When we talk about SHTF situations, we often talk about natural catastrophes and wars but not enough about other scenarios like the power grid going down. That got me thinking about what would happen in this scenario and how dependent we are on electricity in general. Even if you are not a heavy user of the internet and smartphones, after all, you are still quite dependent on electricity. Especially if you live in a big city.

You don’t have to think long and hard to imagine the scenarios and the chaos that would ensue should the power grid go down. For example, it’s estimated that the power grid in the United States is attacked every 4 days. That’s actually too many times and makes you wonder how long will the protection that is in place hold and continues to be 100% efficient.

So, with this scenario looking more real every day, you start to think about how to survive if the power grid goes down. The answer is by having a solid plan that takes every aspect of this reality into account. Always remember that if you prep, you don’t sweat. It’s just a matter of planning and perfectly executing it.

So, anyway, the main thing that you will start to want to take into consideration is that you will want to find electricity sources to maintain your modern lifestyle for as long as you can. Obviously, you won’t be able to be a full modern member of society in this situation since you won’t have access to the internet, and you can’t keep using electricity the way you currently do. You’ll have to come up with a reasonable amount for the day.

Still, you can use electricity for a while. The point is that the longest that time goes by and things aren’t restored, you have to come to terms with the possible scenario of being out of electricity forever. Now, since this possibility isn’t as likely as the power grid going down and then going back up after some time, you can still prep for the scenario of only having to deal with it for a few weeks or months.

It’s also important to point out that you have to plan not only according to your lifestyle but also of those around you. Even more than lifestyle, think about your necessities and priorities. If someone in the family has a medical condition that would require a device that needs electricity or anything like that, you have to include it in your prepping.

Now, what you’re going to realize is that the main things you’re going to need are devices and skills. They will be crucial for you to have electricity sources and be able to generate them on your own after a while. Since that any minor failure in the power grid can take months to be resolved, you may be forced to generate your own electricity for quite some time. So, remember to have a plan, which is the most important part, and then execute it. For those already wanting to have a well developed survival plan, check this plan out

Light up

The first thing you’re going to do is to start with the basic things first. This means that you have to acquire as many light sources as you can. Here you’re still preparing for a few days in the dark. These sources of light won’t power your electronic devices, but they will be important for security and simply you being able to see in the dark.

Those sources can be small, simple, and cheap devices that will allow you to better see in the dark. Especially in the first few days, you’ll realize that you need a lot of help to move around even in your own house.

• Flashlights
• Smartphones
• Emergency lights
• LED marine lights
• Torches
• Headlamps
• Oil lamps
• Propane lamps
• Candles

Whatever your light source is, ideally it is something that you can recharge or something that you can get a lot of units available like candles. So, the goal here is to find sources that you will have access for days.

Still, you want to be able to recharge or replace the light source easily. For example, the flashlight that you have on your phone may not be the best light source to go to as your first option because the phone will take quite a while to recharge and you may need it for something else.

So, the light sources are to help you during the night, but you should use them sparingly if you don’t have a full scope of the situation. If the power will be down for a few days is one thing and if it’s going to be down for a few months is another completely different one. Here is a great tactical flashlight that I recommend.

Batteries

Batteries are your best friend during a blackout. If the power grid goes down, even for a few days, you’ll want to have batteries in your arsenal to recharge important devices and have an efficient electricity source.

Now, you have a lot of different types of batteries. Always opt for the ones that will last you longer and that are easy for you to recharge if at all possible. For example, you can find batteries that are rechargeable using sunlight.

Another great way to decide on how many batteries you need and what the potency should be is to make a list of the basic devices that you are going to be using during the power down.

Also, make sure that you store all those batteries properly since it can be dangerous if you don’t do it. For example, never leave them under the sun or in hot enclosed spaces since they may catch fire. Obviously, you can’t leave them unprotected either since they shouldn’t get wet under any circumstance. The point is that the storage of your batteries is as important as acquiring them in the first place.

Again, the only way you’re going to make it is if you plan, and in your plans, you should prepare for a minimum battery usage the same way that you prepare taking into consideration things like how much water and food you’re going to consume per day and per person.

So, if you not only take those things into consideration like how much power you will need but also the types of batteries that will better serve you, you’ll have better chances of making it.

Generator

You can’t talk about the power grid going down and being without electricity and not mention generators. They’re perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to having electricity even when the power is down. That’s why they are vital to your plans if you want to electricity for more than a few hours.

Now, unlike batteries that are usually cheap, generators can become quite expensive depending on your needs. A powerful generator that is also modern can cost a few hundred to a few thousands of dollars. This can be just not possible for some people. Still, you do have cheap options like the gasoline generators. Those are cheap and easy to find but also not as efficient as the others.

Since gasoline is not readily available during power outages due to gasoline pumps working with electricity and the fact that gasoline only lasts one year in storage, this is not the best option. Also, these generators do not work well under cold temperatures situations.

Still, you have many other options such as the ones below:

• Propane gas generator
• Natural gas generator
• Emulsified diesel generator
• Biodiesel generator
• Diesel fuel generator
• Hydrogen generator

Now, what’s important to point out is that price and efficiency of those models will change so you should take your budgetary needs into consideration. For instance, the hydrogen generator is the best one on the list. Considering that the model is portable and that all safety precautions were taken, this generator is not only the most efficient but you can extract hydrogen from the water, which makes the fuel readily available. So, before buying a generator also take into consideration the fuel that it uses. You need something that is cheap, readily available, and easy to store.

Supplies

Now, when we think about surviving a power outage, we normally talk about our electricity generation options like batteries, generators, and any other device we can get. Still, we forget that we need the other basic things to survive. Prepping for natural disasters may not be totally necessary for your case if you live in a place where hurricanes and earthquakes aren’t a problem. Now, a power outage is something not only possible but likely to happen to anyone.

So, you are going to need to prep even if you’re not a hardcore prepper. This means that you must think about food, water, shelter, medicine, and any other thing that you consider important for your survival. You must have, at least, 30 days’ worth of those supplies. During a power outage, you won’t be able to buy things and sometimes even leaving the house.

With that in mind, you’re going to need to start stockpiling food and storing water to get started. With food, you should calculate the minimum caloric intake that you need to survive, you can find apps and websites that help you with that. Once you determine that, you can create a strategy. Canned food and any other non-perishable food are great options here. click this link for a highly recommended food source that is high nutritious and easy to store.

For your water storage, you should start with the information that you need 1 gallon a day per person. Also, take into consideration if you have pets. Then, you must worry about proper storage since water can become undrinkable due to algae and other organisms growing in it.

To finish creating your perfect supply strategy, think about the medicine that you may need, especially antibiotics, and other things like weapons and a vehicle. All those things will be crucial for you to last a long time in the best conditions possible.

Solar power

In case the power grid is permanent or will take a really long time, having solar powered panels can be a life savior. Not only that, but it can give you all the comfort that the situation doesn’t usually provide. Solar power is reliable and can even save you money now.

Still, acquiring the panels and installing them can be expensive, which is a whole other conversation. The point is that you have way more upsides in having them than downsides. Especially during a power outage, they can become the difference that will make you thrive during those times.

Now, you’re going to have to do thorough research on the subject to understand the best options available in the market and also to learn about what is the best one for your situation. Ideally, you do have a lot of space in your property. If you live in an apartment building, it can be harder due to the lack of physical space and certain rules that your condo may have.

Anyway, the point is that you should consider solar power for the long-term. After all, it may come a time that your generator fuel is over and the batteries are gone forever. In this situation, your best option is the sun since it’ll always be there.

You don’t even have to go for solar panels since nowadays you can get batteries and other devices that are able to harness the sunlight and turn it into electricity. As long as you have one of those, you’ll be good to go. Still, it’s important to point out that if you live in a place that is cold, and cloudy for the most part of the year, you may need to think about something else. Maybe wind power.

Radio

Now, a lot is being said about how to generate electricity. This is obviously important, especially when we are talking about a power outage. Still, you should worry about other things that will help you survive. Like communication devices.

Now, if the power is out, the internet will be as well. Now only that but phones won’t be able to call. Even if that doesn’t happen immediately, it’ll soon enough. So, what you’re going to have to do is look for alternatives to communicate with the outside world. Radio is not only reliable but also cheap to get. The only disadvantage is that anyone that is tuned to your frequency can hear you. At the same time, this is the greatest advantage.

Anyway, the point is that radio communication is going to be the single most important communication device in this scenario. It doesn’t need batteries in some cases and when it does, it’s easy to recharge. Walkie-talkies don’t need power or maintenance like phones and satellites. All those factors contribute to the radio being ideal for this kind of situation. Go to my highly researched communication devices article with suggested gear to get  click here.

To better prepare, have a few dozens of these devices around the house. Also, it may sound obvious, but learn how to use it before you actually need it. Have every family member test and get familiar with the device while the power down didn’t take place yet. You don’t want to find yourself needing to Google something when the internet is not working anymore.

If you live in a more isolated area, check if your neighbors also have radio devices. It can not only help but be crucial to surviving a power outage. Remember that humans thrive when living in society.

Heating system

Now, especially if you live in cold weather places, you are going to need a heating system to survive the nights. There are a few ways to go about this be it using electricity or going totally mancave style, but the important thing is that you do it. That you do have a system and a strategy in place. During winter nights many people die because they don’t have access to shelter or one that has a heating system, so prepping for that is important as well.

So, what you’re going to do is have both the system that will depend on electricity and the one that will not do it. For an electricity-dependent one, you’ll need a generator or batteries. This is the easiest way of heating your home during the winter since all you got to do is to turn the AC on.

Now, for the non-dependent on the electricity system, you’re going to need to be creative. You can start with the obvious that is a fireplace if you have one. Also, make sure you have lots of blankets and that you get sleeping bags as well. They help the body stay in the ideal temperature.

As far as methods go, you can opt for kerosene heaters, wood burning stove, fireplaces, and many other devices. The most important thing about those methods specifically is that they are fuel burning methods. This means that they release carbon monoxide. This is a silent, deadly gas. So, you must have a ventilation system in place to take the gas out of the house while the fuel is burning.

Refrigerator

Now, besides worrying about generating electricity and having basic supplies, you also have to worry about storage of those supplies. A refrigerator is essential for you to store meat, chicken, and many other supplies. Even some medicine needs to be stored in a refrigerator. Obviously, you’re going to need a power source to be able to turn it on.

Once you figure that out, you can store the important things there. You may be able to survive without a refrigerator but it’ll be an additional problem to work around.

That’s why is so important that you do have a power source like solar panels or generators. Without electricity, life in the modern world is really hard. Now, besides the refrigerator that you are used to, you can look for another way to build a refrigerator without electricity. These are not long-term solutions but they may help.

You can build a room using metal and mirrors to conserve the cold temperature longer. You can also look for natural sources of ice if you live in a cold place. The point is that if you really can’t get a generator or solar panels, you can still find ways to have a refrigeration system without the need of having electricity. It’s not ideal or may not even work on the long-term, but you can make it work.

So, just remember that ideally, you get a refrigerator and a power source for it to work. A refrigerator will increase your chances at survival since it helps conserve a lot of food, medicine, and other essential items to your survival.

Get out of the city

Another important thing to survive a power outage is to get out of the city. It may sound radical, but if you leave the city, your survival chances increase. The reason is that big cities depend on electricity and technology for nearly everything. You can even drive properly due to the traffic light not working.

Imagine now that the elevator of your building doesn’t work, and the locks on your door don’t open if they’re digital. Also, you can’t use the internet or your phone to get out of the house. You can’t withdraw money either to pay for anything. Add to all that, the chaos that usually takes place. As you can see, the best you can do is to get out of the big cities.

If you have a relative or a friend that lives in a small town, go there. The first thing you have to worry about is a shelter. A shelter is not just about to have protection against the weather but also having protection against other dangers like people, animals, and other things.

The point is that the best you can do during a power outage is to hit the road and escape town. When everyday life is so dependent on electricity, things can get ugly. Also, the fact that big cities are usually overpopulated makes things worse.

So, if it’s an option for you to go more to the countryside, have a bug out plan. This usually involves a car with all the supplies that you’re going to need in your new location. Maybe prepare an emergency kit for this situation.

Have emergency money

A lot of people think about things like how to generate electricity and food storage, but we fail to remember about money. The fact is that even during the end of the world, at first, money will still have value. This means that you need a stash to get by before things either go to normal or become something else. The point is that during a power outage, you won’t be able to withdraw money.

In this scenario, how you’re going to pay for basic things you may need. It’s important to not be as dependent on your credit card or the money that you have in your bank account. If you do that, you’ll find yourself in a hard situation.

At first, don’t expect to find abandoned stores or things for free that aren’t usually free. Also, even if you prep for a year, money should also be part of it. You never know what you may need.

Also, it’s important to be mindful about how you store your money stash. The best options are fireproof bags and vaults. This way, you’re prepared for every possible situation, including a power outage. So, have a few thousand dollars in either the fireproof bag or the safe. If you need a fireproof bag click here to find some I recommend.

Design a new lifestyle

If the power outage is going to last a few months or maybe forever, it’s time for you to design a new lifestyle. If you can’t afford certain items, or even if you can, you may find yourself without any electricity. This is when you’re going to need to start a new lifestyle. One that isn’t dependent at all on electrical power. Obviously, it’s possible since our ancestors did but it’s not easy.

First of all, electricity provides a lot of comfort in our lives but not only that. Electricity is also responsible to keeps us alive during low and high temperatures. A lot of the things that help our lives to be extended are dependent on electricity.

This means that without electricity sooner or later a simple infection may kill you. This is due to the fact that there won’t be medicine being made without electricity. Besides hospitals won’t be working perfectly.

The point is that without electricity you also will have to work your schedule to meet the sunlight hours. So, the sooner you adjust to this new condition, the better. Even if you do have access to energy for a while, you probably won’t be able to utilize it for as long you normally do.

This is why this new configuration will require that you start a new lifestyle. Different habits to help you live well in those new conditions. That’s why it is important to be able to adapt under those circumstances. If you do prep for every possible scenario, there won’t be reasons to worry about how to survive the power grid going down. if you need a survival plan right now, click this link

“Wars are fought with weapons but are won by men (and women)”
                                             – George S. Patton Jr., General, US Army

Almost all “problems” regarding emergency preparedness stems from one thing – Not Having a Simple but Effective Family Survival Program that Works. Sadly, many of the guides you find online, at your local bookstore or library, lack the most essential and critical tips, strategies, and tactics you will need to use in the event of a disaster.

Most individuals like to believe that the probability for the occurrence of disasters, whether natural or man-made, are extremely remote. However, you, like many preppers or survivalists who don’t have their head buried in the sand, understand that the threat of a major crisis happening is real and ever-present.

According to Judith Rodin, President of the Rockefeller Foundation, in a speech before the National League of Cities stated, “Never before has humanity faced such a threat as it does today. The sheer number of people at risk at any one time is unprecedented.”

Developing the Prepper Mindset

Preparing for any crisis should be one of your top priorities. The question is where do you begin?  First, you need to develop a prepper mindset that you must successfully and consistently incorporate into your life now and every single day onwards. There are 5 aspects to internalize:

1.Develop a Thrifty and Frugal Mentality

+ Try to not be wasteful of time or money (waste not, want not).

+ Practice the motto “use it up, wear it out.”

+ Choose what you need and carefully try to get three estimates to get the best price before you make your purchase.

+ Fix and reuse items that you find useful.

+ Save for the future.

+ Try to live a minimalist lifestyle (fewer material possessions). 

2. Attempt to Be Independent and Free of Harmful Addictions

+ Manage your money well and become the master of your finances.

+ Create a realistic household budget and make sure you stick to it.

+ Learn to save by paying yourself first before spending money on frivolous stuff.

+ Become drug, smoke, and alcohol-free.

+ Fight against the obsessive use of electronic and computer devices.

+ Do what works for you and not because it pleases others.

3. Seek Opportunities and Be Enterprising

+ Always be learning and expanding your knowledge base.

+ Continue to learn new skills.

+ Constantly improve yourself.

+ Attempt to do something and keep trying even if it fails (motion creates emotion).

+ Look for new ways to create what you need in order to succeed.

4. Be Self-reliant

+ Try to become less dependent on “the system” and on others for your needs.

+ Attempt to get “off the grid” wherever possible.

+ Make, grow and create what you need whenever possible.

5. Strive to Have a Year’s Supply of Every Essential Survival Item for You and Your Family

+Identify those items that would cause you difficulty if you do not have it.

+Purchase supplies in manageable increments of time until you accumulate a year’s supply of these items (i.e., work towards a 3-month supply than 6 months, and so on).

+Make sure to have the machinery, equipment and replacement parts for systems that will provide you with essential sustenance needs (ex. water gravity filtration system and its replacement parts ).

What I presented here I believe, provides you with a good start to develop not just a new and different perspective but most importantly, a way of life. I know it seems easier said than done but as a very well known quote by Robert Kiyosaki goes, “every journey of a thousand miles begins not with the first step but thought.”

By following the ideas highlighted above, you will be taking the initial effective steps towards implementing a survival plan that is both real and doable for the whole family. For those wanting a quick and simple survival prepper plan that works click here.

Survival Prepping

I will share some thoughts on how to begin survival prepping with emphasis on disaster planning. Disasters can occur at any time without warning.  The thought of such a possibility occurring oftentimes never enters the mind of a typical person. You, however, as a responsible person family member and citizen, should take the threat of disaster head-on with complete commitment and resolve.  

Your mission is not to become a tragic statistic in the aftermath of such an event. Most importantly, include all your family members and/or friends in preparedness discussions and planning to make your planning efforts more thorough and effective.

Pre-Planning

Because we live in different climates and geographical regions, identifying potential threats found in your specific area is key to effectively respond and counter these dangers.  Thus, it is important to discuss and identify with your family and or friends all possible dangers of man-made, natural disasters and/or “X” factors most likely to occur in and around your locale.

List of Potentially Life-Threatening Phenomena1.
1. Natural
A. Tornadoes, Blizzards, Flooding, Firestorms, Sandstorms, Drought, etc.
B. Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Volcanic Eruptions, etc.

2. Man-Made
A. Inner-City Chaos, Terrorism, Power Outage, etc.
B. Nuclear Plant, Chemical/Petroleum Facility, Prisons, Military Posts, etc.

3. “X” Factors
A.Civil War, Economic Collapse, etc.
B. Electro magnetic pulse (EMP), coronal mass ejection (CME)
C. Martial Law, Pandemics, Job Loss, etc.

Once you identify possible crisis events, begin to brainstorm with your group for answers to questions like:

1. What natural or man-made disaster(s) am I (we) likely to face in the next 5 years?
2. How should we effectively respond to each threat?
3. Does our community have an early alarm system?
4. Will the places where we work, play or learn to have the appropriate infrastructure to help me and my family during an emergency?
5. Where is the emergency shut off valves for the various appliances in or around our home?
6. What important resources (first-aid, emergency supplies, safety equipment, etc.) do we presently have?
7.  How will we respond to an evacuation order?
8. Where will we relocate in an evacuation order?
9.  How will we care for our elderly and or disabled members?
10.  How will we care for our pets during a crisis?
11.  Can we identify others in our community that are willing to cooperate during emergencies?

Probably the most important question to consider and decide is whether to stay or leave home during any one of the possible disasters you might face. Therefore, planning becomes an essential part of any emergency preparation plan.

Family Disaster Planning

Planning is the next phase in emergency preparedness. As the saying goes, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” There are specific planning components one should consider in developing an overall comprehensive strategy that will be a thorough and well-executed response against any potential Threat.

The areas for planning are emergency communication, home fortification, evacuation, and pet care.

Emergency Communication Plan

1. If you are separated during a crisis, how and where will you and your family meet?

2. Which routes are available to get home or to a planned safe location?

3. Who will be responsible to gather the children, disabled or elderly members?

4.  Besides home, where is an alternate location to meet?

5. How long will the group wait before sending out a search party for a missing member?

6.  If a phone or email service is available, who will be selected to be the immediate receiver of messages and who will be the alternate designated receiver of messages located at a long distance location?

7.  Does everyone have an important phone number(s), routes and addresses memorized?

Home Fortification/Bugging In Plan

1. Do my windows and doors need modifications to be strong and secure?
2. Which defense equipment, weapons, and gear do I currently own? Where will they be secured?
3. Is it possible to secure surveillance equipment for my home?
4. What food/water resources do I currently have and for how long?
5. Is there accessible sources of water and food around my location I can use as a backup?
6. What off the grid energy sources do I have/need?
7. Do I have goods/cash/coins for emergency purchases or barter?
8. Are there places around my home to conceal valuable and vital items?
9. Which prescription medications do I need to order and for how long?
10. Do I have a 72-hour bag ready for each member of my family and pets in case of evacuation?
11. Is it possible to build or buy a “safe” room?
12. What emergency tools do I have/need?
13. How will I dispose of waste products and where?
14. Do I have first aid training available in my community?
15. Are there training facilities to develop survival/prepping skills?
16. How will I adequately support/care for my children, elderly, disabled, and pets if I am unable to get home?
17. Do I have alternate means of making income independently from a job?
18. Am I currently physically fit and mentally healthy? If not, what exercise options are available?
19. Do I have up-to-date photos of all important documents, family members and valuables?
20. Have I decided which documents are important to copy or save on a thumb drive?
21.   Do I have all the expiration dates for all perishable food, drink, and medicinal supplies?

Evacuation/Bugging Out Plan

1. Do I have the three different types of Bug Out Bags for each person in my group and pet? (everyday carry gear [EDC], get home bag [GHB] and 72-hour bag [72 Hr. BOB])

2. Do I have the right equipment and sufficient supplies for each bag type above?

3. Are these bags secure but easily accessible?
4. Do I have a planned alternative location if we are forced to leave our home?

5. Have I mapped out all of the possible escape routes and plotted areas to avoid?

6. What form of vehicles can I use in an evacuation?
7. Do I have the tools and extra replaceable parts for these modes of transportation?

8. Is my current state of physical and mental fitness adequate to carry equipment and travel by foot?

9. Are there areas along these routes that I can stash supplies?

10. What will be the “red flags” that will signal me it is time to evacuate to a safer location?

11. Have I found a bug out location?12. What supplies do I need to supply this bug out location?

13. Did I make copies of all my necessary important documents?

14. Who needs to be notified of our departure and did I provide extra keys to trusted neighbors?

15. What parts of my home do I need to secure or turn off equipment before I evacuate?

16. Do I have signs to stick on doors and windows notifying of our evacuation (if appropriate)?

17. Have I taken photos of all gear contained in each type of bug out bag before I pack it in the bag/kit?

18. Did I record the expiration dates of all perishable items in these bags?

19. If I have a medical condition, do I have a medical id tag listing my illnesses and needed medications?
    
    Pet Care Plan

1. Do I have a bug out bag exclusively for my pet?
2. Do I have a list of pet-friendly dwellings to keep my dog?
3. Do I have copies of all pertinent ownership and medical documents for each pet?

4. If I cannot arrive home, is there a neighbor I can provide a house key and pet instructions to care for my pet?

5. Have I written a letter to my pet caretaker that limits any liability from my pet causing injuries to others?

6. Are the pets up-to-date with immunizations?
7. Have I got extra supplies of pet food and medications?
8. Do I have hard copies of up-to-date photos of my pets?
   
9. Do I have a carrier to transport each pet?
   
   Preparedness/Survival Skill Development Plan

1. Which skills do I and my family need to master?
2. What equipment do I need to practice and master these skills?
3. Did I organize which skills to master first in order of priority or importance?
4. Have I assigned or shared the mastering of these skills with others?
5. Does everyone in the group know safety precautions to take for each skill mastered?
6. Is there a schedule to practice each skill to master?
7. How many times do I need to practice each skill to be adequately trained in it?
8. Which skills require assistance from a professional trainee and which ones can I learn through reading, audio or video presentations?
9. Can I find the resources to learn these skills in my community or do I need to get them online?

Each one of the plans above should be recorded or documented. Copies should be distributed among members of your party. Revise and update your plans as improved tactics and methods become available to you. Review these plans at least twice a year with your whole team. Most importantly, involve everyone that is a part of your group. They should directly participate in the development, implementation, review, and revision of the overall Family Disaster Plan.

Realize that the family plan you create is a fluid living document. As the circumstances change, quite possibly will your plan.  Review your Family Disaster Plan at least twice a year to make sure you are current and up-to-date. The overall goal of creating your Family Review Plan is to stimulate your thoughts, activate your survival-prepper mindset and to prepare you to begin thinking of the following: What and how much effort are you willing to do and spend to acquire the survival skills or tasks you will need to overcome the difficulties you will face during a crisis?

Setting Up Your Personal System

It was once asked of Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s, why his empire was so successful.  The obvious answer would have been because of the hamburgers, but this cannot be farther from the truth.  Anyone who knows anything about hamburgers, know that the burgers cooked and served at the thousands of McDonald restaurants are adequate at best. Yet, anyone who owns a McDonald’s franchise makes lots of money.  If the burgers are not all that great, why then is McDonald’s so successful?  The answer is “the system” that all McDonald franchises must follow to a “T!”

Setting Up Your Core Group

 Phase 1

Form a core group. It is essential to take an inventory of the physical and human resources that are currently available to you. The resources to consider are those that will provide you with a level of help, aid, and assistance that will form the foundation from which to rely on during a crisis.  You need to create a core group of members that will work cooperatively to discuss ideas and be charged with the learning and mastering of a key survival skill or task. 

Each member must be willing to participate as a team member and provide reliable help to the whole group while at the same time, become the lead person responsible for achieving a consistent level of mastery of a survival skill (to teach the basics to the other members) and keep account of the resources necessary for keeping that skill/task, adequately supplied and maintained. Whenever possible, choose your members well. For members of your family, choose appropriate skills each one can reasonably learn.

Phase 2

Focus on which action-skill to master. There exists a process you might consider to help you decide and prioritize important survival or prepper skills and the level of mastery you want to achieve for each one. This will lead you to determine the appropriate supplies and tools you will need to achieve these preparedness goals.  The next step is to create a list of action-skills or tasks to learn and master. Brainstorm with your team to develop a list related to survival/emergency preparedness concepts.

To make it simple, you want to make each concept using just a two-word phrase for simplification. For example, if you decide shelter is important, you would attach an action word that would begin your selected phrase.  So “Secure Shelter” would be an appropriate phrase to use.  I provided some examples below for which to begin your process:

Shelter/Clothing

– Secure Shelter(s)

– Choose Clothing/Shoes       

Fire/Light                  

– Produce Fire

– Obtain Light Source

Important Documents

– Collect Documents

– Store Documents

Signaling/Communication

– Learn Signaling

– Select Communication Equipment

– Keep Informed

Navigation

– Plan Evacuation

– Find Location

– Find Water Supply

Water

– Store Water

– Purify Water

Food

– Find Food

– Prepare Food

– Store Food

First Aid/Personal Meds/Hygiene

– Assemble First Aid Kit

– Perform First Aid

– Stay Clean

Safety/Protection

– Select Protection Devices

– Protect Members

– Learn Self-Defense

Miscellaneous Survival Skills

– Assess Dangers/Disasters

– Maintain Fitness

– Prepare Emergency Bags  

Work with your group to brainstorm and find more action-skill phrases to master.  If you have trouble coming up with more phrases, use question words like why and how before each of the phrases you record (i.e., Why find food…to survive famine…how do I survive famine…obtain different food sources). The goal is to create a list of action-skill phrases that you will later prioritize from the most important to the least important among the skills your team has decided to attain.

You will need to consider and make two major lists of action-skill/task phrases: one for “Bugging In” and the other for “Bugging Out.”  Each one of these may have distinct approaches and specific supply needs. Please keep this in mind.  Now that you successfully developed a master list of action-skill phrases for both bugging in and bugging out situations, we now need to select the right instructional approach and necessary items to help you master the skill level appropriate to your abilities and economic circumstances.

Phase 3

Quantify Your Action-Skill Phrases for Your Acceptable Level of Preparedness.  After reviewing and placing your action-skill phrases in order of importance, you need to quantify each one.  Applying the following quantifiers/criteria to each of your phrases will help you determine the level of preparedness you are willing or capable of achieving.

You then need to discuss with your group to identify the necessary items and gear you will need to find or purchase to successfully reach that skill/task level you agreed upon.

Quantifier Table

1. Cost
2. Amount of work required to accomplish skill
3. Time
4. Multi-functional Uses

The mission is to determine the level of emergency preparedness you and your team are capable of and realistically able to achieve under your current circumstances and financial capabilities. Applying the method below will help you figure out which survival gear and items to select from any survival or prepper list that will help you reach the particular survival approach best suited for you.

Step 1

Select one action skill phrase above

Ex. Secure Shelter

Step 2

Using the Quantifier Table, place the table under one of the action-skill phrase you selected.

Ex. Secure Shelter

1. Cost
2. Amount of work required to accomplish skill  
3. Time
4. Multi-functional Uses (skill or task can be used to satisfy different emergency preparedness needs)

Step 3

As you think about the action-skill phrase, use the quantifier word/phrase table and apply a numerical value (1 to 4) for each of the quantifiers (e.g., 1 is least problematic, 4 is most problematic). Ask yourself which of the four quantifiers is least problematic and which is the most problematic. Number each one accordingly.

Ex. Secure Shelter

1. Cost (4)
2. Amount of work required to accomplish skill (1)
3. Time (2)
4. Multi-functional Uses (3)

Thus, spending on a ready-made state-of-the-art shelter may be out of your budget but spending the time learning about different ways to build or means to secure a fairly high-level shelter is possible. This prioritizing allows you to know the limits on your available but finite resources you and the team are willing to use towards obtaining that particular action-skill/task. This narrows your viable options when you do a search for information online or through printed materials. In our example, our group brainstormed to come up with the

following possibilities

1. Secure Shelter (Options)

+ Tent purchase and construction

+ Tarps to use and form a shelter

+ Build shelter using debris

You and the team must decide to either master one or all of your selected options.  If no ideas come to mind, assign a member of your team to research options that you can find on the internet. If you still haven’t come up with a viable option, you might want to approach a librarian at your local library to help you find possible leads on finding resources for options on the specific action-skill, you want to master.

Step 4

Repeat all of the steps mentioned above and apply them to all of the action-skill phrases your team formulated.  Allow yourself and the group ample time to gather the instructions, survival/prepper lists and the necessary materials you will need.  Place deadlines on when your group needs to complete gathering all the important resources and when the skill or task is to be accomplished or mastered.

The Need for Survival or Emergency Preparedness Lists, Checklists, and Videos

Survival and Emergency Preparedness Lists provide some of the most important and crucial supplies and gear you would want to have in your preparation plans. But before we begin to think about which lists would be beneficial to you, realize that a survival list is as good as its ability to provide gear, tools, and products you can realistically use for your particular situation and circumstance.

Thus, before making any purchases on your list, you need to set-up a system or method that will help you determine the specific survival items that will not only be most useful but will also truly fit your specific needs. Using survival and emergency preparedness lists/checklists and videos may not only help you speed up the process of finding action-skill options and knowing which gear, tool, item or supplies you need and can afford, but most importantly, provide you with the training you need to know how and be prepared to use them in case of an emergency.

Many of the lists you will find are categorized, use pictures and provide explanations about the item, thus making a survival-prepper list easy to use and understand. Using your internet search engine, you might type in the search box the following sample queries;

1. Prepper list(s)
2. Survival list(s)
3. Prepper checklist(s)
4. Survival checklist(s)
5. Bug out bag list(s)
6. Pet bug out bag list(s)
7. First Aid list(s)
8. Car Emergency list

You can also check out my site at ABobList.com to find many of the lists, you may need.  What makes my lists uniquely valuable and authoritative is the fact that the list(s) collected from the countless hours of research from authoritative, educational and governmental sources. I then reviewed, tabulated and presented the data from these sources to come up with a survival/prepper “master” checklist.  Thus, you get the thoughts, experience and reliable information straight from “THE EXPERTS!”

Once you select the lists that fit your needs, you might consider doing video searches to help guide you to properly assemble and teach you the skills or and assist you in getting organized on the tasks you need to learn. These presentations may also give instructions on optimal maintenance, storage and additional “tricks” on successfully retaining your newly acquired skill by memory. Utilizing YouTube is a smart way to find a variety of techniques to choose from that may help you learn the skill you need to master.  

My suggestion is to find three top rated or viewed YouTube videos that most closely fits your action-skill criteria and select the best one that you are most likely to learn. There are others who find reading survival and prepper books to be the most effective way to find lists and learn a new skill.  For one of the best sites to find a wide selection of books on survival, emergency preparedness or on a particular skill and the gear you will need, check out Amazon as this is by far the number one online retail website.  

ABobList.com provides book reviews on top rated and highly authoritative survival and emergency preparedness books found on Amazon.  These articles also provide links for easy access to these resources.  Although you have completed most of the important steps in either starting or developing a more effective and efficient survival or prepper lifestyle, there is still work to be done. Now that you have begun the process of developing a prepper mindset formed a key group of reliable individuals, started planning and have successfully located key information to help you hone in on the emergency preparedness skills you and your group will need in the event of a catastrophe, what is next?

It is too easy to gather all of the necessary materials and then feel adequately prepared. This, however, cannot be farther from the truth. Action and follow through is often the key ingredient most lacking or missing. There is a need to know whether everything you and your group have done or complied will work or fail. It is therefore important to get this done before disaster strikes.

Learning and Practice

Learning is a process. Unfortunately, our school system has taught us that failure is not a virtue. In fact, their message is to avoid mistakes at all cost. Therefore, the fear and stress of the mere possibility of failure have led many to avoid taking a risk. It is our current educational system that has, for the most part, failed to nurture and develop us to become independent free-thinkers and entrepreneurs.

My motto is: embrace failure, it teaches one to know what does not work and redirects one to keep seeking a solution that best solves the problem.  Take risks as long as it seems reasonable to you and your group. It is important to always include the input of others in your group (of which you have selected wisely) to help you take the next step(s). Do not be afraid!

Do not be an armchair survivalist! Doing something once is not enough. You need to keep active and routinely drill your skill (at least four times a year). Practice, Practice, Practice! No matter which emergency and survival skills and materials are available to you, the need to keep up with their correct and safe use is paramount. As you master a skill or learn a new task, you need to:

+ Learn It

+ Practice It

+ Teach It

This will ensure that others are capable of performing the skill/task if you are unable to do it. If it is at all possible, teach more than one to perform the same skill or task. In some cases, redundancies may be the difference between life and death. If you are responsible for a particular skill-task, you need to be aware of expiration dates, inventory and take account of all necessary supplies or gear and maintenance of the important tools or products to assure the successful performance of your particular skill/task. Furthermore, you need to keep up with correct and safe use of the materials you use.

Remember as long as you are making your best effort to reach a basic to a higher level of preparedness than your current status and are utilizing all the possible resources available to you, you already deserve a “congratulations” on achieving your goals and developing and mastering your skills!

Lasting Thoughts

I think it will become apparent to consider these other opportunities as you take this path of self-reliance and preparedness:

+ Seek a minimalist lifestyle.

+ Strive to further your financial independence.

+ Think about embracing a location-independent lifestyle.

+ Get off the grid as much as possible.

With all this information, maybe it can be overwhelming for some of you. I know it was hard for me. However, for those looking for an effective survival plan that will guide you to preparing your family for any emergency. Click here for this fantastic plan. It is with this I leave you with spiritual peace, good fortune and Godspeed on all your endeavors.

 

Before we discuss the planning you will do and items you will need to overcome the calamities you might face, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers your preparation will need to cover.

Where you live places a role on the type of disaster preparedness you will need. There are numerous threats that exist in our natural environment. For the most part, it would be rare for your location to be immune to any event Mother Nature has to offer.

It is also important to take into account the types of catastrophes caused by sources other than nature that exist in your area.  Factories, power plants, military bases, local rioting are possible sources of concern.

One also has to take into consideration national-level threats such as economic collapse, civil unrest or even military intervention that can warrant you to take notice.  Knowing this will at least let you assess the potential threats to determine the course of action you will take in this case which problem would be a disaster to evacuate from home.

Staying at home during most disasters or crises oftentimes just makes sense. The familiarity of your surroundings gives you a tremendous advantage. It provides a level of comfort for your family when knowing intimately one’s home and area around your house.

Knowing your living space with certainty helps in figuring out where to adequately store, secure and protect your family members and essential supplies that will get them through the potential threat. For your young ones, staying at home makes a potentially bad situation less stressful and confusing thus, making it one less problem you will need to address, at least in the short term.

Additionally, knowing the area around you also gives you an ability to properly and successfully access where you might find needed supplies and resources you might need in an emergency in and around your immediate vicinity.  You and your family being recognized within your community is also a plus. If you are fortunate to have friendly neighbors, you can tap into a vast knowledge base and valuable expertise from the people all around you.

During a crisis, your neighborhood people may thus provide those skills you may lack. Importantly, you and your family’s skill sets will also be beneficial to the people living around you. So it is apparent there are tremendous benefits in just staying put. It is therefore important to present strategies and tips on how to hunker down at home so you and your family are prepared to face any crisis with total confidence and peace of mind.

For many, the very first concern that comes to mind is how one is going to get or find the money to pay for being adequately prepared for an emergency. I am one who understands this very well. I think if one is able to be creative and work within one’s means, you will be able to adequately cover all your emergency preparations. Take into account that much of what you will need you probably already have.  This will be discussed further.

Although my main focus here is discussing effective measures for ‘bugging in”, I will need to address when it may become necessary to evacuate from your current location to a safer location within or without the city, state or country you currently reside.

Hunker Down Plan

1. Get the Right Mindset

There are a variety of actions you want to take to successfully hunker down.  The very first thing is to create a mindset that will if done properly make you ready for whatever may come. This is probably the hardest part of a system that you need to develop and incorporate into your personal and family regimen.

Because of the personal interest, you took in looking up this information, I would say you are on the right track. However, it has been my personal experience as well as for other preppers, the most difficult emotional and psychological tasks one may face is convincing your significant other to get with the program.

I am not certain if this is out of fear or embarrassment. Maybe it is because it is taking the road less traveled.  Maybe it is the stigma of being called a prepper or survivalist. Whatever the case may be, it makes the forming and implementing of your bug in plan that much easier to do when they are accepting. I think the easiest way to get them to cooperate is to present the idea of preparing in small baby steps.

Therefore talking about the need to have supplies in the event of let’s say a hurricane may be a safe enough way for your loved one to accept this as a reasonable excuse. As they get involved with the necessary parts of the plan, you can introduce other ideas that may be a bit risque (ex. possible economic collapse) for her to swallow. Introducing these potential threats slowly and surely is the way for you to present them to your partner.

Although the need to incorporate your loved one(s) is important it is by no means critical.  There are a few preppers I personally know where their spouse has completely refused to participate in such matters. Despite this, they have successfully pushed forward in getting things ready just in case.  It goes without saying, it would be great to include the participation of other members of the family especially children. It gives them the opportunity to take an active role in all stages of your plan.

By showing and teaching your kids what to do, they will gain the confidence and skills they will need to use just in case you are not around when a tragic event might happen. Of course, their ability to be involved depends upon their physical and maturity level.

Once you get your head around forming a new mindset, there are some other key measures or practices you want to take into consideration. Those are;

• Developing a thrifty and frugal lifestyle.
• Attempting to be an open and independent thinker
• Being self-reliant as much as possible
• Ridding yourself of toxic people
• Becoming spiritual within yourself and with the people around you
• Willingness to work on your physical health & wellbeing

It is a difficult task to all of a sudden change the way you think, act and see the world. But I know it can happen. I have experienced it first hand. it can be done. I know it is easier said then done but as a very well known quote from Robert Kiyosaki said, “every journey of a thousand miles begins not with the first step but thought.”

2. Identify & Assess the Risks

The ability to decipher between relevant and irrelevant garble is a skill you want to master to identify possible threats that may affect the lives of you and your family. This means you need to keep abreast of the social, political, economic and weather events at the local, national and international level.  This may be a difficult task since much of the information on the mainstream media on T.V. and radio is controlled. Making an effort to find some alternative media sites to find out what is really going on may be your best bet. But even this can be monotonous.

What I personally do is scan the alternative information sites on the internet. Not paying really close attention, I listen  (using wireless headphones) for something that is being stated that seems out of place or peculiar. This is usually information that has some relevance and importance. This method of weeding out the noise really works well for me.  So it is important to use whatever approach that best works for you. But the question remains what are you listening to or searching for? Below, is a list of phenomena both natural or man-made, that will get you thinking of such events to prepare for.

A. Natural
1.  Tornadoes, Blizzards, Flooding, Firestorms, Sandstorms, Drought, etc…
2.  Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Volcanic Eruptions, etc…
B. Man-Made
1.  Inner-City Chaos, Terrorism, Power Outage, etc…
2. Nuclear Plant, Chemical/Petroleum Facility, Prisons, Military Posts, etc…
C. “X” Factors
1. Civil War, Economic Collapse, EMP/CME, Martial Law, Pandemics, Job Loss, etc…

Knowing the potential disasters you might face, you want to ask yourself the following questions:

1. What natural or man-made disaster(s) am I (we) likely to face in the next 5 years?
2. How should I effectively respond to each of the potential threats?
3. Will the places where I (we) work, play, or learn have the appropriate infrastructure to help me and my family during an emergency?
4. If the disaster happens during the time I am away from home daily, do I have a plan and alternate routes to get me home safely?
5. Have I given my children adequate preparation on how to respond and act if a disaster occurs during the day if away from home?
6. Does our community have an early disaster alarm system?
7. How will we care for our pets during a crisis?
8. If you are responsible for elderly or physically challenged relatives, how will you prepare them and yourself to adequately address their health and safety issues?
9.  Are there others in my immediate area who may be willing to cooperate with me and my family during emergencies?
10. What are the current resources (physical and mental) I currently have to use just in case?

Unfortunately, most of us do not have a crystal ball to know when or where any one of these events can happen. God only knows. You can be sure it will most probably happen when you least expect it. However, having at least an idea on how you might act to mitigate these dangers will make you more confident and less vulnerable.

You can also be rest assured you are one of the few in our society that even thinks about these serious issues let alone have a plan of action.  There is something I need to mention. We have not addressed the concerns and response one will have if the need to evacuate becomes the only alternative. This will be discussed later in our plan.

3. Gather & Inventory Emergency Supplies and Resources

Now that you have gone over and thought about the possible dangers facing you, it is time to discuss the material items you will need to make through a disaster event. fortunately, you will be happily surprised to know, most of what you need you most likely already have.  Any items listed below were suggested by experts in emergency preparedness or through my own personal experience. I know there will be surprise suggestions but I think they will help you tremendously.

There is one axiom used in the military and prepper community to consider. This rule goes like this,  “one is none and two is one.” In other words, redundancy, redundancy, redundancy! It is always better to have more than you need than have less when you need it. Therefore, if one item fails to work for you, you always have a trusty backup. But for those on a limited budget, the need for extra is just a recommendation not an absolute.

If you are on a limited budget, start small. For example, when you go to the grocery store, instead of picking up one can of beans, pick up two. Slowly but surely, you want to target a month supply of provisions. When you reach this goal, work towards 3 months and so forth. With this in mind, the following are categories where I will emphasize important points and suggest gear or supplies for you to consider.

Most importantly is to account and record all of the resources you have collected (that includes any video, lists, books, magazine, guides and data sources). Then you need to share this information with others in your family or group.  So in case you are not fortunate to make your way home, at least the group can gain access to all important materials and items you have gathered.

A. Water
Water is so vital that without it, you will get sick and die within three days. According to one municipal government report, natural disasters such as earthquakes can disrupt and contaminate safe water supplies. In most cases, your urban water supply will continue to flow, even in most disasters, for a period of time. So you should have time to gather water before, during and after such an event.

How much water do you need?  Emergency preparedness expert Dr. Arthur T. Bradley states one needs at least 2 gallons of water per person per day for at least two weeks. One gallon is used for drinking, while the other is used for hygiene   This stored supply would give one ample time to locate a safe source of water to use for the long term.

Three vital factors you need to address are;  where to find a source, how to clean it and how to store it.  At first, when one ponders how to find water one usually thinks that without a running tap, no other water sources easily exist. But, there is plenty of places in and around the house that can provide you with an ample water source for instance:

• Hot water heater
  Can provide from 30 plus gallons of clean potable water.
• Toilet Tanks
  The water that can be used is not in the commode but in the tank. To prevent any loss of water when you are removing it, you need to close the water valve situated at the toilet’s base.
• Bathtubs
  Bathtubs serve as a great storage source for water. Depending on the bathtub size you have, you will be able to save between 30-120 gallons. Cleaning the tub surface is a must before using it.
• Canned foods
  Canned foods have moisture in them that will not only hydrate you but offer valuable nutrients to your body. When things are tough, it is best that you first use up all the fresh fruits and vegetables and then store canned foods for later.
•  Ice trays/Ice filled containers
   Ice is simply frozen water and you have for cooling drinks can be melted to give you good and clean drinking water. Remember to melt it is a clean environment to prevent contaminating it.
• Swimming pools
  Although pool water tends to have many chemicals in it, it can be rendered as either a safe source of drinking water or for hygienic uses. The best way to make this water source drinkable is to use a high-quality water filter.
• Outside sources
  Outside sources include rivers, streams, rain collection, as well as freshwater springs. It is, therefore, important that you understand your surrounding terrain to help you identify if any of these outside sources are at your disposal.

Solving the main problem of finding immediate and reliable sources of water, the next thing to consider is making sure the water you secure is safe to drink.  Obviously, the thought of a filter comes to mind. This is where the idea redundancy really come in handy. I would pick at least 3 to 4 different ways to filter water. Remember the purpose of a filter is to not only to eliminate harmful chemicals but dangerous micro-organisms.

Personally, I have various means of cleaning the water I and my family might drink. Again budget and functionality come into play. There are very good but expensive options, however, I will give the rationale for the following suggested filtration systems:

Water Filter Choices

• Atmospheric Water Generator System
  This machine works like a dehumidifier to pull humidity from the air and then filters it. It produces around 4 gallons at a time and is 99% pure. I personally owned two. It worked marvelously. However the drawbacks were: the initial cost was high, it ran by electricity and needed a continuous supply, it does not produce as much water in drier climates, replacing filters were cumbersome (not to mention the cost of the filters) and maintenance was necessary. Even with all of the negatives, I felt it was a great investment.
• Gravity Fed Water Filtration System
  This system usually come in two main pieces then works to clean water in two phases.  First water is poured into a top reservoir.  Then the water drips through a number of filters. As the water passes through it is collected in the bottom portion of the whole contraption. This system can clean large amounts of water before the filters need to be changed. It cleans up two 99% of contaminants and organisms.
• Hand Pump Water Filter
  These units tend to be compact so it is easy to store and lightweight to carry. They are simple to use. The plastic encasement makes these units hard to damage. Hand pump filters can provide 2600 gallons of clean water before replacing the ceramic membrane.
• Life Straw
  As the name suggests, these compact tubes can be easily transported in a bag. They are easy to use. You just find a water source and like a straw, suck the water through the tube which is being filtered in the process. These straws are made for individual use but can be shared one at a time.
• Purification Tablets
  The use of one tablet clean around 2 liters of water. These tablets can fit right in your pocket. The main issue with this type of filtering is the taste. Some suggest using vitamin C tablets for flavor.

Which every filtration systems you select, make sure you learn how to properly handle and maintain them. Learn to use the water filters properly. If not you might contaminate the water you clean. Click here for my suggested water purification items

Once you have secured various water sources, and have cleaned and filtered it, the next thing is to find ways to store it. Water storage may pose as a problem because of the amount and weight it poses.  Though there will be an adequate amount you will be able to hold, you will need to gather more as you consume it.

Storing water for a period of time should not be an issue especially if you have purchased sealed cases or bottles. These sources can last indefinitely.  If you collect it (and have it filtered), then stored, the water can last for a good period of time. However, FEMA suggests replacing this water stash with a fresh new supply every 6 months.

I propose using any one or combination of the following for water collection:

• Plastic Containers/Bottles
  Make sure they are BPA free, easy to clean and store
• Bladders/Canteens
  Again look for those that are easy to carry and clean.
• WaterBob Emergency Drinking Water Storage
  You place it in your home tub and fill it with water from the faucet. It can hold up to 100 gallons and keeps that water clean from debris.
• Water Barrel/Drum
  This can be stored outside and ideal if you have a gutter water collection system.

Any method of water collecting you decide upon, make sure you practice with a system that keeps your water collection from getting contaminated.  If not, you are liable to get any number of water-borne diseases such as Giardia or even worse. It can be deadly so be careful.

Although I have mentioned water, I want to include storing a supply of other drinks such as packaged milk, juices, and soft drinks. This might not be the best type of water replacement drinks but it may serve as a way of a psychological boost or feeling a sense of normalcy especially for young children.

B. Food

When it comes to eating, one can go quite a while before serious health issues set in. Research suggests on the average a man needs about 1500 calories and a woman 1200 calories to maintain good health and bodily functions. According to the National Institue of Health, anything below 500-800 calories would be considered starvation.  Limited in calories the process of starvation occurs.

The longer you go without eating, your body begins the process of self-cannibalization. You eventually begin to get weak and mentally impaired. if you do not eat food for three weeks, you succumb to organ failure then death.  It is important to have enough food stored so you can wait out the crisis.  You want to select foods that have a long shelf life, inexpensive and tasty. You can do this effectively.  Most importantly is to buy the foods your family commonly eats and try to obtain these economically. Try to get a variety of food items from the four main food groups; Carbohydrates, Proteins, Fruits/Vegetables, and Fat to have a well-balanced diet.

From experience, try to buy foods that you truly will eat. It is a waste of time, money and space to buy the latest, greatest or long lasting just because. It will go to waste. Since I have personally collected and stored food throughout the years. These are my recommendations:

• Canned Foods
  Believe it or not, this type of food can be economical, especially if you utilize coupons and buy on special), easy to store and can have a relatively long shelf life. You can find from canned bread to canned butter.  Check the can for dents because air might get into a can and encourage the growth of deadly micro-organisms.  You might want to find a local LDS Cannery Center The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sells long-term storage food at substantial savings.
• Freeze Dried Foods
  Stocking up on ready supplies will give you an extra level of safety. The price for these packets or #10 cans may be more expensive than your grocer food but it keeps for up to 25 years. So select food items that your family will eat.
• Noodles, Pasta & Rice
  These food products last a very long time and are very affordable. They are also satisfying and filling.
• Snack Foods
  Comfort food is extremely important to have. It makes this potentially stressful time a little more bearable to deal with (especially for little ones). Candy, chips and soft drinks easily last between 3 to 6 months depending on temperature and moisture.
• Victory Gardens
  Growing your own food is empowering. Having Fruit trees and vegetable patches will provide you and family with the necessary dietary vitamins and minerals during a time of possible limited food selection. I would recommend using heirloom seeds and organic mineral-rich soil if at all possible.

For the most part, the foods you commonly eat will last for at least six months. It is important to keep an account of the foods you are keeping and to replace and rotate your stored food. This will keep your food supply up to date with the oldest date items being used first to be replaced by the newly purchased replacement. To get the most shelf life, make sure that food items are airtight and are stored in cool and or cold conditions. I provide this article of suggested survival foods.

C. Safety & Security

There are many who believe by just having and knowing how to use a gun, their home and family will be safe and secure.  But according to prepper experts, this is farthest from the truth.  Fernando “Ferfal” Aguirre, a well-known survivalist, who lived through the Argentine debt crisis back in the ’80s. believed that if such a crisis took place today in the US, the typical suburban home would not stand a chance against robbery or home invasion.  This is because suburbia neighborhoods tend to be oblivious to everyday crime and violence that occurs in the big urban city.

So what is one to do? Aguirre affirms to what I have previously stated, you need to develop a prepper mindset to become as secure and safe as possible. This means you need to form what many call a “third eye.” You thus become awake and aware of your surrounding.  You need to always be on guard and alert. It also means to do what is necessary no matter if is inconvenient or time-consuming.

It also means to do safety routines on a daily basis. So for example, make sure to lock your car door, lock your house doors when you are at home, check to see your window locks are one and so on and so forth. It also means when you are out an about you are monitoring your surroundings for any potential trouble. And if your intuition feels unsafe, listen to your inner voice and take the necessary action to avoid or eliminate the threat.

Remember the old expression, “Loose lips sink ships?”  Do not tell everyone around you your business. It is not necessarily because they will be the ones to break into your home but those around that may be listening. Do not disclose what you are doing or the contents of your home. You avoid giving any temptation to a potential burglar.

With fostering a different mindset, the secrets in making your home secure are to have your home appear less attractive to potential home invaders and to be at least just above the security level of the typical home in your neighborhood.  The following are suggestions on how to accomplish this

• Secure Your Perimeter
  This means to clear or trim any bushes, trees or shrubs that can be used as a hiding place or used to get into your home. Remove any ladders, ropes or gardening equipment from around your home. These are often used by the would-be perpetrators to get into a  less secure second-floor window
• Create Barricades
  You are as strong as your weakest link. Create as many barriers between you and would be criminal. Have good working door locks. Place security bars against doors lodge a rod in the track of sliding doors or windows. Jam the security bar of your overhead garage door. Install screen or security doors/windows. These are but a few examples of simple but effective ways to keep unwanted individuals out.
• Add Additional Lighting
  Motion activated lights are a great deterrent against breaking in. These lights should be installed in areas that are somewhat hidden or near walkways and porches.
• Install Alarms/Security Cameras
  If there is a disaster event, chances are your alarm or cameras will have little to no effectiveness. However, under normal conditions, robbers would rather go to a home not equipped with an alarm or a camera. There are alarms and cameras that work without a service contract and are easy to install.
• Possess Self Defense Weapons     
  Guns would be an obvious choice. If you have some and know how to use them, then you have one of the best weapons to use against a would-be assailant. However, for a variety of reason, the possession of a firearm may not be an option. There are other armaments such as crossbows, stun-guns, knives, canes, baseball bats, slingshots that can be just as effective. Learning a self-defense technique would be a definite plus.
• Get a Dog
  According to many security experts, this is by far the number one deterrent of criminals. A dog barking is a warning to you to be alert and to a thief to stay away. It does not seem to matter if you have a small or big dog as long as they bark.

I would recommend using booby traps, but for the most part, they are illegal. However, if the situation becomes dire, it won’t matter. So when taking the necessary measures to make your home safe, stay vigilant, alert and take action now.

D. Shelter 

Whether you live in a single family home, apartment or trailer, your home is your castle. Without adequate shelter, a person can perish within 3 hours. Most likely your dwelling has adequate protection against the harsh outdoor environment. You also want to keep in mind the need to have adequate ventilation. There have been incidences whereby a family was overcome by carbon monoxide.

Since you have made the decision to stay home during a crisis,  you and your loved ones may find through circumstance be stuck in your house for a long period of time. Therefore you want to take these suggestions into consideration:

• Keep Your Home Clean and Sanitized
  During a disaster, it is easy to neglect the daily duties of maintaining a well organized and clean home. Not just for cleanliness but for morale. If you have children, things can get pretty dirty very fast. It is extremely important to wash and disinfect food surfaces and bathroom on a regular basis. Sticking to a routine is necessary.
• Cover Windows 
  Besides keeping the room somewhat insulated, it prevents any flying debris from crashing through the window. You also want to limit anyone from the outside to look in. The least people know who and what is inside the better. It might serve you well to also have as little light as possible to be seen from the outside if the lights go out throughout the neighborhood. Don’t want to attract too much attention.
• Have Battery Power Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors 
  During a time when getting emergency services would be next to impossible, the last thing you would want is for your house to catch fire. It may be a time when you will use flammable fuels to heat and light up your house when electricity might be limited. There have been situations where whole families have died due to carbon monoxide poisoning. I think you get the picture.

E. Heat/Cooking/Fuel/Cooling

If a natural disaster or economic collapse occurs, the distribution of fuel and electricity would most likely be affected.  In many parts of the world, this a common occurrence. What would you do in order to have heating, cooling or cooking?  These are some ideas that can work for you.

• Heat Options
  There are some choices you can have that will work. The ones you select will obviously depend on whether you have electricity available in your area. Small space heaters, compact propane heaters, kerosene heaters, wood burning stoves are some of the better options. However, you need to have adequate ventilation. It is recommended to have a battery carbon monoxide alarm nearby to warn you of potential danger. Monitoring is a must. It is even possible to use small candles. Believe it or not but candles do raise the temperature of a room. Maybe you should select a dedicated room to heat.
• Cooking Alternatives
  If electricity or natural gas becomes limited, a barbeque pit would work well but it may not be a safe choice if you have little to no outdoor space or their local social unrest. An alcohol burner is extremely compact. But don’t be fooled, it works well to boil water or cook food.  This can be made from a soda can. Because of its size, this could be easily stored in a bug out bag (discussed below). A portable gas stove is very affordable, works well and runs on a butane aerosol canister.
• Fuel Considerations
  Because fuel shortages are possible, keeping some extra fuel makes sense. However, you do not want to overdo it and make your house a death trap. Be sensible. And if at all possible store it away from your living space. You are legally allowed to store 25 gallons of gasoline. Be aware that gasoline starts to break down around 9 months. So adding a gasoline stabilizer will extend its potency to 2 years. You want to also get kerosene. Stored correctly it can last up to 10 years.  As for propane tanks or butane cans, propane gas can last indefinitely while butane has a 5 to 7 -year shelf-life
• Cooling Choices
  This is often overlooked because it is the hardest to do.  One method used is emphasized on optimizing air flow. If you have windows, especially those that the upper and lower portion of windows open, you want to create an air flow that sucks cool air into the house while letting the warm air out. Also having thick currents or shades to keep the heat from the sunlight from penetrating through the windows.You might be able to use fans that are powered by batteries, solar or by an inverter. If you have an inverter, you might be able to run a small room air conditioner in a small area for short periods of time. if you have some extra money You might consider purchasing an a/c unit that runs on a battery. It is called a zero breeze air conditioner. However, it cools 50 sq. ft. effectively.When it comes to a refrigerator, you might think of getting a small inexpensive compact frig. You will not be able to keep everything cool but you can keep essential items or medicines from spoiling. Again you will need a power source like an inverter to run it. If you are able to get find a way to freeze water, you could freeze large chunks to than use to keep food cool or place in front of a fan.

F. Power & Lighting

We live in an electronic electricity dependent society. But in the event of a power outage, we can survive with minimal power and light. Unfortunately, there are those who will not fare as well because of chronic medical issues that require machines powered by electricity. If this is your situation, I advise you look if there are other options available to you. For the rest of us, there are adequate solutions that can provide our power and lighting needs.

• Power Sources
  Solar or water power would be tremendous but for the most part, it is out of reach for most of us. However, the use of small generators powered by solar can be used for small electronics such as phones or computers. So the next best option is a generator. There are limitations however to this kind of power source. They use a lot of gas or diesel, need to be used outside and tend to be noisy.A source that can be very useful is a power inverter. They run off a car battery and can be used to power up from small electronics to house appliances. Many just hook it up to their car and run a power cord into the house. One often overlooked power option are batteries. Although they eventually run down, the cost of replacement is nominal. Using rechargeables would even be better. You can recharge your rechargeables using a small solar powered recharger.
• Lighting Possibilities
  Having numerous and varied sized flashlights is a must. There are some flashlights with powerful enough beams that when made to stand and point up the beam reflects off the ceiling giving sufficient lighting. There are those who are advocates of using kerosene lamps and lanterns. Their brightness is so great that you can even read a book. They are relatively easy to use, last long and inexpensive. There is, however, a minor concern over safety.If you are using vast quantities of these lamps, you will need to monitor them to prevent fires and have enough ventilation. Other than that, they work very well. At it goes without say, candles will work but not as well.

G. Communication

The ability to speak with your loved ones during a time of disaster is extremely important. It is also crucial to get essential news and the latest information regarding events and developments around your particular catastrophe. There are viable options to consider:

• Intercommunication Devices
  These are your typical cell phones, two-way radios (Walkie Talkie), computers and hardline telephone systems.
• Intra & International Devices
  If you had the extra cash, a ham and CB radio would give you access to talk to people far away from your area. Computers and hardline telephone systems if the infrastructure is working. Always have rolls of quarters available.It will allow you to use standalone phones found outside places like convenience or grocery stores. A hand-held AM /FM/NOAA radio or better yet a hand crank AM/FM/SW radio would be great to have. Many of the hand-crank version give you shortwave capability. You can listen to world stations that may give a different perspective than that offered on the local or national news.For viable communication devices click here for my list of options.

H. Medical/Health/Hygiene 

This you cannot overlook. During a disaster, it may be difficult to get adequate medical care or sanitation. For those with medical conditions, you really need to take the necessary precautions and preparations BEFORE disaster strikes. Even with those in good health, the need to keep your location clean and members of your family healthy is a must for the reasons I described above. Areas to prepare for are:

• Medical Concerns
  If you need prescription medicines, try to purchase at least a six month to a year supply. If the system goes down, you may be out of luck trying to get them. Of course, having antibiotics on hand would be great but you need a prescription.I have heard of people using animal antibiotics as a substitute but I am not qualified to make that suggestion.If you need to use some kind of medical device that runs on electricity, using a generator or inverter may work but it all depends on the unit’s wattage and how long you need the device to work. Stocking up on first aid items can be beneficial especially that most are inexpensive to buy.Get plenty of pain relievers ointments and gels. Using essential oils and teas can work very well to relieve pain and stress. If you have extra funds, it makes sense to have an extra set of glasses.
• Health Related
  We all need to keep our bodies in good shape. Exercise and weight train. Learn to eat properly. Provide a well-balanced diet for your family. There are some that think to be a little advantageous for the short term. But because you may be forced to have limited food rations you will lose the weight.
• Hygiene Issues
  If there is limited water available, your hygiene (and potentially your health) will become affected. We take for granted that running water will always come out of the tap or fill our toilet bowls. In a grid down scenario, you may be without it for a substantial period of time. So you need to prepare ahead a time for such an occurrence.You want to have items such as buckets, shovels, cat litter to use when the toilet bowl does not fill.Because the sewers might back up with human waste, it might find its way into your toilet bowl. You will want to get a soft spongy ball to wedge up into the toilet bowl hole. You will want to designate buckets for fecal matter  (litter or wood chips to cover it up) and another to throw your toilet paper which you can later be burned.It is without saying to get all the hygienic essentials before a crisis. Stock up on toilet paper, shampoo, toothpaste, etc… Also, include lotions and medicated creams for the skin. A few often overlooked product are baby wipes, dental floss, women sanitary pads, and contraceptives. Besides their intended uses, they can perform other functions (ex. pads to stop bleeding). Masks and gloves are a must.
• Pest Control
  I think most do not even think about the problems that large amounts of refuse and the reduced level of cleanliness will bring. Pests and vermin become an issue. You want to have multiple ways to deal with this concern.  Have a dog and cat will eliminate the threat of rats and small critters. But you also want to have lice, bedbug and other organisms that can pose not just a nuisance but also affect your well-being.There is a great source on home-made remedies that provide alternative solutions when getting medicines would not be easily available. Find it here.

I. Clothing & Footwear
The clothes you select should be appropriate to the climate and weather you currently reside. Make sure that you have an adequate change of undergarments and socks. You should have clothing that covers your extremities and face. This means having the necessary gloves, raincoats, hats, scarves, handkerchiefs for warmth, protection, and coverage.

When it comes to footwear, having different types of shoes will make sure to keep your feet health. Arch support is a must especially if you are forced to retreat by foot to a secondary location. Also, shoes that are either waterproof or rubberized are ideal in wet type of weather. Keeping your feet dry is important otherwise you run the risk of getting trench foot.

J. Transportation
Having a variety of vehicles is highly desirable.  The only reason for this is it gives you options if you are forced to evacuate or the disaster that presents itself prevents you from using that particular mode of transportation. Because you might have to carry supplies or water without a car, have a basket to attach to a bike, book bag to carry on your back or a rolling cart would come in handy. Also useful would be to have a wheel barrel.

K. Money/Precious Metals/Barter
If a crisis hits, your bank or ATM may not work. In a more serious economic collapse, your access to your money at a bank can be limited. There is even a chance that your money can be worth less. So it is prudent to have some other means to buy what you might need.

• Money Talks
  Even in a total collapse money will be worth something in the short term. It has been advised by many financial experts in preparedness to have money at home to use. It should be in $20 denomination. Ideally, you want to have enough to cover expenses for three months. But, if you cannot swing it then as much as you can afford.
• Precious Metals are King
  In an extended disaster or economic collapse, gold and silver become the preferred form of currency. They have historically held their value. Gold has a higher intrinsic value to silver. So it is worth more. You would silver for daily purchases while gold would be used for big-ticket items. I have heard when depression has occurred, 25 ounces of gold would buy an entire downtown block.You should get old silver coins (pre-1964) dimes, quarters, half dollars. According to experts, having 5 oz. of 99% pure gold should be safe to have without getting it confiscated.
  To avoid the threat of confiscation, buying high-quality gold jewelry is recommended. How much should you have? As one financial expert says, “own enough gold to bribe the border guards!” As for silver, historically speaking, for a family of 4, the equivalent of 1100 oz. of silver would give your family enough to live comfortably for 10 years.
• Bartering
  I mention this option because there are those who unfortunately do not have enough to save up for emergencies. However, if you have a skill, like working in construction, you may be able to get the goods you need by offering your services. If you are a musician, a hair stylist, rentable major heavy machinery, you can provide a service in return for what you need. Believe me, your skill or talent has some value.

L. Repair Tools
Having basic tools will be necessary especially if you are forced to hunker down. There will no doubt be repairs or property improvements you will do should the need arises. You can purchase many tools adhesives, nails, drills, saws for nominal prices at flea markets, discount stores or yard sales. Which basic tools should you have? Go online or to your local hardware store to figure out what you need. I am not by any means a handyman but I personally have all the basic ones to have.

4. Store Supplies Safely & Securely

Now that you gathered or are gathering your gear and emergency items, you need to make these supplies protected in a way that they are somewhat concealed or attract minimal attention but at the same time easily accessible when the time arises. Additionally, you need to account for everything you have so you can easily replace any survival item if needed with ease.

When it comes to money, precious metals or the like, you want to hide them throughout your house in places that are inconspicuous or among items that are least attractive. Places that may work are in crevices, under heavy furniture pieces, a/c vents under bottom shelving units, or in small cubby holes around the built-in appliance. You might even consider burying your valuables.

Remember you want to make sure someone you trust knows where to locate these items just in case. You might have some of the valuables that you are willing to part with easily accessible to thieves. This is a give way to throw them off and believe this is all you have. It may discourage them from further searching.

As for daily use items like food, you want to protect them against heat and moisture. Insulated storage areas are best. As mentioned, it is important to know what you have stored and to be aware of expiration dates. As you use up food and medicines, replace and rotate your supplies so you use the oldest first. If anyone questions why you are keeping a large number of supplies, answering with a response in a calm matter that does not draw suspicion is best. Saying that you are collecting to donate or for a possible hurricane or tornado might do the trick.

If you are storing flammables, make sure to consider ventilation and space that are cool and away from the sun.  If possible store these away from your home and in a storage shed or detached garage. Have extinguishers visible and easily available (keep up with replacement when needed).

You want to take all the necessary precautions to make all your painstaking planning account for something. But fate can make all your efforts for naught. I want to recount to you a true story that illustrates this point. There was a time when I had all the supplies I needed for my family to make it through any disaster at least one year. I had it all stored in my insulated detached garage. I even had a full sized van with the gas tank full in case my family needed to evacuate from the city.

Well, one day my neighbor who had recently lost his spouse to the ravages of cancer. He became so despondent and distressed that he decided to end his misery. So he proceeded to ignite his home next door. So the running gas in his house exploded with all of the contents inside including a load of ammunition. While his house was ravaged by fire, the bullets he left were igniting all around making it hard for the firemen to put it out.

The fire was so near my house that the firemen told me the flames were going to jump over to my property. The part of the house that was going to burn first was my detached garage and my van that was next to it. The problem was not only that I had removed the battery from the van and stored it in the garage but all of my emergency supplies and gear were all stored there as well. Fortunately, the fire was brought under control and my stash was saved.

This taught me two things; first, that one has very little control over what will happen and secondly, to spread out all of your preparations in and around your property. This will hopefully minimize your loss.

5. Get Familiar & Practice Using Your Skills and Supplies

Let’s be honest, unless your an avid hunter, outdoorsman, or handyman many of you will be more like was is called “arm-chair” preppers. I by no means am an expert in everything that is in survivalism or emergency preparedness. However, I have tried to learn and experiment with many of the suggested approaches and techniques mentioned here. You will do what you think you need to do and figure out what is viable and realistic for your and family lifestyle.

The following are some suggestion to help guide you:

• Watch Youtube 
  There are thousands of how to videos on such things as organizing your prepper supplies to organizing your important documents. You can also find reviews on the prepper items you are considering
• Borrow Prepper or Survival Books from the Library
  This will not only give you access to many titles but will save you time and money. The books or tapes you find most important, you can later purchase
• Get Involved with Local Organizations
  From the Boy Scouts, Air Civil Patrol, University Extension Offices, Volunteer Fire Department to Gun shooting classes, you can find many of these organizations within your local community.

There is really no reason why you can not learn the prepper skills you need. If you have the time, you can learn with little to no money. You would also want to get your loved ones involved. Besides this being a way to spread the knowledge around but also the risk. What if you were unable to perform the necessary tasks it will take to make it through a crisis. This assures the others in your group will have the ability to overcome and survive.

6. Decide When Evacuation is the Only Option

Too many prepper and survivalist television shows have overly glamourized the bug out bag carrying prepper, who mobilizing from any number of fantastical scenarios, facing numerous threats or obstacles to fight his or her way in the hope of reaching a picturesque predetermined safe place or bug out location to wait out the imminent threat is truly criminal.

This disservice by the creators of these entertaining programs to those who are new to prepping an unrealistic and dangerous perspective. The idea to run from the relative safety of your current dwelling at the sign of some trouble is quite absurd.

Think about it. Why would you immediately head for the hills if you lose your job, high price inflation is occurring, there is rioting or looting, civil unrest in your city or the electricity went out? Why would you put yourself and or loved ones in harm’s way for an event that although concerning…?

Don’t get me wrong, there are situations whereby the only alternative is to leave or evacuate from your home is the only best option but from the research on the matter, it doesn’t make sense whatsoever.  According to the experts, the only time “bugging out” makes sense is when you have no other choice or your situation becomes intolerable that your life is in danger.

With this, it does you well to consider the following:

• Secure all Valuable Items and Documents
  Decide ahead of time all important documents and valuables you might need if you are forced to leave. Keep them stored with the rest of your preps but ready to take if needed. I would suggest hiding the rest of those items that though important but not essential.
• Pack a Bug Out Bag for All Your Family Members and Pets
  The items to consider should be compact, easy to use and have multifunctionality (ex. knife to use for protection and cutting). You should have enough contents to provide you with enough survival essentials for three days.
• Find an Appropriate Bug Out Location
  In most cases, it will be a temporary shelter. Make sure to the place accepts pets. Appropriate choices would be a family or friends home, hotel or a secondary unoccupied property you own.
• Set Mulitple Escape Routes
  Depending on the time and type of disaster, main roads might be clogged with traffic. Using secondary roads might be your best option. Have maps (multiple copies) with routes highlighted ahead of time. The key is to respond and leave faster than the hordes. Maybe leaving by air or sea might be a better alternative.
• Have Various Bug Out Vehicles
  This does not necessarily mean having a second car. If you are able to ride or pilot different vehicles, you have the ability to escape while others might not. Having a bicycle, motorized bike, ATV, scooter, boat or mini helicopter are but a few types to consider.

Although the likelihood the disaster is long-term is minute, but what if you are not able to return to your home? This is when you might think about the option of complete relocation. Depending on the severity of the situation, this might mean leaving permanently to another part of the state, country or completely expatriating. Off course, this topic would be too long to cover here in this article but you might want to begin thinking about it and talking with your family when and if this would even be feasible.

Having covered in length what it would take to stay put if disaster strikes, it will ultimately be your resilience and resolve that will carry to make the choices that best serve the needs of you and your family. With luck and faith, you will overcome and survive any obstacle that you may face. If you still need a complete survival plan you can implement right now, click here.