One obvious thing that needs to be done before the next big disaster

[dsc]

Every person who benefits from what used to be called food stamps but is now called snap, should be given a one month emergency paper supply of food stamps that only work if there is a disaster. The benefits can be recovered by not refilling the card at a later month.

[gateley]

1. Excellent suggestion!

[dsc]

2. thanks

I actually remember paper food stamps from when I was a kid. We were on them for a time when I was a kid.

[JI7]

3. how will the paper stamps hold up ?

[dsc]

6. put them in a sealed bag

in the freezer and I think they would be fine.

[Honeycombe8]

4. Nah. People should just stockpile some processed foods for emergencies.

Start buying a can of this, a box of that, on sale, and over time, you'll have a box full, ready to put in the car and hit the road with.

[dsc]

5. and so many food stamp recipients have cars

[Honeycombe8]

11. Yes, they do. nt

[dsc]

13. not in NYC where even many middle class people don't

[nadinbrzezinski]

9. You do realize that many on SNAP

rely on public transportation right?

[Honeycombe8]

12. Then they'll need a duffle bag. But the OP wasn't talking about just food stamp recipients.

It said give out to everyone.

If you can't afford to stockpile or carry, you need to get to the Red Cross and Fema. That's what they're for.

[nadinbrzezinski]

14. Yeah, but it is the assumptions here

of course we have also people who have vehicles.

These are populations at risk, and in disasters truly at worst risk.

[Honeycombe8]

16. Yes. It's taken care of. We have Fema and the Red Cross and other organizations.

And then we have the responsibility of the people for themselves, to stockpile supplies, have emergency supplies, etc.

No need to give out "special stamps" in a disaster, on top of Fema and charitable organizations.

[GeorgeGist]

17. No. Read it again.

[Honeycombe8]

21. Oh, you're right. My bad. Never mind my statements. nt

[jody]

7. Please explain how a reserve supply of food stamps will help when shelves are bare? nt

[dsc]

10. there have been several stories of new yorkers who can't buy food at stores

since they depend on food stamps and the stores have no electricity. NPR had stories about it this morning to give one example.

[nadinbrzezinski]

15. Yeah, paper stamps should work in this case very well

suffice it to say, those folks this time will depend on MREs and shelters

[GeorgeGist]

18. They won't ...

please explain your objection.

[nadinbrzezinski]

8. Hole in plan, shelves will be bare

solution to this plan... they are only good when activated the moment a major alert is issued.



It is not a bad idea actually.

[Trailrider1951]

19. Oh, that's really a great idea! But if the EBT card cannot be used due to no electricity, there is

also the local food bank. If you need food for you and your children, please pay them a visit. And if you have extra canned goods and staples that you don't need after the storm, please consider donating them to your local food bank. When we all share, we all all share the love.

[lynne]

20. Not even cold hard cash makes a difference in a big disaster -

- because if it's truly a big disaster, chances are they can't get anywhere to buy anything. And - should they get there - it's quite likely that the shelves are bare.

The only thing that obviously matters is #1. getting out before the storm if you are in harms way and #2. being prepared with food and water to last at least a week.

The cold hard reality is that you are on your own in a big disaster. People can't get to you. You must be prepared and fend for yourself.