Prepping Basics: Your Foundation

Sandra Brown

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Emergencies don’t wait for the right time. Whether it’s a natural disaster, power outage, or unforeseen crisis, having the basics covered can mean the difference between panic and confidence. Prepping is not about fear—it’s about empowerment. Here’s how to cover the essentials: water, food, shelter, and communication.

1. Water: Your Top Priority

Why It Matters

Humans can survive only 3 days without water, making it your first prepping priority. Clean, drinkable water is essential for hydration, cooking, and sanitation.

Practical Tips

  • Storage: Aim for at least 1 gallon per person per day, for a minimum of 3 days (preferably 2 weeks). Store water in food-grade containers and label the date.
  • Filtration: Keep portable water filters or purification tablets for emergencies when stored water isn’t an option.
  • Rain Collection: In areas where permitted, install a rain barrel system for long-term water sourcing.
  • DIY Tip: Boil or disinfect water with unscented bleach (2 drops per liter, let sit for 30 minutes) to make it safe for drinking.

Take Action

  • Start by storing 3 gallons of water per family member. Expand weekly until you’ve built up a 2-week supply.

2. Food: Fuel for Survival

Why It Matters

Food provides the energy and nutrients needed to stay strong and focused during crises. While you can survive weeks without food, it’s far from ideal.

Practical Tips

  • Non-Perishables: Stockpile shelf-stable items like canned goods, rice, pasta, and freeze-dried meals. Rotate stock to keep it fresh.
  • Caloric Needs: Plan for at least 2,000 calories per person daily.
  • Cooking Options: Keep a portable camping stove or gas grill with extra fuel for cooking when power is out.
  • DIY Tip: Store vacuum-sealed snacks like nuts, jerky, and dried fruit for quick, nutrient-dense options.

Take Action

  • Create a 3-day emergency menu for your family. Buy the ingredients and ensure they don’t require refrigeration or extensive cooking.

3. Shelter: Protecting Yourself From the Elements

Why It Matters

Shelter keeps you safe from extreme weather, temperature fluctuations, and hazards like falling debris during emergencies.

Practical Tips

  • Home Prep: Inspect your home for vulnerabilities. Seal windows, reinforce doors, and ensure you have backup heating and cooling solutions.
  • Bug-Out Options: Have a lightweight tent or tarp in case you need to evacuate.
  • Warmth and Comfort: Store extra blankets, sleeping bags, and all-weather gear.
  • DIY Tip: Create an emergency toolkit with duct tape, plastic sheeting, and rope to make temporary repairs or build a quick shelter.

Take Action

  • Test your emergency shelter plan with your family. Ensure you know how to quickly set up a safe area in your home or outdoors.

4. Communication: Staying Connected in a Crisis

Why It Matters

During disasters, information is vital. Communication ensures you can call for help, stay informed, and coordinate with loved ones.

Practical Tips

  • Backup Power: Keep power banks or solar chargers to recharge devices.
  • Emergency Contacts: Write down key numbers in case your phone dies.
  • Radios: Invest in a hand-crank or battery-powered NOAA weather radio for updates when the internet is down.
  • DIY Tip: Teach your family basic hand signals or whistles for non-verbal communication in noisy or dangerous situations.

Take Action

  • Create a laminated emergency contact sheet for each family member. Practice using alternative communication methods like walkie-talkies.

Bringing It All Together

Prepping doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small and build gradually. By focusing on water, food, shelter, and communication, you’ll establish a foundation of resilience that grows over time. Remember, prepping is about peace of mind and the confidence to face any challenge. Take the first step today—your future self will thank you.

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