It can be difficult to always be prepared and impossible to be prepared for everything. However, as I think through the activities of a normal day, there are a lot of things we can do, myself included, that would make us better prepared every single day. 

10 Ways To Be Better Prepared 

The suggestions that I give below are examples of common tasks that are easily overlooked but when they are consistently practiced, they can make a big difference. Also, they are simple to do, and they don’t require a lot of time to be sacrificed out of your day. 

Check Your EDC 

The items that we carry every day sometimes get used a lot and sometimes they do not get used much at all. These items get worn out, broken, need new batteries, or have gone missing without our knowledge. Every day, before you leave your home, it is a good idea to check these items out to make sure they are in good working order and that you have what you need for the day. 

Always Lock Your Doors 

It is quite easy to walk into your home at the end of a long day, shut the door behind you without locking it and go about your business. An unlocked door is nothing more than an invitation for bad people to come into your home. A simple locked door can be enough of a deterrent to cause bad people to move on, so don’t make it easy for them. Take two seconds to lock the door when you get home, when you leave, and apply the same approach to your vehicle. The more that you do this, the quicker it will become a habit. 

Keep Your Gas Tank Full

We never know when or where an emergency will happen and it’s a good bet that when it does, we use our vehicle to get to safety. During such a scenario, gas stations may not be available or there may not be time to stop to refuel. Top of your tank every day so that your vehicle is ready to go. 

Inspect Your Vehicle 

When you stop for fuel, take five to ten minutes to perform a quick vehicle inspection. Check tire pressure, oil, and other fluid levels, spare tire if it is easy to access, and walk around the vehicle to make sure nothing is out of place. A quick vehicle inspection like this can help to prevent big problems down the road.

Back Your Vehicle Into Parking Spaces 

This suggestion is pretty straightforward and does not require a lot of explanation. Seconds can matter in an emergency and backing your vehicle into a parking spot, or your driveway allows for a much quicker escape. This can make the difference when you need to leave right now.  

Use Situational Awareness  

All too often when we are out and about, people are distracted by their devices. Whether this be while driving, crossing the street, walking through a parking lot, or sitting down at your favorite restaurant. By giving all our attention to our devices, we are less than present in the moment and our surroundings. 

It only takes a split second for a good moment to turn bad. Some of these bad moments can be made less severe or possibly avoided entirely if we use situational awareness more and our devices less.   

Leave a Note

You should always let someone know about your plans for the day. This includes where you will be, and the timetable involved. It doesn’t matter if you are going on a road trip, to work, or simply running errands. If something were to happen to you, the above information could be a significant advantage in helping you out.  

Sweep the House Before Bedtime 

Don’t worry, this suggestion isn’t a cleaning chore. There are lots of little things around a home that are easily forgotten about that could pose a problem while you are sleeping. Items that are plugged in that shouldn’t be and vice versa, windows left open, unlocked doors and windows, burning candles, etc. Walk through your home once a day to make sure everything is in order. This will help to alleviate any potential safety issues and should also help you sleep better at night.  

Pick Up Extra Supplies 

I understand people don’t have the budget to buy extra supplies daily but picking up one extra small item every time you are at the store can add up to a lot of preparedness. 

Learn Something New

Not to sound cliché but knowledge is power, and it can never be taken away from you. Our survival depends on what we know and what we do with that information. What you choose to learn about does not have to be super involved or complex. It can be something as simple as how long it takes to boil water to make it potable. Every bit of useful information that you can add to your mental toolbox will make you that much more prepared. 

Conclusion

I know that there are a ton of things that we can do to be better prepared every day and the examples in this article are just the tip of the iceberg. Some people may look at the list in the article and think that it is not feasible to do them all every single day, and that is okay. 

I understand that we are all busy and our time is a precious resource. If you feel overwhelmed, start with one item that you can do every day. Once it becomes a habit, add another one and another one, and before you know it you will be more prepared than you were two weeks ago.  

Let us know what you do every day to be better prepared by leaving a comment below. Thanks for reading and stay prepared.