Survival Questions Answered
Today we are going to do something different, some of you suggested we have a question and answerer day – where you pose a question related to survival and I or other readers answerer in the comments below.
Depending on how it goes, we could make this a weekly feature here on The Survivalist Blog.
Remember your questions need to be survival / preparedness related – food storage, gear, firearms, homesteading, foraging anything really as long as it will help you and others become better prepared.
Enough of the preliminaries – lets get started. Ask your nagging survival queries in the comments below.
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:36 pm
ANY GOOD IDEAS ON MAKING THE CORN,BEAN AND SQUASH PLANTING COMBO WORK?I TRIED IT LAST YEAR TO NO AVAIL.FROM JAY IN NC
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:48 pm
What are the best sources for food grade mylar bags and oxygen absorbers? I've got lots of free 5 gallon buckets w/lids from stores and bakeries, but mylar & absorbers are almost as expensive as the rice & beans I want to store, especially when you add shipping. If I want to store 100 buckets, it'll cost me about $300 just for mylar and absorbers w/shipping.
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:36 pm
I'd say just try again. We have been gardening for years and we had our worst garden ever last year. The weather did not cooperate like normal. Also, I would not use hybrid seed for this combination. Also you will want pole beans and not bush beans.This type of planting was done prior to hybrids.
Hope this helps. God Bless!
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:48 pm
What is a reasonable price for purchasing 100 pounds of wheat?
Is purchasing wheat over the internet too expensive?
Where do you purchase your wheat?
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:50 pm
I did the "three sisters" garden in a test plot last year about 20×20 and it worked out great. I staggered three rows of hills about 4-5 feet apart, with a total of 14 hills in 400 sq. ft. The key seemed to be selecting an area with full sun all day, no shade. The only thing I would change would be to use either a shorter pole bean or a taller sweet corn.
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:59 pm
My question is this. In the event of a forced bug out, would you just leave everything or would you burn it down. I'm not talking about a local problems like Katrina or flooding. I'm talking about a force out by U.N. troops to Fema camps. First I'm not going to a camp,I'm taking to the hills and second I'm not about to leave anything behind for them or looters to use against me. I'm fully stocked and would be a gold mine for them. I'll be interested to read your comments.
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:18 pm
Is there any safe way to help feed neighbor families with small children if/when TSHTF? For the most part, these are people I don't know well, if at all. I'm in an urban area, and of course, don't want to disclose the extent of my preparations, but I also don't want innocent children to starve. Thanks.
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:53 pm
I read a lot about water purification. Does anybody have any information on a disposable product that actually tests the water you have purified?
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:57 pm
I have two questions. I am planning on getting a hand pump for my well so I have water even if the power goes out. After some research, I decided on getting a Simple Pump. My concern is that it will run me between $1200-1400 and I dont know anyone that has one. Anybody have any experience with these pumps or suggestions for something else? My static water level is at about 60 feet. Also, I have been storing hard wheat like crazy, anybody have good suggestions for recipes or books that will be suitable should I need to make that a major portion of my diet? Thanks, Spudfarmer
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:18 pm
JAY,
Plenty of sunlight, water and fertile soil – it's just like any other garden combine the three and it should grow. Visit this web page for more info Three Sisters Garden. Hope this helps.
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Anonymous 10:48 AM
I bought mine from Emergency Essentials – I think they still carry both – I haven't bought any in several months. If anyone knows of a cheaper source please let us know.
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:27 pm
Rebecka,
Good tips – thank you for sharing. I'm a big fan of the three sisters garden, but others have had mixed results.
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:35 pm
Anonymous 11:48 AM,
The cheapest place and where I get mine is from the local feed and seed store or farmers co-op. See this post for more info Is feed grain safe for human consumption?.
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:43 pm
Mechanic in Illinois,
In an all out situation such as the one you describe, I have one word – Boobytrap. They may take what you have but it will be costly.
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:46 pm
House in suburbia. Exterminator who has access to every nook and cranny. Pet sitter with key to the house. How can we keep our preps safe from prying eyes?
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Anonymous 12:18 PM,
That is a difficult question and there are no easy solutions. Trouble is if you feed them today they will come back tomorrow (probably with friends) wanting more. If you don't have it or want to give anymore – you will have a dangerous situation on your hands.
It would be nice if everyone worked together for the common good, but I don't see it happening – at least not at first.
You may need to figure out how give from a distance and anonymously. Secure drop-off locations comes to mind.
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:12 pm
Anonymous 12:53 PM
First Alert WT1 Drinking Water Test Kit – I don't see this as a viable long term solution. It's best to get a good filtration system and learn proper purification methods.
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:18 pm
I am contemplating my first gold purchase. I am attempting to get the maximum bang for the buck. One thought I had was to purchase gold jewelry for my wife instead of the standard gold coins. In this way she can at least enjoy the gold while we hedge against inflation and SHTF scenarios. What are the Pros/Cons of this? If gold coins are the way to go, which should I be buying? Thanks for the help. Love the blog.
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:21 pm
Spudfarmer,
I suggest you get a copy of Cookin' with Home Storage.
As an alternative to the well pump have you considered a simple and inexpensive Well Bucket
?
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:46 pm
We live in a popular tourist area on the Florida Gulf Coast (northwest FL). We have a long term lease for our house which is Gulf front along a stretch of beach between the major condo/hotel areas. Most of the 20 houses are either weekly vacation rentals or weekend homes for out-of-town owners. We don't know any of the 3 elderly couples that live here year round. We are pretty well prepared to hunker down for at least 6+ months, but can not grow food in the garden due to poor soil (nearly 100% sand). Have tried container gardening,but the constant winds and high salt content in the air caused unbelievable problems with extremely poor production or death to everything we planted. We would like to move, but my husband must work and even with the real estate market being so awful, prices are still inflated in this area. Defense is another concern. Our house is very exposed since a busy street is in the front and our back "yard" is public beach. I know we should move, but since it really is not an option for us, how can we improve our situation?
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:03 pm
To Anonymous @12:53: Zero Water has a good tester. You can find them on-line. (W)
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Mechanic in Illinois-
Have you ever thought if you bugged out, maybe your stash could help the resistance, refugees, etc…and not the bad guys? I consider boobytrapping my stash a coin toss…it would be of benefit to anyone, good or bad. Who knows one way or the other???
Personally, I'm hoping if I am not around- for whatever reason- and have to abandon my preps, it will fall into the right hands. If I'm bugging out and stumble upon some preps in an abandoned house, think of how fortuitous that would be. It may be a difference maker for the good guys and I hope I have helped them in some small way.
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:12 pm
The west coast urban survivalist has more difficulty in being prepared. One of the survival hazards the urban survivalist faces is the need for air filtration in the event of a dirty bomb, riot gases, and hazardous gas releases. Where can we get a relatively inexpensive and effective air filtration system for safe rooms? (W)
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:25 pm
What do you know about making a root cellar?
This may be a good topic that you can cover in the future.
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:26 pm
What are your thoughts on taking all money out of the banking system now?
Do you use a bank?
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Gun Safes:
I watched a video where two guys broke into a gun safe in about 90 seconds using a crow bar and a large pry bar. The safe was from a box store (Home Depot or some other large box type store) and it was one of the premium safes. It looked like it was a good quality safe but it was easy to get into by prying the metal up.
What is a good gun safe. I know there are variable price ranges but I'm looking for one that is a good quality safe that will not break the bank.
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:30 pm
To anon 4:04PM. As far as I'm concerned I'll be part of the resistance. I just wanted others thoughts because I will probably torch everything or boobytrap because I'm not about to leave anything for the wrong hands. Where I will be heading will be stocked with what I need, just as the others should have prepared for.
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:49 pm
To Anonymous @12:53 what do you want or need to test for, the first alert and zero kits are good but I'd recommend a through test now, a good state certified lab. If traces of things are found at threshold levels you could then tailor your test kit accordingly. Titration or color wheel test kits from Hach [lab equip co.] or even simple test strips, once you know what to look out for. If you have built your system from the well on out and have no lead in the pipes, live in an area with no lead in the ground testing for it makes little sense. Prepare now by knowing where you start, as far as purity goes.
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:25 am
I don't read much about equipping yourself with two-way radios. Do you just not want to call that much attention to yourself or do you think there won't be anyone you'd want to communicate with or what?
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:32 am
One of my biggest concerns is the local PD or "militia" showing up to commandeer my generator and supplies under "state of emergency"/martial law. Not sure what I could do about it–not use generator so they don't know about doesn't do me any good.
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:35 am
One of my biggest concerns is the local PD or "militia" showing up to commandeer my generator and supplies under "state of emergency"/martial law. Not sure what I could do about it–not use generator so they don't know about doesn't do me any good. Any suggestions?
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:48 am
I think we need info on caches. How to bury it and be able to come back to it.
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:48 am
Thanks Creekmore and Anonymous 4:03. I will check out both suggestions. I do believe in investing in a first rate filtration system. However, how would you know when it AINT working without testing it?
I have 3 kids, 2 dogs, 1 wife and a cat…I guess I could use the Henry the VIII technique and have them taste the water first? Not really the best solution though, cuz I need redundancy for guard duty…
February 3rd, 2010 at 1:54 am
I just want to ask if can you proved that they really purified the water?
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:17 am
I am in NE Indiana and need alfalfa seed for sprouting. They are either overpriced because of claims of organic or they have a Fungicide. Any ideas on where to get them cheap.
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:31 am
Creekmore….I also have water concerns about my well if TSHTF someone else suggested a well bucket to me found them at Lemans…..however….I would have to "pull my pump" all 125 feet of it….As I am 68 years old and have Emphezima….this is not thesable if I had the strength to do that …I could hall water from the creek….any suggestions for us old folks??
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:38 am
On the wheat purchase question a bushel of wheat (60 lbs) is around 5 dollars cash ask a local farmer for some and you will be happy to pay twice the current market price cash and you will more than likely get as much as you need. it will only be combine run and have caps and stems a little sreening and you have a very clean food grade product good luck
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:00 am
Can anyone tell me what to do about moisture in an underground shelter? We need something non-electric, quiet and not noticable
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:19 am
To those worried about supplies being "borrowed" by UN or the like it is best to divide your supplies into several areas. Leave one of your more expendable caches to be handed over. If they get something they are most likely not going to look to much furthur. Old freezers work very well for buried treasure, especially if you build something over the top of it. Buildings in our area are not taxable if they are smaller and on skids (hint). Not everything need be buried on your property either, a neighboring woodlot may work for you. Don't put PVC pipes of supplies under a corner post or a gate post, instead put them straight down for a smaller footprint and use a post several feet down the fence. Stuff buried near honey boxes works as people are generally afraid of bees. This is all stuff that most of you probably know but it was helpful to me when we started out. I am more interested in getting in touch with others near us, or networking with others that will be passing through. Something has to give and when it does, I hope that I am ready…Molon Labe
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:58 am
I'd think twice about the purchase of gold for transactions and barter. Pre 1965 silver is the better way to go, IMHO. You gonna buy a gallon of milk w/ a 1 oz gold coin? Silver coins are much more recognizable as well.
February 3rd, 2010 at 1:43 pm
To Anonymous Feb 3 12:00 : There is a product called Damp Rid that passively soaks up humidity in limited spaces. It needs to be replaced from time to time. Tip: the ingredient found in this product is usually Calcium Chloride (ice melt).
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Any recommendations –
For 2 adults:
Best portable water filter
Best approach to water storage
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:28 pm
I concur that gold would not be a useful means of exchange in a post SHTF world. Unless you plan to buy BMWs with your gold stock. Silver and other barter items will be more practicle.
If you are worried about your generator and supplies being "re-directed" for the common good. Keep your preparations to yourself. If no one knows you have them they won't come to take them. Also run your generator sparringly. Ideally during day when other noises can mask its operation. If "they" are kicking down doors and taking what they want, disperse your supplies to several hidden sights.
As far as feeding your neighbors and their children. I would try to bring them to a "preppers" mind set before the SHTF so that they are able to assist you and not be a burden or drain on your resourses.
It is always a good idea to have a stash of cash available at home to make quick last minute purchases as the "crash" is happening and the banks are taking a "holiday" But as far as taking all your money out the bank, I guess you have to ask your self, how much do you trust your bank?
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:33 pm
Molon Labe is exactly right. We are dealing in extreme hypotheticals now, but I believe that each person needs to make a decision NOW on how they would handle some sort of martial law/confiscation of goods type situation. I mean why are we even doing this if we plan to hand it over? Even part of it. At some point it comes down to right and wrong. Watch the you tube videos of them confiscating guns and beating old ladies after Katrina. Believe me, I get the whole self preservation thing. I have two very young kids. However, at some point you have to take a stand or there will be nothing left worth fighting for. Live free or die. Is it a slogan or a belief?
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:40 pm
I am in AZ. Sold my house 3 yrs ago. Still
looking for the right place….I am female, age
59, in good shape, frugal, know how to cook and can etc. …..ranch gal.
Need an advisor or partner to get set up
somewhere …or someone who knows where I can
buy small amt of secluded land cheap with water. I cannot build a cabin or underground
shelter myself. Az seems to be a problem for water.
Really don't want to HAUL water. Been there,
done that.
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:58 pm
What is the best way to store grain, beans, etc and the least expensive but safe? I read somewhere to put diatamacious (sorry, sp) earth in layers with the product and I think that was all that person used to kill bugs, etc. Are you familiar with this method?
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:24 pm
For mylar bags and oxygen absorbers, I get them at our local (about an hour away) LDS Bishop's pantry. We are not members of the church, I just walked in, told them what I was looking for and could I purchase (cash, of course), and they let me. I don't know if all the pantry's allow non-member purchases or not. Just google the Bishop's pantry for your area. I was also able to get red and white wheat from them.
On the alfalfa seed, you should be able to ask your local seed supplier for seed that is not coated with chemicals. He will have to special order it, but it is available.
We are looking for information on threshing your own grains without a combine (small areas). We are planting several different kinds of grains this spring from barley, to flax, teff, and several others to try.
Those looking for cheaper wheat, look around at your local farmers (if available), but remember you will also have to clean the fines out of it.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:38 pm
I would like to run a deep freezer on solar. Does anybody know how many hours a day a freezer needs to be powered in order to stay frozen all night? It would be great to power it without batteries, only using the sun during daylight hours. Take as given that I would be opening the lid an absolute minimum.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:42 pm
If you have a Mormom Distribution center or Cannery in your area, they sell Wheat, Mylar Bags, Absorbers at really cheap prices. Some do not require that you are of the Mormon faith. Call and ask before going.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Living in Arizona, my worry is water. Has anyone had any success at drilling their own well using any of the cheaper DIY methods? Water here is at about 200 feet. Not sure if the smaller, one man drilling methods will reliably go that deep, but I don't want to draw attention to my drilling, as it is apparently frowned upon by local authorities to drill a water well on your own property. Anybody done this and have any tips?
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:55 pm
M.D. Creekmore,
Is there a way you can set up your site so that we can receive e-mail responses?
For example, WordPress allows you to check a box and receive replies by e-mail. You get a link that takes you to the site and activates your subscription to that days topic.
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:49 pm
2 Questions:
Silver for barter;
I've heard that 35% – 40% USA silver coins have too much magnesium in them and they would be less acceptable than 90% coins?
Which would be better;
USA silver coins or .999 silver rounds and bars for barter?
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:02 pm
Here is my .02 on a few questions. Wheat, grains, beans & legumes. Go to localharvest.org seek local producers to buy locally-grown. Prices less than box stores; keep your $$ local. Buy 100# to keep price low.
Localharvest.org for producers of garden/food items YOU can't grow & fill gaps. Join a CSA where, for a price, you can learn gardening. Barter labor for "free" food. Work isn't that hard; knowledge learned is invaluable. Attend farmers market late; they'd rather move product than take it home – bargaining advantage! Buy bulk, split w friend, lower costs!
Purchase in bulk locally; vacuum seal with diatamaceous earth, freeze for five days. Put in rubbermaid-type tubs OR buckets w lids w bay leaves which deter mice and other insects. Seal w duct tape or cheap caulk, store upside down to use weight to seal! (Buy bay leaves in bulk from a comp like Frontier Herbs.)
GARDENING – plant same item in variety of spaces to increase success. Hide w perennials, bushes, etc.
SANDY SOIL – buy large bags of dirt, potting soil etc. Split in two, use as container gardens, use bales of straw or raised beds.
ALFALFA SPROUTS – buy in bulk; look into OTHER sprouting seeds, Frontier Herbs has many.
Look into whether or not there is a local buying co-op through United Natural Foods. Purchase items in bulk, and case lot, from them for any you can't get locally, savings over other stores is worth it – especially buying sale items. NOTE: look into where item is from, searching their product website. Never buy imported.
FEEDING NEIGHBORS. YES, get them to understand WHY they should prep. HAITI opened a conversation; share ready.gov site recommends EVERYONE have seven days of food. IF they don't "get it", fill meal-size bags of beans, rice and spices, with directions to cook, provide them anonymously.
ROOT CELLARING – Highly recommend the book Root Cellaring: Natural Cold-Storage of Fruits and Vegetables by Mike & Nancy Bubel.
Contact local cooperative extension office or their website. Has info, on wide variety of subjects, specific to each local area. Ours has month-by-month list of things to do to prep and care for your yard & garden. Straightforward, easy, ideal for beginners!
GOLD -NO stock up on basics…get the list of top 100 items for barter, M. D. has it on this blog. Can't eat gold, won't keep you warm!
BANKS – got your $$ there? Have you been paying attention? NO!
AND NO; I'm not giving up my supplies for ANYONE. For motivation and a few booby-trap ideas go see movie Book of Eli. Get your gaps in preps filled!!
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Anonymous 12:00 said…
"Can anyone tell me what to do about moisture in an underground shelter? We need something non-electric, quiet and not noticable"
1) Diatomaceous Earth or kitty litter spread out on large baking sheets might work, though it will be a mess and have to be changed frequently.
2)There are solar powered Attic Fans, Attic Vents, Roof Ventilation Fans that don't need an electric source, are relatively quiet, and are practically maintenance free. These would pull in fresh dryer air and push out the humid air.
3) There are also solar powered dehumidifiers that would be very quiet since they can be inside your shelter, but you'd have to check on it daily to empty the water or rig a drain that would take the water out of your underground shelter.
4) There are several paints/sealants that you could paint the interior of your shelter with that should help block moisture from coming in. There may be some smell/toxicity, so make sure you do your research.
5) If you haven't built the shelter yet, make sure you have good drainage around the shelter, coat the exterior walls with layers of tar & plastic, or some other type of paint/sealant that will prevent moisture from coming in your shelter. Multiple layers of tar & plastic is an old timey solution that lasts a long time, but there may be better methods with chemical sealants today.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:39 pm
In reference to gold & silver:
I don't have enough fiat money to buy much gold or silver, but I think everyone should hold some for five reasons, they hold value, they are internationally recognized, they are currency, they are small, compact, and transportable, and they are anonymous.
Gold/Silver hold value – when (not if) hyper-inflation hits, all your savings in dollars will be worthless, but your silver 1964 quarter will still buy the same loaf of bread it bought in 1964. There was a rich guy in the 30's who put $250,000 in cash in the wall of his house in Atlanta, about 5 years ago they were renovating the house and found the cash and it was still worth $250,000. If he would have bought $250,000 worth of gold in 1930 and stashed that in the wall of his house, that gold would be worth over $13 million today.
Gold/Silver are internationally recognized – if you end up a refugee and the dollar is worthless, gold/silver will be recognized as having value anywhere you go.
Some Gold/Silver are currency – when you have to make a declaration of how much money you have, a thousand dollars face value of pre-1964 is currently worth about $12000 in silver, but could be declared (and taxed) as $1000 in cash.
Gold/Silver are small, compact, and trasportable – you might have lots of value in land, houses, food, weapons, ammo, etc., but it's very difficult to trade or bribe with something you don't have in your physical possession. You can carry a lot of value thousands of miles in a few gold coins.
Gold/Silver are anonymous – Pre-1964 silver coins don't have serial numbers, and a lot of gold coins don't have serial numbers either. If SHTF, people will be happy to have a source of value that is untraceable.
The last point about gold/silver is that you often hear that the Jews who managed to get out of Germany and avoid the death camps were the ones who had some gold to bribe the right officials.
February 3rd, 2010 at 6:26 pm
One way to keep prying eyes from seeing your preps is to put things in totes that are not clear. Put on a shelf. On one side lable, rice, beans, etc. but on the side showing lable with things like, photos, tin cans, craft items, holiday decorations etc. That way is one way that it looks like regular storage not preps.
February 3rd, 2010 at 6:37 pm
To the 59 year old arizona lady. Try farmersonly.com. Its a dating site for farmers only.
February 3rd, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Good Idea Mr. Creekmore.
Is there a better way to do this idea?
(i.e. less dis-organized)
DW
February 3rd, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Jack, good points, about gold and silver. If I get extra funds that's where it'll go for now I'm still investing in lead and brass. When I have enough of that I'll be sure I can keep the gold and silver.
How to check water filters, the zero tester [see above measures TDS [total disolved solids] good but electronic, battery and EMP sensitive, test strips are ok [first alert] for anything better tritration tests [add reagent for color then add second and count drops till color gone] is the best limited equipment test you can do. If you have pretested the water and know what tests to perform. Biohazards in water rely on BOD tests that take 3 to 5 days incubators etc. not possible in most SHTF cases, rely on disinfection [chlorine, bromine, iodine, boiling] then filter with homemade charcoal
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:27 pm
Hi M.D.
great idea with "Survival Questions Answered" and a great blog! My question: How can I be prepared better, related to medicine ? Or – what should I have in stock ?
Regards,
EUCitizen
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:30 pm
Anonymous 2:46 PM,
Under those circumstances there is no guaranteed way to keep your preps away from prying eyes besides limiting access to certain areas of the house.
A good book and one that you might find useful is How To Hide Anything by Michael Connor.
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:55 pm
Anonymous 2010 3:18 PM,
To be honest I'm more a food and gear guy – why buy gold to trade for food and gear. It makes more sense to me to just store those items in the first place?
During an economic collapse having some gold or silver is a good idea – however remember these are based on perceived value not actual need. Mainly an attempt by the wealthy to maintain their wealth after the collapse.
Don't get me wrong – Investing in gold and silver is not a bad thing, it just makes more sense to stockpile food, water-filters, first-aid supplies, ammo etc.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:09 pm
shadesofaqua,
It's difficult to give suggestions without actually taking a look at your residents and circumstances. You'd probably be better off not planting a garden and putting more food into storage instead – perhaps enough to sustain you for a year or more without outside assistance.
If at all possible I would consider moving to a safer location where you can become more self-reliant.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:18 pm
Anonymous 4:12 PM,
American Safe Room has some good information on their site that you should find useful.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Silver coins are better than bars. More recognizable and it's legal currency. Harder to confiscate than bullion(as of yet anyway). In a SHTF scenario some of your best currency(or barter) is gonna be .22lr, salt, OP seeds and similar items people NEED. Think of what you rely on daily that you never give a thought to and there is where you should start.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:22 pm
Birdman,
Refrigerator Root Cellar.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:26 pm
Birdman 5:26 PM,
I have a checking account, so I can accept payment from advertisers but seldom keep more then $50 in it. Don't have a lot of money but what I do have I prefer to keep close at hand.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:30 pm
Birdman 5:32 PM,
I don't own a gun safe but I do have a secret hiding place. This article has some good information What to Look for When Buying a Safe.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:33 pm
Don,
Be sure to check out tomorrows post about two way communications.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:40 pm
Anonymous 7:35 PM,
It's extremely difficult to answer security type questions without actually looking at your particular situation. Have you considered solar? The panels can be hidden out of site and it's quiet so as not to attract attention.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:42 pm
ConnerPlainLiving,
Caches will be covered in a future post on the blog – stay tuned.
February 4th, 2010 at 12:11 am
razr,
Have you considered some sort or winch system to help you hoist the water from the well?
February 4th, 2010 at 12:28 am
EU Citizen,
My approach to medicine in a post-collapse world hinges upon proper nutrition, exercise, extreme care with regard to safety, and HERBAL medicine. If you're a gardener, you can grow most of what you need, as well as forage for what you don't grow. Herbal medicine and medicinal plants have been used for thousands of years, and indeed many of the modern pharmaceuticals are plant derived.
It's never to late to start learning.
Best Regards,
wordherder
February 4th, 2010 at 7:00 am
MYLAR BAGS AND OXY ABSORBERS
http://tinyurl.com/6ns4to
for excellent quality mylar bags and oxy absorbers
Very reasonable prices, fast shipping. I have ordered from them many times, reliable, qood quality. The phone number is at top of page if you have any questions.
AnnaMouse
February 4th, 2010 at 7:09 am
COINS COINS COINS
I have no silver or gold coins. They are not on the list of things to get for Right Now and Later. Had some family move in, and having to adjust the amounts of storage items to fit the new folks. And adjust storage clothing for growing kids too.
Concentrating on foods, meds, board and card games, paper, crayons, pencils etc.
What I am hoping to do is have some regular coins on hand. Dollar coins, half dollars, quarters, nickles, dimes,and the ever loving pennies.
Before things got real bad I would hope to use them for filling in what we need.
February 4th, 2010 at 7:28 am
MYLAR BAGS AND OXY ABSORBERS
sorry forgot to say this is the LDS (Morman) site. Anyone can order. Delivered to your house.
Price includes shipping.
http://tinyurl.com/6ns4to
February 4th, 2010 at 7:30 am
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
could it be possible to have a question of the week so that the questions and their answers can be easier to find/read?
Lots of good questions and info. But right now have to hunt for the answers.
AnnaMouse
February 4th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
AnnaMouse and all other searchers of info,
Try searching by key words, if you are using InternetExplorer you would hold the ctrl key down and hit the f key, that will pop up a dialog box that you can type in the word you are searching for. HTH, another seeker
February 4th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
I wonder if there will be a TEOTWAWKI event. It is more likley that it will be somewhat less. How bad I do not know. Prepare for the worst hope for the best. I think that knowing how to do something is more important than having a huge pile of supplies! Some one can not take what you know how to do from you. Yes store some gear.but far more important is learn somthing old world ie soap making, metal working with out eltricity, canning, garding. Also learn to use a dutch oven the outdoor version why it maybe the only way to cook for a while.
February 5th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
Does anyone have info about protecting solar cell from EMP.
February 5th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
I have a 3yr old, 2yr old, and an infant. Since our mobility will be poor at best, I am planning to sit tight and try to hold the fort down as long as possible. Our bug out location is about 175 miles away.
My biggest concern is not knowing how to determine when the right time will be to bug out. We're still building our initial reserves (90 days totally self reliant) for the most likely scenario of another Hurricane Ike. What we learned from Ike is that whatever you have when it hits is what you're stuck with for a while. Although you can plan/hope to become somewhat mobile after a week or so, you'd want to sit tight to avoid unnecessarily burning gasolilne.
Given that we will most likely be limited to traveling by vehicle for the bug-out, should I change our strategy to 30 days self reliant and then cache our long term supplies at the BO location?
February 5th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
To anon Feb 4 2:28 AM, your address for mylar bags doesn't work. Any ideas?
February 5th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR THE INFO ON MY QUESTION ABOUT THE THREE SISTERS GARDENING TECHNIQUE.FROM JAY IN NC
February 5th, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Anonymous 9:21 said…
Does anyone have info about protecting solar cell from EMP
A: A strong EMP could take out your solar power system. The EMP could melt/fuse anything with the electricity or electronics and it would no longer work. The Russian EMP tests of the early 60's stopped diesel engines and put out street lights; the U.S. EMP test in the early 60's cause street light's to explode and radio stations to go off the air; the solar storm of 1859, known as the Carrington Event, caused telegraphs to arc fire and transformers to explode. These events were before all of todays micro-processors and delicate electronics. Depending on how strong the EMP is, it could damage solar panels and their controls.
To prevent an EMP from damaging electrical components and electronics, you need a Faraday Cage. A Faraday Cage is basically a metal box that prevents any electrical pulse from reaching your components. Some people use metal ammo boxes (with an interior non-conductive liner) or you can leave your electronics in the original packaging and wrap the box with aluminum foil.
But if you have anything out of the box, in use, with electricity running through it, an strong EMP will almost surely fry it.
February 10th, 2010 at 2:48 am
Whenever I mention the possibility of having to leave home and live in the wilderness, I am met with the same reply "what about all those other people living in the wilderness, will there be enough food for everyone?".
Well from what I have read so far on the majority of survival blogs and forums, most people are relying on modern equipment and clothing and there is little talk of skills.
I don't think we will have anything to worry about, sadly no one else will last long enough to be a problem.
Le Loup.
http://woodsrunnersdiary.blogspot.com