My Family are zombies!

[18thRegiment]

I try my very best to educate and teach my family in being prepared. Not only in being prepared but making it a lifestyle. Instead they make fun of me ,and mock me, and the worst thing a person can ever ever tell someone like me. ( That's never going to happen here) They look at me like i'm a paranoid person. Don't know what eles to do. I'm officially certifying my family (ZOMBIES) any suggestions?

[airballrad]

Well it's not the fastest way, but my strategy has been being ready for when bad things happen. When the power goes out, I have lights. When the water stops, I have some stored up. Short on groceries? I have some stashed. My wife still makes fun of me sometimes, but she no longer complains when I pick up a little extra here or a new gadget there. Heck, I even got a new generator recently at her request.

[18thRegiment]

Well it's not the fastest way, but my strategy has been being ready for when bad things happen. When the power goes out, I have lights. When the water stops, I have some stored up. Short on groceries? I have some stashed. My wife still makes fun of me sometimes, but she no longer complains when I pick up a little extra here or a new gadget there. Heck, I even got a new generator recently at her request.

Yea my wife also made fun of me,but i'm very happy to say my wife has converted to zombiehunterism...lol

[Phoenix David]

Have you thought of a trade in? Perhaps new models with less millage and better accessories?

[Doctorr Fabulous]

I try my very best to educate and teach my family in being prepared. Not only in being prepared but making it a lifestyle. Instead they make fun of me ,and mock me, and the worst thing a person can ever ever tell someone like me. ( That's never going to happen here) They look at me like i'm a paranoid person. Don't know what eles to do. I'm officially certifying my family (ZOMBIES) any suggestions?

Negative ghostrider, we do not downgrade people like this. They are still people, and are still viable humans. people, sheep, and "zombies" are not acceptable names for humans. Remember that above all we are a charity organization and that we have a "face" to keep up.

If all else fails, do what I did. Trade 'em in for a new family and make it clear that your house is NOT their bug out plan. Eventually, they might catch on (mine did) and start prepping, at least a little bit.

[18thRegiment]

I try my very best to educate and teach my family in being prepared. Not only in being prepared but making it a lifestyle. Instead they make fun of me ,and mock me, and the worst thing a person can ever ever tell someone like me. ( That's never going to happen here) They look at me like i'm a paranoid person. Don't know what eles to do. I'm officially certifying my family (ZOMBIES) any suggestions?

Negative ghostrider, we do not downgrade people like this. They are still people, and are still viable humans. people, sheep, and "zombies" are not acceptable names for humans. Remember that above all we are a charity organization and that we have a "face" to keep up.

If all else fails, do what I did. Trade 'em in for a new family and make it clear that your house is NOT their bug out plan. Eventually, they might catch on (mine did) and start prepping, at least a little bit.

Yes indeed, But my termanology and interpretation of the term of (zombie) is very different from what a lot of people on this site use it, but they are my family so I will call them what I want. But getting back to the subject...Just want them to be more prepared for anything. Dont want them to be just another statistic.

[Doctorr Fabulous]

Boss, my post was based on ZS policy as this is a ZS forum. Not trying to start a fight here, just trying to keep the thread ZS kosher.

That said, what kind of tips are you looking for? Who are you trying to approach about this? Some members have had an easier time approaching their significant other under the guise of "stocking up food means we can buy bulk and get better deals!" Your original post seems a little vague, and it's hard to post suggestions when we don't know who the target audience is.

[18thRegiment]

Boss, my post was based on ZS policy as this is a ZS forum. Not trying to start a fight here, just trying to keep the thread ZS kosher.

That said, what kind of tips are you looking for? Who are you trying to approach about this? Some members have had an easier time approaching their significant other under the guise of "stocking up food means we can buy bulk and get better deals!" Your original post seems a little vague, and it's hard to post suggestions when we don't know who the target audience is.

Haha....There's no fight here. You just came off like your typical forum hall monitor. Which is really annoying to say the least! But I dont think thats what you do, but if thats what you do. I respectfully ask you to leave my postings to people that will help me. I dont need a forum hall monitor. Lets shake hands from one soldier to another! Back to the subject!..lol..Now you said (hard to post suggestions when we don't know who the target audience is) Heres my first posting.

I try my very best to educate and teach my (family) in being prepared. Not only in being prepared but making it a lifestyle. Instead they make fun of me ,and mock me, and the worst thing a person can ever ever tell someone like me. ( That's never going to happen here) They look at me like i'm a paranoid person. Don't know what eles to do. I'm officially certifying my family (ZOMBIES) any suggestions?

So im talking about my family. I try to teach them that its important to be prepared,but they just laugh at me. So I was asking if anybody have or had the same problem! If they did...What did they do? Thats all I wanted to know.

[Regular Guy]

My suggestion is to just start preparing your self for your family. If you are the one planning, just do it. Don't try to convert. First time a disaster comes up, they'll get it.

[airballrad]

Yeah, what he said. ^^^^^^^^^

[nathat]

Go cut off the power and water for a day, let them see how unprepared they are .

[silversnake]

I'll try to give a bit of advice. First, it depends on who you mean by "my family". If you mean your immediate nuclear family (spouse/partner and children) it's a lot different than if you're talking about extended family such as aunts/uncles, parents, grandparents, or in-laws.

For me, I started with my immediate nuclear family with simple stuff. No one needs to be convinced that changing the batteries on the smoke detectors every six months is a good thing, nor do they need much persuasion on keeping a first aid kid and a couple of flashlights handy in the house. However, it's important to be visible about doing these things and clear that you're doing these things to be prepared for life's little emergencies. The next step up is the small talk about "we really should have a second fire extinguisher in the house"and "we should stock our pantry more thoroughly so I'm not stopping at the grocery store every other day". After that, it's a short move on to "the CDC recommends that we have a few days worth of food and water stored up for emergencies and winter storms are just a couple months away so I think I'll do a couple double shopping trips, what do you think?" From there, I moved to a deliberate discussion of the "what if" of losing power in the middle of winter due to an ice storm. That convinced my wife that we should put aside a bit of money during the summer that added up to enough to buy a kerosene heater and a Coleman propane camp stove. Now currently setting aside for a generator further down the line, but not as much of a worry as we live in a suburb with good utilities.

Fortunately, I've never had to justify my purchasing of little gadgets (except the Leatherman that drew a "why didn't you get one for me too?" from my wife) and we're both into nature and energy conservation so we both agree on eventual solar panels/wind turbine and getting more/better camping gear. Even before we get to the major investments of alternative energy and a generator, we've got the most common preparedness stuff covered. Though, I admit that it may be a while before we work our way up to 50-gallon barrels of water storage and vacuum packed grain stores. But, I have started an interest in canning some of the stuff from our little backyard garden next year.


For more distant relatives, it's probably a bit harder and I'm fortunate in not having had to deal with that. My parents live in the land of hurricanes so they are already prepared for those and her parents were already reasonably self-sufficient long before I had ever heard of the term.


Last note, not trying to play forum hall monitor or anything, but you probably should brace for an incoming PM from a moderator over the post title as it does break the forum's rules and social norms. Kind of like I use a lot of NC-17 language at home but I can't use it at work or type it here to start a good political debate or something. Otherwise, welcome to the forums and good luck working with your family. You'll find a wealth of practical information and insight here, I know I did.

[Jeriah]

My advice is to stop trying to convince them, but keep on prepping. Then one day, Sally needs TP or Bobby needs some AA batteries, and you've got just what they need...because you bought it, stashed it, and had it when needed. Things like this go a long way towards convincing some people of the need to prepare.

[nathat]

My advice is to stop trying to convince them, but keep on prepping. Then one day, Sally needs TP or Bobby needs some AA batteries, and you've got just what they need...because you bought it, stashed it, and had it when needed. Things like this go a long way towards convincing some people of the need to prepare.

or goes a long way towards dependancy and the realization that "someone will take care of me." I know it's family, but it's still not a good habit to teach.

[18thRegiment]

My suggestion is to just start preparing your self for your family. If you are the one planning, just do it. Don't try to convert. First time a disaster comes up, they'll get it.

Yea Ummmm remember the last disaster the north east had? Yea we had it in connecticut. You would think that would have done it! NOPE! I dont have the money to buy enough resources for my lazy family..lol

[18thRegiment]

Go cut off the power and water for a day, let them see how unprepared they are .

hahahaha...good ideal!

[18thRegiment]

I'll try to give a bit of advice. First, it depends on who you mean by "my family". If you mean your immediate nuclear family (spouse/partner and children) it's a lot different than if you're talking about extended family such as aunts/uncles, parents, grandparents, or in-laws.

For me, I started with my immediate nuclear family with simple stuff. No one needs to be convinced that changing the batteries on the smoke detectors every six months is a good thing, nor do they need much persuasion on keeping a first aid kid and a couple of flashlights handy in the house. However, it's important to be visible about doing these things and clear that you're doing these things to be prepared for life's little emergencies. The next step up is the small talk about "we really should have a second fire extinguisher in the house"and "we should stock our pantry more thoroughly so I'm not stopping at the grocery store every other day". After that, it's a short move on to "the CDC recommends that we have a few days worth of food and water stored up for emergencies and winter storms are just a couple months away so I think I'll do a couple double shopping trips, what do you think?" From there, I moved to a deliberate discussion of the "what if" of losing power in the middle of winter due to an ice storm. That convinced my wife that we should put aside a bit of money during the summer that added up to enough to buy a kerosene heater and a Coleman propane camp stove. Now currently setting aside for a generator further down the line, but not as much of a worry as we live in a suburb with good utilities.

Fortunately, I've never had to justify my purchasing of little gadgets (except the Leatherman that drew a "why didn't you get one for me too?" from my wife) and we're both into nature and energy conservation so we both agree on eventual solar panels/wind turbine and getting more/better camping gear. Even before we get to the major investments of alternative energy and a generator, we've got the most common preparedness stuff covered. Though, I admit that it may be a while before we work our way up to 50-gallon barrels of water storage and vacuum packed grain stores. But, I have started an interest in canning some of the stuff from our little backyard garden next year.


For more distant relatives, it's probably a bit harder and I'm fortunate in not having had to deal with that. My parents live in the land of hurricanes so they are already prepared for those and her parents were already reasonably self-sufficient long before I had ever heard of the term.


Last note, not trying to play forum hall monitor or anything, but you probably should brace for an incoming PM from a moderator over the post title as it does break the forum's rules and social norms. Kind of like I use a lot of NC-17 language at home but I can't use it at work or type it here to start a good political debate or something. Otherwise, welcome to the forums and good luck working with your family. You'll find a wealth of practical information and insight here, I know I did.

wow! thank you! for everything!

[ferretrodeo]

Keep prepping for yourself. I've learned that some will do nothing but mock and keep thinking all will be right or the gov will provide. All you need to do is look at Katrina. I am blessed with a family that thinks like me. I would quit bringing it up with your family though. Seems they are set in their ways. Op sec and all that.

[funkychicken]

OP I have the same problem as you. The wife was the same way because I bought 25 lbs each of beans and rice. When she asked why I told her that when packaged right it is shelf stable for 25-30 years and it would be a good thing to have in case of an extended emergency. She thought I was paranoid. She even made an embaracing comment about it at a party at our house with friends over. Something to the tune of, "Yeah, were covered if the world ends because Bobby bought 25 lbs of beans and rice." I got laughed at by an acquantance. He said,"what good is beans and rice?" Being that beans and rice wasn't the only prep, I just said,"This life boat is full, so find another, bud!" I thought it was kind of shitty for the wife to make light of my preps for our family for a disaster. I told her that she could dislike it all she wanted but don't throw it in my face like she did. Slowly but surely she has come around. She doesn't see it the way she had before. Personally I don't care if anyone thinks I am a nut bar for prepping. I'm prepped and will continue to buy prepps for the family weather she like it or not. There is always the plus of "I told you so" gratification if something does happen.

[Chantrea]

Haha....There's no fight here. You just came off like your typical forum hall monitor. Which is really annoying to say the least! But I dont think thats what you do, but if thats what you do. I respectfully ask you to leave my postings to people that will help me. I dont need a forum hall monitor. Lets shake hands from one soldier to another! Back to the subject!..lol..Now you said (hard to post suggestions when we don't know who the target audience is) Heres my first posting.

Okay, so *I* am a "forum hall monitor" here. People are more likely to take the time to respond to you when you are polite vs. acting like a tool. When you perceive someone treats you like an idiot or tells you you better (don't) do something, it kinda automatically makes you want to dig in your heels and tell them to MYOB, doesn't it? Keep that in mind when you're talking to your family. People in general don't react very favorably to people who look down their nose at them, and nobody hides their feelings of disdain as well as they think they do (in other words, your family probably has gotten the impression that you think they're subhuman idiots that you've written off, or something to that effect, even if you think that you're hiding it behind a desire to "educate".)

It also is helpful to give a little more information. Who are the family members that are mocking you/you are most concerned about helping? The advice will be different for parents/partner/adult children. Is there any pressing need for you to "convince" them right now, or are you capable of preparing by yourself? Sometimes, especially when you've already set up a bad dynamic (they think you're a joke, you've nagged them too much, you've reacted badly to perceived criticism) it will take time and patience and discipline (to not nag/pester) to correct that situation. I think most preppers have been there, especially when we are Born Again Preppers who Must Impress Upon Everyone How ZOMG IMPORTANT THIS IS!!!!. Do you care about the people who are mocking you? If you don't, then just forget about them. Concentrate on the people that you DO actually care about, and that you'll most realistically be able to have impact on. The truth is, some people are not going to respect prepping. Oh well. Don't waste your time and energy on people that you don't particularly care for either.

How do these people in your life respond best? Humor? Understanding? Leading by example rather than your vocal chords? I've seen a lot of people talk a good game about prepping (to a boring degree), yet there is no evidence of their own preparedness for those who know them. I've also seen people turn into major nags about it, or piss off their significant others because they are spending money hand over fist for "survival gear" without including or justifying it to the family budget. Sometimes people do it without even realizing they're doing it (this is easy to do, I've been there myself).

Welcome to ZS. Glad to see people are responding kindly to you. But yes, really, you may NOT call people people or other dehumanizing names here, regardless of whether or not they're related to you. It's not the atmosphere that we encourage at ZS, and the reason why the forums are moderated is so that we can keep conversations (mostly) on track despite the frustrations and snarkiness that is kind of inherent in being a prepper (IMO). If you have any further questions about the rules of the forum, please feel free to PM me at any time.

[stonecutter2]

Being someone that's starting to prep, I can understand where you're coming from somewhat.

My thoughts are that you're quite excited and interested in this subject - others might not be, and as such they might mistake or write off your enthusiasm as paranoia. Especially if you start buying anything and everything you can.

Don't let your family upset you, just throttle down any planning rhetoric and instead spend your energy finding cost effective ways of prepping. Do a lot more thinking about things. What would i do if....etc.

I'm a "floor monitor" at work - if there's a fire, or a tornado, or whatever, i put on a yellow cap and vest and tell people what to do/where to go. This means that I keep an eye on exit paths and stuff more than others - and I also talk to the folks in my area about emergency procedures. And guess what - i get a lot of blank stares, or smirks, or whatever when i start talking about evacuations and procedures. I never comment on them. I try to act cool, and nonchalant about it. But, I keep one thing in mind - people doing what I do saved a lot of lives on 9/11. Regular office workers who knew where the exits were in offices filled with smoke. People who told others what they had to do. People who had useful handy random things like flashlights, hankerchiefs, pocket knives, and bottled water made enormous differences in the outcome.

Upon a terrible storm bearing down on our office sometime back, we were ordered to follow storm procedures. A lot of people did as they were told, followed instructions told to them previously...and some folks still came to me and said "what do i do? Where do i go?" I calmly and firmly told them to head down the stairwell into the basement. I would never chastise them for having not paid attention earlier, never. Why? Because it is not in some people's nature to think ahead and plan for "what ifs." That is why we do what we do. We think through these situations before hand to try and be prepared when the time comes.

But, when the time comes, they need your help if you've prepared and they're someone you wish to help. A disaster or emergency situation is not a time to say i told you so, or i've tried to tell you - it's time for you to react with how you've prepared.

It may take some minor incident (and hopefully nothing major) for them to realize your preparations helped - but start small, think a lot, read a lot, and keep at it.

[sczombiekiller]

Wow when I saw this group on the History Channel my wife told me too find out about it. Now I am the survival person in the family but she thought that it was a good idea to be ready for anything. I would say that if she did not want to be part of it I would go on without her.


"All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream." Edgar Allan Poe

[18thRegiment]

OP I have the same problem as you. The wife was the same way because I bought 25 lbs each of beans and rice. When she asked why I told her that when packaged right it is shelf stable for 25-30 years and it would be a good thing to have in case of an extended emergency. She thought I was paranoid. She even made an embaracing comment about it at a party at our house with friends over. Something to the tune of, "Yeah, were covered if the world ends because Bobby bought 25 lbs of beans and rice." I got laughed at by an acquantance. He said,"what good is beans and rice?" Being that beans and rice wasn't the only prep, I just said,"This life boat is full, so find another, bud!" I thought it was kind of shitty for the wife to make light of my preps for our family for a disaster. I told her that she could dislike it all she wanted but don't throw it in my face like she did. Slowly but surely she has come around. She doesn't see it the way she had before. Personally I don't care if anyone thinks I am a nut bar for prepping. I'm prepped and will continue to buy prepps for the family weather she like it or not. There is always the plus of "I told you so" gratification if something does happen.

yea I had the same issue that you had!!!! Glad to see im not alone! But I can say that my wife is on the same page now! But damn that was cold when she blew your spot up at the party!..lol Love the life boat thing!..Gotta use that one!..lol

[tiiijaaa]

This is my very first post. I just joined after seeing this organization on TV. I feel like I just found home. Problem...my wife also thinks I'm nuts for preparing. If I even mention that she might want to do something with her 401k, she goes ballistic. I'm afraid she's going to lose it all, but have resigned myself to the fact that it's her money and there's nothing I can do about it. Anybody here have any suggestions, or should I just leave it alone. I also would like to know if there are others here who live in the upstate NY area. I'm near Syracuse. Just feel like I'm the only one I know who knows what I know...did I just say that???