Introduction from a first timer to prepping

[Coops01]

Hi all, just a quick note to introduce myself as I'm pretty much brand new to prepping.
I'm getting a little worried about how the country seems to be going hence my desire to prepare for what ever may head my way.
Already read some useful tips for this website (about mylar bag storage), got to re-visit my storage process so I don't lose what I now realise I have incorrectly stored.
I think I'm going to be a "bug in" prepper, don't fancy camping in a forrest in the middle of winter with my trusty penknife and water proof matches keeping me company. I'm 62 this year and on reflection even if a managed to get down onto my knees to crawl into a tent I more than likely would not be able to crawl out again.
I think I'm going to enjoy using this website to help me along with my prepping ideas......only wish I had started prepping sooner rather than later.
All the best,
Coops01

[Yorkshire Andy]

Welcome and thanks for the introduction.. think it's 10x more posts to be screened by the moderators and you will be free to post at your leisure ( this keeps the nutters and spammers in check)


Before you go out spending your life savings on kit
Take a step back grab a brew and a note pad..

Write out a list of issues that could arise and what you think you will need and look for the common items to get first


Power cut. Alternative lighting

Flooding > loss of power > alternative lighting

Storm > loss of power > alternative lighting

Cyber attack on national grid > loss of power > alternative lighting.....


So a decent torch and lantern is ways handy to have. ( those that know me on here know about my love of torches )



The government preparation page is actually quiet good for those starting out

https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/get-pre ... ergencies/

[pseudonym]

Wot he said.

Hello and welcome to the Forum,

Try a hammock, never slept better.

[Frnc]

Greetings from Manchester. Good place to start is your Local Resilience Forum (LRF) webpage. LRFs are multi-agency partnerships made up of representatives from local public services, including the emergency services, local authorities, the NHS, the Environment Agency and others.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-resil ... ct-details

For example, the Cheshire one has two charts on risk severity and likelihood, as well as other prep advice.
https://cheshireresilience.org.uk/docs/crfrisk.pdf

Most advice is for bug-in, but evacuation is also covered. Chesire Resilience advises you to have an Emergency Grab Bag in case of evacuation.
https://cheshireresilience.org.uk/how-t ... emergency/

[jennyjj01]

Hi all, just a quick note to introduce myself as I'm pretty much brand new to prepping.

...
I think I'm going to be a "bug in" prepper, don't fancy camping in a forrest in the middle of winter with my trusty penknife and water proof matches keeping me company. I'm 62 this year and on reflection even if a managed to get down onto my knees to crawl into a tent I more than likely would not be able to crawl out again.
I think I'm going to enjoy using this website to help me along with my prepping ideas......only wish I had started prepping sooner rather than later.
All the best,
Coops01

Hi and welcome from Cheshire.
There's a useful consideration of bug in vs bug out viability here...
viewtopic.php?t=17555&hilit=bugout
The concensus is that it's generally preferable to bug in, with the option to 'bug elsewhere' in certain scenarios.

Don't go nuts and spend your fortune on tents or anything. Consider what preps might have flexibility to cover many scenarios. My preps comprise an 'extended pantry' and a small bundle of ready cash, which covers much. E.g. not having to go shopping during covid was a breeze.
If storing some food, buy mostly more of your regular groceries to enable rotation. Holding extra food and resources can cost next to nothing.

At our age, be realistic about our worth to a community and our ability to defend ourselves. At best our preps will just buy some time.
There are some here who live independently and almost off grid. There are also some of us very urban with limited space. Just adopt and adapt ideas that work for you.

Don't be shy here: There are no daft questions and your own contributions are welcome.

[Frnc]

Holding extra food and resources can cost next to nothing.

Plus, if you've got plenty in, you can usually wait 'til something's on offer. Or bulk buy. I just ordered 1.8kg bisto reduced salt vegetarian gravy, because it's cheaper.

The only thing I've bought recently I might not use is a tub of Nido. I'll probably donate it to a food bank eventually.

[Coops01]

Dear All,
Thank you for all your helpful comments, I'm sure I'm going to both enjoy and find this forum very useful for when the SHTF

[Arzosah]

Hello Coops, welcome to the forum! Your quip about getting up again after crawling into a tent is exactly what I experienced last Sunday I went to a local beach for the afternoon with my sister, and we sat down for a while on the shingle. Getting up again was extremely difficult

I won't bother adding anything on advice, as all of it is what I'd say anyway, except one thing - there are times when you *have* to evacuate: a house fire, a terrorist incident, the discovery of an unexploded bomb, this stuff happens in what seem the unlikeliest of places. Not the same as bugging out to the woods with a tent - you're more likely to need the website of a local hotel!