Category: Emergency Preparedness

10 Essential PVC Pipe DIYs for a Fully Stocked Fallout Shelter

12/19/2018

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

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

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).

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.

5) PVC Oil Recovery System – Family Handyman

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

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.

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.

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

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

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 an Emergency Plan for Your Family When You’re Away from Home

10/2/2018

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By Conrad Novak

As parents, we can be hesitant to leave our loved one's home for an extended period. It's our nature to worry. We feel as though our families become more vulnerable without us. If we prepare for emergencies when we are away from our loved ones, we can feel more comfortable leaving them.
Most disasters tend to happen when you least expect it. When you're far away from your family, these 5 ways to prepare an emergency plan will allow you and your family to respond to emergency situations in the best way possible.

Put Someone in Charge
First, establish a chain of command when you are away. Who is next in line to lead the group? The person to be left in charge should be the most responsible for the bunch and be someone that has the rest of the family's respect. The person in charge should be groomed to do what you would do in an emergency.

This person may be your oldest child or your youngest child, depending on the level of maturity. Without having someone in charge there is no order. To prevent panic, someone should take the lead in case of emergency.

It's crucial that your family understands the importance of working together, as one wrong decision could lead to a life or death situation. Emergency plans only work if your family members execute it out correctly. It's important for them to know that in case of an emergency everyone needs to stick together and not panic.

Traits to look for when choosing a leader are effective communication, positive attitude, trustworthy, and innovative. Be sure that the person in charge knows that they are in charge and will step up and accept responsibility for the others in your absence. This person should have access to the emergency plan and everything needed to execute it. Knowing that you have a second in command will ease some worries until you can get back to your family.

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Enlist Outside Helpers
Get to know your neighbors. Neighbors may become your closest allies in case of emergency as far as proximity goes. At the least, exchange contact information. If something seems array, have the convenience of calling a neighbor and asking them to check on your family. Ensure that your neighbor knows that you will do the same with them.

Get permission to include their information in your emergency plan and allow them to use your information in their emergency plan. Contact nearby Family and friends. Tell them about your emergency plan and gather updated information to include it in the plan. It is important to have options for people that you can depend on. These people may have different qualities that may be best depending on the emergency. A nearby cousin may be a pediatrician in case a child is sick or a nearby friend may be a police officer which can be an asset when an emergency strikes.

It may be something as simple as the electricity going out. You can call your neighbor on their mobile to see if they were affected.

Outside help can be essential in case of emergency. Someone may be home alone or may not have the ability to get out. You may need to use a neighbor's resources. There may be a storm coming that you have no idea about and a neighbor may want to warn you or you may want to warn your neighbors. It is possible to get through tough times alone, but much easier to get through it with others.

Be Realistic
Your emergency plan has to realistic to those involved. Be sure to consider emergencies that are likely to occur in your area. It can be impossible to plan for every possible hazard. Being sure to plan for things more likely to happen will give you more preparedness than trying to plan for all disasters. If you live in a flood zone, focus on an emergency flood situation rather than the apocalypse. Visit Happy Preppers for information on planning for natural disasters.

Set realistic expectations of emergency situations. Sometimes an emergency is not as bad as it may seem. Sometimes an emergency situation is worse than it seems. Be sure to access the situation and over prepare a bit. There is no need to cover your home in plastic full time, but it may be necessary to board windows if a storm is approaching.

It is also important to be realistic when planning for an emergency when planning an emergency evacuation. Don't plan to swim to safety without taking into account that someone in your family is unable to swim. It is also important to take into account your family's fitness level. Climbing into the roof or fitting into a tight space may not be an option for certain members of the family.

You will have to tailor your emergency plan around the characteristics of your family. The goal is to keep everyone safe. It may benefit you to plan with the weakest and most vulnerable in mind i.e. a baby or an elderly person. There is no one plan that works for every family.

Have a Drill
Practice makes perfect. Drills are of the utmost importance. Just as drills are done in public places such as schools, drills should be done at home. By doing drill we can familiarize our families and ourselves with the plan, and work out any existing issues. Have a drill based on each type of emergency planned for. These drills don't have to be done all at once. They can be completed of a course of time.

However, it is important to complete the drills as soon as possible. It is not enough to complete the drills once. Drills should be done once a year to remain fresh on everyone's brain.
Be sure that your family takes the drill seriously. We tend to forget what we are supposed to do when disaster strikes and adrenaline rushes through us. Repeat drills until they become second nature. When completing drills, verify that everyone knows their role and acts in their role.

Consider places where you will be able to meet if the house becomes off limits and you are unable to contact each other. Verify that this place is familiar to each family member, and be sure that everyone has access to it.

Create an emergency kit based on the needs of the family. Include necessary medical equipment and items to care for pets. There are many online resources that aid in creating an emergency kit. A good resource is Survivor’s Fortress Bug Out Bags Guide. This source has documents that will aid in building your emergency kit and forming an overall emergency plan.

Write it Down
This is the most important step in creating an emergency plan. We simply cannot rely on our brains to remember every step of the process. Take the time to produce a physical copy of your emergency plan. Include all information and step by step instructions. Your emergency plan and emergency kit should reside in the same place. Make sure the emergency plan is easily accessible and safe from possible threats.

If you have a safe in your home, this would be a great place for your emergency plan and kit.
Be very detailed in your plans. Write it as if your family knows nothing. Assumptions have no place in an emergency plan. Visit Preppers Survive for tips on building an emergency kit.
Be sure that your plan is easy to read and easy to follow. If you have small children, write your emergency plan with them in mind. Add photos wherever necessary. Include collected contact information in the front.

When completing drills, include and follow the written plan. Make adjustments as needed. An emergency plan should not be set in stone. Whenever adjustments need to be made, make them. You may know how to better handle an emergency in the future than you do now.
Be sure to update contact information as it changes over time. Keep in contact with those on your emergency contact list to know if their information has changed. You may have to remove or add contacts over a period of time. Writing your emergency plan down will give your family the best chance of success should an emergency occur.

Conclusion
Now you are prepared to start creating your emergency plan. With careful research and thoughtfulness, you can create a plan that may protect your family in your absence. It can be difficult to imagine disasters especially when we are away from our loved ones. Thoughts of disaster are necessary to properly plan for a favorable outcome. Get your family and friends involved for their input. Creating an emergency plan is a serious matter but can be a fun family activity. The more you include your family when creating the plan, the more likely they will understand its importance.

About the Author:
Conrad Novak is a proud father of two children. His journey as a prepper began when Hurricane Katrina hit and he lost his job due to the 2008 economic crisis. That made him realize that everything can change for the worst in a very short time. This experience was the detonator for him to pursue learning and becoming better prepared to face the kind of unexpected disasters that may occur at any point in our lives. You can read more of his content at SurvivorsFortress.com

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Tips to Prepare for the Unexpected in the Wild

8/1/2018

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By Jennie T.

God has given us such a blessed life! Do you believe in that? Whether you are a believer or not, don’t you feel that this that life is a wonderful gift?! In fact, we have it quite easy. No need to forage for food or water. Just visit the closest supermarket and you have it all in your hands. If you love hiking or going into the wild, you will understand all the benefits we enjoy (and take for granted) without much ado, each and every day! Ever got stuck out in the wild? Hopefully not! But if you have, you must know how difficult survival can be at times.

How to Survive in the Wild?

We call city life crazy, spend a day (and night) in the wilderness, and then we will have a chat! Out there, even a sip of filtered water seems like a luxury! Whether you are out hiking or camping, be prepared! Without that, you will be completely stuck.

Do not believe us?! Talk to adventure enthusiasts and they will tell you the base reality! Some may even share about unfortunate events of being stuck out there. But that does not mean you stop living and enjoying adventures! You need to enjoy, but also be prepared for the curve balls that life throws at you.

Here are a few ways you can stay prepared for survival out in the wild:

Inform Someone of Your Trip: May it be for half a month or half a day, let someone know where you are headed! Give them an estimate of how many days later they should raise the flag! This way, even if by some unfortunate turn of events, you get stuck out in the wild, someone will be looking for you! Do not change your area of adventure drastically. Even if you do, come back to the area you said you would be. So, it is imperative that you at least have a compass with your high tech GPS device!
Pack Smart: You need to have the right things in your backpack. But, first make sure that your backpack is strong enough to hold it all. Here is a checklist for the crucial supplies:
1. Dry food supply & can opener
2. Supplies for building shelter
3. Tools to start a fire
4. Supplies for water filtration
5. A torch & headlamp
6. GPS device & compass
7. Dry Bags
8. Binoculars
9. Water Bottles (preserve them for future use)
10. Tools for hunting and surviving (just make sure you know the local regulations on carrying knives). In case you carry something like a pocket knife or bowie knife, make sure it is from reputed sellers like Perkin so as not to compromise on quality and dependability.
Brush up on Your Bushcraft Skills: You never know when you could need these skills! So, it is best to brush up on them. If you have none, then get going. You need to know basic survival skills before you head out for your wilderness adventure. The skills include everything, from building a shelter to starting a fire. Did you know that a feather stick could come handy? Do not know how to make one? Well, that could be a problem! Talk to the experts and learn what skills you need to survive in the wild.
Train to Stay Calm: Whatever the scenario, you need to stay calm. If needed, attend yoga and meditation classes before you head out on your wilderness adventure. Sounds foolish? Well, in the worst of conditions a cool head can be the difference between life and death. The feeling of loneliness will creep in and if you do not stay calm, it will have a compelling grip on you. You do not feel this is needed?! Okay, just imagine a scenario, you are out in the wild (rather stuck out in the wild) and panic has set in! Do you think that you will be able to think straight and work out the next step to survive? Definitely not! So, practice to stay calm (much ahead of your trip).
Compass: Your GPS device is an electronic device, which can malfunction without notice. Learn to read a compass and ensure that you have packed one! If that fails as well, you need to know to read the stars. Are you laughing? No need to laugh! The natives navigated using the stars. If you can learn it, it is quite easy actually.

These are the preparations that you need to look after, before heading out to the wilderness. Once you are in the wild you need to be prepared as well. Do not relax one moment! Misfortune can hit you at anytime!

Here is what you need to do out in the wild to prepare for the worst (God forbid that ever happens, but be prepared)! Here are a few things that need your attention:

Build a Shelter: Out in the wild do not take anything for granted. Chances are that if you let down your guard you are bound to be caught unawares. Make sure you have an understanding of your surroundings. Build two types of shelter, if needed! One should be high up in the trees and the other one on the ground. Night-time is a dangerous time!
Water: You can go days without food, but not without water. You have no idea, if you might be stuck in the wild. So, make sure that you preserve the bottles. Later on, these can come handy for fetching water and storing filtered water.
Enough Food Supply: A day or two is still bearable, but after that you will need food. After your food source has depleted, look for avenues to dig out edible tubers or hunt (if needed). If you could not carry a survival knife, you must have a pocket knife?! Create a handmade spear with wooden branch! If you do not have that as well, find a sharp rock. Create a spear with a stick of wood, by shaving it with the rock.

What do you do if you do get stuck?

If you are fated to go for a ride, adverse conditions are bound to appear. So, now that you are prepared, you should not be fearful. Here is what you need to do:

Start by staying calm: If you panic, as we said, everything will go downhill.
Make a mental note of your observations: You must have researched about the surroundings! So, start making mental notes. This will help you escape, in case you are confronted by an adversary (and you cannot fight)!
Climb up to the Shelter in the Trees: The first night, you should spend in the trees! Do not sleep, keep an eye out! See what kind of animals do the rounds on the floor.
Start Accumulating Food and Water: Never let either deplete! You will need all your energy to get out of the situation or at least survive till help arrives.

When in an unexpected adversity, just Ride it Out! That is all we can say. Future is unpredictable. Stay calm and make sure that you survive. Follow all the pointers provided; and let your instincts and intellect do the rest. You will definitely emerge victorious (safe and sound!) and return to your near and dear ones!

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Getting Started In Prepping: Be Smart And Cheap

4/6/2016

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By Cal Wilson

Keep in mind that, unlike other new endeavors, becoming a prepper is a goal the beginner may feel a lot of accomplishment right away, because there is a much higher likelihood of shorter-term disasters happening, and shorter-term disasters are easier to prepare for. So dive right in!

Start by storing some stuff for you and your family to survive a three-day power outage: a case of bottled water, some dehydrated food (from the camping sections of Target or Walmart), some flashlights with good batteries, and some clean clothes, coats and blankets are all that would be needed to get most people through a short-term disaster.

Beyond that, it would be a good idea to look into “bug-out bags” for everyone in your family, and for those family members who commute or who may be away when a longer-term disaster could hit, that family member should keep their bug-out bag in their car. The contents of the bug-out bag depend on your surroundings and what disaster you envision could happen. I have a bug-out bag in my car, and in it I have a change of clothes, a Berkey Sports water bottle, bottles of water, a few power bars, camping food and pans, a minimal first-aid kit, a flashlight, pup tent, lots of cash, toilet paper, copies of important papers, a tire-iron and a small hatchet (the last two for protection but also for foraging if need be). All of these items can be bought on Amazon or at Walmart for not much money.

Beyond that, I see no reason why preppers would not plan on anything and everything going wrong, and prepare accordingly. If you plan on the end of the world with a full-blown survival retreat, survival group members all trained and ready to go, and the end of the world never happens, so what? You have some extra stuff stored up and friends who have prepared for something that never happened. No big loss.

I recently wrote a non-fiction book on the subject of prepping, entitled Dirt Cheap Valuable Prepping, by Cal Wilson. In the book I prioritize the items new preppers should stock up on, with an emphasis on really cheap items you can buy, and where to find them. For example, a sleeping bag, which is an important item to have on hand, could be bought new at a store for hundreds of dollars, or used on Ebay or at a thrift store. Even a laundered, used sleeping bag would be a huge savings over a new one.

In the book I also included a lot of ideas that have not been covered anywhere else. For example, many prepping experts advise stocking up on toilet paper, which could run out of in a prolonged disaster. I advise buying a travel bidet, which take some getting used to but will still keep you clean after you have run out of toilet paper. $15 on Amazon, and unlike toilet paper, reusable.

I also wrote about details on the brands of good and inexpensive flashlights (Dorcy) and rechargeable batteries (Eneloop) to buy, what types of containers to use to store stuff in, the importance of electrolytes and recipes, dryer lint to start fires, medicines for skin fungi, and so on.

At the end of the book I also included a list of prepper-themed TV shows, movies, websites and prepper podcasts that I advise the reader watch or listen to. Prepping is not only something to do, or a series of things to buy. It is a lifestyle, and the prepper podcasts and other media I recommend get you into that lifestyle pretty quickly.

Become a prepper! You can do it! And you don’t have to spend a ton of money or become rabid to do it.

My book, Dirt Cheap Valuable Prepping, by Cal Wilson, is available on Amazon, Kindle and Audible.

--Cal Wilson
Author, Dirt Cheap Valuable Prepping

About The Author
Cal Wilson is a Christian, patriot, gun-owner, and prepper. Wilson is a professional and has been involved in law enforcement for over 20 years. He lives in an undisclosed location west of the Mississippi River with his wife and various family members. He can be followed on Facebook and on Twitter.

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Survival Essentials for Women: Cloth Menstrual Pads

4/5/2016

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By Amy Napoli

Reusable menstrual pads are among items you should have in your emergency survival kit in order to be prepared for any crisis or SHTF event that may happen during your lifetime. In addition to clean underwear, a torch and wet wipes, reusable cloth menstrual pads or reusable menstrual cup should be one of the essential ‘just in case’ items you have packed in your survival purse, ready to go.

If you’ve never used before, cloth menstrual pads are just like your regular disposable pads, except that they are made of fabric and come in a whole bunch of colors, sizes and styles. They are perfectly safe to use in place of the disposable types and provide just as much protection. You simply put them on as you would with the regular types and replace them every 2 – 6 hours, depending on your flow. Instead of discarding, however, you would lightly soak your cloth menstrual pads to prevent stains then you can toss them in the washing machine or hand wash if you prefer, and they are ready to be used again.
With that said, are cloth pads also a good choice in times of crisis when surviving is paramount? Here is why the answer to that is a resounding yes and why you should include a set in your emergency survival kit. They are:

Reusable

After a catastrophe, businesses may shut their doors, and even if they are open, stock may be damaged, depleted, or looted. If you run out of disposable sanitary napkins, you might be left in an embarrassing situation. The best cloth menstrual pads can be washed and re-used for as long as you want until things return to normal.

Safer for you

Menstrual cloth pads contain no chemical by-products that will interfere with your body’s natural chemistry; neither do they have in toxins that have been linked to toxic shock syndrome. In a survival situation, it would be an even bigger tragedy if you had to worry about dying from a bacterial infection or catching an annoying yeast infection, so you should invest in some high quality cloth menstrual pads as part of your survival kit.

Better for the Environment

Research shows that women can use as much as 11,000 feminine hygiene products throughout their lives, of which disposable pads make up a significant proportion. That in turn leads to a lot of garbage in the landfills, which contributes to pollution. The idea of catastrophes in the world is already based on pollution, but using environmentally-friendly cloth menstrual pads may not only help you survive but possibly prevent future disasters.
With all the different changes your body goes through on a monthly basis, seeing your period is one event that you have to be prepared for at all times, including when there are floods, earthquakes, or tsunamis. This is a sensitive topic that many women might not be eager to address. But, if you want to be truly prepared for an emergency, it’s one elephant in the room that you will have to face. If you’re not sure where to start, there are many high quality cloth menstrual pads available on Amazon. They come in many patterns and sizes, from light flow to heavy flow or overnight pads. Be prepared and use reusable cloth pads for all the reason stated above. It’s an essential item to stock up that also come with little wet bags, which you can use to store used pads in until you can wash them later. Check them out and be prepared for any time of the month.

By Amy Napoli
www.periodmate.com
periodmatemama@gmail.com

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Zika Virus - Frequently Asked Questions

2/11/2016

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Sourced by Survival Ready Blog Team
February 9, 2016

In the last few months we've seen increased awareness regarding the Zika virus. There seems to be a lot of confusion and a lot of questions about it. Below is a compilation of some of the most common questions about the virus and their respective answers. Please be advised that you should do your own research and consult with your doctor if you believe to be infected the Zika virus.

Image via kansascity.com

What is Zika virus?

Zika virus is an emerging mosquito-borne virus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys. It was subsequently identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. Outbreaks of Zika virus infection have been recorded in Africa, Asia and the Pacific. In May 2015, Zika virus infections began occurring in many countries in the Americas. It is spread to people through mosquito bites.

What is the incubation period for Zika virus infection?

The incubation period (time from exposure to onset of symptoms) is uncertain, but likely only a few days.

What are the symptoms of Zika virus?

The most common symptoms of Zika virus infection are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes). Other common symptoms include muscle pain and headache. These symptoms are usually mild and last for 2-7 days. It is uncommon to have severe Zika virus infection that requires hospitalization, and rare to result in death. About one in five people infected with Zika virus develop symptoms.

There have been reports of a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers infected with Zika virus while pregnant.

There have also been association between Zika virus infection and an unusual increase in a neurological disorder called Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). This is a rare disorder where a person’s own immune system damages the nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and paralysis.

How is Zika virus transmitted?

Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. There have been recent reports of the spread of the virus through blood transfusion and through sexual contact.

What do we know about Zika virus and sexual transmission?

There are three reported cases of male to female sexually transmitted Zika virus infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends men returning from an area with active Zika virus transmission abstain from sexual activity or use condoms, if the partner is pregnant, for the duration of the pregnancy.

For women who can become pregnant, the CDC recommends that men should consider abstaining from sexual activity or use condoms during sexual activity. The length of time for use of these protective measures is unknown. Therefore, consult with your personal health care provider about your potential risk of infection.

Where in the Americas has Zika virus transmission been reported?

American Samoa
Barbados
Bolivia
Brazil
Cape Verde
Colombia
Costa Rica
Curacao
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
French Guiana
Guadeloupe
Guatemala

Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Jamaica
Martinique
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
Paraguay
Puerto Rico
Saint Martin
Suriname
US Virgin Islands
Venezuela

How is Zika virus infection diagnosed?

It is diagnosed through blood testing. Testing for Zika virus infection is not widely available, and is done within select testing laboratories such as public health department laboratories.

Is there a vaccine to prevent, or medical treatment for Zika virus?

There is no vaccine available to prevent, and no antiviral medical treatment for, Zika virus infections.

What do I do if I feel sick and think I may have Zika virus?

Talk to your personal health care provider or nurse if you develop a fever with a rash, joint pain, or red eyes. Tell your personal health care provider about your travel.
Take medicine, such as acetaminophen or paracetamol, to relieve fever and pain. Do not take aspirin, products containing aspirin, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.
Get lots of rest and drink plenty of liquids.
Prevent additional mosquito bites to avoid spreading the disease.

How do I protect myself against Zika virus?

The best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites.

Use insect repellent.
If using both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first, then the repellent.
Wear clothing (preferably light-colored) that cover as much of the body as possible.
Use physical barriers such as screens, closed doors and windows.
Sleep under mosquito nets.
Empty, clean or cover containers that can hold water such as buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flower pots and vases.

Are there travel restrictions in place?

The CDC advises that pregnant women in any trimester should postpone travel to American Samoa, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Samoa, St. Martin, Suriname, Tonga, US Virgin Islands and Venezuela.
The CDC advises that women trying to get pregnant should talk to their health providers in advance and strictly follow recommended steps to avoid mosquito bites.

What should I do if I’m pregnant and have traveled to a country where Zika virus has been reported?

If you have recently traveled to a country where Zika virus infection has been reported and have questions or concerns, contact your personal health care provider.

Where can I obtain more information on the Zika virus?

http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html
http://www.who.int/topics/zika/en/
http://www.paho.org/hq/
http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/healthtopics/zika_virus_infection/Pages/index.aspx
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/infectious-disease-topics/zika

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Speed Kills - How to approach you monthly preparation

2/3/2016

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By Dennis Diaz

A long time ago, a very smart Chinese philosopher said “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. And when it comes to prepping and building your preparedness plan, stores and supplies is not only true but it’s the most practical approach.

This is true when talking about budget and also prevent getting overwhelmed. There’s a lot of information out there, (not all of it good but that’s a different issue) and many preppers try to do too much too fast; it’s very easy to get overwhelmed.

On the money side, it can also get very expensive very fast. In one of our weekly chats in our private Facebook group (The Bugout Network) we had very good suggestions and a great discussion on the topic of prepping on a budget, a lot of which seems very relevant for this post. I’ll share a few of those in a separate post.

The approach I like to recommend when it comes to prepping, is the gradual progress and manageable increments. Don’t get overwhelmed any progress is better than no progress. This may seem simple but with the information overload from our day to day, is not easy. Here it is in a nutshell

1 . Evaluate where you are – Take a close look at your current situation, your family, your location, your budget, the biggest threats to your area, etc. Make a list of the top 5 areas where you want/need to improve. Then prioritize them in order of importance, then pick the top 3 and really focus on getting those addressed.

2. Develop a strategy – Based on what your areas for improvement or your weaknesses are you need to determine if you want to address one at a time or all three in parallel. This will vary based on the severity and your budget. If there’s one that more critical than others, like your 72 hour supplies, or medical supplies, start there. If all three are equally important, and budget is an issue, then work on the more economic options first. From there, make a list of activities on how you plan to address each area of improvement. Is it buying supplies, fixing stuff around the house, taking a class? Whatever it may be make a list and no matter what they are FOCUS on those. I’ve seen more people throw in the towel and quit or never get started, because of lack of focus than lack of resources.

3. Set a budget – Set a monthly budget of however much you can afford. Even if its $10 or $20 a month there are a lot of things you can get on the cheap. You can change dollar amount you put into this but start with something every month and be disciplined about it. If you’re over your monthly budget and don’t need it immediately, get that extra item the following month. This will save you from spending too much on a whim. This monthly budgeting is the same approach many people take when it comes to savings account. If you set it aside every month you’ll slightly adjust your lifestyle so you can live every month without the extra funds and it will build your supplies over time.

4. Re-evaluate, rinse and repeat – Once you have improved on the previous areas, in maybe in 6 to 12 months, re-evaluate where you are and repeat the process. Keep the same areas or add new ones.

I know this may be simple and intuitive but it’s probably one of the things I’ve found helps people the most. Making a plan and focusing on it is the entire game. Yes you can change the plan but only when it serves your objective. Feel free to comment below or drop me a like on Facebook

About the Author

Dennis Diaz is the Chief Editor of Survival Ready Blog. He is passionate about learning and teaching survival and preparedness strategies. He is the author of the "The 12 Month Prepper & Survivalist Playbook" & Co-creator of many resources offered at Survival Ready Blog and The Bugout Network.
He doesn't consider himself an expert, but a facilitator and he works hard to provide a platform to those with valuable expertise to share their knowledge with as many people as possible.

He enjoys helping others prepare themselves for multiple dangerous scenarios, by coaching them on how develop their own customized survival & preparedness plans and develop their survival skills. He promotes the core concept of making preparedness and survival knowledge part of their daily lives.

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Bugging Out With Pets

1/31/2016

1 Comment

By Dennis Diaz

A few weeks back in one of our private Facebook group’s (The Bugout Network) weekly chats the topic of evacuating with pets came up. This topic is very close to me since, as of the time of this writing we have 2 cats and 2 dogs in our house, and the issue of what to do with them in case of an evacuation has been an important part of our bugout plan. Just like in our family, most people consider their pets as members of their family members. The thought of leaving one of your furry friends behind to face whatever is coming is devastating. It would be an impossible choice for some and that is you need to plan ahead.

Let's assume you are bugging out with dogs. These guys can certainly carry their own weight and walk along beside you. If you have a cat or several cats, you are probably going to have to carry the critters unless they are of the personality to follow you of their own accord. If you are headed to a shelter, you need to know that most will not allow you to bring your pets in. If you drove to the shelter, you could leave them in the car, but that is rarely a good option. If you are evacuating and heading for the hills or have a secondary location all planned out, you will be in good shape to take your pets.

These are some things you will need to do to help make the evacuation go easier when it is time.

Prepare a Pet Bug Out Bag

Your pets need their own bug out bags or a small section in your bag to hold their supplies. With medium to large dogs, you can attach saddle bag type things to their backs. This should only be done if you will be with your pet and can ensure they don't get snagged on a branch.
A pet bug out bag should contain a small bit of food and their own water rations. A collapsible bowl will be handy for pouring the water for the animal. A few treats would be a good idea as well. This may be necessary to call them in or settle their nerves. A blanket would also be useful if you will be sleeping outside.

Have Tags, Leashes and Collars

Before you ever evacuate, you should make sure your pets have collars with identification tags. Leashes for dogs can help you keep them reined in. Having a reflective collar on your pet will help you see them at night when you run a flashlight across the area. Avoid bells or several metal tags that will alert others to your pet's presence if you are trying to stay off the radar.

Pet Documentation

It is a good idea to keep vet records in the bug out bag as well. If you do happen to go into a shelter that does accommodate pets, you will need to prove they are up to date on vaccinations. If you decide to board them in another city while you travel back home, you will also need the proof. If you happen to lose your pets, having the documentation will allow you to prove ownership.
Your pet may already be chipped, which will be helpful if you the animals if found by someone with access to a chip scanner. In a true SHTF scenario, this isn't going to be likely. It doesn't hurt to have your pet chipped, just in case you are dealing with a situation like Hurricane Katrina where animals were rescued after some time, but there was no way of identifying them and returning them to their owners.

Pet Meds

Pets are like humans and can get sick. If your pet has a diagnosed condition that requires medicine, pack along extra to keep them healthy. Things like flea and tick control medicines or collars will also come in handy, especially if you are going to be traveling through the woods or forested area. Medicines for their ears or any other conditions they may suffer from will be very helpful. A can of Blu-Kote is also a vital part of any pet first aid kit. If your pet suffers a laceration or other wound while you are evacuating, the spray is an antibacterial and healing ointment in one.
Don't forget to pack a supply of heartworm medication as well. Being out in the wilderness increases the risk of your dog being bit by an infected mosquito that can lead to heartworm.

Image via ready.gov

Pet Carriers

Pet carriers are typically reserved for cats or small dogs that will struggle to keep up with the pace. If you are going to be in your vehicle, keeping the pet crated will ensure a panicked animal is not making the driving hazardous. Pets who are used to their carriers will feel more secure when they are tucked away inside. If you are bugging out in a hurry, you can grab a couple of pillow cases to carry small animals. This will also keep them from seeing what is happening around them. Pets can get just as scared as humans. You don't want them running off in terror.

Photos of Your Pets

Keep a print photo of each of your pets with their documentation. If you lose your pet, you will want to have a photo to show others as you ask around. The photo can also help prove ownership should someone try to claim your pet as their own. If you pet lands in a shelter and you have no other way to prove ownership, a photo with you and the pet together will be enough proof. A photo on your phone isn't going to do you much good if the battery is dead or the phone is broken.

Your pets will be your best friend, your early warning system, your source of comfort and your protector should you find yourself in a situation where you are forced to survive in the wild. They deserve to be cared for the best way possible. Do what you can to make sure you can fulfill their needs by planning ahead. Making decisions on the fly is not going to help you or your pets.

About the Author

Dennis Diaz is the Chief Editor of Survival Ready Blog and host of The Prepper World Summit. He is passionate about learning and teaching survival and preparedness strategies. He is the author of the "The 12 Month Prepper & Survivalist Playbook" & Co-creator of many resources offered at Survival Ready Blog and The Bugout Network.
He doesn't consider himself an expert, but a facilitator and he works hard to provide a platform to those with valuable expertise to share their knowledge with as many people as possible.

He enjoys helping others prepare themselves for multiple dangerous scenarios, by coaching them on how develop their own customized survival & preparedness plans and develop their survival skills. He promotes the core concept of making preparedness and survival knowledge part of their daily lives.

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Bugging Out with Disabilities

1/29/2016

11 Comments

By Dennis Diaz

A few days ago I was reading some comments and questions on our Facebook group (The Bugout Network), and I saw a few questions regarding the topic of bugging out or evacuating an area if you or a family member has limited mobility due to a disability or injury. I personally understand this concern. Not too long ago I found myself in a very serious vehicular accident that left me with some serious injuries, none of which were life threatening, but it did throw me into a 6 months journey to recovery before I was able to walk again. Those 6 months felt like a lifetime and for someone like me it was REALLY hard to feel that vulnerable. From my own experience, and with some time on my hands, I made some changes to my bugout plan in order to alleviate the risk if something like this were to happen again. I know this is a common problem and its obvious that not every person, and for that matter, not every family is going to be perfectly healthy and capable of strapping on a heavy pack and walking for miles. In fact, most families will have at least one member who is physically not able to do something so strenuous. Depending on when you have to bug out, you or a member of your family may be ill or injured. This certainly throws a gorilla size wrench in the bug out plan.

Image via www.survivalsullivan.com

If you or a family member has a condition that will prevent you or them from being able to keep up or even walk out, you need to plan for that. In addition, whether disabled or not, its sensible to have a contingency plan in place in case someone is ill or injured when it is time to get out of dodge. You are not going to leave anyone behind, but you don't want to put the entire family in jeopardy. Obviously there are going to be challenges that others will not face, but the whole idea of preparing for anything far ahead of time is how you will overcome those obstacles.

The following are some tips to bugging out with the infirm or disabled.

Have Aids and Tools Available

Be prepared to handle limited mobility by having the necessary equipment. Sometimes an elderly person may just need a walking stick to lean on. This is something you can keep tucked away with your gear. Knee braces and ankle braces can also provide support if that is an issue. A back brace can also provide some support for anybody suffering from back issues that may slow them down.
If walking is truly an issue, a wheelchair will be helpful. Ensure you have a working strap to hold, yourself or the person in the chair as you travel over rough terrain. It won't be easy to get it up steep, rocky inclines, but with a couple of people, it can be done. It is a good idea to practice and if t’s a family member, make sure you take him or her on the evacuation route to get an idea of how to navigate some of the more difficult terrain. Don't wait until your life depends on it to figure out the best way to carry the chair and person over a rocky path.
A stretcher may also be a good idea to keep on hand, just in case someone gets injured before you bug out. These are fairly light weight and two to four people can easily pack the stretcher and injured or disabled person out.

Pack Light

If you or your family member can physically walk, but is weak or not all that steady on their feet, make it easier by carrying or giving them a very light bug out bag. You don't want to be strained or strain them anymore than necessary. This applies to children too. Make sure they have the essentials like water, a flashlight and a way to start a fire and divvy up the rest of the gear to the healthier members of the group. If the person is going to be in a wheelchair, it isn't that much more difficult to attach the bag to the chair or have the person carry it in their lap.

Consider a BOV—Bug Out Vehicle

If walking or traveling even short distances is going to be extremely difficult or impossible, you may want to put your efforts into creating a bug out vehicle. For those who are bedridden, riding in a wheelchair may be too much. A BOV is one way to get the whole family out without any real effort. The only drawback to a vehicle is the possibility roads may all be blocked. This is why it is a good idea to find a rig that is off-road capable. Make sure it has a good set of traction tires and can take a beating.

Limit Your Walk

Although you may have the perfect retreat 45 miles away, if you have someone with limited mobility, you will want to look for somewhere a bit closer. That is a long way to carry or push someone in a wheelchair. If that retreat is the only possible refuge, you will need to make several stops. You may only be able to travel a few miles a day. You must be prepared to sleep outside or have shelters identified along the route. If that is the plan, make sure you have the necessary bedding and shelter to allow yourself or your limited mobility member adequate rest for the following day that will be just as trying.
Ideally, if you can find something that is much closer, you will be doing yourself and the rest of the family a huge service. The strain and frustration on both sides, those who are capable and those that are struggling, will wear you down and make the journey very difficult.

Focus on Strengths

The members in your group who have limited mobility or other physical limitations can be real solid assets. You will need to shift around some responsibilities to use those talents. Maybe the person in the wheelchair is an excellent navigator or knows how to start a fire faster than anybody else. Discover what everyone's strengths and weaknesses are and distribute the work load. Every member of your group can and should contribute. This will make it easier and everyone will feel valued.

While it may be a little unconventional and not typically something you think about when you imagine bugging out, you have to be prepared to deal with anything. If you are escaping a natural disaster or some other calamity, there is a very good chance someone may be injured and need assistance to get to safety. Never assume you all have to stay and hope for the best or that you must do the unthinkable and leave a loved one behind. It just takes a little extra planning and a willingness to put in a little more effort than those families who are all healthy and mobile. Do what you can to get in shape and in good health so you can be prepared to put forth a little more effort.

Related:
Can't bug out?Read how you can protect your home (Security Measures to Protect Your Home)

 About the Author

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How to make a Buddy Burner: Project from “Preppers Survival Hacks”

12/8/2015

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By Amy Barker

I recently got the book Preppers Survival Hacks: 50 DIY Projects for Lifesaving Gear, Gadgets, and Kits by Jim Cobb. I’ve decided to do a few of the projects every few weeks and document my experiences.

For the first project, I decided to make a Buddy Burner. In order to do this, I also followed the instructions for melting wax. When I go to yard sales or thrift stores I am always on the lookout for old candles, which I can usually find for pennies. I managed to score this whole box at a yard sale this summer for less than a dollar.

To melt the wax I use a metal coffee can and break the candles into it. Since I am home all day and heat exclusively with wood, I put the can on my woodstove until the wax melts. When doing this over open flame definitely use the double boiler method, wax can get hot enough to catch fire!

I followed the instructions for the Buddy Burner using a cat food tin. Since we recently moved, we have plenty of cardboard around. Cutting the strips was quick and easy. I filled the tin with the cardboard strips and then filled the whole thing with wax as instructed.

While I had all this melted wax, I decided to also make some Egg Carton Fire Starters. My partner works in the restaurant industry and brings home huge, restaurant sized egg cartons. If you know anyone in the restaurant industry, see if they can bring some home. A lot of places just recycle them, or throw them away, and they are huge!

I’ve asked my family to save their dryer lint for me, as I usually line dry my clothes and don’t always have a lot of lint. I really have had any issues with the lint being a mix of natural and synthetic fabrics. I’ve noticed no smell and no issues otherwise.

These fire starters work just great. They definitely work as well as store bought fire starters and they save a ton of money over the store bought ones. They burn for a long time, definitely long enough to get a good fire going. They are rather heavy, so I will be using them for fires in the wood stoves, as opposed to taking them camping with me.

These are the the first of many projects I’ve tried from this excellent book. Many of the projects are quick and easy, and safe to do with children. It’s a great way to get the children in your life involved! The projects are also well suited for people who enjoy camping, backpacking and hiking, and I will be using many of these ideas when the weather is better and I get out there backpacking again.
In my next entry, I’ll be sharing the results of testing the Buddy Burner in an outdoor experience. I’ll also be making a mini Buddy Burner, out of a smaller tin, to see if there is any difference in cooking time of things. I will be making a Hobo Stove, Cotton Pad Fire Starters and an Altoids Tin Candle. I welcome any feedback, and hope you have found this interesting!

About the author

Amy Barker lives in the wilds of New Hampshire. As child of the 70’s, growing up on the coast of Maine, she was introduced to the concept of self-reliance at a young age.

She holds a degree in Anthropology from the University of Southern Maine, and works full time for a land conservation organization in Massachusetts. In her free time she can be found hiking the mountains of New England, or more likely in the kitchen!

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7 Action Steps to Kick Start Your Survival Plan

4/13/2015

1 Comment

Preppers and survivalists are sometimes viewed as paranoid and fearful, but in reality, being prepared means you don’t have to live in fear. As you continue to work on your survival plan and become more self-sufficient, you’ll become more confident and less worried about perception.

However one of the hardest things for new preppers and survivalists, is trying to do everything at once, getting overwhelmed, and giving up. The easiest way to overcome this is to choose a few things to work on each month. Baby steps will get you where you want to go and they may not seem like much, but anything you do is going to be better than the nothing you did before.

There are several steps you can take to dramatically reduce your exposure to disasters and major events.

1: Learn to grow your own food. When you can’t run down to the corner store to buy food, knowing how to grow your own food will be a huge asset. Start now by growing your own garden and learning how to preserve your harvest.

Even if you have more than a year’s worth of food storage, your disaster situation can outlast your pantry. Having the ability to grow more is valuable.

Image by joeforamerica.com

By Dennis Diaz

Image by artofmanliness.com

2: Build a survival library. The more resources and information that you have the better. There are many valuable videos, eBooks, and guides that can help you to learn more about what you need to do to prepare your family for any disaster.

3: Prepare based on your area. There are some survival events everyone needs to prepare for such as an economic collapse or a fire. But you should also think about natural disasters that are most likely to happen in your area such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, or wildfires.

If you live in an urban area you should be prepared for civil unrest and violence. If you live near a chemical plant you should be prepared for a chemical accident. Knowing your area helps you to target your survival efforts.

Image by livingreadyonline.com

4: Have regular disaster drills at home and develop an evacuation strategy. It’s important that everyone knows what to do when there’s an emergency. You’ll want to have fire drills, earthquake drills, tornado drills, evacuation drills, and any other type of survival need you have in your area.

The more you practice, the calmer you’ll be when there’s a real emergency. This will help everyone to stay safe. Make plans for how you’ll leave your home or where you’ll go in specific emergencies. Don’t forget to plan a common meeting place.

Plan ahead for situations that require evacuations. Determine several routes and possible destinations such as the homes of family members or friends. You should also map out appropriate hotels or motels along the way. Keep a paper map with these routes and locations highlighted.

Determine the fastest and most out of the way route to local hospitals. In the event of an emergency, you may need to take someone to the hospital. If the emergency is just at your home, traffic may not be an issue and you can use the shortest possible route. However, in the event of road closings, heavy traffic, bad weather, etc. you will probably want to take the most out of the way route to get where you need to go. This may seem like a bad idea, but it will take less time than sitting in heavy traffic on a main roadway.

Image by cityofyukonok.gov

5: Get to know your neighbors. During a disaster, it really helps to know the people who live around you. Those relationships will help others to be more inclined to give your assistance if you need it. In turn, you can give aid where you’re needed for neighbors who are worse off than you.

It is always a good idea to know who your neighbors are, and what their experience is. For example, if you have a neighbor who is a nurse, you might be able to call on them should someone be severely injured, until the paramedics arrive. If there is a neighbor who is home during the hours that you work, you could give them your contact information in the event that there is an emergency and offer to do the same in return.

Having a sense of community during a disaster can build synergy. You’ll get more done together than you will by completely isolating yourself. Knowing your neighbors will help you to know who to trust and who isn't reliable.

6: Keep a bugout bag in the car. You never know where you’ll be when disaster strikes. Keeping a bug out bag in your car can help you to be prepared even when you’re not home to grab your 72 hour kit. Make sure that every member of the family will have some preparations at all times.

It is a good idea to keep several gallons of fresh water in your car at all times. Water serves many purposes, drinking, cleaning, or even putting out a campfire. A case of drinking water might be a good option due to portability of the small bottles.

Keep blankets in your car. An emergency blanket or two is always an excellent idea for your trunk. Should you ever become stranded in the winter, you will need to stay warm without running the car. Additionally, should you ever experience a home fire; you might need the extra blanket to wrap up in while the fire department is working to extinguish the flames. Keep the blanket in the car year round, and you never risk not having it when you need it.

Image by tracemypreps.com

7: Learn survival & first aid skills. There are many survival skills that will help you during a disaster. Take the time to not only stock supplies, but to add to your skill set. Some examples include gardening, water purification, fire making, food procurement, auto mechanics, first aid, building, sewing, livestock care, and cooking. You may be able to use your survival skills to take care of your own needs as well as to barter for other things that you need.

One great way to master your survival skills is to go camping frequently. Camping uses a lot of the skills you’ll need during a disaster, but without the panic and pressure. Camping is a fun way to practice your survival skills and learn to enjoy a new way of living.

If you've been camping with your family, it will be easier to adjust to having to live in the great outdoors for an extended period of time. You’ll have a much more peaceful experience if it isn’t all new.

When it comes to first aid, it’s important to have a first aid or a trauma kit, in fact that’s one of the first things that beginners do. However if you don’t know how to use the supplies they don’t do much good. Take classes to learn basic first aid so you’re ready in an emergency.

Image by littleecofootprints.com

Be prepared and be at peace

There are many things in your life that need your attention, don’t let your preparedness plan fall on the backburner. Set goals every month so that it’s always a part of your routine. Make your survival preparation a line item on your monthly budget.

About the Author
Dennis Diaz is the Chief Editor of Survival Ready and host of The Prepper World Summit. He is an avid survivalist who is passionate about learning and teaching survival and preparedness skills and strategies.

He enjoys helping others prepare themselves for multiple dangerous scenarios, by coaching them on how develop their own customized survival & preparedness plans and develop their survival skills. He teaches his students and readers to make preparedness and survival knowledge part of their daily lives.

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Making Natural Cordage From The Wild

3/14/2015

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By Survival Ready Blog Team

Cordage is one of the most useful tools you can have in the wild and is all but indispensable in a survival situation. It can be used for (among other things) bowstrings, fishing lines, trap triggers, snares, and lashings. If you run out of paracord or don’t have any in the first place, natural cordage can save you a lot of headache.

Most people would likely despair if forced to make their own rope or string. However, the materials needed to do so are plentiful in most places, and the techniques required are actually quite simple to master.

Via Wildwood Survival

"Just about any strong, flexible fiber can be used to produce good cordage. The dried inner bark of most trees, for example, will supply you with workable raw material. It's best to look for trees with dead bark, and strip off long sections of the fibrous cambium layer between the wood and the outer bark. If you're in a true survival situation, you can even strip sections of the inner bark from living trees (it'll be easiest to do in the spring, when the sap is running) and dry them. Be sure, though, to take only a few thin strips from any one trunk (don't cut all the way around it … doing so can kill the tree). Should you have trouble separating the inner from the outer bark, just soak the strips in warm or boiling water until the fibers come apart easily.

The dried inner skin of the stalks of fibrous plants will also serve your purpose, as will fibrous leaves and even dried grasses (again, see the accompanying list). When working with pithy plants, such as dogbane and milkweed, you may be able to strip the material you need from the stalk in long ribbons. If the plant is dry, though, you'd be better advised to crush and open up the stalk … then break off short sections of the woody core, leaving a long ribbon of fibers in your hand, If you come across a supply of non-pithy plants, such as nettles and rushes, the best way to remove the fibers is by placing a dried stalk on a piece of wood and pounding it with a rounded rock. (Don't use a sharp instrument, as it could cut the fibers.) The material from annual plants will, of course, be shorter than that gathered from trees, but by splicing the fibers together, you can still make cordage of almost any length or thickness.

Animal sinew can be used to produce exceptionally strong rope or twine. In fact, a strand of it no thicker than carpet thread can hold the weight of an average man. Because of its strength, sinew is especially good for making bowstrings, fishing lines, snares, wrappings, and threads. Another useful property of sinew is that, when wetted with saliva before wrapping, it shrinks and dries as hard as glue. As a result, knotting the ends of a sinew wrapping is sometimes unnecessary. (Rawhide is very strong, too, and also shrinks as it dries.)

The longest sinew is found in the white cords that run along either side of an animal's backbone, but you can get, usable lengths from the tendons and ligaments attached to muscles and bones, as well. Simply cut out the sinew … remove its protective sheath … and clean and dry it. (When dry, it'll be very hard and brittle.) To separate the individual fibers, pound each strand with a rock, as you would for plant stalks … then put it in hot water."

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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

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.)

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.

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.

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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What Everybody Ought To Know About Survival

2/3/2015

3 Comments

Survival Ready Blog Team

There are countless different hazards and challenges we can run across whenever we are in a survival situation, but you can break down the necessities of life and survival in the wilderness into a few critical elements. In this post we lay out what your top priorities should be in a survival situation. We organized them by threat level, basically what can kill you first and worked our way down.

Shelter
Protect yourself from danger, weather and temperature.
Keep body core temperature. Hypothermia and heat stroke can kill you within minutes

Whether you’re in the woods or in the desert, you need protection from the elements and security from danger. A well constructed shelter can provide protection and security. It will protect you from the elements and the havoc they can wreak on one’s body. A shelter will also provide a place for you to sleep as restfully as possible, given your situation. A shelter can be a portable tent you have with you, or it can be as simple as using a plastic tarp to help you set up a lean-to. When you find a likely area, you will need to scout out the immediate vicinity. See our section on shelter building

Critical elements/gear in cold temperatures
Thermal Blankets
Fire

Critical elements/gear in hot temperatures
Shade - cover, tarp etc
Hydration. Which brings us to our next subject

Water
After keeping you body temperature, keeping yourself hydrated is your next priority. Dehydration can kill you in a matter of a coupe of days.

In ordinary conditions, we need two to three liters of water per day. If challenged, we can actually survive without water for about three days. Conserving your water doesn't just mean that you need to be careful how much you are drinking; it also means watching how much you need to physically exert yourself. The less you move about, the less water you will need. In very hot climates, it won’t take much to over exert yourself: do that and you run the risk of dehydration. See our section on water sourcing

Once you find water, you will need to make sure it is drinkable. There could be unseen pollutants or pathogens, so you do need to be careful. Even if it’s from a mountain stream, there are usually bacteria or other microorganisms present in any natural water supply; filtering the water through charcoal will remove any dirt or debris, but you need to make sure you kill those microscopic pests by boiling any water you intend on drinking.

Fire
Uses: Heat, water purification & cooking

Next to water, or perhaps equal to in importance, finding the way to make a fire is at the top of your survival “to do” list. You need a fire to help you boil water to make it safe to drink; to cook any food, especially any wild fish, animals or eggs you manage to snare; to help you stay warm, especially when the temperature drops at night; to keep dangerous animals away; to provide you with a sense of security and last but not least, to visibly signal any possible search and rescue teams as to your location.

The best and easiest way to ensure you can build a fire is to make sure you packed some matches, or better yet, a lighter, in a waterproof container. If you didn't, don’t panic; they may not be as quick or easy, but there are other ways to light a fire.

Building a fire is a gradual process that you cannot skip steps on. If you don’t have enough of a flame or ember base before you add the larger pieces of wood, the only thing you will succeed in doing is killing your fire before it even gets started. Make sure that you have enough wood stockpiled each day so you can keep your fire going all night long, and keep checking the fire to make sure it does not go out on you: you worked too hard to start it to begin with! Check out our post 101 Ways to Start a Fire

Food
Once your water sources have been secure its time to work on finding food.

Food is an important need, but not your most pressing matter in the event of a disaster. You can actually survive for several weeks without it. Long before you are in danger of dying from starvation, you will start noticing these symptoms, so you will still have time to find food:
· Weakness
· Irritability and low morale
· Confusion, disorientation and poor judgment
· Weakened immune system
· Inability or difficulty in maintaining normal body temperature

As long as you know where to look, and what to look for, it’s fairly easy to find food no matter where you are. If you make sure you have a basic knowledge of hunting, fishing and trapping animals, you should do fine. Check out our section food procurement here

You should also know what plants (lichens or fungi) you can and cannot eat. A good basic edibility test before you try to eat something that may be unfamiliar, is to make a minor fingernail scratch on your skin and then rub the plant over that area.

Once you've ascertained what you can eat, do your best to eat as balanced a diet as possible, especially if you are going to need to survive for a long period of time.

Communication
If you establish continuous shelter, water, fire and food sources, you should technically be able to survive for a while, but getting rescued can greatly improve your chances of survival,

If you are stranded in a backcountry setting and you need to be rescued, effective communication can be one of your most important resources. Know the distress and rescue communications conventions, and plan quickly to communicate your distress signal so that you can attract the attention you need before it’s too late.

Common useful communication equipment includes:
Ham Radio
Whistle
Signalling mirrors
Flashlights

See the following post 10 tips for getting rescued, Signaling and Communication in the wilderness

In a survival situation it may be very necessary to operate below the radar, and keep a very low profile to avoid detection. If your communication efforts are focused on communicating with team or family members you may want to choose a communication system that is silent or at least stealthy. Communications can be as sophisticated as a radio systems, or something as simple as a flashlight or signaling mirrors.

There has to be a level of coordination and communication setup before and disaster or survival situation arises, this is something you want learn before you need to actually use it.

We understand you may have some questions. If we were to cover anything and everything about survival it would take several hundred pages. However you can join our mailing list to receive the top notch information about survival and preparedness. To join our mailing list click here, we will also send you our “Battle Proven Bugout Bag Report” for free.

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Survival at Sea: The Basics of Surviving at Sea

1/21/2015

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Of all environments, the sea is possibly THE MOST difficult in a survival situation. It offers no natural resources for protection against extreme temperatures, wind, rain and sea state, provides little to aid location. Being surrounded by water that you CAN’T drink only adds to the difficulty.

If you ever find yourself in a situation where the ship or boat you are on is sinking, there are VERY important things you need to know. Whenever on a boat or ship make sure you learn the emergency procedures and location of emergency boats or rafts before heading out to sea. If you are in a life raft and the sinking of your boat was reported, chances are higher that you will be rescued quickly. If your position is unknown, you could be in danger of getting dehydrated or starve.

If you are in a life raft
Aboard larger vessels the contents of a life raft can easily be lost. Inspect the raft, ticking off everything against a checklist and replacing missing items. Some of the the most common and useful items in a life raft are:

Sea Anchor
Life Jacket
Water
First Aid Kit
Sea Sickness Pills
Repair Kit
Flares
Reverse Osmosis Pump/Solar Still
Emergency Locator Beacon
Map, Compass, GPS
Stopper
Knife
Paddles
Fishing Lines & Hooks
Bailer
Marine Radio
Bellows
Survival Leaflets
Flashlight
Poncho

Ocean Currents
Understanding ocean currents is an essential piece of research before embarking on any maritime trip. If you find yourself lost at sea, knowledge of these currents will help you make informed navigational decisions. You should always inform someone of your intended route.

By Survival Ready Blog Team

Finding Water
The golden rule to survive at sea is simple: life means water, and water means life. Your stores of fresh water should be absolutely secure and no opportunity to add to them should be spurned. This section should have a separate post by itself.

Some devices are capable of making seawater safe to drink, but if you don’t have one, you’ll have to find a way of procuring enough water to keep you alive.

Collecting Fresh Water
Snow and ice
In colder climates, water can be obtained from ice and snow. Snow can be scooped directly off the canopy of the life raft directly. Be careful not to scoop snow to close to the surface of the life raft canopy; you will risk contaminating the melted snow with salt encrusted on the canopy. Remember that snow is much less dense than water and a large amount of snow, even tightly compacted will produce a significantly smaller volume of water.

Gathering Rainwater
Most modern life rafts incorporate a built in rain water collection system, that channels rain and dew from the outer surface of the raft into collection pockets inside the raft. However if your raft is not outfitted with such a system you can construct an improvise rain collector using a tarp or any other water proof material. Watch the clouds and be ready for the possibility of rain in order to maximize your rain collection efforts.

Treating Saltwater
If you have no means of collecting rainwater or dew, there are several products capable of turning undrinkable saltwater into fresh water. Although these products are standard issue on most life rafts, you should always try to have at least one of them with you if you are venturing into a marine environment.

Solar Still
Solar stills are a simple way of distilling water using the power of the sun. Saltwater is placed a the bottom of the container, where it is evaporated by the sun through clear plastic. Pure water condenses on the top of the plastic and drips down the side where it can be collected, often via tube. Most solar stills on modern life rafts are inflatable.

Desalination Kit
These kit use a chemical reaction called “ion exchange” to remove the salt from the seawater. If available, use only when supplies are dangerously low.

Reverse Osmosis Pump
A reverse osmosis pump is a hand powered device that pump seawater at very high pressure through a membrane that filters out the salt. After your life raft, your personal flotation device and your distress beacon, the reverse osmosis pump is the most important part of your at sea survival kit. It produces fresh water from sea water on demand, given it is well maintained. While there are other ways of collecting drinking water when at sea, these can never be solely relied upon.

Food
Once you fresh water supply is established, you can turn your attention to sources of nutrition. The body needs certain nutritional requirements to function, and the ocean can provide them all. There is a chance that you will have some food supplies with you. Ration these out and begin to fish for food as soon as you have supplies of drinking water. Fish will act as your amin source of protein, which is necessary for cell and tissue repair, digestion and healthy blood. Seaweed and plankton are excellent sources of nutrition and can be found floating in the ocean.

Landing a fish
A fighting fish, particularly one still on the spear can cause devastating damage to your life raft. Once clear of the water, hold it by the gill and stun it with a blow to the head, then land it and kill it. The head contains some meat and the eyes are filled with salt free fluid. The tail can be discarded, the intestines used for bait, and the rest can be eaten. Do not forget to dispose of waste carefully. Never throw innards or blood into the water in close vicinity of your raft.

Signaling Equipment
When stranded at see, your focus should always be on attracting rescue. Knowing how to use signalling equipment can mean that your survival experience could be brief.

Improvised Signals
Large pieces of color material are ideal for attracting attention. Your life raft is likely to have a survival blanket which could be used for this task. If not, use your foul weather clothing; the brighter and less natural color the better it will attract attention.

Signaling Mirror
Mirror signalling projects bursts of vivid light over many miles and can be performed with materials ranging from polished metal to belt buckles. At the first sight of a nearby ship or aircraft, begin signalling so that the craft will spot your signal and inform the authorities of your position.

Other tools that can be used for signalling are radios, flares, flashlights & whistles.

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Survival Mindset: Prepare to Survive Mentally

1/13/2015

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By Survival Ready Blog Team

Your mission in a survival situation is to stay alive. As you can see in our post Survival Mind Tricks: Understanding Psychological Reactions, you are going to experience an assortment of thoughts and emotions. These can work for you, or they can work to your downfall. Fear, anxiety, anger, frustration, guilt, depression, and loneliness are all possible reactions to the many stresses common to survival. These reactions, when controlled in a healthy way, help to increase a soldier's likelihood of surviving. They prompt the would be survivor to pay more attention in training, to fight back when scared, to take actions that ensure sustenance and security, to keep faith, and to strive against large odds.

When the survivor cannot control these reactions in a healthy way, they can bring him to a standstill. Instead of rallying his internal resources, the survivor listens to his internal fears. This survivor experiences psychological defeat long before he physically succumbs. Remember, survival is natural to everyone; being unexpectedly thrust into the life and death struggle of survival is not. Don't be afraid of your "natural reactions to this unnatural situation." Prepare yourself to rule over these reactions so they serve your ultimate interest--staying alive.

It involves preparation to ensure that your reactions in a survival setting are productive, not destructive. The challenge of survival has produced countless examples of heroism, courage, and self-sacrifice. These are the qualities it can bring out in you if you have prepared yourself. Below are a few tips to help prepare yourself psychologically for survival. Through studying this manual and attending survival training you can develop the survival attitude.

Know Yourself
Through training, family, and friends take the time to discover who you are on the inside. Strengthen your stronger qualities and develop the areas that you know are necessary to survive.

Anticipate Fears
Don't pretend that you will have no fears. Begin thinking about what would frighten you the most if forced to survive alone. Train in those areas of concern to you. The goal is not to eliminate the fear, but to build confidence in your ability to function despite your fears.

Be Realistic
Don't be afraid to make an honest appraisal of situations. See circumstances as they are, not as you want them to be. Keep your hopes and expectations within the estimate of the situation. When you go into a survival setting with unrealistic expectations, you may be laying the groundwork for bitter disappointment. Follow the adage, "Hope for the best, prepare for the worst." It is much easier to adjust to pleasant surprises about one's unexpected good fortunes than to be upset by one's unexpected harsh circumstances.

Adopt a Positive Attitude
Learn to see the potential good in everything. Looking for the good not only boosts morale, it also is excellent for exercising your imagination and creativity.

Remind Yourself What Is at Stake
Remember, failure to prepare yourself psychologically to cope with survival leads to reactions such as depression, carelessness, inattention, loss of confidence, poor decision making, and giving up before the body gives in. At stake is your life and the lives of others who are depending on you to do your share.

Train
Through military training and life experiences, begin today to prepare yourself to cope with the rigors of survival. Demonstrating your skills in training will give you the confidence to call upon them should the need arise. Remember, the more realistic the training, the less overwhelming an actual survival setting will be.

Learn Stress Management Techniques
People under stress have a potential to panic if they are not well-trained and not prepared psychologically to face whatever the circumstances may be. While we often cannot control the survival circumstances in which we find ourselves, it is within our ability to control our response to those circumstances. Learning stress management techniques can enhance significantly your capability to remain calm and focused as you work to keep yourself and others alive. A few good techniques to develop include relaxation skills, time management skills, assertiveness skills, and cognitive restructuring skills (the ability to control how you view a situation).

Remember, "the will to survive" can also be considered to be "the refusal to give up."

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3 Little Known Things Your Urban Survival Kit May Need

1/13/2015

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Compiled by Survival Ready Blog Team

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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Emergency Food Storage: 22 Best Foods to Stockpile for an Emergency

1/12/2015

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Compiled by Survival ready Blog Team

Every other week, it seems there’s a new fringe group forecasting the end of the world as we know it. But even for those who don’t believe the apocalypse is imminent, there are plenty of reasons to worry about the future. The employment market isn't recovering at a very rapid pace, and for many, the threat of unemployment and job loss is real.

And, of course, rising food prices have been a hot topic as a result of natural disasters, unexpected weather patterns, and inflation. With these very real concerns weighing on your mind, you don’t have to be a survivalist to see the value of increased self-reliance. One of the best strategies to prepare for an uncertain economic future is to create a long-term emergency food storage system.

Why Should You Consider Emergency Food Storage?
Having non-perishables on hand for use in a variety of situations is a good way to increase your food security. It can provide a safety net designed to catch you if you feel you are about to fall due to circumstances out of your control. Here are a few suggestions for food staples that you can stock up on. As always, though, it is a good idea to adjust your storage to fit your family’s needs:

Via Real Simple

These items have lengthy expiration dates, so you can stash them away for long periods of time. Make a list of everything in your stockpile and check expiration dates every 6 to 12 months to keep things fresh. And don’t forget to have a can opener on hand at all times—all that food won’t be of any use if you can’t open it.

Peanut butter

A great source of energy, peanut butter is chock-full of healthful fats and protein. Unless the jar indicates otherwise, you don’t have to refrigerate after opening.

Nuts and trail mixes

Stock up on these high-energy foods—they’re healthful and convenient for snacking. Look for vacuum-packed containers, which prevent the nuts from oxidizing and losing their freshness.

Whole-wheat crackers

Crackers are a good replacement for bread and make a fine substitute when making sandwiches. Due to their higher fat content, whole-wheat or whole-grain crackers have a shorter shelf life than their plain counterparts (check the box for expiration dates), but the extra fiber pays off when you’re particularly hungry. Consider vacuum-packing your crackers to prolong their freshness.

Cereal

Choose multigrain cereals that are individually packaged so they don’t become stale after opening.

Granola bars and power bars

Healthy and filling, these portable snacks usually stay fresh for at least six months. Plus, they’re an excellent source of carbohydrates. “You can get more energy from carbohydrates without [eating] tons of food,” says Andress.

Dried fruits, such as apricots and raisins

In the absence of fresh fruit, these healthy snacks offer potassium and dietary fiber. “Dried fruits provide you with a significant amount of nutrients and calories

Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, or turkey

Generally lasting at least two years in the pantry, canned meats provide essential protein. Vacuum-packed pouches have a shorter shelf life but will last at least six months, says Diane Van, manager of the USDA meat and poultry hotline

Canned vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, and peas

When the real deal isn’t an option, canned varieties can provide you with essential nutrients.

Canned soups and chili

Soups and chili can be eaten straight out of the can and provide a variety of nutrients. Look for low-sodium options.

Bottled water

Try to stock at least a three-day supply--you need at least one gallon per person per day. “A normally active person should drink at least a half gallon of water each day,” says Andress. “The other half gallon is for adding to food and washing.”

Sports drinks, such as Gatorade or Powerade

The electrolytes and carbohydrates in these drinks will help you rehydrate and replenish fluid when water is scarce.
Via Real Simple

In addition to these supplies, did you know that with proper storage techniques, you can have a lifetime supply of certain foods? Certain foods can stand the test of time, and continue being a lifeline to the families that stored it. Knowing which foods last indefinitely and how to store them are you keys to success.

The best way to store food for the long term is by using a multi-barrier system. This system protects the food from natural elements such as moisture and sunlight, as well as from insect infestations. Typically, those who store bulk foods look for inexpensive items that have multi-purposes and will last long term.

Listed below are 11 food items that are not only multi-purpose preps, but they can last a lifetime!

Via Ready Nutrition

Honey

Honey never really goes bad. In a tomb in Egypt 3,000 years ago, honey was found and was still edible. If there are temperature fluctuations and sunlight, then the consistency and color can change. Many honey harvesters say that when honey crystallizes, then it can be re-heated and used just like fresh honey. Because of honey’s low water content, microorganisms do not like the environment.

Uses: curing, baking, medicinal, wine (mead).

Salt

Although salt is prone to absorbing moisture, it’s shelf life is indefinite. This indispensable mineral will be a valuable commodity in a long term disaster and will be a essential bartering item.

Uses: curing, preservative, cooking, cleaning, medicinal, tanning hides.

Sugar

Life would be so boring without sugar. Much like salt, sugar is also prone to absorbing moisture, but this problem can be eradicated by adding some rice granules into the storage container.

Uses: sweetener for beverages, breads, cakes, preservative, curing, gardening, insecticide (equal parts of sugar and baking powder will kill cockroaches).

Wheat

Wheat is a major part of the diet for over 1/3 of the world. This popular staple supplies 20% of daily calories to a majority of the world population. Besides being a high carbohydrate food, wheat contains valuable protein, minerals, and vitamins. Wheat protein, when balanced by other foods that supply certain amino acids such as lysine, is an efficient source of protein.

Uses: baking, making alcohol, livestock feed, leavening agent.

Dried corn

Essentially, dried corn can be substituted for any recipe that calls for fresh corn. Our ancestors began drying corn because of it’s short lived season. To extend the shelf life of corn, it has to be preserved by drying it out so it can be used later in the year.

Uses: soups, cornmeal, livestock feed, hominy and grits, heating source (do a search for corn burning fireplaces).

Baking soda

This multi-purpose prep is a must have for long term storage.

Uses: teeth cleaner, household cleaner, dish cleaner, laundry detergent booster, leavening agent for baked goods, tarnish remover.

Instant coffee, tea, and cocoa

Adding these to your long term storage will not only add a variety to just drinking water, but will also lift morale. Instant coffee is high vacuum freeze dried. So, as long as it is not introduced to moisture, then it will last. Storage life for all teas and cocoas can be extended by using desiccant packets or oxygen absorbing packets, and by repackaging the items with a vacuum sealing.

Uses: beverages, flavor additions to baked goods.

Non-carbonated soft drinks

Although many of us prefer carbonated beverages, over time the sugars break down and the drink flavor is altered. Non-carbonated beverages stand a longer test of time. And, as long as the bottles are stored in optimum conditions, they will last. Non-carbonated beverages include: vitamin water, Gatorade, juices, bottled water.

Uses: beverages, flavor additions to baked goods.

White rice

White rice is a major staple item that preppers like to put away because it’s a great source for calories, cheap and has a long shelf life. If properly stored this popular food staple can last 30 years or more.

Uses: breakfast meal, addition to soups, side dishes, alternative to wheat flour

Bouillon products

Because bouillon products contain large amounts of salt, the product is preserved. However, over time, the taste of the bouillon could be altered. If storing bouillon cubes, it would be best repackage them using a food sealer or sealed in mylar bags.

Uses: flavoring dishes

Powdered milk

Powdered milk can last indefinitely, however, it is advised to prolong it’s shelf life by either repackaging it for longer term storage, or placing it in the freezer. If the powdered milk develops an odor or has turned a yellowish tint, it’s time to discard.

Uses: beverage, dessert, ingredient for certain breads, addition to soup and baked goods.
Via Ready Nutrition

P.S: There several ways to improve your food supply security. One way is "aquaponics", which is a system of aquaculture where the waste produced by fish supplies nutrients for plants grown hydroponically, which in turn purify the water. It sounds very complex, and it can be, so research is critical if you want to get started. Here's a course that significantly cuts the learning curve and simplifies the whole process of getting going and maintaining an "aquaponics" system. Learn More Here

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Emergency Essentials: 101 Ways to Prepare for Emergencies

1/11/2015

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By Survival Ready Blog Team

The time to prepare for emergencies is now. Not only you'll need supplies in an emergency, you will also need to have a plan you can implement at a moment's notice. We have put together a report that reveals 101 Ways to Prepare for Emergencies.
Download Full Report Here

Here's a quick Summary of the top 10 ways to prepare for emergencies

1. Remember to prepare for everyone in the home. When you are putting together a plan to prepare in the case of an emergency, it is very important to remember to plan for not only yourself and your children, but also for your family pets and any guests who could potentially be with you at the time of the emergency. Many people fail to plan for their pets, and unfortunately many pets are lost each year as a result. Sometimes, you have to act in the best interest of the people, and there is nothing that you can do. But it is definitely worth putting together an emergency plan for your pets.

2. Have meeting places lined up, and make sure that everyone knows where they are. You should generally have three-five locations that everyone in the home knows about where you can meet up in the case of separation during an emergency. This could be a neighbor’s front yard, a local business and possibly a relative’s home a few miles away. This way, you will not have to wander around looking for family members because they too will make their way toward the pre- determined locations.

3. Attach your appliances to the floor. Particularly in flood prone areas, it is recommended that gas appliances be attached to the floor. Your appliance will most likely be destroyed in the case of a severe flood; however the risk that you are alleviating is that of your gas line rupturing, presenting a possible explosion risk within your home. You can use straps, mounting bolts or another method for attaching the appliances to the floor, or even to a wall. Just remember that is you attach to the wall, the wall should be constructed of solid material.

4. Buy plenty of flashlights and even more batteries. It is always important to have a flashlight on hand. In general, most people use flashlights ten or more times during the course of a year. A good quality flashlight should be on hand in the kitchen, or other central room of the home. In addition, everyone should have a flashlight near their bed in case of a middle of the night emergency. There are now a lot of emergency flashlights that do not require batteries. Instead, they are powered by a hand crank and have a halogen bulb for added brightness.

5. Inspect your home carefully. One of the first things to do when planning for emergency preparedness is to get to know the ins and outs of your home. At a minimum, you should know where all of your utility shut-offs are located. You should also take a look around to see if there are heavy objects which could fall on someone and result in an injury. Take care to check the handrails on your stairs to ensure safety in a situation where the stairs are unstable.

6. Reconsider your storage areas. Take some time to look through your storage areas to ensure that the heaviest items on shelves are at the bottom, near the floor. Make sure that any storage shelving is secured to the wall in some way. Consider whether there is any risk of a fire, or if your storage area contains little more than fuel should a fire start. Clean out old things that you do not plan to use, in order to reduce the fire hazard.

7. Find all of the chemicals in your home. It is important to know where your chemicals are stored, and whether they present an additional risk in the event of an emergency. For example, you should never store ammonia and bleach in the same location! Many people do not consider this, however should the two combine the results could be very dangerous due to the emission of toxic gas. Paint, paint thinner and other chemicals should NEVER be stored near your furnace, water heater or any other appliance with a lit pilot light.

8. Find a safe spot in your home. Depending on the type of natural disasters to which your location is prone, this spot can range from the basement to the attic. Generally, everyone should have a high ground location in the case of a flood. However, if your area is prone to earthquakes you would most likely want to be somewhere like under a sturdy door frame. If tornadoes are common, you should have a below ground location, with little that can fall on you from overhead.

9. Have a written plan. Many people spend a lot of time putting together an actual emergency plan, but they never put it in writing. Well, in the case of an emergency there is a good chance that someone will miss a critical step in the process of evacuation, etc. Therefore – always have a copy of your plan for each member of the house. Perhaps the plan can be stored in a nightstand drawer with a flashlight.

10. Review your emergency plan. You are not the only one who needs to be familiar with your emergency plan unless you live alone. Make sure that everyone knows his or her responsibilities according to the plan. And, make sure that you review the plan upon occasion to make sure that it still works for you and that everyone knows exactly what to do in the event of an emergency.

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