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52
COVER
INVISIBLE
WEAPONS
Bacteria, Bugs,
and Bioterrorism:
Surviving Something
You Cant See
By Carrie Visintainer
DECEMBER 2014
AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE (ISSN 2331-8937) Volume 3, Number 7 is published 9 times a year January, February, April/May, June, July, August, September, November, December by Engaged Media by Beckett, LLC,
22840 Savi Ranch Pkwy., Suite 200, Yorba Linda, CA 92887. POSTMASTER: send address changes to American Survival Guide c/o Engaged Media by Beckett, 4635 McEwen Road, Dallas, TX 75244. 2014 by Beckett
Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. GST #855050365RT001 Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608. Return undeliverable
Canadian addresses to: PITNEY BOWES, INC. P.O. Box 25542 London, ON N6C 6B2.
FEATURES
16 A LITTLE GIRLS DREAM:
THE KIRAVAN
BACKCOUNTRY
An Uber-Techy Million-Dollar
Adventure Truck
By Ryan Lee Price
90 INTRODUCTION
24 STORIES OF SURVIVAL:
THE DONNER PARTY
28 CIRCUMVENTING
CATASTROPHE
60 MISSION CRITICAL
Inside the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
By Ryan Lee Price
URBAN
66 INTRODUCTION
WATER RECLAMATION
116
39 CHEAP HEAT
How to Make a Tea-Light Heater
By Ryan Lee Price
42 BREAKDOWN
How to Field Strip a Colt M1911
By Ryan Lee Price
COLUMNS
6 FIRST WORDS
8 NEW PRODUCTS
12 NEWS & NOTES
DECEMBER 2014
85
62
76 LOCKDOWN
46
HOW-TO
46 GAS MASKS
62 ENTRENCHING TOOLS
85 GENERATORS
116 CAMP LANTERNS
70 DESTINATION: HOME
THE COVER:
Photography: THINKSTOCK
Design: JESSE CAO
GEAR
GUIDES
FIRSTWORDS
CONTRIBUTORS
Tim Ralston, Larry Schwartz, Tori Tellem, Jeff
Zurschmeide
DECEMBER 2014
ADVERTISING
OPERATIONS
Gus Alonzo: Newsstand Sales Manager
Celia Merriday: Newsstand Analyst
Mohit Patel: Newsstand and Production Analyst
Alberto Chavez: Senior Logistics & Facilities Manager
John Cabral: Creative Graphic Designer
MOST NORMAL PEOPLE dont really think about germs. People wash their hands
(not often enough probably), maybe dash on some Purell when the situation calls
for it, and thats about it. If you get sick, you get sick, and theres very little people
think they can do about it. And theyd be right.
The human body is literally covered from head to toe with germs, 24 hours a
day, seven days a week, and theres nothing you can do about it. Around 10,000 different species of microbes are infesting every nook and cranny of your body, but
what might shock you is that adds up to easily a couple of pounds of germs and
microbes.
Interestingly, no amount of washing or lathering on anti-bacterial lotion is going
to remove the thousands of microorganisms that call you their home. Even though
most everyone harbors low levels of some very harmful types of
bacteria in their stomachspathogens that are known for
causing specific infections like salmonella, shigella,
yersinia, and vibrio cholerae, for examplethere are
a host of good bacteria crawling around in there
too that your body needs to survive. Washing
your hands is a good thing. You cant do it
often enough, but for some, the thought of
being caked in bacteria causes them to
overuse anti-bacterial lotion. It does a great
job at not only killing the bad bacteria and
germs that threaten your health on a daily
basis, but it also kills the good bacteria,
like Staphylococci, which is present on the
skin and helps blood to clot.
When my daughter was almost two, she
developed a sore throat, fever and a rash, so
we paid a visit to our pediatrician for an
examination, thinking it was just a simple
virus. The doctor took one look at her and
announced that she had been stricken with scarlet
fever. It sounded so dire, so Victorian, like out of a
Emily Bront novel. In fact, in The Velveteen Rabbit, the little boys toys had to be burned because of scarlet fever, and in
the World War Zs climactic ending, Brad Pitts character injects himself
with scarlet fever to ward off zombies.
Sure, my daughters body was busy fighting the disease, but it was a losing battle, and later, when I did some research on scarlet fever, it was chilling to read that
if she were born 100 years earlier (or left untreated), the virus would have eventually killed her. The discovery of penicillin in 1928 quickly put the reins on the disease, and my daughter is happy and healthy today because of it.
On page 50, we take a closer look at germs, microbes, and bacteria, but from a
more sinister approach. From plague-riddle bodies tossed over the walls of
besieged cities to assassins with needles plying the darkened alleys of the spy
world, the story of biological warfare is long and far from over.
What can you do about it? Be warned and be prepared.
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Product: Canary
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MSRP: $249
The Canary home security system is a standalone device that keeps your home and family
safe. It employs an HD video camera, multiple
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an earthquake), sound (e.g. breaking glass) and
your daily movements. Controlled via your
iPhone or Android, it will alert you when it feels,
sees, or hears anything out of the ordinary. A
sudden temperature change can suggest a fire,
while unusual sounds can mean an intruder. It
learns your activities and schedule.
Specifications:
0.2-micron ceramic filter (cleanable)
13,000-gallon capacity
1 quart per minute output
Weight: 20 ounces
Specifications:
HD camera with night vision
Wi-Fi enabled
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Has guided action plans in case of emergencies
Can trigger house alarms silently and remotely
Dimensions: 6 x 3 inches
Comes in black, white, silver
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Made from soft polyester material
Sizes: Small to XXXL
Adjustable waistline and sleeve cuffs
Accepts 12- and 20-volt DeWalt batteries
Five pockets (including cell phone pocket)
Optional hooded model available
2
3
5
6
4. WINGS OF LIFE
5. STAY HYDRATED
6. K2 HYAK PACK
The harness, made by Mystery Ranch, is customizable to fit differing torso lengths, while it
can also be adjusted to wear with or without
body armor. The narrow profile fits between
the shoulder blades and allows for a wide
range of motion and is thin enough to fit in
tight spaces. The reservoir tank can hold 100
ounces of liquid (3 liters) and it includes an
auto shut-off valve for quicker filling.
Specifications:
Large fill port with quarter-turn open/close
External side pockets to carry three M16 magazines each
Radio equipment compatible with two lash
points and dual antennae ports
Lightweight, durable 500D Cordura fabric
Dimensions: 19 x 18 x 14 inches
Weight: 3.3 pounds
Total capacity: 1,984 cubic inches
Specifications:
Internal insulated hydration sleeve
Fleece-lined goggle pocket
Avalanche probe is made of lightweight carbon (has centimeter scale).
The shovel has an extendable shaft and can
be used as a deadman anchor.
Specifications:
Grab-and-go pack can be stored anywhere
Weighs 8.6 pounds
Dimensions: 5.5 x 14 x 19.5 inches
Equipment enough for three days
Recommended by the American Red Cross
and FEMA
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C U T T I N G - E D G E I N N OVAT I O N
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9. SURGICAL KIT
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Retailer: 1110 Gear
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MSRP: $29
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CAN'T GET ENOUGH ASG ? WHEN YOU'RE NOT OFF THE GRID, BE SURE TO FIND US ON FACEBOOK.
11
DECEMBER 2014
12
PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK
Worst Billion-Dollar
Weather Disasters
Hazmat Suits In
High Demand For
Ebola Prevention
DECEMBER 2014
A GLOBAL MANUFACTURER of
specialty protective gear, including
that worn by healthcare workers and
first responders on local, state, and
federal levels, has stepping up its
manufacturing capacity due to
increasing demand for hazmat suits for
the Ebola virus.
Christopher J. Ryan, president and
CEO of Lakeland Industries,
acknowledged reports of a shortage of
hazmat suits, but noted, We
understand the difficulty of getting
appropriate products through a
procurement system that in times of
crisis favors availability over
specification, and we hope our added
capacity will help alleviate that
problem. The U.S. State Department
put out a bid for 160,000 suits.
13
Can Social
Media Identify
Health Risks?
THERES A NEW SOCIAL MEDIA
surveillance tool that could give public
health officials insight into things like
a health-related epidemic or
threatening situation (say, terrorism).
The ChatterGrabber software was
created by researchers via the Virginia
Tech Bioinformatics Institute, and so
far the platform has been tested within
an app called EpiDash for monitoring
norovirus outbreaks. It works by
screening social networks for
statements of interest, like in that case
related to gastric illness. Being able to
stay current with the public as it
Tweets or posts about issues could
become a useful early-warning system
for officials.
Earthquake
Sign Of Shame
DECEMBER 2014
14
The KiraVan
AN UBER-TECHY MILLION-DOLLAR ADVENTURE TRUCK
Story by Ryan Lee Price
16
DECEMBER 2014
17
The KiraVan
DECEMBER 2014
18
moneyno expense was spared in the KiraVans construction. Bran had access to some
of the worlds best engineers.
The main truck is adapted from a Mercedes Unimog, similar to the MaxiMog he
designed several years ago, but again, the
only thing that was left is the chassis and
steering wheel. The rest was scrapped. The
Mercedes chassis was lengthened and
doubled in thickness to handle the bulk
and weight.
Behind the wheel, the operator sits in luxurious comfort on vibration-cancelling
leather chairs designed by Bose. The passenger can control a number of drones that
can be dispatched to check traffic conditions or to investigate the road ahead. Also
controlled from the dash are the trucks
seven masts that telescope up to 60 feet,
taking with them cameras, weather equipment, lights, and communication antennas.
Touch-screen cockpit displays monitor
the vitals of the tire pressure of the six tires
and battery lifeas well as the navigation
dutiesline the roof and dash. The situational-awareness system consists of a joy-
IT HAS
REMARKABLE
ENDURANCE,
NOT NEEDING
REFUELING FOR
NEARLY 2,000
MILES AT A
TIME, DESPITE
ITS 51,000POUND GIRTH.
19
[TOP]
Inside the main trailer
is a small galley and
plenty of storage.
[LEFT] A view from
the dining area shows
Kiras own loft that
she helped design.
[BOTTOM]
The upstairs dining
area comfortably
seats a family of four.
DECEMBER 2014
The KiraVan
20
The KiraVan
[ABOVE]
The nerve-center of
the KiraVans trailer is
an impressive bank of
computers used to
communicate with the
outside world, as well
as monitor the local
surroundings and the
vehicles welfare.
DECEMBER 2014
22
Stories of Survival:
DECEMBER 2014
24
DECEMBER 2014
25
DECEMBER 2014
26
Animals were lost, wagons abandoned and tempers began to simmer. The fateful decision to use the
shortcut had cost them two months
before they reached the regular trail
into California (near Elko, Nevad).
Instead of rallying behind a
strong leader, the party plummeted
into a death spiral of animosity and
divisiveness long before they
reached Truckee Lake on November
1, 1846. James Reed and John Snyder
got into a heated argument over tangled cattle and when all was said
and done, Snyder was dead and
Reed banished from the party. Keseberg abandoned an old man named
Hardcoop who was having trouble
keeping up, and the rest of the party
refused to help the man. Two members of the team murdered a third
while helping him cache his suppliesan apparent attempt to steal
his supplies.
Circumventing
Catastrophe
HOW TO AVOID DISASTER IN THE
SAFEST CITY IN AMERICA
Story by Larry Schwartz
ug out, bug in, shelter in place, backwoods refuge,
disaster retreat. These are terms that are familiar to
those in the preparedness community, and they are
all based on location. A big part of the survival industry focuses its effort on escaping disaster, on removing oneself
from the epicenter of the problembe it an earthquake, blizzard, flood, or terrorist attackand relocating to somewhere
safer. The concept is sound, but this begs the question, What
is the best place to start from to avoid disaster in the first
place? We all want to live somewhere that will provide a rich
environment to prosper, low crime rates, stable utility infrastructure, and little or no danger of natural disasters. It can be
a challenging search, but not an impossible one.
EARTHQUAKES
Many areas of the country are known for
one or more types of natural disasters. Along
the West Coast is well known for earthquake
activity for a hundred miles inland, such as
the 1994 Northridge earthquake that
destroyed bridges, brought down buildings,
and left tens of thousands of people homeless
or without utilities in and around Los Angeles.
Any of the states and areas between the
Continental Divide and the Pacific Ocean are
susceptible to severe earthquakes with the
states just east of the divide is susceptible to
more moderate shocks, as the largest
earthquake ever recorded in U.S. history
happened in Missouri. As illustrated in the
natural disaster threat graphic, there is
another major fault line runs parallel to the
Mississippi River, with its own risk of
HURRICANES
The Gulf Coast and the Eastern seaboard
experience hurricanes every year, some of
which are truly disastrous, such as Hurricane
Katrina when she inundated New Orleans in
August of 2005 and Hurricane Sandy that collapsed the power infrastructure from Virginia up through New York in October of
2012. While earthquakes can happen any
time during the year, the season for hurricanes runs for six months, starting in June
and lasting through November.
TORNADOES
The South Central portion of the country,
to include Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas,
Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota is aptly called Tornado Alley for the
high number of tornados that raze towns and
farmsteads every year. Tornado season actually varies by region, but begins in the late
winter and extends into mid summer.
Follow
The Data
This Natural Disaster Map
is from data center
provider DataFoundry. It,
like many other companies
that provide data center or
disaster recovery services
to corporate America,
prefers the desert Southwest for the regions freedom from natural disasters and moderate temperatures. This area provides
an ideal environment for
its business of safeguarding Americas data from
loss and harm due to natural disasters that elsewhere would destroy
buildings, cause power
outages that last days or
weeks, and generally make
it difficult to transact business as usual.
So, if you want a safe
and stable place to live,
look to where the data
centers are setting up, and
then call a realtor.
DECEMBER 2014
DATAFOUNDRY.COM.
Natural disasters,
as shown in this
graphic from
DataFoundry.com,
illustrates that
most regions of
the U.S. are
susceptible to
some form of
natural disaster
with the lowest
risk areas being in
the desert South
West or around
Ohio and the eastern Great Lakes.
29
Circumventing
Catastrophe
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Syracuse, NY
Cleveland, OH
Akron, OH
Buffalo, NY
Bethesda-Rockville-Frederick, MD
Dayton, OH
Allentown, PA-NJ
Chicago, IL
Denver, CO
Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI
DECEMBER 2014
30
PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK
Hurricanes, in addition
to creating property
damage and power outages, are a major contributor to flooding in
coastal areas, due to the
heavy rain and winds
that they bring.
J
A
N
T
Z
knifemaking.com
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PREPPING RALSTON
WITH
BY TIM RALSTON
Timothy Bryan Ralston is an American inventor, veteran, adventurer, author and movie consultant for his expertise in the field of
survival and preparedness education. He is best known for his appearance in the powerful motivational film, The Compass, and
for being the international spokesperson in the launch of NatGeos No. 1-rated program, Doomsday Preppers.
DECEMBER 2014
32
Hone In On Your
Improvisational Skills
Survive Through
Self-Sustainability
OUR LATEST
BEAST
IS A REAL
BEAUTY
0620CF
Steel: M390,
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Frame lock
DIY Project:
PVC Bow
Step 1: Cut a 1-inch diameter Schedule 40
or over an open flame. Be careful not to overheat the pipe to the point that it melts.
Step 3: Once the pipe softens, press down
on both ends with a board. Be sure to distribute the same amount of weight to either side.
Step 4: Next, use a tin can to round the
sides of the pipe to a desired curve. Let bow
sit until cool to touch.
Step 5: Create a handle by heating the
middle of the pipe, pressing tightly to form
an oval shape. Let cool once again.
Step 6: Wrap the handle of the bow with
paracord to make a grip and arrow rest.
Step 7: Lastly, notch the ends of your bow
with a hacksaw, and string it with paracord.
If desired, customize your bow to your liking.
I find that duct tape works well as a wrapping.
ZTKNIVES.COM
20''
18.5''
The Ruger 10/22 Takedown combines all of the features and functionality of the 10/22 rie,
Americas
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050114
[ABOVE] The first thing necessary is to familiarize yourself with the scale of the map.
Though most quadrangle maps made after
World War II are 7.5-minute in size and at a
scale of 1:24,000meaning that one inch on
the map equals 24,000 inches of real-world
landthere might still be some out there in a
different scale.
DECEMBER 2014
36
A GOVERNMENT CANNOT DO ANY SCIENTIFIC WORK OF MORE VALUE TO THE PEOPLE AT LARGE THAN
BY CAUSING THE CONSTRUCTION OF PROPER TOPOGRAPHICAL MAPS OF THE COUNTRY.
DECEMBER 2014
Called a quadrangle, the map contains 7.5 minutes of latitude and longitude (1/32 of one degree). On
these new maps, one inch equals
24,000 inches of real-world land. It
wasnt until 1991 that the USGS
completed mapping the entire lower
48 states in this new scale. The coverage includes more than 55,000
7.5-minute quadrangles.
With the larger scale, the USGS
included almost 200 different features separated into five color
groups. Cultural features, smaller
roads, buildings, and man-made
things such as trails are printed in
black; main roads and political
boundaries are in magenta/red;
woodland areas and other vegetation are green; rivers, lakes, glaciers,
and water features are blue; and
contours lines, depressions, and
mountain features are printed
brown. If you see purple, that
means it is an update from a previous version (though its a color no
longer used by the USGS).
CONTOUR LINES
37
THE FEATURES ON A
TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP
The examples here are from the
Waterman Mountain and Fontana
quadrangles in Southern California, about 10 miles north of
Pasadena in the Angeles National
Forest and about 40 miles east of
Los Angeles in the San Bernardino
Mountains, respectively. The
mountains north of Los Angeles
offer a wide range of topography
that well illustrates the various
elements of a typical topographical map.
1. Just south of Twin Peaks is a
rather narrow canyon, where the
west fork of the Bear Creek originates. The contour lines here are
close together, signifying steep
terrain on both sides of the
stream. The 6,600 elevation to
1
DECEMBER 2014
GETTING ORIENTED
38
TERRAIN ASSOCIATION
What if your compass breaks?
You take a spill down a hill and it
smashes on a rock or gets lost.
What then? How will you know
where you are going or which way
you need to go? Youll have to orient
your map based on what you can
see, and this is easier if the area you
are in has definite features, like a tall
mountain or a deep ravine. If you are
in an area with little to no reference
points, like on the plains or in the
rainforest where your view is
blocked, it will be considerably more
difficult, but not impossible.
Hold the map in front of you and
look around. Are there mountains?
A cliff? A river? Can you find it on
the map? If so, which direction is it
in? Turn the map so it faces in that
direction and then look for something else to cross-reference or a
defining feature on the first object
to further your orientation. Its not
USING A COMPASS
The compass always points
north. The problem is that the compass doesnt point directly to the
North Pole. Instead, it always points
to the magnetic north pole, which is
currently somewhere in northeastern Canada. The map, however,
points directly toward true north,
and you need to know the difference
in a real world situation.
Magnetic declination is the number of degrees and direction
between true north and magnetic
north. Because declination varies
over time, it is advisable to get a reasonably current figure by using a
current map. If magnetic north is
east of true north, the local declination is positive. If magnetic north is
west of true north, the local declination is negative.
Cheap Heat
HOW TO MAKE A TEA-LIGHT HEATER Story and photography by Ryan Lee Price
Called free convection (or natural
convection), the heated air is moved
by buoyancy forces, by the physics
of fluid dynamics.
When air comes into contact
with a hot surfaceburning wood or
a candlethe energized molecules
in the heated air separate away
from each other, which causes the
air to be less dense. Less dense air
rises, and since nature abhors a vacuum, cooler air from farther away
from the heat source rushes in to
take the place of the rising air. In
DECEMBER 2014
39
Cheap Heat
DECEMBER 2014
40
Four standard tea-light candles are placed in the bottom of the pan.
These candles are advertised as lasting four hours, but when grouped
together and creating a larger amount of heat in whats essentially an
oven, they will not last half that time. Cutting down to three candles
has little effect on the overall heat produced.
Start by lighting all four candles. They can be spread apart a little, as
long as all four of them are directly under the smaller, inner pot.
The smaller, 6-inch pot is then placed over the candles. It rests on the
lip of the loaf pan. If your pan is larger in diameter than the pot, consider adding a small barbecue grate so the pot doesnt slip off the
edges of the pan.
Next, find something to block the drain hole of the smaller pot. A wad
of tinfoil or a rock will work fine as long as it is something that isnt
flammable. The idea is to trap the hot air produced by the candles so
the terracotta absorbs the heat.
DECEMBER 2014
41
Breakdown
DECEMBER 2014
42
Check it again. The best safety advice you can take away from this is
that complacency and routine can cause accidents. Assume youve
missed something and check again. Return the slide to its forward
position and set the safety.
There are two ways to remove the barrel bushing: either by hand, or
with a bushing wrench. Though using the wrench would be much easier than doing it by hand, you may find it necessary to do so if you have
a tightly fitting bushing. However, if you dont have one, youll have to
do it by hand. Press in the recoil spring plug with one hand, and, with
the other, rotate the bushing 90-degrees clockwise (as viewed looking
down the barrel).
The recoil spring plug is under a large amount of pressure and will
eject itself across the room if you dont keep it in check. Slowly release
the pressure with your thumb covering the plug and let it out. Remove
the plug and set it aside.
Pull back the slide until the small notch in the bottom of the slide
aligns with the slide stop mechanism on the side of the frame. Push
the slide lock mechanism out from the right side until it is completely
removed (to the left).
With the spring exposed and the slide stop set aside, the frame can
now be removed.
DECEMBER 2014
Start by ejecting the clip and locking back the slide. Check the chamber thoroughly to ensure there are no rounds left in the gun. Keep safe:
point the gun away from you or anyone else during this step.
43
Breakdown
Turn the gun upside-down and rest the slide on the table. Pull the
frame back away from the slide. Holding the gun upside down prevents the link, recoil spring, and recoil spring guide rod from getting in
the way while it comes apart.
To remove the barrel from the slide, remove the recoil spring and then
twist the barrel bushing counter-clockwise as far to the right as it will
go. This will line up a narrow tab inside the barrel bushing with the
recoil spring.
Push out the barrel and the barrel bushing as one unit. It will easily
glide away from the slide.
DECEMBER 2014
44
some gun oil. Use a sturdy work surface, good lighting, and something
underneath the gun to protect its
finish. It is a good idea to wear eye
protection when removing the recoil
spring plug because it is under
immense pressure and will launch
out of the frame at a surprising
velocity if not kept under control.
The Parts
Of A Colt .45
1. Barrel
2. Barrel bushing
3. Barrel link
4. Barrel link pin
5. Disconnector
6. Ejector
7. Ejector pin
8. Extractor
9. Firing pin
10. Firing pin spring
11. Firing pin stop
12. Front sight
13. Grip safety
14. Hammer
15. Hammer pin
16. Hammer strut
17. Hammer strut pin
45
Gear Guide
GAS MASKS
Clean Air On The Go
PHOTO BY ???????????????
DECEMBER 2014
46
THE IDEA OF TERRORISTS using toxic chemicals is fairly remote, as a widespread dissemination of biological agents by a small cell of terrorists is a difficult mission to accomplish. That isnt to say a small band of bad guys or a
lone terrorist left to his own devices isnt capable of creating a small disaster
localized to a specific place. Shoko Asahara and his terrorist group, Aum
Shinrikyo, released a sarin gas in the Tokyo subway system in 1995, killing 13
people and adversely affecting an additional 5,200.
The most likely scenario that would prompt anyone to purchase a gas
mask for personal protection would be an accidental chemical spill or a similar industrial accident happening in their neighborhood that would make the
air not breathable for a short period of time. In 2010, the Matheson Tri-Gas
plant in La Porte, Tex., accidentally released a white cloud of boron trichloride into the neighborhood, where residents experienced respiratory tract
burns, skin burns, eye burn and mucous membrane burns.
The risk isnt limited to metropolitan areas, but the likelihood is much
higher in a more densely populated area. In addition to being prepared with
proper breathing equipment, it would do a person well to prepare his house
in the event of a chemical/biological attack or the propagation of an
unknown gas. Seal windows, doors and vents with duct tape. Tape between
the door and the frame and between the frame and the wall. The space
between the door and the floor should be covered with a wet towel. Turn off
air conditioning units, swamp coolers, and forced-air furnaces, anything that
brings in outside air.
When purchasing a gas mask, there are several factors to consider, and a
plethora of designs and styles on the market, from modern adaptations to
current interpretation of years-old military surplus designs. Consider how old
the gas mask is before purchasing. How expensive is the filter and how long
will it last? The ubiquitous filter is the 40mm NATO-threaded canister, which
are most readily available and popular.
Regardless of which one you purchase, make sure your mask is NATO or
NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) rated. Gas
canister and filters should be NBC, which give protection against chemical,
biological and nuclear agents. That a filter is NBC (Nuclear, Biological,
Chemical)-rated is a major selling point for retailers and if it meets these
standards, it will surely be posted.
Long-term gas mask wearing is impractical and nearly impossible, considering the length of time the filters last and how many human functions
are necessary while wearing it. Remember, you cant live in a gas mask, but it
might help you stay alive while you figure out your next move.
Mestal Safety has been creating rubber products for 58 years, including a wide variety of
gas masks. The SGE 400 series masks are the
latest in its series of respiratory protection.
The lenses are treated with a siloxane chemical for strength and a scratch-resistant coating. A valve on the mask can be used to cut
down on humidity inside the mask for better
visibility, and the entire face seal is made from
medical grade silicone, which resists chemicals, provides a tight seal against the face,
and is more comfortable than rubber.
$159.95
Inter-American Security Products, Inc.
12201 SW 128th Court
Suite 104
Miami, FL 33186
(888) 299-9750
Interamer.com
DECEMBER 2014
47
Gear
Guide
GAS MASKS
DECEMBER 2014
48
Effective against biological agents and various chemical warfare agents (sarin, VX, mustard, and lewisite, for example), the one-piece
polyurethane lens allows a wide field of vision
and is bonded to the durable rubber face
piece. The adjustable six-point head-harness
is easy to put on and take off, while the filter
can mount on either side to allow weapon
sighting from either shoulder. The interior
nosepiece eliminates fogging and a
voicemitter allows for easy communication.
Includes one CBA-RCA filter.
$299.95
JRH Enterprises
PO Box 317
West Green, GA 31567
(912) 379.9441
JRHEnterprises.com
3M FR-M40
Silicone seals and a butyl rubber second
skin on the face piece allows for longer, more
comfortable wear times. A butyl-coated nylon
hood covers the head and neck and is easily
donned to add additional protection against
chemical agents, while a drinking tube means
the wearer wont have to take it off to replenish fluids. The dual eyepieces allow the mask
to be folded, so it is compact for storage, and
it includes several accessories: clear and gray
eyepiece inserts, exhalation valve, inhalation
valve kit, and spectacle kit. The FR-M40 fits
into a storage bag/carrying pouch with strap
$519
Ready Made Resources
239 Cagle Road
Tellico Plains, TN 37385
(800) 627-3809
ReadyMadeResources.com
DECEMBER 2014
JRH Enterprises
P.O. Box 317
West Green, GA 31567
(912) 379.9441
JRHEnterprises.com
49
Now
REG. $26.95
$39.95
Now
$22.95
REG. $10.95
REG. $29.95
Now
$7.95
Now
$23.95
STRIKE FORCE
Fire Starter System
ITEM #14-0580
REG. $19.95
Now
$17.95
REG. $48.95
SWEDISH FIREKNIFE
ITEM #03-0197
The Swedish FireKnife is a new product
by Light My Fire which incorporates both a
Mora Knife and a Swedish FireSteel, the
ultimate way to light a fire in any weather. The
3.75" blade is constructed of Sandvik 12C27
Swedish cold-rolled special stainless steel (Rc
56-58). The handle, with a high friction rubber
grip, is comfortable, and safe to use. Profile
grinding makes the blade extremely sharp
from the factory and is easy to resharpen
without special tools. The back of the knife
has been ground to work perfectly with the
Swedish FireSteel which is contained in
the rear of the handle. The durable Swedish
FireSteel works equally well when wet and
creates a 5,400F Spark. Just twist and
pull on the back of the handle to reveal the
Swedish FireSteel which measures .25"
in diameter by 1.5 long. Overall measures
8"L x 2"W x 1"H.
ITEM #03-0041
Now
$24.95
2
CK
PA
ITEM #30-0020
A complete, compact kit for the treatment of snake bite
using the constrictor/suction method. Kit includes detailed
instructions, three pliable suction cups, easy to use with
one hand lymph constrictor, scalpel, and antiseptic swab.
REG. $19.95
Now
$9.95
REG. $19.95
Now
$10.95
THE RENEGADE
SURVIVAL KIT
ITEM #11-0020
The kit, made by a survivalist. Compact,
lightweight and effective. We kept only
whats necessary. Keep in your car, put
one in your Bug Out bag or leave one at
the office. Kit provides you with some
of the most basic human needs, Food,
Fire, Shelter and Rescue. Measures
6"L x 5"W x 2"H.
REG. $62.95
Now
$39.95
COMPLETE UNIVERSAL
SURGICAL KIT
Now
REG. $69.95
$59.95
REG. $14.95
$6.95
REG. $11.95
$9.95
ITEM #10-7688
REG. $43.95
Now
$34.95
Now
REG. $80.95
Now
$59.95
REG. $29.95
REG. $14.95
Now
Now
$22.95
$7.95
Now
Invisible
Weapons
BACTERIA, BUGS AND BIOTERRORISM:
SURVIVING SOMETHING YOU CANT SEE
DECEMBER 2014
Story by Carrie Visintainer | Photography Courtesy the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
52
DECEMBER 2014
53
DECEMBER 2014
54
Invisible
Weapons
Dont hesitate to seek medical help! If you believe youve been
exposed to a biological agent or virus, or
have been a victim of an attack, avoid contact
with other people and head directly to the emergency room. This could save your life.
For example, the smallpox vaccine, if administered
within three days of exposure to the va riola virus, can
significantly decrease the severity of the disease. In
addition, most biologically caused infections and
diseases, including pulmonary (inhaled) anthrax,
must be diagnosed and treated immediately for the best chances of a full
recovery.
E
D
THE TRUTH IS
THAT GERMS AND
WARFARE ARE OLD
ALLIES, CAUSING
THE DEATHS OF
FRIENDS AND FOE
ALIKE FOR MORE
THAN 2,000 YEARS,
LONG BEFORE THE
UNDERSTANDING
OF WHAT GERMS
WERE AND HOW
THEY WERE
TRANSMITTED.
DECEMBER 2014
55
F
H
DECEMBER 2014
56
Invisible
Weapons
Have a
Plan
The CDC has the following
emergency preparedness
plans for all types of biohazards. This is tons of
information, and it
applies to all hazards versus exclusively bioterrorism. In the meantime,
look into ways to:
> Stock an emergency
supply kit
> Create a family communication plan
> Stay informed
DECEMBER 2014
57
BIOTERRORISM AGENTS
There are thousands of
diseases that affect millions of people throughout the world, and many
of those diseases come
from a handful of viruses
and bacteria that are
rarely seen in the United
States. This makes them
perfect candidates for
agents of bioterrorism.
They are classified by the
CDC into three categories
based on priority and
severity.
DECEMBER 2014
Category A
58
Agents/Diseases
Anthrax (Bacillus
anthracis)
Botulism (Clostridium
botulinum toxin)
Plague (Yersinia pestis)
Smallpox (variola major)
Tularemia (Francisella
tularensis)
Viral hemorrhagic
fevers (filoviruses, e.g.,
Ebola; and arenaviruses,
e.g., Lassa, Machupo)
Category B
Second highest priority
agents include those that:
Are moderately easy to
disseminate
Result in moderate morbidity rates and low mortality rates
Require specific
enhancements of CDCs
diagnostic capacity and
enhanced disease surveillance.
Agents/Diseases
Brucellosis
(Brucella species)
Epsilon toxin of Clostridium perfringens
Food safety
threats (e.g., Salmonella species, Escherichia
coli O157:H7, Shigella)
Glanders (Burkholderia
mallei)
Melioidosis (Burkholderia pseudomallei)
Psittacosis
Chlamydia psittaci)
Q fever (Coxiella
burnetii)
Ricin toxin from Ricinus
communis (castor
beans)
Staphylococcal
enterotoxin B
Typhus fever (Rickettsia
prowazekii)
Viral encephalitis
(alphaviruses [e.g.,
Venezuelan equine
encephalitis, eastern
equine encephalitis,
western equine
encephalitis])
Water safety threats
(e.g., Vibrio
cholerae, Cryptosporidium parvum)
Category C
Third highest priority
agents include emerging
pathogens that could be
engineered for mass dissemination in the future
because of:
Availability
Ease of production and
dissemination
Potential for high
morbidity and mortality
rates and major health
impact.
Agents
Emerging infectious
diseases such as Nipah
virus and hantavirus
BE INFORMED
> Follow CDC Emergency
on Twitter for updated
information and preparedness chats.
https://twitter.com/CDCe
mergency.
> Sign up for public safety
emergency alerts in your
area at Ready.gov/alerts.
> Follow CDC Emergency
Preparedness and
Response on Facebook at
Facebook.com/cdcemergency.
> Visit CDC Emergency and
Preparedness at
http://emergency.cdc.gov
for comprehensive information on bioterrorism
and other potential disasters.
DECEMBER 2014
59
Mission Critical
INSIDE THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
Story by Ryan Lee Price | Photos Courtesy the CDC
DECEMBER 2014
COMMUNICATIONS
60
BIOCONTAINMENT AREAS
Deep in the bowels of the CDC
(and elsewhere in the United States)
are the labs that study, organize, classify, and work with the various
microorganisms that are known to
cause diseases in healthy human
beings. They are classified into four
levels, designated in ascending order
by degree of protection provided to
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Gear Guide
SHOVELS
Survival Shovels
DECEMBER 2014
62
ONE OF THE MORE OFTEN OVERLOOKED survival items needed in a wellstocked cache of equipment is a good quality entrenching shovel. While
most people probably think that a shovel is a shovel is a shovel, there are
dozens of different kinds of shovels for a wide variety of specialized tasks:
snow shovel, barn shovel, irrigation shovel, flathead, round-nose, garden
spade, and a duckbill spade to name a few.
Having a shovel in a survival situation is paramount: digging a latrine,
hiding your garbage, and turning over coals in the fire to shoring up your
tent drainage system, pounding a stake, and even burying the bodies if it
comes to that. In the right hands, it can be a formidable weapon; you can
use the blade as an impromptu frying pan; and they might even be pretty
good at digging a hole.
There are many survival shovels on the market today, and most offer
similar features: collapsibility for easy storage, a couple of different configurations, a storage/carry bag, and a few extra built-in tools. The three
shovels that we chose to highlight this month spotlight those offerings in
three unique ways, while giving you an idea of just how versatile modern
entrenching shovels can be.
Foxhole Heroes:
Shovels Of Yesteryear
Modern entrenching tools get their start from the
military application of small, compact, shovels that
could easily be carried into combat strapped to the
outside of soldiers packs, though the ability to fold
up is a relatively modern invention. The practice of
digging trenches and foxholes goes back to World
War I and is still an integral part of military gear
issued to todays soldier. From left to right: Vietnamera entrenching tool issued in the mid-1960s and
used until the 1980s; a German-supplied shovel
issued to Austrian soldiers in 1914 during World War I;
used by Americans when it entered World War I in
1917 is this t-handle shovel dated 1918; and during
World War II, Americans used this folding shovel in
combat. Above is a knock-down axe and canvas carrying case from World War II.
SHOVELS Gear
Guide
SOG
Elite Entrenching Tool
It arrives in a sturdy well-constructed
nylon pouch. There are no straps to sling
over your shoulder, but instead, three
loops with which to affix it to your pack
or belt (which would be impractical.)
Folded up, the 11-inch shovel fits snugly
in the sheath. Unfolded, the shovels
overall length is 26 inches, with an 812inch long and six-inch wide blade. The
shoulder is rolled over for strength when
digging, but the pivot-locking mechanism will get in the way of those using
their right feet. A half-turn in either
direction will lock the blade into an infinite range of angles. The handle is a
Fiberglas-reinforced nylon and although
it gives the first impression of being simple plastic that will break when it meets
its first rock, Fiberglas used in this way is
very strong.
SOURCE:
Length: 26 inches
Folded Length 11 inches
Weight: 24.8 ounces
Shovel Length: 812 inches
Blade Thickness: 0.06 inches
Finish: Hardcased black
Hardness: RC. 40-42
Blade Steel Type: 1075 carbon
Handle Material: Glass-reinforced nylon
Handle Color: Black
Sheath Color: Black
Sheath Material: Ballistic nylon
Sheath Attachment Type: Belt loop
Sheath Closure Type: Snap buckle
DECEMBER 2014
63
Gear
Guide
SHOVELS
WJQ-308/Q5
DECEMBER 2014
64
SOURCE:
WJQ-308.com
SPECS:
Length: 26 inches
Folded Length: 17 inches
Weight: 2.8 pounds
Shovel Length: 7-3/4 inches
Blade Thickness: 0.06 inches
Finish: Hardcased black
Hardness: N/A
Blade Steel Type: Steel
Handle Material: Wood
Handle Color: Natural
Sheath Color: Cammo
Sheath Material: Ballistic nylon
Sheath Attachment Type: Three-point
buckle
Sheath Closure Type: Snap buckle
SHOVELS Gear
Guide
Rothco Five-in-One
The Diminutive Digger
Okay, dont laugh. Hear us out first. There are a
couple things at fault with this tool, but it isnt its
size. On the other hand, it is inexpensive and well
made. The steel is solid and will take quite a beating, especially the pick tool. Sure, the shovelhead
is small and you could get a handful of dirt just as
easily with, well, your hand, but that is the point.
Who wants to dig with their hands? The size of
the shovel, which folds up to only 9 inches makes
this perfect for a go-bag or in the trunk of your car.
The pivot point is locked in place by a large nut
and washer, traditional to the typical entrenching
tool design, and each of the four tools are affixed
via a cotter pin-secured bolt. The box says the
bolt should have a quick-release button, but our
example has a cotter pin, which is quite difficult to
get out without pliers.
The shovel comes with five tools. The pointed
shovelhead is 512-inches long and fairly robust;
the shoulders are rolled over for strength, and it is
1
SOURCE:
JHL Supply
28 W. First Street South
Fulton, NY 13069
(800) 537-1339
CampingSurvival.com
SPECS:
DECEMBER 2014
65
IN THIS SECTION
Confinement In The
Concrete Jungle
DECEMBER 2014
66
Compact enough
to make the kit
incredibly small
and light, but
large enough to be
very inclusive, the
SUMA PSK is an
all-purpose, getout-of-trouble
powerhouse of
equipment.
Big
Survival
Comes In
Small
Packages
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN LEE PRICE
DECEMBER 2014
67
DECEMBER 2014
Big
Survival
68
[FROM TOP]
The IDL multi-tool
is a survival tool all
on its own.
Wrapped in a noisesuppressing length
of inner tube, it is
stainless steel and
has three screwdrivers, a bottle
opener, tweezers,
wire cutters/
strippers, knife, le,
and pliers.
Included are several ways to start
and maintain a fire,
as there are usually
several situations
in which a fire is
needed, and not all
of them require the
same methods. The
matches and
striker, as well as
the cotton tinder,
are both sealed in a
waterproof bag,
while the FastFire
tinder is individually sealed.
The Fresnel lens
magnifier makes
starting a fire with
the sun quick and
easy. Only a couple
of seconds of exposure started these
leaves smoking. At
the very least, you
should always keep
one of these in your
wallet.
The 14mm button
compass is small
enough to be able
to be hidden in the
case of evasion,
but large enough to
be useful. The cardinal points glow in
the dark.
Components In
The Small Kit:
SUMA container, small
Nylon zipper pouch
Emergency fishing kit
Emergency blanket
Emergency sewing kit
Duct tape
P-38 can opener
Kevlar line
IDL mini multi-tool
Steel wire
Thread/line, 14 pound test
Cotton pad
Antibiotic ointment packet
Personal medicine vial
Button compass
Emergency signaling mirror
Photon II LED micro light
Emergency whistle
Pencil with eraser
Fresnel lens magnifier
Five sheets Rite in the Rain paper
Emergency matches
Four fire tinder tabs
Two fire tinder cubes (FastFire)
Sparking flint rod
Six water purification tablets
Waterproof bag 9x6 inches
Additional
Components In
The Large Kit:
SUMA container, large
Type III nylon cord
Folding razor blade
18mm baseplate compass (replaces button
compass)
Two additional fire tinder cubes (FastFire)
Two additional water purification tablets
Additional waterproof bag 9x10 inches
Specs
DECEMBER 2014
69
Destination:
HOME
PUTTING TOGETHER THE
LAST GET-HOME BAG YOU
WILL EVER NEED
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CREEK STEWART
DECEMBER 2014
70
DECEMBER 2014
71
RAIN PONCHO
I personally use a military version
with grommets in the corners which
can be used as an improvised shelter if necessary. Being wet is not
only miserable, its deadly.
Hypothermia is the number one
killer in the outdoors, and your vulnerability skyrockets when you are
weteven in temperatures as high
as 50 degrees.
LIGHTWEIGHT TARP
I pack this to use as a shelter
canopy. It can also be used as a
ground cover and many things in
between. A colorful version of this
can double as a ground-to-air signal, as well.
DECEMBER 2014
WALKING SHOES/HIKING
BOOTS
72
Destination:
HOME
EXTRA CLOTHES
A change of clothes and a pair of
leather gloves allows you to change
out of your suit or work uniform and
into something that offers more
protection and maneuverability.
Consider very plain average man
neutral color clothing to facilitate
blending into crowds if necessary. A
hat to protect from the sun is also a
worthy addition.
FIRE-STARTING TOOLS
AND TINDER
Pick up a couple of Bic cigarette
lighters. They are inexpensive and
dependable. Also pack some firestarting tinder. I prefer the WetFire
brand, but a quick do-it-yourself
substitute is cotton balls soaked in
petroleum jelly. If you need to start a
fire, these two items will get you 98
percent of the way there.
QUALITY MULTI-TOOL
This tool should have a solid
knife blade, a saw blade, pliers, flat
head and cross point drivers, and
wire cutters. When you need one of
these tools, no substitute will quite
do the trick. Many will add a fixedblade knife as well.
HEADLAMP
DECEMBER 2014
73
HYGIENE KIT
This mini-kit should include
items such as a small towel, toothbrush and toothpaste, a bandana
(multiple uses), toilet paper, and
soap. A pack of disinfecting wet
napkins are perfect for quick spitbaths, and hand sanitizer is always
useful.
EMERGENCY BLANKET
Emergency Mylar blankets are
cheap, lightweight, and compact.
Not only can they save your life in a
cold-weather environment, but they
can also double as a makeshift shelter, waterproof gear cover, and rain
poncho. I prefer the Heatsheet
brand from Adventure Medical Kits.
SELF-DEFENSE ITEMS
DECEMBER 2014
74
Destination:
HOME
CASH MONEY
Unlike credit, cash doesnt need
to communicate with the power
grid, and it speaks everyones language. Pack small denominations in
a variety of places, so as to never
reveal all of your money at once.
PARACORD
There are 1,000s of uses and 100
feet of it in only a few ounces.
EMERGENCY RADIO
Pick up a small, Dynamo handcrank emergency radio. Make sure it
receives NOAA All Hazard Weather
Alerts. This could be your only
source of disaster-related information in an emergency. Get a model
that has an integrated USB cell
phone charger, a very cool feature.
DECEMBER 2014
75
Lockdown
SURVIVING THE UNKNOWN IN THE PLACE YOU KNOW BEST: HOME
DECEMBER 2014
Story by Jeff Zurschmeide | Photography by Jeff Zurschmeide and Ryan Lee Price
76
WATER IS LIFE
DECEMBER 2014
Imagine that something has happened and you need to hunker down
inside your home and survive for a
month. The power, water, and gas
are all out. What you have to live on
is whats in the house with you.
77
what your body sweats out normally. With canned food, youll get
all that and more.
DECEMBER 2014
78
Lockdown
DONT GO CRAZY
The unexpected hard thing about
being shut into your home for an
extended period of time is that its
boring. Especially if the power is out
and theres no TV or movies, no
Internet, no games, and no light in
the evening. If you are not alone,
things wont be so bad, but cabin
fever is real. Make sure that your
house has a good supply of books,
handiwork projects, and other ways
to pass the time. A self-powered or
battery-operated radio is an indispensable tool for getting news
Like combat, survival situations are 99 percent sheer boredom punctuated by one percent of utter terror. Make sure the 99 percent
is filled with something entertaining to pass
the time. A well stocked library will last for
years, if need be.
SurvivalBagsInc.com
Lockdown
Santa Cruz
Mountains,
October
1989
By Jeff Zurschneide
With one in three adults taking over-thecounter medication on a regular basis, make
sure to include your pharmacy in your plans.
Special needs individuals (diabetics, severe
allergy suffers) have special medications,
and some of those have a shelf life. Make
sure enough is on hand to reasonably last.
At 5:04 pm on Tuesday,
October 17, 1989, the Loma
Prieta earthquake struck
along part of Californias
extensive San Andreas fault
system. The quake measured 6.9 on the Richter
scale and brought down or
damaged buildings and
roads from San Francisco in
the north, eastward to Oakland, and down to Salinas in
the south. A total of 63 people lost their lives, 3,757
more were injured, and
many roads were destroyed,
blocked, or damaged so
severely that traffic could
not pass.
I lived in the mountains
above Santa Cruz at that
time, and what followed
TIP: If the electricity is still on, alarm system signs and decals may deter potential
looters, even if you have no actual alarm.
DECEMBER 2014
80
PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK
Avoid
the Drain:
Water
Reclamation
MANKINDS OLDEST TECHNOLOGIES MEET TODAYS MOST BASIC NEEDS
Story by Larry Schwartz
son, they built massive collection systems to capture
and store rainwater during the wet season for use later in
the dry season for drinking and irrigation.
The technology travelled northwest along the trade
routes to Pakistan, where rainfall was infrequent. The
indigenous people, 1,700 years ago, used holding tanks to
capture rainwater from their roofs and other flat surfaces
to hold them over during the periods of drought. By 300
B.C., the Romans had integrated rainwater collection
pools into the design of their atrium-centered houses, an
architectural detail that is still used throughout the
Mediterranean and North Africa today.
DECEMBER 2014
81
[ABOVE] Method 1, an
individual collection
container under each
downspout is the easiest way to start rainwater collecting.
[RIGHT] Method 2, where
you combine multiple
rainwater capture from
multiple sources or surfaces into a single larger
storage container adds
the benefit of more
water in one location
which simplifies treating and using it.
DECEMBER 2014
82
SIMPLE CAPTURE
PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK
Water
Reclamation
PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK
SOPHISTICATED SOURCING
Arizona
California
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois
Minnesota
New Mexico
North Carolina
Ohio
Oregon
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
U.S. Virgin Islands
DECEMBER 2014
Who Regulates
Rainwater
Capture?
83
ground storage is used, a pump, either submerged in the container or placed at ground
level will be needed to extract the rainwater
from the container. While submerged pumps
may be more efficient if they fail, the work
required to get to them in a subterranean
storage container is significant.
Sources
DECEMBER 2014
You can get everything you need to create your rainwater collection system, be it a simple rain barrel
under a downspout or a more sophisticated collection system that ties together multiple collection
surfaces, at your local home improvement store. If
you are less of a DIY type of person and more of a
sell-me-a-kit person, there are a number of websites that offer instructions, videos, and kits to help
you get started. Check out these sites for instructions if you are a DIY type of person or if you want it
pre-packaged for you.
84
HarvestH2O.com
NCSL.org
TheSelfSufficientLiving.com
GardenPool.org
Method 1
Method 2
Method 3
[TOP TO BOTTOM]
Rainwater collection in
containers or pools, like
this pool integrated into
a current day atrium in
Venice, is an ancient
technology from 300
B.C. rediscovered for use
today.
When moving up to a
bigger collection container, you can avoid
purchasing a larger container by daisy-chaining
existing smaller containers together.
Rainwater collection
can be as simple and
labor non-intensive as
leaving a large bucket in
your garden. Putting
your watering can in the
bucket can also save you
some steps.
PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK
Water
Reclamation
Gear Guide
GENERATORS
Keeping The Lights On
Inverter Versus Conventional Generators: Which Is Best For You?
will see, how much current will be
required of it, and how much you are willing to spend. The inverter generators are
lightweight and very portable. Since size
and weight isnt an issue with conventional generators, they have larger gas
tanks and longer run times than inverters.
However, the inverters have more efficient engines and can adjust the engine
speed based on the load required (conventional generators typically run at
3,600 rpm, regardless). Because of this,
inverters are built to be very quiet, as most
are around 50 decibels, which is about the
same noise as a normal human conversation, while conventional generators are in
the 70-decibel range, which is about the
same sound as a car driving by.
A good thing about inverters is their
ability to be paralleled together to
increase the power output. Most of the
ones featured here can be connected
together via a sold-separately cable to
double their power output (from identical
models). Thats an interesting possibility,
but some appreciate the simplicity of the
conventional generator, which is basically
an engine with an alternator attached.
There are no extra features to go wrong,
and the systems and concepts used are
decades old.
Price is always a huge factor, and
although the price of inverters have come
down in the last few years and will continue to drop as the technology ages, conventional generators provide more power
per dollar than inverters.
DECEMBER 2014
85
Gear
Guide
GENERATORS
DECEMBER 2014
I N V E RT E R
Honda EU2000i
86
Powerhouse
Inverter
Powerhouse
PH2100PRi
Generac iX2000
Rated at 2,000 watts of continuous power (2,200 surge), it has
the largest engine displacement
(127cc) with the lowest run time
(5 13 hours at quarter time), but
this is in part to its small fuel
tank (one gallon) coupled with
the large displacement. It has an
electronic overload protection
circuit breaker for its three receptacles, while the LEDs display
the status of the generator. It
can also be used to charge 12volt batteries.
GENERATORS Gear
Guide
Category 5
Inverter
Rated at 2,000 surge watts and
1,700 continuous watts, this
inverter is lightweight at 53
pounds and runs at a very quiet
53 decibels. Its one-gallon fuel
tank provides its 79cc engine a
long run time of over nine hours.
The case is designed to be safely
stackable, so several units can be
paralleled together to increase
overall output. A 12-volt battery
charging cable is included.
Honda EU3000is
This inverter shares the top spot
with the Northstar conventional
generator as the most expensive,
flipping the bill at nearly $2,000.
For that money, you get the
longest run time (20 hours) and
the most continuous power
(2,800 watts) with the largest
gas tank and the quietest motor
(a whispering 49 decibels). It is
CARB-compliant and can be sold
in all 50 states, has an electric
start, and two handles for easy
loading (though it is over double
the girth of other inverters on
the list).
ONE OF THE BEST pieces of advice you can find to help you buy
the generator that is right for you is to answer the question: Why
do you need a generator? If youre simply plugging in a lamp to
light a campsite or you cant miss your favorite TV show, even in a
complete grid failure, you might need a small generator, one with
around 1,200 watts. However, if you need to run several computers, an A/C, three spotlights to watch the fence line, and power a
full satellite system for communications, you might look at the
generators that provide higher wattage.
To figure out the exact amount, find out how many watts each
individual appliance uses. Add them all up and find a generator
that has a wattage rating that matches. Remember to take into
consideration that some appliances with electric motors require
additional wattage (surge) at startup to run properly. Since tools
and appliances use 120 volts, and a generators power is measured
in amps, remember that amps x volts = watts.
Appliance
Coffee maker
Dishwasher
Continuous
Watts
Surge
Watts
1,750
700
1,400
1,300
2,100
625
800
Refrigerator or freezer
700
2,200
Clothes washer
1,150
2,300
1,800
5,750
300
500
100
Radio
150
800
1,300
Sump pump: 13 hp
Television
Room air conditioner: 10,000 BTU
Central air conditioner
300
1,500
2,200
10,000
11,250
Circular saw
1,400
2,300
Table saw
1,800
4,500
700
Monitor
250
Laptop computer
250
DECEMBER 2014
Desktop computer
87
GENERATORS
Manufacturer
Model
Type
Surge
Watts
Rated
Watts
Start
Type
Disp.
(cc)
HP
Engine
Honda
EU2000i
Inverter
2000
1600
Recoil
98
n/a
OHC
Powerhorse
Inverter
Inverter
2000
1600
Recoil
80
n/a
n/a
Powerhouse
PH2100PRi
Inverter
2100
2000
Electric/recoil
125
4.35
OCV
Generac
iX2000
Inverter
2200
2000
Recoil
127
n/a
OHV
Category 5
Inverter
Inverter
2000
1700
Recoil
79
n/a
OHV
Honda
EU3000is
Inverter
3000
2800
Electric/recoil
196
n/a
na
Northstar
8000
Conventional
8000
6600
Electric/recoil
389
11.7
OHV
Generac
XG6500
Conventional
8125
6500
Recoil
407
n/a
OHV
Honda
EB3000C
Conventional
3000
2600
Recoil
196
n/a
OHV
10
All-Power American
1000
Conventional
1200
1000
Recoil
n/a
2.5
n/a
11
Powermate
1200
Conventional
1500
1200
Recoil
99
OHV
12
Category5
Electric Start
Conventional
4000
3500
Electric/recoil
n/a
OHV
88
196
Northstar 8000
Generac XG6500
Honda EB3000C
DECEMBER 2014
CONVENTIONAL
Gear
Guide
GENERATORS Gear
Guide
Run Time
Receptacles
Ready
Parallel
Noise
(dB)
Fuel
Capacity
(gal)
Low Oil
Shutdown
yes
59
gas
1.00
yes
47
$999.99
8 2 hrs. @ 4 load
yes
52
gas
1.12
yes
19 8 x 11 4 x 17 10
55
$599.99
yes
66
gas
1.30
yes
22 x 11 x 19
85
$610.00
n/a
n/a
gas
1.00
yes
22 x 12 x 18
61
$589.00
9 2 hrs. @ 4 load
yes
53
gas
1.00
yes
21 2 x 16 4 x 18 2
53
$699.99
20 hrs. @ 4 load
yes
49
gas
3.51
yes
144
$1,999.99
10 hrs @ 12 load
10
n/a
74.5
gas
6.50
yes
206
$1,999.99
13 hrs @ 12 load
n/a
n/a
gas
9.00
yes
3112 x 25 x 27
230
$1,059.00
n/a
68
gas
2.70
n/a
17 2 x 15 8 x 19
81
$1,599.99
8 2 hrs. @ 2 load
n/a
65
gas
1.30
yes
15 x 11 2 x 13 2
53
$319.99
n/a
70
gas
1.00
yes
64
$329.99
12 hrs @ 12 load
n/a
68
gas
4.00
yes
138
$549.99
All-Power America
This All-Power America conventional generator is environmentally friendly and complies with
CARB requirements, along with
having the EPAs approval. The
2.5-hp engine provides 1,200
surge watts and 1,000 rated
watts, as the 1.3-gallon fuel tank
allows for a run time of more
than eight hours at half load. It
features a 120-volt outlet and
one integrated 12-volt DC outlet,
along with an integrated 12-volt,
15 peak amp DC trickle battery
charger with cables.
Dimensions
(inches)
Weight
(lbs)
MSRP
Powermate
PM0141200
Category 5
Electric Start
Rated at 1,200 watts of continuous power, the 60-pound Powermate conventional generator
has a manual start (recoil) and a
1.5-gallon fuel tank that will
keep the generator running for
nearly 10 hours at half load. It
supports a single duplex plug
and a 120-volt DC outlet. Accessories included are a DC battery
cable, oil, funnel, and a small
tool kit. The roll cage is designed
for protection, stability, and
maneuverability.
DECEMBER 2014
89
BACKCOUNTRY
IN THIS SECTION
Bushcraft
DECEMBER 2014
90
SOME TAKE A SPECIAL PRIDE in being able to live off of the land, to procure their own food,
build their own shelter, and thrive comfortably while doing so. Some were made for that kind
of life with thoughts in mind that one day they may need these skills to exist. Some do it just
for fun, while others have incorporated into their camping routine. In English-speaking countries for the last 10 years, the concept of bushcraft has been growing in popularity as a
movement of men whose survival skills have developed into a lifestyle.
Started by a survivalist, Major Leslie James Hiddins, in Australia, bushcraft is a mindset
based on a series of learned skills. It challenges a person already equipped with a well developed determination to survive adversity in the backcountry to develop the skills to back up
that spirit. A person who has accepted the philosophy of bushcraft as part of his or her
lifestyle has accepted that, in order to accomplish the simple goal of survival, they first have
to learn a different way of living. They must learn bushcraft skills.
White
Hot
Killer
COMBATING
HEAT-RELATED
ILLNESSES
DECEMBER 2014
good sunny day can be a great day for the beach or getting things
done around the house, but we often dont realize how deadly
heat can be and how quickly it can affect you. We usually call it
heat stroke, but thats not entirely accurate. Heat stroke is just
one of several threats known as heat-related illness.
On average, 675 Americans die every year from preventable heat-related
illness. Most of the dead are elderly, or infants, and children. But anyone who
works or plays outdoors, those without adequate access to shelter, and people
who have been weakened by medical conditions are also very much at risk.
91
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are among the
first signs of heat-related illness.
When fluid loss from sweating and evaporation depletes the bodys salt and water
reserves, muscles respond by cramping.
Most often, this happens in the legs, arms,
and midsection. Its important to remember that these are not ordinary cramps,
and that if left unaddressed, the sufIf you have had a hard day
ferer will proceed rapidly towards lifewith the heat or received a
threatening events.
severe sunburn, consider
To treat heat cramps, follow the
having some soup or broth
basic
steps and get the victim to a
with your dinner to
cooler
place,
drink plenty of good fluids,
replenish salts.
and allow the victim to rest. If you do
these things but the cramps are still happening after an hour, seek medical attention and
get the victim to drink more fluids.
TIP
Heat Fainting
DECEMBER 2014
92
PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK
A Car Is A
Solar Oven
TIP
DECEMBER 2014
PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK
An
Ounce Of
Prevention
Is Worth
A Pound
Of Cure
1_Drink water instead of anything with alcohol or soda. Sports drinks are okay. You
need about a pint to a quart every hour.
Start drinking before you feel hot and
thirsty.
2_Use sunscreen according to the recommendations on the package. Be sure
to reapply it if youre sweating. If
youre on the water, be aware
Make a swamp cooler by
that UV light reflects up from
hanging a wet towel or washthe water.
cloth in front of a box fan. The
3_Try to do strenuous work or
evaporation of the water helps
travel in the early morning or
cool the air blown through the
at dusk when temperatures are
fan and can help keep a
cooler.
room cool.
4_Wear your hat, and preferably
one with a wide brim all the way
around. It really helps to keep your
scalp, ears, neck, and face out of direct sun
as much as possible.
5_Find a place to stay cool in the heat of the day.
93
Cell Phone
Survival
DECEMBER 2014
94
NAVIGATION
C
o
t
DECEMBER 2014
95
Cell Phone
Survival
SPEAR POINTS AND CUTTING TOOLS
Each cell phone also had a circuit board. I
used the circuit board from a SmartPhone to
make two very useful items to a survivor. I
noticed that when I scraped the edges of the circuit board against a smooth rock it actually
ground down to a fairly decent cutting edge. I
used half of the circuit board to make a useful
cutting tool, which I used to gather and scrape a
pile of very fine fire tinder shavings from a dried
Mullein stalk. This crude cutting tool can be used
for a variety of other survival chores as well,
including field dressing small game or fish.
I then shaped the other half of the circuit
board into an arrowhead spear point, which I
lashed onto the end of a willow shaft using some
natural cordage I gathered. I scraped the edges of
this point against a smooth stone to sharpen it.
Ive made many makeshift gigs and spears in my
life, and I have no doubt that this point can do
some serious damage, either in self-defense or in
food procurement.
I was also able to make a backup gig by folding and pounding (using two rocks) a small, thin
piece of metal into another arrowhead-shaped
point. This is incredibly sharp and is very similar
to a makeshift broad head.
DECEMBER 2014
Probably the most valuable piece of a broken cell phone to a survivor is the battery.
Almost any battery can be short-circuited to
generate either a spark or a hot enough wire to
ignite flammable tinder. Fire can be used in a
survival situation to signal for help, boil water,
regulate core body temperature, make tools,
fend off predators, and cook food.
Everyone has seen the old, steel wool fire
trick. Steel wool ignites very quickly when
brushed across the positive and negative terminals on a cell phone battery, but it isnt likely
you are going to have some steel wool with you
in a survival situation.
However, I used thin wire that I found inside
a cell phone to connect (and short circuit) the
cell phone battery. It almost instantly turned
red hot when I touch it simultaneously to the
positive and negative terminals. I had to peel
off the batterys outer coating to do this. Make
sure you have your fire tinder ready because it
doesnt last long and is almost certainly a oneshot chance. This red-hot wire can be used to
ignite natural tinder such as dried seedpods, or
perhaps some pocket lint or a cotton ball.
96
FISHING LURES
As I looked at the pile of cell phone
parts in front of me, some looked surprisingly similar to fish tackle lures, so I
went to work and quickly created these
four fishing lures.
The most basic lure is a gorge. This is
a classic survival fishing hook, and rather
than hooking a fish, it gorges itself in the
fishs throat. It is simply a small sliver of
metal that is sharp on both ends. Primitive cultures often carved gorge lures
from bamboo and bone. It must be
baited in parallel with the fish line. Once
the fish swallows the bait and the line is
pulled taut, the gorge pivots on the line
and lodges itself in the throat. I counted
as many as 20 gorge lures in one phone.
With enough cordage, you could set out
several fishing lines to work for you.
DECEMBER 2014
97
The Future
is in the
Clouds
USING CLOUDS TO PREDICT THE WEATHER
DECEMBER 2014
Story by Ryan Lee Price | Photography by Richard Birt and Ryan Lee Price
98
CLASSIFICATION OF CLOUDS
From the ground, clouds can be divided
into four main groups based on their structure and location: cirrus, alto, stratus, and
cumulus. These basic forms may be present
simultaneously, evolve from one form to
another, and combine into various permutations, but elevation is a predominate factor in
classifying clouds: Cirrus clouds occur only in
the upper part of the troposphere, while stratus occur only at the lower levels. However,
the tops of cumulus clouds may thrust up to
the levels of cirrus territory, while the bases
are only a few hundred feet off of the ground.
HIGH-LEVEL CLOUDS
Why
Does
It Rain?
It is common to see a
cloud exist for a couple of
days without releasing
any rain, but on other
occasions, a heavy downpour will seem like it came
out of nowhere. Water
droplets in clouds form via
two processes that might
lead to rain: ice crystal
and capture.
Ice Crystal: When air
rises, it cools by expansion
and as it cools, relative
humidity increases. When
the air reaches saturation
(of moisture), cloud
droplets form.
Capture: As clouds
rise high into the sky, they
allow some moisture to
escape and as it falls, it
collides with other water
droplets to create larger
droplets in a cloud that is
not a rain cloud.
There are a variety of
methods that lead to
rainfall, but the most
common is coalescence,
where tiny water droplets
fuse with each other to
form larger and larger
droplets until their weight
is greater than the force of
air resistance that keeps
them aloft.
Depending on temperature and altitude of
the cloud, water droplets
can be as large as 5 mm in
diameter when they fall. A
large raindrop like this will
reach a terminal velocity
of around 20 mph when it
hits the ground.
Cirrostratus
Cirrocumulus
DECEMBER 2014
Cirrus
99
Altocumulus
DECEMBER 2014
Flash Floods
100
MEDIUM-LEVEL CLOUDS
Altocumulus: Meaning middle-layer
heaps, these differ from cirrocumulus in that
the bundles of clouds are larger, more
defined, and arranged in banks. It will
appear as though a fleece blanket has been
pulled across the sky.
Not to be confused with the mackerel
sky appearance of the cirrocumulus, the
Altostratus
LOW-LEVEL CLOUDS
Stratocumulus: Formed by air turbulence, these are a low cloud layer consisting
of large lumpy masses of a dull grey color.
LIGHTNING
SAFETY
Lightning occurs in all thunderstorms, and it is also a significant
threat to life, as it kills nearly
24,000 around the world each
year. The following lightning
safety rules are important.
> Lightning tends to strike the
tallest object in an area...make
sure it is not you. Remain in your
vehicle or an indoor location
whenever possible.
> If you are stuck outside and in a
vulnerable position (top of a hill,
etc.), crouch down to make yourself a poor lightning target. Do
not lie flat on the ground since
you will be more likely to be
severely shocked if lightning
strikes close to you.
Stratocumulus
DECEMBER 2014
Stratus
101
The Future
is in the
Clouds
Cumulus
Cumulonimbus
DECEMBER 2014
Nimbostratus
102
At
home in most
any environment,
the Volcano III is quick
to set up. Just a pull on
the handle out of the
box, and the legs snap
into place, ready to
start grilling.
Super
Grill
Master
Story and Photography by Ryan Lee Price
DECEMBER 2014
103
Grill Master
YOUR COOKING OPTIONS ARE LIMITED
TO WHAT IS AVAILABLE TO BURN AND THE
METHOD FOR BURNING IT.
1
2
3
4
DECEMBER 2014
104
10
around the grill for equal cooking temperatures, regardless of what part youre using,
though it wasnt too effective when we tried
it; the burner could stand to be a little larger.
When done, the upper ring collapses into
the lower ring for transport and storage. All
of the accessories fit inside of the 5-inch
high unit when collapsed, while there is a
pocket in the nylon, zippered bag to store
the grills, diffusion plate and heatshield Volcano lid. Coming in at 26 pounds, this grill
wont go with you on a backpack excursion,
but at its MSRP, it can be easily argued that
it is a much better grill than the $1,000 unit
sitting on your patio right now (and that
thing can only use one type of fuel).
Source
Family Storehouse
FamilyStorehouse.net
(888) 610-2250
PROS
> Quick warm up
times and efficient
use of the charcoal.
> Body of the Volcano
III stays cool, no
matter how hot the
grill is.
> Sleek design, small
storage space, and
quick set up.
CONS
> The diffusion plate
isnt too effective at
dispersing the
propane flame.
> Theres no way to
move the grill
besides the handle
(which may be hot).
> No way to adjust
the distance
between the coals
and the top grill to
maximize smaller
flames.
Brain Buster
DECEMBER 2014
DRDS SECURIS TACTICAL TOMAHAWK Story and Photography by Ryan Lee Price
106
Specs
Manufacturer: DRD Tactical
Model: Securis Tomahawk
Length: 1412 inches
Thickness: 38 inches
Weight: 30 ounces
Bit width: 234 inches
Blade material: 4140 steel
Handle material: Melanite
Handle cover: 550 paracord
Scabbard: Kydex
MSRP: $350
Contact
DECEMBER 2014
DRDTactical.com
107
A Roof Of
Polyethylene
17 WAYS TO MAKE A SHELTER FROM A TARP
DECEMBER 2014
108
TARP TRICKS
There are several different tips and tricks
that can be used to make your tarp shelter slightly more bearable, or at least,
combat some of the conditions that
might cause additional discomfort.
1. Reinforce folds with a taut length of
paracord staked at either end and running
along the inside of the fold. The cord will not
only keep the fold square but it will help keep the roof
from buckling in the wind.
2. Build up a foundation of earth (or snow or mud) that overlays
the outside edges of the tarp where it meets the ground. It will create a shelter against drafts pouring in from underneath the edges.
Note: The small trench on the insides provides a place for condensation to gather if it drips down the inside of the tarp.
3. A quick way to attach a length of paracord to the grommet of
a tarp that will add strength is to loop it around a stick. The stick
will hold the cord in place while distributing the tension on the tarp
over a wider area instead of on the grommet alone.
DECEMBER 2014
Tarp Shelters:
What Not To Do
109
A Roof Of
Polyethylene
DECEMBER 2014
110
10
11
12
DECEMBER 2014
111
A Roof Of
Polyethylene
13
14
15
16
DECEMBER 2014
17
112
13. Arrowhead
Construction of the Arrowhead
can start by supporting the center
of two perpendicular edges with
5-foot-long poles or by attaching
those edges to trees with paracord. The opposite corner gets
staked to the ground (or it is
where the other ends of the paracord meet). It creates a series of
four triangles, allowing for 5-feet
of headroom at the opening and
just over 7-feet of width (and 35.3
square feet of living space). The
flap hangs down for make for a
partial closure.
PROS: The low profile deflects
the wind, and it is very roomy.
CONS: The poles need to be supported by paracord tie-downs;
theres no floor and the flap only
partially covers the opening.
14. Barn Stall
Belonging to the Basic A-Frame
family of shelters, the Barn Stall
utilizes two to four five-foot poles
for support or two poles and a
paracord attached to two anchor
points. It is very similar to the
Fold-Over Wind Shed with the
front being supported by poles,
instead. The flat roof isnt very
efficient at shedding rain or
debris, and the single 90-degree
wall will be affected by the slightest breezes, so it is best to construct this shelter out of the wind.
It produces 50-square feet of living space, but has no floor and
only one wall.
PROS: Simple to build for a quick
sunshade
CONS: Not efficient in the rain or
wind; lacks floors and walls for
adequate protection from the
weather.
15. Shade Sail
Similar in concept to the Diamond Fly and the Basic A-Frame,
the Shade Sail is a quick shelter
that diagonally drapes the tarp
over a length of paracord
attached to two anchor points.
The opposite corners are staked
to the ground, providing a simple
shade shelter. Open and airy, the
overall square-feet of space
depends on how tall it is; the
lower the angles of the sides are,
the better it well be at deflecting
wind and the more shade it will
provide.
PROS: Provides all-day shade;
quick to set up; uses minimal
stakes.
CONS: Not weather resistant;
has no floor or flaps and will not
work well in the rain.
The
SOG
Jungle
Warrior
THIS IS NOT YOUR
DADDYS POCKETKNIFE
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN LEE PRICE
DECEMBER 2014
114
The sheath is
nylon, with an
adjustable strap and a
good-sized pocket on the
front. Its best feature is
that it is thin and lightweight, not bulky or
obtrusive.
Specs
Manufacturer: SOG Knives
Model: Jungle Warrior
URL: SOGKnives.com
Overall length: 1512 inches
Blade length: 10 inches
Blade width: 178 inches
Blade thickness: 1/6 inches
Blade material: 8CR13MOV
Rockwell hardness: 56-58
Handle material: Kraton
Handle thickness: 34 inches
Price: $80
Contact: SOGKnives.com
AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE
DECEMBER 2014
115
Gear Guide
LANTERNS
DECEMBER 2014
116
FROM PREHISTORIC TIMES, light has been a source of comfort for those who felt
stranded in the mysterious, foreboding darkness with the fear of the unknown surrounding them. They were at the mercy of their predators who had well adapted to seeing in the
dark. Eventually, fire provided warmth and a place to cook meals, but the light extended
the day and gave those that gathered around it a place to gather and tell stories or to further educate the tribe. Plus, light equals safety.
Fast forward to today, and stories are still told around the fire and light still wards off
that fear of the unknown. However, artificial light is more reliable and easier to summon,
thanks especially to the advent of modern lanterns. These five examples of quality
lanterns, ranging in price and amenities, does well to replace the gas/mantle lanterns of
yesteryear with battery/turbine/solar/USB power sources that will not only last a lifetime,
but are readily available for a wide variety of situations, from a mere campout in the backcountry to a full-scale nighttime evacuation in an emergency.
LANTERNS Gear
Guide
SOURCE:
DECEMBER 2014
Nitro-Pak
375 West 910 South
Heber City, Utah 84032
(888) 866-4876
Nitro-Pak.com
117
Gear
Guide
LANTERNS
EDITORS
PICK
Goal Zero LightHouse 250
This lantern offers the best of several different worlds when it comes to
rechargeable power. It offers three ways to recharge the batteries: via USB
plugged into any computer or USB outlet (cable included), via the solar
panel mounting on the lanterns top, or via the hand crank. Use the energy
to power the light, operate a flashing red beacon light that rings the hood
or to even charge a smartphone or tablet. The light is dual directional,
meaning you can light up one half or both sides. A full charge from the sun
or a USB takes about seven hours, while a turn on the crank for a minute or
two will give about 20 minutes of light. When fully charged however, the
batteries will last for 48 hours if the light is on low. MSRP: $79.99
DECEMBER 2014
SOURCE:
118
Family Storehouse
356 East State Street
American Fork, UT 84003
(801) 642-2292
FamilyStorehouse.com
LANTERNS Gear
Guide
Nitro-Pak
375 West 910 South
Heber City, Utah 84032
(888) 866-4876
Nitro-Pak.com
DECEMBER 2014
119
Gear
Guide
LANTERNS
SOURCE:
JHL Supply
P.O. Box 720
Fulton, NY 13069
800-537-1339
CampingSurvival.com
DECEMBER 2014
120
LANTERNS Gear
Guide
SOURCE:
JHL Supply
P.O. Box 720
Fulton, NY 13069
(800) 537-1339
CampingSurvival.com
DECEMBER 2014
121
Being
Self-Sufficient
DECEMBER 2014
CHECKLISTS FOR YOUR PREPPING PLANS Story by Larry Schwartz | Photography by Larry Schwartz and Ryan Lee Price
122
THE SECRET TO FOOD DURING AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, NO MATTER HOW LONG IT LASTS, IS TO KEEP IT SIMPLE.
SHELTER
The most important need of any
living creature is shelter. Shelter
from harm, from the weather, and
from the ongoing events in the
world around us. Without it all of
the other stresses in our lives get
magnified.
Some may advise that in a disaster situation, you should bug out to
wherever your emergency location
is, but in most cases your best
choice is really to stay where you
live. You already have all of your
supplies there, you have shelter in
place, your support system and
family are in place, and when the
grid comes back up you wont have
to return to your home or worry
about it having been ransacked
while you were gone.
Checklist:
Your home
It already provides protection from
the elements and stores all of your
other supplies and equipment
In the aftermath of most emergencies, the luxury of heading to the store for some supplies will
be out of the question. History has shown us that it takes less than a day for the shelves to be
emptied by the unprepared and panicky. [OPPOSITE] Although making it through an emergency
situation calls for a different set of skills and perspectives, most of the things you need you
already have at home. With a little effort, you can collect together the essential 35 items that
will serve you well in whatever life might throw at you and your family.
Checklist:
Sweeteners
COOKING
Condiments
(catsup, mustard, mayonnaise, relish,
salt and pepper, or anything else you
can get at your local fast food stores
or online)
Olive oil
(this can be added to a wide variety
of foods to enhance its flavor and to
add more calories)
FOOD
Dairy products
(powdered milk, wet milk (while it
can be kept cold), hard cheeses or
sealed and wrapped cheeses)
Drinks
(coffee, tea, cocoa, powdered drinks)
Canned food
(a variety with both starchy and nonstarchy vegetables, meats, fruit, and
soups)
Now that you have your foodstuffs in place, you will need a way
to prepare and serve them. If you
want to use your water for cleaning
dishes you can use what is already
in your kitchen cabinets, but most
likely you will want to keep your
water for drinking and possibly
bathing or laundry. Keep in mind
that you will need pots and pans to
cook in, utensils to prepare and eat
your food, and a stove of some sort
to heat it with.
DECEMBER 2014
123
Being
Self-Sufficient
[LEFT TO RIGHT] Discounting the important of personal hygiene and basic medical needs is putting you at a high risk for infection, germs, and disease. A decent set of tools that are versatile, rugged, and well-built will not only last a long time, but they can be relied on when needed most.
Besides basic tools like a hammer, screwdrivers, and pliers, consider a camp axe, gloves, heavy-duty flashlight and extra batteries. The moraleboosting comfort of a light source is important, but dont rely on just one. A pair of old candles and matches will outlast a battery-operated lantern.
Also include a lighter or two, and if you have the means, a crank-powered lantern. Emergency situations sometimes require unpleasant tasks that
might put you in contact with things you would normally stay far away from. A non-flushing toilet might need to be cleaned or a body moved.
Depending on the situation, you want to protect your health as much as possible by keeping on hand several pairs of medical-grade latex gloves
and a few particle masks.
Checklist:
Something to cook in
(pots and pans)
(paper plates, cups, napkins, and
towels plus plastic eating utensils you
can clean or dispose of)
Stove
(either a camping stove, backpacking
stove, or your backyard grill or fire pit)
DECEMBER 2014
WATER
124
Checklist:
Bottled water
Coffee filters
(Will serve you well to filter out particulate matter in water sources you
may need to use once supplies of
bottled water runs out)
POWER/ENERGY
Although most things that
require power are not necessities of
Power generators
Solar panels
LIGHT
The widespread use of the electric light had a major impact to daily
life of Americans in the 1800s. The
time available for doing things of
work and of leisure was instantly
lengthened and the day didnt end
when the sun went down. Being
able to see in the dark is also an
essential capability during an emergency, especially when they occur
after dark.
Checklist:
Flashlights
(Small handheld lights are easy to
store in each room of the house, a
headlamp is very useful as it gives
you light wherever you look without
tying up your hands)
Candles
(Candles have been used to light the
home for centuries and they still are
a good option; surrounding them
with a glass lamp or bowl will help
Behold, The
Versatile
Smartphone
Everything you get from your television, home computer, music system,
and land line telephone you can also
get from a smartphone. Here in the
Mid-Atlantic region, we get summer
power outages on a regular basis and
after my family and I got smartphones, the power outages didnt
impact our lives nearly as much as
before. With the right mix of apps you
can have at your fingertips:
> Current weather information
> Your email
> A working telephone
> Information from emergency management agencies
> Checklists for emergencies from the
Red Cross
> First aid instructions
> Music to keep your spirits up
> Movies to help pass the time
As for keeping it charged, you can top
it off each evening from your car battery, or do as I do on camping trips
and use extra batteries for Android
phones or extended life batteries for
iPhones. A solar panel is another
excellent way to keep your small electronics charged.
DECEMBER 2014
125
Being
Self-Sufficient
[LEFT] Toothpaste and soap are things that last forever, and having an opportunity to wash up or brush your teeth can be a mental boost to your
morale. [RIGHT] Washing plates uses precious water, so keeping a pile of paper plates on hand ensures your food can be kept as clean as possible.
Paper towels and toilet paper are always a welcome addition when nature calls.
Lanterns
(Either battery powered or the camping variety that run off of propane or
isobutane)
Candles
(Any open flame, as in a candle, will
provide some heat, and in a small
area can do much to take the chill off
the room)
Space heaters
(If cold does become an issue, a
propane-fueled space heater is a very
good option and not too expensive;
buy it during the summer though, as
they tend to get scarce once the cold
weather arrives)
DECEMBER 2014
Cooking and providing heat will be one of your more challenging tasks in an emergency situation and if you are used to doing everything on the electric or gas range in your kitchen you may be at a bit of a loss. Fortunately, you likely have at least one of the following at home, or can go out and get
one now.
126
SYSTEM
FUEL
COOKING USES
Camp stove
Isobutane fuel
Gas grill
Propane fuel
Charcoal grill
Wood stoves
Yes
Fireplace
Yes
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AD INDEX
DECEMBER 2014
Regularly used
cleaning products
and first aid equipmenthowever
basicwill stave
off infections, sanitize cooking utensils, and lessen the
devastating effect
of diseases that
proliferate in dirty
environments.
ADVERTISER
PAGE
Several different
sources of fuel, from
propane to gas to
charcoal, will ensure
you have a readily
available means to
cook, boil water, keep
warm and provide
light. A small camp
stove can be stored
in small spaces and
carried easily when
on the move.
DECEMBER 2014
128
MEDICAL
You can start with a basic first
aid kit to give you the band-aids and
ointments you need, then augment
it with more tape and gauze and the
things you need for more serious
problems like broken bones and
bleeding. Together with your augmented first aid kit you need to
make sure you get the training to be
able to use it effectively. This training can be taken from the American
Red Cross anywhere in the country.
Checklist:
Bandages
Hydrogen peroxide
Waterless hand sanitizer
Rubbing alcohol
Burn ointment
Compression bandages
Tourniquet
Antibiotics
Antiseptic
Pain killers
Anti-diarrheal
Anti-histamine
SANITATION
Often forgotten about when
planning for emergencies, but also
the most common cause of illness
during these times, sanitation is a
critical capability to be prepared for.
You need to be able to keep yourself
and your cooking materials clean at
all times.
Checklist:
Toilet paper
Bath soap
Waterless hand sanitizer
Bleach
Trash bags
Re-sealable plastic bags
Rubbing alcohol
Hydrogen peroxide
Plastic dish scrubbers
MISCELLANEOUS
Man is the tool-making animal, and
that is because we discovered long
ago that having some extra materials
or tools makes doing many things
much easier and makes the quality of
what we do much higher.
Checklist:
Basic hand toolshammers, screw
drivers, wrenches, pliers, saws, level,
tape measure
Pocketknife
Duct tape
Heavy work gloves
Biography: Larry Schwartz is an experienced prepper,
outdoorsman, and hunter who enjoys passing on his
knowledge of the outdoors and how to Be Prepared
through his writing and workshops.
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DECEMBER 2014
130
DEADEND
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