After considering the possibility of moving to a small town, I am aware that it means little if a large town is located anywhere near it. Also to consider a move to the middle of nowhere is to take chances with your security and also hinder access to facilities you might need. So after all this I think that move to populated island might be the answer. I'm talking about somewhere with schools, stores, banks, etc. It seems to me that if the worst happens, people will be fanning out all over the country, in search of what they need to survive. Would they go to the trouble of finding a boat to search out new horizens? Only problem I can see with this is ferries having enough fuel to shuttle people for additional supplies. I just think overall increase in security and sense of community in these places make the choice obvious. Can anyone think of downside?

-- Gia (Laureltree7@hotmail.com), May 30, 1999

Answers

Inbred natives,hurricanes and tsunamis. Have you ever had a really bad attack of sand fleas?

-- Barb (awaltrip@telepath.com), May 30, 1999.

I love a good, terse statement! I would use 'typhoon' with tsunami instead of hurricane.

Not a meteorologist,

-- Bingo1 (howe9@pop.shentel.net), May 30, 1999.

To clarify; I was thinkin' along the lines of northeast islands. I can picture the weather being an issue there too. Yes, I've had sand fleas after me in the Caymans. They're nasty little things.

-- Gia (Laureltree7@hotmail.com), May 30, 1999.

Sooner or later the pirates will find you.

-- dave (wootendave@hotmail.com), May 30, 1999.

There will be no where to run and no where to hide....Dave W. is correct. Try to focus on how to be a source of strength and support. If Y2K tanks everything as Infomagic and others think it might...then the party is over, and if they are hungry, they will expect you to feed them. come to think of it, and island might not be a bad idea...exactly what island were you planning to maroon yourself on? Gilligan's? and if so, are you the movie star?

-- rick shade (Rickoshade@aol.com), May 31, 1999.

Dear Gia,

We are actually going to do just that this Autumn.Not just because of Y2K.Its been in the works for nearly 4 years now.

The downside.Resources both tangible & intellectual are governed by what is already there on the Island.In other words they are finite.If a hurricane or really bad weather or disease hits, the rest of the world may not be able to come to your aid.If you die you die simple as that.

Professional facilities,doctors/dentists/lawyers etc may not be of the same standard as on the mainland. The upside.More space & nearly everyone knows everyone else.Islanders tend to have a long history of working together during times of crisis.They also have a more phlegmatic approach to disasters & shortages.

A word of caution.Some people find that Island living can be very claustrophbic.You also need to check out what is available in the Island shops.It's no good having the latest gizmo if they don't stock replacement parts for that make on - island.

If you are going to move do it before end December.Island ferries carry freight as well as passengers !

-- Chris (griffen@globalnet.co.uk), May 31, 1999.

I live on an island approx.5x9miles area. When we moved here 20 years ago it was just what you described. Small communities located along the shore, one store (dependent on deliveries from the mainland), lights and phones (dependent on lines from the mainland), and everyone knew everyone else. In the past 5 years developers have made a fortune putting in golf courses, multihome structures,Blockbuster video, movie theatres, 24hour pharmacies,restaurants. Know what ? ? ? It changed more than the landscape. The people it drew in are stupid! When y2k is mentioned they cannot relate because they are more concerned with their golf club membership,cocktail parties and impressing the local officials. They are going to be hungry and thirsty real soon and I plan to bug out to my farm at the first sign of touble. Wealthy hungry people are not my idea of good, stable neighbors! Just my perspective...Good luck and may God bless.

-- (allsweet@rocketmail.com), May 31, 1999.

small towns are great...if you're status quo.small towns can be murder on creative,non-conformist,non-christian types.intolerance can be the way in small towns.and if someone doesn't fit in,they'll be hassled/beat-up/ostricised with the attitude that "they're justasking for it",and then you have fed up kids coming to school with guns.great if you fit in,though.

-- zoobie (zoobiezoob@yahoo.com), May 31, 1999.

Great answers one and all, thanks. The thought that they may be even less prepared than those around me does give me pause. Will have to dwell on this a bit longer...but not much!

-- Gia (Laureltree7@hotmail.com), May 31, 1999.