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 “HJL”. I found the Family Information Binder article particularly useful today.
2008 EMP Report
Reader P.S. sent in this link to a PDF version of the 2008 Report of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack. This is the report that is so often referenced. Yet people have typically not read it or even looked at it. You may want to grab a copy of this for reference. The report is pretty comprehensive in looking not just at the immediate effects of an EMP attack, but also at the secondary and tertiary effects. This is also the report that gives the 90% fatalities comment due to aftereffects.
Family Information Binder
Reader P.S. also sent in this link to an article on creating a Family Reference Binder that will contain critical information. Having a hard copy of critical documents that can be accessed quickly and easily when you have to bug out is a tremendous advantage. You will find that the binder will be your go-to information source even when you are living normally at home. It’s similar to these articles that have run on SurvivalBlog before so you may want review them as well:
- Survival Information Binder, by C.L.
- Your Ultimate Survival Binder, by Mia M.
- Emergency Checklists, by M.B.
Rainwater Collection for City Dwellers
Reader T.J. continued his submissions on rainwater collection by sending in this video from City Prepping on using an IBC tote and gutter system to collect rainwater off of your roof in the city. The author covers the entire process from installing gutters and gutter protectors to obtaining and cleaing an IBC tote and first flush system to help clean the system.
New Hurricane Forming
The Caribbean has been battered by hurricanes this year, but another is on the way. Tropical storm Maria has formed and is expected to achieve hurricane status sometime Sunday evening. So far, it’s track looks to duplicate hurricane Irma’s path. However, it probably won’t reach the strength that hurricane Irma did. Stay frosty! Thanks to T.P. for the link.
St Louis Riots
Nine officers were injured in a day of protests in downtown and Central West End in St. Louis yesterday. The Mayors home was also damaged. Apparently about 1,000 protesters surrounded the home of the mayor and began to vandalize the home. City police officers moved in and the protest escalated to violence with protesters throwing bricks at the police. After they turned violent, the officers deployed tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds.
Unapproved Thought
What sort of person justifies physical violence to stamp out free speech? Isn’t that the domain of the Fascists and Socialists? Yet they are the ones calling others hateful. Reader D.S. sent in this article that delves into the psychology of how this happens. Basically, unapproved thought is considered equal to physical violence and in the mind of the left, this justifies using physical violence as a response. Say the wrong thing and the SPLC will label you a hate monger and the left will then feel obligated to physically beat you down. This is the same method that has been used throughout history. Dehumanize your opponent so that you don’t feel guilt over treating them as sub-human and others won’t point the finger at you.
Volunteer Bison Hunter
Reader T.J. sent in this article on how the National park Service is seeking volunteer Grand Canyon Bison Hunters. The herd size is getting to large to be sustained and is damaging park resources. The size of the herd is about three times larger than it should be and will double in size again in the next 10 years if they do not act. 122 tags will be issued in the first year. But to qualify for the tags you must prove your marksmanship and be physically capable of hunting on foot. Sounds like an interesting hunting opportunity.
Alternative Energy
We hear lots of hype about alternative energy sources in today’s news and many communities are striving towards moving in this direction. However, this article takes a hard look at the realities of replacing or even supplementing existing fossil fuels with the different types of renewable energy available today. While you can make this work on a small scale (like an individual home) it is amazingly difficult to implement it on a community scale. Even on an individual basis, you have to retrain yourself on energy usage because we have become accustomed to cheap on-demand energy in our lifestyles.
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News Tips:
Please send your news tips to HJL. (Either via e-mail of via our Contact form.) These are often especially relevant, because they come from folks who watch news that is important to them. Due to their diligence and focus, we benefit from fresh “on target” news. We often “get the scoop” on news that is most likely ignored (or reported late) by mainstream American news outlets. Thanks!
Irma’s remnants were due in south Georgia on Monday, so I had the bathtub half-full on Saturday and had three gallons of drinking water on hand. I regularly checked NOAA’s forecasts.
At my house, it was a non-event, but the lights were out for two days. A generator kept the refrigerator going, so no loss. I caught up on naps and book-reading.
Just curious if anyone knows if any action was taken in response to the 2008 EMP Report.
Hi Hugh,
EMP is an important topic. Today one of Canada’s top general’s stated publicly, that Canada would not be protected the under NORRAD.
This is according to the latest headlines,in their national newspaper, the National Post.
Thank you,
Sheepdog and family,