Another view of prepping by "categories": the pyramid.

[sellersm]

This follows along with another article I posted, which discusses, at a very high-level, a plan for preparing. This article uses the pyramid approach, analogous to the pyramid of Maslow's hierarchy of needs: http://www.dailycollapsereport.com/prepper-advice-and-tips-to-help-you-prep-better/

[TheGrey]

This is a great idea. Our pyramid, like many others (I suspect) is kind of upside-down at the moment. :)

It makes sense to arrange these in the hierarchy of needs; especially f you're just starting out with prepping.

[Great-Kazoo]

The reply mentioning the LF (limiting factor) plays a major part of any prepping. Having 10, 55 gal barrels of water is great, Providing you stay put. If forced to become mobile, you're SOL as a few people we know would be. Nice water storage, how many portable units you have? Um.......... 1

[hatidua]

While I have the necessities covered at home, I've begun to think that my approach is lopsided. Of the various events I've encountered in the past 50 years (tsunamis & earthquakes in the Philippines, vocanoes/earthquakes/tsunami's in Indonesia, hurricanes in NC/GA/FL, fires/floods in CO), I'm starting to think that a more realistic approach is utilizing the get-out-of-dodge kit vs the stay-&-hold approach. While I have contingencies for both, the more likely solution seems to be the less glamorous - LEAVE.

As I think back to each of the above situations, not a single one benefitted from paracord, an ESEE knife, Aimpoint T-1, or duct-tape.

Stored water and work gloves? -those were worth something!

[YammyMonkey]

The first comment (as of tonight) after the article about the Limiting Factor was well thought out.

While I think the article is a decent breakdown of a prepper's potential hierarchy of needs, the original, when viewed through the eyes of someone with preparedness in mind, will be much more holistic. I'm afraid that most people, when trying to prepare, fail to look beyond their own home. As you can see below, all of the levels can and will be affected by the community you're surrounded with. As you work your way up Maslow's hierarchy, you become more dependent on others to fulfill those needs with you.

Even Gordon Gecko wouldn't be able to self-actualize without other people.

For reference, the original Hierarchy of Needs, from his "A Theory of Human Motivation" paper (1943) is as follows:

1- Physiological
2- Safety
3- Love/Belonging
4- Esteem
5- Self-actualization