Question 1

What is emergency preparedness?

Accepted Answer

Emergency preparedness refers to preventative measures taken to reduce the effects of disaster.

Preparedness can include any actions you take to safeguard your property, family, animals, and life. Basic emergency preparedness includes: 
Building up your food storage
Properly storing drinking water
Stocking up on medical supplies
Raising small livestock
Growing a garden

It also means obtaining the books you'll need on off-grid living, emergency medical care, foraging, and others.

It's making a plan for the most likely disasters to occur in your area. For example, if you live in a forested area, ensure you keep up on fire mitigation and be ready to evacuate for wildfires. If you live in a city, consider having contacts in rural areas where you can take refuge if the water or electric is shut off for a period of time. If you have infants, make sure you have baby formula, baby food, and diapers in your storage.

A big part of emergency preparedness comes down to being as self-sufficient as possible. Raise chickens and rabbits, grow a garden, and learn to preserve food. Your knowledge and skills are more valuable than anything when emergency strikes. Learn to filter water, start a fire without matches, forage for food, process animals, defend yourself and your family, etc.

Question 2

What is reasonable, or realistic prepping?

Accepted Answer

Reasonable, or realistic prepping is preparing for emergencies while living in the present. Living, as in enjoying life, spending time with family and friends, and taking time to enjoy your own hobbies or develop talents.

It's having a practical plan for possible disasters and preparing for the scenarios most likely to happen in your area. This can include gathering resources, building up your food storage, learning to grow and preserve your own food, and creating a network of like-minded people.

Resources that are reasonable to gather include: 
Short- and long-term food storage
Emergency stoves
Camping gear
Garden seeds
Chickens and other small livestock 
Drinking water
Ammunition 
Personal hygiene items
Books on preparedness topics

It's reasonable to collect any other items that could be used in an emergency, whether you're facing a job loss or entering a zombie apocalypse.

Being realistic with preparedness means you're not going into debt to build a bomb shelter, and that your children are sleeping on mattresses instead of platforms of canned food. This prepping website is specifically about living a preparedness lifestyle so that when the unexpected happens, you move forward without a hitch. You know the drill. You have the skills to be completely self sufficient.

Learn how we refined our preparedness plan when we were snowed into a mountain cabin for more than a week.

Question 3

Is a preparedness kit a good gift?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a preparedness kit may be the most important gift a family member or friend receives. By giving gifts that encourage preparedness, your loved ones are one step closer to surviving an emergency situation — that's when the value of your gift becomes most apparent.

Preparedness kits vary. If you have a larger budget, you may consider giving a loved one:
A fully stocked bug out bag 
Three months of food storage
Camping gear

However, your budget may be limited so you may consider gifts that are a bit less expensive but still capable of having a big impact in an emergency. This could include:
An emergency radio
An emergency car kit
A dual-fuel emergency stove
A first-aid kit
Walking talkies
Wool blankets

Some things to consider when you buy a preparedness kit as a gift include whether your loved one lives in the city or in a rural area, how much time they spend commuting or if they work remotely, and how much they already know about preparedness.

For example, for new drivers, an emergency car kit may be a great idea. This could include medical supplies, basic tools, emergency blanket, and other simple emergency tools. For a young family, you may consider a gift of cloth diapers, a set of walkie talkies, or a simple water filtration system.

Sometimes it can be difficult to come up with ideas for these gifts. To see some recommendation, read this blog about emergency preparedness gifts.

Question 4

What is societal collapse?

Accepted Answer

Societal collapse is the fall of a complex human society. Also known as civilizational collapse, it's  characterized by the loss of cultural identity, government downfall, and the rise of violence.

Collapse can be caused by a combination of several factors, including a natural or man-made disaster, war, financial system failure, or food scarcity.

Societal collapse isn't a new threat. The collapse of the Roman Empire was preceded by internal strife, external invasions, economic decline, political instability, and the erosion of Roman institutions. More recently, The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 came about after a combination of economic problems, political corruption, ethnic tensions, and a loss of faith in the central government.

The effects of a societal collapse will vary based on the location, cultural factors, and available support.  A societal collapse could include: 
Political and social instability
Social unrest
Competition for power and resources
Economic decline and poverty
Scarcity of basic services such as healthcare and utilities
Food shortages
Lack of clean water
Diseases, and more
Loss of culture and knowledge

While societal collapse is devastating, it can open opportunities to adapt, rebuild, and improve. An extreme fictional example of societal collapse is the popular series, The Walking Dead. in which the characters battle for survival against zombies, rogue outlaws, and outside communities that don't play well with others.

Learn more about preparing for emergencies.

Question 5

What does SHTF mean?

Accepted Answer

SHTF is an acronym for "shit hits the fan." It's an expression used to describe any situation that may lead to a breakdown of social order, infrastructure, and societal collapse. When people talk about SHTF, they're referring to a situation that's chaotic and potentially dangerous — a situation that requires they take immediate action to protect their own personal safety.

In an SHTF situation, many of the unprepared may behave irrationally or violently. That's why people begin prepping well ahead of any SHTF event. They want to be prepared to be completely self-sufficient, to hunker down and take care of themselves and their families without venturing into unpredictable and possibly dangerous settings.

Events that could trigger an SHTF situation include:
A major natural or man-made disaster
Severe economic crisis such as hyperinflation or global recession
Pandemics or epidemics
Political or social unrest 
Cyberattacks or infrastructure failures

Being aware of what's happening socially and politically across the globe can help inform which SHTF scenarios are most likely, and which precautions should be put in place ahead of time. However, prepping doesn't have to be a full-time job. At Practical Prepping, we strive to live a lifestyle that balances our preparedness efforts with enjoying life today in its fullest.

Not sure what to stock up on for an SHTF event? Check out these recommended supplies.

Question 6

What are SHTF supplies?

Accepted Answer

SHTF supplies refer to essential items and resources that can help you prepare for a sh** hits the fan scenario. These supplies are intended to help you become more self-sufficient when traditional systems and services aren't available.

Note: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. It doesn’t affect your purchase price.

The specific items you may consider stockpiling fall into several categories:

Food and water. Non-perishables such as canned goods, freeze-dried meals, and dry grains. Learn more about essential food and water in our guide to emergency food and water.

Shelter and clothing. This includes tarps and other portable shelters.

Medical supplies. You should go beyond a simple first-aid kit and include such things as laceration closures, tourniquets, and prescription medications. You'll also want a book on emergency medicine, such as The Survival Medicine Handbook.

Self defense and security. This includes firearms and ammunition as well as non-lethal tools like pepper spray and batons.

Communication. You'll definitely want two-way radios and a communication plan in place for emergencies so you can keep in touch with your entire group. Check  out this blog post to learn how to create an emergency communication plan.

Tools and equipment. This includes multi-tools, knives, and other utility tools; as well as lighting sources like flashlights, lanterns, and candles.

Sanitation and hygiene. This is where toilet paper comes in, along with toiletries, personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and waste disposal.

Energy and power. Solar chargers and power banks can help you recharge small electronics or batteries for hand tools. Large generators could even power your entire home.

Bartering and trade items. This refers to all valuable items that disappear during an emergency, things like precious metals, batteries, ammunition, and other items.

Reference materials. Get books, then get more books. Nothing can replace the knowledge you acquire when things go bad. Check out these recommended prepping books.

Community and social support. Build connections with like-minded people well ahead of any emergency.

SHTF scenarios can vary and preparations should be tailored to the specific risks you're most likely to face. While being prepared for emergencies is important, it's also essential to strike a balance with enjoying life now as you prepare for the unknown.

Check out this blog post to discover which non-food SHTF supplies you should consider having on hand.

Question 7

Is it a good idea to start prepping?

Accepted Answer

Yes, prepping can help to ensure that you and your loved ones are better equipped to handle emergencies or disasters. For example, prepping can help you:

Increase self-reliance. By having essential supplies, skills, and plans in place, you can minimize reliance on external resources and increase your ability to weather emergencies.

Find peace of mind. Knowing that you have taken steps to prepare for potential emergencies can provide a sense of security and peace of mind. It can alleviate anxiety and help you feel more confident in your ability to protect yourself and your family.

Enable rapid response. Emergency situations can evolve quickly, and having preps in place enables you to respond quickly. You'll be able to address immediate needs without relying on overwhelmed emergency services or external assistance.

Adapt to new situation. Prepping encompasses a wide range of scenarios, from natural disasters to personal emergencies. By having a general preparedness foundation, you can adapt your plans and supplies to different situations, ensuring you're ready for a variety of challenges.

Provide community support. By being prepared, you may be in a position to help others during a crisis, fostering a sense of solidarity and community resilience.

Remember, it's important to approach prepping with a balanced mindset. While it's wise to be prepared, it's equally important to avoid paranoia. Start by assessing your individual needs and risks. Then, gradually build up your preparedness supplies, skills, and plans over time. Focus on the essentials like food, water, shelter, first aid, and communication, and adapt your preparations based on your location, budget, and personal circumstances.

Remember, emergencies can vary greatly, and no one can predict the exact nature or timing of a crisis. Prepping should be seen as a proactive measure to increase your readiness and resilience rather than a guarantee of safety.

Learn more: Prepping 101.

Question 8

What food do preppers stock up on?

Accepted Answer

Preppers focus on building a stockpile of essential foods that can sustain them during emergencies or times of scarcity. Non-perishable items are essential because of their extended shelf life and nutritional value.

Canned goods are a staple in prepper pantries, encompassing a range of options like beans, vegetables, and fruits. Grains such as rice and pasta are carbohydrate-rich sources of nutrition, offering energy for survival. Dried fruits, nuts, and seeds supply healthy fats, protein, and a variety of nutrients.

Long-lasting staples like flour and sugar are versatile for cooking and baking. Powdered milk can provide a source of dairy when refrigeration isn't available. Canned meats and fish offer valuable protein. Jerky, whether store-bought or homemade, is a lightweight protein source that requires no refrigeration.

Hydration is vital, so preppers stock water or invest in water purification methods to ensure a clean supply. Electrolyte powders can aid in replenishing minerals lost through sweat.

It's crucial to consider dietary restrictions and preferences when building a stockpile. Those with specific needs might include gluten-free grains, lactose-free options, or foods suitable for special diets or for toddlers and infants.

Rotation is key to maintaining a functional stockpile. Items should be regularly used and replaced to prevent spoilage and ensure freshness. A well-rounded stockpile balances macronutrients, micronutrients, and variety to promote overall health during prolonged periods of reliance on stored foods.

Vitamins and supplements can be valuable additions, compensating for potential nutrient gaps. Multivitamins or specific supplements like vitamin D can help maintain health during extended periods indoors or with limited sun exposure.

Ultimately, a prepper's food stockpile should align with their individual circumstances, anticipated needs, and preferences. Beyond sustenance, it provides peace of mind, self-sufficiency, and readiness for unpredictable situations.

See what we recommend stocking your one-year of food storage.

FAQs
prepping answers

Frequently asked questions

What is emergency preparedness?

What is reasonable, or realistic prepping?

Is a preparedness kit a good gift?

What is societal collapse?

What does SHTF mean?

What are SHTF supplies?

Is it a good idea to start prepping?

What food do preppers stock up on?

Create a life of self sufficiency.

FAQs prepping answers

Frequently asked questions

What is emergency preparedness?

What is reasonable, or realistic prepping?

Is a preparedness kit a good gift?

What is societal collapse?

What does SHTF mean?

What are SHTF supplies?

Is it a good idea to start prepping?

What food do preppers stock up on?

Create a life of self sufficiency.

FAQs
prepping answers