Prepping for Beginners: Start Simple, Stay Ready

What would happen to me and my family if an emergency hit? Where do I even begin? Does preparing for emergencies make me a “prepper”? What would my friends think?

If you’ve asked yourself any of these questions, you’re not alone. Starting out in the world of emergency preparedness can feel overwhelming. It doesn’t help that the prepping world is often dominated by straight white men acting like they invented the idea of survival. But here’s the truth: prepping is for all of us. It’s not about paranoia, it’s about being practical. And getting started is easier than you think.

Step One: Make a Plan

An emergency plan helps everyone stay calm and connected.

• Use Ready.gov/plan to create a simple plan with your family or close friends.

• Choose a meeting place near your home and a secondary one farther away.

• Write down important phone numbers, don’t rely only on your cell.

• Include at least one out-of-state contact, during disasters, local phone lines often go down, but long-distance lines may still work.

• Talk through your plan and practice it once or twice a year.

  
  

Step two: Start with the Essentials

Water and food are your foundation.

• Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least 3–7 days. You can do this gradually, buy a jug or case each time you go to the store.

• Have a water purification method like tablets or a portable filter. If you have allergies (like to iodine), check the ingredients first.

• Build up a week’s worth of shelf-stable food that you actually eat: canned goods, boxed meals, dried beans, rice, nut butters, trail mix, shelf-stable milk, etc.

• Don’t forget a manual can opener and a way to cook, a butane or propane stove is great (always use propane outdoors for safety).

• Think about pets, babies, or dietary needs in your household and prep accordingly.

Step Three: Build a 72-Hour Backpack

A 72-hour backpack ( also called “go bag” or “Bug-out-bag”) has what you need to survive for three days if you have to leave home in a hurry.

You can buy a ready-made kit from our website or use our free checklist to make your own.

The basics include:

• Water and food (with utensils)

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• Portable phone charger or power bank

• Warm, weather-safe clothes and a poncho

• First-aid kit and any essential medications

• Important documents (copies of ID, medical info, etc.)

• Emergency blanket and hand warmers

• N95 masks and hygiene items (toothbrush, wipes, etc.)

Prepping Isn’t Paranoia, It’s Peace of Mind

You don’t have to be a “doomsday prepper” to be prepared. In fact, being ready for an emergency is just common sense, and it can bring you a peace of mind that’s hard to describe.

At Honey Badger Preps, we’re here to help. Our website has beginner-friendly guides, ready-made kits and preparedness items, and a newsletter filled with straightforward advice to help you prepare for life’s big and small emergencies, without feeling overwhelmed.

Be Prepared, Not Afraid!