I'd like to think that this last few days have been a bit of a wake-up call for the people of eastern Arizona.
A malicious, intentional attack on a large section of fiber optic cable left thousands of people in virtually a complete communication blackout. All Verizon cell service, many landlines and internet were cut off for nearly 3 days. This dramatically affected many businesses including health services. Some businesses had to shut down because they couldn't take cards and many people are not carrying cash these days. People couldn't call and check on loved ones and those that work from home were mostly out of luck.
Actually, I say we were lucky. This temporary event should have taught us a couple of things.
1. Have an alternative form of communication. There are several types of very inexpensive two-way radios that are not dependent on cell towers or the internet. FRS, GMRS, MURS and Ham radio are the most common and each have their own benefits.
2. This should be a no-brainer but have some cash on hand! We have become WAY too dependent on technology. So much so that some of us literally jeopardize our health and safety by depending on credit cards, cell phones and internet for almost everything we do.
Whether you want to believe it or not, America is headed for a major crisis. A lot of people talk about it but few practice what they preach. I see SO many people that have literally zero extra food and water in their homes. I cannot grasp their way of thinking.
It doesn't even have to be as bad as a Nationwide crisis. It could be wildfire, earthquake, flooding, being snowed in, loss of job, unable to work, or any one of a dozen other things that may force you to fall back on your supplies.
There are 5 basics that one MUST consider to help keep themselves and their lived ones safe and healthy.
* Food-an absolute minimum of 2 weeks. Work towards 30 days, then 90, then a year.
* Water-absolute minimum of two weeks plus the means to purify more.
* Medical-first aid and trauma kits and training.
* Defense-preferably guns and ammo. If you are opposed to guns, well, you and your family will suffer because of your bias. There are some alternatives but they are all inferior to firearms and proper training.
* Communications-you must be able to reliably communicate with team/family members. It is also beneficial to be able to monitor transmissions of others, particularly local government broadcasts.
All 5 of the basics are equally important. There are other important things that should be considered as well but these things are the most essential.
For your own sake and the sake of those that depend on you, start working on these things NOW! TODAY! Some say it's never too late to start. They are wrong. We will all wake up one day soon and realize that it is, indeed, too late to start.
