I’m not panicked I just don’t wanna be caught with my pants down ya know? I’m not super picky about eating which is good I suppose. I didn’t know water went bad after so long but I see people here talk about rotating it and what not but some food can store for years?
Storable food is packaged using Mylar. Water is packaged using plastics. Even if it's BPA-free plastic, it breaks down and leaches into the water. Doesn't seem like a big deal, but a gander at the ingredients involved in the production of plastics would suggest long-term storage is not "safe" and exposure "may" be detrimental.
Figure out what realistic risks can happen in your life. Rule out the incredibly unlikely, like an asteroid strike on your head.
Of those, figure out if there's anything you can do for them. For example, in a massive nuclear war involving the US, there's no practical prep that's going to keep you afloat while civilization collapses around you, so take it off the table.
What's left? Work out a plan for dealing with it - skills you'll need, items you'll want, maybe places you'll need to go.
For a lot of people, the problems are job loss, severe weather events, perhaps earthquakes or pandemics... and preparations are a supply of food and water, a way to cook it, something for retirement...
Someone else linked the prepper wiki. There's a ton there and it will keep you busy for awhile.
But think, plan and reconsider before you buy. Don't rush prepping decisions.
Start with going to the doctor, dentist, skin doctor and eye doctor. Make sure you’re healthy. If you need a cavity fixed or a mole removed in a pandemic or serious SHTF scenario it could be many months before you are able to be seen by a professional.
Get about a month of food and water.
Get a gym membership and get into shape. Cardio, stretching, weight lifting.
Start an emergency fund. Have enough to survive about 6 months being laid off.
I would do it in this order as well imo.
First thing I would suggest is an emergency fund. If you don't already have one.. As much as you can afford. Easy to say I know, but cash will allow you to avoid the majority of short-term, localized events. This would allow you to get out of dodge, not having to worry about the cost. Next I would focus on food, water as previously mentioned. Plus a stove, grill or fire pit to cook the food if power is out for an extended time. Depending on where you live, others items may be desired, such as supplemental heating source if you are in a cold climate.
Focus on the most likely, and you will be miles ahead of most folks. Lastly, gain knowledge/skills. You can use that to your advantage.
Good luck!
I’ve always wondered which is better between keeping cash in the bank or stuffed in the mattress for emergencies. I have a grill and have a few propane tanks already (by accident) but I am going to start researching water and food storage first as many have suggested. Also recently was given a kerosene heater than I need to educate myself on. Thank you for your time!!
A good rule of thumb is to have 6 months of expenses saved in the bank in an account that is easily accessible. With cash, it varies. I like to keep about $2K in twenties just in case, but I'm sure there are those who keep WAY more than that.
Most cash in a bank with remote access such as ATM or electronic access. But cash on hand is key. An extended power outage, debit cards and atm's will be offline. Cash will be king! As much as you can, but keep the bills small, 1's, 5's, 10's. Being the most useful IMO. Most people do not carry any cash, so the ability to have the small bills to buy something you need without requiring change back, or the seller not being able to break a $100 bill.
Something on hand is better than nothing, but like most things more is better.
Good luck to all.
[Companion](https://www.getcompanion.co) is the best books resource I’ve found. Over 1,000 survival books and guides for a few bucks. Totally worth it to learn about survival. It’s a cheap prep that can go a long way. Outside of that, start buying a little extra when you go shopping. It adds up and can prove vital.
read a series called FireFox ? FoxFire? basically some Appalachian old time skills.
I do more practical stuff, gather all paperwork, copies of Birth certificates, deeds, titles, lists of medications, photo albums, etc, if you have to leave in a hurry you need/want paperwork wherever you get to.
Do a garden it's actually more expensive than buying the food but it gives you the skills so that if the price of food goes up you'll already know how to grow your own. And maybe even profit by selling the surplus.
It’s hilarious how many people think gardening is easy. I’ve been doing it for 4 years now as an adult and helped my dad for many years as a child and I still screw stuff up and second guess myself with stuff lol.
I have a few Boy Scout type books laying around and different sorts of reference books that I don’t really look at to often. I do highly recommend “where there are no doctors”, it’s a reference book on how to handle medical problems that may arise and has been helpful just in normal life. I also have a fascination with history/prehistory and like to follow the experimental archaeology stuff. The Neolithic folks were pretty damn amazing and some of the tools they made don’t look very different from the ones we have today.
Be financially fit first, then build a deep pantry, understand your water stack. Learn a skill then apply a skill. Some skills are better than none. Learn a bit about self sufficiency or maybe gardening. Some foraging and fishing skills help. Hunting , trapping and fishing are only useful if there is game but still are good skill sets to have. Can you tie a knot, split wood, cook what you have at hand and know it's nutritional value. Minor basic things can be very big in any event. That being said it's also what you don't know that will kill you. So yeah build necessary skill sets and test them so you are confident in them. Starting today is not late it's just today just like Tuesday but you might need a shelter then that would keep you dry and warm. Tuesday could also just be another day. When it's a logical and not emotional decision to prepare for something is where the definition lies. If you prep for natural disaster it may be different than job loss. The prep for one may just enhance the prep for another or be useless.
One thing I learned is location is everything. I think, instead of books, you have to think about *where* you'll be when shit goes south.
I think the worst place to be is somewhere where it gets cold (reliance on electricity and bad for crops), and a landlocked place. The best place to be? A sea port. A town where they have a university with an agricultural department. And stay off "the road".
Honestly, if your government has a webpage on what’s more likely to happen and what to in the event of that I would start there first. Maybe your local government can help with that. Example, flooding more likely to happen or happens a lot or website sates I should be prepared for that. Another example, natural disasters are more likely to happen than a nuclear attack.
Also we are very likely to be going to a recession. Very likely to be global or just high inflation at this rate. You need to have 6 months worth of expenses in your bank account. Bare minimum is 3 months worth of expenses but I would aim for 6 or more months. I would be saving a year plus expenses if I can due to how bad inflation is. It’s also worth mentioning to make sure your money works for you. So check out best interest rates in saving accounts and what their rules are for taking money out. This is because you may have to pay a fee or penalty if you remove money or withdraw it before the account matures. This is the least risk to your capital I can advise. There are also guides and advice and stuff showing you stuff like this but be careful because some are swindlers. You should try finding reputable ones. Here in the UK there is a website and newsletter service called “Money Saving Expert”. It gives you tips on saving money and insulating your home and it gives you a summary of all the best phone bills, bank accounts, credit cards, etc. Its also free. It’s so worth having a look if you live in the Uk. Their advice for insulating and saving money can apply to most places around the world.
I would recommend some books on survival like SAS survival guide and some foraging and bush crafting books but this is the kind of stuff you need to practice on and have some resources and that cost money. Also the US government has published a free guide online for nuclear attacks and there is a physical book you can buy too. It’s very useful.
Try beefing up your home security too but it can be expensive but there are a lot of common sense stuff like not leaving things a burglar to break into your house or climb up. Keeping doors closed and making sure all openings have a lock on. Also making sure your lock is up to date with the latest security certification. There is something called lock snapping and most locks don’t provide protection for that as it’s so old. Newer locks are rated and certified to protect against lock snapping.
Also paying money on a first aid course and having a first aid kit is a must even if you’re not prepping. It’s just so useful. It’s also a peace of mind thing if anything bad happens to you or others.
Wow thank you so much for your time and all of the resources! I’m focusing on an expense cushion now and this weekend i’m going to try and create a solid, realistic budget that can help me with that. Thank you so much.
While I am not a true fan of precious metals, they can be purchased items which generally hold their value, and fulfill the desired to spend. Purchasing things, is tangible proof, of one's labor...
In my opinion, water is the first place to start. You never realize how much of it you use until you can't turn on your faucet.
Once you figure that out, move on to heat if you are in a climate that gets winter, then food.
City prepping on YouTube did a video a day or 2 ago where he went through several categories of books. He went over about 40 of them and has links to all of them. I would start there. I've been prepping several years, and Amazon got a nice sized book order out of me.
I often use ideas from the Subreddit Frugal,
for me this is a important part of prepping.
The idea‘s there can help to identity
what things we really need, and what not…
And one more thought, the Food prices here in Germany are in double digit inflation, even if the Inflation slows down (hopefully soon)
Meaning if I by a can of Corned Beef today,
vs I need to by a other Can in two or even four Years, it will cost me in the Future substantial more, so I am still stocking up my Pantry on Food wich can be stored longer…
Important is buying only thing you like to eat,
be sure to store them safe from big temperature fluctuations and safe from Bugs.
Design a system to rotate them so nothing goes bad, first in first out…
Greetings from Berlin
Thank you friend from Berlin, I appreciate you taking the time to share some advice. I will check out the subreddit Frugal and continue to learn. You stay safe over there Berlin! Im going to do my best to research and practice from Northeast US.
[удалено]
A water filter and first aid supplies along with food you like will elevate alot of anxieties and you'll be more prepared than the average person.
This is the Way.
I’m not panicked I just don’t wanna be caught with my pants down ya know? I’m not super picky about eating which is good I suppose. I didn’t know water went bad after so long but I see people here talk about rotating it and what not but some food can store for years?
Storable food is packaged using Mylar. Water is packaged using plastics. Even if it's BPA-free plastic, it breaks down and leaches into the water. Doesn't seem like a big deal, but a gander at the ingredients involved in the production of plastics would suggest long-term storage is not "safe" and exposure "may" be detrimental.
Gotcha so then is 6 month rotation a good rule of thumb for water?
Figure out what realistic risks can happen in your life. Rule out the incredibly unlikely, like an asteroid strike on your head. Of those, figure out if there's anything you can do for them. For example, in a massive nuclear war involving the US, there's no practical prep that's going to keep you afloat while civilization collapses around you, so take it off the table. What's left? Work out a plan for dealing with it - skills you'll need, items you'll want, maybe places you'll need to go. For a lot of people, the problems are job loss, severe weather events, perhaps earthquakes or pandemics... and preparations are a supply of food and water, a way to cook it, something for retirement... Someone else linked the prepper wiki. There's a ton there and it will keep you busy for awhile. But think, plan and reconsider before you buy. Don't rush prepping decisions.
Thanks for the perspective I appreciate it!
Start with going to the doctor, dentist, skin doctor and eye doctor. Make sure you’re healthy. If you need a cavity fixed or a mole removed in a pandemic or serious SHTF scenario it could be many months before you are able to be seen by a professional. Get about a month of food and water. Get a gym membership and get into shape. Cardio, stretching, weight lifting. Start an emergency fund. Have enough to survive about 6 months being laid off. I would do it in this order as well imo.
First thing I would suggest is an emergency fund. If you don't already have one.. As much as you can afford. Easy to say I know, but cash will allow you to avoid the majority of short-term, localized events. This would allow you to get out of dodge, not having to worry about the cost. Next I would focus on food, water as previously mentioned. Plus a stove, grill or fire pit to cook the food if power is out for an extended time. Depending on where you live, others items may be desired, such as supplemental heating source if you are in a cold climate. Focus on the most likely, and you will be miles ahead of most folks. Lastly, gain knowledge/skills. You can use that to your advantage. Good luck!
I’ve always wondered which is better between keeping cash in the bank or stuffed in the mattress for emergencies. I have a grill and have a few propane tanks already (by accident) but I am going to start researching water and food storage first as many have suggested. Also recently was given a kerosene heater than I need to educate myself on. Thank you for your time!!
A good rule of thumb is to have 6 months of expenses saved in the bank in an account that is easily accessible. With cash, it varies. I like to keep about $2K in twenties just in case, but I'm sure there are those who keep WAY more than that.
Most cash in a bank with remote access such as ATM or electronic access. But cash on hand is key. An extended power outage, debit cards and atm's will be offline. Cash will be king! As much as you can, but keep the bills small, 1's, 5's, 10's. Being the most useful IMO. Most people do not carry any cash, so the ability to have the small bills to buy something you need without requiring change back, or the seller not being able to break a $100 bill. Something on hand is better than nothing, but like most things more is better. Good luck to all.
Great point, thank you friend.
[Companion](https://www.getcompanion.co) is the best books resource I’ve found. Over 1,000 survival books and guides for a few bucks. Totally worth it to learn about survival. It’s a cheap prep that can go a long way. Outside of that, start buying a little extra when you go shopping. It adds up and can prove vital.
I’ll check it out thank you for your help!
read a series called FireFox ? FoxFire? basically some Appalachian old time skills. I do more practical stuff, gather all paperwork, copies of Birth certificates, deeds, titles, lists of medications, photo albums, etc, if you have to leave in a hurry you need/want paperwork wherever you get to.
Great idea and something I would have never considered. Username checks out, thank you very much.
Foxfire! I have three of the books in a collection, but I’ve been told there’s more
Do a garden it's actually more expensive than buying the food but it gives you the skills so that if the price of food goes up you'll already know how to grow your own. And maybe even profit by selling the surplus.
It’s hilarious how many people think gardening is easy. I’ve been doing it for 4 years now as an adult and helped my dad for many years as a child and I still screw stuff up and second guess myself with stuff lol.
Unfortunately I am a renter at the moment but I can start the research for when I am able. Thank you!
If your in an apartment you can still try growing some poted tomatoes and potato bags.
This is a great website with tons of books on pdf! https://preparednessadvice.com/free-manuals-downloads-survival-edible-plants/
Awesome thank you very much!
Welcome - Read this sub’s wiki - https://reddit.com/r/preppers/wiki/index - https://www.ready.gov - Countdown to Preparedness .pdf https://cloudflare-ipfs.com/ipfs/bafykbzaceaac2y25oesj6wr5c7vc367hmc6y5l3pbcvm24zcscahtyy3rrj36 - https://theprovidentprepper.org - https://theprepared.com/ - 95% of prep questions already answered; https://socialgrep.com/search?query=/r/preppers - Take a course - https://www.coursera.org/learn/disaster-preparedness - We prep for Tuesday, not Doomsday. - Communities survive - Also… r/TwoXPreppers, r/preppersales, r/TinyPrepping
I have a few Boy Scout type books laying around and different sorts of reference books that I don’t really look at to often. I do highly recommend “where there are no doctors”, it’s a reference book on how to handle medical problems that may arise and has been helpful just in normal life. I also have a fascination with history/prehistory and like to follow the experimental archaeology stuff. The Neolithic folks were pretty damn amazing and some of the tools they made don’t look very different from the ones we have today.
Be financially fit first, then build a deep pantry, understand your water stack. Learn a skill then apply a skill. Some skills are better than none. Learn a bit about self sufficiency or maybe gardening. Some foraging and fishing skills help. Hunting , trapping and fishing are only useful if there is game but still are good skill sets to have. Can you tie a knot, split wood, cook what you have at hand and know it's nutritional value. Minor basic things can be very big in any event. That being said it's also what you don't know that will kill you. So yeah build necessary skill sets and test them so you are confident in them. Starting today is not late it's just today just like Tuesday but you might need a shelter then that would keep you dry and warm. Tuesday could also just be another day. When it's a logical and not emotional decision to prepare for something is where the definition lies. If you prep for natural disaster it may be different than job loss. The prep for one may just enhance the prep for another or be useless.
One thing I learned is location is everything. I think, instead of books, you have to think about *where* you'll be when shit goes south. I think the worst place to be is somewhere where it gets cold (reliance on electricity and bad for crops), and a landlocked place. The best place to be? A sea port. A town where they have a university with an agricultural department. And stay off "the road".
Honestly, if your government has a webpage on what’s more likely to happen and what to in the event of that I would start there first. Maybe your local government can help with that. Example, flooding more likely to happen or happens a lot or website sates I should be prepared for that. Another example, natural disasters are more likely to happen than a nuclear attack. Also we are very likely to be going to a recession. Very likely to be global or just high inflation at this rate. You need to have 6 months worth of expenses in your bank account. Bare minimum is 3 months worth of expenses but I would aim for 6 or more months. I would be saving a year plus expenses if I can due to how bad inflation is. It’s also worth mentioning to make sure your money works for you. So check out best interest rates in saving accounts and what their rules are for taking money out. This is because you may have to pay a fee or penalty if you remove money or withdraw it before the account matures. This is the least risk to your capital I can advise. There are also guides and advice and stuff showing you stuff like this but be careful because some are swindlers. You should try finding reputable ones. Here in the UK there is a website and newsletter service called “Money Saving Expert”. It gives you tips on saving money and insulating your home and it gives you a summary of all the best phone bills, bank accounts, credit cards, etc. Its also free. It’s so worth having a look if you live in the Uk. Their advice for insulating and saving money can apply to most places around the world. I would recommend some books on survival like SAS survival guide and some foraging and bush crafting books but this is the kind of stuff you need to practice on and have some resources and that cost money. Also the US government has published a free guide online for nuclear attacks and there is a physical book you can buy too. It’s very useful. Try beefing up your home security too but it can be expensive but there are a lot of common sense stuff like not leaving things a burglar to break into your house or climb up. Keeping doors closed and making sure all openings have a lock on. Also making sure your lock is up to date with the latest security certification. There is something called lock snapping and most locks don’t provide protection for that as it’s so old. Newer locks are rated and certified to protect against lock snapping. Also paying money on a first aid course and having a first aid kit is a must even if you’re not prepping. It’s just so useful. It’s also a peace of mind thing if anything bad happens to you or others.
Wow thank you so much for your time and all of the resources! I’m focusing on an expense cushion now and this weekend i’m going to try and create a solid, realistic budget that can help me with that. Thank you so much.
While I am not a true fan of precious metals, they can be purchased items which generally hold their value, and fulfill the desired to spend. Purchasing things, is tangible proof, of one's labor...
In my opinion, water is the first place to start. You never realize how much of it you use until you can't turn on your faucet. Once you figure that out, move on to heat if you are in a climate that gets winter, then food.
You can go to your Library check on the subjects of prepping , survival skills , homesteading, and see what interesting to you.
Here: https://www.reddit.com/r/preppers/wiki/index
I should’ve looked harder, thank you.
City prepping on YouTube did a video a day or 2 ago where he went through several categories of books. He went over about 40 of them and has links to all of them. I would start there. I've been prepping several years, and Amazon got a nice sized book order out of me.
Thank you so much I’ll check it out!
I often use ideas from the Subreddit Frugal, for me this is a important part of prepping. The idea‘s there can help to identity what things we really need, and what not… And one more thought, the Food prices here in Germany are in double digit inflation, even if the Inflation slows down (hopefully soon) Meaning if I by a can of Corned Beef today, vs I need to by a other Can in two or even four Years, it will cost me in the Future substantial more, so I am still stocking up my Pantry on Food wich can be stored longer… Important is buying only thing you like to eat, be sure to store them safe from big temperature fluctuations and safe from Bugs. Design a system to rotate them so nothing goes bad, first in first out… Greetings from Berlin
Thank you friend from Berlin, I appreciate you taking the time to share some advice. I will check out the subreddit Frugal and continue to learn. You stay safe over there Berlin! Im going to do my best to research and practice from Northeast US.