As we enter 2025, many of us are thinking about the usual New Year's resolutions – hitting the gym, eating better, maybe learning a new language. But today, I want to talk about a different kind of resolution that matters for you and your family’s safety and security, and it’s why you’re listening right now… and that’s your preparedness.
But here's why January is the perfect time to change that. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that approximately 46% of resolution makers were still adhering to their resolutions six months into the year. It's like we get this psychological fresh start—a clean slate on New Year’s.
As we move into 2025, preppers should consider several key areas to enhance their preparedness and resilience against potential emergencies or disruptions. Here are some critical considerations:
Long-term Food Supplies
Given the increasing international tensions and potential for significant disruptions, preppers should focus on securing a long-term food supply. This includes not just stockpiling traditional staples like rice, beans, and canned goods but also looking into foods with extended shelf life, such as freeze-dried or dehydrated foods. The emphasis should be on creating a well-balanced pantry that can sustain through extended periods of crisis.
Water Purification and Storage
Water is a fundamental necessity, and preppers should ensure they have adequate means to store and purify water. Moving into 2025, with potential threats to water supply systems, having water purification systems, tablets, or powder, along with storage solutions, becomes increasingly important.
Energy Independence
With concerns about the fragility of the power grid, investing in alternative energy sources like portable solar generators or extra solar panels could be beneficial. This ensures some level of self-sufficiency in power, which is critical for both survival and comfort in scenarios where public utilities might fail.
Community and Networking
Building a network of like-minded individuals can provide both emotional and practical support. Preppers are encouraged to connect with others in their community, not only for mutual aid but also for sharing skills and resources. This could involve local prepping communities or online networks where bartering or cooperative strategies are discussed.
Skill Development
Survival isn't just about having the right supplies; it's also about having the skills to use them effectively. Preppers should consider learning or enhancing skills such as gardening, food preservation (like canning), basic first aid, and even understanding local terrain for escape routes or resource gathering.
First Aid Training: Beyond just having medical supplies, ensuring everyone in your group or family knows basic first aid, CPR, and how to handle common injuries or health issues without immediate medical help.
Firearms Training: There are hundreds of millions of firearms in the U.S. Therefore, at a minimum, everyone should know how to safely handle a firearm. Additionally, they are a self-defense option that should be overlooked.
Medical Preparedness
With potential disruptions in healthcare services, having a well-stocked medical kit, including both prescription and over-the-counter medications, can be vital. This should also extend to learning basic medical procedures or having access to medical guides for emergencies.
Mental Health and Resilience: Preparing for the psychological aspects of emergencies, including stress management, coping strategies, and maintaining mental health.
Security Measures
In scenarios where law and order might break down, self-defense and security become paramount. This could mean investing in home security systems, learning self-defense techniques,