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

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

Survivalists should take the time to learn how to construct primitive traps. Traps are much more efficient that hunting since they continue to operate while you aren’t there. Once you have learned how to construct them there are a few things that will keep you from catching as many critters as you should.

​​Poorly Made Traps
There is a reason why professional trappers use store bought equipment. Primitive equipment is inferior in almost every way except for price. With this in mind you will need to read a lot of books, watch a lot of videos and get out and practice making several different types of traps.
 
The trigger system is the key to most primitive traps. If you can master a couple different types you can adapt them to whatever type of set you need to make. (deadfall, snare etc.)
 
Not Setting Enough Traps
There are professional trappers out there making hundreds of sets and catching tens of animals. One or two deadfalls or snares won’t cut it. You might get lucky once or twice but to keep a continuous supply of meat coming in you will need one or two dozen sets, minimum. (50 or 100 would be better) It might take a few days to get that many out, but once they are in place you should only be having to reset a few a day.
 
Setting Traps where there are no Animals
You will need to learn to read the animal sign available. Tracks, trails, dense cover and dens can all be good places to set. Without clear sign always set in or next to dense cover for the best chance of catching something.
 
Setting where it is convenient for you might be nice for you but it will have little chance of catching your supper.
 
Primitive traps can feed you in the wilderness if you take the time to learn to construct a quality trap, set out enough of then in the right places.

​Survival and preparedness reality shows are both good and bad at the same time. Mostly bad. On the one hand, they bring awareness to important topics such as being ready for disasters but, on the other, they propagate a lot of myths to satisfy and delight some of their less informed readers.

​

Myth: The most important thing in a survival situation is finding food and water.

Well, it depends. The rule of threes states that shelter is the most important thing, however I’m more of the approach of “what’s going to kill you first”. Like if you have a wound that could get infected, then access to clean water and medical supplies is your top priority.

In situations where there’s a chance your core body temperature will be affected, then yes shelter should be your first priority.

Shelter is more than just unpacking your tent. You also have to find the right place to camp to avoid floods, wild animals and people. You have to build it in such a way so that it protects you from the elements and keep you warm and dry throughout the night.

Hypothermia will kill you a lot faster than lack of food. Your body will last for days on end, even weeks, without anything to eat, but if you’re wet and are unable to get yourself dry and stay warm...


Myth: Starting a Fire is Easy

The bow drill method, using dryer lint as tinder, using a ferro rod... there’re many ways to start a fire. Many of them are depicted in YouTube videos that make everything seem really easy. But is it?
If you’re in a damp environment, if the wood isn’t dry enough or simply isn’t the right one, you could end up wasting your time and energy.

One can also argue that starting a fire is not hard. Anyone can start a fire with a lighter in seconds, and most preppers have at least 2-3 in their survival bags, not to mention blast-matches and even steel wool and a 9V battery. But if your primary methods don’t work for some reason, you could be in serious trouble.


Myth: Eating snow will keep you hydrated.

In reality, your body will have to spend a great deal of energy to warm that snow before it can utilize it. Much better to melt the snow into water and then drink it. You should also filter it with a bandana and even purify it if you have the means. Rain water and water resulting from melting snow is typically safe to drink but the cleaner, the better.


Myth: Water from cactus is safe to drink.

Water from cacti is very acidic and could cause you to get sick, especially if you drink it on an empty stomach. This doesn’t mean you’ll die but it won’t make the survival situation any more pleasant for you or for your kidneys.


Myth: avoid contact with other people once the big one hits.

While you don’t want people knowing you’re prepared, isolation is also not a good solution. The trick is to know who to trust, in what circumstances and for how long. While it’s true that you shouldn’t contact other people unless you have to, when you do have to, you have to be very careful what you say. Lifetime friends could turn into your biggest nightmare if they have desperate families they need to feed.


Myth: bugging in and out are definitive.

Bugging in and out aren’t one time choices. When something bad happens, circumstances can change daily or even hourly, forcing you to change your plans.
For example, you can bug out to your BOL and then be forced to bug out again, have you thought about that? If you aren’t able to flee before everyone else, you don’t want to get stuck in traffic along with everyone else. You can try bugging in until it gets dark outside before you attempt to leave unseen.


Myth: Making camp near a water source in the wilderness is the way to go.

When bugging out, many people are going to do the obvious: they’ll all camp near a body of water. Don’t’ risk your camp site being discovered by looters and camp at least half a mile from any body of water. There are plenty of ways to get water to your campsite without running into other people.


Myth: following a disaster scenario, most people will die within the first three weeks.

Look, I get the flow of thinking but I seriously doubt things are going to be this drastic. No doubt that people will die in the aftermath of a disaster but 90% of them? To me, this is a far-fetched scenario for several reasons.

First off, in case of a natural disaster, there will be other countries out there that would come to the rescue. One must look at the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia to see how people, organizations and Governments across the Globe rushed in to help. Was the intervention perfect? No, of course not. Did people continue to die as help continued to come? They did.

But what kind of disaster would cause 90% of people to die? An EMP that would cause the transportation system to fail, leaving people in cities hungry and killing each other? Over 15% of the US population lives in the country side, then you’ve got folks in the burbs with gardens, people in cities who have relatives and friends in small towns. Add to that the humanitarian help from other countries (that won’t be exposed to the EMP blast) and the number of survivors is going to be higher.

Again, I’m not saying an EMP won’t wreak havoc, I just think that the number of disasters that can wipe off 90% of Americans aren’t that many.


Myth: You need to boil water for X minutes to kill pathogens.

According to the Wilderness Medical Society quoted by a number of survival blogs and articles (including Princeton’s website), all pathogens will be killed by the time the water comes to a rolling boil, even at high altitudes.


Myth: Alcohol warms up your body.

Quite the opposite. Alcohol will get you to feel warmer by sending more blood to your skin. However, this blood has to come from someplace else, which means your internal organs will receive less blood, thus, your body temperature will drop.


Myth: Drinking your own pee is a good idea.

Don’t do it unless you’re an astronaut with access to NASA’s Water Recovery System or if you really, really need to. Just like salt water, urine will dehydrate your body even more.


Myth: Making shelter is all about the roof.

Not really - there’s a lot more to it. You need protection from ALL the things that can harm your body one way or another: damp soil, wind, critters. Plus, your shelter needs to keep as much of the heat in as possible to keep you warm.

In other words, for survival purposes, a bivvy bag, for instance, may make for a better shelter than hanging a tarp over a few branches. You should also consider how to insulate it, using aluminum foil, leaves, moss etc.


Myth: You can suck the venom out of a snake bite.

Not a good idea, even if you’re Rambo. You either nave a snake bit kit plus the knowledge to use it or, even better, seek medical attention immediately. Never suck the venom out as you’ll not only further damage the wound but poison yourself.


Final Word
​
The big takeaway from this article is that the more you read and know, the better prepared you’ll be. Knowledge trumps tools and gear every single time.

2.   Volume and Attention
​

3.   Speed and Decisiveness

Not all assailants will be scared off by shouting and the possibility of attention. If the situation continues to escalate, use speed and decisiveness as your next line of defense. Hesitation can be your worst enemy. Quickly target your assailant for a rapid strike and immediately attempt to flee the situation. By acting quickly, you can often catch your assailant off guard and escape the attack.

​

Survival Ready Blog Contributor

​​BVABC / BRISTOL VA BUSH CRAFTING© Releases their newest survival video. "Making primitive fire with the Yakk" Description: Learn the proper steps in creating primitive survival fire using a fire bow.

By Dennis Diaz

​Society can be fragile. There are some hot buttons that can spark tempers and erupt into serious outrage. The outrage among the people spreads like wildfire and before you know it, you have angry mobs tearing things up and making life dangerous. The government will send in police and military forces to try and control the uprising, but this typically makes things more dangerous for a short while. The rage blinds the people and they can no longer tell the difference between friendly, peaceful people and those who wish to take them down.
 
Just recently, I posted a video in our Facebook group (The Bugout Network) about an episode where violence broke out in central Athens, as tens of thousands marched to the Greek Parliament during a general strike. Locally we’ve also seen how easy events like these, can erupt and throw a whole city into chaos.
​

If you happen to get caught in a city where social unrest is quickly escalating and it is no longer safe to be in the area, you have to bug out. The danger comes from all sides. The unruly mobs are a risk as are the military and police who are trying to control the situation. Your life is in danger and you have to get out. Evacuating the city without being noticed is going to be tricky. Getting noticed could be deadly.
 
​


The following are some key tips that will help you quietly get out of the city relatively unscathed. 
​
Be Inconspicuous
 
You need to get out of the city without anybody realizing what you are doing—on either side. It will be important you stay out of sight as much as possible. If you are with a large group of people, it is best to travel in a single file line. Always travel in the wee hours of the morning, between about 2 and 5. This is when it is likely to be the quietest. It also gives you the cover of night.
 
Stay in the shadows and up against buildings. The buildings will provide you with some cover and help conceal you. Wear dark clothing that blends in with the night. Obviously, being as quiet as possible will be a must. If you have young children, make sure they are well aware of the need to be quiet. Make it a game if that works better.
 
Never travel during the bewitching hours, which would be anywhere from dark until about 2 in the morning. Looters and rioters are going to take advantage of the cover of darkness.
 
​
Go with the Flow
 
If you are caught up in a mob or there are large crowds brewing, you can use them as cover. Stay along the fringes of the crowd. Don't get caught up in the chanting or any other violent actions that may be happening. Keep your head down and avoid making eye contact with the participants if possible. When it is safe to do so, casually step away from the group.
 
If you are with a group of people, you don't want to all leave the mob at the same time. A few at a time who casually slink away will be less likely to be noticed. Move to the edge and pretend to tie a shoe or simply hide behind a car or building.
 
Avoid getting caught between a fence and the mob or a wall of any kind and the mob. You could easily become trapped and even smashed.
 

Avoid Commercial Areas
 
When you are planning your route out of the city, do what you can to stick to residential neighborhoods. Looters and rioters are going to be more concentrated in commercial areas where they can loot goods. Grocery stores are not going to be a top priority in the beginning, but eventually the looting will get there. Electronics stores, the mall, department stores and convenience stores are going to be the most at risk. Avoid those areas and you will likely avoid the majority of the crowds.
 

Hide
 
Know what buildings are empty and prepare to hide in them if a mob happens to form or make their way down your evacuation route. If you can avoid detection, you will be better off. Keep in mind; police are not going to be a lot of help if they happen to see you skulking about. They don't know who is a part of the angry mob and who isn't. They are more likely to attack first and ask questions later.
 

Avoid Crowded Areas
 
It only take a few people to start a riot. They will encourage others to stand with them and before you know it, a crowded shopping center or a busy street in the city has become a very dangerous place. Riots are more likely to break out in areas where there are a lot of people. If you have an idea things are tense, avoid those areas at all costs.
 
​
Be Prepared
 
Because you never know when civil unrest may erupt, you should always be prepared. Have an evacuation plan in place. You don't want to take the most obvious routes out of the city. You want to stay off the beaten path as much as possible. Running into others who are fleeing the city could be dangerous. You never know if they share your same moral values and will not harm you or your group.
 
Part of being prepared means having bug out bags packed and ready to go at a moment's notice. A bug out bag should contain the supplies and gear you need to get out of the city and into a safe place that will not be effected by the unrest. Have a place in mind where you plan on seeking refuge. This can be a relative's home, a retreat or under the open stars in a safe place. Have at least two routes planned out of the city, just in case the first is blocked. You will also want to communicate plans to every member of your family. Have a place to meet up so you can all evacuate together.
 
When civil unrest begins to brew, that is the time to evacuate the city. Pay attention to what is happening in the city as well as across the country. Often times, riots can be predicted. If you hear or sense something isn't right, it is time to react. Don't wait until the city is literally going up in flames before you get out. 

Related:
Home Survival During Civil Unrest
Security Measures to Protect Your Home
Bugging Out with Disabilities

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. ​​​​​​

Tending a fire can take a lot of work. You need sleep! This is one way you can build a fire that will last all night so you can get some good shuteye without adding new wood every hour. There are several different ways to do this, but the key is to using round logs and not split wood. 

 
1-You need to start by lining up logs side by side across the bottom of your fire pit or wherever you are building your fire. Start with 5 medium logs across the bottom. Then, place another 5 medium logs in perpendicular across the top. On top of that layer, layer another 3 to 4 logs lengthwise. You are basically creating a fire pyramid. Add dirt in between the space between logs
 

2-On top of the top layer, add some smaller branches. These can go both ways to form a bit of a weave-like construction.
 
3-Build a tinder bundle on top of your small branches.
 

4-Make a fire teepee over your tinder bundle.
 
5-Light your tinder on fire and feed it as necessary until the first layer of smaller branches is burning. The next layer of logs will slowly start to smolder and burn. 

You won't get massive flames, but you will get a long lasting, hot fire. Depending on the height of your fire pyramid and the size of the logs, your fire can burn up to 40plus hours.
 
Below you’ll see a full video from one of my personal favorite survival trainers Robert Allen.

​Would you go camping, when you know there’s a blizzard or storm coming? Have you ever waited for a rainy or windy day to go out into the woods and test your skills? One thing I learned from a friend of mine, who’s a former Navy SEAL, is that to train your body and mind for a survival situation, you have to employ something he calls “emergency conditioning”.

When it comes to a survival situation, emergency conditioning, consists simply of training your mind and your body, and develop skills in a way, to make it as close to a real life survival scenario as possible. One of the skills that at the top of your toolbox during a survival situation, is starting and building fires. Fire is a lifesaver in every sense of the word. It provides you heat, provides what you need to make your water safe to drink, can give you comfort and ward off animals that may stalk you in the wild.

Chances are you are currently able to choose when you go out and practice your skills, and many will pick days with better weather. Most people don't go camping hoping it will rain or even snow. I think that’s a mistake and you may want to practice your survival skills, including fire making, when the weather is bad.  I covered this topic briefly in a previous article "How to Start a Fire in Harsh Weather"  but I wanted to go a little more in depth in this article.
 
Fire Starting Methods
 
Starting with the basics, there are several different items you can pack in your bug out bag, purse, glove compartment of your car or even your desk drawer that will ensure you can start a fire in an emergency even if the weather is bad. These items are inexpensive and truly invaluable. Look into getting at least one, but preferably, have at least two methods of starting a fire on hand at all times.

• Magnesium stick
• Flint rod and steel
• Waterproof matches
• Lighter

 
The magnesium stick and flint rod do require some practice to figure out how to get the spark needed to start your fire. Don't leave your tools sitting in the packages. Take them out and get familiar with holding the gear and actually using it.
 
Creating a Tinder Bundle
 
Your next hurdle to creating a fire is constructing a tinder bundle. At home, you would probably use newspaper to get your fire started. When you are out in the middle of nowhere and you don't have newspaper, you need to put together some dry, easily flammable material that will serve as the base of your fire.  This can be a real challenge if its raining or snowing
 
Where you are will determine what kind of material you can find. The following list are some things that make for a great tinder bundle to ensure you get a roaring fire.

• Pine needles
• Dry grass
• Fibrous material inside cedar bark
• Birch tree bark
• Dried moss
• Dry leaves

 
If it has been raining your best bet is to look for dry material under trees. The branches will offer some protection from rain or snow. Material that is exposed to the full sun and is not shaded is your best option. Leaves or grass that are exposed to the wind will also be drier than those that are lying directly on the ground.
 
Use your dried material to create something that resembles a bird nest. You can use a combination of dried materials. Your tinder bundle only needs to be about as big as your hand. Create a small indention in the center of the tinder bundle. This is where your spark is going to land.
 
Collecting Firewood
 
Your next step is to collect enough firewood to keep your fire going for at least 30 minutes. You don't want to get a new fire going and leave it to go find more wood. New fires need lots of monitoring to ensure they do not go out.
 
When collecting firewood, you want to get three different sizes. You need small twigs and branches in the earliest stages, medium branches once the twigs are burning nicely and then finally, a nice log that will slowly burn for several hours.
 
Do not pick up any branches or logs directly off the ground. They will be damp and you will struggle to get the wood to burn. Look for branches on trees that have died. These should be easy to snap off. Trees that have fallen, but got hung up on other trees are another source of dry wood. Branches that have fallen to the ground, but have branches sticking up are okay to use. The wind and sun will have dried the piece that is off the ground.
 
If you do come across some damp wood, collect it and put it close to your fire for later use. The heat of your fire will help dry it out. This can take a day or several days depending on how wet the wood is.
 
Building Your Fire
 
Now that you have everything you need to make a fire, it is time to build a fire teepee out of your twigs. Use six to ten twigs to build a small teepee, leaving an opening on one side. Light your tinder bundle. Gently blow on the tinder to get a nice flame. Carefully put the tinder bundle in the opening of your fire teepee. The flames should catch the twigs on fire. You may need to add bits of dried material to keep the flame burning long enough to catch the twigs on fire.
 
Once the twigs are burning, add a couple small branches. Add more twigs if needed to keep the flames going. Once your medium size branches have caught on, carefully add a larger log or two being careful not to snuff out the flames.

Practice, will always improve your chances of performing in real life situations. By simulating different conditions that may exist you automatically create that possibility in your plan and can start preparing and refining your skills ahead of time instead of having to improvise from scratch.

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.
​

​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.
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Focus on Strengths
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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.
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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)

Bushcraft knives are becoming more popular as of late, and for good reason. High quality bushcraft knives are functional blades that make a great addition to anyone’s knife armory. That being said, many people can be unsure about buying one. They wonder what makes a Bushcraft knife any different from other types of knives. If you aren’t sure about buying a Bushcraft knife, here are the four top reasons for buying a Bushcraft knife.

Image via knifeista.com

​Functionality 

The 1st reason is functionality. Bushcraft knives are designed to be extremely functional. They tend to be relatively small, fixed blade knives. They usually have only one edge that will hold its edge for a long while. These features make the blade highly functional. It is designed to fit in your hand and is comfortable to use. It can be used for heavy work like cutting up wood for a fire or skinning an animal. It can also be used for light work such as whittling or food prep.
They also often prove to be useful in more urban environments. You will often need a knife for opening boxes or cutting tape in the office, and you will feel safer in dangerous neighborhoods with a Bushcraft knife strapped to your belt. Above all, the knife will be durable, designed to take the strain of being used in any environment, which makes it highly reliable. If you are looking for a functional blade to handle both simple and complex tasks, then look no farther than a Bushcraft knife.
 
Simplicity 

The second great feature of a bushcraft knife is its simplicity. There is rarely anything fancy about a bushcraft knife. A true Bushcraft knife is simply a sharp and effective blade with a comfortable handle. It won’t have annoying detachable parts in its handle or fancy engravings on the blade. A Bushcraft knife is a tool, not something to hang on your wall. It is meant to be used and its simple design makes it perfect for doing just that (If simplicity isn’t your style, click here to learn about other kinds of survival knives).

By Dennis Diaz

Dakota Fire
Images source: 
​www.pinterest.com/explore/camping-survival

​In today's world, we fortunately still have the luxury of technology, and a working power and communication infrastructure. We can still connect with people we have never met, over the internet anywhere in the world, including people in nearby communities. We can turn on our tablets and surf the internet to find people with the same goal of surviving after a disaster without ever leaving the couch. The anonymity that goes with internet connections is one many people prefer.

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​There are numerous places you can utilize to find fellow preppers who would appreciate being a part of your network or welcoming you into theirs. It is important you use this service to your advantage today. After a disaster or collapse, the internet will not be up and you would likely not have the power needed to charge your internet devices, anyways. This includes calling your fellow neighborhood preppers. Use the technology available today to establish signs that will be used to send messages. It would also be a good idea to buy 2-way radios that will transmit several miles. This will allow you to keep in touch with your network when the phone lines are down and cell towers are not functioning.

​Right now, the ability to connect with people you don't know over the internet is a very lucrative option. It gives you that anonymity you desire while allowing you to do lots of research about a particular organization.
Although the internet and technology in general gives you a great deal of anonymity, it is still important you follow some basic rules. You wouldn't tell the guy you met on the street your full name, address and everything you have and you certainly don't want to put that information out on the internet.
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Never offer where you live. It is best to keep it general. If you live in a particular neighborhood, that would be safe to mention. However, avoid street names and any particular details about your house. Some folks are okay with using their first and last names, but keep in mind; with technology as it is today, it is very easy to find someone's address.
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​Avoid discussing personal details and especially don't talk about any valuables like guns or gold you have stored away. You have to remember it isn't just your fellow preppers that are looking at the boards. It could be anybody. That includes the people that are looking for places to loot and steal from today.

There are some major advantages to using technology today to build up your prepper groups. It is one way to get to know someone so to speak. Each person in the group will know the others' strengths and weaknesses. This is what makes a community. You don't want to build a group of people who all know the same thing and have the same skill set.

The goal is to use the meetings and internet groups to learn about each other. To discuss what one person is doing and how it works and how it can be improved. Nobody is going to have all the answers, which is why community networks are so crucial to long term survival.

You will want to vet the groups before you make a final decision to join. You may have different ideologies and goals. You may be a peace-loving kind of person who prefers to focus on living and let live while the group you are looking into may be more of a kill the competition. Don't join a group you cannot mesh well with.

Personality conflicts within a group can be a real issue. If you put everything you have into the group, but end up not getting along with all the members, you are forced to make a decision. Leave the group and likely lose what you brought in or stay and deal with the conflict.
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Another benefit to using technology as a lead is the ability to check out what others have said or are currently saying about a group you are considering joining. Many local groups will have online sites or Facebook pages. It is a good idea to comb through current and past posts. Look at what other members are talking about and how the group works with each other. Is there a lot of bickering? Do you agree with the leaders of the group and their values and direction?
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When you join online, you have the freedom to leave a group if it isn't working for you. Easy come, easy go. There isn't an awkward exit. You simply leave and find another. If it is a group you are putting together, you have the luxury of asking another member to leave if it is obvious they are not going to be a positive contributor.

Make sure you ask the hard questions up front and save yourself some time. It is often easier to talk openly when you are only looking at a computer rather than an actual person. Use it to your advantage to ask the questions, research and get to know the other people before you make that initial face to face contact.

Even after you commit to a group, it wouldn't be a bad idea to keep some things to yourself. You may all be great friends today, but when it comes down to every man fighting for resources to survive, it can get ugly. Ideally, your group would work together towards the goal of survival, but there are no guarantees in life. Getting into a group now, working together and getting to know one another better will help develop trust. That trust is what will help sustain you and keep your merry band of survivors together.

​Human beings were obviously not built for sleeping in snow or for surviving in cold weather conditions. Unlike most animals, we don’t have a thick hide or a luscious fur to keep us warm and dry when faced with snow, frost or icy winds. Therefore, if you ever find yourself in a winter survival situation, like being stranded on a mountainside after you went hiking or skiing or maybe even stuck in your car on a snowed in road, here are the best 9 tips to help you get through it safe and sound.

#1. High calorie food
​When stranded in such a situation, one of your best weapons against the cold is food and especially the high calorie type. Therefore, before embarking on a trip to the cold regions, pack lots and lots of high calorie foods, such as whole wheat bread, coconut milk, avocados, oils, nuts and seeds, different types of butter, chocolate and fatty cheeses. In cold regions, you will need double the amount of calories you normally intake just so you can keep your body temperature at optimum levels. Another great tip regarding food is to always have a high calorie snack before going to sleep. For example, drink a cup of hot chocolate with some butter melted in it.​

#2. Beware of ‘widowmakers’
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​Widowmakers are dead trees that have frozen over in the cold and become brittle. This happens mostly when their sap freezes. Being so brittle, they are prone to break and topple over tents at the smallest gush of wind, so make sure you don’t plant your tent near one of these. Widowmakers, apart from whole trees, can also refer to single branches, dead, dry and frozen over, that are simply hanging in a tree, ready to fall at any time, so make sure you are on the look-out for those as well. You can either cut the dead and frozen branches down or you can simply move your campsite. If you elect to cut them down, make sure to use a special survival knife for this. A regular knife will just tear the branch and may cause more to rupture.

#3. Snow walls
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One great way of protecting yourself and your tent against the freezing winds, in a snowy overnight camping situation is to build some snow walls around your tent. Depending on the area where you’re camping, you can either build yourself some fancy walls, out of cut ice blocks or, if you’re in a forest, simply erect some walls out of the snow using your hands, much like you did when you were a child and were playing in the snow. They will help insulate your tent and block all the wind, which would, otherwise, penetrate or even, if strong enough, tear down your tent.​

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​#4. Use one single door of your tent

​This is for going in and out while you do your things around the tent, like cooking, going to the bathroom or leveling the snow. Ideally, you should have a tent big enough to divide into different sections. Meaning your tent should have at least one vestibule, separate from the sleeping area, where you can organize and store all your clothes and gear and where you can do the cooking. This way, you will minimize the cold and the snow entering your sleeping “room” and keep it in the “vestibule”. You will give thanks for this piece of advice at night, when you go to sleep and it’s nice, dry and toasty in there.

By Dennis DIaz
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​Preppers do what they can to cover all of their bases. They want to make sure they have enough food, water and other emergency supplies on hand to sustain their family should a disaster strike. Because disaster may strike at home, a plan for getting out of dodge is also necessary. In fact, it may be Plan A for some.
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Bugging out isn't quite as easy as grabbing a bug out bag and heading for the hills. There are going to be some serious obstacles. Some of those obstacles may require strength and a lot of thought. No one should try and do it alone. Despite the idea that preppers must keep their prepping a secret and tell no one, that is not always best.​

Every prepper needs a network of people. Networks provide many benefits and can aid in survival after a major disaster, economic collapse or a power grid failure. We are going to talk about the ways you can network with people right in your neighborhood as well as people a couple hundred miles away.
 
Neighborhood Network
 
It is hard to open up about your prepping to others. In fact, you really wouldn't want to. You don't want to tell any Joe off the street what you have stockpiled in your home. The idea is to search out other people who feel the same way as you. People who are not convinced the world is going to be perfect and safe forever. There are plenty of folks who are going to think a lot like you, maybe not exactly the same, but can see the writing on the wall and know things are going to get ugly.

These are the people you want to network with. You don't have to have weekly barbecues at your house or chat on the phone everyday. The goal is to have monthly meetings to talk about your plans should something go awry.
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It can be somewhat difficult to find these people simply because preppers are a secretive group. However, there are some who recognize the need to have networks within the community and have already formed groups. Your job will be to find these established groups. There are a few ways you can do this.

• Check the bulletin board at your local co-op. Look for fliers about groups that are meeting to discuss self-sustainability, prepping or off-grid.
• Start conversations with people you meet at the store, while out yardsaling or even your neighbors. You don't want to come on strong and start talking about your belief that the end is near, but a few words about stocking up on food or you are thinking about looking into solar energy can get a conversation started.
• If  you go to church, get to know your congregation a bit more. You are sure to find a few people who share your opinions and want to get more involved with prepping. Many churches offer sustainability classes for free. Outdoor school or retreats through the church are an excellent way to spend time with people who may be potential candidates for your network.
• Attend community events. This is a great way to get a feel for your community. Oddly enough, when you are an experienced prepper, you can pick up on key words and phrases in a conversation and know instantly that the person speaking is either a prepper or wants to learn more about it.
• Your local sporting goods store is another place you are likely to run into preppers. Be friendly, ask a question about the best ammo or what kind of wire is best for snare traps and you are sure to get a conversation about survival and prepping going. If the person you ask looks at you like you are crazy, move on.
• Farmer's markets are another great place to meet fellow preppers. Vendors who are growing enough food to sell some off, obviously have the right idea. They are self-sustainable, which is what you want to be.
• Check with the local FEMA office in your county or state. There may be a C.E.R.T chapter set up in your area. The Certified Emergency Response Teams are comprised of local citizens in the area who have gone through training to be the first responders following a disaster when the professionals are unable to get to an area or are wrapped up with other calls. The folks in the CERT network are very likely to be preppers. Ask to join and then get to know your fellow members to talk about creating or joining a survival network. If a chapter is not currently established, do what is necessary to start one up. This is a great way to meet like-minded people while getting some free or low-cost training.

 
Never assume you can spot a prepper by looks alone. While there are some who certainly stand apart from the rest, the majority of preppers and the kind you want to throw your hat in with, are completely under the radar so to speak. They don't advertise their skills or what they have. They don't dress like they are part of a militia. They blend in. They move about their communities without being labeled a “crazy prepper” or one of those “survivalist types.”

While it isn't really an issue of name calling, you have to know that this is the kind of thing that draws attention. This is what will lead a hundred people to your front door when things do go south. They know you have supplies and there is a hundred of them and one of you. They are going to take what you have or use you for your skills.
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When you are in a network, you know someone will have your back. You can bug out together or shelter-in-place together. One of the main reasons people want to be a part of a network is for the strength in numbers. More eyes watching your camp and more people to help defend it. A group of marauders is less likely to attack an organized group than they would a single person or a single family.
If there isn't currently a group established in your neighborhood, be the one who starts it. Print up a few fliers and put them on the bulletin boards of the co-op, farmer's market and the feed store. This is where preppers in hiding will see it. Keep the network somewhat anonymous. Meet at a public place and do not demand people pay dues or provide their full names and addresses. That will take time and trust.

All it takes is one connection. From there, the person you connect with will likely know somebody and that person will know somebody. You don't need 100 members in your network. A handful of good people with a variety of skills will increase your odds of survival. A prepper community network is essential to learning and growing.