You’ve spent countless hours carefully planning and stockpiling supplies for any unexpected emergency. But now, as you stand amidst your well-stocked shelves and diligently organized preps, you find yourself wondering, “Who should I tell about my preps?” It’s a dilemma many preppers face – the urge to share your preparations with others versus the need to maintain a level of secrecy. In this article, we will explore the different perspectives on this conundrum and help you decide who to trust with your prepping endeavors.
Family Members
Immediate family
When it comes to your immediate family, they should definitely be in the know about your preps. These are the people with whom you share a household and rely on for support and protection. By involving them in your prepping efforts, you can create a united front and work together to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone. Share details about your emergency plans, food storage, and any additional resources you have gathered. Having a conversation about prepping can also serve as an opportunity to educate and empower your immediate family members to take steps towards their own preparedness.
Extended family
While immediate family members are the most important to involve in your prepping plans, it can also be beneficial to include your extended family. They may live in different households or even in different parts of the country, but knowing that they are also prepared can bring a sense of comfort and security. Share information about your emergency plans and exchange ideas and resources to further enhance each other’s preparedness efforts. By involving your extended family, you can create a network of support and resilience that extends beyond your immediate household.
Close Friends
Trusted friends
Trusted friends are the people you confide in and rely on for support in various aspects of life. When it comes to prepping, these individuals can be valuable allies. Share information about your preps with them, and encourage them to do the same. By discussing your plans and resources, you can pool your knowledge and skills, creating a stronger preparedness community. Additionally, having trusted friends who are also prepared can provide a sense of security and trust during uncertain times.
Best friends
Your best friends are the ones who know you inside out, and they should definitely be in the loop about your prepping activities. Discuss your strategies, potential emergency scenarios, and stock levels with them. Not only can they provide support and reassurance during challenging times, but they may also have unique insights or ideas to contribute to your prepping efforts. Prepping together with your best friends can further strengthen your bond and create a sense of camaraderie as you work towards a common goal.
Neighbors
Next-door neighbors
Your next-door neighbors are the people who live closest to you geographically, and it’s crucial to maintain a good relationship with them, especially in the context of prepping. Building a rapport with them can foster a sense of community and collaboration. Discuss the importance of preparedness and offer to share information and resources. By involving your next-door neighbors in your prepping plans, you can create a support network that can aid one another during emergencies or difficult situations.
Neighborhood community
Beyond just your immediate neighbors, your entire neighborhood community can play a critical role in your preparedness efforts. Organize community meetings or events where you can discuss emergency plans, share skills, and exchange resources. By working together as a community, you can increase the overall level of preparedness and create a strong network of support. Consider creating a communication plan and designating specific roles or responsibilities within the community to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being during challenging times.
Co-workers/Colleagues
Direct teammates
Your direct teammates in the workplace can also be an important group to involve in your prepping efforts. Since you spend a significant amount of time with them and often collaborate closely on projects, it’s beneficial to foster open communication about preparedness. Share information about your plans and ask for their input and suggestions. By involving your direct teammates, you can create a sense of unity and support within your work environment, ensuring that everyone is prepared for potential emergencies that may occur during working hours.
Trusted colleagues
While not every colleague needs to know every detail of your prepping plans, it can be helpful to have a few trusted colleagues who are aware of your efforts. Choose colleagues with whom you have a positive relationship and who have shown interest in preparedness. Discuss general strategies and share resources discreetly. Having trusted colleagues who are also prepared can provide a sense of comfort, support, and potential collaboration, especially in times of crisis.
Emergency Contacts
Local authorities
Your local authorities, such as the police or fire department, are crucial emergency contacts to have. Make sure you are familiar with their contact information and have it readily available. If you encounter a situation that requires immediate assistance or falls outside of your preparedness capabilities, contact your local authorities for help. Establishing a good relationship with them and having open lines of communication can be valuable in times of need.
Emergency services
In addition to contacting local authorities, it is also important to have emergency services on your list of contacts. This includes the ambulance service, hospitals, and other medical facilities in your area. In case of medical emergencies or situations that require professional assistance, reaching out to emergency services should be one of your top priorities. Ensure that you have their contact information and know the appropriate steps to take when contacting them.
Religious/Community Leaders
Pastors
Religious leaders, such as pastors, can provide guidance and support during challenging times. Engage in conversations with them about preparedness and discuss how your faith community can work together towards greater resilience. Pastors often have access to valuable resources and connections within the community that can be beneficial in times of crisis. By involving your pastor in your prepping efforts and sharing your plans, you can foster a sense of community preparedness and create a unified front that supports one another.
Community organizers
Community organizers play a vital role in bringing people together and initiating collective action. Engage with your local community organizers and discuss the importance of preparedness. Collaborate on community-wide events or initiatives that focus on building resilience and preparedness skills. By involving community organizers in your efforts, you can tap into their networks, resources, and knowledge to enhance your preparedness capabilities and create a more resilient community.
Support Groups
Prepping groups
Prepping groups are specifically established to bring together individuals with a common interest in preparedness. Joining a prepping group can provide you with a community of like-minded individuals who share valuable insights, resources, and skills. Engaging with a prepping group can help expand your knowledge on various aspects of preparedness, including food storage, self-defense, and survival skills. Participate actively, share and gather information, and grow together as a community focused on preparedness.
Survivalist organizations
Survivalist organizations are dedicated to equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to survive in extreme situations. These groups often conduct workshops, training sessions, and events that focus on honing survival skills. By participating in survivalist organizations, you can learn essential techniques, gain practical hands-on experience, and connect with individuals who are passionate about self-sufficiency. Engaging with survivalist organizations can further enhance your preparedness efforts and help you develop a robust set of survival skills.
Medical Professionals
Doctors
Medical professionals, such as doctors, play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of individuals and communities. Engage in conversations with your doctors about your prepping efforts and any specific medical needs you or your family may have. Discuss potential emergency scenarios and strategies to address medical needs during such situations. By involving doctors in your preparedness plans, you can receive expert advice, recommendations, and potentially access to specialized medical resources that may be necessary during emergencies.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists play a vital role in ensuring access to essential medications. Engage with your pharmacist about your prepping plans and discuss ways to maintain a sufficient supply of necessary medications. Seek advice on alternatives or stockpiling strategies to address potential disruptions in the healthcare system. By involving your pharmacist in your prepping efforts, you can ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of your medication needs and potential solutions to address them during emergencies.
Financial Advisors
Financial planners
Financial planners are experts in managing finances and can provide valuable insights on how to prepare financially for emergencies. Engage with your financial planner about your prepping efforts and discuss strategies to build a financial safety net. Explore options such as emergency funds, insurance coverage, and investments to ensure you have a secure financial foundation in the face of unexpected situations. By involving financial planners in your preparedness plans, you can gain expert advice tailored to your specific financial situation.
Bank representatives
Your bank representatives can provide valuable guidance on managing your finances and accessing resources during emergencies. Engage in conversations with your bank representatives about your prepping efforts and discuss potential scenarios that may impact your financial stability. Explore options such as lines of credit, safety deposit boxes, or other resources that your bank may offer to support your preparedness efforts. By involving your bank representatives in your plans, you can utilize their expertise and ensure that you have a comprehensive financial strategy in place.
Online Forums/Communities
Prepper forums
Online prepper forums serve as a valuable platform for information exchange and discussion with fellow preppers. Join prepper forums and actively participate in discussions related to preparedness topics. Share your experiences, seek advice, and exchange ideas with like-minded individuals. Online prepper forums provide a supportive community where you can learn from others, gather valuable insights, and contribute to the collective knowledge in the prepping community.
Homesteading communities
Homesteading communities focus on self-sufficiency and sustainable living. Engage with homesteading communities online and discuss preparedness as a part of a broader self-sufficient lifestyle. Share your experiences and gather ideas on topics such as off-grid living, gardening, food preservation, and other homesteading skills. Homesteading communities often provide a wealth of knowledge and practical advice that can complement your prepping efforts, further enhancing your self-sufficiency.