One of the most vulnerable places you can be in an emergency situation like a flood, terrorist attack or an economic collapse is the city.

So many of us are dependent on the urban technological machine that delivers food, fuel, medical supplies and water that even the slightest disruption can put you and your family in danger.

Make a bug out pack in case you absloutlely must leave home. Everybody should have several days supp;y of food, water, extra warm clothing, a firestarter and some medical supplies at the minimum.

The survivalist tactics that you use will depend on the type of situation that you are faced with. For example, if there is no way to protect your food supply or your shelter then it may be necessary to turn on your survivalist tactics and use them to your advantage. There are a number of options for those that do not have access to a shelter or are unable to protect their food. These are some of the more common urban survivalist tactics.

As you may be aware, some animals will eat other animals and will eat your food source, which may include the food in your shelter. Therefore, one of your first steps should be to ensure that there are no animals eating from your food source. You should also try to make sure that you have a safe place to sleep in the event that you do not have access to a shelter. This is just one example of an urban survivalist tactic that you can use to your advantage.

Another of the most important urban survivalist tactics is that if you are in a situation where it is not possible for you to find a shelter or food source then you should try and create a barrier between you and the elements. This can be achieved in many ways. One of these ways is to build a fire and light it as close to the area of your shelter as possible.

Another way to build up a fire is to try and use a firewood stove or fire pit. You should use wood that is dry and will not cause smoke to come from the fire. There are also several other materials that are available for you to choose from when trying to create a barrier.

It is important to remember that if you build a fire and light it up then you will need to watch it carefully so that it does not come close to any trees or any nearby structures. You should also make sure that you take a few hours to watch the surrounding area for any signs of animals. Once you have found a shelter or a food source then you will need to ensure that you are able to properly stock up on food and water before you head out into the wild.

There are many urban survivalist tactics that you can use in order to ensure that you are able to survive if you become stranded in the wild. However, you should make sure that you learn about these tactics in advance so that you can avoid any unexpected situations that could jeopardise your survival.

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However, to stockpile items during peacetime will require money. While some items will last a long time like candles, first aid bandages, etc. other items like food and water are perishables and will expire with time. So, you should be aware of when to consume the perishables before they expire and also to replenish the stocks.

When stockpiling items, you may need to purchase things that you may never use but will be essential during an emergency. One good example is waterproof matches. Water purification tablets are another item that one will probably never use during normal day-to day life.

However, in the event of a flood, where the water supply gets contaminated, these water purification tablets will be a life saver.

Ideally, you should get a guide on emergency preparedness that will show you what items you should be stockpiling and what items will need to be part of you first aid kit, etc. You could search online for tips and tricks too.

When planning your budget, you should know roughly how much food your family and you consume daily. This will allow you plan just how much to buy. The duration you wish to stay prepared will also have an impact on your budget.

For example, stockpiling enough food for 2 weeks will be a lot less expensive than if you were preparing to be ready for 3 months. You’ll need to decide just how long you wish to be prepared for.

When it comes to purchasing food items, you should purchase canned food and other food that can last a long time.

It would be a good idea to take inventory of all the food and write down the expiry dates too so that you can consume the food before they expire and prevent wastage.

For non-perishable items like first aid kit equipment, fuel, batteries, shelter, etc. you’ll need to make a list of the most import items and purchase those first. Items like candles, flashlights, batteries, water purification tablets, first aid equipment, etc. are important items that should be stockpiled in the house.

When making a list, have categories so that it’ll be easier and more organized. Now you will have a detailed list and know exactly what items you need. You can prioritize which items are most important and buy those first.

There is no need to buy all the items at once. You may gradually buy what you need so that it doesn’t eat into your budget and put you in debt. As long as you stockpile the items in a slow and consistent manner, you will be prepared.

The most important items for survival are food and water. Make sure you have ample amounts stockpiled. Depending on where you are, you might need ammo and guns for hunting or self-defense. So, keep those in mind too.

Shop around before you buy your items. Write the prices all down and speak to the store owner and negotiate for lower prices if you’re buying in bulk.

Even if it’s just a fifty cents cheaper, when it all adds up, you will be amazed at just how much you’ve saved. So, do the math and see how much you’ll need to fork out and slowly become prepared.

The post Budgeting For Preppers: Getting What You Need Beforehand first appeared on Survival Tips and Techniques.

One of the best pieces of equipment any self-respecting prepper or survivalist should have is a tactical flashlight. To a layman, a tactical flashlight may seem just like any other flashlight. However, the opposite is true and a tactical flashlight is extremely useful.

Let’s see how a tactical flashlight differs from a normal flashlight.

Firstly, they’re constructed with a very high grade of aluminum that makes them extremely hard and durable. That makes these flashlights perfect for self-defense.

In fact, there are self-defense classes that are conducted specifically to show people how to defend themselves with these flashlights.
Unlike normal flashlights that are made of plastic or cheap metal, these tactical flashlights will not get bent out of shape and can take a blow without getting damaged.

Secondly, tactical flashlights have a much higher lumens light. While a normal flashlight may be at 15 to 20 lumens, a tactical flashlight could be at 200 lumens or higher.
This is very effective in a self-defense scenario where the light can temporarily blind the person trying to attack you. This will give you an edge in the fight.

Other than that, having such a bright torchlight is perfect for illuminating an entire room during a power outage. If you’re outside in the dark and need to look out for obstacles, pot holes, etc. that may be dangerous, these flashlights will be way better than a normal flashlight at guiding you in the dark.

Another benefit is that if you’re stranded on a highway or somewhere that’s isolated, these flashlights are bright enough to attract attention even from a distance and get you help.

During a survival situation, things may get dangerous if law and order collapses.

Looting, crime sprees, muggings, etc. will go up as unsavory characters are emboldened and go about breaking the law.

Having a firearm is essential during times like these to protect your family and you. Statistics show that most attacks occur in the night when visibility is low. Using a tactical flashlight together with a firearm is very effective.

You may have seen countless TV shows where the detective enters a dark room with a flashlight in one hand and the gun above it. This is not for style and it’s actually known as the Harries technique which is very effective.

There are several other techniques such as the neck index, chapman technique, etc. It would be best for you to enroll in a firearm class that teaches you how to use these tactical flashlights together with a firearm.

Do note that tactical flashlights are definitely more costly than the average flashlight. They range in prices depending on the brightness, features, construction materials, etc. There are many reputable brands like Streamlight and Fenix that have a wide variety of models for you to choose from.

It would be a good idea to check what batteries the flashlight uses. You want it to use batteries that are easily accessible like double AA batteries. If you choose a flashlight that only uses a special rechargeable battery, during an emergency if you’re unable to recharge the battery, your flashlight will be rendered useless.

Do note all these points and make a tactical flashlight as part of your survival kit. It has too many uses to list down here and you’ll only understand how valuable one is when you’re in a situation where you need a bright flashlight. All preppers need a tactical flashlight. Period.

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Survival first aid kits differ from regular first aid kits because they contain a lot more things. Preparing for a survival situation will require more than just a couple of band aids and mosquito cream.

Survival situations may have people who are badly injured or who have sustained life threatening injuries.

A survival first aid kit needs to be much more comprehensive. It will have to be large enough to have lifesaving equipment but it also needs to be light enough so that it’s portable. You should always have a specific place in your house where you keep the first aid kit. During an emergency, you do not want to be running around looking for it.

It’s also of paramount importance that you check the kit at regular intervals to make sure that the antiseptics, medication, bandages, etc. have not expired. It may be shocking to know that most houses do not even have basic first aid kits. A couple of band aids in the drawer is about all they have.

During a disaster which can occur at any time due to inclement weather, freak accidents, terrorist attacks, etc. people in these houses who may be injured will have a hard time treating their wounds and injuries. Thorough preparation makes its own luck… and if you’re well prepared, your chances of survival will be higher.

Now, you may either purchase a survival first aid kit online or pack one yourself.

Do note that the kits will vary in size. Some may have the bare necessities while others will be fully equipped to deal with most emergencies. However, these kits can be quite costly.

It is best to put together your own first aid kit. Not only will it save you a hefty chunk of cash but you’ll be able to prepare one that suits your individual needs best.

For example, if one of your family members is diabetic and needs insulin shots daily, having syringes in the first aid kit will really help.

Below you’ll find a list of things most first aid kits should have.

Use this list as a guideline to stocking up your first aid kit. Remember that the quantities of the items will need to be in proportion to the size of your family. The more members in your family, the more aspirin, wipes, etc. you’ll need.

* 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
* 1 blanket (space blanket)
* 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
* 1 instant cold compress
* 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
* 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
* 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
* 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
* 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
* 2 pair of non-latex gloves (size: large)
* 2 triangular bandages
* 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
* 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
* 5 antiseptic wipe packets
* 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
* 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
* Burn gel
* Extra batteries
* Eye wash kit
* First aid instruction booklet
* LED flashlight
* Medical grade super glue (cyanoacrylate base)
* Necessary medications for family members
* Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
* Scissors
* Suture kit
* Tweezers

For more information, you may wish to visit The American Red Cross website which has a detailed list of items that you could include in your first aid kit.

Other than these items, you should consider what else your family usually needs such as anti-allergy medication, etc. Keep a list of your family members’ medical history, blood types, if they’re allergic to any medication, etc.

You’ll also want to keep a list of contact numbers of emergency services and also the numbers of your next of kin who may need to be informed should the need arise. All these lists should be kept in the first aid kit. In the event of a crisis, they will be very useful to the first responders at the scene.

The post How To Prepare A Useful Survival First Aid Kit first appeared on Survival Tips and Techniques.

Being prepared for any unforeseen event will raise your chances of survival and will ensure the safety of you and your family.

In this post, you’ll find a list of the basic items that any survival kit should have. These items will be very useful during natural disasters, power outages, etc. In the event where you’re unable to leave your house, the survival kit will help you to fix many issues that may arise.

Now let’s look at the list of items.

* A multi-use tool (such as a Leatherman or Swiss army knife)
* A plan of action
* Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day)
* Communication items (such as a portable radio)
* Documentation (identification, medical history and medication lists, emergency contacts)
* Extra clothing, blankets, etc.
* First aid kit
* Health and sanitation supplies (toilet paper, soap, hygiene products)
* LED flashlights
* Map
* Non-perishable food items
* Plenty of batteries
* Waterproof matches or lighter
* Weather protection: sunscreen, hats, rain jackets, etc.

It’s always best to have a plan of action all written down beforehand that covers different scenarios and how you’ll act. This will guide you during a crisis when panic strikes and you might not be able to think too clearly due to all the commotion.

It’s also a great idea to have one specific spot in your house where you keep your survival kit. In the event of a disaster, you’ll immediately be able to get it and be ready and good to go.

Besides a survival kit, you should also have a well-stocked first aid kit that is suitable for survival. You’ll need to have more than just band aids and antiseptic cream – see here for more details on what you’ll need.

Besides just having a first aid kit, you may wish to take up a first aid course that will help you develop the skills you need to treat wounds, infections, etc. These skills will be extremely useful in times of need and may mean the difference between life and death for someone who is in need of urgent help.

The truth of the matter is that most people will never be in a situation where they’ll need a survival kit or even first aid skills for that matter. However, it would be complacent to think that such crises only happen to other people. It’s best to be prepared and have what you need at hand so that you’ll be ready to cope with an emergency when it occurs.

The best time to prepare for an emergency is during peace time. Prepare whatever you need to and learn whatever you need to. The skills you pick up will serve you well and you’ll be an asset during a crisis. You’ll be better able to protect yourself and your family during an emergency.

The post Important Survival Equipment You MUST Have! first appeared on Survival Tips and Techniques.

That is why it’s always a good idea to stockpile food at home just in case such a situation occurs. However, food is a perishable item so it comes with its challenges. Knowing how to store food for the long term is a very useful skill to have.

The problem here is that no one knows how long the situation is going to last or how soon help is going to arrive. In really bad scenarios, it may be a couple of weeks before the disaster can be sorted out and help can arrive.

One good example would be major floods that cause tremendous damage to the roads and infrastructure. This will make the affected areas inaccessible to vehicles transporting supplies, etc. Help on the outside will need to figure a way to remedy the problem. This will take time… and it’s during this waiting time, you will need food to tide yourself through this difficult situation.

At the very least, if you’re prepping for such scenarios, it would be a good idea to have a minimum of 3 to 4 days’ worth of food and water. It would be better if you could stockpile enough food to last at least 2 weeks. When storing water, about 1 gallon of water per person in your family should suffice. Do remember to include the children and pets too.

It would be a good idea to store food that is nutritious and contains the calories and nutrients that your body will need. Examples, would be canned sardines, peas, etc. Pop tarts, candies and chocolates are not good items to be stockpiled as food for survival. Sure, you may have some stored aside to provide some pleasure during a trying situation, but for the most part, the food must provide sustenance.

The amount of food you stockpile should provide each person at least one meal a day. So, you may need to calculate just how much food you will need for your family and how long it will last, etc.

When buying food for long-term storage, it’s best to stick to canned food and dry food that will last for about 3 to 6 months. Do make a list of all the food and their expiry dates. This will allow you to easily remember when to consume food that is about to expire and replace them with new food.

It will be a good idea to get food that your family likes to eat. By consuming the rations that have not been used, you and your family will get used to eating them. Many preppers buy field rations and MRE’s from military stores because they believe that this food is better for survival.

It’s not. More often than not, most people do not like eating these foods and during a situation where there isn’t access to normal food, your family members will be reluctant to eat these rations that they’re not used to. So, purchase food that everyone likes to eat.

Some examples of food that last a long time are:

* Crackers
* Powdered milk
* Peanut butter
* Granola bars,
* Protein bars,
* Nuts
* Canned tuna… and most canned food.

Dedicate a shelf or pantry to store all your emergency food. Keep them in airtight containers or zip lock bags. Label all the containers and mark anything with the ‘opened on’ date if it was opened for consumption. Check on your food at scheduled intervals and make sure that everything is still edible and your stockpile doesn’t have expired items.

Having a stockpile of food that your family can depend on in times of need will be very useful should the situation arise where food is scarce. Start preparing TODAY.

The post Methods of Storing Food For The Long-Term first appeared on Survival Tips and Techniques.

During a time of crisis, very often people are in shock and reeling from what has just taken place. Not much though is given to sanitation because it slips to the back of their minds since everything else seems to be getting their attention.

However, staying clean and maintaining hygiene and sanitation is crucial to preventing sickness and disease from taking root in your body. This article will list a few tips that you should follow to stay healthy and sane.

* Follow Instructions from the Authorities
Usually, during an emergency, there will be first responders and directions from the authorities to help you stay calm and avoid danger. For example, if there’s a forest fire, dust masks may be given out to protect your lungs from the pollutants.

If there’s a flood, you might not be able to drink the water from your tap or use the water in your shower. Listen to the authorities and follow their instructions accordingly. They’ll have a plan of action for you.

* Focus on your Hygiene
Just because times are difficult and your surroundings are a mess isn’t a reason for you to let yourself go. Wash your hands often and try not to touch your face. If you have injuries or cuts, keep the wounds clean and sterilized if possible.

The goal here is to prevent the spread of germs which can lead to infections and health problems.

* Only use Potable Water
Only drink and bathe in potable water. It would be wise to stockpile as much safe drinking water as you can. This can be used for cooking too. You’ll need this water to wash your hands, take quick showers and brush your teeth.

* Making Water Safe
If you have distilled water, this will be great for cleaning wounds or washing your hands. In the event that you don’t have distilled water, you can boil water, let it cool and then clean your wounds with it.

Depending on the quality of the water, you may need to filter it or disinfect it too.

When there are no other options besides the water around you or in the tap, you might have to doctor the water so that it is safe to use. This typically involves filtering, boiling or disinfecting the water that you have available to you.

To filter water, first boil it till it reaches boiling point for a minute. Then allow the water to stand for 2 minutes so that the sediment settles at the bottom. Next, gently pour the water off the top into another clean jar and allow it to cool before sealing it.

Disinfecting the water will require you to use water purification tablets. That’s why it’s always good to keep these handy for times of need. You may also add household bleach that is unscented. Use 1/8 of bleach per gallon of water. Stir it well and allow it to sit for thirty minutes before use.

If the electricity is out or circumstances are such that you can’t boil water, you can use the water in your heater tank or even in the toilet tank. The toilet tank is NOT the toilet bowl. Just ensure that the water in the toilet tank has not been treated with cleaning agents.
You can always collect running rainwater for use too. Avoid collecting from stagnant bodies of water. Usually, these could be infected and be full of germs.

Besides water, use antibacterial sprays or gels to sterilize common areas or yourself if you are in a mess. Wet wipes work just as well too. It may be difficult to stay clean and hygienic but the extra effort will help you be healthy and disease-free till help arrives and the situation is under control.

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We’ll be assuming that the disaster is of a magnitude where your home is destroyed and you’ll need to take shelter elsewhere. If your home is untouched, then you can always be safe at home… but if that’s not the case, you need to consider several options before proceeding forward.

First and foremost, you’ll need to see how many people there are in your family. A family of 3 will be able to easily fit into a tent or under a tarp and stay sheltered for the time being. An extended family of ten or more will need more shelter and planning.

The duration you’ll be staying in these makeshift shelters will be another factor to consider. Generally, you should make plans to find a shelter where you can stay for about 3 days. This is recommended by most survival experts. However, if you can find a shelter that will allow you to stay for 2 weeks or more, that’s even better.

The kind of shelter you seek will depend on your preferences and the climate conditions. If you are the type of the person who likes the outdoors, you will have no issues setting up a tent and camping outside or in the woods. These are known as portable shelters.

Others may prefer built-in shelters like underground bunkers or houses. This provides extra security since you will be safe from wanderers or other threats while sleeping, etc.

The location you build your shelter is also something you may wish to consider. It would be a good idea to build your shelter on your property. Even if your home is damaged, at least you know that you’re on your property and if you have fencing and security, those will be good too.

The amount of supplies that you need and use will have an effect on the size of your shelter. Generally, during a disaster or crisis, most people will just need the basics.

However, if you wish to have a little kitchen, bathroom, etc. you will need more space in your shelter.

The most basic types of shelters are tents and tarps. They can be easily set up and secured with some rope. They’re portable and can go with you anywhere you wish to.

If you prefer something more ‘solid’ and you have the budget for it, you can set up a storm shelter above ground or below ground. The shelter will be basic with some room for a few people and some space for your supplies. People who prefer more comfort can build an underground bunker which will have a couple of rooms and bathroom facilities.

Ideally, you should spend some time researching on all the different types of survival shelters and see which one suits you and your family best. Generally, families with children will do well to have bunkers and ‘secure’ shelters. Most people prefer shelters that doesn’t leave them overly exposed to the weather or other people. So, plan well and prepare your shelter beforehand so that you’re ready should an emergency arise.

The post Tips on Choosing Survival Shelters That Will Keep You Safe and Comfortable first appeared on Survival Tips and Techniques.

Most people panic during a disaster or crisis and they make errors in judgement and cause more problems to themselves and others. By being organized, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle you may even save your life or those around you.

Let’s look at what you need to do during an emergency.

* Take Stock of your Situation
First and foremost, you must be aware of what has happened. Check if people are injured and also the current situation you’re in. Is it still dangerous? If it is, you need to get yourself away from any threats. Are you able to do that? The most imminent challenge will be getting yourself away from any danger.

* Formulate Your Plan
Once you assess your situation and collect your thoughts, you need to form a plan of action. Ideally, you should write it all down. This will help to clear your mind and when you put pen to paper, you’ll be able to see things more clearly.

It’s best if you have created a plan of action prior to any emergency and kept this plan in a safe place so that you will have something handy to refer to. However, if disaster strikes and you have no such plan, just assess your surroundings and make a plan of action.

* Follow the Plan
Making a plan is not enough. You must follow it. If you’re in a group, there may be suggestions from different people. While it would be good to consider all their suggestions, once you make the plan, put it into motion without any hesitation.

Collect all your necessary survival equipment, check how much resources you have, check if everyone is accounted for, avoid danger and threats and do your best to stay safe till help arrives.

* Keep Lists

Once again, this is best done before disaster strikes. You should have a list of all the equipment in your first aid kit. You should have a list of all the food items and water rations that you have stockpiled. This will include their expiration dates too. Update the list when you consume the food and rations or when you replace them.

Have a list of emergency numbers that you can contact in times of crisis. Hotlines for emergency services such as medical or law enforcement agencies. If you have members with special health requirements, etc. it would be a good idea to have a list of all their health requirements and also their blood types just in case someone needs an emergency blood transfusion.

* Allocate a designated space
It is an excellent idea to have a specific place to store all your emergency equipment, lists, etc. In an emergency, you’ll be able to get whatever you need in one place instead of scrambling around the house looking for items.

* Keep Containers Handy
Store all your food in airtight containers. It would be a good idea to have sealable airtight plastic bags too. Keep a few extra containers so that you can always store whatever you need to on the spur of the moment.

* Label Your Supplies
Make sure you label all your supplies clearly. Salt and sugar look alike. Label them. Make sure your medications and whatever is in the first aid kit is well-labeled. Don’t end up in a situation where you mix up eye drops and ear drops. Keep a list that shows the expiration dates of all the items in the containers.

Stay organized consistently and you’ll be much more efficient during a crisis. It’s best to be prepared and organized before disaster occurs. Plan your prepping well and you’ll be ready to handle any emergency without panic or worry.

The post Tips To Staying Organized During A Crisis first appeared on Survival Tips and Techniques.

This is not true. During a survival situation, the electricity may be down. The temperatures may be low and you will need the right clothes to get through these harsh conditions.

It will be a great idea to store clothing for survival separately in zip lock bags. This will protect them from the elements. Should there be a flood or you need to travel in rainy weather, your clothes will still be dry. You won’t believe how comforting warm and dry clothes will feel when you’re cold and miserable.

Now let’s look at what qualifies as ‘survival clothing?’

Survival clothing needs to be clothing that keeps you comfortable and is durable during a situation that is critical. Generally, for men, full length pants and t-shirts made of thicker material will be good. The same will apply for women.

If there is a power outage during the winter months and your heater is down, having extra thick clothes will be very helpful. If you need to go into the woods to get firewood, having the right footwear will be a lifesaver. Survival clothing is clothing that will get you through the situation best. This varies from individual to individual.

Some people are prone to feeling cold more often. These people will do well to stock up on thicker clothes that will provide more warmth. If you live in a place that is arid and rough, having cargo pants that’s made of durable material will be better since your terrain is rougher and the clothes need to be hardier.

When storing clothes aside for survival, do remember to store clothes for all family members. Remember the extra items like socks, gloves, hats, footwear, etc.

Also note that, you should prepare for both summer and winter periods if you live in a country with seasonal climates. During the summer time, you’ll need lighter and more comfortable clothes. You’ll also need sunscreen. So, do remember to pack some.

Pay special attention to footwear. It will be a good idea to get waterproof boots that you can use during the winter months when there is snow. For the summer time, you may just wish to use sandals.

Raincoats, jackets, hats, etc. must also be taken into consideration. While hot water bottles and umbrellas are not exactly survival clothing, keeping these handy will be useful too.

Always bear in mind that the clothing will need to be durable, easily washable and should fit you well. Do not get clothes that need to be dry cleaned or may shrink easily. During a survival situation, the last thing you want on your mind is clothes that have special requirements for cleaning.

Make a list of all the clothes your family and you will need. Separate the list into 2 categories – hot and cold months, and pack accordingly. Keep your survival clothing sealed and stored in a specific place; ideally close to your first aid kit and survival kit. That way, you can grab all that you need at one go and be prepared.

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