Preparing for Uncertainty: A Guide to Doomsday Prepping in the Modern Era

Why Did You Become a Doomsday Prepper?

If you've lived through the last two years, you might be wondering why you aren't a prepper. For me, I've always had an internal drive to be prepared for any situation, even in business where I had numerous contingency plans ready. People often called me a quick thinker, but in reality, it was just scenarios I had considered and planned for.

What's Currently Happening in the World

Right now, you wouldn't have to look very far to see a lack of stability. New York and New Jersey have issued PSA's about how to avoid nuclear radiation. Farmers are foreseeing a lower crop yield due to a lack of fertilizer. Food costs have doubled in just two years, and fuel costs have also increased significantly. Expect electricity costs to soon follow. Governments will eventually acknowledge that we are in a recession, and interest rates will need to exceed 10% to tame inflation.

The Bigger Problem: The Dollar as the World Reserve Currency

Beyond the current economic issues, there is a larger problem on the horizon. The US dollar is the world's reserve currency. If oil starts to be traded in other currencies (and it may be happening now), the demand for the US dollar will decrease. Decades of reckless government spending and endless money printing were only possible because other countries needed our currency to buy oil. Without that need, the dollar will collapse.

Preparing for a World Without Supply Chains

I foresaw this crisis two years ago and began to contemplate what a world without supply chains would look like. Imagine a world where gas stations cannot get fuel, stores cannot get food, and power companies are unreliable due to a lack of coal and diesel. The supply chain is the backbone of a first-world country. How long would you last without it?

My Prepping Strategy

I'll share what I've done and why I did it. If you have the means, I would encourage you to implement as many of these steps as possible:

Home Solar System with Battery

A home solar system with a battery backup is essential. This can provide enough power to run your water and toilets, recharge electric tools and transportation, and even power a geothermal heat pump.

Alternative Heat Sources

Consider a wood stove or geothermal heat. These will help keep you warm during colder months without relying solely on the electrical grid.

Propane Generator

Propane is a domestically sourced fuel that will be easier to obtain than gasoline. I have a Kohler whole-house generator with a 500-gallon tank to support my solar and battery system.

Dry Stored Food and Canning Supplies

Having a minimum of 12 months of dry stored food is critical. Use cans or glass jars to preserve food through canning. This not only helps you save money on groceries but also ensures you have a steady supply of food.

Well, Septic, and Electric Transportation

If you have a well and septic, a solar system with a battery can provide the basic necessities. I also recommend electric transportation like an ATV, golf cart, or eBike. These can be recharged from your solar system, allowing you to forage or hunt quietly.

Security Measures

Do not underestimate the need for security. Night vision security cameras can provide essential outside views. A low-power wired night vision motion detection system is ideal for monitoring your property.

Guns and Ammo

While having guns and ammo may seem uncomfortable to some, it's crucial in certain situations. A handgun for self-defense, a shotgun for close-range defense, and a rifle for hunting and long-range defense are all essential. Ammunition is also critical, so try to stock up as much as you can afford. A versatile gun like the AR-15 is a good choice for hunting and defense.

Hopefully, you'll never need any of this, but if you do, being prepared means you can hunker down with minimal disruption. And even if nothing happens, you'll save money on energy costs, have some fun electric toys, and always have food ready.