Disaster Preparedness: Emergency Survival Guide

By Mitch Moreman

©2013 Mitch Moreman

Table of Contents

Introduction

Steps for Recession Survival Preparation

Soviet Union and Depression

Procuring Potable Water in a Disaster Scenario

Food Prepping for Emergency

Under Pressure: Methods for Canning and Cooking

Activated Charcoal

The Benefits of Using Epsom Salt

Backpacking on the Move – Wilderness Survival Skills

Hunting, Dressing and Packaging your Game

Reloading your own Ammo as both a Hobby and Preparation

Urban Survival during a Crisis

Surviving an Earthquake or Tsunami

Hurricane Preparedness

Solar Power

Gardening and Seeds

End Notes

Introduction

Disaster preparedness isn’t about being in the mountains with a stockpile geared up for the worse. It’s about knowing what has to be done during the worst of times. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a recession or a sudden lack of supplies in regard to food, gas and energy, are you ready?

How long would you survive without your cell phone or television? If there was an unexpected shortage of meat, what would your next step be? Where would you go if you had to leave your home tonight to avoid an earthquake or flood? In case of an emergency, are you food prepped?

We currently live in an age where our latest generation has no idea what life would be like without a communication device on their person. It’s gotten so invasive even our senior citizens — usually resistant to new technology — have these phones and tablets and their like. Research teams have performed extensive experiments, taking away phones, Blackberries and other personal devices, and within hours the participants couldn’t function.

We’re not even leaving our homes to socialize anymore. Our lives are wrapped in social media and tweets. We’re actually calling thousands of people we’ve never met “friends”. We’re sitting on park benches enjoying movies and watching some cat play the piano half a world away.

We’re not different from any other generation. Not too long ago, the television dominated our lives. Before that, going to the movies was common entertainment and the radio kept us occupied at home. Once upon a time, it was unfathomable that we ever survived without lanterns and horse drawn carriages. Every generation, for generations, has indulged itself in the latest technologies. Often, we’ve let ourselves be led by the nose, embracing advancements that made our lives easier.

In the digital age, it’s truly gotten worse. The more time we’re spending with technology, the less dependent we’re becoming on accomplishing things ourselves. We have computers in our cars, homes, handbags, pockets. We’re plugged in 24/7. We’re using them to take care of our finances, for maintaining contact, for entertainment and to get from Point A to Point B with GPS.

What are we going to do when we can’t depend on technology?

We might make fun of that guy who stays off the grid or who keeps emergency supplies in a sealed room in their basement, but if there were a natural disaster or a blackout, who would be better off, you or them?

This book is about supplying information to those that believe that technology may be an important part of our lives, but we can’t lazily accept it as all that we need. One of the most important things we must never forget is surviving on our wits, through the use of our own two hands. It’s not simply about surviving tsunamis and volcano activity. It’s about knowing how to garden, surviving in the outdoors or the many benefits of Epsom salts.

We’re looking to provide any and all disaster preparedness guidance we can help you with.  If you are fortunate enough to attend a Super Bowl game, and a blackout occurs, be prepared by bringing a cooler with plenty of beer and a flashlight.

Steps for Recession Survival Preparation

In this economy, a light breeze in another country seems capable of toppling markets and banks. It’s an unfortunate reality that there is absolutely no way of knowing what economic challenge the future has in store. It is prudent to consider exactly how recessions impact our lives and understand what to do to protect ourselves.

AVOID DEBT

Recessions strain cash flow. Lack of cash has an impact on every aspect of our lifestyles. Suddenly, you don’t have enough to pay utilities. You’re struggling to make monthly payments, using lines of credit to stay afloat. In no time at all you owe more than you can afford to pay back.

This is typical for a lot of consumers. Debt is one thing we all have in common. Worrying about bills prevents you from dealing with other — potentially positive — situations.

Stop falling into the trap of believing owing money is okay. Use cash. Credit cards are convenient, but debt is debt is debt. With debit cards, there’s less reason to rely on interest bearing lines of credit. If your bank card has a VISA or MasterCard logo, use it. Don’t use credit for buying groceries and clothes. When used for necessities, we tend to rely on credit more.

Pay off debt during good times. Minimize use of credit cards. Forget the new car and buy a decent used one, purchased outright. Stop putting your life in a position where, when hard times hit, the crash puts you in jeopardy.

INVEST WISELY

No recession has ever cost anyone the money kept in a savings account. Savings accounts may be slow burners, but there’s no possibility of losing everything in a recession. Try to keep a healthy account regardless of where you put money.

Stock markets make people rich overnight. It’s also made them penniless in minutes. Recessions hit investors like a punch. If you have to play those cards, put in only what you can afford to lose. While it’s difficult, pull out profits as they come. Don’t let others convince you to wait it out. The only real way to survive an economic recession is to have as much cash on hand as possible.

There are hobbies that constitute fairly safe investments, where demand beats what’s happening in the economic environment. Gold bullion is considered a secure bet. So is investing in gold and silver coins. Hobbyists can build impressive and lucrative collections. Still, they purchase for personal reasons. Investors buy purely for profit. The same applies to collecting stamps, rare comic books, etc. These investments aren’t so much affected by the economy as by demand.

GO GREEN

Eco-friendly isn’t simply about saving future generations. Green saves money. Investigate solar paneling. Upgrade heating and air conditioning systems to more cost effective alternatives. Stop driving to work. Public transportation is cheaper than filling the tank. Forget grabbing a coffee and donut. Bring a Danish and thermos from home. This not only saves cash, but now you’re putting less waste into the environment.

Recycling is a powerful source of green and helps ensure there’s a little extra to put in the piggy bank. Repurpose old items before throwing them out. Fix things until they can’t be fixed. Keep an eye out for garage sales. Utilize thrift and secondhand stores. Avoid fabrics that require dry cleaning.  Maybe ‘Learn to sew and mend or find someone who can do this for you, preferably free or cheap.’

The best part about becoming green and learning to recycle is if you’re doing it all the time, you will already be comfortable with these practices when an economic recession hits. Many of us are hit hard because we can’t adjust or do so in a timely fashion.

EMPLOYMENT

There was a woman employed at a large investment bank, manager of a small division within this global organization. Any time a management or supervisory position opened up, she quickly offered to take on those responsibilities. Inside of ten years, she was manager of several divisions. Under her umbrella was the mail room, the word processing department, toiletries and maintenance supplies, all paper products and more.

Whenever people started losing jobs, she was never touched. She wore too many hats.

Making yourself valuable to your employer is a must. Never waste time. Volunteer for projects. Let them see how much energy you put into your responsibilities. Take offered training courses and attend seminars that will make you a better employee. Develop a strong, long-lasting relationship with supervisors. It’s not unusual for a company to go through multiple rounds of layoffs during a recession. If you’re an asset, you decrease the chance of being on those lists.

STOCKPILING

You don’t need to anticipate the apocalypse to prepare for the worse. As much as your budget can afford, stock up on non-perishable foods. This includes dry milk, canned foods, flour, sugar, beans and rice. You can even stockpile mayonnaise, catsup and mustard. Extras like salt, oil, vinegar and pepper, as well as tea and coffee are vital. If you have the room and the budget, keep a freezer and pile it with meats and breads.

It won’t be easy and it might not even make sense, but avoid using the inventory. If you do, replace what you’re taken immediately. You’re building this stock for a specific purpose, which is having a sturdy supply of goods when an economic recession prevents you from being able to do so.

Food isn’t the only thing you might need. Personal items like toilet paper, baby goods, toothpaste, soap and shampoo, candles, and even insect repellent should be kept on those shelves, too. Have bleach, laundry detergent, and basic medical supplies like aspirin, first aid kits, rubbing alcohol, and band aids, as well.

Preserve goods like flour, cereal, and rice by placing them in large plastic containers. This way you never open a bag or box and find it filled with ants. Label everything so you’re not eventually guessing what’s what. While canned goods and products might have long shelf life, keep track of dates for freshness. Use items before they expire and replace them accordingly. Make sure the intended storage area is a dark, cool, dry place. Large closets, basements, and garages are ideal.

A GREEN THUMB

Even the smallest garden can provide a decent supply of fresh vegetables and save at the grocer. You can grow an entire pumpkin in a potted plant! You can generate your own herbs, onions, and tomatoes. And it can be done with windowsill planters. This is also a skill you should develop before you actually need it.

LAST WORDS

The best tool you’ll have preparing for an economic recession is your state of mind. Deal with the reality of the situation. Have plans in place for getting over any hump that blocks your path. Develop new skills and keep your options open for streams of revenue. So you didn’t lose your job. That doesn’t mean you can’t make a little extra money on the weekends doing odd jobs. It doesn’t have to become a career.

Be efficient with spending, avoid debt — even during the worst times — and look for ways that safeguard what you have now. You can strengthen your professional standing later by networking and working harder now. The steps for recession survival are about enterprising and striking before the iron gets hot.

Soviet Union and Depression

Being prepared for another great recession or depression can make all the difference between terrible suffering and living a comfortable life of self-reliance. One only has to look to economic collapses from the past to know the best way to get ready. Learning from the Soviet Union and the United States Great Depression survivors is the best way to prepare for whatever may come in the future. Below are recorded suggestions.

BECOME SELF-SUFFICIENT

As long as a family has food, shelter and clothing, they can survive. In contemporary times, most people are dependent on others for everything. Taking steps to change the way we live so that a lost job will not completely ruin a family’s ability to survive is a critical step in establishing a workable plan.

Starting a small home garden will eliminate a family’s fear of hunger. If you live in an area that allows you to keep chickens, goats and rabbits, then it is a good idea to buy some and start raising them. With six chickens, two goats and two rabbits, you can provide your family with meat, eggs and milk for a long time. These basics coupled with a garden can feed your family well.

BARTERING BECOMES BIG

When the Soviet Union collapsed, workers continued working even after they stopped getting paid. They received a few benefits that kept them working. Money was so scarce that an alternative way to pay for goods and services surfaced. Barter became a way of life.

When people recount how they survived, they talk about bartering whatever they had on hand for what they need. For this reason it is recommended that people start storing assets that will come in handy for bartering purposes. One hot commodity that is always needed is a truck for hauling equipment and moving people. A truck is golden in a world where barter becomes a way of life.

Any family that becomes self-sufficient and grows more food than they need can always sell or barter some of it for other commodities. History teaches us that even before economies became so dependent on each other, farmers bartered for the goods they needed. Doctors were often paid with chickens and people pitched in to repair homes and barns.

STOP WASTING CASH ON WORTHLESS ITEMS

Wasting money on expensive toys and luxury items will not benefit us in anyway if the economy fails. To prepare for a bad economy, save cash or spend it on assets that will help you survive in an unpredictable world. A wise investment to prepare for the worst would be to purchase a remote parcel of land for farming. If you can afford to buy property for farming on some water for fishing purposes, then that is even better.

Buying tools so that a family can fix things when something breaks is more important than ever as people strive for self-reliance. For people hoping to find a good deal on tools, garage sales are a great way to find quality tools for a fraction of the cost you’d pay in retail stores. Learning how to use a variety of tools to survive in an economic disaster is a smart use of time.

Other useful equipment to buy that will help a family achieve self-sufficiency is to buy food canning and farming equipment so that food can be saved from one season to the next. It only makes sense to stock up on food while times are good. Food items that keep well without refrigeration should be targeted as items to stock up on. Canned beans, rice, peanut butter, dried fruit, canned meat, fish and nuts are a few items to consider stocking up on.

CREATE AND MAINTAIN A COMMUNITY OF FRIENDS AND RESOURCES

It has been said that when things get tough, you definitely know who your friends are. Organizing a way of helping each other is a good way to form alliances that serve everyone well. For example, one family might be stocking up on rice and beans and have a mule and chickens. Another family might have a working tractor they would be willing to lend to the group in exchange for food from another family.

FIND NEW INCOMES

The more income sources you have the better. Self-reliance is important and also knowing what you can do on your own to earn money is important. For instance if you have s great fishing boat and love to fish, then maybe you start fishing for your alliance of friends. Or if you know how to fix things, open a repair service on the side. We all have skills we can offer to the group to bring in second, third and even fourth incomes.

SUMMARY

The global economy is vulnerable, so it never hurts to be prepared for the worst. Becoming your own source for food, shelter and clothing is important for survival. With an eye to what you can trade should the economy collapse, people are empowered for just such an emergency.

Procuring Potable Water in a Disaster Scenario

The availability of clean, pure water is vital to survival, but access to this precious commodity can be compromised in many situations. This is especially true when natural disasters strike. As such, individuals are increasingly looking for ways to ensure the availability of clean water. In the absence of clean water, people should educate themselves on how to purify the water that is available to them.

That need has never been greater than it is at present. Natural disasters appear to have been on the increase in recent years. More times than not, the disasters are weather related. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, global warming is having a significant impact on world climate and weather patterns.  In the United States, the effect of global warming is thought to be responsible for more dangerous — and more frequent — extreme weather conditions. Communities, states and whole regions of the country at one time or another have experienced stronger hurricanes, more intense storms, heavier rainfall, and rising sea levels. Three recent and somewhat frightening hurricanes and tropical storms have highlighted the effects that extreme weather can have on water supply.

•             In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused massive destruction and hundreds of deaths. The hurricane is ranked among the top five deadliest and destructive hurricanes in U.S. history. The Gulf Coast was awash with flood water, but there was a lack of clean water for drinking.

•             In 2011, Tropical Storm Irene caused death and extensive damage in New England and elsewhere.

•             In 2012, Tropical Storm Sandy wreaked destruction on the Eastern Seaboard. In the state of Connecticut, the Department of Public Health recommended boiling water for a significant number of small public drinking water systems.

Given all that, imagine for a moment that extreme weather conditions have brought about a natural disaster, and the nation’s water supply has become contaminated. What steps can you take to ensure a supply of safe drinking water in this disaster scenario? Fortunately, there are a number of purification and filtration systems available to citizens in rural and urban areas.

RURAL AND SEMI-RURAL AREAS

People in rural areas who have their own wells will be able to obtain clean drinking water using an electrical well pump. However, if the power has also been affected by the weather, they will not be able to obtain any water.

People who own wells should anticipate such a likely scenario and install a hand pumps. Heller Aller hand pumps can be ordered from Lehman’s catalog. Heller is just an example of one hand pump you could order but there are other brands for you to choose from.  Homeowners can install the pumps themselves if they feel confident about it. Alternatively, a pump company can be called to undertake the installation. Having hand pumps on wells mean that their owners will always be able to obtain water for drinking, cooking and showering — as long as the well water does not become contaminated.

CITY DWELLERS

In the given disaster scenario, where no mainline water is available, people in urban areas may want to use water run-off from the roofs of their homes. In this case, the water would have to be filtered before consumption. This could be done via a slow sand filtration system. Many people build their own slow sand filtration system, and a number of them post their how-to videos on YouTube. Here is the link to one particular video: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-_RDB3RvSY)

Many important health and safety considerations must be taken into account when building and using a slow sand filter. The following website provides important guidelines — as well as answers to frequently asked questions: http://www.slowsandfilter.org/ssf_faq_mobile.html

PORTABLE PURIFICATION AND FILTRATION PRODUCTS OR SYSTEMS

Many portable systems and products for purifying or filtering water are available on the market today. A portable water purification or filtration system is often referred to as a POU: That is, a point-of-use water treatment system.

They include, but are not limited to:

- Portable pump filters
- Iodine
- Chlorine

They treat water contaminants such as:

- Mercury
- Lead
- Pathogens: bacteria and parasitic worms
- Sewage effluent

All of the above methods are suitable for obtaining water in an emergency or for purifying contaminated water for use at some later date. Once purified, water can be safely stored for up to one year.

How to Store Purified Water

When you have purified water and want to store it, there are certain steps that you should take so that the water will remain safe for consumption:

Use glass containers as a first choice. If no glass containers are available, only use food grade plastic containers. Look for PET on the plastic container. This shows that the plastic is polyethylene terephthalate, which provides a guard against chemicals, alcohol and oils.

Close containers tightly with screw-on caps only.

Use an indelible marker to make labels for the containers, clearly showing the date when the water was purified and/or stored.

Do not store the containers on the floor. They could be affected by flood water.

Do not store the containers next to sources of heat or chemical products. A shelf in the pantry or in the basement is ideal for storage. Garages and sheds are not good storage areas.

Examine the containers containing the purified water on a regular basis, checking for cracks and other problems.

Putting the imagined disaster scenario aside, it is not just during a disaster that Americans might need to purify water for drinking. The following people also need to be prepared:

•             Aid workers who travel to Third World countries, or to industrialized countries that experience natural disasters such as tsunamis and earthquakes.

•             Trekkers/backpackers in countries with questionable water sources.

•             Adventure travelers who might get lost in jungles, etc.

A number of on-the-move survival filters are available. They include:

SteriPEN is very light to carry and uses ultraviolet light to kill any microbes that might be lurking in the water. The SteriPEN is reputed to be fast-acting, easy to use and does not leave an unpleasant aftertaste. Its main drawback is that it is battery-operated.

LifeStraw is an award-winning, lightweight and personal water filter. The device is small, portable and requires no batteries. Roughly five seconds of sucking is necessary to start the filtering process. LifeStraw has undergone independent tests and shown to meet the EPA standards that have been set for water filtration. The device has a shelf life of five years. Its main drawback is that it does not filter out heavy metals, viruses, salt, taste and chemicals.

The availability of clean water is generally taken for granted by the majority of people:  It is only when disaster strikes that we are made too painfully aware just how precious clean water really is — and how vital it is to our lives! Clean drinking water is even more important than food, initially. We can survive without food for much longer than we can without drinking water.

Food Prepping for Emergency

Keeping a stash of food is one of the simple means of preparing for an emergency. Experts recommend storing enough water and food for three days or so. One of the most important aspects of food storage is focusing on foods that provide the right balance of nutrients. Other factors include storing foods that stay edible over extended periods and take up little space in the storage location.

PLANNING

Locate the emergency food storage in a cool, dry and dark place. The most suitable locations include the basement, closet and garage. Determine the exact size of the room and which area will be used for food storage. Layout the space for easy access; plan where to put various items such as water, cans, boxes and bins. If necessary, install shelving.

SELECTION

The first thing to store for an emergency is water. A person can live for weeks without food. On the other hand, a person can only survive a few days without water. FEMA recommends storing a gallon of water for a person, per day. This can take up a lot of storage space particularly for long-term stockpiles.

Stock up enough carbohydrates. Foods rich in this nutrient help in case of an emergency. People can get their calories by eating rice, grains and pasta among others. These foods can be purchased from various stores such as Costco, Honeyvillegrain (online), Sam’s Club, Augason Farms, Walton Feed and LDS canneries among others. Another very cheap way to get bulk food is cracked corn from your local feed store for around $15.00 for a fifty pound bag. But most likely won’t be organic, easy and quick to store for an emergency scenario. These stores offer different options for purchase of canned foods. People can buy canned foods from stores or order online and get them shipped to their destinations. If the store has the option, buy containers of food with the Gamma Seal bucket lid. This is a great lid for preserving the food, making it air tight.

Stock meat and beans; these foods are rich in proteins. Protein bars can also be a useful source of proteins and other dietary needs. Ensure that about a third of the stored foods are proteins. Supplement with powdered eggs, vegetables, dehydrated foods, dried milk and other dehydrated ready-to-eat foods. This is one of the most ideal means of saving on space. Though dried beans take up less space than canned beans, dried beans require more water storage to cook them while canned beans do not.

Set aside sweeteners and other spices. Tasteless foods can be monotonous to eat. Include olive or corn oil for adding taste to cooked food. Store up basic utensils for preparing and serving food. Ensure to box up can openers, a few cups and other eating utensils. Also, store a butane stove and cooking fuel.

STOCKING

People need iodine from salt to survive, so salt is very important to have in bulk.  Ten pounds of salt per family member is recommended. Depending on the food you buy, the items might have salt as an ingredient, like some canned food.  Large bulk items like beans and rice don’t have added salt. Also, spreading some salt outside will attract wild game for hunting.

Water should be stored in a large plastic drums fitted with a pump. Select a bucket design that takes up less space. Place rice, dried beans and other foods in vacuum sealed containers. Keep the foods safe from vermin and insects by storing them in plastic or metal bins with sealable lids. Cans and jars should ideally be stored in shelves. Line them up by type and with the labels facing forward for easy search. Rotate foods in long-term storage as new foods are bought to avoid spoilage.

Various stores sell complete ready-to-eat foodstuffs online or from outdoor supply stores. Though these foods are relatively costly than basic foodstuffs, they are simple and tasty all-in-one solutions. The foods are usually stored in cans and vacuum sealed foil packs and pouches and some can remain fresh for more than a year.

One of the simplest ways of setting up an emergency food supply is to order cartons of basic rations. These foods are packaged as individual servings designed to provide basic nutrients and calories needed for survival. This is a quick alternative for setting up an emergency food supply.

In addition to the foods, store up on medication for simple illnesses such as colds, cough, and headaches among others. Rotate the drugs when the subscription is renewed.  Dents may compromise the seal of cans allowing the food to spoil.

FOOD FOR AN EMERGENCY

It is advisable to always have reserves of food and water in case of an emergency. When buying food for an emergency, select those with a long shelf life. Here are a few tips on what to store for an emergency.

Canned Foods:

Canned meat, beans and soups typically have a shelf life of a year or more. Canned fruits, juices and vegetables also remain fresh for years. Those with a sweet tooth can store canned hard candy and nuts to supplement main meals. Canned foodstuffs should be stored in airtight containers with sealable lids to keep the food fresh and edible as well as prevent pests from invading the food.

Dried Fruits:

Dried fruits provide certain essential nutrients such as vitamins and iron. In addition, they act as natural sweeteners. Freeze-dried fruits do not require preparation though one needs to rehydrate the fruits to soften and bring out their natural flavor. Fruits can be rehydrated by dipping them in water and heating for a few minutes, though heating is not necessary.

Foods with indefinite Shelf Lives:

Certain foods have an indefinite shelf life. These include dried corn, wheat, rice, pasta, soybeans, sugar, salt, baking powder and vegetable oils among others.  For an adventure race it did, I took a tablespoon of coconut oil. It’s a health food and has good fat for fuel. These foods can be stored for an indefinite period provided they are stored in dry, air tight containers. It’s not a good idea to expose oils to light.  It’s best to store oil in a dark place.

Under Pressure: Methods for Canning and Cooking

In a survival situation the three main things that a person needs if they are to live would be shelter, water, and food. Of these, food can often be the trickiest to reliably secure, with water and shelter tending to not move around too much once you have located a reliable source of either. Food sources, however, tend to either move around from location to location, as is the case with game animals, or be limited in supply and seasonally grown, as would be the case with any sort of crop. So what is a person to do if they want to make it through those harsh winter nights without starving? The answer is a process that many reap the fruits of every day, but very few know how to do themselves, canning.

The benefits of canning are evident at first glance. Food is stored in a sealed off, sterile environment, and is preserved for later consumption at any time. Through the use of canning techniques, surplus foods could be stored for years at a time, ensuring that no matter what there will always be a reserve of foods in a dangerous situation, such as drought or harsh winters. The list of benefits is innumerable. However, there is one important thing to remember before canning on your own. Canning is an amazingly helpful process that, if used effectively, can greatly expand the lifespan of your perishables. But, if not done carefully, canning can introduce nasty fungi and bacteria into your foods. One such bacteria that is capable of infecting your food with the terribly fatal botulinum toxin, commonly known for causing botulism. The toxin is the single most toxic substance known, and it is odorless, tasteless, and invisible to the naked eye, so be absolutely sure you know what you’re doing before performing home canning, and if you aren’t sure about something research it!

The first type of canning that is commonly used is a type known as the boiling water canner, named for its use of boiling water to help with the process. These canners are the most simple to use, and have less of a chance of equipment failure than the other popular method of pressure canning. However, as with everything in life there are tradeoffs, the biggest downfall of the boiling water method is that it can only be used in foods that are either naturally high in acidity, or have been altered to have high acidity through the use of vinegars, or citrus juices.

The boiling water canner is simple to use however, you merely place a wire rack that holds the jars into the basin of the canner, and then fill the pot with clean warm water. After that step, the food is prepared and the water is preheated, and then the jars are lowered into the water one at a time, very gently. Then, the heat is turned up so that a solid boil is achieved. If at any point the water level drops below at least an inch above the lids of the cans, add more already boiling water to the canner. Once the boil is steady put the lid over the canner and set a timer to the recommended length for whatever the product is that you are preparing. A good source to find the recommended times of many commonly canned items, or if a product can be reliably canned at all, is the USDA’s home canning guide. After the time is up, gently remove the cans, making sure not to tilt them unnecessarily, and allow them to cool at room temperature for at least twelve hours. After the cooling process is complete store all jars in a cool, dark place such as a cellar.

Now, the other commonly used method of canning is the pressure method. This method is much more prone to both user and equipment errors, so if you decide to go this route make sure to attempt to find a canner with the fewest features that could potentially go wrong in a survival situation, as once it breaks there is a very good chance it’s gone for good. Now, doom and gloom aside, the pressure canner is infinitely more versatile than the boiling water method as, thanks to the far higher amount of sterilization that the pressure provides, low acidic foods such as meats, fish, and others can be safely stored, greatly increasing the amount of preserved foods. Canning is one good way to preserve meat for big game. If you were to shoot an elk in a survival situation and didn’t have power to your freezer, you could eat for approximately three days before the meat starts rotting. With canning you can preserve the meat for many meals. Another way to preserve meat is to cut it up into very thin slices, hang the slices of meat on a string or rope in the sun. You can use pepper or powdered citric acid to put on the meat to keep the flies off and let it sun dry and turn the meat into jerky.

The way that the pressure canner will work can vary somewhat depending on the type bought, but basically they all share some simple characteristics. They will feature a lid that can be clamped on to the body of the canner to maintain a locked seal while the water heats, and there should be some sort of an overpressure valve which is a sort of fail-safe device that will allow venting of pressure if a problem occurs. Further than that, the basics are the same as the boiling water canner, the primary difference being that the introduction of pressure to the process greatly adds to the sterilization of the jars. Some basic tips to remember are to always keep the pressure at the recommended amount as, if it dips low enough, it can actually ruin the whole batch requiring a complete do-over. Also, when the process is done, make sure to allow the cooker to cool on its own, that means no popping the lid off or putting cool water on the canner. These sorts of quick cooling methods can actually damage the canner, and potentially the foods inside. If you make the decision to go the pressure canning route make sure to do your homework before relying on your pressure-canned goods in a survival situation. After all, what could normally be a simple case of food poisoning today could be a lot more serious when medical help is far less prevalent.

On the topic of using pressure to aid in survival, another handy general purpose tool is a solid pressure cooker. If you did go and get a pressure canner, your device also can be used as a pressure cooker. However, the opposite is not always true. Pressure cookers are not always large enough, or sturdy enough to double as pressure canners, so make sure to do your research before trying to make it function as one. The pressure cooker is a handy general purpose tool, it can be used to quickly do any number of tasks from boiling large amounts of water quickly, to provide potable drinking water, to quickly cooking large portions of food that might have taken far longer to make otherwise. You can use a pressure cooker when cooking wild game after hunting. If you were to hunt down deer, elk, rabbits and most other wild game the meat is usually very tough. Most people use a crockpot and have to cook the meat for twelve hours or so. With a pressure cooker you can cook the meat in less than two hours, and the meat will be as tender as crock potting it for twelve hours. Plus with a pressure cooker you don’t have to use electricity in a blackout scenario. Some people will throw away perfectly good meat because they don’t know that they can tenderize it so easy with a pressure cooker. A good pressure cooker should be sturdy enough to be cooked over a fire, and ideally have a pressure release valve, to eliminate the risk of potentially fatal pressure cooker explosions.

Home canning can be a great way to stock an emergency food ration in a survival situation. Even in the dead of a harsh winter or a severe drought, you will be nutritionally prepared for any eventuality. The addition of a pressure cooker, or the use of a pressure canner for the same, can not only give you more options in preparation, but also greatly improve the speed at which meals and water can be prepared. When using these techniques always be absolutely sure to be not only safe, but responsible with your materials. After all, it would certainly be a shame to survive for so long, only to be done in because carelessness caused a pressure cooker to burst in front of you, or for food poisoning to take its toll because of improperly canned items. However, with the right preparation and study, these two methods are invaluable to any serious survivalist.

Other emergency survival items to have on hand:

Candles
Oil lamps
Flashlights also solar flashlights, or hand cranking flashlight
Dutch oven – There are You Tube videos on how to use a Dutch oven
Camp stove
Charcoal grill
Candle heat cookers
A solar oven
Toilet paper
First aid kit
Rubbing alcohol

Dollar stores can be a good place to shop inexpensively for some items.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal has been used for centuries as a way to purify the body and absorb toxins. It is widely used by various industries for its many beneficial properties. Take advantage of the amazing benefits of charcoal. It pays to have an edge in any survival scenario. Activated charcoal is one of the best things to have on-hand. It does not matter if you are holed up in an urban bunker or in the remote wilderness. Access to medical care is likely to be hard to access or non-existent for people in these kinds of situations. Having activated charcoal by your side is like having a doctor in a bottle. It neutralizes a wide range of poisons and helps to heal wounds. Add activated charcoal to your list of survival supplies and make it through any emergency or other survival situation.

People everywhere looking for the best survival supplies are turning to activated charcoal for answers. Activated charcoal is natural and safe to use. It is a by-product of burning wood and specialized processes that create a material with endless health benefits. Activated charcoal is not like regular charcoal briquettes. Those contain poisonous petroleum products that help them burn easier. Activated charcoal is free of impurities and is safe to ingest or place on different parts of the body to accelerate healing. One of the big problems with disasters or survival scenarios is there may be a lack of medical help when it is most needed. People throughout history have used charcoal to help themselves and their families. Activated charcoal is also very affordable. This makes it the ideal alternative to expensive hospitals and huge medical bills.

The miracle of activated charcoal is its abilities to attract poisons and other toxins from the body. It can literally remove hundreds of poisons ranging from lead and mercury to strychnine and snake venom. It is even helpful with improving digestion and eliminating gas. Just imagine having immediate help in the event of a snakebite or accidental ingestion of poison. Gain an effective way to clean wounds and other injuries. Just make a poultice and place the charcoal over an injury to prevent infection. Swallow a recommended amount to neutralize harmful toxins. Activated charcoal is even used by hospitals and doctors for a wide range of conditions. Add cheap activated charcoal to your survival supplies for any emergency and save money.

Nobody wants to be stuck with a medical emergency in a survival scenario. Medical services are expensive. They could also be unavailable due to distance or wide-spread catastrophe. This kind of charcoal is easy to obtain from any health food store and is very affordable. Add this to your survival medical supplies and survive any emergency. Take activated charcoal for everything from accidental poisoning or overdose. Cure spider bites and heal wounds faster. Even purify drinking water without expensive equipment. Activated charcoal has limitless benefits for people in everyday situations or during disaster. Get activated charcoal today and be ready for anything.

MY PERSONAL STORY USING ACTIVATED CHARCOAL:

I was bit by a spider on my foot at night while sleeping and I felt a sharp pain. At the time, I was half asleep and didn’t know what it was. As time went by I noticed two white dots on my heel. I assumed they were small warts, so I put wart aids on them, but the dots never went away.

At the time, I was a professional mountain bike racer. Three weeks after the spider bit me, I went on a training camp with my mountain bike team to Moab, Utah. By our third day of riding on the trails, my foot was extremely painful.  I managed to ride with the team for one last day, and the two small white dots on my heel started to spread, turning black and blue and swelling. I knew then it wasn’t caused by warts, that something else was wrong.

I drove back home as quickly as possible. By the time I got home, my whole foot and ankle were swollen and the poison started to spread up my leg. I could no longer walk on it, so I went to the hospital. The doctor said it was from a Brown Recluse spider bite, and then I remembered the sharp pain I felt while sleeping.  While at the emergency room, they put me on an antibiotic IV for about half an hour, and sent me home with crutches and my foot in bandages.

Five days later and still taking antibiotics, my foot was only getting worse, so I was starting to worry. I decided to research the internet for natural cures for spider bites. Luckily I found an easy recipe using activated charcoal. I went to the health food store and bought a bottle of activated charcoal pills for $12.00 and mixed it with flaxseed oil or olive oil. Initially, I took four pills orally. I then broke open two capsules and poured the charcoal out into a small bowl and added a small amount of flaxseed oil with the charcoal. With a spoon, I stirred it into a thick paste and rubbed the activated charcoal paste all over the infected area of my heel. I wrapped my entire foot over the paste with bandages. Activated charcoal is pure black, and could stain everything.

Every day I would repeat the procedure, taking the capsules orally and spreading the paste over my foot and re-wrapping it. Just three days later my foot was back to normal and I could walk again. I also stopped taking the antibiotics before I started using activated charcoal. If I would have only looked online before going to the hospital, I would have saved $1,500.00 in emergency room bills, plus the cost for antibiotics. It cost me $12.00 for the bottle of activated charcoal capsules to heal my foot. The antibiotics were worthless against the Recluse poison, and it took me over a month to recover from the antibiotics to regain my strength and fitness back for cycling.

The doctor, who gave me a prescription to take the antibiotics, had also been bitten by a Brown Recluse on his hand. He had surgery on his own hand to remove the poison before it spread. Most doctors aren’t knowledgeable about the power of natural cures.

The Benefits of Using Epsom Salt

Epsom salts are a mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate found naturally in the mineral springs thoughts at Surrey, England. Magnesium and sulfate are used for a wide variety of common ailments, including muscle aches and soreness. There are many benefits of keeping this mineral rich home remedy on hand.

The mineral compounds contained in Epsom salts are absorbed through the skin when added to a warm bath. Soaking in the mineral salts encourages healing and helps to remove toxins from the body. Magnesium is a mineral that is used in over 300 processes in the body and can help reduce inflammation in muscles while benefiting the overall function of the nervous system. Sulfate is also very useful since it aids in the absorption of other nutrients and is thought to reduce headache among chronic sufferers.

Epsom salts can also be used to help draw toxins out of the body through the skin. For example, a solution of the mineral salts and hot water can be used to reduce the inflammation and swelling associated with an insect bite. Epsom salts are an affordable and very effective remedy for less serious injuries or to use while waiting on a doctor’s appointment.

USING EPSOM SALT

Keeping a good supply of Epsom salts in your medicine cabinet for emergency situations is a good idea. Like fever reducers and bandages, Epsom salts are a staple that can be used for everything from removing a stubborn splinter to relieving fatigue. Epsom salts can also be used outdoors to eliminate pests without relying on insecticide. The amount of mineral salts you need to keep in your first aid kit varies depending on the number of people in your home and how long you plan on your emergency supplies lasting.

For instance, the recommended amount of Epsom salts needed for a mineral bath is two cups. Keeping several bags of the salts in your emergency supplies is ideal. If you have health issues that you use mineral salts to treat on a regular basis, such as migraine headaches, you can store an additional supply of Epsom salts in your supply closet to ensure you have enough to last during an emergency.

STORING EPSOM SALT

If properly stored, your Epsom salts can be stored indefinitely. The best option is to keep the mineral salts in an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight fitting lid. When stored in the bathroom in the original bag, the salts will last for up to five years.

Backpacking on the Move – Wilderness Survival Skills

Finding yourself lost or stranded in the wilderness with limited, or simply without any supplies or tools, can dramatically decrease your chances of survival. A day hike can turn into a nightmare in a matter of minutes. Injuries, unexpected weather events and getting lost can leave you stranded alone for days. Not planning for the unexpected can have dire consequences.

Practically speaking you can only carry a 72-hour supply of water in a backpack. Water weighs 8.5lbs/3.8kg per gallon in its container. Using the one gallon/four liters per day recommendation means your water supply for 72-hours will weigh over 25lbs/11kg. You have to be prepared to collect, filter and purify a water source if you become lost. It is likely you will deplete any food and water you are carrying if you become lost.

The essentials for any backpack must include the means to construct a shelter if you are not carrying one, purify water, and make fire and eventually find food if you are lost for an extended period. You must have shelter and a fire within hours of realizing you are lost.

You should not try to hike out of your predicament in the dark. Predators that include snakes begin hunting at dusk; you can fall in to a gorge or walk off a cliff in the dark as well. You must face reality. When you know you are lost, stop and evaluate your surroundings and begin making a shelter. You need a shelter and fire before it becomes dark.

Generally, it is recommended you shelter in place and let rescue personnel find you. If you knew the way home, you would not be lost and wandering farther afield will only make it more difficult for rescuers. Additionally you will use valuable energy, can be injured blundering around and you will consume more water. If you have to hike out, you will still need to shelter over night and for subsequent nights as you hike back to civilization.

The following is a list of essentials needed for survival. Food and water is purposely left off the list because it is assumed you have packed enough for the time you expected to be gone. The items listed are for long-term survival, long after your traditional supplies have been depleted.

Survival Essentials That Should Be In Every Backpack:

•             Nylon Tarp Rolled Tightly and Secured on the Outside of your Pack
•             Two Rain Ponchos
•             Two Thermal Blankets
•             Magnesium Stick
•             Ferro Rod
•             Cotton Balls and Petroleum Jelly
•             Multi-Tool
•             Sewing Kit
•             Fixed Bladed Knife
•             550 Paracord 50ft (Paracord Can be Unraveled for Fishing Lines, Sewing Thread And So Forth)
•             First Aid Kit
•             15-20 Pound Fishing Line with Assorted Tackle and Hooks
•             Fishing Net Catch Fish while you Sleep
•             Slingshot with Black Band
•             Camp Axe/Machete/Folding Saw
•             20-24 Gauge Wire for General Binding and Animal Snares
•             Lensatic Compass with Maps of Expected Travel Area and of State (Recommend Contour Maps)
•             Insect Repellent/Netting if Applicable
•             Coffee Filters for Emergency Water Filtration
•             Two Stainless Steel Canteens
•             Water Purification Tablets (Iodine/Chlorine Dioxide)
•             Work Gloves

If you have room carry a sleeping bag or small nylon tent. However, tarps and ponchos can be used for shelter along with emergency thermal blankets.

Made using a small nylon tarp and you can use forest debris to help fill in the front and small saplings for the support pole. Build your fire so it is reflected into the shelter by making small reflective screen using vegetation and rocks to direct the heat inward. Construct this shelter for single overnights.

Build this type of shelter using available forest debris. This would be considered a more permanent shelter if you plan to stay in place and wait for rescue. The shelter as shown is partially completed. Note the poles on the ground. They will be stood up to make the shelter bigger and when completed the tree will be in the center of the shelter. If you leave an adequate smoke hole, you can have a small fire inside the shelter.

MAKING FIRE USING A MAGNESIUM STICK

Typically, a magnesium stick will have an imbedded flint rod for creating a spark. Matches have been purposely left off the list of essentials because it is important you not rely on them. Matches absorb moisture from the air around them, even body perspiration if you carry them in your pocket. Waterproof matches become useless if submerged in water or exposed to rain or snow. Magnesium is impervious to water and the particles scraped off the stick can be ignited under virtually any condition. To ignite dry tinder use a locked bladed knife or a fixed one as a scraper and scrape the stick over the bundle making sure the particles collect on the dry material. Take the backside of the blade and apply pressure on the flint bar as you push the blade toward the bundle. Striking the flint bar will damage it, so push toward the tinder as pressure is applied. Using the back of a folding knife can cause it to fold on your fingers. In an emergency, you can use the sharpened edge but it will dull the blade. The typical magnesium stick will create between 100 and 125 fires.

Use cotton balls saturated in petroleum jelly to ignite damp tinder. Scrape the magnesium over the cotton ball and spark to ignite. The petroleum will burn up to four minutes allowing you to feed it damp tinder.

A Ferro rod is used to create enough sparks to ignite dry tinder without using magnesium shavings. Once again, striking the rod will damage it, use the included scraper or the backside of a knife blade to create sparks. There are various types and sizes of Ferro rods.

A magnifying glass can be used to start a fire by focusing and intensifying the sun’s rays on dry grasses or pulpy wood. A Lensatic compass will have a magnifying glass included, so do not overlook this valuable fire starting method. You can also use broken headlight glass, bottle glass and even your eyeglasses to focus the sun’s rays.

NOTE THE MAGNIFYING GLASS

Bow and drill used to create fire. You can use cordage from your pack or shoelaces if you don’t have string or rope. The other components are made from forest debris. This method does work but it takes attention to detail and patience. The notch in the fireboard is where the ember that is created from the friction drops. Once you have an ember, move it to the tinder pile. You will notice a piece of bark is used to collect the tinder. However, moving the ember can cause you to lose it by dropping it, and if it is windy, it may blow away. It is recommended that you simply move the fireboard and bring your tinder to the ember.

Hunting, Dressing and Packaging your Game

Hunting for many people is not a sport but a means of providing food for the family. What distresses many hunters, is finding an animal carcass that has not had the meat harvested with only the head or antlers removed. Most states have laws regarding removing or even skinning the head until the game has been checked. There may even be laws regarding how much meat must be removed. Some states require you to remove all rib and neck meat while others do not. You may have to prove the sex of the game as well by leaving the sex organs attached if you harvest the meat in the field. There is simply no point in leaving edible meat behind except under certain conditions. This means you have to be prepared when you set out on your hunting expedition.

BE PREPARED

Have more than one quality knife and make sure you have sharpening tools. You may need a small bone saw or even a camp axe or hatchet. Have rope and game bags or plenty of cheesecloth for wrapping the meat. Your biggest concern in warm weather is spoilage. Carry disposable gloves because some game can transmit bacteria and it may enter your body through cuts or abrasions on your hands. This is particularly important when handling rabbit carcasses. Have large plastic bags if you plan to keep the heart and liver. Keep in mind the heart and liver on large game can add considerable weight. Carry large amounts of ice in warm weather to help cool the meat or carcass.

Everyone has their own ideas on field dressing, and once again, there are state laws concerning this in some cases. Typically, the process is to remove all internal organs and to hang the animal so the meat can cool. Gutting must be done carefully so you do not puncture the organs and contaminate the meat. Some hunters may remove the scent glands but if not done properly you will taint the meat. Removing them is not considered necessary but if you do, thoroughly clean your knife or set aside for cleaning later and use another one.

Some hunters do not gut their game (check your state laws) but simply remove the meat from the bone working from the outside in. The bone marrow stays warm for hours after the kill even in cold temperatures, so getting the meat off the bone right after the kill cools it much faster. Field dressing and then driving around with the animal on your hood is considered amateurish by many. The heat from the engine only speeds up spoiling by warming the meat more than it already is. Once the meat is cut away, you will need to hang it so air can get to it to begin the cooling down process. Place in game bags or wrap in cheesecloth before hanging.

Some states allow you to skin the animal in warm weather as long as the head remains attached. If you do skin it, wrap the carcass in cheesecloth and pack with ice. Protect the meat from dirt and insects and allow it to cool by airflow. Hang the meat if you plan to stay in the field for a few more hours.

In years past hunting expeditions may have included people to process the game on the spot. The hunters went out ahead while others followed in wagons. The wagons may have contained barrels of salt to place the meat in for curing, and the materials to begin drying and smoking the meat. Salt draws the moisture from the meat thus drying it and preventing bacteria from growing. Smoking achieves the same results, the smoke will inhibit bacteria growth and keep insects away and the heat from the fire will remove the moisture from the meat. Once dried the meat does not require refrigeration. Of course, some of the fresh meat was cooked and eaten on the spot. The hunters and meat processors may have stayed out for weeks or longer processing enough game to get the family or small village through the winter months.

Today, however, you can process your own meat once back home or take it to a commercial processor. Once they take the animal home, most hunters will hang larger game for up to 24 hours before butchering. If the weather is warm, the animal must be skinned and butchered as soon as possible.

Some hunters may age the carcass but this requires a large refrigerated area to hang the meat where the temperature is kept at three or four degrees above freezing. Aging will allow the meat to begin to break down thus tenderizing it and adding flavor. Aging must be done carefully because fresh meat will spoil under refrigeration. Most hunters will butcher as soon as possible and wrap the meat for freezing.

Reloading your own Ammo as both a Hobby and Preparation

When you consider the popular hobby of prepping, most people think of the food supplies and water storage that families keep to be ready in an emergency. Some stock up on other things as well, like alcohol for bartering and fuel purposes and most have a selection of firearms and a good supply of ammunition.

These are all good things for your preps, but most of these preps will not last long enough for a sustained emergency. For food the answer is obvious, learn to grow your own crops, a chore to be certain, but a skill that can be learned by anyone. On the other hand for the majority of people, ammunition is a finite resource.

Very few people will be able to use their weapons after the initial stock of ammo is spent and while many will have quite large quantities of bullets for every gun, they cannot anticipate which gun will be needed the most or how quickly those bullets will dwindle until their expensive and calibrated firearm becomes nothing more than a crutch. A crutch for walking that is.

Today we’ll take a few steps towards remedying that situation with a quick breakdown of bullet reloading and the merits of being able to put this useful skill into your toolbox when it’s time to get out of dodge.

THINGS YOU WILL NEED

This isn’t a shopping list or a how to, ammo reloading is complex enough that it can’t be. You are going to need a full reloading kit, gun powder, lead, bullet molds, primers and brass casings in order to reload your own ammo. These will take up a bit more room than you’re complete and ready to go ammo, but this ensures that you’ll be able to make more as time goes on. The stock is up to you, but those are the components necessary.

PREPPING THE PREP

Anyone who has seen ammo reloading without understanding much of the techniques involved will immediately picture someone pouring a small packet of powder into the brass, and then using a leaver to seat the new lead slug into the bullet and that’s it. But those are the last two steps in a long process and all of the steps require precision.

First you clean. Spent brass has soot residue all over it and will have to be cleaned, either with a tumbler or a gun cleaning kit and then a wash with a special or homemade brass washing solution. After cleaning, the brass must be inspected for flaws and imperfections and ultimately rejected if they possess any. This is crucial as a weakened casing can cause untold amounts of damage both to firearms and the body wielding the firearm.

Then the case must be sized, requiring a die to work the brass back into the original SAAMI dimensions for the caliber you’re reloading. After the sizing process reshapes the brass, it has to be trimmed to the right length and use a deburring tool to remove the sharp edges on the casing.

Now it’s ready for priming. This is possibly the simplest procedure yet, but by far the most dangerous to perform. The primer is a small explosive and it can cause injury. Fortunately by its design, the primer must be crushed in order to ignite so with caution and safety equipment, the hazard can be minimized. The process involves another tool where you seat the primer and then press the casing over it in order to marry the two pieces.

Then the specific amount of gunpowder is weighed and measured into the shell before it is placed in the bullet press and the bullet is pressed into the casing, finishing the task.

There are many steps to the process and each bullet requires different measurements and dies in order to process into a safe and functional bullet. Not to mention the forming of your own lead into bullets. You will find much more specific instruction elsewhere, including your local ammo supply shop which should have all the supplies you need and manuals detailing the specific calibers you will be interested in.

Urban Survival during a Crisis

Even though the crisis itself is devastating, the aftermath can be just as traumatic and in some cases more so. One of the biggest threats to families and individuals in the days after a calamity has struck is your fellow citizens. People living in built up urban areas face a greater threat from others than those living in rural areas do. In some cases, it is only a matter of hours before looters and other criminal elements are out taking advantage of the crisis.

After three days of limited food and water or none at all, otherwise law-abiding citizens may turn to violence to feed their families. Friends and neighbors will be under tremendous stress and they too may become a threat to you and your family. People will convince themselves the only way to survive is to take from others; some will do whatever it takes to alleviate the suffering of their children. Personal defense is a priority and it must be part of your overall disaster preparedness.

SECURITY EVALUATION

There will be more crimes of opportunity during a crisis. People will literally “rattle” doorknobs hoping to find a home unsecured. Opportunists usually do not want a confrontation so once they realize you have taken precautions they may very well move on to an easier target. Your objective is to make it as difficult as possible for an intruder. If your home were specifically targeted because people know you have a stockpile of supplies then you would need weapons, particularly firearms to act as a deterrent and to defend yourself. Locked doors and boarded up windows will deter some while others may need more convincing.

Windows and doorways are weak points. You can board up all glass entrances and harden doors with the proper locks and steel striker plates that make it very difficult to kick the door in. The plates are attached to the studs surrounding the door frame whereas a typical striker plate is only attached to the molding surrounding the door casing. Once the bolt is engaged, an intruder would have to kick down the studs instead of just tearing loose small wood screws attached to the molding to break the bolt loose.

Interior and exterior lighting is important, so important in fact; it is recommended you have a generator dedicated to exterior lighting during a crisis. Criminals take advantage of power outages, and they will avoid well-lighted homes. Make sure you have ample lighting inside the home as well during the disaster. Having the proper amount of lighting can also prevent accidents. Imagine for one moment you hear a noise and see a shadow, and you are armed, do you fire or do you wait to until you can clearly see the intruder. Homeowners have accidentally shot other family members because they could not identify the figure they saw standing in the doorway.

From a security standpoint, it is never a good idea to advertise you are well stockpiled with supplies. Some preparers like to encourage others to prepare and may even offer to help their friends and neighbors, but there will always be those that simply will not prepare. The ones that did not prepare for the disaster will look to you and others that did.

It is not recommended that you keep all of your emergency essentials in one place. Damage to your home or a break-in may result in you losing all of your supplies. Cache some supplies around your property that you can retrieve if your home is damaged, taken over or robbed. Use outbuildings to cache supplies or bury underground and make sure you place them where you have unlimited access. It is never a good idea to use commercial storage facilities to stockpile supplies. Commercial storage buildings will be a target of looters and others during a crisis and you may not be able to get to your supplies because of damaged roads and bridges.

FIREARMS AND A CRISIS

Have your weapons within reach at all times and if you have a handgun keep it holstered and in plain sight. Practice proper safety procedures if you have children, so keeping the weapons in your hands will keep them out of children’s hands. You want criminals that may be looking for a target to see that you are armed. Criminals will use a pretext to get on to your property or even into your home. They may claim to be from insurance companies, construction companies, and even declare they are from the government. You want them to see you are armed and ready to defend yourself.

TO STAY OR EVACUATE

Evacuation is always a possibility during any disaster and for many it is a difficult decision, but everyone should prepare for the likelihood. You must evacuate if your community or city comes under a chemical, nuclear or biological attack. In some cases, you may only have a few hours or even less to decide, so planning for evacuation is important.

BUG-OUT-BAG

A go-bag or 72-hour bag is designed to sustain you for up to three days if you have to vacate your home during a disaster. Every member of the family should have their own bag each with the same supplies. This helps distribute the workload and ensures the survival of an individual if they become separated. Each bag should have food and water for three days, medical supplies, personal hygiene items, communications devices and flashlights. Keep in mind that, if you have to leave on foot you will have to carry the bag on your back so do not over pack.

Additional Items for each Go Bag:

•             Water Purification Tablets
•             Coffee Filters and Cheesecloth for Water Filtration
•             Nylon Tarps for Emergency Shelter
•             Rain Gear and/or Rain Ponchos
•             Fixed Bladed Knife along with a Multi-Tool
•             Nylon Rope
•             Camp Axe/Machete/Folding Wood Saw
•             Collapsible Walking Stick
•             Bandanas, Sunglasses, Lip Balm, Insect Repellent
•             Extra Socks
•             Stainless Steel Canteens
•             Portable Radio

Leaving on foot is not an ideal situation. The average adult can walk three miles per hour on relatively even terrain and in a straight line. Urban areas will be congested and people walking will have to backtrack at times to get around obstacles and to avoid bridges, overpasses and tunnels. You do not want to be trapped on a bridge, or in a tunnel, so you have to map out more than one route out of the area. Given the situation, you will only average about one mile to one and a half miles per hour. If in a group, you will only be able to travel as fast as the slowest person can. Shelter will be what you can carry with you or construct along the way. Assume your water supply will be depleted before you reach your destination. You will have to collect and purify a water source along your route.

There are advantages to evacuating in a vehicle and a few disadvantages as well. You can of course carry more than three days of supplies and the vehicle is your shelter. The vehicle has to be large enough to carry everyone and your supplies. Having a trailer you can pull with sides attached is ideal. The trailer can be an emergency shelter and you can stockpile enough supplies for several weeks. The disadvantages are mechanical failures and lack of a fuel source. You must be able to arrive at your destination on a tank of fuel or be able to carry fuel. Re-fueling along the route is not going to be an option.

An all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive sport utility vehicle or a pickup truck is ideal. You can get off road and away from others at night to set up camp, and you can take alternative routes that would otherwise be unavailable in a sedan.

Being in a vehicle makes it difficult to get around roadblocks or obstacles. You should always avoid bridges and tunnels even when driving. This makes navigation more difficult. You can walk through deep snow and across waterways whereas a vehicle, in most cases, you cannot.

You have to decide quickly about evacuation so you can avoid highway congestion. You should try to be well clear of the danger zone before others get out on the roadways. You can become caught in traffic and this leaves you vulnerable. There will be those looking to take advantage of others and you simply do not want to be trapped in traffic where others can take over your vehicle or rob you of your supplies.

Surviving an Earthquake or Tsunami

If you live in an earthquake and tsunami prone area, you will most likely experience shaking under your feet at some point. It is possible you may experience a major earthquake that is capable of damaging buildings and creating destructive tsunamis. It is possible to survive a major earthquake and tsunami if you prepare well in advance and heed warnings.

EARTHQUAKE SURVIVAL

Long before an earthquake strikes, you should take a look around your home to recognize safety hazards such as objects that might fall or shift during intense shaking. Families should make a plan so everyone knows what to do during an earthquake and after the event. Also, everyone should know how to get in contact with each other. It is a good idea to have at least a 7 day emergency store of food, medicine, water and medical supplies and check your home for any structural weaknesses.

During an earthquake, do not run outside. Instead, stay under a piece of heavy furniture if possible and hold on until the shaking stops. If you can’t find a sturdy table or desk to hide under, sit on the floor against an inside door and keep away from windows, furniture and bookcases that might fall on you. If you are driving when the earthquake starts, pull over and stay away from overpasses, power lines, bridges and other hazards. Always stay inside your car until the earthquake has passed.

TSUNAMI SURVIVAL

Earthquakes may not be the only hazard you have to worry about; you might live in a tsunami prone area as well. If an earthquake strikes and the ground shakes for a long time, it is possible a tsunami has been triggered. Instead of waiting for official word that a tsunami is on its way, evacuate immediately and follow the evacuation route signs posted. Always bring your emergency kit with you, since you may not be able to return home for a few days or, it’s possible in extreme cases, you may not be able to return home.

Tsunamis that cause considerable damage are not as rare as you might think. In fact, within the last 70 years there have been 34 tsunamis recorded on the North Coast of California – the most tsunami prone state, with five of them causing damage to homes.

Bear in mind, tsunamis come in multiple waves, not just a single large wave. Also, the first wave is typically not the largest and the waves can arrive anywhere from a few minutes to more than an hour apart. Never return home until you receive the “all clear” from official channels.

Hurricane Preparedness

There are plenty of advantages to living in the Southern United States and other tropical areas like the Caribbean, Philippines and Australia. The drawback however is these areas are prone to hurricanes and some of these will become a category 3 and above – hereby classifying them as major storms. It is possible to survive a major hurricane if you are prepared and knowledgeable about the storm.

PREPARE FOR THE STORM

An advantage to a hurricane as opposed to tornadoes for example, is that you will get advance warning of its approach. This will give you time to prepare your home. Preparations should be completed within a day of landfall and this means, bring in all outdoor furniture or secure it, board up your windows with sturdy plywood or install hurricane shutters and close them. You should already have an emergency kit ready to go that includes food, medical supplies, extra clothing, batteries and identification into a waterproof bag and keep it handy.

ONCE THE STORM HITS

Once the storm begins affecting your area, stay inside at all times and keep away from unprotected windows and doors. Do not use candles or gas powered generators inside the home. They could cause fires and carbon monoxide poisoning; instead use battery powered flashlights and lanterns for light.

Keep your food in coolers during the storm, as you will most likely lose power at some point during the storm. If you live in a condominium or apartment and need to take an elevator to get home or to a safer location in the building, do so before the storm hits; once power goes out you could get stuck in the elevator.

When the eye is passing overhead, do not go outside. The hurricane’s eye is the calm part of the storm and while it may be interesting to take a peek at what it looks like, an eye differs in size. The calm part of the storm may last anywhere from 30 minutes up to an hour and usually a storm’s intensity picks up on the second half with winds now blowing from the opposite direction. Also, if you are advised to evacuate, and then leave your home; there are shelters set up to protect people from high winds and possible major flooding.

STAY INSIDE UNTIL IT IS SAFE TO LEAVE

Once the storm has passed, be aware that there will be dangers outside, like fallen power lines, debris and possible flooding. If it is safe to stay in your home, then do so; if not, then make your way carefully to the nearest shelter or safe place.

Solar Power

Solar energy is created through conversion of the sun’s energy into electricity. There are different solar technologies including solar chimneys, ponds and thermo-electric converters. These systems allow people to use solar power as an alternative to costly fossil fuels. Solar energy is not only a more affordable option but it is also a safer and healthier means of generating energy.

FACTS

Despite the benefits of using solar energy, few people around the world have embraced the technology. Less than 1 percent of homes in the US utilize solar energy. Part of the reason why many people are not using solar energy is the initial costs associated with the installation of solar panels. However, using solar energy is actually much cheaper than other forms of energy.

BENEFITS OF SOLAR ENERGY

Independent Systems:

Solar panels have an independent operation because they are not connected to a power grid. They can be installed even in the most remote locations. Solar panels help to offset energy consumption from utilities and supply power for refrigerators, laptops and other household electronics during power outages. From another perspective, solar energy curtails dependence on foreign oil which helps in building a sustainable economy.

Flexibility:

There are different types of solar panels including amorphous, polycrystalline and mono-crystalline. Each type of solar panel has a certain level of efficiency and pricing structure. In addition, there are different types of solar panel array mounts including adjustable, fixed and tracking. These mounts provide flexible solutions to power generation depending on the locality and availability of sunlight.

Installation and Maintenance:

Solar panel installation does not require major modifications to the structure of a building. They can be installed on a roof or in a field. The solar energy system can also be scaled up to meet increasing energy needs by installing more panels. A notable benefit of solar panels is that they do not require fuel to operate which keeps maintenance costs at a minimum.

Simple Storage:

Most solar panels come with a backup battery to store energy when the sun is not shining or in case of a power outage. This provides practical solutions to various power problems for homeowners. They can use solar-powered refrigerators eliminating the need to store canned foods for emergencies or use their laptops and PCs even with a power outage.

Zero Pollution:

Unlike noisy, fuel consuming generators, solar panels are clean and noiseless energy generators. In addition, solar panels do not release harmful toxins such as sulfur-dioxide, mercury, nitrogen-dioxide and other pollutants into the environment. Solar power minimizes acid rain, smog and climate change.

Economic Benefits:

After the initial buying and installation costs, solar power is virtually free because no one pays for sunlight. Furthermore, homeowners are given financial incentives by the U.S Department of Energy for using solar power. People can hook up their solar panels to the national power grid and sell excess energy back to the utility. Solar power can substantially reduce electricity bills or eliminate them altogether. Fluctuations in the price of fossil fuels affect the cost of electricity. However, with solar power, the fluctuations have no impact. According to GE Global Research the ash cloud from the volcanic eruption at Eyjafjallajokull Glacier in Europe had no visible effect on the PV output and solar power.

Recommendations:

People can gradually ease into solar power as their budgets allow and knowledge on solar energy grows. Using solar power is a win-win situation for the users and the environment.

Solar Water Heating:

One of the first places to use solar energy is on water heating. Residential water heating systems include storage tanks and solar collectors. There are two types of solar water systems- active and passive.

Solar Panels for Beginners:

Nowadays, people can purchase and install solar panels regardless of their technological background. In fact, many solar panel systems are designed to plug directly into a power supply. Solar panel kits come in different sizes to fit different budgets. Homeowners can purchase small solar panels and evaluate their performance before advancing to bigger ones.

Misconceptions:

Because solar energy is created by the sun, the fact that the sun sets at night doesn’t make the idea of using solar energy flawed. There are many techniques of storing solar energy including phase change materials, pumped-storage hydro-electricity, thermal mass systems and grid energy storage systems among others.

Gardening and Seeds

Over the last several years more and more people have become concerned about the threat of natural disaster or a black out. These occurrences are being seen as a real danger because of current situations around the globe. Due to these concerns, people have been looking for new ways to not only keep their families safe in times of trouble, but also for options to provide their families with food in case trouble hits. One way to ensure that their family has enough food in case of a catastrophe is to store seeds. Stored seeds are of great value not only to those who have large areas of land to tend, but also for those who are living in the city.

To be sure a family is well provided for in case of a disaster is to have a variety of extra seeds on hand. Seed storage works for any type of seeds from the family’s favorite fruit, like strawberries, to well-loved vegetables like beans. There are two ways that people can get the seeds they need for their storage system. They can either choose to purchase commercial seeds or use seeds from their own gardens. If the individual is choosing to purchase commercial seeds there are a few tips they’ll want to keep in mind. The first tip is that the best time to purchase these seeds would be in the spring. Spring is the time of year when seed stores tend to have products, like fruit and vegetable seeds, marked down to their lowest prices. The family will also want to make sure to purchase good quality seeds from reputable growers to ensure they achieve the best end product.

Another option in regard to seeds for people who already have established gardens is to preserve their seeds from previous harvest to use in case of hardship. If the seeds are from the garden, and not from the store, you would want to make sure that they are dried out before being stored. Seed drying is achieved by placing the seeds on a cookie sheet in a slightly open conventional oven for six hours at 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It is very important not to overheat the seeds while drying them out, as this can cause the seeds to fail to germinate when planted later. Both the commercially purchased and home grown seeds will need to be stored in a cool, dry place so they don’t go bad before they are needed. It is also very important to store the seeds in an air tight container to prevent rot from occurring and destroying the seeds. If seeds are properly stored they can last for up to 10 years.

The steps to using these stored seeds will depend on the living condition of the individual. If, for example, the person has a large farm area they can easily use their seeds on their property. The farmer will want to make sure that they have a reliable water source to use on the plants, in case the ground water becomes unusable for some reason. In addition, if you are farming in a colder climate they might want to install a greenhouse that uses the sun’s energy so they can get fresh produce year round. Having all of these things set up in advance guarantees that you will not have to rush around in case of disaster and compete for products with those looking for last minute items.

City dwellers have a number of options in regard to feeding their families with their preserved seeds. Many people have well established successful indoor gardens that use LED grow lights to grow healthy plants hydroponically. There are a number of key items that need to be in place in order to have a successful indoor garden space. You will want to monitor their plants to make sure they are getting the water, light and nutrients that the plants need to survive. In addition, it is very important to have a backup energy source, like a generator. A generator helps if the power goes out and prevents the LED lights from going out and killing the fruits of all of their hard labor. Indoor gardening can be tough to learn, so it is advised that before going this route the person reads up on the subject and talks to garden center experts who specialize in this type of growing.

Regardless of which type of garden the person has, they will want to be well versed as to how to preserve their produce. Having canning supplies on hand will greatly help them in this effort. Having all of this in place helps be totally secure if disaster strikes.

End Notes

Thank you for downloading and reading my survival book. I hope you found the information helpful and will use this information at home.  It’s important to be prepared these days with the current economy downfalls.  Who knows what the future will bring.

If you have a few minutes, I would greatly appreciate your opinion of my book.  Please write a review if there is a specific topic regarding survival preparedness you would like to learn more about. I’m interested in writing more books in the future.

Thank you.

Table of Contents

Disaster Preparedness: Emergency Survival Guide

Table of Contents

Introduction

Steps for Recession Survival Preparation

Soviet Union and Depression

Procuring Potable Water in a Disaster Scenario

Food Prepping for Emergency

Under Pressure: Methods for Canning and Cooking

Activated Charcoal

The Benefits of Using Epsom Salt

Backpacking on the Move – Wilderness Survival Skills

Hunting, Dressing and Packaging your Game

Reloading your own Ammo as both a Hobby and Preparation

Urban Survival during a Crisis

Surviving an Earthquake or Tsunami

Hurricane Preparedness

Solar Power

Gardening and Seeds

End Notes