When we started into Covid three and a half years ago, I had been watching what was going on in China and while, we had done a decent job of keeping up on our supply levels, so that when things started going south here in the US, all we needed to do was to top off our supplies. But since then, we have become rather lax in replacing our supplies over the course of a move and with the majority of our supplies no longer at our main residence, we let things slide. If we were to go into another pandemic right now, we’d be in trouble. Join me on this expedition as we navigate the world of Preparedness, uncovering the top three mistakes Experienced Preppers make that can turn even the most seasoned preppers’ security into vulnerability. Last week we discussed two of the mistakes that experienced preppers make. But those aren’t the only two common mistakes of experienced preppers. This week, we’re going to hit the other three.
Mistakes Experienced Preppers Make #3: Not Keeping Up with Necessary Scheduled Tasks
In the intricate tapestry of preparedness, where foresight and planning can mean the difference between survival and vulnerability, even some of you can stumble over unforeseen hurdles. Among these challenges lies a mistake that’s all too common among experienced preppers – the tendency to neglect crucial scheduled tasks in the pursuit of readiness.
When an experienced prepper has amassed a stockpile of supplies and established a plan, it’s easy to fall into a false sense of security. However, preparedness is not a one-time accomplishment; it’s an ongoing journey that requires consistent effort. Neglecting scheduled tasks can gradually erode the foundation of preparedness and compromise your ability to respond effectively when the time comes.
Instead, there are routine tasks that we, as experienced preppers often easily neglect including regular duties such as switching out seasonal bug-out-bag clothes and food, performing EDC and Bug-out-bag reviews, keeping up with your stockpile, ensuring regular maintenance and inspection of equipment like vehicles, air conditioners, heaters, and various prepper supplies. Batteries can drain, food can expire, and gear can wear out. Failing to perform routine checks can lead to unpleasant surprises when you need these resources the most. Learning something new or a new facet of something you already know should be one of high priority items on your monthly schedule. We need to maintain skills as a part of our necessary scheduled tasks. How long has it been since you’ve gone to the shooting range? How long since you practiced starting a fire? How long since you cooked on anything that didn’t require electricity of any kind – besides your grill? Don’t neglect making learning part of your routine?
How about preparedness drills? Have you ever run one? Have you ever run a fire drill? Have you run a tornado drill where everyone grabs their 72 hour packs/grab-n-go bags and made it to the safe area in your home? Have you ever run a get-out-of-dodge drill? We never thought that Hawaii would experience as devistating a fire as they had. It could happen in your area too. Practicing your emergency plan through drills is essential to identify weaknesses and refine your strategies. However, sometimes we overlook the importance of scheduling regular preparedness drills. These exercises simulate real-life scenarios and help your family fine-tune their responses, communication, and decision-making processes.
To avoid the mistake of neglecting scheduled tasks, experienced preppers must recognize that preparedness is an ongoing commitment. Establish a system to routinely inspect supplies, conduct training sessions, review and update plans, and perform preparedness drills. Embrace the mindset that staying prepared requires dedication and adaptability, ensuring that your readiness remains resilient and effective.
Mistakes Experienced Preppers Make #2: Honing in on Individual Scenarios Instead of the Big Picture
In the complex world of preparedness, where readiness means navigating the unknown with confidence, even experienced preppers can stumble upon a pitfall that can compromise their comprehensive approach. This pitfall involves becoming too engrossed in the details of individual scenarios while losing sight of the broader picture, leading to a skewed perspective that might hinder their ability to adapt effectively.
We all just came out of a global pandemic, and if we’re being honest there are rumbles from diffrent factions that there is another ‘plandemic’ on the horizon. It’s easy to look at the world of preparedness through those eyes. Or we’re heaing a LOT of information about bank rating being lowered and banks being downgraded. It’s easy to focus only on shoring up our monetary assets.
Seasoned preppers often have a deep understanding of specific scenarios, such as natural disasters or economic crises. While this expertise is valuable, it’s crucial not to become ensnared in a narrow focus. Becoming an expert in one area can unintentionally blind you to the possibilities of other emergencies that might require a different set of skills and strategies.
Instead we need to look at preparedness as a holistic picture. Should we have our finances in order? Absolutely! But we should also be looking at the overall ‘big picture.’ If we focus solely on finances, we may not be working on getting our fall garden into the ground. If we focus only on the garden, we may not be thinking about reports of a harder than normal flu going around in any particular year. If we are only focused on practicing, we might not have noted that our food stores are getting lower than we would normally feel comfortable.
Focusing solely on one or a few specific scenarios might lead you to overlook skills and resources that can be useful in a broader range of emergencies. While the details of scenarios vary, there are core skills like communication, critical thinking, and adaptability that can be applied universally. A well-rounded skill set ensures you’re prepared for the unexpected, no matter the form it takes.
Expertise in a specific scenario can breed overconfidence. Experienced preppers may believe that their knowledge and skills in that area make them impervious to other threats. This mindset can lead to complacency, hindering their ability to anticipate and respond to new challenges effectively.
Focusing exclusively on individual scenarios rather than the big picture is a trap that even experienced preppers can fall into. By cultivating a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of different emergencies and prioritizes cross-scenario skills, you fortify your readiness for a multitude of challenges. This adaptable perspective equips you with the agility and insight needed to confront the complexities of the uncertain future with unwavering preparedness.
Mistakes Experienced Preppers Make #1: Having a Stockpile Instead of a Plan
In the world of preparedness, where the unexpected can swiftly become reality, seasoned preppers often stand as beacons of knowledge and foresight. They’ve honed their survival instincts and accumulated supplies over time, creating a sense of security that can be reassuring. However, even the most experienced preppers can fall into certain pitfalls that hinder their preparedness efforts. One of the most significant mistakes they make is prioritizing a stockpile over a well-thought-out plan.
What happens when you prioritize a stockpile instead of crafting a comprehensive preparedness plan?
You get the illusion of security
It’s easy to become fixated on accumulating supplies – food, water, medical provisions, and equipment – to the point where it seems like having a stockpile is equivalent to being prepared. While having essential supplies is undoubtedly crucial, relying solely on a stockpile can create a deceptive sense of security. Preppers who focus solely on amassing resources may overlook other important facets of preparedness including crafting a preparedness plan, practicing skills, developing a side hustle, or investing in fitness.
A stockpile is only a component of preparedness, albeit an essential one. What separates truly effective preppers from the rest is their dedication to crafting a comprehensive plan that considers various scenarios, responses, and contingencies. A well-thought-out plan not only takes into account the resources on hand but also incorporates strategies for adapting to changing circumstances, communicating with loved ones, and navigating the complexities of an evolving crisis.
To rectify the mistake of favoring a stockpile over a plan, experienced preppers, like some of you, should reassess your approach. This begins with you recognizing that preparedness is not a static endeavor. Instead, focus on ongoing assessment, refinement, and innovation. Prioritize the creation of a comprehensive preparedness plan that encompasses a wide range of potential scenarios, from supply chain disruptions, soaring gas prices, and natural disasters to societal disruptions. Your plan should include assessing your real-time risks, creating an emergency kit, detailing communication strategies, assigning roles and responsibilities, and practicing and evaluating your practice runs.
As we close…
The journey through the landscape of preparedness, illuminated by the mistakes even experienced preppers can make, beckons us to evolve. Preparedness is a dynamic entity, thriving on balance, foresight, and adaptability. The missteps we’ve uncovered – neglecting scheduled tasks, overlooking skills, fixating on one aspect, and losing sight of the bigger picture – unveil a comprehensive preparedness tapestry. Let’s fuse these lessons into our own narratives of readiness. By crafting holistic plans, honing skills, and collaborating, we fortify our capacity to confront uncertainties. As the world turns, these lessons unite us, guiding us to stand resilient in the face of challenges. Preparedness isn’t a solitary endeavor; it’s a collective journey toward resilience, empowering us to navigate the changing terrain with unwavering confidence.
And as you look to see if you can find yourself in these lessons and to correct any mistakes that you may have found, remember,
