Survivalist Preppers discussion

Often preppers are accused of either fear mongering, or giving into fear when they talk about preparedness related issues. In my opinion, the exact opposite is true. The very act of prepping removes fear from the equation, allowing you to better deal with a crisis without giving into your fears and anxieties.

I wrote an article about Prepping without giving into Fear at http://offgridsurvival.com/preparednessfear/

What are your thoughts on the subject?

I grew up in the bush, so having supplies in the house and contingency plans was normal. I don't understand the attitude "my safety is somebody else's responsibility" that so many people have. If you are prepared for an emergency, not only are you looking after yourself, you are freeing up the limited resources of emergency services to look after people who need help.

Unfortunately, hard-core preppers (like the folk in Doomsday Preppers) give people the wrong idea about being prepared for emergency situations.

I really don't understand the “it won't happen to me” or the "my safety is somebody else's responsibility” attitude either. It's pretty mind-boggling that people can be so cavalier with their lives.


BEAU: 100% agree on the whole doomsday prepper thing. A lot of the reality TV Survival shows have been horrible for preparedness. I've talked to a lot of these TV producers, and receive a couple emails a week about some new show that their pitching me. It's actually pretty shocking what they are willing to do for ratings.

I really hate those TV shows and most of those peppers are just getting as many weapons as possible and not storing food and finding resources

Hmmm, I've been sitting back reading and re-reading not only the Off Grid blog post, but the comments in this discussion. I think I have something valid to contribute now. lol.

First, TV Shows. Not a big fan. It seems to me that the Doomsday Prepperish style of shows tend to focus on the more extreme people. Ok granted you are going to do that for ratings. Another thing I really have an issue with, not only on tv but on the prepper forums, is that most people seem to locked into their way of doing things and not open to other idea. Ok that rant is done.

Fear, I don't agree that it is Fear Mongering. I think those who want to bury their heads in the sand will always call it fear mongering until disaster strikes. You can show a person the truth, give them a thousand different sources to prove a point, but if they don't want accept a truth, they won't.

Now, I don't often get religious, but I want to share a thought that the article made me think of. The Bible, whether you believe in it or not, advocates prepping... In Proverbs 6:6-8, "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: (7) Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, (8) Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest." That's not fear mongering, just a common sense proverb.

Ok, my 2 cents is in. Take it for what it's worth. lol.

You bring up something that I think most people today miss; prepping isn't a new thing. Unfortunately, in today's society it's either promoted as some sort freakish sideshow, or ignored by people who have become completely reliant on the system.

Up until 50 - 60 years ago most people were preppers; they didn't use that word, but they were preppers. It's just how people lived. They saved, they knew how to be self-reliant, and they realized that bad things happen in life and took precautions to guard against the bad times.

And yes, I do believe you are right about the Bible advocating prepping. I interviewed someone awhile back who runs a Christian themed preparedness blog, (it can be read here if anyone is interested http://offgridsurvival.com/christianp...) we discussed that very topic and found a number of passages similar to what you posted.

Robert took the words out of my mouth...
What's freakish is that people have become so reliant on the grocery store, they don't even have a clue what to do if they're snowed in for a couple days, then finally get there and all the bread is gone.
There's this thing...It's called BAKING.
My father-in-law was born in a TINY town in the mountains not far from our home...He was raised there with no electricity or running water...He's only 71. His mother raised four boys in that tiny town, in those conditions.
The lifestyle of doing for oneself and independence isn't so far removed from the present. And no one was terrified or 'fear mongering' about going out and hunting and harvesting for dinner...
And The Bible passage is essential...The essence of being independent, and safe, strong, and prepared...NOT afraid. The OPPOSITE of afraid.
Speaking of hurricanes - and fear...I found this blog/website a few years ago, and think it's another good read, along with 'offgrid' - :o)

http://www.theplacewithnoname.com/blo...