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When “Doomsday Preppers” contacted me and asked if I would be willing to put my family on their show, I was reluctant, but figured it was put up or shut up time. As a former police chief, I’ve written for years in my spare time about disaster preparedness and recovery, terrorism and business continuity for some of the most prestigious security, business and government oriented publications in the US, most of them on assignment.
My emergency response book has sold over 160,000 copies globally to police, fire, the Secret Service, all branches of the military and government, and is used by numerous Fortune 500’s as an emergency SOP. How could I turn down the opportunity to preach preparedness to a national audience?
One concern I had was that they would do things like call our gate-less property that has “Welcome” signs hung about a “compound” or take other “dramatic license”. Granted, they did stage some scenes to “spice things up” but after all, it is TV and it is entertainment and quite frankly, preparing is boring.
We are not preparing for “doomsday”; I simply advocate being prepared for any type of crisis that might affect my family. Whether an Act of God or act of man, their safety is paramount. If people wish to put the survival of their loved ones in the hands of corrupt, dysfunctional, self-serving political and financial systems that has each taxpayer owing $135,732.00 (as of 2/11/12) that’s their right.
Our preparedness has allowed us to ride out several snow storms and power outages without a hiccup. When a massive forest fire encroached, we took in families and livestock because we were prepared, not for doomsday but for fire. Our grass was green and mowed, with a huge safety buffer and portable water tank, pump and hose. Those that didn’t have basic disaster prep in the form of a defensible space fire plan lost their houses because it always happened to, “someone else”.
As far as my kids go, they are taught skills for life, not disaster skills. I’ve taught them things like how to change their oil, starter, brake pads, how to do some basic wood and metal working so they can build things. My girls all know how to completely service their vehicles bumper to bumper because it saves money, helps insure that some unscrupulous mechanic won’t be able to take advantage of them, and might get them safely home if their car breaks down.
I am not a tree-bark eating, live-in-a cave type of guy. I simply believe in the Boy Scout motto, and feel that the onus of survival rests squarely on our shoulders. Look at all the people sitting on roofs post-Katrina that didn’t have the foresight to take food and water up there after they pooh-poohed numerous warnings to evacuate. We have a totally oblivious generation whose entire existence is “i” toys, worshipping vacuous celebrities and brawling over sneakers.
As far as security goes, there are no guarantees whatsoever in life so we will continue to simply keep an eye peeled and trust in God alone.
I’ve had some pretty wild things flung at me for being on the show (and as a cop) but one thing about age is the older you get, the less you care about what other people think. If TSHTF and I weren’t prepared, I couldn’t face my family.
If anyone saw the show and realized that they should invest in some basic prepping, that’s great and it was worth it. A family that has a one or two month’s supply of food and water will be less of a burden (and a threat) on an already over-taxed emergency response system. If they want to take it further, good for them. For those of you that think we’re nuts, you’re absolutely entitled. Just be sure you enjoy the Kool Aid.
Guest post by Dennis Evers, who can be reached at his website How to Handle a Crisis.
Lisa’s note: For some reason, the harshest and sometimes most vicious critics of any prepper who talks about preparedess in public are other preppers. The majority of Americans are unprepared for even the most minor emergency, yet many who have started the process of being prepared, for whatever, believe in staying silent. At the same time, these critics worry about neighbors and loved ones not being ready for a disaster, and still others seem to relish the idea of being able to shoot on sight anyone who comes near their “preps”, as though they’re some sort of post-SHTF action heroes.
If even a third of our neighbors are prepared, then we all are better off, whether for a winter storm, earthquake, or economic collapse. There’s no need to divulge every detail of what you’ve done, but the only way to avoid zombies in the future is to create allies right now, and the only way to do that is to strike up conversations that might lead to helpful discussions about preparedness topics.
For more thoughts on “Doomsday Prepper” read my most recent newsletter article, “Doomsday Preppers: An Insider’sView“.
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we truly believe in trying to educate all of our loved ones and any one else on how to be prepared for any kind of disaster. trusting yourself is often safer than trusting a government group that would be overwhelmed by disaster. but due to current trends in our local area, we believe even more now in staying silent to those we don't know. in the last year, LDS communities in TN have been visited by unidentified govt agencies requesting info on their clients. and just recently, a guest on Doomsday Preppers, David Sarti, has had his weapons confiscated by the state. now i DO NOT agree with a lot of David's sayings but i don't feel the state has the right to take his weapons. OPSEC is now number 1 and 2 on our list. continue to listen, contiue to learn, continue to continue.
The LDS cannery in Tennessee was NOT raided and it\’s doubtful the story as told to Oath Keepers ever happened as they rescinded the article themselves. Regarding David Sarti and the timeline of events that he relates in his video, I\’m not sure there is a connection between his appearance on DP and his hospitalization, gun confiscation, etc. I have a lot of compassion for him, but those events happened before his DP episode ever aired.
great to know the LDS raid was just a rumor! i too do not believe that david"s run in with the law was due to his appearance on T.V. however, as i have lived in TN my entire life, i know how people here can be rather intrusive. my wife and i both shoot (rifles and pistols) as a hobby and as a practice for protection. while at the range this past weekend, several people asked if we are preppers just because she was shooting rifles as well. we simply responded by telling them that we just enjoy it.
Thank you I have never written responses and everyone has an opinion but this was a walk up call as a girl scout leader I know" be prepared" my husband thinks I have "bought into it" but I reasoned this is a more practicable hobble then buying barbie dolls that was the end of the decausion my grandkids love the fact I want to learn practice cool stuff boys got to love them. so I say to you stand for your beliefs and stay true to you by the way what is the name of your book
CJ, my book is Survival Mom: How to prepare your family for everyday disasters and worst case scenarios. It's new release date is March 13. Yes, preparedness is a very level-headed hobby that will come in handy no matter what happens.
I appreciate preppers who are willing to talk about their efforts because I like the exchange of ideas so I can refine my own prepping process, and because it reassures me I'm not nuts – because other people are doing the same thing. I don't understand why there's so much venom directed at people who talk about prepping, both from people who refuse to prep ("You're crazy for prepping") and from people who prep ("You're crazy for talking about your prepping"). I can't think of a single other hobby or pastime (aside from illegal things, such as pornography) that garner such negativity. I agreed to be on National Geographic's show because I was hoping for a chance to put a little bit of a positive spin on such a negative topic– which is why my interview didn't contain a single mention of shooting people.
I love the show so far~ The family with the buses! they were so awesome! I thought~ they will own the the Thunderdome wtshtf! lol~it inspires me to just plug away, little by little when I can, financially. I really like the emphasis that a couple of the families had on SKILL~ not just, materials, supplies etc. When I see a woman welding I really, shake my head at myself for not being able to fix a flat, and then I make sure to actually pay attention the next time my husband shows me the millionth time… Kim Kardashian has NOTHING on that girl welding! I would rather be her any day especially in a worse case scenario ~ she won't have to work in "the oldest profession" if ya know what I mean~ So to those of you who have been on, I say thank you for sharing~ I got about 100$ in canned food today..it's a start. 🙂
I thought the show was inspiring. I saw ideas I really liked. I thought some of the editing did try to make several people look like they were a little crazy. Hopefully the show will get others to prep. Most people I know say they need to prep, but never do more then buy a few cases of water. I am working on a year of food, its slow going and it was nice to see how others go about it.
I felt that the two episodes I watched weren't nearly as negative as I expected. The "experts" assessment is kind of silly but it is what it is. I think there some tidbits here and there that can be picked up and if something in these episodes causes some would be preppers to get it in gear, that's not all a bad thing.
I understand (though I don't agree with) the backlash towards those who participated, but only in the sense that the preparation lifestyle attracts many who prefer to stay away from what's considered mainstream, ie Goth but more practical than black lipstick and fingernail polish. And a cable show on the prepping movement brings this somewhat underground way of life into the mainstream, and before you know it Dooney and Burke have a full line of all weather leather bug out bags…well maybe not, but I can see where those who prefer to stay in the dark might be agitated by those yelling from the rooftops that the red coats are coming.
The prepping community attracts people from all walks of life and no way will all those agree 100%, but if anything I think this show is helping sort out two distinct philosophies – those who prepare and wish to educate so as many as possible can weather whatever unknowns come to pass, and those who prepare to wait out the thinning out of society so they can take their place in whatever is left. Maybe that's a bit harsh, but the hatred against those who participated with the show is oddly remarkable.
In a society that has for a couple generations now advocated leveraging over saving, it is not surprising that making preparedness mainstream is an uphill climb. I don't have NatGeo but have looked at the video clips on the website and it appeared the producers are erring on the side of sensationalism but that's not surprising (the show name is, itself, sensationalist), either, because the show needs to attract viewers. Kudos to those who have shared on TV their personal experience with preparedness. While some cynics may laugh, others surely will be inspired to begin preparing and that's a net plus. Cynics always find someone else to laugh at. Personally, I would not appear on TV to talk about my preps unless my identity could be concealed. And I'm not even a "doomsday" prepper.
Were did you get your gas mask? Thanks!
That is just a stock photo. I don't personally own any gas masks.
I got mine when I in the Navy. I was unfortunately forced out due to downsizing requirements (Honorably discharged with 19k.). As a show of gratitude for my LPO not doing his job in processing a request like he said he did, I turned in his gas mask to D/C (damage control) in instead. 🙂 leaving him with a $600.00 debt. I had planned to be in for 20 years. Made it to ten.
Critics are often those who are unable or unwilling to do the hard work. Sort of the "crab bucket mentality". I do not want to take the responsibility or I can't get up out of here or prepare so I will expend my energy trying to pull you back down and into ignorance and naivete. Any improvement on your part somehow criticizes me. Envy, another human characteristic we would all like to rise above.
Those who share are trying to raise us all up not drag us down. That is appreciated.
If you look back 60 years, the skills advocated in this post such as knowing how to service your car, basic woodworking skills, etc. regardless of gender, you will see that these were normal household skills. The country was still largely rural and it was just too much trouble or too far to go for minor repairs. I prefer to think of skills such as soapmaking, canning, sewing, etc. as folklore skills that need to be preserved for historical reasons. I wonder if we called ourselves "historic re-creation hobbyists" we would be held in higher regard.
Love the idea of "historic re-creation hobbyists!" I think I will use that!
I appreciate those who are willing to openly discuss their prepping strategies and teach others newer to the process. I believe that's a choice every family has the right to make for themselves and have respected. It is a little sad that we as a community expend energy being so harsh to those who choose differently than we did instead of minding our own business and focusing on our own preps.
That said, I don't personally think it's safe to appear on a show like DP. Considering that states are passing laws allowing for the confiscation of supplies wherever they can find them in an emergency, and the number of states that do not abide by the Castle Doctrine, many of us would simply be advertising a one-stop shopping opportunity for the local criminal element – governmental or otherwise. I also have to question the value of doing a show like that compared to options like online videos, blogs, etc. that can provide the same info without compromising one's identity and location. Realistically, most people genuinely interested in prepping are going to start with a Google search – the ones who start with DP tv shows are looking to ridicule and take advantage. But that's just my opinion. Kudos to you for doing what you felt was right!
I applaud all who have and will share their knowledge about prepping on the net or on NatGeo. I'm learning so much from the NatGeo show and from this and other websites. Thank you!
I liked your comment about not being a tree bark eating, living in a cave type of guy. I am a grandmother who is raising two young grand daughters. We live in a very rual area (which I think is good) and I have been teaching them how to use what they have, waste not, and how to think out of the box. Family values are rare in this day and age, but practicing preparedness is a way to bring the family together. When there is a genuine purpose that makes good sense and you feel that you are contributing to your family's future, that is a good thing.
Thanks to NatGeo for the shows every one should have at the very least one year suppy of food and sorce of water as well as meds please don't forget your elder neighbors that are on a fixed income they will need help also spend a little each mo and you can have one year or more of food in a short time if you buy the right things..
I have watched all of the DP shows and enjoyed them. I especially loved the lady in Utah that cooks gourmet using dried bucket prep food. I wish she would share some recipes! I have been made fun of for suggesting that friends and family prepare-for the "whatever" crisis. I have kind of learned to just shut up. Having now seen that the feds think it would be okay to confiscate food items (and other goodies) in a crisis, I am now trying to just practice opsec and go on with my own plans. Lisa, you were so brave to go on that show! I was impressed. You came off very sane and responsible-I am sure, it was disappointing to NatGeo producers.
hi, had to type this so i could read your comments page.
Outstanding article! As for the opinion poll, I like the fact that some people are letting Nat Geo film their plans and ideas for preparedness. It allows for us to obtain ideas that we might not have considered. I am actually learning a lot from that series. What i don't like about that show is the title. I can't help but feel like I am being labeled a loon, it is what it is though. What it boils down to is quite simple. You can prepare for a calamity and be better off, as you wont have to rely on the government to come wipe your butt. Or you can be one of the minions who want to live in their wonderland of false belief and live like nothing bad will ever happen to them because they are special. lol.
Survival Mom…
I've watched all the episodes with interest at least twice. I have been prepping for years now and have many years of life experience. My question if you know: Who exactly are the "EXPERTS" that critique each family after the segment? I tend to highly disagree with many of their suggestions and especially the probabilities and statistics given. BTW, I liked your preps and attitude, you're my hero!
It is important to remember that with such a large audience, NatGeo doesn't want to be criticized for creating a panic with their "assessments". If they used real life estimates of the likelihood of the events being prepped for, there is a high likelihood that many peeps would panic. Personally, I view the episodes for ideas and with great interest in how these folks resolve prepping issues. I ignore the "experts" assessment of the likelihood of the trigger event … that part is BS as far as I am concerned.
I also have been "prepping" for many years. This has been critical to making it through tough times. Being old enough to remember the 50's and 60's, I have been concerned for the lack of vision that our more recent generations show. If the show brings some forethought and awakening to at least some of them, it is worth while …. even though it is overly sensationalized. Keep up the good work.
they say the experts at “practical preppers” they sell water, power and communications prepping $$$$$ items practicalpreppers.com it is high dollar stuff for people that have a ton of money right off to throw at prepping I will likely never buy anything from them 😉
I didn’t know anything about Practical Preppers and had never heard of them before.
I typed up a response to the original post, then re-read it.. and SM's postscript. I thought I might modify what I wrote to take the edge off, but then I repented of that. I'll submit it as written because, it's how I feel about a dangerous phenomenon – the Public Prepper.
I have mixed feelings about that show. I run a site dedicated to "spreading the word", and it has its own angle, like all of the prepper sites. I enjoy writing about these things, and seeing what other write. (Survival Mom is a favorite of mine.) I preach prepping to people I meet and generally garner positive responses.
But I NEVER tell them where I live or what I stock, and certainly not about what I do for those that seek my consultation. Going on a show like that one seems very counter productive to me. I take as an AXIOM, NO ONE is secure in their retreat. All fortresses are monuments to man's stupidity. What can be built, can be torn down. The reason private and corporate defense is such a huge business is because defeating a retreat or stronghold is a many faceted endeavor promising realistic rewards. A Prepper goes a long way toward building his skills, network and supplies. Then he goes on a world wide program and shows it off?? Silliness. I don't know where these people live, but their neighbors DO. Eventually, without fail, that information will propagate, through the community first and perhaps further. Their hard-earned security (speaking hopefully here, and being kind about it) will be reduced or severely compromised.
Sorry to be such a hard head about this, but anyone that puts their family at risk for something of this nature really needs to take stock of what it is they are trying to accomplish. The standard rule I try to drill into people's heads when I am doing security and planning reviews is this: No matter how well you think you have it setup, your defenses will have holes. Does it make sense to help the bad guys blow a few more into them? Why give them a leg up? It's silliness to me. I would never allow a client to show their face, or the outside of their AO in any way that could be converted into raider intel – PERIOD
I'd like to thank those who participated in this series. It's one of the very few reality shows I watch. It's educational and starts people, like me, thinking about how prepared I am for 'whatever' may disrupt things.
I think people should be very careful mentioning *anything* pertaining to guns on a show like that. Our PC-Culture is very anti-gun.
I don't know if I'd appear on a show like that – even without displaying firearms. I think it can make people vulnerable to the crazies we have in our society. However, exposing others to the idea we must take steps to provide for our families when 'whatever' happens is best done by people who are doing it. (I have benefited from watching the show so I guess it's rather selfish of me to state I don't know if I'd be on the show.)
I believe that a majority of the families on the show had their hearts in the right place, but failed to add brains to their bug-out bags. Most of those families made people who are seriously preparing for life-altering events look like fools.
The woman that ran around her neighborhood with buckets of “pandemic” supplies and telling her neighbors that “there is a pandemic happening and you need these supplies or you will die!” needs some therapy. Bless her fanatic heart, but she had her poor children looking like trick or treaters with one-size-fits-all masks, gloves that were too big, and bonnets, booties, and gowns designed for body fluid contamination. (most pandemics are air-born).
The best thing that she could have done for her family is to have done her homework, told them to handwash, handwash, handwash; stay out of crowded public places, do not share food or drink, keep their hands away from their faces and keep their hands off the handrails at Disneyland!
In the ER, we were required to be fit tested for our N95 facemasks, and as a member of the Biohazard team, we were fitted for our pappers (respirators), hoods, suits, boots, and gloves. We also spent many hours training in decontamination (a cold, wet process). Not all survival techniques are as simple as they appear.
We must be very careful not to be chicken-littles, Rambos, or neighborhood vigilantes. (See Zimmerman vs. Martin). We MUST NOT stock nor attempt to use any tools, weapons, techniques, or medical implements that we have not been specifically and completely trained in. Wannabe’s make very poor preppers. This is real life, not a video game, and first and foremost, do no harm.
1. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind.
2. Do your homework…read…take a class..do not pretend.
3. Keep your family business to yourself…meaning immediate family and compound participants ONLY.
4. Tend to your compound’s needs first, saving extra for others. Charity will probably be necessary…(at .. a distance…read “Patriots” by J.W. Rawles). Remember, though, that you cannot save the world.
5. Carefully and prayerfully assemble piers that are truthful, trustful, and with integrity to join your group.
6. Everyone in your neighborhood may not be on the same page, so do not advertise your prepping.
Blessings and safety to all who seek it, Traumamamma
I like the show. I find it interesting to see how other people are prepping. Once in awhile I pick up a tip or two. People who make fun of preppers are doing the rest of us a great injustice because we will eventually have to either feed them or bury them. If shows like that inspire a few people to move towards at least having some basic emergency supplies then all the better for the rest of us.
I am torn about the show. I have gotten some very good ideas myself, but I usually see the same ideas on Prepper websites. I am glad to see there are other Preppers, but those showcased are often extreme in their prepping. I like to see people thinking of worst case scenarios, but some seem to relish the idea of the SHTF event.
I’m afraid the show may be doing more harm than good for Prepping in general even if Preppers like myself actually like it. Most (not all) of the people showcased are fringe players building their entire lives for an event that my never come. But it is their lives and they seem to enjoy it, so what the hey.
As far as “historic re-creation hobbyists!” try finding some local living history events, they’re open to public and fun. Check out Jas Townsend, Smoke & Fire, search for sutler(s) these places with have info, and are fascinating stores. Many of us almost literally live this lifestyle, especially spring thru fall. Living history events include Ancient Roman, the medieval period about 600-1600 AD, many cover 1600 to Revolutionary War, French & Indian, Rendezvous/ Fur trapping era, Civil War, to WWII. Since the camps MUST be ‘period correct’ with nothing made after the historic date of the event either visible or in some cases in the camp at all, when our power goes out, we just joke about ‘reset to 1800’s’ light oil lamps if needed, and continue without a hiccup. We have an 18′ x 18′ center pole marquee canvas tent, and have learned a number of skills too, all pre 1865, cooking, pewter casting, a bit of wood working, leather working, spinning wool and cotton, sewing period clothes (and more modern ones), and living very comfortably in an 1800’s camp for 3 weeks, with nothing modern. All cooking is over our fire pit, or on our 1700’s reproduction brazier, all foods are storage type, no fresh stuff unless it’s brought in and peddled off a (period) hand cart, and living 24/7 in period garb. Really makes you think about how much knowledge we’ve lost, or at least misplaced. Like how comfortable a 1860’s corset is for your back, how to fashionably wear a wool blanket several ways, and that 2 people can easily put up an 18×18 marquee with 18 – 7′ tall wall poles, and 22 pole ropes in about 30 min. Our tent and gear, (bed, table, chairs, kitchen box, porta pottie (yes, we hide it very well), etc, all in a 4′ w x 8′ l x 6′ h camp trailer) also gives us a home if we need to evacuate for a short time, or go on vacation. A lot of the things we have for events are great for prepping, they work well, and aren’t electric. We also get a lot of stuff from Lehman’s, in an Amish area of OH, lots of great prepping, non electric, and period items.