How To Help Our Fellow Human Being In Times of Crisis

Preppers tend to be inherently selfish. We spend all this time, energy and money to get these preps and learn the skills and knowledge necessary to be as prepared as we can for our loved ones. So why should we help others who have blatantly not prepped for hard times?

We’re all in this together.

Just because your neighbor, friend, relative, complete stranger, didn’t bother to prepare like you, doesn’t mean that we have to totally shun them.

This is especially important if we have disabled or elderly neighbors, friends, relatives.

Being kind doesn’t mean that you’re going to be taken advantage of, nor does it mean that you should always so freely give everything away.

In everyday life I’m kind to everyone I encounter, but I also have my spidey senses on, I’m well versed in self-defense tactics, situational awareness, etc. and won’t hesitate to switch gears as needed.

You know what sticks out during every crisis?

People coming together to help their fellow people.

I remember so vividly seeing the huge line of trucks pulling boats as they lined up to enter the Houston area during Hurricane Harvey. They were there to help and some had traveled quite a ways to get there.

There will always be people who take advantage of others. You should always be on your guard. But if living full time in an RV has taught me anything, it’s that we need to look out for each other.

Of course, you need to trust your instincts and help only when you’re able to, it’s safe to do so or feel that it’s right to do so. If you don’t feel that it’s right or you don’t have the necessary supplies, ability or means, then don’t. It’s ok to focus on protecting you and your loved ones.

Here are some ways we can help our fellow person in times of crisis:

Check in –

Do you have elderly grandparents, neighbors, friends? Maybe they would relish in a surprise visit from you? Make casual conversation, ask if they need anything and let them know that you’re there if they need anything.

If your grandparents live far away, pick up the phone and chat with them, I’m sure they would love to hear from you. If they need anything, you could order it and have it sent directly to their home.

Be friendly –

During times of crisis, we’re all a little stressed out. Instead of making the situation worse, allow someone to go in front of you. Smile and greet people as you pass by. Be polite, hold doors open, make a friendly comment as you pass by. If you see someone struggling and have the time to help, quickly assess how best you can help them.

I’ll never forget this one time I was at the grocery store with my toddler and newborn baby. I was struggling to put the cart away. A man came to me, put his on the cart and said, “I’ll take that for you.” That simple act of taking the cart really, honestly, truly lightened up my whole day. It was a small act of kindness, but it was exactly what I needed. Sometimes, a brief, small act of kindness is all someone needs.

I remember when we were off roading in Big Bend National Park and two older gentlemen on motorcycles were huddled within the shade of their bikes. It was an extremely hot day in the middle of the desert. We stopped and asked if they were okay (they did not look okay). Apparently they had been riding all day in the extreme heat. One of them had heat exhaustion. We got him into an AC filled Jeep, gave him some water and let him rest for as long as needed. The other gentleman went into the other AC filled Jeep and rested as well. I fear if they hadn’t received our help that they would have ended up in the hospital or worse.

Give –

Give a little, give a lot. The amount doesn’t matter. In fact, just the fact that you saw a need and decided to give is enough. I heard a fellow prepper give someone his hand sanitizer who was stressed out, unable to find any hand sanitizer in the stores. He had plenty, she had none. Giving that one hand sanitizer wasn’t going to hurt him one bit, but it was going to help her out a lot.

We saw a homeless couple with a dog on the street corner who were smiling and waving at everyone who passed by. We stopped by the gas station, grabbed a couple gatorades and a gallon of water and gave it to them. We’ve often done small acts like that, not for thanks or accolades, and this is the first time I’ve publicly talked about it. We do what we can when we can.

Giving can also come in the form of volunteering your time somewhere. Give away information to help others. Offer your services or skills. There are many ways we can give.

Listen –

Sometimes, people just need to vent, especially when they’re stressed or afraid. They don’t need solutions or actions, they just need to talk. Maybe you can be that person they talk to? Simply listening will help them get their fears out into the open and help them to realize the actions they need to take. If they do ask for advice, of course, offer it, if you’re able to. But mostly, people just want someone to talk to. Even if it’s through text form.

Make the conversation about them. Ask casual questions, don’t multitask and really hear and understand what they’re saying.

Everyone wants to be heard, especially during difficult times. Talking things out could completely change their perspective on life and the situation at hand. If you can, offer to be a lifeline for them. This could literally save someones life, especially if they feel trapped.

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Nobody is saying you have to be a hero all day everyday. Go big or small, sometimes the situation will dictate. Remain on guard at all times, but also remember that sometimes, all we need is a little compassion.