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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I like the idea of bugging out as much as the next guy, testing my mettle against zombies and a world without a power grid.
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.
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.
Here are some free downloads of various books on knots and military manuals that you may find useful. You may want to consider downloading them to an older laptop and sticking it in a 
I’m a skeptic of just about everything. My wife will tell you I was born disgruntled and contrary, so when I hear certain pieces of prepper advice, again and again, I can’t help but question it. In no particular order, here are 5 pieces of overrated prepper advice that drive me crazy.