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Top 9 Mistakes Of Prepping
http://www.commonfolkusingcommonsense.com/2010/06/07/top-9-mistakes-of-prepping/ ^

Posted on 07/16/2010 11:33:58 AM PDT by Red in Blue PA

1. Following the wrong advice: Many new survivalist become fixated upon the advice given by others. They read the latest preparedness book or blog post and automatically assume the advice given is best them, without considering their individual needs, skill level or location. In order to be self-reliant you need to learn to think for yourself.

2. Not eating what they store: Many new survivalist fill their pantry with unfamiliar foods, thinking they will adapt their diet “when the time comes” this is nonsense. You need to learn how to prepare and use these foods now, so they become a familiar staple.

3. Relying only on their food storage: Many new survivalist think once they have their one year supply of survival foods, that’s the end. Don’t get me wrong, having a deep larder is important, just don’t overlook the possibility of needing to replenish your supplies, and obtaining the skills and resources needed to do that.

4. Not storing enough salt: Many new survivalist fail to store this staple in the quantities needed. Don’t discount the importance of salt. I suggest at least ten pounds of iodized salt per person as a minimum.

5. Building an arsenal: I see this all the time. Many new survivalist spend thousands on weapons and related gear, yet have only a two-week supply food and no water filter. This is stupid. I love guns and gear as much as the next person – but I know food and water are more important to my survival. Sure; we need weapons to protect what we’ve put away, just don’t neglect the other stuff.

6. Relying on bugging out: I’m not a fan of the “grab a bug out bag and head for the hills survival strategy”. In most cases you’re better off staying where you are. Having a bug out bag is a good idea, just don’t make bugging out your only plan or first priority.

7. To much stuff not enough skill: Many new survivalist believe they can be saved though buying. This fantasy has been promoted by self-serving survival gurus for years to fill their pockets with cash. Sure supplies are useful and some are needed – just don’t become dependent on stuff instead develop your skills.

8. Storing only one type of food: More than a few new survivalist have made this mistake. I can’t remember exactly where I read it, I think it was on another survival blog – but the author suggested his readers store hundreds of pounds of wheat and nothing else. While wheat is the backbone of my food storage, storing only one type of food, no matter how versatile is foolish.

9. Not taking care of pet needs: Many new survivalist fail to consider the needs of their pets. If you have pets you must plan for their needs by laying back the necessary supplies to keep them fed and healthy.


TOPICS: News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: emergencyprep; preppers; prepping; shtf
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1 posted on 07/16/2010 11:34:00 AM PDT by Red in Blue PA
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To: Mrs. B.S. Roberts

Ping.


2 posted on 07/16/2010 11:38:19 AM PDT by Bloody Sam Roberts (A fearless person cannot be controlled.)
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To: Red in Blue PA

During the dec 2010 snowstorm in WV, our batteries didnt last 2 days. 3 of my 4 flashlights went totally dead.

The snowstorm was mostly a surprise, so we didnt have enough food on hand.


3 posted on 07/16/2010 11:39:27 AM PDT by Armedanddangerous (Montani Semper Liberi)
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To: Red in Blue PA

Baffled as to why, should one have to go survivalist, one would even waste the time and resources to maintain “pets”. What one would need would be dogs of the large, loyal, and appropriately vicious variety.


4 posted on 07/16/2010 11:40:19 AM PDT by Marechal
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To: Red in Blue PA

“5. Building an arsenal: I see this all the time. Many new survivalist spend thousands on weapons and related gear, yet have only a two-week supply food and no water filter. This is stupid...”

If you have plenty of guns and ammo... food & water is easy to get !!!


5 posted on 07/16/2010 11:41:11 AM PDT by maddog55 (OBAMA, Why stupid people shouldn't vote.)
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To: Marechal
one would even waste the time and resources to maintain “pets”.

One could insert "elderly", "affirm" and many other things for "pets". People who have animals understand.
6 posted on 07/16/2010 11:41:59 AM PDT by Red in Blue PA (Anti-Gunners suffer from Factose Intolerance)
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To: Red in Blue PA
#10, prepping without planning. Take the time to figure out what you need for your family and prioritize purchases. One step at a time - consistently - will save you money and headaches. Your initial plan will change over time as you get better at it. Mini-disasters likes blizzards, or everyone getting the flu are good times to assess how well you're doing.

#11, blabbing to liberal friends and family and the local paper that you are a prepper.

7 posted on 07/16/2010 11:43:28 AM PDT by meowmeow (In Loving Memory of Our Dear Viking Kitty (1987-2006))
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To: Red in Blue PA

When I see a recipe posted for “Donner Party Stew” then I’ll now that it’s really hit the fan.


8 posted on 07/16/2010 11:43:38 AM PDT by JPG (Mr. Gore, or is it Mr. Stone or Mr. Woody? Whatever, you're under arrest.)
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To: Armedanddangerous

That’s why I also have the wind up kind, solar kind too.

P.S. those solar walkway lights, make a good flashlight...


9 posted on 07/16/2010 11:44:25 AM PDT by Freddd (CNN is down to Three Hundred Thousand viewers. But they worked for it.)
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To: maddog55
If you have plenty of guns and ammo... food & water is easy to get !!!

This is ridiculous "logic", and sounds like something an obamabot might say, taking the preparations of others because they were too lazy to prepare.

It also ignores the fact of a SHTF scenario where you may get food from someone else, only to be shot in the back yourself. I am amazed everytim I read this line.

It is ignorant, but moreso, it is false. Try coming to get my food and water....I am also armed.


10 posted on 07/16/2010 11:44:45 AM PDT by Red in Blue PA (Anti-Gunners suffer from Factose Intolerance)
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To: Freddd

those shake flashlights arent worth a hoot..stay away from those.


11 posted on 07/16/2010 11:46:01 AM PDT by Armedanddangerous (Montani Semper Liberi)
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To: meowmeow
#11, blabbing to liberal friends and family and the local paper that you are a prepper.

Indeed!

OPSEC should be #1, #2, and #3 of prepping.

I would go one step further. In a SHTF scenario, act like you are starving even if you are not.
12 posted on 07/16/2010 11:46:28 AM PDT by Red in Blue PA (Anti-Gunners suffer from Factose Intolerance)
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To: Red in Blue PA

Eat what you store what you eat what you store what you eat what you store what you eat what you store what you eat what you store what you eat what you store what you eat what you store what you eat what you store what you eat what you store what you eat what you store what you eat what you store what you eat what you store what you eat what you store what you eat what you store what you eat what you store what you eat what you store what you eat what you store what you eat what you store what you eat what you store what you eat what you store what you eat.


13 posted on 07/16/2010 11:47:23 AM PDT by El Sordo (The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.)
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To: Red in Blue PA

You come to my house to try and take my families food, Ill have your guns, your boots, flashlights, other weapons and they’ll find your ragged corpse sometime next spring..unless I can get to a mine shaft, in which case you’ll never be found.


14 posted on 07/16/2010 11:48:05 AM PDT by Armedanddangerous (Montani Semper Liberi)
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To: maddog55

” If you have plenty of guns and ammo... food & water is easy to get !!! “

If, by that, you mean that you’re planning to go ‘predator’ and start looting and pillaging, I invite you to start with my little town —

I and my neighbors will gladly help you make intimate - but, unfortunately, short - acquaintance with the Town Square tree...


15 posted on 07/16/2010 11:48:08 AM PDT by Uncle Ike (Rope is cheap, and there are lots of trees...)
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To: Red in Blue PA

And then there will be the folks surrounded by a year of food boxes and ammo cases, lying there with an empty bottle of heart medication.


16 posted on 07/16/2010 11:49:46 AM PDT by Gondring (Paul Revere would have been flamed as a naysayer troll and told to go back to Boston.)
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To: Armedanddangerous
"During the dec 2010 snowstorm in WV, our batteries didnt last 2 days."

Fortunately you have enough time to buy more batteries and prepare for it this December.
17 posted on 07/16/2010 11:49:50 AM PDT by Solar Wind
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To: Red in Blue PA
"...don’t overlook the possibility of needing to replenish your supplies, and obtaining the skills and resources needed to do that."


18 posted on 07/16/2010 11:50:30 AM PDT by stormer
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To: Red in Blue PA
6. Relying on bugging out: I’m not a fan of the “grab a bug out bag and head for the hills survival strategy”. In most cases you’re better off staying where you are. Having a bug out bag is a good idea, just don’t make bugging out your only plan or first priority.

Depends on where you live. Here in Crook County Illinois the chances of riding out a storm aren't that good. Too close to the looties on the near West side. Most looters won't drive far to loot, especially if gas get difficult to find. So two hours from a major urban population mass is probably the closest that you would want to try to ride it out.

Of course even if you intend to bug out you need to have a plan for survival in place. You may not be able to get out due to closed, jammed roads or the sudden onset of the emergency. Civil unrest rarely gives you a lot of warning. Something sets it off and by the time you realize its time to go, get the family together and get the car packed it may be too late to go anyplace. While plan A may be to GTFO you need to be prepared to fort up for a few weeks and wait for a better opportunity to make your run.
19 posted on 07/16/2010 11:51:34 AM PDT by GonzoGOP (There are millions of paranoid people in the world and they are all out to get me.)
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To: Red in Blue PA

“6. Relying on bugging out: I’m not a fan of the “grab a bug out bag and head for the hills survival strategy”. In most cases you’re better off staying where you are. Having a bug out bag is a good idea, just don’t make bugging out your only plan or first priority.”

If you don’t a prepared place(Somewhere secure and stocked)bugging out makes you a refugee and history has repetedly shown us what happens to refugees.

For those who wish you may want to download my Preparedness Manual at:

http://www.mediafire.com/?tyoktknynnl


20 posted on 07/16/2010 11:52:15 AM PDT by Kartographer (".. we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.")
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