What comes to mind when you hear the word “prepping”? Is it a bearded guy in the wilderness with a basement full of canned beans and an arsenal fit for a small country? Or maybe it’s someone hoarding rolls of toilet paper like it’s a form of currency in a dystopian economy. In reality, prepping is a broad and nuanced practice. But the big question is: What is a reasonable amount of prepping?
Understanding Prepping
Before getting into what counts as “reasonable,” let’s unpack what prepping actually entails. Essentially, prepping is about preparing for emergencies. The scope of these emergencies can range from natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes to man-made crises such as economic collapse or even pandemics. Yes, COVID-19 has turned many a skeptic into a pseudo-prepper.
Degrees of Emergency
Not all disasters are created equal. I sort them out like I sort my laundry: light, medium, and heavy.
| Degree of Emergency | Examples | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Power outage, short-term water cut | Hours to a few days |
| Medium | Hurricanes, short-term food shortages | Several days to weeks |
| Heavy | Economic collapse, long-term supply chain disruptions | Weeks to months or even years |
Why Prep At All?
There’s a certain peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re prepared for the unexpected. Think of it as the adult version of carrying a security blanket. Sure, you don’t expect to lose your job, but you’ve still got an emergency fund, right? Prepping is essentially the same principle: planning for something you hope never happens but could.
The Essentials of a Reasonable Prep
So, now we’ve covered why someone might want to prep, let’s get into what constitutes a reasonable amount of prepping.
Water: The Lifeblood
Water is non-negotiable. You can survive weeks without food but only a few days without water. A reasonable goal is to store at least one gallon of water per person per day, ideally for two weeks.
| Number of People | Recommended Water Storage | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14 gallons | 14 days |
| 4 | 56 gallons | 14 days |
| 6 | 84 gallons | 14 days |
If you think storing that much water sounds excessive, remember that not all water will be for drinking. You’ll need some for cooking, cleaning, and hygiene.
Food: The Fuel
Remember those stories of people stockpiling canned beans like they’re going out of style? That’s because in an emergency, you want non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food. Aim for at least a two-week supply.
| Type of Food | Examples | Storage Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Non-perishable | Canned beans, rice, pasta | Several years |
| Freeze-dried/dehydrated | Instant soups, dried fruits | 20-30 years |
| Shelf-stable | Granola bars, crackers | 1-2 years |
A variety in your food supplies can go a long way. Trust me; no one wants to eat canned beans forever.
First Aid and Medications: The Lifeline
While it’s easy to focus solely on food and water, don’t ignore health essentials. A basic first aid kit is a must-have. If you take prescription medications, make sure you have at least a 30-day supply.
Tools and Supplies: The Handy Helpers
You don’t need to turn your home into a mini Home Depot, but having some basic tools can be incredibly useful. Multi-tools, duct tape, and flashlights can make life a lot easier during a crisis.
Finances: The Often Overlooked Aspect
Prepping isn’t just about physical items. Financial prepping is equally important. Emergencies can hit hard financially. An emergency fund stored in an easily accessible savings account can keep you afloat during hard times.
Cash On Hand: Because ATMs Require Power
It’s a digital world, but in a power outage, those debit and credit cards might be useless. Having $200–$300 in cash stored safely can be a lifesaver.
Mental Preparedness
One aspect of prepping that doesn’t get enough air-time is mental preparedness. How will you handle the stress and uncertainty of a crisis? Because no amount of water, food, or multi-tools will help if you’re losing your marbles.
Stay Informed: Knowledge is Power
Being informed can reduce anxiety. Subscribe to reliable news sources, consider taking a first aid course, or even join local community response teams.
Community: The Often Ignore Resource
Human beings are social creatures. Building a network of like-minded individuals can offer emotional support and resource sharing.
The Pitfalls of Over-Prepping
Just as it’s possible to under-prep, going overboard has its downsides. First, it can drain financial resources. Secondly, it can take a mental toll. When every corner of your house is filled with supplies, what was once peace of mind becomes a source of stress.
The Cost-Benefit Analysis
It’s easy to slide down the rabbit hole, especially when some YouTube preppers swear by a decade’s worth of supplies. Weigh the cost against the likelihood of various emergencies.
| Item | Reasonable Quantity | Excessive Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 14 gallons/person | Hundreds of gallons |
| Canned Food | 2-week supply | Multi-year supply |
| Ammo | Enough for hunting | Thousands of rounds |
When in doubt, consider whether the extra supplies are improving your quality of life or just cluttering it.
Space Constraints: Don’t Become a Hoarder
Space is another constraint. Sure, it’s tempting to turn your basement into a bunker, but it’s important to balance living space with storage space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Isn’t Prepping Just Another Form of Paranoia?
The line between rational caution and paranoia can be fine. Prepping should be about feeling prepared, not panicking about every possible disaster that might occur.
How Do I Get Started If I’m On a Budget?
You don’t need to drop a fortune on prepping supplies. Start small. Buy a few extra cans of food or bottles of water each time you shop. Gradually, you’ll build a decent stash without breaking the bank.
How Do I Rotate My Supplies?
Many preppers use the “FIFO” method—First In, First Out. This ensures that your older supplies are used first and nothing goes to waste.
Conclusion
So, what is a reasonable amount of prepping? It’s the amount that makes you feel comfortably prepared without making you feel anxious or financially strained. Think of prepping as a common-sense insurance policy. Whether it’s extra food, water, or a bit of cash tucked away, these small steps can make a huge difference when the unexpected happens. Being prepared, but not obsessed, is the ultimate goal. And remember, it’s not about living in fear; it’s about living with a sense of readiness and peace.
