12 Reasons Why You Should Prep
Being prepared for a natural disaster doesn’t make you a weird person, as we’ve been led to believe. You also don’t have to be labeled a conspiracist or have a family that sits around wearing tin-foil hats all day. Having the right supplies and emergency plans in place is a very rational thing to do. Are you prepared and know what to do after a major disaster or other threats like severe weather? Here are several reasons why you should prep. I’ve updated this article from December 2020.
Related: 8 Ways to Convince Your Loved Ones to Prep
If COVID-19 wasn’t enough reason to convince people to prep since many of us were subject to home-bound lockdowns, I’m not sure there’s much else that would. But I’ll still do my best to argue my case regarding why you and your family need to be ready before the crisis occurs. Here are 12 reasons why you should consider prepping.
12 Reasons Why You Should Prep
1. Power Outages
Out of all the reasons I have listed to prep, a power outage is the most likely to occur. You may think it’s not necessarily dangerous, but it could become a true risk if the power is out for an extended period. Especially if it takes place during a cold winter storm or the sweltering summer months. Would you have the supplies to keep your family from freezing to death or having a heat stroke while cooped up in your home? This is a major reason why you should prep. In case you missed this post, Power Outage: What to Do Next
2. Earthquakes
Most injuries and deaths that occur because of an earthquake happen because of something falling on an individual. The safest place to be is outside and away from trees and buildings. In case you missed this post, Earthquakes- Are You Ready?
Following an earthquake, you should never re-enter your home if it’s taken on significant damage unless your local officials have told you that it’s okay to do so. You’ll need to have a disaster supply kit that has a first aid kit included. that way you can bandage any wounds or head injuries that your family may have experienced. It’s all part of creating an emergency management plan for your family.
3. Hurricanes
Hurricanes are the most destructive and deadly in extreme weather over a wide area. It’s also becoming more common for a hurricane to be followed by another hurricane or a storm surge. In case you missed this post, How to Prep for Hurricane Season
You must be prepared for them if you live near the coast. Your family’s lives could depend on it. Along with prepping supplies, you must have an evacuation plan ready. If the weather experts tell you to evacuate your home before the storm hits have you thought about where you’d go?
4. Tornadoes
At times, tornadoes can develop very quickly and with little to no warning. You need to consider a place in your home where you can seek shelter, whether it’s a basement, cellar, or a room that doesn’t have any windows. You certainly don’t want to be caught without a battery-powered radio for weather reports that can provide instant updates or changes to weather conditions in your area. In case you missed this post, Tornado Watch vs Tornado Warning
5. Snow and Ice Storms
Getting snowed in doesn’t sound so bad, especially if you could take a few days off. But if your power is knocked out and you don’t have the food to sustain you and supplies to keep you warm, your situation could turn deadly. You need to have the resources to feed and provide water for your family. If the power goes out, you also need ways to prepare the food you have, including backup cooking devices. The good thing about snow and ice storms you usually get weather alerts long beforehand, which isn’t the case when disaster strikes from other emergencies.
Having extra blankets, a change of clothing if you get wet, and long pants if you have to go out in the cold weather to secure items outside or to shovel walks.
6. Wildfires
Wildfires are happening in California and other western states like never before. You must have the appropriate supplies and an evacuation plan, should one ever come your way. Wildfires can grow and move quickly, depending on the vegetation and wind conditions in your area. You never know how quickly the first responders will arrive to attempt to put the fire out or redirect it away from your home. Be sure to follow directives if told to evacuate, and you should be holding drills with family members if you live in an area with a risk of wildfires. Those drills should include various evacuation routes since you don’t always know the direction the fires will take.
It’s wise to plan ahead with your emergency preparedness plans by cutting back tree branches and bushes that are close to your home to minimize the hazards fires create and to prompt prevention of the fire spreading to your place of shelter. I’ve told my readers to consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to help protect their homes. More than one would be wise if finances allow it.
7. Floods
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has stated that flooding is the number one disaster in the United States today. In case you missed this post, Flooding: Everything You Need to Know
You may live far away from a large body of water, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not possible for flooding to happen in your general area. Flash floods can happen very quickly; unfortunately, most homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover your home and property in case of a flood. If you live in a flood zone, your lender will require you to get flood insurance, in most cases. Double-check, just in case. Unfortunately, a few insurance companies are canceling homeowner and vehicle policies in some states. We have a daughter who lives in Southern California, and it’s becoming very difficult for individuals to get car and home coverage in many communities.
8. Terrorism
September 11th was a terrifying day in our nation’s history and one that nobody was prepared for. Since then, there have been several other terrorist events like the Boston Marathon bombing and the 2017 Las Vegas shooting. In case you missed this post, Top Threats You Need to Be Prepared to Survive
There are other ways that terrorists could cripple our country, whether it’s financially or wiping out the entire electrical grid. The latter would push us back to the dark ages. People would resort to looting grocery stores and businesses, and your family would be left with nothing if you hadn’t prepared. Disaster preparedness is important so you minimize the possible risk of trauma in many forms. Besides the physical challenges we face from emergencies, many individuals struggle with anxiety as emergencies play out. You want all family members to get involved with your disaster preparedness planning so everyone is on the same page if an event takes place.
9. Pandemics
The COVID-19 pandemic was a key factor for survival during all of 2020 and most of 2021. We witnessed empty grocery shelves for specific items for months. Toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer, and other disinfectants were extremely hard to find, along with several of our favorite food items. You never know when the next pandemic that could be as costly to our health or worse will come back around. In case you missed this post, 30 Items You Need To Survive A Pandemic
10. Unemployment
You never know when you could lose your job through layoffs, an accident, or personal health issues. It could be you’re without work for an uncertain period. COVID-19 sent millions of America’s workers home and made it harder to keep food on the table and bills being paid on time. An emergency food pantry would be something nice that you can fall back on should you ever be left without work and can’t afford to buy groceries and rent. In case you missed this post, Unemployment Checks Ending: Things to Consider
11. History Has a Way of Repeating Itself
The stock market crash of 1929 had a devastating impact on our country, as well as on the rest of the world. Millions lost their jobs and homes, making it harder to feed and provide for their families. It was so bad that there were reports of people jumping out of skyscrapers. It’s been said that history has a way of repeating itself, so would you be prepared if this financial situation were to happen again in our lifetime?
If you have food and water stored, you can get by for an extended period. You need to take into account a number of things to truly be prepared. That includes food your family likes to eat. You also need enough water to provide each family member with at least one gallon per person per day as outlined by the American Red Cross. I tell my readers that four gallons per person daily is more realistic. You need to provide water for hydration, cooking, personal hygiene, and limited laundry chores. You need to stock up on prescription medications, infant formula for your little ones, and food and meds for your pets. Also consider the needs of elder adults in the home, those with disabilities, or other needs of a unique nature.
12. We are Living in Some of the Most Uncertain Times
Let’s be honest, just in the past few years, the citizens of the United States of America have become extremely divided in their views, especially pertaining to politics, social justice, and police reform. This summer, we had several violent and destructive riots and protests going on in many cities across the nation. What would you do if there were violent protests or riots in your neighborhood?
Almost every day now, I see on the news that they will not stop; people are angry. People are upset over gas prices and the cost of food, to name a few. How can parents feed their families, I ask you? I fear that food stamps, EBT, or food banks are overloaded with requests. What if they abruptly run out of food or funds?
Final Word
There are so many other reasons why you should prep. EMP attacks, solar flares, and cyberattacks are other threats that may seem like something out of a science fiction movie. Actually, they are also potential threats that are very real. If any of these situations I mentioned above were to ever happen to you, there’s the chance you wouldn’t find the food and supplies you need if you wait till the last minute. You have to be prepared before the disaster comes! May God Bless this world, Linda.
Copyright Images: Business Report AdobeStock_383467289 by Skorzewiak, Empty Grocery Store Shelf AdobeStock_507423660 By Halfpoint
Yup cause it’s my JOB as a Man, Husband, Father and Grandfather to care for those around me. It pays dividends to do so because it comes back around as well.
Hi Matt, AND you are the perfect example to all around you! Your family is so lucky to have you! Stay safe! Happy New Year, Matt!! Linda
Matt, I agree, but not just men should take charge of prepping. Women need to do it also. Together with their men, if they have one. I do, but he’s not as big into prepping as I am. I prep for all the reasons above. And to be able to help my children just like my mother did me when I needed it. I love knowing that I have something to eat in storage. And that I can help my children if/when needed.
Linda, I love what all you teach us and remind us to do. You are awesome to do this for others. I love this site. I check your post first, before others.
I agree with you and I’m fortunate that mine is onboard with me.
Hi Deborah, oh you just made my day! We are so lucky to have readers that can talk to each other and learn from one another. Life is good when you have kind people around! Happy New Year, Linda
And this is why I love this site so much. It seems we all love to help one another. And we care for each other. No arguments. We may disagree on some things, but we all have our own opinions and respect each other. I like everyone here.
Hi Deborah, we really are lucky with the people in our group here. We all bring so much to the table. Linda
Two thumbs up, Deborah. I think it’s Linda’s calm, sensible nature that encourages polite behavior here. It’s a rare gift, especially in these times.
Hi Roxanne, oh you are so nice! Thank you for your kind words, they mean so much to me. Linda
Exactly, Matt. The number one reason to prepare is because it’s the duty of any man or woman is to provide for and protect their family.
I stay prepared because I was raised that way! My parents went into a sort of panic mode if the shelves were starting to show – I mean the boards themselves were showing meaning we had used a lot of our storage. Mom used to say, I see the shelf – better plan on a major shopping trip. Of course, we canned a lot during the seasons so we actually wanted those shelves to start becoming bare near harvest times.
That brings to mind, though that we also need to be prepared for crop failures like we saw earlier in the year in the Midwest. I know that there will be someone who says that the failures were for corn that was destined to feed cattle, hogs, etc. But my point is that even if the crops that failed were not destined to feed humans directly, the price of meat was gonna go up! Knowing that I have freeze dried meat as well as meat in the freezer is powerful. Knowing that I can take a little meat and stretch it with my canned or freeze dried veggies is also a powerful thought.
I prep so I don’t have to fear the unknown coming to land on my doorstep.
Hi Leanne, I have to agree with you on the crop failures. They have been destined to feed cattle but come on a lot of different crops failed. We even saw milk being dumped and so many fruits and vegetables that no one could pick fast enough because the borders were closed. They were plowed under, man. We have to pray others really saw the “light” and got their shelves and pantries, etc. stocked. You and I will not fear because we know how to be prepared. Happy New Year, Linda
Linda:
My husband saw the newsletter that you sent out and asked me what “Prepping” was. Can you believe this? I have been talking about this forever and he asks me what Prepping is. Then he goes on that we have plenty to last us for a long time. I am going to have my daughter start to get a couple extra items each time she shops and When I go to Smiths I will get everything on my online coupon list and he can’t complain about that Now can he.
I will not eat beans every day for 3 meals a day. I like beans but my systems as wonky as it is can’t take that.
Hi Jackie, I love beans but I agree with you 3 times a day is a bit much. We need a variety that’s for sure. If your husband sees the empty shelves he will soon realize the dilemma we are all in. The stores are getting good at hiding it by pulling the cans and boxes forward so it appears there is more food than there really is on the shelves. Happy New Year! Linda
Happy New Year to you Linda.
I know that a lot of people get these pepper meals like the MRE’s the Military uses and I can use the MRE’s if I can find them. But the ones that are sold online I can’t eat nor can my family because they are filled with Sodium, Sugar and for me Sulfates, Sulfites or Sulfonamides and that can kill me. So I will just keep on getting things from the grocery that we can use and saving them.
Again I want to wish you and everyone on the list a Happy New Year
Hi Jackie, thank you, my friend! I do not buy any MRE’s. I can cook from scratch so there is no need for me to buy those. And based on your health issues you should not buy them either, so we are good! Happy New Year! Linda
We prep so we don’t need to take from others at times of need.
We prep so we can help our children and grandchildren if the need arises.
We prep because it gives us security.
We prep because we know what it means to go without.
We prep because it simply make sense.
Hi Chris, I LOVE LOVE LOVE these 5 statements! It’s so true, you nailed it! Thank you, Linda
We have a local weather forecaster here who really goes the extra mile to help us stay on alert during severe weather! (Redzone Weather is the app. It covers Mississippi, Alabama and NW Florida. )
One of Spinks Meginison’s best pieces of advice. … wear a helmet when there’s a chance of tornadoes, hail, hurricanes etc causing roof / structure damage. In a pinch, even a kitchen pot can protect your head.
We had our helmets handy for several of the hurricanes here in NW Florida that had microbursts & tornadoes embedded in them!
Hi BDN, wow, that’s a great idea about the helmets! I love hearing your local weather forecaster goes the extra mile to alert those that need to be alerted about the coming storms! Great tip on the app! Thank you, Linda
I found Redzone Weather during Hurricane Michael, the destructive Cat 5 storm that hit Mexico Beach, Tyndall AFB & Panama City, Florida 2 years ago & left a swath of massive damage over 100 miles wide & several hundred miles long across 4 or 5 states before it dissipated. Spinks gave concise, accurate facts, not drama. He’s based in Brewton, AL, but focuses on our whole area, especially the little communities.
We found nice bicycle & horseback riding helmets at yard sales for well under $10. I’ve also seen the bicycle helmets in thrift stores. Check to make sure the straps are complete & that the shell & inner structures are solid.
We had never even brought the helmets out in other years. But I remember one hurricane this past season where we were getting new tornado warnings every 15 minutes for several hours. Kept those helmets handy that night!
Happy New Year to all!
Hi BDN, wow, great comment for sure! Cat 5 YIKES! I love thrift stores and garage sales, it’s a great way to save money! Happy New Year! Linda
Seems like the biggest obstacle to prepping is actually seeing the value in being prepared. And I disagree with those who feel one must become a “super prepper”, hardcore and make it their main priority. Many of us already have some “survival skills” and can bath, cook, clean up after ourselves and so on. But one still has to be ready, know what to buy, what to do and how to deal with the given crisis. There is a minimum of effort required.
Having lots of skills, knowledge and experience is a benefit, but if one is well supplied and knows how to use or make use of what they stock and own, they have a good chance to deal with a disaster. Nobody should feel intimidated or fear that prepping is complicated. And therefore in any situation there will be many survivors and some will manage, even if they lack the gear and skills of a prepper or survivalist. In the most dire or extreme situations, those best and/or better prepared will naturally have the best chances for survival. If the unprepared or poorly equipped applied themselves they’d fare much better.
For the “usual” emergencies, most people can survive and even help others if they stop procrastinating or telling themselves that this or that is not necessary or nothing will happen or worst yet, they’re worried about what all the unprepared people think. They’re worried about the opinions of those who fail to prepare and will most certainly suffer the most. I find this sad and tragic.
Hi Frank. great comment, it made me really think outside the box. I believe people can survive if they are put in a position to have to survive. We have to give credit to those who do prep because they see the need. I sometimes wonder what my neighborhood will do if a disaster should occur. I do not worry about others’ opinions, I must be prepared for my family. But I hadn’t really thought about people being worried about opinions. That is sad, I love your comment. Linda
Hi Linda, because I live in a hurricane route I’m always being prepared throughout the year. Spent 25 years in an area that got blizzards and tornadoes, and 6 years in CA with the earthquakes. So I know the importance of being prepared. With the Presidential election coming I’m getting more canned food to put away, because it doesn’t matter who gets in office there’s going to be trouble. There’s also talk of something worldwide happening. Keep your food stocked, gas tanks filled, water stocked, and some cash stashed away.
Hi Barb, I totally agree with you. We need to be prepared for sure before, during and after the election. So many people have no idea that they should stock up food or water. The problem is those of us who have scraped by to stock up and prepare for ourselves cannot be expected to feed others. I can guarantee the government will not deliver food or water to their homes. Some people are naive if they think their churches will feed them or that the food banks will be running. I hope I’m wrong, but I doubt it. You are so right keep your gas tanks full, stock food, water, and get some cash even it’s only $20.00. I am expecting a worldwide disaster as well, I hope I’m wrong. God bless this world, Linda
Thanks Linda, be safe during these times. Always appreciate your posts.
Hi Barb, I appreciate your comments, they help everyone! Linda
I am so ready to have this election over! These are certainly uncertain times. But my main takeaway is that those of us who are prepared don’t need to panic!!
As for cash on hand, I suggest small bills rather that larger ones. I also recommend having goods that are easily bartered.
The economy is so unstable that I have major concerns about people who do not prepare. As prices rise, our money purchases less and less. It isn’t just about food and water. We also have to be prepared to stay home because of fuel prices, entertain ourselves without leaving the house! Prepare with books, crafts, etc. as well as food and water!
HI Leanne, great comment as always, everyday I hear the countdown to the election. Not sure what it is today, it goes right over my head. I’m too busy researching and writing. I love to watch documentaries, you are so right we should have books, crafts, games, food and water. Linda
Another good reason to be prepared for emergencies is peace of mind.
Hi Ray, I totally agree, peace of mind is everything. We can sleep at night. Linda
I agree Barb, no matter who gets into office there is going to be trouble. God Bless America
Hi Chris, I totally agree with you, it really won’t matter who gets elected, chaos will follow. God Bless America, Linda
Reason #13… Because Linda said so, and she did all the research so all we have to do is follow her lead.
Hi Chris, you are so. nice, my sweet friend. We must all be ready for the next few months through Jan. 6th. Again, God Bless America! Linda
So many great ideas are posted here! Thank you everyone. I wish I could say we are debt free, but we still have a mortgage & vehicle payment. We have been able to get 3-4 months ahead on payments in case of job loss, illness, etc. Paid off some smaller balances as well. The cushion provides peace of mind.
Hi Lori, congratulations on what you have achieved! Not everyone can make extra payments right now, way to go! Hopefully, things will change soon, time will tell. It really does give us peace of mind. Linda