Show Contents 10th November 2014

Show Notes

This week I begin with You could not make it up, followed by the Blizzard survival 20% Discount Offer, Prepared for Disaster, Ribzwear 30% discount Offer, What is EMF and Why You Need to Know about EMF Health, The wilderness121 10% Discount Offer, Unusual Ways of Water Purification, The field leisure 10% Discount Offer, Surviving post SHTF, The Buggrub 10% Discount Offer, Weather forecasting, The hunters-knives 10% Discount Offer, Thinking of Bugging-out? How to stay warm at home when cash is low.

I have a request from Chris T. on Twitter to promote a petition to demand the release of Marine A. I have placed a link to the petition at the top of my blog please take the time to sign it.

BEAT EBOLA order your Children’s PPE, Bio-Protection Suit and Order you Pandemic Quick Kits HERE

http://www.contagionsurvival.com/pandemic_quickkits.htm

You could not make it up

The city of Fort Lauderdale last week passed an ordinance that effectively outlaws several humanitarian groups from feeding the homeless in public with a penalty of up to 60 days in jail. The law kicked in Friday, setting up a potential showdown between those groups and police.

Micah Harris is co-founder of the Peanut Butter and Jelly Project, which feeds the homeless of Fort Lauderdale.

"When you go out there almost every day you have 72 meals and you keep these down to a dollar," said Local 10's Bob Norman.

"A dollar a meal -- a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, water, pretzels and a banana," said Harris.

Along with Harris' wife, donations, volunteers and son, Jackson, the project has not only fed countless homeless but he said also helped get 36 people off the street.

"Literally, they are literally starving on the streets," said Harris.

But the city of Fort Lauderdale recently placed restrictions on feeding the homeless in public that is effectively outlawing Harris from feeding the hungry, and that law kicked in Friday.

"If you want to arrest me for feeding a hungry person then arrest me for feeding a hungry person," said Harris.

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler said that is exactly what his city will do.

"Just because of media attention we don't stop enforcing the law," said Seiler. "We enforce the laws here in Fort Lauderdale."

"So it's fair to say if they break the law this weekend they will be arrested?" asked Norman.

"If they break the law and it's observed by one of our law enforcement officers they are subject to arrest," Seiler said.

"I'm sorry that he's going to tell his police force to do that," Harris said.

"Are you going to stop doing what you're doing?" asked Norman.

"Nope," said Harris. "For lack of a better term it's atrocious, it's disgusting."

Homelessness is hardly an invisible problem in the United States, but some cities wish that it were — and as a result, are moving to ban feeding the homeless.

33 U.S. Cities have already Banned Sharing Food with the Homeless according to the National Coalition for the Homeless, and at least four municipalities — Daytona Beach, Florida; Raleigh, N.C.; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and Birmingham, Alabama — have recently fined, removed, or threatened prison time against individuals and private groups that have fed the homeless.

Blizzard Survival 20% Discount Offer

Blizzard Survival .com have a fantastic offer for you the listener they are offering  a 20% discount on all goods bought from them at www.blizzardsurvival.com

The Ultimate in Lightweight Thermal Protection.

The Blizzard Survival Brand incorporating Reflexcell™ material has become the new standard wherever thermal performance in a lightweight compact package is essential - for military use, casualty care, emergency preparedness, disaster relief, personal survival, outdoor activities...and more.

Reflexcell™ products are totally unique: weight-for-weight far warmer than goose down, yet 100% weatherproof, tough, ultra-portable and re-usable.

Life-saving technology has never been so affordable.

All you have to do to get a 20% discount is enter the code “PREPPER” at the checkout, it is that simple. Thank you Blizzard Survival.com

Prepared for Disaster

Are you prepared for a disaster that could affect the daily function of your life or the lives of your family members? Or do you even believe a disaster will ever affect you?

Blizzards, floods, power cuts, and who knows what else happens all the time. Still, most of us ignore the warnings. "It can't happen here," some say. "The government will take care of me if it does," others think.

But not only do they happen, they can happen to you. And when they do, you will be on your own. The recent UK flooding events have proved this. Look at the total disruption of transportation when it snows for example. 

This was followed by the immediate and complete paralysis of air transportation at major international airports. Thousands were stranded for days on their own in strange cities.

As serious as these events were, they pale in comparison to the possibilities. Consider a major biological or nuclear attack or accident. Hundreds of thousands of casualties are predicted in some scenarios.

These disasters or attacks would overwhelm local, regional, and national emergency resources and cause widespread panic. Transportation would stop, markets would be stripped of food within hours, essential emergency services would be overwhelmed, and food, medical supplies, and emergency service workers would be sent to the disaster area, leaving critical shortages in local areas.

Are you prepared?

Now, more than ever, you need to prepare for the possibility of disasters or attacks on a scale and type never before imagined. It is your duty to yourself, your family, and your country to be prepared.

Some of us need to be prepared for being at "ground zero." Certain areas are the most likely direct targets of terrorists or natural disasters. All of us need to be prepared to be indirect targets, those affected by the temporary collapse of our nation's infrastructure.

In short, we all need to be able to live self-sufficiently for a period of time.

What to prepare for will depend on your geographical area. Natural disasters and the risk of major terrorist attacks vary by where you live. The first thing you need to do is make a list of the possible disasters for which you need to prepare.

Some of the things you will want to consider include natural disasters, such as blizzards, floods, and even wild fires, as well as technological disasters, such as nuclear, biological, chemical (NBC) attacks, and hazardous material accidents.

Don't forget cyber-attacks, the possibility that an enemy could attack our computer systems, shutting down electrical, gas, communications, transportation, and emergency and medical services. What about attacks on our farms and agricultural processing plants? While they would likely affect only a small number of people directly, they would completely shut down food production and distribution systems.

While there are many things to plan for, your response to all of them is one of two things: stay at home or evacuate. For blizzards, earthquakes, cyber-attacks, nuclear fallout, quarantine after biological attacks, and collapse of the infrastructure, you will want to stay at home. 

For floods, hurricanes, or with some advance notice of NBC attacks, evacuation may be your course of action.

Whenever possible, staying at home in your own environment and with your own emergency supplies is the best choice. 

When you evacuate, you are essentially a refugee at the mercy of government evacuation centres or the compassion of the local population.

In a major disaster, don't expect to be welcomed by the locals who are struggling with their own survival.

In all situations, you will need to be able to think for yourself. Confusion always accompanies a major disaster and initial information and instructions may be conflicting and incorrect.

So, monitor the radio and television for official instructions on what to do, such as whether to evacuate or not, but don't assume they are correct. Make your own decisions based on your plans and preparation.

Bugging-in

Key to your survival is preparing a disaster supplies kit, essentially the stockpiling of all materials that you would need to live on if you are cut off from outside utilities, water, and supplies. Once a disaster occurs, there won't be time and materials may not be available.

How long you will need to be self-sufficient is hard to say. My advice would be that everyone store enough food, water, and supplies to take care of their family for three days.

Preparing a "72-hour kit" is a good idea. It can be used for immediate evacuation and part of your overall disaster supply kit. Place items in a portable, easy-to-carry container, such as a large plastic box or duffel bag, ready to grab at a moment's notice.

But, is it enough? A blizzard, earthquake, quarantine, or nuclear fallout could confine you for much longer. You need to be able to take care of all the needs for your family for a period of at least two weeks and possibly longer. 

Having supplies for one to three months is not all that unreasonable or hard to accomplish.

There are six basics that should be part of your home disaster supplies kit: water, food, first aid supplies, tools and emergency supplies, clothing and bedding, and special needs items.

Tools and emergency supplies Tools and emergency supplies should include such things as battery-operated radio and flashlights with extra batteries, cups/plates/utensils, non-electric can opener, matches, lantern, fire extinguisher, hand tools for repairs and to turn off household water and gas, a whistle, and plastic sheeting. 

For sanitation, include toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, personal hygiene items, disinfectant, and household chlorine bleach. Many more items can be added. 

Think through the things you use on a daily basis.

Clothing and bedding Clothing and bedding would include a change of clothing and footwear for everyone in the household, rain gear, cold weather clothes, hat and gloves, and blankets or sleeping bags. Remember, a house or car can get very cold without heat. 

Prepare for the worst weather that you might encounter.

Store your disaster supply kit in a convenient place that is known to all family members and make sure they know your family's disaster plan. Evaluate your kit once a year and update it according to family needs.

Evacuation

You may not have much time to prepare when you need to evacuate. A hazardous materials spill could mean instant evacuation, so always have a smaller version of your home disaster supply kit in the boot of your car.

When you have advance warning of an evacuation, bring your portable "72-hour" disaster supply kit, along with additional food, water, and clothing. Keep important family documents in a waterproof, portable container, ready to bring with you in an evacuation.

These may include your will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds, passports, social security card, bank and credit account numbers, family documents (birth, marriage, and death certificates), inventory of valuable household items, and important telephone numbers.

It would be a good idea to always keep some cash in this container, so you have it for an emergency. If there is time, valuable family heirlooms or photographs can be added.

Now that you have a basic plan for any emergency, let's consider plans for some specific risks.

Nuclear attack/accident

A nuclear disaster could result from an accident at a nuclear power plant, a detonation of a nuclear device by terrorists or a rogue nation, or an explosion of a "dirty" bomb, an explosive surrounded by radioactive material. Individuals at "ground zero" will have little chance of survival.  

The risk for others is the exposure to radiation.

Radiation is dangerous because of harmful effects on the body. In large amounts, radiation can cause radiation sickness, thyroid and other cancers, and death.

These effects are greater the longer a person is exposed to the radiation and the closer the person is to the source. If radiation is released into the atmosphere, it can travel for thousands of miles, contaminating the ground and living organisms as it settles back to earth on dust or rain.  

This is called fallout radiation.

Time, distance, and shielding are the factors that minimize exposure to nuclear radiation. Most radiation loses its strength fairly rapidly, but it is important to limit the amount of time spent near the radiation source.

The farther away an individual is from the radiation source, the less exposure. Shielding is a barrier between an individual and the radiation.

Concrete, earth, and structures are good shields. Depending on the distance from the source, the best protection from radiation fallout may be to remain indoors.

After a nuclear disaster you may be advised to evacuate. If so, remain calm, pack your evacuation survival kit in your vehicle, and follow the evacuation routes out of the area. If there is time before leaving, close and lock windows of your house, close fireplace dampers, turn off air conditioning, vents, fans, and furnace.

Doing these things will make your house safer when you return by minimizing exposure to the inside of your house to fallout.

If you are advised to remain at home, bring pets inside, secure your house from fallout by closing and locking doors and windows, closing fireplace dampers, turning off air conditioning, vents and fans.

If your emergency supplies are stored in a garage or barn, bring them inside and, if there is time, store additional water in tubs, sinks, and available containers. Inside the house, the safest area is a basement or underground area, followed by an interior room with no windows.

Stay inside until authorities say it is safe to go outside. When coming in from the outdoors after exposure to fallout, shower and change clothes and shoes. Put the contaminated items that were worn outside in a plastic bag and seal it.

Open water sources (streams, creeks and lakes), fruits and vegetables from outdoor gardens, and livestock will all be contaminated. Do not eat or drink products from these until you know it is safe.

Bioterrorism

Very few people were actually infected in the anthrax attacks in the USA after 911 because it took direct physical contact with the bacteria to develop the disease. Other biological agents are contagious (passed from person to person), however, and are much more dangerous.

Biological agents are microorganisms (bacteria or viruses) or toxins that produce diseases in humans. The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) lists 17 biological agents that may be used as weapons, including anthrax, smallpox, plague, and botulism. They are not immediately detectable, may take days to grow and spread, and it is impossible to know when an attack occurs. While preparations are being made for defence against such attacks, nobody really knows what to expect.

Fortunately, most of these biological agents are hard to make into weapons. Worst-case scenarios, such as suicide terrorists infected with smallpox traveling through metropolitan areas, are staggering, however.  

Thousands of victims would overwhelm medical services and die.

Likely? Hopefully not, but who knows? Those at "ground zero" who are infected will need professional medical help.

With air travel, people will spread the disease all over the country before we even know an attack occurred. The rest of the country will shut down as soon as authorities realize what happened.

Expect widespread closure of the country and mandatory quarantines. Transportation, food, and vital services will stop. Plan to stay at home if advised or ordered and avoid exposure with outsiders who may carry disease. 

Your stockpile of food and supplies should get you through this disaster. You may want to have some medical-type masks and gloves on hand.

Should you stockpile antibiotics in preparation for such attacks? Authorities say no and this may be practical advice. 

A large number of different types and amounts of antibiotics would need to be stored to protect your family against all likely biological weapons.

Many of the diseases are viruses, not treatable with antibiotics, and those treatable by antibiotics might be altered to make them resistant to available antibiotics. Besides, you will need professional medical care if you are exposed.

Chemical terrorism and hazardous spills

Chemical agents are gases, liquids, or solids that are poisonous to humans. Depending on the type and amount of the material, exposure to chemical agents can cause illness or be fatal.

Chemical agents include chlorine or ammonia gases that are transported on trains daily, other hazardous industrial chemicals, and chemical warfare agents, such as nerve agents, blister agents, blood poisons, and others.  

The CDC lists 58 known chemical warfare agents.

Some nerve agents, such as Sarin, used in the attack in Japan, kill quickly. If you are at "ground zero" in such situations your only chance is to evacuate immediately.

A hazardous materials spill is probably more likely than a terrorist chemical attack. For gases and other chemicals that spread in the air, evacuation to avoid exposure is critical.

Leave the area as soon as you are aware of the incident. Full face respirators (gas masks) may be useful for escape in such situations. Buy good quality, new masks designed for industrial or rescue use, not army surplus masks.

Natural disasters

Natural disasters are somewhat easier to prepare for—you either get out of their way (evacuate) or you protect yourself indoors.

In floods Sandbag doors and windows, move furniture and other items to higher ground, and evacuate if necessary. Do not drive or walk through flood waters and stay off bridges when they are covered with water.

Be prepared

Bad weather Preparation should include boarding up windows and flood-proofing your home. Bring in outside furniture, bicycles, and rubbish bins. Listen to recommendations of emergency officials and evacuate if advised. If not advised to evacuate, stay indoors and away from windows.

Blizzards Stay indoors and use the telephone only for life-threatening emergencies. Use fires safely and properly ventilate. It there is no heat, cover windows, close off un-needed rooms, and stuff towels in cracks under doors.

Wear layers of warm clothing. Eat and drink plenty. Food generates body heat and water helps circulation to keep the skin warm.

It is important to know what to do and have a plan before a disaster strikes. The internet can provide additional information for preparing for and dealing with natural disasters and terrorist attacks. 

Consider your risks, develop a plan, prepare your disaster supplies kit, and discuss with your family what to do in case of an emergency.

Remember, the future belongs to those who prepare. You must be ready before disaster strikes.

30% DISCOUNT FROM RIBZ

A front pack is a pack or bag that allows for access of equipment from the persons chest. Front packs first and foremost allow for easy access of gear without the removal of any equipment.

In many adventure outdoor activities it can be critical to the sport to have the ability to reach essential gear fast without the removal of a backpack. Simplicity is the foremost purpose of the front pack but there are many additional benefits as well.

In all there are unlimited uses for the front pack. Front packs are the best compliment to any outdoorsman’s gear when accessibility, functionality, mobility and simplicity are required. From horseback riding, long distance biking, motorcycling and kayaking.

All sports where fast and easy access of gear is essential, a front pack is your best solution and as you can imagine it is going down a storm within the prepping and survivalist community.

Your summer code is "TRAILBLAZE" and can be used in the coupon section within the Store. http://www.ribzwear.com/store/ Have a Great Summer!

What is EMF and Why You Need to Know about EMF Health

What is EMF?

EMF is quickly becoming a household word because it IS affecting our health and it’s everywhere.

There is plenty of information ‘out there’ stating EMF’s aren’t harmful, but I am not sure. Here is the truth about EMF dangers stated in very simple terms and the best EMF protection.

What is EMF?

EMF stands for electromagnetic field. Everything God created has its own electromagnetic field. Additionally, everything man makes has an electromagnetic field (i.e., electronic technology). It is a measurable type of energy, and for the human body the EMF frequencies truly are the life of our cells.

Electromagnetic radiation is the energy projected from the EMF's. Just as there are good fats and bad fats for our body and good sugars and bad sugars for our body, so there are good/safe EMF’s and bad/harmful EMF’s for our body.

What are the short-term symptoms from wireless Smart Meters?

Symptoms from the radiation emitted by wireless Smart Meters are: headaches, dizziness, short-term memory loss, a fuzzy head, irritability, itchiness, aches, sleep disturbance, digestive problems, heart-rate changes, and many more.

Both children and adults can suffer.

How many people are likely to be ill from wireless Smart Meters?

People’s exposure to wireless Smart Meter radiation varies considerably between properties.

Therefore the number of people affected by short-term symptoms will also vary according to individual conditions.

Surveys suggest that about 30% of the population are slightly allergic to radio exposure, usually without knowing it, 3% moderately, and under 1% severely. Is the number people suffering from Electro-sensitivity rising or falling?

Doctors around the world report a steady increase in the number of people being sensitised.

Some scientists estimate that up to half the population could be sensitised to some extent by

2017 to 2065, depending on the growth in electro-pollution, including wireless Smart Meters.

So what do the WHO and scientific studies say about Electro-sensitivity?

In 2000 the Nordic Council of Ministers categorised “El-allergy” as IDI-10-R68. In 2005 the

WHO stated that the symptoms are “certainly real” and it can be a “disabling condition”.

Increasing numbers of studies show a link between EM exposure and autonomic responses.

What are the long-term health problems from wireless Smart Meters?

Long-term or high-level exposure to similar radiation is linked with cancers and neurological diseases.

UK wireless Smart Meter trials began in 2009 so there are no long-term studies.

What do the WHO and scientific studies say about wireless Smart Meters?

In 2011 the World Health Organisation’s IARC classified radiation such as from wireless Smart Meters as a 2B possible carcinogen.

Mobile phone radiation and Wi-Fi change brain functions and can harm male fertility. This radiation is linked with neurological diseases and cancers.

How do wireless Smart Meters cause ill health?

Electromagnetic radiation can affect the autonomic nervous system, protein expression and the thyroid. Mechanisms include calcium efflux at ion cyclotron resonance on cell membranes, reduced melatonin, mast cell degranulation, free radicals, DNA effects, biogenic magnetite, cytochromes and metal implants. Some genetic variants are more sensitive to EM radiation.

Smart meters.  So-called smart electrical meters are a newer threat, and a bad one.  These are new electrical meters that are being installed on homes and businesses. 

Instead of requiring a person to read the meter, the meter contains a radio transmitter that sends the data directly from the home to a central location.  This requires a fairly powerful radio transmitter that is located right at your home and work place.

Even more sinister is the fact that these devices may transmit up to 10 frequencies, day and night, which seem to be particularly harmful for some people. 

Some would say they are weaponized, meaning they are very harmful for some people to be around or even close to. 

However, even if you refuse it for your home, your neighbours may have one that is broadcasting right into your home.  Also, your place of work may have one, as well.  Laws must be changed to stop the implementation of these devices, which are far too powerful to be placed close to human populations.

How similar are health effects from radio frequency and from ionising radiation?

“Electrosmog ELF changes are similar to ionizing radiation from Chernobyl or Fukushima’s ionizing radioisotope particles, with health deterioration and behavioural problems, premature illness and death.”

The Four Forms of Electromagnetic Radiation

The four forms of electromagnetic radiation include:

Electric - Anything having an electric field including power lines that transport it.

Magnetic - Anything having a magnetic field which could come from an electric source or from a motor or engine.

Wireless/RF/Wi Fi/Microwave - Anything that communicates with a wireless signal using radio frequency, microwave, wi fi, etc.

Ionizing - Includes gamma rays, UV rays and X-rays.

All forms of electromagnetic radiation that is different from the human bodies is bad for body exposure and would include:

THERE ARE NO SAFE LEVELS OF IONIZING RADIATION. ACCORDING TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION, THE RECOMMENDED ANNUAL DOSE LIMIT FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS 1 MSV.

Ionizing EMF Emissions Facts - Even low dose exposure causes damage to living tissue including cancer, tumours and genetic (DNA) damage. Radon (vapor from uranium decay that comes up out of the ground) in homes is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and second hand smoke.

Like all radiation you can help to protect yourself from its effects. The only two known solutions are Distance and Shielding.

There are many, many supplements, substances, alternative medicines if you wish that have a proven track record in dealing with the effects on the human body of EMF.

I however am not qualified to comment on them or the doses to take. You will find the internet full of site that know more about them than me.

I will be covering the type of detection meters that you can buy and how to use them in later shows.

Wilderness121’s 10% discount

The new supplier of Purificup to the UK is Wilderness121 and they really mean business, having spoken to the director Rob Williams he has agreed to offer you dear listener a 10% discount just by putting the letters UKPRN into the code box it is that simple.

Now pop along to www.wilderness121.co.uk and check out their great range of survival related products.

My Wilderness Survival Tips

Avoid placing your shelter on the edge of a cliff.

The average bee can only sting once. The average hive contains 3000 bees.

Ketchup and black pepper, applied generously, can mask the flavour of almost anything.

Never doze off with a drink in your sleeping bag.

Never play leap-frog with farm animals.

Always carry a water filter or purification tablets… or lots of extra toilet paper.

Remember: a wild animal is just as scared of you as you are of it. But keep in mind that it’s the one with weight, power, teeth and claws.

If attacked by a bull play dead. It won’t fool the bull, but it’ll be good practice for you.

There’s no need to be afraid of strange noises in the night. Anything that intends you harm will stalk you silently.

If buzzards are circling overhead, then buzzard droppings are the least of your problems!

Unusual Ways of Water Purification

Here are some cheap and easy ways for anyone in the developed (or underdeveloped) world to purify their water. The peels of some of the most widely consumed fruits in the world are remarkably efficient at absorbing a wide variety of harmful pollutants, including heavy metals, and they can be transformed into effective water filters with only minor preparation.

BANANA PEELS

Minced banana peels could be used repeatedly to purify water contaminated by industrial plants and farms — up to 11 times — and still be effective.

Banana Peel Applied to the Solid Phase Extraction of Copper and Lead from River Water:

Pre-concentration of Metal Ions with a Fruit Waste they also noted the very low cost of banana peels and the fact there is no need to prepare them chemically for the water purification procedure.

Runoff from farms, and industrial wastes can all put heavy metals, such as lead and copper, into waterways. Heavy metals can have adverse health and environmental effects.

Current methods of removing heavy metals from water are expensive, and some substances used in the process are toxic themselves.

Compounds in banana peels contain atoms of nitrogen, sulphur and organic compounds such as carboxylic acids. These acids are charged such that their negatively charged electron pairs are exposed, meaning they can bind with metals in the water that usually have a positive charge.

APPLE AND TOMATO PEELS

An easy, cheap way for a rural community in the developing world and those bugged out to purify their water.

Apple and tomato peels — two of the most widely consumed fruits in the world — are remarkably efficient at absorbing a wide variety of harmful pollutants, and that they could be transformed into effective water filters with only minor preparation.

You begin by peeling your apples and tomatoes and placing them in a rubbing alcohol solution and letting them soak. Next, remove the peels and let them dry out. Once they’re thoroughly desiccated, simply place the peels in a container of water and wait. After a few hours, remove the peels from the water and it’s ready to drink.

The apple and tomato peels together were reliable absorbents of toxic heavy metal ions, dissolved organic and inorganic chemicals, various nanoparticles, dyes and pesticides.

SOLAR DISINFECTION WITH LIME

Solar disinfection of water combined with almost any type of citrus is very effective at reducing dangerous E. coli levels, however limes seem to work best.

A recent study published by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that adding limes to water that is being disinfected by the sun speeds up the disinfection process.

The preliminary results of this study show solar disinfection of water combined with citrus could be effective at greatly reducing E. coli levels in just 30 minutes, a treatment time on par with boiling and other household water treatment methods.

In addition, the 30 millilitres of juice per 2 litres of water amounts to about one-half lime per bottle, a quantity that will likely not be prohibitively expensive or create an unpleasant flavour.”

Please note that these methods do not remove all pathogens from the water, just a wide variety of pollutants, so you shouldn’t use it as an all-encompassing water purifier.

Now thanks to the Managing Director Paul listeners visiting Field Leisure - The Bushcraft & Wilderness Store    at http://www.fieldleisure.co.uk/ can get 10% OFF by entering the code UKPRN at the checkout now Paul guarantees next day delivery all over the UK and fast European and US delivery and that is reassuring and refreshing too.

Surviving post SHTF

So you will not have to scavenge post SHTF because you already have everything you need, you have prepped, you are OK, Well maybe, maybe not.

Even if you’ve been prepping for years, it’s still possible you forgot a few things. But even if you didn’t, you could still end up in a situation where you need something you never thought you’d need.

What if one of your group becomes pregnant or a parent with a small child joins your group? You may have to go looking for baby food, nappies etc.

What if your prescription medications are lost or destroyed? You may have to go looking for replacement meds. What if vital equipment is damaged? What if you need parts for your shelter or vehicle? These are just a few possibilities off the top of my head. There are dozens more situations you won’t think of until you’re in them.

The point is, you may have no other choice but to scavenge for supplies after the SHTF. If someone’s life is on the line, you’ll have no choice.

Send a Scout

If you know the area you want to search, it’s a good idea to send a scout with binoculars, a radio, and a gun. Scouts should watch the area for a few hours to make sure no one is living there and that there is no one lying in wait.

You might think I am going over the top here but some people become very dangerous when there are no police to keep them in check. The last thing you want is to get robbed or possibly killed while scavenging for supplies.

The radio is so your scout can stay in touch. If the area is compromised or not worth the trouble, the group’s leader can instruct the scout to return or to check another area. This is another good reason why you should have a CB radio as part of your preps.

If you lose contact with your scout, you’ll know something is wrong and can send reinforcements. But the reinforcements need to be careful not to wander into a trap. The purpose of the scout’s gun should be obvious.

When surveying the area, the scout needs to note any obstacles that might make the area more trouble than it’s worth.

Examples include barbed wire fences, high walls, ditches, streams, and so forth. All these things might make it too difficult or dangerous to lug back supplies.

Also check for vehicle access as this would speed the operation up.

The scout should also note whether any buildings in question have been damaged by things such as bombs and or looters etc. You don’t want the stairs you’re climbing to collapse or a ceiling to fall on your head while you’re digging through rubble.

You and your group will have to weigh the costs versus the benefits and the risks versus the rewards before searching an area.

Make a Plan

Once you’ve decided where to go and what to look for, you’ll have to decide who to send. Never send someone alone. He or she could twist an ankle or something and need help returning to camp. Also, there could be heavy obstacles or supplies that require at least two people to move. And remember, one person is far more likely to be robbed or killed than a group of people.

Of you should send several people, but that depends on how many you can spare. You don’t want to leave children alone at your camp.

Everyone who goes should bring a sturdy backpack along with several empty bags (cloth, mesh, or even rubbish bags for light stuff), work gloves, a multitool, a good knife, a flashlight, a gun, a face mask, and goggles.

Those last two are in case the location’s air is full of dust, smoke, or toxic chemicals. At least one person in the group should also have a crowbar. And if you need fuel, don’t forget to bring a siphon and a fuel container

If you have several areas to search, you’ll have to decide the order in which to search them.

It’s better to start farther out and work your way back toward camp so you don’t waste energy carrying supplies farther than necessary. But if you know the heaviest items are going to be in a particular place, you might want to go there last.

If scavenging your area is going to take several days or weeks, you should get a map and mark the locations you search so you don’t accidentally visit the same place twice.

Where to Look

You should look everywhere! Here are some possible suggestion of places to search and what you may find within them.

Car repair garages– You have a better chance of finding the part you need here than in a department store. It’s true now, and it will be true after the SHTF, too.
Cars – You’ll want to check the glove box, under the seats, and in the boot for snacks, tools, and other useful items.

Parts of the car itself might prove useful, too. The mirrors could be used for signalling, the wiring for cordage, the upholstery for bedding and insulation, the battery for power (if someone in your group is mechanically inclined), and of course the engine parts if you need them for your own vehicle.

Food warehouses – Most people will aim for the shops first, so it will be a little longer before the warehouses are picked clean. Even then, there may be a few things that were overlooked. Also check the lorry trailers. You may find non-perishable foods and other supplies.

Industrial rubbish bins – It won’t be fun, but you might find some hidden treasures in them.

Fire stations – You may find food, supplies, and clothing. Plus, the fire engine has a tank with hundreds of gallons of water. It will need to be filtered, though.

Petrol Stations – These will probably be picked clean, but you never know.

Shops – These will probably be picked clean, too, but you may find food in less obvious places such as under shelves and behind displays. Also check the bathrooms, the offices, the stock room, and the loading bay.

Hospitals – Obviously these should have lots of clothes and medical supplies.

Houses – Check everywhere–rooms, garage, basement, attic, back garden, sheds, the garden if there is one, etc.

The water heater has up to 70 gallons of drinking water. Better yet, look for houses with swimming pools. Also keep an eye out for metal mailboxes which can be converted into woodstoves.

Manufacturing Facilities – They may have fuel, batteries, tools, and first aid supplies.

Marinas – Check abandoned boats. They usually have supplies like emergency rations, communication equipment, fishing equipment, ropes, fuel and possibly guns.

Office Buildings – Check break rooms for vending machines and check desks for snacks and small tools. There should be fire extinguishers in most rooms and cleaning supplies in the care takers room.

Pawn Shops If you’re lucky you’ll find weapons, ammo, and other miscellaneous gear.

Pet Stores If your pets are still okay, a pet store might make it possible for you to keep feeding them without giving up any of your own food. You could also eat it yourself, but I wouldn’t recommend that unless you’re really desperate.

Restaurants – These will probably be empty, but check anyway. There may be a few tins or bags of food that were overlooked. Anything that was in the freezer will have gone bad, though. But there may still be pots, pans etc.

Retail Stores – Consider grabbing some non-electric entertainment such as books, cards, board games, sports equipment, clothing etc.

Schools – There’s a lot to be found in schools–tools, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, cleaning supplies, and possibly food in the cafeteria.

Self-storage Facilities – If you have time to pry open all of them, it might be worth it. You probably won’t find any food or perishable items, but there’s a chance you’ll find some clothes or useful gear and equipment.

Hopefully you’ll never have to go digging through any of these places, but you should prepare for the possibility. Good luck.

Peter at buggrub is not only sponsoring the competition on my website he is also offering a 10% discount on all his products simply by using the word Prepper at the checkout. So have you got the gonads, can you walk the walk, dare you, I dear you to buy some buggrub and then eat it, go on I dare you. Peter’s website is www.buggrub.com

WEATHER FORECASTING

Predicting the weather yourself isn't an exact science but nevertheless here are some rules of thumb but they are not written in stone.

First things first. You need to know where you are geographically to best access what types of severe weather events are most common in that area. Tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards etc.

Time of Day, Time of Year

Thunderstorms and most often occur from two to six pm. Towering cumulus clouds spawn tornadoes so be wary if you see an ominous cumulus cloud headed your way during the spring or summer.

On a beautiful clear day, the smoke from a campfire rises steadily. But if it starts to swirling and descend then likely stormy weather is on the way.

Red sky in morning Sailors take warning. Red sky at night sailor’s delight!

If the grass is dry, this indicates clouds or strong breezes, which can mean rain. If there's dew, it probably won't rain that day. However, if it rained during the night, this method will not be reliable.

Stronger than normal winds indicate high pressure differences, which can be a sign of advancing storm fronts.

The saying "Flowers smell best just before a rain." is true take it to heart and this doesn't just apply to flowers that smell good. Also swamps will release more gases before a storm and that isn't a very pleasant smell.

The hair knows! Your hair might act differently in high humidity. Curls? Could mean approaching rain.

Clouds going in different directions equals bad weather coming, possibly hail.

Cirrus clouds the thin streaky clouds high in the sky that look like the come from a paintbrush or Altocumulus clouds the ones that look like a mackerels side usually mean bad weather within the next day or two.

Cumulus towers usually mean brief afternoon thunderstorms. They may not last long but they can be very intense.

Remember this saying. Circle around the moon, rain or snow soon.

Nigel at www.hunters-knives.co.uk has offered you dear listener 10% on all his products simply by using the code PREP10.

Thinking of Bugging-out?

I am always thinking about what I would do if I needed to bug out. I am continually re-drawing my bug-out plan as, as you know I plan to bug-in unless ordered or forced to bug-out.

I now live in a semi-rural area but to be honest in a SHTF scenario I’m not so sure I am far enough away from expected hungry looting hordes.

The following considerations for a bug out location are based on my location and what I am currently thinking about to make the best decision possible for me and my family. Your circumstances will be a different, but the basics of picking a bug out location stay the same.

Of course, let’s be honest bugging out could potentially be something we all need to do, and picking a good bug out location requires thought and planning.

As you begin you’re planning for a perfect and safe bug out location there are a number of different factors to keep in mind like distance, location, finances, accessibility and many more.

Without the proper planning you could find yourself with a bug out location that is inaccessible during a SHTF situation or a location that is ill equipped to sustain you and your family for any given period of time.

Knowing how and when to bug out is great, but if you have nowhere to go you might as well stay put. There is no reason to leave one dangerous situation and then put yourself into a situation that you are not properly prepared to handle.

This is why we preppers prepare. This is why survival skills and educating ourselves is just as important as stockpiling food and water, if this stuff runs out, we need to be able to get more, and having a good bug out location could help us do that.

Here are a few things to take into consideration when you are looking for a good bug out location, and keep in mind, your situation will be different than mine.

Location

Picking a location to bug out to is important for not only security, but self-sufficiency as well. The way you prepare will be different for bugging out to the mountains than it will be for bugging out to a low land area.

In a mountain area you have more natural resources available and more possibility’s available when it comes to defences, but you also need to have wilderness survival skills, especially because of those now wild and roving packs of ex K9 pets, wild boar and even farm livestock that could possibly also be hungry and thirsty.

These animals could be a great food source, or you could be a great food source for them.

In the low lying areas you will have less cover and concealment so it’s probably a good idea to get as far away from other people and main roads as you can. There will be less wildlife in the low lying areas and less trees for building and fire wood, but one benefit could be that you would have more options when it comes to farming as long as you have a good water supply.

How Will You Get There?

Getting to your bug out location will be just as important as having one in the first place. When choosing a location have at least 3 different routes you can take to get there. Another rule of thumb is to pick a location that is within one tank of fuel, you won’t be able to stop to re-fill if the power is off and you probably wouldn’t want to anyway.

Pick routes that will not lead you through hot spots or danger zones, avoid populated areas.

How Long Do You Plan on Staying?

How long will your location sustain you and your family? Purchasing an empty plot of land and continually building up your resources and defences is a low cost way to take a bug out location that you could survive at for a week or two, to a location that you could survive for many months or indefinitely.

If you plan on staying at your BOL long term, self-defence and self-sufficiency will become more and more important, your supplies will eventually run out and someone will inevitably cross your path.

Living Off the Land – Survival Skills

Unless you are Lofty Wiseman or old framer bill you are probably not going to be able to live off the land. Everyone knows the basics of gardening or hunting, but these are skills that take years of practice, you could very well starve because the animals you weren’t able to kill ate all your crops.

Seriously though, you will need skills to supplement your food supply, but you need to have food stored while you develop your skills.

Does the land you plan on bugging out to have the natural resources you need? What you are able to hunt and grow will need to be a factor when you supply your bug out location. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself.

What wildlife lives in this area?

Is the soil fertile enough for gardening?

What crops can I grow?

Is there water nearby for farming?

Will I be able to have livestock?

Is There a Natural Source of Water Nearby?

As usual water is the most important part, without a natural water supply nearby you will probably find yourself heading off to find water, and putting yourself in danger. A container or water storage is OK, but at some point you will need a well, river or some other natural water source nearby.

Building some sort of water catchment and water storage is also a good idea to add to your supply.

Weather

Weather will play a role in how you prepare also. In the Scottish Highlands or near me on the North Yorkshire Moors you must take winter into account. You will need to be able to survive for at least 3 months without any food source other than what you have stored.

Plan for severe weather, floods, blizzards, natural disasters or even manmade disasters which could really mess with your survival plans.

Make sure and take your local weather into account when you are thinking about a bug out location.

How warm will your shelter be in the winter?

Will your crops or shelter be damaged by flooding?

Is your shelter strong enough to withstand strong winds?

Do you have supplies to get you through any severe weather?

Protection – Geographic Camouflage

Protection is not just guns and ammo, protection begins at your perimeter. As I said earlier, mountain areas offer more protection and natural camouflage but require more survival skills, flat lands will require you to be further off the beaten track and have more ingenuity like building underground or other camouflage.

How hidden is your bug out location?

How easily can someone find your location?

How easy would it be for someone take what you have?

How will you defend your location?

Shelter

We all need shelter to survive and withstand the elements. Shelter is also important for avoiding extreme temperatures that could ruin your stored supplies.

There is more to shelter than just putting a roof on some walls. There are many options available when it comes to shelter that don’t require you to be an architect or construction worker, here are some examples.

Shipping containers

Underground shelter

Trailer home or mobile home.

A log cabin or even a teepee

This is just a few ideas, but if you use your imagination you can come up with some unique ideas based on your situation, and sometimes the more unique, the less likely people will see it as “shelter” or “storage”

Population

Population should be a consideration not only for where your bug out location is, but you should also take into account the population along the way to your bug out location.

Always have at least three routes to your location, you never know if one of your routes will be impassable because of riots, traffic or infrastructure damage.

This is a big choice I have to a make, do I go west through? Or do I go further east? I would feel more comfortable going east towards the coast, but before I choose that I need to see if there are a few safe routes I can take that don’t lead me through any populated areas.

Who’s coming?

Who else do you expect at your bug out location in the future? It’s never a good idea to tell everyone about your plans, but you might have a few family members that you will want to help in the future.

If you are prepping and stockpiling supplies for 5 people, make sure you take into account that if someone else comes into the picture you are going to go through your supplies more quickly.

Having more people with you could potentially help with building, farming and hunting, but it will also require more supplies so it’s always good to have a little extra just in case.

So I suggest you get planning.

How to stay warm at home when cash is low

How to stay warm at home if without turning the heating on when low on cash? Here are some thoughts...

Fool the eye: Sometimes warmth is a matter of perception.  

Warm colours and textures make you feel warmer so change out your decor. Try a throw so you can snuggle under it.

Cut a rug: Cover up your bare floors with a rug.

Bake something: Stews, roasts, casseroles and soups are made for the cold weather because they cook at low temperatures for a long period of time and, of course, they warm you up going down.

Drink something: Wrap your hands around a warm mug of tea, cocoa or coffee.

Let the sun in: Open curtains and blinds during the day.

Change your bedding: Switch to flannel sheets, a down comforter, use extra blankets.

Clean the house: Not only will your house be cleaner but activity will get your blood pumping.

Cover your head: It sounds silly but wearing a hat (and socks) to bed at night, even if the rest of you is clad in skimpy clothing, will keep you warm.

It's muggy in here: Use a humidifier. Humid air feels warmer. 

No humidifier? Open the bathroom door while you're showering.

Reverse the fan: We know that, since heat rises, running your ceiling fan in reverse will push the warm air back down to the ground.

Do your laundry: Nothing warms you up like clothing straight from the dryer.

It's drafty in here: Block drafts with weather stripping, a rolled up towel or a draft stopper.

It takes two: Snuggle up with your significant other.

Something old fashioned: Try a hot water bottle or, before you get into bed, running a hot pan over your sheets. Bags of rice or dried beans, warmed in the microwave, are another option.

How to stay warm with no heating for whatever reason.

Wear layers of clothing in real times if it is very cold then dress for the outdoors, wear a hat and gloves.

If you have a real fire build it up and gather the family in that room.

Block all drafts with rolled towels, rolled newspapers or fix weather strips.

You can create a double glazing effect by nailing up Perspex over existing windows remembering to leave an air gap between them, remember not to bang the nails home as that may by your only escape route in the event of a fire.

How to prevent Hypothermia

Which dulls the brain--the most important survival tool you have to help you survival:

Seek and create shelter from cold, wind, snow, and rain. If possible, retreat to timbered areas for shelter construction and fire.

Nibble high energy goods--sweets, nuts, and energy bars. Sip water kept warm with body heat. Use solid fuel hand warmer, igniting both ends of fuel stick, which is good for four hours of heat. Do isometric exercises to stir up body's circulation system.

Prevent heat loss.

Remember the body loses heat by respiration, evaporation, conduction, radiation, and convection.

To prevent loss by respiration, cover the mouth and nose with loosely woven or knitted wool.

To reduce evaporation through excessive perspiration, wear clothes that breathe and are in layers.

To avoid loss by conduction, put a layer of over between the body and a cold, wet surface. This insulation is particularly important if you're already wet.

To prevent loss by radiation, keep the head, hands, and feet covered.

To prevent loss by convection, protect the body from the wind.

In stage one of hypothermia, the victim begins shivering, has poor coordination, slurs speech, and shows poor judgment.

By stage two, when the body temperature is below 95 degrees, muscular rigidity replaces shivering, and the victim becomes more irrational and needs warmth immediately from external sources and protection from further heat loss. 

Know that the victim is the LAST to realize s/he's in danger.