Survival and disaster preparedness

[Digital Man]

Jack what have you heard about this guy?

 

http://soldoutaftercrisis.net/

 

Is he any good, worth paying for?

 

Any good sites/guides you recommend?

[Jack Aubrey]

Jack what have you heard about this guy?

 

http://soldoutaftercrisis.net/

 

Is he any good, worth paying for?

 

Any good sites/guides you recommend?

 

Yes, I have heard of him. Avoid it like the plague, Brother-man, it's a scam! They take your info and send you a bunch of lists of stuff to stockpile which you can easily figure out on your own after thinking about it for a few minutes and then sign you up for monthly e-mail newsletters for which they charge you a subscription fee! Furthermore, if you go to the website and try to leave without having bought anything it won't let you and you have to reboot your computer! And if you do pay for his stuff and later try to block the company, it electronically changes it's name so it can keep charging your card! I hate jerks like this who take advantage of good people! I understand he's currently slammed with a metric crapload of lawsuits and I say that's a good thing and I hope they sue him for all he's worth with interest! It's also my pleasure to pass on for free the list of food he charges you for:

 

Water, pasta, rice, canned soups, meats, veggies, fruit.

Popcorn, salt, milk (condensed or powdered), cereal, beef jerky, grains.

Cooking oil, sports drinks, nuts, pickles, dried fruits, spices, honey, crackers.

Baking essentials, power bars, instant rice, coffee, alcohol.

Hard candies, dehydrated canned entrees, juice powders, protein drinks, peanut butter, Long lasting treats ( twinkies, etc.)

Salsa, Ramen noodles, fresh fruit, baby food and pet food.

 

Pretty obvious, right? I mean, come on!

 

As far as prepper's guides go, I always recommend Cody Lundin's most excellent When All Hell Breaks Loose http://www.booksamillion.com/p/All-Hell-Breaks-Loose/Cody-Lundin/9781423601050?id=5832353087314#overview and along with it Jim Cobb's Prepper's Home Defense http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Preppers-Home-Defense/Jim-Cobb/9781612431154?id=5832353087314 Both contain great info and should be plenty to get you started. If you need any more help or have any more questions please let me know!

[Digital Man]

Jack what have you heard about this guy?

 

http://soldoutaftercrisis.net/

 

Is he any good, worth paying for?

 

Any good sites/guides you recommend?

 

Yes, I have heard of him. Avoid it like the plague, Brother-man, it's a scam! They take your info and send you a bunch of lists of stuff to stockpile which you can easily figure out on your own after thinking about it for a few minutes and then sign you up for monthly e-mail newsletters for which they charge you a subscription fee! Furthermore, if you go to the website and try to leave without having bought anything it won't let you and you have to reboot your computer! And if you do pay for his stuff and later try to block the company, it electronically changes it's name so it can keep charging your card! I hate jerks like this who take advantage of good people! I understand he's currently slammed with a metric crapload of lawsuits and I say that's a good thing and I hope they sue him for all he's worth with interest! It's also my pleasure to pass on for free the list of food he charges you for:

 

Water, pasta, rice, canned soups, meats, veggies, fruit.

Popcorn, salt, milk (condensed or powdered), cereal, beef jerky, grains.

Cooking oil, sports drinks, nuts, pickles, dried fruits, spices, honey, crackers.

Baking essentials, power bars, instant rice, coffee, alcohol.

Hard candies, dehydrated canned entrees, juice powders, protein drinks, peanut butter, Long lasting treats ( twinkies, etc.)

Salsa, Ramen noodles, fresh fruit, baby food and pet food.

 

Pretty obvious, right? I mean, come on!

 

As far as prepper's guides go, I always recommend Cody Lundin's most excellent When All Hell Breaks Loose http://www.booksamil...087314#overview and along with it Jim Cobb's Prepper's Home Defense http://www.booksamil...d=5832353087314 Both contain great info and should be plenty to get you started. If you need any more help or have any more questions please let me know!

Excellent, thank you.

[RushCanuck]

Jack, what is the shelf life of canned goods? thanks.

[Jack Aubrey]

Jack what have you heard about this guy?

 

http://soldoutaftercrisis.net/

 

Is he any good, worth paying for?

 

Any good sites/guides you recommend?

 

Yes, I have heard of him. Avoid it like the plague, Brother-man, it's a scam! They take your info and send you a bunch of lists of stuff to stockpile which you can easily figure out on your own after thinking about it for a few minutes and then sign you up for monthly e-mail newsletters for which they charge you a subscription fee! Furthermore, if you go to the website and try to leave without having bought anything it won't let you and you have to reboot your computer! And if you do pay for his stuff and later try to block the company, it electronically changes it's name so it can keep charging your card! I hate jerks like this who take advantage of good people! I understand he's currently slammed with a metric crapload of lawsuits and I say that's a good thing and I hope they sue him for all he's worth with interest! It's also my pleasure to pass on for free the list of food he charges you for:

 

Water, pasta, rice, canned soups, meats, veggies, fruit.

Popcorn, salt, milk (condensed or powdered), cereal, beef jerky, grains.

Cooking oil, sports drinks, nuts, pickles, dried fruits, spices, honey, crackers.

Baking essentials, power bars, instant rice, coffee, alcohol.

Hard candies, dehydrated canned entrees, juice powders, protein drinks, peanut butter, Long lasting treats ( twinkies, etc.)

Salsa, Ramen noodles, fresh fruit, baby food and pet food.

 

Pretty obvious, right? I mean, come on!

 

As far as prepper's guides go, I always recommend Cody Lundin's most excellent When All Hell Breaks Loose http://www.booksamil...087314#overview and along with it Jim Cobb's Prepper's Home Defense http://www.booksamil...d=5832353087314 Both contain great info and should be plenty to get you started. If you need any more help or have any more questions please let me know!

Excellent, thank you.

 

My pleasure, man! I love helpin' folks with this stuff!

[Jack Aubrey]

Jack, what is the shelf life of canned goods? thanks.

 

Low-acid content foods will last an average of five years, high-acid foods will last around two. If the can is bulging and/or warmer than it should be to the touch, don't eat it!

[RushCanuck]

Jack, what is the shelf life of canned goods? thanks.

 

Low-acid content foods will last an average of five years, high-acid foods will last around two. If the can is bulging and/or warmer than it should be to the touch, don't eat it!

Please clarify low-acid (fruit/veggies?) versus high (Meat?) thanks.

[Jack Aubrey]

Jack, what is the shelf life of canned goods? thanks.

 

Low-acid content foods will last an average of five years, high-acid foods will last around two. If the can is bulging and/or warmer than it should be to the touch, don't eat it!

Please clarify low-acid (fruit/veggies?) versus high (Meat?) thanks.

 

It depends on the food so there's no easy way to remember which is which. Here's a list you may find helpful (the "alkaline" foods are low-acid): http://www.angelfire.com/az/sthurston/acid_alkaline_foods_list.html

[Jack Aubrey]

This is a really good back pack, I have two!

 

http://www.amazon.com/Condor-Compact-Assault-Black-1362-Cubic/dp/B00652GI1C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383498199&sr=8-1&keywords=condor+backpack

[Jack Aubrey]

I got interested in seeing how small of a survival kit I could compile that would still be practical and Here's what I came up with:

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v329/JackAubrey/SK1.jpg?t=1383417794

 

Left to right we have 50' of paracord with some smaller cord wrapped around it. We've got an emergency sleeping bag, a sparkie firestarter, a stainless steel cup, and cube of wetfire tinder (burns even when wet), a sturdy Marbles knife with Ranger bands on the sheath, a small compass, a whistle, and a stainless steel water bottle. All of this fits into the Molle pouch on the upper right which is the size of a small shoebox.

[Jack Aubrey]

Making a quickie torch.

 

Step 1: Jam a stick in the ground and split the end a few times in a technique called batoning. The wood for the torch handle should be green so it doesn't burn.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v329/JackAubrey/bth_Batoning.jpg?t=1383843489

 

Step 2: jam some pine bark or resinous dry wood between the splits and light, it should burn for 15-20 minutes.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v329/JackAubrey/bth_Torch.jpg?t=1383843515

Edited November 7, 2013 by Jack Aubrey

[Jack Aubrey]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v329/JackAubrey/Pee.jpg

 

Bear Grylls really is a nitwit. Those who drink their own urine in a survival situation survive in spite of it, not because of it! If you're desperate for a drink, distill your pee in a solar still and then drink the distilled water!

 

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PzOSpBwi5fg/T_5MeT3OgII/AAAAAAAAADc/dpK-qnuHyTk/s1600/solar-still.gif

Edited November 7, 2013 by Jack Aubrey
spelling error

[Dread Pirate Robert]

Where does one find parachute cord?

 

Haven't seen it in any of my usual shopping places.

[Dread Pirate Robert]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v329/JackAubrey/Pee.jpg

 

Bear Grylls really is a nitwit. Those who drink their own urine in a survival situation survive in spite of it, not because of it! If you're desperate for a drink, distill your pee in a solar still and then drink the distilled water!

 

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PzOSpBwi5fg/T_5MeT3OgII/AAAAAAAAADc/dpK-qnuHyTk/s1600/solar-still.gif

 

He is thinking he is living in the Dune series and is wearing a stillsuit?

[Dread Pirate Robert]

One thing you haven't mentioned so far, Jack, and it is something that would never have occurred to me either, being male and all, but I have read about it from some survival item list sites -- feminine hygiene products.

 

Unless the ladies want to be using natural stuff like moss during their periods (which apparently american indian women used from historical accounts), they should stock up on alternatives.

Edited November 11, 2013 by Dread Pirate Robert

[Digital Man]

Where does one find parachute cord?

 

Haven't seen it in any of my usual shopping places.

 

Walmart:

 

http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?_rel=paracord+rope&search_constraint=0&search_query=550+paracord

[Jack Aubrey]

One thing you haven't mentioned so far, Jack, and it is something that would never have occurred to me either, being male and all, but I have read about it from some survival item list sites -- feminine hygiene products.

 

Unless the ladies want to be using natural stuff like moss during their periods (which apparently american indian women used from historical accounts), they should stock up on alternatives.

 

As my wife says: stock up, and when you think you have enough, double it!

 

Tampons also have a ton of survival applications. My friend Creek Stewart from Willow Haven Outdoor Survival School wrote a great article on the subject. Go here for it: http://www.artofmanliness.com/2012/06/05/survival-tampon/ This article is why I have tampons in my bug-out bag!

[Jack Aubrey]

Where does one find parachute cord?

 

Haven't seen it in any of my usual shopping places.

 

Walmart:

 

http://www.walmart.c...ry=550 paracord

 

I had no idea that Wal-Mart sold paracord! I saw that they carry the Nite-Ize brand and I've heard it's good stuff. FWIW, the only paracord I've ever bought is Rothco. I prefer it because it's made in America. I've extensively field-tested it, using it in dozens of applications and it's always performed well for me. http://www.rothco.com/category/rothco-Paracord I also recommend checking your local surplus stores if you haven't already. I always recommend getting a paracord bracelet and replacing you shoe or boot laces with paracord.

[Digital Man]

Where does one find parachute cord?

 

Haven't seen it in any of my usual shopping places.

 

Walmart:

 

http://www.walmart.c...ry=550 paracord

 

I had no idea that Wal-Mart sold paracord! I saw that they carry the Nite-Ize brand and I've heard it's good stuff. FWIW, the only paracord I've ever bought is Rothco. I prefer it because it's made in America. I've extensively field-tested it, using it in dozens of applications and it's always performed well for me. http://www.rothco.co...rothco-Paracord I also recommend checking your local surplus stores if you haven't already. I always recommend getting a paracord bracelet and replacing you shoe or boot laces with paracord.

 

I was looking for some strong but thin rope for the canopy on our gazebo, the tie-downs always break after being submitted to the weather. I saw the para cord and remember you talking about it so I bought some. $5 for 50', great deal. Putting a bundle in each car also.

[Jack Aubrey]

Where does one find parachute cord?

 

Haven't seen it in any of my usual shopping places.

 

Walmart:

 

http://www.walmart.c...ry=550 paracord

 

I had no idea that Wal-Mart sold paracord! I saw that they carry the Nite-Ize brand and I've heard it's good stuff. FWIW, the only paracord I've ever bought is Rothco. I prefer it because it's made in America. I've extensively field-tested it, using it in dozens of applications and it's always performed well for me. http://www.rothco.co...rothco-Paracord I also recommend checking your local surplus stores if you haven't already. I always recommend getting a paracord bracelet and replacing you shoe or boot laces with paracord.

 

I was looking for some strong but thin rope for the canopy on our gazebo, the tie-downs always break after being submitted to the weather. I saw the para cord and remember you talking about it so I bought some. $5 for 50', great deal. Putting a bundle in each car also.

 

Fantastic! Something everyone should do, imho!

[Jack Aubrey]

Okay, the cold weather is here and that means winter storms. I want all of you to get a compass and find the room in your house that has Southern exposure. This will be your go-to room should you lose power during a storm. Open the blinds and pull them all the way up so you get max sunlight. Next, get the emergency mylar blankets that I know all of you have on hand and tape them to the walls and ceiling. When you hang one over a window, cut a hole along the window frame so the wall is covered but the window is not. As the sunlight streams in you're gonna get a nice greenhouse effect and you'll keep pretty toasty. My wife and I did this three years ago when we lost power during a snowstorm and it stayed about 65-70 degrees in the room during the day. Waking up in the mornings was pretty chilly so we did isometric exercises to warm up. Of course, I did the cooking and boiled water for coffee on the grill.

 

The best emergency blanket you can buy, period: http://www.adventure...cy-blanket.html I have field-tested these extensively and never had one fail.

 

Edited to add video, watch this!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=u1HZyUeE6LY

Edited January 4, 2014 by Jack Aubrey

[Jack Aubrey]

If you're looking for a good backpack to configure into a bugout bag/survival kit, go check your local surplus store. I recommend a pack with Molle straps which would enable you to attach Molle pouches which you can dedicate to specific needs (1st aid kit, firestarting kit, canteen pouch, snare kit, etc.) because it works more efficiently than having all of your gear just jammed into the main compartment of a pack. I highly recommend checking your local surplus store and befriending the owner because at mine I recently got a CamelBak Motherlode pack for only $30 and they retail for about $225! Talk about a no-brainer.

 

Here's a Molle pack with pouches attached, which will give you and idea of what I'm talking about:

 

[Jack Aubrey]

Okay, this one's a bit odd, but it's something you might want to think about if you have pets. There are a lot of human-grade pet treats on the market nowadays and one of them is dehydrated chicken breasts. I bought a bag for my dogs and decided to try one. I rehydrated it in water over low heat for two hours and I have to say it wasn't bad! A little salt and pepper and it made for a fair lunch. It was a little chewy, but in an emergency only a bonehead would complain about that. If you decide to buy these, make sure they're made in America or Canada. I've heard horror stories about the Chinese-made pet treats.

 

While we're on the subject of emergency food, I want to recommend Wise emergency food. I contacted them a couple of months ago and got some free samples. My wife and I tried them and agreed they were pretty good so we bought the 120 serving bucket and plan to get more. I think it's the best emergency food bargain on the market, so do check it out. Here's the link to get the free samples: http://wisefoodstorage.com/request-a-sample/

[Jack Aubrey]

How to close a wound with duct tape:

 

[Dread Pirate Robert]

Okay, this one's a bit odd, but it's something you might want to think about if you have pets. There are a lot of human-grade pet treats on the market nowadays and one of them is dehydrated chicken breasts. I bought a bag for my dogs and decided to try one. I rehydrated it in water over low heat for two hours and I have to say it wasn't bad! A little salt and pepper and it made for a fair lunch. It was a little chewy, but in an emergency only a bonehead would complain about that. If you decide to buy these, make sure they're made in America or Canada. I've heard horror stories about the Chinese-made pet treats.

 

 

 

In a survival situation, I tend to think about "pets" as more of a food source than something I want to bother trying to feed. Yes, EAT THE PETS.

 

Mind you, I do not currently own any "pets" -- but plenty of people around me do ;)

 

For example, a geographically close neighbor has two very annoying dogs who tend to bark loudly at anything and everything, even acorns falling to the ground.

 

Yep, come a survival situation, those dogs are going to be FOOD.

 

Anybody know any good dog meat recipes? Never eaten dog, but hell, in an emergency, it is MEAT.

 

hmmm . . about that not ever having eaten dog. To my knowledge, I have never done so, but then again, I like Chinese restaraunts, and have heard various rumors about what really goes into the Hot and Sour Soup. . . . .

Edited February 8, 2014 by Dread Pirate Robert