Winter Emergency Car Survival Tips

By D.B. Meyer

One thing we should have all learned from the unusual snow and ice storm that slammed the southeast is you cannot rely on the government, even though they had plenty of warning. Children were stranded on the school buses all night with frigid temps, people abandoning their cars in the middle of the highway and walking to the nearest building for shelter, customers sleeping on the floor in the grocery stores. Would you have been prepared for this situation?

Your best decision is not to go out in bad weather but that is not always an option. Take a few minutes NOW to get together some crucial items and put it in an emergency box. Keep one in the trunk of each car so you are prepared for any number of disasters that may happen while traveling.

• Warm Blankets or emergency thermal mylar blankets which take up very little room.
• Extra hats & mittens, socks in case you get wet, clean under garments in case your are stranded for a few days.
• Instant heat packs which can be put in your gloves, socks, or between the layers of your clothing. They can last up to 18 hrs, well worth the investment.
• A first aid kit including bandages, pain killers, and a few doses of any px medication that is vital.
• Flashlight and batteries or better yet, invest in a crank radio & flashlight. You don't have to risk wearing down your car battery listening to the radio for updates or keeping a light going. 
• Water and energy snacks. It's hard to keep calm when your stomach is growling and your little ones are crying from hunger.
• Matches or a lighter in case you need to start a fire for warmth or signal for help.
• A small foldable shovel to dig yourself out of the ditch or to keep the snow cleared away from your exhaust pipe if you run the car engine. Carbon monoxide poison is a frequent cause of death in situations like this.
• Flares and reflectors to make sure you are easily visible to others.
• Roll of toilet paper, no explanation needed.
• Baby wipes to wash your hands or other personal hygiene.
• Deck of cards or other types of entertainment to help pass the time.

This small investment of time and money could literally be the difference of life and death or getting severe frost bite. Many times people have left their vehicle to seek help and became disorientated and lost their life because of  it.  In most cases, it's safer to remain in your vehicle until help arrives.  If you are familiar with you location and are within walking distance to a safe place, and are physically able to reach your destination, proceed with caution and bring some water and other necessary supplies with you.  This may not be an option for the young, elderly, or other persons with disabilities.

Unfortunately most people think they will never have to face an unexpected emergency or depend on the authorities to be properly prepared.  We have many recent examples such as Hurricane Sandy, and this most recent freak snow storm in the southeast to show that is not usually the case. You are leaving yourself and your family vulnerable when it can easily be prevented by taking a few steps to prepare. Stay safe! 

Vertical Gardens Have Many Benefits

Vertical gardens have become all the rage lately, especially in suburbia and urban settings. All you need is a patio deck, porch, balcony, or rooftop to grow some fresh fruits and veggies. Saving space is just one reason. It's easier to control pests and harvest fruit without bending over. There is no weeding, tilling, or getting dirty so anybody can do it. You can use scrap lumber, old gutters, cloth shoe hangers, just about anything laying around or purchase one to use year after year. I've seen so many that are functional and beautiful at the same time.

There are two ways to go with vertical gardens, most people have a combination of both. There is the "gutter" garden for shallow root vegetables and fruits, and the vertical trellis for the vine-based creepers.

Algreen Vertical Living Wall Planter  Save $10 Only $79

Many leafy vegetables have shallow roots. Lettuce and spinach seeds can be planted less than an inch deep, they need plenty of above-ground space between each plant. Radish grows well in relatively cramped quarters. Strawberries and many herbs will also do good in a gutter garden.

Climbing vegetables that grow good on a vertical trellis are tomatoes, peas, cucumbers, pole beans, gourds, melons, squash and pumpkins. Which ever method you chose, make sure your plants have plenty of sun and water.

Gronomics Vertical Garden Planter, 32-Inch by 45-Inch by 9-Inch  $209.99 Free Shipping

All you wanted to know about army bunkers

War or no war, there’s something about bunkers that makes them ever popular. Bunkers are not solely used by the army, but by civilians too. In tornado prone zones, bunkers are built as tornado shelters.
All over the world, bunkers are in high demand. This is why one always sees bunkers for sale all over the place. They are also the latest choice for housing too. Many old WW bunkers are still sold for unbelievable amounts of money. Many ecologically conscious families are also making the move to bunker homes, building new underground bunker-style homes.

What are bunkers used for?
 Bunkers were used during the two World Wars and the Cold War to store and manage weapons, as command centres and also as storage areas.
Bunkers are currently used as storm shelters and as backup shelter by doomsday theorists.

 Types of bunkers
There are generally four kinds of bunkers:

 1.     Trench Bunkers
This is a military structure and is partially underground, forming part of a trench system. It helps in defending soldiers against enemy gunfire, which they would be exposed to in open trenches. The underground nature also provides shelter from aerial attacks like grenades.
Front trench bunkers are usually used as shooting posts. Rear trench bunkers are tactical centres, medical centres for wounded soldiers.

2.     Artillery Bunkers
As the name suggests, these bunkers were used for protecting artillery and especially so in coastal areas. The artillery bunkers had numerous functions. Firstly, the crew would stay inside. The ammunition was sheltered from any enemy fire. In many cases, artillery bunkers were also used to keep the guns safe as well. The only disadvantage was that storing the guns would mean a drop in their fields of firing. For obvious reasons, artillery bunkers are among the biggest ones.
 Many of the current bunkers for sale are WWI and WWII bunkers.

3.     Industrial Bunkers
 Industrial bunkers are found at mining sites, food storage grounds, dumping grounds for materials and also for housing. These were usually built during the war so as to protect important industrial areas from being bombarded aerially.
Another important use of industrial bunkers is that they function as labs for dangerous experiments like testing rockets or explosive materials. They are also used to store items that are dangerous, like radioactive or explosive materials. Given their storage uses, industrial bunkers can also be found in civilian or non-military zones.

 4.     Personal Bunkers
These are non-military bunkers for personal use. Many houses are now built in with bunkers which often use materials like reinforced shells made of plastic. There are many reasons why personal bunkers are built.
Bunkers are also used as fallout shelters and called nuclear bunkers. These are to cope with the under pressure in the aftermath of a shock wave. They also block radiation as a result of the overburden which is created out of soil.
Some built it to serve the purposes of a safe room. In areas where tornadoes and cyclones are frequent, residents build bunkers as storm shelters. Also, given the current trends of the apocalypse and doomsday, many people build bunkers in case of an event like a nuclear holocaust or even an impending zombie attack!
Bunkers are also popular now as they are becoming a favorite option for those looking for eco homes. Underground homes are being built from nature friendly materials in an effort to create an energy efficient and pollution free space.

Read More:  http://www.edthatmatters.com/all-you-wanted-to-know-about-army-bunkers/

5 Survival Uses of Pine Resin

Pine resin has multiple uses for survival. This sap is produced by the pine tree to seal up cuts or damages to the tree. If you ever find yourself lost in a wilderness environment, having a pine tree in the area is one of the best case scenarios you can hope for. There are many different species of pine trees but they generally prefer open and sunny areas. They are found abundantly throughout North America, they are also found throughout Central America, Europe, North Africa, in the Caribbean region, and in some places in Asia.
Native Americans used pine sap for medicinal purposes. The resin is either chewed on or made into a beverage by mixing with water. It is known to be very effective in treating stomach ulcers and rheumatoid arthritis. Modern medical experts have not verified the medicinal benefits of pine resin though.
Look for the damaged part of the pine tree because that will be where the resin secretions are. The resin will be dry and hardened but can be softened with heat. Look for damaged or fallen limbs first before you purposely cut into the pine tree’s bark for the sap. If you have to damage the tree, do it in a small area on one side only. Also, take only as much resin as you will need and leave some on the tree to protect the cut from boring insects.

The Survival Uses Of Pine Resin

1. First aid.

2. Use the resin to make shoes and other items waterproof.

3. Light and heat.

4. Make glue out of pine resin.

5. Start a fire with pine resin.


To Read The Original Article:  http://crisissurvivortips.com/5-survival-uses-of-pine-resin/

Are You Prepared for a Water Emergency?

The water crisis in Virginia should be an eye-opener to all of us. More than half a million people are unable to use the municipal water for drinking, cooking, bathing, laundry, or cleaning due to a chemical spill into the Elk River. No one knows how long the disaster will affect water supplies, and unprepared residents are now at the mercy of FEMA. Staff members at Thomas Memorial and Saint Francis hospitals were told not to use water except for flushing the toilets. At the Charleston Town Center Mall, marketing director Lisa McCracken said Thursday evening, “We’ve closed our restaurants and we closed our treateries. We’ve turned off all the public restroom faucets, and we have issued an advisory mall-wide to the tenants, telling them not to use the faucets in their establishments. It’s like the apocalypse,” she said, half-jokingly.

If you don't have a fresh water source from a well, have a way to purify water, or a good amount of stored drinkable water, you could be in life-threatening trouble very quickly. The average person can go only 3-5 days without water, less in hotter climates. According to the Department of Defense and the Office of Civil Defense, it's recommended that a gallon of water per day per person be stored for food preparation and drinking. A gallon provides added comfort and accommodates increased fluid needs at higher altitudes or warm climates. An additional one-half to 1 gallon per day is recommended for bathing and hygiene, and to wash dishes. Disease and infections become a serious risk when sanitation is compromised.

Unfortunately water is heavy and bulky but it is more important than food so find a cool, dark place such as the basement to store some water. It's recommended that every household have at least 3 days worth as a bare minimum. Here are some items that can literally save your life and the life of your family. Don't wait until an unexpected crises happens when it's too late.

Aquamira Frontier Emergency Water Filter System $10.57
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter$19.99
Potable Aqua Water Treatment Tablets$5.99
Katadyn Vario Multi Flow Water Microfilter$79.98 With Free Shipping
SteriPEN Traveler 3-in-1 Water Purifier, Blue$44.36 With Free Shipping
waterBOB Emergency Drinking Water Storage (100 Gallons)$19.70
British Berkefeld® Gravity Water Filter with four 7" Super SterasylTM Ceramic Water Filter Elements$210.99 With Free Shipping
50-gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel$36.64 With Free Shipping

See More:

Are Ducks Better Than Chickens For Livestock?

This is a wonderful article by Lisa Steele October 8, 2013, that I just had to share. If you are considering small livestock, consider ducks.

"Over the last few years, keeping chickens has become all the rage. Whether it’s wanting to know where their food is coming from, a desire to be more self-sufficient or merely wanting to go back to the basics, chicken coops are popping up in suburban backyards of families all across the country. But might ducks actually be the better choice?
I have been raising ducks alongside our chickens for nearly five years. That has given me ample opportunity to compare chickens and ducks, and I have to admit that if I had to choose between them, I would pick the ducks.

1. Ducks are  healthier
Because they spend so much of their time in the water, ducks are less apt to get mites, lice and other external parasites. Ducks also have hardier immune systems, tend to stay in better general health and are less likely to contract illnesses than chickens.
2. Ducks are more cold-hardy
Ducks have an added layer of fat and a thick down ‘undercoat’ that chickens don’t have. They also have waterproofing on their feathers to protect against the elements and keep them warm and dry in the rain and snow.
3. Ducks are more heat-tolerant
Ducks handle heat quite well by floating around in their pool all day. During the hot southern summers we endure, while our chickens stand around panting, crowded in front of the fans we have set up in our run, the ducks paddle about quite contentedly in their pool.
4. Ducks are quieter
Maybe hard to believe, but our chickens actually make more noise than our ducks. Chickens cackle and carry on after they lay an egg, before they lay an egg, when there’s another hen in the nesting box they want, and for no apparent reason at all. Female ducks on the other hand, although can quack loudly when agitated or excited, normally just quietly chitter-chatter.
Roosters, contrary to popular belief, don’t just crow in the morning. They crow all day long. In contrast, drakes (male ducks) don’t quack at all. They make only a soft raspy wheezing sound. On the whole, ducks are much quiet
 5. Duck eggs are larger and better for baking 
Duck eggs are larger and richer in flavor than chicken eggs.  They are excellent for baking due to their higher fat and lower water content. Duck eggs are also slightly more nutritious than chicken eggs. Due to their thicker shells and membranes, they also have a longer shelf life and are less likely to break than chicken eggs.
6. Ducks lay more regularly
Our ducks consistently outlay our chickens – even through the winter without any supplemental light in their house. Most domestic duck breeds are also very unlikely to go broody (broodies don’t lay eggs, so they are detrimental to your egg production).
7. Ducks adhere to a far less aggressive pecking order
Ducks welcome newcomers far more quickly than chickens do. Whether the newcomers are chickens or ducks, our ducks seem unperturbed and seldom bother new additions to the flock. Chickens, however, take any new additions to the flock as an affront to their rigid pecking order. The result is squabbling and confrontations that can get quite serious until the new order is established and tranquility returns.
8. Ducks are easier on your lawn
While it’s true that ducks can, and will, eat anything green within their reach, as long as you plant bushes and trees that are tall enough so they can’t reach the tops, you can successfully landscape your run or backyard, even with ducks inhabiting it. Chickens, on the other hand, within days of being introduced to a new lawn will have it scratched down to bare dirt. Chickens will continue to not only eat every bit of green that tries to grow, but also dig deep depressions in the earth in which to take their dust baths or cool off in the summer. Ducks may trample your lawn a bit, but they won’t create a barren wasteland of your backyard like chickens will.
9. Ducks are wonderful for pest control
Ducks will eat every slug, worm, spider, grasshopper, cricket, fly, beetle and grub they can find. They are wonderful for natural pest control. Given the opportunity, they will also eat small snakes, toads and even mice. Chickens are more picky about the fare of bugs. Some of our hens won’t even look twice at a worm.
10. Ducklings are adorable! Okay, this is my personal preference, but baby ducklings are irresistibleOn the whole, ducks are far more easy-going and less likely to get their feathers ruffled than chickens. They are generally calm, smart, alert and downright funny at times. Ducks win out as my top choice for a backyard flock and they will always be an important part of ours."

Original article: Ducks Are The New Chickens

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10 Life Saving Tips Written By A Cop!

I had a creepy incident today. After church, I usually treat my granddaughter to a few kiddie rides in opposite end of the building where my church is located. On Sundays, it's pretty quiet because most of the business are doctors offices. Today we past a middle aged man sitting on a bench near the rides. It appeared that maybe he was waiting for someone. As I put a few dollars into the change machine to get some quarters, I noticed he never took his eyes off of us. After a few minutes, it was obvious that he wasn't even trying to hide the fact he was starring at us. Thankfully a security guard just happen to pass by so I took the opportunity to grab my granddaughter's hand and walk out past the stranger. We quickly made our way to the exit and to the safety of the car. Things could have turned out much worse had I not been alert to my surroundings and made a move when the opportunity arose.

The following tips are written by a cop and could save your life or the life of a loved one. After reading these 10 crucial tips, forward them to someone you care about. It never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do :The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do it!

2. Learned this from a tourist guide. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you… Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy.. The driver won’t see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON’T DO THIS!) The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR , LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.. If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, Repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage: A.) Be aware:look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor , and in the back seat. B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars. C.) Look at the car parked on the driver’s side of your vehicle, and the passenger side.. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, Preferably in a zig -zag pattern!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked ‘for help’ into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

9. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird.. The police told her ‘Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door..’ The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, ‘We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.’ He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby’s cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby.. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby’s cries outside their doors when they’re home alone at night.

10. Water scam! If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all your taps outside running or what you think is a burst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE! These people turn on all your outside taps full blast so that you will go out to investigate and then attack. Stay alert, keep safe, and look out for your neighbors!

Please pass this on because the "Crying Baby Theory" was mentioned on America ‘s Most Wanted when they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana. I’d like you to forward this to all the mothers, wives, sisters, daughter  you know. It may save a life.

Original article:10 Life Saving Tips

Free Kindle Ebooks - Preparedness and Survival Skills

$139 Kindle Fire HD 7", HD Display, Wi-Fi, 8 GB

Amazon has a nice selection of free ebooks that you can download instantly to your e-reader,tablet,smart phone,computerThey rotate the free selection so if you see something that you want, don't wait to download it! Here are just a few on preparedness and survival skills. Now that the holiday rush is over, take some time to add these informative ebooks to your preparedness arsenal.

Global Incident Map

Everyone should bookmark this page! The Global Incident Map has up-to-date information on disease outbreaks, terrorism threats, hazmat situations, natural disasters, food and drug incidents and more. Its complete with legends, locations, confirmed cases, related deaths and other useful information. There is a free version where it takes 24-48hrs to update map with the latest incidents or you can sign up with a paid account to access more features including live support. Here is the link and recent screenshot:

GlobalIncidentMap (after clicking on the blue links below map, don't forget to scroll down for alerts, current events and other info)

Modify Generator, Pioneer Book, Slingshot Hunting, Super Volcano

Here are some great informative articles.....

Modify Generator To Make It Quiet

"A back up generator is a great  investment so you can keep the lights on, when the power’s off. Also in many remote locations a generator is the only means of electricity. The problem is no matter whether you use your generator for emergency preparedness or to power your remote cabin etc, they are noisy as hell. They’ll annoy you and your neighbors! Also in a bug-out retreat a noisy generator could give away your location…"

http://www.alpharubicon.com/altenergy/gensetquiet.htm

Free 76 Page Fully Illustrated Pioneering Book

"Pioneering is the art of making useful items and structures with rope/natural cordage and wood/branches etc. Pioneering is very popular with the Scout movement as you came make small simple camp gadgets like those in the image above, and you can make huge structures like bridges and towers, which promote excellent team building."

http://knowledgeweighsnothing.com/free-76-page-fully-illustrated-pioneering-book/

Slingshot Hunting

"On the surface it might seem that slingshots would be one of the worst choices for a hunting weapon. They’re not nearly as powerful as a bow (let alone a firearm), they take a lot of practice to be accurate with, you have to be much closer to your target and they’re usually pretty limited as far as what kind of game you can really go after with it. However, there are actually quite a few benefits for using a slingshot instead of a normal hunting weapon, including"

http://ready4itall.org/slingshot-hunting-a-primer-for-bringing-in-small-game/

Yellowstone Super Volcano Could Wipe Out US

"Yellowstone National Park is pristine wilderness, full of scenic landscape and iconic hot-pools and geysers that attract tens of thousands of visitors every year. But it’s what lies beneath that has scientists scurrying. We’ve long known that Yellowstone is merely the skin on top of a supervolcano – a giant pool of magma sitting just under the Earth’s surface. Exactly how giant has been the subject of much speculation....until now."

http://nypost.com/2013/12/12/beneath-yellowstone-a-volcano-that-could-wipe-out-u-s/

DIY Emergency Candle Heater Using Oil Lamp

This is a new twist on the DIY clay pot candle heater. I have posted a couple of videos about this topic. The reason I have been researching something like this is because having a wood stove is not an option for my household for various reasons. We have a kerosene heater if the power goes out but the kerosene goes bad after a while and would be hard to get in a long term situation. Another reason for having a secondary backup is the prepper's law of threes, always have three ways get the basics when it comes to food, shelter, heat if you live in the colder climates, etc.  I have seen three different set ups using the clay pots turned upside-down over candles. The first was assembling three clay pots together (s,m,l) using a long bolt, washers and bolt, then invert them over a candle using bricks or some kind of fire-proof base. (No video but you can find it easily on youtube).  The results were disappointing. The next method I came across was to use two clay planters over 4 lit tea candles set inside a fireproof pan such as a small roasting pan with 2-3" sides to rest the clay pots on above the candles. This method, you covered the hole of the smaller clay pot using foil but left the hole open on the larger pot so the hot air could escape out the top. This third method uses a oil lamp instead of the candles which is cheaper, burns longer, and seems to put out more heat than the candles. I'm going to use the 2nd method with the two clay pots but with the oil lantern instead of candles. I' ll will give an update on how it worked.

 (videos for method 2 & 3 below)

Free Downloads, A -Z Emergency And Prepping Info

As with any subject, knowledge is power. This site has thousands of free (pdf) downloads touching every subject you can imagine. Some of it may be a little outdated but overall a huge wealth of reading material. You will spend months going through all this information. Just as awesome is that it's all free.

Kudos to Preppers.Info for all the time and hard work putting this together.

Here's is the some of the topics covered with hundreds of subtopics:

Preparedness
Biological
Chemical
Earthquake
EMP
Fire and Heat Waves
Hurricane
Terrorism
Thunderstorm
Tornado
Tsunami
Volcano
Winter Storms
Survival Books
Nuclear Survival
Communications
Medical, Health, Hygiene
 And First Aid
Skills

PreppersInfoFreeDownloads

Emergency Heater Operates For Pennies A Day

In just a few minutes, you can put together a simple but effective DIY emergency heater to keep your family warm during a power outage. (A short instructional video is posted below). Light four tealight candles and place them in a small metal roasting pan or other fire-proof tray. Next place a small clay planter upside down on the rim of the fire-proof tray over the lit candles, followed by a larger clay planter. Make sure they have holes in the bottom though the smaller hole will be covered. This whole system creates a surprisingly effective off-the-grid convection heater that can be used in any room providing here is enough ventilation. Right now is a perfect time to purchase the clay pots on clearance. Don't wait until a winter storm is headed your way.

 

Easy Stove Top Water Distiller

I came across this is a clever idea on youtube for a homemade stove-top water distiller.   For less then $20 at your local hardware store, you can put this together in just a few minutes. Pure drinking water is crucial in any situation to avoid waterborne diseases and parasites. Prepping 101 is to have a backup plan to purify water for drinking and cooking. Anyone can do this. Check out this short video.




Potable Aqua Water Treatment Tablets
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
Sport Berkey Portable Water Purifier
SteriPEN Adventurer Opti Handheld UV Water Purifier

Making a Family Emergency Plan: 50 Questions You Need to Ask

1.  What type of disaster is most likely to happen in our area?

2.  Does everyone know how to prepare for the disaster?

3.  Does everyone know what to do if the disaster occurs?

4.  What resources or agencies can give us more information about how to plan an appropriate response to the disaster?

5.  Does everyone know the safe spots inside (or outside) our home for each type of disaster that could occur?

6.  What kind of emergency alert system does our community have?

7.  What does the emergency alert sound like?

8.  What should we do when we hear the emergency alert?

9.  What radio or TV stations broadcast emergency info for our area?

10.  If there are members of the family with special needs (i.e.. someone with a specifically identified disability, limited English language proficiency or an elderly person) are they able to receive emergency alerts or do they need a special tool to assist them?

11.  Are there special agencies available to assist the family members with special needs during an emergency?

12.  Have we registered for their assistance program?

13.  What are the community’s evacuation routes?

14.  Have we mapped the routes out (MapQuest, Google Maps, GPS)?

15.  If evacuation is necessary, does each family member know what task they are responsible for (ie. loading the supplies into the car) and understand what’s expected of them?

16.  Where would we evacuate to?

17.  If the roads aren’t passable, what’s our secondary evacuation plan?

18.  What is the school’s emergency plan or disaster procedure?

19.  For working family members, what’s the emergency plan or disaster procedure at the workplace?

20.  Are all emergency telephone numbers posted by the phone?

21.  Does everyone in the family know how to call 9-1-1?

22.  Does everyone in the family know when to call 9-1-1?

23.  Do all cell phone users have an “In Case of Emergency” contact filed under the word ICE in their contacts list, so first responders would know who to call?

24.  Do all adults have a Living Will and/or Healthcare Power of Attorney?

25.  Do we have adequate insurance—life, auto, home, flood?

26.  In case we’re separated during a sudden emergency, like a house fire, where is the family meeting place right outside of the house?

27.  Where is the family meeting place outside of the neighborhood, in case we can’t return home?

28.  Who is the out-of-state contact person for our family?

29.  Who is the local contact person for our family?

30.  Does everyone know how to contact them?

31.  Does everyone know where the main switches to the utilities—gas, electric and water— are located?

32.  Does everyone know how to turn the utilities off?

33.  Does everyone know when to turn the utilities off?

34.  Does each family member know what the smoke detector alarm sounds like?

35.  Does everyone know what to do if the smoke detector goes off?

36.  Does each family member know what the carbon monoxide detector alarm sounds like?

37.  Does everyone know what to do if the carbon monoxide detector goes off?

38.  Does each family member know what the burglar alarm sounds like?

39.  Does everyone know what to do if the burglar alarm goes off?

40.  Have we planned at least 2 escape routes from each room of the house?

41.  Is at least one person in the family certified in first aid and CPR?

42.  Do we have all family records stored in a water and fire-proof container?

43.  Do our pets have tags and microchips for identification purposes?

44.  If we have to evacuate, which family member will be responsible for gathering our pets?

45.  Is our evacuation spot a pet-friendly place?

46.  If not, what will we do with our pets?

47.  If we can’t make it home, who will be available to care for or evacuate our pets?

48.  What arrangements can be made for evacuating our livestock?

49.  If evacuation isn’t possible, will we shelter livestock or turn them outside?

50.  When will we gather again to review and/or make changes to this plan?

Go ahead, call a family meeting and get started on your emergency plan.

To read the full article: 50 Questions You Need To Ask

Move About Post-SHTF - Make Yourself Look Diseased!

(Photo is from rethinksurvival)
I was surfing Pinterest the other day came across this photo (you see lots of this type of stuff because Halloween is coming up) and I immediately remembered a comment somebody made a while back about purposely including a Halloween Makeup kit in order to make himself look sickly in a post-shtf world. I thought it was an interesting idea but never bothered to do anything about it.

Then I saw the photo and read how they did this: “…cut out a few circles from bubble wrap. Stick double sided tape to the back of them. Stick ‘em to your hands and face. Use a bit of face paint or makeup to make them pus coloured and finally a little red lipstick blended around the edges to create inflamed skin.”

Granted, the idea was for Halloween and I can’t imagine it would pass any real scrutiny but if you can make it look passable at a distance then it might be worth a shot. Add in a pale facial appearance, a nice hacking cough, and plenty of dirt and you might get away with it. Of course, I don’t have any creative skills whatsoever so my warts would probably look obviously wrong.

Anyway, the thought was that you don’t just want to make yourself look like you’re sick, you want to make yourself look like you have a nasty communicable disease and that’s why I thought some nice puss-filled boils like this is just perfect. I can’t think of much else that people wouldn’t want to touch and, therefore, would be more likely to leave you alone.

Original Article: 
http://rethinksurvival.com/posts/move-post-shtf-virtually-untouched-make-look-diseased/

Add a biohazard sign to your front door to keep predators away.

Baofeng UV5RA Ham Two Way Radio - Awesome Price!

Baofeng UV5RA Ham Two Way Radio 136-174/400-480 MHz Dual-Band Transceiver (Black)

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Product Description

The Baofeng UV-5RA is a hand held transceiver providing 5 watts in the frequency range of 136-174 MHz and 400-480 MHz. It is a compact, economical HT that includes a special VHF receive band from 65 - 108 MHz which includes the regular FM broadcast band. Dual watch and dual reception is supported. You get up to 128 memories. Other features include: selectable wide/narrow, battery save function, VOX, DCS/CTCSS encode, key lock and built in flashlight. Selectable frequency steps include: 2.5, 5, 6.25, 10, 12.5 and 25 kHz. RF power may be selected at 4 or 1 watts.

Product Features

• More Stubborn Case, More Rich and Enhanced Features
• Frequency Range: 136-174 / 400-480MHz; 25KHz/12.5KHz Switchable
• 128 Channels 50 CTCSS and 104 CDCSS; Channel Step: 2.5/5/6.25/10/12.5/25KHz
• Dual-Band Display, Dual Frequency Display, Dual-Standby; A/B band independent operation
• Comes with all necessary accessories, backed up by 12 Months Seller Warranty

Dry Milk Recipes

There are so many different brands of dry milk…but as far as I know, they are all relatively the same and should all work for the “recipes” below.  Better stock up the next time you’re at the store!

1. Sour Cream

Simply mix 1/3 c dry milk with 3/4 c. plain yogurt to replace sour cream. This works great for low-fat dips.

If you’re planning to bake with it, add 1 t. cornstarch to stabilize the yogurt.

2. Regular Milk

Whenever a recipe calls for regular milk, you may instead substitute 1/3 c. of dry milk in with the dry ingredients and 1 c. water in with the wet ingredients.

3. Evaporated Milk

Mix 1/3 c dry milk with 1/2 c. water. This replaces a small (5 oz) can of evaporated milk.

I never buy evaporated milk any more…I always use this “recipe”.

4. Sweetened Condensed Milk

Mix 1/3 c. dry milk with 1/2 c. cold water. Microwave until hot and steamy. Then add 1/2 c. sugar. Let stand in refrigerator for 4 hours. This replaces a 13 oz can.

{I know this seems time consuming, but it does work!}

5. White Sauce

Mix 1/3 c. dry milk, 3 t. melted butter and 3 T. flour to form a paste. Slowly add 1 c. water or milk and whisk until smooth.

You may add onions, cheese, mushrooms, or any other flavorings you like and serve over pasta.

6. Hot Chocolate Mix

Mix one 24 oz box of dry milk with 1 c. non-dairy creamer, 2 c. powdered sugar, and one 16 oz. container instant chocolate drink mix and store in a large, tightly sealed container.

Original content from AndreaDekker.com: http://andreadekker.com/uses-for-dry-milk/#ixzz2gLQQ7kTK

More recipes from: 
http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/powderedmilk.htm

Reconstituting Powdered Milk

To equal this amount of liquid milk	Use this much Fresh Water	And this much Instant Non-Fat Dry Milk Powder
1/4 cup	1/4 cup	1-1/2 tablespoons
1/3 cup	1/3 cup	2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon
1/2 cup	1/2 cup	3 tablespoons
1 cup	1 cup	1/3 cup
1 quart	3-3/4 cup	1-1/3 cups
2 quarts	7-2/3 cups	2 -2/3 cups
1 gallon	15-1/2 cups	5-1/3 cups

The table above will help you work out the amount of powdered milk you will need to prepare a specific measurement of liquid milk. Here are some tips to help the milk turn out as fresh tasting as possible:

• Fill your pitcher or container with half the amount of water you will be using. Measure in the appropriate amount of dry milk powder. Stir to dissolve. Fill the pitcher with the balance of the water called for above. Stir again and chill.
• Use cool water when possible. The powder tends to dissolve more readily in cool water.
• Stir the milk a lot, to dissolve the milk powder. Then let the milk sit for a little while and stir again. The protein in the milk powder blends most easily if it gets a chance to stand after mixing.
• Powdered milk may be used immediately after mixing if desired. For the best flavor chill the milk for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Store the milk in a refrigerator if you have one. If you don’t, then wrap the milk in a wet towel. As the water evaporates, the milk will cool. If you have a root cellar or basement, you may want to keep the milk there, or even outside in the fall and winter.
• If you store the milk outside be sure that it is protected from critters who may be thirsty. A box with a large rock on top is sufficient to keep out most animals.
• If you do not have refrigeration, then only prepare enough milk to last the day. I prepare it the night before, so it has a chance to blend and chill overnight. About 2 quarts will be enough to last a family of 4 for most of the day. If you continually find you have some left over, then prepare less the next day. If you find yourself running out, then prepare more.
• Some people add a drop or two of vanilla to their milk to improve the flavor. Other people add a spoonful or two of sugar for the same purpose. I don’t use either of these ideas, because we are accustomed to reconstituted milk, and prefer it plain.
• Pitchers and wide-mouthed jars are the easiest to use for mixing and storing reconstituted milk. I used to try to use apple juice jars, but they are difficult to keep clean and awkward to pour the milk powder into. If you must use a narrow mouthed jar to mix your milk, then use a funnel. A chop stick or spoon handle is handy for poking down though the funnel tip when things get clogged up.

Products to Make with Powdered Milk
Sweet Vanilla Milk: Run a little hot water into a 2-quart pitcher. Add 1/4-cup each powdered coffee creamer and sugar. Stir well to dissolve. Add 1/2-teaspoon vanilla. Fill the pitcher half full with cold tap water. Add 2-2/3 cups of instant nonfat dry milk powder. Stir well. Fill the pitcher the rest of the way full. Stir again. Chill and serve. This milk is more palatable to some folks than straight reconstituted milk. The powdered coffee creamer gives the milk a rich fullness, while the sugar and vanilla make it taste sweet and almost dessert-like. If you must switch to powdered milk, and are having trouble with the flavor, this recipe can make the transition easier. For a gallon of milk use: 1/2-cup each powdered coffee cream & sugar and 1-teaspoon of vanilla flavoring. Add a dash of salt too if desired. Be sure to dissolve the creamer and sugar in hot tap water first. They do not dissolve readily in cold water.
A Very Rich Gallon of Milk: Measure 3-1/2 quarts (14 cups) of water into a gallon size pitcher. Add 5-cups of dry milk powder and a 12-ounce can of undiluted evaporated whole milk. Mix all together. Chill and serve. This makes about a gallon. It is richer than plain reconstituted milk. If you must use powdered milk, but prefer a richer product, this is the recipe for you. Children will sometimes tolerate it better than straight reconstituted milk, especially if they are already used to fresh 1% or 2%.
To Mix with Whole Milk: Powdered milk is easily mixed half-and-half with whole milk. When combined and well chilled, it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between fresh milk and mixed milk. To do this, use an extra, clean milk jug and two 2-quart sized pitchers. First reconstitute 2 quarts of milk in each of the pitchers, using the chart above. Then, using a funnel, pour half of the whole milk into the clean empty milk jug. Using the same funnel, pour the reconstituted milk from one pitcher into each jug, making a gallon of mixed milk in each jug. Both empty pitchers then have to be washed, but they are pretty easy to keep clean. I used to try to reconstitute the powdered milk in the milk jug, with the whole milk, but it never worked as well as I’d hoped. Now I find it much easier to reconstitute the powdered milk in the pitcher first, and then pour the liquid milk into the jug with the whole milk. Like regular powdered milk, mixed milk tastes best if well chilled.
Sour Milk: To sour reconstituted milk, just add a little vinegar to it and stir it up. For instance, if a recipe calls for 1-cup of sour milk or buttermilk, then measure a tablespoon of vinegar into a measuring cup. Add reconstituted milk to reach the 1-cup mark. Stir the milk gently. In a moment or two, it will sour. This can replace soured milk or buttermilk in baking recipes.
Overnight Buttermilk: To make your own buttermilk, you have to start off with 1/2-cup of fresh, store-bought buttermilk and a quart (4-cups) of reconstituted milk. Combine the fresh buttermilk and reconstituted milk in a pitcher or jar. Mix it really well. Allow it to stand at room temperature overnight, or for about 8 hours. The milk will have thickened up and cultured into regular buttermilk. Refrigerate or chill and use anywhere fresh buttermilk is called for.
Easy Evaporated Milk: To make this you only need dry milk powder and water. Measure 1-1/3 cups water into a jar or bowl. Add 1 cup of instant dry milk powder. Stir or shake to combine. This is the equivalent of a 12-ounce can of evaporated skim milk. To make evaporated whole milk, you will need to add some fat to replace the milk fat in whole milk. Do this by preparing evaporated skim milk and then adding 2-tablespoons of vegetable oil to the milk. Stir it up vigorously to emulsify the fat with the milk. It will separate on standing, so mix it really well right before using it. This is best used in cooking and baking. A spritz of nonstick spray will help the emulsification process.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: On the stove, bring to a boil 1/2-cup of water, 1-cup of sugar and 3-tablespoons of margarine or shortening. Add a dash of salt. Stir the mixture every now and then. When it comes to a full rolling boil, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool slightly. Add a cup of instant dry milk powder. Use a whisk to stir it smooth. A fork or a spoon will not work out all the lumps. You really need a whisk, or egg beaters. There, you are done. This is the equivalent of a can of sweetened condensed milk. This will keep unrefrigerated for a day or two because of the sugar. I have never kept it longer than that without refrigeration. In the fridge it will keep for 2 weeks. For longer storage than that, I freeze it.
Quick Whipped Topping: This recipe is best made if you have electricity. Put 1/2-cup of water into a large bowl and place it in your freezer. Whenice crystals form around the edges remove it from the freezer. Add 1/2-cup instant dry milk powder. Whip the mixture with electric beaters until it is light and fluffy. This will take a couple of minutes. Add 2-tablespoons sugar, 1-teaspoon of lemon juice, and 1/2-teaspoon of vanilla. Beat until thick enough to spoon like whipped topping. Use immediately.
Molasses Milk: High in iron, with a caramel-toffee flavor this hot beverage is quite delicious. Heat 3/4-cup of reconstituted milk in a cup in the microwave. Stir in a spoonful of molasses. Serve hot. My kids love this stuff.
Chocolate Milk: Fill a cup with reconstituted milk. Squeeze in a couple spoonfuls of homemade Chocolate Syrup. Stir to combine. Serve to thirsty children who object to plain reconstituted powdered milk. Cold chocolate milk can be heated in the microwave for hot chocolate. This is also great in lunch boxes. If you want to be really nice to the kids then make up a whole gallon of reconstituted chocolate milk at a time. They will brag to their friends and your reputation will become legendary.
Homemade Yogurt: Reconstitute a quart of milk in a very clean container like a wide mouthed canning jar. Add another 1/2-cup of milk powder for body. Whisk in 1/4-cup of commercial yogurt with active cultures. Read the label to be sure the yogurt has active cultures. Stash the milk in a warm spot, between 80° and 110°. Allow it to sit undisturbed for 6 to 8 hours. It should be thick and creamy, like commercially available yogurt. Chill your yogurt and use anywhere you would regular yogurt. It makes a great substitute for sour cream. Or mix it half and half with prepared mayonnaise for your own homemade low-fat mayo.
Yogurt Cheese: Line a colander with a clean, damp piece of cloth. Pour prepared yogurt into the cloth. Allow the yogurt to drain overnight. In the morning the remaining solids will be yogurt cheese. They can be used anywhere you would use cream cheese or thick sour cream.
Curds & Whey: In a large pot combine 6-cups of fresh water and 3-cups of dry milk powder. Stir to dissolve. Heat the milk over a medium flame until it is very warm, about 120°. This is hot to the touch, but not scalding. Stir in 1/2-cup of plain white vinegar. Allow to stand for 10 minutes. There should be a large mass of curds in an amber pool of whey. If the liquid is still milky, add another 1/4-cup of vinegar. Stir and stand again for 10 minutes. Line a strainer with a clean cloth and drain off the whey. It can be used as the liquid in bread or muffins or biscuits. Rinse the curds under cool water and store in the fridge. This recipe makes about 1-1/2 to 2-cups of curds.
Ricotta or Cottage Cheese: The dry cheese curds from the above recipe will work for ricotta cheese in most recipes. To turn it into cottage cheese add a little evaporated milk or yogurt to “cream” it and stir to combine. You can divide the mixture in half and make some of each if you want to give them both a try.