March 24, 2025 - What did you do this week to prepare?
Posted by Anthropic--principle@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 187 comments
Please use this thread to discuss whatever preps you worked on this week. Let us know what big or little projects you have been working on, please don't hesitate to comment. Others might get inspired to work on their preps by reading about yours!
Top-Spinach6013@reddit
Ordered official copies of birth certificates, added to the cash I keep on hand, broke a bunch of bills into smaller denominations, added a trauma kit with 2 tourniquets (1 CAT & 1 SOF-T) and hemastatics to keep in the car at all times, labeled expiration dates and sorted non perishables in the pantry so we can be better about remembering to rotate, and bought some Easter cards to get in the mail for friends and loved ones to reinforce connections I’ve neglected a bit. Also signed up for my community’s emergency response training and started reading some of the self-study materials.
thequiet-B4-thestorm@reddit
Tbh nothing. It's been a crazy week and I just need to catch my breath.
Top-Spinach6013@reddit
I feel you on this. Do what you can when you can and let yourself truly rest.
dontlookoverthere@reddit
Mental prep is still prep!
Just_Peg@reddit
In past years, I pulled a lot of invasive weeds off the property. Mostly Garlic-Mustard. (Not real garlic and not real mustard.) I am checking the property now for new invasives that come out in early Spring. They're pretty much gone! Yea! Hand-pulling at the root in the Spring works. Weed-killer does not work. I got a snake grabber to pull the garlic mustard that was hard to reach on steep hills. It works great.
There's one patch of "velcro weed" I have to pull out this year. Then I will be completely done cleaning the invasive weeds off the hill. i still have invasive Silt grass near the swamp. That's not up yet.
Now that the weeds are mostly gone, I will start eliminating the invasive bushes. There's a lot of foreign thorn bushes.
ResolutionMaterial81@reddit
Ordered another 16 cans of Freeze Dried.
Got in a bunch of bulk supplements, caplets & Capsule-it.
Got in an electric winch & detachable trailer mount, a manual winch & mount., snatch blocks, 2" mount base, cables & such for my 16' trailer.
Got another range session in with one cousin & got another female cousin into a SIG P365.
Sybilestial@reddit
Just restarted my prepping journey and going big this time. I'm starting with rice! Just purchased a 40L stainless steel storage container and 15lbs of rice for now. Freezing the rice first to kill off any potential bugs. I plan on staggering my purchase of rice throughout a couple months since I only have a small freezer, but will have 60lbs stored up by the end of it!
Left-Afternoon-4756@reddit
I'm just starting out but I got my canning kit, filter straws and did research on what is most important to stock up on first when beginning prepping.
00_Mountaineer@reddit
Planted three more current bushes and another cherry tree.
Purchased two oil lamps and lots of spare fuel for them.
ThrowRCrowdSourcing@reddit
Today I bought plastic ziplock bags and organized my important docs for my family and pets (vax docs) in case we need to be on the go quickly
Express-Dog-4762@reddit
Re-charged all my rechargeable devices and batteries. My son's car was on the verge of dying so I had it repaired for him so he could make it to my place in case of an emergency. Got him to recharge his portable car battery jumper device he keeps in his car. Packed in some more can goods
uhyeahsouh@reddit
I took my kids camping. They enjoy it.
drydorb@reddit
Set up a rain gutter catcher and started plotting my seeds… I live in zone 7a/b but am new to growing food… anyone know of any easy to grow Veggies I’m simply overlooking- potatoes- tomatoes and artichokes so far
Jolly_Following_6295@reddit
Absolute easiest is zucchini. Grows so fast it can get away from you
fatherlock@reddit
Carrots, radishes, beets are big successes with my half neglectful self! Also jalapeños have grown really well for me with minimal care and just watering whenever I feel motivated to (every few days ish)
Open-Attention-8286@reddit
More canning. Almost done canning up another turkey. Also did some beef and some stews. I even had to make a run to the storage unit for more empty jars.
Thinking about dehydrating pasta. My chickens are laying faster than I can keep up, and I do love my homemade pasta! But that would mean digging out my dehydrator, and I'm not even sure which box it ended up in. I tried to put things like that near the front of the storage unit so they'd be easy to get to, but the movers who were helping got some of them mixed up :/
(I don't like dehydrating eggs plain. The smell bothers me. But when made into things like pasta the smell goes away.)
Jolly_Following_6295@reddit
Have you ever tried water glassing to preserve eggs? It works best for really fresh eggs
More_Dependent742@reddit
I started the monumental task of de-cluttering the cellar, as it was making prepping impossible. I still have a long way to go...
I am open to any suggestions as to how to do this, keep on top of it, stop it from becoming a mess again, etc. I suck at this and welcome any input.
Jolly_Following_6295@reddit
I just envy you having a cellar. Wish I had one
mrs_adhd@reddit
Congratulations. This is huge. I need to do the same and am overwhelmed.
More_Dependent742@reddit
Something came over me and I just... started. But that was like almost a week ago and it needs many more hours. That is my problem.
From one to another, good luck!
Also, take down music to the cellar, and beers ( I didn't do this but it would have helped, especially with crossing the "throw it out" threshold)
hoardac@reddit
Totes and labels help keep thing organized. I also put mine on those little moving dollys, it helps keeping them mobile.
More_Dependent742@reddit
Nice idea. Thanks! Also for anyone that needs to hear this, marker on masking tape is quick and easy and lasts longer than you'd think. And leaves no residue when removed.
ExtremeIncident5949@reddit
What I did was gather like items in the crate to put away. I’ve purchased everything from extra underwear to first aid supplies. I don’t normally have this much extra but due to probable tariffs I’ve bought extra. I tried to buy us made but most of the fabrics or some other delay like during the Covid lockdown I’ve tried to at least cover some basic needs.
More_Dependent742@reddit
The tariffs are going to suck massively (I'm outside the US, so it's going to be bourbon and nuts for me) but it also spurred me into similar action. Cheers! 🍻
Eeyor-90@reddit
I struggle with organizing, over-purchasing, and keeping things neat. I’m trying a new tactic: I can’t buy something unless I have a designated place to put it and that place has already been cleared and is ready. I just started doing this, and it hasn’t done much for my organizing, but it’s reduced my buying (mainly because I don’t get around to clearing that space).
OldJournalist4@reddit
new to this but have the bug hard, and have decided every paycheck im going to add to the supplies. this month i got:
weatherman wave plus
aa and aaa batteries
life straw
ferro rod
auguson farms 30 day supply
and last but not least - a cz p10c
Alternative_Might883@reddit
After some negotiation stackt up on MREs.
aos213@reddit
Started the planning stage of a fence around my property and made a deal for a considerable amount of gear, including bags, boxes, alarms, gear vests, multitools, and flashlights.
disastershtf@reddit
We started 4800 plants for our 4 acre garden. Bought fruit trees and bushes. Also picked up 36 more chickens.
skepticalmama@reddit
Realized I need to make a bug out plan. We were pretty set on bugging in because we’re older and wouldn’t be much help to family. But then I realized a trailer of supplies ready to go would be invaluable for the family too. Plus we know how to fix stuff and garden so on to a plan
International_Mine87@reddit
Continue to buy 2 of items while grocery shopping. Bought fire proof money bags. Wildfire threats are coming closer to home.
mandelbrot_zoom@reddit
Today, I sterilized and filled eight "water bricks" and stacked them in the garage, totaling 28 gallons for two people and three pets. Marked the calendar to re-sterilize in six months. A couple days ago, I organized all of our important documents into a fire-proof, waterproof file folder that can be grabbed on the way out the door.
JoeStumpo@reddit
Started boxing.
Unusual_Dealer9388@reddit
Bought a shotgun for bird hunting in the fall, build in some extra pantry and dry good storage in my utility room, took on a roommate to lower the cost of living.
grandmaratwings@reddit
Finally made tallow and lard soaps. Using store bought lye though. Really want to make lye with wood ash and do a boiled soap, just for proof of concept so I know I can make soap with readily source-able items.
Will be getting a bunch of beeswax caps from a friend with an apiary today. Have been reading up on how to process/ clean the beeswax to make it usable. Planning to make some beeswax wraps with it so I’m not needing cling film every time I put the bread dough aside to rise.
Will be gathering and dehydrating spring onions this weekend. Before we start mowing the yard for the season.
Docella@reddit
Bought fruit trees. Made a list of edible plants in my garden.
Academic_1989@reddit
Did the usual change of season checks - started the generators, started the RV and old suburban, cleaned up remaining fall leaves and removed brush that could be a fire hazard as our area is quite dry and having several red flag warnings. Restocked the meat freezer with sale items. Worked on clearing out an area in the backyard for more fruit trees.
fatherlock@reddit
Got some more chickies to replace the few meaner ones that we're going to process and we got a pregnant goat from a local lady for free! She never fixed her males and then got overwhelmed when most of her females got pregnant and she didn't have the space or time for them. We've been wanting a goat (and I've done lots of research/ have some experience with them) so it was a small vlessing to have her essentially fall into our laps. Next up is putting together more raised beds and starting seeds this week!
GreenChilePhilly@reddit
Took a stop the bleed course with a family member and purchased an IFAK kit.
AgileBet409@reddit
Eyeing a wilderness first aid class, finishing my cpr class and in person exam later next month, because of the abnormally warm weather in my region I’m beginning preparing for wildfires early.
BaldyCarrotTop@reddit
Bought three large(er) 250 watt solar panels. Used of course. In the coming weeks I'll mount them to the fence and run wires to the house.
severalsmallducks@reddit
Just ordered a couple of extra packets of Paracetamol and Naproxen online to have in storage. Had ocular migraine last week when I realized we were all out and had to walk to the store half blind. Now we're not going to have that issue.
Round_Try_9883@reddit
Where did you buy them?
SpringPowerful2870@reddit
My doctor gives me a prescription for them.
severalsmallducks@reddit
My local (i live in Sweden) pharmacies have online stores that have pretty good deals, like a 20pc pack of paracetamol for $1.50. Sadly you can only buy a fixed number at a time (3-5 packs).
...but then again, there are several different stores, and they don't keep track what I buy from their competitors.
Unlikely-Ad3659@reddit
€6.50 for 16 only available from the pharmacy here in France, utter ripoff. I usually get packs sent out from the UK where generic ones are dirty cheap.
severalsmallducks@reddit
Yeah the cheap prices I get is only if you order online. If you try get a 20pc from the pharmacy in store they're €9 lmao
BallsOutKrunked@reddit
you ever try imitrex / sumatriptan? rx but pretty cheap and effective for many. daily magnesium cuts migraine, statistically, by half.
ExtremeIncident5949@reddit
It’s truly my friend, yesterday I think I would not have got anything done if I didn’t have a pill
severalsmallducks@reddit
Was going to buy sumatriptan but it was out of stock. It's also 10x the price haha. Might check out imitrex.
Could probably check out magnesium, I don't have a lot of problems with migaines but have increased slightly last few years (from maybe once a year to like thrice a year though). Wouldn't hurt I guess.
BallsOutKrunked@reddit
imitrex is just the brand name of sumatriptan, so probably the same cost. but magnesium is cheap and a decent supplement all on its own too. good luck man!
https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/magnesium/
severalsmallducks@reddit
Ah, gotcha, I'm not based in the US so didn't know. Found Sumatriptan in stock in another place though so got a few packs.
FairyGodmothersUnion@reddit
It’s amazing! Naproxen and paracetamol take a couple of hours to stop my migraines, but sumatriptan works in twenty minutes.
severalsmallducks@reddit
Oh that's awesome! Naproxen has helped me with mine, usually works within 30 minutes if i catch it early, or 45 if it has had time to build. Only learned about sumatriptan the other day, but got some ordered now so ill be prepared next time it strikes.
penguinbeebop@reddit
Lasik surgery.
My vision was very rough - I could barely see six inches in front of my face, leaving me as a liability if SHTF. What if my glasses broke and I couldn't get them repaired?
thepsycholeech@reddit
Ay congrats! That’s gotta feel great. How are you feeling now? I’m going to have it done when I can afford it, but in the meantime extra contacts & glasses in all my kits. Kind of a pain.
MOF1fan@reddit
I have an appointment in May to discuss lasik. Tired of being blind and relying on glasses. Have half a dozen old pairs stashed just in case
Anthropic--principle@reddit (OP)
Sorry I missed last weeks, was sick.
thepsycholeech@reddit
Hope you’re feeling better!
thepsycholeech@reddit
Got a small porch garden started. Nothing crazy since I don’t have much space, but potatoes, radishes, mustard, various herbs, micro greens. Have some car maintenance scheduled tomorrow that I’ve been putting off. Today I’ll be making some ferments (kimchi, carrot sticks, maybe sauerkraut if I have the bandwidth).
Last week I experimented a bit with my dehydrator.
The week before I applied for my concealed carry license & cleaned my Glock for the first time (I’ve gone shooting a few times and it was time so I picked up the kit for it). Bought a couple more magazines & stocked up a bit on ammo.
As you can see I’ve been focusing on food preservation & self defense. Been feeling pretty good lately!
Prepper_wif_hat@reddit
Bought more bitcoin. Researched the various properties of carrier oils for tinctures. Going to be brewing up a big batch of usnea tincture when I get back up to the homestead next week.
Agreeable_Site1757@reddit
500 9mm rounds
bfs7@reddit
ClaytonU_24@reddit
Bought two 45w solar panels from EcoFlow (one for both my girlfriend and myself). They’re small enough to fit in the extra space in the bags I’m finishing putting together for each of us.
Individual_Run8841@reddit
They can be useful in so many Ways…
A Very Good thing to have available…
Sad-Boysenberry9266@reddit
I got a solar panel "generator" ( not sure what else to call it), plus two sets of solar panels.
Got a canning vacuum sealer. Going to get half gallon jars for dried (rice, flour, beans, ect) storage. The mice can't chew through that at least.
Individual_Run8841@reddit
A Solar Setup could and will be open so many ways for prepping uses as for every day uses.
This is a very Good Thing to have available!
Any-Training-6110@reddit
Mine is laughable compared to y'all, but I got a free water bottle with a coupon and put it in my bug out bag.
Individual_Run8841@reddit
Every little bit counts, your preps are now a little bit better than before.
This is a good thing!
Any-Training-6110@reddit
Awww thank you for that
Ordinary_Feeling6412@reddit
Ordered 11lbs of Augason Farms, powdered eggs to stash away. 👍
PrepperBoi@reddit
Mr money bags over here haha. I’m considering getting my own freeze dryer primarily for eggs and other protein since it’s so expensive to buy.
I was lucky enough in my area eggs haven’t been a shortage. Even if one store is sold out I can go somewhere else and find some.
Ordinary_Feeling6412@reddit
It was only $42!
PrepperBoi@reddit
When I looked that up I found 3 fake Costco storefronts
PrepperBoi@reddit
Oh wow, that’s drastically cheaper than the #10 can. Why??
UnpavedAdventure@reddit
I live in an agricultural area where field corn is grown, mostly for animal consumption. I learned how to prepare it as Hominy and make that into masa for tortillas. It all turned out great.
Slow_motion_riot@reddit
I Bought fruit trees.
chtrace@reddit
I bought a battery tender for my portable generator so hopefully no surprises during hurricane season when I need to get it started.
Soggy_Ricefield@reddit
Completing my vaccines because I have no record of them when I was a child.
Planning to have tetanus vaccine this week. Thinking to have preventive rabies next month too bcs next whole week is national holiday so I can't get my H+7 if I do my first shot now.
After that idk which I should prioritize first because they aren't cheap and idk how many someone can get vaccined in a time.
Reasonable_Cat3187@reddit
I bagged up a load of oatmeal
Saturn_winter@reddit
More pantry/storage stocking. Rebuilt my PC with some upgrades. Have a solar generator and a radio in my basket for next pay day. This weekend I'll be driving to my dad's for a funeral (aunt died) which will be sad but it'll be a chance for some hugs and human contact and I'll be bringing back the rest of my guns that I had been storing there.
Euphoric-Chapter7623@reddit
Planted spinach, lettuce, kale, peas, onions, and beets, then kept looking at the garden every time I walked by to see if they had sprouted yet, since clearly I need to work on patience.
Received a box of 24 packs of emergency contraception to give out in case such items become unavailable.
Did a 14 mile bike ride to make sure my thighs can handle decent distances.
MOF1fan@reddit
Where did you get the 24 pack? I keep saying I need to add these to my disaster 1st aid supplies, even though Im male.
Great job on the bike ride. Got out twice on mine this past weekend. Need to work on my bike preps
Euphoric-Chapter7623@reddit
I'm a medical provider, so the 24 pack was through a promotion from the manufacturer to providers and wasn't something available to the public. Since I had that opportunity to get that quantity for a great deal this one time, I took the deal while I could. Sorry it's not something that's generally available in bulk at a good rate.
Chebra218@reddit
Mountain house was having a sale. I stocked up on more food. Augaston Foods was also having a sale. Stocked up on fruit.
PrepperBoi@reddit
I missed a few weeks so I decided to catch up for the quarter. This isn’t a normal week by any means.
Bought new AR. +$500 cash in safe. (Going to build back up to $5k probably) +2k in savings account 69oz silver 3mo dog food 1000rd 5.56
One of my big to-do items is top off my gasoline cans and stabil them, and pick up some fresh cases of water. It’s all so heavy though 😒. Also need another range day. It’s been like 2 or 3 months since I’ve gone which is unusual. I try to go once a month.
Karma111isabitch@reddit
Got shoulder straps for my lumbar pack Fired up the Bluetti and successfully charged on solar. Figured out the app. Working on bushcraft skills Trying to find lost flipper knife Got a real portable knife sharpener
GCI_Arch_Rating@reddit
Cardio.
D3ATHSTICKS@reddit
traded a company water bottle for an sog knife
throwawayt44c@reddit
Bought food, as usual. Less on the rice and more on the nice. Freeze dried butter, and fruits. Reached out about a solar panel. Thinking I’ll be able to have made a decent solar panel and battery setup, bought separately for $100 total.
Mental preparation (sulking in bed).
Vac sealing rice tonight.
SunLillyFairy@reddit
Started some seeds.
Sad_Analyst_5209@reddit
I am adding 9 more 450 watt panels to my 11,000 watt off grid solar system. I got the ground mount built and now have to lift up the panels. I am 73 and partially disabled, I work slow but have my wife to help. I am doing three rows length ways, I have a compact tractor and plan on using my pallet forks to put each panel close to where it goes. I got most of my onions ringed and weeded. Now I have to finish preparing the land for my summer garden (Florida).
goldman1290@reddit
Bought several 7 gallon water containers and some freeze dried food to add to my stores.
etherlinkage@reddit
Bought two more reliable 7-gallons today :)
goldman1290@reddit
I love them. Affordable and don't take up much space.
Banjoe64@reddit
Question: will you keep these filled or just fill ahead of time if an emergency event is on the horizon?
etherlinkage@reddit
Full at all times except for work relocations. City water plus bleach per Creek Stewart.
ExtremeIncident5949@reddit
We’ve gone to water Bricks, lots of them, 31/2 gallons a piece plus 2 half bricks for the kitchen and water filters. Now I’m buying a few 5 gallon bottles from the spring water company.
CielDsun@reddit
Hello Everyone, hope you are doing awesome.
last week i finally bought a new predator 3500 and this week I'm working in an easier set of instructions with a lot of pictures, i case I'm not available.
Added more batteries to my storage.
Commenced to download games and shows to watch offline in case of short outage.
I mentioned couple of weeks ago that i built a Shed with my family, it help us to increase the amount of potable water we can have available in our home.
I'm looking for offline games to have in case of long traveling or outage.
I am thinking about putting together a "blackout" bag for my close family member in the area (Florida) in case of hurricane.
I might be affected by the all the new immigration policies (US) because my program is in jeopardy, so I keep all my information in the could, I am putting together a couple of flash drives with information (I already have all my and my family's important documents in fire proof bags).
Most important, do not let the system distract you, keep focus, be prepare!
boopbeebop@reddit
Socked away a little more money. Spent a week at a cabin and focused a lot on mental health.
Drealjas@reddit
Good for you!!
Drealjas@reddit
I spent all of spring break in my garden. It feels like the only thing I actually did was plant six tomato plants. But in reality I assembled two new (galvanized steel) beds, declutterred, re-organize all of the 30 or so potted plants, moved about 1000 pounds of dirt, sowed perennial flower seeds to encourage pollinators outdoors, started a bunch of peas, bell peppers, and Brussels sprouts indoors, repotted a dozen or so plants, etc. etc…
And then I got those damn tomato plants in the garden 😂
I also started walking my dog twice a day again. Reallllly been slacking on that one and physically it is starting to show.
Provia100F@reddit
Tripled my insurance caps
Brilliant-Truth-3067@reddit
Bought a SSD to make a backup of all of my files and store- games, books and other media just in case
MOF1fan@reddit
Reminder to self, get off butt and format HD I recently bought and back up all my downloads
MadeMeMeh@reddit
Changed batteries on smoke detectors. Did basic maintenance on my bicycle.
MOF1fan@reddit
Actually rode my bike, twice. Butt so sore today. Need to ride more for sure
elledmytryszyn@reddit
Dad and I just racked our second batch of wine!! Cheers to many many many more! ✨🍷✨
Tool929@reddit
I got the framing done on a 10x10 deep pantry I'm building out.
Different-Pop2780@reddit
Started seeds, and freeze dried some Jalapeños and mushrooms for long term and daily use.
Pea-and-Pen@reddit
Finally bit the bullet and ordered a Jase Case with a few add ons. Got 500 more rounds of 5.56 for $0.50 a round.
Started working through the Preppers Workbook, which would have super helpful when I first started several years ago.
And the Preppers Pantry, which I got on clearance from Tractor Supply.
Continuing to work on my sourdough, which is definitely coming along better now.
ExtremeIncident5949@reddit
I have two Jase bags for us plus a UTI JASE bag.
Pea-and-Pen@reddit
I’m thinking about getting a UTI one in a couple of months.
booksandrats@reddit
Fed my worm farms and rescued a few squash seedlings that had sprouted in there. Potted them up and wished the good luck. The last frost here is about 2 months away...
Acceptable-Lynx-8451@reddit
Shifted 3day go-bag contents for seasonality!
SuccessWise9593@reddit
Where did you buy your go-bags? Is there a good plan for where to put them? New to this group, thanks for answering in advance.
Acceptable-Lynx-8451@reddit
I’m kinda a bag hoarder, so I buy everywhere and test. Currently using the Rebels Raiders duty bag cause the price was too good to pass up ($150 USD). Only issue with this one is the stitching I wish was double instead of single stitch.
I have it in an easily accessible location with the other things I plan to grab on the way out (Under 5 mins is my goal). I leave the back compartment unzipped to the hydration bladder so I can fill immediately from sink across the hall from the bag. But this has to fit your own personal home and needs. (Example: if you have a bum knee, don’t store it on the top floor of your home where getting it could be troublesome.)
I also keep a get home bag (another go-bag) in my vehicle at all times that provides 3 days of necessities: food, water, cloths, shelter, fire, etc. This bags water supply is always topped off and rotated.
Delgra@reddit
I’ve looked at the Rebels Raiders duty bag in the past. How do you like the shoulder straps? Belt kinda seems cumbersome for a 24 hour pack but overall seems like a thoughtful design.
Acceptable-Lynx-8451@reddit
They’re good. I’m pretty broad shouldered and it doesn’t pinch my neck, biggest thing I go for personally. The tension straps are buckles so you can prob tuck away inside the bag if you flip them over. Belt is good enough for a go bag but I personally wouldn’t go backpacking for fun with it. Lastly, there’s carry handles on both sides of the back and the top of the bag. It does feel very thoughtful.
Main pocket is large enough to fit my 10/22 backpacker in the center comfortably which also provides extra support. With side pockets able to fit comms decently well or 3-4 pmags
SuccessWise9593@reddit
Thank you for those added details, I really appreciate it. I keep something similar in the car for the winter season, but with how things are now, I may keep it in there year-round.
Many-Health-1673@reddit
Added an 4x8 ft raised bed garden to the back yard.
Finished up splitting and stacking the rest of the firewood for the wood stove. I am now almost 4 years ahead on firewood for the winter.
My wife and the kids went through the food supply and reorganized our supply of soaps, shampoo, personal hygiene products, tourniquets, israeli bandages, work gloves, surgical gloves, etc.
Rotated pastures for the cows now that the spring grass is coming up and repaired some hot wire fencing between our pastures and the neighbors.
ExtremeIncident5949@reddit
At least you have cows. We have lots to steers down the road but the house we live in now only has a space from a small garden. I also have an extensive medical supply because my husband is on blood thinners for his heart. He’s been working on our solar generator and batteries plus panels. Hurricane season starts June 1st.
Many-Health-1673@reddit
We run a cow/calf operation and it can be time consuming, but it is a good lifestyle.
hoardac@reddit
4 years I am jealous.
Many-Health-1673@reddit
I got caught short in late February 3 years ago when a huge polar vortex came through. I vowed that would never happen again.
EverVigilant1@reddit
--organizing food stockpile inventory
--decluttering house
--purchased another good flashlight
--expanding raised bed garden and fencing
ExtremeIncident5949@reddit
I bought a pantry inventory list book. Normally I would just use lined paper but I’m getting lazy after two months of canning.
ExtremeIncident5949@reddit
If I’m not dead from the initial blast I’ll probably die a slow death from the after effects. I do have a Geiger counter but it’s not going to help much if I can’t leave the interior of my cement house. You might want canned food because it holds up better in a cabinet. At least that’s what I read.
bluebellmilk@reddit
Focusing on water storage atm. haven’t invested in containers but I’m thinking bottled is fine for now, less than ideal ofc but lord knows the microplastics are inescapable at this point… as a Canadian I keep hearing murmurs of water wars. Better paranoid than sorry!
ExtremeIncident5949@reddit
I’m in Florida and the water is polluted.
hoardac@reddit
Finally got the heater for the greenhouse frankensteined together. Quite a lot of things will not grow in zone 4 without help. One more step towards food security.
ThisIsAbuse@reddit
Bought a tiny amount of gold, paid off CC debt, upgraded my sump pump system for the intense rains we have been getting in the last few years.
ExtremeIncident5949@reddit
Oh I’m doing more rice this week too plus lots of wild rice and I’m dry vacuum sealing in quart 32oz jars. I need more jars again. We took our 25 lbs and slit the bags and dropped a large oxygen absorber in then put them each in a 5 gallon Mylar bag with more absorbers. Heat sealed the bag. I also did 5-10 lb bags to use first. I have a bread machine so I can use it up. Good for you paying off your cc debt.
PeanutOnly@reddit
Rei had a sale so I got a jetboil, paracord, water purification tans, hydrobag. Also stocked up on first aid and otc meds to use up my fsa (I'm a fed so may get fired). Went to kickboxing and mobility class, got a massage to help with injuries from same (use up the fsa). Filed fsa claims. To save money and get steps in i walked about 8 miles in my neighborhood to pick up some items from buy nothing group that I would otherwise pay for and that I can either regift to others (cutest baby blanket), use myself (hair dye, water bottle for office), or share with others now that we're rto (brita pitcher). Reread sections of "prepared" to ensure I'm not missing anything. Meal prepped for rto, scheduled my combat sports classes for the week, caught up on sleep, connected with family, enjoyed date night, read a prison memoir from apartheid south africa. Basically just prioritized rest and preparing my finances, community ties, mind and body for tough times ahead.
ExtremeIncident5949@reddit
I hope you don’t get the boot. This is so wrong. I have three neighbors who are worried they’re on the list. I’ve looked a lot at my buy nothing group by me.
PeanutOnly@reddit
Aw thanks. If I get fired, it is what it is. Job mkt is very tough rn for my profession and location so I'd look to get out of usa and live somewhere more rural and then could fully commit to farmstead prepping. Growing and preserving my own food, having chickens, rabbits, hunting etc.
Any_Needleworker_273@reddit
Continued testing the solar charging on our new Anker solar generator (yeah, yeah, I know it isn't technically a generator, but I don't know what else to call it. Though my husband calls it Wall-e).
Continued seed starts, assembled a few more raised beds while waiting for things to thaw.
Continued organizing the pantry and reading some of the new 4 season gardening books I got.
ExtremeIncident5949@reddit
My husband was on the phone with the Jackery solar people going over things he thought he had figured out.
suzaii@reddit
Rotated out gloves and a beanie for adult sizes in my son's Bug out bag. Knitting camouflage and reflective scarves (each takes 2 weeks or so), building up the drinking water supply (moving from plastic to glass bottles, stored in the dark),cleaning and decluttering.
juxtaposicion@reddit
While building out my solar setup, I realized most overlook shadow mapping—tracking how sunlight shifts seasonally across your property. Spend a week logging hourly light patterns; it’s game-changing for positioning panels, gardens, or passive solar heating. Bonus: You’ll also identify microclimates perfect for cold-hardy herbs or hidden frost pockets to avoid. Knowledge > gear, always.
DarkYellowPissCheese@reddit
FINALLY got around to replacing two old shitty rotting wooden garden beds with metal ones & killed a bunch of vines climbing up my fruit trees
Imagirl48@reddit
Canned some strawberry preserves and am dehydrating spinach.
BonnieErinaYA@reddit
I bought the structures for raised garden beds, a tactical backpack for a bug out bag, two water purifiers, some Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers, and some more shelf stable food. Little by little, I am finding my way. It’s amazing how small, consistent efforts can make progress, even when on a budget.
Secret-Tackle8040@reddit
Prep was centered around travel. Dropped the ball in that a couple charging cables I brought stopped working and I had to pay tourist prices. A success was barf bags and a clean up kid which my kid ended up needing. Twice 🤢🤮
dontlookoverthere@reddit
Bought an on-sale generator, started some of the seeds for the garden this year, put away some sale ammo, keeping up on diet and exercise, testing recipes for the breadmaker, talked with the neighbors about summer bartering plans.
firedude1314@reddit
Bought some more ammo. 300blk subsonic
Firm-Subject5487@reddit
Packaged up 35 lbs of flour into Mylar bags. Used my HSA card to get more med stuff. Rotated pantry items. Started more seeds and rooted some Rosemary clippings. Used REI coupon for a small Esbit food stove to keep in the car.
purvaka@reddit
Bought more shelf stable foods, continuing to gather all the components for our bug out/in bags. And deep cleaning and organizing the house so I know where everything is in an emergency.
SuccessWise9593@reddit
I started to put shelves in my basement after decluttering it for two weeks to make room for the shelves. Today, I started the groundwork to have my garden ready. I planted seeds inside so they'll be ready after our last frost in mid May (I live in Colorado) to plan outside. I'm a little worried about Musk raiding the seeds bunker that there won't be anymore seeds.
https://www.reddit.com/r/OrganicGardening/comments/1ji2rzg/why_did_elon_musk_go_after_bunkers_full_of_seeds/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
mkphenix33@reddit
Got some meat rabbits for the backyard and did an advanced rifle course with my NG unit, tested out some kit.
mkphenix33@reddit
Got some meat rabbits for the backyard and did an advanced rifle course with my NG unit, tested out some kit.
LatteMe229@reddit
Created a garden plan for me with all the various ways to garden in my climate. Including information on composting, rain barrels and more.
LatteMe229@reddit
Created a garden plan for me with all the various ways to garden in my climate. Including information on composting, rain barrels and more.
SnooPoems1106@reddit
Planted edible bushes (blueberries).
Choice_Bumblebee9644@reddit
I procured a surgical kit, and a Sawyer.
john-greg-luke@reddit
I reorganized my pantry and started getting my retirement in order
aethiadactylorhiza@reddit
Put together a medevac go bag for the family and showed friends where it is. It’s a small bag that would fit under seat of airplane.
Includes: -Changes of clothes for the family (I threw some in that still fit but we were going to donate)- cozy pants, slipper socks, zip up sweatshirts, underwear, t shirts.
-Food- bars, Horizon milk boxes, cheerios single serve box, microwave meals. Utensils
-phone charger
-books (Harriett the Spy and a Hardy Boys mystery- something we could read to the kiddo or read ourselves)
-pack of crayons and a small coloring book
-one of those pop keychains
-towel, bar of Castile soap, spray conditioner/detangler
-thin but cozy blanket
-working on family photos, family information card with important numbers on it, and a what’s in the bag laminated card with a “things you might want to add” section (kindles, water bottles, more specific clothes, crochet project)
(Our situation is a little different than other folks since we live on an island. This situation would be if one of a family of 3 had to fly off suddenly for medical expecting a couple day or longer hospital stay, no immediate family nearby, unable to run home and grab stuff while at hospital )
Unlikely-Ad3659@reddit
I am all done on stocking up. A couple of pairs more sneakers coming (I prep for a china boycott in case they invade Taiwan) budget sneakers all seem to be made in china now.
But I cut up an old very heavy and unsellable trailer a couple of weeks ago, using the box sections to make gate and fence posts, more for privacy really.
Bought some more used dvds for the library too.
I also cemented a heavy steel post in the ground and welded a trailer ball to it, that way I can attach and lock the trailer i am keeping to it and run some chains and padlock. Make it harder for a thief to push the trailer away empty so they can break the lock out of sight. Where I live that would be super easy as there is a small down hill slope to the other side of an abandoned church.
Curious-George532@reddit
tripled my solar input capacity.
SeanusChristopherus@reddit
Signed up for a course on farming throughout the year. It would be pretty useful to have a basic idea of what to do year round being in a place that has seasons.
More_Dependent742@reddit
Cool! Local, or online? I assume not online, but you never know
SeanusChristopherus@reddit
local, a nice benefit of where I am working at the moment
IamBob0226@reddit
Our local community college has an ag extension office from the state university... Illinois, that offers many green thumb programs.
More_Dependent742@reddit
I'm not even in the States but I've had some great info from Ag extensions in the US, and Illinois probably leading the bunch.
For a great database of tips on individual plants, and also which cultivars are low maintenance, RHS.org.uk is also pretty good.
Lagoon2000@reddit
Moving forward with the garden. Up potted tomatoes and will put broccoli and bok choy in the ground today. When at the grocery I always add an extra can or two for my deep pantry.
Rheila@reddit
Started tomato seeds. Growing 11 different varieties.
Added 35lbs of rice, 6lbs of lentils, 3L cooking oil, and 13lbs of honey to the pantry. Trying to pick up a bit each shopping trip since my preps are a bit low after not being restocked during 3 moves.
Scary-Examination848@reddit
I've been pickling or dehydrating produce I've managed to get my hands on. I live alone, so there's no way I can go through most of this before it goes off. So far I've dehydrated kale, watermelon, and pears. I've also pickled onions, green peppers, okra, watermelon rinds, carrots, and celery. I've still got a pineapple, broccoli, and the rest of the kale to tackle. Not quite sure what to do with my collard greens though! I might just have to cook it up instead.
fanwiz64@reddit
I ordered 4 water containers, with the one I had, I now can store 2 weeks worth of water. Also looked up how to wash them and how long the stored water should last. Will wash and fill this afternoon.
Conscious_Ad8133@reddit
Did some 1:1 training at the range with an amazing coach. Finished up a machine sewing 101 class. Acquired & fed a sourdough starter so I can start exploring bread baking. Scored some prep-related books at the library book sale. Life is good!
Regular_South_8520@reddit
I bought a radiation suit since I didn’t have any some gas masks for biological and chemical disasters, a few boxes of MREs and I’m considering buying an AR15 rifle
rctid_taco@reddit
I started working on a generator inlet to backfeed my house. I've been wanting to do this for a while but normally I try to do all my DIY electrical work 100% to code and this isn't possible with my current panel because there are no breaker hold down devices made for it. On the off chance some inspector makes an issue out of it I'll just tear it out long enough to get their sign off then put it right back in.
StaciRainbow@reddit
We have been working on refining our grab and go bags.
Last week I was pretty satisfied by the MRE's I put together and vac sealed.
I am working on sorting out the ideal first aid setup for each of us, based on training and experience. The trick is that I really need to have the least amount of weight in my bag (terrible back issues) but I would really like to be prepared to offer first aid to people around us, and some more advanced tools would be of great value to me. (I am a trained first responder, and have enough medical experience as a Medical Assistant as well as a Midwife's assistant that I could be quite helpful in a trauma situation.) I just took apart my old (and largely expired) FA setup and it was really far too heavy to make sense for me to carry, or anyone really.
** I was sad that ALL of my suture kits are expired, but I am going to turn that into a crash course opportunity on basic suture techniques for my husband and adult son. I have also already stocked myself with suture alternatives* as well, so may not replace the actual suture kits. (*glue, steri strips and the interesting zip-tie like devices to hold wounds together.)
My husband upgraded all of our flashlights. (Around house and in bags) We had some really pitiful ones tucked away.
I have picked up sourdough baking again, after about 15 years away from it. I am focusing on that this week, and just made some amazing breakfast cookies with my discard while I wait for a loaf to rise. Additionally, I am stocking up on baking flours, so I can take over everything from flat breads to our sliced loafs. I may not bake all of our bread like I did for years, but I want to be self sufficient with as much of that as possible.
Lastly, we had a tornado warning a week ago. That offered a really good opportunity to fly into action. We all headed to join our neighbors in the covered underground parking. However in that shakedown we learned that our adult son is useless and disoriented if woken due to medication he has to take at night, so we need to be able to put his cat in the harness and move it down to safety (the car in the garage) ourselves, while ushering our son through getting dressed and heading down. Good to know!
pajudd@reddit
This week I’m focused on food stores; repackaging bulk rice & flour into smaller Mylar bags, and canning.
Competitive_Web_6658@reddit
Increased my potable water storage capacity, organized the deep pantry by expiration date, fixed some leaky pipes, and tried out a new limited ingredient, no-knead bread recipe (it was pretty good)
AlphaDisconnect@reddit
Crunch several mags of underwood ammo 7.62x39 that was recently purchased.
Led_Zeppole_73@reddit
Working on removing an old Suncast plastic storage shed, then need my buried electric line located which passes directly underneath. I’m building a firewood storage shed that will be quite large. Lucked out this year as I still have enough seasoned locust to burn and temps have been in the 20’sF. Last year I ran out and had to buy some. Have a few downed oaks and cherry out back to cut and split yet.
Aegon2050@reddit
Ran so many miles. Don't wanna be meal team 6.
Matt_Rabbit@reddit
Range day with my new 6.5CM rifle, got it zero'd to 100 yards, checked the zero of my .223. I bought more ammo for 2 of 3 rifles. I also bought more booze
mamayzzy_37@reddit
Went through my food, cleaning, and hygiene supplies. Planted three fruit trees, some berries, and artichokes.
HimboVegan@reddit
I've started changing how I train from mostly weights to quote on quote more "practical stuff"
Carrying heavy medicine balls up the stair climber
Outdoor runs up hills
Ballistic training with medicine balls and kettlebells
Being yoked won't benefit me whatsoever if/when SHTF. But being light and spry and mobile with good cardio will.
SandiegoJack@reddit
Worked on home repairs and expanded my solar prep plans.
thriftingforgold@reddit
I have a solar panel in my basket and will order it on payday. I also have another life straw, a sling shot, whistles and Mylar bags in my basket
Acceptable-Lynx-8451@reddit
Costco often does a 4 pack of life straws pretty cheap!
thriftingforgold@reddit
Oh nice, thanks I’ll ask there
nobody4456@reddit
I got a compost pile started and added 2 4x4 raised beds and picked up the last of the seed I need for the spring
kirksmith626@reddit
Moved the 275G to it's final resting place, over near the cistern on the west side of the home & garden. Tested the submersible pump 1/3 HP, just a a bit over 263 watts in cistern, works. Now to build out the solar system to power it, off grid is the best.
Finished the on hand seed potato planting in growbag row. 17 - 20G bags, 6 - 15G bags.
Finished spring cleanup and raised bed vegetable garden beds composting and spreading of manure.