For years we have talked about stocking up on food and water. And for years we did nothing about it. I think busy life and not really worrying was the culprit. Then I lost my job. At first I figured everything will be fine. I will get a job no problem I have a lot of skills.
The first and second month were easy. Got some unemployment and looked for a job figuring this was just a little vacation. By the third month I realized that unemployment barely covered anything. I had to make a choice between health insurance and eating. I chose food. Around 8 months unemployed I began to get a bit depressed. Every day I sent out anywhere from two to ten resumes. EVERY DAY. And I heard nothing. It was at this point I began to get a bit scared. My savings was beginning to dwindle and it didn’t look good for a job.
At a year and 11 months of being unemployed I was beyond frightened. Savings was almost gone and the food that I was buying was all generic cheap not very nutritious food. But it was all I could afford. I was in full blown depression and full blown panic. Then my friend told me about a temp job. I jumped as fast as I could. I ended up learning an entire new set of skills and have now been employed for around 6 months. But that black spot remained. That complete feeling of being helpless with nothing. I wasn’t prepared.
A funny thing happened when I watched an episode of "Doomsday Preppers". A white haired man sat in a chair talking to the camera about how we needed to be prepared. That no one was going to do it for us. It was like a light switch went off. My time was now. I needed to get stuff prepared. I needed to build up a stock pile. I needed a bug out bag since I live in Silicon Valley I doubt I would be able to drive out of here if I need to. I needed to take care of me and mine.
So I have started. I am nowhere near ready. I am a baby prepper I guess. So far I have a bit of canned food, 4 packs of freeze dried food, a empty bug out bag, some water purification tablets, lighters, one case of water and hand sanitizer. It is not easy yet. But I am trying. Wow reading that list makes me feel completely unready for anything.
But you know what? I have started. I will not live in fear again. I will be prepared. I am a prepper and I honestly believe everyone should be one too.
I learned the hard way that not being prepared is frightening. You don' t. Stop waiting and start preparing.
J.J. CA
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Comments
That's great!!! Now go out and get some guns and throwing knifes. Maybe a water filtration system from our website. When the (edited) hits the fan do u have a plan?
In much the same place. We gotta start somewhere. Organizing what i DO have and then getting basics like you. We can branch from there. Hang in..we are all babies once :-) right? Thanks for sharing.
Do you have a flashlight and batteries? You could add that to your list. :-) Try to pick up a couple of cheap candles, and try to add a few cans of food to your storage every week. Don't forget extra can openers. Absolutely get some water storage containers and fill them up! Cover the basics first, then expand from there. Stay at it, and you'll be really surprised at how quickly your basic necessities start to accumulate. Before you know it, you'll be miles ahead of most of the people in this country! I hope you win one of the prizes! God Bless You and good luck!
Thanks for your comments!!! I am learning pretty quickly that not only is the prepper community smart they are pretty darn nice too! A flashlight would be smart. And I never even thought about can openers. YIKES. And yes I guess in the beginning we are all babies. Throwing knives sounds like a fun and good skill to learn.
Great article. I'm also a baby Prepper. I went through all the things I already had in the house and car. You might be surprised what you already have on hand in the way of first aid, flash lights, and other bug out bag supplies. Good luck!