Over and over, the most common question heard from folks new to Prepping is "Where do I start?" Starting in the right direction down the path of Prepping requires some forethought, so we'll focus on a central need which is largely the linchpin of any modern lifestyle...POWER...in the form of electricity. Without which, our lives would be radically effected.

I gotta find a wifi hotspot...

Unless you're in the most remote corner of the globe, everyone has been touched and shaped by electricity, and the technology spawned from it. It is literally the spark of life, and to maintain a modern lifestyle, it is impossible to be without it. So, that pretty well fills A top blank in the list of things to prep for... POWER.

There are many choices in electrical generation technology, each dependent on different methods of power conversion, as varied as the sun, water, gas, steam, and wind. Each has advantages and disadvantages, some better, some worse, and none uniquely suitable to meet all needs. But before you can make a educated choice, you first need to know your energy NEEDS.

 Far too often, Preppers will choose with the wrong motivation...(It was ON SALE)what was decided upon, is too often too little for what is needed, or just too costly for too little return. (How was I to know we don't get a lot of wind here...)

Faster Honey...I got the game on!

Before glancing through a sales brochure or listening to a sales pitch, know first the minimum YOU need to maintain the lifestyle you desire, for you and your family, otherwise, you'll be compromising your lifestyle to fit the limitations of what technology you choose.

 

Smart Buy!

A smart move would be to first invest in a "Energy Usage Meter", a device that monitors the amount of power your appliances use. A meter like a Kill-A-Watt Meter, will quickly tell you just how much energy your household and lifestyle eats up. Armed with that vital information, you can now determine what form of electrical generator would work best for you, or what you may have to eliminate or modify to meet the limitations your power source may have.

There are other things to work on... like safe drinking water & safe shelter, but most often, it is access to reliable electricity that makes all the others attainable. With electricity, you have options that are removed without it. Our modern lifestyle has determined that, and we are largely too accustomed to rationally accept otherwise. So, for everyone Prepping, and especially to those newly looking for where to start... I say "More Power to You!"   

Every year snow storms take the lives of unprepared motorists.  Usually the cause is from accidents, but sometimes getting stuck or snowed-in while traveling through rural areas will cause the unsuspecting motorist to become stranded.  With road closures and no help in sight, sometimes for days, the tragic result is usually hypothermia.  Most of these situations could have been avoided through proper planning and preparedness.  Use these tips to avoid being stranded in the snow.

• Plan your trip ahead of time.  Know where you are going and what routes you will take
• Tell more than one friend or relative where you are going and what route you are taking and when you will be there.  Let them know you will check in when you arrive.  For long trips, make check-in calls to let them know where you are in your route.  The more people you tell the better.
• Watch the weather reports.  Check them frequently.  Listen to local weather stations.  Bring an emergency weather radio with you.
• Watch road signs and follow the warnings.
• If you are approaching a storm, you should wait it out.  Find a gas station, motel, or restaurant where you can wait out the storm.  
• Keep your fuel tank full.  Should you become stranded, you may need that extra fuel to keep your car warm.
• Carry traction tires or devices
• Bring extra food and water.  Enough to last at least a week or two should you become stranded.
• Bring extra blankets and warm clothing. 
• Bring several candles with you.  One candle is enough to keep you from freezing in a small space for the duration of that candles life. Keep just enough ventilation to allow carbon monoxide and CO2 to escape and allow fresh air in

But what if you weren't prepared?

What if you didn't heed the warnings, did not prepare like you should have,and didn't tell anyone where you were going?  What would you do then if you were stranded?  Are you capable of thinking outside of the box?  Are you resourceful like MacGyver and able to use what's around you? 

Here's a thought. People die every year of hypothermia and many of them were sitting on the very thing that could have saved their lives.  What about the seat cushions and upholstery in your car, and the carpeting?  That material can be used as extra clothing and insulation to wrap around your body.  Speaker wiring can be used to tie the fabric around your arms, legs and body.  

What if waiting it out was not an option and you had no choice but to leave your car?  Your vehicles hood could be removed and used as a sled to pull supplies, or used to form a makeshift shelter when you stop for rest.  Maybe other vehicle parts could be used to construct snow shoes. Your tires could be burned to create a smoke signal to attract rescuers to your presence. 

Where there is a will there is a way, but it's still better to be prepared!