The birth of the new preppers

"What am I saying? COVID - 19 was a gut punch for many of us. But we will come out of this. And when we do, it might be time to start prepping for the next 'surprise'. The next surprise will come. We just don't know what it will be, our when. But it will come."

Had enough yet? Going to the store, waiting in line, keeping a "social distance" of 6' or so from just about everybody - and then finding out the product you wanted is out of stock. Not only out of stock, the entire shelve looks like it got hit by a cluster bomb. Like - there was nothing left. Welcome to the days of COVID - 19. The days some of us will remember for a long time. The days which will turn many "European Shoppers" into modern day preppers.

Not long after I graduated and started working, the company I worked for had a large plant in Salt Lake City. As many know, there is a large population of Mormons in Salt Lake. I got to know some of them from the program I was working on. I had never known any Mormons before, so this was quite an experience. As we got to know each other better, we each discussed our religions. I learned quite a bit. It was a great experience.

True Mormons are true preppers. It is part of their faith. Goes back to that locust and Seagull thing in Salt Lake City. I was told many Mormons have enough food to last for a year. The Mormon Church (it is rumored), has food tucked away in tunnels under the main temple in town. In any event - prepping is nothing new to Mormons. It is, or now hopefully was, new to many Americans. I think after this current experience of madhouse shopping, bare shelves, and gouging prices, many Americans might change their buying habits.

I have addressed this many times over the past few years. Preppers buy when the times are good, items are plentiful, and prices are good. Not a lot extra at a time - a little extra over many times. Stock is rotated to ensure the food stored does not go years past the expiration date. Water is stored in jugs which are safe from BPA leaching. Paper products like toilet paper can be stored forever, as it never expires. Same with paper plates, paper towels, napkins and so forth. Sanitary wipes and hand cleaner have very long shelf lives.

I have know people who live in apartments who have an amazing stockpile of stuff just in case. A lot in a small area. It is all about using your head. Finding nooks and crannies where extras can be stored. In the past, I have visited friends who had an impressive stockpile of different things prepped. No two families were alike - everyone preps a bit differently.

What am I saying? COVID - 19 was a gut punch for many of us. But we will come out of this. And when we do, it might be time to start prepping for the next "surprise". The next surprise will come. We just don't know what it will be, our when. But it will come. The Mormons had it right. Live for today, but plan for tomorrow. Just in case.