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T N E T N O
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38
56
4
77
FEATURES WRATH OF WATER
95 DOOMSDAY PREPPERS
COVER
PREPAREDNESS
Learn the homesteading techniques of National Geographic’s Southwick family.
60 INTRODUCTION
By Torrey Kim
12 INTRODUCTION 61 WHEN GERMS ATTACK 14 THE LINE OF FIRE In the deadliest hurricane in U.S. history, 8,000 people died. Do you live in a high-risk area? If so, are you ready?
Pop culture would have you believe zombies will attack. In reality, America should be prepared to battle a number of infectious diseases.
One of our writers was in New York when Super Storm Sandy unleashed her fury. This is her tale of survival.
By Torrey Kim
65 STAY OR GO?
104 PENNY SAVED, PENNY EARNED
When deciding to stay or go during a disaster, the decision revolves around situational awareness. Master the details. By Abe Elias
Money is the main reason most abandon their dreams of self-sufficiency, which is exactly why these 14 methods of saving will help you. By Steven D. Gregersen
By Kristin Webb-Hollering
68 SEAL OFF THE POISON 25 MORE EXTREME, MORE OFTEN
The complete guide to living off the grid as a homesteader.
By Erin Hatfield
By Erin Hatfield
20 IN THE EYE OF FEAR
100 SURVIVALIST 101
GENERAL
Extreme storms can cause billions of dollars in damage and thousands of fatalities. Can we anticipate more of this fury?
In a chemical attack, nuclear meltdown or an infectious disease outbreak, a gas mask could save your life. Before you buy, consider these five tips.
By Torrey Kim
By Torrey Kim
28 AMBER WAVES OF RAIN
74 FOUR-WHEEL SURVIVAL SHELTER
From the West Coast to the Midwest to the East Coast, floods cause massive damage. And that’s only the beginning of the problems.
Your car—and its parts—can keep you alive during an emergency.
Self-sufficiency includes self-defense, and that’s why this guide to selecting the right gun is vital for your existence.
By Tim MacWelch
By Sean Cooper
113 INTRODUCTION 114 FIREARMS 101
By Kristin Webb-Hollering
118 TOP CHOICES
URBAN
34 DRY-FOOD PRESERVATION
Ten guns you should take a close look at.
Before a disaster puts you in a stranglehold, learn how to preserve your dry foods.
PREPAREDNESS
By Wendy Wilson
81 INTRODUCTION 82 STOPPING MASS VIOLENCE
SPRING
Sandy Hook Elementary School. The Colorado theater. Columbine. Active shooters create a security challenge, but you can survive … provided you follow these guidelines.
PREPAREDNESS
42 INTRODUCTION
Spring lures you into the mountains and onto the local trails, but there are still natural dangers that lurk around every bend. Be prepared.
86 THE SHOTS HEARD ’ROUND THE WORLD
By Torrey Kim
Following a mass shooting, minimize the emotional damage on your children by following these steps.
47 FARMER’S MARKET
By Thomas J. Nardi, Ph.D.
These sure-fire tips will ensure that your spring garden produces abundantly. By Torrey Kim
121 PERSONAL TOUCH Whether it’s the effects of a hurricane, a devastating earthquake or a flood, count on the stores being closed… and count on this guide to make your own soap. By Erin Hatfield
COLUMNS
By Alon Stivi
43 LURKING DANGERS
HOMESTEADING
6 FIRST WORDS 8 NEWS & NOTES 130 CLOSING WORDS
BUYER’S GUIDES
PREPAREDNESS
50 NO WORDS NEEDED When stranded, there are three methods that will alert rescue crews. Do you know what they are?
94 INTRODUCTION
By Larry Schwartz COVER - Photographer: Dave Alan/Thinkstock, National Geographic Channel: Braxton Southwick Designer: Eric Knagg
89
PREPAREDNESS
110
125
5
38 56 77 89 110 125
WATER PURIFICATION SURVIVAL ESSENTIALS FOOD AND WATER TACTICAL ASSAULT KNIVES FLASHLIGHTS
FIRST WORDS
Peak Readiness At 20,000 Feet
ISSUE 4 / SPRING 2013
EDITORIAL Editor: Doug Jeffrey Contributing Editor: Torrey Kim Managing Editor: Jeffrey Rick Art Director: Eric Knagg
By Doug Jeffrey
I
“
WANT YOU GUYS
CONTRIBUTORS Dave Alan, Sean Cooper, Jim Dickson, Abe Elias, Steven D. Gregersen, Paul Hantke, Erin Hatfield, Tim MacWelch, Thomas J. Nardi, Ph.D., Larry Schwartz, Alon Stivi, Kristin Webb-Hollering, Wendy Wilson
TO TAKE A LOOK AT THIS.” LIZ FIRST HANDED ME A SURVIVAL
ADVERTISING Gabe Frimmel - Ad Sales Director (714) 200-1930 -
[email protected] David Beckler - Outdoor Group Director (972) 448-9173 Casey Clifford - Senior Account Executive (717) 896-8956 Mark Pack - Senior Account Executive (714) 200-1939 Gennifer Merriday - Ad Traffic Coordinator
GRENADE AND THEN SHE EXTENDED ONE TO MARK, ONE OF MY CO-WORKERS.
“This has a number of survival items inside,” she said. “Among other things, it has
OPERATIONS
a cord, a fire starter, a knife blade and tin
Gus Alonzo: Newsstand Sales Manager Celia Merriday: Newsstand Analyst Amit Sharma: Business Analytics Manager Mohit Patel: Newsstand and Production Analyst Alberto Chavez: Senior Logistics & Facilities Manager John Cabral: Creative Graphic Designer
foil.” I looked at Mark and smiled. “This is awesome,” I said. Mark and I were amidst a sea of people
EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE
and booths at the 2013 SHOT Show, and we were in a back room, awaiting an opportunity
22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200 Yorba Linda, CA 92887 Ph: (800) 332-3330 Fax: (800) 249-7761 www.gunworld.com
to discuss advertising and story ideas with RockyS2V, a manufacturer of tactical boots … when we were greeted with this survival
Signaling, Water and Food rounded out the
opportunity.
list. Each contains great tips, which you’ll find
AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE © 2013 by Beckett Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
in our News Section, but one is worth noting
20,000 FEET Later, while cruising home at some 20,000 feet, I opened the brochure that accompanies the Survival Grenade. The first thing that caught my eye was
“To make sure yours has a Hollywood ending, be prepared.”
for Peace of Mind.” My eyes then shifted over to the middle
CUSTOMER SERVICE
“good signal mirror can
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survival situation, but you never know. One thing that is certain is that it was
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clear to me just how prevalent preparation is
dominated the center of the page. I went
the homesteader to the backpacker to the
through each, one by one.
Southern California resident who lives in
A Positive Mental Attitude led off.
earthquake country to the Midwest resident
“In a survival situation of any duration,
who must co-exist with floods to the Gulf
attitude is the x factor. Unrelieved physical
Coast and East Coast residents who battle
and mental stress can sap resolve and hamper
hurricanes. You never know when you’ll be thrust
attitude combats those stresses and their
into the leading role during a survival situa-
negative effects.”
tion. To make sure yours has a Hollywood
Wilderness First Aid. Sheltercraft, Firecraft,
BOOKS, MERCHANDISE, REPRINTS (239) 280-2380
anticipate being in a
becoming for more and more people. From
I dropped down to No. 2, which is
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cial airliner, most don’t
of the pamphlet, where “7 Survival Priorities”
decision making. Maintaining a positive mental
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away.”
the writing on the top left of the brochure: “Achieve Peak Readiness
here, and that is a
ending, be prepared. Live strong. 6
S E D A N E R G L A V I V R U S V 2 S Y K C O R
BECKETT MEDIA, LLC Nick Singh: Executive Director Erin Masercola: Business Unit Editorial Director Jen Kahn: Circulation Director OThis magazine is purchased by the buyer with the T Ounderstanding that information presented is from H Pvarious sources from which there can be no warranty or K Cresponsibility by Beckett Media, LLC as to the legality, Ocompleteness or technical accuracy. T S K N I H T
NEWS & NOTES
Stop The Spread Of Disease
P
ERSONAL HYGIENE AND HANDWASHING ARE CRITICAL TO HELP
to help prevent the spread of germs. If your tap water is not safe to use, wash your hands with
“Hygiene is especially important in an emergency such as a flood, hurricane or earthquake …”
soap and water that’s been boiled or disinfected.
— Centers for Disease Control
PREVENT THE SPREAD OF ILLNESS AND DISEASE.
Hygiene is especially important in an emergency such as a flood, hurricane or earthquake, but finding clean, safe running water can sometimes be difficult, the CDC reports.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends keeping your hands clean during an emergency
— CDC
One Mile Is A Long Journey
AUSTRALIAN POLICE
He was expected to recover in a hospital. The news of his survival was met with great joy, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the
TEEN SURVIVED
SEARCHED
importance of taking a few pieces of gear with you
ON CREEK WATER
FOR MISS-
any time you leave home. Any of the items noted
FOR 9 WEEKS
ING TEEN
in the sidebar could potentially help you survive or
MATTHEW
be discovered by rescuers, even if you get lost dur-
ALLEN FOR
ing a simple jog, and can be tucked easily in your
NINE WEEKS IN THE COUNTRY’S
pocket.
Staggering Statistics 60 AND OLDER In New Orleans, the people in this age bracket comprised 15 percent of the population prior to Hurricane Katrina.
EXTENSIVE BUSHLAND BUT CAME UP
70
WITHOUT ANY LEADS—UNTIL JAN. 26, WHEN HIKERS DISCOVERED THE BOY LYING IN THE BRUSH, ALIVE AND COVERED IN LEECHES AND BITES.
His sole source of hydration had been water from a nearly dry creek bed, the Australian News reported. The 18-year-old was only a mile or so from his home when he was found, but he was disoriented and unable to find his way home. He suffered gangrene on his feet and legs due to being exposed to
DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THESE •A whistle •A cell phone • A gel packet of protein or hydration • A lighter • A compass
the elements, because he hadn’t found shelter for the entire two-month period that he was missing.
8
A simple whistle could be lifesaving if you get lost and need to alert rescuers to your location.
More than 70 percent of those who died as a result of the hurricane were elderly.
200
Many of the 200 people who died as a result of the hurricane in Mississippi were also older adults. — CDC
S O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
Wound Treatment • Examine wounds for dirt and
IT CAN HAPPEN.
foreign objects.
THE RISK FOR INJURY DURING AND
• Gently flood the wound with bottled
AFTER A HURRICANE AND OTHER
water or clean running water
NATURAL DISASTERS IS HIGH.
(if available, saline solution is preferred).
TETANUS, OTHER BACTERIAL
• Gently clean around the wound with
INFECTIONS, AND FUNGAL
soap and clean water.
INFECTIONS ARE POTENTIAL
• Pat dry and apply an adhesive bandage
HEALTH THREATS FOR ANYONE
or dry clean cloth.
WHO HAS AN OPEN WOUND.
• Leave unclean wounds, bites and punctures open. Wounds that are not
The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions says to seek medical attention as soon as possible if:
cleaned correctly can trap bacteria and
PROPER CARE FOR
• Provide pain relievers when possible.
MINOR WOUNDS • There’s a foreign object (soil, wood, metal or other objects) embedded in the wound; • The wound is at special risk of infection (such as a dog bite or a puncture by a dirty object); • An old wound shows signs of becoming infected (increased pain and soreness, swelling, redness, draining, or you develop a fever).
result in infection. — CDC
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
and clean water if possible. • Avoid touching the wound with your fingers while treating it (if possible, use disposable latex gloves). • Remove obstructive jewelry and clothing from the injured body part. • Apply direct pressure to any bleeding wound to control bleeding. • Clean the wound after bleeding has
• Expect a variety of infection types from wounds exposed to standing water, sea life and ocean water. • Wounds in contact with soil and sand can become infected. • Puncture wounds can carry bits of clothing and dirt into wounds and result in infection. • Crush injuries are more likely to become infected than wounds from cuts. • Take steps to prevent tetanus.
stopped.
City Dwellers Reap The Benefits You don’t need acres of land to plant a survival garden – you can even find space in the city to grow your vegetables.
LIFE IN THE BIG CITY HAS ITS ADVANTAGES. THERE’S ACCESS TO ENTERTAINMENT, PROFESSIONAL SPORTS, PHILHARMONICS AND … GARDENS. If you want to plant a survival garden but your city windowsill just isn’t big enough to grow enough food to feed your family, you might consider appealing to your city for permission to utilize underused land to grow your plants. This growing trend has made its way to Pittsburgh and should allow many locals there to enjoy homegrown snacks. On Jan. 30, Pittsburgh’s City Council voted to spend $100,000 installing “cool roofs” and to plant edible gardens in vacant, city-owned lots so that city members can grow their own fresh produce, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. The gardens should be in place by March, after which city residents can S O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
start to sow their survival gardens and get them ready before a fall harvest. — Torrey Kim
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 92) 9
E T A W
T h e W r at h O f
Water FROM HURRICANES TO FLOODS AND BEYOND, WATER CAN POSE MASSIVE DANGER! WATER.
IT’S ONE OF EARTH’S MOST ENTICING ELEMENTS … FROM A GURGLING STREAM TO SUNLIGHT DANCING OFF A PRISTINE LAKE TO THE INEFFABLE BEAUTY OF A WATERFALL.
But there’s another side to the story, as water can also be wrathful and
deadly … whether that’s a Category 5 hurricane along the East or Gulf Coast, a Midwestern flood or a flash flood in Southern California. Water. Be prepared.
In This Section…
• Hurricane Preparation • First-Person Survival of Hurricane Sandy
• The Future of Weather and its Impact • Before, During, After: Flood Safety Checklist • Dry Food Preservation
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
12
The Line Of Fire Understanding Hurricane Mechanics Can Help You Determine your Odds of Riding Out the Next Big Storm By Erin Hatfield
K
ATRINA. FRAN. AUDREY. ANDREW. SUMMER AND AUTUMN ARE BOTH OPTIMAL SEASONS TO
TRAVEL TO THE COAST FOR
SOME REST AND RELAXATION. BUT DEPENDING ON WHERE YOUR PLANS TAKE YOU, YOUR TRIP COULD BE SABOTAGED BY A BIG THREAT. IN THE PAST, THOSE VACATION DESTROYERS HAVE HAD NAMES LIKE KATRINA, FRAN, AUDREY, AND ANDREW … HURRICANES THAT DEVASTATED CITIES AND UPROOTED PEOPLE FROM THEIR COMMUNITIES.
14
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
15
HURRICANE Between June 1 and November 30 each
“Inland, flooding and strong winds can wreak havoc on property. Rain from hurricanes can saturate the ground, causing trees to blow over …” — Dr. Mark Bourassa, associate professor of meteorology
year, hurricane safety and survival are the highest priorities for many residents along the East and Gulf Coasts. While the forecasted number of storms varies from year to year, one thing remains the same—the science behind hurricanes. Understanding hurricanes and knowing how to prepare when one is forecasted for your area can help you survive the next big storm that has the U.S. in its sights.
THE PERFECT STORM Atlantic hurricanes, also referred to as tropical cyclones, most often form off the western coast of Africa, near the equator. It’s there that one of a hurricane’s key ingredients exists in abundance—warm water. According to Dr. Mark Bourassa, an associate professor of meteorology at Florida State University, the warm water gives off water vapor as it evaporates. This warm air rises, where it encounters cooler air that causes it to condense, forming clouds and rain. This
S E O D A N R O T
WHEN HURRICANES SPAWN TORNADOES When a hurricane makes landfall, it can trigger other weather phenomena, including tornadoes. Traveling over land produces friction that slows a hurricane’s ground-level winds. However, the winds that are aloft, or near the top of the storm, often maintain their momentum and speed. This wind speed difference sets up a fairly strong vertical wind shear that provides ideal conditions for tornado development. While tornadoes can form anywhere, these conditions are more prevalent on the right front side of a hurricane, particularly in rainbands. Hurricanes can spawn tornadoes within a day or two prior to landfall and up to three days after it hits. Historically, most tornadoes occur on the day of landfall, but some of the most damaging tornado outbreaks took place up to two days later. Hurricanes on record that spawned tornadoes include Beulah (1967), Danny (1985), Beryl (1994) and Ivan (2004).
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
16
DID YOU KNOW?
KNOW THE HURRICANE CATEGORIES
Just before it made landfall in Louisiana, Hurricane Katrina had sustained winds of 175 mph, a strong Category 5 storm. The storm had weakened to a Category 3 by the time the eye crossed land on Aug. 29, 2005.
Hurricanes can grow to hundreds of miles wide and contain dozens of thunderstorms and multiple weather fronts. As the storms increase in intensity, hurricanes are labeled according to strength in the following categories: • • • • •
Category 1: Wind speed 74-95 mph Category 2: Wind speed 96-110 mph Category 3: Wind speed 111-130 mph Category 4: Wind speed 131-155 mph Category 5: Wind speeds in excess of 155 mph
200 175 150 125 100 75 25 50 0
Excess of 155 mph
5 4 3 2 1 131-155 mph
111-130 mph
96-110 mph
74-95 mph
CATEGORY 1
process makes way for more warm moist air to enter the developing system while also producing a great deal of energy and heat. A hurricane is stacked vertically, like a pipe, and the system requires strong surface winds to feed surrounding air into that pipe and provide a continual source of tropical air. “One of the key factors in hurricane development is the wind pattern,” explains Bourassa. “In order for a system to transition from a thunderstorm to a hurricane, the winds closer to the ocean’s surface must be stronger than those that
CATEGORY 2
CATEGORY 3
“Bourassa and his family have ‘hurricane nights’ several times a year during which they prepare meals without any power.”
are aloft or higher in the atmosphere. This
CATEGORY 4
CATEGORY 5
Storm sizes can vary greatly, he says. “We’ve had small storms like Wilma (2005) and larger systems like Isaac (2012),” he notes. But take away any of the components of a system, and it dissipates. Passing over land, cold water or encountering dry air all significantly reduce the energy a tropical cyclone is able to generate.
THE DANGERS Each storm carries with it unique dangers, ranging from wind to flooding to storm surge, that can affect both those along the coast and inland.
enables the system to continue to pull in more warm, moist air to feed
Well in advance of a storm, deadly rip currents affect beaches, making
itself and being the telltale cyclone pattern.”
swimming extremely hazardous. Higher seas are also a leading concern,
When the warm air and energy meet up with ideal wind conditions, a
especially for ships at sea. Hurricanes are also known to spawn tornadoes
tropical system develops. As the system grows and becomes more orga-
(see sidebar on page 16).
nized, what began as a thunderstorm moves through three stages as it
During a storm surge, the winds within the hurricane push water
strengthens—tropical depression (winds of 38 mph or less), tropical storm
toward the shore. When combined with regular astronomical tides, water
(winds between 39-73 mph) and then hurricane (wind speeds greater than
can rise several feet above normal levels, leading to flooding that damages
74 mph).
roads, buildings and trees. The storm surge during Hurricane Katrina
“Once a storm reaches hurricane status, it often has three characteris-
caused many of the storm’s more than 1,500 deaths, either directly or
tics—wind speed of at least 74 mph, a defined eye and eye wall and low
indirectly, the National Hurricane Center notes.
barometric pressure,” Bourassa says.
“The storm surge is the most prevalent side effect of a hurricane,”
17
HURRICANE High Risk Areas In addition to size and intensity, what makes hurricanes so deadly and dangerous depends on where they land. Following are high-risk areas:
KEY TIP • Louisiana
• Florida Keys and Miami
• Mississippi
• North and South Carolina
• Houston, Texas
• Long Island, NY
Consider having “hurricane nights” several times a year, during which you prepare meals without any power. This enables you to determine the best foods for your survival kit.
Bourassa says. “Naturally, a larger hurricane can trigger a larger storm surge. Also, storms that track along the coast, like Dennis in 2005, can create a bigger surge.” But Bourassa advises that those inland are not immune from a hurricane’s effects. “Inland, flooding and strong winds can wreak havoc on property,” he says. “Rain from hurricanes can saturate the ground, causing trees to blow over onto homes, automobiles, power lines and roadways.” People who live near the coast, in a floodplain, or near a river or other waterway are particularly at risk of flooding.
BE PREPARED If you find yourself projected to be in the path of a hurricane, regardless of size, ensure that you are well prepared. This includes having a survival kit on-hand that contains a portable radio, flashlight, batteries, candles, matches, non-perishable food and water for each household member, including pets. You should also prepare your home and
CHECKLIST FOR SURVIVAL • Survival kit that contains a portable radio, flashlight, batteries, candles, matches, non-perishable food and water for each household member, including pets. • At home, bring in or secure any furniture
property. Bring in or secure any furniture or
• Board up windows
other items in the yard that might blow away
• Secure or dry dock any watercraft
in strong wind, board up windows, and secure
• Fill your car with gas
or dry dock any watercraft. Fill your car with
• Know the routes to your nearest evacuation shelters
gas in case evacuation is imminent, and know the routes to your nearest evacuation shelters. When deciding whether or not to evacu-
• When deciding whether to evacuate, listen to authorities as well as your instincts. • Practice your plan • Pay attention to local weather forecasts
ate, listen to authorities as well as your
18
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
“The improved accuracy of hurricane tracking is very beneficial,”
instincts. Regardless of local recommendations or mandates, evacuate if you feel you or your family is in danger. And don’t forget to practice. Bourassa and his family have “hurricane nights” several times a year during which they prepare meals
he says. “The deadliest hurricane in U.S. history hit Galveston, Texas, in 1900, during which nearly 8,000 people died because they had no warning.”
without any power. This enables them to determine the best foods for their survival kit, because “you need food you’re willing to eat if
RISE IN HURRICANES
you don’t have access to power, restaurants or stores,” he says. O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
Most importantly, pay attention to local weather forecasts. While
While recent statistics show a rise in hurricane activity, by plan-
technology cannot predict a hurricane’s exact path, especially once it
ning ahead and knowing the dangers one of these storms can bring,
makes landfall, Bourassa indicates that the average error in landfall
you can help ensure you and your family makes it through safely. The Writer: Erin Hatfield is a freelance writer based on the East Coast.
prediction has greatly decreased in recent years.
19
IN THE EY How a Staff Writer and Her Son Endured While Stranded in New York During Hurricane Sandy By Kristin Webb-Hollering
K C O T S K N I H T
20
| A rare blackout was seen in Manhattan following Sandy’s devastating effects. |
E OF FEAR W
E WERE THERE WHEN MOTHER
We travelled all over Manhattan the weekend before the storm via
NATURE UNLEASHED HER FURY.
taxi, subway and foot, ignoring the weather alerts and enjoying the
A FUN BUT HECTIC WEEKEND OF
balmy fall breezes and sights of the bustling metropolis. On Sunday Oct.
EXPLORING NEW YORK’S AMAZING
28th, we woke early to head to LaGuardia Airport so we could make
COLLEGES WITH MY SON, BEN, WAS
our way back to our North Carolina home.
THE PLAN FOR THE LAST WEEKEND OF OCTOBER 2012.
The last thing we expected to endure on our quick college tour was
Surely, arriving at the airport four hours before our flight would provide us the security of a timely exit ahead of the storm, we thought.
finding out what happens when one of the world’s busiest cities gets
Unfortunately, we were wrong. The vacation was over, and the frustra-
slammed by a superstorm.
tion and fear had just begun.
21
SANDY
If you fear you’ll be trapped by a storm, withdraw as much cash as you can. When the electricity fails, credit cards might not work for your purchases.
DELAYS, CLOSINGS As we left our midtown hotel on that fate-
Finally, word spread that all the airports were definitely closing. By this time, all the
“Tuesday and Wednesday were a mess of chaos, shortages and frustration.”
ful Sunday, people were starting to get wor-
rental cars were gone, the buses and subways
ried in the city as the mayor announced sub-
were closed and there were only a few bridges
HURRICANE SANDY
way, bus and bridge closings.
left open to get back into the city.
BY THE NUMBERS
We felt safe knowing that we had plenty
We waited in line at the airport for two
of time—days, in fact—before Hurricane
hours to reschedule our flight for Wednesday
Sandy was supposed to hit. Our taxi sped
and caught a taxi at twice the normal price to
through the thickening traffic, and our safety
go back into Manhattan. There was nowhere
check through security was quick as well. As
else to go. We were officially stuck.
soon as we got to the gate for our 4:30 p.m. flight, things started to deteriorate, and it was only 10:30 in the morning.
SURVIVAL 101
Despite the hurricane being a day and a
Because I write for American Survival Guide,
$1.08 BILLION At press time, th e amount of money that had been approved by the government to assist in the recovery from Hurricane Sandy, FEMA notes.
half from landfall in the Northeast, the airlines
being aware in times of crisis is part of my job.
35
were getting jittery about its path. Delays
While everyone was fretting about cancelled
began to lengthen because pilots and staff
flights, I booked a room at a midtown Manhat-
couldn’t reach LaGuardia, then rumors started
tan hotel on the east side that was close to
The number of disaster recovery centers that were set up in New York
to fly that the airport was completely shutting
grocery stores, restaurants and other ameni-
33
down.
ties.
The number of disaster recovery centers that were set up in in New Jersey
People began panicking, fighting with each
Before leaving the airport, I had gone to
other over where they could charge their
an ATM and withdrew as much money as I
electronics, frantically arguing with hostile air-
could. A good rule of thumb when anticipating
line employees for any information, and stock-
a flood disaster is to move to higher ground
piling beverages and food from the closing
and make sure you have cash. The low-lying
shops.
and coastal areas will sustain the most water
Mostly, we were all despairing due to the hopeless situation of potentially being stranded in an airport during an oncoming hurricane. It
6 The number of disaster recovery centers that were set up in Connecticut
6,538 The storm prompted this number of FEMA personnel to be deployed “to support response operations, including search and rescue, situational awareness, communications and logistical support in states affected by the storm,” FEMA said.
6 MILLION The number of residents who lost power
$50 BILLION The total estimated damage by various government sources
damage and will cause the electricity to go out, making anything but cash useless. As soon as we checked in and dropped off
is incredible how alliances with strangers are
our bags, we ordered from room service and
formed in the worst of times. Money was
requested extra condiments, utensils and
loaned, rides were shared, emails and numbers
glasses. Stockpiling supplies should always be a
exchanged, and I was inspired by the humanity
priority in a disaster to ensure sanitation and
and kindness of others.
sustenance.
22
It’s a good idea to stock up on ice if a storm is approaching. This way, if your power goes out, you can still keep your perishables cold.
K C O T S K N I H T
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SANDY Instead of sleeping, we for-
were a mess of chaos, shortages
aged for goods at the local all-
and frustration. Desperately, I
night grocery stores. Most of the
tried to get back to North Car-
stores had been ransacked by
olina. First, I stood in line for two
earlier customers, but we didn’t
hours to rent a car because the
give up. We walked several
phones weren’t working. The
blocks, carrying bags loaded with
rental cars were sold out by the
bottled water, food and medicine.
time I got close to the counter
When we got back to the
because there was no way for
hotel at midnight, the lobby was
previous renters to return them
packed with crazed travelers.
to the still closed-off city.
Most people were in a state of
Next, I fought for five hours
shock, both celebrating and cry-
on the phone to get through to
ing about their situations. I told
the airline, only to discover that
“People began panicking, fighting with each other over where they could charge their electronics, frantically arguing with hostile airline employees …” my son not to worry and to keep
nothing was leaving New York
Floods often occur without warning or excessive rains. If the weather has been cool and the waters are high, then just one rainstorm can cause Ia accepted flood. walking through to already the room. until Thursday.
It was a 40-minute wait to
that,
and booked a flight for Thursday
use the elevators, so we walked
night. By this time, all of the local
the six flights up to our room. As
restaurants had run out of food,
soon as we arrived, I filled our
spirits and energy; the grocery
sink and ice bucket with ice to
stores’ shelves were empty and
keep things cold because we
there were no employees at the
didn’t have a refrigerator. After
hotel to even run room service.
such an exhausting and frustrating
We were lucky we’d planned
day, we both collapsed.
ahead and stockpiled supplies
Being stuck in a city during a hurricane often means that bridges will flood and roads out will be dangerous to travel.
prior to the storm.
CHAOS AND ESCAPE
As we traipsed around New York City that Wednesday, shoulder to shoulder with other
I have been to New York
survivors, we planned our exit.
City many times, and never have I
The streets were packed with
seen it so quiet as the day Sandy
revelers, due mostly to the lack
hit. As we walked around the city
of public transportation and the
that Monday, we saw very few
need to find both food and WiFi.
people venturing out. The police presence was strong as they tried to keep citi-
Things were festive in the city, and people were ready to leave and explore. We could see
zens safe and indoor with rain
that a shuttle would be impossi-
pouring, debris and glass flying,
ble and the bus lines were close
and electricity out all over the
to three hours long, so finally,
city. Only small businesses and
when that Thursday dawned, we
sandwich shops seemed to be
woke early, hired a car, and got
open, and their supplies quickly
to JFK.
dwindled as the day became
SECOND CITY EVACUATION EVER
Luck was on our side—we
night. We went to sleep not
were able to get an earlier
knowing what to expect on
flight—and despite losing our lug-
Tuesday.
gage on the way, we finally found
Tuesday and Wednesday
Evacuating a city as big as New York is a huge undertaking—and officials wouldn’t venture such a feat unless citizens were facing a huge threat. That was the case with Hurricane Sandy, which had been downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone when it hit New York City, but was nonetheless destructive. “In preparation, the City issued the second-ever mandatory evacuation of coastal areas on October 28, 2012,” the City of New York wrote on nyc.gov. Sandy carried winds blowing up to 85 miles per hour, as well as peak storm surge of 13.88 feet. Source: www.NYC.gov.
our way home. 24
“It is incredible how alliances with strangers are formed in the worst of times.”
K C O T S K N I H T
MORE EXTREME, MORE OFTEN More Storms Are Packing A Greater Wallop, But Scientists Can’t Say If The Trend Will Continue By Torrey Kim
Once a storm is approaching land, it’s easier to predict its path; however, it can be more difficult to project storm patterns several years in advance.
P
OWER. MOTHER NATURE STYLE. THE KIND THAT CAN DROP A CITY TO ITS KNEES. TO THE TUNE OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND
“… things that are more extreme are happening more frequently, but whether that’s a normal trend or whether it’s going to change is very hard to say.” — Climatologist Laurence
THOUSANDS OF FATALITIES. WILL THE FUTURE BRING MORE OF THESE? SCIENTISTS AREN’T SURE, BUT THEY CERTAINLY ANTICIPATE STORMS THAT PACK A WALLOP.
“I look at climate with two aspects: intensity (how hot or cold) and vari-
ability, which describes how much the weather varies from one week to the next,” says climatologist Laurence S. Kalkstein, PhD, a professor at the Uni-
Kalkstein, PhD
versity of Miami and the past president of the International Society of Biometeorology. “Variability has increased. Things that are more extreme are happening more frequently, but whether that’s a normal trend or whether it’s going to change is very hard to say. We’ve only been taking records for 120 years, and that’s a very short period. But I think it’s safe to say that strong events, due to that variability increase, have been occurring more fre K C O T S K N I H T
quently.” It’s also safe to say, as you’re about to see, that predictions are not easy.
25
CLIMATE “ it’s safe to say that strong events, due to that variability increase, have been occurring more frequently.”
WHEN IS HURRICANE SEASON?
— Climatologist Laurence Kalkstein, PhD
Most of us keep our eyes tuned to the weather between June 1 and Nov. 30, because that’s the official period of “hurricane season.” However, if you’re near the water, you should know that hurricanes can actually strike any time; it’s just that those are the dates when the ocean conditions are most ripe for storms. “June 1 is no magic number,” Kalkstein says. “Hurricanes don’t pay attention to the dates. The probability for hurricanes increases as water warms and reaches a peak in September or early October at the warmest and air aloft is at its calmest. However, it’s possible that a hurricane can occur other times of year if the conditions are right.”
Under the right conditions, a hurricane can hit any time of year, even though June 1 through Nov. 30 is typically considered “hurricane season.”
THREE TOP KILLERS
1
HURRICANE KATRINA 2005
2
HURRICANE HUGO 1989
3
HURRICANE ANDREW 1992
Whether more storms have formed recently or the weather service has simply assigned names to more of them is difficult to say.
Katrina, which caused more than $75 billion in damages, was responsible for approximately 1,200 reported deaths, including about 1,000 in Louisiana and 200 in Mississippi. Seven additional deaths occurred in southern Florida. Katrina caused catastrophic damage in southeastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi. Storm surge along the Mississippi coast caused total destruction of many structures, with the surge damage extending several miles inland. Similar damage occurred in portions of southeastern Louisiana southeast of New Orleans.
Hugo was responsible for 21 deaths in the mainland United States, five more in Puerto Rico and the U. S. Virgin Islands, and 24 more elsewhere in the Caribbean. Damage estimates are $7 billion in the mainland United States and $1 billion in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
This storm was responsible for 23 deaths in the United States and three more in the Bahamas. The hurricane caused $26.5 billion in damage in the United States. Damage in the Bahamas was estimated at $250 million. — National Weather Service
BY THE DECADES
Category 1 2 3 4 5
VARIATIONS OF CATEGORY STORMS
1961-1970 1971-1980 1981-1990 1991-2000 2001-2004
3 6 9 3 4
5 2 1 6 2
4 4 4 4 2
1 0 1 0 1
1 0 0 1 0
MAJOR TOTAL # HURRICANES OF ALL HURRICANES (CAT 3, 4 AND 5)
14 12 15 14 9
6 4 5 5 3
AVERAGE PER DECADE | 1851-2004 CATEGORY 1
CATEGORY 3
CATEGORY 5
CATEGORY 2
CATEGORY 4
ALL (1-5)
7.1
4.7
26
4.6 1.2
0.2
17.7
MAJOR (3-5)
6.0
— National Weather Service
K C O T S K N I H T
THE PROBLEM OF PREDICTIONS If you’ve got your eye on the weather every night during the news, you’re quite familiar with the fact that many
MAN’S IMPACT ON WARMING
storms can be predicted with accuracy at least a few days before they approach your town. What’s more difficult is predicting how many storms will hit the United States over the course of a year—particularly when more issues are involved than just storm fronts. Climatologists study previous and current weather patterns and then use that data to project what could happen in the future. However, as any frequent viewer of weather reports can tell you, predictions aren’t always accurate. The reason is because many factors go into the whole picture of the weather. Such is definitely the case with big storms such as hurricanes. “We have to be careful with storm predictions,” says Kalkstein. “The future of hurricanes is dependent on so many variables that it’s hard to predict.” For instance, he notes, it may appear obvious that as water temperatures rise, there should be more hurricanes,
“Hurricanes also need high pressures aloft so the air from the hurricane rises and exits the storm,” Kalkstein says. “Warm temperatures without the aloft pressures will not be favorable to hurricanes. Then there’s the fact that El Ninos usually coincide with low periods of hurricanes in the Atlantic and no one knows
Although mos t scientists agree that the planet has gotten warmer, it’s unclear to many climatologists whether humans have caused the increased temperatures. “I don’t believe that they’ll be able to scientifically say for sure whether humans have caused warming in our lifetime,” claims climatologist Laurence S. Kalkstein, PhD. “It will take more climate research to determine that.” In addition, “some climatologists point to recent colder than usual temperatures in Russia to argue that global warming arguments are specious,” Kalkstein says. “So although many scientists think warming will make a huge impact on our lives, we don’t know the numerical odds of that happening.”
what the frequency of El Ninos will be.”
NAMES, FREQUENCY If you’re ready to move far from the water due to the fact that additional storms seem to hit the U.S. every year, it’s possible that you’re just familiar with the names of them—not with the damage. “We’ve definitely had an increased number in named storms, but it appears that the news—because of better observing equipment and maybe biases—is calling more storms by name,” Kalkstein says. He points to the fact that although Hurricane Katrina was a huge storm, “after Katrina, we didn’t have a landfalling hurricane for several years, so many of them peaceably go out to sea. So then the question becomes not how many hurricanes there are, but how many will hit the U.S., and projecting that is highly uncertain.”
but that isn’t always the case.
GLOBAL WARMING
records), the results show that climate is cyclical. We’ve been through
Although scientists tend to agree that the temperature has risen
all kinds of periods, multi-decadal warm periods and cool periods. I
over the past several years, it may be too soon to say whether that’s a
believe the climate has warmed maybe a degree or so even though
long-term cycle or what our role as humans has been in potentially
there are some cold periods, but in my opinion, we can’t say for cer-
creating a warmer planet.
tain whether it’s linked to humans.”
“I’ve studied climate my whole life, and I can say I don’t know the
One thing that appears to be certain is that powerful storms will
answer,” Kalkstein says. “In Europe, where they’ve had records for
continue to hammer the U.S.
longer than we have (although they may not be thermometer
K C O T S K N I H T
Although many scientists agree that the planet is getting warmer, many question whether that’s related to human-created issues or a cyclical trend.
27
AMBER WAVES OF RAIN
The Complete Guide To Protecting Yourself From Floods
By Kristin Webb-Hollering
28
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
P
ICTURE AMBER WAVES OF GRAIN. NOW PICTURE THEM BURIED UNDER FEET OF WATER DUE TO FLOODING ACROSS AMERICA’S HEARTLAND. THIS IS THE REALITY OF WHAT HAPPENS EACH YEAR IN PARTS OF THE MIDWEST.
Many people consider the Midwest to be a refuge to avoid the nasty natural disasters that pummel our coasts. Although flood-
ing has always been a worry among Midwesterners due to the depth and width of the mighty Mississippi River, the chance of this devastating calamity is increasing and spreading thanks to climate change and other factors. Fires are also a common occurrence, with expanding droughts across much of this beloved region. Despite the growing natural dangers in the Midwest, there are precautions you can take to safeguard yourself and your family against these ravaging risks.
29
FLOODS
Kids may not understand why they’re unable to play outside or go out in the car following a flood. Always remind them about the hidden dangers to ensure their safety.
WHY A WATERY MESS The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (www.noaa.gov) is the chief resource for issues of climate change and the resulting effects in the United States. The agency, along with the National Weather Service (www.weather.gov), suggests that unusually high rainfall, melting snow from the surrounding Black Hills and Badlands regions, and oversaturated riverbanks have been the chief contributors to the increased flooding among the Midwest’s rivers. Another major factor, which continues to be a determinant for loss of property and life along the riverbanks and the coasts, is the American lust for waterfront property. Buildings have gone up all along the water with absolute disregard for basic geography, and people are paying with their homes and their lives for the luxury of a waterfront home and view.
AFTER THE FLOODS RECEDE: THE TOP DANGERS
• Gas leaks • Downed live power lines • Unstable structures • Raw sewage
SURVIVE A FLOOD If your dream has always been to live near the water, then an action plan for escape should be part of your dream as well. With any natural disaster, preparedness is the key to survival. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (www.fema.gov) and NOAA have put together detailed flood maps and evacuation routes to help citizens keep afloat. In addition, you should check your town’s websites, schools and community centers for flood shelters if your home is damaged or unreachable. Discussing your options and where to meet with your family before the flood is essential because you may not be together. Lastly, organizing a backpack with essentials like cash, copies of your identification information and a first aid kit are crucial and should be kept at K C O T S K N I H T
home, in your car and at your workplace.
30
MAKE SURE CHILDREN KNOW When talking to your kids about flooding, make sure they know the hidden dangers, what to avoid and where to go. For example, gas leaks, downed live power lines, unstable structures and raw sewage are the biggest culprits of death after the flood recedes. Remind school age children that you will come to them if they are at school or a friend’s when a flood strikes. FEMA and the American Red Cross (www.americanredcross.org) have excellent and detailed ideas, books and pamphlets for discussing flood preparation, escape and survival with children.
TOP 10 STATES WITH THE
WHERE FLOODING HITS HARD
MOST ANNUAL FLOODS
1 Texas
6
175
587
Iowa 8
2 Missouri 3
7
173
280
4
6 7
202
9
Indiana
4 Pennsylvania
2
3
Illinois
10 5
172
New York 157
192
Kansas
8 9
1
5 Kentucky
135
187
West Virginia
10
Source: www.weather.com/blog/weather/8_20264.html Note: These are the states that experienced the m ost floods over the 10-year period from 1999 to 2008, according to the Weather Channel:
Floods often occur without warning or excessive rains. If the weather has been cool and the waters are already high, then just one rainstorm can cause a flood.
“If your dream has always been to live near the water, then an action plan for escape should be part of your dream as well.”
K C O T S K N I H T
31
FLOODS Watching the weather and being aware of flood alerts is the first step to getting out in time. If it has been raining steadily for hours or days, you should be ready to get out quickly, or you may get stuck due to impassable roads or swept away in a
FLOOD FACTS • Some floods develop slowly, while others, such a flash floods, can develop in just a few minutes and without visible signs of rain.
flash flood or rising river waters. The rule of thumb in any flood zone is to get to higher ground as quickly as possible. Walking or driving the evacuation routes through the flood zone before a flood hits will show you how quickly you can get to higher ground in an emergency.
How Lust Impacts Damage
“Another major factor … is the American lust for waterfront property.”
BE READY Just because you live in the
• Additionally, floods can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states. • Flash floods can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall, a dam or levee failure, or a sudden release of water held by an ice jam. Flash flo ods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water carrying rocks, mud and other debris. — FEMA
“ … the chance of this devastating calamity is increasing and spreading thanks to climate change.”
heartland doesn’t mean you’re safe from nature’s wrath. Be vigilant and aware of the dangers before they arise to ensure that your family won’t face devastation from floods. Kristin Webb-Hollering is a journalist based in North Carolin a. The rule of S I thumb in any flood is to get to Hzone higher ground Tas quickly as Epossible. Knowing Z the evacuation I routes through the Rflood zone before a Oflood hits will show how quickly Myou you can get to Ehigher ground in an Memergency. K C O T S K N I H T
32
FLOOD SAFETY CHECKLIST BEFORE, DURING, AFTER BEFORE ONE
Check your town’s websites, schools and community centers for flood shelters if your home is damaged or unreachable.
TWO
Discussing your options and where to meet with your family before the flood is essential because you may not be together. THREE
AFTER
Organize a backpack with essentials like cash, copies of your identification information and a first aid kit. Keep one at home, in your car and at work.
ONE
FOUR
Watch the weather and be aware of flood alerts. FIVE
Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home. Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk. Consider installing "check valves" to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home. If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.
DURING ONE
Listen to the radio or television for information.
WHY SO MUCH MIDWEST FLOODING?
TWO
• Unusually high rainfall • Melting snow from the surrounding Black Hills and Badlands regions • Oversaturated riverbanks
Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
Floods like this one in Minnesota can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage in a single day.
THREE
Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain. FOUR
If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following: • Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor. • Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. FIVE
If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips: • Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving.
K C O T S K N I H T
33
Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you. • Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly. • Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions.
Use local alerts and warning systems to get information and expert informed advice as soon as available. TWO
Avoid moving water. THREE
Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire or relief organization. FOUR
Emergency workers will be assisting people in flooded areas. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way. FIVE
Play it safe. Additional flooding or flash floods can occur. Listen for local warnings and information. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately and climb to higher ground. SIX
Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe. Roads may still be closed because they have been damaged or are covered by water. Barricades have been placed for your protection. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, go another way. SEVEN
If you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded. • Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines. • Flooding may have caused familiar places to change. Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways. Flood debris may hide animals and broken bottles, and it's also slippery. Avoid walking or driving through it. • Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car. • Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters. • Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
Ration Ready Dried Food Items—Such as Beans, Jerky and Spices—Are Among the Easiest To Prepare, Store And Transport By Wendy Wilson
IF
OOD IS ESSENTIAL TO SURVIVAL. IN A DISASTER SITUATION, THE POWER MAY GO OUT, LEAVING
YOUR REFRIGERATOR OR FREEZER VIRTUALLY USELESS. GROCERY STORE SHELVES WILL BE EMPTIED, AND
RESTAURANTS WON’T BE SERVING MEALS. FOOD WILL, NO DOUBT, BE A HOT COMMODITY IN A WORST-CASE SITUATION. SIMILARLY, IF YOU’RE IN THE WILDERNESS, YOU WON’T HAVE ACCESS TO URBAN OR SUBURBAN CONVENIENCES. YOU’LL HAVE TO FEND FOR YOURSELF RESOURCES
USING WHAT’S IN YOUR PACK ALONG WITH NATURE’S RESOURCES.
You and your family will need access to food, and dried items are among the easiest to prepare, store and transport. Here’s a quick rundown of some dried, portable edibles to keep in your cellar or go-
For more information about dehydrating foods, check out How T o Dry Fo ods: T he Mo st Com plete Guid e To D rying F oods At H ome , Deanna DeLong (Penguin Group, 2006 ).
bag and how to best store them.
SHELL BEANS, LEGUMES Dried shell beans and legumes—
Choosing You can purchase dried beans and legumes from your grocer, or you can grow and dry your own. When you
such as black beans, garbanzo beans,
grow your own, let the beans partially
lentils, split peas and soybeans—are a
dry on the plant. Harvest them when
staple in most pantries thanks to their
the pod turns light brown and the
long shelf life and versatility. These lit-
seeds are mature. Place the pods in a
tle protein-, starch- and fiber-rich
cloth sack and hang it in a warm place
morsels also travel well. Plus, some
for up to two weeks to finish drying.
beans and legumes can be sprouted
When completely dry, shake or hit
and grown (or eaten). They’re a per-
the sack to break the pods and
fect item to have on hand—just in
release the seeds. Remove the pods
case.
and pour off the beans. Store them as you would purchased beans.
34
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
FOUR STEPS TO
Storing and Shelf Life
PERFECTION
When properly dried and stored in an airtight, moistureproof container in a cool, dry place, shell beans and legumes can be kept indefinitely. They will take some effort to cook, as
HOMEGROWN BEANS, LEGUMES ONE
Let the beans partially dry on the plant.
you’ll need a heat source, water O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
TWO
But if you have access to those
Harvest them when the pod turns light brown and the seeds are mature.
a ready source of nutrition for you and your family.
Place the pods in a cloth sack and hang it in a warm place for up to two weeks to finish drying.
“ … dried items are among the easiest to prepare, store and transport.”
FOUR
and a pot in which to cook them. essentials, the beans will provide
THREE
When completely dry, shake or hit the sack to break the pods and release the seeds. Remove the pods and pour off the beans.
35
D Dried foods packaged in individual portions are Oideal for survival-type scenarios. Combine some Odried fruits and nuts in an airtight plastic bag for an Fenergy-dense snack. Toss together some jerky and dried vegetables for a midday meal. And Tpieces for dessert, pack some fruit leather. These on-the Sgo meals are lightweight and low volume—perfect Afor whatever situation you encounter. F
DRY
DRIED MEATS, JERKY
ready-made jerky in your local market, or you can make your own. If you make your own, be sure to fol-
Who doesn’t love a good jerky?
low tested recipes that use proper tem-
The salted, seasoned, sometimes
perature and drying time, as certain dis-
smoked raw meat dried in an oven was a
ease-causing microorganisms, like salmo-
favorite among pioneers—and it’s still a
nella and E. coli, may be present in raw
popular snack today. Because most of the
meats and survive the drying process if
moisture is removed from the meat dur-
not heated to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
ing the drying process, jerky can be stored without refrigeration, making it ideal for survival situations. The addition of salt and sodium nitrate extends the
160 HIT 160 FOR JERKY
If you make your own jerky, follow tested recipes that use proper temperature
shelf life of jerky even more.
Storing and Shelf Life If you live in a humid area (greater than 30 percent), jerky can be stored at
and drying time.
Why? Certain diseasecausing microorganisms, like salmonella
Choosing
and E. coli, may be present in raw meats and survive the drying process if not heated to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
room temperature for one to two months in an airtight container; if you’re
Just about any lean fish or meat,
in a dryer area, the jerky can be kept in a
including beef, game and lamb, can be
container with a loose-fitting lid or one
turned into jerky. You can purchase
with several holes punched in the lid.
“Food will, no doubt, be a hot commodity in a worst-case situation.”
HERBS, SPICES
Either way, select herbs and spices you use regularly. There’s no sense in stor-
Basil, mint, parsley, ginger—they’re some of the spices of life.
ing a jar full of marjoram if you can’t stand its taste!
Though herbs and spices don’t have much nutritive value and aren’t essential to survival, they make food taste good. Plus, some herbs, like mint and ginger, can be made into tea to ease maladies
Storing And Shelf Life You can dry or dehydrate your
like stomach upset and anxiety. If you
herbs in an electric dehydrator, paper
have room in your storage area, herbs
bags, a warm room or even an oven.
and spices are nice to have around.
When the leaves are sufficiently dry and crumble easily, or when seeds are brit-
Choosing
tle, they’re ready for storage. Ideally, they should be vacuum sealed in a jar or
As with other pantry staples, herbs
E S U O T S D O O F R E H T O
With the right equipment and knowhow, just about any food can be dried and stored. Here are some other ideas for packable, portable dehydrated food products. • Fruits: Sweet, delicious
HOW LONG WILL THEY LAST?
and packed with all-natural energy • Fruit leather: Convenient, portable snack item • Nuts: Full of energizing and satisfying fat
plastic bag; if one isn’t available, an air-
and spices—dried and fresh—may be
tight container will suffice. With proper
sourced from your local market. If you
packaging and storage, herbs and spices
have the time and resources, however,
should keep well for six months to one
consider growing and drying your own.
year.
• Nut butter: A spoonful is all you’ll need
PREPARE YOUR PANTRY
• Vegetables: Crunchy and healthy
ply. As with other food items, be sure to label and rotate them regularly to ensure their
Dry and dehydrated foods should be a part of everyone’s pantry and emergency supfreshness and maximum nutrition. In an emergency situation—whether hurricane, tor-
• Vegetable leather: A savory version of fruit leather
nado, flood, fire or otherwise—you’ll be ready to feed yourself and your family. Wendy Wilson is an award-winning journalist based in Northern California.
SHELL BEANS, LEGUMES
JERKY
HERBS, SPICES
Dry them properly and store in an airtight, moisture-proof container in a cool, dry place.
How: In a humid area, store jerky in an airtight container. In a dryer area, use a loose-fitting lid or one with several holes punched in the lid.
How: Dry or dehydrate your herbs in an electric dehydrator, paper bags, a warm room or even an oven. They should be vacuum sealed in a jar or plastic bag.
Life Expectancy: Indefinitely
Life Expectancy: Two months
Life Expectancy: Six months to one year
How:
36
S O S T O O T H O P H K P C K O C T O S T K S N K I N H I T H T
E T A W
Stay Hydrated, S tay H e a lt h y These Essential And Affordable Products
Will Ensure That You Stay Hydrated On The
Survival Trail
BY SEAN COOPER
THERE’S A GOOD REASON WHY WATER IS CONSIDERED A BASIC REQUIREMENT IN MASLOW’S HIERARCHY OF NEEDS.
While humans can survive for seven to eight weeks without food, you’re
likely to only last three to 10 days without water. While you may be surrounded by rivers and lakes, the water isn’t drinkable until you purify it. The following ways to purify water—including filters, pens, lights and
tablets—ensure that you’ll never be thirsty again.
38
EDITOR’S CHOICE
STERIPEN www.steripen.com Model: Traveler Mini Key Features: Compact, light-
weight, up to 3,000 treatments MSRP: $69.95
buyer’s
Guide
WATER
1
1 STERIPEN
STERIPEN
$69.95
www.steripen.com
Model: Traveler Mini Key Features: Compact,
lightweight, up to 3,000 treatments MSRP: $69.95 Description:
If you’re looking for the smallest, most lightweight water purifier, the Traveler Mini is right up your alley. Weighing just 3.6 ounces, the Traveler Mini is small enough to be carried in any backpack, emergency kit or fanny pack. Don’t let its small size fool you— it can purify water just as effectively as other well-known SteriPENs. Once you get it going, you’ll have half a liter of purified, drinkable water to quench your thirst in less than a minute.
“If you’re looking for the smallest, most lightweight water purifier, the Traveler Mini is right up your alley.”
2 CABELA’S
www.cabelas.com
Model: Katadyn Drinking Water
Tablets Key Features: Compact,
lightweight, easy to stow MSRP: $9.99-14.99 Description:
Looking for the perfect easy-tocarry water purification system? Look no further than Katadyn Drinking Water Tablets. They’re perfect whether you’re going out for an afternoon of hunting or a seven-day unplanned survival excursion into the wilderness. The tablets are compact and lightweight—perfect to fit inside your backpack, so you’ll have fresh drinking water wherever you go. One tiny tablet treats up to 1 liter of water. It comes in your choice of 20 tablets per container or 30 tablets per container. Best of all, it’s aftertaste-free.
2
CABELA’S
$9.99-14.99
3 STERIPEN
www.steripen.com
Model: Journey LCD Key Features: Lightweight, fast, 3
up to 8,000 treatments MSRP: $99.95
STERIPEN
$99.95
Description:
The power is in your hands with the Journey LCD—purify half or 1 liter of water in mere moments. The device’s LCD screen displays useful information, including battery life, countdown clock for water purification and number of uses. With more than 8,000 treatments, you’ll be purifying water for many years to come with this handy tool. Weighing 4.5 ounces, slightly more than the Traveler Mini, it’s worth the extra weight for 5,000 additional treatments, especially if you expect your survival trek to be a long one.
39
buyer’s
Guide
WATER
4
CAMELBACK
5
$99
$9.99
4 CAMELBAK
www.camelbak.com
Model: All Clear Key Features: Weather-resistant cap, portable, LCD screen MSRP: $99 Description: Water bottles are a staple of any outdoor trip, but do you ever wonder how sanitary they are? All Clear washes the germs, allowing it to be a portable purification system conveniently included in your water bottle. Not only is it durable—it lasts up to 10,000 treatments—it can withstand the cold of winter and the heat of summer to deliver fresh drinking water every time. It includes an easy-to-read LCD display, so you’ll always know when your water is germ-free and ready to drink.
5 GLOBAL HYDRATION
www.globalhydration.com Model: Aquatabs Wate r Purification Tablets Key Features: 30 tablets per pack, treats up to 60 quarts MSRP: $9.99 Description: Whether you’re hunting, fishing, hiking or boating, don’t leave home without Aquatabs Water Purification Tablets. Each pack contains 30 powerful water-purifying tablets able to treat up to 60 quarts of water. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll enjoy fresh, great-tasting, aftertaste-free water, each and every time. Unlike some other water treatments, these tablets are iodine-free and safe to handle. They’re ideal for purifying water to drink, washing dishes, brushing your teeth, cooking, and washing fruits and vegetables.
6 COGHLAN’S
www.coghlans.com
Model: Water Filter Key Features: Portable, lightweight, no after-taste MSRP: $25.98 Description: While Coghlan’s Two-Step Drinking Water Treatment is perfect for emergency situations, if you’re looking for a water filter for everyday use, Coghlan’s Water Filter fits the bill. Don’t let its simple name fool you—this portable, lightweight filter is perfect for removing the nastiest of bacteria, such as giardia and other amoeba. The unit is compact and easy to use. It includes a filter, pump, discharge tube, adapter tube and plastic straw. Filter up to 400 quarts of fresh drinking water in less than a minute. It’s perfect for survivalists in any emergency situation.
GLOBAL HYDRATION
HOW MUCH WATER DO YOU NEED DAILY? Humans naturally lose water by breathing, perspiring and using the restroom, so it’s vital to constantly replenish your water supply to avoid becoming dehydrated. While foods like watermelons are a great source of liquid, you’ll need to drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated. The Institute of Medicine recommends that an active, healthy male consume three liters of water per day, while females should consume 2.2 liters.
6
COGHLAN’S
$25.98
40
7
CABELA’S
$12.99
8
COGHLAN’S
$15.28
7 CABELA’S
www.cabelas.com
Model: Frontier Water Filter Straw Key Features: Ultra-lightweight, compact MSRP: $12.99 Description: The Frontier Water Filter Straw is the final frontier of water purification. It’s lightweight and perfect for throwing it into your backpack for a day in the outdoors. It’s compact so you can fit it in your bug-out bag, emergency kit or your car’s glove compartment—or all three. It’s easy to use; no set up is required. You can safely drink from any water, including water holes and rivers. Best of all, it’s economical. At $12.99, this is a small price to pay for clean drinking water wherever you go.
DRINKING WATER BACTERIA WATCH Just like cockroaches, bacteria can survive just about anything to make you sick. Some are rare, while others like salmonella happen all the time. With a proper water purifier you can filter away most of these illnesses that are just waiting to infect you. Here are some of the most prevalent bacteria to avoid.
8 COGHLAN’S
www.coghlans.com
Model: Two-Step Drinking Water Treatment Key Features: Easy to use, no after-taste, includes neutralizer MSRP: $15.28
• Aeromonas species – Bacteria found in water, causing gastric illnesses. • Francisella tularensis – Infection can occur through contaminated drinking water. • Salmonella – Most commonly associated with uncooked meat, but also found in water. • Shigella – Most commonly found in water, but also found in food. • Toxigenic Escherichia coli – Used to test for water contamination. • Yersinia enterocolitica – Found in animals in close proximity to water.
Description: You can ha ve safe, fres h water in two easy steps. Emergency Drinking Water Germicidal Tablets are a must-have in your family’s survival or first aid kit. You never know when you’ll need them, but you’ll be glad you have them. This water purifier packs a one, two punch. Not only does it include Coghlan’s Water Germicidal Tablets, it also includes Coghlan’s Drinking Water Tablets Neutralizer to ensure you always have fresh drinking water wherever you are. It’s effective against common ailments like bacteria, treats up to 25 quarts and is aftertaste-free.
IT IS NOT A QUESTION OF IF, BUT WHEN . . . Earthquake, Tornado, Hurricane, Tropical Storm, Ice Storm, Snow Storm, Wild Fire, Flooding . . . Most of us have experienced a number of these natural disasters in our lifetime. Keeping your SURVIVAL BAG close so you can grab it and have something to help immediately sustain life, could be the difference between living to tell the story and being a statistic. Take it from me, there are things you can do to increase your chances of survival. Let us help you prepare. Log on to www.SurvivalBagsInc.com. Educate yourself, then plan and train, to SURVIVE!! -Mike Haller, President, Survival Bags, Inc. Former U.S. Marine, Police Officer, Volunteer Firefighter & Paramedic
41
S p r i n g ’ s F u ry
N I R P
Prepare now for the most common perils you
might face this spring ENTICING IS SPRING.
IN THE FOREST, TRAILS MEANDER THROUGH THE BEAUTY, AS THE SMELL OF PINE PERMEATES THE AIR. IN LOCAL HILLSIDES, WILD FLOWERS LURE HIKERS OUT OF THE CITIES. ’TIS ALSO THE SEASON TO BEGIN PLANTING YOUR GARDEN.
Spring’s warm, sunny days are here … but hazards underlie spring’s beauty. Preparation is critical.
In This Section…
• Spring First Aid • Three Methods To Signal Rescue Crews
42
• Tips To Prepare Your Garden, So You Can Nourish Your Family
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
LURKING DANGERS How To Avoid Spring’s Hazards And Why You Should Avoid Common First Aid Myths Like the Plague By Torrey Kim
M
OTHER NATURE SHOWS NO FAVORITES. ALTHOUGH SPRING WEATHER DOESN’T NECESSARILY BRING TO MIND THE TYPES
OF PERILS THAT WINTER CAN PRESENT (SUCH AS AVALANCHES AND THIN ICE), DANGERS ARE ALWAYS LURKING THAT CAN JEOPARDIZE YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY. To ensure that your next expedition doesn’t get derailed, consider these quick tips that will keep you safe.
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
43
FIRST
30
The number of people who died from lightning strikes last year
ANTICIPATE LIGHTNING
LIGHTNING SAFETY RULES
With April showers comes lightning,
If you’re caught in a lightning storm, a good rule of thumb is to avoid being, or being
unfortunately, and last year, nearly 30 people
near, the tallest object in any given area,
died from lightning strikes, according to the
Richards says.
National Weather Service. Ensure that you
“In the worst case scenario (being stuck
LOWER RISK LOCATIONS
don’t suffer the same fate by knowing when
in a lightning storm), you can assume a ‘light-
Low rolling hills
the bad weather is coming, and having a plan
ning position,’ ” he says.
to avoid the electrical strike.
THE HEIGHT FACTOR
This means you should insulate yourself
“The most important component of light-
If you’re caught in a lightning storm
ning safety is prevention,” says Gates
avoid being, or being near, the tallest
Richards, M.Ed., special program manager
object in any given area.
with the NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute
chances of multiple casualties,” he says. If someone in your group does get hit by lightning, know that the symptoms aren’t as
Insulate yourself from the ground,
storms, finding relatively low-risk locations
clear-cut as you see in the movies.
protect yourself from the weather,
and practicing a lightning drill before a
stay small and low.
storm.”
chances of multiple casualties.
• Discoloration beyond the puncture wounds and slowly extending back toward the core
WHEN BITTEN, DON’T DO THIS DON’T
Apply ice or tourniquets
“Lightning strikes can produce a wide
If you know a storm is headed your way, Disperse a group to minimize the
• Swelling
“Disperse a group to minimize the
local weather patterns, anticipating oncoming
CROWD BEHAVIOR
• Pain
weather, and stay small and low.
in Lander, Wyoming. “This involves knowing
DO THIS
from the ground, protect yourself from the
SIGNS, SYMPTOMS SNAKEBITES
evaluate the safe locations that are nearby. “Lower risk locations include low rolling
range of injuries, ranging from trauma to neu-
DON’T
rological problems,” Richards says. “Provide
Cut the bite area and suck
supportive care, clean or splint any injuries,
out the venom
and evacuate anyone involved in a li ghtning
hills,” Richards says. “These would be safer
strike. Neurological issues may have delayed
DO NOT USE
places for campsites.”
onset, so it's best to evacuate.”
Electrotherapy
44
K C O T S K N I H T
“The most important component of lightning safety is prevention.” If you know lightning is on its way, take cover somewhere safe immediately, and always avoid being the tallest object in any area.
— Gates Richards, M.Ed., NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute
LIGHTNING PRECAUTIONARY CHECKLIST • Know local weather patterns • Anticipate oncoming storms • Find relatively low-risk locations • Practice a lightning drill before a storm
BIG,
E H T
BAD 3 Rattlesnakes Cottonmouths Copperheads
Encountering bees and wasps is nearly unavoidable in the spring. If someone in your group is allergic to their venom, bring along an epinephrine injector to avoid anaphylaxis.
DEADLY STINGS Spring allergies don’t just involve hay fever and runny noses—they can bring on the potentially deadly sting of bees, wasps and other insects that carry Hymenoptera venom, which is an allergy trigger for thousands of people. Most reactions to bee stings involve local swelling and itching, but for some people, systemic reactions such as anaphylaxis can strike, which could be deadly. If you’re traveling with someone who has a diagnosed Hymenoptera allergy, ensure that an epinephrine prescription K C O T S K N I H T
is in your carry pack (typically in the form of an Epi-Pen).
45
FIRST
“ … the best way to treat a snakebite is to cut the bite, suck out the venom and spit it on the ground, right? NOT SO FAST!”
Always try to avoid snakes, but if you’re bitten, seek medical attention immediately rather than trying a makeshift remedy.
SNAKE NUMBERS
DEADLY BITES
Anyone who has ever seen an old
10,000
cowboy movie knows that the best way to treat a snakebite is to cut the bite, suck out the venom and spit it on the ground, right?
The number of people who will be
Not so fast.
bitten by pit vipers this year
This outdated advice can actually waste precious time that could be spent
10
getting the victim to an emergency care facility. First, know that your chances of dying
The estimated number of people who
from a snakebite are not as high as you
beyond the puncture wounds and slowly
think.
extending back toward the core.”
“It's incredibly uncommon for people
None of the myths out there (ice, tourni-
to die from domestic snakebites in the
quets, cutting the bite and sucking out the
U.S.—fewer than 10 people in any given
venom, electrotherapy) have any use as field
year,” Richards says. “The majority of
treatments, he says.
poisonous snakes native to our part of North America are pit vipers (rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, copperheads).” However, he advises, it's not impor-
“Several will make matters worse,” Richards stresses. The best treatment for a snakebite is to stay splint the extremity and evacuate the patient,
bitten by a snake (or any animal) should
Richards advises.
evaluation.
AVOID THESE COMMON FIRST AID MYTHS
calm, leave the snake alone, clean the wound,
tant to identify the snake, because anyone be evacuated from the backcountry for
die from snakebites each year
If you’re surprised to read that cutting a snakebite and sucking the venom isn’t ideal
“If possible, avoid having the patient walk,”
for snakebite treatment, then you may also
he says. “If not possible, walking is okay, but stay
be making other common first aid mistakes
calm and recognize that for almost all of the
that could end up making your condition
bites are ‘dry’ bites that did not include
10,000 or so people who will be bitten by pit
worse.
envenomation,” Richards says. “If enveno-
vipers this year, wound care will be the bulk of
mation occurs, signs and symptoms
their treatment. Antivenom, if administered, will
against the common home remedy of butter
include pain, swelling, and discoloration
only happen in a clinical setting.”
applied to a burn. Instead, the Red Cross
“Roughly one-third of all pit viper
For instance, the Red Cross advises
says, “treat a burn with cool water. If the burn is severe and starts to blister, make sure to see a doctor. Keep the affected area clean and loosely covered with a dry, sterile dressing.” Likewise, the agency advises, don’t induce vomiting if someone ingests a poison such as a wild mushroom or bad water. Instead, call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222 for advice.
Source: http://www.redcross.org/email/safetynet/ v1n9/firstaid.asp
46
K C O T S K N I H T
’
Farmer s Market “
”
Sure-Fire Steps To Prepare For A Bountiful Spring Harvest By Torrey Kim
H
OW DOES THIS SOUND? IF YOU’VE GOT A PLOT OF LAND THAT’S AMENABLE TO GARDENING, YOUR SURVIVAL PANTRY COULD BE FULL BY
SUMMERTIME, THANKS TO THE ABUNDANT PRODUCE THAT CAN GROW IN NEARLY ANY CLIMATE. GET A LEG UP
ON YOUR SPRING GARDEN BY PREPARING YOUR SOIL AND BUYING SEEDS NOW, SO THEY’LL GERMINATE BEAUTIFULLY THIS SPRING.
“I grow all the vegetables that two people can handle. We can and freeze enough to last the winter.” — Lisa Colburn
Knowing when to harvest your garden is just as important as knowing when to plant it. Bringing the vegetables inside at just the right time will help you deliver optimal taste.
47
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
GARDEN AVOID DIGGING IN FROZEN SOIL You may be eager to get your garden going this spring, but you don’t want to jump the gun and waste time struggling with a rock-hard ground that resists your efforts. “The trick to digging in frozen soil is to avoid doing so,” says Lisa Colburn, author of the “Maine Garden Journal.” “I’ve heard stories of folks leaving a shovel stuck in the soil overnight in November with thoughts of resuming work the next day … but overnight temperatures plummeted and they were unable to free the shovel until the next spring’s thaw. There’s no gardening happening in those conditions.” While sometimes it’s necessary to dig in slightly frozen, crusty soil to harvest winter crops, there is the risk of damaging root crops crushed and scraped by hard, frozen soil and ice crystals, she adds. “Minimize damage by breaking apart frozen chunks of soil at least a foot away from root crops and then working your way closer until you free the crop,” she advises.
TURN BAD SOIL GOOD Many survivalists forego planning fresh produce because they fear their soil is not amenable to germina-
Your survival garden doesn’t need to have uniformly-sized plants—in fact, it ideally should have plants of all sizes and heights at any given time.
tion, but if you’re in this position, don’t give up—you can remedy the problem either by having a fresh layer of soil delivered to you or by cultivating your soil with other ingredients. “I was faced with very bad soil when I moved to my current home in Maine,” Colburn says. “I had solid, almost
Composting not only lessens the amount of waste in your home, but also helps you create organic fertilizer for your garden.
impenetrable clay. For a few years I added lots and lots of organic matter that just seemed to disappear! I finally built raised beds and added great soil. Now, I just add compost every year. I grow all the vegetables that two people can handle. We can and freeze enough to last the winter.”
CALCULATE THESE NUMBERS How does your garden grow? Probably not uniformly, if it’s anything like most gardens, but that’s actually a good thing. Your plants don’t have to grow in perfect unison to ensure that they’re healthy. “I have different sizes and heights,” Colburn says. “I find that at least 8 inches high is best to reduce root competition, and 3 feet wide is easiest to reach across to work in the bed.”
GARDENER’S GOLD Here’s how to get “wealthy” with “gardener’s gold.” • Compost is typically made from organic waste materials that you can combine together; as it decomposes, the ingredients blend together to create essential
48
nutrients that can feed your plants. • Even if your survival garden doesn’t cover vast acres of land, you can still compost using a backyard bin, in which you can place food scraps (such as banana peels and apple cores), grass clippings and other organic matter to get your compost started. • Once the compost is
mature (which can take up to two years), you can apply this natural fertilizer to your soil to make it more welcoming to your plants. Source: Environmental Protection Agency, http://www.epa.gov/compost/t ypes.htm
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
KNOW WHEN TO HARVEST
One of the most delicate balances in gardening is knowing when to harvest your crops. If you do it too soon, the flavor won’t be as robust as you’d like. If you wait too long, you could forfeit not only taste but also precious nutrients. Follow the guidelines on your seed packet to determine the optimal time to bring home your produce. For a comprehensive list, consider reading Cornell University’s “Guidelines for Harvesting
Vegetables,” which offers in-depth advice on each type of food. For instance, the guide advises harvesting carrots at 1- to 2-inch thickness and before the hot weather arrives. Visit www.gardening.cornell. edu/factsheets/vegetables/harvestguide.pdf to read the complete guide. “I have different sizes and heights,” Colburn says. “I find that at least 8 inches high is best to reduce root competition, and 3 feet wide is easiest to reach across to work in the bed.”
START SEEDS INSIDE Optimal germination for most seeds will occur in warm, moist conditions, Colburn says, which means that spring is the best time for most people to plant their produce. But even if you’ve bought seed packs for all of your favorite flavors, don’t sprinkle them around your garden just yet. Instead, determine the optimal time to plant each type of produce, and start them inside your house. “Many catalog companies now have charts that are accurate for figuring out when it’s time to start seed inside,” Colburn says. Johnny’s Seeds (www.johnnyseeds.com/e-PDGSeed-
“The trick to digging in frozen soil is to avoid doing so.” — Lisa Colburn
Start.aspx) has an interactive chart. You simply input your projected frost-free date, and it will tell you when to plant. For instance, if you expect your garden to be free of frost by May 1, you should plant squash or watermelon inside on April 17, and then move the seedlings outside around May 15, the chart indicates.
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
Most seedlings will need to start inside before being relocated to your outdoor garden.
49
K C O T S K N I H T
50
N O W O N E R D S E D E D
T h r R e e s c e M u u e s t C r - K n o e w w s W M e h e t n Y h o d o u s T ’ r e o S S t i g n r a a l n d B y L a r e d r y S c h
Y
w a r t z
OU’RE STRANDED. YOUR CELL PHONE AND RADIO ARE DEAD. YOU’RE VERY
MUCH ALONE. AND POTENTIALLY IN BIG TROUBLE … UNLESS YOU KNOW HOW TO SIGNAL FOR HELP. SIGNALING METHODS CAN BE DIVIDED INTO THREE GENERAL CATEGORIES: AUDIBLE, VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE. ALL THREE CATEGORIES CAN BE USED DURING BOTH DAYTIME AND NIGHTTIME HOURS, AND YOUR SIGNALING STRATEGY SHOULD
51
SIGNAL
You can use a CD or D VD—even if they’re broken—to reflect light and alert a rescuer of your position.
HOW TO AIM A SIGNAL MIRROR You should practice using a signal mirror before heading out with one as your signaling device. You can’t simply flash the light at a plane or vehicle and hope they see it. This technique works with commercial signal mirrors as well as with a CD, DVD or anything reflective with a hole in it.
1
Hold your signal mirror or CD/DVD to your eye and look through the aiming hole.
2
Place your hand in front of you with two fingers held in a “V” shape and move the reflected light onto your hand. You now know where it is and can move it to your target.
3 4
Moving your mirror to keep the light on your hand, move your hand to what you want to signal. Using the hole in your mirror as a rear sight and the space in the “V” between your fingers as the front sight, aim the reflected light at your rescuer and move the mirror up and down or side to side to cause it to flash. Once you’ve aimed correctly, you can drop your hand to avoid blocking the reflected light.
In order for you to flash a light at an aircraft or another searcher, it’s best to not be in a direct line between the sun and your rescuer, since it will be hard to reflect the light from behind you. If you find yourself in this situation, lie on the ground, then use the steps above to signal the rescuer. You don’t need to worry about sending a coded message like SOS. Just the flashing will attract attention.
Did You Know? Three of any sound, evenlyspaced a few seconds apart, is the universal signal for distress. The response is four evenly-spaced sounds.
52
K C O T S K N I H T
use i t’ s o
b e c a i t,
y k n c
NO SIGNAL DOESN’T MEAN NO MESSAGE If you find yourself with a cell phone but no signal, you may still be able to send a message using one of the following methods: Call 911 Anyway. Emergency calls to 911 can be placed via any service provider’s cell tower, so if your carrier doesn’t have coverage where you are, the 911 call may still go through and rescuers can use the towers that picked up your call to help narrow the search area. Send Text Messages. Send a text to a friend who checks text mes-
sages on a regular basis. Text messages take less power and signal strength than voice calls, so even if you don’t have any bars, the text may still transmit. Also, moving even a few feet can make the difference between not having signal and having enough to send the message. I routinely use this technique to send my wife daily updates when I’m backpacking or hunting in wilderness areas. It may not get out until a couple hours later, but it normally does send if there is any cell service in the area at all.
ne o
f t h e
f a
e r g
s t e s t
e
m e
w
r
a
u
y s
o
y
INCLUDE A COMBINATION OF ALL
t
o
n i
n d
e e k
a
i g n a
m e
SIGNALS
Use the signaling devices
l
t i
AUDIBLE
shots) will work better.
s
o
t
THREE.
pressed air horn or gun-
s e
p
t o
d
a
o
o g
o
p
a
s i n r o
h r i a n A
There are many ways to make
t e n t i a l r e s c u e
r
.
that run on power or compressed air sparingly so you’ll
have them available when you
know someone is in the area and will
noise, but you should choose the method
hear them. Also, keep in mind that an audi-
that works best for your weather and the
ble signal works both day and night, and it’s
distance. Things like whistles or banging on
the easiest method to use quickly.
pots work well for medium-range audible
Items to use for audible signals include a whistle, air horn, car horn, banging on
signals, especially if there isn’t any wind. For longer distances or when the wind
pots, gunshots, musical instruments like a
is blowing, something that isn’t powered by
bugle/trumpet or drum, or something to
you or your lungs (like a car horn, a com-
use like a drum.
KNOW THESE THREE GROUND-TO-AIR SIGNALS There are a number of ground-to-air signals, but the following are three to keep in mind:
“V” “x” “V” Indicates you require assistance
“X” Indicates you require medical assistance
ARROW Shows the direction to your location if it isn’t where the signal is. The arrow can also be used to show the direction you’re traveling.
Use anything you have—including footprints in the sand—to let rescuers above know that you need help.
K C O T S K N I H T
53
SIGNAL VISIBLE SIGNALS Viewable signals can either
During the past 10 years, cell phones have come a long seen the emergence of other
be moving or stationary. Mov-
electronic devices called “per-
ing signals, like flares or flashes
sonal locator beacons” that
from a mirror, catch a
allow you to communicate
searcher’s eye because of the
with rescuers or family while
motion. Ground-based (sta-
in the backcountry. These new
tionary) signals work because
emergency communication
they stand out from their envi-
devices are useful tools to
ronment, like a bright fire at
include in your survival/emer-
night or a column of smoke.
gency bag of tricks, and are
Ground-based visual signals
being used by more people
should be visible from all
every year.
directions to maximize the
“Keep in mind that an audible signal works both day and night, and it’s the easiest method to use quickly.”
way, but the decade has also
Some send an emergency
chances of being seen by res-
signal with location informa-
cuers. You can achieve this by
tion, like ACR Electronics
placing them in large, open
ResQLink (www.acrartex.com), to the local search and rescue
“Three of any sound, evenly-spaced a few seconds apart, is the universal signal for distress.”
3
organization, while others, like the SPOT (www.findmespot.com), perform various functions like tracking your location on Google Maps, sending text messages and releasing an emergency signal. Of course, if you have them, satellite phones and even cell phones offer the ability to send both texts and
areas like meadows, or as high
voice messages so you can
on a terrain feature as possible
give your rescuers or family a
like a hilltop or ridgeline.
great deal of detail on where
Things to use for visual signals include a signal mirror,
you are. Things to use for elec-
CD or DVD, smoke bombs,
tronic signals include cell
road flares, flare pens, para-
phones, satellite phones, two-
chute flares, ground-to-air sig-
way radios, personal locator
nals, signal fires, smoke signals
beacons (PLB), emergency
(burn inner tubes or tires to
locator transmitters (ELT), and
make smoke), mirrors from
emergency position indicating
the car, reflective blankets,
radios (EPIRB).
bright flashlights, car headlights hooked to a car battery, or strobe lights (individual or built into a flashlight).
INVISIBLE (ELECTRONIC) SIGNALS
KNOW WHAT TO SIGNAL Having a signaling device won’t help if you don’t know how to use it. Consider these tips when determining what to signal.
K C O T S K N I H T
54
Although not thought of as a source for survival gear, boating supply stores are a great source for signaling devices like horns, mirrors, flares and smoke signals.
ITEMS FOR AUDIBLE SIGNALS • A whistle • Air horn
ITEMS FOR VISUAL SIGNALS • A signal mirror • CD or DVD • Smoke bombs • Road flares • Flare pens • Parachute flares
ITEMS FOR ELECTRONIC SIGNALS • Cell phone • Satellite phones • Two-way radios
• Car horn • Banging on pots • Gun shots • Musical instruments like a bugle/trumpet or drum • Ground-to-air signals • Signal fires • Smoke signals • Car mirrors • Reflective blankets • Bright flashlights • Car headlights
• Personal locator beacons (PLB) • Emergency locator transmitters (ELT) • Emergency position indicating radios (EPIRB)
Three of anything: Three of any
is also effective.
sound, evenly-spaced a few seconds
Ground-to-air emergency signals:
apart, is the universal signal for dis-
There are a number of ground-to-air
like wood or rocks to make your sig-
tress. The response is four evenly-
signals, all of which you can find with a
nal, or tramp down the snow to
spaced sounds. You can do this with
quick Internet search, but you proba-
expose the dark earth beneath.
three gun shots, three blasts on a whis-
bly won’t remember all of them. The
tle or three bright (or smoky) signal
three to keep in mind, which are the
methods to attract attention to the
fires. When using sets of three for a
easiest to remember, are:
location of the ground-to-air signal,
visual signal, they perform best when
• A “V” to indicate you require
such as flares, fires or smoke, to help
placed in a straight line or in a triangle, as this is easiest to pick out in a natural environment.
assistance
or snow-covered field, use dark things
Also, make sure to use other
your rescuers see it.
• An “X” to indicate you require medical assistance, and
S-O-S: You can also use Morse
• An “arrow” to show the direction to
code for S-O-S (short, short, short,
your location if it isn’t where the sig-
long, long, long, short, short, short),
nal is. The arrow can also be used to
outdoorsman/bowhunter, is a hunting
but it isn’t as obvious as the three
show the direction you’re traveling.
safety instructor and seminar speaker,
Your ground-to-air signal should
whose work has included topics such as
noises and not everyone looking for
K C O T S K N I H T
background. For example, if on a beach
Larry Schwartz, an
you will have been a Boy Scout or
be large (at least 10 feet high) and out
backcountry navigation, shot placement,
Navy signalman. Strobe lights often
in the open so it’s easy to see from any
wilderness survival techniques, and
have an SOS feature built into them in
direction. Help the signal stand out by
backpacking/camping skills.
addition to their strobe feature, which
making it in a contrasting color to its
55
N I R P S
Survival Essentials From Boots To Backpacks And Beyond, Be Prepared For Anything This Spring BY SEAN COOPER
WHEN YOU’RE IN SURVIVAL MODE, YOU NEED THE ESSENTIALS WITHIN ARM’S REACH.
From boots to backpacks and everything in between, get to know the
essentials you’ll need on your next venture into the wilderness.
56
EDITOR’S CHOICE
MCMURDO Model: Fast Find 220 www.mcmurdomarine.com Key Features: Six-year
battery life MSRP: $245
buyer’s
Guide
1
SPRING
2 1
MCMURDO
$179.99
$245
MCMURDO
Model: Fast Find 220
CABELA’S
www.mcmurdomarine.com Key Features: Six-year battery life MSRP: $245
Description: A personal locator beacon (PLB) is a must-have item, especially if you’re traveling far from civilization. PLBs can save your life by sending your own unique emergency signal to alert the authorities if you’re injured or have a medical emergency. Fast Find 220 isn’t just a moniker; this powerful PLB transmits your GPS location to alert the authorities in an instant. With the push of a button, you can have emergency services at your disposal. Your specific GPS location is transmitted via satellite and alerts the rescue coordination center to send help and ensure your rescue.
3
THE NORTH FACE
$240
2 CABELA’S
Model: Danner 453 GTX Hiking Boots
www.cabelas.com Key Features: Waterproof, breathable, leather MSRP: $179.99 Description: Hiking in the wilderness doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. When Danner says waterproof, the company means it. Danner’s 453 GTX hiking boots feature breathable GORE-TEX material—perfect for rain, snow and every climate in-between. Guaranteed to last for many years to come, GTX hiking boots are made of the toughest of materials—durable fullgrain nutbuck leather and 1,000denier nylon uppers. Whereas some boots are heavy to wear and lug around, that’s absolutely not the case with this pair. GTX boots are light as a feather compared to your average heavy work boot … and perfect for walking miles into the forest as you venture to your secret bug-out location.
3 THE NORTH FACE Model: Crestone 75 Pack
www.thenorthface.com Key Features: Comfortable, large external pockets, weather resistant hood zip MSRP: $240 Description: This 75-liter backpack offers plenty of storage, making it unbelievably ideal for multi-day camping trips. The North Face’s patented Opti Fit System lets you precisely adjust your pack for optimum comfort, so you won’t end up with a strained back or sore feet at the end of a long day. Comfortable shoulder harnesses provide shock absorption, perfect for hiking uphill or on rocky terrain. Other nice-to-have features include a weather-resistant hood zip, breathable E-VAP back panel and ample pocket storage.
“ … this powerful PLB transmits your GPS location to alert the authorities in an instant.”
5
SIERRA DESIGNS
$55
4
KANNAD MARINE
$399
4
KANNAD MARINE Model: SafeLink SOLO PLB
www.kannadmarine.com Key Features: Waterproof, lightweight, durable MSRP: $399 Description: The SafeLink SOLO PLB brings the safety of 24/7 communication with search and rescue services to the palm of your hand in a sleek personal locator beacon. “SOLO” is part of the name for a reason; enjoy your favorite activities, such as hiking, camping and swimming, on your own with confidence. This compact device is
57
perfect for carrying in your backpack, coat or even pocket; it comes with its own carrying pouch, perfect for toting it on your belt. Not only are PLBs a lot safer than distress signals like flares, they allow the authorities to know exactly where you are with pinpoint precision every time.
5 SIERRA DESIGNS Model: Pull-On Down Bootie
www.sierradesigns.com
Key Features: Heavy-duty nylon material, warm, light MSRP: $55
Description: Are you tired of freezing y our toes off after a long day of hiking? It’s vital to keep your toes warm, as you could lose a lot of body heat if your feet are as cold as ice cubes. These Pull-on Down Booties are like heavyduty slippers. They are insulated with 700-fill powder down, and they will ensure your toes stay toasty all night long. The Booties are a musthave when camping during the most frigid months. Best of all, they are compact enough to fit in your backpack and easy to put on and take off in mere seconds.
buyer’s
Guide
SPRING
6
ALPS MOUNTAINEERING
$199.99
7
THE NORTH FACE
$200
6 ALPS MOUNTAINEERING
Model: Crestone 75 Pack
www.alpsmountaineering.com Key Features: Great all-purpose backpack, adjustable shoulder straps, lots of pockets MSRP: $199.99 Description: Take everything along and leave nothing behind when you head out on your next survival venture. Solitude Plus is an upgraded version of the best-selling Solitude backpack by ALPS Mountaineering. It has the high quality you’d expect from ALPS Mountaineering and then some, featuring large zippered side pockets, perfect for carrying just about anything from water bottles to your headlamp. Adjustable shoulder straps and a removable padded waist belt make this backpack ergonomically sound. This versatile backpack is perfect to pack your gear for weeklong excursions in the woods or as a carryon pack when traveling by air.
7 THE NORTH FACE Model: Terra 65 Pack
www.thenorthface.com
Key Features: Lightweight, cushy shoulder harness, easily adjustable MSRP: $200 Description: Leave the clunky suitcase at home and take the Terra 65 Pack on your next outing. This backpack offers the high quality you’d expect from North Face and a host of handy features, including easily adjustable shoulder straps, plenty of storage and anatomically friendly back support. The Terra 65 Pack gives a whole new meaning to durability; lug it when you’re hunting, camping, fishing, bugging out or even to your job. Pockets on the outside are perfect for carrying easily accessible gear, so you can quickly grab your matches or knife in a snap. Best of all, a backpack with this many features never felt so light.
8
BLACK DIAMOND Model: Tor Beanie
blackdiamondequipment.com
8
BLACK DIAMOND
$39.95
Key Features: Warm, hand-sewn MSRP: $39.95 Description: We lose a lot of body heat through our heads. That’s why it’s vital to wear proper head gear when the spring weather is still chilly. The Tor Beanie is perfect for keeping your most valuable asset—your noggin—warm during those cold mornings. It comes in your choice of two styles: kiwi or limestone. The material is very high quality and it’s hand-sewn, so you can expect to have it for many cold seasons to come. Best of all, it quickly stores in your pack during those spring afternoons when the weather quickly warms.
WHAT TO KNOW WHEN SHOPPING FOR HIKING BOOTS If you plan to take multi-day survival excursions into the wilderness, it’s essential that you invest in a good pair of hiking boots. There’s a lot more to shopping for hiking boots than simply the look. You’ll want to boots that are durable, comfortable and best suited for the environment you’ll be exploring. You should consider the following factors when looking for the right pair of boots. • Durability Look for boots made of leather to confirm durability, and ensure that they’re waterproof.
58
• Terrain It’s important to consider the environment where you’ll be hiking. Will you be climbing on rocks? Will you be going uphill or walking on flat land? There are boots for each of these activities, so be sure yours are labeled appropriately. • Perfect Fit You’ll want hik ing boots th at are snug, but not so tight that they’ll cause blisters. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to fit your fingers snugly behind your heel and the back of your boots for the right fit.
• Hiking Boots vs. Backpacking Boots If you’ll be carrying a heavy load like a bug-out bag, backpacking boots are ideal. They are durable with stiff soles, perfect for lugging your heaviest gear around. If you’re going for a day trip you might want to consider hiking boots, which are lighter and offer better mobility. • Ankle Support Low-cut boots are ideal for maintained trails and shorter treks. Mid-cut boots are best for longer treks and for carrying up to 40 pounds. High-cut boots provide added ankle support, perfect for lugging around 40 pounds.
9
ALPS MOUNTAINEERING
9 ALPS MOUNTAINEERING Model: Red Rock
$119.99
www.alpsmountaineering.com Key Features: Plenty of pockets, perfect for beginners and children, adjustable straps MSRP: $119.99 Description: Red Rock is best described in two words: rugged and lightweight. If you’re in the market for a backpack for your son or daughter, look no further than the Red Rock by ALPS Mountaineering. This pack boasts ample pockets for holding all of your gear, including a large pocket specifically for holding a water bottle to ensure your son or daughter stays well-hydrated. Kids are always growing, which is why the pack’s padded shoulders allow you to adjust for kids of all sizes. You can easily share this pack with the whole family, making it an excellent bargain.
10 BLACK DIAMOND Model: Glissade Glove
www.blackdiamondequipment.com Key Features: All-season glo ves, Thinsulate insulation, waterproof MSRP: $69.95
10
Description: Whether you’re traveling in the tundra or scaling a volcano in summertime, it’s crucial to have the proper hand gear to protect your digits. Your hands are fully protected from the elements thanks to high-quality Thinsulate insulation. Similar to all-season tires, Glissade Gloves are truly gloves for all seasons; wear them during winter, spring and even summer without breaking a sweat. Extra features include waterproofing, abrasion-resistant shell and durable goat leather palms.
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7 a n yo n e,
a n yt i m e,
a n y wh e r e .
E V O C SEPT. 11, 2001.
In This Section…
THAT DAY CHANGED OUR LIVES FOREVER.
Cover S t o r i e s
Topics such as bioterrorism attacks and chemical warfare, which would have created sheer entertainment on the silver screen before that day, now create the potential for sheer terror in our daily lives. But we shall be prepared … because failure is not an option. 60
• From Viruses to Bioterrorism Attack, We Must Be Prepared • The Role of Situational Awareness • 5 Tips to Help You Buy the Right Gas Mask • 4-Wheel Survival Shelter
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
When Germs Attack From Flu Viruses To Bioterrorism Attacks, You Must Be Prepared
By Erin Hatfield
Z
2013 FLU EPIDEMIC
OMBIES. IF YOU BELIEVE POP CULTURE, THE NEXT BIG
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Pre-
HEALTH CRISIS FACING THE UNITED STATES IS A
vention (CDC), this past winter brought about the earliest
ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE.
influenza outbreak the U.S. has faced in nearly a decade. Flu
OF COURSE, WE’RE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO
season typically runs from October until March, with the
COMMON THREATS SUCH AS INFLUENZA, E. COLI,
highest number of cases occurring in January or February.
SMALLPOX AND MALARIA CARRIED BY THOSE WE MEET, THE
At its peak, the CDC reported that 47 states experienced
WATER WE DRINK AND PESKY INSECTS … BUT TAKING A FEW SIMPLE STEPS CAN HELP KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HEALTHY. 61
widespread geographic flu activity. In short, it was a national epidemic.
K C O T S K N I H T
PAN CDC-RECOMMENDED ADULT ADUL T VACCINES VACCINES Vaccines aren’t just for kids anymore, advises the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many adult diseases can be prevented by upto-date immunizations, some of which are started in early childhood, a few of which are listed below:
• Diphtheria • Hepatitis B • Influenza • Measles • Meningococcal • Mumps • Pertussis (whooping cough) • Pneumococcal • Polio • Rotavirus • Rubella (German measles) • Tetanus (lockjaw) • Varicella (chickenpox)
“In some models … that is not the case and you’ll be wearing a mask that does you no good.”
Illustrator:: Dan Higgins, CDC Illustrator This picture provides a 3D graphical representation of a generic influenza virion’s ultrastructure, and is not specific to a seasonal, avian or 2009 H1N1 virus.
There are special groups that are
that between 43 million and 89 million cases of
more at risk of suffering the effects of
2009 H1N1 occurred in the U.S. alone.
the flu or other communicable dis-
H1N1 quickly became a pandemic, mean-
eases. CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden
ing that multiple countries were at risk of con-
says this group includes “frail, elderly
tracting the disease. The rules of what qualifies
people who may have had cancer or
as a pandemic are similar to those of an epi-
chemotherapy, or people who may
demic—the spread of the disease and the
have weakened immune systems or
number of deaths it causes. The CDC issued
are on medication such as long-term
travel health warnings to help limit the propa-
oral steroids that can also weaken the
gation, encouraging U.S. citizens to delay travel
immune system. The irony is that
to multiple countries. Once the widespread
these people are are far less likely to get
H1N1 activity in the U.S. began to wane, the
the benefit of vaccines available to
CDC estimates that between 8,870 to 18,300
combat these diseases, as well.”
people died of the virus. Flu vaccines in the
The flu varies wildly from year to
U.S. were quickly developed to combat the
year, which is why new vaccines are
spread of the virus.
available each season. But few varia-
Variations of 2009 H1 flu continue to cir-
tions have raised as much concern as
culate, but Dr. Joe Breese of the CDC indi-
the outbreak of H1N1, also known as
cates that the numbers in the U.S. remain low.
the swine flu, in April of 2009. At the
“We’re not seeing much of the 2009 H1
time, the CDC and other global health
virus yet so far this year, though it should be
organizations were preparing and
said that Europe and other places in the world
responding to the possi possible ble spread of
are,” he says. “We know that influenza viruses
H5N1, the bird flu. But H1N1 proved
in a given country, in a given city, in a given
a more aggressive strain, and within
region will vary from year to year and in
the span of a year, the CDC estimates
unpredictable ways.”
62
K C O T S K N I H T
“ADD” UP THESE NUMBERS
47 In 2012, the number of states that experienced widespread geographic flu activity.
N O I T N E V E R P D N A L O R T N O C E S A E S I D R O F S R E T N E C P A M
43 TO 89 MILLION In 2009, the number of cases of the swine flu.
8,87018,300
The CDC’s estimate of the number of people who died from the swine flu in 2009.
EPIDEMIC DEFINED Dr. Joe Bresee, medical epidemiologist
COMBAT THE GERMS
with the CDC’s influenza division, defines an epidemic as “widespread activity. It describes how many geographic areas are affected by a disease such as the flu.
GOOD ODDS
Epidemiological threats can also originate
Smallpox, characterized by raised bumps
outside of the U.S. In February 2003, the first
that appear on the face or body of an infected Those who got a flu shot were 60 percent less likely to get sick with the flu and spread it to their families.
case of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was reported in Asia. The respiratory
• The best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get a flu shot. • Stay home if you or your family members exhibit any symptoms of illness. • If you’re traveling abroad, pay attention to global travel advisories. Know which areas pose the largest risks for disease prior to traveling, and follow medical advice if you’re going to a highrisk area. • Stay current on your vaccinations. • Wash your hands.
Widespread means that more than 50 percent of a geographic region is experiencing the disease.”
virus quickly spread to more than two dozen countries in North America, South America,
person, has been eradicated by a worldwide vaccination program. Per the CDC, the last known case of smallpox was recorded in Somalia in 1977, and the last case in the U.S.
Europe and Asia before being contained.
occurred in 1949. The successful elimination of nat-
Worldwide, 8,098 people became infected with SARS, of whom 774 died according to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics. Only eight cases were recorded in the U.S., and each person had traveled to another part of the world with widely spread outbreaks of SARS. Today, the
urally recurring cases led worldwide health practitioners to stop vaccinating the general public against smallpox. Dr. D.A. Henderson, who led the WHO’s global assault against smallpox, explains. “It only existed in man, not in animals,” says Dr. HenderHender-
CDC continues to monitor SARS activity should the disease
son. “People who were
once again become prevalent.
infected either recovered
Influenza-related viruses are just one type of disease that
and became immune or
have the potential to become epidemics, both in the U.S. and
they died. So we just had
abroad.
to stop the spread from human to human. We saw
REEMERGING THREATS
the virus as a chain. If we could just break the links,
Other threats include meningitis, norovirus (stomach flu), whooping cough and tuberculosis. But many scientists
we could prevent many more cases.”
and epidemiologists are wary of a reemergence of smallpox,
But today’s global
a contagious and sometimes fatal infectious disease for which
political turmoil, particu-
there is no cure.
larly following domestic
63
“But toda today’s y’s global political turmoil … has led many to fear that a bioterrorism plot would resurrect the disease.”
PAN
terrorist attacks in 2001, has led
travel advisories. Know which areas
many to fear that a bioterrorism
pose the largest risks for disease
plot would resurrect the disease.
prior to traveling, and follow med-
The CDC reports that the govern-
ical advice if you are going to a high-
ment is taking precautions to deal
risk area.
with a possible smallpox outbreak.
For instance, those traveling to Africa—a region where mosquito-
PROTECT
borne malaria is extremely preva-
YOURSELF
lent—are often advised to take a
Regardless of the nature of the
series of anti-malarial drugs, as well as use insect repellent. Likewise,
potential disease poised for out-
those who are traveling via cruise
break, protecting yourself from
ship have been warned to look out
infection is key to avoiding con-
for the symptoms of norovirus,
tracting any illness. Thankfully, there
where contamination is difficult to
are some common sense steps to
contain.
take should you come in contact with any potential carriers. “The best way to protect your-
The CDC also advises staying current on your vaccinations. People can avoid or lessen the effects
self from the flu is to get a flu shot,”
of many diseases that can trigger an
says Dr. Frieden. “This past season,
epidemic.
those who got a flu shot were 60
“Childhood vaccines routinely
percent less likely to get sick with
get well over 90-percent efficacy,”
the flu and spread it to their fami-
says Dr. Frieden. “Many of the vac-
lies. While the flu vaccine is far
cines last longer than a year and
from perfect, it’s still the best tool
cover a wide variety of the subtypes
to prevent getting sick.”
of each disease.”
Dr. Frieden also recommends staying home if you or your family
Above all, Dr. Frieden stresses that you should wash your hands.
members exhibit any symptoms of
“This simple act can reduce
illness, be they from the flu or other
your chance of illness from flu and
diseases. If you are planning any
other diseases transmitted by close
trips abroad, pay attention to global
contact,” says Frieden.
“The simple act [washing [washing your hands] can reduce your chance of illness from flu and other diseases transmitted by close contact.” — CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden
In today’s world, particularly following the domestic terrorist attacks in 2001, many fear that a bioterrorism plot would resurrect smallpox. Officials have said that the government is taking precautions to deal with a possible smallpox outbreak.
K C O T S K N I H T
64
Stay OrGo?
Situational Awareness Plays A Huge Role In Determining Whether To Bug Out Or Fort Up During A Disaster By Abe Elias
W
ITH INFORMATION COMES MISINFORMATION. PREPPING HAS BEEN AROUND FOR YEARS,
BUT IT HAS GROWN IN POPULARITY
RECENTLY THANKS TO TELEVISION SHOWS AND MAGAZINE STORIES. AS A RESULT, MORE PEOPLE ARE AWARE OF HOW TO BEGIN PREPARING FOR A DISASTER. UNFORTUNATELY, NOT EVERY-
“ … you will eventually have to make the decision to stay or go, and that choice involves quite a few factors requiring ‘situational awareness.’ ” 65
THING IS ACCURATE.
For example, simply buying gear and wandering into the woods will not make anyone a survivalist, so before you’re forced to make the decision to either stay in place or leave your home following an emergency, you should get to know a few simple facts.
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
GO LEARN SITUATIONAL AWARENESS From a domestic point of view, if you’re facing disasters that are threatening your family and home, you will eventually have to make the decision to stay or go, and that choice involves quite a few factors requiring “situational awareness.” Situational awareness simply refers to your knowledge of what you have and how well you’re capable of dealing with the problems and threats around you. Situational awareness will be easier to
BEWARE OF SECONDARY THREATS Being aware of your surroundings can ensure that you’re aware of not only primary threats, but also of secondary issues. For instance, in the province of Quebec in July of 1996, a tropical storm settled over the Saguenay region and dropped a large amount of rain on the area. The initial floods were the primary threat, but what happened afterward with the failure of various dams and dykes claimed many more lives. The possible failure of the dams after a large rainfall or an earthquake would be considered a potential secondary threat that must be calculated in your decision-making when determining how you’d react to a threat.
With the current price of gas being high, it’s common for those in the city to own small, fuel-efficient cars. If you decide to bug out on foot to avoid main roadways and people, be sure each person in your group is capable of carrying enough supplies to help support himself. No nine-year-old child is going to be able to carry his share of clothing and food, and most certainly won’t be able to move quickly while trying. So when people start talking about just picking up and fleeing to the wilderness, they must be able to envision a good idea of what it takes.
understand if you break it down into its three main areas: self-preparedness, surroundings and resources.
you must ask whether yours is capable of transporting the number of people you have, along with the
Step 1: Self-preparedness Being prepared means more than stockpiling gear.
supplies you need to reach minimum safety. As any
Step 2: Surroundings “Surroundings” does not simply refer to know-
parent who has brought kids on vacation can tell
ing the main routes in and out of your town. It also
you, the more people and the more stuff to pack,
includes the knowledge of local flood plains and the
the larger the vehicle and the more time you’ll need
locations of nearby nuclear plants.
before you’re mobile.
For example, in the case of a pandemic, the
It also involves looking at things like your overall health, mobility, skill level, and your capability to physically and mentally cope with the situation at hand. I use the term “self,” but in the case of a family unit, you really have to look at everyone involved as one main entity. Examples of how self-preparedness impacts you are best seen when deciding to leave your home in
Make a firm decision on whether to stay home or bug out before it becomes too late to leave your house.
an emergency. If you bug out, each person must be capable of mobility because your group only moves as quickly as the slowest person. The group also has to be capable of transporting its resources, which can present additional considerations. For instance, when transporting by vehicle,
“The possible failure of dams after a large rainfall or an earthquake would be considered a potential secondary threat that must be calculated …”
DISASTER STRATEGY 101 Having a water filtration system is a great idea—but be sure your family knows how to use it before they have to do so to survive.
Chess and disasters. Here’s the connection. When I was in high school, I was a competitive chess player, and the first lesson my coach taught me was to be totally aware of the fact you’re not playing this game alone—there’s someone else sitting across the board from you. You might wonder how this plays into emergency planning. Simply put, it means you’re better off learning how to handle what may come your way than planning for specific events. This strategy will allow you to deal with whatever emergency arises instead of being surprised by one you did not foresee.
66
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
KNOW YOUR GEAR Preparations You Must Take Before Disaster Hits smart move would be to stay put in order to avoid contact with people. You can expect to have to do this for about two months, when unless otherwise informed, the pandemic should mostly be blown over. If, however, the pandemic has prolonged itself and has become much worse than estimated, it can create secondary problems. For instance, if your house is within fallout distance of a nuclear plant, you must consider whether the pandemic has impacted enough of the community to no longer supply enough staff members to maintain the nuclear plant. Even if you
Organize your gear before you bug out to ensure that it’s sufficient for survival, and that you have room for it in your car.
previously thought it was a good idea to stay put, the potential threat of a new problem could mean you should re-evaluate.
Step 3: Resources
KNOW ALL THE THREATS
FIRST THREAT A tropical storm or hurricane can cause flooding problems.
SECONDARY THREAT If you live near a dam, you must consider the possible failure of the dam after a large rainfall or an earthquake.
When many people think of “resources,” they picture their gear, but there’s more to it than that. This term also applies to your social network and your financial capabilities. Not every disaster you anticipate is the end of the world—sometimes it simply can be a localized issue such as a hurricane. Granted, hurricanes impact large areas and the weather effects from them can be widespread. In the case of a hurricane, however, you usually
THREE PARTS OF SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
1
SELF-PREPAREDNESS Entails elements such as overall health, mobility, skill level, and the capability to physically and mentally cope with the situation.
2
SURROUNDINGS
3
RESOURCES
Includes knowledge of the main routes in and out of town, local flood plains and the locations of nearby nuclear plants.
Gear, your social network and y our financial capabilities
get enough advanced warning that you can make a decision on what you are going to do. If you decide to stay and hunker down, you have to consider whether you can afford to fortify the house and whether you have the supplies
If you plan to be bugged out for a significant period of time, find a safe and secure place to build your temporary home.
and manpower to do so. If you plan to bug out instead, check whether you have enough funds to fuel the vehicle and if you have people to stay with outside of the affected area.
PROPERLY PREPARE As these examples illustrate, there’s a lot to situational awareness, and if used properly, it can allow you to prepare for any disaster that comes your way. It’s not enough to simply make a rigid plan. Instead, paraphrasing the teachings of Bruce O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
Lee, be the water that fills the cup—powerful, yet able to conform and change to any vessel. Abe Elias is a survivalist.
67
Using situational awareness means that your preparations have to be flexible enough to meet the demands of any plan of action. Owning the right gear is part of the battle, but having it organized is the other part. It’s not enough to go out and buy supplies and gear, and just throw them in the corner to await an emergency. You must familiarize yourself with their uses and operations. A good example is the use of a water filtration system. Before you actually need it, take it for a test run to make sure everyone in the family knows how it works. If everyone knows how to use each piece of gear, then the burden doesn’t rest on one person’s shoulders and the group itself becomes more capable. When it comes to your food supply, the key is to organize it into two groups: bug-out supplies and household. Bug-out supplies have lighter packaging and should be more compact, making them easy to transport. If, however, you fort up at home, you can still use those supplies anyway. The same concept should be used to keep your gear organized into travel supplies vs. fortifying supplies.
Seal Off Poison e h T
5 Tips To Help You Buy The Right Gas Mask By Torrey Kim
A military-g rade resp iration mask can be a good idea if you’re sure it’s still in code, hasn’t been used before, and makes a tight seal around your face.
68
P
ICTURE THIS. AN EARTHQUAKE BEYOND ANY SEISMOLOGIST’S WILDEST DREAMS ROCKS SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA. THE FREEWAY SYSTEMS COLLAPSE THROUGHOUT THE SOUTHLAND, AND THE SAN ONOFRE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IS NOTHING BUT RUBBLE UPON THE BEACH. YOUR AIR IS FILLED WITH NUCLEAR RADIATION PARTICLES.
Imagine this. A terrorist network strikes an Eastern city with chemical warfare. In the Midwest, a smallpox outbreak occurs. What can you do to protect your family from breathing in these dangerous inhalants? Strap on a gas mask so you can breathe clean air. Before you make the investment in masks for your family, consider these five tips to ensure that you make a wise purchase.
“Improper use of masks and hoods … could pose a threat to public safety.” – The Department of Homeland Security
PROS AND CONS WHAT The best way to ensure that you can breathe clean air is to get a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus ( SCBA). DID YOU KNOW? This is similar to what firefighters and scuba divers use.
PROS They allow you to breathe clean air from a tank. CONS They are quite heavy and typically only include an hour’s worth of air.
K C O T S K N I H T
69
MASKS
A collection of gas masks might give you a great sense of security, but unless you’re sure they fit properly, are in code, and you’ve practiced how to use them, you might not be as safe as you think.
“In some models … that is not the case and you’ll be wearing a mask that does you no good.”
A tank that off ers a supply of fresh air is a great option, but remember that it only lasts a certain period and is heavy to carry.
1. USE CAUTION WITH SURPLUS MASKS If you want a high-quality, militarygrade mask, you may be ready to hop
WHAT IF YOU DON’T HAVE A MASK? If you find yourself in a situation in which debris is in the air and you can’t breathe, you can fashion your own mask out of the clothes you’ve got. You can wet a shirt and wrap it around your face to cover your nose and mouth, or use other types of fabric to filter out small particles. They cannot, however, filter out everything. For instance, the Hawaii State Department of Health notes
on its Web site that “A damp cloth, or a paper, gauze surgical or non-toxic dust mask may be helpful” in screening out ash or VOG (volcanic smog) following a volcano eruption. However, the site adds, “If you find it more difficult to breathe with the mask on, don’t use it.” In addition, such masks are not effective in removing gases such as sulfur dioxide, which can be in the air following such an event.
2. KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MASKS A gas mask respirator filters many
in the car and head to your military
different types of particles if it’s up to
surplus store to snag one for each
date, has been stored properly, and has
member of your family. But be sure the
a new and working filter cartridge.
masks are still within code, says sur-
Depending on the type of respirator,
vival expert Marty Dent of Seattle.
the mask could protect you from bacte-
“Some military masks have been used and used masks are probably not going to be airtight to your face,” he
ria, chemical threats and other dangerous inhalants. Standard N-95 filter masks like the
says. “Plus, these masks are often out
type you buy at a hardware store are
of date and past their usefulness. In
also helpful to have on-hand, because
some models, the filter can be replaced
they also clean particles out of the air as
to make the mask effective again, but
you breathe. These masks, however,
often that is not the case and you’ll be
“do not protect against chemicals, gases,
wearing a mask that does you no
or vapors and are intended only for low
good.”
hazard levels,” the Centers for Disease
No matter what type of mask you use, you’ll want to ensure that it fits
Control notes on its Web site. The best way to ensure that you can
tightly around your face so that no
breathe clean air is to get a Self-Con-
fresh air can get into it through the
tained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA),
sides, top or bottom.
which is similar to what firefighters and
70
K C O T S K N I H T
scuba divers use. They allow you to breathe clean air from a tank. However, they are quite heavy and typically only include an hour’s worth of air.
3. CHECK
times and store the mask according to the
KNOW THIS
Regardless of what type of mask you use, make sure that it fits tightly around your face so that no fresh air can get into it through the sides, top or bottom.
THE LABEL Depending on the type of threat that you foresee,
label’s directions so it’s ready to use when you need it.
ONE
5. DON’T GET A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY
The biggest problem with gas masks and protective
you’ll want to ensure that your mask can do the trick.
hoods is that they give users a false sense of security,
Most preppers who expect nuclear fallout will have a
says the Department of Homeland Security on its Web
nuclear-approved respirator or SCBA mask, whereas
site.
you may not need such a heavy-duty mask if you are
“Improper use of masks and hoods, as well as a
expecting debris in the air from a tornado. Double-
false sense of security as to their effectiveness, could
check the label on any mask you’re considering pur-
pose a threat to public safety,” the government notes
chasing so you’ll know what it guards against.
on www.ready.gov. “For example, it is difficult to obtain a proper seal with the mask if you have facial hair such
4. PRACTICE MASK
as a beard or long sideburns. Protective masks do not
OPERATION
fit small children.”
PROTOCOL If you’ve purchased a filtration mask from the hardware store, you know that you’ll just pull it onto your
GAS MASK CHECKLIST
PLAN B
Use caution with surplus masks.
TWO Do your research and learn the difference between masks.
THREE
Check the label to ensure you’re buying the right mask for the conditions.
FOUR Practice with mask before an emergency hits.
FIVE Masks can create a false sense of security, so understand their limitations.
If you’re ever in a situation in which you aren’t sure that your mask can hold up to the poisonous air out-
Floods often occur without warning or excessive rains. If the weather has been cool and the that watersthe are elastic already high, then and just one rainstorm can cause a flood. face, ensure is tight you’re ready. side,
you are probably better off sealing up your home
But if you buy a gas mask or SCBA tank, you should
and staying inside until the threat passes, rather than
ensure that you know how to use it long before you’re
taking a chance with your family in the toxic air with
placed in a survival situation, Dent says. Practice several
unfit masks, Dent says.
“Standard filter masks like the type you buy at a hardware store do not protect against chemicals, gases or vapors, and are intended only for low hazard levels.”
Standard filtration masks that you can buy at the hardware store are good for filtering out certain types of dust particles, but can’t be relied upon to screen out some biological microbes or nuclear fallout.
— Centers for Disease Control
WHO CAN’T USE A MASK?
K C O T S K N I H T
If you’re prepping for disaster, you’ve probably got a mask at the ready for you to use when necessary. However, the CDC notes, not everyone can use such a mask. “People with lung diseases such as asthma or emphysema, elderly people and others may have trouble breathing,” the CDC notes. “Some people with claustrophobia may not be able to wear a mask or hooded respirator. Some people with vision problems may have trouble seeing while wearing a mask or hood.” 71
CONVENIENT FOR STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION RELIABLE PERFORMANCE FOR WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST
20''
18.5''
The Ruger ® 10/22 Takedown® combines all of the features and functionality of the 10/22® rifle, America’s favorite rimfire rifle, with the ability to easily separate the barrel/forend and action/buttstock for convenient storage and transportation. The simple reassembly of the barrel and action is secure, ensuring an accurate return to zero for consistent, reliable performance when you need it most. Packed in a rugged, ballistic nylon case (included with rifle), the Ruger® 10/22 Takedown® makes it easy to keep America’s favorite rimfire by your side.
WWW.RUGER.COM/1022TAKEDOWN
©2 013 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
021113
Four-Wheel Su Whether Stranded Following An Accident Or A Disaster, Your Car, And Its Parts, Can Mean The Difference Between Life Or Death By Tim MacWelch
I
T HAPPENS EVERY YEAR. GUARANTEED. EACH YEAR IN THE U.S., MULTIPLE MOTORISTS DRIVE OFF THE ROAD IN DANGEROUS WEATHER, GET STUCK TRAVERSING AN UNFAMILIAR SHORTCUT OR EXPERIENCE CAR TROUBLE IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE—ONLY TO FIND THEMSELVES HOPELESSLY STRANDED.
On the bright side, many of these annual events have survivors. In some cases, people have survived with little or no food, water or supplies. But that’s
no excuse to travel around unprepared.
74
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
rvival Shelter The number one thing to do when you realize that
START WITH PREVENTIVE STEPS To ensure your survival during such an event, you
you’re in a survival situation is to stay put. In the case of vehicle-based survival strategies, your car becomes your shelter, and you do not leave that car. Unless that
must first create a vehicle survival kit. Fill a bin, back-
vehicle is on fire or rolling off a cliff, it’s your new best
pack or a duffle bag with important emergency necessi-
friend.
ties, sealing the most important things in zip-top bags to
For the past
keep them dry and safe. This gear should include basic
century that cars
survival essentials and some gear specific to automotive
have existed, the
emergencies.
statistics show
Another important consideration is to always let
that people who
“Unless that vehicle is on fire or rolling off a cliff, it’s your new best friend.”
someone know where you are going. So many
stay with the car
“stranded” survival stories revolve around a spur of
have a higher
the moment trip, which left the victim’s friends, family
probability of sur-
and co-workers with no idea where the missing per-
vival than those
son went. Imagine the difficulty for search and rescue
who leave the car
crews or local law enforcement when they don’t even
looking for help in stranded scenarios.
know which county or state they should explore to look for you.
– Tim MacWelch, survival expert
Any vehicle with the windows intact will provide you with a wind- and rain-resistant shelter. No, it’s not a perfect shelter, as anyone who has ever had to sleep
STAY WITH
in his or her car can tell you. But you can easily
YOUR CAR
enhance the shelter value of a vehicle by adding blankets, extra clothing and sleeping bags for warmth.
Once you’ve mastered the preventive steps, it’s
You can even build a campfire 10 to 15 feet away
time to prepare how you’d react in a survival emer-
from the vehicle and heat up stones near the edge of
gency. Let’s say your car has broken down on a remote
that fire. Get the stones just warm enough that you can
road. You’ve taken your precautions, but what do you
barely hold them to your skin, and then bring them into
do now that you’re stranded?
the vehicle as a low-tech space heater.
Although it isn’t an ideal sleeping area, your car can serve as an excellent shelter if you’re ever stranded in yours.
CAR SURVIVAL CHECKLIST Any good ve hicle emerge ncy kit shou ld include th e following items at a minimum:
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
DIG DEEPER For more info on the author’s school, go to www.advancedsurvivaltraining.com/.
• Shelter gear like sleeping bags and blankets. Ideally you should have one item for each seat in your car. • A full change of clothes appropriate to the season, a spare coat or jacket, and some rain gear or a poncho for wet weather. • Shelter gear to use outside the car. For example, a tent for cold weather, or a tarp to give shade in hot climates. • Several gallons of drinking water, and purification equipment to disinfect more water. • At least three days’ worth of high-calorie, no-cook foods
75
such as protein bars, MREs, peanut butter & crackers, trail mix, etc. • A quality first aid kit. • Sanitation and hygiene supplies like toilet paper, feminine products, hand sanitizer, etc. • At least three fire-starting methods, and a small pot to boil water and cook. • Some basic hand tools, including a knife, wrenches, screwdrivers, duct tape and rope. • Jumper cables, road flares, Fix-a-Flat spray, tow strap, starter fluid, ice scraper, and any other automotive supplies that you know how to use. • Flashlight with extra batteries, along with two or three 12-hour light sticks. • Car charger, solar charger or back-up battery for your cell phone.
CAR
YOU MUST DO THIS
In a survival situation, stay put. In the case of vehicle-based survival strategies, your car becomes your shelter.
Repeat as needed every few
campfire to turn the smoke black,
hours.
Although it may seem like a good idea to get out of your car and go find help, it’s essential to your survival that you stay with the car any time that’s an option.
oils from the car can be added to a
On the other extreme of tem-
allowing much greater visibility to
perature, your vehicle can become
your smoke signal. Even the head-
a useful shelter in hot weather.
lights and car horn can signal for
Open all of the vehicle doors and
help as long as the battery lasts.
use duct tape to attach tarps, blan-
The wires can be stripped from
kets or sheets to the tops of the
unneeded vehicle systems to pro-
doors to create cooling shade in
duce tying material and snares. The
sunny, hot climates. If that isn’t
cigarette lighter can give you fire.
practical, then crawl under the
The list of helpful car parts and sys-
vehicle and lie on the cooler
tems goes on and on.
ground in the vehicle’s shade. Another great reason to stay
PLAN AHEAD
with your vehicle is that a car is lot easier for rescuers to spot than a
Survival using a vehicle is just
person. And whether searchers are
like every other type of survival
looking from the air or the ground,
scenario—you need shelter, water,
the vehicle is a fixed target. The
fire, food and first aid, and you
vehicle is not out there wandering
need to signal for help every
around like a person tends to do.
chance you get. If you plan ahead to have the
PARTS FOR
right equipment in the car based
SURVIVAL
on the season and location you are
Many parts of the vehicle give
traveling through — and if you’re creative — your stranded vehicle
you reasons to stay with it because
should give you everything you
they can be used for dual survival
need to survive.
purposes. For instance, the mirrors can
BEFORE THE DISASTER
FIRST Create a survival kit TWO Tell someone where you’re going
Tim MacWelch, who has been a
be removed to create signal mir-
professional wilderness survival instruc-
rors to catch the attention of
tor for the past 16 years, runs a sur-
potential rescuers. The plastics and
vival camp in northern Virginia.
“… statistics show that people who stay with the car have a higher probability of survival than those who leave the car looking for help in stranded scenarios.” – Tim MacWelch LIFE-SAVING CAR PARTS
GIMME SHELTER WIND AND RAIN Any vehicle with the windows intact will provide you with a wind- and rain-resistant shelter.
BOLSTER PROTECTION You can enhance the shelter by adding blankets, extra clothing and sleeping bags.
FIRE BONUS Build a campfire 10 to 15 feet away from the
vehicle and heat stones near the edge of that fire. Get the stones warm and then bring them into the vehicle as a low-tech space heater.
MIRRORS These can be removed to create signal mirrors to catch the attention of potential rescuers.
PLASTICS AND OILS Added to a campfire, they will turn the smoke black, allowing much greater visibility to your smoke signal.
HEADLIGHTS, HORN These can be used to signal for help.
WIRES Stripped from unneeded vehicle systems, these can be used to produce tying material
and snares.
THE LIGHTER This will produce fire.
IN THE HEAT Your vehicle can become a useful shelter in hot weather. Open the doors and use duct tape to attach tarps, blankets or sheets to the tops to create cooling shade in sunny, hot climates.
Your car’s cigarette lighter and mirrors are just a few ways you can use a vehicle’s parts as survival items.
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S O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
O O F
Dining … Survival-Style Ensure Your Hydration, Nourishment With These Handy, Affordable Products
BY TORREY KIM FLOODS, HURRICANES AND OTHER DISASTERS CAN TURN YOUR WORLD UPSIDE DOWN. REGARDLESS OF WHERE LIFE TAKES YOU, IT’S CRITICAL TO STAY NOURISHED AND HYDRATED.
Welcome to the Food and Water Buyer’s Guide. These are handy, inexpensive products that will keep you and your family
full and happy on the survival trail.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
HI MOUNTAIN SEASONINGS Model: Home Sausage Making Kit www.himtnjerky.com Key Features: Supply your own
meat, includes everything else MSRP: $20.99
77
buyer’s
Guide
1
FOOD
HI MOUNTAIN SEASONINGS
1
HI MOUNTAIN SEASONINGS
3
MSR
$15
$20.99
Model: Home Sausage Making Kit
www.himtnjerky.com Key Features: Supply your own meat, includes everything else MSRP: $20.99 Description: Whether you’ve snared a deer or you’ve simply bought meat from the local store, you can make your own summer sausage to round out your survival pantry, thanks to this easy kit that includes everything you need. Bring it along on your travels and you won’t have to mess with recipe cards and jars of seasonings, because everything is packaged for you. Add your desired cut of meat to the kit’s ingredients, and you could be churning out up to 30 pounds of summer sausage—surely enough to keep your family energized on the trail.
2 REI
Model: Vacuum Clip Mug
www.rei.com Key Features: Lightweight, insulated, easy to clean MRSP: $22.50 Description: A great thermal mug doesn’t have to take up extra room in your full survival pack. Open the handle of this clever cup and it acts as a clip, allowing you to snap it to the outside of your pack for easy carrying. You can even pop it onto your belt loop for easy access while you’re out hiking, hunting or fishing. The double-wall construction keeps your hot drinks that way, but it also retains the cold if you’re trying to ensure the ice in your water doesn’t melt. 5
3 MSR
$6-12
Model: Alpine Utensil Set
http://cascadedesigns.com/ msr Key Features: Space-saving, non-stick, lightweight MSRP: $15 Description: You don’t need to sacrifice quality cooking gear just because you’re short on space. Pack along this set, which includes a spatula, strainer/grater, and spoon that fold easily so you can pack them away when you’re done cooking. The spatula can serve as a double-duty tool, with a serrated edge that allows you to chop through cheese, butter or other soft foods, while the spoon includes preset measured lines so you can use it as a measuring cup at your campsite. Made of non-stick nylon, you’ll just squeeze the handle to fold up these handy utensils, saving time and space.
JACK LINKS JERKY
2
REI
$22.50
78
4
COGHLAN’S
$18
4 COGHLAN’S
Model: Camp Cooker
www.coghlans.com
“ … you’ve got a built-in stove anywhere you can build a fire.”
Key Features: Sturdy, lightweight, cooks evenly MSRP: $18 Description: Hauling a big stove from site to site when you’re on a survival excursion is no fun at all, but you needn’t carry one thanks to this innovative product. Just hang this cooker from your pack with the included hook, and you’ve got a built-in stove anywhere you can build a fire. You’ll simply place your food inside of the cast iron well, close it tightly and hold the handles (which are more than two feet long, allowing you to stand safely away from the fire), and before you know it you’ll be eating like royalty. From grilled cheese to flounder to venison, you can cook just about any small meal in the Camp Cooker.
5 JACK LINKS Model: Jerky
www.jacklinks.com Key Features: High protein, tasty, lightweight MSRP: $6 to $12 per bag
6
Description: There’s nothing like a burst of protein to keep your energy high during physical activity, and there’s a lot of it packed into each of these little bags. Grab a handful of Jack Links jerky while you’re waiting in your deer stand, sitting in a boat or on the trail so you can enjoy a high-protein, low carb, low fat snack. Thanks to the jerky’s amazing flavor options, you’ll be glad you brought along this easy-to-carry bag on your next survival trek.
ENGEL
$99
6 ENGEL
Model: Fish Bag
www.engel-usa.com Key Features: Easy to carry, lightweight, insulated MSRP: $99 Description: You’ve just caught a 15-pound trout and you’re berthing your ketch so you can take your future dinner ashore, but the cooler is too cumbersome to transport to your campsite on your own. It’s at moments like this when you’ll wish you had the Engel fish bag, which is made of sturdy PVC material and is insulated with a half inch of polyethylene foam to ensure that your fish stays cool while you transport it to your cleaning station. Once you get it to your destination, you simply unzip it all the way around and hose off the inner layer to clean it, and you’re ready to take it out again for your next foodgathering trek.
7 COGHLAN’S
Model: Polypropylene Bowl
www.coghlans.com Key Features: Sturdy, easy to clean, inexpensive MSRP: $2
“Tablewear for a fireside meal doesn’t have to consist of a plain old tin can and paper plates.”
7
COGHLAN’S
$2
79
Description: Tablewear for a fireside meal doesn’t have to consist of a plain old tin can and paper plates. Instead, grab a few of these colorful but sturdy bowls that you can clean up in a snap, stack for later use and pack away quickly. They won’t stain, even after serving scores of camping meals, and you can even use them in your home kitchen after your survival trip ends, because they are dishwasher and microwave safe.
buyer’s
Guide
FOOD
8
CLEAN-UP TIP
DO-ALL OUTDOORS
Scrubbing pots at a campsite can be excruciatingly difficult because you don’t normally have your kitchen cleaning tools with you. A simple tip tha t many campe rs use is to b oil a pot of water while you’re making your dinner over the fire. When you’re finished cooking, you can soak your cook pots, plates and utensils in the hot water so the food lifts off more easily, making cleanup faster.
$9.99
8 DO-ALL OUTDOORS Model: Sports Bottle Holder
www.doalloutdoors.com Key Features: Mounts to a tree, lightweight MSRP: $9.99 Description: If you’ve ever sat in a deer stand for more than a few minutes, you know how cumbersome it can be to try and secure your water bottle in the tree crotch or your pocket. Those days are behind you thanks to this simple and inexpensive solution, which allows you to screw the bo ttle holder into the tree with no tools. Even if you don’t plan to climb into a deer stand, the tree mount can be great for camping/survival trips when you don’t have time to set up a table. You can keep your drink right next to your hammock, and it won’t fall thanks to the strong mesh material.
9 LIGHT MY FIRE
Model: Grandpa’s Fire Fork
www.Lightmyfire.com
9
Key Features: Lightweight, easy to carry MSRP: $5 Description: Want a strong and durable cooking source but you have no room to pack a three-foot skewer? Secure Grandpa’s Fire Fork to a dead branch, and you’re halfway to enjoying a great meal. At just four inches in length, you can choose the size of your cooking handle by selecting just the right size branch you need from the ground. Once the fork is secured to the end of it, you can get your hot dogs, game meat or fish cooking securely over your fire in no time.
LIGHT MY FIRE
$5 10
FOOD PROTECTION SYSTEM
$995-$3,295
FOOD PROTECTION 10 SYSTEM Model: E.A.T. Pod Roll-Away Food Bunker
www.longlifefood.com Key Features: Convenient, hardy, long-lasting MSRP: $995 to $3,295 delivered Description: You’re bugging out and on the run, but you don’t have room in your pack for a pantry’s worth of food. The solution? Dig out the E.A.T. Pod that you buried underground last year, and you’ve got hundreds of servings of food for your family. E.A.T. stands for “Eat Abundantly Tomorrow,” and the product is very true to its name. The company has packed preserved food into a 17.5-inch or 31inch long corrugated black HDPE underground water pipe tube, which you can bury underground or keep above board (your choice), and it will survive heat, cold and humidity. The company has pre-loaded the tube with well-balanced, delicious food ranging from full MRE meals to freeze-dried meals, and welded the other end shut, allowing you to bury the preserved fare. The Pod is waterproof and tests up to six PSI, ensuring that it will last you just as long as you need it.
11
COGHLAN’S
Model: Camp Fork Rest
www.coghlans.com Key Features: Lightweight, easy to clean MSRP: $12 Description: Holding your camp fork over the fire is fun … for the first few minutes. But then the arm fatigue sets in and you find yourself switching the fork back
12
KATE’S REAL FOOD
$2.79-$3.29 and forth between hands to give yourself a break. The Coghlan’s Camp Fork Rest offers the break for you. Simply secure it into the ground near your fire, and then rest your cooking handle or camp fork in the slots to keep arm fatigue at bay.
12
KATE’S REAL FOOD
Model: Meal Replacement Bar
www.katesrealfood.com Key Features: All-natural, delicious, filling MSRP: $2.79-$3.29 each
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11
COGHLAN’S
$12
Description: Ever peek at the ingredients list on a grocery store energy bar to find that you can’t pronounce half of the ingredients? Time to move on to Kate’s, the all-natural, hand-mixed, freeze-proof meal replacement bars that allow you to fuel up on the trail without having to stop and gather your dinner. We loved the convenience of these small-sized meal bars, which stash easily in a backpack pocket— but what really sold us on them was the taste. Whereas some of the other healthy bars taste too grainy and the grocery store bars are a bit chewy, Kate’s is just right, so you’ll get to enjoy your food as you continue on the trail to your destination or ride out the storm.
buyers
Guide
BACKPACKS
A B R U
M a n ’ s F u ry Tips For Urban Preparedness SCHOOLS. MOVIE THEATERS. SHOPPING MALLS.
When an active shooter goes on a rampage, your peaceful world can cross
over into insanity in a heartbeat … and that is exactly why the following section provides methods to combat that craziness. Take control of your life.
In This Section…
• Fight Back Against An Active Shooter
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• Minimize The Emotional Damage On Your Children
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
ST OP P ING M A SS V IOLENCE
Active Shooters Create An American Security Challenge, Which Is Why A Plan For Prevention, Response Are Critical By Alon Stivi | Photos courtesy of DIRECT MEASURES O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T N G I S P O T S
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T
HIS TIME, MOST OF
and where the next such terrorist attack will
THE VICTIMS WERE
occur. Mass violence is a serious multifaceted chal-
INNOCENT YOUNG
lenge that transcends all politics, and no single
CHILDREN.
approach in itself can stop these killers. The solu-
THERE WERE 26 DEAD,
tion must include two key components: preven-
INCLUDING 20 CHIL-
tion and response.
DREN, AT THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL IN CONNECTICUT THAT DEVASTATED THE NATION RIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS.
PREVENTION THROUGH DETECTION The best way to mitigate risk is to prevent it
These innocent children died in vain if we do
from occurring in the first place, so law enforce-
not learn from this tragedy and work together to
ment agencies have been diligently working on
prevent the next one. The victims of mass vio-
preventing the next attack. Important reports
lence serve as a warning to us all. We can no
about pre-incident indicators among at-risk indi-
longer ignore the risks and continue to do the
viduals have been published online by the United
same things, expecting different results. In order
States Secret Service (USSS) and the Federal
to effectively manage future threats, we must be
Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
willing to think about the problem differently. These low probability—yet high conse-
I urge everyone to read these free reports. Recognizing the signs of danger is essential to
quence—events continue to occur and are a
early intervention by school staff, parents and law
growing public concern. No place is immune to an
enforcement and can prevent some of these
active shooter attack, and no one knows when
attacks … but not all of them.
“Having all of the students huddle together in classrooms makes it easier for the shooter to inflict the greatest number of casualties in the least amount of time.” — Alon Stivi, security and counterterrorism specialist
83
SHOOTER
ALON STIVI’S RESUME
PREVENTION THROUGH
always work. There is no such thing as 100 percent secu-
DETERRENCE
rity and risk can never be reduced to zero. We must be prepared to respond effectively when security fails and act
Perpetrators always attack the most vulnerable vic-
swiftly to protect ourselves.
tims. It's no coincidence, that whatever their motivation, mass murderers attack soft targets. What makes a school a particularly soft target for a mass shooting is its vulnerability due to the lack of
RESPONSE: OUTSIDE INTERVENTION
defense capabilities (gun-free zone) and the large concen-
Since the devastating Columbine school shooting in
tration of targets in the area (schools are what we in the
1999, law enforcement agencies across the nation have
military call a “target rich environment.”) Potential attack-
been working on improving their response capabilities to
ers know that they will be able to create many casualties
better address active shooter threats. Tactical training in
due to the schools’ inability to i mmediately counter the
rapid intervention is frequently provided to local and state
assault. The only person armed in a school during such
agencies nationwide.
attacks is usually the killer. These inherent vulnerabilities
However, law enforcement response times can vary
of schools unfortunately increase the likelihood of future
greatly from as low as several minutes in large metropoli-
attacks.
tan areas to as much as 30+ minutes in rural areas. Law
As a first step in improving security, it is highly rec-
Enforcement First Responders (LEFR) are handicapped by
ommended that every school assemble a Threat & Vul-
distance, delayed notification, size of the targeted facility,
nerability Assessment (TVA) team and conduct a thor-
lack of information, confusion and various tactical chal-
ough assessment of the security on campus. Following the
lenges. Expecting law enforcement to provide an immedi-
findings and recommendations of the TVA team, the
ate response to these attacks is unrealistic.
school can then develop and implement a plan to improve campus security.
By comparison, it takes only seconds or a few minutes for the shooter to inflict mass casualties. In the majority
There is no doubt that improving physical security can help deter or delay a violent intrusion, but it does not
of these incidents, most of the casualties occur within the first 10 minutes, prior to law enforcement intervention.
LEARN MORE, GET CERTIFIED If you would like to host the next ACT Cert Active Shooter Survival course in your area or become an ACT Certified Instructor, call 888-4 ACT-CERT or send an email to
[email protected].
SAVE LIVES When facing deadly threats, the best initial response is always to escape (flight). It is more practical to train school personnel how to determine whether escape is possible and then evacuate the area if it is. Evacuating areas that are not under direct attack and that are out of the shooter’s line of sight can save lives
“Lockdown is indeed easy to understand and applies under duress, but it can also prove to be fatal.” — Alon Stivi 84
Alon Stivi is a security and counterterrorism specialist and a POST certified law enforcement trainer who emigrated from Israel after serving in an elite unit of the IDF. He taught close combat tactics to the US Navy SEAL CQB Instructors and has protected Fortune 500 executives and dignitaries worldwide. Currently serving with the Los Angeles Sheriff Department as a Terrorism Liais on Officer and teaches Active Shooter Survival and Terrorism Responder courses funded by the Department of Homeland Security. He has been featured on network television, radio and in national publications.
FIND MORE INFORMATION www.ACTCERT.com Find information on training regarding how and when to evacuate safely, how to effectively barricade a classroom, how to conduct a campus Threat and Vulnerability Assessment, how to implement effective campus security, and how to employ reality-based Last Resort Survival Measures to effectively stop the shooter.
Serious About Survival?
RESPONSE:
should be a consideration only when escape is
ESCAPE OR DEFENSE
impossible. Additionally, if we are to advocate for self-entrapment (lockdown), it is incumbent
Currently, the only standard procedure taught in schools across the nation is for staff
RELOAD!
upon us to provide guidance on how to do so effectively.
and students to go on “lockdown” and wait for armed law enforcement to arrive on the scene. The logic behind this approach is the desire to rapidly separate the students from the
RESPONSE: FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL
shooter. Having students locked down in their classrooms also makes the environment more
After 9/11, we placed more armed air marshals and armed pilots on airplanes. We also
“No place is immune to an active shooter attack, and no one knows when and where the next such terrorist attack will occur.” — Alon Stivi, CEO of Direct Measures manageable to the responding officers. Lock-
have armed security officers at federal buildings,
down is indeed easy to understand and applies
stadiums and most Critical Infrastructure Key
under duress, but it can also prove to be fatal.
Resources (CIKR). The first thing visible to any-
By definition, locking ourselves into an
one walking into a federal building today is the
enclosed space is equivalent to being trapped.
By comparison, many schools do not have
rooms makes it easier for the shooter to inflict
the same level of protection. Having a well-
the greatest number of casualties in the least
trained armed School Resource Officer (SRO)
amount of time.
in every school would be best. Lawfully carried
The best initial response when facing deadly
of the attack could greatly reduce casualties and
practical to train school personnel how to
save lives.
determine whether escape is possible and then
However, because not all schools have an
evacuate the area if it is. Evacuating areas that
armed SRO or in the event that the SRO is
are not under direct attack and are out of the
unavailable or incapacitated, school personnel
shooter’s line of sight can save lives and will
and students should be trained to defend them-
help make the scene more manageable to the
selves. When help is on the way, escape is
responding officers.
impossible and the shooter is breaking into your classroom, the only viable option is to
people to always stay in the kill zone. Having
fight for survival, by attacking the attacker and
the option of considering an escape by the peo-
disarming him.
ple at the scene during the initial moments of the attack could save more lives. Lockdown
HOW TO SURVIVE … When an Active Shooter Goes on a Rampage The first rule of survival fighting is “anything goes.” You should use everything at your disposal to survive: the environment, tactics, any
• Auto Indexing • Uses 7/8” x 14 Dies • 800-1000 Rounds/Hour • Interchangeable Toolhead • Auto Powder Measure • Auto Primer System • Lifetime Warranty
handguns in properly trained hands at the site
threats is always to escape (flight). It is more
We need to reverse the policy requiring
XL 650
presence of armed security officers.
Having all the students huddle together in class-
Alon Stivi is CEO of Direct Measures and the developer of the ACT Cert program.
available tools or weapons,
whenever possible because action
including improvised, blunt, edge,
always beats reaction. You should
or firearms (if available). Anything
also work as a team, as there is
that can slow down the
strength in numbers. If you are
perpetrator and give you an
fighting together and are deter-
advantage is fair play.
mined to win, your chances of
You should use surprise
survival are actually good.
www.TerrorismResponder.com Tactical training in rapid intervention is frequently provided to local and state agencies nationwide.
bluepress.com
85
The
s H e a r d t s S h o t In the Wake of a Shooting, Minimize the Emotional Damage on Your Children by Following These Steps By Thomas J. Nardi, PhD.
Any time an incident happens in a school environment, your children might be nervous about returning to their school. Remind them of the safety measures that you and the teachers employ to keep them secure.
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
86
’
Roun d d t h e “By the rude bridge that arched the flood, Their Flag to April’s breeze unfurled, Here once the embattled farmers stood, And fired the shot heard round the world.”
T
HESE WORDS,
WRITTEN WRIT TEN BY
allow your child to express his concerns. Police and military units perform
AMERICAN POET
debriefings after critical incidents.
RALPH WALDO
Parents can do the same with their
EMERSON,
children.
COMMEMORATED THE BATTLE OF CONCORD, WHICH WHIC H TOOK TOOK PLACE PLACE ON
ical incident debriefing is immediacy. The sooner those those affected have an opportunity to debrief, the faster they
OF AMERICA’S REVOLUTION
can recover from the traumatic event.
ENGLAND.
that during the first 48 hours after an event, the debriefing will have its best
world are those echoing in high school
and most lasting impact. For parents,
hallways, college campuses, shopping
this means talking to children as soon as
malls, fast food restaurants, and most
possible after the critical incident. Post-
recently and most tragically, an ele-
poning the discussion will not help; it
mentary school in Newtown, Conn. Newtown, Conn.
will only hinder recovery. debriefing is creating a safe environ-
has mourned this horrible loss of
ment.
While school administrators and
l
d
The second key to a successful
heard these shots. The entire world young innocent lives.
r
Indeed, research supports the idea
Today, the shots heard ‘round the
on Dec.14, 2012. The entire world has
o
One of the keys to a successful crit-
APRIL 19, 1775, AT THE START FOR INDEPENDENCE FROM
W
In a debriefing, "safe" means that the children will
law enforcement officials ponder how
be encouraged to speak
to prevent future school violence, par-
freely. The parents parents need
ents have a more immediate concern:
to listen without judg-
"How has this affected my children, and
ment. Don’t interrupt.
how can I address it with them?" The
Don’t be critical or dis-
answer is both simple and complex.
missive of what they say. Let them see that you
CRITICAL
are truly interested in
INCIDENT
what they are telling
DEBRIEFING As trite as it may sound, the O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
you. Correct false information that children may
answer is "communicate with your
have been told, but don’t don’t
child."
put them down for hav-
One of the best ways to minimize the negative impact of the incident is to
People with Asperger’s can present with a variety of symptoms, including difficulty in social situations, odd hand or finger movements, and communication difficulties. However, they are typically not violent.
ing believed or expressed it. Your unconditional
87
KNOW THIS
SHOTS acceptance will help to foster an emotionally safe environment for your children. A safe environment also means physical safety. Children need to feel safe, secure and protected at home. They need the reassurance that they are protected from harm and their home is a safe place for them.
Keep in mind that communication is not just verbal. Now more than ever, after a critical incident, parents need to observe their kids’ behaviors and be attentive to their moods.
Allow your kids to express their views without interruption. Listen, listen, listen. Let the kids do most of the talking. It is about them, not you. You should speak only to encourage and validate what is being said. Keep at it. Make the chats a regular part of your schedule. It takes time to establish an ongoing dialogue but it is definitely worth the effort. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t flow at first. It will over time, so keep trying.
T.A.L.K. TO YOUR
KIDS
In addition to allowing children to speak and be validated, parents may also need to draw the children out about their emotions. Many children are reluctant to reveal their fears to their parents, so parents should be proactive in helping them express their feelings. Ask your child
Take the time to schedule the talk for when you won’t be interrupted. Don’t wait for time to "open up" -- it won’t. Make the time.
what they know about the shooting, and what, if anything, has been discussed in school. Ask for your child’s opinion and reaction. Ask about his or her friends’ reactions.
OTHER SIGNS Keep in mind that communication is not just verbal. Now more than ever, after a critical incident, parents need to observe their kids’ behaviors and be attentive to their moods.
tions. They may have conflicting emotions, or their moods may fluctuate. They themselves may
sion may be through their actions and behaviors. Do they seem quieter or noisier than usual? Are they tense or agitated? Are they reluctant to go to school? Have their appetites changed? Are they having trouble sleeping? Are they experiencing nightmares? Have their play activities become more violent? Have they lost interest in play? Changes in behavior or mood often signal some distress in a child’s life.
ADULTS LEAD THE WAY Parents need to remember that they are role
THE CHECKLIST 1 EXPRESSION SESSION One of the best ways to minimize the negative impact of the incident is to allow your child to express his concerns. 2 BUILD SECURITY Create a safe environment
Children may lack the correct vocabulary to express themselves when it comes to their emo-
only way of expressing their emotions and confu-
models for their children. It is important, therefore, for the parent to take care of him or herself. The calmer the parent stays, the calmer the child will be. One teacher in Newtown, kept her class of children calm by distracting and occupying the children until help could arrive. The current tragedy in Connecticut provides parents with an opportunity to engage their children in discussion about school violence. Communicating with your child may not stop school violence but it
3 WATCH, OBSERVE Observe your kids’ behaviors and be attentive to their moods
not even understand what they are feeling. Their
can help your child to better cope with it. Thomas J. Nardi has been practicing psychology in New York for more than 30 years.
WATCH FOR THESE SIGNS IN CHILDREN
“Communicating with your child may not stop school violence but it can help your child to better cope with it.” — Thomas
Do they seem quieter or noisier than usual? Are they tense or agitated? Are they reluctant to go to school? Have their appetites changed? Are they having trouble sleeping? Are they experiencing nightmares? Have their play activities become more violent? Have they lost interest in play?
J. Nardi, psychologist
Tailor your debriefing conversation to your child’s age, and reassure children that you are there to keep them safe.
S O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
88
U Q I N U
Tactical Assault A Survival Bag, Which Provides 72 Hours Of Supplies, And Other Gear That Will Prepare You For Whatever Spring Brings BY TORREY KIM PHOTOS BY DAVE ALAN THE TWO SIDES OF SPRING… ON ONE HAND, THERE’S THE BEAUTY OF BLOOMING FLOWERS AND PLEASANT TEMPERATURES. ON THE OTHER, THE ARRIVAL OF RAIN, INSECTS AND MUD.
To assure that you’ve got all angles covered, we’ve presented five specialty
items that will help you keep on track during your survival training and outings.
89
EDITOR’S CHOICE
SURVIVAL BAGS, INC. Model: Bug-Out Bag www.survivalbagsinc.com Key Features: Sturdy bag, pre-filled with 72 hours’ worth of supplies MSRP: $142-$180
buyer’s
Guide
UNIQUE
1
SURVIVAL BAGS, INC.
$142-$180
1 SURVIVAL BAGS, INC. Model: Bug-Out Bag
www.survivalbagsinc.com
Key Features: Sturdy bag, pre-filled with 72 hours’ worth of supplies MSRP: $142-$180 Description: If you need to bug out, you don’t want to spend time packing your backpack with last-minute necessities. Instead, add one of these bags to your survival kit for each family member, and you’ll be ready to head out the door at a moment’s notice. This sturdy but lightweight Fox Tactical Three-Day Assault Pack comes already packed with 72 hours’ worth of supplies. It includes preserved food, drinking water, Adventure Medical Kit for your first aid and tool needs (including a signal mirror, headlamp, whistle, compass, duct tape, and tinder kit, as well as first aid supplies), 50 feet of paracord, two-person tube tent, emergency poncho, blanket, waterproof matches, disposable hand warmers, three N95 respirator masks, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, tissue, wet naps and a Shower-in-a-Bag.
2 OKABASHI
Model: Gardenia Clog
www.okabashi.com Key features: Comfortable, lightweight, ergonomic MSRP: $19.00 Description: Being on the go doesn’t mean having to live without comfort, and the Gardenia Clogs will allow you to not only travel in style, but you’ll also be pampered. The key is the massaging insole, which gently stimulates your feet while you walk, ensuring that you won’t suffer foot or back pain. The easy-to-clean microplast material remains odor-free, no matter how many miles you travel. You can go straight from working in your survival garden to hopping on the trail and you won’t have to switch out your footwear in between activities, thanks to the Gardenia’s amazing versatility.
2
OKABASHI
ELIMINATE ONE POTENTIAL PROBLEM
$19.00
Whether you’re training or involved full-on in a survival situation remember that spring is when many animals begin to venture outside after hibernation. So, heed these tips from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department:
3 CRKT
Model: Redemption Knife
www.crkt.com
• Check your campsite for debris and move it carefully because snakes could be hiding under large rocks or logs. • Clean your campsite or dining area to ensure that food isn’t left behind that could attract critters. • Keep your tent zipped at all times. Animals could enter looking for a warm place to hide, and huddling under your sleeping bag may be just what they need.
Key Features: Large yet lightweight, multi-purpose, sharp MSRP: $300 Description: Whether you’re slashing through brush, cutting kindling, defending yourself against a mountain lion or chopping homegrown tomatoes, you need a versatile knife that can handle every task you throw its way. The CRKT Redemption can take on every survival job you’ve got, thanks to its huge 9.5-inch steel blade, razor-sharp tip and flat grind. The contoured handle makes it easy to hold, even if you’re chopping vigorously, and the leather wrist strap and nylon sheath ensure that you won’t lose it in the backcountry. We love the
Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife, http://passporttotexas.org/stateparks-safe-camping-in-spring
90
3
CRKT
$300 “ … you need a versatile knife that can handle every task you throw its way.”
three-quarter tang blade, which makes easy work of any brush you need to pass through but also made us feel secure to know it’s on-hand for personal defense needs.
4 DORFMAN-PACIFIC
Model: DPC Outdoor Brushed Twill Safari Mesh Hat
5
ALL TERRAIN
$14.99
www.dorfman-pacific.com Key Features: SPF of 50+, breathable MSRP: $42 Description:
When you’re outside in the spring, you’ll face not only increasing heat, but also humidity as the rains fall. This DPC Outdoor hat keeps the sun and rain off your face but allows your head to breathe, thanks to its wide brim to hold the sun at bay and mesh crown to ventilate the perspiration away from your head. The leather chin cord will ensure that the hat stays put, even if the wind kicks up, and the SPF 50+ rating will ensure that you won’t end the day with a sunburned scalp or face. We love how easy this hat is to store when you don’t need it anymore. Just roll it up, pop it into your pack when the sun goes down and it’s ready to wear again in the morning.
5 ALL TERRAIN
4
Model: Herbal Armor Natural Insect Repellent
DORMAN-PACIFIC
www.allterrainco.com Key Features: DEET-free,
$42
water-resistant, powerful MSRP: $14.99 (Family size) Description:
Slapping bugs may seem like a natural by-product of being outside in the spring, but it doesn’t have to be. You can keep the chemicals away from your family while staying insect-free thanks to this innovative herbal bug repellent that stays at 100-percent effectiveness for two hours. It’s sweat and waterresistant, DEET-free and won’t stain your clothing. Our test of this repellent revealed that it really did keep the bugs away and didn’t irritate the skin at all (not even the most sensitive-skinned testers). Toss a bottle of Herbal Armor into your spring bug-out bag to ensure that you won’t have to deal with pesky insects during your next outdoor adventure.
STAY DRY THIS SPRING SPRING CAN STILL BRING RAIN
Thus, venturing out during the spring months can equate to a bag full of wet gear, but you can avoid having to dry out your items if you remember a few quick tips. • Bring zip-top bags on your journey. If it rains, you can protect your electronics, clothes, food and other gear by zipping them into these handy and easy-to-pack plastic bags. • Waterproof your boots and other items. Hiking with wet
feet is not only uncomfortable, it can lead to bacteria and fungus invading your skin. Use a waterproofing spray or oil on your boots, gloves and other gear so you can stay dry even if you’re trudging through the mud. • Bring a tarp. Having a tarp on hand can protect you in more ways than one. Lay the tarp on the damp ground before pitching your tent so it will keep the moisture away from your sleeping area. Or you can drape it over your picnic table to serve as a rain fly while you’re trying to enjoy dinner.
91
NEWS & NOTES (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9)
fabulous flicks 15 Can’t-Miss S urvival Movies
WE’VE ALL BEEN IN SURVIVAL SITUATIONS … MORE OR LESS. If you’ve seen any of the following moves, you certainly have. Viewing a survival situation on the big screen allows you to put yourself in the shoes of the characters that have fought off predators, faced Mother Nature and even confronted zombies. Place a few of these flicks in your upcoming rental queue to get a feel for how survival looks firsthand.
SEA SURVIVAL 1
“Waterworld”
Watch it just for the sheer visual of a world that exists after the polar ice caps melt and we are all ensconced in water—or just watch to see what the most expensive movie ever made looked like in 1995. 3
“The Perfect Storm”
Amazing because it’s a true story and shows the unbelievable ferocity of the ocean, this movie is a must, especially if you’re a fan of the series “Deadliest Catch.”
END OF WORLD SURVIVAL 4
“Book Of Eli”
Following the nuclear apocalypse, Denzel Washington’s character—Eli—must fight off every manner of evil as he tries to protect the one potential key to survival—the last surviving copy of the Bible. 6
“I Am Legend”
Will Smith’s character is a virus specialist who holds immunity to a sickness plaguing the planet, and he must race against the clock to find a cure, despite being the last healthy survivor of the deadly virus.
“Cast Away”
Tom Hanks’ character survives on a deserted island with just the remnants that remain from a crashed FedEx plane. Not only a lesson in survival, but it’s also a tear-jerker. 2
5
“Mad Max”
Produced on a shoestring budget, this postapocalyptic revenge thriller introduced the world to Mel Gibson as Max, who struggles to survive amid anarchy.
FAST FACTS, NUMBERS 1911 The automatic pistol, caliber .45, model 1911, U.S. Army is the firearm our expert, Jim Dickson, recommends as the best pistol for home defense.
TORNADOES When a hurricane hits land, it can trigger a tornado. Be prepared.
NUMBER 1 Your car ha s broken d own on a remo te road; you’re stranded. The number one thing
MOUNTAIN SURVIVAL 7
“Alive”
Based on one of the most famous true survival stories of all time, this film follows the Uruguayan rugby team members’ harrowing decision to eat the bodies of their dead teammates after their plane crashes in the Andes Mountains. 8
“Into Thin Air”
This riveting—and true—first-person account of devastation on Mount Everest shows what happens following a rogue storm, which results in eight deaths on the famous mountain. 9
“Jeremiah Johnson”
Robert Redford’s character makes a lifealtering decision to live as a Colorado mountain man—until the Cavalry comes to town and shatters his idyllic solo life.
ZOMBIE SURVIVAL 10
“Night Of The Living Dead”
The original that launched scores of followers, this movie shows what happens to a small
town after scores of zombies rise from the dead and go on the attack. Although shot in 1968, this film remains one of the best of its genre. 11
“Zombieland”
With moments of both suspense and hilarity, “Zombieland” shows how a shy, bookish teenager manages to escape zombies—and search for Twinkies along the way. 12
“Shaun Of The Dead”
Although mainly a comedy, you’ll also get your share of sheer terror watching the hapless main character, who is heroic in his deeds. You’ll really care about his survival.
GENERAL SURVIVAL 13
“Into The Wild”
This sometimes heartbreaking true story follows a young man in search of an authentic life, and his struggle to fight the harsh reality of nature as he detaches from society. 14
“127 Hours”
Whether you’ve read the book or not, you most likely already know that this film follows the true story of a hiker who must cut off his own arm—depicted in realistically graphic detail—to survive. 15
“The Road”
Although not the feel-good movie of the year, “The Road” shows a father and son fighting cannibals as they attempt to find others who want to live in a society like they envision. —Torrey Kim
to do when you realize that you’re in a survival situation is to stay put. — Survival expert Tim MacWelch
INDEFINITELY When properly stored, the shelf life of shell beans and legumes.
587 The number of floods that hit Texas during a 10-year period.
600 The number of gallons of fresh water the Southwick family of National Geographic fame have on store.
92
S O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
anchored by pets THE CDC REPORTS THAT ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS WHY PEOPLE REFUSE TO EVACUATE IN THE FACE OF IMMINENT LIFE-THREATENING DANGER IS CONCERN ABOUT PETS THAT CANNOT BE EVACUATED WITH THEIR OWNERS.
Statistics indicate that households with pets are almost twice as likely not to evacuate as those without pets. Officials estimate that
Caring For The Elderly
between 60-70 percent of American households have pets.
During Disaster, Elderly Face Tough Challenges
DISASTER PROMPTED CONGRESS TO ACT
SOME OLDER ADULTS ARE PARTICULARLY VULNER-
to include household pets in emergency evacuation plans.
ABLE DURING AND AFTER DISASTERS, AND THE REA-
— CDC
Although there are no specific data on the number of elderly pet owners, research has shown that older adults, especially those living alone, are likely to have a strong bond with their pets and are unwilling to evacuate without them, the CDC says.
Following the 2005 hurricanes, Congress passed the Pet Evacuation Transportation Standards Act, which requires state and local governments
SONS INCLUDE THEIR I MPAIRED PHYSICAL MOBILITY, DIMINISHED SENSORY AWARENESS, CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS, AND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LIMITATIONS THAT PREVENT ADEQUATE PREPARATION AND HINDER ADAPTABILITY DURING DISASTERS, THE CDC REPORTS.
After the 2005 hurricanes, emergency response experts have placed a new focus on disaster preparedness and response to better protect vulnerable populations, including older adults, from harm, the agency says. Numerous tools and strategies are available to help communities accomplish this, including advance planning and training, working in coalitions, ensuring that advocates for older adults participate in emergency planning, and using community-mapping data to identify areas where many older adults live, the CDC reports.
W S S I N T H E N E K O O B L A V I S U R V
Hit The Books
SURVIVAL BOOK 2
SURVIVAL BOOK 1
Name: Ragnar’s Urban Survival
The tap's run dry, the supermarkets have
Name: Barbed Wire, Barricades and Bunkers
In this 126-page guide to readying your
been ransacked, the power is off and the low
home retreat for any scenario, you will learn
rumble of tanks can be heard in the distance.
how to take proven designs for fortified
The unprepared who refused to believe
structures and adapt them to your personal
that such a thing could happen here will live as
defense plan.
wretched refugees—if they live at all. But for
A dedicated prepper and the author of S O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
the prepared—for the city survivors—life will
Living on the Edge: A Family's Journey to Self-
go on. America's leading survival author
Sufficiency , F.J. Bohan takes you t hrough the
debunks the myth that the only way to survive
wide array of possible fortifications.
is to stock a retreat in the mountains.
PALADIN IS THE SOURCE For more information on these books, go to www.paladin-press.com/.
93
A E T S E M O
Self-ReliancE Being prepared means ensuring your family’s survival without relying on others FOR MANY, IT’S THE NEW AMERICAN DREAM … LIVING OFF THE GRID IN A SELF-SUFFICIENT, INDEPENDENT LIFESTYLE.
To be sure, it’s a big step, and it takes planning, determination, creativity and perseverance, which is exactly where we come in. Using experts to provide you with ideas, we’ll present the “maps” that lead to a successful life of self-reliance. Live your dream.
In This Section…
• Creating the Low-Budget Homestead • Doomsday Preppers Explain How To Be Self-Sufficient for One Year
• Survivalist 101: How To Get Started, How To Prepare, How To Make it Work
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
94
DOOMSDAY
PREPPERS Braxton “The Brains” and the father from the Southwick family of Preppers. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL
The Southwick Family, of National Geographic Channel Fame, Explains How They Are Prepared To Be Self-Sufficient For One Year By Torrey Kim
C
HEMICAL SUITS AND MASKS. ADD TO THAT 600 GALLONS OF FRESH WATER, 100 GALLONS OF GAS, 100 GALLONS OF DIESEL FUEL, 1,000 POUNDS OF COAL, 300 POUNDS
OF CHARCOAL, 14 GUNS AND EIGHT CHICKENS. TO TOP IT OFF, A YEAR’S SUPPLY OF FOOD.
Meet the Southwick family, who, as you can see, is very well prepared for an emergency. Maybe you also grow your own food and have a pantry filled with self-canned snacks. Or perhaps you stockpile firewood, water, ammunition and cash in anticipation of doomsday. Either way, you are a “prepper,” and you’re not alone.
The Southwick family of Preppers. (Left to right, front row): Rylee, Jayden and Taja. (Left to right, back row): Braxton, Kara, Braxton Jr., Treston and Colton. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL 95
DOOMSDAY PREPPERS
THE $20 PER WEEK PLAN If you’re interested in becoming a prepper but you’re worried about the financial commitment, start small. “The biggest thing I’ve gotten from being on Doomsday Preppers is hearing from people who don’t know where to start,” Southwick says. “I was in the exact same boat. We made a room when we first got married and I put shelves in and insulated it for food storage, but we couldn’t figure out where to start. I went to Costco one day and bought a 25-pound bag of salt and that was the first item in the food storage area. After that, Kara budgeted $20 a week just toward food storage, and that $20 really adds up to a lot of food after a while.”
RYLEE
Excellent seamstress
BRAXTON JR.
JAYDEN
TRESTON
TAJA
COLTON
Capable of living outdoors for weeks on end, tanning animal hides, using firearms and purifying water
Training to be a registered nurse
Fishes, hunts and fixes anything
Master gardener
Lifeguard, hunter, processes wild meat
THE FAMILY LINE-UP There are thousands of people like you who are preparing for a catastrophic event, and the National Geographic Channel has created a popular show to profile their methods. Doomsday Preppers started airing fresh episodes again in January to reveal new families who are
created a well-oiled plan on his property as well as at his bug-out location—a family cabin not far away. Southwick shared details and tips from his survivalist lifestyle with American Survival Guide to show our readers just what was required to amass his preparation cache.
demonstrating the fine art of prepping. The program is currently the number-one rated series on the network, and has developed a strong following among survivalists. One of the breakout stars of the show is Braxton
FULL SURVIVALIST MODE Like many people, Southwick started out as a casual
Southwick, a Utah-based family man who is preparing for
prepper, but subsequent events prompted him to ramp
what he fears might hit the country—a potential biologi-
up his plan.
cal attack that could kill thousands and create pandemonium. With a wife and six kids to protect, Southwick has
96
“My wife, Kara, and I started prepping with just food storage quite a few years ago,” Southwick says. “Our
West Jordan, Utah: The Southwick family are all preparing for a biological attack. (PHOTO CREDIT: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL
“… we wanted to be prepared for something like a job loss or a quake … then 9/11 happened, and I realized how vulnerable we are in this country …” — Braxton Southwick
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DOOMSDAY PREPPERS reasons were because we wanted to be prepared for something like a job loss or a quake, because we’re in earthquake country. Then 9/11 happened, and I realized how vulnerable we are in this country to a biological attack.”
CHECK OUT AN EPISODE
In 2010, Southwick began researching biological weapons for a book he was writing and realized how many countries have
WHO
DOOMSDAY PREPPERS
them. “So in 2010 I started preparing for a biological attack, and I bought masks and chemical suits for my family,” he says. “We went from having three months’ supply of food storage, to having a year’s supply just two years later.” In addition to their food stockpile, the Southwicks also hunt regularly and raise chickens so they’ll always have a fresh supply of eggs. “We do buy some things from the grocery store, but we
WHAT
THEIR SHOW WHERE
THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL
could be self-sufficient if we ever have to,” he says.
WHEN
9 P.M. TUESDAYS
NATURAL PART OF LIFE Southwick’s wife, Kara, is a master of food storage, and rotates the food stockpile regularly to ensure that everything is consumed before it expires. “We use our pantry like a grocery store, and when we get low on something, I let Kara know and she buys more,” he says. Kara does not entirely share her husband’s enthusiasm on prepping for a biological
“Kara budgeted $20 a week just toward food storage, and that $20 really adds up to a lot of food after a while.” – Braxton Southwick
attack, but she does support him in his endeavors, and keeps a two-way radio in her glove box so she can communicate with the family if the public systems shut down. “She is completely and totally 100 percent on board with food storage because she never wants the kids to go hungry,” Southwick says. “Everything else she only tolerates, like the chemical suits and masks, because she doesn’t want to hear about the potential bad things that could happen to the children.”
911 TIMES 3 Southwick occasionally has drills at home in which the family practices what they’d do in an emergency, but he keeps the reminders casual even more often. “I talk to the kids about it almost every weekend,” he says. “I’ll just talk to a few of them and ask them, ‘If you get a 911 text three times from me, what is your plan? What should you do?’ and that type of reminder is just part of our lifestyle.”
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HOW, WHY PREPPING BECAME A LIFESTYLE
Southwick never had to convert his six children to a prepper lifestyle because they grew up with it as a normal part of their family life. In fact, each child has a different role and responsibility in the family’s survival plan. Braxton Jr., 21, is capable of living outdoors for weeks on end, tanning animal hides, using firearms and purifying water. Jayden, 18, is training to be a registered nurse, so she’s the family medic. Treston, 17, can fish, hunt and fix anything, while his twin sister Taja is a master gardener. Colton, 16,
The family wanted to be prepared for something like a job loss or a quake. Then 9/11 happened. “I realized how vulnerable we are in this country to a biological attack,” says Braxton Southwick. Research revealed just how
many countries have biological weapons. “I started preparing for a biological attack, and I bought masks and chemical suits for my family,” he says. The family went from three months of supplies to 12 months.
is not only a lifeguard, he’s also an amazing hunter, and he can also process and prepare wild meat. The youngest, Rylee, is an excellent seamstress. Together, the family could be self-reliant thanks to their complementary skills. The kids all know their designated areas of expertise, but they weren’t simply assigned those subjects, Southwick says. “As they grew up, I could see their talents in certain things, which became their specialty areas,” he says. “When you get a whole family together, everyone can’t do the same thing—everyone has to have his own role and my kids love having the responsibility and they take the initiative in their subject areas.”
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“ … everything else she only tolerates, like the chemical suits and masks, because she doesn’t want to hear about the potential bad things that could happen to the children.” — Braxton Southwick
Surviv
How To Get Started, How To Prepare, How To Make It Work By Torrey Kim
R
EADY, SET …
Over time you'll adjust to the
LIFESTYLE
new lifestyle, but a lot of folks have
CHANGE.
a difficult time doing without cen-
IS IT THAT EASY
tral heat and air, cable television,
TO LIVE OFF THE GRID AS
hot water on tap and seemingly
A HOMESTEADER? NOT
unlimited power at the flick of a
EVEN CLOSE.
switch, he says.
If you’ve been wondering
“These changes can be
exactly what it takes before you
extremely difficult for children,
can truly consider yourself a sur-
which brings us to another consid-
vivalist, turn to expert M.D. Creek-
eration: Moving off the grid will
more, an author and survivalist,
have to be a united family
who can help you figure out how
endeavor,” he says. “If your family
to prepare for this new and
isn't on board with the whole idea,
rewarding lifestyle.
you probably won't make it very long.”
START SLOWLY, ENLIST SUPPORT Often, when people decide to live the survivalist or “off-the-grid” lifestyle, many determine that they
READING AND PREPARATION Once you and your family have agreed to make the sacrifices required, you should head to the library. “Check out every book you
must immediately abandon modern
can find on how to raise a garden,
conveniences (such as electricity)
preserve produce, raise animals,
and live primitively, but the change
build, etc.,” Creekmore says. “If
can be too sudden and they strug-
possible, take any related classes,
gle. To overcome this common
or seek an apprenticeship with
challenge, Creekmore advises
someone who is already living the
starting slowly and planning ahead.
life.”
“The first thing that anyone
You shouldn’t move to a
should ask themselves is, ‘What do
sprawling property at the outset of
I really want?’” Creekmore says.
your decision to become a sur-
“Anyone even considering moving
vivalist. Instead, begin your prepa-
off the grid should realize that it
rations right at your current home.
isn't as ‘romantic’ as some would
“Do everything that you can
have you believe. There are a lot of
where you are,” Creekmore says.
sacrifices that will have to be made
“This will help you to learn and
and comforts that will need to be
avoid mistakes after you make the
left behind.”
move. For example, you could dig
“Anyone even considering moving off the grid should realize that it isn't as ‘romantic’ as some would have you believe.” – M.D. Creekmore
Creekmore’s best-selling book 31 Days to Survival will help you get ready for your new lifestyle using 31 days of lessons, advice, checklists, and tips. 100
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
101 1 alist 10 Your survivalist abode can range from a two-story cabin to a small yurt, depending on your family’s needs and your comfort level.
ADAPT TO THIS
As a survival ist, you might live without the following: • Central heat and air • Cable television • Hot water on tap • Seemingly unlimited power at the flick of a switch
SURVIVALIST CHECKLIST FIRST Ask yourself , ‘What do I really want?’” SECOND Check out every book you can find on how to raise a garden, preserve produce, raise animals, build, etc. If possible, take any related classes, or seek an apprenticeship apprenticeshi p with someone who is already living the life. THIRD Begin your preparation right at home. FOURTH Anyone con sidering moving off the grid should realize that it isn't as “romantic” as some would have you believe. There are a lot of sacrifices that will have to be made.
ALL ABOUT M.D.
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
• M.D. Creekmore is one of America's foremost experts on survival, emergency preparedness, and self-reliance. • He has dedicated his life to learning the skills needed to stay alive in an increasingly dangerous world. • Since its inception in 2007, his blog (www.thesurvivalistblog.net ) has grown into one of the most popular preparedness sites on the Web. • His books 31 Days to Survival and Survival and Dirt Cheap Survival Retreat are both Paladin Press best sellers. • He is a black belt in Shotokan karate, gunsmith, gunsmith, survivalist, survivalis t, hunter, trapper, and homesteader.
DIG A LITTLE DEEPER MD Creekmore shares tips about the survivalist lifestyle on his blog, www.thesurvivalistblog.net.
101
Survivalist 101 up your suburban back lot and plant a garden. Or plant in containers on your balcony. Sprout it, plant it, grow it, harvest it, preserve it and eat it. By going through the whole process, you'll learn a great deal that will put you a step ahead of the learning curve when you make the move off-grid.”
COST: KNOW WHA WH AT TO EX EXPE PECT CT Many aspiring survivalists believe they’ll save a fortune after converting to a self-sustaining lifestyle, but unless you own huge plots of property and dozens of plants and animals for food, expect to
AVOID THE NO. 1 MISTAKE When preparing your survivalist life, avoid the No. 1 mistake that MD Creekmore has observed over the years. “A lot of folks just starting out spend too much time and money building an arsenal of firearms. I see this all the time,” he says. “Many new survivalists/preppers spend thousands of dollars on weapons and related gear, yet have only a two-week supply
of food and no water filter or medical supplies. This is crazy. I love guns and gear as much as the next person, but I know food and water are more important to my survival.” Weapons do have a place in your survival cache, but they aren’t the only thing to consider, Creekmore adds. “Sure, we need weapons to protect what we’ve put away,” he notes. “Just don’t neglect the other stuff that is just as important or maybe even more so.”
” ”
a n
e
r p
t i
,
t
s
e
v
r
a
h
,
t
i
w
o r
g
,
t
How much you’ll spend depends on what you want
when starting out,” he says. “Once you get everything
and how much you're willing to sacrifice,
going, the cost of living a self-sustaining lifestyle can be
Creekmore says.
far lower comparatively than living a typical consumer
garden and raising livestock are expensive, especially
e v r e s
t. i t
t i
spend some of your savings during your conversion.
“Buying property, building a home, planting a
t i
a t d e
lifestyle. The trouble is that it can take years before you reach the tipping point.”
n a l
p
,
t i
t u o
r p S “
“I love guns and gear as much as the next person – but I know food and wa water are more important to my survival.” – M.D. Creekmore
Firearms are typically part of most survalists’ kits, but you don’t want to start out by blowing your entire survival budget on guns. First, ensure that you’ve stockpiled food, water, and medical supplies to ensure that you can stay alive.
S O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
102
Penny Saved, How To Live On A Budget As A Homesteader By Steven D. Gregersen | photos Courtesy of Paladin Excerpted with permission from Paladin Press. The following is from “Creating the Low-Budget Homestead”
M
ONEY, AT LEAST
had jobs paying $50 an hour, only to learn that
use your retreat until conditions stabilize? Are
FOR NOW, IS PART
the same job here (if they can find one!) pays a
you aiming for complete self-sufficiency? Are you
OF BEING SELF-SUFFICIENT.
third that amount. Even those who tough it out
equipping a place as an insurance policy so that if
sometimes face years of deprivation and stress
it’s TEOTWAWKI (The End Of The World As
before fiscal progress is seen.
We Know It), you’ll have someplace to go with
If I had to guess at the number one reason people abandon their
dreams of self-sufficiency, I’d say it was money.
Don’t be naïve about money. You’re still
family and friends and live your life in relative
Within a few miles of our cabin in Montana, I can
going to need it, but if you follow some of the
show you the remains of homes, outbuildings and
guidelines, you may find you’ll need a lot less than
foundations where people came to escape the rat
you thought and may find ways to make it while
list of the skills, tools, knowledge and equipment
race, only to succumb to the heart-wrenching
still pursuing your dream of self-sufficiency.
you’ll need to reach your desired level of pre-
We’ve seen people come here with piles of money and pay cash for their land and home, then run up enormous debts and lose it all. We’ve seen others come from out of state who
Whatever your goal is, you need to make a
paredness. Now go through the list and set prior-
reality that money is still a necessity in self-sufficient living.
security?
DECIDE WHAT
ities. As you save money, get the most important
YOU WANT
items first. A list like this will keep you on track,
What level of preparedness or self-sufficiency do you want to attain? Are you just planning to
104
and you’ll be able to see the progress you’re making, which will motivate you to continue your efforts over the long haul.
Penny Earned HOW HE ARRIVED AT SELF-SUFFICIENCY Steven D. Gregersen learned such skills as crop and animal husbandry while working on the farms of various relatives; hunting and fishing from his father; camping and outdoor skills from the Boy Scouts; discipline, marksmanship and first aid from the U.S. Marine Corps; and auto mechanics from vocational school. In addition, he taught himself gardening, trapping, construction, solar power, food preservation, heating with wood, and a host of other skills essential to an off-grid, self-sufficient lifestyle. He and his wife established their 20-acre homestead in northwestern Montana in 2004.
4 MONEY-SAVING TIPS 1 Replace incandescent lights with
low-watt fluorescents or LEDs 2 Use reading lamps instead of
overhead lighting 3 Turn lights off if you aren’t using them 4 Use motion-sensitive lighting outside
One of the best ways to save money is to make things yourself. I wanted a heavy wool coat but couldn’t afford a new one or find a used one like I wanted. We purchased two wool coats from a thrift store for $7.50 each. I combined them to make a coat exactly like I wanted. Not including my labor and thread, I saved more than $100 compared to the price of a new coat.
rather than leaving the light on all night
P M A L K C O T S K N I H T
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do, do without.”
105
BUDGET My wife tunes pianos for some extra cash. While she has a strong music background, you don’t even need to know how to play a piano in order to tune one. There are correspondence courses that can teach you everything you need to know, and the tools are relatively inexpensive. With the advent of electronic tuners, even someone who is tone-deaf can tune a piano to perfection.
PENNIES ADD UP Years ago I kept track of every penny I spent for one full month. That was illuminating, to say the least. The biggest shock came when I added up my expenditures on snacks. I averaged $2 a day for snacks and soft drinks from the machines at work. That didn’t sound like much until I made the yearly connection. That $2 per day times five days per week for 50 weeks came to $500 a year spent to rot my teeth and expand my waist. How much do you spend on things like snacks, soft drinks and cappuccinos? If you can save just one dollar a day every day of the year, you’ll have $365 to spend on other things. They key here is to set money aside for
CAN YOU DOWNSIZE?
the things you really want.
DOWNSIZING Can you eliminate a vehicle? You’ll spend less on licensing, taxes, insurance,
If you can eliminate a car, you’ll spend less on licensing, taxes, insurance, repairs, tires, maintenance and gasoline.
repairs, tires, maintenance and gasoline. What about housing? Could you get by with something smaller or cheaper? If you
“Personal savings may be anywhere from a few dollars to more than $100 per month. However small or large, it adds up over time.”
VEHICLE
— Steven D. Gregersen, homesteader
HOUSING
Can you get by with something smaller or cheaper?
rented an apartment within walking distance of where you work and eliminated a vehicle as well, you might be able to save enough to buy a piece of land in the country somewhere for a retreat. If you’re at the age where you can buy that retirement home, think carefully about what you get. Do you really need four bedrooms and five bathrooms? Large houses are costly to heat and cool, difficult to keep clean, expensive to maintain, and the taxes and insurance are atrocious.
REEVALUATE YOUR INSURANCE The typical American pays insurance on his or her life, health, home and vehicles. It’s important to have adequate insurance, but remember that the more insurance a salesman can talk you into, the fatter his commission—and the thinner your wallet—becomes. Savings can amount to hundreds of dollars per year. Meet your legal requirements on property and vehicles; carefully analyze what you do and do not need after that. Medical care and insurance is a difficult obstacle to overcome. If you’re a veteran, you may qualify for health care benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Our son is changing a tire on our $49.99 Harbor Freight Tools tire machine. He saved more than $200 by buying his tires online and mounting them himself. We save more than $100 per year using this machine and doing our tire swaps and repairs ourselves. It comes with instructions.
There are also county-, state- and city-sponsored clinics that handle most routine medical needs. Those I’m aware of bill you according to your income. In the event of a longterm or serious illness, and if you qualify, Medicaid or Medicare may be options.
106
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BUDGET You’ll save money on automotive repairs by fixing parts whenever possible. The dimmer switch on my pickup quit working, so I disassembled it, sanded off the corrosion, and put it back together. It’s worked like new ever since. If the repair hadn’t worked I’d have had to buy a new one anyway, so I figured I had nothing to lose by trying.
SAVINGS
101 $2 The amount of money Steven D. Gregersen was spending each day for snacks and soft drinks from the machines at work
$500 That $2 per day times five days per week for 50 weeks came to $500 a year
$1 Save this amount each day
$365 If you can save just one dollar a day every day of the year, you’ll have this amount to spend on other things
BE ENERGY EFFICIENT Trading in a gas guzzler for a more energyefficient vehicle may save money on fuel, but be careful here. Add up the differences in miles per gallon savings vs. the cost of the newer vehicle; you might find that it’s cheaper to drive the old clunker until it’s worn out. However, when the time comes to trade it in, get something that’s fuel efficient.
“If I had to guess at the number one reason people abandon their dreams of selfsufficiency, I’d say it was money.” — Steven D. Gregersen, homesteader
The same holds true of appliances. If your
them. Use motion-sensitive lighting outside rather than leaving the light on all night. Personal savings may be anywhere from a few dollars to more than $100 per month. However small or large, it adds up over time.
SAVINGS ON THE PHONE, INTERNET The more extras the phone company sells you, the more money they make. Sure, call waiting is only a couple of bucks a month, but do you really need it? What about
water heater, refrigerator or freezer have a few
caller ID, voice mail or unlimited long distance? We save
years under their belt, they are probably power wasters. As they wear out,
about $30 a month by using a calling card for long distance at three cents
replace them with energy-efficient models. Little things like wrapping insula-
per minute. That’s $360 per year available for other things.
tion around hot water tanks and putting the freezer in a colder room make
What about family plans and the other extras that cell phone compa-
a difference as well. Turning down thermostats in winter and up in the sum-
nies offer to save you money? They operate on the same principle to make
mer and using a lower setting on your hot water tank will also save money.
money that we’re using to save money: they know that an extra 10, 20 or
Connect the television, microwave, computers and Xbox to power
more dollars added to your account equals big commissions over time in
strips and turn them off when they’re not in use. Many of these items have
their pockets. They sell these things by “saving” you money. That’s pretty
clocks and “instant on” circuitry that use power even when the appliance is
smart. You spend more to save more, and they get bigger checks by saving
turned off.
you money! You leave feeling good about the bargain you got, they order a
Replace incandescent lights with low-watt fluorescents or LEDs. Use
steak dinner to celebrate their commission for selling you the “super
reading lamps instead of overhead lighting. Turn lights off if you aren’t using
saver’s package deal!”
108
Now this is great if you really
and barbecue grills are your friends.
wanted or needed the things they
When you do eat out, spend less.
sold you. But if you wouldn’t have
We take advantage of dollar menus
bought cell phones for the entire fam-
and coupons.
ily without the package deal, did you really save money or did you just sign
THE JONESES
a contract to buy toys for your kids?
Many of our friends have newer
Internet providers have different
vehicles, bigger boats, larger houses
plans as well, and the same rules
and unlimited electricity. They also
apply. Get the plan that’s best for you,
depend on others to provide food,
not the plan that makes the salesman
fuel, electricity and heat. With the
the best commission.
current economic meltdown, many of them are on unemployment, with no
HABITS
Cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, gambling and pornography are not listed here as moral or health issues. A pack of cigarettes in my area
prospect of a decent job in the foreseeable future,
PHONE SAVINGS
and are struggling to keep their homes
• Do you need call waiting? • Is caller ID really mandatory? • How badly do you need voice mail or unlimited long distance?
and food on the table. Instead of marching to the beat of a dif-
costs $5.75. One pack a day will cost you $40.25 a week, $161 a month and $2,093 a
out of foreclosure
ferent drummer, be the drummer. Develop an independent
year. That’s more than a month of
spirit and lifestyle. Break free. Why
income for some people, and that’s
go into debt to buy things that will
only for cigarettes. The decline of
drag you down, just to impress peo-
your health and productivity add even
ple you may not even like?
more. RENT ITEMS BE FRUGAL
Specialty ladders, paint sprayers,
Spend only on what is needed.
carpet cleaners, backhoes, motor
We live by the maxim, “Use it up,
homes, trucks and trailers are among
wear it out, make it do, do without.”
dozens of big ticket items that can be
This is easier if you’re prioritized and
rented at a fraction of what it would
know the difference between needs
cost you to own them.
and wants. SET ASIDE MONEY YOU SAVE STAY HOME
Fewer trips out mean savings on
When you forego a cappuccino, take the money you would have
food, fuel, impulse spending and vehi-
spent out of your pocket and put it
cle maintenance. Consolidate your
aside. Keep an envelope at home
trips and make each one accomplish
and deposit the money there, or
multiple purposes. If you’re going to
open a separate bank account for
be out all day, pack a picnic lunch and
these funds. Do the same with
eat at the park instead of a restaurant.
everything else on this list. Set that
Take some ice from the fridge and a
money aside and use it only for the
cooler of soft drinks. Bring snacks
things designated in your master
from home. Pocket the savings.
plan. Then, when that super deal comes along, you’ll be able to cash
REDUCE EATING OUT
in on it.
I’m not saying you should never eat out, but cooking at home from scratch saves money and you’ll probably eat healthier too. The crockpot
SUCCESSFUL PLAN
This plan will only work if you are truly motivated. Start now.
109
Buy the best you can afford. It’ll save you money in the long run. This Troy-Bilt tiller was purchased over a quarter century ago and is still running great. It was built to last, and last, and last!
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
buyers
Guide
BACKPACKS
E V I N
Central To
Survival The Right Knife Can Provide You With Food, Defense And Shelter ONE ITEM. JUST ONE THING. ASK ANY SURVIVALIST WHAT ONE ITEM THEY’D BRING ON A DESERTED ISLAND, AND THE ANSWER WILL UNDOUBTEDLY BE THAT THEY’D BRING THEIR TRUSTY KNIFE.
A knife can be the difference between death and survival, because it can
offer self-defense, it can cut branches for shelter and can seize wildlife to provide you with food. With knives being central to survival, check out a few of these recommended blades to add to your kit.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
CUTCO
www.cutco.com Model: Gut hook hunting knife Key Features: Sharp, durable, game dressing features Suggested retail: $99
THE IMPORTANCE OF BELT CARRY
110
Most survivalists find that keeping a knife on their belt is immeasurably helpful, because they can reach down, unclip it and use it with just one hand. If your knife didn’t come with a belt sheath, you can buy a separate one from a variety of vendors that can fit your knife.
buyer’s
Guide
1
KNIVES
2
SOG
$125 1
CUTCO
CUTCO
$99
Model: Gut Hook Hunting Knife
www.cutco.com Key Features: Sharp, durable, game dressing features MSRP: $99 Description: Whether you prefer fishing or hunting to feed your family, a quality knife is absolutely essential to ensuring that the food gets on your table. The Gut Hook Hunting Knife suits your needs no matter which of these you prefer, with a drop point design, gut hook tip and amazingly sharp blade. Field dressing and skinning are made easier with these knife, but you can also clean fish, cut bait or carry out other survival activities with the high carbon, stainless steel blade, which comes in either straight or recessed edge.
2 SOG
Model: Aegis Folding Knife
www.sogknives.com Key Features: Folds easily, sharp, durable MSRP: $125 Description: You ideally p refer that yo ur folding kn ife doesn’t pop open at random times like a switchblade might, but you certainly don’t want to have to dig it out with your fingernail if you need it in a pinch. The Aegis Folding Knife offers a great middle ground, because when you start to manually open it, a spring assists and allows you to open it quickly and easily. A built-in safety ensures that it won’t slip open in your pocket. Meanwhile, the 3.5-inch steel blade is so sharp it will handle all of your survival tasks, then clip to your belt when you don’t need it.
3
DO ALL OUTDOORS
$25
4
COGHLAN’S
$16
3 DO ALL OUTDOORS Model: Dead Deer Branch Clear Cutters and Trail Saw
www.do-alltraps.com Key Features: Strong, sharp, lightweight MSRP: $25 Description: Most people don’t include it in their survival game plans to cut through bone, but if you ever have to in the course of dressing your game, it can be done easily with these lightweight but hardy cutters. The kit comes with both a trail saw and clear cutter in the same quick-close case, allowing you to cut through branches, limbs, bone, wood or anything else that you may come upon in your travels. When you’re done, just toss the kit into your pack and move toward your next adventure.
4
COGHLAN’S Model: 3.5-inch Camp Knife
www.coghlans.com Key Features : Sharp, comfortable to hold, lightweight MSRP: $16
5
SOG
$130
Description: Sometimes it’s a comfort to know you’ve got your knife right in your pocket. That’s an easy thing to do with Coghlan’s 3.5-inch Camp Knife, which offers you a sharp blade for every survival task, from cooking to slicing rope to cutting plants for salad. When you’re done, simply lock the carbon steel blade into the hardwood handle and toss it into your pack or pocket. 111
5
SOG Model: Bowie 2.0
www.sogknives.com Key Features: Tactical, sharp, clip point blade MSRP: $130 Description: When you think of a tactical knife, you’re probably picturing the Bowie
2.0. Created based on knives used by the Special Forces in Vietnam, this knife’s 6.4-inch blade can get you out of just about any jams you may encounter in your survival travels. Its straight steel blade has a clip point edge so you can go from cleaning a fish to cutting a rope and then use it for self-defense. It comes with a leather sheath and a belt attachment for easy carrying.
buyer’s
Guide
KNIVES
6
KA-BAR
$98-107
6 KA-BAR
Model: Black Straight Edge
www.kabar.com Key Features : Multi-purpose, fixed blade, lightweight MSRP: $98-107
7
HAVALON
$36
Description: You’re trav eling throug h brush, un able to see in front of you, and you hear a sound in the distance … it could be a deer, but it could also be a predator. No matter what you find after you cut through that brush with your KA-BAR knife, you’re prepared for the best or worst, because this all-purpose blade will keep you covered no matter what you find on the other side of the meadow. A seven-inch blade, paired with this slip-resistant handle, gives you an overall knife length of nearly 12 inches. A pocket clip will ensure that you don’t misplace this knife—a good thing, since it could be lifesaving.
8
IAN SINCLAIR
$25
7 HAVALON
Model: Piranta EDGE
www.havalon.com Key Features: Ultra-thin, lightweight, easy to grip MSRP: $36 Description: If you’ve ever skinned a deer, you know it can require near-surgical precision to ensure that you remove all of the skin but none of the meat. The Piranta EDGE gives you that surgeon’s tool, with an ultra-thin blade and a lightweight, easy to hold handle. The best part of this compact wonder is that you’ll never need to sharpen it. The Piranta comes with 12 additional blades, so if you find that yours seems a bit dull, just pop out the blade and replace it with a new one.
9
GERBER
$69
10 KA-BAR
$84
8 IAIN SINCLAIR
www.iainsinclair.com
Model: Cardsharp Knife Key Features: Ultra-small, lightweight, very sharp MSRP: $25 Description: When you have no space to spare in your backpack, you still have room for this innovative and amazingly sharp knife. It looks like a credit card, but you just fold it three times and it exposes the stainless steel blade, turning the “credit card” edges into a handle. At just 2.2-mm thick, the knife weighs in at only 13 grams and is entirely waterproof. When you’re finished using it, just clean the edge, fold it back into its original credit card size, and tuck it back into your wallet until next time.
9
GERBER Model: DMF Folder, Tanto
www.gerbergear.com Key Features: Tactical, locking, sharp MSRP: $69 Description: Whether you need a knife for defense or for other tactical excursions, the Gerber Folder has you covered. This manually folding knife features a 3.5inch blade and a closed length of 4.8 inches so it can snugly fit into your pack.
112
Weighing just 6.2 ounces, you can carry it anywhere. The ambidextrous handle features a firm gripping surface, even if it’s raining, you’ve got fish guts on your hand or if you’re just sweating. No matter what your needs, Gerber’s DMF is worth a place in your gear collection.
10 KA-BAR
Model: Kukri Machete
www.kabar.com Key Features: Long blade, field purpose MSRP: $84
Description: Not every survivalist has a machete as part of his bugout bag, but if you’re packing for an extended amount of time outside, it’s worth your while to add the Kukri machete to your collection. With a carbon steel blade measuring almost a foot long, you can chop through even the roughest fields to make your way to safety.
A R E N E
General Preparedness THESE TIPS WILL KEEP YOU SAFE AND READY SELF-RELIANCE.
Whether it’s learning what to do during a pandemic, understanding everything
you need to know about firearms, making your personal care and hygiene products or mastering the art of using your car as a survival shelter, you’ll find this information in the following section. All it takes is some planning.
In This Section…
• Pandemic 101
• Personal Care
• Beginner’s Guide to
• 4-Wheel Survival Vehicle
the Right Firearm
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
113
A Beginner’s Guide To Selecting The Right Gun For Self-Defense
Firearms 101 By Sean Cooper
Firearms expert Dave Spaulding says, “A gun for a home defense scenario is for that alone. If y ou are not prepared, a gun is not a good choice.”
K C O T S K N I H T
114
S
ELF-SUFFICIENCY EXTENDS
defense scenario is for that alone. If you’re not pre-
BEYOND DISASTER PREPARA-
pared, a gun is not a good choice.
TION, HEATING YOUR HOME AND GROWING YOUR OWN FOOD.
It’s also critical to be able to defend yourself and
Q: Should one buy a handgun, shotgun or rifle? A: It depends on the environment you live in. If you’re a homeowner or an apartment dweller in a
your family. To help you do that safely, intelligently and
large urban area, then getting a long gun may not be a
efficiently, we went straight to one of the nation’s most
good choice because of the close confines. In this case,
knowledgeable gun experts—Dave Spaulding—owner
a handgun would probably be your best bet.
and chief instructor at Handgun Combatives. The former police officer guides you every step of the way.
Q: What are the steps to purchasing a gun? A: If you’re buying your gun from a licensed gun
Q: How does one decide if gun ownership is right? A: The first thing you need to understand is that a
dealer, you’re going to fill out Form 4473 to confirm your identity and where you live. Then you’re going to answer a battery of questions. The dealer is then going
gun is not something you use to scare someone away.
to go to the NICS (National Instant Criminal Back-
You have to consider very seriously the following
ground Check System) to see if you have a criminal
question: Am I willing to take a life? A gun for a home
record.
KEEP GUNS AWAY FROM CHILDREN If you have young children, you’re going to have to keep your gun safely away from them. Store it safely in a way they can’t access it, says Dave Spaulding. “Children are curious and naturally want to try it out,” he says. Use good common sense, be safe and think about this stuff carefully, so it doesn’t become a tragedy, he notes.
“The larger the bullet, the better effect it will have.” — Dave Spaulding, owner and chief instructor at Handgun Combatives
K C O T S K N I H T
In a home self-defense situation in which a homeowner lives in an apartment or home, experts recommend a handgun.
115
TRAINING IS IMPORTANT
FIREARMS 101
Handling and firing a handgun requires proper training and preparation. You can enroll in Dave Spaulding’s comprehensive handgun training course through his website below, which is www.handguncombatives.com/.
Q: How does one choose the right caliber? A: Please understand the gun store clerk will try to sell you what they have in stock. Take your time, be informed and select a gun. It’s really easy to go in and buy a .22 because it’s relatively cheap and easy to shoot, but keep in mind it’s a really small bullet. It’s not going to be one to count on to rapidly stop an assailant. The larger the bullet, the better effect it will have. A .38 special is good to look at.
Q: How does one know what gun will work best for him? A: My suggestion is try to find a gun store that also has a range facility where you can actually try the guns. You can also try the guns of trusted friends and see what works best for you. You’ll want to see if you have the hand strength and upper body strength.
Q: What ammo should be used? A: You want to look for the most effective ammunition you can get. You’ll want to pick a hollow point cartridge (a hole
To become proficient with a firearm, Spaulding recommends formal training.
drilled in the end of it). It expands, it dissipates and it creates a larger wound cavity to stop the assailant.
Q: What kind of maintenance and cleaning do guns require? A: Read the owner’s manual of the
sure it works and then throw it in a drawer? You can go to one of the better known training schools. There are
gun. Keep in mind it’s a machine, and it
also a large number of regional instruc-
needs to be lubricated. The best rule of
tors who do a very good job. They can
thumb is that if it looks dirty, it proba-
give you the ins and outs.
bly is. Lubricate sparingly with a cloth with a bit of oil on it. The owner’s manual will have recommendations.
Q: What accessories should one buy? A: You’ll need ammo, a gun clean-
Q: How does one become proficient at handling the gun? A: You have to consider, am I
Your environment will determine what type of firearm you should have.
K C O T S K N I H T
ing kit and if the gun is going to be carried, additional accessories like a holster. You don’t have to spend a huge
going to train with this gun or am I
amount of money, you just have to
going to fire it a couple times to makes
take your time and select wisely.
Q& 116
WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU? RIFLE, SHOTGUN or HANDGUN It depends on the environment you live in.
HOMEOWNER OR APARTMENT DWELLER Due to the close confines of neighbors, a handgun is best.
RURAL RESIDENT A rifle or an AR would work
SHOTGUN If you opt for a shotgun, select one that has a barrel of 18 inches or less. This will allow you to negotiate hallways, turns.
“You have to consider very seriously the following question: Am I willing to take a life?” — Dave Spaulding, owner and chief instructor at Handgun Combatives
Q: What kind of safeguards do guns have? A: Understand that all guns come with gun locks. Understand that safe handling of a firearm is something that comes from awareness. The gun should be your center of the universe. Nothing that surrounds you should distract you from it. Sean Cooper is a journalist who lives in Canada.
A
K C O T S K N I H T
117
“ … the gun will defend you with totally reliable, one-shot stopping power against any threat, human or otherwise.”
1911 pistols – whatever your heart desires – ask and they’ll make it. (Kimber America)
Old-Fashioned
Firepower For Reliability And One-Shot Stopping Power, The Model 1911 May Be The Best Pistol For Home Defense By Jim Dickson
I
N TIMES OF TROUBLE, WHERE DO YOU TURN? THE AUTOMATIC PISTOL, CAL-
SHOOTABILITY The 1911 is a perfectly balanced combination of
IBER .45, MODEL 1911, U.S.
weight for steadiness and rapid fire – without an
ARMY IS, IN MY OPINION, THE
extra ounce more – a true one-hand pistol, able to
WHY IT’S HOT
• Shootability • Reliability • Firepower • Safety
more reliable than automatics, but I have had far more malfunctions and parts breakage with revolvers than with automatics. There’s one important thing to remember. The
BEST PISTOL FOR HOME DEFENSE
be fired from either hand or one in each hand, as
AND GENERAL-PURPOSE USE.
circumstances dictate. Recoil is just a light bounce
unaltered G.I. version that was manufactured with
in the hand and is easy for anyone to master.
plenty of room for the rust, sand and dirt of com-
YOU CAN TRUST THE MODEL 1911 WITH YOUR LIFE IN ANY KIND OF SURVIVAL SITUATION; THE
1911’s reputation for reliability was made with the
bat – NOT the tightened-up “Accurized” guns that
RELIABILITY
match shooters use.
GUN WILL DEFEND YOU WITH TOTALLY RELIABLE, ONE-SHOT
Reliability is of maximum importance on any
STOPPING POWER AGAINST ANY
weapon that you’re staking your life on, and the
THREAT, HUMAN OR OTHERWISE.
1911 has proven the most reliable pistol ever made
HERE’S WHY.
in its more than 100 years of service. You often hear people say that revolvers are
118
FIREPOWER Firepower is an often-misunderstood issue. Firepower is bullets hitting people, not aimlessly spraying lead in their direction.
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
BEST GUNS
WHAT FLAVOR IS YOUR 1911? The M1911 is the most imitated handgun in the world. Its fundamental design is sound, and continues to dominate the firearms market. Today’s 1911 pistols are available in a variety of calibers and configurations – options are limited only by your imagination and budget. From basic entry-level guns all the way up to competition-ready race guns, the 1911 is the pistol of choice. Why? A 1911 is easy to shoot, almost as easy to upgrade, and can handle as much “horsepower” as you dare.
SAFETY Safety is another issue. The 1911’s designer, John M. Browning, thought that the grip safety was all that the gun needed, and intended for it to be carried cocked with just the grip safety. The Army insisted on a thumb
It’s very rare to need more
horse down with one shot, and it
safety, and the gun has been car-
than four shots in a gunfight.
works equally well on moose and
ried cocked with the thumb safety
Dealing with mobs may require
bears. On these big animals you
on for more than 100 years with
more, and the ability to rapidly
want penetration, not expansion.
an enviable safety record.
reload with seven-shot magazines
You already have a big enough
has saved the day for many a sol-
bullet.
always mentioned when we talk
dier who was on the receiving
Apartment dwellers wanting
end of an enemy charge in the
less penetration can avail them-
your guns and locking them up
last 100 years. This is one place
selves of a wide variety of hol-
will take care of gun safety around
low points. These offer no
children, until they can be taught
increase in stopping power,
the proper way to handle them.
you don’t want a revolver. “Recoil is just a light bounce in the hand, … easy for anyone to master.” (Les Baer Custom)
Safety around children is
Stopping power is everything
any about any kind of guns. Hiding
when someone or something is
despite what the salesman says,
The 1911 is designed with two
trying to kill you. Nothing
and they do give up the ability
built-in safety mechanisms that
improves on the stopping power
to shoot through walls to get at
won’t let the pistol fire until you
of the 230-grain full metal jacket
the intruder standing just beside
are ready to use it – the grip
G.I. load at 820 feet per second.
the doorway you need to go
safety and the safety lever.
It’s a one-shot stopper, designed
through. That’s the price you
to put an enemy cavalryman’s
pay for less penetration.
You must hold the pistol firmly to depress the grip safety on the back of the grip or the trigger will not move. Your
The 1911 pistol. Shoot big. (Springfield Armory)
hands must be big enough to hold the gun to push in the grip safety as well, and the hands of children are not able to do this. The thumb safety on the left side of the pistol will not let the gun fire if the thumb safety is in the up, or safe, position, and you must first move the thumb safety down into the fire position before firing the gun.
A 1911 magazine holds seven rounds of .45 ACP. (Kimber America)
BEST PISTOL The 1911, or specifically the
“The 1911 has proved the most reliable pistol ever made in its more than 100 years of service.”
M1911A1 – the WWII version – is the pistol that I use and trust. Every time I go to fire the gun, it always shoots accurate and true – and that makes the 1911 the best pistol for home
1911 SAFETY FEATURES The 1911 incorporates two mechanical safety devices: the grip safety and the thumb safety (or safety lever).
On the back of the gun, just under the hammer, you’ll find the grip safety. When you wrap your hand around
defense or whatever you use it the grip, you’re disengaging the grip safety by holding the pistol firmly – as if you planned to shoot.
The thumb safety is on the left rear side of the gun. Flip the safety lever up for SAFE; flip it down to FIRE.
120
for. That should answer your question.
PERSONAL TOUCH How To Make Your Own Soap By Erin Hatfield
A
S UGLY AS HOMEMADE SOAP.
We’ve all heard the phrase, but today’s homemade beauty products are anything but homely. In fact, making your own personal care products allows you to
have better control over the ingredients that come in contact with your your skin every day… and allows you to be more self-sufficient when a disaster shuts down your local stores.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN Cold-process soap allows you to use lye to convert oils and other fatty acids into the salt that we know as soap. Lye is a caustic base, meaning that it has a very high pH, and it can lead to chemical burns if not handled correctly. Wearing protective gear like gloves and an apron, and working in a well-ventilated area when mixing the ingredients can help you sidestep most of the dangers of working with lye. You also want to be You can u se various t ypes of fats and oils when making your own soap. Many people find that olive oil can cure dry skin issues and helps ease the discomfort of eczema.
sure that all of the equipment you use for soap making are not used for food or liquids that will be ingested.
“Soap making is a precise process, so all of your ingredients need to be accurately measured.”
PROCEED WITH C A UTION
LYE
O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
This is a caustic base and can cause chemical burns if not handled correctly.
DON’T
WEAR
Be sure that all of the equipment you use for soap making is not used for food or liquids that will be ingested.
Wear gloves and an apron and work in a well-ventilated area when mixing the ingredients.
121
CARE
From rose to lavender to sage, you can customize the scents in your soap to meet your personal preferences.
Soap making is a precise process, so all of your ingredients need to be accurately measured. Most recipes are based on
HOW IT WORKS
weight, not volume, so invest in a nice digital kitchen scale. The amount of lye required in each recipe varies depending on both the oils you’re using and the size of the batch. There are a number of lye calculators available on the Internet, but Juliebeth
“Saponification” translates to “soap making.” In basic terms, it’s the process
Mezzy, owner of Julie’s Stuff Natural Beauty Products, recom-
that produces soap. Chemically, it
mends Majestic Mountain Sage’s Lye Calculator (www.thesage.
involves combining a “base,” or lye
com/calcs/lyecalc2.php), which enables users to select the type
(either sodium hydroxide or potas-
and amount of oils they are using to determine how much lye is
sium hydroxide), and a fatty acid
required for the saponification process.
such as oil (or animal fat) to create a salt, or what we know as soap.
PREPARATION PHASE Once you have calculated and measured all of the ingredi-
Each fatty acid has unique characteristics that influence the outcome of the reaction, so it’s highly
ents, the first step is to add the lye to the water—carefully. You
important to accurately measure
want to use a heat-resistant tool to stir the mixture and ensure
each ingredient and make
that the lye crystals have been properly dissolved. This process
allowances for the specific type of
generates a great deal of heat, despite starting with room-tem-
fat you’re using. During the reac-
perature ingredients, and can reach upward of 300 degrees.
tion, the acid releases a single
“It’s very important to let the lye/water mixture cool to
glycerol molecule (which turns into
about 100 degrees before you combine it with your oils, so use
skin nourishing glycerin), enabling
a thermometer to monitor the temperature,” advises Mezzy.
the fatty acids and base to bond
“And be patient.”
and form soap.
122
You can either stir your pot by hand to achieve “trace” or use a stick blender, as Mezzy does.
K C O T S K N I H T
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CARE
Vary the soap shap es that you produce by purchasing different types of molds.
THE ROAD TO SOAP As a massage therapist— Juliebeth Mezzy, owner of Julie’s Stuff Natural Beauty Products (http://www.etsy.com/shop/julie bethsSoaps)—works with various lotions and had a hard time finding products in her budget that weren’t loaded with chemicals. And then things changed. “I took an aromatherapy class to learn about salves and experimented with the recipe until I reached a consistency I liked that was similar to lotion,” says Mezzy.
While the lye mixture is cooling, it’s a good time to
“I came into the process with no prior knowledge of
increase the temperature of the oils you plan to use,
what would and wouldn’t work, so there were a few early
whether vegetable- or animal-based, to get them into liquid
batches where the fragrance just didn’t work,” she says. “I
form. Many oils such as coconut oil and shea butter are solid
rely on my preferences and intuition to develop basic fra-
at room temperature, so use a double-boiler to heat them
grance mixtures. It also helps to be mindful of where you’ll
gently until just melted, much like working with chocolate.
be using the soap, too. Peppermint oil, for example, isn’t a
Before mixing the cooled lye and the oils, take the temperature of both solutions. They should both be around 100
good match for sensitive areas of skin.” After adding the oils and ensuring the mixture is a uni-
degrees. If either has cooled below that, you can increase the temperature by placing the bottom of the pot into a sink of hot water. Likewise, if either remains too warm, you can lower the pot’s base into a sink of cold water.
TIME TO MAKE SOAP Once your lye and oils are prepared, it’s time to make soap. Slowly pour the lye/water mixture
“ … making your own personal care products allows you … to be more self-sufficient when a disaster shuts down your local stores.”
SAVE ON YOUR INGREDIENTS Making soap at home is a highly cus-
form consistency, you need to pour it
tomizable process due
quickly into prepared molds. Early on,
to the large variety of
Mezzy says she used soup cans, silicon
vegetable and animal
molds and a number of other vessels for her soap. Today, she uses a custom-made wooden mold that delivers more consistent shapes and sizes, and she hand-cuts
fats and oils available. Below you’ll find a list of some of the most common ingredients. While many of these
the soap into similar sizes based on
are available through
weight.
online retailers, ship-
The soap needs to sit in the mold for approximately 24 hours before being removed and cut into the finished sizes.
ping costs can be prohibitive. Instead, Mezzy recommends checking with your local restau-
into the oils while stirring. If you’re stir-
Then comes the hard part – waiting for
rant supply stores or
ring by hand, use a figure-eight pattern to
the soap to cure. The key to creating a
organic markets.
ensure that all of the ingredients have been mixed well. Or,
hard, long-lasting bar of homemade soap is allowing the
you can do what Mezzy does—use a stick blender to make
water to evaporate, which can take between four and six
the process easier and faster.
weeks.
• Argan Oil
Mezzy advises stirring until the mixture is the consistency of pudding, which is an indication that saponification is starting to take place. This could take as little as 10 minutes or as long as an hour. But be careful; going too far past what is
• Sweet Almond Oil • Aloe Vera Butter • Beeswax
EXPERIMENT As you become more comfortable with basic soap
• Butterfat • Canola Oil • Castor Oil
called the “trace” stage (the step when the ingredients are
recipes, branch out a little and try new oils and fats, as well
• Cocoa Butter
perfectly mixed) will cause your soap to harden in the pot
as fragrance combinations. Be sure to write everything down
• Coconut Oil
and not be pourable. Check for trace every five to 10 min-
during these experiments, though, so you’ll know how to
utes if you’re stirring by hand, or more often if you’re using a
repeat the process—or what to avoid.
stick blender. Once you’ve achieved trace, add essential oils for fragrance, as well as any colorants. Mezzy admits to using trial and error to customize her soap, which hasn’t always cre-
Above all, says Mezzy, “Covet the soap that you make.
• Cottonseed Oil • Flax Seed Oil • Hemp Oil • Jojoba Oil
Keep it in a nice dish and show it off. A lot of love and labor
• Lanolin
went into that little bar.”
• Olive Oil
Erin Hatfield is a freelance writer based in North Carolina.
• Shea Butter • Soybean Oil
ated a winning product.
• Tallow
124
S O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
URBAN
T H G I
Shatter The
Darkness These Cool Tools Will Provide Ample Light BY SEAN COOPER
LIGHT.
part of your survival gear pack. The
TAKE IT FOR GRANTED
campfire may provide warmth and
UNTIL YOU DON’T HAVE IT.
light, but you can’t take it with you
AND THEN SEE WHAT YOUR
when you need to find a screwdriver
WORLD IS LIKE.
Although not an absolute neces-
in your tent. The following fantastic flashlights
sity like food, shelter and water, a
and lanterns will provide light when
source of light is still an important
you need it most.
125
EDITOR’S CHOICE
SOG SPECIALTY KNIVES Key Features: Flashlight-knife
combo, includes batteries and nylon pouch, 25 lumens MSRP: $115
buyer’s
Guide
LIGHTS 1
1
SOG SPECIALTY KNIVES Model: BladeLight Fixed
SOG
$115
www.sogknives.com Key Features: Flashlight-knife combo, includes batteries and nylon pouch, 25 lumens MSRP: $115 Description: What’s better than having both a hunting knife and a flashlight? The Bladelight Fixed knife, of course! This all-in-one tool features a knife and flashlight combined into one cool tool. Cutting in the dark is dangerous, but with this light’s six LEDs molded into the handle, you’ll have ample light so you can cut your meat, fruits and vegetables with added precision. Plus, this knife is not only water-resistant, it provides an amazing 25 lumens of bright light, even when it’s in the sheath. If you’re going to take just one knife with you into the wilderness, don’t leave home without the Bladelight Fixed.
2
BLACK DIAMOND
2
BLACK DIAMOND
$40
5 3
CABELA’S
$119.99
CABELA’S
$159
Model: Spot Headlamp
www.blackdiamondequipment.com Key Features: 3-level power meter, lock mode, hands-free MSRP: $40 Description: If you’re looking for the most powerful headlamp, look no further than the 90-lumen Black Diamond Spot Headlamp. It’s perfect in any situation, whether you’re cooking by the campfire or you’re venturing out into the wilderness after dark. You won’t have to worry about getting this headlamp wet—it’s waterproof and protected from spraying and splashing from any direction. As long as you have three AAA batteries handy you’ll never be left in the dark. Each time you turn on the device, the threelevel power meter displays the remaining battery life, so you’ll always know when it will run out. There’s even a lock mode, so you won’t inadvertently turn it on and drain the battery.
3
4 SUREFIRE
$95
CABELA’S
Model: LED Lenser M7R Rechargeable Flashlight
www.cabelas.com Key Features: Bright 220-lumen output, ideal for holstered carry, eight advanced functions MSRP: $159.99 Description: This is no ordinary, run-of-the-mill flashlight. The LED Lenser M7R Rechargeable Flashlight is a dual-purpose flashlight—it acts as both a far-reaching spotlight and a close-up floodlight. Eight powerful functions are at your fingertips, including Morse code, boost, power, low power, dim, blink, SOS and defense strobe. You won’t need to worry about getting this puppy wet because it’s water-resistant and best of all, the battery is included. Patented Smart Light Technology delivers two settings, providing 220 lumens for two and a half hours on high-power mode or 30 lumens for an impressive 20 hours on lower power mode. It comes with a handy recharger, which fully charges the device in under five hours. Forgot the recharger? No problem – it can also be recharged through a USB port.
4 SUREFIRE
Model: G2X Pro Dual-Output LED
www.surefire.com Key Features: Single or dual output, durable, lightweight MSRP: $95 Description: G2X Pro offers the power of two flashlights for the price of one. Single and dual output options offer the ability to switch light intensity at the drop of a hat based on your lighting needs. Switching is a cinch—simply press the tail cap or press the switch. This powerful flashlight offers many hours of battery power—2.5 hours on high and up to 45 hours on low. Not
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only does it shine blinding light with 320 lumens, it features a nearly indestructible body, so you won’t have to worry about accidentally dropping it. It comes in your choice of colors and is backed by SureFire’s no-hassle guarantee.
5 CABELA’S
Model: Coleman Model 2000 Dual Fuel Lantern
www.cabelas.com Key features: Easy to operate, durable, option of fuels MSRP: $119.99
Description: Made in the good old USA, Coleman is a name synonymous with quality and, boy, does it deliver! When we say durable, we mean durable. Coleman Model 2000 Dual Fuel Lantern is a long-lasting lantern you can pass down to your children. Why fumble with matches when you don’t have to? Batteries and electronic ignition make lighting the device a breeze. The lantern provides plenty of light—up to seven hours on high setting and up to 14 hours on low. Its tubular mantle isn’t just for looks—it provides 20-percent brighter light. You don’t have to be an expert to operate the device. The pump notifies you when the ideal operating pressure has been achieved.
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buyer’s
Guide
LIGHTS
6 COGHLAN’S
7
$7.98
BLACK DIAMOND
$20.95-29.95
6 COGHLAN’S
FLASHLIGHT MAINTENANCE Keep Out Of The Garage:
•
Model: LED Micro Lantern
Although it’s probably the first place you’d think of looking for your trusty flashlight, the garage is not the best place. Moisture and dust can cause damage. Instead, keep it safe indoors.
www.coghlans.com Key Features: Portable, lightweight, pocket-sized MSRP: $7.98 Description: Tired of lugging around a heavy lantern? Then you ought to try the LED Micro Lantern. Don’t let its small size fool you; this is one powerful lantern. It’s just as bright as a regular-sized lantern. Standing just 2 inches tall, it’s the perfect lantern to attach to your knapsack. Plus, you’ll get plenty of hours of light. It will last for up to 25 hours on continuous shine or 50 hours in emergency strobe mode.
Batteries: We don’t recom-
•
mend mixing and matching batteries. It might cause your battery to malfunction and leak into your precious flashlight. Also, wait until your batteries are fully recharged for optimum performance.
7 BLACK DIAMOND Model: Orbit Lantern
Cleaning: You must keep
•
www.blackdiamondequipment.com Key Features: Collapsible, double-hook hang loop, bright, non-glaring light MSRP: $20.95-29.95
8 COGHLAN’S
$4.25
Description: Why carry a heavy lantern when you don’t have to? Orbit Lantern is the perfect compact lantern for backpackers looking to travel with the lightest load possible. But don’t let its weight fool you; weighing only 3 ounces, this lantern packs an impressive 45 lumens of bright, non-glaring light to guide your way. You won’t need to fiddle with the light intensity; included is a dimming switch, which lets you ensure you always have the perfect amount of light, whether you’re reading or setting up your campsite. Conveniently hang the lantern from your tent ceiling or a tree branch, thanks to its double-hook hang loop, and you’ll never be left in the dark again.
your flashlight clean if you want it to last many years. Cleaning includes everything from the parts to the outside of the device. Cotton swabs are perfect for cleaning the battery contacts, while it’s always a good idea to give your flashlight a wipe down with a cloth.
8 COGHLAN’S
Model: Dynamo Flashlight
www.coghlans.com Key Features: No batteries required, water resistant, pocket sized MSRP: $4.25 Description: One of the biggest annoyances about flashlights is the fact that you always have to carry around a spare set of batteries in case your flashlight runs out. Batteries are a distant memory with the Dynamo Flashlight. This powerful flashlight requires no batteries or bulbs to shine bright. Simply wind it up for less than a minute, and you’ll have more than 10 minutes of brightness, enough to light up anything up to 100 feet away. Not only is this handy device water-resistant, it’s small enough to fit in your pocket. It’s perfect to bring camping or use it as an emergency flashlight in your car.
9 SPG SPECIALTY KNIVES Model: DarkEnergy 247
www.sogknives.com Key Features: 247 lumens of brightness, durable, lifetime warranty MSRP: $130 Description: Are you tired of dim flashlights that never seem to provide enough light? You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more powerful flashlight this size. The DarkEnergy 247A features an impressive 247 lumens of bright-
10 SUREFIRE
$225
9 SOG SPECIALTY KNIVES
$130 ness to pierce the night sky. This incredibly durable, high-quality flashlight includes a full on-off switch and it’s coated in Class III anodizing and backed by a lifetime warranty. When you buy the DarkEnergy 247A you’ll never need to buy another flashlight again.
10 SUREFIRE
Model: EB1 Back up
www.surefire.com Key Features: Tactical, bright, lightweight MSRP: $225
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Description: Don’t let the name fool you—you’ll never need a backup flashlight again. Use the flashlight the pros like security guards and police officers carry. Select from two fantastic versions: the tacticaltype switch or the click-type switch (you can’t go wrong with either). Blast 200 lumens of light with the powerful LED emitter. SureFire’s patented Total Internal Reflection (TIR) is far-reaching enough to uncover any prowler if you’re traveling at night. Its pocket clip makes it easy and convenient to carry and it boasts an impressive 40 hours of battery life.
AD IN DE X American Tactical Imports. . . . . . . . . 13 Blade-Tech Industries . . . . . . . . . . . 119 CampingSurvival.com (JHL Supply) . . 37 Dillon Precision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 DSG Arms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Kel-Tec CNC Industries, Inc . . . . . . . . . 7 Long Life Food Depot . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Major Surplus & Survival . . . . . . 10-11 Paladin Press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Paracord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Ready Reserve Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Savage Arms, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 STI International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. . . . . 72-73 Survival Bags Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 TOPS Knives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. . . . . . . . 2 Wilson Combat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
N A L A E V A D Y B O T O H P
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CLOSING WORDS
SHE TUGS AT OUR ARM, BEGGING US TO COME OUTSIDE. AND HOW CAN WE RESIST?
For captivating are her eyes,
Bolster your survival skills, so
flowing is her hair, exquisite is her
when she appears at our doorstep
body.
each and every year, you can fall
She is spring.
in love with her yet again.
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O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T
ONE GUN TWICE THE FUN .22/.410 With a .410 under and a .22 LR over, you can put meat in your own stew or ju st pl in k aw ay at th e em pt y ti n st ew ca n af te r di nn er. Wh et he r yo u sh oo t fo r survival o r for revival, the new Savage Model 42 has you covered. Also availab le in .22 mag and .410.
