The 9 C’s of Preparedness
Preparedness doesn’t have to be complicated or extreme. Prep Tiny uses a simple framework — the 9 C’s — to organize what actually matters when building resilient systems for real life, across a wide range of living situations and practical constraints.
This framework isn’t about fear — it’s about capability.
Building the Framework
The 9 C's is our core system for home resilience. We are currently building out the detailed guides for each category to ensure every recommendation meets our standards for health, efficiency, and space-saving design. Check back as we activate new sections of the framework.
1. Calories
Food is foundational. Preparedness starts with enough calories to sustain energy, cognition, and morale—using shelf-stable, accessible foods that don’t require ideal conditions or excessive storage space.
Building a resilient pantry doesn't mean eating "survival food". We believe in prioritizing fresh, ideally organic ingredients and healthy daily habits, using a rotation-based system to ensure your shelf-stable alternatives are always high-quality and waste-free.
2. Clean Water
Water access and purification matter more than food in the short term. This includes stored water, filtration, treatment, and realistic plans for sourcing safe water when systems fail.
3. Cocoon
Shelter, warmth, and protection from the elements. Cocoon covers clothing, sleep systems, insulation, and the ability to maintain body temperature and safety in imperfect environments.
4. Capability
Tools are only useful if you can use them. Capability includes skills, training, physical readiness, and the confidence to adapt when plans break down.
5. Communication
The ability to receive and transmit information when normal channels fail. Radios, power, antennas, and situational awareness all live here.
6. Care
Medical, hygiene, and comfort needs — for yourself and others. This includes first aid, medications, sanitation, and maintaining health under stress.
7. Caution
Risk management and judgment. Avoiding preventable harm, recognizing bad situations early, and knowing when not to act.
8. Community
Preparedness is stronger when shared. Trusted people, mutual aid, and local knowledge matter more than isolated stockpiles.
9. Competence
The ability to integrate all the other C’s into functional systems. Planning, testing, learning, and improving over time — not just owning gear.