We are living is volatile times, it seems like every time we turn around we are faced with another disaster. From Natural disasters to financial meltdowns, wars, and government takeovers, we are living through turbulent times that call for us all to be prepared for whatever may come next.
Not too long ago people who talked about preparing for the worst were thought of as weird and often made fun of by the mainstream media. These days it is becoming more common that the weird ones are those that are not prepared. But what does being prepared actually mean? Does it mean stockpiling loads of gear, food and ammunition or is there something else that people should be doing to prepare for the worst?
To me being prepared means a number of different things.
- Financial Security – It’s great to be prepared for an end of days scenario but what happens when you’re faced with a foreclosure or the possibility of living on the streets? Is that not a survival situation? To be truly prepared for the worst we must also think of our financial security. That means paying off debt, living within our means and starting an emergency fund.
- Knowledge – Gear breaks, food spoils and nothing lasts forever. Knowledge is the key to survival. It is the one thing that you can always count on and it’s the one thing that you can’t lose.
- Health – Now is the time to start thinking about your health. Having gear is great, but if your too fat and out of shape to use it then what’s the point? You are the best piece of gear you have, take care of your body!
- Food Storage – Start stocking up on the basics, you are going to need them anyways so try to buy a little bit extra every time you go to the store. Think about it this way you might not ever be faced with an emergency survival scenario…. but what happens if you lose your job? Having a fully stocked freezer and a cabinet full of food might be just the help you need to make your way through until things get better. Check out our list of foods with long shelf life that you should be buying.
- Bugout Bag / Emergency gear – In an emergency situation things happen quickly, having a bug out bag can help ensure that you have everything you need in case of an emergency. Click here to for more information on Bug out Bags or here for our big list of survival gear
Depending on your situation, your location and other personal factors, being prepared can mean a number of things….. What does it mean to you?
Great Post. Being prepared for me means knowing that I have enough food and supplies to last us for at least 30 days.
Once I hit that threshold then I will up it to 3 months and start prepping for that.
You’ve done a great job in this post of laying out the basics. Great beginning for those who are just waking up to the need to prepare and a fine reminder for those of us already working toward self-reliance.
Great post and thoughts.
Most people donot think about things such a financial matters and health as “preparedness stuff”.
Good to point that out.
Rourke
Good job in presenting the basics to prepping.
One issue I did’nt see addressed are important medications you might be on. Stock up when you can on these meds and keep them on a continuous rotation. Note that most meds will out live the expiration dates but begin to lose there effectiveness.
Another thing, is not everyone is blessed with perfict health, but I would like to see some tips for the less fortuate but still want to survive.
If you are not blessed with perfect health stocking up on meds is fine if your dr. will go along with it. If not you should check out some natural alt. I have very high blood pressure,if I can,t get my meds I know that exersise and a very strict diet will get me through.(Under those conditions you can,t get a big mac and fries anyway)A.M.A.s Family Medical Guide is a good program,Also try Family Home Health A great alt. med.book
I know first hand what it’s like to be over your head in debt and loose a job. I was makin good money and lost my job and we struggled so hard to keep our house and cars. Now I have a job working for Jefferson County in Missouri makin about half what I did befor but it’s a for sure job and pay check. No we live a simpler cheaper life and we are preparing our lives for the worst. Ive become very active in survival stuff and home preparedness wether I have to bug in or out I have a plan for my family and I’m atempting to recrut others to my cause with face book and going to start my own site. I just want to be as informed as possible and have others as informed as possible as well.
To get bills paid off quickly. Ask your bank or credit card company to settle the debt. They will almost always take 40 percent off what you owe. it stays on your credit for a year but who cares, pay it off as quickly as you can.
Well said, the health issue (I think) is the most important of all. If you know how to control your diabities now, get off the meds and do it. If you can’t do it now, you won’t do it when you have to drop everything and head for the hills! Get on a limited healthy diet and exercise regularly so that when the time comes your ready.