When we hear the word “preparedness,” we usually think about preparing our house for survival or improving our prepping skills.
These things will not matter, however, if we fall sick when SHTF.
Imagine if a tornado hit, and you suddenly raised a 104°F fever.
You wouldn’t even be able to protect yourself – much less your whole family.
Having a strong immune system is a crucial aspect of preparedness.
When emergencies strike, the last thing you want is to be bogged down by illness.
That’s why you should take simple steps to keep your immune system in top shape.
First and foremost, make sure you sleep at least 7 hours every night.
Sleep is essential for every aspect of our lives.
Next, eat wholefood meals.
A lot of people nowadays are poisoning their bodies with ultra-processed foods and packaged meals.
Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your meals.
These foods are rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy immune system.
Also, consider adding probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir to your nutrition, as they help to keep your gut healthy, which is where 70 percent of your immune system is located.
In addition, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Water helps to flush out toxins and keep your immune system functioning properly.
These 3 things are the most important factors in a strong immune system.
But we shouldn’t neglect exercise. It helps our bodies function properly and shields us from disease.
If your job involves manual labor, then you probably have that covered.
Otherwise, you should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily.
Whether it’s a brisk walk, a jog, or a gym session, make sure you move your body every day.
You should also minimize stress.
Chronic stress can be detrimental to our health.
If you find yourself stressed daily, you need to look for a way to change that.
Keeping our immune system strong is not often discussed in the prepping world.
Yet, staying healthy is a crucial aspect of preparedness.
If you think someone will benefit from the tips in this newsletter, why don’t you forward it to them?
I am one of the most tolerant people you’ll ever meet.
I don’t mind if someone is a bit late for our appointment…if they talk over me during a conversation…or if they are sometimes slightly rude.
I always give people the benefit of the doubt.
But as a prepper, there is one thing that I can’t tolerate…
Waste.
I regularly people wasting their resources as if they want to destroy Earth.
Just last week, I saw someone water their garden an hour after it stopped raining.
I am not kidding…
I decided to use the frustration I felt when I saw that, and write about simple ways to spend minimum water when tending to your garden.
I’ll share with you simple tips that I use myself, as well as ideas I discovered just last night when I was doing research.
Water your plants in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to reduce evaporation.
Use a watering can, hose, or soaker hose instead of a sprinkler, which can waste a lot of water.
Water your plants deeply and less frequently, rather than a little bit every day. This encourages deep roots and reduces the need for frequent watering.
Consider using drought-resistant plants that are well-adapted to your local climate.
Place mulch around your plants to reduce water evaporation and help retain moisture in the soil.
Gather rainwater in barrels or buckets to use for watering your garden, instead of using tap water.
Use a drip irrigation system to deliver water directly to the roots of your plants, which is more efficient and reduces water waste.
Maintain healthy soil by adding compost and organic matter, which helps retain moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering.
As you can see, some of these ideas are basic, while others require some lateral thinking (especially the first one!)
By implementing these water conservation techniques in your garden, you will greatly reduce your water usage.
And you will also create a more sustainable garden that is better equipped to handle droughts and dry spells.
Do you know any other techniques on how to waste less water when tending to your garden?
Have you ever been to the oral aisle at the supermarket?
There is a huge variety of products.
Manual and electric toothbrushes…
Fluoride and non-fluoride options kinds of toothpaste…
Mouthwash…
The list goes on.
Dental hygiene is important, but it always gets me thinking…
How did our ancestors brush their teeth?
They didn’t have these items.
But apparently, they survived.
I figured that there must have been some kind of a “trick” that they did.
And that in a survival situation, it might come in handy.
When I did some research, I found that they used a variety of methods.
For example, the ancient Egyptians and Greeks used tooth sticks, which were thin sticks or rods that were used to clean their teeth and massage their gums.
The sticks were often made from twigs or other natural materials and were used much like a toothbrush.
In other cultures, people chewed on twigs or leaves that were believed to have cleansing and medicinal properties.
Some used a mixture of ashes and salt to brush their teeth, while others rubbed their teeth with a cloth or used a fingernail to clean them.
As you can see, there are many different ways to maintain oral hygiene.
In a survival situation, it’s okay if you don’t have your usual tools with you.
You can take care of your teeth and gums as best you can, using improvised methods if necessary.
To maintain good dental hygiene in an emergency, it is recommended to:
Rinse your mouth with water regularly to release food particles and plaque.
Use a toothbrush or tooth stick to clean your teeth if possible.
Brush your teeth with baking soda or salt if toothpaste is not available.
You can carry these things in your kit.
But even if you don’t have anything with you, you can improvise to take care of your basic oral needs.
Something is always better than nothing.
We should keep this in mind in every prep we do.
If you happen to know any other ways to maintain oral health in emergencies, I would love to hear them!
Did you know getting good at chess would improve your prepping abilities?
Don’t worry, I’m not going to ask you to learn how to play chess.
In fact, I don’t even know the rules of that game!
But I do know that it requires a lot of strategic thinking.
And that professional chess players can quickly think of 15 or 20 moves ahead in each move.
This is exactly what is needed for prepping.
Being prepared means more than just stocking up on food and weapons.
It means having a comprehensive plan in place that covers a wide range of scenarios and contingencies.
Without a plan, we risk being caught unaware and unable to respond effectively to emergencies.
But planning for emergencies is not easy.
There is always something different to prepare for.
Earthquakes…
Tornados…
Power Outages…
One can’t ever account for everything.
Sometimes we don’t even know what we are preparing for.
Take the chemical spill in Ohio, for example.
How could the residents see this coming?
And how could they even prepare for it?
Well, the truth is, with a proper planning system, you can prepare for anything.
You’ll see how in a minute.
First, you need to know:
Why Planning Is So Important.
Imagine you lived in an area that is prone to hurricanes.
You’ve stocked up on food and water…
You have a generator…
…and you’ve secured your house as best you can.
You feel confident that you are prepared for the next big storm.
But suddenly, a huge storm hits.
One that is bigger than any other storm your area has seen.
It completely destroys your preparations and your house is not safe anymore.
You have to bug out.
But the issue is, it happened on a school day. And your children still haven’t gotten back from school.
How will you let them know where to meet?
Your smartphone is not working because the power grid stopped working.
It’s a disaster!
Well, this is where foresight comes in handy.
If you had agreed on a meeting place in case your preparations didn’t work, then this would have been solved.
Getting good at planning means preparing for things that most people would not even think about.
Of course, this was a far-fetched scenario…
But it goes to show…
A proper plan can help you and your family overcome even the craziest catastrophe.
That’s why I’ll show you simple ways to become good at this skill.
And give you ideas on how to practice your planning abilities so that you are always ready.
Find Your Commitment Level
Before you start working on your planning skills, there is something that you have to figure out first…
You need to assess your level of commitment.
The reason this is so important is that developing this skill is not something easy.
You will not become good at it overnight.
Just like professional chess players work very hard to improve their skills, you will have to go over some roadblocks.
If you are aware of your commitment level before you even start, however, you will be in a much better position to work through these roadblocks.
Before you read the rest of the article, ask yourself these questions:
How much time and effort are you willing to invest in planning for emergencies?
If improving your planning skills gets too hard, would you continue working on them?
What challenges are you willing to face?
Take your time and honestly answer these questions.
This way, you can set realistic goals for yourself and ensure that you don’t overcommit or burn out.
How To Improve Your Planning Skills
Once you’ve figured out your commitment level, it is finally time to improve your planning abilities.
When it comes to planning for emergencies, there are some key elements that every prepping plan should include.
These elements include risk assessment, threat analysis, resource inventory, and contingency planning.
Let’s explore each of these elements in more detail:
Risk assessment.
This is the process of identifying potential risks and hazards that could affect you and your loved ones.
This includes natural disasters, economic collapse, civil unrest, and other potential emergencies.
You can even include risks that are not your plan.
Neglecting to prepare for something is also a risk.
Consider everything that could go wrong.
Threat analysis.
This is where you evaluate the risks.
Conduct a threat analysis to evaluate:
The likelihood of each threat.
The potential impact of each threat.
This will help you prioritize your planning efforts and allocate resources.
Resource inventory.
A resource inventory involves taking stock of the resources you have on hand and identifying any gaps in your preparedness.
This includes:
Food,
Water,
Medication
Weapons and ammunition
Other essential items.
Contingency planning.
Contingency planning involves developing a plan B in case your primary plan fails (Remember the storm example?).
This can include backup evacuation routes, secondary locations for shelter, or contingency supply sources.
By including these key elements in your prepping plan, you can be better prepared for a wide range of emergencies and increase your probability of survival.
Tips That Will Make This Easier
If you’ve read this far, you have probably realized that this will take some work.
But, remember, you are committed.
Which means that you are willing to do whatever it takes to become better at planning.
However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t use simple advice that will make this journey easier.
Start small.
If you are not an experienced prepper, it is easy to become overwhelmed.
Start with a simple plan for a specific scenario, such as a short power outage.
This will help you build confidence and develop your planning skills.
Once you feel ready, move on to harder challenges, such as natural disasters.
Set goals.
Determine what you want to achieve with your prepping plan.
And set realistic, measurable goals to help you stay motivated and on track.
Involve your family.
Doing everything alone is tough. And definitely not fun.
If you involve your whole family in the prepping process, everything will proceed much smoother.
Plus, everyone is going to be on the same page so they will know what to do in emergencies.
Stay organized.
Keep your prepping plan and items organized and easily accessible so you can quickly respond to emergencies.
You can use checklists, journal entries, or your preferred way of taking notes.
Continuously review and update your plan.
The risks we face are constantly changing.
So it’s important to regularly review and update your prepping plan to ensure that it remains effective and relevant.
Planning is a crucial part of prepping.
And can make a huge difference in ensuring your family’s safety.
By developing this skill, you will be in a much better position to survive any emergency.
If you have been trying to prepare for emergencies, then you have probably come across the same roadblock that most preppers have… practice.
As a prepper, it is very difficult to put your prepping skills to the test.
Emergencies simply don’t happen that often.
So you can’t know whether your preparations are up to the task or not.
Practice, however, is a crucial aspect of every skill we develop.
They say that the first step to getting better at anything is to suck at it first.
And to identify your flaws, try to fix them, and improve over time.
But how can you do that with prepping?
Well, with little imagination, you can take steps to test your prepping techniques and stay prepared for any eventuality.
I’ll show you how to do that in a minute.
First, you need to…
Understand Your Prepping Needs
I wish I could give you a clear-cut path that you should follow.
But depending on where you live and your current situation, you need to develop the appropriate skills.
Before testing your skills, though, you need to understand what you need to test.
There are several ways to do that:
Identify Potential Emergencies
The first step is to understand what types of emergencies are most likely to occur in your area.
Look at your town’s history, or ask the local residents what the most dangerous disaster that they had to go through was.
Additionally, consider factors such as natural disasters, power outages, and other events that could disrupt your family.
Assess Your Resources
Take stock of what items and resources you currently have on hand and identify any gaps in your prepping plan.
Consider things like food, water, shelter, clothing, and medication, as well as any tools or equipment that you may need.
Determine Your Priorities
With a clear understanding of your needs, it is easier to prioritize what skills and items you should focus on first.
For example, if you live in an area prone to hurricanes, your priority might be to have a solid evacuation plan in place.
Putting Your Prepping Skills To The Test
It is finally time to test your skills.
You first need to find a safe and controlled environment.
This is where you will be pushing yourself to find flaws in your survival plan.
There are several ways you can do that.
Simulated Emergency Scenarios
One effective way to test your prepping skills is to create simulated emergency scenarios that mimic real situations.
This allows you to see how well you can handle different types of emergencies using your equipment and skills.
For example, you could simulate a power outage, and see how well you can respond to the situation.
We actually make a game out of this in my household and even have the kids evolve in the prepping process.
Practice Essential Skills
This is a simpler one to execute. But it is also time-consuming.
You just try out your essential skills.
This includes building shelters, starting fires, purifying water, and more.
Regularly practicing these skills will help you feel more confident using them in real situations.
And most importantly, it will help you identify any areas that may need improvement.
Seek Feedback From Other Preppers
Sometimes we don’t see an obvious mistake we are making until someone points it out to us.
Just last week, a buddy of mine told me some of my emergency foods had expired.
I had forgotten to look!
Speaking to other preppers can help you see your skills and equipment from a different perspective.
I go over my emergency plans with my friends very often.
And I suggest you do too.
Engage in Community Preparedness Efforts
Your local community can give you tons of chances to test your prepping skills.
Many communities hold emergency preparedness drills and exercises.
These can be excellent times to test your skills and learn from others.
By actively participating in these efforts, you can ensure that you are fully prepared to handle any emergency situation that may arise.
Stay Up-To-Date With Modern Developments
What works nowadays is different from what worked 10 years ago.
The prepping community is always evolving and advancing.
So it is important to stay informed about the latest developments and advancements in the field.
This can include:
Researching and learning about modern technologies and gear.
Stay informed about the latest gear and technologies available to preppers.
There is always different stuff coming out.
Just recently, for example, I learned that 3D printers are incredible for preppers.
Staying informed about current events.
Information is one of the most crucial aspects of prepping.
Keep up with current events and news that may impact your preparedness.
If there is an occurring strain of a disease or a major flood, for instance, you should be aware of how these events could impact your area and your preparedness plan.
Practice and Maintain Your Prepping Skills Regularly
Prepping is not a goal. It’s a way of living.
You need to regularly evaluate your plan and change it depending on the circumstances.
This is why prepping should be a regular part of your routine.
This could mean setting aside time to practice your skills, update your equipment, and reassess your plan.
Your skills are not ever going to be flawless.
As you learn about different technologies and gear, incorporate them into your survival plan.
This can help you stay prepared and up-to-date with the latest developments.
Socrates said that unexamined lives are not worth living.
Same goes for prepping.
An unexamined plan is not worth having.
You need to constantly reassess your prepping plan to ensure that it is still relevant and effective.
Putting your prepping skills to the test is an essential part of being truly prepared for an emergency.
Prepping is not just about having gear and a plan.
It’s about actively practicing and refining your skills so that you are ready for any situation.
Remember, being prepared means being ready for the unexpected.
So take the time to test your prepping skills and continually improve your preparedness.
As the world gets drier and hotter, wildfires have become one of the most realistic events people should prepare for.
Wildfires can start by nature, human negligence, and becoming more and more common every year.
I live in California, where you advised us to prepare from July to September.
Sadly, Climate change is making regions hotter and drier. Nowadays, a single spark cab erupts into a massive blaze.
That means wildfire prepping has never been more crucial.
The last few years have brought us the deadliest wildfires the U.S. has ever seen, and there are no signs of it slowing down anytime soon.
While wildfires are fast and unpredictable, often, there is some time to escape if one is coming your way — as long as you have taken the time to prepare. What do you need to know if there is a wildfire threat toward your home?
The Risks
Understanding the risks of wildfires is extremely important. Depending on the time of year, the location, and other key playing factors.
Whether you own a home or are a current renter, there are various ways to protect your assets.
If you are a homeowner, you might find difficulty finding a company willing to insure it for fire.
Contact your state’s wildfire risk number to find something that better fits your needs.
Retrofitting
If your current home does not contain fireproof building materials, you might want to consider retrofitting your property to lower the risk. This could mean re-roofing with flameproof materials, covering vents with metal mesh to prevent cinders from getting pulled into the ventilation system, and taking other steps to make your house fire-resistant.
Be in The Know
Staying informed is your best resource during fire season, especially in places where you can see the smoke from a distance but might not have the best idea of where the fire is.
Stay on top of any updates as they come through your local channels. Emergency services will update you multiple times throughout the day with details like the size of the fire, how much of it is contained, and where it might spread next.
Stock Up on Your Supplies
No matter the situation, you will need supplies. Going to the grocery store won’t be an option until the fire is out and things start to return to normal, so you want to make sure you have everything you need on hand. Backpacks will be the easiest to carry, so buy a few durable ones for each person in your household when it’s time to evacuate.
Store food and water in portable containers like coolers to make these goods easier to transport.
Here are a few items you should consider adding to your list:
* 1 gallon of water per person per day
* Nonperishable Foods
* Cash
* First-aid supplies
* Pet supplies
* OTC and prescription medicine
* Extra Clothes and Shoes
Ideally, you want to have enough supplies for up to two weeks, but at minimum, you want to have enough supplies to be self-sustaining for at least three days.
Get Ready to RUN
If a fire is coming your way, your only choice is to evacuate or die. It’s that simple. If you have to leave, be ready to run.
Having a loaded truck or trailer with your supplies and the things you can’t stand to lose is a great way to be prepared.
Be sure your trailer is in good shape before fire season starts, keeping it clean and in a clear path for easy and efficient escape. The last thing you need is to lose all your supplies because of a maintenance issue that could be avoided. The same rules apply to your smaller vehicles. Do not leave yourself stranded with an unreliable car. You won’t be able to outrun the fire on foot.
Plan Your Escape
Where would you go if a fire threats your home? What if the wildfire cuts off your main evacuation route? Plan and practice your escape route ahead of time to avoid making dangerous mistakes.
Predicting where the fire might spread can be difficult, and your main course can quickly end up cut off by a rapidly growing wildfire. Leave yourself some alternatives so you can get away safely.
Once you have planned your routes, practice them. Hook up your trailer and drive. Note places where the trees and brush are near the road because if they catch fire, it could create problems for your plan.
Time For You To Go
Although, this should be common sense and often forgotten. If there is an evacuation order or advised to leave, go. Do not wait around to see if the fire might change its path. Throw your family and your pets in the car, hook up your trailer of supplies if you have one, and leave. There is no time to waste precious minutes trying to pack every – little – sentimental item.
Being a Prepper Can Save You
Wildfires are a part of life for people in many parts of the world. Starting to prepare could save your life and makes it easier to rebuild if the worst happens and a fire takes your home.
Remember, regardless of what happens, your house and everything in it is replaceable. Your life and the lives of your loved ones are not.
More Articles Christians May Find Interesting…
Shocking Truth About NASA Rapture Warning
While the media is busy talking about restrictions and censorship, there’s one story that’s unfolding that no news station is covering.
Yet it could have a direct impact on your life and the lives of your loved ones.
According to a recently declassified document from the U.S. Senate, a monumental end-day threat is about to come crashing down on America.
I’m not talking about a stock market crash or more mandates.
Living in today’s world, we depend on technology for just about everything. It has become so advanced that I find myself leaving the house without my wallet from time to time. Almost every business has an app that links your credit card, and if that’s unavailable, at minimum, they accept apple pay. While modern technology has been a lifesaver for most, it’s taken away the desire to learn or understand the importance of basic survival skills that will keep you alive and thriving.
Unfortunately, in today’s world many wait for the last minute possible to prepare and often find themselves a little too late. I’m sure everyone remembers the toilet paper shortage a couple of years ago. well, that was on a much, much smaller scale.
Let’s say there’s a short-term disaster and the grocery stores are not accessible for a couple of weeks. If you look in your pantry, is there enough for you are your family to live hold out? Jesus understood what the end time would be like, he gave us instruction on how to overcome it and how not to be drawn to distractions.
The principles of preparedness are found throughout the Bible with several passages devoted to being prepared, such as:
Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour. –Matthew 25:13.
You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. -James 2:24
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed -Corinthians 15:52, King James Version
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. -Philippians 4:13
When evening had already come, because it was the preparation day, that is, the day before the Sabbath. -Mark 15:42
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. -2 Timothy 4:2
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. -Hosea 4:6
And all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. -Revelation 13:8
Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. -1 Peter 1:13
I wanted to share this because when it comes to preparedness and survival, I think salvation is the most important survival topic we can talk about. In the end, if Christians are right, it’s the only way one can ensure their ultimate survival. We look to the future but are only guaranteed the present. Are we living by what we believe? Are we truly living by faith?
More Articles Christians May Find Interesting…
Shocking Truth About NASA Rapture Warning
While the media is busy talking about restrictions and censorship, there’s one story that’s unfolding that no news station is covering.
Yet it could have a direct impact on your life and the lives of your loved ones.
According to a recently declassified document from the U.S. Senate, a monumental end-day threat is about to come crashing down on America.
I’m not talking about a stock market crash or more mandates.
I read a story today that really freaked me out because it said “it’s a sin to be a prep for the end of the world”. It went into detail about having faith in God and knowing he would take care of his believers (regardless of how bad or dangerous of a situation) is all you need to do.
As a fellow Christian, my faith in God has never been stronger. however, If there was a black-out due to a power grid failure, leaving me and my family with no food or water for days or weeks on end, how would I survive that?
I called my good friend and pastor, Chris because he always helps with calming my nerves and remembering god’s message. As it turns out, I’m not the only one that feels puzzled and scared about my future from time to time.
Christians all around the world are preoccupied with the end of the world. The media has shown the empty shelves in grocery stores nationwide, and price gouges in almost every food and product. In pop culture, you see it in movies and TV series. However, there is a balance It’s easy to look at today’s world and feel unsettled. Although many Christians are troubled with fear, anxiety, and worry. There’s a sense of feeling powerless and defeated as we look at the unstable and roller-coaster of a world we live in today. Always remember, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains are moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” Psalm 46:1–3.
Our savor does not want us to live in a constant state of anxiousness. During hard times like these, he wants us to remember God has not failed us. He has promised to be with us in the middle of tragedy.
A huge area of controversy in prepping today is whether Christians should be preppers. Each situation is unique, but it’s highly encouraged to take your unique situation to God in prayer and ask for His guidance.
Without a question, It is absolutely biblical to prepare yourself and your family for the future when God provides you with the opportunity to do so—spiritually and physically.
Our faith and focus should always remain on Christ, prepping is purely an opportunity we can utilize to be a good steward of God’s blessings and minister to others in times of need.
Well, that’ll all from me for the day. My best friend from Puerto Rico is in town for his birthday and I’ve got to start getting ready (we’re going to a fancy sushi restaurant). But I did want to share what’s been on my mind all day and see if anyone else feels the same? I would love to hear all about it if anyone feels comfortable enough to share. 😊
TheDailyChristian 