Showing posts with label Prepping Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prepping Tips. Show all posts

Thursday, February 1, 2018

Magnetic Poles Shifting Soon?

Scientists continue to point towards a potential magnetic pole shift in our near future.


What Does That Mean?


Every 200,000 to 300,000 years, the earth's magnetic poles switch causing our magnetic field to weaken. The magnetic field is what protects living things from UV Rays and dangerous cosmic rays. The last pole switch occurred 780,000 years ago so we are way past due.

The problem is that there is no agreement on what might happen to human life after this shift.

Some believe the effects will be minimal while many others are stating this could be the next extinction.

What is agreed upon is these solar storms can have dangerous effects on the systems we have come to depend on. Cell phones and even the electricity entering our homes may suddenly stop working.

This might not sound like a big deal on face value but after numerous government studies, it's widely accepted now that today's human population would not survive very long without electricity. The conclusion being 95% of humans would perish in the first year without electricity.


What Should You Do? 


Preparing for a pole switch isn't much different than preparing for any other disaster. You're mostly preparing for an extended period without electricity.

That means clean water, lights, fire starting material, food, medication, transportation, bug out plans, etc.

Having a plan in place will prevent panic within your home if an emergency like this occurs.

Keep on prepping!


Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Don't Be Like Everyone Else!

It truly is terrifying to look around in a crowded public place and realize you might be the only one fully aware of your surroundings. 

People are so enthralled into their daily rituals and phone checking to understand things can go south in a blink of an eye. Having your eyes up and watching what is going on could be the big difference between dying and surviving a sudden dangerous situation. 

I walk through Walmart and see people loading up their food carts. But it's only enough for the week. Why? It's so simple to slowly build up your emergency supplies now!

You don't have to go to the store and spend hundreds of dollars for supplies tonight. But at least buy a few extra items each time you're there. If you eat tuna, buy a couple extra cans. Maybe you like pickles. Buy two jars instead of one this time. 

Those few extra items will add up to a large stockpile. A larger stockpile than your neighbors. 

Because I guarantee none of your neighbors are prepared! 

Don't find yourself in a nasty situation without any supplies. Don't find yourself looking back on today, realizing how easy it would have been. 

Don't put yourself in that situation. 

Keep on prepping!

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Going Beyond Canned Food

For most people, building up supplies typically means buying lots and lots of canned and dehydrated food with a 2 - 25yr shelf-life. This food is a necessity and will save your family's life in a disaster situation. 

However, there is a way to get beyond the canned food and give yourself a couple of good first few weeks to a month of yummy food.  

Before I start, I am not saying you should alter your canned food supplies at all. Canned food is what will allow you to survive longer than most in an extended disaster situation. Maintain your large supply of canned food and dehydrated food etc. I am just saying, maybe we can delay your reliance on what some call less-appetizing food choices. 

What we must realize here is most disaster situations will be for a much shorter period of time than expected. Meaning you might only need a couple of days to a week or two of supplies before help arrives. While we should always plan for the longest survival situation we can afford, your initial food supplies can have a shorter shelf-life because you will be storing items you eat on a regular basis. By having a regular rotation you will be eating the food and replenishing far before the actual expiration date. 

What you will be doing is buying extra of the items you normally buy in a grocery trip.  

My family loves crackers, potato chips, granola bars and cereal. These items all have a shorter shelf-life than canned food but they are still good for on average of 3-6 months after I've purchased them. I buy a couple of extra boxes and store them with my other supplies. Then I rotate them into my family's cupboards as we eat them and continue to buy new boxes when I return to the store. Thus replenishing my supplies and extending the final enjoy-by date. 

Storing familiar food items will not only create a happier atmosphere in a bad situation but it will also be easier on your stomach. Unless you are used to eating dehydrated and canned food regularly, this food will most-likely cause stomach issues. Nothing like tossing diarrhea on top of scary dire times. 

A list of items we keep on hand: 
Crackers, potato chips, granola bars, mashed potatoes (just add water), cookies, spaghetti (don't forget jars of sauce), other sweet treats, beef jerky, and pudding snack-pacs. 

Just check the expiration dates on your regular purchases and you'll develop your own list pretty quickly. 

Keep on prepping!

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Three States Warned of Potential Terrorist Attacks on Monday

If you live or will be visiting Texas, New York or Virginia next week, be vigilant and monitor your surroundings at all times. Any suspicious activity should be reported to authorities in order to prevent any potential attacks.

Even if you live furthest away from any of these states, I would not consider your area safe. Just because these states have been named does not mean there aren't other states in the scope of would-be terrorist attackers.

Protect yourself and your neighborhood. Do not casually rely on the FBI and Homeland Security to prevent attacks before they happen. Intelligence typically prevents these attacks but when the intelligence community warns us, we must be ready.

Keep on prepping!

Monday, October 24, 2016

Prepare for Cyber War

Cyber war may now be our single biggest threat heading into winter as attack allegations continue between US and Russia.

Russia continues to deny recent attacks on American websites including the DDOS attacks which interrupted sites like Twitter and Reddit on Friday. Jester, a powerful American vigilante hacker, has warned Russia against further attacks by hacking into their Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

While most of the recent attacks have been on Democratic platforms and aimed at interrupting Hillary Clinton running for President, you can bet the attacks will grow to affect every American. These acts cannot be condoned as it welcomes future foreign attacks on a system we rely on for survival.

Every system Americans have come to rely on is connected to the internet and is vulnerable to cyberattack. The electrical grid, water treatment plants, financial systems and nuclear power plants.
If you think our systems our impenetrable to an attack you will be one of the surprised sheep when it happens.

Prepare yourself for an extended interruption in our electrical grids or financial systems as foreign affairs continue to spiral into dangerous territory. Threats of war are usually just threats but we have now experienced direct attacks from a foreign government and it is time to be prepared for more extensive attacks.

Keep on prepping!


Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Why I Became a Prepper



Most of the population is not prepared for a disaster situation and I will admit I used to be one of them. I wasn't always attentive to my surroundings and the aware of the possibilities of our great country coming under attack.

When you think about it, it's easy to become reliant on the systems our government has put together for us. Electric, heat, food supply, clean water are all now necessary systems for the survival of the majority of US citizens.

US Congress once did a study and found that if the country were to lose the electrical grid, 98% of Americans would be dead within the first year because we wouldn't have access to food, water, medicine etc. You get the idea. 

I never thought about what would happen if those systems suddenly became interrupted. I never wondered what I would do if I couldn't drive down the road to the grocery store and replenish my food supply. Or what would happen if I turned on my faucet and no water came out. 

Disasters typically don't give us a heads-up that they're coming so that we can run to store and stock up on supplies. 

One day, I found the book Patriots: A Novel of Survival in the Coming Collapse and began reading.

It's not my typical book, as I prefer to read non-fiction. Even though this book is fictional, there are many facts about survival tools and firearms that it's hard to classify it completely as fiction.

This book opened my eyes to not only the immediate dangers of a post-collapse America but also the threats that occur months down the road as vagrants and gangs try to survive by killing and stealing.

When the shit hits the fan, this book will be the number one reason that I will be ready.

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Must-Have Survival Books

Preparing for a disaster is all about acquiring information and maintaining this information for when it's needed. There are lots and lots of books written about surviving in disaster situations, but I've already spent my money on many of these and know which ones to recommend.

Let's get started!


SAS Survival Guide is a great general guide to surviving in any situation and climate. 



Shelter is the top priority so make sure you're familiar with all types.




A Field Guide to Wild Edible Plants is a must-have because you must know what is edible and what isn't. 




Know how to protect yourself and your supplies.



Read as many books on the subject and when you're done, store them in waterproof sealed bags just in case you need to leave in a hurry. 

Keep on prepping!

Sunday, June 28, 2015

4 Survival Tools You Don't Need But Should Have

Confusing title, right?

But hear me out. There are certain tools we absolutely must have in a survival situation. And then, there are tools which make life a little bit easier in a really shitty situation.

Here is my list of 4 must-have supplies:

Goal Zero Switch 10 USB Recharger and Solar Panel Multi-Tool Kit
First of all, we have grown pretty accustomed to our cell phones and the multitude of handy apps, so it is a great idea to have a plan to keep that bad-boy charged up when electricity fails. There are a lot of solar chargers out there, but Goal Zero has made a name for themselves in the solar powered market. The reason I like this particular charger is because you can also use it as a flashlight or fan. Not to mention, the battery is replaceable!

Sewing Kit With Supplies For Emergency Repairs + Free E-book for Beginners
Most people I talk to don't plan on having to make repairs to their clothing.When it comes to disaster preparedness, always plan on no one helping you for a long time. Clothing will become quite valuable in an extended situation and so will the ability to repair clothing.


Emergency Solar Hand Crank AM/FM/NOAA Digital Radio, Flashlight, Cell Phone Charger with NOAA Certified Weather Alert & Cables
Staying on-top of outside news is not a necessity, but knowing more is never a bad thing. Plus it might just be nice to hear another voice other than your own inner-monologue from time to time. I always suggest a hand crank radio so you're not relying on a large storage of batteries. Plus this serves as a backup charger for your phone.

Mr Beams MB390 300-Lumen Weatherproof Wireless Battery Powered LED Ultra Bright Spotlight with Motion Sensor
Keeping the general area around you secure is another wise idea. Spotlights won't prevent intruders but it's a good step in deterring them and telling them they should move on to the next location. I really like this light because it's wireless and the batteries last up to a year. 

So, there you have it. What else could be added to this list?

Keep on prepping!

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Free Military Training and Survival Manuals

I found some more free military manuals for your use. These manuals can be found on Amazon for sale because some dishonest people take the information and convert it into e-books and sell them to unsuspecting people trying to learn more about survival. Please share so we can help others find these resources before spending their hard-earned money on those books.

US Navy SEAL Training Program

Rifle Marksmanship M16A1, M16A2-3, M16A4, and M4 Carbine

Kill or Get Killed

 Guerilla Warfare and Special Forces Operations

Physical Security

US Marine Corps - Hand to Hand Combat

Special Reconnaissance Tactics, Techniques, & Procedures For Special Forces

Special Forces - Caching Techniques

Unconventional Warfare Devices and Techniques - Incendiaries

Make sure you check out my first posting which has additional manuals not found on this page.

Also, as I mention in my first post, don't just save these manuals on your computer. PRINT RELEVANT PAGES OUT for your future reference. The next disaster situation may make your computer useless. Then what?

Keep on Prepping!

Friday, January 2, 2015

Free Army Manuals

The U.S. military has a lot of experience in survival situations and they tend to put what they learn down into manuals for all of their soldiers to learn.

If you go to Amazon, a lot of these survival manuals are available for sale. What most people don't know is  these manuals are a free resource and many can be found online. No cost. Zilch.

So stop spending your hard-earned money and check out some of these links below:

Basic Cold Weather Survival

Improvised Munitions Handbook

Special Forces Sniper Training

Map Reading and Navigation

Special Forces Medical Handbook

This is a small sample of the manuals available for free download. I have added a second page with 9 more free manuals.

Don't forget to print these manuals out and store them away somewhere safe. You may not have access to a computer or the internet in a disaster situation.

Keep on prepping!

Monday, December 8, 2014

Our Infrastructure is Under Attack Daily

CNN recently reported our infrastructure is constantly under threat from hackers around the world. Because a majority of our electrical, water, and financial systems are controlled over networks, there is always potential for a hacker to take these systems down for a considerable amount of time. An interruption of these systems could be catastrophic depending on how long it took to regain control and return systems to normal operating capacity.

Suzanne E. Spaulding of Homeland Security confirms our systems are under attack on a daily basis. It only takes one of these hackers or groups of hackers to successfully take control.

Not to mention 85% of these systems are handled privately by organizations. In the past year, we have seen first-hand how poor these private systems are handled with the Target and Home Depot identity thefts.

The hackers are fully capable of bringing down the system as they are usually one step ahead with their attacks.

We continue to hear our infrastructure is aging and is on the verge of failing if it isn't updated soon.

Do not allow yourself to become complacent and assume our government and organizations will stay ahead of the threats. A grid failure is 100% possible. Professionals will agree it is only a matter of where and when it will happen.

Keep on prepping and make sure your family is ready for this!


Sunday, December 7, 2014

Factors to Consider in a Survival Retreat


For the person who wants a plan B for shelter that does not consist of a tent or sleeping under a tarp, a survival retreat is a must-have. Survival retreats do not have to be expensive either. Hunting land can be had pretty cheap and small cabins can be built with the surrounding trees if you have the expertise.

I have compiled a small list of things to consider when looking for a safe place to flee.

Distance From Home

Typically, you will want your emergency shelter to be within a gas tank trip. For most vehicles, that's no more than 400-500 miles. Not knowing what kind of disaster you'll be fleeing, you will want to be able to get there quickly. If you live in Indiana, a retreat in Utah will be pretty pointless.

Distance From Civilization

The point of an emergency shelter is to get away from everyone else. As supplies dwindle, people will turn to violence and you do not want any part of that desperation. I would suggest you look for property that is at least 100 miles away from a major highway and at least 300 miles from a major city. As society begins to collapse and supplies run short, everyone will be making their way to the country. The farther away from civilization you are, the less chance you have of anyone finding your retreat and attacking it.

Access to Fresh Water

Everyone knows how important water is for your survival so make sure you have fresh water close by. Either a fresh spring or flowing water is a necessity. Make sure access is fairly simple also, like a manual pump.

Plentiful Natural Resources

How much firewood will you need to cook and keep your family warm? Is there space for a garden? What types of animals frequent the area? It is also nice if there are natural choke points, high points and other factors which can assist in defending your home. Plan on being discovered and needing to protect your home from desperate folks.

Secrecy

The last factor is keeping your emergency plans secret, from everyone. The best retreat is one no one knows exists. When looking at properties, make sure no one knows what you are doing. If you are dealing with an agent or a bank, they do not need to know your plans. If you are building a new shelter, try and use very few contractors and just explain it as a hunting cabin. The last thing you want to happen during an emergency is to arrive at your retreat to find the real estate agent has already taken residence and is using your supplies. A person willing to take your property, is also willing to take your life to keep it.

I hope these points help and please feel free to add some factors you think I missed in the comments.

Keep on prepping!

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Alcohol for Bartering After a Disaster



Alcohol is overly abundant in this day and age and many people are even learning to make their own at home as a hobby. But imagine how long it would take for the supply to run short if there was an economic collapse or interruption in grocery supplies. Americans rely on alcohol way more than we care to admit. It plays the role as a stress reliever and social catalyst for many on weekends.

So where am I going with this?

Well, think about the value of liquor now versus post-crisis America. After the supplies have dwindled, liquor is going to be a high value bartering item. Post-disaster times will be very depressing for most survivors so they will likely jump at the chance for a taste of the luxuries we once enjoyed. Stock up on some liquor now and you may have the chance to trade for must-have items you didn't think you needed or couldn't afford.

But get your priorities straight. I only recommend stockpiling alcohol if your food and survival supplies are already fulfilled. Sure you could trade the alcohol for the gear or food you didn't buy but don't bet on it. Do not buy top shelf alcohol either! Look down at that bottom shelf and buy the cheap stuff. Make sure the proof is no less than 70% because the liquor can also be used for disinfectant purposes.

If you're part of a prepper group, learn how to make your own beer and wine and you have increased your value to the survival community 10 fold. Experiment with growing your own grapes and master the art of wine-making as a hobby. This is the kit I use to make wine at home. Not only is it fun to make...and taste-test, but as a bartering item, wine and beer might be more valuable than liquor because of the improved taste quality.

Keep on prepping!

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Ebola Experts Warn They are Wrong

At this point, in my opinion, being an expert on Ebola means nothing. So-called experts are now coming forward wondering if they could be wrong about the rules of transmission.

"There is no proof a person has to be symptomatic to transmit the disease."

"There is no proof Ebola is not mutating and possibly becoming airborne."

Open your eyes and see the warning flags. If an expert is saying, "I don't really know", then we have a problem folks.

What is even more concerning is the potential for Ebola to mutate into an airborne virus. If this happens, the discovery will come too late. The virus will spread faster than a wildfire.

At this point, I don't believe there is much to worry about. But it is wise to keep your ears to the ground and monitor cases as they are reported.

Protecting your family is the number one concern and the only way you can do that is by keeping a safe distance from people out in public and practicing hand washing and limiting the common habit of touching your face.

If this virus begins to spread outside of the Dallas area, I won't think twice at barricading myself and my family inside for the next few months until this passes. After-all, you can't get the virus if you limit your exposure to others.

Be safe and keep on prepping!


Thursday, August 7, 2014

Don't Throw Out That Old CellPhone



At some point in the near future, you're going to upgrade your phone and you may be left with an old phone that is still functioning, just outdated. Do not throw it away.

You can use this old phone as a backup device if there is an event that destroys most of our electronics, like an EMP. Of course this will only be possible if the old phone is stored in a EMP safe container. Some people mention microwaves could withstand an EMP.


So let's say there was an EMP attack and your brand new phone is toast. In fact, everyone's phone is toast. All of the information on the phone, lost forever. But you have your old phone sitting at home safe and sound, ready to be turned on.

Now, I know what some of you are saying, "the EMP destroyed all of our communication lines, so who cares if I have an old phone".  Our phones are now mini-computers. They will hold any information we put on them for future reference. Apps that don't require a signal will function just fine. Music you would have missed could still be at your fingertips. Your children will be entertained and quiet during stressful times.

Before throwing old items away, always ask yourself if it's something that could be useful down the road in dire times.

Keep on Prepping!



Image from http://www.workingworld.com/images/articles/big/webiStock_000008788953Larg.jpg

Friday, August 1, 2014

Ebola: Coming to an Airport Near You

Can this story seriously stop following the plot of a bad 1990's pandemic horror movie?

Now America is flying the American patients back to Atlanta in order to treat them. Full Story Here. Yes, that is correct. We have sent a special medical jet over to retrieve them and bring them...and the disease...back to us.

Don't get me wrong folks, I want these amazing people to survive this. They have done amazing things over there that most of us wouldn't even attempt. They deserve to survive this beyond a doubt, but why are we going down this path? I understand their survival chances improve being admitted into one of our four special isolation units.

The scary revelation then is this: what happens if this spreads in the U.S. and we only have four of these special units across America.

Listen, Europe and Asia are extremely concerned about this disease spreading to their borders. Apparently, they're the only ones because I keep seeing American Drs on TV saying it's no big deal. America is pretty cut-off at this point from the pandemic. That is until yesterday when we decided to voluntarily fly the patients and their virus back to the States.

At this point, it is so crazy it is laughable. This story is so bad, word for word, it could have been sold as the screenplay for the next pandemic movie.

Thanks to our decision makers, the threat is real now. Ebola has crossed our border and we are more at risk today then yesterday.

Keep on Prepping!

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Are Your Water Preparedness Plans Enough?

Lack of space is a huge deterrent when people begin storing clean drinking water. The containers add up real fast if you're planning for a gallon per person per day. Even folks with a private well will need backup plans for accessing the water without power. But don't give up on your prepping plans just because you can't store months of clean water. Most of us can't either. Fortunately, there are affordable options for those of us who can't bury a 10,000 gallon water tank in our backyard and fit it with solar powered pumps and 24-hour military-trained armed guards.




My number one device in my bug-out bag is my LifeStraw Personal Water Filter. The LifeStraw is only $20 and will filter up to 1,000 liters of water down to 0.2 microns removing 99.999% of water-borne bacteria. This $20 straw can supply a single person with over 260 days of clean drinking water. Each of my family members are equipped with one of these.





The next water purifier I keep with my main supplies in my house is the SteriPEN Traveler 3-in-1 Water Purifier. This purifier uses UV light to kill organisms. At $42 for 3,000 16-oz treatments, it's a good backup to have in addition to the LifeStraw. The only thing I do not like about the SteriPen is it relies on AA battery power where as the LifeStraw does not.




 If you are aiming to supply safe water for more than yourself, I highly recommend the LifeStraw Family Water Purifier. LifeStraw has introduced the new LifeStraw Family 1.0 Water Purifier for $75 which will filter up to 18,000 gallons of water, enough for a family of four to stay hydrated for 3 years. No power is necessary for this purifier as it uses gravity to filter the water. So, three years of clean water for $75 and you don't have to store containers of water around your house? Folks, this is a no-brainer purchase if you ask me.


Lack of clean water will be the number one killer after a disaster so please do not skimp in this area.

Keep on Prepping!




Sunday, July 27, 2014

Local Police Bulking Up Military Style

As reported by the NY Times , the local police across the nation are receiving lots of military equipment thanks to the wars ending over seas.

The question is: Why do they need equipment like this?

Small, safe towns are acquiring armored vehicles including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. I'm sorry, are there mines on the streets of America we should be aware of? It has always been common practice to leave equipment after a war because of the cost to bring it back. Now we're bringing them back and handing them out like candy at a parade. C'mon folks, this is a blaring warning about what is coming. The police are receiving military supplies far beyond what is necessary to serve and protect and that is because they will be the government's first defense against us, the American people. Your local police are now the protector of the government and its resources, nothing more. 

So why would the government need even more protection? The government is aware that class warfare is on the rise. As the peasants of America, the lower 99%, continue to grow more poor, the rich 1% will need increased protection from angry mobs. Not to mention, Americans are increasingly fed-up with the government working for the wealthy conglomerates instead of us, the constituents, and we are more aware than ever thanks to the internet.

Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do to prepare for a military state. The American people are out-gunned at this point. This is scary, friends.

Image from http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/09/us/war-gear-flows-to-police-departments.html?_r=0

Friday, July 25, 2014

NASA Reports Solar Storm Just Missed Us


So NASA is just now reporting that a 2012 solar storm just missed us and had it hit us, the effects would have been detrimental to the human race. Detrimental because it was strong enough to destroy most of our electrical infrastructure which would have taken years to repair. Even though this storm missed us, you should be extremely concerned.

I say you should be concerned because the government is acknowledging these possibilities exist and we were close to experiencing it firsthand. Imagine the chaos in our country without electricity. The government has documented in separate reports that 90% of our society would die within the first year with no electricity. Losing electricity is the single biggest threat against our country. Even our enemies know this.

I also say you should be concerned because we are just now finding out about this near miss 2 years after the fact. This is proof that we cannot rely on our government agencies to warn us about catastrophic events beforehand. I realized after reading this that my only chance of surviving something like this is to always be prepared. I do not want to join the masses on streets looking for food and water when we all suddenly lose power. I would prefer to be safe and sound with my supplies and I hope you would too.

Some would argue the Earth's magnetic shield would protect us from such an event, but recent news is reporting our magnetic poles have been moving. The last reports show the lowest point of the magnetic field currently resides over North America. America currently has very minimal protection from a solar flare so again don't rely on something you can't control. The only thing you can control is yourself and if you decide to protect yourself and your future.

Keep on prepping!


Thursday, July 24, 2014

Food Rotation and Survival

So, I was meandering through my supplies this week and noticed I have violated my own cardinal rule: I failed to properly rotate my stock and was forced to throw away a large amount of canned food.

Thankfully, this loss isn't detrimental because I can just go to the store and replenish my supplies. But what if Shit Hit The Fan before I realized a large portion of my food supplies were spoiled? My family would be in dire straits because of my oversight and I could blame no one but myself.

I consider this discovery both a negative and a positive. Positive because everyday I do not need my emergency supplies is a good day. Positive because I learned to keep a better eye on expiration dates. Negative because I just wasted a lot of food which could have been used up had I paid better attention.

Small mistakes today can have large impacts tomorrow if we are not properly prepared. I hope by reading this, you will double check all of your supplies.

Keep on prepping!