With so much information out there and the overwhelming amount you need to learn, new preppers often make many mistakes. Having been through the process, we’ve made our share of mistakes, but each one has taught valuable lessons. To help you avoid some of the common pitfalls, here’s a list of prepping mistakes to steer clear of (in no particular order).
In our digital age, books might seem outdated, but in a power outage, a collection of survival books can be a lifesaver. They provide crucial information on purifying water, building fires, and medical care. Check out my top 100 survival books for must-have titles.
Having a stockpile of supplies is great, but what if you can’t access them during a disaster? Prioritize learning survival skills that can be used in any situation. Books can be destroyed, and you might be separated from your gear, so make sure you’re prepared to survive with just your knowledge.
Water is critical for survival. Many preppers stockpile food but neglect to store enough water. Remember, you can survive much longer without food than without water. Ensure your water supply matches or exceeds your food supply, and learn methods to collect and purify water.
Relying solely on staples like rice, beans, flour, salt, and sugar can lead to food fatigue. Make sure you store a variety of foods to keep your diet interesting and nutritious. This will help maintain morale and provide the necessary nutrients during a prolonged disaster.
Don’t make the mistake of buying survival food, sealing it up, and forgetting about it. Regularly eat and rotate your stockpile to ensure you enjoy the food and know how to prepare it. This practice helps prevent waste and keeps your supplies fresh.
Food and water are essential, but don’t neglect other survival needs like first aid supplies, bug out bags, cooking implements, and weapons. A well-rounded prep plan covers all aspects of survival.
While guns and ammo are important for protection, don’t over-rely on them. Hunting and trading ammo won’t be as viable as you might think, especially in urban areas. Diversify your preps to include food, water, and other essentials.
Your pets need preps too. Include food, water, and other necessities in a pet survival kit. Consider a bug out bag for your pets to ensure they’re ready to go when you are.
#### 10. Planning to Bug Out No Matter What
While having a bug out plan is important, sometimes staying put is safer. Evaluate each situation and be prepared to shelter in place if necessary. Roads may be blocked, and getting to your bug out location might be impossible.
Involve your family in your prepping plans. Ensure everyone knows basic survival skills and understands the importance of prepping. If something happens to you, your family needs to be able to carry on without you.
It’s tempting to buy everything at once, but this can lead to mistakes and disorganization. Make a prioritized checklist and build your stockpile gradually. This approach is more manageable and less overwhelming.
There’s a lot of survival gear out there, and not all of it is good. Thoroughly research products before buying to ensure they’re reliable and durable. Read reviews and watch videos to make informed decisions.
Don’t wait for a disaster to figure out how to use your gear. Test everything as soon as you get it. Familiarize yourself with its operation, disassembly, and reassembly to ensure it works when you need it.
While you might feel a specific disaster is more likely, it’s essential to prepare for a range of scenarios. Disasters are unpredictable, and being versatile in your preparations will serve you better.
Keep your prepping activities private. In a crisis, desperate people might target you if they know you have supplies. Only share your plans with trusted family and close friends.
Nothing ever goes exactly as planned. Have multiple backup plans for various scenarios. This includes alternative routes, rendezvous points, and backup supplies.
Regularly rotate your food and water supplies to keep them fresh. This ensures you don’t end up with expired or spoiled items when you need them most.
Poor sanitation can lead to illness and infection. Stock up on hygiene products like soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, and a complete first aid kit to maintain health and cleanliness during a disaster.
Don’t store all your supplies in one location. Distribute them across your home, car, bug out location, and other safe spots. This ensures you have access to supplies no matter where you are when disaster strikes.
Don’t worry if you’ve made some of these mistakes; we all do. The key is to learn from them and continue improving your preparedness.
