Guest Article: Lessons Learned From The Pioneer Fire 2016, by Tanker Jack

This all happened within our first month into our relocation to the Redoubt. To start off correctly, we must give you a little background on our family. I was a retired Army tanker ( for 20 years), then in 2009 we started our next career as a government employee with Corp of Engineers and the Navy. Chasing promotions had us moving every two years, taking several jobs with the purpose of climbing the corporate ladder as fast as possible. Then the “come to Jesus” moment” that turned us into the preppers we are today happened. The Kentucky ice storm of …


Letter Re: EMP Telltale

Hugh, Whenever the power goes out wherever I am, the first thing I do is see if my battery-operated watch is still working. I suspect one of these times, the screen will be blank or just chaos. – Sid, too near Niagara Falls HJL Comments: As technology advances, the gate sizes grow smaller making such electronics more susceptible, but at the same time manufacturers recognize that they are more susceptible to static electricity as well. As a result, manufacturers almost always include some basic protection in the on-board circuits. Add to that the concept that the amount of energy absorbed …


Economics and Investing:

Police seize over 5,000 ounces of silver from man’s home o o o The Six Presidents Causing US Bankruptcy – A.D. o o o Gold Could Blast Through $1,350 And Be $1,500 In The Blink Of An Eye o o o Latin America’s Pink Tide Crashes on the Rocks o o o SurvivalBlog and its editors are not paid investment counselors or advisers. Please see our Provisos page for details.


The “Chicken Little” Syndrome- Part 2, by Peter Martin

Opinions So, what is wrong with opinions? Well, for the person holding it, nothing is wrong. It is their opinion, and that is all that is important. So, what is the problem? An opinion is not necessarily anything factual. Huh? If I like my steak well done, then a good steak is a well done steak. To others, a good steak is rare, or medium rare, medium, et cetera. So, the opinion is accurate or valid to the holder of the opinion, but it’s not necessarily valid to anyone else. The President recently stated, “…that no one ever running for …


Letter Re: Survival on the Road

Hugh, An item that has made all the difference for us many times are rain deflectors. With these covering up the top of the window you can stay in a vehicle during a rainstorm without fogging up or getting wet. In the winter time a slightly opened window will prevent a rapid exhaust of whatever warm air is in the vehicle as well as keeping condensed breath from frosting up the windshield. – R.T.


The “Chicken Little” Syndrome- Part 1, by Peter Martin

Definitions for this article: Misinformation: as used in this article, is information that is for the most part correct. It is the manner in which it is presented (spun/spin) that is misleading and therefore makes it “misinformation”. Disinformation: information that is 90% fiction (not true) and 10% or less true/factual. Discernment: 1) The ability to judge well, 2) the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure: skill in discerning. Introduction In these troubling times we can be inundated with enormous amounts of information, from radio (AM/FM/SW), TV (Network and Cable), newspapers, the Internet (news-sites and blogs), …


Letter Re: Grid Failure

Thanks for the Disaster Survival on the Road article, which made some excellent points, many of which would also apply to a bug-out situation. An EMP will be evident, due to the majority of cars not running and cell phones not working, but how will we know if the grid has been shut down by a cyber attack? Although power will be out, cars will still run as will their radios. I’m not sure whether cell tower backup generators will keep cellphone service available for a few days, or if grid-tied generators will be disabled. In short, how will we …


A Plea to Those Still Dependant Upon the Banking System, by G.S.

Recently, I discovered the last local bank in the area is being bought by a bank with eight times more exposure to derivatives. As I attempted to explain the dangers of this increased exposure to my family one evening, I realized my father may have more than the current FDIC insured limit stashed in this one bank. In an attempt to make the case for him to at least spread out his savings, I have been researching the many reasons he should consider changing where his money is kept. I believe it is important for everyone to recognize the danger …



Quick Reference Manual Regarding Disaster Survival and Recovery on the Road- Part 1, by J.P.R.

Preface I wrote this manual for those family and friends who don’t believe we need to be prepared for anything huge happening. I still feel responsible for these people in my life and wish the best for them as they travel about in our uncertain world. The other reason I wrote it was to subtly introduce them to the impact of what may occur in each scenario in an effort to ignite their personal journey towards preparedness and independence. I hope many more find it a useful tool in helping others handle adversity with knowledge rather than fear. TRAVEL REFERENCE …


Letter Re: Euthanizing Pets Who Can’t Bug Out

Hugh, I have searched the internet for a humane manner in which to euthanize a pet who can’t bug out. Is there anything other than a bullet to take care of this? – T.B. HJL Comments: This is a tough situation and should be a call for people to evaluate their “need” for pets before they take on that responsibility. A pet is usually entirely dependent on it’s owner for survival and that is not a responsibility that should be taken lightly. I highly suspect that if such a situation were to occur, most pet owners would simply turn their …


Recipe of the Week: Kitchen Sink Garden Muffins, by S.H.

I call this Kitchen Sink Garden Muffins. It’s half a recipe that I’ve been experimenting with since there are only the two of us. Ingredients: Sift together in small bowl: 1 cup flour 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp salt Set this aside. Whisk together in larger bowl: 1/4 cup oil 4 oz applesauce 1 egg 4 oz crushed pineapple, NOT drained 1/2 cup shredded carrots 1/2 cup shredded zucchini I add a handful of ground flax (and you can add chopped dates, raisins, and/or nuts– your choice) Directions: Set your oven at 375 degrees. Add dry …


Letter Re: Cut Shells

Sir: Watching the video on the 12-ga. from today’s post, I am wondering about the safety of the cut-off shot shell. First, is it safe at the chamber/bore juncture? Secondly, is it dangerous in a choke? Thank you! – CF HJL Comments: Shotgun slugs have only been with us for a little over 100 years. Prior to that, a cut shell was generally the closest a person could get to the modern slug. The fact the load is still made up of the typical birdshot and that the case is generally flexible (being paper or plastic), the load will deform …


Letter Re: Dehydrator Screens

Hugh, I’m not sure how I came across SurvivalBlog, but I’ve been reading it for a while now and really like it. I’m glad to see someone “telling it like it is”. Anyway, the post about dehydrator screens caught my eye, ’cause I’ve been thinking about that very topic lately. And wouldn’t you know it, I got my dehydrator from Aldi (my default grocery store) and it has (just as I wanted) round trays. Yesterday, I went into Dollar Tree (another favorite) for something entirely unrelated and came across some splatter guards for skillets. (I should probably get one for …


The First Steps of IRA Confiscation Have Arrived, by Will Lehr

There is approximately $17 trillion sitting in retirement accounts, 401ks, and pensions.  Sources of liquidity of such magnitude are certainly at risk in the face of the upcoming financial crisis.  The U.S. government, its central bank, and its entire financial and banking system are about to face a massive shortfall for cash.   In 2008 the bailout required via TARP was $700 billion, and estimates of backdoor easing and bailouts are in the tens of trillions, or more, not to mention the confirmed and admitted trillions in Federal Reserve off balance sheet transactions. This time the bubble is many multiples …