"Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst." - Edward R. Murrow
There have been numerous articles published on the topic of preparation, some are decent, some are lacking, few feel comprehensive. While this series won’t be comprehensive from the standpoint of teaching the specific skills required for each topic covered, it will attempt to provide a template of approach for beginners and advanced preppers, as well specific ideas and lessons learned, for a pragmatic approach to resiliency.
BLUF: Prepping, once relegated to ‘conspiracy theorists’ and off-grid types, has gained traction in the wake of Covid-19 (lockdowns, supply-chain breakdowns, and shortages), and presently under the threat of uncertain times (threats to our infrastructure, financial challenges and potential collapse, and regional wars with the threat of global war), prepping and self-relience have made a much-needed resurgence.
Introduction
In an age of increasing social, economic, and environmental uncertainty, the concept of "prepping" has garnered significant attention. This practice involves proactively preparing for disruptive events, ranging from natural disasters to societal collapse.
Concerns about escalating political tensions, the growing threat of cyberattacks, and the possibility of unforeseen crises like Disease X mirror historical anxieties experienced during the Great Depression of the 1930s, a period marked by economic hardship and societal unrest. Additionally, parallels can be drawn to the last "Fourth Turning" event, a historical framework outlining cyclical periods of crisis and upheaval.
[Analyst note: for more on how the past mirrors the present see the following posts: Post 76, Post 71, Post 64, Post 62, Post 60, Post 59, and Post 20.]
Amidst the ever-present threat of terror attacks, pandemics, and potential warfare, individuals are increasingly seeking ways to build resilience and ensure their well-being in the face of potential disruptions. This necessitates understanding the core principles of prepping, encompassing steps like establishing emergency communication plans, stockpiling essential supplies, and acquiring essential skills for self-reliance. By taking these proactive measures, individuals can navigate challenging times with greater preparedness and confidence.
Mindset:
Embarking on the journey of prepping necessitates a mindset shift that transcends the accumulation of supplies and acquiring practical skills. At its core lies the fundamental acknowledgment that the world is in a state of perpetual change, governed by universal laws.
This understanding necessitates confronting the limitations of our individual perspectives, particularly the cognitive bias known as recency bias. We tend to base our expectations on recent experiences, assuming stability and normalcy will persist. However, the historical record paints a vastly different picture, revealing numerous periods of significant disruption and societal upheaval.
Recognizing the limitations of our lived experience, especially considering the relative scarcity of individuals who have personally witnessed major crisis events, is crucial. By shedding the illusion of static predictability and embracing the reality of impermanence, we position ourselves to navigate an uncertain future with greater clarity and purpose. This introspective journey allows us to move beyond the limitations of personal experience and tap into the wisdom gleaned from historical patterns, fostering a more informed and adaptable approach to preparedness.
"It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark." - Howard Ruff
Throughout history, humanity has faced numerous periods of immense upheaval and hardship, serving as stark reminders of the world's dynamic nature. Here are a few examples that illustrate the gravity of past crises:
Black Death (1346-1353): This devastating pandemic swept across Europe, killing an estimated 30-50% of the population. The rapid spread of the disease, coupled with a lack of understanding and effective treatment, resulted in widespread social and economic disruption.1
The Fall of the Roman Empire (4th-5th centuries AD): This gradual decline of one of the most powerful empires in history involved political instability, economic woes, and barbarian invasions. The once-mighty empire fragmented, leaving a power vacuum that reshaped the course of European history.2
The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648): This religious conflict ravaged Central Europe, resulting in widespread devastation and population decline. The war, fueled by religious tensions and territorial disputes, exposed the fragility of peace and the immense human cost of prolonged conflict.3
The Great Depression (1929-1939): This global economic crisis plunged the world into an era of widespread unemployment, poverty, and social unrest. The stock market crash of 1929 triggered a domino effect, leading to bank failures, business closures, and a collapse in international trade.4
World War II (1939-1945): This global conflict, the deadliest in human history, witnessed unprecedented levels of destruction and loss of life. The war's impact transcended national borders, leaving a lasting scar on the collective memory of humanity.5
These are just a few examples of the numerous tumultuous periods that have punctuated human history. By understanding the scope and nature of past crises, we can gain valuable insights into the potential challenges that lie ahead and the importance of adopting a proactive approach to preparedness.
Understanding Your Environment:
A crucial aspect of effective prepping lies in fostering an intelligence-based understanding of your specific operating environment. The challenges and considerations involved in preparing for disruptions will vary significantly depending on factors like location, climate, and access to resources.
For instance, individuals residing in urban environments may face distinct challenges compared to those in rural areas. Urban dwellers might prioritize stockpiling non-perishable food and water due to potential disruptions in supply chains, whereas their rural counterparts might focus on cultivating their own food sources and securing alternative energy solutions.
Similarly, the considerations for someone living in a desert environment differ vastly from those in a tropical region. Access to water becomes paramount in arid regions, necessitating rainwater harvesting and water purification techniques. Conversely, individuals in tropical zones might prioritize measures to mitigate the risks associated with natural disasters like hurricanes and floods.
"Civilization is only three meals away from anarchy." - Will Durant
Furthermore, the location's proximity to trade routes and population density significantly impacts access to essential supplies. Island communities, for example, may face greater logistical challenges in receiving shipments compared to those residing on continental landmasses. This necessitates a higher degree of self-sufficiency and potentially longer-term stockpiling of critical resources.
Latitude also plays a significant role in shaping the challenges and opportunities associated with prepping. Individuals in higher latitudes experience shorter growing seasons and potentially limited access to certain types of natural resources. Conversely, those residing in tropical regions might benefit from longer growing seasons and a wider variety of readily available plants and animals for sustenance.
By adopting an intelligence-based approach and meticulously analyzing their specific environment, individuals can tailor their preparedness strategies to address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by their location. This comprehensive understanding empowers them to make informed decisions regarding resource acquisition, skill development, and overall preparedness measures, ultimately enhancing their resilience in the face of potential disruptions.
A Basic Guide to Prepping:
Prepping, at its core, is about building resilience and self-sufficiency in the face of potential disruptions. This guide outlines a basic approach grounded in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and an intelligence-based understanding of your environment, applicable for both beginners and more advanced preppers.
Phase 1: Addressing Fundamental Needs (Physiological and Safety)
Maslow's Hierarchy: This framework prioritizes addressing physiological needs (water, food, shelter) and safety needs (security, health) before focusing on higher-order needs.
Resource Development: Begin by building a sustainable foundation by focusing on acquiring and storing essential supplies for survival:
Water: Ensure access to clean water through filtration, storage, and alternative sources.
Food: Stockpile non-perishable food items and consider options for long-term food security like gardening or hunting.
Shelter: Secure your existing shelter or develop alternative options like emergency shelters or bug-out locations.
Environmental Analysis: Analyze your specific environment to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities:
Location: Consider factors like climate, proximity to resources, and potential natural disasters.
Community: Assess the potential for cooperation and support within your community.
Personal Needs: Identify any unique needs or vulnerabilities you or your family members might have.
Phase 2: Expanding your Preparedness (Love/Belonging and Esteem)
Build Community: Establish connections with neighbors and develop plans for mutual support and collaboration.
Develop Skills: Acquire essential skills for self-reliance, such as first aid, basic repairs, and navigation.
Enhance Communication: Invest in communication tools and establish backup plans for maintaining contact with loved ones during disruptions.
Phase 3: Continuous Improvement and Refinement (Self-Actualization)
Refine your Plan: Regularly review and update your preparedness plan based on new information and experiences.
Expand your Knowledge: Continuously learn new skills and expand your understanding of potential threats and challenges.
Maintain Mental & Physical Well-being: Prioritize your mental and physical health to ensure you are prepared to handle stressful situations.
Remember: Prepping is a cyclical process. As you progress through the phases, revisit the foundation and ensure your basic needs are consistently met. This cyclical approach ensures your preparedness evolves alongside your knowledge and experience.
Additional Considerations:
Financial preparedness: Develop a financial safety net to manage potential economic disruptions.
Information gathering: Stay informed about potential threats and local preparedness resources.
Legal considerations: Familiarize yourself with relevant laws and regulations regarding prepping activities.
By following this basic framework and adapting it to your specific circumstances, you can embark on a journey towards self-reliance and build a foundation for navigating challenging times with greater confidence and resilience.
The Interative Approach:
Embarking on a prepping journey often necessitates an iterative approach that prioritizes progressive self-reliance. This strategy, drawing inspiration from Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and an intelligence-based understanding of your environment, focuses on tackling needs in a sequential manner. The process begins by dedicating focused time, energy, and resources to addressing a single fundamental need, such as food.
Imagine starting with securing a two-week supply of non-perishable food items. Once this initial goal is achieved, the focus shifts to water, ensuring access to a two-week supply through storage, filtration, or alternative sources. Following this, efforts turn towards securing these supplies, potentially implementing measures like building a sturdy pantry or establishing a backup storage location.
This cyclical process continues, addressing each need in sequential order while progressively building redundancy and diversifying skillsets. By iteratively tackling challenges and systematically enhancing preparedness, individuals gradually build a robust foundation of self-reliance, ultimately bolstering their overall resilience in the face of potential disruptions.
Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, the journey of prepping begins with a shift in mindset. Acknowledging the impermanence of our world and embracing the possibility of disruptions necessitates proactive measures to ensure our well-being. However, the sheer prospect of preparing for unforeseen challenges can often feel overwhelming. Thankfully, the iterative approach offers a solution. By channeling your focus and resources towards addressing one specific need at a time, such as securing a two-week supply of food or water, the seemingly daunting task of prepping transforms into a manageable and even enjoyable process. Each completed step, each acquired skill, and each established redundancy becomes a building block in your overall preparedness strategy.
Imagine the satisfaction of tackling each challenge head-on, one step at a time. Witnessing your progress and growing self-reliance can foster a sense of empowerment and control over your future. Remember, every journey begins with a single step. By taking that initial step and embracing the iterative approach, you embark on a path towards building a more resilient and adaptable version of yourself, prepared to navigate whatever challenges life may throw your way.
Related Posts:
Want to better understand how past events mirror present events? Don’t understand some of the overlaps of history? The following posts may assist in understanding the cyclical nature of history, and the present peroid we find ourselves in.
Post 20: Cusp of Collapse & War
Post 59: The Cusp of Clollapse & War - Part II
The following posts are case studies comparing events from the 1930s to Present:
Post 60: Poland
Post 62: Germany
Post 64: Italy
Post 71: Europe - Farmers
Not sure how things might look, and therefore, unsure of how to focus one’s preps? Look to history for an answer:
Post 66: What to Expect if WWIII Manifests
https://www.britannica.com/event/Black-Death/Cause-and-outbreak
https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Decline-and-Fall-of-the-Roman-Empire
https://www.britannica.com/topic/history-of-Europe/The-Thirty-Years-War
https://www.history.com/topics/great-depression
https://www.history.com/shows/wwii-in-hd
Most preppers get started by making a bug-out bag. I made one many years ago and stashed it in a closet. I think it was after the earthquake and tsunami in 2011. I pulled it out a few months ago and it was a joke. If I had to leave and only had the bag I wouldn't have lasted the first night. So, knowing what I know now I set about rebuilding it. Bought a new 55 liter pack and spent about $500 on a new sleeping bag and pad, new tent, new knife, folding saw, axe, cookset and many other things. That bag lives in my car and can also act as a get-home back. With that pack I could survive anything for over a week and my wife would just need a small pack with clothes, hygiene products and more food. It was a great mental exercise and everyone should do it.
My family has researched some companies for an investment in some long term food storage. We decided to go with my patriot supply. We went with the company because it was highly rated and to my surprise they had a zero interest 6 month payment plan that we have used several times. We also purchased medical supplies, water purification, fire starters and other extensive survival items. The company has sales often and usually offer free shipping on anything over 199 bucks. We know that many of the items are high in carbs and may not be the “healthiest” but we decided to go with it as it’s “emergency” food.
I also recommend the following… or some version
-alexapure (thin berkey) with extra filters
- khatadin base camp 6 liter gravity filter
- antibiotics
- suture kits
- some sort of radios (baofeng are great)
- solar powered lights
- solar charger
- generator
- some sort of propane/ isobutane/ natural wood stove
- medical supplies that include tourniquets, first aid for burns, headaches, cold, cough, flu, oral hygiene
- soap
- clothes that make you look poor… I recommend getting a few sets at your local thrift shop/ goodwill so if it pops off and you have to move around you aren’t wearing Patagonia or fancy names items.
- extra clothes in varying sizes if you have a growing family
- compass and paper maps (learn basic land navigation)
- paper maps with overlays that have different names of roads (instead of Main Street name it (route Charlie) so if you are on a radio the messages are encoded.
- use radios at certain times only and change Frequencies on a set schedule.
- have a good day pack pre staged with gear.
If anyone has more ideas please share as I am always wanting to learn to be more prepared.