Last weekend I went on a fishing trip to northern New Mexico, courtesy of my work. It was a most excellent time and I got to do some relaxing away from the computer for a bit.  Here’s a snapshot of one of the lakes:

Since I drove up there and it was a 10 hour trip each way, I had a lot of time to think. One of the things that I pondered about was how many potential events that are currently facing us. We’ve covered these in the podcasts and in this blog, so there’s no need to list them again, but the thing that really stood out to me is the lack of coverage that these potential events are getting in the media. Even our federal government has taken the “Everything is fine” position, even on those things that are clearly not fine (like the economy).

Another disturbing facet is all the disinformation that is being put out, especially by people who should know better. I read, listen and sort through an enormous amount of information and I don’t want to name names, as that’s not what I’m about, but there are a couple of things that I want to make sure you are aware of.

First, the Influenza A H1N1, formerly known as Swine Flu, is not a “non-event.” Not to beat up on anyone, but only the ignorant would say something like that when it’s clearly an event that’s going on right now. H1N1/Swine flu is still spreading, even when flu cases should be dropping off, but luckily it still has a low mortality rate (which they fear will change this fall). We’ve covered this in two of our podcasts and if you haven’t listened to them, you need to. It’s about straightest info you’re going to get right now. Don’t be lulled to sleep on this.

The second, and more important thing that you need to keep in mind, is that preparedness is NOT a race. It doesn’t matter that you’re better prepared than your neighbor, or the “next guy.”  If your neighbor has 1 week of food and water and you have 2 weeks of food and water, you are better prepared than he is, but if the event lasts 30 days, neither of you are going to make it.

The novice will often say things like, “I’m better prepared than 90% of everyone else!” or, “At least I’m more prepared than my neighbors!” Unfortunately, dying last counts for nothing. It’s not a race, so don’t look at it like that. You need to make sure that your preparations are going to see you and your family through whatever it is that you’re preparing for. Buying an extra case of Mac and Cheese just isn’t going to cut it.

Rob

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