Are You Blind To Prepping?

Unfortunately, I see this all the time. Many people just don't see, or don't want to see, why it is important to prep. They just don't seem to understand that prepping is not always about the end of the world, a zombie apocalypse, or Armageddon. It is about being prepared for everyday situations.

I recently saw a post on Facebook where a brother-in-law just couldn't understand why this guy had extra food and other preps in case of an emergency. The guy asked his  brother-in-law what if a situation like a hurricane occurred. The brother-in-law said "That's what the government is for." The brother-in-law has a good job, an excellent income, is well educated, and yet fails to realize the advantages of being prepared in the event of an emergency. He is not the only one. So, let's look at some of the reasons why people don't think they should prep.

WHAT IS YOURS SHOULD ALSO BE MINE

There are many different types of people who don't prep and they have many reasons for not doing so. How much time have you heard someone say, "If something happens, I'll just come to your house?"

Hi, we are here to share your supplies!

There are many reasons for this thought process. Some people believe that if you have prepared for an emergency, and you are family or friends, it is your responsibility to take care of them. It doesn't matter that they have not done anything to take care of themselves; they believe it is now somehow your responsibility to take care of them. Of course there are also those who will use an emergency situation as an excuse to take what is yours, just because you have what they don't. I call this the entitlement syndrome and, unfortunately, is perpetuated by much of society today.

I DON'T BELIEVE IN HOARDING

I have often heard people say that they don't believe in hoarding. They feel it just isn't right for people to put away supplies which could deny other people the ability to obtain those supplies if needed. Myself, I can't even follow that line of reasoning. But I do feel that these same people should understand the difference between "Hoarding" and "Prepping."

First of all, hoarding is considered a compulsive disorder whereby things are collected and stored for no apparent reason. There is no organization involved and, as a disorder, the person often cannot stop hoarding stuff which they will never use.

Hoarding is a Compulsive Disorder where things are stored for no apparent reason.

On the other hand, Prepping is the activity involving the organized storage of food and supplies that will be useful in an emergency situation. Even the government recommends that people put away extra food, water, and other supplies that can assist you if a situation does occur whereby you cannot get out for supplies. Prepping is the collecting of supplies for a practical purpose.

Prepping is the organized collecting of supplies for an emergency.

PREPPING IS TOO EXPENSIVE

I often hear that "Prepping" is just too expensive. Well, if you wait for the last minute, it might be. But the idea of prepping is to collect supplies a little at a time, so if an emergency situation presents itself, you will already be prepared.

Prepping is a state of mind and not an occasional activity. It can be accomplished as part of your natural routine. When you go shopping, start buying one or two extra items. If you need a can of beans, buy two and put one away in the pantry. When you buy paper goods, like toilet paper, buy a large package not an individual roll. Often times, things bought in bulk will greatly reduce the price of an individual item.

Prepping done a little at a time is much less expensive than waiting for the last  minute.

Even if money is short, think about extra supplies as a real need, like heat and electric. Is there something you could do without that might help you to better afford prepping? That new phone or those extra cable channels will be of little use without power and cellular service. I'm not saying you should not have things that you want now, but don't trade them for things that may help you survive in an emergency situation.

IT IS THE GOVERNMENT'S JOB TO TAKE CARE OF ME

I have often heard the statement, "This is what I pay taxes for." Again, this is the entitlement syndrome. The government is not your panacea to a bad situation, and should not be your primary means in which to survive.

I recall during Hurricane Sandy back in 2012, when New Jersey was devastated by the storm, flooding, and even snow, the FEMA offices closed due to bad weather. People were furious, but again, prepping is about not having to depend on others, including the government.

I also remember a situation where our area was  without electricity for several days. I heard on the radio that some families north of us were calling in stating they were in "Dire" need of food and water. They wanted the government to bring them supplies by helicopter. It had only been two days... TWO DAYS!  I could not believe that people could not survive for two days without the government being called to re-supply them.

THE LORD WILL TAKE CARE OF ME

Some people believe that "The Lord is my Savior" and he will take care of me. I am certainly not opposed to people believing that the Lord is their savior. Religion is a strong belief and can certainly help people through tough times. But, we have also heard that "God helps those who help themselves." To sit back and believe that the Lord will help you out of every situation is unrealistic. If you truly believe, then believe that preparing to help yourself will leave more time for the Lord to help those who don't have the means to help themselves.

Prepping does not prevent the Lord from helping.

PREPPING IS TOO COMPLEX

I have heard some people state that prepping is just too complex; "Where would I even begin?" Well there is no time like today to start taking responsibility for your own survival and future.  

There is a plethora of information available on prepping. There are books, websites, forums, and many other sources of information. Start by getting a real understanding of those things that you will need immediately, like food, water, flashlights, etc. Then start learning some skills that will help you reduce your dependency on others. Take it slow and don't get overcome. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

There will always be excuses why you don't want to, or can't, do something. Only you can change that. Be responsible for your own survival and opt out of the entitlement syndrome. You, and only you, are responsible for taking care of you and your family.

When an emergency situation comes your way, you will feel much better about your efforts. Being prepared can give you a feeling of comfort when those who didn't prepare are waiting for others to help. Step forward now and start prepping. There are no excuses.

We hope you enjoyed this article and will help support our efforts by checking out our products. As always, Be Prepared To Survive!

© 2015 by John D. McCann

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