Are You Actually Ready?
Thinking Beyond the Go Bag
A close friend of mine is a serious prepper. One weekend, he brought our small tribe together and handed out a simple questionnaire. We talked through our bags, our plans, and what we’re actually prepared for.
These are questions worth thinking about—honestly. They require you to consider where you live, your surroundings, and your climate. This is not about a 72-hour go bag. This is about thinking longer term.
What Will It Be?
Earthquake. Fire. Flood. Storm. Tornado. Hurricane. Volcano.
Civil unrest. Government overreach. Invasion. War.
Even the unlikely—solar flares or a high-altitude EMP.
Look at recent history: Ukraine. Large-scale riots. Infrastructure failures.
Ask yourself what’s realistic where you live.
If the grid were to fail for an extended period, recovery would not be quick—and the consequences would be severe.
How Will You Get Home?
If you’re not home when something happens, how do you get there?
Do you have a get-home bag with the basics to move safely and efficiently?
Consider:
A sturdy backpack
Defensive tools (based on your skill, legality, and training)
Knife
IFAK
Food: jerky, nuts, energy bars
Water: container, filter, purifiers
Shelter: tarp, cordage
Light: headlamp, flashlight, spare batteries
Fire: lighter, matches, fire starter
Navigation: map, compass, GPS
Signaling: mirror, flagging tape
Communication: radio
Clothing: warm layers, boots, rain gear
Assuming You Get Home — Then What?
How long can you realistically stay?
Can you defend your home?
Do you want to stay?
How bad does it have to get before you leave?
If you have to leave:
What will you take?
What gets left behind?
Are You Ready?
Be honest with yourself.
How strong are you mentally?
How capable are you physically?
Are you a victim—or a survivor?
What are your chances if you stay?
What are your chances if you leave?
Who in your group would survive—and for how long?
At what point is it too late to go?
Did you stay too long?
If You Leave
Where are you going?
Woods?
Mountains?
Another house?
How will you get there?
Truck
Car
Motorcycle
Bicycle
On foot
What supplies will you take—and what can you actually carry?
Priority Supplies (If You Leave)
Carry System
Backpack, duffle, chest rig, or kit appropriate to your plan
Defense / Hunting
Tools that make holes (based on training and legality)
Medical (IFAK)
Tools and knowledge to plug holes
Tourniquet
Meds for special situations
Food
High-protein, high-energy options
Water
Containers
Filter
Purifiers
Shelter
Tarp and cordage
Tent (if applicable)
Axe or saw
Fire
Lighter
Fire starter
Fuel
Flares
Navigation / Location
Map
Compass
GPS
Signal mirror
Flagging
Communication
Radio
Hand-crank radio
Cooking
Mess kit
Stove
Freeze-dried food
Comfort & Sustainment
Clothing
Sleep system
Hygiene items
Paper and pencil
Survival guide
Long-Term Considerations
Huntable food sources and preservation
Reliable water supply
Seeds for farming
Long-term shelter
Tribe development
Final Questions
Be honest—are you ready right now?
Have you duplicated supplies for others in your family or group?
What’s left to gather?
Make a list.
Make a plan.
Do you have:
Get-home bags?
Get-gone packs?
Water storage?
Navigation for darkness?
Reliable communications?
A capable vehicle—or the ability to move without one?
Most importantly:
Do your people know the plan?
Are they coming to you—or are you going to them?
If they’re coming to you, how long do you wait before you go looking?
Planning doesn’t guarantee safety—but not planning guarantees failure.
