Prepping For Different Environments

Different preppers take different approaches to prepping. One of the more interesting variables is the environment in which preppers find themselves; these environments can help define the limitations and advantages that an individual prepper has to deal with. In some cases, the very environment may present specific challenges that need to be overcome for successful prepping, but it may also come with some inherent advantages. By recognizing those pluses and minuses, a prepper can make their job easier.

Out on The Homestead

The homestead represents the ultimate expression of prepping in many ways: You have everything you need to survive, you're practicing a wide variety of survival skills, and you're off the grid. Your survival is in your hands and you're loving it, no matter how hard the struggle is. However, that very self-sustenance is also the greatest problem: If something goes wrong then you're virtually on your own unless you get lucky and your neighbors can help. You're also far away from hospitals and any other form of help.

The other problem is that sheer number of skills you need to master. You need to master not only farming and animal husbandry, but also a wide variety of building skills: You need to be able to jerry rig wiring solutions and deal with plumbing problems. Any upgrades come from your skills and your needs. As not everyone is mechanically inclined, good with animals or plants, or is good with basic weapons skills, this can create its own problems. In short, the very advantages of homesteading can also be its very disadvantages.

Bug Out Locations

Some preppers keep up two locations: One is their home and another is their bug-out location. While there is some prepping at their primary residence, most of the prepping is geared toward the bug-out location. This allows them to stock up and prepare a location for when things go seriously south while mastering the skills needed at their leisure while preparing a second site for when it's time to go off the grid.

There are three major disadvantages to this system. The first is that the bug-out location may be hard to get to when the apocalypse happens, mostly due to others fleeing as well; this can be avoided somewhat if alternate routes are chosen that avoid traffic. The second is that you're supplying and maintaining two locations, and that the other is somewhat remote; this can get expensive in terms of not only money but fuel. The last is that the second location needs to be secure even when you're not there or thieves and squatters can be a potential problem.

[It needs to be noted that the bug-out location has all of the advantages and disadvantages of a homestead, but these are somewhat ameliorated by the fact that you aren't living there full-time. At least, not yet.]

However, what makes the hassle worth it is that the bug-out location is ready for whatever happens. It's off the grid, so it's independent of utility grids; when everyone else loses power the location won't. It can be prepared for any contingency, unlike a regular house; there's a lot more storage for prepping supplies than in a regular house. You can also practice survival skills, including target practice. While there are some definite disadvantages, the ability to have a backup home fully prepped for any emergency can be worth it.

Suburban Homes

Some people prefer to hunker down where they are. The suburban home can be prepped for most situations and provides a cheaper alternative to dealing with two locations. The general rule is to do all of the prep in the garage and possibly a shed. The ideal is to have plenty of yard space to set up a victory garden and a chicken coop, as well as possibly a pool for aquaculture. If there's a spare room, it can be used for additional prep storage as well as hydroponics. Throw in a centrally located gun safe and you have everything you need. If you luck out and move in near like-minded neighbors you can join forces.

There are some potential issues, however. The biggest problem is possibly homeowner associations; their by-laws may prevent some prep, such as gardens; the power structure may also be an issue if the HOA board is full of busybodies and drama queens. The cost of the home may be another problem. Finding the perfect location may be another, as it's possible to get lost in the suburban maze while being too far from grocery stores and other conveniences. Nonetheless, that very maze may be an additional defense.

In short, if you can find a suitable house with a large yard and either a non-existent or lenient HOA you can easily hunker down and almost enjoy the panic of others when the apocalypse happens.

Apartments

This is almost the worst-case scenario, but all is not lost. The bad news is that you have very limited space and you may not have any yard for gardening. Worse, there may be additional restrictions, such as no firearms, and your neighbors may be complete jerks. However, you can still store up prep goods, and you may be able to establish some sort of alliance with someone better able to prep (keep in mind that you can always trade labor and skills for a spot on the crew). You may have a difficult time prepping, but at least you're not homeless.

In short, each location has its pluses and minuses. It's important to recognize those when you are prepping to have the most effective prep; after all, you don't want to be caught short should the worst events come to pass, With a little care and allowing for the specifics of the situation, a prepper can be prepared for almost anything that can happen, and possibly a little more.