Cleanup after the 2014 floods. Are you prepared for more permanent special circumstances?Image: KEYSTONE
The next serious crisis is sure to come. But don't panic! You don't have to be a prepper; you can prepare wisely with relatively little effort. Blue pill or red pill?
In a serious crisis situation, it can be difficult to stay calm. Then people rushed into supermarkets to stock up on toilet paper.
After the coronavirus, there was a war in Ukraine, and now, thanks to Donald Trump, we are heading towards an unpredictable situation in Europe.
Almost as an afterthought, we face the greatest existential threat facing humanity: the consequences of global climate change.
This article provides practical advice on emergency preparedness for your small wallet. You'll also learn important technical terms, allowing you to delve deeper into the topic.
The following applies: Fear is a poor advisor. But given the circumstances, it’s time for you to address this topic now. Positive effect: People who plan ahead do not feel paralyzed by world events and can look to the future with relative ease. You can also save money.
Forrest sends greetings
“Mom said people who do stupid things are stupid.”
The mother of this unusual movie hero had this to say “Forrest Gump” (played brilliantly by Tom Hanks) is certainly right. One might add that this also means our own purchasing behavior.
You must also be able to make a living while preparing for threat scenarios. Therefore, it is important not to burden your account with spontaneous purchases or fall into the debt trap of small loans. Instead, it’s worth having a realistic emergency preparedness budget create.
Anyone who plans carefully for a crisis situation and implements it wisely can save a lot of money. In fact, no one needs to spend thousands of francs on special equipment. The motto is: keep it simple!
It's good to know: even by taking a small step, you can drastically improve your personal starting position.
Don't be afraid to be prepared
Anyone who prepares intensively for crises and disasters is generally considered a “prepper.” Unfortunately, the reputation of the English term “preparedness” has been called into question due to extremist trends in the field of preparedness. However, this should not stop anyone from preparing for emergencies that prevent them from living their normal lives for several days. Experts from the Federal Office for National Economic Supply (BWL) recommend that all Swiss households keep a supply of supplies for around a week. However, this is not enough, as we will soon see.
Something you absolutely need (at home).
Now tell the truth!
Anyone who prepares intensively for crises and disasters is generally considered a “prepper.” Unfortunately, the reputation of the English term “preparedness” has been called into question due to extremist trends in the field of preparedness. However, this should not stop anyone from preparing for emergencies, Unable to live a normal life for several days with yourself hiding at home. Preppers refer to this situation as loopholes.
Experts from the Federal Office for the Supply of the Economy (BWL) recommend that all Swiss households have one One week supply reserve. For animals and human family members.
This has nothing to do with freeze-dried chili con carne and other timeless survival foods sold in specialized online stores. It's best to stock up on staples that you actually enjoy eating and that match your cooking habits.
This brings us to the point Principle of stockpile rotation. Logistics experts and preppers talk about FIFO (“first in, first out”). This means perishable products (such as pasta and rice) Save by expiry date become. The goal is to consume them promptly and avoid food waste. Example: If you store canned tomatoes on a shelf, the newly purchased cans are always at the back.
For financial reasons, it also makes sense to have a slightly larger stockpile of emergency supplies at home. This means you can buy relevant products when they're on sale without any time pressure, and save a ton of money in the process.
Don't be afraid of the end of the world
Before you spend a franc on life-saving equipment, emergency generators and other fancy stuff, you should conduct a personal risk assessment. What's really dangerous to you?
preparers prepare SHTFscene. The abbreviation stands for “Shit Hit the Fan” An extreme crisis situation that means daily life comes to a standstill. The impact on society will be huge. For example, a new airborne virus with a high mortality rate in the event of a large-scale power outage (blackout) that lasts for several days, or a highly radioactive cloud moving towards Western Europe after a serious accident at a Ukrainian nuclear power plant (nuclear power plant).
In our modern 24-hour society, we always expect our shelves to be well-stocked.Screenshot: x.com
But it doesn't have to be a terrorist attack or a natural disaster before you unexpectedly find yourself in a dangerous, unique situation. Personal emergencies are statistically much more likely to occur: for example, if you collapse from the freezing cold in the middle of nowhere.
The truth is: we can't prepare for every possible SHTF scenario. We don't have the time or money to do this. And maybe energy. We're not super doomsday preppers like tech billionaire Mark Zuckerberg, but we have to set our priorities.
- What is the most likely situation that poses a threat to you and your loved ones? How do you prepare to deal with them?
- What personal needs must always be met, even in emergencies (e.g., medication for chronic disease)?
If you answer the above questions carefully, you'll know where to start first. For equipment, the following applies: Quality takes precedence over quality!
Don't buy cheap Chinese crap from Temu and Co. But also avoid professional vendors and online stores that charge more for common tools because they label them “tactical.”
Good to know: We all have a core set of equipment and skills that can be useful in almost any SHTF scenario. Maybe you already have it and don't even realize it.
Worth looking into, especially when it comes to tools and other relatively expensive equipment second hand market. There are an increasing number of reputable suppliers reselling used products at low prices. The environment also benefits.
Things you absolutely need on your trip
The best and most expensive equipment is useless if it cannot be used in an emergency.
EDC represent “Daily Carry”. Preppers are those items that you carry with you in your daily life. In a narrow sense, this is a type of survival equipment that is worn on the body so that it is always available.
For many people, their personal EDC equipment may be limited to a smartphone, a set of keys, and perhaps a wallet.
In fact, smartphones are life-saving tools in crisis situations, and not just because of the integrated LED flashlight. Anyone who has previously downloaded the correct section to their device from their favorite map app will be able to navigate even if the internet is completely down.
There's room for a small (cheap) knife everywhere. It would be better if the glass crusher and belt cutter are integrated together. Image: Watson
With handbags, women have more storage space when they are out and about. Men's bags are becoming more and more common on the streets. Are they all preppers? 😅
Anyone who travels frequently by car should consider a few extra things. The same applies here: don’t overdo it! On YouTube, preppers offer ideas on what they should bring. You can also find exciting input on Reddit.
«A box of tampons is a really great thing to add to your emergency car kit. I'm a male and don't need them for their actual purpose. However, if there is someone around you who needs it, he will consider you a godsend. In addition to their primary function, they have many other uses, from fire starters to plugging wounds to (no kidding) soaking in squirrel grease to make catfish bait. “
Invest in yourself, not equipment
In an emergency, first aid and self-defense skills are vital to the survival or safety of others. There are other skills that can make life easier in special situations.
Some application areas:
- Physical and mental health.
- Cooking without electricity.
- Preserve food.
- Use solar energy and other alternative energy sources.
- Use various tools to make a fire.
- Navigate with or without maps.
- Repair and “reuse” techniques.
- Sewing and mending clothes.
- Self-defense.
Theoretical knowledge can be gained through non-fiction books, online courses, and YouTube videos. However, this is usually worthless without actual training.
Preparation costs can be based on your needs. If you prioritize what matters most and maintain your physical and mental health, you can successfully handle almost any crisis situation.
