Magnetic Poles Shifting Soon?

Scientists continue to point towards a potential magnetic pole shift in our near future.

What Does That Mean?

Every 200,000 to 300,000 years, the earth's magnetic poles switch causing our magnetic field to weaken. The magnetic field is what protects living things from UV Rays and dangerous cosmic rays. The last pole switch occurred 780,000 years ago so we are way past due.

The problem is that there is no agreement on what might happen to human life after this shift.

Some believe the effects will be minimal while many others are stating this could be the next extinction.

What is agreed upon is these solar storms can have dangerous effects on the systems we have come to depend on. Cell phones and even the electricity entering our homes may suddenly stop working.

This might not sound like a big deal on face value but after numerous government studies, it's widely accepted now that today's human population would not survive very long without electricity. The conclusion being 95% of humans would perish in the first year without electricity.

What Should You Do? 

Preparing for a pole switch isn't much different than preparing for any other disaster. You're mostly preparing for an extended period without electricity.

That means clean water, lights, fire starting material, food, medication, transportation, bug out plans, etc.

Having a plan in place will prevent panic within your home if an emergency like this occurs.

Keep on prepping!

Don't Be Like Everyone Else!

It truly is terrifying to look around in a crowded public place and realize you might be the only one fully aware of your surroundings. 

People are so enthralled into their daily rituals and phone checking to understand things can go south in a blink of an eye. Having your eyes up and watching what is going on could be the big difference between dying and surviving a sudden dangerous situation. 

I walk through Walmart and see people loading up their food carts. But it's only enough for the week. Why? It's so simple to slowly build up your emergency supplies now!

You don't have to go to the store and spend hundreds of dollars for supplies tonight. But at least buy a few extra items each time you're there. If you eat tuna, buy a couple extra cans. Maybe you like pickles. Buy two jars instead of one this time. 

Those few extra items will add up to a large stockpile. A larger stockpile than your neighbors. 

Because I guarantee none of your neighbors are prepared! 

Don't find yourself in a nasty situation without any supplies. Don't find yourself looking back on today, realizing how easy it would have been. 

Don't put yourself in that situation. 

Keep on prepping!

Going Beyond Canned Food

For most people, building up supplies typically means buying lots and lots of canned and dehydrated food with a 2 - 25yr shelf-life. This food is a necessity and will save your family's life in a disaster situation. 

However, there is a way to get beyond the canned food and give yourself a couple of good first few weeks to a month of yummy food.  

Before I start, I am not saying you should alter your canned food supplies at all. Canned food is what will allow you to survive longer than most in an extended disaster situation. Maintain your large supply of canned food and dehydrated food etc. I am just saying, maybe we can delay your reliance on what some call less-appetizing food choices. 

What we must realize here is most disaster situations will be for a much shorter period of time than expected. Meaning you might only need a couple of days to a week or two of supplies before help arrives. While we should always plan for the longest survival situation we can afford, your initial food supplies can have a shorter shelf-life because you will be storing items you eat on a regular basis. By having a regular rotation you will be eating the food and replenishing far before the actual expiration date. 

What you will be doing is buying extra of the items you normally buy in a grocery trip.  

My family loves crackers, potato chips, granola bars and cereal. These items all have a shorter shelf-life than canned food but they are still good for on average of 3-6 months after I've purchased them. I buy a couple of extra boxes and store them with my other supplies. Then I rotate them into my family's cupboards as we eat them and continue to buy new boxes when I return to the store. Thus replenishing my supplies and extending the final enjoy-by date. 

Storing familiar food items will not only create a happier atmosphere in a bad situation but it will also be easier on your stomach. Unless you are used to eating dehydrated and canned food regularly, this food will most-likely cause stomach issues. Nothing like tossing diarrhea on top of scary dire times. 

A list of items we keep on hand: 

Crackers, potato chips, granola bars, mashed potatoes (just add water), cookies, spaghetti (don't forget jars of sauce), other sweet treats, beef jerky, and pudding snack-pacs. 

Just check the expiration dates on your regular purchases and you'll develop your own list pretty quickly. 

Keep on prepping!

Why I Became a Prepper

Most of the population is not prepared for a disaster situation and I will admit I used to be one of them. I wasn't always attentive to my surroundings and the aware of the possibilities of our great country coming under attack.

When you think about it, it's easy to become reliant on the systems our government has put together for us. Electric, heat, food supply, clean water are all now necessary systems for the survival of the majority of US citizens.

US Congress once did a study and found that if the country were to lose the electrical grid, 98% of Americans would be dead within the first year because we wouldn't have access to food, water, medicine etc. You get the idea. 

I never thought about what would happen if those systems suddenly became interrupted. I never wondered what I would do if I couldn't drive down the road to the grocery store and replenish my food supply. Or what would happen if I turned on my faucet and no water came out. 

Disasters typically don't give us a heads-up that they're coming so that we can run to store and stock up on supplies. 

One day, I found the book Patriots: A Novel of Survival in the Coming Collapse and began reading.

It's not my typical book, as I prefer to read non-fiction. Even though this book is fictional, there are many facts about survival tools and firearms that it's hard to classify it completely as fiction.

This book opened my eyes to not only the immediate dangers of a post-collapse America but also the threats that occur months down the road as vagrants and gangs try to survive by killing and stealing.

When the shit hits the fan, this book will be the number one reason that I will be ready.

Must-Have Survival Books

Preparing for a disaster is all about acquiring information and maintaining this information for when it's needed. There are lots and lots of books written about surviving in disaster situations, but I've already spent my money on many of these and know which ones to recommend.

Let's get started!


SAS Survival Guide is a great general guide to surviving in any situation and climate. 



Shelter is the top priority so make sure you're familiar with all types.




A Field Guide to Wild Edible Plants is a must-have because you must know what is edible and what isn't. 




Know how to protect yourself and your supplies.



Read as many books on the subject and when you're done, store them in waterproof sealed bags just in case you need to leave in a hurry. 

Keep on prepping!

4 Survival Tools You Don't Need But Should Have

Confusing title, right?

But hear me out. There are certain tools we absolutely must have in a survival situation. And then, there are tools which make life a little bit easier in a really shitty situation.

Here is my list of 4 must-have supplies:

Goal Zero Switch 10 USB Recharger and Solar Panel Multi-Tool Kit
First of all, we have grown pretty accustomed to our cell phones and the multitude of handy apps, so it is a great idea to have a plan to keep that bad-boy charged up when electricity fails. There are a lot of solar chargers out there, but Goal Zero has made a name for themselves in the solar powered market. The reason I like this particular charger is because you can also use it as a flashlight or fan. Not to mention, the battery is replaceable!

Sewing Kit With Supplies For Emergency Repairs + Free E-book for Beginners
Most people I talk to don't plan on having to make repairs to their clothing.When it comes to disaster preparedness, always plan on no one helping you for a long time. Clothing will become quite valuable in an extended situation and so will the ability to repair clothing.


Emergency Solar Hand Crank AM/FM/NOAA Digital Radio, Flashlight, Cell Phone Charger with NOAA Certified Weather Alert & Cables
Staying on-top of outside news is not a necessity, but knowing more is never a bad thing. Plus it might just be nice to hear another voice other than your own inner-monologue from time to time. I always suggest a hand crank radio so you're not relying on a large storage of batteries. Plus this serves as a backup charger for your phone.

Mr Beams MB390 300-Lumen Weatherproof Wireless Battery Powered LED Ultra Bright Spotlight with Motion Sensor
Keeping the general area around you secure is another wise idea. Spotlights won't prevent intruders but it's a good step in deterring them and telling them they should move on to the next location. I really like this light because it's wireless and the batteries last up to a year. 

So, there you have it. What else could be added to this list?

Keep on prepping!

Alcohol for Bartering After a Disaster

Alcohol is overly abundant in this day and age and many people are even learning to make their own at home as a hobby. But imagine how long it would take for the supply to run short if there was an economic collapse or interruption in grocery supplies. Americans rely on alcohol way more than we care to admit. It plays the role as a stress reliever and social catalyst for many on weekends.

So where am I going with this?

Well, think about the value of liquor now versus post-crisis America. After the supplies have dwindled, liquor is going to be a high value bartering item. Post-disaster times will be very depressing for most survivors so they will likely jump at the chance for a taste of the luxuries we once enjoyed. Stock up on some liquor now and you may have the chance to trade for must-have items you didn't think you needed or couldn't afford.

But get your priorities straight. I only recommend stockpiling alcohol if your food and survival supplies are already fulfilled. Sure you could trade the alcohol for the gear or food you didn't buy but don't bet on it. Do not buy top shelf alcohol either! Look down at that bottom shelf and buy the cheap stuff. Make sure the proof is no less than 70% because the liquor can also be used for disinfectant purposes.

If you're part of a prepper group, learn how to make your own beer and wine and you have increased your value to the survival community 10 fold. Experiment with growing your own grapes and master the art of wine-making as a hobby. This is the kit I use to make wine at home. Not only is it fun to make...and taste-test, but as a bartering item, wine and beer might be more valuable than liquor because of the improved taste quality.

Keep on prepping!

Don't Throw Out That Old CellPhone

At some point in the near future, you're going to upgrade your phone and you may be left with an old phone that is still functioning, just outdated. Do not throw it away.

You can use this old phone as a backup device if there is an event that destroys most of our electronics, like an EMP. Of course this will only be possible if the old phone is stored in a EMP safe container. Some people mention microwaves could withstand an EMP.

 Make sure you have a solar charger

So let's say there was an EMP attack and your brand new phone is toast. In fact, everyone's phone is toast. All of the information on the phone, lost forever. But you have your old phone sitting at home safe and sound, ready to be turned on.

Now, I know what some of you are saying, "the EMP destroyed all of our communication lines, so who cares if I have an old phone".  Our phones are now mini-computers. They will hold any information we put on them for future reference. Apps that don't require a signal will function just fine. Music you would have missed could still be at your fingertips. Your children will be entertained and quiet during stressful times.

Before throwing old items away, always ask yourself if it's something that could be useful down the road in dire times.

 Make sure you have a solar charger

Keep on Prepping!



Image from http://www.workingworld.com/images/articles/big/webiStock_000008788953Larg.jpg

Win an Underground Steel Survival Bunker

You really can't beat a free underground bunker, can you? And the added accessories just make this a must-have item.

Click on the image above and you will be directed to the entry page. I am not affiliated with the "Rising S Company" or the contest.

Good Luck!

Are Your Water Preparedness Plans Enough?

Lack of space is a huge deterrent when people begin storing clean drinking water. The containers add up real fast if you're planning for a gallon per person per day. Even folks with a private well will need backup plans for accessing the water without power. But don't give up on your prepping plans just because you can't store months of clean water. Most of us can't either. Fortunately, there are affordable options for those of us who can't bury a 10,000 gallon water tank in our backyard and fit it with solar powered pumps and 24-hour military-trained armed guards.

My number one device in my bug-out bag is my LifeStraw Personal Water Filter. The LifeStraw is only $20 and will filter up to 1,000 liters of water down to 0.2 microns removing 99.999% of water-borne bacteria. This $20 straw can supply a single person with over 260 days of clean drinking water. Each of my family members are equipped with one of these.

The next water purifier I keep with my main supplies in my house is the SteriPEN Traveler 3-in-1 Water Purifier. This purifier uses UV light to kill organisms. At $42 for 3,000 16-oz treatments, it's a good backup to have in addition to the LifeStraw. The only thing I do not like about the SteriPen is it relies on AA battery power where as the LifeStraw does not.

 If you are aiming to supply safe water for more than yourself, I highly recommend the LifeStraw Family Water Purifier. LifeStraw has introduced the new LifeStraw Family 1.0 Water Purifier for $75 which will filter up to 18,000 gallons of water, enough for a family of four to stay hydrated for 3 years. No power is necessary for this purifier as it uses gravity to filter the water. So, three years of clean water for $75 and you don't have to store containers of water around your house? Folks, this is a no-brainer purchase if you ask me.


Lack of clean water will be the number one killer after a disaster so please do not skimp in this area.

Keep on Prepping!

NASA Reports Solar Storm Just Missed Us

So NASA is just now reporting that a 2012 solar storm just missed us and had it hit us, the effects would have been detrimental to the human race. Detrimental because it was strong enough to destroy most of our electrical infrastructure which would have taken years to repair. Even though this storm missed us, you should be extremely concerned.

I say you should be concerned because the government is acknowledging these possibilities exist and we were close to experiencing it firsthand. Imagine the chaos in our country without electricity. The government has documented in separate reports that 90% of our society would die within the first year with no electricity. Losing electricity is the single biggest threat against our country. Even our enemies know this.

I also say you should be concerned because we are just now finding out about this near miss 2 years after the fact. This is proof that we cannot rely on our government agencies to warn us about catastrophic events beforehand. I realized after reading this that my only chance of surviving something like this is to always be prepared. I do not want to join the masses on streets looking for food and water when we all suddenly lose power. I would prefer to be safe and sound with my supplies and I hope you would too.

Some would argue the Earth's magnetic shield would protect us from such an event, but recent news is reporting our magnetic poles have been moving. The last reports show the lowest point of the magnetic field currently resides over North America. America currently has very minimal protection from a solar flare so again don't rely on something you can't control. The only thing you can control is yourself and if you decide to protect yourself and your future.

Keep on prepping!

Food Rotation and Survival

So, I was meandering through my supplies this week and noticed I have violated my own cardinal rule: I failed to properly rotate my stock and was forced to throw away a large amount of canned food.

Thankfully, this loss isn't detrimental because I can just go to the store and replenish my supplies. But what if Shit Hit The Fan before I realized a large portion of my food supplies were spoiled? My family would be in dire straits because of my oversight and I could blame no one but myself.

I consider this discovery both a negative and a positive. Positive because everyday I do not need my emergency supplies is a good day. Positive because I learned to keep a better eye on expiration dates. Negative because I just wasted a lot of food which could have been used up had I paid better attention.

Small mistakes today can have large impacts tomorrow if we are not properly prepared. I hope by reading this, you will double check all of your supplies.

Keep on prepping!

My Furnace Died

I woke up this morning to a furnace that won't ignite on a day that thankfully isn't below freezing. However, the part my furnace needs won't be here for a couple of days and the temperature is quickly dropping. While the situation isn't dire, my winter survival stock is finally being put to the test. The warm clothing and thick down blankets I have stored away for an emergency situation is now needed and man am I ever happy I took the time to plan for this.

Even though the temperature inside my house will soon be close to the same as outside, I know it won't be forever. This is a temporary situation unlike disasters we may face in the future. Luckily, I get to use this as a practice run and when the house gets too cold, I'll be reaching over and kicking on the space heater for added comfort.

Learn From Others' Mistakes

If you have maintained even a partial eye on the news lately, then you haven't missed the typhoon that destroyed some parts of the Philippines. The people there have been left with little food and clean water and are stuck waiting for outside resources to come to them. It is a terrible situation over there because it is taking too long for help to arrive.

A little preparedness goes a long way during disaster situations. A weeks supply of food, water and shelter can mean life or death while you are waiting for government resources to save the day. This is no knock on the victims of the typhoon because this storm was strong enough to destroy any supplies these people may have had. But this is a factor you don't have much control over. I would rather know my supplies were destroyed by a super storm than know I didn't have supplies because of my laziness.

These storms continue to grow in intensity and it should be a growing warning in your mind. Governments and citizens must take these threats seriously and begin effective preparedness plans for the next super storm. It could only be a matter of time before mother nature comes knocking on your door.

Keep on prepping!

5 Survival Apps You Should Have

Take advantage of the smart phone technology and have survival information at your fingertips in a disaster situation. While there are some disaster which will render your phone useless, it still doesn't hurt to have some of these apps as an extra step in preparedness.

Don't forget to buy a solar cell phone charger

U.S. Military Survival Manual FM 21-76

This manual is full of survival tips which will undoubtedly come into handy during any disaster. The best part is the app is free and will work without a signal. A must-have!

ubAlert - Disaster Alert

This is a global social network where users can share knowledge of disasters throughout the world. This app is free but also requires a signal to function. Could be a great warning system of a coming disaster.

First Aid - American Red Cross

The Red Cross app puts expert advice for everyday emergencies in your hand. This app includes videos, quizzes, and step-by-step advice. This app is also free and appears to function without a signal.

 

Police Scanner 5-0

Monitor existing police, fire, and rescue frequencies and stay abreast of activities in your area or around the world. This app requires a connection to function.

Google Maps

It sounds silly, but what happens if a disaster happens in an unfamiliar area. Remember, we have no idea when disaster will strike so we have to always be prepared. The map is available without a signal but you will be unable to use the locate features.

BONUS TIP

Don't forget to have some entertaining apps as well because they can help time pass and keep morals up. Games, books, and even coloring apps can be extremely helpful during hard-times.

 Make sure you have a solar charger

Prepping With Pets

There is a lot of planning that goes into prepping your family for disaster. Unfortunately, I find that many families leave their pets out of the picture when storing supplies. Either they have forgotten about them or they believe they can just let them outside and they will survive on their own. The latter may be true for some pets but like us Americans, our pets have grown dependent on handouts and won't survive long without help.

Prepping with pets is typically much easier than you think. Because most pets eat the same brand of food everyday, you only have to worry about buying a few extra bags or cans of food and your pet suddenly has a stockpile of emergency food. I recommend you store the same amount of food you stored for yourself. So if you have 1 month of emergency food, so should your pets.

Next, your pet needs water. Typical house pets do not require as much water as us humans so again this isn't a difficult task. If you believe you have enough water stored for your family, store a little extra for your pets. You don't have to store a lot because as an added bonus, your pets can drink from the puddles outside if clean water becomes a shortage.

Finally, if your pet uses medication you may want to make an attempt at acquiring extra. Some vets will understand your reasoning and appreciate you thinking about your pets safety. Other vets may deny you but at least you tried. Depending on the medicine, your pet may still survive long enough until help arrives.

As you can see, preparing your pets for disaster is one the easiest steps to prepping but it is often overlooked. Do your pets a favor and make some room in the survival plans for them.

Keep on prepping!

10 Must Have Survival Items Under $25

Prepping can be an expensive activity when you think about all of the food, water, and guns people recommend. Thankfully for Amazon, there are many useful items which can extend your survival at an affordable price. Purchasing through these links doesn't cost you anymore money and it gives me a small financial stimulus.

1.  Texsport Reinforced Rip-Stop Polyethylene Tarp (Camouflage, 10 x 12-Feet) Shelter comes first. Protecting yourself from the elements is the top priority when trying to survive. This tarp will help you stay dry for $17.40.

2.  Light My Fire Original Swedish FireSteel Army 12,000 Strike Fire Starter - Black Next you need fire. Fire not only provides warmth and safety, it also gives you another back-up plan for clean water. Remember, boiling water is a proven method for acquiring clean water. $15.99

3. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter At $19.95, this water filter will clean up to 1000L of water giving you close to a year's supply of clean drinking water. No question there should be one of these in everyone's survival kit.

4.  Potable Aqua Water Treatment Tablets At $5.99, this is your back-up to clean water if the LifeStraw fails. The downfall is one bottle will only treat about 4 gallons of water. You might want to pick up a couple.

5. GSI Outdoors Straight Pot with Lid (Blue, 3.5-Quart) You need something to heat your water in don't you? If you plan on relying on the boiling method for clean water, you better have a reliable pot for collecting and heating the water. $18.69

6.  Rothco Type III Commercial Paracord (Black, 550-Pound/100-Feet) Paracord has many uses in the wild and it's only $7.49 for 100'. Enough said!

7.  1/2 Dozen (6 PAK) Duke 110 Single Spring Body Trap for Mink, Muskrat, and Weasel Trapping is an excellent method for acquiring protein rich food. Set up the trap, walk away, come back later to your next meal. $24.25 for 6 traps.

8.  2pk blue 721 Mens Merino Wool Calf Boot socks for Hiking and Camping What are socks doing on a survival list? You'll thank me when you are out in the woods with warm comfy feet. Only $19.90 for a 2pk.

9.  6 Mechanical Fisher's Yo Yo Fishing Reels -Package of 1/2 Dozen- Yoyo Fish Trap Don't forget fish when planning on food sources. Yo yo fishing reels catch fish while you're away setting up camp or gathering fire wood so you have something to eat before bedtime. Have 6 of them working for you for $18.33.

10.  Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Series, Folding Sheath Knife I hate to recommend a survival knife on a discount list, but this knife is fairly reliable, and well, you need a knife. For the budget conscious survivalist, this knife is sufficient and only $18.53.

Keep on prepping!

3 Reasons You Shouldn't Save Gold and Silver

Many people decide to become a prepper because they have a doubt about the future of our current economy. Gold and silver is seen as a hedge and protection against a failing dollar, but also as a necessity in the survivalist world according to famous preppers. I don't agree with them and here are my 3 reasons gold and silver does not belong in your prepping plans.

1. Cost is too high

As of this writing, gold is selling for over $1300/ounce. $1300 can buy a whole years supply of food for one adult, a tactical rifle, 1000s of rounds of ammo, or even a down payment on retreat land. The list goes on and on. What is an ounce of gold really going to do for your family?

2. Precious metals will not be used for currency

Despite everything you have read, precious metals will not be used for currency exchange if the economy collapses. Survivors will turn to bartering goods and services and will have little interest in gold or silver. Why will they turn to bartering? Because a very small percentage will be prepared and the others will be scrambling for supplies. It will take months or even years before metals have their place in a bartering system, because people will be too concerned with the essentials.That brings into the final point.

3.  Limited identification methods

How many people do you know who can properly identify a coin which is 90% silver? How many people can identify real gold versus fake gold? The fact that I can still find circulated silver coins is a bad sign, folks. Most of the general public has no idea there is value and they don't really care. Do you think that mindset will change when their cold and hungry?

If you already have a small stack of gold and silver sitting in a lockbox, I highly recommend you sell it and use that profit for prepping supplies. Supplies will do more to guarantee your survival than a few silver coins and gold jewelry.

Keep on prepping!

The best prices I have found for Katadyn water filters - Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter

What Guns to Buy for New Survivalists

I wish this was my set-up!

Setting out to purchase guns for your survival plan can be daunting. The list seems to be exponential and constantly growing, but I am here to give you some basic quick guidance. Before we look at my list, please understand guns have their place in a survivalist's plan, but I recommend you focus your initial purchases on clean water, shelter, and food. The list below is based on price, usability and necessity. This means guns with a higher possibility of use and lower price tag rank higher on my list.

1.  22 Gauge Rifle 

 A rifle like the Ruger 10/22 can be had for under $200 and ammo comes extremely cheap. The gun is versatile in that it can be used for self defense and hunting small game. Don't let anyone fool you, you can also snag yourself large game like deer and use it for self defense.

2. Handgun

The caliber of handgun you choose is your preference. The .40 and .45 tend to be popular choices but don't rule out a 9mm. I only rank a handgun above a shotgun if you live in a State with Concealed Carry laws. Shotguns are great, but you can't wander very far around town with one in your pants. If you can get a CCW permit in your State, get it.   

3. 12 Gauge Shotgun

Purchasing a shotgun accomplishes home security and hunting in one purchase. Ammo again is fairly affordable and the sound of a shotgun is a universal "you better get out of here" sound. Buy different shots (bird, small game, buck, slug) when storing ammo so you have multiple uses for this weapon.

4. High-powered Hunting Rifle

.270, 30-06, .338, etc. The beauty of hunting rifles for larger game is they can also be used for self defense WTSHTF. I have these ranked next to last because I am assuming you aren't an avid hunter and this gun will see very little use. Otherwise, you wouldn't be reading this post. However, if you plan on hunting then move it on up the priority list and get out there. Don't forget to send me some jerky.

5. Tactical Rifle

This list can include an AR-Variant, AK-Variant, SKS, etc. I list tactical rifles last because I believe they are more for show and fun. Yes, I would prefer to have one if SHTF, but the cost (>$1000) is a little too high when you factor other necessary gear you could buy with this money. Tactical rifles have tons of optional gear (sights, optics, lasers, lights) which can run you another $500+, and this is before you even began buying ammo. Unless you're one of the few swimming in money, I suggest you hold off on this purchase until your other survival supplies are overflowing. - By the way, I guarantee I am the only author suggesting this.


This list is only a recommendation based on price and necessity. Everyone has a differing opinion when it comes to guns and I look forward to hearing yours in the comments below. In the end, don't let anyone tell you what gun to buy, it is your final decision.

Keep on prepping!


Image source - http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Guns_1000.jpg

   

5 Reasons You Won't Survive

1. You don't have enough clean water stored.

We all know water is extremely important to our survival, yet over 95% of Americans don't even have 3 days worth of water stored as recommended by FEMA. To those that have heeded the warnings of our government, what happens after 3 days? Do you have access to water by your shelter? Do you have a water filter? Do you have back-up containers to store rain or water you've filtered?

Solution  - Start filling empty plastic containers with clean water, invest in a good water filter, and look into installing rain barrels around your property. If you have a well, having a back-up power source for pumping the water out is helpful.

2. You don't have enough food stored.

We store food for the time when fresh food is no longer available.  I commend you if you have been to the store and bought extra canned food, but is it enough? Canned food can take up a lot of room quickly and can be difficult to rotate through when we have access to fresh food. I have heard people state they will just turn to hunting if we face a food shortage. How long will the animal population survive if each of your neighbors turn to hunting? The goal when storing food is to have more than you believe you will ever need. 

Solution - Decide how many months of food you would like to have on hand and add 25% for unknown circumstances. Chickens and rabbits are easy to raise on small lots and can supply additional sources of food. Growing your own garden is also a skill every prepper should be practicing.

 3. Winter.

Cold weather sucks, especially when you don't have an escape from it. Preppers tend to focus on water, food, and guns and believe they are set. Clothing and shelter is a forgotten supply because it isn't as fun to buy and takes up storage room.

Solution - Each one of your family members needs gear which will keep their body temperature up during cold spells. This means wool clothes, heavy hunting jackets, sleeping bags for 0 degrees and under, and shelter options like tents and tarps. Many of these can be bought much cheaper during the off season as stores try to make room for next season's inventory.

4. You don't have others you can trust.

Safety in numbers, folks. It's amazing how a couple of burly men with rifles draped over their shoulders can make even the bravest attacker reconsider. It can also become more affordable when buying supplies if you divide up responsibilities.

Solution - There are many ways to find others concerned about the future state of our living situations. The art is finding who it is because preppers don't want others to know their plans. You also need to be able to trust the people. Prepper groups can be a good start. I recommend only inviting those who bring necessary skills; hunting, medical, cooking, engineer, soldier, blacksmith, leathersmith, etc. 

5. You aren't as mentally prepared as you thought.

You can buy all of the canned food, water filters, and guns you can afford, but it is worthless if you aren't mentally strong enough to survive. Post-disaster is going to be the most stressful and dangerous time you have ever experienced. Paranoia will set in within a week and you will think everyone is out to get your supplies. Your sleep will be immediately effected unless you have a group you can trust with your protection.

 Solution - Go out camping away from everyone else. Take only the supplies you plan on relying on and see how you do. I believe camping with minimal supplies is the closest we can come to experiencing a post-disaster America. Military veterans who have experienced war should be better at handling the stress of potential combat so it is a good idea to incorporate some into your group. Dogs are another form of protection you can't overlook.