Are You Already a Prepper?

[AZ Prepper]

Are You Already a Prepper?
http://www.newyorkpreppersnetwork.com/2010/05/are-you-already-prepper.html


There are many aspects of being a Prepper. Some people already do some of the same things a Prepper would do, but might not actually be a Prepper. Its complicated and then again it's not. Really...

We all gravitate towards that which we know and understand best, so some may get to know us a little bit and decide, oh well that's all a Prepper is....Ummm Maybe.

I know many times I write about gardening, seed saving, or methods of preparing of food; but this is only one little aspect of the whole big picture. The part of being more self reliant with ones self to some degree.

Some people feel disaster preparedness has to do with more every day possible turn of events, or being ready in case the power fails to come back on after a few hours or even days. What if your car were to slide off the road because of heavy rain or ice, or maybe just quit on a long stretch of road. Hot summer or mid winter both could be a challenge. All the way to the ultimate disaster loss of home, family members and job all at the same time. We felt that with 911 and the Katrina disaster. Even though I was not there it compelled me to take a few classes at a training center in CPR and helping my neighbors if we had to open a shelter.

Who would ever think there would be a time when there was a divider page in your phone book on how to plan for a disaster, dialing 911, or where to find the nearest shelter? Who would rather not think of the worst and try to live more positive. Well part of being a Prepper is preparing in various ways, the best you can so that if any disaster hits, you can be ready in case it happens. I remember a few winters just after the blizzard we had in 1966.

Every time they said we had some heavy snow heading our way, the store shelves would empty out by the time everyone got out of work to go home. It was sort of eerie to walk around a large supermarket and literally see large empty spots. There was a limit on bread, flour and sugar and still the market had no problem emptying its shelves. Perspectives had changed.

Make a habit of checking your stored supplies on a regular basis. Even if its just buy ahead sale items to put away, and your not stocking up for any big disaster. Check cans for rust, bulges and date or rotate newer items to the back of the shelf as best not to create a disaster.

Nothing like going for the flashlight and find the batteries have malfunctioned in your unit so new batteries wont work. (Batteries that are almost discharged or worn can leak) We keep candles already mounted on safe holders with a way to light it, along with battery flash lights and generator types. (btw..Check those hand generators as we did just the other day and found one barely still worked and one the rechargeable battery failed in it. The unit we purchased was made with screws so you could open it, so it was worth the few extra dollars we paid and with some research found the right batteries to go in it.) We even purchased a solar light tube. We used this for years during storms and to go up into the attic where there is no electric to find things like Christmas decorations or camping equipment. It could light a huge room for hours (around 12) if used constantly.

I could list all the things you could possibly use, the very least you need, or even fancier systems that people have purchased. Just remember, that the back pack of supplies back home doesn't help if you can't get to your house or are somewhere else. If your home, and you have to leave, you cant take it all with you. So take some time to think of ways you may have already prepared yourself or maybe some way you could become just a little more by organizing some of the items in a safe reachable location.

Maybe you need to take a moment and open that pack and see where things are. Anything get borrowed out of a kit? Anything outdated or possibly be put in a better space. Even if you might be going to a shelter, its a good idea to try and bring ID, and your meds, and possibly a snack/or diabetic bag in case it takes longer than you think to get to another location or you have to wait for a transport or even getting through in your car; or heading to another family members home.

If an older family member brings up a memory of one of their struggles, this might be a good moment to inquire about what they would want you to do, or if they have what they need in case something were to happen. Keep it matter of fact and upbeat, and maybe even understand how well they made it though that time.

Thanks for stopping by and reading this article. I hope that it helped in a positive way to think about what you have done or used to do.

[fuzzy]

Funny, a snow storm in 1966, empty shelves, etc., is what started me to thinking. Been prepping ever since, but still not there yet!

[UrbanFool]

I had a spectacular nervous breakdown a while back, and have been getting back in gear these past few months. I'm pretty appalled to see where my husband has taken my food storage, and I'm continuously running out of the most simple of things, and wasting hoards of time looking for things I'm sure we have, but can't find. I'm pretty much starting from scratch at this point. Tomorrow will be spent doing a major inventory and reshuffling of food.

Well, at least we had it. That's what it was for --getting us through an emergency.