A Prepper’s Not-To-Do List
As a prepper, there are so many lists of things “to do.” However, have you ever stopped to think that there may be some things that you’re doing that can hurt your prepping efforts? A Prepper NOT-to-do list can help you avoid wasting your time on things that just don’t make sense, can cost you money, and may put your family at risk. Don’t spend time on these tasks if the results just don’t help yield a return in money saved, comfort knowing you can deal with emergencies, and cause you unnecessary concern. Check out this: A Prepper’s Not-To-Do List…
A Prepper’s Not-To-Do List
Have you ever stopped to think about What are Preppers Prepping For? While there are a lot of reasons preppers are prepping, there are some things that they just shouldn’t waste their time on. Of course, you can always check out the CDC’s website for a full list of what they recommend for emergencies and preparedness at least from a health and wellness standpoint.
1. Obsessing “over” the end of the world
While prepping is important, constantly worrying about the end of the world, or at least significant disasters, can lead to anxiety and unhealthy behavior. 13 Things You’ll Regret Not Having When A Disaster Hits Life these days seems to be full of things that can cause anxiety for many of us. Rather than stewing over things, evaluate what can realistically be done to protect your family and property and take some reasonable action.
2. Hoarding unnecessary items
Prepping is about having the right supplies on hand in an emergency. Hoarding unnecessary items or stocking more than you can use will take up space and make finding what you need harder. It’s important to go through your inventory of preparedness-related items and stop hoarding unnecessary items! 50 Of The Best Survival Excuses Having what you need and properly maintaining those items is an important part of your family’s emergency preparedness plan. It should be reviewed and updated at least annually as your circumstances change.
3. Believing conspiracy theories without evidence
Believing in unfounded conspiracy theories can lead preppers to focus on the wrong things and potentially waste time and resources. I mean, I love a good conspiracy, but we must be able to dictate truth from fiction and rumors. Common Misconceptions About Preppers Make sure your research is based on reliable sources, can be fact-checked, and follow common sense input. The old saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” can also apply to the downside of things, “If it sounds too far-fetched or can’t be reliably confirmed, it probably isn’t factual.”
It’s too bad that many of the “news” sources can be biased and put out questionable information. Stay informed as best you can using verifiable sources.
4. Focusing solely on one type of disaster
While preparing for a specific type of disaster is important, it’s also wise to prepare for a variety of scenarios, as emergencies can come in many different forms. I know that there are tons of disasters that can strike at any moment, and it’s important to be prepared for as many of them as possible. 12 Types of Natural Disasters Many disasters and emergencies are more locations focused. You won’t see hurricanes in Utah or snow storms in southern Florida. Again, common sense should dictate your priorities but don’t skimp when you know you are in an area prone to certain events.
5. Neglecting physical fitness and health
Being physically fit and healthy can be crucial in survival situations. Neglecting one’s health can result in problems in the long term. I know many have put on a few extra pounds, but this could really affect us in those stressful situations when we need to be physically fit and as healthy as possible! Fitness for Survival
We all should strive to eat healthy foods, maintain our bodies with some exercise, visit health professionals on a regular basis, and avoid risky environments and activities that could prove harmful.
6. Viewing others as enemies or potential threats
In an emergency situation, cooperation and community can be important for survival. Viewing others who may have different ideas and beliefs as enemies can prevent valuable collaboration. Of course, you should always be cautious, but not everyone is your enemy or out to get you! 12 Reasons Why You Need Family And Friends
7. Spending excessive amounts of money on gear and supplies
While having the right prep gear is important, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Preppers should be careful not to overspend. This can be tough, especially when the list for prepping supplies can get really long. This is a cautionary tip to not overspend and put your family in a tough financial bind. Top 11 Budgeting Tips for Emergency Preparedness
I’ve taken the position to grow my prepping inventory slowly and thoughtfully. I don’t use my credit cards to purchase preparedness items unless it is a dire emergency. I don’t want to be paying high interest for an extended period. Follow my lead and buy “one can at a time.”
8. Becoming isolated from the community and social support
Building connections with others is an important aspect of prepping, as a strong social network can provide support during tough times. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Go ahead and build community and social support, it’s an important part of prepping. How to Make a Community in Your Neighborhood
You can meet some great people in a variety of places and circumstances. We met some awesome people during our Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. Church and civic clubs have also provided valuable friendships over the years.
9. Ignoring the importance of mental and emotional preparedness
Being mentally and emotionally prepared can be just as important as having the right supplies in emergency situations. One of the last things preppers think about is their mental health. Take the time to be prepared in every way. Disasters and emergencies can take a toll on you mentally, make sure you have what it takes to be strong emotionally and mentally! Mental Health Issues After A Disaster
If you find yourself feeling stressed or full of anxiety much of the time, make the effort to get some help. Being involved in some form of therapy doesn’t carry the stigma it used to. It may be a brave step, but you’ll be glad you did, particularly during truly stressful emergency situations.
10. Stockpiling perishable items with short shelf lives
Preppers should be careful to stockpile items that have a longer shelf life in order to avoid having items go bad before they can be used. If you’re on a budget, it’s important to invest in items that have a long shelf life! 125 Preparedness Items You Need To Stock
Canned goods of all kinds are a wise starting point. Canned veggies, fruits, and meats can be used in so many recipes as part of meal planning. I’ve always suggested my readers learn how to garden and then can (preserve) the harvest. You should also try to frequent farmer’s markets and local case lot sales to make the most of your purchase dollars.
11. Underestimating the importance of basic survival skills
While having the right gear is important, basic survival skills like building a fire or finding and filtering water can be invaluable. If you have children, make sure you take the time to introduce them to survival skills that will last a lifetime. Survival Skills to Teach Young Children
Being able to build a shelter, cook outdoors, and use all the items in your first aid kit are some examples of skills that will come in handy. Take the time to research and get involved with worthwhile classes of all kinds. It can be a fun and lifesaving exercise for the whole family if done right.
12. Neglecting to safeguard important documents and information
Preppers should keep important documents like passports, insurance papers, and contact information for loved ones in a secure and easily accessible location. How to Help Your Family Organize Important Documents
I’ve recommended a grab-and-go binder for years, and have a printable you should check out. Make sure family members know where it is and what is included.
13. Disregarding the importance of sanitation and hygiene
In emergency situations, maintaining proper sanitation and hygiene can be important for good health and preventing the spread of disease. Let’s not forget the importance of taking care of your hygiene! 35 Essential Personal Hygiene Products You Need to Stock
Having enough water to properly hydrate, cook, clean, do laundry, and perform personal hygeine.
14. Believing that they can survive alone without the help of others
In most emergency situations, having the help of others can be important for survival. Preppers should be careful not to isolate themselves. How to Prepare for Isolation We all know it could take a while for first responders to arrive. We have to be able to handle things initially, but if we have experienced real devastation to our home, there are injured family members, or if we have little children or the elderly in the home we’ll need help. That’s why we need to have a network of extended family, neighbors, and friends who can step in when needed.
15. Focusing on weapons and tools rather than knowledge and skills
While having the right tools is important, it’s also important to have the knowledge and skills necessary to use them effectively. 22 Basic Prepper Items You Need Learning to build a fire to survive, cook a meal, or stay warm is just one skill. Knowledge is power!
16. Refusing to adapt and adjust to changing situations
In emergency situations, things can change quickly. Preppers should be prepared to adapt to changing conditions in order to survive. Survival Food And Emergency Food Storage Staying calm and able to think on our feet is important. Your kids need to see you in control and decisive when it counts.
17. Assuming that all natural resources will be available indefinitely
Preppers should be careful to plan for scenarios in which natural resources may be limited or unavailable. In the event of an emergency and natural resources run out, you need to have a worst-case scenario plan. 5 Vital Wilderness Survival Skills For Teens
Those cases of bottled water will last only so long. You need longer-term contingency plans as you put your family emergency plans together. Also, it’s important to run through some “what-if” scenarios to make sure you are prepared as things go forward.
18. Relying solely on technology and electronic devices
In emergency situations, technology can fail. Preppers should be careful not to rely solely on electronic devices and have manual options as well. Prepping in 2023: Starting with the Basics Being able to provide and receive communication is critical. Cell phones, walkie-talkies, and other communication devices should be charged up and ready to go. Backup batteries or solar chargers are also important. I have solar powered flashlights that I have on my window sills charging at all times.
19. Neglecting to plan for long-term survival scenarios
Preppers should plan for situations that may last longer than a few days. Long-term survival scenarios require additional planning and supplies. Doomsday preppers are better at long-term prepping than most people. Here are some things to consider for a prepper’s not to-do list:
- The Top Survival Kitchen Cooking Essentials
- Survival Uses for Drinking Straws
- How to Put Together a Pill Bottle Survival Kit
- 6 Ways to Use Hot Rocks in a Survival Situation
- Foraging Wild Nuts for Survival Purposes
20. Failing to recognize that survival involves more than just physical needs
While having the right supplies is important, survival also involves mental and emotional fortitude. Preppers should be prepared to take care of both physical and emotional needs in emergency situations. The 5 Basic Things You Need to Survive
Things you should spend more time preparing:
- First Aid Kit
- Medical Supplies
- Bug-Out Bag
- Personal hygiene
- Enough inventory of emergency supplies
- Bottled water, cell phones, toilet paper
- Water supplies, emergency kits, and emergency preparedness plans
- Food preparation and making sure there’s enough food for the average person for a few days to a few weeks
Final Word
A prepper’s not-to-do list isn’t complicated. If you are short on time and need to focus on important items, then this list is for you. Sometimes it’s hard to know exactly what to spend your time on, but hopefully, this list helps you. I hope this not to do list helps you just as much as any other list out there. May God Bless this World, Linda
Copyright Images: Outdoor Fireplace Depositphotos_7641274_S
Another good article, Linda. You know, every time we watch a flick that has to do with surviving and/or survivalists, we shake our heads at the general lack of common sense portrayed, things that most people we’ve known would never do.
It doesn’t take rocket science to pause and think about what you should do or need if something you use every day suddenly was unavailable. There are always work-arounds to keep us secure in our persons and resources. It just requires a little forethought, time, effort, and whatever money you can manage to throw at it, and those of us with good neighbors and family close by are truly blessed with a special resource that money can’t buy. Unfortunately there will be many who must rely on themselves to plan and prep. Even so, it’s vital to never allow any of the tough stuff the power to overwhelm us. Even in these bizarre times, there are lots of good things going on to give us all hope. Let’s use this to our common advantage. And when you pray for guidance, never forget to be grateful for what you have. It’s probably more than many have.
Hi Terry, I love your comment. Here’s the deal, we really do need to be thankful for what we have because like you said it’s probably more than many have. I totally agree we must not let “stuff” we need to do to overwhelm us. There are still good people out there, thankfully! We can all survive, we have the skills to do it! If we don’t have the skills we need, we can try and learn them. Linda
Hmmm you mean like those who have an entire semi trailer of TP right now? “Because covid”
They said “whatya think?” All I said was “balance in all things”.
Hi Matt, now I have the giggles, yes, I suppose it would be those with a semi trailer filled with TP! When I was writing this, I was trying to word it so it didn’t sound extreme! “Balance in all things”, nailed it! Linda
I confess that I am obsessed with prepping. I think about it 18 hours a day. I read 200 post apocalyptic novels a year and each book will mention something I haven’t gotten yet. Just recently the characters ate grits and I went, “Oh my gosh, I have no grits put away.” So then for 2 weeks, I am freezing grits and vacuum sealing them. Then I started thinking about other things food storage companies do not sell (I have bought all the freeze dried foods already), and came up with great northern beans, kidney beans, navy beans, green baby lima beans and black eyed peas. So then I had a month of ordering on Amazon and Walmart and vacuum sealing at least 50 pounds of each. Then I thought about cereal. In the South, we dont eat oatmeal for breakfast a lot; we eat eggs and grits or cold cereal. That sent me on a buying spree for Cheerios, Fruity Pebbles, and Rice Krispies. I have those put up now. Then you posted about cast iron cookware, and although I have a large variety, I did not have that dutch oven with the lid you can put coals on. So I bought that. That made me think of the wood cook stove I have in storage and remembered I have all of the stove pipe but not all of the accompanying pieces like a wall thimble, braces, and spark arrestor, so I did a big order on Amazon and got the rest. Now Amazon has figured out I am a prepper, and it makes ads pop up for prepping and survival items. Because of the ads, I bought some more arrows and broadheads for my grandson, more gardening twine, more fish antibiotics, etc. My brain just zips along, and I cannot shut it off. I do garden for flowers as well as vegetables, but that’s my only other hobby. Even midnight entertainment is watching videos of appendectomies, C-sections, treating gunshot wounds, and reading about antibiotic dosages and healing herbs. I don’t worry about the actual event happening. But sometimes, I wish I could forget about prepping.
Hi Angela, here’s the deal, think about why you are “obsessed” your words not mine. It’s great to stock up on the food you will eat. As far as those beans, you better have plenty of water to cook them. I would personally slow down, learn some skills, you didn’t mention the skills you may have. Store charcoal without the lighter fluid to use that Dutch oven outside. Keep the charcoal in airtight containers, they will keep indefinitely. Most preppers would love to hear that someone like you was prepping. Most of us do not have neighbors who are prepared at all. They do not see the need. Many churches, counties, and cities have asked people for years to be prepared for the unexpected. They think food and water will be delivered to them after a disaster. Nope, nada, it’s not going to happen. They will certainly be surprised, right? Good job, Linda
Angela, I am not sure if you are serious or not! If you are, you will survive the SHTF. Remember to season that dutch oven and use it, or it will just get rusty.
HI Tom, great comment, thank you!! I totally agree with you! Linda
Tom, I am serious as a heart attack. I won’t survive long because my meds will run out, but my family will. None have the skills that I have, but each of them has 2 or 3 skills, even the grandchildren, and when you put them all together, they can do everything I can do except sew. I have some of my ancestors’ cast iron pieces, plus ones I have bought, and I am taking good care of them.
Hi Angela, lets pray your meds will not run out….I hear what you are saying. Did you know Mark Cuban (Mavericks Owner) started his own pharmacy company with lower prices. I have faith it that we will have medications. Linda
We must learn from our ancestors and see what they did to prepare. I have 5 freezers with meats in them. I also have dried and canned foods to use in a emergency. I look at what my Mother-in-law, her sister and their mother my husbands Grandmother did and try to emulate them. Nell my husbands Aunt would make Chicken and dumpling and make enough that she could can if she had enough or freeze for later meals If she didn’t make enough to can. Those women could cook. My husbands Grandmother had to start cooking at age 9 because her mother was ill. She married my husbands Grandfather at age 15. They were as southerners always said “Dirt Poor. But she had a way of making things even when she did not have anything. She could make a Chicken and make it last almost a whole week. She would make legs one day, thighs the next 1/2 of the breast the 3rd day, Gizzards the 4th the other half of the breast the 5th and anything left over on the 6th day. They thought they were in heaven when Pa brought home a deer or elk he killed. Ma even made soup from the bones and veggies from her garden.
People are not willing to do that anymore.
Hi Jackie, We really do need to learn the skills from our ancestors!! I know many readers here that have the skills, we rock with different ones! Life is good! Linda