If you’ve seen the show “Doomsday Preppers” on National Geographic, you know the extremes some are willing to go to.
They take surviving the next natural disaster, war or government meltdown to a whole new level- kids with AR-15’s, underground bunkers and hazmat suits are all in the arsenal of the most advanced preppers NatGeo can find.
Unfortunately a lot of what they do is just way over the top for most of us…
See the video below for just a small sample of what these “doomsday preppers” are getting ready for:
It’s certainly entertaining, but while “Doomsday Preppers” glorifies the most extravagant survival methods, it misses out on the small details that every household should have before even thinking about AK-47’s in a bomb proof bunker. If you’re starting from zero, build up the basics before graduating to the advanced stuff.
Stock a One-Month Supply
In the event of a disaster, food, water and energy make the difference between life and death. First, designate an area of the home or garage to store supplies and make sure it’s secure (a shed is useless if a tornado just blows it away). A basement is ideal if you have one. Stock enough of the following to last at least one month:
- Jugs of purified water.
- A purification system or tablets (if the existing water supply is exhausted).
- Canned food. Make sure to buy protein (beans, spam), vegetables and some fruits.
- Batteries – AA, AAA and D.
- Enough gasoline for a generator and a few tanks in a vehicle.
- Soap, sanitizer, toothpaste and other disposable hygiene products.
- Pistol and rifle ammunition.
Create An Plan / Exit Strategy
Some emergencies will demand to stay in your home, others will force you to leave. No matter the circumstances, create a plan of action with your family and go over that plan every few months to ensure everyone is on the same page. If a disaster calls for sheltering in the home, create “rally points” where you and your family meet before taking cover. This space should be accessible to your one-month supply.
If you and your family need to get out of the house, organize a rally point to get everyone in the car and out as quickly as possible. Keeping your one-month supply in the garage will come in handy for fast packing of the bare essentials. If transferring supplies from storage to car is an issue, rent a storage unit and stock it with your one-month supply. Companies like Uncle Bobs have 24-hour access so you can reach your goods, day or night, on the way out of town.
Know Your Weapon
It’s not enough to own a gun – you need to know how to use and, more importantly, maintain it. Skills like breaking down a weapon, cleaning it, and even assembling your own ammo are huge advantages in survival situations. This directory from the NRA lists courses all across the country where you can learn aptitudes in anything from a six-shooter to a long-range rifle.
Be An Avid Camper
What is camping but temporary wilderness survival, really? Making a hobby of camping, especially backpacking, translates well to prepper survival skills. Plus, if you have all the right gear, those camping supplies make the perfect to-go bag if you don’t have time to gather resources before leaving the house. Get a few of these basics:
- Small tent (two person).
- Sleeping bag (summer bags will be easier to pack).
- Thermal mat.
- Small propane heater.
- Water purification tablets.
- Backpack.
- A good knife.
- Head lamp.
- Slack line.
Once you have the basics take care of you are open to build up to more extensive preps (like a bunker)
What’s your take? Did I miss anything on my “essentials list?”
Let me know below.
