May 16: Guest Post-The 9 basics of preparedness

**Note from Shepherd Survival: The post below is a guest post from the writer at www.modernamericapreparedness.com. If you have any comments or questions for him please visit his website by clicking the link above**

Posted May 15, 2011 By: Modern America Preparedness

 

Today’s post lays out what I believe to be the 9 basic principles of preparedness, and why they are important to everyone.  I believe one of biggest problems facing Americans today is the loss of life skills. In one generation alone, such skills as home gardening and canning are all but forgotten in modern America. In one generation the importance of having 2 weeks worth of food in the pantry is fading from the minds of America.  In one generation the availability of clean, abundant water is taken for granted.  That is why I think each one of these core principles has a significant roll in our individual and family preparedness, and supports the 5 critical elements of survival: water, food, shelter, fire, and security.  We will cover each principle in detail in later postings.  Remember these are my thoughts and priorities and they may not work for everyone.

1.  Determination - having the right attitude and mental focus (tenacity) is essential to dealing with any problem. Survival in life and death situations demands determination.  I'll share an example when I cover this topic in greater detail, maybe in the next post.
2. Health - good physical health is important because emergency situations usually require extra physical demands from our bodies.
3. Budget - most households have limited cash reserves, therefore a budget is critical in our prepping efforts.
4. Action plans - It is important to have an action plan for just about everything, whether it is severe weather, civil unrest, long term unemployment, or a global flu pandemic.
5. Gear - having access to the right gear is important in an emergency.  One way to facilitate this is to build emergency kits. One of my favorite kits is an EDC (Every Day Carry) bag, more on this topic very soon.
6. Training - having the right skill sets in an emergency is helpful. In addition, training always increases your personal knowledge and ability, which promotes personal freedom from the bureaucratic system.
7. Practice - practice, practice, and practice.  Using those skills from principle number 6 will help you perfect them, and make them seem like second nature.
8. Silence - always fly under the radar.  It is best to keep your level of preparedness to your self. We should always be willing to help other people, but you don't want to compromise your safety, or the safety of your family.
9. Life style - remember preparedness is a way of life, which means you should be in this for the long haul. True long-term preparedness consists of long-term goals and plans.  These goals include things like gardening, long-term food storage, remote property, debt elimination, knowledge, and skill base.

 I hope that today’s topic will inspire you to think and plan for possible hardships that life might bring your way. I look forward to covering these principles in greater detail.  Until next time be safe, prepare, and actively pursue your freedom.

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