(A letter to the editor we shared in the June issue of GunNews)…
Last month in GunNews, you covered emergency preparations for storm season as part of one of your speakers at a meeting.
Well, Mother Nature delivered a serious test last Thursday [June 11]. A major storm system ripped through my region of the state and others, spawning multiple tornadoes—including some that caused significant damage in places like Streator, Illinois.
Closer to my home, we saw widespread power outages, most likely from storms trashing power lines and problems at substations. Many thousands remain without electricity on the second day after the storm as I’m writing this.
Just like the SHTF books warn, a couple of days with widespread power outages and things start sliding in the wrong direction fast.
I went out to run a couple of quick errands this morning. Big mistake. What should have been a simple trip turned into a frustrating reminder of how fragile our normal routines really are.
In our area, only two gas stations had power and were open. One was completely out of regular unleaded. The other had a long line of cars snaking out into the street, with impatient drivers laying on their horns anytime someone tried to cut in. The “me first” syndrome was alive and well.
Traffic was even worse at major intersections. Many lights were either completely dark or flashing red. While most drivers behaved like civilized adults and took turns, there was always that one clown who couldn’t wait and barreled through, creating chaos and near-misses.
Bottom line: travel right now is more trouble than it’s worth. People really should stay close to home if they can, conserving fuel, and avoiding unnecessary trips.
These experiences are the best training we can get. Thank you for the information shared in GunNews. I read it to review the fundamentals. It also reminds me to test my stuff, including charging batteries and exercising my generator. Hopefully others read and implement the advice you give to keep their families safer. Stay safe out there.
Name withheld
Suburb withheld