20 Things Preppers Need to Do in the New Year

As we approach the start of a new year, it’s a perfect time to review preparedness plans and take proactive steps to ensure you’re ready for any potential emergencies or disasters. Whether you’re new to prepping or have been on this journey for a while, here are 20 important things preppers need to do in the New Year. Don’t miss this opportunity to be more prepared than ever!

We’re all used to making New Year’s Resolutions once the New Year’s celebration activities are over. It’s always better to prepare for natural disasters and other emergency situations before disaster strikes. Let this post be your chance to do some brainstorming so you can make some necessary purchases and plans ahead of time.

20 Things Preppers Need to Do in the New Year

1. Review and Update Your Emergency Plan

Start the year by reviewing your emergency plan and making any necessary updates. Ensure that every family member in your household is familiar with the plan and knows what to do in different scenarios. Emergency Preparedness-Make A Plan Bugging In What To Do

You can’t wait until next year to plan for a survival situation you’re likely to encounter in your location. Now is the time of the year to plan things out. Be aware of likely scenarios for where you live. Your location could be prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, floods, or earthquakes.

2. Assess Your Stockpile

Take stock of your supplies and evaluate what needs to be replenished. Check the expiration dates of food, water, medications, and other essentials. Consider adding items that may be missing from your stockpile. What to Do With Your Old Stockpile of Food

It will also include making sure you have things like toilet paper, alternate cooking devices if the power goes out, ways to purify and filter water, options to do the laundry, and more.

3. Learn a New Skill

Expand your prepping knowledge by learning a new skill related to survival or self-sufficiency. It could be anything from first aid and navigation to gardening or basic car maintenance. This is one of the most important things preppers need to do in the New Year. 17 Ways to Become More Self-Sufficient

Survival skills can take many forms. It may include learning CPR, how to dress a wound, or applying a tourniquet.

4. Conduct a Home Security Audit

Assess the security of your home and make any necessary improvements. Install sturdy locks, reinforce doors and windows, and consider investing in a security system if you haven’t already. 20 Ways to Step Up Security Measures Around Your Property

There are dangerous individuals out there, especially when food supplies run low. After disasters, we always hear stories of looters who are looking for supplies so they can survive too. It becomes an obsession and they’ll do almost anything to get through the tough times. Don’t allow your family and property to be taken advantage of.

5. Create a Communications Plan

Establish a communication plan with your family and close friends in case traditional forms of communication are disrupted. Define meeting points and alternative communication methods such as walkie-talkies or ham radios. Communication Options for Your Family During a Disaster

If you have to evacuate, you want to be able to hear about traffic jams, new weather threats, and possible escape routes that are best to take. Staying informed and in touch with others is critical!

6. Build a Bug-Out Bag

Put together a well-equipped bug-out bag for each family member that contains essential items for a quick evacuation. Ensure you have enough supplies for each household member, including food, water, clothing, and important documents. 8 Must-Haves for Choosing the Perfect Bug Out Location

7. Practice Sheltering in Place

Conduct a drill where you practice sheltering in place. This will help you identify any weaknesses in your plan and ensure that you have the necessary supplies to stay safe and comfortable at home during an emergency. Pandemic: What You Need To Shelter In Place

There is an adage that states: “If you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail.” You may have a great plan, but you need to practice the necessary steps to carry the plan out to make sure there aren’t any “holes” to be considered.

8. Develop a Water Storage System

Create a water storage system to store an adequate supply of clean water for your household. Consider using water barrels or large containers with proper filtration systems. Water Storage: How Much Do You Really Need?

We have often been told to have one gallon of water per person per day. I have always told my readers to try to have consumable water in the amount of four gallons of water per person per day. That way, you’ll have enough to stay hydrated, cook meals, do limited laundry, and perform some personal hygiene.

As a Boy Scout, Mark learned how to use water purification tablets in case he needed to purify water while hiking or camping. As a family, you’ll need more capacity than he learned about. A good water filter system with different kinds of filters is important. I like products from Big Berkey and PortaWell. Each has its unique approach and related pros and cons. It isn’t enough just to have the water, it needs to be safe enough for humans and pets to drink.

9. Establish an Off-Grid Power Solution

Invest in alternative power sources such as solar power panels, generators, or portable power banks. These will come in handy during power outages or when living off the grid becomes necessary. 7 Ways To Cook When You Lose Power

I have some units from Goal Zero and their Yeti power systems. You’ll have to decide how many devices you want to keep running and at what cost you can afford. Good power backup systems should be in your plans to run cell phones and computers, at a minimum.

10. Learn Basic Self-Defense Techniques

Take a self-defense class or learn basic self-defense techniques to protect yourself and your loved ones in challenging situations. Knowledge of self-defense can boost your confidence and help you stay safe. Things To Do To Not Get Scared as a Prepper

11. Create an Emergency Binder

Compile important documents such as identification papers, insurance policies, medical records, and contact information in an emergency binder. Keep it in a secure location that is easily accessible. 10 Best Home Defense Options in an Emergency

I have a great binder available on my website for free. Check it out and download it if you feel it can help support your emergency plan outline.

12. Start a Garden

Begin cultivating a garden, even if it’s just a small one on your balcony or patio. Growing your food can provide fresh produce during emergencies and increase your self-sufficiency. 8 Reasons Why Your Garden May Be Struggling

There is nothing quite like teaching your kids how to grow and cultivate food. They can watch the process and feel like they are helping to protect the family during challenging times.

13. Build Community Connections

Connect with like-minded individuals in your community who share your interest in preparedness. Join local prepper groups or attend workshops and events to exchange knowledge and resources. Is Your Neighborhood Prepared?

We organized a group in our old neighborhood that wanted to take a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class. These like-minded people enjoyed the time together and felt they learned several skills that can come in handy. Check with your local fire department to see what it takes to put one together.

14. Conduct Fire Drills

Practice fire drills in your home to ensure everyone knows how to respond quickly and safely in the event of a fire. Identify escape routes and install smoke detectors if you don’t already have them. Fire Extinguishers: More Important than a Gun?

Those smoke, radon, and carbon monoxide units aren’t going to work if the power goes out and the batteries are dead. We always replace the batteries on New Year’s Day every year. Have a schedule in place so your family can stay protected.

15. Expand Your First Aid Skills

Enroll in a first aid course or refresh your knowledge of basic first aid techniques. Having the ability to provide medical assistance during emergencies can be life-saving. First Aid Kits-What You Need To Survive

Having first aid kits is so important. But equally important is knowing how to use all the supplies included in the kit. Take a class if you need to learn or update your first aid skills.

16. Learn to Preserve Food

Explore various methods of food preservation such as canning, dehydrating, and fermenting. This will help you extend the shelf life of perishable items and reduce dependence on refrigeration. Frugal Way To Preserve Your Food Today For Tomorrow

I’ve written dozens of posts relating to food preservation and storage. Checkout the links in my archive above to glean a ton of helpful hints and guidelines.

17. Stay Informed

Stay up-to-date with current events, weather forecasts, and any potential threats in your area. Utilize reliable news sources and emergency alert systems to stay informed about local and global developments. Things To Do To Not Get Scared as a Prepper

18. Conduct Home Fire Safety Checks

Regularly inspect your home for potential fire hazards. Check electrical systems, heating appliances, and smoke detectors. Keep fire extinguishers in accessible locations and ensure they are in good working condition. 20 Reasons to Have a Fire Extinguisher On Hand

Make sure that appliances in your home like furnaces and water heaters are cleaned and serviced annually. Also, be sure to keep the areas around these units free from clutter and debris that may be flammable.

19. Practice Emergency Drills with Children

Teach your children how to respond to emergencies through age-appropriate drills. This will help them understand the importance of preparedness and ensure their safety. Home Economic Skills You Should Teach Your Kids

20. Evaluate Your Financial Preparedness

Assess your financial situation and develop a plan to build an emergency fund. Having financial stability can provide a safety net during challenging times and help you recover more quickly. How to Find Time to Prep For Emergencies

Being properly prepared can take some time and financial support. Don’t try to do too much all at once. Plan, purchase what you can afford, and keep things up to date.

More Tips

• Emergency Preparedness in the New Year
• Prepping Appropriately for Emergency Preparedness in Every Season
• How to Start Prepping with No Money

Final Word

What are some things you think preppers need to do in the New Year? As the new year begins, take the opportunity to reflect on your prepping goals and make a commitment to enhance your emergency preparedness for whatever may come your way this year. Follow these 20 tips and you’ll be well-equipped to face any challenges that are likely to take place during this year and beyond. Happy New Year! May God Bless this World, Linda

Copyright Images: Emergency Binder Plan Depositphotos_656729114_S by Designer491, Fire Extinguisher, and Emergency Supplies Depositphotos_205796388_S by VadimVasenin