Frustration. But you can't get through to some people no matter what. Even if they are staring down the barrel of a gun. Or a storm.
With Hurricane Sandy aiming directly at my friends in Pennsylvania I took it upon myself to mention to some of them that I hoped they were taking precautions.
Universally I met with the standard reaction, if they reacted at all:
"Oh, nothing ever happens around here. I'm not going to be paranoid. The electric company will keep the lights on, or fix it quick if anything happens. I have a couple of bottles of water, and some food. I can go over to ___'s house, or where I work, if I need food or water. It's just down the block. I don't need anything. My cell phone works and it's charged. Etc."
Sigh. Denial. "It can't happen to me!"
Why can't people realize that sometimes you can't just walk a block or two to somewhere you believe will have what you need, and be able to get it when you arrive? Why do people not realize that cell phones need their towers to be standing and be powered in order to work- even if charged? That sometimes things are bigger than a couple of days can fix?
How did people become convinced that it is "paranoia" to be able to take care of yourself? How did people become convinced it is somehow morally superior to refuse to be prepared to survive without relying on other people?
How can people not see the fun in being ready for unexpected events- or even those with plenty of warning?
Does no one think ahead and consider it wise to be prepared anymore? I guess this means that, once again, I am "No One".
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UPDATE: read the comment I just posted below.
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