The Prepper and Amish Living for Survival

In our fast-paced world, the thought of living without electricity, gas, automobiles, and modern conveniences may seem like a distant memory of a bygone era. Yet, for the Amish community, this is not just a way of life but a deliberate choice to maintain simplicity, self-sufficiency, and close-knit community ties. For preppers—those who prepare for disaster or catastrophic events—there's a wealth of knowledge to be gleaned from the Amish way of living.

A Day in the Life of the Amish

The Amish day begins early, often before sunrise. The morning chores set the rhythm of their day, encompassing tasks like milking cows, feeding livestock, and collecting eggs. Unlike most of us, who rely heavily on machines, the Amish depend on manual labor and animal power, cultivating a deep connection with the land and their animals.

1. Farming and Food Production

The Amish are masterful farmers. Without the use of modern machinery, they rely on horse-drawn plows and traditional farming methods. Their fields are lush with a variety of crops, including corn, wheat, and vegetables, which are cultivated to provide food throughout the year. Preservation methods such as canning, drying, and fermenting are essential to ensure a steady supply of food during the winter months.

2. Homemaking and Domestic Skills

Inside the home, Amish women excel in domestic skills that have been passed down through generations. Cooking from scratch, baking bread, making butter, and sewing clothing are daily activities. Homes are typically simple, yet meticulously maintained, with a focus on functionality and efficiency. Quilting is not just a practical skill but also an artistic expression, creating beautiful, warm quilts that are used daily.

3. Community and Cooperation

The Amish community is bound by strong social ties. Barn raisings are a perfect example of this cooperation, where the entire community comes together to build a barn in a day. This sense of community extends to their social lives, with gatherings for worship, weddings, and communal meals being central to their way of life. Without modern distractions, the Amish invest heavily in their relationships and community bonds.

Lessons for Preppers

For preppers, the Amish lifestyle offers valuable insights into living self-sufficiently and sustainably in the face of potential disasters. Here are some key lessons:

1. Self-Reliance and Skills

The Amish possess a wide array of skills that make them self-reliant. From farming to carpentry to sewing, these skills ensure they can meet their own needs without external help. Preppers can benefit from learning and practicing such skills, ensuring they can provide for themselves and their families when modern conveniences are unavailable.

2. Food Storage and Preservation

The Amish's approach to food storage is exemplary. They maintain well-stocked pantries and root cellars filled with home-canned goods, dried fruits, and vegetables. Preppers should emulate these practices by learning how to preserve food through canning, drying, and fermenting. This not only ensures a reliable food supply but also reduces dependence on outside resources.

3. Community and Cooperation

The sense of community among the Amish is a powerful asset. In times of crisis, having a network of like-minded individuals can provide support, resources, and security. Preppers should focus on building strong relationships within their communities, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual aid.

4. Simplicity and Resourcefulness

The Amish lifestyle is marked by simplicity and resourcefulness. They make do with what they have and find innovative solutions to problems without relying on modern technology. Preppers can adopt this mindset by learning to use and repurpose materials creatively, minimizing waste, and maximizing utility.

Top 10 Amish Staples for Daily Survival

1. Hand Tools: Essential for farming, woodworking, and repairs. These include plows, saws, hammers, and axes.

2. Horse and Buggy: Primary mode of transportation, showcasing the importance of animal power in the absence of automobiles.

3. Canning Supplies: Jars, lids, and pressure canners for preserving fruits, vegetables, and meats.

4. Cast Iron Cookware: Durable and versatile, used for cooking over open flames or wood stoves.

5. Sewing Supplies: Needles, thread, fabric, and patterns for making and mending clothing.

6. Manual Kitchen Tools: Hand-crank mixers, grinders, and graters for food preparation without electricity.

7. Oil Lamps and Candles: Provide lighting after sunset, emphasizing the importance of alternative light sources.

8. Herbal Remedies: A stock of medicinal herbs and knowledge of natural remedies for health care.

9. Root Cellar: An underground storage space for keeping vegetables and fruits fresh throughout the year.

10. Wood Stove: Central to heating the home and cooking, highlighting the importance of a reliable heat source.

Bridging the Gap: Amish Wisdom for Modern Preppers

For preppers, adopting an Amish-inspired approach can significantly enhance their readiness for disaster scenarios. Here are some practical steps to bridge the gap between modern living and Amish wisdom:

1. Learn Traditional Skills: Take classes or find resources on traditional skills like farming, canning, sewing, and carpentry. These skills are invaluable in a self-sufficient lifestyle.

2. Build a Community Network: Connect with like-minded individuals in your area. Join or form prepper groups, attend local farming or homesteading workshops, and create a support network that can be relied upon in times of need.

3. Practice Resourcefulness: Challenge yourself to live with less and make do with what you have. This could mean repurposing old items, repairing rather than replacing, and finding creative solutions to everyday problems.

4. Focus on Food Security: Start a garden, learn how to can and preserve food, and build a pantry stocked with essentials. Food security is a cornerstone of both Amish and prepper lifestyles.

5. Embrace Simplicity: Reduce reliance on technology and modern conveniences. Spend more time engaging in hands-on activities, connecting with nature, and building meaningful relationships.

By observing the Amish and adopting aspects of their lifestyle, preppers can cultivate resilience and self-sufficiency. The key is to focus on skill-building, community, and a resourceful, can-do attitude. In doing so, not only will preppers be better prepared for potential disasters, but they may also find greater fulfillment in the simplicity and richness of a life lived closer to the land and each other.