A prepping plan begins with many things before just gathering a ton of tools or supplies.
In my previous prepping articles I touched on the comprehension of our civilization and the role of prepping as an individual growth in the survival process.
I have stressed the importance of inner strength for building a durable foundation that can endure changes and unforeseen circumstances.
Being well organized is also an important factor that can determine whether you succeed at SHTF.
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Creating A Strategy And Prepping Plan
Likewise, that too is a matter of practice and a systematic approach to prepping. Before perfecting your skills and amassing all the items you will need, you should first create a strategy of general progress.
Assess what you have, the material, financial and skill factors.
Find the weak links and create a plan for strengthening them. Do not over-reach yourself at once. Remember, build a strong foundation.
Create a time schedule for the completion of each small phase and follow it to create discipline in your actions.
Everyone is different. You live in different geographical locations, have different financial considerations, and have different needs.
In order to succeed as a prepper, you need to do what is right for you.
Overview Of Steps for Devising A Prepping Plan
Emergency Contacts – Well in advance, prepare a list of emergency contacts for police, fire, doctors, hospitals, and, of course, family members and close friends. Be sure to include telephone numbers, cell phone numbers, and email addresses.
Water Sources – Store as much water as you can. Look for hidden locations in your home where you can store either purchased water or water you have bottled yourself using plastic soda or juice jugs, water bricks, or something else.
Beyond that, find other sources of water that you can use in an emergency and learn how to filter and purify water for drinking purposes.
Food Preparation – Prepare your food supplies and learn about food types that will last for several months.
Beans and rice are chock-full of calories and, in the case of beans, extremely nutritious. Stock up on dried beans and rice then learn how to cook them off-grid, and outdoors over an open fire or rocket stove.
Exercise – Exercise regularly and stay in shape. Monitor your physical condition and its improvement, and timely resolve your health issues.
Community – Regardless of where you live or your family situation, become a community with others. Even if your community consists of only two or three persons, these few people will serve as your support group and sounding board for the tactical decisions you will make when things get tough.
Bugging In – Bugging in during a disruptive event is always preferable to bugging out. That said, if your home is no longer safe, you may be required to bug out. This does not mean that you will have to flee to the woods.
Bugging Out – Bugging out may be as simple as retreating to a friend or relative’s home or as complicated as hiking in a storm to the nearest shelter twenty miles away.
Evacuation – If your home is no longer safe to live in for whatever reason, plan to leave. Map out an evacuation route in advance. Determine two or three different ways to physically exit your home and then two or three ways to find your way out of the immediate area.
First Aid Considerations – Put together a comprehensive first aid kit that includes trauma supplies as well as protective gear to keep you safe in the sick room. Acquire extra prescription medications as well as antibiotics Learn about herbs and their medicinal use.
Mental Training – Most importantly, think. Start small but think big. Make your moves calculated and create a routine. Response time in case of emergency is very important. Train yourself in every aspect you can imagine, after all, your endeavour depends upon you.
Below are the 5 main areas that should be included in your prepping plan:
1. Risk Assessment and Planning
Prepping begins with a thorough risk assessment. Identify potential threats and hazards specific to your region and circumstances.
These can include natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes), economic instability, political unrest, and more. Once you’ve assessed the risks, create a comprehensive preparedness plan tailored to your needs and resources.
Develop evacuation plans, communication protocols, and contingency strategies for various scenarios.
Consider factors like the number of family members, their health conditions, and any special requirements. Planning ahead ensures that you’re ready to respond effectively in emergencies.
Additionally, conduct regular drills and simulations to practice your plans.
Update them as needed to adapt to changing circumstances and lessons learned from simulations. Remember, a well-thought-out plan is a crucial foundation for prepping.
2. Stockpiling Supplies
Stockpiling essential supplies is a fundamental prepping strategy. Focus on key categories like food, water, shelter, medical, and self-defence.
Build up a well-rounded emergency supply cache with non-perishable food items, clean water, first aid kits, medications, and tools.
Pay attention to rotation and expiration dates, ensuring your supplies remain fresh and effective.
Remember to consider the dietary needs of all family members and any pets. Keep your stockpile organized, so you can quickly locate items during emergencies.
Additionally, invest in durable, long-lasting gear and equipment.
This includes items such as generators, camping gear, self-defence tools, and communication devices. Regularly check and maintain your equipment to ensure reliability.
3. Self-Sufficiency and Skills Development
Self-sufficiency is a core principle of prepping.
Develop skills that allow you to rely less on external resources. Learn how to grow your own food through gardening, raise livestock, and even forage for edible plants in your area.
Acquire hunting, fishing, and trapping skills for a sustainable protein source.
Master essential survival skills like fire-making, navigation, and basic first aid. Enroll in courses or workshops to hone these abilities and gain confidence in using them during emergencies.
Self-sufficiency also involves understanding and managing your finances wisely. Reduce debt, build savings, and invest in tangible assets like precious metals.
Financial resilience is a critical aspect of self-sufficiency.
4. Community Building
Building a prepper community or network is a strategic move. Establish connections with like-minded individuals and families who share your preparedness mindset. These connections can provide mutual support, resources, and knowledge.
Form or join a Mutual Assistance Group (MAG) that collaborates on preparedness efforts. Pool resources, share skills, and create a support system.
A strong community can enhance security and resilience in times of crisis.
Additionally, connect with local emergency response organizations and authorities.
Understand how they operate, and contribute to community preparedness initiatives.
5. Continuous Learning and Adaptation
Prepping is an evolving process. Stay informed about the latest developments in your area and globally. Continuously educate yourself about emerging threats, new technologies, and evolving survival techniques.
Regularly reassess your preparedness plans and supplies.
Update your strategies to address changing circumstances or lessons learned from drills and simulations. Be open to adapting your prepping approach as needed.
Engage in regular training and skill-building activities to maintain and improve your proficiency.
Seek out courses, workshops, and resources to expand your knowledge base.
Conclusion
By implementing these five main strategies for prepping, you can enhance your readiness for emergencies and become more self-reliant in the face of various challenges.
Remember that prepping is an ongoing journey, and staying proactive and adaptable is key to its success.