Are You Prepared to Help Your Neighbors?

Have you thought about your neighbors lately? And not in that, “what’s all that racket?” way. Have you thought about ways you could help them?

I know, I know, it’s not a holiday, this isn’t the season for such thoughts, but I would argue it should be an every day thought.

Let’s face it, things are not getting a lot better out there, not for most people. And they aren’t likely to turn around much.  And the stronger you can make your community, the better your community (And YOU!) will survive a SHTF event.

Do you have some time? Lots of parents these days have followed jobs and moved away from extended family. Trying to juggle kids and work without any help can be stressful and exhausting. If you have time and you know of a family nearby, offer some childcare so they can get some more hours in at work or pick up a part time job, or even just get a haircut.

Do you have skills? Maybe there’s someone interested in learning those skills. Schedule a room at a library or meeting hall and put up some flyers (or facebook posts on the local town swap group) to let people know what you are teaching. I’ve done this with seed saving a couple of times it’s gone really well and I’ve met some good folks and I think they learned a couple of things. On the flip side, I know I need to find someone locally who knits, as I’ve reached the point where Youtube videos just aren’t doing it for me anymore.

In more extreme events, do you have a plan about how and how much to help your neighbors? I’ve talked to people who have boxes already put together for their neighbors, in with the rest of their preps, ready to be distributed when the lights go off and the knock sounds at the door.  I know there’s a wide range of thought on this one though, all the way to the side of no help will be given under any circumstances. I, personally, couldn’t do that one. I think it could really only work for you if A) you live some distance from your neighbors and B) they have no idea that you are a prepped individual.  I fail both those tests, I’m not the best at opsec, my neighbors have seen me cleaning my gun on the front porch, and they see me growing and storing food. We’re friends on facebook and our kids play together. If they need food, I’d give it to them, and I think they all know that.  I’ve even thought that the 90 year old next door would come stay with us if the lights go out and the weather is extreme enough that I’m worried about her.  (Her children are in AZ.)

At the very least I think you should talk through things with your family. Who do you think is likely to knock on your door during a SHTF event? Who do you know that’s experiencing a personal SHTF event? Can you help? Will you help?

Sound off in the comments!

- Calamity Jane