In times of peace, it’s easy to think of your neighbors as friendly faces. However, when disaster strikes, the true nature of people will quickly emerge. And it won’t be nice at all unless you are prepared. Being prepared means not only having a stockpile of essentials but also being aware of the potential threats around you and your family.
This includes your neighbors. Some people might see your preparedness as an opportunity for themselves, or worse, turn you into the authorities or gossip about your preps causing more risks for you when a SHTF scenario comes. Let’s look at some subtle signs that your neighbor might turn into a problem when things get tough.
The Too-Curious Type
It’s normal to chat with your neighbors about everyday life, but if one of them frequently asks specific questions about your supplies, food storage, or security measures, it could be a red flag. They might seem interested in your hobbies or how you’re spending your money, but in reality, they’re probing for information about how prepared you are.
What to watch for
- Frequent, pointed questions about your pantry or emergency preparations.
- Casually bringing up your stockpile in conversations more than once.
- “Innocent” questions about where you buy supplies or how much you have on hand.
Related: This Is Why You Should Watch Your Neighbors Carefully
While some people are just curious, a neighbor who is overly inquisitive about your prepping could be planning to rely on you in a crisis—or worse, they might be looking for a way to take what you’ve worked hard to gather.
The Nosy Neighbor
We all have neighbors who seem to be aware of every move we make, but when it comes to prepping, a nosy neighbor can be a real concern. This type of person watches your home closely and knows when you come and go. They might even make comments about deliveries to your house or packages left on your porch. If you notice someone paying too much attention to your behavior, they might be piecing together a mental map of what you have stocked.
What to watch for
- Noticing when you’re unloading bulk items or making frequent trips with supplies.
- Comments like, “You sure do get a lot of deliveries,” or “Looks like you’re stocking up for something.”
- Peeking through windows or around fences to catch a glimpse of your property.
Crisis situations can put extreme pressure on those who aren’t prepared to handle them — people like your nosy neighbor. So when SHTF, there’s a very real chance he’ll panic and come begging for supplies… or worse, force his way onto your property. But the danger doesn’t stop there. There’s an even bigger threat.
When SHTF, that curious neighbor will definitely start talking. He could tell others where you’ve hidden your supplies. Maybe his family. Maybe his friends. Maybe even the authorities you were hoping to keep far away from your precious resources. If even one neighbor knows your secrets, you’re exposed.
The scale of that risk is massive. Leaving things to chance is a potentially fatal decision for you and your family. So what can you do? Pay close attention to what your neighbor says when you talk. Especially what he asks. Through the Home Defense Academy, I learned that there are THESE 3 specific questions problematic neighbors are likely to ask. If you hear even one of them, consider it a huge red flag.
Keep in mind that it’s not just about your stockpile. Your neighbor might also know far more than you think — about your property, your weak spots, your access points, or any valuable items you keep around. The threat is real. It’s serious. And you have a responsibility to prepare for it. That same resource also taught me exactly how you can ‘Neighbor-Proof’ your property in no time!
Don’t count on luck. Don’t rely on trust. It might get you in deadly trouble.
The Gossip
In normal times, a gossiping neighbor can be annoying, but when SHTF, they can quickly become a major liability. Someone who can’t resist sharing every little detail about what’s happening on the block could easily spill the beans about your prepping activities and what you have brought onto your property. While their intentions may not be to put you in danger, their incessant gossiping to others about your comings and goings will undoubtedly do so.
What to watch for
- Casual mentions of your prepping in conversations with others.
- Being the type to regularly spread rumors or information about other neighbors.
- The kind of person who enjoys being “in the know” about everyone’s business.
When crises hit, gossips can quickly turn dangerous if they give others reasons to think you’re hoarding supplies.
The Complainer
We all know someone who complains about everything—from the government to neighborhood issues. While that might seem harmless in good times, these types of people often feel entitled to your resources when things go south. If they know you’re prepping, they could justify trying to take from you by claiming you’re hoarding or not sharing with the community.
What to watch for
- Complaints about fairness or other people’s financial or living situations.
- Regular gripes about how “others” are more prepared than they are.
- Statements like, “In a disaster, people should share what they have.”
A complainer might not plan to loot your home, but they could be the first to turn you in or suggest to others that you’re withholding resources.
Related: If Your Neighbor Does This, Avoid Him at All Costs
The Rule Follower
Some people strictly adhere to rules and believe that authority should always be respected, even when things fall apart and those in authority have shown they cannot be trusted. A neighbor who’s deeply committed to following the rules no matter what might see your prepping as illegal or unethical when a disaster strikes. In their mind, turning you over to the authorities might seem like the right thing to do.
What to watch for
- Constant talk about the importance of rules, regulations, and laws.
- Negative comments about people who live “off-grid” or outside societal norms.
- A tendency to report even minor neighborhood issues to local authorities.
This type of neighbor might turn you in to FEMA or other government agencies during a crisis, believing they’re doing the right thing for the community. They most definitely will not have your back or be one of the “good guys.” FEMA is nothing to play with when SHTF. Without a doubt, the agency’s response will be swift, and you’ll be facing an enormous risk.
In the event of a major crisis, FEMA could confiscate all your property and supplies. All under the pretext of helping the broader population. This is no joke—exposing all the resources you’ve worked so hard to gather could leave you completely vulnerable. Everything you’ve prepared could be taken from you in an instant. That has deadly potential. Are you really willing to risk everything?
Personally, I won’t do that. Because I want to live. That’s why I decided to learn how to protect my stockpile and keep FEMA and the government away from it. So I got my hands on Joel Lambert’s book, A Navy SEAL’s Bug-In Guide, and discovered some little-known, life-saving tactics to trick FEMA before FEMA can trick me.
Obviously, the agency and the government are not the only threats when SHTF, but that same book also taught me how to outsmart looters with genius traps. The burden of lacking the right know-how is massive, but the right information can give you solutions that you can start applying right now.
The Sudden Best Friend
In times of crisis, some people might try to cozy up to you, pretending to be your new best friend. While it’s good to build strong relationships with trustworthy neighbors, someone who suddenly becomes overly friendly when they discover you’re prepping could be a red flag. They may see you as their fallback plan, expecting you to share your supplies when things get rough.
What to watch for
- A sudden shift in their attitude toward you after discovering your prepping habits and stockpile.
- Offers to “help out” or “watch your house” more than usual.
- An increased interest in spending time with you right after major news events about crises or disasters.
These neighbors may try to ingratiate themselves with you, hoping to gain access to your stockpile when things turn sour.
The Doomsday Critic
Then there’s the neighbor who loves to poke fun at your prepping. They might dismiss the idea of preparedness, calling it paranoia or “overkill.” However, in a disaster, these same people will likely become desperate and turn on you. They may criticize prepping now, but in a true crisis, they could feel entitled to your resources because they didn’t prepare themselves.
Related: 6 Dangerous Mistakes From “Doomsday Preppers”
What to watch for
- Regularly making snide comments or jokes about your prepping.
- Dismissing your efforts as unnecessary or extreme.
- Statements like, “If something happens, I’ll just come to your house.”
In good times, they might mock you, but in bad times, they’ll be knocking at your door—or worse, they could become hostile if you refuse to help. Doomsday will be a moment of truth for humanity. If you’re not properly prepared for the worst-case scenario, death becomes not just possible, but extremely likely.
Beyond how you prepare your home for such a time, it’s critical to have a backup plan. When Doomsday hits, there’s a high chance you’ll have to flee your home and retreat into the wilderness. Out there, however, survival will be impossible without essential knowledge—how to build a shelter, where to camp, and how to start a fire. Because I refuse to be an easy victim (and so do you, hopefully), I did my research and studied Wilderness Long-Term Survival Guide by Nicole Apelian.
“But what about my family? What will happen to my children? How will they survive?”, you might rightfully ask. The answer: with skills. You must learn how to teach them to protect themselves during the darkest days imaginable. In matters of life and death, waiting is not an option.
Stop leaving things to chance and start doing your duty as a parent—by passing on the survival tools your children will desperately need when the world turns against them. Remember that no one else but you can and will help them.
Final Thoughts
In a crisis, it’s not just strangers you need to worry about; sometimes, the biggest threats come from people who know you and your habits. By paying attention to these subtle signs, you can identify which of your neighbors might be a red flag in a disaster scenario. Trust is essential, but so is discretion. Protect your stockpile and your family by staying vigilant and keeping your preparations low-key. You never know who might turn against you when things get tough.
Keep your eyes open, trust your instincts, and most importantly, stay prepared.
You may also like:
How to Stockpile Without Alerting Your Neighbor
Automatic Backyard Traps and Alarms for Looters and Intruders (Video)
Never Do This When You Leave Your Property
How Much Water You Should Store for Your Family
Seems to me, that everything revolves around “Trust”.
If you cannot trust anyone what then?
The Bible says to Love your neighbor, but who do you call neighbor. the one that causes so much crap around you, OR the neighbor that helps you when you need it and then ask for nothing back from you.
Just watch out who you call neighbor…
stay sharp
red ant
PS: yes, there are good people in this world.
very few, but some…
Trust, Faith, Character and as the scripture , bible says
So as a man or woman thinks so the are , the company they keep
if you run with ( ) you will become the character of them , he , she , ( )
so Vet out keep a clear watch on all around you
even the best intentions can lead to GREED or Self Gratification
Even your children are to be watched
the closer they are the more they are at risk of being taken in by deception and greed
The love of money or stuff, or pleasure is the root of evil
once seduced by the evil ,then your in evolved to the corruption level
only way out is , keeping out of debt , saying no to self, saying no to selfish pleasure, saying no to vain ways of pleasure .
BEING CONTENT
Be happy with what you have , not what you see
PRAY , SEEK , Find Gods real Peace not the Flesh of lust
Ask God who gives liberally to all who sincerely ask .
For your Best , NOT your lust
For your success , not your failure
by the way excellent article Wish you all the best
Silence is golden, loose lips sink ships, religion and politics are the great dividers of modern life.
The best way to go is to not let your neighbors know that you are a prepper in the first place. Don’t expect someone else to keep a secret that you couldn’t keep.
Howdy from high in the desert swamp,
Siblings and inlaws are the worst. Seen it. Had it happen.
Bible: A friend sticks closer than a brother.
Sad but true. Which brings us to Gibbs Rules:
Rule #4: “The best way to keep a secret, keep it to yourself.” Corollary 1 to Rule #4: “The 2nd best way to keep a secret, tell one other person, if you must.” Corollary 2 to Rule #4: “There is no third best.”
That and Rule#9:
Never go anywhere without a knife.
I personally will bug in for a while until things either continue or the situation improves. My neighbors will have to be bring something to the dance before I will venture out. One neighbor is already trustworthy and we have proved it to each other. Just the other day we talked about siblings and immediately their face changed to yeah, not happenin. I haven’t been in a domestic situation which required proof of worth. I hope I never do but plan for the worst hope for the best. Loose lips sink ships.
Remember the Alamo. The enemy killed everybody.
Remember North Carolina. The government was zero help.
Remember to have your soul prepared.
That’s a powerful reflection, and unfortunately, one many can relate to. It’s hard when those closest by blood turn out to be the least dependable in times of crisis. Trust truly has to be earned, not assumed, and it sounds like you’ve built that with at least one neighbor, which is more than most can say. Planning to bug in, vetting who you align with, and staying tight-lipped are all smart moves. As you said: plan for the worst, hope for the best, and keep that knife handy, just in case
People put their faith in AI than in the true God. Gib’s rules are good for reference but not to die by.
Side note;
The new NCIS leader is a better choice, the Gib’s leadership kinda sucked by intimidation of his team. It was probably due to the writers how they interpreted the their TV character’s personalities. The present team is good, never cared for those female shrinks on the series, they had plenty of flaws themselves as many headshrinkers do in real life.
Dear staff,
When it’s already through the fan and you happen to be walking with your pack mule high in the desert swamp, whack on a tree three times and the code phrase is I am not Nebuchadnezzar. Welcome to Boonesburrough, TexUtah.
My network is not neighbors. I would welcome them, in the network, if I had different neighbors. From a neighborhood I have lived in since 1980, one would think I would know all of them. But the face of change has hit. 3 of 5 closest neighbors are very private Hispanics. Two are individual families, One across the street has about 5 to 7 individuals sharing the costs, hence very flashy with their possessions. The longest term neighbors, (2) are a single woman, who is enjoying her retirement, gone about 90% of the time, and a man, supporting his kids … a PROUD democrat, who would have voted for barack, biden, a dozen times each … and frankly I think he has a hillary clinton statue in his living room (probably life size). No my network is my family … some distance between us … 7 to 11 miles, but we have radio contacts, and keep in touch regularly and often, coordinating our supplies.
Totally get where you’re coming from. The idea of a tight-knit neighborhood support network sounds great on paper, but the reality, especially in changing communities, is often very different. You can’t force trust or shared values, and sometimes the wisest move is to keep your circle small and intentional.
Sounds like you’ve done the right thing by focusing on your family and building solid communication and coordination. That kind of planning, especially with radio contact and supply alignment, is exactly what real preparedness looks like. It’s not always about geography; it’s about reliability.
Not everyone has neighbors they can count on when it matters, and knowing that early can save you a lot of time and heartache later. You’re playing it smart.
If you’re neighbors are curious about you, then you’ve probable have gone too far to correct easily. The first step would be a plausible cover story. That works better if you can make yourself look weak in areas where you actually have strength. The very best option is the “Grayman Strategy”. Learn to blend in and not be noticed. I have walked past security and customs agents without being stopped, just because I didn’t look “out of place”.
You’re absolutely right—the best time to go gray is before anyone’s paying attention. Once the curiosity is sparked, you’re already playing catch-up. A solid cover story can help, but it takes finesse, especially if folks have already seen signs that don’t quite add up.
That idea of projecting weakness where you’re actually strong is powerful. It’s a psychological layer to the gray man mindset that often gets overlooked. The less threatening or prepared you seem, the more invisible you become.
And yes, not looking out of place is half the battle. Whether it’s walking past security or staying off the neighborhood radar, blending in isn’t just about what you wear, it’s about how you carry yourself. Thanks for sharing a sharp perspective.
MANY good comments !
DF sandy, I used to delight in looking like I belong, My credentials in my pocket, I went all access almost never challenged ( pick your entry point well, walk right past ” security”, Police etc etc).
R ant & others, common thread – SHUT UP ! if they are not a GOOD friend, why would you even think about a mention.
FREE advice, so you know what its worth. Go ahead, let them see you have a well stocked pantry, almost 60 cans of food, Talk about how OTHERS Prep, might get them started on the road to having 200 cans in their pantry. DONT let them see the other 300 cans of food, 500 MRE’s, 100 Lbs Rice, 3500 rounds, etc etc.
talk about minimal basics, and how you have 20 % of minimum. Give impression you have more than average house, but not by much, and never seem to add more. If they pick up the habit, still keep them in the dark. IF SHTF, hide a little in the first place they would look, eat the pile your Neighbour saw FIRST. if you talk after SHTF, you need you need you need you wish you had prepared. After 3 months, then you can trade a LITTLE, with people you like, that are still alive. In short, look like your prepared for an ice storm, while your ready for the rest of your life. get them ready for ice storm, and maybe they can figure out they need more, if not – too bad for them. The Feds wont come in your house on day 8 ( after they collect themselves and get ready to go door to door) if they think you are now down to 5 days of groceries.
that’s some solid gray man advice, blending in while being prepared well beyond what others suspect. Your point about sharing just enough to possibly inspire others, without giving away your full hand, is spot on. There’s a big difference between nudging a neighbor toward self-reliance and handing them a roadmap to your supplies.
Your reminder to stay quiet is critical, OPSEC is easy to underestimate, especially when folks get excited about prepping. I really like your idea of keeping a decoy stash visible and reserving your real reserves. Smart strategy, especially when desperation starts driving decisions post-SHTF.
Thanks for sharing, free advice or not, that kind of thinking could be the difference between surviving and becoming a target.
Kre……
Thank you for the comment.
The reason I mention the bad people is to keep myself reminded that there are bad people out there. and —– You should show some “respect to the people” that freely comment on here, we still have FREE SPEACH… right.
You do see that my prepper name is “red ant” and NOT, R ant…
I did spell yours’s correctly… it called RESPECT…
stay sharp
red ant
PS: Be Happy…
Vary good information
I live in a small village . and I can not trust any of them.
If you live a lone and they think you got money.
they will pick your locks and walk in and go threw your house once you leave it..
If you you are not related to any one here.
They like to control you.
Treat you like a out cast.
Because they think your Rich,
And for what has been done to me here.
I refuse to do any business with this village or have any thing to do with it.
I have been here just a little over three years.
Its one of the worst place i have seen for people.
Vary klickie
And a lot of poverty.
There are 3 houses here for sale.
I’m sure there there moving out for the same reason I will be,
Three churches. 3 bars . a small store that just bought a bigger build.
Vary little law enforcement.
Not much for the kids to do.
Some turn to steeling.
Small park. About 400 people
A small village in Monroe county ,Wis Near Elroy Wis.
Most people 70 miles from here have never heard of it.
I do not think they want to be known.
It has quit a reputation.
You ether have to have a family here to live here or be married.
Or join one of there clubs.
I said no.
I need a year to see how your village operate;s .
It sure didt take long to find out ..
They started treating like a out cast in a bout 6 moths.
Its only 6 miles west of Ellroy.
If you like living at the end of the world
Looked for a long time.
Found a road map to get out of here and back to civilization.
and maintain my sanity’
Its so boring,
When I moved here ,that if I wanted to mix in was to go to the bars’
Is that good advice . NO
It may be where the worst ones hang out.
I went to each on just once.
That was enough
I would not even sit in church with these people.
You would not want to bring your wallet to church with you and open it.
I always watch Charles Stanley on the net on Sunday Mornings
Even that he has past,
He left some good sermons be hind. And Billy Graham
I am a firm believer in our lord and saver And the Bible .
Amen
Honestly, the best thing you can do is get out of there!
My husband was a firm believer in prepping. Still have a stockpile of radios etc.
He died.
I’m 66 and have no family.
I live in a log house on top of a hill with a basement…
Neighbors are Democrats…none to be trusted…
Jo on 5 acres…..
I’m glad I’ve had time to get to know my neighbors in my current location. We do have the neighborhood gossip. Actually,, there are two of them. One spreads news he hears, the other does that plus discusses the holes in the news, guessing what info might be missing, e.g., neighbor got a new car, wonder why she traded in her sedan for an SUV, then the postulating begins.
I was such a discussion point early on and heard something innocuous I had said to the one repeated to me by the other along with the possible backstory. So, they discuss with one another.
I found that tidbit helpful, remained cordial, but said only those things I didn’t care about seeing repeated and misrepresented.
One’s wife saw me struggling to move a large mattress by myself into the house and came over to help. A friend had stopped by to help me as well, arriving about the time the neighbor did, and the three of us got the mattress in.
Neighbor explained her husband couldn’t help because he had a bad back. Had back trouble for years, and he always felt people thought less of him because his wife did so much of the heavy lifting.
I told her I didn’t think less of him, I could think of things I’d much rather do than struggle with moving a mattress, and here we all laughed. It was the first time she was in my house. I thanked both her and my friend for their help
I did think about what the neighbor saw. We brought the mattress in through the front door, through the living room and into the bedroom. As soon as we came in the front door, she might have seen the dining room.
The LR had some furniture and a small TV, the DR had a table and chairs with a newspaper on the table, and the bedroom had the bedframe waiting to receive the mattress. Some other bedroom furniture and an easy chair in the room but out of the way so the mattress could be moved more easily.
In short, nothing out of the ordinary to see.
After a time they didn’t talk about me as much because I was too boring.
Other neighbors are helpful but not nosy. I am the same way. We help each other if we can, ask others to help if we can’t, and if we want news spread, we know whom to tell.
When we had some bad storms, I checked on neighbors, and they checked on me. One of the gossips helped plow out elderly neighbors as he has a plow on his truck.
As we get winter here every year, everyone knows to put by a bit extra for storms. So a few extra cans of baked beans, a couple flashlights, and an oil lamp do not attract attention.
Having a full wall of food that anyone can see will leave neighbors wondering why you’re so stupid.
That’s a really thoughtful and grounded take, and honestly, it’s refreshing.
You’ve done something that not enough people do: learned the social terrain before you needed to rely on it. Understanding who talks, who listens, and who helps is just as important as stockpiling beans or batteries. And you’ve struck a great balance by being friendly, helpful, but cautious with your words. That’s exactly the kind of quiet preparedness that often goes unnoticed, which is the point, isn’t it?
It’s also telling how your neighborhood naturally watches out for one another when it counts, like after storms, but without prying too deep. That kind of quiet resilience and mutual respect is rare, and it’s a real asset when things go sideways.
And yes, broadcasting a pantry full of supplies is basically ringing a dinner bell during a blackout. Better to be seen as the “boring” neighbor. You’ve got it figured out better than most. Stay steady.
Thank you. Yes, nearly all of us have commented at one time or another how blessed we feel to have good neighbors.
I don’t know where you all live but unless your a “prepper” most people don’t pay attention to what’s going on around them. There to busy living there own life to pay attention to others and if they do notice they are more than likely preppers too.