What does survival look like to you?
What does it mean to survive?
I am not talking about the textbook definition that you read in a dictionary. I am talking about what is survival! What does it mean to survive and how can we begin prepping for it, without any experience. Well, it all starts where you are in life and where you want to be. Survival and prepping to survive are two separate things that are interconnected. So you want to know how to begin prepping for survival? Then you came to the right place, we are here to help!
What prepping for survival is not
The wilderness is not to be taken lightly, it is not a place to meditate or vacation. Yes, it can be relaxing being in nature but it sure is not for the unprepared. It is a place where you have to be prepared to face danger and possibly die. In an apocalyptic event, you can not simply just prepare for it, by stockpiling supplies. To think so is doing yourself a disservice! Whatever occurs it will lead to a complete breakdown of society leaving you fighting for everything you hold dear, regardless of having the supplies to last you. You do need to stockpile supplies and have the right gear in place. That is 100% true, but it’s an extremely important aspect but not the only one.
If you only focus on lifting weights and do not do any cardio you are limiting yourself. If you are only doing cardio without any weight training you are doing yourself a disservice. In whatever you do in life there has to be balance and if you only focus on one part you will be neglecting the rest of the body. The same goes for prepping for survival. You have to think of prepping for survival from an overall viewpoint.
These are the things that prepping for survival is not. The wilderness is great for sure, if you want to live of the land then by all means it’s a great starting point. That is how I started as well!
But what happens when an apocalyptic level event happens?
In reality, an event such as this will occur in an urban area. Do you have the knowledge to be self-sufficient? That’s something that you can’t get from a book or a class, it’s not something that you’re born with. You can learn how to do something but deep inside of you is a survivor, a fighter. Someone who wants to be ready and apply what’s always been a part of them. So what is prepping for survival?
It’s being prepared for anything that life might throw at you. It’s having the supplies and the knowledge to be able to take care of yourself and your family in any situation. Whether it’s a natural disaster or an economic collapse, being prepared can change everything!
Know Your Survival Mindset
In an emergency, your mindset will be the key to your survival. If you can think clearly and remain calm, you’ll have a much better chance of making it through. However, if you panic and allow your emotions to take over, you’ll likely make poor decisions that could cost you your life.
It’s important to remember that you can control your mindset. This isn’t always easy, but it’s essential in an emergency. If you find yourself in a survival situation, take a deep breath and try to assess the situation calmly. Only then will you be able to make the best decisions and have the best chance of making it through alive.
How many times have you been in a situation where your mind goes blank and you can’t think straight? We’ve all been there. Whether it’s a work emergency, a personal crisis, or just everyday stress, our brains can sometimes feel like they’re on overload. But the good news is that while your brain may feel like it’s on overload when things get really bad, you can train yourself to be able to think more logically during stressful situations by developing a solid survival mindset.
You Decide What Happens
When you have a survival mindset, you realize that no matter what happens, you are in control of your own fate. You know that by staying calm and thinking clearly, you will be able to overcome any obstacles in your way. And while it may not be easy to develop a survival mindset, it is possible with the right training. So if you’re looking for ways to stress less and think more clearly, start by working on your mindset. It could be the key to success in any situation.
The mindset of a survivalist is one of control. In an emergency situation, it’s not about the available resources, it’s about the mindset and training that you have in place that will allow you to overcome any barriers. A survivalist mindset is not just for when society falls apart. Your own worst enemy in a survival situation is yourself. If you don’t have the mindset to control your emotions and stay calm, you will not be able to think clearly and make the right decisions. That’s why it’s so important to have the right training before an emergency situation arises.
Strengthen Your Mind
It’s important to have the mental skills in case there are unfortunate events that cause widespread destruction. Skills such as knowing how much water per day you need can help keep your mind clear and prevent illness from taking hold during times when resources may be scarce. That could be from an earthquake, economic collapse, nuclear attack, or flooding. The list goes on. Having a survival mindset means being in control of your emotions and being able to think clearly in an emergency situation. It’s about training your mind to be your best ally in a crisis, instead of your worst enemy. There will always be barriers to overcome when disaster strikes, but with the right mindset, you can increase your chances of survival. So don’t wait until it’s too late – start training your mind today.
Start Saving Money
If you don’t have a plan for saving money, you will be caught unprepared in an emergency or crisis. It is essential to have a nest egg set aside so that you can afford to purchase all of your survival supplies without overstretching your wallet. This will also change your mindset of what are the most important items and help prevent you from overspending on items that aren’t as important or useful in an emergency.
By setting aside some money every day, you can make sure that you are prepared for anything that comes your way. Having a plan is the first step to being prepared for anything life throws your way. So start saving money today and be ready for whatever tomorrow may bring.
It’s always a good idea to have some money put aside for a rainy day, but in the case of a natural disaster or other major crisis, it’s essential to have an emergency fund that can cover your living expenses for at least three months. That way, if you lose your job or are otherwise unable to earn an income, you won’t have to rely on credit cards or loans to make ends meet. Having a buffer of cash will also help you to avoid the high-interest rates that often come with borrowing money in a time of need.
So start setting aside some money each month, and be prepared for whatever life throws your way. The more you can put away the better. If you are not a big fan of cash, then gold is another alternative for holding its value.
Find or Build A Community of Like-Minded People
In these troubled times, it is more important than ever to find or build a community of like-minded people. When the SHTF, you will need other preppers for support and guidance. This does not mean that you should be living in isolation from your family and friends who may not share your prepping beliefs. It just means that you should have at least one other friend who understands what’s coming and why it’s coming, so they can help guide you through these trying times.
Having someone who shares your values and understands your goals is essential for any kind of relationship, but it becomes even more important in a time of crisis. Two heads are better than one, and three heads are better than two. There is safety in numbers, and strength in unity. So if you don’t have a community of preppers to turn to when the SHTF, start building one now. This is something I strongly believe will help you and your family.
Have you ever thought of who you would turn to if disaster struck?
If you haven’t, then you should. It’s important to have at least one person you can rely on in a crisis. That person may be a family member, friend, or even a co-worker. Whoever it is, they should be someone you can confide in and trust. In the event of a disaster, they would be the one you would go to for help or support. So think of who that person is to you and make sure to let them know that they are your go-to person in case of an emergency. This is a must thing to know, so take a minute and think of who that person is.
Start Prepping Your Home
You don’t have to be a survivalist or prepper to start prepping. I know many people who do not consider themselves preppers but they really are. The reality is that anyone can do it, regardless of their background or experience. People who know that things change in life and being ready is a great thing to do.
It’s never too late to start prepping for the future.
No matter how old you are, or what your current circumstances are, you can always begin taking steps to be better prepared.
Prepping doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming by any means. There are countless simple and easy simple things you can do to get started, and every little bit helps.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to start prepping. The sooner you start, the better off you’ll be.
Natural disasters might seem like they’re rare, but they can happen to anyone. It’s important to be prepared just in case. If you look at the statistics, so many people were hit by a natural disaster and left without power for days or weeks. I have experienced this firsthand in Florida twice but I was prepared the second time around, not just power. Sometimes it takes, learning the hard way and that’s certainly the way I learned the importance of being prepared.
This is exactly why knowing who you would turn to is so important to know!
Stock Up on Water
This goes without saying but the need to have water is always going to be at the forefront of importance. It is far more important than food. You need to make sure to have the bare minimum of one gallon of water per person every day. This can add up to being a lot of water so it’s in your best interest to start now. Water containers come in all shapes and sizes, which is why knowing how much space they will require is key. I would always recommend buying water storage containers or tanks. If you do not have the room I would say focus on water storage containers and gallon water jugs instead.
Food-grade plastic barrels or jugs are the best options for safe water storage, as they are free of sharp edges or seams that could cut or injure you. It is important to keep them in a dry area out of direct sunlight, as sunlight and humidity can encourage bacteria growth.
Rain Water Collection
Not everyone can collect rainwater, I know this first hand. One of the first places I lived was in an apartment in a large city and could not collect rainwater. So if that’s the case you can easily find a water tank from a camping supply store or other outdoor retailers. The great thing about them is they do come in different sizes which is great depending on how much space you can spare.
Prepare Food Storage Basics
When it comes to food storage you want to focus on food that does not need refrigeration. It also will need to have a long shelf life. You should have food that is ready to go in case something happens where you live and food to stay put for the long term. This will entirely be up to your family’s personal preferences. The following tips will help you get started with this process:
Some of these items that do not need refrigeration are canned goods such as “chili, beans, chickpeas, beef, and so on”. Grains and flour are also another great thing to have because they tend to not spoil easily. When it comes to storing food the area should be dark, cool, and without sunlight. This will help to prolong your food’s shelf life.
I always check the expiration dates on any food that I buy. The vast majority of the time the food will not be expired but it’s more important to check when this food will be put away for an emergency. You want the peace of mind that your food that has been stashed away is ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Create a Bug-out Bag
When SHTF, you’ll be glad you have a bug-out bag. This bag is crucial to your survival plan because it will give you the ability to get out of where your at, right away. It’s key to have one because things can turn south pretty quickly and you don’t want to stick around when the SHTF. Regardless of your strategy for survival having a bugout bag is a good thing to have. A bugout bag should have enough supplies to keep you moving for a handful of days. My estimate is determined based on where my bugout location is. If from my home, I have calculated it will take me four days to reach it, then I would make sure I have seven days worth of supplies. It is always better to overestimate what you will need.
But what exactly should this bag contain?
Here are some essential items: water, food, shelter, clothing, a first aid kit, and tools. I would always make sure to bring a compass, an extra pair of shoes, and some kind of weapon for protection purposes. These are paramount in an uncertain future.
I Want Everything In it?
You do not need to jam-pack your bug-out bag with things you do not really need. This is a common question I have been asked and from my experience, things get pretty heavy when you have a bag on your back for weeks on end. I would say less is really more. I would focus on the essentials you will need to survive and nothing else that will add an unnecessary amount of weight.
It’s going to vary for everyone because what’s a good bug-out bag for me isn’t going to be the same for you. I personally always have two ways to purify water, water bottle, camelback, compass, shelter(tarp, tent…), map, first aid, food(MRE’s, protein bars, oatmeal, tuna, nuts..), I also have a rifle I will sling over my shoulder, rope, knife, collapsable saw, flint, small pot for cooking, spoon/fork , duct tape, and a gill net.
I know someone who is a diabetic and they would need to brining medicine as well. My point is to focus on the big three (water, food, shelter) and then craft the other parts to what suits you best. If it is too heavy then make it lighter, the worst thing is to have your supplies weighing you down literally when SHTF.
Invest In First Aid Supplies
I would always have at least one first aid kit ready in my bugout bag and in my home. It is something that can not be forgotten because of how things can easily go out of hand when disaster strikes. Injuries can happen in a blink of an eye.
You never know when a disaster will strike. This is why you have to have first aid supplies to treat injuries. A quality first aid kit should include:
- A tourniquet
- Sterile gauze pads in various sizes (4×4 is great)
- Adhesive bandages of varying sizes (2×2 is great)
Slingshot tape – Excellent for splinting broken bones or even fixing up a broken stump after an amputation. Need I say more? This stuff is amazing!
A disaster can strike at any time, without warning. Whether it’s a natural disaster like a tornado or hurricane, or something man-made like a power outage or chemical spill, being prepared is essential. First aid supplies are a paramount part of any disaster preparedness plan. In a crisis, you may not be able to rely on emergency services to come to your aid. If you have to evacuate, you’ll need to be able to take your supplies with you.
That’s why it’s important to invest in a good quality first aid kit that you can easily grab and go in an emergency. A first aid kit should include basics like bandages, gauze, and antiseptic wipes, as well as items specific to your needs like medications and allergy treatments. By investing in first aid supplies now, you’ll be prepared for whatever disaster comes your way.
Learn Basic Survival Skills
When disaster strikes, it is often those with the best survival skills who manage to make it through unscathed. In an apocalyptic crisis, for example, those who know how to find food and shelter in the wilderness will have a much better chance of surviving than those who do not. The same is true for any journey into unknown territory – if you know the basics of survival, you are much more likely to make it to your destination safely.
Of course, the only way to really perfect your survival skills is to practice them regularly. By learning new techniques and honing your existing knowledge, you can be sure that you will be prepared for anything the wilderness throws at you. So next time you head off into the unknown, make sure you are armed with the best survival skills – it could mean the difference between life and death.
If you’re ever in a situation where you need to build a fire from scratch, it’s important to know how to do it. First, you’ll need to find some flint and steel. Once you have that, you can start striking the steel against the flint until you create a spark. Then, you can use that spark to light some tinder and create a fire.
The next, thing you should learn is how to purify water with only what’s around you in nature. A filter with rocks and soil is a great start. That being said I would always be on the side of caution and boil the water. There are pathogens and things in the water that we can not see with the naked eye. You will put yourself in a far worse predicament if you get sick because of not purifying your water fully. So please keep that in mind.
I would then focus on how to build a shelter with natural materials that you find in nature. I would try to learn one shelter to start and then eventually progress to three different types of survival shelters. This way you have options depending on your surroundings. This would be a good foundation to know before, learning anything else.
With these basics under your belt, you need to focus on the next most important thing to prepare for. Mental reps are just as important as physical reps when it comes to disaster preparedness. Learning how to use a compass and a gun are two skills that could come in handy in a disaster situation where GPS devices fail. Knowing how to use a compass will help you find your way if you get lost, and knowing how to use a gun will help you defend yourself if needed.
Once you’ve mastered these basics, it’s time to move on to learning first aid. Knowing CPR would be extremely helpful in a disaster situation where someone else needs help right away. Earthquakes are one example of a disaster that can happen without warning and cause devastation. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared mentally and physically for whatever happens. Implementing mental reps into your disaster preparedness plan is essential for ensuring that you’re able to handle whatever comes your way.
When you have a solid foundation you can begin adding to your prepper supplies.
In many survival or apocalyptic type of movies, the main star tends to do things wrong at the start. Then over time, they learn the hard way. In reality learning, the hard way might end up being a very costly mistake. When SHTF there is no film director yelling cut, it’s real life.
In actuality, whatever happens, it’s important to start with the basics. Start with a bug-out bag, with some of the items mentioned. Once you have this first layer of preparedness in place, add to your stockpile of supplies as time allows and budget allows. You will be able to build up everything over a period as you maneuver learning new skills, and tools, and gain confidence in yourself as well as your family’s ability to safely cope with any difficult situation.
This is your foundation stone. Whatever else happens, if you have this foundation in place, you can build up from there. You will be better prepared than those who didn’t take the time to prepare at all. And if disaster strikes, you’ll be glad you did.
