Preparing for emergencies requires practical skills, mental resilience, and physical well-being. Adopting healthy habits can significantly enhance your ability to navigate challenging situations. I want to talk about 20 healthy habits for emergency preppers.

Table of Contents

1. Physical Fitness

Maintaining good physical health is crucial for emergencies. Regular exercise, including cardiovascular and strength training, ensures that you are physically capable of handling demanding situations. Fitness for Survival

We never know what kind of emergencies will come our way. In case of floods and the water is on your doorstep, you may need to heft sandbags. With pending hurricanes, it could require you to trim trees and bushes and install wood coverings for your exposed windows. After earthquakes, there may be all sorts of items that shift locations, requiring you to relocate them back in place or discard them. All these activities require some physical strength.

2. Nutritious Diet

A well-balanced diet with needed calories provides the essential nutrients your body needs. Stock up on emergency foods like non-perishable, nutrient-dense food products. That would mean including a variety of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains in your daily meals. 10 Healthy Foods Under $1 You should have in your food storage inventory things like soups, corn, beans, rice, pasta, peanut butter, and other foods your family likes to eat.

Emergency food supplies don’t have to taste bad. They just need to include things that provide the fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins B, C, and D, and other nutrients we all need to stay healthy.

It has been shown that canned foods will generally maintain their nutrition levels over time. Be sure to check those expiration dates and rotate your stored foods frequently. Store food supplies in a cool and dark location for better results. Also, make sure they are protected from moisture.

3. Hydration

Staying hydrated is key to overall health. Keep an adequate supply of water and consider investing in water purification tools. Hydration is vital during emergencies to support cognitive function and physical endurance. 50-Year Shelf Life Canned Water-Blue Can Pure Water

We’re often told to have at least 72 hours of food and water available. I have always suggested four gallons of water per person per day. That way you not only have enough water for hydration, but also for cooking, personal hygiene, and limited laundry needs.

4. First Aid Training

Acquiring basic first aid skills is indispensable. Take courses in CPR, wound care, and emergency response. Knowing how to administer first aid, like applying a tourniquet, can make a significant difference in critical situations. This is one of those essential healthy habits for emergency preppers. Types of Medicines You Need for a First Aid Kit

Be sure to inventory your first aid and general survival kits often to be certain they have all the essential items you plan to rely on.

5. Survival Skills

Learn fundamental survival skills such as building a shelter, starting a fire, and navigation. These skills can be invaluable in a variety of emergency scenarios. 15 Items Older People Want For Survival

I tell my readers that these skills come in handy as support for your family’s safety and protection, but also to be bartered with others for the overall benefit of your neighborhood and community.

6. Communication Skills

Effective communication is vital during emergencies. Develop a communication plan with your family and community. Ensure everyone knows how to reach each other and establish alternative communication methods. Communication Options for Your Family During a Disaster

In case of a power grid outage, having ways to keep your devices going is vital. Have some portable solar panels available, along with a charger to keep your cell phone, iPad, and laptop computers running.

7. Financial Preparedness

Create an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Having financial stability allows you to respond quickly to emergencies without added stress. Cash vs. Credit Card: Which is Better in an Emergency?

Have a stash of cash safely hidden in your home or office. We’ve had a small fireproof safe in a closet where we have $5, $10, and $20 dollar bills. It’s very likely the local ATM might not be working.

8. Documentation

Keep important documents such as identification, insurance policies, and medical records in a secure, easily accessible location as I mention in #7 above. Consider digital backups to safeguard against loss. How to Help Your Family Organize Important Documents

9. Emergency Kit Maintenance

Regularly check and update your emergency kit. Ensure it includes essentials like non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and other necessities. What Are 20 Basic Items in an Emergency Kit?

10. Self-Defense Training

While self-defense might not be necessary in every emergency, knowing how to protect yourself is essential. Take self-defense classes to build confidence and awareness. Prepping Tasks to Take Care of Every Year Consider having all your age-appropriate family members join you in the classes.

11. Community Involvement

Engage with your local community and emergency services. Join or establish neighborhood watch programs and participate in community drills and exercises. How to Make a Community in Your Neighborhood

We took a Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) class some ago with some neighbors. It was sponsored and conducted by the local fire department. It has proved to be very helpful as we’ve put to use the tactics taught in the class.

12. Environmental Awareness

Stay informed about potential hazards in your area. Be aware of natural disasters, industrial risks, and other environmental factors that could impact your safety. Should We Rebuild After Natural Disasters?

13. Energy Efficiency

Implement energy-efficient practices in your daily life. This not only reduces your environmental impact but also ensures you can manage with limited resources during emergencies. Harnessing Sunlight for Emergency Preparedness

Trying to cook when the power goes out is a challenge. That’s why I have multiple cooking options available. I have a SunOven I love, a Volcano Stove, some propane grills, Dutch ovens of various sizes, and more.

14. Mindfulness and Stress Management

Practice mindfulness and stress management techniques to maintain mental resilience. Emergencies can be emotionally taxing, and having coping strategies is essential. How to Be Tougher Mentally As a Prepper

Just being prepared helps you gain confidence and composure in tough situations. Be glad you are ahead of the game, as opposed to most of your neighbors.

15. Crisis Planning

Develop comprehensive crisis plans for various scenarios. Include evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and contingency plans for different types of emergencies. Tips for Taking Your Medication During a Crisis

16. Home Security

Ensure your home is secure. Install quality locks, reinforce doors and windows, and consider a home security system or outside cameras to protect your property during emergencies. Pros and Cons of a Human Proof Fence

17. Vehicle Maintenance

Regularly maintain your vehicle to ensure it’s reliable in emergencies. Check tires, brakes, and other essential components to avoid breakdowns when you need your vehicle the most. Using Your Vehicle as a Tool for Prepping

I feel it’s a good idea to fill your gas tank often and try to keep the fuel level close to 3/4 full. Gas stations can be affected if there’s a power outage, and if you need to evacuate from your home, you don’t want to be caught short on fuel.

18. Water and Food Preservation Skills

Learn techniques for preserving food and purifying water. These skills are essential if you need to rely on your resources for an extended period. Safe Drinking Water in Emergency Preparedness

For years our kitchen was like a beehive as our whole family was busy canning fruit from the local farmer’s market and veggies from our garden. The kids still talk about the canned peaches for breakfast and the strawberry and raspberry jams on peanut butter sandwiches. I haven’t canned for some time now and I miss those family bonding experiences. I sure felt confident about our food storage efforts to be prepared. More recently, we’ve relied on freeze dried fruits and vegetables to make up our emergency food supply.

19. Adaptability

Develop a mindset of adaptability. The ability to think on your feet and adapt to rapidly changing situations is a key trait for successful emergency preppers. I recommend your family practice the various parts of your emergency plan, particularly the evacuation plans. Try different scenarios so you can test family members’ ability to change direction while still following the basics of your plan. We never know exactly what emergencies we may have to face, so it’s important to prepare for a variety of events!

20. Continuous Learning

Stay informed about new developments in emergency preparedness. Attend workshops, read books, and participate in online forums to continually enhance your knowledge and skills. 15 Valuable Skills I Learned In Home Economics

I have written and shared hundreds of posts on this website that deal with food storage and emergency preparation. Checkout my indexed archive above for the subjects you feel you need the most help with. Also, there are dozens of fun recipes to try.

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Final Word

By incorporating these 20 healthy habits into your lifestyle, you’ll be better equipped to face a wide range of emergencies. Preparedness is a journey, and by focusing on physical health, practical skills, and mental resilience, you can navigate unexpected challenges with confidence. What healthy habits for emergency preppers would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments section and I’ll try to share them with all my readers. May God Bless this World, Linda

Copyright Images: Cash Dollar Banknotes and Coins Depositphotos_160208830_S by VadimVasenin, Grocery Products Healthy Variety Depositphotos_38199851_S by Monticello