Was over in rant house and this topic came to mind.
Having survived Katrina before and after and now facing a new season of hurricanes, the choices people make when worried or fearful are interesting to me. Particularly the choices of supplies.
I live in the country 34 miles inland nearest town 16 miles away, nearest convienence store 6 miles away. The ability to go to the store is not like living in the city or suburbs. So you naturally stock up a bit more living out here. Or so I thought.
I lived in large cities until 4 years ago. So city thinking is imprinted on my brain but, we always camped alot, real camping not RVing so I know how to survive with out power and water. Being poor also teaches you how to make do with a little and to keep basic food supplies for tight times.
Now to the stocking for Katrina We had 3 days of food enough for one big meal a day for each of us, 6 if we halved it. Our animals had 4 days worth of food 8 if we halved it.
The day before Katrina hit We had 15 dollars left. I ran down to the convienence store to pick up dry goods (rice, ramen noodles, canned meats etc. a small bag of dog chow and cat chow each.) to stretch our supplies because it was apparent to us then that she was not an ordinary hurricane.
As I walked into the store I watched what others were purchasing because, this was the first time for us to be in such a situation. I thought the others would be old hands at hurricane supplies. So I thought I could see ideas about needed things that I might have forgotten about or not thought of. Was I shocked. Now, I like my beer and smokes but, not if it means costing the family food, I can live with out it.
Folks get this, Beer, sodas, and junk foods were being bought. Frozen and refridgerated foods too. I thought well maybe this is last minute splurging that they had their basics. I couldn’t afford to do that so I stuck with my plan.
As I got to the check out I started listening to the talk. Folks talked about going to the grocery store the day after Katrina would hit. They were not thinking worst possible scenarios. They were thinking about how other hurricanes had hit. A bit messy but, no real devastation. Stores would be open and running so they could do normal shopping.
Being a first timer I was concerned more about the days after and I was hyper worried. I think maybe those that survive Blizzards year after year may understand. But, down here apathy towards natures violence was going on. I could not afford to be apathetic, maybe its a good thing that I think of the worst and prepare for it.
I found out that most people even in the country had little supplies to carry them through even for 3 days. Afterwards when about 4 days had passed the main roads were clear enough to get through to supply stations. People were able to pick up food. We stood in line and watched what people were choosing to pick up. There were a great many staples and healthy food items there plus, Junk food. People got more junk food then regular food. Man I grabbed the real stuff I was scared spitless at this time, even though it seemed no one else was. I started listening again.
People believed that everything would be normal with in a few days. Denial was rampant. Even though we all knew the vast devastation and deaths (theyare still finding bodies here)
We were 4 weeks without power and no stores would open for at least 2 to 3 weeks. Even then they were having to give food away, (noone had money) still there was denial and apathy but, it was a hell of a lot less after 2 weeks.
The debate or thought here is. The apathy towards survival. Denial of reality also. Even when hit ,people denied the worst even though it was quite blatant. The apathy that went with denial was pretty heavy too.
How is this possible? Our survival instinct plus a good number of other folks went into hypermode while most went the opposite it seems. Why? What would be the differences and what would the causes be?
I think maybe this year, here in Mississippi at least it may be different when the hurricanes come but, maybe not. I am curious to see but, I realllllly trullly hope I don’t find out. May the god or gods spare us, we still are broken.