A to Z Challenge: DIY

Learning to do things yourself is very important when you're in an emergency situation. When everybody's thinking about their own well-being, they're less likely to come out to you to help you fix problems on your homestead. It is a good idea to learn a little bit about everything that you own. 

You should learn how your septic system works. You should learn a little bit about electricity and how your electrical system runs. You should be able to fix small wiring issues throughout your home. You should be able to build power supplies and windmills and turbines of some sort. These skills are invaluable when no one else can provide you with that kind of power.

You should learn how to trap and skin animals. If you can't get your meat from the grocery store you should be able to find it in your backyard. If you live in an urban area you should probably own chickens or rabbits. They will provide you with meat and eggs for several years if you plan things right.

Most people have tried gardening but to provide enough food for your family you need to be efficient at it. You have to be able to grow the plants that will sustain you through all seasons of the year. Know what will grow in late fall and know how to prepare and can your vegetables so they will help you survive the winter time. If you can't get these items at a grocery store these skills will come in handy.

Be able to make repairs to your home. Know how to fix a leak on your roof that way when it rains you're not sitting in a house that's getting wet. Know how to cut down trees that are threatening to fall on your property. These things can become a danger if you let them go and not having outside help will put your family at risk.

Learn how to do proper maintenance to your vehicle. It is a good idea to have a car that is simple enough for you to be able to make repairs to it. Have extra parts to replace like the water pump or the fuel filter and extra parts to make regular oil changes to your car. You should have spare tires and extra rims in case you damage your car on your homestead.

Hone your carpentry skills so you can build extra buildings onto your property. Learn how to build underground shelters and find ways to make enhancements that will increase the quality of your family's life in emergency situation.