10 Common Prepping Mistakes

Urban Survival Site ^ | 4/9/11 | Urban Alan

[Kartographer]

With the abundance of bad info out there, it’s easy for new preppers to make a lot of mistakes. I, myself, am a new prepper by some standards. I’ve made many mistakes and I’m sure I’ll make more, but that’s part of the learning process. To help you speed up this process, here are some common prepping mistakes you’ll want to avoid:

[alicewonders]

Bookmarking, thanks!

[RC one]

There's really no excuse for not owning a Katadyn water filter or equivalent water purifier and extra filters.

[Jane Long]

Thanks for posting.

[BenKenobi]

Nothing really ‘experimental’ about wood gasification. It’s an old and proven technology.

[djf]

My FReepers -Are You Ready thread has alot of good info on water storage and preparation/cleaning.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2693828/posts?page=1

[Bean Counter]

Water collection is vital and it isn't hard to do with some prior planning. That is the 300 gallon water tank I installed this year that will provide irrigation for a new 45' x 4' raised vegetable bed, and serve very nicely as a backup source of fresh water, ready for filtering and purification. (the pic is a month old and I've made progress on the project since this was taken)

The tank is filled by a high volume downspout that can easily fill the tank in 2 days. It overflows into the garden so none of the water is wasted. I got the tank online for $250 and added another $50 or so in supplies to plumb it.

We are into our third year of serious prepping, and adding this water tank gives us tremendous security here. This is only one portion of our overall survival and sustenance plan...

[GlockThe Vote]

I just bought a Katadyn Filter myself. I got the Vario. Yes the Pocket is probably the best, but I cant see myself ever needing the capabilities of the Pocket.

[Uncle Ike]

” There’s really no excuse for not owning a Katadyn water filter or equivalent water purifier and extra filters. “

How about a sweet water well, with a windmill pump, feeding a 1000 gallon storage tank - walking distance from my house??

[MrB]

I didn’t mean “experimental” in that sense,
I meant it in the sense that it’s something for us as males and tinkerers to “experiment” with - ie, to play around with to see how we can use it.

In short, I meant experimental in an individual sense, not in a theoretical sense.

[JoeProBono]

BTT

[goodwithagun]

I just bought a Berkey water purification system a couple of weeks ago. I got the Travel Berkey and it filters amost 2 gallons/hour. The setup was super easy, it is lightweight, and takes up very little space. The filters will take care of 6000 gallons, and I chose two water bottles as my free item. I'm sure glad I did. I no longer lug cartons of bottled water to work anymore! I keep a couple of gallon jugs of purified water from the Berkey under the sink for cooking, and a jug in the fridge for drinking. I pitched my Brita, which is only good for flavor issues. The Berkey can filter swamp water if I need it, and the filters (if stored properly) last for decades. I'll buy some replacement filters to put back in a couple of weeks.
I initially purchased the Berkey for prepping, but it makes my water so great that we now use it every day. My next prepping purchase is a Rocket Stove, thanks to chocchipcookie!

[GBA]

Thanks for posting!

Prep for later bump to self

[Georgia Girl 2]

The Big Berkey water filter is a must. Its pricey but we finally got one and we feel a lot more secure. This thing will turn pond scum into 99.9% pure water. The price is going to increase by 25%-30% on April 14th. Right now its about $209.

[Aglooka]

My neighbor and I are refurbishing a 1948 Farmall tractor that is made to run on virtually any flammable liquid - we have a copy of the original manual with instructions on ‘alternate fuel’ operations...

I have a 1948 Farmall Cub in the barn. It still runs and sees occasional use however it is well worn. Smokes like a diesel. They're great machines to work on. Designed to be disassembled down to the last bolt with a minimum of tools.

[RC one]

GtheV: sweet. Have you used it yet? I have used mine a few times just to see how the water tasted. It had no taste whatsoever. ;)

UncleIke: That’s pretty good but can you put it in your backpack and walk cross country with it? ;)

[Tijeras_Slim]

Interesting, but even the deep one isn’t deep enough.

[GlockThe Vote]

Not yet. I have a nasty creek near me I am still trying to get up the nerve to try, but the ater seems gross, ill report on it when I do. LOL.

[Uncle Ike]

” They’re great machines to work on. Designed to be disassembled down to the last bolt with a minimum of tools “

Parts are still reasonably readily available, too — in ‘prepper’ terms, it would be well worth the time and (surprisingly little) money to get your beast into good shape, as it may be the only thing running in your town capable of hauling water and/or firewood....

[ResponseAbility]

One thing to keep in mind with all filter systems, don’t let the filter elements freeze or you will get leaks that can be unhealthy.

[Uncle Ike]

” UncleIke: That’s pretty good but can you put it in your backpack and walk cross country with it? ;) “

I implemented my ‘bug out plan’ three years ago - backpacks and walking are not part of my situation, now... ;)

The number one mistake that ‘beginners’ to prepping make is to believe in ‘one-size-fits-all’ preparations - your needs - and challenges - as an urban dweller are far different from mine in my (consciously chosen) isolated rural setting....