he world of preparedness, much of the conversation revolves around families, communities, and groups working together to weather emergencies. But what if it’s just you? The solo prepper faces unique challenges—staying secure without backup, managing resources efficiently, and ensuring all essential skills are covered without a support system. In a recent interview on the Dr. Virga Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Lindy Bryant, founder of Northwoods of Idaho, to discuss her work in emergency preparedness and the importance of planning for those who may be facing disasters alone.
Meet Lindy Bryant
Lindy’s journey into preparedness began long before she launched Northwoods of Idaho. Growing up in a rural area outside of Indianapolis, she learned the importance of self-sufficiency early on—raising livestock, gardening, hunting, and preserving food. Her experiences in the military, where she commanded an aircraft maintenance squadron and worked in disaster response logistics, solidified her passion for preparedness. Today, she runs Northwoods of Idaho, providing individuals, families, and small businesses with the tools and knowledge needed to handle emergencies effectively.
The Solo Prepper’s Guide to Preparedness
One of Lindy’s standout contributions to the preparedness community is her book, The Single Person’s Guide to Preparedness. Many associate prepping with protecting a family, but solo preppers must navigate preparedness with a different mindset. In our conversation, Lindy outlined key considerations for those living alone:
Security: You can’t stay awake 24/7. Solo preppers must rely on force multipliers such as motion sensor lights, cameras, dogs, and neighborhood awareness.
Supply Management: Buying in bulk isn’t always practical for a single person. Knowing how much food, water, and resources you realistically need is crucial.
Community Building: While self-sufficiency is essential, having a network of like-minded individuals can fill gaps in skills and provide mutual aid when needed.
Situational Awareness: Lindy stressed the importance of personal security, operational security (OPSEC), cybersecurity, and physical security.
She also touched on the realities of living in shared spaces, restrictions on preparedness in urban areas, and how mobility challenges (such as caring for elderly family members) change preparedness strategies.
The Do-It-Yourself Grab and Go Binder
Another one of Lindy’s incredible contributions to preparedness is her DIY Grab and Go Binder. It’s a streamlined way to keep all essential documents in one place, ensuring quick access in case of an emergency. Some key points about the binder include:
Emergency Evacuation Planning: If you only have five minutes to evacuate, you need to know what to grab. The binder includes checklists to help prioritize actions based on time constraints.
Essential Documents: Copies of IDs, medical records, insurance, and important contacts should be stored both physically (in a fireproof and waterproof binder) and digitally (on encrypted USB drives).
Inventory & Insurance Protection: A complete record of possessions, including photos and videos, can be invaluable when filing insurance claims after a disaster.
Survival in a Bottle: A Compact Emergency Kit
One of the most exciting products Lindy has developed is Survival in a Bottle—a compact survival kit housed in a stainless-steel water bottle. There are three variations: Urban Stash, Backcountry Cache, and Everyday Carry (EDC). Each kit contains essential survival items such as flashlights, emergency blankets, multi-tools, first aid supplies, and more.
The Urban Stash is ideal for those living in cities, including a power bank to keep phones charged. The Backcountry Cache features a water filter straw and a durable spork for those who spend time in remote areas. The EDC Kit is a budget-friendly option with all the essentials for daily use.
Emergency Communication for Preppers
A critical aspect of preparedness that Lindy and I discussed was emergency communication. While ham radio is a great tool for long-range communication, not everyone wants to invest the time in getting licensed. Lindy recommends GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios as a beginner-friendly alternative. For just $35, you can obtain an FCC license that covers your entire family for ten years.
In many communities, GMRS radio networks serve as local emergency communication hubs. For example, in Priest River, Idaho, a community GMRS net allows residents to check in weekly, share local news, and coordinate in case of disasters.
Building a Preparedness Community
One of the biggest challenges preppers face is finding like-minded individuals to build a network. Lindy suggests looking into local gardening clubs, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) programs, county extension offices, and other community-driven initiatives. Connecting with others who share an interest in preparedness can lead to valuable skill-sharing and mutual support.
Final Thoughts
Preparedness isn’t about paranoia—it’s about being proactive. Whether you live alone or with a family, taking steps to secure your home, build a support network, and prepare for emergencies can make all the difference. Lindy’s work with Northwoods of Idaho provides essential guidance for those looking to take control of their own safety and resilience.
For more information on Lindy’s books, grab-and-go binders, and survival kits, visit Northwoods of Idaho.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember—preparedness is a journey, not a destination.
Listen to the Full Interview
Catch my full conversation with Lindy Bryant on the Dr. Virga Podcast for even more insights into solo prepping, emergency preparedness, and the importance of community support.
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