Operational Security, or OPSEC, is how you keep other people from knowing more about your plans than you want them to know. Folks, even if you DON'T have a years supply of ____ (fill in the blank), there are things about your lifestyle you don't want others to know about. Consequently, use some discretion. For instance...if you are standing in a checkout line with three carts full of food, bottled water, and ...of course...toilet paper, may I suggest that you discuss something BESIDES your preparations with the person next to you? If they ask, tell them you run a home for unwed mothers or something (not that it is any of their business). If someone sounds you out about how bad you think it will get, shrug and say "Who knows?" which is the truth. It does not pay to advertise. Thieves are not limited by or to Y2K.

-- Mr. Mike (mikeabn@aol.com), December 02, 1999

Answers

Funny that you urge caution. My brother and I went into Walmart just to see what was happening. We were looking at battery displays, food stocks, camping gear, etc. Were were quite impressed with Walmart's "catering" to the Y2Kist types like myself.

There was a gentleman in the camping section who was scrutinizing a 5 gallon water container. After a moment, I looked to him and said, "getting your Y2K gear ready, huh ?" He grinned and responded, "no, going on a hunting trip". I thought nothing more as it was the second day of rifle season here.

Five minutes later, I walked around the corner and saw him pushing a cart LOADED with gallon jugs of water and canned foods, along with an additional (2) 5 gallon Jerry cans for water. THAT changed my mind very quickly. He was either embarrassed at my question or just didn't think it any of my business (which I highly respect). Or, it was gonna be one loooooong hunting trip (grin).

Stay safe people, and keep a calm head about you.

-- Rob (maxovrdrv51@hotmail.com), December 02, 1999.

If you see a paunchy button down business type in the middle of the day scoping out dry food and water purification units in the camping section you can guess what's up. Take a browse by your local firearms store and you'll see more button down shirts and even some ties than the first ammendment t-shirt camo jacket types.

-- squid (Itsdark@down.here), December 02, 1999.

My bad, make that 2nd ammendment.

-- squid (Itsdark@down.here), December 03, 1999.