I created this article as the one-chance, first- or last-ditch attempt to teach someone about the basics of prepping. For many of us, we stand alone in the prepping arena, and are desperate to share our knowledge with others without seeming nuts or outrageous. This article is my attempt to do so- count yourself blessed, because whoever gave this to you cares for you.
PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES OF PREPPING
Do earthquakes occur frequently in your area, or are you more prone to blizzards that knock down the power lines? Do you live in an arid region likely to have drought, or do you live on the coast where hurricane season comes every year? Preparing your family to "weather" such normal situations begins with knowing what the threats are.
Then you need to consider the more economic or social scenarios that could effect your family. Are you in a racially diverse city where a certain verdict could lead to riots? Do you think the dollar is gaining strength, or are you concerned that our nation may experience hyperinflation or even collapse? Do you remember 9/11 and wonder if something similar -or worse- could happen again? Your responses to these questions will help you plan how to protect your family from such events.
Some preppers focus on techie gear- night vision goggles and such. Other preppers want to farm in seclusion. Some preppers rely on gunpower to feel secure. And most of us fall in the middle of the spectrum as money allows. Of course, you always have the more extreme zombie sites, 1800's lifestyle sites, and the Mad Max/ TEOTWAWKI sites. Readers have to discern which style suits your family, your situation, your budget, and your outlook. I focus on scenarios that are high-likelihood and high-impact for my family.
THE RULE OF 3
The prepping principle we refer to when deciding how to prepare for a given situation is called the "rule of 3." It reminds us that in extreme circumstances, we can only:
- go 3 minutes without air
- go 3 hours without shelter
- go 3 days without water
- go 3 weeks without food
1. AIR: we should have means to protect our nose and mouth, such as a N95 mask. You may think there is no need for this, like I did until recently, when I read reports of a train car spill of chlorine which caused an immediate evacuation of a residential neighborhood because of fumes.
2. SHELTER: this is usually covered by our homes, but to be fully prepared, you need to think of where you would go if you had to leave your home. Don't become a refugee! (it does apply to you: think Superdome) Whose house will you go to if your home is flooded? If forest fires threaten your street? What if that person has also been evacuated?
3. WATER: one of the most crucially important features yet easily overlooked in our "turn the faucet" lives. If you have ever had to turn the water off for a few hours for a home repair, or been camping where you must haul in your water, you know how much we take it for granted. The first step towards water preparations would be to refill any sturdy containers with tap water instead of throwing them out. Soda bottles and Gatorade bottles are good for this. When you get more serious about your family's safety, do a search on your local Craigslist for the phrase "rainwater collection" or "barrels/ buckets." For about $10 you can get a 15-gallon receptacle; for $30 a 55-gallon barrel; for $80 a 275-gallon reservoir. Put them in each closet, in the garage, or under the deck, depending on size, and you are well on your way. Remember, WHO, FEMA, and other disaster organizations recommend one gallon per person for food preparation and drinking water. The extreme importance of water cannot be understated.
4. FOOD: Food is one preparation that you can do all the time. Pick up more canned goods when you go grocery shopping. Get a dehydrator and dry fruits and vegetables. One of the best places to build up a supply of staples is the Food Storage Store through the Mormon, or LDS, church. Their prices are extremely low and they have stores all over the country. They sell staple foods such as pasta, rice, wheat, sugar, and beans in 25# bags. A prepping tangent related to food is food storage. It's pretty simple; food stored for an unknown disaster must be stored properly. Food deteriorates when in contact with light, warmth, and/ or moisture. A barrier that isn't broken by these food storage culprits is called Mylar- the same, but thicker, as the party balloons. Many preppers use white plastic buckets found for free at local bakeries or restaurants to protect and store the food.
REDUNDANT SYSTEMS
Another important principle of prepping is having redundant systems. It means that if you only have one water bottle, and it gets shattered, then you have none. If you have 2, though, and one leaks, then you still have one. So, now you'll understand when you see the phrase "One is none, two is one, three is two." Here's what redundancy means in the areas covered by the Rule of 3:
1. AIR: We discussed the simple protection of an N95 mask, and you can create a redundant system by having separated supplies of masks, or upgrading to a contaminant suit with sophisticated gas mask. They are actually not too expensive, and if you live near a nuclear facility or have a family member with a comprimised immune system, they might be for you.
2. SHELTER: Generally your own home. Many preppers, especially those in cities, create a redundant system by have what is called a "bug-out plan" where they go to another location. It may be a like-minded friend, or your own rural property. Do you have, or know how to pitch a simple tent? Under all circumstances do not allow your family to become wandering refugees, or submit to the experience of being in government containment.
3. WATER: We discussed the first system of water storage above. To create a backup plan for this crucial resource, you need to look at local water sources and purchase a Berkey water filter. There are good plans online for making your own system using a Berkey, two 5-gallon buckets, and a spigot. A simple strong plastic tarp can be used during a rainstorm to collect water to refill your receptacles. An inexpensive package of pool shock stores well and can purify water.
4. FOOD: To create redundant systems in food storage means to break up your properly stored foods around your house, property, and family. In addition, it means storing, planting, and harvesting non GMO seeds from your own garden. Learning to can what you grow is an excellent backup to grocery store canned food. Sprouting seeds is an excellent option to fresh vegetables, but you must have a huge amount stored to do it indefinitely. Having the means and knowledge to hunt, snare or raise your own meat is another way to duplicate a food source.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As you become more confident about why to prep, and it becomes second nature to make preparations, you will begin to branch out into other areas of preparation, which are beyond the scope of this article's goal. To whet your appetite, they include:
- security/ safety
- mindset/ emotional
- medical/ first aid
- silver/ barter /skills
I am a stay-at-home mama who just learned about prepping in February. I used to feel panicky when I read about inflation, food storage, and all the facets of preparing for any scenario. I thought that surely the "SHTF" was going to happen any day and my family and I would just be out of luck. Now I understand the necessity of working towards goals as each day allows, prioritizing, and not acting out of fear, but from a position of information. I hope that this article is something that your unprepared friends and family can learn from. If you'd like to learn more about anything I've described, check out the following links.
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We had a prepper mindset for a long time before we actually took any action. These are the things that knocked us off our happy little place straddling on the fence. Get Off The Fence!
I read this "One-Hour Meltdown" Yikes!
I read this blog for about 2 hours: Survival Mom
I read news articles about the water shortage in CA, and the nationwide food shortage it can lead to. In addition this happened in MA and was an example to all about the fragility of potable city water. Learn about the on-demand restocking that is normal in all our stores. Most stores get completely restocked every 3 days, with no inventory on-hand. What if that supply chain gets disrupted?
I blog-hopped prepper blogs for a few days, following their links.
Should you move to the middle of nowhere? I think no, unless you live in/near these cities, but you have to decide for yourself.
"but what if nothing happens?"
This short video had a lot to do with knocking me rudely out of ignorance:
Go to the National Inflation Association and get on their email list. Share their videos. Here are two. If you only have time for one, watch the first one. Here is an article that concurs, but focuses on Russia.
Here are some links to some great preparation blogs. Follow their links and bookmark good stuff.
Why are you prepping? Read Survival Mom's Who's Who.
Excellent start at building your pantry on $10 a week.
Preparedness Pro is an excellent, rational, panic-free authority.
Rawles' Lists for Survival Newbies
**Read about historical hyperinflation in Germany and Zimbabwe.
**Argentina has gone through what many suspect will happen here. Learn from example.
Learn about ham radio! It's not a dying hobby... link.
The best all-inclusive, 12-topic plan-starter I've seen: HERE (start at the bottom and work up)
Coming soon to a planet near you... Solar EMP: learn here and here.
Caution: don't fall too far on either side of the prepper spectrum.
Be "prepared, not panicked"
Read their answers. Watch their videos. Learn at National Inflation Association.
Find a local LDS (Mormon) Food Storage Store: excellent prices, no shipping, don't have to attend their church. There are more than are listed so call!