American Survival Guide Magazine - Issue 2

ASG4_Cover_BACKPACKER 2/22/13 3:32 AM Page US_1

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MODEL: LETICIA FARR PHOTO - DAVE ALAN,

CONTENTS

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

BUYER’S GUIDE SECTIONS ...

38

56

4

77

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FEATURES WRATH OF WATER

COVER

95 DOOMSDAY PREPPERS

60 INTRODUCTION

Learn the homesteading techniques of National Geographic’s Southwick family.

PREPAREDNESS

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 25 MORE EXTREME, MORE OFTEN

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

118 TOP CHOICES Ten guns you should take a close look at.

34 DRY-FOOD PRESERVATION

URBAN

Before a disaster puts you in a stranglehold, learn how to preserve your dry foods.

PREPAREDNESS

By Wendy Wilson

81 INTRODUCTION 82 STOPPING MASS VIOLENCE

SPRING

Sandy Hook Elementary School. The Colorado theater. Columbine. Active shooters create a security challenge, but you can survive … provided you follow these guidelines.

PREPAREDNESS 42 INTRODUCTION Spring lures you into the mountains and onto the local trails, but there are still natural dangers that lurk around every bend. Be prepared.

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

86 THE SHOTS HEARD ’ROUND THE WORLD

6 FIRST WORDS 8 NEWS & NOTES 130 CLOSING WORDS

By Torrey Kim

Following a mass shooting, minimize the emotional damage on your children by following these steps.

47 FARMER’S MARKET

By Thomas J. Nardi, Ph.D.

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

HOMESTEADING

By Torrey Kim

121 PERSONAL TOUCH

By Alon Stivi

43 LURKING DANGERS

MODEL: LETICIA FARR

PREPAREDNESS

114 FIREARMS 101


PHOTO - DAVE ALAN,

GENERAL

Extreme storms can cause billions of dollars in damage and thousands of fatalities. Can we anticipate more of this fury?

BUYER’S GUIDES

PREPAREDNESS 50 NO WORDS NEEDED When stranded, there are three methods that will alert rescue crews. Do you know what they are?

94 INTRODUCTION

By Larry Schwartz COVER - Photographer: Dave Alan/Thinkstock, National Geographic Channel: Braxton Southwick Designer: Eric Knagg

89

110

125

5

38 56 77 89 110 125

WATER PURIFICATION SURVIVAL ESSENTIALS FOOD AND WATER TACTICAL ASSAULT KNIVES FLASHLIGHTS

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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

TO TAKE A LOOK

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

AT THIS.” LIZ

FIRST HANDED

ME A SURVIVAL

GRENADE AND THEN

ADVERTISING Gabe Frimmel - Ad Sales Director (714) 200-1930 - [email protected] David Beckler - Outdoor Group Director (972) 448-9173 Casey Clifford - Senior Account Executive (717) 896-8956 Mark Pack - Senior Account Executive (714) 200-1939 Gennifer Merriday - Ad Traffic Coordinator

SHE EXTENDED ONE

TO MARK, ONE OF MY CO-WORKERS.

“This has a number of survival items

inside,” she said. “Among other things, it has a cord, a fire starter, a knife blade and tin

OPERATIONS

foil.”

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

I looked at Mark and smiled. “This is awesome,” I said.

Mark and I were amidst a sea of people

and booths at the 2013 SHOT Show, and we

EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE

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 opportunity.

Signaling, Water and Food rounded out the

list. Each contains great tips, which you’ll find

in our News Section, but one is worth noting here, and that is a

20,000 FEET feet, I opened the

brochure that accompanies the Survival

Grenade. The first thing that caught my eye was the writing on the top

“To make sure yours has a Hollywood ending, be prepared.”

left of the brochure: “Achieve Peak Readiness for Peace of Mind.”

My eyes then shifted over to the middle

of the pamphlet, where “7 Survival Priorities” dominated the center of the page. I went through each, one by one.

A Positive Mental Attitude led off.

“In a survival situation of any duration,

attitude is the x factor. Unrelieved physical

and mental stress can sap resolve and hamper decision making. Maintaining a positive mental attitude combats those stresses and their negative effects.”

I dropped down to No. 2, which is

Wilderness First Aid. Sheltercraft, Firecraft,

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

be seen up to 20 miles away.”

SINGLE COPY SALES (800) 764-6278 (239) 653-0225 Foreign Inquiries [email protected] [email protected]

BE READY

BACK ISSUES www.beckettstore.com

Aboard a commer-

cial airliner, most don’t

BOOKS, MERCHANDISE, REPRINTS (239) 280-2380

anticipate being in a

survival situation, but you never know.

DEALER SALES (239) 280-2380

clear to me just how prevalent preparation is

NEW PRODUCTS OR TO CONTRIBUTE A STORY OR PHOTO [email protected]

One thing that is certain is that it was

becoming for more and more people. From the homesteader to the backpacker to the Southern California resident who lives in

earthquake country to the Midwest resident who must co-exist with floods to the Gulf

Coast and East Coast residents who battle hurricanes.

You never know when you’ll be thrust

into the leading role during a survival situation. To make sure yours has a Hollywood ending, be prepared. Live strong.

6

BECKETT MEDIA, LLC Nick Singh: Executive Director Erin Masercola: Business Unit Editorial Director Jen Kahn: Circulation Director This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding that information presented is from various sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by Beckett Media, LLC as to the legality, completeness or technical accuracy.

THinkSTock PHoTo

home at some 20,000

“good signal mirror can

Rocky S2V SuRViVal GRenadeS

Later, while cruising

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.

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NEWS & NOTES

Stop The Spread Of Disease PREVENT THE SPREAD OF ILLNESS AND DISEASE.

“Hygiene is especially important in an emergency such as a flood, hurricane or earthquake …”

Hygiene is especially important in an emergency such as a flood, hurricane or earth-

quake, 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

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

soap and water that’s been boiled or disinfected.

— Centers for Disease Control

— CDC

TEEN SURVIVED ON CREEK WATER FOR 9 WEEKS

AUS-

TRALIAN

He was expected to recover in a hospital.

The news of his survival was met with great

POLICE

joy, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the

FOR MISS-

any time you leave home. Any of the items noted

SEARCHED

ING TEEN

MATTHEW

ALLEN FOR

NINE WEEKS IN THE COUNTRY’S

EXTENSIVE BUSHLAND BUT CAME UP

WITHOUT ANY LEADS—UNTIL JAN. 26,

WHEN HIKERS DISCOVERED THE BOY

LYING IN THE BRUSH, ALIVE AND COV-

ERED IN LEECHES AND BITES.

His sole source of hydration had been water

from a nearly dry creek bed, the Australian News reported.

The 18-year-old was only a mile or so from his

home when he was found, but he was disoriented

and unable to find his way home. He suffered gan-

grene on his feet and legs due to being exposed to the elements, because he hadn’t found shelter for

importance of taking a few pieces of gear with you in the sidebar could potentially help you survive or

be discovered by rescuers, even if you get lost during a simple jog, and can be tucked easily in your pocket.

DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THESE • A whistle • A cell phone • A gel packet of protein or hydration • A lighter • A compass

the entire two-month period that he was missing.

8

Staggering Statistics

60 AND OLDER In New Orleans, the people in this age bracket comprised 15 percent of the population prior to Hurricane Katrina.

70

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

More than 70 percent of those who died as a result of the hurricane were elderly.

200

Many of the 200 people who died as a result of the hurricane in Mississippi were also older adults. — CDC

THINKSTOCK PHOTOS

One Mile Is A Long Journey

THINKSTOCK PHOTOS

P

ERSONAL HYGIENE AND HANDWASHING ARE CRITICAL TO HELP


Wound Treatment IT CAN HAPPEN.

THE RISK FOR INJURY DURING AND AFTER A HURRICANE AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS IS HIGH. TETANUS, OTHER BACTERIAL INFECTIONS, AND FUNGAL

INFECTIONS ARE POTENTIAL

HEALTH THREATS FOR ANYONE WHO HAS AN OPEN WOUND.

The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions says to seek medical attention as soon as possible if: • There’s a foreign object (soil, wood, metal or other objects) embedded in the wound; • The wound is at special risk of infection (such as a dog bite or a puncture by a dirty object); • An old wound shows signs of becoming infected (increased pain and soreness, swelling, redness, draining, or you develop a fever).

PROPER CARE FOR MINOR WOUNDS • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water if possible. • Avoid touching the wound with your fingers while treating it (if possible, use disposable latex gloves). • Remove obstructive jewelry and clothing from the injured body part. • Apply direct pressure to any bleeding wound to control bleeding. • Clean the wound after bleeding has stopped.

• Examine wounds for dirt and foreign objects. • Gently flood the wound with bottled water or clean running water (if available, saline solution is preferred). • Gently clean around the wound with soap and clean water. • Pat dry and apply an adhesive bandage or dry clean cloth. • Leave unclean wounds, bites and punctures open. Wounds that are not cleaned correctly can trap bacteria and result in infection. • Provide pain relievers when possible. — CDC

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS • 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.

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. THINKSTOCK PHOTOS

THINKSTOCK PHOTOS

The gardens should be in place by March, after which city residents can

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

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 92) 9

T h e W r at h O f

Wat e r FROM HURRICANES TO FLOODS AND BEYOND, WATER CAN POSE MASSIVE DANGER! WATER.

IT’S ONE OF EARTH’S MOST ENTICING ELEMENTS … FROM A

GURGLING STREAM TO SUNLIGHT DANCING OFF A PRISTINE LAKE TO THE INEFFABLE BEAUTY OF A WATERFALL.

But there’s another side to the story, as water can also be wrathful and

deadly … whether that’s a Category 5 hurricane along the East or Gulf Coast, a Midwestern flood or a flash flood in Southern California. Water. Be prepared.

In This Section…

• Hurricane Preparation • First-Person Survival of Hurricane Sandy

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

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

WATER

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12

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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

K

ATRINA. FRAN.

AUDREY. ANDREW.

SUMMER AND

AUTUMN ARE BOTH

OPTIMAL SEASONS TO

TRAVEL TO THE COAST FOR

SOME REST AND RELAXATION.

BUT DEPENDING ON WHERE

YOUR PLANS TAKE YOU, YOUR

TRIP COULD BE SABOTAGED BY

A BIG THREAT. IN THE PAST,

THOSE VACATION DESTROYERS

HAVE HAD NAMES LIKE KAT-

RINA, FRAN, AUDREY, AND

ANDREW … HURRICANES THAT

DEVASTATED CITIES AND

UPROOTED PEOPLE FROM THEIR

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

COMMUNITIES.

14

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

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15

GW_ASG4_CANE 2/15/13 3:44 AM Page 16

HURRICANE Between June 1 and November 30 each

year, hurricane safety and survival are the high-

“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

est 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 hurri-

canes. 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 associ-

ate 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

TORNADOES

condense, forming clouds and rain. This

WHEN HURRICANES SPAWN TORNADOES

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

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).

16


DID YOU KNOW?

KNOW THE HURRICANE CATEGORIES

Just before it made landfall in Louisiana, Hurricane Katrina had sustained winds of 175 mph, a strong Category 5 storm. The storm had weakened to a Category 3 by the time the eye crossed land on Aug. 29, 2005.

Hurricanes can grow to hundreds of miles wide and contain dozens of thunderstorms and multiple weather fronts. As the storms increase in intensity, hurricanes are labeled according to strength in the following categories:

• Category 1: Wind speed 74-95 mph • Category 2: Wind speed 96-110 mph • Category 3: Wind speed 111-130 mph • Category 4: Wind speed 131-155 mph • Category 5: Wind speeds in excess of 155 mph

200 175 150 125 100

Excess of 155 mph

5 4 3 2 1 131-155 mph

111-130 mph

96-110 mph

74-95 mph

75 25 50 0

CATEGORY 1 process makes way for more warm moist air to

enter the developing system while also producing a great deal of energy and heat.

A hurricane is stacked vertically, like a pipe,

and the system requires strong surface winds to

feed surrounding air into that pipe and provide a continual source of tropical air.

“One of the key factors in hurricane develop-

ment is the wind pattern,” explains Bourassa. “In order for a system to transition from a thunderstorm to a hurricane, the winds closer to the

ocean’s surface must be stronger than those that

CATEGORY 2

CATEGORY 3

“Bourassa and his family have ‘hurricane nights’ several times a year during which they prepare meals without any power.”

are aloft or higher in the atmosphere. This

CATEGORY 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.

Well in advance of a storm, deadly rip currents affect beaches, making

enables the system to continue to pull in more warm, moist air to feed itself and being the telltale cyclone pattern.”

swimming extremely hazardous. Higher seas are also a leading concern,

tropical system develops. As the system grows and becomes more orga-

(see sidebar on page 16).

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

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

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

CATEGORY 4

can rise several feet above normal levels, leading to flooding that damages roads, buildings and trees. The storm surge during Hurricane Katrina

74 mph).

“Once a storm reaches hurricane status, it often has three characteris-

caused many of the storm’s more than 1,500 deaths, either directly or

tics—wind speed of at least 74 mph, a defined eye and eye wall and low

indirectly, the National Hurricane Center notes.

barometric pressure,” Bourassa says.

“The storm surge is the most prevalent side effect of a hurricane,”

17


HURRICANE High Risk Areas In addition to size and intensity, what makes hurricanes so deadly and dangerous depends on where they land. Following are high-risk areas:

KEY TIP • Louisiana

• Florida Keys and Miami

• Mississippi

• North and South Carolina

• Houston, Texas

• Long Island, NY

Consider having “hurricane nights” several times a year, during which you prepare meals without any power. This enables you to determine the best foods for your survival kit.

Bourassa says. “Naturally, a larger hurricane

can trigger a larger storm surge. Also, storms

that track along the coast, like Dennis in 2005, can create a bigger surge.”

But Bourassa advises that those inland are

not immune from a hurricane’s effects.

“Inland, flooding and strong winds can

wreak havoc on property,” he says. “Rain from hurricanes can saturate the ground,

causing trees to blow over onto homes, automobiles, power lines and roadways.”

People who live near the coast, in a flood-

plain, or near a river or other waterway are particularly at risk of flooding.

BE PREPARED

ing 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

property. Bring in or secure any furniture or

other items in the yard that might blow away

in strong wind, board up windows, and secure

or dry dock any watercraft. Fill your car with gas in case evacuation is imminent, and know the routes to your nearest evacuation shel-

ters. When deciding whether or not to evacuate, listen to authorities as well as your

CHECKLIST

FOR SURVIVAL • Survival kit that contains a portable radio, flashlight, batteries, candles, matches, non-perishable food and water for each household member, including pets. • At home, bring in or secure any furniture • Board up windows • Secure or dry dock any watercraft • Fill your car with gas • Know the routes to your nearest evacuation shelters • When deciding whether to evacuate, listen to authorities as well as your instincts. • Practice your plan • Pay attention to local weather forecasts

18

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

that you are well prepared. This includes hav-

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

If you find yourself projected to be in the

path of a hurricane, regardless of size, ensure


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 “hurri-

cane nights” several times a year during which they prepare meals

without any power. This enables them to determine the best foods

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

in 1900, during which nearly 8,000 people died because they had no warning.”

you don’t have access to power, restaurants or stores,” he says.

RISE IN HURRICANES

technology cannot predict a hurricane’s exact path, especially once it

ning ahead and knowing the dangers one of these storms can bring,

for their survival kit, because “you need food you’re willing to eat if

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

“The improved accuracy of hurricane tracking is very beneficial,”

he says. “The deadliest hurricane in U.S. history hit Galveston, Texas,

Most importantly, pay attention to local weather forecasts. While

makes landfall, Bourassa indicates that the average error in landfall prediction has greatly decreased in recent years.

While recent statistics show a rise in hurricane activity, by plan-

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.

19

GW_ASG4_SANDY 2/18/13 12:19 AM Page 20

IN THE EY E How a Staff Writer and Her Son Endured While Stranded in New York During Hurricane Sandy

THINKSTOCK


20


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

Y E OF FEAR W

E WERE THERE WHEN MOTHER

We travelled all over Manhattan the weekend before the storm via

NATURE UNLEASHED HER FURY.

taxi, subway and foot, ignoring the weather alerts and enjoying the

EXPLORING NEW YORK’S AMAZING

28th, we woke early to head to LaGuardia Airport so we could make

A FUN BUT HECTIC WEEKEND OF

COLLEGES WITH MY SON, BEN, WAS

THE PLAN FOR THE LAST WEEKEND OF OCTOBER 2012.

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

finding out what happens when one of the world’s busiest cities gets

our way back to our North Carolina home.

Surely, arriving at the airport four hours before our flight would

provide us the security of a timely exit ahead of the storm, we thought.

Unfortunately, we were wrong. The vacation was over, and the frustra-

tion and fear had just begun.

THINKSTOCK

slammed by a superstorm.

balmy fall breezes and sights of the bustling metropolis. On Sunday Oct.

21


SANDY

If you fear you’ll be trapped by a storm, withdraw as much cash as you can. When the electricity fails, credit cards might not work for your purchases.

As we left our midtown hotel on that fate-

ful Sunday, people were starting to get wor-

ried in the city as the mayor announced subway, bus and bridge closings.

We felt safe knowing that we had plenty

of time—days, in fact—before Hurricane

Sandy was supposed to hit. Our taxi sped

through the thickening traffic, and our safety

check through security was quick as well. As soon as we got to the gate for our 4:30 p.m.

Finally, word spread that all the airports

were definitely closing. By this time, all the

rental cars were gone, the buses and subways

were closed and there were only a few bridges left open to get back into the city.

We waited in line at the airport for two

hours to reschedule our flight for Wednesday

and caught a taxi at twice the normal price to go back into Manhattan. There was nowhere else to go. We were officially stuck.

only 10:30 in the morning.

SURVIVAL 101

half from landfall in the Northeast, the airlines

being aware in times of crisis is part of my job.

began to lengthen because pilots and staff

flights, I booked a room at a midtown Manhat-

flight, things started to deteriorate, and it was Despite the hurricane being a day and a

were getting jittery about its path. Delays

couldn’t reach LaGuardia, then rumors started to fly that the airport was completely shutting

Because I write for American Survival Guide,

While everyone was fretting about cancelled tan hotel on the east side that was close to

grocery stores, restaurants and other ameni-

down.

ties.

other over where they could charge their

an ATM and withdrew as much money as I

People began panicking, fighting with each

electronics, frantically arguing with hostile air-

line employees for any information, and stockpiling beverages and food from the closing shops.

Mostly, we were all despairing due to the

hopeless situation of potentially being stranded in an airport during an oncoming hurricane. It

Before leaving the airport, I had gone to

could. A good rule of thumb when anticipating a flood disaster is to move to higher ground and make sure you have cash. The low-lying

and coastal areas will sustain the most water

damage and will cause the electricity to go out,

loaned, rides were shared, emails and numbers

glasses. Stockpiling supplies should always be a

and kindness of others.

$1.08 BILLION At press time, the amount of money that had been approved by the government to assist in the recovery from Hurricane Sandy, FEMA notes.

35 The number of disaster recovery centers that were set up in New York

33 The number of disaster recovery centers that were set up in in New Jersey

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

6,538 The storm prompted this number of FEMA personnel to be deployed “to support response operations, including search and rescue, situational awareness, communications and logistical support in states affected by the storm,” FEMA said.

6 MILLION The number of residents who lost power

$50 BILLION The total estimated damage by various government sources

As soon as we checked in and dropped off

our bags, we ordered from room service and

exchanged, and I was inspired by the humanity

BY THE NUMBERS

making anything but cash useless.

is incredible how alliances with strangers are formed in the worst of times. Money was

HURRICANE SANDY

requested extra condiments, utensils and

priority in a disaster to ensure sanitation and sustenance.

22

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

THINKSTOCK

DELAYS, CLOSINGS

“Tuesday and Wednesday were a mess of chaos, shortages and frustration.”

GW_ASG4_23 2/15/13 2:20 AM Page 23

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SANDY Instead of sleeping, we for-

aged for goods at the local all-

were a mess of chaos, shortages

and frustration. Desperately, I

night grocery stores. Most of the

tried to get back to North Car-

earlier customers, but we didn’t

hours to rent a car because the

stores had been ransacked by

olina. First, I stood in line for two

give up. We walked several

phones weren’t working. The

bottled water, food and medicine.

time I got close to the counter

blocks, carrying bags loaded with When we got back to the

hotel at midnight, the lobby was

packed with crazed travelers.

Most people were in a state of

shock, both celebrating and cry-

ing about their situations. I told

rental cars were sold out by the

because there was no way for

previous renters to return them to the still closed-off city.

Next, I fought for five hours

on the phone to get through to

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 …” nothing was leaving New York my son not to worry and to keep 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 causeI aaccepted flood. Thursday. that, walking through to already the room.

the six flights up to our room. As

soon as we arrived, I filled our

sink and ice bucket with ice to

keep things cold because we

and booked a flight for Thursday

night. By this time, all of the local

restaurants had run out of food,

spirits and energy; the grocery

stores’ shelves were empty and

there were no employees at the

didn’t have a refrigerator. After

hotel to even run room service.

day, we both collapsed.

ahead and stockpiled supplies

such an exhausting and frustrating

CHAOS AND ESCAPE I have been to New York

We were lucky we’d planned

prior to the storm.

As we traipsed around New

York City that Wednesday,

shoulder to shoulder with other

survivors, we planned our exit.

City many times, and never have I

The streets were packed with

hit. As we walked around the city

of public transportation and the

seen it so quiet as the day Sandy

that Monday, we saw very few

people venturing out.

The police presence was

strong as they tried to keep citizens safe and indoor with rain

pouring, debris and glass flying,

and electricity out all over the

city. Only small businesses and

sandwich shops seemed to be

revelers, due mostly to the lack Things were festive in the

city, and people were ready to

leave and explore. We could see that a shuttle would be impossi-

ble and the bus lines were close

to three hours long, so finally,

when that Thursday dawned, we

woke early, hired a car, and got

to JFK.

night. We went to sleep not

were able to get an earlier

Tuesday.

gage on the way, we finally found

knowing what to expect on

Tuesday and Wednesday

SECOND CITY EVACUATION EVER

need to find both food and WiFi.

open, and their supplies quickly

dwindled as the day became

Being stuck in a city during a hurricane often means that bridges will flood and roads out will be dangerous to travel.

Luck was on our side—we

flight—and despite losing our lug-

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. Source: www.NYC.gov.

24

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

THINKSTOCK

It was a 40-minute wait to

use the elevators, so we walked

GW_ASG4_CLIMATE 2/15/13 3:52 AM Page 25

MORE EXTREME, MORE OFTEN More Storms Are Packing A Greater Wallop, But Scientists Can’t Say If The Trend Will Continue By Torrey Kim

Once a storm is approaching land, it’s easier to predict its path; however, it can be more difficult to project storm patterns several years in advance.

P

OWER. MOTHER NATURE STYLE. THE KIND THAT CAN DROP A CITY TO ITS KNEES. TO THE TUNE OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND THOUSANDS OF FATALITIES.

WILL THE FUTURE BRING MORE OF

THESE? SCIENTISTS AREN’T SURE, BUT

THEY CERTAINLY ANTICIPATE STORMS THAT PACK A WALLOP.

“I look at climate with two aspects: intensity (how hot or cold) and vari-

ability, which describes how much the weather varies from one week to the next,” says climatologist Laurence S. Kalkstein, PhD, a professor at the University of Miami and the past president of the International Society of Bio-

Kalkstein, PhD

meteorology. “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 freTHINKSTOCK

“… things that are more extreme are happening more frequently, but whether that’s a normal trend or whether it’s going to change is very hard to say.” — Climatologist Laurence

quently.”

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

25


CLIMATE WHEN IS HURRICANE SEASON? 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.”

“ it’s safe to say that strong events, due to that variability increase, have been occurring more frequently.” — Climatologist Laurence Kalkstein, PhD

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 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.

HURRICANE ANDREW 1992 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 3 5 4 1 1971-1980 6 2 4 0 1981-1990 9 1 4 1 1991-2000 3 6 4 0 2001-2004 4 2 2 1

MAJOR TOTAL # HURRICANES OF ALL HURRICANES (CAT 3, 4 AND 5)

1 0 0 1 0

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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2 3

HURRICANE HUGO 1989

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1

Whether more storms have formed recently or the weather service has simply assigned names to more of them is difficult to say.

HURRICANE KATRINA 2005


THE PROBLEM OF PREDICTIONS

If you’ve got your eye on the weather every night dur-

ing 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 pat-

terns 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 hur-

ricanes.

“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, but that isn’t always the case.

MAN’S IMPACT ON WARMING Although most 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.”

stein 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 Kat-

rina 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.”

GLOBAL WARMING

records), the results show that climate is cyclical. We’ve been through

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

Although scientists tend to agree that the temperature has risen

long-term cycle or what our role as humans has been in potentially creating a warmer planet.

all kinds of periods, multi-decadal warm periods and cool periods. I

there are some cold periods, but in my opinion, we can’t say for certain 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.

THINKSTOCK

longer than we have (although they may not be thermometer

THINKSTOCK

“Hurricanes also need high pressures aloft so the

air from the hurricane rises and exits the storm,” Kalk-

Although many scientists agree that the planet is getting warmer, many question whether that’s related to human-created issues or a cyclical trend.

27

AMBER WAVES OF RAIN

The Complete Guide To Protecting Yourself From Floods

By Kristin Webb-Hollering 28

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

GW_ASG4_FLOOD_NEW 2/19/13 10:03 PM Page 28


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.

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

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 nat-

ural dangers in the Midwest, there are precautions you can take to safeguard yourself and your family against these ravaging risks.

29


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.

FLOODS WHY A WATERY MESS

The National Oceanic and Atmos-

pheric Administration (www.noaa.gov) is the chief resource for issues of cli-

mate 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 con-

tinues 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,

AFTER THE FLOODS RECEDE: THE TOP DANGERS

and their lives for the luxury of a water-

• Gas leaks • Downed live power lines • Unstable structures • Raw sewage

and people are paying with their homes front home and view.

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 disas-

ter, 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 THINKSTOCK

home, in your car and at your workplace.

30

THINKSTOCK

kit are crucial and should be kept at


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.

WHERE FLOODING HITS HARD

1 2 3 4 5

175

587

Iowa

Texas

8 173

280

Missouri

4

6 7

202

9

Indiana

2

3

Illinois

10 5

172

New York 157

192

Kansas

Pennsylvania

1 135

187

West Virginia

Kentucky

6 7 8 9 10

Source: www.weather.com/blog/weather/8_20264.html Note: These are the states that experienced the most floods over the 10-year period from 1999 to 2008, according to the Weather Channel:

“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.”

THINKSTOCK

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.

THINKSTOCK

TOP 10 STATES WITH THE MOST ANNUAL FLOODS

31


FLOODS Watching the weather and being

aware of flood alerts is the first step to getting out in time. If it has been raining steadily for hours or days, you should be ready to get out

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

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

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. • 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 floods 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

32

THINKSTOCK

The rule of thumb in any flood zone is to get to higher ground as quickly as possible. Knowing 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.

THINKSTOCK

MEMORIZE THIS

journalist based in North Carolina.


FLOOD SAFETY CHECKLIST BEFORE, DURING, AFTER BEFORE

ONE Check your town’s websites, schools and community centers for flood shelters if your home is damaged or unreachable. TWO Discussing your options and where to meet with your family before the flood is essential because you may not be together. THREE 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. FOUR Watch the weather and be aware of flood alerts. FIVE Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home. Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk. Consider installing "check valves" to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home. If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.

DURING

ONE Listen to the radio or television for information.

WHY SO MUCH MIDWEST FLOODING?

TWO 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.

• Unusually high rainfall • Melting snow from the surrounding Black Hills and Badlands regions • Oversaturated riverbanks

”

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.

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.

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THINKSTOCK

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.

33

Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you. • Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly. • Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions.

AFTER

ONE Use local alerts and warning systems to get information and expert informed advice as soon as available. TWO Avoid moving water. THREE Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire or relief organization. FOUR Emergency workers will be assisting people in flooded areas. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way. FIVE Play it safe. Additional flooding or flash floods can occur. Listen for local warnings and information. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately and climb to higher ground. SIX Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe. Roads may still be closed because they have been damaged or are covered by water. Barricades have been placed for your protection. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, go another way. SEVEN If you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded. • Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines. • Flooding may have caused familiar places to change. Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways. Flood debris may hide animals and broken bottles, and it's also slippery. Avoid walking or driving through it. • Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car. • Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters. • Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.

GW_ASG4_DRY 2/15/13 3:59 AM Page 34

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 VIR-

TUALLY 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 WILDER-

NESS, YOU WON’T HAVE ACCESS TO

URBAN OR SUBURBAN CONVENIENCES.

YOU’LL HAVE TO FEND FOR YOURSELF

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 gobag and how to best store them.

RESOURCES For more information about dehydrating foods, check out How To Dry Foods: The Most Complete Guide To Drying Foods At Home, Deanna DeLong (Penguin Group, 2006).

SHELL BEANS, LEGUMES

Choosing

such as black beans, garbanzo beans,

grow your own, let the beans partially

Dried shell beans and legumes—

lentils, split peas and soybeans—are a

staple in most pantries thanks to their long shelf life and versatility. These little protein-, starch- and fiber-rich

morsels also travel well. Plus, some

beans and legumes can be sprouted

and grown (or eaten). They’re a perfect item to have on hand—just in case.

34

You can purchase dried beans and

legumes from your grocer, or you can grow and dry your own. When you

dry on the plant. Harvest them when the pod turns light brown and the

seeds are mature. Place the pods in a

cloth sack and hang it in a warm place for up to two weeks to finish drying. When completely dry, shake or hit the sack to break the pods and

release the seeds. Remove the pods

and pour off the beans. Store them as you would purchased beans.

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

WITH NATURE’S RESOURCES.

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

USING WHAT’S IN YOUR PACK ALONG


Storing and Shelf Life

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

you’ll need a heat source, water

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

and a pot in which to cook them. But if you have access to those

essentials, the beans will provide a ready source of nutrition for you and your family.

PERFECTION HOMEGROWN BEANS, LEGUMES ONE Let the beans partially dry on the plant.

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.

35

FAST FOOD

When properly dried and

FOUR STEPS TO

Dried foods packaged in individual portions are ideal for survival-type scenarios. Combine some dried fruits and nuts in an airtight plastic bag for an energy-dense snack. Toss together some jerky pieces and dried vegetables for a midday meal. And for dessert, pack some fruit leather. These on-thego meals are lightweight and low volume—perfect for whatever situation you encounter.


DRIED MEATS, JERKY

DRY

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-

smoked raw meat dried in an oven was a

ease-causing microorganisms, like salmo-

The salted, seasoned, sometimes

favorite among pioneers—and it’s still a

popular snack today. Because most of the moisture is removed from the meat dur-

ing the drying process, jerky can be

stored without refrigeration, making it

ideal for survival situations. The addition

160 HIT 160 FOR JERKY

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

of salt and sodium nitrate extends the shelf life of jerky even more.

and drying time.

Why? Certain diseasecausing microorganisms, like salmonella

nella and E. coli, may be present in raw meats and survive the drying process if not heated to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Storing and Shelf Life

If you live in a humid area (greater

than 30 percent), jerky can be stored at

Choosing

and E. coli, may be present in raw meats and survive the drying process if not heated to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

perature and drying time, as certain dis-

room temperature for one to two

months in an airtight container; if you’re

in a dryer area, the jerky can be kept in a

Just about any lean fish or meat,

container with a loose-fitting lid or one

including beef, game and lamb, can be

with several holes punched in the lid.

turned into jerky. You can purchase

“Food will, no doubt, be a hot commodity in a worst-case situation.”

HERBS, SPICES

Either way, select herbs and spices you

some of the spices of life.

stand its taste!

Basil, mint, parsley, ginger—they’re Though herbs and spices don’t have

Plus, some herbs, like mint and ginger,

like stomach upset and anxiety. If you

herbs in an electric dehydrator, paper

and spices are nice to have around.

When the leaves are sufficiently dry and

to survival, they make food taste good. can be made into tea to ease maladies

You can dry or dehydrate your

have room in your storage area, herbs

bags, a warm room or even an oven.

crumble easily, or when seeds are brit-

Choosing

tle, they’re ready for storage. Ideally,

As with other pantry staples, herbs

and spices—dried and fresh—may be

HOW LONG WILL THEY LAST?

• Nuts: Full of energizing and satisfying fat

plastic bag; if one isn’t available, an air-

tight container will suffice. With proper

packaging and storage, herbs and spices

consider growing and drying your own.

year.

should keep well for six months to one

PREPARE YOUR PANTRY

• Nut butter: A spoonful is all you’ll need

Dry and dehydrated foods should be a part of everyone’s pantry and emergency sup-

ply. As with other food items, be sure to label and rotate them regularly to ensure their

• Vegetables: Crunchy and healthy

freshness and maximum nutrition. In an emergency situation—whether hurricane, tor-

• Vegetable leather: A savory version of fruit leather

nado, flood, fire or otherwise—you’ll be ready to feed yourself and your family. Wendy Wilson is an award-winning journalist based in Northern California.

SHELL BEANS, LEGUMES

JERKY

HERBS, SPICES

How: Dry them properly and store in an airtight, moisture-proof container in a cool, dry place.

How: In a humid area, store jerky in an airtight container. In a dryer area, use a loose-fitting lid or one with several holes punched in the lid.

How: Dry or dehydrate your herbs in an electric dehydrator, paper bags, a warm room or even an oven. They should be vacuum sealed in a jar or plastic bag.

Life Expectancy: Indefinitely

Life Expectancy: Two months

Life Expectancy: Six months to one year

36

THINKSTOCK PHOTOS THINKSTOCK PHOTOS

OTHER FOODS TO USE

• Fruits: Sweet, delicious

• Fruit leather: Convenient, portable snack item

they should be vacuum sealed in a jar or

sourced from your local market. If you

have the time and resources, however,

and packed with all-natural energy

ing a jar full of marjoram if you can’t

Storing And Shelf Life

much nutritive value and aren’t essential

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.

use regularly. There’s no sense in stor-

GW_ASG4_37 2/20/13 9:08 PM Page 37

WATER

GW_ASG4_BG_WATER_New 2/21/13 4:28 AM Page 38

Stay H y d r at e d, Stay 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.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

STERIPEN www.steripen.com Model: Traveler Mini Key Features: Compact, lightweight, up to 3,000 treatments MSRP: $69.95

38

GW_ASG4_BG_WATER 2/17/13 10:05 PM Page 39

buyer’s

Guide

WATER 1

1 STERIPEN

$69.95

www.steripen.com

Model: Traveler Mini Key Features: Compact, lightweight, up to 3,000 treatments MSRP: $69.95 Description: If you’re looking for the smallest, most lightweight water purifier, the Traveler Mini is right up your alley. Weighing just 3.6 ounces, the Traveler Mini is small enough to be carried in any backpack, emergency kit or fanny pack. Don’t let its small size fool you— it can purify water just as effectively as other well-known SteriPENs. Once you get it going, you’ll have half a liter of purified, drinkable water to quench your thirst in less than a minute.

STERIPEN

“If you’re looking for the smallest, most lightweight water purifier, the Traveler Mini is right up your alley.”

2 CABELA’S

www.cabelas.com

Model: Katadyn Drinking Water Tablets Key Features: Compact, lightweight, easy to stow MSRP: $9.99-14.99 Description: Looking for the perfect easy-tocarry water purification system? Look no further than Katadyn Drinking Water Tablets. They’re perfect whether you’re going out for an afternoon of hunting or a seven-day unplanned survival excursion into the wilderness. The tablets are compact and lightweight—perfect to fit inside your backpack, so you’ll have fresh drinking water wherever you go. One tiny tablet treats up to 1 liter of water. It comes in your choice of 20 tablets per container or 30 tablets per container. Best of all, it’s aftertaste-free.

2

CABELA’S

$9.99-14.99

3 STERIPEN

www.steripen.com

Model: Journey LCD Key Features: Lightweight, fast, up to 8,000 treatments MSRP: $99.95

3

STERIPEN

$99.95

Description: The power is in your hands with the Journey LCD—purify half or 1 liter of water in mere moments. The device’s LCD screen displays useful information, including battery life, countdown clock for water purification and number of uses. With more than 8,000 treatments, you’ll be purifying water for many years to come with this handy tool. Weighing 4.5 ounces, slightly more than the Traveler Mini, it’s worth the extra weight for 5,000 additional treatments, especially if you expect your survival trek to be a long one.

39


buyer’s

Guide

WATER

4

CAMELBACK

5

$99

4

$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.

5 GLOBAL HYDRATION www.globalhydration.com Model: Aquatabs Water Purification Tablets Key Features: 30 tablets per pack, treats up to 60 quarts MSRP: $9.99 Description: Whether you’re hunting, fishing, hiking or boating, don’t leave home without Aquatabs Water Purification Tablets. Each pack contains 30 powerful water-purifying tablets able to treat up to 60 quarts of water. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll enjoy fresh, great-tasting, aftertaste-free water, each and every time. Unlike some other water treatments, these tablets are iodine-free and safe to handle. They’re ideal for purifying water to drink, washing dishes, brushing your teeth, cooking, and washing fruits and vegetables.

6 COGHLAN’S

www.coghlans.com

Model: Water Filter Key Features: Portable, lightweight, no after-taste MSRP: $25.98 Description: While Coghlan’s Two-Step Drinking Water Treatment is perfect for emergency situations, if you’re looking for a water filter for everyday use, Coghlan’s Water Filter fits the bill. Don’t let its simple name fool you—this portable, lightweight filter is perfect for removing the nastiest of bacteria, such as giardia and other amoeba. The unit is compact and easy to use. It includes a filter, pump, discharge tube, adapter tube and plastic straw. Filter up to 400 quarts of fresh drinking water in less than a minute. It’s perfect for survivalists in any emergency situation.

GLOBAL HYDRATION

HOW MUCH WATER DO YOU NEED DAILY? Humans naturally lose water by breathing, perspiring and using the restroom, so it’s vital to constantly replenish your water supply to avoid becoming dehydrated. While foods like watermelons are a great source of liquid, you’ll need to drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated. The Institute of Medicine recommends that an active, healthy male consume three liters of water per day, while females should consume 2.2 liters.

6

COGHLAN’S

$25.98

40


7

CABELA’S

$12.99

8

COGHLAN’S

$15.28

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. • Aeromonas species – Bacteria found in water, causing gastric illnesses. • Francisella tularensis – Infection can occur through contaminated drinking water. • Salmonella – Most commonly associated with uncooked meat, but also found in water. • Shigella – Most commonly found in water, but also found in food. • Toxigenic Escherichia coli – Used to test for water contamination. • Yersinia enterocolitica – Found in animals in close proximity to water.

7 CABELA’S

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

Page 1

Description: You can have safe, fresh water in two easy steps. Emergency Drinking Water Germicidal Tablets are a must-have in your family’s survival or first aid kit. You never know when you’ll need them, but you’ll be glad you have them. This water purifier packs a one, two punch. Not only does it include Coghlan’s Water Germicidal Tablets, it also includes Coghlan’s Drinking Water Tablets Neutralizer to ensure you always have fresh drinking water wherever you are. It’s effective against common ailments like bacteria, treats up to 25 quarts and is aftertaste-free.

IT IS NOT A QUESTION OF IF, BUT WHEN . . . Earthquake, Tornado, Hurricane, Tropical Storm, Ice Storm, Snow Storm, Wild Fire, Flooding . . . Most of us have experienced a number of these natural disasters in our lifetime. Keeping your SURVIVAL BAG close so you can grab it and have something to help immediately sustain life, could be the difference between living to tell the story and being a statistic. Take it from me, there are things you can do to increase your chances of survival. Let us help you prepare. Log on to www.SurvivalBagsInc.com. Educate yourself, then plan and train, to SURVIVE!! -Mike Haller, President, Survival Bags, Inc. Former U.S. Marine, Police Officer, Volunteer Firefighter & Paramedic

41

Spring’s Fury 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 HILL-

SIDES, 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.

• Spring First Aid • Three Methods To Signal Rescue Crews

• Tips To Prepare Your Garden, So You Can Nourish Your Family

42

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

In This Section…

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

SPRING

GW_ASG4_INSPRING_FIRST 2/17/13 10:19 PM Page 42

GW_ASG4_INSPRING_FIRST 2/26/13 5:50 AM Page 43

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 NECES-

SARILY BRING TO

MIND THE TYPES

OF PERILS THAT WINTER CAN PRE-

SENT (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

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

keep you safe.

43


FIRST

30 The number of people who died from lightning strikes last year

LOWER RISK LOCATIONS Low rolling hills

THE HEIGHT FACTOR If you’re caught in a lightning storm avoid being, or being near, the tallest

unfortunately, and last year, nearly 30 people died from lightning strikes, according to the National Weather Service. Ensure that you

don’t suffer the same fate by knowing when

the bad weather is coming, and having a plan to avoid the electrical strike.

“The most important component of light-

ning safety is prevention,” says Gates

Richards, M.Ed., special program manager

If you’re caught in a lightning storm, a

good rule of thumb is to avoid being, or being near, the tallest object in any given area, Richards says.

“In the worst case scenario (being stuck

in a lightning storm), you can assume a ‘lightning position,’ ” he says.

This means you should insulate yourself

from the ground, protect yourself from the weather, and stay small and low.

“Disperse a group to minimize the

object in any given area.

with the NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute

chances of multiple casualties,” he says.

DO THIS

local weather patterns, anticipating oncoming

lightning, know that the symptoms aren’t as

Insulate yourself from the ground, protect yourself from the weather, stay small and low.

CROWD BEHAVIOR Disperse a group to minimize the chances of multiple casualties.

in Lander, Wyoming. “This involves knowing storms, finding relatively low-risk locations and practicing a lightning drill before a storm.”

If you know a storm is headed your way,

evaluate the safe locations that are nearby.

“Lower risk locations include low rolling

hills,” Richards says. “These would be safer

places for campsites.”

44

If someone in your group does get hit by

clear-cut as you see in the movies.

“Lightning strikes can produce a wide

range of injuries, ranging from trauma to neurological problems,” Richards says. “Provide supportive care, clean or splint any injuries, and evacuate anyone involved in a lightning

strike. Neurological issues may have delayed onset, so it's best to evacuate.”

SIGNS, SYMPTOMS SNAKEBITES • Pain • Swelling • Discoloration beyond the puncture wounds and slowly extending back toward the core

WHEN BITTEN, DON’T DO THIS DON’T Apply ice or tourniquets DON’T Cut the bite area and suck out the venom DO NOT USE Electrotherapy

THINKSTOCK

LIGHTNING SAFETY RULES

With April showers comes lightning,

THINKSTOCK

ANTICIPATE LIGHTNING


“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

THE

• Practice a lightning drill before a storm

BIG,

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

is in your carry pack (typically in the form of an Epi-Pen).

THINKSTOCK

THINKSTOCK

diagnosed Hymenoptera allergy, ensure that an epinephrine prescription

45


FIRST “ … the best way to treat a snakebite is to cut the bite, suck out the venom and spit it on the ground, right? NOT SO FAST!”

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

SNAKE NUMBERS

DEADLY BITES

Anyone who has ever seen an old

cowboy movie knows that the best way to

10,000

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.

This outdated advice can actually

bitten by pit vipers this year

getting the victim to an emergency care

10

waste precious time that could be spent facility. think.

“It's incredibly uncommon for people

beyond the puncture wounds and slowly extending back toward the core.”

quets, cutting the bite and sucking out the

year,” Richards says. “The majority of

treatments, he says.

poisonous snakes native to our part of North America are pit vipers (rat-

tlesnakes, cottonmouths, copperheads).” However, he advises, it's not impor-

tant to identify the snake, because anyone

die from snakebites each year

None of the myths out there (ice, tourni-

to die from domestic snakebites in the

U.S.—fewer than 10 people in any given

The estimated number of people who

venom, electrotherapy) have any use as field “Several will make matters worse,” Richards

stresses.

The best treatment for a snakebite is to stay

calm, leave the snake alone, clean the wound, splint the extremity and evacuate the patient,

AVOID THESE COMMON FIRST AID MYTHS If you’re surprised to read that cutting a

Richards advises.

snakebite and sucking the venom isn’t ideal

evaluation.

he says. “If not possible, walking is okay, but stay

be making other common first aid mistakes

bites are ‘dry’ bites that did not include

10,000 or so people who will be bitten by pit

bitten by a snake (or any animal) should be evacuated from the backcountry for “Roughly one-third of all pit viper

envenomation,” Richards says. “If envenomation occurs, signs and symptoms

include pain, swelling, and discoloration

“If possible, avoid having the patient walk,”

calm and recognize that for almost all of the

for snakebite treatment, then you may also that could end up making your condition

vipers this year, wound care will be the bulk of

worse.

only happen in a clinical setting.”

against the common home remedy of butter

their treatment. Antivenom, if administered, will

For instance, the Red Cross advises applied to a burn. Instead, the Red Cross says, “treat a burn with cool water. If the burn is severe and starts to blister, make sure to see a doctor. Keep the affected area clean and loosely covered with a dry, sterile dressing.” Likewise, the agency advises, don’t induce vomiting if someone ingests a poison such as a wild mushroom or bad water. Instead, call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222 for advice.

Source: http://www.redcross.org/email/safetynet/ v1n9/firstaid.asp

46

THINKSTOCK

First, know that your chances of dying

from a snakebite are not as high as you

GW_ASG4_GARDEN 2/18/13 1:50 AM Page 47

Farmer’s “Market”

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

H

OW DOES THIS SOUND?

IF YOU’VE GOT A PLOT OF

LAND THAT’S AMENABLE TO

GARDENING, YOUR SURVIVAL

PANTRY COULD BE FULL BY

SUMMERTIME, THANKS TO THE ABUN-

DANT PRODUCE THAT CAN GROW IN

NEARLY ANY CLIMATE. GET A LEG UP

ON YOUR SPRING GARDEN BY PREPAR-

ING YOUR SOIL AND BUYING SEEDS

NOW, SO THEY’LL GERMINATE BEAUTI-

“I grow all the vegetables that two people can handle. We can and freeze enough to last the winter.” — Lisa Colburn

Knowing when to harvest your garden is just as important as knowing when to plant it. Bringing the vegetables inside at just the right time will help you deliver optimal taste.

47

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

FULLY THIS SPRING.

GW_ASG4_GARDEN 2/17/13 10:25 PM Page 48

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-

tion, but if you’re in this position, don’t give up—you can

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.

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 impenetrable clay. For a few years I added lots and lots of

Composting not only lessens the amount of waste in your home, but also helps you create organic fertilizer for your garden.

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

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

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

GARDENER’S GOLD

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

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.”

GW_ASG4_GARDEN 2/17/13 10:25 PM Page 49

KNOW WHEN TO HARVEST One of the most delicate balances in gardening is knowing when to harvest your crops. If you do it too soon, the flavor won’t be as robust as you’d like. If you wait too long, you could forfeit not only taste but also precious nutrients. Follow the guidelines on your seed packet to determine the optimal time to bring home your produce. For a comprehensive list, consider reading Cornell University’s “Guidelines for Harvesting

Vegetables,” which offers in-depth advice on each type of food. For instance, the guide advises harvesting carrots at 1- to 2-inch thickness and before the hot weather arrives. Visit www.gardening.cornell. edu/factsheets/vegetables/harvestguide.pdf to read the complete guide. “I have different sizes and heights,” Colburn says. “I find that at least 8 inches high is best to reduce root competition, and 3 feet wide is easiest to reach across to work in the bed.”

START SEEDS INSIDE

Optimal germination for most seeds will occur in

warm, moist conditions, Colburn says, which means that

spring is the best time for most people to plant their produce. But even if you’ve bought seed packs for all of your favorite flavors, don’t sprinkle them around your garden

just yet. Instead, determine the optimal time to plant each type of produce, and start them inside your house.

“Many catalog companies now have charts that are

accurate for figuring out when it’s time to start seed inside,” Colburn says.

Johnny’s Seeds (www.johnnyseeds.com/e-PDGSeed-

“The trick to digging in frozen soil is to avoid doing so.” — Lisa Colburn

Start.aspx) has an interactive chart. You simply input your projected frost-free date, and it will tell you when to

plant. For instance, if you expect your garden to be free

of frost by May 1, you should plant squash or watermelon

inside on April 17, and then move the seedlings outside

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

around May 15, the chart indicates.

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

49

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GW_ASG4_SIGNAL 2/17/13 10:29 PM Page 50

50


NO WO NEE RDS DED Y

Thr Res ee cu Mus e C t-K rew no s Ww M heneth Youods ’re To S Str ign al a n By ded Lar ry S chw art

z

OU’RE STRANDED.

YOUR CELL PHONE AND RADIO ARE DEAD. YOU’RE VERY

MUCH ALONE. AND POTENTIALLY IN BIG TROUBLE … UNLESS YOU KNOW HOW TO SIGNAL FOR HELP.

SIGNALING METHODS CAN BE DIVIDED INTO THREE GENERAL

CATEGORIES: AUDIBLE, VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE. ALL THREE CATTHINKSTOCK

EGORIES CAN BE USED DURING BOTH DAYTIME AND NIGHTTIME HOURS, AND YOUR SIGNALING STRATEGY SHOULD

51


SIGNAL

You can use a CD or DVD—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.

3 4

Moving your mirror to keep the light on your hand, move your hand to what you want to signal.

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.

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.

52

THINKSTOCK

Three of any sound, evenlyspaced a few seconds apart, is the universal signal for distress. The response is four evenly-spaced sounds.

THINKSTOCK

Did You Know?

THREE.

AUDIBLE SIGNALS

fas t

sa

NATION OF ALL

i

Send Text Messages. Send a text to a friend who checks text mes-

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.

INCLUDE A COMBI-

There are many ways to make

An a ir h orn

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.

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.

because it’s one of kit, the

r. scue l re tia

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:

y nc ge

to send a signal to ays ap ote tw es n

NO SIGNAL DOESN’T MEAN NO MESSAGE

m to keep in yo ur e d ite me goo r


pressed air horn or gunshots) will work better.

Use the signaling devices

that run on power or com-

pressed air sparingly so you’ll

have them available when you

know someone is in the area and will

noise, but you should choose the method

hear them. Also, keep in mind that an audi-

distance. Things like whistles or banging on

the easiest method to use quickly.

that works best for your weather and the pots work well for medium-range audible

ble signal works both day and night, and it’s Items to use for audible signals include

signals, especially if there isn’t any wind.

a whistle, air horn, car horn, banging on

is blowing, something that isn’t powered by

bugle/trumpet or drum, or something to

For longer distances or when the wind

you or your lungs (like a car horn, a com-

pots, gunshots, musical instruments like a 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.

THINKSTOCK

THINKSTOCK

Use anything you have—including footprints in the sand—to let rescuers above know that you need help.

53


SIGNAL VISIBLE SIGNALS

cell phones have come a long

be moving or stationary. Mov-

electronic devices called “per-

Viewable signals can either

ing signals, like flares or flashes from a mirror, catch a

searcher’s eye because of the motion. Ground-based (sta-

tionary) signals work because

they stand out from their environment, like a bright fire at night or a column of smoke. Ground-based visual signals should be visible from all

directions to maximize the

chances of being seen by res-

cuers. You can achieve this by placing them in large, open

“Three of any sound, evenly-spaced a few seconds apart, is the universal signal for distress.”

3

During the past 10 years,

way, but the decade has also

“Keep in mind that an audible signal works both day and night, and it’s the easiest method to use quickly.”

seen the emergence of other sonal locator beacons” that allow you to communicate

with rescuers or family while

in the backcountry. These new emergency communication devices are useful tools to

include in your survival/emergency bag of tricks, and are being used by more people every year.

Some send an emergency

signal with location information, like ACR Electronics

ResQLink (www.acrartex.com),

to the local search and rescue

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

like a hilltop or ridgeline.

Things to use for visual sig-

nals include a signal mirror,

voice messages so you can

give your rescuers or family a great deal of detail on where you are.

Things to use for elec-

CD or DVD, smoke bombs,

tronic signals include cell

chute flares, ground-to-air sig-

way radios, personal locator

road flares, flare pens, para-

nals, signal fires, smoke signals

phones, satellite phones, twobeacons (PLB), emergency

(burn inner tubes or tires to

locator transmitters (ELT), and

the car, reflective blankets,

radios (EPIRB).

make smoke), mirrors from

bright flashlights, car headlights hooked to a car battery, or

strobe lights (individual or built into a flashlight).

INVISIBLE (ELECTRONIC) SIGNALS

emergency position indicating

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.

54

THINKSTOCK

on a terrain feature as possible

ability to send both texts and

THINKSTOCK

areas like meadows, or as high


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)

is also effective.

background. For example, if on a beach

apart, is the universal signal for dis-

There are a number of ground-to-air

like wood or rocks to make your sig-

spaced sounds. You can do this with

quick Internet search, but you proba-

Three of anything: Three of any

sound, evenly-spaced a few seconds tress. The response is four evenly-

three gun shots, three blasts on a whistle or three bright (or smoky) signal

fires. When using sets of three for a

visual signal, they perform best when

placed in a straight line or in a triangle,

bly won’t remember all of them. The

noises and not everyone looking for

location of the ground-to-air signal, your rescuers see it.

ical assistance, and

your location if it isn’t where the sig-

nal is. The arrow can also be used to show the direction you’re traveling. Your ground-to-air signal should

be large (at least 10 feet high) and out

have an SOS feature built into them in

direction. Help the signal stand out by

addition to their strobe feature, which

Also, make sure to use other

such as flares, fires or smoke, to help

assistance

you will have been a Boy Scout or

Navy signalman. Strobe lights often

expose the dark earth beneath.

• A “V” to indicate you require

easiest to remember, are:

• An “arrow” to show the direction to

but it isn’t as obvious as the three

nal, or tramp down the snow to

methods to attract attention to the

S-O-S: You can also use Morse

long, long, long, short, short, short),

or snow-covered field, use dark things

three to keep in mind, which are the

• An “X” to indicate you require med-

code for S-O-S (short, short, short,

THINKSTOCK

signals, all of which you can find with a

as this is easiest to pick out in a natural environment.

THINKSTOCK

Ground-to-air emergency signals:

in the open so it’s easy to see from any

making it in a contrasting color to its

55

Larry Schwartz, an

outdoorsman/bowhunter, is a hunting

safety instructor and seminar speaker,

whose work has included topics such as

backcountry navigation, shot placement, wilderness survival techniques, and

backpacking/camping skills.

SPRING

GW_ASG4_BG_SPRING_New 2/21/13 4:31 AM Page 56

S u r v i va l 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.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

MCMURDO Model: Fast Find 220 www.mcmurdomarine.com Key Features: Six-year battery life MSRP: $245

56

GW_ASG4_BG_SPRING 2/17/13 10:39 PM Page 57

buyer’s

Guide

SPRING

2 1

1

MCMURDO

MCMURDO

CABELA’S

$179.99

$245

Model: Fast Find 220

www.mcmurdomarine.com

Key Features: Six-year battery life MSRP: $245 Description: A personal locator beacon (PLB) is a must-have item, especially if you’re traveling far from civilization. PLBs can save your life by sending your own unique emergency signal to alert the authorities if you’re injured or have a medical emergency. Fast Find 220 isn’t just a moniker; this powerful PLB transmits your GPS location to alert the authorities in an instant. With the push of a button, you can have emergency services at your disposal. Your specific GPS location is transmitted via satellite and alerts the rescue coordination center to send help and ensure your rescue.

3

THE NORTH FACE

$240

2 CABELA’S

Model: Danner 453 GTX Hiking Boots

www.cabelas.com Key Features: Waterproof, breathable, leather MSRP: $179.99 Description: Hiking in the wilderness doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. When Danner says waterproof, the company means it. Danner’s 453 GTX hiking boots feature breathable GORE-TEX material—perfect for rain, snow and every climate in-between. Guaranteed to last for many years to come, GTX hiking boots are made of the toughest of materials—durable fullgrain nutbuck leather and 1,000denier nylon uppers. Whereas some boots are heavy to wear and lug around, that’s absolutely not the case with this pair. GTX boots are light as a feather compared to your average heavy work boot … and perfect for walking miles into the forest as you venture to your secret bug-out location.

3 THE NORTH FACE Model: Crestone 75 Pack

www.thenorthface.com Key Features: Comfortable, large external pockets, weather resistant hood zip MSRP: $240 Description: This 75-liter backpack offers plenty of storage, making it unbelievably ideal for multi-day camping trips. The North Face’s patented Opti Fit System lets you precisely adjust your pack for optimum comfort, so you won’t end up with a strained back or sore feet at the end of a long day. Comfortable shoulder harnesses provide shock absorption, perfect for hiking uphill or on rocky terrain. Other nice-to-have features include a weather-resistant hood zip, breathable E-VAP back panel and ample pocket storage.

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

5

SIERRA DESIGNS

$55

4

KANNAD MARINE

$399

4 KANNAD MARINE Model: SafeLink SOLO PLB

www.kannadmarine.com Key Features: Waterproof, lightweight, durable MSRP: $399 Description: The SafeLink SOLO PLB brings the safety of 24/7 communication with search and rescue services to the palm of your hand in a sleek personal locator beacon. “SOLO” is part of the name for a reason; enjoy your favorite activities, such as hiking, camping and swimming, on your own with confidence. This compact device is

57

perfect for carrying in your backpack, coat or even pocket; it comes with its own carrying pouch, perfect for toting it on your belt. Not only are PLBs a lot safer than distress signals like flares, they allow the authorities to know exactly where you are with pinpoint precision every time.

5 SIERRA DESIGNS Model: Pull-On Down Bootie

www.sierradesigns.com Key Features: Heavy-duty nylon material, warm, light MSRP: $55

Description: Are you tired of freezing your toes off after a long day of hiking? It’s vital to keep your toes warm, as you could lose a lot of body heat if your feet are as cold as ice cubes. These Pull-on Down Booties are like heavyduty slippers. They are insulated with 700-fill powder down, and they will ensure your toes stay toasty all night long. The Booties are a musthave when camping during the most frigid months. Best of all, they are compact enough to fit in your backpack and easy to put on and take off in mere seconds.


buyer’s

Guide

SPRING

6

ALPS MOUNTAINEERING

$199.99

6

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 woods or as a carryon pack when traveling by air.

7 THE NORTH FACE Model: Terra 65 Pack

www.thenorthface.com Key Features: Lightweight, cushy shoulder harness, easily adjustable MSRP: $200 Description: Leave the clunky suitcase at home and take the Terra 65 Pack on your next outing. This backpack offers the high quality you’d expect from North Face and a host of handy features, including easily adjustable shoulder straps, plenty of storage and anatomically friendly back support. The Terra 65 Pack gives a whole new meaning to durability; lug it when you’re hunting, camping, fishing, bugging out or even to your job. Pockets on the outside are perfect for carrying easily accessible gear, so you can quickly grab your matches or knife in a snap. Best of all, a backpack with this many features never felt so light.

8

BLACK DIAMOND Model: Tor Beanie

blackdiamondequipment.com

8

BLACK DIAMOND

$39.95

Key Features: Warm, hand-sewn MSRP: $39.95 Description: We lose a lot of body heat through our heads. That’s why it’s vital to wear proper head gear when the spring weather is still chilly. The Tor Beanie is perfect for keeping your most valuable asset—your noggin—warm during those cold mornings. It comes in your choice of two styles: kiwi or limestone. The material is very high quality and it’s hand-sewn, so you can expect to have it for many cold seasons to come. Best of all, it quickly stores in your pack during those spring afternoons when the weather quickly warms.

WHAT TO KNOW WHEN SHOPPING FOR HIKING BOOTS If you plan to take multi-day survival excursions into the wilderness, it’s essential that you invest in a good pair of hiking boots. There’s a lot more to shopping for hiking boots than simply the look. You’ll want to boots that are durable, comfortable and best suited for the environment you’ll be exploring. You should consider the following factors when looking for the right pair of boots. • Durability Look for boots made of leather to confirm durability, and ensure that they’re waterproof.

58

• Terrain It’s important to consider the environment where you’ll be hiking. Will you be climbing on rocks? Will you be going uphill or walking on flat land? There are boots for each of these activities, so be sure yours are labeled appropriately. • Perfect Fit You’ll want hiking boots that are snug, but not so tight that they’ll cause blisters. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to fit your fingers snugly behind your heel and the back of your boots for the right fit.

• Hiking Boots vs. Backpacking Boots If you’ll be carrying a heavy load like a bug-out bag, backpacking boots are ideal. They are durable with stiff soles, perfect for lugging your heaviest gear around. If you’re going for a day trip you might want to consider hiking boots, which are lighter and offer better mobility. • Ankle Support Low-cut boots are ideal for maintained trails and shorter treks. Mid-cut boots are best for longer treks and for carrying up to 40 pounds. High-cut boots provide added ankle support, perfect for lugging around 40 pounds.


9

ALPS MOUNTAINEERING

9 ALPS MOUNTAINEERING Model: Red Rock

www.alpsmountaineering.com

$119.99

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 gloves, Thinsulate insulation, waterproof MSRP: $69.95

G

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 [email protected] or call

1-888-4 actcert 1 - 8 8 8 - 4 2 2 - 8 2 3 7

The ACT survival measures can be used by anyone, anytime, anywhere. 59

COVER

GW_ASG4_INCOVER 2/26/13 5:51 AM Page 60

THAT DAY CHANGED OUR LIVES FOREVER.

Cover S t o r i e s

Topics such as bioterrorism attacks and chemical warfare,

which would have created sheer entertainment on the silver

screen before that day, now create the potential for sheer terror in our daily lives.

But we shall be prepared … because failure is not an option. 60

In This Section…

• 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

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

SEPT. 11, 2001.

GW_ASG4_PAN 2/17/13 10:50 PM Page 61

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

2013 FLU EPIDEMIC

HEALTH CRISIS FACING THE UNITED STATES IS A

vention (CDC), this past winter brought about the earliest

OF COURSE, WE’RE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO

season typically runs from October until March, with the

IF YOU BELIEVE POP CULTURE, THE NEXT BIG ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE.

COMMON THREATS SUCH AS INFLUENZA, E. COLI,

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. 61

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Pre-

influenza outbreak the U.S. has faced in nearly a decade. Flu highest number of cases occurring in January or February.

At its peak, the CDC reported that 47 states experienced

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

THINKSTOCK

Z

OMBIES.

GW_ASG4_PAN_New 2/22/13 2:54 AM Page 62

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-

people who may have had cancer or

as a pandemic are similar to those of an epi-

says this group includes “frail, elderly

tracting the disease. The rules of what qualifies

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

CDC estimates that between 8,870 to 18,300

the benefit of vaccines available to

people died of the virus. Flu vaccines in the

combat these diseases, as well.”

U.S. were quickly developed to combat the

The flu varies wildly from year to

spread of the virus.

year, which is why new vaccines are

Variations of 2009 H1 flu continue to cir-

available each season. But few varia-

culate, but Dr. Joe Breese of the CDC indi-

tions have raised as much concern as

cates that the numbers in the U.S. remain low.

the outbreak of H1N1, also known as 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

responding to the possible spread of

are,” he says. “We know that influenza viruses

organizations were preparing and

in a given country, in a given city, in a given

H5N1, the bird flu. But H1N1 proved

region will vary from year to year and in

a more aggressive strain, and within

unpredictable ways.”

the span of a year, the CDC estimates

62

THINKSTOCK

said that Europe and other places in the world

GW_ASG4_PAN_New 2/22/13 3:02 AM Page 63

“ADD” UP THESE NUMBERS

47 MAP - CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

In 2012, the number of states that experienced widespread geographic flu activity.

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

8,87018,300 The CDC’s estimate of the number of people who died from the swine flu in 2009.

EPIDEMIC DEFINED Dr. Joe Bresee, medical epidemiologist

THINKSTOCK

COMBAT THE GERMS • The best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get a flu shot. • Stay home if you or your family members exhibit any symptoms of illness. • If you’re traveling abroad, pay attention to global travel advisories. Know which areas pose the largest risks for disease prior to traveling, and follow medical advice if you’re going to a highrisk area. • Stay current on your vaccinations. • Wash your hands.

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.

Epidemiological threats can also originate

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

Smallpox, characterized by raised bumps

GOOD ODDS

outside of the U.S. In February 2003, the first case of severe acute respiratory syndrome

Those who got a flu shot were 60 percent less likely to get sick with the flu and spread it to their families.

(SARS) was reported in Asia. The respiratory virus quickly spread to more than two dozen countries in North America, South America, Europe and Asia before being contained.

Worldwide, 8,098 people became infected with SARS,

that appear on the face or body of an infected person, has been eradicated by a worldwide

vaccination program. Per the CDC, the last

known case of smallpox was recorded in

Somalia in 1977, and the last case in the U.S.

occurred in 1949. The successful elimination of nat-

urally recurring cases led worldwide health practitioners

of whom 774 died according to World Health Organization

to stop vaccinating the general public against smallpox.

U.S., and each person had traveled to another part of the

against smallpox, explains.

CDC continues to monitor SARS activity should the disease

son. “People who were

Influenza-related viruses are just one type of disease that

and became immune or

(WHO) statistics. Only eight cases were recorded in the world with widely spread outbreaks of SARS. Today, the once again become prevalent.

have the potential to become epidemics, both in the U.S. and abroad.

REEMERGING THREATS

Other threats include meningitis, norovirus (stomach

flu), whooping cough and tuberculosis. But many scientists

and epidemiologists are wary of a reemergence of smallpox,

a contagious and sometimes fatal infectious disease for which there is no cure.

63

Dr. D.A. Henderson, who led the WHO’s global assault “It only existed in man, not in animals,” says Dr. Hender-

infected either recovered they died. So we just had to stop the spread from

human to human. We saw the virus as a chain. If we

could just break the links, we could prevent many more cases.”

But today’s global

political turmoil, particularly following domestic

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

GW_ASG4_PAN 2/17/13 10:50 PM Page 64

PAN

terrorist attacks in 2001, has led

travel advisories. Know which areas

plot would resurrect the disease.

prior to traveling, and follow med-

many to fear that a bioterrorism

The CDC reports that the government is taking precautions to deal

with a possible smallpox outbreak.

pose the largest risks for disease

ical advice if you are going to a highrisk area.

For instance, those traveling to

PROTECT YOURSELF

Africa—a region where mosquito-

potential disease poised for out-

those who are traveling via cruise

Regardless of the nature of the

break, protecting yourself from

infection is key to avoiding con-

tracting any illness. Thankfully, there are some common sense steps to take should you come in contact

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

series of anti-malarial drugs, as well as use insect repellent. Likewise,

ship have been warned to look out for the symptoms of norovirus,

where contamination is difficult to contain.

The CDC also advises staying

with any potential carriers.

current on your vaccinations. Peo-

self from the flu is to get a flu shot,”

of many diseases that can trigger an

“The best way to protect your-

says Dr. Frieden. “This past season, those who got a flu shot were 60

ple can avoid or lessen the effects epidemic.

“Childhood vaccines routinely

percent less likely to get sick with

get well over 90-percent efficacy,”

lies. While the flu vaccine is far

cines last longer than a year and

the flu and spread it to their fami-

from perfect, it’s still the best tool to prevent getting sick.”

Dr. Frieden also recommends

says Dr. Frieden. “Many of the vaccover a wide variety of the subtypes of each disease.”

Above all, Dr. Frieden stresses

staying home if you or your family

that you should wash your hands.

illness, be they from the flu or other

your chance of illness from flu and

trips abroad, pay attention to global

contact,” says Frieden.

members exhibit any symptoms of diseases. If you are planning any

“This simple act can reduce

other diseases transmitted by close

“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

THINKSTOCK

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.

64

GW_ASG4_GO 2/21/13 4:41 AM Page 65

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

W

ITH INFORMATION

COMES

MISINFORMATION.

PREPPING HAS BEEN

AROUND FOR YEARS,

BUT IT HAS GROWN IN POPULARITY

RECENTLY THANKS TO TELEVISION

SHOWS AND MAGAZINE STORIES. AS A

RESULT, MORE PEOPLE ARE AWARE OF

HOW TO BEGIN PREPARING FOR A DIS-

ASTER. UNFORTUNATELY, NOT EVERY-

65

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.

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

“ … 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.

GW_ASG4_GO 2/17/13 11:20 PM Page 66

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

understand if you break it down into its three main areas: self-preparedness, surroundings and resources.

Step 1: Self-preparedness

Being prepared means more than stockpiling

gear.

It also involves looking at things like your overall

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.

ing the number of people you have, along with the

Step 2: Surroundings

parent who has brought kids on vacation can tell

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

the larger the vehicle and the more time you’ll need

locations of nearby nuclear plants.

you must ask whether yours is capable of transportsupplies you need to reach minimum safety. As any you, the more people and the more stuff to pack, before you’re mobile.

“Surroundings” does not simply refer to know-

includes the knowledge of local flood plains and the For example, in the case of a pandemic, the

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

an emergency. If you bug out, each person must be

Make a firm decision on whether to stay home or bug out before it becomes too late to leave your house.

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 consider-

ations. 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 …”

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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THINKSTOCK PHOTO

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.

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DISASTER STRATEGY 101

GW_ASG4_GO 2/17/13 11:20 PM Page 67

KNOW YOUR GEAR Preparations You Must Take Before Disaster Hits smart move would be to stay put in order to

avoid contact with people. You can expect to have to do this for about two months, when unless

otherwise informed, the pandemic should mostly be blown over.

If, however, the pandemic has prolonged

itself and has become much worse than esti-

mated, 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 previously thought it was a good idea to stay

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.

put, the potential threat of a new problem could mean you should re-evaluate.

Step 3: Resources

When many people think of “resources,” they

picture their gear, but there’s more to it than that. This term also applies to your social network

and your financial capabilities. Not every disaster

you anticipate is the end of the world—sometimes it simply can be a localized issue such as a hurricane.

Granted, hurricanes impact large areas and

the weather effects from them can be widespread. In the case of a hurricane, however, you usually

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 for-

tify the house and whether you have the supplies and manpower to do so. If you plan to bug out

KNOW ALL THE THREATS FIRST THREAT A tropical storm or hurricane can cause flooding problems.

1 2 3

SELF-PREPAREDNESS Entails elements such as overall health, mobility, skill level, and the capability to physically and mentally cope with the situation.

SURROUNDINGS Includes knowledge of the main routes in and out of town, local flood plains and the locations of nearby nuclear plants.

RESOURCES Gear, your social network and your financial capabilities

If you plan to be bugged out for a significant period of time, find a safe and secure place to build your temporary home.

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

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

If you live near a dam, you must consider the possible failure of the dam after a large rainfall or an earthquake.

THREE PARTS OF SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

instead, check whether you have enough funds to

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

SECONDARY THREAT

Lee, be the water that fills the cup—powerful, yet able to conform and change to any vessel. Abe Elias is a survivalist.

67

Using situational awareness means that your preparations have to be flexible enough to meet the demands of any plan of action. Owning the right gear is part of the battle, but having it organized is the other part. It’s not enough to go out and buy supplies and gear, and just throw them in the corner to await an emergency. You must familiarize yourself with their uses and operations. A good example is the use of a water filtration system. Before you actually need it, take it for a test run to make sure everyone in the family knows how it works. If everyone knows how to use each piece of gear, then the burden doesn’t rest on one person’s shoulders and the group itself becomes more capable. When it comes to your food supply, the key is to organize it into two groups: bug-out supplies and household. Bug-out supplies have lighter packaging and should be more compact, making them easy to transport. If, however, you fort up at home, you can still use those supplies anyway. The same concept should be used to keep your gear organized into travel supplies vs. fortifying supplies.

GW_ASG4_MASK 2/26/13 5:53 AM Page 68

The

Seal Off Poison 5 Tips To Help You Buy The Right Gas Mask By Torrey Kim

A military-grade respiration mask can be a good idea if you’re sure it’s still in code, hasn’t been used before, and makes a tight seal around your face.

68

GW_ASG4_MASK 2/26/13 5:53 AM Page 69

P

ICTURE THIS.

AN EARTHQUAKE

BEYOND ANY SEISMOLOGIST’S WILDEST DREAMS ROCKS SOUTHERN

CALIFORNIA. THE FREEWAY

SYSTEMS COLLAPSE THROUGHOUT THE SOUTHLAND, AND THE SAN

ONOFRE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IS NOTHING BUT RUBBLE UPON THE BEACH. YOUR AIR IS FILLED WITH

NUCLEAR RADIATION PARTICLES. Imagine this.

A terrorist network strikes an Eastern city

with chemical warfare. In the Midwest, a smallpox outbreak occurs.

What can you do to protect your family

from breathing in these dangerous inhalants?

Strap on a gas mask so you can breathe clean air. Before you make the investment in masks

for your family, consider these five tips to ensure that you make a wise purchase.

“Improper use of masks and hoods … could pose a threat to public safety.” – The Department of Homeland Security

PROS AND CONS WHAT

PROS

The best way to ensure that you can breathe clean air is to get a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

They allow you to breathe clean air from a tank.

DID YOU KNOW?

They are quite heavy and typically only include an hour’s worth of air.

THINKSTOCK

This is similar to what firefighters and scuba divers use.

CONS

69

GW_ASG4_MASK 2/17/13 11:25 PM Page 70

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.”

If you want a high-quality, military-

grade mask, you may be ready to hop

WHAT IF YOU DON’T HAVE A MASK? If you find yourself in a situation in which debris is in the air and you can’t breathe, you can fashion your own mask out of the clothes you’ve got. You can wet a shirt and wrap it around your face to cover your nose and mouth, or use other types of fabric to filter out small particles. They cannot, however, filter out everything. For instance, the Hawaii State Department of Health notes

on its Web site that “A damp cloth, or a paper, gauze surgical or non-toxic dust mask may be helpful” in screening out ash or VOG (volcanic smog) following a volcano eruption. However, the site adds, “If you find it more difficult to breathe with the mask on, don’t use it.” In addition, such masks are not effective in removing gases such as sulfur dioxide, which can be in the air following such an event.

2. KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MASKS

A gas mask respirator filters many

in the car and head to your military

different types of particles if it’s up to

member of your family. But be sure the

a new and working filter cartridge.

surplus store to snag one for each

masks are still within code, says survival expert Marty Dent of Seattle.

“Some military masks have been

used and used masks are probably not going to be airtight to your face,” he

date, has been stored properly, and has Depending on the type of respirator,

the mask could protect you from bacteria, 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

some models, the filter can be replaced

they also clean particles out of the air as

of date and past their usefulness. In

to make the mask effective again, but

often that is not the case and you’ll be wearing a mask that does you no good.”

No matter what type of mask you

use, you’ll want to ensure that it fits

also helpful to have on-hand, because you breathe. These masks, however,

“do not protect against chemicals, gases, or vapors and are intended only for low hazard levels,” the Centers for Disease 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-

sides, top or bottom.

which is similar to what firefighters and

fresh air can get into it through the

70

tained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA),

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1. USE CAUTION WITH SURPLUS MASKS

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A tank that offers a supply of fresh air is a great option, but remember that it only lasts a certain period and is heavy to carry.

GW_ASG4_MASK 2/17/13 11:25 PM Page 71

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 THE LABEL

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.

Depending on the type of threat that you foresee,

you’ll want to ensure that your mask can do the trick.

Most preppers who expect nuclear fallout will have a

nuclear-approved respirator or SCBA mask, whereas you may not need such a heavy-duty mask if you are expecting debris in the air from a tornado. Double-

check the label on any mask you’re considering purchasing so you’ll know what it guards against.

4. PRACTICE MASK OPERATION PROTOCOL

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

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

5. DON’T GET A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY

The biggest problem with gas masks and protective

hoods is that they give users a false sense of security,

says the Department of Homeland Security on its Web site.

“Improper use of masks and hoods, as well as a

false sense of security as to their effectiveness, could

pose a threat to public safety,” the government notes

on www.ready.gov. “For example, it is difficult to obtain a proper seal with the mask if you have facial hair such as a beard or long sideburns. Protective masks do not fit small children.”

PLAN B

If you’re ever in a situation in which you aren’t sure

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

that your mask can hold up to the poisonous air out-

But if you buy a gas mask or SCBA tank, you should

and staying inside until the threat passes, rather than

placed in a survival situation, Dent says. Practice several

unfit masks, Dent says.

GAS MASK CHECKLIST ONE 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.

cool and the that waters areelastic already is high, thenand just you’re one rainstorm can cause a flood. face, ensure the tight ready. side, you are probably better off sealing up your home Floods often occur without warning or excessive rains. If the weather has been

ensure that you know how to use it long before you’re

taking a chance with your family in the toxic air with

“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

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THINKSTOCK

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.” 71

GW_ASG4_72 2/15/13 2:21 AM Page 72

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

GW_ASG4_73 2/15/13 2:23 AM Page 73

©2013 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

021113

GW_ASG4_CAR 2/18/13 12:17 AM Page 74

Four-Wheel Su r Whether Stranded Following An Accident Or A Disaster, Your Car, And Its Parts, Can Mean The Difference Between Life Or Death By Tim MacWelch

On the bright side, many of these annual events have survivors. In some cases, people have survived with little or no food, water or supplies. But that’s

no excuse to travel around unprepared.

74

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

TRAVERSING AN UNFAMILIAR SHORTCUT OR EXPERIENCE CAR TROUBLE IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE—ONLY

TO FIND THEMSELVES HOPELESSLY STRANDED.

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

I

T HAPPENS EVERY YEAR. GUARANTEED.

EACH YEAR IN THE U.S., MULTIPLE MOTORISTS DRIVE OFF THE ROAD IN DANGEROUS WEATHER, GET STUCK

GW_ASG4_CAR 2/18/13 12:17 AM Page 75

u rvival Shelter START WITH PREVENTIVE STEPS

To ensure your survival during such an event, you

must first create a vehicle survival kit. Fill a bin, back-

pack or a duffle bag with important emergency necessi-

ties, sealing the most important things in zip-top bags to

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 vehicle is on fire or rolling off a cliff, it’s your new best friend.

For the past

have a higher

“Unless that vehicle is on fire or rolling off a cliff, it’s your new best friend.”

vival than those

– Tim MacWelch, survival expert

keep them dry and safe. This gear should include basic

century that cars

emergencies.

statistics show

survival essentials and some gear specific to automotive Another important consideration is to always let

someone know where you are going. So many

“stranded” survival stories revolve around a spur of

the moment trip, which left the victim’s friends, family and co-workers with no idea where the missing per-

son went. Imagine the difficulty for search and rescue

crews or local law enforcement when they don’t even know which county or state they should explore to look for you.

have existed, the that people who

stay with the car probability of surwho leave the car

looking for help in stranded scenarios.

Any vehicle with the windows intact will provide

you with a wind- and rain-resistant shelter. No, it’s not

STAY WITH YOUR CAR

a perfect shelter, as anyone who has ever had to sleep

time to prepare how you’d react in a survival emer-

from the vehicle and heat up stones near the edge of

road. You’ve taken your precautions, but what do you

barely hold them to your skin, and then bring them into

in his or her car can tell you. But you can easily

enhance the shelter value of a vehicle by adding blan-

Once you’ve mastered the preventive steps, it’s

gency. Let’s say your car has broken down on a remote do now that you’re stranded?

kets, extra clothing and sleeping bags for warmth.

You can even build a campfire 10 to 15 feet away

that fire. Get the stones just warm enough that you can

the vehicle as a low-tech space heater.

Although it isn’t an ideal sleeping area, your car can serve as an excellent shelter if you’re ever stranded in yours.

CAR SURVIVAL CHECKLIST

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

Any good vehicle emergency kit should include the following items at a minimum:

DIG DEEPER

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

• Shelter gear like sleeping bags and blankets. Ideally you should have one item for each seat in your car. • A full change of clothes appropriate to the season, a spare coat or jacket, and some rain gear or a poncho for wet weather. • Shelter gear to use outside the car. For example, a tent for cold weather, or a tarp to give shade in hot climates. • Several gallons of drinking water, and purification equipment to disinfect more water. • At least three days’ worth of high-calorie, no-cook foods

75

such as protein bars, MREs, peanut butter & crackers, trail mix, etc. • A quality first aid kit. • Sanitation and hygiene supplies like toilet paper, feminine products, hand sanitizer, etc. • At least three fire-starting methods, and a small pot to boil water and cook. • Some basic hand tools, including a knife, wrenches, screwdrivers, duct tape and rope. • Jumper cables, road flares, Fix-a-Flat spray, tow strap, starter fluid, ice scraper, and any other automotive supplies that you know how to use. • Flashlight with extra batteries, along with two or three 12-hour light sticks. • Car charger, solar charger or back-up battery for your cell phone.

GW_ASG4_CAR 2/18/13 12:17 AM Page 76

YOU MUST DO THIS

CAR

In a survival situation, stay put. In the case of vehicle-based survival strategies, your car becomes your shelter.

Repeat as needed every few

oils from the car can be added to a

On the other extreme of tem-

allowing much greater visibility to

hours.

perature, your vehicle can become a useful shelter in hot weather.

Open all of the vehicle doors and

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.

duce tying material and snares. The

sunny, hot climates. If that isn’t practical, then crawl under the

vehicle and lie on the cooler

the vehicle is a fixed target. The

fire, food and first aid, and you

PARTS FOR SURVIVAL

Many parts of the vehicle give

you reasons to stay with it because they can be used for dual survival purposes.

For instance, the mirrors can

be removed to create signal mirrors to catch the attention of

potential rescuers. The plastics and

Build a campfire 10 to 15 feet away from the

scenario—you need shelter, water, need to signal for help every chance you get.

If you plan ahead to have the

right equipment in the car based

on the season and location you are traveling through — and if you’re

creative — your stranded vehicle should give you everything you need to survive.

Tim MacWelch, who has been a

professional wilderness survival instruc-

tor for the past 16 years, runs a sur-

vival camp in northern Virginia.

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

THE LIGHTER

and snares.

This will produce fire.

IN THE HEAT

Your vehicle can become a useful shelter in hot weather. Open the doors and use duct tape to attach tarps, blankets or sheets to the tops to create cooling shade in sunny, hot climates.

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

76

THINKSTOCK PHOTOS

FIRE BONUS

Survival using a vehicle is just

“… 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

You can enhance the shelter by adding blankets, extra clothing and sleeping bags.

tems goes on and on.

like every other type of survival

around like a person tends to do.

BOLSTER PROTECTION

The list of helpful car parts and sys-

person. And whether searchers are vehicle is not out there wandering

Any vehicle with the windows intact will provide you with a wind- and rain-resistant shelter.

cigarette lighter can give you fire.

PLAN AHEAD

looking from the air or the ground,

WIND AND RAIN

unneeded vehicle systems to pro-

with your vehicle is that a car is lot easier for rescuers to spot than a

GIMME SHELTER

help as long as the battery lasts.

doors to create cooling shade in

Another great reason to stay

TWO Tell someone where you’re going

lights and car horn can signal for

The wires can be stripped from

ground in the vehicle’s shade.

FIRST Create a survival kit

your smoke signal. Even the head-

use duct tape to attach tarps, blankets or sheets to the tops of the

BEFORE THE DISASTER

campfire to turn the smoke black,

FOOD

GW_ASG4_BG_FOOD 2/17/13 11:34 PM Page 77

Dining … Survival-Style Ensure Your Hydration, Nourishment With These Handy, Affordable Products BY TORREY KIM FLOODS, HURRICANES AND OTHER DISASTERS CAN TURN

YOUR WORLD UPSIDE DOWN. REGARDLESS OF WHERE LIFE TAKES YOU, IT’S CRITICAL TO STAY NOURISHED AND

HYDRATED.

Welcome to the Food and Water Buyer’s Guide.

These are handy, inexpensive products that will keep you and your family

full and happy on the survival trail.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

HI MOUNTAIN SEASONINGS Model: Home Sausage Making Kit www.himtnjerky.com Key Features: Supply your own meat, includes everything else MSRP: $20.99

77


buyer’s

Guide

1

FOOD

HI MOUNTAIN SEASONINGS

1

HI MOUNTAIN SEASONINGS

3

MSR

$15

$20.99

Model: Home Sausage Making Kit

www.himtnjerky.com Key Features: Supply your own meat, includes everything else MSRP: $20.99 Description: Whether you’ve snared a deer or you’ve simply bought meat from the local store, you can make your own summer sausage to round out your survival pantry, thanks to this easy kit that includes everything you need. Bring it along on your travels and you won’t have to mess with recipe cards and jars of seasonings, because everything is packaged for you. Add your desired cut of meat to the kit’s ingredients, and you could be churning out up to 30 pounds of summer sausage—surely enough to keep your family energized on the trail.

2 REI

Model: Vacuum Clip Mug

www.rei.com Key Features: Lightweight, insulated, easy to clean MRSP: $22.50 Description: A great thermal mug doesn’t have to take up extra room in your full survival pack. Open the handle of this clever cup and it acts as a clip, allowing you to snap it to the outside of your pack for easy carrying. You can even pop it onto your belt loop for easy access while you’re out hiking, hunting or fishing. The double-wall construction keeps your hot drinks that way, but it also retains the cold if you’re trying to ensure the ice in your water doesn’t melt.

5

3 MSR

$6-12

Model: Alpine Utensil Set

http://cascadedesigns.com/ msr Key Features: Space-saving, non-stick, lightweight MSRP: $15 Description: You don’t need to sacrifice quality cooking gear just because you’re short on space. Pack along this set, which includes a spatula, strainer/grater, and spoon that fold easily so you can pack them away when you’re done cooking. The spatula can serve as a double-duty tool, with a serrated edge that allows you to chop through cheese, butter or other soft foods, while the spoon includes preset measured lines so you can use it as a measuring cup at your campsite. Made of non-stick nylon, you’ll just squeeze the handle to fold up these handy utensils, saving time and space.

JACK LINKS JERKY

2 REI

$22.50

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4

COGHLAN’S

$18

4 COGHLAN’S

Model: Camp Cooker

www.coghlans.com

“ … you’ve got a built-in stove anywhere you can build a fire.”

Key Features: Sturdy, lightweight, cooks evenly MSRP: $18 Description: Hauling a big stove from site to site when you’re on a survival excursion is no fun at all, but you needn’t carry one thanks to this innovative product. Just hang this cooker from your pack with the included hook, and you’ve got a built-in stove anywhere you can build a fire. You’ll simply place your food inside of the cast iron well, close it tightly and hold the handles (which are more than two feet long, allowing you to stand safely away from the fire), and before you know it you’ll be eating like royalty. From grilled cheese to flounder to venison, you can cook just about any small meal in the Camp Cooker.

5 JACK LINKS Model: Jerky

www.jacklinks.com Key Features: High protein, tasty, lightweight MSRP: $6 to $12 per bag

6

Description: There’s nothing like a burst of protein to keep your energy high during physical activity, and there’s a lot of it packed into each of these little bags. Grab a handful of Jack Links jerky while you’re waiting in your deer stand, sitting in a boat or on the trail so you can enjoy a high-protein, low carb, low fat snack. Thanks to the jerky’s amazing flavor option s, 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 foodgatherin g trek.

7 COGHLAN’S

Model: Polypropylene Bowl

www.coghlans.com Key Features: Sturdy, easy to clean, inexpensive MSRP: $2

“Tablewear for a fireside meal doesn’t have to consist of a plain old tin can and paper plates.”

7

COGHLAN’S

$2

79

Description: Tablewear for a fireside meal doesn’t have to consist of a plain old tin can and paper plates. Instead, grab a few of these colorful but sturdy bowls that you can clean up in a snap, stack for later use and pack away quickly. They won’t stain, even after serving scores of camping meals, and you can even use them in your home kitchen after your survival trip ends, because they are dishwasher and microwave safe.


buyer’s

Guide

FOOD

8

CLEAN-UP TIP

DO-ALL OUTDOORS

Scrubbing pots at a campsite can be excruciatingly difficult because you don’t normally have your kitchen cleaning tools with you. A simple tip that many campers use is to boil 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 bottle 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

80

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.

Guide

BACKPACKS

Man’s Fury 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

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

buyers

URBAN

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STOPPING MASS VIOLENCE

STOP SIGN - THINKSTOCK PHOTO

Active Shooters Create An American Security Challenge, Which Is Why A Plan For Prevention, Response Are Critical By Alon Stivi | Photos courtesy of DIRECT MEASURES

82


T

HIS TIME, MOST OF

and where the next such terrorist attack will

INNOCENT YOUNG

lenge that transcends all politics, and no single

THE VICTIMS WERE CHILDREN.

THERE WERE 26 DEAD, INCLUDING 20 CHIL-

DREN, AT THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL IN CONNECTICUT THAT DEVASTATED THE NATION RIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS.

These innocent children died in vain if we do

not learn from this tragedy and work together to prevent the next one. The victims of mass violence serve as a warning to us all. We can no

longer ignore the risks and continue to do the

same things, expecting different results. In order to effectively manage future threats, we must be willing to think about the problem differently. These low probability—yet high conse-

quence—events continue to occur and are a

growing public concern. No place is immune to an active shooter attack, and no one knows when

occur. Mass violence is a serious multifaceted chalapproach in itself can stop these killers. The solution must include two key components: prevention and response.

PREVENTION THROUGH DETECTION

The best way to mitigate risk is to prevent it

from occurring in the first place, so law enforcement agencies have been diligently working on preventing the next attack. Important reports

about pre-incident indicators among at-risk indi-

viduals have been published online by the United States Secret Service (USSS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

I urge everyone to read these free reports.

Recognizing the signs of danger is essential to

early intervention by school staff, parents and law enforcement and can prevent some of these 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.” STOP SIGN - THINKSTOCK PHOTO

— Alon Stivi, security and counterterrorism specialist

83


SHOOTER

ALON STIVI’S RESUME

always work. There is no such thing as 100 percent secu-

PREVENTION THROUGH DETERRENCE

rity and risk can never be reduced to zero. We must be

Perpetrators always attack the most vulnerable vic-

tims. It's no coincidence, that whatever their motivation, mass murderers attack soft targets.

What makes a school a particularly soft target for a

mass shooting is its vulnerability due to the lack of

defense capabilities (gun-free zone) and the large concen-

prepared to respond effectively when security fails and act swiftly to protect ourselves.

RESPONSE: OUTSIDE INTERVENTION

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

ers know that they will be able to create many casualties

better address active shooter threats. Tactical training in

military call a “target rich environment.”) Potential attackdue to the schools’ inability to immediately counter the assault. The only person armed in a school during such

attacks is usually the killer. These inherent vulnerabilities

of schools unfortunately increase the likelihood of future attacks.

As a first step in improving security, it is highly rec-

ommended that every school assemble a Threat & Vul-

been working on improving their response capabilities to rapid intervention is frequently provided to local and state agencies nationwide.

However, law enforcement response times can vary

greatly from as low as several minutes in large metropolitan areas to as much as 30+ minutes in rural areas. Law

Enforcement First Responders (LEFR) are handicapped by distance, delayed notification, size of the targeted facility,

nerability Assessment (TVA) team and conduct a thor-

lack of information, confusion and various tactical chal-

findings and recommendations of the TVA team, the

ate response to these attacks is unrealistic.

ough assessment of the security on campus. Following the school can then develop and implement a plan to improve

lenges. Expecting law enforcement to provide an immediBy comparison, it takes only seconds or a few minutes

campus security.

for the shooter to inflict mass casualties. In the majority

help deter or delay a violent intrusion, but it does not

first 10 minutes, prior to law enforcement intervention.

There is no doubt that improving physical security can

of these incidents, most of the casualties occur within the

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 888-4ACT-CERT or send an email to [email protected].

SAVE LIVES When facing deadly threats, the best initial response is always to escape (flight). It is more practical to train school personnel how to determine whether escape is possible and then evacuate the area if it is. Evacuating areas that are not under direct attack and that are out of the shooter’s line of sight can save lives

“Lockdown is indeed easy to understand and applies under duress, but it can also prove to be fatal.” — Alon Stivi 84

Alon Stivi is a security and counterterrorism specialist and a POST certified law enforcement trainer who emigrated from Israel after serving in an elite unit of the IDF. He taught close combat tactics to the US Navy SEAL CQB Instructors and has protected Fortune 500 executives and dignitaries worldwide. Currently serving with the Los Angeles Sheriff Department as a Terrorism 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 Find information on training regarding how and when to evacuate safely, how to effectively barricade a classroom, how to conduct a campus Threat and Vulnerability Assessment, how to implement effective campus security, and how to employ reality-based Last Resort Survival Measures to effectively stop the shooter.


G

Serious About Survival? RESPONSE: ESCAPE OR DEFENSE Currently, the only standard procedure

taught in schools across the nation is for staff

and students to go on “lockdown” and wait for

armed law enforcement to arrive on the scene.

The logic behind this approach is the desire

to rapidly separate the students from the

shooter. Having students locked down in their classrooms also makes the environment more

should be a consideration only when escape is impossible. Additionally, if we are to advocate

for self-entrapment (lockdown), it is incumbent upon us to provide guidance on how to do so

RELOAD!

effectively.

RESPONSE: FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL

After 9/11, we placed more armed air mar-

shals 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,

under duress, but it can also prove to be fatal.

Resources (CIKR). The first thing visible to any-

down is indeed easy to understand and applies By definition, locking ourselves into an

enclosed space is equivalent to being trapped.

Having all the students huddle together in class-

stadiums and most Critical Infrastructure Key

one walking into a federal building today is the presence of armed security officers.

By comparison, many schools do not have

rooms makes it easier for the shooter to inflict

the same level of protection. Having a well-

amount of time.

in every school would be best. Lawfully carried

the greatest number of casualties in the least

The best initial response when facing deadly

threats is always to escape (flight). It is more practical to train school personnel how to

determine whether escape is possible and then

trained armed School Resource Officer (SRO) handguns in properly trained hands at the site

of the attack could greatly reduce casualties and save lives.

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

shooter’s line of sight can save lives and will

and students should be trained to defend them-

are not under direct attack and are out of the help make the scene more manageable to the responding officers.

We need to reverse the policy requiring

people to always stay in the kill zone. Having

the option of considering an escape by the people 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

XL 650 • Auto Indexing • Uses 7/8” x 14 Dies • 800-1000 Rounds/Hour • Interchangeable Toolhead • Auto Powder Measure • Auto Primer System • Lifetime Warranty

unavailable or incapacitated, school personnel selves. When help is on the way, escape is

impossible and the shooter is breaking into

your classroom, the only viable option is to

fight for survival, by attacking the attacker and disarming him.

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.

85

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The

Shots Heard In the Wake of a Shooting, Minimize the Emotional Damage on Your Children by Following These Steps

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

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.

86

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

By Thomas J. Nardi, PhD.

’Round t h


allow your child to express his con-

AMERICAN POET

debriefings after critical incidents.

RALPH WALDO

EMERSON,

COMMEMORATED THE

children.

One of the keys to a successful crit-

ical incident debriefing is immediacy.

APRIL 19, 1775, AT THE START

opportunity to debrief, the faster they

OF AMERICA’S REVOLUTION

FOR INDEPENDENCE FROM

The sooner those affected have an

can recover from the traumatic event.

Indeed, research supports the idea

ENGLAND.

that during the first 48 hours after an

world are those echoing in high school

and most lasting impact. For parents,

Today, the shots heard ‘round the

hallways, college campuses, shopping

malls, fast food restaurants, and most recently and most tragically, an ele-

mentary school in Newtown, Conn.

on Dec.14, 2012. The entire world has heard these shots. The entire world has mourned this horrible loss of young innocent lives.

While school administrators and

law enforcement officials ponder how

to prevent future school violence, parents have a more immediate concern:

"How has this affected my children, and how can I address it with them?" The answer is both simple and complex.

CRITICAL INCIDENT DEBRIEFING

As trite as it may sound, the

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

Parents can do the same with their

BATTLE OF CONCORD,

WHICH TOOK PLACE ON

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

cerns. Police and military units perform

answer is "communicate with your

event, the debriefing will have its best this means talking to children as soon as possible after the critical incident. Postponing the discussion will not help; it will only hinder recovery.

The second key to a successful

debriefing is creating a safe environment.

In a debriefing, "safe"

means that the children will be encouraged to speak

freely. The parents need to listen without judg-

ment. Don’t interrupt.

Don’t be critical or dis-

missive of what they say. Let them see that you are truly interested in what they are telling you.

Correct false infor-

mation that children may

have been told, but don’t

child."

put them down for hav-

the negative impact of the incident is to

it. Your unconditional

One of the best ways to minimize

W orld

T

HESE WORDS,

WRITTEN BY

e

“By the rude bridge that arched the flood, Their Flag to April’s breeze unfurled, Here once the embattled farmers stood, And fired the shot heard round the world.”

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

87


KNOW THIS 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.

SHOTS acceptance will help to foster an emotionally safe environment for your children.

A safe environment also means physical

safety. Children need to feel safe, secure and

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

In addition to allowing children to speak and

be validated, parents may also need to draw the children out about their emotions. Many chil-

dren are reluctant to reveal their fears to their

parents, so parents should be proactive in helping them express their feelings. Ask your child

what they know about the shooting, and what, if

T.A.L.K.

Allow your kids to express their views without interruption. Listen, listen, listen. Let the kids do most of the talking. It is about them, not you. You should speak only to encourage and validate what is being said. Keep at it. Make the chats a regular part of your schedule. It takes time to establish an ongoing dialogue but it is definitely worth the effort. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t flow at first. It will over time, so keep trying.

TO YOUR

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.

anything, has been discussed in school. Ask for

your child’s opinion and reaction. Ask about his or her friends’ reactions.

OTHER SIGNS

Keep in mind that communication is not just

verbal. Now more than ever, after a critical inci-

dent, parents need to observe their kids’ behav-

THE CHECKLIST 1 EXPRESSION SESSION One of the best ways to minimize the negative impact of the incident is to allow your child to express his concerns.

2 BUILD SECURITY

express themselves when it comes to their emo-

3 WATCH, OBSERVE

tions. They may have conflicting emotions, or

their moods may fluctuate. They themselves may not even understand what they are feeling. Their

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

iors and be attentive to their moods.

Children may lack the correct vocabulary to

only way of expressing their emotions and confu-

sion may be through their actions and behaviors.

Create a safe environment

Observe your kids’ behaviors and be attentive to their moods

models for their children. It is important, there-

fore, 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 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

THINKSTOCK PHOTOS

Tailor your debriefing conversation to your child’s age, and reassure children that you are there to keep them safe.

88

UNIQUE

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Tact i ca l As sau lt 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

89

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buyer’s

Guide

UNIQUE

1 SURVIVAL BAGS, INC.

1 SURVIVAL BAGS, INC.

$142-$180

Model: Bug-Out Bag

www.survivalbagsinc.com

Key Features: Sturdy bag, pre-filled with 72 hours’ worth of supplies MSRP: $142-$180 Description: If you need to bug out, you don’t want to spend time packing your backpack with last-minute necessities. Instead, add one of these bags to your survival kit for each family member, and you’ll be ready to head out the door at a moment’s notice. This sturdy but lightweight Fox Tactical Three-Day Assault Pack comes already packed with 72 hours’ worth of supplies. It includes preserved food, drinking water, Adventure Medical Kit for your first aid and tool needs (including a signal mirror, headlamp, whistle, compass, duct tape, and tinder kit, as well as first aid supplies), 50 feet of paracord, two-person tube tent, emergency poncho, blanket, waterproof matches, disposable hand warmers, three N95 respirator masks, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, tissue, wet naps and a Shower-in-a-Bag.

2 OKABASHI

Model: Gardenia Clog

www.okabashi.com Key features: Comfortable, lightweight, ergonomic MSRP: $19.00 Description: Being on the go doesn’t mean having to live without comfort, and the Gardenia Clogs will allow you to not only travel in style, but you’ll also be pampered. The key is the massaging insole, which gently stimulates your feet while you walk, ensuring that you won’t suffer foot or back pain. The easy-to-clean microplast material remains odor-free, no matter how many miles you travel. You can go straight from working in your survival garden to hopping on the trail and you won’t have to switch out your footwear in between activities, thanks to the Gardenia’s amazing versatility.

2

OKABASHI

ELIMINATE ONE POTENTIAL PROBLEM

$19.00

Whether you’re training or involved full-on in a survival situation remember that spring is when many animals begin to venture outside after hibernation. So, heed these tips from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department:

3 CRKT

Model: Redemption Knife

www.crkt.com

• Check your campsite for debris and move it carefully because snakes could be hiding under large rocks or logs. • Clean your campsite or dining area to ensure that food isn’t left behind that could attract critters. • Keep your tent zipped at all times. Animals could enter looking for a warm place to hide, and huddling under your sleeping bag may be just what they need.

Key Features: Large yet lightweight, multi-purpose, sharp MSRP: $300 Description: Whether you’re slashing through brush, cutting kindling, defending yourself against a mountain lion or chopping homegrown tomatoes, you need a versatile knife that can handle every task you throw its way. The CRKT Redemption can take on every survival job you’ve got, thanks to its huge 9.5-inch steel blade, razor-sharp tip and flat grind. The contoured handle makes it easy to hold, even if you’re chopping vigorously, and the leather wrist strap and nylon sheath ensure that you won’t lose it in the backcountry. We love the

Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife, http://passporttotexas.org/stateparks-safe-camping-in-spring

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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 5

ALL TERRAIN

$14.99

Model: DPC Outdoor Brushed Twill 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 end the day with a sunburned scalp or face. We love how easy this hat is to store when you don’t need it anymore. Just roll it up, pop it into your pack when the sun goes down and it’s ready to wear again in the morning.

5 ALL TERRAIN

4

Model: Herbal Armor Natural Insect Repellent

DORMAN-PACIFIC

www.allterrainco.com Key Features: DEET-free, water-resistant, powerful MSRP: $14.99 (Family size)

$42

Description: Slapping bugs may seem like a natural by-product of being outside in the spring, but it doesn’t have to be. You can keep the chemicals away from your family while staying insect-free thanks to this innovative herbal bug repellent that stays at 100-percent effectiveness for two hours. It’s sweat and waterresistant, DEET-free and won’t stain your clothing. Our test of this repellent revealed that it really did keep the bugs away and didn’t irritate the skin at all (not even the most sensitive-skinned testers). Toss a bottle of Herbal Armor into your spring bug-out bag to ensure that you won’t have to deal with pesky insects during your next outdoor adventure.

STAY DRY THIS SPRING SPRING CAN STILL BRING RAIN Thus, venturing out during the spring months can equate to a bag full of wet gear, but you can avoid having to dry out your items if you remember a few quick tips. • Bring zip-top bags on your journey. If it rains, you can protect your electronics, clothes, food and other gear by zipping them into these handy and easy-to-pack plastic bags. • Waterproof your boots and other items. Hiking with wet

feet is not only uncomfortable, it can lead to bacteria and fungus invading your skin. Use a waterproofing spray or oil on your boots, gloves and other gear so you can stay dry even if you’re trudging through the mud. • Bring a tarp. Having a tarp on hand can protect you in more ways than one. Lay the tarp on the damp ground before pitching your tent so it will keep the moisture away from your sleeping area. Or you can drape it over your picnic table to serve as a rain fly while you’re trying to enjoy dinner.

91


NEWS & NOTES (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9)

fabulous flicks 15 Can’t-Miss Survival Movies

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 “Waterworld”

Watch it just for the sheer visual of a world that exists after the polar ice caps melt and we are all ensconced in water—or just watch to see what the most expensive movie ever made looked like in 1995.

3 “The Perfect Storm”

Amazing because it’s a true story and shows the unbelievable ferocity of the ocean, this movie is a must, especially if you’re a fan of the series “Deadliest Catch.”

END OF WORLD SURVIVAL 4 “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 has broken down on a remote road; you’re stranded. The number one thing

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.

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”

MOUNTAIN SURVIVAL 7 “Alive”

Based on one of the most famous true survival stories of all time, this film follows the Uruguayan rugby team members’ harrowing decision to eat the bodies of their dead teammates after their plane crashes in the Andes Mountains.

8 “Into Thin Air”

This riveting—and true—first-person account of devastation on Mount Everest shows what happens following a rogue storm, which results in eight deaths on the famous mountain.

9 “Jeremiah Johnson”

Robert Redford’s character makes a lifealtering decision to live as a Colorado mountain man—until the Cavalry comes to town and shatters his idyllic solo life.

ZOMBIE SURVIVAL 10 “Night Of The Living Dead”

The original that launched scores of followers, this movie shows what happens to a small

Although mainly a comedy, you’ll also get your share of sheer terror watching the hapless main character, who is heroic in his deeds. You’ll really care about his survival.

GENERAL SURVIVAL 13 “Into The Wild”

This sometimes heartbreaking true story follows a young man in search of an authentic life, and his struggle to fight the harsh reality of nature as he detaches from society.

14 “127 Hours”

Whether you’ve read the book or not, you most likely already know that this film follows the true story of a hiker who must cut off his own arm—depicted in realistically graphic detail—to survive.

15 “The Road”

Although not the feel-good movie of the year, “The Road” shows a father and son fighting cannibals as they attempt to find others who want to live in a society like they envision. —Torrey Kim

to do when you realize that you’re in a survival situation is to stay put. — Survival expert Tim MacWelch

INDEFINITELY When properly stored, the shelf life of shell beans and legumes.

587 The number of floods that hit Texas during a 10-year period.

600 The number of gallons of fresh water the Southwick family of National Geographic fame have on store.

92

THINKSTOCK PHOTOS

SEA SURVIVAL 1 “Cast Away”

5 “Book Of Eli”

THINKSTOCK PHOTOS

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.


anchored by pets THE CDC REPORTS THAT ONE OF THE MAIN REA-

SONS 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 between 60-70 percent of American households have pets.

Although there are no specific data on the number of elderly pet

Caring For The Elderly

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.

During Disaster, Elderly Face Tough Challenges

DISASTER PROMPTED CONGRESS TO ACT Following the 2005 hurricanes, Congress passed the Pet Evacuation

SOME OLDER ADULTS ARE PARTICULARLY VULNER-

Transportation Standards Act, which requires state and local governments

SONS INCLUDE THEIR IMPAIRED PHYSICAL MOBIL-

— CDC

to include household pets in emergency evacuation plans.

ABLE DURING AND AFTER DISASTERS, AND THE REAITY, 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.

E NEWS

KS IN TH SURVIVAL BOO

Hit The Books

SURVIVAL BOOK 2

SURVIVAL BOOK 1

Name: Ragnar’s Urban Survival

Name: Barbed Wire, Barricades and Bunkers

been ransacked, the power is off and the low

The tap's run dry, the supermarkets have

In this 126-page guide to readying your

rumble of tanks can be heard in the distance.

home retreat for any scenario, you will learn how to take proven designs for fortified

The unprepared who refused to believe

that such a thing could happen here will live as

structures and adapt them to your personal

wretched refugees—if they live at all. But for

defense plan.

the prepared—for the city survivors—life will

THINKSTOCK PHOTOS

THINKSTOCK PHOTOS

A dedicated prepper and the author of

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 is to stock a retreat in the mountains.

wide array of possible fortifications.

PALADIN IS THE SOURCE

For more information on these books, go to www.paladin-press.com/.

93

Self-ReliancE Being prepared means ensuring your family’s survival without relying on others FOR MANY, IT’S THE NEW AMERICAN DREAM … LIVING OFF

THE GRID IN A SELF-SUFFICIENT, INDEPENDENT LIFESTYLE.

To be sure, it’s a big step, and it takes planning, determination, creativity and

perseverance, which is exactly where we come in. Using experts to provide you with ideas, we’ll present the “maps” that lead to a successful life of self-reliance.

Live your dream.

In This Section…

• Creating the Low-Budget Homestead • Doomsday Preppers Explain How To Be Self-Sufficient for One Year

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

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

HOMESTEAD

GW_ASG4_IHOME_PREPPERS 2/18/13 12:41 AM Page 94

94


DOOMSDAY

PREPPERS Braxton “The Brains” and the father from the Southwick family of Preppers. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL

The Southwick Family, of National Geographic Channel Fame, Explains How They Are Prepared To Be Self-Sufficient For One Year By Torrey Kim

C

HEMICAL SUITS AND

MASKS. ADD TO THAT 600 GALLONS OF

FRESH WATER, 100

GALLONS OF GAS, 100 GALLONS OF DIESEL FUEL, 1,000 POUNDS

OF COAL, 300 POUNDS

OF CHARCOAL, 14 GUNS AND EIGHT CHICKENS. TO TOP IT OFF, A YEAR’S SUPPLY OF FOOD.

Meet the Southwick family, who, as you can

see, is very well prepared for an emergency.

Maybe you also grow your own food and

have a pantry filled with self-canned snacks. Or

perhaps you stockpile firewood, water, ammuni-

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

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


DOOMSDAY PREPPERS

THE $20 PER WEEK PLAN If you’re interested in becoming a prepper but you’re worried about the financial commitment, start small. “The biggest thing I’ve gotten from being on Doomsday Preppers is hearing from people who don’t know where to start,” Southwick says. “I was in the exact same boat. We made a room when we first got married and I put shelves in and insulated it for food storage, but we couldn’t figure out where to start. I went to Costco one day and bought a 25-pound bag of salt and that was the first item in the food storage area. After that, Kara budgeted $20 a week just toward food storage, and that $20 really adds up to a lot of food after a while.”

RYLEE Excellent seamstress

BRAXTON JR. Capable of living outdoors for weeks on end, tanning animal hides, using firearms and purifying water

JAYDEN Training to be a registered nurse

TRESTON Fishes, hunts and fixes anything

TAJA Master gardener

COLTON Lifeguard, hunter, processes wild meat

THE FAMILY LINE-UP There are thousands of people like you who are

preparing for a catastrophic event, and the National

Geographic Channel has created a popular show to pro-

file their methods. Doomsday Preppers started airing fresh episodes again in January to reveal new families who are demonstrating the fine art of prepping. The program is

currently the number-one rated series on the network,

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

Southwick shared details and tips from his survivalist

lifestyle with American Survival Guide to show our readers

just what was required to amass his preparation cache.

and has developed a strong following among survivalists.

FULL SURVIVALIST MODE

Southwick, a Utah-based family man who is preparing for

prepper, but subsequent events prompted him to ramp

One of the breakout stars of the show is Braxton

what he fears might hit the country—a potential biological attack that could kill thousands and create pandemo-

nium. With a wife and six kids to protect, Southwick has

96

Like many people, Southwick started out as a casual

up his plan.

“My wife, Kara, and I started prepping with just food

storage quite a few years ago,” Southwick says. “Our


West Jordan, Utah: The Southwick family are all preparing for a biological attack. (PHOTO CREDIT: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL

“… we wanted to be prepared for something like a job loss or a quake … then 9/11 happened, and I realized how vulnerable we are in this country …” — Braxton Southwick

97


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 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

could be self-sufficient if we ever have to,” he says.

Southwick’s wife, Kara, is a master of food storage,

and rotates the food stockpile regularly to ensure that everything is con“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-

asm on prepping for a biological

attack, but she does support him in

WHO DOOMSDAY PREPPERS WHAT THEIR SHOW WHERE THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL WHEN 9 P.M. TUESDAYS

NATURAL PART OF LIFE sumed before it expires.

CHECK OUT AN EPISODE

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

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.”

98


HOW, WHY PREPPING BECAME A LIFESTYLE 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.

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, is not only a lifeguard, he’s also an amazing hunter, and he can also process and prepare wild meat. The youngest, Rylee, is an excellent seamstress. Together, the family

could be self-reliant thanks to their complementary skills. The kids all know their designated areas of expertise,

but they weren’t simply assigned those subjects, Southwick says.

“As they grew up, I could see their talents in certain

things, which became their specialty areas,” he says.

“When you get a whole family together, everyone can’t do the same thing—everyone has to have his own role and

my kids love having the responsibility and they take the initiative in their subject areas.”

99

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

GW_ASG4_101 2/18/13 12:48 AM Page 100

Surviv How To Get Started, How To Prepare, How To Make It Work By Torrey Kim new lifestyle, but a lot of folks have

IS IT THAT EASY

tral heat and air, cable television,

CHANGE.

TO LIVE OFF THE GRID AS A HOMESTEADER? NOT

a difficult time doing without cenhot water on tap and seemingly

unlimited power at the flick of a

EVEN CLOSE.

switch, he says.

exactly what it takes before you

extremely difficult for children,

vivalist, turn to expert M.D. Creek-

eration: Moving off the grid will

If you’ve been wondering

can truly consider yourself a surmore, an author and survivalist,

who can help you figure out how to prepare for this new and rewarding lifestyle.

START SLOWLY, ENLIST SUPPORT

Often, when people decide to

live the survivalist or “off-the-grid” lifestyle, many determine that they

“These changes can be

which brings us to another considhave to be a united family

endeavor,” he says. “If your family

isn't on board with the whole idea, you probably won't make it very long.”

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,

and live primitively, but the change

build, etc.,” Creekmore says. “If

conveniences (such as electricity)

can be too sudden and they struggle. To overcome this common challenge, Creekmore advises

starting slowly and planning ahead. “The first thing that anyone

preserve produce, raise animals,

possible, take any related classes, or seek an apprenticeship with

someone who is already living the life.”

You shouldn’t move to a

should ask themselves is, ‘What do

sprawling property at the outset of

“Anyone even considering moving

vivalist. Instead, begin your prepa-

I really want?’” Creekmore says. off the grid should realize that it

isn't as ‘romantic’ as some would

your decision to become a sur-

rations right at your current home. “Do everything that you can

have you believe. There are a lot of

where you are,” Creekmore says.

and comforts that will need to be

avoid mistakes after you make the

sacrifices that will have to be made left behind.”

“This will help you to learn and

move. For example, you could dig

“Anyone even considering moving off the grid should realize that it isn't as ‘romantic’ as some would have you believe.” – M.D. Creekmore Creekmore’s best-selling book 31 Days to Survival will help you get ready for your new lifestyle using 31 days of lessons, advice, checklists, and tips.

100

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R

Over time you'll adjust to the

LIFESTYLE

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

EADY, SET …

GW_ASG4_101 2/18/13 12:45 AM Page 101

alist 101 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 survivalist, 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 considering 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.

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

ALL ABOUT M.D. • 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.

101

GW_ASG4_101_new 2/21/13 4:36 AM Page 102

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

spend some of your savings during your conversion.

AVOID THE NO. 1 MISTAKE When preparing your survivalist life, avoid the No. 1 mistake that MD Creekmore has observed over the years. “A lot of folks just starting out spend too much time and money building an arsenal of firearms. I see this all the time,” he says. “Many new survivalists/preppers spend thousands of dollars on weapons and related gear, yet have only a two-week supply

of food and no water filter or medical supplies. This is crazy. I love guns and gear as much as the next person, but I know food and water are more important to my survival.” Weapons do have a place in your survival cache, but they aren’t the only thing to consider, Creekmore adds. “Sure, we need weapons to protect what we’ve put away,” he notes. “Just don’t neglect the other stuff that is just as important or maybe even more so.”

How much you’ll spend depends on what you want

when starting out,” he says. “Once you get everything

Creekmore says.

far lower comparatively than living a typical consumer

and how much you're willing to sacrifice,

“Buying property, building a home, planting a

garden and raising livestock are expensive, especially

going, the cost of living a self-sustaining lifestyle can be lifestyle. The trouble is that it can take years before you reach the tipping point.”

ve

it.” eat d an it

“S pr

up your suburban back lot and plant a garden. Or

, grow it, harve nt it st i a l t, p p , t i re t se ou r

Survivalist 101

“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

THINKSTOCK PHOTOS

Firearms are typically part of most survalists’ kits, but you don’t want to start out by blowing your entire survival budget on guns. First, ensure that you’ve stockpiled food, water, and medical supplies to ensure that you can stay alive.

102

GW_ASG4_103 2/15/13 2:23 AM Page 103

GW_ASG4_BUDGET 2/18/13 12:55 AM Page 104

Penny Saved, P 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”

had jobs paying $50 an hour, only to learn that

OF BEING SELF-SUFFICIENT.

third that amount. Even those who tough it out

If I had to guess at the number

one reason people abandon their

dreams of self-sufficiency, I’d say it was money.

you aiming for complete self-sufficiency? Are you

sometimes face years of deprivation and stress

it’s TEOTWAWKI (The End Of The World As

before fiscal progress is seen.

Don’t be naïve about money. You’re still

Within a few miles of our cabin in Montana, I can

going to need it, but if you follow some of the

foundations where people came to escape the rat

you thought and may find ways to make it while

show you the remains of homes, outbuildings and race, only to succumb to the heart-wrenching

reality that money is still a necessity in self-suffi-

guidelines, you may find you’ll need a lot less than still pursuing your dream of self-sufficiency.

money and pay cash for their land and home,

DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT

We’ve seen others come from out of state who

do you want to attain? Are you just planning to

cient living.

We’ve seen people come here with piles of

then run up enormous debts and lose it all.

use your retreat until conditions stabilize? Are

the same job here (if they can find one!) pays a

What level of preparedness or self-sufficiency

104

equipping a place as an insurance policy so that if We Know It), you’ll have someplace to go with family and friends and live your life in relative security?

Whatever your goal is, you need to make a

list of the skills, tools, knowledge and equipment you’ll need to reach your desired level of pre-

paredness. Now go through the list and set prior-

ities. As you save money, get the most important items first. A list like this will keep you on track, and you’ll be able to see the progress you’re

making, which will motivate you to continue your efforts over the long haul.

THINKSTOCK - LAMP

M

ONEY, AT LEAST

FOR NOW, IS PART


, Penny Earned HOW HE ARRIVED AT SELF-SUFFICIENCY Steven D. Gregersen learned such skills as crop and animal husbandry while working on the farms of various relatives; hunting and fishing from his father; camping and outdoor skills from the Boy Scouts; discipline, marksmanship and first aid from the U.S. Marine Corps; and auto mechanics from vocational school. In addition, he taught himself gardening, trapping, construction, solar power, food preservation, heating with wood, and a host of other skills essential to an off-grid, self-sufficient lifestyle. He and his wife established their 20-acre homestead in northwestern Montana in 2004.

4

MONEY-SAVING TIPS 1 Replace incandescent lights with low-watt fluorescents or LEDs

2 Use reading lamps instead of overhead lighting

3 Turn lights off if you aren’t using them 4 Use motion-sensitive lighting outside

One of the best ways to save money is to make things yourself. I wanted a heavy wool coat but couldn’t afford a new one or find a used one like I wanted. We purchased two wool coats from a thrift store for $7.50 each. I combined them to make a coat exactly like I wanted. Not including my labor and thread, I saved more than $100 compared to the price of a new coat.

THINKSTOCK - LAMP

rather than leaving the light on all night

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

105


BUDGET PENNIES ADD UP

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.

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 the things you really want.

DOWNSIZING

Can you eliminate a vehicle? You’ll

spend less on licensing, taxes, insurance, repairs, tires, maintenance and gasoline.

What about housing? Could you get by

with something smaller or cheaper? If you

CAN YOU DOWNSIZE?

“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 If you can eliminate a car, you’ll spend less on licensing, taxes, insurance, repairs, tires, maintenance and gasoline.

— 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 sales-

man can talk you into, the fatter his commission—and the

thinner your wallet—becomes. Savings can amount to hun-

dreds 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. There are also county-, state- and city-sponsored clinics

Our son is changing a tire on our $49.99 Harbor Freight Tools tire machine. He saved more than $200 by buying his tires online and mounting them himself. We save more than $100 per year using this machine and doing our tire swaps and repairs ourselves. It comes with instructions.

that handle most routine medical needs. Those I’m aware

of bill you according to your income. In the event of a longterm or serious illness, and if you qualify, Medicaid or Medicare may be options.

106

GW_ASG4_107 2/15/13 2:25 AM Page 107

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BUDGET SAVINGS

You’ll save money on automotive repairs by fixing parts whenever possible. The dimmer switch on my pickup quit working, so I disassembled it, sanded off the corrosion, and put it back together. It’s worked like new ever since. If the repair hadn’t worked I’d have had to buy a new one anyway, so I figured I had nothing to lose by trying.

101 $2

The amount of money Steven D. Gregersen was spending each day for snacks and soft drinks from the machines at work

$500 That $2 per day times five days per week for 50 weeks came to $500 a year

$1 Save this amount each day

$365 If you can save just one dollar a day every day of the year, you’ll have this amount to spend on other things

BE ENERGY EFFICIENT

Trading in a gas guzzler for a more energy-

efficient 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.

The same holds true of appliances. If your

“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

water heater, refrigerator or freezer have a few

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

caller ID, voice mail or unlimited long distance? We save

years under their belt, they are probably power wasters. As they wear out,

about $30 a month by using a calling card for long distance at three cents

replace them with energy-efficient models. Little things like wrapping insula-

per minute. That’s $360 per year available for other things.

tion around hot water tanks and putting the freezer in a colder room make

What about family plans and the other extras that cell phone compa-

a difference as well. Turning down thermostats in winter and up in the sum-

nies offer to save you money? They operate on the same principle to make

mer and using a lower setting on your hot water tank will also save money.

money that we’re using to save money: they know that an extra 10, 20 or

Connect the television, microwave, computers and Xbox to power

more dollars added to your account equals big commissions over time in

strips and turn them off when they’re not in use. Many of these items have

their pockets. They sell these things by “saving” you money. That’s pretty

clocks and “instant on” circuitry that use power even when the appliance is

smart. You spend more to save more, and they get bigger checks by saving

turned off.

you money! You leave feeling good about the bargain you got, they order a

Replace incandescent lights with low-watt fluorescents or LEDs. Use

steak dinner to celebrate their commission for selling you the “super

reading lamps instead of overhead lighting. Turn lights off if you aren’t using

saver’s package deal!”

108


Now this is great if you really

and barbecue grills are your friends.

sold you. But if you wouldn’t have

We take advantage of dollar menus

wanted or needed the things they

bought cell phones for the entire family without the package deal, did you

really save money or did you just sign

When you do eat out, spend less. and coupons.

a contract to buy toys for your kids?

THE JONESES

plans as well, and the same rules

and unlimited electricity. They also

Internet providers have different

apply. Get the plan that’s best for you, not the plan that makes the salesman the best commission.

Many of our friends have newer

vehicles, bigger boats, larger houses depend on others to provide food, fuel, electricity and heat. With the

current economic meltdown, many of them are on unemployment, with no prospect of a decent job in

HABITS

Cigarettes, alcohol,

drugs, gambling and

pornography are not listed here as moral or health issues.

A pack of ciga-

rettes in my area

costs $5.75. One pack a

the foreseeable future,

PHONE SAVINGS

and are struggling to keep their homes

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

day will cost you $40.25 a

week, $161 a month and $2,093 a

out of foreclosure and food on the

table.

Instead of march-

ing to the beat of a dif-

ferent drummer, be the

drummer. Develop an independent

year. That’s more than a month of

spirit and lifestyle. Break free. Why

only for cigarettes. The decline of

drag you down, just to impress peo-

income for some people, and that’s your health and productivity add even more.

go into debt to buy things that will ple you may not even like?

RENT ITEMS BE FRUGAL

Spend only on what is needed.

We live by the maxim, “Use it up,

wear it out, make it do, do without.”

This is easier if you’re prioritized and know the difference between needs and wants.

Specialty ladders, paint sprayers,

carpet cleaners, backhoes, motor

homes, trucks and trailers are among

dozens of big ticket items that can be rented at a fraction of what it would cost you to own them.

SET ASIDE MONEY YOU SAVE Fewer trips out mean savings on

food, fuel, impulse spending and vehicle maintenance. Consolidate your

trips and make each one accomplish multiple purposes. If you’re going to

be out all day, pack a picnic lunch and

eat at the park instead of a restaurant.

Take some ice from the fridge and a cooler of soft drinks. Bring snacks from home. Pocket the savings.

When you forego a cappuccino,

take the money you would have

spent out of your pocket and put it aside. Keep an envelope at home and deposit the money there, or

open a separate bank account for these funds. Do the same with

everything else on this list. Set that

money aside and use it only for the things designated in your master

plan. Then, when that super deal

comes along, you’ll be able to cash

REDUCE EATING OUT

in on it.

eat out, but cooking at home from

SUCCESSFUL PLAN

bly eat healthier too. The crockpot

you are truly motivated. Start now.

I’m not saying you should never

scratch saves money and you’ll proba-

This plan will only work if

109

Buy the best you can afford. It’ll save you money in the long run. This Troy-Bilt tiller was purchased over a quarter century ago and is still running great. It was built to last, and last, and last!

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

STAY HOME

buyers

Guide

KNIVES

GW_ASG4_BG_KNIVES 2/18/13 12:58 AM Page 110

BACKPACKS

Central To

S u rv i va l The Right Knife Can Provide You With Food, Defense And Shelter ONE ITEM. JUST ONE THING.

ASK ANY SURVIVALIST WHAT ONE ITEM THEY’D BRING ON A DESERTED ISLAND, AND THE ANSWER WILL UNDOUBTEDLY BE THAT THEY’D BRING THEIR TRUSTY KNIFE.

A knife can be the difference between death and survival, because it can

offer self-defense, it can cut branches for shelter and can seize wildlife to provide you with food. With knives being central to survival, check out a few of these recommended blades to add to your kit.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

CUTCO www.cutco.com Model: Gut hook hunting knife Key Features: Sharp, durable, game dressing features Suggested retail: $99

THE IMPORTANCE OF BELT CARRY

110

Most survivalists find that keeping a knife on their belt is immeasurably helpful, because they can reach down, unclip it and use it with just one hand. If your knife didn’t come with a belt sheath, you can buy a separate one from a variety of vendors that can fit your knife.


buyer’s

Guide

2 SOG

KNIVES

1 CUTCO

Model: Gut Hook Hunting Knife

$125 1

CUTCO

$99

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 prefer that your folding knife doesn’t pop open at random times like a switchblade might, but you certainly don’t want to have to dig it out with your fingernail if you need it in a pinch. The Aegis Folding Knife offers a great middle ground, because when you start to manually open it, a spring assists and allows you to open it quickly and easily. A built-in safety ensures that it won’t slip open in your pocket. Meanwhile, the 3.5-inch steel blade is so sharp it will handle all of your survival tasks, then clip to your belt when you don’t need it.

3 DO ALL OUTDOORS

$25

4 COGHLAN’S

$16

3 DO ALL OUTDOORS Model: Dead Deer Branch Clear Cutters and Trail Saw

www.do-alltraps.com Key Features: Strong, sharp, lightweight MSRP: $25 Description: Most people don’t include it in their survival game plans to cut through bone, but if you ever have to in the course of dressing your game, it can be done easily with these lightweight but hardy cutters. The kit comes with both a trail saw and clear cutter in the same quick-close case, allowing you to cut through branches, limbs, bone, wood or anything else that you may come upon in your travels. When you’re done, just toss the kit into your pack and move toward your next adventure.

4 COGHLAN’S

Model: 3.5-inch Camp Knife

www.coghlans.com Key Features: Sharp, comfortable to hold, lightweight MSRP: $16

5 SOG

$130

Description: Sometimes it’s a comfort to know you’ve got your knife right in your pocket. That’s an easy thing to do with Coghlan’s 3.5-inch Camp Knife, which offers you a sharp blade for every survival task, from cooking to slicing rope to cutting plants for salad. When you’re done, simply lock the carbon steel blade into the hardwood handle and toss it into your pack or pocket. 111

5 SOG

Model: Bowie 2.0

www.sogknives.com Key Features: Tactical, sharp, clip point blade MSRP: $130 Description: When you think of a tactical knife, you’re probably picturing the Bowie

2.0. Created based on knives used by the Special Forces in Vietnam, this knife’s 6.4-inch blade can get you out of just about any jams you may encounter in your survival travels. Its straight steel blade has a clip point edge so you can go from cleaning a fish to cutting a rope and then use it for self-defense. It comes with a leather sheath and a belt attachment for easy carrying.


buyer’s

Guide

KNIVES

6 KA-BAR

$98-107

6 KA-BAR

Model: Black Straight Edge

www.kabar.com Key Features: Multi-purpose, fixed blade, lightweight MSRP: $98-107

7 HAVALON

$36

Description: You’re traveling through brush, unable to see in front of you, and you hear a sound in the distance … it could be a deer, but it could also be a predator. No matter what you find after you cut through that brush with your KA-BAR knife, you’re prepared for the best or worst, because this all-purpose blade will keep you covered no matter what you find on the other side of the meadow. A seven-inch blade, paired with this slip-resistant handle, gives you an overall knife length of nearly 12 inches. A pocket clip will ensure that you don’t misplace this knife—a good thing, since it could be lifesaving.

8 IAN SINCLAIR

$25

7 HAVALON

Model: Piranta EDGE

www.havalon.com Key Features: Ultra-thin, lightweight, easy to grip MSRP: $36 Description: If you’ve ever skinned a deer, you know it can require near-surgical precision to ensure that you remove all of the skin but none of the meat. The Piranta EDGE gives you that surgeon’s tool, with an ultra-thin blade and a lightweight, easy to hold handle. The best part of this compact wonder is that you’ll never need to sharpen it. The Piranta comes with 12 additional blades, so if you find that yours seems a bit dull, just pop out the blade and replace it with a new one.

8 IAIN SINCLAIR

9 GERBER

$69

10 KA-BAR

$84

www.iainsinclair.com

Description: When you have no space to spare in your backpack, you still have room for this innovative and amazingly sharp knife. It looks like a credit card, but you just fold it three times and it exposes the stainless steel blade, turning the “credit card” edges into a handle. At just 2.2-mm thick, the knife weighs in at only 13 grams and is entirely waterproof. When you’re finished using it, just clean the edge, fold it back into its original credit card size, and tuck it back into your wallet until next time.

9 GERBER

Model: DMF Folder, Tanto

www.gerbergear.com Key Features: Tactical, locking, sharp MSRP: $69 Description: Whether you need a knife for defense or for other tactical excursions, the Gerber Folder has you covered. This manually folding knife features a 3.5inch blade and a closed length of 4.8 inches so it can snugly fit into your pack.

112

Weighing just 6.2 ounces, you can carry it anywhere. The ambidextrous handle features a firm gripping surface, even if it’s raining, you’ve got fish guts on your hand or if you’re just sweating. No matter what your needs, Gerber’s DMF is worth a place in your gear collection.

10 KA-BAR

Model: Kukri Machete

www.kabar.com Key Features: Long blade, field purpose MSRP: $84

Description: Not every survivalist has a machete as part of his bugout bag, but if you’re packing for an extended amount of time outside, it’s worth your while to add the Kukri machete to your collection. With a carbon steel blade measuring almost a foot long, you can chop through even the roughest fields to make your way to safety.

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

Model: Cardsharp Knife Key Features: Ultra-small, lightweight, very sharp MSRP: $25

GENERAL

THINKSTOCK PHOTO


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

• Beginner’s Guide to the Right Firearm

113

• Personal Care

• 4-Wheel Survival Vehicle

GW_ASG4_GUNS 2/18/13 1:13 AM Page 114

A Beginner’s Guide To Selecting The Right Gun For Self-Defense

Firearms 101 THINKSTOCK

Firearms expert Dave Spaulding says, “A gun for a home defense scenario is for that alone. If you are not prepared, a gun is not a good choice.”

114

THINKSTOCK

By Sean Cooper


S

ELF-SUFFICIENCY EXTENDS

BEYOND DISASTER PREPARA-

TION, HEATING YOUR HOME

AND GROWING YOUR OWN

FOOD.

It’s also critical to be able to defend yourself and

your family. To help you do that safely, intelligently and

efficiently, we went straight to one of the nation’s most knowledgeable gun experts—Dave Spaulding—owner and chief instructor at Handgun Combatives. The former police officer guides you every step of the way.

Q: How does one decide if gun ownership is right?

A: The first thing you need to understand is that a

gun is not something you use to scare someone away. You have to consider very seriously the following

question: Am I willing to take a life? A gun for a home

defense scenario is for that alone. If you’re not prepared, a gun is not a good choice.

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

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

good choice because of the close confines. In this case, a handgun would probably be your best bet.

Q: What are the steps to purchasing a gun? A: If you’re buying your gun from a licensed gun

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 to go to the NICS (National Instant Criminal Back-

ground Check System) to see if you have a criminal 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.”

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— Dave Spaulding, owner and chief instructor at Handgun Combatives

In a home self-defense situation in which a homeowner lives in an apartment or home, experts recommend a handgun.

115


TRAINING IS IMPORTANT

FIREARMS 101

Handling and firing a handgun requires proper training and preparation. You can enroll in Dave Spaulding’s comprehensive handgun training course through his website below, which is www.handguncombatives.com/.

Q: How does one choose the right caliber? A: Please understand the gun store clerk will try to sell you

what they have in stock. Take your time, be informed and select a gun. It’s really easy to go in and buy a .22 because it’s relatively cheap and easy to shoot, but keep in mind it’s a really small bullet. It’s not going to be one to count on to rapidly stop an

assailant. The larger the bullet, the better effect it will have. A .38

special is good to look at.

Q: How does one know what gun will work best for him? A: My suggestion is try to find a gun store that also has a

range facility where you can actually try the guns. You can also

try the guns of trusted friends and see what works best for you.

You’ll want to see if you have the hand strength and upper body strength.

Q: What ammo should be used? A: You want to look for the most effective ammunition you

can get. You’ll want to pick a hollow point cartridge (a hole

drilled in the end of it). It expands, it dissipates and it creates a

To become proficient with a firearm, Spaulding recommends formal training.

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

ter known training schools. There are

also a large number of regional instruc-

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: How does one become proficient at handling the gun? A: You have to consider, am I going to train with this gun or am I

going to fire it a couple times to makes

THINKSTOCK

drawer? You can go to one of the bet-

gun. Keep in mind it’s a machine, and it

needs to be lubricated. The best rule of

Your environment will determine what type of firearm you should have.

sure it works and then throw it in a

tors who do a very good job. They can

Q: What accessories should one buy? A: You’ll need ammo, a gun clean-

ing kit and if the gun is going to be carried, additional accessories like a holster. You don’t have to spend a huge amount of money, you just have to take your time and select wisely.

Q& 116


WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU? RIFLE, SHOTGUN or HANDGUN It depends on the environment you live in.

HOMEOWNER OR APARTMENT DWELLER Due to the close confines of neighbors, a handgun is best.

RURAL RESIDENT A rifle or an AR would work

SHOTGUN If you opt for a shotgun, select one that has a barrel of 18 inches or less. This will allow you to negotiate hallways, turns.

“You have to consider very seriously the following question: Am I willing to take a life?” — Dave Spaulding, owner and chief instructor at Handgun Combatives

Q: What kind of safeguards do guns have? A: Understand that all guns

10:55 AM

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

&A

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lives in Canada.

117

Page 1

GW_ASG4_BESTGUNS 2/21/13 4:44 AM Page 118

“ … 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

WHY IT’S HOT • Shootability • Reliability • Firepower • Safety

DO YOU TURN?

SHOOTABILITY

more reliable than automatics, but I have had far

IBER .45, MODEL 1911, U.S.

weight for steadiness and rapid fire – without an

revolvers than with automatics.

BEST PISTOL FOR HOME DEFENSE

be fired from either hand or one in each hand, as

1911’s reputation for reliability was made with the

in the hand and is easy for anyone to master.

plenty of room for the rust, sand and dirt of com-

THE AUTOMATIC PISTOL, CAL-

ARMY IS, IN MY OPINION, THE

AND GENERAL-PURPOSE USE.

YOU CAN TRUST THE MODEL

1911 WITH YOUR LIFE IN ANY KIND

The 1911 is a perfectly balanced combination of

extra ounce more – a true one-hand pistol, able to circumstances dictate. Recoil is just a light bounce

more malfunctions and parts breakage with

There’s one important thing to remember. The

unaltered G.I. version that was manufactured with

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

GUN WILL DEFEND YOU WITH

RELIABILITY

STOPPING POWER AGAINST ANY

weapon that you’re staking your life on, and the

FIREPOWER

HERE’S WHY.

in its more than 100 years of service.

Firepower is bullets hitting people, not aimlessly

OF SURVIVAL SITUATION; THE

TOTALLY RELIABLE, ONE-SHOT

THREAT, HUMAN OR OTHERWISE.

Reliability is of maximum importance on any

1911 has proven the most reliable pistol ever made You often hear people say that revolvers are

118

match shooters use.

Firepower is an often-misunderstood issue.

spraying lead in their direction.

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I

N TIMES OF TROUBLE, WHERE

GW_ASG4_119 2/20/13 12:01 PM Page 119

GW_ASG4_BESTGUNS 2/18/13 1:15 AM Page 120

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.

It’s very rare to need more

than four shots in a gunfight.

Dealing with mobs may require more, and the ability to rapidly

reload with seven-shot magazines

works equally well on moose and bears. On these big animals you

want penetration, not expansion. You already have a big enough

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

safety, and the gun has been car-

ried cocked with the thumb safety on for more than 100 years with an enviable safety record.

Safety around children is

bullet.

always mentioned when we talk

end of an enemy charge in the

less penetration can avail them-

your guns and locking them up

you don’t want a revolver.

low points. These offer no

has saved the day for many a soldier who was on the receiving

last 100 years. This is one place

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

horse down with one shot, and it

SAFETY

Stopping power is everything

when someone or something is trying to kill you. Nothing

improves on the stopping power

of the 230-grain full metal jacket G.I. load at 820 feet per second.

It’s a one-shot stopper, designed to put an enemy cavalryman’s

Apartment dwellers wanting

selves of a wide variety of holincrease in stopping power,

despite what the salesman says,

any about any kind of guns. Hiding will take care of gun safety around children, until they can be taught the proper way to handle them.

The 1911 is designed with two

and they do give up the ability

built-in safety mechanisms that

the intruder standing just beside

are ready to use it – the grip

to shoot through walls to get at the doorway you need to go

through. That’s the price you pay for less penetration.

won’t let the pistol fire until you safety and the safety lever.

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.”

On the back of the gun, just under the hammer, you’ll find the grip safety. When you wrap your hand around

– 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

defense or whatever you use it

1911 SAFETY FEATURES The 1911 incorporates two mechanical safety devices: the grip safety and the thumb safety (or safety lever).

M1911A1 – the WWII version

the grip, you’re disengaging the grip safety by holding the pistol firmly – as if you planned to shoot.

The thumb safety is on the left rear side of the gun. Flip the safety lever up for SAFE; flip it down to FIRE.

120

for.

That should answer your

question.

GW_ASG4_CARE 2/18/13 1:17 AM Page 121

PERSONAL TOUCH How To Make Your Own Soap By Erin Hatfield

A

S UGLY AS

HOMEMADE SOAP. We’ve all heard the

phrase, but today’s home-

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

sure that all of the equipment you use for soap

You can use various types 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.

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 CAUTION

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

LYE This is a caustic base and can cause chemical burns if not handled correctly.

DON’T

WEAR

Be sure that all of the equipment you use for soap making is not used for food or liquids that will be ingested.

Wear gloves and an apron and work in a well-ventilated area when mixing the ingredients.

121


CARE

From rose to lavender to sage, you can customize the scents in your soap to meet your personal preferences.

Soap making is a precise process, so all of your ingredients

need to be accurately measured. Most recipes are based on

weight, not volume, so invest in a nice digital kitchen scale. The

amount of lye required in each recipe varies depending on both

HOW IT WORKS “Saponification” translates to

the oils you’re using and the size of the batch. There are a number of lye calculators available on the Internet, but Juliebeth

“soap making.”

Mezzy, owner of Julie’s Stuff Natural Beauty Products, recom-

mends Majestic Mountain Sage’s Lye Calculator (www.thesage.

that produces soap. Chemically, it

and amount of oils they are using to determine how much lye is

(either sodium hydroxide or potas-

In basic terms, it’s the process

com/calcs/lyecalc2.php), which enables users to select the type

involves combining a “base,” or lye

required for the saponification process.

sium hydroxide), and a fatty acid such as oil (or animal fat) to create a salt, or what we know as soap.

Once you have calculated and measured all of the ingredi-

Each fatty acid has unique characteristics that influence the out-

ents, the first step is to add the lye to the water—carefully. You

come of the reaction, so it’s highly

want to use a heat-resistant tool to stir the mixture and ensure that the lye crystals have been properly dissolved. This process

each ingredient and make

generates a great deal of heat, despite starting with room-temperature ingredients, and can reach upward of 300 degrees.

fat you’re using. During the reac-

about 100 degrees before you combine it with your oils, so use

glycerol molecule (which turns into

“It’s very important to let the lye/water mixture cool to

a thermometer to monitor the temperature,” advises Mezzy.

“And be patient.”

important to accurately measure allowances for the specific type of tion, the acid releases a single skin nourishing glycerin), enabling the fatty acids and base to bond 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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PREPARATION PHASE

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CARE Vary the soap shapes 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.

“I came into the process with no prior knowledge of

what would and wouldn’t work, so there were a few early

form. Many oils such as coconut oil and shea butter are solid

rely on my preferences and intuition to develop basic fra-

whether vegetable- or animal-based, to get them into liquid at room temperature, so use a double-boiler to heat them gently until just melted, much like working with chocolate.

Before mixing the cooled lye and the oils, take the tem-

perature of both solutions. They should both be around 100

degrees. If either has cooled below that,

you can increase the temperature by placing the bottom of the pot into a sink of

hot water. Likewise, if either remains too

warm, you can lower the pot’s base into a sink of cold water.

TIME TO MAKE SOAP

Once your lye and oils are prepared,

it’s time to make soap.

Slowly pour the lye/water mixture

into the oils while stirring. If you’re stir-

batches where the fragrance just didn’t work,” she says. “I

grance mixtures. It also helps to be mindful of where you’ll

be using the soap, too. Peppermint oil, for example, isn’t a good match for sensitive areas of skin.”

After adding the oils and ensuring the mixture is a uniform consistency, you need to pour it

“ … making your own personal care products allows you … to be more self-sufficient when a disaster shuts down your local stores.”

ring by hand, use a figure-eight pattern to

quickly into prepared molds. Early on,

Mezzy says she used soup cans, silicon

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

the soap into similar sizes based on weight.

The soap needs to sit in the mold for

approximately 24 hours before being

removed and cut into the finished sizes. Then comes the hard part – waiting for the soap to cure. The key to creating a

ensure that all of the ingredients have been mixed well. Or,

hard, long-lasting bar of homemade soap is allowing the

the process easier and faster.

weeks.

you can do what Mezzy does—use a stick blender to make

Mezzy advises stirring until the mixture is the consistency

of pudding, which is an indication that saponification is start-

water to evaporate, which can take between four and six

ing to take place. This could take as little as 10 minutes or as

EXPERIMENT

called the “trace” stage (the step when the ingredients are

recipes, branch out a little and try new oils and fats, as well

and not be pourable. Check for trace every five to 10 min-

during these experiments, though, so you’ll know how to

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

perfectly mixed) will cause your soap to harden in the pot

utes if you’re stirring by hand, or more often if you’re using a stick blender.

Once you’ve achieved trace, add essential oils for fra-

grance, as well as any colorants. Mezzy admits to using trial

and error to customize her soap, which hasn’t always created a winning product.

As you become more comfortable with basic soap

as fragrance combinations. Be sure to write everything down repeat the process—or what to avoid.

Above all, says Mezzy, “Covet the soap that you make.

Keep it in a nice dish and show it off. A lot of love and labor went into that little bar.”

Erin Hatfield is a freelance writer based in North Carolina.

124

SAVE ON YOUR INGREDIENTS

Making soap at home is a highly customizable process due to the large variety of vegetable and animal fats and oils available. Below you’ll find a list of some of the most common ingredients. While many of these are available through online retailers, shipping costs can be prohibitive. Instead, Mezzy recommends checking with your local restaurant supply stores or organic markets. • Sweet Almond Oil • Aloe Vera Butter • Argan Oil • Beeswax • Butterfat • Canola Oil • Castor Oil • Cocoa Butter • Coconut Oil • Cottonseed Oil • Flax Seed Oil • Hemp Oil • Jojoba Oil • Lanolin • Olive Oil • Shea Butter • Soybean Oil • Tallow

THINKSTOCK PHOTOS

While the lye mixture is cooling, it’s a good time to

increase the temperature of the oils you plan to use,

LIGHTS

GW_ASG4_BG_FLASH 2/26/13 5:55 AM Page 125

URBAN

Shatter The

Darkness These Cool Tools Will Provide Ample Light BY SEAN COOPER LIGHT.

TAKE IT FOR GRANTED

UNTIL YOU DON’T HAVE IT.

AND THEN SEE WHAT YOUR WORLD IS LIKE.

Although not an absolute neces-

sity like food, shelter and water, a

source of light is still an important

part of your survival gear pack. The campfire may provide warmth and

light, but you can’t take it with you

when you need to find a screwdriver in your tent.

The following fantastic flashlights

and lanterns will provide light when you need it most.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

SOG SPECIALTY KNIVES Key Features: Flashlight-knife combo, includes batteries and nylon pouch, 25 lumens MSRP: $115

125


buyer’s

Guide

LIGHTS 1 SOG

1

SOG SPECIALTY KNIVES Model: BladeLight Fixed

$115

www.sogknives.com Key Features: Flashlight-knife combo, includes batteries and nylon pouch, 25 lumens MSRP: $115 Description: What’s better than having both a hunting knife and a flashlight? The Bladelight Fixed knife, of course! This all-in-one tool features a knife and flashlight combined into one cool tool. Cutting in the dark is dangerous, but with this light’s six LEDs molded into the handle, you’ll have ample light so you can cut your meat, fruits and vegetables with added precision. Plus, this knife is not only water-resistant, it provides an amazing 25 lumens of bright light, even when it’s in the sheath. If you’re going to take just one knife with you into the wilderness, don’t leave home without the Bladelight Fixed.

2 BLACK DIAMOND

2 BLACK DIAMOND

$40

5 CABELA’S 3 CABELA’S

$119.99

$159

Model: Spot Headlamp

www.blackdiamondequipment.com Key Features: 3-level power meter, lock mode, hands-free MSRP: $40 Description: If you’re looking for the most powerful headlamp, look no further than the 90-lumen Black Diamond Spot Headlamp. It’s perfect in any situation, whether you’re cooking by the campfire or you’re venturing out into the wilderness after dark. You won’t have to worry about getting this headlamp wet—it’s waterproof and protected from spraying and splashing from any direction. As long as you have three AAA batteries handy you’ll never be left in the dark. Each time you turn on the device, the threelevel power meter displays the remaining battery life, so you’ll always know when it will run out. There’s even a lock mode, so you won’t inadvertently turn it on and drain the battery.

4 SUREFIRE

$95

3 CABELA’S

Model: LED Lenser M7R Rechargeable Flashlight

www.cabelas.com Key Features: Bright 220-lumen output, ideal for holstered carry, eight advanced functions MSRP: $159.99 Description: This is no ordinary, run-of-the-mill flashlight. The LED Lenser M7R Rechargeable Flashlight is a dual-purpose flashlight—it acts as both a far-reaching spotlight and a close-up floodlight. Eight powerful functions are at your fingertips, including Morse code, boost, power, low power, dim, blink, SOS and defense strobe. You won’t need to worry about getting this puppy wet because it’s water-resistant and best of all, the battery is included. Patented Smart Light Technology delivers two settings, providing 220 lumens for two and a half hours on high-power mode or 30 lumens for an impressive 20 hours on lower power mode. It comes with a handy recharger, which fully charges the device in under five hours. Forgot the recharger? No problem – it can also be recharged through a USB port.

4 SUREFIRE

Model: G2X Pro Dual-Output LED

www.surefire.com Key Features: Single or dual output, durable, lightweight MSRP: $95 Description: G2X Pro offers the power of two flashlights for the price of one. Single and dual output options offer the ability to switch light intensity at the drop of a hat based on your lighting needs. Switching is a cinch—simply press the tail cap or press the switch. This powerful flashlight offers many hours of battery power—2.5 hours on high and up to 45 hours on low. Not 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.

GW_ASG4_127 2/15/13 2:44 AM Page 127

1

10/31/12

1:31 PM

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buyer’s

Guide

LIGHTS

6 COGHLAN’S

7 BLACK DIAMOND

$7.98

$20.95-29.95

6 COGHLAN’S

Model: LED Micro Lantern

FLASHLIGHT MAINTENANCE • Keep Out Of The Garage:

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

• Cleaning: You must keep

Model: Orbit Lantern

www.blackdiamondequipment.com Key Features: Collapsible, double-hook hang loop, bright, non-glaring light MSRP: $20.95-29.95

8 COGHLAN’S

$4.25

Description: Why carry a heavy lantern when you don’t have to? Orbit Lantern is the perfect compact lantern for backpackers looking to travel with the lightest load possible. But don’t let its weight fool you; weighing only 3 ounces, this lantern packs an impressive 45 lumens of bright, non-glaring light to guide your way. You won’t need to fiddle with the light intensity; included is a dimming switch, which lets you ensure you always have the perfect amount of light, whether you’re reading or setting up your campsite. Conveniently hang the lantern from your tent ceiling or a tree branch, thanks to its double-hook hang loop, and you’ll never be left in the dark again.

your flashlight clean if you want it to last many years. Cleaning includes everything from the parts to the outside of the device. Cotton swabs are perfect for cleaning the battery contacts, while it’s always a good idea to give your flashlight a wipe down with a cloth.

8 COGHLAN’S

Model: Dynamo Flashlight

www.coghlans.com Key Features: No batteries required, water resistant, pocket sized MSRP: $4.25 Description: One of the biggest annoyances about flashlights is the fact that you always have to carry around a spare set of batteries in case your flashlight runs out. Batteries are a distant memory with the Dynamo Flashlight. This powerful flashlight requires no batteries or bulbs to shine bright. Simply wind it up for less than a minute, and you’ll have more than 10 minutes of brightness, enough to light up anything up to 100 feet away. Not only is this handy device water-resistant, it’s small enough to fit in your pocket. It’s perfect to bring camping or use it as an emergency flashlight in your car.

9

SPG SPECIALTY KNIVES Model: DarkEnergy 247

www.sogknives.com Key Features: 247 lumens of brightness, durable, lifetime warranty MSRP: $130 Description: Are you tired of dim flashlights that never seem to provide enough light? You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more powerful flashlight this size. The DarkEnergy 247A features an impressive 247 lumens of bright-

10 SUREFIRE

$225

9 SOG SPECIALTY KNIVES

$130 ness to pierce the night sky. This incredibly durable, high-quality flashlight includes a full on-off switch and it’s coated in Class III anodizing and backed by a lifetime warranty. When you buy the DarkEnergy 247A you’ll never need to buy another flashlight again.

10 SUREFIRE

Model: EB1 Backup

www.surefire.com Key Features: Tactical, bright, lightweight MSRP: $225

128

Description: Don’t let the name fool you—you’ll never need a backup flashlight again. Use the flashlight the pros like security guards and police officers carry. Select from two fantastic versions: the tacticaltype switch or the click-type switch (you can’t go wrong with either). Blast 200 lumens of light with the powerful LED emitter. SureFire’s patented Total Internal Reflection (TIR) is far-reaching enough to uncover any prowler if you’re traveling at night. Its pocket clip makes it easy and convenient to carry and it boasts an impressive 40 hours of battery life.

GW_ASG4_AD_Index 2/18/13 1:28 AM Page 129

AD INDEX

PHOTO BY DAVE ALAN

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 129

GW_ASG4_CLOSING 2/18/13 1:22 AM Page 130

CLOSING WORDS

SHE TUGS AT OUR ARM, BEGGING US TO COME OUTSIDE. For captivating are her eyes,

flowing is her hair, exquisite is her body.

She is spring.

Bolster your survival skills, so

when she appears at our doorstep each and every year, you can fall in love with her yet again.

130

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

AND HOW CAN WE RESIST?

GW_ASG4_C3 2/15/13 2:31 AM Page C3

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 just plink away at the empty tin stew can after dinner. Whether you shoot for survival or for revival, the new Savage Model 42 has you covered. Also available in .22 mag and .410.

GW_ASG4_C4 2/15/13 1:52 PM Page C4

ucing . . .

Introd

The E.A.T. P

TM

(Eat Abundantly Tomorrow Pod) A product by Long Life Food Depot, LLC

Now buy your survival food in our unique roll-away food bunker! The EAT Pod 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 filled with hundreds of servings of delicious food, and has an HDPE plastic plate welded on each end. The EAT Pod can be rolled, buried, stored in basement, or earth-sheltered (covered above ground). Choices include : - EAT Pods 1, 2 - MRE Full Meals - EAT Pods 3, 4 - Freeze Dried, Pouches - EAT Pods 5, 6 - Freeze Dried, Cans The EAT Pod 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. The EAT Pod 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)! The EAT Pod comes with an optional patented cap which makes it re-usable for non-burying purposes. (empty EAT Pod with patented cap can be purchased separately)

The 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!

WWW.EATPOD.COM

25 years later!

American Survival Guide Magazine - Issue 2

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