Getting into prepping can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re just starting. While it’s great that you’re taking steps to protect your family, there are a few common pitfalls many beginners face.
To help you avoid these mistakes, we’ve compiled a list of 24 rookie prepper errors that you can easily avoid. Whether it’s overstocking certain items or overlooking key essentials, this list will guide you toward being better prepared for whatever may come. Also, it is important to remember, you do not have to prepare for everything at once! Tackle small groups at a time to keep from being overwhelmed and to keep your finances in check.
Be sure to use our “what you should be prepping for” guide to help you properly prioritize your preparedness efforts.
Focusing Only on Short-Term Emergencies
Many beginners focus on short-term disasters like storms or power outages, neglecting to prepare for long-term events. Stocking up for a few days is a good start, but what happens if a situation lasts for weeks or months? There are so many natural disaster emergencies and others that you should be aware of.
Think about extending your plan beyond a few days. You’ll want to ensure you have enough supplies, including food, water, and medicine, to last much longer. Consider what you’d do if normal life didn’t resume quickly.
Forgetting About Water
Most rookie preppers focus on food, completely forgetting how crucial water is in an emergency. You can survive weeks without food, but only a few days without water. Don’t let this essential slip through the cracks.
Be sure to store enough water for every member of your family, including pets. A good rule of thumb is one gallon of water per person per day, but storing extra for hygiene and cooking purposes is wise. Consider water purification methods too, in case you run out.
Not Growing Your Own Food
Many rookie preppers rely solely on stockpiling food without considering sustainable options like growing their own. While canned and dried foods are great for long-term storage, they will eventually run out in a prolonged crisis. Having a garden or even a few potted plants can provide fresh produce and increase your family’s food security.
Start small by growing easy-to-manage crops like herbs, tomatoes, or leafy greens. You don’t need a lot of space to get started—backyard gardens, container gardening, or even indoor plants can make a difference. Not only does growing your own food cut down on costs, but it also provides a renewable food source during emergencies.
Not Having a Plan for Cooking Without Power
If your prepping plan includes lots of food, that’s great! But have you thought about how you’re going to cook it if there’s no electricity? Many rookie preppers fail to plan for situations where the stove or microwave is out of commission.
Stock up on alternative cooking methods such as portable stoves, propane grills, or even solar ovens. Make sure you practice using them before an emergency, so you’re confident when it matters most.
Not Taking Care of Health
One major mistake rookie preppers make is neglecting their health. It’s easy to focus on stockpiling food, water, and supplies but forget that staying healthy is just as critical. Prepping for emergencies requires stamina, mental sharpness, and physical strength, which are hard to maintain if you’re not in good health.
Start prioritizing regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper sleep. Being in good health will help you manage stress better during an emergency. Additionally, keep any chronic conditions in check by staying on top of medications and health appointments, so you’re not caught off guard when disaster strikes.
Buying Things They Don’t Know How to Use
It’s easy to get swept up in all the fancy prepper gear available, but don’t waste money on things you don’t know how to use. The latest gadgets won’t do you any good if you don’t know how they work.
Before investing in any tools, take time to learn how they function. For example, if you buy a manual water filter, practice using it before you need it. The same goes for first aid kits, solar chargers, and survival tools.
Overlooking Health and Hygiene
It’s easy to stockpile food and water, but many people forget about personal hygiene and health supplies. Simple things like soap, toilet paper, and toothpaste can be incredibly important in an extended emergency.
Make sure your stockpile includes personal hygiene items for every family member. Also, don’t forget medications, vitamins, and first aid supplies. It’s always better to be over-prepared in these areas.
Not Rotating Supplies
Rookie preppers often buy a lot of supplies and stash them away, forgetting about them until an emergency happens. Unfortunately, food and other items expire, and relying on expired products can be dangerous.
Make it a habit to regularly check expiration dates and rotate your stockpile. Eat the oldest items first and replace them with fresh supplies. This will ensure that when you need something, it’s safe to use. Use our pantry cleaning and organizing guide to help you keep your pantry fresh and ready!
Forgetting About Entertainment
During an emergency, boredom can quickly set in, especially for kids. Rookie preppers often forget about entertainment, which can lead to unnecessary stress.
Include books, games, puzzles, or even arts and crafts in your prepping supplies. Keeping everyone’s minds busy will help reduce anxiety and keep spirits high during a stressful situation.
Failing to Prepare for Pets
Many rookie preppers forget about their pets. If you’re prepping for your family, your pets should be part of the plan, too. They’ll need food, water, and comfort just like humans.
Make sure to stockpile enough pet food, water, and any medications they may need. You should also have a plan for their hygiene and comfort, including pet beds or blankets for security.
Relying Too Much on One Source of Power
Many rookie preppers stock up on batteries and figure they’ll be fine. However, relying on just one power source can leave you vulnerable if supplies run out.
Diversify your power options. Solar chargers, hand-crank radios, and rechargeable batteries can all provide extra assurance that you won’t be left in the dark when your primary power source runs out.
Storing Only One Type of Food
It’s easy to stock up on non-perishable foods like canned goods, but relying on just one type of food can get boring and affect your health. A lack of variety can lead to nutrient deficiencies or even food fatigue.
When prepping, include a variety of food items like freeze-dried meals (like Thrive Life), grains, nuts, and protein bars. This not only provides essential nutrients but also makes meals more enjoyable.
Forgetting About Clothing and Warmth
When we think of prepping, food and water often come to mind first. But keeping your family warm and dry is just as important, especially in cold climates.
Stock up on extra clothing, blankets, and even thermal gear. You should also have emergency heating options like hand warmers or thermal blankets in case the power goes out.
Underestimating the Importance of Security
Many rookie preppers overlook personal security when planning for emergencies. If a disaster strikes, there could be looting or unrest, and you’ll want to keep your family safe.
Consider security measures such as home locks, alarms, or even self-defense tools. Keep your family informed about safety protocols, and be prepared to protect your home if necessary.
Not Having a Backup Communication Plan
Communication is key during an emergency, but what if your cell phone dies or the network goes down? Many rookie preppers fail to plan for communication failures.
Consider investing in two-way radios, satellite phones, or emergency radios to stay in touch with family members. Make sure you know how to use them and that they’re fully charged or stocked with batteries.
Not Accounting for Special Diets
If someone in your family has a special diet, it’s important to account for that in your prepping plans. Many rookie preppers overlook this, which can create serious problems during an emergency.
Stockpile food that fits each family member’s dietary needs, whether it’s gluten-free, low-sugar, or plant-based. This will ensure everyone stays healthy and nourished no matter the situation.
Forgetting About Important Documents
Prepping isn’t just about food and supplies. In an emergency, you may need important documents like IDs, insurance information, or medical records, but many preppers forget to have these ready.
Create a file with copies of important documents, and store it in a waterproof and fireproof container. You should also keep digital backups in case you need quick access to these records.
Not Training the Whole Family
If you’re the only one in your household who knows the prepping plan, that’s a problem. Many rookie preppers don’t involve their family in the process, which can lead to confusion during a real emergency.
Make sure everyone knows the plan, including kids. Practice evacuation drills, teach them how to use emergency supplies, and ensure everyone feels confident about what to do in different scenarios.
Forgetting About First Aid
A basic first aid kit is a must-have, but many rookie preppers don’t go beyond that. In an emergency, access to professional medical help may be delayed, so you’ll need more than just band-aids.
Stock up on extra medical supplies, including antiseptics, bandages, and over-the-counter medications. Consider taking a basic first aid or CPR course to be better prepared for health-related emergencies.
Overlooking Financial Preparedness
Prepping isn’t just about physical supplies. Many rookie preppers forget about financial preparedness. What will you do if the power is out, and credit cards or online banking systems don’t work?
Keep a small stash of cash in your home for emergencies. You should also think about other financial preparedness steps, like having a backup of essential financial records or keeping a credit card with emergency funds.
Not Planning for Waste Management
Rookie preppers often overlook the issue of waste. In an emergency situation, garbage collection services may be disrupted, and your household may quickly accumulate waste. Failing to plan for waste disposal can lead to hygiene and health problems.
Stock up on heavy-duty trash bags and sanitation supplies like disinfectants. If plumbing becomes unavailable, having a backup plan for human waste, such as portable toilets or bags, is essential for maintaining cleanliness.
Overpacking Your Bug-Out Bag
A common mistake for new preppers is packing too much into their bug-out bags, making them too heavy to carry for long distances. While it’s tempting to pack everything you might need, overloading your bag could slow you down in an emergency.
Pack only the essentials like water, food, first aid supplies, and necessary tools. Try carrying your bag on a long walk to test its weight and make adjustments as needed. Your bug-out bag should be lightweight enough for every family member to carry comfortably.
Overlooking Vehicle Preparedness
Many rookie preppers focus on their homes but forget about preparing their vehicles. In an emergency, your vehicle may become your home or your best way to escape a dangerous situation.
Keep your car stocked with an emergency kit, including food, water, blankets, tools, and a first aid kit. Regularly maintain your vehicle by checking tire pressure, oil levels, and fuel. Always keep your gas tank at least half full in case of a sudden need to evacuate.
Not Having a Community Plan
While prepping for your own household is important, many rookie preppers don’t think about their broader community. In a crisis, having strong relationships with neighbors or other local families can make a huge difference.
Get to know your neighbors and discuss ways to support each other during emergencies. Pooling resources, sharing skills, and keeping lines of communication open can help everyone fare better in a disaster situation.
Prepping is about protecting your family and being ready for the unexpected. By avoiding these rookie mistakes, you’ll be in a much better position to handle whatever comes your way. Take your time, plan ahead, and remember that even small steps are better than none.
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