Preparing for the Unpredictable: The Rise of Stockpiling
The current state of the world has led millions of Americans to stockpile food and supplies in anticipation of potential upheaval. With the upcoming election, escalating conflict in the Middle East, increasing natural disasters worldwide, and the threat of another global pandemic, many people are preparing for the worst.
There's a growing consensus that significant, history-altering events are on the horizon, and a large number of people are taking steps to ensure their preparedness. The act of "doomsday prepping" has even evolved into a booming $2.46 billion industry, according to a report from Newsweek.
The Emergence of Prepping Culture
The term "prepper" or "prepping" was not commonplace during earlier times. However, a significant portion of the population is now actively preparing for societal collapse.
Data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suggests that around 20 million Americans are prepared enough to be self-sufficient for at least a month. While this level of preparedness might not be enough to survive a long-term crisis, it's a start.
Big Businesses Catering to Preppers
Even large corporations like Costco are catering to preppers. They've started selling Readywise 150 Serving Emergency Food Buckets, which include 80 dinners, 30 breakfasts, and 40 energy drinks with a 25-year shelf life. Costco has also become a significant seller of gold and silver bars and coins, popular among those concerned about a financial system breakdown.
Local supermarkets have also begun to stock emergency food on their shelves, which is a positive development.
More Than Just Food
However, preparing for a crisis involves more than just stockpiling food. It's crucial to consider everything you'll need if power is unavailable and supply chains have completely broken down.
Here's a list of 50 basic items that everyone should consider stockpiling:
1. A conventional generator and a solar generator
2. A Berkey water filter
3. A rainwater collection system
4. A large emergency medical kit
5. Rice
6. Pasta
7. Canned soup
8. Canned vegetables
9. Canned fruit
10. Canned chicken
11. Jars of peanut butter
12. Salt
13. Sugar
14. Powdered milk
15. Bags of flour
16. Yeast
17. Lots of extra coffee
18. Buckets of long-term storable food
19. Lots of extra vitamins
20. Lighters or matches
21. Candles
22. Flashlights or lanterns
23. Plenty of wood to burn
24. Extra blankets
25. Extra sleeping bags
26. Ammunition
27. Extra fans
28. Hand sanitizer
29. Toilet paper
30. Extra soap and shampoo
31. Extra toothpaste
32. Extra razors
33. Bottles of bleach
34. A battery-powered radio
35. Extra batteries
36. Solar chargers
37. Trash bags
38. Tarps
39. A pocket knife
40. A hammer
41. An axe
42. A shovel
43. Work gloves
44. Lots of warm socks
45. Seeds for a garden
46. Canning jars
47. Extra supplies for your pets
48. A substantial emergency supply of cash
49. Bibles for every member of your family
50. A "bug out bag" for every member of your family
This list is not exhaustive and should serve as a starting point. Preparation will look different for everyone based on their unique circumstances.
Bottom Line
Preparation for potential crises takes time, effort, and energy, but it will be worth it. We are moving into times of immense societal chaos, and it's crucial to be ready for whatever comes our way.
What are your thoughts on this surge in prepping culture? Do you think it's a necessary precaution or an overreaction? Share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, delivered every day at 6pm.
