Prepper Basics: A Beginner’s Guide to Starting Your Prepping Journey

In an era where uncertainty seems to be the only constant, the concept of becoming a prepper has shifted from a niche interest to a necessary pursuit for many. This transformation is driven by the increasing occurrences of natural disasters, power outages, and global pandemics, compelling individuals towards self-reliance and preparedness. Prepping is not about living in fear but embracing empowerment, strength, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are prepared for almost anything. From the basic essentials of survival to the complexities of disaster preparedness, embarking on this journey is a step towards securing your future in an unpredictable world.

This article serves as an all-encompassing guide for beginners on their prepping journey, covering crucial areas such as conducting a personal risk assessment, building a solid financial and health foundation, and understanding the importance of water storage and food storage. It will walk you through the steps of stocking up on essential supplies like water filters and emergency lighting, creating and practicing emergency plans, and assembling the indispensable bug out bag and emergency kit. With a focus on preparedness, self-reliance, and empowerment, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the path of prepping with confidence and forethought.

Understanding the Concept of Prepping

What is Prepping?

At its core, prepping is about readiness and resilience. It’s a proactive approach to life that involves anticipating future challenges and preparing to meet them without reliance on external systems. This preparation includes accumulating necessary supplies, acquiring vital skills, and building supportive community ties. Preppers aim to ensure the continuity of food, water, and shelter by planning ahead for potential disruptions in these essential resources. By cultivating a lifestyle of preparedness, individuals embrace a mindset geared towards self-sufficiency and empowerment.

Why Prepping is Important

The importance of prepping cannot be overstated in today’s unpredictable world. Natural disasters, economic fluctuations, and societal disruptions are realities that can impact anyone at any time. By adopting a prepper mindset, individuals take control of their own security and well-being in several ways:

1. Self-Reliance: Prepping reduces dependence on societal systems that might fail during crises. This includes having backup plans for food, water, and energy supplies.
2. Skill Development: Preppers continuously learn and practice skills that are crucial for survival, such as first aid, food preservation, and emergency shelter construction. These skills not only prepare them for emergencies but also enhance their everyday life quality.
3. Community Building: By connecting with like-minded individuals, preppers create a network of support and shared knowledge. This community aspect ensures that in times of need, people can rely on each other rather than facing challenges in isolation.
4. Peace of Mind: Knowing that you are prepared for the worst scenarios reduces anxiety about the future. Preparation allows preppers to focus on enjoying the present, secure in the knowledge that they are ready for potential challenges.

Through these aspects, prepping is not just about surviving emergencies but thriving in everyday life by being proactive, informed, and connected. Whether it’s through stocking up on essentials, honing survival skills, or building a community, the goal is to foster a lifestyle that values preparation, resilience, and self-sufficiency.

Conducting a Personal Risk Assessment

Risk analysis is a critical step in the prepping journey, involving the identification of hazards, assessment of their risk, and management of preparedness for them. This section delves into the process of conducting a personal risk assessment, guiding preppers through identifying potential risks and prioritizing them based on probability and impact.

Identifying Potential Risks

The first phase in conducting a personal risk assessment is identifying the myriad of hazards that could potentially affect one. These hazards, or identified risks, come with known or unknown probabilities and impacts, necessitating a comprehensive approach to their identification.

1. List Potential Hazards: Begin by listing each hazard that could impact you, whether it’s natural disasters like flooding and earthquakes, technological hazards such as power outages, or health-related risks like pandemics. Consider both immediate and long-term risks to ensure a thorough assessment.
2. Use Historical Data and Common Sense: While historical data can offer insights into the probability of certain hazards occurring, common sense and general wisdom are equally important. This qualitative analysis aids in understanding the potential impact of each identified risk.
3. Categorize Hazards: After listing potential hazards, categorize them as high, medium, or low risk based on what you believe their impact could be. This initial categorization helps in prioritizing risks in the next phase.

Prioritizing Risks Based on Probability and Impact

Once potential hazards are identified, the next step is to prioritize them. This involves assessing each hazard’s risk by considering its probability and impact. This phase is crucial for effective resource allocation and preparedness planning.

1. Assess Probability and Impact: For each identified hazard, assess the probability of occurrence and its potential impact. This can be a qualitative assessment, using categories like high, medium, and low, or a more quantitative approach if data is available.
2. Use a Risk Assessment Chart: A risk assessment chart can be an effective tool here. Plot each risk on the chart based on its probability and impact. This visual representation helps in understanding which risks require immediate attention and resource allocation.
3. Consider Control and Mitigation Strategies: For risks with significant impacts, consider what control or mitigation strategies can be implemented. This might involve investing in specific supplies, learning new skills, or making changes to your living or working environment to reduce the risk’s severity.
4. Focus on What You Can Control: It’s important to distinguish between hazards you have some control over and those you don’t. Allocate your resources and energy towards mitigating risks where possible, and develop contingency plans for those beyond your control.

By conducting a thorough personal risk assessment, preppers can narrow their focus, allocating time and resources more effectively towards preparing for the most likely and impactful events. This strategic approach not only enhances preparedness but also fosters a sense of control and resilience in the face of potential challenges.

Building a Solid Financial and Health Foundation

Living frugally today in preparation for potential disasters tomorrow is essential for preppers. This approach not only allows the allocation of additional resources into a family survival plan but also eases the transition into survival mode. To begin, living within one’s means is crucial for building a financial cushion, enabling the accumulation of emergency reserves of supplies and cash. This financial preparedness is further enhanced by reducing reliance on utilities and fuel, which may not be available during crises.

Financial Preparedness

1. Frugal Financial Planning:
   • Live within your means to build a financial cushion.
   • Accumulate emergency reserves of supplies and cash.
   • Reduce reliance on utilities and fuel.
2. Practical Thrift Tactics:
   • Explore thrift stores for high-quality, lightly-used items.
   • Utilize warehouse store memberships for savings on bulk purchases.
   • Maximize savings through coupon clipping in conjunction with sales.
3. Alternative Transportation and Skills:
   • Consider biking as a primary mode of transportation to save money and enhance fitness.
   • Invest in learning essential skills such as car repair, sewing, and gardening through local community colleges or online courses.

Financial literacy is a crucial skill that many overlook. With a significant portion of the population struggling with debt and lacking budgeting skills, mastering personal finances becomes a top priority for preppers. Establishing an emergency fund and aggressively managing debt lay the groundwork for financial preparedness. Diversification in investments and focusing on what can be controlled are key strategies for making money work effectively.

Health and Fitness for Preppers

Improving survival fitness is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of prepping. Physical fitness not only enhances life quality today but also significantly increases the chances of surviving emergencies. Starting with small, consistent changes in daily habits can lead to the development of a healthier lifestyle. The benefits of being fit include reduced risk of common emergencies, improved stamina and strength, and better stress management during crises.

1. Starting Small:
   • Incorporate 20-minute walks a few times a week.
   • Focus on mobility and flexibility to improve agility and reduce injury risks.
   • Opt for bodyweight movements that can be easily done at home.
2. Nutritional Considerations:
   • Adopt a diet that mimics post-disaster availability, focusing on fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
   • Practice intermittent fasting to align with potential food scarcity during emergencies.
   • Prioritize sleep for overall health and stress management.
3. Mental and Physical Connection:
   • Recognize the interconnection between mental and physical health.
   • Engage in activities that boost both physical fitness and mental well-being, such as yoga or team sports.

In conclusion, building a solid financial and health foundation is paramount for preppers. By embracing frugal living, financial literacy, and a commitment to physical fitness, individuals can enhance their resilience and preparedness for any future uncertainties. These foundational aspects not only prepare one for survival scenarios but also contribute to a healthier, more empowered life in the present.

Stocking Up on Essential Supplies

Water: Storage and Purification

Stocking up on water is a fundamental aspect of prepping, as it is essential for survival. Most survival experts recommend storing at least one gallon of water per person per day. For practical storage, consider options like the 15-gallon capacity water storage barrel, which is portable and avoids oversize shipping costs, or the 28 Gallon WaterBrick Bundle pack for its ease of transport in emergencies. For larger needs, heavy-duty storage tanks that hold up to 260 gallons are available.

Purification is equally crucial. Products like the Biofilm Defender offer a convenient long-term solution for treating stored water. The Aquamira water treatment system, with over 20 years of reliability, provides an easy two-part system for purifying water for long-term storage. For emergency situations, the Tactical Frontier Pro ultralight water filter and the Aquamira Frontier Max with a quick connect system are excellent for ensuring safe drinking water.

Food: Shelf-Stable and Nutritious Options

When it comes to food storage, selecting shelf-stable and nutritious options is key. A combination of grains, beans, legumes, and canned goods forms the cornerstone of a well-stocked prepper pantry. Grains like rice, wheat, and oats offer versatility and long shelf life, while beans provide essential protein and fiber. Canned meats and vegetables are also crucial for their convenience and nutrient content.

The FIFO (First In, First Out) method is recommended for managing food supplies, ensuring that items are used before their expiration date. Store foods in a cool, dry place to protect against the enemies of shelf life: heat, light, moisture, pests, and oxygen. For optimal storage, use mylar bags with oxygen absorbers, stored in sealed buckets.

Medical and Hygiene Supplies

A comprehensive medical and hygiene supply kit is vital for handling emergencies, especially during pandemics or natural disasters. Stock up on basics like oral antibiotics, antibacterial ointments, and a variety of bandages and dressings. Include essential tools such as quality trauma shears, various types of medical tape, and a reliable light source.

Hygiene is equally important; include items such as antibacterial soap, nitrile gloves, and sanitation products like hand sanitizer and wet wipes. For dental care, consider items like dental floss, toothpaste, and mouthwash. Ensure you have a good stock of over-the-counter medications, including pain relievers, antihistamines, and digestive aids.

By carefully selecting and storing water, food, and medical supplies, preppers can ensure they are well-prepared for any emergency scenario, enhancing their resilience and ability to maintain health and safety during crises.

Creating and Practicing Emergency Plans

In an uncertain world, the ability to adapt and respond to unforeseen disasters is paramount for every prepper. Creating and practicing emergency plans is not merely an exercise in caution but a proactive step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of oneself and loved ones. This section delves into the essentials of developing an emergency evacuation plan, establishing robust family communication plans, and the importance of regular drills and practices.

Developing an Emergency Evacuation Plan

The unpredictable nature of disasters necessitates having not one, but two versions of a family emergency plan: one for staying at home and another for evacuation. The decision to leave home, transforming into refugees with limited supplies, is perilous. Yet, a well-crafted evacuation plan significantly boosts survival chances. Start by evaluating risks that might force evacuation, engaging family members in discussions without inducing fear. The objective is to make evacuation seem manageable, a “no-big-deal event,” ensuring everyone knows the protocol.

1. List and Categorize Hazards: Identify potential hazards, using historical data and common sense to assess their impact.
2. Destination and Transportation: Discuss potential destinations for each hazard and consider transportation means, tailoring survival kits accordingly.
3. Meeting Places: Establish a hierarchy of meeting places – primary right outside the home, secondary within the area but away from home, and an out-of-area location at least 100 miles away. For flood or tsunami risks, identify a higher ground meeting place.

Family Communication Plans

In the digital age, the importance of written contact information cannot be overstated. Ensure each family member’s phone is updated with current contact details and addresses. A written copy of the family plan, including photos and contact information, should be placed in survival kits, posted on the home’s entry door, and kept in vehicles. This ensures all bases are covered, enhancing the chances of reuniting in chaotic situations.

1. Collect, Share, and Practice: Begin by collecting contact information for family, medical facilities, and service providers. Share this information by ensuring each family member carries a copy and posting it in a central home location. Regularly practice the plan to familiarize everyone with the steps.
2. Text Communication: Emphasize the efficiency of text messaging in emergencies due to its low bandwidth requirement. Practice sending texts to an out-of-town contact and group texts to a mobile phone list.
3. Designate Roles: Discuss who will lead in sending information about meeting places and how to reach out-of-neighborhood and out-of-town locations.

Regular Drills and Practices

The adage “practice makes perfect” holds true in emergency preparedness. Regular drills uncover potential flaws in plans, allowing for adjustments and improvements. From fire drills to disaster simulations, each exercise should aim to instill confidence and competence in family members, especially children.

1. Emergency Drills: Conduct drills for various scenarios, including fire, earthquake, and evacuation. Use these drills to teach children and adults alike the safest courses of action.
2. Run-Hide-Barricade-Attack Training: For older children, especially those in school, training on how to respond in active shooter scenarios is vital. Discuss and practice the run-hide-barricade-attack response.
3. CPR and First Aid: Encourage family members to learn CPR and first aid. Consider taking a class together or learning through online resources.

Creating and practicing emergency plans is a dynamic process that evolves with the family’s changing needs and circumstances. By engaging in thoughtful planning, open communication, and regular drills, families can foster a culture of preparedness, ensuring they are equipped to face emergencies with confidence and resilience.

Building and Maintaining Prepper Kits

Upon assembling an emergency kit, the feeling of preparedness can be quite fulfilling. However, the journey doesn’t end there. Maintenance is key to ensuring these kits remain ready and effective when needed. Here’s a structured approach to keeping your prepper kits in top condition.

Essential Items for Prepper Kits

1. Water Storage and Purification: Store at least one gallon of water per person per day. Use hard-sided containers for boxed food to protect from pests and place a barrier between plastic water containers and concrete to prevent chemical leaching.
2. Food Storage: Incorporate non-perishable, nutritious food items. Rotate stock by using the FIFO method, ensuring freshness and disposing of expired or damaged goods promptly.
3. Medical Supplies: Regularly check and replace expired medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter. Store in a cool, dry place.
4. Power Sources: Batteries, being crucial, should be checked for leakage and replaced if partially used. Store them in their original packaging in a cool, dry place.
5. Lighting and Tools: Ensure flashlights, lanterns, and other tools are in working order. Familiarize yourself with all tools to avoid confusion during emergencies.
6. Clothing: Swap out clothes seasonally to match the current weather conditions. Opt for practical over fashionable, focusing on durability and utility.

Types of Prepper Kits: Bug Out Bags, Get Home Bags

Bug Out Bags (BOBs) and Get Home Bags (GHBs) are specialized prepper kits designed for different scenarios. A BOB is intended for evacuating your home quickly with essentials to survive a few days, while a GHB is aimed at aiding your return home during a crisis.

Bug Out Bags should include:

• Water and food for several days
• Tools and first aid supplies
• Clothing suitable for the climate
• Shelter or means to create shelter

Get Home Bags are typically smaller and may contain:

• Water and non-perishable snacks
• Basic first aid kit
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Maps and emergency contact information

Maintenance Tips

1. Storage: Keep your kit in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight to preserve its contents.
2. Regular Checks:
   • Six-Month Check: Replace all expired items and those expiring within the next six months. This includes food, water, medicines, and batteries.
   • Yearly Check: Do a thorough review of the kit and your emergency plan. Update items to reflect any changes in family needs and ensure all gear is functional.
3. Immediate Replacement: If items are used, replace them immediately to maintain kit readiness.
4. Food and Water Freshness: While some items may last beyond their expiration dates, it’s crucial to keep them as fresh as possible for survival situations.
5. Document Updates: Regularly review and update emergency plans and contact information. Ensure all important documents in the kit are current.

By adhering to these guidelines, preppers can ensure their kits are always ready for use. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of the supplies but also reinforces a mindset of preparedness and self-reliance. Whether facing a sudden evacuation or a prolonged period of self-sufficiency, a well-maintained prepper kit can make all the difference.

Conclusion

Embarking on a prepping journey offers a tangible path towards resilience and empowerment amidst the uncertainties of our contemporary world. This guide has navigated through the foundational pillars of preparedness, from conducting personal risk assessments and building financial and health foundations, to the specifics of stocking up on essential supplies and maintaining readiness through practiced emergency plans. It underscores the essence of prepping not merely as a survivalist response but as a holistic lifestyle choice that prioritizes self-reliance, skill development, and community building.

The journey of preparedness is continuous, evolving with each new skill acquired, piece of knowledge learned, and community connection established. As this guide concludes, remember that the steps you take today fortify your tomorrow, transforming uncertainty into a landscape of potential and empowerment. The pursuit of prepping, therefore, is not just about preparing for the potential negatives but about embracing a life of proactive empowerment, ready to face any challenge with confidence and foresight.