Watching those “prepper” reality shows on television takes me into a fantasy world. I’m certain some of the things I see are exaggerated, or at least highlighted, to make good television. It seems like those people don’t live in the real world – like they have checked out. Maybe I would like to do that, someday, but right now that just isn’t happening.

Me? I live in a ranch-style house on a moderately sized lot in a suburban subdivision. I don’t have room to stockpile tons of food for long-term storage. I can’t dig a well or put up a windmill. Burying a bomb shelter is out of the question. And while I suppose I could put up a heavy wrought iron fence and install an extensive surveillance system, it might draw a little too much attention.

But those of us in the suburbs and cities need to be prepared just as much as those preppers out in the country. When a disaster hits, whether man-made or natural, we need food, water and other supplies on hand. We need to know what to do to protect ourselves and our families.

How do you do this on a budget? How do you do this with limited space? What are the essentials, and how do you get started? How does a real, everyday person approach this real, somewhat intimidating issue?

We will explore that here. Look around, read, and then share your ideas. With some thought, planning and a little effort you can become a real, everyday prepper.