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Did You Know It’s National Preparedness Month? Here Are Tips From the Experts on How To Be Ready

Sep. 5, 2012 12:02pm Liz Klimas

Preppers Going Beyond FEMA for National Preparedness Month

(Image: American Preppers Network)

What does emergency preparedness mean to you? For some, it means having a flashlight (bonus if it has working batteries). Others are a bit more advanced with a “72-hour kit” or “bug out bag” — basically the essentials to maintain life for a short period of time. Then there are those who build bunkers and go on extreme coupon benders to stock up on supplies.

Given that it’s National Preparedness Month, an annual awareness month hosted in September by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, TheBlaze decided to speak with some of those in the preparedness movement that we’re familiar with (via The Marketplace by TheBlaze) and get some practical tips about getting ready for emergencies.

“This year’s wildfires, the derecho, and Hurricane Isaac are all important reminders that disasters can happen anytime and anywhere,” FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said in a statement. “By taking steps now to prepare for emergencies, we ensure that our families and communities are prepared to respond and recover from all types of disasters and hazards. Together, our efforts will build a stronger and more resilient nation.”

Mike Porenta, chief of operations for the American Preppers Network, said that being ready for disaster — whether it be a natural event, epidemic sickness or terrorist attack — is more than just having stocks of water. He also said it shouldn’t take a huge investment to adequately prepare one’s family for an emergency.

In its own statement regarding National Preparedness Month, APN states that it takes FEMA’s suggestions as a baseline but that it wants people to focus more on preparedness with an edge for self-reliance:

FEMA’s information is solid, it’s great – it’s also simple and short-sighted. In seeking a simple and structured solution, they have completely overlooked teaching self-reliance. In fact, their model expects you to NOT be self-reliant. They want you to prepare to live until they get to you. We want you to prepare so that when/if they get to you, you say no-thanks and send them away. Preppers do not belong in shelters. We belong in our homes if we’re bugging in or in out BOL if we’re bugging out. We do not rely on nor do we need FEMA or anyone else to come rescue us and take care of us.

Get to know your neighbors now

(Image: American Preppers Network)

Porenta’s number one suggestion is to get to know your neighbors before you’re in an emergency situation. There is a benefit in banding together as a group in an emergency, but he said doing so after a disaster strikes is not the best time.

Stating what he hopes is common sense, Porenta notes you shouldn’t approach neighbors with only preparedness plans in mind — “you don’t want to scare them off” — but doing so tactfully could give neighbors a strong network.

Porenta is clear to point out that not everyone is going to jump on this preparedness bandwagon.

“You can’t train the mentality of preparedness,” Porenta said. But finding others around you who would want to work together in an emergency could be enough to help those nearby as a whole if the time ever came.

Plan on a group scale

After finding neighbors interested in preparing, Porenta said the next step is to establish a plan.

“Just like when you have an escape route plan … discuss who will be the most in need in the event of a disaster,” he said. “Identify the weakest people in the neighborhood who would need help, the people who are really struggling.”

These people could vary depending on the situation. Elderly may be limited in a physical disaster, but during economic collapse, consider those who might be on food stamps and how to help them should that service ever be cut off.

“Just get three to four families like you feel like you can connect with and figure out a plan for your area. Figure out the most likely disaster your area could experience – plants closing, natural disaster — and plan accordingly.

Stock up on what matters

Although it may seem like a good idea to have a large stockpile of canned goods in your basement, Porenta said that might not be as useful as you would think.

“People think about food the most, but they haven’t taken into consideration shelter … or access to water,” he said.

In a situation where “normal American life can’t continue, figure out your most essential human needs” and gather those items (or learn how to safely obtain them if you can’t gather them per se):

Oxygen
Water and water test kits
Shelter
Food

What would Porenta say is the most valuable tool to have on hand? A chainsaw. But before you go rushing out to buy a brand new chainsaw, he said you are more likely to find a quality used chainsaw in the local classifieds for as much as or less than a brand new.

Porenta said chainsaws can be used to chop items blocking roadways or get through rubble to help rescue someone who is trapped.

The ease of cleaning and storing water is another measure Porenta highlighted.

“There are tons of amazing products that will help you with filtration,” he said, specifically mentioning a straw with a filter built-in that can clean up to 50 gallons of water directly. (A straw similar to what Porenta describes can be found here. )

(Image: The Marketplace)

Jeff Gleason with LPC Survival, which happens to be part of The Marketplace by TheBlaze (formerly Markdown), agrees. His company features several survival tools that focus on water. Gleason told TheBlaze the one he would recommend the most — if he had to pick one go-to product — are those part of the Berkey Water Purifican System. You can find a portable Berkey system here.

(Image: The Marketplace)

“Water is so important to your survival,” he said. “It is downplayed how essential and necessary it is. People don’t give it the credit it needs.”

Gleason and LPC Survival know a thing or two, too. The company, he explained, began before the prepper movement became so popular. And he said as long as companies aren’t trying to capitalize on fear — as long as they’re in it for the right reasons — the movement to prepare for disasters is a good one.

“We will see preparedness continue to grow but there will be people who will take advantage of the conditions and also those who do it for the right reasons,” Gleason said.

On The Marketplace website, Gleason said that the company considers preparedness a “good idea” after taking a long-term look at what is happening in the world.

“We know that the Internet is a big place and customers can go anywhere—we want them to know that LPC is here for them, helping them get the products they need to keep their loved ones safe,” Gleason said.

Overall, Porenta said the camping industry too has helped make preparedness as a whole lot easier.

“Local camping store sales people are good resources — very knowledgeable,” he said.

You can check out FEMA’s “Ready” campaign for its tips on preparing for emergencies here.

And if you’re into learning more about preparedness, you can check out some of the emergency and survival products over at The Marketplace by TheBlaze here.

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

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Comments (59)

Infomonger
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 10:29pm
Teaching the boys the Rule 3s, both versions.
3 seconds without thinking, 3 minutes without breathing, 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food. Be prepared. Have a plan, a way to get air, thermo-regulate, water where can you find it? You can lose some weight and live.

Have 3 ways to do everything. Start a fire, stay warm and dry, ‘whatever old thing that comes along’

10 C’s of Survivability ref Dave Canterbury
1. Cutting tool – the most difficult thing to reproduce in an outdoor situation
2. Combustion – you need something that will start a fire no matter if it is wet or dry
3. Cordage – para cord, rope, straps, etc
4. Container – something that you can carry, boil, and purify water in
5. Cargo – a pack that you can put your items into
6. Compass – some sort of item that you can determine accurate coordinates for
7. Cover – you need to have some sort of shelter to protect you from the elements
8. Candle or light – 100% bees was candle or a flashlight
9. Combination tool – which is actually more of a comfort item SAK, multi tool or saw
10. Cloth or bandana – used for filtering water etc
http://reddirtsurvival.com/2011/07/10csofsurvivability/

Thanks to the Woodsmaster for all the training. RIP Ron

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jay ND
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 7:37pm
You are correct that the Gov’t and FEMA want you to ( Prepare) stay around for 3 days then depend on them after that. Try to make you think you owe the government something. NO WAY Also dont give the average guy and gal that will prep a bad name, and talk about booze and guns in the same sentance. Even if your trying to be funny. Anyhow the government need not sweat! We are alot more ready that they think!!!

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- jowettusmc
  Posted on September 20, 2012 at 2:04pm
  Get ready for the FEMA camps the government is already setting up for you lemmings. Self-reliance is the way to go if you want your independence. The ability to harvest forest animals and process them for food is incredibly important along with water procurement and shelter. Good luck everyone!
  
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ronin_6
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 7:22pm
Case of Marlboros, box of 30-30 and a case of Johnny Walker Black.
Yep I am ready.

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- jimster
  Posted on September 9, 2012 at 10:02pm
  Don’t forget the condoms.
  
  Report this comment
Carladet
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 6:20pm
I, for one, can vouch for the importance of being a prepper. I lost everything a few years ago… business, home, self esteem… you name it… and now I clean houses to make ends meet. Make a pretty darned good living at it too. Don’t tell me you can’t find some kind of work! Just can’t be lazy and wait on the gov’t.
I’m not overly prepped, but do have a nice stockpile. Plus I garden, can, dehydrate, buy green coffee beans (that last a LONG time in vacuum bags) and roast the beans myself. YUMM, YUMM, YUMM!
No freeze dried coffee for me.
My son is a hunter that keeps our freezers full all year. I can as much as possible in case of power outages.
About to get chickens.
Learned to make my own spices, cream cheese, sour cream, yogurt, and cottage cheese. (Now I just need a cow:>)
I rent (unfortunately don’t own) a house on 550 acres with a spring fed pond full of fish. It’s Heaven here…
My daughter, now 37, called me a hoarder and scoffed at my food storage. That stopped 2 years ago.
She and her daughter came to visit and asked if she could go “shopping at Lala’s grocery store.” Lala is my nick-name, BTW. I assumed she didn’t want to go to the store with the baby. Before she left she tearfully told me her husband had been out of work for 4 months and their savings were all but gone.
I told her I was about to cry.
That was EXACTLY why I’d started my food storage. NO ONE I love will go hungry if I can help it!
So, libs, laugh away…
And government entit

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- jowettusmc
  Posted on September 20, 2012 at 2:07pm
  Excellent preparedness! You inspire me.
  
  Report this comment
Larry E
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 6:07pm
The people who are going to be prepared for a minor, 72 hour emergency or even a 120 hour emergency already are. Those who aren’t likely won’t ever be prepared. Witness New Orleans.

Where I live the big emergency, outside of invasion or thermonuclear attack is Yellowstone’s volcano blowing. In that case preparedness will be, “so long, been good to know you.”

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planbdeveloper
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 4:53pm
visit tasty food reserves dot com today! Start a Fundraiser and help others get food for FREE!

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ChiefGeorge
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 4:31pm
I started prepping about two years ago now. I was at the CVS buying some things for my medi kit and a lady behind me said, she hoped no one was seriously hurt! I paused and said back to her, I am preparing for an emergency…ie quakes because I live in Socal…she nodded in agreement and said we should all do that.

Finding a place to where you believe you will have enough supplies for the long haul is the tough part. When to stop stocking!! I just about there now! I take stock of what I have and do not have, I check with preppers and make a list of what is useful and take it from there. I’m not nuts about it, but when I feel led, I act. Water…check, food…check…medi….check….ways to cook it..check. Etc.

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thegoldman
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 4:28pm
” The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is it’s natural manure. ”

Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)

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The Sergeant Major
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 4:05pm
This is simple:
Beans
Bullets
And Band-Aids and a plan that works!

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- Blacksunshine
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 4:25pm
  Don’t forget the whiskey! Medical reasons of course.
  
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- Soothsayer
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 9:22pm
  Blacksunshine, Whiskey for medical purposes?
  I thought it was because it is easier to carry than beer.
  
  Report this comment
theberkeyguy
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 3:19pm
Thanks for the quotes and info in this article, glad to help with the content of this article.

The Berkey Guy
http://www.goberkey.com

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- 762x51
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 5:11pm
  People never think about water in an emergency. Water is the first priority, you can live without food for weeks, without shelter almost indefinitely depending on the weather, but only 72 hours without water, less at high altitude. Here in the Rocky Mountains, 48 hours without water = death.
  
  Report this comment
- Kurt Pochert
  Posted on September 9, 2012 at 10:14pm
  Berkey has a reputation for some very fine products, but I would like to suggest http://www.sawyer.com for very fine filter products as well that might be a little more economical for a lot of folks. Other than good air to breathe, safe water is next in line for the essentials. A post process “Zero Water” brand filter can also deal with the dissolved solids that most all other filters pass through, at least it can not hurt. A TDS, Total Desolved Solids, meter might be a good investment as well.
  
  Report this comment
CS Lewis FAN
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 2:19pm
The 72 hour kit, or any kit, should include a copy of the constitution, and a means whereby you can exercise your rights of the 2nd Amendment…a sleeveless shirt so you can “bare your arms”, because that’s what the government would have #2 watered down to mean.

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commonsenseguy
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 2:11pm
hey where is ecinomnenema i can not believe he was the first one to post how about how crazy we are for preparing for the worst while praying for the best, he is just one of many who think the gov can help them when all hell breaks lose he believes that new orleans was just a small blunder for the gov and they will be better next time, o yeah the next time has come and went several times and the gov still can not seem to get there on time much less help people out,but encinoenema will be hoping that the gov has changed

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Baikonur
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:54pm
From the article:
‘We do not rely on nor do we need FEMA or anyone else to come rescue us and take care of us.’

What a bunch of nonsense, considering the staggering amount of federal help the bible belt red states ask for and receive each year because of their constant natural disasters: tornadoes and hurricanes, floods and droughts.

Shameful. This article is a blatant attempt to sell Blaze endorsed products masquerading as news.

How can anyone listen to this with a straight face?

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- commonsenseguy
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 2:21pm
  i don’t need fema for anything, never have never will, i can and have taken care of my family and several others without one dime or one ounce of help from the government , and to your silly remark,with all of the mass destruction that occurs when hurricanes land there is no state that can rebuild or help out with assistance, the article was referring to individuals. but you knew that you just want to be like the other liberals and just want to start **** by making silly remarks, i suppose when all hell breaks loose you and the rest of the government can help people will be standing in long lines begging for help that will never come. but as for me and many others we will have everything we need to survive for a long time with any gov help,but that is the difference between realest and ostriches with their heads in the sand, i would say good luck to all of you, but with you’re attitude towards being prepared i can not,you get what you get.
  
  Report this comment
- WindyDualism
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 3:00pm
  Baconhour-
  Sure, whatever. Look for a few minutes at your fellow lefties. They are stocked up on ebt cards, nike shoes, and birth control. You will be their boy toy after 3 days of no daddy fed. Who needs a website to teach them common sense? Be a wanker, use your remainning freedoms as you see fit.
  
  Report this comment
- dont_drive_slow_in_the_left_lane_obliviot
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 3:01pm
  nice try, but everyone with a function frontal lobs (apparently not you as huffpo msnbc and daily kos have replaced yours) knows there is a big difference between a state requesting federal aid individuals taking responsibility for themselves especially for the first 72 hours. oh wait, that’s the problem, you don’t know what that means.
  
  if you do want to talk states requesting aid what about the socialist God hating utopias like CA that are going bankrupt and can’t function normally without federal aid?
  
  also, the blaze is a private business and if it wants to advertise it’s cousin companies wares that is it’s prerogative. oh wait, you don’t understand private business, you believe in socialism.
  
  Report this comment
- jowettusmc
  Posted on September 20, 2012 at 2:13pm
  FEMA is for the “city folk” who know how to do nothing to survive. They will sit and wait on aid. Many will die waiting. They don’t know any better. We mountain folk know how to survive. FEMA won’t be calling on us because they’ll have their hands full dealing with the city folk.
  
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OKC08GT500
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:22pm
Without guns and ammo your preps will be useless when the urban feral youths come for you.

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- Marine25
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:36pm
  “urban feral youth”??
  
  lame attempt at racist poetry?
  
  Report this comment
- OhioRifleman
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:49pm
  @ Marine25
  
  Pointing out the reality to come. Only Libbies that think Obama farts in three palettes of rainbow and there will be no crash of this country would assume that OKC was being racist.
  
  We have met the racists, and they are Democrat!
  
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- WindyDualism
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 3:04pm
  25
  I am thinking you fit the bill actually. Feral doesn’t denote color. Urban can go any direction depending on geography. Stock up and find or rent some friends.
  
  Report this comment
- The Sergeant Major
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 3:29pm
  “urban feral youth” is code for “the unwashed heathens” In any case or any other color they will steal from the people that planned. LA riots?
  
  Be Prepared- Lord Baden-Powell
  
  Report this comment
- Marine Grunt
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 11:32pm
  @ Marine25:
  Up here in New England, the imminent “feral threat” skin color is white.
  …like Eminem wannabes.
  How is that racist?
  
  Report this comment
Gonzo
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:09pm
Crap, I’m not ready for National Preparedness Month. :-(

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Detroit paperboy
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:08pm
Get ready for the FOODSTAMPER zombie apocalypse ……………theyre coming, and theyre hungry, and most of them weigh over 300 pounds, especially the females……throw them a bag of Doritos and then run the other way !!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh,,,,,,,,,,….

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- OhioRifleman
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:39pm
  I am stocking twinkies for bait / distracting the zombie hordes. Twinkies have enough preservative to last through the Tribulation and N0Bama Zombies can’t resist them. Plus, a box of twinkies is cheap :)
  
  Report this comment
- The Sergeant Major
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 3:56pm
  I just checked……Twinkies only have a 10 day shelf life
  
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- Soothsayer
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 11:02pm
  THE SGT MAJOR,
  It’s ok, then they will be zombie twinkies.
  
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javasport
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:58pm
Hey guess what! I didn’t need FEMA to give me advice on emergency preparedness. There are plenty of resources that didn’t require govt bureaucrats

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Exidor
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:58pm
I’ve got a tactical gear/army store right by me. They’ve got everything. I’m ready.

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- SacredHonor1776
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:20pm
  In a crisis they’ll be sold out in seconds!
  
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Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:49pm
Buy enough hollow points to put 5 rounds in every man woman and child in the US? Guess that one is only on Uncle Sam’s list…not ours.

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walnutportconservative
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:45pm
“If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. 23 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you ahead of time.

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- Dougsopinion
  Posted on September 7, 2012 at 5:27pm
  Thank you! thats how we should be preparing. Rely on GOD!
  
  Report this comment
nosharia
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:24pm
Imagine what you would do if you had no electricity for 1 month.

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- kickagrandma
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:39pm
  Sleep? Rest?
  
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- Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:41pm
  three years back Phoenix was almost there after a megastorm swept the area. Taught me an lesson when power went down for a day and a quarter in summer. I have prepared about as well as I can and keep encouraging my neighbors to do the same.
  
  Report this comment
- Detroit paperboy
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:46pm
  Have tons of sex………
  
  Report this comment
- The Sergeant Major
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 3:44pm
  Detroit? Would that be with obese democrats?
  
  Report this comment
- Former_Road_Finisher
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 5:47pm
  Been there, Done that in the Ice Storm of 76. No power for a month. Just a Coleman stove for cooking and wood that failed to provide enough heat in a fireplace. Used a generator for keeping the freezer cold, the cold porch was sufficient for refrigeration.
  
  Biggest shortage and price gouging back then, white gas for the Coleman stove.
  
  A better generator, wood stove, lots of gas for the generator, and a big stock of food and water to be better prepared. Stockpile the food by taking advantage of sales. Two liter pop bottles and clear juice bottles work better then the plastic water jugs for long term storage.
  
  Report this comment
- jowettusmc
  Posted on September 20, 2012 at 2:19pm
  I would love it and am ready for it! What I can’t wait to see is all the kids losing their electronic devices and cell phones. I can’t wait for that reaction!
  
  Report this comment
dave88
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:21pm
The best way for the country to be prepared is to be sure Obama is not re-elected.

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- kickagrandma
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:39pm
  AMEN to that!
  
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BOGOTSTOGO
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:14pm
Iv’e been prepping for over a year now. I guarantee me nor my family will be on TV saying obama hates white people when disaster strikes.

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AnOregonian
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:11pm
If you stock up for 3 days your “prepared” but stock up for 2 weeks your a hoarding unpatriotic potential terrorist…. Go figure.

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- Xiccarph
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:22pm
  We are all Enemies of the State, prepared or not. Our Government now exists for Government’s sake only…the People have been reduced to an unavoidable, but generally controllable, nuisance.
  
  Report this comment
- Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
  Posted on September 5, 2012 at 1:45pm
  So what about a year?
  
  Report this comment
kickagrandma
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:06pm
WHO said? I’ve never heard of “National Preparedness Month”, have you?

So if we are going to do this, let’s do it RIGHT: II Chronicles 7:14.
Now, that’s being prepared!

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