It’s very easy to look at shows like Doomsday Preppers and think to yourself “I could never do that!” The truth is, the vast majority of people who “prep” don’t do it that way, either. In fact, most people who prepare aren’t planning for the end of the world or Armageddon or any other type of apocalypse. They’re doing it as protection against leaner times.
When you were younger, you may have heard your grandparents or great grandparents talking about the Great Depression. After the stock market crashed in 1929, thousands of people lost jobs, and many families had to do without, or learn to live with very little, for many years afterwards. While our recent recession caused many to have to tighten their belts, it was mild compared to what our great grandparents, or their parents, went through.
Many who prep are doing so simply because they remember hearing stories of their own families going without. They know that, even though our country is technically in a recovery, the possibility of job loss is still very real, and that job security doesn’t mean a whole lot for many people these days. They simply want to have something set by in case something bad happens.
Many start preparing by doing something so basic that even the government tells us we should: preparing a 72 hour kit to be used in case of emergency. Some people call this a bug out bag or go-kit. No matter what you call it, it contains three days of food, water, and clothing for everyone in your family. It may not be in a bag or backpack. A plastic tote is a great place to store a 72 hour kit, especially if you’re planning on being able to drive out in an emergency, such as a weather or fire evacuation. This is the most common type of emergency that people prepare for.
From there, people usually try to increase the amount of supplies they have to a week, and then a few. One need only remember the long lasting power outages after Katrina and Sandy to have a good reason to stockpile a few weeks of food. If a major weather event moved through your area, would you be able to shelter in your home, if it was liveable? With a two week supply of food, your home would be a much safer, and more pleasant, option than a shelter.
As you can see, one doesn’t need to build a bunker or have a year’s worth of beans, rice, and water to be a prepper. Something as basic as preparing for a major weather event, or job loss, can make you a prepper. It’s all a matter of mindset. Buying a little extra here and there really adds up over time.