Prepping and Preparedness 1 -Overview
Prepping & Preparedness Level 1 is being prepared for up to two solid weeks of disruption.
It’s really pretty easy to be prepared to this extent. That said, and perhaps surprisingly, most people are only prepared for less than one week of disruption before they would need to resupply.
If you want to get started prepping, and you’re not quite sure how to go about it, I can almost guarantee that once you begin taking action you will become motivated and will also make it to level 2.
If all you do is complete level 1 and 2, you will be set up for most all ‘typical’ disruptions that are most likely to come your way.
What is Level 1 Preparedness?
First, it is NOT preparing for Armageddon, SHTF collapse, or “doom and gloom”.
Instead it is simply preparing for the most common disruptions likely to affect you.
It’s about being just a little bit more self-reliant and self-sufficient.
No Excuses!
Like most working people, your day is likely very busy and filled with the stresses of life. This may be especially true if you have kids at home! You may feel like you have little or no extra time to do anything else. Maybe your budget is strained (whose isn’t right?).
HOWEVER, there are very real risks in this modern world and there is a high probability that “something” is going to affect you sooner or later, and you best be prepared.
Preparedness is pretty much like any other insurance. You will exchange some of your money for insurance against a time of disruption – wherein you will be paid back for your troubles. Except in this case you’re actually stocking up with some tangible assets that will be available to you at any time.
No excuses. Get started. This will not cost much of your time or money.
Water
Did you know that without any source of water (this includes the moisture content in your foods) that you will most likely die within 1-week without it? Look it up. It’s true. The good thing is that preparing at level-1 is easy enough in this regard and there are several options available to you that I will be discussing.
Food
If you don’t typically keep a solid 1-2 week supply of food at home or in your apartment, you are actually among the majority of Americans. So don’t feel embarrassed or like you’re way behind — we’ll catch you up soon enough with the right stuff…
72-hour Emergency Kit In Your Vehicle
You probably spend a significant part of your day away from home, so having a particular “72-hour kit” in your car is part of level-1 preparedness. I’ll get you set up with this too…
Without Electricity
The majority of events that may lead to several days or more of disruption have to do with severe weather. This typically affects and relates to a lack of electrical power when your part of the grid goes down from some sort of damage. There are several things to consider in this category so as to minimize your disruption and inconvenience. They include cooking, lights, cell phone, and others. I’ll get you up to speed with solutions.
Kids and Pets
I’m putting both of these in the same category because they are both little creatures that you need to consider too ;)
First-Aid and Medical
Injuries happen often when you least expect it. Being ready and equipped with at least a minimal First Aid Kit is part of level-1 preparedness (at home and in your vehicle). For those with unique medical concerns, this must also be addressed for preparedness sake.
Cash
When the power is out in your area, that means no ATM’s, credit and debit transactions will not function, and many stores will simply close. However cash will often get you out of a jam. So keeping an amount of cash at home is highly recommended.
Seasonal Considerations
A disruption during the cold depths of winter or the hot humid days of summer? Depending on where you live and your own climate, there are ways to mitigate these problems to an extent.
Safety and Security
Do you have a fire extinguisher (or more than one??) at home? Do you know what to do if you inadvertently start a grease fire on your stove-top? How about one way to interrupt a burglar in the middle of the night? I will discuss some common-sense tips on safety as part of level-1 preparedness.
Consumable Supplies
There are a number of consumable (throw away) supplies that you should have at home that will help get you through a week without all of the modern conveniences that we’re used to. I will list the basics.
Gear
Basic gear such as flashlights, battery pack for charging cell phones and smart devices, special tools to shut off utilities, battery powered radios, and others will be discussed in this category.
Documentation and Planning
Having a minimal set of specific hard documentation and having a plan will make things easier when your disruption occurs. I will explain this in more detail.
[ Read: Preparedness Level 1 – 4 Series Overview ]
