Letter Re: Charity and Food Storage Rotation

JWR,
As I was reading the letter about the Vancouver riots, the part about the homeless man reminded me of one of the ways I rotate the food in my bug out bag (BOB). I know that a lots of people don’t like to give money to beggars, because they don’t want them to just buy booze. I also know that many people don’t use the food in their BOB (I’ve personally seen some rather old, funky smelling granola bars). Yes, I know you can use them when you go camping or hiking for practice, or just have MREs or freeze dried food that doesn’t need to be rotated very often, but I don’t have the money for MREs and I like to eat better than that when I camp.

So what I do is when I rotate things that expire, like granola bars or fruit leathers, is I put them in my car and/or my purse. Then, if I see someone asking for handouts, I ask them if they would like some food. I’ve never had anyone turn me down. That way the food doesn’t go to waste, and you feel good about helping someone in need. This is a “win-win” solution. – Sarah M.

Economics and Investing:

Greece Credit-Default Swaps Surge to Record 2,189 Basis Points, CMA Says. Oh those derivatives, again.

P.R.D. suggested this: Is the Fed Insolvent?

Scott M. found a facebook page devoted to the logic of saving nickels: Stacking Nickels.

IMF Cuts U.S. Growth Forecast to 2.5%. (Thanks to Steven M. for the link.)

Adam B. sent this: Greek Bailout Leaves the French Unruffled While German Politicians Seethe

Items from The Economatrix:

Inflation Slows In May as Gas Prices Fall

Eric Sprott:  We’re Headed Over a Cliff, Be Wary of Paper Assets

Failure To Raise Debt Ceiling Could Result in Severe Market Disruption. But of course raising the debt limit repeatedly will inevitably destroy the Dollar.

Economy Gets Lift:  Layoffs Ease, Homebuilding Up

Home Building, Jobs Report Push Dow Higher

Odds ‘n Sods:

Some great advice, over at the Patarus Familia blog: Practical Preparedness – Storage

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Fukushima, Nebraska? Airspace Over Flooded Nebraska Nuclear Power Plant Still Closed

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Ron in Florida sent: New Apple Technology Stops iPhones From Filming Live Events. Ron’s comment: “The implications of potential misuse are chilling.” JWR Adds: Yes, what if The Powers That Be (TPTB) decide that they don’t want anyone filming the police cracking skulls at a public protest demonstration? Camera “Lock Outs” could presumably be based on GPS coordinates, rather than in infrared emitters.

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The mainsteram media’s demonizing of survivalism and militias continues: Montana fugitive part of new anti-government strain. They of course trotted out the left winger “extremism expert” Mark Potok from the SPLC to wax melodramatic. Oh how predictable…

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H.L. sent us a bit of local coverage from North Carolina on the filming of the CME short film “The Carrington Event”.

Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.

They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.” – Psalm 37:18-19 (KJV)

Note from JWR:

For those that might feel guilty about never getting a voluntary 10 Cent Challenge subscription, here is a new, zero cost option: You can donate your computer’s background processing power to mine Bitcoins for the Ten Cent Challenge. This a Java applet that is NOT installed on your PC or Mac. It simply runs within a web browser session. If everyone that reads SurvivalBlog were to keep that Bitcoin mining web page open while web browsing, or better yet, overnight… It might even add up to some significant digits. The link above incrementally adds Bitcoins to SurvivalBlog’s specific account as soon as you click on “Start Generating”, and will continue to do so as long as you leave the page open. Many Thanks!

Pat’s Product Review: Diamondback .380 ACP Pistol

Diamondback Firearms has only been around a very short time. However, they are rapidly gaining a reputation for producing extremely well-made handguns. At present, Diamondback is only producing a couple of models, one in .380 ACP and the newest in 9mm. There are several different variations on the .380 ACP already. The new 9mm just has one model at present.

Make no mistake, I’m not an advocate of the .380 ACP round as my one and only handgun. In today’s society, there are just so many bad guys that are hopped-up on drugs that the .380 ACP, doesn’t have the stopping power to put an end to an attack by someone who isn’t feeling any pain. However, I believe the .380 ACP comes into its own as a back-up to another gun of a larger caliber.

Look, let’s face facts. Many people believe that preparing for “survival” means preparing for an end of the world event. And they purchase the firearms they believe they’ll need to survive that sort of thing. I have no problem with that, for the most part. However, I believe you are more likely to need a firearm on the mean streets of America (and the world, for that matter) to survive an assault, rape, robbery or other violent crime. So, purchasing the best AR-15 in the world isn’t going to do you much good if you can’t pack it every day on the street. You need a handgun, plain and simple. And you need a handgun that you can conceal easily.

I received the Diamondback DB380 for test and evaluation some months ago, and I was taken with the quality workmanship that was evident in my sample. And, quite honestly, the DB380, looks for all the world like a baby Glock, and most people who first see the DB380 mistakenly believe it actually is a Glock.

I carry a small .380 ACP handgun in an ankle holster as a back-up to my main carry gun, which is usually either a Glock 19 or 23, or some type of 1911 in .45 ACP. Having lived about half my life in Chicago, Illinois, I learned a long time ago to carry a back-up. When I was working as a Private Investigator, it just made good sense to have a second gun, and I usually carried a .38 Special snubbie in an ankle holster. As a main carry piece, I usually had a 4″ barrel .357 Magnum revolver on my side or in a shoulder holster.

The DB380 is what I’d call a micro-compact .380 ACP. Matter of fact, it’s smaller than many .22 and .25 autos I’ve owned, and the .380 ACP sure packs more punch than a .22 or .25 does. With 6+1 rounds of .380 ACP in the DB380, you are about as well armed as you’d be with a larger .380 ACP. I used to love the ol’ Walther PPK/S in .380 ACP. It was (and still is) a good gun. However, when I take into consideration that the PPK/S is a medium-sized handgun, and the new breed of micro-compact .380s that are out there, the micros win as a second carry gun, in my book.

With a weight of only 8.8 oz, the DB380 is about the lightest of its breed that I’ve run across. With a 2.80″ barrel, it is also one of the smallest .380s on the market. We have a double action only trigger pull of about 5-lbs. on the DB380, and that trigger pull is extremely smooth too. On the Diamondback web site, they claim that the trigger is “crisp” and smooth. I don’t quite understand that comment, as I find that double action only (DAO) triggers aren’t very “crisp.” I will say though, that the DB380 has a very, very smooth trigger pull, and it’s shorter than that found on some of the other micro-compacts.

I tested the DB380 with FMJ and JHP loads from Black Hills Ammunition, and JHP loads from Buffalo Bore. I also tested FMJ loads from Winchester Ammunition. I had zero malfunctions with any of the loads tested. The Buffalo Bore .380 JHP load is rated as +P and the DB380 had no problem with this load. The Black Hills JHP load gave me the best accuracy at 7 yards, with groups around 2″ if I did my part. And, let’s be honest here, any of the micro-compact handguns are meant for up-close and personal protection. I believe 7 yards is a fair test of the accuracy of these itty-bitty handguns. The Buffalo Bore JHP +P load really woke me up in the little pistol. I knew I was shooting a pretty hot load. I wouldn’t recommend a steady diet of this +P ammo in the smaller .380s. Just make sure you pistol functions with this load, confirm point of aim, and then keep your gun loaded with it for self-defense. I also carried the Black Hills .380 ACP JHP load in my .380 handguns for a lot of years, and I still do, it’s a fine load. For practice, I’d recommend either the FMJ Black Hills load or the Winchester FMJ load.

I liked the overall appearance of the DB380, it was very attractive, and as already stated, the darn guns look like baby Glocks. I did find that I preferred shooting the gun with the magazine with the finger extension on it.  I ordered a second mag with my test gun, and it came with the finger extension. The three-dot sights were small, very small, but my aged eyes could still pick up the three dots. Many of the smaller .380s on the market don’t have sights that are “usable” to my way of thinking. But they are fine for a point shooting situation, which isn’t a bad thing, as these guns are meant for up-close self-defense.

All things considered, I couldn’t find much to fault with the DB380, other than the caliber.

Which leads me to the newly released DB9, which is a slightly larger version of the DB380, and it’s chambered in 9mm. I wasn’t aware that Diamondback was producing the DB9, as a matter of fact, it was sent to my local gun shop by mistake. They made a call to Diamondback, and asked about it. Diamondback said it was shipped to them by mistake. My dealer told them that I was a gun writer and would be more than happy to test and evaluate the gun… the deal was done!

The DB9, as already mentioned, is only slightly bigger and heavier than the DB380, and it still holds 6+1 rounds of 9mm. The weight is only 11-oz. and the barrel is slightly longer, at 3″. Now, what’s not to like here? Again, make no mistake, I’m not the world’s biggest fan of the 9mm round either. However, I have no problem carrying a good JHP round in 9mm for self-defense. I just have my druthers, like everyone else, and I prefer either a .40 S&W or the good ol’ .45 ACP for self-defense, in a JHP round. There is nothing wrong with the 9mm round, I just prefer a little more “oomph” in my self-defense round.

The DB9, just looks like a slightly bigger sibling to the DB380, and I mean it’s only slightly bigger. What’s not to like here, with a micro-compact 9mm? I had a good selection of Black Hills FMJ and JHP ammo, in new and remanufactured versions, as well as JHP +P and +P+ loads from Buffalo Bore. I also tested some Winchester FMJ and JHP +P 9mm loads – Their 9mm Supreme Bonded JHP +P load is 124-gr round and it sure got my attention. I fired the DB9 quite a bit, even though it was starting to hurt my hand after a couple boxes of ammo. I just really took a liking to the DB9 for some reason.

The Black Hills loads produced the best accuracy overall, that is, their JHP loads. I tested at 7-yards once again, but I did do a little bit of shooting at 15-yards. At the 7-yard line, I could easily keep all my shots inside of 2″ and that’s plenty accurate enough for self-defense. The DB seemed to like the 115-gr JHP Black Hills load the best. I couldn’t find any place in the DB9 instruction manual, where it said the gun couldn’t handle +P or +P+ 9mm ammunition. While the DB functioned fine with the Buffalo Bore 115-gr JHP +P round, the 115-gr JHP +P+ load was just too much for the DB9. The slide was moving too fast to pick up the next round in the mag, and it would close on an empty chamber. I was surprised that the 115-gr JHP +P load functioned fine from Buffalo Bore – I thought it was going to be a bit too hot for the DB9 to handle, but handle it did. However, I would restrict this load to carry only, and not for plinking. Then again, Buffalo Bore ammo isn’t produced for plinking – it’s meant as a serious self-defense load. This load really bucks in the itty-bitty DB9, and it may be too hard to handle for some folks.

I think I would stoke the DB9 with either the Black Hills 115-gr JHP or the Winchester Supreme Bonded loads and be quite happy with them. I know they are good self-defense rounds, and it’s one I can handle in the DB9 without any problems. The Buffalo Bore load is an excellent performer too, just a matter of personal preference. I’m a bit picky about which loads I carry in each gun I have. Load selection is important, but hitting your target is even more important than the ammo you select.

Personally, I’d go for the DB9 over the DB380, simply for the fact that I have more trust in a 9mm to stop a fight. With the DB9 being only slightly bigger and heavier than the DB380, I can see myself carrying this micro-compact 9mm in an ankle holster any day of the week. I usually use a Blackhawk Products ankle holster, as I find them very affordable, as well as extremely comfortable. Many people give up on ankle holsters after only a day or two. I’ve found that you need to carry at for least two weeks, and then you won’t even notice the ankle holster is there. Many times I’ve found that I forgot to take off my Blackhawk ankle holster after I’ve come home. It will be several hours later when I discover I still have the gun on my ankle. It’s that comfortable. I’ve tried some of the pocket holsters, but no matter how small a gun might be, they all seem too big in my pockets, and I wear cargo pants all the time. I guess it’s a personal thing.

Diamondback Firearms are in high demand, and right now, it seems as though demand outstrips supply. I’m not going to quote any prices here, as the prices vary quite a bit from gun shop to gun shop. It depends on the availability of the Diamondback firearms in your area, so shop around for the best price you can get, if you can even find the DB380 or DB9 in your area. They are hot sellers, to be sure. If you like well-made and USA-made firearms, then take a close look at the Diamondback line-up. Personally, I’d go with the DB9, just because it’s a 9mm and only slightly bigger than the DB380.

Remember, most survival situations will be on the mean streets, not out in the boonies or in an end of the world situation. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t prepare for a survival situation that might mean a total collapse of society, I believe that it can and will happen. However, on a daily basis, you are more likely to need a concealed handgun to save your butt on the mean streets, and the Diamondback line-up is worth a close look.

Letter Re: Bookshelf Recommendations

Jim,
I looked at your Bookshelf recommendations and I have a few suggestions to add:

First, the Combat Lifesaver handbook. I received a stapled back copy of this accompanied with hands on training through the military, prior to my recent deployment to Afghanistan, and it is basically an instruction course format, laid out for providing medical treatment during combat pre-first responders.

Second, the Combat Medic Field Reference. It is a combat medics waterproof pocket guide designed to fit into side pocket of trousers. It covers virtually everything a specific medic or group of medics who are rendering aid under combat would need including triage.

Third, since I am a bomb technician, I study explosives literature, and I highly recommend The Chemistry of Powder and Explosives by Tenney L. Davis. It’s a great book for those inclined to learn more about this topic.

Thanks, – D.M.

Letter Re: Adjustable Rate Mortgage Rate Resets

Dear JWR:
Back in 2009, and even as early as 2007, many dire predictions were made about the massive wave of Alt-A and Option ARMs that were to reset in 2010 and 2011. See this widely-cited chart. (First mentioned in SurvivalBlog in January of 2009, in a link to iTulip.) Like many of you, I braced for impact, and then, nothing.

What happened? This happened. Alt-As and ARMs have been resetting, but at very low rates, keeping the level of defaults lower than they would otherwise be.

I don’t believe this is a coincidence. The Federal Reserve has been keeping [downward] pressure on interest rates, possibly to get us over the hump into mid-2012, when the number of resets drop down to about 1/5th of today’s numbers.

The trouble is, they may not be able to extend and pretend much longer. The Federal Reserve may have to raise rates very soon in order to attract buyers. If they don’t hold out as long as possible, then all hell could break loose.

Looks like The Motley Fool concurs, in an article dated June 6th 2011: “As it turned out, interest rates have stayed low throughout the initial period of option-ARM resets, saving many borrowers from the possibility of much higher payments. But eventually, interest rates will go up. And while fixed-rate mortgage borrowers will enjoy their current fairly low rate as long as they own their homes, ARM borrowers may well find themselves in the uncomfortable position of trying to figure out whether to eat much higher interest charges, or refinance into a fixed-rate mortgage at a higher rate than the ones now available.”

The Fed is going to have to thread the needle. The next 12 months should prove interesting.

Thank You, – C.D.V.

Letter Re: The Vancouver Hockey Games Riots

Mr Rawles,
I first posted this in a Survival forum I frequent often in response to the widespread, violent riots that broke out in Vancouver after the local hockey team lost in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

I just was reading up on it this morning and you got to ask yourself: If your “countrymen” would essentially devolve into barbarian hordes over a stupid game – what do you think they’ll do when they have no food, water, heat, electricity and no government to bail them out or keep them in their place?

I was speculating this morning that Vancouver is a pretty extreme Canadian case, with the disparity between rich and poor being so large that it shouldn’t come as a surprise that something like this would happen. The slightest excuse and the thin veil of civilization can come undone.

I might add that as something to consider – while it’s an undeniable, logical fact cities are worse than rural areas if TSHTF – some cities might (and I do mean, might) fair better than others.

I’m reminded of the 2004 playoff run between Calgary and Tampa where after the game 7, the mood was more dampened, but people were still happy and there wasn’t much in the way of civil disobedience besides a few women flashing and a few drunkards being idiots in the street.

I’ll also note, having some experience volunteering and donating to local charities that while Calgary has a big disparity between rich and poor, we also have a great deal of non-profit, non-governmental services available for the poor. The Drop In Centre, for example, is the largest homeless shelter in the country (something I’m quite proud to say for the city I live in).

I’m a big fan of Rawlesian survivalism, especially because of his emphasis on Christian charity – that being the obligation (but not a requirement to “earn” salvation) for voluntary charity to the less fortunate.

Last year when my wife and I visited Vancouver, I was very disgusted when walking down a very busy, ritzy street I saw a disheveled homeless man on his knees in a street corner, holding a Styrofoam plate and hundreds of people just walking past him as if he didn’t exist.

Poverty is no excuse for what the rioters did last night. However, at the same time, wealth, and the belief that wealth elevates an individual to a transcendent level over the poor is no excuse to deny charity to your fellow man.

This is why one of the best preparation for when the SHTF is to foster a charitable spirit, to help build up your community so when it does happen, your community doesn’t devolve (or is more resistant to devolving) into a brutish, survival-of-the-fittest, war zone like Vancouver did last night. – N.L.

Odds ‘n Sods:

Are we approaching something like the Maunder Minimum? Sun’s Fading Spots Signal Big Drop in Solar Activity. Come on, make up your minds. Al Gore is dying to know, will it be global warming or a Little Ice Age? Either way, be prepared for multigenerational TEOTWAWKI.

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Several readers have written me to mention this study: Freedom in the 50 States. It is an interesting yet slightly flawed study. Since when does perverting the definition of “marriage” constitute a freedom? In their criteria for measuring Paternalism, the authors of the study chose to weight “domestic partnerships” nearly as high as “gun laws”. They also weighted “marijuana legalization” even higher than “gun laws”. By doing so, they skewed the the study’s outcome. If homosexual marriage and marijuana laws were factored out, then the American Redoubt states would have ranked higher. (See the study details.)

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Jonathan B. sent this news headline from Nanny State Britannia: Energy bill: landlords could be forced to refurbish energy-inefficient homes. Jonathan’s comment: “Ah, the sweet smell of communitarianism in the morning:”

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Don at Creative Lightings in Cleveland wrote to mention a new product: a 2-foot LED Retrofit Tube Light. Don tells me that these replacement tubes work great with 12 to 24 volt DC alternative energy systems. SurvivalBlog readers can use the coupon code sb-20 for a 20% discount. (Creative Lightings is not a SurvivalBlog advertisers, but they have a solid reputation.)

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From Market Ticker, Ten Things for 2011, by Karl Denninger

Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 35 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize: A.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost $795, and B.) Two cases of Alpine Aire freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $400 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo , and E.) An M17 medical kit from JRH Enterprises (a $179.95 value).

Second Prize: A.) A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol. It is a $439 value courtesy of Next Level Training. B.) A “grab bag” of preparedness gear and books from Jim’s Amazing Secret Bunker of Redundant Redundancy (JASBORR) with a retail value of at least $300, C.) A $250 gift card from Emergency Essentials, and D.) two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).

Third Prize: A.) A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21. (This filter system is a $275 value.) , and B.) Expanded sets of both washable feminine pads and liners, donated by Naturally Cozy. This is a $185 retail value.

Round 35 ends on July 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that articles that relate practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Our Community-Wide SHTF Contingency Plan, by T.M.

We are located in the Southeastern United States. There are nine families in our “block”, with the next neighborhood or community more than two miles away. I refer to it as a block because a major highway runs through it. The only dwellings on the major highway are three houses and one country store. The rest are on a “U” shaped secondary road that starts across from the store on the main highway and ends, back on the main Highway, 1 mile east, at a cross road. We are all contained in one square mile within that “U”.

I should give you a little information about the location of our small neighborhood: When I use the term “neighborhood”, it’s more like a community. Of the nine dwellings, the closest family unit consists of three houses side by side, (3 of the 4 buildings on the main road) and are kin to each other. Every one of the other houses are approximately 1/4 to 1 mile apart, each dwelling having acreage ranging from 10 to 60 acres. All but the store are accessible through the woods to each other. Surrounding our, “community”, is approximately 5,000 acres of public forest land with an old but accessible fire tower lookout on a hill that would be a workable sniper position and place to coordinate and raise an alarm. If anyone ever sees a red flag go up, it means someone is approaching from the North, yellow, South, orange, East, and purple, West. Green is the all clear. Radios are being purchased to supplement the initial flag system.

The only way in or out of what we, as a community, decided to call, “the defensive zone”, (which I will detail, later) is by one major highway, running East to West and one secondary road, (the “U” shaped road), which comes to a crossroads at the major highway. This major road leads to two major metropolitan cities. The secondary road leads to a couple of smaller cities. I believe this secondary road is going to be a major strategic checkpoint for keeping out the individuals and mobs that were lucky enough to escape the cities mentioned above, from entering and scavenging our defensive zone. The planning started with myself and and the owner of the local country store and campground. His business relies on the hunters coming in from all over the region. So, as he and I discussed, we already foresee a problem from the “regulars” that come in every year to hunt.

After reading an article in SurvivalBlog.com titled, Survival Security Tactics–In All Locations, by Roy K., we discussed organizing a small meeting after store hours to discuss setting up a community wide defensive zone, (if and when the SHTF or TEOTWAWKI), that was going to be not only defensible but prosperous long enough for the country to get back to some form of organization. We already meet at his store on Saturdays for a community watch program. We live so far outof town and and isolated that “Burglary by U-Haul” is already a very real threat. One neighbor had his whole house emptied with a U-Haul backed up to the door. Meanwhile, a roll back trailer was used to pull his entire shed, with 4-wheelers and lawn equipment in it, onto its bed and drive away with it. Another neighbor ¾-mile down the road saw the U-Haul and rollback go by but didn’t think anything of it at the time. Later, the so-called “police investigation” determined that the shed had been dragged onto a roll back and a dual wheel truck had backed up to the door.

We purposely left the children out of the meeting for fear that they would brag to their classmates that we were “playing army” or something to that effect. We pointed a web browser at SurvivalBlog and I started the meeting by reading the entire article aloud. When I was finished, several of the men had taken notes and were asking very relevant questions. What we finally came up with, (after four hours of discussion and re-reading the article), was that we, as a community needed a plan. We decided on ranks, so to speak, and also took up a collection to purchase two way radios for each family and we already have three members with ham radios.

We also decided, based on the article, which house was best defensible by line of sight and distance and how to get everyone to it in case of perimeter collapse. We came up with a plan to “build” a compound zone or safe zone and post guards at each entrance.

One of the hardest things to decide was who we let in, (if anyone) if there is a TEOTWAWKI with a Golden Horde pouring out of the cities. There were some that wanted just their brothers and sisters and their children, to others that wanted their whole extended families and assorted friends to be let in. After a pretty heated discussion about being able to sustain only a certain number of people for a certain amount of time, we decided that if someone’s family came and had something to contribute and were able to feed themselves and their children, (meaning all we would have to provide was security and lodging), would be considered for entrance. Those with nothing, but wanting us to feed, house and protect them because they had not planned ahead would be turned away.

The consensus of the group was that if the family members of those that had to be turned away had a choice to go with them, but that was the bottom line. As it explained in the article, I believe everyone understood that either we all survive together, or we split up and maybe end up dying separately.  Since we all decided to start buying and pooling our canned goods and long term storage foods, would we have enough to share. We were careful to take the time to decide where our food sources were to be stored based on perishable versus non-perishables and concealment. We have all started vegetable gardens and instructed to retain any non-hybrid seeds that we can for storage. The subject of seeds from “store bought” produce was raised. It was explained that in many cases the produce that you buy has been hybridized and the seeds saved from these plants will not germinate or have poor yields. I ordered non-hybrid seeds from The Seed Savers Exchange.

Two neighbors and I have deep wells for fresh water supply, as well as chlorine tablets and Clorox. We worked out, (and are still working out the minor details), a water rationing system based on the number of people in each household and special needs.

We touched a little on pets, but mostly on livestock. Four of the families have chickens, two have horses and a milk cow, and I have chickens, quail, turkey, goats and pasture. Also discussed was the possibility that one or all of us may have to take out what we deem threats to our “own little city”, and agreed that if it had to be done to save the lives of our families and friends, it had to be done. In the end we compared what each of us have now and what we need. We have already started the collecting and storing process, and by the beginning of July, we are going to start practicing setting up the perimeters and guards.

What we have done is create our own “safe zone” or independent town. We have our sons (and a few daughters), cutting out a network of trails to and from each other’s houses. The younger ones, 8-11, are under the impression that they are for paintball games and the older boys know what the trails are actually for and are kind of “supervising”.  Also, the hunters of the group are mapping the game trails and I have built a pistol and rifle range on my forty acres to get together on Sunday afternoons to practice with our primary, “SHTF” weapons, which consist mainly of .308 hunting rifles (at least one of each in every family) and a few 9mm pistols, and one bolt-action .50 BMG. Several others have AR-15, FN-FAL, and SKS semi-auto rifles

I ordered and received topographical maps in just a few minutes from the USGS.  I suggest anyone working on a survival or bug-out plan, get the maps needed for your area or where you intend on bugging out to. They show in detail, elevation, accessible roads, rivers and streams.

The hardest part of the discussion was, if we had any casualties, where were they to be buried. I believe we came to an agreement that they would be laid to rest in an old pre-Civil war graveyard that is almost in the middle of our ”compound”. We decided that if we had to bug-out, everyone was given a laminated map, each with a different route, so that if anyone survived we could rendezvous and regroup.

I suggest that if you and your family have not made a plan, you do so now. Time is running out. If I had not taken the time to read the aforementioned SurvivalBlog article, I would probably still be sitting in from of the television instead of implementing a plan. If nothing else, you will get to know your neighbors a lot better and find the ones that you can trust to be there for you and you for them, when the time comes, and it is coming!

Thanks for the information your blog provides. It is invaluable to those who should, and will practice it. It might just keep you and yours alive.

Letter Re: Storing Hypochlorite Bleach Powder

James:
I have a possible solution regarding R.W.L.’s letter specifically the question of storage of dry calcium hypochlorite.  After reading the Forever Preps article I bought a container that is similar to the old-style canning jars with the rubber gasket and snap down lid with the wire bail/lever.  I’ve seen them sold as canister sets for holding flour, sugar, cookies, etc.  It is made of clear glass.  My goal was to find a container with no metal or plastic parts on the inside of the vessel thus no chance of reacting with the chlorine.  I periodically look around the jar for signs of bleaching and chlorine smells and in two years haven’t seen anything to indicate a leak. The rubber/plastic seal may be susceptible to deterioration by the Cl2 gas. I included the label of the Ca(ClO)2 package inside the jar with the powder for reference and labeled the outside with the contents and a warning to only open outside, in case someone other than me later handles the task.  – S. in Oklahoma

JWR Replies: Another non-reactive storage option is using a plastic bucket with a tight-fitting plastic lid. Keep in mind that if there is a not a very tight seal, then the resultant vapors can:
1.) Taint foods and
2.) Induce corrosion on nearby metals.
If you have any doubts about the integrity of the seals on the containers that you are using, then be sure to store the containers somewhere where that will not be in proximity to stored foods or metals. And, as you mentioned, proper “WARNING” labels are a must!