American Survival Guide - Doomsday 2017

FROM THE EDITORS OF AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE • DOOMSDAY
FROM THE EDITORS OF AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE

U.S. $9.99 • DISPLAY UNTIL 9/26/17
75
0 09281 01319 8
ENGAGED MEDIA INC.
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$1,422.05 KeyMod Bipod Thorntail M3M6

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DOOMD17_3 6/16/17 12:20 AM Page 3
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• BattleComp 1.5 $155.00 • BCMGUNFIGHTER™

KMSM KeyMod QD Sling
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Aluminum Rail, 3 Inch, Black . . $19.95
Aluminum Rail, 4 Inch, Black . . $24.95 $846.00
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PWS KeyMod Model 512
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Polymer Rail, 5 Slot. . . . . . . . . . $11.95 5.5 Inch Rail Panels, in Black, Flat Dark Earth, Model 552
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Hartland, WI U.S.A. / Toll Free: 1-877-BRAVO CO (1-877-272-8626) / Fax: 262-367-0989 / BravoCompanyMFG.com

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS
DOOMSDAY
10 15 TREMOROUS FACTS ABOUT EARTHQUAKES 102 THE SURVIVAL MINDSET

Learn more about major temblors and the damage In an uncertain world, your mindset could be the
they’ve caused. By Doomsday Staff best tool in your plan to survive. By John J.
14 THE RADIUS OF A NUCLEAR BLAST 110 DISASTER PREP FOR YOUR PET
Are you ready to survive? By George Kaplan Tips for keeping your animals safe when Mother
Nature strikes. By Wendy Wilson
26 NUKES: WHO HAS THEM? AND HOW MANY DO
THEY HAVE? 118 HOW THE SUPER RICH ARE PREPARING
This infographic illustrates which countries have For the wealthy, prepping may come down to
nuclear weapons at their disposal. By Doomsday Staff writing a check—but in some cases, it’s still not good
enough. By Chris Castro
28 NUCLEAR FALLOUT
Check out these chilling facts about nuclear bombs. 126 NO SERVICE? NO PROBLEM
By Doomsday Staff Create your own off-grid network with goTenna.
By Chris Castro
40 THE POWER TO SURVIVE
What you need to know about buying your first—or BUYER’S GUIDES
your next—portable generator. By Mike Landers 30 DOOMSDAY ESSENTIALS

20 survival products you should know about.
56 10 WAYS TO PREPARE NOW By Doomsday Staff
Don’t wait until it’s too late. By Cody Wyatt
50 DON’T BE LEFT IN THE DARK
64 OVERLOOKED COMPOUND DISASTERS Why a standby generator may be just for you.
How the magnification of anthropogenic and natural By Chris Castro
disaster can create a living hell. By Steve Thompson
DEPARTMENTS
72 LIKE NO OTHER 6 FROM THE EDITOR

More than an expedition vehicle, this mobile 130 FINAL DAYS
experience is one that will set the bar for decades to
come. By George Kaplan ABOUT THE COVER:
Photos: Model, Getty Images/zabelin; background, Getty

82 SOMETIMES YOU JUST WANT A CAN
MAIN: GETTY IMAGES/JUNG YEON-JE/STAFF; INSET: GETTY IMAGES/KANSAS CITY STAR/CONTRIBUTOR
Images/joruba
OF RAVIOLI Cover design: Malik Calimbas
Why junk food should be a part of your emergency Notes: Total number of warheads is approximate; source:
food plan. By Doomsday Staff Federation of American Scientists and www.icanw.org
88 EMERGENCY CASH
How much do you have? How much should you 40
have? By Doomsday Staff
92 BEFORE YOU A BUY THAT GAS MASK,

READ THIS
It can be the difference between your next breath
and your last. By Steve Thompson
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92
72 118
DOOMSDAY
DD-TOC-4-5_CX3.indd 5 6/28/17 5:50 AM

6 FROM THE EDITOR
DOOMSDAY
SITUATIONAL vs. SURVIVAL MINDSET

WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE?
Have you ever had a goal for a catastrophe are the survival and the desire to live yet another day.
that was so deep-seated mindset and the situational mindset. In addition, it’s about knowing
in your psyche that They overlap in certain aspects, but what you control—and what you
failure wasn’t an option? they are clearly different. don’t. It is a mindset that refuses to
Have you ever wanted let fear make decisions, and it’s an
something so badly that SURVIVE THE MOMENT internal force that keeps you fighting
you would do just about To have the survival mindset till the end.
anything to make it means you have the mental flexibility Take, for instance, Steven
happen? to deal with sudden or traumatic Callahan, who found himself
Recollect a certain goal situations. It is a mindset that shipwrecked and alone 34 years ago.
or objective that you aimed to revolves around short-term, mid- He spent 76 days on a life raft where
achieve. It may have been a raise term and long-term strategies. Every he lived by harvesting rainwater
or promotion at work, the goal complication is answered with a and eating raw fish. He had to face
of getting that brand new car, or solution. the most adverse conditions in
perhaps the desire to start a family. To have this mindset is to the middle of the Atlantic, and the
We can all go back in time and recall control your reaction to fear. It’s mental anguish and physical pain
those magical moments when we about being able to handle surprise were all overcome by having the
fulfilled our goals—and, to be honest, with a calculated response, and it’s survival mindset.
we should take that same approach about having resilience to danger
of determination and resilience when
it comes to survival. KNOW YOUR SITUATION
While the hardware, tools and On the flipside is situational
knowledge required for survival mindset. To have a situation mindset
are abundant, two of the most means that you understand your
overshadowed aspects of planning surroundings. It is one of the first
PHOTO BY ROBERT NICKELSBERG/GETTY IMAGES
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things you need to have in a survival scenario. Reading publications like
8
this or taking advice from a prepper 20,000 miles away is great, but you
EDITORIAL
have to be aware of your immediate environment.
DOOMSDAY
Doug Jeffrey Editorial Director

Though there’s a huge overlay of tactics and tools that can be used John Jarasa Editor
Wendy Wilson Managing Editor
regardless of your location, having situational awareness helps you
DESIGN
determine exactly what type of equipment will support your goals where Eric Knagg Design Director
Malik Calimbas Art Director
you are.
CONTRIBUTORS
Take this for instance: I have a friend who has about $120,000 Chris Castro, George Kaplan, Mike Landers,
Steve Thompson, Cody Wyatt
invested in bug-out equipment and supplies. He has a custom, off-road
ADVERTISING
vehicle equipped with all the bells and whistles, and an off-road trailer Gabe Frimmel Ad Sales Director
(714) 200-1930
with a tent and cook station. And when it comes to supplies such as gfrimmel@engagedmediainc.com
Casey Clifford Senior Account Executive
weapons, foods, water and first aid, he’s probably more equipped than (714) 200-1982
Mark Pack Senior Account Executive
a small hospital. From respirators to oxygen tanks, meds to tourniquets, (714) 200-1939
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pistols to assault rifles, it’s safe to say that he’s good to go. (714) 200-1931
John Bartulin Account Executive
(866) 866-5146 ext. 2746
John Cabral Advertising Design
BUT THERE’S ONE PROBLEM. Gennifer Merriday

Eric Gomez
Advertising Traffic Coordinator
Advertising Traffic Coordinator
HE LIVES BY THE WATER.

MARKETING
Elise Portale Content Marketing Manager
Michael Chadwick Digital Marketing & Media Coordinator
When I asked him about his bug-out plans, he said he would head Brooke Sanders Content Marketing Specialist
Eric Surber Content Marketing Specialist
to hills—Angeles National Forest to be exact. The problem that we saw Andrew Dunbar Videographer
OPERATIONS
with his plan was that, on a good day and with no traffic, it would take
Robert Short IT Manager
him about an hour and a half to get to his location of choice. If you were Parveen Kumar Newsstand and Circulation Analyst
Shailesh Khandelwal Subscriptions Manager
to take into consideration traffic, let alone a natural catastrophe and the Alex Mendoza Administrative Assistant
Victoria Van Vlear Intern Program Manager
possibility of a failed transportation grid, the questions remains, “How on
EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE
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This is where situational awareness comes in. Those who live by the www.gunworld.com
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mountains should have a different list of items in their program than the
DOOMSDAY is published by
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you plan to head out, and you have to equip yourself accordingly. In short, © 2017 by Engaged Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole
much of our friend’s more expensive equipment seems to be of little use or in part is strictly prohibited.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
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as to the legality, completeness or technical accuracy.
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DOOMD17_9 6/27/17 8:22 AM Page 9
10
DOOMSDAY
15
EARTHQUAKES
Tremorous facts about
With 42 states at risk of having an earthquake, there is no better time to get

prepared than yesterday. Below, we have compiled some disturbing facts about
earthquakes that should be enough to get you thinking about disaster preparedness,
increasing your emergency fund or simply stocking up on essential supplies.
1 3
THE BIG ONE!: In 2015, a forecast from the U.S. 10 PERCENT: According to the California Insurance
Geological Survey resulted in the experts upping the Department, only 10 percent of homeowners
likelihood that California will be hit an 8.0 magnitude currently have earthquake coverage. The decline in
earthquake in the next 30 years. The likelihood went from earthquake insurance was the result of its high cost and
4.7 percent to 7 percent, and scientists also mentioned the disbelief that it would ever be necessary.
that there is a 99 percent chance the state will be shaken
4
by a magnitude 6.7 quake. 20,000: That’s the number of earthquakes the
United States has per year. Though most of them
2
SO CAL vs. NOR CAL: There’s a 97 percent chance that a are small, some come in agonizing strengths that
6.7-magnitude trembler will hit Southern California. cause serious damage. Case in point, the great 1906 San
When you talk about larger quakes, however, such as Francisco earthquake, which, in modern times, would have
a 7.5-magnitude (which is 16 times more intense than a caused insured losses totaling $96 billion.
6.7 quake), there is a 37 percent chance that it will happen
GETTY IMAGES/PHOTO BY KELLY NIGRO
5
in Southern California and a 15 percent chance it will hit 70 PERCENT CHANCE IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN: That’s the
Northern California. percent probability that the San Francisco Bay area
will suffer an earthquake of a magnitude 6.7 or larger
over the next 30 years.
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12
6 10
1,000 YEARS FROM NOW: According to experts, the THE MOST
DOOMSDAY
chance of a 6.5 to 7.5-magnitude earthquake POWERFUL

striking the Northeast may occur “in the order of EARTHQUAKE:
thousands of years.” The 1960 Valdivia
earthquake, otherwise
7
350 MILES AWAY & STILL SHAKING: The 1906 San known as the Great
Francisco earthquake was so strong that it was felt Chilean earthquake,
350 miles away. In comparison, the New Madrid is known as the most
earthquake of December 1811 was so fierce that church powerful earthquake
bells in Boston were set off some 1,000 miles away. to have ever struck. It
registered a 9.4 to 9.6
8
EARTHQUAKES OF THE EAST: The largest recorded on various scales and
earthquake in the East was a 7.5 temblor that lasted 10 minutes.
struck Charleston, S.C. The quake happened in
11
1886 and killed over 60 people. Keep in mind, the risk of EARTHQUAKE WEATHER: Although backyard
an earthquake in the Northeast is not nearly as high as in scientists claim an association between weather
the West, but the seismically active region has seen its and earthquakes, this is false. Statistically,
fair share of turbulence, including a 6.0 earthquake that there has been an equal amount of earthquakes in cold
struck Boston in 1755 and a 5.8 temblor that struck the weather, hot weather and rainy weather.
northern part of New York State in 1944.
12
THE DEADLIEST QUAKE: The 1556 Shaanxi
9
THE NORTHRIDGE QUAKE: On Jan. 17, 1994, the earthquake in China is believed to have killed an
Northridge quake near Los Angeles became the estimated 830,000 people. Many of them deaths
most costly quake in U.S. history, causing an have been attributed to the size of the quake as well as
estimated $44 billion in total property damage. Included the pre-modern structures that collapsed and wiped out
in that number was $24.5 billion in insured losses in 2014 an area said to 500 miles wide.
dollars.
13
4 STATES TO DEFEAT THE ODDS: Between 1975 and
1995, there were four states that did not suffer
any earthquakes. Those states were Florida, Iowa,
North Dakota and Wisconsin.
14
200,000 DEAD: The Jan. 12, 2010, earthquake
in Haiti rolled in with a magnitude of 7.0 and
killed over 200,000 people according to Haitian
LEFT: GETTY IMAGES/PHOTO 24; TOP: GETTY IMAGES/SPENCER GRANT
government sources. By January 24, the preliminary

earthquake was followed up by a series of 52 aftershocks
measuring greater than a 4.5 magnitude.
15
20 SECONDS OF TERROR: Although the 1995 Kobe,
Japan, quake only lasted 20 seconds, it wreaked
enough havoc to kill more than 5,000 people
while leaving an additional 300,000 homeless because of
the more than 100,000 buildings which were destroyed.
The 1994 Northridge earthquake caused billions of dollars in damage,
including these cars that were smashed by the collapsed building. DD
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DOOMD17_13 6/16/17 12:34 AM Page 13
14
DOOMSDAY
The Radius of a
NUCLEAR
BLAST
ARE YOU READY TO SURVIVE?
> By George Kaplan
Of all mankind’s feats, the development of nuclear power may be one of the
most awe-inspiring, yet also the most polarizing.
The first inklings of scientific success came in the 1930s when physicist Enrico Fermi conducted experiments in
Rome that showed neutrons could split many kinds of atoms. This became the discovery of nuclear fission, in which
energy is created via the splitting of atoms, confirming Einstein’s famous “energy equals mass times the speed of light
squared,” or “E=MC2” theory.
This culminated in the birth of the self-sustaining critical reaction, in which atoms could be split to reach large
amounts of energy, ushering in the nuclear age when the concept of critical mass from uranium was demonstrated at the
University of Chicago in 1942.
Next came the legendary Manhattan Project, which developed nuclear power as a weapon for World War II. Two
nuclear bombs were dropped on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, killing 129,000 people and impacting the
landscape and environment for decades to come.
DD-Nuclear-14-18, 20,22,24.indd 14 6/20/17 10:56 PM

GETTY IMAGES/GALERIE BILDERWELT/CONTRIBUTOR
DOOMSDAY
15

16
DOOMSDAY
“THE BEST DEFENSE IS A THICK DEFENSE.”

View of the radioactive
As of now, this remains the only time least, you haven’t lately—but don’t let
ABOVE: GETTY IMAGES/HANDOUT; RIGHT TOP: GETTY IMAGES/YASUYOSHI CHIBA/STAFF; RIGHT: GETTY IMAGES/A. DEMOTES
plume from the atomic
nuclear bombs have been used in any war complacency be the reason you weren’t bomb dropped on Nagasaki
City, as seen from 9.6 km
or conflict, yet the raw destruction from the prepared. We will take a look at this away in Koyagi-jima, Japan,
on Aug. 9, 1945.
World War II bombings has left an indelible scenario from a survivalist stand point, as
mark on the world’s collective psyche. self-preservation is likely to be the only
World politics continue to be a fragile possible good to come out of this tragic
and unpredictable landscape, and it begs scenario.
the question, “Are you prepared to survive a
nuclear attack?”
In some cases, you simply have no KNOW THE BIG THREE
shot of survival, but do you know how to Understanding your chances of survival
best navigate this potential scenario if you starts and, well, pretty much ends here. The
do have a chance? Do you know where the three factors for protecting yourself from
nearest fallout shelter is to your home? Have radiation and fallout are distance, shielding
you talked to your family about what to do in and time. When planning for survival, these
the event of a nuclear attack? factors should be the ones you carefully—
Chances are you haven’t—or, at and seriously—consider.

AT-RISK
AREAS
How at risk is
your community
to facing nuclear
attack? Though
terror can certainly
strike anywhere,
it is important to
think about the
communities, cities,
states or areas that
would provide the
most value to an
attacking entity.
According to the
U.S. Department of
Homeland Security,
the following
communities are
the most likely to be
targeted:
v Major ports and

(Above) Members of Brazil’s Civil Defense take part in a simulated exposion of a radioactive device in a subway car.
airfields
v Petroleum
refineries, electrical
(Below) A ramshackle shelter will be of little help if you’re in the nuclear blast zone.
power plants and
chemical plants
v Strategic missile
sites and military
bases
v Centers of
government such as
Washington, D.C.,
and state capitals
v Important
transportation and
communication
centers
v Manufacturing,
industrial,
technology and
financial centers
DOOMSDAY
17

18
DOOMSDAY
v Distance: Put as much distance flat roof of a building. These areas collect
between yourself and the fallout particles the fallout the worst.
as possible. Once a blast has detonated,
it is designed to spread radioactive v Shielding: The best defense is a thick
particles across the areas in and out of defense. Taking cover inside an area laden
the blast radius. You have to get space with concrete, thick walls, safes, bricks,
from your radioactive invaders, so it is books and anything else that provides
best to head to an underground area, such density optimizes your chance of making
as a home or office building basement. it through the blast and the fallout
Given the likelihood of concrete and rebar afterwards, which can last anywhere from
construction, this option offers more 24 hours to months depending on your
protection than you would have on the first proximity to the explosion. In addition,
floor of a building. protective clothing and air respirators are
If a basement isn’t an option, a floor part of the shielding plan when it finally is
near the middle of a high-rise building might time to come out of your safe place.
be a decent second option, but you have to
consider the environment around that area v Time: Your greatest asset in surviving
in terms of how possible it is that significant nuclear fallout is time—if you are lucky
fallout particles might collect. One of the enough to have it on your side, that is. When
Atomic bomb damage in
worst places you could end up would be the it comes to fallout radiation, it actually Hiroshima in 1945.
DD-Nuclear-14-18, 20,22,24.indd 18 6/22/17 6:29 AM

DOOMD17_19 6/16/17 12:36 AM Page 19
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online retailers
Step 2: Fill out the form STATE ZIP E-MAIL

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found at 14DayKit.com).
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UPC (12 digits) Please list individual UPC with purchase price in space below:
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20
DOOMSDAY
This colorized image illustrates the desolation and dilapidated structures following the atomic bombing of Japan in 1945.
loses its intensity fairly rapidly. If you are in a shelter, just affect the spread of radioactive particles. Geography
be patient, because eventually, you will be able to leave. and topography can also have a hand in the amount of
Scientists believe that radioactive fallout poses the potential destruction caused.
greatest threat to people during the first two weeks, by Also, remember that the blast wave travels
which time it has declined to about 1 percent of its initial significantly slower than the detonation flash, so debris
radiation level. and particles could be flying hazardously through the air
Though these three survival factors certainly fall long after the initial bang. Because this article is more
under the common sense umbrella, panic can often centered on blast radius, we won’t go into the long-term
prevent clear thinking, so remember the big three if you environmental effects of nuclear fallout, but the obvious
find yourself in the scenario of a blast. lessons of Chernobyl and Japan are certainly valuable
GETTY IMAGES/SMITH COLLECTION/GADO/CONTRIBUTOR
The weather is a variable, as wind and rain greatly learning experiences.
“YOUR GREATEST ASSET IN SURVIVING NUCLEAR

FALLOUT IS TIME—IF YOU ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO
HAVE IT ON YOUR SIDE, THAT IS.”

DOOMD17_21 6/16/17 12:38 AM Page 21
22
THE BLAST RADIUS
DOOMSDAY
This chart is an approximation of the damage done from the World War II bombings of Japan in the cities of
Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
COMPLETE DESTRUCTION
1m/1.6km
SEVERE DAMAGE
1.25m/2km
HYPOCENTER
Light damage
HYPOCENTER
(3.5 miles/5.6 kilometers)
Moderate damage
(2 miles/3.2 kilometers)
Severe damage
(1.25 miles/2 kilometers)
Complete destruction
(1 mile/1.6 kilometers)
*Radius in miles/kilometers
from hypocenter
MODERATE DAMAGE
LIGHT DAMAGE 2m/3.2km
3.5m/5.6km
The illustration gives a good example of what is likely the structure falling down on you or being hit by debris.
to happen in the primary zone of a nuclear explosion, The secondary zone can be found between a 3.5-
and it should be noted that this is directed at buildings to 12-mile radius of the blast. It carries danger from
and infrastructure. If you are caught in the primary zone particles and flying debris in a storm that can last for an
without shelter, you are not likely to survive the initial undeterminable amount of time. For instance, a firestorm
blast. Within the 1- to 2-mile radius, you are still likely to broke out as an after effect of the World War II bombing of
succumb to the effects of the initial blast—even if it is from Hiroshima, destroying 4.4 square miles.

ASG-1706-Ready Made Resources 2/27/17 12:43 PM Page 1
DOOMD17_23.indd 23 6/16/17 12:40 AM

24 LIKELY OUTCOMES FROM NUCLEAR BLASTS
The below chart depicts likely outcomes from nuclear blasts from 1 kiloton bombs to 1 megaton bombs.
DOOMSDAY
Explosive Yield/Height of Burst

EFFECTS
1 kt/200m 20 kt/540 m 1 Mt/2.0 km 20 Mt/5.4 km
Blast—Effective Ground Range GR/km
Urban areas completely leveled (20 psi or 140 kPa) 0.2 0.6 2.4 6.4
Destruction of most civilian buildings (5 psi or 34 kPa) 0.6 1.7 6.2 17
Moderate damage to civilian buildings (1 psi or 6.9 kPa) 1.7 4.7 17 47
Railway cars thrown from tracks and crushed (62 kPa;

values for other than 20 kt are extrapolated using the ~0.4 1.0 ~4 ~10
cube-root scaling)
Thermal Radiation—Effective Ground Range GR/km
Conflagration 0.5 2.0 10 30
Third degree burns 0.6 2.5 12 38
Second degree burns 0.8 3.2 15 44
First degree burns 1.1 4.2 19 53
Effects of Instant Nuclear Radiation—Effective Slant Range SR/km
Lethal total dose (neutrons and gamma rays) 0.8 1.4 2.3 4.7
Total dose for acute radiation syndrome 1.2 1.8 2.9 5.4
Plan for Shelter: If your place doesn’t have a

WHAT YOU CAN DO basement, talk to a neighbor on your street about using
Given the amount of factors that can dictate your theirs. If that is not an option, find out where the nearest
chances of survival, here are the things you can do to be fallout shelter is. Think about things like blankets and
as prepared as possible. changes of clothes, too, should you get contaminated.
Store Food and Water: Experts recommend storing at Make a Family Plan: You may not get the chance to
least two weeks of food and water. Think of pre-packaged talk to loved ones during the chaos of a blast and, in light
foods that won’t spoil and can be eaten at room of that, a pre-bug-out plan should be made. Everyone
temperature, as access to heat may be restricted by an will most likely have to fend for themselves, but setting a
electromagnetic pulse, or EMP. This side effect of nuclear meeting point might be a good idea if everyone is able to
bombs may knock out power to your grid. hide out during the more dangerous times.
Store a Hand Cranked Radio/Batteries: Should radio Is this the ultimate prepper’s scenario? Probably.
communications of any kind resume, you need to be A nuclear blast is something that will affect all
able to access it to inform you of the state of your area. humankind, the environment and the world as we
Again, with an EMP event likely, you will need something know it. You can only be so prepared in a dire situation
that can connect remotely and become your source for like this—and, perhaps, prevention is actually the best
information. preparation. DD

DOOMD17_23 6/16/17 12:43 AM Page 25
26
NUKES: WHO HAS THEM? AND HOW MANY DO THEY HAVE?
DOOMSDAY
Though the total number of nuclear weapons throughout the world has decreased in the past 25 years, the amount remaining may shock
you. Countries generally hold the number of weapons they have as national secrets. The numbers below, however, have been acquired
through a careful analysis of historical records, deep investigation of public information as well as occasional leaks. Needless to say, the
numbers are quite remarkable when you consider the damage a single warhead can create.
Source: Federation of American Scientists and www.icanw.org
UNITED KINGDOM
In 2016, Parliament
voted to overhaul its
nuclear forces. The
UK retains a stockpile
of 215 thermonuclear
warheads, of which 120
are operational as of 2016.
The country has refused to
declare the exact size of
its arsenal.
UNITED STATES
215 warheads
The first country to use
nuclear weapons for
war at Hiroshima and
Nagasaki. Was also the
first to develop nuclear FRANCE
weapons while spending In 2008, France reduced
more on its nuclear its aircraft-deliverable
arsenal than all other nuclear weapon stockpile
countries combined. (which currently consists
of 60 TN 81 warheads)
6,800 by a third (20 warheads)

and bring the total French
warheads nuclear arsenal to 300
warheads.
300
warheads
Grand Total: Between 14,895 and 14,915 warheads
DD-Nuclear World-26-27_CX.indd 26 6/28/17 2:48 AM

CHINA
Has the second smallest yet slowly growing
arsenal in comparison with the US and Russia. RUSSIA
According to some estimates, the country could Has the largest arsenal of any country and is heavily
more than double the number of warheads on investing in the modernization of its warheads and
missiles that could threaten the United States delivery systems. Was the second country to develop
by the mid-2020s. nuclear weapons behind the United States.
260 warheads 7,000 warheads
PAKISTAN
One of nine states to possess nuclear weapons, Pakistan
is the only Muslim majority country to do so. Its program
started in ’72 in response to the loss of East Pakistan in
1971’s Bangladesh Liberation War.
120 to 130 warheads NORTH KOREA

Arsenal probably
comprises fewer than
10 warheads and has
a fledgling nuclear
weapons program.
10
warheads
ISRAEL
Israel has a policy of
ambiguity in relation to its
nuclear arsenal and was
the sixth country in the
world to develop them.
As a result, there is little
public information or
debate about it. INDIA
In 1999, India was
80 warheads estimated to have 800 kg

of separated reactor-grade
plutonium, with a total
amount of 8,300 kg of
civilian plutonium, enough
for approximately 1,000
nuclear weapons.
110 to 120
warheads
DD-Nuclear World-26-27_CX.indd 27 6/28/17 2:48 AM

28
CHILLING FACTS ABOUT NUCLEAR BOMBS

DOOMSDAY
The topic of nuclear warfare and bombs is both terrifying and fascinating. As kids, we may have been intrigued to watch them deployed
in movies, but as we get older and have families of our own, the subject has become downright scary. Here are some chilling facts about
nuclear bombs that will leave you at the edge of your seat.
1,000,000 Tons of TNT

The equivalent of a 1-megaton bomb. The warhead
itself would weigh 1,000 pounds and cost about
$300,000 to make.
22 SECONDS
How long the flash of a nuclear bomb
HIGH ALERT
Of the thousands of
nuclear weapons in
would last. People 10 miles away would existence, 2,500 are
receive second-degree burns. on high alert, which
means they are ready to
be fired at a moment’s
notice.
Who detonated the

largest bomb?
120,000
LITTLE BOY AND
The “Tsar Bomba,” also know THE FAT MAN
as the RDS-220, is the biggest, 15 and 20 kilotons is how
much energy “Little Boy”
most powerful thermonuclear and “Fat Man” yielded while
The combined estimate of people detonated over Hiroshima and
who were killed during the Hiroshima
bomb ever detonated. The Nagasaki. Combined, both of
and Nagasaki bombings over 70 hydrogen bomb was exploded those bombs had the force of
years ago during World War II. roughly 20,000 tons of TNT.
by the Soviet Union in 1961
over Navaya Zemlya Island in
the Russian Arctic Sea.
DD-Nuclear Fallout-28-29.indd 28 6/20/17 11:12 PM

2,700 IT WOULD TAKE
The estimated number of U.S.
3,333
nuclear weapons that have
been retired and are waiting
to be dismantled. Believe it
or not, there is a backlog for
The Mushroom dismantling weapons. HIROSHIMA BOMBS …
to build just one 58-megaton
It takes 10 minutes for
the mushroom cloud of a “Tsar Bomba,” the most powerful
nuclear explosion to reach its thermonuclear bomb ever
maximum height. In total, it detonated.
would be 16 miles high and
roughly 30 miles across.
The U.S. and Russia

85 percent of the 2,475
nuclear weapons denoted
540,000° FAHRENHEIT
The estimated temperature 405
MPH
at the center of the Hiroshima
explosion, 300 times hotter
worldwide were from the than the temperature used to
cremate bodies.
United States and former
The speed winds will reach
Soviet Union. within a 1-mile radius of a
1-megaton bomb
DD-Nuclear Fallout-28-29.indd 29 6/20/17 11:12 PM

30
DOOMSDAY
GETTY IMAGES/BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/STAFF
DD-Essentials-30-39_CX.indd 30 6/27/17 1:07 AM

Doomsday
Essentials
FROM TOOLS AND PORTABLE SHELTERS TO
ALL-IN-ONE SURVIVAL KITS, THESE 20 ITEMS
SHOULD BE IN YOUR CACHE OF PREPPER GEAR.
> By Doomsday Staff Photos courtesy of manufacturers
With thousands of survival products available in the market, the

staff at Doomsday put together a list of some of their favorites. It’s a
compilation of some cool products that will make your next camping
trip—or emergency situation—a more pleasant one to say the least.
DOOMSDAY
31

32 DOOMSDAY ESSENTIALS
DOOMSDAY
2
4 3
1. DON’T LET ANYONE – OR ANYTHING – 3. A STRAW FOR LIFE
SNEAK UP ON YOU!
There’s no telling what can happen while out hiking,
camping or bugging out, but the one thing that is for
If you’re headed for the hills, there’s nothing more nerve certain is that you will need water to survive. Thanks to the
racking than not knowing what’s around you while you LifeStraw and its two-stage filtration process, the unit will
sleep. Well, thanks to this nifty portable motion perimeter filter out 99.9999 percent of waterborne bacteria and 99.9
system by Dakota Alert, you need no longer be concerned. percent of waterborne protozoa. You can have peace of
It operates on one 9v battery and has a transmission range mind and a second shot at drinking clean water.
of a half-mile. On top of that, you can use the alert system www.lifestraw.com
to monitor up to four zones, which makes this a must have.
4. MORE THAN JUST A BRACELET

www.northerntool.com
2. BUILT FOR EVERYDAY HEROES

Those in the loop know the true use and value of a
paracord in emergency situations. These bracelets by
If you’re looking for a portable toolbox that can fit in your Militactical feature a double cobra 550-pound max rated
pocket, than look no further than Leatherman’s MUT EOD. load paracord survival bracelet fitted with a stainless steel
This well-constructed tool provides needle-nose pliers, black shackle. When unwound, it sports 11 feet of cord,
electrical crimpers, saw, and Bolt Override Tool, along with which is more than useful.
the essential Phillips and flat head, just to name a few. www.militactical.com
www.leatherman.com
DD-Essentials-30-39.indd 32 6/20/17 1:11 AM

5. YOU CAN BANK ON
Whether for recreational, or
emergency purposes, the
Solar Power Bank can keep
you charged up—literally. With
a 150-watt max load and a
20-watt solar charge capacity,
cameras, laptops and phones
can easily be powered or
charged. To make things easier,
you can charge your solar pack
via car charger, at home with
the AC plug and, of course,
with the sun. With those three
options, it’s virtually impossible
to run out of juice.
www.bigfoottents.com
6. LIKE NOTHING YOU’VE SEEN BEFORE

A cross between a mountain bike and a lightweight compact
motorcycle, a Motoped can be a versatile and fuel-efficient
way of getting around town. Just think, 250 to 300 miles
without filling up. Better yet, the Motoped can double as a
standard pedaled bicycle, thus giving you the option to travel
with less noise while also giving you the comfort in knowing
that even if you have no gas, you’ll get where you need to be.
www.motoped.com
DOOMSDAY
33

DOOMSDAY
7. DON’T KICK THE BUCKET!

BCB’s 72HR Survival Kit consists of 32 essential items—33 if you count the bucket itself to
serve as a washbasin or portable restroom. The bucket keeps things simple and organized
when times aren’t. If all else fails, the kit even provides a copy of the “SAS Survival Guide”
to help you get through, or to provide some reading material to pass the time.
www.bcbadventure.com

8. THE POCKET CHAINSAW
The pocket Chainsaw is made of high-strength, heat- 10. CHARGE YOUR PHONE WITH FIRE?
treated steel and coated for rust resistance. Weighing in at Efficiency is key when it comes to survival. Just when you
less than 5 ounces with a total length of 28 inches when think fire can only be used for warmth and cooking, the
uncoiled, this handsaw can cut 3-inch-diameter limbs in heat from the fire itself can also be utilized as an energy
less than 10 seconds. source. With Biolite’s CampStove 2, you’re now able to
www.pocketchainsaw.com prepare smokeless wood-fired meals or boil water while
simultaneously charging devices. Powered by none other
than the wood sticks or branches around you, refueling
both yourself and your devices just got easier with the
CampStove 2.
www.bioliteenergy.com
9. BACK TO BASICS 11. A PATRIOTIC CAMPER

Though not as excessive as other kits, the Bear Gryll’s This contemporary camper holds true to both form and
kit provides you with just the right necessities needed to function. It is fit for remote adventures without the total
get the job done. There’s nothing wrong with going back compromise of comfort. The X2 is fitted with a heavy-
to the basics, and that’s exactly what you’re looking at duty deep cycle battery and will keep you powered up at
with this kit. This eight-piece kit comes with a waterproof your site for a couple days. The unit comes with a range of
bag, sewing kit, Gerber mini paraframe knife, emergency options, including a popup rooftop and integrated tents,
DOOMSDAY
whistle, fire starter, snare wire, emergency cord and cotton pressurized water system, slide-out gas cooker and a
ball for fire tinder. 50-liter slide-out fridge.
www.gerbergear.com www.patriotcampers.com
35

DOOMSDAY
12
13 14
12. GO-DOME
A step up from your run-of-the-mill tent, Go-Dome’s
Standard Tent is an inflatable planetarium that is inflated
by a simple carpet fan. The dome is also capable of cables, food and water, and more, it’s an essential that
providing a constant supply of fresh air keeping occupants will offer peace of mind.
nice and cool. A great option for families who may need to www.wisefoodstorage.com
occupy the little ones for a couple hours, or for those who
14. BE ARMED AGAINST THE FORCES

don’t want to deal with the hassle of setting up a tent.
Just plug it in and you’re ready to go, but be sure to have a
power source. When it comes to life and death situations, you want
www.go-dome.com to align yourself with the best of the best to keep you
safe and secure. Survive-A-Storm is the world’s leading
13. WISE ALL-IN-ONE AUTO KIT

manufacturer of FEMA 320-compliant storm shelters and
bunkers. If that isn’t enough to convince you, it’s also the
With so much focus on prepping at home, what happens if same company that our United States Armed Forces use
disaster strikes when we’re miles away? The answer is the for bunkers. The 6-foot wide, underground, off-the grid-
Wise All-In-One Auto kit. Stash it in your trunk and have bunker can be configured in a nearly unlimited number of
the peace of mind knowing that you can know trek your length and width configurations to fit your needs.
way back home. Complete with a 13-foot tow rope, jumper www.survive-a-storm.com

15. ZIPPO HAND WARMER
Enjoy up to 12 hours of comfortable, flameless warmth with
Zippo’s new hand warmer. Reusable, low odor and virtually
pollution free, Zippo’s sleek and compact hand warmer is a
top contender and one of the most powerful hand warmers
on the market. Say goodbye to disposable warmers, and
give your hands the warmth and comfort the need.
www.zippo.com
16. A BANG THAT CAN SAVE

YOUR LIFE
Distress signals are a way to improve
your chances of rescue and survival. The
Tru Flare is a pen-sized flare that fires up
to 150 feet high and is as bright as 215-
60W light bulbs. The 115 decibel rapport
of the Bear-Banger flares are used for
audible signaling and project up to 130
feet to provide wide-area coverage. With
this kit, you can be both seen and heard
from miles away. With that, you have a
greater chance of being noticed and to
send help your way.
www.truflare.ca
DOOMSDAY
37

DOOMSDAY
17. A MOBILE ROOM FOR TWO

The HEO T3 is another economical option for those looking
into a trailer. Equipped with 57-cubic-foot tub constructed of
double-wall aluminum composite and aluminum studs, the
trailer weights in only at 550 pounds. Lightweight means easy to
haul and easy on gas. Sitting atop the trailer is a mold resistant,
breathable 56-by-96-inch rooftop tent that sleeps two on a high-
density washable mattress. You got to start somewhere, and for
those less experience when it comes to trailers, the HEO T3 is
simplicity at its finest.
www.heoutfitters.com
18. WISE COMPANY 5 DAY SOLAR PACK

Wise Company’s solar backpack and five-day survival kit comes
complete with survival supplies, long-term food products and
power. The bag includes 32 servings of various foods, water
pouches, portable stove, first aid kit, waterproof matches
and more. Perfect for those who don’t want to deal with the
headache of piecing a kit together, this pack also features a built
in 4.4-watt waterproof solar panel system that can supply power
to your GPS, phone or computer via the USB port.
www.wisefoodstorage.com

19. DIG YOURSELF OUT
OF TROUBLE
Less can be more if you’re resourceful and
smart about the gear you carry. Fivejoy’s
Military Shovel is definitely at the top of our
list of gear to have. With multifunctional
features such as a shovel, axe, hoe, saw,
hammer, rescue knife, wire cutter, bottle
opener, fire starter, whistle, glass breaker,
paracord, there’s no arguing that this shovel
is more than its cut out to be.
www.fivejoy.com
20. WATERPROOF & WINDPROOF MATCHES

Trying to start a fire with a wet match is much like playing pool with a
wet noodle. Titan Stormproof Matches are the answer. With a burn time
of up to 25 seconds, these are one of the most reliable matches on the
market. Windproof and waterproof, the matches will relight after being
submerged in water. The kit includes 12 matches, three replaceable strikers,
a waterproof case that floats and a cord that attaches to a lanyard.
www.ucogear.com DD
DOOMSDAY
39

40
DOOMSDAY
GETTY IMAGES/MONKEYPICS
DD-Generators 40-48.indd 40 6/20/17 11:21 PM

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BUYING YOUR
FIRST—OR YOUR NEXT—PORTABLE GENERATOR.
> By Mike Landers
Human nature can certainly have an impact on our daily interactions, but nothing
can affect our daily lives more than good ‘ol Mother Nature. From earthquakes
to tsunamis, floods to fire, the power of nature can be awesome to witness yet
disastrous to our daily needs.
Take electricity, for example. A simple windstorm, heat wave or thunderstorm can cause extreme power outages that
can last for days, but what if something bigger happened, like an earthquake? Would you be prepared?
At one point in time, I wasn’t, but now I am. After finding myself the victim of a seven-day power outage at my residence,
I began to see just how fragile our needs can be. With no cash in my wallet, I found my debit card was useless at local retailers
because their credit card machines were down. With little food in my fridge because I hadn’t gone grocery shopping, I was
forced to ask my neighbor if he had extra. If that’s not enough, I had no air conditioning during a harsh summer and no Internet
access, and the traffic was so backed up by the signal light outages that it was pointless to go anywhere.
The POWER
to SURVIVE
DOOMSDAY
41

42
DOOMSDAY
What was certainly a humbling formats: portable and standby. For this New York City police
officers and residents
experience was also a learning experience in article, we will be going over the portable keep warm before a fire
in the blacked-out area of
being better prepared for whatever life may type. Generators are available in different Oakwood Beach on Staten
Island, N.Y..
bring—even something as small as a power sizes and power outputs. Similar to how it’s
outage. After my last experience, I went out important to always use the right tool for the
and bought a generator and, since then, I job, consider the size of generator that will
have purchased two more. best suit your needs. Understanding your
Generators provide a sense of comfort personal and potential needs is the most
and stability by providing power when the crucial step of the buying process.
power grid is knocked out. They can also
prove to be a lifesaving tool as a portable
companion.
CONSIDER THE PHOTO CREDIT PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES; (OPPOSITE) MARIO TAMA/GETTY IMAGES
What follows is a general overview POWER SOURCE

of generators to help you gain an Generators get their power from
understanding of the products in the different sources, including diesel, gasoline
marketplace. From what they can power to and natural gas. Portable generators typically
what they can’t, this installment will give you use propane and gasoline. Though gasoline
piece of mind when it comes to deciphering generators are most common, propane
the complicated task of buying your first—or variants also have much to offer. Some
your next—generator. generators can use both gas and propane as
a source of power.
Consider these points when selecting
TYPES OF GENERATORS between a gasoline- or propane-powered
Generators typically come in two generator:

❖ Gasoline is more expensive than ensuring proper usage and overall product Cables run from a generator
into a Financial District
propane enjoyment. building that flooded during
Superstorm Sandy in lower
❖ Propane generators have a more Manhattan in New York
City. Many of the office
complicated fuel delivery system, thus
KNOW YOUR WATTAGE NEEDS
towers in the low lying
resulting in a higher chance of failure Financial District which
flooded remain closed due
❖ Gasoline has a higher pollution rate Generator wattage is another crucial to damage to heating and
electrical infrastructure.
during combustion factor to consider. Luckily, it just takes some Many other buildings in the
area are being powered by
❖ Storage of gasoline can be costly, and basic math to help you get a general idea
generators.
some local ordinances limit how much of what size generator will work for you and
fuel a homeowner can store your household.
❖ Gasoline has a shelf life of roughly a year, Generators are generally sold by
PHOTO CREDIT PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES; (OPPOSITE) MARIO TAMA/GETTY IMAGES
but propane is indefinite wattage. An entry-level backup generator

provides an output between 7 to 12 kW, which
can power a refrigerator, two lighting circuits
PORTABLE MEANS PORTABLE and an oven. From there, if you need a bit
Portable generators come in varying more to get by, a 48 kW unit will be capable
weights and sizes, so this is certainly of sustaining full power for your household. If
something that needs to be examined you’re still unsure of just how many kilowatts
before making your purchase. If you cannot you need, consult a licensed professional to
lift or roll your generator to the necessary walk you through it.
DOOMSDAY
location, then there’s no use in having a Here is a brief chart of some typical
portable generator. If you want a more items you might be looking to power:
permanent generator, you can find those as ❖ Microwave: 600 to 1,200 watts
well, but obviously portability is the key to ❖ Refrigerator: 600 to 1,200 watts 43

44
DOOMSDAY
❖ Washing machine: 1,200 watts TAKE ACTION

❖ 1/3-hp sump pump: 800 watts Hopefully this guide has helped you become more
❖ Television: 300 watts informed on what type of portable generator fits your
❖ Portable heater: 1,500 watts needs.
❖ Window air conditioner: 1,000 watts The next step is to apply this knowledge and get
❖ 10,000-BTU air conditioner: 1,500 watts yourself equipped with the proper generator of your
❖ Lights: 60 to 600 watts choice. After all, you don’t want to find yourself among
❖ Laptop computer: 250 watts the crowds racing to the nearest big box retailer to
This is a basic rundown of what an average purchase a generator or—worst of all—getting there too
household can expect to need. Your actual items may be late and finding yourself out of luck. Life never stands
different. Be practical and realistic in having the absolute still regardless of what happens, so be sure to stay
bare necessities when caught in an emergency crisis. prepared. DD
‘‘GENERATORS PROVIDE A SENSE OF COMFORT AND STABILITY

... THEY CAN ALSO PROVE TO BE A LIFESAVING TOOL AS A
PORTABLE COMPANION.’’
SHANE KEYSER/KANSAS CITY STAR/MCT VIA GETTY IMAGES
With storm clouds looming overhead,

Stewart Munson of St. Louis checked
to see if his sister’s generator could be
salvaged after a tornado swept through
the heart of Joplin, Mo.
DD-Generators 40-48_CX.indd 44 6/27/17 1:18 AM

GENERATOR SAFETY
Portable generators carry certain risks with them. The evaluated before using. Power off and do not use any electrical
Occupational Safety and Health Administration has highlighted equipment that has strange odors or begins smoking.
four important hazards to consider when operating a portable
generator, including shock and electrocution, carbon monoxide Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a
poisoning, fires, and noise and vibration injuries. colorless, odorless, toxic gas that can cause sickness or death.
Many people have died from CO poisoning because their
Shock and Electrocution: The electricity generators create has
generator was not adequately ventilated. To avoid carbon
the same dangers as normal utility-supplied electricity. It also
monoxide poisoning:
has additional hazards because generator users often bypass
the safety devices (such as circuit breakers) that are built into ❖ Never use a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces such as
electrical systems. To reduce shock and electrocution hazards, garages, crawl spaces or basements. Open windows and doors
practice the following precautions: may not prevent CO from building up when a generator is located
in an enclosed space.
❖ Never attach a generator directly to the electrical system
of a structure (home, office, trailer, etc.) unless a qualified ❖ Make sure a generator has 3 to 4 feet of clear space on all
electrician has properly installed the generator with a transfer sides and above it to ensure adequate ventilation.
switch. Attaching a generator directly to a building’s electrical
❖ Do not use a generator outdoors if its placement near doors,
system without a properly installed transfer switch can energize
windows and vents could allow CO to enter and build up in
wiring systems for great distances. This creates a risk of
occupied spaces.
electrocution for utility workers and others in the area.
❖ If you or others show symptoms of CO poisoning—dizziness,
❖ Always plug electrical appliances directly into the generator headaches, nausea, tiredness—get to fresh air immediately
using the manufacturer’s supplied cords or extension cords
and seek medical attention. Do not re-enter the area until it
that are grounded (3-pronged). Inspect the cords to make sure
is determined to be safe by trained and properly equipped
they are fully intact and not damaged, cut or abraded. Never
personnel.
use frayed or damaged extension cords. Ensure the cords are
appropriately rated in watts or amps for the intended use. Do Fire Hazards: Generators become hot while running and remain
not use underrated cords—replace them with appropriately hot for long periods after they are stopped. Generator fuels
rated cords that use heavier gauge wires. Do not overload a (gasoline, propane, etc.) can ignite when spilled on hot engine
generator; this can lead to overheating which can create a fire parts. To keep fire hazards to a minimum, consider the following:
hazard. ❖ Before refueling, shut down the generator and allow it to cool.
❖ Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), especially ❖ Gasoline and other generator fuels should be stored and
where electrical equipment is used in or around wet or damp transported in approved containers that are properly designed
locations. GFCIs shut off power when an electrical current is and marked for their contents, and vented.
detected outside normal paths. GFCIs and extension cords with
❖ Keep fuel containers away from flame producing and heat
built-in GFCI protection can be purchased at hardware stores,
generating devices (such as the generator itself, water heaters,
do-it-yourself centers, and other locations that sell electrical
cigarettes, lighters, and matches). Do not smoke around fuel
equipment. Regardless of GFCI use, electrical equipment used in
containers. Escaping vapors or vapors from spilled materials can
wet and damp locations must be listed and approved for those
travel long distances to ignition sources.
conditions.
❖ Do not store generator fuels in your home. Store fuels away
❖ Make sure a generator is properly grounded and the grounding
from living areas.
connections are tight. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions
for proper grounding methods. Noise and Vibration Hazards: Generator engines vibrate and
create noise. Excessive noise and vibration could cause hearing
❖ Keep a generator dry; do not use it in the rain or wet
loss and fatigue that may affect job performance. When using a
conditions. If needed, protect a generator with a canopy. Never
portable generator, be sure to:
manipulate a generator’s electrical components if you are wet or
DOOMSDAY
standing in water. ❖ Keep portable generators as far away as possible from work
areas and gathering spaces.
❖ Do not use electrical equipment that has been submerged in
water. Equipment must be thoroughly dried out and properly ❖ Wear hearing protection if this is not possible.
45

2. 4.
46
DOOMSDAY
3.
1.
1. BLACKMAX 5500 Run Time: 5 hours at 50 percent load

Fuel Capacity: 1.5 gallons
Outlets: one 120V 30A RV; two
Price: $499
Outlets: One 12V DC power accessory 120V household outlets; 12V DC
Website: www.blackmaxtools.com
socket with RV adapter and USB port; automotive outlets; and parallel
Running Watts: 5,500
four household outlets ready
Starting Watts: 6,875
Weight: 60 pounds Weight: 93 pounds
Engine: GX390 Honda OHV Engine
Dimensions: 23.6 x 15.3 x 29.5 inches Dimensions: 18.3 x 18.3 x 29.9 inches
with Low Lubricant Shut Down
Noise: Approximately 58 dbA at 23 Noise: 59 dBA at 23 feet
Run Time: 9 hours at 50 percent load
feet Notes: 50 state compliant
Fuel Capacity: 6 gallons
(EPA+CARB certified)
Outlets: Four 120V, 20-amp outlets;
one 240V, 30-amp twist-lock outlet
3. CHAMPION 2800W/3100W DUAL
Weight: 187 pounds
FUEL INVERTER GENERATOR 4. CHAMPION 5500W/6800W
Dimensions: 28.5 x 22.25 x 22.5
Price: $999.99 GENERATOR, 338CC
Website: www. Price: $623.99
inches
championpowerequipment.com Website: www.
Noise: Approximately 85 dbA
Running Watts: 2,800 (gas); 2,520 championpowerequipment.com
2. BRIGGS & STRATTON 30545 (propane) Running Watts: 5,500
P3000 POWERSMART Starting Watts: 3,100 (gas); 2,800

(propane)
Engine: 338cc Champion 4-Stroke
Price: $1,178.99
Engine: 171cc Champion single OHV
Website: www.briggsandstratton.
cylinder, 4-stroke OHV engine Run Time: Up to 10 hours at 50
com
Run Time: Up to 8 hours at 25 percent load
percent load (gasoline); up to 19 Fuel Capacity: 5.9 gallons
hours 25 percent load (20 pounds/5 Outlets: Four 120V household
Engine: Briggs & Stratton
gallon standard propane tank) outlets; one 120/240V, 30A locking

8.
6.
5.
7.
Weight: 171 pounds Website: www.generac.com plug; 20A 125 V receptacle; parallel
Dimensions: 22 x 20.9 x 31.3 inches Running Watts: 1,600 capability (sold separately)
Noise: 74 dBa at 23 feet Starting Watts: 2,000 Weight: 45.6 pounds
Notes: 50 state compliant Engine: Generac 79cc OHV Dimensions: 19 x 12 x 21 inches
(EPA+CARB certified) Run Time: 5.7 hours at 50 percent Noise: Approximately 53 dbA
load
5. GENERAC GP5500 Fuel Capacity: 1.06 gallons 8. HONEYWELL 6066 2000W
Price: $689 Outlets:Two 12V 20A 5-20R duplex Price: $569.95
Website: www.generac.com outlet; parallel ready Website: www.honeywellstore.com
Running Watts: 5,500 Weight: 46.2 pounds Running Watts: 2,000
Starting Watts: 6,875 Dimensions: 20 x 12.6 x 16.9 inches Starting Watts: 2,200
Engine: Generac 389cc OHV Noise: N/A Engine: 126cc 4-stroke OHV engine
Run Time: 10 hours at 50 percent Notes: EPA/50 state certified Run Time: Over 4.5 hours at 50
load percent load
Fuel Capacity: 7.2 gallons 7. HONDA EU2000I Fuel Capacity: 1 gallon
Outlets: Four 120V household Price: $1,149.95 Outlets: Two 5-20R 120V DC; one
outlets; one 120/240V, 30A L14-30R Website: www.powerequipment. 12V DC
twist lock outlet honda.com Weight: 49.6 pounds
Weight: 171 pounds Running Watts: 2,000 Dimensions: 18 x 11 x 22 inches
Dimensions: 27.25 x 27 x 25 inches Starting Watts: N/A Noise: N/A
DOOMSDAY
Noise: N/A Engine: Honda GX100 98.5cc Notes: Non-CARB compliant

Notes: CSA and CARB certified Run Time: Up to 8.1 hours at 25 Lifan Energy Storm 2600iER
percent load
6. GENERAC IQ2000 Fuel Capacity: 0.95 gallons
47
Price: $799 Outlets: One 30A 125V locking

48 10.
12.
DOOMSDAY
11.
9.
9. WESTINGHOUSE 2000IXLT Starting Watts: 2,000

Engine: Single Cylinder, 4-stroke
Outlets: Two three-prong 120V
receptacles; one AC 120V 30A NEMA
Price: $699
OHV, air-cooled, gasoline twist lock receptacle; one 12V DC
Website: www.
Run Time: 3.4 hours at full load receptacle; two 5V USB ports
westinghouseportablepower.com
Fuel Capacity: 1.4 gallons Weight: 81.4 pound
Outlets: One 120 V, 20 A 5-20R Dimensions: 23 x 16.5 x 19.5 inches
Duplex Noise: 57 dbA
Engine: Westinghouse 79cc 4-stroke
Weight: 62 pounds Notes: EPA III and CARB compliant
engine
Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 21 inches
Run Time:13 hours at 25 percent load
Noise: 66 dbA full load 12. YAMAHA EF2000ISV2
Notes: EPA, CETL, CARB, ISO certified Price: $989.10
Outlets: One 120V AC Duplex, NEMA
Website: www.blackmaxtools.com
5-15R; parallel capable
Weight: 43 pounds
Dimensions: 20 x 12.5 x 15.25 inches
11. WEN 56310I 3100 WATT INVERTER Starting Watts: 2,000
Noise: 59 dbA at 23 ft.

GENERATOR Engine:79cc OHV, forced air-cooled,
Price: $679.99 4-stroke, single cylinder
Website: www.wenproducts.com Run Time: 8 hours at 50 percent load
10. POWERHOUSE 2000WI Running Watts: 2,800

Weight: 44 pounds
Price: $499
Engine: 212 cc 4-stroke OHV engine Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 18 in
Website: www.powerhouse-
Run Time: 7.5 hours at 50 percent Noise: 61 dbA
products.com
load Notes:TwinTech capability
Fuel Capacity: 1.8 gallons (cable sold separately)

DOOMD17_49 6/16/17 12:44 AM Page 49
50
DOOMSDAY
WHY A STANDBY GENERATOR

MAY BE JUST FOR YOU.
> By Chris Castro
In a previous article we
discussed the benefits of
portable generators. Great
for emergency use, these
nifty little powerhouses
can pack a punch. If you’re
looking for something easier
to use, however, you may
want to consider a standby
generator. Easier to use yet
more complicated to install,
standby generators are a much
pricier option, but they do offer
benefits that may make them
worth the cost.
For starters, backup generators require
that you set them up in the event of a power
outage. You have to get the generator, fill it
with gas, gather your extension cords and
decide which one of your appliances you will
connect. When the gas runs out, you have to
head back outside, refill and then restart. Not
a bad routine to go through, but definitely not
an easy task if you have to deal with adverse
weather conditions—or if physical limitations
are an issue.
GETTY IMAGES/THOMAS BACKER
DD-Standby-50-55_2_CX2.indd 50 6/28/17 2:39 AM

Don’t be Left in
the DARK
DOOMSDAY
51

52
DOOMSDAY
CHAMPION 100237 - HOME STANDBY 14KW

Champion Power Equipment’s 14kW standby gen-
erator is designed to power refrigerators, freezers,
air conditioners, heaters and more. It features an
all-weather steel enclosure and composite mount-
ing pad. A 24-volt starting system ensures starting at
temperatures as low as -22 degrees F.
❖ Price: $3,199.00
❖ www.championpowerequipment.com
❖ Running Watts (LP): 14,000
❖ Running Watts (NG): 12,500
❖ LP Fuel Consumption Half Load: 9.91 liters/hr
❖ NG Fuel Consumption Half Load: 5.1 cubic
meters per hour
❖ Size: 49 x 28 x 28 inches
To expand on the topic, you have to

consider age and physical condition. If your
grandmother lives alone, you have to ask
yourself whether she has the strength to lift or
wheel a portable generator to where she needs
it, and then have the strength to pull the cord
to get it started. You also have to consider the
environment. A slip and fall in snowy conditions
can be devastating. These are all things to
consider, because while a generator is great to
have, it is of no use if the person who owns it
can’t get it started.
With that said, standby generators are a
LIFAN ENERGY STORM PD20REG-DB-3 great option. In the event of a power outage,
The Lifan Power USA’s Energy Storm home standby generators they will turn on automatically, and depending
provide power during utility outages. They are powered with on the size of the unit you choose, you can
liquid propane or natural gas. With their automatic transfer either power a portion of your home or the
switch, the generators will turn on automatically, ensuring ease entire thing. No more hassling with locating the
of use and the ability to control voltage/frequency selection. unit, no more deciding which appliance will be
powered.
❖ Price: Contact manufacturer for pricing Now keep in mind these units are much
❖ www.lifanpowerusa.com more expensive to begin with. The installation
❖ 20KW liquid cooled standy generator cost of having it directly wired to your
❖ 200 Amp 3: Phase ATS included home (with a separate sub panel) will be a
❖ Liquid propane: LPG/natural gas NG considerable expense, but then again you can’t
❖ Three-phase, voltage 120/208, 60Hz, amps 69.5/62.5 put a price on convenience and safety. You
❖ Certifications : US EPA Phase Three, UL2200 Standard, ETL should have a full assessment done on your
compliant home and your needs to better understand
❖ Warranty: Five year/1,000 hour limited warranty how much it will cost you. DD

‘‘IN THE EVENT OF A POWER OUTAGE,
[STANDBY GENERATORS] WILL TURN
ON AUTOMATICALLY ...’’
DOOMSDAY
53

54
DOOMSDAY
SO HOW DO THEY WORK?

A standby generator, like those used in hospitals, will turn on once it detects a loss of power. These permanently installed
units are powered by either natural gas or liquid propane. They sit outside of your home much like a central air conditioner.
These units are also hardwired into your electrical panel and, depending on the size of the unit you purchase, they can power
your entire home or just a portion of it.
GENERAC GUARDIAN 9KW 7029

Generac’s new lineup of
home standby generators was
created to save you money on
installation. Features that simplify
the process for installers include
removable door panels, a base
pad that requires minimal ground
preparation and more efficient
wiring techniques that save time
on installation. Generac’s G-force
engine is designed to handle the
rigors of extended run times in
high temperatures and extreme
operating conditions.
Additional features include an
easy-to-read display, aluminum
‘‘THE INSTALLATION
enclosure with powder-coated
finish and low harmonic distortion.
It can be installed as close as 18
COST WILL BE AN
inches to your home’s exterior
wall.
❖
❖
Price: $2,339.00
www.generac.com EXPENSE, BUT YOU
CAN’T PUT A PRICE
❖ LP Fuel Consumption Half
Load: 0.87 gallon per hour
❖ NG Fuel Consumption Half
ON CONVENIENCE
AND SAFETY.’’
Load: 90 cubic feet per hour

BRIGGS AND STRATTON 40337
Briggs & Stratton’s 17kW1 standby gen-
erator system provides backup power
for medium- to large-sized homes. Its
enclosure is designed to resist rust, and
it is powder coated to protect against
chips. The generator can be placed as
close as 18 inches from the home.
❖ Price: $3,899.00
❖ www.briggsandstratton.com
❖ LP Fuel Consumption Half Load:
1.97 gallons per hour
❖ NG Fuel Consumption Half Load:
163 cubic feet per hour
GE 10KW1
General Electric’s 10kW1 standby home
generator features a space-saving de-
sign that’s built with an all-steel enclo-
sure and base. Because it can be placed
as close as 18 inches from the home,
the generator works well for homeown-
ers with tight lot lines. The company
offers a five-year limited warranty.
❖ Price: $2,399.00
❖ www.gegenerators.com
❖ LP Fuel Consumption Half Load:
1.18 gallons per hour
❖ NG Fuel Consumption Half Load:
111 cubic feet per hour
DOOMSDAY
55

56 STORY SECTION | STORY TITLE
DOOMSDAY
GETTY IMAGES/AFP/STRINGER
A boat travels through a

neighborhood covered in
floodwaters in the aftermath
of Hurricane Katrina.
DD-Stockup-56-62.indd 56 6/20/17 2:22 AM

10 Ways to
Prepare Now
DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE.

> By Cody Wyatt
In the event of a major catastrophe, the first things that will hit you
are shock, anxiety and fear. As you scramble for safety or head for
high ground, the next phase will be a state of confusion and mental
DOOMSDAY
turmoil. From wondering if your loved ones are still alive to whether
you should stay put or hit the road, you will have to face a multitude
of concerns—and you might even reach a state of mental paralysis.
57

58
DOOMSDAY
Amidst the turmoil, the reality of your I KNOW. I’VE BEEN THERE.
situation will get worse once your body starts During a vacation to visit relatives in
triggering symptoms of hunger and thirst. Louisiana, I wound up having the trip of
Initially, you will survive off of the food and a lifetime. On the last week of my visit,
water that are in your home, but as supplies Hurricane Katrina hit, and the ensuing
diminish, your next thought will be to head weeks were horrific. Though I could write
to a local store. By the time that realization novels about what I witnessed, no in-depth
comes into play, crisis looting would have diary could ever relay the horrific sites and
most likely emptied out most stores. Should sounds I experienced first-hand. I still have
you be one of the lucky ones to get a few nightmares hearing families screaming for
cans of food, you’ll definitely have to worry help. Those screams changed from ones
about the making the trek back home. driven by fear and anguish to screams of pain
Strangers will try to take your food, and and desperation.
it will be you against everyone else. Survival I used to be permanent staff at FEMA,
(Below) Would you want to
instincts will transform once-humane but that did little to get me additional or deal with desperate people
looting and scrambling
neighbors into predatory animals. By now, I’m extra help when the emergency occurred. for food? That should be
enough reason to start
sure there’s a clear image of just how tragic, Besides, most of the help arrived in the form
stocking up on emergency
brutal and desperate our landscape will turn. of “reservists,” or temporary hires, but that food and supplies now.
CRISIS LOOTING WILL EMPTY OUT LOCAL STORES

AND MARKETS WITHIN HOURS.
LEFT TO RIGHT: GETTY IMAGES/RONALDO SCHEMIDT; JOE RAEDLE/STAFF

As part of your emergency
plan, stock up on extra fuel
sources, such as propane
and gas.
do you send to get the food? You will likely

be the best candidate, so imagine the
feeling of having to leave your family behind
while you search for food. This will leave
you concerned about their safety—but what
about your own?
That alone should be enough evidence
is beside the point. In times of duress, your to stock up now on foodstuffs like canned
title and rank does not matter. It is you food with lengthy expiration dates and
against the elements, so anything helps. MREs (Meals, Ready to Eat). Also be sure to
Remember there is never going to be a stock up on some comfort foods with long
perfect plan. shelf life. Yeah … I said it, think Twinkies,
With that said, it is imperative that you Chef Boyardee or whatever may tickle your
stock up on food, fuel, first aid supplies and fancy. The reason why: Living off MRE or
anything to help you weather the ensuing grains may be fun, but having the occasional
days—if not weeks—because these will comfort food will help you emotionally and
become the most brutal. Should a disaster bring joy to your already arduous mission
strike, access to food, water and electricity of staying alive. The physical constraints
will be virtually non-existent, and surface of living off grid are tough enough, but the
roads and freeways will be useless. Do minute you can enjoy a little comfort food, it
you really want to fight unruly crowds and makes it bearable and entertaining.
people in dire need of supplies? If you really
want to see how ugly the world can get,
then wait for a catastrophe to happen and 2. FUEL/ POWER SOURCE
it will shed light on the darkest parts of IF THE GRID GOES DOWN, YOU HAVE A
human nature. Here are 10 ways you should BIG PROBLEM.
prepare now. Having an emergency generator is a
good thing, but it equates to nothing if you
don’t have the machinery and fuel to run it.
1. FOOD: IT’S SIMPLE. STOCK UP. You will need to make sure that you have
THE LAST THING YOU WANT TO DO IS a generator—and enough fuel to operate
GO OUT AND SEARCH FOR FOOD. ALSO, it. Gasoline has a shelf life before it goes
DOOMSDAY
CONSIDER THIS SCENARIO: bad, and though you can find additives that
A disaster has occurred and you need lengthen its shelf life, it is highly advised
food. In the household are you, your wife, that you rotate your stock to ensure you
your two kids and your grandmother. Who have a fresh batch. 59

60
DOOMSDAY
Some local ordinances put a limit on 4. SHELTER & PROTECTION

how much fuel you can store. Be sure to PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST THE
have a safe and secure place to store it. ELEMENTS.
Take an inventory of what you may need. Blankets and tents are always a good
I personally store propane tanks and thing to have. In the event your home is
gasoline, but more so propane because it destroyed, you will need some sort of
has an indefinite shelf life. shelter. Some may opt to sleep in a car or
SUV, but should they be destroyed along

with your home, a tent is a good backup
option. For those who live in a colder
3. FIRST AID & MEDICINE environment, emergency thermal blankets
A SOOTHING PILL TO SWALLOW. are always good to keep in the car as well as
LEFT TO RIGHT: GETTY IMAGES/SERGEI KONKOV/CONTRIBUTOR; AFT/ POOL; GREGG NEWTON/STRINGER; SPENCER PLATT/STAFF
Aside from the obvious medical at home. They are small, compact and will
essentials like over-the-counter pain come in handy should you need them.
relievers and bandages, make sure that you In addition, if your locale is prone to
are stocked up heavily on first-aid gear and flooding, stock up on water barricades, sand
prescription medications. When building bags, sump pump and anything else to help
your stockpile, take into consideration any you keep water out and fortify your home.
special supplies that may be required by
family members.
Be sure to have ethyl alcohol and 5. WATER
chlorhexidine, as they are great to disinfect PLAN TO HAVE IT…OR DIE.
the skin and prevent infections in minor That subtitle may be a bit harsh, but it
and severe wounds. Also consider stocking emphasizes the point…because, in reality,
antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, ampicillin, it’s the truth. Some people have survived
doxycycline or azithromycin. Consult with without water for eight to 10 days, but their
your doctor to see which ones will work best state of dehydration was a visual tell of
for your family. the pain they must have endured. Stock

you can to protect yourself. Whether it stockpiling an
arsenal of weapons or taking some form of martial arts,
be prepared to diffuse any potential attacks.
In addition, make sure you are proficient in your
means. Train with your weapons, hire an instructor, and
be sure that you are comfortable and thorough in your
training. It also helps if you are in good physical shape.
up on water and make sure you have an ample amount.
Another highly recommend item would be a portable
water purifier such as LifeStraw. 7. EMERGENCY CASH
When calculating how much water to store, take A SMALL STASH CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE AND SANITY.
into consideration the members of your household. The Be sure to have an emergency cash fund in your
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend home. If the grid goes down, so does the ability to hit
having at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for the local ATM. While people debate about how much
three days (72 hours). It doesn’t hurt, however, to stock one should have, the best solution is to have as much
more if you have the space. As an example, I have five as you can comfortably afford to set aside. In times of
people in my household, and I want to be prepared for a duress and collapse, you will need it to buy the goods
month. That means I have set aside 150 gallons of water: you need. Whether for food or fuel, cash will be king,
Five people x 30 days = 150 gallons. while bartering goods will become a second form of
commodity.
I recommend having smaller bills like $5s, $10s
6. SELF-DEFENSE and $20s because no one will be offering change. Also,
DOOMSDAY
THE BEST DEFENSE IS A GOOD OFFENSE. consider the inflated prices you will be paying. Resources
In times of desperation, survival mode kicks in, and will be low and prices will be high, so think about that
it literally becomes a fight-or-flight situation. Do what when planning an emergency fund.
61

62 10 WAYS TO PREPARE NOW
DOOMSDAY
BY FAILING TO PREPARE, YOU ARE PREPARING

TO FAIL. DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE!
8. NEIGHBORHOOD CLAN objects or buildings that we plan to mark along our routes
THERE’S SAFETY IN NUMBERS. home. Each member of my family carries a permanent
If you don’t know your neighbors, now might be a marker, and we have certain mailboxes and street light
good time to get to know them. Should chaos break poles designated as “marker points.” These marker points
loose, there’s nothing worse than having to ask your are picked along the route and spaced out roughly every
neighbor for help if you don’t know them or, worse, quarter mile. If I run across one that has been marked, then
don’t get along with them. At the end of the day, your I know that was the last location they have been passed.
neighbors will be your best defense. Devise a plan and
see who can contribute what.
In addition, formulating a survival plan with your 10. MAINTENANCE/ PROTECTION
neighbors in the event of a SHTF situation can also help UNDERPERFORMING TOOLS AND A LACK OF
the mental and financial pains of gathering equipment ACCESSORIES IS A NIGHTMARE.
and supplies. Your chance of survival remains much You can have all the tools in the catalog, but if you do
better when you can form your own little clan, in which not maintain or protect them, it is of no or little use. During
everyone brings something to the table. Hurricane Katrina, my aunt had a generator with no gas
and a stockpile of expired food. It was an exasperating
site to say the least, but it got worse. The neighbors had
9. DISASTER PLANNING a generator on the second floor but they did not have
TALK TO YOUR FAMILY ABOUT A PLAN. extension cords, while the other neighbor had all of their
A disaster can strike at any second. Unfortunately, emergency supplies a few miles away in storage.
most of us have to spend eight to nine hours away from In times of need, the one thing you need is
home while we sit at work or school. Should a disaster accessibility to properly working equipment. Know
strike, do you have a plan as to how you and your family the potential tragedies that affect your geographic
will get home or what route they will take? region and protect your equipment. Also be aware of
My family has a plan, and part of our plan maps out what accessories you may need, because in the case
the routes we will take should a disaster strike. My two of my aunt’s neighbor, her second-floor generator was
GETTY IMAGES/SEAN RAYFORD/STRINGER
sons go to a school 4 miles away from home, and my wife convenient but of limited use considering she had no
works 10 miles away. If the transportation grid were to go extension cords.
down, I know exactly which routes they would take to get As for my aunt, she has since learned from the past
home. This grants me the ability to track them down. flood that an inflatable rafts should now be part of her
We also have key marker point and stops. These are emergency planning. DD

ASG-BG17-Doom & Bloom 3/29/17 10:24 AM Page 1

ASG-1706-TPS Arms 2/27/17 12:45 PM Page 1

ASG-1708-Tormach 4/10/17 11:26 AM Page 1

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DOOMD17_63.indd 63 6/16/17 12:57 AM

64
DOOMSDAY
When anyone talks

about disaster
preparedness, it’s
usually referenced
to in a singular
fashion. We talk
about earthquakes,
discuss the dangers
of tornadoes,
wonder at the power
of hurricanes …
you get the point.
Yet a frequently
overshadowed
concept is the
reality of compound
disasters—an
emergency situation
with adverse
consequences
resulting from
different, but related,
disaster agents.
GETTY IMAGES/JUSTIN SULLIVAN/STAFF
DD-Compound-64-70.indd 64 6/23/17 1:01 AM

Overlooked Compound
DISASTERS
HOW THE MAGNIFICATION OF ANTHROPOGENIC AND NATURAL DISASTER
CAN CREATE A LIVING HELL.
> By Steve Thompson
DOOMSDAY
65

66
DOOMSDAY
Compound disasters magnify the than anyone had ever expected. A major earthquake can
buckle roads and infra-
reality of what would happen in a particular The water flowing through this aqueduct structure, like aqueducts.
event, and they trigger further problems system supports California’s extensive
(both short and long term) that will affect farmlands, which supply food for much of
the way you prepare. In this article, we will the country, but it supplies so much more.
discuss at length the compound disasters of In essence, damage to California’s water
an earthquake, specifically the impending infrastructure could spell fear and panic from
threat of the “Big One” that will eventually hit a loss of water for drinking and bathing, loss
California. of agriculture, economic hardship and loss
of power for areas that rely on hydroelectric
EARTHQUAKES & WATER dams. But let’s look deeper at the situation:
The loss of water for the aforementioned
SUPPLY problems is short term, but should the damage
California, among other arid regions be extensive, this problem could be magnified
of the desert Southwest, transports a large if another drought were to occur during the
ABOVE: GETTY IMAGES/LIU JIN/STRINGER; RIGHT: GETTY IMAGES/JUAN BARRETO/STAFF
portion of water to farmland and cities period when the aqueduct infrastructure was
via intricate webs of aqueducts, pipelines, damaged or undergoing repair.
reservoirs, hydroelectric dams and pumping The importance of the water supply
plants. These waters serve over 25 million and the critical nature of the state’s water
people in the state of California alone, and infrastructure have been highlighted by the
these aqueducts sprawl over numerous active recent drought in California, which was the
fault lines throughout the state. Although worst ever recorded in the state. The people’s
many reported dangers are associated with reliance on this complex water infrastructure
earthquakes, the loss of water supply due to system was revealed like never before when
potential damage of the water infrastructure parts of the state that did not have access
from the “Big One” could be a greater disaster to the water from the state’s aqueduct

system almost dried up completely. Others our vulnerability should there be another
found themselves completely relying on disaster. A bad situation when one considers
water imported from mountainous areas via that groundwater resources can take
this water infrastructure network, and were hundreds of years to be replenished.
subjected to battles over water rights, huge Although the aqueduct infrastructure
spikes in water prices, and water rationing. was engineered to withstand many natural
The restricted availability of water disasters, the vulnerability of the water
during this time led to crop failures and system was highlighted by events at Oroville
left many farmers to miss a season or two Dam. Here, record flooding proceeding the
of harvest, both of which drove up food record drought led to the release of flood
prices. Some farmers and cities were able waters via an emergency overflow channel in
to supplement their limited supply of Oroville Dam. This resulted in damage to the
rationed water from the aqueduct system by dam, which was later determined to be the
overdrawing groundwater, which depleted result of design flaws, and would have never
our long term, backup supply, adding to been expected even one year prior.
‘‘...THE LOSS OF WATER SUPPLY DUE TO POTENTIAL DAMAGE OF

THE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE FROM THE ‘BIG ONE’ COULD BE A
GREATER DISASTER THAN ANYONE HAD EVER EXPECTED.’’
Civil unrest is yet another
potential compounding
disaster that can take place
when desperation and lack
of food and water occur.
DOOMSDAY
67

68
DOOMSDAY
Imagine if you were to throw a large LONG-TERM EFFECTS When developing your
survival plan, consider
compound disasters—and
earthquake into this equation? Earthquakes The long-term effects of damage
how you’d keep your family
are common in the region and we are long to the water infrastructure from a large- safe and secure.
overdue for the “Big One.” This earthquake scale earthquake could potentially be
is expected to knock on our doors at no catastrophic, plunging the West into
less than a 7.0 magnitude. This earthquake economic hardship and even famine as
could potentially kill thousands, and cause much of our food is grown in a region that
hundreds of billions of dollars of damage, relies on this infrastructure for irrigation.
which could take decades to recover from. These problems could result in civil unrest,
When—and not if—this earthquake hits, even war. The extent and duration of this
damage would be widespread including disaster could be magnified if this event is
damage to the aqueduct infrastructure of coupled with a drought like the one seen
the state, counties, local municipalities and in recent years. Conversely, widespread
private entities. flooding could occur if the “Big One” hits
during times of plenty, when dams are the
only thing holding back lakes and rivers
SHORT-TERM EFFECTS from cities and farmland. This scenario
Damage to this infrastructure would could be equally devastating.
result in a lack of a reliable water source,
especially for regions that have already
overdrawn wells. Potable water could
WHY A MAJOR QUAKE WOULD
be imported at a high cost, but with the AFFECT FIRE FIGHTING
likelihood of damage to transportation When a powerful earthquake strikes
GETTY IMAGES/ANDOLU AGENCY/CONTRIBUTOR
corridors, the viability of this option, even California again, the water would likely
in the short run seems futile. In short, don’t be cut off to another critical piece of
count on first responders or the government infrastructure: fire hydrants. This scenario
to provide you with adequate water supply has occurred before in the state, most
in disasters scenarios. infamously, immediately following the great

TIPS TO PREPARE FOR SURVIVING
COMPOUNDED DISASTERS
❖ Be self-reliant and start based on your geographic

prepping now. If you are location. Families that live by
planning to wait for help the water will have different
from federal agencies, you needs compared to someone
will be disappointed as their who lives up in the hills or
response times and help are valleys.
well intentioned but poorly ❖ Have at least one fire
executed. extinguisher near your
❖ Stockpile enough water property. If you have the
to last when an emergency capability to stock more, then
occurs. Replenish your water do so. Water for firefighting
supplies when they exceed may not be available and help
their shelf life (yes, bottled may not be on its way due to a
water does expire). Each collapsed transportation grid.
member in your family should ❖ Know how to turn off your
have 1 gallon per day set aside, gas in an emergency. Have a
so multiply the amount of plan to plug broken gas lines if
days you are prepping for by you can access them after an
San Francisco Earthquake in 1906. Here, a the amount of people in your earthquake.
7.8 magnitude earthquake damaged much family, and that is the magic
of the infrastructure in the region. Small fires number.
❖ Keep a bag ready with
broke out as a result of the earthquake and survival equipment in your car.
❖ If you have a water This is necessary, as you may
spread out of control. The firefighters had
supply nearby such as a lake, need some survival equipment
little to work with, considering the damaged reservoir, creek or pool, have should a catastrophic event
roads and lack of water feeding the fire a method to clean the water occur while away from home.
hydrants as a result of the broken water enough to be able to drink it.
mains. In short, firefighters could do nothing Items like LifeStraw, bleach, a
❖ Always have a standard
survival kit ready if you live
to stop the flames until 80 percent of the source of fire to boil water are
in earthquake country, as
city was destroyed and 3,000 people died. good to have. Just be sure to
disaster may strike at any
This same scenario could repeat itself, know how to purify your water.
moment.
especially because there is not much in the ❖ Stockpile food that will last
way of improvement to this infrastructure. long enough to survive. Each
❖ Stock emergency cash
in different denominations,
We are essentially relying on the exact same member of your family should
and also take an inventory
system to function when it has already proven have foods or MREs, which will
of goods, which may be used
it will fail. What is worse is that yet another get them a minimum of 2,000
for barter. Having different
type of infrastructure is commonly damaged calories per person, per day.
denominations gives you
during earthquakes, natural gas lines. ❖ Have first aid kits and better bargaining abilities
medicine. Be sure to rotate because no one will be offering
your inventory as many of change for your $100 bills.
NATURAL GAS LINES these goods have expirations
❖ Be prepared to defend your
Fires often start when earthquakes dates as well.
survival stash in case of civil
damage natural gas pipelines, as was the ❖ Take into consideration the unrest. Think about strategy,
case in the Northridge Earthquake. This special needs of any young stockpile ammo and weapon
DOOMSDAY
was a 6.7 magnitude earthquake that killed or elderly members in your cleaning kits.
57 people and caused $13 to $40 million family. Having a stockpile of
medications and equipment
❖ Be prepared to suffer
in damage, some of which was caused by
consequences of long-term
they need is necessary. 69
economic hardship after a
❖ Built an emergency kit disaster.

70
DOOMSDAY
‘‘...LOOK AT ALL
THE POTENTIAL
DANGERS OF A
COMPOUNDING
DISASTER AND
ARM YOURSELF
WITH THE
EQUIPMENT, THE
EDUCATION AND
THE KNOWLEDGE
TO OVERCOME
A POTENTIAL
NIGHTMARE
OF MASSIVE
PROPORTIONS.’’
numerous fires that broke out after damage of what can happen with compound
to gas pipes around the region. This scenario disasters, it offers a good look as to how
is potentially disastrous, as leaking natural we should process information when it
gas lines would accelerate and promote fires comes to prepping. When preparing for
all throughout the city. Factor that in with any type of catastrophic event, be sure
GETTY IMAGES/BORIS HORVAT/STAFF
the fact that we will be missing some serious to look at all the potential dangers of a
components, such as no water, damaged compounding disaster and arm yourself
roads, bridges, and highways and the gridlock with the equipment, the education and
from those who are trying to escape. the knowledge to overcome a potential A fire caused by a gas leak
ravages a building as fire-
While this is a surface level discussion nightmare of massive proportions. DD fighters get to work.

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72
DOOMSDAY
Other
MORE THAN AN EXPEDITION VEHICLE, THIS MOBILE EXPERIENCE

IS ONE THAT WILL SET THE BAR FOR DECADES TO COME.
> By George Kaplan | Images: Courtesy of Applied Minds LLC
Caption
DD-Dunkel-72-80.indd 72 6/22/17 11:51 PM

DOOMSDAY
73
DD-Dunkel-72-80.indd 73 6/22/17 11:51 PM

CONTACT
74 For more information
about the KiraVan and
DOOMSDAY
Applied Minds’ other

projects, visit
www.kiravan.net.
“LOOKING MORE LIKE A LUXURY TRANSPORTER DESIGNED TO

ROAM THE MOON, THE KIRAVAN IS A DESIGN EXERCISE THAT
WILL INFLUENCE NOT ONLY THE WAY WE SEE TRAVEL, BUT THE
WAY WE LOOK AT BUGOUT VEHICLES, TOO.”
Want to see where life takes You might wonder how the company Starting with a modified
Mercedes-Benz Unimog,
you? Want to be inspired by acquired so much knowledge. Applied Minds this hefty hauler pulls
a state-of-the-art vehicle is a multidisciplinary company that invents,

an off-road articulating
fifth-wheel trailer with its
better described as a mobile designs and prototypes breakthrough turbo-diesel engine that
produces 700 foot-pounds
experience? Then why not go products for both industry and government. of torque.
in the perfect combination of With skills in architecture, electronics,

luxury and necessity with a mechanics, physics, mathematics and
one-off expedition vehicle call system engineering, you can believe that the
the KiraVan. KiraVan is no backyard or garage project. It’s
If the saying “you are what you drive” a purpose-built vehicle that will change the
is true, then you are a beast if you drive a landscape of the way we see transportation.
KiraVan Expedition System. Haven’t heard In development since 2010, this is the
of it yet? No need to worry. The project is brainchild of a former Disney exec’s project
a labor of love being developed by Applied to celebrate the birth of his daughter. The
Minds, the designers, engineers and builders KiraVan was designed to be the best vehicle
of this exceptionally charismatic beast. from which to truly see the world, no matter
Aside from the KiraVan, the company also the topography, climate or access point—and
offers complete turnkey specialty vehicles so far it looks like he’s got it nailed down.
for expeditions, field research, scientific work Looking more like a luxury transporter
and government use. designed to roam the moon, the KiraVan is
DD-Dunkel-72-80.indd 74 6/20/17 2:36 AM

The trailer of the KiraVan can share power, pneumatics, hydraulics, networks and communications with the main cockpit. It is also fully capable of operating
independently as a stationary base station. Even when separated, the two vehicles remain data-connected and perform coordinated tasks.
DOOMSDAY
75
DD-Dunkel-72-80.indd 75 6/20/17 2:37 AM

76
DOOMSDAY
a design exercise that will influence not

only the way we see travel, but the way
we look at bugout vehicles, too. And while
some would argue that the vehicle is too
costly or too extreme, there is still plenty
of inspiration to take from it. From both
a mechanical and technical standpoint,
the KiraVan stands in a class of its
own, and if the KiraVan were to go into
production, best believe there would be a
waiting list of folks willing to spend it all
to get it. Because it’s a one-off build, the
KiraVan currently has no price tag, but we
can assure you that it would most likely
share the same cost as a larger home in a
upper middle class neighborhood in Los
Angeles—and that’s a lot.
Designed for equal success off-
road and on, the KiraVan is surprisingly
nimble for such a large vehicle. Part of
that stability comes in the form of the
tractor, which is a modified Mercedes-Benz
Unimog 500A featuring a Mercedes-Benz
6-cylinder in-line 260HP high-efficiency
intercooled turbo-diesel engine providing
700 foot-pounds of torque allowing for a
maximum gross vehicle weight of 51,700
pounds on the highway. It also doesn’t
hurt that KiraVan carries 170 US gallons
of diesel fuel, giving this amazing vehicle
a whopping 2,000-mile driving range! All
said and done, you can pack enough food
and water to nourish three people for three urbanized event and driving the equivalent Eleven display screens (six
of which are touch sensi-
weeks without having to go back to the of California to New York without stopping. tive) create a user interface
for the Glass Cockpit
grocery store. The KiraVan is the offspring of the computer software system.
Similar to an aircraft, all
MaxiMog project, a 2003 incarnation that
software displayed is cus-
removes the trailer aspect and leaves just tomizable to each owner.
TOO BIG TO BUG OUT? the Mog-tractor base as the entire vehicle.
Not necessarily. Remember, much While the KiraVan carries both the Mog base
like Doc Brown said in the “Back to the and the trailer, the trailer itself can operate
Future” trilogy, “Where we’re going, we as an independent entity while the Mog
don’t need roads.” With a vehicle like this, base can be driven around separately. The
you can literally go where you want to go, toilet system in the trailer also incinerates
making it a powerful tool for surviving an all waste into a harmless powder that is
DD-Dunkel-72-80.indd 76 6/20/17 2:37 AM

DOOMSDAY
77
DD-Dunkel-72-80.indd 77 6/20/17 2:37 AM

78
DOOMSDAY
The kitchen includes a

refrigerator, freezer, con-
vection oven, microwave
oven, induction and infrared
cook tops, and a sink with
hot and cold-filtered water.
Fold out cooking surfaces
provide an additional work
area, and the induction
range may be taken out-
doors for exterior cooking.
“WITH A VEHICLE LIKE THIS, YOU CAN LITERALLY GO WHERE YOU

WANT TO GO, MAKING IT A POWERFUL TOOL FOR SURVIVING AN
URBANIZED EVENT AND DRIVING THE EQUIVALENT OF CALIFORNIA
TO NEW YORK WITHOUT STOPPING.”
DD-Dunkel-72-80.indd 78 6/20/17 2:37 AM

non-toxic and biologically sterile, should you An incredible build, the vehicle is nothing KIRAVAN
decide to set up camp somewhere. like we’ve seen before. It’s a modern day SPECS
marvel that challenges all boundaries, and Tractor: Modified
it serves as the prime example of ingenuity Mercedes-Benz Unimog
INSIDE OUT and open creativity. Looking at this vehicle U500NA
Given the incredible capabilities of a serves as a prime example of what author Engine: Mercedes-
vehicle on this level, one can only imagine Robert Greene once discussed when he Benz 6-cylinder in-line
the achievements that can come with it. said, “The conventional mind is passive—it 260HP high-efficiency
The KiraVan was built to house a number consumes information and regurgitates it intercooled turbo-diesel
of specialized technologies used for in familiar forms. The dimensional mind is engine that provides
communications; telepresence; navigation; active, transforming everything it digests into 700 foot-pounds of
mapping; still, film and video production; something new and original, creating instead torque
remote exploration; physical and chemical of consuming.” Length: 52 feet (tractor

analysis; geology; archaeological survey In short, this is truly an explorer’s and trailer)
work and digs; scientific field research; and vehicle, leaving only the destination up to the Weight: 51,700 pounds,
thorough trip documentation. imagination. DD max gross weight;
42,500 pounds, off-
highway limit
Endurance: 2,000 miles

over average terrain; can
support crew of three
people for three weeks
without re-provisioning.
DOOMSDAY
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DD-Dunkel-72-80.indd 79 6/20/17 2:37 AM

80
DOOMSDAY
As these illustrations show, the KiraVan’s interior and exterior have every feature you could possibly need or want in a bug-out vehicle—and more. It’s designed to be
a large-scale expedition system for over-land exploration, scientific research and off-the-grid survival.
DD-Dunkel-72-80_CX.indd 80 6/27/17 1:24 AM

DD-2017-Bradford 6/2/17 9:05 AM Page 1
Back
Issues
Available
Follow Us On
Call us at Discover the

1-800-764-6278 world of firearms at
your fingertips.
www.engagedmediamags.com
facebook.com/gunworldmagazine
DOOMD17_81.indd 81 6/16/17 2:21 AM

82
WHY JUNK FOOD SHOULD BE A PART OF YOUR EMERGENCY FOOD PLAN.
DOOMSDAY
Sometimes You Just W
Stockpiling food for disaster

situations is one of the first
things most of us think about
doing. It’s one of the easiest,
most economical steps to
take in getting prepared—but
how far you go and what you
choose to stockpile depend
on your budget, your vision
and your plan.
GETTY IMAGES/PETER ZELEI IMAGES
Jump on online and you’ll quickly
DD-Meals-82-87.indd 82 6/20/17 2:46 AM

AN. > By Doomsday Staff
t Want a Can of Ravioli
DOOMSDAY
83
DD-Meals-82-87.indd 83 6/20/17 2:46 AM

84
DOOMSDAY
find that the topic has been covered by quite a number need something to make you feel better—which is exactly
of writers. They recommend you stock foods with the why they’re called comfort foods. It’s the same reason we
longest shelf lives and foods with high nutritional value, all have “cheat days.”
but very rarely does anyone speak on the subject of
GETTY IMAGES/ALEKSANDER RUBTSOV
“emotional foods,” a.k.a. comfort foods, a.k.a. junk food.

Just the thought of junk food may bother some, but A BETTER STATE OF MIND
keep reading because there’s a reason why we mentioned Especially in times of extreme duress, biting into
it. Sure, it might be going against dietary guidelines or that Twinkie may bring you back to better times. From
what your doctor recommends, but sometimes you just recalling fond childhood memories to jump-starting
DD-Meals-82-87.indd 84 6/20/17 2:46 AM

“HAVING A
LITTLE JUNK
FOOD ON
HAND IS A
GOOD WAY
TO PROVIDE
VARIETY
AND A
SENSE OF
NORMALCY
WHEN
THINGS
SIMPLY
AREN’T.”
random conversation, eating these foods and that’s high emotional value—and that’s
can improve your state of mind. Furthermore, priceless.
having a little junk food on hand is a good Look, after days of eating MREs and
way to provide variety and a sense of bland foods, introducing your favorite
normalcy when things simply aren’t. I know, comfort foods will bring joy. Don’t believe
DOOMSDAY
I know, some will complain that those types us? Then just sit back and think about being
of foods are packed with empty calories without sweets or alcohol … and imagine just
and low nutritional value, but they offer how good it would feel to eat a can of ravioli
something other foods simply can’t provide, or take a shot of vodka. If that didn’t sink in, 85
DD-Meals-82-87.indd 85 6/20/17 2:46 AM

86
DOOMSDAY
“IF YOU COMBINE [CHOCOLATE] WITH A PROTEIN-PACKED

STAPLE LIKE PEANUT BUTTER, YOU JUST MADE YOURSELF
A DELICIOUS PEANUT BUTTER CUP.”
then think about our opening image of a consider to be junk. Take, for instance, For just $25, we bought
these groceries at a dis-
partridge getting ready to be boiled. I can chocolate. If you combine it with a count store. (The half-full
bottle of vodka was not
tell you first hand I’d much rather have a can protein-packed staple like peanut butter, included.)
or sardines or fried Spam. you just made yourself a delicious peanut
But if that wasn’t enough to convince butter cup. Another example is alcohol:
you to stock up on some junk food, then Vodka or whiskey is a medicine you can
think about it as a tool for preventing food drink. Take a shot to calm nerves, or use
fatigue, or the act of getting tired of eating it as an emergency antiseptic for wounds.
the same foods day in, day out. As it is, Another food, not necessarily considered
we easily tire of fast food restaurants, and junk food, is coffee. The caffeine boost is
even eating the best steak can end up a good to keep you awake, and taste alone
mundane chore, so imagine throwing into is enough to provide a bit of comfort and
the mix bland foods like MREs, and it’s warmth.
almost guaranteed that you’ll get tired of
them—and quickly. Variety is the spice of
life, and it is no different when it comes to $25 GOES A LONG WAY
your food prep. You don’t have to break the bank to
get stocked up. MREs are costly (and so is
GETTY IMAGES/MICHAEL ROBERTS
pretty much anything related to survival),

JUNK FOOD BENEFITS but junk food isn’t. To prove that, we went
When we mention “junk food,” it to a local discount store with a budget
encapsulates a huge array of foods— of $25. With that, we bought a bagful of
including items that some might not goodies pictured here—aside from the
DD-Meals-82-87.indd 86 6/20/17 2:46 AM

already partially consumed bottle of vodka grocery store shelves, and there’s no reason
that was sampled during the writing of this not to have a few cans of ravioli set aside for
article. So, stock up on a few bags, because those special times. Who knows? Should
should the day come that you have to live your kid’s birthday fall during a catastrophe,
on MREs, you will thank us. Those bags will we’re sure that they’d love to be treated to
(LEFT) Ready-to-
be something to look forward to. a cup of hot chocolate or a bag of chips. If eat freeze-dried
meals, like these
By now you get the point. There’s a it helps them escape even if just for a few
offered by Mountain
reason many of these foods dominate minutes, then it’s worth its weight in gold. DD House, are dense
and tasty sources
of calories.
(BELOW) Barbe-
cued rats anyone?
Meals like this
can get old really
quickly if you have
to rely on Mother
Nature to provide
your dinner.
DOOMSDAY
87
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88
DOOMSDAY
DD-Junkfood-88-91.indd 88 6/20/17 2:58 AM

Emergency
Cash
HOW MUCH DO YOU HAVE? HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU HAVE?
> By Doomsday Staff | Photos by G. Carter
When it comes to prepping, the topic or TEOTWAWKI (the end of the world as we know it)
of emergency cash remains an age-old situation, bottled water will no longer be sold for a dollar.
debate. Myriad opinions abound, most And if you are expecting aid from FEMA, then you will wind
of which hold some validity, but at the up joining the ranks of those who are “Foolishly Expecting
end of the day it’s as enticing as it is Meaningful Aid.” Don’t be that person.
confusing. Some insist that precious In setting up your emergency fund, you also have to
metals are the way to go, some believe ask yourself what you are saving for. Are you preparing for
in seeds, others believe in ammo, and a short-term or long-term disaster? Are you looking to hole
the majority firmly believes cash is king. up at home or hit the road? Are you trying to survive for a
So who’s right? few days? A few months? Longer? Or are you looking to
Setting up an emergency fund is not science. It is move a large amount of assets with the smallest footprint?
a discipline governed by what you can comfortably set We believe in diversification when it comes to
aside. Some may not have the ability to put away $1,000 emergency funds, but that is all dependent upon how
at a time, but even putting away $100 a month would much you are able to set aside. If your budget only allows
leave you with $1,200 in 12 months. Needless to say, you to save anywhere between a few hundred to a few
having a little is better than having nothing at all, so start thousand dollars, then we believe cash will be your best
setting aside some money now. option. Cash is a medium that everyone will take and is
While some would recommend having a few thousand easier to divide into smaller increments. However, if you
dollars on hand, you have to take into consideration are looking for a way to carry more, then gold or silver
how many people you plan to take care of as well as the is a great way to go. For those looking to move a small
DOOMSDAY
increased costs of goods. In a SHTF (s*it hits the fan) fortune, diamonds remain a favorite.
89

90
CANADIAN MONEY
DOOMSDAY
$2 DOLLAR BILLS
WEIGHT Value: $41,844 Value: $1,000

TO VALUE Weight: 1 pound, 0.05 ounce Weight: 1 pound, 2.4 ounces
ZIPLOCK BAG OF CASH
Value: $5,308
Weight: 2 pounds, 5 ounces
14 DIAMONDS
GOLD KRUGERRAND COINS (1 carat, round, VS1, Color G):
Value: $53,145 Value: $74,312 for all 14

Weight: 3.06 pounds $5,308 each
Total Weight: 2.8 grams
Many skeptics are quick to downplay the value of hand, so create one using the values and principles that
diamonds and precious metals by talking about things make sense to you.
such as artificial price inflation and a lack of inherent If you are reading this and have no means of setting
value. But if you take time to do your own research, you will aside extra cash, you still have options to help you survive
find that the historical pricing of diamonds (1960-2016) a potential collapse. From trade skills to bartering goods
has had a constant if not drastic increase in pricing each such as ammo, seeds and grain, life won’t end if you don’t
decade. To each his own. have an emergency cash fund—but it sure will make it
Needless to say, the beauty of an emergency fund is easier. Start planning and see what you can contribute
that you are in direct control of what you want to have on to your own disaster fund. DD
DD-Junkfood-88-91_CX.indd 90 6/27/17 2:06 AM

EMERGENCY FUND OPTIONS
To help motivate you to build your emergency cash fund, here is a breakdown of some options. In the event of a
collapse, it’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
CASH: YES, IT WILL ALWAYS BE KING ounce), silver has

Set aside what become increasingly
you can, but popular among
do so in small preppers. Still a
denominations. precious metal, you
You should be can travel with a
setting side $1, good amount that
$5, $10 and $20 doesn’t take as
bills, because much space as cash. Of course, weight will always be an issue
in a SHTF situation no one will be offering to give you change. (although it is much lighter than gold) but much like gold, you
In fact, you should prepare to pay highly inflated prices for may have a harder time paying for goods because many will
common goods such as water and fuel, so be sure to account still be more comfortable with cold hard cash pressed into
for the inflation spike when it comes to setting a financial their hands.
goal. The only negative about having cash on hand is that you
are losing value on money that is just sitting in your safe not DIAMONDS: TINY BUT POWERFUL
earning any interest, whereas precious metals such as gold and If you plan to take a small
silver may accrue value over time. fortune with you, then
do what the rich do: They
GOLD: THE GOLD STANDARD put their money into
If you are looking to move a diamonds. Diamonds
few thousand dollars with leave the absolute
a small footprint, then gold smallest footprint with
is a great option. A stack of the highest yield value.
gold coins is much easier to In addition, they are odorless, undetectable and serve as a
pack then a bundle of $100 universal form of currency that can be exchanged worldwide.
bills, but getting true value
on coins from the United In fact, many of the super-wealthy preparing for an economic
States may be difficult unless you make your way to a place collapse are diversifying their assets into real estate around the
that is stable. Again, this is a great option if you already have world (New Zealand being the most popular). They are also
your “cash” reserves set aside and are looking to hit the road purchasing diamonds that are typically 10 carats and above
with more. with only the highest VVS, or clarity, ratings. Because of its tiny
footprint, owners of these small mines will be able to travel
SILVER: THE SILVER LINING OF PREPPERS with a fortune that is easily concealed by sewing them into the
Because it is more affordable (at the time of this article silver inseam of their jackets and pants. Talk about a good value-to-
stood at roughly $17 an ounce whereas gold was $1,235 per weight ratio.
91

PHOTO CREDIT
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92
DD-Gasmask-92-100.indd 92
GETTY IMAGES/IMGORTHAND
6/20/17 3:13 AM
Before you buy that
GAS MASK,
Read This.
IT CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOUR NEXT BREATH AND YOUR LAST.
> By Steve Thompson
I worked as a government scientist about my business.

in California for over 15 years, and I As my interest in the lifestyle grew deeper, I learned
have been through plenty and learned much via trial by fire and through trials and tribulations
much. During that time, I conducted put forth by my work. I have survived off the land for over
a multitude of investigative research a month in high altitude in the Rocky Mountains with only
projects in both laboratory and field the survival tools I could carry. I responded to southern
settings, and let’s just say that I came Louisiana shortly after Hurricane Katrina, and survived
across my fair share of damaging through the numerous instances of civil unrest, shootings,
chemicals and substances. and a whole host of natural as well as man-made
During my off time I became interested in survival disasters.
gear and tactics, wilderness survival, and the synergistic With that said, I share my knowledge and experiences
danger between disasters with both anthropogenic and so that they may help you survive when the unexpected
natural causes. In my quest to learn more, I researched happens. In times of danger and turmoil, having a plan
many of the consumer-based products and found that and being prepared can make the difference between life
while some are good, many are antiquated—and even and death. You must always prepare for the worst, hope
worse was some of the misinformation I received from for the best, and be able to know what to expect and how
DOOMSDAY
sales people at “prepping” and “survival” stores as well to save yourself when disaster strikes. In this article, we
as big box stores. Needless to say, I stayed quiet and went will go over gas masks.
93
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94
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RESPIRATORY PROTECTION 101

Far too often, misinformation has been
supplied by salespeople and by the media—
especially when it comes to gas masks. I
have seen authors recommend Russian
gas masks and painter’s masks as “must
have” equipment for a bug out bag, and it is
terrible advice.
Many of these old surplus Russian
gas masks (often referred to as the GP-5)
have expired filters. In addition, some of
the filters may contain asbestos, lead or old
chemical agents, which can be hazardous,
and some researchers have even found
chromium—the culprit behind many
illnesses. Needless to say, stay away from
those masks. To add to that, some have
suggested using particulate respirators
otherwise known as “N-95” filters. These
inexpensive particulate filters may be useful
for spray painting objects or sanding wood,
but they are nowhere near an alternative for (Left) The Advantage
3200 full-face respirator
a full-face gas mask. provides lower breathing
resistance with a scratch-
To prepare for the imminent danger resistant wrap-around
surrounding chemical warfare attacks, faceplate.
dangerous chemical spills caused by

unforeseen disasters, and chemicals used
during times of civil unrest, it is imperative
that you have a well functioning and up-to-
date gas mask.
GETTY IMAGES/YT HARYONO
Chemical and biological attacks have

shown their horrendous potential for
destruction throughout history. Consider

‘‘A VOLCANIC ERUPTION CAN SPEW TOXIC
CLOUDS THAT CAN TRAVEL THOUSANDS OF MILES
AND REACH SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 500 MPH.’’
these attacks: mustard gas in World War I; AIR PURIFYING RESPIRATORS (APRS) Indonesia sits on a belt
of seismic activity that is
the use of a powerful insecticide Zyklon B These masks use cartridge air filters to home to around 130 active
volcanoes. Eruptions
in the Nazi concentration camps during the purify air, often only work for a specific type regularly disrupt air travel
Holocaust; Napalm and Agent Orange in the of chemical(s) and may not be effective around the archipelago.
Pictured here is Mount
Vietnam war; Sarin gas in the Tokyo subway dependent upon which chemical hazard(s) Sinabung as it spews thick
ash during an eruption in
attacks of 1995; Anthrax in the month you are exposed to. In a war or catastrophic 2016.
preceding Sept. 11, 2001; and, most recently, event scenario, there may not be enough
the use of chemical weapons in Syria. time to determine which chemical
These weapons along with the potential for hazard(s) you are going to encounter, and
DOOMSDAY
chemical spills, releases and disasters such there may not be an effective cartridge
as the Bhopal Disaster in India, illustrate the filter for every potential chemical hazard.
need for proper gas masks. For example, certain atmospheres include
95
DD-Gasmask-92-100_CX.indd 95 6/27/17 2:12 AM

96
DOOMSDAY
those that pose an imminent danger to POWER AIR-PURIFYING

life or health (IDLH). These atmospheres
RESPIRATOR (PAPR)
require a higher standard of respiratory
protection to ensure your safety is not These units utilize a fan to help push
compromised. An example of IDLH air through. In turn, it makes breathing
conditions commonly faced is that of an much easier, but they do require the use
anoxic atmosphere which can occur for a of batteries to work properly. This may be
variety of reasons. In these conditions, an a good option for those with breathing
APR will do no good, as there is no oxygen difficulties such as asthma, but they come
to breath, regardless of the presence of any in a much higher price point.
chemical hazard.
Typically, there is no warning sign that
SCBA – SELF CONTAINED
oxygen is not present, (IE gas/smoke clouds
such as in chemical hazard scenarios), BREATHING APPARATUS
and APRs will rendered utterly useless. Now if you are really serious and have
Other conditions may occur where the the budget for it, one way to ensure that
concentration of a chemical gas is so high you are safe in a multitude of chemical
that APRs may not effectively filter out all hazards, IDLH conditions, or where the
of the chemical(s), Due to the elevated composition or concentration of potential
chemical concentration in the air, some chemical hazards are unknown is by use
gases may pass through the filter and be of a full-face, positive-pressure self-
inhaled, which in the case of chemical or contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
biological warfare, could be especially These refillable compressed air tanks are
lethal. carried on your back with a backpack-style The Advantage 200 LS
comes in three sizes
and has a complete and
exclusive filter program to
protect against harmful
particles and/or gases.
GETTY IMAGES/JUNG YEON-JE

‘‘... BETWEEN 50 AND 60 VOLCANOES ERUPT
EACH YEAR SOMEWHERE ON EARTH.’’
U.S. soldiers wearing gas
harness. Air from the tank is then forced due to physical exertion. Of course, the masks in a tunnel at a US
Army base in Uijeongbu,
through a valve and hose system that is air lasts longer when you are in a resting north of Seoul.
connected to your mask. Many full-face state and not breathing so heavily. To deal
APRs have interchangeable attachments with the air supply running out, it may be
that allow the mask to be used for either useful to have multiple tanks pre-filled with
APR cartridge filters or SCBAs. The benefit compressed air so that you can swap out
of SCBAs is that they can be utilized when air tanks periodically, when you need to
there is no oxygen present or when there is continue to work and survive in chemical
an atmosphere that does not support life. hazards.
They are also useful when chemical hazards Often times, APRs do not fit well, or
are unknown, and cartridge air filters may have not been effectively tested to ensure
not be sufficient. In disaster situations, the mask fits properly. In professional
first responders may not be available to settings, APRs are tested using air hoses
ensure your safety, and the responsibility of hooked up to computer testing equipment
DOOMSDAY
protecting your breathing falls entirely on during a respirator fit test to ensure that
your shoulders. unfiltered air is not passing through any
The drawback of SCBAs is that they part of the respirator besides the filter.
are bulky and the air supply may only last Respirator fit tests are required by OSHA 97
around half an hour when breathing heavily and NIOSH. This means that any APR you
DD-Gasmask-92-100_CX.indd 97 6/27/17 2:12 AM

98
DOOMSDAY
purchase off the Internet or

by other means, may not
necessarily fit your face
properly. You should always
check you APR to ensure a
proper fit. This fit testing is
particularly crucial when it
comes to APRs because they
do not supply air unlike
SCBAs. Instead, air must
be drawn through
the filters, and
the likelihood
of inhaling
air from any
break in the
seal of the
mask is
increased.
One
quick and
easy way of
checking that
you have a decent
seal around your APR
without respirator fit
testing equipment
is to place the filter
cartridge(s) you plan
on using to the APR and
strap it to your face as you
normally would. Then cover
the filter cartridge(s) with
your palm to ensure the at all, then the seal around the APR is decent and there
opening to the filter cartridge should be an adequate fit. This method is often used by
is sealed. Then attempt to professionals to spot-check the seal around the APR
take a deep breath while when donning the APR in the field. Another commonly
moving your head back and used method to check the seal of an APR after donning
forth and up and down, the mask is to take a deep breath as you normally would,
State-of-the-art with
simulating the full-range of the mask should pull a little around the seam between the precision engineering: The
MSA Ultra Elite full-face
normal motion. If there is no mask and your face, indicating there is a tight seal, and no
mask can run upwards of
air coming in the mask and air is coming in through the sides of the mask. $500, depending on which
of the 40 models you
you cannot take a breath One important tip to note is that facial hair can result choose.

The Ultra Twin
respirator features a
GAS MASK
speaking diaphragm FACTS YOU
that provides clear,
short-distance SHOULD KNOW
communication.
❖ Filter cartridges will protect you

against certain inhaled airborne
chemicals, but be aware that some
chemicals can still be absorbed
through your skin. That is why
protective suits are a must if you plan
to have a thorough plan of defense.
❖ All sealed cartridges or filters for

your mask have expirations dates.
❖ There is no U.S. agency that

tests or certifies consumer market
respirators, so don’t be sold on hype.
❖ Using gas masks in high altitude

may pose difficulty in breathing.
❖ When buying a gas mask, be

sure to check the approval labels
to see if it will protect you from
the contaminants you are looking
to block. Every gas mask has its
limitations.
❖ Keeping a gas mask in any hot

area such as the trunk of your car
will accelerate the wear and tear, so
inspect it accordingly.
❖ The effectiveness and longevity

of a filter or cartridge depends on
how hard you are breathing and how
in a poor seal between the APR and your face, which can result in exposure to heavy the particulates are. Be sure to
chemical hazards. Shaving is one easy way to increase the effectiveness of an APR have extra on stock.
seals. Similarly, long hair can get caught between the top of the respirator and your
face, causing a poor seal.
Ensuring you are properly equipped and aware of the limitations of your
DOOMSDAY
personal protective equipment will ensure your safety in a chemical or biological

disaster so do your research and make sure to include one in your emergency
preparedness plans. DD
99

100
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COLOR CODING FOR GAS MASK FILTERS

Cartridges are assigned a color designation that identifies what type of contaminants they filter.
CONTAMINANT COLOR CODING ON CARTRIDGE/CANISTER
Acid gases White
Hydrocyanic acid gas White with half-inch green stripe completely around the canister
near the bottom
Chlorine gas White with half-inch yellow stripe completely around the canister
near the bottom
Organic vapors Black
Ammonia gas Green
Acid gases and ammonia gas Green with half-inch white stripe completely around the canister
near the bottom
Carbon monoxide Blue
Acid gases and organic vapors Yellow
Hydrocyanic acid gas and chloropicrin vapor Yellow with half-inch blue stripe completely around the canister
near the bottom
Acid gases, organic vapors and ammonia gases Brown
Radioactive materials, except tritium and noble gases Purple (magenta)
Pesticides Organic vapor canister plus a particular filter
Multi-contaminant and CBRN agent Olive
Any particulates: P100 Purple
Any particulates: P95, P99, R95, R99, R100 Orange
Any particulates free of oil: N95, N99 or N100 Teal
If you want to look at respiratory protection

It’s always better to have one and not need it, than
equipment commonly employed by government to need one and not have it. Do your homework and
consult with a respirator expert to see what’s best
scientists and professionals in the field, please
for you and your family.
visit msasafety.com.

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MI N
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DD-Mindset-102-108.indd 102 6/21/17 11:26 PM

The Survival
I NDSET IN AN UNCERTAIN WORLD, YOUR MINDSET COULD BE
THE BEST TOOL IN YOUR PLAN TO SURVIVE.
> By John J.
We all know that guy. He’s packed to the brim with all the gadgets,
knowledge, stockpile and tools necessary to survive—but does
that mean he will make it through times of extreme duress? Not
necessarily.
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103

104
DOOMSDAY
In times of extreme stress,

Having the necessary supplies may have This is where the survival mindset
clarity, situational aware-
boosted his confidence and his ability to comes into play. ness and a positive attitude
will help you stay alive.
survive, but did he prepare himself correctly? Sure, you might have packed a bug-out
Most people create bug-out plans based pack in the car, but would it suffice? How
on a preconceived notion or idealization as would you deal with the chaos in the streets
to what they think will happen. They have if the transportation grid went down? For
never had to flee from home or live without many, walking anything farther than a few
electricity for longer than a few hours. And miles is torturous, but imagine having to deal
most of their input comes from someone with the onslaught of people doing the same.
with the same lack of experience. All of a sudden, the plans change—and
Now, it’s not to say that their plans this is where you have to have the mental
are incorrect or faulty. In fact, many people fortitude and resilience to adapt to change.
over-prepare as a result. But what happens This makes up a large portion of the survival
when the terms and conditions of your plans mindset.
change? Let’s say you have everything ready In times of extreme tension, you have to
to go at a moment’s notice. Your arsenal is have clarity and situational awareness. There
fully stocked, ammo levels are good, you is no time for ego and idealization. Rather,
ABOVE: GETTY IMAGES/SCOTT OLSON/STAFF; RIGHT: GETTY IMAGES/BETTMANN/CONTRIBUTOR
have food for months, back-up generators you must remain positive and adamant
are in place, and you’ve got enough fuel, about fighting to stay alive, and have an
water and medicine to support a small answer to any problems that arise.
village. But what happens if a disaster were Hundreds of harrowing stories speak
to strike while you’re away from home? volumes about the survival mindset. They
Seriously, think about it for just a second. are stories of tragedy to triumph. We’ve
How well would you fare if you were at work, compiled just a few of them in hopes
20 miles away, or 10 miles away shopping that it will offer inspiration and a revised
with the family? All of a sudden, the years outlook on how you prepare. Especially in
of prepping and gathering supplies would be today’s uncertain world, remember to train
pointless until you got back to home base— your brain, because that may be the most
and that’s if it’s still there. valuable tool you have.

PETER FREUCHEN: 30 HOURS OF ICE
Exhausted and drained of all energy, Freuchen began
At 6 feet, 7 inches, Danish explorer Peter Elfred crawling back to base. Due to the severe weather, he
Freuchen was an adventurous journalist, celebrity suffered such horrible frostbite that he had to amputate a
and anthropologist best known for his role in Arctic part of his foot with no anesthesia. As if that wasn’t enough
explorations—specifically, the Thule Expeditions. A man of to make you squirm, he ate the parts of his foot that he had
little words with an imposing stature, his life was as action- cut off for sustenance, and eventually found his way home.
packed as it was arduous. He easily qualifies as the “The After the ordeal, he returned to Denmark and became
World’s Most Interesting Man.” a best-selling author, writing over 30 books. He also
Though the impact of his findings was notable, it was became the editor in chief of “Ude og Hhemme,” the
his legendary lifestyle and tale of survival that won the longest-running Danish magazine in history, which is still
world over. Even until today, his story is one that speaks active today.
volumes about the ambition to live, and it continues to be After leaving the magazine, his adventure didn’t
an epic dialogue shared all across the world. stop. During World War II, he joined the Nazi resistance
In 1926, during one of his many Arctic expeditions, and aggravated them so much that he was captured
Freuchen became the victim of a severe blizzard. To armor and sentenced to death. Not looking to visit his maker
himself against the elements, he used his dog sled as anytime soon, he single handedly escaped and joined the
a shield. As the storm’s momentum picked up, his sled resistance, once again in Sweden, and campaigned until
ultimately became the roof of what was to be an ice cave the war was over.
buried beneath a few feet of ice. But wait, there’s more.
For over 30 hours, he was stuck in his ice cave. As the Being the relentless soul he was, his drive was what
storm continued to grow, so did the walls of confinement. saved his life—it gave him the ambition to not only survive
Eventually, his beard froze into the ice below him. Unable to and live life to the fullest. After the war, Freuchen moved
turn his head, he was forced to rip his whiskers from the ice. to New York where he married a “Vogue” illustrator, partied
While trapped, he remembered stories about native with Mae West and even won the jackpot on the television
people using frozen excrement from their sled dogs to show, “The $64,000 Question.” Let’s not forget the fact
make tools. With no other option and only the will to that he acted in an Oscar-winning movie based on his book,
survive, Freuchen used his own feces and crafted a chisel all the while founding The Adventurer’s Club, which is still
that helped him dig himself out of what became a crappy active today.
DOOMSDAY
situation. In all, Freuchen’s story is one that makes him a legend

Once free, one would think it would be a reason and a prime example of how mindset can help you survive
for celebration—but not for Freuchen. This was just the most anguishing moments while also giving you the
the beginning of a 3-hour-long trek back to civilization. chance to live a life with no limits. 105
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106
DOOMSDAY
ARON RALSTON: BETWEEN A that decision was to amputate his own arm. Aron Ralston amputated
ROCK & A HARD PLACE

his own arm in his quest for
While making superficial cuts on his arm survival.
to experiment with the use of tourniquets, he

While hiking alone through Blue saw the writing on the wall. Contemplating
Johnson Canyon in Utah, Aron Ralston his next move, he carved his name, his date
found himself stuck between a rock and of birth and his presumed death date on the
hard place—literally. As he was descending stone directly in front of him.
down a canyon, a suspended bolder came As dawn approached, he knew he had
loose, smashing his left hand and crushing to act quickly, but he was also quite aware
ABOVE: GETTY IMAGES/MARK DAVIS/STAFF; RIGHT: GETTY IMAGES/AFP/STRINGER
his right. that he didn’t have the necessary tools to

Alone, with no form of communication, cut through his bone. He decided to snap
Ralston knew he was in trouble. Over the his radius and ulna bones using torque from
next five days, he lived off the water he had his body. Once that painful snap jolted his
and ate tiny portions of the two burritos he nerves, he proceeded to use a multitool to
brought while trying to figure out a way to cut through his flesh—but still he wasn’t
free his arm. As another five days passed, free. Ralston had to rappel down a 65-foot
his food and water supplies ran out, and he wall and hike his way out. That’s when he
resorted to drinking his own urine. Knowing ran across a couple who helped him. The
that he wouldn’t be able to survive much ordeal cost him 40 pounds and 25 percent
longer, he was forced to make a decision, and of his blood.
DD-Mindset-102-108.indd 106 6/22/17 6:37 AM

After a storm blew him and his crewman off course, Salvador
Alvarenga floated more than 5,000 miles over 438 days.
Hopes of seeing his daughter again kept him fighting for
survival.
SALVADOR ALVARENGA:
438 DAYS STRANDED AT SEA
Against warnings from friends about an
impending storm, Salvador Alvarenga, a 37-
year old fisherman from Mexico, set out with
his crewman Ezequiel Córdoba to earn a day’s
catch.
Aboard a 25-foot boat loaded with roughly
1,000 pounds of equipment, they set sail in fair
conditions only to wind up hours later in a storm
so violent they were forced to toss thousands
of dollars of equipment overboard. When the
storm settled, Alvarenga radioed in for help,
but before help could arrive, a new storm blew
them an additional 280 miles off course. That ASG-1610-Elite Suvival Systems 7/18/16 11:16 AM Page 1
was just the beginning of his nightmare.
The duo suffered food poisoning while
being forced to live off sea turtles and fish.
His only crewman tried committing suicide by
jumping into a pool of sharks. After Alvarenga
prevented it, the two built a bond that would be
shattered when Córdoba died later due to their
horrific conditions. After his friend’s passing,
Alvarenga endured the most agonizing physical
and mental turmoil, and even resorted to
talking to his dead crewman as a way to cope
with his death.
Hours turned into days, days into months.
After being lost at sea for 438 days, good
fortune finally struck as his boat floated to a
remote island where he ran across a couple
who found him and got him help. In total, he
had floated over 5,000 miles. The only thing
that kept him alive was the hopes and dreams
of returning home so he could rekindle an
abandoned relationship with his then 14-year
old daughter.

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DOOMSDAY
DANA BOWMAN: IT’S NOT a Veterans Affairs representative showed

up bedside asking him to sign papers to
Dana Bowman, a member
of the US Army’s elite Gold-
en Knights parachute team,
THE ABILITY, IT’S THE ABIILTY discharge him from the military, but this did
did not let an accidental
amputation stop him
from jumping again—and
Dana Bowman is a retired Green Beret little to stop him. becoming the first dou-
who became a member of the U.S Army’s Not wanting to be discarded, Bowman ble-amputee to re-enlist in
the Army.
elite parachute team, the Golden Knights. focused on the positive and put his trust
During a practice session, he and his in faith. With a new pair of prosthetic legs,
partner, Sgt. Jose Aguillon, were performing he snuck out one weekend and attempted
a maneuver known as the “Diamond Track.” yet another jump with members from the
It was a maneuver they had successfully Golden Knights. The jump was successful
performed 50 times, but on Feb. 6, 1994, enough to convince the Pentagon that
things changed. there was still a place for him. Nine months
Instead of crisscrossing, they made after his accident, he was the first double
impact at a combined speed of 300 miles amputee to re-enlist in the U.S. Army.
per hour. The impact was so severe that Since then, Bowman’s drive and
Bowman’s legs were severed from his body. determination has allowed him to perform
It sent him spiraling down into a parking lot; some incredible achievements. He made
his chute did not open until impact. Aguillon another 500 jumps since his accident,
GETTY IMAGES/CHARLOTTE OBSERVER/CONTRIBUTOR
did not survive. Miraculously, Bowman did, became the first double-amputee
and he was taken to the hospital where they helicopter instructor in the world, and he
closed his wounds. found love again. He and his wife, Jennifer,
The following weeks proved to be have twin girls along with two sons, and the
even more painful. While coping with the motivational speaker is showing no signs of
loss of his friend, his wife left him while he slowing down. DD
was at the hospital. To add insult to injury,

DOOMD17_109 6/23/17 2:26 AM Page 109
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DD-Dog-110-117_CX.indd 110 6/27/17 2:32 AM

Disaster
Prep for your
PET TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR ANIMALS SAFE
WHEN MOTHER NATURE STRIKES
> By Wendy Wilson
Product photos courtesy of manufacturers
Who could forget the images of abandoned pets perched atop New Orleans
rooftop islands as they peered helplessly into cameras in the wake of Hurricane
Katrina in 2005? Or stories of dogs trapped behind smoky fire lines when
Southern California erupted in blazes in 2009, and tales of thousands of pups
gone feral and disease-ridden after Haiti quaked into ruin in 2010?
Sadly, natural disasters often leave behind four-legged victims.
“During Katrina, most of the dogs housed in temporary emergency shelters had been left behind during
evacuations with the hope the caretakers would return to care for them,” recalls Janell Matthies, emergency services
manager for the United Animal Nations, a Sacramento, Calif.-based organization that brings animals out of crisis
through a variety of programs, including emergency sheltering and disaster relief services. “Some spent days, even
weeks fending for themselves in the aftermath of the storm. The lucky ones were rescued and brought into temporary
emergency shelters. They came in terrified, traumatized, sick and starving. Some had been critically injured, had
DOOMSDAY
chemical burns from the flood water, been fighting with other dogs over food, or even showing signs of stressed-
induced aggression.
“One has to wonder, if there had been an appropriate evacuation plan in place, would the dogs have had to suffer like
that? Some basic evacuation planning might have mitigated the horrific extent of suffering,” Matthies says. 111
DD-Dog-110-117_CX.indd 111 6/27/17 2:33 AM

112
DOOMSDAY
“EVEN WHEN ANIMALS ARE EVACUATED BY THEIR FAMILIES,

THEY CAN BECOME EXTREMELY STRESSED. ANIMALS CAN
SENSE THE INCREASED TENSION THAT PEOPLE PUT OUT.”
When disaster strikes, many times normal signs of nervousness, but they (Above) Pets sometimes
need human help in emer-
humans need to intervene for their acclimated quickly to their new temporary gency situations.
domesticated pets to ensure their safety. home and schedule. Volunteers were easily
How the evacuated dogs fare depends on the able to calm even the most anxious dogs
preparedness of their owners, she says. and have them eating and playing regularly. (Opposite page) When
animals are left behind,
“Animals can be affected by natural The impact on these animals was minimal they can starve, get sick or
become injured.
disasters in a number of ways,” Matthies compared to those that were frantically
says. “When they are left behind, they can evacuated or left behind during a disaster.”
starve, fall ill, become injured or drown, Hurricanes, floods, fires, earthquakes,
depending on the type of disaster. Even tornados, blizzards, even volcanic eruptions
TOP: GETTY IMAGES/DANIEL BEREHULAK/STAFF; RIGHT: GETTY IMAGES/FEI LIAN/EYEEM
when animals are evacuated by their – not to mention human-triggered crises,

families, they can become extremely like house fires, gas leaks and terrorist
stressed. Animals can sense the increased threats – happen with little warning. If
tension that people put out. forced to evacuate or hunker down at home,
“But when animals are evacuated unprepared dog owners may find themselves
appropriately, stress is decreased and the panicking. With a little disaster preparedness
animals are usually able to adjust,” she and plan rehearsal, however, they can make
continues. “During the floods in Tennessee sure their families – including their pets –
recently, most of the dogs in the care of UAN survive the crisis together. Here’s how to
volunteers were brought in by owners during prepare for a disaster, create a plan and
voluntary evacuation times. They showed practice it to perfection.
DD-Dog-110-117.indd 112 6/20/17 3:51 AM

PETS ACT
OF 2006
BE PREPARED They should list current, updated
Hurricane Katrina taught
many lessons, one of which
When it comes to preparedness, information and, ideally, a cell phone
was how to manage pets
emergency management professionals number where you can be reached in
in case of natural disaster.
have a saying: “If you fail to prepare, you’re case you and your pet separate during an Because no pet evacuation
preparing to fail,” says Ines de Pablo, evacuation. procedure was in place, in
a Washington D.C.-trained emergency Dog owners should also have a canine 2006, Congress passed H.R.
management specialist based in Herndon, emergency kit ready to go, Matthies says. 2858, the Pets Evacuation
Va. “It is very likely that you’ll have to be It should contain things like a collapsible and Transportation
evacuated at least once in your lifetime. food and water bowl; extra harness, Standards Act of 2006, and
And if you’re not ready, you’re going to collar and leash; pick-up bags; temporary on Oct. 6, President George
be panicking, and when you’re panicking, identification tags; pet first aid kit; airtight W. Bush signed the PETS Act
into law.
you’re not going to make the right moves. containers filled with at least 72 hours’
You’re going to have to figure out things you worth of food, water and medications; “The PETS Act requires that
could have planned for already, like finding a properly sized kennel; and any other state and local agencies
a pet friendly hotel or mapping alternative comfort items your dog will need. must include pets in their
routes when the internet is down. A list of emergency contacts – like evacuation plans to receive
FEMA funding,” says Janell
“Respect the fact that it could your animal hospital’s phone number – as
Matthies, United Animal
happen to you,” says de Pablo, who also well as complete veterinary records and
Nations emergency services
operates Wag’N Enterprises LLC, a pet proof of dog ownership are critical, too, de
manager in Sacramento,
emergency management company. Pablo says.
Calif. “As a result of this,
“Once you understand that, you can make “Pack all of your dog’s veterinary
more and more local agencies
planning for it fun. You can learn a lot of records, including proof of rabies, parvo, are formulating plans to
things about your house, your pets, what distemper and kennel cough vaccinations,” include animals in evacuation
they need, what you need and where you she says. “And also include multiple operations. For example,
should go.” pictures of your entire family with the some areas have formed
Preparing for an unforeseen dog, as well as anyone else who you feel ‘animal response teams’ that
emergency or natural disaster begins should be OK’d to go to the co-location can set up temporary shelters
with making sure your dog has his ID – shelter and see the animal. So if I’m not for animals who are displaced
microchip, tags or both – with him at all home and my roommate and my dog need and/or coordinate rescue
efforts for animals trapped
times, says Heather Case, DVM, director to evacuate and go to a shelter, I need to
behind disaster lines.”
of the scientific activities division for the make sure that she will be allowed access
American Veterinary Medical Association. to him when he’s in the co-location shelter.” Despite the policies, Matthies
recommends pet owners have
their own evacuation plan
in place in case of natural
disaster.
“UAN encourages everyone

to have their own emergency
and evacuation plans and to
rely on government rescue
and shelter operations only
as a last resort,” she says.
DOOMSDAY
113
DD-Dog-110-117.indd 113 6/20/17 3:51 AM

114
DOOMSDAY
In addition to gathering your emergency kit and ones that aren’t natural disasters.”
veterinary records, you should also identify where you Different situations demand different responses, de
and your pet will stay in case of evacuation, Dr. Case Pablo says, so dog owners should plan for three different
says. Because the Red Cross cannot accept dogs in their evacuation or emergency response scenarios:
evacuation facilities, you may need to find separate
accommodations for your pet, like a boarding kennel or v Emergency evacuation with little or no notice, like a
co-location facility, source some pet friendly hotels or house fire or earthquake, when you’ll need to grab
ask dog-loving friends or family for a place to stay in case only the most essential items – including your pets –
of crisis. and skedaddle.
You can also call your local emergency management v Emergency or voluntary evacuation where you’d have
office, animal shelter or animal control office for advice to leave your dog behind. Though far from ideal, de
and information about sheltering options. Pablo says, the situation may arise.
“Dog owners should develop framework in their plan v A shelter-at-home situation, like a tornado or
first,” Dr. Cases advises. “And then you think about making hurricane, where you hunker down with your dog.
sure the pets are identified, making sure you have all the
vaccination records, and how you’re going to feed and If you must leave quickly, plan to grab your family’s
“EVEN WHEN ANIMALS ARE EVACUATED BY THEIR FAMILIES,

THEY CAN BECOME EXTREMELY STRESSED. ANIMALS CAN
SENSE THE INCREASED TENSION THAT PEOPLE PUT OUT.”
water those animals in the temporary location.” and your pet’s emergency kits and head to safe ground, de
Once you’ve prepared your dog and your emergency Pablo says. If you’re driving to an evacuation center, map
kit, it’s time to formulate a plan of action. out different escape routes out of town or to the center.
Make sure you can access your pet’s leash, collar and
travel crate. Be familiar with your neighbors and have their
PLANNING IS EVERYTHING phone numbers programmed into your phone.
Experts agree – if not wholeheartedly emphasize – “And make sure you never leave your car with less
the importance of having a plan of action. What will you than a half tank of gas,” de Pablo says.
do if the hurricane siren sounds? Will you be ready to run Sometimes, as with the Katrina evacuations, pets
if the fire department knocks on your door and require you must be left behind. If you run a kennel, you may have
to evacuate? Where will you and your dog go? more dogs than carriers or not enough room in your car
The first part of your disaster preparedness plan for all the critters. You may have to evacuate to a shelter
involves eyeing the real potential threats or dangers in that doesn’t allow dogs. Animals will rely on their survival
your area, says Dr. Case. instincts, but you can make it easier for them – and for
“What’s mostly likely going to be a reason you’ll need first responders – if you leave an evacuation card tacked
to evacuate? It all depends on where you’re located,” Dr. or nailed to your home, along with food and water for your
GETTY IMAGES/SEAN GALLUP/STAFF
Case says. “You could be in hurricane alley. You could be pet, Dr. Case says.
in an area where there are significant winter storms or “Confine your pet in a safe area inside, but never
flooding. Plus, according to recent FEMA statistics, there leave him chained outside,” she continues. “Leave him
are 150,000 house fires in the United States every year, so loose inside your home with plenty of food and water.
people need to realize what their hazards are – even the Remove the toilet tank lid, raise the seat and brace the
DD-Dog-110-117.indd 114 6/20/17 3:51 AM

When creating your family’s evacuation plan, include
your pet and what it needs for survival.
bathroom door so they can drink. And place the notice saying: ‘An unrehearsed plan is a bad plan,’” she says.
outside in visible area. Make sure it lists what pets are in “Whether it’s a fire drill, an evacuation plan or a shelter-
the house, where they are and a phone number where you in-place plan, you should rehearse it because rehearsing
can be reached, as well as the name and number of your makes it realistic. Right now, we could run a drill right now
veterinarian.” where I would give you 30 seconds before you need to
And if you’re sheltering at home alongside your dog, be out of your house. What are you grabbing? The very
choose your safe room and be sure it’s fully stocked, de essentials. But if I gave you three hours before you needed
Pablo says. to be out of your house, you’d grab different things.”
“A lot of people focus on evacuating,” she says. “But Run through every step in your plan, de Pablo
you have to be ready for sheltering in place, too. If there’s says. Time how long it takes your family to gather their
a tornado, for example, I’m not going anywhere. So what emergency packs and meet at the car. Drive to evacuation
is your shelter-in-place plan? What if you lose power or centers, noting resources along the way. Know what
water? If your bathroom is your shelter in place, how long you’ll do with your dog if you have to leave him behind. By
can you sustain life? How long can you feed yourself and practicing, you’ll be able to fill any holes in your plan and
feed the animals, and what kind of plan do you have for mitigate unforeseen problems, she says.
them to go to the bathroom?” These rehearsals don’t have to be a chore. In fact, de
By planning and thinking through each emergency and Pablo says, you can have fun running drills and training
evacuation scenario, you’ll be better able to remain calm your dog specific emergency-related commands, like
and handle whatever situation comes at you, says de Pablo. when you say, “Fire,” your pup knows to dash to the car as
“And wouldn’t it be a beautiful world if you could then fast as possible.
help other people? If your neighbor didn’t have a plan, “You can definitely involve your pets and get them
they’d be panicking, but because you have everything in used to having these drills,” she says. “And you can even
place, you can lend a hand,” she says. invite your friends over. Instead of having a Pampered
Chef party, you can host an evacuation party. Imagine the
different scenarios you can run through.”
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
DOOMSDAY
Though you can’t prevent natural disasters or

Remember fire drills when you were in school? There emergencies from happening, you can be prepared for
was a reason for them, de Pablo says. them. Identify threats, formulate a plan and practice what
“The emergency management field has another you’ll do if Mother Nature strikes. 115
DD-Dog-110-117.indd 115 6/20/17 3:51 AM

116
BUG-OUT GEAR FOR YOUR CANINE SURVIVALIST

DOOMSDAY
1 5
4 6
1. FRONTLINE PLUS FOR DOGS | $34 TO $63 4. NUTRIVET ASPIRIN | $10
If you’re hitting the back woods, protect your pet with Frontline Plus. Should your dog get injured or sick, Nutrivet aspirin will provide
It’s formulated to kill adult fleas and ticks while slaying the next temporary relief for pain and inflammation. Talk to your veterinarian
generation of flea eggs and larvae. about the proper doseage for your dog’s weight.
2. ST JOHN FIRST AID KIT | $25 5. NEOSPORIN | $7.88

If you have the room to take it on the road, this purpose-built first For use on you and your dog, this triple antibiotic ointment prevents
aid kit for dogs will provide you with everything you need including infection on minor scrapes and wounds. Be sure to wash the wound
tweezers, scissors, bandages, wound dressing, antiseptic, shock first, and avoid using the extra-strength version on your pet.
blanket and more.
6. GOOD 2 GO RAIN JACKET | $20
3. GARMIN UPLAND BEEPER | $299.99 Keep your dog dry and warm during wet conditions with this
This training device for hunting dogs will help you locate your pal and waterproof jacket. Because some dogs may resist being dressed in
determine whether he’s on point—or just playing in the brush. With a clothing, be sure to get your pet used to the coat before disaster
quarter-mile audible range, you can set the beeper to emit one of six strikes.
different sounds. It’s compatible with Garmin’s other dog training devices.
DD-Dog-110-117.indd 116 6/20/17 3:51 AM

FINDING PET
From pre-packaged first-aid kits and rain jackets to pain relievers and tracking collars, emergency FRIENDLY
preparedness products for dogs run the gamut. Here are a few items to stock in your four-legged PLACES TO
pal’s bug-out bag. STAY
The United Animal Nations,
a Sacramento, Calif.-based
SELECT COMPANION DOG organization that brings
LIFT HARNESS | $27.99 animals out of crisis through
Available on Amazon, this dog lift will a variety of programs,
give you a helping hand to transport including emergency
injured or older dogs over tougher sheltering and disaster
terrain. The harness can handle dogs relief services, recommends
from 50 to 90 pounds. DD dog owner find pet friendly

hotels in their area in case
of emergency. Here are some
websites that can help:
BringYourPet.com
DoginMySuitcase.com
PetTravel.com
PetTravelCenter.com
PetsWelcome.com
DD-2017-Waterwise 6/15/17 9:35 AM Page 1
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and more.
facebook.com/ConcealedCarryMagazine
DD-Dog-110-117.indd 117 6/21/17 10:41 PM

118 STORY SECTION | STORY TITLE
DOOMSDAY
FOR THE WEALTHY, PREPPING MAY COME DOWN TO

WRITING A CHECK, BUT IN SOME CASES IT’S STILL NOT
GOOD ENOUGH. ENTRY INTO EXCLUSIVE PREPPING
COMMUNITIES IS LIMITED—IF NOT ALREADY SOLD OUT.
> By Chris Castro Photos courtesy of Survival Condo
DD-Survival condo-118-125.indd 118 6/22/17 7:01 AM

How the
SUPER RICH
are Preparing
DOOMSDAY
119

120
DOOMSDAY
‘‘ORIGINALLY PURCHASED FOR $300,000,

THE OLD ATLAS MISSILE SILO ATTAINED
‘NATIONAL PRIORITY’ STATUS DURING ITS
DEVELOPMENT IN THE 1950S.’’
The terms “prepping” and “survivalist” used to conjure up This former missile silo
has epoxy-hardened
images of mountain men with guns living off the land. Those concrete walls what are 9
feet thick. The silo cap can
same words were soon associated with MREs, bug-out packs withstand winds in excess
of 500 mph.
and powdered milk, but the times have changed—and they’ve
changed drastically.
Today, the landscape of preppers is wide and vast, and getting in on the action is the
wealthy. From purchasing helicopters to gas masks, gold coins to private underground bunkers,
the rich are getting in on the action and many are even taking refuge to New Zealand—the
billionaires’ bolt hole. Though their planning and escape routes are quite different than the
ordinary, the one thing that remains a constant is that they all want to survive whatever
collapse may come next.
For the most part, prepping always begins with a plan, but that plan can only be executed
with the monetary funds required to get what you need as well the knowledge and resilience
to use those tools effectively. The majority of us set aside a budget to buy what we need. We
research, save meticulously, look for deals and improvise while juggling a fine balance between
family, work and that thing called life.
Prepping is a lengthy process that takes some time to fulfill, but for those with more
money than time, it’s often as easy as writing a check—literally.
DD-Survival condo-118-125_CX.indd 120 6/27/17 2:26 AM

For the chosen few—the wealthy to be
exact—prepping can come as a package
deal, but it comes with a hefty price. Whereas
most of us worry about stockpiling, building
neighborhood alliances and taking inventory
of who can bring what, the ruling elite now
have an opportunity to buy their way into a
select community that has only one thing in
mind: the survival and the protection of its
occupants.
This is where the “Survival Condo” comes
into play. Built inside of an old missile silo, the
pricing for a unit in this exclusive compound
may seem steep if not outrageous, but the
harsh reality is that you can’t put a price on
the safety of your family let alone life itself. If
the idea still seems inconceivable, then think
again because the first phase of this project is
already sold out.
ORIGINS
After the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Larry
Hall came up with the idea of converting a
silo into what he calls “The Survival Condo.”
To accomplish that, Hall repurposed an Atlas
“F” Missile Silo, to create a fully self-contained
and secure Luxury Survival Condo and Resort.
But how did the owner and project
manager end up with a silo to begin with? Well,
Hall was a former developer who provided
networks and data centers for government
contractors. Utilizing his network and resources
while working on government contracts in
2008, he stumbled across an opportunity to A cross section of condo shows the expansive 20,000-plus square feet of floor
space in the monolithic dome that comes with a redundant water supply and more
buy and old missile silo for just $300,000, so he than 75,000 gallons in reserve tanks.
jumped on it.
Originally built back in 1960 to house
and protect the Atlas Nuclear Missiles, the
Atlas missile silos were the first “hardened” of overpressure (roughly equivalent to 500 mph winds). There
silo structures with walls as thick as 9½ feet are two underground structures—one two-story and one 14-story
and made from epoxy hardened concrete— structure—which, when combined together, create just over
DOOMSDAY
considered to be one of the strongest 54,000 square feet of underground, nuclear-hardened, protected
structures built by man. The structure features space. The structure has also undergone years of cleanup and
more than 600 tons of high-strength rebar, monitoring by the Environmental Protection Agency and has been
which is capable of withstanding 200 pounds granted a clean bill of health. 121

122
DOOMSDAY
FLOORPLANS automation system with remote off-site

There are two types of residential access, keyless access, and washer and
condos: a full-floor layout and a half- dryer in every unit.
floor layout. The full-floor layouts have Each residential unit is also
approximately 1,820 square feet of living provisioned with a five-year supply of
space and are designed to accommodate freeze-dried and dehydrated survival food
six to 10 people. The half-floor layouts per person. This is high-quality food that
have approximately 900 square feet of has a shelf life of more than 20 years and
living space and accommodate three to is stored in special oxygen-free containers.
five people. Each living space features This means that a full-floor residential unit
full kitchens with high-end stainless has a 30 man-year supply of food while the
appliances, full spectrum LED lighting half-floor residential unit has a 15 man-
throughout, 50-inch LED TV and home year supply of food.
A BREATH OF
FRESH AIR
Nuclear, Biological
and Chemical (NBC)
filters filter the air
supply for the entire
facility. The physical air
intakes are protected by
what are known as blast
valves. Blast valves
function to prevent an
overpressure airwave
created by a nearby
explosion from entering
the facility and killing
those inside. The facility
has a three-source
(primary plus two A high speed elevator
backups) water supply guarantees a quick trip
to any of the levels in just
and reservoir system seconds.
‘‘WITH UNITS STARTING AT $1.5 MILLION,

MANY WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT
THE FIRST PHASE HAS ALREADY SOLD OUT.’’
DD-Survival condo-118-125_CX.indd 122 6/27/17 2:26 AM

The facility has two floors of hydroponic gardens that will provide fresh Indoor pools and a theater provide the creature comforts of home and make
produce as well as an aquaculture system designed to provide fish for food. living in a bunker much more pleasureable.
An on-site rock climbing wall and workout room, along with other health- A three-source (primary plus two backups) water supply and reservoir
minded extras, keep residents fit and prepared for anything. system with minimum 75,000-gallon reserve tanks, which includes a
sophisticated purification system.
with minimum 75,000-gallon reserve tanks, proximity sensors, microphones, trip

which includes a sophisticated purification sensors, passive detectors, as well as
system that ensures the water supply is safe confidential defensive systems both
for consumption. automated and manually operated.
The facility has two floors of To help ease you from feeling
hydroponic gardens that will provide fresh claustrophobic, there are LED screens
produce as well as an aquaculture system acting as windows that provide a live feed
designed to provide fish for food. view outside of your condo.
Lethal and non-lethal measures to
STAY CONNECTED protect residents are also implemented

in security protocols covering just about
AND SECURED every scenario that could pose as a threat
The facility also has a three-source to residents and would put the facility in
(primary plus two backups) electric supply. danger.
These sources include the local electric grid, If conditions permit, you have access to
a large wind turbine and a diesel generator. a communication center complete with on-
DOOMSDAY
The facility has a security and site Internet subset access complete with
communication control center, military- high-speed fiber optic network and digital
grade security system that includes visible weather station. Silo-to-silo network links
spectrum cameras, infrared cameras, and communications are also available. 123

124
DOOMSDAY
OFF GRID, BUT NOT REALLY… A cross section of the

penthouse floor plan. A
penthouse unit will give you
Aside from the aforementioned, additional amenities include mandatory survival training, 3,600 square feet on two
levels. They start at $4.5
a minor medical/surgery center, an indoor pool with waterfall, a workout room, a home theater,
million.
a classroom and library, pub and game room, bulk storage, indoor firing range, rock climbing
wall, walk-in freezer, elevator, spare parts, machine shop, and on top of all that, yes, the condo
is cat and dog friendly upon approval.
The main objective of Hall’s Survival Condo is to provide extended off-grid living in the
event of a major disaster or emergency. Hall mentions that his clients are not your typical
“survival nuts” as portrayed in the media. Rather they are successful, educated and well-to-
do individuals who simply want peace of mind in the event of a natural or manmade disaster.
Even though the facility is designed to withstand a nuclear blast, Hall states that in the event
of a major disaster, economic collapse or whatever the future may hold, there is one common
concern that he and his tenants share: the ability to protect themselves and their families when
the government is no longer able to do so.

GOT TO PAY TO PLAY
Unfortunately, all units have already been
sold even prior to completion, but there is still
some hope to be had with Hall’s second silo
that is currently in the works and scheduled for
completion sometime in 2018. They do suggest
you act fast, because they are predicting all the
units will be sold out for this project as well.
Two-level penthouse units, which are
approximately 3,600 square feet, will start at
$4.5 million; full floor units with approximately
1,840 square feet start at $3 million; and half-
floor units at approximately 920 square feet
The Survival Condo comes complete with military grade security system that includes
start at $1.5 million. But why stop there? For visible spectrum cameras, infrared cameras, sensors, microphones and trip sensors.
those who want their own, a full custom silo

ranging anywhere from 50,000 square feet
up to 300,000 square feet can also be made
available through Hall and his team.
If you think about it, you would actually
be coming up on quite an investment if you
had the financial means to do so. Hall saw the
financial advantage to utilizing the bones and
foundation of the silo. Simply put, it would be
considered financially impossible to provide
the level of protection and quality of life if that
same facility had to be built completely from
scratch. The location is disclosed for security
purposes, but what they do reveal is that the
two silos are located in Kansas.
But what if you want to purchase a unit
and don’t live near or around Kansas? You
need not worry because Hall’s team already
has three contingency plans in place to ensure
that you will arrive at the facility. Want to
know what those plans are? You’ll have to ask
Hall himself as his plans are confidential and
clandestine. Needless to say a large amount An indoor shooting range allows residents to practice their marksmanship skiills.
of forethought has been put into this project

and we would expect nothing less with his
planning. To learn more about his project visit
DOOMSDAY
them online at: www.survivalcondo.com. DD
125

126 ??????? | NO SERVICE? NO PROBLEM.
DOOMSDAY
NO SERVICE?
NO PROBLEM.
CREATE YOUR OWN OFF-GRID NETWORK WITH GOTENNA
> Story by Chris Castro
Ever been hiking or hunting and lose reception? Ever

experience suboptimal cell phone coverage while
hitting the desert dunes? Have you ever traveled
overseas just to be charged extra cellphone service, or
do you simply want to communicate in a fashion that
will leave you off the grid?
If you answered yes to any of the above—or are simply prepping for the
worst—then the goTenna is a must for any bug-out bag. To be honest, it’s a must
for anyone with an active lifestyle.
The goTenna is an award-winning device that gives you GPS and text
capabilities on your smart phone with absolutely no service required. Great for
prepping, travel, concerts and events, goTenna pairs to any ordinary cellphone via
a messaging app. No more channel switching. No more interference. The goTenna
GETTY IMAGES/PETER MARTELL/STRINGER
is truly a gift to the world of communication, and it operates on the physics and
science of radio waves.
The goTenna features a 2-watt VHF radio, Bluetooth-LE as well as an internal
flash memory to hold hundreds of messages. Weighing in at just 1.8 ounces, the
goTenna measures in at 5.8 x 1 x 0.5 inches, and all that technology is enclosed in a
water- and dust-resistant case, which is minimal and charming.
DD-Gotenna-126-129.indd 126 6/21/17 12:02 AM

DOOMSDAY
127

128
DOOMSDAY
The idea for this product started in their claims. Having owned a set for over two In open environments like
the desert, you can get up
late 2012 after Hurricane Sandy took down years, the unit works like a charm. And not to 4 miles of transmission
and reception range. Photo
one-third of cell towers and power stations only does it look cool, but also it’s definitely a courtesy of goTenna.
in a 10-state area. Daniela and J Perdomo conversation piece. Of course, environmental
then decided to create a resilient, scalable conditions make an impact on the efficiency
and affordable bottom-up connectivity of the unit. In congested environments you
independent of top-down centralized can expect a range of up to half a mile, while
infrastructure. The response to the product open environments such as the desert will
was so overwhelming that venture capitalists grant you up to four miles of transmission/
lined up to invest while the likes of Google reception.
and the U.S Department of Defense gave So be sure to include the goTenna as
R&D funding. part of your disaster planning because this
While this may sound too good to be priceless invention is worth its weight in
true, just know that there is absolute truth to gold. DD
FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit www.gotenna.com

COMMUNICATE AND MORE
Some of the features of the goTenna include:
MESSAGING: Send private 1-to-1 or group message

chats, or broadcast to any goTenna users nearby.
MAPPING: Never get lost again. Download free

offline maps of any location in the world.
ENCRYPTION: Send end-to-end encrypted

messages that are not stored anywhere.
LOCATION SHARING: Share and request location

information with other goTenna users.
Small enough to fit inside your bag or purse, the goTenna offers minimalist looks packed
with maximum technology.
DELIVERY CONFIRMATION: No more guessing if
your text went through. Delivery confirmations are
provided.
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TPS Arms 63
DOOMSDAY
Waterwise Inc. 117

World Gone Silent 49
Yankee Hill Machine Co. 71
Location sharing allows you to send others your exact whereabouts, while delivery confirmation
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130 THE FINAL DAYS
DOOMSDAY
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DD-Final days 130_CX2.indd 130 6/27/17 12:36 AM

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American Survival Guide - Doomsday 2017

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FROM THE EDITORS OF AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE • DOOMSDAY

FROM THE EDITORS OF AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE

DOOMSDAY_CVR2.indd 1 6/28/17 11:30 PM

,FZ.PE JTIFSF KeyMod™ is the tactical

Folding Rear Sight

• BCM KMR-A15 KeyMod Rail

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ • BCMGUNFIGHTER™ KMSM

Stock $55.95 Gas Block $44.95

BCM® A2X Flash

Trigger Assembly BCMGUNFIGHTER™

$1,422.05 KeyMod Bipod Thorntail M3M6

Hartland, WI U.S.A. / Toll Free: 1-877-BRAVO CO (1-877-272-8626) / Fax: 262-367-0989 / BravoCompanyMFG.com

KeyMod™ is the tactical

• BattleComp 1.5 $155.00 • BCMGUNFIGHTER™

Handguard 13 Inch $189.95

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ KAG • BCM ®

PWS FSC556 Tactical

KeyMod BCMGUNFIGHTER™ KAG VG-KM-MOD-3, KeyMod Version . . $18.95

Hartland, WI U.S.A. / Toll Free: 1-877-BRAVO CO (1-877-272-8626) / Fax: 262-367-0989 / BravoCompanyMFG.com

10 15 TREMOROUS FACTS ABOUT EARTHQUAKES 102 THE SURVIVAL MINDSET

your next—portable generator. By Mike Landers 30 DOOMSDAY ESSENTIALS

72 LIKE NO OTHER 6 FROM THE EDITOR

Photos: Model, Getty Images/zabelin; background, Getty

92 BEFORE YOU A BUY THAT GAS MASK,

DD-TOC-4-5_CX3.indd 4 6/28/17 5:50 AM

DD-TOC-4-5_CX3.indd 5 6/28/17 5:50 AM

SITUATIONAL vs. SURVIVAL MINDSET

PHOTO BY ROBERT NICKELSBERG/GETTY IMAGES

DD-Edit-6-8.indd 6 6/20/17 12:43 AM

Doug Jeffrey Editorial Director

BUT THERE’S ONE PROBLEM. Gennifer Merriday

HE LIVES BY THE WATER.

ENGAGED MEDIA INC.

This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding

DD-Edit-6-8_CX.indd 8 6/27/17 12:43 AM

With 42 states at risk of having an earthquake, there is no better time to get

DD-Golden-10,12.indd 10 6/23/17 12:23 AM

ASG_1709_11.indd 11 6/16/17 12:31 AM

chance of a 6.5 to 7.5-magnitude earthquake POWERFUL

government sources. By January 24, the preliminary

DD-Golden-10,12.indd 12 6/23/17 12:24 AM

DD-Nuclear-14-18, 20,22,24.indd 14 6/20/17 10:56 PM

DD-Nuclear-14-18, 20,22,24.indd 15 6/20/17 10:56 PM

“THE BEST DEFENSE IS A THICK DEFENSE.”

DD-Nuclear-14-18, 20,22,24.indd 16 6/20/17 10:56 PM

v Major ports and

DD-Nuclear-14-18, 20,22,24.indd 17 6/20/17 10:56 PM

DD-Nuclear-14-18, 20,22,24.indd 18 6/22/17 6:29 AM

Step 2: Fill out the form STATE ZIP E-MAIL

The weather is a variable, as wind and rain greatly learning experiences.

“YOUR GREATEST ASSET IN SURVIVING NUCLEAR

DD-Nuclear-14-18, 20,22,24.indd 20 6/20/17 10:56 PM

LIGHT DAMAGE 2m/3.2km

DD-Nuclear-14-18, 20,22,24.indd 22 6/20/17 10:57 PM

DOOMD17_23.indd 23 6/16/17 12:40 AM

Explosive Yield/Height of Burst

Blast—Effective Ground Range GR/km

Destruction of most civilian buildings (5 psi or 34 kPa) 0.6 1.7 6.2 17

Moderate damage to civilian buildings (1 psi or 6.9 kPa) 1.7 4.7 17 47

Railway cars thrown from tracks and crushed (62 kPa;

Thermal Radiation—Effective Ground Range GR/km

Conflagration 0.5 2.0 10 30

Third degree burns 0.6 2.5 12 38