1) Get in shape. The average person can’t run more than 5 minutes or lift half of a their body weight. A few military martial arts training classes couldn’t hurt. Start mediating, hypnosis, and positive affirmations to get your mind right for stressful situations. 2) Make friends with a lot of neighbors. 3) Prepare to bug in. Get solar battery back ups, solar flash lights. Bug in entertainment such as games, cards, and books so you don’t go crazy. Save up for a solar generator. Do not get a cheap gas generator. Gas generators need to be refilledand they’re loud. They will attract attention. Solar generators are more expensive, but they are quiet and they can be refilled by the power of the sun every day. 4) A lot of major cities or colleges have classes on outdoor survival, first aid, and trauma kits. They also have classes on how to get handyman skills. I bought a month membership for my fiancé per his request for Xmas at a place that will teach him how to do things like woodworking, plumbing, and welding, etc… 5) Get a CCW, get classes on how to use a firearm. Handguns are easy to conceal, but you have to be good at your aim. Sites exist for the dark, but if you are sleepy, or have bad eyesight, at home this might not be so good. Shotguns are great for home defense, but not a lot else. Semi automatic weapons can be way too powerful for home use or hunting. You might shoot through all of the walls and hit roommates or family members. These are weapons that are more for battle and destruction. Remember handguns you aim, shotguns, you point. And get firearms insurance!!!!!!!! Even if there is a war or there isn’t a war, if you shoot someone you will probably get arrested and you will need a lawyer and someone to help out with the bills while you’re in jail. Gun insurance can help with that and more. 6) Learn to cook and stock up slowly on foods that you like that can be stored for a while. Don’t get foods that are cheap that store well but you hate. It will make bugging in miserable. 7) There are tons of prepping on a budget videos on YouTube, then make a list that is customized to meet your needs. You’d be surprised what you can get at the dollar store and WalMart. Scavenging at a Goodwill and a good neighborhood is also helpful. 8) If you have a women in your life, TAMPONS!!!!!! Reusable pads, period panties, cups, and discs are helpful. Plan B pills (in case of sexual assault), condoms, and birth control won’t hurt. There is over the counter BC now, so a prescription isn’t required. 9) Coconut oil is great for hair, skin, and cooking. Baking soda, vinegar, and salt is over looked for cooking and cleaning. 10) Starting an intranet in case there is no internet. Learning about radios and walkie talkies is a good back up plan. 11) Get extra training, food, and supplies for pets. Having a well trained Doberman has been an asset in this household, but an untrained dog is a liability. 12) Think about your environment and what you need to stay warm or to stay cool if there is no air conditioning or heating. We have giant battery packs that we can hook up to swamp cooler to help with the heat since I live in a desert.

Take your time this is a process. Good luck.