Times have drastically changed. We are encased in a digital world and our most critical, intimate information lives in the cloud . This information is accessible 24 hours a day, every day - until there is no way to access it.  A major or minor disaster can destroy access to phone service, passwords, medical records, phone numbers, email accounts - practically everything you need to communicate.  That’s why preppers are smart enough to know to keep hard copies, of all essential documents, stored securely and in several places.   Start with; identification  passports drivers' licenses Social Security cards  birth certificates.  You will also need ;  your medical records prescriptions names and ID numbers insurance policies property deeds banking information and emergency contact information For purely sentimental reasons, take some of those old, favorite photos If you have bug-out bags lor other locations, include directions to each one and access c...

The core of all survival, in the wild, is bushcraft: the ability to live off the land using your knowledge, skills, and minimal or no, tools.  What is Bushcraft? Bushcraft is living off the land by using your experience and skills you have learned. You should be alble to survive and also thrive in a primitive, natural environment.  Bushcraft skills include ;  plant identification and foraging gathering supplies to build a stable shelter hunting fishing building a fire preparing meals tying knots  locating water navigating terrain This is what separates someone who is dependent on having the necessary gear from someone who can adapt when the gear runs out.  Woodcraft is when your lifestyle is focused on survival.  These skills are needed when you are in the wild, in a wooded area or forest.  Fieldcraft is likened to a military or tactical form of survival.  Start simple - watch Naked + Afraid. A TV show about two, or more, people placed in the mi...

Fire is the flame of life . Without it, we could not survive. Fire will cook your food, purify your water, warm your body, make you feel safe and you can use it to send distress signals. In a real-time emergency - your trusty lighter fails, your matches get wet, you forgot the flintstone - what would you do? This is the perfect time to bring out your skills and survive or wish you had some skills.  That is why, - among other things, you need to learn how to make fire, without matches.  A ferrocerium rod, or ferro rod, will produce hot sparks, in rain or snow and it can ignite damp tinder.  Use it with natural or homemade tinder like - cotton balls soaked with petroleum jelly, birch bark, dryer lint, rubbing alcohol, dried grass or fatwood. Practice striking the rod until you know the different ways to produce sparks.  Learn how to set-up different fire lays;  teepee log cabin lean-to star Dakota pit  ..and learn how to maintain a fire in wet conditions. If...

Reading a survival guide and actually surviving in the wild are miles apart. Nothing hits as hard as reality. That’s why, taking a class or two to learn about wilderness survival can elevate your prepping game and possibly elevate you to L A hands-on course will put you in real world scenarios and possibilities. You will learn to make shelters from whatever is lying around, how to correctly purify water, how to navigate the tough terrain also, how and why to stay calm under pressure. Survival classes are taught by experienced instructors who have lived through conditions and scenarios that depended on nothing but their skills.  Courses range from weekend basics to courses that last for weeks. Choose a course that teaches you;  How to Navigate : You need to know how to read a map and how to navigate, using a compass. These skills are crucial for your safety and to find your way, in the wilderness or out  Learn Basic First Aid : Knowing the correct way to treat and respond ...

Being ready for a crisis or disaster by stockpiling food is smart - but, stashed food does run out.  For long-term survival, knowing how to grow your own vegetables and herbs is prepping in a way that will give you food, for a long as you need it. Gardening takes you from being a consumer to someone who produces what they need. You don't have to have a multi-acre farm - you can easily grow food in raised beds, on your balcony or porch, in containers and even on your windowsills.  If you are new to gardening, start with easy to grow, high-yield plants like; lettuce tomatoes radishes beans potatoes Learn what grows best in your climate and soil type. Study how to compost your food scraps, which plants to grow near each other and natural pest control. Growing your own food helps you learn about the rhythms of nature. It teaches you what it takes to sow, hoe to know when food is ripe, harvest time and and how to preserve the excess bounty.  Gardening builds patience and self...

If you want to save money or if you want to eat more wholesome foods, there are thousands of wild edible plants that can feed you.  But, if you choose the wrong plants, eating them can also make you very ill - or even kill you.  That’s why it's so important - before you need to look for food - for preppers to learn how to identify both edible and  nonedible, poisonous plants, in their region.  Wild edibles are a free and ongoing food source, that includes; berries roots nuts leaves and flowers  But many of these edible finds have unforgiving, toxic lookalikes that can cause you a lot of regret, if you eat the wrong one.  One bite of the wrong plant can lead to nausea, allergic reaction, paralysis, hospitalization or worse. How to Identify Five Wild Edible Plants Start by studying reliable field guides specific to your location and ecosystem.  Learn five to ten safe, easy-to-identify wild edibles like;  Dandelion - Leaves, flowers and roots are all...

What if you are in a terrible situation and you need to get away, but your vehicle won't start? What if there are no mechanics, no handymen and no stores nearby? What are you going to do?  Your survival depends on your ability to fix your car, yourself.  Every prepper and  every person should have at least a basic knowledge of; vehicle mechanical systems how to repair a generator how to fix a leaky pipe how to patch a tire how to clean a spark plug.  Learn to troubleshoot small engines, learn how to change oil, tighten belts and unclog fuel lines. You can practice on old lawnmowers, bikes and other small powered appliances.  Study and read about your own vehicle and get a clear understanding of the mechanics. Learn; what the battery does how to install the brakes how to change the air filter how to use a tire jack the fluid systems how to sharpen blades replace fuses repair leaky seals  Know which tools you need for different fixes. A great idea is to ...

Get to know your local environment, because it will be your life line, your resource base and your safe place. The more you know about your neighborhood and surrounding area, the easier it will be for you when that time comes, because you are already informed.  Every prepper should know their local terrain, average seasonal temperatures and weather patterns, for the year and take detailed notes.  Learn where the rivers and natural water sources flow, know which roads flood, what areas freeze first, where the nut trees are and where you can find natural shelter. Take walks and hikes to get to know your region and take notes on; elevation changes wind funnels wildlife corridors potential choke points where the sun rises and sets how shadows move where to find south-facing slopes, for warmth.  Understand seasonal shifts; when storms are most likely to hit how long snow fall lasts when the leave start to change how long it takes for all leaves to fall Track wind patterns...

Things are going from bad to worse than bad and now is the time to get ready for the next shock. Wars are raging and we never know when it will hit closer to home. Prepping is more than just preparing for when a disaster strikes, it's also about being prepared if you lose your job, if your bank account is frozen after being hacked, or if you have to close your business. It's about building sustainability that you can depend on, when your life depends on it.  Prices at the pump and at the grocery stores are rising a lot faster than our income. So, you should take a critical look at your spending habits. You need to let go of unnecessary expenses and cut back, now. Avoid impulse purchases, buying with a credit card, added debt and you need to live within or below your means - if you want your future to be financially stable.  Debt is a debilitating weight that keeps itself wrapped around your peace of mind as drags your spirit  down..  Debt limits your choices, it redu...

No matter how much you prep, you will still need your family and some community support. Family and community are more that just a support system,  they will multiply the skills needed to survive.  A lone prepper can make it but it is a lot easier if there are a group of people available to help. Surviving with a group means more people to share labor, be on the lookout and diverse skills and more emotional strength. In your household, start by building trust and allegiance within. Talk openly about the importance to be prepared. Practice building fires and escape drills, together. Discuss sharing tasks and trade knowledge that will be needed.  Then find like-minded neighbors or prepper groups. Offer value, gardening, first aid, carpentry, communication.  Relationships built before a crisis become your lifeline during one. A strong group can divide roles—security, cooking, repairs, intel—while watching each other’s backs. And beyond tasks, people provide hope, humor,...

It is almost certain that all of us will, one day, be faced with a life-changing disaster or situation. If you have real concerns, you have taken the first step - not toward panic, but toward being prepared for what is to come.  Prepping isn’t about living in fear of what if,  it’s about being confident that you know you can handle whatever the situation turns out to be. You have to be ready and these tips about; food water shelter security medical care communication tools mindset and more will help you prepare But remember, prepping isn't a race - but, it does have a starting line. Don’t try to gather everything you need, all at once - this will lead to food spoilage and confusion.  When you start as a prepper, focus on the essential supplies that are for basic survival. Here are the important items to start with:  Food - Water Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days Non-perishable food items like canned goods, rice, and be...

Knowing how to build a fire is a comfort you need when you are camping or just out in the open, overnight. Being able to build a fire in rain, snow and howling wind, raises your primitive survival rating (PSR😊) close to 10.  If you are spending a nice night in the woods or a night filled with bitter, cold, harsh weather conditions - fire will be your source of heat, water purification, light at night, your cooked food and an overall cozy, safer feeling.  Fire can also signal rescuers and ward off dangerous predators. Start by collecting and storing ; weatherproof tinder dryer lint in a plastic bag cotton balls rubbed with petroleum jelly char cloth, or fatwood You need to carry multiple ignition methods lighters waterproof matches ferro rods and you need to know how to use each one confidently In a wet environment, look for dry wood under trees or break open larger logs to reach the dry core. Elevate your fire off of the damp ground, using bark or stones. Build a small b...

When you need a place to sleep and your home or hotels are not available you need to find a way to cover your head.  Of the most versatile and reliable items you can put in your preppers supplies is large sheets of plastic or a tarp.  If you don't have a tent, these items can mean the difference between sleeping comfortably or sleeping out in the open air.  Tarps are lightweight, waterproof and they can be used in many different ways when you are faced with a critical survival scenario. In cold weather, plastic sheeting can help you retain body heat by blocking wind and trapping warm air.  In hot weather, tarp can create shade.  You can use tarp to;  create a temporary helter insulate a makeshift shelter create a privacy screen for sanitation wrap someone who is injured  protect your gear from rain line the inside of your bug-out bag  collect rainwater.  8 Easy Tarp Shelters/Tents For Survival Anyone Can Build Keep several sizes and types of ...

When a disaster comes down on you, there is still a need to have a roof over your head. That may become a big problem if especially if you’re on the move or your home is no longer an option.  That’s why knowing how to build emergency shelters is a necessary prepping skill.  There are survival shows and to teach you the basics of building an emergency shelter. You can start with a simple setup using tarps, cords and natural materials like branches or leaves.  Learn how to build lean-tos, A-frame shelters and debris huts in your backyard or during hikes in the woods.  When you build your shelter, make sure it has steady legs insulation wind protection waterproofing. Build your shelter away from; flood-prone areas dead branches overhead wide-open places  Build it close to natural windbreaks.  Proper shelter protects you from the cold, rain, wind and predators. Prolonged exposure to freezing weather can kill you faster than thirst or hunger.  In your bug-o...

When you are in a bad situation and you stored water runs out or becomes contaminated, water purification tablets can quickly and easily make water safe to drink.  These lifesavers are small, inexpensive tablets, that are lightweight, portable and incredibly effective against bacteria, viruses and protozoa like Giardia.  Most contain iodine or chlorine dioxide and a single tablet can purify up to a liter of water. They’re ideal to pack in your bug-out bags, emergency kits, and they can be used in situation where boiling contaminated water isn’t an option.  Using water purification tablets is simple:  Drop the tablet into the water Wait 30 minutes to 4 hours - according to instructions and your water is safe to drink. Keep several packs and always be sure of expiration dates.  Be aware : These tablets may slightly alter the taste of water. That’s a small price to pay for safety. If you’re prepping for long-term survival, don't make this artificial method of purif...

Water is the most important resource you need, in life and in any survival situation. The human body can survive several weeks without food, but only a few days without water.  That is why a non-negotiable prepping rule is to store at least one gallon of water, per person, per day.  Half of that is for drinking, the other is for cooking and personal hygiene.  If you’re prepping for a family of four for two weeks, you will need 56 gallons - minimum.  Sounds like a lot? It is a lot because, it's best to have to much, than not enough.  Water is heavy, bulky, but it is necessary, if you want to make it through. Use clean, food grade containers, stored in a cool, dark place. Avoid direct sunlight and heat, which can degrade plastic and cause contamination.  Use 5-gallon jugs, stackable water bricks or even repurposed soda bottles.  The Right Way to Store Water For Emergencies Label each container with the date and rotate the containers every six months, if ...

Being able to cook a full, delicious meal outdoors, in any weather, without electricity, is an impressive survival preppers skill.  If this is your goal, start by mastering basic fire building -- either with matches, a fire starter ferro rod, friction, flintstones, or a magnifying glass. You need to learn how to regulate the temperature of the fire, to make sure your food is cooked, without it burning on the outside and leaving it raw on the inside. You need to know how to cook on a campfire; Cooking over an open flame is different than cooking on a stovetop. To do it right, it takes patience, control and some experience. To raise your campfire cooking skills, practice using a grill, Dutch oven, campfire tripod. aluminum foil oven, and foil wrapped meals.  Learn how to create a heat pit or use hot stones. If you can, build a rocket stove or rocket mass heater for more efficient fuel use.  How to Build Eight Different Rocket Stoves for Survival + Cooking When you are cook...

In times of crisis, access to fresh fruits, bread, vegetables and meat may be limited or non-existent. This lack of food will give you severe nutritional deficiencies.  To keep yourself healthier, you should store vitamins and supplements.  Multivitamins Vitamin C Vitamin D Iron Zinc  and magnesium can help fill the nutritional gaps in a survival diet of mainly rice, beans and canned goods.  Even if you have a sufficient stockpile of food, over time, eating a high percentage of only shelf-stable foods, that are filled with non-nutritious chemicals, can leave your body vulnerable to illnesses and diseases.  Supplements help maintain your immune system, energy levels, and overall resilience. The best vitamins to stockpile when you are preparing for a long-term disaster Store the vitamins in a cool, dry, dark place to preserve their potency Rotate them just like your food.  Don’t overlook probiotics, especially if your diet lacks fresh food and fiber.  If...

 Knowing how to hunt and fish turns the forest and woods, into a reliable, organic food source.  When you hunt, it should not be about just going around killing animals for trophies and bragging rights -- it’s about your survival.  In a scenario where there is no electricity and no way to buy food, meat and vegetables , from nature could become your only source of food.  Learn the habits of local wildlife Practice tracking, baiting and ethical hunting. Understand what’s in season and what is legal now - because the time to build skills, is before things fall apart.  Learn how to; Clean and dress animals  Preserve meat without refrigeration Use every part possible to avoid waste  How to fish - for beginners Fishing is another essential skill Fishing is a simple, quiet, and efficient way to get food. You need to get rods, reels, line, hooks and  you need to practice setting traps - like trotlines or fish baskets.  Portable fishing kits should b...

If you live in the country, in a rural area, if you own your land and if resources allow, raising livestock can be one of the most important steps you can take toward food independence. It's best to start small, with a few, small animals, so that you can improve your knowledge as time passes.  Chickens are the easiest livestock you can raise. They’re easy to care for, require little space and give you fresh eggs almost daily. They can also give you meat, to eat  Goats provide milk, meat and even companionship Rabbits are quiet, breed quickly and yield lean meat The best small animals to start raising on your homestead Large Animals to Raise on Your Homestead Larger animals like;  Sheep Pigs Cows offer more meat and utility but also require more land, feed, and care.  You need to know about; proper feeding Shelter Possible diseases and how to prevent them How to properly butcher the livestock or find someone in your area who can teach you.  Livestock also give yo...