I’m going on a little rant today. Do you understand the difference between responding and reacting to disaster events? In some of the prepper groups I’m in on Facebook, I’ve noticed that people are making fun of people who ran out to prep for the “non-event” port strike. This is a good time to discuss the difference between responding and reacting.

Many people were relieved to learn that the port strike has been delayed until January 2025. Hopefully, they will come to an amicable agreement between now and then, but if they don’t, we should just keep prepping. After all, this is why we prep. We want to be prepared when things like this happen so we don’t have to panic or worry.

Do You Respond or React to Potential Threats?

When we think we may not be able to get certain things we are low on, going out and getting those items is smart, not overreacting. For example, getting some extra bananas, which we can all survive without but enjoy having nonetheless, is responding to a potential threat to our security or lifestyle. Bananas are shipped into our country, and in the event of a port strike, we may not be able to get them. Those we can get may be insanely priced.

We may even buy a lot of bananas to freeze for baking. With the holidays just around the corner, this is a reasonable response to a potential port strike that could temporarily eliminate bananas from our diets.

In contrast, reacting, or in most cases, overreacting, involves people rushing out and buying five years’ worth of toilet paper, even though toilet paper is produced here in the US. Even in the event of a port strike, we will have access to this commodity.

This reaction of panic buying starts a dangerous domino effect that creates shortages, creating more panic and more panic buying. Eventually, prices skyrocket, which creates more worry, and manufacturers struggle to meet the unreasonable demand.

Do you see the difference?

Stop the Shaming

In the days before the strike, I saw post after post asking what would be smart to stock up on. I also saw comment after comment of people shaming the poster, and today’s posts basically told people they were silly to worry.

This ignores a couple of key facts:

1. Not everyone is in the same place in their preparedness journey.

2. These are the kinds of things we are prepping for, so when you make fun of them for asking questions and getting what they need, you’re essentially telling them there is no reason to prep at all.

So why are you in a prepping group if you think it’s pointless to prep?

Help Others to Help Themselves

When people respond (or even react) to potential disaster situations, we need to understand that they may still be learning. It’s our responsibility to answer questions and calm fears. If we don’t help people just starting out, we may find them at our doors in a disaster because they don’t have what they need.

I often see people saying they don’t care; they prepare to take care of their own families and won’t help others if the SHTF. To those people, I say there will be plenty for everyone if we help each other now. Help others learn and get ready so they can take care of their own when the time comes.

If you don’t want to help now, you may be forced to help later, and while some may feel adequately prepared to defend their homes and property, why not eliminate the need as much as possible? Help your neighbors and community (including Facebook communities) now, and you’ll have an entire support system later when you need it most.