BP, the government and the people of this nation have run out of time.  The media blackouts cannot erase the proof of oil tides and dead carcasses washing up on the coast of the Southern Gulf States.  Many are beginning to call this a modern day “Black Death.”  There is no quick fix for this diabolical mess and no amount of money can be thrown at the problem to wish it away.  Let’s examine what we do know: the waters are toxic, the air is toxic, the rains are toxic, and soon the water sources will become toxic (We will not even go into the speculation that the methane in the water could cause an exponential explosion, thus creating a tsunami).

According to an article, emergency planners are dealing with a prospective “dead zone” within a 200 mile radius from the Deepwater Horizon disaster datum in the Gulf.  Therefore, mass mandatory evacuations are being planned by government agencies. 

The article indicates that government insiders are suggesting that “plans are being put in place for the mandatory evacuation of New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Mandeville, Hammond, Houma, Belle Chase, Chalmette, Slidell, Biloxi, Gulfport, Pensacola, Hattiesburg, Mobile, Bay Minette, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, Crestview, and Pascagoula … The toxic rain from the Gulf is expected to poison fresh water reservoirs and lakes, streams, and rivers, which will also have a disastrous impact on agriculture and livestock, as well as drinking water, in the affected region.” 

The mass exodus and relocation of millions of families will happen.  It’s just a matter of when and where these displaced citizens will go.  

Wake Up and Be Prepared to Evacuate

Evacuating a Community –  With the threat of thousands of communities being displaced, there will be widespread chaos.  If a mandatory evacuation is announced, the faster a person begins traveling to their destination the better chance of dodging traffic and any unnecessary stressful situations.  If a person can evacuate before a mandatory evacuation has been announced, the better off they will be.  

To expedite the process of preparing for a mandatory evacuation: 

• A well defined preparedness planwith maps and alternative routes in place.  Do not leave unless there is a plan in place.  Additionally, prepare multiple plans if the initial plan does not work.
• Purchase maps to use during the course of the journey.
• A 72 hour bag that is ready to go for the family as well as a bag for any pets.
• Collect any family heirlooms or memorabilia.  There may be a chance you will not see your home for a while.
• Have a small supply of food and water (at least 3-5 days worth).
• Leave as soon as possible.  Do not wait until they have opened up the contraflow lanes to evacuate.
• Have some money set aside for an emergency.  Prepare for some ATM machines and banks to be closed. 
• Make sure the Bug Out Vehicle (BOV) is well maintained.  Having the proper items to keep it going can be of great value in a disaster situation.  Items such as an oil, extra tire, fix-a-flat, collapsible shovel, etc.

A blog that I read recently put my feelings and struggles into perspective:

This year has been rough for me.

Thus far, God has been doing a new work in me… I can’t pin point one specific area but I feel Him stretching me. Growing pains… a lot of : Adjustments. Seeking. Discovering. Letting go. Accepting. Pondering. Brokenness. Wholeness. Restoration. Healing.

A whole lot of a whole lot.

I don’t know what other word(s) would describe how I feel other than alone and lost.

Change Can be a Scary Thing

We are all transforming and changing.  Sometimes change can be painful and test your resolve.  There are times when we are overwhelmed with trying to deal with the changing future.  I was exhausted from SHTF situations, studying them and trying to prepare for them.  I was weary even before the SHTF!  There were times when I felt “under the gun” and overwhelmed and this caused stress.  I have had so many tell me to ”let go,” to let the future takes it’s course,  but letting go would mean that you are not in control and have to stop trying to be.  Letting go would mean that I have to let my guard down.

I did not want to admit that the unknown future was deeply affecting me.  I tried to hide that aspect because, after all, if I could not handle change now, how could I handle situations that we are prepping for (TEOTWAWKI, bugging out, necessary defense, etc).  But, as much as I wanted that dull throbbing feeling to go away, it did not.  The fear of what we are preparing for, the need for more preparations and skills all came flooding on top of me and  I couldn’t escape it.   Literally, I sat stunned, not wanting to move or do anything.  I couldn’t get myself out of this fog that had temporarily consumed me.  I didn’t know what to do to make myself feel better.  

Snap Out of It

I ended up reading a previous article I had written about mental preparedness. In the article, I had written “When playing stories out in one’s head, the mind does not know if the story is real or not real, it just plays the story out as it unfolds.” 

In my mind, I had been in an emergency situation.  I allowed my mind to create a story where I felt the stress, indecisiveness, and fear that many would feel if they were in fact in an emergency situation.  After reading this, I began to come out of my doomer fatigue.  I finally looked around and noticed my environment was in the same disparage as my soul.  My house was cluttered and messy, the laundry had piled up, closets were unorganized.  It was time to pick myself up and get my life going again.

Reading some words helped me snap out of it.  But it is different each time I have had doomer fatigue.  There are times when I had to stop writing on Ready Nutrition, and studying about emergency preparedness.  I had to allow myself a break to absorb the information, to allow my emotions to subside, to allow myself a breather.  Sometimes I do more relaxing activities such as reading or exercise more to get myself out of that mindset.  There are other times where I can will myself out of it.  But I have to be patient and know that I will come out of it.  While in the “doom cloud” I keep in mind that I am feeling these emotions for a reason and that I will be better for it in the end. 

Stop Beating Yourself Up!

We are so hard on ourselves.  Even when we doing our best, we truly are our worst critic.  Learning to be content with what you have done and being present in your own life is a difficult aspect to wrap my head around.  I am constantly trying to look forward to SHTF scenarios, and all the while missing out on the beautiful life I have.  

I learn something new each time I have doomer fatigue.  First and foremost, I have learned that  we all have the survivalist attitude, but there are times when doomer fatigue takes over and we get down on ourselves - just as if we were in the SHTF situation itself.  I have also learned that I need to be an advocate for being in the present moment in order to enjoy the love and the gifts that are surrounding me right now.  After all, these are the moments that we are going to look back on and remember.  We can only prepare so much, the rest is up to God.

It seems that natural storms have become more severe in recent years.  No one takes hurricanes lightly anymore due to the shock and awe that hurricane Katrina caused when she came ashore.  Hurricanes are violent storms that can cause so much damage it can level an entire town.   

Hurricanes are serious tropical storms with winds that exceed 74 mph and have a tendency to cause structural damage to homes and commercial businesses.  Inland flooding is also a concern for many who live on the coasts because a hurricane can dump dozens of inches of water in a matter of days.  The extent of the damage done by a hurricane depends on the category that is has been assigned.  The categories range from 1 (minimal damage) to 5 (severe damage).  Plans and preparations should be made prior to the possibility of a hurricane threat.   

Those that live in the coastal areas know that hurricanes are always lurking around the corner.  Therefore, it is only logical to have a disaster plan in place in the case this is the year the hurricane will hit.   

Make a Plan

A disaster plan is one of the most important aspects of preparedness.   A decisive plan of action should take into account the pros and cons of any given situation.  The basic premise of having a disaster plan is to know what your Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C is before the disaster strikes.  Your main priorities are shelter, fire, and water, and food.   When preparing a disaster plan, keep all the information together in a binder called the G.O.O.D Manual.  This will keep vital information, emergency plans, contact information, etc organized and ready in the case someone needs it in a pinch.  It would be wise to write down a main contact of someone outside of the hurricane area that you can use as a communication hub to relay pertinent information to other members of the family or friends.  This is important because 1. You do not want to be on the phone the entire time calling people with updates, and 2. Phone lines are going to be maxed out.  It will be hard to get through multiple times. 

If you plan on bugging out or evacuating, get the evuaction plan in order, needed items together and try and leave before the mass exodus.  No one wants to be caught in idle traffic for hours.  Also, having extra gallons of gasoline would also be beneficial.  In the past, many refugees who did not have extra gas and ran out of gas ended up having to abandon their cars on the highway.  Bottom line is plan ahead and try and leave as early as possible.

Calling one person will minimize the time of the phone, and you can concentrate your effort on other important things.  Additionally, contact a friend or relative to see if you would be able to stay with them (if you plan on getting out of the storms path).  

Learn about your community emergency response plan, as well as the national weather radio stations prior to the threat of a storm.  The National Hurricane Center is also a good source for information regarding approaching hurricanes and tropical storms.

Plan For The Worst Scenario and Get Emergency Supplies Now

Typically, when a hurricane watch or warning is issued, there is a mass flock to the stores to gather items.  People tend to buy the exact same thing (canned goods, water, infant formula, etc), and these are the items that run out the fastest.  Those who wait to gather supplies until the last minute are typically the ones who will either end up waiting in long lines, or go home empty handed because all the stores have sold our of supplies. 

The most important item to have on hand besides a plan, is water.   Multiple disaster organizations suggest having 1 gallon of water per person per day.  This suggestion is for drinking purposes only.  If a person wants to flush their toilet or clean dirty dishes, they will need to have extra water on hand.  Having a water filter or micropur tablets is a good idea to have on hand in the case that city water is interrupted or a person’s well has become contaminated.  Here are some additional suggestions for having extra water on hand:

• Properly clean and bleach a bath tub.  Caulk the drain hold and allow it to dry.  Fill it with water.
• Freeze zip loc bags filled with water.
• Use emtpy juice containers (cleaned thoroughly) and fill them with water.
• Fill buckets with water to use for flushing the toilet.

Gathering foods for a short term disaster can be relatively inexpensive.  It is a good idea to plan for the worst case scenario so that everything can be prepared for.  Since electicity going out is typically a problem with hurricanes, purchase foods that can be stored without refrigeration.  Furthermore, plan meals to meet a 1500-2000 calorie diet that are high in nutrients so that individuals in the home can keep up their energy levels up.  Keep in mind any members of the family that are on special diets (including pets). 

Other supplies such as flashlights, batteries, a battery operated or solar radio, first aid kit and a good can opener are some other additional items one may need if a hurricane hits.  Gasoline will also be in an extremely high demand.  Especially if a person is using a generator to power a home.  Having a ready supply of fuel will help make the experience of bugging in a little less of a burden and more of a minor inconvenience.

Protect the Home

Prior to the storm, the home should be prepared so that when the storm hits, it sustains minimal damage.  Below, one can find some tips on how to prepare the home.

• Move the furniture into the center of the room so that if the windows break, the incoming rainfall does not damage the furniture as badly.   
• Take pictures of the home for insurance purposes, check insurance policies and take valuable pictures and memorabilia.  Turn off the water valve on the water tank.  
• Bring in any lose furniture or backyard items inside.
• Remove any dead limbs from the yard.
• Prepare windows and doorways for possible flooding.
• Clear out any gutters or drains so that flooding waters can drain
• Find a room with no windows to use as a shelter and set up sleeping bags and other supplies there.

For additional information on preparing a home, here is a Homeowner’s Checklist that can be viewed.

In Summation  

Once May roles around, people all around the east and gulf coast begin to brace themselves for the possibility of being up close and personal with a hurricane.  Hurricanes are storms that arenot a force to be reckoned with.  There high gale force winds and flooding cause serious damage to homes as well as create severe beach erosion.  Having a decisive action plan, food, water and supplies already stored and knowing how to protect your home will keep you and your family as safe as possible.

Additional Reading Material:

www.nhc.noaa.gov

www.hurricaneworkshop.com

www.hurricanes.gov

www.solarstik.com/emergency.php

Leon Pantenburg agrees with this idea of carrying around survival gear.  In a recent article he wrote for American Preppers Network, he states:  

As I type this, I have a butane lighter in my pocket, a whistle, knife, fingernail clippers, LED flashlight, small knife and magnesium stick on my belt clip, and a Swiss Army knife in my belt pouch. My wallet hasfire starter, char cloth and a signal mirror in it. This gear goes with me everywhere it’s legal…If I have to sprint for the door and can’t grab anything else, I have the minimum tools on me to make a fire and stay warm and signal for help…If I can grab my jacket on the way out the door, there is an Altoids tin mini-survival kit in the pocket. And if I can get to my car there is a full component of survival gear in there, including food, water, a sleeping bag, and several tarps. I won’t waste any time looking for equipment, when the walls may literally be falling down around me.   

Find the right pack that will fit the gear you need. 

Since I have a larger family, I have to tote around more gear.  I have finally come to the conclusion not to sacrifice functionality for fashion.  If a person decides to carry a “carry all,” pack, Altoids tin or a purse, you must not look at fashion as being an important aspect of your decision making prodess.  Just like with any pack, the weight is so important.  If you are lugging around a heavy purse or heavy pack, in the long run, it’s going to be exhausting.  That is what I hated about my previous purses, they were so incredibly heavy.  Additionally, your pack should be durable and reliable through all seasons.  My day pack is 13 ounces and can hold 800 cubic inches of survival gear. It has hidden compartments, and essential pockets to help me organize my supplies.  

The Survival Essentials

But a survival kit can be made so that it can fit into one’s pockets.  Additionally, many of these items are extremely light weight, and will not weigh a person down.  All one needs are the survival essentials.  Leon Pantenburg provides a great list of survival essentials that one should carry:

Keep basic tools with you at all times. On the keyring: LED flashlight, fingernail clippers, whistle, Boy Scout Hot Spark and Classic Swiss Army knife. The other knife rides in a pouch on my belt.  

Carry survival gear in your wallet. I always have (from left) firestarter, charcloth and a signal mirror with me. 

According to the Boy Scouts, they suggest 10 essentials items necessary to survive in the outdoors:

• Knife
• First Aid Kit
• Extra Clothing
• Rain Gear
• Water Bottle
• Flashlight or Headlamp
• Trail Food
• Matches/Firestarter
• Sun Protection
• Map and Compass

These essential items, I have placed in my daypack which goes everywhere I go.  Additionally, we have more gear in our BOV (Bug Out Vehicle) in case we are stranded.  It is always a good rule of thumb to be overly prepared rather than under prepared for a situation.  Now that I am carrying my gear around, I am using it more often and feel more capable of getting to safety just by having it on me.

With the market as volatile as it is these day, it is better to start investing in safer commodities that one can use for their future well being.  Stocks are plunging around the world!  Long gone are the days of  “easy money” from trading in the stock market.  Now, all that is left is the bitter, mood swings of  a dying market.  No one can trust in the market’s reliability. Investing your money in real assests that you can live off of for the next 10 years will be a better approach than investing in short term stock investments.

Many economic forecasters have warned that the coming days and the coming collapse will be nothing like we have ever seen before.  Some believe this crash will be worse than the previous one.  It turns out that economic forecasters such as George Soros, Gerald Celente and Martin Armstrong may, in fact be right with their warnings of an upcoming collapse.  In fact, Soros says that the full impact of the the collapse has not even been felt yet!

Invest into Hard Assets

Hard assets (anything tangible that can be used for the next 10 years) is an investment one could make that will have a reliable return on investment.  Hard assets, such as long term food, food devices (grain mills, cast iron pots), silver or gold, farming equipment, tools, necessary clothing, are items that can be put to use over the next 1-10 years that will ensure one’s well being.

Store Basic Necessities – Due to the possibility of a food shortage, as well as an increase in food prices due to an inflationary period from a major recession, the price of food will go up at least 20% or more.  Buying foods before this crisis hits will help sustain a family longer than foods bought later on during the inflationary period. Depending on what is purchased, lasting foods such as seeds, dry goods, dehydrated foods and dry beans and rice can be stored for years.  Additionally, begin storing water.  Water may be hard to come by in future.  Investing in a good water filter and ways to collect water would also be advantageous.  This will give a person the best bang for the buck. 

Invest in Precious Metals- If a person cannot invest in expensive precious metals, try and find junk silver.  Junk coins are typically quarters that were minted before 1965 and include Morgan and Peace dollars; Liberty Head “Barber,” Walking Liberty, Franklin and Kennedy half dollars; Liberty Head “Barber,” Standing Liberty and Washington quarters; Liberty Head “Barber,” Winged Liberty Head “Mercury” and Roosevelt dimes; and Jefferson “Wartime” nickles.  These coins are 90% pure silver!  The best way to find these coins is to go to banks and ask for rolls of coins that were given to the bank by private persons.  Do not accept the rolls of quarters that were given to the banks by bank security trucks.  Typically, bank security companies sift through looking for these specialty coins already, so the likelihood of finding any junk silver is next to nothing.  So, make sure it is from a private citizen.

Canada and the United Kingdom also has junk silver.  For a list of junk silver in these countries, click here.

Kevin, from the Neo Survivalist, states that, “ to protect your wealth, consider investing in precious metals.  Sure gold and silver will have volatile movements, but take a long term perspective with precious metals.  Also, consider it a way to store wealth versus getting rich.”

Large Investments for Your Future Livelihood

Assuming that major debts for a family are paid, any large investment should be made into things that can assist a family for long term self sustainability such as investing in farmland, tools, farm equipment or precious metals, even quality camping equipment can be a large (but necessary) investment.  During a depression, many find they can no longer live in the city.  There will be too many hungry and too many unemployed.  The only option will be to move out of the city in order to find a way to make money in order to care of their family.  Farmland used for long term survival, is a necessary long term investment.  Additionally, investing in non-gmo or heirloom variety seeds will give a major return on the original investment.  Many believe that seeds will hold more bartering power than precious metals in a long term disaster.

Investing each month into hard assets is an investment in securing one’s future.  The market is on it’s last breath.  The up and down swings will continue until eventually they will cease and the market will free fall with it’s dying breath.  No one knows for sure what the overall damage is going to be, but many are preparing for utter collapse and the destruction of the easy way of life.  It is time to invest in your future.  Doing it now, while prices are still relatively low is better than doing it when the prices increase.

A spokesman for the Center for Security Policy says that the threat of Electro Magnetic Pulse (EMP) is real. With Iran developing multi-stage Space Launch Vehicles (SLV) the possibility of such an attack will become even more probable than ever before:

From WND:

And experts forecast if such an attack were a success, it effectively could throw the U.S. back into an age of agriculture.

“Within a year of that attack, nine out of 10 Americans would be dead, because we can’t support a population of the present size in urban centers and the like without electricity,” said Frank Gaffney, president of the Center for Security Policy. “And that is exactly what I believe the Iranians are working towards.”

A recent launch of an SLV by Iran has sparked renewed concern of an attack that could send an electromagnetic pulse powerful enough to wipe out computer controls for systems on which society has come to rely, officials say.

As the G2 Bulletin reported last week, Ronald Burgess, director of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, revealed that Iran successfully launched a multi-stage SLV, the Simorgh. The device ultimately could be equipped with a nuclear bomb, which the U.S. intelligence community assesses Iran is developing.

Officials also report Iran has been testing detonation of its nuclear-capable missiles by remote control while still in high-altitude flight. The development makes a potential EMP attack on the U.S. more probable.

An enemy of the United States, be it Iran, North Korea or a terrorist organization, does not need to detonate a nuclear weapon on the ground.We believe this is the only reason why Iran would be testing SLV’s with in-flight detonations. With this kind of weapon, Iran (or anyone else) would simply need to strike first. Once the weapon goes off, it would be difficult to determine from where it came and to respond appropriately, as all forms of traditional communication would be wiped out.

A small-scale, five to ten kiloton weapon detonated 200 miles above Nebraska, or a few weapons detonated 50 miles or so above the eastern, western and central United States would do the job.

The effects would be nothing short of disastrous – literally the end of the world as we know it.

All unprotected and unhardened electrical devices would be left useless.

This means that everything, from the refrigerator in your kitchen to the semi-trucks that carry food across the country, would be non-functioning.

If an enemy of the USA wants to bring America to its knees without rendering the land completely useless, they could do so with an EMP weapon.

We’ve always believed that a mainland invasion of the United Stated would be difficult, if not impossible. But, if an EMP weapon were to be used, our country could effectively be invaded within a matter of months, as most of the population would be wiped out and the government and military infrastructures in disarray.

We consider EMP as one of the most significant threats out there. The recovery period from a collapse of this magnitude would be counted in decades, not years, thus, for those who are “prepping” for a worst-case scenario, consider long term sustainability planning when planning for an EMP SHTF scenario.

Recommended Research:

One Second After by William Forstchen

Jericho TV Series (Available on iTunes)

Patriots by James Wesley Rawles

This article has been generously contributed by Mac Slavo from SHTFplan

There is something about glass jars being used other than their intending purpose that makes a smile creep across my face.  My grandmother, a child that lived during the Great Depression, never threw out jars or plastic containers.  She believed they had other useful purposes.  Perhaps that is why I like seeing re-purposed glass jars.  It is because the jar has been given a second chance at being useful. 

Because of the durability of glass, if kept in a safe place they can last a lifetime, as well as serve a multitude of purposes.  Yet, many of us (including myself) toss out our used glass jars without giving it a second thought.  But those days of being overly frivolous are over.  The list below details some highly effective uses for re-purposing glass jars:

• Use the jars to store leftovers and you will no longer have to worry about plastic chemicals seeping into the food.
• An old spaghetti glass jar could be used to store homemade dry bean soup mixes, sugar, flour, etc.
• Use them as drinking glasses.
• For an attractive garden border, turn them upside down and bury them in a row.
• They can also be made into unique lanterns with a regular candle or a citronella candles placed inside to keep the mosquitoes away during the summer months.
• Glass jars are a wonderful tool to get plant cuttings started. Just take the cutting, dip it in Rootone, and plant it in a good potting medium. Water it well, and place it in your glass jar in a sunlit area.
• Use them in your garage to store nails, screws, tacks, bolts, etc.
• Use them in your craft room to store ribbon, brads, eyelets, stickers, buttons, markers, etc.
• Glass jars make wonderful gift containers. You can fill them with the ingredients to make cookies, brownies, pancakes, hot cocoa, tea, etc. After you place the lid onto the jar, decorate it with a piece of fabric.
• Make them into unique picture frames. Insert your picture, place the lid on the jar, and turn it upside down. It is a wonderful way to decorate a shelf or a ledge. (Note: This may not be a good idea if you have small children.)
• You can use glass jars to house Betas (Siamese Fighting Fish). These fish do not require an air filter.
• Create a terrarium for African violets or herbs.
• Fill your jar with potpourri and interweave battery-powered tea lights or decor lights. Place the cord out of the back and put a rubber band or decorative ribbon around to hold the cord in place. When you plug in the lights, the heat disseminates the potpourri’s scent. (Note: If you use Christmas lights instead of battery-powered tea or decor lights, then do not leave the plugged in jar unattended.)
• Fill a large jar up with water and some tea bags and place it out in the sun for some Sun Tea. 

Next time you go to toss that glass jar into the trash can, remember that any glass jar can still serve another useful purpose, as well as save you money in the long run.  So, with all the creative and useful ways to re-purpose glass jars, perhaps we should give those jars another shot at being useful.

Three days after Hurricane Katrina devastated multiple states around the Gulf of Mexico, there were people who were on the verge of revolting.  For three days, they had been wading through contaminated water, searching for food only to find it spoiled and desperately searching to find any kind of safe drinking water.   They were also exposed to water born diseases, infections caused by injuries sustained during the storm.  These conditions coupled with the irritation of having no help from the government, caused the people to become angry and desperate.  They were in a nightmare and were living on the edge. Many of these inconveniences could have been avoided just by preparing for a disaster.

Disasters come in all shapes and sizes.  Hurricane, tornadoes, earthquakes, volcanoes, home fires, floods – there are so many, and they happen quite frequently.  But, for one reason or another, many do not prepare for any type of disaster that could affect them in the area they live.  Despite their reasoning, disasters happen to everyday people all over the world.  We may each be faced with a disaster some time during our lives.  Starting to prepare simply involves sitting down and writing a list of survival needs.  Once the list is complete, start acquiring items.  Those that are prepared for those unforeseen disasters stand a better chance at surviving than those that do not. 

Food and Water

Storing a short and long term food supply a little at a time is not a difficult task, nor is it excessively expensive according to many prepping and survival sites.  With water being one of the most important items required for survival, having alternative means of getting this invaluable resource would be a good idea.  Some alternative sources to use as a back up plan would be rain water collection barrels, water filters or gravity filters.

Small amounts of food can be purcased each time one steps into a store or whenever they can afford it.  There are food storage calculators to help a person obtain the right amounts of food needed to survive for a year, and the numbers can easily be multiplied for further food storage calculations.  Taking time to read the nutritional information on the back of the food source will help a person make the best choices for their needs.  If a person needs to use their stashed food supply, having foods high in vitamins, nutrients, and proteins will provide their bodies with what it needs for mental clarity, rational thinking as well as maintaining energy levels in order to carry out more intensive, “survivor oriented tasks”. 

Skills and Tools

Surviving a disaster will require more than just stored foods and water.  Having first hand knowledge of skills, such as first aid, CPR, basic survival skills, fire safety skills can help ensure safety until help arrives. These skills will create avenues of opportunity that can help a person thrive or help a neighbor or person in need survive.

Tools are another category of necessities on a preparedness plan.  Tools such as generators, flashlights, batteries, utility knives, etc are necessary items to assist in surviving a disaster.  For a complete list of suggested tools, click here.

Medical Supplies

Injuries may occur during disasters.  Typically, those in need to medical assistance are elderly people that were unable to escape the devastation, the handicapped and those that had no transportation to escape.  Having a well stocked arsenal of medical supplies is essential to any one preparing for any type of disaster scenario.  Therefore, someone should prepare for the worst case scenario.  If a person has any medications they take regularly, or prescription glasses, get extra refills of these items and stash them away.  If someone has a heart condition or diabetes, prepare accordingly.

Mental Preparation

It is always hard to see the aftermath of a disaster.  For those that have not mentally prepared for such possible scenarios to occur, post traumatic stress disorder and mental illnesses such as depression can occur and the person experiencing these will need to get help.  Children especially should be watched closely after a disaster occurs.  Having the right frame of mind to handle the stresses before and after a disaster is a key component to surviving the event.  Without mental preparedness for a given situation, many succumb to the traumatic event, due to distress, shock, indecision or panic.

Obviously a disaster is not something to take lightly.  With food and water shortages occurring and basic needs not being met, desperation from the unprepared could turn violent.  Preparing for any type of disaster puts a person at a greater advantage than most.  And, while many are still enjoying the greater things in life, some are using their extra cash streams and using it to the best of their ability for preparing for an unforeseen disaster that may come there way in the near future.

By Giordano Bruno

Neithercorp Press – 04/01/2010

The “Small Boy” Nuclear test; 1962

Many Americans, through contact with misinformed media and presumptuous opinion, have been led to believe that certain catastrophic circumstances are simply “not survivable.” That preparation for these events is “pointless.” That one should place them out of mind, and think happy thoughts. There are even some in the field of survivalism that sermonize over the absolute futility of defensive planning where such disasters are concerned. These men are not really survivalists at all, but what we now commonly refer to as “doomers.”

Sadly, there is an element to the human psyche that revels in the idea of the insurmountable scenario. Some people actually get excited over the clearing of the proverbial “human slate,” eager in the fulfillment of Armageddon.

I suspect that such men truly feel limited in their ability to endure, and perhaps fear the exposure of their own shortcomings and weaknesses. Instead of accepting these weaknesses as a personal reality, and then attempting to overcome them, they choose to project their vulnerability on the rest of the world, claiming “If I could not survive this, neither could you…” By labeling the rest of humanity as “incapable,” they can thus avoid internal self-reproach, and the shame of being afraid.

Reality is filled with horrors, some emotionally threatening, and some physically threatening. Every once in a while an event is triggered which combines the two in a devastating crescendo the likes of which is rarely seen in history. And yet, the fundamental hazards of this one extraordinary and terrible moment are essentially the same as those in any other day. We face death, and psychological defeat, every time we walk out our front doors. This is an unavoidable part of life; anything could happen. Usually, we get over it, and set out into the world anyway. The goal is to treat catastrophe as evident. To supplant initial fear with force of will, and move forward regardless of the scope of the obstacle in our wake. To be secure in the possibility of victory despite any odds, instead of submitting to defeat before even making the attempt.

In this new series of articles, we will examine some of the disaster situations commonly given “doom status,” and how, with a little insight and research, we can prepare to overcome such seemingly intractable calamities.

The Bomb: What To Expect

In our first installment of this series will we go over the very real threat of a nuclear related incident on American soil. Though the immediate dangers of the Cold War appear to have subsided, and the Globalists seem to be more interested in keeping most of the world intact for themselves rather than ruling over a radioactive dust heap, I suspect that we will within our lifetimes see a thermonuclear attack (especially a government sponsored false flag attack). The reasons are numerous, but most important, is the subconscious effect that the word “nuke” has on the populace.

Not long ago, the government merely used the suggestion that Iraq had nuclear capability, without any tangible evidence to support the claim, and the American people were easily fooled into supporting a war that has now cost over a million human lives. Imagine the impression of an actual mushroom cloud over just one U.S. city burned into our collective psyche. Imagine the fear, panic, and ignorant reactionary thinking this would cause. There are very few things in this world that are quite as formidable, and the Elites are well aware of the advantages inherent in engineering such an occurrence. That is why survivalists and those in the Liberty Movement should fully expect this ace to be cast to the table at some point in the move towards world government.

There are two types of attack which are probable. Both are small, at least when compared to the strike of an ICBM, but still capable of severe destruction:

Low Yield Nuclear Explosion: If a false flag is being initiated using a nuclear device, its size will probably lay in the range of 1 kt to 25 kt (kiloton yield). To understand what this means, examine the bombing of Hiroshima, whose explosion was around 15 kt. A smaller device is more likely because a larger more complex bomb would be difficult to effectively blame on cave dwelling terrorists, and would arouse suspicion.

The blast radius of the Hiroshima bombing was only about one mile wide. Most of the deaths associated with that attack were not caused by the explosion, but radiation poisoning from the resulting fallout. Mass fires should be anticipated in areas just outside the blast area, where buildings are still relatively undamaged, making perfect kindling for burning wreckage launched into the atmosphere by the detonation. This would cause at least another 4 mile to 5 mile swath of destruction in a densely populated environment.

Fallout from the device would be dependent on the direction and the strength of the wind at time of detonation, but could travel for miles beyond the epicenter. Fallout is created when dust from the center of the explosion is irradiated, then carried along wind and weather patterns. This dust then emits the radiation it was originally exposed to, and too much contact with it can cause illness or death. Fallout is at its worst if a dust cloud combines with precipitation. This rain cleans the dust out of the sky, but also concentrates it and dumps it on the ground.

Dirty Bomb: “Dirty Bomb” is a term used for a device made of conventional explosives that is designed to contaminate an area with radioactive material. It does not produce a thermonuclear blast, but does create some fallout. Though no device of this type has ever been used on a population, U.S. military analysis has designated it as “low risk”, and its radiation output to be negligible. Any fallout poisoning in water and food supplies is still a serious threat, and the use of a dirty bomb would, of course, still inspire mass hysteria, if only due to its relation to nuclear weapons.

Also, one should not discount the use of a high grade missile attack, especially an upper atmospheric EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse). A war in Iran could easily be exploited by globalists as a way to trigger hostility between Russian and U.S. interests, and, we should not forget that China also has nuclear capability.

The preparations for a major attack and a smaller attack are similar, so let’s examine them now…

How To Prepare

The first step in preparing for a nuclear attack is to not be there when the bomb goes off. Living in the middle of a major population center should be avoided if possible. Most survivalists are aware of the danger of close proximity to the city, whether during a nuclear attack or an economic collapse, and have already taken precautions. Most steps we advise here will be in response to fallout, instead of the blast, being that this is the most prominent threat to the survivalist.

Home Reinforcement: It takes approximately two weeks for the radiation in fallout to dissipate to levels safe for humans. During this two week period, it will be necessary for everyone to stay indoors at all times. Some shelter is better than none at all, but a basement or cellar would be a distinct advantage. Barrier materials should also be stockpiled for at least the base of the first floor of the house.

22 cm of wood, 8.4 cm of earth, 5cm of brick or concrete, or 2 cm of steel are a minimum requirement to effectively reduce gamma radiation to 50% of levels outside the home. Windows should be covered and sealed with plastic. Home NBC air filtration systems are available, but can be rather expensive.

If you have no basement, and cannot afford to fortify the entire bottom floor, then you will need to create a “safe room,” somewhere in the center of the building, with enough protection to absorb radiation. Radiation is cumulative, meaning your body absorbs and collects it over time. Too much absorption causes radiation sickness.

Detection: Radiation is not visible or detectable with our normal senses. Fallout in rain can sometimes appear as a murky film covering surfaces, but this does not mean radiation is present. The only way to detect radioactivity is with a Geiger Counter. Here is a site which sells new and refurbished Geiger Counters:

http://www.radmeters4u.com/

Another interesting and portable device is the NukeAlert key chain:

http://www.nukalert.com/

Having a Geiger Counter would be a major advantage in the event of a nuclear attack or other radiological incident.

Food, Water, And Hygiene: It is a given that all survivalists should have a ready supply of food and water, easily accessible in the protected area of their home. Freeze-dried and dehydrated goods are an excellent option because of their 10 year to 15 year shelf life. Cooking indoors without ample ventilation can cause some problems, but the use of a propane stove for short periods should not cause any harm to the air quality of your shelter.

The human body needs at least 2 liters of water per day. Enough should be stored for the two week period during fallout for drinking. Double this amount so that you have enough for sanitation purposes. Also, if you are a reasonable distance from the attack, and have time before the fallout reaches your location, be sure to fill up all containers, bathtubs, and sinks with as much water as possible from the tap. Even if pressure is still available during fallout, the water could be exposed, and undrinkable. After the 2 week danger period, all water taken from open sources should be filtered to remove any possible fallout particles.

Soap and sponges must be stored for washing purposes, and staying clean should be a priority. Bathroom sanitation is difficult in a fallout scenario. Waste water from cooking and washing can be saved and poured into you home toilet for a single flush if water pressure is lost, but a better option would be a survival or “hunters toilet,” with heavy waste liners and digestion and deodorant chemicals. Remember, you won’t be able to walk outside for two weeks. A three foot hole in the woods is not an option. Dumping refuse outside can be done as long as exposure time is kept under 30 minutes, although you will have to rigorously wash off dust and contaminates before coming back inside.

Protecting Health: No plan or shelter is perfect, and radiation exposure is still a possibility, especially without an expensive NBC air filtration unit. Gas masks with extra filters should be made available to everyone in the home.

Symptoms of radiation injury include; nausea, diarrhea, light burns on the skin, or blistering, as well as increased loss of hair. Radiation burns should be washed with clean water only; no soaps or chemicals, and dressed with fresh bandages. Clothing should not be pulled away from severe radiation burns, and blisters should be left alone, not punctured.

One item that helps greatly in preventing the effects of radiation exposure is the ingestion of Potassium Iodate, which fills the thyroid and blocks radioactive iodine expelled into the atmosphere from being absorbed. Up to 99% of all radiation induced thyroid damage can be prevented by taking Potassium Iodate pills. Potassium Iodate is available from numerous online vendors and is very affordable.

Protecting Electronics From EMP: An Electromagnetic Pulse is a natural byproduct of a thermonuclear explosion. It creates a powerful electromagnetic field which induces high voltages in electrical conductors and fries most electronics with transistors or computer chips whether they are plugged in or not. Some weapons called HEMP (High-Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse) devices are designed specifically to explode in the upper atmosphere and disable an area’s power grid.

Some electronics, including solar power generators and other gear, would be very valuable in a survival scenario, and losing said equipment could be detrimental. Protecting it from an EMP blast is a high priority. Even if your gear is stored inside your home, it can be fried by an EMP (though a basement can help). So, what is the survivalist to do? Build a Faraday cage, of course:

http://preparednesspro.wordpress.com/2009/06/18/emp-101-part-iv-faraday-cage/

A Faraday cage is a box constructed out of conductive materials (like copper mesh) which absorb and then ground the EMP, keeping it away from your sensitive electronic goods. A Faraday cage can be any size and is inexpensive to make. In a pinch, an old microwave can actually serve as a Faraday cage, but it is better to build one. Below is an excellent video on how to make your own Faraday cage:

After The Storm Has Passed…

When two weeks have passed, any radiation should have dissipated to tolerable levels. Eventually rain will clear away remaining fallout dust which, though no longer a major threat, can still have long term health effects. Some precautions may be necessary when returning to your outdoor survival routine:Fresh Crops: When gardening, scraping off the top two inches of surface soil removes approximately 90% of all fallout from your garden. This soil should be stored in steel drums far away from your food producing area. Some pre-existing crops exposed to the fallout can still be saved depending on their type and stage of growth. Here is a guide from the Canadian Department Of Agriculture on farming after the effects of fallout:http://www.webpal.org/b_recovery/2_farm_recovery/ftpfiles/fallout_on_the_farm.pdf

Hunting: Game exposed to some radioactivity can still be consumed as long as they are prepared properly. All fur should be washed before skinning. Because radiation collects in bone marrow, all meat near the bones should be avoided and bone marrow should not be consumed. All organs should be avoided as well. If an animal looks terribly sick, it is best not to eat it.

Burying The Dead: Bodies exposed to radiation should be dealt with carefully by wrapping in plastic, and buried well away from crop producing land.

Supporting Immunity: Exposure to radiation can do considerable damage to the human immune system and decrease white blood-cell count. It is also likely you will not have access to “conventional” medical supplies, such as antibiotics, to deal with this problem. Some herbal supplements can help stimulate immune system health, and protect you from adverse reactions. Eastern herbs include; Astragalus, Ligustrum, Codonopsis, Reishi, and Shiitake. Another, called “Caterpillar Fungus”, has been shown to protect the bone marrow and digestive functions in mice from radiation. Western herbs include; Cat’s Claw, Echinacea, and Elderberry. These herbs can be taken in pill form, but if you find them in an organic tea, this would be preferable. The body absorbs only a small fraction of herbs through digestion, but teas have the added bonus of being “breathable,” meaning the vapors can enter the lungs absorbing 80% of their contents into the blood stream.

Treating The Sick: After an attack, for perhaps a month, you may run across people who survived the blast and the fallout, but are extremely ill from exposure. Under normal conditions, radiation poisoning would require hospital care, blood transfusions, antibiotics, and bone marrow transplants. This will probably not be an option. There is little that can be done under such limits except holistic treatments for nausea and diarrhea, so that the patient might retain some liquids, the cleanly dressing of wounds, and the consumption of the immunity boosting herbs mentioned earlier. Be prepared from some people to die despite your best efforts. Those who did not plan ahead as you did will be subject to the “toss of the dice,” and luck is a fickle ally.

We’ve all seen movies and read books of nuclear holocaust, and the utter despair it could conceivably initiate. Of course, nuclear attack should not be underestimated, far from it. However, rarely in these films or fictional accounts do you see characters who prepared before hand, who had readied themselves physically and psychologically for the aftermath. This is a symptom of the common assumption that one “cannot survive” nuclear attack, and even if he did, he would be “better off dead”. I tend to disagree, and so does the U.S. Army and the Russian military, which have undergone extensive planning and written detailed manuals for soldiers on nuclear survival.

With the correct mindset, and the right knowledge, any catastrophe is survivable, including “the bomb.” Futility only arises when a man decides for himself that he is not capable. Circumstances do not decide for him. This fact is at the heart of all survival.

This article has been generously contributed by Neithercorp Press for your reading pleasure.