Are You Even a Prepper?
Are You Even a Prepper?
If you call yourself a prepper but haven’t checked these boxes, are you even legit? Prepping ain’t just about hoarding canned beans—it’s about being ready for whatever life throws at you, from power outages to full-on zombie apocalypse vibes. Here’s the must-do list to prove you’re the real deal. No shade, but if you’re missing these, time to step up your game!
Stocked a 30-Day Food Stash
You can’t be a prepper if your pantry’s looking sadder than a ghost town. A solid 30-day food stash is the bare minimum—think canned goods, rice, pasta, and stuff that won’t go bad when the grid goes down. Last year, I got stuck in a week-long blackout, and my stash of chili and ramen was a total lifesaver. Pro tip: rotate your stock so nothing’s collecting dust.
Got a Water Purification Plan
Water’s life, fam. If the taps run dry, you need a way to make dodgy water drinkable. Filters, purification tablets, or even a DIY boiling setup—pick your poison. I learned this the hard way when my camping trip turned into a “guess this stream water won’t kill me” adventure. Don’t sleep on this; dehydration ain’t cute.
Built a Bug-Out Bag
A bug-out bag is your grab-and-go lifeline when sht hits the fan. Pack essentials like a first-aid kit, flashlight, multi-tool, and some cash. Mine’s got a beat-up notebook for jotting plans, too. You don’t need a fancy backpack—just something ready to roll in under a minute. If you ain’t got one, you’re basically betting on never needing to bounce.
Learned Basic First Aid
If you’re out here thinking Band-Aids fix everything, you’re trippin’. Knowing how to clean a wound, splint a break, or do CPR is clutch when help’s not coming. I took a first-aid class after my buddy sliced his hand camping—let’s just say I wasn’t ready to play doctor before that. Get some skills; YouTube’s free, yo.
Practiced an Evacuation Drill
You can have all the gear, but if you panic and forget where your keys are, it’s game over. Run a drill with your crew—pretend the house is on fire or zombies are knocking. I did this with my fam and realized we were all running around like headless chickens. Fix those kinks now, not when it’s real.
Stashed Some Cash Money
Cards are useless when ATMs are down, so you need cold, hard cash. Small bills, hidden somewhere safe, can get you gas, food, or a sketchy motel room in a pinch. I keep a lil’ emergency fund in an old coffee can—sounds paranoid, but it’s saved me during a random road trip breakdown.
Got a Backup Power Source
No power, no problem—if you’ve got a plan. Solar chargers, battery banks, or a small generator can keep your phone or radio alive. I snagged a cheap solar panel after a storm killed my power for two days, and it was a game-changer for charging my gear. Don’t be left in the dark, fam.
Mastered a Survival Skill
Prepping’s about skills, not just stuff. Learn to start a fire, tie knots, or grow some veggies. I tried gardening last summer and totally botched it—my tomatoes were a sad vibe—but I’m learning. Pick one skill and get decent at it; it’s like flexing your prepper cred.
Made a Comunication Plan
When cell towers crap out, you need a way to reach your people. Walkie-talkies, ham radios, or even a meet-up spot work. My family set a rally point at a park after I got separated during a crowded festival—scary moment, but it taught me to plan ahead. Don’t assume you’ll just “figure it out.”
Tested Your Gear
Buying gear is easy; knowing it works is another story. Test your flashlight, fire starter, or that janky tent in your garage. I once assumed my old sleeping bag was fine—spoiler: it was not, and I froze my butt off camping. Run your stuff through a trial run to avoid surprises.
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