Family Survival List

Putting together an emergency plan seems like a daunting task but if you are ever in an emergency situation you will be glad you took the time to plan and include your family. I am sure you are thinking it now; if an emergency situation arose and you did not have a plan in place your first thought is going to be “what am I going to do to protect my family?” Putting a plan in place will put you in a position to keep your family safe.

First things first, water and food are your most basic essentials. Ready.gov suggests a three day supply for each person in your group. Just how long a person can live without food differs because of factor such as health, weight, age, etc., but water is a must have. Since water is heavy to carry and transport we recommend not only having a water supply but also having water filtration supplies such as filters or purifying tablets/drops.

Protection is also important. Having protection (yes, weapons) in your home is one thing, but knowing how to use them is another. You want to be able to handle any situation, but it is also important that everyone else in your household be able to do so. You may have young children, so you will need to find your own comfort level with teaching your kids how to protect themselves. What I like to tell people is to plan for the worst and hope for the best. Ask yourself: How will (fill in the blank) be able to protect themselves if I am not here?

At this point you are already putting a lot of thought into what you need to do to keep your family safe, but you’re not quite done yet. Watch this video on how FEMA is trying to get kids to educate their parents. Their thought is that the average American won’t listen to FEMA but maybe the kids will and then educate their parents. Obviously, having the luxury of staying in your home in the event of an emergency is preferable to anyone. After all, you have all of your belongings, tools, food, etc. as well as the comfort of your home and a locked door. But you may not be so lucky, so an exit plan is a must.

What is the quickest way out of town? What are alternate routes? Where will you go? Does your city have emergency shelters, and where are they? What shelters accept pets? Keep all of this listed in a convenient place and update it regularly. Subscribe to your city’s reverse emergency notification system. In addition create a special plan for you and your family members in the even that you have to meet to evacuate. You might not all be sitting at home together when an emergency arises. You may be at work, your kids may be at school, and your spouse may be running errands. Have a plan specifically for getting your family together first, and then proceed to a shelter/out of town/etc. You may need more than one plan and that’s OK, just make sure that your entire family knows the plan and practices it. It is always better to be safe than to be sorry.

Duct Tape

Survival Blog

Survival with duct tape

Duct tape is an incredibly useful product to have around the house; it is readily available and inexpensive. It has many practical applications including uses in survival situations. The metallic gray color can be somewhat offensive to the eye, so fortunately it is also available in a variety of colors and designs at your local hardware store.

Duct tape is durable, strong and waterproof so it makes for an excellent patch in many situations. Here is a list of just a few things:

-        Repair your rain gear: have a tear or rip in a water repellant article of clothing? No problem! Just cut a piece of duct tape to completely cover the hole, inside and out, and it works just as well as it did before you got the rip!

-        Avoid chiggers: when walking through a leafy or wooded area, tuck your pant legs in to your boots and duct tape all the way around to keep chiggers away from your skin.

-        Repair a tent: Have a rip in the side of your tent? Patch over it, inside and out, with duct tape to completely cover the tear.

-        Create a makeshift butterfly bandage: cut duct tape into three small strips, one smaller than the other two. Place the smallest (sticky side to sticky side) across the other two, leaving the width of the smaller strip between the two.

-        Mark your trail: leave small pieces of duct tape on trees or other markers along your path. This works really great if you have neon colored duct tape.

-        Make cordage: duct tape is very strong, so twisting one piece of duct tape into a makeshift cord may be good enough, but if you need something stronger twist multiple pieces together.

-        Affix a bandage: you don’t want the “glue” of duct tape to affix to a wound, but take a piece of gauze or cotton completely covering your wound and cover with duct tape.

-        Close a hole in your water bottle/container: clean and dry the surface and affix enough duct tape over the hole, since it is waterproof you will not have any more leaks.

-        Mend shoes/clothing: apply duct tape to torn/ripped/cut area. If you have an iron to iron over the duct tape it will make the repair more permanent.

-        Repair a broken fishing pole: Did your fishing pole snap? Find a sturdy stick nearby and duct tape it to the pole (piecing it back together of course). Make sure the stick overlaps the broken section and the duct tape completely covers this section.

There seem to be countless uses to this wonder-tape and it is a must have in any survival situation. Oh yea did I mention the prom drees duct tape? click here to see duct tape prom dresses.

Miley Cyrus making U.S. look bad

From our friends at Survival Cave Food:

Miley Cyrus making U.S. look bad

If you haven’t had the chance to check out a video of Miley Cyrus’ collaboration with Robin Thicke at the 2013 MTV MVA’s your eyes should be thanking you. Thickes’ summer sensation “Blurred Lines” certainly makes you want to dance . . . but not like that. The former Disney star has done a complete 180 with her racy outfit, twerky dance moves and downright off-putting mouth gestures. Is this how our current generation of tweens and teens are acting?!

An often but fleeting thought is how our country appears to others around the world. Our politicians and celebrities are the focus of media not just in our country but in many other countries and this is what they see. They see Presidents, Mayors and Congressmen in sex scandals. They see a fascination (one I don’t really understand) with the Kardashian family. And now they see Miley Cyrus embarrassing herself and others on stage with her grotesque display of hypersexuality. US Weekly reports that Thicke is bummed over being overshadowed on his big night and he probably wouldn’t have included Cyrus if he knew she would out act the way she did.

http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/miley-cyrus-team-freaking-out-robin-thicke-bummed-after-vmas-2013268

There are people starving around the world, people homeless, people who are dying from preventable diseases, and here in the U.S. we choose to flaunt our lavish lifestyles and sing songs saying “I’ll do what I want” (thank you again Miley). The rest of the world has to see our country as a complete joke. We had it all, freedom from Britain, a lavish land that was fertile; we had “The American Dream”…for a while at least. But we have squandered it, taken it for granted, and now we are left with an out of control government, most of the country living in poverty, and all we seem to care about is what the hottest celebrity is tweeting.

We were once a world super power. The rest of the world actually looked to us as an example, asked for our help and valued us as an ally. It’s a depressing fact, but we are a joke to the rest of the world and Miley Cyrus is just the latest in a long line of crazed celebrity acts, pinning our flamboyant culture with tags lines of what not to do.

This isn’t just my opinion either. The Huffington Post reported on a story that NBC produced just a year ago in conjunction with the BBC and World Opinion.org that clearly shows the rest of the world thinks we Americans are “over the top” and that America “has the most negative influence” on the rest of the world. Oh yeah, and the vast majority view China as the world’s leading economic power. Overall it isn’t just our political stance in the world, but our bad manners, disrespectful attitudes and overt sexuality that are off-putting to the entirety of the world.

As a society we are in desperate need of change. I just hope we can. Still want to see that video? Ok so click here and see what the rest of the world sees!

Snake Bite Safety

From our friends at Survival Cave Food:

Snake Bite Safety

Unfortunately for many outdoorsmen, poisonous snakes are still prowling around in the most inconvenient places. Sometimes, you can step on one, or too close to one, and their instincts tell them to strike to protect themselves. While bites from poisonous snakes can’t always be avoided, they can be treatable and manageable when you know the steps.

First you should know that most snakes will avoid you at all costs. There are very few snakes (namely the South East Asian King Cobra and the African Mamba) who will attack a human out of aggression, and even so that will seldom happen. Almost all snake accidents are because a human does not hear or see a snake and will walk too close or step on them.

Even though snakes avoid you at all costs, you should still make it a point to avoid them at all costs. When outdoors, don’t sleep next to bushes, tall grass, large rocks, or trees. Snakes will hang out there, especially at night, so it’s best to sleep in open clearings. If you want to be extra careful, mosquito netting underneath a sleeping bag will usually deter them. Don’t stick your hands in dark places when you don’t know what’s in there (you’d think this wouldn’t even need to be said, but apparently lots of people don’t think that through). Don’t pick up a dead snake without cutting off the head first. The nervous system is often still active after a snake has died and it can still bite. When hiking, look at the ground and where you’re going to be stepping, and you’ll hardly ever have any problems.

Usually it’s pretty hard to tell if a snake is poisonous. Most snakes that the average person will come across won’t be poisonous, but if you’re bitten and you think it could be poisonous, call 911. Better yet, call poison control so they can help you identify what might have bit you. If you live in North America, the most common poisonous snakes are pit vipers (AKA rattle snakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths) and coral snakes.

You can divide most poisonous snakes into two groups: proteroglypha and solenglypha. Proteroglypha has a “fixed” fang (meaning they are always erect) and usually delivers a neurotoxin, which will usually cause troubled breathing. A solenoglypha will have a “folded”(meaning the fangs will protrude when needed)  fang that usually delivers a hemotoxin, which affect your circulatory system. This will cause danged skin tissues and internal hemorrhaging. Unfortunately for us, most snakes have both types of venom, though one type will usually be more dominant.

The severity of a snake bite depends on a few things: where you were bitten, the size and category of snake, and the age and health of the person that got bitten. Sometimes, a snake will bite without delivery the poison. If the snake did deliver poison, symptoms will most likely occur within 8 to 12 hours, but you should never wait until you experience symptoms. However, symptoms can sometimes show up to two weeks after the bite.

If you or someone with you is bitten by a snake bite, they should be taken to a physician immediately. You make wash the wound with soap and water. Try not to move the area that has been bitten. IA tourniquet may be applied two to four inches above the bite, but two fingers should be able to fit underneath. If the tourniquet is too tight, it will block arterial flow and can worsen tissue damage. The myth that you should suck out the venom is simply that: a myth. However, a venom extractor found in most commercial kits can prove to be helpful when applied for about 30 minutes. Unfortunately the use of these extractors are still debated between experts, so never rely on the device.  Never apply ice to the wound – it could worsen the bite.

The hospital will always know what to do in case of a snakebite. Usually, it’s treated with anti-venom or a through cleansing of the wound and observation afterwards. Just remember to stay calm and let your doctor do all the work!

Weapons

From our friends as Survival Cave Food:

Weapons to Protect Your Family

It’s always best to be safe rather than sorry. Unfortunately, there are some criminals may attack you or your family and you must know what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones. Many people say that the best way to keep safe from an intruder is to have a weapon.I believe the Best weapon is a gun. Why, well because number one, most people who see it, no longer want to bother you. Number two, you don't have to get close to your attacker to use it. Lastly, it can do lots of damage up to and including causing death.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to weaponry, but it is important to know how to care for and handle your weapon of choice, no matter which weapon you happen to choose.

There is a lot of debate about whether guns should be allowed in homes but we all know that a well protected home is always better. Keep in mind that you should not handle a gun if you have not been trained to do so. Take a class, complete with a safety course, and at least have a few practice trials You must always have a secure place where only you or very few people can access, such a safe with only one key. If you want to allow someone else to have access to that safe, they also must be trained to handle the fire arm. You should never let a child have access – never tell them where the key to the safe is. Better yet, don’t even let them know where the safe is. But you must remember that when you are home, that gun has to be available. If you can't get to your gun, you can't protect yourself. You should always consider what gun to get before purchasing one. Hand guns are small, compact, easy to store, and easy to hide. However, many have a very powerful recoil, so be aware of that. Also, be aware of where your hands are when handling the gun – too close to the top, and the top part of the gun will slide back (this is why it’s called the slide) and could catch and severely cut your hand – of course, you will learn this in a safety class. Each type of gun has its own advantages. Shotguns have a great scare factor.  The sound of a shell being chambered along with the size of it is quite intimidating. Hand guns are easy to get to and conceal and the best thing to do is to have one of each of these. Be absolutely positive when brandishing a firearm – if you are forced to use it, know that it completely necessary. Understand that when you shoot- you shoot to kill. If you are not prepared to do that then do not point your gun at anyone. Do not shoot at dark figures, because it may just be your teenager sneaking in after curfew or another family member.

If you do have a teenager you may want teach him or her to use your gun. Just make sure you get them trained properly. A stun gun or pepper spray are also good alternatives. Pepper spray can be kept on a key chain and can be the easiest to access. Bear spray can be used instead of pepper spray – the range is much farther. Stun guns are also useful, but it usually requires close contact. If you don’t want to use a weapon, walk with your keys between your knuckles when walking in unfamiliar or dark areas. A scrape across the face with some house keys cause a lot more damage than you would think. Knives are not recommended – close contact is required and when not handled properly, the situation can become very dangerous.

Of course, nothing beats a safety system at your home. A weapon should be a last resort. If you have a security system set up in your home, the police department will automatically be alerted and they are supposed to respond but what if they don't? Many cities are overwhelmed and you call may not get dispatched first. In the event there is a delay, you don't want to have to protect yourself with your bare hands. Another benefit to a home security system is, the loud alarm may scare off any unwanted intruders. Violence should not be your first choice but you need to be prepared to do what you need to protect your family.

Tornado Safety

From our good friends at Survival Cave Food!

Tornado Safety

Tornados seem to be affecting America a little more than usual lately, due to the heightened extreme weather conditions, and it is important to know how to keep you and your family safe.

Where to go during a tornado usually depends on where you’re located. The basements of houses usually are the safest, and if you have a basement (which unfortunately many people this day and age do not) make sure to supply it with emergency food and water. However, if your house doesn't have a basement, or if you’re in an apartment, go under a stairwell or into a hallway with no windows because the high winds could cause debris to crash into a window. If you simply cannot avoid windows, go to the very center of the room, where it would be the hardest for any flying debris or broken glass to reach you. It is very important to remember to cover your head and neck – injury in those areas could result in brain damage or paralysis. Stay away from corners of rooms because that is where most debris will pile up. You should get under a sturdy piece of furniture if there is one available, such as a strong table, desk, or work bench. Hide your head behind it, your whole body if you can, and hold onto the furniture to keep it from slipping away.

If you’re in a large office building or school, go away from glass and towards the center of the bottom floor. If you are at a school, the school administrators will have a disaster plan. It is in your best interest to follow this disaster plan and to stay with the group. An office building does not likely have a designated leader to conduct a disaster plan, so hide underneath a desk and stay away from the windows. If you know that the building has a basement, quickly go there.

If you’re in a mobile home, exit immediately – even if it’s tied down, it could still get blown away or torn apart by the high winds.

Cars can be very dangerous during tornados. If you are far away from the storm, drive the car so it is moving perpendicular to the tornado. If you are too close to drive away, park the car, secure your seat belt, and try to lean away from the windows.

If you’re outside during a tornado, your best bet is to get inside. If you can’t find any shelter, you should find a ditch or a low-lying area. Better yet is if you can find a ditch or low-lying area near a strong building. There may be some flooding during/after the tornado, however, so be on the lookout for any flash floods, because a low-lying area will be the first to fill with water.

Of course, the best way to stay safe during a tornado is to be prepared. You should have a disaster kit , survival food, both waiting for you in a designated, easy to reach area. You should have water, an emergency food supply, batteries and flashlights, a generator, a list of important phone numbers and addresses, a radio, and a file of all your important documents, including social security cards and birth certificates. If you have a family, you should train each person to know what to do in case of a tornado or storm. They should all be aware of where the emergency supplies are and they should know where to go or where to meet up with the rest of your family members. Make sure they all have their IDs and emergency contacts memorized.

Gardening in a small space

Survival Cave Food - Guest Blog

Gardening in a small space

Unfortunately, not every wannabe gardener can afford a house or plot of land in which to plant a garden. However, there are definitely ways to maximize your small space to create a cute, maybe even functional, garden.

First, you need to think of your available spaces. For many people the fire escape, balcony or patio, hand rails, walls, windowsills, or along the side of the building will have a sufficient amount of space.

Many apartment dwellers have a patio where they can grow so plants. There endless possibilities for patio gardening and it’s encouraged that you get as creative as you want!

A pallet garden consists of a pallet that most people can usually find behind supermarkets next to dumpsters. Add some landscape fabric to the back of the pallet so you don’t damage the wall that the pallet will rest against. Cascading shrubbery is good for pallet gardening make the pallet look fuller.

If you’d like to get especially artsy, you can plant a small garden in an old dresser. You have to get plants that can grow in shallow containers like herbs, lettuce, onions, cucumbers, carrots, radishes, strawberries, weigela, begonias, and cannas. You will need a solid, untreated wood dresser. If they dresser has been treated (AKA paint or stain), line the bottom of the drawers so chemicals don’t get in the plants. Drill some holes in the bottom of the drawers and fill the drawers with organic potting soil. Remember to consider spacing instructions for your plants and to put them in appropriate sunlight. If you’d like this idea, but don’t have space outside, keep potted plants inside!

If you want to keep it simple, have several potted plants. Though potted plants can sometimes be considered easier than a normal garden, they require more waters and are more susceptible to weather changes. And remember that even though multiple plants in one pot can make for a fuller looking plant, overcrowding will cause them to die. A time-release fertilizer will usually help with this. The type of pot you use doesn’t usually make much of a difference, though the size of the pot definitely affects the growth of the plant. Many gardeners choose fun containers, such as old shoes or chairs, to grow potted plants in.

Window boxes are also always an option. Avoid using window boxes that are clear or metal because it will heat the plant too much. You will have to secure the window box with bolts or wire. After that, cover the bottom with landscape fabric, fill the box about a quarter full with soil, and stir in some compost.

If you know that you’ll be in your dwelling for a few years, you can use a trellis against a wall to train any slow-growing shrub or herb such as cotoneaster, juniper, or yew to grow up the trellis for an appealing ivy-walled look. It does take quite a while to get them to grow, however, so make sure you have enough time.