Prepared, Not Paranoid

5 core principles of smart prepping for everyone.

Jan 09, 2025

Prepping doesn’t have to mean doomsday bunkers and conspiracy theories. It’s simply about being ready for the unexpected—whether that’s a power outage, a natural disaster, or political unrest.

Over the years, I’ve learned that preparedness is less about panic and more about peace of mind. In this post, I’ll share five core principles of smart prepping that anyone can follow.

If you’re ready to dive deeper, check out my book, Prepping for Liberals.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and trust.

That said, let’s dig into the core principles of smart prepping!

Core Principles of Smart Prepping

1. Plan for the Likely, Not Just the Extreme

Start by focusing on what’s most likely to affect you. Do you live in an area prone to hurricanes, wildfires, or snowstorms? Begin your plan with these risks in mind.

Prepping doesn’t have to mean preparing for the apocalypse—it’s about being ready for real-life situations that could disrupt your day-to-day life.

2. Build a Solid Foundation First

Before investing in advanced gear or gadgets, focus on the basics. The following are the cornerstones of preparedness, no matter your situation:

Water

Have at least a 3-day supply of clean water (1 gallon per person per day).

That said, unless you’re in a car, lugging that much water can be hard. If you have access to a source of water but aren’t sure if it’s okay to drink, you’ll want a water filter. I’ve got the following in my go bag:

Food

When it comes to stocking up on food, versatility and longevity are key—especially if you’re unsure whether you’ll need to shelter in place or quickly evacuate. I recommend having a solid stash of non-perishable items like canned goods, dry pasta, and freeze-dried meals.

Personally, I keep a one-month emergency food supply ready for my entire family to cover those extended shelter-in-place scenarios.

For freeze-dried meals, I’m a big fan of ReadyWise. Their meals strike a great balance between flavor and convenience, plus they cater to both vegetarians and meat eaters like me.

They’re lightweight if you need to grab them and go, and all you generally need is hot water to get a tasty, calorie-dense meal.

Whether you’re hunkering down at home or heading out at a moment’s notice, having shelf-stable options like these can make a huge difference in your comfort and peace of mind.

Check out ReadyWise here.

Power

Not much to say there other than a portable phone charger or solar-powered generator can be a lifesaver.

I have two Mregb Power Bank Solar Chargers for myself and my family. These are fairly inexpensive, usually on sale, and can easily keep your phones going.

First Aid

A well-stocked kit is essential for addressing minor injuries. Personally I care three things:

First Aid Kit: This is your go-to for everyday scrapes, cuts, and minor burns. A standard kit typically includes bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers—perfect for handling life’s little mishaps quickly and confidently. I have a few of the Everlit 250-piece kits and keep one in the house, one in the car, and one in my go bag.
Trauma Kit: A step up from the basic first aid kit, the trauma kit contains more specialized items like pressure dressings and hemostatic agents. This comes into play during serious accidents where bleeding or injuries are more severe, buying time until professional medical help arrives. I carry the one from Everlit.
Tourniquets: These are crucial for controlling life-threatening bleeding from arms or legs when direct pressure just isn’t enough. Tourniquets are especially vital in high-risk settings or remote locations, where immediate medical care may be delayed. I have the SWAT-T Tourniquets.

3. Make Safety a Priority

Your safety and the safety of those around you come first. This means:

Secure your home: Invest in locks, alarms, and fire extinguishers.
Learn skills: Basic first aid, self-defense, and how to use your tools or gear responsibly.
Stay informed: Know your local evacuation routes and emergency services.

Safety Note on Firearms and Ammo

If you choose to keep firearms, it’s important to store them securely yet accessibly, ensuring you have both your firearm and ammunition in good condition.

Regular maintenance, proper training, and responsible handling are essential to protect yourself and others.

For a deeper dive into a mindful approach to gun ownership, check out my post on progressive gun ownership.

4. Stay Organized and Accessible

Prepping isn’t helpful if you can’t find what you need when you need it.

Keep your emergency supplies organized and accessible. Use clear bins or labeled bags to group similar items together (e.g., food, medical supplies, tools).

Regularly check expiration dates on perishable items and update your supplies.

5. Prepping is for Everyone

There’s a misconception that prepping is only for certain groups of people—rural folks, survivalists, or conspiracy theorists. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Preparedness is universal.

It’s about being proactive, protecting what you value, and creating a sense of security.

As a Progressive, I see it as a way to ensure I’m ready to support my family and community if things go wrong.

Your Next Steps

Preparedness doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or intimidating. By focusing on these core principles, you’ll have a strong foundation to handle whatever life throws your way.

If you’re ready to take your preparedness to the next level, check out my book, Prepping for Liberals. It’s a straightforward guide for anyone who wants to feel more secure and capable in uncertain times.

Get your copy here: Prepping for Liberals.