everything. (now I’ll sit back and watch the flack) This truly is not meant to be a slam or to disuade posters — I’m questioning time wasted …

Eccles – at 10:14

During the past 15 years, I or my family have:

So, based on the above life experiences, I challenge anyone I speak to about prepping to tell me:

“You are just panicking. bad things like that don’t happen. The power will always stay on. They could always take care of you in a hospital. There’s no way the crocery stores would run out.”

And on, and on.

My prepping is merely a pragmatic adjustment to the wisdom expressed by the great philosopher Forrest Gump:

Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you will get.

JWB – at 10:15

Mo – at 10:05

Good question. If you get your dictionary out and look up “news junkie” you will find my picture. $8-O The fluwiki has replaced many of my ‘regular sites’.

LauraBat 10:16

Mo - although I can’t speak for everyone, I have to politely disagree. I don’t think checking the board/posting is “time wasted.” Information provides an ability to handle situations/possibilities. I am still learning the techinical aspects of the threat, as well as intricacies of prepping (thanks to Eccels I know far more about power sources than I ever thought I would). If I felt it was taking time away from my already hectic life I simply wouldn’t do it.

Also, for myself, prepping does offer some degree of control, but I am not a controling person. I am doing it to provide some guarentees that I can have some control over a potentially life threatening situation. Who knows if it will all have been unnecssary (although after surviving earthquakes, fires and riots + living too close to NYC you’d think I wold have been a prepper all along). But having a stockpile of necessary items for my family in case of many possibile emergencies is empowering. Maybe down the road I’ll either say “I should have done more,” or, Why did I do all that?” But for the here and now I have no regrets.

Kathy in FL – at 10:24

Mo – at 10:05

Using the resources on the fluwiki has been part of my prep. I feel a responsibility to give back when I can. Not everyone has the same skill sets. It doesn’t make anyone poster better than another, just gives everything the opportunity to “give back” to the “community” that we’ve created on the wiki.

Some of the things that we’ve given back are then shared even further afield as people take the time and effort to share with their neighbors and local officials regarding the possibility of a pandemic in the near future.

Personally, I am on the computer a lot during the day as part of my normal work anyway. Checking the fluwiki does not impede me from completing my other work. When I find that computer work, in general, is preventing good time management then I just take some time off. You’ll find that a lot of us do this … it doesn’t take all that long to post, even if you are posting on multiple threads.

My personal opinion? A lot of people try to side-step the issue of personal preparedness by misinterpreting how other people chose to prepare … they are “obsessed,” they are using it as an “escape” from real life, they could be using their time and money in better ways, etc.

We each prepare in different ways because we each have different needs. If someone can prepare … and it is of course totally possible … without ever participating on fluwiki then more power to them. If someone feels that they can use fluwiki as a tool … that’s great too. Everyone has a slightly different methodology to their prepping protocols.

OKbirdwatcherat 10:25

Mo at 10:05 - You make a valid point; I see myself in some of what you say. I only started prepping 6 months ago so there has been much to get done while some of the drudgery has had to wait. I’m now stepping away from the computer because the dishwasher needs unloading, there’s vacuuming to do and I have a hair appointment to get to ;)

Mo – at 10:26

Sincerely, I wish the best for all here on this site. Oftentimes I like to play devil’s advocate to get people thinking. Thank you for listening and commenting. I’ll go back to periodically lurking now …

Medical Maven – at 10:44

Mo; One of the most ennobling things that men (women) can do is to think deeply and intently about the great issues of the day and then to express those thoughts into words or writing. The Ancient Greeks who philosophically began our current civilization thought that there was no greater endeavor when not tasking themselves with war or in building great monuments.

What we are doing here on this site is the most human of endeavors. And it has a purpose.

And the “busy, busy” syndrome that much of the current culture wallows in as a means of forgetfulness is truly wasting one’s life.

LauraBat 10:49

Mo - thank you for asking thought provoking questions. Respect for others’ opinions is one the great things about this board. We all benefit from it.

Mo – at 10:50

Medical Maven – at 10:44 Balance is the key… Especially when dealing with war, building great monuments, and bird flu. :) take care, thanks for your thoughts.

Tray75 take a look here – at 10:55

Tray75, did you see the message from KimT up above????

I hope you know that we’re ALL concerned about you and don’t forget to keep you in our prayers — your contributions have been great here & will help you more than you know when the time comes! I hope KimT can direct your path to a successful lead!

OKbirdwatcherat 11:18

Medical Maven at 10:44 -

“And the “busy, busy” syndrome that much of the current culture wallows in as a means of forgetfulness is truly wasting one’s life.”

Couldn’t agree more. I have several (extended) family members who use their automobiles as a way to escape the things they should be tending to. They’re always going to and fro, running here and there, rather than deal with the chores of everyday life. Meanwhile, their homes, inside and out, their yards, etc. are neglected (and it shows). And as for those folks prepping? Forget about it. They wouldn’t have time. They’re “too busy”.

Pixie – at 11:24

Mo - thanks for starting this thread, and the discussion. We are here because these are complex topics that require much thought. I learn a lot every time someone else here takes the time to think aloud.

KathyinFlorida - Thank you - you may have just saved the life of a good friend of mine and her family. I thought your summary about how to think about preparation was so good I copied it (with attribution) and sent it via email to several of my more stubborn friends (I was sure you would not mind). I thought that your summary was excellent and that maybe hearing it from someone else, not just me, would make a difference. It made a difference, and this is why we are here after all. I have just heard back:


“That is a good summary.

Now how about a list of materials to stockpile?

What site has that info?”


Many thanks to everybody.

Medical Maven – at 11:28

The Athenians meticulously took care of the essentials of life, did very little grooming, and then high-tailed it to the forum to engage their neighbors about small and great matters.

Olymom – at 11:43

Tray75, I broke my back in 1984. I have paralysis in both feet and ambulate (slowly) with leg braces and a cane. The first 18 months after the accident were the worst. Then I got tired of crying and waiting for things to be better. I just started “doing” again. Since that time, I’ve been to the Taj Mahal (twice!), lived on an island in Micronesia (3 years), had two kids, been a Cub Scout leader (15 boys!), written a newspaper column and managed to ignore a whole lot of dust bunnies. The disability sucks but life ain’t over yet. I am on a campaign to educate two school boards about avian flu and I would not have the time to do that if I were employed full time. Cosmic? H…, I don’t know. I do know that my bossiness gives my family far more heartburn than my disability ever does. Best of luck.

Science Teacher – at 12:20

I am not “escaping” my real life when I come to this wiki. This wiki is not my life but a supplementary part of it. I come here not to turn from the reality of my real life, but to learn information and share beliefs, to improve it.

It has been hard to find people outside that I am comfortable with discussing pandemic issues. There are few that I have found that share my beliefs or knowledge about this without great skepticism. This wiki has provided validation for my growing concerns and offers ideas to help me mitigate the effects of a pandemic on my family. The time I spend here is never wasted time for me. Prepping has helped alleviate my inital alarm. I learn new things here every day.

I also come here for the people like TRay 75. In spite of a difficult situation, he is able to reach out and volunteer his help here. He cares about helping others as do most of you.

Many who read here have grown in their courage and determination to take what we have learned here and bring it back to our neighbors, friends and communities. Reaching out to others to help spread awareness and information is the ultimate words to action effort. We can each take a chunk of what we have learned here and ‘give it back’ in the reality of own personal lives. This wiki is the bridge to make this happen.

Bird Guano – at 12:41

Prepping allows me to control those things that I can, allowing time to deal with unexpected things I have no control over when they occur.

It’s no different than buying insurance. Home, life, car, boat

heddiecalifornia – at 13:05

Life in CONTROL? HAH HAH HAH!

Seriously, though, with all my other worries and occupations, prepping is actually not so high on the list. I believe I have a stash for two for 3 months or more, just guessing and dead reckoning. No fancy file card systems for me.

My mother’s family were pioneers in the area, once farmers, and we always put up summer fruit and tomatoes for the winter, they always had enough dry goods and meat on the hoof not to have to ‘go to town’ with the buggy and all.

Now that the city is all around us, I ‘cling’ to memories and some of the values of the old days.I actually have experience washing by hand, putting hay in a barn for livestock, cooking on a wood stove, and still have the irons my great aunt used now rusty bookends. My mom still tells ‘Depression’ and WWII stories of shortages.

I have always bought canned goods on sale and put them in the pantry; everything from Costco comes in cases, and I’ve only just picked up the 50 pounds of rice and beans and put them in the closet for later repackaging “when I have time.” Also have an extra 6 pounds of oatmeal, 5 pounds of egg noodles, etc. etc. and just regularly rotate out stuff for everyday as a little bit more goes in every month.

Bulk buying of powdered milk, flour, baking mixes has always been my habit; Smart and Final stores are pretty accomodating for stuff in bulk Costco doesn’t carry. Same with cleaning supplies.

We have the camping gear from many summers in the Sierra, and cold weather gear from winter cross country. Oh, need to update the first aid pack. Gardening tools and seeds from our regular gardening.

We regularly get TV and radio reminders to prep for 3 days (now 2 weeks, since Katrina) because the bay area is on several earthquake faults, and well, we have this well remembered “history.” While I was working, I kept an ‘earthquake’ pack in my car trunk with walking shoes, and other supplies, in case I had to walk home or was detained somewhere. Short term prepping is not out of the norm.

I am, however, worried about the incredible influx of people from all over the world who have come to Silicon Valley and don’t have any idea of what happened in 1906 or with Loma Prieta; if they don’t speak English, I am hoping their native language networks are reminding them to prep.

Diana – at 13:18

In some ways internets are escape valves. If not here some other forum. People form communities, have interactions of a deeper sort than the over the fence kind of meeting on the run while doing errands. A few words with this person, a chat with that one. They can be heartening. A hug here, a firm handshake, the knowing look of understanding of a person to person interaction is not on that of the internet interaction. But there is a great deal of human warmth and good will here on the wicker. Very little bickering or back biting. A small argument might errupt, but never vicious.There is a lot of sharing. A sharing of knowledge. A wealth of experiences. Sometimes an unburdening. I don’t think its time wasted. Life is made up of minutes, hours, days, weeks. So far the Fluwiki has been around for more than one year. Just think of how many people have passed through. Each person has learned a lot about survival, not just in the case of a Avian pandemic, but survival by and large.I think it is anything but a waste of time. It is educational.

Diana – at 13:25

Incidently an example comes to mind. Kathy in Florida. A busy woman with a family and a lot of responsibility. Yet she shares her recipes and experiences to our advantage. I’m sure she has a very full life without this wiki, but she squeezes this in while juggling a lot of activities. I personally am a lazy woman, and at a stage of my life when I need do nothing except volunteer work. Eventually I may get a job to earn extra, and do more traveling which is one of my pleasures. Until then I will read this and other internet sources with great pleasure.

heddiecalifornia – at 13:32

A Hah — spending too much time on the Fluwikie — yes, you kind of got me there!

It has been so fascinating I’ve had to read more and more if it. I take it’s warnings to heart. But truth is, I log in late at night when I can’t sleep anyway, or later in the morning while I am “recovering” and catching my breath from walking the dogs. I used to look at crochet and knitting web sites and get my news from the internet instead of the paper, but have cut time on that down to read more of the wikie. And I think I walk faster with the dogs to get back sooner to read more of the wikie. Faster heartrate is good!!

Diana – at 13:45

Heddie LOL. Faster heartrate isn’t just good for you, its what the experts are telling people to do.

Urdar-Norge – at 14:12

I do use fluwiki as an “escape”.. Just as I do with newspapers on the net.. To much time spendt on this.. But I allways have,, Earlier it was paper newspapers, now its the net. The net has an addiction the paper dont, you just check in to often …

As prepping as a mean to be in controll?, yes maybe, its a good feeling to be practical and not so abstract when taking care of life.. Like filling out forms and navigation the confusing world of retirement, career plans etc. And when we are dealing with this subject of pandemic, we know by bitter experience that its not easy to innvolve others. So the focus is very fast becomming your own preps.. But in my case my intention was to get my prep ready, and continue living as ordinary. And I do. I just become a news (fluwiki news) junkie ( have catch that knife you know… ;D

TRay75at 14:17

Kim T, I just sent you an email.

I was away this morning taking my wife for a medical test. I appreciate the feedback, and perhaps my comments on the reactions to Katrina were too harsh - but (you had to know there was one of those coming) I had an experience almost identical to Pixie – at 09:35.

My wifeand I went through Hurricanes Frans and Floyd in NC in 96 and 99 and went days without power, phones, and the ability to get very far because of downed trees, power lines, and flooded roads. Fran took us by surprise, Floyd we prepped for because we had a 3 year-old son and had only a month earlier lost another child late in the pregnancy.

In 2000 we also got hit with a surprise 22-inch snowfall (it was predicted to be a max of 6 and NC does not have much snow removal equipment east of Greensboro). That stranded us all in our neighborhood for days. I helped a neighbor dig out his semi-monster truck pick-up and went 25 miles to find food for several families in our subdivision.

Then in December 2002 we had a 24-hour ice-storm that coated trees over an inch thick - and crushed our car and damaged the house when tall pines gave way and dropped like cannon shells for 12 hours. My wife had enough of NC, demanded we move back to her family in NJ, and we lost everything pretty much because I also go caught in a snafu with a disability insurer just when all this happened.

So with that kind of experience, and me back at work at a decent salary again after 2 years here, when we saw what was happening with Katrina, and my son asked “Why doesn’t someone help the kids?” we launched an “Operation Backpack” campaign and got transportation and our school PTA behind it. Only, the system superintendent vetoed any action on it, shut us down completely. I even had my first auto fender bender in 16 years going home that evening. I was so upset I also missed a fast stop by the car ahead of me. Luckily, that was very low speed, no injuries, but I as pi$$ed at that point beyond words. I could not see how bureaucratic butt-covering could stop our children from participating in a national initiative that already had arranged free transportation of our donations by a local trucking firm and had the children feeling that they were helping other children. It soured me a lot on trying any longer.

Only 3 months later I was on the receiving end of the auto accident, and found I’m not superman any longer. I know it cannot legally be said I lost my job from being out for the dozens of medical exams the auto insurance demanded, but when it came time to choose between me and another contractor, even though I had been doing overtime and training her in the job, guess who got the 5 PM surprise?

So is prepping an escape? No, it is a necessity if you live my life (a tip of the shared life experiences hat to Eccles and Olymom). To Edna Mode, I recognize that thousands poured out their hearts to the Katrina victims, just like the nation responded to the World Trade Center attacks, so please don’t take my comment personally (I find I get a short and not always politically correct when I’m in a lot of pain, and yesterday’s hour in an MRI machine left me in a lot of pain).

Mo, I think you are correct about why I spend time here, however. After 300 resumes out, hours of phone calls, and days of on-line searches for openings I do come to this site to try to find a way to feel something I am doing is worthwhile.

I may not be getting job offers, but I am keeping my skills sharp by learning, running, and even finding how to modify CDC software to meet the information we are collecting rather than the previously accepted “worst case scenario”; using my skills in graphic software to make freely available media for presenters that have real jobs informing the public and government of the threat a pandemic threatens; and also giving up my life experience and knowledge so that in case I do not survive that experience may help someone else get the world back in operation once a pandemic or tsunami or earthquake or hurricane or asteroid or whatever happens.

I do it because it is all I have left now - that and spending time with my kids letting them know I love them and I believe in them. Perhaps, I am tainted by my experiences, but I also know that living in isolation feeds depression, and I refuse to go there.

TRay75at 14:20

Olymom – at 11:43 - i don’t have words to express myself - accept a virtual hug.

Urdar-Norge – at 14:36

just a litle more social research.. Do you folks define you as B or A people (like in early to bed, early to rise, …) ? Something tells me that people laying and thinking to much in the evenings about this and that, is more aware for such threats??

Dan in MA – at 16:21

Great thread!

My answer is : it depends. If you define prepping as “Buying Stuff”, then yes I am definitely guilty of escaping my day-to-day responsibilities. It is much easier to feel a sense of accomplishment by buying a case or two of canned food on the way home from work, than it is to write that report (or some other daunting task) for your boss.

If “prepping” is to mean visiting Fluwikie or other flu sites, I would say no. I am in the habit of checking the wiki, just like watching the news, checking the weather, etc. Not an escape, so much as a daily routine.

My goal when this started was to acquire enough preps for 3 months of self-sufficiency for my wife and I. I usually only buy items on sale and with a coupon. Somehow in the last year I have acquired 4 months of food (not including rice and beans), 3 months of rice and beans, 18 months worth of toiletries, and 5 years worth of toilet paper! Yes, I have a problem.

28 September 2006

bump – at 08:09

bump

Closed - Bronco Bill30 November 2006, 09:20

Closed to maintain Forum speed.

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