September is already upon us, and if you've been thinking about prepping, there's no better time to start. Welcome to Preptember 2024, the month when preppers worldwide take stock, get organized, and ensure they're ready for whatever comes next. But for those just getting into prepping—or even seasoned veterans—it's easy to feel like there's so much to do and so little time.

 Here's the good news: prepping doesn't have to be overwhelming. In fact, we're here to help you get started with simple steps that will leave you feeling confident, and not stressed.

Why Preptember Matters

Preptember has grown into a significant movement in the prepping community. It's a chance to refresh your knowledge, reassess your supplies, and strengthen your skills before winter or any unpredictable events come knocking. Whether you're prepping for natural disasters, economic downturns, or simply to live more self-reliant, Preptember is your annual reminder to prioritize preparedness.

This guide will walk you through the essentials, starting with the basics and moving toward practical steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Start Small: Assess Your Situation

The first step to prepping during Preptember is understanding your personal and local risks. Ask yourself:

• What are the most likely emergencies in my area? (Think wildfires, earthquakes, or storms.)
• How long could I survive if I lost access to electricity, water, or groceries?
• Do I live in an urban or rural setting, and how does that affect my security?

Once you've answered these questions, you'll have a clearer picture of what to focus on. Every prepper's situation is different, so there's no one-size-fits-all plan.

Pro Tip: Focus on what's most relevant to you. If you live in a flood-prone area, invest in flood-proofing your home and having clean water supplies. If power outages are your biggest concern, make sure you have backup generators or alternative power sources.

Build Your Supply Stash—One Step at a Time

One of the most common sources of overwhelm is trying to stockpile too many supplies at once. You don't need to buy everything immediately! Start with these three categories:

1. Food: Begin by gathering non-perishable items that can last for months or even years. Focus on high-nutrient foods like canned goods, rice, pasta, beans, and freeze-dried meals. Build slowly, adding a few items with each grocery trip.
2. Water: The rule of thumb is to store one gallon of water per person per day for at least two weeks. You can use bottled water or invest in large water storage containers for longer-term solutions. Don't forget water purification tablets or filters!
3. First Aid: A basic first-aid kit is essential. Ensure you have bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications. Gradually expand your kit to include more advanced supplies if you feel confident in using them.

You can stash up on food and other emergency essentials by utilizing the national prep month sale onMy Patriot Supply’s website.

Pro Tip: Prepping isn't about going overboard or spending a fortune all at once. Create a simple list of the essentials, and work through it gradually. Every step you take is progress!

Prioritize Home and Perimeter Security

When we talk about preparedness, many people focus on food and water, but home security is just as critical. The safety of your family and property is a huge part of surviving any emergency situation, from natural disasters to civil unrest.

Protect Your Home's Perimeter

Your first line of defense is your home's perimeter. Think of it as a buffer zone that gives you a heads-up before danger gets too close. Here are some simple but effective ways to secure your property:

• Lighting: Motion sensor lights can deter intruders and provide illumination in case of a power outage.
• Barriers: Physical barriers like fences, gates, or even thorny bushes can make it harder for unwanted visitors to approach.
• Perimeter Alarms: Simple tools like trip alarms can give you early warning if someone or something breaches your perimeter. For example, FithOps offers easy-to-use trip alarms that are perfect for keeping an eye on your property without the need for power or complex systems.

Take advantage of our Preptember Sale on perimeter trip alarms at FithOps. These alarms are an easy-to-install, cost-effective solution that can be used around your home, campsite, or bug-out location to enhance your security during emergencies. Stock up now and be prepared before the month ends!

Reinforce Entry Points

Doors and windows are common weak points in home security. Make sure they're sturdy, and consider installing security bars or reinforcing them with stronger locks. During Preptember, evaluate how easily someone could gain access to your home and take action to secure those vulnerabilities.

Pro Tip: If you're bugging out (leaving your home for a safer location), consider using portable trip alarms at your campsite. They can alert you to both intruders and wildlife, ensuring a safe perimeter while you're away from the security of your home.

Prepare for Communication Breakdowns

In many emergency situations, communication networks can fail. Whether it's your cell phone or the internet, not having a reliable way to communicate can leave you feeling isolated and vulnerable. Preptember is a great time to put together a communication plan.

1. Two-Way Radios: Affordable and reliable, these can keep you in touch with family or group members in short-range scenarios.
2. Emergency Radio: Invest in a hand-crank or battery-powered radio to receive important updates when the grid goes down.
3. Meeting Points: Establish pre-determined meeting points in case your family gets separated during an emergency. Make sure everyone knows where to go.

Looking to buy a two-way radio and can’t decide which one is the best for you? Check outCNN’s comparison of the best two-way radios on the market. 

Pro Tip:Test your radios and other communication devices during Preptember to make sure they work, and everyone knows how to use them.

Don't Forget Mental Preparedness

It's easy to get caught up in the physical aspects of prepping, but mental preparedness is just as important. Feeling overwhelmed is natural, especially when thinking about worst-case scenarios. Here's how to keep your mindset strong:

• Take it One Step at a Time: Focus on small, manageable tasks instead of trying to prepare for everything all at once.
• Stay Informed: Keeping up with current events helps you stay ahead of potential risks, but limits your exposure to news that fuels anxiety.
• Practice: Regularly practice your emergency plans—whether it's a fire drill, evacuation, or using your prepping gear. The more familiar you are with your plans, the less stressful an actual emergency will feel.

Wrap Up Preptember Feeling Confident, Not Overwhelmed

Prepping is a journey, not a destination. Preptember 2024 is the perfect time to start small, stay focused, and take practical steps toward feeling more secure. By building your supplies, securing your perimeter, and preparing mentally, you'll be ready to face emergencies without feeling overwhelmed.

Remember, preparedness doesn't have to be complex or expensive. Start with what you can, and with each step, you'll feel more confident in your ability to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Frequent Questions People Ask About Preptember:

What is Preptember?

Preptember refers to the month of September, during which preppers focus on reviewing, improving, and organizing their emergency preparedness plans. It aligns with National Preparedness Month, a time for ensuring that homes, families, and communities are ready for potential disasters.

Why is Preptember important for preppers?

Preptember is crucial because it encourages individuals to prepare for emergencies before they occur. Preppers use this month to stockpile food, water, and supplies, secure their homes, and practice survival skills. It's a proactive approach to ensuring safety during uncertain times.

What should I do to get started during Preptember?

Start by evaluating your emergency supplies, including food, water, medical kits, and security systems. Develop or revise your emergency plans and consider investing in home security, such as perimeter trip alarms, which are currently on sale during Preptember. You can learn more about our trip alarms here.

How does Preptember benefit new preppers?

Preptember provides new preppers with a structured time to start their preparedness journey. It offers an opportunity to gradually build essential supplies, research survival tactics, and connect with the prepping community. New preppers can prioritize essential items like food, water, and home security.

What is the "rule of three" for preppers?

The rule of three refers to critical survival needs: three minutes without air, three hours without shelter, three days without water, and three weeks without food. Preppers use this rule to prioritize their preparations and ensure they are ready for any emergency.