People who are looking into becoming prepared, sometimes go through a “quick and easy” phase. As in, how can I accomplish this quick and easily with as little expenditure of my resources as possible. I understand where they’re coming from, but the answer is always, “there is no easy solution.”
When you first start looking at the things you should do to get prepared for whatever disasters or events that are currently concerning you, it’s quite easy to become overwhelmed with it. There are so many different aspects to what it takes to be prepared that most people will fell overwhelmed at some point.
This thing to keep in mind is that this is normal, but you need to push yourself to stay focused. One way that you can stay on track is to break down the overall goal into smaller, more readily accomplished goals. Our podcasts try to do this by focusing on one area at a time. By listening to us and concentrating on the one thing we’re talking about, you’re not cluttering up your thought process with everything else.
I’m a programmer, so keeping little details and variables organized in my head is necessary in order for me to work, but when considering all the aspects of getting prepared, I still was becoming overwhelmed at the magnitude of becoming prepared. That’s why I created the Preparedness Capability Checklist. I created this list so that it was easier to focus on area and address those needs before moving onto another area.
Whether you use the Preparedness Capability Checklist, another list, or create your own, organize your tasks. Break it down into subsections and determine what needs to be done or acquired for each.
Begin by knowing what it is you want to accomplish. Are you trying to be prepared in general, or for something specific? How long is your preparedness duration, or how long to last on your preps? What are your options if a disaster hits before you’re ready? Etcetera.
So, why prepare? I think one only needs to turn to the fiasco of the Katrina victims for that answer. Even though these people had plenty of warning to get out of the city, many did not. The initial hurricane was bad, but the aftermath was worse. Simply look at the Astrodome to find out what happens when you become a refugee. Is that where you want to be after a disaster? That alone should be enough incentive to get prepared.
– Rob
I had downloaded the preparedness capability checklist a few months ago. I have modified it some for my purposes. I have it in my Omni outlinerpro program. It’s great because now I have all my preparedness goals, lists, etc. in one place! It really helps me organize my information and focus on where I am and what to do next. Thanks for publishing the capability checklist.
That’s very cool. Omni Outliner is a really good program, I’ve used it before, but stopped because it was too proprietary. However, I just checked out the latest pro version and I see that it can export dynamic HTML, so the folding feature on the lists works in HTML. This is great. I just upgrade to the Pro version and will be working on putting the PCC back into Omni Outliner and use it as the default document to keep it updated. I’ll update the page with the new code when completed (which could be months).
Glad you found the Preparedness Capability Checklist useful!
A lot of folks give preppers a bad wrap for being paranoid and crazy and hoarding, but in essence we are choosing to be self sufficient and take care of ourselves instead of putting that responsibility in someone else’s hands. There is honor in being prepared. http://bit.ly/pck3X