Just Getting Started....

[Appaholic]

Hello to all from lovely western NC. Just found this site and am excited to start exploring for good ideas. Just got interested in Prepping in the last 1-2 years. Have started short-term prepping (30 days) and am interested in extending as time and funds allow....also interested in new skill sets to support self-sufficiency. Started my first garden with some success this year and will now be exploring some energy ideas during the winter months. Look forward to discussions with all!

[WiseOwl]

Welcome from the GA Piedmont.
Your questions will be answered here

[Not_Yet_Prepped]

Welcome from Western NC (I am also new to this stuff)...

Western NC is getting rep here... I am in Arden, NC!

[claymore]

Welcome from Michigan! Glad to see another WNC prepper come onboard! This is a great site with good and sincere people.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Welcome from Oklahoma!

[barfife]

welcome from West Georgia

[1Admin]

Welcome to the forums, we are glad your here!

[snare]

Welcome !

I am close by you. In fact I had just planned an event that I posted on this board that was to be held just beyond the N. Mills River Rec Area.

[oldsoldier]

Welcome from another new member but long time prepper. First off congradulations on starting to prep. You've made the first steps. Many so called experts say keep 72 hours worth of supplies on hand as that's about how long you'll have to wait for help. Looks good in theory but falls apart in practice. A couple years ago we had some massive ice storms in our area and some people were stranded due to downed trees and power lines in rural areas for over a month, no power or hope of getting out. So you've done well in going to IMHO the next step with a months supply of food and such. Since you didn't post what yout longer term goals areI'll assume maybe work toward a years supply.

So let me give you a bit of advice from someone who has been there. Don't get discouraged! Sometimes it seems like you'll never get there unless you have plenty of $$$ to just throw in preps. ( I didn't) So the best thing to do IMO is set yourself a weekly budget aside for preps. Be it $5, $10, $20, whatever you can afford. Then stick to using it unless a real emergency prevents it. And NO despite what some people think having a big mac attack IS NOT an emergency.

You may also look at ways to "lean down" your lifestyle as well to help add to your prep budget. I quit smoking over 3 years ago and was able to add another $40 a week to my prep budget.

Next start an inventory of what you use now and how much you use in a week/ month. Don't waste your money on dry foods and such you don't eat now. Because they are cheap, store well and such because your not likly to want to eat them in an emergency. Especially if you have small kids. The well known addage fits here.... Eat what you store, store what you eat.

Another ting is spread out your preps. I can't count the number of new preppers I've had attend my class that brag about having a year's worth (or more) of beans and rice but nothing to use to cook with if there stove doesn't work, or no alternate water source if their's is cut off. Or concentrate on gadgets but forget food or medical supplies.

I reccomend to everyone that,

Week 1 food supplies, beans ,rice, spam, water and such

week 2 medical supplies.. Bandaids, gauze, wtc.

week3 alternaite shelter, save for a tent, sleepling bags, cots etc.

week 4 alternate lighting.. camp lanterns, flashlights, BATTERIES, save for a generator and such.

week 5 hunting/defense etc. Pick yourself up or layaway a good shotgun and or rifle. Then gather ammo for them Prcatice with the weapons and if your not experienced with a firearm take a gun safty class.

[oldsoldier]

Sorry couldn't finish post.

Week 6 pick up a good book on first aid, edible/ medicinal plants, etc. and study them.

Week 7 go back again and start with food supplies. It will take a while but eventually you'll look back and realize how much you've learned and how many preps you have. Just remember that you rotate your food supplies, and NEVER, EVER skimp on you emergency gear and buy something just because it's cheap. IMO preps are a form of life insurance, You wouldn't buy insurance from a guy selling on a street corner and pay for a year in advance cause he was selling cheap would you? Not likly so be the same with your gear. Get good gear and it will serve you well for a long time,

[Appaholic]

Get good gear and it will serve you well for a long time,

An adage I currently live by...buy well, buy once...thanks so much for such a thorough response...good stuff...

[Appaholic]

Welcome !

I am close by you. In fact I had just planned an event that I posted on this board that was to be held just beyond the N. Mills River Rec Area.

I live right near that area and take the dogs hiking there about every afternoon...

[rice paddy daddy]

Welcome, Appaholic, from northeast Florida. Does your name have anything to to with appaloosa horses?

[Metal]

Welcome from North Georgia.