Be Prepared With Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency preparedness is a smart way to protect you and your family from the unknown. Whether that be a pandemic, natural disaster, social unrest, or even something like the unexpected loss of a job. Think of it as simply another form of insurance. There are many ways you can practice emergency preparedness. And it can actually be pretty easy, inexpensive, and even fun.

Prepping Misconceptions

Prior to this year (2020), many would have looked at those who practice emergency preparedness, “preppers”, as crazy. I know I received my share of side-eye when I mentioned that I was into prepping. But I think now, with the insanity of what has become our “new normal” (I really hate that phrase btw), many are rethinking that stereotype.

There’s no denying that there are a lot of interesting prepper types out there. (Doomsday Preppers anyone?) But I assure you for every prepper claiming the poles are going to flip and the continents will shift and cause massive earthquakes. There are 1000’s more who are just trying to make sure their family can make it through a flood safely.

The Goal of Emergency Preparedness

The real down-to-earth reason most people become preppers is very simple: self-reliance. They don’t want to rely on others for the well-being of themselves or their family. Here are just a few examples of why preparedness is a way to be self-reliant.

• Emergency food and water storage is vital to ensure your family stays fed and hydrated during any type of emergency. Having an emergency food/water supply can literally mean life or death in some cases. Whether it’s for a natural disaster, social upheaval (when you can’t get to the store), or even for loss of a job. Having a long-term food/water supply is a huge part of emergency preparedness.
• Gardening: Not many people realize that gardening is a huge part of prepping. It’s just one more way that you can ensure your family stays fed during any emergency. Gardening + food preservation is a great way to practice self-reliance. Especially if you experience food shortages in your area due to an emergency.
• Home first-aid kits/training: Many homes, especially those with children have first-aid kits. But do the adults in those homes have first-aid training? This is something more people should consider. You may have to act quickly to save the life of a family member, especially if first responders can’t get to you in time.
• Security: No, I’m not just talking about guns. Learning about gun safety is important. And if you own a firearm I hope you have properly learned how to use it and secure it in your home! I also mean being prepared by teaching your kids about not opening the door to strangers, having a plan for family members during an emergency, situational awareness in public, etc…

How Do You Get Started With Prepping?

Most people don’t get started with prepping because they think it’s too difficult or expensive. I used to think that too. But that may be because a lot of people think you have to start off with a year’s supply of food, expensive equipment, or live on a ranch out in the middle of nowhere. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Anyone can start being prepared for emergencies with some very simple and inexpensive first steps. And it’s absolutely never too late to get started.

6 Easy Steps You Can Do to Start Prepping Right Now

• Add one food item in bulk to your next grocery trip. It could be simply a case of canned food, a 10lb bag of rice, an extra bag of coffee, or a Costco sized box of oats. Just one item every time you go shopping and in no time you’ll have a good start to your emergency food storage.
• Learn a new skill: It’s a great idea to learn a skill that can help you and your family if you find yourself in an emergency situation. Think canning, sewing, fishing, fermenting foods, cook from scratch, first-aid, raise chickens, herbalism, etc… Just think of things your great-grandparents may have known how to do that you don’t and that is a great place to start.
• Start a garden: This is a huge first step to preparedness. And don’t worry you can start growing your own food no matter if you live on an acre or in an apartment. It’s often said that food=freedom. And the reason for that is that those who control the food supply, control the people.
• Educate yourself: There are tons of great books out there from experienced preppers that can help you get started. Daisy Luther has a bunch of books I actually have in my own home library. I also recommend checking out youtube for videos that will help you learn more about prepping.
• Get on a budget: One of the goals of truly being free and self-reliant is not having any debt. It’s also about living below your means. When you have absolutely no debt (including credit cards), that means nobody owns you. Debt is slavery. Start with a great app like YNAB or take a course like Financial Peace University.
• Take care of your health: This is an often overlooked aspect of emergency preparedness. Getting your butt in shape, taking care of your dental and vision health, and eating better will be nothing but a benefit if you find yourself in a SHTF scenario. If you have to quickly leave your home due to a tsunami or flood how far can you run or hike without passing out?!? I know I’m guilty of letting my health slide lately. I aim to do something about it. How about you?

Emergency Preparedness is the Path to Self Reliance

I know a lot of people were caught off guard by everything that was 2020. Even some preppers weren’t as prepared as they would like to have been. I know I wasn’t. But that doesn’t mean it’s too late to start prepping.

You have car, home, and health insurance now get the insurance that is emergency preparedness. Become self-reliant and never have to depend on anyone for the well-being of you or your family. Anyone can do it, it doesn’t have to be difficult, scary, weird, or expensive. And the best time to get started is now.