The Complete Book of Disaster Readiness

Do you have a complete survival plan? Do you know where to start toward setting one up? This book might help you get going.
by Leon Pantenburg
The most common question from beginners has got to be: "How do I get started being prepared for disasters?"
But there is no easy answer because of the tremendous variables among individuals. Generally, my suggestion is that the newcomer start by thinking about it.

For that, a good book may be the place to start. Unfortunately "Doomsday Preppers" and other shows have made preparedness and survivalism trendy, and that means everybody is going to get on the bandwagon. Many opportunists are looking to write a book and make a quick buck.
Recently, I read "The Prepper's Complete Book of Disaster Readiness" by Jim Cobb, and I was impressed with the quality, depth and broadness of information.
The book starts, as it should, with the idea of creating a survival mindset. Often this critical aspect of survival is glossed over or neglected. IMO, the mindset is absolutely critical to surviving anything, and Cobb devotes a good bit of space to this.
Cobb also offers sound advice on water storage, food, shelter home defense strategies, bug out plans, offsite survival retreats and wilderness survival skills. Most importantly, Cobb promotes coming up with a survival plan that will work for the individual.
Here's where the book shines:

• Survival kits: Nobody will ever agree on the best survival kit, nor should they. Each kit needs to be individualized, based on strengths and weaknesses. Cobb explores this topic thoroughly, and makes some sound suggestions. (Check out the survival kit videos.)

• Water: The discussion is thorough and detailed. There are no exotic or impractical methods of water gathering discussed, and the storage section is excellent.

• Food: The storage food topic has books written about it. Cobb's suggestions are very useful for a beginner to get started with. (View survival food videos.)

• Firearms: I am a gun enthusiast and hunter and love anything that goes boom. And I am thoroughly bored with detailed discussions about what firearm is the best preparedness choice. Cobb devotes an appropriate amount of space to this topic, and I agree completely with his choices.

Too many preparedness books make vague, unsubstantiated statements, have no credible references and publish lists lifted from Wikipedia or other internet sources. The info supplied should be viewed with skepticism.
Cobb's book is solid, and can help a newcomer establish a baseline for preparedness. It would make a good addition to a prepper's library, and would be a good gift for someone interested getting started in preparedness.
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