Hi, new here

[Mosquito]

Hey everyone. Just bought a house and I am looking to get started on ways to be more self-sufficient. I'm probably more of a hippy than a prepper, but I am concerned about being ready for stuff like food shortages. Decided to check you guys out. I made a big composter out of a 55 gallon plastic drum. What did you guys do when you first got started?

 

[tmttactical]

Warm Welcome from the Arizona valley folks.

To start with, I did a careful review of my situation. Medical, physical and mental -- cost nothing. This eliminated purchasing items that I would not physically be able to use. Next was to review my current living location. Weather, natural disasters, annual rain fall, crime rate, etc. ---- cost nothing. Then I started to focus on what I actually needed (water, food, shelter, defense, etc). I started to buy and store extra water, then I started to buy and store some extra food. I then planned an evac, based on MY needs and ability. I purchased the defensive items (weapons and skills) to protect my person and family. All this is done in very small bites to fit my (your) budgets. There is no one size fits all plan.

 

[Mosquito]

...I started to buy and store extra water, then I started to buy and store some extra food...There is no one size fits all plan.

I hear you. I just have so much ground to cover that it can seem overwhelming. I still need to learn how to store water, how to store food, how to power my house, how to take care of a gun, etc.

I tried keeping a month's supply of food, but I don't really know how to use stuff like dried vegetables in anything but soups. And eating a month of dried vegetables is bleh. Gardening is one thing but sometimes crops fail, you know? I started with the composter and rain barrels because I can get the barrels for free. Not sure what I should prioritize after that I guess.

 

[jimLE]

Howdy from a Texan .... and welcome to the forum and family...there's quite a few knowledgeable folks here that'll gladly tell ya what you need to know,or at least point ya in the right direction and/or give ya a good idea or2..and by all means jump righton in with any replies you have on a topic.

You've got your shelter and property..what you put into both and self protection comes 1st.water and food.stock up on everyday foods that "you" already eat..do home canning.i probably can live 2 or 3 months off of what foods ive canned.rain catchment systtem for drinking, cooking,hygiene and for the garden. 1st aid supplies..your in Florida. prepare for the natural disasters there.

 

[Proud Prepper]

Welcome from a top secret location only 156 people know about.
You will find most of the answers you seek here. Check our prepping 101 thread and create a budget for your prepping items.

 

[Brent S]

I hear you. I just have so much ground to cover that it can seem overwhelming. I still need to learn how to store water, how to store food, how to power my house, how to take care of a gun, etc.

I tried keeping a month's supply of food, but I don't really know how to use stuff like dried vegetables in anything but soups. And eating a month of dried vegetables is bleh. Gardening is one thing but sometimes crops fail, you know? I started with the composter and rain barrels because I can get the barrels for free. Not sure what I should prioritize after that I guess.

I’m a big fan of water filters. Sure storing water is wise, but even stored water should be filtered. Since it’s the number one thing we all need it is always first on my list. My advice to everyone is get two or three good filters that don’t have a lot of moving parts and can filter large amounts before needing to replace cartridges. Just in case your filters are lost or stolen it’s a good idea to learn how to make ones in an emergency too, and learning is free. I try to look at things practically in life. The things we need to survive are, in order, water, food, shelter and security. I just prioritized my lists in that order. Once you have those bases covered you can add things as you can afford to, like generators, comfort items, etc.
Welcome to the forum.

 

[Psalm7]

Hippy ? Brent You have company .
Just kidding .
Look through the threads , lots of practical info here . Start posting .
Welcome from Tennessee .

 

[jontte]

Welcome from Fin, just take baby steps, you sure can do a heck of a lot with those drums, like a smoker, smoked meat and fish lasts a long time

 

[Maverick]

Welcome from Washington State

 

[jayjay1]

G'day from Down Under.
Me? I researched, did more research, then learnt more.
To me that's the key-learn, then put that learning into practice.