The next in the series to make you think about things up front. Each of you will answer differently and you will all be right, or maybe wrong. It isn’t a sure thing with definitive Yes/No answers. There are no rights and wrongs only something to consider and plan for.
This should really have been the first one as it is one we are very likely to have to deal with.
The world has just ended, or at least it seems like it, communications are down and you have no idea what is going on outside your local area although the gossip seems to be that there was a terrorist attack on London and the entire place has been destroyed. No food has been delivered to the area for a few days now and no sign of any to come with the stores having being stripped clear at the first sign of trouble. You are comfortable though, you have enough close by to last you 15 months and you have moved into the attic to hide your supplies from the neighbours who seem to be around all the time. Many neighbours have several days supply of food stored but are starting to panic, some of their friends have nothing already and fights are already breaking out.
There is a knock on the door. Standing outside is Cousin Billy, one of your many cousins and one you know well, you have been out shooting and drinking with him. He is clearly worn out and starving so you invite him in. Once in he demands some of the stores he knows you have put aside for his family who have nothing left. They didn’t even have a weeks supply of food. You have repeatably discussed prepping with him in the past and he just laughed as he said he knew where to come if he needed it.
What are you going to do now?
Show him your empty shelves (you’ve moved them into the attic) and say you were right all along and the government came and requisitioned everything you’d put aside. He’s obviously not of a prepping mindset so wouldn’t think anyone would be hiding out in your attic, especially as he’s worn out and starving: from experience I know that you can’t think logically in that condition.
You cannot afford to give him any supplies, you say he’s one of many cousins so if he knows you have food he will be back with them and they will take everything, leaving you to starve.
I like it. Nice and simple. I was showing him the empty shelves but the government bit was a nice touch.
Well the government tale is good. Yep,”That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.”
Smart move putting the stuff in the attic.
I would tell Cousin Billy as I was shoving him out the door, if I see you again I am going to work you over with cricket (in my case baseball)bat. And if he shows up with a gang he is the first one I go after.
The word “Demand” ticked me off, and he ain’t even shown up yet.
The point about showing up with a gang is most pertinent. Thats why whatever the situation is you have to make the decision to stay or go early on.
If the gang turn up or him and his whole family things can get very every desperate…..your life may be on the line whatever you say or present. If they know you prepare they will believe you have stores somewhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My instinct is to bug out early on with people you trust and are on the same wavelength (why this site is so important), then see how events locally and nationally develop and then return when things appear safer.
Why did you answer the door in the first place?
Ellen,
Starving people will do desperate things. He’ll be back, he won’t be at the front and even if he was all your preps would be gone.
Demand seemed the right word to use. It is so apt.
Tinkertytonk,
I agree but many will not have that option. That is why spliting it up and hiding it in different places is a good option to consider. A false wall, false floor, buried in the garden, there are several options available to all. Then keep your head down.
Skvez,
I thought it was than nice Avon lady.
Good idea having false rooms/places in house if people do not know you prep.
Tinkertytonk,
Next time you are decorating shorten your room by two feet. Hardly noticable but will give a very large storage space. Easily constructed if you are that way inclined.
@Skean
Were you planning on eating the “Nice Avon Lady”? 🙂
Skvez,
Not the one that visits our street.