Paranoia or Prepping - Maintaining a Proper Balance

Everyone prepares to a certain degree but there are those that sometimes let their prepping activities go to extremes. Try as you might, it is almost impossible to prepare for every possible scenario. If you maintain a proper balance in your prepping activities, you will have a better state of preparedness than you might think. Sometimes the simplest things are overlooked because we don’t see them as obstacles until it is too late.

You’ve got a bug-out bag, a bug-out vehicle and a bug-out location but do you have the skills to put your bug-out plan into action. Can you change a flat tire? It’s a simple process but it is also one which many people have never done. Can you change a drive belt on the motor if it breaks? These are simple skills that are easy to practice and develop but which can leave you stranded and vulnerable at the worst possible time if you lack these simple skills. Simple skills can go a long way in helping you be better prepared.

A box of survival seeds won’t do you much good if you lack the gardening skills to make them grow. A stockpile of canned goods and freeze-dried foods won’t last forever and you will need gardening skills to properly balance your food storage program. You will also need to stock your food items accordingly. Excess food storage can increase your chances of having items that expire or go bad before you can use them. Simple gardening skills can help you be better prepared.

Don’t forget to have a plan to maintain the safety and security of your family. Don’t sacrifice your family’s safety or security because simple items were left unattended. Realize that maintaining security should also be a part of your preparedness plans.

Include plenty of family activities that can help to strengthen the trust and loyalty among your group or family members. Make sure to include both younger and older members of your group in your activities. While their knowledge and skills may vary, they can only help to strengthen your efforts. Remember that everyone is capable of making a contribution to your preparedness efforts.

There are numerous aspects to proper prepping and maintaining a proper balance will be critical. You may be unknowingly increasing your costs and utilizing resources you may need elsewhere if you don’t maintain a proper balance in your preps. Know how many in your family or group you are preparing for and adjust your preparedness plans accordingly. Know which skills you are lacking and make an effort to learn them and continue to practice those skills you already have. Balance your prepping efforts with the actual needs of your family or group.

Got balance?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Prepping Projects - Temporary Chicken Coop

The chicks have grown up fast and are now chickens. They've gotten quite big and needed a lot more room than the small cage they were originally kept in at first. RW, Jr. came up with the idea of using a portable carport canopy, something like a 12x20, as a chicken coop until we could get some free time to build a more permanent structure. With both of us working regular jobs and part-time jobs as well, finding extra time for our prepping projects can be difficult. It's been working really good so far and the chickens seem to like the additional space to move around while they are scratching for bugs.

RW, Jr. bought the portable carport canopy on sale and used some heavier duty hardware cloth to seal up the sides because the varmints around here have a tendency to tear through regular chicken wire pretty quick. He also put down some old pieces of lattice work down around the edges to discourage predators from digging under the edges of the temporary chicken coop. A few solar lights were also added to make it easier to see around the coop at night. The canopy also gives them a lot more shade to protect them from the heat of the sun.

Got coop?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Frugal Prepping

Hi! I'd like to thank RW for allowing me to be a guest poster once again! Being unemployed gives me way too much free time to surf all the survivalist websites, and gives me too much time to think about things, and how to do it on a budget. I'd like to share a few of my tips and tricks with everyone. This will have nothing to do with guns and ammo, just basic stuff. So let’s start saving some money!

First off, decide if you’re bugging in or bugging out. The only difference is shelter. We all have, or should have, canned, dehydrated, frozen food stashed already. Where you eat it is up to you. Do you have a decent house, tent, RV, cave? If not, that's your priority. Anything is better than nothing.

Pay attention to your prep shopping. Do you buy something you see on a website just because it's "cool"? "Wow, a year supply of dehydrated lima beans for a $100 a case??” Give me a break! I'll be the first to say, these "advertisers" make a killing off of your paranoia. Need to bury something? Get a plastic tube for 200 buck's......or make it yourself for $20. See where I'm headed here? A little brains and sweat can save you big money! I'm here to try and give everyone a few tips and tricks to stretch each prep penny!

Yard Sales:

With the economy the way it is, every family is trying to reduce costs, or make a quick buck... Good for everyone!! Stop at every yard sale you see, you never know what you might find, regardless if you "need” it, or if it might be a good barter item. That old tent with a broken zipper for 20 buck's is better than no tent. That sleeping bag with a tear in it for 3 bucks is a great blanket or ground cover. A Coleman lantern with a crack in the glass for 3 bucks. That dirty camp stove for 10 bucks...

Goodwill:

I'm not sure if this is a national thing or not, but the first Saturday of the month, our local Goodwill has a half price day, and it's a ZOO! I'm a mechanical kinda guy, and I always see stuff like fan belts, lawnmowers, weed eaters and stuff. Computer cables, you name it!

Coupons:

If you’re not using coupons, you’re losing money, period. I know, most coupons are for national brands, with a higher price tag, or buy 3, get 1 free or something. Today, almost every grocery store has double coupons, up to a buck or so. If you save those coupons till there is a sale, you can get a bunch! I once got 10 boxes of laundry soap for 2 buck's on sale with coupons!

Neighbors:

I was helping my neighbor out with unloading some lumber, noticed he had a huge pile of red bricks, so I asked him what he was making...Come to find out, he wanted to get rid of them, so I got a pallet full for 50 bucks. I made a gorgeous BBQ grill out of them, and still have a ton left! He also had a roto-tiller that I bought for 50 bucks when I redid my yard. The motor is toast now, but cheaper to replace than the same tiller new.


Craigslist: There isn't anything you can't find there!

Just to share a few of my finds with you. A water canner with 60 jars and lids from Craigslist for 15 bucks. A food dehydrator, in the original box with manual, 10 bucks at a yard sale. A pressure cooker, small, new and in the box, but better than nothing, for 10 bucks.20 MASH style mess trays from park and swap for 20 bucks, solid stainless steel dated 54-56! And piles of camping gear I've gotten over the years I can't recall!

Just remember... Prepping isn't what you spend, it’s where, what and how you spend it!

Dean in Az


Note from RW:

Thanks Dean! Don't forget to check estate sales and the classifieds of your local newspaper for great bargains. Thay are out there! You just have to keep an eye out for them.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Preppin’ Projects

There is always another project in the works and right now I’ve got several brewing. Preppin’ is pretty much a part of my daily routine which makes things a lot easier to keep up with because once you get a little behind. It’s difficult to catch up.

The weather was a little nasty outside yesterday so I spent some time changing Stealth Survival a little and added a new feature called Popular Posts by Riverwalker. Hopefully it will load a little faster for my readers on 56k dial-up.

I also made a homemade bore snake for my Mossberg 500A shotgun. I’ll post the details on that later. It’s a quick and easy fun project that’s a fairly inexpensive process.

Got my brother in law working on getting me a new food grade barrel so that I can build me a new UDS (ugly drum smoker) smoker barrel to replace the old one that cratered.

Made a swap for a cartridge slide, a double speedloader pouch, three speedloaders, and a box of shells for my S&W .357 Magnum. It cost me about $10. I got it from an ex-deputy that didn’t need the stuff anymore. He got 5 old VHS movies in exchange and since I’d already seen them figured it was too good a deal to pass up.

I also managed to pick up a couple of extra plastic five gallon water cans. These are going to the son in law to help shore up his water storage since mine is already in good shape. I’m going to trade them for some brisket till I get my new smoker put together. My daughter says I’m too easy. That may be true but I do love to eat brisket!

There are also a couple of side jobs lined up that hopefully will generate a few extra dollars for some additional preps. Plus I plan on helping out with a big charity function type event on the first weekend in March with my nephew. It's some kind of bike thing between San Antonio and Houston and they need an escort and room for spare bike stuff. My 15 passenger van fits the bill.
It looks like it’s going to be a busy couple of weeks.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Preppin' 101 - Temporary Shelter - Truck Camping

Camper shells are enclosures that fit on a standard truck bed. These shells fit over the bed of a pickup truck so that it is completely enclosed. Most camper shells are made of fiberglass or aluminum. Collapsible covers are also available. These camper shells are perfect for providing shelter for you, your family and your belongings during an emergency.

Camper shells are often used everyday to protect equipment from the elements. They usually consist of a hard cover and may also include back and side windows. Their construction makes them ideal solutions for temporary shelter needs while offering complete mobility. They go where the truck goes! While they only provide the amount of room supplied by the truck bed and minimal additional head space, they provide excellent protection from the weather. Collapsible covers are perfect for temporary shelter where you want to remove or add the shell at your convenience. They are not as sturdy as fiberglass or aluminum models, but work well in environments where the weather conditions are not as severe.

A truck bed will generally allow up to four people to sleep comfortably inside it. By placing storage items in the cab of the truck, you can use the truck bed for sleeping. This will provide ample room to spread out and get a good night’s sleep. Since the truck is protected, it will be warmer and a great alternative to sleeping in a tent. This is especially important if cold weather is a factor.

A camper shell needs to be fitted to the type of truck you have and as a result prices may vary. The prices vary greatly depending upon whether you use a basic camper shell or a complete slide-in camper unit with sleeping area, cooking, and bathroom areas. Used equipment may be less expensive, but it is essential to ensure a proper fit for your particular type of truck. Internet searches will provide a number of resources where used camper shells or camper units can be purchased.

Some people may decide to build their own camper shells. These can be made of wood or you can even adapt an existing camper for use with your vehicle. This is an affordable way to get the same effect but may take a bit more time to accomplish. It also requires a bit of skill and patience.

You can see some great pics of DIY truck camping set-ups here:

Truck Camping 101

Camper shells and camper units are a convenient and practical solution for temporary shelters. Depending on the type of camper unit or shell you purchase. They offer great flexibility to your temporary shelter options. They have the ability to be used year round for any type of shelter, storage or transportation needs.

Staying above water line!

Riverwalker

Preppin 101 - Part 4 - The Purpose of Shelter

All the various types of shelters serve three basic purposes. The fact that you won’t have all the comforts of home should be a part of your survival mindset. There is some psychological value to certain styles but most any type of shelter will ultimately satisfy your emotional needs. There may be a need for protection from animals, etc. but the primary purpose of a survival shelter is to protect your body from the adverse effects of the weather.

It is the effects of hypothermia, which is caused by the loss of body heat, which causes the majority of deaths in survival situations. Being able to make or build a good shelter is crucial.

A good shelter prevents this in the three following ways:

1.) It creates a space to shelter your body from the adverse effects of weather.

2.) It creates a space that can be heated by your body or an alternate source of heat.

3.) It creates a sense of security by making you feel more secure and protected.

People with no skills have sometimes survived in circumstances where others with a great deal of survival knowledge have died. A lack of creativity and the inability to improvise may be the real culprits. Sometimes a little understanding of the principles involved and a willingness to think and observe your surroundings can be just as important as specific skills.

Look at what is available, and consider how you can use it. The ability to improvise will help you to survive. In a survival situation, a shelter that can keep you warm and dry and imparts a sense of security becomes crucial. Check your surroundings carefully. Is there anything which can be used to create a shelter? Consider the available materials around you in terms of how you can use them for the purpose of making or building a shelter.

Creativity, an ability to improvise, and good powers of observation can be your keys to survival, no matter what your circumstances. Being able to create a shelter out of what is available can make a world of difference in your chances for survival. The best survival shelter is the one that works for your situation!

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Preppin’ 101 - Part 3 - Health - Eating the Rainbow

Have you ever tried eating the rainbow? It is not an actual diet, but refers to choosing foods that are the colors of the rainbow. By including fruits and vegetables that are the colors of the rainbow in your daily diet, you can assure yourself of the proper servings of fruits and vegetables in order to maintain good health. Fruits and vegetables come in different colors and each of the different colors gives us different types of vitamins and nutrients. Eating the full rainbow of foods on a daily basis helps give your body the essential nutrients that it needs. These nutrients help strengthen your immune system and help to prevent or lessen the risk of certain diseases. What color is your food?

The Color Red

Red fruits and vegetables improve your memory, help to maintain a healthy heart, and lower the risks of some types of cancers.

Sources include red apples, cranberries, red grapes, pomegranates, raspberries, strawberries, watermelon, grapefruit, tomatoes, radishes, red peppers and red onions.

The Color Blue

Blue fruits and vegetables help fight the effects of aging, help to improve urinary tract function, and can also reduce the risk of some types of cancers.

Sources include raisins, blackberries, plums, purple grapes, eggplant and purple cabbage.

The Color White

White fruits and vegetables help lower cholesterol levels and improve the health of your heart.

Sources include bananas, white nectarines, white peaches, garlic, cauliflower, mushrooms, onions and potatoes.

The Color Green

Green fruits and vegetables help maintain good vision, work to build strong bones and teeth and are good sources of antioxidants.

Sources include green apples, green grapes, kiwi fruit, honeydew melon, avocado, broccoli, spinach, zucchini, lettuce, celery and asparagus.

The Color Yellow / Orange

Yellow or orange fruits and vegetables help strengthen your immune system.

Sources include yellow apples, apricots, cantaloupe, oranges, peaches, nectarines, mangoes, pineapple, yellow peppers, pumpkin, sweet corn, lemons and sweet potatoes.


Along with regular exercise, eating properly is one of the best ways to maintain your health. Eating the rainbow will help create a healthier lifestyle. It is something you can do on a regular basis without a lot of extra effort.


Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Preppin’ 101 - Part 6 - Educational Resources - Food Safety

Being prepared also includes knowing your educational resources. Today there are a wide variety of resources available to further increase your knowledge. From your local library to the internet, the knowledge and information is out there. Invest some quality time to obtain some quality knowledge.

Food safety is a very important part of the knowledge needed to keep you and your family stay safe. Knowing the different factors that can affect your food and its proper storage will help you and your family to survive. Food safety information will be a valuable part of your survival library.

Important educational information about food safety can be found here:

Food Safety Education

Source: Dr. Angela Fraser, Associate Professor/Food Safety Education Specialist, Clemson University, Clemson, SC.


Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Preppin' 101 - Part 6 - Educational Resources

Being prepared also includes knowing your educational resources. Today there are a wide variety of resources available to further increase your knowledge. From your local library to the internet, the knowledge and information is out there. Invest some quality time to obtain some quality knowledge.

Charlotte M. Mason was a firm believer in the value of education and was one of the leaders in homeschooling. Her series of articles on homeschooling are now available for free download and will make a great addition to your survival library. This online version of Charlotte Mason's six-volume book series is provided for public use at no cost.

The Original Homeschooling Series by Charlotte M. Mason in HTML format is available here for free:
http://amblesideonline.org/CM/toc.html#1

You can also find additional homeschooling tips here: Homeschooling Tips

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Preppin' 101 - Part 6 - Education

An essential part of being prepared is having the right knowledge in order to reach your goals of being prepared. Information is vital to everyone's survival. Proper food storage methods, food storage recipes, and food preservation techniques are an essential part of a recipe for survival success. Here are some informational links with storage food recipes, food canning techniques and other valuable food storage information.

Food Storage - Use It or Lose It

Food Storage in the Home

Home Drying of Foods

Vegetable Freezing Methods

Fruit Freezing Methods

Getting Crisp Home Pickled Vegetables

Reduced Sugar Food Preservation

Tips on Vegetables

Knowlege is power and having the right knowledge will help you and your family to survive!

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Preppin' 101 - Part 4 - Vehicles

If during a crisis you should suddenly find yourself without some form of shelter, there are several different options to choose from should you decide to avoid public shelters or other facilities that may be made available to the public at large. Depending upon your individual needs and the size of your family, you should choose the option that is best for your family’s needs and your budget.


Temporary Shelter Options

1.) Living in your car

Cars - The Advantages

Most people already own a vehicle and therefore this option is readily available to most everyone. It also offers a quick and ready means for changing locations. You will also have the option of pulling a small pop-up style camper or small travel trailer. Your options will ultimately depend on the towing capacity of your vehicle and your budget.

Cars – The Disadvantages

Cars require maintenance and fuel for their operation. This can lead to increased costs for temporary shelter needs. They can also be quite confining due to limited available space. They generally have limited towing capacity as far as optional trailers are concerned.

2.) Living in your truck

Trucks – The Advantages

If you are fortunate enough to own a truck, you can have several different options available. A truck can be equipped with a camper shell or slide-in camper unit. This will give you additional room while still offering the advantage of being able to change locations if necessary. You will also have the option to pull larger trailers (5th wheels, etc.) depending upon the size of your truck and its towing capacity.

Trucks – The Disadvantages

Trucks usually suffer in the economy department. They usually require lots of fuel and additional routine maintenance that can be quite expensive when compared to smaller and more lightweight cars and trucks, especially when pulling heavy loads (large trailers, etc.).

3.) Living in a motor home or RV

Motor Homes / RVs – The Advantage

Many motor homes and most RVs are like small apartments or small homes. They often have most of the same amenities that people are accustomed to having in their lives. Kitchens, bathrooms, and other conveniences can make life a lot more comfortable in a crisis. Another important option of motor homes and RVs is the mobile nature of motor homes and RVs. Having the option of being able to change locations in a very rapid manner and a short period of time could be invaluable in a crisis.

Motor Homes / RVs – The Disadvantage

Motor homes and RVs are expensive to purchase and maintain. Fuel costs and repairs can be expensive. For many people on a budget this may not be an affordable option. Thankfully, purchasing a motor home or RV is not necessarily required.

Another option that can be considered is a lease or rental. Leasing or renting a motor home or RV for a short time period may allow you to find out if this is actually something may want to consider before purchasing your own. This will enable you to find out if this is the right course of action before making a making purchase or a major change in your lifestyle that may create serious difficulties for you and your family.

Choosing the right option for your temporary shelter needs during a crisis should take into consideration several main things.

1.) Will it be affordable and within you or your family’s budget restraints?

2.) Will it allow you to provide adequately for other necessities that are required (food, water, clothing, protection, etc.)?

3.) Will it offer you and your family the option to easily change locations if necessary?

4.) Will it provide the most available services and living space for you and your family?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Preppin' 101 - Part 3 - Health - Supplement Guidelines

Although it is best to get your daily vitamin and mineral nutrition from whole foods, it is not always possible. Some foods are seasonal and not readily available. Other foods may simply not be available due to shortages (storms, disasters, etc.). There may even be food allergies or other medical problems that may require you to obtain the necessary nutrients for your health through vitamin and mineral supplements.

Here are two major guidelines for choosing the best possible whole food vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure proper nutritional.

1. Look for vitamin and mineral supplements that are made with 100% whole foods; if the ingredients label doesn't clearly list only whole foods, or if you only see chemicals like "ascorbic acid" or "Vitamin C" without an accompanying reference to a whole food source, then you are likely looking at supplements that contains synthetic nutrients.

2. Look for vitamin or mineral supplements that come in dark glass containers. Dark glass containers (amber-colored, etc.) are the best storage containers for preserving nutrient integrity because they are inert (chemically inactive), and they protect the essential fatty acids in whole foods. Plastic containers may allow oxygen to seep in over time, which can cause significant loss of nutrient value.

Most vitamin or mineral supplements are packaged in plastic bottles because plastic is cheap and it doesn't break easily, although it can crack or deteriorate over time.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Preppin' 101 - Part 3 - Health - Vitamins

What you don't know about vitamins may destroy your health! People can hurt their health and experience dangerous complications and side effects with synthetic vitamin supplements. People who experience vitamin toxicity are probably more common than you might think. There are two main types of vitamins and you should know the difference between them. Your health depends on it!

Two Main Types of Vitamins

1.) Fat Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E, and K are known as fat soluble vitamins. This means that these vitamins are stored in your fat tissues. When consumed in excess, fat-soluble vitamins can cause a number of symptoms related to vitamin toxicity since they are easily stored in your body. Consuming excess amounts of fat soluble vitamins in excess of your dietary needs can be harmful to your health.

2.) Water Soluble Vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins like the B vitamin group and vitamin C are not stored in your fat tissues. Your body is capable of excreting excess amounts of water soluble vitamins from your body and this is done mainly through your urinary system. When consumed in large quantities, water-soluble vitamins can still be toxic to your system and cause significant damage to your body if they are consumed in excess amounts.

There is a simple way to avoid vitamin toxicity. Avoid synthetic nutritional supplements and concentrate your efforts on eating fresh foods or foods that have been minimally processed. Whole foods that are found in nature contain only trace amounts of vitamins and minerals. This is why vitamins are called micronutrients. They exist in small amounts in natural foods and are generally needed by your body in small amounts.

The trace amounts of vitamins that are found in natural food sources are combined with large quantities of macronutrients like carbohydrates, protein, fat and fiber. Obtaining your vitamins from whole foods made up of carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber will fill you up. This will signal you to stop eating before you consume dangerous levels of vitamins.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Preppin' 101 - Part 4 - Tents

When considering short term shelter needs, tents can offer a better level of protection for you or your family. Depending upon the number of people that will require temporary shelter, a tent can be found that will cover most any need. Remember, most people who find themselves in a shelter after a storm or disaster will have little or no privacy and if staying outdoors may not have adequate protection from the weather. Tents can be a valuable option to protect you and your family.

Tents - Advantages

1.) The primary benefit of tents is the relatively low cost of most tents.

2.) Tents also come in all different sizes, shapes, and styles.

3.) Tents can be purchased from several different retail outlets, both online and offline.

4.) Tents can be used for other activities (camping, etc.).

5.) Tents offer a small measure of privacy for you and your family.

6.) Tents offer limited protection from insects and pests when used out doors.

7.) Tents, depending upon their type, can offer limited protection from the weather.

8.) Tents are generally quite portable and easy to transport.

9.) A large number of tents are water-proof to a limited extent.

10.) Some smaller tents can be easily set-up for use indoors if necessary.

Tents - Disadvantages

The main disadvantage to tents is that not every tent is of a strong and durable enough nature that it will afford a high level of protection during extremely bad weather conditions.

Tent Types

Dome Tents

This type of tent has a rudimentary dome shape formed by inward curving walls that meet at the apex.

Advantages: They generally have ample headroom and offer the ability to sit upright. They can also be set indoors without stakes.

Disadvantages: Two pole designs leave a significant portion of unsupported tent material. This restricts use to moderate weather conditions only.

Modified Dome Tents

This is a dome tent with a few variations: the addition of more poles plus cross-section rods, as will generally have tapered ends.
Advantages: This type is able to withstand harsher weather and higher wind levels.

Pyramid Tents

These are little more than a waterproof tarp staked to the ground and draped over a central pole.
Advantages: Extremely easy to set up.
Disadvantages: It can leave you exposed to weather conditions and outdoor pests.

Tunnel Tents

This type of tent is designed in the shape of a tunnel. Usually the front has the most ceiling height (allowing just enough room to sit upright) and tapers towards the rear. This tent type incorporates a single or dual pole design with the longer pole upfront. They are generally a single person type of tent.

Advantages: Very lightweight.

Disadvantages: Design type tends towards being cramped.

Cabin Tents

Cabin tents are what is known as single-skin tents and are used mainly in the United States. They often have nylon walls, polyester roof, and a polyethylene floor, plus an awning at one or both ends. Removable internal dividers allow the cabin to be split into different areas or rooms.

Advantages: They offer more room allowing the use of other optional equipment in the form of cots, etc. They also can accommodate a larger number of persons comfortably.

Disadvantages: Cabin tents are bulkier, heavier, and generally will require assistance while being set-up.

More information on the different types of tents can be found here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tent#Current_tent_styles


I currently have dome tents, a modified dome tent for my family and a two room cabin tent to handle my temporary shelter needs. An example of my family dome tent can be found here:

Riverwalker’s Gear-Magellan-16-x-10 Tent

When considering short term shelter needs due to a storm or disaster, tents offer a higher level of protection than the use of tarps. They offer beneficial options for you and your family.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Preppin' 101 - Part 4 - Temporary Shelter - Poly Tarps

Being prepared isn’t as hard as you may think. Once you have taken care of the basic food items (temporary and long term), water (including storage and purification methods), and covered your basic health needs the next item you will need to cover is shelter. Shelter needs range from temporary needs to those which are more considered more permanent. One of the best forms of temporary shelter are poly tarps.


Tarps are large sheets of various types of materials which usually have the ability to resist the damaging effects of heat from the sun, water damage due to rain, protection against wind damage and a variety of other beneficial uses. With the advent of modern technology, tarps have become extremely lightweight, inexpensive, and a fairly durable means of protection against environmental hazards. The manufacture of polyethylene tarps has enabled people everywhere to have affordable protection against the weather and its effects. They are more commonly called poly tarps.

While there are other types of tarps (canvas, plastic, etc.), poly tarps offer the most diversity and allow this simple means of protection from the elements to be affordable for everyone.

Uses of Poly Tarps

1.) Poly tarps can be used to cover your equipment from harmful weather conditions.

2.) Poly tarps can be used as an expedient shelter for you and your family from various weather conditions.

3.) Poly tarps can also be used as an effective means of providing privacy when needed.

4.) Poly tarps can be used to protect items while being transported.

The variety of uses for tarps is almost endless and is limited only by your imagination.

Advantages of Poly Tarps

1.) Lightweight and easily carried or transported

2.) Extremely durable – available in a wide range of strengths

3.) Lower in cost than most other types of tarps

4.) Available in a wide range of sizes to fit your needs

Disadvantages of Poly Tarps

The main disadvantage of poly tarps is that they are only a temporary means of protection. They should be considered only for short term shelter needs until a more permanent type of shelter can be obtained.

Got poly tarps?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Preppin' 101 - Part 3 - Health - Training and First Aid

Being prepared is easier than you think. Once you have taken care of the basic food items (temporary and long term) and your water needs for drinking and sanitation purposes (including storage and purification methods), the next area you will need to cover is your basic health needs. One of the most important areas is training in basic first aid and CPR.

1.) Training

The foremost item when addressing your health needs is training. If at all possible, you should obtain training in first aid and CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) in order to be knowledgeable about what to do in a crisis or emergency. Accidents or medical emergencies can occur at any time and don’t need a natural disaster in order for them to leave you in a world of hurt and pain! Many local EMS (Emergency Medical Services), fire departments, and hospitals offer free or low cost hands-on training. Check with these services in your area to see what is available. There are also resources available online for training in first aid and CPR.

2.) First Aid Manual

The next item you should have is a good First Aid Manual. This is an item EVERY household should have and keep handy at all times, both at home and in your vehicle. Even a fairly intelligent person can use a good First Aid Manual to deliver basic emergency care with out doing further harm. Remember even the simplest of injuries may have serious or unknown complications. Always dial 911 immediately so that properly trained help will be on the way as soon as possible. Your life or the life of someone else may depend on your actions.

3.) First Aid Supplies

Having basic First Aid Kits (FAK) on hand will help to cover most minor emergency situations. Keeping a small first aid kit in your EDC (Every Day Carry) pouch or bag is always important. Keeping another small First Aid Kit in the glove compartment of your vehicle(s) will give you a back-up as well as additional supplies. The next item to have is a larger size kit to cover minor problems of a more serious nature. A good kit should be kept in the home and your vehicle(s) at all times. These should be checked frequently and any used items or out-dated items replaced. Then, depending upon the level of training you have achieved, a more advanced kit will be in order. This will help you to respond to emergencies of a more serious nature. Remember; in cases of serious emergencies always call 911 to get properly trained and qualified personnel on the scene as soon as possible. If you have training as a healthcare professional, EMT, nurse (RN, LVN), or doctor, a more advanced trauma kit may be included in your preparations.

There are many risks to your health and well-being in your everyday activities. There are also even greater risks to your health in a natural or man-made disaster. Being prepared will increase the chances for you and your family to survive.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Preppin' 101: Food Conservation

Food costs have risen dramatically recently. The most disturbing fact is that the amount of wasted food has also skyrocketed to astronomical proportions. You can increase your long term food supplies by following a few simple steps that won’t cost you any money. This will be especially useful during tough economic times when saving money will be essential to the survival of you and your family. Eliminating wasteful habits and practices will allow you to conserve food supplies without additional cost.


In a University of Arizona Study it was found that Half the American Harvest Goes to Waste.

Here are a couple of excerpts from that study:

“TUCSON, Arizona, November 23, 2004 (ENS) - When University of Arizona anthropologist Dr. Timothy W. Jones sits down to his Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, he is not likely to put more on his plate than he can eat. Jones has spent the last 10 years measuring food loss, in the farms and orchards, warehouses, retail stores and dining rooms of America and he knows how much of the U.S. harvest goes to waste - nearly 50 percent.”

“They found that, on average, a family discards 1.28 pounds of food a day, about 470 pounds per household per year, or 14 percent of all food brought into the house.”

Simple Food Conservation Tips

1.) Check your expiration dates carefully. Don’t throw food away simply because you think it’s bad. Many people unknowingly throw good food away by failing to do this simple step.

2.) Don’t cook for an army if there are only two of you eating! Many leftovers get thrown out instead of being eaten simply because there was “too much” food left over from the original meal.

3.) Rotate! Rotate! Rotate! Always spend the necessary time to properly rotate your food stores. Don’t let it go bad sitting on the shelf.

4.) Don’t practice “new recipes” on family and friends. This can be a disastrous waste of food if your “new recipe” is a failure.

5.) Carefully plan your meals so as not to have excessive amounts of leftovers.

6.) Create and use a specific list of needed food items when shopping. Don’t purchase items that you may not need and ultimately may go to waste.

7.) Know the tastes of your meal time guests. A dish containing a specific herb or seasoning will go to waste if your family or guests don’t have a taste for it.

8.) Remember, TASTE DOES MATTER! Always try to prepare meals that not only are good for you but that taste good too. Sometimes simple fare is better than trying to be a gourmet cook, even though we all wish we could be the world’s best chef.

9.) Clearly label all leftovers with the date and contents.

10.) If you know you have too much in the way of leftovers to consume the next day or two – freeze it for later use!

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Preppin' 101: Long Term Storage Food - MREs Update

A reader sent me an e-mail bringing up some important changes that are in the works regarding MREs. This was in response to my recent article on MREs. Here is that e-mail:

Riverwalker,

I don't know if you know, but there is a new MRE being released that will only have shelf life of one year... this is opposed to the current MREs that if stored correctly last for a good long time (forever) , with no ill effects other than half the food becoming difficult to eat (powdery, hard, or in the case of Tabasco, simply disappearing ). Basically the guys at Natick cooked up a biodegradable MRE bag that will not last forever once we discard it. The over all effect will be nice for active duty guys, it means when they give us MREs we won't have the sneaking suspicion that the food they're giving us is left over from the Revolutionary War, (I'm not saying that they give us old MREs, but I did once get an MRE that said "Stegosaurus Burger" on it.... ) but for long term storage for survivalists, it's not going to be great news. Although, it does mean that prices on legacy MREs should drop, once the supply suddenly goes up. - Jim

Thanks Jim for the reminder!

Thanks to everyone else that sends me e-mails with tips or information.

Get information about the new MRE packaging here:

http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/2004/04-21.htm


Get information about the new sip-n-zip drinking pouches here:

http://www.natick.army.mil/about/pao/pubs/warrior/04/mayjune/index.htm

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Preppin 101: Long Term Food Storage - MREs

MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) were originally designed for use by our military and can play a vital part in your Long Term Food Storage if you properly understand their use and purpose. They were meant to serve the nutrtional needs of soldiers in the field and their original use was intended for a period of approximately 10 days as a substitute for traditional meals. Although they have been used many times for extended periods of up to 30 days or more, the actual consumption of all foodstuffs in the MREs falls off dramatically with repeated consumption periods longer than a week to 10 days.

MREs provide an average of about 1,250 calories (13% protein, 36% fat, and 51% carbohydrates). This is a third of the Military Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamins and minerals. A full day of meals consisting of three MREs would give you a total caloric intake of approximately 3,750 calories. This is well in excess of civilian dietary requirements that estimate the need for approximately 2,400 calories per day. This increased calorie amount is directly related to the increase needs of rigorous physical activity.

One of the most definitive websites for information on MREs can be found here:

http://www.mreinfo.com/

You can read about the history of MREs here:

http://www.mreinfo.com/us/mre/mre-history.html

You can read about buying MREs here:

http://www.mreinfo.com/us/mre/buying-mres.html

The final decision as to whether or not to include MREs in your food storage plans should be made only after you understand what they are and their intended purpose.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Preppin' 101 - Simple Food Storage Items - Part Two

There are numerous items that can be used in a long term food storage program that don’t require special packaging in order to insure their quality. Most require little more than a cool, dry storage area and to be kept sealed in their original containers. Many of these simple food items, such as sauces, sweeteners and condiments, can add a significant variety to your long term food storage. Remember, taste does matter!

Here are a few examples.

1.) Coffee

Ground coffee in a can has an approximate shelf life of 2 years. Once it is opened it will need to be refrigerated and will retain most of its flavor and freshness for about a month.

Most instant coffee also has an approximate shelf life of 2 years. Once it is opened it will retain its quality for about a month and will not need to be refrigerated.

2.) Sweeteners

Honey has an almost indefinite shelf life and needs only to be stored in a cool, dry place.

Artificial sweeteners have an almost indefinite shelf life. They should be stored in a moisture proof container and kept in a cool, dry place.

Chocolate syrup has an approximate shelf life of 2 years and does not require any type of refrigeration until opened. Keeping it refrigerated after opening helps to maintain its quality.

Syrups, including both real and imitation varieties, have an approximate shelf life of 1 year. It will also need refrigeration after opening to maintain its quality.

3.) Condiments

Salad dressing (NOT mayonnaise) that has not been opened has an approximate shelf life of 1 year if stored properly in a cool, dry place After opening it will need to be refrigerated.

Ketchup that has been unopened has a shelf life of approximately 1 year. After opening it should be refrigerated and will generally be safe for consumption for several months after it has been opened.

Mustard has a shelf life of approximately 2 years and like the other condiments mentioned above should be refrigerated after opening and will maintain its quality for about 6 months.

4.) Sauces (stored in glass containers)

Tabasco sauce has an approximate shelf life of 5 years and requires no refrigeration, even after it has been opened.

Worcestershire sauce has an approximate shelf life of 5 years. It has a limited shelf life of about 2 years once it has been opened. It too should be refrigerated to maintain quality.

Steak sauce has an approximate shelf life of 2 years when unopened and will require refrigeration after opening.

Safety in your food storage program should always be your first concern. If there is any doubt as to the quality of any food item it is best to err on the side of caution. If it doesn’t look, smell or taste right; discard it! Don’t take unnecessary chances with your health and well-being.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker