B.O.B. the Bug Out Bag

For those of you with children, check out B.O.B. the Bug Out Bag from Creek over at willowhavenoutdoor: http://willowhavenoutdoor.com/72-hour-emergency-bag/b-o-b-the-bug-out-bag-free-download-for-kids/

Winter Pack Out

Made in America

Take a minute to watch this video to the end and keep it going....

Click here: http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/0_04vzdsr5/uiconf_id/5590821

The Doom Survival Guide

I just found out about this site.  The author has a FREE! downloadable survival guide that looks pretty awesome or pre-order a hard copy to the left.  Check it out: http://doomguide.com/

Winter Medical Kit

Lightning!

Here's a great post about lightning safety from the Ghost Prepper Blog: http://ghostprepper.blogspot.com/2011/12/do-not-be-lightening-rod-even-in-winter.html

I Sit and Stay

What a great book for kids.

Winter Hat with Headlamp

What a great idea: http://www.instructables.com/id/Headlamp-Winter-Hat/

Survival: Solo or Group?

Isn't that a question a lot of us have heard?  http://survivalcache.com/survival-debate-solo-group/

FLOOD!

Here's an old article I found about someone's personal experience during a flood.  Check it out: http://thesurvivalmom.com/2010/05/12/lessons-from-the-flood/

Pregnancy and Nutrition in Hard Times

I found this while looking through my survivalblog archive.  Very informative.
http://www.survivalblog.com/2010/05/pregnancy_and_nutrition_in_har.html

Worth the Weight

I have a new addition to my camping/survival pack.  I made a concoction of olive oil, garlic, and black pepper.  Many wild edibles are low on calories, fats, and/or flavor.  This is my solution to that.  The mixture can be used as dressing or to fry food in as well as drank if your stomach can handle it.  Be sure to store it in a heatable container such as glass or stainless steel because the oil will solidify.  According to the label on the olive oil it contains 120 calories per tablespoon.  Here are a few links with info about the health benefits of the ingredients:
Olive Oil: http://homeoint.org/hompath/articles/629.html
Black Pepper: http://www.beautyandgroomingtips.com/2007/09/medicinal-uses-black-pepper-kali-mirch.html
Garlic: http://www.garlic-central.com/garlic-health.html

Rawles: DIY Rotary Hand Awl

It's about time Jim got on Youtube.

Got a freezer? READ THIS

Thanks to OJD for this article: http://orangejeepdad.blogspot.com/2011/09/protect-your-investment-cdn-freezer.html

Bug Out Vehicles and Shelters

Now available on Kindle! or preorder the paperback here: Bug Out Vehicles and Shelters: Build and Outfit Your Life-Saving Escape

HAMMOCKS!

or

Survival Rope Hammock

In my experience paracord doesn't tie well to itself so I don't recommend using it for this purpose. I have one suggestion for both of these methods which I plan on testing soon. I would cut two sticks and put them between the outer ropes at the head and foot of the hammocks to keep them from squishing you with your own weight. What do you think?

Brick rocket stove

Library

One of the cheapest ways to educate yourself is simply to go to the library.  However, I have noticed that there are not a lot of books about preparedness in my local library.  Well, there is something we can do about this.  Libraries accept donations in the form of money or books.  My challenge for you is to donate one book to your local library.  It will help others in the community become more prepared and less likely to need help in the event of an emergency.  Remember, we're all in this together.

Review: The Prepper's Pocket Guide

I can't say enough good things about this book. When I got my review copy I wasn't sure what to expect. It's small size made it look like a beginner's book. Having years of experience and research into prepping I didn't expect much. Boy was I wrong. This book contains 101 easy things you can do to ready your home for a disaster. There were several things in there that I had never thought of or read before. One of my favorites was how to distill water with a pot and a cup. I have since done a few of the projects such as sprouting seeds and making beef jerky in the oven. I would recommend this book to anyone from beginner to expert. The author, Bernie Carr, runs apartmentprepper.com which I recommend keeping an eye on whether you live in an apartment or a homestead. This is the kind of book that you keep handy to reference frequently. It would also make a great gift for friends and family even if they aren't into prepping. Bernie puts things in a friendly common sense fashion that is easy to relate to. So, in conclusion, Check It Out.

CERT - "NOT IF...WHEN"

Let There Be Light

Somebody bought me a new toy and boy am I glad. After 2 headlamp failures I got a powercap. As you can see by the picture, it is adequately bright. I am glad to make it my new EDC flashlight.

Crash Course by Chris Martenson - 38 minute condensed version

The Wall Street Journal: Load Up the Pantry

WSJ article here: http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB120881517227532621-lMyQjAxMTIxMDE4NTgxMTU1Wj.html

Living Off Grid - Free Ebook

Check out this free ebook for kindle

Also available in paperback:

Partially Safeguard Your Well Pump Against EMP and Solar Flares

I found this post to be very useful: http://www.survivalblog.com/2011/08/partially_safeguard_your_well.html

Flower Pot Fridge!

Bushcraft Immersion (4) - Featuring the Equinox Myotis Tarp

Rocket Stove Water Heater

Pine Home Primitives: Large Knives, Axes and Machetes Vol.1

Dave Canterbury's 10 pc survival kit

Need I say more:

The Prepared Family Guide to Uncommon Diseases

This appears to be a great resource for your library. It is written by blogger Enola Gay at http://paratusfamilia.blogspot.com/
Here's the link to the book page: http://www.paratusfamiliapress.com/

Diabetic Preparedness

Check out this article over at survivalblog if you or a friend or family is diabetic:
http://www.survivalblog.com/2011/05/diabetic_preparedness_-_storin.html

LED maglight

Check this amazing flashlight out. Well worth the money.

Continuous Chest Compression CPR—University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center

Hot Stuff! Charging batteries from a heat source

Search Amazon.com for Thermoelectric generator

Warning: Giant Hogweed

NY DEC Warns That Giant Hogweed Plant Could Cause Blisters, Blindness

 Quote: "New York State environmental officials are trying to nip a huge, dangerous plant in the bud. The giant hogweed, a monster plant with flowers the size of umbrellas and sap that causes blisters and blindness, is spreading across New York. The Department of Environmental Conservation is asking for help locating outbreaks. The agency has set up a hotline at 845-256-3111 for people to call and report sightings of the invasive species. Callers are asked to provide photos and site information, but should avoid touching the plant."

Oath Keepers

Here's an interview on The Survival Podcast with Steward Rhodes from the Oath Keepers. If you don't know who the Oath Keepers are then you need to listen to this.
http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/episode-713-steward-rhodes-on-opperation-sleeping-giant

Understanding Crop Rotation

Check out this article about crop rotation. This is a great way to avoid depleting your soil of nutrients making it unusable for food production.
http://www.selfsufficientish.com/main/blog.php/2011/07/29/understanding-cerops-rotation-sm/
Also check this book out. Here's a review: http://destinysurvival.com/2011/06/27/if-you-want-to-be-a-resilient-survival-gardener-buy-this-book/

Biological Hazard - North-America - USA

Sent to you via Google Reader

Biological Hazard - North-America - USA

EDIS Number: BH-20110730-31786-USA

Date / time: 30/07/2011 03:58:50 [UTC]

Event: Biological Hazard

Area: North-America

Country: USA

State/County: State of New Hampshire

Location: [New Hanover County]

Number of Deads: N/A

Number of Injured: N/A

Number of Infected: N/A

Number of Missing: N/A

Number of Affected: N/A

Number of Evacuated: N/A

Damage level: N/A



Description:



Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) has been detected in New Hanover County, and county health officials are reminding residents to take precautions against mosquitoes. That includes using effective insect repellent, installing screens on doors and windows, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and limiting exposure during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes can be most active. Although cases of EEE occurring in humans are rare, it can be a potentially fatal illness – and is almost always in horses. "There is no cure and no vaccine for people available right now, so people need to protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites," stated county Health Director David Rice. EEE was detected in a flock of chickens used by officials to detect the arrival of mosquito-borne diseases into the county.

"Lights Out" Review

I just finished reading Lights Out. It basically starts out with an EMP attack on the entire U.S. It then follows the main characters Mark and Jim through the rest of the story. It had some interesting things to consider, but all in all I thought it was a bit uneventful. The writing style kept me very interested because I was always waiting for something to happen. I will say however that it was totally worth reading. It really gives you a feel for realistically dealing with a huge unanticipated event. I have also read "The Bug Out" from the same author. It is available here: http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-172494.html
It is a short very eventful story about a family after dirty bombs hit a nearby city. Check it out.

Ron Paul's Urgent Warning!

Zombie Survival Shotgun

Here's a great post from Creek Stewart of Willow Haven Outdoor.

Arming Yourself for the Zombie Apocalypse: How to Build the Ultimate Survival Shotgun

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Herkimer County Holding Workshops on Presserving Food

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Cornell Cooperative Extension of Herkimer County Holding Workshops on Presserving Food

Miguel Medina, AFP, Getty Images

Herkimer, NY (WIBX) - With the increasing cost of food and the resurgence of home gardening as well as buying locally grown foods, canning and preserving has seen a renewed interest. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Herkimer County will hold workshops on how to properly presserve food. The workshops will cover the basics of home canning and freezing.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Herkimer County workshops will be held Wednesday, July 27 from 5:30 – 7 pm at St. Joseph's Church in Dolgeville located at 31 North Helmer Avenue and repeated on Wednesday, August 3 from 6:30 pm – 8 pm at the CCE office in East Herkimer.

There is no charge but please register by calling Cornell Cooperative Extension at (315) 866-7920.

http://ny-prepnet.blogspot.com

In Memory of Ron Hood

I first heard that Ron had passed Wednesday. I thought to myself, what a shame. It wasn't until today when I read this that the tears came. This is from the forum:

To those of you who don't know, today is the first day that our son Jesse does not have a daddy. The first day in over 20 years that I do not have my best friend, love and husband.

It is with great sadness that I have to announce that Ron passed away in his sleep last night. Our alarm went off this morning as he set it for 8 am and he just did not wake up.

This is the day we were scheduled to leave for our EOTW gathering in Salmon Idaho. Ron, I and Jesse will not be coming.

I just want to scream from the top of my lungs that I love Ron so much that it hurts and that both Jesse and I have been blessed having him in our lives.

I will write more as I get a chance.

Jesse and I love you so much Ron. You were the best husband, friend, teacher and daddy I could ever imagine having.

-Karen and Jesse Hood

7 must-haves for your emergency kit

I signed out of hotmail today and this article popped up on msn: http://money.msn.com/how-to-budget/7-must-haves-for-your-emergency-kit-kiplinger.aspx
I have to say that their list is a bit flawed.  So here is my list in priority:

Air - Gas Mask
Shelter - Tent
Water - Filter
Food - Ration Bars
Medical - First Aid Kit
Security - Shotgun
Communication - Emergency Crank Radio/Light

Book Bomb

Product Description
Have you ever wondered if it was possible to really simplify your life without giving away all your possessions, joining the Green Party, or taking up meditation? For too long, the terms "simplicity" or "simple living" have been associated with the far-left granola crowd. Now a practical alternative is available. The Simplicity Primer addresses how to achieve a simple lifestyle from a concrete, conservative, no-nonsense, realistic standpoint. It offers guidelines for family life, finances, the workplace, health, relationships, spiritual life, home, recreational activities, and much more. Imagine how simple your life would be if you were out of debt, had well-behaved kids, and a happy marriage. Imagine what it would be like to have an uncluttered home or a job you love. Imagine how it would be if you were better able to survive and thrive in these increasingly uncertain times. These things are possible, and following even a few of the 365 tips in this book will simplify your life in amazing ways.
About the Author
Patrice Lewis is a freelance writer and the author of "The Home Craft Business: How to Make it Survive and Thrive." She is co-founder (with her husband) of a home woodcraft business. The Lewises live on 40 acres in north Idaho with their two homeschooled children, assorted livestock, and a shop that overflows into the house with depressing regularity.

This book releases tomorrow. Patrice has asked that everyone buy it tomorrow to create a book bomb and increase its exposure.

Digging for the Truth pilot with Cody Lundin, January 2004

Win the War on Debt

From The Art of Manliness comes Win the War on Debt: 80 Ways to Be Frugal and Save Money

Develop A Security Model

"Home Grown Tomatoes" By: John Denver

The Walking Dead

Yes, another zombie themed post. This show has a lot of survival lessons in it. If there were a breakdown of society of any sort, it may look a lot like a zombie apocalypse. This show is very graphic, so keep it away from the kids.

Marcin Jakubowski: Open-sourced blueprints for civilization | Video on TED.com

We live in a consumer world. When we need something, we buy it. What happens if we can't just buy it? Well then, we need to make it. This guy has started a great project to help the world learn to make it. Check it out.
Marcin Jakubowski: Open-sourced blueprints for civilization | Video on TED.com

What's next?

Gold and Silver are at an all time high. The government is doing nothing to solve our fiscal problems. Natural disasters and their aftereffects are running rampant. Violence across the globe. Diseases that are drug resistant popping up. What's next? Well, if you have been preparing then life will go on. If not, it's time to start. It is obvious that this system is not sustainable. We need to look back and remember where we came from. Theodore Roosevelt said, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." So, here is a video that means a lot to me. Listen carefully.

Death Trap Zombie Time-Shares

Here's an interesting article from the Zombie Research Society about the emergency community shelters that some people are investing in: http://zombieresearch.net/2011/03/23/death-trap-zombie-timeshares/

Add an atlas to your car

During an emergency, often roads and highways that you are familiar with will become impassable either due to congestion or downed trees and power lines. You may not be able to count on a gps to navigate you around these hazards. That is why it is crucial that you include maps in your car kit. One of the best ways to get detailed maps is with an atlas. It may also be in your best interest to put in in a waterproof bag in case you have to abandon your vehicle and go on foot.

Primatene Mist

Here's something you need in your medkit. Primatene Mist is an OTC epinephrine spray meant for asthma patients. It can also be used to treat anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reactions).

Red Cross Training

Given the recent tragedies that have been happening it makes us wonder what would we do?
Well there is something you can do beyond stocking up on food and supplies.
Cody Lundin among others has said that survival is 90% psychological and 10% gear.
So, prepare with proper training. Here is a link to the red cross training schedule: http://www.redcross.org/en/takeaclass

Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment

I started watching this today on Netflix. There are a lot of good lessons in this show. Of course they had to throw in some drama, but so far it has been tolerable. It seems like this would be a great experience to have before there is no opt-out button.

Build the Perfect Survival Kit

This book was highly recommended by some of my facebook friends.

Craigslist and RSS for Thrift and Employment

Most everyone has heard of craigslist but many have not tried it for one reason or another. Sure there is some spam on it. Well, it can be a great resource for acquiring supplies or employment. It allows you to specify your local area and all sections and searches have an rss feed. That means that if you use your browser or google reader you can subscribe to the results for an up to date listing at any time. Here are instructions on how to use an rss reader. There is an example of an rss reader on this page to the right labeled "Our Favorite Sites."

Teaching Your Childred History and Lessons

I noticed a lot of important lessons in this Charlie Brown special my daughter was watching the other day:

March is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month

Carbon Monoxide Statistics : Carbon Monoxide Statistics:

· CO is main cause of poisoning deaths in the U.S.

· There are approx 2,100 unintentional deaths from CO every year in the U.S.

· More than 10,000 CO injuries occur annually in the U.S.

DON'T CHEAP OUT ON THE SAFETY OF YOURSELF AND FAMILY

Survivalblog Archive now available for Kindle

New Book: Bug Out Vehicles and Shelters

New from Scott Williams
Available for preorder.

Support Local Businesses

Check these guys out.  They're based in Fulton.

Gever Tulley: 5 dangerous things you should let your kids do

Available for preorder.

Learn Ham Radio

Emergency Lighting

I highly recommend putting one of these in every room of your house. On four AA batteries they last all night. They are bright enough to light a whole room. Great for when the power goes out.

From our friends at APN

The New York Preppers Network now has an events calendar! Check out the block on the right titled "APN New York Events Calendar". This calendar will link to events in and around New York State that preppers may find useful.



The calendar is hosted by Google and you can access and subscribe to it in many different ways.

XML - A raw feed of the calendar's data.

iCal - The calendar's feed, in the popular iCal format. This is the link you will typically use if you want to subscribe to the calendar.

HTML - The calendar in the regular web format.

Here is an example of how to subscribe to the calendar in Microsoft's popular Outlook application. And here is an example in the Mac calendar application.

Have any event suggestions? Does your group maintain an event calendar that the NYPN Should follow? Let us know about it in the comments!

------------------------------------------
Join the APN Forum at www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.net
Visit the New York Forum at www.NewYorkPreppersNetwork.net

Herbal Actions

Wouldn't we all like to live a healthier lifestyle less dependent on medications?  Well, Jack Spirko put out a four part series on herbal actions to help accomplish just that: http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/tag/herbal-action

Poison Control - Activated Charcoal (Carbon)

Here's an item for your first aid kits: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Activated_carbon#Medical_applications

rocket mass heater build and burn

Winter Preparedness Tip

Due to the snowstorms in our area I have been thinking a bit lately about emergency heating.  As our apartment has forced air heat, if the power goes out the blower on the furnace won't work.  I picked up a heater buddy and adapter for a bigger tank last year along with a coupler for refilling small tanks from big ones.  I figure if the power goes out my family can gather in one room and insulate the window and door.  Well, a thought occurred to me.  If I use mylar emergency blankets on the window it should reflect the heat in.  What do you think?

Lessons Learned Winter Camping 2/4-2/5

Last weekend a few of us went winter camping.  We had a great time, although it got a bit cold at night when the fire went out.  First I want to say that I tried sleeping in a hammock.  It would have worked out if I hadn't strung it up at a bad angle causing me to get bunched up at the bottom.

Next, I want to say that I plan on purchasing these two items:


In the morning our canteens and water bottles were frozen.  It would have been a lot faster and more convenient to just put them in the fire to thaw.  Instead we had to melt A LOT of snow.  Also note, do not try to cook in food grade cans or aluminum.  There is a coating on the inside that will melt or burn into your food.  Aluminum will sometimes melt on an open fire as well and I'm told it's not good for your brain.

Special Needs Preparation

Thanks to Chipper for this great info.

Episode 144-Special Needs Survival-Type 1 Diabetes/Food Intolerances
The refrigerator on the left will run off 120V, 12V, or propane.
It seems like an ideal solution for backup insulin storage. 

A good reason to prepare

Top 50 Preparedness and Survival Blogs

http://www.shtfplan.com/emergency-preparedness/top-50-survival-and-preparedness-blogs_02032011

USDA Zone Map for New York

Spotlight - Ron Hood

Ron Hood has been an inspiration and educator for many people around the world.  His expertise and positive attitude toward survival makes him enjoyable and entertaining while educational.  His down-to-earth mindset makes you feel like you know him personally.  I noticed there wasn't a wikipedia page for him, so I made one.  Needs work!  Check out the interviews on TSP and Ron's site survival.com.  Ron has several videos available on DVD.  Ron also publishes Survival Quarterly Magazine.  Someone once said, "Behind every great man is a great woman" or something like that.  Well, Ron's wife Karen is no exception to that.  She has been beside him on all of his productions.  And be sure to check out the Hood's Woods forum.  There are a lot of great people in there sharing their knowledge and experience.
http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/tag/ron-hood
http://survival.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Hood_%28survival%29

A quick thought about food storage

In the course of events, you may find critters getting into your food storage.  It may not be a bad idea to prepare in advance.

Wilderness Survival Shelter Series: Debris Hut

The American Dream

The AMERICAN DREAM is a 30 minute animated film that shows you how you've been scammed by the most basic elements of our government system. All of us Americans strive for the American Dream, and this film shows you why your dream is getting farther and farther away. Do you know how your money is created? Or how banking works? Why did housing prices skyrocket and then plunge? Do you really know what the Federal Reserve System is and how it affects you every single day? THE AMERICAN DREAM takes an entertaining but hard hitting look at how the problems we have today are nothing new, and why leaders throughout our history have warned us and fought against the current type of financial system we have in America today. You will be challenged to investigate some very entrenched and powerful institutions in this nation, and hopefully encouraged to help get our nation back on track.

Wise Food Storage Outdoor Meal and Emergency Food Supply

Another alternative to Mountain House which is in shortage currently:
Real Food ... Real Meals ... prepared in minutes by just adding water.

Wise Foods’ ready-made meals are packed in airtight NITROGEN PACKED pouches, and then encased in durable plastic containers. Our unique packaging process removes up to 98% of the residual oxygen through a vacuum oxygen removal and nitrogen flushing practice. Wise Company ready-made meals carry a shelf life of 25 years, with no rotation needed. That's 25 years without the stress of wondering if your family will have enough good, useable food when emergency strikes. Because our entrees won’t need to be rotated every few years like other food storage products, buying Wise Foods will save you thousands of dollars long-term as the cost of food keeps going up. By investing in Wise meals you will again be saving thousands of dollars over the years. In an emergency, food may be worth more than diamonds or gold.

Buy It Here

Ray Mears builds a Bushcraft Shelter

Search Amazon.com for ray mears

Wikipedia downloadable

I have recently downloaded a copy of all English articles on wikipedia from: http://download.wikimedia.org
It was a bit tricky and time consuming, but I am very pleased with the results. I got the idea from this article: http://www.survivalblog.com/2010/11/david_in_israel_on_secure_pers.html

Encouragement for Ron Hood

Kids Survival in the Woods from Pathfinder

Korean War Survival

Here's a great article about EDC during the Korean War:
http://www.survivalcommonsense.com/2011/01/02/survival-essentials-from-the-korean-warfeed/

BOV

I couldn't resist putting a link to this:

http://www.atonimpulse.com/Introduction_to_Viking.html