American Survival Guide Prepper Spring 2020

U.S. $9.
99 SPR/SUM 2020 DISPLAY UNTIL 4/21/20
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ENGAGED MEDIA LLC.
8
Ill
FEATURES
1.0 WATER 4.0 SHELTER
By Steven Paul Barlow By Dana Benner
8 54
1.1 LIQUID LIFE 4.1 PROTECTION FROM THE
Water is the building block of survival. ELEMENTS IS ESSENTIAL
Make home anywhere and anytime.
12
1.2 HIGH POINTS OF 58
HYDRATION 4.2 TIPS ON TEMPERATE
Helpful tips for ensuring a safe water SHELTERS
supply How-to’s for basic spring and summer
havens
18
1.3 WATERY WARES 66
Gear to ensure your water is safe to 4.3 SHELTER-MAKING TOOLS
drink It takes more than your head and hands
to construct cover.
2.0 FOOD 5.0 COMMS
By Suzy Jeffries
By Jim Jeffries
22
2.1 NUTRITIONAL 70
KNOWLEDGE 5.1 COMMUNICATE AND
Proper planning ensures plentiful PREVAIL
provisions. Improve your outlook by staying
connected.
26
2.2 FOOD FACTS FOR 74
SUCCESSFUL PREPS 5.2 MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR
Tips for improving your dietary CONTACTS
decisions Turn your options into advantages.
26
32 78
2.3 GRUB GEAR 5.3 GEAR TO KEEP HELP NEAR
Stuff to make austere meals better Keep informed and stay a step ahead. 44 22
3.0 SECURITY 6.0 HEALTH

By Mike Travis By Christopher Nyerges
38 82
3.1 ESSENTIALS OF SAFETY 6.1 WELLNESS IS JOB #1
Be ready, willing and able to defend An ounce of prevention is worth a pound
yourself. of cure.
44 88
3.2 PRINCIPLES OF 6.2 STAY HEALTHY WITH
PROTECTION THESE TIPS
Intel and guidance for enhancing your How to optimize your well-being
safety
92
48 6.3 SIMPLE STAPLES FOR A
3.3 GO-TO SECURITY GEAR HEALTHY PREPPER
Be safer with these products and Hygiene, sanitation, ointments and more
equipment.
4 PREPPER FIELD MANUAL [SPRING 2020]

18 78
82
38 54
58
7.0 PREPPER
CHECKLIST
97
THE AMERICAN SURVIVAL
GUIDE PREPPER CHECKLIST
8.0 DEPARTMENTS
88 8
6
FIRST WORDS
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[ASGMAG.COM] PREPPER FIELD MANUAL 5

EMERGENCY SURVIVAL MANUAL
SPRING/SUMMER 2020
EDITORIAL
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PREPARE NOW FOR Nadezda Sverdlova Art Director
CONTRIBUTORS
Steven Paul Barlow, Dana Benner, Jim Jeff ries,
Suzy Jeff ries, Christopher Nyerges, Mike Travis
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Mike McCourt

hey say you don’t appreciate Extreme exertion can multiply your
T what you’ve got until it’s

gone.
But no matter what chal-
lenges the day brings, you can
face them more confidently if you have the
basics of survival covered.
One of those basic necessities is clean
requirements for fluids. Become dehydrated,
and you might not be able to think clearly or
function normally. And your morale—a big
factor in a survival situation—will go right
down the drain (pun intended).
The amount of water required can vary
from person to person. I’ve spent lots of
water. And, if your day brings the aftermath time in remote areas with minimal gear. But
of a hurricane, tornado, wildfire, flood, that time was generally spent in wooded
earthquake or man-made upheaval, sud- regions of the Northeast. Finding water,
denly, that necessity—something you might especially in the spring, is usually not a
normally take for granted—can become problem there; this is good, because I drink
scarce; and obtaining it becomes a priority a lot of it!
in a possible life-or-death struggle. I’ve often thought that if I were stranded
in the desert, I’d be worse off than the
1.0 NEED IT average person. To prevent that, I always
Most of us probably don’t stop to think make doubly sure I have access to enough
about how much water we use. According water, no matter where I travel. I have a
to the U.S. Geological Survey, an individual water bottle at hand and in my pack, along
uses roughly 80 to 100 gallons of water with water jugs in my car. At the minimum,
a day. Consider that you’re showering, a straw-type water filter is always among
flushing toilets, doing laundry, washing my gear.
your car. Something as simple as a broken 1.2 Keep it Clean
municipal water pipe that prompts a “boil Consider, too, that we use water for
water” advisory can drive the point home much more than simply drinking. During
about the water you use just for drinking a crisis, you’ll survive if you let your lawn
and preparing food. turn brown. But you still need water to
1.1 Enough to Drink clean wounds, cook, wash dishes and keep
Don’t depend on that old adage about yourself somewhat clean. And, in a long-
being able to go three or four days without term situation, watering a vegetable garden
water. If you don’t get the estimated 1 gallon might be necessary.
a day needed for the basics, you could run 1.3 Just Add Water
into trouble much sooner than at the point Speaking of cooking, look at how much
of death. During an emergency situation, of our stored food for emergencies requires
you won’t be sitting by the pool, sipping lots of water. Dried foods are easier to keep
piña coladas. You might be evacuating on for extended periods. However, your bins of
foot because the highways are clogged flour, rice and powdered beverages will do
with abandoned vehicles. You might be little good if you don’t have water to pre-
© GETTY IMAGES
building a shelter, foraging for food or pare them. If you’re on the move, pouches
lifting heavy pieces of wreckage from what of dehydrated meals can be lightweight
used to be your home. and handy—but that assumes you’ll have

I’LL DRINK
TO THAT!
HAVING ENOUGH CLEAN WATER
CAN MEAN THE DIFFERENCE IN
ANY SURVIVAL SITUATION.
BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW

“EXTREME EXERTION CAN MULTIPLY
YOUR REQUIREMENTS FOR FLUIDS.
BECOME DEHYDRATED, AND YOU MIGHT
NOT BE ABLE TO THINK CLEARLY OR
FUNCTION NORMALLY.”
rainwater. Rigging a system at your home to funnel rainwater into barrels doesn’t have to
be expensive and could be a smart part of your preps. If you’re in a temporary location, you
can rig a tarp or poncho to collect rainwater that drains into a bucket or other container. Of
course, if you find a reliable water source, you might want to establish your temporary base
camp nearby, thus eliminating the need for water as a major concern. If you must continue to
be on the move to a safe location, top off your water containers whenever you can. You never
know when water might be scarce on the path ahead.
2.3 Water, Water Everywhere
Sometimes, the problem is not finding water; sometimes, the problem is that it’s all
around you. If you’re near the coast, the sight of a vast expanse of water can be frustrating
if you don’t have the means to desalinate it. And flood waters can contaminate usually
good water sources with mud, sewage, dead bodies and other debris.
3.0 MAKE IT SAFE

Whether it’s from a seemingly pristine mountain stream or a mud puddle in a roadside
ditch, it’s advisable to take measures to ensure your water is safe to drink. I’ve known peo-
ple who fell ill from waterborne pathogens. It can be pure misery, completely debilitating
and could lead to dangerous dehydration. Fortunately, there are easy ways to make it safe.
3.1 Clarify It
› Top: A rainwater access to enough water along your journey. Murky water can be harder to make safe. It can clog filters and make ultraviolet purifiers less
collection system
can be a valuable
effective. Let disturbed water settle before collecting it. Use a section of cloth as a pre-filter or
asset if you’re riding 2.0 FIND IT build your own filter in a plastic container by layering pebbles, sand and charcoal.
out trouble at home.
(Photo: Vaclav
If you’re sheltering in place and nothing 3.2 Filter It
Mach/Dreamstime. comes out of the tap, you can hopefully Water filters should be part of every kit. There are filter straws, pumps, presses, gravity
com)
rely on some water you’ve stored while you bags, which drain water through a filter into a clean container, and filters that are integral
seek other sources. If you’re on the move, in some water bottles. They will strain out micro-organisms (protozoa and bacteria). Those
› Above: Having you won’t be able to carry all the water you with charcoal elements will also filter out some harmful chemicals and will often improve
your group set up
a temporary base might need if you’re on foot.
camp near a water Why are you afoot? Plan for that. During
source can alleviate
a major concern emergencies, public transportation in urban
in being away areas is often shut down. You might have to
from home during
a crisis. (Photo: abandon your vehicle if it’s out of gas, the way
Dmitrii Melnikov/ is blocked or carjackers overpower you. You
Dreamstime.com)
might be taking refuge where vehicles can’t
go. You’ll need to find water along the way.
2.1 Spring Runoff
In many parts of the country, finding water
in springtime is no problem. Water from
snow melt and seasonal rain is often flowing
down every hill and pooling in every gully.
But you can’t depend on it for extended
periods. And, if you’re counting on a familiar
stream that you crossed during a hike the
year before, you might be disappointed to find
it’s down to a trickle or dried up altogether if
› Right: Water is one
of life’s essentials.
its source is solely from runoff.
In emergency 2.2 While the Getting’s Good
situations, having an
adequate supply of
When sheltering in place, try to take advan-
clean water is critical. tage of water that comes to you by collecting

‹ Left: Filtering
your drinking
water is a wise
safeguard, even
when drawing from
seemingly clean
and clear water
sources. (Photo:
Timothy Epp/
Dreamstime.com)
the taste of the water as well. Unless they a desert are seen tossing away their empty canteens. It’s generally advisable not to mimic ‹ Below, left: In the
aftermath of extreme
include a purification element, however, Hollywood when it comes to ... anything. Make sure you have water bottles, bladders or weather or man-made
they won’t kill viruses. other portable containers to transport water. If you’re staying put and you have any warn- complications, you
don’t want to depend
3.3 Purify it ing of an emergency, fill containers of water in advance—enough for several days for every on government
You can purify water by boiling it (this is member of your group. response or stand in
line for clean water.
exactly one of the reasons my kits always 4.2 Don’t Contaminate It (Photo: Vinh Dao/
include a metal cup), dissolving iodine or Don’t camp too close to your source of drinking water. Wash your dishes, bury your food Dreamstime.com)
halazone tablets in it, mixing in a couple scraps and dig your latrine at least 200 feet from water. Be careful not to contaminate water
of drops of household bleach per quart or you’ve just filtered or purified by allowing dirty water to drip or run into it from the filter hose
‹ Below, right: Don’t
using an ultraviolet device. While purifying or your dirty hands. Make sure to clean water bottle lids and screw-on threads. contaminate your water
would seem to be optimal, there are draw- 4.3 Protect It sources. Washing dishes,
disposal of food waste
backs: Boiling requires having enough fuel Make sure everyone in your group adheres to strict rules regarding how your stores of and digging a latrine
for a fire. Ultraviolet purifiers require batter- water can be used. When it comes to outsiders, a thirsty person can be a dangerous person. should be done at least
200 feet from water.
ies. Tablets and bleach can lose potency When water is scarce, be prepared to defend what you have from those desperate enough (Photo: Voyagerix/
over time. And, none of these methods, to use force against you to take it. Dreamstime.com)
alone, removes harmful chemicals or
improves the taste.
3.4 Salty Attitude
If you live in a coastal area, a desalinator
should be included in your gear. While you
can rig a still to boil water and condense
the steam, a lot of fuel is required, and
output could be slow and limited.
4.0 CONSERVE IT
Water is something you can’t manufacture.
Collect it, contain it and store it whenever
you can.
4.1 Keep Storage Vessels Handy
In countless movies, characters traversing

TIPS TO HELP YOU STAY HYDRATED AND
HEALTHY DURING A SURVIVAL SITUATION
© GETTY IMAGES

TIPS
e’re used to turning on not only were there elk and mule deer present,
W the faucet whenever

we need water. When
that’s not possible,
it’s critical to find
water fast. During a bowhunting trip several
years ago, I learned some valuable lessons
about doing just that.
but free-range cattle as well. Lesson learned: A
prevalence of converging animal tracks can be
an indication of nearby water.
1.4 Can You Dig It?
It wasn’t long before I found water ...
but the animals had beaten me to it. The
streambed had turned into a trampled mud
hole contaminated with excrement. I back-
1.0 FINDING WATER tracked upstream a short distance to where
We were on remote national forest land the streambed was undisturbed. I started
and had backpacked out of our base camp. digging. Only a couple of inches down, the
We were traveling light, had packed dehy- dirt turned to mud. A couple more inches
drated meals for food and weren’t carrying down, and I had a trickle of water flowing.
much water, because we were confident of Lesson learned: A dry streambed could still
finding it along the way. On the second day contain water just below the surface.
out, I was already running low on water. My
hunting partner and I split up to increase 2.0 MAKE IT SAFE
our chances of finding both water and elk. Finding water was one thing. Processing it
Lesson learned: Dehydrated food isn’t always so that I was confident it was safe to drink
the best option when water is scarce. was another.
1.0 Check Your Map 2.1 Let’s Be Clear
It had been an especially dry year. I checked I dug out my water hole until it was big
my topographic map and noted what looked enough to submerge my 1-quart Nalgene
like a substantial stream not far away that water bottle. Then, I waited a few minutes
I hoped would still be flowing. I calculated until the silt settled and the water in my little
the compass bearing and hunted in that pool was relatively clear. I screwed a pre-filter
direction, intending to intersect the stream that was included with my Steripen onto
along the way. Lesson learned: A topo map the top of my water bottle and placed my
can be a valuable tool in finding not only your bandana over that to double the dirt-filtering
direction, but other resources you might need capability. I dipped my bottle into the pool
as well. and filled it. Lesson learned: Although I knew
1.2 Study the Topography that pre-filtering cloudy water to clarify it
I was discouraged to find a dry streambed. could help to make purifying steps more effec-
I checked my topo map again. The map tive and could prevent filters from clogging, I
indicated that the stream took a steady now had first-hand experience in pre-treating
downhill path from my current location water—and that’s always more valuable than
along a deep cut in the side of the hill. Les- merely reading about it.
son learned: Even in the absence of indicated 2.2 Purify It
streams, rivers, ponds and lakes, a map can The Steripen I used purifies water by sub-
show low-lying areas and gullies eroded from jecting it to ultraviolet light, which renders
yearly runoff in which trickles of water or any parasites incapable of reproducing and
shallow pools might still be present. making you sick. The model I used was the
1.3 Follow the Animals Classic model. It uses four rechargeable
As I followed the dry streambed downhill, AA lithium batteries that are replace-
I began to notice an increasing number of able—a feature I like, because rechargeable
animal tracks funneling in from various batteries lose their ability to hold a charge
directions until they converged with the path over time. Lesson learned: Having a bit of
I was taking along the streambed. In this area, knowledge about how to find water, a little

“HAVING A BIT OF KNOWLEDGE OF HOW TO FIND WATER, A
LITTLE PATIENCE AND EFFORT IN OBTAINING IT, AND THE
PROPER DEVICES TO MAKE IT SAFE CAN PROVIDE VALUABLE
EXPERIENCE IN SELF-RELIANCE.”
› Right: Digging a
well can be laborious
and dangerous. But,
in many cases, it
could be your only
dependable source
of water.
› Below: Aside from

helping you find
streams, ponds and
the like, a topographic
map can help you lo-
cate gullies and other
low-lying areas where
you might be able to
find water.
‹ Near left: Following

lots of animal sign
that all funnel into
one direction can
be an indication
of nearby water.
(Photo: Jill Lang/
Dreamstime.com)
patience and effort in obtaining it, and the sometimes triple—my capabilities of acquiring survival basics.
proper devices to make it safe can provide For instance, I usually have at least two or three reliable ways to make fire. The same goes
valuable experience in self-reliance. While I for making water safe. While my Steripen has been a dependable piece of gear, I’ll often
was not in a life-threatening situation that carry a water filter and purification tablets too. I also have those in my ready bags so I don’t
time (in fact, I could have cut the hunt short have to worry about keeping batteries charged to use them. I’ve used filter straws, filter
and walked out), my newfound confidence bottles, gravity filters and pumps. All have worked well.
could serve well in facing a water shortage One of my recent favorites is the Grayl Geopress Purifier. It’s a water bottle with a remov-
in the wake of a disaster. able inner filter container. You use it as you would a French press coffee maker. It both filters
2.3 Double/Triple Your Defense and purifies water with one easy press.
Some might say I’m obsessive, but when I add a couple of drops of bleach to my dish water and water used for cooking. Between the
I venture into remote areas, I double—and bleach and the boiling, I think I’m relatively safe. I usually filter water for drinking, because I

PVS-30 Limited Supply
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don’t like even the hint of a bleach taste. I
always have at least a metal cup (my water
bottle nests inside it) so I can boil water.
(I usually include a homemade twig stove
or alcohol stove, both of which use very
little fuel.)
3.0 STORE IT
Whether you’re hunkering down at home
or evacuating to a safe place, make sure
you have sufficient water containers.
Maybe I’m not as sentimental as some, but
if I have just moments to grab and go, I’m
going to reach for water jugs before the
family photo albums (but you should have
your photos backed up on a flash drive
that’s in your pack).
3.1 Anticipate It
You might be caught off guard by a tor-
nado or earthquake, but you usually have
some warning of an advancing hurricane,
wildfire or other extreme threat. So, while
you could add stored water to the rotation jug to the outside of my pack. After setting up camp, I would venture off with the jug and my ‹ Above: The
Lifestraw Com-
with your other long-term supplies, you water filter to secure enough water for our stay. The increased capacity of the jug in camp munity is a water
usually can anticipate imminent trouble made it much easier than having to repeatedly find water to fill our 1-quart canteens. filter capable of
treating water for a
and fill enough water containers to see you Make sure you factor in your group size when it comes to needed capacity. A personal large group. (Photo:
through difficult times. I also have a gas water filter or desalinator, for instance, might not have enough output to handle your Lifestraw)
generator that can run my well pump in the group’s needs.
event of a power outage. Make sure you 3.3 Plan Your Meals
have containers of various sizes to ready If having enough water is going to be a concern, make sure your supplies include food that
yourself for staying home, traveling by doesn’t require lots of water to prepare it. Rotating stores of canned goods and bottled
vehicle and walking out. drinks on a regular basis—using older stock first—can alleviate some concern about shorter
3.2 Increase Capacity storage life.
My brother and I used to hunt for several 3.4 Dry Run
days at a time on the flat top of a mountain. Practice doesn’t always make perfect, but it can point out some shortcomings and help ‹ Below, left: There
are many ways to
It required a difficult uphill hike with a load- you eliminate mistakes. make water safe
ed backpack to reach it. We couldn’t carry How much water do you need, and how will you get it? Find out with a literal “dry run” by for drinking. In
addition to boiling
all the water we needed, so I often strapped going an entire weekend at home without using any tap water, instead getting what you it or adding bleach
an empty, collapsible, 3- or 5-gallon water need from other sources and making it safe. to it, the author has
used a Sawyer Mini
Water Filtration
System and Steripen
(both on top of
pack) and (from
left) the Lifestraw
Flex Advanced
Water Filter with
Gravity Bag; an older
Katadyn MyBottle
filter bottle; Grayl
Geopress Purifier;
and a Survivor Filter
Active Filtration
Bottle.
‹ Near left: The Grayl

Geopress is one of
the author’s recent
favorites. It’s a water
bottle used like a
French press coffee
maker by pushing
the inner element
down over dirty
water to both filter
and purify it.

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© GETTY IMAGES

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With the LifeStraw Flex with Gravity Bag, you can get a steady
flow of safe, filtered water with no pumping required. It removes
bacteria, parasites, microplastics, heavy metals and organic
chemicals (such as pesticides) while improving water taste.
Simply fill and hang the gravity bag, attach the hose and filter,
and fill your water bottle. The filter can also be used as a filter
straw or screwed onto a hydration pack or standard, small-
mouth water bottle.
MSRP
$54.95
URL
LifeStraw.com
LifeStraw Community
You’re probably familiar with LifeStraw’s line of personal
water filters. But did you know this company also makes the
LifeStraw Community? This high-capacity unit not only filters,
it also purifies. When your gear has to accommodate the needs
of a family or other group, this is the one to consider.
MSRP
$375
URL
LifeStraw.com

GEAR GUIDE
Reliance Aqua-Sak
The Aqua-Sak from Reliance Products is a collapsible, 5-gallon
water container perfect for use when you set up camp and
have a water source at your destination.
MSRP
$11.99
URL
RelianceOutdoors.com
Steripen Ultra
The Steripen Ultra uses ultraviolet light to eliminate bacteria,
protozoa and viruses from drinking water. You can set the unit
to treat either ½ or 1 liter of water at a time in 48 or 90 seconds,
respectively.
MSRP
$109.95
URL
Katadyn.com
HydraPak Stash 1L Water Bottle

When pack space is limited but you still want the option of car-
rying more water, the HydraPak Stash 1L Water Bottle’s a good
option. This water bottle is 50 percent lighter than a hard-sided
bottle and collapses to a small, 2-inch-high disk. However, it
expands to a full-sized water bottle when you need it.
MSRP
$25
URL
HydraPak.com

Reliance Desert Patrol 6G
When you’re toting something as important as your drinking
water supply, it’s reassuring to have it contained in something
with rugged construction. The Reliance Desert Patrol 6G is a
heavy-duty plastic “jerry can” with a 6-gallon capacity (it’s also
available in a 3-gallon size).
MSRP
$14.26 (6-gallon size)
URL
RelianceOutdoors.com
Survivor Filter Pump

The Survivor Filter Pro is a portable water filter pump that fil-
ters down to an impressive .01 micron. It uses a triple filtration
system: Water first flows through a cotton mesh prefilter, then
through a carbon filter and finally through a medical-grade UF
membrane.
MSRP
$65
URL
SurvivorFilter.com
Survivor Filter Active Filtration

Bottle
With the Survivor Filter Active Filtration Bottle, it’s quick and
easy to have safe drinking water when you’re on the go. Fill the
bottle, insert the filter element, replace the cap, and you’re
good to go.
MSRP
$40; $20 for replacement filter element
URL
SurvivorFilter.com

PACKING
IN THE
PROTEIN
IDEAS FOR THE SOLE PROVIDER
BY SUZY JEFFRIES

iving in a world where the health. Eggs contain varying amounts of 13 vitamins and minerals, and egg whites contain
L unthinkable can happen in the

blink of an eye, whether it’s
hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires
or civil unrest, we must all be
prepared to provide food for ourselves and
our families. Protein is a vital nutrient our
body uses to repair tissue, make enzymes,
high-quality protein.
Egg production will slow down in the fall through the winter months, because chickens
require about 16 hours of daylight for maximum egg production. Eggs should be collected
daily—in the morning—and will keep for several weeks if refrigerated (and up to a year if
frozen). If refrigeration is not an option, store your eggs in the coolest location available.
1.3 Caring for Chickens
1.3.1 Food and Water
hormones and other chemicals our bodies Chickens are omnivores and will eat just about anything, including grains, fruits, veg-
need; it’s an important component in our etables, table scraps and insects. They’re foragers, so it’s unnecessary to feed them via
muscles, bones and skin and even our containers/feeders. However, during inclement weather (snow, rain, etc.), they’d benefit
blood. If you’re a hunter, fisherman or trap- greatly if fed in a structure protected from the elements. Chickens need to consume a
per, these skills will certainly increase your small amount of grit to assist their digestion, so add a small amount of tiny rocks or sand
odds of providing the necessary protein for to their feed or just toss it into their foraging area. Ample water is essential: Chickens don’t
survival. have teeth and use their salivary glands to wet their food and make it easier to swallow.
But what if you’re a single parent with an 1.3.2 Shelter and Protection
infant, have small children, are a caregiver Free-range chickens are the healthiest, but this makes it difficult to collect eggs and
or have a disability that hampers your
ability to hunt, fish or trap? "EGG PRODUCTION WILL SLOW DOWN IN
THE FALL THROUGH THE WINTER MONTHS,
1.0 THE MULTI-PURPOSE
CHICKEN
BECAUSE CHICKENS REQUIRE ABOUT 16
Chickens are small, easy to care for and HOURS OF DAYLIGHT FOR MAXIMUM EGG
serve multiple purposes: eggs, meat and PRODUCTION."
fertilizer. Some chicken breeds are best for
egg production, while others are best for
meat production.
1.1 Chicken Meat
Chicken meat is high in protein and low in
fat: One cup of chicken contains about 76
percent of your daily protein needs (based
on a 2,000-calorie diet).
1.1.1 Harvesting the Meat
When it comes to slaughtering chickens,
I’ve seen people slit a chicken’s throat and
allow it to bleed out; my grandmother
would wring its neck. I find these methods
inhumane. Growing up, we held the chick-
en’s head down on a tree stump and cut its
head off with a sharp hatchet—quick and
no suffering. However, this method requires
SEGAMI YTTEG ©
two people.
1.2 Eggs
Eggs naturally contain vitamin D, which is
important for immune function and bone ‹ Nest boxes for chickens should be lined with dried grass, hay or straw.

can die if exposed to direct sunlight for an
extended time in high heat. Ensure they
have access to a dry, sunny area to facilitate
dust baths—not only do chickens enjoy sun-
bathing, they also need the ability to have a
good dust bath to get rid of mites, lice and
other parasites.
1.3.4 Cleaning House
Keeping your chicken house clean is
imperative for the health of your chickens.
The frequency of house cleaning is largely
dependent on how many chickens you have.
2.0 PROTEIN WITH PERKS:

GOATS
Goats are very versatile: They provide
meat and dairy products, are good for brush
removal, can be used as pack animals or
cart-pulling, and can even provide fiber.
Different breeds are meant for different
purposes. In addition, goat breeds have
different percentages of protein and fat
content in their milk.
2.1 Dairy
› Chickens are protect them from predators and the elements. The best scenario for your chickens is a Not only is dairy a great source of calcium,
foragers and enjoy
scratching in the
chicken house with a large fenced area (a “run”) using chicken wire (poultry netting) or it’s also an excellent source of protein.
dirt, looking for hardware cloth. This provides shelter and an area for the chickens to exercise and forage. A Goat milk is used to make cheese, yogurt,
seeds and insects.
chicken house must have perches for the chickens to roost on at night (ensure the perches ice cream and even soap. Goat milk is rich
are sturdy enough to hold the weight of the chickens), along with nest boxes lined with in nutrients and is close to human milk in
straw, hay or dried grass, which is necessary for egg-laying. The house needs a human-sized its enzymatic composition, making it more
door to enable you to gather eggs and maintain the house. easily digested than cow milk. If you’re car-
1.3.3 Location ing for an infant during a survival situation,
Chickens need shade and direct sunshine. Sunshine assists in vitamin D production (a vitamin having goat (or cow) milk available can
D deficiency will affect egg production, as well as make the chickens more vulnerable to mean the difference between life or death.
disease). Sunlight also aides in killing bacteria. Chickens do require shade, especially in hot 2.2 Meat
climates, in which they can suffer from heat-related issues, including heat stress; and they Any goat can be used for meat. Goat meat
› Near right: Chick-

ens need perches to
roost on at night.
› Far right: Chickens

are foragers, so it’s
unnecessary to feed
© GETTY IMAGES
© GETTY IMAGES
them via containers/

feeders ... but some-
times, it's fun to let
them eat right out of
your hand!

‹ Near left: Goat milk
is rich in nutrients
and is close to
human milk in its
enzymatic composi-
tion, making it more
easily digested than
cow milk.
© GETTY IMAGES
© GETTY IMAGES
‹ Far left: Providing a
clean, dry shelter is
crucial for the health
of your goats.
"GOATS ARE VERY VERSATILE: THEY PROVIDE MEAT AND DAIRY

PRODUCTS, ARE GOOD FOR BRUSH REMOVAL, CAN BE USED AS PACK
ANIMALS OR CART-PULLING, AND CAN EVEN PROVIDE FIBER."
is generally regarded as being healthier than beef because it’s higher in protein and lower is small, it’s imperative to keep it clean, dry
in calories and saturated fat. Three ounces of goat meat contain about 47 percent of your and provided with clean bedding frequently,
daily protein needs (based on a 2,000-calorie diet). because mold and bacteria can quickly
2.3 Harvesting make your goats ill. Foot rot and foot scald
Butchering a goat is much like butchering other livestock. Shooting the goat in the head is are contagious bacterial diseases of goats’
the most humane way to kill it for harvesting purposes. hooves; both can be prevented by ensuring
2.4 Personality the goats are not kept in an area where
Goats are curious, intelligent animals and, much like dog breeds, different goat breeds mud and manure have been allowed to
have different temperaments and traits. In addition, they each have their own personality. accumulate (both bacteria thrive in wet
Make sure to research any breed you consider purchasing. Many goats make great pets and conditions).
readily form bonds with children and their owners ... so, if you plan on eating them, you
might want to keep this aspect in mind.
2.5 Care
Goats might have breed-specific requirements for fencing, care, breeding, weaning and
milking. For example, the Saanen goat is prone to sunburn, so if you live in a warm climate
and purchase a Saanen, it’s essential to provide a lot of shade. Saanens are also known as
diggers and can dig their way under a fence. How long a doe (also called a “nanny”) will
produce milk through the year is also dependent on the breed. You might need to allow
your doe’s milk to dry up for a period and then breed again to begin milk production.
2.5.1 Food and Water
Goats are herbivores and will eat just about anything that’s plant based. They prefer to
eat trees, bushes, woody weeds and shrubs but will also eat hay. The amount of water
needed depends on the size of the goat and the weather, as well as if they’re producing milk
(“lactating”). A large goat can get by on about a half-gallon of water a day if the vegetation
they’re eating is lush and green. If the vegetation is dry or the goat is lactating, 2 to 3 gallons
a day could be necessary.
2.5.2 Fencing
You’ll most likely need fencing to protect your goats from predators and to keep them
from wandering off. Goats are very active: They jump and climb—and enjoy doing it. The
height of your fence largely depends on the goat breed, as well as how tall they are, if
they’re active jumpers and other factors (such as loneliness, hunger or if there’s something
interesting on the other side of the fence). Some farmers put electric fixtures at the top of
their fences to keep their goats in; others keep their goats in areas with woven wire fence
that’s 5 feet tall.
2.5.3 Shelter
© GETTY IMAGES
Shelter needs vary—again, it depends on your climate and the goat breed. However, to
maintain the health of your goats, ensure you provide a sturdy shelter that doesn’t leak,
especially if you live in a cooler climate with harsh winters and plan on “kidding” (having
goats give birth) during winter months. A barn with hay or straw is perfect. If your shelter ‹ Above: Goats can quickly bond with children.

BEST OF
BREED
TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS
BY SUZY JEFFRIES
© GETTY IMAGES

TIPS
ot only is research important, meat; and hens can lay about 250 eggs per
N
invaluable.
getting first-hand infor-
mation from people who
have experience in raising,
harvesting and breeding is
Here are some useful tips and information

based on my own experience on a farm and
year. Orpingtons are slow growers, reaching
maturity at about 9 pounds.
1.1.2 Brown Leghorns have many wonder-
ful attributes: a high rate of egg production
(between 150 and 300 per year) and high
fertility. They thrive in hot climates, have
a mild temperament and are hardy. Chicks
from breeder blogs and friends who raise feather quickly and are easy to raise.
goats and chickens. 1.1.3 A good meat breed to consider is the
Cornish Cross, which grows quickly and could
1.0 SELECT A BREED BASED ON reach a weight of 10 or 12 pounds in just a few
NEED months. However, they’re voracious eaters
Consider breeds that are multi-purpose. because they grow quickly.
When factoring in the nutritional value of 1.1.4 Rhode Island Reds are great egg-lay-
different breeds, consider the stress and ers, producing around 260 eggs a year. They’re
increased activity of being in a survival hardy and are good foragers.
situation: Additional calories and nutrients 1.2 Goat Breeds
will be required. The Office of Disease When selecting a goat breed, consider one
Prevention and Health Promotion has an that’s good for multiple purposes. Also take
informative chart (https://health.gov/ into consideration the size of your family
dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/appen- or group. Goats can be trained to walk on a
dix-2) detailing the estimated calorie needs lead and can also be used as pack animals
per day, as well as by age (ages 2–76), sex and pull carts singly or as a team.
and physical activity level. 1.2.1 The Nubian and Saanen are large
1.1 Chicken Breeds breeds. Both are great for milk and meat
Choose breeds that are good for both eggs production. The Nubian and the Saanen
and meat, such as Orpington, Brown Leghorn are considered dairy goats, but because
or a combination of both egg-layers, such as of their size, they’re often raised for meat.
the Rhode Island Red, and meat breeds such The Nubian can reach about 170 pounds,
as the Cornish Cross. and the Saanen will weigh in at around
1.1.1 The Orpington can easily adapt to 140 pounds. The Nigerian Dwarf is a small
low temperatures; roosters are popular for breed that usually doesn’t grow more than

› Right: Brown
Leghorns are one of
the best free-range
chickens. They have
a small appetite and
are always willing
to hunt, scratch and
forage.
© GETTY IMAGES
› Below: Cornish
Cross broilers at
Feather Brook Farm "WHEN FACTORING IN THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF DIFFERENT
in Raynham, Massa-
chusetts. This is Tad BREEDS, CONSIDER THE STRESS AND INCREASED ACTIVITY OF
Largey's free-range
poultry operation BEING IN A SURVIVAL SITUATION: ADDITIONAL CALORIES AND
that produces both
eggs and meat. NUTRIENTS WILL BE REQUIRED."
‹ Near left: A Buff
Orpington hen. The
Orpington is often
used as a broiler
chicken and is said to
have very flavorful
and tender meat.
© GETTY IMAGES
© GETTY IMAGES
23 inches in height and weighs between 60 quarts of milk a day (with protein of about 3.9 percent and butterfat around 6.1 percent),
and 80 pounds. making it an excellent choice for cheese and butter.
A healthy Saanen can produce about 2
gallons of milk a day (with milk fat around 2.0 TIPS AND INFORMATION
3.5 percent and milk protein about 2.7 per- 2.1 Chickens
cent). A healthy Nubian goat can produce 2.1.2 Feeding
around .5 to 1.5 gallons of milk per day 2.1.2.1 Chickens need calcium to ensure their eggs shells are strong. After you eat eggs,
(with a fat content of around 5 percent). A crush the shells and feed them back to the chickens.
healthy Nigerian Dwarf can produce 1 to 2 2.1.2.2 Add wood ash from your firepit or wood stove to the dust bath area. This will

‹ Nest boxes should
© GETTY IMAGES
nitrogen level can burn and kill your plants. be covered to keep
2.1.4.2 Chicken manure is best used out bird droppings
from above.
composted. It should be composted for
45 to 60 days. It’s ready to apply to your
garden when it’s dark in color, falls apart
and smells like soil.
2.1.5 Keeping Them Clean
To keep droppings from falling on the
chickens resting below, perches should be
staggered so that one perch is not directly
under another one. Nest boxes should be
covered to protect from droppings above.
2.2 Goats
2.2.1 Harvesting
Consider shooting the goat in the back of
head, because the back of the head is softer
than the front. The goal is to cease brain activ-
ity as quickly as possible for minimal suffering.
2.2.2 Dairy—Know Your Goat
aid in pest removal and, as a bonus, the ash will provide minerals (calcium, magnesium, Goats will give you milk, but only after
vitamin K) that can be absorbed through the skin. Make sure the wood used for your fire they’ve given birth. With most breeds, you
wasn’t started using any chemicals, because the chemical residue can be detrimental to can’t abruptly stop milking or suddenly take
your chickens. a kid (baby goat) away without helping the
2.1.3 Harvesting doe dry out. Doing this can cause the doe’s
2.1.3.1 Kill cones are a popular method used to slaughter poultry. You put the chicken in udder to fill with milk, swell and become
the cone, head first, and cut its head off with a sharp knife. This method is humane if it’s very painful. Mastitis, a bacterial infec-
done correctly. My preferred method is to use a pellet gun (.177- or .22-caliber): I wrap the tion, can also occur. Different breeds have
chicken in a towel and hold the gun to its head; it’s quick, and there’s no suffering. different requirements for helping a doe dry
2.1.3.2 The night before harvesting, segregate and remove food from the chickens you’ll out and then begin producing milk again.
be slaughtering: Chickens will hold food in their crop before swallowing. Researching the breed is key.
2.1.3.3 After harvesting the chicken: Before plucking (feather removal), dunk the chicken 2.2.3 Keeping Them In
in scalding-hot water (about 140 degrees) for a couple of minutes to kill anything on the Goats are herd animals; they’re very social
chicken. In addition, the feathers will come out easier. When scalding the chicken, make and need companionship. You should never
sure the water isn’t too hot, and don’t hold the chicken in the water too long, because this have just one goat, because a lonely goat
will cause the skin to rip when you’re plucking. A scalded chicken reeks! I suggest plugging will look for companionship.
your nose with something. 2.2.3.1 Choose fence wire that can stand
2.1.4 Fertilizer up to leaning and climbing. Woven wire
2.1.4.1 When cleaning the chicken house, keep the soiled bedding and chicken droppings fencing with 4x4-inch openings is com-
for use as fertilizer. Chicken manure is higher than cow manure in nitrogen, phosphorous monly used. The 4x4-inch openings are too
and potassium. If you plan to use fresh chicken manure as fertilizer, be aware that the high small for adult goats to stick their heads
‹ Far left: Plucking

chickens is messy
and smelly.
‹ Near left: Chicken

manure is higher
© GETTY IMAGES
© GETTY IMAGES
than cow manure in

nitrogen, phospho-
rous and potassium
content.

© GETTY IMAGES
through. However, kids and young goats
can—and will—stick their heads through
and might require a separate area until
they’re older. Make sure corner posts and
any bracing are on the outside of the fence
so goats can’t use them to climb over.
2.2.3.2 Review your landscape to ensure
there are no tree stumps, large rocks,
branches or other things the goats can use
to climb on and jump over the fence.
2.2.4 Breeding
2.2.4.1 Consider keeping your bucks
(male goats, also known as “billies”)
separated from the does. A doe can reach
puberty between 4 and 12 months of
age and come into heat every 18 to 24
days, depending on the breed and other
factors (including its overall health). Goats
typically have a gestation period (length of
pregnancy) of 145 to 152 days; and, it’s not
uncommon for goats to have twins. The doe
should be at least 60 to 70 percent of its
mature weight before allowing it to breed.
Otherwise, the doe could have problems
during kidding (delivery), which can cause as possible—preferably in a waterproof container with a tight-fitting lid. Grain will attract ‹ Above: Nubians
are outgoing, social,
harm to her reproductive system. So, it’s a wide variety of animals, including predators. Feed might be in short supply, so you don’t vocal and enjoy
best to wait until full maturity. want wild animals eating your chickens’/goats’ food; nor do you want to feed your chickens interacting with
humans. These are
2.2.4.2 If you have more than one buck, or goats any feces or urine these animals might leave behind. considered dairy
you might be able to keep them all penned Predators that will readily pounce on your feed include mice, raccoons and rats. In goats, but because
of their size, they’re
together, depending on the breed, personal- addition to carrying diseases, raccoons and rats will eat your chicks and eggs—and will often raised for meat.
ity and size (all bucks should be of compara- attack chickens.
ble size). However, penning them together 3.2 Consider covering your chicken fencing with poultry netting to protect from predators
is mostly dependent upon whether they like that fly, climb or jump. Goats and chickens get along fine; you might want to combine your
each other (yes; I’m serious!). chickens with an area for kidding and for keeping the baby goats until they are larger than
2.2.5 Pack and Harness Goats most flying predators can carry.
Large dairy breeds are best for pack and 3.3 Inspect your chicken house and goat shelter daily for signs of snakes and other
harness goats because of their size, longer predators. Good times to inspect include while you’re collecting eggs, feeding, cleaning and
legs and bigger frames. Having a goat or maintaining the shelters.
team of goats trained to walk on a lead,
© GETTY IMAGES
pack and pull can greatly increase your
chances of survival if you have to bug out
on foot. Goats can be used to pack supplies
or pull a cart to carry small children, a few
chickens and even kids (baby goats) and
still provide you with dairy and meat.
If the load is well-distributed, a healthy,
lean goat can carry up to 25 percent of its
body weight and can pull a maximum of
one and a half times its weight—that is, if
the cart is light and is specifically designed
as a goat cart; is the correct size for the
goat; and the harness puts minimal weight
on the goat’s back during tugs.
3.0 PROTECT YOUR PROTEIN

‹ Left: Some goat
3.1 Store grains and feed as far away breeds really excel at
from the chicken house and goat shelter climbing!

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FOOD
GEAR GUIDE
HOMESTEAD
MUST-HAVES
ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR THE
SELF-RELIANT LIFESTYLE
BY SUZY JEFFRIES
aking on more of the everyday
T tasks for keeping your family

properly nourished means learning
many practical skills. These are
things that were common knowl-
edge in the United States many years ago but
are now considered antiquated and rare. What
follows is a group of useful tools and gear that
will make the transition and the performance of
these chores easier and more efficient.

LEM Butter Churner
LEM sells its products both online and through retailers. Its but-
ter churner fits any wide-mouth, 1-quart mason jar. It features
a threaded, screw-on lid, thus providing a more secure closure.
The churn paddles are made from stainless steel. Using the
hand crank to whip cream, you can enjoy fresh butter in just a
few minutes.
MSRP
$44.49
URL
LEMProducts.com
Dalstrong Gladiator Series 6-Inch

Boning Knife
Dalstrong is known for beautiful kitchen knives, but its boning knives
are also getting great reviews. The Gladiator Series 6-Inch Boning Knife
is terrific for butchering, because it’s designed for de-boning, filleting,
skinning, trimming and butterflying. The blade is shaped to glade the
curves of the bones, with a tapered tip to work within difficult-to-reach
areas. It’s forged from a single piece of high-carbon ThyssenKrupp Ger-
man steel, has an ultra-sharp edge and offers excellent wear and stain
resistance. This knife is also available in an 8-inch version.
MSRP
$109.99
URL
Dalstrong.com
Weston Butcher Saw With

16-Inch Blade
A reliable butcher saw is a must when harvesting your own
meat. The Weston Model 47-1601 is designed to saw effort-
lessly through meat and bone. It features a curved handle
for comfort, heavy-duty stainless steel blades and a trigger
lock that maintains blade tension and facilitates easy blade
replacement.
MSRP
$34.99
URL
WestonBrands.com

GEAR GUIDE
Red Brand Goat & Sheep Fence
(12.5 Gauge)
Red Brand offers economical fencing, including woven/mesh
designs in different heights and lengths. This fence is a woven/
mesh fence that’s 4 feet tall, 330 feet long and has 4x4-inch
openings. It’s made with a low-carbon steel and class 1 galva-
nization to prevent rusting. It's designed to flex on impact to
minimize injuries to livestock. (Red Brand’s website offers an
informative fencing reference guide that explains the different
types of fence and includes information to help you determine
how much fence and how many posts are needed.)
MSRP
$304.49
URL
RedBrand.com
Crosman Model P1377 American

Classic Pneumatic Air Pistol
The Crosman Model 1377 was introduced in 1977 and has been
in continuous production ever since. It was updated in 2015 with
new grip stylings. The P1377 is a pump and doesn’t require an air
canister. It’s a .177-caliber pistol with a single-action bolt design,
a rifled steel barrel and an easy-pump forearm for variable pump
power. This pistol features a fully adjustable rear peep or open
sights and a fixed-blade front. The variable pump power allows
you to control the velocity.
MSRP
$64.99
URL
Crosman.com
FencerWire Hardware Cloth

FencerWire makes, imports and distributes fencing products. Like
all fencing, hardware cloth comes with different specifications
and in different heights and lengths. This item is a 4x50-foot roll
of 23-gauge, galvanized hardware cloth with a mesh size (open-
ings) of ¼x¼ inch. The small openings in this fence are ideal to
keep critters out, including snakes. Because it's galvanized, it's
rustproof. (For added protection, FencerWire suggests digging a
shallow trench before installation so that the fence sits partially
underground.)
MSRP
$69.99
URL
FencerWire.com

Ontario Knife Company Old
Hickory 10-Inch Butcher Knife
Ontario Knife Company’s products have continuously been
made in the U.S.A., and its Old Hickory brand has stood the
test of time (it was introduced in 1924). The Model 7111 10-inch
butcher knife is used by both butchers in slaughterhouses and
by restaurant chefs. Blades are made with high-carbon steel
and are heat treated and tempered for a razor-sharp edge.
MSRP
$24.95
URL
OntarioKnife.com
Victorinox Swiss Army Field

Dressing Kit
Victorinox has been in business for 130 years and is known for its
quality knives. The knives in this kit are made with high-carbon
steel blades that feature a special temper process to ensure
years of razor-sharp precision. The kit is part of Victorinox’s
Fibrox collection and includes almost everything you need to
butcher meat: a 3¼-inch paring knife, boning knife, filleting knife,
slaughter knife, cimeter (curved butcher knife), steak knife and
10-inch sharpening steel. Also provided with this dressing kit is
an eight-piece poly roll for easy storage and transport.
MSRP
$204
URL
SwissArmy.com
Harris Farms 2-Gallon Double

Wall Drinker
Poultry waterers prevent water waste and assist in keeping drinking
water clean. They’re available in a variety of sizes and materi-
als, including plastic, glass and steel. However, while galvanized
steel is more costly, it’s the best investment for the long term.
The MannaPro double-walled galvanized drinker is rust resistant,
features rolled edges for safety, a carry handle and is designed to
keep poultry from roosting on top. MannaPro, the parent company of
Harris Farms, doesn’t sell directly to the public, but its products are
available from multiple retailers.
MSRP
$28.99
URL
Amazon.com

GEAR GUIDE
YardBird Medium Restraining Cone
Restraining cones are available in different sizes. When it comes
to slaughtering poultry, bigger cones are better: If the cone fits
tightly, the chicken can easily back out. YardBird is a brand of
Ardisam, which has been in business since 1960. Its cones are
made of stainless steel, making cleaning a breeze. The medium
cone is best to process poultry weighing 2 to 8 pounds, such as the
Rhode Island Red. These cones are designed for mounting to make
slaughtering easier.
MSRP
$46.99
URL
YardBirdPluckers.com
Gerber Myth Fixed Blade Pro Knife

A high-quality gut hook knife is essential when butchering. A gut
hook is a special knife feature for opening an animal’s belly. The
Gerber Myth’s blade is made of high-carbon stainless steel, and
the knife, itself, has a rubberized handle for comfort. A sheath is
included.
MSRP
$51
URL
GerberGear.com
Aivituvin Chicken Coop Chicken

House
Portable chicken coops have become popular in recent years.
Aivituvin has designed an expandable portable coop that allows
multiple coops to be attached together. The Air27 model is suit-
able for up to four chickens, depending on their size. Its features
include a pull-out tray for easy cleaning, screened sliding window
for air ventilation, two-section nesting box, two large wheels and a
long handle for easy mobility. It’s made from galvanized wire mesh
and features a 100 percent UV-resistant roof.
MSRP
$269.99
URL
Aivituvin.com

eeping yourself and your of fight, flight or freeze are much the same.
K loved ones safe is typically

near the top of most peo-
ple’s list of priorities. A brief
look at our news outlets
will show you that those in charge of the
news-entertainment industry know this
very well. Fear is a strong attention-getter
1.3 Situational Awareness and an
Ambush Mentality
Responding to a threat is predicated on
being aware that it exists.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines
an ambush as “to attack by surprise from a
hidden place.”
and a powerful salesman. The “hidden place” part of that definition
Despite this being one of the safest times is extremely subjective. When we think of a
to be alive in recorded human history, life typical ambush, we envision well-camou-
in the modern world isn’t without its risks. flaged soldiers in a prepared position. Perhaps
While it’s impossible to indemnify yourself you envision the dark-clad criminal hiding just
from all security concerns, a proper inside the mouth of a shadow-filled alley.
mindset and a little preparation can go a However, if you spend your day with your
long way toward ensuring your and your eyes and ears glued to a cell phone, that
family’s well-being. hidden place can be right in front of you.
Anything that takes your attention away
1.0 RESPONSES TO FEAR from your surroundings creates additional
1.1 Fight or Flight “hidden places” for threat concealment.
Fear is an emotional response to a real or By keeping your head up and your eyes
perceived set of circumstances. Fear isn’t a and ears engaged with your surroundings,
bad thing. In evolutionary terms, the fear you can shrink those “hidden places.”
response has been important to the contin- Identifying threats or potential threats
uation of our species. It’s intended to invoke prior to engaging with them allows you to
the fight-or-flight response ingrained in formulate and execute a plan of action at a
all of us. When our distant ancestors came time and place of your choosing.
face to face with a saber-toothed tiger, they
needed to immediately assess whether 2.0 ACTION VS. REACTION AND
or not they had the tools and abilities to THE O.O.D.A. LOOP
combat the threat at hand or if fleeing to Action is almost always faster than
live and fight another day would be their reaction. Being able to execute a plan you
best option. have already thought out, however briefly,
1.2 Freeze and Die will almost always be quicker and more
While, on the surface, this seems to be a successful than being forced to react to a
very simple set of choices that are instinc- situation on a moment’s notice.
tively ingrained in all of us, there’s a third U.S. Air Force Col. John Boyd is well-
option that needs to be explored. known for his development of the “O.O.D.A.
Our ancestors who were able to rapidly Loop” cycle.
engage their fight-or-flight response stood 2.1 Observation
a better chance of surviving whatever threat Observation is the first part of this cycle.
they faced. They could carry on with life and Being aware of your surroundings, assessing
the continuation of the species. Those who your environment and recognizing things for
resorted to the third response—freezing in what they are (or what they appear to be)
the face of fear—had a much greater chance are all part of observation. However, there’s
of failing their survival challenge. more to the observation cycle than keeping
While saber-toothed tigers are no longer a your head up and your eyes engaged with
threat to mankind, the response outcomes your environment. Learn to recognize the

THE O.O.D.A.
LOOP CYCLE
IDENTIFYING THREATS OR POTENTIAL
THREATS PRIOR TO ENGAGING WITH
THEM ALLOWS YOU TO FORMULATE AND
EXECUTE A PLAN OF ACTION.
BY MIKE TRAVIS

39
3
© GETTY IMAGES
substance of your surroundings. Are their through your own heritage, traditions and personal experiences. A farmer from the deep, ‹ Top: Action is
always faster than
criminal gangs in your area? Do they use rural South and a veteran inner-city police officer will process the same environment in very reaction. Engaging
colors or tattoos to identify themselves? different ways. your awareness can
allow you to prevail
Are there abandoned buildings that could Education will go a long way toward refining useful orientation filters. Reading the local ... instead of becom-
house an indigent population? How do newspapers, looking at the daily police blotters, watching videos about real-life con- ing a statistic.
aggressive people carry themselves? frontations and engaging in quality self-defense training will all help you develop useful
The more you know about the area you’re orientation skills.
in and the people who inhabit it, the more 2.3 Decide
tuned and accurate your observation skills Decision is the third phase of the cycle. Based on what you’ve observed and what you
will become. recognize within those observations (“orientation”), you can now decide on how to act
2.2 Orient to achieve the desired outcome. This can be as simple as walking down a city street and
Orienting is the second phase of the cycle. deciding to walk on the opposite side of the street from a row of abandoned houses covered
This phase filters all your observations in graffiti and surrounded by trash. Alternatively, it can be as complicated as recognizing a
‹ Far left: Possessing

the tools to optimize
your defensive
abilities must be
accompanied by
the knowledge and
ability to properly
use them.
‹ Near left: An
ambush attack is not
limited to military
environments.

group of criminal gang members and planning on how to deal with them.
The decision phase can be continuously modified as new observations are presented. This
is also the point at which the freeze reaction can come into play. There’s nothing wrong
with changing your decisions based on new information right up until action is required, but
don’t let those continuous inputs overwhelm your ability to put your decisions into action.
2.4 Action
Action is the final phase of the O.O.D.A. loop cycle. This is the point at which you put your
decisions into motion. As new information is taken in and processed, new decisions must be
made, and new actions must be implemented.
All this can sound daunting to someone who hasn’t thought about how to interact pro-
actively with their environment. That said, it’s something each of us does every, single day,
whether or not we recognize it.
Consider what you do when you drive a car. You can’t adequately observe your surround-
ings if you’re checking your Twitter feed while driving. You need to have your eyes up and
scanning your environment for other cars, pedestrians, animals, etc. If you see a deer feed-
ing along the side of the road, what will you do? Will you slow down to allow yourself more
time to react should the deer enter the path of your vehicle? Perhaps you’ve decided to
swerve into the oncoming lane of traffic to give yourself more distance from the deer. Will
you change your decision to swerve into that lane if you see a car in that lane that’s headed
"CONSIDER WHAT YOU DO WHEN YOU DRIVE A

CAR. YOU CAN’T ADEQUATELY OBSERVE YOUR
SURROUNDINGS IF YOU’RE CHECKING YOUR
TWITTER FEED WHILE DRIVING. YOU NEED TO
HAVE YOUR EYES UP AND SCANNING YOUR
ENVIRONMENT FOR OTHER CARS, PEDESTRIANS,
ANIMALS, ETC."
‹ Top: Your actions
are dictated by
perspective. If you’re
the one driving the
car, what do you see,
and what are your
options?
‹ Above: Even
when engaged and
prepared, options
are not always cut
and dry. For instance,
do you swerve to
avoid the obstacle
if there is oncoming
traffic?
‹ Left: The cost of

your inability to pay
attention to what is
important might be
paid by someone else.

‹ A complete lack of awareness of your
surroundings marks you as an easy target
and increases areas from which an attack
might come.
"OBSERVATION IS THE
FIRST PART OF THIS
CYCLE. BEING AWARE OF
YOUR SURROUNDINGS,
ASSESSING YOUR
ENVIRONMENT AND
RECOGNIZING THINGS
FOR WHAT THEY ARE (OR
© GETTY IMAGES
WHAT THEY APPEAR TO
BE) ARE ALL PART OF
OBSERVATION."
‹ Left: Paying in your direction? Would you have any
attention to what’s
going on in your reaction at all to the deer if you had never
community is seen one before and had no experience
essential to staying
on the positive side (firsthand or observed) with them running
of the O.O.D.A. loop. in front of cars?
3.0 RECOGNIZE THE PROCESS

This is a simple application of the O.O.D.A.
loop to something most of us do every day.
By recognizing this process in our everyday
actions, we can begin to apply that process
to all segments of our lives. It can be
effectively employed with everything from
driving to going out to eat to cyber and
personal security.
4.0 HONE YOUR OBSERVATION

SKILLS
Honing your observation skills will enable
you to take in more information. Educating
yourself will allow you to more effectively
filter and process those observations.
Consciously deciding on plans of action and
implementing them will refine your ability
to make decisions and see them through.
As you refine this process in your everyday
life, start to look for ways in which you can
‹ Bottom left: At affect the implementation of the O.O.D.A.
times, entering
into chaotic
loop in other people during a defensive
situations might be situation. Remember: Reaction is almost
unavoidable. Being
both mentally
always slower than action. Using these
and physically tools to stay proactive—rather than reac-
prepared will help
you emerge intact
tive—will help you prevail during whatever
on the other side. circumstance you find yourself in.

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CORE EDC
ESSENTIALS
KEEP THESE ITEMS WITH YOU
TO ENHANCE YOUR CHANCES OF
SURVIVAL AND HELP YOU DEAL
WITH DAY-TO-DAY ISSUES.
BY MIKE TRAVIS

TIPS
n the last segment, we discussed the 1.3 Batteries
I merits of the fight, flight and freeze

responses and an introduction to
the O.O.D.A. loop process for making
decisions and taking action.
While knowledge, skills and abilities will
always trump gear, proper gear selection
can be critical in giving you tools needed
Many of the phones available today have
good battery life, but it’s prudent to carry a
backup battery charger, a spare cable and
a wall adapter to charge up your phone
when the opportunity presents itself.
2.0 LIGHTING TOOLS

to effectively prevail in a wider variety of 2.1 Flashlights
circumstances. Gear selection can depend I consider carrying a flashlight mandatory
on your mission, but let’s focus here on core for EDC. Of the tools I keep on my person,
everyday-carry (EDC) gear. my flashlight is probably the second most-
Core EDC gear comprises items you can used and useful tool I carry.
carry with you everywhere to enhance your While most cell phones grant access to
chances of survival and assist you in coping their built-in LED flash as a stand-alone
with day-to-day issues. illumination tool, I find that having a
dedicated flashlight is much more useful
1.0 COMMUNICATIONS and convenient. LED and battery technol-
1.1 Cell Phones ogy has advanced to the point that lights
One of the most effective tools we have the size of a pinkie finger can light up an
at our disposal is the modern cell phone. entire room for hours, and a light that will
Whether you use an Android or Apple fit comfortably in a pocket will illuminate a
phone is of little consequence. Even the subject more than 100 yards away.
relatively inexpensive models allow you A good flashlight will not only help you
to make phone calls, take advantage of see and identify a potential target, it can
advanced GPS navigation systems, access also help you navigate in dark, unfamiliar
vast information databases and take pho- places, assist in vehicle and home repairs,
tos. Many phones are now fully waterproof and act as a powerful signaling device.
and allow access to many of their features, 2.2 Batteries
even when no cellular service is available. Many of the lights available today can
1.2 Dual-SIM Capability use multiple battery types and can be
An often overlooked feature to look for in recharged in the field.
a cell phone is a dual-SIM capability. Cellu-
lar connectivity depends on many things, 3.0 KNIVES
including the coverage area of the carrier. I can’t think of a time when, throughout
Phones with dual-SIM ability allow you the course of a day, I haven’t had occasion
to use your phone daily with your normal to use a pocket knife. From cutting food
service provider while having a SIM card for to opening packages to prying out stuck
a prepaid plan from a different carrier as a objects, a pocket knife is one of the most
backup. useful tools you can carry.

‹ Near right: The author’s typical EDC items
are all high quality, multipurpose and easily
concealable.
What’s the best EDC knife? That’s the

topic of many heated discussions, both
online and around the campfire. What you
carry will be dictated by the laws where
you live, along with your personal needs.
3.1 Multi-tools
Multi-tools, such as those offered by
Victorinox and Leatherman, provide a large
amount of utility in a small package. Each
company offers a wide variety of tools in ‹ Above, comfortable, customizable and very well-made. There are many quality choices on the
right: Modern
almost every conceivable configuration. smartphones are
market, so it pays to do a little research.
Whether in my day-to-day activities or at highly effective
survival tools.
work, I almost always have some sort of Having a method to
5.0 MISCELLANEOUS
multi-tool on my belt or in my pocket. keep them charged While a gun, knife and flashlight are at the top of my list of security-based EDC items,
will ensure they’re
3.2 Tactical Pocket Knives functional when
there are a few “honorable mentions” worth talking about.
I’m also a strong proponent of you need them the 5.1 Cash
most.
one-handed-opening “tactical”-type In a world of digital payment systems, keeping cash on hand seems to be becoming a thing
pocket knives. Companies such as Zero of the past. Sometimes, electronics don’t work, or there might be circumstances in which
Tolerance/Kershaw, Benchmade, Cold Steel forms of digital payment won’t be accepted. Having cash or valuable trade goods on hand
and Emerson produce premium-quality might make all the difference in successfully navigating your current predicament.
folding knives that can be opened and ‹ Below: The 5.2 Government-Recognized ID
closed with one hand and are secured with ZT0556 (top), Ruike There might be times during which anonymity is of paramount importance. Nevertheless,
M875 (middle) and
strong, stable locking systems. the Firebird FH71 having a government-sanctioned form of ID can assist you in using a variety of different
(bottom) span a payment options; they could also mean the difference between lengthy detention by law
wide price range
4.0 FIREARMS and offer varying enforcement or a brief encounter.
Discussions surrounding what the best levels of materials, 5.3 Lighters
fit and finish. All
concealed-carry EDC gun is are about as con- are extremely Fire can help us cook food, purify water, signal for help and stay warm. While it’s possible to
tentious as those regarding knives. Everyone capable blades. make a fire by rubbing sticks together, it’s no easy task, even in the best of circumstances. A
has their own opinions, preferences, needs
and comfort zones.
4.1 Handguns
Well-established firearms manufacturers,
such as Sig Sauer, Glock, Smith & Wesson
and Kimber, make a wide variety of hand-
guns suitable for everyday carry. Over the
years, I’ve carried midsize compact guns such
as the Glock 19 and S&W Commander-sized
1911s. While they’re fantastic weapons, I
found that their increased size and weight
would sometimes influence me to leave them
at home. Since that time, I’ve transitioned to
carrying sub-compact firearms, with the Sig
Sauer P365 being my dominant choice.
4.2 Holsters
The finest concealed-carry gun can turn
into a cumbersome burden without a
holster. Finding a holster that fits and is
comfortable is a huge consideration when
choosing to carry a handgun. My choice
of concealment holsters for the Sig P365
is the Tenicore Velo. It’s secure, all-day

"THE FINEST CONCEALED-CARRY GUN
CAN TURN INTO A CUMBERSOME BURDEN
WITHOUT A HOLSTER."
‹ Left: Carrying a
handgun means
finding an
effective means
of carrying it.
The Blackpoint
Tactical (left),
Tenicore Velo
(center) and
Sticky pocket
holsters all
provide solid,
secure carry
for a variety of
wardrobes and
circumstances.
modern BIC lighter can provide up to 3,000 lights, weighs only an ounce or so, is weather-resis-
tant and cheap. While the need to make a fire in modern society is minimal, the benefits of
having this tiny, life-saving device are too great to not carry one.
CORE ESSENTIALS
The items listed here create the basis of what I consider to be the core essentials for ‹ Below:
Flashlights
EDC. Your needs and environment might dictate some changes to this list. Existing in a are extremely
hostile environment might cause you to get rid of that ID or supplement your con- important EDC
tools. Today,
cealed-carry pistol with a full-sized handgun, rifle or shotgun. Operating within the legal even tiny lights
boundaries of your environment might mean you can’t carry a firearm at all. put out more
than enough
That said, adapting this list of essential EDC items to your needs and environment will light for defen-
take you a long way toward ensuring your personal security. sive purposes.

SECURITY
GEAR GUIDE
PREPARE FOR THE WORST

WITH THESE SECURITY
ESSENTIALS
BY MIKE TRAVIS
ossibly more so than with any

other Pillar of Survival, effec-
tive security depends more on
what's in your head than in
your hand. If you're firing on all
cylinders—and more than a little lucky—you'll
be able to avoid situations in which your
personal safety is severely compromised by
watching for telltale signs and knowing your
environment. For those times when your an-
tennae aren't 110 percent dialed in, you might
consider adding some of the following gear to
your load-out.
© GETTY IMAGES

SIG SAUER P365 SAS
With the introduction of its P365, SIG SAUER changed the standards
by which concealed-carry handguns are measured. The 365 provides
an extremely reliable, compact package while offering an unprec-
edented 10-round capacity. With the introduction of the 365 SAS,
SIG has tried to make an already outstanding concealed-carry gun
even better. The sights are a unique, flush-mount, tritium, fiber-optic
system optimized for close-combat situations. The slide and barrel
have been ported to help reduce the muzzle flip that’s inherent to
small guns. Lastly, all the controls have been flattened to decrease
the chances for snagging on loose clothing.
MSRP
$579.99
URL
SIGSAUER.com
Ruger Security 9 Pro

When Ruger designed the original Security 9, it set out to make
a safe, affordable and reliable defensive handgun that had
everything you needed ... and nothing you didn’t. While the gun
was extremely well-received, there were those who objected to
its manual safety and lack of night sights. Ruger has addressed
those complaints with the new Security 9 Pro, which has no
manual safety and comes standard with tritium night sights.
It uses the same rigid aluminum chassis, polymer frame and
15-round magazines.
MSRP
$549
URL
Ruger.com
Diamondback DB9AM29
The new Diamondback Arms DB9AM29 is the latest offering in
the DB9 series of pistols. This 9mm pistol is designed for those
who don’t want to sacrifice the form factor of a concealed-carry
pistol for the performance and capacity of a full-sized pistol.
The pistol features an ordnance-grade stainless steel slide
and a 3.5-inch barrel. The sights are steel and are compatible
with Glock aftermarket sights. The 5-pound trigger provides a
consistent pull from shot to shot, and each pistol comes with a
12-round, flush-fit magazine and a 17-round extended magazine.
MSRP
$276
URL
DiamondbackFirearms.com

GEAR GUIDE
SureFire XR2 Rechargeable LED
Handgun Light/Laser
This new XR2 handgun light combines a bright-white 600-lumen
LED with Class IIIa laser sighting capability to improve target
acquisition and accuracy, as well as user safety. This compact
light runs off a rechargeable, quick-detach lithium polymer
battery. Simply remove it and charge it in the included cra-
dle—without taking the light off the weapon. The ambidextrous
switch provides easy and quick activation to “momentary-" and
“constant-on” settings. A separate mode switch lets you select
between "light" or "laser only" and combined operation.
MSRP
TBD
URL
SureFire.com
Streamlight TLR7A Compact

Weapons Light
The brand-new Streamlight TLR7A brings improved switching
options to this compact weapon light. It's a compact lighting option
designed to be used with smaller, more-concealable handguns.
Boasting a 5,000-candela LED light producing 500 lumens, the
TLR7A can reach as far as 140 meters. It’s powered by a single CR123
battery with a 1.5-hour run time. The light is now available with an
all-new “high” or “low” switching option to better accommodate
different grip styles and hand sizes.
MSRP
$225.75
URL
Streamlight.com
SureFire XVL2 Pistol and Carbine

Light/Laser
Combining a 400-lumen white LED, a visible green laser and an
infrared laser for use with NVDs, the XVL2 represents a high stan-
dard of tactical illumination. X- and Y-axis adjustment screws
are sealed to prevent contamination from weather and debris to
help ensure consistency and accuracy. Powered by a 123A lithium
battery, the rear-mounted, ambidextrous switch allows activation
of “momentary-" and “constant-on” operations. The XVL2 can be
deployed on a weapon or as a handheld light.
MSRP
$1,349
URL
SureFire.com

Diamondback Arms DB15224VB
Valkyrie
The DB15 is a brand-new line of rifles. They operate using the tried
and true direct-impingement system that’s served our armed forces
since the 1960s. It's chambered in Federal’s .224 Valkyrie cartridge.
Designed as a long-range, small-platform cartridge, the .224 will
launch a 90-grain projectile at 2,700 fps. The rifle features a 20-inch,
heavy, 416R stainless steel barrel with a 1:7 twist. The free-float
handguard comes with proprietary texture pads to provide thermal
protection and a sure grip. The muzzle brake ensures rapid follow-up
shot capability.
MSRP
$1,369
URL
DiamondbackFirearms.com
Ruger AR-556 350 Legend Pistol

Ruger has entered the small-platform, large-caliber AR15 market
in a big way: the new AR-556 pistol in 350 Legend. The 350
Legend cartridge was designed to provide increased energy,
reduced recoil and superior penetration in a cartridge no bigger
than a .223. The AR-556 is a 5.6-pound AR-15 pistol with a
9-inch threaded barrel and an SB Tactical SBA3 pistol-stabilizing
brace. The free-floating handguard is M-LOK compatible for the
attachment of lights, lasers or grips. If you need a big-bore semi-
auto with a small footprint and a high level of controllability, the
new AR-556 might be just what you’re looking for.
MSRP
$949
URL
Ruger.com
SIG SAUER Academy

Most people will associate the SIG SAUER brand with
high-quality firearms and accessories, but many have no idea
that this academy exists. Located on 140 acres, the academy
offers classes tailored to everyone—from first-time shooters to
highly advanced military and law enforcement professionals.
With indoor, outdoor and shoot house facilities, the SIG SAUER
Academy offers something to suit every training need.
MSRP
Starting at $150
URL
https://www.SIGSAUERAcademy.com

GEAR GUIDE
Trijicon VCOG 1-8x28 Rifle Scope
Trijicon has a well-deserved reputation for making extremely
tough, dependable and effective scopes for the military. Its ACOG
battle optic has served reliably on the front lines of the War on
Terror for decades. At the request of its military customers, Tri-
jicon has introduced a scope designed to handle everything from
CQB to long-range engagements. The forged-aluminum body
provides protection in extreme environments. Precision glass
gives superior clarity and color with no distortion. An illuminated
reticle is available in either an MRAD or MOA configuration that’s
powered by a single lithium AA battery.
MSRP
$2,800
URL
Trijicon.com
Streamlight Microstream USB

A flashlight is one of the best EDC items you can carry. With it,
you can navigate, signal for help or identify a target. Streamlight
has introduced a powerful flashlight that can fit in the palm of
your hand and doesn’t require a steady “diet” of batteries. The
ultra-compact Microstream USB features a tail cap switch, “mo-
mentary” or “constant-on" operation, “high” and “low” beams,
a combination pocket/hat clip for convenience, and amazing
brightness and runtime for a light of its size and price. The alu-
minum housing with Type II MIL-SPEC anodizing helps make the
light extremely durable and abrasion resistant.
MSRP
$52.50
URL
Streamlight.com
Thunder Ranch Master USB

Collection
Simply owning a gun doesn’t prepare you to defend yourself or your
loved ones. Training with your chosen firearm(s) is of vital impor-
tance. Thunder Ranch has been a premier center for firearms training
for decades. And, in order to make its training more accessible, it
has compiled its entire video training library—more than 35 hours’
worth—onto a 128GB thumb drive. In addition to all 12 premium
Thunder Ranch DVD titles, the drive includes two brand-new lectures
narrated by Clint Smith, as well as 14 additional hours of training,
instruction and educational videos on a variety of topics.
MSRP
$195
URL
ThunderRanchInc.com

WARM-
WEATHER
SHELTERS
YES, YOU NEED THEM!
BY DANA BENNER
he concept of having shelter is The long and short of it is that there’s plenty
T very common when speaking

about cold weather, but what
about warm weather? We
wouldn’t think about ventur-
ing out in the winter without some sort of
shelter, but how many people even think
about shelter when heading to the beach?
to be concerned about. Actually, there’s
more to be concerned about as the weather
warms up than there is during the winter.
1.0 WEATHER
Just as in winter, getting cold and wet will
bring you down really fast, even during the
Or maybe for a day hike in the mountains? If warmest months of the year. Hypothermia can
you don’t, you should. strike anytime. The trick is to stay warm and dry.
1.1 Rain
WHAT IS "SHELTER"? No matter where you go, find a suitable
Simply put, shelter is anything you can put shelter before you actually need it. Find the
between you and danger. It can be a build- closest possible shelter to where you plan to
ing, tent, tarp or an enclosed bus stop. It can go and be ready to move quickly if the need
even be the clothes on your back. Anything arises. At a beach, it could be the changing
can be used as a shelter, but some things building, the bathrooms or even a covered
are better than others. Just remember that bench. In an urban environment, it could be
something is always better than nothing. a covered parking garage or a covered bus
stop. In a wilderness situation, it could be a
SHELTER FROM WHAT? cave, a hastily thrown-up tarp or just a good
© GETTY IMAGES
Now, you’re saying, “I know about shelter- jacket with a hood.

ing from the cold in the winter, but what do 1.2 Lightning
I need to worry about during the summer?” You’ll never see the bolt of lightning that

‹ Tents are the most popular shelter
options; they’re easy to set up and
take down. The only drawbacks are
the extra weight in your pack and the
lack of protection from falling debris
and large predators.

foolproof, but it’ll help.
2.2 Insects
Outside of your own home, there really
isn’t much you can do about insects. Sprays
and topical products all help, as do smoky
fires (although such fires will alert others to
your location). Covering bare skin with mud
will also help—to a point. If I make a shelter
where I intend to stay for a while, I always
have some insect netting draped over my
sleeping area.
TYPES OF SHELTERS
Shelters can be divided into two categories:
permanent and temporary.
3.0 PERMANENT SHELTERS

These shelters are just that—permanent.
They’re shelters that are strongly built and
ones in which you intend to stay for an
extended period of time.
© GETTY IMAGES
3.1 Your Home
strikes you. That means you need to be proactive. If you see thick, black clouds rolling in or ‹ Above: By being Given the choice, I would always choose to
observant and
hear thunder or see lightning in the distance, it’s time to seek shelter. Don’t hold anything using the materials
stay in my own home. It’s the place where
made from metal or graphite (such as a fishing rod), because graphite does conduct electric- around you, you you are the most secure from all threats,
can put together a
ity. When seeking shelter, stay away from tall trees and get away from water. If you’re in open shelter.
whether natural or man-made. You have all
country, find the lowest point possible and lay down, using your clothing as your shelter. your supplies at hand. It’s warm and dry and
1.3 Falling Debris more easily defendable. All around, it’s the
Storms bring rain and high winds. This means there’s a good chance of falling debris. most ideal.
These conditions are no place for a tarp or tent—neither one will protect you from falling
debris, such as a tree limb. In this situation, you’ll want to find something more substantial. 4.0 TEMPORARY SHELTERS
A cave, line cabin or even inside the entrance of an old mine shaft would be a good choice. There’ll be times you might have to move
away from your permanent shelter and into
2.0 WILDLIFE a temporary shelter. While you might have
Of course, you have to be concerned about the usual wildlife (bears, coyotes, etc.), but by to stay in them for an extended period of
far, you need to be more concerned about those pesky critters that crawl and fly. time, temporary shelters are not designed
‹ Below, right: This
2.1. Reptiles shelter—in this for long-term use. There’s a whole array of
Snakes and lizards will always be an issue, especially in tropical and desert areas. Cool case, constructed temporary shelters, ranging from natural
from man-made
evenings will drive snakes and lizards to where it's warm ... which usually means up close debris washed (debris shelters, caves, lean-tos), minimal-
and personal with you. You can avoid them by keeping your shelter as sealed as possible. up on shore—will ist (bivvies, tarps, blankets and even your
provide shade and
If you’re in a debris shelter or a tent, pile sand up all around the perimeter edge. This isn’t protection. own clothes) and tents, to "opportunistic"
‹ Near right:
Collecting shelter
material requires
all hands on deck. © GETTY IMAGES © GETTY IMAGES

‹ Far left: Found in
many urban areas,
fallout shelters are
good places to take
temporary shelter.
Just be prepared to
share the space with
others.
‹ Near left: If you

have time, availabil-
ity and good roads,
a travel trailer or
RV makes a great
alternative to your
© GETTY IMAGES © GETTY IMAGES
home.
"ANYTHING CAN BE USED AS A SHELTER,

BUT SOME THINGS ARE BETTER THAN
OTHERS. JUST REMEMBER THAT
SOMETHING IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN
NOTHING."
(dumpsters, covered parking lots, abandoned cars and empty buildings). There are even
shelters with wheels that travel with you (RVs). All have their places, and they all have
their limitations.
4.1 Natural Shelters
Natural shelters are those made from the material found in nature. Branches, fallen logs,
rocks and leaves are all great emergency building materials. While these shelters offer you © GETTY IMAGES
the best camouflage (if they're built correctly and are in the right location), they tend to ‹ This is never a good thing. When you see something such as this,
you’d better seek shelter quickly!
offer less protection from the elements and critters.
4.2 Minimalist Shelters
“Travel light and fast.” I know; I’ve been there. The minimalist form of shelter is my least
favorite—unless it’s combined with a natural shelter. It’s fine for a quick, overnight emergency
stop, but this method really offers no true protection from anything.
4.3 Tents
Every year, tents of all sizes are becoming lighter and easier to set up. A tent offers little
protection from a falling tree limb, but the modern materials they’re made from shed water,
stand up to wind and will keep you warm and dry. At the same time, they’ll keep critters out
(although they won't stop a bear).
4.4 Opportunistic
The opportunistic shelter is just that: a shelter of opportunity. Maybe not always ideal,
the opportunistic shelter is a quick and easy refuge. In an urban setting, these shelters © GETTY IMAGES
can be as simple as a dumpster or a covered bus stop. They could also be an old fallout ‹ This structure is a good find, but always inspect it before “moving in.”
shelter (relics from the Cold War). In a rural setting, abandoned mine shafts (common
in the western part of our country) or old, abandoned trapper or logger sheds are great
finds. No matter where you are, there are abandoned cars, trucks and buses that’ll also
work in a pinch.
4.5 RVs
Honestly, I haven’t had a great deal of experience with RVs. From what I’ve seen, RVs, like all
types of shelters, have their good and bad points. On the good side, because of their construc-
tion, RVs offer great, all-around protection, and the fact that they can move is a great option.
On the bad side, RVs are big and hard to get in and out of some places. They're also difficult to
conceal and require a great deal of outside resources to keep them working.
Shelters come in all shapes and sizes—some man-made, some natural. Some require a
great deal of work; others, not so much. All have their pros and cons. The trick is deciding © GETTY IMAGES
what will work the best for you for the situation you’re in. The bottom line is remembering ‹ This would be an exceptional shelter. Something such as this is probably
that shelters are needed throughout the year—even during the warmer months. already being used, but it doesn’t hurt to check it out.

© GETTY IMAGES

TIPS
ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
BY DANA BENNER
hether your shelter is disaster. Maybe there was a chemical spill
W your home, a tent in

the wilds or an aban-
doned building in an
urban setting, there
are certain things you need to consider. Your
shelter needs to have a means of keeping
you warm and dry (a big hole in the roof
or the release of a biological agent. You’re
going to encounter many people in your
travels who are all looking for the same
thing: a safe place to set up camp. Sadly,
you can’t trust many of these people. While
most are no different than you, there’s that
small percentage you do need to watch
isn’t going to cut it). Your shelter needs to out for. For that reason, it’s best to keep
be easily defendable and, in the event you a low profile and try to blend in with your
need to bug out, it has to have a way of surroundings as best as you can; that goes
letting you do this without detection. for both your person and your shelter.
This is a lot to ask, but it is doable. It’s not enough to think a place is safe. No
place is really 100 percent safe, but some
1.0 IS IT SAFE? are safer than others. You need to be sure
In this day and age, you can’t just go before you commit. Never choose an area
anywhere and set up camp. In an emergency based strictly on face value. Before taking
situation, it’s even worse. Some areas might up residence, even if it’s for a short period
be off limits due to the effects of a natural of time, recon the area first. Is that parking

› Right: Establish
quick and easy ways
to get out if you have
to. This isn’t what
you want to deal
with if you need to
move.
© GETTY IMAGES
"YOUR SHELTER NEEDS TO BE EASILY DEFENDABLE AND, IN THE

EVENT YOU NEED TO BUG OUT, IT HAS TO HAVE A WAY OF LETTING
YOU DO THIS WITHOUT DETECTION. "
‹ Far left:
Sometimes, your
way out might take
you to less-than-
ideal places. Plot
your route—and take
it slow.
© GETTY IMAGES
© GETTY IMAGES
‹ Near left: No
place is really 100
percent safe, but
some are safer than
others.
garage a “magnet” for doing deals or other In a rural environment, check for obvious signs of large predators. This is especially true
criminal activity? Is that abandoned build- when dealing with caves or rocky outcroppings. Trust your gut instinct. If a place doesn’t
ing a safe place for your family and your feel right—for any reason—move on. It’s not worth risking your family’s lives.
pet? Does the area present other dangers,
such as an unusually high amount of broken 2.0 ALWAYS IMPROVE
glass or discarded needles? These are things There’s really no such thing as a “perfect” shelter. You never have everything you need,
you need to find out before you commit. and you never know, no matter what your original plan might have been, just how long

"TRUST YOUR GUT INSTINCT. IF A PLACE
DOESN’T FEEL RIGHT—FOR ANY REASON—
MOVE ON. IT’S NOT WORTH RISKING YOUR
FAMILY’S LIVES."
you’ll be in one spot. Perhaps your “one-night” stop has turned into a multiple-day stop due
to weather issues or an injury to one of your party. Maybe your dog wandered off. There’s a
host of reasons because of which you might have to linger longer than expected. You must
always plan for the “what-ifs,” and part of that plan must be shelter improvement.
Some of those improvements could revolve around camouflage. In some cases, conceal-
ment is better than cover. If "they" can’t find you, half the battle has been won. Perhaps
the improvement is as simple as putting a tarp over your debris shelter to help keep the
‹ Size does matter. This natural shelter is the perfect size for you and
rain off. Maybe you’ll want to enlarge your shelter to give your dog more room. Still another your dog.
improvement is digging a trench around your shelter that will allow rain water to drain away
from the shelter instead of pooling. The bottom line? Each day you stay in one place should
be a day during which you’re improving your survivability in some way.
3.0 SIZE DOES MATTER

While it’s especially true during the winter, the size of your shelter also matters in the
spring and summer. The smaller the shelter, the smaller the footprint it will leave. If some-
one (or something) is tracking you, the larger your footprint, the easier it is to find you. It’s
also much easier to conceal a small tent than a large RV.
The footprint is not the only benefit of going small. Small shelters are much easier to
maintain, build (if you’re going with a debris shelter) and keep warm. When you live small,
you’ll travel small. This equals greater survivability. The less stuff you have, the quicker and
easier you‘ll move (if you have to). These are all things you need to keep in mind.
4.0 TOOLS OF THE TRADE ‹ Wolves are found in many areas. Be aware of your surroundings and
No matter the type of shelter you plan on using, there are some must-have tools to have any potential dangers.
on hand. There’s no need for specialty tools (no matter what anyone says!). Basic survival
tools have served humankind since time began—and they still work today.
4.1 Blades
If you don’t have a good blade or blades, you’ll find yourself in a world of hurt. Blades
will help you process food, gather firewood and building materials, and they just make
life much easier.
‹ Above: This “junk” 4.2 Knives

could give you the My father always told me that if you have
materials you need
to make shelter a good knife and a means of making fire,
improvements. Don’t you’ll survive. While we all know there’s
overlook anything!
more to survival than that, in a way, he was
right. A good knife has so many uses that
having one is a must. The key here is having
the right knife.
‹ Left: Investigate 4.2.1 Bush Knives
the area before you
commit to putting a
Among my blades is a high-quality,
shelter there. You’d heavy-duty, fixed-blade knife. There are
obviously hate to
share your shelter
many really good ones on the market. Find
with this guy! the one that works the best for you. Mine is

‹ Near left: Use an
entrenching tool to
clear ground litter
from around the
shelter area.
‹ Below: If you're
creating a shelter
in the forest, tie
branches together
with string as the
basis for building
a hut.
› Above: A Jessmuk the Jessmuk, made by LT Wright Knives. Any

and a pole waiting to
be notched
bush knife needs to have a thick spine, mak-
ing it perfect for batoning notches in shelter
poles and for making kindling for the fire.
› Below, far right: 4.2.2 EDC Knives
Machetes are handy
in areas where the
These can either be folders or fixed-
brush is light, such as blade knives. I carry both. My folder is a
tall grasses and small
saplings. They're not
Gerber Gator 154CM Drop Point, and my
very efficient if you fixed-blade knife is a NextGen by LT Wright
have to cut larger
branches and small
Knives. I use both for processing game and
trees. cutting cordage for shelter lashings. In other
words: They’re my work knives, and I never
› Below: An axe is
a great tool, but leave home without one of them.
it's limited in the 4.3 Blades for Major Work
scope of cutting
To gather and process materials for your
© GETTY IMAGES
tasks it can handle

efficently. If you shelter, whether they’re scrap 2x4s or fallen
have to fell trees and
cut heavy branches, logs and small trees, you’ll need a blade
an axe is worth the that’s made to do the job. Some people like
weight and limited
applications. machete-style blades; others prefer axes
© GETTY IMAGES
and hatchets. My toolbox contains all of them.

4.3.1 Machetes
Machetes are the go-to work blades around the world and have been used for thousands of
years. They’re versatile and come in a variety of styles. I like both the kukri and the straight-bladed
styles. My kukri is a Gerber Gator, and my straight blade is an old French-made one that dates
back to before Vietnam. Nothing beats a machete for clearing brush and small trees!
4.3.2 Axes and Hatchets
Hatchets are really just small axes. I carry both a standard-sized axe and a hatchet, both

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"EACH DAY YOU
STAY IN ONE
PLACE SHOULD
BE A DAY DURING
WHICH YOU’RE
IMPROVING YOUR
SURVIVABILITY IN
SOME WAY."
made by Gerber. The full-sized axe is perfect
for cutting and splitting firewood. The
hatchet is just right for making kindling
and for driving in tent pegs. My survival site
would be lost without these tools.
4.4 Shovels
Other than blades, another important
tool to have on hand is a shovel with a
pointed blade of some kind. If you’re trav-
eling by vehicle, you’ll probably have room
for a short D-handled spade. If you’re on
foot or have limited room, a military-style
entrenching tool can be carried. There are ground litter from your shelter area. Shovels are also useful when making a defensive berm. ‹ Above: Even a
relatively small knife
many out there, and some can be picked up Remember that there’s no such thing as a perfect shelter. No matter what type of shelter can be a great asset in
at military surplus or outdoor stores. you decide to make or where you make it, it can always be better. Your shelter should the woods. Consider
the types of require-
A shovel has multiple uses: It can be used always be a work-in-progress. Never settle for “good enough”: Your shelter can always be ments you'll have
to dig a latrine or a trench around your shel- better hidden from view; it can always be better secured; and it can have more-reliable and carry the most
appropriate tools for
ter. It can also be used to clear brush and access to resources. handling them.
‹ Left: Losing a
critical tool in the
bush is inexcusable.
© GETTY IMAGES
Before you hit the

trail, ensure all your
gear is securely
attached and ready
for the movement.

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SHELTER
GEAR GUIDE
GEAR
FOR YOUR
SHELTER
MUST-HAVE ITEMS
BY DANA BENNER
hether you’re a minimalist who carries all your
W gear on your back or you’re lucky enough to

be able to stay in your home, there are certain
items you must have on hand to make your
shelter work. The obvious list would include
tents, tarps and such, but here, we cover those often-overlooked and
sometimes-forgotten items.
© GETTY IMAGES

Gerber 9-Inch Hatchet
If you’re on the move and weight is an issue, this is the tool you
need. Measuring 9 inches long and weighing 20 ounces, this
hatchet is perfect for splitting small logs or driving tent pegs.
The forged-steel head is more than enough to do the job.
MSRP
$50
URL
GerberGear.com
Gerber Kukri Machete

The kukri is a work tool that originated in Central Asia, where
it’s been used for all manner of chores. It also has a place in
your gear. The Gerber Gator Kukri Machete is made from 1050
steel. Its overall length is 19 inches, and it features a 12-inch
sharpened edge. Its full-tang construction gives it excellent
balance.
MSRP
$54
URL
GerberGear.com
SOG Camp Axe

The SOG Camp Axe, unlike the company’s tomahawks, is
designed for hard work. From hammering to chopping small
logs, this compact axe is great for your outdoor endeavors
and survival situations, Its blade length is 3.1 inches, its overall
length is 11.5 inches, and it weighs 16.1 ounces. This axe’s blade
steel is 2CR13. The handle is glass-reinforced nylon, which will
absorb shock.
MSRP
$48.95
URL
SOGKnives.com

GEAR GUIDE
Solo Stove Titan Bio-Fuel Stove
When you’re setting up an emergency shelter, it’s essential to have
some source of heat for warmth, boiling water or heating up food.
The Titan is just one of the biofuel stoves offered by Solo Stove.
The Titan is made from 304 stainless steel, stands 7.9 inches high
and weighs 16.5 ounces. Fuel consists of anything you find, from
pine cones to scrap pieces of wood.
MSRP
$89.99
URL
SoloStove.com
Gerber Drop Point

This knife is a folder that measures 8.54 inches long and weighs
only 5.4 ounces. Its lockback design keeps the knife secure
when in use, and the grip makes it comfortable in the hand.
MSRP
$58
URL
GerberGear.com
LT Wright Overland Machete

Like all LT Wright blades, the Overland Machete is handcrafted and
is made to work. Its overall length is 19 inches, and it has a 12-inch
sharpened edge. The blade is made with 1075 high-carbon steel and
has a convex grind.
MSRP
starting at $155
URL
LTWrightKnives.com

LT Wright Next Gen
The Next Gen is a fixed-blade knife with an overall length of
7.5 inches and a 3-inch sharpened edge. The blade is made of
0.125-inch A2 steel and will keep an edge, even after constant
use.
MSRP
$135
URL
LTWrightKnives.com
LT Wright Jessmuk
This knife is a workhorse that does everything well. Whether
feathering a stick, making tent pegs or batoning, this is the knife
to use. The Jessmuk measures 9.5 inches long and has a 4.5-
inch sharpened edge with a Scandi grind. The blade is made
of O1 tool steel. The Jessmuk will hold its edge, even under the
worst conditions.
MSRP
Starting at $195
URL
LTWrightKnives.com
Gerber Strongarm
This fixed-blade knife measures 9.8 inches long and has a full-
tang construction. The blade is made from 420HC steel. While
designed as a “combat” knife, it’ll handle most chores around
your shelter. Keep it with you at all times.
MSRP
$70
URL
GerberGear.com

PREPAREDNESS
COMMUNICATIONS
EMCOMM'S APPROACH TO EFFECTIVE AND RESILIENT COMMUNICATIONS
THAT WORK WITHOUT ANY DEPENDENCY ON THE UTILITY
INFRASTRUCTURE
BY JIM JEFFRIES

t’s important to have discussions likely crisis, such as hurricanes along the
I about how we’ll stay in contact with

family members and friends when
disaster strikes. Nevertheless, most
people haven’t thought about how
they’ll communicate in the days, weeks or
months that follow. The loss of cell phone,
instant messaging and other services that
Gulf Coast or tornadoes in the Midwest, EM-
COMM teams can be called out for anything,
so they plan and practice for any possibility.
1.2.1 Adaptability
Conditions could change in short notice,
requiring the team to pack up and move out
as quickly as they deployed. Mission objectives
rely on the power grid and Internet can might change, forcing members to reset and
cripple your ability to reach others, so it’s work through a different scenario.
imperative to have a communications plan 1.2.2 Versatility
that works without any dependency on the There might be several ways to accomplish
utility infrastructure. a goal, and the team must try to utilize the
Developing an effective and resilient most effective method to get the job done.
communications plan can take considerable 1.2.3 Mobility
time, extensive research and lots of trial and Operators must be able to move as neces-
error. If your group is just beginning to work sary, finding the best spot to set up (and/
up a post-disaster comms plan, you might or relocate, as needed). Transportation to a
not have time to work out the kinks before site is generally accomplished by personal
the next calamity. vehicle. But once on scene, things can be
Fortunately, ham radio operators—more radically different: Transport by aircraft,
specifically, the emergency communicators, watercraft, horseback or hiking boots could
or EMCOMM teams—have developed a very be required. Any and all possibilities must
robust communications plan that’s adapt- be considered.
able to any disaster scenario. 1.3 Sustainability
Called upon when conditions warrant, EMCOMM EMCOMM teams typically deploy with the
members maintain their gear in a constant understanding that they could be on their
state of readiness. They’ve established tactics, own for up to three days. By that time, they
techniques and procedures (TTPs) that ensure should be in company with disaster relief
they can deploy at a moment’s notice and personnel, have been relieved by other
provide effective communications quickly once EMCOMM team members, or the emergency
they arrive on scene. is over.
What follows is a brief overview of some of 1.3.1 Personal Needs
those TTPs. All the normal requirements of everyday
living must be met (food, water, shelter,
1.0 TACTICS hygiene and sanitation). Drinkable water
1.1 Rapid Deployment might be in short supply, so water puri-
Essential gear is staged in an organized fication capabilities are essential at the
manner, complete and separate from radios individual level.
and accessories that might be used for casual 1.3.2 Mission
SEGAMI YTTEG ©
or day-to-day communications. Communication equipment requires elec-

1.2 Multi-Mission Capability tricity, and this is typically supplied by bat-
While it’s good to have a plan for the most teries. Unless another method of recharging

is available, multiple battery packs could be › Right: Developing
an effective
needed. In addition, power management and resilient
and conservation are crucial. communications
plan can take
1.3.3 Spare Items considerable time,
Things break, and every component taken extensive research
and lots of trial and
afield is essential to the mission. Extra fuses, error.
connectors and consumables might be
needed to keep everything working. Repair
parts and a good-quality multi-tool—with
wire cutter, stripper and crimper, as well as
screwdriver bits—should be included.
1.3.4 Field Expediency
When things can’t be fixed or are simply
SEGAMI YTTEG ©
lost, EMCOMM operators often utilize items
found in the field. Antennas can be made
from strands of fence or electrical wiring,
and television coax cable can be used as 100 miles. HF antennas can be configured for near-vertical incident sky wave (NVIS) to fill in
feed line. the gap between 50 and 500 miles that the signals usually skip over when more-traditional
antenna configurations are used. NVIS is most effective when both the transmitting and
2.0 TECHNIQUES receiving stations are similarly configured.
These are the refined steps and methods 2.3 Modes
that are employed to meet the objective. While voice communications are often used, digital modes are frequently used in EMCOMM.
No two scenarios are the same, so practiced Digital modes have many advantages over traditional voice, including more efficient use
techniques are used according to the situation. › Below: It’s
of band space, higher radio frequency noise-level tolerance and less chance of sensitive
2.1 Terrain important to have information being overheard.
discussions about
Experience and a good understanding how we’ll stay
of radio wave propagation are necessary in contact with 3.0 PROCEDURES
family members
to evaluate the landscape to make sure and friends when a
Emergency communications require coordination and discipline. EMCOMM teams use
communication can take place between disaster strikes. standardized procedures and protocols to work effectively and efficiently.
stations.
2.2 Distance
To some extent, it’s possible to control how
far signals go, as well as in which direction.
How far away a radio signal can be detected
is determined by several factors, including
transmitter output power, antenna config-
uration, height above ground and antenna
gain. However, the operating frequency is
often the greatest contributor.
2.2.1 Short Range
Out to several miles, VHF and UHF
frequencies are commonly used. Signals
at these frequencies are “line-of-sight,”
meaning that the signals must have a clear
straight-line path.
2.2.2 Long Range
HF radio has the ability to reach across
the country—and beyond—by reflecting
signals off of the ionosphere, a layer in the
Earth’s upper atmosphere. Radio waves of
the right frequency will be reflected back
to the surface, where they can be received
or bounce back upward. HF can be used for
short-range communications as well.
SEGAMI YTTEG ©
2.2.3 Intermediate Range

If a VHF repeater is available, even hand-
held radios can have a useful range of 50 to

› Far right: Gary Ashbury and Mike Bradbury
of Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)
test ham and Military Auxiliary Radio System
(MARS) capabilities. (Photo: Chief Mass
Communication Specialist John Pearl/U.S.
Navy/released; DoDVI)
3.1 Command Structure

In any emergency, a command post will
be established. EMCOMM teams work to
support the command structure by getting
information where it’s needed. A network, or
net of stations, is established to collect and
disseminate information. › Above, left:
EMCOMM team
3.2 Net Control members must be
One station is designated to direct the net ready and able to
respond to calls to
in order to maintain the smooth and orderly establish emergency
flow of information. Net control might be communications in
rugged or unsecured
passed from one station to another (as environments. (Pho-
needed) and, in some instances, control to: Pfc. Christopher
Shannon/Mississippi
might be handed off to a station well Army National Guard,
outside the affected area, especially when DoDVI)
HF is used. If a station can’t hear or be heard

by net control, other stations might relay
information.
3.3 Schedules › Below: Inside the
mobile command
After a net has been established, a center (Photo: Chief
schedule could be set up to pass updates Mass Communica-
tion Specialist John
or perform status checks. HF operating Pearl/U.S. Navy/re-
frequencies are often changed, because leased; DoDVI)
‹ Top and above: Protected during storage and transport, the author’s EMCOMM station gear is
always ready to deploy. Regular field testing ensures everything will work when needed.
atmospheric conditions fluctuate with the movement of the sun. These changes are generally
predictable and are incorporated into the schedule.
These are just a few of the many tactics, techniques and procedures that make EMCOMM
teams proficient as the last line of communications in emergency management. Members
volunteer their amateur radio skills and equipment for the good of their communities, and
they spend a considerable amount of time planning for the worst and rehearsing to ensure
the best outcome.
(Editor’s Note/DoDVI Disclaimer: The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
images does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.)

MAKE THE MOST
OF YOUR CONTACTS
TURN YOUR OPTIONS INTO ADVANTAGES.
BY JIM JEFFRIES
‹ The Yaesu FT-857D transceiver is rugged, versatile and

affordable. It makes an excellent tactical radio.

TIPS
ith a basic exam- are mandatory for long ranges. Antennas
W ination of EMCOMM
TTPs, it’s easy to see
how adopting and
then adapting them
to your circumstances can benefit your
preparedness communications plan. Having
the appropriate gear is a good place to start,
designed for EMCOMM use are durable and
easy to deploy.
Having tried many antennas over the
years, I’ve found a couple of multi-band HF
antennas to be excellent choices for this
purpose: Chameleon Antennas’ modular
portable antenna system (CHA MPAS) and
but unless you and others in your family the EMCOMM III Portable (CHA EMCOMM III
or group know how to properly use it, it’s PORTABLE). Both antennas provide excep-
nothing more than expensive stuff. tional performance, are built to withstand
extreme conditions and hard use, and offer
1.0 EQUIPMENT unbeatable stealth, because they disappear
Working in rugged conditions requires gear into the surroundings. The performance and
that's reliable and efficient. versatility of the Chameleon antennas make
1.1 Transceiver them top picks.
Two-way radios made for mobile or 1.2.3 Antenna Tuner
portable operation are the best choices for Most multi-band antennas have high
preppers. HF and VHF/UHF transceivers de- impedance on some frequencies that make
signed for automotive installation and VHF/ them unsuitable for direct connection to
UHF handheld models that operate on (or the transceiver; this is a situation for which
recharge from) 12 volts are preferable. Avoid an external antenna tuner is needed. The
radios that require household AC-power tuner connects between the radio and the
supplies or chargers. antenna and provides an adjustable imped-
1.2 Antenna System ance to match the load to the transmitter.
Like a transceiver, antennas must be Automatic tuners are typically very quick at
rugged and portable. matching, allowing the operator to move
1.2.1 VHF/UHF Antennas between bands at a quicker pace. Consider
VHF/UHF frequencies are capable of this an essential piece of gear!
reaching 50 or more miles, but terrain and 1.3 Power
heavy woods can greatly limit their reach. The standard requirement for transceivers
Antennas intended to be mounted to a mast is 12 volts direct current. It’s readily avail-
or pipe can be suspended from tree branches able from automotive and other types of
with parachute cord. High-gain antennas batteries.
can greatly extend the range, but the extra 1.3.1 Batteries
performance comes from additional length, Batteries come in different chemistries
making them cumbersome when traversing and capacities. Deep-cycle lead-acid RV
through dense woods. Roll-up antennas are and marine batteries work great for fixed
available that can be connected to mobile stations, but their heavy weight makes por-
and handheld radios that work very well. tability difficult. Smaller, sealed lead-acid
One is offered online by its inventor, Ed Fong (SLA) batteries are much more portable,
(EdsAntennas.weebly.com). Alternatively, because they’re lighter and leak resistant.
you can build your own. However, their limited capacity means you
1.2.2 HF Antennas might need several to make it through a
HF bands provide great versatility, are use- day’s-worth of operation. Lithium ion (Li)
able for short-range communications and and lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4)

batteries are much lighter than SLA batteries "WORKING IN RUGGED CONDITIONS REQUIRES
of the same physical dimensions and, pound
for pound, they offer much more electrical
GEAR THAT'S RELIABLE AND EFFICIENT."
› Right: capacity.
Communications
equipment is in 1.3.2 Solar Power
addition to all the Charging batteries in the field is easily done
other gear required
for a mission. with solar panels and a charge controller.
Some charge controllers are designed only for
use with lead-acid batteries and might not
properly charge lithium chemistries. If you’re
now using, or plan on using, lithium batteries,
be sure to get a compatible controller.
2.0 EXPERIENCE
Experience can only be gained by practice.
While anyone can purchase ham radios, only
licensed operators are allowed to actually
‹ Below: Listening transmit. Before you can legally get on the
and taking notes.
EMCOMM radio air on any amateur frequency, you must first
traffic can provide obtain the license.
real-time raw
information during 2.1 Licensing
a crisis. The Federal Communications Commission
‹ Bottom: This is a
(FCC) issues ham radio licenses in the United
VHF/UHF “jungle States. The requirements are minimal, but
antenna” handmade
by the author. Small
there’s an exam. For more information on
enough to put in licensing and/or to find an exam facility members who participate in EMCOMM, and they’re usually quite willing to teach others. Join
your pocket, this an-
tenna performs very
in your area, go to http://www.arrl.org/ a local radio club and participate in its outings. Learn by doing!
well. Sticks are used licensing-education-training. 2.3 Field Exercises
to spread the radials
before the antenna is
2.2 Training Get outdoors and get on the air! Practice setting up your station in different ways and in
hoisted into a tree. Most ham radio clubs have one or more different environments. Have an objective and work toward it, getting as many group mem-
bers involved as possible. Send one of your stations to a location as far away as practical
and establish communications on different bands and using different modes.
3.0 DIGITAL MODE OPERATIONS

There’s much more to radio communications than just talking. Digital modes allow
operators to exchange information when conditions are poor and voice modes are unreli-
able. In addition, digital modes are much more efficient when it comes to power and more
effective when there’s interference. If two stations try to talk on the same frequency at the
same time, it’s nearly impossible to understand either one. However, 12 or more stations
can transmit using digital modes on the same frequency, and each one can be heard—with
amazing accuracy.
3.1 Digital Mode Requirements
Digital modes convert text or data into analog tones that get transmitted over the airwaves.
This is done through software running on a computer.
3.1.1 Computer
The software doesn’t require much computing power, so just about any laptop or tablet
computer manufactured within the past several years will work. Most run on Microsoft Win-
dows from versions XP to 10, and several are available for Linux and Mac operating systems.
(With Windows 7 now retired, there are many good computers that can be had cheaply—or
even free.)
3.1.2 Digital Interface
Some transceivers have a built-in USB interface that directly connects to a computer.
But, more often than not, an external device, known as an “external soundcard,” will be
needed. One commonly used model is the SignaLink USB by Tigertronics. The SignaLink
USB connects to, and is powered by, a USB port on the computer. Another cable goes to the
transceiver’s data port. The SignaLink USB is extremely easy to use. It’s plug-and-play under
Windows and works with Linux.

Follow us on
‹ The Chameleon EMCOMM III Portable can be deployed in minutes. When
hung at eye level, it exhibits excellent NVIS performance. It’s nearly invisible
when supported by brush and small trees, so this antenna will go unnoticed.
www.facebook.com/
americansurvivalguidemagazine
instagram: ASGMAGAZINE
‹ Digital modes require a computer. Small laptop computers fit nicely into a
backpack and don’t add much weight. ASG_1฀4V.indd 1 8/4/19 1:56 PM
AD INDEX
SPRING 2020
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weak-signal keyboard-to-keyboard messaging to amateur radio operators.
JS8Call can be downloaded from JS8Call.com.
The Advertiser Index is provided as a service to Prepper Field Manual readers.
Prepper Field Manual is not responsible for omissions or typographical errors on names or page numbers.

COMMS
GEAR GUIDE
STAY
CONNECTED
CRITICAL TECH FOR
KEEPING INFORMED
BY JIM JEFFRIES
© GETTY IMAGES

Yaesu FT-857D All-Band
Multi-Mode Transceiver
Yaesu FT-857D 100W All-Band Multi-Mode Mobile Transceivers
provide base station-type performance from an ultra-compact
package that's ideal for mobile or external battery portable work.
It offers wide frequency coverage, outstanding receiver perfor-
mance and the convenience of optional remote-head operation.
Providing transmitter coverage of the HF, 50 MHz, 144 MHz and
430 MHz amateur bands, FT-857D transceivers also receive
coverage on 100 kHz to 56 MHz, 76 to 108 MHz, 118-164 MHz and
420-470 MHz.
MSRP
$800
URL
Yaesu.com
LDG Electronics YT-100 Automatic

Antenna Tuner
The LDG YT-100 is an automatic tuner intended for use with modern
Yaesu transceivers, including the FT-857(D), FT-897(D) and FT-
100(D). The YT-100 connects to the radio via its tuner port. The
radio’s tuner port also powers the tuner, so it requires no external
power supply. The YT-100 integrates with your Yaesu transceiver for
seamless operation. Just press the “tune” button on the tuner, and it
will then reduce power, transmit a carrier, automatically match the
antenna to the rig and then restore the original power and mode.
MSRP
$199.99
URL
LDGElectronics.com
Dx Engineering Rg-8X Low-Loss

Coax Assembly
These cable assemblies are made from new low-loss, gas-injected, foam
dielectric cable. They feature a stranded copper center, braided copper
shield and non-contaminating Type II PVC jacket assemblies intended for
moderate-power HF stations or mobile applications for which short runs
and flexibility are key factors. RG-8X features a new type of foam that
can't gather moisture and has lower loss than old RG-8X foam cables.
They're terminated with new, all-silver-plated PL-259 (UHF male) con-
nectors. Center pins are securely mounted in PTFE dielectric.
MSRP
$20.99 (1.5 ft.—radio to tuner); $33.99 (25 ft. to antenna)
URL
DXEngineering.com

GEAR GUIDE
Tigertronics SignaLink USB Digital
Communications Interface
SignaLink USB Interfaces support all computer program digital modes
and digital voice modes—without using your computer sound card—
including legacy modes, as well as FT8, PSK31, JT65, JT9, FSK441,
MSK144, WSPR, Olivia, EchoLink Node and hundreds more. The con-
venient front panel controls let you adjust your “transmit audio,” “receive
audio” and “transmit delay” on the fly. These Interfaces have a state-of-
the-art, built-in, low-noise, analog-to-digital sound chip, only one USB
connection to the computer and, typically, only one to the radio. They’re
fully isolated and compatible with all radio mic, accessory and data ports.
MSRP
$139.95
URL
Tigertronics.com
Chameleon Antenna CHA

EMCOMM III Portable HF Antenna
The EMCOMM III Portable HF Antenna is a portable, high-frequency (HF)
antenna specially designed for short- to long-range portable and man-
pack HF communications. It's ideal for hiking, backpacking, and tent and
recreational vehicle (RV) camping, as well as for military, government
agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Military Affiliate
Radio System (MARS), Civil Air Patrol (CAP), Amateur Radio Emergency
Service (ARES)/Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), Salva-
tion Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) and amateur radio
operators involved in field communication and disaster preparedness.
MSRP
$139
URL
ChameleonAntenna.com
Renogy 50 Watt 12 Volt Flex Solar

Panel
Traditional solar panels are rigid and often enclosed in tempered
glass. The Renogy 50W Flex Solar Panel is anything but traditional.
Perfect for marine use or placement on top of a van or vehicle, this
solar panel is thin and capable of flexing up to 248 degrees. At 2.87
pounds, it weighs only a quarter of its traditional 50W counterpart.
It’s highly flexible, so it can easily be installed on curved surfaces.
Hardly noticeable, the Renogy 50W Lightweight Panel laid flat is
only about .08 inch tall, making it ideal for a stealthy solar setup.
MSRP
$119.99
URL
Renogy.com

Renogy Voyager Solar Charge
Controller
Featuring a bright-blue, backlit LCD that displays system infor-
mation, including error codes, the Voyager is engineered to offer
world-class quality. Not only is it waterproof, it’s also equipped
with advanced PWM technology suitable for 12V and 24V off-
grid applications and is compatible with four different battery
types, including lithium. Ensure your system's longevity and stay
worry-free—the Voyager also has you covered with multiple solar
panel, battery and controller protections.
MSRP
$49.99
URL
Renogy.com
Bioenno Power 100 Watt

Ultra-Thin Solar Panel
This ultra-thin solar panel is a high-output, ultra-thin, monocrystalline solar
ETFE panel. It’s ultra-lightweight, thin (less than 0.12 inch)and features a
one-piece panel. It’s great for use outdoors when there's plenty of sunlight on
hand but no access to the power grid. When it's paired with Bioenno Power
Packs, you can take along most electronic devices. A Bioenno Power solar
system offers clean output while being completely silent, because there’s no
EMI/RFI (electromagnetic interference/radio-frequency interference). So, as
long as you have sun, you have electricity. Note: Always use a solar panel with
a matching solar charge controller when using with a battery.
MSRP
$230.99
URL
BioennoPower.com
Leatherman MUT Multi-Tool

The Leatherman MUT is a practical tool for keeping your comms
gear up, and it can also maintain military gear via its bronze carbon
scraper, disassembly punch and bolt override tool. It features multi-
ple areas for attaching threaded cleaning rods and brushes, as well
as an onboard standard screwdriver and Torx bits for anything from
adjustment work to gear breakdown. Other tools include pliers,
a 420HC combo knife, saw, hammer and more. The MUT comes
standard with a MOLLE sheath and scope adjustment wrench.
MSRP
$159.95
URL
Leatherman.com

irst, let’s look at some of the sounds very alarming. But they forget to
F reasons there are fewer com-

municable diseases and longer
life spans in first world coun-
tries and then compare these
to underdeveloped, third world countries.
In general, sanitation conditions—which
everyone in developed countries takes for
point out that more people die annually
from automobile accidents.
That’s right! You have a far more likely
chance of dying in a car accident than in a
knife fight or shootout, yet no one is talking
about banning cars. Still, you owe it to
yourself to drive defensively and never drink
granted—contribute to the lack of wide- and drive.
spread disease. This refers to piped water, 1.1.2 Cardiovascular Disease
the ready availability of hot water, toilets, Another leading cause of death that far
soaps, laundry facilities and showers, as exceeds car accidents is cardiovascular
well as the ready availability of medical disease, which is nearly always related to
supplies and hospitals. a diet of processed foods, as well as from
There are, of course, many ways to meet being overweight and not exercising (have
the needs for creating optimal hygiene via you ever see the movie, Supersize Me? Just
both low- and high-tech methods. Statis- because a food is “legal” doesn’t make it
tics from major world disasters show that good for you).
more people typically die from the lack of Michael Pollan makes a simple, yet
sanitation that follows a disaster than from profound, suggestion in his book, Defense
the disaster itself. If you go through your of Food. He advises that if a “food” doesn’t
daily life never thinking about how we get look like something you’d find in nature,
all these wonderful technologies of modern perhaps you shouldn’t eat it. His short sum-
life, you’re probably not thinking much mary is, “Eat food; not too much, mostly
about what to do if a disaster destroys plants.” Try your very best to grow some of
the infrastructure that gives you water, your own food and support local farmers.
electricity, etc. Learn to avoid those foods that are heavily
I’d like to encourage a consistent mindset processed or contain numerous preserva-
of healthy living so that if your technolog- tives. Yes—read the labels! Many of the
ical way of life suddenly came to an end or preservatives used are outright toxins.
were severely restricted, you could continue 1.1.3 Sugar
with some degree of strength, competence Although the body does need some sugar
and normalcy. Maintaining your health is and converts carbohydrates into sugars, we
always better than trying to heal sicknesses all consume way too much of it. The sugar
and disease. Make a point of identifying the industry spends billions of dollars to convince
“threats” to your health, both from within us that sugar is fine and that it isn’t a
and without. problem for diabetics and overweight people.
Take steps to reduce your sugar content, and
1.0 HEALTH THREATS your health will benefit. At the very least, if
1.1 From Within you’re going to store sugar in your food re-
1.1.1 Car Accidents serves, store one of the “better” sugars, such
Let’s begin with threats from within— as honey, date sugar and some of the “raw”
things that are within your ability to choose. sugars. (The details about why too much
When media people point out the annual sugar in the body is bad for us have been
deaths from gun shots or knives, it always documented extensively. I suggest reading

SUGGESTIONS FOR MAINTAINING OPTIMAL
HEALTH DURING A DISASTER
BY CHRISTOPHER NYERGES
© GETTY IMAGES

‹ Left: Sugar—the
“cocaine” of
Western civilization
The Case Against Sugar, by Gary Taubes.) Garlic should be included in your diet on a regular basis. If not garlic, then one of the other
member of this family, which includes onions, leeks, shallots, ramps, etc. Put them in your
2.0 FOOD AS MEDICINE soups and salads. They help protect you from certain infections and, in some cases, have
Hippocrates advised, “Let your food be been shown to lower high blood pressure.
your medicine.” In other words, eat quality 2.1.5 Lemon
foods that provide you with all the minerals Lemon is another old remedy to help improve upper respiratory infections and fight colds.
‹ Below, left: Lamb’s
and vitamins you need and that promote 2.1.6 Vinegar quarter is a wild
good health. Vinegar has many health benefits (read Dr. D.C. Jarvis’s Folk Medicine, which was originally green which is rich
in many vitamins
2.1 Examples of Healthy Foods published in 1958. He addresses the many health benefits of vinegar in the daily diet). Be and minerals. It
2.1.1 Lamb’s Quarter certain to always purchase raw apple cider vinegar and not pasteurized. grows worldwide.
This is a common “escapee” from Europe ‹ Below, right:

that can now be found all over the globe. 3.0 MEDICATIONS Purslane is a
common weed in
It’s a rich source of vitamins and minerals, If you take a lot of medications, you should stock up on whatever it might take to keep North America and
and the greens can be added to soups, you alive. Simultaneously, however, you should consider whether your lifestyle and dietary is edible and tasty.
It's the richest plant
vegetable dishes or salads. choices are contributing to your health issues. If you’re diabetic, for example, there’s a large source of Omega 3
2.1.2 Purslane body of evidence suggesting that diet is a major contributing factor (as is excessive use of fatty acids.
Purslane is another common weed, in
this case, from India. Besides tasting good,
purslane is the richest source of Omega 3
fatty acids in plants. Just rinse the plant,
chop it and add it to salads, soups, egg
dishes and stews. You can also pickle the
purslane stems.
2.1.3 Dandelion
Dandelion is a European native that’s
also found globally today. It’s richer in beta
carotenes than carrots! Although dandelion
© GETTY IMAGES
© GETTY IMAGES
greens are bitter when raw, they can be added

to cooked dishes to mellow the bitterness.
2.1.4 Garlic

white sugar).
I’ve interviewed former diabetics with
the adult onset form of the disease. They
altered their diets ... and no longer take
insulin. In some cases, they only ate raw
foods for a while, completely cutting out
meats, sugars and sugared drinks. (I also
discovered that many of them began to
consume prickly pear cactus products on a
daily basis, either fresh or in pill form.)
4.0 WHAT TO AVOID

4.1 Sun
We need sun, but we certainly don’t need
too much. Be aware of the amount of time
you’re in the sun without any covering.
Grow some Aloe vera plants in your prep-
per garden. Among other things, the gel
from the fresh Aloe leaf is one of the best
treatments for sunburn.
© GETTY IMAGES
4.2 Poison Oak

Is there poison ivy or poison oak near
where you live? Can you recognize it? If
‹ Above: Garlic
should be grown in you‘re allergic (most people are), once you
every prepper gar- brush up against the plant, your skin will
den. It's both a food
and a medicine. develop an itching and extremely irritating
rash; it’s not pleasant. Doctors treat it with
cortisone, which does work. There are many
commercially available products designed
to treat poison oak rash. However, fresh
Aloe vera gel applied directly from the plant
provides natural relief for the itching, and it
promotes rapid healing as well.
4.3 Mosquitoes
‹ Left, top: One of People often express a fear of bears,
the best natural snakes, wolves and other such animals
© GETTY IMAGES
ways to treat
poison oak or when they’re in a wilderness area. In fact,
poison ivy is with these animals kill a relatively small number
the gel of the Aloe
vera plant. of people annually. However, did you know
that the number-one “animal”-related
cause of human death is mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes spread malaria, among other
diseases, and they breed in conditions of
stagnant water ... as well as in the poor
sanitation that often follows serious
disasters.
4.3.1 Natural Mosquito Repellents
If there’s a mosquito problem where you
live, find some natural repellents you can
apply on your skin—and definitely stock up!
4.3.1.1. Suggestions
There are many mosquito repellent prod-
‹ Left, bottom: Get
ucts on the market. Avon makes a product
© GETTY IMAGES
to recognize poison
oak (and poison called “Skin So Soft” that apparently repels
ivy—shown here)
if it grows in your
mosquitoes when applied to the skin. It was
area. never intended to be a mosquito repellent,

› Near right: There
are many mosquito
repellent products
on the market.
› Far, right: Be
aware of the
amount of time
you’re in the
sun without any
covering.
and even Avon isn’t sure why it works. complex and vinegar have all been suggested over the years. Garlic and Vitamin B complex
However, plenty of users have confirmed its are both excellent for your health, but I personally haven’t noticed that mosquitoes don’t
effectiveness. bite me when I consume these two items. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean it won’t work
4.3.1.2 Lantana for you; remember, everyone’s body chemistry is a bit different. On the other hand, when
People in parts of Africa have planted I began to include about a tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar in my juice or drinking
lantana bushes around their homes to repel water, especially if I planned to be in an area with a mosquito problem, I found that other
mosquitoes, according to Malaria Monthly. people were getting bitten—but I wasn’t!
It's considered to have an effectiveness of
about 40 percent (certainly better than 5.0 SPECIAL SITUATIONS
nothing). In addition, people sometimes burn 5.1 Children
› Below: Seniors
the lantana; its smoke repels mosquitoes. This If your family includes children, be sure to include them in your survival planning. Yes, that
have special needs, has a rating of about 80 percent. might seem obvious, but too many parents seem to believe they're protecting their children
so take that into
consideration in
4.3.2 Internal Repellents by not talking about disaster planning. Talk to your children so they understand that things
your planning. As for internal repellents, garlic, Vitamin B can happen that might disrupt the family’s life. Give them responsibilities, and let them
feel they are an important part of things.
Still, let’s get real: Children are unpredictable. They have short attention spans; they don’t
always remember or follow instructions; and they need to be fed more than adults. But
if you make a game of your survival planning and exercises and include your children in a
meaningful way, they’ll grow to enjoy some of the exercises ... and they might even surprise
you in a real disaster.
5.2 Seniors
If your family includes seniors, they might not be as fast or agile as the younger family
members. Nevertheless, they’re likely to be smarter, so you should definitely tap into their
knowledge and experience. Keep in mind that seniors might have special needs you need to
address.
5.3 First Aid Courses
I strongly suggest you enroll in a Red Cross emergency first aid course and take it every
two years or so. These classes address basic emergency responses to such things as shock,
burns, electrical shock, cuts, loss of breath, broken bones, etc. Unless you’re a practicing
doctor or paramedic, you can’t possibly learn appropriate emergency responses simply by
reading about it online or in a book.
6.0 SURVIVAL PLANNING

Planning for emergencies isn't like painting by the numbers. Everyone is different. Plan-
ning is always very personal and should be customized for each person and their family,
along with their specific needs.
7.0 MAINTAIN HEALTH

It’s good to develop habits that result in good health and find ways to eliminate the habits
that degrade your health. For starters, here are some suggestions.
7.1 Don’ts
• If you’re taking illegal drugs just to get high, stop!

“ANYTIME YOU'RE AWAY FROM
CIVILIZATION FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME ...
CONSIDER TAKING WITH YOU PRODUCTS
TO KEEP YOURSELF CLEAN.”
• If you’re an alcoholic, please do whatever it takes to stop. Join AA.
Although there are many proximate causes of homelessness, drug use and drinking are
pervasive and are either the actual cause of homelessness or their use keeps the person
from getting back on their feet. Someone in this situation needs to do whatever is necessary
to stop the drug and alcohol use—or their life will continue to be a mess.
© GETTY IMAGES
• If you smoke cigarettes, stop. Although all smoking, especially of tobacco, has some harm-
ful health effects, it’s worth noting that the tobacco used in cigars and pipes is generally
free of the many additives added to cigarettes; therefore, pipe and cigar smoking are, at
least, “not as bad.”
7.2 Do’s
These are some very basic “do’s" that have stood the test of time. They’re so obvious to
your health that it’s nearly embarrassing for me to have to mention them.
• Remove stress from your life. In a survival situation, it might be impossible to eliminate all
stress, but you should learn to control your responses to life’s situations. Learn how to deal
with chaos, and learn how to avoid it.
• Exercise regularly. This is nearly as important as a good diet.
• Your skin is the largest organ of your body, so good hygiene is essential for good health—in
good times or bad. Your skin should be kept clean. When I’m in the desert and away from
a regular water supply, I carry a bristle brush. I “wash” my entire body by brushing the skin.
© GETTY IMAGES
It’s irritating at first, but now, I look forward it, because it leaves me feeling really clean and
rejuvenated.
7.3 Secret to Longevity
Many years ago, I read a magazine article for which the author had interviewed people
who lived into their 90s; in fact, some were as old as 100. The author asked them for their 7.3.1 Healthy Diet ‹ Top: Remember,
if it doesn’t look like
secret to longevity. Some of the responses were silly: One man suggested smoking a cigar Remember, if it doesn’t look like some- something you find in
or having a shot of whiskey every day. I did like a man who said he danced every day, even thing you find in nature, it’s probably not nature, it’s probably
not something you
if it was just for a few minutes. But the one I never forgot was the man who said he used something you should be eating. should be eating.
a towel to give himself a rubdown over his entire body, almost like a massage. I believe he 7.3.2 Sun
‹ Above: Your body
kept his pores open by doing this and was able to maintain good health. Your body and mind need sunshine.
needs sleep: During
Some other suggestions for longevity: Go outdoors at least some of the time this time, your body
each day. does some internal
healing and gets
7.3.3 Maintain Good Relationships ready for the next day.
Yes, this relates to your health; and
it especially relates to preppers, who
need to be constantly establishing good
relationships to get things done. If you’re
constantly complaining and fighting with
others, you’ll be negatively affecting
your own physical and emotional health
(and will probably die young). And if you
discover that certain people drain you
when you’re around them, find ways to
avoid them.
7.3.4 Sleep
Your body needs sleep: During this time,
your body does some internal healing
and gets ready for the next day. If you’re
in a survival situation during which it’s ‹ Left: Getting
necessary for someone to keep watch at outdoors and
exercising are always
all times, be sure to organize your days so good ideas to keep
everyone gets some sleep. yourself healthy!

HEALING
POWER
THE MAGIC OF WATER AND
OTHER EARTHLY HEALTH AIDS

TIPS
ne of my mentors used to medicine (and its soft wood is ideal for countless wood projects).
O emphasize that water is one of

the most complex substances
on Earth. We only think we
understand it because it's so
common. For instance, consider the following,
where we compare the health benefits of a
cold shower and a hot shower:
2.1 Medicinal Uses
The bark of the younger shoots is strongest and is easiest to peel in spring when green. I try
to peel off long strips of the bark, which I then dry and use when needed. These strips of bark
become brittle when dry.
2.1.1 Tea
When the fresh or dried willow bark is steeped in water, the resulting tea is good for
headaches, fevers and even hay fever. Due to its strong antiseptic properties, this tea can also
be used as an effective mouthwash or used externally on wounds.
1.0 WATER 2.1.2 Baths
1.1 Cold Shower A willow wash is said to work wonders on rheumatism sufferers. When my body feels
• Increases alertness particularly stiff, I’ve sometimes put a few handfuls of willow bark into a hot bathtub.
• Tightens up the skin 2.1.3 Pain
• Stimulates your immune system Every now and then during one of my walks, someone will tell me that they have a
• Stimulates hormones that help fight off headache. I peel off two slivers of willow bark and hand it to them.
mental depression “Take two pieces of bark and call me in the morning,” I’ll tell them. Most people laugh
• Accelerates your metabolism when I say this, but some people don’t "get it," because they aren’t familiar with willow or
• Prevents colds its history. The inner bark of willow contains salicin—the original aspirin. In fact, aspirin was
• Reduces hair loss (maybe) originally produced from willow bark.
1.2 Hot Shower According to Dr. James Adams, author of Healing with Medicinal Plants of the West, a tea is
• Works as a nasal decongestant made from the bark that’s then drunk for fevers, colds, sore throats, headaches, pains and
• Opens the pores and cleanses the skin malaria. The bark can also be chewed to alleviate a toothache.
• Removes toxins through the pores The willow was one of the important medicinal plants of the Western Native Americans.
• Relaxes your muscles Its bark was also crushed into a poultice and applied directly to the skin to relieve pain
• Lowers your tension level and reduce swelling.
• Reduces anxiety
• Reduces swelling
• Helps alleviate migraine headaches
1.3 Dealing With Injuries
Of course, these benefits merely scratch the
surface of the healing value of water.
My mother was a registered nurse who grew
up on a farm during the Great Depression.
She knew how to deal with farm injuries
when you couldn’t get into the city hospitals.
This is part of the knowledge we all once
had and was passed down from generation
to generation. We have to re-learn this
knowledge to keep alive.
• Treat infections initially with warm water.
• Soak the foot in hot water and Epsom salt.
• Soak sprains or swelling in cold water.
2.0 WILLOW MAGIC

The willow tree is widespread throughout
North America and, in fact, throughout most
of the world. Its bark has long been used as a ‹ Soak an injured foot in hot water and Epsom salt.

How does willow work medicinally?
According to Adams, “Willow contains
natural salicylates such as salicin,
salicortin, tremulacin, populin and others.
Salicin is converted by intestinal flora to
saligenin, which is oxidized in the liver to
salicylic acid. Willow bark can contain up to
10 percent salicin.”
2.2 Identifying the Willow
Willow plants are somewhat diverse in
appearance. Some are small and bushy;
others are tall trees. Their leaves are nearly
all thin and lance shaped, and the plant is
always found along streams. I‘ve seen them
at sea level and higher than 8,000 feet. You
‹ Above: A view of
might not know offhand how to identify
willow leaves "WILLOW PLANTS ARE SOMEWHAT DIVERSE
a willow, but I can assure you that you’ve
driven or hiked by one each time you were ‹ Above, right: IN APPEARANCE. SOME ARE SMALL AND
When fresh or
by a stream. dried willow bark BUSHY; OTHERS ARE TALL TREES."
is steeped in water,
the resulting tea is
3.0 “THE VINEGAR OF FOUR good for headaches, (yet) in the United States, consider how four thieves managed to deal with plague conditions.
THIEVES” fevers and even hay During an outbreak of bubonic plague in France several centuries ago, four thieves managed
fever.
3.1 The Backstory to loot empty, plague-ridden homes without contracting the dreaded plague. After all, they
We’re very advanced here, in the United ‹ Below: Daniella figured, what did it matter? Nearly everyone was dead (some Middle Ages accounts tell us that
del Valle shows
States, so there’s no reason we should ever some of the raw
during some of the worst plague outbreaks, the dead outnumbered the living, and the dead
be concerned about anything as drastic as ingredients for the could not be buried fast enough).
“Vinegar of Four
bubonic plague, right? So wrong! Plague is Thieves”: garlic
The four thieves were arrested by policemen for looting and were brought before a judge in
spread by fleas on rats—which are common and raw apple Marseilles. Wondering aloud, the judge asked how it was that the four men had managed to
cider vinegar (the
when the level of general hygiene drops. other herbs are not
resist the plague, especially having been in and out of so many plague-infested homes.
Although we haven’t seen anything like this shown). “We drink and wash with this vinegar preparation every few hours,” they answered.
The judge then made a shrewd bargain: The thieves would be given their freedom in
exchange for their ”anti-plague recipe.”
This recipe is recorded in Dian Buchman’s Herbal Medicine book. She writes, “This recipe has
been used for centuries, but legend has it that it was discovered during a devastating bubonic
plague.”
3.2 The "Vinegar of Four Thieves" Recipe
3.2.1 Ingredients
2 quarts (half-gallon) apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons lavender
2 Tablespoons rosemary
2 Tablespoons sage
2 Tablespoons wormwood
2 Tablespoons rue
2 Tablespoons mint
3.2.2 Preparation
Combine the herbs and steep everything in the vinegar in the sun for two weeks. Strain.
Add 2 tablespoons of garlic buds and steep for several days. Remove the garlic buds. To
preserve, add 4 ounces of glycerin.
3.3 Uses
Karin James, the editor of The Forest Voice, adds that this vinegar recipe can be used for
washing floors, walls and windows and will offset odors in the home. It helps deter bugs if you
rinse your hiking gear in it. She also saves the herbs when she strains them out of the vinegar
and places them where ants come into the kitchen (“It works,” she states. “No more ants!”)
In trying to determine why this works, we concluded that the vinegar is the primary activator.
Whole books have been written about the health benefits of vinegar. We strongly suggest
you always use only raw apple cider vinegar. In addition, garlic has known antibiotic properties.
(And rue used to be added to spoiled meat by unscrupulous merchants in the Middle Ages so

people wouldn’t get sick when eating the meat!) a healthy weight, minimal alcohol
Ubiquitous homeless camps, which generally have no running water, toilets or any hygiene consumption, maintaining healthy
protocols, provide a conducive condition for plague to spread. Additionally, in the chaotic relationships and avoiding infections.
aftermath of a widespread catastrophe, when sanitation systems are not maintained, it’s Consuming prickly pear cactus daily is just
entirely possible that plagues could spread. This vinegar recipe isn’t the only solution. However, one part of this overall balance.
it’s a versatile and low-tech solution that families and communities could employ. Villaseñor also shares testimonials from
some of his students. They’ve experienced
4.0. PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS lower glucose levels, improved bowel
4.1 About Enrique Villaseñor movements, weight loss and lower cholesterol
Enrique Villaseñor is at the head of the classroom, extolling the many unsung virtues of the levels by consuming the prickly pear cactus
prickly pear cactus. drink, along with other herbal remedies.
“It’s often referred to as ‘poor people’s food.’” he explains. “But did you know that it contains
all the essential amino acids and some non-essential amino acids as well?”
Villaseñor is the de facto “ambassador” of the humble prickly pear cactus, a plant that’s
been used for food and medicine for millennia. After 35 years as a teacher, Villaseñor recently
retired and now actively works as an assistant to pharmacologist Dr. James Adams, who shares
traditional Chumash healing methods.
“The prickly pear cactus is one of the best immune system boosters,” says Villaseñor, quoting
Hippocrates, who said, “Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food.”
4.2 Uses
Historically, the prickly pear cactus’s “pads” have been used for lowering cholesterol levels,
digestive issues, edema, wounds, bronchitis, fevers, vitiligo, inflammation, type II diabetes,
muscle pain, urinary problems, burns and liver problems.
Students of Villaseñor listen in awe, wondering why they have always considered the prickly
pear just a food to eat when you’re next to starving—rather than the "superfood" it is. ‹ The spines and fine glochids on the prickly pear cactus must be
Villaseñor explains that because prickly pear was always available in good times and bad and removed from its pads before using.
in times of drought and plenty, it was always something poor people could, and did, use. But at
some point, it came to be regarded simply as a food-of-last-resort.
Today, however, that view is changing. Villaseñor points out that one can find hundreds of
products made from the prickly pear (for instance, on Amazon.com).
The highlight of Villaseñor’s presentation is when he turns on a food processor and makes a
prickly pear drink for everyone to try.
First, he scrapes the young pads to remove the spines and the tiny, hair-like glochids. He
puts one large pad into the blender, adds one apple and one peeled orange and blends it
all. No sugar is added. The resulting drink is thick (but it can be thinned further with water if
preferred). Everyone enjoyed the tartness and sweetness of the drink.
4.3 “Agua de Nopales” Smoothie Recipe
4.3.1 Ingredients
1 prickly pear cactus pad (cleaned and rinsed)
1 peeled orange ‹ The diced pads are ready to be added to a cooked dish or made into
a smoothie.
1 green apple
2 cups chilled water
1 ice cube
1 lime
4.3.2 Preparation
Dice the prickly pear pad and place it in a blender with the chilled water. Blend. Dice the green
apple and blend. Dice the orange and blend. Add additional water to taste if the smoothie is
too thick for you. Serve chilled with ice. Use lime to taste. Don’t add sugar. A suggested serving
is 1.5 cups twice a day.
According to Villaseñor, this is one of the best ways to get your daily intake of the prickly pear
in a form that’s tasty and easy to prepare. The benefits are that it strengthens your immune
system, helps you to lose weight and lowers your cholesterol.
He adds that complete health is really about complete balance. By “balance,” he explains
that each of us needs to find balance physically, spiritually, socially and financially within our
community and family. “You should work at this every day,” he explains.
Additionally, Villaseñor points out that the natural immune-boosters include sleep, a
plant-based diet, exercise, no smoking, having minimal stress in your life, maintaining ‹ Enrique Villaseñor answers students’ questions while making a cactus drink.

HEALTH
GEAR GUIDE
HEALTHY
LIFESTYLE
IDEAS
A GUIDE FOR A HEALTHIER YOU
© GETTY IMAGES

Bragg Organic Apple
Cider Vinegar
For the purposes described in this issue’s “Health” section, we
recommend only raw apple cider vinegar, because it has the
best medicinal properties. In addition, raw vinegar contains
a “mother”—a piece of the living organism that allows you to
grow more vinegar. Don’t make the mistake of buying pasteur-
ized apple cider vinegar. Bragg is one of several companies
that make raw apple cider vinegar.
MSRP
Varies by size
URL
Bragg.com
Prickly Pear Cactus Pads

The ideal cactus product is the prickly pear cactus plant, which
is easy to grow, especially if your area doesn’t get a hard freeze.
If someone you know already grows some, you can get a pad,
stick it in the soil, and it will grow (eventually, you’ll have more
of it than you can use!). As you learn to use it and include it in
your omelets, drinks and stews, you’ll truly appreciate this desert
plant that’s served so many for so long. A prickly pear cactus pad
can be purchased at many supermarkets, nurseries and farmers
markets. It can also be found on Amazon.
MSRP
$9.35
URL
Amazon.com
Live Aloe Vera Plants

Aloe can grow just about anywhere, even if you live in an area
that gets extended hard freezes (In which case, it would need
to be placed indoors or in a greenhouse). When aloe leaves are
broken and the gel is applied to the skin, it can effectively heal
various burns, poison oak rash, diaper rash, cuts and scratches,
and sunburns. This plant is easy to grow and multiplies rapidly,
giving you a great barter item. Purchase it at any supermarket
or nursery.
MSRP
$5–$10 (on average)

Sawyer Maxi DEET Insect
Repellent
DEET is perhaps the most effective mosquito repellent on the
market (unfortunately, it’s so potent that some people have an
allergic reaction to it). Sawyer Products sells a two-pack Maxi-
DEET Insect Repellent pump spray that consists of 98 percent
DEET and has a low odor. It comes in different sizes, but the
two-pack assures that you’ll always have plenty around for
mosquito “emergencies.”
MSRP
$19.99 (two-pack)
URL
Sawyer.com
Avon Skin So Soft With Picaridin

Skin So Soft is generally sold as a women’s skin product.
However, years ago, users began to notice that it also repels
mosquitoes. Avon doesn’t know why, but it’s now begun to capi-
talize on this fact. Avon offers many available options, including
a two-pack called Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin With
Vitamin-E & Aloe spray pump. It comes in 4-ounce containers.
Keep in mind that Avon products are sold exclusively through
Avon distributors (who seem to be everywhere!).
MSRP
$24 (family size)
URL
Avon.com
Extreme Simplicity: A Guide to

Urban Homesteading
This guide to self-sufficient city dwelling documents how to help pre-
pare for everything from power failures and terrorist attacks to droughts
and earthquakes. It includes strategies for coping with disasters, as well
as making the most of everyday life. Authors Christopher and Dolores
Lynn Nyerges explain how to use available natural resources in an intel-
ligent, efficient way, including growing and preserving garden produce
and finding wild edibles; harvesting storm runoff for backup water
supplies; preparing food with a wood stove and solar cooker; recycling;
keeping chickens, bees and other animals; and much more.
MSRP
$14.95
URL
Amazon.com

Jaxpety 5 Gallon Flush Porta Potti
You need some sort of alternative toilet. Hospital potties are pur-
chased for in-home use and are then often given to thrift stores. How-
ever, consider this toilet by Jaxpety, a 5 -gallon flush porta-potty for
indoors or outdoors use. It has a two-way flush with a quality sealing
slide valve that locks in odors and protects against leakage. It has two
water tanks: a large tank that holds 3.2 gallons of clear water, and a
waste water tank that holds 5.3 gallons. This portable toilet is suitable
for a family or groups of people to use when traveling.
MSRP
$68.99
URL
Amazon.com
Coleman 5 Gallon Solar Shower

A solar shower should be a regular part of everyone’s emergency
gear. This Coleman shower comprises a simple, ingenious bag
that heats water in the sun. It has a sturdy handle for hanging
and an easy-to-use on/off valve. It’s excellent for car-camping
and backpacking. You can also buy a simple shower stall for
privacy. Remember that 5 gallons of water weigh more than 40
pounds, so don’t fill this solar shower all the way if you don’t
have a sturdy branch to hang it on.
MSRP
$21
URL
Coleman.com
GigaTent Shower Enclosure

Although you can rig up a privacy screen with sheets and string,
there are several easy-to-use pop-ups that provide you with
privacy in an instant and can be transported anywhere. The
GigaTent Shower Enclosure can be used as a place to hang your
solar shower bag for showering, as a changing room or a privacy
room for a toilet. It's made from heavy-duty material—polyester
taffeta—and has a flexible steel frame for premium durability.
It’s designed to withstand the elements and is engineered for
long-lasting repeat use. It also includes a carry bag. Weighing
just 3 pounds, it can be folded into a 20x20x2-inch size.
MSRP
$18.69
URL
GigaTent.com

Lehman’s Breathing Mobile Washer
If you have no other options, you can wash your clothes with soap
and water in a bucket. Lehman’s sells the Breathing Mobile Washer,
a low-cost device for hand-washing your clothes in a bucket. It’s
pretty basic: Plunge up and down to force soap and water through
clothes and linens. It's that simple! Faster, more economical and
much more efficient than traditional hand-washing, it just might
get your clothes cleaner than an electric- or gas-powered machine.
And, it reduces wear on clothes ... and saves water. (The tub is not
included.)
MSRP
$22.99
URL
Lehmans.com
Mekkapro Ultra Large

Mosquito Net
If you’re going to be in an area where you’re exposed to mosqui-
toes, you need to use a repellent and/or cover yourself with a net.
There are many such small nets available that fit over a hat and
protect the face. However, the Mekkapro Ultra Large Mosquito
Net is big enough to cover a hammock that’s designed for back-
yard or camping applications. This is a versatile net, with two
large openings and an assortment of hooks to customize to your
needs. It comes with its own carrying bag.
MSRP
$29.99
URL
Amazon.com
Local Raw Honey

Honey is much more than just a sweetener. For starters, because
it has a low water content, it can keep for centuries! Over time,
it crystallizes, but it’s still good and edible. In addition, if you
place raw honey directly onto wounds, it helps prevent infec-
tions. Raw honey can be sourced locally in most areas and, with
training and practice, you can even maintain your own hives and
use honey for barter, as well as a source of nutrition.
MSRP
Varies by source and size
URL
Search Google for local sources

1. FOOD PILLAR
AMERICAN SURVIVALGUIDE ASG recommends keeping at least a 30-day food supply on hand for each
person. Remember that, on average, men need about 2,500 calories a day,
PREPPER’S and women need around 2,000. Depending on your condition, level of stress
and physical exertion, you might need more.
1.1 FOODSTUFFS
◻
CHECKLIST ◻
◻
◻
◻
Cooking oils (coconut, vegetable, olive, etc.)
Cooking powders (flour, baking powder/soda, etc.)
Dairy products, dry
Eggs, dry
Freeze-dried entrees and meals
◻ Fruit (dried, canned, preserved)
◻ Grains and cereals
ur goal is to provide you with the information and knowledge you’ll ◻
O
MREs and other ready-to-eat packaged foods
need to survive any emergency situation. Because this can be a com- ◻ Pasta
plicated endeavor, we’ve developed this “prepper’s checklist” to help ◻ Protein, animal (fish, meat, poultry)
simplify and organize your efforts, inventory and to-do lists. ◻ Protein, plant (beans, lentils, nuts, powdered mixes)
Whether you’re concerned about a short-term rural survival scenar- ◻ Rice
io, civil unrest in an urban area or a massive natural or man-made disaster, we hope ◻ Salt, iodized
you find this comprehensive checklist invaluable for ensuring you have what you ◻ Seeds for both consumption and planting
need to survive virtually any adverse situation. It’s organized according to our “Six ◻ Soups and stews
Pillars of Survival”—food, water, shelter, security, communications and health—so you ◻ Sweeteners (agave, honey, sugar, etc.)
can instantly access and track your level of preparedness in each area. We encourage ◻ Vegetables (dried, canned, preserved)
you to add to it so it will meet your specific requirements. ◻
We suggest you either scan or remove these pages and make copies you can keep in
1.2 FOOD PROCUREMENT NEEDS
your storage areas as inventory sheets, file with your other important documents and
1.2.1 HUNTING AND TRAPPING
◻
as a shopping list for items you need to acquire or replace.
.22 air pellet gun, pellets and gas cartridges
◻ .22 rifle and ammo
◻ Compound bow/crossbow and arrows
◻ Maintenance materials for items in this group
◻ Rifle and ammo
◻ Shotgun and ammo
◻ Traps and snares
◻
1.2.2 FISHING
◻ Compact fishing kit
◻ Full-sized fishing rod and tackle
◻
2. WATER PILLAR
You should have enough potable water to support each person with 2 gallons
per day for at least 30 days for hydration, food preparation and hygiene. Store
water away from light, chemicals and pesticides, and don't stack plastic
containers on concrete surfaces. Always use opaque, FDA-approved,
food-grade containers to store your water. ASG recommends you cycle your
water supply every six months—unless you treat it with a water preservative.
NOTES 2.1. WATER STORAGE OPTIONS

◻ Individual bottles or cans
◻ Portable water containers (1-, 5- or 7-gallon sizes)
◻ Static water containers (30- and 50-gallon drums, larger tanks or blivets,
cistern)
◻ Water resupply plan
◻
2.2 PRESERVATION AND TREATMENT
◻ Chemical disinfectant supplies

◻ Heat source and fuel for boiling water ◻ Taser and replacement cartridges, batteries and other accessories
◻ Ultraviolet water sterilizer ◻
◻ Water filter/purifier (at least one filter/purifier per person)
◻ Water flavor enhancer to improve the taste of treated water 5. COMMUNICATIONS PILLAR
◻ ◻ Amateur/HAM radio, CB radio scanner and accessories
◻ Cell phone and accessories; share phone numbers with teammates
3. SHELTER PILLAR ◻ Chargers and batteries
In an emergency, you are usually better off hunkering down in your home. But a ◻ Faraday cage or other protective containers
time might come when you need to seek shelter elsewhere. In addition to ◻ FM/AM/SW/Weather radio and accessories
knowing where local emergency shelters are, you need to have a bug-out plan ◻ Personal locator beacon/EPIRB
for a safe location where you can take shelter. ◻ Satellite phone and accessories
◻ Solar charging panel and accessories
3.1 HUNKERING DOWN AT HOME
◻ Fire extinguishers ◻ Television and power source
◻ Generator, fuel and maintenance tools and materials ◻ Two-way radios and accessories
◻ Power inverter ◻
◻ Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and batteries
◻ Wood or manufactured fireplace logs and kindling 6. HEALTH PILLAR
◻ 90- to 180-day supply of all vital prescription medications
◻ ◻ Backboard or other litter
3.2 FABRICATED SHELTER ◻ Blankets/space blankets
◻ Sleeping bags and ground mats, appropriately sized and insulated ◻ Emergency dental kit, one per person
◻ Tarps, real 550 cord and bungee cords ◻ Epinephrine pen kit
◻ Tent replacement and repair parts ◻ Home first aid kit
◻ Tent(s) large enough for people, pets and weather-sensitive gear ◻ Hygiene and sanitation supplies
◻ ◻ Individual first aid kit, one per person
3.3 LOCAL EMERGENCY SHELTER ◻ Neck brace and splints
◻ Know the location of the closest emergency shelter ◻ Personal hygiene kit, one per person
◻ ◻ Slings and cravats
◻ Snake bite kit, one per person
3.4 CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
◻ ◻ Special medical equipment: defibrillator, CPAP, oxygen machine and any accessories
Base layer and street clothing suited to your environment at any time of
◻ Suture and trauma kits, one per person
the year
◻ Hunting/camouflage clothing and accessories
◻
◻ Insect- and snake-protective clothing
◻ Weather-resistant clothing, outerwear, headwear and footwear
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
◻ Assorted hand tools, according to your needs
◻ ◻ Bug-out bag/three-day pack, one per person
◻ Bushcraft knife (we suggest carrying more than one knife)
4. SECURITY PILLAR
◻ Candles
This pillar includes safety issues, along with self-defense, making it a very
◻ Dependable transportation, fuel, and repair and maintenance supplies
broad category. If you have additional security and safety preparations, you
◻ Flashlights and hands-free lights and batteries
should add them to this list.
◻ GPS, compass, maps, protractor, map case and marking pens
4.1 HOME SECURITY/EARLY-WARNING SYSTEM ◻ Optics for day, night and thermal, and batteries and accessories
◻ Home alarm ◻ Pace-counter beads
◻ Motion detectors ◻ Seeds and other gardening needs
◻ Remote camera systems ◻ Windproof/waterproof matches, fire starters and tinder
◻ ◻ Windproof lighter and fuel
4.2 LETHAL WEAPON SYSTEMS ◻
◻ Handgun and spare mags or speed loaders, ammo and accessories
◻ EMERGENCY PLANS
◻ Bug-out plan and leave-behind note
Rifle and spare mags, ammo and accessories
◻
◻ Group emergency preparedness plan
Shotgun and spare mags, ammo and accessories
◻
◻ Local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) point of contact
4.3 LESS-LETHAL WEAPON SYSTEMS ◻ Local FEMA/Homeland Security point of contact
◻ Less-lethal shotgun rounds ◻ Local hospital phone number
◻ Personal-defense spray/tear gas dispenser and replacement cartridges ◻ Phone number and address of local National Guard Armory
◻ Restraint systems ◻ Police and fire phone numbers
◻ Stun gun and batteries ◻

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99 SPR/SUM 2020 DISPLAY UNTIL 4/21/20

3.0 SECURITY 6.0 HEALTH

4 PREPPER FIELD MANUAL [SPRING 2020]

Some articles in this issue might

[ASGMAG.COM] PREPPER FIELD MANUAL 5

PREPARE NOW FOR Nadezda Sverdlova Art Director

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new to prepping or have decades of practice under your belt.

All the best!

6 PREPPER FIELD MANUAL [SPRING 2020]

T what you’ve got until it’s

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[ASGMAG.COM] PREPPER FIELD MANUAL 9

3.0 MAKE IT SAFE

10 PREPPER FIELD MANUAL [SPRING 2020]

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W the faucet whenever

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› Below: Aside from

‹ Near left: Following

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‹ Near left: The Grayl

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Family First Aid Kit

*ALL OUR KITS ARE

Doom and Bloom Medical and Alton First Aid are

on’t make it hard on

D yourself! The right gear can

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LifeStraw Flex With Gravity Bag

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HydraPak Stash 1L Water Bottle

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Survivor Filter Pump

Survivor Filter Active Filtration

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L unthinkable can happen in the

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2.0 PROTEIN WITH PERKS:

› Near right: Chick-

› Far right: Chickens

them via containers/

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"GOATS ARE VERY VERSATILE: THEY PROVIDE MEAT AND DAIRY

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Here are some useful tips and information

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‹ Far left: Plucking

‹ Near left: Chicken

than cow manure in

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3.0 PROTECT YOUR PROTEIN

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SEE OUR WEBSITE AT northcarolinacabins.com

aking on more of the everyday

T tasks for keeping your family

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Dalstrong Gladiator Series 6-Inch

Weston Butcher Saw With