Author: Jeff

– What Needs To Go Into a Bug Out Bag?

If you are not already an experienced survivalist, you may not be familiar with the term “bug out bag”. Simply put, it is a pre-assembled survival kit which you can grab and take with you if you find yourself in the midst of a disaster. Typically people use something such as a nylon bag or a back pack – the point is that the bag is lightweight, durable and easy to carry.

[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”left” asin=”B008ABWZ72″ cloaking=”default” height=”160″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31r5k06Wt6L._SL160_.jpg” tag=”artitude-20″ width=”160″]But what should you put into a survivalist bug out bag? The first thing that you will need in any type of disaster scenario is food. You need as many provisions as possible, so put the emphasis on compact, nutritious and easy to carry items. You can find survivalist suppliers online who sell freeze dried and MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), which are specifically designed for use in disasters.

Water is just as important as food, if not more so, but carrying it is more problematic. Try to ensure that everyone in your group will have sufficient water to last at least three days. You will also need to think about packing a receptacle for collecting further water and may want to consider packing water purification tablets, in case there is a lack of clean water available.

You will need to have a way to prepare your food provisions. If you don’t already have one, purchase a portable camp stove. You will also need at least one lightweight pot for cooking. Waterproof matches should also be included, and many experienced survivalists recommended cotton wool balls for kindling.

Pack two changes of clothes in your bug out bag, along with sensible footwear. Long sleeved items are preferable for deterring bugs, and you also need to keep in mind that the temperature drops significantly overnight. In addition to the changes of clothes, pack as much clean underwear and socks as you can.

A hat or bandana will protect you from sun stroke in hot conditions, and is especially important if you do not have sunscreen with you. For bad weather, pack a poncho. Ponchos are very lightweight and take up very little space in a bag, but they can be used both to keep dry and as a waterproof shelter.

If you can, include a tent with your survival kit. If this is not practical, put some tarp in your back pack so that you can rig up a temporary shelter. You will also need something to tie up the tarp. Sleeping bags and blankets are essential for cold nights.

There are several other items which can be extremely useful to pack in a bug out bag. A flashlight is essential, while an emergency radio can also be a necessity for emergencies. If you live in an area which is prone to natural disasters consider what other items may prove useful. For example, a folding shovel will be a significant advantage in severe snow.

A bug out bag is one of the most effective ways to prepare for a disaster. You will be able to protect both yourself and your family in an emergency.

– Survival Foods Which Are Easy To Carry

Our most basic survival need is food, therefore one of the most important elements of survival is choosing provisions which can be easily carried with you. Survival bars are one of the most popular and best known products which are aimed at this market. They slip nicely into a backpack, but are tasty and full of the nutrients and calories you need to support yourself. You can also purchase them in bulk.

However, surviving in an emergency situation does not rely entirely on eating nutritional bars. There is a large and ever growing range of foods available which are aimed at survival scenarios. Some of these are intended for planned excursions in the wilderness and can sustain a person for several days, but others are suited for more apocalyptic situations. There are some foods which are carefully produced to have a shelf life of at least 25 years, ensuring you can easily survive for weeks or months at a time.

Survival foods are created to be very compact yet pack a lot of nutrition, which is achieved by freeze drying. You can store the products in bulk or carry large quantities in your backpack with ease. To use the foods you simply re-hydrate the contents of the packet to produce a tasty meal.

There is a great variety of freeze dried provisions available, so that surviving does not necessarily mean boring or repetitive meals. You can start your day with a healthy breakfast such as oatmeal, or indulge in a cooked breakfast such as eggs. For dinner you can enjoy stews, pasta or chili and even finish up with a dessert such as chocolate pudding.

Vegetables and fruits are very easy to freeze dry, so are particularly easy to stock up on. However, you will also find that packets of foods such as meat or cheese are readily available from survival stockists.

If you are not confident in your ability to produce a delicious meal from basic provisions you can opt for MREs (meals ready to eat). They are the same packets which are used by the military when the soldiers are in action. Most people find that the ready to eat meals are not as tasty and enjoyable as meals created from freeze dried products, but the convenience and compact nature of the meals make them one of the most effective ways to prepare for long term survival. You can order MREs from specialist retailers in bulk, and can get supplies which will last you for any period up to one year.

If you need only to pack survival supplies for a few days or weeks, do not forget everyday foods such as beef jerky or granola bars. They are a cheap and easy way to feed yourself or your family on a short retreat.

– Get Started Learning Survival Skills

Post by Uluslararası İlişkiler Üzerine Makaleler.

 

There are many different reasons why a person may want to learn survival skills. For many people, the motivation is the confidence that they will be able to cope in any situation they may find themselves in. For others, learning survival skills can be enjoyable and fun.

There are several sources you can turn to if you want to learn a few basic survival techniques. The easiest and most accessible source to use is the Internet, where you can interact with other people who are already proficient survivalists.

There are a number of popular online forums which are primarily dedicated to this area of interest. These are a good place to get information on basic considerations like how to purify water so that it is safe to drink, or how you can create a shelter. Forum members will also be happy to share their experiences, so you can learn about what the most useful products are and which you can manage without.

If you are a visual learner, look for forums and websites which provide how-to videos. Seeing survival techniques in action can be far more effective than simply reading step by step descriptions. Most forums are free to join, but those which offer additional resources may ask for donations or include a small membership fee.

Although the Internet is a good source of information, the most efficient way to hone your skills is to immerse yourself in a survival retreat. This will give you a useful opportunity to put what you have learned into action, as well as providing more advanced training.

At the most basic level, a survival treat will teach you how to survive for a short period such as a few days. But many also run courses and experiences where you will learn to be self sufficient in the long term. This may cover how to prepare for an emergency or cope in the event of an evacuation, and will teach essential survival skills such as catching or growing your own food.

Survival retreats and courses may be tailored to individuals, groups or even families. You can find one which best suits your needs by searching online. As well as the setting and techniques covered, you will need to consider how the length of the course fits in with your schedule. Survival courses can run for anything from a few hours up to several weeks.

Generally, you will be permitted to bring along a few basic supplies such as a backpack and a tent. However, what you should bring – and what is provided – will vary depending on which venue is offering the retreat. Speak to the provider if you need more information or if you have any concerns.

There is no single way to learn survival skills. If you consider yourself a beginner, join a few forums to build up your confidence. You can then expand your knowledge through a retreat or a fully immersive survival skills course.

– Generator Buying Guide

It can be a tedious job trying to purchase a portable generator. You will be able to take charge by getting educated and in order. The following is an easy checklist to help you find the best portable generator for your household.

  • Determine what your wattage needs are. Decide the amount of power required for the most used items in the home. Attempt to use the worksheet with available selections. If you opt to purchase a portable generator, don’t be to concerned since you will be able to buy a transfer switch to manage the outlets in your house.
  • Know and learn electrical terms. Go over the glossary provided to learn words you are not familiar with. You will find watt,amp, and volt included.
  • Choose between portable generator or standby. Decide which kind of power generator you need according to budget and what your home requires.
  • Repair any power problems you are having. Find your electric board and gas pipe to detect any troubles that may interfere with a new power generator. The should be operated n connection with a transfer switch.
  • Do comparisons of products. Compare and contrast the assorted operating times, power inputs, and other guarantees and accessories that are included in the cost.
  • Take extra cost into consideration. Will it cost more to have the portable generator installed by an expert? would you need covering from the weather?
  • Determine the available financial options. A few retail merchants offer financing for those who buy portable generators. Amazon.com is a site that offers free shipping if you order a certain and you are charged no interest.
  • Make a budget. Power generators can come under many price categories so it is essential you decide beforehand how much money you can spend.

– Living On A Survival Diet In A Pinch

Most towns and cities throughout the country have dozens or at least a few supermarkets. Fast food restaurants are also highly popular, and it seems that there is no end to the amount of food available. Even with all of this food readily available, you may be shocked to know that it is possible to live on small, nutritious foods when you have to.

Fewer food choices are not only possible for thriving, but your body can also get used to it. Did you know that your body only needs a handful of nutrients a day to survive? More importantly, why do you need to know this? In the event of a government shut down or a total catastrophe, you will need to be able to survive on only a handful of food.

If such a thing happens, you will no longer be able to access those supermarkets and fast food restaurants. You will only have what you can carry in a backpack or grow on your own land.

Proteins, carbohydrates, and fats are what your body needs most to survive. A decent backpack can carry a lot, but it can’t carry all the food necessary to survive for a long time. So you need to be prepared with at least the bare necessities to live.

Superfoods are what these bare necessities are called. They are great for two things: giving you the nutrients you really need, and being able to dry so they last a long time in storage.

Nothing is more important to your survival than having the nutrients you need to stay healthy. You’re going to want foods that contain these fibers and vitamins. Foods with antioxidants are important too.

Cholesterol lowering foods and potassium-rich foods are also important. Get foods that come from the sea or other bodies of water to get the best nutrients.

If you start now, you can begin preparing to live off the land, which is not a bad idea. If you already have foods that you can grow yourself, then you’re ahead of the game.

Although it’s a good idea to have emergency foods packed away, you never know how long they’re going to last or when your rations will run out. But if you start planting your staples now, you can be prepared in the long term.

Fruit and vegetables are good healthy foods to grow. Actually, eating your own food that you grow is healthier for you than eating supermarket foods anyway.

Start preparing your garden now with the plants that will take you far. However, you will also want to know which wild plants are edible just in case you have to leave your property in an emergency.

– Key Information About Water Storage

Access to clean drinking water is essential for human life. Without clean water, a person can only survive for a few days. Unfortunately, storing water can be difficult, since it is very heavy. Furthermore, each person needs access to at least one gallon of water each day, so you can imagine how much water would need to be stored to keep a family of five alive for several weeks or months.

Stored water is not very portable and even carrying around a small quantity can be cumbersome. However, there are several ways in which a family can plan for access to clean water stores in the unfortunate event of an environmental disaster. If a terrorist attacks occurs on the county’s water supplies, or if you are forced to flee your home to a remote area, you won’t be able to just turn on a tap when you get thirsty.

It is important to keep in mind that in the event of a power cut, interruptions to water supplies are possible. This is because a water supply company requires electricity for filtering and pumping.

In the short term, bottles of water, purification tablets and filters can be useful. However, water purification tablets and filters still require you to have some access to a water, be it from a river, stream or lake.

At the moment, there are many interesting short-term water storage gadgets in the marketplace. Such gadgets include water-filled bricks, water-filled backpacks and water-filled socks. However, hydration packs for these gadgets can be expensive and they are still heavy to carry around.

Planning for long-term water survival is very important. Humans don’t only need access to water for drinking, they also need water to feed animals and crops and for cleaning.

It is possible to buy large water storage tanks, which can be kept in indoor or outdoor locations. Such tanks need to be certified BPA-free. In addition, if a water tank will be exposed to sunlight, it needs to contain UV inhibitors, otherwise it will be easily broken down by the sun’s UV rays.

As far as crops are concerned, it is possible to buy rainwater storage solutions and setup an automatic irrigation system. In many locations, rainwater can be used for drinking, as long as it is cleansed and held in a contaminate-free barrel.

Like food stores, water stores have to be rotated, as standing water can become a breading ground for bacteria. Every water container should be labelled with a date. However, don’t just rely on the dates to tell you whether or not the water is safe to drink, you also need to visually check the water for contaminates. It is also important to ensure that all of your water containers are properly sealed and located in dark environment.

Did you know that you can now buy water bladders, which can be used to quickly fill up your bathtub with a huge quantity of sealed, clean tap water in an emergency?

– Getting Every Member Of Your Family A Survival Backpack

There are two reasons for wanting your gear already contained. The first reason is that you never know when there will be a sudden emergency, and you’re going to want your family to know exactly where their supplies are ready to go.

The other reason is that in a case of such an emergency, or if for any reason your home becomes inhabitable, you’re going to need to grab your gear and go. Ideally you will have a bag that has solid double stitching and many compartments for easy organization.

Since it’s impossible to carry enough supplies for your whole family in just one or two bags, you’re going to want a bag for every single member of your family. Make sure they have their names loud and clear on them so they are easy to identify in the case of an emergency.

Have babies or toddlers in your family? You’re going to want bags for them as well. Although these small children can’t carry their own bags, you will still want to have their emergency supplies together in one easy to grab place.

For older children and teenagers, however, their own bags would be preferred. Not only is this easier on you, but it also gives your older children a sense of security in knowing that they have their own provisions on hand. These backpacks can come in varying shapes and sizes so your young children can carry theirs easily.

When you buy backpacks for your children, make sure that they’re height adjustable. Obviously, your children will grow as they get older, and you don’t want to buy a new one every year.

For these same children you’re going to want lightweight but sturdy materials. Also, try to get waterproof bags. Older children may be able to use backpacks with frames, but younger ones should go without. Frames can either be internal or external.

The children’s backpacks are usually just smaller versions of the adult’s survival backpack. They also have the added bonus of easy to reach pockets and compartments that are quite helpful.

Survival backpacks have padded shoulder straps to make carrying them over long periods of time easier on your body. They are also made of resistant nylon and come with many pockets, hooks, and compartments for carrying your things. If you want a hydration backpack, know that they come in this style as well.

Wicking fabric is also popular. They’re thickly padded and help keep the contents of your backpack dry. Expandable backpacks are great because they can hold everything you need in an emergency while also being quite compact when they need to be.

– Creating A Basic Survival Kit

When it comes to survival, human needs are very simple; we need food, water and shelter. We also require the means to administer basic first aid in an emergency situation. Even if you do not want to assemble enough survival supplies to sustain you through an apocalyptic scenario, it is a good idea to carry a basic survival kit with you which has everything you need for your short term welfare.

In our generally safe modern world, it is easy to become complacent and forget that an emergency can crop up unexpectedly and without warning. What you need to survive will largely depend on where the emergency has occurred (for example either on land or at sea).

One item which should be found in any survival kit is clean water – while people have been known to survive for several days without eating, your condition will deteriorate fast if you are dehydrated. If you are confident that you will have an accessible source of water, you can carry water purification tablets which will make dirty or salt water safe for human consumption. Alternatively, you can take water packets with you. These are safe to store for as long as five years.

You should also include food in your basic survival kit. The easiest item to fit in a back pack are nutrition bars. These are high in calories and nutrients and will provide you with everything you need in scenarios where your access to food is limited. Online survival product stockists sell these type of bars in bulk.

Another option for food is MREs (Meals Ready To Eat). These compact provisions are routinely used by the military and NASA, but are available to the public through specialist retailers.

Once you have added food and drink to your emergency kit, you will need to consider how you are going to protect yourself from the elements. A survival blanket will help you to maintain your body temperature in harsh conditions, and will not take up much space in a back pack. You might also want to consider packing a lightweight poncho to keep you dry.

Depending on what situation you find yourself in, you may need to attract help. Therefore you should choose a small item which will help to attract attention to yourself, such as a whistle or a flare. In the wilderness, these can sometimes be used to scare away predators.

A pocket knife with a multitude of tools should also be considered a survival kit essential, as it can perform many functions but slips easily into a bag or a pocket. You will also need a way to create fire such as a lighter or waterproof matches. If you do not have basic survival skills such as fire building, take a survival course or watch some online tutorials.

Finally, add some first aid basics into your survival kit. This should include antiseptic wipes, bandages, pain relief and allergy medication.

– Basic Supplies That Will Help You Be More Self Sufficient

Every preppers goal is to be fully self-sufficient. The good thing is that today, there are plenty of supplies that will help you attain your goals fast and easily. One goal that any prepper should strive to fulfill is trying their level best to ensure they are not overly reliant on their region’s electricity grid.

The problem with relying on electricity is that when it goes down, you get to experience all sorts of inconvenience, making it harder to take care of things. As such, it is important that you learn how to live without electricity. So that, just in case it goes down, you can still manage.

One of the ways of accomplishing this goal is by turning to solar energy. By using a solar generator to power and light your life, you have a self-renewing energy source that is totally free of charge.

There are those who question the use of a solar powered generator, and ask “why not go for a gas powered generator?”. Well because a gas powered generator will require gas and you cannot pump gas at some stations if the power is down. There are pumps that cannot be worked manually; they require the power to be on for them to actually work.

It is the inability to get gas when there is no electricity that leaves so many stuck when a disaster has struck. However, getting solar panels installed on your home will help you get prepared for those times when electricity is gone. And did you know that solar power can easily take care of your every electricity need. It is many who think that without electricity they will have to cook over wood burning stove or campfire.

While using a campfire is not such a bad idea, the problem with it is that it is just a short term solution. A wood burning stove on the other hand is also a great option and there are preppers that love using a wood burner. At the same time, it is a great way of heating your home.

However, for cooking, there are solar ovens available and which can be used to cook whatever you would cook with a regular oven. At the same time, there are alcohol stoves available to serve the same purpose.

A solar powered generating plant is another great solution for preppers. While they can be quite expensive, they are usually worth the cost as they provide you with all the energy you need to keep your home warm and going. On the other hand, using natural lighting from the sun during the day is a great way for you to power your solar-charged, battery-operated torches and lamps for nighttime.

And since water supply in the city is dependent on electricity to run pumps, it important that you find an alternate water source. The great thing is that there are plenty of ways that you could become self-sufficient when it comes to your water supply.
One option is to dig a well and constructing a hand crank for drawing up the water. An electricity powered crank would be rendered useless in case of a blackout, so there is no need to have one.

Another great source of water supply would be from natural sources like the rain, a stream, brook, river or spring. To capitalize on the rain, investing on cisterns or rain barrels is what you need to do. By harvesting rainwater, you are able to store water that you can use for drinking and cooking. If there is a creek or spring near you, you could use that as your alternate water source for other tasks.

– Survival Planning As A Family Activity

Survival planning is about preparing for the worst – how would you survive in the event of a disaster? Because of this many parents are very reluctant to involve their children with survivalist activities, as they worry that it will make their children unnecessarily anxious. However, this rarely proves to be the case.

Children can actually derive great comfort from knowing that their family is thoroughly prepared, should something terrible happen. Knowing how they need to respond in an emergency can also give a child great confidence in themselves. Conversely, it is very stressful and upsetting for a child to be surrounded by panicking and unprepared adults when an unexpected disaster occurs.

If you want to organize some survival provisions to keep your family safe, it can actually be turned into an interesting learning experience. Most children will also enjoy the responsibility if you give them small tasks to assist you with.

If you are putting together a survival kit, the first stage will probably involve putting together a comprehensive checklist. As you assemble the items, ask your child to tick each item off your list. You can also ask for their opinions on what you should include on the list.

A good example of where kids can help with decisions is entertainment. When it comes to survival, most people think of the absolute essentials such as food, drink and shelter. However, thinking about entertainment options is a great way to keep spirits and morale high within your family, if they should be involved in a disaster. Ask your child to pick out some small items such as card games or puzzles.

Another survivalist activity which children particularly enjoy is planning a vegetable garden. If you want to ensure that your family will be self sufficient for many months, growing your own food is one of the best things that you can do. Let your child pick what they want to grow and assist you with the planting – it is very educational, as well as fun.

Add in a few crafts, if your child likes that type of activity. For example, they could paint some planters or put together a scarecrow for the vegetable plot. The more positive you make survival planning, the less worried your child will be about preparing for difficult situations.

You may also want to put together some educational materials. Schools can close for long periods during significant bad weather, so it can be helpful to keep up with their studies. If you should be housebound for even longer periods, the children will welcome the normality of familiar activities such as learning and school work. It can be very reassuring.

Problems with energy supplies is a very real possibility in a disaster, so make sure you make some provisions for this type of scenario. The important thing to remember is that although adults hate the inconvenience of being without electricity, children are more adaptable and can even see it as an exciting novelty.

Kerosene lamps and compact stoves are a sensible addition to your survival plan. Use it as a chance to teach your children, and explain how people used to light their homes and cook their meals before electricity became commonplace.

Why Survival Planning Brings You Peace Of Mind

Some people dismiss the idea of disaster planning as unnecessary, and consider it a poor use of their time. But it actually takes very little time and organization, and can bring great peace of mind that your family will be okay regardless of what happens.

Often disasters such as snowstorms and hurricanes come with some warning, but assembling supplies at the last minute is not always easy. In the winter of 2011, widespread snowstorms were predicted across parts of America. But no-one could have predicted that over 20 inches of snow would fall on Chicago in a matter of hours, bringing traffic to a standstill and forcing businesses to close.

What would happen if another event such as Hurricane Katrina occurred? It is human nature to panic, even in the case of less serious weather events. Store shelves can be stripped of both basics and non-essentials very quickly during a disaster. In the worst scenario, you may not be able to get the supplies that you need even if you are able to get to a store.

When you plan for a disaster you know that you may never need the supplies which you are assembling, but you also know that your family will never know the fear and misery of being completely unprepared. You know that whatever happens, your family will have enough to eat and sufficient water to drink.

In the event of a man-made or a natural disaster you cannot rely on your utility providers. There may be disruption to gas, electricity and water supplies. Knowing that you can cope for several days or weeks without these things can mitigate a lot of stress and fear. All it takes is having a few flash lights, oil lamps or solar powered lights to hand.

One final consideration is how you will protect your family in a widespread disaster. It is an unpleasant truth that lawless behavior is more likely to take hold when there is an emergency. Often this takes the form of looting, but there are many known cases where violence has erupted. You also have to remember that when there is a disaster, emergency services such as the police may not be able to respond to your call.

Think about how you will protect yourself and your children in this type of situation. If you have carefully collected provisions to survive a disaster, you also want to be absolutely certain that you can keep your property safe as well.

Never let people make you feel bad about survival planning. It is an entirely sensible precaution that ensures that you can do the best for your family, regardless of what is happening in the world around you.