Self-Reliance Tip of the Week - The Dilemma: Should I Warn My Neighbor?

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

We all have them. Neighbors who get on our nerves. There are the ones who like to party and make lots of noise; the lookey-lou who seems to think your business is their business; the yellers and screamers; those that walk in and think you are their grocery store or pharmacy; and then the quiet ones...you really have to look out for those :). Well after all, "they" do say, "tall fences make good neighbors."

Sometimes neighbors would be the last people who you would want to have a deep discussion about solar cooking, freeze dried foods or especially...washable toilet paper. The truth is, these people may be who you rely on the most in the event of an emergency, because they are right THERE...like State Farm.

A story was told me once that during the LA riots in 1992 there was a neighborhood of elderly people who had a PIP (plan in place) for the best way for all of them to be safe when everything was running amok. These wise people decided on a signal that if one person saw someone suspicious in their neighborhood, it would alert all homeowners to come to their porches with their chosen item of protection in hand in-case someone wanted to play hardball. Nothing was stolen or broken because of this plan.

Sister Susan shared with me the idea of planning a Neighborhood Preparedness Meeting. It is tempting to think, "I have way too much to do. There is no way I could plan such a thing." It just might save your life and property. And, the hope is they will be on your team.

This is a simple outline of what you might want to accomplish at such a meeting:

• Decide on a date
• Make invitations
• Print copies of information on 72 hour kits and evacuation ideas, etc.
  
• Show your own kits as an example
• Challenge them to make their own kits - Schedule follow up meeting.

This is an excellent missionary opportunity too :) (wink wink) If you would like more information, let me know.