In recent years, terms like “prepping,” “preppers,” and “SHTF” (Shit Hits the Fan) have become more common in discussions about survival and emergency preparedness. September is even called Preparedness Month, drawing attention to the importance of being ready for unexpected events. Along with an abundance of books, articles, and social media content, it’s easy to wonder: Is prepping just a passing trend, or is there a deeper purpose behind it?
If we look back at history, we can see that preparedness has always been an essential part of human life. In centuries past, September marked the harvest season, when families stored food for the long winter months ahead. Canning, preservation, and careful planning were necessary to survive through harsh seasons. Back then, there was no electricity, refrigeration, or modern conveniences that we often take for granted today. Yet, despite our technological advancements, many people today still engage in food and water storage, stockpiling medicines, and even firearms. What drives this urge to prepare?
The Need for Preparation: A Modern Reflex
While technology has made life more comfortable, it has also made us more vulnerable. Whether it’s a natural disaster like a hurricane, earthquake, or wildfire, infrastructure can fail. Power grids can go down, water supplies can be cut off, and access to basic necessities can become scarce. We’ve all seen the devastating effects of events like Hurricane Katrina, where entire communities were left without essentials for days or even weeks.
For many, including myself, the need to prepare isn’t about fear of an apocalypse, but about the possibility of local emergencies. It’s about being ready for a scenario where, for a short period of time, life could be disrupted. The ability to rely on oneself and family members when the world feels uncertain is empowering. Preparation becomes a way to reclaim some control over our circumstances.
My Journey into Prepping
I can trace my interest in prepping back to elementary school. Growing up, we regularly did earthquake drills. I remember being taught to take cover under our desks and how to evacuate in an orderly fashion, all in response to the devastation caused by a major earthquake. Those lessons stuck with me, and over time, they laid the foundation for my own personal journey into prepping.
The first step I took was personal development. Being in good shape is crucial during any emergency scenario. So, I focused on fitness—losing weight, getting stronger, and maintaining a consistent workout routine (which I still do to this day). A healthy body is one of your most important assets when faced with adversity.
The next step was learning essential survival skills. I dove into bushcraft and survival literature, exploring the works of pioneers like Nessmuk, Kephart, Mors Kochanski, and modern survivalists such as Craig Caudill and Dave Canterbury. Their insights, often shared through videos and books, provided invaluable knowledge. I also learned practical skills like hunting, fishing, and first aid. One thing I’ve learned throughout this journey is that personal development never ends—every day is an opportunity to improve and expand your skillset.
Organizing Emergency Supplies
The final phase of my prepping journey involved organizing emergency supplies. For anyone just starting, it’s essential to have a clear plan for food, water, and first aid supplies. A general rule of thumb for water is that each adult needs about 3 liters per day. Food provisions should include a mix of canned or dehydrated meals, plus staples like rice, flour, oil, and beans. Fresh vegetables, of course, should also be part of the plan.
I can’t stress enough the importance of learning food preservation techniques—canning and dehydration, for example—if you want to be more self-reliant. These are skills that will allow you to make the most of seasonal produce, preserving it for times when it’s not readily available.
Here’s a sample list of provisions I recommend for a group of four adults, prepared to last for six months:
- Pasta: 120 kg
- Beans: 130 kg
- Rice: 30 kg
- Oil: 50 kg
- Canned Tuna: 50 cans
- Luncheon Meat: 50 cans
- Salt: 10 kg
- Water: 3 liters per adult per day
- Toilet Paper: 144 rolls
- Matches/Lighters: 100 packs
- Tea Candles (4-hour burn time): 2000
- Heavy Duty Garbage Bags: 100
Of course, these are just basic recommendations. The key is to buy what you’ll actually use. Don’t stockpile foods you don’t enjoy eating, like beans, if you don’t like them. The goal is to have enough of the foods you and your family will eat regularly to get through an emergency.
The Right Tools and Gear
In addition to food and water, there are several other essential items to keep on hand:
- Flashlights/Headlamps (with spare batteries)
- Emergency radio
- PMR or VHF/UHF handheld radios
- Small toolkit
- Emergency blankets
- Multitool
- Good quality fixed-blade knife
- Camping cooking kit (preferably stainless steel)
- Metal water bottles
A backpack is also a must-have in case of evacuation. Having everything organized and easily accessible will be a huge help when you need to move quickly.
The Philosophy of Prepping
At its core, prepping is about ensuring that you and your loved ones can withstand an emergency—whether it’s a natural disaster, an economic downturn, or even a personal crisis. It’s about creating a sense of security by planning for the unexpected and being self-reliant. While prepping may seem extreme to some, it’s really about taking practical steps to prepare for scenarios where basic services and supplies may not be immediately available.
And most importantly, prepping isn’t just about having the right gear—it’s about developing the right mindset. It’s about being mentally and physically prepared for anything that might come your way. Whether it’s practicing survival skills, staying healthy, or organizing supplies, the ultimate goal of prepping is self-reliance. Once you achieve that, you gain confidence and peace of mind in knowing that you can handle whatever life throws at you.
I hope this post serves as a springboard for anyone considering starting their own journey into prepping. Remember, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small, make gradual improvements, and apply common sense. Over time, you’ll find that prepping isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving in any situation