Welcome to 2025! As we begin this new year, my thoughts are with those affected by the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles. These ongoing events remind us why preparedness matters more than ever.
When I launched PreparedSurvivalist.org in 2018, I simply wanted to share survival tips with friends and family. But the world has changed dramatically since then, and so has our community. What started as a niche preparedness blog has evolved into something much more meaningful and inclusive.
Today, our community spans all walks of life – from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to single parents looking to protect their families. I’m particularly inspired by the growing number of women, especially single mothers, who are taking charge of their family’s preparedness and safety. Your dedication to learning these essential skills motivates me to create even better, more practical content. If you have any ideas on what you want to learn – just email me directly: alan@preparedsurvivalist.org
Let’s take this moment to revisit why being prepared matters and how we can support each other in building more resilient families and communities.
Recent years have shown us just how quickly our daily lives can be disrupted. From natural disasters and supply chain issues to technological vulnerabilities and local emergencies, being prepared isn’t just for survivalists anymore—it’s a practical necessity for every family.
The Changing Landscape of Preparedness
Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
Recent global events have dramatically exposed the fragility of our just-in-time delivery systems. The 2021-2023 supply chain crisis revealed how quickly essential items can become scarce. We’ve seen:
- Critical medicine shortages affecting common antibiotics and children’s medications
- Ongoing semiconductor shortages impacting vehicle and electronics availability
- Food supply disruptions causing empty shelves in major retailers
- Global shipping disruptions at major ports and through the Panama Canal
- Regional fuel shortages during peak demand periods
Even in 2024, supply chain experts warn that our global delivery systems remain vulnerable to disruption. Having a well-stocked pantry and emergency supplies isn’t about paranoia; it’s about ensuring your family’s needs are met when systems are stressed.
Increasing Natural Disasters
The evidence is clear: natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe. According to NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information, 2023 saw a record-breaking 28 separate billion-dollar weather disasters in the U.S. alone. The historic Maui wildfires of 2023, the unprecedented flooding in Vermont, and the devastating tornadoes in the Midwest demonstrated how quickly communities can become isolated from help.
Consider these recent events:
- Hurricane Idalia (2023) left thousands without power for weeks
- The Texas power grid failure (2021) affected millions during extreme winter weather
- Western U.S. wildfires have broken records for size and intensity
- Atmospheric rivers in California (2023) caused widespread flooding and evacuations
The National Weather Service reports that response times to these disasters are often delayed due to overwhelming demand and infrastructure damage. Communities regularly need to be self-sufficient for days or even weeks. Being prepared isn’t about fear—it’s about being ready to help yourself and your neighbors when these increasingly common events occur.
Technology Dependence
Our increasing reliance on technology has created new vulnerabilities. Recent events highlight these risks:
- The 2023 FAA system outage grounded all U.S. flights
- Major cloud service outages affecting banking, shopping, and essential services
- Ransomware attacks on hospitals and critical infrastructure
- Regional cellular network failures during emergencies
- Digital payment system outages preventing basic purchases
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) continues to warn about the vulnerability of our digital infrastructure. Having backup plans and analog alternatives isn’t just practical—it’s becoming necessary for basic functioning when systems fail.
Why Prepare Now?
Building Resilience Takes Time
- Skills need to be learned and practiced
- Supplies need to be gathered systematically
- Plans need to be developed and tested
- Gardens need time to establish
- Communities need to be built
Economic Efficiency
- Buying supplies gradually is more budget-friendly
- Learning skills prevents costly mistakes
- Being prepared reduces emergency expenses
- Bulk purchasing saves money long-term
Peace of Mind
Having preparations in place means:
- Less stress during emergencies
- Confidence in your ability to handle challenges
- Security for your family
- Ability to help others in need
Practical Steps to Start
Begin with the Basics
- Three-day emergency food and water supply
- Basic first aid skills and supplies
- Emergency communication plan
- Alternative power sources for essential devices
- Important document copies in a secure location
Build Sustainable Skills
- Basic food preservation
- Emergency first aid
- Natural disaster response
- Basic tool use and repair
- Water collection and purification
Create Community Connections
- Know your neighbors
- Join local preparedness groups
- Share skills and resources
- Build mutual support networks
Moving Forward Together
Being prepared isn’t about withdrawing from society—it’s about building stronger, more resilient communities. When individuals are prepared, the whole community benefits. We can help each other, share resources, and face challenges together.
The Role of Practical Preparedness
Modern preparedness is about:
- Sustainable practices
- Community resilience
- Practical skills
- Resource management
- Environmental awareness
Conclusion
The goal isn’t to predict every possible emergency but to build the skills, supplies, and community connections that help us handle whatever challenges arise. Start small, build gradually, and focus on practical preparations that make sense for your family and situation.
Remember: The best time to prepare is before you need it. Start your journey today, one step at a time.
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