In the previous post, I broke down the definition of the phrase “Be Prepared.” In it, I explained that for one to be truly prepared, they must be both mentally alert and physically ready.
Today, let’s focus on being physically ready.
When you think about being “physically ready”, what comes to mind? Is the mental image something like having a secluded farmstead, a pantry stocked full of MREs, and an armory that would make a quartermaster drool? I mean, let’s be honest, any of us that have the drive and calling to protect, defend, and avenge, all dream of having the ultimate off grid homestead with all the bells and whistles…and perhaps a secret entrance to the armory under a staircase (it’s cool, okay?). While that level of self-sufficiency is a dream – and you don’t have to have Rockefeller money to be more prepared than yesterday.
Strip away the fantasy. Survival comes down to four things:
- Food (You have to eat to maintain strength and awareness, also, no one likes you when you’re hangry)
- Water (You’re around 50%-60% H2O, keep it that way to maintain your bodily functions)
- Shelter (Mother Nature doesn’t like you, so protect yourself from her)
- Defense (Because trouble always comes knocking, protect you and yours)
When you get down to brass tacks, those four categories are the biggest things to consider when it comes to being physically prepared. Let’s break them down, shall we?
Food and water: the basics. We all know that water is required for living, growing food, and washing off the grime after things get real. Considering its importance in a survival situation is a must. So, what are going to need?
Scenario: Society has hit a breaking point. Conflict has erupted in the streets of Everytown, USA, and utilities are either destroyed or have become severely limited. Water is scarce and of questionable quality, posing a high risk of contamination. How would you ensure that you have access to clean water for your needs?
Consider our ancestors. They didn’t have pipes, pumps, or convenient taps, yet were able to live long enough to pass on their DNA to our forefathers. How did they do it? They looked to the sky. Collecting rainwater is simple, effective, and costs nothing. A few containers (anything from clean buckets to 55-gallon drums) in the right places will give you an easy way to collect rainwater, which you can then use for whatever purpose you need. If all else fails, use clean soda or soup cans for collection. No, it may not give you 55-gallons worth, but it’s water. On that note, we need to discuss what to do with the water before you drink or cook with it.
Thanks to industrialization, there are very few places where one can scoop up a handful of water and drink it without getting some kind of gnarly sickness. To combat this, you’ll need to either boil or filter your collected water. If you have access to iodine tablets, they can make quick work of cleaning it up, though some can leave a chalky aftertaste. A Lifestraw is incredibly valuable in this situation, as it filters the water as you drink from it. The downside to this is the need to replace the filter every few weeks.
There are other ways to filter water, one of which I’m in the process of building, and will have the design uploaded once complete.
To save time, and to allow the chance to post on a more frequent basis, the Shelter and Defense topics will be covered together in the next post.
With that said, I owe you an apology for not getting this out earlier. I’m just one guy, and things can get hectic. Lord willing, things start to slow down, and I can focus more time on writing.
See you soon.
The Vigilant Operator 