top of page
Search

Prepping 101: How to become a prepper

You don’t have to be a doomsday prepper, but knowing how to prepare for emergencies could save your life and the lives of your loved ones.

prepping 101, how to become a prepper, man with map and pen

Prepping is all about being prepared for the unexpected whether it’s a natural disaster, power outage, or a complete financial and societal collapse that launches the general public into a panic. While others are raiding grocery stores for the last roll of toilet paper, a prepper is at home taking inventory of their TP supply.


Prepping provides a sense of security and peace of mind. With that, let’s get started.


How do you become a prepper?

Becoming a prepper is all about taking proactive steps to be ready for emergencies of all kinds. Here are a few Prepping 101 tips to help you start on the path.


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


1. Establish a prepper mindset

What is a prepper mindset? It’s the idea of being prepared for the unexpected and recognizing that preparedness isn’t about living in fear. It’s about living a self-sufficient life where you feel empowered to take care of yourself and your loved ones — even when disaster strikes.



2. Assess your risks

Assess the potential risks in your area. Are you prone to hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, EMPs, or severe storms? Understanding the most likely emergencies helps you prioritize your preparedness efforts.


3. Start small

Begin with essential prepper supplies and then expand as your budget and knowledge grow — like we’ve outlined in the bullets below.

This should include:

  • A simple first aid kit

  • Food to last two weeks

    • Increase your food storage as you’re able to a three-month supply and then a year

    • Learn how to garden, forage, hunt, and process animals

    • Start raising chickens, rabbits, and other livestock

  • Water storage to get you through three days

    • Increase your water-on-hand to a two week supply

    • Acquire a large storage tank for additional long-term water storage

    • Set up rain barrels to harvest rainwater and know how to filter it

    • Buy a high-grade water filtration system like a Berkey to purify pre-filtered water

  • A basic bug out bag for the first 72-hours of any emergency

    • Build out an extended kit that includes a tent, sleeping bags, gas masks, etc.

  • Alternative power options such as a portable power station or small generator

    • Upgrade to a whole-house (or whole-bunker) generator

    • Install solar panels that replace all your municipal electric services

  • A simple dual-fuel camp stove with extra fuel

    • Pick up, or build, some heftier options as your budget and space allow such as a wood-burning bbq grill, fire pit, non-electric smoker, smokehouse, and/or Camp Chef stove with extra propane

  • Basic tools such as a pocket knife, hatchet, foldable hand saw, shovel, etc.

    • Add in an ax or two, a crosscut saw, non-powered construction tools, etc.

4. Create a communication plan

Communication is key during emergencies. Develop a communication plan with your family and friends. Decide on a meeting point, establish alternative modes of communication (like ham or GMRS radios), and ensure everyone knows how to check in and stay connected.



5. Secure your home

Take steps to fortify your residence, minimize damage, and enhance safety.


Start by:

  • Mounting fire extinguishers in key areas

  • Reinforcing your doors, windows, and locks

  • Installing security systems

The secret room and/or bunker can be built out later — it’s like the cherry on top of an ice cream sundae!


6. Learn life-saving skills

Life-saving skills can mean the difference between life and death when professional help isn't readily available. This could include doing the heimlich maneuver, splinting a broken bone, or stopping bleeding. You can learn these skills by taking a first aid and CPR course, going to local CERT trainings, or taking a wilderness first aid course.


Take time to learn basic fire safety, how to shut off utilities, and other skills as well.


7. Stay informed and seek the truth

Stay informed about potential emergencies and map out possible evacuation routes. Know the signs of political upheaval, natural disasters, and financial and societal collapse. Know what’s going on in the world politically — what’s really going on. Sign up for emergency notifications and follow trustworthy news sources — like, actually trustworthy. Being well-informed allows you to make better decisions and take necessary actions promptly.


What’s the 80/20 rule of prepping?

The 80/20 rule, also known as the pareto principle, is the idea that 80% of benefits come from focusing on the most critical tasks, or 20% of your efforts. This means focusing on the preps that will yield the highest return on investment.


As we mentioned above:

  • Identify risks

  • Collect emergency supplies

  • Create a communication plan

  • Learn life-saving skills

  • Secure your home

Prepping 101: Prepping for survival

You don’t have to be a doomsday prepper, but knowing how to prepare for likely emergencies in your area could save your life and the lives of your loved ones. Doomsday prepping can come next, after you master the basics.


bottom of page