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PREPPER EMERGENCY SURVIVAL MANUAL ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PREPARE FOR, AND LIVE THROUGH, ANY SURVIVAL CHALLENGE

F O O D WAT E R S H E LT E R S E C U R I T Y C O M M S H E A LT H

U.S. $9.99 SPR/SUM 2020 DISPLAY UNTIL 4/21/20

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09281 01319 ENGAGED MEDIA LLC.

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FEATURES 1.0 WATER By Steven Paul Barlow

4.0 SHELTER By Dana Benner

8 1.1 LIQUID LIFE

54 4.1 PROTECTION FROM THE ELEMENTS IS ESSENTIAL

Water is the building block of survival.

12 1.2 HIGH POINTS OF HYDRATION Helpful tips for ensuring a safe water supply

18 1.3 WATERY WARES Gear to ensure your water is safe to drink

2.0 FOOD By Suzy Jeffries 22 2.1 NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE Proper planning ensures plentiful provisions.

26 2.2 FOOD FACTS FOR SUCCESSFUL PREPS Tips for improving your dietary decisions

32 2.3 GRUB GEAR

58 4.2 TIPS ON TEMPERATE SHELTERS How-to’s for basic spring and summer havens

66 4.3 SHELTER-MAKING TOOLS It takes more than your head and hands to construct cover.

5.0 COMMS By Jim Jeffries 70 5.1 COMMUNICATE AND PREVAIL Improve your outlook by staying connected.

74 5.2 MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR CONTACTS Turn your options into advantages.

78 5.3 GEAR TO KEEP HELP NEAR

Stuff to make austere meals better

Keep informed and stay a step ahead.

3.0 SECURITY By Mike Travis

6.0 HEALTH By Christopher Nyerges

38 3.1 ESSENTIALS OF SAFETY

82 6.1 WELLNESS IS JOB #1

Be ready, willing and able to defend yourself.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

44 3.2 PRINCIPLES OF PROTECTION

88 6.2 STAY HEALTHY WITH THESE TIPS

Intel and guidance for enhancing your safety

48 3.3 GO-TO SECURITY GEAR Be safer with these products and equipment.

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Make home anywhere and anytime.

How to optimize your well-being

92 6.3 SIMPLE STAPLES FOR A HEALTHY PREPPER Hygiene, sanitation, ointments and more

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26 44

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78 82

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54 58

7.0 PREPPER CHECKLIST

97 THE AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE PREPPER CHECKLIST

8.0 DEPARTMENTS 88

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6 FIRST WORDS

Some articles in this issue might include stock images that are the property of Getty Images.

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EMERGENCY SURVIVAL MANUAL SPRING/SUMMER 2020 EDITORIAL Mike McCourt Brand Manager Lin Simon Managing Editor

PREPARE NOW FOR SPRING AND SUMMER Welcome to the spring/summer 2020 issue of ASG’s Prepper Emergency Survival Manual! his issue covers general preparedness, self-reliance and survival topics and includes important facts, advice and gear suggestions for situations that can arise during the warmer months of the year. While many aspects of preparedness are not seasonal, the following pages cover areas that are, especially in the areas of shelter, health and food. With more than 270 tips and suggestions included throughout and useful product recommendations located in each section, we trust you’ll find lots of relevant material that will help you effectively and efficiently prepare for emergencies and other challenging scenarios in the coming months. This is our eighth edition of the Prepper Manual. Like its predecessors, it’s organized according to American Survival Guide’s 6 Pillars of Survival—Food, Water, Shelter, Security, Communications and Health. These pillars help us focus on specific aspects of prepping and survival that are critical to successfully preparing for, and responding to, any type of emergency situation that might threaten us. We think this approach makes the information simpler to understand and access when you refer back to these pages in the future. You’ll find that this issue is a “manual” in more than name: We’ve formatted each category in a way you’ll find familiar if you’ve read or studied U.S. military field or training manuals. This layout makes it easier for you to quickly refer to the information you’re looking for when you don’t have the time to settle into a comfy chair and browse through its pages. Each section is written by a regular contributor to American Survival Guide. These folks know our readers and the topics they’re interested in, and they respect and share your interest in making yourself and your family safer when push comes to shove. Their keen insight and advice come from years of experience devising, executing and improving their own preps, military or public safety service, and a variety of training scenarios. They’re happy to pass on their experience to you, our readers. The information and suggestions they share can validate plans and preparations you’ve made and help you shape future efforts—regardless of whether you’re new to prepping or have decades of practice under your belt. You’ll also find the “Prepper’s Checklist” on pages 97 and 98. It’s designed to be copied or cut out of the magazine so you can use it for several purposes. Use this checklist as a planning guide, a punch list of things to do, an inventory sheet or a shopping list. Because all plans are unique, we included some space for you to customize it to meet your needs. With more than 100 points included, this is a great first step—or finishing touch—for validating your state of preparedness. By the way, if you missed previous issues of the Prepper Manual, it’s not too late to add them to your collection. As I write this, print versions of the spring and fall issues from 2018 and 2019 are still available, along with all seven prior issues, in digital format. You can shop for these and other ASG back issues by going to www.ASGMAG.com and clicking on the “Back Issues” button near the top of the page. While you’re there, peruse the hundreds of articles we’ve posted online; and be sure to sign up for our free weekly newsletter. Click the links to our Facebook and Instagram pages and “like” and "follow" us there to make sure you’re up to date with our latest posts and can also gain insights from the rest of our community. If you have family or friends in the community, please “share” the posts you find helpful as well. We hope you enjoy this edition of our Prepper Manual and that it will help you be as ready as you can be for the threats and challenges ahead. All the best! Mike McCourt

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DESIGN Nadezda Sverdlova Art Director CONTRIBUTORS Steven Paul Barlow, Dana Benner, Jim Jeff ries, Suzy Jeff ries, Christopher Nyerges, Mike Travis ADVERTISING Gabe Frimmel Ad Sales Director (714) 200-1930 [email protected] Andrew Demiar Account Executive (714) 200-1903 Eric Gomez Advertising Traffic Coordinator OPERATIONS Manish Kumar Mishra Operations Manager Surajpal Singh Bisht Prepress Manager Chandan Pandey Production, Newsstand & Circulation Analyst Alex Mendoza Administrative Assistant EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE 17900 Sky Park Circle, Suite 220, Irvine, CA 92614 (714) 939-9991 • Fax: (800) 249-7761 www.asgmag.com www.facebook.com/americansurvivalguidemagazine www.instagram.com/asgmagazine AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE (ISSN 2331-8937) is published 12 times a year— January, March, April, Prepper Spring/Summer, June, July, August, September, October, Prepper Fall/Winter, November and December—by Engaged Media, LLC, 17900 Sky Park Circle,,Suite 220, Irvine, CA 92614. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE, C/O ENGAGED MEDIA LLC, CENVEO, 101 WORKMAN COURT, EUREKA, MO 63025. © 2020 by Engaged Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. GST#855050365RT001. Canadian Post: Publications Mail Agreement Pitney Bowes, Inc., P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2, Canada CUSTOMER SERVICE Engaged Media, LLC 17900 Sky Park Circle, Suite 220, Irvine, CA 92614 Subscriptions, address changes, renewals, missing or damaged copies: (800) 764-6278 (239) 653-0225 Foreign Inquiries [email protected] [email protected] Back issues: www.engagedmediamags.com Books, merchandise, reprints: (800) 764-6278 • Foreign (239) 653-0225 Letters to the editor, new products or to contribute a story or photo: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION RATES $32.95/1 year, $52.95/2 years. Outside the United States, add $32.00 per year payable in U.S. funds. Single copy price is $9.99. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for new subscriptions to begin.

ENGAGED MEDIA, LLC Scott Hall CEO Pinaki Bhattacharya Managing Director & COO William Ammerman Executive Vice President, Digital John Goodpasture Vice President, Sales Erin Masercola Director of Content Operations Carrie Rubalcaba HR Generalist This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding that information presented is from various sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by Engaged Media LLC, as to the legality, completeness or technical accuracy. GST #855050365RT001 Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: PITNEY BOWES, INC., P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2, Canada

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1.0 NEED IT Most of us probably don’t stop to think about how much water we use. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, an individual uses roughly 80 to 100 gallons of water a day. Consider that you’re showering, flushing toilets, doing laundry, washing your car. Something as simple as a broken municipal water pipe that prompts a “boil water” advisory can drive the point home about the water you use just for drinking and preparing food. 1.1 Enough to Drink Don’t depend on that old adage about being able to go three or four days without water. If you don’t get the estimated 1 gallon a day needed for the basics, you could run into trouble much sooner than at the point of death. During an emergency situation, you won’t be sitting by the pool, sipping piña coladas. You might be evacuating on foot because the highways are clogged with abandoned vehicles. You might be building a shelter, foraging for food or lifting heavy pieces of wreckage from what used to be your home.

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Extreme exertion can multiply your requirements for fluids. Become dehydrated, and you might not be able to think clearly or function normally. And your morale—a big factor in a survival situation—will go right down the drain (pun intended). The amount of water required can vary from person to person. I’ve spent lots of time in remote areas with minimal gear. But that time was generally spent in wooded regions of the Northeast. Finding water, especially in the spring, is usually not a problem there; this is good, because I drink a lot of it! I’ve often thought that if I were stranded in the desert, I’d be worse off than the average person. To prevent that, I always make doubly sure I have access to enough water, no matter where I travel. I have a water bottle at hand and in my pack, along with water jugs in my car. At the minimum, a straw-type water filter is always among my gear. 1.2 Keep it Clean Consider, too, that we use water for much more than simply drinking. During a crisis, you’ll survive if you let your lawn turn brown. But you still need water to clean wounds, cook, wash dishes and keep yourself somewhat clean. And, in a longterm situation, watering a vegetable garden might be necessary. 1.3 Just Add Water Speaking of cooking, look at how much of our stored food for emergencies requires lots of water. Dried foods are easier to keep for extended periods. However, your bins of flour, rice and powdered beverages will do little good if you don’t have water to prepare them. If you’re on the move, pouches of dehydrated meals can be lightweight and handy—but that assumes you’ll have

© GETTY IMAGES

hey say you don’t appreciate what you’ve got until it’s gone. But no matter what challenges the day brings, you can face them more confidently if you have the basics of survival covered. One of those basic necessities is clean water. And, if your day brings the aftermath of a hurricane, tornado, wildfire, flood, earthquake or man-made upheaval, suddenly, that necessity—something you might normally take for granted—can become scarce; and obtaining it becomes a priority in a possible life-or-death struggle.

I’LL DRINK TO THAT! HAVING ENOUGH CLEAN WATER CAN MEAN THE DIFFERENCE IN ANY SURVIVAL SITUATION. BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW

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“EXTREME EXERTION CAN MULTIPLY YOUR REQUIREMENTS FOR FLUIDS. BECOME DEHYDRATED, AND YOU MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO THINK CLEARLY OR FUNCTION NORMALLY.” rainwater. Rigging a system at your home to funnel rainwater into barrels doesn’t have to be expensive and could be a smart part of your preps. If you’re in a temporary location, you can rig a tarp or poncho to collect rainwater that drains into a bucket or other container. Of course, if you find a reliable water source, you might want to establish your temporary base camp nearby, thus eliminating the need for water as a major concern. If you must continue to be on the move to a safe location, top off your water containers whenever you can. You never know when water might be scarce on the path ahead. 2.3 Water, Water Everywhere Sometimes, the problem is not finding water; sometimes, the problem is that it’s all around you. If you’re near the coast, the sight of a vast expanse of water can be frustrating if you don’t have the means to desalinate it. And flood waters can contaminate usually good water sources with mud, sewage, dead bodies and other debris.

› Top: A rainwater collection system can be a valuable asset if you’re riding out trouble at home. (Photo: Vaclav Mach/Dreamstime. com)

› Above: Having your group set up a temporary base camp near a water source can alleviate a major concern in being away from home during a crisis. (Photo: Dmitrii Melnikov/ Dreamstime.com)

› Right: Water is one of life’s essentials. In emergency situations, having an adequate supply of clean water is critical.

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access to enough water along your journey. 2.0 FIND IT If you’re sheltering in place and nothing comes out of the tap, you can hopefully rely on some water you’ve stored while you seek other sources. If you’re on the move, you won’t be able to carry all the water you might need if you’re on foot. Why are you afoot? Plan for that. During emergencies, public transportation in urban areas is often shut down. You might have to abandon your vehicle if it’s out of gas, the way is blocked or carjackers overpower you. You might be taking refuge where vehicles can’t go. You’ll need to find water along the way. 2.1 Spring Runoff In many parts of the country, finding water in springtime is no problem. Water from snow melt and seasonal rain is often flowing down every hill and pooling in every gully. But you can’t depend on it for extended periods. And, if you’re counting on a familiar stream that you crossed during a hike the year before, you might be disappointed to find it’s down to a trickle or dried up altogether if its source is solely from runoff. 2.2 While the Getting’s Good When sheltering in place, try to take advantage of water that comes to you by collecting

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3.0 MAKE IT SAFE Whether it’s from a seemingly pristine mountain stream or a mud puddle in a roadside ditch, it’s advisable to take measures to ensure your water is safe to drink. I’ve known people who fell ill from waterborne pathogens. It can be pure misery, completely debilitating and could lead to dangerous dehydration. Fortunately, there are easy ways to make it safe. 3.1 Clarify It Murky water can be harder to make safe. It can clog filters and make ultraviolet purifiers less effective. Let disturbed water settle before collecting it. Use a section of cloth as a pre-filter or build your own filter in a plastic container by layering pebbles, sand and charcoal. 3.2 Filter It Water filters should be part of every kit. There are filter straws, pumps, presses, gravity bags, which drain water through a filter into a clean container, and filters that are integral in some water bottles. They will strain out micro-organisms (protozoa and bacteria). Those with charcoal elements will also filter out some harmful chemicals and will often improve

‹ Left: Filtering your drinking water is a wise safeguard, even when drawing from seemingly clean and clear water sources. (Photo: Timothy Epp/ Dreamstime.com)

the taste of the water as well. Unless they include a purification element, however, they won’t kill viruses. 3.3 Purify it You can purify water by boiling it (this is exactly one of the reasons my kits always include a metal cup), dissolving iodine or halazone tablets in it, mixing in a couple of drops of household bleach per quart or using an ultraviolet device. While purifying would seem to be optimal, there are drawbacks: Boiling requires having enough fuel for a fire. Ultraviolet purifiers require batteries. Tablets and bleach can lose potency over time. And, none of these methods, alone, removes harmful chemicals or improves the taste. 3.4 Salty Attitude If you live in a coastal area, a desalinator should be included in your gear. While you can rig a still to boil water and condense the steam, a lot of fuel is required, and output could be slow and limited.

a desert are seen tossing away their empty canteens. It’s generally advisable not to mimic Hollywood when it comes to ... anything. Make sure you have water bottles, bladders or other portable containers to transport water. If you’re staying put and you have any warning of an emergency, fill containers of water in advance—enough for several days for every member of your group. 4.2 Don’t Contaminate It Don’t camp too close to your source of drinking water. Wash your dishes, bury your food scraps and dig your latrine at least 200 feet from water. Be careful not to contaminate water you’ve just filtered or purified by allowing dirty water to drip or run into it from the filter hose or your dirty hands. Make sure to clean water bottle lids and screw-on threads. 4.3 Protect It Make sure everyone in your group adheres to strict rules regarding how your stores of water can be used. When it comes to outsiders, a thirsty person can be a dangerous person. When water is scarce, be prepared to defend what you have from those desperate enough to use force against you to take it.

‹ Below, left: In the aftermath of extreme weather or man-made complications, you don’t want to depend on government response or stand in line for clean water. (Photo: Vinh Dao/ Dreamstime.com)

‹ Below, right: Don’t contaminate your water sources. Washing dishes, disposal of food waste and digging a latrine should be done at least 200 feet from water. (Photo: Voyagerix/ Dreamstime.com)

4.0 CONSERVE IT Water is something you can’t manufacture. Collect it, contain it and store it whenever you can. 4.1 Keep Storage Vessels Handy In countless movies, characters traversing

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TIPS TO HELP YOU STAY HYDRATED AND HEALTHY DURING A SURVIVAL SITUATION

© GETTY IMAGES

BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW

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TIPS e’re used to turning on the faucet whenever we need water. When that’s not possible, it’s critical to find water fast. During a bowhunting trip several years ago, I learned some valuable lessons about doing just that.

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1.0 FINDING WATER We were on remote national forest land and had backpacked out of our base camp. We were traveling light, had packed dehydrated meals for food and weren’t carrying much water, because we were confident of finding it along the way. On the second day out, I was already running low on water. My hunting partner and I split up to increase our chances of finding both water and elk. Lesson learned: Dehydrated food isn’t always the best option when water is scarce. 1.0 Check Your Map It had been an especially dry year. I checked my topographic map and noted what looked like a substantial stream not far away that I hoped would still be flowing. I calculated the compass bearing and hunted in that direction, intending to intersect the stream along the way. Lesson learned: A topo map can be a valuable tool in finding not only your direction, but other resources you might need as well. 1.2 Study the Topography I was discouraged to find a dry streambed. I checked my topo map again. The map indicated that the stream took a steady downhill path from my current location along a deep cut in the side of the hill. Lesson learned: Even in the absence of indicated streams, rivers, ponds and lakes, a map can show low-lying areas and gullies eroded from yearly runoff in which trickles of water or shallow pools might still be present. 1.3 Follow the Animals As I followed the dry streambed downhill, I began to notice an increasing number of animal tracks funneling in from various directions until they converged with the path I was taking along the streambed. In this area,

not only were there elk and mule deer present, but free-range cattle as well. Lesson learned: A prevalence of converging animal tracks can be an indication of nearby water. 1.4 Can You Dig It? It wasn’t long before I found water ... but the animals had beaten me to it. The streambed had turned into a trampled mud hole contaminated with excrement. I backtracked upstream a short distance to where the streambed was undisturbed. I started digging. Only a couple of inches down, the dirt turned to mud. A couple more inches down, and I had a trickle of water flowing. Lesson learned: A dry streambed could still contain water just below the surface. 2.0 MAKE IT SAFE Finding water was one thing. Processing it so that I was confident it was safe to drink was another. 2.1 Let’s Be Clear I dug out my water hole until it was big enough to submerge my 1-quart Nalgene water bottle. Then, I waited a few minutes until the silt settled and the water in my little pool was relatively clear. I screwed a pre-filter that was included with my Steripen onto the top of my water bottle and placed my bandana over that to double the dirt-filtering capability. I dipped my bottle into the pool and filled it. Lesson learned: Although I knew that pre-filtering cloudy water to clarify it could help to make purifying steps more effective and could prevent filters from clogging, I now had first-hand experience in pre-treating water—and that’s always more valuable than merely reading about it. 2.2 Purify It The Steripen I used purifies water by subjecting it to ultraviolet light, which renders any parasites incapable of reproducing and making you sick. The model I used was the Classic model. It uses four rechargeable AA lithium batteries that are replaceable—a feature I like, because rechargeable batteries lose their ability to hold a charge over time. Lesson learned: Having a bit of knowledge about how to find water, a little

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“HAVING A BIT OF KNOWLEDGE OF HOW TO FIND WATER, A LITTLE PATIENCE AND EFFORT IN OBTAINING IT, AND THE PROPER DEVICES TO MAKE IT SAFE CAN PROVIDE VALUABLE EXPERIENCE IN SELF-RELIANCE.” › Right: Digging a well can be laborious and dangerous. But, in many cases, it could be your only dependable source of water.

› Below: Aside from helping you find streams, ponds and the like, a topographic map can help you locate gullies and other low-lying areas where you might be able to find water. ‹ Near left: Following lots of animal sign that all funnel into one direction can be an indication of nearby water. (Photo: Jill Lang/ Dreamstime.com)

patience and effort in obtaining it, and the proper devices to make it safe can provide valuable experience in self-reliance. While I was not in a life-threatening situation that time (in fact, I could have cut the hunt short and walked out), my newfound confidence could serve well in facing a water shortage in the wake of a disaster. 2.3 Double/Triple Your Defense Some might say I’m obsessive, but when I venture into remote areas, I double—and

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sometimes triple—my capabilities of acquiring survival basics. For instance, I usually have at least two or three reliable ways to make fire. The same goes for making water safe. While my Steripen has been a dependable piece of gear, I’ll often carry a water filter and purification tablets too. I also have those in my ready bags so I don’t have to worry about keeping batteries charged to use them. I’ve used filter straws, filter bottles, gravity filters and pumps. All have worked well. One of my recent favorites is the Grayl Geopress Purifier. It’s a water bottle with a removable inner filter container. You use it as you would a French press coffee maker. It both filters and purifies water with one easy press. I add a couple of drops of bleach to my dish water and water used for cooking. Between the bleach and the boiling, I think I’m relatively safe. I usually filter water for drinking, because I

don’t like even the hint of a bleach taste. I always have at least a metal cup (my water bottle nests inside it) so I can boil water. (I usually include a homemade twig stove or alcohol stove, both of which use very little fuel.) 3.0 STORE IT Whether you’re hunkering down at home or evacuating to a safe place, make sure you have sufficient water containers. Maybe I’m not as sentimental as some, but if I have just moments to grab and go, I’m going to reach for water jugs before the family photo albums (but you should have your photos backed up on a flash drive that’s in your pack). 3.1 Anticipate It You might be caught off guard by a tornado or earthquake, but you usually have some warning of an advancing hurricane, wildfire or other extreme threat. So, while you could add stored water to the rotation with your other long-term supplies, you usually can anticipate imminent trouble and fill enough water containers to see you through difficult times. I also have a gas generator that can run my well pump in the event of a power outage. Make sure you have containers of various sizes to ready yourself for staying home, traveling by vehicle and walking out. 3.2 Increase Capacity My brother and I used to hunt for several days at a time on the flat top of a mountain. It required a difficult uphill hike with a loaded backpack to reach it. We couldn’t carry all the water we needed, so I often strapped an empty, collapsible, 3- or 5-gallon water

jug to the outside of my pack. After setting up camp, I would venture off with the jug and my water filter to secure enough water for our stay. The increased capacity of the jug in camp made it much easier than having to repeatedly find water to fill our 1-quart canteens. Make sure you factor in your group size when it comes to needed capacity. A personal water filter or desalinator, for instance, might not have enough output to handle your group’s needs. 3.3 Plan Your Meals If having enough water is going to be a concern, make sure your supplies include food that doesn’t require lots of water to prepare it. Rotating stores of canned goods and bottled drinks on a regular basis—using older stock first—can alleviate some concern about shorter storage life. 3.4 Dry Run Practice doesn’t always make perfect, but it can point out some shortcomings and help you eliminate mistakes. How much water do you need, and how will you get it? Find out with a literal “dry run” by going an entire weekend at home without using any tap water, instead getting what you need from other sources and making it safe.

‹ Above: The Lifestraw Community is a water filter capable of treating water for a large group. (Photo: Lifestraw)

‹ Below, left: There are many ways to make water safe for drinking. In addition to boiling it or adding bleach to it, the author has used a Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System and Steripen (both on top of pack) and (from left) the Lifestraw Flex Advanced Water Filter with Gravity Bag; an older Katadyn MyBottle filter bottle; Grayl Geopress Purifier; and a Survivor Filter Active Filtration Bottle. ‹ Near left: The Grayl Geopress is one of the author’s recent favorites. It’s a water bottle used like a French press coffee maker by pushing the inner element down over dirty water to both filter and purify it.

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WATER

GEAR GUIDE

WET WORK THIS GEAR CAN HELP “LIQUIDATE” ANY OF YOUR WATER PROBLEMS DURING A CRISIS. BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW

© GETTY IMAGES

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on’t make it hard on yourself! The right gear can make water collection, storage and purification much easier.

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Grayl GEOPRESS The Grayl GEOPRESS operates like a French press coffee maker. Fill the bottle with water, put the filter insert in place and press it down to filter and purify the water through its ion exchange and ultra-powdered activated carbon system. Tighten the cap, and you’re ready to go.

MSRP $89.95; $29.95 for replacement purifier cartridge

URL Grayl.com

LifeStraw Flex With Gravity Bag With the LifeStraw Flex with Gravity Bag, you can get a steady flow of safe, filtered water with no pumping required. It removes bacteria, parasites, microplastics, heavy metals and organic chemicals (such as pesticides) while improving water taste. Simply fill and hang the gravity bag, attach the hose and filter, and fill your water bottle. The filter can also be used as a filter straw or screwed onto a hydration pack or standard, smallmouth water bottle.

MSRP $54.95

URL LifeStraw.com

LifeStraw Community You’re probably familiar with LifeStraw’s line of personal water filters. But did you know this company also makes the LifeStraw Community? This high-capacity unit not only filters, it also purifies. When your gear has to accommodate the needs of a family or other group, this is the one to consider.

MSRP $375

URL LifeStraw.com

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GEAR GUIDE Reliance Aqua-Sak The Aqua-Sak from Reliance Products is a collapsible, 5-gallon water container perfect for use when you set up camp and have a water source at your destination.

MSRP $11.99

URL RelianceOutdoors.com

Steripen Ultra The Steripen Ultra uses ultraviolet light to eliminate bacteria, protozoa and viruses from drinking water. You can set the unit to treat either ½ or 1 liter of water at a time in 48 or 90 seconds, respectively.

MSRP $109.95

URL Katadyn.com

HydraPak Stash 1L Water Bottle When pack space is limited but you still want the option of carrying more water, the HydraPak Stash 1L Water Bottle’s a good option. This water bottle is 50 percent lighter than a hard-sided bottle and collapses to a small, 2-inch-high disk. However, it expands to a full-sized water bottle when you need it.

MSRP $25

URL HydraPak.com

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Reliance Desert Patrol 6G When you’re toting something as important as your drinking water supply, it’s reassuring to have it contained in something with rugged construction. The Reliance Desert Patrol 6G is a heavy-duty plastic “jerry can” with a 6-gallon capacity (it’s also available in a 3-gallon size).

MSRP $14.26 (6-gallon size)

URL RelianceOutdoors.com

Survivor Filter Pump The Survivor Filter Pro is a portable water filter pump that filters down to an impressive .01 micron. It uses a triple filtration system: Water first flows through a cotton mesh prefilter, then through a carbon filter and finally through a medical-grade UF membrane.

MSRP $65

URL SurvivorFilter.com

Survivor Filter Active Filtration Bottle With the Survivor Filter Active Filtration Bottle, it’s quick and easy to have safe drinking water when you’re on the go. Fill the bottle, insert the filter element, replace the cap, and you’re good to go.

MSRP $40; $20 for replacement filter element

URL SurvivorFilter.com

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PACKING IN THE PROTEIN IDEAS FOR THE SOLE PROVIDER BY SUZY JEFFRIES

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iving in a world where the unthinkable can happen in the blink of an eye, whether it’s hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires or civil unrest, we must all be prepared to provide food for ourselves and our families. Protein is a vital nutrient our body uses to repair tissue, make enzymes, hormones and other chemicals our bodies need; it’s an important component in our muscles, bones and skin and even our blood. If you’re a hunter, fisherman or trapper, these skills will certainly increase your odds of providing the necessary protein for survival. But what if you’re a single parent with an infant, have small children, are a caregiver or have a disability that hampers your ability to hunt, fish or trap?

L

"EGG PRODUCTION WILL SLOW DOWN IN THE FALL THROUGH THE WINTER MONTHS, BECAUSE CHICKENS REQUIRE ABOUT 16 HOURS OF DAYLIGHT FOR MAXIMUM EGG PRODUCTION."

SEGAMI YTTEG ©

1.0 THE MULTI-PURPOSE CHICKEN Chickens are small, easy to care for and serve multiple purposes: eggs, meat and fertilizer. Some chicken breeds are best for egg production, while others are best for meat production. 1.1 Chicken Meat Chicken meat is high in protein and low in fat: One cup of chicken contains about 76 percent of your daily protein needs (based on a 2,000-calorie diet). 1.1.1 Harvesting the Meat When it comes to slaughtering chickens, I’ve seen people slit a chicken’s throat and allow it to bleed out; my grandmother would wring its neck. I find these methods inhumane. Growing up, we held the chicken’s head down on a tree stump and cut its head off with a sharp hatchet—quick and no suffering. However, this method requires two people. 1.2 Eggs Eggs naturally contain vitamin D, which is important for immune function and bone

health. Eggs contain varying amounts of 13 vitamins and minerals, and egg whites contain high-quality protein. Egg production will slow down in the fall through the winter months, because chickens require about 16 hours of daylight for maximum egg production. Eggs should be collected daily—in the morning—and will keep for several weeks if refrigerated (and up to a year if frozen). If refrigeration is not an option, store your eggs in the coolest location available. 1.3 Caring for Chickens 1.3.1 Food and Water Chickens are omnivores and will eat just about anything, including grains, fruits, vegetables, table scraps and insects. They’re foragers, so it’s unnecessary to feed them via containers/feeders. However, during inclement weather (snow, rain, etc.), they’d benefit greatly if fed in a structure protected from the elements. Chickens need to consume a small amount of grit to assist their digestion, so add a small amount of tiny rocks or sand to their feed or just toss it into their foraging area. Ample water is essential: Chickens don’t have teeth and use their salivary glands to wet their food and make it easier to swallow. 1.3.2 Shelter and Protection Free-range chickens are the healthiest, but this makes it difficult to collect eggs and

‹ Nest boxes for chickens should be lined with dried grass, hay or straw.

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can die if exposed to direct sunlight for an extended time in high heat. Ensure they have access to a dry, sunny area to facilitate dust baths—not only do chickens enjoy sunbathing, they also need the ability to have a good dust bath to get rid of mites, lice and other parasites. 1.3.4 Cleaning House Keeping your chicken house clean is imperative for the health of your chickens. The frequency of house cleaning is largely dependent on how many chickens you have.

› Chickens are foragers and enjoy scratching in the dirt, looking for seeds and insects.

2.0 PROTEIN WITH PERKS: GOATS Goats are very versatile: They provide meat and dairy products, are good for brush removal, can be used as pack animals or cart-pulling, and can even provide fiber. Different breeds are meant for different purposes. In addition, goat breeds have different percentages of protein and fat content in their milk. 2.1 Dairy Not only is dairy a great source of calcium, it’s also an excellent source of protein. Goat milk is used to make cheese, yogurt, ice cream and even soap. Goat milk is rich in nutrients and is close to human milk in its enzymatic composition, making it more easily digested than cow milk. If you’re caring for an infant during a survival situation, having goat (or cow) milk available can mean the difference between life or death. 2.2 Meat Any goat can be used for meat. Goat meat

protect them from predators and the elements. The best scenario for your chickens is a chicken house with a large fenced area (a “run”) using chicken wire (poultry netting) or hardware cloth. This provides shelter and an area for the chickens to exercise and forage. A chicken house must have perches for the chickens to roost on at night (ensure the perches are sturdy enough to hold the weight of the chickens), along with nest boxes lined with straw, hay or dried grass, which is necessary for egg-laying. The house needs a human-sized door to enable you to gather eggs and maintain the house. 1.3.3 Location Chickens need shade and direct sunshine. Sunshine assists in vitamin D production (a vitamin D deficiency will affect egg production, as well as make the chickens more vulnerable to disease). Sunlight also aides in killing bacteria. Chickens do require shade, especially in hot climates, in which they can suffer from heat-related issues, including heat stress; and they

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› Far right: Chickens are foragers, so it’s unnecessary to feed them via containers/ feeders ... but sometimes, it's fun to let them eat right out of your hand!

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› Near right: Chickens need perches to roost on at night.

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‹ Near left: Goat milk is rich in nutrients and is close to human milk in its enzymatic composition, making it more easily digested than cow milk.

‹ Far left: Providing a clean, dry shelter is crucial for the health of your goats.

"GOATS ARE VERY VERSATILE: THEY PROVIDE MEAT AND DAIRY PRODUCTS, ARE GOOD FOR BRUSH REMOVAL, CAN BE USED AS PACK ANIMALS OR CART-PULLING, AND CAN EVEN PROVIDE FIBER." is small, it’s imperative to keep it clean, dry and provided with clean bedding frequently, because mold and bacteria can quickly make your goats ill. Foot rot and foot scald are contagious bacterial diseases of goats’ hooves; both can be prevented by ensuring the goats are not kept in an area where mud and manure have been allowed to accumulate (both bacteria thrive in wet conditions).

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is generally regarded as being healthier than beef because it’s higher in protein and lower in calories and saturated fat. Three ounces of goat meat contain about 47 percent of your daily protein needs (based on a 2,000-calorie diet). 2.3 Harvesting Butchering a goat is much like butchering other livestock. Shooting the goat in the head is the most humane way to kill it for harvesting purposes. 2.4 Personality Goats are curious, intelligent animals and, much like dog breeds, different goat breeds have different temperaments and traits. In addition, they each have their own personality. Make sure to research any breed you consider purchasing. Many goats make great pets and readily form bonds with children and their owners ... so, if you plan on eating them, you might want to keep this aspect in mind. 2.5 Care Goats might have breed-specific requirements for fencing, care, breeding, weaning and milking. For example, the Saanen goat is prone to sunburn, so if you live in a warm climate and purchase a Saanen, it’s essential to provide a lot of shade. Saanens are also known as diggers and can dig their way under a fence. How long a doe (also called a “nanny”) will produce milk through the year is also dependent on the breed. You might need to allow your doe’s milk to dry up for a period and then breed again to begin milk production. 2.5.1 Food and Water Goats are herbivores and will eat just about anything that’s plant based. They prefer to eat trees, bushes, woody weeds and shrubs but will also eat hay. The amount of water needed depends on the size of the goat and the weather, as well as if they’re producing milk (“lactating”). A large goat can get by on about a half-gallon of water a day if the vegetation they’re eating is lush and green. If the vegetation is dry or the goat is lactating, 2 to 3 gallons a day could be necessary. 2.5.2 Fencing You’ll most likely need fencing to protect your goats from predators and to keep them from wandering off. Goats are very active: They jump and climb—and enjoy doing it. The height of your fence largely depends on the goat breed, as well as how tall they are, if they’re active jumpers and other factors (such as loneliness, hunger or if there’s something interesting on the other side of the fence). Some farmers put electric fixtures at the top of their fences to keep their goats in; others keep their goats in areas with woven wire fence that’s 5 feet tall. 2.5.3 Shelter Shelter needs vary—again, it depends on your climate and the goat breed. However, to maintain the health of your goats, ensure you provide a sturdy shelter that doesn’t leak, especially if you live in a cooler climate with harsh winters and plan on “kidding” (having goats give birth) during winter months. A barn with hay or straw is perfect. If your shelter

‹ Above: Goats can quickly bond with children.

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BEST OF BREED TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS

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BY SUZY JEFFRIES

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TIPS

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ot only is research important, getting first-hand information from people who have experience in raising, harvesting and breeding is

invaluable. Here are some useful tips and information based on my own experience on a farm and from breeder blogs and friends who raise goats and chickens.

1.0 SELECT A BREED BASED ON NEED Consider breeds that are multi-purpose. When factoring in the nutritional value of different breeds, consider the stress and increased activity of being in a survival situation: Additional calories and nutrients will be required. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion has an informative chart (https://health.gov/ dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/appendix-2) detailing the estimated calorie needs per day, as well as by age (ages 2–76), sex and physical activity level. 1.1 Chicken Breeds Choose breeds that are good for both eggs and meat, such as Orpington, Brown Leghorn or a combination of both egg-layers, such as the Rhode Island Red, and meat breeds such as the Cornish Cross. 1.1.1 The Orpington can easily adapt to low temperatures; roosters are popular for

meat; and hens can lay about 250 eggs per year. Orpingtons are slow growers, reaching maturity at about 9 pounds. 1.1.2 Brown Leghorns have many wonderful attributes: a high rate of egg production (between 150 and 300 per year) and high fertility. They thrive in hot climates, have a mild temperament and are hardy. Chicks feather quickly and are easy to raise. 1.1.3 A good meat breed to consider is the Cornish Cross, which grows quickly and could reach a weight of 10 or 12 pounds in just a few months. However, they’re voracious eaters because they grow quickly. 1.1.4 Rhode Island Reds are great egg-layers, producing around 260 eggs a year. They’re hardy and are good foragers. 1.2 Goat Breeds When selecting a goat breed, consider one that’s good for multiple purposes. Also take into consideration the size of your family or group. Goats can be trained to walk on a lead and can also be used as pack animals and pull carts singly or as a team. 1.2.1 The Nubian and Saanen are large breeds. Both are great for milk and meat production. The Nubian and the Saanen are considered dairy goats, but because of their size, they’re often raised for meat. The Nubian can reach about 170 pounds, and the Saanen will weigh in at around 140 pounds. The Nigerian Dwarf is a small breed that usually doesn’t grow more than

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› Below: Cornish Cross broilers at Feather Brook Farm in Raynham, Massachusetts. This is Tad Largey's free-range poultry operation that produces both eggs and meat.

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› Right: Brown Leghorns are one of the best free-range chickens. They have a small appetite and are always willing to hunt, scratch and forage.

"WHEN FACTORING IN THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF DIFFERENT BREEDS, CONSIDER THE STRESS AND INCREASED ACTIVITY OF BEING IN A SURVIVAL SITUATION: ADDITIONAL CALORIES AND NUTRIENTS WILL BE REQUIRED."

23 inches in height and weighs between 60 and 80 pounds. A healthy Saanen can produce about 2 gallons of milk a day (with milk fat around 3.5 percent and milk protein about 2.7 percent). A healthy Nubian goat can produce around .5 to 1.5 gallons of milk per day (with a fat content of around 5 percent). A healthy Nigerian Dwarf can produce 1 to 2

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‹ Near left: A Buff Orpington hen. The Orpington is often used as a broiler chicken and is said to have very flavorful and tender meat.

quarts of milk a day (with protein of about 3.9 percent and butterfat around 6.1 percent), making it an excellent choice for cheese and butter. 2.0 TIPS AND INFORMATION 2.1 Chickens 2.1.2 Feeding 2.1.2.1 Chickens need calcium to ensure their eggs shells are strong. After you eat eggs, crush the shells and feed them back to the chickens. 2.1.2.2 Add wood ash from your firepit or wood stove to the dust bath area. This will

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aid in pest removal and, as a bonus, the ash will provide minerals (calcium, magnesium, vitamin K) that can be absorbed through the skin. Make sure the wood used for your fire wasn’t started using any chemicals, because the chemical residue can be detrimental to your chickens. 2.1.3 Harvesting 2.1.3.1 Kill cones are a popular method used to slaughter poultry. You put the chicken in the cone, head first, and cut its head off with a sharp knife. This method is humane if it’s done correctly. My preferred method is to use a pellet gun (.177- or .22-caliber): I wrap the chicken in a towel and hold the gun to its head; it’s quick, and there’s no suffering. 2.1.3.2 The night before harvesting, segregate and remove food from the chickens you’ll be slaughtering: Chickens will hold food in their crop before swallowing. 2.1.3.3 After harvesting the chicken: Before plucking (feather removal), dunk the chicken in scalding-hot water (about 140 degrees) for a couple of minutes to kill anything on the chicken. In addition, the feathers will come out easier. When scalding the chicken, make sure the water isn’t too hot, and don’t hold the chicken in the water too long, because this will cause the skin to rip when you’re plucking. A scalded chicken reeks! I suggest plugging your nose with something. 2.1.4 Fertilizer 2.1.4.1 When cleaning the chicken house, keep the soiled bedding and chicken droppings for use as fertilizer. Chicken manure is higher than cow manure in nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. If you plan to use fresh chicken manure as fertilizer, be aware that the high

nitrogen level can burn and kill your plants. 2.1.4.2 Chicken manure is best used composted. It should be composted for 45 to 60 days. It’s ready to apply to your garden when it’s dark in color, falls apart and smells like soil. 2.1.5 Keeping Them Clean To keep droppings from falling on the chickens resting below, perches should be staggered so that one perch is not directly under another one. Nest boxes should be covered to protect from droppings above. 2.2 Goats 2.2.1 Harvesting Consider shooting the goat in the back of head, because the back of the head is softer than the front. The goal is to cease brain activity as quickly as possible for minimal suffering. 2.2.2 Dairy—Know Your Goat Goats will give you milk, but only after they’ve given birth. With most breeds, you can’t abruptly stop milking or suddenly take a kid (baby goat) away without helping the doe dry out. Doing this can cause the doe’s udder to fill with milk, swell and become very painful. Mastitis, a bacterial infection, can also occur. Different breeds have different requirements for helping a doe dry out and then begin producing milk again. Researching the breed is key. 2.2.3 Keeping Them In Goats are herd animals; they’re very social and need companionship. You should never have just one goat, because a lonely goat will look for companionship. 2.2.3.1 Choose fence wire that can stand up to leaning and climbing. Woven wire fencing with 4x4-inch openings is commonly used. The 4x4-inch openings are too small for adult goats to stick their heads

‹ Nest boxes should be covered to keep out bird droppings from above.

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‹ Far left: Plucking chickens is messy and smelly.

‹ Near left: Chicken manure is higher than cow manure in nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium content.

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3.0 PROTECT YOUR PROTEIN 3.1 Store grains and feed as far away from the chicken house and goat shelter

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as possible—preferably in a waterproof container with a tight-fitting lid. Grain will attract a wide variety of animals, including predators. Feed might be in short supply, so you don’t want wild animals eating your chickens’/goats’ food; nor do you want to feed your chickens or goats any feces or urine these animals might leave behind. Predators that will readily pounce on your feed include mice, raccoons and rats. In addition to carrying diseases, raccoons and rats will eat your chicks and eggs—and will attack chickens. 3.2 Consider covering your chicken fencing with poultry netting to protect from predators that fly, climb or jump. Goats and chickens get along fine; you might want to combine your chickens with an area for kidding and for keeping the baby goats until they are larger than most flying predators can carry. 3.3 Inspect your chicken house and goat shelter daily for signs of snakes and other predators. Good times to inspect include while you’re collecting eggs, feeding, cleaning and maintaining the shelters.

‹ Above: Nubians are outgoing, social, vocal and enjoy interacting with humans. These are considered dairy goats, but because of their size, they’re often raised for meat.

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through. However, kids and young goats can—and will—stick their heads through and might require a separate area until they’re older. Make sure corner posts and any bracing are on the outside of the fence so goats can’t use them to climb over. 2.2.3.2 Review your landscape to ensure there are no tree stumps, large rocks, branches or other things the goats can use to climb on and jump over the fence. 2.2.4 Breeding 2.2.4.1 Consider keeping your bucks (male goats, also known as “billies”) separated from the does. A doe can reach puberty between 4 and 12 months of age and come into heat every 18 to 24 days, depending on the breed and other factors (including its overall health). Goats typically have a gestation period (length of pregnancy) of 145 to 152 days; and, it’s not uncommon for goats to have twins. The doe should be at least 60 to 70 percent of its mature weight before allowing it to breed. Otherwise, the doe could have problems during kidding (delivery), which can cause harm to her reproductive system. So, it’s best to wait until full maturity. 2.2.4.2 If you have more than one buck, you might be able to keep them all penned together, depending on the breed, personality and size (all bucks should be of comparable size). However, penning them together is mostly dependent upon whether they like each other (yes; I’m serious!). 2.2.5 Pack and Harness Goats Large dairy breeds are best for pack and harness goats because of their size, longer legs and bigger frames. Having a goat or team of goats trained to walk on a lead, pack and pull can greatly increase your chances of survival if you have to bug out on foot. Goats can be used to pack supplies or pull a cart to carry small children, a few chickens and even kids (baby goats) and still provide you with dairy and meat. If the load is well-distributed, a healthy, lean goat can carry up to 25 percent of its body weight and can pull a maximum of one and a half times its weight—that is, if the cart is light and is specifically designed as a goat cart; is the correct size for the goat; and the harness puts minimal weight on the goat’s back during tugs.

‹ Left: Some goat breeds really excel at climbing!

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FOOD

GEAR GUIDE

HOMESTEAD MUST-HAVES ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR THE SELF-RELIANT LIFESTYLE BY SUZY JEFFRIES

aking on more of the everyday tasks for keeping your family properly nourished means learning many practical skills. These are things that were common knowledge in the United States many years ago but are now considered antiquated and rare. What follows is a group of useful tools and gear that will make the transition and the performance of these chores easier and more efficient.

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LEM Butter Churner LEM sells its products both online and through retailers. Its butter churner fits any wide-mouth, 1-quart mason jar. It features a threaded, screw-on lid, thus providing a more secure closure. The churn paddles are made from stainless steel. Using the hand crank to whip cream, you can enjoy fresh butter in just a few minutes.

MSRP $44.49

URL LEMProducts.com

Dalstrong Gladiator Series 6-Inch Boning Knife Dalstrong is known for beautiful kitchen knives, but its boning knives are also getting great reviews. The Gladiator Series 6-Inch Boning Knife is terrific for butchering, because it’s designed for de-boning, filleting, skinning, trimming and butterflying. The blade is shaped to glade the curves of the bones, with a tapered tip to work within difficult-to-reach areas. It’s forged from a single piece of high-carbon ThyssenKrupp German steel, has an ultra-sharp edge and offers excellent wear and stain resistance. This knife is also available in an 8-inch version.

MSRP $109.99

URL Dalstrong.com

Weston Butcher Saw With 16-Inch Blade A reliable butcher saw is a must when harvesting your own meat. The Weston Model 47-1601 is designed to saw effortlessly through meat and bone. It features a curved handle for comfort, heavy-duty stainless steel blades and a trigger lock that maintains blade tension and facilitates easy blade replacement.

MSRP $34.99

URL WestonBrands.com

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GEAR GUIDE Red Brand Goat & Sheep Fence (12.5 Gauge) Red Brand offers economical fencing, including woven/mesh designs in different heights and lengths. This fence is a woven/ mesh fence that’s 4 feet tall, 330 feet long and has 4x4-inch openings. It’s made with a low-carbon steel and class 1 galvanization to prevent rusting. It's designed to flex on impact to minimize injuries to livestock. (Red Brand’s website offers an informative fencing reference guide that explains the different types of fence and includes information to help you determine how much fence and how many posts are needed.)

MSRP $304.49

URL RedBrand.com

Crosman Model P1377 American Classic Pneumatic Air Pistol The Crosman Model 1377 was introduced in 1977 and has been in continuous production ever since. It was updated in 2015 with new grip stylings. The P1377 is a pump and doesn’t require an air canister. It’s a .177-caliber pistol with a single-action bolt design, a rifled steel barrel and an easy-pump forearm for variable pump power. This pistol features a fully adjustable rear peep or open sights and a fixed-blade front. The variable pump power allows you to control the velocity.

MSRP $64.99

URL Crosman.com

FencerWire Hardware Cloth FencerWire makes, imports and distributes fencing products. Like all fencing, hardware cloth comes with different specifications and in different heights and lengths. This item is a 4x50-foot roll of 23-gauge, galvanized hardware cloth with a mesh size (openings) of ¼x¼ inch. The small openings in this fence are ideal to keep critters out, including snakes. Because it's galvanized, it's rustproof. (For added protection, FencerWire suggests digging a shallow trench before installation so that the fence sits partially underground.)

MSRP $69.99

URL FencerWire.com

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Ontario Knife Company Old Hickory 10-Inch Butcher Knife Ontario Knife Company’s products have continuously been made in the U.S.A., and its Old Hickory brand has stood the test of time (it was introduced in 1924). The Model 7111 10-inch butcher knife is used by both butchers in slaughterhouses and by restaurant chefs. Blades are made with high-carbon steel and are heat treated and tempered for a razor-sharp edge.

MSRP $24.95

URL OntarioKnife.com

Victorinox Swiss Army Field Dressing Kit Victorinox has been in business for 130 years and is known for its quality knives. The knives in this kit are made with high-carbon steel blades that feature a special temper process to ensure years of razor-sharp precision. The kit is part of Victorinox’s Fibrox collection and includes almost everything you need to butcher meat: a 3¼-inch paring knife, boning knife, filleting knife, slaughter knife, cimeter (curved butcher knife), steak knife and 10-inch sharpening steel. Also provided with this dressing kit is an eight-piece poly roll for easy storage and transport.

MSRP $204

URL SwissArmy.com

Harris Farms 2-Gallon Double Wall Drinker Poultry waterers prevent water waste and assist in keeping drinking water clean. They’re available in a variety of sizes and materials, including plastic, glass and steel. However, while galvanized steel is more costly, it’s the best investment for the long term. The MannaPro double-walled galvanized drinker is rust resistant, features rolled edges for safety, a carry handle and is designed to keep poultry from roosting on top. MannaPro, the parent company of Harris Farms, doesn’t sell directly to the public, but its products are available from multiple retailers.

MSRP $28.99

URL Amazon.com

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GEAR GUIDE YardBird Medium Restraining Cone Restraining cones are available in different sizes. When it comes to slaughtering poultry, bigger cones are better: If the cone fits tightly, the chicken can easily back out. YardBird is a brand of Ardisam, which has been in business since 1960. Its cones are made of stainless steel, making cleaning a breeze. The medium cone is best to process poultry weighing 2 to 8 pounds, such as the Rhode Island Red. These cones are designed for mounting to make slaughtering easier.

MSRP $46.99

URL YardBirdPluckers.com

Gerber Myth Fixed Blade Pro Knife A high-quality gut hook knife is essential when butchering. A gut hook is a special knife feature for opening an animal’s belly. The Gerber Myth’s blade is made of high-carbon stainless steel, and the knife, itself, has a rubberized handle for comfort. A sheath is included.

MSRP $51

URL GerberGear.com

Aivituvin Chicken Coop Chicken House Portable chicken coops have become popular in recent years. Aivituvin has designed an expandable portable coop that allows multiple coops to be attached together. The Air27 model is suitable for up to four chickens, depending on their size. Its features include a pull-out tray for easy cleaning, screened sliding window for air ventilation, two-section nesting box, two large wheels and a long handle for easy mobility. It’s made from galvanized wire mesh and features a 100 percent UV-resistant roof.

MSRP $269.99

URL Aivituvin.com

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eeping yourself and your loved ones safe is typically near the top of most people’s list of priorities. A brief look at our news outlets will show you that those in charge of the news-entertainment industry know this very well. Fear is a strong attention-getter and a powerful salesman. Despite this being one of the safest times to be alive in recorded human history, life in the modern world isn’t without its risks. While it’s impossible to indemnify yourself from all security concerns, a proper mindset and a little preparation can go a long way toward ensuring your and your family’s well-being.

K

1.0 RESPONSES TO FEAR 1.1 Fight or Flight Fear is an emotional response to a real or perceived set of circumstances. Fear isn’t a bad thing. In evolutionary terms, the fear response has been important to the continuation of our species. It’s intended to invoke the fight-or-flight response ingrained in all of us. When our distant ancestors came face to face with a saber-toothed tiger, they needed to immediately assess whether or not they had the tools and abilities to combat the threat at hand or if fleeing to live and fight another day would be their best option. 1.2 Freeze and Die While, on the surface, this seems to be a very simple set of choices that are instinctively ingrained in all of us, there’s a third option that needs to be explored. Our ancestors who were able to rapidly engage their fight-or-flight response stood a better chance of surviving whatever threat they faced. They could carry on with life and the continuation of the species. Those who resorted to the third response—freezing in the face of fear—had a much greater chance of failing their survival challenge. While saber-toothed tigers are no longer a threat to mankind, the response outcomes

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of fight, flight or freeze are much the same. 1.3 Situational Awareness and an Ambush Mentality Responding to a threat is predicated on being aware that it exists. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines an ambush as “to attack by surprise from a hidden place.” The “hidden place” part of that definition is extremely subjective. When we think of a typical ambush, we envision well-camouflaged soldiers in a prepared position. Perhaps you envision the dark-clad criminal hiding just inside the mouth of a shadow-filled alley. However, if you spend your day with your eyes and ears glued to a cell phone, that hidden place can be right in front of you. Anything that takes your attention away from your surroundings creates additional “hidden places” for threat concealment. By keeping your head up and your eyes and ears engaged with your surroundings, you can shrink those “hidden places.” Identifying threats or potential threats prior to engaging with them allows you to formulate and execute a plan of action at a time and place of your choosing. 2.0 ACTION VS. REACTION AND THE O.O.D.A. LOOP Action is almost always faster than reaction. Being able to execute a plan you have already thought out, however briefly, will almost always be quicker and more successful than being forced to react to a situation on a moment’s notice. U.S. Air Force Col. John Boyd is wellknown for his development of the “O.O.D.A. Loop” cycle. 2.1 Observation Observation is the first part of this cycle. Being aware of your surroundings, assessing your environment and recognizing things for what they are (or what they appear to be) are all part of observation. However, there’s more to the observation cycle than keeping your head up and your eyes engaged with your environment. Learn to recognize the

THE O.O.D.A. LOOP CYCLE IDENTIFYING THREATS OR POTENTIAL THREATS PRIOR TO ENGAGING WITH THEM ALLOWS YOU TO FORMULATE AND EXECUTE A PLAN OF ACTION. BY MIKE TRAVIS

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substance of your surroundings. Are their criminal gangs in your area? Do they use colors or tattoos to identify themselves? Are there abandoned buildings that could house an indigent population? How do aggressive people carry themselves? The more you know about the area you’re in and the people who inhabit it, the more tuned and accurate your observation skills will become. 2.2 Orient Orienting is the second phase of the cycle. This phase filters all your observations

through your own heritage, traditions and personal experiences. A farmer from the deep, rural South and a veteran inner-city police officer will process the same environment in very different ways. Education will go a long way toward refining useful orientation filters. Reading the local newspapers, looking at the daily police blotters, watching videos about real-life confrontations and engaging in quality self-defense training will all help you develop useful orientation skills. 2.3 Decide Decision is the third phase of the cycle. Based on what you’ve observed and what you recognize within those observations (“orientation”), you can now decide on how to act to achieve the desired outcome. This can be as simple as walking down a city street and deciding to walk on the opposite side of the street from a row of abandoned houses covered in graffiti and surrounded by trash. Alternatively, it can be as complicated as recognizing a

‹ Top: Action is always faster than reaction. Engaging your awareness can allow you to prevail ... instead of becoming a statistic.

‹ Far left: Possessing the tools to optimize your defensive abilities must be accompanied by the knowledge and ability to properly use them.

‹ Near left: An ambush attack is not limited to military environments.

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group of criminal gang members and planning on how to deal with them. The decision phase can be continuously modified as new observations are presented. This is also the point at which the freeze reaction can come into play. There’s nothing wrong with changing your decisions based on new information right up until action is required, but don’t let those continuous inputs overwhelm your ability to put your decisions into action. 2.4 Action Action is the final phase of the O.O.D.A. loop cycle. This is the point at which you put your decisions into motion. As new information is taken in and processed, new decisions must be made, and new actions must be implemented. All this can sound daunting to someone who hasn’t thought about how to interact proactively with their environment. That said, it’s something each of us does every, single day, whether or not we recognize it. Consider what you do when you drive a car. You can’t adequately observe your surroundings if you’re checking your Twitter feed while driving. You need to have your eyes up and scanning your environment for other cars, pedestrians, animals, etc. If you see a deer feeding along the side of the road, what will you do? Will you slow down to allow yourself more time to react should the deer enter the path of your vehicle? Perhaps you’ve decided to swerve into the oncoming lane of traffic to give yourself more distance from the deer. Will you change your decision to swerve into that lane if you see a car in that lane that’s headed

"CONSIDER WHAT YOU DO WHEN YOU DRIVE A CAR. YOU CAN’T ADEQUATELY OBSERVE YOUR SURROUNDINGS IF YOU’RE CHECKING YOUR TWITTER FEED WHILE DRIVING. YOU NEED TO HAVE YOUR EYES UP AND SCANNING YOUR ENVIRONMENT FOR OTHER CARS, PEDESTRIANS, ANIMALS, ETC." ‹ Top: Your actions are dictated by perspective. If you’re the one driving the car, what do you see, and what are your options? ‹ Above: Even when engaged and prepared, options are not always cut and dry. For instance, do you swerve to avoid the obstacle if there is oncoming traffic?

‹ Left: The cost of your inability to pay attention to what is important might be paid by someone else.

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‹ A complete lack of awareness of your surroundings marks you as an easy target and increases areas from which an attack might come.

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"OBSERVATION IS THE FIRST PART OF THIS CYCLE. BEING AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS, ASSESSING YOUR ENVIRONMENT AND RECOGNIZING THINGS FOR WHAT THEY ARE (OR WHAT THEY APPEAR TO BE) ARE ALL PART OF OBSERVATION." ‹ Left: Paying attention to what’s going on in your community is essential to staying on the positive side of the O.O.D.A. loop.

in your direction? Would you have any reaction at all to the deer if you had never seen one before and had no experience (firsthand or observed) with them running in front of cars? 3.0 RECOGNIZE THE PROCESS This is a simple application of the O.O.D.A. loop to something most of us do every day. By recognizing this process in our everyday actions, we can begin to apply that process to all segments of our lives. It can be effectively employed with everything from driving to going out to eat to cyber and personal security.

‹ Bottom left: At times, entering into chaotic situations might be unavoidable. Being both mentally and physically prepared will help you emerge intact on the other side.

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4.0 HONE YOUR OBSERVATION SKILLS Honing your observation skills will enable you to take in more information. Educating yourself will allow you to more effectively filter and process those observations. Consciously deciding on plans of action and implementing them will refine your ability to make decisions and see them through. As you refine this process in your everyday life, start to look for ways in which you can affect the implementation of the O.O.D.A. loop in other people during a defensive situation. Remember: Reaction is almost always slower than action. Using these tools to stay proactive—rather than reactive—will help you prevail during whatever circumstance you find yourself in.

NEW Guardian 3.5 Tanto M390 Steel Overall Length 7.25" Weight 6.3 oz Horizontal Leather Sheath Build Your Combination Today at BradfordKnives.com

CORE EDC ESSENTIALS KEEP THESE ITEMS WITH YOU TO ENHANCE YOUR CHANCES OF SURVIVAL AND HELP YOU DEAL WITH DAY-TO-DAY ISSUES. BY MIKE TRAVIS

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TIPS

n the last segment, we discussed the merits of the fight, flight and freeze responses and an introduction to the O.O.D.A. loop process for making decisions and taking action. While knowledge, skills and abilities will always trump gear, proper gear selection can be critical in giving you tools needed to effectively prevail in a wider variety of circumstances. Gear selection can depend on your mission, but let’s focus here on core everyday-carry (EDC) gear. Core EDC gear comprises items you can carry with you everywhere to enhance your chances of survival and assist you in coping with day-to-day issues.

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1.0 COMMUNICATIONS 1.1 Cell Phones One of the most effective tools we have at our disposal is the modern cell phone. Whether you use an Android or Apple phone is of little consequence. Even the relatively inexpensive models allow you to make phone calls, take advantage of advanced GPS navigation systems, access vast information databases and take photos. Many phones are now fully waterproof and allow access to many of their features, even when no cellular service is available. 1.2 Dual-SIM Capability An often overlooked feature to look for in a cell phone is a dual-SIM capability. Cellular connectivity depends on many things, including the coverage area of the carrier. Phones with dual-SIM ability allow you to use your phone daily with your normal service provider while having a SIM card for a prepaid plan from a different carrier as a backup.

1.3 Batteries Many of the phones available today have good battery life, but it’s prudent to carry a backup battery charger, a spare cable and a wall adapter to charge up your phone when the opportunity presents itself. 2.0 LIGHTING TOOLS 2.1 Flashlights I consider carrying a flashlight mandatory for EDC. Of the tools I keep on my person, my flashlight is probably the second mostused and useful tool I carry. While most cell phones grant access to their built-in LED flash as a stand-alone illumination tool, I find that having a dedicated flashlight is much more useful and convenient. LED and battery technology has advanced to the point that lights the size of a pinkie finger can light up an entire room for hours, and a light that will fit comfortably in a pocket will illuminate a subject more than 100 yards away. A good flashlight will not only help you see and identify a potential target, it can also help you navigate in dark, unfamiliar places, assist in vehicle and home repairs, and act as a powerful signaling device. 2.2 Batteries Many of the lights available today can use multiple battery types and can be recharged in the field. 3.0 KNIVES I can’t think of a time when, throughout the course of a day, I haven’t had occasion to use a pocket knife. From cutting food to opening packages to prying out stuck objects, a pocket knife is one of the most useful tools you can carry.

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‹ Near right: The author’s typical EDC items are all high quality, multipurpose and easily concealable.

What’s the best EDC knife? That’s the topic of many heated discussions, both online and around the campfire. What you carry will be dictated by the laws where you live, along with your personal needs. 3.1 Multi-tools Multi-tools, such as those offered by Victorinox and Leatherman, provide a large amount of utility in a small package. Each company offers a wide variety of tools in almost every conceivable configuration. Whether in my day-to-day activities or at work, I almost always have some sort of multi-tool on my belt or in my pocket. 3.2 Tactical Pocket Knives I’m also a strong proponent of one-handed-opening “tactical”-type pocket knives. Companies such as Zero Tolerance/Kershaw, Benchmade, Cold Steel and Emerson produce premium-quality folding knives that can be opened and closed with one hand and are secured with strong, stable locking systems. 4.0 FIREARMS Discussions surrounding what the best concealed-carry EDC gun is are about as contentious as those regarding knives. Everyone has their own opinions, preferences, needs and comfort zones. 4.1 Handguns Well-established firearms manufacturers, such as Sig Sauer, Glock, Smith & Wesson and Kimber, make a wide variety of handguns suitable for everyday carry. Over the years, I’ve carried midsize compact guns such as the Glock 19 and S&W Commander-sized 1911s. While they’re fantastic weapons, I found that their increased size and weight would sometimes influence me to leave them at home. Since that time, I’ve transitioned to carrying sub-compact firearms, with the Sig Sauer P365 being my dominant choice. 4.2 Holsters The finest concealed-carry gun can turn into a cumbersome burden without a holster. Finding a holster that fits and is comfortable is a huge consideration when choosing to carry a handgun. My choice of concealment holsters for the Sig P365 is the Tenicore Velo. It’s secure, all-day

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‹ Above, right: Modern smartphones are highly effective survival tools. Having a method to keep them charged will ensure they’re functional when you need them the most.

‹ Below: The ZT0556 (top), Ruike M875 (middle) and the Firebird FH71 (bottom) span a wide price range and offer varying levels of materials, fit and finish. All are extremely capable blades.

comfortable, customizable and very well-made. There are many quality choices on the market, so it pays to do a little research. 5.0 MISCELLANEOUS While a gun, knife and flashlight are at the top of my list of security-based EDC items, there are a few “honorable mentions” worth talking about. 5.1 Cash In a world of digital payment systems, keeping cash on hand seems to be becoming a thing of the past. Sometimes, electronics don’t work, or there might be circumstances in which forms of digital payment won’t be accepted. Having cash or valuable trade goods on hand might make all the difference in successfully navigating your current predicament. 5.2 Government-Recognized ID There might be times during which anonymity is of paramount importance. Nevertheless, having a government-sanctioned form of ID can assist you in using a variety of different payment options; they could also mean the difference between lengthy detention by law enforcement or a brief encounter. 5.3 Lighters Fire can help us cook food, purify water, signal for help and stay warm. While it’s possible to make a fire by rubbing sticks together, it’s no easy task, even in the best of circumstances. A

"THE FINEST CONCEALED-CARRY GUN CAN TURN INTO A CUMBERSOME BURDEN WITHOUT A HOLSTER." ‹ Left: Carrying a handgun means finding an effective means of carrying it. The Blackpoint Tactical (left), Tenicore Velo (center) and Sticky pocket holsters all provide solid, secure carry for a variety of wardrobes and circumstances.

modern BIC lighter can provide up to 3,000 lights, weighs only an ounce or so, is weather-resistant and cheap. While the need to make a fire in modern society is minimal, the benefits of having this tiny, life-saving device are too great to not carry one. CORE ESSENTIALS The items listed here create the basis of what I consider to be the core essentials for EDC. Your needs and environment might dictate some changes to this list. Existing in a hostile environment might cause you to get rid of that ID or supplement your concealed-carry pistol with a full-sized handgun, rifle or shotgun. Operating within the legal boundaries of your environment might mean you can’t carry a firearm at all. That said, adapting this list of essential EDC items to your needs and environment will take you a long way toward ensuring your personal security.

‹ Below: Flashlights are extremely important EDC tools. Today, even tiny lights put out more than enough light for defensive purposes.

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SECURITY

GEAR GUIDE

PREPARE FOR THE WORST WITH THESE SECURITY ESSENTIALS BY MIKE TRAVIS

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ossibly more so than with any other Pillar of Survival, effective security depends more on what's in your head than in your hand. If you're firing on all cylinders—and more than a little lucky—you'll be able to avoid situations in which your personal safety is severely compromised by watching for telltale signs and knowing your environment. For those times when your antennae aren't 110 percent dialed in, you might consider adding some of the following gear to your load-out.

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SIG SAUER P365 SAS With the introduction of its P365, SIG SAUER changed the standards by which concealed-carry handguns are measured. The 365 provides an extremely reliable, compact package while offering an unprecedented 10-round capacity. With the introduction of the 365 SAS, SIG has tried to make an already outstanding concealed-carry gun even better. The sights are a unique, flush-mount, tritium, fiber-optic system optimized for close-combat situations. The slide and barrel have been ported to help reduce the muzzle flip that’s inherent to small guns. Lastly, all the controls have been flattened to decrease the chances for snagging on loose clothing.

MSRP $579.99

URL SIGSAUER.com

Ruger Security 9 Pro When Ruger designed the original Security 9, it set out to make a safe, affordable and reliable defensive handgun that had everything you needed ... and nothing you didn’t. While the gun was extremely well-received, there were those who objected to its manual safety and lack of night sights. Ruger has addressed those complaints with the new Security 9 Pro, which has no manual safety and comes standard with tritium night sights. It uses the same rigid aluminum chassis, polymer frame and 15-round magazines.

MSRP $549

URL Ruger.com

Diamondback DB9AM29 The new Diamondback Arms DB9AM29 is the latest offering in the DB9 series of pistols. This 9mm pistol is designed for those who don’t want to sacrifice the form factor of a concealed-carry pistol for the performance and capacity of a full-sized pistol. The pistol features an ordnance-grade stainless steel slide and a 3.5-inch barrel. The sights are steel and are compatible with Glock aftermarket sights. The 5-pound trigger provides a consistent pull from shot to shot, and each pistol comes with a 12-round, flush-fit magazine and a 17-round extended magazine.

MSRP $276

URL DiamondbackFirearms.com

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GEAR GUIDE SureFire XR2 Rechargeable LED Handgun Light/Laser This new XR2 handgun light combines a bright-white 600-lumen LED with Class IIIa laser sighting capability to improve target acquisition and accuracy, as well as user safety. This compact light runs off a rechargeable, quick-detach lithium polymer battery. Simply remove it and charge it in the included cradle—without taking the light off the weapon. The ambidextrous switch provides easy and quick activation to “momentary-" and “constant-on” settings. A separate mode switch lets you select between "light" or "laser only" and combined operation.

MSRP TBD

URL SureFire.com

Streamlight TLR7A Compact Weapons Light The brand-new Streamlight TLR7A brings improved switching options to this compact weapon light. It's a compact lighting option designed to be used with smaller, more-concealable handguns. Boasting a 5,000-candela LED light producing 500 lumens, the TLR7A can reach as far as 140 meters. It’s powered by a single CR123 battery with a 1.5-hour run time. The light is now available with an all-new “high” or “low” switching option to better accommodate different grip styles and hand sizes.

MSRP $225.75

URL Streamlight.com

SureFire XVL2 Pistol and Carbine Light/Laser Combining a 400-lumen white LED, a visible green laser and an infrared laser for use with NVDs, the XVL2 represents a high standard of tactical illumination. X- and Y-axis adjustment screws are sealed to prevent contamination from weather and debris to help ensure consistency and accuracy. Powered by a 123A lithium battery, the rear-mounted, ambidextrous switch allows activation of “momentary-" and “constant-on” operations. The XVL2 can be deployed on a weapon or as a handheld light.

MSRP $1,349

URL SureFire.com

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Diamondback Arms DB15224VB Valkyrie The DB15 is a brand-new line of rifles. They operate using the tried and true direct-impingement system that’s served our armed forces since the 1960s. It's chambered in Federal’s .224 Valkyrie cartridge. Designed as a long-range, small-platform cartridge, the .224 will launch a 90-grain projectile at 2,700 fps. The rifle features a 20-inch, heavy, 416R stainless steel barrel with a 1:7 twist. The free-float handguard comes with proprietary texture pads to provide thermal protection and a sure grip. The muzzle brake ensures rapid follow-up shot capability.

MSRP $1,369

URL DiamondbackFirearms.com

Ruger AR-556 350 Legend Pistol Ruger has entered the small-platform, large-caliber AR15 market in a big way: the new AR-556 pistol in 350 Legend. The 350 Legend cartridge was designed to provide increased energy, reduced recoil and superior penetration in a cartridge no bigger than a .223. The AR-556 is a 5.6-pound AR-15 pistol with a 9-inch threaded barrel and an SB Tactical SBA3 pistol-stabilizing brace. The free-floating handguard is M-LOK compatible for the attachment of lights, lasers or grips. If you need a big-bore semiauto with a small footprint and a high level of controllability, the new AR-556 might be just what you’re looking for.

MSRP $949

URL Ruger.com

SIG SAUER Academy Most people will associate the SIG SAUER brand with high-quality firearms and accessories, but many have no idea that this academy exists. Located on 140 acres, the academy offers classes tailored to everyone—from first-time shooters to highly advanced military and law enforcement professionals. With indoor, outdoor and shoot house facilities, the SIG SAUER Academy offers something to suit every training need.

MSRP Starting at $150

URL https://www.SIGSAUERAcademy.com

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GEAR GUIDE Trijicon VCOG 1-8x28 Rifle Scope Trijicon has a well-deserved reputation for making extremely tough, dependable and effective scopes for the military. Its ACOG battle optic has served reliably on the front lines of the War on Terror for decades. At the request of its military customers, Trijicon has introduced a scope designed to handle everything from CQB to long-range engagements. The forged-aluminum body provides protection in extreme environments. Precision glass gives superior clarity and color with no distortion. An illuminated reticle is available in either an MRAD or MOA configuration that’s powered by a single lithium AA battery.

MSRP $2,800

URL Trijicon.com

Streamlight Microstream USB A flashlight is one of the best EDC items you can carry. With it, you can navigate, signal for help or identify a target. Streamlight has introduced a powerful flashlight that can fit in the palm of your hand and doesn’t require a steady “diet” of batteries. The ultra-compact Microstream USB features a tail cap switch, “momentary” or “constant-on" operation, “high” and “low” beams, a combination pocket/hat clip for convenience, and amazing brightness and runtime for a light of its size and price. The aluminum housing with Type II MIL-SPEC anodizing helps make the light extremely durable and abrasion resistant.

MSRP $52.50

URL Streamlight.com

Thunder Ranch Master USB Collection Simply owning a gun doesn’t prepare you to defend yourself or your loved ones. Training with your chosen firearm(s) is of vital importance. Thunder Ranch has been a premier center for firearms training for decades. And, in order to make its training more accessible, it has compiled its entire video training library—more than 35 hours’ worth—onto a 128GB thumb drive. In addition to all 12 premium Thunder Ranch DVD titles, the drive includes two brand-new lectures narrated by Clint Smith, as well as 14 additional hours of training, instruction and educational videos on a variety of topics.

MSRP $195

URL ThunderRanchInc.com

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WARMWEATHER SHELTERS YES, YOU NEED THEM! BY DANA BENNER

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WHAT IS "SHELTER"? Simply put, shelter is anything you can put between you and danger. It can be a building, tent, tarp or an enclosed bus stop. It can even be the clothes on your back. Anything can be used as a shelter, but some things are better than others. Just remember that something is always better than nothing. SHELTER FROM WHAT? Now, you’re saying, “I know about sheltering from the cold in the winter, but what do I need to worry about during the summer?”

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The long and short of it is that there’s plenty to be concerned about. Actually, there’s more to be concerned about as the weather warms up than there is during the winter. 1.0 WEATHER Just as in winter, getting cold and wet will bring you down really fast, even during the warmest months of the year. Hypothermia can strike anytime. The trick is to stay warm and dry. 1.1 Rain No matter where you go, find a suitable shelter before you actually need it. Find the closest possible shelter to where you plan to go and be ready to move quickly if the need arises. At a beach, it could be the changing building, the bathrooms or even a covered bench. In an urban environment, it could be a covered parking garage or a covered bus stop. In a wilderness situation, it could be a cave, a hastily thrown-up tarp or just a good jacket with a hood. 1.2 Lightning You’ll never see the bolt of lightning that

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he concept of having shelter is very common when speaking about cold weather, but what about warm weather? We wouldn’t think about venturing out in the winter without some sort of shelter, but how many people even think about shelter when heading to the beach? Or maybe for a day hike in the mountains? If you don’t, you should.

‹ Tents are the most popular shelter options; they’re easy to set up and take down. The only drawbacks are the extra weight in your pack and the lack of protection from falling debris and large predators.

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foolproof, but it’ll help. 2.2 Insects Outside of your own home, there really isn’t much you can do about insects. Sprays and topical products all help, as do smoky fires (although such fires will alert others to your location). Covering bare skin with mud will also help—to a point. If I make a shelter where I intend to stay for a while, I always have some insect netting draped over my sleeping area. TYPES OF SHELTERS Shelters can be divided into two categories: permanent and temporary.

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strikes you. That means you need to be proactive. If you see thick, black clouds rolling in or hear thunder or see lightning in the distance, it’s time to seek shelter. Don’t hold anything made from metal or graphite (such as a fishing rod), because graphite does conduct electricity. When seeking shelter, stay away from tall trees and get away from water. If you’re in open country, find the lowest point possible and lay down, using your clothing as your shelter. 1.3 Falling Debris Storms bring rain and high winds. This means there’s a good chance of falling debris. These conditions are no place for a tarp or tent—neither one will protect you from falling debris, such as a tree limb. In this situation, you’ll want to find something more substantial. A cave, line cabin or even inside the entrance of an old mine shaft would be a good choice. 2.0 WILDLIFE Of course, you have to be concerned about the usual wildlife (bears, coyotes, etc.), but by far, you need to be more concerned about those pesky critters that crawl and fly. 2.1. Reptiles Snakes and lizards will always be an issue, especially in tropical and desert areas. Cool evenings will drive snakes and lizards to where it's warm ... which usually means up close and personal with you. You can avoid them by keeping your shelter as sealed as possible. If you’re in a debris shelter or a tent, pile sand up all around the perimeter edge. This isn’t

‹ Near right: Collecting shelter material requires all hands on deck.

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‹ Above: By being observant and using the materials around you, you can put together a shelter.

‹ Below, right: This shelter—in this case, constructed from man-made debris washed up on shore—will provide shade and protection.

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3.0 PERMANENT SHELTERS These shelters are just that—permanent. They’re shelters that are strongly built and ones in which you intend to stay for an extended period of time. 3.1 Your Home Given the choice, I would always choose to stay in my own home. It’s the place where you are the most secure from all threats, whether natural or man-made. You have all your supplies at hand. It’s warm and dry and more easily defendable. All around, it’s the most ideal. 4.0 TEMPORARY SHELTERS There’ll be times you might have to move away from your permanent shelter and into a temporary shelter. While you might have to stay in them for an extended period of time, temporary shelters are not designed for long-term use. There’s a whole array of temporary shelters, ranging from natural (debris shelters, caves, lean-tos), minimalist (bivvies, tarps, blankets and even your own clothes) and tents, to "opportunistic"

‹ Far left: Found in many urban areas, fallout shelters are good places to take temporary shelter. Just be prepared to share the space with others.

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‹ Near left: If you have time, availability and good roads, a travel trailer or RV makes a great alternative to your home.

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"ANYTHING CAN BE USED AS A SHELTER, BUT SOME THINGS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS. JUST REMEMBER THAT SOMETHING IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN NOTHING." (dumpsters, covered parking lots, abandoned cars and empty buildings). There are even shelters with wheels that travel with you (RVs). All have their places, and they all have their limitations. 4.1 Natural Shelters Natural shelters are those made from the material found in nature. Branches, fallen logs, rocks and leaves are all great emergency building materials. While these shelters offer you the best camouflage (if they're built correctly and are in the right location), they tend to offer less protection from the elements and critters. 4.2 Minimalist Shelters “Travel light and fast.” I know; I’ve been there. The minimalist form of shelter is my least favorite—unless it’s combined with a natural shelter. It’s fine for a quick, overnight emergency stop, but this method really offers no true protection from anything. 4.3 Tents Every year, tents of all sizes are becoming lighter and easier to set up. A tent offers little protection from a falling tree limb, but the modern materials they’re made from shed water, stand up to wind and will keep you warm and dry. At the same time, they’ll keep critters out (although they won't stop a bear). 4.4 Opportunistic The opportunistic shelter is just that: a shelter of opportunity. Maybe not always ideal, the opportunistic shelter is a quick and easy refuge. In an urban setting, these shelters can be as simple as a dumpster or a covered bus stop. They could also be an old fallout shelter (relics from the Cold War). In a rural setting, abandoned mine shafts (common in the western part of our country) or old, abandoned trapper or logger sheds are great finds. No matter where you are, there are abandoned cars, trucks and buses that’ll also work in a pinch. 4.5 RVs Honestly, I haven’t had a great deal of experience with RVs. From what I’ve seen, RVs, like all types of shelters, have their good and bad points. On the good side, because of their construction, RVs offer great, all-around protection, and the fact that they can move is a great option. On the bad side, RVs are big and hard to get in and out of some places. They're also difficult to conceal and require a great deal of outside resources to keep them working. Shelters come in all shapes and sizes—some man-made, some natural. Some require a great deal of work; others, not so much. All have their pros and cons. The trick is deciding what will work the best for you for the situation you’re in. The bottom line is remembering that shelters are needed throughout the year—even during the warmer months.

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‹ This is never a good thing. When you see something such as this, you’d better seek shelter quickly!

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‹ This structure is a good find, but always inspect it before “moving in.”

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‹ This would be an exceptional shelter. Something such as this is probably already being used, but it doesn’t hurt to check it out.

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TIPS

ASPECTS TO CONSIDER BY DANA BENNER

hether your shelter is your home, a tent in the wilds or an abandoned building in an urban setting, there are certain things you need to consider. Your shelter needs to have a means of keeping you warm and dry (a big hole in the roof isn’t going to cut it). Your shelter needs to be easily defendable and, in the event you need to bug out, it has to have a way of letting you do this without detection. This is a lot to ask, but it is doable.

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1.0 IS IT SAFE? In this day and age, you can’t just go anywhere and set up camp. In an emergency situation, it’s even worse. Some areas might be off limits due to the effects of a natural

disaster. Maybe there was a chemical spill or the release of a biological agent. You’re going to encounter many people in your travels who are all looking for the same thing: a safe place to set up camp. Sadly, you can’t trust many of these people. While most are no different than you, there’s that small percentage you do need to watch out for. For that reason, it’s best to keep a low profile and try to blend in with your surroundings as best as you can; that goes for both your person and your shelter. It’s not enough to think a place is safe. No place is really 100 percent safe, but some are safer than others. You need to be sure before you commit. Never choose an area based strictly on face value. Before taking up residence, even if it’s for a short period of time, recon the area first. Is that parking

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› Right: Establish quick and easy ways to get out if you have to. This isn’t what you want to deal with if you need to move.

"YOUR SHELTER NEEDS TO BE EASILY DEFENDABLE AND, IN THE EVENT YOU NEED TO BUG OUT, IT HAS TO HAVE A WAY OF LETTING YOU DO THIS WITHOUT DETECTION. "

garage a “magnet” for doing deals or other criminal activity? Is that abandoned building a safe place for your family and your pet? Does the area present other dangers, such as an unusually high amount of broken glass or discarded needles? These are things you need to find out before you commit.

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In a rural environment, check for obvious signs of large predators. This is especially true when dealing with caves or rocky outcroppings. Trust your gut instinct. If a place doesn’t feel right—for any reason—move on. It’s not worth risking your family’s lives. 2.0 ALWAYS IMPROVE There’s really no such thing as a “perfect” shelter. You never have everything you need, and you never know, no matter what your original plan might have been, just how long

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‹ Far left: Sometimes, your way out might take you to less-thanideal places. Plot your route—and take it slow.

‹ Near left: No place is really 100 percent safe, but some are safer than others.

"TRUST YOUR GUT INSTINCT. IF A PLACE DOESN’T FEEL RIGHT—FOR ANY REASON— MOVE ON. IT’S NOT WORTH RISKING YOUR FAMILY’S LIVES." you’ll be in one spot. Perhaps your “one-night” stop has turned into a multiple-day stop due to weather issues or an injury to one of your party. Maybe your dog wandered off. There’s a host of reasons because of which you might have to linger longer than expected. You must always plan for the “what-ifs,” and part of that plan must be shelter improvement. Some of those improvements could revolve around camouflage. In some cases, concealment is better than cover. If "they" can’t find you, half the battle has been won. Perhaps the improvement is as simple as putting a tarp over your debris shelter to help keep the rain off. Maybe you’ll want to enlarge your shelter to give your dog more room. Still another improvement is digging a trench around your shelter that will allow rain water to drain away from the shelter instead of pooling. The bottom line? Each day you stay in one place should be a day during which you’re improving your survivability in some way.

‹ Size does matter. This natural shelter is the perfect size for you and your dog.

3.0 SIZE DOES MATTER While it’s especially true during the winter, the size of your shelter also matters in the spring and summer. The smaller the shelter, the smaller the footprint it will leave. If someone (or something) is tracking you, the larger your footprint, the easier it is to find you. It’s also much easier to conceal a small tent than a large RV. The footprint is not the only benefit of going small. Small shelters are much easier to maintain, build (if you’re going with a debris shelter) and keep warm. When you live small, you’ll travel small. This equals greater survivability. The less stuff you have, the quicker and easier you‘ll move (if you have to). These are all things you need to keep in mind. 4.0 TOOLS OF THE TRADE No matter the type of shelter you plan on using, there are some must-have tools to have on hand. There’s no need for specialty tools (no matter what anyone says!). Basic survival tools have served humankind since time began—and they still work today. 4.1 Blades If you don’t have a good blade or blades, you’ll find yourself in a world of hurt. Blades will help you process food, gather firewood and building materials, and they just make life much easier.

‹ Wolves are found in many areas. Be aware of your surroundings and any potential dangers.

‹ Above: This “junk” could give you the materials you need to make shelter improvements. Don’t overlook anything!

‹ Left: Investigate the area before you commit to putting a shelter there. You’d obviously hate to share your shelter with this guy!

4.2 Knives My father always told me that if you have a good knife and a means of making fire, you’ll survive. While we all know there’s more to survival than that, in a way, he was right. A good knife has so many uses that having one is a must. The key here is having the right knife. 4.2.1 Bush Knives Among my blades is a high-quality, heavy-duty, fixed-blade knife. There are many really good ones on the market. Find the one that works the best for you. Mine is

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‹ Near left: Use an entrenching tool to clear ground litter from around the shelter area.

› Above: A Jessmuk and a pole waiting to be notched

› Below, far right: Machetes are handy in areas where the brush is light, such as tall grasses and small saplings. They're not very efficient if you have to cut larger branches and small trees.

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› Below: An axe is a great tool, but it's limited in the scope of cutting tasks it can handle efficently. If you have to fell trees and cut heavy branches, an axe is worth the weight and limited applications.

the Jessmuk, made by LT Wright Knives. Any bush knife needs to have a thick spine, making it perfect for batoning notches in shelter poles and for making kindling for the fire. 4.2.2 EDC Knives These can either be folders or fixedblade knives. I carry both. My folder is a Gerber Gator 154CM Drop Point, and my fixed-blade knife is a NextGen by LT Wright Knives. I use both for processing game and cutting cordage for shelter lashings. In other words: They’re my work knives, and I never leave home without one of them. 4.3 Blades for Major Work To gather and process materials for your shelter, whether they’re scrap 2x4s or fallen logs and small trees, you’ll need a blade that’s made to do the job. Some people like machete-style blades; others prefer axes

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‹ Below: If you're creating a shelter in the forest, tie branches together with string as the basis for building a hut.

and hatchets. My toolbox contains all of them. 4.3.1 Machetes Machetes are the go-to work blades around the world and have been used for thousands of years. They’re versatile and come in a variety of styles. I like both the kukri and the straight-bladed styles. My kukri is a Gerber Gator, and my straight blade is an old French-made one that dates back to before Vietnam. Nothing beats a machete for clearing brush and small trees! 4.3.2 Axes and Hatchets Hatchets are really just small axes. I carry both a standard-sized axe and a hatchet, both

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"EACH DAY YOU STAY IN ONE PLACE SHOULD BE A DAY DURING WHICH YOU’RE IMPROVING YOUR SURVIVABILITY IN SOME WAY."

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made by Gerber. The full-sized axe is perfect for cutting and splitting firewood. The hatchet is just right for making kindling and for driving in tent pegs. My survival site would be lost without these tools. 4.4 Shovels Other than blades, another important tool to have on hand is a shovel with a pointed blade of some kind. If you’re traveling by vehicle, you’ll probably have room for a short D-handled spade. If you’re on foot or have limited room, a military-style entrenching tool can be carried. There are many out there, and some can be picked up at military surplus or outdoor stores. A shovel has multiple uses: It can be used to dig a latrine or a trench around your shelter. It can also be used to clear brush and

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ground litter from your shelter area. Shovels are also useful when making a defensive berm. Remember that there’s no such thing as a perfect shelter. No matter what type of shelter you decide to make or where you make it, it can always be better. Your shelter should always be a work-in-progress. Never settle for “good enough”: Your shelter can always be better hidden from view; it can always be better secured; and it can have more-reliable access to resources.

‹ Above: Even a relatively small knife can be a great asset in the woods. Consider the types of requirements you'll have and carry the most appropriate tools for handling them.

‹ Left: Losing a critical tool in the bush is inexcusable. Before you hit the trail, ensure all your gear is securely attached and ready for the movement.

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SHELTER

GEAR GUIDE

GEAR FOR YOUR SHELTER MUST-HAVE ITEMS BY DANA BENNER

hether you’re a minimalist who carries all your gear on your back or you’re lucky enough to be able to stay in your home, there are certain items you must have on hand to make your shelter work. The obvious list would include tents, tarps and such, but here, we cover those often-overlooked and sometimes-forgotten items.

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Gerber 9-Inch Hatchet If you’re on the move and weight is an issue, this is the tool you need. Measuring 9 inches long and weighing 20 ounces, this hatchet is perfect for splitting small logs or driving tent pegs. The forged-steel head is more than enough to do the job.

MSRP $50

URL GerberGear.com

Gerber Kukri Machete The kukri is a work tool that originated in Central Asia, where it’s been used for all manner of chores. It also has a place in your gear. The Gerber Gator Kukri Machete is made from 1050 steel. Its overall length is 19 inches, and it features a 12-inch sharpened edge. Its full-tang construction gives it excellent balance.

MSRP $54

URL GerberGear.com

SOG Camp Axe The SOG Camp Axe, unlike the company’s tomahawks, is designed for hard work. From hammering to chopping small logs, this compact axe is great for your outdoor endeavors and survival situations, Its blade length is 3.1 inches, its overall length is 11.5 inches, and it weighs 16.1 ounces. This axe’s blade steel is 2CR13. The handle is glass-reinforced nylon, which will absorb shock.

MSRP $48.95

URL SOGKnives.com

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GEAR GUIDE Solo Stove Titan Bio-Fuel Stove When you’re setting up an emergency shelter, it’s essential to have some source of heat for warmth, boiling water or heating up food. The Titan is just one of the biofuel stoves offered by Solo Stove. The Titan is made from 304 stainless steel, stands 7.9 inches high and weighs 16.5 ounces. Fuel consists of anything you find, from pine cones to scrap pieces of wood.

MSRP $89.99

URL SoloStove.com

Gerber Drop Point This knife is a folder that measures 8.54 inches long and weighs only 5.4 ounces. Its lockback design keeps the knife secure when in use, and the grip makes it comfortable in the hand.

MSRP $58

URL GerberGear.com

LT Wright Overland Machete Like all LT Wright blades, the Overland Machete is handcrafted and is made to work. Its overall length is 19 inches, and it has a 12-inch sharpened edge. The blade is made with 1075 high-carbon steel and has a convex grind.

MSRP starting at $155

URL LTWrightKnives.com

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LT Wright Next Gen The Next Gen is a fixed-blade knife with an overall length of 7.5 inches and a 3-inch sharpened edge. The blade is made of 0.125-inch A2 steel and will keep an edge, even after constant use.

MSRP $135

URL LTWrightKnives.com

LT Wright Jessmuk This knife is a workhorse that does everything well. Whether feathering a stick, making tent pegs or batoning, this is the knife to use. The Jessmuk measures 9.5 inches long and has a 4.5inch sharpened edge with a Scandi grind. The blade is made of O1 tool steel. The Jessmuk will hold its edge, even under the worst conditions.

MSRP Starting at $195

URL LTWrightKnives.com

Gerber Strongarm This fixed-blade knife measures 9.8 inches long and has a fulltang construction. The blade is made from 420HC steel. While designed as a “combat” knife, it’ll handle most chores around your shelter. Keep it with you at all times.

MSRP $70

URL GerberGear.com

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PREPAREDNESS COMMUNICATIONS EMCOMM'S APPROACH TO EFFECTIVE AND RESILIENT COMMUNICATIONS THAT WORK WITHOUT ANY DEPENDENCY ON THE UTILITY INFRASTRUCTURE BY JIM JEFFRIES

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t’s important to have discussions about how we’ll stay in contact with family members and friends when disaster strikes. Nevertheless, most people haven’t thought about how they’ll communicate in the days, weeks or months that follow. The loss of cell phone, instant messaging and other services that rely on the power grid and Internet can cripple your ability to reach others, so it’s imperative to have a communications plan that works without any dependency on the utility infrastructure. Developing an effective and resilient communications plan can take considerable time, extensive research and lots of trial and error. If your group is just beginning to work up a post-disaster comms plan, you might not have time to work out the kinks before the next calamity. Fortunately, ham radio operators—more specifically, the emergency communicators, or EMCOMM teams—have developed a very robust communications plan that’s adaptable to any disaster scenario. Called upon when conditions warrant, EMCOMM members maintain their gear in a constant state of readiness. They’ve established tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) that ensure they can deploy at a moment’s notice and provide effective communications quickly once they arrive on scene. What follows is a brief overview of some of those TTPs.

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SEGAMI YTTEG ©

1.0 TACTICS 1.1 Rapid Deployment Essential gear is staged in an organized manner, complete and separate from radios and accessories that might be used for casual or day-to-day communications. 1.2 Multi-Mission Capability While it’s good to have a plan for the most

likely crisis, such as hurricanes along the Gulf Coast or tornadoes in the Midwest, EMCOMM teams can be called out for anything, so they plan and practice for any possibility. 1.2.1 Adaptability Conditions could change in short notice, requiring the team to pack up and move out as quickly as they deployed. Mission objectives might change, forcing members to reset and work through a different scenario. 1.2.2 Versatility There might be several ways to accomplish a goal, and the team must try to utilize the most effective method to get the job done. 1.2.3 Mobility Operators must be able to move as necessary, finding the best spot to set up (and/ or relocate, as needed). Transportation to a site is generally accomplished by personal vehicle. But once on scene, things can be radically different: Transport by aircraft, watercraft, horseback or hiking boots could be required. Any and all possibilities must be considered. 1.3 Sustainability EMCOMM teams typically deploy with the understanding that they could be on their own for up to three days. By that time, they should be in company with disaster relief personnel, have been relieved by other EMCOMM team members, or the emergency is over. 1.3.1 Personal Needs All the normal requirements of everyday living must be met (food, water, shelter, hygiene and sanitation). Drinkable water might be in short supply, so water purification capabilities are essential at the individual level. 1.3.2 Mission Communication equipment requires electricity, and this is typically supplied by batteries. Unless another method of recharging

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› Right: Developing an effective and resilient communications plan can take considerable time, extensive research and lots of trial and error.

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› Below: It’s important to have discussions about how we’ll stay in contact with family members and friends when a disaster strikes.

SEGAMI YTTEG ©

2.0 TECHNIQUES These are the refined steps and methods that are employed to meet the objective. No two scenarios are the same, so practiced techniques are used according to the situation. 2.1 Terrain Experience and a good understanding of radio wave propagation are necessary to evaluate the landscape to make sure communication can take place between stations. 2.2 Distance To some extent, it’s possible to control how far signals go, as well as in which direction. How far away a radio signal can be detected is determined by several factors, including transmitter output power, antenna configuration, height above ground and antenna gain. However, the operating frequency is often the greatest contributor. 2.2.1 Short Range Out to several miles, VHF and UHF frequencies are commonly used. Signals at these frequencies are “line-of-sight,” meaning that the signals must have a clear straight-line path. 2.2.2 Long Range HF radio has the ability to reach across the country—and beyond—by reflecting signals off of the ionosphere, a layer in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Radio waves of the right frequency will be reflected back to the surface, where they can be received or bounce back upward. HF can be used for short-range communications as well. 2.2.3 Intermediate Range If a VHF repeater is available, even handheld radios can have a useful range of 50 to

SEGAMI YTTEG ©

is available, multiple battery packs could be needed. In addition, power management and conservation are crucial. 1.3.3 Spare Items Things break, and every component taken afield is essential to the mission. Extra fuses, connectors and consumables might be needed to keep everything working. Repair parts and a good-quality multi-tool—with wire cutter, stripper and crimper, as well as screwdriver bits—should be included. 1.3.4 Field Expediency When things can’t be fixed or are simply lost, EMCOMM operators often utilize items found in the field. Antennas can be made from strands of fence or electrical wiring, and television coax cable can be used as feed line.

100 miles. HF antennas can be configured for near-vertical incident sky wave (NVIS) to fill in the gap between 50 and 500 miles that the signals usually skip over when more-traditional antenna configurations are used. NVIS is most effective when both the transmitting and receiving stations are similarly configured. 2.3 Modes While voice communications are often used, digital modes are frequently used in EMCOMM. Digital modes have many advantages over traditional voice, including more efficient use of band space, higher radio frequency noise-level tolerance and less chance of sensitive information being overheard. 3.0 PROCEDURES Emergency communications require coordination and discipline. EMCOMM teams use standardized procedures and protocols to work effectively and efficiently.

› Far right: Gary Ashbury and Mike Bradbury of Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) test ham and Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) capabilities. (Photo: Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Pearl/U.S. Navy/released; DoDVI)

3.1 Command Structure In any emergency, a command post will be established. EMCOMM teams work to support the command structure by getting information where it’s needed. A network, or net of stations, is established to collect and disseminate information. 3.2 Net Control One station is designated to direct the net in order to maintain the smooth and orderly flow of information. Net control might be passed from one station to another (as needed) and, in some instances, control might be handed off to a station well outside the affected area, especially when HF is used. If a station can’t hear or be heard by net control, other stations might relay information. 3.3 Schedules After a net has been established, a schedule could be set up to pass updates or perform status checks. HF operating frequencies are often changed, because

› Above, left: EMCOMM team members must be ready and able to respond to calls to establish emergency communications in rugged or unsecured environments. (Photo: Pfc. Christopher Shannon/Mississippi Army National Guard, DoDVI)

› Below: Inside the mobile command center (Photo: Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Pearl/U.S. Navy/released; DoDVI)

‹ Top and above: Protected during storage and transport, the author’s EMCOMM station gear is always ready to deploy. Regular field testing ensures everything will work when needed.

atmospheric conditions fluctuate with the movement of the sun. These changes are generally predictable and are incorporated into the schedule. These are just a few of the many tactics, techniques and procedures that make EMCOMM teams proficient as the last line of communications in emergency management. Members volunteer their amateur radio skills and equipment for the good of their communities, and they spend a considerable amount of time planning for the worst and rehearsing to ensure the best outcome. (Editor’s Note/DoDVI Disclaimer: The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) images does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.)

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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR CONTACTS TURN YOUR OPTIONS INTO ADVANTAGES. BY JIM JEFFRIES

‹ The Yaesu FT-857D transceiver is rugged, versatile and affordable. It makes an excellent tactical radio.

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TIPS

ith a basic examination of EMCOMM TTPs, it’s easy to see how adopting and then adapting them to your circumstances can benefit your preparedness communications plan. Having the appropriate gear is a good place to start, but unless you and others in your family or group know how to properly use it, it’s nothing more than expensive stuff.

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1.0 EQUIPMENT Working in rugged conditions requires gear that's reliable and efficient. 1.1 Transceiver Two-way radios made for mobile or portable operation are the best choices for preppers. HF and VHF/UHF transceivers designed for automotive installation and VHF/ UHF handheld models that operate on (or recharge from) 12 volts are preferable. Avoid radios that require household AC-power supplies or chargers. 1.2 Antenna System Like a transceiver, antennas must be rugged and portable. 1.2.1 VHF/UHF Antennas VHF/UHF frequencies are capable of reaching 50 or more miles, but terrain and heavy woods can greatly limit their reach. Antennas intended to be mounted to a mast or pipe can be suspended from tree branches with parachute cord. High-gain antennas can greatly extend the range, but the extra performance comes from additional length, making them cumbersome when traversing through dense woods. Roll-up antennas are available that can be connected to mobile and handheld radios that work very well. One is offered online by its inventor, Ed Fong (EdsAntennas.weebly.com). Alternatively, you can build your own. 1.2.2 HF Antennas HF bands provide great versatility, are useable for short-range communications and

are mandatory for long ranges. Antennas designed for EMCOMM use are durable and easy to deploy. Having tried many antennas over the years, I’ve found a couple of multi-band HF antennas to be excellent choices for this purpose: Chameleon Antennas’ modular portable antenna system (CHA MPAS) and the EMCOMM III Portable (CHA EMCOMM III PORTABLE). Both antennas provide exceptional performance, are built to withstand extreme conditions and hard use, and offer unbeatable stealth, because they disappear into the surroundings. The performance and versatility of the Chameleon antennas make them top picks. 1.2.3 Antenna Tuner Most multi-band antennas have high impedance on some frequencies that make them unsuitable for direct connection to the transceiver; this is a situation for which an external antenna tuner is needed. The tuner connects between the radio and the antenna and provides an adjustable impedance to match the load to the transmitter. Automatic tuners are typically very quick at matching, allowing the operator to move between bands at a quicker pace. Consider this an essential piece of gear! 1.3 Power The standard requirement for transceivers is 12 volts direct current. It’s readily available from automotive and other types of batteries. 1.3.1 Batteries Batteries come in different chemistries and capacities. Deep-cycle lead-acid RV and marine batteries work great for fixed stations, but their heavy weight makes portability difficult. Smaller, sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries are much more portable, because they’re lighter and leak resistant. However, their limited capacity means you might need several to make it through a day’s-worth of operation. Lithium ion (Li) and lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4)

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› Right: Communications equipment is in addition to all the other gear required for a mission.

‹ Below: Listening and taking notes. EMCOMM radio traffic can provide real-time raw information during a crisis. ‹ Bottom: This is a VHF/UHF “jungle antenna” handmade by the author. Small enough to put in your pocket, this antenna performs very well. Sticks are used to spread the radials before the antenna is hoisted into a tree.

batteries are much lighter than SLA batteries of the same physical dimensions and, pound for pound, they offer much more electrical capacity. 1.3.2 Solar Power Charging batteries in the field is easily done with solar panels and a charge controller. Some charge controllers are designed only for use with lead-acid batteries and might not properly charge lithium chemistries. If you’re now using, or plan on using, lithium batteries, be sure to get a compatible controller. 2.0 EXPERIENCE Experience can only be gained by practice. While anyone can purchase ham radios, only licensed operators are allowed to actually transmit. Before you can legally get on the air on any amateur frequency, you must first obtain the license. 2.1 Licensing The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issues ham radio licenses in the United States. The requirements are minimal, but there’s an exam. For more information on licensing and/or to find an exam facility in your area, go to http://www.arrl.org/ licensing-education-training. 2.2 Training Most ham radio clubs have one or more

"WORKING IN RUGGED CONDITIONS REQUIRES GEAR THAT'S RELIABLE AND EFFICIENT."

members who participate in EMCOMM, and they’re usually quite willing to teach others. Join a local radio club and participate in its outings. Learn by doing! 2.3 Field Exercises Get outdoors and get on the air! Practice setting up your station in different ways and in different environments. Have an objective and work toward it, getting as many group members involved as possible. Send one of your stations to a location as far away as practical and establish communications on different bands and using different modes. 3.0 DIGITAL MODE OPERATIONS There’s much more to radio communications than just talking. Digital modes allow operators to exchange information when conditions are poor and voice modes are unreliable. In addition, digital modes are much more efficient when it comes to power and more effective when there’s interference. If two stations try to talk on the same frequency at the same time, it’s nearly impossible to understand either one. However, 12 or more stations can transmit using digital modes on the same frequency, and each one can be heard—with amazing accuracy. 3.1 Digital Mode Requirements Digital modes convert text or data into analog tones that get transmitted over the airwaves. This is done through software running on a computer. 3.1.1 Computer The software doesn’t require much computing power, so just about any laptop or tablet computer manufactured within the past several years will work. Most run on Microsoft Windows from versions XP to 10, and several are available for Linux and Mac operating systems. (With Windows 7 now retired, there are many good computers that can be had cheaply—or even free.) 3.1.2 Digital Interface Some transceivers have a built-in USB interface that directly connects to a computer. But, more often than not, an external device, known as an “external soundcard,” will be needed. One commonly used model is the SignaLink USB by Tigertronics. The SignaLink USB connects to, and is powered by, a USB port on the computer. Another cable goes to the transceiver’s data port. The SignaLink USB is extremely easy to use. It’s plug-and-play under Windows and works with Linux.

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Follow us on ‹ The Chameleon EMCOMM III Portable can be deployed in minutes. When hung at eye level, it exhibits excellent NVIS performance. It’s nearly invisible when supported by brush and small trees, so this antenna will go unnoticed.

www.facebook.com/ americansurvivalguidemagazine instagram: ASGMAGAZINE

‹ Digital modes require a computer. Small laptop computers fit nicely into a backpack and don’t add much weight.

ASG_1฀4V.indd 1

8/4/19 1:56 PM

AD INDEX SPRING 2020 ADVERTISER

PAGE

AERO PRECISION .........................................................................................................................99 BATTLBOX LLC ................................................................................................................................ 7 BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION ...................................................................................................... 31 BRADFORD USA KNIVES ........................................................................................................... 43 BRAVO COMPANY ......................................................................................................................2-3 CONDOR OUTDOOR.....................................................................................................................37 DOOM AND BLOOM, LLC..............................................................................................................17 ‹ Solar energy can keep a field station in operation indefinitely. The flexible, 50-watt panels and the Voyager charge controller from Renogy are excellent choices for field communications power.

GRACE HOLT / ATABASE ........................................................................................................... 43 GRIPKNIFE LLC ...........................................................................................................................100

3.1.3 Digital Mode Software Most digital mode software is free and can be downloaded from the Internet. FLDIGI and JS8Call are two very popular free digital mode applications. They’re regularly updated and improved. FLDIGI, created by Dave W1HKJ, is a program that encodes and decodes several digital modes. It’s available for download at https://sourceforge. net/projects/fldigi. JS8Call is software using the JS8 Digital Mode, providing weak-signal keyboard-to-keyboard messaging to amateur radio operators. JS8Call can be downloaded from JS8Call.com.

HKS PRODUCTS, INC. ..................................................................................................................47 LOG CABIN RENTAL ..................................................................................................................... 31 READY MADE RESOURCES ........................................................................................................ 15 READY MADE RESOURCES ....................................................................................................... 63 TOPS KNIVES ................................................................................................................................ 53

The Advertiser Index is provided as a service to Prepper Field Manual readers. Prepper Field Manual is not responsible for omissions or typographical errors on names or page numbers.

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COMMS

GEAR GUIDE

STAY CONNECTED CRITICAL TECH FOR KEEPING INFORMED

© GETTY IMAGES

BY JIM JEFFRIES

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Yaesu FT-857D All-Band Multi-Mode Transceiver Yaesu FT-857D 100W All-Band Multi-Mode Mobile Transceivers provide base station-type performance from an ultra-compact package that's ideal for mobile or external battery portable work. It offers wide frequency coverage, outstanding receiver performance and the convenience of optional remote-head operation. Providing transmitter coverage of the HF, 50 MHz, 144 MHz and 430 MHz amateur bands, FT-857D transceivers also receive coverage on 100 kHz to 56 MHz, 76 to 108 MHz, 118-164 MHz and 420-470 MHz.

MSRP $800

URL Yaesu.com

LDG Electronics YT-100 Automatic Antenna Tuner The LDG YT-100 is an automatic tuner intended for use with modern Yaesu transceivers, including the FT-857(D), FT-897(D) and FT100(D). The YT-100 connects to the radio via its tuner port. The radio’s tuner port also powers the tuner, so it requires no external power supply. The YT-100 integrates with your Yaesu transceiver for seamless operation. Just press the “tune” button on the tuner, and it will then reduce power, transmit a carrier, automatically match the antenna to the rig and then restore the original power and mode.

MSRP $199.99

URL LDGElectronics.com

Dx Engineering Rg-8X Low-Loss Coax Assembly These cable assemblies are made from new low-loss, gas-injected, foam dielectric cable. They feature a stranded copper center, braided copper shield and non-contaminating Type II PVC jacket assemblies intended for moderate-power HF stations or mobile applications for which short runs and flexibility are key factors. RG-8X features a new type of foam that can't gather moisture and has lower loss than old RG-8X foam cables. They're terminated with new, all-silver-plated PL-259 (UHF male) connectors. Center pins are securely mounted in PTFE dielectric.

MSRP $20.99 (1.5 ft.—radio to tuner); $33.99 (25 ft. to antenna)

URL DXEngineering.com

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GEAR GUIDE Tigertronics SignaLink USB Digital Communications Interface SignaLink USB Interfaces support all computer program digital modes and digital voice modes—without using your computer sound card— including legacy modes, as well as FT8, PSK31, JT65, JT9, FSK441, MSK144, WSPR, Olivia, EchoLink Node and hundreds more. The convenient front panel controls let you adjust your “transmit audio,” “receive audio” and “transmit delay” on the fly. These Interfaces have a state-ofthe-art, built-in, low-noise, analog-to-digital sound chip, only one USB connection to the computer and, typically, only one to the radio. They’re fully isolated and compatible with all radio mic, accessory and data ports.

MSRP $139.95

URL Tigertronics.com

Chameleon Antenna CHA EMCOMM III Portable HF Antenna The EMCOMM III Portable HF Antenna is a portable, high-frequency (HF) antenna specially designed for short- to long-range portable and manpack HF communications. It's ideal for hiking, backpacking, and tent and recreational vehicle (RV) camping, as well as for military, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS), Civil Air Patrol (CAP), Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)/Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) and amateur radio operators involved in field communication and disaster preparedness.

MSRP $139

URL ChameleonAntenna.com

Renogy 50 Watt 12 Volt Flex Solar Panel Traditional solar panels are rigid and often enclosed in tempered glass. The Renogy 50W Flex Solar Panel is anything but traditional. Perfect for marine use or placement on top of a van or vehicle, this solar panel is thin and capable of flexing up to 248 degrees. At 2.87 pounds, it weighs only a quarter of its traditional 50W counterpart. It’s highly flexible, so it can easily be installed on curved surfaces. Hardly noticeable, the Renogy 50W Lightweight Panel laid flat is only about .08 inch tall, making it ideal for a stealthy solar setup.

MSRP $119.99

URL Renogy.com

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Renogy Voyager Solar Charge Controller Featuring a bright-blue, backlit LCD that displays system information, including error codes, the Voyager is engineered to offer world-class quality. Not only is it waterproof, it’s also equipped with advanced PWM technology suitable for 12V and 24V offgrid applications and is compatible with four different battery types, including lithium. Ensure your system's longevity and stay worry-free—the Voyager also has you covered with multiple solar panel, battery and controller protections.

MSRP $49.99

URL Renogy.com

Bioenno Power 100 Watt Ultra-Thin Solar Panel This ultra-thin solar panel is a high-output, ultra-thin, monocrystalline solar ETFE panel. It’s ultra-lightweight, thin (less than 0.12 inch)and features a one-piece panel. It’s great for use outdoors when there's plenty of sunlight on hand but no access to the power grid. When it's paired with Bioenno Power Packs, you can take along most electronic devices. A Bioenno Power solar system offers clean output while being completely silent, because there’s no EMI/RFI (electromagnetic interference/radio-frequency interference). So, as long as you have sun, you have electricity. Note: Always use a solar panel with a matching solar charge controller when using with a battery.

MSRP $230.99

URL BioennoPower.com

Leatherman MUT Multi-Tool The Leatherman MUT is a practical tool for keeping your comms gear up, and it can also maintain military gear via its bronze carbon scraper, disassembly punch and bolt override tool. It features multiple areas for attaching threaded cleaning rods and brushes, as well as an onboard standard screwdriver and Torx bits for anything from adjustment work to gear breakdown. Other tools include pliers, a 420HC combo knife, saw, hammer and more. The MUT comes standard with a MOLLE sheath and scope adjustment wrench.

MSRP $159.95

URL Leatherman.com

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irst, let’s look at some of the reasons there are fewer communicable diseases and longer life spans in first world countries and then compare these to underdeveloped, third world countries. In general, sanitation conditions—which everyone in developed countries takes for granted—contribute to the lack of widespread disease. This refers to piped water, the ready availability of hot water, toilets, soaps, laundry facilities and showers, as well as the ready availability of medical supplies and hospitals. There are, of course, many ways to meet the needs for creating optimal hygiene via both low- and high-tech methods. Statistics from major world disasters show that more people typically die from the lack of sanitation that follows a disaster than from the disaster itself. If you go through your daily life never thinking about how we get all these wonderful technologies of modern life, you’re probably not thinking much about what to do if a disaster destroys the infrastructure that gives you water, electricity, etc. I’d like to encourage a consistent mindset of healthy living so that if your technological way of life suddenly came to an end or were severely restricted, you could continue with some degree of strength, competence and normalcy. Maintaining your health is always better than trying to heal sicknesses and disease. Make a point of identifying the “threats” to your health, both from within and without.

F

1.0 HEALTH THREATS 1.1 From Within 1.1.1 Car Accidents Let’s begin with threats from within— things that are within your ability to choose. When media people point out the annual deaths from gun shots or knives, it always

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sounds very alarming. But they forget to point out that more people die annually from automobile accidents. That’s right! You have a far more likely chance of dying in a car accident than in a knife fight or shootout, yet no one is talking about banning cars. Still, you owe it to yourself to drive defensively and never drink and drive. 1.1.2 Cardiovascular Disease Another leading cause of death that far exceeds car accidents is cardiovascular disease, which is nearly always related to a diet of processed foods, as well as from being overweight and not exercising (have you ever see the movie, Supersize Me? Just because a food is “legal” doesn’t make it good for you). Michael Pollan makes a simple, yet profound, suggestion in his book, Defense of Food. He advises that if a “food” doesn’t look like something you’d find in nature, perhaps you shouldn’t eat it. His short summary is, “Eat food; not too much, mostly plants.” Try your very best to grow some of your own food and support local farmers. Learn to avoid those foods that are heavily processed or contain numerous preservatives. Yes—read the labels! Many of the preservatives used are outright toxins. 1.1.3 Sugar Although the body does need some sugar and converts carbohydrates into sugars, we all consume way too much of it. The sugar industry spends billions of dollars to convince us that sugar is fine and that it isn’t a problem for diabetics and overweight people. Take steps to reduce your sugar content, and your health will benefit. At the very least, if you’re going to store sugar in your food reserves, store one of the “better” sugars, such as honey, date sugar and some of the “raw” sugars. (The details about why too much sugar in the body is bad for us have been documented extensively. I suggest reading

SUGGESTIONS FOR MAINTAINING OPTIMAL HEALTH DURING A DISASTER

© GETTY IMAGES

BY CHRISTOPHER NYERGES

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‹ Left: Sugar—the

“cocaine” of Western civilization

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‹ Below, left: Lamb’s

quarter is a wild green which is rich in many vitamins and minerals. It grows worldwide. ‹ Below, right:

3.0 MEDICATIONS If you take a lot of medications, you should stock up on whatever it might take to keep you alive. Simultaneously, however, you should consider whether your lifestyle and dietary choices are contributing to your health issues. If you’re diabetic, for example, there’s a large body of evidence suggesting that diet is a major contributing factor (as is excessive use of

Purslane is a common weed in North America and is edible and tasty. It's the richest plant source of Omega 3 fatty acids.

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2.0 FOOD AS MEDICINE Hippocrates advised, “Let your food be your medicine.” In other words, eat quality foods that provide you with all the minerals and vitamins you need and that promote good health. 2.1 Examples of Healthy Foods 2.1.1 Lamb’s Quarter This is a common “escapee” from Europe that can now be found all over the globe. It’s a rich source of vitamins and minerals, and the greens can be added to soups, vegetable dishes or salads. 2.1.2 Purslane Purslane is another common weed, in this case, from India. Besides tasting good, purslane is the richest source of Omega 3 fatty acids in plants. Just rinse the plant, chop it and add it to salads, soups, egg dishes and stews. You can also pickle the purslane stems. 2.1.3 Dandelion Dandelion is a European native that’s also found globally today. It’s richer in beta carotenes than carrots! Although dandelion greens are bitter when raw, they can be added to cooked dishes to mellow the bitterness. 2.1.4 Garlic

Garlic should be included in your diet on a regular basis. If not garlic, then one of the other member of this family, which includes onions, leeks, shallots, ramps, etc. Put them in your soups and salads. They help protect you from certain infections and, in some cases, have been shown to lower high blood pressure. 2.1.5 Lemon Lemon is another old remedy to help improve upper respiratory infections and fight colds. 2.1.6 Vinegar Vinegar has many health benefits (read Dr. D.C. Jarvis’s Folk Medicine, which was originally published in 1958. He addresses the many health benefits of vinegar in the daily diet). Be certain to always purchase raw apple cider vinegar and not pasteurized.

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The Case Against Sugar, by Gary Taubes.)

4.0 WHAT TO AVOID 4.1 Sun We need sun, but we certainly don’t need too much. Be aware of the amount of time you’re in the sun without any covering. Grow some Aloe vera plants in your prepper garden. Among other things, the gel from the fresh Aloe leaf is one of the best treatments for sunburn. 4.2 Poison Oak Is there poison ivy or poison oak near where you live? Can you recognize it? If

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white sugar). I’ve interviewed former diabetics with the adult onset form of the disease. They altered their diets ... and no longer take insulin. In some cases, they only ate raw foods for a while, completely cutting out meats, sugars and sugared drinks. (I also discovered that many of them began to consume prickly pear cactus products on a daily basis, either fresh or in pill form.)

‹ Above: Garlic

should be grown in every prepper garden. It's both a food and a medicine.

© GETTY IMAGES

© GETTY IMAGES

‹ Left, top: One of

the best natural ways to treat poison oak or poison ivy is with the gel of the Aloe vera plant.

‹ Left, bottom: Get

to recognize poison oak (and poison ivy—shown here) if it grows in your area.

you‘re allergic (most people are), once you brush up against the plant, your skin will develop an itching and extremely irritating rash; it’s not pleasant. Doctors treat it with cortisone, which does work. There are many commercially available products designed to treat poison oak rash. However, fresh Aloe vera gel applied directly from the plant provides natural relief for the itching, and it promotes rapid healing as well. 4.3 Mosquitoes People often express a fear of bears, snakes, wolves and other such animals when they’re in a wilderness area. In fact, these animals kill a relatively small number of people annually. However, did you know that the number-one “animal”-related cause of human death is mosquitoes? Mosquitoes spread malaria, among other diseases, and they breed in conditions of stagnant water ... as well as in the poor sanitation that often follows serious disasters. 4.3.1 Natural Mosquito Repellents If there’s a mosquito problem where you live, find some natural repellents you can apply on your skin—and definitely stock up! 4.3.1.1. Suggestions There are many mosquito repellent products on the market. Avon makes a product called “Skin So Soft” that apparently repels mosquitoes when applied to the skin. It was never intended to be a mosquito repellent,

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› Near right: There are many mosquito repellent products on the market.

› Far, right: Be aware of the amount of time you’re in the sun without any covering.

› Below: Seniors have special needs, so take that into consideration in your planning.

and even Avon isn’t sure why it works. However, plenty of users have confirmed its effectiveness. 4.3.1.2 Lantana People in parts of Africa have planted lantana bushes around their homes to repel mosquitoes, according to Malaria Monthly. It's considered to have an effectiveness of about 40 percent (certainly better than nothing). In addition, people sometimes burn the lantana; its smoke repels mosquitoes. This has a rating of about 80 percent. 4.3.2 Internal Repellents As for internal repellents, garlic, Vitamin B

complex and vinegar have all been suggested over the years. Garlic and Vitamin B complex are both excellent for your health, but I personally haven’t noticed that mosquitoes don’t bite me when I consume these two items. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean it won’t work for you; remember, everyone’s body chemistry is a bit different. On the other hand, when I began to include about a tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar in my juice or drinking water, especially if I planned to be in an area with a mosquito problem, I found that other people were getting bitten—but I wasn’t! 5.0 SPECIAL SITUATIONS 5.1 Children If your family includes children, be sure to include them in your survival planning. Yes, that might seem obvious, but too many parents seem to believe they're protecting their children by not talking about disaster planning. Talk to your children so they understand that things can happen that might disrupt the family’s life. Give them responsibilities, and let them feel they are an important part of things. Still, let’s get real: Children are unpredictable. They have short attention spans; they don’t always remember or follow instructions; and they need to be fed more than adults. But if you make a game of your survival planning and exercises and include your children in a meaningful way, they’ll grow to enjoy some of the exercises ... and they might even surprise you in a real disaster. 5.2 Seniors If your family includes seniors, they might not be as fast or agile as the younger family members. Nevertheless, they’re likely to be smarter, so you should definitely tap into their knowledge and experience. Keep in mind that seniors might have special needs you need to address. 5.3 First Aid Courses I strongly suggest you enroll in a Red Cross emergency first aid course and take it every two years or so. These classes address basic emergency responses to such things as shock, burns, electrical shock, cuts, loss of breath, broken bones, etc. Unless you’re a practicing doctor or paramedic, you can’t possibly learn appropriate emergency responses simply by reading about it online or in a book. 6.0 SURVIVAL PLANNING Planning for emergencies isn't like painting by the numbers. Everyone is different. Planning is always very personal and should be customized for each person and their family, along with their specific needs. 7.0 MAINTAIN HEALTH It’s good to develop habits that result in good health and find ways to eliminate the habits that degrade your health. For starters, here are some suggestions. 7.1 Don’ts • If you’re taking illegal drugs just to get high, stop!

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• If you’re an alcoholic, please do whatever it takes to stop. Join AA. Although there are many proximate causes of homelessness, drug use and drinking are pervasive and are either the actual cause of homelessness or their use keeps the person from getting back on their feet. Someone in this situation needs to do whatever is necessary to stop the drug and alcohol use—or their life will continue to be a mess. • If you smoke cigarettes, stop. Although all smoking, especially of tobacco, has some harmful health effects, it’s worth noting that the tobacco used in cigars and pipes is generally free of the many additives added to cigarettes; therefore, pipe and cigar smoking are, at least, “not as bad.” 7.2 Do’s These are some very basic “do’s" that have stood the test of time. They’re so obvious to your health that it’s nearly embarrassing for me to have to mention them. • Remove stress from your life. In a survival situation, it might be impossible to eliminate all stress, but you should learn to control your responses to life’s situations. Learn how to deal with chaos, and learn how to avoid it. • Exercise regularly. This is nearly as important as a good diet. • Your skin is the largest organ of your body, so good hygiene is essential for good health—in good times or bad. Your skin should be kept clean. When I’m in the desert and away from a regular water supply, I carry a bristle brush. I “wash” my entire body by brushing the skin. It’s irritating at first, but now, I look forward it, because it leaves me feeling really clean and rejuvenated. 7.3 Secret to Longevity Many years ago, I read a magazine article for which the author had interviewed people who lived into their 90s; in fact, some were as old as 100. The author asked them for their secret to longevity. Some of the responses were silly: One man suggested smoking a cigar or having a shot of whiskey every day. I did like a man who said he danced every day, even if it was just for a few minutes. But the one I never forgot was the man who said he used a towel to give himself a rubdown over his entire body, almost like a massage. I believe he kept his pores open by doing this and was able to maintain good health. Some other suggestions for longevity:

© GETTY IMAGES

“ANYTIME YOU'RE AWAY FROM CIVILIZATION FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME ... CONSIDER TAKING WITH YOU PRODUCTS TO KEEP YOURSELF CLEAN.”

7.3.1 Healthy Diet Remember, if it doesn’t look like something you find in nature, it’s probably not something you should be eating. 7.3.2 Sun Your body and mind need sunshine. Go outdoors at least some of the time each day. 7.3.3 Maintain Good Relationships Yes, this relates to your health; and it especially relates to preppers, who need to be constantly establishing good relationships to get things done. If you’re constantly complaining and fighting with others, you’ll be negatively affecting your own physical and emotional health (and will probably die young). And if you discover that certain people drain you when you’re around them, find ways to avoid them. 7.3.4 Sleep Your body needs sleep: During this time, your body does some internal healing and gets ready for the next day. If you’re in a survival situation during which it’s necessary for someone to keep watch at all times, be sure to organize your days so everyone gets some sleep.

‹ Top: Remember,

if it doesn’t look like something you find in nature, it’s probably not something you should be eating. ‹ Above: Your body

needs sleep: During this time, your body does some internal healing and gets ready for the next day.

‹ Left: Getting

outdoors and exercising are always good ideas to keep yourself healthy!

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HEALING POWER THE MAGIC OF WATER AND OTHER EARTHLY HEALTH AIDS BY CHRISTOPHER NYERGES

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TIPS ne of my mentors used to emphasize that water is one of the most complex substances on Earth. We only think we understand it because it's so common. For instance, consider the following, where we compare the health benefits of a cold shower and a hot shower:

O

1.0 WATER 1.1 Cold Shower • Increases alertness • Tightens up the skin • Stimulates your immune system • Stimulates hormones that help fight off mental depression • Accelerates your metabolism • Prevents colds • Reduces hair loss (maybe) 1.2 Hot Shower • Works as a nasal decongestant • Opens the pores and cleanses the skin • Removes toxins through the pores • Relaxes your muscles • Lowers your tension level • Reduces anxiety • Reduces swelling • Helps alleviate migraine headaches 1.3 Dealing With Injuries Of course, these benefits merely scratch the surface of the healing value of water. My mother was a registered nurse who grew up on a farm during the Great Depression. She knew how to deal with farm injuries when you couldn’t get into the city hospitals. This is part of the knowledge we all once had and was passed down from generation to generation. We have to re-learn this knowledge to keep alive. • Treat infections initially with warm water. • Soak the foot in hot water and Epsom salt. • Soak sprains or swelling in cold water. 2.0 WILLOW MAGIC The willow tree is widespread throughout North America and, in fact, throughout most of the world. Its bark has long been used as a

medicine (and its soft wood is ideal for countless wood projects). 2.1 Medicinal Uses The bark of the younger shoots is strongest and is easiest to peel in spring when green. I try to peel off long strips of the bark, which I then dry and use when needed. These strips of bark become brittle when dry. 2.1.1 Tea When the fresh or dried willow bark is steeped in water, the resulting tea is good for headaches, fevers and even hay fever. Due to its strong antiseptic properties, this tea can also be used as an effective mouthwash or used externally on wounds. 2.1.2 Baths A willow wash is said to work wonders on rheumatism sufferers. When my body feels particularly stiff, I’ve sometimes put a few handfuls of willow bark into a hot bathtub. 2.1.3 Pain Every now and then during one of my walks, someone will tell me that they have a headache. I peel off two slivers of willow bark and hand it to them. “Take two pieces of bark and call me in the morning,” I’ll tell them. Most people laugh when I say this, but some people don’t "get it," because they aren’t familiar with willow or its history. The inner bark of willow contains salicin—the original aspirin. In fact, aspirin was originally produced from willow bark. According to Dr. James Adams, author of Healing with Medicinal Plants of the West, a tea is made from the bark that’s then drunk for fevers, colds, sore throats, headaches, pains and malaria. The bark can also be chewed to alleviate a toothache. The willow was one of the important medicinal plants of the Western Native Americans. Its bark was also crushed into a poultice and applied directly to the skin to relieve pain and reduce swelling.

‹ Soak an injured foot in hot water and Epsom salt.

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How does willow work medicinally? According to Adams, “Willow contains natural salicylates such as salicin, salicortin, tremulacin, populin and others. Salicin is converted by intestinal flora to saligenin, which is oxidized in the liver to salicylic acid. Willow bark can contain up to 10 percent salicin.” 2.2 Identifying the Willow Willow plants are somewhat diverse in appearance. Some are small and bushy; others are tall trees. Their leaves are nearly all thin and lance shaped, and the plant is always found along streams. I‘ve seen them at sea level and higher than 8,000 feet. You might not know offhand how to identify a willow, but I can assure you that you’ve driven or hiked by one each time you were by a stream. 3.0 “THE VINEGAR OF FOUR THIEVES” 3.1 The Backstory We’re very advanced here, in the United States, so there’s no reason we should ever be concerned about anything as drastic as bubonic plague, right? So wrong! Plague is spread by fleas on rats—which are common when the level of general hygiene drops. Although we haven’t seen anything like this

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‹ Above: A view of willow leaves ‹ Above, right: When fresh or dried willow bark is steeped in water, the resulting tea is good for headaches, fevers and even hay fever. ‹ Below: Daniella del Valle shows some of the raw ingredients for the “Vinegar of Four Thieves”: garlic and raw apple cider vinegar (the other herbs are not shown).

"WILLOW PLANTS ARE SOMEWHAT DIVERSE IN APPEARANCE. SOME ARE SMALL AND BUSHY; OTHERS ARE TALL TREES." (yet) in the United States, consider how four thieves managed to deal with plague conditions. During an outbreak of bubonic plague in France several centuries ago, four thieves managed to loot empty, plague-ridden homes without contracting the dreaded plague. After all, they figured, what did it matter? Nearly everyone was dead (some Middle Ages accounts tell us that during some of the worst plague outbreaks, the dead outnumbered the living, and the dead could not be buried fast enough). The four thieves were arrested by policemen for looting and were brought before a judge in Marseilles. Wondering aloud, the judge asked how it was that the four men had managed to resist the plague, especially having been in and out of so many plague-infested homes. “We drink and wash with this vinegar preparation every few hours,” they answered. The judge then made a shrewd bargain: The thieves would be given their freedom in exchange for their ”anti-plague recipe.” This recipe is recorded in Dian Buchman’s Herbal Medicine book. She writes, “This recipe has been used for centuries, but legend has it that it was discovered during a devastating bubonic plague.” 3.2 The "Vinegar of Four Thieves" Recipe 3.2.1 Ingredients 2 quarts (half-gallon) apple cider vinegar 2 Tablespoons lavender 2 Tablespoons rosemary 2 Tablespoons sage 2 Tablespoons wormwood 2 Tablespoons rue 2 Tablespoons mint 3.2.2 Preparation Combine the herbs and steep everything in the vinegar in the sun for two weeks. Strain. Add 2 tablespoons of garlic buds and steep for several days. Remove the garlic buds. To preserve, add 4 ounces of glycerin. 3.3 Uses Karin James, the editor of The Forest Voice, adds that this vinegar recipe can be used for washing floors, walls and windows and will offset odors in the home. It helps deter bugs if you rinse your hiking gear in it. She also saves the herbs when she strains them out of the vinegar and places them where ants come into the kitchen (“It works,” she states. “No more ants!”) In trying to determine why this works, we concluded that the vinegar is the primary activator. Whole books have been written about the health benefits of vinegar. We strongly suggest you always use only raw apple cider vinegar. In addition, garlic has known antibiotic properties. (And rue used to be added to spoiled meat by unscrupulous merchants in the Middle Ages so

people wouldn’t get sick when eating the meat!) Ubiquitous homeless camps, which generally have no running water, toilets or any hygiene protocols, provide a conducive condition for plague to spread. Additionally, in the chaotic aftermath of a widespread catastrophe, when sanitation systems are not maintained, it’s entirely possible that plagues could spread. This vinegar recipe isn’t the only solution. However, it’s a versatile and low-tech solution that families and communities could employ. 4.0. PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS 4.1 About Enrique Villaseñor Enrique Villaseñor is at the head of the classroom, extolling the many unsung virtues of the prickly pear cactus. “It’s often referred to as ‘poor people’s food.’” he explains. “But did you know that it contains all the essential amino acids and some non-essential amino acids as well?” Villaseñor is the de facto “ambassador” of the humble prickly pear cactus, a plant that’s been used for food and medicine for millennia. After 35 years as a teacher, Villaseñor recently retired and now actively works as an assistant to pharmacologist Dr. James Adams, who shares traditional Chumash healing methods. “The prickly pear cactus is one of the best immune system boosters,” says Villaseñor, quoting Hippocrates, who said, “Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food.” 4.2 Uses Historically, the prickly pear cactus’s “pads” have been used for lowering cholesterol levels, digestive issues, edema, wounds, bronchitis, fevers, vitiligo, inflammation, type II diabetes, muscle pain, urinary problems, burns and liver problems. Students of Villaseñor listen in awe, wondering why they have always considered the prickly pear just a food to eat when you’re next to starving—rather than the "superfood" it is. Villaseñor explains that because prickly pear was always available in good times and bad and in times of drought and plenty, it was always something poor people could, and did, use. But at some point, it came to be regarded simply as a food-of-last-resort. Today, however, that view is changing. Villaseñor points out that one can find hundreds of products made from the prickly pear (for instance, on Amazon.com). The highlight of Villaseñor’s presentation is when he turns on a food processor and makes a prickly pear drink for everyone to try. First, he scrapes the young pads to remove the spines and the tiny, hair-like glochids. He puts one large pad into the blender, adds one apple and one peeled orange and blends it all. No sugar is added. The resulting drink is thick (but it can be thinned further with water if preferred). Everyone enjoyed the tartness and sweetness of the drink. 4.3 “Agua de Nopales” Smoothie Recipe 4.3.1 Ingredients 1 prickly pear cactus pad (cleaned and rinsed) 1 peeled orange 1 green apple 2 cups chilled water 1 ice cube 1 lime 4.3.2 Preparation Dice the prickly pear pad and place it in a blender with the chilled water. Blend. Dice the green apple and blend. Dice the orange and blend. Add additional water to taste if the smoothie is too thick for you. Serve chilled with ice. Use lime to taste. Don’t add sugar. A suggested serving is 1.5 cups twice a day. According to Villaseñor, this is one of the best ways to get your daily intake of the prickly pear in a form that’s tasty and easy to prepare. The benefits are that it strengthens your immune system, helps you to lose weight and lowers your cholesterol. He adds that complete health is really about complete balance. By “balance,” he explains that each of us needs to find balance physically, spiritually, socially and financially within our community and family. “You should work at this every day,” he explains. Additionally, Villaseñor points out that the natural immune-boosters include sleep, a plant-based diet, exercise, no smoking, having minimal stress in your life, maintaining

a healthy weight, minimal alcohol consumption, maintaining healthy relationships and avoiding infections. Consuming prickly pear cactus daily is just one part of this overall balance. Villaseñor also shares testimonials from some of his students. They’ve experienced lower glucose levels, improved bowel movements, weight loss and lower cholesterol levels by consuming the prickly pear cactus drink, along with other herbal remedies.

‹ The spines and fine glochids on the prickly pear cactus must be removed from its pads before using.

‹ The diced pads are ready to be added to a cooked dish or made into a smoothie.

‹ Enrique Villaseñor answers students’ questions while making a cactus drink.

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HEALTH

GEAR GUIDE

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IDEAS A GUIDE FOR A HEALTHIER YOU

© GETTY IMAGES

BY CHRISTOPHER NYERGES

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Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar For the purposes described in this issue’s “Health” section, we recommend only raw apple cider vinegar, because it has the best medicinal properties. In addition, raw vinegar contains a “mother”—a piece of the living organism that allows you to grow more vinegar. Don’t make the mistake of buying pasteurized apple cider vinegar. Bragg is one of several companies that make raw apple cider vinegar.

MSRP Varies by size

URL Bragg.com

Prickly Pear Cactus Pads The ideal cactus product is the prickly pear cactus plant, which is easy to grow, especially if your area doesn’t get a hard freeze. If someone you know already grows some, you can get a pad, stick it in the soil, and it will grow (eventually, you’ll have more of it than you can use!). As you learn to use it and include it in your omelets, drinks and stews, you’ll truly appreciate this desert plant that’s served so many for so long. A prickly pear cactus pad can be purchased at many supermarkets, nurseries and farmers markets. It can also be found on Amazon.

MSRP $9.35

URL Amazon.com

Live Aloe Vera Plants Aloe can grow just about anywhere, even if you live in an area that gets extended hard freezes (In which case, it would need to be placed indoors or in a greenhouse). When aloe leaves are broken and the gel is applied to the skin, it can effectively heal various burns, poison oak rash, diaper rash, cuts and scratches, and sunburns. This plant is easy to grow and multiplies rapidly, giving you a great barter item. Purchase it at any supermarket or nursery.

MSRP $5–$10 (on average)

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Sawyer Maxi DEET Insect Repellent DEET is perhaps the most effective mosquito repellent on the market (unfortunately, it’s so potent that some people have an allergic reaction to it). Sawyer Products sells a two-pack MaxiDEET Insect Repellent pump spray that consists of 98 percent DEET and has a low odor. It comes in different sizes, but the two-pack assures that you’ll always have plenty around for mosquito “emergencies.”

MSRP $19.99 (two-pack)

URL Sawyer.com

Avon Skin So Soft With Picaridin Skin So Soft is generally sold as a women’s skin product. However, years ago, users began to notice that it also repels mosquitoes. Avon doesn’t know why, but it’s now begun to capitalize on this fact. Avon offers many available options, including a two-pack called Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin With Vitamin-E & Aloe spray pump. It comes in 4-ounce containers. Keep in mind that Avon products are sold exclusively through Avon distributors (who seem to be everywhere!).

MSRP $24 (family size)

URL Avon.com

Extreme Simplicity: A Guide to Urban Homesteading This guide to self-sufficient city dwelling documents how to help prepare for everything from power failures and terrorist attacks to droughts and earthquakes. It includes strategies for coping with disasters, as well as making the most of everyday life. Authors Christopher and Dolores Lynn Nyerges explain how to use available natural resources in an intelligent, efficient way, including growing and preserving garden produce and finding wild edibles; harvesting storm runoff for backup water supplies; preparing food with a wood stove and solar cooker; recycling; keeping chickens, bees and other animals; and much more.

MSRP $14.95

URL Amazon.com

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Jaxpety 5 Gallon Flush Porta Potti You need some sort of alternative toilet. Hospital potties are purchased for in-home use and are then often given to thrift stores. However, consider this toilet by Jaxpety, a 5 -gallon flush porta-potty for indoors or outdoors use. It has a two-way flush with a quality sealing slide valve that locks in odors and protects against leakage. It has two water tanks: a large tank that holds 3.2 gallons of clear water, and a waste water tank that holds 5.3 gallons. This portable toilet is suitable for a family or groups of people to use when traveling.

MSRP $68.99

URL Amazon.com

Coleman 5 Gallon Solar Shower A solar shower should be a regular part of everyone’s emergency gear. This Coleman shower comprises a simple, ingenious bag that heats water in the sun. It has a sturdy handle for hanging and an easy-to-use on/off valve. It’s excellent for car-camping and backpacking. You can also buy a simple shower stall for privacy. Remember that 5 gallons of water weigh more than 40 pounds, so don’t fill this solar shower all the way if you don’t have a sturdy branch to hang it on.

MSRP $21

URL Coleman.com

GigaTent Shower Enclosure Although you can rig up a privacy screen with sheets and string, there are several easy-to-use pop-ups that provide you with privacy in an instant and can be transported anywhere. The GigaTent Shower Enclosure can be used as a place to hang your solar shower bag for showering, as a changing room or a privacy room for a toilet. It's made from heavy-duty material—polyester taffeta—and has a flexible steel frame for premium durability. It’s designed to withstand the elements and is engineered for long-lasting repeat use. It also includes a carry bag. Weighing just 3 pounds, it can be folded into a 20x20x2-inch size.

MSRP $18.69

URL GigaTent.com

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Lehman’s Breathing Mobile Washer If you have no other options, you can wash your clothes with soap and water in a bucket. Lehman’s sells the Breathing Mobile Washer, a low-cost device for hand-washing your clothes in a bucket. It’s pretty basic: Plunge up and down to force soap and water through clothes and linens. It's that simple! Faster, more economical and much more efficient than traditional hand-washing, it just might get your clothes cleaner than an electric- or gas-powered machine. And, it reduces wear on clothes ... and saves water. (The tub is not included.)

MSRP $22.99

URL Lehmans.com

Mekkapro Ultra Large Mosquito Net If you’re going to be in an area where you’re exposed to mosquitoes, you need to use a repellent and/or cover yourself with a net. There are many such small nets available that fit over a hat and protect the face. However, the Mekkapro Ultra Large Mosquito Net is big enough to cover a hammock that’s designed for backyard or camping applications. This is a versatile net, with two large openings and an assortment of hooks to customize to your needs. It comes with its own carrying bag.

MSRP $29.99

URL Amazon.com

Local Raw Honey Honey is much more than just a sweetener. For starters, because it has a low water content, it can keep for centuries! Over time, it crystallizes, but it’s still good and edible. In addition, if you place raw honey directly onto wounds, it helps prevent infections. Raw honey can be sourced locally in most areas and, with training and practice, you can even maintain your own hives and use honey for barter, as well as a source of nutrition.

MSRP Varies by source and size

URL Search Google for local sources

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AMERICAN SURVIVALGUIDE

PREPPER’S CHECKLIST

ur goal is to provide you with the information and knowledge you’ll need to survive any emergency situation. Because this can be a complicated endeavor, we’ve developed this “prepper’s checklist” to help simplify and organize your efforts, inventory and to-do lists. Whether you’re concerned about a short-term rural survival scenario, civil unrest in an urban area or a massive natural or man-made disaster, we hope you find this comprehensive checklist invaluable for ensuring you have what you need to survive virtually any adverse situation. It’s organized according to our “Six Pillars of Survival”—food, water, shelter, security, communications and health—so you can instantly access and track your level of preparedness in each area. We encourage you to add to it so it will meet your specific requirements. We suggest you either scan or remove these pages and make copies you can keep in your storage areas as inventory sheets, file with your other important documents and as a shopping list for items you need to acquire or replace.

O

1. FOOD PILLAR ASG recommends keeping at least a 30-day food supply on hand for each person. Remember that, on average, men need about 2,500 calories a day, and women need around 2,000. Depending on your condition, level of stress and physical exertion, you might need more. 1.1 FOODSTUFFS Cooking oils (coconut, vegetable, olive, etc.) Cooking powders (flour, baking powder/soda, etc.) Dairy products, dry Eggs, dry Freeze-dried entrees and meals Fruit (dried, canned, preserved) Grains and cereals MREs and other ready-to-eat packaged foods Pasta Protein, animal (fish, meat, poultry) Protein, plant (beans, lentils, nuts, powdered mixes) Rice Salt, iodized Seeds for both consumption and planting Soups and stews Sweeteners (agave, honey, sugar, etc.) Vegetables (dried, canned, preserved)

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1.2 FOOD PROCUREMENT NEEDS 1.2.1 HUNTING AND TRAPPING .22 air pellet gun, pellets and gas cartridges .22 rifle and ammo Compound bow/crossbow and arrows Maintenance materials for items in this group Rifle and ammo Shotgun and ammo Traps and snares

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1.2.2 FISHING Compact fishing kit Full-sized fishing rod and tackle

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2. WATER PILLAR You should have enough potable water to support each person with 2 gallons per day for at least 30 days for hydration, food preparation and hygiene. Store water away from light, chemicals and pesticides, and don't stack plastic containers on concrete surfaces. Always use opaque, FDA-approved, food-grade containers to store your water. ASG recommends you cycle your water supply every six months—unless you treat it with a water preservative.

NOTES

2.1. WATER STORAGE OPTIONS Individual bottles or cans Portable water containers (1-, 5- or 7-gallon sizes) Static water containers (30- and 50-gallon drums, larger tanks or blivets, cistern) Water resupply plan

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2.2 PRESERVATION AND TREATMENT Chemical disinfectant supplies

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◻ Heat source and fuel for boiling water ◻ Ultraviolet water sterilizer ◻ Water filter/purifier (at least one filter/purifier per person) ◻ Water flavor enhancer to improve the taste of treated water ◻ 3. SHELTER PILLAR In an emergency, you are usually better off hunkering down in your home. But a time might come when you need to seek shelter elsewhere. In addition to knowing where local emergency shelters are, you need to have a bug-out plan for a safe location where you can take shelter. 3.1 HUNKERING DOWN AT HOME

◻ Fire extinguishers ◻ Generator, fuel and maintenance tools and materials ◻ Power inverter ◻ Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and batteries ◻ Wood or manufactured fireplace logs and kindling ◻ 3.2 FABRICATED SHELTER Sleeping bags and ground mats, appropriately sized and insulated Tarps, real 550 cord and bungee cords Tent replacement and repair parts Tent(s) large enough for people, pets and weather-sensitive gear

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3.3 LOCAL EMERGENCY SHELTER Know the location of the closest emergency shelter

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3.4 CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT Base layer and street clothing suited to your environment at any time of the year Hunting/camouflage clothing and accessories Insect- and snake-protective clothing Weather-resistant clothing, outerwear, headwear and footwear

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4. SECURITY PILLAR This pillar includes safety issues, along with self-defense, making it a very broad category. If you have additional security and safety preparations, you should add them to this list. 4.1 HOME SECURITY/EARLY-WARNING SYSTEM Home alarm Motion detectors Remote camera systems

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4.2 LETHAL WEAPON SYSTEMS Handgun and spare mags or speed loaders, ammo and accessories Rifle and spare mags, ammo and accessories Shotgun and spare mags, ammo and accessories

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4.3 LESS-LETHAL WEAPON SYSTEMS Less-lethal shotgun rounds Personal-defense spray/tear gas dispenser and replacement cartridges Restraint systems Stun gun and batteries

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◻ Taser and replacement cartridges, batteries and other accessories ◻ 5. COMMUNICATIONS PILLAR

◻ Amateur/HAM radio, CB radio scanner and accessories ◻ Cell phone and accessories; share phone numbers with teammates ◻ Chargers and batteries ◻ Faraday cage or other protective containers ◻ FM/AM/SW/Weather radio and accessories ◻ Personal locator beacon/EPIRB ◻ Satellite phone and accessories ◻ Solar charging panel and accessories ◻ Television and power source ◻ Two-way radios and accessories ◻ 6. HEALTH PILLAR

◻ 90- to 180-day supply of all vital prescription medications ◻ Backboard or other litter ◻ Blankets/space blankets ◻ Emergency dental kit, one per person ◻ Epinephrine pen kit ◻ Home first aid kit ◻ Hygiene and sanitation supplies ◻ Individual first aid kit, one per person ◻ Neck brace and splints ◻ Personal hygiene kit, one per person ◻ Slings and cravats ◻ Snake bite kit, one per person ◻ Special medical equipment: defibrillator, CPAP, oxygen machine and any accessories ◻ Suture and trauma kits, one per person ◻ ADDITIONAL ITEMS

◻ Assorted hand tools, according to your needs ◻ Bug-out bag/three-day pack, one per person ◻ Bushcraft knife (we suggest carrying more than one knife) ◻ Candles ◻ Dependable transportation, fuel, and repair and maintenance supplies ◻ Flashlights and hands-free lights and batteries ◻ GPS, compass, maps, protractor, map case and marking pens ◻ Optics for day, night and thermal, and batteries and accessories ◻ Pace-counter beads ◻ Seeds and other gardening needs ◻ Windproof/waterproof matches, fire starters and tinder ◻ Windproof lighter and fuel ◻ EMERGENCY PLANS

◻ Bug-out plan and leave-behind note ◻ Group emergency preparedness plan ◻ Local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) point of contact ◻ Local FEMA/Homeland Security point of contact ◻ Local hospital phone number ◻ Phone number and address of local National Guard Armory ◻ Police and fire phone numbers ◻

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