Prepping 101

[bèlla]

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[Dansiph]

I would like to create a cohesive guide for those new to prepping or curious about the practice. Opinions abound and many assume its practitioners are in the wilderness or living off the grid and that isn't the case for most. So, let's educate them.

How do you define prepping?
Why do you do it?
What resources would you recommend for beginners (food, goods, etc.)?
What skills are worth developing? Are any a waste of time?

I look forward to your replies!

Yours in His Service,

~Bella

I don't know much about this. I watch a YouTube channel that discusses this topic though. The channel is called Wranglerstar. He's a Christian also by the way.

One thing I will add is teamwork is essential to my knowledge. Family, close friends or some sort of group is essential.

 

[Job405]

How do you define prepping?
Why do you do it?
What resources would you recommend for beginners (food, goods, etc.)?
What skills are worth developing? Are any a waste of time?

1. Gathering equipment and materials to be self-sufficient for a period of time.
2. I just like to be prepared and not depend on the government for everything.
3. 1-2 months of food, water, meds, toilet paper and other essential supplies. Solar panels + batteries for offgrid power, or maybe a gasoline generator. Camping equipment and go-bags if you must leave your property. Walkie talkies. SAS Survival Handbook.
4. Hunting, first aid, sewing, general handyman skills.

 

[public hermit]

Hi, Bella!

How do you define prepping?

I think of prepping as trying to be prepared for situations outside the status quo. This can range from natural disasters to an economic meltdown.

I live in a particular area that is vulnerable to specific outside-the-status-quo scenarios, so I try to prepare for those, e.g. hurricanes, tornados, etc.

Why do you do it?

I just don't assume that disaster can't strike. I don't do it out of fear, but prudence. I look at it in the same I do about keeping a budget, saving, wearing a seat belt, avoiding toxic relationships, etc. Prudence.

What resources would you recommend for beginners (food, goods, etc.)?

I would start with a supply of non-perishable goods: dry beans, rice, flour, salt cured ham, coffee. Have a good first aid kit. Solar powered radios (including NOAA), water filtration devices, multiple fire making devices, needed medicines, etc.

Don't assume you will be able to stay home, so make a "bug out" bag with essentials if you must leave, even if only for a few days. I carry one in both vehicles in case I get stranded. It only needs to happen once to wish you were prepared.

What skills are worth developing? Are any a waste of time?

I would encourage anyone to learn basic survival skills, because you just never know. Learn the build shelter, procure food, navigation, water purification, fire making, etc. Keep vegetable seeds on hand. Learn to grow food, trap, and hunt. Preferences go out the window when you're starving. Learn of nearby water sources other than the kitchen sink.

At the very least, buy some books that teach these things and keep one in your bag. Having that knowledge at your fingertips might save your life or someone else's.

The more you know, the better prepared you are, the calmer you will be in a crisis, and the less likely to make a fatal mistake.

Finally, pray and trust that no matter what, you will arrive in the divine presence. Faith, confidence, and prudence go together like mash potatoes and sweet peas!

 

[Maria Billingsley]

I would like to create a cohesive guide for those new to prepping or curious about the practice. Opinions abound and many assume its practitioners are in the wilderness or living off the grid and that isn't the case for most. So, let's educate them.

How do you define prepping?
Why do you do it?
What resources would you recommend for beginners (food, goods, etc.)?
What skills are worth developing? Are any a waste of time?

I look forward to your replies!

Yours in His Service,

~Bella

I would like to create a cohesive guide for those new to prepping or curious about the practice. Opinions abound and many assume its practitioners are in the wilderness or living off the grid and that isn't the case for most. So, let's educate them.

How do you define prepping?
Why do you do it?
What resources would you recommend for beginners (food, goods, etc.)?
What skills are worth developing? Are any a waste of time?

I look forward to your replies!

Yours in His Service,

~Bella

My question is...if a Christian is a well stocked prepper, will they share with those who are not?
Be blessed.

 

[public hermit]

My question is...if a Christian is a well stocked prepper, will they share with those who are not?
Be blessed.

Absolutely. Or, I would. Somebody already mentioned working together. I live alone but care for an elderly couple next door, so I prepare not just for me, but us.

I think in a situation such as economic meltdown people will band together. We see it in miniature during natural disasters. There are lot's of good folks out there and desperate situations give them the opportunity to shine.

 

[tturt]

Why? Because been in situations several times without utilities for weeks. Do practice runs by turning off electricity for a weekend or a few days. You'll find out how long 2 bags of ice last in your cooler, how much water it takes to wash and rinse dishes, how long the generator will run on a full tank of fuel, etc.

Have paper plates, disposable utensils, manual can openers. Plan A and B established.

Also, long term - heirloom seeds enable you to have seeds another season. Plant utilizing rowless gardening strategies such as square foot, vertical, or intermingled with shrubbery. Canning supplies.

 

[Tobyjoe]

Have a few things to add to the skillsets list.

skills and tools of first responders: fire, police, EMT
waste disposal
security: property and personal

Prayer is important for me to stay grounded. Tempting to panic buy and hoard. And I like to freak out. Need to guard against my favorite facets of prepping from becoming idols.

Have a great day!

 

[tturt]

Mary's Nest has 2 wk emergency food supply, natural antibiotic, Prepper pantry, Bug out bag, etc on youtube.

 

[chevyontheriver]

My question is...if a Christian is a well stocked prepper, will they share with those who are not?
Be blessed.

I think that falls under hospitality.

 

[SavedByGrace3]

I think that falls under hospitality.

I will refer you to the story of the prophets, Antioch, and the provisions for Judea.

Acts 11:27-30 KJV
27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

The question is, if there is to come hard times, including a worldwide "dearth," what will each of us have to relieve the needy? Or will we be part of those standing in the bread line that day? People are making that decision today.

Also there is this:

1 John 3:17-18 KJV
17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

Love would say to prepare to help your brothers.

 

[timewerx]

I would think your best bet of surviving a major cataclysm is forming and growing a community. Strength in numbers.

21st century trends and culture have turned us into isolationists.

Unfortunately, it's when we are divided that we fall.

 

[timewerx]

Form a tribe before it happens not afterwards. You need to know their character, how they handle adversity and so on.

~bella

Don't you think it would be better AFTER, when the civilization is collapsing or has collapsed, that's where you'll really know who can handle such truly hopeless situation.

 

[SavedByGrace3]

Disasters don't turn us into benevolent citizens. They reveal who we are underneath. Most assume they're going to be this way or that. But they're wrong. They'll respond the way they do when they're uncertain. They'll defer to their usual reaction when they're afraid, stressed, or their back is against the wall. That's how it works.

Downturns of any sort bring a host of uncertainties. Everyone has a breaking point and wise people know theirs beforehand and make provisions. It's easy to say we'll do this or that with imagined dangers. But will we really open our doors for everyone? How would we respond to someone injured, bearing weapons, or who appears menacing? More than likely we haven't considered that.

Risk assessment must be part of preparedness with related strategies for different scenarios. When there's civil unrest people stay inside. I live in a thirty story building. When the riots occurred no one opened their door. We turned out the lights and looked out the window. Not wanting to draw attention to ourselves unnecessarily. Most recommend blackout curtains as a precaution. So no one knows you're home.

When things collapse people work together the first week but afterwards things begin to change. It's a lot like Survivor. If you've ever watched the show that's pretty close. Desperation brings out the worst in most.

Form a tribe before it happens not afterwards. You need to know their character, how they handle adversity and so on.

~bella

There are some hard words here, but they are absolutely true. Life can be hard, and reality can be even harder when people hold to unrealistic and foolish principles.
"Desperation brings out the worst in most."
Ah, and there is the rub. I wish it were not so, but life and history bear this truth out.
In this day? Now?
People will not listen, refuse to see the signs of the times, and are in denial about the piano hanging over our heads. If you do not currently prep, please take the threads and posts we write seriously. Don't find yourself in the role of the desperate one.
Ask yourself now, what would you do to save your family from certain starvation? Most honest people, even believers, will say "anything." Your child is crying and losing weight. Your wife is screaming at you to do something. What will you do?
Don't wait until that day. Start now. There are plenty of guides and plans on how to start prepping and build an Antioch Food Store to save not only your family, but help your church and even community.

 

[SavedByGrace3]

Thank you for chiming in. While the topic is sensationalized in other places we approach it through faith and action. We don't subscribe to wishful thinking or theatrics. We're practical and levelheaded. We hope for the best and prepare for the worst in light of the word and societal observations and experiences.



We've had ample opportunity to see the world at its worst and the expectations that went unfulfilled during the pandemic. That was our warning. There was no global call for prayer or outpouring of benevolence. Assistance came in pockets not in droves.

Most people looked after their own affairs. There's enough posts from that period attesting to loneliness and isolation to enlighten the reader. For more than a few the Internet was their lone support network. Which should beg the reader to consider how they'd cope without access. Who would they turn to?

This like many things are what we warn against. Putting all your eggs in one basket is unwise. Building your safety on expectations is foolish.



I researched gardening statistics in the US for my reply. I wanted to include some data for greater clarity. The first source is from Garden Pals and includes the pandemic.

Gardening Statistics and Facts
Highlights of statistics on gardening:

1. The Covid pandemic created 18.3 million new gardeners, most of whom are millennials.
2. 42% of gardeners spent more time gardening during the Covid pandemic.
3. Global online sales of gardening goods doubled during the Covid pandemic.
4. 55% ofAmerican households engage in gardening activities.
5. Millennials make up 29% of gardener demographics.
6. Millennials have an increasing interest in cannabiscultivation.
7. American adults spend$48 billion on lawn and gardening equipment each year.
8. Average garden yields $600 of produce in a year.
9. 35% of U.S. households grow vegetables, fruits, and other food.
10. Children involved in growing vegetables are more willing to eat them.

Notice number 8. The reader should ask themselves what they spend on a monthly basis produce wise to determine if the amount would cover their household for a year.

Once they've done that they should look at the numbers. While 55% of American households engage in gardening only 35% grow items they consume. Homesteaders comprise a portion of the group but not the majority. Most of the people gardening aren't homesteaders.

Assumptions are further eroded when referencing Homesteaders of America Demographic Study. Most notably, annual income and employment followed by impediments.

View attachment 344274
View attachment 344275

As the data shows most homesteaders are working while managing their homestead. Very few are doing it full-time. Your favorite YouTuber is not the norm and they're being compensated for their content. Which the majority aren't. Add in the financial details and the picture is clear.

We asked aspiring homesteaders what their biggest drawback from homesteading was—51% stated finances were an issue, and 50% stated that finding land was their biggest issue.

Gardening is labor intensive. The majority grow enough for themselves with a little to spare. I hope that sinks in. They aren't farming on a commercial scale nor do they have the means or manpower to do so. While there may be extra to share it's unlikely to be enough to support a family long-term. At best, it's a supplement and shouldn't be relied on as the sole source for our nourishment.

The second source is from RubyHome and their Garden Statistics were insightful.

Research by Scotts Miracle-Gro and Wakefield found that over half of the country, 55% of American households, are engaged in gardening activities. This translates to 71.5 million gardening households, or 185.9 million people, ranking the U.S. among the top 3 gardening countries worldwide, preceded by Australia and China.

Key Gardening Stats

• 55% of U.S. households (71.5 million) have a garden.
• 18.3 million U.S. households started gardening in 2021.
• The U.S. is one of the top 3 gardening countries.
• 55% of people garden to create a beautiful space, and 43% garden to grow food.
• Tomatoes are the most popular homegrown vegetables and found in 86% of food gardens.
• The average U.S. garden is 600 sq.ft. and produces $600 worth of food.
• The average return on food gardening investment was 757% in 2021.
• A 100-200 sq.ft. food garden can feed one person year-round.
• People garden 5 hours a week on average.
• 29% of U.S. gardens are in the South.

There's some overlap with the other data and additions worth noting. I was especially drawn to the stat on gardening by income. The reader should consider their environment in light of it and walk around the neighborhood and take note of what they see.

Are you surrounded by lawn, flowers or food and what percentage? If everyone relies on the grocer for sustenance you're unlikely to get a lot of help. It may be comforting to imagine generosity but we have to be realistic. They have families to feed as well.

Gardening by Income

Over half of the U.S. home gardeners earn an annual income of $75K or more, and 34% earn $100K or more, well above the 2021 national median annual income of $79.9K.

• $100K and higher - 34.1%
• $75-$99K - 20.5%
• $50-$74K - 2.6%
• $25-$49K - 17.1%
• $25K and lower - 5.8%

For what it's worth most high income households grow ornamentals not food. They're interested in beautifying their surroundings. Garden walks were prevalent in the past and are still in fashion in some areas. I share this for those who assume they'll find resources in affluent neighborhoods. There's nothing to poach and the majority are gun owners. You've been warned.

There's multiple tables to reference. I found the section on how much time does gardening take equally beneficial. Once the reader considers their circumstances and the necessary output they should do the same with their loved ones and those in their vicinity.

Garden Size	Hours/Week	People Fed/Year
100-199 sq.ft.	0.5-1 hr	1 person
200-399 sq.ft.	1-2 hrs	1-4 people
400-799 sq.ft.	3-5 hrs	2-6 people
800-1499 sq.ft.	4-6 hrs	4-8 people
1,500-2,000 sq.ft.	6-8 hrs	6-10 people

It's easy to believe you'll feed a horde until you realize what it takes to sustain them. A collective effort is best. The same applies to your neighbors. You'll have a greater appreciation for those growing their food when you realize the effort required. Cross reference the table with the homesteading employment chart for deeper insight.

YouTube is a viable medium for getting started and offsetting expenses. I make the following recommendations with demographics in mind. 99% believe in God. One is Mormon and the others are Christians. Their content is informative, clean and not political. 99% are married with children.

• For general cooking and pantry preparedness I recommend Mary's Nest. She has many resources on her site and the book is good. If you purchase it make sure you grab the free curriculum.
• For singles and those interested in foraging I recommend Homegrown Handgathered. They offer a course with a sliding fee if interested.
• For urban dwellers with limited space I recommend Becoming a Farm Girl.
• For suburban homeowners with garden space I recommend Epic Gardening.
• For working families I recommend Adaline Zook.
• For small families with a stay-at-home spouse (or aspire towards this) I recommend More Than Farmers.
• For large families with a stay-at-home spouse I recommend The Seasonal Homestead.
• For crunchy mamas and sourdough fans I recommend Hopewell Heights.
• For seniors I recommend Whippoorwill Hollow.
• For seniors and those with limited mobility I recommend RoseRed Homestead.
• For retirees I recommend That 1870s Homestead.
• For those with limited space for food storage I recommend The Purposeful Pantry.

For those with limited resources reference 'Depression Era cooking' and Mary's shopping list for Aldi's and Walmart.

~bella

There is a lot of good information here—too much to digest in one sitting. Thank you for taking the time and effort to put it all together.

 

[chevyontheriver]

A Note About Sharing...

Since I mentioned YouTube I must interject the necessity for discrimination in the things you share. Images are searchable and your location may be discovered. Security professionals discourage certain angles for photos. You may be showing vulnerabilities unintentionally or over sharing to your detriment.

Pantry tours and shopping hauls are common on social media. Don't open your home to strangers without considering your ability to secure your belongings. Be equally discriminating in public and private venues. Read the TOS about the content. It may surprise you. Who do the photos belong to once they're posted? You or them?

I participated in a paid membership in the past and my photos were included in the weekly newsletter for members as were my comments. They didn't ask my permission. I removed them afterwards for those and other reasons.

Keep in mind, real estate purchases are public unless it was a private sale. I've seen YouTubers outed. As in the purchase was discovered along with the price and address. Google your home and see what appears. How recent is the street view? Don't take unnecessary risks. You never know who's watching.

~bella

As far as street view, you can ask Google to blur it for you. Their view of my house had a shot of my open garage, and that revealed too much. I asked. They blurred it up real good. At least good enough for any casual stalkers. Maybe the Chinese and the NSA can unblur it.