Interview: Ask a prepper – Damian

Today we get a chance to sit down to have an interview with Damian Brindle of reThinkSurvival.com and ask him a few questions about prepping in general.

How long have you been prepping for?

Several years at least but probably more like 10 years.

Any reason why you began prepping? A specific event?

I’d say 9-11 was a wakeup call for me as I was relatively fresh out of college. Kind of made merealize bad things really do happen to good people and I couldn’t rely on others to ensure my family and I were safe.

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

Sadly, an urban setting but one day I hope it to be rural.

If the time comes are you bugging out or in?

Bugging in if at all possible but still have plans to bug out if I must. In my opinion, for most people bugging in is the better option for a variety of reasons, including the fact that you know the area, your home is there, your survival gear is there, you may have formed alliances with others, etc.

Has prepping changed your lifestyle?

Most definitely! I think about preparedness every day. After all, I do blog about it. 😉

Do your preps include an underground shelter or bunker?

Wish it did but, no, it does not.

If times ever got tough would you work solo or with a support group?

Once upon a time, solo felt like the way to go. But, these days the “lone wolf” strategy just won’t fly when the shit really hits the fan. If you have family and friends nearby then do everything you can to get them into the prepping lifestyle too… they can be your greatest allies.

If you could give a new prepper some advice based on your past mistakes, what would they be?

Don’t waste your money on gimmicks, like commando saws or anything like that. And don’t buy something just because somebody recommends it unless they’re obviously a respected blogger. Moreover, I can say that I’ve wasted too much money on gear and not enough focus on skills. Focus on getting your skills right first and foremost. Then add the gear. Most people do this backwards, me included.

Did your significant other have a problem with your prepping? Did he/she back you?

No problem. She usually just says “ok, dear” and let’s me do what I want so long as I don’t break the bank!

Kids. If you have any are they incorporated? If so how? Were they hesitant on doing so?

IMO, my kids are still a little young (8 and 11) to be a serious part of any prepping strategy. That said, I do try to teach them what I expect of them during an emergency and do try to teach them assorted survival skills where I can. Were they hesitant? Not at all. They’re boys… they love most of this stuff.

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?

Age shouldn’t be much of a concern, though, there may be some very specific needs to ensure you have taken care of as you get older such as life-necessary prescription medications, items that keep your faculties in order (e.g., glasses, dentures, etc). Make sure you can function normally and then worry about everything else.

Low income families can do a lot even without much money. Remember, skills trump gear most any day of the week. Start by learning skills, learn to makeshift stuff, research DIY prepping projects, and so on. There’s a lot you can do when you’re broke as I’m finding out myself.

Doomsday Preppers. Has the show hurt or helped the prepping community?

Maybe a bit of both. Obviously on the one hand it tends to make use preppers look a bit crazy but there may be something to be said for reaching an audience that would have otherwise not been reached. Personally, I’ve quit watching the show because it’s over-hyped.

Does your extended family or friends give you slack about prepping?

No. Perhaps they did a long time ago but most times they just understand it’s what I do. In fact, I’ve even somewhat converted a few of them… still have a lot of work to do with most of them though.

If nothing happens in your lifetime or children’s lifetime for that matter, would you feel that you wasted your time and money?

Heck no! You’re not sad if you never have to use your homeowner’s insurance are you? Me either.

Want to give some advice to a new prepper?

If you’re reading this but still on the fence: START NOW! And don’t fret. Just get started anywhere you prefer and before you know it you’ll be more prepared than 97% of the population.

Here is a fun question. If you had to pick one item to aid you on a deserted island… what would it be?

Gee, there are so many things I’d want, from a quality knife to something to disinfect water, start a fire… a margarita. 😉 I guess if I had to pick one thing it would be a knife since I’d imagine I could find washed up debris that I could use to start a fire (e.g., polish the bottom of a soda can) as well as plenty of stuff to boil water in. But, honestly, I’m no desert survival expert… I’d be in trouble no matter what I brought! How about a Satellite phone? Yeah, I’ll take one of those.

Last words or thoughts you wish to share?

You can do this! You don’t need a lot of money or time to get even minimally prepared. There are many good people and websites where you’ll learn a lot, more than you can imagine. Feel free to visit my site, reThinkSurvival.com or keep up with me on Facebook as I’m always sharing great stuff from around the web. Take care and keep preppin’.

We thank Damian for his time and if you the reader feel inclined, please visit his excellent webpage reThinkSurvival.com and Facebook page fb.com/ReThinkSurvival.