American Survival Guide - Issue 4

5/19/2018

Ame r ic a n Sur viva l Guide - Issue 4 - slide pdf.c om

FROM THE EDITORS OF GUN WORLD

ISSUE 4 / SPRING 2013 U.S. $8.99 DISPLAY UNTIL: 5/28/13

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T N E T N O

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THESE EDITOR’S CHOICE ITEMS IN OUR

BUYER’S GUIDE SECTIONS ...

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56

4

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FEATURES WRATH OF WATER

COVER

PREPAREDNESS

95 DOOMSDAY PREPPERS 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.

100 SURVIVALIST 101

By Erin Hatfield

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.

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 Erin Hatfield

20 IN THE EYE OF FEAR One of our writers was in New York when Super Storm Sandy unleashed her fury. This is her tale of survival.

By Abe Elias

The complete guide to living off the grid as a homesteader.

By Steven D. Gregersen

By Kristin Webb-Hollering

68 SEAL OFF THE POISON

GENERAL PREPAREDNESS

25 MORE EXTREME, MORE OFTEN

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


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

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 Spring lures you into the mountains and onto the local trails, but there are still natural dangers that lurk around every bend. Be prepared.

121 PERSONAL TOUCH

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.

6 FIRST WORDS 8 NEWS & NOTES 130 CLOSING WORDS

These sure-fire tips will ensure that your spring garden produces abundantly.

HOMESTEADING

By Torrey Kim

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

110

BUYER’S GUIDES 38 56 77 89 110 125

WATER PURIFICATION SURVIVAL ESSENTIALS FOOD AND WATER TACTICAL ASSAULT KNIVES FLASHLIGHTS

125

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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 - GFrimmel@Beckett.com David Beckler - Outdoor Group Director (972) 448-9173 Casey Clifford - Senior Account Executive (717) 896-8956 Mark Pack - Senior Account Executive (714) 200-1939

GRENADE AND THEN SHE EXTENDED ONE TO MARK, ONE OF MY CO-WORKERS.

“This has a number of survival items

Gennifer Merriday - Ad Traffic Coordinator

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

BECKETT MEDIA, LLC 4635 Mc Ewen Road. Dallas, TX 75244

be seen up to 20 miles

BE READY

BOOKS, MERCHANDISE, REPRINTS (239) 280-2380

cial airliner, most don’t anticipate being in a

DEALER SALES (239) 280-2380

survival situation, but you never know. One thing that is certain is that it was

NEW PRODUCTS OR TO CONTRIBUTE A STORY OR PHOTO djeffrey@beckett.com

clear to me just how prevalent preparation is becoming for more and more people. From

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

I dropped down to No. 2, which is

ending, be prepared.

Wilderness First Aid. Sheltercraft, Firecraft,

Live strong.


BACK ISSUES www.beckettstore.com

Aboard a commer-

of the pamphlet, where “7 Survival Priorities”

decision making. Maintaining a positive mental

SINGLE COPY SALES (800) 764-6278 (239) 653-0225 Foreign Inquiries subscriptions@beckett.com customerservice@beckett.com

away.”

the writing on the top left of the brochure: “Achieve Peak Readiness

here, and that is a

6

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S E D A N E R G L A V I V R U S V

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,

S 2 Y K C O R

Ocompleteness T S K N I H T

Nick Singh: Executive Director Erin Masercola: Business Unit Editorial Director Jen Kahn: Circulation Director

or technical accuracy.

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NEWS & NOTES

Stop The Spread Of “Hygiene Disease is especially

P

ERSONAL HYGIENE AND HANDWASHING ARE CRITICAL TO HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF ILLNESS AND DISEASE.

to help prevent the spread of germs. If your tap water is not safe to use, wash your hands with

important in an emergency such as a flood, hurricane or earthquake …”

soap and water that’s been boiled or disinfected.

— Centers for Disease Control

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

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

FOR 9 WEEKS

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 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

DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THESE

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

•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.

A simple whistle could be lifesaving if you get lost and need to alert rescuers to your location.

70

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


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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. TETANUS, OTHER BACTERIAL

(if available, saline solution is preferred). • 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 MINOR WOUNDS

• There’s a foreign object (soil, wood, metal

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS and clean water if possible. • Avoid touching the wound with your

(such as a dog bite or a puncture by a

fingers while treating it (if possible,

dirty object); • An old wound shows signs of becoming

use disposable latex gloves). • Remove obstructive jewelry and clothing

infected (increased pain and soreness, swelling, redness, draining, or you

— CDC

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap

or other objects) embedded in the wound; • The wound is at special risk of infection

result in infection. • Provide pain relievers when possible.

from the injured body part. • Apply direct pressure to any bleeding

develop a fever).

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

start to sow their survival gardens and get them ready before a fall harvest. — Torrey Kim

O T S K N I H T

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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


12

• The Future of Weather and its Impact • Before, During, After: Flood Safety Checklist • Dry Food Preservation

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The Line Of Fire Understanding Hurricane Mechanics Can Help You Determine your Odds of Riding Out the Next Big Storm By Erin Hatfield

ATRINA. FRAN.

K

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.


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O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T


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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

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).

A N R O T


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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

Excess of 155 mph

150

131-155 mph

125

111-130 mph 96-110 mph

100

2 3 4 1

74-95 mph

75 25 50 0

CATEGORY 1

CATEGORY 2

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 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

5 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,”


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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

FOR SURVIVAL CHECKLIST • 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


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“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

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.

H T


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IN THE EY How a Staff Writer and Her Son Endured While Stranded in New York During Hurricane Sandy By Kristin Webb-Hollering


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| A rare blackout was seen in Manhattan following Sandy’s devastating effects. |

E OF FEAR W

We travelled all over Manhattan the weekend before the storm via

E WERE THERE WHEN MOTHER 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. Surely, arriving at the airport four hours before our flight would

THE PLAN FOR THE LAST WEEKEND OF OCTOBER 2012.

The last thing we expected to endure on our quick college tour was

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.


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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

$1.08 BILLION

through the thickening traffic, and our safety

go back into Manhattan. There was nowhere

At press time, th e

check through security was quick as well. As

else to go. We were officially stuck.

amount of money that had been approved by the government to assist in the recovery from Hurricane Sandy, FEMA notes.

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 Because I write for American Survival Guide,

Despite the hurricane being a day and a

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.

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

6 MILLION

down.

ties.

The number of disaster recovery cen-

The number of residents who lost power

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

tersinthat wereJersey set up in New

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

6

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

The number of disaster recovery centers that were set up in Connecticut

$50 BILLION The total estimated damage by various government sources

damage and will cause the electricity to go out, making anything but cash useless.

in an airport during an oncoming hurricane. It

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.


It’s a good idea to stock up on ice if a storm is approaching. This way, if your power goes out,keep you can still your perishables cold.

22

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5/19/2018


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 blocks, carrying bags loaded with

phones weren’t working. The 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 until rainstorm can causeIaaccepted flood. walking through to already the room. 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 night. We went to sleep not

SECOND CITY EVACUATION EVER

Luck was on our side—we 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

Source: www.NYC.gov.

our way home.


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.

“It is incredible how alliances with strangers are formed in the worst of times.”

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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.

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

THOUSANDS OF FATALITIES. WILL THE FUTURE BRING MORE OF THESE? SCIENTISTS AREN’T SURE, BUT THEY CERTAINLY ANTICIPATE STORMS

P

whether a normal trend or that’s whether it’s going to change is very hard to say.” — Climatologist Laurence

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 frequently.”

K C O T S K N I H T

It’s also safe to say, as you’re about to see, that predictions are not easy.


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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 Whether more

1

HURRICANE KATRINA 2005

2

HURRICANE HUGO 1989

3

HURRICANE ANDREW 1992

storms have or formed recently 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

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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 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,

MAN’S IMPACT ON WARMING 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.”

“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 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 related to human-created issues orthat’s a cyclical trend.


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AMBER WAVES OF RAIN

The Complete Guide To Protecting Yourself From Floods



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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.


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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 home, in your car and at your workplace.


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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 280

4

6 7

3 Indiana 202

9

4 Pennsylvania

2

3

10 5

7

173

Illinois 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 I N H T


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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

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.

quickly, or you may get stuck due to impassable roads or swept away in a 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

in any flood I thumb S is to get to Hzone ground Thigher as quickly as Epossible. Knowing the evacuation Z I routes through the Rflood zone before a Oflood hits will show how quickly Myou you can get to Ehigher ground in an Memergency.


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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 yourbecause family before the flood is essential you may not be together.

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

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. 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 T O S K N I H T

particularly conditions. during threatening

THREE

FOUR

WHY SO MUCH MIDWEST FLOODING?

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,

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 den damage, particularly in hidfoundations.


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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.


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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 and a pot in which to cook them. O T O H P K C O T S K N I H T

But if you have access to those essentials, the beans will provide a ready source of nutrition for

THREE

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 TWO

Harvest them when the pod turns light brown and the seeds are mature.

When completely dry, shake or hit the sack to break the pods and release the seeds. Remove the pods and pour off the beans.

you and your family.

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 Sfor dessert, pack some fruit leather. These on-thego meals are lightweight and low volume—perfect A Ffor whatever situation you encounter.


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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 during the drying process, jerky can be

not heated to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

stored without refrigeration, making it

Storing and Shelf Life

ideal for survival situations. The addition of salt and sodium nitrate extends the

160

shelf life of jerky even more.

If you live in a humid area (greater than 30 percent), jerky can be stored at

HIT 160 FOR JERKY

and drying time.

If you make your own jerky, follow tested recipes that use proper temperature

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, tornado, flood, fire or otherwise—you’ll be ready to feed yourself and your family.

• Vegetable leather: A savory version of fruit leather

SHELL BEANS, LEGUMES

Wendy Wilson is an award-winning journalist based in Northern California.

HERBS, SPICES

JERKY

in airtight, moisture-proof container in aancool, dry place.

container. In a dryer area, use a in loose-fitting one with several holes punched the lid. lid or

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:

Dry them properly and store


How: In a humid area, store jerky in an airtight

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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

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buyer’s

Guide

WATER

1

STERIPEN

$69.95

1 STERIPEN

www.steripen.com

Model: Traveler Mini Key Features: Compact,

lightweight, up to 3,000 treatments MSRP: $69.95

“If you’re looking for

Description:

the smallest, most lightweight water purifier, the Traveler Mini is right up your alley.”

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.

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

2

CABELA’S

$9.99-14.99

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.

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.


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buyer’s

Guide

4

WATER

4

CAMELBACK

$99

5

GLOBAL HYDRATION

$9.99

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.

HYDRATION 5 GLOBAL

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.

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

6

COGHLAN’S

$25.98

liters of water per day, while females should consume 2.2 liters.


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7

8

CABELA’S

COGHLAN’S

$15.28

$12.99

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

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.

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.

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


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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

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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.



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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 If you’re caught in a lightning storm

This means you should insulate yourself

“The most important component of lightning safety is prevention,” says Gates Richards, M.Ed., special program manager

object in any given area.

with the NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute in Lander, Wyoming. “This involves knowing

If someone in your group does get hit by

local weather patterns, anticipating oncoming

lightning, know that the symptoms aren’t as

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 chances of multiple casualties,” he says.

Insulate yourself from the ground,

CROWD BEHAVIOR

• Pain

weather, and stay small and low.

avoid being, or being near, the tallest

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 lightning

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


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“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).


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FIRST

“ … the best way to treat a snakebite is to cut the bite, suck out the venom and spit it on the ground, right?

Always try to avoid snakes, but if you’re bitten, seek medical attention immediately rather than trying a makeshift remedy.

NOT SO FAST!”

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


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’

Farmer s “

”

Market

Sure-Fire Steps To Prepare For A Bountiful Spring Harvest By Torrey Kim

OW DOES THIS SOUND? IF YOU’VE GOT A PLOT OF LAND THAT’S AMENABLE TO

H

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 BEAUTI-

FULLY 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.


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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

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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 totime determine thepacket optimal 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.


Most seedlings will need to start inside before being relocated to your outdoor garden.


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N W O O N E E D R D S E D Ame r ic a n Sur viva l Guide - Issue 4 - slide pdf.c om

h r e R T e s c e u e M u s t C r - K n o e w w s W M e h e t n Y h o d o s u ’ r e T S i g S o t r a n a l n d B y L a e r r y d S c h w a r t z

Y

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


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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 2

Hold your signal mirror or CD/DVD to your eye and look through the aiming hole. 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. Moving your mirror to keep the

3 4

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.


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o ne e c ause i t’ s

i t, b

y k

c n e

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.

t h e

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

e e k

a

o

i g n a

m e

SIGNALS

Use the signaling devices

l

t i

AUDIBLE

shots) will work better.

s

t

THREE.

pressed air horn or gun-

s e n d

p

t o

d

a

o

o g

o t e n t i a r l e s c u r e

p

a

s i n r o

h r i a

n

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.

o f

f a

g r

that run on power or compressed air sparingly so you’ll

.

A

There are many ways to make

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 I N H T


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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 from a mirror, catch a

sonal locator beacons” that 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

way, but the decade has also

day and it’sand thenight, easiest method to use quickly.”

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 sig-

nals 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)

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.

SIGNALS http://slide pdf.c om/re a de r/full/a me r ic a n-sur viva l-guide -issue -4

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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:

background. For example, if on a beach or snow-covered field, use dark things

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

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

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 backpacking/camping skills.

K C

have an SOS feature built into them in

direction. Help the signal stand out by

T O S K N I H T

addition to their strobe feature, which

making it in a contrasting color to its


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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

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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.

2

3

THE NORTH FACE

$240

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

“ … this powerful PLB transmits your GPS location to alert the authorities in an instant.”

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

5

SIERRA DESIGNS

$55

4

KANNAD MARINE

$399

external hood zip pockets, weather resistant 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.

4

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.

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;

Key Features: Heavy-duty nylon material,

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 back-

warm, light MSRP: $55

pack and easy to put on and take off in mere seconds.

5 SIERRA DESIGNS Model: Pull-On Down Bootie

www.sierradesigns.com

enjoycamping your favorite activities, on such as own hiking, and swimming, your with confidence. This compact device is


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buyer’s

Guide

6

SPRING

6

ALPS MOUNTAINEERING

$199.99

7

THE NORTH FACE

$200

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 woodsby orair. as a carryon pack when traveling

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.

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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

BLACK DIAMOND

$69.95

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.

Are you prepared to ACT in the event of an

Active Shooter or Terrorist Attack?

Learn How to: •Prevent a violent intrusion •Escape or hide from a shooter •Protect yourself and your family •Survive an Active Shooter attack •Improve security at work, school, or place of worship

Get your copy of the Active

Shooter Survival DVD

Order now at info@actcert.com or call

1- 888 - 4 1

-

8

8

8

-

T h e A C T s u r v i v al

4

actcert 2

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m e a su r e s c a n


2

3

7

be used by

59

a n yo n e,

a n yt i m e,

a n y wh e r e .

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E V O C SEPT. 11, 2001.

In This Section…

THAT DAY CHANGED OUR LIVES FOREVER.

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

Cover S t o r i e s

in our daily lives.

• 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

But we shall be prepared … because failure is not an option.


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When Germs Attack From Flu Viruses To Bioterrorism Attacks, You Must Be Prepared

By Erin Hatfield

Z

2013 FLU EPIDEMIC

OMBIES.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Pre-

IF YOU BELIEVE POP CULTURE, THE NEXT BIG 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. At its peak, the CDC reported that 47 states experienced

SMALLPOX AND MALARIA CARRIED BY THOSE WE MEET, THE WATER WE DRINK AND PESKY INSECTS … BUT TAKING A FEW SIMPLE STEPS CAN HELP KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HEALTHY.

widespread geographic flu activity. In short, it was a national epidemic.


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PAN CDC-RECOMMENDED ADULT 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 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 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 possible 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.”


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“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

43 TO 89 MILLION In 2009, the number of cases of the swine flu.

8,87018,300

I S D R O F S R E T N E C P A M

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.

Widespread means that more than 50 percent of a geographic region is experiencing the disease.”

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

person, has been eradicated by a worldwide vaccination program. Per the CDC, the last

• 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

virus quickly spread to more than two dozen

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.

CDC continues to monitor SARS activity should the disease

son. “People who were

once again become prevalent.

infected either recovered

countries in North America, South America,

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

Influenza-related viruses are just one type of disease that

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. Hender-

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

“But today’s global political turmoil … has led many to fear that a bioterrorism plot would resurrect the disease.”


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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 YOURSELF Regardless of the nature of the

borne malaria is extremely prevalent—are often advised to take a 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 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.


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Stay OrGo?

Situational Awareness Plays A Huge Role In Determining Whether To Bug Out Or Fort Up During A Disaster By Abe Elias

ITH INFORMATION COMES MISINFORMATION.

W

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.’ ”

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.


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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 2: Surroundings

Step 1:

supplies you need to reach minimum safety. As any parent who has brought kids on vacation can tell

ing the main routes in and out of your town. It also

Self-preparedness

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.

Being prepared means more than stockpiling gear.

before you’re mobile.

“Surroundings” does not simply refer to know-

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.

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KNOW YOUR GEAR Preparations You Must Take Before Disaster Hits 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.

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

SECONDARY THREAT

FIRST THREAT

If you live near a dam, you must consider the possible fail-

A tropical storm or hurricane can cause flooding problems.

ure 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.

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.

Granted, hurricanes impact large areas and the weather effects from them can be widespread. In the case of a hurricane, however, you usually

Gear, your social network and your financial capabilities

It’s enough togear, go outand and buynot supplies 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.

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.


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Seal

e h T

Off Poison 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.


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ICTURE THIS. AN EARTHQUAKE BEYOND ANY SEISMOLOGIST’S WILDEST DREAMS

P

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.


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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

on its Web site that “A damp cloth, or a

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

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

HawaiiofState Department Health notes

be in the an air event. following such


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

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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

label’s directions so it’s ready to use when you need it.

ONE

5. DON’T GET A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY

Depending on the type of threat that you foresee,

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 fit small children.”

OPERATION PROTOCOL ware store, you know that you’ll just pull it onto your

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.

PLAN B

If you’ve purchased a filtration mask from the hard-

GAS MASK CHECKLIST

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 waters areelastic already high, thenand just you’re one rainstorm can cause a flood. face, ensure the is tight 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? 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.”

K C O T S K N I H T


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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 http://slide pdf.c om/re a de r/full/a me r ic a n-sur viva l-guide -issue -4

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©2 013 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.


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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.


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rvival Shelter START WITH PREVENTIVE STEPS To ensure your survival during such an event, you

The number one thing to do when you realize that 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

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.

best friend.” – 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.

• 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

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.

equipment to disinfect more water. • At least three days’ worth of high-calorie, no-cook foods

• Car charger, solar charger or back-up battery for your cell phone.

CAR SURVIVAL CHECKLIST Any good ve hicle emerge ncy kit shou ld include th e following items at a minimum:


DIG DEEPER For school, more info the author’s go on to www.advancedsurvivaltraining.com/.


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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

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 campfire to turn the smoke black,

hours. 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. Open all of the vehicle doors and

lights and car horn can signal for 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

Your car’s cigarette lighter and mirrors are just a few ways you can use a vehicle’s parts as survival items.

sheets to the tops to create cooling shade in sunny, hot climates.


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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


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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

JACK LINKS JERKY

$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.

2

REI

$22.50


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4

COGHLAN’S

$18

4 COGHLAN’S

Model: Camp Cooker

“ … you’ve got a built-in stove

www.coghlans.com

anywhere you can build a fire.”

Hauling aexcursion big stoveisfrom siteattoall, sitebut when survival no fun you you’re needn’ton a 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.

Key Features: Sturdy, lightweight, cooks evenly MSRP: $18 Description:

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

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.


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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.

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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

• Minimize The Emotional Damage On Your Children

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ST OP P M A SSING V IOLE NCE Active Sho oters Create An Americ an Security Challenge, Which Is W hy A Plan F or Prevent ion, Response Are Critical By Alon Stivi | Photos courtesy of DIRECT MEASURES


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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-

T

DREN, AT THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL IN CONNECTICUT THAT DEVASTATED THE NATION RIGHT BEFORE

tion and response.

PREVENTION THROUGH DETECTION The best way to mitigate risk is to prevent it

CHRISTMAS.

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


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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 victims. 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

swiftly to protect ourselves.

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 immediately 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

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 Liaison 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 information on when training Find regarding how and 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.

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 info@ACTCERT.com.

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


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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

upon us to provide guidance on how to do so

taught in schools across the nation is for staff and students to go on “lockdown” and wait for

effectively.

armed law enforcement to arrive on the scene.

RESPONSE: FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL

The logic behind this approach is the desire to rapidly separate the students from the shooter. Having students locked down in their classrooms also makes the environment more

RELOAD!

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    


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The

S h o t s H e a r d 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.


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’


Roun d e h t “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.” HESE WORDS, WRITTEN BY

T

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 TOOK PLACE ON

One of the keys to a successful critical incident debriefing is immediacy. The sooner those affected have an

APRIL 19, 1775, AT THE START

opportunity to debrief, the faster they

OF AMERICA’S REVOLUTION

can recover from the traumatic event.

FOR INDEPENDENCE FROM ENGLAND.

Indeed, research supports the idea 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.

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

that during the first 48 hours after an

Today, the shots heard ‘round the

on Dec.14, 2012. The entire world has

W o

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 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

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


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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

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

T.A.L.K. TO YOUR

protected at home. They need the reassurance that they are protected from harm and their home is a safe place for them. 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

only towhat encourage validate is beingand 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.

KIDS 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

THE CHECKLIST

or her friends’ reactions.

Keep in mind that communication is not just verbal. Now more than ever, after a critical inci-

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

your child’s opinion and reaction. Ask about his

OTHER SIGNS

only way of expressing their emotions and confusion may be through their actions and behaviors.

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.

dent, parents need to observe their kids’ behaviors and be attentive to their moods.

2 BUILD SECURITY Create a safe environment

Children may lack the correct vocabulary to express themselves when it comes to their emotions. They may have conflicting emotions, or their moods may fluctuate. They themselves may

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.


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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.

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


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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 Key Features: Large yet lightweight,

• 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.

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

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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

5

ALL TERRAIN

$14.99

Safari Mesh Hat

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 endWe thelove day how with easy a sunburned scalp or face. 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 likeinathe natural by-product of being outside 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.


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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”

“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

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.

MOUNTAIN SURVIVAL

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

“Book Of Eli”

“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


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.

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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 L B O O K S U R V I V A

Hit The Books

SURVIVAL BOOK 2

SURVIVAL BOOK 1

Name: Ragnar’s Urban Survival

Name: Barbed Wire, Barricades and Bunkers

The tap's run dry, the supermarkets have

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 through 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/.


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E A T S E M O http://slide pdf.c om/re a de r/full/a me r ic a n-sur viva l-guide -issue -4

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

94

• Survivalist 101: How To Get Started, How To Prepare, How To Make it Work

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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 HEMICAL SUITS AND MASKS. ADD TO THAT 600 GALLONS OF FRESH WATER, 100 GALLONS OF GAS, 100 GALLONS OF DIESEL

C

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, ammuni-

tion 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 http://slide pdf.c om/re a de r/full/a me r ic a n-sur viva l-guide -issue -4

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DOOMSDAY PREPPERS

THE $20 PER WEEK PLAN

RYLEE

Excellent seamstress

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.”

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

created a well-oiled plan on his property as well as at his bug-out location—a family cabin not far away.

Geographic Channel has created a popular show to pro-

Southwick shared details and tips from his survivalist

file their methods. Doomsday Preppers started airing fresh

lifestyle with American Survival Guide to show our readers

episodes again in January to reveal new families who are

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

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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.” In 2010, Southwick began researching biological weapons for a book he was writing and realized how many countries have

CHECK OUT AN EPISODE 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 enthusi-

“Kara budgeted $20 a week just toward food storage, and that $20 really adds up to a lot of food after a while.”

asm on prepping for a biological

– 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,

“ … everything else she only tolerates, like the chemical suits and masks, because she doesn’t want to hear about the potential bad things that to could happen the children.” — Braxton Southwick

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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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-sellinghelp book 31 Days to Survival will you get ready for your new lifestyle using 31 days of lessons, advice, checklists, and tips.


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101 alist 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 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

• 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 Dirt Cheap Survival Retreat are both Paladin Press best sellers. • He is a black belt in Shotokan karate, gunsmith, survivalist, hunter, trapper, and homesteader.

DIG A LITTLE DEEPER MD Creekmore shares tips about the survivalist lifestyle on his blog, www.thesurvivalistblog.net.

H T


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Survivalist 101 When preparing your survivalist life, avoid the No. 1 mistake that MD Creekmore has observed

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 sur-

over“Athe lotyears. 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

vival.” 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.”

AVOID THE NO. 1 MISTAKE

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 WHAT TO EXPECT 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

a

e v r e s 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

t i

”

t i

spend some of your savings during your conversion.

“Buying property, building a home, planting a

.

i t e a t d n

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 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 blowingon your entire survival budget guns. First, ensure that you’ve stockpiled food, water, and medical supplies to ensure that you can stay alive.


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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-

DECIDE WHAT

ities. As you save money, get the most important

YOU WANT

items first. A list like this will keep you on track,

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?

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.

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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

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

4 Use motion-sensitive lighting outside

rather than leaving the light on all night

P M A L K C O

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do, do without.”

$100 compared of a new coat. to the price

S T K N I H T


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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

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.

ourselves. It comes with instructions.


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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

SAVINGS

ever since. If thehad repair hadn’t worked I’d have to buy a new one anyway, so I figured I had nothing to lose by trying.

$2

101 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!”

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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 THE JONESES

really save money or did you just sign a contract to buy toys for your kids? Internet providers have different

Many of our friends have newer 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

prospect of a decent job in the foreseeable future,

PHONE SAVINGS

and are struggling to keep their homes

listed here as moral or health issues. A pack of cigarettes in my area

out of foreclosure • Do you need call waiting? • Is caller ID really mandatory? • How badly do you need voice mail or unlimited long distance?

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

and food on the table.

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.

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

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.

to last, and last, and last!


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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. 110/132

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buyer’s

Guide

KNIVES

2

SOG

$125 1

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

3

DO ALL OUTDOORS

$25

4

COGHLAN’S

$16

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 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.

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.


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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

8

IAN SINCLAIR

$25

inches. A pocket clip will ensure that you don’t misplace this knife—a good thing, since it could be lifesaving.

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 its original credit carduntil size, and tuckinto it back into your wallet next time.

9

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.

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 3.5-

Key Features: Long blade, field purpose $84 MSRP:

even the roughest fields to make your way to safety.

10 KA-BAR

Model: Kukri Machete

inch blade and a closed length of 4.8 inches so it can snugly fit into your pack.


www.kabar.com

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

112

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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



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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 prepared, a gun is not a goodnot choice.”


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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 efficiently, we went straight to one of the nation’s most

large urban area, then getting a long gun may not be a 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.


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FIREARMS 101

TRAINING IS IMPORTANT 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

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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 Am to Iconsider very seriously following question: willing to take a life?” the — 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 T O S K N I H T


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“ … 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 N TIMES OF TROUBLE, WHERE DO YOU TURN?

SHOOTABILITY The 1911 is a perfectly balanced combination of

THE AUTOMATIC PISTOL, CAL-

I

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

bat – NOT the tightened-up “Accurized” guns that

1911 WITH YOUR LIFE IN ANY KIND OF SURVIVAL SITUATION; THE

1911’s reputation for reliability was made with the

RELIABILITY

match shooters use.

GUN WILL DEFEND YOU WITH

Reliability is of maximum importance on any

TOTALLY RELIABLE, ONE-SHOT 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.

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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.

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

you don’t want a revolver.

low points. These offer no

children, until they can be taught

increase in stopping power,

the proper way to handle them.

Stopping power is everything “Recoil a light… bounce is in just the hand, easy for anyone to master.” (Les Baer Custom)

Safety around children is always mentioned when we talk any about any kind of guns. Hiding

when someone or something is

despite what the salesman says,

trying to kill you. Nothing

and they do give up the ability

built-in safety mechanisms that

The 1911 is designed with two

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

defense or whatever you use it

The 1911 incorporates two mechanical safety devices: the grip

On the back of the gun, just under the hammer, you’ll find the

the grip, you’re disengaging the grip safety by holding the pistol

The thumb safety is on the left rear side of the gun. Flip the safety

safety and the thumb safety (or safety lever).

grip safety. When you wrap your hand around

firmly – as if you planned to shoot.

lever up for SAFE; flip it down to FIRE.


120

for. That should answer your question.

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PERSONAL TOUCH How To Make Your Own Soap By Erin Hatfield

S UGLY AS HOMEMADE SOAP.

We’ve all heard the phrase, but today’s home-

A

made 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

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.

C O T S K N I H T


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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.

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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-

SAVE ON YOUR INGREDIENTS Making soap at home is a highly cus-

degrees. If either has cooled below that,

form consistency, you need to pour it

tomizable process due

you can increase the temperature by plac-

quickly into prepared molds. Early on,

to the large variety of

Mezzy says she used soup cans, silicon

vegetable and animal

ing 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.”

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 • Beeswax

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

• Sweet Almond Oil • Aloe Vera Butter

EXPERIMENT

• Butterfat • Canola Oil

long as an hour. But be careful; going too far past what is

As you become more comfortable with basic soap

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 • Tallow

ated a winning product.


• Castor Oil

124

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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.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

SOG SPECIALTY KNIVES Key Features: Flashlight-knife

combo, includes batteries and nylon pouch, 25 lumens MSRP: $115


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buyer’s

Guide

LIGHTS 1

1

SOG SPECIALTY KNIVES

SOG

$115

Model: BladeLight Fixed

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

$40

5 3

CABELA’S

$119.99

CABELA’S

$159

2

BLACK DIAMOND 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

4 SUREFIRE

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

$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. powerful flashlighthours offers many hoursThis of battery power—2.5 on high and up to 45 hours on low. Not


126

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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5/19/2018


When Disaster Strikes, will you have what it takes? Be prepared, order your copy of AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE

• How to Develop Mental Tenacity • Top 10 Survival Tools • Navigate Without a GPS • How to Build a Shelter • Light a Fire Anytime, Anywhere • Survival Foods to Keep You Going • Holster Position

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buyer’s

Guide

LIGHTS

6 COGHLAN’S

$7.98

6

7

BLACK DIAMOND

$20.95-29.95

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

your flashlight clean if you want it to last many years. Cleaning includes everything from the parts to the outside of

8 COGHLAN’S

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.

$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.

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

10 SUREFIRE

$225

9 SOG SPECIALTY KNIVES

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-

$130

Key Features: Tactical, bright, lightweight

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

MSRP: $225

hours of battery life.

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


128

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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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5/19/2018


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.


130

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5/19/2018


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.


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. . . g n i c u d o r t I n The E.A.T. P

TM

(Eat Abundantly Tomorrow Pod) Now buy your survival food in our unique roll-away food bunker! A product by Long Life Food Depot, LLC

EAT Pod

The is made from a section of corrugated, double-wall, 24 inch, round underground water pipe. It is made of HDPE plastic, the safest plastic for food and water. It is 󿬁lled with hundreds of servings of delicious food, and has an HDPE plastic plate welded on each end.

EAT Pod

The can be rolled, buried, stored in basement, or earth-sheltered (covered above ground).

Choices include : -- EAT Full Meals EAT Pods Pods 1, 3, 2 4 -- MRE Freeze Dried, Pouches - EAT Pods 5, 6 - Freeze Dried, Cans

EAT Pod

The prices include shipping and delivery! (See www.eatpod.com) Don’t spend valuable thousands on future family dining, only to store the food improperly and lose most of its shelf life.

EAT Pod

The can maximize the Nutritional Life of the food inside, when optimum conditions are met. Works best underground or earth-sheltered, by providing a water-proof, energy-free Air Conditioned environment (low temp, low H2O, even low oxygen)!

EAT Pod

The comes with an optional patented cap which makes it re-usable for non-burying purposes. (empty

The

EAT Pod with patented cap can be purchased separately)

EAT Pod is a PATENT PENDING FOOD PROTECTION SYSTEM by Long Life Food Depot, LLC. For full product details, visit www.eatpod.com

HIDE and PROTECT your future meals as if your life depends on it! Buried! http://slide pdf.c om/re a de r/full/a me r ic a n-sur viva l-guide -issue -4

25 years later! 132/132

American Survival Guide - Issue 4

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