EJ Snyder, a seasoned survival expert and U.S. Army veteran, has gained prominence through various survival television shows such as “Naked and Afraid” and “Dual Survival.” With over 25 years of military experience, Snyder has dedicated his post-service life to educating others about emergency preparedness and survival skills. His new book, “Emergency Home Preparedness: The Ultimate Guide for Bugging In During Natural Disasters, Civil Unrest, and More,” encapsulates his wealth of knowledge. He considers his calling as a way to instill confidence in people facing emergencies, believing that adequate preparation can significantly improve one’s situation during a crisis. Snyder is also the executive VP of SurvivalMastery.co, an online platform aimed at teaching self-sufficiency skills, which speaks to his overarching mission of empowering individuals.
Snyder’s fascination with survival preparation began in childhood after a near-disastrous experience of getting lost while following his father back to camp during a winter outing. That formative moment instilled in him the importance of preparation, which he later reaffirmed through various survival courses during his military service, including as an instructor for Ranger students at the U.S. Army’s SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) School. His motivation for preparedness intensified during the Y2K scare, leading him to create plans for food storage and emergency supplies. These personal experiences ultimately shaped his conviction that being well-prepared can help save lives, especially during crises like natural disasters.
Snyder has faced several emergencies firsthand, which further cemented his beliefs about preparedness. For instance, he recounted a blizzard incident in upstate New York that left him and his young son stranded in their vehicle. Equipped with a winter survival kit and following his prior training, Snyder kept calm, used blankets to retain warmth, and even created a candle for additional heat. Eventually, he led his son on a trek through the snow to safety and reached a farmhouse to call for help. This experience demonstrated not only the value of preparedness but also the need for clear thinking and adherence to a pre-planned strategy during dire situations. He emphasizes the necessity of practicing escape routes and having contingency plans, such as the “PACE” plan—Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency.
In today’s unpredictable world, Snyder identifies various scenarios for which individuals need to be prepared, including natural disasters, pandemics, civil unrest, and potential active shooter situations. He advocates for thorough planning and rehearsing emergency procedures to ensure everyone knows what to do when disaster strikes. Importantly, Snyder believes that being prepared for emergencies should go beyond the standard advice of stocking supplies for only 72 hours; instead, he suggests preparing for at least 90 days, allowing room for neighbors and unexpected visitors who may need help. This proactive approach not only extends safety but also fosters a sense of community during prolonged emergencies.
An essential part of Snyder’s survival strategy involves comprehensive food and water preparedness. He recommends building a robust food supply consisting of nutrient-rich survival foods, meals ready-to-eat (MREs), preserved canned and dry goods, and even ancestral food sources like heirloom seeds for sustainability. Water storage is equally critical, and Snyder recommends using five-gallon jugs, 55-gallon barrels for rainwater collection, and efficient water purification systems. His emphasis on basic preparedness reinforces the notion that the absence of advanced technology or electricity shouldn’t inhibit one from being self-sufficient. He advises always thinking of practical ways to manage resources and having tradable items on hand in case of economic collapse or societal breakdown.
Lastly, Snyder wraps up his advice by highlighting the importance of health and fitness in emergency preparedness. He emphasizes having adequate medical supplies tailored to individual health needs, ensuring everyone is equipped to address minor injuries, and even being proficient in basic first aid skills such as suturing. The overall message Snyder conveys is that preparation extends beyond supplies; it requires a mindset focused on resilience and the ability to adapt. In a world marked by uncertainty, he encourages individuals not to succumb to fear but rather to transform that fear into a motivating force for proactive planning and action. By mastering these skills and maintaining an awareness of one’s surroundings, anyone can be better positioned to navigate emergencies effectively.