Archive for the ‘Survival Shelter’ Category
Three Common Emergency Situations and How to Handle Them
May 21st, 2013 | 
Author: Lee Flynn submits the following for your consideration.
Not every emergency situation is life threatening. For every city-shaking earthquake and coast-sweeping tsunami, there are thousands of smaller common annoyances that disrupt power, create messes, and just generally inconvenience those of us who would like to be able to stick to our daily routine without having to put up with Mother Nature’s nonsense. Here are three common emergency\disaster scenarios, and a few tips on how to deal with them.
1. Fire
Those of us who’ve ever tried to get a campfire going with only a few matches have to wonder why a dry log will sometimes resist an open flame as though it were a gentle breeze, but a house will go up like gunpowder at the first hint of a spark. Whatever the case, the fact is that in 2011, home fires caused an estimated $6.9 billion in damages. If a fire breaks out in your home, the first thing you should do is try to get an idea of how big/extensive it is.
The first thing you need to do is get your family out of the house. Planning and practicing fire escape routes will help things go more smoothly. Don’t bother scrambling for valuables or belongings; they’re not worth your life. If you can see the flame and know that it hasn’t already spread through walls or to other nearby combustibles, and if it looks small enough, you may want to try to smother or douse the flame. Be careful, however, as fires can spread quickly, and you don’t want to become trapped inside.
If putting out the fire seems too risky, quickly leave the house, closing all doors behind you as you go. Doing so will limit the amount of oxygen the fire can consume, and also delay the spread of smoke. Call the fire department from a mobile phone or neighbor’s house, and don’t go back inside until you’ve been told by a fire officer that it’s safe to do so.
2. Flood
It doesn’t seem like floods should be as damaging as they are. After all, it’s just water. If anything, a flood should make everything cleaner when it passes through. Except that water is the universal solvent, and that means that when it starts to flow out of control, it carries with it all of the muck, grime, and filth that it passes over.
If flooding begins to occur in your area, turn off your main power and gas, and evacuate immediately. Avoid any roads or paths that have standing water on them, and head for higher ground. Try to avoid coming in contact with flood water, as it can carry disease and bacteria (thoroughly wash with soap and disinfected water any body parts that touch flood water).
If you are unable to evacuate your home before the flood closes in, retreat to upper floors or even the roof. Be sure to bring some survival food and warm blankets with you, because you might be up there for a little while.
3. Blizzard
Sort of like a flood, except much colder, a blizzard can strike without warning and leave behind a world covered in a smothering blanket of pure white (which would be pretty, if it weren’t so dangerous). If you’re outside when a blizzard hits, try to find shelter quickly. If none is available, consider digging a snow cave; it might seem counterintuitive, but snow retains heat really well and can protect you from the sub zero temperatures outside.
Stay hydrated, but avoid eating snow. Melt it first by placing some in a container and keeping it in your jacket (but not against your skin). If you’re at home, gather the entire family together in a single room to conserve heat. If the power goes out, try to avoid using a fireplace unless you absolutely have to, as snow can block up your chimney and force smoke back down into the home. If your windows are clear, allow sunlight to enter and heat the house during the day, but block them off to conserve warmth at night.
Make sure to eat regularly, and always stay hydrated. Use an emergency survival food supply so that you don’t have to get creative about how to prepare what you have in your fridge without the use of electricity. If you don’t have access to liquid water, try collecting some snow and bringing it inside so that it can melt; just be careful not to let out all your heat while you’re trying to get something to drink. You can also drain your hot-water heater or get water from ice melting in your freezer if the power is out.
As with any disaster, it’s important to be prepared. Having a plan, safety measures, and 72 hour kits and survival food that might just save your family’s life if something unexpected should happen. Don’t let Mother Nature’s hissy-fit put you in a bad situation; be prepared and you won’t have to worry about anything at all (except maybe how to go to the number 2 without any running water. Hint: It involves containers with lids).
Lee Flynn is an authority on emergency preparedness, food storage, survival kits, survivalism, and sustainability.
While surviving a blizzard might not be high on your radar as weather gets warmer, it’s not uncommon for those who travel and camp in the mountains to encounter such storms. Beware.
I’d love to know what you’re thinking about what you’ve just read. Feel free to leave a comment below.
Posted in Other Resources, Survival Camping, Survival Health, Survival Shelter | 
Tags: blizzard, common emergency situations, fire, flood | 
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Which Solar Power System is Right for You?
So how do you know which solar power system is right for you? Jeffrey Yago presents an informative overview in the March/April, 2013 “Backwoods Home Magazine” (Issue #140). I’ve put an excerpt below.
Grid-tied,
Grid-connected,
Off-grid.
What’s the difference?
By Jeffrey Yago, P.E., CEM
Several weeks ago I received a call from a woman in Florida complaining that they just had a power outage lasting several days and her solar system quit working. Although I had no idea who she was and never had anything to do with the installation of her solar system, she was very distressed and I wanted to at least point her in the right direction.
After a few questions it was clear that what she had purchased was a “grid-tie” solar system, and these systems must be “tied” to a working utility grid to operate. These systems do not have any battery backup capability, so their only function is to sell solar-generated power back to the utility grid, which offsets some or all of the metered usage for a given month. Any month the solar-generated power exceeds metered usage of the homeowner, the utility will credit this excess towards a future month when the utility demand exceeds solar generation.
Read the whole article here:
http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/yago140.html
Excerpt used with permission of Backwoods Home Magazine.
http://www.backwoodshome.com 1-800-835-2418.
A Little House for Survival?
Find out about “right sizing” your possessions here.
Flood Preparation and Safety Tips
Editor’s Note: Warmer weather isn’t far away. Late winter and spring often bring floods. Be ready. According to a recent long range weather forecast I heard a few days ago, Missouri (where I live) won’t have flooding like in 2011 because there’s not nearly as much snow pack to the North. We’re still in drought conditions.
But flash flooding can happen at any time. And so can floods from hurricanes in other parts of the country. Therefore, take a look at the following tips provided by Wise Food Storage.
The US experiences more damage than any other weather-related event…Stocking food for the family is one of the most important things to do. Dehydrated food or freeze-dried food such as Wise Food Storage products would be ideal because it is light and is easy to prepare. As an added bonus, Wise Food Storage gives you tips for staying safe and getting prepared during flood emergency.
Assemble an emergency kit. Red Cross recommends to include:
- Water – at least 3-day supply; one gallon person per day
- Food – at least a 3-day supply of nonperishable, easy-to-prepare food; ideally dehydrated or freeze-dried food
- Flashlight
- Battery powered or hand crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
- Multipurpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket
- Map(s) of the area
- Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
- Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
- Tools/supplies for securing your home
- Extra set of car keys and house keys
- Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
- Rain gear
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Camera for photos of damage
Stay informed. NOAA Weather Radio, the NOAA website, or local TV or radio stations will issue flood warnings and reports from the National Weather service. If a flood warning is issued for your area, be prepared to evacuate right away and move to higher ground.
Protect emergency food and water.
- Basements are excellent for emergency food storage because of their low, constant temperatures. Ensure that food is elevated enough to stay dry. Better yet, temporarily move your supply to the highest level of the house.
- Keep a supply of bottled water or keep a Katadyn water filter nearby. Do not use the water from a well until it has been tested and deemed safe.
- Wash fruits and vegetables and prepare baby formula with safe water.
- Don’t eat anything that’s come in contact with floodwater.
- Throw out food that is not in waterproof containers (screw caps, pull tops and crimped caps are not waterproof).
- Food in metal cans and flexible metal or plastic pouches can be cleaned by removing labels and sanitizing containers before opening.
- Thoroughly sanitize food prep pans, countertops, dishes and utensils with hot soap and water or a bleach solution.
Return carefully.
- Return home only when officials have declared the area safe.
- Before entering your home, check for loose power lines and damaged gas lines. If you see or hear either one, leave immediately.
- As you enter, be aware that wild animals, especially poisonous snakes can seek shelter in flooded houses.
- Wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots.
- Contact your local or state public health department for specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in your area after a disaster as water may be contaminated.
As illustrated by recent events, even if you’re not in a designated flood plain you may be at risk for high water damage in extreme weather conditions. Take some time to assemble a kit and familiarize yourself with basic safety information. Be alert. Be prepared.
For more on flood awareness, go here for the FedHealth e-newsletter for March 2013.
Posted in Survival Health, Survival Kitchen, Survival Shelter |
Tags: flood preparation, flood safety |
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What About Getting Home?
Alex Smith (no relation) has written a book about that called Getting Home, and it’s a DestinySurvival Amazon Pick. Alex was my guest yesterday on DestinySurvival Radio. Alex describes himself as an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, etc. He says he’s saved by grace, and loved by an awesome woman. How can you beat that?
The Book
It’s not a lengthy book, yet it packs in a lot of info without being overwhelming. Chapters cover…
- Creating a robust Every Day Carry (EDC) kit
- Supplementing your EDC with a Daypack (DP)
- What to store in your office (or other facility while you are away from home)
- Selecting and outfitting your vehicle
- Selecting and outfitting a Get Home Bag (GHB)
- Creating Caches
- Getting Home: Tips and Tactics for Survival
Talking About Getting Home
He’s modest in saying he’s not a professional expert. But his extensive outdoor experiences have taught him much about what’s important and what isn’t when it comes to basic survival. This translates into guidance he can give as it relates to preparedness.
Getting Home is written to help you and me tailor what we need for our specific situations. Some of us work close to home, while some drive an hour to work. What you pack in your kits is determined by your particular circumstances.
Personal health and self defense are so vital to survival that Alex put them first in his book. In a nutshell, take care of yourself, and exercise your Second Amendment right to responsibly protect yourself.
Alex says self defense isn’t about killing someone. It’s about you being able to survive. Neutralize the threat and escape. If you finish off your opponent out of bravado, you’re committing a crime.
If you’re not familiar with the various ways to carry a handgun, you’ll appreciate Alex’s info on holster options. There’s quite an array of creative carry options for both men and women. Your clothing, climate and lifestyle should be considered when you choose what’s right for you.
While Getting Home includes very good lists of what to have in your various packs, be mindful of what not to have, too. For example, if your workplace prohibits firearms, don’t get yourself in trouble over having a gun or ammo.
Don’t expect your employer or even First Responders to take care of you if you’re stuck at the office for a day or two. The same is true if you’re stranded in your vehicle. Be responsible enough to be prepared.
What if you’re stranded with your children? Should you seek help from strangers? Alex and I covered these, too.
We also discussed what it means to be the “gray man.” He emphasizes several times in his book that your pack shouldn’t be camouflage. Blend in. Don’t stand out.
Would you believe Alex suggests packing tampons and comdoms? They do have their repurposed uses for survival in extreme situations.
If you get stuck on your route back home, would family or friends know where you might be found? Have you plotted out way points or notable landmarks for point of reference?
And what’s the deal with putting an apple in your mouth if you’re confronted by a shark? There’s a bit of humor in that one. But the last chapter of Getting Home deals briefly in general terms with several myths and sets the record straight as to what you should really do to survive.
Find Out More
Order Getting Home by clicking on its image below. That takes you to the Amazon page where it’s featured. Add it to your cart to start the order process.
How well prepared are you if you’re away from home when things start popping? Share any insights you have by leaving a comment below.
Posted in DestinySurvival Radio, Family Preparedness, Survival Reading, Survival Shelter |
Tags: aftermath of a disaster, getting home |
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The Kimberly Stove Isn’t Your Ordinary Wood Heat Stove
If you’re living off the grid–or depending on it as little as possible–it would be ideal to have a stove that was energy efficient, didn’t send up a lot of smoke, took up less space, and even made it possible to generate electricity.
There is such a stove. It’s the Kimberly Gasifying wood stove. And I spoke with its inventor, Roger Lehet, yesterday on DestinySurvival Radio. If you’re like me and you don’t have a wood heat stove, this is a show you’ll want to hear because Roger is knowledgeable and well spoken. He’s passionate about what he does and knows how to make things practical.
How the Kimberly came about
He decided to try his hand at building his own heat stove. The right people came along at the right time, and a series of miracles happened over five years for making the Kimberly stove a reality. Roger says it’s a story of hope and of following your belief and passion.
Why the Kimberly stove?
- It only weighs 56 pounds, not 300-400 pounds.
- It’s a little over two feet tall and 10 inches in diameter, so it has a much smaller footprint.
- It’s made mostly of stainless steel.
- It burns less wood and is designed with two fire zones to burn what other stoves release as smoke.
- The Kimberly isn’t limited to home use only. It can be used on boats and motor homes.
- It can heat up to 1500 square feet if a home is well insulated.
- It’s portable and can be installed in 15-20 minutes.
- Heat is projected out from the front and top. The stove is well insulated enough that the sides stay cool.
- Cook and heat water on the stove top.
- And it’s made in the USA.
Care and feeding of your wood stove
He says a favorite fuel is compressed logs made from recycled wood and sawdust. One log burns for eight hours or more in the Kimberly.
When starting the stove, Roger avoids using a lot of paper. Don’t over feed the fire at first.
Power from a wood stove?
We don’t need all the electricity we use. But in an off grid situation, having at least some electricity would be helpful. The Kimberly stove can help provide that coveted power.
What’s ahead?
Roger has a passion to help others both here and overseas by providing them with the means to have clean burning heat. He feels he’s been chosen by God as a steward. Kimberly was a gift, but it comes with responsibilities. He wants to make a difference in the lives of others in need.
You can expect to hear more about the Kimberly stove in the future. Roger has been invited to attend a couple of notable industry conferences this year. And the company and stove have received honorable mention from the Green Heat Alliance, which you can view here. There’s the promise of further attention by a big name magazine. Things are looking up.
After hearing Roger talk, I’d say things are happening for him and his company because they’re meant to.
Find out more…
Any thoughts about the Kimberly stove or heating with wood in general? Leave a comment below and share what’s on your mind.
Posted in DestinySurvival Radio, Other Resources, Survival Shelter |
Tags: Kimberly stove, wood heat stove |
2 Comments »
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