Prepping, or preparedness, sometimes gets a bad name. But you don’t have to be on the verge of a catastrophic disaster to benefit from a little preparedness! Being well prepared can offer you many benefits, including feeling more confident and safe, having backup supplies during an emergency (such as power outages, unexpected home disaster, or road accidents), and navigating through food shortages that may be caused by heavy storms or cyclones.
These are everyday events that can affect your life. But by being prepared, you can maintain peace of mind and focus to keep everyone safe and comfortable. Here’s how to get started.
Learn the Basics of Food Preparation and Storage
Food preparation and storage allow you to build an emergency food supply that can help during food shortages that may be a consequence of adverse weather events or political situations. Getting started is simple and can be beneficial in other situations, too, such as if you can’t leave your home because of a heavy snowfall.
Tips to get started:
- Start with foods like rice, beans, and canned goods that have a long shelf life
- Label and date everything
- Practice cooking with basic ingredients
- Store foods in cool, dry, and dark places
- Write down recipes that you can find even when you don’t have access to the internet
Prioritize Power Redundancy for Emergencies
Whether you live in a remote or urban area, it is important to have redundant and stand-alone power sources that allow you to benefit from power supply even when the grid is affected.
Tips to get started:
- Keep extra batteries for flashlights and radios
- Invest in a portable power bank for devices
- Get a solar-powered charger
- Use candles or LED lanterns as backup lighting
- Test all backup power sources every few months
- Consider investing in solar panels or generators
Invest in Essential Safety Gear
Having the right skills, such as shooting, foraging, shelter building, or hunting, can help you in many situations. However, it is important to have the right tactical and safety gear. Items such as a reliable first aid kit, a gas mask, and helmet accessories for tactical use can add a safety layer and help you feel more confident and protected in every situation.
Tips to get started:
- Buy a reliable first aid kit
- Keep a multi-tool at home and on the go
- Add smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Store a whistle and emergency blanket in your kit
- Have gloves, dust masks, and goggles at hand
Build a Basic Water Supply Plan
Water is a priority when it comes to being prepared in an emergency. This can be the case following a power outage, extreme weather event, or issues affecting urban plumbing systems. To avoid bacterial infections and waterborne illnesses, consider having a safe supply of water that can last you and your family a few days.
Tips to get started:
- Use food-grade containers for water storage
- Rotate and replace stored water regularly
- Keep water purification tablets or a portable filter ready
Create an Emergency Communication Strategy
Communication during and after an emergency is essential to ensure your loved ones are safe, prevent panic or excess stress, and act in an efficient way.
Tips to get started:
- Write down emergency phone numbers and keep them handy
- Designate a family meeting place if separated
- Tell a friend or relative your emergency plans
- Test your plan with a simple communication drill
In any case, having a backpack ready to grab on your way out during an emergency can do a lot to help you navigate unexpected events with a clear mind.