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I thought it was time to bring out the OK Prepper in all of us considering the many things going on in the world. Survival doesn’t mean you have to look like you crawled out from under a rock or have a body like Rambo. We can still be smart about a national emergency and keep our inner Lara Croft (Tomb Raider) in tack. Besides, those high heels might be just the weapon you need down the road if you don’t own a hip holster and a bow and arrow. Keep them in a safe place. Several misconceptions I’d like to address with you about being a prepper. Most people think if you’re a prepper you walk around looking like you need a bath, hiding from zombies. My motto is there’s nothing that says you can’t look good during a national emergency if you’re prepared. So be prepared!

This is what they are not:

1. Preppers today are not people who hoard supplies or build bunkers.
2. They are not the paranoid outsiders of the past playing dueling banjos in the background.
3. Preppers are not just about survival skills.

So, what is a modern-day prepper?

1. Actually, they are individuals who focus on self-reliance, learning practical skills, and preparing for emergencies.
2. These are people who are aware of how fragile modern life is today. They have been taking steps to ensure their survival and as well as for their families.
3. They work at building confidence and preparedness for the unpredictable.

Let’s start with the basics. These are skills you can learn at home and practice now in case there is a local or national emergency. Remember a tornado or hurricane is an emergency as is a forest fire. We tend to think of the worse case scenario as an invasion, nuclear attack, or aliens landing in Central Park. (Ever watch the movie from 1951 THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL?) There’s always the chance of a meteor or comet hitting Earth. The dinosaurs weren’t so lucky. You can be. What are a few things to consider you will need. I won’t put the list of supplies today because you may already have some of these or can easily stock up.

1. Grow your own food: Spring is the perfect time to begin trying out this very enjoyable pastime. Remember you can use large pots for this. You don’t have to have acreage. Try these easy-to-grow veggies like tomatoes, lettuce, and herbs. Learn about composting to make your own fertilizer from kitchen scraps.
2. First aid skills: Practice how to clean and dress wounds properly, and learn CPR. Chances are in a national emergency or even if that New Madrid fault starts to move around, emergency vehicles aren’t going to be able to reach you. There is power in knowledge.
3. Food storage: Learn to store food properly to ensure it remains fresh and ready when needed. I mark every can good I buy with the expiration date using a black sharpie. And with most can goods they will last a couple years past the expiration date. Look that information up now when you buy. Also be sure that the things you buy are what your family will actually eat.
4. Basic repairs: Learn to fix common household items to extend their life and reduce waste.

Always have on hand in an emergency: Check this out!

https://www.infoseeknow.com › Emergency Checklist › Emergency Checklist

Emergency checklist | Search for Emergency checklist. Here are some basic items to consider including in your kit:

1. Water: One gallon per person per day for at least three days, more in hot climates or for medical needs.
2. Non-perishable food: Enough for three days, including canned goods, protein bars, dry cereal, nut butter, etc.
3. Manual can opener: For your canned food.
4. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: With NOAA Weather Radio alerts.
5. Flashlight: Plus extra batteries.
6. Whistle: To signal for help.
7. Dust mask: For filtering contaminated air.
8. Plastic sheeting and duct tape: For creating a sealed shelter-in-place area.
9. Moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties: For sanitation and hygiene.
10. Wrench or pliers: To turn off utilities like gas or water.
11. Local maps: For navigation if GPS fails.
12. Extra phone battery or charger: Solar, battery, or hand-crank.

They go on to say, “These items are crucial for ensuring safety and comfort during an emergency. It is important to regularly check and replace expired items and to update your kit based on your family’s needs and changing circumstances.”

NEED MORE INFORMATION? The first three books are fiction and is what got me thinking about being prepared. I highly recommend them.  I recently purchased this Navy Seal book and they also send you updates on ideas and other ways to be prepared for trouble.

I’m a thriller writer. All my characters have some rough edges but are heroes none the less. You can meet some of them in the Engima, Dark Side, Strong Independent Women, and Whispers of Angel Series. I’m the author of twenty-five books and am happy to take you on an adventure. Remember when escape is your only option, try a little lipstick and danger by reading.