10 Simple Strategies for Becoming A Prepper

No one really knows how many preppers exist in the world but it is safe to say that there are three to four million in the United states alone.  Even though at first blush this sounds like a huge segment of the population, in round numbers that is still only slightly more than 1% of the total US populace.  When you think about it, that is pretty shocking.

Who is going to take care of the remaining 99% percent of the population when a major disruptive event occurs?  My guess is that most folks believe that the government will step in.  Yeah right.  Just like they did with Katrina and Superstorm Sandy.

The truth is that the US Government is ill equipped to take on a massive rescue operation.  Plus, if the disruptive event is an economic collapse, you can bet that corporations will be bailed out long before the populace.  It happened in 2008 and 2009, and many of us have the retirement account statements to prove it.

Four Major Types of Preppers

From what I can ascertain, the mix of readers on prepper-centric websites fall into four major camps.

First, is the Prepper Wannabe.  This is someone who wants to embrace preparedness but does not know where to start.  He or she may also feel they do not have adequate financial resources to prep.

Second comes the Prepper Newbie.  This prepper has started to prepare but needs help in sorting through an overwhelming amount of advice and preparedness strategies both online and off. Whether it is simply handholding or education, the Prepper Newbies have started their journey but continue to seek knowledge and positive reinforcement to ensure they are on the right path. The Survival Medicine ... Amy Alton Best Price: $40.94 Buy New $37.08 (as of 11:20 UTC - Details)

Third comes the Dedicated Prepper; someone who has embraced the preparedness lifestyle with gusto.  These preppers have supplies, knowledge, and skills but are seeking to fine tune their preps with advanced strategies for survival healthcare, living off-grid, and coping with civil unrest.  They actively share their own personal experiences with others and offer tips help other prepper-types learn and grow.  I consider myself to be a Dedicated Prepper.

Fourth and last comes the Diehard Prepper.  This prepper is planning for a major apocalypse and devotes considerable time and energy to ensure that he or she will prevail.  The Diehard Prepper may have a well-stocked bug out retreat where they can live out their days if the end of the world should come.  They may also be highly secretive and unwilling to share what they have and what they know for OPSEC reasons.

WaterBrick - Emergency... Buy New $249.09 (as of 09:30 UTC - Details) Being a Diehard Prepper has been somewhat glamorized by the entertainment media.  This serves to disillusion and discourage those who are unable to create this type of alternative life for themselves.

I do not mean to imply that any stage of prepping is a bad thing.  Not at all.  Rather, it is our duty to exercise our own free will to make preparedness decisions that bring sense to our unique situations.  There is no such thing as the one-size-fits-all Prepper.

Okay, so we know know that there are at least four types of Preppers. There are undoubtedly more, but for the sake of simplicity, let us leave it at that.  This brings me to the topic for today; 10 simple strategies for becoming a prepper.

10 Simple Strategies for Becoming a Prepper Ultima 40542 T.K.O. Ch... Buy New $16.09 (as of 11:30 UTC - Details)

1.  Do your own research

Everyone is different.  You live in different geographical locations, have different financial considerations, and have different needs.  In order to succeed as a prepper, you need to do what is right for you and not the guy down the street.  Do your own research and come to decisions that are right for you and you alone.

2.  Create and emergency contact list

Solo Stove Lite - Port... Buy New $65.00 (as of 11:34 UTC - Details) When a natural disaster of other disruptive event occurs, you want to act on instinct.  Alas, human nature may set you on a tailspin instead.

Well in advance, prepare a list of emergency contacts for police, fire, doctors, hospitals, and, of course, family members and close friends.  Be sure to include telephone numbers, cell phone numbers, and email addresses.  There is no guarantee that any one method will work if the emergency is dire.

3.  Stockpile as much water as you can and learn to purify the rest

Store as much water as you can.  Look for hidden locations in your home where you can store either purchased water or water you have bottled yourself using plastic soda or juice jugs, Water Bricks, or something else.  Beyond that, find other sources of water that you can use in an emergency and learn how to safely filter and purify raw water for drinking purposes. Lodge L12DCO3 Deep Cam... Best Price: $48.14 Buy New $58.24 (as of 08:50 UTC - Details)

4.  Purchase beans and rice and learn how to cook them

Beans and rice are chock-full of  calories and, in the case of beans, extremely nutritious.  Stock up on dried beans and rice then learn how to cook them off grid, and outdoors over an open fire or rocket stove.  For very little money and with very little skill, you will keep hungry bellies full when there is no other food to be had.

5.  Work toward optimal physical fitness

Exercise regularly and stay in shape.  This does not mean that you have to be thin.  Rather, build up your stamina and strength so that you can perform manual labor for extended periods.

Hike, power walk, lift weights, bicycle; pick something and stick with it so that you reduce body fat and build up muscle endurance and physical tolerance.

Read the rest of the article

Check Amazon for Pricing.

Amazon.com $50 Gift Ca... Buy New $50.00 (as of 11:05 UTC - Details)

The Best of Gaye Levy