It Hits The Fan – Basic SHTF Preparedness Guide For Everyone

Are you prepared enough to survive when the grid suddenly goes down?  Your approach to survival should be designed for you to be ready in almost any given situation when SHTF.

A lot of people are concerned about what to do and where to start.  Yet they don't possess the skills whether it was never taught to them, or they just haven't seriously thought about it until now.

Regardless, it's never too late to learn the essentials of survival.  It's your key to increasing your chances of getting through the most unexpected big scale disaster that could ever happen.

Basic SHTF Preparedness Guide For Everyone

Some folks want to spend thousands of dollars right out the gate thinking that this is the right approach.  You have to think that you also have a life to live so think wisely about how not to be too worried about the issue.

Disasters can happen in such short notice so your best bet is to be prepared using the most important tips every prepper should be aware of to help you survive.

Some things are just better prepared for before considering stuff such as firearms, clothing, and others.  Expand your understanding about SHTF preparedness and you'll see how to think wisely in these situations.

Create your bug out plan

Bug out refers to shelter outside of your home. When SHTF, sometimes you're forced to leave the comforts of your home.

With that said, a bug out plan comes in handy because you already know where to go.

Some preppers often go for RVs as their bug out plan, but I know of some preppers who build a home off the grid – like a cabin in the middle of the woods or another home in another state.

Read more about bug out plans here.

Create your bug in plan

A bug in plan is the complete opposite of a bug out, and this refers to keeping yourself within the confines of your own home. In simpler terms, you are locking yourself inside the house.

Preppers have long debated whether or not bugging out is better than bugging in, but for me, they both have their own merits. Having a bug in plan and a bug out plan is important because you never know when SHTF.

Read more about bug in plans here.

Create a COMMO plan

COMMO, or simply prepper jargon for communication, is important for a lot of reasons. You'll need to be in touch with your family or fellow preppers when SHTF at all times.

A COMMO plan must include common rendezvous points, recon points, and point persons. You may include your fellow preppers in your COMMO plan as well, and you need to make sure that your family members are well-oriented with your plan.

You may read more about recon plans for your family here.

Build a team or network of preppers

You cannot survive on your own if you don't have a team. In the USA, there's already a growing number of teams and networks of preppers within each state that you can join.

Or, you can join our very own FPA: Family Protection Association. Click here!

A network or team of preppers is important because you need other people to help you when SHTF and vice versa.

If you can't join a team, build and create your own network. It doesn't have to be a community of 100 members, but just enough people that you can coordinate with when SHTF.

Maintain and update your current equipment

I cannot emphasize enough how important your current equipment is. Your guns, knives, and other items will help you survive certain situations when SHTF.

But what happens when your knife can't cut through flesh, or what if your gun jams in the middle of a gun fight?

You get the picture. Make a list of your current equipment and keep tabs on those that need maintenance or updating.

You may also include a list of items that you need to procure, like multi-tools, knife-sharpening tools, and even back-up light sources. 

Stock Up On Water

The human body is made of up to 70% water.  A single person should have at least 1 gallon of water stashed away.  This is the ideal amount that each person needs per day.

Clean water is also important to stock up on, as you may have limited access to it when SHTF. My favorite tool to effectively and efficiently filter water, the Aquastiq is perfect for SHTF items.

Read more about storing and stocking up on water right here.

Stock up on food

Food is the second most important thing that you'll need on a daily basis.  Choose those that have a long shelf life and also packed with energy and vital nutrients.

Knowledge of raising animals is a very big help when SHTF. Check out my preferred canned meat product, perfect for when SHTF. Shop Certain Food canned meat here.

Train yourself – mentally and physically

You at any given time should have a certain level of fitness that will help you be resilient and ready for harsh terrain or task.

Start by taking up cardio at least three time a week for half an hour each day.  Other forms of exercise can also help you gain core strength and flexibility. Remember in Zombieland?

Rule #1: Cardio… 

Create shelter

Learn how to create basic shelters out of the items in your environment such as tree trunks and leaves.  The choice of shelter should also keep you protected in all weather conditions.

Something that can blend in with the environment so as not to attract too much attention. Learn the basics of creating a shelter here. 

So you see what has to be taken cared of first in an SHTF situation.  This should give you a general idea on what to get started on in your prepping journey.

I can consider firearms as a must if worst things could happen, but you'll eventually run out of ammo with no food to eat or water to drink.

Do you have cold weather survival tips? Share them in the comments section below!

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Editor's Note: This article was originally published on January 20, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.