ABOUT US
William Fortschen, well-known post-apocalyptic author, wrote, “We never know when the day before is the day before, so we must plan today for tomorrow.” Our motivation is simple; plan ahead for the expected and the unexpected. We are practicing many of the same principles our ancestors learned, although they never called themselves “preppers”.
We decided several years ago to depend on ourselves for our food, clothing, shelter, defense, and protection by storing necessary items for survival, and by strengthening our skills and plans for practically any emergency that could arise in our lives, from simple automotive or household repairs to knowing how best to survive a catastrophic storm, or even a worldwide pandemic.
Mark’s father, grandfather, and uncles trained him well from a young age to leave the house with a knife in his pocket, maybe a firearm or two on occasion, to at least have some type of tool useful in the great outdoors. He learned how to field dress fresh game, catch fish, build fires, construct shelter in the woods, and knows at least a thousand uses for duct tape. He developed an interest in Amateur Radio (HAM), learned Morse Code, and earned all three FCC radio licenses recognized today.
He has labored alongside and directed Disaster Relief teams dispatched to storm-ravaged areas all throughout the South, and has witnessed firsthand not only the heartbreaking destruction of life and property, but also the vital importance of preparedness when these disasters happen.
As a deputy for the Madison County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office, Mark often finds stranded motorists with an empty gas tank or dead battery, and his preparedness helps out, as he carries extra fuel and a jump box, and he encourages all of us drivers to do the same at all times. He’s a genuine prepper at heart!
Krista, on the other hand, doesn’t possess the outdoorsy skills of her husband, but has a knack for stocking their designated “prepper pantry” with non-perishable foods, fresh and distilled water, and paper products, rotating these goods into daily living as needed. She keeps a good variety of cast-iron cookware for use on a grill or campfire if a stove is not an option, and has learned many uses for common household products, such as vinegar, baking soda, kosher salt, lemons, and hydrogen peroxide.
She and Mark both have been researching prepping for a number of years, reading books and articles, and listening to a variety of podcasts on the subject. It’s good to learn different points of view and share valuable techniques for more effective preparedness.
Currently, Krista holds a Technician class HAM radio license, and is studying for the General class; she participated in a Special Event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Lunar Landing held at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, July 2019. Being able to communicate when cell phone and landline phones are disabled is an important part of being prepared, and is the topic of Mark and Krista’s first book, “Making Emergency Contacts”.
Taking care of the people you love is the primary motivation for being prepared to handle everything from the everyday nuisance problems of life to the devastating events that cause great stress and disruption. As much as they’d want to shield their grandkids from all the bad stuff of life. Mark and Krista realize that training them (and their parents) to become capable, responsible preppers will serve them more effectively throughout all the stages of their lives.
Practical prepping is not a hobby or shallow activity; it requires planning, threat assessment, common sense, and dedication. Having and using what you need in a crisis can save the day, save your sanity, or save your life. Their second book, "Practical Prepping For Everyday People" will help you if you are just starting your prepping journey or if you want to take it to the next level.
Our best advice today? Stuff happens. Stay prepared. (Buy the book).