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Showing posts with label survival foods. Show all posts
Showing posts with label survival foods. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Tools and Resources to Aid in Your Preparedness


Poor Man Survival

Self Reliance tools for independent minded people…


ISSN 2161-5543

A Digest of Urban Survival Resources

 


Tools for Your Preparedness

   Since 1999 it has been my goal to share resources that I find useful and in today’s ‘episode’ you’ll find many such tools presented for your consideration.  Feel free to submit or make a comment by posting using the comment box at the bottom!

Here are 7 things to consider when choosing a survival knife…

1. Tang:

You want the steel to run from the tip to the bottom of the knife.

The Rambo knife didn’t do this, which is the reason you could store all of the items in the handle.

The problem with knives that don’t have the steel running from top to bottom is this: The steel (blade) stops at the handle so if you’re having to pry something open or do heavy work, the blade will snap off.

2. Weight:

Anyone who’s been in the military or law enforcement is probably familiar with the term “ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain.”

So, while I do own some massive knives for the fun of it (thank you Crocodile Dundee), I’d never carry them since they weigh a ton.

In a survival situation where you may be walking for a while, you certainly want a lightweight knife.

3. Straight Edge:

While a blade with a serrated edge may look cool, it’s not the best idea. It’s much tougher to sharpen, so stay away from them for your survival knife.

4. Size:

It’s not easy to conceal a gigantic knife, and as I just mentioned, it’ll weigh a lot more.

The ideal size of a survival knife is between 8-10 inches in overall length.

This size allows you to do a variety of tasks without running into problems because the knife is too big or too small.

5. Fixed vs. Folder:

I do carry a folding knife clipped to my pants when running errands. However, folding knives are not what you want when the stuff hits the fan.

Folding knives aren’t anywhere as strong as fixed blade knives so make sure your collection of knives isn’t only folders. (The blade will snap off folders at the pivot point if you’re putting a lot of force on it.)

6. Sheath:

Make sure the sheath isn’t cheap cloth that will fall apart after a few days.

You want a sheath where you can easily insert and remove the knife and it doesn’t get stuck and take the Jaws of Life to get the knife out.

You also want a sheath that’s versatile and you can wear on your belt in a variety of positions (horizontal, vertical.)

Plastic injection molded sheaths are what I prefer.

7. Steel:

There are a lot of steels on the market and I don’t want to bore you with a long novel. But, if a knife costs $20 they’re obviously using cheap steel and, like many things in life, you get what you pay for.

Bottom line, if you’re buying a knife for the fun of it then you can go cheap and not worry about quality.








 


This video shows numerous ways to start a fire without matches. Mixed between some that most of us know — fun with batteries and steel wool, ferro rods, etc. — we have plenty of oddball stuff that’s not as commonly known.

The Two Keys to Preparedness

There are a lot of different aspects to preparedness - food, water, shelter, first aid, hygiene, and guns & ammo, just to name a few. But, one guy believes there are two keys to preparedness upon which everything else depends. Read More Here.

What's Your Escape Plan?

When it comes to riding out a disaster, most are strongly divided into two camps. Either stay or go. Each has it's own unique advantages and disadvantages, which are covered here. Read More Here.
 
 

If your gas and electricity were cut off for awhile due to a major disaster? How would you make a hot meal? I have a few basic survival cooking methods to share with you.

1. Grill (my favorite). To me, everything tastes better on a grill anyway, so get your food in order of its "perishability", wrap it up in tin foil and grill it to perfection. I use the grill for everything from eggs, to soup, to tea. By the way, if you haven't tried tea or coffee cooked on a grill or open fire, you are missing out - the smoky flavor is great. You'll likely be out of coals pretty quickly, so be sure to conduct regular stick gathering expeditions if you don't have firewood on hand.
The grill is also great for boiling water if your water supply has been compromised during the crisis. Hopefully you know this, but just in case... Don't bring your grill in the house! Not only is it a fire hazard, it is a toxicity hazard, since it releases smoke and toxins into the air.

2. Open fire. If you don't have a grill, make a small fire and cook over the open fire or over the hot coals. You can use the open fire to make just about everything you can make on a grill.  Make sure you don't build the fire close to the exterior walls of your house, near brush or near your car.

3. Pit cooking. A method used by various tribes all over the world, pit cooking is an easy way to make delicious hot meals without the hassle of "babysitting" them. Make a fire and burn wood until you have a bunch of nice hot coals. While the fire is burning, wrap food in tinfoil or place in a Dutch oven. Dig a hole in the dirt, place the coals on the bottom and place the food on the coals. Wait almost as long as you would wait or an oven to cook the meal and check it. Use the food thermometer when in doubt. One of my absolute favorite pit cooked meals is steak and baked potatoes. By the way, you don't even have to wrap the potatoes; just keep the skins on and bury them.

4. Solar cooking. This method uses the sunlight to cook your meal. You can buy a solar oven or make one yourself (a topic for another e-mail) by using a box, some sticks and tinfoil. In takes awhile, but in the absence of other tools, it is a foolproof and smoke-free way to cook…
 
 

When disaster strikes, no one ever knows when things will return to normal again. In some cases, there may be the possibility of things never truly returning to normal. With this being the case, it’s a good idea to stock up on foods that are meant for the long haul.


Before we begin, it’s important to note that these foods will only last 20 or more years if they are properly stored in conditions that are dry with stable temperatures and limited light exposure. You can learn more about that in our list of 10 things that will destroy your food storage.


With that said, here are 20 survival foods that can last at least 20 years...

 


Rosefield is a classic traditional cabin, which can be built for less than $6,000. The cabin is open plan, which has the advantage of making it far easier, cheaper and quicker to build than more intricate cabins with separate rooms. This particular plan also includes a detailed cabin assembly diagram and step-by-step instructions which includes a foundation guide.  [282sf’]


 


Do you live in an apartment or a house with a small backyard? Have you always wanted a garden but don't have enough space?

 There's a solution: Bucket gardening. All you need are some 5-gallon buckets, rocks, peat moss, planting soil, and compost. That might sound like a lot, but it's actually very simple.

 
Not only is bucket gardening a great solution for people with limited space, it also has many advantages over traditional gardening. You can have a greater variety of plants, you won't have to do any weeding, and you'll have fewer pests deal with. Here are some other benefits of container gardening.

 
If you decide to give it a try, the first thing you need to ask yourself what you're going to grow. Beginners should always start with very easy plants. It will boost their confidence and give them valuable practice before they move on to more difficult plants...

 

 

 
News of the Left Wing

Could a cultural purge come to America? It may be more likely than you think...

Get Ready for the Struggle Session
Mao unleashed university and high school students to weed out enemies and hold them to account. The students became the paramilitary Red Guards. They were instructed by the party to "clear away the evil habits of the old society" and extinguish what came to be known as "the four olds" – old ideas and customs, old habits and culture.

Tax collectors chase rich New Yorkers moving to low-tax states. Auditors inspect cell records, even your dog's vet bills
New York officials are using a whole new set of high-tech tools, including tracking cellphone records, social media feeds, and veterinary and dentist records. Auditors are even conducting in-home inspections to look inside taxpayers' refrigerators.

 


That’s Congress’ reward for sinking the US government $22 trillion in debt… for creating debt bubbles in housing and student loans… for utterly failing to address a broken Social Security system… for wasting billions on things like a broken Obamacare website, defending Congressmen from sexual assault lawsuits… and fighting like children during a government shutdown while millions of Americans were out of work.


A new study says Americans racked up $67 billion in credit card debt during 2018, sending outstanding debt to an all-time record high.
The personal-finance website WalletHub’s Credit Card Debt Study revealed that U.S. consumers began 2019 owing a total of $1.03 trillion to credit card companies.


Secular stagnation of the US economy (Summers, 2015) and wealth inequality (Piketty, 2014) have brought out charlatans with their snake oil cures. Their solution is the old chestnut of socialism, where full employment and wealth equality are guaranteed for all. Socialism is now openly “revived” in the US, where most do not recognize that already there have been decades of creeping socialism which most people have mistaken for capitalism.


 
With incomes down nearly 50% more than half of small farmers in the US are losing money and suicide rates are soaring.

SUICIDE PREVENTION HELP

Many states offer assistance for farmers…These national organizations are good starters:

Farm Aid Hotline: 800-FARM-AID  800-327-6243; farmaid.org/our-work/resources-for-farmers

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

Suicidepreventionalifeline.org

 
 

A Final Note…

Contributors and subscribers enable the Poor Man Survivor to post 150+ free essays annually. It is for this reason they are Heroes and Heroines of New Media. Without your financial support, the free content would disappear for the simple reason that I cannot keep body and soul together on my meager book sales & ecommerce alone.

Ultra Safe Heater

 


A Safe Space Heater for Your Home!


What is the main concern about space heaters today? Safety. The Envi is not like any other heater you will find on the market. It is safe for the entire family. With the Envi, you can rest assured that your children and pets are safe and warm.

·         The envi is cool to the touch. It reaches only 90 degrees F on the front surface.

·         The envi has WallSens Technology. It will not heat without being mounted to the wall.

·         The envi has a built in Automatic Thermal cutoff. If air from the envi exceeds a safe temperature, the envi heater will power off.

·         The envi is wall-mounted. It cannot be knocked over, tipped over, or tripped over.

·         The envi can be left on 24/7 unattended.

·         The envi is fanless. It won't catch little fingers or hair.

With thought and foresight, the envi was born. We have created a safe space heater that will last for many years and keep you and your family safe.

The Envi is also a healthy space heater that is great for those with asthma or respiratory problems.

Save 20% by using this link!


 

You Can’t Buy Life Insurance After You’re Dead-Prepare NOW for Emergencies. Resources & more at:

 

Find self reliance goods at:

 

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A Smoking Frog Feature, Shallow Planet Production

 

Thursday, June 29, 2017

Must-Have Foods to Put In Your Survival Pantry+Other Resources


Poor Man Survival

Self Reliance tools for independent minded people…


ISSN 2161-5543

A Digest of Urban Survival Resources
 
 

15 Must-Have Foods to Put In Your Survival Pantry+Other Resources

I’ve noticed that most preppers know the importance of food storage, but few of them have the must-have foods for adequate prepping sitting in their survival pantry.

Well, my job is to help you get prepared to the best of my ability; that’s why I came up with this handy-dandy checklist of long-term food storage. This covers all the basics, from commonly known foods that are long-lasting and crucial to survival, to those that aid in medicinal uses.

Rather than spoil the fun, I’ll get right down to it – here’s my checklist of:

15 Must-Have Foods to Put In Your Survival Pantry


1 – Rice


Rice is a huge staple in most people’s diets, and for good reason. It’s cheap, healthy and a great source of carbs. Plus, you can dress it up with all kinds of sauces/toppings for a whole variety of versatile dishes. I recommend storing plain white rice, as it has a longer shelf-life than brown.

2 – Meat Cans


You should buy these in bulk and keep a variety on-hand, such as pork, beef, and chicken. Feel free to add canned fish, too, such as salmon and tuna. Canned meats are great for long-term storage, and can be used in a ton of different dishes to keep your taste buds interested.

3 – Oats


Oats are a crucial ingredient for a number of foods, such as oatmeal, breads, and cookies. Plus, they have great nutritional value, and are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.

Fun Fact: you can use oats for more than just the tasty treats listed above – you can also use them to add bulk to casseroles and meatloaf. This is a trick used in the Great Depression – mostly to help folks get full faster with as little ingredients as possible.

4 – Coffee And Tea Bags


If you need coffee or tea to wake you up now, what makes you think it’ll be different in a survival situation? Stay alert by stocking up on your favorite coffee (choose from instant, pre-ground or whole bean) and teas (caffeinated and non-caffeinated).

5 – Chicken/Beef Broth Cans


Broth is great for adding flavor and giving you a boost of sodium in your diet. Plus, you can throw your favorite veggies and meats in there, bring it to a boil, and serve it as a hearty soup.

Helpful Hint: boil your rice in chicken broth (instead of water) to make it extra delicious.

6 – Powdered Milk


Much like its liquid counterpart, powdered milk is a great source of vitamins A, D, and B12, as well as protein. However, unlike the liquid version, powdered milk stores for WAY longer. When you’re in a crisis, you’re going to depend on this substance for bone-strengthening energy.

7 – Fruit Cans


Fruits are generally high in fiber and nutrition, yet are often overlooked by preppers – this is a shame, since their canned versions are often delicious and store for years. Add some sweetness to your diet by stocking up on your favorite kinds such as pineapple, pears and peaches.

8 – Vegetable Cans


Veggies are overlooked by lots of preppers, too (after all, how many people actually like to eat their greens?). However, missing out on veggies means missing out on a lot of vitamins and nutrients in your diet. Plus, many preppers say they actually like the canned versions better than the raw. Stock up on canned veggies to keep you feeling full and energized.

9 – Honey


This one might seem counterproductive; after all, isn’t honey just basically pure sugar, and mainly used to sweeten your tea? Well, all these are true, but honey also has some surprising medicinal benefits. For one, it is a natural anti-inflammatory, and helps reduce cough and allergy symptoms.

It’s also a natural antibiotic, and can be applied to wounds and burns to help treat them. Plus, you might scoff at the sugar content, but not only does it help keep the honey last for years, but it also acts as a natural energy booster and helps boost memory.

I should mention that honey, though helpful, can’t assist you in every emergency – however, this first-aid kit can. Explore its usefulness and versatility (it’s perfect for your car, home, or office!)

10 – Variety of Seasonings


So many preppers don’t think about the importance of seasonings! Condiments such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cinnamon (i could go on and on) are healthy, nutritious and add a boost of flavor to your survival food.

Plus, let’s be honest – eating the same foods day in and day out can get tedious – you’ll liven up your taste buds and make these meals more bearable with the help of spices and seasonings. Stock up on all your favorites.

11 – Pectin


Most preppers couldn’t tell you what pectin is, but it’s incredibly helpful. Pectin is a natural substance found in berries, apples and throat lozenges.

It’s what causes jams, jellies and fruit juices to thicken up, and is the element that really soothes your sore throat (sorry, that cherry flavor in the lozenges is just to keep the flavor bearable).

Stock up on pectin to help you if you get sick, and use it for thickening up your jams and jellies so you use less ingredients.

12 – Pasta And Spaghetti Sauce


No prepper should be without these two ingredients. The pasta will help keep you full and energized, and the spaghetti sauce is low in fat and saturated fat.

Plus, both items can be found for incredibly cheap and can be stored for years. There’s few long-term storage meals that offer this kind of bulk for your buck.

13 – Cooking Oils


It’s a lot easier to cook stuff in the pan when you’ve lathered on a little bit of oil. Plus, oils are great for storage and offer lots of healthy, nutritional benefits. Stock up on plant-based cooking oils for survival.

14 – Peanut Butter


Peanut butter may just be the perfect snack – not only is it great by itself by the spoonful, but it also helps make a variety of delicious sandwiches. Plus, peanut butter is naturally packed with protein and fat – crucial for muscle building and energy levels. Make sure to stock up on this long-term storage snack.

15 – Purified Drinking Water


This is one of the most important items on this list. After all, it’s been proven humans can survive up to three weeks without food, but only up to THREE DAYS without water. Stock up now on lots of gallons of purified water

Now I know this list was chock-full of survival pantry supplies, and I believe in every single one of them. However, I’m also a big believer in making things easy for myself, too. After all, prepping should still be fun, and as stress-free as possible.  Watch the video link from Healthy Prepper:

https://youtu.be/hQAYpYZo40Y

 

 


I’m sure you’re familiar with MREs. But unless you have military field experience or you’re an avid outdoorsman, this piece will answer a few questions you probably have about freeze-dried food.

Questions about storage, shelf life, preparation, taste, nutritional value and more. Plus, you’ll discover what that weird four-digit code printed on each MRE is and why it’s important to track it.

Be sure to read this article before your next trip to the Army surplus store — especially if you’re considering adding MREs to your emergency food storage.

Because you never know what will happen, and you should be prepared to protect yourself and your loved ones no matter what tomorrow brings.


At some point or another, I’ve discussed the importance of having virtually every single one of these items when the SHTF. But this post from Ask a Prepper puts them all down in one convenient checklist.

Take a look and count how many of the items on this list you already have. This will give you a better idea of just how prepared you really are to handle an emergency — and you’ll know what still need to buy before the next big disaster strikes.
 


Protests are becoming more and more common in our increasingly polarized nation. And while I stand behind everyone’s right to free speech, I never want to find myself caught in a demonstration turned violent.

Here is a great article from Joe Alton over at DoomandBloom.net with 13 tips on safely navigating civil unrest in your town.

Some of the recommendations are also aimed at helping you protect yourself while participating in a protest. Because civil debate and the right to peacefully demonstrate is one of the hallmarks that makes this country great.


You can have all the food and fancy survival tools in the world, but if your bug-out bag lacks this one item, you’ve essentially signed your own death certificate.

I’m not trying to be hyperbolic or frighten you. It’s true. And I can say that with certainty, because this particular device saved MY life when an overseas mission went awry.

Now I make sure I have one of these handy gadgets in every single bug-out bag I’ve put together for myself and my family members. And I recommend you do the same. Because someday, this object could be the one thing that stands between you and certain death.

Additional Resources

Is there an ultimate rifle setup for survival self-defense? (Video) »
When you're doing a job, using the right tool makes the job easier. This is true if you are doing carpentry, working on a vehicle, laying bricks or, defending yourself or family during a breakdown of civilization or martial law scenario. 
More »


Self-defense tips for older folks »
Every week our member service advisors at the USCCA get calls asking about self-defense strategies to help our older members. During a typical conversation, the caller will say something to the effect of, "I'm not as young as I once was and I can't do those drills. What can I do to fight better?" 
More »

 

P.S. I personally buy a lot varied freeze-dried foods from Harmony House, Wise Foods and other suppliers as they pack easily and the shelf life is long.  I store them in sealable totes which stack easily in our fruit cellar.

Yours for better living,

Bruce ‘the Poor Man’

Contributors and subscribers enable the Poor Man Survivor to post 150+ free essays & free reports that I provide annually. It is for this reason they are Heroes and Heroines of New Media. Without your financial support, the free content would disappear for the simple reason that I cannot keep body and soul together on my meager book sales & ecommerce alone.  You can make a donation at top of this page via PayPal.

 

Support our efforts by shopping my storefront…


 

 
A Smoking Frog Feature, Shallow Planet Production