The Top 10 Most Important Things to Do as a Prepper

Preparing for emergencies and ensuring your survival during times of crisis is an essential mindset. As a prepper, there are certain things you should do to increase your chances of surviving in challenging situations. It’s important to me that people keep prepping simple, which is why I want to talk about the top 10 most important things to do as a prepper.

In today’s world with conflict and natural disasters reported in the news and social media daily, being able to live a self-reliant life can be critical. Knowing you’re prepared for most situations provides confidence and comfort.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money or seem “over the top.” Just be willing to take the time to put a plan in place, communicate that plan with your family, and practice various steps so you know you’re ready.

1. Assess Your Risks and Create a Plan

Before diving into prepping, take the time to assess the potential risks and threats specific to your location. Identify natural disasters, social unrest, power outages, or any other events that are likely to affect your safety. Once you have a clear understanding of the risks, it’s time to put together your emergency plan. Emergency Preparedness-Make A Plan

Consider factors such as the number of people in your household, their needs, and any specific challenges you might face. Include evacuation routes, rendezvous points, and methods of communication in your plan. A well-designed strategy will help you stay calm and focused during an emergency.

2. Build a Stockpile of Essential Supplies

One of the fundamental aspects of prepping is building an emergency stockpile. Ensure you have a sufficient quantity of non-perishable food, water, medications, and other essential supplies that can sustain you and your family for an extended period. Aim for a minimum of three months’ worth of supplies. I’ve based most of my emergency food storage on freeze-dried food. Whether it’s vegetables like beans, meats, or various fruits, freeze-dried supplies make a lot of sense.

Don’t get discouraged if it takes some time to build up your stockpile. I’ve told my readers to start one can at a time if they have to as they put together food storage. Water storage can get tricky. Try to have enough water so you have four gallons of water per person per day. You’ll need a way to treat the water and that can include water filter systems or even water purification tables for just one gallon of water.

I don’t suggest you purchase a bunch of supplies by using a credit card, that could just add to your stress.

Rotate your stockpile regularly to maintain freshness and ensure that you have access to the necessary items when needed. Consider including items like a first aid kit, flashlights, lanterns, extra or rechargeable batteries, personal hygiene products, and tools like a manual can opener. Remember to include items specific to your family’s needs, such as baby formula, diapers, or pet supplies.

3. Learn Basic First Aid and Self-Defense Skills

In crisis situations, medical assistance may not be readily available. Therefore, it is crucial to acquire basic first-aid knowledge and skills. Enroll in a first aid course to learn how to respond to common injuries, perform CPR, and manage wounds effectively. Fitness for Survival It’s great to have a first aid kit, but you need to know how to use the contents, whether it’s bandages, splints, gauze, tweezers, special scissors, ointments, or medications.

Consider learning self-defense techniques to protect yourself and your loved ones if confronted with potential dangers. Knowing how to handle medical emergencies and defend yourself can make a significant difference in survival scenarios. Practice these skills regularly to maintain proficiency and confidence.

Be prepared to protect your family however you can. You know what I’m talking about. Here are two other choices. Bear Spray and Pepper Spray (I realize some states prohibit the use of these, check your locality).

4. Establish Communication Channels

During emergencies, communication becomes vital. Set up alternative communication channels, such as two-way radios or satellite phones, to stay connected with your family and fellow preppers. Familiarize yourself with emergency radio frequencies and ensure your devices are fully charged.

I have a hand-crank radio that I can use to listen to weather updates and emergency alerts.

Consider creating a communication plan with your loved ones, designating specific channels for walkie-talkies and protocols to follow in case traditional methods fail. Having multiple means of communication will help you stay informed and coordinate effectively during a crisis. Emergency Forms of Communication

We rely on our cell phones so much! They may not work if cell towers are down or networks are not operating as designed. For sure, make sure your emergency kit includes a charger, and a solar charger is even better.

5. Secure Your Shelter and Property

Protecting your shelter and property is paramount. Evaluate the vulnerabilities of your home and strengthen its security measures. Install sturdy locks, reinforce doors and windows, and consider additional security systems like alarms or surveillance cameras to deter potential threats.

Create a safe room or designated area where you can seek refuge during an emergency. Ensure this space has supplies, communication tools, and essential provisions readily available. Regularly check and maintain your home’s structural integrity to minimize risks. How to Use a Tarp for Shelter

Take the time to make certain the doors and windows have weather-related seals and caulking in place. If you have to evacuate, you’ll need to have tents, a sleeping bag for all family members, tarps, and possibly portable heating units. Again, this is where your plan needs to have enough detail that you consider various scenarios and how to meet needs in a crisis.

6. Develop Survival Skills

Having survival skills can significantly increase your chances of thriving in challenging scenarios. Learn important skills such as fire-making, purifying water, navigation, foraging for food, and basic construction techniques. These abilities will prove invaluable when modern infrastructure is unavailable.

Practice these skills in controlled environments to build confidence. Consider joining survival training courses or participating in outdoor activities that allow you to test and enhance your skills.

Being able to cook when your appliances aren’t functioning is also important. Check my archive above for posts about cooking when your power is out. Have candles, lighters, fire starter materials, fuel for outdoor cooking devices, trash bags, and clean water for cooking and cleanup.

7. Create a Financial Safety Net

Financial preparedness is often overlooked, but it is so important to teach this skill. Establish an emergency fund that could cover your expenses for at least six months. Have a variety of investments depending on your age and retirement status. Also, consider having physical assets like gold or silver as a tool against economic instability. Silver: What You Need to Know

Reduce your reliance on traditional banking systems by keeping some cash on hand. Consider acquiring barterable items such as non-perishable food, water filters, or essential supplies that could be valuable in a crisis situation. How to Barter with Food and Water

Being part of a prepper community can provide invaluable support, knowledge and skill sharing, and additional resources. Engage with like-minded individuals through online forums, social media groups, or local meetups. Building a network of preppers can help you learn new skills, share ideas, and offer a support system during crises.

Collaborate with your community to pool resources, organize training sessions, and exchange information on preparedness strategies. Having a reliable support network can make a big difference in challenging times. What You Need In A Community To Survive You may want to look into Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) training. Usually, they’re sponsored by your local fire department.

9. Stay Informed and Continuously Learn

The world is constantly changing, and it’s essential to stay informed about potential risks and threats. Regularly update your understanding of disaster preparedness, survival techniques, and current events. Subscribe to reliable news sources and follow reputable organizations that provide updates on emergencies, natural disasters, and other relevant topics.

Always educate yourself by reading books, attending workshops, and participating in online courses related to prepping, survival skills, and self-sufficiency. Stay open-minded and adaptable, as new information and techniques may arise later. The Library: An Essential Resource for Preppers

10. Regularly Review and Update Your Preparedness Plan

Preparedness is not a one-time task, keep in mind that it requires ongoing review and updates. Regularly assess your plan, supplies, and skills to ensure they remain relevant and effective. Make adjustments based on new risks, changes in circumstances, or lessons learned from past experiences.

Conduct drills and practice emergency scenarios with your family to identify any gaps or areas for improvement. Keep a checklist of items to review periodically, such as expiration dates of perishable supplies or the need to update contact information. Disaster Preparedness Plan Every Family Needs

“Bugging In: What To Do”  by Raymond Dean White or “Prepare Your Family for Survival” by Linda Loosli

Final Word

Being prepared for emergencies is a big responsibility. Following these top ten important things to do as a prepper, you can increase your chances of survival and keep everyone in your family safe. I’d love to hear what your top most important prepping tip is! May God Bless this World, Linda

Copyright Images: Emergency Supplies AdobeStock_497769293 By New Africa, Emergency Bag With Necessities AdobeStock_595175227 By Pixel-Shot