Hey there, fellow adventurers and survival enthusiasts! Jack Morgan here, your trusty guide to all things survival.
I’ve spent countless hours trekking through dense forests, navigating treacherous rivers, and facing nature’s most unforgiving elements.
Along the way, I’ve learned that the key to thriving in these unpredictable situations is proper preparation.
As a born adventurer, I’ve had my fair share of close calls. It was my preparedness – my knowledge, skills, and gear – that got me through those scrapes.
Since then, I’ve made it my mission to teach others how to start prepping so they can confidently face any challenge life throws at them.
That’s why I’ve put together this beginner’s guide on how to start prepping. I want to share my experience and knowledge with you so that you can be prepared for whatever life throws at you.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the essential steps to start prepping, from assessing your risks and developing a plan to building an emergency kit and learning vital survival skills.
Let’s embark on this journey together, and remember – when it comes to survival, preparation is everything!
Table of Contents
Assess Your Risks
As we dive into the world of How To Start Prepping, the first thing any beginner needs to understand is the importance of assessing risks.
After all, knowing what dangers you might face is crucial to being prepared for them.
Trust me, I’ve been caught off guard more than once over the years, and it’s not an experience you want to repeat.
So, how do you start prepping by identifying potential threats?
Well, it all comes down to analyzing your specific location and lifestyle.
Take a good look at your surroundings and consider the most likely emergencies or natural disasters you might encounter.
For example, if you live in an earthquake-prone area like I once did, you’ll want to focus on earthquake preparedness.
Similarly, if you reside in a region prone to hurricanes or tornadoes, make those events a priority.
I remember when I first moved to a coastal area, I had to quickly adapt my preparedness plan to include the risks associated with hurricanes.
It was a completely different set of challenges compared to my previous mountain life, and I had to learn new skills and acquire different supplies.
That’s why it’s essential to tailor your prepping efforts to your specific situation.
Once you’ve identified the possible threats you need to evaluate their likelihood and potential impact on your life.
This will help you prioritize which risks to address first.
It’s also important to consider how these events might affect your access to essential resources, such as water, food, and medical care.
In my years of experience, I’ve found that being aware of your surroundings and understanding the risks you face is a vital first step in learning how to start prepping.
By focusing on the most pressing threats and customizing your preparations to match, you’ll be well on your way to building a solid foundation for your survival journey.
Develop a Preparedness Plan
Now that we’ve assessed our risks, it’s time to create a solid preparedness plan.
This is a critical component of how to start prepping because it provides you with a roadmap to follow during an emergency.
Believe me, I’ve been in situations where having a plan in place made all the difference.
When developing your plan, consider the key components: emergency contacts, evacuation routes, shelter options, and communication strategies.
Start by listing the contact information for local emergency services, as well as friends and family members who should be notified in case of an emergency.
It’s good to write numbers down, since the mobile age many of us don’t even know our own numbers!
Make sure everyone in your household knows these contacts and understands their role in the plan.
Next, identify the best evacuation routes from your home, taking into account potential road closures or hazards.
Familiarize yourself with these routes and practice them regularly to ensure you’re prepared to leave quickly if needed.
For shelter options, research nearby emergency shelters or make arrangements with friends or family in a safer location.
Effective communication is vital during an emergency. Establish a system for keeping in touch with loved ones and staying informed about the situation.
This could include using walkie-talkies, group messaging apps, or social media.
Remember to have backup communication methods in case your primary system fails.
Build an Emergency Kit
As we continue our journey on how to start prepping, the next essential step is building an emergency kit.
A well-stocked kit can make all the difference in a crisis, and I can’t stress enough how important it is to have one ready to go.
I’ve faced numerous challenges in the great outdoors, and having the right supplies on hand has often been the key to overcoming them.
When building your emergency kit, start with the essentials: food, water, first aid supplies, medications, clothing, tools, and important documents.
Aim for a 72-hour supply of non-perishable food and water, as well as any prescription medications you or your family members might need.
Don’t forget to include items like a manual can opener, utensils, and a portable stove for cooking.
A first aid kit should contain items like bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Make sure you know how to use these supplies and consider taking a first aid course if you haven’t already.
Your emergency kit should also include clothing appropriate for your local climate, as well as sturdy shoes, blankets, and rain gear.
For tools, pack a multi-tool, flashlight, extra batteries, and a portable radio. Lastly, gather important documents such as identification, insurance policies, and medical records, and store them in waterproof containers.
As you develop your skills and learn how to start prepping, remember to customize your emergency kit based on your unique needs and risks.
Regularly check and update your supplies to ensure everything is in good condition and ready for use.
By having a well-stocked emergency kit, you’ll be prepared to face any situation with confidence and resilience.
Learn Essential Survival Skills
Embarking on the journey of how to start prepping goes beyond just gathering supplies and creating a plan; it also involves developing vital survival skills.
These skills can make all the difference when faced with an emergency or challenging situation. As a seasoned adventurer, I’ve witnessed how mastering these skills can truly tip the scales in your favor.
One of the most important skills to acquire is first aid.
Being able to address injuries and illnesses during an emergency can be a lifesaver – literally!
I once encountered a situation where a fellow hiker had a severe allergic reaction. Thanks to my first aid knowledge, I was able to provide the necessary treatment promptly, preventing the reaction from becoming life-threatening.
Enroll in a certified first aid course to gain the expertise you need.
Another important skill is self-defense.
Not only is self-defence good for protecting yourself but it also helps with fitness and also mental health.
Unsure whether Judo or Jui Jitsu is best? read my thoughts on that in more depth here.
Fire-starting is another crucial skill to master.
Fires are essential for cooking, staying warm, and signaling for help.
Practice various fire-starting methods, such as using matches, lighters, and friction-based techniques like the bow drill.
Learn to identify different types of tinder and fuel so you can confidently start a fire in any setting.
In our modern, technology-driven world, it’s easy to forget the importance of traditional navigation skills.
Knowing how to use a map and compass can be a lifesaver when technology fails you.
Invest time in learning and practicing these skills to ensure you can find your way in any situation.
Finally, shelter-building is a critical skill for surviving in harsh conditions.
Familiarize yourself with constructing different types of shelters using natural materials or items from your emergency kit, such as tarps or emergency blankets.
Develop a Self-Sufficient Mindset
A good, positive mindset is essential in any survival situation.
As you march forward on your prepping adventure, it’s crucial to develop a self-sufficient mindset with a dash of humor and personality.
When thinking about how to start prepping mental resilience and a good laugh can work wonders when facing adversity but it’s something that isn’t spoken about often enough.
As an experienced survivalist who’s seen it all, I can assure you that a strong, self-reliant mindset combined with a sense of humor can make even the toughest situations more bearable.
First things first, developing a self-sufficient mindset starts with understanding that you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being.
Sure, you could wait for someone else to swoop in and save the day, but where’s the fun in that?
Embrace the idea that you’re the hero in your own adventure, ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way.
Next up, flex those problem-solving and adaptability muscles.
When life throws you a curveball (or a swarm of mosquitos), it’s essential to keep calm and carry on.
Practice thinking on your feet, and don’t be afraid to improvise with whatever resources you’ve got.
Remember, necessity is the mother of invention – and sometimes, the most creative solutions come from the strangest places.
Now, let’s talk about learning and improving.
The more you know, the more unstoppable you become.
So, don’t be shy about diving headfirst into new experiences, even if it means getting a little dirty or making mistakes along the way.
It’s all part of the journey, and trust me, the stories you’ll have to tell afterward are priceless.
Finally, remember that self-sufficiency doesn’t mean going it alone.
Teamwork makes the dream work, after all.
Share your newfound knowledge and skills with those around you, and don’t be surprised if you learn a thing or two from them as well.
After all, surviving an apocalypse is always more fun with friends!
Connect with the Prepping Community
As you continue your exciting expedition into the world of how to start prepping, don’t forget the importance of connecting with the prepping community.
After all, we’re a fun bunch, and it’s always better to navigate the sometimes-wild world of preparedness with a group of like-minded folks by your side.
Trust me, we may be serious about survival, but we also know how to have a good time.
Getting involved in the prepping community provides an opportunity to share knowledge, experiences, and even swap some entertaining stories.
There’s a wealth of information and support out there, and tapping into this collective wisdom can help you become even more prepared.
Plus, who doesn’t love a captivating tale about that one time someone tried to make a fire using nothing but a gum wrapper and a battery?
To connect with fellow preppers, consider joining online forums, social media groups, or local meetups.
These platforms are not only perfect for exchanging tips and tricks but also for building friendships and networking.
Just remember to keep your sense of humor and personal touch when engaging with others.
It’s amazing how a well-timed joke can turn a potentially dry conversation about water purification into something more fun.
Don’t be shy about asking questions or sharing your own insights either.
Remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question.
We’ve all been beginners at some point, and the prepping community is generally welcoming and eager to help newcomers.
Plus, you never know when your unique perspective might spark an idea or lead to an innovative solution that benefits everyone.
Final Thoughts:
As you embark on your thrilling journey on how to start prepping, remember that it all starts with a solid foundation.
By assessing your needs, developing a preparedness plan, building an emergency kit, and learning essential survival skills, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a self-reliant and confident prepper.
Don’t forget to cultivate a self-sufficient mindset, connect with the prepping community, and maintain your unique sense of humor and personality throughout the process.
After all, it’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving and making the most of every situation life throws your way.
So, lace up your boots, grab your backpack, and let’s conquer the wild world of preparedness together.
Happy prepping!
