I came across this documentary-series (docu-series) on Netflix, about people preparing for doomsday because of various reasons that they think may lead us to that day- be it an economical downfall, a global agricultural collapse, a terrorist attack, or someone even got a vision of someone, to prepare. I thought it amateur at first, but half way down the series, I think these guys are really serious about what they are doing. Let me tell you how-
One of them made a round a steel frame, and dug it into the ground a 100 miles from where they live, away from plain sight, and stored it with hundreds of days worth of food and water supplies, in case of an economical downfall, for when the sh*t shall really hit the roof, and the world goes into mayhem. Having reviewed it through the eyes of the documentary, I could see they were well prepared for most of the things, except for the security front, but the man was taking fighting lessons to be prepared.
In another case scenario, there was a couple, that bought a piece of land, by spending all their savings, and were living off, well, in quite a sustainable way, and trading electricity and honey that they produce for supplies and stuff. They also seemed to be excellently trained in handling weapons and in responding to emergency situations and in solving real life practical problems.
These are just two examples of how some people are preparing themselves for chaos, and believe you me, from watching the docu-series, I believe that there many more, such ‘preppers’, if you would like to call them, and there shall be more that shall get inspired to become ‘preppers’.
My take on it?
One quote of a certain gentleman ‘prepper’ hit home, when they said, “if you have healthcare insurance, life cover, car insurance, things like that, then you’re already a prepper, even if you don’t know you are”. In a way, I think he is right, to an extent. The world is shifting towards uncertainty more and more as the day pass by, with the corona virus, the economic melt-down, the rise of the ultra-conservatives, the extreme right wingers, the racists, and the capitalists all over, and the religious fanatics, the world seems to spiraling quickly into chaos, and the it would not be unwise to be prepared, even if there is an unlikely chance that the chaos may even happen.
As another gentleman ‘prepper’ in the series said, “it’s better to be prepared months in advance than to be late by a few days”.
Building on that, here are some of the things that I think should be on everyone’s list to acquire, to start prepping:
- Always be in the best shape of your life. If you are not in the best shape of your life, then work towards it. Run, Jog, walk, do pull-ups, push-ups, etc. anything. Be in the best shape of your life, lose that fat, build some muscles, have the flexibility, and train your mind. It won’t hurt to learn a few fighting tips and tricks, or to practice some form of fighting skills- like Judo/Karate/Boxing/MMA etc.
- Save Money. Being sustainable is good, but have some money with you always. Money in the form of cash and gold, is always helpful in tight situations and can give you leverage out of problems. Save money first, and then invest your extra-savings into survival gear/skill sets.
- Learn how to start fire. I think this is the single most important skill that you should know to survive in the wilderness, if the sh*t really hits the ceiling. Fire can keep you warm, it can cook you food, the smoke can keep the mosquitoes and insects away. Most animals are afraid of fire and may not come near you. Fire, is your fried. We have come this far, as a civilization, because our ancestors knew how to start a fire and keep it running. Watch Youtube videos regarding how to start a fire and practice and practice, again and again. Make your notes, and keep building on that skill set. I would recommend everyone to own a flint-stick, that can be bought off amazon or any other website anytime, anywhere, but having said that, you should also learn to start a fire with the most primitive equipment.
- Know your surroundings. This should be way above, as a general knowledge of your surroundings. By knowing your surroundings, I mean, that you should know the most important routes near your home, your colony, the city. You should know of the important timing of trains and airplanes near your city. You should know of the forest, and the trails around, and where they lead to. You should also know the location of police stations and their contact information, in case of any emergency and who to contact there. You should likewise know the emergency local number of the ambulance service, and the fire department in the area. Knowing your surroundings also mean, that you should identify good citizens in the area and help them, and create a bond, so it makes for a symbiotic relationship. One should also know about the bad parts of the neighborhood, and the criminal elements of the society near-by and avoid them as much as possible. It is important to be prepared always, but it is also imperative to avoid danger, at all times.
- Learn basic medical skills and always have an emergency first aid kit in the house, your car and at another secure location. Basic medical skills include, skill sets like, cleaning and sewing a wound, identifying a heart attack, learning how to perform a CPR, having an AED (automatic external defibrillator) in the house, your car and at a secure location. Your first aid kit should include- antibiotics, antacids, multivitamins, analgesics, anti-diarrhea, Aspirin, clopidogrel, suture needle, sutures, suturing needle, antiseptic, hand-wash, cotton roll, and medications related to any other medical conditions that one might be suffering from. Also, one should acquire the skill set to use needles to inject local anesthetic in case of emergency. If one knows how to inject intravenous, then it is a highly rewarding skill set to acquire.
- Have a home and secure it with everything you can. Having one’s own home is indeed one of the crucial aspects of survival. It shall help you to brave storm, have a higher ground against intruders and it is legal, so the authorities can also help you against unlawful subjects.
- Have a secure location. Having a secure location means, having a place where you can relocate in case of a catastrophe. It can be in the mountains, or in a different city or a distant part of town. Choosing this location is important, and building on it, with the sole purpose of survival, if shi* hits the ceiling, is really important. The location can be chosen after you have acquired and saved enough money, and also, after you know about the lay of the land in full detail.
- Have ample food and water storage. This goes without saying. Have food covered for at least 6 months to 1 year. It would be best, that in addition to that you learn how to grow your own produce and develop a small agricultural land to feed you and your family. Water, is a huge necessity. In addition to daily consumption of drinking water, you need to have enough water for your daily needs like showering etc. Try building safe place near a water source.
- Solar Panels. Invest in solar panels. After the initial cost, it is essentially cheap electricity. Some Americans even sell electricity back to the board that they create from solar panels. Solar panels will help you be independent, if there is a power supply failure in case of a catastrophe.
- Be prepared. Have regular training survival sessions with your family. You should learn outdoor survival skills, and also teach them to your family. Everyone should automatically know their roles in case of an emergency.
- Learn carpentry and plumbing, other important day to day urban survival skills.
- Learn how to purify water. You can also buy water filters from an online store.
- Build a community. The more hands the better. One would argue, that a huge group means, having more mouths to feed, but it also means, more hands that can work to produce. Also, more means more security. Build a circle of trusted family, friends and neighbors, and look out after your fellow citizens.
There are so many things that one can do, and learn to survive in case of a catastrophe. ‘Preppers’ are not very different people, and we really shouldn’t make fun of people who are preparing to keep their families and friends safe, because if it goes down, they are the people that you may be in need of, to help survive.
The best plan, is always to be prepared.
14. The most important thing, always be compliant with the national laws and be a good citizen, and help your country grow. Why? Because, being a good citizen, the authorities will be more eager to help you in case of an emergency.
What’s your take on the whole ‘prepper’ lifestyle? Share in the comments below or mail me up.
Have a great day ahead.