I am of the opinion that the US is very far down the road of Civil War II. However, most people do not yet know it. Some are waking up to that fact, a few have been preparing for it.
To help yourself prepare, start with some simple things.
1 - get healthy - take care of those “little” surgeries that you have been putting off. Stop with the sugar and start exercising.
2 - weapons - more than just guns. It is different types of guns, improvised weapons, manufacturing of destructive devices, ammo reloading, weapons repair. You will need skills in this area as well.
3 - first aid - not only skills but set up a kit or perhaps even stock some supplies
4 - Water - learn how to purify and store water. You will need water before you will need food
5 - food - you dont have to get the latest MRE / camp food. Some extra cans each time you go shopping is a start. Consider investing in a vacuum sealer.
6 - defense - a bug out site is nice but lets face it, you will likely want to stay in your house. Unfortunately most home walls are not bullet resistant. Sand bags are heavy but can make a good first floor defense. You can buy 1,000 sandbags from www.sandbagstore.com for $260 ish. Protected from sunlight, these bags will last a really long time in storage.
7 - growing food - learn to garden and have the tools/knowledge on stand by. A small hobby garden now is good practice.
8 - finances - pay off debt, collect trade-ables (bic lighters, razors, soap, trash bags, toilet paper, etc) and for more direct barter, collect silver / gold coins
Survival is the art of not dying today.
One item often overlooked: human waste disposal. A small family produces a lot of human waste. which, if left unhandled will kill you. Gotta have a plan for that.
#1 should be move the hell away from any city
It’s Not a
Good Day to Die!