Radios are affordable and easily obtainable. They can be maintained with minimal expertise. They have multiple means of powering such as solar, cranks, replaceable batteries, USB/Outlet charging. Aside from Ham radios, most types of radio devices are simple to use and do not require training. Literally anyone can press the button on the side of a walkie-talkie or turn on the FM radio in a car. Devices are small and can be carried in a bag or on your person. They can be stored in a Faraday cage to withstand damage during events such as an EMP. They offer instantaneous relay of information. "Listen only" devices such as FM/AM can allow for millions to receive live information as news unfolds. They can be used to share instructions, navigation, tactical movements, and more. Most newer devices feature the ability to transmit text based data such as the radio station name, or, if you are listening to music, even the song name and artist. This uses RDS technology and offers endless capabilities for survival information relay.
Following a LAE where hostile actors are monitoring your communication, or where OPSEC is a concern, take precautions to limit exposure. Use directional antennas and only the minimal amount of power to make contact with your intended recipient. Notate distance and wattage needed and mark it on your home and mobile devices as a reference. Using unnecessary power not only drains energy sources but also increases your frequency footprint allowing others to hone in on your location.
Radio communication is the transmission of radio signals. These signals are electromagnetic frequencies. The frequencies are modulated for communication, and they are less than the frequency of visible light. These electromagnetic radiations travel through air and vacuum. In order to carry the information, some of the properties are modulated, or changed. The properties of radio waves are amplitude, phase and frequency. Radio signal reception depends on weather, terrain, and frequency type/strength.
Below is a summary of radio options. Review and assess which devices and features would best aid in a LAE (an event where some type of disaster, long-term collapse, or attack has altered access to primary means of communication).
NOAA: Know how to tune to the "Weather Channel". Use radio to stay in the know and informed of emergencies and weather impacting your region.
FM/AM: This is a must have device. While it only receives info, sometimes knowledge is what we need most in order to react. Get at least two radio receivers and a NOAA certified receiver. Keep one radio in a Faraday Cage with batteries removed and make sure it has alternative charging means such as solar or hand crank.
Ham: This is the ideal device for most end of the world scenarios and is popular in the prepping community. They are low priced portable devices but the real use comes with a high watt and costly setup with a series of repeaters (there are also internet based repeaters). It’s something to consider, but not for beginners. If you have limited time and money to commit to contingency comms, we suggest GMRS radio. If you are able to obtain necessary training, certification, and equipment; ham is the preferred goal of long-term LAE.
CB: The range of these devices is good but CB use has dropped dramatically in the past decade. For most scenarios, there are better options. They are typically large, don’t use portable batteries, and a bit more costly than a GMRS radio.
FRS (Walkie-talkies): Great starting point for close comms and extremely cheap and easy to use but if possible upgrade to GMRS and get your license for its use.
GMRS: This is the most realistic contingency comms device for most scenarios. The range, ease of use, and price make it our choice for SHTF. You’ll need a license but it can be obtained in a day with no test.
MURS: This type of radio is typically used in concert with other devices such as phones, motion alarms, or messaging devices. If you want to go a step further than basic push to talk radio comms, look for other LAE devices that incorporate MURS as it is reliable and the range is sufficient for most tasks.
Scanner: A radio scanner is a receiver that can automatically tune, or scan, two or more discrete frequencies, stopping when it finds a signal on one of them and then continuing to scan other frequencies when the initial transmission ceases. They are available both as portable and base devices that directly receive radio signals and as internet based repeaters such as a smartphone app or online website that is linked to a digital system that collects a radio signal, streams/uploads, then redistributes the signal via the internet.
1. Know the shelf-life of foods; use expiration / sell-by dates as part of your organization plan. Research each item to see how long it will last past the "best by" date (i.e. white rice will last 4 years after expiration if stored properly). Write the throw away date on the product.
2. Stock what you and your family will actually eat. Avoid undesirable foods. However; make some adjustments to ensure you’re also stocking up products with long shelf-lives even if it's not your favorite.
3. Rotate your food stock to your pantry. Eat what you stock, buy more to replenish.
4. Know and use various storage methods; canning (water bathing, pressurizing, pickling), vacuum sealing, freeze drying, dehydrating, storage totes, food-grade buckets & mylar storage bags. Research the best ways to store the food you have (it's usually going to be best in a vacuum sealed package, stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight).
5. Learn to garden; incorporate it into your food plan. Initially, it can be difficult to develop a sustainable garden. Research, read, and get knowledge from local sources to learn what foods grow best in your environment and soil. Be smart about what you plant. Build a plan that allows for a year-round harvesting of fruits and vegetables. Use what you need; seal (can / vacuum package) and/or freeze the rest.
First Aid and CPR: Knowing how to provide basic first aid and perform CPR can be crucial in emergency situations. Courses on these topics are often offered by organizations such as the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association. Keep a copy of a quick reference card or booklet in your preps (consider of Worst-Case-Scenario First-Aid Guide)
Wilderness Survival: For those preparing for scenarios in which they may need to survive in the wilderness, courses in wilderness survival skills can be helpful. The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Pathfinder School, and Nature Reliance are organizations that offer courses in wilderness medicine, navigation, and other survival skills.
Self-Defense: In a LAE scenario, self-defense may be necessary to protect oneself and loved ones. Training in martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Krav Maga, and others may be helpful in such situations.
Food/Water/Utilities/Supplies: Learn how to grow, collect, and preserve/store food and water. Courses (to include online research) on canning, dehydrating, rainwater collection, and water purification/filtering should be taken. Take steps to sustain basic needs related to heating, charging essential electronics (solar panels & battery bank), collecting/storing fuel, medical requirements, etc.
Gun Safety and Marksmanship: For those planning to use firearms for self-defense, training in gun safety and marksmanship is important. Courses offered by organizations such as the National Rifle Association can be helpful in this regard but finding a local, well-vetted instructor will offer more diverse and real-world training.
Emergency Preparedness: Courses on emergency preparedness can cover topics such as water purification, shelter construction, and emergency communication. Fieldcraft Survival offers specific training on emergency, self-defense, and self-sufficiency education.
Communications: In a LAE scenario, communication may be difficult due to infrastructure damage or cyberattacks. Learning how to use radios and other communication devices, as well as how to send and receive messages in Morse code, can be valuable skills. It is also important to have a plan for keeping cellphones charged and protected from electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks. This can include keeping the phone in a Faraday cage or bag, and having a portable power bank or solar charger to keep the phone charged. Take ham radio courses (they are online or at many fire departments) then get your certification. Also, research and seek out other comms classes (we wrote a guide on this). Comms goes beyond just radio and cellphones; learn about satellite phones, mesh networks, encrypted messaging apps, etc.
Mobility: In some scenarios, it may be necessary to quickly evacuate an area or travel long distances on foot or by bike or even on a motorcycle. Courses on land-navigation, orienteering, and vehicle-maintenance, and off-roading can be helpful in this regard (consider our Bugout Vehicle Reference Guide). Learning how to drive and maintain your personally owned vehicle (POV) along with outfitting it for an emergency or egress is vital. Have printed maps and routes planned for both on foot and by-vehicle travel.
It is important to note that certifications and trainings alone are not sufficient to be fully prepared for a LAE scenario. You should also have a comprehensive plan in place that is reviewed with partnered households (family/friends). Learn, train, practice, drill, and evolve with developing events.
Take courses and achieve certifications to broaden your capabilities, improve your responses to crisis situations, and prepare for a LAE. Above we provided an overview of categories of preparedness to provide a baseline for your training. Below we want to get more specific. These are the classes and certs you should take.
CPR and First-Aid Course: Courses should provide certification through the American Red Cross.
Specialized Medical Training: Gain education in other relevant medical training such as Wilderness First-Aid, Basic Life Support, Stop the Bleed, K9 First-Aid, and Mass Casualty Triage. Look for training that addresses concerns from choking to applying a tourniquet.
Land Navigation: Study materials for a basic understanding of concepts and attend an in-person course on wayfinding, map reading, orienting, and terrain comprehension.
Ham License: Become familiarized through online courses and reading materials. Obtain a Ham and learn how to set up the instrument and antenna, and tune to listen to broadcasts. Take an exam to achieve a Technician or General License.
Concealed Carry Permit: While procedures vary by state, take an approved course to obtain your certification then provide the documentation to the Sheriff’s Office of the county you reside. The permit allows you to conceal carry where not otherwise permitted, it allows some reciprocity in other states, and often allows you to purchase firearms without first obtaining a pistol purchase permit.
Specialized Outdoor Training: Consider courses that provide practical education in foraging (plant identification), gardening, firecraft, wildlife, hunting, wilderness survival (shelter building, bushcraft).
Self Defense Training: Attend training in a specialized discipline of physical self defense such as martial arts (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Judo). Consider courses that teach pressure points, hold breaks, mounts, knife fighting, separation techniques.
Firearms Training: Learn preliminary marksmanship, how to correct weapon malfunctions, retention tactics, active shooter response, and advanced shooting.
Tradecraft & Skills: Choose appropriate skills to garner that could be valuable in daily life or after a LAE such as woodworking, quilt making, welding, ammunition recasing, dehydrating/smoking, notary, ordained ministry.
Make a bugout plan to egress from your home, work, or other frequented locations to a safe shelter such as a vacation house, family member's home, or other designated area. Have evacuation routes pre-planned in the event of a localize disaster or threat. Obtain maps and tools in advance. Study them create multiple routes. Ensure family members are aware of your plans and primary routes. Keep maps in your vehicle and keep backup offline copies on your phone.
]]>A TQ is designed to encircle the limb with a wide strap that is then tightened with a windlass rod. As torque (by twisting) is applied to the rod, it tightens the strap making it compress the extremity (arm/leg) causing it to compress the blood vessels and subsequently decreases and stops blood flow past the application sight. In short, it can prevent you from bleeding out and dying while increasing the time you'll have to obtain aid to treat the injury.
TOURNIQUET CARRY AND STAGING
Keep a tourniquet (TQ) easily accessible and always stage one on-body when carrying a firearm. Stage it for quick application. This means; attached it (ankle, hip, fanny pack, etc) ony your person in the same place each time your wear it so it increases "muscle memory" allowing you to grab it and deploy with little complex thought (because when a TQ is needed there will already be much to process).
Assess the injury. If it is obvious that direct pressure will not slow or stop the bleeding a TQ is necessary. We dive deep into diagnosis and first-response trauma assessments in our Worst Case Scenario First-Aid Guide. The guides focuses on how to react and treat injuries/illnesses when EMS and Hospitals don't exist or are unavailable.
Apply the TQ to the injured leg and/or arm 2-3 inches above (the side closest to heart) the wound while avoiding joints. Do so by wrapping the strap around the extremity (can be expedited if the TQ is pre-staged with a large loop) ensuring that you run the strap through the outer polymer loop opening (friction buckle). Pull the strap as far (tight) as you can cinche around the extremity then attach it to the velcro. Tighten the windlass rod until the bleeding stops (or is manageable with additional TQs, pressure bandages, wound packing) then secure the rod in the windlass clip. Fold over the windlass strap and mark the time.
Train with your TQ by aiming for a decreased time (time it takes to collect and properly apply) and proper application. Also train with a simulated injured arm and apply using the one hand method.
Always keep a TQ at home, in your vehicle, and on your person (EDC) when applicable (such as when carrying firearm or in exposed public areas).
Pre-stage the TQ with the windlass strap open. Create a large loop and adhere end of TQ so it just barely attaches to itself on the end (red tab). This creates a slide on loop and skips the use of fine motor skills needed to run the tabbed end through the friction buckle.
THIS ARTICLE ABOVE IS SHARED FROM THE HIP POCKET BRIEF, A POCKET SIZE BOOKLET SERIES BY WWW.GRAYMANBRIEFING.COM
Let's dig in a little bit more.
Heating/Cooling
Three walled shelters could utilized a camp/bon fire with fire wall for heat deflection, enclosed shelters should include a coal or wood burning furnace. Wood is the easiest to source fuel. Other alternatives such as pellet or propane exist but do not offer self-sufficiency aspects. Wool/heavy blankets can sufficient in the short term in severe winters are not common. Use windows and cross ventilation to aid with cooling. Without powergrid connection, A/C cooling is not feasible but box fans can suffice for comfort needs.
Cooking
Your heating solution can double as a cooking tool. Rig an outdoor fire pit with a grill or pot stand.
Electricity
Obtain equipment and supplies to build a solar charged battery bank and energy supply setup that will provide a source of electricity to power essential appliances, lighting, security implements, and electronic conveniences. Solar panels, controller, battery bank (parallel wiring offers ease of use for 12v applications), and add an inverter if 110v (common household applications) are necessary. 3x 100 watt panels and 2x 1,000 watt marine deep cycle batteries could power a mini fridge and two light bulbs for 3 years. Check the amp hours or watts that a device requires. Obtain the correct amount of panels and batteries to surpass that need by 15%. The angle of the panel, clouds/trees, and battery efficiency dictate you plan for more than you actually need. Turbine air/water powered options exist but requirements along with complexity make solar a better option.
Water
Collect via rainwater system (gutter diverting), well (drive point is simplest method), or water source (river, creek). Use a filter to make water usable for cooking/cleaning. Boiling or treatment may be necessary for consumption. Store 100 gallons per person. Improvised containers can be resides obtain at low cost or free through local contacts (such as online marketplaces).
Hygiene
Install a shower and or sink that draws water from your storage system. 2.5gpm (minimum) electric pump options are low cost and can connect to a 12v battery bank. Propane water heaters are also available. Showers can be installed outdoors. Toilets should be kept 100ft from shelter and could be a portable variant (as seen at construction sites), a rigged toilet over a dug hole that is covered after use, or compost toilet.
Sustenance
Stock shelf stable foods. Raise a garden to include planting nut/fruit bearing trees. Can/jar/vacuum-seal foods and store in cool/dark area or below frostline. Trap, forage, hunt. Obtain equipment (snares/firearms/processing-tools/fishing-supplies).
Other
Survival, firestarting, first-aid, defense, lighting, farming, caches, security, and other considerations are relative to offgrid living and should be examined separately to ensure all necessities are covered.
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A bugout vehicle (BOV) is any device designed to transport a person that is either human or motor propelled, and is also equipped with prepositioned supplies and equipment to aid during emergency scenarios. This could be a car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, bicycle, plane, train, boat, etc. It must be outfitted with a Vehicle Emergency Kit (VEK) which has equipment and tools that stay inside or otherwise attached to the vehicle, until needed. It should have tools for overcoming problems like a dead battery, frosted windshield, and low fuel. It should solve basic vehicle recovery issues. It should be there for a crisis such as a long-term stranded motorist incident, snow storm, and crash. The VEK will also be a supplement during survival or medical emergencies by providing necessary supplies to start a fire, sustain health needs such as food/water obtainment, signaling, communication, shelter, warmth, navigation, and other basic life sustainability requirements. Vehicle preparedness goes beyond the type of vehicle and the items you pack inside. You must possess basic knowledge of tactical/evasive driving, keen situational awareness, and an understanding of how to improvise and overcome. Some common sense and planning can help ensure you stay moving during storm weather, heavy traffic, and when navigating through high crime areas. Your tactics and preps change during a Life Altering Event (LAE) such as widespread catastrophic attack, disaster, or civil unrest.
BUGOUT PLAN
BUGOUT PLAN VIA VEHICLE
In our Bugout Vehicle Reference Guide, we’ll go into great detail on topics ranging from vehicle security, vehicle maintenance, travel planning and more. Below is a summary of these mini-guides.
VEHICLE SECURITY
First and foremost, maintaining a defensive posture is vital to every follow-on task and purpose of a vehicle. Keep your doors locked (even when stopped at a traffic light), check for tampering, add a lock to your gas cap,tin windows to prevent a thief from seeing your supplies, etc).
EQUIPMENT, LOADOUT, CAPABILITY
Much of what makes a vehicle “emergency” or “bugout” ready relies on the supplies within/affixed to the vehicle as well as the capability of said vehicle. This could mean have a 4x4 option or an external locked storage box for supplies. It’s the steps you take to turn a daily vehicle into a BOV (perhaps it’s adding a bugout bag to your trunk, an IFAK in your glove box, and a rifle behind the rear seats).
OPSEC/PERSEC & BLENDING IN
It’s evident that if your vehicle attracts attention, it’ll likely be unwanted attention. In an LAE, a fully loaded tactical-apparent truck would make you a target for attack in an attempt to seize your supplies. In daily life, political decals or speeding could draw the attention of a disgruntled activist or a ticket from police.
PREVENTION & PRECAUTIONS
The last thing you want is to encounter a need to quickly evacuate only to find a tire is flat or you’re low on fuel. Time is invaluable in this type of scenario. Take steps now to maintain a “ready ride”.
TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS
It all comes down to this, the actual driving of your vehicle for the purpose of egressing, retrieving supplies, visiting/contacting others, conducting perimeter security runs, etc. Whatever your purpose for traveling is, take additional steps to ensure safety and efficiency.
TACTICAL & EVASIVE DRIVING
Traveling is always a risk. We are away from our element, from the safety of our home or workplace. However, that's the whole purpose of a vehicle! Aside from vehicle crashes; there are an array of threats that present themselves while on the road. Here are some tips for dealing with civil unrest, fuel shortages, heavy traffic, covert vehicle surveillance, emergency egress, and lethal vehicle-borne attacks. We’ve provided a quick lesson below on various tactics to employ during a LAE. but bear in mind many of these are applicable to daily life. Most of these tips are shared from our Hip Pocket Brief book.
DIVERGENT TACTICS
On occasions without a rule of law, following a LAE, it may be necessary to act outside of accepted peace-time norms. Consider all options at your disposal. This could mean knowing how to hot-wire a vehicle or the forethought to keep commonly available generic keys to open storage containers (like a CH751 key which opens many security boxes).
IMPROVISATION TIPS
Your vehicle and its components actually can be improvised as useful tools and supplies in various emergencies. If you forgot to pack a certain item in your kit, knowing how to make do with what you already have can aid you. Turning your windshield wiper fluid container into a water collection container or using the padding of the back seats to insulate your clothing are two of 100s of options.
MILEAGE AND EGRESS
When you must travel from point A to point B by vehicle, gasoline usage could become a concern. During a LAE, fuel availability may be scarce. As discussed above, there are options for scavenging fuel and storing fuel – but when faced with the need to egress immediately, saving fuel may become a necessity. The most extreme version of vehicular travel and fuel efficiency is using Hypermiling. This is the practice of using fuel saving operations and preventive measures to extend the distance you can travel before you stall. Hypermiling is used as a bugout technique during vehicle egress to a BOL, on scavenge runs, and during scout operations. In short it's a method to increase your MPG by 20% to 60%. Separately, we’ve also written a fuel collection and storage guide that would be relevant here.
BUG OUT VEHICLE (BOV) SETUP
A BOV is a pre-prepared egress vehicle that is loaded with supplies and outfitted for the planned route. Think realistically when prepping your vehicle and realize that planning with a cheap van may be more realistic, and in some cases a better option, than an expensive decked-out SUV.
BUG OUT VEHICLE (BOV) SELECTION CATEGORIES
VEK CHECKLIST
This list should prepare you for any vehicle-based emergency. Carefully plan how you'll organize the items in your vehicle. Follow the “Organization Template” for suggestions on where to store the items for quick access and security. This Checklist is appropriate for all climates, locations, and persons; still, you should edit and adjust to best fit your needs. A Bugout Vehicle should contain all the items from the Vehicle Emergency Kit (VEK) checklist (above). The VEK checklist is more of an everyday preparedness step that we should all keep in our vehicles during normal peacetime climate. Additionally, a GHB or Get Home Bag should be packed in your ride. Other loadouts such as a Bugout Bag (BOB) and an I’m Never Coming Home (INCH) kit could be added depending on the current or expected LAEs or an event that would affect the way you live and survive: things such as a global pandemic that has a fatality rate of 10%+, or an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) that caused years of blackouts, or a national natural disaster, or a land invasion by a foreign adversary. Get the Bugout Vehicle Reference Guide to see the checklist.
A knife is one of the most basic self defense tools one can Everyday Carry (EDC). It's also a useful daily tools for basic and urgent tasks.
When selecting a bladed weapon do so with Class; Capability, Legality Access, Size, Speed. (CLASS)
]]>A knife is one of the most basic self defense tools one can Everyday Carry (EDC). It's also a useful daily tools for basic and urgent tasks.
Before you consider carrying any gear that you may use as a tool for self defense, you must ensure your first tool, your mind, is in proper working order. Visualize your day and the various activities you will be conducting. Visualize an incident and how you will resolve that incident. Ensure your mind is sharp, well oiled and prepared to meet the day. Your brain is the most important tool you will ever carry, everything else is supplemental.
“The more you know, the less you carry.” What an excellent and profound quote. Having a tool is not the same as using a tool. Watching a skill on YouTube or reading about a skill in a book or internet site are terrific things but are no substitute for learning and practicing the skill. Knowing how to fashion tools from everyday items is an excellent skill. If you don’t carry a specific item, figure out how to improvise for it. Learning simple skills could save you some pocket space. This idea is a little more appropriate for the bushcraft survivalist who may be entering the forest for a multi-week adventure in that he could leave rope and fire tinder out of his pack because he knows how to craft cordage and harvest tinder from nature. With that said, it also applies to the prepper. You don’t want to be weighed down with non essential gear.
Consider your EDC carefully and find out what works for you. There is no “one size fits all”. Your circumstances, expected roadblocks, threats, weather, and experience all play a role in what you carry. There is no scenario where you wake up and all is calm in the world. Don’t tell yourself you don’t need your knife or flashlight today. Remember, EDC means everyday!
When selecting a bladed weapon do so with Class; Capability, Legality Access, Size, Speed. (CLASS)
Capability: A knife does things, each knife does things a little better or worse than others. Determine what you need your knife to do. Are you looking for a lethal self-defense tool or a box opener? Do you need something that can double as a prying tool or throwing knife? You likely won’t find one that does everything, (definitely don’t try prying a door with a tool not designed to do that). If you're smart, you’ll find one that serves multiple purposes. Urgency related tasks must be prioritized. If you need a knife to deploy quickly to stop a threat, you will have to forfeit other capabilities.
Legality: Check local laws when planning to EDC a knife. Tt's essential to ensure that your EDC knife complies with local rules and regulations to avoid any legal repercussions. Although we prioritize protecting oneself, it's important to note that breaking the law may result in severe consequences. As we’ll mention next, a clip being exposed on the pocket typically defines the knife as open carried and will deter a concealment violation. Certain types of knives are generally illegal in most states (automatic knives that deploy the blade on a spring action). Certain blade lengths (especially concealed) are often illegal. Check local laws, get a blade that meets the standard for your purpose of carry.
Access: When selecting a self-defense knife, it's essential to choose one that can be easily accessed. Owning a knife that can be opened quickly is useless if you can't access it easily. Pocketdump knives offer a great means of concealment but are hard to access due to the need to fully insert your pocket (this can be aided with a tether/lanyard). The most common method to carry a folder is with a clip that allows the body of the knife to be hidden in the pocket while the clip remains exposed thus allowing you to easily grasp it and deploy. The clip also meets legalise standards. Consider neck worn options, belt attached options, ankle carry options, and boot carry options.
Size: Although not a critical factor, larger knives may be difficult to access, deploy, carry, and conceal. and therefore may not be ideal for self-defense. Choose a blade that can be carried discreetly while also having a blade length capable of reaching and injuring your attacker while also capable of simple tasks. Reach will allow you to make contact with the attacker while keeping your body away from the grasp or attack. A 2 inch blade would be too small to injure the attacker in a manner to allow your escape of the disabling of the attacker. An 8 inch blade may be too large to conceal and too bulky to easily withdraw quickly.
Speed: Self-defense incidents can occur suddenly, so the speed at which you can access and use your EDC knife is crucial. For this reason, knives that can be deployed quickly are generally considered the best for self-defense. Fixed blades are excellent in this regard since they don't require opening before use, and automatic or assisted-opening knives can also be activated quickly. While some folders can also be opened rapidly, they are typically slower than other types of knives (like a dagger) and may not be the best option unless practice is performed. Folders do offer the greatest concealment options and quick access options (for the basic user); folders also extend reach while maintaining a small size. A 4 inch fixed blade may be 8 inches in total length with the handle included, while a 4 inch folder blade may only be 4.5 inches total while close.
The first step is to determine the collection area. The collection area can be any flat or sloping surface that can catch rainwater such as rooftops or home-made funnels systems.
Since gutters and downspouts are most commonly used, we'd recommend this for beginners. Use existing roof gutters to collect water then use downspouts that lead to a storage container. There are advance options you could consider such as a "first-flush" system that diverts the first few gallons away from your cistern so that less airborne pollutants are collected. Consider adding multiple collection downspouts and cisterns/barrels to increase your collection.
Choose a container to store the collected rainwater. The container should be made of a food-grade material such as plastic. There are pretty cheap (or free) containers if you search in online marketplaces (we found a 275 gallon tank that use to old sucrose syrup). It should have a tight-fitting lid to prevent debris and insects from entering. Consider installing your cistern/barrel on an elevated platform to improve water pressure. You can also add a pump so that you can elevate the waterflow up to a sink or shower. They're fairly cheap, we used both a 1.5gpm and 7gpm pump and found 1.5 was all we needed. We also hooked ours to a propane water heater. It is powered by a bank of marine deepcycle batteries.
Install a filter at the downspout to prevent leaves, debris, and other contaminants from entering the storage container. Plumbing experience is helpful but if you're just looking to collect non-potable water (like for your garden) then really anything will work if you can divert water into your container. Clean out your rain barrel or cistern regularly to prevent debris and insects from accumulating. A bleach additive or irriator may help prevent residue build up and longevity of your water.
Install an overflow system to divert excess water away from the storage container in case of heavy rainfall or infrequent usage.
Use the collected water for non-potable purposes such as watering plants, washing cars, or flushing toilets. Add a filter beyond the outlet if you plan on drinking the water. Of simply filter it yourself, then boil it or treat it with purification additives. Depending on your system you bay be able to drink it even after a rudimentary filtration.
These items can be purchased now as part of your readiness plan or obtained through scavenging/bartering after a LAE. 3x 100 watt panels and 2x 1,000 watt marine deep cycle batteries could power a mini fridge and two light bulbs for 3 years. Check the amp hours or watts that a device requires. Obtain the correct amount of panels and batteries to surpass that need by 15%. The angle of the panel, clouds/trees, and battery efficiency dictate you plan for more than you actually need.
That's it! Yes, there are other ways about it, there are more complex explanations too. This is a primer, just an intro. It's based on what we did for our own setup. Checkout our offgrid cabin by searching #thelandbysuperesse on Instagram at @offthegridguide. BTW, Off the Grid Guide also runs a helpful Telegram account...
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]]>》Full Name, DOB, Address, Place of Work/School, Phone Number.
》Contact Information for 2 Emergency Contacts.
》Blood Type, Known Allergies.
》Optional/Situation Specific: Concealed Carry Status, Rally Points, Affiliation, Healthcare Provider, etc.
Personal economic hardship, the preparation for a Life Altering Event (EMP, hurricane, civil unrest), and banking disruptions, represent the three reasons why finances should be considered as part of your overall preparedness plan.
Why plan now?
1. Unexpected vehicle repairs
2. Sudden medical expenses
3. Collapse of banking system
4. Civil Unrest and National State of Emergency
5. Job loss, death in family, birth of child
6. Government or Private seizure/freezing of funds
Money and Prepping go hand in hand. Financial Prepping is a topic rarely discussed yet a challenge we all face daily.
Personal economic hardship, the preparation for a Life Altering Event (EMP, hurricane, civil unrest), and banking disruptions, represent the three reasons why finances should be considered as part of your overall preparedness plan.
Step one is to make a preparedness and emergency plan using our ICERS template. Before money can even be a concern, survival must be considered. Make a plan for SHTF then get your finances in order.
💰REASONS TO PREPARE FINANCIALLY
1. Unexpected vehicle repairs
2. Sudden medical expenses
3. Collapse of banking system
4. Civil Unrest and National State of Emergency
5. Job loss, death in family, birth of child
6. Government or Private seizure/freezing of funds
From a prepping perspective, financial problems increase your risk of emergencies and reduce your ability to handle them because you have fewer options and resources. Get your money in order. After paying the absolute necessities, divvy your savings (not your gross income) between the below 5 categories.
💰HOW PREPARE FINANCIALLY
1. Build a 6 month emergency fund. Determine how much the cost of living is for your family for half a year. Think only of necessities such as utilities, food, vehicle loan, medical, fuel, etc. (Set aside 50% of your savings to reach this goal).
2. Convert your currency into gold, silver, or bartering goods. Store in a secure area. These valuables will hold their worth after the dollar has become dead in the event of a national crisis. (Set aside 10% of your savings for this goal).
3. Invest in Prepping and Survival needs. Build an emergency supply cache of canned foods, batteries, water filter, dry goods, toilet paper, etc. This can be done in small steps. Each time you go to the grocery, just buy 2 extra cans of beans. Attend courses and training events to increase your knowledge in skill sets that would aid in sustainment following SHTF. (Set aside 5% of savings for this goal).
4. Invest in retirement, land, stocks, etc. Create a savings/investment account to live off of after you retire. Save up and buy land away from the city where you could be safe, self sufficient, and not need to bugout from. Research and/or hire an investment agent and put money into stocks, real estate, bonds, etc. If there are months when you can't contribute to your long-range investment goal then you need to look into not buying a soda with your meal and get water instead, cancel a streaming service (Netflix). You can save, you just need to cut out other costs. (Set aside 25% for this goal).
5. Pay down debt. Use the remaining savings to pay more than the minimum due. (Set aside 10% for this goal).
📝Contingency Tip: Don't rely on your bank. Cyberattacks and government overreach could lead to your money being unaccessible. Unless you've got funds in an account aimed at investments and interest earning, keep 75% of your savings in physical assets and cash. This means if you need $2,500/mo to pay bills and your account has $10,000; withdraw 75% of that unallotted $7,500. Keep that cash in a safe at home.
📝Prepping Tip: Spend money on prepping experiences, like a ham radio course, a survival medicine training class, range time and gun familiarization, gardening 101, etc. Spend money on Training first then gear.
📝Practical Tip: If you haven’t used something you own in the last 12 months, get rid of it! Pawn it, yard sale it, trade it.
📝Primitive Tip: Use basic skillsets to save or make money. Gather, chop, and sale your own firewood. Hunt or trap for food then eat it, sell or trade the leftovers. Collect spent brass casing from a firing range and recase your own bullets. Be an instructor of your skillset; teach your own first aid course or fly fishing session.
*This article is shared from the Grayman Briefing
CONTINGENCY FUNDS
Events in early 2022 highlighted how quickly your funds can be frozen or restricted. Take preventive steps to ensure you have the means to pay for essential services and supplies.
In Canada, citizens had their bank accounts frozen. Private financial organizations were hacked. Donors to causes had their information leaked and are subject to doxxing. Government pressured financial institutions, donation websites, and commercial entities to release information without a warrant. This was due to overreaching actions to curb peaceful protests against pandemic measures.
In Russia, private citizens lost access to pay foreign bills such as a car loan. Businesses, regardless of their approval of Putin's unprovoked war on Ukraine, are unable to conduct international financial business. Russia is losing access to the SWIFT banking system, leaving commercial entities to conduct business via fax machine. Apple Pay and Google Pay have restricted services. Citizens can't pay their Netflix bill or order goods from surrounding countries with their bank card. American Express, Visa, and Mastercard have blocked transactions. These are measures taken by Western aligned counties to deter and punish Putin for his war crimes and invasion.
Regardless of your support and opposition to these actions in Canada and Russia, the point of this blog is to bring awareness to the government's (and other entities') ability to seize, freeze, and interfere with private citizens' money.
Additionally, the 2009-2015 European Debt Crisis saw multiple countries block cash withdrawals through government order's that required banks to freeze customers from taking cash out of their banks and even ATMs.
Take action to ensure you'll have the ability to overcome unexpected interference causing loss of access to your finances. Here are some considerations when choosing a contingency method to retain a backup source of funds.
Cash- By far the best option. Withdraw half of your savings. It's likely not time to drain your accounts. Live your routine life but don't keep all your funds in a bank or investment firm. Be sure to retain what you need to pay rotating bills. Store cash at home and at least one other location such as a family members house, safety deposit box, or other cache point.
Virtual Credit Card- Generates random account number and a new token that is used to verify a given transaction. Designed to circumvent data breaches, maintain anonymity, or limit purchases.
Static, Non-Reloadable Credit Card (Gift Card)- No account or credit needed, can be purchased with cash. So long as the point-of-purchase is done securely (cash purchase) this is a great option for total anonymity. If your going to use it for online services use a VPN and throwaway email. If you’re ordering something use a mailing address that can't be traced to you directly (see our Ghost Mailing Hip Pocket Brief).
Other options- Gold, silver, cashiers check, money order, etc. Research each option. Make sure they don't expire, know trending value, understand the use of various options.
Finally, a reminder. Make a plan for basic SHTF scenarios. Download ICERS.
I've seen this tip going around and wanted to correct it so someone doesn't rely on it when an emergency occurs.
The basic premise going around is that if you're in danger in a remote area and have no signal on your phone and the battery is low; update your voicemail greeting with your location and important details. The thought process is that if you go missing, others will call your phone hear that you need help and know where to send aid.
Please note that if you have no signal, you CANNOT update your voicemail. If you are going into a dangerous area, don't. If you do leave a location on your voicemail, it may change if you have to egress from the threat or get lost and evacuate in a direction away from the location you left on your phone.
If you are in an emergency call 911. Even if your battery is low. Even if the battery dies two seconds into the call, dispatchers will typically have your location within 20ft and will send someone to investigate. If there is only one tower in range (very unlikely) it could be off as much as a mile but dispatchers can usually then re-query and get a better location. Some people have said to text 911 if the battery is low, I'd say just call, most areas still don't have text-to-911. If your battery is low and signal is bad, and you know the feature is available, then yes, text 911 it will try to relay the sent message until it goes through.
The only scenario where I can see leaving an updated voicemail is when you have signal and there is no emergency but you expect the signal to weaken and/or you suspect danger could be possible. I'd argue don't proceed if it is dangerous but maybe there are situations where that's not feasible. I'd also suggest calling someone first and letting them know where you are, and explain the situation along with a time frame of when you should be back to safety and when they should call for help.
If you do call 911 and there isn't an imminent threat, stay put and wait for help. Depending on how remote your location is, wait for an hour or two before moving.
Text-to-911 is the ability to send a text message to reach 911 emergency call takers from your mobile phone or device.
When involved in a hostage taking, kidnapping, hijacking, domestic disturbance, or other like emergencies; texting 911 may be the better option. It allows you to summon aid and provide critical data without alerting the hostile actor. Also, during a Life Altering Event cell towers may be overloaded with calls which could prevent you from making a phone call to anyone. Texting has shown to be more reliable during these events. In the case of emergency dispatch centers, first responders may be overburdened and dispatchers may not be able to answer your call. A text if it goes through, will still show on communication CAD systems allowing them to dispatch aid as first responders become available.
If an emergency event does not require the need to contact 911 silently, it is always best to use standard voice contact via 911 because it provides more information to 911 call centers. Always make a voice call to 911 during an emergency whenever possible.
Text-to-911 is only currently available in certain locations. Download the spreadsheet below to see if the service is available in your area. The file does not list locations alphabetically so run a search function in the file.
》 https://www.fcc.gov/file/12285/download
For more lessons on an array of Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures; subscribe to the Grayman Briefing.
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ACTIVE TARGET - The shooter sees you and determines you are a threat. You are openly carrying/holding a weapon, you are visibly dialing 911, or you are otherwise making yourself the shooter's primary target.
COA: Engage, move from line of sight (LoS) across concealment (a barrier that masks you but doesn't stop bullets) to cover (a barrier that stops bullets), reenage.
KINETIC TARGET - The shooter may see you but they are not actively targeting you due to the perception you are not a current threat to their goal. You are armed but carrying concealed and not wearing clothing that would identify you as a danger to the shooter.
COA: Move from LoS across concealment, draw weapon, engage if necessary while moving to cover, then engage upon cover.
PASSIVE TARGET - The shooter may see you but they are not actively targeting you due to the perception you are not a current threat to their goal. You are an unarmed bystander.
COA: Move across concealment, put cover between you and the shooter, exit the area or hide (shelter in place).
DUEL ACTIVE TARGET - Same as an active target but in this scenario you have an armed friendly.
COA: The closest friendly should immediately engage and provide suppressive fire while the other moves to cover, bounding as necessary, flanks and engages from shooter's vulnerable side. Both should continue engaging from first encounter until threats are stopped.
Divergent (outside-the-box) thinking can provide helpful insight when you're lost and traditional navigation assets are unavailable. While each city and state varies, these basic rules of thumb can help you gain orientation.
》The Grid System
Highways that end in an odd number usually go North/South as do Avenues (uptown/downtown). Even numbered highways run East/West as do Streets (crosstown). With the exception of large cross-streets that run in both directions, even-numbered streets run one-way towards the east and odd-numbered streets run one-way towards the west. House and building numbers stay the same (i.e. all even on the left and all odd on the right) as you travel down the same road, so if you see an odd address on the right side of the roads rest assured all the houses on the right will be odd numbered. Naming systems follow similar patterns (i.e. roads named after states typically run the same direction such as East/West).
》Satellite Dishes
Look for satellite dishes on buildings or towers. Satellite dishes work by pointing the dish towards a geostationary satellite that stays over the same point. Because of this, most dishes in the city will be pointing in the same direction. Learn which direction that is now so you'll be aware of it later.
》Churches
In large, older cities, most churches were built to face East and can be used to get a rough estimate of the cardinal points of direction.
》Pedestrians
If you are trying to get from one point to another, study the flow of pedestrian traffic. By following a crowd in the late afternoon, it will take you towards a station or other transportation hub. In the morning, walk against the flow of the crowd to locate these stations.
》Flow of Rivers in City
Know the direction a river flows through your city. Does it flow North, South, East, or West? Is the flow from higher ground to lower ground? Do these rivers flow to the sea or to other rivers? Does the current take you through the city or out of the city? After you find the answers, it makes it easier to decide if leaving the city by water is a feasible plan.
It's important to note that these observations and conclusions need to be analyzed prior to an emergency land navigation scenario. If you don't have a compass, or map, or GPS mapping device/app; then you want be able to use many of the techniques without prior knowledge. The idea is to know which way the churches/satellites face or what the work schedules are prior to a Life Altering Event (LAE). Then when an LAE occurs and you find yourself without a compass or such, you can fallback on your pre-learned techniques to egress and navigate.
Consider using the natural highway system (water) to travel after a Life Altering Event such as a prolonged fuel shortage.
There are over 26,000 rivers, streams and inland waterways in the U.S. and 85%+ of the U.S. can be reached by water and a 30 minute walk from your take-out point.
If a creek is all you have, in less than a day or two you could still reach a larger river, like the Ohio. From there you can go almost anywhere, with portages when necessary.
》Map out public boat ramps and contingency access points.
》Be prepared to carry your watercraft as there are countless locks & dams that will need to be traversed on foot.
》Traveling upstream may not be possible without a trolling/outboard motor. Consider the idea of one-way travel.
》Setup idea - sit-on top kayak, trolling motor, solar panel, deep cycle battery, and a 2 bladed paddle.
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Securing your homestead during peace time and civil unrest.
Situational awareness is just one aspect of preparedness. Your home security and defense tactics should have a mix of observable deterrents but also utilize gray methods to deny and detect intrusion attempts. Protect your homestead. The first goal is to deter, I'd say our only goal should be to deny but aside from a federal nuclear fallout shelter, that's not really possible. Delaying long enough, so that help can arrive is a form of denial.
Deter - make your homestead look secure, make it look like a risk, make the reward seem minimal.
Detect - become aware when someone enters your home perimeter.
Delay - increase the difficulty and time it takes to access your property.
Deny - stop any possible entry indefinitely.
A gray aspect of home security involves the idea of making your home not look like a place with supplies, valuables, or of particular interest. This means not posting political signage/flags. If you have a lot to secure (prepping supplies, ammo, of simply your family), then use all the tools at your disposal to defend your home, but don't make not look like a fortress or you'll end up attacking threats.
Here's are some aspects to consider IOT accomplish the 4 D's.
● Landscaping Tactics to improve natural surveillance and line of sight to abnormal
activity.
● Access Controls for limiting pathways into property.
● Perimeter Implements to deter the desire, ability, and opportunity of marauders or
criminal behavior that could lead to a home invasion or burglary.
● Early Alert Systems for advanced warning of unwanted visitors.
● Entry Security implements for doors and windows.
● SHTF Defenses and Traps to detect and/or negate intrusion attempts.
● Lighting, barricades, alarms, signage, and wayfinding using Environmental Design principles.
● Integratation of resources such as Neighborhood Watch, Dog Walking Clubs, Law Enforcement Patrol and Property Checks, and N/CERT (Neighborhood/Community Emergency Response Team.
Download the Target Hardening Guide at link in bio or https://www.superessestraps.com/collections/resources/products/prepping-guide-target-hardening-for-survival
Learn more about the Grayzone in which enemies operate by subscribing to the Grayman Briefing.
]]>The INFORMATION variable analyzes the nature, extent, effects, and characteristics of individuals, organizations, and other systems that gather, distribute, process, or adhere to information. Identify how individuals, organizations, and systems. Then assess how they collect, process, disseminate, or act on information.
》How controlled is the information environment? Does government or private organizations (Social Media Outlets, SMOs and Mainstream Media, MSM) censor information?
》What IO capabilities are used to influence citizens? (Electronic warfare, computer warfare, information attack, deception, physical destruction, and protection and security measures)
》How does Low Intensity Conflict (propaganda, false flags, IO) influence human behavior?
The INFRASTRUCTURE variable assesses facilities, services, and installations that are required for a society to function as their current developmental level. It analyzes the economic and resource strains on the capability to maintain and grow infrastructure. It further includes the vulnerabilities and susceptibilities to protecting and securing physicals assets.
》What transportation networks exist? (public transportation, ride-shares, roadways, flight, etc)
》How dependent are utilities to internet technology? (communication, power, water, fuel, etc)
》What is the level of freedom of movement by the populace and availability of resources to the populace?
The PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT variable looks at the geographic and man-made structures as well as the climate and weather in OE.
》What areas are prone to wildfires, hurricanes, flooding, or other natural disasters?
》What is the physical security of commercial buildings?
》Are rural areas traversable or hospitable to thru-travel?
The TIME variable influences decisions and planning. This includes the understanding of current events, reaction speed, timing/duration of activities/events/conditions, information onset, and a tactical exploitation of time.
》How will certain direct action's success be effected by when the action is executed?
》What are the key dates (holidays, elections), time periods (spring break, Ramadan), or events (planned protests, expos)?
If you're traveling to a hostile country or planning a business move to a civil unrest infected city; consider conducting a PMESII-PT.
Improve your daily situational awareness with intel updates sent via the Signal and Telegram apps with the Grayman Briefing.
]]>Our heart rate association with action or inaction can indicate our ability to react to a high stress situation. As a prepper we want to maintain a Yellow to Orange level of readiness and need to be ready to enter Red at a moment’s notice. Our Heart Rate Variability (HRV) should be be mid to high when we're out in public.
SUMMARY: A high variation in your heart rate when you’re at rest can increase your reaction speed and mental abilities to engage a life threatening event such as drawing, getting on target, and stopping an active shooter. There are 8 things you can do today that may save your life tomorrow.
First let’s give a reminder on the Cooper’s Color Code. It all relates to your situational awareness level and your ability to react.
White = Oblivious
Yellow = Aware
Orange = Alert
Red = Engaged
Black = Overwhelmed
FIGHT OR FLIGHT CONSIDERATIONS
Now let's explain HRV. It is the physiological phenomenon of variation in the time interval between heartbeats. It is measured by the variation in the beat-to-beat interval. Simply put, the variability between heart beats. High HRV usually means that the body has a strong ability to tolerate stress or is strongly recovering from prior accumulated stress. At rest, a high HRV is generally favorable and a low HRV is unfavorable. (Note: HRV is not BPM)
HRV matters because it provides an objective measure of your current condition and explains why performance potential will change during varying conditions. Increased heart rates due to threats or Quality of Life (QoL) conditions are physiologically different than exercise induced high rates.
During exercise our muscles require more oxygen causing vosodilation, this opens our blood vessels.
During threat response, the blood vessels constricts. This increases blood pressure and reduce oxygen to the muscles.
If you can control and manage your responses to stress your HRV baseline and HRV reaction to threats will correspond. In short, as stress tolerance increases to QoL (problems at work or home.) Your abilities to react to threats increases. This keeps you out of the black while improving your transition from Orange to Red.
Quick tips to manage QoL and Threat Based stress.
1. Build coping mechanisms.
2. Disregard events out of your control.
3. Maintain a positive attitude.
4. Remain calm and make plan of action.
5. Adapt.
6. Research, practice, and train.
Some of these sound too obvious or cliché but think about them. #2 for example, if your faced with an issue you, yourself, can't affect, why worry over it. Handle it and move on. #6 for example, if you get trapped in an overturned vehicle, some simple research can provide you with improvised tools to break a window, teach you when to attempt to open the door, or how to escape from a jammed seat belt. Don't wait until you’re in a situation. Train your mind now, make it muscle memory.
Neuroimaging studies suggested that HRV may be linked to cortical regions (e.g., the ventromedial prefrontal cortex) that are involved in stressful situation appraisal.
HRV represents the ability of the heart to respond to physiological and environmental stimuli. Low HRV is associated with impaired regulatory and homeostatic autonomic nervous system (ANS) functions, which reduce the body’s ability to cope with internal and external stressors.
A high HRV promotes positive changes to the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS). The PNS promotes the sympathetic response to stress, commonly referred to as a fight or flight response, by withdrawing the inhibitory effect.
So, I tell you all this to explain that a high HRV can help you in a high stress scenario such as a response to a home invasion, elevator mugging, or egress from a flash flood area.
Here's how you can start creating a high HRV baseline,
1. Cold Thermogenesis - cold shower, walking outside in the winter wearing just your underwear for 3 minutes.
2. Good Nutrition at the right times.
3. Hydrate - research how much water you need based on sex, weight, and activity.
4. Mediation and Breathing Exercises.
5. Don't Drink Alcohol - or do so in moderation.
6. Sleep Well & Consistently.
7. Natural Light Exposure - sun is good.
8. Exercise & Train Appropriately.
It is also important to note that BPM plays a role in your physical abilities also. We'll refer to the Cooper’s Color Codes to relate BPM to your SA ability.
At 60 BPM you are at your resting heart rate and fall somewhere between "White" and "Yellow".
At 90 BPM your fine motor skills begin to deteriorate. This is relatable to being at "Yellow" for 3 or more hours.
At 120 BPM your cognitive motor skills begin to deteriorate. This relatable to being "Orange" for 3 or more hours.
At 150 BPM your cognitive processing deteriorates, peripherals and depth perception decreases, and audio exclusion occurs. This relates to being in the "Red" ranging from the first second to up to 60 minutes depending on level of engagement.
At 175 BPM all reasoning and comprehension abilities are lost. This is relatable to being in the "Black".
The heart is important.
The Pyramid of Survival may only be Water, Food, Shelter but when you incorporate the Prepping Mindset we add the support of three other aspects. These are Hygiene, Communications, and Security. A visual representation can help you prioritize your prepping so that when a Life Altering Event (LAE) occurs, survival will be simplified.
1.Know Shelf life; use expiration / sell-by dates as part of organizing.
2.Stock what you & family will eat; stock what you like. Avoid undesirable foods.
3.Rotate your food stock to your pantry; Eat what you stock, buy more to replenish.
4.Know and use various storage methods: canning (water bathing, pressurizing, pickling), vacuum sealing, freeze drying, dehydrating, storage totes, food-grade buckets & mylar storage bags.
5.Know different types of food, storage, & benefits: canned, dehydrated, freeze-dried, etc.
6.Learn to garden; incorporate it into your food plan. Initially, it can be hard work getting a strong garden going, but once it is, you will be able to harvest fruits and vegetables. Use what you need; can or freeze the rest.
1.Bottled water is good to have, but should not be relied on as a primary. Not only can this get expensive, it is a massive waste of plastic.
2.Consider storage methods (jugs, water barrels, bathtub bladders, etc.). Have multiple sources and options, if possible.
3.Learn / know how much water you need, per person / per day (week, etc). Typical recommendation is 1 gallon per person, per day (1/2 gal for drinking, 1/2 gal for hygiene).
4.Water filtration & purification is essential for long term water supply. Boiling, charcoal filter, iodine, chlorination tablets, bleach, other filters. Store-bought filters can also be a great addition, such as the Sawyer or Life-straw water filters. It's probably part of Murphy's Law but chances are, one day you're going to need potable water but not have a means to purify it. Consider keeping a small water kit with you. We've got water purification hidden away in this Paracord Bracelet and one inside the backing of a Velcro Morale Patch.
5.Learn / know other useable sources of water (rain, water heaters, fire hydrants, etc.).
6.Learn / know what types of water sources to avoid (pools, saltwater, stagnant water like ponds, etc.).
7.Start now, don’t wait until you need it.
1.Look for natural shelters: caves, hollow stump or log, tree thickets & brush, rocky overhangs (make sure they are structurally sound before using).
2.Keep a poncho, and/or at minimum an emergency blanket, and rope or 550 cord; consider an emergency sleeping bag, like a Tact Bivvy or similar compact bag.
3.Shelter considerations should include location (safe), insulation from the elements (such as wind, rain, fire), heat source (body heat, fire source like a stove or campfire), shelter size (personal or group).
4.Using natural materials, such as brush, branches, leaves, snow, and/or trees, can provide abundant materials to construct and insulate a shelter.
5.Basic shelters: tarp shelter (numerous types), lean-to, debris shelter, “spider” shelter (almost like a teepee – resembles a spiderweb), hut (can be simple or complex), scout pit or other holes/ground depressions, snow cave, igloo, etc. Make sure you have a way to made repairs if your ten gets torn or even if your poncho or jacket gets ripped. Keep a handy repair kit on you. We make on that fits in a small Tin and one that's hidden inside a Patch.
6.These are just a few basics, shelter building is something you should learn; there are hundreds of books and online resources on shelter building.
1.Wash hands before handling food, and after handling objects, touching dirty objects, raw meat, dead animals, etc.; Use hand sanitizer, anti-bacterial wipes, and/or soap & water.
2.Wash hair. Prevents parasites (fleas, lice, bacteria); keep hair short if possible.
3.Brush teeth. Helps prevent bacteria & plaque build-up; also helps prevent gum disease & cavities.
4.Clean clothes. Prevents parasites & disease; Clean, dry clothes are also a better insulator (warmer).
5.Take care of your feet. Primary mode of transportation; wash them, keep clean & dry; and change socks frequently; Keep nails trimmed and treat rashes & blisters as soon as possible.
6.Get plenty of rest whenever possible; will help provide more energy & alertness; will also help with mental state.
7.Keep toilets or latrine areas at least 200 feet from water sources, food prep, eating and sleeping areas (if stationary).
8.Think about pest control: bug spray, DEET, bloused pant legs and arm cuffs if possible; poison or traps for rodents; fly paper / traps.
9.Supplies. This list could be endless. Minimum: garbage bags, bar soap, toothbrush/paste. Other supplies: shampoo, floss, mouthwash, dishwashing soap, laundry soap, anti-bacterial wipes, disinfectant spray, disposable gloves, portable shower & toilet, or a bucket with bags and a snap on toilet lid.
** This are tips for basic hygiene; What can be done will sometimes depend on water availability. Minimum water consumption per person/day will vary; use stored water & available water sources, and filter/purify if possible. **
1.Security is also a critical tenet. If you aren’t safe, then nothing else matters. Understand your “tactical” situation and surrounding environment. What dangers are present? Are you in an urban or rural environment? Are there other potentially threatening people? Use these details to create a reaction plan in case of threats.
2.When picking your shelter or camping area, keep security in mind. Use natural barriers as part of your security plan, such as a body of water, cliff, overhang, or other natural features.
3.What does your shelter or camping area look like? Is it defensible? Know your weak points such as blind spots, paths into camping areas, or entrances/windows/etc. to your shelter.
4.If you are alone, set traps or makeshift barriers to funnel threats away from you, or to a specific choke point. Set monitoring alarms for areas of approach (trip wires with cans or “poppers”). If there are multiple people in your group, set up a guard or patrol roster. Establish a challenge & password. Don't forget the basic defense of your home. Bugout locations and campsites are cool to talk about but in all likelihood, you're going to be at home when SHTF and if your not home, it's the first place you should try to go. Download our Target Hardening for the Homestead Guide.
5.Weapons: What kind of weapons/ammo do you have? Firearms (rifles/shotguns/pistols); Compound bows, crossbows, sling shot, sticks. Are you proficient in close quarters (or hand-to-hand) fighting?
1.At a minimum you should have an emergency radio, with AM/FM freqs, that is rechargeable (crank/chargeable battery/solar); make sure it can receive the NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration – national weather system) frequencies. Don't underestimate the power of a smartphone even when there is no internet/cellular signal. Get our Smartphone for SHTF guide here.
2.Cell phone, satellite radio, satellite phone. Non-licensed radios: walkie-talkies, Family radios (FRS), MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service), Citizen Band (CB) radios. For an in-depth look at comms, download out Contingency Comms Guide.
3.Licensed-required radios: Ham (amateur) radio - test & fee required, GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) – no test / fee required.
4.External equipment for the radios: antenna’s, power, possibly repeater stations. Faraday cage / bags – protect electronics from EMP (electromagnetic pulse) threats.
5.Power availability for electronic communications: solar-powered, or gas/diesel generator (and fuel for them), battery backup / power bank, disposable batteries, etc.
6.White light, strobe; infrared strobe light, PLB (personal locator beacon), laser pointers or markers.
7.Non-electronic: signal flares, signal flags (semaphore system), colored signal panels (VS-17, GVX, or other), smoke or fire signals; mirrors, Morse code (SOS). Keep a Morse Code Reference with you following an LAE, check out our Morse Code Patch.
So, did we miss anything? Drop a Comment below. The concept of the Six Tenets of Survival is courtesy of Missouri Prepper and was written by @missouri_prepper
]]>If you plan on charging your device from a public USB port or computer then you need to block the data transfer. The other option is to carry the large AC adaptor but if you're like me, you like to EDC light or you may forget the AC adaptor. You need to get a condom, a digital cond...
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If you're charging your phone at public charge stations (airports, coffee shop) or anywhere where a USB adapter is already present; there could be covert hardware installed designed for #juicejacking which is a method by which hackers and other attackers use to steal data from unsuspecting people’s devices or infect them with malware.
Juice jacking is a type of cyber attack involving a charging port that doubles as a data connection, typically over USB. This often involves either installing malware or surreptitiously copying sensitive data from a smart phone, tablet, or other computer device. |
The method of stealing data or installing malware via charging USB charging ports has existed at least since 2011 and big tech has tried to overcome it but as quickly as they make updates, hackers stay one step ahead.
Apple's iOS has taken multiple security measures to reduce the attack surface over USB including no longer allowing the device to automatically mount as a hard drive when plugged in over USB, as well as release security patches for vulnerabilities such as those exploited by Mactans.
Android devices commonly prompt the user before allowing the device to be mounted as a hard drive when plugged in over USB. Since release 4.2.2, Android has implemented a whitelist verification step to prevent attackers from accessing the Android Debug Bridge without authorization.
Juice jacking is not possible if a device is charged via the AC adapter shipped with the device, a battery backup device, or by utilizing a USB cable with only power wires and no data wires present. A tool originally called the USB Condom was released in 2012 with the sole purpose of disallowing data connections to be passed over a USB cable, there are many vendors now selling USB adapters which remove the data pins. This condom is a staple in Superesse's Blackout Kit.
If you plan on charging your device from a public USB port or computer then you need to block the data transfer. The other option is to carry the large AC adaptor but if you're like me, you like to EDC light or you may forget the AC adaptor. The image at the top of this page shows an AC adaptor, if it's yours, it's safe, if it's one left behind and you decide to use it, bad decision.
So yea, we've got a kit for this and it's packed in a small tin. The Blackout Kit is specifically built for smartphone digital security. This tin can fit in your EDC, suitcase, or sunglasses case and be deployed when the time arises to go black. 📲 Buy the Blackout Kit here.
BLACKOUT KIT FEATURES MicLock: Microphone Blocker inserts in standard 3.5mm jack and uses a proprietary semiconductor circuit to simulate a live microphone mimicking expected electrical properties and then blocks audio input. #countereavesdropping
Camera Shield: Polymer shield affixes to device camera with 3M adhesive and features slide allowing you to cover and uncover camera as needed. Designed for front facing or singular rear camera shielding. #antisurveilance |
The Blackout Kit is packed in a 2x1x0.5 inch metal tin. Six of these tins fit in an altoids tin. Pair the Blackout Kit with 5 other kits. There are over 15 to choose from so check them out here.
Don't forget about audio surveillance. Did you ever assume Google was listening? or Apple. or someone who's accessed your phone via malware or held it for a few seconds (let someone you didn't know well make a phone call? they could install snooping malware in under 10 seconds).
It turns out you were right. Every time you talk to your Google or Apple Assistant, there's a chance someone might listen to the audio from that conversation Google obviously records. Which is revealing for a few reasons, not the least of which is that , saves, and transmits your voice data in a way that can be accessed by actual people.
Google's product manager says, "These language experts review and transcribe a small set of queries to help us better understand those languages. This is a critical part of the process of building speech technology, and is necessary to creating products like the Google Assistant."
Google says its reason for having human contractors listen to your conversations with Google Assistant is to improve performance in multiple languages. That revelation came in response to a leak of audio by a contractor Google refers to as a "language reviewer."
The one sure way to stop audio recording on your smartphone is to us a Microphone Lock. We've included one in the Blackout Kit.
Smartphones are amazing tools, and necessary in our current digital world. There will always make you vulnerable but being vigilant to protect yourself form obvious hazards is key.
We also suggest reading our entire guide on smartphones, Smartphones for Survival and SHTF.
Don't forget the only true way to protect yourself from all hacking, and maybe even EMPs, a Faraday Cage. We've built one into a Handkerchief.
There can be several reasons as to why someone may want to stay away from civilization. But whatever reason it may be, the things you will need to survive out there on your own are pretty much the same.
]]>Whether you’re taking a break from society for a month or for an indefinite time, going off the grid for an extended period of time requires thorough planning and preparation.
There can be several reasons as to why someone may want to stay away from civilization. But whatever reason it may be, the things you will need to survive out there on your own are pretty much the same.
Living off the grid requires you totally change your lifestyle. If you’re wondering how to go off the grid, check out the list below which discusses the most important things you will need to make your off the grid experience safe, sustainable, and maybe even convenient.
There’s always the option to plant, hunt, and fish once you’re already out there but stocking on a sufficient supply of long shelf stable food is a safer option. And don’t worry, you won’t need to live off hard tack, oatmeal, or some free-dried beef for a month. It’s actually possible to maintain a standard pantry.
Take a look at what you currently have in your kitchen and you will see that a lot of the food you consume on a regular basis actually have far-out sell-by dates. Canned fruits, vegetables, beans, chicken, soups, and tuna; pasta; rice; and a whole lot of other food variations taste fresh once cooked.
Of course, don’t forget to bring plenty of cooking oil and cookware.
Without potable water, you won’t survive. Bringing several gallons of water upon your departure is an option. But you can only bring so much without sacrificing your load capacity for other essential items.
As you stay longer off the grid, you will eventually run out of water supply and will need to start making your own fresh water. Having a reliable water filtration device with you is the best way to do that.
I’d suggest skipping on the smaller personal-sized filters since you will be out for an extended period of time. Go for filtration systems designed for use by multiple people.
There are brands that can produce up to 170 gal of potable water everyday that can last for several months and don’t require frequent maintenance. And as backup, you can also bring water purification tablets.
Having the right equipment to feed yourself is crucial. As mentioned, bringing long shelf stable food is obviously the easiest option. But once you’re off the grid, you might need to grow your own crops, hunt, or even raise some farm animals to have good food supply. So bring some hunting and farming equipment just in case you get tired of your canned food.
Cooking over a campfire works only when you have time and the weather is good. Bringing a wood-burning grill with you is a better option to speed up the cooking process.
For additional convenience, choose brands that can be used inside a large tent or cabin. These models usually come with a stovepipe attachment that sends smoke outside your tent. With this feature, you get to enjoy cooking indoors while staying warm and without worrying about the smell and smoke. On top of that, you won’t run out of fuel because it burns wood.
Bring large collapsible water containers with you - they’re functional, extremely useful, and don’t take up too much space. You’ll need these for water supply, of course, but you can also use them to store fuel.
Don’t forget to bring food containers, too. Boxes, sacks, and wooden crates are just some of the good options for food storage when you are off grid. And lastly, bringing an icebox will also be very helpful to keep your ingredients fresh.
Building a log cabin is the safest and sturdiest option for shelter when you go off grid. But it takes time and until you have that built, you’ll need a reliable shelter that can protect you from the elements and serve as your home.
A big tent provides more space and comfort, but is also very risky during heavy snows or strong winds. The best choice is to bring a large tent and also a smaller, sturdier, and leaner one.
When the weather is fair, use the big tent and smash the small one inside. But when the bad weather starts to loom, pack up the big one and put up the smaller tent.
A good-quality sleeping bag will keep you safe and warm even as you lie down there fully exposed to the elements. Safety is all about staying warm; but you also want to stay comfortable to get good sleep and live a tolerable life.
You’d want to bring a lighter sleeping bag to use during mild weather and another heavy duty, reliable winter sleeping bag. Don’t forget to also bring an air mat, a good cot, and a nice blanket for those in-between season nights.
When you’re just starting to settle in your off-grid shelter, you may encounter some hygiene issues. You can’t easily go off to the woods whenever you need to use the ‘bathroom’. It’s unhygienic plus you might be contaminating the area where you’ll likely get food and water.
Solve this issue by building a composting toilet. It basically treats and composts human waste using organic matter. You might even reuse the composted material as fertilizers or soil conditioners if you do the process correctly.
Going off the grid means using much less technology. However, you will still need power for your headlamp, radio, etc. Buy models that have built-in rechargeable batteries and bring an electric generator so you can just simply charge these devices when they’re almost out of power.
You might also want to invest in a solar panel. These items can be expensive, but they’re very effective and will make your life much easier once you’re already out there.
The main tip for fire starter is to bring multiple varieties.
Matches are single use and are easily damaged by moisture, lighters run out of fuel, ferrocerium strikers work in any condition but don’t last forever, and solar fire starters don’t run out of burnable material but are not usable at night or on cloudy and rainy days.
Bring multiple fire starting tools with you and you’ll be good to go.
Similar to the tip above, bring multiple lighting sources. It can get pretty dark at night and you want to maintain a good vision of your surroundings when you’re all alone.
Bring the ever reliable flashlight, a headlamp, and some lanterns. Several candles will work, too, with the help of some windproof clear vessel like a large jar.
Lighting is one aspect of securing your homestead but this topic is to broad to cover here. Learn how to defend your home using Target Hardening practices from our guide.
Honestly, bringing a firearm with you is a good precaution if you will be staying out into the backcountry for an extended period of time. However, having a gun is not necessary to protect yourself from predators if you have other means of self-protection.
Aside from a firearm, you might also want to bring several cans of bear sprays and have them near you at all times. Bear sprays are non lethal but are reliable and effective in warding off animals that come too close. Plus, they will also work well on unwanted human visitors.
Also have a sharp knife near you if ever anything or anyone gets too close.
Set an appointment with your doctor and dentist weeks before you go off the grid. Make sure that your body is in the best possible condition to sustain the elements out there.
Once you are off the grid, you become your own doctor. Do your research on basic first aid, plant medications, and bring your own comprehensive first aid kit. Buy a kit that’s designed for use by multiple people to make sure that you have enough supplies.
Learn more about how to survive a medical crisis while in remote areas here.
If you plan to build your off grid cabin using materials available on site, you need several tools and equipment. For those who are lucky enough to stay on a land with timber, bringing a small portable sawmill with you can help you save a lot of money.
Unless you intend to go out to a wilderness or some wild frontier, you’re going to need cash. There are some things that you might need to buy to help you survive or stay comfortable. In fact, you’ll need money to secure almost all other things in this list. Using credit cards is no longer an option since you intend to go off the grid, so the best solution is to bring cash just in case.
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