Situation: In the United States we are influenced by a “normalcy bias,” and this hampers our recognition of the ‘red flags’ which warn us of disaster. These warning signs of the times are usually present before major disasters and emergencies strike, so we need to look for them. Plus, we need to properly evaluate what […]
Hurricane Sandy left 4.5 million people without power. How would you survive the cold for a protracted power outage? What would you do if you were stranded for days in your home or office, and it started to get cold? Even houses equipped with generators rarely have sufficient fuel to maintain a household for more […]
There are many benefits to growing your own food. We all know about the chemicals applied to our produce (both before and after harvesting), and anyone who grocery shops on a regular basis is acutely aware of the constant rise in food costs. Just this morning I saw an article stating that corn is now […]
Having the power needed to produce light and prepare food, maintain refrigeration, and to provide for heating/cooling of your home may not be essential for life, but it is nevertheless important in any emergency situation. Though the loss of grid electrical power is not part of every emergency, many incidents do include at least a […]
In the last decade more than 30,000 Americans have become ill, and 118 have died as a result of the West Nile Virus. This problem is growing and spreading, and has now become a serious national health threat. Infected mosquitoes are spreading this disease which can cause death and serious life-altering effects. In the United […]
Though the following article was written for expatriates who live in foreign countries, this information provides us with a fresh perspective for our own planning–wherever we live. The United States may not suffer under the same political violence as Syria, but our emergency planning nevertheless needs to be similarly comprehensive and realistic. The bottom line is this: It […]
First aid and CPR training offered by the Red Cross and hospitals, is a good place to start. But “first aid” is only the first level of care. In a major disaster or extended emergency situation, you will need more. Much more. Standard first-aid kits, and conventional first-aid training programs, assume that you can quickly […]
The Importance of Planning Those in the vicinity of an attack have the best chance of escaping and reconnecting with loved ones if they have a personal contingency plan. Sudden disasters, such as tornadoes, earthquakes, school shootings or the derailment of train cars carrying chlorine, can strike anywhere. Emergency plans are vital not only for […]
Credit cards, debit cards, cash machines, money in the bank, checks, having a line of credit, and other electronic-based mechanisms for buying and selling, may be useless during a major disaster. Banks may be forced to close, and electronic transactions such as using credit cards or debit cards, may also not be operational in an […]
The best opportunity to experience amateur radio operators in action is ARRL Field Day. This is an exercise where amateur radio operators (Ham’s) “take to the field” to set up stations in simulated emergency conditions. This annual event is held on the 4th weekend of June. If you are interested in mid-range or long-distance communication in […]
For those who have a two-way radio (and have obtained an operators license), the annual Field Day event sponsored by ARRL is the perfect opportunity to test your skills, and to practice setting up your equipment in a mock disaster scenario. Always held the fourth weekend in June, “ham” radio operators participate in this event […]
Are you new to food storage? Or, are you experienced but want to evaluate your stockpile of stored food? Learn from the mistakes of others by reviewing this list of common food storage mistakes. 1. Having buckets full of grains, beans or wheat, but have never cooked them before is a problem waiting to happen. […]
Computers and the micro-circuitry present in most electric powered devises have made us vulnerable to naturally occurring solar storms, as well as to man-made Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) attack created by the detonation of a nuclear device in the atmosphere. NASA predicts that 2012-13 will bring an increase in the number and severity of solar events. […]
The internet is full of advice on food for emergencies and long-term food storage, but what is really the best? This primer on food selection is designed to help you select the best types of food for your emergency food supply. This article will help you understand the pros and cons of each category of […]
Developed by the U.S. military after extensive nutritional and long-term storage research, the modern MRE has replaced the MCI (Meals, Combat, Individual – 1980s), the lighter LRP (Long Range Patrol) rations used in Vietnam, and the C-Ration (canned) . Though far from gourmet fare, the current-issue MRE meals are a quick and tasty meal when […]
STRATFOR Intelligence Briefing, by Scott Stewart, posted with permission. The world is a wonderful place, but it can also be a dangerous one. In almost every corner of the globe militants of some political persuasion are plotting terror attacks — and these attacks can happen in London or New York, not just in Peshawar or […]
The below briefing is a noteworthy summary of the problem of violence against women after a widespread disaster. It is posted here for its merits, but particularly as an example of modern education on this subject. Like so many of its ilk, the below “fact sheet” includes a quest for “political correctness” which supersedes honest analysis. It […]
There is a great deal of debate on this subject, and the reality is that no single weapon is the best choice for all emergency situations. Circumstances and conditions vary, as does the use of firearms for self-defense vs. hunting. There is no universal solution. Yet, an understanding of the options available to you is […]
If you’ve been in the military, chances are you have seen the Scepter fuel can. In our experience, these are the best and safest fuel containers available in the general-use market. They are far superior to both the ordinary red-plastic and red-metal gas cans widely in use, as well as the off-road-sports and maritime fuel containers. In […]
How long can I store bottled water? Unopened bottled water products can often be safely stored for years, provided the bottles are kept in the proper environment, and the plastic material of the bottle is BPA-free. When in doubt, discard or treat bottled water which is more than 6-months old. Water is also available in […]
A headlamp is a good choice for walking at night, and when you want to be doing something else with your hands, other than holding a flashlight. They are also a good light for things around camp, and reading at night. These headlamps don’t take the place of a flashlight for searching in the distance, […]
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