Displacement Planning – Part 1, by J.M.

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(The first of the three-part series.)

One of the primary tenets of the preparedness community is that we want to be prepared for any eventuality. We stockpile supplies, develop skills and make changes to our homes and lifestyles to help increase the chances that we can survive any scenario that we might encounter, be it natural or man-made. In regards to displacing in the event of a major SHTF situation, some people plan on taking the ‘forting up’ approach and fortifying their current location, while others favor the ‘bug out’ approach and plan on relocating to a more secure location. Regardless of your preferred approach, at some point during or after an event, you may be required to relocate people and supplies to another location, and if you haven’t planned for it you’re potentially leaving yourself wide open for failure.

Some people will assume that since they live in a well-protected or isolated location they don’t have to worry about displacing during or after a SHTF scenario. The reality is that even if you’re safe initially, there are a lot of things that could occur that could force you to displace later. Wild fires, hurricanes, large armed groups, volcanoes, rising flood waters and other events could force you to displace from your secure location. And as Ben Franklin said: ‘By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail’. Note: there are some folks who state that they’ll die defending their property and not ever consider leaving for any reason. If that’s your preferred approach then this article probably isn’t for you.

For some real life examples of why displacement planning is critical, consider the images you’ve seen in the media of people preparing to evacuate ahead of an incoming hurricane or, as we’ve seen more recently in the US, a fast-moving wildfire. People are stuffing everything they find into their cars with little time to consider if they’ve packed the most critical items, and in interviews after the event are talking about how they lost important papers, valuable jewelry, family heirlooms, etc. Some simple displacement planning could have greatly improved their situation.

Continue reading“Displacement Planning – Part 1, by J.M.”

SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt

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Here is SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt. This weekly column features news stories and event announcements from around the American Redoubt region. We also mention companies of interest to preppers that are located in the region. Today, we are making special mention of the restoration of a C-47 (DC-3) dubbed “Miss Montana”. (See the Montana section.)

Region-Wide

Dismal Columbia River salmon forecast may trigger emergency fishing restrictions. A quote:

“Fishery managers in Washington and Oregon are concerned the spring and summer chinook salmons runs on the Columbia River are going to be one of the lowest on record.

And the state agencies are calling for a meeting next week to consider emergency restrictions on commercial and recreational fishing along parts of the river.

By Friday morning, 189 adult salmon had crossed over Bonneville Dam. That’s less than 8 percent of the 10-year average of 2,392 fish for the same date.

By Thursday, just four salmon adults had passed over McNary Dam, compared to a 10-year average of 106 fish for that date.

An emergency rule was issued extending the spring chinook fishery below Bonneville Dam downstream to Warrior Rock for two days, April 13 and 14.

Spring chinook bank fishing upstream of Bonneville Dam, which opened April 1, is set to close May 5.”

Idaho

I just heard that both Lordship Church and Redoubt Surplus & Tactical have relocated to Bonners Ferry, Idaho.  The church is pastored by Warren Campbell. He also runs the surplus business. Both were formerly located in Dalton Gardens. They are now sharing space in the former Papé Machinery building, in Bonners Ferry. The store is closed on Sundays and Mondays. The address is: 6606 Highway 95, Bonners Ferry, Idaho 83805. Phone: (208) 772-4007

o o o

Here is an inexpensive new listing at my #1 Son’s SurvivalRealty.com spin-off: 20 Remote Acres in Priest River, Idaho, with Shop.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt”

The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:

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SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods— a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from “JWR”.  Today, we focus on covert body armor.

Going Gray Man, Step By Step

This is well worth reading: How to be a Gray Man Step by Step.

Mike Williamson on Covert Body Armor

Our Editor At Large Michael Z. Williamson sent along this link: Wonder Hoodie: The Bulletproof Hoodie That Can Stop a .44 Magnum. Mike’s Comments: “These are worth considering. Also, the standard US military issue armor groin protector is the perfect size for a child’s school backpack, and rated to stop all standard pistol threats. These can be acquired inexpensively.  For adults, a Level 3+ plate plus a groin or deltoid soft armor backing (to meet full Level IV standard) will fit in most laptop compartments of a backpack. It is also legal to fly with body armor–even in the passenger compartment–though you should take a printout of the relevant TSA rules just in case, and arrive a bit early in case you are denied and need to mail it.”

NASA Warns of Solar Storms

Reader G.P. sent us this: NASA warns spectacular ‘beauty and the beast’ aurora could wreak havoc on Earth.

Continue reading“The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“The police can’t stop an intruder, mugger, or stalker from hurting you. They can pursue him only after he has hurt or killed you. Protecting yourself from harm is your responsibility, and you are far less likely to be hurt in a neighborhood of gun-owners than in one of disarmed citizens – even if you don’t own a gun yourself.” – Harry Browne

CRKT Provoke Knife, by Pat Cascio

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Just when I think I’ve seen it all in folding knives, someone throws me a curve ball. This time around, it is CRKT with their “Provoke” model by custom knife maker Joe Caswell. And, to be sure, this isn’t quite what most folks picture as a folding knife, when it comes down to it.

As a knife designer myself, I’ve designed quite a few fixed blade knives over the years, and most were made for me, by custom knife makers. I now have one folding knife design, and I’m trying to tweak the design specs, and that is no easy task. Fixed blade knives are much easier to design and to produce.

I can easily say I’ve had thousands of knives pass through my hands over the years, as a gun and knife writer. Some were really great designs, others were okay, and some were junk knives. The latter went in the trash. I wouldn’t waste my time, or my readers’ times writing about junk. I’m not easily impressed with most knives and guns these days. There’s only so much anyone can do to make these designs a little different from another design. And, in my case it is even harder finding the right words to describe some new features, when writing my articles. I oftentimes, depend on some of the guys at my local gun shop to toss some words of wisdom my way for my articles. However, most of the time I get “oh cool”, or “suh-weet”, or “nice” from them.

Continue reading“CRKT Provoke Knife, by Pat Cascio”

Recipe of the Week: Helen J.’s San Juan Island Salad

Helen J.’s San Juan Island Salad

This is a salad recipe from an old family friend who was a practiced gardener. A local on the island butchered pigs each year and cured bacon. Thus, nearly all of the ingredients were local.

Note that the ingredients are listed without measurements. The ratio of ingredients is intended to be fine-tuned to suit your family’s taste preferences. Lamb bacon, Turkey bacon, or Tofurkey Bacon can be substituted if you refrain from pork.

Ingredients
  • Red table grapes, halved
  • Bacon, cooked and diced
  • Broccoli crown pieces, briefly steamed (firm)
  • Diced Celery
  • Diced Onion
  • Slivered almonds
Directions

Separately prepare and measure each ingredient, to taste. Combine and toss. Then mix in dressing (below). This is best done immediately before serving. This salad is best served cold. Any left-overs are to be refrigerated immediately and should be consumed within 36 hours.

DreSSING

Mix together:

  • 1 Cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/2 Cup Sugar
  • 2 TBS Vinegar

Do you have a favorite recipe that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers? Please send it via e-mail. Thanks!

 

Economics & Investing For Preppers

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Here are the latest news items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. We also cover hedges, derivatives, and obscura. And it bears mention that most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor, JWR. Today, we look at investing in discontinued Colt Python Revolvers. (See the Tangibles Investing section at the end of this column.)

Precious Metals:

Why Is Gold Up When The U.S. Economy Grew 3.2%? Dive Deeper, Say Analysts

o  o  o

Washington State Politicians Drop Cynical Attempt to Impose Taxes on Gold & Silver

Economy & Finance:

Distressed Nation: Each American Would Owe $700,000 To Eliminate Worsening Debt Situation

o  o  o

List of 24 Points Pressing Hard Toward Recession

o  o  o

Avi Gilburt: Higher Rates Are Likely Over The Next Few Months

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Through the ages, the principle of financial leverage has been both used by many and abused by the wealthy and powerful in society. The seduction of leverage is strong, in that it makes the difficult appear easy and the impossible seem within reach. It brings the illusion of equality between the wealthy man and the common laborer in the land of finance. You can think of leverage a drug, and an addictive one at that.” – Karl Denninger, from Leverage: How Cheap Money Will Destroy the World

Preparedness Notes for Sunday — April 28, 2019

April 28th is the birthday of Aimo Johannes Lahti. (Born in 1896.) This clever Finn designed (or co-designed) an amazing array of weapons including the L-35 Lahti pistol, the Suomi M-31 SMG, the Lahti-Saloranta M/26 LMG, the famous Lahti L-39 20mm anti-tank rifle, and even the 20 ItK 40 (a 20 mm dual anti-aircraft cannon.)

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 82  of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The more than $12,000 worth of prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. A $3000 gift certificate towards a Sol-Ark Solar Generator from Veteran owned Portable Solar LLC. The only EMP Hardened Solar Generator System available to the public.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any one, two, or three day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical 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,
  4. DRD Tactical is providing a 5.56 NATO QD Billet upper. These have hammer forged, chrome-lined barrels and a hard case, to go with your own AR lower. It will allow any standard AR-type rifle to have a quick change barrel. This can be assembled in less than one minute without the use of any tools. It also provides a compact carry capability in a hard case or in 3-day pack (an $1,100 value),
  5. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  6. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  7. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.

Second Prize:

  1. A Model 175 Series Solar Generator provided by Quantum Harvest LLC (a $439 value),
  2. A Front Sight Lifetime Diamond Membership, providing lifetime free training at any Front Sight Nevada course, with no limit on repeating classes. This prize is courtesy of a SurvivalBlog reader who prefers to be anonymous.
  3. A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training, which have a combined retail value of $589,
  4. A Three-Day Deluxe Emergency Kit from Emergency Essentials (a $190 value),
  5. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  6. An assortment of products along with a one hour consultation on health and wellness from Pruitt’s Tree Resin (a $265 value).

Third Prize:

  1. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  2. A large handmade clothes drying rack, a washboard, and a Homesteading for Beginners DVD, all courtesy of The Homestead Store, with a combined value of $206,
  3. Expanded sets of both washable feminine pads and liners, donated by Naturally Cozy (a $185 retail value),
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  5. Mayflower Trading is donating a $200 gift certificate for homesteading appliances.

Round 82 ends on May 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Our Path Towards Preparation, by SBC

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On our curious and sometimes convoluted path towards being prepared for TEOTWAWKI, I have sometimes impressed, often confounded and occasionally amused myself and family with our brilliance and stupidity. Here follows the outline of the story of our adventure in the hope that it will inspire or amuse or warn you and help your own journey be a bit easier and the load a bit lighter.

We began our journey after Hurricane Katrina when FEMA so effectively demonstrated how inadequate the federal support system was dealing with large scale disasters. So what began as a ah-ha moment of “perhaps we should be prepared to take care of ourselves if the lights go out,” turned into the beginning of this continuing adventure. It started with a search for information on how to be prepared for disasters. The ensuing internet search led to all kinds of official and non-official sites, books, groups and stores. The government sites are so basic it should embarrass them. Thank God I stumbled across SurvivalBlog with all the references and links. Thank you SurvivalBlog and to all you contributing authors.

We are outside of Austin, Texas city limits in a “country” suburban neighborhood. The homes are on a couple to a few lightly wooded acres and mostly open with no fencing. The neighbors are friendly and stubbornly independent. Being close to Austin, the state capital, a tech and education center, we expect if the end comes in the form of a nuclear war we will be some of the first to know and go. Some type of pandemic, economic or power collapse we should survive and is really what we are preparing for.

Continue reading“Our Path Towards Preparation, by SBC”

The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:

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SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods— a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from “JWR”.  Today, we focus on the Wild Bee Crash.

Wild Bee Population Collapses by 90% in New England

We’ll start out today with this from reader H.L.: Wild Bee Population Collapses By 90% In New England, Study Warns. A snippet:

“Researchers from the University of New Hampshire conducted a study to document declines in about 100 wild bee species critical to pollinating crops throughout New England. What they discovered, according to the study, was a collapse in the wild bee population across the state, reported AP.

Researchers analyzed 119 species in the state from a museum collection at the college dating back more than a century. Sandra Rehan and Minna Mathiasson published the study in the peer-reviewed journal called Insect and Conservation Diversity this month. They concluded 14 species found across New England were on the decline by as much as 90%. Several of the species include leafcutter and mining bees.”

Patriots Day Remembered

Reader Tim J. recommended this video by Reid Heinrichs: The Shot Heard ‘Round the World: Lessons for today from Lexington and Concord. Hee also recommend this great essay on teh same theme, by Bill Buppert: Because Private Weapons Prohibition, That’s Why.

Continue reading“The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

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“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.” – Matthew 28:1-9 (KJV)

Preparedness Notes for Saturday — April 27, 2019

On this day in 1789, the crew of the British ship Bounty mutinied, setting Captain William Bligh and 18 sailors adrift in a launch in the South Pacific.

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 82  of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The more than $12,000 worth of prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. A $3000 gift certificate towards a Sol-Ark Solar Generator from Veteran owned Portable Solar LLC. The only EMP Hardened Solar Generator System available to the public.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any one, two, or three day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical 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,
  4. DRD Tactical is providing a 5.56 NATO QD Billet upper. These have hammer forged, chrome-lined barrels and a hard case, to go with your own AR lower. It will allow any standard AR-type rifle to have a quick change barrel. This can be assembled in less than one minute without the use of any tools. It also provides a compact carry capability in a hard case or in 3-day pack (an $1,100 value),
  5. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  6. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  7. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.

Second Prize:

  1. A Model 175 Series Solar Generator provided by Quantum Harvest LLC (a $439 value),
  2. A Front Sight Lifetime Diamond Membership, providing lifetime free training at any Front Sight Nevada course, with no limit on repeating classes. This prize is courtesy of a SurvivalBlog reader who prefers to be anonymous.
  3. A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training, which have a combined retail value of $589,
  4. A Three-Day Deluxe Emergency Kit from Emergency Essentials (a $190 value),
  5. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  6. An assortment of products along with a one hour consultation on health and wellness from Pruitt’s Tree Resin (a $265 value).

Third Prize:

  1. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  2. A large handmade clothes drying rack, a washboard, and a Homesteading for Beginners DVD, all courtesy of The Homestead Store, with a combined value of $206,
  3. Expanded sets of both washable feminine pads and liners, donated by Naturally Cozy (a $185 retail value),
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  5. Mayflower Trading is donating a $200 gift certificate for homesteading appliances.

Round 82 ends on May 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Sauna and Survival by D.F.D.

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Let’s get the first thing out of the way: Sauna is pronounced SOWnuh, not SAWnuh. The incorrect pronunciation is sure to “trigger” any Finn you meet, so beware!

The sauna, or banya in Russia, used to fill incredibly important functions in remote areas, and is a fine example of an older technology that we should all be familiar with. Nowadays saunas are seen more as a luxury, at least in America, but in Finland are considered a necessity. Once you learn some of the properties of saunas I think you’ll see why you should at very least know how to build one. I’ll also go through a few tips for how to properly construct a sauna, although no 2 saunas are alike. Throughout this article, I’ll be talking specifically about wood fired saunas, as obviously an electric or gas sauna isn’t viable for post-TEOTWAWKI.

The old saying is: 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food. we’ve all probably heard this. But how long can one go without bathing? I don’t know there is any right answer to that question, but what I do know is that without washing properly you are at much greater risk from sickness or having a fellow group member smother you do death with a pillow because you smell so bad. In fact, it is theorized that the Black Plague largely passed over Russia due to their fondness for banya baths. Bathing is going to be a longer term survival issue, and there’s no point of saving yourself from the cannibal bikers if you die later of a compromised immune system. Don’t think of cleanliness as a luxury, but as a necessity.

Continue reading“Sauna and Survival by D.F.D.”