16 Things You Need to Know When Caught in a Panicky Crowd or Riot

Posted on June 11, 2020 by

panic crowd riot What happens if you are stuck in a large riotous crowd?  Now, this can be the result of an evacuation or bug out situation, a protest, food riot or any other mob-ruled violence.

Now, back in the early 70s, I was working undercover and got caught in a couple of the anti-war riots that occurred during this period. Once, I even ended up on the wrong side of a police line, not the right place to be.

Last night I was watching a movie and they showed the people traveling in a large, panicky crowd. Our heroes made several dumb moves.…

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Posted in safety, security, self defense | Tagged , , , | 12 Comments

How to Prep For a Quarantine

Posted on February 26, 2020 by

All too often, the world is shaken by a new flu bug or the resurgence of an old one. This article caught my eye, as it’s about a mutated version of avian flu H7N2 that was transmitted from a cat to a human, quite a rare occurrence. I also have a long enough memory to recall the Ebola panic just a couple of years ago and shaking my head at the incompetence and poor decision making by those in authority, including the CDC.

The history of Ebola, as detailed in this book, is helpful to know and understand how a deadly virus originates, mutates, and spreads.…

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Posted in medical, Sanitation | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Extreme Survival: The House Fire

Posted on September 25, 2019 by

When most of us think of “extreme survival” it’s usually some worst-case scenario like surviving an EMP, being lost in the Alaskan tundra, or waking up to a zombie apocalypse.

The truth is that extreme survival scenarios are common across the country and around the world in the form of house fires. It wasn’t until a house about a mile from our own caught fire and burned to the ground that I realized what a massive loss a house fire can be.

A family loses everything — furniture, family heirlooms and photos, their clothing, pets, and sometimes, loved ones. When I think of how vulnerable my wife and kids would be, it makes me more determined to check our home for electricity issues, make sure our smoke alarms work, and look for any barriers to emergency exits, and

It’s that last item there that worries me the most.…

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The 10 Best Reasons to Bug In and NOT Bug Out!

Posted on May 9, 2018 by

bugging out, bugging in, evacuation plans, bug out location, bug out bagI like the idea of bugging out as much as the next guy, testing my mettle against zombies and a world without a power grid.

The reality is that most of us, by far, will be better off in an SHTF scenario staying right where we are — at home. The reasons to bug in far outweigh most other options. Over the years I’ve given this a lot of thought because like a lot of you, I, too, was swept up in all the glamour of planning to bug out. It’s the stuff prepper novels are made of but it’s what I call over-rated prepper advice!…

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Posted in bugging out | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments

Sleeping Dry While Camping in the Rain

Posted on March 31, 2018 by

Sleeping Dry While Camping in the Rain via Preparedness Advice

It has been raining hard on and off for the last several days. This resulted in a discussion about sleeping dry while camping in the rain. It’s surprising how little even experienced campers know about the subject, especially if they have generally camped during great weather or in drier locations. For them, the extent of their knowledge and preparedness comes down to depending on their tent alone to keep them dry.

Unless you want to end up with your gear soaked with water, soggy food, and wearing wet clothes, socks, and boots, here’s what you should know about sleeping dry.

There’s more to selecting a campsite than just a pretty view.…

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Posted in Shelter | Tagged | 10 Comments

Conversion Chart for Powdered Milk

Posted on March 28, 2018 by

Image: cup of milk with pitcher of milk on table

Powdered milk is a basic part of most people’s food storage pantries. I recommend trying a few different types and brands of this product before investing in large quantities.

Use this conversion chart to use powdered milk in any recipe calling for milk. Add the dry powdered milk to your dry ingredients and water to your wet ingredients.

  • 1 Cup Milk = 1 Cup Water + 3 Tablespoons Powdered Milk
  • 3/4 Cup Milk = 3/4 Cup Water + 2 1/4 Tablespoons Powdered Milk
  • 2/3 Cup Milk = 2/3 Cup Water + 2 Tablespoons Powdered Milk
  • 1/2 Cup Milk = 1/2 Cup Water + 1 1/2 Tablespoons Powdered Milk
  • 1/3 Cup Milk = 1/3 Cup Water + 1 Tablespoon Powdered Milk
  • 1/4 Cup Milk = 1/4 Cup Water + 3/4 Tablespoon Powdered Milk

Get a printable version of this chart here.…

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Posted in food storage | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments

Small DIY Solar Systems are Easy to Make

Posted on February 26, 2018 by

 

small solar systemA small solar system designed to power lights and possibly your refrigerator for an emergency is easy to build.  It is something that you can do yourself without a lot of training.

If you have read this post, you know how to figure out how many panels and batteries you need. You can use either new or used solar panels.

To build your small solar system you will need

  • Solar panels — make sure they are matching panels, same size same manufacturer. You can mix some panels but it takes a bit of expertise to get this right.
  • Controller — make sure the controller you get will handle the voltage put out by your panels and it needs to protect your batteries by keeping them from being overcharged.
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Posted in electronics, solar, Uncategorized | Tagged | 11 Comments

Seven Problems Older Preppers Face

Posted on February 17, 2018 by

Seven Problems that Older Preppers Face via Preparedness Advice

The older I get the more I see problems that older preppers face. Since prepping hit the mainstream back in 2008-09, we all have a good 8-9 years under our belts. My own kids were just 8 and 6 when my wife and I started prepping, and now our oldest is making college plans. Time flies.

I know you all plan to be that rare exception that is still able to walk long distances in your 90’s and not taking any medication. If that happens, then good for you! You were blessed with some amazing genes. Unfortunately, that will likely not be the case for most people, even the most devout prepper.…

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Posted in medical | 19 Comments

Protecting Your Home or Camp with Early Warning Systems, Part 2

Posted on February 14, 2018 by

I’m not sure when I picked up the odd habit of looking over my shoulder and, in general, being paranoid about my surroundings, but I did. My wife tells me I “look scary”, even when I’m totally relaxed and on vacation in Disney World. So be it. That’s my lot in life and she married me anyway. When I think of scenarios in which my home and family could be in jeopardy, you can bet I’ve researched plenty of home security plans, gear, and, yes, weaponry. My paranoia will pay off someday.

If you haven’t yet read the post titled, Protecting Your Home or Camp with Early Warning Systems, Part 1, stop and read it now.…

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Posted in security, self defense | Tagged | 4 Comments

Protecting Your Home or Camp with Early Warning Systems, Part 1

Posted on February 11, 2018 by

In a real emergency, it doesn’t matter whether you are bugging in or out, you may need to be warned of intruders.  Today many of us sit at home with the doors locked, window closed and air conditioning keeping the temperature under control.  After a disaster, we may have to keep all our window open, to try to stay cool.  This eliminates some of the security we normally have.  If you have people, who are trying to take advantage of the situation by looting you may need to rig up some early warning systems.

Fortunately there are many simple ways to give you early warning of intruders. …

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Posted in security, self defense | Tagged , , | 18 Comments