A free copy of James Talmage Stevens new book... Making the Best of Basics... has been offered by him to the person that becomes the one to best describe this word for submission to Wikipedia for clear definition

A Winner has been chosen

The winner of the book by James Stevens has been awarded to Nathan Blakesley. Nathan we hope you are enjoying your copy of the book you won. Thank you for your very well stated submission.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

What is a Prepper? by JB in Virginia

A prepper is someone who is uncomfortable relying on others for the basics of survival and protection.



A prepper is someone who has tired of racing thoughts in the middle of the night, after realizing how fragile our society is, and has decided to provide his/her family with some extra insurance against any possibility.



A prepper appreciates and passes on the hard work and ingenuity of our ancestors and the magnificent technology of today's world, knowing that every one of those things will help our children survive long after we're gone. A prepper's work is never done because there are always children to be taught.



JB in Virginia

Thursday, January 14, 2010

What is a Prepper? by PrepperMom

Another great definition submitted by PrepperMom


What it is to be a Prepper as Defined from the personal viewpoint of PrepperMom

To prepare , Protect , and Provide for my family at all costs.
I must be prepared to protect my family , weather it from the nature or man.

* I must be aware of my environment
* Be aware of the risks of my environment
* Be prepared to battle the risks of any environment

I must educate myself , and my family members on how to be self sufficient if the need arise.
I must be strong enough to defend myself and my children if my husband is not around.
I must be knowledgeable , my children's lives may depend on MY quick thinking.
I must be willing to do what might make me uncomfortable to aide the greater good.

Being a Prepared to deal with any situation that may arise is an act of love for my family.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

What is a prepper? by Nathan Blakesley

Everyone needs to read this one very carefully
Nathan thank you for your great submission


Here is my submission of the definition of a Prepper. Forgive its longwindedness, but I feel defining a Prepper is more than simply throwing a label on the term.


In attempting to provide a good definition of the term "prepper", one must look at the word from which it comes, preparer. A quick look at that definition, "One who, or that which, prepares, fits, or makes ready"(en.wiktionary.org/wiki/preparer), gives us a slightly better understanding, but I don't think that's a complete definition.

That is what a prepper does, prepares and makes ready, but to me that definition is just lacking. So let's take a look at the base word, prepare. Here we find a plethora of definitions that I feel all give a good picture into what a prepper is:-fix: make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc -organize: arrange by systematic planning and united effort -educate for a future role or function -train: undergo training or instruction in preparation for a particular role, function, or profession (wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn)-

To make ready for a specific future purpose (en.wiktionary.org/wiki/prepare)

And then the derivations of prepare: -preparation - the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose -preparation - planning: the cognitive process of thinking about what you will do in the event of something happening -preparation - readiness: the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action -prepared - made ready or fit or suitable beforehand (wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn)

The combining of all these definitions I feel truly encompasses the essence of the prepper. Someone who cognitively, rationally applies common sense and forward thinking to assess potential problematic events and sets forth provisions (whether plans, material, or finances) to mitigate the impact of those events on themselves and those they hold dear.

They're not doomsdayer's, because if the world is going to end, there's no point in preparing, common sense.

They're not isolationists. They don't walk away from society or shun technology. To the contrary many embrace technology.

The majority of preppers are what folks would deem "normal" average people. They just plan ahead.

This is not a new phenomenon. Its a tradition that we've actually gone away from in the last few generations.

Our grandparents canned and stored food and clothes and things they would need in the years to come. Even some of our parents did this as well. But in the age of convenience, why bother? Preppers are those that follow in the wise footsteps of our forefathers and set aside during times of plenty so that they do not want during times of little.

They are many times also true environmentalists. They understand that our life is dependent on our planet. In preparing for times when power will not come from the grid, they implement alternative energy, lessening their impact on the environment. Global warming or not, preppers often become the true stewards of nature. In learning to grow their own food, they learn balance and harmony with the land. What we put in is what we'll take out.

In search of renewable fuels they make homemade biodiesel refineries, and one at a time reduce our dependence on oil as a fuel. Solar, wind, geothermal, and hydro energy, these are all things a prepper considers in their plans.

In short preppers are those that hope for the best, plan for the worst, but make the most of each day as it comes.

Sincerely,

Nathan Blakesley

Thursday, December 31, 2009

What is a prepper? by Jeanie

An individual who is acutely aware of subtle changes to present day conditions, and who takes measures to adapt to same.

That's my definition!

Thanks for the website,
Jeanie

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

What is a prepper ? by Kevin Vaughan

A Prepper is someone who plans for the future in such a way that unforeseen circumstances have minimum impact on their lives.

Kevin Vaughan

What it is a prepper? by Gene at K9 Resources

Prepper:


“One seeing reality, expecting the worst, praying for the best and preparing for the difference.”



Kindest Personal Regards,



Gene

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

A new definition just in time for the holiday season

To me a Prepper is a person who considers what can happen: while at home, on the way to work, vacation (air, land or sea), from nature, from bad luck and clumsiness, spiritual, to human caused. Kind of like an adult Boy Scout – Always prepared for anything, anywhere. A Prepper will have a contingency plan to account for the best way to not only avoid such a situation in the first place (whenever possible), but also how to live through such an event and continue to prosper and be happy and content with life.


There are various levels of Preppers. At the highest level you reach a group that has their own name - Extremists and that group has levels too.


The most common perception of this high level group being, the extremist who lives in the boonies and off the land in a very “times of yore” way. Yet you also have wilderness guides who know all kinds of skills in case the worst happens. Another type of extremist. Military personnel are taught how to make it through being separated from the rest of their team or troupe. How to get out alive from the worst that can happen in a war situation. Again, another type of extremist.


If you really stop and think about it, most people are Preppers, at least in some small way. How so? Most of us have insurance for our health, home, vehicles and major “toys” and possessions. Insurance is in case the worst happens is it not? Ha – a Prepper. Many country and northern folk have alternative energy and food stores because winter storms often take out electricity, phone service and the ability to travel safely for days and even weeks. Again – Preppers. If you have a first aid kit in your home, boat, auto or RV you are preparing for the chance you might need it. A Prepper. If you live in an area that is prone to earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, avalanches, mud slides or floods you no doubt have some kind of plan to get you through each occurrence. Another type of Prepper.


I have long been a hiker and backpacker. I love the outdoors and nature. I love the idea of being self-reliant and have been researching, learning and planning for moving to a rural area with a small, as self-reliant as possible homestead. I want to be independent from as many utilities and outside entities as possible; for my food, energy, health, water, sanitation and all the rest of my basics needs. A homesteader, a small farmer/rancher, a country/rural person – A Prepper.


Even governments worldwide have various programs and agencies to address “disasters” and “emergencies”. Take a look at the FEMA and Homeland Security “Be Prepared” and “Are You Ready” websites. The Church of Latter Day Saints has long been “prepping” for disasters and emergencies that they feel precede the Second Coming of Christ.


Bottom line is that in some small way we are all Preppers consisting of all ages, all nationalities, all faiths, and all races, rich and poor, in urban, suburban and rural areas. We are the adult Boy Scouts – Always Prepared for whatever twists and turns life throws at us from any source.


I also know that in all my years of prepping and planning for homesteading (since the 1970’s); I have never before seen such a proliferation of information and groups on the subject like I have in the last 5-8 years. Something must be up to make people worldwide feel this need.


One thing is for sure – In a disaster or wide spread emergency - You CANNOT count on any government or emergency agency to come to your rescue in a timely fashion. The only things you can count on are yourself (physical, emotional & spiritual), your knowledge and skills and the supplies and tools you have on hand.



Criss

"When the people fear their government, there is TYRANNY. When the government fears the people, there is LIBERTY. (Thomas Jefferson)
Get Free Information on Ham Radio
Sponsored By: American Preppers Radio Net