Editor’s Note: Panic buying of everything from toilet paper to guns, is apparently on across the country. As we watch the people who have no idea what either “be prepared” or “temper parts” mean, our Tiger McKee offers a look at the fact that when the situation goes critical, you’ve missed the boat for preparation.
So, things are getting wonky. It’s turned into one of those times that checks your preparedness. And, things may get worse, or so “they” say. If you’re a reader of the Wire, chances are you’ve been prepared for hard times. In other words, there's no reason to panic. If you’re not prepped for this type of situation, now is not the time to start runnin’ ‘round trying to snatch up toilet paper, chips and ammo.
Nobody can tell you what the current situation – which is changing drastically every few hours – will lead to in the future. Some of the things that are taking place, the changes occurring will likely become permanent fixtures of our society. Eventually, we are assured matters will get back get back to normal. Just remember that “normal” is a subjective term.
Being prepared doesn’t mean stockpiling weapons and digging a hole to live in. “Prepared” does mean you, the family and community – which differs according to where you live – are ready for the “usual suspects.” In northern Alabama this usually means weather problems. We’re unlikely to see civil unrest; in urban areas this is a definite concern. Regardless of where you live being ready for medical emergencies, minor to major, is mandatory.
Ready means when trouble comes you have everything necessary to handle the situation. It’s like concealed carry; what you have on you right now is what you have to solve the problem. For example, there’s a run on ammo now – it’s scarce. And yes, you need ammo for defense. But people, you don’t need to rush out trying to buy hundreds/thousands of rounds of ammo. We’re talking self-defense, not the zombie ‘pockyclipse.
You need enough food, medicines and other possibles to last a few weeks. If things get really bad these things will be in limited supply, and standing in a line to get issued your “daily” rations is not something you want to participate in. Look at your family’s needs – realistically – and determine what’s required. During troubled situations isn’t the time to over-buy. That just makes it difficult for others to fill their needs. Then, after things settle down, start stocking up slowing, building up your reserves. And, each time is a learning process. You’re honing your preparedness for the next time.
Remember, the “lone wolf” scenario is fantasy. Nobody makes it alone. Get with the people around you – family, friends and community – to determine the best way to handle the current situation, and a plan in case conditions get worse. Pooling resources, both hardware and software are a great idea and makes it easier to face hard times.
In a fight, the only thing you can control is what you do, and the speed it’s done. This situation is no different. Like everything else, this is just problem solving. And remember, you can’t be prepared for everything, but you can be ready for almost anything.
Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy, which is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary. He is the author of The Book of Two Guns, AR-15 Skills and Drills, has a regular column in American Handgunner and makes some cool knives and custom revolvers. Visit Shootrite’s Facebook page for other details.
