There are a few notions that get spread on prepper social media like electronic head lice. They crop up again and again, over and over. They aren’t properly called myths. In some cases, they might qualify as wishful thinking. Either way, they just don’t hold up once you apply a little logic and common sense.
All three of these claims get a fair amount of play on prepper-centric social media, such as various Facebook groups.
Cash
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Claim: There is little point in putting aside cash for a crisis, as it will be worthless when SHTF.
Reality check: Cash has value right up until it doesn’t. Speaking from a United States perspective, while the dollar doesn’t buy nearly as much as it used to, it’ll still fill your gas tank, get you groceries, or buy medicine. And it will continue to do that until the collapse of either the dollar or our entire society, which would probably be one and the same.
To be frank, deciding not to set aside cash for emergencies is incredibly myopic. Cash can solve a lot of problems, particularly in the types of short-term crises that happen all the time. To put it another way, counting on the end of the world to solve any financial woes you’re experiencing is about the worst plan you can imagine.
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Electronics
Claim: Electronic devices are pointless from a preparedness standpoint because an EMP will likely render them inoperable and useless.
Reality check: Speaking in generalities, there are two potential events that could render most electronic gear inoperable – electromagnetic pulse (EMP) or a coronal mass ejection (CME). That’s it. In pretty much every other possible crisis, electronics won’t be impacted on a massive level. And you can even mitigate the effects of those two disasters through the use of a Faraday cage.
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Don’t get me wrong, there are all sorts of reasons why cell networks can go down, along with Internet connectivity. But devices like phones and tablets can still store vast amounts of data that you might find useful in a grid-down emergency, from engine repair manuals to medical texts.
And if you are able to get a signal and go online, so much the better. While phones and tablets will need power, many preppers have already planned ahead with things like generators and solar panels.
Entertainment
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Claim: Stocking up on entertainment options like board games is stupid because you won’t have time for such trivial matters while you’re recovering from a disaster.
Reality check: Since time out of mind, mankind has sought ways to relax, have fun, and enjoy fellowship with one another. Games and other social activities have always been a big part of that. These aren’t just ways to pass the time. They can be crucial for psychological well-being, as nobody can go pedal to the metal forever without a break. If you don’t take a breather voluntarily, at some point your body and mind will force it to happen.
That said, I don’t feel you need to go out and spend a ton of money stocking up on board games and the like. Most homes already have a stash of games, as well as books to read and other entertainment options. If you do want to stock up on extras, hit up rummage sales and buy them used, rather than sinking a ton of money into this area of preparedness.
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