You’ve Got The Gear, But Are You Really Ready?

When the time comes, you need to be ready. That’s the idea behind preparedness, right? You’ve spent time putting together plans and getting the gear, but are you really ready if something were to happen?

There’s more to being prepared than just having gear. You need to make sure that everything remains in good working order, is stored properly and that you actually know how to use each item correctly.

Maintaining Your Gear

Even the best stockpile isn’t worth anything if food is spoiled, equipment is broken and firearms are jammed. While it would take decades for goods and gear to reach this state, you’re bound to lose something if you aren’t paying attention. This is especially important when you’re a budget-conscious prepper. You can’t afford to constantly replace gear and supplies.

Keep firearms clean and oiled. Make sure your food and ammunition is dry and secure. Perform routine maintenance on your generator, pumps and any other mechanical equipment. Check clothing and bags for wear or holes from rodents or insects. Neglecting any of this may lead to your equipment and gear being in operable when you need it most.

Proper Storage And Safety

Follow a storage system that makes it easy to know where everything is. In an emergency situation, you don’t want to be digging through bins and piles. Everything should have a proper storage place. You should be able to find all of your key equipment with your eyes closed.

Make sure everything is actually stored properly. Don’t make rookie food storage mistakes. Firearms should be secured to prevent children or unwanted guests from gaining access. Clothing, gear and other material should be kept in sealed containers to prevent bugs or rodents from damaging them.

Know How To Use It Before You Need It

Can you start your generator in the dark without any assistance? Do you know how to operate your GPS device? What about your stove or your radios? Do you really want to wait until you really need to it learn how to use it? You need to know how to use all of your gear before you actually need it.

If you disassemble your firearm to store it, make sure you have all of the pieces and they you can easily put it together. Don’t just assume you can, practice it. Waiting until you have an emergency is just asking for trouble.

What if you mistakenly ordered a scope mount for a SR-15 instead of AR 15 scope rings? They look similar so you may not actually know until you try to assemble everything.

Run drills. Assume that an emergency has just happened. See how quickly you can get the items you need in the state that they need to be in to follow your plan of action.

Being A Prepper Is About Being Prepared

Remember that being a prepper isn’t just about hoarding supplies in a bunker somewhere. It’s about being prepared to handle any situation. When disaster strikes you need to know where your gear and supplies are and you need to know that they’re in good working order and that you know how to use everything. That is being prepared.

Devote time to these disciplines. Set a schedule for routine maintenance on your gear. Perform regular inventories of everything in your stockpile. Run frequent drills to make sure you can find, assemble and use your critical items. That is how to be ready when you need it most.