Prepping, real prepping, isn’t all about stuff. And yet that’s the first question I hear from beginning and even established preppers–what kind of “stuff” do I need or “what am I forgetting?” But in a world where doomsday preppers are stockpiling enough beans to survive the apocalypse (and the inevitable gaseous aftermath), it’s refreshing to know that not all VTIAL preparedness actions require emptying your wallet. Here are ten things you can do for free that’ll have a SIGNIFICANT impact on your readiness for whatever life throws your way – be it a zombie outbreak (Ha!) or just a really, really long power outage.
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Build up a trusted community of like-minded members
1. Build a Trustworthy Community: Remember, no prepper is an island unless you’re actually prepping on an island, in which case, kudos to you for taking social distancing to the extreme. For the rest of us landlubbers, building a network of like-minded individuals can be invaluable. Sharing skills and knowledge improves everyone’s lives; perhaps you can even share those freeze-dried meals you impulse-bought at 2 AM.
Be sure you meet regularly and have an agenda each time so that the meetings don’t drain people’s personal time resources. Stick with the objectives of the meeting. Oh, and if you bring treats, such as those you made from your pantry supplies, that’s even better. (Successful Meetings 101 Rules) *wink* - Organize Existing Preps: If you can’t find it, you don’t have it. And if you don’t know you have it, you don’t have it. Since prepping is a long-term voyage, not a destination, we do things over the years that we may have forgotten. I know that I certainly do. It’s only with my mandatory “organization days” that I learn how vulnerable or prepared I am. If your “prepper pantry” looks more like a game of Jenga with canned goods, it’s time to organize. Not only will this help you find things when you need them, but it’ll also prevent you from buying your 47th can of corn when you thought you were out. I’m sure your wallet will appreciate the unnecessary extra yoga. (Although we all need 47 cans of corn, don’t we?)
- Practice Using Your Preps: Don’t wait for doomsday to figure out how to use that fancy water filter or fire starter. The same goes for the candles—make sure they give enough light, the can opener, setting up that tent, using the solar oven, etc. etc. I recently did an experiment where I cooked just with my butane cook stove every meal for as long as one can of butane would last me. I was pleasantly surprised with the results, and it turns out that I don’t have to purchase anywhere near as much butane as I thought I would. Do an electric-free weekend or a grocery store-free week or two. Practice now while the circumstances are forgiving of mess-ups because when the chips are down, they won’t be. So practice now, when the stakes are low and pizza delivery is still an option. Plus, it’s a great excuse to have a “camping trip” in your living room.
- Learn Essential Survival Skills: YouTube is a goldmine for free tutorials on everything from first aid to fire-making. Just remember, watching a video on how to catch a fish with your bare hands doesn’t make you a master angler. Practice is key, preferably not with the goldfish in your neighbor’s pond. By the way, how ARE your fishing skills? Can you fish via alternative means when you don’t have all the perfect set up?
Practice using your preps!
- Create and Update Emergency Plans: Develop plans for various scenarios, from natural disasters to alien invasions (yes, I’m kidding.). Update them regularly, and make sure everyone in your household knows the plan. Bonus points if you can recite it backwards while hopping on one foot.
- Conduct a Home Safety Assessment: Walk through your home with a critical eye. Identify potential hazards and weak points in your security. It’s like playing detective, but instead of solving crimes, you’re preventing them. And maybe discovering where all those missing socks went.
- Create a Bug-Out Binder: Compile all your important documents and information in one place. Think of it as the ultimate adulting scrapbook, minus the glitter and macaroni art. Unless that’s your thing, in which case, glitter away. A bug-out binder is one of the most forgotten items I find my clients don’t even think about. I wrote an article just on what should be included in it, and it’s not a Lightweight Nancy, I’m telling ya. It’s substantial, and it needs to be taken seriously.
- Develop a Physical Fitness Routine: Get in shape for free by using your body weight and household items. Who needs a gym when you can do bicep curls with cans of beans? It’s prepping and working out all in one! Go for long walks, and if you don’t have one, take one of your neighbor’s dogs with you. You’ll create bonus points for sure! And that’s another point: can your dog walk long distances? Keeping them physically fit, just in case, is important, too. Take the young kiddos in the wagon; make sure they can also stay there for long walks. Keep pushing their endurance.
Grab and Go Binder
Walking and even running may be a lifesaver someday. We’ve got to keep those hearts pumping in a good way!
- Research and Map Local Resources: Become an expert on your local area. Know where to find water, safe meeting spots, and the best routes out of town. It’s like being a tourist in your own city but with a much more practical souvenir than a keychain.
- Establish a Communication Plan: Set up a system to stay in touch with loved ones during emergencies. Bonus: This plan doubles as a great excuse for not responding to that group chat about your second cousin’s dog’s birthday party.
Remember, preparedness isn’t just about having stuff; it’s about knowledge, skills, and planning. These free actions will not only make you more prepared than most others around you but will give you a muscle memory edge in a crisis and may even make the journey enjoyable. Who knew getting ready for the end of the world could be so much fun?
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