Just a few years ago, some people mocked emergency preparation. They found it weird that anyone would spend time, money, and energy stocking up and getting ready for disasters or emergencies.

That was before the world spun out of control…

In the spirit of sharing a chuckle, today we’re posting our 25 favorite survival memes. We hope they bring a smile to your face.

1. I’ll Choose Preparedness over Optimism

 

Water is essential in a crisis, but most Americans don’t have extra on hand for emergencies. According to AP News, “Out of the more than 1,000 people polled, 78 percent of respondents didn’t have enough water and/or canned goods at the start of quarantine to adequately meet their needs. Among 18 to 34-year-olds, it was even higher: 88 percent.”

2. Leave No Meat Behind

 

The same people laughing at this guy will be the ones running his way when disaster strikes. If you’d rather not haul a deer on a bike, stock up on a Meat and Protein Kit.

3. He Didn’t Get the Grab-and-Go Message

 

We love that this guy took the initiative to pack a bug-out bag, but he may have added a few too many items to make it easy enough to “grab and go.”

4. Listen to Your Grandparents

 

We know that history repeats itself, so it is wise to learn from the past. The recent supply chain issues have shown everyone what our grandparents learned—the importance of self-sufficiency.

5. Who Can Forget the Toilet Paper Hoarding of 2020?

 

At the start of the pandemic, people began panic-buying toilet paper. Survivalists didn’t feel the same sense of “panic” because they already had the essentials stocked. Smart bunch. 

6. Now That’s a Scary Thought

 

It’s no surprise that some people lack common sense—and that’s not to mention government shortcomings in emergencies. Rather than depending on others in a disaster, take steps to care for yourself and your family.

7. Harsh, but Wise

 

While we are in full support of helping your family and community during a disaster, we also advise that you keep your preps to yourself as much as possible. That’s why we ship our products in unmarked boxes.

It’s generally wise not to share the steps you have taken to prepare with the world. This could put your family in a dangerous position if things get bad. People might seek out your skills and supplies—and may go to extreme measures in their desperation to get them. 

8. Where Can I Get a Pair?

 

It’s hard to go off the radar these days with all the GPS tools available. Turn off GPS and put on a pair of these boots—we figure they’ll fool anyone tracking you. 

9. It’s Scary Because It’s True

 

We’ve all watched in dismay when people fight over televisions on Black Friday, but the truth is that this same extreme behavior will happen when grocery stores are empty or the grid goes down. Stock up on food and hide your supplies!

10. Don’t Broadcast Your Good Fortune

 

They might have laughed at the solar-powered charger you invested in, but who’s laughing now? Recommend one to your friends and family so they won’t come for yours.

11. Be Like the Fox

 

Sometimes you want to stand out, but in an emergency, it’s best to blend in. Learning how to act as a “gray man” may be the key to your survival.

[Related Read: Why Becoming a Gray Man May Save Your Life]

12. The Last One Standing

 

True freedom comes from attaining a certain level of self-reliance. This person’s level is extreme… but again, who’s laughing now?

13. Teach Your Kids Basic Preparedness Skills

 

Kids need to learn basic preparedness skills, such as how to navigate without their phones, start a fire, and build a shelter. We never know if or when we will have our own “Castaway” situation.

[Related Read: Survival Lessons We Can Glean from Castaway]

14. Like Rats in a Wheel

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: food is freedom!

15. A Novel… or a Crystal Ball? 

Have you heard that the more things change, the more they stay the same? Well, this book proves it. The real genius of Nineteen Eighty-Four is that even though it was penned just months after World War II, it still reads like it was written yesterday. 

16. Round Two 

There’s a reason we still use the word “Orwellian” to describe tyranny. 

17. It’s Not What’s in Your Bag, It’s How You Use It!

If TV survivalists have taught us one thing, it’s that an educated prepper can do more with a clod of dirt than a “snowflake” can do with a million dollars’ worth of gear. 

18. Survival Skills? Kids Will NEVER Need Those…

Nothing against trigonometry, but it won’t help keep the house warm, mouths fed, and socks dry when the world goes sideways. 

19. The Lifeblood of Our Republic

Just ask the folks up in Canada: life stops when truckers do! Do you like all the food at the grocery store? The gas in your car? The medicine keeping you healthy? Thank a truck driver for ALL of it. 

20. #MarryUp

There are a lot of signs that you punched above your class when it comes to marriage, but here’s one that gets overlooked: a pantry full of emergency food. The more the better, bring it on! 

21. Don’t Take Our Word for It

If you’ve ever had second thoughts about relying on the government for your well-being, you’re not alone. The greatest economist of the 20th century happens to agree with you. 

22. Everything Old Is New Again

We have a feeling that if everyone in the world listened to their grandmothers, we wouldn’t be in the mess we’re in today. 

23. We’ll Drink to That!

Panic buying is not preparedness! It is a reaction, and sadly, an ineffective one. 

24. Gives a New Meaning to “Disaster” 

Someone get this man a Kleenex! And tell him his milk is going to spoil once the power goes out. Yikes! 

25. Nope… Just NOPE 

 

Let’s wrap things up with a meme that says it all. Folks who don’t prep—the same ones who’ve been rolling their eyes at us for years—are stuck in what’s called “magical thinking.” That’s the idea people have… that happy thoughts can somehow materially influence the world.

Magical thinking is the demise of readiness. It’s that little voice in your head that says everything will be OK, even if you do nothing to protect yourself.

No matter what others say, keep on preparing, friends! It’s paid off in the past, and it will pay off again. 

Stay alert, friends. We hope you enjoyed a lighter moment today. 

In liberty,

Elizabeth Anderson

Preparedness Advisor, My Patriot Supply