Don't Go It Alone...Invite Your Neighbors

It's amusing to watch all of the "prepper" shows on TV that expound the virtues of self-reliance and survival during an societal implosion.  You can go it alone, or shelter in place with your family, but I propose that you build a much stronger solution with your neighbors.  This doesn't just work for the end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it scenarios, but it can be a valuable force multiplier in stopping burglars, home invaders, and common everyday hoodlums.

Step 1:  Get to know your neighbors

In order to build a team, you have to know your players.  In my neighborhood I have retirees, medical professionals (a HUGE benefit in an emergency), engineers and homemakers.  Each person may have something to contribute in a crisis.  Even if a person can't move around, they can be excellent lookouts and coordinators for the group.  Be fully aware that not everyone has the same ideals or political values, so it may take some work on your part to get them prepared for a crisis.  We live in a hurricane zone, so I tend to discuss storm preparedness more, and doomsday scenarios less.

Step 2:  Communications

Almost everyone owns a cell phone.  During an emergency, however, they can be rendered useless if the towers are damaged or the switching network is overwhelmed by a disaster.  During 9/11, voice calls ground to a halt, and text messaging was barely useable.  Capacity and quality have improved since the last decade, but you need to have some alternatives.

CB radio:  Limited range, but widely monitored by truckers.  Mobile radios work OK, but handheld versions tend to be bulky and go through batteries very quickly.  It's not the most family friendly environment.

FRS/GMRS:  The handheld versions of these radios are popular and can be purchased at most any department or sporting goods store.  Don't believe the claims on the packaging -- in your neighborhood, you may only get a one or two mile range.  The Family Radio Service doesn't require a licence and you will likely find someone talking on a channel in most cities or neighborhoods.  The General Mobile Radio Service does require a license, but you can run much higher power mobile radios and you may even find a repeater system that let's you talk for over 20 miles.  If you want to setup a local communications group in your neighborhood and practice disaster drills, these radios might be your best option.

Ham Radio:  Amateur Radio is by far, the most versatile communications platform in an emergency.  You can study online and test with a local ham club to get your Technician license.  This will give you the capability to use a handheld or mobile radio to communicate locally via repeater systems.  These repeaters may cover a city, county, or may even be linked across a large geographic area.  If you upgrade to a General license, you get access to the HF (high frequency) bands that expand your communication range to other amateurs world-wide.   I am licensed, and my two childen got their licenses before they hit their teens.  I'm working on getting my neighbors licensed so we can share in the benefits.  Teach them how to join weekly "nets" and build your skills together. 

Step 3:  Take them to the Gun Range

The single best way to get to know your neighbor is to take them to the range and teach them how to shoot.  You might just create another gun aficionado!  When the excrement hits the oscillator, having a neighbor that can provide mutual security for you and your family is priceless.  I have converted many who were adamantly anti-gun into frequent shooters by taking the time to explain the responsibilities and rewards of gun ownership.  The most effective way to win them over is by training one-on-one.  They will ask more questions, and you will have more productive conversations.  Be sure to "buy the first round" and pay their way on the first visit, even if it's just a box of .22's.  Many of my neighbors ended up taking my Concealed Handgun course and getting licensed to carry.

Step 4:  Keep Your Group Small and Manageable

Too many members lends to apathy and dissent.  If a catastrophe strikes, you don't want to find that a neighbor isn't pulling their own weight and draining resources.  By frequently re-evaluating your core group, you can identify and replace any weak links.  True friends are willing to help even if there is nothing for them to gain.  Don't disclose EVERY resource that you have available so you want become a target for theft or burglary.  If you are sitting on a huge stash of food, bragging about it may cause others to rely on you and not build up their own rations.

In conclusion, I want to point out that humans have historically survived in groups.  For better or worse, we will have to deal with other humans in any apocalyptic scenario.  Better to choose, build, and prepare that group now rather than have it forced upon you in the future. 

Best of luck on your preparations!