Welcome to September!

Sorry guys, I know it has been a while, but with all the information out there about what might happen this month, I couldn't help myself but to get things going again. If you haven't heard, September is looking to be a pretty crazy month. Look it up here and you might be shocked! That being said... I will not be surprised to wake up in October having nothing major happened this month, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Bottom line is, the worst that could happen as a result of being prepared is that you have some extra food and supplies on hand. On the other hand, if you choose not to do anything and it does hit the fan.... well good luck!

As we go through the month, I am going to suggest that we do something every day to prepare ourselves! The first and most important is to prepare yourself spiritually. If in the end, you or someone you love ends up dying (which we will all be doing anyway at some point or another) then this spiritual preparation will bring comfort knowing that this is not the end and that there is a better place for us with a Heavenly Father who loves us and our Savior who wants us to be happy and return to live with Him. Learning to be in tune with the Spirit is key to your survival! The Lord will use you as an instrument to help those around you and you will be an angel on earth to those you will help if you are both spiritually and physically prepared. So, my suggestion would be to start reading your scriptures DAILY! My suggestion would be to start in either Mathew or John and read at least a chapter a day. For my LDS followers I would suggest reading from 3 Nephi to the end of the Book of Mormon and or reread all of last General Conference and be familiar with what our living prophet and apostles are telling you right now!
As far as physical preparation goes, what are you doing right now to treat your body better today! So many of the products available to us have one purpose... addiction! Pay attention to your body! What are you going to do to get yourself in better shape? We have been fed lies that have lead to idleness, health problems, and gluttony! Step outside the box and look at the vast majority of people! Open your EYES! Its so true, and right in front of you!  We have become an idol people and care about not much more than our little rectangle box that lights up our face! Put down the phone and pay attention to your spouse, kids, family, friends, and nature! You might be surprised that you actually enjoy them and find happiness more often in your daily life.
One last thing, pick something today to store. My suggestion is water! In an emergency, the lack of water will most likely kill you faster than anything else. 1 gallon per person, per day! Get some bottles of water and store them under your bed. Eventually build up to getting some 55 gallon drums filled with water in your back yard, but start with getting gallons in something thicker than a milk jug ( trust me, that doesn't end well). You will wish you had when it hits the fan and that's the first thing gone from the store.

Help in Hard Times

courtesy of lds.org

Christmas is a good time of year to take a look around and see what you can do to help others. Many times when driving around in cities or even just shopping at the local super market, we get asked for help from someone less fortunate than ourselves. The iconic picture of a panhandler at the corner of an intersection comes to mind. While it is easy to look at them and say "You good for nothing dead beat, get off your butt and get a job! Stop drinking and doing drugs and you wouldn't have to be on the street bumming off of everyone else." The Savior said, "Judge not that ye be not judged." and "In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me!" 

courtesy of Flickr.com

Trust me, I have seen enough people while working the the ER who are abusing the system that it makes me sick. My first thought when I see these people is not, "oh you poor unfortunate person, I want to help you." And I have turned my head and avoided eye contact many times with the guys on the side of the street. Mainly because I don't feel that giving them money helps at all. You know the whole, give a man a fish and feed him for a day but teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime. Well if I can't give them money, what else is there? Well giving them a job would be amazing, but not feasible for the average person. So, I came up with an idea that I think is great to help those less fortunate in life without giving them direct financial assistance if you are the type that is worried that they are going to waste it on drugs and alcohol. 

So, in the attitude of preparedness, prepare care packages that you can keep in your car to give to someone the next time you come across someone in need. For $40 dollars we made 5 care packages with a few items to help them get by (pictures show 4 because there were a couple items we didn't get 5 of but we mostly had a 5th bag pricing and idem numbers work out perfectly for 5, just remember to get 5 of the single items!). Keep in mind that you can make your own and put whatever you deem necessary in yours, this is just what we chose to put in ours. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated, just leave a comment. The main ingredient was food. The idea was, what if they are homeless, make it so they don't need dishes or other ingredients. A package of tuna, some slim jims, couple granola bars, a cup o ramen, some crackers, fruit, and something to snack on, in this case a Little Debbie Christmas Tree. We all enjoy a nice sweet treat, wouldn't something like that make your day if you were on really hard times and had nothing. We also included a wisp (tooth brush with the tooth paste in one) some hand sanitizer, some hot hands, and a package of tissues. Some other items that are options are first aid kits (wal-mart has a mini kit for $1) shampoo, or hand towels (you can get compressed ones at the dollar store that are about 2 square inches if that). We also decided to toss in a bottle of water. Last but not least is some sort of uplifting message. Being the Christmas season, we through in a #ShareTheGift card and will probably toss in something else before we hand it out. You could also throw in some cash if you felt the need. 

This is a simple way to be prepared to serve and uplift others. We are all equal in the site of God so don't look down to others who are less fortunate, but reach out your hand to lift them up! I challenge each of you to reach out and do something this holiday season to lift up those in need! 

#sharegoodness #sharethegift

Shut-In

So last week I heard about the first confirmed case of Ebola in America (in Dallas, TX) and a friend at work brought up a possible scenario. It goes something like this:
The hospitals and local governments will likely manage the quarantine poorly, and, since Dallas is a highly populated area, the disease could start to spread. Knowing our opportunistic government, it is likely they would call for a 2 week shut-in to "help stop the spread" by keeping people indoors. This would happen close around the November elections so as to keep people from voting.
That last bit is quite the speculation, but the idea of a two week shut-in got me wondering: "am I prepared for having to stay inside for two whole weeks, possibly without running water and electricity? What things would I need the most?"
Not too hard to figure on this one, but do we have these things lined up in case we get stuck at home?
Bottled water for drinking and extra water for washing
Non-perishable foods, such as canned and dehydrated (keeping water usage in mind)
Cleaning and sanitation products like soaps, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, etc.
Any necessary medications and supplements to maintain immune health while living a likely dormant lifestyle         for two weeks.
Methods for disposing of trash and bodily wastes (especially without water, look into the bucket with                 sawdust).
Self defense methods and plan (for the crazies who don't mind helping spread the disease by trying to                 commit crimes when the police won't venture out).
Some methods of entertainment to keep up your spirits and the ability to stand your family (or roommates,           for that matter) for at least two weeks straight!

On that note, I keep hearing awesome things about COLLOIDAL SILVER and its abilities to kill almost EVERY harmful invader that can come into your body. Keep your eyes and ears open to where Ebola is spreading. Remember that it takes a couple days to a couple weeks to manifest, so don't take contact with others' bodily fluids (of any kind) lightly. No need for a preemptive shut-in either! Be safe, y'all!

Choosing the Right Firearm

Personally, I don't think it's possible to call yourself prepared for much of anything without having a firearm. Firearms are great tools for both defense and securing food. Firearms in our day are like swords of old, everyone should have one, and those who don't will end up just like those who didn't back in the day when things hit the fan... dead! I don't care what your opinion on weapons is, but think about this for a minute. What happens when there is no Walmart to run to for food? If you are a vegetarian... good for you, you are very healthy, but I hope you grow a huge year round garden! Fishing and hunting would become a primary source of food for you and your family! You will also need to be able to protect what you do have from freeloaders thinking they can just take from others what they haven't taken thought of to provide for themselves. Our society has promoted a lifestyle that is dependent upon getting something for nothing. That mentality won't simply disappear when disaster strikes! So the question is... which one is right for you?

I'm not sure that there is a definite answer for everyone as to which type of firearm is best in your situation. Ideally, multiple firearms of different types is best, but the important thing is that you are skilled with what you have. Don't just buy a gun and put it away in your closet and expect to be an expert marksman when the time comes. Go shooting! Get comfortable with your weapon! Know it's limits and have plenty of ammo for it.

Some factors to consider when thinking about choosing your preferred weapon include, affordability, versatility, range, and ammo availability. Unfortunately most of us have budget restraints when it comes to buying guns. Often times though, you get what you pay for so find the best of both worlds. If you can't buy multiple guns, consider some that fit multiple functions. For instance, a shotgun is great for home defense and foul hunting, but you can buy different rounds for it such as slugs or buckshot that make it great for large game. AR-15's and AK 47's also fit into the versatile category because they are light and great tactical weapons but also powerful enough to bring down large game. Shotguns and 22's have the cheapest ammo and their ammo is widely available whereas specific calibers of hunting rifles will be more difficult to find ammo in a shortage. In the event of an invasion, what ammo would the invader likely use. Right now I would say, .223, .308, or 7.62x39, so using something that has one of those calibers would be beneficial. Pistols are great, concealable, and awesome for personal defense, but if it came down to using it for survival, good luck bringing down a deer or even a rabbit with one of those. Another thing to think about is how hard the weapon kicks. Are you afraid to pull the trigger because of the kick? Would that moment of hesitation for that jerk of the gun cause you to miss or be a deadly mistake?

In my humble opinion, that's right I said IMHO, I believe that a tactical 22 or AR-22 is the best all around, single must have gun. If you could only pick one, this is it! Here is why, first, the gun is very affordable and can generally be found for 3-4 hundred. I've seen them as low as $250 for a decked out AR-22. They go on sale, keep your eyes peeled! These guns are light and have ZERO recoil so even the wimpiest of women, or children could shoot them and not be scared. Ammo is CHEAP! and it can be found anywhere! It offers a good home defense ability as well as the capability to hunt. Get a good scope and get dead on with one of these babies and you could bring down a deer with shot through the neck or head. While it doesn't have the knockdown power of its .223 or .308 counterparts, your aim won't waiver with each shot so you could easily pump multiple shots out accurately and trust me, a .22 will still kill someone. The look also carries the fear of the higher caliber weapons. That is why this is my weapon of choice!

Keep It Ready

I've noticed lately that it's really easy to let your kit fall apart after you've put it together, especially if it doubles as your camping bag. Getting practice in with your kit is a great idea, but it's equally important to REMEMBER to restock and reorganize it after use and periodically.

Also, keep track of expiration dates on the food and other consumable items in your kits and home storage. I'm sure I don't have to tell you how disappointing it is to open something you thought was fine to eat just to find it has long since spoiled, leaving you with an added burden instead of added comfort.

As for your gear, make sure you swap out clothing based on the seasons you're going into, and check them during the seasons for damage from insects or leaks from other items in your kit (had a buddy burner leak out in my bag once...). Any items that may require routine maintenance should also get your attention at this time, such as water filters that may need cleaning, metal equipment that would need oiling, or knives that would need sharpening and polishing.

Doing this kit maintenance will not only keep it fresh and ready, but will also keep you savvy on where everything is located in your kit, as well as keeping your knowledge of how to use it fresh on your mind.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE is the fact that a kit you keep in your car will expire many times faster than one you keep in your climate-controlled home. Changing temperatures cause food to expire faster and cause fabrics to break down. I've seen water resistant linings in bags crumble off and the cloth become almost transparent doing nothing but sitting still inside a vehicle. Decide now if you really want to leave a kit in your car (it is doable, but the right supplies for long term storage will be harder to procure) or if it's feasible to bring it inside with you wherever you need it to (mainly work).

How to Not Become Part of the Problem

We've all seen them on the news: those people who have either taken to the fetal position or have become criminals of opportunity in the face of an emergency. Looters, violent protesters, and gangs tend to only add more tragedy to tragedy. The unprepared, in essence, do the same. Both groups make recovery operations much harder for everyone, themselves included.

We always talk of having your supplies ready and knowing how to use them so I'll spare your eyes that trouble for now. Just note that being wise with your supplies doesn't always mean hoarding them away to only be used by you and your family.

Witnessed in infamous incidents such as Hurricane Katrina and Ferguson, Missouri are the opportunists. These predators seek to gain benefit from a disaster instead of using their time and energy to help get through it. I hope I'm preaching to the choir when I talk of this, but the concept that a confusion in law and order is a green-light to commit crimes is WRONG! This behavior makes it more dangerous and time-consuming for emergency crews to enter affected areas and perform their much-needed jobs to restore order and livability for citizens like you and I. On the other side of this coin, it would not be wise or helpful to go out into the streets as an armed vigilante to try and do the "peacekeeping" by yourself either.

If you want to go a step beyond not becoming part of the problem the next logical step is to become part of the solution. Check with your local government to see about becoming part of their Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The training from this program teaches you how to handle basic emergency equipment and different things you can do to aid emergency crews, such as going door to door and marking homes for wounded and casualties.

It's your choice where you want to stand on this spectrum, but make up your mind ahead of time, because fence-sitters don't help either!

Safe Places

The world we live in is crazy and at a moments notice, it could all change. The truth is, no matter where you live, we are all susceptible to natural disasters, diseases, and financial downturns. Because we all have these vulnerabilities, we should each establish a safe place both within our house and a distance away from our home. In every emergency plan a safe place is outlined where those involved should go to seek refuge. In earthquakes we flock to doorways, under tables, or outside. In fires go to the neighbors house, just across the street, or the big tree by the light post. If a tornado or earthquake hit do you know where you would go? What about in the event that there is civil unrest or something worse? Would you hunker down or hit the road? These are serious questions we all need to ask ourselves. If you lived in Ferguson, MO what would you have done?

For the most part, emergencies happen in our homes. Weathering storms and other natural disasters, losing a job, and most other situations requiring preparedness will happen at home, or they it will happen somewhere that you have your vehicle close by. This is why it is important to create a safe place in your home and have a bug out kit in your vehicle. Ideally pick out a room in your house that is a central room with no windows. Basements are great, but if you don't have one, you can improvise. If you don't have a spare room that you can store things in, consider making a closet a storage area and have everything in it easy to move to a bathroom or another safe location. Make this space like a room size safe. Keep important documents there. Another good spot for important documents is in the freezer. They will generally be protected from fire in the freezer and you are less likely to lose them. Keep a gun and ammo in this room, along with your 72 hr. kit, food, water, first aid kit, and you may even want to consider making a box that is EMP proof and store some electronics in it like old phones, an external hardrive, hand crank cell phone chargers and flashlights, a ham radio, and the list goes on! Bottom line, make this room your safe room where if the rest of your house got wiped out, you would have everything you need in this one place. I'm not saying put it all in one place, because it's a good idea to have more than one of many of these things, but have at least one of everything in a central location.

I suggest making a grab and go kit as well. Go to a thrift store or garage sale and find some old luggage with wheels on it that you can store a food grab and go and a supply grab and go case. Its a good idea to keep important documents and other survival supplies like a water filter, fire starter kit, knives, something to cook with, rope, compass, first aid kit, gun, extra cash, and whatever else you deem necessary in your grab and go case. You should be able to fit at least a good week's worth of food in a case. Then you should have a 3rd case with clothing for all seasons but especially make sure you have winter clothing. The farmer's almanac this year is predicting a colder than normal winter for most of the U.S. and we all saw the chilling effects of the polar vortex last year. Be prepared! You never know when you might have to bug out.

Since the possibility of bugging out exists, where would you go? How would you get there? If that route was compromised do you have an alternate, or an alternate safe place? These are all questions we need to ask ourselves. Mom's house might sound like a great idea if she lives in a big city, you live in the country, and an ice storm is headed your way, but if there was a huge disaster and all the inner city folks are looking for food, being in town is not a good idea. What if you had to go out of state? The truth is that there are a million and one possibilities of what could happen. Plan on a couple of options and evaluate them. Ask every question you can think of and categorize each place so that when disaster strikes, you have a plan and you know where you are going to go and how to get there.