At its core, the first rule of prepping is a call to action. It's a reminder that readiness should be a fundamental aspect of our lives.
In an increasingly uncertain world, emergency preparedness, commonly known as prepping, has gained momentum. People from all walks of life are realizing the importance of being ready for unexpected emergencies or disasters. They’re moving to rural properties, growing gardens, starting homesteads, and stocking up on essential supplies. They’re learning vital life skills that many have pushed aside.
Whether it's a natural calamity, a power outage, economic instability, or even a global pandemic, being prepared is the first line of defense. And at the heart of prepping lies its first and most essential rule: be prepared.
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Understanding the first rule of prepping
At its core, the first rule of prepping for survival is a call to action. It's a reminder that readiness should be a fundamental aspect of our lives, just like eating, sleeping, and earning a living. Being prepared means having the necessary resources, knowledge, and skills to cope with adverse circumstances as they arise. It’s having a mindset of preparedness.
This rule is not just for extreme survivalists or doomsday preppers. It’s for anyone who understands the value of self-reliance. It’s a simple yet powerful principle that can make the difference between surviving and struggling when faced with unexpected challenges.
The “why” of prepping
To understand why prepping is crucial, we must first consider the unpredictable nature of life. Emergencies, disasters, and crises aren’t exclusive to any particular region or time. They can strike at any moment, catching even the most well-prepared individuals off guard.
Our first encounter with a life-altering crisis was the moment we got orders to evacuate our home. We had 15 minutes to evacuate and were ordered not to pack any personal belongings. Moments like that put your life and prepper activities into perspective.
These emergencies include:
Natural disasters. Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and tornadoes are just a few examples of natural disasters that can devastate communities. Being prepared with emergency supplies and evacuation plans can ensure self-reliance and save lives.
Economic instability. Financial crises and economic downturns can lead to job loss, inflation, and scarcity of resources. Having financial reserves and basic survival skills can help you weather these storms.
Health crises. The COVID-19 years serve as a stark reminder of how a health crisis can disrupt daily life. Being prepared with food, prepper supplies, and medical supplies is invaluable.
Power outages. Whether due to severe weather or infrastructure issues, power outages can last for hours or even days. Having alternative energy sources and a stockpile of essentials can provide comfort and safety.
When we evacuated, we could see the flames of a wildfire quickly approaching — a wildfire that hadn’t been a threat until the wind shifted and it began moving our way at an unprecedented pace. We grabbed our emergency bags, a box of important documents, and an external hard drive where we store all our backup documents and photos. We didn’t have time to grab much else.
Spoiler: Our house survived because of prior efforts of fire mitigation and the amazing work of local firefighters. Many other homes in our area didn’t make it. Ideally, we’ll be able to bug in, or hunker down, during the next crisis.
The components of being prepared
Being prepared involves several key components, all working together to create a robust and resilient plan for any situation.
These preparedness components include:
Food and water. Stocking up on non-perishable food items and clean drinking water is essential. Consider a mix of canned goods, dried foods, and water purification methods. Ultimately, you want to have at least one year’s worth of food storage to weather life’s storms.
Shelter. Having a safe place to stay during emergencies is critical. Ensure your home is structurally sound and you have emergency shelter options like tents or tarps.
First aid and medical supplies. A well-equipped first-aid kit is indispensable. Additionally, having a basic understanding of first-aid procedures can be life-saving. We recommend picking up some first-aid books like Wilderness First Aid for your bug-out bag, and The Survival Medicine Handbook for home use.
Self-defense. Knowing how to protect yourself and your loved ones may be vital in certain survival or crisis situations. Consider taking some self-defense training or acquiring some defensive tools.
Communication. Being able to communicate with loved ones and receive updates during emergencies is crucial. Ensure that your loved ones all have two-way radios to communicate on — and that they know which channels to use. You’ll also want an emergency radio so you can keep up to date on emergency details. Learn how to create your own emergency communication plan.
Skills and knowledge. Alongside physical resources, having essential survival skills is important. This can include knowing how to build a fire, administer basic medical care, filter water, or forage for food.
Community and networking. Building a network of like-minded individuals can provide mutual support in times of crisis. Sharing resources, knowledge, and responsibilities can enhance your preparedness. Remember to be selective when building your “team.”
Prepping and psychology
Beyond the physical aspects of preparedness, there’s a psychological element to consider. Being prepared can provide a sense of security and peace of mind. It reduces anxiety about the unknown and empowers individuals to face challenges with confidence.
Prepping also fosters a sense of self-reliance and self-sufficiency, which can be incredibly empowering. Knowing that you’ve taken steps to care for yourself and your loved ones in difficult times can boost your resilience and mental well-being.
Getting prepped
For those new to prepping, the prospect of becoming fully prepared can be overwhelming. However, it's essential to remember that emergency preparedness isn’t an all-or-nothing endeavor. You can start small, taking incremental steps to build your readiness over time.
Start prepping one step at a time:
Assess your risks. Consider the potential risks in your area and those that concern you the most. Focus on addressing the most likely scenarios first.
Create a plan. Develop a preparedness plan that outlines your goals and priorities. This plan will guide your efforts and help you stay organized.
Build a bug-out bag. Gradually accumulate essential supplies and resources. Start with a three-day emergency kit and expand from there. Not sure what to include in your kit? Download this bug-out bag list.
Learn and practice. Acquire new skills and knowledge through books, online resources, or classes. Practice your skills to ensure you can use them effectively when needed.
Involve your family. Ensure that everyone in your household understands the importance of preparedness and knows what to do in an emergency.
Be prepared
The first rule of prepping, be prepared, encapsulates the essence of readiness for an unpredictable world. It’s a call to action that encourages individuals to take control of their own well-being and the well-being of their loved ones.
By embracing the first rule of prepping, you’re not only enhancing your chances of survival in emergencies but also fostering a sense of empowerment and resilience that can serve you well throughout life's journey. So, start small, act wisely, develop a prepper mindset, and remember that being prepared is a journey, not a destination.