Monthly Archives: June 2014

June 20th, 2014
post by policysup | | 0

Becoming The Bank In TEOTWAWKI: “Everything Will Be Based On Real and Tangible Assets”

This article has be contributed by James Rawles’ Survival Blog and was written by J.M.

James Rawles is the author of the popular Patriots series of books on the topic of surviving in a post-collapse world, as well How to Survive the End of the World As We Know It. Follow his excellent commentary, news and regularly published preparedness tips and strategies at the Survival Blog Website.

It has happened. The event that we have all talked about for so many years has come to fruition. The banking and monetary system, after many years of bail-outs and market manipulations, has finally collapsed. Many have plans to “bug out” to the safety of their isolated retreat where they plan to hunker down and weather the financial tempest that surrounds them. I have to admit that this is probably the best short-term plan to survive, but what do you do when your supplies run out? What will the long-term solution be, until a new monetary system is established? How could someone position themselves to be part of the solution rather than waiting for the solution to come to them?

Several very knowledgeable people have discussed a great many topics regarding preparedness in case of an economic catastrophe in our country. Whether it is inflation, deflation, or stagflation, the economic impact on our currency could be severe. That is why, in tandem with all my preps, which includes a paid off, well-stocked retreat with a water filtration system, solar/wind power generators, fuel and farming gear, and all the necessary supplies, I have also positioned myself to act as an interim bank, mercantile, and co-op for day-to-day purchases, exchanges, and loans, until a new currency is established by the government.

There will probably be a period, albeit a short one (I’m guessing six months or so but maybe longer), where U.S. dollars will not be the preferred medium for exchange. I feel that some will barter directly for food with whatever goods or services they may have, but what does one do when they do not possess something that the other party covets or desires? It will be necessary for something to serve as a “store” of value.

The biggest problem, though, is that whatever is used will need to be available in several small denominations and be easily recognizable to all. People tend to gravitate towards the familiar. The closest thing to our old beloved dollar will be pre-65 coinage, recognizable .999 silver bars/coins, and our current 75/25 nickels and pre-82 pennies. Gold will also be coveted but only for larger purchase, in my opinion, as even a gram of gold will far exceed the purchase price of most goods needed for day-to-day living expenses.

After assessing the demographics surrounding my retreat, I discovered that I had about 1,000 people within a 10-mile radius. I then established what the current AVERAGE dollar amount is for Americans to have for cash-on-hand at any given time. After pouring over several statistical analyses regarding this issue, I’ve found that that number rests between $80 and $100. That basically means that for each person (man, woman, and child), you would need 4-5 ounces of silver or a gram and a half to two grams of gold for each person. Your base coinage values would be established at coinflation.com values.

The key to all this is to not just put aside one ounce and one gram increments of bullion. You need that dollar value to be reached with a diversified breakdown of coinage and bars that allow the populace to be able to make multiple purchases with their $80-$100 worth of currency. This is where 90% dimes, quarters, half dollars, fractional bullion, and quality-base coinage come into play. Let’s take my population of 1,000 persons as an example. To serve as the “bank” for that many people, I have put aside these denominations:

  • 30 ounces of gold consisting of: (200) one gram bars, (50) 1/10 oz coins, (12) ¼ oz coins, (6) ½ oz coins, (10) 1 ounce coins, and one 100 gram bar.
  • 3000 ounces of silver consisting of: 500 ounces of Premium bars ranging from 1-10 ounces, 750 ounces of Silver Eagles, 750 ounces of Premium Silver rounds (Engelhard, Johnson Matthey, Maples), $1,000 face of 90% coinage ($500 in dimes, $250 in quarters, and $250 in half dollars).
  • $2500 of base coinage consisting of: $2000 in nickels and $500 in pre-82 pennies.

The above amounts are worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $100,000.00 at today’s “spot” value. That means, I am a little more than 10% above what I need to operate as an interim “bank”. That additional 10% will be necessary, as you still have to have additional liquidity to provide security for your “bank” and provide extra (float) money for those that wish to secure extra funds through collateralization or outright sale of their goods. People will still want “loans” to help get them through, and this will mean that if one wishes to act as a “bank”, they need to be prepared to lend and take in collateral for the loan, or be willing to act as a “mercantile” or “co-op”, as people will not have a lot of money but may also have goods that the “bank” can buy and then re-sell to others in the community.

You won’t be able to act as our current-day, money-grubbing, greedy banksters do. You will need to be a staple of the community– helping others and acting as a “conduit” for exchange in a noble manner. Anything else will lead to a good old-fashioned tar-and-feathering or worse…and rightfully so. You will still have to have excellent security, too, as banks have been, and always will be TARGETS. Do not take being a bank for your local community lightly. You are definitely breaching OPSEC in many ways by acting in such a manner. However, SOMEBODY needs to do it, but you better be damn sure that your neighbors are as committed and endeared to you as you are to helping them.

Another necessary item will be a VERY LARGE BUILDING with a stock yard to serve as your center for exchange. I would definitely recommend that you build it in such a way to house a myriad of goods and products. Everything from food, seeds, and livestock, to other material goods such as guns, ammo, and medical supplies will need to be stored there. You will also need, of course, a vault.

You’ll have to work hard, but being the center of exchange for a community has its benefits as well. When you are just a consumer, you eventually run out of money. When you are the bank/mercantile/co-op, you have continuous flow, and you can make a small amount on each transaction to be able to maintain and even grow your wealth…even in a bad time. This is not a license to fleece people by any means, but most people will not begrudge you a reasonable profit for the services you provide to the community, as long as you are compassionate, charitable, and friendly to all who patronize you.

Many will comment that putting yourself out there in such a manner is not responsible. Let me be clear: I do not recommend attempting this unless you have established yourself with people PRIOR to the “great reset”. Trying to do so when you are not integrated into the area would be foolish in my opinion, BUT, the potential to be “the bank” in your area is possible, if you lay the proper groundwork. When people know you, they tend to be more open to dealing with you. It is human nature to be suspicious of someone’s motives, if you are unfamiliar with them. When others in the area will vouch for your character, it can make all the difference in the world and can lead to strong relationships that can be of great use when things are difficult.

The reason for writing this article is not to show how someone can capitalize on other’s misfortunes but rather to show how we can be a part of the solution and be proactive in re-establishing commerce in our area rather than just waiting for civilization to restore itself. I would like to think that the people on this forum are going to be a part of our country’s rebirth after fiat paper collapses. We can all play an integral role in bringing REAL MONEY to the forefront in our area. It takes courage and fortitude to put oneself out there and help to be a part of the solution. Our forefathers were patriots and risked a heck of a lot more than what I am proposing.

Regionalized banking truly is the best system in my opinion. When folks are tight-knit and know each other, there are simply less defaults on loans, and risky lending does not take place. Once we went to global banking systems, the human factor was eliminated from the equation. Credit unions and co-op’s, as well as localized banking, is what can work and even flourish. It is that “village concept” that will be key to restoring faith and credit, as everything will be based on real and tangible assets and NOT a fractional reserve system that is, quite frankly “imaginary money” with no real backing. My goal here is to spark discussion, and I am sure others will have more to add to my thoughts. I welcome all your ideas, criticisms, and additional input to becoming the “bank” in TEOTWAWKI. The squeamish need not prescribe!

–God Bless

 

Start now to make sure you are staying prepared.

 

Via: shtfplan

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June 19th, 2014
post by policysup | | 0

Be Prepared


For many of us, the phrase “Be Prepared,” is a familiar motto associated with the Boy Scouts of America. However, in this day and age of absolute uncertainty, it is imperative that we all have a plan that ensures we have taken the measures to be prepared for any, and all events. The prepper movement appears to be exploding across America, and among those joining the ranks of preppers, are people with serious concerns about the future of our country.

Natural disasters are just one area of interest for people in the prepper movement, political disasters are another. Of the two, political disasters are drawing the majority of new members into the prepper movement. Millions of illegal immigrants are already in America, and tens of thousands more are swarming across our borders, as a direct result of the current administration’s willingness to turn a blind eye, and grant them amnesty if at all possible. We are at the precipice of a major turning point in American history folks, and if we are not prepared properly, we shall certainly suffer the consequences.

FNI:

“A massive surge of illegal immigrants is underway, with newly leaked photos revealing hundreds of immigrant children packed like sardines in detention centers.

Illegal immigrant minors are crossing into the U.S., and border patrol is overwhelmed and unable to care for them. The government has been putting them on buses and “dumping” them on street corners in cities like Phoenix, Ariz. Military bases in Texas, California and Oklahoma are also being used to house them.

The problem could reportedly go from bad to worse. Officials say 6,560 unaccompanied minor aliens crossed the border in 2011. This year, it’s estimated that the number will jump to more than 90,000.

Unlike Mexican citizens, illegals from Central America can’t be sent home; they must be turned over to HHS and are released to family and friends.

“This is a crisis of the federal government’s creation, and the fact that the border remains unsecure – now apparently intentionally – while this operation continues full-steam ahead is deplorable,” Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer said in a statement.

Judge Andrew Napolitano weighed in tonight on “The Kelly File,” blaming the president for not enforcing the law.

“The president of the United States personally and directly caused this with a telephone and a pen,” he said, explaining that Obama has been encouraging illegal aliens.

Filmmaker Dennis Michael Lynch has been warning of this crisis.

“Entire villages are emptying out and coming from Central America through Mexico to the United States,” he told Megyn Kelly tonight, calling this “the tip of the iceberg.”

Now, the administration is asking for $2 billion to address the issue.

“This may energize the president’s base for the November elections, but this will totally alienate independents and middle Americans who will have to pay for this,” Napolitano said.

The judge said the government is giving free food, shelter, clothing, health care, education and lawyers to these children.

“This is the same government that dumps them on a street corner. If any of us dumped children on a street corner, we would be arrested for child abuse,” he said.”

Maybe you don’t think an influx of illegal immigrants is worth worrying about. Perhaps the small town, or community you live in, hasn’t been chosen as a dumping point. The truth of the matter is this; regardless of where you live, this affects us all negatively. We are sorely lacking in so many areas of providing for our own, the financial burden placed on us by allowing illegal immigrants to stay in our country, will only continue to expand in the coming months and years, as more immigrants flock illegally to America knowing they won’t be turned away

 

Start now to make sure you are staying prepared.

 

Via: survivalist

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June 18th, 2014
post by policysup | | 0

Who’s Responsible for the Latest Attack on America’s Power Grid?

Last Wednesday, a small power station in Nogales, Arizona was the site of a mysterious bomb attack that left no injuries, nor any witnesses. The assailant(s) broke into the facility sometime between 4pm Tuesday and 8 am Wednesday, and planted a small incendiary device on the valve of a 50,000 gallon diesel tank. The device managed to burn the surface of the steel, but failed to ignite the fuel inside the container. If they had succeeded it could have disrupted power for 30,000 people.

The FBI is currently investigating the attack, but have no leads as far as we know. There were no signs of vandalism that are often left behind by environmental terrorists, who would normally be suspected in an electrical grid attack. The FBI is currently looking into several other incidents that were reported earlier this year:

“On Thursday, law-enforcement officials said the FBI was looking at past suspicious incidents in the area, citing one near Sahuarita, north of Nogales. In that incident, someone was reported to be trying to cut power lines, law-enforcement officials said.

On Feb. 9, target shooters near a substation in that area were seen on security cameras, causing alarm. Police and the utility’s security officers traveled to the site to ask the shooters to move along, but they were gone when police arrived, Salkowski said.”

This incendiary attack has officials worried after a similar incident was reported at a power substation in San Jose earlier this year. The attack was initially considered to be a case of vandalism until more details were exposed to the public, nearly 10 months after the fact.

Rather than a bomb, the San Jose attack turned out to be a frighteningly coordinated shooting. It’s estimated that 6 individuals approached the facility late at night armed with AK-47′s, and opened fire, but not before sneaking onto the property and disabling the alarm system. The attackers managed to disrupt a total of 10 transformers, and escaped just before police arrived. Investigators would later find more evidence of just how professional the attack was:

“After walking the site with PG&E officials and FBI agents, Mr. Wellinghoff said, the military experts told him it looked like a professional job. In addition to fingerprint-free shell casings, they pointed out small piles of rocks, which they said could have been left by an advance scout to tell the attackers where to get the best shots.”

On the surface, this recent attack doesn’t appear to have as much in common with the shooting in San Jose. The suspects didn’t use firearms and they failed to disrupt the facility as much as the San Jose incident. The facility they attacked was merely a backup power producer for peak hours, not a major substation. What they do have in common is a little more startling though.

Both attacks reveal the possibility of scouting and probing the property before the attack, in this case armed individuals were seen in the area several months before, and it was reported that someone was trying to cut power lines nearby in a separate case. Both attacks involved assailants infiltrating the facility after hours and despite the coordination of the attacks, neither succeeded in disrupting the power supply in any meaningful way. And of course both incidents involved cheap and relatively low tech weapons to destroy this expensive equipment. Neither incident left the traditional calling signs of a terrorist group.

Let’s play devils advocate for a moment, and assume the possibility that both attacks were perpetrated by the same organization (and given the multiple individuals involved in the San Jose attacks, it is definitely an organization of some kind). The coordination and lack publicity from any terrorist groups seems to imply, at least in my mind, that this is state sponsored. If they were sponsored by some foreign state, they certainly had the means to do way more damage and disrupt the power supply in a big way. So Why didn’t they?

I suspect these attacks are probing missions. While the American power grid is incredibly vulnerable, it is still massively complicated. If someone were attempting to bring it down, they need to know its ins and outs, and they need know where it is most vulnerable. They need to know how difficult it is to bypass the security of these facilities. They need to develop a map of all of our power plants, substations, power lines etc. Heck, they may even pull off minor attacks of little consequence, just so the news may give them more information on the facility.

Since this organization appears to be fairly low budget, they have to figure out how they can destroy the grid with the fewest number of attacks. There certainly exists a handful of locations that if disrupted, could eliminate the power supply for millions of Americans, if not everyone in the country. These perpetrators are not yet ready to pull off such an operation. They need to see what happens, on the small scale at first, when certain parts of the grid are damaged or disabled.

I’ll admit, I could be making a few leaps with these conclusions, and I’m no stranger to paranoia. There isn’t nearly enough evidence to prove these attacks are related. But if I’m wrong, that means there may be several unrelated groups interested in destroying our power supply. If you ask me, that might be even more worrisome.

 

Start now to make sure you are staying prepared.


Via: shtfplan

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June 17th, 2014
post by policysup | | 0

15 Preparedness Uses for Kiddie Pools

Summer is upon us and that means summer items are now available. As you have no doubt noticed, some items are only available during certain seasons, and if you miss the opportunity to get those items when you can, you are faced with either waiting until next year or finding an online retailer carrying the item.

This summer, consider adding several kiddie pools to your preparedness supplies. These pools are cheap and come in both rigid plastic and inflatable vinyl. Despite the myriad of colors and patterns of these pools, they can serve very important roles in your preparedness plan.

How many of these pools should you keep on hand? Not every type and size of pool is best suited for each of the uses below, though any would probably work if that was all you had. You will need to size the pool to the task for which it is best suited. After reading the 15 preparedness uses for kiddie pools below, you may find yourself wanting more than just a few of these valuable preparedness assets and in varying sizes.

1. Emergency Water Storage

Among the first things you should do after a disaster strikes is to fill up the bathtubs with water (assuming, of course, you are home and there are no other immediate needs). But, why stop there? If you are going to need water, fill up as many containers as possible.

Small kiddie pools can hold between 30 and 250 gallons of water, depending on the size and construction. Larger pools, like those designed for an entire family’s summer fun, can contain between 1000 and 5000 gallons. However, even a small pool holding only 50 gallons can provide enough drinking water for a family of five for 10 days. Three of these pools filled would be an entire month of drinking water.

If storing outside, cover them with a tarp or sheet of plastic to keep out debris and reduce loss to evaporation. No need to worry about treating this water, you can treat it before using it, depending on the use. In addition to drinking, this extra water gives you additional ability to flush toilets, put out fires, and water the garden.

You can avoid your water storage becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes by using Mosquito Dunks.

2. Rainwater Collection, Expedient Cistern

A backyard full of pools during a rainstorm can collect quite a bit of water. If you are looking at an extended period without a working municipal water system, or as a back up to your well water system, being able to replenish your water storage is like having the ability to make gold.

With a little bit of creative ingenuity and some tarps or plastic sheeting, you will be able to maximize the water collection that each pool collects. Like storing water from the tap, this water does not need to be treated until it is time to use it. Unless you are only using to water the garden or if water is extremely scarce, do not collect water from roof runoff, as this water will be highly contaminated, particularly from bird droppings.

Unfortunately, this is the point where I need to remind you to check your local laws about collecting rain water.

If you have the ability to collect water from a spring or running surface water, especially if it is an intermittent water source, you can use the pool for an expedient cistern. By running pipe from one pool to another, you can expand the amount of water stored, only limited by the number of pools and amount of pipe you have on hand.

3. Decontamination Station

This is an often overlooked use for these small pools, though it is an important one. There are two major scenarios where you will need a home decontamination station: pandemics and radioactive matter.

During a pandemic, you can decrease the risk of getting sick from people, who may have come in contact with the virus, by decontaminating them before they enter your home. Likewise, if any of your family is caught in the plume of a radiological dispersal device, they will need to be decontaminated when they get home. The radioactive particles, from dirty bombs or from an actual nuclear detonation, must be scrubbed from the body to stop the irradiation and to prevent inhalation or ingestion of these particles.

When you decontaminate, you need to control the water runoff, so it does not further contaminate people or other portions of your home. Use kiddie pools to collect this water by having the person stand in the middle of the pool as you decontaminate him or her. The contaminated water can then be treated or disposed.

Please note there is much more involved with decontamination procedures but it is beyond the scope of this article.

4. Mixing Bulk Foods

If you like to mix your bulk ingredients before you package them for long-term storage, you can speed up the process by mixing up a pool-sized batch. For example, if you prefer a blend of hard red winter wheat with a little bit of hard white wheat mixed in, you can mix up several buckets worth before sealing. Another example is buying your beans separately and crafting your own blend of mixed beans. Pre-mixing allows you to have what you need when you need it, instead of having to open several or many containers to derive your mix.

5. Mixing Cement

Speaking of mixes, a kiddie pool makes for an expedient cement mixer. Handy if you happen to have no electrical power, but need to do masonry repairs. This is commonly used in Arizona by landscapers when they have stonework to do, but don’t want to drag along the large mixer when all they need is a small batch. The big drawback to this is the pool is not good for much else once you are finished.

6. Raised Garden Bed

Once the canary in the coal mine keels over, you will probably be looking for quick ways to expand your garden. Using rigid plastic kiddie pools, you may be able to add a raised garden faster than you could work the soil for a new plot, particularly if you live in an area with poor soil or your new plot was formerly occupied by grass. Among other aspects, raised bed gardens are easier for controlling weeds, waterine, and for avoiding grasses sprouting from recently pulled up sod. These also allow you to grow food where there is no dirt.

7. Bathing, Shower and Washing Station

It’s the apocalypse, but does that mean you have to fight the zombie hordes stinking of B.O.? Of course not! Rig up your solar water heater to a shower head, tie up a privacy curtain around the pool, and step in. Ah!

Seriously, though, staying clean is important to staying healthy. Whether your rigged shower is inside or out, the kiddie pool will collect the water for other uses (toilets, fires, garden, and so on). Additionally, the wide pool prevents muddy splashes that occur when you try to shower standing on the ground.

What’s that? No solar water heater or solar powered water pressure? No problem. Heat some water up with your favorite low-tech method and have a bath, or at least a sponge bath.

Lacking a washtub, these small pools can also serve for laundry purposes. Three pools (soap wash, first rinse, second rinse) and some clothesline and you can face the undead in a clean pair of jeans and shirt.

8. Expedient Fish Pool

Without refrigeration, meat spoils rapidly. If you can capture fish from your local fishing spot and move them to your expedient fish pool, you’ll be able to keep them alive and fresher longer. You may even decide to start breeding them (see aquaponics below).

9. Expedient Hydroponics

Hydroponics is an amazing way to grow food without soil. Once into a SHTF scenario, you may be faced with having to grow food everywhere you have space. Expedient hydroponics systems will allow you to grow food where there is no soil.

10. Expedient Aquaponics

If you have the fish in one pool and the plants in another, you might as well connect them into an aquaponics system. The fish water helps fertilize the plants on the hydroponics side, which in turn cleans up the water for the fish. While using pools would not be the best vessel for any of these last three (fish pool, hydroponics, and aquaponics), it will allow you to get things going until you can find more suitable containers.

11. Crib or Baby Pen

Watching a toddler or crawling infant often means you are unable to attend other tasks. An inflatable pool with sides high enough and thick enough to prevent the child from crawling or falling out, and filled with the child’s favorite toys, allows you the ability to take care of other things. This can be quite advantageous when outside of your home, like when the family is doing some “emergency camping,” by preventing the child from tripping and getting hurt on the uneven and rough ground.

12. Staying Cool in Hot Weather

Even with all these other uses, the pool is still a great way to stay cool by using it as a pool. Without electricity for air conditioning, many people will suffer heat-related illnesses. However, a small pool in the shade can provide needed comfort and emergency treatment for heat stroke and heat exhaustion. When you are providing your own medical care, a pool of water can literally be a life saver.

And not only for people, but pets can also overheat. As long as the water isn’t frivolously wasted on the ground (possibly impossible with pets), it can be used for the big three (gardening, fire control, and toilet flushing).

13. Large Solar Still

If you live in an area having a lot of sunshine, you can use two pools to set up a large solar still. Place a small pool concentrically inside a larger pool. You will need to start with clean pools and attach clear plastic over them, so the clean water runs into the larger pool. To prevent having to open up the plastic and pause the distillation process, rig up some tubing for putting dirty water into the inner pool, and getting distilled water from the larger pool. This large solar still is another way you can reclaim water used for washing or making other water safe to drink.

14. Emergency Raft for Gear or Pets During Flood

Back in the mid 1990s, this author lost about half of his possessions in a 500-year flood. The three days of deluge-like rainfall caused the local river to swell in a matter of hours and people awoke to find themselves in the middle of a half-mile wide flooded river.

One of the items people needed were large containers that floated, so they could drag their pets and whatever possessions they could to safety. Small pools would have worked well for this. While they would not make a sea-worthy raft in any sense of the term, they do work well for expedient emergency rafts.

15. Indoor Pet Pooping Station

You have provided for emergency sanitation for you and your family, including toilet paper, buckets, bags, sanitizing and deodorizing chemicals. The pandemic arrives to your city and you seal you and your family into your home, ready to wait it out. Just then, your trusty biological security system, AKA dog, looks up at you and whines to go “out.” Whoops.

Cats are already trained to use a litter box, but what about man’s best friend? Sure, you could put out newspaper, but who wants to deal with that on the kitchen floor when you cannot leave your house? Kiddie pool to the rescue again! With a little forethought, you can set up the pool for a pet relief station. Whether it be newspaper, sand, or even some artificial grass, having a place for your dog to go is important.

It’s not advised to let the waste sit there, but putting the pooping station in the garage is far more convenient than decontaminating the dog every time they go outside. Combining a small pool with one of those “Diaper Genies” is only one way to control pet mess and odors.

Rigid Plastic or Inflatable Vinyl?

Kiddie pools come in either rigid plastic or inflatable vinyl and, of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. It is likely you will want a few of each, depending on how you plan to use them.

Rigid pools are harder to store, but generally easier to put into use. They maintain their shape and they nest together, meaning you can stack them like measuring cups, allowing you to store a large number of them in the same footprint that one pool takes. They are less susceptible to damage, but more difficult to repair once a hole or crack appears.

Inflatable pools are easier to store, as you can keep them in their small boxes until needed, and refold when finished. This storage convenience comes at a price, as they require more resources to put into use. Unless it is a very small inflatable pool, you will need an air pump. Manual pumps will work, but electrical pumps are the quickest, although, it is likely the power grid will be down when you need to employ them. There are battery-operated air pumps, though without a way to recharge them, using them to inflate a pool may not be the best use for your batteries.

Inflatable pools are also more prone to puncture. These can be patched with a vinyl patch kit, and you will need to re-inflate them once the repair is complete. Many inflatable pools have separate chambers, or rings, which will help prevent a total loss if using to store water.

There are also larger pools, the above ground family sized pools that have a plastic frame and do not require inflating. This material is less prone to puncture, but these types of pools are large and may be more difficult to set up and take down. However, if you had warning of a pending disaster, these would be space-efficient for water storage.

Though it’s clear they have been an overlooked preparedness item, given the many ways you can use kiddie pools, be sure to stock up on these the next time you head to your local big box store.

 

Start now to make sure you are staying prepared.

 
 

 

Via: thesurvivalmom

Disclosure of Material Connection: There may be links in the post above that are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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June 16th, 2014
post by policysup | | 0

Instafire: Start fires instantly with no hassle


Instafire

This weekend I had the opportunity to test out Instafire for review.  It’s claimed to burn at nearly 1,000 degrees and to easily be lit in the ice, snow, rain and even burn wet wood.  Unfortunately it is the middle of spring and there is no ice or wet wood at our place.  So for demonstration purposes I grabbed a bowl of ice from the freezer to simulate ice and snow, and I soaked some firewood in a bucket of water to simulate wet wood.  Here are the results:

1.  I used a bowl of ice from the house to simulate how instafire can even be lit on snow or ice


Ice to simulate snow and ice

2.  I soaked some firewood in a bucket of water to simulate how it can even burn wet wood


Soaked wood in a bucket to simulate wet wood

3. Simply pour some into a pile


Poor Instafire into a small pile

4. Light instafire with a match or lighter.


Light instafire with a match or lighter

5. Stack firewood around the flame close enough for the flame to burn it but not so close to smother the flame


stack firewood close to the flame

6. Wet wood will take some time as instafire gets hot and drys out the wood


wood starts to get hot as it drys out.

7. After a few minutes the wood is very hot and dried out from instafire, now you’ve got a nice little fire going


Wood is now burning

  • Instafire lights wet wood (burns nearly 1,000 degrees)
  • Burns on snow, water, or ice
  • Nonvolatile – no flareups
  • Long burn time 10-15 minutes
  • Waterproof pouch
  • No harmful chemicals
  • Safe to store near food
  • Leftover ash is a natural fertilizer

I will be sure to bring some Instafire next time I go camping.  You can get instafire here

 

Start now to make sure you are staying prepared.

 

 

Via: americanpreppersnetwork

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June 15th, 2014
post by policysup | | 0

8 Tips for Keeping Mosquitoes Away

It is that time of the year, when those pesky mosquitoes come out. In their bloodthirsty quest, few are harmless or even useful to humanity.  There are over 3,500 species of mosquitoes all around the world, from the tropics to the arctic, but they must be able to get to water to lay their eggs.

Many are carriers of extremely harmful human and livestock diseases, such as malaria and yellow fever. Only female mosquitoes bite, and suck blood, injecting their prey with saliva that makes the blood flow easily, and causes a bite to itch.

8 Tips for Keeping Mosquitoes Away

Here are some tips to help defend, and keep the whole family protected this summer from those blood sucking nuisances. If you’re plagued with mosquitoes, try one or more of these today!

1. Sprays, bracelets, and patches. There are many options out there when it comes to sprays, bracelets, and patches. Some have natural ingredients, and others have a few added chemicals. If you select a product with the active ingredient, Deet, it is recommended to select one that contains no more than 30%. As overexposure to Deet can cause side effects. Going with a 15% deet spray, and reapplying it after the recommended application time will work fine for a long term bug protection. Also apply sparingly to exposed skin and mostly to clothing.

2. Candles, torches, and smoke. Citronella candles and infused torch oil help combat the pests. There are also incense coils that smolder and give off a fume that repels mosquitoes. If you want to keep it even more natural, try making your own dried herb bundles and burning them.

3. Electronics. There are plug-ins that you can buy for indoor use. Add one to each main living space. These work incredibly well if you live in an area where mosquitoes are overwhelming in population. Try changing outdoor light bulbs to special yellow bulbs that are less likely to attract bugs. Also turn on a fan. With the slight breeze it makes it harder for mosquitoes to navigate and land for that bite. I’ve also found a “Personal Pest Control Appliance” you may want to check out.

4. Repelling Plants. Add a few of these plants around the garden and they will help discourage mosquitoes: citronella grass, catnip, marigolds, horse mint, lemon balm, and ageratum.

5. Natural Oils. There are quite a few natural oils that mosquitoes cannot stand the smell of. The beauty of oils is you can mix and match until you find a scent that the whole family will love. Oils such as: citronella, lemon eucalyptus, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, catnip, basil, clove, thyme, lemongrass, geranium, grapefruit, and lavender. Add them to a diffuser or mix them into a spray.  Another plus is that some oils are also pet friendly (be sure to check with your Vet), so you can mix a spray for their coats or add a few drops to their collar.

6. Clothing and Nets. Wear long clothing that covers up as much skin as possible, but is also weather appropriate. Another great asset when you live in a heavy mosquito populated area is a mosquito net that covers the bed. Off! makes a mosquito repellant you clip to your waistband.

7. Timing. Avoid the dawn and dusk hours when mosquitoes are most active. Try to keep family and pets indoors.

8. Stop the Breeding. Mosquitoes lay eggs in water. Empty outdoor containers with standing water. Drill drain holes in trash and recycling cans. They love dark cool places, so remove any piles of rotting leaves and cut back plants such as ivy where they can hide during the day.

Being prepared for mosquito season, especially in a highly mosquito populated environment, will make a big difference when battling the blood sucking beasts. Lessen the chance of becoming live mosquito bait this summer by utilizing some of these tips. The family will thank you.

 

Start now to make sure you are staying prepared.

 

Via: thesurvivalmom

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June 14th, 2014
post by policysup | | 0

Iraq Disintegrating

Check out this alert from http://threatjournal.com/

 

Iraq Disintegrates, U.S. Could Strike Within Days

Between June 11-12 , 2014, AlertsUSA issued the following
related Flash messages to subscriber mobile devices:

6/12 POTUS responds to Iraq request for “kinetic support”, says US ready to take military action. US Embassy Baghdad preparing evacuation contingencies. Monitoring..

6/11 Iraqi gov gives approval for US airstrikes on al Qaeda targets in country, US offers mil assist in Turkey’s efforts to recover kidnapped Mosul
consulate staff.

What You Need To Know

Rebels from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) (AKA Islamic State of Iraq and the Sham, AKA Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – ISIL), a jihadist group so completely lunatic and out of control that they were actually expelled from Al Qaeda’s global network in February of this year, have overrun Iraqi government forces and now control major swaths of territory equating to about 1/4 to 1/3rd of the country. Included in this area is Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city with a population of over 1.5 million, as well as Tikrit, Saddam Hussein’s former hometown. As of the time of this reports preparation late Friday, ISIS rebels had advanced to within 30 miles of the capital of Baghdad.

UK media outlets are reporting that roads in the conquered areas are lined with the bodies of executed and beheaded police and soldiers and that thousands of others have been taken prisoner (see videos here and here).

The massive U.S. Embassy is Baghdad is executing plans for a possible evacuation and hundreds of non-essential personnel, contractors and U.S. military advisers have already left the country, with more on the way.

The Turkish consulate in Mosul was also overrun with more than 3 dozen diplomats and embassy workers kidnapped. Turkey, a NATO member, has called for an emergency meeting of the alliance and the U.S. has offered military assistance to help Turkey recover the staff. The Turkish parliament has given their military authorization to conduct unlimited military operations in the country until at least October.

On Thursday of this week Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina called for U.S. air strikes on ISIS rebels and urged the Obama administration to immediately withdraw U.S. embassy staff in Baghdad to prevent “another Benghazi incident. Senator Graham made his appeal moments after he left a top-secret Senate Armed Services Committee briefing within which he was told information about the extremists that he says “scared the hell” out of him.

Perhaps it is within this briefing that he learned that along with overrunning a number of Iraqi military bases and installations, ISIS rebels also took control of massive arms depots containing all manner of offensive weaponry stockpiled by the U.S. for the new Iraqi army, reportedly including a number of Blackhawk and Kiowa helicopters, personnel and equipment transports and more.

This may also be briefing where he received further confirmation that many of the ISIS rebels on the offensive in Iraq were actually trained and equipped by the U.S. over the last several years for the proxy war being fought in Syria.

NOTEABLE QUOTE

“I will work with Congress to ramp up support for those in the Syrian opposition [ i.e. rebels ] who offer the best alternative to terrorists and brutal dictators…”

President Barrack Obama
U.S. Military Academy-West Point
West Point, New York
May 28, 2014

And in a stunning development, late this week the government of Iran offered to partner with the U.S. in helping Iraq fight back. Iranian officials have told Reuters that the country will send advisers and weaponry, but probably not troops, though there are already widespread reports of several battalions of Iranian troops already on the ground.

Friday afternoon President Obama stated that the United States “will not be sending U.S. troops back into combat in Iraq,” but that he would be reviewing a range of other options to support the Iraqi government against a sweeping advance by militant fighters. He went on to say that any decision on U.S. military support for Iraq “is going to take several days,” adding that “this is not going to happen overnight.” Within minutes of his announcement, sources within the defense community indicated that U.S. air strikes could start as soon as Saturday.

Iraq War 3.0?

AlertsUSA Threat Journal warns readers that this situation will likely dramatically worsen in the coming weeks as fighting spreads and more Islamists pour into the country from across the region. Currently the conflict involves extremely well armed, well funded rebel fighters clashing with and military units from Syria, Iraq and Iran. This week ISIS issued direct threats to attack Jordan and fighting in Syria has already encroached on the border of Israel.

One thing is for certain: It highly unlikely that the U.S. and NATO, not to mention other regional countries, are going to sit idly by and let Iraq, particularly with it’s 5th largest oil and gas reserves in the world, slip permanently out of reach.

AlertsUSA
continues to monitor developments in the region and will immediately notify service subscribers of changes in the overall threat environment, or additional U.S. involvement, as events warrant.

AlertsUSA.com

OTHER ALERTS ISSUED THIS WEEK

6/10 USAF/NOAA forecasting poss of strong solar activity after 2 X-class flares earlier today. Region “remains a potent force” moving into earth-facing position.

6/9 Iranian officials publicly warn US that military base @ Diego Garcia now within range of ballistic missiles and will be targeted if country comes under attack.

6/9 Numerous countries incl US warning of threat of terrorist attacks during televised screenings of World Cup soccer matches. Vigilance urged at overseas venues.

* Be One Of The First To Know When The SHTF.
* Get Away Early, Give Your Family Extra Safety.
* In Wide Use By Gov, 1st Responders, Travelers.
* 24/7/365 Monitoring. No Hype. Just the Bad Stuff
* Issued Hours and Days before the MSM.
* On your Cell Phone, Tablet or Email.
* We Give The Clear Truth, Unlike the MSM.
* Over a Decade in Operation!

We are NOT part of the government.
In fact, they are our customers!

 

Start now to make sure you are staying prepared.

 

Via: threatjournal

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June 13th, 2014
post by policysup | | 0

Georgia To Seize Dormant Bank Accounts: “Government is Going to Grab it”

You’re probably thinking that inflationary devaluation of your savings or paying negative interest rates on cash deposits is about as far as government is willing to go in its efforts to keep funding its debt-laden endeavors. They certainly wouldn’t consider touching the bank accounts of hard working Americans. Only the Europeans have the audacity to go after the savings of the average depositor.

Well, the Europeans and apparently now the Georgians, too. And we’re not talking about the western backed country that went to war with Russia in recent years.

We’re talking about the U.S. state that claims “Wisdom, Justice, Moderation” as its motto.

According to Simon Black at Sovereign Man, the State of Georgia has taken the unprecedented step of lowering the threshold on inactive or dormant bank accounts to just twelve months. What that means to average Georgians is that if you fail to utilize your account within one year your deposited funds will be confiscated by the state.

Though all 50 states have regulations pertaining to dormant bank accounts, Black says that Georgia takes the grand prize in how swiftly they’re prepared to go after your money.

Georgia’s Disposition of Unclaimed Properties Act sets the threshold as low as one year.

In other words, if you have a checking account in Georgia that you haven’t touched in twelve months, the state government is going to grab it.

So much for setting aside money for a rainy day and having the discipline to never touch it.

If you’ve locked away money for your children’s savings or unforeseen emergencies, your government might be sharpening its knives ready to dig in.

And just like central bank policies punish savers with interest rates that don’t come close to keeping up with inflation, these policies provide disincentives for people to be responsible and save money.

It’s just another example of how the entire system is rigged against the individual… and all the more reason to divorce oneself from it. Physical gold, anyone?

Full report at Sovereign Man via Zero Hedge

In 2013 Australia passed similar legislation, but their threshold was set at three years.

“In the last 12-months since the legislation was passed,” says Simon Black, “the Australian government has seized a whopping 80,000 accounts totaling A$360 million.” The implications of the new law are staggering. In that single year Australia confiscated more money than in the previous five decades combined.

Governments on the local, state and federal level are getting desperate amid underfunded retirement plans and bloated budgets. Going forward they’ll have no choice but to get more and more creative at how they “generate” revenue.

We hope you’re keeping an eye on that IRA. You haven’t really touched that for twelve months either, have you? Congress has already held hearings on whether or not they should reappropriate retirement savings and pool them into a government run investment fund. You know, kind of like Obamacare.

Or how about that parcel of land you own out on the countryside for weekend camping trips and hunting? You haven’t been out there for a while, nor have you really built anything on it, which must mean you’re not using it anymore…

There is historical evidence that suggests that government, when left with no way to pay for their massive budgets and spending, will resort to extraordinary methods to ensure the money keeps coming in to State coffers.

As the Roman empire was collapsing because of unfunded pension liabilities for its military the government devalued its currency by removing 90% of the silver content from its coins. Roosevelt confiscated gold during the Great Depression and imposed stiff penalties for those who didn’t comply. Struggling to keep up with its massive budget deficits, last year France passed their “millionaire tax,” which authorized the government to levy a 75% tax on companies that pay out more than €1 million in salaries.

Devising innovative ways to separate the citizenry from its money is business as usual within legislative institutions.

Georgians who haven’t touched their accounts since last year should either withdraw their money or, as government officials and banks would prefer, go spend it on something and put that cash to work. Otherwise you face the real possibility of having those assets seized.

As for the residents of the other forty-nine states, keep an eye on what your respective state legislators are doing.

Chances are a lot of light bulbs in Capital cities around the country just popped on.

 

Start now to make sure you are staying prepared.

 

Via: shtfplan

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June 12th, 2014
post by policysup | | 0

Father Guns Down Armed Men Who Were Using His Daughter As Human Shield

Contrary to popular belief guns can actually save lives. That’s the lesson we can learn from a recent armed abduction that left one perpetrator dead and another wounded.


Had a husband and wife from St. Louis not had firearms in their home then things could have gone much differently Monday night, reports the St. Louis Dispatch.

According to police, when the couple’s 17-year old daughter stepped outside of their front door to retrieve something from her car she was approached by two armed men wearing masks. Later identified as Terrell Johnson, 31, and Cortez McClinton, 33, the men pointed a gun to the teen’s head and made their way to the front door using her as a human shield.

The girl’s mother and father both witnessed the abduction and immediately retrieved their firearms. Without negotiation or hesitation the father fired several shots at the attackers as they entered the home, striking both of them.

Things didn’t end well for Terrell Johnson, who quickly collapsed in the living room and was pronounced dead at the scene.

His partner, Cortez McClinton, who reportedly had an impressive rap sheet and had been previously charged with murder, was wounded but got away. His brother transported him to a hospital where he was treated for a gunshot wound to the chest and both of his legs. He was later arrested by police and has been charged with second-degree murder (felony murder), kidnapping, burglary and armed criminal action. He is currently being held on a $1 million bond.

As the debate over gun violence in America rages on, with gun owners often being painted as lunatics and extremists, it’s stories like these that further reinforce the need for Second Amendment rights for law abiding American citizens. Had this household not been armed there could well be a murdered family of four in St. Louis (there was reportedly a 5-year old child in the living room at the time the incident occurred). Moreover, the two men who perpetrated this crime would still be on the streets stealing, robbing, and murdering other innocent victims.

Instead, the world is a safer place and all because these homeowners chose not to be victims of the random violence that has taken the lives of so many others who had no way to defend themselves when confronted by gun wielding criminals.

 

Start now to make sure you are staying prepared.

 

Via: shtfplan

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June 11th, 2014
post by policysup | | 0

10 Conditions That Will Become Far More Common After A Disaster or Collapse

Diseases come and diseases go…rather like fashions, but with diseases it’s the general conditions prevailing at the time that denotes what gets a foothold and what doesn’t. Many diseases are opportunists, they will surface at a time the conditions are right for them to flourish and most often this is at a time when humans really could do with concentrating on other stuff. Here are ten diseases that will make their presence felt after a major, long term, disaster be it war, societal collapse or in some cases even an economic downturn. Click the link to find much more detail about each disease.

1.Typhus:Typhus is spread by the body louse, it’s all around us, prevalent amongst the homeless and those living in unsanitary overcrowded conditions. The only reason we are not all infected with it is our ability to launder our clothes and clean our shoes, and that we can bathe regularly. History teaches us that typhus loves downturns and has been shown to surge during and after every major crisis be it war or a stock market crash.

2.Typhoid:Not to confused with typhus typhoid is caused by the bacteria salmonella typhi and is spread by contaminated food and water. It spreads quickly in overcrowded and/or unsanitary conditions.

3.Pellagra: Pellagra is caused by a lack of vitamin B3 and was endemic just a few decades ago, Those eating diets with low levels of B3 are at risk of suffering from pellagra. It’s a debilitating disease that causes a slow and painful death.

4. Hantavirus: Hantavirus is caused by ingestion of dried mouse droppings that are commonly found in sheds, cabins etc. It’s a serious disease that will kill if not treated promptly. In a situation where the mouse population can’t be controlled and contact with droppings is more frequent cases of Hantavirus will rise.

5. Bubonic Plague: Plague has two forms, bubonic and pneumonic. Bubonic plague is often fatal if left untreated, pneumonic plague is almost always fatal if left untreated. Both are spread by the bite of a rat flea. As with hantavirus if rodents can’t be kept under control the disease will spread. It causes agonizing swellings, often in the groin or armpits that are full of pus and black in colour, hence being called the black death.

6. Leptospirosis: Sticking with rodents did you know they are incontinent? Everywhere the rodent goes it leaks urine and most rodents carry leptospirosis. It is very common after major freshwater floods as the rodents move to higher and drier ground and come into more contact with humans. Treatable with antibiotics but often fatal if not anything that moves rodents nearer people or people nearer rodents will cause an uptick in cases.

7. Chagas Disease: Chagas is caused by the reduviid bug that lives in hardened mud, adobe walls and loose/dirt flooring. It’s endemic in parts of Africa, India and South America. It causes debilitating illness and can lead to lifelong medical problems if not treated early.

8. Food Poisoning: There are many forms of food poisoning, the most lethal of which is Listeria, though it’s closely followed by E.Coli 157. The incidence of food poisoning will rise almost immediately there’s a grid down situation. The lack of refrigeration coupled with the possibility of food not being cleaned or cooked properly will guarantee an uptick in these debilitating and often fatal conditions.

9. Heart Attacks/Strokes: Heart attacks and strokes will surge after a collapse of any kind. Lack of blood pressure medication will cause the death of many but more still will die due to over exertion. They will be undertaking physical tasks they have never done before and for many the strain will simply be too much. Add cold weather to a collapse scenario and the situation is even more dire as the blood becomes cool and sticky and forms small clots that can lead to both heart attacks and strokes.

10. Emerging Diseases: Many new diseases are emerging, or have emerged over the last few years. There is still a great deal to find out about the mode of transmission, susceptibility and pandemic potential of diseases such as MERS-nCV, H5N1 and H7N9 both forms of avian flu, and other zoonotic diseases that pose a threat to humans.

Even the most simple of diseases could deal a deal blow in a post collapse world. The only definite way of avoiding the possibility of contracting something that could sicken, or even kill you and your family/survival group, is to avoid contact with other people. Sadly, for most people this will not be an option. Venturing out of your chosen location and mixing with others will at some point become a necessity. There are a few things you can do to minimize the chances of contracting a disease when venturing out.

Wearing gloves when out and about will prevent you picking up germs on your hands. Be sure not to your nose or face until you have removed your gloves and washed your hands. Have as little physical contact with ‘outsiders’ as possible and consider wearing a face mask or a scarf over your nose and mouth. In addition to forming a physical barrier to many airborne contaminants it minimizes the risks of hand to mouth contamination should you touch your face with contaminated fingers, be they gloved or not.

Make sure you remove outerwear, including footwear before re-entering your home. Mites, ticks, feces etc. picked up by your outer clothes will not make it indoors if you remove them and put them into a bucket with a lid. Shoes should be bagged before storing in the bucket. If the clothes are left in the bucket for seven days you can be pretty sure that whatever was on them has expired. ere are of course some things that can survive for an extended period, but unless you have enough clothes, bags and/or buckets to not re-use the clothes it is a risk that will have to be taken the next time you leave the house.

It’s a good idea to keep a tub of some kind full of bleach water just outside the door so that hands can be washed before entering. Pay particular attention to the area between the fingers, the tips of your fingers and your nails.

Check the seams and pockets of your clothes regularly to make sure there are no lice hiding away and inspect your body thoroughly if you have been out mixing with the population at large. Pay particular attention to armpits and groin as body lice favor warm moist areas when they feed.

 

For those who may be sensitive to chemicals or begin to have less tolerance for bleach are you aware of any alternatives. Tea Tree oil is good alternative as is IODINE Selenium.

 

Start now to make sure you are staying prepared.

 

Via: theorganicprepper


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