A couple days ago I was doing some research about preparedness strategies for this workshop that I'm putting together on Emergency Prep. & Family Food Storage & Food Security. While I was learning more about Earthquake prepardeness, my heart jumped when I heard a sonic boom!  Well, it gave me such a shock that I wrote this...

Are you prepared for the long emergency?

Red Cross responds to an average of about 70,000 people per year suffering from an emergency.   It’s not a matter of if disaster will strike in our community, but when.  The big question is are you prepared?  The bigger question is are your neighbors prepared?  The likelihood is that you have enough to feed your family, but not your neighbors as well.

We find ourselves living in amazing and scary times.  Incredible advances in science and technology have made it possible for us to grow in population, beyond natures bounds.  A time when nations compete for the last remaining resources like oil, food, and fresh water.  Is it really possible to prepare for this- physically, emotionally, and spiritually?

The Peak Oil scientists call this the beginning of “The Long Emergency”.  They remind us that our fast paced, throw-away, life of convenience and instant abundance, and comfort has been made possible because of cheap abundant oil.  Most every food item in a Safeway store would not be there if it weren’t for petroleum.  It powers the tractors, fertilizes the fields, and powers the delivery trucks and packaging facilities.  Then it travels for an average of 1500 miles to our local stores in America.  For the first time in the history of our nation, there are no remaining grain reserves.  How are you planning on securing food for your family?  Are your neighbors?

  Lead international scientists conclude that Global Warming cannot be reversed and to expect an increase in weather intensity that will lead to more natural disasters around the globe, further depleting the resources essential for human survival.  Are you prepared for a major disaster?  For multiple?

  It amazes me that in this time, when we should be preparing our families and communities for local resiliency, many people have chosen to become complacent, choosing to watch TV and go about with their daily routines, with little regard for the topic of preparedness.  It’s as though people feel that the government will solve all of their problems, even though Obama said in his speeches, numerous times, that it is going to take many Americans working together in selfless service to rebuild our country.

Many people have chosen to remain oblivious to the facts surrounding these claims because it is too psychologically difficult to face the truth.  Then there are those like myself, who have faced and accepted the truth, and have made peace with my fears. I have gone though sleepless nights and a degree of psychological suffering, only to emerge with a greater awareness and understanding of the ways in which I can be of service.   My family and I have devoted countless hours of work and play trying to transition to a more sustainable life.  How can this be done, and still make time for fun? How can this be one without being an outcast of your own culture?

 I believe there is still time to make the transition to a more sustainable life, but since most people are not yet doing this, I believe it is important to prepare for the long emergency, and any short ones that come about.  There are many local groups in Santa Cruz that are preparing for the coming changes and I recommend that people climb on board that wagon train while there is still room. 

Stay tuned for some How To and tips for preparing for the long emergency while still having fun and preserving your sanity!  I'm working on putting a page of links together with local groups that are apart of this support and preparation network.  You can connect with our local on-line food & nutrition support group for free.  We post announcements to local food groups and transition meetings.  We have some great resources for food trading and a co-op for discounts on organic raw milk and other goodies. Start at www.sustainablenut.org and follow the food co-op link.