43 Fantastic Prepping Tips
Latest from the prepping world
You never know when disaster may strike, from a flat tire on an abandoned stretch of highway to a long-term power outage; emergency situations are always stressful, but you can help reduce some of that stress and maximize your potential for survival with these 43 fantastic prepping tips. So, read on to get ready!
1. Emergency Kits
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the number one cause of death among children and teens occurs from injury. Reduce the consequences of injury by carrying an emergency kit in your pocket or purse. We recommend at the minimum to keep alcohol swabs, bandages, lighters, and key chain flashlights, prepping an emergency kit won’t take more than ten minutes and could save your life.Here is a broader list of emergency essentials for survival
2. Safety in Numbers
Another way to reduce the ramifications of injury is to make sure your emergency kits have back up. For example, a few alcohol swabs are useful but adding a mini bottle of rubbing alcohol will make that kit even more effective; especially in an emergency where supplies may be hard to come by.3. Road Side Assistance
You should also be prepared with a large bug out bag (BOB) at home and in the car. The DMV highlights how important this preparedness tip is with an official list on their website of what to carry specifically for road side emergencies, saying, “Such protection is something that every vehicle should have…”* Here are some tips on what to put in your bug out bag.
4. Don’t Get Trapped
Another good place to keep a specific emergency kit is under the bed. This kit should include things like a flashlight, a spare set of house and car keys, and an extra cell phone to call for help. This kit is useful in case you get trapped and have to exit from an upstairs window. You should also keep a spare set of clothes, and shoes along with a blanket packed in a suitcase somewhere outside, like in a shed.5. Create Charity Kits
If you have the means to set aside a little extra in your prepping budget make small kits designed for short-term assistance. Things like travel sized shampoo,hair elastics and vitamins can really help out a neighbor and create goodwill.6. Stay Warm
Being prepared to escape fires is crucial but starting them can be equally as important. Saving your dryer lint or dipping cotton balls in petroleum jelly, makes for great kindling that will burn red hot for a while; perfect for a source of heat and a method of cooking.7. Keep Matches Handy
Matches are essential to any BOB as they provide the best combination of ease, use and reliability. Strike-anywhere matches are useful because you don’t need a special striking surface to ignite them. However, these matches have been made illegal in certain areas because of the concern that they can ignite by accident. Kitchen safety matches require a special striking surface but in an emergency situation sand paper will work just fine. Gluing a piece of sandpaper to the inside lid of a mason jar and filling it with matches is an instant way to waterproof your matches and make sure you have a proper striking surface.8. Water, Water Everywhere…
Based on the Palmer Drought Index, 22 percent of the contiguous U.S. fell in the moderate to extreme drought category while severe to extreme drought affected about 7 percent of the US, this year. The most important thing to have in a survival situation is water. Store clean water any way you can, from canning it in mason jars to re-using empty soda bottles, you can even buy extensions for the gutter down spout and use it to fill full sized barrels.9.…But Not a Drop to Drink
If you find yourself in an emergency situation where no clean water is available then knowing how to distill water will literally save your life. Distillation can be done in several different ways but mainly it involves boiling water to produce vapor. When the water vaporizes entirely, it will leave contaminants behind, once the vapor condenses back into liquid form it will be safe to drink. You can distill water from plants, snow and rain, or even use this process to desalinate seawater. Distillation can be done with a stainless steel pot, on a grill or with glass bottles. They do sell distillation kits or you can opt for the many DIY resources online.Sterilization
Emergency Toilets
* If you’re looking for a camping shower tent, just click here.
Carry Cash
Invest in a Propane Heater
Keep Food Cold
Keep Food Safe
Tarps and Tents
Keep your Medication Up to Date
Food Storage
* Here is a list of the Best Food for Emergency Storage.
Do Diversify
* Here’s a tips on how to freeze dry food at home.
Store Hardware
Take Stock of Batteries
Use Solar Power
Stock Up on Specialties
Stock Up on Toilet Paper
Detect Carbon Monoxide
Learn Your Equipment
I don’t know about you but I like to keep a spotting score or something similar on hand because if you can’t see it, you can’t prepare for it. Always imperative to know as much about your surroundings as you can.
* If you’re looking for the Solar Hand Crank Radio
Plan to Get Home
Practice Your Plan
Include Your Family
Join a Preparedness Meet Up Group
Can You Carry It?
* Here’s a tip on How to Create a Bug Out Bag.
Divide and Conquer
Protect Precious Memories
Two Way Radios
* We’ve listed for the Best Two-Radio for Families
TTY Text Telephone
Special Needs Alert Radios
Keep your Service Animal Safe
Prepare your Pet
Keep Your Clothes Clean
Keep Yourself Clean
Fortify Beforehand
Bug In When Possible
Find Food in Nature
If you absolutely have to bug out then increase your chances of survival by knowing how to find food in nature. Hundreds of plants, fruits, and vegetables grow naturally throughout the USA. Find out which ones are available in your area, then go hiking and try to find them. It’s fun, it’s free and you’ll be honing your survival skills.
From prepping on a budget to ten-minute tasks there are many small things we can incorporate daily that will make a big impact should disaster strike. Protecting ourselves and our loved ones in today’s world isn’t crazy, it’s smart! Remember, if you prepare for the worst and nothing happens you’ve lost nothing, but if you don’t prepare you could lose everything.
Are you prepared to survive a famine?
People who are prepared to survive will find themselves eating things they have never imagined, just to avoid starving to death. In the event of an EMP attack, food will continue to grow, however, transportation will halt, along with food deliveries to your local markets. A widespread scale of mass starvation is a significant threat.
Sometimes the government makes choices that result in famine. Many believe they are truly compelled more by politics than by nature. You shouldn’t assume that your government will deliver resources in time of famine, either by design, or due to situations beyond their control. For the best chance of survival, in addition to growing food, you will also need to learn hunting, trapping, fishing and proper food storage techniques.
Are you prepared to grow food? Get strong seeds that have the best chances of growing in subprime conditions. Ask your local but knowledgeable garden center personnel which crops work best in the area.
Are you prepared to hunt? There will be too much competition between hunters in the early weeks of a famine. Most will be unsuccessful, and big game will likely leave the area for their own survival. Your menu consists of birds, snakes, rabbits, ducks, turkeys, squirrels, insects, cats and dogs. You’ll find a number of foods, including earthworms, when you look outside your traditional diet. Big game will still be available in remote areas. You’ll also want to seek out some fishing guides to confirm available bodies of water and appropriate gear.
Are your food storage preparations adequate? Buy non-perishable food items with a shelf-life of several years. Also, keep a revolving supply of non-perishable food items with a shorter shelf-life that you can eat first. When properly stored, white and brown rice can last for decades. You’ll want to learn proper canning techniques and store food away from moisture and sunlight, preferably somewhere that will stay cooler than 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Also keep some things to barter with like ammo, water filters and bulk coffee.
The 5 Best Ways To Get Well Water Without Electricity
Water is the key to survival. At least 60 percent of the adult human body is made of water, and we can live no more than three days without it.Since most modern water pumps use electricity to obtain well water, you may wonder how you would access well water in the event of a long-term power outage on the homestead. Here are five methods:
1. Manual pump – With a hand-operated pump, you can obtain five to 15 gallons of water per minute, depending on the make and model of the pump.
Manual pumps, which can be used with or without electivity, require quite a bit of effort, but they are an economical and easy way to get water during a blackout. (Read our previous story on manual pumps here.)
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2. Solar pump – Another option is a solar-powered water pump, which can provide as much as 1,200 gallons for water daily, depending on the brand and model – and, of course, the weather.
Get Free Electricity — And Never Be Without Power!
Solar pumps are fairly easy to install, and they can last for up to 20 years or so.
3. Wind-powered pump – Once a fixture on American farms, wind-generated pumps are cost-effective and require very little maintenance.
As with solar pumps, wind pumps are weather dependent, though. A back-up system, such as a manual pump, is important to have during calm weather.
4. Homemade pulley system – Think Jack and Jill and you’ll get the idea. With the use of a bucket on a pulley system, you may be able to access well water without a pump at all.
This system requires that you have the strength to lift and pull up anywhere from 20 to 40 pounds at a time. With an efficient pulley system, however, it can be much easier to lift.
Get Free Electricity — And Never Be Without Power!
Solar pumps are fairly easy to install, and they can last for up to 20 years or so.
3. Wind-powered pump – Once a fixture on American farms, wind-generated pumps are cost-effective and require very little maintenance.
As with solar pumps, wind pumps are weather dependent, though. A back-up system, such as a manual pump, is important to have during calm weather.
4. Homemade pulley system – Think Jack and Jill and you’ll get the idea. With the use of a bucket on a pulley system, you may be able to access well water without a pump at all.
This system requires that you have the strength to lift and pull up anywhere from 20 to 40 pounds at a time. With an efficient pulley system, however, it can be much easier to lift.
5. Diesel pump — Diesel fuel is a good alternative to electricity when it comes to powering a well. The pumps are relatively inexpensive and are easy to install. However, they do require a lot of fuel, so the cost of running a diesel pump varies with the price of fuel.
14 Tips for Creating a Robust and Well-Stocked Pantry
For many preppers, after setting aside water, the journey begins with food. When you think about it, that makes sense. Without food for sustenance and energy, everything else is moot. You need food to stay strong, healthy, and mentally balanced which in turn gives you the wherewithal to protect and defend yourself from the nuances of mother nature, and sadly, your fellow man.
A lot can be said for having a robust closet full of long-term food storage products. But what about your day to day pantry? Have you considered how important a well-stocked pantry is to your preparedness efforts? By stocking your everyday pantry with simple, budget-friendly ingredients, you can prepare delicious meals at a moment’s notice, and save money for the more esoteric preps such as water filters, emergency radios, medical supplies and the other items you will need if things get dire.
With that in mind, here are some tips for creating a money-saving pantry that will get you through the toughest of times.
For someone struggling with a reluctant or non-believing partner or spouse, building a robust pantry can become an important first step in nudging them over to the other side. Once they see the advantage of eating out of a pantry without the need to run to the grocery every day or two, the next logical step is to expand their mindset to embrace another aspect of prepping. It also does not hurt that you will be saving money.
Regardless of where you are in your path to preparedness, take a long hard look at your day-to-day pantry. If there is room for improvement, consider embracing some of these tips as part of your overall preparedness strategy.
Chris Gagnier "Prepping: Fatima Foods"
14 Tips for Creating a Robust and Well-Stocked Pantry
For many preppers, after setting aside water, the journey begins with food. When you think about it, that makes sense. Without food for sustenance and energy, everything else is moot. You need food to stay strong, healthy, and mentally balanced which in turn gives you the wherewithal to protect and defend yourself from the nuances of mother nature, and sadly, your fellow man.
A lot can be said for having a robust closet full of long-term food storage products. But what about your day to day pantry? Have you considered how important a well-stocked pantry is to your preparedness efforts? By stocking your everyday pantry with simple, budget-friendly ingredients, you can prepare delicious meals at a moment’s notice, and save money for the more esoteric preps such as water filters, emergency radios, medical supplies and the other items you will need if things get dire.
With that in mind, here are some tips for creating a money-saving pantry that will get you through the toughest of times.
Preparedness Begins With A Well-Stocked Pantry
01. Set aside a pantry areaAs basic as this sounds, scattering your canned foods, dried goods such as beans and rice, unopened condiments, and other staples willy nilly all over the place will leave you frustrated and disorganized. As unbelievable as it sounds, in my own home I have set up a day-to-day pantry in the linen closet and store my linens elsewhere. As an added advantage, there is also room in the linen-closet (now pantry) for oversized cookware and appliances.02. Label all canned foods, packaged foods, and bulk food with the date of purchase
For the most part, the use-by dates you find on food products are a myth and can be ignored. Still, rotating so you use the oldest items first is common sense. The easiest way to do that is to get out a Sharpie and date your item using bold, black numbers that you can see without glasses. Honestly, that is what Sharpies were made for!03. Examine cans thoroughly before use
Additional Reading: What You Need to Know About Eating Expired Food
Toss out any canned goods that have bulging lids or sides or appear to suffer leakage. This may denote the build up of gases inside that are toxic. It is simply not worth the chance. Please, no taste testing!04. Buy pantry items when they are on sale
Once you embrace the truth abut bogus use-by dates, you can take advantage of sales and stock up.05. Remember to buy what you eat and eat what you buy
If you want to try something new, purchase a small quantity at first. If you family enjoys it, watch for the next sale and stock up.06. Become proficient at making soups, stews, and chili’s
Soups, stews, and chili’s are budget friendly and can adapt to whatever you have on hand, including leftovers. Typically meat products are the most expensive part of your food budget but with soups, stews, and chills, a little meat goes a long way.07. Purchase fruits and vegetables in season
Note: See below for my own chili recipe.
Not only will you save money, but they will be fresher and more tasty than their brethren that have traveled half-way around the world to get to you. It has been my experience that most supermarkets will purchase locally (or at least within the surrounding state area) when they can. Look for signs such as “locally grown corn” or apples, tomatoes, squash, and other produce items.08. Be very careful at farmer’s markets
What I am going to say next may be a travesty to some of you, but farmer’s markets are not always the best deal out there. If you live in a tourist area, the prices may be double or even triple the grocery store price for organic produce. Even more alarming is sometimes the produce is trucked in from hundreds of miles away and is not truly local in the sense we expect.09. Don’t shun canned fruits and veggies simply because they are “canned”
Ask a lot of questions to ensure that you really are supporting local farmer’s. This will ensure that you are getting what you think you are getting. And lest you think I am down on farmer’s markets, nothing could be further than the truth. I am 100% in favor supporting our local farm community and am willing to pay more when doing so.
Canned fruits and veggies are picked at the peak of the season and are nutritionally sound. Be mindful of sodium and sugar content however and select no-salt or low-sugar options if you can.10. Grow stuff
Although in some cases easier said than done, almost everyone can grow a few herbs and a pot of peppers of tomatoes. Technically not growing, you can also sprout microgreens. As much for the soul as for the food value itself, every little bit you can do to supplement the grocery store budget will help you save for non-grocery items.11. Stock up on stock
If you don’t make your own, purchase quality organic chicken, beef, or vegetable stock when they are on sale. Chicken stock, especially, will add flavor to otherwise bland foods, and, in my experience, this is one area where the organic product is well worth the price.12. Commit to using leftovers
There is almost no leftover that cannot be saved and added to soup. I save all of our leftovers in the freezer then once a month or so, I gather them up and prepare what I call “Garbage Soup”. using organic chicken broth as a base. Over the years there have been some remarkable combinations, including spaghetti and meatballs floating around in a large pot of chicken soup. Add some rice, beans, or canned tomatoes to your garbage soup and you have a very filling meal.13. Acquire old-time cookbooks that emphasize scratch cooking.
Many modern cookbooks include packaged and processed foods in the ingredients list. What’s with that? Instead, pick up some old cookbooks from the 40s and early 50s, and learn to cook from scratch. Your food will be more nutritious, will taste better, and will cost a whole lot less than the pre-packaged equivalent.14. There is no such thing as perfection when it comes to eating and cooking
Additional Reading: 8 Reasons Old Cookbooks Are Important
Likewise, your pantry does not have to be perfect to be robust. It is all a matter of scale. Do what you can to fill your pantry with basics that you enjoy and that you can afford. As with your long term food storage, take the time to build your pantry slowly and methodically. A year from now, you may be pleasantly surprised!
Here is How to Make a Simple Chili
As long as we are on the topic of pantries, here is one of my all-time favorite pantry recipes. It is tried and true a hundred times over as well as being highly variable. Sometimes I skip the meat and add extra beans instead. I also mix and match types of beans and double or even triple the recipe. Let your pantry, and your imagination, guide you.Backdoor Survival Chili
3/4 pound ground round or other chopped meat (leftovers okay)
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups canned corn
1 cup bottled salsa
2 Tbl chili powder
2 ½ tsp. ground cumin
1 ½ tsp. dried oregano
2 cups cooked beans or 16 ounces canned beans (any type)
1 can diced canned tomatoes, undrained
Cook the ground round or other chopped meat in a large Dutch oven coated with cooking oil over medium-high heat for 4 minutes or until the beef is browned, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the water and remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The Final Word
With each passing day, I find it is impossible to separate prepping from day to day life. They have become one and the same.For someone struggling with a reluctant or non-believing partner or spouse, building a robust pantry can become an important first step in nudging them over to the other side. Once they see the advantage of eating out of a pantry without the need to run to the grocery every day or two, the next logical step is to expand their mindset to embrace another aspect of prepping. It also does not hurt that you will be saving money.
Regardless of where you are in your path to preparedness, take a long hard look at your day-to-day pantry. If there is room for improvement, consider embracing some of these tips as part of your overall preparedness strategy.
Chris Gagnier "Prepping: Fatima Foods"