Doomsday survivalists who’ve been stocking pantries for years are smiling, but Jim Cobb, Editor on Chief of Prepper Survival Guide Magazine, says this is not the time for preppers to gloat. “All of the long term preppers need to avoid the ‘I told you so dance,’” he says. And for those who aren’t preppers, he has a message. “You should have been paying attention all along, but since you weren’t, let’s take you by the hand and see what we can do to help.”
His advice is practical. Stock up on two to four weeks of food that you know the family will eat. Don’t get survival foods – you aren’t going to the Amazon- you’re just trying to be prepared in case stores aren’t available. Fruit can last for weeks, it’s filled with nutrients, and will be fresh food in your diet. The important thing is to focus on what goes in your body, not what comes out: don’t stock up on toilet paper unnecessarily. Think of what you’ll need to treat your health – come what may. “You don’t need to go out and get a full body suit. Masks aren’t a bad idea, gloves aren’t a bad idea, although both of those items are in short supply right now,” he says. Don’t hoard things you don’t need. Making sure prescription medications are stocked can be important in case pharmacy hours change or travel is limited.
Cobb says the panic of herd mentality is a very real thing. “This isn’t the end of the world, this is just a small bump in the road. Yes, it’s a serious thing, and I’m not trying to downplay anything. What I’m trying to get people to understand is life goes on.”
The uncertainty of circumstances make that a valuable reminder.