How sure are you that stores will open tomorrow?
Almost all businesses in the United States today use what is called a “just-in-time” delivery system. Basically, they know what the minimum amount of stock is that they need to have on hand until the next delivery. From a business point of view, it makes sense, because you don’t need to have department stores, refrigerators, and freezers at every location. As long as the trucks keep rolling, they won’t be left with nothing under normal circumstances. Everyone from your local grocery store to the largest Walmart uses this system. It works most of the time. But what works from a business point of view is not necessarily the best for the general public.
When the infrastructure that makes all merchandise arrives on time fails, store shelves empty very quickly. We have seen many examples of what happens when deliveries cannot be made due to winter storms. Not only can’t trucks make it to stores, but people panic before storms and go in and buy whatever they can, because they don’t have any food storage places to speak of. Take a look at the Chattanooga, TN news report on 1/14/11. Look on YouTube for a video titled “Empty Store Shelves After the Storm.”
Take a few minutes to search YouTube or Google and you will find many other examples of store shelves sold out because trucks failed to deliver to stores. Another great example was what happened after Hurricane Katrina. Many people suffered and some died because they were unable to obtain the supplies they needed. They had trucks lined up to deliver emergency supplies, but they couldn’t get through. Part of it was due to damage from the storm, and part of it was due to all travel to the area being stopped by law enforcement / government officials.
Almost everything we take for granted every day would disappear if something were to happen to this “just-in-time” delivery system. Not just food. Gas, medications, even the water that comes out of your tap could disappear quickly. Hospitals depend on the same system. Everybody does! This business model that is designed to save businesses (and ultimately consumers) money is definitely not designed in a way that ensures the safety of the general population. Most store shelves would be empty in 3 days if the delivery system stopped. Manufacturing would stop quickly. Even emergency services would not be available, if it lasted long.
Most people in America have no idea how fragile this system is and how dependent our nation is on it. Most people just assume that everything will always be as it has always been. I think if more people knew the truth, they would have much more interest in preparing and making sure they can take care of themselves and their families in case something bad happens. American Trucking Associations prepared a report for legislators and business leaders on this “just-in-time” delivery system and how important it is to our everyday lifestyles. I found links to the report on various websites, but the report has been removed. Draw your own conclusions as to why it is no longer available for the public to see.
You can read some excerpts from the report in an article written on April 2, 2012 on shtfplan.com. website. I will not rewrite what is written there, but I recommend that you read his article. I have known about this system for a long time and it has been one of my concerns as a possible issue to consider when making a preparation plan. But there were things in the article that I did not know and had not considered. It is worth reading. If you are not concerned, then you should not do anything to be more prepared.
I have seen stores (recently) with a lot of empty and almost empty shelves. And it was not at a time when there was bad weather or any kind of disaster. For whatever reason, the system just didn’t work right. They ran out of things. If it can happen when all is well, I can’t imagine how anyone could think that it can’t happen in the event of a disaster, a truckers strike, an EMP explosion, or some other cause.
Another thing you may not know: the United States government can shut down this entire system anytime it wants. You may want to refer to Executive Order 10999. In part, it says:
“SECTION 1. Scope. The Secretary of Commerce (hereinafter, the Secretary) will prepare national emergency plans and develop preparedness programs that cover: (emphasis added)
(a) Development and coordination of general policies, plans and procedures for the provision of centralized control of all modes of transport in case of emergency for the movement of passenger traffic and goods of all kindsand the determination of the appropriate contribution and allocation of the total civil transport capacity, or any part thereof, to satisfy essential civil and military needs in general.
(b) Federal emergency operational responsibilities with respect to: roads, paths, streets, bridges, tunnels and accessories; regulation of highway traffic; assignment of airlift aircraft for essential military and civil operations; ships for coastal and intercoastal use and maritime transport, ports and port facilities; and the San Lorenzo seaway; except those elements of each normally operated or controlled by the Department of Defense … “
Now I know that some of you may be thinking that Obama probably implemented the Executive Order. Guess again. That order was signed by John Kennedy on 2/16/62. So whenever they decide it’s an “emergency” they can just turn everything off. You may or may not like the current president and administration. I don’t care how you feel about it. But the idea that someone could shut down our entire nation at any moment just doesn’t sit well with me. It doesn’t matter how you feel about Obama, Bush, or whoever comes after. If they decide to declare “an emergency” for any reason, they can control everything.
The next time you stop for gas, go to the grocery store, or pick up a prescription, stop by and think about how fragile this system we depend on really is. What would you do if it stopped working? If you honestly believe that it is a fail-safe system and you have nothing to worry about, then you have a lot more faith than I do. Bad things happen to good people every day, through no fault of their own. These things happen. If you think it can’t happen to you, then all I can say is you’re right. You could bet your life!