Prepping, also known as “preparedness,” refers to the act of preparing for possible future events, particularly those that could be disruptive or dangerous. This can include anything from natural disasters, like earthquakes or hurricanes, to more man-made crises, like economic collapse or societal unrest.
Prepping can involve a wide range of activities, from stockpiling supplies like food, water, and medical supplies, to learning survival skills, to making contingency plans for various scenarios.
Prepping aims to be as self-sufficient and self-reliant as possible in the face of potential emergencies so that individuals and communities can better weather any challenges that may arise.
What prepping skills do I need to learn?
There are many skills that can be useful to learn as part of a prepping strategy. Some of these prepper skills may include:
- Food storage and water storage: Knowing how to properly store food and water can be essential in the event of a crisis. This can include learning how to can, dehydrate, and preserve food, as well as how to purify water.
- Basic first aid: It’s always a good idea to have a basic understanding of first aid, particularly in a crisis situation when medical care may not be readily available.
- Shelter building: In some situations, you may need to be able to build a shelter to protect yourself from the elements. This could include learning to build a tent or other temporary shelter or make more permanent structures using natural materials.
- Navigation: Being able to navigate using a map and compass, or even using natural landmarks, can be crucial if you need to travel to a safer location during a crisis.
- Self-defence: Knowing how to defend yourself and your loved ones can be important in certain situations, so learning some basic self-defence techniques can be a useful skill to have.
There are many other skills that may be useful to learn as part of a prepping strategy, depending on your specific needs and circumstances. It’s essential to carefully consider your individual situation and the types of emergencies you may potentially face and to focus on learning the skills that will be most helpful in those situations.
What prepping gear should I invest in?
There is a wide range of prepping gear that you might consider investing in, depending on your specific needs and the types of emergencies you are preparing for. Some basic items that many people include in their prepping gear include:
- Water: Having a supply of clean, portable water is essential for survival. This can include water bottles, water purification tablets, or a water filtration system.
- Food: It’s a good idea to have a supply of non-perishable food that can be easily stored and consumed in an emergency. This can include canned goods, protein bars, and other shelf-stable items.
- First aid kit: A basic first aid kit should include items like bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, and pain medication.
- Torch and extra batteries: A torch can be useful in a power outage or other emergency situation, so it’s a good idea to have one on hand, along with extra batteries.
- Emergency radio: A battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio can be useful for staying informed during an emergency, as it can be used to receive updates on the situation and any evacuation orders.
- Multi-tool: A multi-tool, such as a Swiss Army knife, can be useful for a variety of tasks in an emergency situation.
There are many other items that you might consider adding to your prepping gear, depending on your specific needs and the types of emergencies you are preparing for. It’s a good idea to carefully consider your individual situation and the types of emergencies you may potentially face, and to focus on acquiring the gear that will be most helpful in those situations.
Prepper FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about prepping:
Why should I prep?
Prepping can help you and your family be more self-sufficient and self-reliant in the face of potential emergencies, such as natural disasters, economic collapse, or societal unrest. By preparing in advance, you can be better equipped to handle these types of situations and minimize the impact they have on your life.
What should I include in my emergency kit?
A basic emergency kit should include items like water, food, a first aid kit, a torch and extra batteries, an emergency radio, and a multi-tool. It’s a good idea to customize your emergency kit to meet your specific needs and the types of emergencies you are preparing for.
How much food and water should I stockpile?
As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to have a supply of at least three days’ worth of food and water on hand in case of an emergency. However, the exact amount you should stockpile will depend on your specific needs and the size of your family.
How can I learn more about prepping?
There are many resources available for learning more about prepping. You can research online, read books on the subject, or take classes or workshops offered by prepping experts. You can also join prepping communities or forums to connect with others who are interested in preparedness and share tips and resources.
