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Half Is The New Empty

June 7, 2012 by

Here is a preparedness tip that I stress in cold climates, but is probably a good idea for everyone. “Half is the new empty.” I never let the gas tank get below half empty. When it’s very cold, if the tank isn’t full enough to have pressure pushing the gas down the line, it can freeze. The more gas in the tank, the more pressure there is.

Another reason for this is that you never know when something might cause you to drive further than you expected. For example, I asked What would you do if you were being followed in your car?. In a scenario like this, if you were nearly out of gas and had to drive for an extra 10-20 minutes, you could run out of gas.

 

Filed Under: Preparedness Tips

Poor man’s Gatorade: Stave off Dehydration

May 22, 2012 by

‘Poor man’s Gatorade’ could save kids from diarrhea death is an article that explains that the simple recipe for “Poor Man’s Gatorade”; “A pinch of salt, A fistful of sugar, A half liter of water” has saved many children from diarrhea, the second largest killer in children under five in Bangladesh. Worldwide, Diarrhea claims 1.5 million kids annually — more than AIDS.

For the most part we don’t have a problem with clean water in the United States. Even so, this simple recipe is worth memorizing. It could save lives in the future. Whether things take a turn for the worse here, or you go on a mission trip, remember:

“A pinch of salt. A fistful of sugar. A half liter of water.”

This recipe is using a child’s hand, so adults might want to use less sugar.

 

Filed Under: Preparedness Tips

Preparedness for the College Student or Young Active Duty Military

May 4, 2012 by

My oldest stepson is graduating from high school this year and it got me thinking about sending kids off to college and what we, as their parents, could do to help them be as prepared as they can be in a dorm. I thought posting this now was a good idea. That way any of you who are sending your kids off to school or to join the service, have time to put some of this together.

I originally started writing this article for the college student, then realized that it would work for active duty military that are stationed stateside. I didn’t go to college but I did live in a barracks and I’m guessing they’re similar.

 

Limited Space

First off, there is limited space and even less privacy. If they’re willing to take any preps with them, they’ll need to be fairly innocuous so as to not draw a lot of attention. Rubbermaid has a series of rugged, lockable storage boxes called Rubbermaid ActionPacker. This could be used to store their preps and valuables.

I think setting the goal to get them stocked with a solid 3 day kit should be the goal. For many, that will give them enough to get home, or at least to safety. If they have to hunker down, it should still give them what they need until the campus can bring in aid.

They likely won’t be able to store multiple gallons of water but getting them a water purifier might suffice. A sport type water filter doesn’t have a large capacity but is relatively inexpensive. They would need to find a source of water but that shouldn’t be terribly difficult. It could be done for them and marked on a map they keep with their kit.

Food should be easier than water to store unless it is raided. Since most colleges don’t allow cooking in rooms, things that can be eaten without needing to cook would be ideal. MRE’s last longer and have a built in heating unit. Power bars might not be filling but they have plenty of calories. Hormel has a line of products that just need to be microwaved and can be stored on a shelf or in the Rubbermaid ActionPacker.

Their dorm/barracks will do for shelter, except for the fact it’s a dorm or barracks. As far as providing their energy needs, a decent flashlight and extra batteries should suffice. Security is going to be limited since they’re on campus. You can help them get their mindset right by getting them a copy of The Gift of Fear and Other Survival Signals that Protect Us From Violence. I really think all young women should read this book. If they’re allowed to carry pepper spray, I recommend Cold Steel Inferno Pepper Spray. A Kubaton might be another possibility, again, if it is allowed on campus.

 

KITS

Consider the Rubbermaid ActionPacker their 3 day kit, but there are other kits they can supplement it with. A First Aid Kit is a good idea. If they’re bringing a vehicle, I recommend a car kit. They can also use the trunk for extra storage of things that aren’t subject to the elements. Keeping a documentation package in the trunk, with a map and alternative routes home is a good idea as well.

 

Money

If you would rather not send cash but want to make sure their needs are met if they get in a bind, you could always send a prepaid cell, calling cards and/or gas card. You could also get them AAA to cover any breakdowns and make sure they can get a tow, jump start or the like.

You might not be there to help them out of a jam, but with some of these things, you can help them help themselves out of one.

 

Filed Under: General Preparedness, Preparedness Tips

Preparedness Tip: Light’s Out Kit

May 1, 2012 by

Power outages happen; from severe weather, too much demand on the system or even fluke things like scheduled maintenance (haha). Having a “lights out” kit stocked with items for such an occurrence can make power outages much easier to deal with. I learned this the hard way. I had all of the items, just not all in one location or in one designated kit.

There are several commercial kits available but I have found that you can often build a better kit for less than the commercial price. The approach I like to use for building kits of any kind is to assure the five basic human needs are met. Here are some of the items that you might want to store in your lights out kit.

 

Water

For most power outages the duration will be short. However, having water bottles on hand for such an event can’t hurt. Just be sure to rotate them with the rest of your water.

There is also plenty of water in your hot water heater if needed.

 

Food
If you don’t have a generator, depending on how long the outage might be, you might want to eat any perishable food from your fridge. You can also refer to how to keeping food cold without electricity.

Many of your canned goods are precooked and can be eaten cold. You can heat them with a grill, camp stove or oven if your natural gas is unaffected.

Don’t forget the manual can opener.

 

Shelter
The shelter you have should be sufficient. However, if the outage is in the middle of winter, you may want to take precautions to make sure your family can stay warm. Blankets of any kind are good, wool blankets are even better. I have some of the small folded space blankets in my kits but honestly I’m not a huge fan of them. They have been found to tear on the fold lines as they age. Another alternative is a version of something a friend showed me. It’s the Space All Weather Blanket. They are more durable, thicker and more expensive. I think I’ll be buying some of these very soon (I should have already).

Keeping cool in the summer without the AC is a must as well. Having a spray bottle to fill with water and a few bandanas can be useful.

If a storm is the reason you are without power, you’ll want to make sure your structure isn’t a danger to your security.
Having some emergency cash on hand could pay for a hotel room if needed.

 

Energy
Having batteries on hand can serve many purposes. I know many people store them in the fridge to extend the life (I have heard that it does work, but don’t know for sure).

A flashlight is a must. I recommend keeping the batteries for it in a Ziploc bag and attaching it with a rubber band to the flashlight, this will prolong the battery life.

A shake flashlight is also another good idea. We have a few of these and while the light isn’t the greatest, it’s enough to move around safely.

Glow sticks are another option.

I’m not sure where to put a weather radio, so I’m just going to put it here. We have two different types and I’m reviewing them both tomorrow. We keep one Reecom R-1630 Weather Alert Radio in the master bedroom and one in the basement. We also have a few MIDLAND HH50 Pocket Weather Radio. These are great and are cheap enough to keep one in the BOB and one in the lights out kit.

A candle and matches can be stored as well and a few of them can heat a small room surprisingly well. Just be careful, it is a fire hazard. If you don’t use candles on a regular basis, use extra caution.

Security

I covered making sure you’re not in danger from storm damage.
If a blackout goes on through the night, there might be a spike in crime. Plan accordingly.
Have things on hand for entertainment. This is more for your sanity than anything else. Crosswords, word finds, decks of cards, board games, books, etc. You get the idea.

 

Recap
Here is a list without my $.02
Bottled water (make sure to rotate)
Manual can opener
Canned goods from pantry (make sure to rotate)
Blankets (all weather or otherwise)
Water spray bottle
Bandana
Emergency cash
Batteries of various types that you use (make sure to rotate)
Flashlight; battery, shake, wind up
Glow sticks
Weather radio
Candles
Matches
Entertainment

If you think of any other items that that would be good to include, please add them to the comment section.

 

Filed Under: Kits, Preparedness Tips

Preparedness Tip: Emergency Cash

April 24, 2012 by

Preparedness Tip Emergency Cash

If there is ever a power outage for any length of time, businesses won’t be able to take credit or debit card payments.  They will, however, be able to take cash.  Therefore, having some emergency cash hidden on your person is a good idea.  Having some at home for emergency use is a good idea as well.

 

Cash On Hand

How much money you keep on hand depends on what your situation is and how much you can afford.  For many people $20-$40 might be just fine, others may like more.

Think about your routine. What do you have to do on a daily basis?  If you live in an area where you have to take mass-transit, having enough cash to cover various fares plus a meal or two would be a good idea.  If you have to drive to work, I would have enough for gas to get home and a meal or two.

Since this is emergency cash, the goal is for it to not be spent unless it’s an emergency.  I had to put it in a separate area of my money clip to make sure I would know not to spend it.  The downside of putting it in another section of your wallet is that if you get mugged, or lose your wallet, you’re now in the very emergency that you could have used the cash for.  One option is under the paper and mints of an Altoids tin.  A money belt cold be worn, or maybe a drop wallet.  A drop wallet is a wallet that looks real but that you carry in case you are mugged.  I knew a guy that carried one and got mugged in Reno.  They took his drop wallet and took off.  He was peeved, but glad he carried it.

Another option is your car.  If you go this route, make sure it’s hidden well enough that someone can’t just break a window and lift the center console to grab it and go. One option is a small empty pill bottle that you can’t see through.  Fold the cash up, put it in the bottle and put the bottle in the glove box.  The bottle will feel empty and might be ignored if your car does happen to get broke into.

 

Cash In the Home

How much cash you store at home, much like cash you keep on your person, depends on your lifestyle, finances etc.  I think a goal should be enough cash on hand to pay for all bills and expenses for one week minimum to start.  This will ensure you can buy fresh groceries and purchase medicines that might be needed, as well as gas for your vehicle.

Since this is a larger sum of cash, putting it somewhere secure is a must.  A safe that can’t just be picked up and carried away isn’t a bad idea. 

There are the old standby’s, in books, in picture frames between the picture and the backing, gun safe, fire safe, under the mattress, etc.  

Here is a clever idea that I heard about.  Cut a rectangular section out of the sheet rock, 8-12” above the floor.  Put your belongings in there and then place a vent cover over the hole.  It will look like a cold air return to anyone who doesn’t know.

 
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Filed Under: Finance, Preparedness Tips

Preparedness Tip: Church Sponsored Gardening

April 17, 2012 by

There is a trend now where some businesses are letting their employees have a small garden on their property.  I had an idea a year or so ago that I think might fit nicely for some churches.

Many churches have land that is unused.  I know of two near me that have HUGE plots that sit unused. Some might be willing to start a community garden and rent space. Local lumber yards might donate some lumbar and write it off as a deduction.  Local garden centers might be willing to donate some soil too.  A compost center could be established and acceptable kitchen waste could be dumped here.

If they built ten 4×4 beds and paid for the lumber, they could get congregants to put them together and fill them with soil.  They could rent the 4×4 bed for say $25 for the season, that’s only $250, but if that money was used the following year to increase the amount of beds, the income would build over time.

Depending on local laws, they could also start a farmer’s market and rent space.  Growers from the boxes could buy a stall and sell any excess produce (not likely from one 4×4 box, but you get the idea).

This would be a great way to build community and I have heard it said that gardening is the gateway drug to preparedness.

 

Filed Under: Preparedness Tips Tagged With: ,

Secure Your Personal Data with Low Tech Cryptology

April 11, 2012 by

As I mentioned in Low Tech Data Storage I have always had trouble with memorization, not just with phone numbers, with everything, even ATM PIN numbers. It’s not such a big deal now, but twenty years ago many places didn’t take debit cards, so remembering the PIN for the cash machine was important. I came up with a way that I was comfortable with for writing that number down so I could always have it with me.

The reason I felt comfortable putting the ATM PIN number down on paper was because I used a form of low tech cryptology.  PIN numbers are typically four digits long.  I would make up a name that I would associate with the bank. Then I would make up a phone number using the ATM PIN as the last four digits.  To make it look authentic I would use the area code and prefix for the city I lived in.  For example, If the bank was Twin Cities Federal and my pin was 9999, I might have used Trevor C. Fines 612-555-9999.

Another form of cryptology, albeit low tech, is something I call X-off. You pick a number and add or subtract that, to any number you want to encrypt. For example, let’s say X=+3 and I want to encrypt my pin number 5729, my new number would be 8052. Because zeros are used, you have to count it as a number between 9 and 1.

Another cryptology method is shifting a letter in the alphabet over a set number. Let’s use +3 again, so A = D, B = E, C = F and so on.

 If you have other low tech cryptology methods please post them as a comment.

 
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Filed Under: Preparedness Tips, Security

Filling Your Pantry by Copy Canning

April 10, 2012 by

Preparedness Tip:

I learned about copy canning from the video Urban Master Volume 1 “The Home”, created by the late Ron Hood and his wife. The process is very easy and is as follows:

  1. You decide you want chicken noodle soup for lunch so you take a can out of your pantry.
  2. Add chicken noodle soup to the shopping list.
  3. When you go to the grocery store, you buy two instead of one. (If you used two cans, you guessed it, you buy four.)

This is a great way to build your pantry to the point where you’re at the maximum amount of any item you want to store. Then you simply move back to buying just one when you use one.

Here are some links to other articles on food storage, these can help in stocking your pantry as well.

Food Storage Part One: Why Store Food And The Rules For It.
Food Storage Part Two: The Kind Of Foods That You Can Store
Food Storage Part Three: Shelf Life of Staples.
Food Storage Part Four: The Process and Enemies of Food Storage.
Food Storage Part Five: How much food should you store and where should you put it all?
Food Storage Part Six: Tips On Stocking Up and Affording it all.
Food Storage Part Seven: Food Boredom to Survival Cooking .

 
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Filed Under: Food, Getting Started, Preparedness Tips Tagged With: ,

Preparedness Tip: Low Tech Data Storage

April 3, 2012 by

How many of the phone numbers that in your phone do you have memorized? I’m ashamed to say I have less than five. Truth be told, memorization has never been a strong point of mine. Before cell phones, I used to keep a folded 3×5 card with all of my important phone numbers written down and stuffed in my wallet.

Do you have a hard copy of the phone numbers or any other important data that is saved on your phone? What would happen if you lost your phone or it was stolen? Could you easily get those numbers or data back?

I am going back to my low tech solution as a backup. I’ll be writing phone numbers down and putting that 3×5 card back in my wallet.
 
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Filed Under: Preparedness Tips

The Rule of Threes

March 30, 2012 by

I’ve discussed these rules before, but thought it would be a good idea to cover them again, for those who might have missed them. You can use these rules in a survival situation to help you decide what your biggest danger is.

The average human can last:

3 seconds without oxygen to the brain
3 minutes without oxygen
3 hours without shelter in poor weather
3 days without water
3 weeks without food

There are a couple of examples that I have seen added that I don’t much care for, they are:
3 seconds in a violent attack.
3 months without human contact.

I understand the sentiment, but the others are actually provable while these two are speculative.

Lasting the length of time of any of the rules won’t be easy. After a day without water, you’ll feel rotten. I haven’t done an extended fast, but I’m told after a certain amount of time the hunger pangs slow down, but until then, you’ll feel weak, cranky and have limited energy.

 
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Filed Under: General Preparedness, Mind Set, Preparedness Tips
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