That one day

It can happen any day, when you least expect it. The folks in New Orleans found out it could happen on the morning of August 29, 2005. When the towers fell on September 11th, 2001, the people in New York discovered it could happen. That fateful day, the 5th of November, in Fort Hood, our soldiers discovered the worst can happen at any time, any place, the world as we know it can come crashing down around us. What will make the difference on that one day, be it natural disaster, terror attack, or the downfall of civilized man, is whether we are prepared. It can be argued perhaps, that one cannot prepare adequately prepare for the fall of civilization, or natural disaster. However, while having a good stash of food, and supplies may not mean we are fully prepared, it would certainly go a long way toward sustaining our lives. I have heard it argued that "if civilized society crumbles, I wouldn't want to survive". The greater truth here is timo mortis contrubat mae. The fear of death is within you. With our society crumbling, I doubt there would be mass suicide, more than likely, it will be mass panic. Of the people I know, none would simply lay down, and die. Thus, we must prepare. 
Imagine this. It is a lovely summer morning, a weekend maybe, and while everything is fine, there is that nagging little feeling that something is wrong. You have breakfast, clean up, and begin your plans for the day. While you are in the discount center, you notice people acting funny. They are wringing their hands obviously panicing, calling, texting, frantically running everywhere. Then from out of the blue, an announcement comes over the loudspeakers. Would everyone please exit the store by the most direct route. When you get out,  leaving all your prospective purchases where they were, as per instructions, you find out the reason for the announcement. Terrorists have attacked in several cities across the US, and martial law has been declared. All sales of food, and consumer goods has been suspended. Not to worry you tell yourself, we still have some food at home. Then you remember your asthma medicine, and the place where you get it is now behind locked doors. I'll get it somewhere else you think, only to find everything is closed, and you should have refilled it a few days ago. Rushing home, and turning on the news, you see pictures of the devastation. One city that was hit is a city you have relatives in, and long time friends, are they alive? Taking serious stock of the food in your cabinets, and fridge, you are feeling a little better about things when the power goes out. Part of your food supply is in the freezer, and the electic stove isn't going to work either. Of course the kids are scared, your spouse is scared, you're scared. What do we do? My laptop, you think, it has its own power supply, and surely you can find instructions on what to do on the net, right? Sorry, the power is out all over, and the net is down. The only information you're going to get is what you already have.
I hope this scares you. Then maybe you will understand the seriousness of preparing for the worst. Canned vegetables, canned meats, and dry foods, stored in containers, and put away will help you survive if that one day comes. You must also consider medications, security, and fuel supply. Can you cook food if the power grid goes down? If your family happens to be away from home, and you have to evacuate, would you know where to meet? One place to start is http://www.ready.gov/ . Your journey toward preparing can start here.