Over the last couple of months I have lost sleep over my prepping mindset. What has dominated my thoughts lately is the need to increase my overall readiness by learning some new skills. I have set out a plan of action to learn something new starting now! All of my reading would suggest that it is important to include others in learning new skills. As an individual we can only learn so much. As a group we can learn much more. Some food for thought. What if you are the most skilled member of your family and something happens to you?
Water – Collect it and Make it Safe
My thoughts around water have been around storage. Bottled, Water BOB and long-term storage etc… This is fine if the plan is to bug-in. What if the situation dictates a bug-out? I have committed to doing some reading on the collection of water and how to make it safe.
Fire – More than the just a lighter
Part of making water safe lies in how to create fire. Not with propane, fire-starters or the like. But cave man style! I haven’t EVER made a fire cave man style. I am going to practice the art of making fire. Like a man!
Food – I like Bambi but…
I have never hunted in my life. My life has never depended on it. That is going to change. I do have my firearms licence. I needed it for a work application. I have never used it. From rifles to bows … I will experience it at least once.
First Aid – When you need a doctor.
I have a first aid kit. How to use it? I don’t really know. It has been many years since I took even an intro first aid course. What if my son broke a leg? Would I be able to keep him from going into shock? Would I be able to manage the pain? I have committed to taking advance levels of first aid.
Defense – When they come for your stuff!
Defend yourself how you see fit. I plan to at the very least now how to handle a firearm. I may not join the club but I may make friends with someone who is. I am considering batons, knives and such as an alternative to guns. I think the best thing to consider with respect to defense is making more friends. (Or being brave enough to include them in your plan) It has been said that there is safety in numbers. (Not to mention the skills they could bring to the team!)
Communication – Can you hear me now?
All the forms of communication we depend on daily may be gone. How would you know where the good guys are? I have started reading about alternative forms of communication and have already engaged in the local “Radio” club to begin learning the basics of HAM radio.
What other skills would add short-term?
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