Knowledge Weighs Nothing

Military eBay – Get Your Ex-Military Equipment & Vehicles Here

Military auction

Are you interested in some ex-government and ex-military equipment? If so, you’ve come to the right place, as below, I will tell you how you can get hold of some high quality ex-government and military equipment and vehicles. Firstly though, I should state that there are no ex-military weapons available for sale here. There is pretty much everything else though, including: trucks, jeeps, boats, parts, medical supplies, audio/visual and computer equipment, plus ALL the usual military surplus gear, so stick around…

Weapons apart, the two websites below equal a prepper’s paradise! You can literally purchase everything needed to bug-in, or bug-out. You can purchase the entire contents for a bug out bag (including the bag itself), or your mobile base camp – tents, sleeping bags, cold/warm weather clothing and boots. These websites are also a goldmine for for folks interested in hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and whole load more.

The first website is – Gov Liquidation.  Gov Liquidation is an auction website, selling ex-government and military equipment and vehicles. In addition to ex-military vehicles, they also sell a whole range of technical gear (audio/visual/computers etc) and field gear and other military equipment. As it’s an auction website, the range of items for sale varies greatly. For example, sometimes there will be a lot of military vehicles for sale, other times, not so much. Just like eBay, you really do need to check regularly, if you are on the lookout for something specific.

One of the downsides of Gov Liquidation is that some of the smaller military surplus type items are sold in bulk, in job-lots. This is where second website Uncle Sam’s Retail Outlet shines. Uncle Sam’s Retail Outlet is more of a traditional military surplus website, selling individual items. It is not an auction. What they have listed on the website, they have in stock, at a set price. Uncle Sam’s Retail Outlet has the widest range of military surplus gear and equipment you will find anywhere. In fact, Uncle Sam’s Retail Outlet is the official retail outlet for Gov Liquidation.

Sidenote: A lot of people forget to look on Amazon  for military gear and equipment. The fact is lots of army surplus retail stores now sell via Amazon at great prices. If you find something on Uncle Sam’s or another store, it’s well worth just checking if the item is available on Amazon at a better price.

I highly recommend you check out and bookmark both of the above websites. To summarise – Gov Liquidation is great for vehicles, larger items and job-lots. Uncle Sam’s Retail Outlet is the place to go for surplus kit and gear, and individual items.

Army eBay

The Ultimate Bug Out Bag List 2017

Bug out bag checklist

When disaster strikes there are two things that are immediately essential: getting out of the area, and getting out of there quickly. Also known as a BOB, The Bug out Bag is designed to help you do just that, and usually comes in the form of a heavy duty rucksack that contains everything you need in the immediate aftermath of disaster. So all you’ll need to do is grab and go!

What Should Go In A Bug Out Bag?

Bug Out Bag Contents

Typical Bug Out Bags are designed and put together with a focus upon evacuation, rather than long term survival out in the wilderness and, of course, having the right Bug Out Bag Contents is pretty essential if you’re to have all of the resources that you may otherwise be relying upon for your very survival following some form of disaster.

As there is a focus upon evacuation, many Bug out Bag guides and blog posts (and their associated Bug Out Bag Lists) tend to focus upon the equipment needed to survive over a 72 hour period.

However, quantifying any length of time when preparing for an unforeseen event is a dangerous game, after all, if it was possible to foresee a disaster, you’d be highly likely relocate to another location entirely for as long as necessary. So, with this in mind, we’ve put together an ultimate Bug Out Bag List that goes that little bit beyond most other guides, and that specifically plans for an undefined period of time out in the wilderness, factoring in the equipment you might need for self-sufficiency (particularly in terms of hunting renewable food sources).

The Bug out Bag and the end goal for the survivalist

With all of the above said, and with items within this list that consider a longer than 72 hour period, here’s one thing to bear in mind…

If the worst does happen and you find yourself in the wilderness for whatever reason, living free from developed civilization is achievable with the right preparation. However, being off the grid for an extended period of time and setting up within wild terrain is challenging and often too harsh or dangerous for many people to consider. Instead, following a disaster seeking safe shelter within civilization is usually the primary aim, and this is the goal that any Bug Out Bag List aims to facilitate.

Why no Bug Out Bag List is ever complete

Whilst we’ve endeavoured to put together a comprehensive list of all the things that would be essential within a Bug Out Bag, it’s prudent to point out that no Bug Out Bag List could really ever be complete. Each and every person is different and may require different items within their bag; to this end, this list is very much open ended and open to interpretation, serving as a starting point upon which to build, customize, chop and change.

Why Should I Have A Bug Out Bag?

A Bug Out Bag is essential in the event that you need to evacuate quickly. It ensures that, should the worst happen, you can focus on the situation in hand rather than compiling a list of items you need to take with you. And it doesn’t just serve as an essential item to have in the face of a particularly severe disaster, it can also include all the resources required when facing circumstances that are less than world ending.

And in a world of uncertainty, preparation is everything.

Bugging Out – Opting over and above Hunkering Down

This Bug out Bag List will stand you in good stead when you have nothing but your wits, knowledge and a well packed Bug out Bag upon which to rely. That said however, and whilst a seasoned survivalist will know the importance of always having a, ready to go Bug Out Bag to hand, it’s no substitute for hunkering down when appropriate. After all, Bug Out Bags are designed specifically with temporary survival in mind, whereas hunkering down can see you taking to your basement where protection is increased, with the benefits of knowing exactly where you are and with all of your home resources but a floor away.

Bug Out Bag List

The Bug Out Bag Itself!

5.11 Rush 72 Bug Out Bag5.11 3 Day Rush Backpack

No bug out bag list would be complete without the actual bag itself! The very first item to choose is the right Bug Out Bag and, whilst there are many competing opinions on what may be best, it really comes down to two points:

  1. You should choose a bag that’s most suitable to you and your specialist items.
  2. You should choose your bag only after you’ve put together all of your items.

Of course, it should go without saying that any Bug Out Bag should be robust, made from hardwearing material, and constructed with plenty of pockets and compartments for splitting up your items.

Water – Something to drink and something essential for survival

Water is essential for your very survival, without it you may perish within just 3 days (this compares to our ability to go without food for up to 3 weeks). What’s more, as we become more and more dehydrated, we become more lethargic, meaning that even seeking water after two days may be an impossible task (not to mention maintaining your alertness and survival instincts).

So, as a starting point, a water (filled) container is essential. Beyond this, you’ll also need a method of boiling water (to cook and sanitise) and items for water purification (such as treatment tablets and compact water filters) for treating questionable water after your original water runs dry.

Shelter – To provide protection from the elements

MSR E-Wing ShelterMSR E-Wing Shelter Tent

Of course, for the experienced and educated survivalist the following items may appear disproportionate, however shelter is not only essential to protect yourself physically from the elements, but moreover becomes ever more important for the rest periods that allow for mental and physical well-being (which are both equally as essential when facing unknown circumstances in the wild).

Fire – To keep you warm

Fire serves as a heat source which can warm, cook and attract attention if necessary, with the items listed here making for essential items for lighting a fire.

Most importantly, however, you should ensure that you have more than one method of ignition, with at least two and advisably even three if you have room.

Food – Something to eat

Typically, Bug Out Bag guides tend to recommend dry food stuffs, with particular favourites being relatively non-perishable, dried foods. However we’d also say that foods with water content are also important (as you never known just how scarce water sources will be).

To this end, you’re ideally aiming for foods that are lightweight and high in calories and nutrition, as well as a good base of food stuffs which come with water content, packing enough to last 3-4 days. Also include the more traditional items, such as rice, oat meal, beef jerky, tinned sardines, nuts, chocolate, and high calorie sports bars, in addition to Freeze-dried foods and MREs (meals ready-to-eat).

Sleeping – Something to sleep in and on

For the seasoned survivalist who prepares for the very worst of eventualities, super comfortable bedding consisting of a mattress, matt, foil blanket and sleeping bag may seem over the top and the very lap of luxury. However, rest very much equates to being on form to deal with any unknown and potentially dangerous challenges.

Cooking – For eating and boiling water

GSI HaluliteGSI Halulite Microdualist Cookset

Unbreakable cups, mini pots, and containers are each as essential as the last, and methods of cooking your food, whether caught or pre-packed, may also serve as a vital way of raising your body’s temperature by what can be a lifesaving degree or two.

Light – So you can see

Another case in point, where more than one source is essential in case the primary, or even the backup, fails, is lighting. So opt for a mix of natural light sources (such as a candle) along with electric items (such as LED lights or lamps) and finally also be sure to include all weather performing light (such as Light glow sticks) which can cover any and every eventuality.

Tools – To get things done

Gerber LMF II - Excellent bug out bag knifeGerber 22-01629 LMF II Black Infantry Knife with 4.8-Inch Blade

Tools: Essential within the wilderness and often the difference between life and death when charged with overcoming unknown situations. They can help you cook, hunt, prepare shelter and get you out of tight fixes. As such, there’s a plethora of must include tools for the ultimate Bug Out Bag.

However, tools are a hotly debated topic within the world of Bug Out Bags, where everyone has an opinion and no two experts seem to favour the same brand, let alone the same itinerary for the ultimate tool list.

The following list includes our favourites (based upon our own experience, as well as plenty of research from expert reviews). As a bare minimum, you’ll want a decent knife and a multi-tool. Experts argue over which you should pack. We say take both!

First Aid – To patch you up

The ability to act as your own first aider is vital when you don’t know when you’ll have access to official medical care again. Specially designed to cater for expeditions, this compact yet extensive first aid pack features 205 pieces:

15 – Antiseptic Towelettes

5 – Antibiotic Ointments Packets

5 – Sting Relief Wipes

40 – Bandages 1×3

50 – Small Bandages

24 – Spot Bandages

5 – Fingertip Bandages

5 – Knuckle Bandages

1 – 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 Yards Adhesive Tape

10 – Gauze Pads 2″x2″

30 – Butterfly Bandages

1 – Tweezer

4 – Finger Splints

5 – 1″ safety pins

1 – Razor Blade

2 – 1 pair gloves latex free (nitrile)

1 – Instant Cold Pack

1 – Semi-hard case

  • Coleman Expedition First Aid Kit

Communication – To get the news

Eton Microlink Radio - a great choice for your bug out bag!Etón FR160B Microlink Self-Powered AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio with Flashlight, Solar Power and Cell Phone Charger

Ensuring that you can stay in the loop, even when you may be decidedly away from civilization and all its creature comforts, is vital for knowing what’s happening and where potential help may be sought (as well as being aware of impending danger). Once more, this is another item where a backup comes in handy, and you should also consider a self-powered form of communication to avoid a situation where battery power runs out.

In addition to your radio, you’ll also need a method of communicating from afar and attracting the attention of others, for which a signalling mirror is essential.

Clothing – You’re most basic form of shelter

As the most basic form of shelter, your clothing serves as your first protection from the elements, with your footwear literally being the difference between travelling with a firm footing, and potentially slipping, tripping or being unable to scour certain terrains.

Clothing is, however, incredibly personalised and a Bug Out Bag itinerary for clothing items will differ drastically from person to person, taking into account varying body types, tolerances levels, fitness levels and preferences. As a generic starting consideration however, you must take into account your climate, location and surrounding terrains, being sure to evaluate your clothing contents every six months as the seasons change.

  • Spare pair of socks/underwear.
  • Waterproof jacket, trousers and gloves.
  • Also make sure you are wearing good quality appropriate boots and clothing to begin with if possible.

Hunting/Fishing – Sourcing renewable food

As mentioned at the start of this guide, whilst the focus of the average Bug Out Bag is upon survival in the immediate 72 hour window of a disaster aftermath, it’s prudent to pack for as many situations as possible.

With this in mind, including the following items within your Bug out Bag can help you to seek your own food from the wilderness (in addition to making considered choices for your weaponry, which can allow you to hunt successfully on land).

Navigation – Know where you are going

In addition to basic survival knowledge, without the aid of tools (such as naturally being able to figure north from south, telling the time and seeking out water sources) you should also pack for navigating the terrains that you find yourself in, safely and successfully. However, this really needn’t be any more extensive than a couple of well-chosen maps and a compass.

Binoculars – See them before they see you

Seeking out food, water or shelter sources, and the ability to see potential dangers, are all made easy from afar and from a safe area with the right Binoculars. Here are some suggested brands, with each providing for 8x magnification within compact and robust casing, but with the former taking up the traditional duel view and with the latter being a mono view.

Firearms – To keep you safe and to potentially hunt with

Everyone has an opinion on what is best and if, indeed a firearm is necessary. We’ll let you make your own mind up. If you do decide to pack a firearm, it is vital that you learn how to actually use your firearm of choice. Get some professional tuition, and of course, only pack include a firearm in you Bug Out Bag if is legal and you meet all the restrictions and regulations in your state.

Books – So that you know what you are doing

SAS survival guideSAS Survival Guide 2E (Collins Gem): Perfect size for a bug out bag!

A good survivalist knows that, no matter how much they know, no matter how many blogs, guides and books that they read, they can never know enough.

With this in mind, here are two books that provide a high level overview of surviving upon nothing but your own wits and a well packed Bug out Bag.

You will not regret taking one of these books with you. They provide invaluable information and advice, even for the seasoned survivalist…

The Other (but no less important stuff) – Doesn’t fit into any of the categories above

Goal Zero Guide 10 Adventure KitGoal Zero 19010 Guide 10 Plus Small Adventure Kit

To finish off our Bug out Bag List, here are the items that make for equipment that doesn’t quite fit under any of the other titles (although they’re in many cases no less important… so certainly don’t overlook them!)

  • Sewing kit, duct tape, head net, 50 feet of 550 paracord, whistle, sunglasses
  • Small bottle of hand sanitizer
  • Some zip-ties
  • Maxi Pads – they can be used for wound dressing and the inner material can be used for tinder
  • Repel 100 Insect Repellent
  • Goal Zero 19010 Guide 10 Plus Small Adventure Kit

10 Uses For Your Survival Knife

Survival knife

We’ve been told that a survival knife is our best friend whether we bug in our out, that we can use it in a wide variety of situations. But what are they, exactly? I’m not talking about cutting various things, I think we should be aware of other, unconventional ways of using it.

We should also be aware of some of the ways not to use it. For example, one my mistakes was that I used it to open a bottle that I couldn’t with my bare hands. I ruined the tip a little bit and learned my lessons. Still, in a survival situation, we might be forced to use our knife in ways we normally wouldn’t. Let’s see what some of them are.

#1. For digging

Maybe you’re trying to quickly bury something and you don’t have a shovel or the time to make a primitive digging device. Maybe you’re digging for plant roots to make salad. You can use your survival knife to do it, although it’s best if you had two of them. If you’re in love with your main knife, you should definitely use your back-up knife to perform some of these tasks. The Morakniv Companion is cheap and has a great build, maybe you can use that?

#2. For splitting wood

Again, not very orthodox but you might be forced to do it if you don’t have an axe with you.  Here’s a video demonstrating how to do this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkgWZmYJRkM

#3. You can use the pommel as a hammer

It would be nice if you had a real hammer but, in an emergency situation, it will do.

#4. As a stake for your tarp

Though you should be able to carve your own stakes to keep a tent or a tarp in place, you can save time and use your (back-up survival knife).

#5. To carve primitive tools and weapons

Since you won’t be able to carry everything in your bug out bag, why not use your knife to make the tools and weapons you need on the spot? Some of the things you could make using wood and rocks include:

  • primitive spears
  • tomahawks
  • a hunting bow
  • a bow for the bow drill method
  • clubs
  • throwing sticks
  • and even blowguns

#6. As a fork

This is something you have to be careful with but it will make you feel like a badass.

#7. For self-defense

Ok, so most people would rather take self-defense lessons, but knowing how to use a knife will only increase your odds. Of course, if you don’t know how to use one, they might actually decrease your odds because your opponent can grab it and use it on you.

#8. As a fire starter

As long as you have a ferro rod and some tinder, you’re ready to light a fire by striking the former to the steel component of the knife.

#9. For first aid purposes

Though I am not a doctor, I can tell you there are plenty of ways it ca help, and none of them are related to removing any bullets from your body. Some of the things you can do include:

  • cutting clothes to gain access to a wound
  • cutting clothes into strips to be used as bandage
  • to remove splinters
  • and even to pop a blister (though it should be done using a sterilized needle, so this last use is not really recommended unless you’re in a situation where you don’t have much choice)

#10. To Open Your Mail

It might be the only way to communicate if the Internet is gone… yes, this last one is trivial but I added it to remind you that your laptop or smartphone won’t be your best friend post-collapse. Your knife will.

What’s next?

Well, you may be interested in getting a bushcraft knife. Not a bad idea, particularly since you may need a secondary one for some of the uses above. There’re a lot of things to consider: the material, the length of the blade, the handle and even the shape of the blade.

Dan Sullivan

www.SurvivalSullivan.com

(Image from: Mike Petrucci)

Paracord Post Round-Up: Things To Make & Do With Paracord

Paracord uses

Paracord: 101 Uses

You probably hear the word “paracord” a lot when you are studying survival training. It has achieved such an elevated status you would think paracord could single-handedly save a person and do the dishes all at the same time. While the material is pretty fantastic, it isn’t going to miraculously save anybody.

If you have done any research into survival training, you have probably heard numerous so-called experts touting the merits of paracord, including the fact there are over 100 uses for the strong rope. Unfortunately, those experts tend to only tell you or show you a handful. How much good does that do you?

For those who are sitting there thinking, “parawhat?” let me explain how valuable this tool truly is. You are probably familiar with the all-encompassing uses of duct tape. The same theory can be applied to paracord, which may also be referred to as 550 cord. The name comes from the idea the cord has a breaking point of 550 pounds.

So what is paracord? The cordage was originally used in parachute construction, hence the name. Because it was intended to be used as a strong, but some light-weight cord that is easily compacted and most importantly, reliable, it has become a hot commodity in the world of survival. It is so lightweight, you could literally carry 100-feet and never even notice.

Now, let’s get into what makes paracord so special. It is typically made of nylon. However, there are some types on the market that have been constructed with Kevlar. Seven inner strands are wrapped in a sheath to produce this highly-coveted tool. Each of those strands has a breaking strength of 30 pounds. Part of the reason paracord is so desirable is the fact you can separate the cord if needed.

Let’s refer back to the paracord’s strength. Keep in mind, breaking strength is not the same as working load. An easy way to remember this is a 5/1 ratio. If you need to lift 500 pounds, you would need cordage with a breaking strength of 2500 pounds.

As with almost anything on the market today, not all paracord is created equal and may not be constructed with the above-mentioned qualities, therefore making it a substandard product. Only buy military-strength paracord. If you are as excited about paracord as the rest of the survival community, check out the video to see 101 ways you really can use paracord.

How To Make A Paracord Survival Bracelet

Excellent video showing how to make your own paracord survival bracelet.

Do you know what? I am betting you are thinking it’s going to be difficult to do… If you follow the video you’ll see it is actually very easy to do. Surprisingly easy actually.

If you are going to bother making one, make sure you make it with official 550 paracord, as used in the military. Don’t use the cheaper stuff, get something you can rely on.

Make A DIY Paracord Watch Strap

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I have done several posts about the uses of paracord and paracord bracelets, such as the review of the excellent: ‘Wazoo Survival Gear’ Minimalist Survival Bracelet. You can of course make your own paracord bracelet but if you are not into wearing an additional bracelet, how about making a paracord watch strap instead?  If you are anything like me, you’re saying – why didn’t I think of that…  A paracord watch strap, it is so obvious.

Anyway if you think it’s a good idea and you’d like to give it a go, head over to the Instructables website below and check out the detailed tutorial.

If you are going to bother making one, make sure you make it with official 550 paracord, as used in the military. Don’t use the cheaper stuff, get something you can rely on.

DIY Paracord Watch Strap

(Photo from: Strormdrane via Instructables)

Make A Paracord Belt With Carabiner Buckle

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Everyone knows how useful paracord can be in a survival situation, but just in case, check out my earlier post: 101 Uses For Paracord (Seriously, there’s 101 uses listed here)

As a result paracord bracelets are particularly popular with preppers and those who practise survival skills. Paracord key-fobs and watch straps are also popular.

Whilst all of these a very useful, the amount of paracord you can carry is very limited.  With this in mind, how about making a paracord belt!  It’s a win, win, as a paracord belt can look really smart if you purchase a nice belt buckle (this belt is a bit more tactical and functional with a carabiner buckle) but the really great thing about a paracord belt is that it can hold over 100 feet of paracord!  That’s right – 100 feet of paracord in one belt, that’s always with you.

If you are interested in making a paracord belt, head over to the Instructables website and check out mobiobi’s tutorial. Also, check out these great belt buckles and make a top notch belt!

Make A Paracord Belt With Carabiner Buckle

(Photo from: mobiobi via Instructables)

How To Make Paracord Handcuffs

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A lot of us don’t carry handcuffs or even own any. If you were in an emergency situation and you needed to hold someone either for your family’s safety or to immobilize them so you could get away, chances are you will have paracord on you somewhere.

These are actually quite simple to make and i would carry a few ready made in my EDC kit or bug out bag. See how to make these below

How To Make Paracord Handcuffs

(Picture Credit: cooldog)

Make An Awesome Hanging Chair From Some Paracord & A Pallet

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This is a brilliant idea, a great hanging chair made from a free pallet and a few dollars worth of 550 paracord.

I have done several posts about reusing old pallets for various things – The 5 Pallet Livestock Feeder and Recycle a Wooden Pallet to Use for Shoe/Boot Storage and a few other Facebook posts which didn’t make the website.  I think this hanging chair might be the best of the lot though, as not only does it serve a purpose, it also looks awesome.

If you’d like to see how to build one yourself, head over to the Instructables website via the link below and have a look at the very detailed tutorial.

Make A Paracord Laced Pallet, Hanging Chair

If you are going to make one, make sure you use official 550 paracord, as used in the military. Don’t use the cheaper stuff, get something you can rely on.

(Photo from: Twotim221 via Instructables)

How To Make A Paracord Cross (Pendant / Necklace)

Everyone knows how useful paracord can be in a survival situation, and many of you have paracord bracelets, but today we’ve got something new to share…

These make excellent pendant style necklaces, or alternatively, you could hang one from your vehicle’s rear-view mirror.  It’s a great way to keep 24 feet of paracord handy, just in case of emergency.

Check out the video below and get making. One of these would make an excellent gift for a loved one! 

Preparing for a Disaster – No-Nonsense Tips to Protect Your Family

Preparing for a Disaster – No-Nonsense Tips to Protect Your Family

As our societies grow and we rely more and more on third party services to keep us safe and sound, the danger of suddenly becoming helpless and endangered increases. While there are literally thousands of ways to prepare for a disaster, you should primarily focus on the fundamental tips designed to protect you and your family.

The following tips and techniques were designed by emergency professionals are recommended for all persons in the event of a disaster. Don’t wait until the dreaded winter storm forecast or unexpected natural disaster strikes. Spend time today preparing you and your family for the worst, so you may have the best odds in your favour.

Understand the Most Likely Disasters

One of the fundamental levels of preparing for a disaster is knowing what kind of events you’ll likely face. Live in the mountains? Then you probably won’t have to worry about a tsunami; however, you should concern yourself with landslides, severe weather and health pandemics. The worst mindset you can have is thinking you live in a disaster-free zone. There is no such thing in this world. Review the most likely disaster’s for your area and create disaster-specific plans based upon this information.

Establish a Connection Method

What will you do when the cell networks go down? What happens when local telecommunication systems are non-operational? These are only a sample of questions you must ask yourself. It’s imperative to consider how you’ll connect with your loved ones when a disaster strikes, and traditional forms of communication aren’t available. Disaster relief organizations suggest confirming an out-of-area emergency contact, as local communications may be down while long-distance communications may still be available. Consider investing in satellite phones and battery-operated two-way radios to communicate during the peak of a disaster.

Receive Alerts During a Disaster

While your television and Internet connection may not be available during a major disaster, officials communicate with the general public through a variety of methods. The first step is to sign up for emergency alerts on your cell phone or via an emergency radio – sold at many electronics stores. Communicate with your local officials to uncover their communications plan should a disaster occur. Upon learning this information, adjust your emergency plan to incorporate these methods so you and your family can remain in-the-loop during an emergency.

Prepare Disaster Responses from Multiple Locations

In an ideal world, when a disaster strikes you and all your loved ones are packed safely in your home. However, this may not be the case. When an unexpected disaster occurs and you or your family members are not at home, it’s imperative to have a well-developed response plan for these situations. Plan to react from a variety of locations, such as your place of employment or your car. Plan evacuation routes, communication plans, and meet-up locations throughout the region with your family. Discuss emergency plans with your children’s school or daycare facility to determine how they’ll handle communicating with you during a disaster.

The notion of dealing with a major emergency is not one that many wish to dwell on. While there’s something to be said about positive thinking, when this form of thinking leads to a lack of action, it becomes a serious problem. Even if you believe you’ll never be involved in a serious emergency situation – whether a natural disaster or something more serious – it’s essential to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.

You’ve likely scanned across articles on blogs, magazines or newspapers discussing the value of preparing your home and family. However, many of these tips are expensive and require a significant amount of time and dedication to accomplish. What would you say if the most effective tips are also the cheapest?

Continue reading to uncover the top 5 emergency preparedness tips designed to keep you and your family safe without having to spend an arm-and-a-leg on advanced supplies and costly provisions.

Plan an Escape Route Out of Your Home

Imagine there was an emergency within your home, such as a fire, and you need to escape quickly and safely. What are the best ways to evacuate your home in the fastest way possible? Take a moment to delve into possible escape routes, then write it down. Make sure all inhabitants within your home fully understands where to go and how to escape the house should it be necessary.

Create a Centralized Meeting Place

So you’ve managed to escape your home – or some other location – during an emergency, now what? In the ideal world, you and your family are together when an emergency happens; however, this isn’t always the case. Designate two different meeting areas. The first should be close to your home, such as at a neighbours house or at the neighbourhood park. The second should be a centralized place within your town or city. Write these locations down and make sure your family and friends understand where to meet should an emergency take place.

Create an Emergency Contact Card

Emergency contact cards are essential should a major disaster happen and you or your family members need to reach specific individuals or visit a specific meeting place, as described above. This card should contain the phone numbers of out-of-state relatives or emergency contacts as well as the locations of your two designated meeting areas. Copy this card and ensure each family member and friend has one for easy reference during a disaster.

Regularly Update Your SHTF Emergency Plan

One of the biggest mistakes many people make when it comes to creating an emergency plan is making it once and never returning to it. Much like life, the details in your emergency plan can, and will, need to change. Whether you move or change emergency contact information, make sure to re-visit your emergency plan every six months and make updates as necessary. What’s worse than not having an emergency plan? Having an outdated emergency plan.

Practice Your SHTF Emergency Plan

There are many times when an emergency plan is thorough and effective, but during an actual emergency you or your family members become disoriented and are unsure how to follow the established plan. To prevent confusion during these stressful and overwhelming times, it’s imperative to practice your emergency plan. Go through each step of your plan as if a real emergency was happening. Drive your planned evacuate route and spend time mapping out alternative escape routes. Practice exiting your home based upon the various escape plans and make sure to keep your emergency kits well-stocked.

Homemade Water Filter: Make A DIY Water Filter

6 homemade water filter tutorials

Below are six different homemade water filter tutorials. The first five are DIY filters for filtering rainwater and water from unclean water sources. The last tutorial shows how to make a homemade Berkey water filter for use in the home. This homemade Berkey filter is equally effective but around 75% cheaper!

How To Make A Bio-Sand DIY Water Filter

Bio-sand filters are super quick and easy to build homemade water filter systems and they are very effective at filtering dirty water and making it safe. Watch the video for details. A homemade water filter like this would be great for filtering and purifying water stored in rainwater catchment systems.

Below is some additional information from Wikipedia  on the effectiveness of homemade bio-sand filters

Bio-sand filters remove pathogens and suspended solids through a combination of biological and physical processes that take place in the biolayer and within the sand column. BSFs have been shown to remove 5.00-64.00% of heavy metals and 90.00-99.99% of turbidity and contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.

Filtration process

Pathogens and suspended solids are removed through a combination of biological and physical processes that take place in the biolayer and within the sand layer. These processes include:

  • Mechanical trapping. Suspended solids and pathogens are physically trapped in the spaces between the sand grains.
  • Predation. Pathogens are consumed by other microorganisms in the biolayer.
  • Adsorption. Pathogens become attached to each other, suspended solids in the water and the sand grains.
  • Natural death. Pathogens finish their life cycle or die because there is not enough food or oxygen for them to survive.

Removal of contaminants

Turbidity

Results for turbidity reductions vary depending on the turbidity of the influent water. Water with high turbidity looks dirty due to sand, silt and clay floating in the water. Feed turbidity in one study ranged from 1.86 to 3.9 NTU. In a study, water was obtained from sample taps of water treatment plants from three local reservoirs. It poured through a slow sand filter and results showed that turbidity decreased to a mean of 1.45 NTU. In another study using surface water, a 93% reduction in turbidity was observed. As the biofilm above the sand ripens turbidity removal increases. Although bio-sand filters do exhibit a high reduction in turbidity, slow sand filters show higher removals due to a slower filtration rate.

Heavy metals

There is limited research on removal of heavy metals by bio-sand filters. In a study conducted in South Africa, the filter was found to have about 64% removal of iron and 5% removal of magnesium.

Bacteria

In laboratory studies, the bio-sand filter has been found to have about a 98-99% removal of bacteria. Over a time period of about two months, it was found that the bio-sand filter may increase in the removal for E. coli due to biofilm formation. The removal after this time period ranged from 97-99.99% removal depending on the daily charge volume and percent feed water amended with primary effluent to the filter daily. The addition of primary effluent or waste water facilitates the growth of the biofilm which aids bacterial die-off. Research in the field shows that implemented bio-sand filters reduce fewer bacteria than ones in a controlled environment. In research conducted in 55 households of Bonao, Dominican Republic, the average E. coli reduction was found to be about 93 percent.

Viruses

Lab tests have shown that while the reduction of E. coli from these filters is quite significant, the attenuation in viruses is significantly less due to their small size. In a study using to bacteriophages, the removal ranged between 85% and 95% after 45 days of usage. A recent study has suggested that virus removal increases significantly over time, reaching 99.99% after a period of approximately 150 days.

Protozoa

In one lab test, the bio-sand filter also got greater than a 99.9% removal of protozoa. In tests for one type of protozoa, Giardia lambia had a 100% removal for 29 days of usage. Another protozoa, Cryptosporidium oocysts, showed to have a slightly lower reduction (99.98%) possibly due to their smaller size. This removal showed to be comparable to that of the slow sand filter.

How To Make A Hillbilly DIY Water Filter (A survival water filter made from trash)

After reading this you will never look at that discarded water bottle you find in the woods the same again. In fact, that garbage you are so disgusted with just may save your life one day. How you wonder? Well, the hillbilly DIY water filter is how. A little science and ingenuity is all you need to purify water with stuff you will likely find in the great outdoors.

Water that comes from an unknown source is widely accepted as unsafe to drink. You just don’t know what has been put into that water, whether you can see it or not. We are talking deadly bacteria, feces and a variety of other nasty impurities that would do a real number on your body if you ingested them. For that reason, you absolutely must purify the water before you consume it. You must have water to survive.

One of the most common ways to purify water is to boil it. Unfortunately, in a survival situation, that is not always an option. You may have some of those handy purification tablets, but again, what do you do if you don’t?

Making Water Safer With Trash

As a last resort, you can use the hillbilly filtering system to get life-sustaining water into your system. You can watch the video and see exactly what I am talking about. Basically, you need a discarded water bottle or plastic pop bottle. Foliage, like edible dandelions and chickweed, will act as a filtering system along with some charcoal material. Remains of an old campfire are perfect for this part of your filtering system. If you happen to be in need of a makeshift water purification system in the winter or in a place where foliage is not around, rocks and sand can be used.

While this homemade water filter is relatively effective, do not expect crystal clear water the first few runs through the system. However, it will be safe to drink. If you have the time, run your water through the filter several times to get a clearer product.  As I said earlier, this may not be the best system, but it is effective and it will get you what you need to survive until a better purification system is put into place.

Craig Caudill is an outdoors enthusiast who regularly shares his knowledge at www.dansdepot.com.  He is also the chief instructor at his Nature Reliance School.

How To Make A Tree Branch Water Filter That Removes 99% of E. coli

tree branch DIY water filter

Ok, I’ll admit, this is a new one for me. I know several methods for making DIY water filters, even one made from the trash you can find in the woods. However, I have never seen such a simple and effective DIY water filter as this one. It’s so simple to make – simply choose the right branch, in this case, they use white pine, securely wedge it in the end of a pipe and you have an effective low-tech water filter.

The one downside to this simple water filter is that it can only filter around 4 liters of water a day, but they are so quick and easy to make, you could easily rig up 2 or 3 filters and leave them to filter the water whilst you are doing other things. Find out exactly how to make a tree branch filter over at ‘The Ecopreneurist’ How To Make A Tree Branch Water Filter That  Removes 99% of E. coli

(Image from: Ecopreneurist)

Purifying Water By Boiling In A Plastic Bottle

plastic bottle water purification

It’s a sad fact of life that no matter where you go off the beaten track, you always seem to find someone else’s trash – soda/beer cans, plastic soda bottles, and food wrappers seem to be everywhere…

Whilst finding trash in the wilderness is a great shame, it can provide the opportunity for survival in emergency survival situations – soda cans can be used to carrying and boiling water, plastic bottles can obviously be used for transporting and storing water too, but I bet a lot of you didn’t realize that you can also boil water over a fire in a plastic bottle. To find out the correct way of doing this, check out the post below from ‘Willow Haven Outdoor’.

I am sure some people will point out the dangers of plastic chemicals leaching into the water.  These chemicals may or may not be dangerous after prolonged, repeat exposure to them, but the fact is dehydration WILL kill you within days, and it will kill you even quicker if you drink unboiled water and get sick. Find out more here: Someone’s Trash Can Save Your Life: Purifying Water In A Plastic Bottle

(Photo from: Willow Haven Outdoor)

Build A CHEAP DIY Berkey Water Filter: Homemade For 1/4 The Cost

Berkey water filters are pretty much the most popular water filters for home/family use.  Berkey state that the filtration on their products is so effective, virtually no other system can duplicate this performance.  The problem is you have to pay a lot for this performance…

But here’s the thing – a quick look on Amazon shows that it will cost in the region of $250-$300 for a family sized Berkey water filter, BUT it also shows that you can purchase a pair of Berkey Replacement Filters for around $55.  It is the filters that make the water safe and you can fit these into two five gallon (food grade) containers and add a tap in around five minutes (watch the video!).  You pretty much now have a fully functioning Berkey water filter system for the cost of the replacement Berkey filters, a tap and two food grade five gallon buckets, which add up to around a quarter of the price of a complete Berkey system.

Note: In the video above Steve is using the standard Berkey filters.  When I checked on Amazon, judging from the reviews there is clearly an issue with these at present, so I have linked to the Berkey Ceramic filters as these seem a safer bet at the moment. I am assuming that these ceramic filters will fit in the same way as the standard filters, as they both fit the Big Berkey system.

This really is a super simple project and an excellent low-cost way to ensure your family has safe drinking water should disaster strike. With this system, you could filter rainwater collected from a rainwater harvesting system, or rivers/lakes etc.