The Basics of being ready AKA Prepeared
This term often conjures up images in our minds of those PREPPER TV shows and extreme preppers living off-grid or preparing for WWIII or an apocalypse. And for some, this, unfortunately, is a negative stereotype, but here is the reality there's nothing negative about being prepared no matter what level you do it at.
I want to change people's minds and stop seeing the stereotypical image and think more PREPARER. I want you to be ready or as ready as you can be for the unexpected and even some of the expected.
So Let's think about the long-running basic concept of 72 hrs, and while we will cover Bugging in VS Bugging out later, just think three days. This is the idea that whatever happens you need to be able to sustain yourself for 3 days until help may arrive. This is a great starting point, but I suggest a goal of 21 to 30 days for example after Katrina it took weeks or more to get to some of the survivors some by choice some not. Look at a few current events in the US The continuing wildfires in the west, Water issues like Jackson, Mississippi or Las Vegas, New Mexico
Getting Started
Getting ready is easier than you may think Here are a few quick tips.
Ask yourself what if? Like what if my municipal water fails, What if there's a storm and the roads are flooded and I'm and work and the family and kids are home, or what if that storm damages your roof? Ask what if and then make a plan of what you will do.
Let's look at flooded or blocked roads. Chances are most of us have more than one way to and from work and home, so Take these different routes regularly and in different weather make a mental or physical note of bridges and stream crossings and possible flooding areas. Pay attention when it snows and what roads near you are cleared first or tend to have the most snow drifts. Most important, keep some local paper maps in your cars Emergency Kit (See our Kit Suggetions here)
Food and Water
You can see our preparedness list link above for some ideas on planning, but when it comes to being ready Food, Water and Hygiene are important to look at what happened during the great TP shortage of 2020, Preparing for these is easier than you think, and you don't have to set aside an entire room in your house or anything ike that, I suggest starting with three days worth of food and water for each person in your household, Then build that to thirty days over time. It is easy and not expensive simply because you DO NOT have to do it all at one time. Each time you get groceries, just buy three cans of XYZ instead of 1 or 2. Now load your pantry back to front this way, the oldest is used first, and mark extra items with a sharpie, so you know when it is time to buy more of that item, and you guessed in instead of 1 buy 2-3. I guess you can see where this is going you can apply this to anything food, Cleaning supplies, Toiletries, anything before you know it you will have on hand an average of 30 days worth of food for that unforeseen event. I understand the big emergency food buckets but this way we have what we like and want in the pantry, and it rotates through, and you can always supplement with these kits if you want.
Water
We always keep 4-5 5-gallon water jugs at the ready in the house for my wife and I. We have one of those water cooler things, so there's one on it and 4 in the garage. Even without the water cooler, this is an easy, not expensive way to have clean emergency water, and they even make dispensers for them. For more on the water take a look at my post When Water Goes Bad!
See, getting started is easy, and the fact is don't pressure yourself. Just make small jchanges to your habits, and you will be well prepared in no time, and it will become a habit, and you will stay prepared.
If you want to know more, just keep following the BLOG or on our socials and if you are ready to take it to the next level, keep an eye on the training calender and sign up for one of our courses.
Until Next Time, Be Prepared. Stay Safe, Spread Love, enjoy life, and get outside!
Kevin
Kevin