The fact that you are reading this article tells me that you are probably more prepared than most people.
Perhaps you have a stockpile, a bunker, or a grab-n’-go bag. Maybe you are ahead of the game and have a highly organized system and a solid plan for an emergency. That’s great!
However, even the best-laid plans can fail.
We all make mistakes. Even the most experienced of us will sometimes miss a vital component or forget a critical item. Unfortunately, when it comes to preparedness, there is no room for mistakes, and failure could be fatal.
To stay safe and sane during an emergency, you must ensure that every base is covered and your plan is perfected.
To avoid pitfalls, I have compiled a list of common mistakes to help you prevent slip-ups and stay safe.
Although I am sure you have considered most of these issues, it never hurts to be extra sure of your plans.
Don’t Assume Your Currency Is King
When it comes to being prepared, money is always a factor to consider. Do you store funds in a bank, keep cash on hand, or invest in gold, silver, or platinum?
Truthfully, you should have more than one option. To be safe, no matter what happens, having more than one investment and more than one currency at your disposal is vital.
Seek opportunities and create a solid, secure, and, most importantly, diverse portfolio that can withstand any event.
Don’t Rely Solely On Synthetic Medicines
We all need aspirin occasionally, and stocking up on necessary medications is critical to survival.
However, drugs have an expiration date. Certain medications may remain safe for consumption even after surpassing their designated expiration date, but their efficacy might be compromised.
What happens when they expire, and you can’t get to the pharmacy for more?
Being prepared means learning home remedies that allow you to treat ailments without access to conventional medicine.
Don’t Forget The Documentation
Many people focus on food and gear when thinking of being prepared. What you will eat, how you will cook, and how you will defend yourself are essential things to consider. However, you must not overlook other important items you already have at your disposal.
Having copies of birth certificates and identification is critical in any prepper kit and should not be ignored. When SHTF, these items may be unattainable but might still be a travel requirement, making them vital to survival.
Don’t Buy Gadgets You Don’t Need
Prepping has become a popular pastime thanks to shows like Doomsday Preppers and the like. Due to this mainstream popularity, countless items are being advertised to consumers that make claims they cannot uphold.
An all-in-one food prep item or another trendy gadget may seem valuable, but you must decide if it is worth the money, effort, and space. Each device you add to your kit takes up space for something else.
Don’t Keep Old Broken Items
It can be tempting to hang on to an old radio, a handy gadget, or a broken water cooler to repair it and use it later. I am here to tell you that ‘later’ is too late.
Do not hoard damaged items because you might need them down the road. Fix it today, or throw it away. There is no room in a prepper kit for excess.
Don’t Store Items You Do Not Know How To Use
My friend was on a leisurely hike, enjoying nature, when she happened to encounter a large Grizzly. Not immediately concerned, she reached for the bear spray she had been told to bring on her adventure.
Unfortunately, my friend had thoughtlessly stored the can of bear spray in her backpack with food and camping gear. Although she fumbled and made a lot of noise, she was able to retrieve the bear spray, but she realized that she did not know how to use it.
While she struggled with the spray can, the bear moved closer, sizing her up. Thankfully, the bear was curious, not hungry, and wandered past. My friend is lucky. She can recount the story today. However, this situation could have been much worse. This simple mistake could have cost my friend her life.
⇒ Why You Should Never Hide Your Stockpile In Your Basement
I am sharing this story with you because when adding items to a prepper kit, you must ensure that you and anyone who will be with you are experienced in using the articles. You do not want to stand on a trail fumbling with bear spray while a Grizzly sizes you up for lunch.
Don’t Panic Purchase
If the pandemic taught us anything, it is the power of panic purchasing.
You must be ready today, so you do not need to rush to the store for toilet paper tomorrow.
Every purchase you make for your prepper kit needs a purpose and a plan.
Do not buy items simply because they are on sale or in high demand. Do not wait until you desperately need them.
Don’t Forget The Entertainment
Food is fuel for survival, but your mind must also be fed. All too often, preppers fail to prepare for the mental aspects of a disaster.
Lock yourself in the basement for two weeks without access to books, television, radio, internet, etc., and you will quickly see the dark power of the mind. If you forget to factor in entertainment, you are doomed to fail.
Don’t Neglect The Small Comforts
Although any food is better than no food, and being alive is much better than the alternative, failing to account for the small daily comforts is a mistake you do not want to make.
Stock up on the necessities but do not forget some of your favorites. Small snacks or treats can go a long way regarding your mental health in a crisis. The same goes for other objects. Add a favored blanket or trinket to your prepper kit for safety and comfort.
Don’t Stock Up On Foods You Don’t Like
When a friend recently showed me his preparedness stockpile, I could not help but cringe at his food choices.
I asked him why he made the choices, and he replied, “It was on sale.”
Seeing an item on sale can cause temptation.
⇒ How To Get 295 Pounds Of Extra Food For Just $5 A Week
However, if it is not something you are willing to literally live off in an emergency, it is probably not the best choice.
Stockpiling 936 cans of bento beans will not help you when you are sick to death of bento beans and starving.
Don’t Procrastinate Prepping Tasks
Procrastination is my worst enemy. I often put off until tomorrow what could be done today. Procrastination is probably my most significant fault. However, tomorrow may be too late when it comes to being prepared.
You can put off doing the laundry, washing the car, or cleaning the house, but don’t procrastinate prepping tasks. Ensure you are ready now. Disaster will often strike without warning, and you will fail if you are not organized.
Don’t Underestimate The Weather
One of the biggest mistakes preppers can make is disregarding the weather – this is especially true of those in warmer climates. Prepare for sudden temperature changes regardless of where you are, and don’t forget to consider the changing seasons.
Even if you live in Florida, having warm clothes in your prepper kit is a good idea. Remember, you do not know what tomorrow holds, and for all you know, you could wake up under a blanket of snow.
Don’t Just Plan For The End Of The World
Most people think of planning for the apocalypse when discussing prepping.
While you do want to prepare for a doomsday situation and be ready for the worst-case scenario, many other things are far more likely to inhibit your daily life. You need to plan for all situations, not only the worst-case ones.
Localized disasters, financial crises, or power outages can be just as challenging as any apocalypse situation.
Don’t Forget Your Pets
Having a bunker full of canned goods, weapons, tools, and books will not be helpful if Fido is starving in the corner. Don’t forget to add pet food and other items when creating a stockpile or filling your designated shelter.
Don’t Forget To Practice
Much like a fire drill, you need to practice to be prepared. Ensure you have your plan outlined and make a point to practice often. You should create alternative routes, scout new locations, and adapt for flexibility continually.
Since we never know what is coming, we must be prepared for anything. What if the main road is taken out? What if your shelter is damaged? What if you need to travel and be on the move? It is not enough to think of the worst-case. You must think of all possible situations if you hope to survive.
Don’t Stop
The biggest mistake you can make when planning for the future is to stop. The job of a prepper is never done, and there is always more that could make a difference.
The moment you give up and think you are ready for anything is when a ball comes from left field and catches you off guard. Never stop, give up, or get too comfortable – your life depends on it, and the future is far too uncertain.
While there are many more mistakes that a prepper can make, these are the ones that I felt were most significant to this piece. I could easily add hundreds more, as I am sure you could too. In fact, I would love to hear some of your ideas.
What mistakes do you want others to avoid? What lessons have you learned over the years? What do you think a new prepper needs to know?
Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s talk about preparing for the inevitable. Stay safe.
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I have a friend that just retired from a drug manufacturing plant in Charlotte NC. He dumped drums of powdered meds into a machine that make tablets, and fills capsules. He told me not to worry about meds because most of the drums they use have manufactured dates that show they’re over 25+ years old. Sure some may get a little weaker over time, and a few actually get stronger but there’s no need to throw them out.
He also said that they make tablets/ capsules for humans during the day shift, and for pets on the night shift…from the same drums
There is a rumor about the meds to our military. The drug (cartel) big pharma recycles, re-cooks the expired drug in pots. These are reconditioned drugs for our military. And probably for the public consumer too. As mentioned by those potential Whistle blower’s have seen in the industry.
Which is why I buy antibiotics made for fish online.
Ft Dietrich did a study of expiration dates for meds and found MOST (not all) were good FAR beyond their expiration dates. In most cases over 20yrs. Some exceptions were liquids and doxycicline and it’s derivatives.. it saved them tons of money. The main reason drug companies want you to toss “old” meds is so they can make NEW ones for you to buy and change the packaging to attract your attention. MOST human drugs are no different than animal drugs and are made in the same drug plants. There are many articles about this. They will tell you “don’t use animal drugs on humans ” then procede to tell you HOW to do it. And you can buy them online or at pet stores with NO prescription. I would only use them in a SHTF scenario and not on a regular basis but I AM stocked up for when the zombies, Russians or Chines start dropping in.
I have been picking up tools, canning equipment and meat grinders that are manual. When the power goes out and it does, I have tools that are not electric power. Flame canner. Crank radios. Solar flashlights, axes, machetes because the chain saw will only run so long and it is noisy. Make sure you have pots that go over a fire and don’t melt the handles. Anytime you use something electric, think about how they did it before it was made electric? I bought 2 spokeshaves, a hand crank meat grinder and a compound bow for $22.00 last weekend. I trade to people for something else or I give them to someone who is trying to get in the groove. Don’t forget a tent. I should have bought the backpack I saw for 3 dollars and don’t know why I didn’t. This weekend I will. I have put canned goods in backpacks. It much easier to pack and carry or haul than putting them in tubs. Tubs are fine too. They catch rainwater.
For people who are planing. Remember that tubs have many uses and can be washed. I used my tub for plants, watered from the bottom, due to a water holding tub. I put it in the living room for light, to save on energy.
I’m currently looking for non-homogenize milk and fresh eggs. Everyone is buying the fresh eggs in my area and they are getting difficult to find. I am trying to be a sustainable. Rose
Get some backyard chickens.
Learn to glass water your eggs when you do have quite a few.
“Glass water your eggs”? What is that or is it a typo? Thanks!
water glass (not glass water)
“Water glassing eggs involves submerging clean, unwashed, eggs in a pickling lime and water solution to seal off the shell and preserve them for 12-18 months. The result is perfectly fresh, unspoiled eggs, just like they were the day the hen laid them.”
water glass is a lime that suspends fresh eggs for a year or more.
Here is an article you might find helpful: How to Preserve Eggs with Water Glass
For people who are planing. Remember that tubs have many uses and can be washed. I used my tub for plants, watered from the bottom, due to a water holding tub. I put it in the living room for light, to save on energy.
I’m currently looking for non-homogenize milk and fresh eggs. Everyone is buying the fresh eggs in my area and they are getting difficult to find. I am trying to be a sustainable. Rose
One thing about money not having all your eggs in one basket. Kinda disagree, there aren’t much better stores of riches than Gold and Silver.
The US govt wants the digital dollar to control and repress those who don’t vote their way. If you don’t contact your representative about digital currency. We are going to get the CCP social credit system here by the Biden Crime Family in charge.
We need to rethink about the ‘Bunker’ in this post. The idea is good on paper, not realistic in practice. You eventually have to come up to investigate the area. That is when the looters will be waiting. There are not many options for escape. Where a surface structure offers better options to defend or bugout to.
Gold will be the first thing Governments move to confiscate in a digital economy. It’s happened before. If you do purchase Gold, don’t pay the premiums for coins, purchase bullion in different weights
The corrupt govt will fear monger us. The reason we still have older Gold and Silver coins available is many people did not get their stuff confiscated.
Your right bullion will be just as good as the govt minted coins. When the time comes will it matter either way?
Bunch of good points but not all. Everyone I know who takes preparing seriously saves a substantial amount of items that may no longer perform the original purpose perfectly, but keep them for future use, either as “repairable backups” or for spare parts, or for “MacGuyvering” and fabricating other items. Call it a scrap pile, a junk pile, or a well organized recycle/reuse collection, old stuff can be used in a myriad of ways.
While we may not want to overwhelm our space, preppers and homesteaders alike usually have SOMEPLACE they go to to “scrounge” “STUFF”.
One simple example: who hasn’t seen a windmill of some kind made up out of pieces of so called JUNK?
Lots more, but I think this makes the point.
When our friends were farming, the guy had a rock pile where scrap metal was placed. There weren’t enough out buildings and they were struggling financially, so the rock pile was a way of keeping the metal off the ground so it wouldn’t rust badly.
To All,
One of the things i like to do is all these use full articles that you all come out with. I have a large printed copy of them all. I have organized them into catagories that are familure to me. Foraging, DIY meds, and so on. If you have important documents put them in your freezer if you do not have a fire proof safe. Make sure to put them in a zip lock or vacuum sealed bag so they do not get wet but at least they will not be distroyed in a fire. Also for the foraging information i have laminated those so that i can identify the good from the bad if i have a question in the field. I completely agree with having multiple ways to pay for things including barter things. Cheap whisky, honey, those types of items along with your precious medals. However i will warn you don’t buy anything but rounds or 1 ounce inguts as it will be hard to try and find something that you want for those sizes. I understand that you cannot plan on every scenario however you can prepare for allot of them. Just be vigilant and keep your stock rotated. Hope this helps someone for future endeavors.
I like the section about not stocking up on foods you don’t like — that is why you Will not find one grain of rice on my shelves. Besides, I’m allergic to rice.
Katherine,
What did you mean when you said to “scout new locations” as you practice getting to your bug out location(s)? Are you saying to look for hasty temporary sites? Permanent sites? To squat upon? To purchase? On public lands? On large, seemingly deserted private properties? I’m not criticizing, just seeking more info!
Thank you!
Most of us that are older and on a fixed income do not have the spare cash to stock up on items also to store them! As well the long term food suppliers are now charging 2 or even 5 times what they were as couple of years ago, I.E. A one year supply for over 2 thousand dollars and it is their choice and they come in large cans so when you open them you must use that within a month. This all should be packaged in smaller containers and get the price down! Oh well that will never happen. Also being older and single I think it would cost more for me and others to buy and learn how to can and store them!
I buy what I can afford at the time to eat not anything extra. I did buy a 3 month supply years ago and still have it stored in a bedroom.
one day at a time , a little at a time , only as you can afford it
try save a penny a day , then a nickle a day , then a dollar a day
in the course of time you see the accumulation of wealth
this same principle apply s
not all at once , systematic saving , storing , preparing , keeping track, keeping it in order so you can rotate stock , this is crucial , rotation
As to only what you like to eat
When you are hungry, starving , doing with out , you will eat what ever you can get or trade away
Those with vacuum sealers can remove those items from the huge tins and vacuum seal in small pint mason jars.
I agree about the amounts…I’m widowed and I cook large portions of spaghetti sauce, chili, taco soup. veg/beef soup, mashed potatoes, etc.(you get the idea)
I freeze them in the Pillsbury 3/$1 containers and thaw overnight and have a meal without cooking for one.
I even take the ground beef and divide into burger patties so when I need a burger, no reason to thaw a pound,
Great article
one thing to remember
in times like are going to happen , lawlessness will prevail in all areas including Gov.Military, police, people in charge
The heart of Man has not changed over Time
Corrupt to the morrow, soul , inner being
Man seeks himself, herself , self preservation , seeking what they want
When your confortable and in need of nothing , the pride of life come s out
when your down and out and have great need of everything you either Curse God or Cry out to God , We will See
It is written in the Bible : if you fear God , Obey his commands , Live According to his holy word you will find peace thru tribulation , no one will be exempt , all will see this
Exception : Rapture of the Saints , those who truly believe , trust , follow the word will be saved from the coming judgement of mankind , this is where God pulls back his hand of protection
Read History not sensored , real history , see where God takes out leaders, people , civilations , only by removal of his hand of protection .
God has left the Holy Spirit for mankind and that is why you still have Good, Good will, Godlyness
Speaking of pets. Anyone know the life of a can of dog/cat food? And while I’m asking, how long will dry food last. Thank You for any info.
Jerry, my current very picky eater feline doesn’t have a problem with 3 year old cans, but HATES liver and chicken even when new. 🙂 I sure you have similar issues with your furry friend,,,,,, I don’t see or smell icky in these older cans, so I figure the cat can tell if there is a problem(or at least I HOPE SO) and will let me know by snubbing foods he usually eats.
The large bags (13 to 15 pounds, in my case) seem to be just fine a year or more past the dates marked on them. I don’t detect any odd smells or see any signs of mold, and the cat’s fine consuming it. I DO keep these large sealed bags in the plastic tubs with locking lids, mainly to reduce the likelihood of rodents noticing them, as well as preserving them. I use the tub that hold 3 of these large bags, around (roughly) 30, 32 inches by 16″ by 18″ high. I can’t go the canning route with that stuff, it’s enough that I have to worry about the people food.
After having had cats in my life for over 60 years, I STILL can’t figure everything they are saying or thinking!
Glad to see folks keeping the pets in mind on these sites. (don’t forget to stock up on litter, too. Sure, there are alternatives, I used to deal with those as a kid, but there is a REASON we use commercial litter today, right?)
Remember too, if it REALLY goes bad, cats can eat the invaders we shoot! (KIDDING, KIDDING!)
Being prepared has a lot of known and unknown variables.
Short term events should be easy for a prepper.
Long term events are impossible to perfectly plan for, but we should try anyway.
– If SHTF, Stockpiling for 1 or 2 years, or longer is a must.
– Don’t engage: Avoiding conflict is an absolute priority, especially in year 1.
– Don’t be caught in the open: Being strategically located far away from cities is a VIP requirement.
– Don’t be ignorant: Acquire additional skill sets now: agriculture, gunsmith, disaster recovery, medical, military tactics, other survival skills;
– Don’t forget: Being able to self-sustain after supplies run out.
– Don’t advertise your location: A strategic hi-tech hidden bunker is a huge advantage.
– Being lucky by planning ahead for contingencies increases your good luck.