Preparedness
Unlock Forgotten Skills for True Preparedness Mastery
When most people think of preparedness, stockpiling food and weapons often comes to mind. However, true preparedness encompasses a wide range of life-sustaining skills that go beyond just gathering supplies. It’s about equipping yourself with the knowledge and abilities that our grandparents likely had but may have been forgotten by many today.
One of the most fundamental skills for long-term survival is cooking from scratch. In an era where dining out is commonplace, the art of preparing meals using basic ingredients has become somewhat of a lost art. “Learning how to cook from scratch is something you cannot afford to ignore,” especially if you’re serious about emergency food storage. Mastering this skill ensures that you can create nourishing meals even when canned goods are not an option.
Healthcare skills are equally important. Our society’s dependence on doctors and pharmaceuticals has grown, but previous generations knew how to handle minor ailments without rushing to the emergency room. Learning to care for yourself and your family without relying on high-powered medications is a valuable skill that can reduce dependency on external medical assistance.
Growing your own food and foraging for wild edibles is another critical skill. In the event of empty store shelves, the ability to cultivate a garden or identify edible plants in the wild could be a lifesaver. Gardening requires more than just planting seeds and watering; it demands knowledge and physical endurance. Foraging, too, requires understanding which wild plants are safe to consume.
Sewing and textile skills are often overlooked but vital for self-sufficiency. When shopping for new clothes is no longer an option, knowing how to make or repair garments becomes essential. These skills extend to spinning, weaving, and knitting, providing opportunities for barter and self-reliance.
Handling livestock is a skill that involves both safety and veterinary knowledge. Whether raising chickens or larger animals, understanding how to care for them ensures they remain healthy and productive. This knowledge is crucial for those relying on animals for meat, dairy, or fiber.
For those who consume meat, hunting, trapping, and butchering skills are indispensable. Procuring meat without relying on grocery stores involves understanding different hunting methods and knowing how to butcher animals safely to maximize the yield and ensure food safety.
Carpentry and construction skills round out the list of essential survival skills. While building a house may not be necessary, the ability to construct a small shed or perform basic home repairs is invaluable. These skills contribute to maintaining and creating necessary structures for survival.
This list is not exhaustive, but it provides a starting point for assessing your current skills and identifying areas for improvement. “You don’t need to know them all, but having at least some basic knowledge is helpful.” Community colleges and county extension offices often offer classes in these areas, ranging from backyard chicken keeping to blacksmithing, usually at little to no cost. Expanding your skill set not only enhances your preparedness but also enriches your life with practical knowledge.
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