I’m not really a ‘prepper’ but I like to think of myself as prepared. For all of those higher statistical probability events, like ice storms, I would have no problems, which puts me a leg up if there ever was a SHTF situation. (I think I’m actually somewhere between common and SHTF).
I don’t consider myself a prepper either. To me it’s just a way of life we’ve always had. Grand Parents had a small dairy farm to supplement their income. They had no running water or indoor plumbing. Neither did the neighbors. Even the people who lived in town, still had outhouses.
Mom and Dad ran a bar and grill and we had an indoor bathroom, washer and dryer etc. However, Dad liked to hunt and fish, so we always had camping equipment.
Since we always have electrical outages and tornadoes, every one stayed prepared to deal with emergencies, and help the neighbors too.
When veggies go on sale, I buy several cases. If meat goes on sale, I buy 25 lbs and can it in my pressure cooker. I grow my own veggies to avoid pesticides and e-coli as well as save on the food budget. That gives me a well stocked pantry, but that’s just sound money management and good nutrition.
We have had a generator for a long time, because Hubby needed it for some of the construction projects in the winter. That’s tied in with making money.
When the electric went off for about a week in the summer. We had enough electricity to run the refrigerator, freezer, and microwave. Saves money if you avoid all your refrigerated and frozen foods from spoiling.
Also my Dad was on oxygen 24/7, so we were able to keep his oxygen compressor going, a small room airconditioner, and a tv going. That’s saving your Dad’s life with a little entertainment to boot-That’s PRICELESS.
I have lots of reasons for my way of life, and it just so happens that it also leaves me pretty well prepared for most scenarios, but it’s the way my family has always lived, so I have never thought of myself as a prepper.
I think of myself as being independent, able to help others, and far from being a doom and gloom, I am optomistic - Give me lemons, and I’ll make lemonade - not only that, I’ll probably plant the seeds and be overly optomistic that I’ll grow some great lemons.LOL