Hey there, fellow preppers! Are you caught between the hardcore doomsday preppers and those who think you're just being paranoid?
If you've got your 72-hour kit ready and are pondering where to go next, you've come to the right place. Let's kick it up a notch. Welcome to the exciting world of mid-level prepping!
In the middle of all the prepper chaos, we're the practical folks who believe in being prepared without building underground bunkers, prepping for zombies, or alien invasions, just doing practical prepping. So, grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and let's dive into the art of being a mid-level prepper.
Assess Your Risks: While you might not be preparing for a zombie apocalypse, it doesn't mean you should ignore the real-world threats around you.
Start by assessing the risks in your area, whether it's natural disasters, power outages, or extreme weather events.
It's all about finding a balance between what's likely and what's purely hypothetical.
Food and Water:
Stocking up on canned goods, water, and non-perishables is a no-brainer.
If you're not already doing this, now's the time. Think of it as a mini pantry party – with an apocalypse twist! And don't forget to keep an eye on those expiration dates; no one wants to eat “expired” SPAM. Yes, many things can be eaten long after the “best by” dates, but rotating our stock keeps our pantry fresher.
Have at least one personal water filter for each person in the household. These are essential if your stored water runs out and you have to source water from natural or manmade areas (ponds, creeks, rivers, mud holes, etc).
Emergency Skills:
Acquiring some basic survival skills can be both fun and practical. Learn to start a fire without a lighter, purify water, or administer basic first aid. It could really come in handy.
Bug-Out Bag Upgrade:
You've got your basic 72-hour kit, but why stop there? Add some comfort items, like a deck of cards, a good book, or even a small bottle of your favorite hot sauce (Texas Pete if our favorite).
Remember, it's not just about surviving; it's about maintaining your sanity and enjoying the journey.
Community Connection:
Prepping doesn't have to be a solitary endeavor. Building a prepper network in your community is a fantastic way to share knowledge, resources, and maybe even a laugh or two. After all, it's hard to prep for the end of the world with a frown on your face.
Budget-Friendly Prepping:
Being a mid-level prepper doesn't mean breaking the bank. Keep an eye out for sales and discounts, and prioritize prepping items that offer the best bang for your buck.
Garage sales and thrift stores can be treasure troves for prepper gear. Remember, it's all about getting more with less, especially in these inflationary times.
Rotate Your Supplies:
Don't forget to rotate your supplies regularly. Use those canned goods, update your clothing and gear, and replace batteries and water every now and then. We use the changing of the seasons to update our bags, January 1st and July 4th for changing batteries in smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detector, and our NOAA Weather Alert radio.
Prepping is an ongoing process, not a one-and-done deal.
Stay Informed:
Keep up to date with local and world events, so you can adjust your prepping plans accordingly. Knowledge is power, and in the prepping world. World-wide conflicts that may affect international shipping, plant strikes, fuel shortages, or anything else that might affect supply availability, are all things to stay abreast of. It's also your best insurance policy.
Teach Your Loved Ones:
Share your prepping knowledge and skills with your loved ones. You're not just preparing for yourself, but for the well being of your family and friends too. In a crisis, teamwork is essential, and skilled team members are priceless.
Keep a Sense of Humor:
Last but not least, don't take yourself too seriously. Prepping can be a serious business, but it doesn't mean you can't have fun along the way. Enjoy the learning process, make it a family affair, and laugh at your own mishaps. After all, if you can't find humor in the apocalypse, what can you find humor in?
Being a mid-level prepper is all about striking a balance between preparedness and leading a normal, enjoyable life. It's about being ready for whatever life throws at you, while still appreciating the beauty and laughter it offers.
So, keep prepping, keep smiling, and remember, it's all about being ready for anything – with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, knowing you are ready.