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10 Essential PVC Pipe DIYs for a Fully Stocked Fallout Shelter

12/19/2018

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While it is unlikely and not exactly pleasant to think about, the occurrence of large-scale nuclear disaster is a real threat that should be taken seriously. As is the case with any natural disaster, prepping for nuclear fallout is something that can and should be done to mitigate losses in the unlikely event nuclear war does occur. PVC pipe is an inexpensive, versatile material that can be used in a variety of projects, especially ones involving disaster prepping. This article will showcase 10 PVC pipe DIYs that are essential for a fully stocked fallout shelter. Without further ado, let’s get prepping!


1) PVC Knife Holders – The Family Handyman
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This DIY PVC knife holder build from The Family Handyman is a great addition to any fallout shelter. Requiring only some PVC pipe, a PVC cutter, tape measure, 2 end caps per holder, and some PVC cement, these PVC knife holders are cheap and easy to make. Using these knife holders will help you keep your knives clean and organized, an extremely useful function in a nuclear fallout scenario
 

2) PVC Survival Cache – Commercial Industrial Supply
A PVC survival cache is a great way to store smaller items such as batteries, flashlights, and lighters. Another benefit of these caches is that they can be buried in places only you know the location of, and the PVC pipe will make it harder for metal detectors to locate the contents of the cache. The writers over at Commercial Industrial Supply created a very detailed guide that includes a list of all the materials you will need
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3) Overhead PVC Storage – The Family Handyman
  Another extremely useful prepping project from The Family Handyman is overhead PVC garage storage. If you have wooden ceiling joists in your shelter, you can create a space-saving storage unit for items such as metal rods or fishing poles. All you’ll need is some PVC pipe, PVC elbows, a drill, a PVC cutter, some PVC cement, and some WYE connectors (optional; they can be attached to cross braces for extra support).
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4) PVC Pipe Hanging Garden – BuzzFeed

This hanging garden build from BuzzFeed is a great way to increase your food-growing capacity without taking up much space. Simply take some PVC pipe with your outside diameter of choice and cut off the entire top half/fourth, leaving some of the top portion on the ends of the pipe to hang it with. Once your garden is set up, you can grow small plants like peppers and parsley. 
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5)  PVC Oil Recovery System – Family Handyman


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An oil recovery system made out of PVC pipe is a great way to conserve scarce motor oil in the event of nuclear fallout. All you need to make this project is some PVC pipe, some 45- and 90- degree elbows, some T-fittings, and some pipe straps. Once the build is complete, simply use the pipe straps to secure the recovery system on a wall and place a container with a funnel at the lower end. This project is great as it is practical for everyday use as well as doomsday prepping. Additionally, it can be used to preserve other valuable


6) DIY PVC Survival Bow – Instructables


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Coming from user newwarhammer2 over at Instructables, this DIY PVC bow project is a great addition to any prepper’s arsenal. A bow has the benefit of having ammunition that isn’t unreasonably hard to craft yourself, and using one is much quieter than firing a gun. The Instructables article has an in-depth list of materials needed and steps required to craft a PVC bow.
 

7) PVC Chicken Feeder – Instructables

This PVC chicken feeder build from user ugarxfish over at Instructables is an inexpensive project that can bolster any homestead’s self-sufficiency. Building a chicken feeder out of PVC is much cheaper than buying one from a farming supply store and allows much more customization. The Instructables article has a detailed set of instructions as well as a list of required materials.

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8) Firewood Carrying Device – Survival Hax
The firewood carrying device build courtesy of Survival Hax may be a simple project, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t helpful. Simply take some rope or paracord and tie it to both ends of a PVC pipe length. This awesome device will enable you to carry much larger loads of firewood than if you were only using your hands.

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9) PVC Canteen – Survival Hax
axA PVC Canteen is a simple, cheap, and effective way to store your water in the case of disaster. All you’ll need is a length of PVC pipe, 2 end caps, some PVC cement, and some rope (optional; you can use rope if you want to carry the canteen on your shoulder). Once finished, you’ll have a handy water storage device that is much cheaper than store-bought canteens.
Source: Survival Hax
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10) PVC Bow Stand – Survival Life
Last but not least, this DIY PVC bow stand build from Survival Life is a great addition to any fallout shelter and is a much cheaper alternative to purchasing a bow stand. The Survival Life article has a detailed list of instructions and required materials.

Picture courtesy of user laroye123 over at ArcheryTalk.com
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Hopefully, reading this article has given you some ideas on how to make sure your fallout shelter is fully prepared in case of disaster. Thanks for reading, and happy prepping!
 
Author Bio:
Mark Ligon is the Marketing Manager at PVC Fittings Online, an online store that features PVC products including pipe, fittings (CPVC, PVC, Etc.), valves, plumbing supply, and more. Mark enjoys completing DIY projects and providing valuable PVC-related tips to individuals looking to complete their own DIY projects.
 
 
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How to prepare for an EMP attack

7/24/2015

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By Jesse Jones 

Preparing yourself for an EMP attack can be a daunting task for the unprepared. In today’s worlds almost everything is dependent on electricity or technology in general. From your cellphone to the servos that regulate your cities water pressure, the amount our society relies on these technologies is ever growing. But what can you do to prepare for an EMP attack? Go old school!
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Like with any form of disaster, you should have a well rounded stock of supplies such as food and water. But should and EMP attack be made anywhere remotely near you, all of your normal means of survival are going to change dramatically. Most notably is going to be lighting, heat, communication. 

We often take for granted the ability to flip a switch and instantly have all these services. When you walk in to a room you hit a switch and have light. You have a control to heat your house or to turn on a burner to heat your food. You hit a button and instantly have access to global communication. You already realize this though don't you? You want to know how to prepare for an EMP attack.
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Image via consciouslyenlightened.com

Basic Needs 
After an EMP Attack Every situation is slightly different, knowing the unique differences for each possible disaster will allow your to cross-prepare for each situation. Don't neglect in one area thinking you will be alright. Make a plan for each situation, have checklist on hand, and make sure your family knows what you plan to do beforehand. When SHTF, every second counts, and every minute spent trying to decide what to do could mean your life.


Shelter
As in all situation's shelter is your first priority. As I mentioned in Home Survival During Civil Unrest it's vital to fortify your home should you choose to stay in town. Make sure your and your family have a plan in place to make this process as quick as possible. The faster you get this done, the quicker you can focus your time elsewhere.


Food and Water 
You already know how important it is to stick to a healthy, well rounded diet. This is even more important when a disaster hits. You will be using far more energy than your probably used too on a regular basis, and not eating properly can extremely degrade your quality of thought. My favorite technique for storing food is canning. Canning Food – The Basics has some great information if you have never canned food. Keep a large store of water, and learn more about Water Storing and Filtering


Heat 
Once you have your shelter situated, your going to need heat. You need a way to prepare your food, and you need warmth to keep your body warm. Remember when I said go old school? One of the most effective ways of heating your food is with fuel. Propane and Kerosene are the two most popular methods, but propane is bulky to store and doesn't last nearly as long. 

Something as simple as a Kerosene candle can be enough heat to prepare your meal, but they make some pretty sweet pressure stoves that run off kerosene. Kerosene is cheaper than propane, lasts a lot longer during use, and can easily be stored safely. If your trying to keep warm, I recommend you wear more cloths or wrap your self in blankets. 
Try not to waste resources just to keep warm unless you absolutely have too.


Lighting 

Lucky for us, in most EMP type conditions, basic small equipment like flashlights will most likely still work. Unless you are relatively close to the EMP's effective radius, technologies like flashlights should still work (They generally have very simple designs and minimal friable components). A great fix to lighting is going to be solar powered flashlights. 

Avoid the ones you shake, as these generally are more vulnerable to failure during a blast. In going old school, something I really enjoy using while camping is my Kerosene lantern. Not only do they look cool, they can last a very long time and are cheap to maintain. If you really want a flashlight and your concerned about it getting fried, build your self a Faraday Cage

Hopefully you have been able to get a better idea on how to prepare for an EMP attack. Although this is one of the most unlikely event's to happen, it can still be a very scary thought and would probably cause the most harm to our standard way of living. Start thinking about the things you do every day that rely on technology. What would you do if you no longer had the technology to support this requirement, and how would you manage without it?

I still appreciate the technologies of the past, non-dependent on electronics and simple in nature. Going old school is the best way to prepare for an EMP attack in today’s world.

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P.S. If you would like to learn more about preparing yourself for disasters like an EMP attack click here 


​About the author

Jesse Jones has been writing for over 8 years for many news outlets and online media sources. He is an avid survivalist and prepper who can be found writing articles on his personal survival blog www.365preppers.com go check him out!
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Off Grid Solar Systems vs. Grid Tied Systems

5/19/2015

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Solar energy is an infinitely renewable resource that uses the sun’s rays to generate electricity for use in your home. By going solar, you can reduce your energy costs and also lower your dependence on fossil fuels, thereby making your own contribution to a cleaner environment. However you can choose to go completely off the grid or have a grid tied system. 

"While the solar panels themselves work identically in a grid-tied and off-grid system, the method of both storing the solar power and integrating that power into the home’s electrical system have some marked differences between the two, so much so that their paths diverge substantially. It’s not so much the panels themselves that we’ll be looking at; rather, it is what happens when the electricity leaves those panels and heads for your home that we’re examining."
Via offthegridnews.com

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GRID-TIE SYSTEMS

If you take a drive down your average suburban street and spot a home with solar panels on the roof, you can almost be certain the system is a grid-tied system, which is by far the most common solar-powered system in use today. As the name implies, the system is tied to the grid – what grid, you ask? The electrical power generation and distribution grid – essentially, all it means is that the home is connected to the power grid that feeds it, which isn’t earth-shattering until you understand the implications thereof. Here’s how it works:

  • The home is already connected to the power grid regardless of solar panels. What most people don’t realize is that this connection is a two way street – power doesn’t just flow from the grid into the home; it can also flow from the home back into the grid.
  • Solar panels on a grid tie-in system generate electricity when the sun is shining, and this electricity is routed to the home’s primary electrical distribution panel. If the home produces more electricity than it uses, the excess electricity is funneled back into the grid.
  • If the home frequently produces more power via solar panels than it uses, the homeowner will realize a credit on his or her power bill representing a payment from the power company for the electricity that the home produced.

Grid ties have one fatal flaw however; one Achilles heel that most people don’t know about: Your grid-tied solar panel system will not be able to power your home during a power failure. This is because the power company will put a lockout box on the output of the solar panels such that if the power is off, the box will disconnect the solar panels from the home’s electrical panel to prevent a back-feed situation. As we discussed earlier, electricity flows both ways, and the power company is concerned that the output of your home’s solar panel system could inadvertently shock a power worker halfway down the block who is working on the power lines and assumes they are inactive.

OFF-GRID SYSTEMS

Off-grid systems take solar panel technology to a new level. Essentially, they use the same solar panels as grid-tied systems, except they actually store the power they make, usually in batteries. This is an important distinction; the off-grid solar power user isn’t interested in generating power for some faraway utility; he or she is interested in keeping the power that is produced. The way the power is retained is by storing the output of the solar panels in an appropriately sized battery bank, and this provides another benefit most people don’t realize: You can use the solar power you generated during the day – at night. As the solar-powered system soaks in the sun’s rays during the day, it funnels this electricity into a purpose built battery bank which then can be drawn from at night or on overcast days, meaning that the off-grid system will be able to bank or save its output, whereas the grid-tied system will be running at a reduced capacity, or perhaps not at all."


Via offthegridnews.com
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How to prepare for a long term power grid failure

5/4/2015

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By Dennis Diaz
The potential for a disaster that could knock the power grid offline for several months or longer is very real. It is something that has been discussed in depth by the leaders of the country. Our power grid is extremely vulnerable to physical attack as well as a computer hack. Any group that wanted to wage war against the country would likely start with the power grid first. It is absolutely crucial that you prepare to live long term without the modern convenience of electricity. 

You may assume that a downed power grid would be nothing more than a typical power failure. How bad can it be to live without power for a few days or even a couple of weeks? Well, you must look at the big picture. It wouldn't be just your house without power. It would be your city, the neighboring city and the cities all across the country. 
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What Happens When the Power Grid Fails?

Check out the following list to see just how a power grid failure would really impact your daily life.


  • No gas stations would be functioning, which means no fuel for your car
  • Public transportation would be inoperable i.e. trains, buses, taxis and even planes
  • Grocery stores would not be open and operable
  • Food supply chains would be halted with no fuel to haul goods
  • Manufacturing would stop with no electricity to operate machines
  • Water sanitation systems would not be functioning, meaning no clean tap water
  • Communication systems would be inoperable, no internet, phones, etc...
  • Your job would be offline—meaning no work or income
  • Banks would be down as would ATMs, the money you have in your pocket is it


As you can see, the world as you know it would grind to a halt. Society would be thrust back in time at least 150 years or so. Functioning without electricity is something many of us would struggle to do simply because it is unfamiliar and we are unequipped to cook meals, clean our homes or even do basic gardening without the things electricity gives us i.e. power tools that require gas or electricity.

Power Grid Failure Plan—Bug Out or Hunker Down

When the power goes off, do you plan to hole up in your house or do you bug out and head for the hills? This is a question you need to seriously think about. The answer will not be the same for everybody.

Ask yourself the following questions to determine if you should bug out.


  • Do you have somewhere to bug out to? This may be a cabin in the woods, a friend's house or a secret bunker.
  • Can you walk to your bug out location?
  • Can every member of your family make the trek?

If you answered yes to all of those questions, then bugging out is an option. However, it isn't always a good idea to bug out. If it is unsafe to be traveling anywhere, you absolutely need to hunker down or shelter in place. Because it is almost impossible to predict what the situation will be like, you need to make plans to do both. If your goal is to hunker down and stay in your home, you will also need to have a bug out plan just in case your home becomes unsafe.

Necessary Supplies to Stock Up On

If your main goal is to bug in, you will want to stock up on some key supplies. If your goal is to bug out, you will want to have at least a 3-day supply of food in your home and the majority of your supplies in your bug out location. The following items will mean the difference between riding out a long term power failure in relative comfort or struggling every minute of the day.

Food
While survival experts will tell you that it is possible to survive without food for 21 days, it isn't something anybody wants to experience if they don't have to. Stocking up on some ready-to-eat foods is the way to go. Your best option is to have food on hand that does not require cooking. It needs to be ready to eat as is or with a little water to re-hydrate it.

The following list are some of the foods you want to start stocking up on.


  • Canned meats i.e. tuna, Spam, chicken, corned beef hash
  • Canned vegetables—whatever your family eats
  • Canned fruit
  • Dried beans
  • Dried grains i.e. oats, wheat
  • Freeze-dried dairy products i.e. milk, butter, cheese
  • Canned soups and chili
  • Rice
  • Freeze-dried meals—these are quick, easy meals that only require a small amount of water to make ready to eat
  • Peanut butter
  • Variety of spices
  • Jerky

If there are any other foods that you know your family enjoys, it is a good idea to add those to the pantry. Keep in mind, you want foods that will last for years. Buying items that are only good for a few months is a waste of your time and money.

Freeze-dried foods are a good investment. When stored properly, they can last for 10 years or more. This applies to many of your dried beans, rice and grains as well.

Water


Water is a must-have. You can buy commercially bottled water and store it in a cool, dark place for years. If you are going to bottle your own water, it is important you use proper containers. Do not use old milk jugs!

These are acceptable containers you can wash and reuse for water storage.
  • Plastic juice bottles
  • 2-liter soda bottles
  • Ice tea jugs

You only want to use plastics that are thick and not the flimsy plastic gallon jugs milk and some juice products come in.

Before you put your home-bottled water on the shelf, you need to treat it to ensure bacteria doesn't grow. Adding a single drop or two of standard, unscented household bleach will keep your water fresh. Ideally, you should only store home-bottled water on the shelf for 6 months. Date the containers before placing them in your pantry. When they are close to becoming outdated, dump out the water and wash the container with dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and reuse.


For larger quantities of water in a cistern or rain barrel, it is important the vessels are dark and not exposed to direct sunlight. Sunlight sparks algae growth. Water in barrels or cisterns needs to be treated before drinking.

Other Items
There are some other things you will want to have on hand to deal with a downed power grid. Let's start with some basic necessities.


  • Personal hygiene products i.e. shampoo, soap, toilet paper, feminine hygiene items, toothpaste, toothbrushes
  • Medical supplies i.e. first aid kit that is stocked to last for months
  • Flashlights, candles, lanterns, extra batteries
  • Fuel for emergencies
  • Baby supplies if needed
  • Garbage bags
  • Aluminum foil

Along with basic necessities, you will need some tools to help make life a little easier.
  • Hand can-opener
  • Hand mixer
  • Hand grinder
  • Ax—for chopping fire wood
  • Gardening tools i.e. shovel, rake, pick, hoe
  • Duct tape
  • Fishing gear
  • Bow for hunting
  • Sewing kit
  • Cast iron cookware
  • Washboard
  • Jerry cans for gasoline

Download the 
"Long term power grid failure checklist"



P.S. If you want to learn more about being prepared, here's an all star lineup of experts providing their best strategies to prepare and protect your family, t

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Blackout Survival: Staying Warm Without Power DIY Heaters 

2/27/2015

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By Survival Ready Blog Team
When a storm causes the power to go out, and you could be left scrambling to stay warm. Staying warm outdoors in an emergency situation is even harder, and it’s more crucial as exposure to wind, moisture and low temperatures can quickly lead to hypothermia. That’s why winter preps should include a variety of methods for keeping you and your family warm under any condition.

The Basics
In the hierarchy of winter preparedness, the first step is to make sure your home is well insulated, that heat systems are working properly and that you have a backup generator in place in case of outages. A wood burning stove or fireplace can work in lieu of a backup generator. Fireplaces and stoves should receive proper maintenance to ensure they’re safe for use.

The next priority is to store an adequate amount of blankets and layers of clothing in a clean, dry place. Don’t forget your slippers, mittens and hats. Though the idea that we lose an extreme amount of body heat through our heads has been debunked, keeping all the extremities covered will help maintain the core temperature.

Emergency supplies like chemical hand warmers and space blankets are also helpful, and should definitely be included in your bugout bag and emergency bag.

Homemade stoves come in last on the list, but that doesn’t mean they’re not an important preparedness tool.

Flower Pots & Tea Lights Heater
via Instructables

A room heater made from a small roasting tray and its trivet two clay flower Pots 4 tea lights and a scrap of aluminum foil

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Candle in a Can 
Via Consumer affairs

Of all the reasons you don't want to ride out a winter storm stranded in your car, the most obvious is the danger of freezing to death. In an immobilized vehicle, running the engine to generate heat is a bad idea for two reasons: one, even with a full tank you'll run out of gas in a few hours, thus leaving you unable to move even when traffic does eventually clear out; and two, if falling or drifting snow or ice blocks your car's exhaust pipe, you and everybody with you could easily die of carbon monoxide poisoning. 


Fortunately, it's easy to make heat without running the engine, and you can put together an emergency automotive heating kit for less than five dollars. You only need three items: an empty metal coffee can, metal-cup “tea light” candles, and some matches. (Well, make that four items: you'll want a resealable sandwich bag, too.) 

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Vegetable Oil Lamp 
Via Instructables

 Preparing for the next time your power goes out? Nobody really seems to know what's going to happen, but if you need some oil lamps cheap, you can make them for free out of a glass container that has a metal lid.  You probably have been either throwing these containers away or recycling them.  Save a few and you can make all the oil lamps you want for just the cost of some wick.

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Rubbing Alcohol Heater
Via Modern Survival Online
The purpose of this was to have a portable, ready-to-go device in case you need emergency heat in a situation such as a vehicle breakdown in the middle of winter.

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P.S. Here's a done for you, step by step system, that tells you EXACTLY what you need to do to prepare yourself and your family for a disaster .
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Going Off the Grid? Here’s What You Need

1/17/2015

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By Survival Ready Blog Team
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Enough is enough! You've had it with the ever uncertain and increasing utility bill. You’re going off the grid. What do you need? Going off the grid is easier said than done and it can be very intimidating. Not only that, but going off the grid can be very expensive and so you want to do it right the first time around.

Knowing your power needs will save you a lot of headaches and money, when you start “unpluging” (no pun intended) from the grid. Solar photo voltaic systems are pretty expensive, so reducing the demand and energy requirements will make a big difference in your pocket.

Harnessing solar energy to power your home is a great way to cut energy costs. To get your solar power system right, you have to spend time planning to determine how much energy you need to generate. The following is a great resource to simplify the process when going off the grid. Read it here "
The Essentials of Planning Your Solar Power System"

Via Dummies.com
"Most off-grid houses use a wide range of energy resources, in sharp contrast to the typical all-electric suburban home. Solar hot water heaters are always good candidates because they're cheaper per kilowatt-hour than an off-grid photovoltaic system, and solar lighting systems are always wise. This variety can be an advantage in that you aren't completely disabled by power blackouts. In fact, you'll be completely impervious to power outages, and even if one of your resources goes down, the majority of your lifestyle will still be intact.

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Off-grid solar electrical systems all use the same basic components, with other elements added according to need.
 Here are the main functions you need to consider when going off the grid

Charge controller
The charge controller feeds current into the battery bank at the required voltage. Good charge controllers draw the best performance out of the batteries and are very important for economics because they influence efficiency.

Battery bank
The battery bank is typically made up of six or more individual batteries connected with stout cables in either series or parallel arrangements.

Inverter
The inverter changes DC to AC voltages suitable for use with household equipment. An inverter is optional if you use DC loads exclusively.

DC loads controller
You may be using both DC (boat, RV, and auto appliances) and AC loads (standard household appliances). The DC loads controller maintains the proper currents and voltages into the DC loads.

AC generator
As a backup power supply, the AC generator isn't strictly necessary but is usually part of any off-grid system in order to prevent blackouts when the sun is weak for extended periods.

Transfer switch
The transfer switch alternates the power source between either the inverter output (when battery power is available) or the AC generator.

AC loads controller
This device includes appropriate fuses and switching means and maintains the voltages and currents used by the AC appliances connected to the system."

As overwhelming as this may be you can reduce the impact by starting small and converting a couple of small functions, instead of a full blown off the grid configuration.

Via Dummies.com
"You don't need to go off-grid with your entire home. You'll save on your power bill, plus enjoy some interesting independence and help save the environment, all in one.

Taking your reading lamp off the grid
If you like to read, you can spend $50 to get a small, battery-charged light (LED) that works for four hours on a four-hour charge. A PV module with a length of wire attaches to a battery/light/switch housing with Velcro backing. Apply the matching Velcro anywhere you may want light. During the day, plug in the PV module and set that in the direct sunlight. At night, press the light into the Velcro and use it.

Installing solar light tubes (tubular skylights)
A solar tube lighting system collects sunlight on the roof and transmits it down a shiny silver pipe into the diffuser, which broadcasts the light into the room below. 
Solar light varies with the clouds and weather, changing the intensity of light in the room quite a bit. You're much more conscious of the outdoors. When the sky is partly cloudy, you can get a lot of fluctuation.
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Using solar fans
Simply take a small 12VDC room fan and a suitable PV panel and wire them directly together. The hotter the sun, the more the air moves; no need for batteries. At $150, a solar fan isn't a cheap option, but it may be reasonable if your energy costs are high enough. Plus, you can use one anywhere; you don't need a plug.
Via Dummies.com

Read our post How to Make Solar Panels for Your Small Electronics for a step by step simple off the grid ways to power you small electronics.
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3 Little Known Things Your Urban Survival Kit May Need

1/13/2015

1 Comment

 
Compiled by Survival Ready Blog Team
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One of the few certainties in life is that uncertainty is always present. Although we would like to choose a scenario where we have to deal with emergencies and disasters, in reality we have very limited control over where we’ll be or when they’ll occur. It is very challenging to be “ready” at all times, but we can definitely minimize the risks and vulnerabilities by creating a plan and having the tools/skills we anticipate we’ll need. In an urban survival scenario, especially near large cities, there are circumstances that are quite unique. 

For instance if you work downtown or take public transportation from and to work, you probably share your space with several hundred people a day. Perhaps you work in a tall office building or near coastal areas. All these factors have to be taken into consideration when putting together an urban survival kit. 


Many people have an urban survival kit at home, assuming they’ll be at home when they need it. What happens if you are in transit to work when an earthquake hits? What if you are in the 20th floor of your office building?How are you going to get down the street? How are you going to get home?

Below are 3 things you can do to your urban survival kit today  to greatly reduce your vulnerability during an emergency.


1. Get Home Bag (GHB)
Via Survival Cache

Imagine for a minute that you work downtown in a large city, maybe you ride the subway or take a bus to work everyday. You are in a large office building with many floors, thousands of people, and you are on the fifteen or twentieth story. If a disaster strikes how are you going to get out? I mean literally. If there is an earthquake, or a catastrophic man made event how are you going to get out of your building? How are you going to get down the street? How are you going to get home? Do you want to be one of the people covered in dust wandering around in shock? I sure don’t.

But I have my Bug out Bag you say!

Oh really, where is it? Even if it is in your car it is useless to you at this point. The parking garage is at street level and possibly blocks away. That could mean life or death in this situation and you need to act now.

Even if you could get to your Bug Out Bag, how much good would it do you in this environment? Most people’s B.O.B. is packed for survival in the wilderness. Camping gear, food, clothing, etc.

A Get Home Bag contains an entirely different set of tools and serves one purpose: To get you from wherever you are to your Home.

Your GBH should contain things that are going to get you out of the building like a prybar. Things to help you make it through the aftermath like water and breathing masks. Things you might use to help rescue others like flashlights or radios. Things that will help you on what could be a very long walk home such as food and maybe shoes.

Clearly a GHB is not a Bug Out Bag. Sure they have some overlap, but a GBH can be much smaller, less weight conscious, have more specific tools, and be planned for one purpose. Do you have one cached in your office or place of work?

2. A Bug Out Plan
Via Survival Cache

So you made it home, now what? Let’s assume that the SHTF out there. You have surveyed the situation and determined that the city is in mass chaos and you need to get out now. What do you do ? Again, you have your Bug Out Bag, but you still have to get out of the city. Do you have a Bug Out Plan?

For our purposes here lets assume that your Bug Out Plan needs to get you from your home to your serious survival cache or Bug Out Location outside of the city. I understand that not everybody has caches hidden in various places, and even fewer people have a dedicated But Out Location. While you should probably be working on that, you still need a Bug Out Plan.

There’s no way I can go through all of the various problems you might encounter while trying to bug out of your city so you will have to plan for yourself. What I will give you are some questions to consider and one rule: Contingency. Is your way out double, triple, and quadruple backed up?
If the highways are shutdown do you have a surface street route?
If no roads are passable do you have an off road route?
If driving is out of the question do you have a planned walking or riding route? (Do you have maps of your area in your Bug Out Bag?)
Do you have a rendezvous point with other family members?

3. A Bug In Plan
Via Survival Cache

Lets back up a minute. Pretend you just got home again, but this time you surveyed the situation and decided that you are not in immediate danger but are still not at situation normal. Now what do you do? A Bug In Plan is for emergency situations where you can stay in your own home but have to rely on your own preparations to survive. This might just mean that you will be without power or water for an extended period. Maybe it means you actually can’t leave your home at all for whatever reason.

What plans do you have in place to live like this? A Bug in Plan should include food and water preparations first and foremost. What will you eat since all of the food in your refrigerator is going to be bad soon? Do you really want to live on the backpack meals out of your Bug Out Bag when you don’t have to? (Be sure to stock the Top 100 items that will Disappear First).

How much water do you have stored? Do you have a sewage system set up. (No water=no sewage: its always the little things….) Do you have unprepared neighbors to worry about? (To help or guard against?)

Starting out a survival situation in an urban environment is almost an immediate set-back compared to those bugging out from more rural areas, but with a Get Home Bag, a Bug Out Plan, and a Bug In Plan you are better off than most people.

Building An Urban Survival Kit
Urban Survival Kit Planning Factors

Via The Bugout Bag Guide

Bug out situations that occur in urban centers have a number of unique factors to consider when building your Bug Out Bag packing list.  These urban survival factors include:
  • Having to deal with building debris and glass in the wake of the disaster event
  • Increased likelihood of opportunities to scavenge water and food from abandoned buildings
  • Possibility of finding supply caches in abandoned buildings – looting is not endorsed by this site but if abandoned supplies mean the difference between life and death, go for it
  • Increases likelihood of encountering humans – This can be both good and bad based on the disposition of the people encountered and how you handle the situation.  Other survivors can be bartered with and be valuable sources for information as well as dangerous criminals.  Approach them with caution in mind.
  • Less need for emergency shelter as there should be many buildings around and debris available to cobble a shelter together if need be.

Some urban survival kit gear that will help you deal with these factors:
  • Crow bar/pry bar – For scavenging and removing barriers and debris as well as hammering out glass.
  • Tool for Fire Hydrants/Gas Mains – This is useful if you find yourself in a house with gas leaking or if you want to access a fire hydrant for some clean water.
  • Work Gloves – If you have to break glass or move debris these will save your hands and keep you working and moving much longer.  These can be picked up in any hardware store.
  • Dust Mask – If there are collapsed buildings in your area this will protect your lungs from airborne debris particles.  These can also be picked up in any hardware store.
  • Permanent Marker – The nature of the urban environment will give you opportunities to leave markings or notes for yourselves or others in your party.
  • Can opener – In an urban survival situation there will be many more opportunities to scavenge food than in a rural locality.  A can opener will enable you to easily access preserved food that you come across.
  • Metal Spork – Scavenged food will need a way to get to your mouth.
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The Ugly Truth About Urban Survival

12/29/2014

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This post might cause some controversy but its definitely worth a discussion. It is a video from former Navy SEAL Chad Wade about urban survival and its real world consequences. 

Here's an excerpt from the video: “There’s a ton of urban survival gear out there for sale. Maybe that’s why prepper experts continue to talk about urban survival as though such a thing exists. 

But living in a city isn’t a death sentence. There is an easy and cheap way to protect your family from urban violence, if it ever erupts."


Watch as Chad demonstrates the very method he used to create viable survival options for his own family, even though he lives in the big city.”

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Filtering & Purifying Water

12/21/2014

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By Survival Ready Blog Team

With a few exceptions, like rain water and water collected through a solar still, the water collected from most water sources in a survival situation will need to be treated before it is safe to consume.

Filtering Water

If you don’t have a device that filter and disinfects the water, you will have to accomplish the same task in two stages. Before purifying the water, you will have to filter it to remove any debris.

Filter Frame or Tripod Filter

If you are not carrying a filtration system with you such as a “Lifestraw Personal Filter”, you could construct an improvised water filter. A water filter frame or tripod filter uses pouches of contrasting natural materials to remove unwanted particles from natural water. Pour the water into the uppermost pouch, and allow it to filter slowly down into a container at the bottom.

This water filter is a three tier system. The first layer, or grass layer, removes the larger impurities. The second layer, or sand layer, removes the smaller impurities. The final layer or charcoal layer (not the ash but charcoal from a fire), bonds and holds the toxins. All layers are placed on some type of straining device and the charcoal layer should be at least 5-6 inches thick. Layers should be changed frequently and straining material should be boiled. Remember, this is not a disinfecting method, cysts can possibly move through this system.

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Hanging water filter

A hanging water filter works in the same manner as the filter frame or tripod filter, by allowing the water to pass through the layers of filtration. The contrasting layers of rock and sand inside the cloth bag or bottle will each strip particle of debris from the water, leaving in clean enough to be bottled for purification.

To make a hanging water filter you can either use a piece of cloth as a pouch or a bottle to stack the layers and hang it from a tree. Fill the pouch or bottle with layers of different materials working from coarse to fine as you go your way down the container. Pour the water into the top end of the pouch or bottle and allow it to work its way down through the layers

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Disinfecting Water

If you consume untreated water, you run the risk of becoming infected with a water-borne disease, so it’s vital that you treat any water first. If you have the ability to start a fire, the most effective way of making water safe to drink is by boiling it from at least 10 minutes. However if you are unable to make a fire, there are several devices available that are capable of filtering and purifying water to make it safe for drinking.

Mini Portable Water Purifiers

These are specially designed units that filter the water and then purify it, by pumping the contaminated water through either micro filters, chemicals or a combination of both. Sized vary in these devices from small pumps able t purify 10 gallons to units capable of purifying large quantities of water.

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Gravity/Pressure Filters

These devices are incorporated within drinking bottles. The water is either allowed to flow naturally through the system via gravity, or is squeezed through by the operator. All bottles of this type typically employ: a filter to remove sediments and organic contaminants; a micron filter to remove protozoa; and a chemical that kills water-borne bacteria and viruses.

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Survival Straws

Compact emergency water filters, survival straws usually contain a filter system and employ either carbon or iodine resign systems to eliminate water-borne diseases and harmful chemicals. You need to get the water at the point where you can reach it with your straw. If you want to draw a supply of water to carry with you, you’ll have to draw water into your mouth and decant it into a container.

Larger units, that provide safe water to multiple people and that use the same technology, are now commercially available.

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Other Methods

If you can’t boil water, or if you don’t have a water purification device, you’ll have to rely on non-mechanical methods. The concentration and contact time required for some of these methods is dictated by the quality and temperature of the water being treated.

Iodine (Liquid and Tables)

Iodine, which destroys bacteria, viruses and cysts, can be used to disinfect water effectively and conveniently. Its action is dependent on concentration, the water temperature, and the duration of the contact. A concentration of 8mgs per liter at 68 F will destroy pathogens if left for 10 minutes.

Chlorine Tablets

Chlorine based tablets will destroy most bacteria but are less effective for viruses and cysts. They are more effective when used in combination with phosphoric acid and will destroy both Giardiasis and Cryptosporidium.

Potassium Permanganate

Potassium permanganate can be bought at most pharmacies. Mix a few granules with your water until it turns light pink. Leave for at least 30 minutes before drinking

Bleach

Adding unscented household bleach is the cheapest way to add chlorine to water. Be careful to just add one drop of leach per liter of water, two if the water is cloudy, and leave for at least 30 minutes before drinking. This method is not always effective against Giardiasis and Cryptosporidium.


Note: Before employing any commercial device for water treatment, you should do your own research to ensure you are using appropriate devices to achieve the necessary level of treatment.
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Urban Threats and Preparation Tips

12/18/2014

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By Survival Ready Blog Team

Social Unrest

The world outside your home or bunker can be a dangerous one, not least from desperate individuals or mobs that are looking to take advantage of the situation or simply prepared to do anything to survive.

Riots

Riots can be precipitated by several different factors, from sporting events to political protests. Not so long ago there were massive protests all around the country after the grand jury decisions of the Michael Brown and Eric Gardner cases. In these cases, some of the protests escalated to the point where special police units were called in.

In general when riots take place, major stores and wealthy-looking houses are typically targeted by looters and criminals, so avoid such locations during times of civil disturbances.

Stop and Search

During a disaster, be prepared to encounter law enforcement and security services conduction stop-and-search operations. Emotions can be running high at this time, so ensure that yu comply with all the orders given to you, especially if searches are armed. In certain disaster situations, if you have the necessary supplies, it might be safer to stay at home.

Social Breakdown

Civil emergencies are often accompanied by anti-social behavior, particularly looting. Steer clear from looting gangs, as they might be targeted by an aggressive response from law enforcement or military agencies.

Military Presence

When military forces are deployed to the streets during a general crisis or a specific emergency, their rules of engagement can range from stop-and-search to shoot-on-sight. Obey any curfew in place, and don’t carry a firearm or weapon in open sight of military units as this may prompt them into immediate armed response. 


When the military drops by, hide your contempt. This may go against the grain, but the survival of you and your family is your number one priority. Ask a few questions but not too many. You need to be the grey man, totally unmemorable. Nothing you say or do, nothing about the way you look should make you memorable.

Urban threats are generally more devastating due to the compound effect it has on a large population. First the devastation of the main triggering event of the emergency like natural disasters or phenomena (Earthquakes, Hurricanes), then the effect the event has on supplies and services (lack of supplies at stores, no power or water) , then the reaction by opportunistic or desperate individuals(Looting & stealing), you can see how it can easily spiral into a much larger crisis.

However extensive your preparation in a urban setting, having a plan for an emergency and ensuring your family is aware of what to do and how to respond in such scenarios can be life saving in the moment of truth.



P.S. Here is a Method That is Helping Thousands to “Bullet Proof” Their Homes and Keep Their Families Safe in a SHTF Scenario. Click Here

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How to Hotwire a Car

12/17/2014

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This is for informational purposes only. Hotwiring a car is dangerous and there is a substantial risk of electrical shock.

Items Needed
  • Wire cutters and strippers
  • Pliers
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Hammer
  • Insulated gloves

  1. Hammer the flathead screwdriver into the ignition and turn it like you would a regular key. If you need help turning it, use the pliers to turn the screwdriver. (On some cars, this act alone will start the car.)
  2. Remove the screws and panels above and below the steering column. Once the panels are removed you will see several wires underneath the steering column.
  3. Locate the two red wires. These provide power to the vehicle.
  4. Put on insulated gloves. Cut both red power wires and strip the ends. Then twist the two red wires together.
  5. Locate the brown wires. Some cars have only one brown wire and others have two. These wires connect to the starter.
  6. Cut both brown wires. Strip the ends. Then touch the two wires together to start the car. Once the car is started do not let the wires touch again, keep them separated. Do not let the ends touch you or you will get shocked. If the car has only one brown wire, then touch the brown wire to the red power wires to start the car.
  7. If the steering wheel is not already unlocked, jam the flathead screwdriver in between the top of the steering column and top of the steering wheel and break the lock.
  8. To turn the car off when done driving, simply separate the two red power wires.
Remember, hotwiring is dangerous and you could get electrocuted. 
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US Marine shows how to survive in an urban environment

12/16/2014

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Keep Supplies Safe During a Power Outage

11/21/2014

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Winter is here, and for large number of people in the country that means single digit temperatures, snow storms and a lot of shoveling snow. With the snow and low temperatures it causes power lines to bear more weight than usual and increases probability of power outages. Being prepared before the power goes out is one f those basic things everyone should do. Basic things, like locating flashlights and matches somewhere where they are readily available and making sure they are in working condition, are a must do if you live in an area exposed to that kind of weather in the winter. Below is an article that lays out several tips on how to prepare for and keep your supplies safe during a power outage. Click here to read full post…
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“Of course, the best time to prepare for a disaster is before it strikes – but, when you find yourself facing any sort of emergency before you’ve had time to prepare, you’ll want to do everything you can to protect your precious supplies – especially food and water. Keep these tips in mind (or print them out and keep them on hand) in case you ever find yourself caught off guard. 


Of course, the biggest concern is food spoilage. You can minimize the amount of spoilage experienced by:

1. Keep the doors to your freezer and refrigerator closed, and food will stay cold for about four hours.
2. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to monitor temperatures. Food that reaches 40 degrees or higher can’t be refrozen and should be disposed of.

In addition to these tips, be sure to keep a minimum of three days of non-perishable food items on hand that don’t require running water or heating for consumption.

Keeping Water Safe During a Power Outage
In some areas, water may stop flowing to your home if the power is out. When this happens, you’ll have no choice but to rely on personal water supplies or water purification devices. It’s best to keep a supply of water on hand.

Not including washing, and cleaning, the average person needs at least one gallon of water per day to remain properly hydrated. The more water you can store, the better off you’ll be – but be sure to keep at least five gallons on hand for each adult and child in your household.

Keeping Other Survival Supplies Safe During a Power Outage
While most of your supplies are unlikely to suffer damage during a power supply, there’s always a chance that desperate neighbors come to your home for help. Protect yourself and your family by keeping the details of your supplies to a minimum. Your neighbors are far less likely to try and steal what they don’t know you have.”


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