Common Myths About Prepping Part 1

There are lot’s of misconceptions about being a prepared citizen or ‘preppers’ as we’re often referred to. I would like to take a little time over the next week or two to address a few of those. Hope you enjoy. 

Prepping is expensive

Yes, we’ve all seen stories about Silicon Valley millionaires buying luxury underground bunkers and staging helicopters to whisk them away to a secluded island, but the average prepper is living on a budget just like you. Can it be expensive, of course, but that depends on you. You can spend $50 a month or $1000 a month; even $5 a week can make you far more prepared than your neighbors – slow and steady wins the race.

You have to have commando like skills

While skills are certainly an important part of being prepared, you don’t have to be skilled in hand-to-hand combat to prepare for most disaster situations. Are there preppers with a military background, absolutely; helpful, yes; necessary, no.

You are just gun nuts with an arsenal of guns and ammo

This is probably the most common misperception about preppers. While most preppers are keenly aware of the need for security, prepping is far more than collecting piles of guns and ammunition. Do you lock your front door, of course you do. Do you leave your keys in the car, I certainly hope not. Preppers tend to own firearms because they are aware of the world we live in and refuse to rely on someone else for their family’s security.

You are a delusional/conspiracy theory nut

You don’t have to be an Alex Jones fan to realize that natural and man-made disasters can, do, and will happen. I do not think that the government is reading my mail (although they obviously have the ability) nor do I think that aliens are secretly running our government – yes, I actually heard that one recently. Are there a few ‘different’ individuals in the prepper movement, of course, but isn’t that true of any group?

You are hoping for the end of the world

While I’m convinced that some of the folks appearing on ‘Doomsday Preppers’ are indeed hoping for the end, most preppers certainly do not. Preparing for a disaster is not an indication of hoping for one no more than carrying a spare tire in your trunk is hoping for a flat tire. Sorry, we like air conditioning too!

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

Happy prepping!