Here’s a question for you—are you truly prepared? You are confident that you have the process of prepping down to an art. You have stockpiled a boatload of supplies that will ensure that you can ride out any contingency. There isn’t much that you haven’t thought of or considered. You have every base covered. The result is, you have a whole bunch of stuff—now what?
When it comes to beginning preppers, we are all guilty of getting sweep in the initial rush of prepping. We watch every news story about prepping and digest all the information we can. We look at every possible situation, from every angle, making plans for whatever scenario may be thrown at us. We make lists and work towards being the most prepared person we can be.
Then, all of a sudden, the newness and excitement wear off. We no longer feel the overwhelming urgency to be prepared as we once did. We scale back on our stocking, as well as our research. Before long, we find that we are only prepping sporadically, if at all. We are just not as driven as we once were.
The Art of Preparedness
As preppers, we need to remain vigilant. When we feel we can sit back and relax, it is then that we are guilty of becoming complacent. If we let this attitude go on too long, we will not be any better off than those who have never prepped. Never let you guard down, and never think that you are “finished.” Prepping is an ongoing process that if you are to be prepared at any given time, you will have to keep working at. It all boils down to the sole fact that you don’t want to lose all that time and energy you initially put into prepping in the first place.
Make Sure To Rotate
When prepping, you must stock those varieties of items that have a significant shelf life. These may include such items as dehydrated or freeze-dried foods. You can include those items that have a shorter shelf life, such as grains or canned vegetables, or even MRE’s. There are even those options that may be stored in the fridge or freezer. Once you have your pantry sufficiently stocked, it is easy to ponder how well you are prepared to feed your family. However, with all this food you have stored, it will not be worth much if you fail to rotate your supplies.
Any foods that you purchase for your prepping pantry should be used, and then resupplied, with what is referred to as the FIFO process. FIFO stands for First In First Out. It is not rocket science, and anyone can achieve this process. The hardest part is in the execution, as if you don’t have a system in place, you will be prone to losing your discipline. Just keep in mind when you purchase a new product, you will need to place it in the back of the products you already have. This will ensure that when you reach for something, you will use the oldest items first, as they are in the front. It is all about making sure to shuffle your items, old to the front, new to the back. You can also achieve your FIFO by way of checking the expiration dates.
Forgetting to Resupply
Don’t be afraid to use your prepping items. Not only will you be making sure to rotate your older preps out for your newer ones, but you will also be gaining both practice and familiarity with your prepping provisions. Many make the mistake of using all of one of their preps and keep putting off replenishing their stock. If you find that you have to use your spare propane tank, make sure when you get the chance that you replace it. The same applies to your spare gas. When used up, makes sure to refill it on your next trip into town.
How to Use Your Preps
This is one of the most common mistakes that we make as preppers. This is never more true than when it comes to those tools we have in our prepping arsenal. It would be perfect if we were all former cub scouts, and by rubbing two sticks together, we can get a campfire going. However, as as it turns out, most of us don’t have this type of skill. That is why we need to work with what we have and make the most of it. We need to not only build our tool supplies, but we need to educate ourselves on how to make use of those tools. Don’t wait until the last minute, and as a result end up having to learn on the fly. This will only serve to set you up for both a headache and a possible disaster. If you have firearms but have never taken the time to learn how to use the weapon, you will not be proficient with it when the time comes. When you find the need to use that firearm, it will be worthless if you don’t know how it works instinctively. Such actions as knowing how to reload or even clear a jam are necessary skills to have ahead of time.
Prepping, for many who choose to do it, can be very beneficial, and if done properly can become a lifestyle. As such, don’t be afraid to make use of your preps, as long as you make sure to replenish your stocks, while at the same time making sure to rotate. The process is not a difficult one, and anyone can make use of the process. With a little research, time, and due diligence, you will be ready for whatever life throws your way.
