When “Doomsday Preppers” contacted me and asked if I would be willing to put my family on their show I was reluctant, but it was put up or shut up time. As a former police chief, I’ve written for years in my spare time (when I’m not building signals) about disaster preparedness and recovery, terrorism and business continuity for some of the most prestigious security, business and government oriented publications in the US; most of them on assignment. My emergency response book has sold over 160,000 copies globally to police, fire, the Secret Service, all branches of the military and government, and is used by numerous Fortune 500’s as an emergency SOP. How could I turn down the opportunity to preach preparedness to a national audience?
One concern I had was that they would do things like call our gateless property that has “welcome” signs hung about, a “compound”, or take other “dramatic license”. Granted, they did stage some scenes to “spice things up” but after all, it is TV and it is entertainment and quite frankly, preparing is boring.
We are not prepared for doomsday; I simply advocate being prepared for any type of crisis that might affect my family. Act of God or act of man, their safety is paramount. If people wish to put the survival of their loved ones in the hands of corrupt, dysfunctional, self-serving political and financial systems that has each taxpayer owing $135,732.00 (as of 2/11/12) that’s their right. Source http://www.usdebtclock.org/
Our preparedness has allowed us to ride out several snow storms and power outages without a hiccup. When a massive forest fire encroached, we took in families and livestock because we were prepared, not for doomsday, but for fire. Our grass was green and mowed, with a huge safety buffer and portable water tank, pump and hose. Those that didn't have basic disaster prep in the form of a defensible space fire plan lost their houses because it always happened to “someone else”.
As far as my kids go, they are taught skill for life, not disaster skills. Things like how to change their oil, starter, brake pads, how to do some basic wood and metal working so they can build things. My girls all know how to completely service their vehicles bumper to bumper because it saves money, helps insure that some unscrupulous mechanic won’t be able to take advantage of them, and might get them safely home if their car breaks down.
I am not a tree-bark eating, live-in-a cave type of guy. I simply believe in the Boy Scout motto, and feel that the onus of survival rests squarely on our shoulders. Look at all the people sitting on roofs post-Katrina that didn’t have the foresight to take food and water up there after they pooh-poohed numerous warnings to evacuate. We have a totally oblivious generation whose entire existence is “i” toys, worshipping vacuous celebrities and brawling over sneakers.
As far as security goes, there are no guarantees whatsoever in life so we will continue to simply keep an eye peeled and trust in God alone.
I’ve had some pretty wild things flung at me for being on the show, (and as a cop) but one thing about age is the older you get, the less you care about what other people think. If TSHTF and I weren’t prepared, I couldn’t face my family.
If anyone saw the show and realized that they should invest in some basic prepping, that’s great and it was worth it. A family that has a one or two month’s supply of food and water will be less of a burden (and a threat) on an already over-taxed emergency response system. If they want to take it further, good for them. For those of you that think we’re nuts, you’re absolutely entitled. Just be sure you enjoy the Kool Aid.
I can be reached at http://www.howtohandleacrisis.com
I've not watched the show and don't think I'll bother. I'm not far from being prepared for most eventualities.
I am a fellow police officer and have had the good fortune to serve all over the world including the United Kingodm, USA and currently Canada. In the UK I was involved in business continuity for a while, but more importantly (I feel) the management of critical and major incidents.
Let's get something clear from the off....the Canadian goverment/ municipality is NOT prepared to deal with a serious incident. I work in quiet a large city in Ontario and had the good fortune to speak with my chief on parade the other day in a question and answer type scenario. Not with any intent to trip up, I asked where I could find the P & P for high threat, low probability incidents, to be asked, "What's that?" From the chief??? Now most people reading this sentence would be able to work out what I was asking without much hesitation, but I had to explain. When I clarified my question it was answered, "We'll deal with it when it comes."
Now if you know ex/ current military or police you know we're very adaptable people and will work a way through, we always do, even when we put overselves in harm's way. However, as with Katrina if I feel my family are in danger I WILL NOT be going into work. (Think 1/3 of officers took off because they were scared? They were getting their families out of dodge). I will be staying home and protecting them or getting them in the truck and getting them someplace safe.
I suppose that's what prepping is about at the end of the day, preparing for the eventuality that our goverment may not be there in a time of need.
"I think that I am very reasonable therefore ......." ICRCC
I started watching the show out of curiosity... am now more than happy to consider myself "getting prepared"! Have begun to take it very serious and am getting my family into target practice, family meetings, prepping and knowing the MANY different types of emergencies we face. So whatever people think or may believe, hey, that is on them.... God is more than good and He will provide...but He also will do for those who do for themselves... nothing more than we can handle right?!
Thanks to you and all of the others who appeared on the show!!!
In His Love, David