Disaster Preparedness for the Average Prepper: What You Need to Know

As a prepper, your focus should be on preparing for the most likely events that can occur in your immediate vicinity, rather than engaging in the highly unlikely scenario of an apocalyptic global disaster. This article will guide you through the essential steps to take in terms of disaster preparedness, including food, water, and basic cooking skills.

Common Events to Prepare For

I am not prepared for an end-of-the-world scenario where a massive asteroid obliterate a significant portion of the human population. While it’s exhilarating to imagine the possibility of preserving the human race, it’s more practical to prepare for the common events that can happen in your area. Power outages, snow storms, and other minor disasters that disrupt normal daily life are the most likely scenarios. A few days without access to stores can dramatically affect your quality of life, but with proper preparation, you can handle these situations more comfortably.

Basics for Regular Prepering

To ensure you are prepared for these events, focus on securing at least a 10-day supply of food beyond your regular stock. Prioritize items like canned protein sources (tuna, salmon, peanut butter), carbohydrates (pasta, oatmeal), and other high-energy foods. It's essential to have a minimum of ten days' worth of food with protein, carbs, and bulk.

Strategies for Food Storage

Stocking up on canned fruits and vegetables can be challenging due to their high consumption, but it's beneficial for a balanced diet. For example, if you have a family of four, a couple of cases of 24 bottles per person would be ideal. Additionally, purchasing gallon jugs of water from dollar stores for cooking and other uses will help ensure you have a reliable water supply.

Cooking Skills for Disaster

To avoid going hungry during a power outage, baking your own bread is a life-saver. It's not as complicated as it might seem, and you can make it even easier by using a conventional oven. Learning to bake bread from scratch is not only satisfying but also practical in a crisis. Canning your own proteins or buying canned meats can be beneficial, as long as you follow safety guidelines to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Water Supplies for Emergencies

Storing water is a crucial aspect of disaster preparedness. Keeping a couple of cases of water on hand and purchasing additional gallon jugs can provide you with enough water to last through a disaster. Having a reliable water supply is essential, especially when all stores are empty. This is a simple yet vital step in preparing for any possible emergency.

Conclusion

Disaster preparedness doesn't need to be overwhelming or time-consuming. Focus on the basics and prepare for the most likely events that can occur in your area. Whether it's a power outage or a minor storm, having a well-stocked pantry and water supply can make all the difference. Take the first step by setting aside a small amount of extra food and water each month. You never know when you might need to be self-sufficient, so stay prepared and stay informed.