Can Preppers, Survivalists, and Homesteaders Band Together for Post-Disaster Relief?

Introduction to Collaborative Efforts

Can preppers, survivalists, and homesteaders work together to form a post-disaster relief organization? The answer is a resounding yes. Contrary to the popular belief that crisis situations turn people into mindless savages, research and real-life experiences suggest that most people recover quickly from initial shock, act rationally, and help each other in times of need. This article explores the potential for collaboration among these groups and outlines the benefits of forming cooperative communities.

The Myth of Mindless Savages

There is a widespread misconception that during crises, individuals revert to irrational behaviors and turn into perceived mindless savages. This myth is often perpetuated by national media, which reports sensational stories of gang violence, looting, and exploitation following major disasters such as hurricanes or earthquakes. These portrayals have unfortunately influenced many preppers to build fortified homes and adopt a survivalist mindset, emphasizing self-reliance over community cooperation.

In reality, the majority of people quickly adapt to the new circumstances and engage in cooperative behavior. Humans are inherently social creatures, and this social nature persists even in prolonged crises like war. People in disaster situations typically form communal bonds, sharing resources, skills, and responsibilities to ensure the survival of their families and communities.

Collaborative Communities for Survival

During extended periods of disruption, resources become scarce, and some individuals may become desperate. However, the best strategy is still to form cooperative communities similar to those seen throughout history. Cooperation within family groups or extended networks allows for the sustainable sharing of resources, skills, and support. For example, individuals can:

Trade resources and skills in exchange for what they need. Grow food, maintain tools, and repair equipment. Create clothing and repair footwear. Provide medical care, both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical, to those in need.

A multi-skilled individual like myself, for instance, could provide non-medical care, such as visiting the elderly, checking on new mothers and their newborns, and giving medical assistance when necessary. Such cooperation is key to maintaining community cohesion and ensuring everyone's survival.

The Role of Security

One common concern among preppers is security. While it's true that in certain situations, individuals or groups might pose a threat, the bulk of the population remains rational and willing to help. Historically, communities have shunned and managed threats through social pressure rather than through established governance.

It's also worth noting that full-time police forces are a relatively recent development. Until a few centuries ago, communities relied on self-organized systems for maintaining order. Even today, during local disasters, people generally pull together and assist each other until official authorities can step in and manage the situation.

In more prolonged or severe disasters, challenges will undoubtedly arise, particularly in the first year to two years post-disaster. Many people will lack the necessary skills and resources to survive, and mortality rates may increase due to various factors. However, human ingenuity and empathy will continue to play a critical role in ensuring the well-being of the most vulnerable members of the community.

Further Reading and Resources

To explore this topic further and make informed decisions, I recommend delving into the following resources:

Sociology of People’s Responses to Disasters: Social scientists have conducted extensive research on how individuals and communities respond to crises. Their findings offer valuable insights, including the role of cooperation and social bonds in survival scenarios. Autobiographical Accounts: Reading accounts written by individuals who have lived through wartime and societal collapse can provide a richer understanding of real-life conditions and the actions needed for survival.

By exploring these resources, you can better comprehend the dynamics of post-disaster scenarios and improve your preparedness strategies. Remember, preparation is key, but so is understanding the social and psychological aspects of survival.

Bottom Line: In local disasters, people generally pull together and help their neighbors until government authorities can step in. In long-term situations, the key to survival will be forming cooperative communities that share resources, skills, and support. May your efforts in preparation and cooperation lead to a brighter and more resilient future.