Boredom

So often people talk about how they will be so busy if things get bad. For most (by number and likelihood) situations I could not disagree more. Think about it. In all but a genuine long term collapse Mad Max scenario you are not going to all of a sudden start producing your own food, “Gee there was a hurricane, I have to plant carrots in the back yard so we can eat tomorrow” doesn’t make any sense. You have food stashed away, already in production, can trade/ barter for it or you are SOL.



The next thing we think about are guard shifts. While some neighborhoods or individuals have decided to visibly guard their property/ neighborhood during riots and natural disasters this is probably the exception to the rule. While being armed and somewhat aware is a good thing you don’t need to have a 24 hour guard posted in the fighting position in front of your house because a lot of wind and rain damaged some stuff.



The cold hard reality is that most situations are boring. The power goes out so you don’t have TV/ Internet and in real bad situations local radio stations are down (immediately or as they run out of fuel for the gennies). For a normal situation like a power outage the answer is often to just hang out. Many people find this as a decent time to sit around and have a few drinks. There is a reason hurricane party is a common phrase. There isn’t a lot to do and often you can’t use vehicles because of implemental weather, roads blocked or just no place to go so why not. The only exception I can see to this is the case of a civil disturbance or some sort of elevated crime level. Normal neighborhood/ community/ area and a generic power outage, cook some dinner then have some drinks while playing cards or board games until you get tired. However if robbery and looting is going on I would substitute coffee or iced tea or just plain boring water for beer or booze. Of course a drink or two won’t hurt you but staying on your toes is probably wise.



Books, old fashioned board games and decks of cards are good ways to kill time but still be semi aware. Like I said before, for anything less than a completely insane situation sitting somewhat facing the front window and glancing up now and then is good unless you are a Korean Grocer in South Central during a riot.



Have grid down plans to entertain yourself both in common situations and somewhat more dangerous ones.