Some people may see the act of stockpiling food and supplies in case of emergency as extreme or paranoid. They may look on those who do so as doomsday preppers and associate them with cults who believe in an impending apocalypse. However, 96 Miles presents emergency preparedness as a common-sense practice. The Lockwoods aren’t paranoid; they’re resourceful. Their extensive food and water supplies stem from Jim Lockwood’s value of self-reliance. The family’s off-the-grid, desert location demands extra preparation since grocery stores, water sources, and hospitals are not nearby.  

Mr. Lockwood teaches his boys self-reliance not only in relation to survival prep, but for everyday tasks. He wants Stew and John to be able to act when needed, and they both have household responsibilities to complete independently. Mr. Lockwood also teaches his boys to value friendship and community, and to share with others. The family has a close friendship with the Brightons, as well as neighbors such as the Yardleys, who feed John and Stew while their father is away and give them a place to stay. The boys share their food and water with the Yardleys during the early days of the power outage, demonstrating their value of caring for others.