You are the problem

Sunday morning (July 20), we got an alert from the sheriff’s office saying that the water in Port Angeles should not be used for consumption.

This was due to fuel contamination from the tanker truck that wrecked and spilled fuel into Indian Creek.

I happened to be going to Walmart in both Port Angeles and Sequim as well as Costco.

What I witnessed was amazing.

People immediately upon learning of a perceived shortage began hoarding water.

People were buying cartloads full, in some cases multiple cartloads.

This mentality of people having to get all they can during a perceived shortage is why the shortage is exacerbated.

You should already have a little water on hand.

A couple cases just for normal use would be prudent.

It doesn’t keep forever in plastic bottles so as you use them just buy another case now and then.

Right now there are people with enough to fill a pickup, all bought on Sunday.

The funny thing is, the unsafe for consumption order was lifted Sunday evening.

If you hoarded water during this temporary “crisis,” I hope you feel silly.

You are the problem.

You should take this as a lesson to actually be prepared.

Have a plan. Stock up a little food and water for actual emergencies.

Don’t go crazy. Just be ready.

If our grocery stores suddenly couldn’t get shipments, after witnessing the insanity Sunday, our shelves would be empty in one day, with some people hoarding and those who don’t, and are unprepared, going without.

The selfishness of people last (week) amazed me, and one of my favorite sayings whenever something bad happens is that it was caused by “stupid people doing stupid things.”

The ability of people to continue to reach new lows is a sad commentary of our society.

Mark A. White

Port Angeles