In the digital age, technology has become a vital tool in the arsenal of modern-day preppers. From natural disasters to societal disruptions, being prepared means not only having the necessary supplies but also leveraging technology to enhance readiness. This article explores the essential apps and gadgets that have transformed prepping, integrating digital solutions into traditional preparedness practices.

Technology’s Growing Influence in Prepping

The prepping community has always adapted to new technologies to improve their preparedness strategies. Today, technology offers unprecedented access to information, communication tools, and gadgets that make prepping more efficient and effective.  A 2021 survey revealed that over 60% of preppers use some form of technology in their preparedness plans.  It should be remembered however, that being too reliant on technology in a crisis is a potential problem in itself - self-reliance, skills and knowledge are the backbone of any prepping strategy, so always bear this in mind.

Essential Apps for Preppers

• Weather Apps: Apps like AccuWeather or the Weather Channel provide real-time weather updates and alerts, crucial for preparing for and responding to extreme weather events.
• Emergency Alert Apps: FEMA and Red Cross apps offer alerts, emergency advice, and resources, making them must-haves for any prepper’s smartphone.
• Offline Maps and Navigation: Apps like Google Maps allow for downloading maps for offline use, an essential feature when venturing into areas with poor mobile phone reception.
• Preparedness Inventory Apps:  Apps such as the Bug Our Bag Survival Guide are excellent ways to ensure your know what essentials to pack in your bug out bag, including what needs replacing or renewing.

• First Aid and Medical Reference Apps: Apps like the American Red Cross First Aid app provide valuable medical information and step-by-step guides for emergency care.

• Foraging Apps:  With over 200 edible plants in the UK, foraging can be an excellent way of adding valuable nutrients and sustenance to your diet in survival situations. Apps such as PlantNet or iNaturalist are ideal tools for identifying plants that are safe to eat.  For further information about Foraging we suggest you read the article Foraging Guide.

Gadgets Enhancing Prepping Efforts

• Solar Chargers and Power Banks: Portable solar chargers and power banks ensure that your devices stay charged during power outages or off-grid adventures.

• Water Purification Gadgets: Devices like the LifeStraw or SteriPEN use advanced technology to purify water, a vital resource in any emergency situation.

• Emergency Radios: Hand-crank or solar-powered radios, such as the Eton Scorpion II, keep you connected to vital news and weather updates in any situation.

• Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs): For those venturing into remote areas, PLBs like the ACR ResQLink can be life-saving, providing a direct line to search and rescue teams in emergencies.

Digital prepping – ensuring your digital presence and data are secure and prepared for emergencies – has become an essential aspect of modern-day preparedness.

• Cybersecurity: Utilizing VPNs, secure passwords, and backing up data are crucial steps in protecting your digital life.

• Digital Document Storage: Keeping digital copies of important documents on secure cloud services or encrypted drives is a modern prepping essential.

Smart home devices and IoT (Internet of Things) technology offer innovative ways to monitor and secure your home. Smart security systems, smoke detectors, and leak sensors add an extra layer of safety, especially important in times of crisis.

In emergency situations, maintaining communication is key. Technologies like satellite phones, ham radios, and messaging apps that work without cellular service (like Bridgefy) are important tools. Remember that during disasters, traditional communication networks can fail, making alternative communication methods like ham radios invaluable.

Drones are becoming valuable tools in search and rescue operations, able to cover large areas and reach places that are difficult for humans to access.  In certain disaster scenarios, being able to investigate the surrounding area without having to physically venture out could be to your advantage.

The internet provides access to a wealth of prepping resources. Online courses, forums, and social media groups offer platforms for learning and sharing knowledge. Websites like Udemy and Coursera offer courses on emergency preparedness, survival skills, and self-sufficiency.

Emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR) for emergency training, AI for risk assessment, and blockchain for supply chain transparency are set to further revolutionize prepping.

As with so many aspects our lives, the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence will result in the integration of AI and machine learning in personal safety, emergency response, communication and preparedness.

While technology offers incredible tools for preppers, it’s crucial to balance high-tech solutions with traditional prepping methods. Skills like wilderness survival, basic first aid, and self-sufficiency remain as important as ever.  Remember that technology is a tool, not a replacement for traditional preparedness skills.  Technology is dependent on not just personal power supply, but full scale communication infrastructure, which is significantly likely to be impaired in many types of emergency and crisis.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating technology into prepping strategies provides numerous advantages, from enhanced information and communication capabilities to innovative gadgets that can make a significant difference in survival and comfort. As technology continues to evolve, its role in prepping becomes increasingly integral, offering new and improved ways to prepare for and respond to emergencies. However, it's important to maintain a balance, ensuring that traditional skills and knowledge are not overshadowed by our reliance on digital tools, as these may well fail in a crisis. By combining the best of both worlds, modern-day preppers can be well-equipped to face whatever challenges come their way.