Flood supports need for preparedness.

COUNTRYSIDE: I agree some preparations are always needed for all the unexpected things that befall us nearly every day in life, i.e., ice and snow storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, not to mention lost wages due to illness, company downsizing, etc. I know most of this from experience. I live in North Carolina and last year we had what was called "the flood of the century," caused by two hurricanes back to back. Many people lost everything they owned, others lost their lives. Towns were without food, water, fuel deliveries, electricity and phone service for weeks. So we all need to be ready for life.

Now maybe the price of alternative energy products and other homesteading tools will decline a bit so the real homesteaders can afford them. -- James Chambers, 1116 Goose Rd. Ext., Robersonville, NC 27871