Time is on my side

Late again. I'm extraordinarily busy these days, and I'm getting tardy updating this. I have good intentions to post every Sunday, but we know what's paved with those...

Anyway, since we're talking about time. let's talk about time. In most survival blogs, you'll see people talk about loading up and bugging out. Rarely do you see them talk about how long it it will take them to get on the road. Heck, I can't even get out the door in a timely manner for a hike, never mind fleeing a major catastrophe.

Travel times to retreats are generally estimates made by driving the route in clear weather and light traffic, perhaps with a minor fudge factor thrown in for 'realism'. Katrina should have taught us that bug out times can be measured in days, not hours, if you're unfortunate.

That lack of realistic timing can extend to other things. It's all well and good to intend on cutting a half dozen cords of wood to heat your retreat through the winter, but have you ever done it? Do you have a realistic idea of how many person-hours it will take to find, bring home, chop and stack that much firewood?

Or how about those retreat defenses you'll build once you get there? Any idea how much effort and time it takes to create a bunker, or even a trench for a firing position? And while you're doing that, other tasks are piling up. Is it even possible for you and your group to prepare in time?

The answer to that is to use your time effectively now. Chop and stack that wood, or dig your fighting holes, or try to get a few other of the thousand and one things done now that will demand your attention afterwards. At the least, get a realistic idea of how long it will take do those jobs before you need to do them by doing trial runs. It might not be good policy to leave a finished bunker in place, but take a weekend and build it and then disassemble it. At the very least, you'll do it faster when you need to having done it already.

Learn how long it takes to do everything at your retreat, preferably by doing them repeatedly. Remember, unlike the Stones song, time is NOT on your side.

Originally posted September 5, 2011 @ Canadian Preppers Network

'Net Loss

In the news today, there was an article about some 20 year old dying from a blood clot that formed after he had been sitting in the same position playing X-box for hours on end. I thought it was an interesting way to die, if really pathetic. I immediately leapt onto my Facebook page to make sure all my friends knew about it. Ditto for MySpace and LiveJournal….

Except that I didn’t, because I don’t belong to those social networking sites. Aside from the blogging I do here, and a presence on a few discussion boards, I don’t use social media. I don’t have a YouTube channel, and I don’t want one. Personally, I think they are detrimental to being properly prepared.

Overall, I think that many aspects of social media and the internet as a whole are negatives when it comes to preparedness. I agree that the net is an excellent way to meet other preppers and share ideas, but at some point it becomes too much of a good thing. If you wanted to, you could spend your entire day surfing survival sites. A dozen different web pages will teach you how to make fire, the best B.O.B. to build, and a thousand other things.

Unfortunately, you’re sitting there reading about it and not doing it. For far too many people, reading and talking takes the place of actually getting things done toward achieving a certain level of preparedness. Worse yet, while they might well read articles about how important it is to be physically prepared, they are sitting in front of a computer screen instead of being active and getting fit.

We’ve become a culture of observers and not doers. We have come to believe that answering our e-mail is equivalent to accomplishing a task like growing a garden or building a shed. Reading about gardening or woodworking is as far away from actually practicing those skills as you can get.

It is likely that you have all the info you need, and that more surfing, discussion boards, and downloading will just get you more of what you’ve already got. Now you need to take that information and put it too use: grow a garden, build a chair, learn to weld, or whatever else makes your socks roll up and down. Turn your damned computer off and get out there. The more time you waste here means less time to practice and prepare.

The other aspect of social media and the web is illustrated by the picture that heads this article. While it’s great to find others into survivalism and prepping, it’s unlikely that they live next door or even in your town. In a major crisis, it is the people living across the alley, next door, or down the block that you really need to know, not some faceless net friend. Contacts and your social network in real life are the ones that will be there to see you through, not all the people you ‘friended’ on Facebook.


It’s just common sense

Essential Tools: Around the Retreat

Today we’re going to look at what a basic end of the world toolkit looks like. This is by no means an absolute list, but rather a starter kit you should have at your home or retreat. You can add to it as money and skill allows. None of these tools are particularly expensive, and most could even be picked up at yard sales if you are careful about checking for wear and quality. If you can afford the cost and storage for multiple tools, double up (or more) whenever possible. Tools do get lost or break sometimes, and they are nifty barter items.

Hammers – There are a lot of specialized hammers, but you need a minimum of two types: a claw hammer for hitting nails, and a ball peen hammer used for striking metal.

Saws – Handsaws are cheap and easy to use. For the long term, think about learning to sharpen them by hand.

Hacksaw – buy plenty of blades, they wear out. For cutting metal objects such as pipes.

Screwdrivers – A complete range of slotted, Phillips and Robertson screwdrivers would be the minimum for me. There are other specialist types such as Torx, but if you’ve got the big three, you’ll be okay in most situations.

Allen wrenches – Also known as hex keys, these are used for the recessed hexagonal headed screws/bolts seen in many applications. A good quality set with a range of sizes.

Measuring tape – at least one of 25’ or so. If you can afford a large reel tape of the sort you see surveyors use, that’s nice to have, as well.

Squares – Two types here, roofing or framing square, and a smaller combination square.

Levels – Two again, short one and at least a four footer.

Bit and Brace – what you’ll use after your electric drill doesn’t run. You might need a little practice using it, and make sure you know how to keep the bits sharp. Try to have a nice variety of lengths and sizes of bits.

Hand drill – NOT a bit and brace, but similar in use. Generally a hand cranked, geared drill, you can use it for lighter, tighter, and finer work than the bit and brace.

Socket set – ½ “ size, with a good variety of sizes and some extras like extensions and maybe a breaker bar.

Combination wrenches – A wrench with an open jaw one end and a box end on the other, in a variety of sizes.

Adjustable wrenches – At least two, and more in a variety of sizes if you can afford it. There’s always an off size bolt you’ll need these for.

Pipe wrenches – Always in pairs, and two pairs if affordable in larger and smaller sizes.

Vise grips – There probably isn’t a more abused tool out there, but it is invaluable for many jobs. Multiple sizes and styles if possible.

Pliers – The traditional style to start, then add needle nose and other types as you see fit. There are dozens of types, but have found lineman’s pliers and fencing pliers very useful. Your mileage may vary.

Pump pliers – in two sizes. These are adjustable long handled pliers that come in handy in a variety of situations.

Files – A variety of sizes and types, used for metal work/ sharpening.

Tin snips – For cutting sheet metal.

Cold chisel – Used to cut heavier metal.

Wire stripper – Self explanatory, I would think.

Side cutter pliers – Used to cut wire, you’ll find other uses the manufacturer never intended.

Wood chisels – A moderate range of sizes will keep you going in most circumstances.

Wood plane - a general purpose plane such as a jack plane. Learn how to use it.

Bolt cutter – Also known as a chain cutter, this is a specialized tool, but one I think necessary for certain uses. Buy a large one.

Crow bar – used in demolition mostly, but pretty handy to have around.

Nail puller – You can use the claw on your hammer, but the specialized tool is easier on wrists and hands if you’re salvaging a lot of lumber.

Box cutter and blades – multiple uses.

Stapler – I mean the construction type here. Great for tacking up almost everything. Buy lots of staples.

Clamps- If you have room and money, clamps make building anything easier, especially when you haven’t got someone around to ‘just hold this here’.

Bench vise – and some bolts to mount it. Even if you screw this to a log, you’ll find doing a lot of things easier when they are held securely. It is nearly indispensible when sharpening a variety of tools.

There you go, a list of the basics. You can of course add to it, but when acquiring tools keep in mind the likelihood of needing the tool (You need a six foot long pipe wrench? Really?) and your ability to use the tool.

Some tools come in a variety of weights (hammers, for example) or sizes (saws). Make sure the tools you have are tools you can use safely and without undue fatigue. If you’re not a person handy with tools, start learning now. There are lots of how-to guides out there for almost every task and project imaginable. Start simple and build your skill, confidence and toolkit. It’ll save you money, and maybe even your life someday.

Originally posted June 28,2011 @MPN

The Odd One Out

The other day, I was walking along a local stream where people often fish. As I strolled along, the discarded bait boxes, beer cans, broken camp chairs and general litter got me thinking about survival. Is litter a strange thing to inspire me? Maybe not.

Survival and preparedness require one very important trait: The ability to look at the possible consequences of your actions and the actions of others. The ability to look toward the future and think: what if? The fishermen on the shore of that stream don’t understand this.

The section of stream bank accessed by so many locals is on private property. Sooner or later, the landowner will tire of the mess and close access to the area. All that the fishermen have to do to prevent this is give some thoughts to the consequences of what they do there. Sadly, they will likely not do this, and they will be barred from the land.

As a species, we also seem to be unable to think about the consequences of our actions. The last few years are full of examples, from financial meltdowns to blown out oil wells. That inability to foresee the likely end of actions seems to hold true for the majority of individuals as well. Very few people think beyond instant gratification.

The fact that you’re reading this blog indicates that you are one of those few people. There are always a few atypical individuals that can think beyond the next meal, the next day or the next month. Those are the people that survive tornadoes, do not need to be rescued from floodwaters, and do have the spare capacity to help the less fortunate and less prepared.

I could wish that more people in our society are like that, but it just isn’t the case. The general rule seems to be live for today, get what you can and to hell with the other guy. It is a worrisome trend that portends serious consequences.

As a society, we seem to be unable to turn aside from courses that seem destined to bring about, if not catastrophe, then very hard times indeed. Reliance on diminishing oil supplies, lack of concern for climate change, and a general reliance on an ever more fragile economy seem to concern the average person no more than a rain shower on the other side of the world.

So. Are we doomed? It’s hard to say. As much as this article is about seeing the future, no one can. It’s really about possible futures and being prepared to prosper, whatever that future brings. So keep being that one in a thousand that has some food and water set by, or an alternate heat source, or skills that others have lost.

Originally posted May 28,2010 @MPN
Keep being the odd one out.

Preparedness Week for cCreatures Great and Small

A lot gets written about preparedness for humans but very little for animals. I remember watching the coverage of Hurricane Katrina, and what affected me most was the death of so many pets. Perhaps my viewpoint is somewhat warped, but I felt worse about the animals than the people.

I’ve always felt that when you take an animal in as part of your family, you have in essence created a contract binding on you regarding the welfare of the animal. A human supposedly has the ability to reason, foresee the future, and act to avoid harm. Animals cannot do this, and I believe that it is your duty to do this for them.

At my house there is a cat and a dog, and I have done my best to ensure that they come through a crisis with us and not become casualties or refugees. It takes only a little forethought to make their chances look a lot better. Here are a few simple things to do to prepare your critters.

First of all, food and water storage. For our dog, it consists of extra bags of dog food gotten pretty much for free. For example, there is currently a coupon offer available for a 3-kilogram bag of dog food for FREE. The coupon is good until December 31st, and I have several of them, each valued at $13.99! These sort of offers come up all of the time, and the sharp eyed dog owner can not only lay up enough dog food to see Rover through a crisis, he can substantially reduce the costs of daily feeding! The same is true of cat food. It may not be the best quality food, but it’s far better than watching your pet starve to death.

Water is just as easy. Two liter pop bottles of water changed every month or so will make your pet’s life far more pleasant. A few pennies of water now saves you from having to make hard choices later.

Second, make sure your animal’s vaccinations are up to date. Likely incidents of animal specific diseases will increase following a crisis, and keeping the basic vaccinations up to date is simple. Consider whether other vaccinations might be worthwhile (For example, my dog is vaccinated against Lyme disease, only sensible in tic infested Manitoba).

Further, you may want to consider laying in a stock of medications that might be specific for a pre-existing condition, or as a prophylactic for things like heartworm.

Third, take a pet first aid course. I know that these are available through organizations like St. Johns Ambulance. Seems silly, I know, but it is worthwhile. I don’t think you can ever get too much training, especially in first aid. And lay in a few supplies like self-adhering gauze ('cause tape don't stick to fur!).

And last, make sure your pet is prepared to bug out with you. This might range from having a carrying cage for your cat to making sure your dog has his own pack for food and water. Most dogs can carry 25% of their body weight without difficulty. That’s about eighteen pounds for the dog pictured at the top of the article.

How elaborate you want to get with pet preparedness is up to you. As I said earlier, I believe I have a moral obligation to ensure that the animals I have are cared for, not killed, and not forced to become feral and thus pose a hazard to others. I also believe that this can be done with a minimum of cost and just a little thought.

It’s about preparedness, dawg!

Originally posted May 7, 2010 @ MPN

Mr. Blogger's Neighbourhood

“It’s a beautiful day in the neighbourhood
For transportation of dangerous goods…”

Eh, I can’t think of any more lyrics, and it was a dopey song anyway. So onwards to today’s topic. And that is: Just what is in your neighbourhood?

Here in Manitoba, we tend to think we live in an almost rural fashion, despite the fact that most of our population is concentrated in a few large centers and a plethora of smaller ones. Our towns tend to cluster around major highways and are dotted along rail lines for the most part. Along those rail lines and roads run trains and trucks filled with deadly goodies like acid, anhydrous ammonia, and propane. Often, these cargos pass through heavily populated areas, often right through the middle of town. Derailments and accidents are not common, but do happen.

Then there is the question of industry. Even the smaller towns have some sort of large business providing employment and keeping the town alive. In most cases, these are pretty much innocuous, but there are exceptions. The bulk fuel dealer, the fertilizer depot with an anhydrous ammonia storage tank or large amounts of nitrate fertilizer on site, perhaps an industry where the product is not inherently dangerous, but the components are (There are an infinite variety of things that give off toxic fumes when burned or even better, go boom).

Then too there are the infrastructure items that pose a hazard, such as natural gas pipelines. One blew up in the western part of Manitoba a number of years ago. Luckily, it was some distance from the nearest town, but I’m told that the explosion and subsequent fire were heard and seen at a distance of many miles and it was sheer luck no one was killed.

Everyday, we walk, drive by, or live close to potentially dangerous goods. Our tendency is to dismiss these, because most of the time they are not a danger to us, although there are a variety of situations that can change them from potential to actual hazard.

The immediate concern in day-to-day life is an accident, of course. Trucks crash, trains derail, and fires or other events happen despite everyone’s best effort to minimize the risks. The root cause in these sorts of incidents can range from human neglect or equipment failure, to the occasional act of god in the form of tornados or earthquakes.

Additionally, one should look at the longer term. In an economic or larger societal collapse, simple abandonment or deliberate vandalism can transform a usually safe resource into a deadly hazard. The serious prepper should take this into consideration, and as always, knowing what you might face is the first step.

The thing to do is find out what exactly is located in or moving through your area that can affect you. There may be none, one or multiple things to worry about in your immediate vicinity. A quick drive around town, a look through the phone book, and an open eye on what goes through town by road and rail are a good start. Your local emergency measures organization may be a source for this information, and most fire departments have a good grip on hazardous materials in their area of response, so ask around.

Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can take steps to minimize the risk. You might need to devise an evacuation plan, purchase a respirator, take steps to safeguard your water supply from leaked chemicals, or a dozen other things. Your exact plan will depend on the particular risks in your area, if any.

Remember, this is nothing more than situational awareness written large, and doesn't need to be hard to do or complicated. The important thing is to find out what the threats are in your neighbourhood now, so you can prepare and plan for if or when.

Originally posted April 28, 2010 @MPN