Ask a Prepper – Laurie of Common Sense Home

In a new installment of ask-a-prepper have an opportunity to talk with Laurie, a blogger at CommonSenseHome.com to learn a little more about her and why she takes the time needed to live a more self sufficient lifestyle.

How long have you been prepping for? 
I was raised poor on a small dairy farm, and we always raised most of our own food and did what we could for ourselves.  Since moving back out to the country in 2005, our family has refocused our efforts on self-reliance.  My husband always says, “Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.”

Any reason why you began prepping? A specific event?
Moving back out to the country made it easier to do more for ourselves.  The choices of the current administration in Washington DC and the resulting destabilization of the economy and the world at large have prompted us to step up our efforts.

Do you live in an Urban setting or a rural one? 
Currently rural.

If the time comes are you bugging out or in? 
We live in a concrete bunker.  (The house is ICF – Insulated Concrete Forms – from top to bottom.)  Need I say more? – http://www.commonsensehome.com/living-in-a-concrete-bunker/

Has prepping changed your lifestyle? 
You could say that.  Sometimes I feel like an ant in a grasshopper world.

If times ever got tough would you work solo or with a support group? 
I believe those with a strong community face better odds.

If you could give a new prepper some advice based on your past mistakes, what would they be? 
Make sure your food supplies are moisture and pest resistant.  Even if you’ve never had pests before, they will find a way in.

Did your significant other have a problem with your prepping? Did he/she back you? 
I’m married to my best friend.  It’s all a team effort.

Kids. If you have any are they incorporated? If so how? Were they hesitant on doing so? 
Yes, we have kids, and yes, they are involved, just like they are involved of every aspect of homesteading.  You eat, you work.  No free rides.  They have always helped at an age appropriate level and have grown into fine young men.

Can you share any tips for the elderly or low income families who wish to prep but are unsure of how to start based on said age or income level? 
Start slow, buy a little extra of things you use on sale that are shelf stable and stock up.  Have some water storage and a good filter, shelf stable food and a way to heat it up.  Those are the very basics.

Doomsday Preppers. Has the show hurt or helped the prepping community? 
Both.  It has brought awareness of the prepping movement, but made people think that some preppers are loonies because of the editing.  Of course, that’s not all bad, either.  Sometimes it’s just fine to hide in plain sight.

Does your extended family or friends give you slack about prepping? 
One side of the family leans towards self-reliance, so prepping goes right along with that.  Some others don’t plan beyond the next box of pop-tarts in the pantry, and don’t understand or want to understand what we’re doing.

If nothing happens in your lifetime or children’s lifetime for that matter, would you feel that you wasted your time and money? 
Nope.   Even if no major emergency hits, there are always everyday emergencies like job loss, or even small things like the snow drifting our driveway closed again so we can’t get out.  It never hurts to be prepared.

Want to give some advice to a new prepper? 
Identify your biggest threats and work to address them first.

Here is a fun question. If you had to pick one item to aid you on an deserted island… what would it be? 
Water filter or means to gather water, depending on the island.

Last words or thoughts you wish to share? 
Worrying is unproductive, and doesn’t change a thing.  Turn concerns into action.

We thank Luarie for the time and if you the reader feel inclined please visit her blog at http://www.commonsensehome.com/