Like I said above, you need to ease some people into this. There are people who tend to go overboard once they decide to become preppers. You have seen the reports on television. They borrow tens of thousands of dollars, build underground shelters that can withstand direct nuclear bomb hits, or have enough food and water stored to last through Armageddon and then some.

To each his own. Even though that is the choice of a select few, the vast majority of us simply cannot logically go to those lengths. It is vitally important that you balance your life equally between work, prep, and play.

Preparing to survive a disaster should not break the bank or hurt your ability to maintain a comfortable life now. You are not trying to live in the future right now; you are preparing for possible events that may or may not happen. The 10-year supply of freeze dried food purchased on credit does not put fresh food on your children’s plates now. In other words, disaster planning should not harm your current living status because you are so worried about your future living conditions.

In the following sections, this guide will review reasonable principles, methods, and practices for preppers. First, there is a review of the basics, which are water, shelter, food, and fire. That section is followed by a discussion of safety and security, addressing securing your shelter, basic medical care, self-defense, and the defense of your home. The chapter on planning presents checklists to help you make important decisions like “bug in or bug out”, items needed for different time periods, and accommodations for people with special needs, like infants and elderly.

Of course, no discussion on survival planning is complete until you consider how you will deal with situations involving other people. For example, are you prepared to calm rising tensions or do you know how to barter for essential items? Do you know your capabilities and limitations? It is time to begin doing what preppers do best…..prepare!