50 Preparedness Acronyms And Terms: A Guide For Crisis Situations
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the language of preparedness? Do acronyms like BOB and BIB leave you scratching your head?
In today’s uncertain world, being prepared for crises is more important than ever, but deciphering the jargon can be challenging. That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the most common acronyms and terms used in preparedness.
Whether you’re a seasoned prepper or just getting started, understanding these key concepts can make all the difference in an emergency. From bug out bags to bug in plans, we’ll walk you through the basics of emergency evacuation and survival gear and supplies.
So strap in and get ready to empower yourself with the knowledge you need to protect yourself and your loved ones in a crisis.
Key Acronyms and Prepping Terms
You may feel like a fish out of water when you first encounter acronyms like G.O.O.D. and Teotwaki but don’t worry, they’re just a small part of the key acronyms and terms you need to know to be prepared for SHTF situations.
- BCP – Bug-Out Plan: A detailed plan outlining steps to take in an emergency or disaster.
- BDU – Battle Dress Uniform: A type of military uniform worn by personnel in combat situations.
- BOB – Bug-Out Bag: A portable kit containing essential items to sustain an individual for approximately 72 hours during an emergency or disaster.
- BOL – Bug-Out Location: A predetermined location where a prepper plans to go in the event of a disaster or evacuation.
- BOL/BOV – Bug-Out Location/Vehicle: A vehicle specifically prepared and stocked to facilitate evacuation during an emergency.
- BOLTH – Bug-Out Location, Temporary Housing: A temporary location used as a base during an evacuation or crisis.
- BOR – Bug-Out Route: A planned and mapped route to be taken during an evacuation.
- Bugging In – Staying at home during a crisis and relying on stocked supplies and fortified defenses.
- Bugging Out – Leaving one’s home or current location due to an immediate threat or danger.
- C3 – Command, Control, and Communications: Refers to the organizational structure and systems used to coordinate operations.
- CBRN – Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear: Pertaining to potential hazards or threats involving these types of agents.
- CBRNE – Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive: Refers to hazards or threats involving these categories of agents.
- CME – Coronal Mass Ejection: A massive burst of solar wind and magnetic fields that can disrupt electronics and power grids.
- CQC – Close Quarters Combat: A combat style focusing on engagements at short distances, typically within buildings or tight spaces.
- EDC – Everyday Carry: The items a person carries daily for emergency or survival purposes.
- EMP – Electromagnetic Pulse: A burst of electromagnetic energy that can disrupt or damage electronic devices and infrastructure.
- EOTW – End Of The World: Refers to a catastrophic event leading to the end of civilization or humanity.
- G.O.O.D. – Get Out Of Dodge: To evacuate or leave a dangerous or threatening location.
- GHB – Get Home Bag: A compact bag containing essential items to help someone get home during an emergency or disaster.
- GSW – Gunshot Wound: An injury resulting from a gunshot or bullet penetration.
- HAM – Amateur Radio Operator: A licensed individual who operates ham radios for emergency communication.
- IAP – Immediate Action Plan: A set of predetermined actions to respond to a specific emergency or threat.
- IED – Improvised Explosive Device: A homemade bomb or explosive device typically used by terrorists or guerilla groups.
- IFAK – Individual First Aid Kit: A compact medical kit designed to treat injuries and medical emergencies.
- INCH – I’m Never Coming Home: A plan or strategy for long-term survival away from one’s primary residence.
- LIFO – Last In, First Out: A system of organizing supplies or inventory where the newest items are used or consumed first.
- MILSPEC – Military Specification: Standards and specifications set by the military for equipment, gear, and supplies.
- MOLLE – Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment: A webbing system and pouches for attaching gear to tactical vests and backpacks.
- MOPP – Mission-Oriented Protective Posture: A system used by the military to establish levels of protection against chemical and biological threats.
- MRE – Meal, Ready-to-Eat: A self-contained individual field ration used by the military and preppers.
- NBC – Nuclear, Biological, Chemical: Refers to potential threats or hazards involving these agents.
- NVG – Night Vision Goggles: Optical devices that enhance vision in low-light or nighttime conditions.
- OP – Observation Post: A strategic location to observe and gather intelligence about a particular area or situation.
- OPSEC – Operational Security: Measures taken to protect one’s identity, plans, and activities from potential threats or adversaries.
- PERK – Primary Emergency Resource Kit: A comprehensive emergency survival kit.
- PFD – Personal Flotation Device: A life jacket or buoyancy aid worn to keep a person afloat in water.
- POU – Point of Use: The specific location where a resource or item is utilized or accessed.
- PPE – Personal Protective Equipment: Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards, such as masks, gloves, and goggles.
- RTFM – Read The Fucking Manual: A humorous acronym advising someone to read and follow the instructions or manual.
- SHTF – Shit Hits The Fan: Refers to a catastrophic event or situation.
- SITREP – Situation Report: A concise report providing an overview of the current situation.
- SNAFU – Situation Normal: All Fucked Up: Describes a chaotic or disastrous situation.
- TCCC – Tactical Combat Casualty Care: A set of protocols for providing medical treatment in combat.
- TEOTWAWKI – The End Of The World As We Know It: Describes a widespread disaster or collapse scenario.
- TSHTF – The Shit Hits The Fan: Similar to SHTF, indicating the onset of a major crisis.
- UTM – Universal Transverse Mercator: A coordinate system to locate positions on Earth’s surface.
- VHF/UHF – Very High Frequency/Ultra High Frequency: Radio frequencies commonly used for communication in various situations.
- WROL – Without Rule of Law: Describes a situation where the normal legal framework has broken down, and society is in anarchy.
- WROL – Without Rule Of Law: Refers to a situation where law enforcement and the judicial system are no longer functional.
- WTSHTF – When The Shit Hits The Fan: Similar to SHTF, indicating the onset of a major crisis.
Emergency Evacuation
If you need to leave your home during an emergency quickly, the best practice is to pack a bug-out bag (B.O.B) with essential items. This includes medical supplies, water, weapons, and survival gear. A B.O.B. can help prepare you for the evacuation and provide peace of mind in a crisis.
When packing your B.O.B., it’s important to consider the necessary gear and supplies. ALICE backpacks are a great option because they distribute weight evenly. Additionally, MOLLE systems provide modular storage and compartments for organization.
It’s also important to include emergency food options such as MREs and combat rations, but avoiding GMOs in your food supplies is best. Lastly, having a bug-out vehicle (BOV) can help quickly transport you and your supplies to a safe location.
Being prepared for an emergency evacuation can increase your chances of survival in a crisis situation.
Survival Gear and Supplies
Stocking up on survival gear and supplies is like building a fortress against the unknown, ensuring you have the necessary tools to face whatever challenges come your way.
Essential survival gear includes a B.O.B. or bug-out bag containing medical supplies, water, weapons, and survival gear. A B.I.B. or bug-in bag is also important for staying in place during an emergency and should be stocked with enough food and water to last at least 72 hours.
MREs and combat rations are good emergency food options, but you should avoid GMOs should be avoided in emergency food supplies.
Water is the most important item in a survival situation, so make sure to have a way to purify water, such as a water filter or purification tablets.
In addition to food and water supply, it’s also important to have the right tools for shelter building, fire starting, and self-defense.
A Faraday cage can protect electronics from an EMP, and a Ham radio license or crank radio can be used for communication during a crisis.
Always remember that FEMA and the American Red Cross may be unable to help during a crisis, so it’s up to you to be prepared with the right gear and supplies.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’re now armed with the knowledge of some of the most important acronyms and terms in preparedness. Understanding these concepts can mean the difference between life and death in times of crisis.
By having a bug-out bag, bug-in bag, or bug-out vehicle, you’re already one step ahead regarding being prepared for emergencies.
Being prepared is not just about having the right gear and supplies. It’s also about planning and knowing what to do in different scenarios.
Whether it’s an emergency evacuation or a situation where you must hunker down and wait it out, clearly understanding your options can help you stay calm and make informed decisions.
Stay safe and stay prepared!
