Bad Advice About Prepping You Should Avoid

Preparing for any emergency is essential, and preppers are among the most prepared. However, there are some terrible advice preppers should avoid as they can be dangerous or just plain wrong. 

This article will discuss the most common bad advice that every prepper will hear at some point and should keep in mind when preparing for an emergency. I’ll cover topics such as preparing for major & minor disasters, beginning prepping, and survival skills.

The right emergency preparedness advice is essential and should always be considered when preparing for the worst. Doing a little research can ensure that you are well-prepared to face any type of disaster, personal doomsday, or emergency.

Doomsday is Unlikely; Small Disasters Happen Everyday

During my time writing about preparedness, I have heard people say that if you are not prepared for “the big one,” you’re not really a prepper. The truth is that every prepper is different and will prepare according to their personal wants and needs. 

Despite the destructive potential of major disasters, the odds of experiencing a personal doomsday are much higher. Natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes are far more common than many realize. 

Although some doomsday scenarios may seem far-fetched, disasters can happen anytime and anywhere. From natural disasters to medical emergencies and car accidents to losing a job, the potential for disaster is always lurking in the background. These small disasters are not just limited to global catastrophes; they can be personal doomsdays that affect us on an individual level.

While large-scale catastrophes like nuclear war and Martial Law may make headlines, other minor disasters occur close to home and can have an equally devastating impact on our lives. No matter where we live or what we do, it is vital to be prepared for any kind of disaster that may come our way.

It’s Too Late to Start Prepping. You’re Doomed!

At some point, you are bound to hear that “if you haven’t started prepping, it’s already too late.” While I can see why some people would believe this, it’s simply not true. Whether you are prepping for a natural disaster, an economic downturn, or any other event, it’s never too late to start preparing.

None of us know what tomorrow will bring; while we all try to prepare for an uncertain future, none of us have a crystal ball. The important thing is that you start prepping and get the ball rolling. 

Prepping can be done on any budget and within your means. It doesn’t matter if you have a lot of money to spend or just a few dollars. Countless resources available online can help you get started with prepping and ensure that you are prepared for whatever life throws at you. So if you haven’t started already, that’s ok; start prepping now!

If the Nukes Start Falling, We’re All Dead Anyway!

While being in the blast area of a nuclear explosion would likely mean certain death, the odds are low that Vladamir Putin has targeted your home. The main concern preppers should have is not the explosion but the fallout and radiation. 

During the Cold War, fear of nuclear war was rampant. However, today we know that while the effects of such a conflict would be devastating, it is not necessarily an immediate death sentence. Even if a nuclear war were to occur, most people could survive through careful planning and preparation. People can make it through such an event by avoiding radiation, taking precautions to stay safe during the initial explosion and its fallout, and having access to food and water sources that are not contaminated by radiation.

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Therefore, although a nuclear war would be catastrophic in many ways, it is essential to remember that it is doubtful to occur. Don’t get me wrong; nuclear war is disastrous. There are many reasons why it would be so bad, most of which are related to the release of radiation and fallout from nuclear weapons. 

While not out of the question, nuclear war is unlikely because it would mean mutually assured destruction. The only way I see something like this happening is a small-scale terror attack or a country that feels like a cornered animal with no other choice. 

You Need to Be Completly Off the Grid 

I’m not saying that we don’t need to manage our digital footprint, but to think that we can completely erase our online existence is wishful thinking these days. Data collection is in overdrive, and everything we do can be tracked. 

In this modern day and age, it is impossible to go completely off the grid. Despite technological advances that make it easier for people to hide from the government, there is still a paper trail of your existence, meaning you can be found. This means that no matter how hard you try, you can’t disappear without anyone noticing.

Moreover, many people need jobs and income to survive in today’s society. Going completely offline would mean forfeiting all these opportunities. Therefore, while it may be possible to have some degree of privacy online, going entirely off the grid is not an option for most people.

Get Rid of All That Modern Technology

I don’t hear this as much as I used to, but it still pops up from time to time. While it is vital in preparedness to have options available for when technology fails, that doesn’t mean it can’t be instrumental in preparedness. 

Technology has made prepping much easier than it used to be because of our access to information & preparedness gear. It also helps with being more efficient with planning, inventory, and storage. 

However, in today’s world, it is easy to become dependent on technology. From smartphones to computers, we rely on electronic devices for almost everything. While technology can be great, it is important to remember that relying too heavily on anything electronic can be dangerous.

We should always have manual backups if something goes wrong with our electronics. While an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) is unlikely, it is still essential to be prepared and have supplies that don’t require electricity, such as manual can openers, maps, and alternative energy. 

Technology can be a great tool if used correctly and wisely. We should use technology to our advantage but never forget the importance of having manual backups and supplies that don’t rely on electricity in case of an emergency or power outage.

If You’re Not in a Prepping Group, You’re Dead!

This is a little nuanced because there is a benefit to prepping groups, but it’s easier said than done. A community or support group will make surviving any disaster easier. 

Prepping for the unknown can be a daunting task. It’s hard to find reliable and like-minded people to join your prepping group; when you do, it can be challenging to manage personalities and operational security. Forming a prepping group is often seen as essential to being prepared, but it’s unrealistic for most people. 

Forming a prepping group can be challenging and only sometimes work out. Fortunately, some alternatives to a formal prepping group provide many of the same benefits while avoiding some pitfalls. 

Community is vital to successful prepping, so understanding these options can help ensure you are not trying to be the lone wolf in a disaster or SHTF scenario. 

I’ll Plug That Bullet Wound With a Tampon! 

Is this still a thing? Unfortunately, yes. 

There is something to be said for having the ingenuity to pivot in a survival situation, which means knowing how different items can be used for multiple purposes. Us preppers love our multi-purpose supplies because you never know when you might need to McGyver something. 

Having the right tool for the job is essential when prepping, but understanding how to get something done if you don’t have that gear is also important. If you run across one of these prepping hacks, test it out before an actual survival situation arises. 

With the vast array of prepping items available on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and make wrong choices. To ensure you have the correct prepping supplies for your needs, it’s important to do your research and test its effectiveness.

Don’t depend on prepping gimmicks that promise quick solutions but don’t deliver in the long run. Instead, focus on well-made items that are reliable and can be used in various situations. With careful planning and research, you can have a well-stocked prepping kit to help you prepare for any emergency without relying on sticking a tampon in a bullet wound. 

I’ve Learned Everything I Need to Know From Youtube

I love YouTube University as much as the next guy, and I have gained much knowledge because of it. While there is no end to what you can learn by watching these videos, nothing beats hands-on learning from a qualified instructor & real-life classes. 

From preparedness education courses to hands-on experience with practical skills like first aid and shooting, attending classes adds the valuable element of practice essential to mastery. 

With real-world instructors, students can learn from mistakes and receive feedback in a safe environment – something you can’t get from YouTube videos.

Put It All on a Credit Card; the S is About to Hit the Fan!

I still hear this sometimes, and it doesn’t seem like the most prudent preparedness plan. Going into debt for prepping can be a significant mistake. The slim possibility that banks and credit card companies will lose track of you is a big gamble. 

Furthermore, when you are in debt, other people own you, as you are obligated to make payments from your income. Income that could be used for food storage or prepping gear. In almost all disaster scenarios, people and companies will try to recoup the debt owed. 

Prepping becomes more difficult when you spend time and energy trying to pay debts off. Therefore, it is essential to avoid using credit cards or loans and instead save up for prepping supplies to stay out of debt. 

With that being said, sometimes, putting things you buy on a credit card can’t be avoided. Just make sure it’s an absolute necessity before you swipe that card.

Conclusion…

While there are some great prepping tips and hacks, there is also some prepping”advice” out there with the sole intention of getting likes and clicks. Do your research and find out if something might actually work in a survival situation or if it’s just wishful thinking. If you have any prepping advice that you’ve heard that will “save your life” let me know in the comments below.