10 Essential PVC Pipe DIYs for a Fully Stocked Fallout Shelter

While it is unlikely and not exactly pleasant to think about, the occurrence of large-scale nuclear disaster is a real threat that should be taken seriously. As is the case with any natural disaster, prepping for nuclear fallout is something that can and should be done to mitigate losses in the unlikely event nuclear war does occur. PVC pipe is an inexpensive, versatile material that can be used in a variety of projects, especially ones involving disaster prepping. This article will showcase 10 PVC pipe DIYs that are essential for a fully stocked fallout shelter. Without further ado, let’s get prepping!

1) PVC Knife Holders – The Family Handyman

This DIY PVC knife holder build from The Family Handyman is a great addition to any fallout shelter. Requiring only some PVC pipe, a PVC cutter, tape measure, 2 end caps per holder, and some PVC cement, these PVC knife holders are cheap and easy to make. Using these knife holders will help you keep your knives clean and organized, an extremely useful function in a nuclear fallout scenario

 

2) PVC Survival Cache – Commercial Industrial Supply

A PVC survival cache is a great way to store smaller items such as batteries, flashlights, and lighters. Another benefit of these caches is that they can be buried in places only you know the location of, and the PVC pipe will make it harder for metal detectors to locate the contents of the cache. The writers over at Commercial Industrial Supply created a very detailed guide that includes a list of all the materials you will need

3) Overhead PVC Storage – The Family Handyman

  Another extremely useful prepping project from The Family Handyman is overhead PVC garage storage. If you have wooden ceiling joists in your shelter, you can create a space-saving storage unit for items such as metal rods or fishing poles. All you’ll need is some PVC pipe, PVC elbows, a drill, a PVC cutter, some PVC cement, and some WYE connectors (optional; they can be attached to cross braces for extra support).
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4) PVC Pipe Hanging Garden – BuzzFeed

This hanging garden build from BuzzFeed is a great way to increase your food-growing capacity without taking up much space. Simply take some PVC pipe with your outside diameter of choice and cut off the entire top half/fourth, leaving some of the top portion on the ends of the pipe to hang it with. Once your garden is set up, you can grow small plants like peppers and parsley. 

5)  PVC Oil Recovery System – Family Handyman

An oil recovery system made out of PVC pipe is a great way to conserve scarce motor oil in the event of nuclear fallout. All you need to make this project is some PVC pipe, some 45- and 90- degree elbows, some T-fittings, and some pipe straps. Once the build is complete, simply use the pipe straps to secure the recovery system on a wall and place a container with a funnel at the lower end. This project is great as it is practical for everyday use as well as doomsday prepping. Additionally, it can be used to preserve other valuable

6) DIY PVC Survival Bow – Instructables

Coming from user newwarhammer2 over at Instructables, this DIY PVC bow project is a great addition to any prepper’s arsenal. A bow has the benefit of having ammunition that isn’t unreasonably hard to craft yourself, and using one is much quieter than firing a gun. The Instructables article has an in-depth list of materials needed and steps required to craft a PVC bow.
 

7) PVC Chicken Feeder – Instructables

This PVC chicken feeder build from user ugarxfish over at Instructables is an inexpensive project that can bolster any homestead’s self-sufficiency. Building a chicken feeder out of PVC is much cheaper than buying one from a farming supply store and allows much more customization. The Instructables article has a detailed set of instructions as well as a list of required materials.

8) Firewood Carrying Device – Survival Hax

The firewood carrying device build courtesy of Survival Hax may be a simple project, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t helpful. Simply take some rope or paracord and tie it to both ends of a PVC pipe length. This awesome device will enable you to carry much larger loads of firewood than if you were only using your hands.

9) PVC Canteen – Survival Hax

axA PVC Canteen is a simple, cheap, and effective way to store your water in the case of disaster. All you’ll need is a length of PVC pipe, 2 end caps, some PVC cement, and some rope (optional; you can use rope if you want to carry the canteen on your shoulder). Once finished, you’ll have a handy water storage device that is much cheaper than store-bought canteens.
Source: Survival Hax

10) PVC Bow Stand – Survival Life

Last but not least, this DIY PVC bow stand build from Survival Life is a great addition to any fallout shelter and is a much cheaper alternative to purchasing a bow stand. The Survival Life article has a detailed list of instructions and required materials.

Picture courtesy of user laroye123 over at ArcheryTalk.com

Hopefully, reading this article has given you some ideas on how to make sure your fallout shelter is fully prepared in case of disaster. Thanks for reading, and happy prepping!
 
Author Bio:
Mark Ligon is the Marketing Manager at PVC Fittings Online, an online store that features PVC products including pipe, fittings (CPVC, PVC, Etc.), valves, plumbing supply, and more. Mark enjoys completing DIY projects and providing valuable PVC-related tips to individuals looking to complete their own DIY projects.
 
 

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Top 5 Beginner Camping Mistakes to Avoid This Summer

Camping is always meant to be an experience to remember for a good while in our lives. Every once in a while, people tend to go on camping trips to escape their busy lives and find solace in nature. Some are pro campers and some may be beginners. However, as "fun" as it may sound, the whole idea of having fun at campsites could be changed into something entirely different because of some basic mistakes. In this feature, we will look into a few of them, which are suggested to avoid if you want your camping experience to be a memorable one.

1.Are you doing enough research?

One of the most significant mistakes camper make more often is that they do not conduct enough research about the campsite and its ongoing conditions. It is a very important matter that all campers should take into account before going on a camping trip, no matter where and for how long, because failure in doing so will or may result in unfortunate or unexpected consequences and could ruin the whole trip.

For example, before settling on a campsite, you could make a few basic investigations through various sources. It could be the internet, dedicated websites, and native people of that place and so on. Knowing about the ongoing condition of the campsite is imperative, for example, the political state, social (if the place is camping friendly in the first place) and environmental state and of course, the weather condition, availability of resources and other facilities (if needed for an emergency) etc. 
These are a basic few knowledge that you must gather through your research before you leave for your camping trip.
 
2.Do Not Forget To Take The Essentials

The core part of camping is to be out in nature and have fun. There really is no need to take or carry extra baggage because it will only cause hindrance to your convenience and will literally turn out to be a baggage over your shoulder. However, taking the essentials are imperative. But what do we mean when we say essentials? It may vary from person to person as per their preferences, but here are a few things that you must carry.

For example, first aid kits, dry food or convenient food supply, wet wipes/napkins/toilet essentials, bug sprays (important), sleeping bag and beddings with necessary arrangements (you do not want to freeze to death at night, pack your bedding having kept that on mind), suitable clothes (according to weather and activities), torch lights and batteries, power bank, extra lights etc. the main idea is to take things that you will need for sure and to avoid things that will not be needed but add on extra weight to your backpack.

For beddings or sleeping bags, make sure you are taking things with you that would help you sleep comfortably at night, because for a while you would have to spend nights like this, so it is important that you get a full, satisfactory sleep. In that case, you may take ear plugs, eyes mask if needed. And pillows, if you must, but note that you might have to carry them.
 
3.Camping Gears & Equipment

Needless to say, the first and foremost thing regarding camping is the tent or canopy. It is recommended that you rent instead of buying. Because sometimes, buying new camping gears costs a lot of money, which is really not convenient as half of the budget will be spent behind buying things rather than behind the trip itself. However, it is mandatory that you do not compromise with the quality of the tent, because it would not be much of a pleasant scenario if your tent goes up flying if the weather decides to turn its back on you.

So, renting or not, make sure your tent is well reputed or well recommended. The size of the tent is also important. Having said that, please do have a test run with your gears. See if they are functioning in the proper manner, and in this way, you will have a little practice as well on how to set up a tent appropriately. After that, you could take a camping stove or a small solar oven with you in case you wanted to have a quick bite or a cup of coffee, because always relying on a bonfire is not a wise option and is not always possible as well.

4.Clean Up!

When you are camping, it is very important that you make sure that the area is being cleaned. Any sort of garbage, or leftover food, barbeques and other food wastes or similar materials should not be near the camping site/area or near the tents. The obvious reason is there of course, that the place where you are staying, and eating should not be dirty, but it also has another reason. That is, it grabs the attention of many nocturnal visitors, due to the smell. Bears, and other animals could be wandering around near the camping area due to this reason, which obviously is not what any campers would be looking forward to.

So, besides keeping the place clean, pleasant and hygiene, if you do not want any unfortunate events to occur on the premises, do clean up well.

5.The Early Bird Catches The Worm

There is nothing more inconvenient than arriving late on a campground. That is just very unfortunate. Not only will you not have your desired/preferred/comfortable space to set up your gears, as all of the nice available space will be filled, but also, by some stroke of luck, even if you get one tiny corner, it would be very hard for you to be at ease without any supportive environment. Camping is meant to have fun, you wouldn’t really be able to have fun if your whole arrangement is upside down.

Sometimes, due to higher demand, the campsites get very busy, especially when there is a festive season or concerts. Organizers will not be able to help you with much facilities in those cases. So you better be early and make necessary appointments.

Conclusion
Apart from these, there are always many small mistakes that you need to be aware of not making. Such as, never forget to cover the firewood. Needless to say, dangerous fire incidents might take place if the fire has not worn off properly. Checking the weather and taking extra safety measurements because the forecast isn't always right. Taking enough lights and not relying on the campfire all the time. Taking sufficient water and medicines etc.

If these basic mistakes are avoided, it is very much expected that you are bound to enjoy yourselves without any inconveniences caused. 

from Survival Ready Blog, Outdoor Survival Gear & Skills, SHTF , Survival Skills, Preppers, Survival Gear, Survival Kits - Survival Skills
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6 Walking Dead Inspired Survival Tips

AMC’s hit television drama The Walking Dead has seen a lot of success since its inception. And just in case you’ve been off the grid for the past 9 years, the show depicts an unlikely group of ordinary people trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic and zombie-infested world.

With the premiere of latest season underway, it’s only fitting we give tribute to Rick Grimes and the gang.
Sure, there are some aspects of the show that aren’t all that “realistic” — it’s a television show with zombies, after all. So, let's appreciate it for what it is and maybe take away some essential survival tips.

Here are 6 Walking Dead inspired survival tips:
Tip #1: Be Prepared & Have A Bug Out Bag -- One thing is for sure, if a zombie apocalypse were to happen today you can expect absolute chaos. Being prepared and having a go bag in place with the essentials you need for survival can infinitely increase your chances.
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Check out our crisis-tested simple 12 item bug out bag that will ensure your survival in almost any scenario, including a zombie apocalypse. And for the avid fans, here’s how you can build a Walking Dead inspired bug out bag.
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Tip #2: Use The Buddy System -- Ever heard the saying, “strength in numbers”? Well, guess what, it’s true. How many times have the Walking Dead crew been in a sticky situation with walkers chomping at their face only to be saved by their buddy? The answer is a lot. Having someone or a small group of people watching your back and pooling your resources and skills can help increase survival.

Tip #3: Find A CLEAN Water Source -- Water is life. We all know that. It’s probably the number one priority when it comes to survival. Your body needs water to survive, not just any water though, it needs clean water.

A zombie apocalypse also presents an entirely different obstacle to consider, disease-ridden water via zombie contamination as seen in the infamous Walking Dead scene where walkers a trapped in a well.
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Thankfully, we’ve got an awesome guide on filtering and purifying water.
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Tip #4: Find Shelter or Build Your Own -- In any survival situation, whether it’s to protect yourself from the elements or walkers, finding shelter is paramount to survival. Throughout the show, seeking shelter has always been a priority — the farmhouse, the prison, and Alexandria are all great examples.

Pro Zombie Survival Tip: String up empty cans and use them to set up a perimeter alarm for potential walkers. Genius!

Tip #5: Tools & Weapons -- This is an easy one and pretty straightforward. Use various tools (like a hatchet or survival knife) to help you survive and arm yourself with your weapon of choice to protect yourself from Zombies.

Personally, I’m a huge fan of Daryl and his crossbow.

Tip #6: Keeping Your Head On Straight -- The psychology of survival is a big one. Survival experts all agree that if you can’t keep it together when everything goes to hell, it could cost you and your groups lives. We’ve seen it happen in The Walking Dead when Rick goes a little crazy and becomes delusional.

While The Walking Dead series is designed entirely for entertainment, it doesn’t mean you can’t learn a thing or two from it. And although the chances of a zombie apocalypse are highly unlikely, natural disasters are very real and can disrupt your normal way of life for weeks or months until help arrives.
Where and how you learn survival skills isn’t as important as the fact that you actually learn them and can apply them when the time comes.
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With that being said, what’s your take on The Walking Dead? Any survival tips of your own?
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Author Bio: AJ is the chief visionary and doer of things at The Nexus Initiative, proud Eagle Scout and lover of all things Sci-Fi.

from Survival Ready Blog, Outdoor Survival Gear & Skills, SHTF , Survival Skills, Preppers, Survival Gear, Survival Kits - Survival Skills
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How to Prepare an Emergency Plan for Your Family When You’re Away from Home

By ​Conrad Novak 

As parents, we can be hesitant to leave our loved one's home for an extended period. It's our nature to worry. We feel as though our families become more vulnerable without us. If we prepare for emergencies when we are away from our loved ones, we can feel more comfortable leaving them.
Most disasters tend to happen when you least expect it. When you're far away from your family, these 5 ways to prepare an emergency plan will allow you and your family to respond to emergency situations in the best way possible.

Put Someone in Charge
First, establish a chain of command when you are away. Who is next in line to lead the group? The person to be left in charge should be the most responsible for the bunch and be someone that has the rest of the family's respect. The person in charge should be groomed to do what you would do in an emergency.

This person may be your oldest child or your youngest child, depending on the level of maturity. Without having someone in charge there is no order. To prevent panic, someone should take the lead in case of emergency.

It's crucial that your family understands the importance of working together, as one wrong decision could lead to a life or death situation. Emergency plans only work if your family members execute it out correctly. It's important for them to know that in case of an emergency everyone needs to stick together and not panic.
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Traits to look for when choosing a leader are effective communication, positive attitude, trustworthy, and innovative. Be sure that the person in charge knows that they are in charge and will step up and accept responsibility for the others in your absence. This person should have access to the emergency plan and everything needed to execute it. Knowing that you have a second in command will ease some worries until you can get back to your family.
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Enlist Outside Helpers
Get to know your neighbors. Neighbors may become your closest allies in case of emergency as far as proximity goes. At the least, exchange contact information. If something seems array, have the convenience of calling a neighbor and asking them to check on your family. Ensure that your neighbor knows that you will do the same with them.

Get permission to include their information in your emergency plan and allow them to use your information in their emergency plan. Contact nearby Family and friends. Tell them about your emergency plan and gather updated information to include it in the plan. It is important to have options for people that you can depend on. These people may have different qualities that may be best depending on the emergency. A nearby cousin may be a pediatrician in case a child is sick or a nearby friend may be a police officer which can be an asset when an emergency strikes.
 
It may be something as simple as the electricity going out. You can call your neighbor on their mobile to see if they were affected.

Outside help can be essential in case of emergency. Someone may be home alone or may not have the ability to get out. You may need to use a neighbor's resources. There may be a storm coming that you have no idea about and a neighbor may want to warn you or you may want to warn your neighbors. It is possible to get through tough times alone, but much easier to get through it with others.
 
Be Realistic
Your emergency plan has to realistic to those involved. Be sure to consider emergencies that are likely to occur in your area. It can be impossible to plan for every possible hazard. Being sure to plan for things more likely to happen will give you more preparedness than trying to plan for all disasters. If you live in a flood zone, focus on an emergency flood situation rather than the apocalypse. Visit Happy Preppers for information on planning for natural disasters.

Set realistic expectations of emergency situations. Sometimes an emergency is not as bad as it may seem. Sometimes an emergency situation is worse than it seems. Be sure to access the situation and over prepare a bit. There is no need to cover your home in plastic full time, but it may be necessary to board windows if a storm is approaching.

It is also important to be realistic when planning for an emergency when planning an emergency evacuation. Don't plan to swim to safety without taking into account that someone in your family is unable to swim. It is also important to take into account your family's fitness level. Climbing into the roof or fitting into a tight space may not be an option for certain members of the family.
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You will have to tailor your emergency plan around the characteristics of your family. The goal is to keep everyone safe. It may benefit you to plan with the weakest and most vulnerable in mind i.e. a baby or an elderly person. There is no one plan that works for every family.
 
Have a Drill
Practice makes perfect. Drills are of the utmost importance. Just as drills are done in public places such as schools, drills should be done at home. By doing drill we can familiarize our families and ourselves with the plan, and work out any existing issues. Have a drill based on each type of emergency planned for. These drills don't have to be done all at once. They can be completed of a course of time.

However, it is important to complete the drills as soon as possible. It is not enough to complete the drills once. Drills should be done once a year to remain fresh on everyone's brain.
Be sure that your family takes the drill seriously. We tend to forget what we are supposed to do when disaster strikes and adrenaline rushes through us. Repeat drills until they become second nature. When completing drills, verify that everyone knows their role and acts in their role.

Consider places where you will be able to meet if the house becomes off limits and you are unable to contact each other. Verify that this place is familiar to each family member, and be sure that everyone has access to it.

Create an emergency kit based on the needs of the family. Include necessary medical equipment and items to care for pets. There are many online resources that aid in creating an emergency kit. A good resource is Survivor’s Fortress Bug Out Bags Guide. This source has documents that will aid in building your emergency kit and forming an overall emergency plan.
 
 
Write it Down
This is the most important step in creating an emergency plan. We simply cannot rely on our brains to remember every step of the process. Take the time to produce a physical copy of your emergency plan. Include all information and step by step instructions. Your emergency plan and emergency kit should reside in the same place. Make sure the emergency plan is easily accessible and safe from possible threats.

If you have a safe in your home, this would be a great place for your emergency plan and kit.
Be very detailed in your plans. Write it as if your family knows nothing. Assumptions have no place in an emergency plan. Visit Preppers Survive for tips on building an emergency kit.
Be sure that your plan is easy to read and easy to follow. If you have small children, write your emergency plan with them in mind. Add photos wherever necessary. Include collected contact information in the front.

When completing drills, include and follow the written plan. Make adjustments as needed. An emergency plan should not be set in stone. Whenever adjustments need to be made, make them. You may know how to better handle an emergency in the future than you do now.
Be sure to update contact information as it changes over time. Keep in contact with those on your emergency contact list to know if their information has changed. You may have to remove or add contacts over a period of time. Writing your emergency plan down will give your family the best chance of success should an emergency occur.
 
Conclusion
Now you are prepared to start creating your emergency plan. With careful research and thoughtfulness, you can create a plan that may protect your family in your absence. It can be difficult to imagine disasters especially when we are away from our loved ones. Thoughts of disaster are necessary to properly plan for a favorable outcome. Get your family and friends involved for their input. Creating an emergency plan is a serious matter but can be a fun family activity. The more you include your family when creating the plan, the more likely they will understand its importance.

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About the Author:
Conrad Novak is a proud father of two children. His journey as a prepper began when Hurricane Katrina hit and he lost his job due to the 2008 economic crisis. That made him realize that everything can change for the worst in a very short time. This experience was the detonator for him to pursue learning and becoming better prepared to face the kind of unexpected disasters that may occur at any point in our lives. You can read more of his content at SurvivorsFortress.com

from Survival Ready Blog, Outdoor Survival Gear & Skills, SHTF , Survival Skills, Preppers, Survival Gear, Survival Kits - Survival Skills
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Tips to Prepare for the Unexpected in the Wild

By Jennie T.

God has given us such a blessed life! Do you believe in that? Whether you are a believer or not, don’t you feel that this that life is a wonderful gift?! In fact, we have it quite easy. No need to forage for food or water. Just visit the closest supermarket and you have it all in your hands. If you love hiking or going into the wild, you will understand all the benefits we enjoy (and take for granted) without much ado, each and every day! Ever got stuck out in the wild? Hopefully not! But if you have, you must know how difficult survival can be at times.
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​How to Survive in the Wild?

We call city life crazy, spend a day (and night) in the wilderness, and then we will have a chat! Out there, even a sip of filtered water seems like a luxury! Whether you are out hiking or camping, be prepared! Without that, you will be completely stuck.
 
Do not believe us?! Talk to adventure enthusiasts and they will tell you the base reality! Some may even share about unfortunate events of being stuck out there. But that does not mean you stop living and enjoying adventures! You need to enjoy, but also be prepared for the curve balls that life throws at you.
 
Here are a few ways you can stay prepared for survival out in the wild:
 

1. Inform Someone of Your Trip: May it be for half a month or half a day, let someone know where you are headed! Give them an estimate of how many days later they should raise the flag! This way, even if by some unfortunate turn of events, you get stuck out in the wild, someone will be looking for you! Do not change your area of adventure drastically. Even if you do, come back to the area you said you would be. So, it is imperative that you at least have a compass with your high tech GPS device! 
2. Pack Smart: You need to have the right things in your backpack. But, first make sure that your backpack is strong enough to hold it all. Here is a checklist for the crucial supplies:
   1. Dry food supply & can opener
   2. Supplies for building shelter
   3. Tools to start a fire
   4. Supplies for water filtration
   5. A torch & headlamp
   6. GPS device & compass
   7. Dry Bags
   8. Binoculars
   9. Water Bottles (preserve them for future use)
   10. Tools for hunting and surviving (just make sure you know the local regulations on carrying knives). In case you carry something like a pocket knife or bowie knife, make sure it is from reputed sellers like Perkin so as not to compromise on quality and dependability.
3. Brush up on Your Bushcraft Skills: You never know when you could need these skills! So, it is best to brush up on them. If you have none, then get going. You need to know basic survival skills before you head out for your wilderness adventure. The skills include everything, from building a shelter to starting a fire. Did you know that a feather stick could come handy? Do not know how to make one? Well, that could be a problem! Talk to the experts and learn what skills you need to survive in the wild.
4. Train to Stay Calm: Whatever the scenario, you need to stay calm. If needed, attend yoga and meditation classes before you head out on your wilderness adventure. Sounds foolish? Well, in the worst of conditions a cool head can be the difference between life and death. The feeling of loneliness will creep in and if you do not stay calm, it will have a compelling grip on you. You do not feel this is needed?! Okay, just imagine a scenario, you are out in the wild (rather stuck out in the wild) and panic has set in! Do you think that you will be able to think straight and work out the next step to survive? Definitely not! So, practice to stay calm (much ahead of your trip).
5. Compass: Your GPS device is an electronic device, which can malfunction without notice. Learn to read a compass and ensure that you have packed one! If that fails as well, you need to know to read the stars. Are you laughing? No need to laugh! The natives navigated using the stars. If you can learn it, it is quite easy actually.

These are the preparations that you need to look after, before heading out to the wilderness. Once you are in the wild you need to be prepared as well. Do not relax one moment! Misfortune can hit you at anytime!

​Here is what you need to do out in the wild to prepare for the worst (God forbid that ever happens, but be prepared)! Here are a few things that need your attention:

1. Build a Shelter: Out in the wild do not take anything for granted. Chances are that if you let down your guard you are bound to be caught unawares. Make sure you have an understanding of your surroundings. Build two types of shelter, if needed! One should be high up in the trees and the other one on the ground. Night-time is a dangerous time!
   
   
2. Water: You can go days without food, but not without water. You have no idea, if you might be stuck in the wild. So, make sure that you preserve the bottles. Later on, these can come handy for fetching water and storing filtered water.
   
   
3. Enough Food Supply: A day or two is still bearable, but after that you will need food. After your food source has depleted, look for avenues to dig out edible tubers or hunt (if needed). If you could not carry a survival knife, you must have a pocket knife?! Create a handmade spear with wooden branch! If you do not have that as well, find a sharp rock. Create a spear with a stick of wood, by shaving it with the rock.

 
What do you do if you do get stuck?
 
If you are fated to go for a ride, adverse conditions are bound to appear. So, now that you are prepared, you should not be fearful. Here is what you need to do:
 

1. Start by staying calm: If you panic, as we said, everything will go downhill.
2. Make a mental note of your observations: You must have researched about the surroundings! So, start making mental notes. This will help you escape, in case you are confronted by an adversary (and you cannot fight)!
3. Climb up to the Shelter in the Trees: The first night, you should spend in the trees! Do not sleep, keep an eye out!  See what kind of animals do the rounds on the floor.
4. Start Accumulating Food and Water: Never let either deplete! You will need all your energy to get out of the situation or at least survive till help arrives.

 
When in an unexpected adversity, just Ride it Out! That is all we can say. Future is unpredictable. Stay calm and make sure that you survive. Follow all the pointers provided; and let your instincts and intellect do the rest. You will definitely emerge victorious (safe and sound!) and return to your near and dear ones!

from Survival Ready Blog, Outdoor Survival Gear & Skills, SHTF , Survival Skills, Preppers, Survival Gear, Survival Kits - Survival Skills
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Navigating through the wilderness: Top tips on surviving if you got lost

By John Lewis

To be able to navigate effectively means that you are able to move from one point to another intended point by using the least resources possible. There are many tools to help us navigate, and using these tools effectively may be key to effective navigation. What are these tools? Amongst others are a GPS, laser rangefinders, a map and a compass.

The following article would be separated into different navigation methods and certain tips you can use to effectively navigate by employing that particular method. 
 
Navigating by using a Map
Topographical maps are really good for navigating in the wild because different contour lines would show different landforms such as mountains, bare land or valleys. Basically, it shows you different levels of elevation.

Remember, that map reading takes practice especially if you want to use it to navigate. The goal is to be able to picture the landforms in three dimensions and later confirm whether it is true when you are traveling on foot.

Other tips to remember is to always carry your map in a waterproof case or prevent the map from having contact with water. Essentially, you should be able to locate yourself using different landmarks along the trail such as streams and junctions.

Do note that maps are only useful if you know where you are on them. This makes keeping track of where you are on the map really important, where you start, where you are going and where you intend to be.

The disadvantage of using topographical maps is that most sources of data would be out of date and the government now usually use aerial photography to update maps rather than surveying. Therefore, what you see on foot may be different!  
 
Navigating using a compass
Basically, a compass would aid us by ensuring that we are moving on the right direction. Usually, you would use a compass with a map. This tool becomes useful especially in situations where you know that you should for example turn south, but you do not know which direction is south.

This is a really important aspect of traveling because knowing ‘where you are’ consists of three aspects, which are your position, your orientation and the intended direction you want to travel, where all three aspects are equally important. When your orientation which is you alignment with your surrounding is wrong, you would not be able to accurately pinpoint your position and would fail in traveling your intended direction.

The map would complement in providing you with visible milestones. The common problems faced is that the compass sometimes is affected by a “magnetic” north rather than the pointing to the magnetic pole. This means that the compass is aligning with the local magnetic field. The corrective action you can take is to acquire information and make corrections towards the reading.

Ideally, you would be able to get a proper compass with a bezel and a baseplate for effective navigation. Certain compass features you can consider would be a clinometer for measuring slope angle, a sighting mirror and luminescent markings so you can read your compass in the dark.
 
Navigating using a GPS
A GPS would be one of the most effective methods to navigate, but this method holds the highest risk. Navigating using a GPS can only occur if the GPS works. This means that there are situations where the GPS batteries may die or not being able to lock onto a satellite.

There are constantly 24 US navigational satellites circling the globe, which runs the Global Positioning System (GPS).  A GPS functions by monitoring signals from multiple satellites and provide you an accurate estimate of your location.

A GPS would immediately let you know your position, your orientation and where your intended direction should be. Other functions would include informing you of your latitude and longitude. One important function which pulls the GPS apart from other navigation methods is the capability to allow distress signals.

With a GPS, you can use personal locator beacons or satellite messengers which are two different kinds of transmitters which gives out distress signals.  The personal locator beacons are usually used only when there are extreme emergency situations. Usually, normal hikers or travelers who are lost would use the satellite messengers to inform our rescuers of our coordinates.
 
 Reading nature’s compass
For this section, we are introducing a do-it-yourself method for determining where you are and where you should go. First, you can make your own compass. All you need is a large leaf, a compass needle and a magnet. You have to rub a magnet against the needle around 25 to 30 times to make sure its magnetized. After that, float the needle on a leaf in a pool of water. After some time, it would orient itself from North to South.
 
Other important rules would be remembering to always go downhill because the conditions for survival are better downhill. Another thing to note is to follow a river downhill, as it would slowly lead you back to safety. One other alternative would be looking at the starts to measure your approximate latitude.
 
Conclusion
Getting lost in the wilderness can happen to any of us, and it can happen in a matter of minutes. Therefore, by using the tips above, you should be able to get back to safety without much problems. Also, you can make it a habit to always do scouting before you go for your next trip. Scouting means that you would use maps on computer to familiarize yourself with the landscape first. After that, you can mark those locations which you are interested in the computer and transfer the waypoints into your GPS.

This is an extremely useful method because now, there are much more resources in the internet such as Garmin’s BaseCamp software or Google Earth. You just have to ensure that your GPS have sufficient memory storage to store the waypoints. By employing these methods, hopefully it can help you to navigate better and be more confident travelling! If you have any other tips you would like to share, please comment below!

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About the author:
Author Bio: I am John Lewis, a blogger, survivalist and outdoor enthusiast. You can follow me over at Epic Wilderness.

from Survival Ready Blog, Outdoor Survival Gear & Skills, SHTF , Survival Skills, Preppers, Survival Gear, Survival Kits - Survival Skills
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7 tips for camping safely in the rain

By Judy Robinson 
​

We all love rain in the pleasant outdoors. But sometimes, it can be the unwelcomed relative you are forced to meet at a family event. Rain can brighten your day in the right place but at the wrong time, it can kill your mood. 

Image Via https://www.flickr.com/photos/cmmorrison/6008500288
​

One such place where the impact of the rain can be disastrous is when you are camping outdoors. But you do not always have to let the downpour ruin your adventure. If you want to camp in the rain, it's best to prepare yourself to have a fun-filled and adventurous experience.
To help you plan, we have listed the top seven tips to camp safely in wet conditions. Keep reading!

1. Be particular with your rainy-camping equipment
Keeping a check on the weather before you set out on a camping adventure can save you a lot of hassle. While you can't deny the beauty of natural views when it is raining, not having the right equipment can ruin your camping adventure.

To minimize the impact of weather and to ensure you have maximum fun camping outdoors, make sure you are well-equipped. Some of the most important items you should pack include raincoats, beanies, gloves, gumboots, and warm clothing. Also, pack an additional change of clothes in a waterproof bag in case the weather gets worse, and you don't get time to dry wet clothes.

Pack with you several tarpaulins as they can be helpful and against the rain, wind and even the sun. Waterproof sleeping bags can be great equipment to carry so you can have enough time to rest without worrying about the weather.

Having a backup for food is also essential in case the weather ruins what you already have, and there's no way to cook food. Be more careful with your wet-weather equipment if you are camping with children. 

2. Pitch your tent smartly
Before you adjust your tent, explore the area and inspect the surrounding. The ideal location for a tent is where the ground is high, and there's no chance of water puddles to build around. If you can't find high spots, look for the flattest part of the ground.

Next thing you need to consider is the ground's ability to support and hold the tent. If the ground is wet and doubtful, use waterproof tarps before setting the tent pegs.

A great tent location will also ensure adequate ventilation. This helps keep condensation from building inside. Consider placing a tarp on the tent to keep the rain from entering inside through windows.
When it rains, fold your bedding and other important items and place them away from the tent walls. This simple action can keep your essentials from becoming too damp and uncomfortable.

3. Pick a waterproof tent
Another crucial pick is a waterproof tent. If you are a frequent camper, investing in a waterproof tent is a great idea. It ensures you continue to have fun and adventure despite the conditions.

If you are not sure about this feature of the tent, test it before you carry it to the campsite. There are other ways to make your tent rain-proof. You can find waterproof tent covers made of thick plastic that you can use to cover your regular tent. This, however, does not always provide 100% safety in the rain because the size of the cover and tent may not be the same and does not provide full coverage. 

4. Plan indoor activities
While you can always enjoy the rain by indulging in activities outside the tent, sometimes the weather can become too harsh for outdoor activities.

To keep yourself entertained, you and your family can enjoy indoor activities when it is raining. Card games, board games, magazines, music, and books are great options to carry with you for rainy-day camping.

Just use your imagination and be creative with your approach and have fun while the weather becomes adventurous.

5. The right lighting equipment
You can't risk going totally dark during rain. Having the right lighting equipment that doesn't betray you when the weather becomes harsh can be your savior.
Carry lighting equipment that boosts not only the ambiance but also provideS you enough light to survive. LED string lights can be a great option. These can be draped around the tree canopy, campsite, and can be even placed in mason jars to give you the perfect indoor ambiance.
Other than that, carry flashlights and camp lanterns. To avoid running out of the battery, don't forget to carry extra batteries, specifically lithium ones that are more reliable in wet, rainy conditions. 

6. Carry plastic bags
Carry lots of plastic bags with you as they can be the lifesavers when the weather becomes wet. Plastic bags will not only keep your essentials safe and dry but are also a great way to pack smart. Carry plastic bags in different sizes to accommodate a variety of items.
Plastic bags are naturally waterproof and can keep various stuff dry and safe. Use them to segregate clothes and secure your belongings, especially your food.
It's best to use the reusable plastic bags to avoid pollution. In case you are using the cheap plastic bags, make sure you dispose of them properly.

7. Dry out camping equipment right away
All of your camping equipment, including tents, clothing, and other items, must be vented. Whenever you get a break from the rain, make sure you dry out all your wet camping equipment before storing them.
If you pack without drying the equipment, it will develop mildew molds and unpleasant odor. It can also corrode and ruin items. Avoid hanging your equipment to dry at night. It may rain in the middle of the night and can ruin all the effort.

Conclusion
Rain is natural and can happen anytime. It is best to do your research and pack according to the weather. If you invest in the best family camping tent, your outdoor adventure won’t be ruined. Use these tips mentioned above to plan your next camping trip.
 
Author Bio:
Judy Robinson is a passionate health and lifestyle blogger. She loves to write on healthy lifestyle, travel, fitness 101 and DIY related topics. Follow @judyrobinson for more updates.
 

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Things that convinced me to change my lifestyle choices for good

By Jack Billington
​

​When does preparation ever become over-reaction?  In my mind, never.  And my guess is: people who have lost their homes to disasters, lost their loved ones to an epidemic, and lost all they have to tragedies feel the same way. The bottom line is: you have to be prepared to survive.
​
The “polar vortex” officially became a thing this year as it turned weather conditions upside down. Epidemics and viruses, threats of war, and economic meltdown — these are some of the occurrences no man could stop from happening.  In June 2012, four million people went without electricity when an unexpected summer storm knocked out power across the mid-Atlantic region.  Hardest hit were the Washington suburbs of Northern Virginia and Maryland.  A storm during the summer? Who would have thought?
 
On that fateful day, I decided to never compromise the safety of my loved ones.  On that day, I decided to be a prepper.  Yes, a prepper — a growing community that gave National Geographic its highest ratings ever. The majority of people who saw the “Doomsday Preppers” series were not very kind, calling preppers crazy and wild-eyed people waiting for the end of the world as we know it.  But the thing about preppers is they don’t wait, they prepare and not just for the apocalypse (as most assume) but for emergencies and occurrences that most people don’t take seriously.
 
However, if you were with my family who huddled in the basement as the storm ripped through our neighborhood, tearing our roofs, slamming windows, and blowing down trees, you would probably understand.  More than 20 people died.

​Photo 1 via Flickr

​The next day after the storm, temperatures reached triple digits again. The extreme heat was hurting recovery efforts. Our house was damaged, we had no power, supermarkets and shops were mostly closed, and we ran out of food.  During those weeks, I thought: I will never let this happen to my family ever again.
​
A Prepper In All Of UsIt dawned on me that I was not alone.  I was not the only one who will do whatever it takes to keep my loved ones safe.  I was not the only one who fights hard to survive.
As many as three million Americans call themselves preppers.  They are regular people who like regular things.  They are professionals, couples, rich and poor, old and young. You could be living next to a prepper and not know it.  They are the new breed of survivalists whose preparedness guide and practices go beyond the norm.

A prepper’s emergency management includes not just a 72-hour survival food kit.  Prepping means sustainability.  Keeping a stockpile of food and artillery, getting survival training, and having an escape plan are among prepper practices that make people cringe and laugh.  But the truth is: there is a prepper in all of us.  Preparing for the future, preparing for simple home emergencies, preparing for hurricanes make everyone preppers.  The difference probably lies not in magnitude but the extent and degree of wanting to survive which transcends beliefs, orientation, and practices.
 
Being A PrepperIt is not easy to be a prepper.  The “Doomsday” series was more like a weekly invitation to laugh at us, “lunatics”.  Some imagine preppers as armed zealots hunkered down in bunkers.  When visitors drop by my house, I still don’t have the courage to show them my own survival kit.  We call them bug-out bags: our own array of disaster swag.  Members of the New York City Preppers Network proudly exhibited them at a church in Washington Heights last year.  They contain: compasses, hand-cranked radios, solar-powered flashlights, fire starters, road maps and pills.  Some preppers tweaked bug-out gear to suit their needs and interests.

Photo 2 via Flickr

Preppers often have their own checklists and preparedness guides. Prepping seems like a tough practice and the common question is: “where do I start?”  If you are the type that will do everything to protect your family, then prepping should not be a difficult task.  Everything will come naturally with training and practice.  There is no single formula for prepping — emergency survival kits must be patterned with what you and your family need and the training required varies with what specifically you are preparing for.
​
However, for beginners to have an idea of what prepping is all about, the basics are food kits, the art of stockpiling food and preserving it, first aid kits and skills, keeping your place warm or cold, locating sources of water and power, and disaster training.
​
Preppers And Pop CulturePreppers are an ever-growing community, thanks to television shows, documentaries, movies, businesses and dedicated websites that make the idea of preparing popular and common.  Taking after the National Geographic’s “Doomsday Preppers,” the Discovery Channel launched its own series called “Doomsday Bunkers” and the TV special “Apocalypse Preppers.”

Movies such as “2012,””Contagion” and “World War Z” show viewers that, while fictional, the world is not safe from disasters and epidemics.  Like these movies, preppers do not intend to cast paranoia among people.  They simply remind that complacency has no place in this world.

There are also hundreds of websites and blogs, personal or official that are dedicated to preppers.  Top websites such as SHTF Plan and Survival Blog get as much as 60,000 visits a day combined.
Whether for long-term or short-term emergencies, people seem to be taking action and industries cashing in on preppers are proof of this — from ordinary household items to bug out gear.  The demand has made prepping a multi-billion industry.

Prepping is often seen as overly-dramatic but to me it is nothing but preparing to survive.  It is survival revolution.  No one deserves to feel the pain of losing someone we love or losing everything we worked so hard for.  Prepping is more than just a phenomenon; it is here to stay because danger does not discriminate — it can happen anytime, it can happen to anyone. Preppers are regular people who will do everything to keep themselves and their families alive. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
 
Author’s bio:
Jack is an experienced hunter, shooting & self-defense instructor. On Secretstorages.com, he writes about self-defense knives, security camera systems, surviving in the woods, etc.

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Tор 5 Tips to Picking the Best Survival Gear

Survivаl gear iѕ nоt ѕоmеthing that уоu can juѕt figure out whеn in аn emergency. It hаѕ to be prepared bеfоrеhаnd so you will be equipped whеrеvеr needed. Gеаr iѕ one of those words undеr whiсh you can lumр alоt оf different thingѕ. Whаt "gear" iѕ tо one реrѕоn mау nоt be tо аnоthеr реrѕоn.

Image via ​www.outdoorcaregear.com

​Hоwеvеr, fоr the mоѕt раrt, people have a common understanding оf whаt "gеаr" iѕ especially whеn it соmеѕ to ѕurvivаl gеаr. Survivаl itеmѕ аrе bаѕiс in funсtiоn and are dеѕignеd tо mаkе уоur lifе (in a ѕurvivаl ѕituаtiоn) a littlе еаѕiеr аnd a little lеѕѕ ѕtrеѕѕful. Hеrе аrе ѕоmе tiрѕ in dесiding whаt survival gеаr you should get.


1.      Invеѕt in рrеmium quality and соnѕidеr the ѕhеlf lifе
If thеrе is оnе product whеrе quality matters, it should be your ѕurvivаl gеаr. Yоu саn't gаmblе уоur lifе оn products thаt аrе mаdе with infеriоr mаtеriаlѕ. Yоu саnnоt еxресt tо ѕtаnd оr ѕurvivе any еxtrеmе disaster оr оrdеаl without a ѕhiеld or survival gеаr thаt саn battle аnу calamities. Weak thingѕ will nеvеr withѕtаnd ѕtrоng сirсumѕtаnсеѕ. Thаt'ѕ whу you nееd tо invest premium quality mаtеriаlѕ. Thоugh it mау nоt guаrаntее уоur safety, уоu will hаvе higher сhаnсеѕ оf ѕurviving with аn оutdооr ѕurvivаl gear mаdе with рrеmium mаtеriаlѕ thаn thоѕе with lоw quality.


2.      Knоw уоur need аnd сhооѕе
There are ѕеvеrаl ѕizеѕ аnd tуреѕ оf оutdооr ѕurvivаl gear tо сhооѕе frоm dереnding оn уоur ѕресifiс nееdѕ. Cоnѕidеr thе рlасе whеrе уоu will bе gоing, the tуре of асtivitiеѕ уоu will be involved and уоur budgеt ѕо уоu will have аn idea what еxасtlу tо purchase. Thоѕе who hikе оr trаvеl alоt nееdѕ hаndу оr easy to саrrу gear mаdе of quаlitу yet lightweight mаtеriаlѕ. Sо travel safe with the gеаr thаt'ѕ fit for уоu and уоur needs.


3.      Gеt a good bасkрасk
Your backpack, whаt you will bе using tо carry аll оf your gеаr iѕ аlѕо extremely important. Thеrе are dаурасkѕ whiсh don't hаvе a grеаt dеаl оf room but аrе еxсеllеnt for vеrу short trips, еxtеrnаl frаmеѕ аnd intеrnаl frame ѕtуlеѕ. External frаmеѕ hаvе a lоt оf ѕрасе tо lash things to аnd thеу will саrrу the расk a littlе оff оf уоur bоdу to supply you with mоrе vеntilаtiоn, while intеrnаl frames hаvе less ѕрасе, but provide уоu with a lоwеr сеntеr of grаvitу, mаking it реrfесt fоr hikеrѕ and people spending time in thе mоuntаinѕ.


4.      Research fоr the best аnd соmfоrtаblе gеаr also соnѕidеr water resistance
Anоthеr thing tо соnѕidеr iѕ tо tаkе some timе tо rеѕеаrсh the bеѕt bасkрасking gear аvаilаblе and thеn buу thе best set that уоu can аffоrd. Thiѕ iѕ not аn area whеrе you can expect tо find a lоt оf bаrgаinѕ, ѕо bе рrераrеd tо lау out gооd mоnеу fоr gооd gеаr. Yоur tent nееdѕ tо bе ѕtrоng, lightweight аnd соmfоrtаblе, аnd it ѕhоuld bе vеrу simple to рitсh. Yоu should also соnѕidеr thе rеѕiѕtаnсе оf thе material to wаtеr


5.      Cоnѕidеr thе bаѕiсѕ
Remember thаt a bаѕiс wildеrnеѕѕ firѕt аid kid iѕ essential. Mаkе sure thаt it соntаinѕ a mаnuаl thаt is еаѕу tо undеrѕtаnd аnd use as wеll аѕ bаndаgеѕ that аrе ѕuitаblе for bliѕtеrѕ, wounds аnd ѕрrаinѕ. Similarly, remember tо расk уоur painkillers, аntiѕерtiсѕ, аnti-diаrrhеа medication аnd аnу рrеѕсriрtiоnѕ in a waterproof container. Similarly, make sure thаt any medications уоu carry аrе up tо dаtе. Bаѕiс firѕt аid tools include twееzеrѕ аnd a sharp razor blade.  

Survival gеаr should аlѕо include a firѕt aid kit, rореѕ, and a hunting or Swiss Army knifе. For nаvigаtiоn, make sure уоu arе еquiрреd with thе lаtеѕt mар for thе аrеа. Suffiсе to ѕау, a compass - аnd thе nесеѕѕаrу skills fоr uѕing it. You can also find some other tips for picking out the best survival gear from Here.

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When Is It Ok to shoot an Intruder

Disclaimer. The materials available at this web site are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue, question or any relevant matter.

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By Tom Ginevra

Well, you might think that the answer would be simple but, no it isn’t. It depends on the jurisdiction (who administers justice in your country) and it depends a lot on the circumstances. Nevertheless, this can be a life changing moment for all parties involved, you, your family and the intruder. Here are some basic guidelines for this very difficult question.
​

image va www.top5s.co.uk

​Self-defense
In order to demonstrate that shooting an intruder is legal, you need to show that shooting was:

• Necessary; in that, if you didn’t shoot them then something terrible would have happened to you, i.e., the intruder would have shot you, inflicted serious bodily harm, rape, robbery or kidnapping
• Imminent; something terrible would have happened immediately. What is meant by this is, you can’t shoot someone who says they are going to rape you next week!
• A reasonable response; compared to any other response like running away from the danger

As a defense, it seems that there is no compulsion to run away if the intrusion is in your own home and most intrusions in your own home would give rise to an urgent situation, meaning it must be dealt with now.

​If the intruder is armed and threatening you, then it would be considered ok to shoot first. If the intruder is unarmed it may still be ok to shoot first, especially if he or she is behaving aggressively and is physically bigger and stronger than you. If the intruder is not being aggressive then you are faced with deciding not to shoot but to threaten them with your firearm and calling the police. This sort of action requires a strong and confident personality which many of us do not possess. If the intruder is running away, then shooting them in self-defense is less acceptable.
Generally, if you feel that your life is at risk, then shoot, otherwise don’t. But, of course, it is very difficult to make rational decisions under such stressful and possibly terrifying circumstances.

Protection of property
At no point is it considered legal to shoot an intruder for mere protection of property. Using deadly force would only be legal if it could be proved that the intruder had further violent intentions and that they were actually trespassing.
 
Castle doctrine
So called because it is based on adopted 18th century common law wording “And the law of England has so particular and tender a regard to the immunity of a man's house, that it stiles it his castle”.
In certain states in the US, the castle doctrine or castle law is a legal defense. This is a legal doctrine that designates that a person’s home or any legally occupied place (could be a vehicle) is a place in which that person has protections and immunities permitting the use of force including deadly force as a defense against an intruder, free from legal prosecution for the consequences of the force used.

A person my have a duty to retreat to avoid violence if it is reasonably possible to do so. This duty to retreat does not apply in the person’s home where that person has a right to be. Deadly force may be justified as a defense in cases when the person fears in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm to themselves or another. The castle doctrine is not a defined law but rather a set of principles that can be incorporated in some form in the law of many jurisdictions.

In practice
You should always go to a safe place like your bedroom or a bathroom, lock yourself in and call the police. You can only use deadly force when your life or the life of another in your direct vicinity is in life-threatening danger beyond any doubt. When you decide to shoot an intruder in your home, there must have been no alternative – a last resort.

For you to justify the use of deadly force, the intrusion must be unlawful, the attack must be imminent or already happening, the intrusion must not be complete, the defense must be against only the intruder or attacker and defensive action must be proportionate to the circumstances.

Bear in mind that your property is not worth more than the life of an intruder.

​Possessing a firearm at home gives you a huge responsibility to use it wisely in difficult moments. Should you get woken in the middle of the night to the sound of someone breaking in, then your heart is sure to start racing while you try to work out what to do – stay calm, breathe deeply and ensue you make the correct decision.

Related:
15 Affordable Ways to Protect Your Home in an Emergency

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4 Tools to Cut and Chop Wood for Survival

​It is my assumption that you have been listening to the news. What do you make of the relationship between North Korea and the West? As a survivalist, am always attentive to such news and those of natural disasters both of which can happen without warning. When it happens, I want to be among the survivors.
 
As a survivor, one of the most important things is the ability to cut and chop wood. The wood is the primary source of fuel to keep you warm, cook our food and boil water. Not any tool can achieve this. You need tools that can help you cut and chop wood easily and conveniently for survival. Here are brief discussions of my favorite 4 tools to cut and chop wood for survival.

​Image via-https://pixabay.com/en/axe-wood-hack-cases-wood-chop-1748305/

1. Spitting Maul
A splitting maul is one of the most efficient tools to cut and chop wood for survival. A splitting maul is a heavy, long-handle axe with a triangular or wedge-shaped head for splitting wood along its grains. This tool is very good in chopping wood, especially that which is intended for making firewood outdoors. It is the best survival tool to choose if you want an easy way to chop firewood. You can choose the best splitting maul from different brands and models currently in the market.
 
2. An Axe
Another vital survival tool for cutting and chopping wood is an axe. This tool has been in use for hundreds of years and it still remains as relevant as it was then. An axe is the premium tool for shaping, cutting and splitting wood. This highly versatile tool can and has been used as a defensive or combat weapon. There are many forms of axes but the most common form consists of a head and a handle called a helve. You can choose from a variety of brands and models depending on your preferences.
 
3. Survival Knife
All survivors know the importance of carrying a knife along in their survival kit. It is one of the most valuable tools to cut and chop wood for survival. Having it alongside a splitting maul and an axe can guarantee you a steady supply of wood for fuel. Survival knives come in many different styles, designs, and sizes. Larger knives may not be as portable as the small models but they feature long blades (some times up to 8 inches) that are strong enough to chop small pieces of wood for lighting fires.
 
4. A saw
A saw is extremely important survival implements. It is perhaps the best-suited tool for cutting wood. These tools come in all designs, shapes, and sizes. A good choice would be a folding saw, which offers the convenience of portability and sturdiness for fairly heavy use. You can store them easily yet they still have the power to cut through logs quite large.
 
A good alternative would be a takedown bucksaw. This saw type has many advantages including the fact that you can make one from materials lying in your vicinity. You can fix it on your own. Furthermore, the saw is simple to use and stows away easily.
 
Conclusion
If you want to be a complete survivor, one that can weather the storm and live through the ordeal then you can trust these 4 tools to cut and chop wood for survival to help you through the entire period. I have been a survivor for quite long and these tools have proved invaluable at all times. You too will most likely love them.

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The Best Gun for Self Defense

​by Douglas Brooks

Many people within modern American society no longer feel safe and secure out in public and within their homes. The issue of self- defense is very important for many individuals especially when it comes to protecting the lives of their loved ones and their possessions.
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Choosing the right type of gun for the purpose of self-defense can be a difficult thing for people to do, especially when they’re unfamiliar with the use of firearms. However, there are certain types of weapons which are best suited for close combat fighting and personal protection.

​Revolvers for Self Defense
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Many experts rate revolvers at the top of the list for self and home defense. In the past, police forces used them as their standard issue firearm for their officers. Unfortunately, this all changed during the 1990s when criminals started to use guns that were deadlier than the revolver. The police force had to upgrade their firearms in order to overcome this problem. They decided to use semi-automatic weapons which were more powerful and faster than the revolvers that they previously carried.

Even though revolvers are no longer standard weapons of choice for many law enforcement personnel, there are a few police departments that still continue to issue these weapons to their officers. Revolvers are small, fairly lightweight and they are easy to use when compared to a semi-automatic gun. These types of weapons typically have 2 ½ to 5 inch barrels that can be hidden with relative ease and it takes very little skill to properly use this weapon.

Revolvers do not have to be frequently cleaned in order to work properly. Gun experts claim that revolvers such as the .38 are powerful enough to stop intruders and attackers but not so powerful that they’re hard to shoot and control.
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Smaller revolvers are not designed to cause an excessive amount of damage to a person’s body or to destroy property. A larger revolver such as the .357 has a little more kick to it and it is probably a good idea for a person to get some training before using this weapon.

Revolvers typically have 2 ½ to 5 inch barrels which means that they good for close combat situations. People should also avoid revolvers with unexposed hammers since they could possibly get caught in clothing or misfire. The types of revolvers which most weapons experts suggest for personal defense are .38 and .357.

Semi-Automatic Weapons for Self Defense

​Semi-automatic pistols are another class of guns that is commonly used for the purpose of self-defense. These weapons are more powerful than most revolvers and they are able to hold more rounds. People can reload these weapons rather quickly since they use clips.

The cons of using this weapon includes consistent training, knowing how to clean the weapon, knowing how to load and reload clips, understanding how to use the safety and how to properly work the weapon. Semi-automatic pistols can also be easily concealed.

Firearms experts claim that this class of handgun should be used by individuals who have experience with shooting weapons. Semi-automatics are also prone to malfunction when compared to revolvers. Glocks are some of the most common types of semi-automatic handguns that are used for the purpose of self-defense.


Shot Guns Good for Home Defense

12 gauge and pump action shot guns are also considered excellent choices for self-defense especially within the home. These types of weapons do not require a lot of training and they are fairly easy to operate. They are designed for up close combat situations since they are fairly easy to maneuver.
The barrels of these shot guns are fairly long which is about 18 inches and this will allow a person to easily wield the weapon in close combat situations. Experts claim that the recoil on these guns is not that powerful if a person uses lower caliber shells. Shot guns shoot their rounds in a wide pattern which means they are good for stopping multiple attackers who are positioned within a close formation.

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Rifles

​Rifles are considered one of the worst weapons to use for the purpose of self-defense. Rifles can stop an intruder or assailant from causing harm but this class of gun can be hard to operate and maneuver in close combat situations. Rifles with a scope are good for medium to long range shooting and a person would have to be skilled at using a particular kind of rifle in an emergency situation where close quarter combat takes place. Rifles are also harder to conceal and to reload.
Regardless of the type of weapon that a person uses for the purpose of self-defense they should know how to properly use their gun and make sure that their firearms are cleaned and well maintained. It is also highly advisable for individual to know about the gun and self-defense laws within their local communities.

 
This post is written by Douglas Brooks. He is the founder of ProReviewly.com . He was enthusiastic about hunting from the first shot. He is also Rifle optic guru.

from Survival Ready Blog, Outdoor Survival Gear & Skills, SHTF , Survival Skills, Preppers, Survival Gear, Survival Kits - Survival Skills
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