Letting other people know that you are a prepper may come with OPSEC risks, but when SHTF, being a lone wolf may not be the best option. Patrolling a perimeter 24/7 would be impossible on your own. It will also be difficult even with the help of your family if they are not trained to defend themselves. When SHTF, who will assist you if you are seriously injured? Who will help you do what's necessary to overcome a threat? Prepper networking in urban areas will not be easy, but having a mutual assistance group (MAG) can be beneficial.
Why network?
There are several advantages of being part of a survival network, such as:
Medical assistance. You already know basic first aid and CPR, but what if you're the one who needs help? When you're part of a network, you can rely on other people who possess the necessary medical training to provide you with assistance if you need it.
Security. Urban areas tend to have a dense population. When SHTF, people who are not adequately prepared could resort to looting. Survival will become a numbers game, as a group of looters will more likely target a home that is guarded by only one or two individuals. But if you are part of a MAG, you can work together to ensure the safety of everyone in your network. You'll also have access to more weapons and ammunition.
Financial support. Making bulk purchases then splitting the cost among the group will be cost-effective for everyone. If the group proves to be a success, you can even pool your money together and purchase a rural property as a bug-out retreat.
Varied Skill Set. Individuals come with their own expertise, be it hunting, raising livestock, or operating farming equipment. These skills can be used to contribute to the survival of the group.
Who should be in your network?
Someone trustworthy. It is normal to be guarded about your personal life, especially around people you've just met. If you're searching for people to build a prepping network with, look for signs of stability, like a person with solid friendships.
You should also keep an eye out for warning signs. Did the person out of nowhere ask you for money? Did they ask you to do something illegal with them? Do they have an addiction? Remember that every person in your group has to be someone you can rely on. If you do not feel comfortable entrusting your safety or your family's to that person, it may be best to consider other options.
Someone like-minded. Look for signs of what they believe in. If you know someone with an NRA sticker on their vehicle, you may want to approach them. You can start getting to know them by casually mentioning a hunting or survival show. Remember that you will spend a long time with people in your survival network if SHTF. If you do not get along or if your beliefs are far too different, move on before you find yourselves facing difficulties together. You can look for fellow preppers with a similar mindset at work, at church, among your neighbors, or in your hobby group.
Someone near you. Transportation could come at a standstill when SHTF, so it's best to have members who live near you. But if you know another prepper from a different state, keep in touch with them. You can exchange useful information with them, such as survival tips or places where you can bug out when SHTF.
Living in the city can make it difficult for preppers to find a good MAG, but it's not impossible; in fact, it's necessary. If you haven't started building a prepping community, you better get started before SHTF. (Related: Forging neighborhood relationships and alliances may be the only way to survive when SHTF.)
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