Many of us are under Shelter in Place orders. The rest of you likely will be soon.
You would think Preppers would be all “Told you so!” up in here, but no one so far has been like that that I know of. We are all just shocked at how this snuck up and caught us. Overnight, it seems, this went from something we were sorta worried about to something that could kill many of us.
A lot of us on here are not the mega-preppers they show on TV. Most of us are not wealthy, but we just put stuff by in case of hard times. We probably don’t have basements full of toilet paper and rice, but more likely we have plenty of canned goods, and an extra month or so of medication.
So, when do you know when to use your preps? Actually, you should be using them all the time. Rotate your extras into daily meals, daily use, and put away new stuff to take its place. Don’t eat all your canned applesauce this week. I think we are in for a long haul. Instead, incorporate more dry beans into your diet, more of the rice you put away, and get used to using up and replacing.
This is also the time to share. If you have an extra gallon of bleach, share with someone who needs it. If you have some TP and your neighbor can’t find any at the store, give them some. We are not hoarders, we are just trying to be prepared. Share what you can -- be your best self in this difficult time.
For many of us (especially those of us who are broke!) prepping knowledge has been even more important than prepping our supplies.
This is the time for some of that know-how might come into play. So far, produce has been plentiful at the stores, but if you don’t want to venture out then some wildcrafting to get fresh greens might be in order. Through most of the country, foraging season is just starting. Know your wild foods and use them. If you are using your preps, the extra nutrition from wild dandelion greens is terrific. Be safe and smart about collecting, though. That’s where your prepped knowledge comes in.
And prepping doesn’t stop. We have the internet and many of us have tons of spare time on our hands. Read that book on growing a garden, and then start one. Figure out how to can surplus food for later. Research and try new recipes that use up your dry stored foods. Take an online class on herbal medicine. Learn how to fix your car, your toilet. You have the time now; receive it as a gift.
Take the time to hang out with your kids, if you have them at home. Take time to make your cat some new toys. Play with your dog. Get a rescue puppy and take the time to train him well. Raise some rabbits.
We can’t completely prepare for disaster. We have done, and will continue to do our best for ourselves, our family and our community. But one thing a pandemic will teach us is that life is fragile, time is precious. Store up as much joy as you can. Put back memories and good times no matter what your circumstances.
Be well, and wash your hands.