Tactical flashlights are tactical because they are built to be tactical. Tactical flashlights will typically use high-strength aerospace aluminum for the body of the flashlight. This material is extremely hard, making it very durable and ready for tactical situations.
Another unique aspect of tactical flashlights is that they may be operated with either one hand or two hands--depending on what your tactical situation calls for. Most tactical flashlights also have momentary "on" switches that can create a strobe effect disorienting your target or enemy allowing an opportunity to escape from danger or attack from behind cover. Other tactical features include: rail mount system with reversible locking belt clip, pushbutton tailcap switch providing tactical momentary/steady illumination, crenelated strike bezel and body, tactical knurling for a non-slip grip and removable pocket clip.
For tactical situations, tactical flashlights may create strobe effects used to disorient your target or enemy allowing an opportunity to escape from danger or attack from behind cover. Tactical flashlights may also have momentary "on" switches that can be held down to create a steady illumination of the tactical situation. Some tactical features include: rail mount system with reversible locking belt clip, pushbutton tailcap switch providing tactical momentary/steady illumination, crenelated strike bezel and body, tactical knurling for a non-slip grip and removable pocket clip.
In most states tactical flashlights are legal. In New York, tactical flashlights may only be purchased from a dealer with a federal firearms license or who is authorized by the Department of Criminal Justice Services to sell tactical items. In Illinois tactical flashlights are not permitted unless you have a combined Firearm Owner's Identification card and firearm concealment permit.
Some tactical lighting features include: rail mount system with reversible locking belt clip, pushbutton tailcap switch providing tactical momentary/steady illumination, crenelated strike bezel and body, tactical knurling for a non-slip grip and removable pocket clip. The tactical flashlight self defense should have high-strength aerospace aluminum for the body of it making it very durable and ready for any
Tactical flashlights are tactical because they are made to be tactical. The rechargeable tactical led flashlight should have high-strength aerospace aluminum for the body of it making it very durable and ready for tactical situations. When tactical flashlights are used in tactical situations, tactical light can be more valuable than a weapon.
Are tactical flashlights legal? Most states allow tactical flashlights, but in some states you may only purchase them from dealers with federal firearms licenses or who are authorized by the Department of Criminal Justice Services to sell tactical items.
In tactical situations the led tactical flashlight may create strobe effects used to disorient your target or enemy allowing an opportunity to escape from danger or attack from behind cover.
A tactical flashlight should have high-strength aerospace aluminum for the body of it making it very durable and ready for tactical situations. When tactical flashlights are used in tactical situations, light can be more valuable than a weapon.
In tactical situations the tactical flashlight may create strobe effects used to disorient your target or enemy allowing an opportunity to escape from danger or attack from behind cover.
In tactical situations tactical flashlights may create strobe effects used to disorient your target or enemy allowing an opportunity to escape from danger or attack from behind cover.
But tactical flashlights can be very different from one another so it is important that you research tactical flashlights to know exactly what they have and what you want before you purchase products. Some of them are made of aluminum where others of plastic, some of them tactical knurling for a non-slip grip while others have a crenelated strike bezel, have long beam distance and ultra bright, long battery life, waterproof, and body that can also serve as a self-defense weapon when necessary. Tactical flashlights usually have momentary "on" switches that can be held down to create a steady illumination of the tactical situation rather than having tactical features.
Best Tactical flashlights are tactical because they are tactical unlike ordinary flashlight. The tactical flashlight should have high-strength aerospace aluminum for the body of it making it very durable and ready for tactical situations. When tactical flashlights are used in tactical situations, light can be more valuable than a weapon.
Police officers (law enforcement) also use flashlights during operations and other activities. However, with so many police lights on the market nowadays it can be hard for them to choose which one is best suited for their needs!
One of the brand that police use for a flashlight are an everyday carry Evatac's Tactical Flashlights. They are a good tactical flashlight or survival flashlight because they are tactical unlike regular flashlight due to wide array of advantages such as unmatched brightness, battery life, impact resistant, and has a bright light output. Some tactical flashlights may have momentary "on" switches that can create a strobe mode effect disorienting your target or enemy allowing an opportunity to escape from danger or attack from behind cover from a potential assailant in emergency situation . Another brand of flashlight is Maglite's LED 3-Cell D Flashlight which uses only three AAA batteries and is water resistant with its machined aluminum case.
Police uses flashlights that have 3100 lumens that can emit up to 104,000 candelas.
Tactical flashlights may be used in tactical situations when light can be more valuable than a weapon. So it is important to know exactly what tactical flashlight you want before making the purchase so you don't get one that doesn't have all the tactical features that you need or want in your best affordable tactical flashlight. Brands that police use are Evatac's Tactical Flashlights and Maglite's LED 3-Cell D
Yes, it is illegal to shine tactical flashlights into someone's house. But it isn't illegal when police or first responders knock on your door and shine a light through your window in the pursuit of their duties.
When tactical flashlights are used in tactical situations, light can be more valuable than a weapon. So it is important to know exactly what best tactical flashlight you want before making the purchase so you don't get one that doesn't have all the tactical features that you need or want in your rechargeable tactical flashlight. Brands that police use are Evatac's Tactical Flashlights and Maglite's LED 3-Cell D Flashlight which uses only three AAA batteries and is water resistant with its machined aluminum case.
]]>To me, it’s all about sustainable living. Having a reliance on no one else. That even if the grid is down or the power is out, it doesn’t affect your quality of life. And that you’re making time now to think ahead, and plan, so you can better guarantee the security, safety, well-being and ultimately, the survival of your family – no matter what obstacles come your way. But in all the years I’ve been doing this, I wanted to offer my take on all the different beliefs, that really need to be dispelled about all of us.
Mainstream media gets so caught up in this one, as they like to portray “preppers” as the bad guys who are counting down until the end of the world. This belief couldn’t be farther from the truth. If we were to experience a cataclysmic event that sets the world back a thousand years, it’s going to be a bad time, for everyone. There’s a reason the Dark Ages are referred to as “dark,” because it was a terrible time in our history. No one wants this.
I myself am certainly not hoping for an apocalypse. It’s just not practical, and the risk it presents is far greater than some magical notion of living off the land like you see in Hollywood. What we are hoping for is the future of our families. That we’ve done enough, or have had the foresight to plan ahead for the kind of challenges we will face. Like a localized natural disaster, an accident, or even the loss of a job. So that we’re a little better off in the unlikely event that something bad does happen.
Next comes all the fuss about hidden weapons caches, and the thought that we’re all sitting on mountains of firepower and munitions like some kind of vigilante militia. Again, a belief that’s fed more by what we see in movies than the reality of day-to-day life. It’s likely that my fellow survivalists have more weapons than the average American, but I don’t know anyone who has racks and racks of assault rifles and all the ammo to back it up.
Most of us have an assortment of weapons, a few handguns and some ammo. As well as all the targets and gear we need to hone our shooting skills. If you were to look through my cache, you’re going to find more shotgun shells and 30-30’s for my rifles than anything else. Of course, I see the value in firearms for self-defense, but the cost of equipping yourself out to a military-depot level is in the tens of thousands, and most of us simply do not have that sort of cash (or there’s better things to spend it on than ammo).
This one cuts right to the core because it’s one I’ve personally faced the kind of skepticism, amusement and negativity from people in my life whose opinion I hold dear. We’re considered to be the paranoid ones, because life in the 21st century has made us accustomed to same-day deliveries, stores that open 24-7, and being able to get “whatever” you want, “whenever” you want it. Which is fine, until it stops working.
And you don’t even have to look too far back to find examples of this in action. The current pandemic put such a panic into people they were stockpiling toilet paper. After Hurricane Katrina it took 15 days for the grid to come online again. Wildfires in Australia destroyed 9,000 homes just last year, the list goes on. But what takes time is getting things back to normal, and I for one, don’t want to be stuck in line waiting for a government handout.
One of the most Instagram-worthy things in our community is our bug out retreats, the last-resort location that you’re planning to escape to with your family once the SHTF. But I have to say, even with the number of friends I have living this lifestyle, I only know of one person with a professionally done bug out location. Most of us are simply trying to get by as best we can, with the resources we have at our disposal. And it’s a much humbler setup.
For the longest time, my planned bug out location was a trailer parked behind my parent’s house the next state over. We’ve also got a spare room at my sister’s family house, that has our name on it. In the years since, we’ve made progress and have built a rustic bug out on two different pieces of property, but neither of these are fancy. Think more like a no-frills cabin, that we can go to just in case. It took an incredible amount of saving to get these.
These four beliefs about preppers are negative biases that need to be eliminated. Looking at it from a completely practical standpoint, it makes total sense to be a little more survival-oriented with your family. Packing go-bags in case you need to make a quick move, having more than a few days’ worth of groceries in your cupboards and fridge, and really thinking about what it will take to keep your standard of living at an acceptable one, when you’ve no longer got lights that turn on at the switch, or water that runs out of the tap.
Ultimately, being prepared is about self-reliance. That above all, we’ve got what we need to survive whatever disaster comes our way. Just like the first patriots who came to this country, there’s nothing negative about planning for a rainy day. We’ll be the ones sitting pretty when the SHTF.
]]>But where most people go wrong is they don’t really know what they want in a knife. And they’ll buy something that looks like it came right off the Rambo set (and is wholly impractical for any kind of day-to-day use), or they choose a flimsy pocketknife that is likely to do more damage to themselves than ever cut anything useful. So with that in mind, I wanted to explain everything you need in a knife, to help you make the best buy.
Before buying anything it’s critical you understand what’s legal in your local jurisdiction, and buy a knife that is within those limitations. Everything from the particular type of knife to the length of the blade will be considered, and many of the more “exotic” blades that are obviously weapons, are more than likely going to get you in serious trouble.
My advice, is to take the time to understand the relevant laws, otherwise you risk heavy fines if you’re caught with a knife (or as the police report will read, a deadly weapon). And while I’m a big fan of tactical knives, you definitely don’t want to be caught sporting a spring-loaded blade or a butterfly knife in public. It’s just not worth the risk.
Now, choosing the right knife will depend on the particular type of jobs you have in mind.
What you’re really choosing between here is whether or not the blade is fixed in place, or is able to be folded. Fixed blade knifes are sturdier and hold up better for chopping and cutting, while folding knives can be more easily concealed, and are less likely to draw attention in a pocket or your everyday carry kit. Whether or not the blade locks in place can be a deal breaker in terms of legality, so pay attention to what’s allowed in your area.
The length of the blade is another factor. You want it big and heavy enough for any tough jobs, without it being too big and heavy to safely use on smaller jobs. Otherwise you risk slicing yourself open, using a tool that’s just not right for the job. I like balance in my everyday carry knife, a folding blade with some heft in the handle, and about 3-inches of blade. It’s not too big to raise any alarms, but a good all-round knife to have on you.
What the blade is made from is also important. Many cheaper knives are cheap steel, which becomes painfully obvious in how quickly the blade dulls. Carbon steel is also common, but personally I’d look for a stainless-steel blade as a starting point. There are better (more expensive) types of steel for the blades, but these also drive the price up quite quickly. In my opinion, whilst there is a difference, most people do well with a stainless-steel knife.
With the edge of the blade, I prefer a single bladed edge with a flat back (not the heavily serrated monstrosities you see in the movies). It’s less threatening if you do get searched, and also more versatile when you’re actually using it in a survival situation. You can chop heavier branches by tapping the back of your knife with a rock, and not worry about slicing your finger on the serrated edge if you need to apply more force to whatever you’re cutting.
You should also think about how you’re planning to carry the knife. Fixed blades will need a sheath, which becomes pretty obvious to anyone paying attention that you’re armed. Folding blades can be slipped into a pocket, or clipped onto your belt, and are much less obvious in a day to day situation. I like the safety folding knives offer, and it’s why I generally choose these over a fixed blade for my everyday carry.
Much like a firearm, children will be drawn to knifes like a moth to a flame. It’s something about the fact it’s a forbidden thing, that they’re “not allowed” to touch, that’ll have your kids grabbing for it as soon as you’ve taken your eyes off them. My advice, is to never leave your knives sitting out, and once your kids are old enough teach them how to safely handle their own knives. My dad started me with a pocketknife in my fishing kit when I was about eight, and while it blew my mind at the time I know he was doing it with this in mind.
Finally, and this is important. You need to be conscious of where you’re actually carrying your knife. There are some locations, like your kids’ school, or their University campus, that have a zero-tolerance policy on knives and you will get in a world of trouble for bringing a knife to. Some bars won’t let weapons inside, and of course, police stations, courthouses, and pretty much any government building will certainly frown on you bringing a “weapon” in through their front doors. Think about where you’re going, and if there might be a problem, it’s better to leave it in your glovebox.
When it comes to choosing the right knife for survival, there are so many factors it’s critical you take the time to really understand what you need it for. That’ll allow you to buy the right knife for the job, and also be a heck of a lot safer too.
]]>The good news, is that these torches are relatively simple to make, and they will burn for a considerable amount of time. Not all night, but they should give you anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes of burn time, depending on the size of the torch and the materials used.
All of these torches will use a similar handle. Take your knife and cut about a three-foot length of green branch from a nearby tree. You want it thick enough that it’s sturdy to carry, without being too heavy as you’ll be holding it up and away from your body once it’s lit. And the greener the better. It will eventually dry out and start to burn, but it takes that much longer for green wood to do so, so do cut this from a tree. I’d recommend collecting a few branches, because these torches do burn out quickly, and having the next one ready to go will save yourself from falling into darkness as you try to make the next one.
If you’ve ever seen fire torches in the dungeons of a castle, that’s essentially what you’re making here. That’ll be any type of oil that you can procure, perhaps it’s a bottle of olive oil you had in your stockpile, or some engine oil you’ve drained from an abandoned car. You’ll also need a wick, which is essentially lengths of cotton or other fabric that you’re going to soak in the fuel. Polyester will melt and drip, I’d look instead for something that’s wool, cotton or linen. Socks are a good option here, especially if you’ve a few spare pairs. When the fabric us good and wet, wrap them tightly around one end of the handle you’ve found, and it’s ready to light. This will drop burning oil and debris once it’s lit, so be sure to hold it well away from yourself as you use it.
Taking on a similar structure to the oil torch is the fuel torch. It won’t burn quite as long, but it’s a good option if you’ve only got a flammable liquid available, like diesel, gas, alcohol, or even hand sanitizer. But instead of soaking the fabric first, you’re going to want to wrap the cotton tightly around the end of your handle first. The tighter the better, as you don’t want this to burn, it’s just a way to soak up the fuel that you’ll be burning. Once it’s tied, soak the end in the fuel source, and once it’s stopped dripping it’s ready to light and use. These torches do burn out fast, but should give you anywhere from 5-15 minutes of light. What I like best though, is once they’re out you can usually re-use the torch by adding more fuel to the fabric wick, and then simply lighting it again.
Often though, you’re not going to have oils or fuel available to make these torches, especially if it’s a hike gone wrong or some other mishap that has you lost in the woods. But that doesn’t mean you need to ride it out in the dark. Find a birch tree, and strip off the dried bark. It contains high levels of resin and will burn bright. The birch bark will act as both your wick and the fuel. But instead of trying to wrap it around the end of your green branch handle like we would do with fabric, you’re going to take your knife and split the end of the handle. Sliding the birch bark inside so it’s tightly sitting in place, and wind the loose ends around. It’s not as neat as a fabric wick, but it works in a pinch. The tighter you wrap the bark the longer it’ll burn, or keep the birch bark wrapped loose for a brighter flame.
One torch that I’m particularly fond of is the resin torch. We’ve got massive pines in the woods near our place, which makes the perfect resin for this. Spruce or fir trees will also work, essentially what we need is the soft, crystallized resin that forms where a pine tree has been damaged. Scrape it free, and collect as much as possible. I try to get about a tennis-ball sized amount, that will make two or three torches. And grab a couple of pine cones too. Again, split the end of the handle of your torch, and slide a pinecone in. Next, you’re going to use your fire to melt the collected resin and drip it over the pinecones (or if you’ve got a tin to collect the melted resin and dip the pinecones in – this works too). Let it dry, and once it does your resin torch is ready to go. These will burn for about 15 minutes.
Just because you’ve not got a flashlight, it doesn’t mean you need to be stuck in the dark. Use these different techniques to light up the wild, now you know how to create a primal torch from whatever materials you have on hand. It’s easy once you know how.
]]>History
Throughout history different bladed weapons were employed by people in different roles. In the Middle Ages daggers were used as backup weapons for archers and pike men. Very early on daggers were typically much longer as a sort of double-edged short sword, but as fighting styles changed, they were made smaller and easier to hide. Having a small, deadly knife that could be concealed and carried lightly was helpful in a lot of situations, be they battles or smaller fights. Perhaps the most widely used sort of combat dagger was the trench knife (often fitted with a knuckle duster handle) that saw continued use in the 19th and early 20th century. These were largely done away with in favor of more utilitarian designs for use in modern militaries and commercial self-defense weapons.
Uses and Design
Before considering how you’ll use a defensive knife, let’s think and when or why you’d use one:
When there’s a person approaching with their own weapon in a robbery scenario or outright violent attack, you want something you can draw as quickly or quicker than what your opponent has on hand, ergo an edged combat weapon that you’ve ideally had some practice with (you can never have too much practice when preparing for the possibility of an attack).
A short blade can prove useful in assisting with your hunt or performing the killing blow to game like deer and pigs.
By design combat daggers are a knife best used in a stabbing rather than slashing motion. Other knives might be suitable in other circumstances where slashing might work but a single stab wound from a dagger will prove devastating. Being able to quickly stab at or into a person or animal will serve both to cause massive wounds and a threatening tool (so that hopefully you won’t actually have to use it in a defensive situation), particularly if the person you are up against knows about the danger posed facing down someone with a dagger!
The ease with which daggers allow you to thrust and then immediately retract from danger definitely sets them apart from larger bladed weapons like machetes or axes. When using edged weapons for hunting the best dagger maneuvers involve aiming for the neck and down through the neck into the upper chest. Again, using a thrusting weapon such as a dagger forces the user to stab rather than slash, but this is absolutely the best way to attack dangerous game such as boar which have a tough layer of fat across the back which helps to protect their vital internal organs. Two edges slide in much easier than a traditional single-edged larger blade like a bowie knife.
As modern daggers are typically a small to intermediate sized knife you can purchase them with a fixed blade or moving blade, whether it be folding or switchblade (carefully consider some of the laws I mentioned below).
Carrying and Storage
As a short handled and bladed weapon a dagger can be easily concealed from potential threats until you’re ready to draw. Being light-weight they are easy to carry under a jacket or on your ankle under long pants.
Laws
Laws for the purchase, sale and carrying of knives vary a lot by state so you should always keep up to date with this if you’re considering carrying a weapon such as a dagger.
With this, let’s consider Federal US Laws first. The carrying of knives in places such as schools, courts, federal buildings, and planes is nearly always prohibited, as is carrying one into a military installation unless you’re a member of the armed forces.
Being able to conceal your weapon is important so you might be thinking about something super compact like a switchblade, but the 1958 Switchblade Act prohibits the sale of these interstate, so consider where you’re seeking them out before you commit to one! Folding blades are allowed in many states, but again the laws change according to state.
Terms you need to consider are Carry Laws and Ownership Laws, as you might be able to Own and Carry automatic knives in Texas, but you can only Own, not Carry some knives in California. Always consider carry and concealment laws in your state as being found with a concealed weapon such as a dagger can net you a hefty fine or even prison time depending on where you are.
As well as ownership and carrying of knives, Intent will often play a part in the laws of your state. In Arkansas you can own and carry a myriad of knives but if you’re stopped by law enforcement your intent may be scrutinized. For hunting and self defense you will usually be fine.
As a general rule, if you’re carrying something your neighbors might consider “scary looking”, check out your state’s specific knife laws before carrying down the street-hidden or concealed.
Other Knives
Push Knives or Push Daggers are small, concealable triangular knives that can be held between the fingers and pushed in should use them on someone.
Belt Buckle Knives or Daggers are typically push-style knives that you can hide completely within your belt buckle.
Bowie Knives a large fixed-blade weapon with a single edge.
Switchblades automatically unsheathe from inside the handle by pressing a button or squeezing a latch. The blade me may fold out or be shoot out from the handle.
Folding Knives fold the blade into the handle manually rather than automatically-they usually operate by releasing a tab or latch. It’s worthwhile learning to be able to open and close yours with one hand.
Gravity Knives can have any sort of blade but fall out of the handle from sheer gravity.
Ballistic Knives are like Switchblades in that a button or latch will eject them, but they’re fully detachable and can be launched several yards.
A Stiletto is a knife or dagger with a long, slender blade that tapers to an almost needle-like point.
Butterfly Knives are essentially all for show and can have a one or two edged blade and fold out much like a Folding Knife, but fold out to the left and right like wings.
Things To Consider
Most importantly is the length: as those in the past found, a longer knife blade meant you were less able to conceal your dagger until you wanted to use it. Trying to find a balance between fighting potential and tactical concealment is definitely something you want to consider, with intermediate to small combat knives perhaps working best. Having two edges they have some serious stopping power but the possibility of getting your dagger stuck in places on the body like ribcage and upper leg is there, so even just a small amount of training and knowledge of fighting with knives is worthwhile here. The implications of weapons such as daggers being available to you also mean your enemies may also be carrying them, and this could change knife your thought process on knife fighting on the whole-knowing how to evade or avoid physical conflict unless absolutely necessary will hopefully keep you out of harm’s way.
As concealing our weapon is usually a primary concern and function of self defense, concealment laws can often be at odds with our desire to keep ourselves, our families and our property safe. As I spoke about earlier, automatic knives are most often the hiccup here, so how do we get around this? Get around it by concealing standard fixed blades instead. As mentioned it’s important to weigh up your concerns around being able to conceal your knife and knowing it will do the job efficiently when you go to use it-fixed combat knives offer a great balance of portability, concealment and usually sit on a level when it comes to the law.
What Sets A Combat Dagger Apart?
Considering what I’ve spoken about above, things such as the function and ease of use for defense and lethality, ability to conceal and carry and legal ownership, daggers are a pretty excellent first choice for best defensive knife.]]>Generally, people will tell you the best thing to do is leave it be. But practically, that’s not always a good idea. Snakes like warm sunny spots that hold their heat during the day, making the concrete around your property and the foundation of your home an ideal living space. We had a clutch of baby rattlesnakes emerge one morning from a crack in the side of our home, and I can tell you this, it’s not what you want around your dogs and family.
Knowing how to handle wild snakes safely is of critical importance.
Instead of wandering around with your eyes glued to the phone, pay attention where you’re putting your feet. Especially if you’re in an area where snakes are a common sight, and it’s a nice sunny day. You’ll find they like to sun themselves in the center of a path, which is usually right in the middle of where you’re planning to walk.
If you do happen to step on a snake, their instant reaction will be a warning bite. Usually, this will be targeted on the foot that just stepped on them, and with thick pants and good boots, you’ve got a good chance the bite will never puncture the skin. It’s frightening as it happens, but my gaiters saved me from a hospital trip in this exact situation.
Some species of snake are immediately obvious, like a rattlesnake and the tell-tale rattle. But others, not so much. Take the time to learn about the common species in your area, so you can immediately recognize the poisonous ones. If you get bitten, your chances of survival increase dramatically if the paramedics know which antivenom to administer.
Behind one of our sheds is a stretch of property we’ve dubbed snake island. It’s overgrown with weeds, and there’s sheet after sheet of roofing iron propped up on pallets awaiting our next project. It’s almost a perfectly created habitat for snakes. Think about your property, and where snakes might be living, and steer clear of it as best you can.
Think about it. You’re quite a bit larger than the snake you’ve just come across, and the reality is that they are much more frightened of you. It can be startling when you first see the snake, but try to control yourself and back away slowly. Sudden movements might scare the snake into action. You want to put some distance between the two of you.
If the snake needs to be moved, my advice is to find a length of branch that gives you quite a bit of distance from a potential bite. Often, a couple of good prods will be enough to encourage a snake to “move along” and it’ll slither off into the undergrowth. Or you could always call wildlife rescue to come collect it and shift it to another area.
As much as I hate to kill a living creature from god’s green earth, because of the close proximity to nature that we share nature on our homestead, often we’re left with no choice. I don’t like doing it, because snakes keep the local rat population under control, but when they get too close to our home it puts my family at risk, especially if they’re poisonous.
I’ve got two preferred methods when it comes to dispatching a snake.
The most reliable way, is much like killing a zombie in a horror flick. You’ve got to take it off at the head. I won’t let my kids near as I do it, as there is a chance it goes wrong and I will get bitten. Look around for a spade, one with a flat cutting edge. Shovels won’t work, as you won’t be able to pin the snake down. Then simply use the length of the handle to trap the snake at the back of the neck, and push down hard. The blade of the spade should break its spine, press harder and it’ll separate the head from the body, killing the snake.
Alternatively, you can shoot it. This is what I do if a snake seems particularly aggressive and I don’t like my chances of using a spade. Using my shotgun to blast it full of shot. From close range the shot will generate a similar end result, either separating the snakes head or killing it instantly depending on your aim. Just be sure that any ricochets will not bounce back from the concrete or rocks the snake is lying on to injure yourself. It’s quick and over fast for the snake, and you can always step in and finish the job so there is no suffering at all.
Once you’re done, be careful in collecting the head. The fangs will still contain venom, and can still cause a bite, even though it’s been separated from the snake’s body. Wrap it up, and burn it on the fire, to be sure your kids or dog don’t get into it.
Snakes are a common occurrence once you get into rural areas, and knowing how to deal with a wild snake is a bit of knowledge that’s worthwhile to gain. Nine times out of ten you can simply let them be, or have someone move them to a safer location, but if that’s not possible you’ve also got the option to dispatch it yourself. Be sensible with the information today, and stay safe out there.
]]>Getting around on foot will always be in my back up plans, but your car gives you mobility at a whole other level. You can cover greater distances, at greater speed, carrying far more gear and supplies than you’d be able to load on your back. If you’ve got elderly parents, or young children in your survival group, this extra mobility means you can perhaps make a faster evacuation, with everything you need to survive. So plan accordingly, and ensure your vehicle is more than able to get you and your loved ones to your bug out location.
I’d also recommend stockpiling the necessary supplies so you’re not wasting time to get your car locked and loaded when it’s go-time. My garage has a row of containers right there, that I can grab and get in my car in just a minute or two so I’m well equipped on the road.
The speed you can drive is another tactical asset. Stomp your foot on the gas and you can quickly leave any threats far behind in your rear vision mirror. Or if you’re driving towards an obstacle or other roadblock, you have the option to simply switch gears into reverse, and back the hell away from whatever danger is lurking ahead. On foot, you’re much more likely to get caught in the trap. Backing out at just 15 or 20 miles an hour will quickly put a few hundred yards of distance between you and the danger, so you can stay safe.
If you’ve never tested your skills behind the wheel, there’s never been a better chance than now. I grew up in a rural area, thrashing beat-up cars around the dirt roads. If you’ve not got this option, sign up for a defensive driving course at a minimum, you’ll learn quite a lot.
When stopping is not an option you also have the ability to speed up and use the momentum of your vehicle to make it through whatever obstacle you face. Just be careful, if you hit a stationary object at too much speed it will likely do a significant amount of damage to your car, and may even stop it in its tracks. Better to slow down and use your car to push, unless of course you’re certain that what you’re driving into is light enough that you’ll send it flying. I’ve hit a deer at 80 miles per hour, and it wrecked my car.
My advice, is to fit additional armoring on any vehicles you intend to use during a crisis situation. Since my accident, I’ve fitted a steel push bars (or bull bar) on every one of my vehicles. It’s a rigid defense tool, that protects your car against whatever you happen to hit.
While not as deadly as a rifle or a knife in hand-to-hand combat, the weight, speed, and solid metal construction of a vehicle is usually enough to give you an edge in any altercation. You could, if you were so inclined, run down an aggressor who is after you, knock over a trailing motorbike, or even push another car off the road. Of course, whatever situation you’re in you’ll have to decide in that moment the right course of action, for me, I put the health and safety of my own family far above that of anyone who intends us harm.
I’d recommend thinking ahead, and consider what you might need to do in a real crisis. Too many of us fail to plan, which leads to us freezing up with panic and fear when it all goes down. Two emotions that will not help you keep your family alive.
Finally, when you’re on the road or have been pushed out of your home (for whatever reason), your car gives you a roof over your head. It’ll protect you from the elements, wind, rain and snow, and can even be a secure place to catch a few winks of sleep when the world’s gone crazy. But you have to remember that there will be people out there looking for easy scores, and the survivalist snoring in his car loaded with supplies looks like exactly that. You need to build OPSEC into your planning too.
For me, this means blacked out back windows. You can’t do this to all (otherwise how would you drive), so I’ve also made shade screens to perfectly fit all the other windows, which just suction into place. Looking in, it’s impossible to see what (or who) is inside.
As an asset once the SHTF your car is an incredible tactical advantage. You get speed, you get mobility, you get shelter and even a potential weapon. But it’s also important you don’t take this asset for granted. There are things you should be doing now, yes right now, to better prepare your vehicle for any dark days ahead. Many of these adjustments are easy to make, and I highly recommend taking action on them now, before it’s too late.
]]>If supply lines are cut, and there’s no way to bring food and water to your location, it won’t take long for the people who didn’t stockpile anything to realize that their best means of survival will be stealing and taking from those weaker than them. It might be that you’re spotted on a supply run and they take advantage of the situation, or it may be they’ve been casing your home for weeks waiting for the right time to come take what’s yours. In my mind, having a stockpile of your own reduces this threat considerably, as you won’t need to venture out into town (you’ve got everything you need at home), so long as you’ve maintained OPSEC and no one in your community knows that you’re sitting on a goldmine of tinned food and MREs.
I’ve never had much time for other people, and it’s really hard to get in my inner circles. If I ever spoke to a shrink they’d probably tell me I’m a paranoid introvert, but in a crisis it’s a trait I believe will keep my alive. Be very careful about any strangers you allow into your group. I’d like to make it a hard and fast rule that anyone outside of your core survival group is not allowed in, but this might not work depending on the crisis situation you find yourself in. You don’t know what they’ve done before happening on your group, what’s caused them to leave their previous location, and what things they might be intending to do. I’d like to think that people generally have good hearts, and they do, but it’s not a chance I’m willing to take in the lawless society that exists after the SHTF. It’s just too big of a risk.
It’s almost ingrained in our society to respect those in uniform, whether that’s the military, the police, or even the fire brigade or a doctor. We’ve been conditioned to listen and do what they say, and rightfully so, they’re usually the ones who have our best interests at heart. But when a crisis hits, you can’t rely on those in uniform. Criminals have been impersonating officers to get access to disaster zones to loot homes and prey on the defenseless people inside. Even if they were a police officer before, do not trust in their continued dedication to the badge. When law and order goes out the window, it brings out the worst in people, and if you’re getting an odd feeling in your gut, it’s best to listen to it.
Without the rule of law, it becomes almost a lord of the flies situation. Survival of the strongest, the fittest, those who can stand up for themselves and fight back against the seedier characters who are looking for an easy score. Learning to defend yourself is a must, because you just never know which was a bad situation will come from. Perhaps you’re jumped walking to your car after work, perhaps you’ve found yourself up against a couple of criminals who have been waiting for someone to cross their path. Knowing how to throw a punch, and use a weapon like an extendable baton or a strike torch will give you a significant upper hand when it comes to reacting to the threat, and immediately going on the offensive to strike back with everything you’ve got.
When the grid goes down that will generally also mean you’ve got no cell service, no internet, no telephone lines or any of the means of communication that we’ve grown accustomed to. There will be no Netflix or Hulu. No YouTube to take up our time. No TikTok or any of that nonsense that quickly became such a big part of our lives. If you’re alone, it’s going to take a terrible toll on you, the fact that you’re cut off from everyone else. I know (speaking as an introvert myself), that people can get tiring. But after I’ve been holed up in my cabin for a week or two I’m actually craving a conversation. A bit of human interaction. In a crisis, this will be almost impossible to get. Probably the only guaranteed way to stay connected is investing in a HAM radio, and learning how to broadcast.
Now this last one is generally forgotten, but for anyone who’s not taken the trash out for a couple of days and the smell is bringing ants and other critters in to investigate, you can imagine just how bad it will get after a few weeks, or months. We humans generate an obscene amount of waste, from everything we consume. And then comes our own bodily functions. You need a serious plan to keep your home clean. That means cleaning and sanitation products, a place to properly dispose of any trash, and a self-sustainable sewage system that isn’t reliant on the grid or running water to function.
It’s all well and good to prepare for the “big one,” that crisis that it’s almost inevitable will come. But don’t forget all the other threats that you’ll face in the aftermath of an event like this, so you’re not surprised and putting your family at risk in a situation you should have planned for. All of these threats can be mitigated with a little forward thinking. Don’t be the one who is unprepared.
]]>It’s an ideal as well as a technique, because it means that your brain is “always on” as you analyze and seek out solutions for whatever situation you’re in. Soldiers are trained to be fastidious in their appearance, following strict routines and procedures to really drill this home. It might seem petty, but the more you do things the right way, over and over, it drives this home. Becoming almost a second nature, that you’re always ready for anything.
You can practice this at home by developing your situation awareness. Use your imagination to consider emergency scenarios in your day-to-day life, and think about what you would do next. Where would you shelter from bullet fire? Where’s your alternate exit? The more you think about and strategize, before an event occurs, the readier you will be.
I’m sure you’ve heard the phenomenal stories of the army snipers who have moved into position in the middle of the night, taken their shot and returned without the enemy ever even knowing they were there. Like the Finnish White Death,” Simo Häyh. Camouflage and concealment is a skill that allows you to avoid a fight, pass by unseen, or complete your objective without risking your life. It’s a critical survival skill to have.
You can practice this at home by learning to use different styles of camouflage. Downtown, it’s adopting the “Grey Man” look so you can easily blend into a crowd. In the woods, it’s the use of ghillie suits and netting so any structures you’ve built for survival are basically invisible to anyone who is looking. Hiding is far less risky than a full-on confrontation.
It seems like common sense to many people who have relied on hard-copy maps their entire lives, but there’s a generation growing up now who know nothing but smartphones and GPS assistants. Of course, the military uses these tools as well, but part of every basic training are the navigational skills that allow soldiers to read a map, plot a course, and make their way to their destination along the most effective path possible.
You can practice this at home by getting out in the wild and using a map to navigate. For basic orientation you just need a compass and a map, and while it is worth watching a YouTube video on how to use these (if you never have before), it’s a straightforward skill you can master in just a couple of hours.
Learning to fight goes hand-in-hand with the military, because as a soldier you need to be able to defend yourself against your opponents. More than just firearm training, soldiers learn different martial arts for use in a variety of different situations, and regularly put themselves through intense physical exercise to keep their bodies in peak physical condition. You don’t want your fitness level to let you down in a confrontation.
You can practice this at home by keeping yourself in shape, running regularly and taking self-defense classes at your local community center or gym. I’ve been doing Muay Thai for years, and not only is it a great stress relief, it’s helped me to maintain a level of “fighting” fitness impossible to do otherwise, and I’m more than confident if a fight ever breaks out.
Cutting off communications is the go-to strategy when any military unit is moving in to strike, because it leaves your opponent’s unable to coordinate their response. In the field, this might be radio equipment that can broadcast a message, or something as simple as a signal fire or flashing mirror to let the rest of your team know something is amiss. The trick is to set clear guidelines beforehand on what all the signals mean, so you can still communicate no matter what obstacles your opponents are throwing up.
You can practice this at home by learning how to set signal fires and communicate with flags and mirrors, and it might also pay you to learn Morse code. Setting up your own HAM Radio network is another great step, as well as outfitting your team with the radios and gear they need to stay in constant contact after the SHTF.
Finally, comes field medicine and first aid. Every soldier has a working knowledge of basic treatments and medicine, so they can help patch up and care for any wounded members of the team. And in addition, are usually carrying with them the bare essentials needed to stop serious blood flow, until they can return their colleagues to proper medical care.
You can practice this at home by learning how to stabilize a patient, taking first aid courses at the Red Cross or other professional training centers, so you have the skills you can rely on whenever a crisis hits. Because one thing is for certain, and we saw it in the pandemic. When the SHTF first responders will be overwhelmed, you can’t rely on them to help you.
There’s a lot of good examples you can adopt from the military to make you a better survivalist, and if you start practicing these six fundamental techniques, you’ll be in a much better position to survive whatever comes your way. How many of these will you start living in your life?
]]>In most homes, you’ve likely got two or three access points. The front door, the back door, and perhaps an interior door that leads into a connected garage. But that doesn’t mean these are the only ways to get out of your home. Especially when the bad guys are closing in, you need to have multiple escape routes so you can always get out. Our place has a second storey, which means in all the rooms upstairs we’ve got rope ladders we can use to shimmy out the window, and the crawlspace in the attic is not only easy to get into and hide, there’s a sunlight that opens outwards to get onto the roof and a collapsible ladder that serves as a fire escape. Our basement windows are barred, but these unlock and swing open, so no matter where you are in the house, you’ve always got a way out.
You need to make it a habit of always having your bug out kit packed and ready to go. Ours live in a closet in our garage, out of sight but always packed and ready so we can grab them and go in mere moments. The faster you can get what you need and get out of your home the better, as even just a few seconds could make the difference between escape and capture. Imagine you’ve made it to the garage and the attackers are trying to break down the door between you, while another circles around your house. A successful escape will be the result of every second you save, while ensuring you’ve got the supplies you need to either fight back with items like a strikelight or a tactical knife, or live off the land until you can safely make it to your bug out location.
There are a variety of different vehicles we have ready to go at a moment’s notice, so we can quickly escape whoever has taken over our home.
Our dirt bikes are a good source of fun on the weekends, and my kids love the 4x4, but there’s also a practical reason for having these. They’re a quick means of escape that allows us to venture down one of the narrow tracks weaving through the woods of our property, where a car simply cannot fit. It’s a quick escape where we can’t be followed.
Our bicycles are a silent option, far quieter if we need to sneak off without being heard by the people who are invading our house. All of my kids know how to ride, and they’re quite comfortable cycling longer distances, so we can quickly put some distance behind us, and anyone who is following on foot with our bikes.
Out boat is the last resort, as it’s a little further from our home, but gives us an almost foolproof means of escape. There’s a small river running through a corner of our property, which is more than just a good resource (water), it’s a highway to escape that most won’t be able to follow on, unless they’ve got a boat of their own.
Of course, the primary destination once you’ve evacuated your home is to head to your bug out location, but please do not allow yourself to be followed. If these attackers have more on their mind than simply raiding your home for your supplies, they will keep to the search and track you down. Do not head directly to your next safe location, take a roundabout route so it’s not clear to the bad guys which direction you’ve gone, and why. Biking through wet, muddy trails leaves tell-tale signs, and even if you escape in the dead of night, the last thing you want is to lead them directly to your bug out location once the sun rises the next morning, and all they have to do is follow your tracks.
Having a destination in mind will make your escape a heck of a lot easier, especially if you’ve already stocked it with the food, supplies and defenses you need in a crisis. I refer to bug out locations a lot throughout this blog, but they do play a critical role in your evacuation plans. Setting these up ahead of time ensures you’ll be able to quickly establish a new base of operations, without going hungry or wondering how you’ll make it through the night.
Finally, and I believe this is important. You need to consider your next steps. Perhaps it’s safer to continue residing at your bug out location, and that’s your end goal. Or maybe you want to return to your home and fight for what’s rightfully yours. I’ve built a small armory in the area surrounding our home, and I know that while the attackers might have come initially with the element of surprise, our survival group will respond in kind to take back control and restore my home to me. That’s the power of a group, but it’s also a risky decision to make, one you can only make a call on when you’re in this situation yourself.
When attackers breach your home, your reactions are what matters most. How fast you can get out of your home, how fast you can get to a safe location, and how well established you are there to either settle in, or resupply and go return the fight. I can’t tell you what’s right or wrong for any situation you may find yourself in, but if you can survive the initial breach, it puts you in a position of power, no matter what you decide to do next.]]>From financial gains to the depraved nature of some people, if you’re unlucky enough to be taken there is generally a reason for it. For the vast majority of kidnappings they are a business transaction, done simply as a way to bring in extra income in countries that are notoriously poor. Although if you’ve fallen into the hands of someone who is simply deranged, it’s unlikely they will let you live once they are done. You need to do everything you can to escape and survive your kidnapping, keep reading and I’ll explain how you can safely see it through to the other side.
The best way to survive a kidnapping is to avoid being targeted in the first place. The last thing you want to do is paint a target on your back, so avoid any overt signs of wealth that gives the impression you’ve got something worth stealing. Fancy watches, expensive sunglasses, designer clothes, all this kind of stuff demonstrates to anyone looking that you’re likely going to have a higher-than-normal level of income, and that you would potentially make a good score if you were kidnapped and held ransom.
This is especially true in certain countries where the cost of lives are extremely low. One harrowing story that always stuck with me was an American businessman in Lagos, who refused to wind the window in his car up so he could smoke. Thieves grabbed his arm and chopped his hand off with a machete to relieve him of his Rolex. The perfect example of this in action, and why you need to take steps to ensure you never become a target.
Of course, there’s a time and a place to dress nice, and there’s also certain areas of the city that you just shouldn’t go. When it comes to kidnappings, entire cities and even countries can have higher than normal levels of this type of crime, so pay attention. Don’t wander about aimlessly and alone, don’t flaunt the wealth you do have, and if anything looks out of the ordinary, get yourself out of there as fast as possible.
Many kidnappings happen in the middle of the day, in crowded places, so your best bet is to run at the first sign of trouble. Even if you just get a weird feeling you’re being followed, remember your “gut instinct” is the result of a lifetime’s worth of survival instincts. If something feels wrong, get yourself out of there as fast as possible.
Your best chances of surviving a kidnapping are in the first few seconds when it all goes down. It’s likely you’re in a public place, and you’ve yet to be restrained so fight back with everything you’ve got. If you’re carrying pepper spray, a strikelight or any other defensive weapon, grab it and put up the fight of your life. Your attackers may have a knife or gun on you which is a frightening thing, but you do have a level of safety in a crowd.
Once they get you to a remote, secondary location you will truly be at the whims of your kidnapper. It might all work out, but then again, it might not. I’d certainly try to fight back first, and create such a scene that your attacker backs down and flees. You want to make it as difficult as possible to be abducted, so they give up for an easier target.
Now I know you’ve likely already got your every-day-carry with you, but in a kidnapping, you can expect this will be the first thing your captors will take. So it’s up to you to have additional tools and weapons that are concealed and out of sight. You will be searched, and whatever they find will be taken, so get creative here in hiding a few key survival tools if you’re in a place where kidnapping is indeed a threat.
I’ve seen everything from handcuff keys sewn into hiking boots, to wire saws threaded into the lining of pants in attempts to keep these critical tools concealed, and perhaps give you the upper hand to get free of your restraints, fight back against your captors and escape.
If you’ve been taken and the kidnappers are in control, you may still find that an opportunity to escape presents itself. While you’re still in the city you may be able to flee the car, or break out of whatever temporary restraints they’ve got you tied with and make your move. The longer you’re in the captivity of your kidnappers, the harder it will get to escape.
You’ll be searched and stripped, deprived of food and water so your fitness will drop, and once they get you to the place they are intending to keep you captive long term it’s likely going to be all over. Make your move to escape as soon as the opportunity presents, and put all your effort into getting out of there. It may be your one shot at freedom.
Once you’re in the hands of your captors and escape isn’t an option, you want to avoid becoming too much of a thorn in their side. It’s likely this is a business transaction, and if the deal goes sour or they decide the risk is no longer worth it, it’s your life that’s on the line. Don’t do anything to antagonize your captors that isn’t necessary, but also take the time to humanize yourself. You could be facing a long period of time locked up with these people, and you want to establish a kind of two-way respect. The more they can sympathize with you, the less likely they will subject you to any unfair abuse.
Even though it’s not as common in the United States as some other countries in South America, I believe you can never be too careful when it comes to the safety of you and your family. Knowing how to escape a kidnapping is a critical survival skill.
]]>It’s not surprising that we survivalists are an individualistic bunch, and while being part of a larger community does have its benefits, there’s every chance you’re going to be all alone when the SHTF. Whether that’s from circumstances or your own choice, just because you live alone it doesn’t mean you need to become an easy target. Far from it.
But living alone does require you to think differently when it comes to defending what’s yours, and you need to put strategies in place that support your decision to live alone. Investing in the technology, supplies and defenses that turn you from a vulnerable target to a home they would never think to approach and attack.
There’s no question a second set of eyes and ears will do you a world of good, especially if you’ve got a breed that’s a little intimidating. Big dogs are a natural deterrent, but they’ll also be watching over your property too. Ours will race to whatever car is approaching our homestead, even if I’m on a different part of the property they’re always paying attention to their “bit of land” against any intruders. And at night, it’s reassuring to know I’m not alone either, they’ll wake first and let me know someone is approaching the house.
Professional security contractors will be able to outfit your home with all manner of alarms and sensors so you’re notified the second someone is trying to get through it. I’d highly recommend having these, the one that I’ve found on our property to be the best is the gate sensor. It triggers whenever a car comes in, and I get alerted on my smartphone. So I know the very minute someone crosses into my property, and they’re not sneaking up on me unawares. Especially if we’re too far for the dogs to notice.
At first, I thought this was overkill, but there’s a certain level of safety you feel when you can check a particular area at the click of a button. There’s cameras setup covering the approach to each part of my home, I think there’s about 8 or 10 devices now, and they also notify me whenever movement is detected. It’s just been the dogs so far, but in a real SHTF event, being able to see who is sneaking up on me, and from where, gives me a distinct upper hand in any confrontation as I can see what’s happening in the palm of my hand.
There’s a reason that criminals like to operate at night, and that’s because the cover of darkness gives them an edge. So take it away. I’ve put up spotlights that are both motion-detected and able to turn on with the flick of a switch, lighting up the entire area around my home as plain as day. That way I can check myself if I’m suspicious of a certain area, without waiting for the attacker to trigger the lights themselves when they move. It’s likely overkill, but we’re so isolated out here you need every advantage you can get.
Again, this is something you should have already done, but if not now is a great time to fortify your front and back doors, any windows, and even external access points like your garage. And remember to keep it all locked. There’s no point spending money to secure your home if you never bother to lock the doors behind you anyway. I’d also recommend building a safe room in your home that you can hide out in, or use it as a barrier while you escape to safety. The last thing you want it to be trapped in your home with the bad guys.
I’ve had a lot of fun with the drone I bought, and the ability to quickly check any points along my fence line. I keep it charged as it only gets about 20-25mins of flying time, and I can navigate it around the property if I’m wanting to see a certain area. Having visibility is key if you’re facing an opposing force, allowing you to get an idea of the number of people in the party, what weapons they have, and so on, so you can properly decide if fight or flight will be the best course of action as they head on up to your home.
And not just any firearm at that. You want something that you can use against a determined group of attackers wanting access to your home. With gun regulations tightening with every passing year, my advice is to start buying the firearms you need now so you’re not left in a lurch against the looters coming to raid your home. I’ve got a wide assortment of different rifles, handguns, shotguns, and more than my fair share of ammunition for each of the guns too, hidden around my home using mounts like these. It may just be me they’re coming for, but they’ll be up against an army of firepower.
Finally, and this is important too. But you need the ability to safely fire at whoever is trying to approach your home without putting yourself in danger. Or at least, minimizing the risk you’re in during a firefight. You need foxholes to shoot from, whether that’s from a window surrounded by thick brick walls, or a way to get into the attic and shoot from your roof without exposing yourself. Build these now, so you’re ready to defend what’s yours.
I forget where I read it, but it always stuck with me. In a real crisis, being trapped on a homestead with the bad guys is an experience you never want to live out. Because help may not even come, and there is no one close enough to help. When you’re alone, you need to ensure you’ve got a means to defend yourself, and keep yourself safe no matter what.
]]>Personally I think it’s a fantastic change that more people are embracing this way of life, because it will make a world of difference in the tough times to come. But I do want to issue a word of warning. Too many people who are new to survival will be making these simple mistakes. Mistakes that will get them killed in a real SHTF event. Read up, and make sure you’re not slipping on any of these, no matter how long you’ve been prepping for.
Much like the lottery winners who want to remain anonymous so they’re not plagued by friends and family coming for a handout, telling people about the years’ worth of food stockpiled in your basement is a big no-no. You’ve got nothing to gain by bragging about the preparations you’ve made, and when things get desperate you can bet they will remember that you’re sitting on a goldmine of food and other gear. It’s far smarter to keep your mouth shut, and far safer too. Because the people you tell may decide it’s worth relieving you of your supplies with lethal force. Why paint a target on your back?
I see good planning as the key to survival. You’ve got to think out all the likely scenarios, and put together contingencies so you can overcome each in turn. If there’s an earthquake, what happens. A flood, a hurricane. And so on - you get the idea. Plan out how you’d respond to each crisis in turn, and also what’s needed for your family to survive it through. Once you’ve got a well-thought-out set of plans, taking action on whatever still needs to be done gets so much easier. It’s almost like a checklist you can follow, to ensure you’ve got all your ducks in a row before a SHTF event actually happens. Don’t skip the planning.
Having a stocked armory ensures you have the tools you need to defend your family, but you need to remember that a tool is only as effective as the person wielding it. If you’ve not got the skills to shoot accurately under high-pressure situations, your guns aren’t going to be much use against a determined attacking force. Take the time now to get out to the range, and learn to shoot effectively with a range of different firearms. Oh, and don’t forget to pack in as much high-quality ammunition as you can too. You’re not going to be able to find this when the world implodes, so stock up now – while you still can.
We’ve taken steps to store significant amounts of digital information, protecting it from both an EMP while being able to generate enough power to get our lights back on when the grid goes down, but you shouldn’t rely on electronics alone. Without power or an internet connection, your smartphone or your laptop is quite useless. What you need to do is start building a library of information that you can use to boost your chances of survival. Find reference books on key topics, like homesteading, bush survival, car and home maintenance and other key topics, so you can still “look it up” when YouTube no longer exists.
I hear this a lot, and while it’s a romantic notion on paper, actually bugging out with your kit on your back will be far harder than you ever imagined possible. Living off the land is incredibly tough, you’re more likely to starve and die of exposure than to make it like this unprepared. But that being said, planning where you will go if you’re forced to evacuate your house is a smart idea, especially if you take the time now to outfit the location with the supplies and gear you need to ride out a crisis. We’ve got a remote cabin for this exact purpose, and in the basement, there is enough to keep us going for a year, without ever needing to hunt.
Planning to survive is usually something we do in the confines of our own home, putting the needs of our immediate family members as a key priority. But when the SHTF you’re not going to be able to do it alone. With a group you’ve got the ability to get more done, to run round-the-clock security, and you can benefit from a pooling of resources (so long as everyone is contributing a similar amount). Take the time now to think about who should be brought into your survival plans, and start gently raising the topic. You’ll need to approach this conversation tactfully, as you start pulling people together to form your survival group.
If there was ever a year that highlights the need to get your family prepared for a crisis, it’s 2020. I won’t list out everything we’ve had to endure this year, but you know as well as I do that what we’ve got left could all come tumbling down at any moment. If you want to survive, you need to ensure you’re not making these mistakes – they could get you killed when the SHTF, and here’s the scary part. The real crisis could be much closer than you think. Are you prepared for everything to go to hell?
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There's a reason they say dogs are a man's best friend, and if you're wanting an added layer of protection a dog can help tip the balance of a fight in your favor. Not only are they a great warning alarm for intruders, even an untrained dog will generally come to their owner's help in a fight, biting and attacking the opponent. Of course, if you can spare the time to get proper training for your dog I would highly recommend it, having just done it for our two they are much better behaved overall, and I'm much more confident they will listen to me if there ever was a need for my dogs to join the fight. Now of course, I hope that none of our readers ever find themselves in a situation where they need to put these tips into action. I don't wish that on anyone. But if you ever are, knowing what to do to gain the upper hand in a fight is critical to staying alive.
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