Preparing for a Disaster
In August of 2021, I had a dream where I watched someone post a list of the steps he was taking to prepare for the “worst-case scenario.” In April of 2022, I had a dream suggesting that some items we routinely need would not be available in the future. I don’t know if we’ll face a worst-case scenario soon, but friends have asked me to share my thoughts on preparedness.
Some people take the view that preparing for a disaster is equivalent to not trusting God. This idea is a false dichotomy. One can trust God and prepare for disasters. Noah and Joseph were both warned of impending disasters and they prepared as God instructed them. The key is hearing God and obeying the instructions He gives you. His instruction to me will be different from the instruction He gives you.
Recently, God has led me to teach others about miracles of healing, food multiplication, and other manifestations of His kingdom. Personally, I think this is the most practical way to prepare for a crisis. No matter what the circumstance, God can provide a supernatural solution. But I also think it’s also wise to prepare in other ways.
Half the battle of getting ready for the unexpected is mental preparedness. Many people first consider preparedness after being made aware of a potential future problem. They become fearful of being caught unprepared and wonder if they should take steps to deal with a potential problem. Concern can be a good motivator, but excessive worry can interfere with rational thought. Preparedness is best done with a clear mind and a sober, realistic outlook. The goal is to recognize legitimate problems and addresses them while discarding unrealistic concerns.
The first step in preparedness is identifying what to prepare for. Some people refuse to prepare at all thinking they can’t prepare for every possible crisis. We don’t need to prepare for every potential crisis. We only need to prepare for the most serious and the most likely scenarios that could cause us hardship. It’s foolish to prepare for a hurricane if you live in Montana or an earthquake if you live in Arizona. Threats to our way of life are specific to where we live.
I first began prepping decades ago when I lived in Washington state, which happens to have frequent wind storms. Large evergreen trees topple in high winds and when they do, they take down powerlines. I grew tired of being without power for days at a time, so I bought a generator as an emergency source of power.
I lived through the Nisqually Valley earthquake of 2001. It was a terrifying ordeal. Large earthquakes are not frequent, but they’re more common on the western coast of North America and the Pacific rim. An 8.0 magnitude quake could leave tens of thousands of people homeless. To prepare for this possibility, I put together a bugout bag for each member of my family which included a tent, sleeping bag, cook stove, bottled water, flashlight, matches, food, and a few other items. The bugout bag was to be used to get each of us by in the event that our house was destroyed by an earthquake.

Bug-Out Kit
The generator that I bought addressed a frequent, but less severe threat—power outages. The bugout bags addressed a rare but serious threat—a destroyed home. This is what I mean when say we only need to prepare for threats that are the most likely and the most serious. How one prepares should be dictated by what one considers to be the most likely or the most serious threat to them. If you live on the Florida coast, you might consider preparing for hurricanes. If you live in Oklahoma, tornadoes might be worth preparing for.
The current crisis we’re facing is a scarcity of certain items due to dependence on international supply chains. Over the last two centuries, the world has gone from a system where most people grew their own food to one where we depend on others for it. The solution to the problem is regaining control of the supply chain. If you have most of what you need under your own roof, you’re less likely to be affected by shortages.
The information presented in this article may seem daunting to a beginner. I’ll discuss both basic and advanced steps for preparedness. If you’re new to prepping, I would encourage you to resist the temptation to think you don’t have the time or money to acquire all these things. You don’t need to have everything mentioned in this article. Start with small steps that are easy and inexpensive. Over time, work your way up to bigger things.
Some principles of preparedness are universal. The basic human needs are drinkable water, food, shelter, and a source of fuel for cooking (and heat depending on the climate).
Food
A good start is putting together a one-week supply of non-perishable food kept in a dry, secure, temperature-controlled location in your home. Consider canned food like Spam, chili, soup, tuna, beef, fruit, and vegetables. Although canned foods have an expiration date, according to the US Department of Agriculture, they have an indefinite shelf-life. As long as the integrity of the can is not compromised and the food has not spoiled, it can be eaten years after the expiration date. Once a can has been opened, evaluate the contents for signs of spoilage. After the expiration date, texture and color may change, but the food’s nutritional value remains unaffected. Frozen food can be eaten months after freezing as long as it has not been thawed and refrozen.
Other foods to consider are dried beans, rice, oats, pasta, and potatoes. These foods, when dried, have a shelf life of a couple of years, which can be lengthened to 5-10 years by storing them in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. A reasonable goal for beginners is putting aside enough food for one week, and then working toward goals of one month, three months, or one year.
- Plan for a means of cooking other than an electric stove, i.e., propane stove, gas stove, lightweight backpack stove, etc.
- Consider putting together a bugout kit that includes enough food to sustain you for three days.
- If you have pets or livestock, consider storing up food for them.
Gardening
If you want to regain control of the food supply chain, consider planting a garden. Growing your own food is one of the best ways to prepare for a crisis. If you have a small part of your yard that is bare, you might build a raised bed garden. If you live in an apartment, this may seem an impossible goal, but where I live, many apartment dwellers have stakes in community gardens.
Farming
Another way to take back control of the food supply chain is to raise your own livestock. In a crisis, meat and eggs become scarce, but if you raise your own chickens or other animals, you won’t be affected as severely and you’ll have things of value for bartering.
Water
The human body can go without food for more than a month but will die without water in a few days. In a crisis, municipal water supplies may be temporarily unavailable, thus it’s wise to store up a supply of clean drinking water.
- Store a supply of clean water equivalent to 2 gallons a day per person. Initially, set aside enough to last one week (14 gallons per person).
- Find access to a secondary water supply, i.e., a water heater, pool, pond, well, spring, collected rainwater, etc.
- Have at least one means of water purification, i.e, Berkey filter, chemical purification tablets, etc.
Shelter
Your primary shelter is your home. When a crisis hits—particularly in times of civil unrest—it becomes a refuge from danger. You can control the environment of your home, but when you leave and go out into the world, you lose that control. As a general rule, during a crisis, you should remain in your home as long as it’s safe to do so. Resist the urge to leave (bug-out), as once you do, your now-vacant home may become a target for looters and you may not be able to return.
- Plan for an alternative source of heat and light i.e., a kerosene heater, Coleman fuel lantern(s), flashlights with batteries, etc.
- Purchase a tent and sleeping bag as a backup shelter. (These may be part of a bugout kit.)
- Consider purchasing an RV or camper equipped with a propane stove.
- Consider buying a second home (or cabin) in a location some distance from your primary home
If you’re new to prepping, you might slowly work toward checking off the items on this list. Purchasing a sleeping bag and tent might be the first step. It may be years before you consider buying an RV or cabin.
Communications
In some emergencies, having alternate means of communication will be helpful. An inexpensive multi-band radio can receive news and weather reports. Handheld walkie-talkies are handy for communicating with people nearby but the range is generally only a few blocks. Handheld satellite radios are a step up. A HAM radio is another option but they require a license to operate legally. Be mindful of the fact that radios require a power source. Some Voyager radios can be powered by a solar panel, a hand crank, and batteries, and they come with a USB charger and 12-volt adapter.
Power Supplies
Many items that make life bearable in an emergency are powered by batteries, such as radios, lanterns, handheld flashlights, and headlamps (handy for midnight trips to the bathroom when there is no power). If you plan to use battery-powered devices, make sure you have plenty of fresh batteries. If you live in an area with adequate sunshine, you might consider solar-powered items. Permanent or portable solar panels connected to an array of batteries or a solar generator provide a long-term supply of power.
Propane, natural gas, and gasoline-powered generators are convenient, portable sources of electricity. Generators come in different shapes and sizes. Some are designed to power a few small appliances. Others can power an entire home. Carefully calculate the voltage and wattage of the items you plan to power with any generator. Make sure you have the needed adapters and extension cords since generators are designed to be operated outdoors but you may need to power a lamp or other appliance indoors. Also, consider fuel availability. Propane can be stored for years without degradation, but gasoline has a shelf life of about a year, which can be extended using a fuel stabilizer.
Firearms
In locations where firearm ownership is permitted, many people find it beneficial to own a gun for personal and home defense. A supply of ammunition is needed, and that becomes an issue when considering preparedness. In situations involving societal unrest, some calibers of ammunition will not be available. Choosing a gun chambered for ammunition that is available even in a worst-case scenario is a wise decision. 22LR is considered the best all-around survival ammunition. It’s inexpensive, versatile, and widely available. 9mm is the most widely used (and widely available) pistol round. 308 and 223 Remington are the most widely available rifle rounds. Handguns are useful for home and self-defense. Rifles and shotguns are as well, but they can also be used to hunt game for food.
Economic Collapse
Many lessons were learned about civil unrest and societal chaos during the economic collapse of Argentina 20 years ago. When a society suffers a sudden, negative change to its standard of living, civil unrest soon breaks out. The greatest risk of being killed or injured is being outside your home during the first 72 hours of the start of civil unrest. If you can avoid leaving your home, you have a much better chance of surviving. Having a pantry stocked with emergency provisions will allow you to remain in your home for long periods of time, putting you at risk less often.
In situations involving either widespread economic collapse or prolonged loss of internet access, things like food, water, and toilet paper quickly become unavailable. People panic and fill up their gas tanks and fuel stations soon run out of gas. As frightened citizens make large cash withdrawals, banks run out of cash. Hoarding impulses take over and a normally polite society turns violent.
Historically, economic collapse results from hyperinflation. When hyperinflation hits, things become more expensive. In severe cases, the price of a loaf of bread can double by the hour. Hyperinflation causes government-issued currency to lose value rapidly. When paper money loses its value, small items containing gold and silver become the most widely accepted currency.
Banks only keep on hand a small fraction of their depositor’s money. A sudden increase in withdrawals depletes cash supplies and within days, most banks close, never to reopen. During an economic collapse, banks quickly fail. The closure of banks causes paychecks to be returned for non-sufficient funds. Truck drivers won’t drive without being paid and the few who are paid may not be able to find fuel. Deliveries grind to a halt. Store shelves lay empty. Gray and black markets spring up where you can buy what you need as long as you have something of value other than paper currency.
Bank failures present another problem. Law enforcement officers, firefighters, and paramedics won’t work if they aren’t paid. As economic collapse worsens, public safety employees may not be available to help in an emergency. Life becomes more dangerous by the day.
Perhaps the most important lesson learned from the economic collapse in Argentina is the value of friendship. During times of societal unrest, bands of marauders scour urban and rural areas preying on those who are alone and most vulnerable. Communities where neighbors formed tight-knit groups fared well during Argentina’s economic collapse. Wherever people came together, pooled resources, and protected one another, bands of thieves would usually avoid them.
This article covers just a few subjects related to preparedness. Other issues should be considered If you’re interested in learning more, there are hundreds of websites, video channels, and online groups that can provide more information.
If you’d like more information about economic collapse, check out my book A Kingdom View of Economic Collapse.
The Highwire suggested finding local farms and developing a tribe of like minded people who will support you, and you them
Great info..as seniors it is a little harder for us but planting a few things on the deck and I do can..also buy extras on sale to have on hand..like the idea of individual bag packs..
We as a nation have lost our sense of “mental preparedness.” Thanks for writing this checklist article.
Great introductory overview. As a caregiver (and decision-maker) for two 92yr olds with medical issues living in an already underserved area, a serious “collapse” will probably be our occassion for exiting this life. One of my biggest regrets is that I have never be able to “walk in the supernatural” (in spite of your excellent teachings on the matter) though I am persuaded that “God is able.” The older we get, and the more difficult it is to consider either bugging out, or sheltering in, the more we have to, and get to, trust in the living Jesus. Thanks for all you do Dave and Denise.
Consider under the bed as a storage location for canned goods, keep a list of what you have stored there, as well as wherever you have stored items.
Do we have faith to walk in God’s Word? When we do, we do not need a plan “B”
Ps 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. NKJV
Ps 37:19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. NKJV
Ps 37:25 I have been young, and now am old;
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread. NKJV
Ps 23:1The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want (lack).
Phil 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. NKJV
You are correct Gary,
God will take care of His own.
However….you may not be
as comfortable as the rest of us.
The wise virgins stocked up on oil.
Joseph prepared for 7 bad years.
The Israelites stocked up on water before
plague of blood water.
I could go on with examples, but the salient point is this, those who trust the Lord are industrious, well stocked, see the signs of the times.
Foolishness and laziness is presumptive about Gods provision and will not plow a field, sow seed or harvest.
Preparing does not necessarily mean its “plan b”. The 10 wise virgins were well stocked with oil in case the groom was delayed into the night. Joseph told Pharaoh to prepare for the years of famine that were coming. If you don’t think that I’m correct with my biblical references, then think about living on the Gulf Coast and preparing for hurricane season. Don’t be foolish. Be wise and prepare.
I’m 71, have pre-65 U.S. dimes, quarters and halves and ounces. HOA is problem for growing things but I should have known better coming from NYC now I’m just south of Raliegh, NC. I am amazed at how folk down here take their gun rights for granted as almost no one open carries as I always enjoyed doing plus you never no how many incidents of crime were stopped merely by a perp seeing someone with a gun as opposed to the weepers saying “you just want to prove something, you must always conceal carry” … I do want to prove something: Liberty! Live in NYC for a year then we’ll see how you feel about your nitpickin’ carry ideas, I lived there 60 years before I left. Anyway Dave, I need miniscus in both knees, shoulder fixes, painful, kidney/heart, gums/teeth. I’ve followed Mark 11: 23-25 a long time and will continue to speak to these mountains but please add your declarations to mine sir. Emotional fixes have been numerous as you’ve intimated in your videos for older folks, but I really lose patience sometimes with the pain.
And I need energy, strength, vigor and vitality as our days are 120 not the 70/80 from Psalm 90 which refers to the Israelites of the wilderness and their disobedience. My free testosterone is too low, 29, total T, 734, is useless when my SHBG way too high and destroys any useful T! Labcorp numbers are a crock anyway according to functional medical doctors. So, I’m left with the need for supernatural interference Dave, my kidney numbers have been improving nicely as I’m speaking to them that which is not as though it should be, Romans 4:17; 2 Corinthians 4:13! Bun is 35, 3 years ago, 80; GFR is 39, was in the high teens and creatinine is 1.82 it was over 5 and just had a prostate cut away now peeing like I’m 25 again though the dripping is a bit annoying but I’m grateful they caught me just before renal failure, Thank You Jesus! But knee and shoulder pain, Oyve, taking zubsolv from a pain doctor which of course does nothing for pain! Declare and believe with me Dave > thank you and may you continue to increase, you and your house!
Great article Dave. You had 1 thing listed that I don’t have yet, and that’s a better radio. Thank you for writing this.
I thank God He has provided us with a huge garden and enough supplies to get us through and then some.. I’ll be canning up a storm again in a few months, and always share what we have with our friends and family. Got a farmer right across the fence whose cows come walking by daily and has chickens. Hmmm ? Also, you can buy organic white chicken meat and salmon in a can now, and they’re actually very good.
God will get us all through whatever comes, He will provide what we need. Stay close to Him, keep a smile on your face and stay positive.
God bless you and Denise, you two are awesome.
Deplorable Granny
Sanitation! Keeping your hands & dishes clean will be more important than ever. Find space for a few extra bars of soap, a few extra bottles of dishwashing liquid (dishwasher won’t work if the power goes out).
Books, cards, board games.
In the event water is shut off – should have on hand a couple gallons of shower water next to each toilet and kitchen sink. – or fill a tub if you know in advance
While listening to another survivor, he suggested having basic medical supplies like hydrogen peroxide, polysporin, band aids, etc.
“Bathtub bladder water storage” is an affordable option. I also have a 99 gallon rain barrel in my basement: (not used for rain) it is set up on cinder blocks in a location near the floor drain (in case it leaks), it has a sealed top cap and faucet/hose connection at the bottom. It is topped off and a few drops of bleach are added to keep it fresh – Restock it twice a year for freshness.
What is in your bug out bag????
Thank you for this infomation!! I’ve read testimonies about your teachings on food multiplication and other manifestations of His kingdom, such as praying over inanimate objects on your Telegram posts. Can you please point me in the right direction to find your teachings on these? Your teachings on Emotional healing has been a tremendous blessing to me. What you shared about your wife going to many therapy sessions and having a secular therapist share basically the same thngs you’ve shared has been kind of my experience, expect without the true path to healing. Many blessings to you and your wife for all you’re doing & sharing..
Hey, Traci. Begin here then follow the links in the article.
https://prayingmedic.com/2015/11/07/dont-panic/
A viable garden option for apartment dwellers is growing micro greens, easy and tasty. Using led lights work as good as grow lights. Also, if you live in an area where they tell you you cannot have chickens, you can raise quail, they are small, not noisy. They can even be raised indoors.
Good article Dave. One thing you talked about that many haven’t considered is civil unrest. Those of us who are prepared, could become the victims of those who have not. I hope I am wrong, but its like I have felt this coming for years. I have had dreams of this since I was young. Once it starts, it could be very bad quickly. If we can hold on long enough help may at some point come. It would involve the military. Maybe the military is the only way?
I believe that may happen.
Thank you for addressing this, Dave. I think there is a need at this point in time, that people need to hear these things and prepare themselves and their families.
I believe in God, Family and Country. Jesus is my lord and savior. I believe the lord gives us knowledge, ambition and the ability to answer our prayers to him. “God helps those who helps themselves”.
I could write or speak for hours on these subjects. I will try not to do that here. I tend to believe more of what I see, than what I hear or read. Of course, the source has a lot to do with that, as I have lost total confidence in the MSM. I am and have been a student of history and of current events all my life. More so as I have gotten older and have more time to look and see.
I believe what we are seeing is the intentional and coordinated attempt to destroy the USA. Although it is a globalist [WW] movement towards a NWO. There can not be total control with a USA in the picture. (Constitution) I believe it is not a R vs D or racial war. It is a world wide war between good and evil. In my view, we are in a perfect storm, and it will get worse.
The war started hundreds of years ago, but has now intensified to the point that will effect us, our kids and grandkids for possible decades to come. I do not know if these are the end times, but the machine that is in place has the ability to produce what the book of Revelation speaks of. What have we seen since 2020?
IMO a intentional biological weapons attack with a virus that has killed millions WW.
A stolen election that had to happen in order to advance the globalist agenda.
The decline of the US economy and other economies around the world.
The possibility (seemingly wanted) start of WWIII
The beginnings of food shortages WW.
Instead of Ukraine, the real invasion is at our southern boarder.
I am sure I could add more to that list, but those are just some of the items that comes to my mind now. We have heard about the great reset. Going to a cashless society. Social credit score. This will give them total control. Do as I say or you can’ t buy or sell. Tracking everyone. Chip implants next? Sure sounds a lot like the mark of the beast to me.
Getting back to the being prepared subject. What concerns me the most at this time, is not being invaded by China or Russa. What would happen, if a event or a serious food shortage were to occur? What would happen if the gangs and hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants that have entered this country were to form cells, take up arms and attack US towns, cities and eventually our homes? I could see Sorus saying we won’t invade America, lets get them to kill each other. When people get hungry, starve, see their kids starving, they might do things they never thought they could do. I hope it does not get to that point. But it could.
We are at a point, where one thing could set this off. Or a slow turn in shortages, to the point where cities empty and people go searching for food trying to survive.
My advice to all of you if this were to happen, and I certainly hope I am just over thinking these issues. Is
1. Pray
2. Get your neighbors together and form groups. Give people duties. Food, water, protection.
3. Need a group effort, neighbors, neighborhoods, towns and communities. Police with try, but with limited resources and probably the first targeted will not stop the violence.
4. Try to survive long enough for help to arrive. Hopefully it will in the form of our military.
If things go dark, don’t wait until you see men driving around in trucks with guns to do something. Form a plan immediately. Many may say your crazy, but as soon as you think something is afoul, take action. DO not wait. If you do it will be to late.
Sorry for the long winded post. If I help 1 person or 1 family, then it was worth it.
God Bless
Dave, Thank you so much for writing this article. Ask and you shall receive. Keep up the fabulous work. Blessings, K.
Of course, after reading Dave’s book, I might suggest the book “One Second After” by John Matherson. While fiction, this represents (in my opinion) what happens when infrastructure breaks down suddenly. It’s ugly, but extremely realistic.
Dave, I spent 30 years in the food indusdtry. 10 of those years with Carnation Company. In the 1960’s, a fish company packaged some fish (carefully) and put it in LA Cold Storager, a professional food storage company for restuarants and manufacturers. Fifteen years later it was defrosted and evaluated by a lab for nutritional content. Then it was cooked by a chef, and evaluated for taste and texture. It was found to be fine! BTW I own your book, “Calm Before The Storm”. And I am a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War.
Thank you for the information!