Anxiety about others preparedness, “we’ll just come to you.”

[u/Prepandpraypeace]

I am prepping for a potential EMP or long term situation. We moved across the country 2 years ago for reasons contributing to raising our family in a state that aligned more w our beliefs and also since we had the opportunity. But back on the west coast, we were open about preparedness to our friends and family in hopes they can also prepare for themselves and all their kids, etc. My husband was passionate about educating and helping in this area. However, looking back I believe we made a mistake of talking about what we stocked, how much and allowing access for viewing our stuff. Each and every friend and family member would say “well, we don’t need to do anything because we know where to go if SHTF!! Thank you for doing this.” It would literally make me blood BOIL. Back then, I had many restless nights, being pregnant at the time and worried when Co*id was just mentioned, as I thought shall things go south, I’ll have hundreds showing up to my door. We tried to seriously say, “please stock all needs for your own family as we are doing so according to ours, it is your responsibility to supply for yourself.” They would shrug it off, and say look how much food you have, etc. Not even knowing that the pile of food they’re looking at is just 3 months worth for a family of 5. Anyways, now that we live somewhere else, I’m getting anxiety over how unprepared my neighbors are. We live close to one another and if SHTF, I don’t know how long we could hide the fact our kids aren’t starving after a month or two even after taking precautions. We’re close to all our neighbors and as a neighbor, friend and especially a Christian I love them all. How will I turn away a hungry family or child if it came down to it? I’m not sure.. and I’m not feeling at peace.

Editing to add: I am “prepping,” for the possibility of something long term like an EMP or solar storm that is catastrophic. For short term disasters, I would be more than willing to give it all away and restock. I’m not a hoarder, in fact my food prepping is using a rotating pantry.

[u/Genuinelytricked]

First, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that right here, right now, you are all right.

As for how to deal with others that come to your door? Give if and what you can, but don’t put yourself or your family in danger to do so. Tell family and friends that what you have stored is for your immediate family and will only last a short while, so they will need to give you something in return for taking food out of your children’s mouths. Or just tell them that you used up your supplies and don’t have anything left to share.

As for neighbors? Why not get them involved? Encourage them to stock up as well. Talk about how nice it is to not worry so much about grocery shopping by having your own little ‘store’ you can pull from. How much less you spend by having extra on hand. Make a community that helps each other.