A Poor Man’s Guide to Prepping and Food Storage, by T.P.

I started not to write this piece- not because I feel any shame about my approach to survival and prepping, but largely because I will be misunderstood or dismissed- as I have been whenever I try to enlighten friends and co-workers of the needh to have a survival plan. But I feel it may help others who are not wealthy enough to buy thousands of dollars worth of MREs or hundreds of pounds of hard red wheat and a grinder… and frankly, because I do not welcome the competition for my supply of food and supplies. Many years ago I …


Middle of the Road Family Embraces the Prepper Mindset by C.L.

So how does one start down this journey of becoming a prepper?  For me and eventually our family, it was a gradual transition, which included the convergence of medical, physical and political convictions.  This was not a planned journey but rather one, which we have come to embrace as our only path to survival. We are a typical family in one sense and atypical in another.  We have led a typical life of work, play and trying to get ahead.  Where our life has veered from this typical course is the support we must provide to one of our children …


David in Israel on Coronal Mass Ejections

I’m writing to remind readers that the Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) that began March 8, 2012 will sweep away low speed particles clearing the way for a few days for a somewhat possible 1859 Carrington Event style kill shot should there be another large CME.  I suggest that SurvivalBlog readers keep up to date on SpaceWeather.com though utilities and emergency services will also be watching this.  Even if there is another larger CME and the utilities disconnect to save their equipment any long conductor can act as an antenna for the radio waves produced by an ionospheric event. So be …


Economics and Investing:

Tyler Durden: Some Observations On Recent Gold (And Silver) Volatility. (Thanks to K.P. for the link.) Items from The Economatrix: Global Markets: The Greek Bailout, The CDS Market, and The End of The World Lehman Emerges From 3.5 Year Bankruptcy Huge Spike In Repeat Foreclosures Claims For Jobless Aid Up; Low 4-Week Average Also Rise


Odds ‘n Sods:

AmEx (American Expat) sent a PDF link to an expert analysis (published by Virginia Tech) on the potential impact of a major earthquake along the New Madrid Fault Line. This is food for thought, and cause to do a bit of padding and strapping down.    o o o FBI director: Have to check whether targeted killing rule is outside US only. It is not very reassuring, seeing men like this seated in high places. Let’s add Robert Mueller to the same list as Eric Holder. They must be forced out of office with a public outcry, as soon as …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

"While we benefit in some ways from modern technology, I do wonder what state our world would be in if we suddenly lost the electrical power necessary to keep our communications functioning.  Would the younger generations know how to grow crops to feed a family?  Would they know how to drop anchor and wait for the catch?  Would they know how to survive by the sweat of their brow?  New is good.  Old is necessary." – Reverend Billy Graham


Notes from JWR:

SolarHam has issued another solar flare warning. This would be a good day to unplug your radios, detach your antennas, and make sure all of your spare radios are safely tucked away in Faraday cans. (If nothing else, this is good practice for “The Big One”.) Here is a related news article. — Today we present another two entries for Round 39 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: A.) A gift certificate worth $1,000, courtesy of Spec Ops Brand, B.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the …


Warm, Protected and Modest: What to Wear in Difficult Times, by Marilyn E.

My father, a World War II veteran, suffered from trench foot, still suffers from its after effects. He contracted the condition in Europe by having cold, wet feet for days on end. A similar condition called immersion foot may be familiar to veterans who served in Vietnam where the water was warmer, but still caused loss of circulation. Dry socks are not a luxury. Warm, dry clothing is not only a joy and a comfort, it can save your body parts and your life. Protection from sun and wind, thorns and brush, cold and damp can be essential to your …


Out of the Neighborhood and Into a Community, by J.N.

As a firearms enthusiast, I have spent far too much time reading gun-related forums.  The collective knowledge of the larger forums is amazing and far outweighs the poorly thought-out words of the few ignorant posters who have nothing to add.  Often, after catching up on my favorite firearm sections, I find myself checking out the survival/preparedness sub-forums that the major firearms forums all seem to have.  Limited on the depth of their information, I usually hop over and research a topic on survival-specific forums and blogs where the levels of knowledge and experience are at much higher standards. The topics …


Letter Re: Sugar and Salt Storage

Dear SurvivalBlog Editor: I’m running out of storage room for my food storage.  Would sugar or salt stored in mylar bags and food grade bucket with a gasket lid deteriorate if stored in a hot, humid environment, (such as garage)?  Thank you for any advice you could offer. Take care, – Stephanie K. JWR Replies: The beauty of salt and sugar is that they are “self-storing” and can have extremely long useful storage lives (potentially centuries) if they are protected from moisture. Just a bit of humid air and inadequate packaging will turn either of them into solid bricks, fairly …


Letter Re: Some Useful Mapping Web Sites

James, I’m sending you a link to some detailed maps of the world based on detailed data: several basic variables such as average precipitation, temperature variables, population, earth lights (and change in earth lights over time), biomass maps (vegetation) and more. Some linked pages contain data that can be used in virtual globes such as NASA World Wind. If you explore the various links, you can find a wealth of high quality data that could be used in a long term grid down/other scenario where this basic world information could be very useful for travel, and more. This can also …


Two Letters Re: A First-Timer’s Cider Making

Good Day Sir, I would like to add a few comments to that excellent primer on cider making. First, If you skip all of the picking and crushing to buy the fresh unpasteurized sweet cider, be aware that some places (companies and regular people) add potassium sorbate to the final product. This inhibits the growth of bacteria. On top of that, it keeps yeast from growing. The best way to overcome this is to starter. Add your yeast to a small container (with airlock) a cup of water and a half a cup of sugar. Let this ferment for a …


Economics and Investing:

Drockton:  Inflation And Economic Collapse 15 Potentially Massive Threats To The U.S. Economy Over The Next 12 Months European Banks Now Face Huge Margin Calls As ECB Collateral Crumbles. JWR’s Comment: Just as I warned you! This may cause a sharp sell-off of stocks, bonds, and precious metals, as everyone scrambles for cash, to cover margin calls. Look at this as a great buying opportunity. (Theoretically, silver could briefly plunge to $22.52 per ounce.) Keep cash on hand and be ready to pounce on some physical silver. Items from The Economatrix: Three Charts Of The US Consumption Crash Dead Ahead …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader Rick B. recommended a complete planting guide for green beans over at How To Gardener. It includes some state specific varieties and planting dates, nutrition facts, planting tips, watering, fertilizing, harvesting, insect and disease information.    o o o A reminder reminder that Ready Made Resources’ sale on Mountain House canned freeze dried foods ends on March 14th, so order soon. You’ll get a 25% discount and free shipping on case lots.    o o o H.B. and several other readers sent this: Utah on verge of passing bill demanding Feds relinquish public land. Unfortunately, the Federal highway funds …