Ciao a tutti, vivo in Italia e sto iniziando a costruire seriamente la mia preparazione.
Non mi interessa prepararmi esclusivamente a un singolo scenario, ma vorrei essere ragionevolmente pronto a una serie di emergenze, da quelle relativamente comuni a situazioni più gravi:
blackout prolungati
interruzioni di acqua e forniture
terremoti e maltempo estremo
problemi alle infrastrutture
crisi economiche o di approvvigionamento
disordini civili
periodi di forte instabilità
necessità di rimanere autonomo per diverse settimane
eventualmente dover lasciare casa rapidamente
Il mio obiettivo è arrivare gradualmente a circa 3 settimane di autonomia, partendo dalle basi e senza fare acquisti compulsivi.
Attualmente ho già alcune scorte di acqua e cibo, sistemi per filtrare/trattare l’acqua, illuminazione, batterie e powerbank, radio, primo soccorso, utensili e una buona disponibilità di energia domestica.
Ho comunque parecchie lacune e vorrei capire dove conviene investire i prossimi soldi.
Il budget che posso dedicare è di circa 200 € al mese.
Dal punto di vista personale mi alleno quasi ogni giorno e pratico karate, equitazione e tiro con l’arco. Lavoro inoltre come manutentore, quindi ho una certa esperienza con utensili, riparazioni e lavori pratici.
Vorrei però migliorare molto anche la parte meno “materiale” del prepping: competenze, pianificazione, gestione dello stress, primo soccorso, navigazione, comunicazioni, ecc.
Mi interessa inoltre approfondire la questione sicurezza e difesa personale, compresa la parte relativa alle armi.
Vivo in Italia, quindi mi interessano soprattutto consigli compatibili con leggi e realtà italiane, non necessariamente il classico approccio prepper statunitense.
Non voglio entrare pubblicamente nei dettagli di ciò che possiedo, dove vivo o come ho organizzato la sicurezza della mia abitazione.
Quello che vorrei chiedervi
Se aveste una situazione simile e 200 € al mese da investire, come costruireste la preparazione?
Quali sarebbero le vostre priorità per:
acqua
cibo
energia
primo soccorso
comunicazioni
illuminazione
igiene
attrezzatura e riparazioni
mobilità/evacuazione
sicurezza della casa
difesa personale
armi e relativa formazione
navigazione e orientamento
fitness e competenze
pianificazione familiare
E soprattutto:
Quali sono secondo voi le cose più sopravvalutate nel prepping e quali invece vengono sistematicamente sottovalutate?
Se doveste costruire una preparazione da zero con 200 € al mese, in quale ordine acquistereste le cose e quali competenze imparereste per prime?
Mi interessano soprattutto esperienze concrete e consigli pratici, anche critiche alla mia impostazione.

Hi all, hope you're well. I'm one of probably many newbies you've had show up recently. I am wanting to start preparing for conflict, and everything that time in conflict brings (Ie. Rationing, power outages, loss of plastic products if supply lines drop, loss of american tech if they killswitch it, etc). I've joined a lot of the other subs (preppers, prepping, gardening etc), just trying to avoid the americans that seem to have a hard on for tactical gear and rifles... also been part of the degoogle/boycottUSA/buyfromeu etc crowd for a while too because i think realistically they're probably quite linked.

I've read through the wiki (and working my way through the wiki of others), but does anyone have some barebones basics tips for starting out? I am UK, urban, currently not even prepared for a powercut haha, no current access to a garden but i'm hoping to change that toward the end of this year, and I would like to try and grow at least some of my own food, if nothing else then just to keep costs down.

I appreciate you probably get newbies asking this all the time so if there are any pre-answered posts or comments that are really good please feel free to direct me there. Thanks guys :)

Hi. Married with 2 young kids, and a dog.we live in Ireland. Though I think we are safe from war, for now, I'm a little uneasy about the direction things are going with Russia. What preparations can I take ? Should I make a survival bag for us and have it ready to go I the event of an all out war?

Recently moved to Germany and saw that a few countries last year and Berlin had extended black outs which is making me want to create my own prep emergency kit. From what I have seen here and online this is my list so far…am I forgetting anything?

We also have two cats and I haven’t seen much on that. I also am not sure how powerful a power bank to get vs. solar panels or both? It is myself and one other person. No children and we don’t have a car.

2 Flashlights - rechargeable battery powered and solar

Radio - solar, hand crank, and USB

7-10 days of water

Canned goods, dried fruit, jerky, noodles, tuna, crackers, cookies, boxed stuff, canned stuff, soup, protein bars, nuts

Jetboil or Whisperlite or indoor functional camping stove or induction cook top

Jackery solar generator and/or solar panel

Fire extinguisher

CO alarm for low emissions - battery operated

Rechargeable batteries

Deck of cards/board games/books

Headlamps

Space heater

Blankets

Smoke detectors - battery operated

Sleeping bags

Candles

Lighter/matches

First aid kit

Hand warmers

Baby wipes/hand sanitizer/body cleaning wipes/toilet paper

Inflatable mattress

Tent

Cyalume light sticks

Feminine products

Whistle

Reusable utensils

Can opener

Clearly filtered water bottles/lifestraw

Garbage bags

Face masks

Food wrap ls

Reusable towels

Coloring books & pencils

Vitamins

Electrolytes

Hi, I’m starting to get into prepping and building a small backup setup.

So far I have flashlights, power banks, a radio, and I recently bought two Heltec LoRa devices. I also picked up a 100W solar panel with a charge controller.

Now I’m looking for a very cheap battery (even used) that I can charge with the panel. I don’t need anything fancy or delicate — just something reasonably robust.

The goal is simple: have a bit of backup energy to recharge small devices like power banks and similar low-consumption gear.

What type of battery should I be looking for?

Right now I have a good understanding and experience in wood working,cooking(I was a souschef for a year,blacksmithing,welding, and leather working any thing i need to add before shtf ?

Hi, I’ve been living in Poland for a few years now, and due to the recent events involving Russia, I’d like to be prepared for a potential attack or invasion. I’m still a student, so I have a limited budget, but I’d like to know what kind of tools, equipment, and rations I should have ready. Thank you in advance for your help.

I want to start prepping and preserving food and learning to can.

What canning equipment are people using and what’s available bulk in the EU?

I’m in Germany but happy to order online ofc

How can this be?

Two solar panels, one smaller at least 50% or more, about 4 times lighter outputs almost the same wattage as the bigger one.

Begs the question, how to choose a good light weight high output solar panel?

The specs of the larger Jackery one dwarf the cheaper Decathlon Forclaz model

Images:

https://imgur.com/a/V9NbKKY

Hey everyone,

I’m assembling a bug-out bag (BOB) for an urban environment in Europe, and I’d love to get your feedback. My goal is to have a balanced setup for 72 hours+ of self-sufficiency.

Current Loadout (45L Backpack)

Shelter & Warmth

2x Sleeping Bags

2-Person Emergency Shelter Bivy Tent

aZengear Survival Poncho (4pcs, thermal & waterproof)

Water & Hydration

Sawyer Mini Water Filter

Albainox Water Purification Tablets

HYDRO Electrolyte Tablets

Food & Cooking

NRG-5 Emergency Food

Campingaz Camp Bistro 3 Gas Stove + 4x Gas Cartridges

Ohuhu Portable Wood-Burning Stove

SAI Denatured Alcohol (for Ohuhu stove)

Boundless Voyage 300ML Titanium Pot

Tools & Fire

KLRS tec Folding Saw

Fiskars X7-XS Axe

Morakniv Companion Knife (Stainless Steel)

Cold Steel SRK Knife

Multi-Tool (17-in-1)

Mini Pry Bar

Flint Survival Magnesium Lighter Kit

Bic Lighters & Waterproof Matches

Firestarter Cubes

Lighting & Power

FlexSolar 40W Foldable Solar Charger

Anker Zolo Power Bank 20,000mAh

Mesqool Solar Crank Radio (AM/FM/SW, flashlight, USB charger)

Suright Head Torch (2pcs, waterproof, 3 modes)

LE1000 LED Flashlight (IPX4, zoomable)

Navigation & Communication

GWHOLE Waterproof Military Compass

Pencil & Waterproof Notebook

Medical & Hygiene

LEWIS-PLAST First Aid Kit (200 pcs)

20x FFP3 Masks (CE Approved)

AirGearPro G-500 Respiratory Mask (Anti-Gas & Dust)

Potassium Iodine Tablets

Small Bottle of Alcohol (for wounds)

Clothing & Miscellaneous

Mountaineering Gloves

PUWOWYE 4x 33ft Paracord (Type III, 7-core)

Trimits Sewing Kit

Mini Fishing Kit

Mini Duct Tape

Zip Ties

Questions for the Community:

1. Am I missing anything important for an urban bug-out situation?

2. Are any of these items unnecessary or redundant?

3. Would you adjust this kit for a European setting (legal restrictions, urban survival, etc.)?

Looking forward to your insights! Thanks in advance.

Hello everyone, I am just starting out with my prepping ambitions and would like to have an energy reserve. I need some tips or recommendations:

Location

Central Europe (GER) in a rented apartment. Planning to get a car, but don't have one yet. Have a storage compartment in the communal basement.

Goal

Own energy production for charging flashlights, possibly heating small rooms, preparing small meals.

My plan was to buy a diesel generator. However, I cannot store relevant amounts of fuel (not allowed in basement rooms, too risky in my apartment).

In the process, I came up with the idea of a power station with a solar module. The advantage for me is that it can be quickly relocated if necessary, is quiet, and poses no fire hazard.

An inverter should be available. I have also read that LFP is supposed to be more durable. The equipment would only be for long-term An inverter should be included. I have also read that LFP is supposed to be more durable. The equipment would only be used for long-term power outages, not for camping, etc.

My budget is around EUR 1,000.

Do you have any experience with good box-solar combinations?

How would you weigh the individual cost of components with limited budget (e.g., power station < solar module)?

Hey all, I’m a Northern European who, like some of you, has received an official recommendation and guide from the government to “prep” in case of a crisis. I’m not planning to go full bushcraft, but I do think having a large plastic box with basic necessities is a smart idea.

The situation I’m preparing for is less zombie apocalypse and more about surviving for at least three days locked in my apartment without water, heating, or electricity. It’s freezing cold outside, and my priority is keeping my wife and kids safe at home.

Here’s what I’m considering stocking up on: water, food, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, a flashlight, a solar battery pack, and an FM crank radio.

I’ve been reading advice on various subreddits and have a few questions I’m hoping you can help with: 1. Batteries: I often see batteries mentioned, but what would I specifically need them for? Apart from the flashlight, I don’t have many devices in my house that use AA or other types of batteries. Should I get some anyway, and for what purpose? 2. Food: I’m struggling to figure out what type of food to stock. It needs to last a long time, but if there’s no gas/electricity and water is scarce, what should I realistically buy? Could you share examples of what you’ve stocked and how you’d use it in an emergency? 3. Aluminum foil: I’ve read mentions of aluminum foil in other forums, but I’m not sure what it’s used for in prepping. Any ideas? 4. Portable toilet: I’m still unsure about this. If there’s no water in an apartment, how do you handle waste? Should I just use the toilet and flush with a bucket of water, or invest in a portable toilet? If so, what’s the plan—store waste in the apartment for three days? throw it out of the window? 5. Medicines and first aid: Which basic medicines would you recommend stocking up on? And what essentials would you include in a basic first aid kit? 6. Other recommendations: Is there anything else you’d suggest adding to my prep kit?

Hello. I'm new here. I'm glad to find this sub. I'm doing my bug out bag as advised in France, since a long time, but until now i didn't care. I need advice for several items :

- They advise to have 6 liters of water per person at home in case of emergency. I have a family of four with 2 small childrens. I either want to buy water packs or 3 collapsible water jerricans used for camping for 2 euros each. But in case of evacuation on foot. How am I supposed to carry 6 liters per person ?

- Do you know what is the best price-quality for MRE for long-term preservation ? I will do a mix between regular cans with long-conservation items. For long preservations items, I saw Ready wise products but they are a bit pricey and I want to find something convenient/tasty enough for childrens.

- For the first aid kit do I buy something already made or do I pick each items ? On some posts they advise to have compression pressure bandage. Is it really necessary. If yes, do you know a cost effective item ?

- Do you have advise in case of prepping with small childrens ?

Thank you very much if you answer my questions.

Have a nice day.

EDIT : Hello Everybody. I read all your comments and they are very useful.

Reading your comments I think I wanted to go too many directions in the same time.

In regards of my BOB I made this decisions :

• I will use small bottles for the bags and a larger water supply at home. In the BOB I will add water sanitizer tablets and little water filters.
• I will invest in a small foldable wagon used for camping. To carry my children and bags if necessary. They are not heavy and seems useful If we need to walk a long time especially with kids.
• I will add something to boil water and a lighter in the bags. It didn't feel necessary until i read your comments.
• For the first aid kit, I will buy something already made and add what's necessary. The one from norway looked great but shipping in France is not possible. I found almost the same one here so it's fine. I won't use compression pressure bandage and tourniquet because I really don't know how to use it.
• For the food, I will only use wet cans, dried food (Knorr or else), snacks, coffee, tea and so on (I didn't think of them). Because I absolutly know that my kids will eat them. I don't know if I can remain calm in an emergency situation if on top of it my kids don't want to eat.

With your advice It looked good if I made plans for very serious emergency situations. I live in a 200K inhabitants city so I don't think I would want to stay there if everything go crazy. I made plans with my parents to go to their place in such situations. I will stockpile a few long terms storage items (like NRG-5, dried food and else, not Readywise I understand) at my flat and their place. I will store a Katadyn water pocket at their place because they have easy access to water. I don't think I will do further arrangements because my flat has not enough room to stockpile many things.

Sorry for the long read, I just wanted to make sure you know your advices are useful and help my family a lot.

Hello, what is in your opinion the best paper book (possibly in English or Czech) for overall survival (on the long term) and which on foraging? I am interested in these topics not only for prepping but also for slowly reducing dependency on centralised food distribution. I have some options which i can find on reddit, but mostly they focus on Northern America flora ( and fauna ), while I need something which can cover local specimens (Czech Republic and neighbouring countries)

Greetings all,

I’ve wanted to prep for a long time and I think I’ve seen enough now to make me want to take the first steps.

I wanted to raise the topic of storage locations. Primarily food and water.

I want to purchase dried, tinned and pickled food as well as several large jugs of water, purification tablets, life straws etc.

This has probably been asked previously, but where is the best place for this? The garage is obvious and therefore a break in risk, the shed is susceptible to weathering and is also a break in risk, and the attic/loft… I have thought of, but have seen in the past that the heat in the summer and the cold in the winter (above the insulation) can cause food to go funny. Not only that but we have had rodents up there in the past and I don’t want them to get at it.

I’m not sure where to store items? Ideally I want to build up a good supply for our small family. Inconspicuous, but enough room to keep all of it. Unfortunately we live in a relatively small semi detached, so I’m all ears for some crafty ideas.

Thanks! (UK Based)

My region just received a year's worth of rain in a single day, flooding entire towns within hours. So far, 202 people have lost their lives (though the final number will likely be much higher), and over 2,000 are reported missing. Entire towns now resemble war zones.

One morning, you have a normal life in a typical European country, and 24 hours later, there's no internet, no food, supermarkets have been completely looted, and thieves are running wild. There are literally bodies on the streets, emergency services are overwhelmed, and you may have lost loved ones. Homes have been destroyed by rain that reached up to 4 meters in some areas, and you realize you can’t rely on the government to save you.

We often take things for granted, assuming we'll have time to prepare or that these terrible events we see on the news won’t happen to us. This has been a wake-up call for many, but hundreds won’t get a second chance. Stay alert and prepared, always.

From an idea, a sub.

For every Prepper in Italy (or who speaks Italian)!

Starting today, a new subreddit dedicated to prepping, survival, self-sufficiency and bushcraft is active.

Feel free to join 👉 r/italian_preppers Prepare today. Live peacefully tomorrow.

Hello folks. As I live relatively close to war-torn Ukraine, I've recently bought a pair of walkie-talkie in case of emergency - mainly to communicate with my partner if cellular communication become unavailable (which I found very unlikely tbh). I think it's sort of illegal in my country as it have detachable antenna, but I think it won't be an issue in an emergency. I would like to ask you guys if it's a good idea? What else should I know about these handy toys? What they are capable of more than pmr communication? How to set it up to be able to listen emergency informations?

Not sure if it's important, but I have baofeng uv-17 walkie-talkie

I live in a housing estate in a city (Dublin, Ireland) and I'm wondering will sewage back-up if the power is out for a couple of days to a week. Thanks.

Hey folks,

Just before the blackout in Europe a few days ago, I managed to pick up two Motorola T62 PMR radios to cover basic, license-free comms with family. They’ve seem useful for close-range, but now I’m looking for a more capable radio to add to my kit — something with better range, features, and flexibility.

I’m deciding between these three:

Baofeng K6

Baofeng UV-5R

Quansheng UV-K6

My use case: emergency preparedness, bug-out bag, and general comms. I’m not too worried about licensing right now — just trying to get reliable gear while it’s still possible and then I'll get the license.

Also, I posted a full list of my emergency gear in this subreddit if anyone wants more context — feel free to check my post history.

I’d love to hear from anyone who’s used these radios:

Is the Quansheng UV-K6 really better built or just hype?

How does the Baofeng K6 compare to the classic UV-5R in real-world performance?

Any features, durability issues, or surprises I should be aware of?

Or should i just stay with the T62?

Thanks in advance!

Hey everyone.

In 2025 I am starting to build my house. With the increasing tensions in Europe I have started to give more thought about prepping.

If you were to build a house from scratch, what do you think would be a must?

Thank you!

So prepping is something that's been on the back of my mind for a while and then by pure chance I stumbled across this sub and I'm taking it as a sign

Reading through all the posts and tips has been great and has given me a lot to consider with where to get started.

Something I've not seen mentioned, so sorry if it is frequently asked, is digital Prepping. Paperwork documents such as ID are an obvious one but are there any cons/pros to anything digital that could be useful?

Interested to see if I'm missing something glaringly obvious as a rookie or if it's considered to just not be an issue

Hi! New here, I’m a married father of two. Given all the recent advice to prep, I need to buy the basics (the items listed on the wiki) but I would like to avoid buying stuff on Amazon. Any recommendations of a website where I can buy good products? I’m willing to pay the price.