The keys to surviving any situation, from an endemic to a natural disaster is preparedness. Sadly, most people aren’t prepared for anything more than maybe a minor inconvenience, if that. Here are some ways you can set yourself apart from the masses and pointers from the pros that might just save your life.
Buy A Bug-Out Bag
A bug-out bag is essential. Without it, you’re stuck in the place where you live. These bags are designed to provide you with basic supplies you will need to get away from the disaster area and to a place of safety.
In most bags, you’ll find waterproof blankets and a change of clothes, several ways to make a fire, including flint and steel with magnesium and waterproof matches, basic tools like a foldable shovel and a pick axe, and ways to purify water.
You will also need something like Spartan blades to build shelters, cut rope, and hunt.
Finally, put a first-aid kit in there.
Have a Travel Plan
Another tip from the pros is to have a travel plan. If you can stay home and barricade yourself in, that’s great. But, what if you can’t? You need a plan, a place to go, if where you are isn’t safe. Have at least 3 destination points, and a primary and secondary way to get there.
Your plans should be made well in advance and should be, more or less, permanent. For example, if you plan on going out into the mountains to a cabin you have there, you should make sure that the cabin is kept up and is periodically checked on so that you can be sure it’s in good working order when you need it.
If you plan on going to an out-of-state friend’s house, make sure that your friend knows you’re coming and have a dedicated plan for what you’ll do when you get there. The both of you should make sure that he or she can accommodate an extra person or family.
Usually, that means your friend is also a prepper.
Finally, don’t rely on your vehicle as the only mode of transportation. Have a backup vehicle or something like a bicycle that doesn’t require fuel. If you already live in the country, you could consider raising animals as a hobby, like horses.
Store Extra Food
When you go to the store, always pick up additional items whenever you can. Start small – $5 extra worth of canned food.
You can also opt for freeze-dried food. Companies, like Food4Patriots, sells 25-year survival kits which are healthy, don’t take up a lot of space, and are easy to prepare. These types of kits are becoming more and more rare, so it might be a good idea to stock up on whatever you can get your hands on.
Have a Way To Filter Non-Potable Water
Aside from food, you’ll need a clean source of water. But, during a crisis situation, don’t count on the government to supply it for you. Water mains could run dry, treatment plants could shut down, so even if there is water it won’t be clean and safe to drink.
High-end water filtration systems that don’t rely on electricity are necessary to filter biological, chemical, and radiological contaminants. Only a few companies in the world make such filters. Companies like Doulton and Berkey are some of the best companies for water filtration. Stock up on these types of filters to protect your family.
Have Tradeable Items Or Learn Tradeable Services
Tradeable items are another necessity. Things like extra food, clothing, blankets, and shelter become as good as, or better than, money.
Skills, like hunting, food preparation, medical services, and security become valuable skills that people will pay for if society falls apart.
Gold, silver, and other precious metals will also allow you to trade if or when you don’t have tradeable items or services.
Start A Garden
Being self-reliant also means growing your own food. No matter how many food packs you buy, no matter how many canned goods you stock up on, you will eventually run out of food. Being able to grow your own will make you independent. It’s also the only sustainable way to be self-reliant.
Learn To Hunt
Supplement your garden with animals you hunt. Meat is a basic food that most people need, and hunting for it (or knowing how to farm animals) is a skill that will pay dividends. And, you don’t have to wait until disaster strikes. Knowing how to farm animals will save you a lot of money right now, especially now that beef and other animal products sell for a premium these days.
Get Strong
Spend time in the gym, or set up a classic “black iron” gym in your basement. Getting strong, being able to lift several hundred pounds, and being able to carry it on your back, might save your life or the life of someone you love.
If you’ve never done a dedicated weight training program before, start with Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe.
You’ll also want to build endurance into your workout regimen. Start by walking. Work up to 5 miles a day, then start jogging, with the goal being to sprint for time. To build walking endurance, get a weighted vest and carry it with you on your walks. Build up to a 50lb pack, walking for at least 3-5 miles a day.
Constantly Test Your Gear
Test your gear periodically to make sure everything is in good working order. The last thing you want is to go to your food stores, or open up your bug-out bag, only to find out that your waterproof matches don’t work or that your food has spoiled.
Stay on top of things, and you’ll always be prepared.
Jake Parker has been helping to providing hunting experiences for clients for a number of years. He enjoys sharing his insights on the subject online and you can find his thoughts on a number of relevant websites.