Is "Prepping" Practical Or Paranoia?

[ProgressiveProfessor]

29. It makes sense, to a point

I live in the SoCal and the big one is coming. Spending some time thinking about what you need for you and yours is a very smart thing. The most important thing is a plan for you and your family, especially if there are younger children. Once you understand your needs, things like supplies etc flow from there. A good plan will minimize your investment and maximize dual use. A garage full of stuff you have never used is not the right approach.

The interest in some level of prepping is going up quickly. Yes there are charlatans, but most are well meaning though I find some of their scenarios preposterous. If you think the gas mask guys are crazy, talk to the pandemic ones. Regardless, even Costco is selling long term food kits these days. The problem is that you can't just buy a 3 day pack back for every family member and call it good. Much more upfront thinking is required and some experience.

As for me, I live in the desert, a long way away from just about anything. I have a well, septic, solar, and a generator. Though grid tied, I can live pretty well for a while, and am set up for 90 days. The big question for me is what do I do if I am not at home when it hits.

My vision is to be able to ride out a major disturbance while things get sorted out, certainly not TEOTAWAKI. I expect those who do not have at least a plan or believe the government will handle it will suffer grievously, and I have family who is in that mode.

One of the major benefits to the preppers is that more people are looking at what it will mean to live on immediate renewables like solar cookers and electricity from solar cells. A good thing IMO.