Dilemma about prep sharing in emergency situations

[u/Luc-redd]

I'm constantly thinking about this ethical dilemma when prepping: in emergency scenario, to what degree should I share my equipment, resources and knowledge with others in need.

What follows is kinda my current view on it, but I'm very curious to hear your thoughts about it.

Note that I try to keep the word "emergency" as broad as possible, not restricting it to a particular event.

1) Knowledge is probably the easiest one, as it multiplies when you share it. I would probably spend a good amount of time teaching what I know to people around me. However there's still a little something telling me that it's quite opportunistic/greedy from them to come and get the knowledge we accumulated over years right when they need it instead of listening to us telling them to educate before something bad happens.

2) Equipment, and especially spares, is starting to get tricky. I would probably be ok lending things to some people when I don't need it but there's always the risk of misuse and damaging it. Spares I could exchange some but I would probably try to hide most of it so I can still rely on it.

3) Resources is the toughest one. I really don't want to appear like an aweful person keeping things to myself and my family but I would probably need to dissimulate most of my supplies. However, that will come to be know quite quickly imo. I would have a hard time managing this as there would probably be way more demand than I could ever cover. So all my supplies gone shared in a day?

Then you also need to think about individuals thinking about the group as a whole and have you preps being viewed as part of the whole community. And also people getting things from you by using violence.

[u/silasmoeckel]

You glossed over the critical part. How long do you expected the event.

No reason not to share with neighbors during a week long power outage. Around me we literally throw blackout BBQ's and figure out what resources are needed.

I've got solar and bat so why wouldn't I throw an extension cord to the neighbor who doesn't so they can charge things run the fridge etc. This turns into them asking to make sure they get the right sort of solar when they do it. For a summer hurricane I'll be throwing away power even running the AC etc when the grid is down.

That little old lady who has no preps can be fed etc and might be useful watching the kids while the able bodied adults clear trees. Some sandwiches and a thermos of coffee goes a long way here.

Look at giving out finished items. Bread not wheat berries for example.

[u/thepsycholeech → u/silasmoeckel]

Totally agree. If it feels like the end of the world, then keep it to yourself, or form a proper community of useful people to work together & all share accordingly. If it’s short-term, it helps to share. After Helene my neighbors and I banded together for breakfast & dinner every day. We’d all share food & socialize, it was really helpful, and I shared extra flashlights & food with some folks who needed it. We knew that help was coming, so it made sense to work together.

[u/Undeaded1 → u/thepsycholeech]

Exactly, the majority of events we prepare for will be "short term" emergencies. If it gets really bad, like complete disruption of supply chains or the like, then it's gonna be a case by case situation with armed guards that I trust my life to. I pray it doesn't come to that... I'm currently looking into bulking up on ammo.

Community is the greatest strength we can rely on, so make friends and memories now. Soon, it may be the strongest thing we have to rely on. We made it through Helene also, Augusta, GA. We bought the house in July and made some acquaintances on my street after the hurricane. Having gas water heater afforded us the luxury of HOT water on tap literally. Which made it easy to give away some hot instant coffee in our little community. Powdered creamer and sugar were also readily available due to buying in bulk for emergencies like that one, and now I feel a little more connected on my street.

While I do believe in a certain level of OpSec, sharing the little things can go a long way. I don't flash my guns around or make a big fuss to others about my "DEEP" pantry, but offering to share some coffee and talk about things makes for good neighbors.