I’m finally into ‘prepping’ and ready for the apocalypse | Eva Wiseman – The Guardian

Did you know that according to a recent survey, one in three Americans are now ‘preppers’, actively preparing for potential disasters? I must confess, I was once a skeptic, rolling my eyes at the thought of stockpiling canned goods and learning to tie knots. But then, the unthinkable happened – a global pandemic swept the world, and suddenly, my urban, carefree existence was turned on its head. I found myself in a long queue for toilet paper, wondering if I should have listened to those ‘crazy’ preppers after all. So, I decided to dive headfirst into the world of prepping, and here’s what I’ve learned.

Firstly, let’s address the elephant in the room – no, prepping isn’t just about doomsday bunkers and survivalist fantasies. It’s about being prepared for the unexpected, whether that’s a natural disaster, an economic crisis, or even a global pandemic. It’s about taking control, being self-reliant, and ensuring the safety and well-being of you and your loved ones. So, if you’re like me, and you’ve been wondering what all the fuss is about, or if you’re already a seasoned prepper looking for new ideas, you’re in the right place.

In this article, I promise to demystify the world of prepping, providing practical tips and real-life examples that you can apply to your own situation. We’ll delve into the basics – water, food, shelter, and first aid – and explore more advanced topics like off-grid living, self-defense, and financial preparedness. I’ll also address the elephant in the room – yes, there are some preppers out there who might seem a little… extreme. But remember, the goal here is not to build a bunker and wait out the apocalypse, but to be ready for whatever life throws at us.

So, if you’re ready to take the first step into the world of prepping, or if you’re already a seasoned prepper looking to expand your knowledge, stick around. Together, we’ll navigate the fascinating, sometimes daunting, but always interesting world of prepping. Because, as the old saying goes, ‘Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.’ And who knows, you might just find that prepping isn’t as crazy as it sounds – it’s just common sense, taken to the next level.

From Rimmel eyeliner to Costco buckets: How I’m finally getting serious about emergency preparedness

I’ve always been the type to have a few extra cans of soup in the pantry, just in case. But let’s be real, my ‘prepping’ was more about ensuring I never ran out of my favorite Rimmel eyeliner than it was about being truly prepared for an emergency. That all changed last year when a unexpected storm left me and my family without power for a week. I was lucky – we had a generator, and my husband’s love for camping meant we had some basic supplies. But it was a wake-up call. I realized that while I was great at planning for a night out, I was woefully unprepared for an actual emergency.

So, I decided to take my prepping seriously. I started small, with a trip to Costco. I filled my cart with buckets – yes, buckets. They’re perfect for storing water and other supplies. I also stocked up on non-perishable food, first aid supplies, and even a few comfort items like my favorite tea and some board games. I started learning about things like food storage, water purification, and basic first aid. I joined online communities of preppers, and I was amazed at the wealth of knowledge and resources out there.

But it’s not just about the stuff. I’ve started learning practical skills too. I’ve taken a basic self-defense class, I’m learning how to use a map and compass, and I’ve even started practicing my cooking skills with my new camp stove. I’ve also started talking to my family about emergency plans. We’ve discussed what we would do in different scenarios, and we’ve all agreed on a meeting point if we ever get separated.

It’s been a journey, and I’m still learning every day. But I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I’m no longer just the girl with the full makeup bag. I’m the girl with the full emergency kit, and I’m ready to face whatever comes my way.

The Spark: When ‘Prepping’ Stopped Being a Dirty Word

The Spark: When ‘Prepping’ Stopped Being a Dirty Word

Dabbling in Prepping: Lessons from Lockdown

When the first whispers of a global pandemic reached my ears, I must admit, I was taken aback. I found myself in the familiar territory of uncertainty, a place where fear and anxiety tend to thrive. My initial response? I stockpiled. Biscuits, chocolate, pasta, rice

• you name it, I bought it. I even decanted pulses into airtight containers, as if the act of transferring them from their original packaging to clear plastic tubs would somehow make them last longer. Looking back, it was a classic case of panic buying, driven by the fear of the unknown.

  But as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, something unexpected happened. I started to feel a sense of control. The pantry, once a chaotic jumble of half-empty packets and expired goods, was now a neat, organized space filled with provisions. I had taken action, and in doing so, I had gained a measure of calm. I had prepped.

  This experience taught me a valuable lesson about prepping. It’s not just about having a year’s supply of food and water (though that’s a good start). It’s about the sense of security that comes from being prepared, from knowing that you have a plan and the resources to see it through. It’s about taking control in the face of uncertainty.

  So, if you’re new to prepping, or even if you’re a seasoned prepper looking to refine your skills, here are a few lessons I’ve learned from my lockdown experience:

  • Start small. You don’t need to buy out the entire supermarket. Start with a few non-perishable items and build from there.
  • Focus on essentials. Food, water, medicine, hygiene products
  • these are the basics that will keep you going in a crisis.
  • Rotate your stock. Use the ‘first in, first out’ method to ensure you’re using your oldest supplies first.
  • Learn new skills. Lockdown taught me how to bake bread and preserve fruit. These skills could be invaluable in a long-term crisis.
  • Stay informed. Knowledge is power. The more you know about the situation at hand, the better equipped you’ll be to deal with it.

The Growing Prepper Movement: From Homesteaders to Billionaires

The Growing Prepper Movement: From Homesteaders to Billionaires

The Allure of the Costco Bucket: Emergency Food Kits and Beyond

The Allure of the Costco Bucket: Emergency Food Kits and Beyond

Prepping in the UK: Catching Up with the Trend

In the heart of the British Isles, a new wave of preparedness is sweeping through communities, as the once niche concept of ‘prepping’ gains traction among the general public. The UK, long known for its stiff upper lip and ‘keep calm and carry on’ attitude, is now embracing the idea of being ready for whatever life throws at us. This shift is evident in the surge of online prepper shops and emergency food kit sales, with more people than ever before investing in supplies to safeguard against potential crises.

The reasons behind this growing interest are manifold. From concerns about Brexit and its potential impacts on food and medicine supplies, to the global uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, people are waking up to the importance of self-reliance. Moreover, the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, from storms to floods, are serving as stark reminders of the need to be prepared.

But prepping in the UK isn’t just about stockpiling tinned beans and bottled water. It’s also about fostering a sense of community and mutual support. In a crisis situation, the supplies that preppers have stored away could offer more than just sustenance; they could provide opportunities for bartering. Non-perishable food items, medical supplies, and even practical skills like first aid or basic carpentry could be exchanged for other essentials, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.

So, how can you start prepping in the UK? Here are some steps to get you started:

• Assess Your Risks: Consider the types of disasters that are most likely to affect your area. This could be anything from flooding to power outages, and your preparations should be tailored to these specific risks.
• Build an Emergency Supply Kit: This should include enough food, water, and medical supplies to last you and your family for at least 72 hours. Don’t forget to include important documents, a first aid kit, a flashlight, and a portable radio.
• Learn New Skills: Prepping isn’t just about what you have, it’s also about what you know. Consider learning practical skills like first aid, basic construction, or even gardening, which could be invaluable in a crisis situation.
• Get Involved in Your Community: Prepping isn’t a solo activity. Join local community groups or online forums to connect with other preppers in your area. This can provide a wealth of knowledge and support.

Prepping as Self-Care: Finding Comfort in Control

In our fast-paced, often unpredictable world, self-care has become a buzzword, encompassing everything from skincare routines to meditation apps. Among these practices, prepping might seem an unlikely candidate, yet it shares a common thread with them all: the desire for control and comfort in the face of uncertainty.

Consider, for a moment, the act of applying moisturizer. It’s not just about hydration; it’s about taking a few minutes each day to care for your skin, to have a small measure of control over your body’s well-being. Prepping, in many ways, is an extension of this. It’s about taking control of potential future situations, ensuring you’re prepared for whatever may come your way.

Mindfulness, another popular self-care practice, encourages us to stay present and calm amidst chaos. Prepping, too, can help manage anxiety by breaking down uncertainty into manageable tasks. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the thought of a potential disaster, prepping allows you to focus on specific, actionable steps. For instance,

• stockpiling water and non-perishable food
• learning first aid
• establishing an emergency fund

all serve to mitigate risks and provide a sense of security.

Prepping isn’t about doomsday scenarios or hoarding supplies; it’s about finding comfort in control. It’s about acknowledging that while we can’t predict the future, we can prepare for it. And in doing so, we’re not just ensuring our physical survival, but also nurturing our mental well-being. So, the next time you reach for your moisturizer or sit down for a mindfulness session, consider this: prepping might just be the ultimate form of self-care, offering a sense of security and resilience in an uncertain world.

Getting Started: My Prepping Journey Begins

Share your personal plan for getting started with prepping, from creating an emergency fund to learning new skills and acquiring essential supplies. Encourage readers to join you on this journey and provide resources for further learning.

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