Do your friends think you are crazy?

I've been threatened to be carried off to the "loonie bin" as they call it, but I won't stop warning them - I love my family, and I want them to be around for a good while.

Many of you have stated that your family is ignoring your warnings and you will just go ahead and continue prepping.  That is where I am today.  But IF you had the means to prep for others in your family, DO YOU?  The reason I ask is because it is one thing to fill up your home with food enough for your wife and kids.  You can probably pass that off as family preparedness and justify it because you can consume the food if the threat passes or lessens.  If you double or triple your stocks in order to take into account your extended family who you know will turn to you if TSHTF, you really risk being seen as a total nut, not just by everybody else, but by your currently patient spouse.  What do you do?  Are people really willing to turn away family when the crisis comes, even if you warned them?  Can you live with yourself or them if you turn them away and they perish or if the crises passes quickly and they survive?  These are tough questions that I am currently grappling with.  There is nobody who is willing to talk to me about it in person so I have turned to this forum.  Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

I've been having alot of problems trying to convince family members of the risk.  My neighbor is prepping half heartedly, and I'm starting to get it across to my dad.  My mom on the other hand is married to one of the biggest idiots in the world.  Yesterday on the phone he actually said he was sending a dead crow to me, watch out!  Then went on to say things about a bird is pooing on the phone line, etc., etc.

Bumpman, you are not alone.  I have talked with my parents and brother and they are all prepping and I think they will be fine.  My husband's family is another matter.  My husband and I have tried to talk with them and they immediately change the subject.  I have no doubt that they will all show up on our doorstep and we will be expected to take care of them (parents, grandparents, and possibly his sister and her husband).  My husband mentioned a couple of weeks ago that he thought we had enough food and supplies for our family to make it though any type of crisis.  I agreed that for our family we probably did.  I then asked him what the likelihood was of his family (parents, etc) showing up at our doorstep hungry and we would not be able to turn them away.  I told him that we are now prepping for them (and in turn for us so we can still feed our family).  He is now pointing out sales at the stores for me and does not mention that we have enough provisions.  On a personal note, it will be a challenge if they do come - they are very picky eaters and complain about everything.  After being married for 13 years, I know they will not be happy eating what they are served (no matter what it is - they have made complaining an art form).

I tried talking to co-workers....I just get the "deer in the headlight look", from most of them, and my dearest friends...well they just say they don't know why I'm so worried, the government will take care of it.  Nothing I say or sites I tell them to check out has helped.  I have chosen to not talk about it with my neighbors.

Im pretty lucky than most here when it comes to my immediate family.   My Mother has started prepping on her limited income in Illinois.....but is trying.  My father and step mom have always been prepared with a few months of food, and are buying extra every month, but it scares me that they have no water storage.  My biggest concern besides my own 3 children is my sister.  Her husband just laughs anytime I bring it up, they have an 11 month old and my sister is scared but doesn't know what to do.

 

So What I have started doing on my very limited income (single mom of 18,16, and 2 year old) is I started buying extra Oatmeal (Quick), Rice 25# bags, and Peanut Butter, crackers, and Tang for them.   It is not a very exciting diet plan but it is cheap for me and filling for them.

 

 I would love for her and her daughter to come live here, for I have masks, gloves and a 6 month supply of food and water stored, and just about anything else we may need ...but if they do....I'll be cutting my own monthly supplies by at least a quarter.  I know I wouldn't turn her away, but at the same time I'm the only one my own kids can count on.    

 

 Yes Bumpman, it is a very tough question, and I'm sorry to say that it's one that only you can answer.  Instinct tells me save my kids....my heart says help my sister.   Most of us will be struggling with that question.  I'll just keep on praying it doesn't happen in the near future so I can continue to prep some more.

I have asked several friends what they thought of the Bird Flu and I get this look like I have lost my mind. I am so sure it will be a real problem but guess I can not save the world.

big time

Thank you for that link.  I have printed it out.  At work I went to several other web sites that was posted here...made copies and put them in the Mayor box and all the council boxes at work.  I think alot of peope at the town hall thought I was being silly until I showed them news releases from the Governer of Alabama and other offical web sites.  I have told all my co-workers, family and friends about the bird flu and I always say to them..."Even Noah was prepared"