Hurricane Season is here, most seem unready again

[Mannlicher]

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/31/us/31prepare.html?ei=5090&en=467e4e2eb6fdbce3&ex=1306728000&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=print

If this article is any indication, the sheep are just not ready for anything this year. You would think that after Katrina and Wilma, folks would get the picture. I know most of us here are more prepared, but it seems like its going to be another year where most are depending on FEMA for rescue.

[Master Blaster]

You know last night I was watching the CBS evening news (always need to know what the enemy is thinking) and the announcer was decrying the fact that Allstate insurance ( paid out $5.5 Billion in Katrina so far) was not writing any new policies on Long Island due to them not wanting to, the real reason is that they are afraid they will go broke paying all the claims if they write more there.
The anchor was saying how you cant get a mortgage, or build a house at the Beach without insurance. He then went on to inerview a woman whose insurance premium went up from $5500 a year ago to $11,000 this year. They were standing in front of the Olympic size swimming pool with its custom Jacuzzi in her back yard.:eek: This is behind her $5 million house on the beach.

She didnt know how she would afford it if it went up anymore:rolleyes: She might have to sell her yacht or her rolls Royce.

Its unfair that the rest of us have to pay a higher premium, when we dont live near the water, to subsidize a person like this who also gets federal flood insurance which we also subsidize.

In 1878 IIRC Long Island and NYC took a big hit and there was 10 feet of water in the street in lower Manhatten.

My guess is that if the big one hits NYC no one will be prepared the power could be out for weeks, and the whinning, rioting looting, and finger pointing will eclipse that from Katrina.

[Working Man]

My guess is that if the big one hits NYC no one will be prepared the power could be out for weeks, and the whinning, rioting looting, and finger pointing will eclipse that from Katrina.

But thanks to gun control and the vigilant crime preventing police
everyone will be able to sleep safe and sound. :rolleyes:

What ever happened to learning from the mistakes of others because you
don't have enough time to make them all yourself. Nice to see that some
are up to that challenge. :banghead:

[AirForceShooter]

I like the thing that now our State and Federal Governments are telling us the truth.
They can't help us and we're on our own.
Last year we found out for ourselves you can't run.

Included in my supply list are now 1000 rounds of .223 and 1000 rounds of .45.

AFS

[Sistema1927]

The problem is that the folks who won't spend 15 minutes making preparations now will gripe the loudest if someone isn't there within 15 minutes to save their sorry butts from their own stupidity.

[ShootingEnthusiatist]

http://www.law.stetson.edu/policies/HurricanePreparedness.pdf

Good checklist that will help most people compile some of the more common essentials.

[Dravur]

<quote> In 1878 IIRC Long Island and NYC took a big hit and there was 10 feet of water in the street in lower Manhatten.

My guess is that if the big one hits NYC no one will be prepared the power could be out for weeks, and the whinning, rioting looting, and finger pointing will eclipse that from Katrina.</quote>

I hope it's televised, and I have a Pepsi and a Bucket of Popcorn......It could be better than that insipid survivor show. We need to get the remote cams set up now. Why wait till the last minute?

[WeedWhacker]

I'm ready for hurricane season! Two weeks-plus of food. Week's worth of water. Firearms and ammo.

And... I'm in the middle of the Mojave Desert! :D

[Scottso]

Listen I am in NY on LI actually no not in 5 million dollar house on beach with a Rolls in Driveway, just an Injured working man on comp for last 2 years, 98 Tahoe in driveway making ends meet. As far as noone being prepared I've hsd Generator for years as power goes out a bit, have water food and other necessaties lanterns candles even MRE's, Extra dog food for my 2 pups. I am quite aware that we are due for a big storm,last big one was in 61or 62 I believe.When you cynics are sitting in your Barker lounger with popcorn and pepsi when god forbid a big one hits, watching the news chopper fly by I'll be in the house with lights on and family and dogs fed and safe.Curious Dravur what part of the world do you hail from, are you prepared if TSHTF in your area so you can watch and revel in others people's misery? or are you just waiting to laugh at other people when in need?:mad:
Some people have narrow sight and short memories yes, I am not one of them and as far as gun control I am in control of my guns and rifles with ample supply of ammo for each.And as far as counting on the gov't, all i count on them for is to screw meover and ask for more than they deserve. I only count on myself, family and friends.
Do not generalize, and please if you enjoy watching other peoples misery keep to yourself as it sound selfish as well as Idiotic, take offense if you wish but these are my feelings about this matter and would not wish on anyone nor revel in it.

[the 22 junkie]

My guess is that if the big one hits NYC no one will be prepared the power could be out for weeks, and the whinning, rioting looting, and finger pointing will eclipse that from Katrina.

Good Riddance! Now only if we could get one to hit San Fransisco...

[Byron Quick]

Scottso,

If you get hit, I won't be revelling in your or anyone else's misfortune. I won't even say I told you so. I just won't be there or anywhere else as vulnerable as where you live. I prefer to confine my gambling to money and do so in civilized comfort in a casino. I'll leave gambling with lives in conditions of misery to more adventurous souls. But then, the heaviest populated regions of the US are uninhabitable by my criteria with property values of zero.

[wheelgunslinger]

Right on Byron.
By and large, people suspend their belief that something bad can happen to them. This extends to cosmic, meteorological, and social events such as katrina. We, as gun owners, tend to be pragmatists. We do not suspend our beliefs in order to feel safer, instead we prepare for any impending crisis.
People who refuse to prepare will always be there. Count yourself lucky that you see things the way you do and go about the business of preparing. Your preparation will save lives, if only your own. And, that's how the species evolves.
The unprepared have chosen their path. Let them walk it.

[Zero_DgZ]

I'm prepared.

Got me a boomstick and a ton of ammo, plenty of nonperishables (on my budget, I practically live off of Ramen noodles anyway...), propane, lanterns, rechargable cells and solar chargers, enough camping and survival gear to mount an expedition to the moon and back, and enough tools to build an M1 tank in my basement.

That, and my house is on top of a big hill. Plus I live in southeastern PA, the most meteorologically boring place on the face of the earth. Nyah.

[Crosshair]

Same here WeedWhacker, I'm in North Dakota. I'm about as far away from an Ocean as you can get.:)

[Matt King]

Last time I checked, Texas wasn't exactly flooding either. :D

[jrou111]

It's a yearly thing here, what's the big deal?

I'm more worried about THTF (tree hits the fan - in the living room) than SHTF. More worried about my roof blowing off than some thugs stealing my generator.

Lots of gas, food, water, and bar oil for the chainsaw is at the top of my list.

[baz]

Last time I checked, Texas wasn't exactly flooding either.

But it has before.

[Matt King]

But it has before.


Just the DFW area because of heavy rain.

[Byron Quick]

We do not suspend our beliefs in order to feel safer, instead we prepare for any impending crisis.

There's one big difference between my views on preparedness and those of many. I often look at situations and say to self,"Self, the very best preparation for this is to prepare to not be here." I won't be. The occasional tornado here in east central Georgia pegs my excitometer as it is.

A storm surge will have to be 400 feet above sea level before it's of concern here.

[wheelgunslinger]

The water would have to be pretty high to get to me here in the appalachians too. But, we have our own issues. We get nasty Thunderstorms, high winds, the occasional microburst, and ice storms that take out power for days in the winter. Of course, that's a boon for me as a tree surgeon, so it's not all bad. But, I prepare for what I have to prepare for and try to stay ready as I can.
Likewise for my kinfolk in Tifton GA, just down the road from you Byron.

[Logan5]

Last time I checked, Texas wasn't exactly flooding either.

Texas got hammered last year, and a lot of people answered the call and put in a lot of very hard work there. I'll be back this year, if necessary, and that's the beauty of this country. If the government screws up and all else fails, we'll all pull together wherever necessary and fix it ourselves, because this is America, and that's what we do here. And if a category 5 nails Connecticut, I don't doubt for a moment that Texans will come through for me. It's very easy to be pessimistic, and it's sometimes justified, but when it comes right down to it the fact remains that our country is filled with people that we all ought to be proud of. Natural disasters cause a lot of damage and despair, but it's not the apocalypse, and ultimately they bring us together and, if we're not just watching them on TV, teach us invaluable lessons.

[Matt King]

Logan5: Thanks for all the work you have done for us Texans!! We apppreciate it! :)

[AJAX22]

Here in Los Angeles California, the main worries are earthquates and civil unrest.

Don't neglect your communications gear guys, a ham radio licence and a good rig can be a lifesaver. you can only fight off just so many before you really do need to call in the calvery.

[WeedWhacker]

Ham equipment would generally require: big-ass antenna, generator, expensive equipment, license (time), etc. All to hope that someone out there can come rescue you from something which likely everyone else in the area needs rescuing from, too.

Buy another case of two of ammo. There can't have been TOO many thousands of armed thugs roaming around N.O....

[AJAX22]

Its a popular misconception that ham equipment takes up alot of space, time and money (typically because enthusists in ham are like enthusiests anywhere and they take things to extremes)

you really just need a car battery, a small 80 meter rig (cheap, can get em for like 50 bucks at a swapmeet) and a long piece of wire maby with a bow and arrow to loop it over a high tree branch.

you don't need all the bells and whistles in ham radio, any more than you need a tricked out tacticool ar15 if you just need a rifle that shoots to get the job done.

ham radio was used exensivly in the last huricane to coordinate private relief efforts, to let familys in other states know what was going on and to dispach emergency aide.

I'm just saying its nice to have the option of calling for help incase something happens (broken leg etc.) where you won't be able to function independantly.

[V4Vendetta]

Of Course the government could use the signal from the radio to find you. That may be good or it may be terrible if we are in a "1984" scenario.:uhoh:

[jrou111]

For a moment I though this was a serious thread :rolleyes:


Oh well :banghead:

[Manedwolf]

Don't neglect your communications gear guys, a ham radio licence and a good rig can be a lifesaver. you can only fight off just so many before you really do need to call in the calvery.

And who exactly is it that you're depending on to come in and rescue you, in such a case? Already-overwhelmed government agencies who also couldn't seem to find their posterior with both hands after Katrina? Private citizens? If it's that bad, my only concern is MY family, sorry.

My only idea of "if rescue is needed" is more immediate. If you're absolutely trapped by a flash flood or something, see a helicopter and start sending up flares or throw out an orange rescue smoke. Try to call on a radio, I think you'll be calling till you run out of food.

Government bureacrats can't take quick action, a pilot can. Big difference. I'd not ever depend on any government-run "cavalry" to save you in any instance.

[ball3006]

Noggin has had experience in this and knows what to do now. Prepare? Naw......the govt teat is just hanging there for everyone to suck on. Some folks just will never learn because the gene pool has a shallow end.......chris3

[AJAX22]

Ham radio is not a government enterprise, nor would I depend on it as my sole means of taking care of myself and my family. It is operated by regular guys who regularly take part in search and rescue situations, as well as emergency communications.

I'm not advocating squeeling and running for help from the government, Ham radio is not a government Entity, but it is a good way to get the word out about whatever is going on. and in case oh say, your entire family comes down with something nasty from showering in improperly purified water. you might want to have a concerned citizen with a similar mindset come to your aid, or a friend or relative from nearby (but out of walking distance for the sick)

No matter how well prepared we are, we can not think of everything, but chances are we'll forget different stuff.

Do what you want, But if the national guard is in my 'disaster zone' taking away firearms I plan on not only resisting, but getting the REAL word out about whats going on, so that others can prepare themselves before they come knocking on the door.

Self sufficence is aimiable, but total isolation is not always ideal. Bad things can happen if no one knows whats going on. I like having the idea of a means of getting and receiving information that is not under strict governental controll. (yes they do issue the licence, but they don't restrict the informaiton which is transmitted over it)

[Bob F.]

Don't mean to hijack the thread (moderators act accordingly, of course!) but very directly related: "westward migration"! Tried google and local newspaper archives without luck. Emergency services planners throughout the inland East worry about the mass exodus of the costal residents in times of disaster, natural or man-made (read "terrorist"). Meetings I've attended with lay people, sheeple, demonstrate the mindset that we'll give them a few sandwiches and a little gas and theyll move on peacefully. Nobody seems concerned about security. A man with his family and only what they could hurriedly throw in the car might be pretty desperate. Just a thought.....

Stay safe, alert and prepared!

Bob

[Working Man]

If the government screws up and all else fails, we'll all pull together wherever necessary and fix it ourselves, because this is America, and that's what we do here.

It's not just a matter of those who can but those who will. We are not the
government's children and can stand on our own two feet.

[The_Shootist]

...I have my AK and 10 fully stocked 30rd mags in a couple of mag carriers to go with my G19 and SP101 this year. I'm happy :D

The nice thing about getting an Ak was that I also bought (and shot mostly :eek: ) two "sardine can" ammo tins that make good storgae carriers for tinned beef/ravioli/utensils. Now I just need to get some water.

[LT1coupe]

My wife (the organizer) while evacuating made a list last year of things we needed to do/get before this season & for any other SHTF.
Most of it was one time purchases/labor investment, but it sure has added up.
1.Fire safe that we now keep all of the essential papers in that can be loaded quickly.
2. made up some generator leads to make hooks ups easier/safer for home & travel trailer.
3. Used industrial type camper shell for the truck. to house the dogs & secure the generator etc.
4. 60 gallon toolbox/ diesel fueltank combo.
5. CB radio in the truck with weather channels (tuned up some) + a used CB wired with a lighter plug & mag base ant for anyone traveling with us. We had several areas with no cell phone coverage last year.
6. Made shutters for the house & built a rack in the barn to store them flat & out of the way.
7. More non perishable foods, & worked out more water storage.
8. Bought a little more ammo as it went on sale, mostly 9mm & 12 gauge
9. Much better first aid kit
10. Seperate tool kit for SHTF grab n go with enough trinkets to be able to handle almost anything.
11. I added a set of jackstands to the list of things that stay in the trailer for the truck or trailer.
12. The most important item we did is make a checklist. What goes, what stays, things that need to be taken care of before we run.

That's just some of the things we've been doing since we got back from Rita.
It's kinda like CCW, I hope I'm wasting my time & money...........

[engineer151515]

I'd love to hear if Preacherman is doing anything differently.



Note to residents - if you build along the gulf coast and your residence is below sea level or on a barrier island - your home will be flooded or lost at some point in the future due to hurricanes.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/earth/2315076.html?page=8&c=y

In the past 25 years, the tiny community of Dauphin Island, Ala., has been hit by at least six hurricanes. Residents there carry insurance backed by the federal government, and they've collected more than $21 million in taxpayer money over the years to repair their damaged homes. Not bad, considering their premiums rarely go up and they are seldom denied coverage--even after Katrina almost completely demolished the barrier island at the entrance to Mobile Bay.


The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), administered by FEMA, was started in 1968 for homeowners who live in flood-prone areas considered too great a risk by private insurers. And for more than 30 years, the program was self-supporting. But studies by Conrad's NWF team revealed a disturbing fact: Just 1 to 2 percent of claims were from "repetitive-loss properties"--those suffering damage at least twice in a 10-year period. Yet, those 112,000 properties generated a remarkable 40 percent of the losses--$5.6 billion. One homeowner in Houston filed 16 claims in 18 years, receiving payments totaling $806,000 for a building valued at $114,000.



Katrina put the NFIP in the red. Congress raised the borrowing authority of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to $18.5 billion. In the past, NFIP has always repaid those loans (with interest). But now, ...

In theory, NFIP will repay this money from its premium income, but these loans are so large that the program probably will not even be able to afford interest charges unless its premium income is greatly increased. Realistically, the only way to get these loans off of NFIP’s books will be for Congress eventually to forgive them


http://www.heritage.org/Research/Regulation/wm936.cfm



That's right folks.

You are eventually paying for the beach house insurance payout.


When you get sick of it, let your Congressman know.

Beach houses / condos will go back to the days where the beach house is an expendable "shack".




Oh - and personal prep.

This year I have more portable CB radios (with rechargable batteries), a trunked scanner, night vision equipment (including rifle scope), more backpacks, and MRE's.