Where to start ?.

[muttley]

First of all not being too familiar with these forum thingy's, sorry if this is in the wrong place.

I'm sure you've all heard or read this question a million times but as a newcomer to prepping I really am scratching my head as to where to begin.
The whole thing seems very daunting at the moment.
I feel like kicking myself for not having started this a long time ago and at the same time I feel as though I deserve a pat on the back for finally deciding to get on with it.

I would very much appreciate it a few of you could give me some idea as to how to prioritise where I should begin.
Thus far I have only really scratched the surface by purchasing and storing additional food stuffs and water but this all seems like a drop in the ocean.

Any help would be very much appreciated.

[pseudonym]

Firstly, relax, have a cup of tea.

You've started.

Good for you.

Don't panic.

You are way ahead of most of the population already.

Take your time and have a good read of the threads.

Food and water is a start.


Think about:

Methods of storing it?

Methods of cooking it?

Methods of sheltering it?

Methods of cleaning it?

Methods of carrying it?

Methods of disposing of it?

How's that to start off with?

DO NOT PANIC - we were all in your position once

Have another cup of tea.

[muttley]

Thanks.

Funnily enough the kettle has just boiled.

[pseudonym]

Thanks.

Funnily enough the kettle has just boiled.

Nice one, I got through a couple of big boxes reading all the info.

Made me prep and store more teabags though

[st3vi3]

You have started already by knowin you need to prep... Nice one

Prep things that you will use, like and need. Start of with most important things eg food water methods of power heat and cooking. Try to have back up for everything.

How many people you prepping for? How much you want to spend? After all its an investment. What area do u live in- urban etc also what are u prepping for?

For me it been common sence but ask plenty of questions, go slow and steady and get support, not just on here but at home,
,
Keep up with forum too want to know how u get on

[24942895]

I'm building my preps with a balance of likelihood, necessity & extremity.

My go bag was my first priority, then home stocks of basic food, water, medical and medication. Those will continue to both grow and expand with a crossbow & catapult coming soon.

I've also got some locations I could relocate to (concealed camping) should I need to leave here.

Hope that's helpful

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

[Arzosah]

Hi Muttley! Great posts on here so far especially about cups of tea

The other thing I'd say is about first aid in general, and also medications - thats always been important to me, but hearing the news out of Greece confirmed it a while back, people going from hospital to hospital trying to get prescribed drugs. Stock up a bit on what you normally use (NSAIDs for arthritis, etc) and on what might be needed - for instance, if you were snowed in with the power off, and cut yourself setting up your alternative heating, you'd need disinfectant and plasters and whatnot.

[ForgeCorvus]

First list the things you'll need to prep for (Flood, Snow, Riots, Fuel Blockade WHY)
Then you'll know the things you need to prep ( or at least know where to look on here to find out what you need to prep)

Decide who you're prepping for, then you'll know how much you need to prep

I'd say you've not just made the first step but that you're a couple of paces down the road


Don't get hung up on what you don't have yet


Make sure you stockpile any prescription meds you (or those you're prepping for) need...... And tea.... Tea is very important

[nickdutch]

You could just think about one scenario such as a month of unemployment, and then walk around the house and think of all the things you may run out of and need if you ran out of money.

Toilet rolls,
Soap,
Shower gel,
Lentils,
Money for the electric meter,
a camping stove in case you get a power outage or cant afford to get money in the meter,

You may find that the thing that you are preparing for doesn't happen, but another thing does happen and then you need the things that you got for the first thing to help you out when the other thing happens.

[Hamradioop]

http://www.wiltshireandswindonprepared. ... how=Family

An emergency can happen at any time and in any place. You may be at home, out at work, or even on holiday. While the range and scale of incidents that can affect the UK is large, their impacts are often broadly similar.


In the longer term, those affected may have difficulty accessing important documents such as insurance and banking details, and may need support from statutory services, for example, if they are made homeless. However, there are some very simple steps you can take to make yourself and your family better prepared to deal with emergencies.


Preparing for any emergency:


• Find out how to TUNE IN to your local radio, TV and internet news services.


• Plan how your family will stay in contact in an emergency – remember your phone might not be working.


• Be prepared to turn off electrical appliances – if there is a power cut and several appliances restart at once when power is restored, they may overload the system.

• Gather essential items which you might need in an emergency.


• Speak to your neighbours and friends and see if you can help them prepare for emergencies

Preparing for having to leave your home:


• Prepare a grab bag of essential items you might need in an emergency.

• Be prepared to safely turn off electricity, gas and water supplies, unplug appliances and lock all doors and windows.


• If you have a car, keep it well maintained and keep bottled water and blankets in the boot.

• If possible, identify a family member or friend outside of the area whom you can stay with temporarily.


• Make arrangements for your pets to go with you or be left in a safe place.


• Think about what you will need to do when you return home, such as opening windows to provide fresh air before reconnecting gas, electricity and water supplies.

Preparing for having to stay in your home:

• Know where you can find torches and blankets, should there be a loss of electricity supply.


• Keep a wind-up radio in your home so you can stay tuned in to information about the emergency.


• Maintain a stock of ready-to-eat (e.g. tinned) food and drinking water for your family in case you cannot leave your home for several days.


• Consider buying a landline handset that draws its power from the phone line (i.e. one that only needs to be plugged into the phone socket) – these will often work when there is no mains power.


What if you are at work when an emergency happens?

Employers have a responsibility for the safety and security of their staff.


All businesses should have arrangements in place to deal with the impacts of emergencies. Make sure you understand what you need to do in an emergency at work.

Think about your journey to and from work. How would you get home if your normal route was disrupted? What alternative arrangements would you need to make for childcare and other commitments?


If you own or run a business and would like advice on emergency planning, go to

Business Link
Wiltshire Council
Swindon Borough Council