1 00:00:00,090 --> 00:00:01,730 (Transcribed by TurboScribe.ai. Go Unlimited to remove this message.) Is there hesitation on your part to get 2 00:00:01,730 --> 00:00:02,710 started with prepping? 3 00:00:03,250 --> 00:00:04,930 Have you been, but lost focus? 4 00:00:05,570 --> 00:00:07,430 Here are five reasons why you need to 5 00:00:07,430 --> 00:00:10,570 get going right now, plus bonus information to 6 00:00:10,570 --> 00:00:12,810 reinforce why you can't wait any longer. 7 00:00:14,510 --> 00:00:16,550 Hi, it's the Urban Lady Prepper. 8 00:00:17,170 --> 00:00:19,330 I help single moms and solo women with 9 00:00:19,330 --> 00:00:20,890 practical emergency preparedness. 10 00:00:21,490 --> 00:00:23,730 But of course, all are welcome to be 11 00:00:23,730 --> 00:00:26,130 better prepared for whatever happens next. 12 00:00:27,530 --> 00:00:29,510 Did you know that in the last 10 13 00:00:29,510 --> 00:00:32,410 years, 9 had the most natural disasters? 14 00:00:33,350 --> 00:00:35,990 That drought is currently affecting almost 33% 15 00:00:35,990 --> 00:00:38,410 of the total U.S., and 1 in 16 00:00:38,410 --> 00:00:39,410 4 people globally? 17 00:00:40,070 --> 00:00:43,050 That food insecurity has increased by 1% 18 00:00:43,050 --> 00:00:44,910 a year in the U.S. since 2020? 19 00:00:45,990 --> 00:00:48,610 14 million kids in what is supposed to 20 00:00:48,610 --> 00:00:50,470 be the richest country on Earth go hungry 21 00:00:50,470 --> 00:00:51,130 every day. 22 00:00:52,670 --> 00:00:56,070 Regarding emergency preparedness, there may still be some 23 00:00:56,070 --> 00:00:57,950 hesitation on your part to get started. 24 00:00:58,490 --> 00:01:00,910 If you've ever doubted the significance of prepping, 25 00:01:01,290 --> 00:01:03,430 those statistics, and those are just a few, 26 00:01:03,950 --> 00:01:06,630 should start to shift your perspective and reignite 27 00:01:06,630 --> 00:01:08,370 your passion for it if you've been slacking. 28 00:01:09,830 --> 00:01:12,870 Many people hesitate due to misunderstandings about what 29 00:01:12,870 --> 00:01:13,830 prepping really is. 30 00:01:14,410 --> 00:01:17,030 Once those myths are busted, it's clear that 31 00:01:17,030 --> 00:01:18,870 prepping isn't just for the overly cautious. 32 00:01:18,870 --> 00:01:21,930 It's a key practice for anyone who wants 33 00:01:21,930 --> 00:01:24,730 to tackle life's surprises with confidence and peace 34 00:01:24,730 --> 00:01:25,190 of mind. 35 00:01:26,490 --> 00:01:28,950 You don't need a PhD to notice how 36 00:01:28,950 --> 00:01:31,590 unpredictable our weather's getting for farming or to 37 00:01:31,590 --> 00:01:33,870 spot the dwindling freshwater and ongoing droughts. 38 00:01:34,590 --> 00:01:37,870 Plus, who hasn't noticed the shaky global economies, 39 00:01:38,270 --> 00:01:41,890 changing tariffs, reduced government aid, and medical costs 40 00:01:41,890 --> 00:01:42,810 going through the roof? 41 00:01:43,310 --> 00:01:45,630 It's more crucial than ever to have a 42 00:01:45,630 --> 00:01:47,210 plan to keep your loved ones safe. 43 00:01:47,210 --> 00:01:50,910 Picture this, a big power outage hits, but 44 00:01:50,910 --> 00:01:52,890 you're comfy with your fully stocked pantry and 45 00:01:52,890 --> 00:01:54,090 a personal power source. 46 00:01:54,570 --> 00:01:57,190 Or, a sudden storm rolls in, leaving you 47 00:01:57,190 --> 00:02:00,390 stranded, but you've got the perfect survival stash 48 00:02:00,390 --> 00:02:00,710 ready. 49 00:02:01,430 --> 00:02:03,010 That's the power of being prepared. 50 00:02:04,210 --> 00:02:06,770 The importance of prepping is clearer than ever. 51 00:02:07,370 --> 00:02:09,610 With a mix of national and global challenges, 52 00:02:10,009 --> 00:02:11,870 it's vital to be prepared today more than 53 00:02:11,870 --> 00:02:12,750 any other time. 54 00:02:12,750 --> 00:02:16,370 The COVID-19 pandemic showed just how fragile 55 00:02:16,370 --> 00:02:18,210 our global supply chains can be. 56 00:02:19,050 --> 00:02:21,950 When store shelves emptied, many people realized how 57 00:02:21,950 --> 00:02:24,250 valuable it is to have a personal stockpile. 58 00:02:25,990 --> 00:02:29,130 Besides the physical benefits, being prepared gives you 59 00:02:29,130 --> 00:02:31,750 a sense of control and reduces stress, which 60 00:02:31,750 --> 00:02:34,290 is particularly comforting for single moms and those 61 00:02:34,290 --> 00:02:34,930 living alone. 62 00:02:35,550 --> 00:02:38,630 So, here are the five reasons you need 63 00:02:38,630 --> 00:02:39,090 to prep. 64 00:02:39,730 --> 00:02:43,250 One, having the basics makes a bad situation 65 00:02:43,250 --> 00:02:43,630 better. 66 00:02:44,590 --> 00:02:46,450 The basics are the heart of any good 67 00:02:46,450 --> 00:02:47,030 prep plan. 68 00:02:47,670 --> 00:02:49,410 You must figure out what keeps your life 69 00:02:49,410 --> 00:02:51,890 ticking during tough times, like stocking up on 70 00:02:51,890 --> 00:02:55,230 non-perishables, like clean water, first aid supplies. 71 00:02:55,950 --> 00:02:58,290 Just having a simple stash can really take 72 00:02:58,290 --> 00:02:59,730 the edge off when things get tough. 73 00:03:00,630 --> 00:03:01,550 Food and water. 74 00:03:02,310 --> 00:03:04,210 You should make an effort to stock as 75 00:03:04,210 --> 00:03:06,390 much of that as possible, but aim for 76 00:03:06,390 --> 00:03:07,890 at least a two-week supply. 77 00:03:07,890 --> 00:03:10,830 Consider investing in a good-sized cooler and 78 00:03:10,830 --> 00:03:13,110 ice packs to keep perishable stuff safe if 79 00:03:13,110 --> 00:03:14,030 the power goes out. 80 00:03:14,890 --> 00:03:17,190 A first aid kit is vital for handling 81 00:03:17,190 --> 00:03:19,430 injuries when access to medical help is delayed 82 00:03:19,430 --> 00:03:20,410 or unavailable. 83 00:03:21,310 --> 00:03:24,410 Having tools and equipment like flashlights and a 84 00:03:24,410 --> 00:03:27,810 multi-tool and a toolkit are incredibly important 85 00:03:27,810 --> 00:03:28,850 when emergencies hit. 86 00:03:29,250 --> 00:03:31,190 A simple toolkit can be very useful for 87 00:03:31,190 --> 00:03:32,010 minor repairs. 88 00:03:33,010 --> 00:03:36,430 And don't forget about personal needs, like any 89 00:03:36,430 --> 00:03:39,750 necessary medications or the all-important baby supplies, 90 00:03:39,930 --> 00:03:42,050 when you're putting together your family's essentials. 91 00:03:42,830 --> 00:03:45,270 Being thoroughly prepared is key to making tough 92 00:03:45,270 --> 00:03:46,930 situations a whole lot easier. 93 00:03:47,810 --> 00:03:50,550 A balanced strategy means knowing and having what 94 00:03:50,550 --> 00:03:52,250 you might need if you're suddenly cut off 95 00:03:52,250 --> 00:03:53,490 from the usual services. 96 00:03:55,010 --> 00:03:57,490 Number two, you're ready to go without the 97 00:03:57,490 --> 00:03:57,830 panic. 98 00:03:58,570 --> 00:04:01,510 Being ready for emergencies isn't just about stacking 99 00:04:01,510 --> 00:04:02,150 up supplies. 100 00:04:02,730 --> 00:04:05,610 It's all about crafting solid plans, knowing the 101 00:04:05,610 --> 00:04:07,730 risks you must face, and gearing up to 102 00:04:07,730 --> 00:04:09,630 put those plans into action when the crap 103 00:04:09,630 --> 00:04:10,310 hits the fan. 104 00:04:10,710 --> 00:04:13,330 Or, as the Canadian prepper says, the shizzy 105 00:04:13,330 --> 00:04:14,130 hits the fizzy. 106 00:04:14,850 --> 00:04:17,410 The perks of being prepared aren't just about 107 00:04:17,410 --> 00:04:18,850 staying safe in the moment. 108 00:04:19,370 --> 00:04:21,450 It's about feeling confident and having a grip 109 00:04:21,450 --> 00:04:22,650 on what's happening around you. 110 00:04:22,650 --> 00:04:25,450 While others are losing it and may be 111 00:04:25,450 --> 00:04:28,350 reduced to fighting over whatever's left, you don't 112 00:04:28,350 --> 00:04:30,570 have to do that because you've thought enough 113 00:04:30,570 --> 00:04:32,630 ahead to keep your risk in an emergency 114 00:04:32,630 --> 00:04:35,030 to a minimum by having the needed supplies 115 00:04:35,030 --> 00:04:35,950 to get through it. 116 00:04:37,070 --> 00:04:40,010 Three, you become more self-reliant. 117 00:04:41,070 --> 00:04:43,210 Self-reliance is really at the heart of 118 00:04:43,210 --> 00:04:43,530 prepping. 119 00:04:44,010 --> 00:04:45,950 It's all about getting good at handling the 120 00:04:45,950 --> 00:04:48,310 basics on your own without needing help from 121 00:04:48,310 --> 00:04:48,890 the outside. 122 00:04:48,890 --> 00:04:51,910 Think about planning your own veggies, being able 123 00:04:51,910 --> 00:04:53,670 to fix things around the house without having 124 00:04:53,670 --> 00:04:56,250 to call someone, or knowing ways to purify 125 00:04:56,250 --> 00:04:58,090 water and cook over an open flame. 126 00:04:58,910 --> 00:05:01,190 Building these skills makes you stronger and better 127 00:05:01,190 --> 00:05:03,510 able to deal with long-term hiccups or 128 00:05:03,510 --> 00:05:04,230 tough times. 129 00:05:04,650 --> 00:05:07,170 They help you get through tricky situations and 130 00:05:07,170 --> 00:05:09,550 gives you the confidence to tackle emergencies solo. 131 00:05:10,470 --> 00:05:13,290 Plus, being self-reliant boosts your independence and 132 00:05:13,290 --> 00:05:13,790 cleverness. 133 00:05:13,790 --> 00:05:16,290 That kind of empowerment means you're ready to 134 00:05:16,290 --> 00:05:18,450 face any challenge with creativity and a positive 135 00:05:18,450 --> 00:05:18,910 outlook. 136 00:05:19,630 --> 00:05:21,310 If you're a single mom or solo woman, 137 00:05:21,750 --> 00:05:24,190 those skills are not only essential but can 138 00:05:24,190 --> 00:05:24,990 be life-saving. 139 00:05:25,790 --> 00:05:27,730 Knowing you're not dependent on anyone else for 140 00:05:27,730 --> 00:05:29,430 the basics is a confidence booster. 141 00:05:31,050 --> 00:05:33,410 Number four, you become more aware. 142 00:05:34,450 --> 00:05:36,370 Keeping an eye on current events and spotting 143 00:05:36,370 --> 00:05:39,630 trends, even just casually, means you'll be less 144 00:05:39,630 --> 00:05:42,270 caught off guard when tricky situations pop up. 145 00:05:42,270 --> 00:05:45,830 By developing your situational awareness, you can move 146 00:05:45,830 --> 00:05:47,970 through public and family spaces with ease and 147 00:05:47,970 --> 00:05:48,530 confidence. 148 00:05:49,430 --> 00:05:52,290 Situational awareness is not just for stone-faced 149 00:05:52,290 --> 00:05:53,270 actors and ninjas. 150 00:05:53,790 --> 00:05:56,050 It's crucial now more than ever to navigate 151 00:05:56,050 --> 00:05:58,210 the current social situation successfully. 152 00:05:58,890 --> 00:06:00,590 I have a helpful guide in an earlier 153 00:06:00,590 --> 00:06:02,890 episode and I'll include a link to that 154 00:06:02,890 --> 00:06:03,510 in the description. 155 00:06:05,170 --> 00:06:07,290 Number five, peace of mind. 156 00:06:07,290 --> 00:06:10,330 Once you've got the basics of preparedness down, 157 00:06:10,610 --> 00:06:12,650 you'll enjoy peace of mind knowing you can 158 00:06:12,650 --> 00:06:14,190 handle emergencies smoothly. 159 00:06:14,890 --> 00:06:16,890 You won't be scrambling to stores during a 160 00:06:16,890 --> 00:06:19,530 crisis with empty shelves and you'll sidestep the 161 00:06:19,530 --> 00:06:21,490 chaos feeling secure in your home. 162 00:06:22,110 --> 00:06:24,570 That sense of calm is absolutely priceless. 163 00:06:25,850 --> 00:06:27,110 And here's a bonus. 164 00:06:27,930 --> 00:06:30,690 Preparedness skills hold the power to bolster community 165 00:06:30,690 --> 00:06:31,230 resilience. 166 00:06:31,490 --> 00:06:33,530 With the looming threat of less government assistance 167 00:06:33,530 --> 00:06:35,910 and many counties in the U.S. struggling 168 00:06:35,910 --> 00:06:39,330 with increasingly tighter budgets, having a strong support 169 00:06:39,330 --> 00:06:41,710 system within your community may help your town 170 00:06:41,710 --> 00:06:44,230 or neighborhood be better prepared and recover faster. 171 00:06:45,830 --> 00:06:48,670 So maybe you thought prepping was something only 172 00:06:48,670 --> 00:06:52,030 worrywarts, macho Rambo types, or homesteaders with a 173 00:06:52,030 --> 00:06:53,530 football team of kids can do. 174 00:06:53,810 --> 00:06:55,910 Or it could remind you of old days 175 00:06:55,910 --> 00:06:57,690 filled with exaggerated fears. 176 00:06:58,350 --> 00:07:00,930 But let's face it, as natural disasters become 177 00:07:00,930 --> 00:07:04,670 more common and economies shift unexpectedly, being ready 178 00:07:04,670 --> 00:07:05,990 isn't just a smart move. 179 00:07:06,250 --> 00:07:07,010 It's necessary. 180 00:07:07,670 --> 00:07:08,910 And you don't have to be any of 181 00:07:08,910 --> 00:07:10,390 those types of people to be a prepper. 182 00:07:11,090 --> 00:07:12,290 Anyone can be a prepper. 183 00:07:12,870 --> 00:07:14,250 Yes, even you. 184 00:07:15,290 --> 00:07:17,430 Prepping is not only for doomsday enthusiasts. 185 00:07:18,070 --> 00:07:20,790 It's about readiness for realistic scenarios like power 186 00:07:20,790 --> 00:07:23,710 outages or natural disasters, providing peace of mind 187 00:07:23,710 --> 00:07:25,930 and security in uncertain situations. 188 00:07:26,850 --> 00:07:29,610 Prepping can initially seem daunting and expensive, but 189 00:07:29,610 --> 00:07:33,050 starting small and building gradually is key to 190 00:07:33,050 --> 00:07:34,790 maintaining momentum and sustainability. 191 00:07:36,110 --> 00:07:38,470 Creating a prepper checklist is a great step 192 00:07:38,470 --> 00:07:42,090 towards comprehensive preparedness, ensuring you have all necessary 193 00:07:42,090 --> 00:07:43,630 items for various scenarios. 194 00:07:44,530 --> 00:07:45,510 Follow these steps. 195 00:07:46,370 --> 00:07:47,510 Identify your essentials. 196 00:07:48,250 --> 00:07:49,670 Evaluate your local risks. 197 00:07:50,190 --> 00:07:52,430 Make a plan based on scenarios you're likely 198 00:07:52,430 --> 00:07:53,010 to face. 199 00:07:53,570 --> 00:07:56,070 And regularly review and update when necessary. 200 00:07:56,850 --> 00:08:00,010 A thorough checklist serves as a dependable guide, 201 00:08:00,350 --> 00:08:03,010 ensuring you're prepared to face any situation confidently. 202 00:08:03,670 --> 00:08:05,590 If you'd like a basic checklist, you can 203 00:08:05,590 --> 00:08:06,490 get mine for free. 204 00:08:06,830 --> 00:08:08,430 I'll include the link in the description. 205 00:08:10,210 --> 00:08:12,250 Whether you're just starting out or have dipped 206 00:08:12,250 --> 00:08:14,990 your toes into prepping, a solid plan is 207 00:08:14,990 --> 00:08:16,430 a key once you've got your checklist. 208 00:08:17,270 --> 00:08:19,990 Start by recognizing potential risks in your area. 209 00:08:20,550 --> 00:08:23,670 Think about environmental, economic, and social factors that 210 00:08:23,670 --> 00:08:24,470 might pop up. 211 00:08:24,470 --> 00:08:27,290 Have a go-to method for staying connected 212 00:08:27,290 --> 00:08:29,250 with family during unexpected events. 213 00:08:29,730 --> 00:08:31,350 Communication is so important. 214 00:08:32,030 --> 00:08:33,830 And of course, know the safe routes and 215 00:08:33,830 --> 00:08:36,230 places you'd head to, what we preppers call 216 00:08:36,230 --> 00:08:38,970 bugging out, in an emergency so everyone can 217 00:08:38,970 --> 00:08:40,289 get out safely if needed. 218 00:08:41,230 --> 00:08:43,350 It's a good idea to regularly look over 219 00:08:43,350 --> 00:08:45,130 and tweak your plans to keep them fresh 220 00:08:45,130 --> 00:08:45,690 and useful. 221 00:08:46,510 --> 00:08:49,010 Running practice drills can also boost your preparedness, 222 00:08:49,410 --> 00:08:51,350 making sure everyone knows what to do and 223 00:08:51,350 --> 00:08:51,830 where to go. 224 00:08:52,950 --> 00:08:55,790 Now, have you been prepping, but not so 225 00:08:55,790 --> 00:08:56,310 much lately? 226 00:08:56,850 --> 00:08:58,230 It's time to re-engage. 227 00:08:59,470 --> 00:09:01,730 Maybe you've drifted from your prepping journey or 228 00:09:01,730 --> 00:09:04,290 your initial reasons didn't pan out, leaving your 229 00:09:04,290 --> 00:09:05,450 motivation in the dust. 230 00:09:06,350 --> 00:09:09,090 Going overboard or overspending can also put the 231 00:09:09,090 --> 00:09:10,530 brakes on your prepping progress. 232 00:09:11,190 --> 00:09:13,010 You might have let your stash go unattended 233 00:09:13,010 --> 00:09:15,050 or slipped on honing your readiness skills. 234 00:09:15,670 --> 00:09:18,230 It's essential to reconnect with why you started 235 00:09:18,230 --> 00:09:20,610 prepping in the first place and realize that 236 00:09:20,610 --> 00:09:22,990 the very things you were preparing for might 237 00:09:22,990 --> 00:09:24,450 be even more likely now. 238 00:09:25,870 --> 00:09:26,970 Prepping's not pointless. 239 00:09:27,610 --> 00:09:30,610 Many strategies work across different situations and can 240 00:09:30,610 --> 00:09:31,970 help refocus your efforts. 241 00:09:32,770 --> 00:09:34,290 Take a moment to check if where you 242 00:09:34,290 --> 00:09:36,650 stand now matches up with what you initially 243 00:09:36,650 --> 00:09:37,690 set out to achieve. 244 00:09:39,490 --> 00:09:42,130 Maintaining motivation throughout your prepping journey is crucial 245 00:09:42,130 --> 00:09:43,530 for long-term success. 246 00:09:43,530 --> 00:09:46,890 While it's easy to lose focus, consistent effort 247 00:09:46,890 --> 00:09:49,170 truly yields the best results over time. 248 00:09:49,710 --> 00:09:51,310 Here are some tips to get back into 249 00:09:51,310 --> 00:09:51,610 it. 250 00:09:52,610 --> 00:09:53,610 Reset your goals. 251 00:09:54,170 --> 00:09:56,170 Clearly define what you want to achieve with 252 00:09:56,170 --> 00:09:58,670 your prepping efforts, making a pathway towards building 253 00:09:58,670 --> 00:09:59,550 on what you had started. 254 00:10:00,810 --> 00:10:02,270 Reassess your progress. 255 00:10:02,950 --> 00:10:05,510 See where you were, reviewing your advancements and 256 00:10:05,510 --> 00:10:08,370 using accomplishments as motivational anchors to update your 257 00:10:08,370 --> 00:10:08,730 plan. 258 00:10:09,590 --> 00:10:11,790 Get back in the habit and on schedule. 259 00:10:11,790 --> 00:10:15,410 Check expiration dates, see what needs updating or 260 00:10:15,410 --> 00:10:16,050 replenishing. 261 00:10:16,530 --> 00:10:18,770 Make sure your emergency items such as power 262 00:10:18,770 --> 00:10:21,430 banks, flashlights and batteries are in good working 263 00:10:21,430 --> 00:10:21,790 order. 264 00:10:23,010 --> 00:10:24,530 Re-engage with community. 265 00:10:25,370 --> 00:10:28,670 Connect by joining forums, sharing your experiences and 266 00:10:28,670 --> 00:10:30,450 gaining support from your fellow preppers. 267 00:10:31,070 --> 00:10:33,910 Maintaining motivation ensures that you stay prepared for 268 00:10:33,910 --> 00:10:34,390 the future. 269 00:10:35,630 --> 00:10:38,230 When you've done all of that, you can 270 00:10:38,230 --> 00:10:39,570 now reap the benefits. 271 00:10:40,150 --> 00:10:43,350 With planning, patience and taking advantage of the 272 00:10:43,350 --> 00:10:46,050 many resources available, you'll have what you need 273 00:10:46,050 --> 00:10:47,090 to be ready for anything. 274 00:10:47,870 --> 00:10:50,630 My earlier episodes and my articles on UrbanLadyPrepper 275 00:10:50,630 --> 00:10:53,450 .com provide a wealth of information that will 276 00:10:53,450 --> 00:10:54,770 assist you in your prepping journey. 277 00:10:55,510 --> 00:10:57,990 20 million Americans consider themselves preppers. 278 00:10:58,630 --> 00:10:59,630 You can do it. 279 00:11:00,250 --> 00:11:01,630 Feel free to reach out to me with 280 00:11:01,630 --> 00:11:03,830 any questions or leave them in the comments. 281 00:11:04,510 --> 00:11:05,370 Now get prepping. 282 00:11:05,970 --> 00:11:08,430 And until next time, this is the Urban 283 00:11:08,430 --> 00:11:09,970 Lady Prepper signing off.