Top 10 Struggles of a Prepper

[@wawilked1]

Car insurance sounds crazy until you need it. Home insurance sounds crazy until you need it. Being prepared for an extreme scenario sounds crazy... Until you need it.

[@DanY-zl3jg]

I’ve been telling people this for years.

[@papadre70]

Facts

[@carolrosen7073]

LOVE ❤️ this comment! I have been prepping for several months now, but not without hints of crazy or just plain old ridicule from family Members…. I have been searching for a punchy reply and I’m going to use this statement! THSNKS SO MUCH!!! 😂🤣😂

[@wallerwhittemore6563]

💯💯💯💯

[@fearlessleader8623]

Honestly, most the people who thought it was crazy 5-10 years ago dont think its so crazy anymore

[@yetisuncle666]

"It's better to remain silent and appear as a fool, than to speak and be certain a fool".......... Said someone way more intelligent than I.

[@lynnbickford6769]

I'm a woman who is doing some of the things you talk about. My husband doesn't think the same way I do. Thank you for your information.

[@JubeeBijou]

I started the journey in 2010 and it was not until about 5 years ago that my husband’s eyes opened. He’s now on board with me. My two adult kids still live life with blinders on.

[@davidharkins5345]

I’m in the same situation , can’t get her onboard either .

[@bewell6019]

We are blessed that our partners think differently. This allows us to best share the load and have more potential to approach and engage in solving challenges ahead of us. This diversity of thought is truly a strength but can feel very frustrating along the journey. As you become "proven right" in your earlier assertions and have effectively lit a fire under others, keep in mind that there is benefit to alternative mindsets/perspectives. Group think and sudden adherence to all that you know/perceive can be emasculating and lead to an extensive amount of dysfunction in your household. Recognize the need to assess and proactively inform while giving allowance for agreement/disagreement on prioritization, who, what, when, how, where, how much, etc. It sounds like to some extent you provide relief to your husband who is blessed to have you shouldering the burden of worry and preparation. That is quite difficult and many of us are in a similar situation. How wonderful we have a community that expresses the challenges, solutions, and some hardships involved! Bless you Lynn.

[@JubeeBijou]

@nedkelly3436 They are adults. Yes. Some lessons are best learned the hard way.

[@conniehawkins9459]

I too am struggling with his lack of understanding. I'm working in a little extra at a time.

[@hvega8199]

Just don’t go around telling everyone you prep. Someone hungry enough will do anything to take your sh!t.

[@floridaprepper751]

My wife and I are licensed ham radio operators. We have been prepping since 2012. We are fully vested in all areas of prepping.

[@peternorthrup6274]

They have become so inexpensive now. I bought 2. Just learning. It's alot of fun.

[@peternorthrup6274]

Just starting this year. I'm retired. It going to be a great hobby. I've been prepping for years. The price of radios are so cheap. I bought 2. I love to just listen. Lots to learn. Have fun.

[@fayecox9401]

I try get bits for prepping when I can my husband thinks I’m crazy but I won’t give in he just says I’m a hoarder I’m glad my daughter is on board with me

[@DrSchor]

all areas? do you have a nuclear bomb shelter?

[@debbiecurtis4021]

I'm getting fighting fight by doing heavy building work, drinking detox juice drinks that I make from scratch, cutting alcohol, and cutting toxic processed food.

[@damirblazevic4823]

Fighting fight? Is there a non-fighting fight? Or a fighting non-fight? Maybe a peacefull fight? Or a fighting peace? 🤔

[@randallminor4866]

Maybe she means fighting fit.

[@damirblazevic4823]

@@randallminor4866 Or perhaps a fitting fight?

[@kevinbrown9831]

Maybe a fitting fight against the autocorrect.

[@damirblazevic4823]

@@kevinbrown9831 Or a fighting fit against grammar

[@adrianacordero56]

“Don’t make yourself a target”, great advice.

[@jwgbmp40]

my wife is my biggest prepping struggle. the c19 hit the scene and her leftism got worse. For 12 yrs or more I just been taking care of business the best I know how. its not been easy and I could be further ahead with out her, but it aint worth a divorce. 2 of my 3 kids are on board, well on board. thx for all your good vids sootch.

[@coyotehill2772]

Same situation

[@jonathangallone6543]

My wife also sees life through pink coloured glasses. We are now a few years later and it’s not as bad. She kinda understands but what blows her mind is when she asks me as she looks at all our preps: “But when are we going to use all this???” I reply: “ I hope never”

[@jwgbmp40]

@jonathangallone6543 right.. right.. mine too.. Hopefully never and she cant understand it all but I tried to explain, lokk at it like this, last month, our 35 yr old came home for a week as her and husband transitioned to a new state for employment. In Dec our 28yr old and fam are coming home as he transitions leaving active duty.. at the end of the day, Im still overall responsible everyones well being and our fam in a nut shell is "6" more nowadays.. I dont mind it (at all), but Im just a tradesman, keeping this house stocked for a collapse or retreat is a big deal.. Im trying to get my wife away from planting flowers to planting food nowadays.. its a slow process..

[@jonathangallone6543]

@@jwgbmp40 I hear ya pal. Keep up the good work and be safe 💪

[@kuzadupa185]

Im really sorry to hear this. I hope things work out for you.

[@spaceprepper3657]

People have thought that I'm crazy all my life. I where it like a badge of courage. I am who I am and I ain't what I ain't. God bless. 😊

[@DrSchor]

i yam what i yam

[@MattTransit]

My folks grew up during the "Great Depression". As I was growing up, they'd buy extra canned and dried goods for our pantry when things were on sale, or, when they had some extra cash on hand. I do the same things now. Picking up a few extra non perishable items a week, especially when they're on sale, is the simplest way to build up a well stocked pantry.

[@carolrosen7073]

My parents lived through the depression as well…when I was growing up any old clothes that were no longer worn, I had to cut buttons off old shirts and take out zippers from pants and skirts and the remainder of old clothes were cut up for dusting rags….absolutely NOTHING went to waste!

[@NardusSwanevelder]

1) People think I am crazy - 0:50 2) Keeping mouth shut - 3:05 3) Never enough - 4:00 4) Sustainability - 5:57 5) Space - 6:29 6) Urgency - 8:32 7) Education - 10:02 8) Bugout & destination - 11:56 9) Security - 13:43 10) Hiding prepping supplies 15:29 11) Prepper group - 17:02

[@Provocateur3]

Thanks for doing this. I wish all the content creators would do chapters.

[@MossyOak-sd4sl]

And not draw out information to make a long video that's 20 minutes to say something that could've been said in 5 and if your more straight forward I think the majority of people would retain information better if more were to the point

[@Provocateur3]

@@MossyOak-sd4sl: I didn't think he dawdled that much. With some channels I use the controls in the YT app to speed up the playback. All personal preference. YMMV.

[@phild8095]

Isn't it amazing after the past three years of shortages, power outages, gasoline pipeline hack, civil unrest and disease and political unrest that American's still feel so privileged that nothing bad is ever going to happen here. I write this below as encouragement, not bragging. My wife and I were busy with our jobs and didn't even think about this until about 5 years ago when we started. Since retiring three years ago we've gotten more into this. See what we did in 5 short years. Oh, 16 years ago I was laid off for 18 months and came out of it with $70k still in the bank and an 825 credit rating. How, we are cheap, but charitable. We go to restaurants or get take out maybe 6-10 times a year. We have internet and cell phones, but no cable, no prime, no subscription services. Our credit rating for each of us is over 825. That is important because it has given us great rates on mortgage, car loans, and other big ticket items. We regularly give 10-15% or our gross income to charity. Wife and I are retired three years now and live in a small town at the west edge of the suburbs in tornado alley in a hundred year old brick bungalow on a half acre. We are ready for a lot of things, from major storm damage, medium term power outages to shortages or consumer goods , ammo, and fuel. End of western civilization, sorta prepared. We garden, we have fruit trees, bushes, and vines growing, we can, freeze, dehydrate. Our garden at about 1,500 square feet provides most of our annual vegetables and enough extra that we give 1/4 of it away. The list of veggies includes onion, garlic, beets, carrots, radishes, leaf lettuce, zucchini, three types of tomatoes, four types of peppers, green beans, sweet corn, cucumbers, two different winter squash, sunflowers, dill, mint, and about 10 other herbs. Perennials, we have rhubarb, blueberries bushes, aronia berry bushes, plum trees, apple trees and grape vines. And this fall we are going to try a test plot of red winter wheat. We have some power tools and lots of hand tools. Two generators, and extension cords. A chain saw. Blankets, tent, cots, spare bed, bicycles, tarps, ropes, chord, nails, screws, filters, adhesives, tire patch kits, manual and electric air pumps and that list keeps going. I'm a former chemical engineer, I've also worked in furniture manufacturing, spent some time laying brick, cooking, cleaning, a little roofing, I reload, play two musical instruments, fish, fillet fish, make simple people's jewelry, I've repaired bicycles down to greasing bearings and truing wheels, I can cook and bake from scratch but not as well as my wife. I sharpen blades by hand for myself and other people. My wife is a former EMT and paramedic, chef, worked hospice, butchered hogs, grew up gardening and does it better than me, grew up shooting and does it better than me, plays a musical instrument and sings harmony much better than me, bakes bread, cakes, cookies and pies, she has canned vegetables, meat and fruit, she's fermented wine, .sauerkraut, made vinegar, Just today she put up green beans and beets. Our pantry is well stocked. 6 months we run out of some stuff, but other stuff will provide for a year. It gets rotated regularly. We eat out of it and replace it We have a couple week's drinking, flushing and washing water. We have a hand pumped water filter for more. Exercise, I have walked my 85 pound dog 1,040 miles while wearing a 25 pound pack in the past 365 days. I've also done some gardening, landscaping, shovel snow, done some home improvement and painting during that year. Went to the doctor last week and got passing grades. My wife, maybe not as much exercise as me, but gets at least an hour daily gardening, riding bicycle on the trainer and walking. But if the power goes down and stays down for ten years, I don't know if we can make it. If natural gas and electric goes out for six months, I think we can make it. But I am not worried about not making it. If it happens, it happens. I'm also ready to live another 20 years with the investments we have made in stocks, bonds, real estate, cash on hand and in two banks. We've made out our will and end of life documents. Something else to prepare for. If you haven't, do it. We know our neighbors and are on very good terms with them. The mayor of this small town is a prepper. There are probably one to three million rounds of ammo in this small town and several piles of reloading supplies. We be a redneck town. Serious redneck. If the collapse happens many people here will be to surprised to react, but the rednecks will drag them kicking and screaming into the new future. If people come knocking on my door they will be put to work for food. I've told my banker that If it all goes down I will take two children into our house and teach them skills, take care of them until they turn eighteen. He realized I am serious. Being more prepared is not overwhelming, if you haven't started, make a commitment and start, get an extra week's worth of groceries and water. And pick a low tech skill to learn, from gardening to blacksmithing and everything in between, pick one. If you are having trouble paying for it, consider your other bills, got any entertainment you can do without? If you have started, I encourage you, practice the skills, get exercise, rotate your stock, first in first out.

[@mistyriennett5902]

Make sure to get dental work done now.

[@NothingToNoOneInParticular]

And glasses/contacts, ALL medical testing too!

[@bradleydriggs6454]

When it comes to tools and some supplies try and focus on things that are multipurpose. Saves on space and money.

[@lewis9888]

I've been Prepping many many years and I have plenty for my group and to Barter. Rental Places will be one of the first places to get burglared. I have a four bedroom two bath home, a garage and plenty of acres to cashe. My group will be here on my farm when SHTF. We have a Plan B & C if needed. I plan on learning Blacksmithing so I will be able to make tools for use and Barter. I keep storage room doors locked. Be safe my friends.

[@stuartaminion511]

i tried to set up a preppers group in my neighberhood and had (around 16 people). what i found was some prepped but quite a few wanted to see who prepped in the n'hood. and they said just as much (we know who you are now, so we can come to you if trouble) so in just trying to start a group can have it's own problems. we said the old; we are just starting thingie and wanted to learn how to prep (the ones who did prep) but the others just wrote down our names and home numbers for future ref. boy i hate people at times. get a dog, they ask nothing and give away nothing but love, protection, comfort, friendship and all they want is from you to feed them, water for them, and pick up their poop. prep on me hardies, arrgg there is a storm ah brewing and we need to be ready.

[@gailoreilly1516]

Regarding finding a prepper group. I live by myself now. It's difficult to "talk, not talk" about prepping. I am more concerned about the wrong person getting the idea that I prep than going it alone. A few times I thought that just maybe...then after listening to them talk, I thought "thank goodness I didn't spill the beans". I only have one neighbor and could never ever want to approach them about anything, they are kind of nuts. I know I can't stay awake 24/7. That's why I have an enormous dog who loves me. I am all set for the "two of us" including water.

[@Provocateur3]

One point about books: They aren't very portable. They're kind of heavy to lug around. Maybe hedge your bets by also downloading pdf files. Most any book available in print is also available electronically. Invest in a micro SD card for your phone. Just a thought.

[@wannabe4668]

One thing you need for any kind of prepping to take place is money. And that is getting harder to come by.

[@lastchanceshinythings47]

I get old wood pallets as cooking fuel for free by asking. Water storage containers can also be found free sometimes. Skills and knowledge are free with an internet connection. Rice is damn near free.

[@relicpathfinder2800]

You have to take the ideas presented. Put them in a realistic order of NEED. (*home alarms for me are bottom of the list, can't afford it when so much more needed). And you have to be totally honest with yourself, what you spend money on now but could survive without. (Once a week going to get a good dinner is now down to once a month...soon to be every other month) ( My wife now does her own nails and hair) Obviously the less money you have the harder it will be to do without non necessities. (Weekend morning coffee with a shot of whiskey is now just a glass of water) While you save, you research for sales or finds. (I save and look for places going out of business, reducing seasonal or last year's products etc. Just got three cases of disinfectant spray today for the same cost of one case a month ago, 74% off sale) When you look for good deals on quality goods keep an eye out for opportunity to earn more money. (Hit the yearly neighborhood yard sale of the local suburbs, storm blew over a tree, got hired to remove it) There will definitely be good days and plenty of bad days...seems like more bad than good, but in reality they are just ho-hum days. Took me over ten years to dig out of a financial hole, I knew so called homeless people that had more than me. Just remember, skills and knowledge can go further than physical material possessions. Even in the hardest of times a skilled and talented laborer is worth their weight in beans & rice.

[@stewarttrains98]

I keep telling my wife that we don't have enough food stores. Been telling her this for the past year. She still fights me on it saying that we have plenty. Idk what it will take for her to understand that we honestly don't have enough. I still keep buying things across the spectrum that we all should have. She can complain but I still keep going bit by bit. Be it extra cans of food, fire supplies, water, etc.

[@kellyh4052]

Same thing with my husband. I buy, sneak stuff in and hide the stash! lol To me there is never enough!

[@janeentumbao8690]

Be nice to your wife. Remember if y'all divorce, she gets half of everything! Even your preps! 😂😂😂😂

[@eddiehudson7043]

Mr. Don I have been watching both of your channels for years. Thanks to you is what got me in prepping. My problem is trying to find people you can trust to start a close group I believe that will play a very big roll in survival. I moved to the smokie mountains over 2 years ago and it's very hard to talk to people especially to walk softly and not give to much away that you are a prepper.

[@kycalm]

I have this issue, as well. I’ve got a couple of ideas that I’ll implement here soon. That said, if it’s a stranger I won’t give out last names and no one comes to my property until the relationship is well established. I guess it will be a work in progress.

[@eddiehudson7043]

@@kycalm The problem I run to people think I'm crazy and nothing will ever happen.

[@kycalm]

@@eddiehudson7043 own the crazy! Don’t give a care about what they think. Just don’t talk to them about it. If they ask, the answer is ‘gosh no, got too expensive so I’ve decided to take vacations and invest more in the stock market.

[@gailoreilly1516]

Same problem here in upstate NY.

[@jimstandefer1799]

I'm a truck driver and I still meet other truck drivers that don't know what a prepper is, if I say survivalist then they understand. There's a camaraderie among truck drivers but we usually don't know each other personally or even where the other one lives, so we're able to talk securely .

[@EdBunch-o3q]

May I add never let your car gas tank get below half full, incase you need to leave in an emergency.

[@judithstorck5195]

I understand about people thinking we are crazy. My Husband thought just that when in 2008 my intuition warned me about something in the future (not knowing when) was going to happen. But in 2022, I think in the late Spring - he realized I was right & he was on board. He prepared the generator so we will have well water. We have only told Family members about preps. They are mostly in other States so - no threat there in them wanting our stuff. Yes, space is a problem. We have several necessary books for SHTF. We have security (solar motion sensor lights & cameras) & dogs for warning & they are alerted every time the driveway sensor goes off.. We have friends in our very rural area that are like-minded. Our property is not well maintained (on purpose) so we are not a target with a well manicured yard. And no one can see our garden or Fruit trees from our very rural dirt road. Judi

[@rogerramjet1734]

I enjoy camping. It has been a great way to use stuff I have put aside for preparedness. It has taken me several years to save up, and purchase the stuff i have. If I am looking at getting an item (or items) I always ask myself……”will this be something I regularly use when I go back country camping”. “ how can I include this into my camping trips so I develop the skills to use this item or items. I don’t advertise that I am a prepper, because that is no one’s business but my own. If there is a cyclone incoming, or an earthquake, then I ask folks questions about it, how they feel about it etc. I have found that a good way of seeing weather or not folks are interested preparedness, or even if preparedness is something that has crossed their radar. It can be a challenge finding like minded folks, let along finding like minded people that would be a good fit for me, and my household.

[@davidsnoddy4591]

👊🏻I’m right there with you a “Crazy Prepper” but I finally got a few family members on my side and my wife has always been with me on this

[@greyfox243.]

Congrats on the family members!

[@billparks7368]

I had been prepping since the Y2K scare. Slowly stocking up when i could afford it. About 10 years ago while talking with a contractor on a job site about the state of the world, we started discussing stocking up on the essentials. He volunteered his numbers and i admitted to around half of what he had and said that ill bring mine and we could combine resources. That shut him up and from then on he avoided me like the plaque. So even if you have something to contribute there still will be those who won't trust you or think they won't need any help from those not as prepared as they are.

[@lawrencepowers4190]

Boy Scout motto is beprepared. Minutemen are ready in a minute. From the power outages and other events like tornadoes I have seen first hand how being prepared is vital and important. Doesn’t make you a nut just means you are more able to survive in time of emergency. I’ve watch you on you tube for a long time. I appreciate all your content and the fact that food for thought is provoked more than being a normalcy Norman. Thank you!!!!

[@custombuilder1]

Finally. Intelligent discourse from a real "prepper". Thank you.

[@Ninja9JKD]

Gardening too is a post apocalypse survival skill, and practical day to day

[@henrirt8991]

Costco has $200 off tri fuel generators this month (July 2023). Awesome deal at under $700. And best of all you can always return Costco items for a full refund so you can't lose buying prep items there. Great video as always!

[@DrSchor]

please explain. why return a needed prep item?

[@JustaFanBoy]

For anyone trying to convince family members, think of the Bug out Bag as a 24 - 36 hour emergency bag in the event there's a house fire or something where you need to vacate immediately. Having a change of clothes and a couple of other items ready to go can offer comfort to children - and you - if everything you own goes up in flames and you're left standing on the curb in your PJs.

[@susanl7514]

or the neighbor's house catches fire and a high wind event blows it your way.

[@DontStepInTheGrease]

Their new tool is to burn us out. I'm in the west and had a close call cpl yrs ago. Took me 30 mins, after evac phone mess, to hook up and load the trvl trlr I kept in driveway. I think it a good idea to have an off property storage space but wonder if grid down the electronic gate won't work.

[@fredw1984]

Ours includes things we've needed occasionally. Pain meds, flashlights, eating utensils, pajama top shirts for warmth around a fire. When it's used to show others its utility, they are more likely to get one of their own.

[@PhilipEvang]

If there's such a thing as a perfect "First Prepper Video" for any newbie to watch this might be it. Thanks so much!

[@deltaecotango]

my main concern on prepping is, having my famly (mother, brother, sister in law) living in far from my bug out location (hopping to move soon anyway)...greetings from Argentina!

[@davidharkins5345]

I’m just not a very trusting person, it takes a lot for me to trust so finding someone or people for a Prepper group is very tough. Most people just don’t do what they say they going to do. So I’m a loner Prepper for now . Been prepping for years .

[@relicpathfinder2800]

I've been (proverbially) burned twice... No more.

[@davidsolomon9087]

you arent alone, just alone in your area.

[@gailoreilly1516]

David, same here. I didn't prep for years like you but I would do what I call "winter prepping" I live in upstate NY, on top of a hill in the country. Two years ago, I went all in and decided to prep for all year. I don't regret it and have only myself to prepare for. I like it that way.

[@huck6]

When I was laid off from my job we dug into our food preps to squeek by its not just about wtshtf

[@kevinwilliams550]

Absolutely

[@DudesIn101]

Watching videos is only for the ideas!you have to go out and experience and practice what it is your learning,that's the only way you get better and better, smarter and smarter

[@danncann4889]

Number one prepping item is a home generator powered by propane and 1000 gallon propane tank you will have over 30 days of power if the grid goes down

[@jamesosborne5950]

I will be staying home unless there’s no other choice . Then I’ll bug out . That’s the good thing about living in the woods with a national forest surrounding your home

[@Deezy0884]

This is just my opinion. Dropping the weight is a BIG step in getting fit. Some people can’t walk because of pain in the joints due to their weight, or get to a gym with a pool to help them to exercise. HOWEVER what anyone can do is intermittent fasting, combined with a caloric deficit, it is the best way that I’ve found to drop the pounds and ease that pain in the joints to help get you to exercise more. If you’re healthy enough to do this I highly recommend it. And no, I am not a doctor. Just a bigger guy that’s seeing results and passing along the info for my fellow bigg’uns.

[@janeentumbao8690]

I started prepping, sorta, years ago. I'm originally from Cleveland and now in the Chicago area. And I don't drive. So, it's a challenge getting groceries home in the dead of winter. Especially before home delivery came into play. So I do my stocking up in early/mid fall to prepare for the winter. I felt sorry for those people in Buffalo NY this past winter. Which is the perfect example of why you should be prepared anyway. And the opposite, but similar thinking for Texans and other southerners. Y'all know it get in the 80's or higher in March. And y'all have had lots of grid issues. Get on it already!

[@randymartin5521]

Turning people away would be one of the hardest things for me. I have no problem saying "Sorry, it's not my fault you didn't prepare, I only have enough for myself and my wife.", but my wife would be "Awe, lets give them at least something, we can spare a little." Then they'll be back when that runs out and I can't make her understand that and that would become a source of friction between us, plus then they know we may in fact have enough to share.

[@notmyname3883]

One of the prepper women on Doomsday Preppers had a good idea: Go-Away Bags. Just enough food for a couple of meals, and cheap for you to prepare, beans, rice, ramen, canned veg, whatever, and a couple of bottles of water. Simple. Just enough to give to a family on the road, and to get them DOWN THE ROAD from you. The concern is that they may come back when you're not looking.

[@relicpathfinder2800]

I know you can't do this without causing a huge issue. But tell her, sure give them YOUR rations for the day.

[@randymartin5521]

​@@relicpathfinder2800 oh brother, would that go over like a lead balloon! 😂

[@deniselogan2733]

Have her watch American Blackout. It’s a realistic documentary type film that will show her what happens when someone spills the beans because they’re empathetic and find it hard to turn someone away.

[@AnnCarolGrant]

“I will do the possible and trust GOD to do the impossible.” My faith is certainly not in what I can and have done but in the promises of God’s word that assures me that He will keep me from His wrath to come. WE are not the solution. HE is.

[@jessiceeoriginal]

All of the senerios of needing to prep to overwhelming. I am the only one taking steps to prepare. Talking to loved ones who thinks your nuts is beyond hard. At times, impossible. So, I do what I can within my little group of 2. I just do what I can on such a small scale. I could never get a fire started and so many other things he talked about. I have to rely heavily on God because there is just so much I can do all at once.

[@dbabbit5286]

A cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol is your for starter. Some dry twigs on top to start. Then put dry branches/logs over that, in a collapsed pyramid shape. Practice, practice, practice!

[@momomily9229]

I made sure to get all those really close to me on board because I let them know that I'd started prepping. So I fought hard to get them prepping so they won't become a problem later. It was exhausting but they're prepping. Some more than others. My family however, no. Not prepping. They think I'm having some sort of mental breakdown.

[@jackjohnson291]

It really is difficult to get some people to lift their head up and look around. If what happened during the cough-cough wasn’t enough to do it, nothing will be (until it’s too late).

[@Project_2501]

Prepping these day is gladly way more wide spread and accepted than one would think on first glance. Most people just won't talk about it because of the "stigma". When look at my collegues and their EDC knives on their belts and adress that they all of a sudden open up, but ofc quietly. Also I see a lot women walking the streets with obvious EDC bags and visible prepper EDC items. And man, even John Mayer talks about putting together survival packs as "a hobby".

[@RyanGr33n]

3:50 we have some extra supplies in goodie-bags handy to hand out to people who might need them. We actually carry them in the car for homeless folks that we might run into (we do volunteer work), but they would be good for anyone in a disaster… just 1 gal freezer bags with “sample” sizes of toothpaste/brush, deodorant, wet wipes, Tylenol, a bottle of water, matches, a couple smokes, granola bar, a couple fruit snacks, &c.. just some small things to make a night or two a little easier. “Sorry man, I don’t have any cash, but you can have all this!” In a disaster, unwanted people will go away a lot quieter if you give them a little something than if you give them nothing… it’s also just a genuinely good thing to do. A big part of being prepared, for us, is to have our own needs met so that we have the resources to help others. My wife and I both have aging parents and extended family with small children we would be responsible for (legally, we’re in the wills as their guardians of their parents die) and personally, I could not sit on a hoard of food and supplies while my neighbors of 15+ years suffer and starve… to us, “survival” is a lot more than just not dying.

[@lastchanceshinythings47]

Only do handouts from a neutral location away from ur home. Don't include cigarettes... it puts a target on ur back and perpetuates addiction.

[@RyanGr33n]

@@lastchanceshinythings47 we always include cigarettes BECAUSE people are addicted. They won’t quit smoking because of us, but giving them a couple goes a long way toward making a friend, which is never a waste. Nobody ever comes to our home, we only go to where people are in need. In a catastrophe, we won’t be going anywhere, so handouts will obviously happen when people come to us, however, don’t assume we are unprepared for the targeting; we’ve spent our entire lives managing desperate people.

[@bob3036us1958]

Space is right now my biggest problem. I have a divorced daughter back home. Have two out buildings with stuff that heat and freezing does not hurt. ❤

[@HaroldJohnston-ku3eo]

I asked a guy who lived on his bicycle what he thought was most nesassary , tools was his answer . he was good at foraging . riprarian areas ( clear cuts ) are where the food is.

[@jamesosborne5950]

My oldest daughter surprised me with two respirators and her boyfriend bought them two so I know I’m getting positive interactions with preparing when it comes to them

[@pegatheetoo1437]

Those would probably be about #200 on my list of prepping things I need to have, if they were on my list at all. 😅 But, if you feel like they're a necessity, then to you they are.

[@ryoc2138]

You should make a video on buying a pre assembled bug out bag vs building one from scratch...

[@Spushed]

#1 convincing immediate family members to not just agree with the necessity but to actually be involved and learn the skills. Seems most just depend on the one person to know everything...

[@64samsky]

Wise words we can all learn from, thanks Don!

[@waynehollingsworth970]

This yr I haven't seen any bees. So I'm pollinating my own garden. So raising bees would be a plus

[@jameskrog9811]

Worth doing for a good harvest. Bees vary year to year. This year we are swamped with them. Much more then last year.

[@audrablue515]

The first rule of prepping is always "tell no one". My sister and I have talked about prepping quite a bit, but there's always a reason why she can't do it properly. But my son and I are very serious about it. So far, I have quite a good cache going in my apartment that can see me through at least a few weeks of tough times. I initially started prepping to hedge against unemployment but at the time, I didn't know that prepping was a thing. You Tube has really opened my eyes to what I still need to do. I'm pretty confident that me and mine will be okay during tough times and we are training ourselves now to eat a little bit less and move a little bit more. Every step you take helps enormously. But keeping our mouths shut is key. I've spoken enough to friends and family in the past about stocking up and being smart and buying extra at every grocery shop but now I say nothing. If they don't want to take this seriously, that's not my problem and I have no issue turning people away regardless of who they are. But that's not really a worry because nobody knows that I'm stocking up. Thanks for your videos. I always learn a lot from them.

[@susiehay369]

Have some easily seen foods that could be taken by force, and have other items tucked back that only your immediate family knows about.

[@MaineOffGrid.]

Thank you for all of your knowledge and sharing it. I’ve learned a lot over the past few years of watching your videos. The endings are great too, seeing your goofy side! A sense of humor is something I believe is definitely essential to have in tough times and situations. Being empathetic and humble are also important traits to have.

[@earlshaner4441]

Good morning from Syracuse NY brother and thank you for sharing your information and details

[@GrandmasBeans1]

It’s very difficult when all those you would automatically help (spouse, kids, grandkids) don’t think the same way. I am retired but disabled, and over the last several years, my husband’s health has taken a turn for the worst. I have started canning again, and buying extra here and there to put back. One of my kids does a little, and the other thinks I’m overreacting; but they’re very helpful in many other ways. My grandkids are young teens. All we can do is what we can, then leave it with the Lord to work out the rest.

[@Brian_Taylor_]

I'm building little at time my 2 biggest problem is solar generator and wood stove for house

[@GlennJudah]

I am done caring what others think about what I do. I buy when and what I think I need. I don’t say much to anyone about it. It’s just here when I need it(hopefully I won’t) .

[@asen8883]

Been watching you got years your mission is very successful of getting people to start prepping I'm from Germany where the law amd way of life just makes prepping even harder but still at this been getting simple survival stuff and organizing keeping my car ready and such thank you for your videos 💪🔥

[@davidblanchard5252]

I'm retired, on my retirement income. No bug out location. With only a week of dehydrated or can food space is the problem. And my old hunting rifles , I might make it a week or two , when the SHTF. I forgot to mention. Properga also won the war.

[@jameskrog9811]

Are you sure you do not have more space for food. Look around the house/apartment. Is there room under the bed or in a closet. Attics get hot but you can put dry goods toilet paper, tools, camp stove etc there to free up room in the house. Is there wall space for shelves or cabinets? I do not plan on bugging out as first option either. We have supplies under the bed, in the closets, on shelves we added, I feel confident you can shoehorn in a bit more stuff. If you have a home with a yard could you add a shed?

[@lastchanceshinythings47]

Rice is super cheap per calorie.

[@alexm3412]

Much prefer these videos to the Olight and Tool roll promotional videos. Keep them coming. 👍👍

[@Jon__G]

The outtakes were hysterical, Michelle and I watched the video together over dinner, so funny.

[@ktcoll]

Im glad my husband is on board with my prepping.

[@OutlawCaliber13]

I'm prepping in a one bedroom apartment with a wife, and a son.... Space. What's that? lol I was born in the start of the 80s. I remember drills in school, the fall of the USSR, etc. Through everything that's happened in my lifetime, I've never had the sense of unease that I have right now. That I've had for a while now. I can't shake that feeling that something is very wrong, and that something very wrong is fixing to happen. Not to me, but to the world. I hope I'm wrong.

[@blowinshtup6553]

I tapped out at around 6 months supplies. If there’s been no food/relief for folks past that pretty sure I’ll have ended up on the wrong end of a deer rifle by then.

[@stevehartman1730]

My Dad was against prepping because it and home maintenance as well took money from his alcohol/beer consumption. Average of 25 beers retail daily. The 12 year from 1975 to 1987 when he married a tea totaler he drank 110000 beers or prob $150000. House ashambles. 4 foot holes in eves with bird nests hanging out. The house was nearly condemned. I took my college money that i worked hard for from age 8 to 19. $16600 and repaired house up to code. When i was broke he and my mentally ill Mom laughed and said nobody asked u to. So i just went to a communith college it was a diploma mill a glorified hi school. But so it goes

[@HoosierStacker]

Just as I say in the precious metal stacking community: Stack slow, stack consistently, but ALWAYS stack within your budget. Stacking is more than just precious metals. You need to be Stacking YOUR Preparedness, always

[@kuzadupa185]

11. Arguing with strangers online who are not as motivated to be prepared or simply self sufficient

[@goldfinder4498]

I'm ,88, wifey and I live one block from a huge mall with acres of parking. We are surrounded by many strip malls. A major chain grocery store and home improvement chain store are less than a mile from our condo. I'm aware of how vulnerable we are, but there are circumstances that prevent us from relocating our home. We do have a plan to relocate in a rural area with our daughter's family, but she refused to let me store any of my preps at her location. There are two other families who prep where we could shelter with, but wifey doesn't want to be away from our daughter. She can't understand how important it is to prep and plan for the collapse of civil peace and order. She says I'm wasting our money on prepping. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[@PabloP169]

Medical supplied will always be an issue in Oz, as for most prescription medications the max available is 6 month supply on a prescription, after that a new script from a Dr is required. But even then, chemists/pharmacies are usually only allowed to issue 1 or 2 months supply at a time,

[@kathleenhunter6251]

I'm a beginner.... I've been stocking food for the last few months...I've got enough now for at least 3 months set aside...( I used a sharpie and put dates on . I've also got tarps, knives, cords, medical supplies, water, a cooking source, tents, blankets, fire starters,hand crank radio, hand sanitizer, soaps, toilet paper (76 rolls that I don't touch) paper towels ...the only thing I've got left to buy is a power source... I'm looking for one but can't seem to find one that suits me. I've got one solar panel for my computer, it works well...I don't own a gun but I'm looking into that too.. My adult kids think I'm going off the deep end.. 😂. But I'm sure they will come to my house if the shtf. I struggle with getting my kids to understand my need to do this. All you do is very appreciative.. thank you!!

[@Fred_Bender]

Water is most important .Set up nice,decorative rain barrels that don't look cheezy .Drill a well and say that it is for irrigation . I considered getting a storage unit .If things get really bad the Govt will use dogs to sniff for food/supplies/arms at storage sites .Don't put all eggs in one basket . The right kind of boats could possibly be helpful.Where I live where there are many waterways that could be used if roads get clogged .I plan on bugging in anyhow.

[@donaldfuller5058]

The thing about preparation for hard times. If you live in a major metropolitan and you have a stockpile of supplies. Think of this if they around you has lost a lot of weight and you don’t they will know you have food. A major city has less food in it than you think. Me and some family members are truck drivers. My my brother dropped off a frozen food load to a building without any refrigeration. They moved it off his trailer on to store delivery trucks. The cool storage around LA is mostly used for food getting shipped out of state. And the food being delivered doesn’t stay there long. So if the SHTF and you live in a major city get out in 24 hours or less. Lawless is nothing compared to people who have no food. Remember the law on a lifeboat if the food runs out. Or the movie Alive. If you are out of town remember people maybe going home to the cities for loved ones and some are on the hunt for supplies. And the police and military is not going to help they may be out for your stuff too.

[@donweathers-ks3xq]

Thanks I needed that today . Love your mssg. God bless you and your family

[@benfoot4212]

Was in a local chat room with a group and kind of feeling them out. Someone asked what WA states gun laws were like so I relayed what my attorney said. One member stated "I do what I want." at that point it made me stand back since he could take everyone down doing what he wants. He also relayed he was prior military. A few days later he posted his selfie, 4yrs old, rolls hanging over his pants waist, wearing multicams and on his plate carrier was a Navy Seal patch slightly modified. That was enough for me to eject.

[@notmyname3883]

It could've been a psy op. He might have been weeding YOU out.

[@benfoot4212]

@@notmyname3883 That's funny, no, it was not. I saw enough from the main group and a few of the guys on the side chat to know they were just big mouthed no body's

[@roybatty2544]

Excellent & to the point. Covers It All. Thanks for THIS brother

[@johnsnyder8576]

I have a child who has mobility issues so bugging out is not really an option. I do my best to make sure my house is secure and we have enough supplies to last us for a few months until I can get out to other sources. You just have to make the most of the situation life deals you.

[@DarrellWefel-ts2kr]

The only thing about an offside storage unit? Most of them are electronically controlled for you to get access and entry to them ! If the grid goes down how do you get your stuff out ???

[@middle-agedmacdonald2965]

I'm a deeply closeted prepper, so I don't admit to prepping. So don't think I do. Just for fun, an episode on how to prepare for aliens or psy ops or whatever is or isn't flying those "things" that may or may not be things.

[@anthonyrizzuto8763]

Your doing a great job making these videos , the kind of video you watch from start to finish and maybe watch again 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@humansustainability]

lots of good points. unfortunately nothing i hadn't already addressed. thanks for the vid

[@SmokedHim]

Appreciate the candid comments and insight.

[@graylor1]

Thank you for mentioning organization. I have a suspicion a lot of 'preppers' don't know where their kitchen fire extinguisher is, if they even own one. A lot of other preps are more fun, but you're more likely to have a house fire than live through a Carrington event (fingers crossed). People either shrug it all off and say they'll just die or they go whole hog on Amazon. Start small and practice. Prepping shouldn't be detrimental, it should at the very least be a neutral thing in your life right now, and ideally be a source of good.

[@DomChavez-rq1xt]

Carrington event would likely lead to house fires

[@nagaviper1169]

Anybody that thinks you're crazy for having preps, ask them, do you carry insurance?

[@gailoreilly1516]

Same conversation I had with some people from my church. They would never think to drive without car insurance. However, when it comes to food, they just say "God will provide". What I do is work as hard as I can, what I can't do, I ask God for help. When they say "God will provide" I kind of get the idea that they will be counting on other church members to support them. On a very short term situation, yes, I think they will get help. As time goes on and food supplies dwindle, all bets are off.

[@nagaviper1169]

@gailoreilly1516 I would say is God not providing you with a paycheck? He is giving you the means and time to get the things you need. He told Joseph to store grains, because they were about to have 7 years of drought.

[@gailoreilly1516]

@@nagaviper1169 We are in agreement. I am 68 with multiple areas of arthritis, compressed discs etc. Every day and night I ask for strength to get through my day, gardening, pulling weeds, dragging a hose around. That is why I said I work as hard as I can and what I can't do, I ask God for help. He has kept me going. I don't think it is right to just sit here waiting for someone to come and help me if I can do most of it myself.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

😊Thanks and take care😊

[@nolacockerham4823]

HELP PLEASE!! I’m thinking that there might come a time when I might need to turn off the utilities for safety . . . Water, gas, electricity. I know some of the safety issues about turning off the gas and then needing a pro to re-light the water heater. I’m figuring there are other big issues that I don’t know about. I’d sure appreciate your teaching about the WHEN and HOW . . . THANKS!

[@cynthiataylor2092]

Thank you, Cindy 👋

[@chriskincaid6035]

Thank You ...

[@ninjaragingpotatoes]

Being 23 i enjoy it but as i gotten older i deleted all my social media accounts and im actually really happy. And i just plan my first fishing trip and i look forward to it. I wanna learn more

[@davidwright5580]

Well said and everyone has to work as a team and that's how you survive and winn together.

[@nmr6988]

I feel like I keep starting over with my preps, probably because I had to donate/sell/leave behind half of the things we accumulated over 40 years of marriage and twenty years of moderate prepping. Six months of water and food was given to neighbors and the Baptist food center. The years worth of toilet paper. Well, I don't even want to talk about that... 😢

[@DroneFG05]

My Real Life Experience. If you are in the ST Yolanda devastated area, most of the people here are not prepared. Majority of them drink a lot before the storm. Some of them actually prepared but what the are not prepared is the storm surge. After that event majority of the people don't realize the massive impact of the super typhoon. We don't now that there are almost 10k ( 6k dead and 4+k missing) and what really happened to our major city. I'm very optimistic that I will able to go back to my work. So Me and other people are very optimistic but then we realize that it already worst than we imagine. When we started getting news from other people coming for the city that our major city is totally damage. We are in disbelief about the news. Example pile of corpses are in the road, no access to major roads, etc. We got worried so majority of the people in our area and other nearby towns go to the city. People started to looting and others becuase the law an order are not present at that time. Not just that, people start panicking because there are no line communication outside our area. We all thought that are the remaining people that time because total silent. No plane, no cars, no everthing. I prepared for a 1 month worth of foods but the devastation took us 3 months before a outside aid arrives in our area. It took us almost 2 to 3 years before we are able to recover. Also we thanks all the poeple who come to our aid. We are one of the lucky people that are not affected by the storm surge but the aftermath really affects us. If i'm going to rate myself if I was able to prepared for that kind of storm and the aftermath its 4 over 10.

[@richardspence3447]

I'm a over road truck driver I see lot of things. I have everything I need in my truck just in case things go wrong ever one be safe out there

[@rachealstinnett5829]

Mt man here from the smokies 👍👍 he is spot on again yes chickens water an so forth 😊

[@snakebyte7271]

I have never heard such sound advise like this great job.

[@davidsammut335]

Thankyou i feel the same

[@DavidHain-TX]

This is really great content. Always good. Thanks so much. Glad I’m a patron member.