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 a dilutional/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.
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!
You are just gun nuts with an arsenal of guns and ammo
This is probably the most common misconception 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! Enhancing your security against what could happen is what prepping’s all about; home security and self defense are no exception.
You live in constant fear/paranoia
Again, while this maybe true of some, most preppers I know find that being prepared gives them a certain piece of mind. Preparing for potential disasters is like buying insurance; if something bad happens, you’re covered. To me it’s like money in the bank; a job loss, ice storm, blackout, or civil unrest – I’m covered.
Preppers are just religious zealots
Building an Ark? While many Christians will cite Proverbs 21 as a basis for their preparations “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up” not all Christians subscribe to this concept. I have even heard some Christians say that prepping is based on a lack of faith – though I disagree with this, the fact remains that some do believe this. Just as prepping is not limited to those who hold certain political beliefs nor is it limited by religious affiliation.
You have to have an underground bunker
While there aren’t any solid statistics to back this up my conclusion, I would have to say that this is false. While the ultra rich silicone valley types may have such elaborate preps, the vast majority of us do not. Disclaimer: I do have an underground bunker stocked with food, water, medical supplies, firearms, ammunition and communication equipment all powered by a solar back up system – it’s called a basement.
Preppers just hate Obama
‘Clinging to their guns and Bibles’ certainly didn’t endear him to many folks in this part of the country, but the fact remains that the prepper/survivalist movement long predates the Obama presidency – remember Y2K? Some say it began during the Cold War, others say that it goes all the way back to the Pilgrims. My parents were both depression babies and always prepared for ‘what might happen’ – it was just what you did. While the movement may have picked up steam during this time, the basic premise is false.
Preppers are all right-wing extremists
While many preppers/survivalists are driven by their political views, the movement is really as diverse as the population itself. Fact is, I personally know several folks that most would consider to be ‘preppers’ who are definitely left of center. The desire to be prepared or simply more self reliant really has no political boundaries.
You live in the mountains eating MRE’s and wearing cammo
You might certainly get this impression if you look at the stereotypes that are often attached to the term ‘preppers.’ Fact is the term ‘preppers’ is often used as a derogatory description of the prepared citizen – actually the reason I chose it for the name of the website. True, I personally live in the mountains for a variety of reasons, I do not OWN any cammo and I absolutely hate MREs. No, preppers live in cities, suburbs, large towns, small towns, urban, rural and probably right next door to you.
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
Prepper 365 