Gaylon Cornsilk isn’t warning people to head for the hills, but his outlook sounds like the familiar maxim: it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Cornsilk opened Red Dawn’s doors in Midwest City approximately two years ago after foreseeing a need in the community for a survivalist store, he said. Red Dawn offers lessons in self-defense, literature and stockpiles of tin cans filled with freeze dried food.

Cornsilk realizes some remain skeptical of Red Dawn’s mission. People have asked him before if he believes the reason for his store is practical, Cornsilk said.

"We aren’t here trying to push fear and paranoia," Cornsilk said. "Preparation gives us peace."

To this point, he defends by pointing to history.

In Oklahoma where citizens have faced disasters natural (tornadoes, ice storms, earthquakes) and manmade (the bombing of the Federal Building), he said there aren’t enough places locally offering disaster preparedness.

While retail supermarkets carry food in bulk and supplies, Cornsilk warns during an impending emergency, these stores won’t have enough to meet demand, which means shelves will be empty of staples such as meat, bread and dairy.

"We’re the only store in the city that carries long storage food like we have," Cornsilk said.

Federal Emergency Management Agency officially recommends people should keep 72 hours kits because in case of a widespread emergency, it could take 72 hours for help to reach those in need.

The website linked to FEMA, www.Ready.gov said, "Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them."

Cornsilk believes in taking this advice a step farther. The shelf life of the food Red Dawn carries has shelf lives of 5 to 30 years.

"We don’t know what circumstances might happen," Cornsilk said.

Antwon Henderson came into the store upon recommendation from a friend whom said he could find a handsaw at Red Dawn. Henderson has built a bunker in case of disaster.

Henderson said, "It doesn’t hurt to be prepared."

In the end, Cornsilk compared the services Red Dawn offers as important as car, health and life insurance.

"We invest in those things, but what about our everyday life?" Cornsilk said. "It’s a form of insurance to me."

Red Dawn is located at 6103 S.E. 15th Street, Midwest City.