This is the problem. It’s people with this kind of attitude that are most likely to want to have guns, while in a civilised society they are the last people I would trust with firearms. And this is just in the context of worrying about a bad winter.
Not sure if I'm reading you correctly. I think the author's text suggests most people have these firearms for defensive purposes, e.g. protecting their supplies from those who might try to take them. I have a few fire extinguishers. I don't go around seeking fire, but I'm prepared if one breaks out.