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Gone are the days of imagining preppers as extreme survivalists stockpiling goods in isolated bunkers—today, preppers can be anyone, from urban dwellers to rural homesteaders.
In recent years, the concept of prepping has surged in popularity, and many of us are taking steps to prepare for potential emergencies. By building essential skills and gathering important supplies, many feel better equipped to handle situations such as natural disasters, economic challenges, or unexpected life changes.
That said, it’s easy to make mistakes, especially when you’re just starting out. Let’s take a look at some of the most common mistakes made by rookie preppers and how to avoid them!
1. Too Much Gear
Rookie preppers often get obsessed with acquiring the latest and greatest gear, from expensive survival knives to fancy gadgets. Focus on basic, reliable tools and invest time in learning how to use them effectively. Above all, remember that skills will always be more valuable than gadgets!
2. Spoiled or Expired Edibles
Over time, canned goods and other stored food may spoil or lose nutritional value. There is no point stashing food away for a potential disaster if it is inedible when the time comes! Make sure to implement a food rotation system, using the oldest items first and replacing them as needed.
3. Neglecting Water Storage
Don’t assume you’ll find water when you need it—water supplies can quickly become contaminated or be cut off when disaster strikes. Keep enough water on hand to last at least two weeks, and consider investing in water purification methods such as filters, tablets, or a portable purifier.
4. Overlooking Medical Supplies
A basic first aid kit is not going to cut it in an emergency – you need the right medical supplies to deal with a range of possible illnesses and injuries. Build a comprehensive medical kit that includes wound care, antibiotics, pain relief, and any necessary prescription medications, and consider taking basic first aid classes.
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5. Lack of Skills
Stocking up on supplies, tools, and equipment is easy, but knowing how to use them is another story! Focus on learning essential survival skills such as fire-building, water purification, first aid, and shelter-building.
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6. Ignoring Physical Fitness
In an actual crisis, the ability to endure physical hardship or carry out demanding tasks can be critical for survival. You may need to carry heavy items over long distances, so focus on strength, endurance, and flexibility to be prepared for the physical demands of survival.
7. Underestimating Storage Space
Don’t buy more supplies than you have room to store – cramming items into a cramped space can lead to breakages. Make the most of space-saving options; for example, water purification tablets take up less space than bottles of drinking water.
8. A Rigid Mindset
Some preppers become fixated on preparing for a single event, like a natural disaster or civil unrest, leaving them vulnerable to other potential threats.
Take an all-hazards approach to prepping and diversify your preparations to cover a wide range of scenarios, including natural disasters, economic instability, and power outages.
9. No Backup Power Plan
In extended outages, flashlights and batteries are not sufficient. A lack of power can leave you without heat, communication, or the ability to cook and preserve food. Consider investing in alternative power sources, such as solar chargers, generators, or hand-crank devices, to run essential items.
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10. Overreliance on Bug-Out Bags
Many rookie preppers think having a bug-out bag is the key to survival, assuming they’ll need to flee at a moment’s notice. However, in many situations, sheltering in place is a safer and more realistic option. So, while a bug-out bag is important, focus equally on home preparedness and having long-term supplies for sheltering in place.
11. Forgetting About Hygiene
Rookie preppers often focus so much on food and water that they forget about hygiene products like soap, toilet paper, and feminine care items. Stockpile enough hygiene products to last several months, or consider alternatives like homemade soap or reusable cloths to reduce reliance on disposable items.
12. Lack of Communication Gear
Cell networks may be down during a widespread disaster, leaving people isolated and without critical information. Invest in low-cost alternatives, such as hand-crank radios or walkie-talkies, to stay connected and informed during emergencies.
13. Not Having a Plan for Pets
Without food, water, or medical supplies, pets may suffer or become a liability during an emergency. Include your pets in your prepping plans and store extra food, water, and any necessary medications for them. Make sure any livestock is tagged with your contact details should they escape in an emergency.
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14. Failing to Practice
Having a stock of essential supplies is great, but not practicing how to use them or running through emergency drills is a common rookie mistake. In a real crisis, this can lead to chaos, confusion, and mistakes, so make sure to carry out regular drills and practice using your emergency kit with all members of your household.
15. Long-Term Planning
Stockpiling supplies is a good short-term solution, but not learning how to replenish those supplies is a major oversight. Start learning and practicing sustainable skills, such as gardening, hunting, fishing, or raising small livestock, to ensure long-term self-sufficiency.
16. Ignoring Financial Preparedness
In the modern world, most of our financial transactions are carried out digitally. However, if the online banking system fails, you’ll need a backup plan in place.
Make sure to have emergency cash on hand and keep a written note of any essential financial information in a secure place.
17. Storing the Wrong Foods
When stocking up on food, focus on items with a long shelf life and that are easy to prepare. Consider the nutritional value of the food you are storing and make sure to include items that all family members will enjoy.
Remember that dried and dehydrated foods often take up less space than canned goods, but make sure you have the right equipment to cook them.
Other Topics You Might Like
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Kate Chalmers
Kate is a passionate gardener who has a keen interest in all things related to homesteading and sustainability. She resides in Portugal with her husband and menagerie of animals and has over 15 years of experience in the UK veterinary industry. In 2020, Kate and her husband took on a dilapidated Portuguese house and abandoned olive grove, turning it into an abundant food forest and home for nature.
Life on the homestead is never the same from one day to the next, and Kate has mastered many skills that she is keen to pass on to anyone with an interest in becoming more self-sufficient. Kate believes that living a sustainable lifestyle is the key to happiness and fulfillment and that everyone can make simple changes that connect us back to nature and reduce our impact on the planet.
