Zombie Apocalypse Safe House

Zombie-Proof house

Although a little over the top, I still thought this was really cool.

Posted on February 21, 2012

Fishing Traps that really work!

ABSENTEE FISHING

If you have fish hooks and line (in a survival kit), then you’re way ahead of the game. You can bait a whole bunch of hooks, string them on a line across the waterway, and then walk away. This is “absentee fishing”. Be careful that the line you string across the waterway is…

Posted on February 21, 2012 via All Things Outdoor Survival with 5 notes

samsaranmusing:

So what do we do in an emergency? If you’ve watched the Nat Geo show “Preppers” you probably think they all look like this guy. The fact is most people aren’t so much concerned about the Zombie Apocalypse as they are a repeat of Hurricane Katrina. Your typical “prepper” is a Dad or a Mom who is worried about the safety of their family should a natural disaster such as an earthquake, flood, wildfire, long term power outage or other disaster occur. Katrina taught us that state and federal officials cannot be depended on to help us. After all, it took the Feds three days just to air lift drinking water to the afflicted areas of New Orleans and several days longer to evacuate those who needed help. Too late for many.

So, what do we do? Horde shotguns and canned food? Nope. Just be prepared to sit tight for awhile or if necessary get the hell out of Dodge.

So then, what’s in the trunk of my car? This: keep in mind that I am not a hard core survivalist so these things may not be the “best” but they were under $400.00 and purchased locally at camping supply shops, Target and Walmart. First 15 gallons of water in sealed plastic containers with handles. Second: A two wheeled cart, like you see old folks carrying their groceries except more heavy duty:

Affixed to the cart I have a simple frame-less, but rather roomy, backpack. Nothing fancy, not particularly comfortable to carry, but a lot of space. In (and on) the back pack I have: A Red Cross medical kit, a tiny mountaineering stove and lantern, and two small propane tanks, a mess kit both for eating and cooking, a Leatherman multipurpose tool, a sheath knife with a compass, a short handled machete with sheath, a hand ax with sharpening stone (carried on belt) 50” of nylon cording, two “emergency blankets” a tarp, flint and steel in small waterproof case also containing 250 strike anywhere matches, flares, candle, mirror, collapsible water jug with filter, a simple very small, inexpensive two man mountaineering tent (the most expensive single item), beans, rice, energy bars, and a variety of energy dense freeze dried food. I also have two warm woolen blankets rolled up, not in the pack itself.

I have the choice of using the cart if I am not in rough country or abandoning the cart and packing the supplies should the necessity arise. This fits neatly in my trunk taking up no more space than a large piece of luggage. It would, in a pinch, allow myself, my wife and daughter to live for several days in relative comfort if we were to be stranded during an evacuation.

Posted on February 21, 2012 via Musings by Samsaran with 3 notes

Building a solid Every Day Carry (EDC) kit.

Please check local laws when selecting defensive items.

Most peoples EDC are a good starting point, but are a bit lacking in the face of most emergencies. Your EDC should at the very least get you back to your vehicle (or home or office), so that you can get to your 72 hour pack (bug-out-bag) if the event dictates that you need to. We’ll cover 72 hour packs later.

As a starting point we’ll be using/adapting the Ten Essentials, plus adding for our own needs in an urban environment. The Ten Essentials were developed in the 1930s by The Mountaineers as a list of must have items for surviving in the mountains of the Northwestern United States.

Updated Ten Essential “Systems”

Classic Ten Essentials

Map
Compass
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Extra clothing
Headlamp/flashlight
First-aid supplies
Firestarter
Matches
Knife
Extra food

Navigation:

In most scenarios our smartphone has good street level maps, usually with satellite imagery that can aid in land nav. It’s a good idea to have a good watch such as Casio G-Shock or, my personal favorite, Citizen Skyhawk AT. It’s powered by ambient light, sets itself with the atomic clock, and it’s durable (but it is pricey). In an urban environment navigation is much easier due to the general grid layout and labeled streets, so this is where you will adapt this section to your personal needs (such as being in an unfamiliar city).

Sun Protection:

This is still important, but needs to be adapted to your personal health needs. Sunglasses and a hat will usually suffice considering the amount of buildings in an urban environment.

Insulation:

This is pretty important. Most urban environments dictate that you only need a good jacket, but you should be prepared for the worst possible weather that your particular climate can throw at you at that time of year. A quality softshell jacket is great for keeping you dry and warm in most situations.

Illumination:

I highly recommend a high quality, bright LED head lamp AND a high quality tactical flash light (preferably with a red filter).

First Aid supplies:

I highly suggest seeking out training in this area and carrying a good Trauma Kit. You never know what may happen and being prepared can save yours or someone else’s life. I believe this to be one of the most import parts of your kit.

Fire:

Although not as important in an urban survival situation, it is still an important tool. I suggest carrying a butane lighter and a film canister filled with cotton balls that have been coated with petroleum jelly. I also suggest having a back up in the way of a magnesium fire starter. Dryer lent can also be used as tinder.

Repair kit and tools:

This is fairly important. I suggest carrying a quality multi-tool (I carry a Leatherman Surge), a single handed opening pocket knife, duct tape, 550 cord, and super glue. I also carry a Ka-Bar TDI for weapon retention purposes. Pen and paper are quite important for many reasons, such as taking copious notes when you render first aid to someone, so that you can pass them on. I use a Rite in the Rain notebook and a Tactical Pen (that can be used as a Kubotan and glass breaker).

Nutrition:

A good natural source of energy is good to have, such as granola and dried fruit.

Hydration:

I use a 32oz Nalgene Bottle for water. Hydration is important even in an the United States where the water that come out of our toilets is cleaner than most of the worlds drinking water.

Emergency Shelter:

This is not as important as most things in your kit as shelter in a city is readily available in most situations.

How to Carry:

Unfortunately this is a lot to carry in your pockets, so I suggest using an inconspicuous bag. You don’t really want something that makes you a target for anyone, so I would avoid molle webbing and tactical looking packs in your favorite multicam, ACU, or MARPAT pattern. It’ll make life easier if you blend in with everyone else. I currently use a messenger bag. Mine is weatherproof, nearly indestructible, guaranteed for life, and made in the USA.

Along with these essentials I suggest obtaining a CHL and carrying a firearm (legally) along with at least two extra magazines.

Tagged: EDC emergency just in case preparedness survival urban survival SHTF

Posted on February 21, 2012 with 1 note