Go-Bag! What's in Mine...
Not that I am any expert on Go-Bags, I just want you to have an idea on what I have in mine. Small and compact but everything I need in case of emergency! I prefer this small but compact type of Backpack. The REI Flash 22. Not flashy but functional!
Here is what I have inside:
My Cannon Camera (Charged and Ready), My Ham Radio (Charged and Ready), Flashlight (Extra Battery), 2 SnapLight Sticks, 2 Lighters, Fire Tinder, Knife Sharpener, Flint & Steel (Know How to Use Them), Whistle, Leatherman (Juice CS4), Head Lamp (It's Bright)
Top pocket of my backpack.
Inside my backpack I have:
Life Straw, Large Loksak with tubing plus Water Purifier Tablets (Katadyn), AM/FM Radio (Extra Batteries), Extra Socks, Jacket, Hat & Gloves, Sit Pad, Large Mylar Blanket, Sunscreen, Insect Repellent, Amp-3 PPK, Amp-3 EDC, Snacks, Stay Alert Gum, Hoo-Ahhs (For keeping clean), Emergency Food, and Hygiene Products.
Remember: More people will die from poor hygiene then anything else. Stay clean and hopefully, stay alive.
If your going out of the house this bag needs to go with you or what good is it doing at home! I have to remind myself of this one... Extra walking shoes in your car maybe in the wheel well if you have extra room.
“If you fail to plan,
you are planning
to fail!”
-Benjamin Franklin
Please let a comment and let me know what you think!
December Is Here!
This time of the year seems to go by so fast! With shopping, decorating, cooking, family, friends and parties!. Where does the time go? Well, here are a few tips to keep all of this is perspective.
Head out early in the morning to get your shopping done, easier parking, less crowds and the deals will still be there. This year, I shopped at the mall on Cyber Monday. The Mall was empty and I really enjoyed the process of picking out jus the right gift for my family and friends. This week should be about the same, it you can get to the stores early.
Shopping online has never been easier but be careful! Only use a Credit Card when shopping online as Debit Cards are not a secure. Order early so that you ensure you will receive your orders in a timely manner.
If you have packages to ship out of town, I usually shop for them first and get them in the mail weigh away. This morning, I actually shipped all of my out of town packages. Feels great to have them off my list... Remember the later you ship your packages, the more it costs to get them for Christmas.
Can't think of gifts this year, give the gift from my 100 Essentials List and start your family and friends on Preparedness. Just a thought!
The Christmas season is all about spending time with family and friends. This year, I will be baking some Christmas Cookies and I will share some of my favorites. Here are two from last Christmas! Yum...
Christmas is such a special time of the year if you can plan ahead, take each day as it comes and enjoy the process. We getting excited to have time to spend with our family, friends and we hope that you do too!
Getting You Better Prepared! 100 Essentials
We live in Oregon but no matter where you live, preparedness is for everyone! In Oregon, we need to prepare for the big one! Have you heard about the Cascadia Subduction Zone? Watch this!
Created by the Oregon State University IDEAS Visualization Team
Are you prepared with a Go-Bag? How about a Ham Radio? Do you know how you would get home if you had to walk? This is going to be a very bad day no matter how you prepare. Be smart NOW about how you prepare. FEMA tells you to be prepared for 3 days, how did that work out for the folks of Hurricane Harvey? Not well, they needed to prepare for 2 weeks instead. That is about what you will need here in Oregon for this very bad and disastrous day!
Two weeks of preparedness means, without help from the outside! You need to self sufficient for this time with your neighbors and surrounding community. Will you be able to live without running water, without being able to flush your toilet or electricity? It's more then just stuff that you will need to be prepared with.
Preparedness isn't easy, it takes time and you have to have a plan. Do you know how to shut off your Natural Gas? Do you have the tool need to shut it off? Do you know how to shut off your water?
Gas and Water Shutoff! Zip tie this to your Gas Meter! Be Ready....
Do you have satellite radio in your car? If you have a newer car, you probably do but you pay the $$ each month to use it. You will be able to get information about your area via Satellite radio in the event of a disaster. . Communication is key during any disaster.
Do you have a meeting place for your family. Have you practiced getting to this place. Remember, you may be walking to this meeting place be ready with a good pair of walking shoes.
When experts talk about a 9+ earthquake hitting off the coast of Oregon, this is not a small event. It will effect the entire West Coast.
Estimated Impacts:
The scenario Cascadia earthquake would be an unprecedented catastrophe for Oregon and for the United States. It would impact every aspect of life for all Oregonians and for the residents of northern California, Washington, and British Columbia. The effects of a Cascadia subduction earthquake will be greatest on the coast, which is right next to the subduction zone fault, and will diminish as one goes inland. This, in combination with Oregon’s mountainous geography, divides the state into four impact zones: within the tsunami zone, damage will be nearly complete. In the coastal zone, shaking will be severe, liquefaction and landsliding will be widespread and severe, and damage will be severe. In the valley zone, shaking will be strong, liquefaction and landsliding will be common but less severe, and moderate damage will be widespread. In the eastern zone, shaking will be mild, landslides and liquefaction sporadic, and damage generally light.
The impacts of a great subduction earthquake on Oregon are impossible to predict accurately, but several studies have estimated damage and casualties, and those estimates give a sense for how far- reaching a disaster the next great earthquake will be. Estimated consequences include:
Earthquake deaths ranging from 650 to 5,000, with another 600 to 5,000 deaths due to the tsunami.
24,000 buildings completely destroyed, and another 85,000 with extensive damage requiring months to years of repair.
Approximately $32 billion in economic losses.
27,600 displaced households.
These high levels of damage and loss reflect both the great size of the earthquake and the fact that many buildings, roads, bridges, and utility networks were designed before Oregon’s building codes and practices recognized any significant earthquake threats, and most were designed before codes began to take great subduction earthquakes into account. Lifeline systems, such as highways and pipelines, are particularly vulnerable to ground failure, which will be widespread in the next great earthquake. As a result, the vulnerability analyses done for this plan are grim. For example, if the earthquake were to happen tomorrow.
Estimated Time to restore services:
One to three years to restore drinking water and sewer service in the coastal zone.
One month to one year to restore water and sewer in the valley zone.
Six to twelve months to restore partial function of the top-priority highways in the valley zone.
Two to four months to restore police and fire stations in the valley zone.
Eighteen months to restore healthcare facilities in the valley zone, three years or more in the coastal zone.
I am not really sure how you totally prepare for this situation but you still have to be aware and prepare the best you can if you live anywhere in Oregon.
What are Schools, Universities and Churches doing to prepare for this scenario? Have they even begun to talk to teaches, students or congregations on what to do in the event of this disaster? I am not really sure!
Let me know your thoughts and what your doing? What is your plan?? We would really love to hear from you.... https://www.amp-3.net/resources/
100 Essentials #76 to #80
This week we start with #76 (Roll On Window Installation Kits) Save $$ with reducing escape of heat or cooling through your windows with this inexpensive window treatment. You can do this!
Item #77 (Graham Crackers, Saltines, Pretzels, Trail Mix, & Beef Jerky) These are great for the kids and I love them too. Stock up and place in heavy plastic containers to help prevent rodents from getting in.
Here is a tip on keeping Saltine Crackers fresh:
Stay Fresh
If pantry pests, such as weevils, aren't an issue, you can store crackers in their original sealed packaging. Store crackers in an airtight bag, or glass or plastic container after opening the package; glass containers work best for keeping pests out of your crackers. You can store sealed crackers for up to eight months in a dark, cool pantry, but they retain their maximum freshness for only about one month after opening.
Refresh Stored Crackers
Heat can refresh crackers that lose their crispness but have no other signs of spoilage, such as mold or an off odor. Spread the crackers out in a single layer on a cookie sheet and bake them in a 425-degree Fahrenheit oven for two to four minutes, or until they become crisp again. Store refreshed crackers in a sealed container.
Item #78 (Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts, Jam and Jelly) We love all of these! Grab a large whole wheat tortilla, spread on Peanut Butter, add Banana and yum!!! Nuts, well we love them to. Always have about 10 cans on had at all times. You can never have enough nuts! Healthy and filling for you and your family. Peanuts, Cashews, Almonds and more. Make sure you have enough to last when you need them.
Item #79 Lumber. You will need this to repair buildings or make items that your family will need. Best to stock up when on sale or if someone is moving and doesn't want to take it with them. All sizes and all types as you never really know what you might need or when you will be needing it.
Item #80 Wagons, Wheelbarrows & Carts (For Transportation and Work). These are necessary items and can be picked up anytime you see them. We look at Estate Sales, End of Season Sales, pretty much if we find them at a good price then we will pick them up. Extra parts for these items are also great to have extra of. You never know when something is going to break down.
Sorry about the delay in getting this post done. To many projects and not enough time. As always, let me know your thoughts and how your doing on getting your 100 Essentials list completed.
Here we go-100 Essentials #61 to #65!
First, are you following along??? Let me know if you are and how this is helping you be better Prepared! Leave me a comment...
Ok, well I am moving on the #61! Knives & Sharpening Tools (Files, Stones, Steel and Honing Oil) If you were to ask my brother Steve or David, my husband, you can never have enough knives. Here are just a few of my favorites!
BenchMade Knives! Why you might ask... Made in Oregon and simply one of the best knives made. I carry everyday the Griptillian®. When it comes to all around functionality, you can't beat it. There are more shapes, sizes and colors available in the Griptillian than any other product family from BenchMade. This is part of my Everyday Carry. This is with me 100% of the time...
Everyone has their favorite knife, this just happens to be mine. At the Sportsman Show here is Portland, OR a few years back, BenchMade was offering FREE engraving on any BenchMade Knife and I of course took advantage of that.
Needless to say, I was really glad to have this back... Thank you Matthew!
A sharp knife is safer than a dull one. It’s a lot less likely to slip off the potato you’re chopping and slice your finger instead. We will help you to get the Best Knife Sharpener for your home or professional use to make your knife sharp and well maintained.
There are three things you can use to make a knife “sharp”; sharpen using a Stone, Hone or Strop. Stone Sharpening is the process of actively removing material from the blade, creating a brand new razor-sharp beveled edge. Honing is realigning the edge of the blade; stropping is fine sharpening the blade with a leather material without removing any metal material thereby producing a very sharp edge. Stropping maximizes the amount of contact the edge has with the object being cut. The three are done for durability and precision, but to most knife users one substitutes all the rest summing it as Knife Sharpening systems. Here are a few of my favorites:
For electric knife sharpening, I use the Chef's Choice 1520 AngleSelect Diamond Hone Knife Sharpener.
Now remember, where you choose to purchase your Preparedness items is up to you, I only give you options. You can purchase this sharpener at any good Kitchen store as well. Now on to Stones, Steel and Honing Oil. Every good Kitchen Knife Set comes with a Knife Sharpening Steel, I use mine from that set but here is another one you might think about.
Stock up on Honing Oil and Stones as well. Here are a few to choose from!
I am sure that you can get some of these items at your local Sporting Goods Store as well! Sportsman Warehouse, Cabela's or Bass Pro as well.
Item #62 on our list is something that we need to stock up on. We have our Bikes but they need to be tuned up and we have to make sure that we have in stock any spare parts that we might need. Tires, Tire Pump, Tubes, Brakes, and extra Chains are just a few. David has enough tools to fill an entire garage so that won't be a problem. We so many Bike Stores, you can choose the one that is closest to you and stock up. We love REI and take our Bikes there for the annual service. The time is now Pruett's get on it....
#63 is one of David's favorite tools. In 1985 I purchased a Stihl 032 AV chainsaw for about $500 and that has been a work horse. In the shop a few times, the latest to Webb's Farm Supplies about 3 months ago as it had been to a couple of other repair shops and they could do anything due to the age of the saw. Webb's fixed it and it's running like new. Webb's has been in business for over 100 years in the same location!
Not sure when were going to have to replace this old saw, but you can bet, were heading to Webb's to purchase the next one too. Stock up on all of the supplies needed for your saws like extra chains (David has 6 for this saw) Oil, Gas and Spark Plugs. You can never have enough and you won't be going to the store right away if you plan ahead!
Item #64 Sleeping Bags, Cots, Pads, Pillows, and extra Blankets! Have you tried "My Pillow" as of yet! We did and now we have about 20 of them! In the Camp we have six, we just purchased two small travel pillows at Costco before we headed to Denver. Each bedroom has at least four and if I have a little extra $$ and I am out and see them, I will pick up a few more.
Sleeping bags, we have about eight sleeping bags, four cots and six sleeping pads. When were down at the ranch, my brother Steve prefers to sleep in the barn on a cot with his sleeping bag. I do send these to the cleaners about every 6 months so they stay clean. You have to plan ahead so your never caught of guard.
Do your research and get the best bags that you can as you never know when you might be sleeping in them.
#65 Carbon Monoxide Alarms and extra batteries. These are available at any local home store.
Carbon monoxide (CO) has been called the "silent" and "invisible killer" because it's a scentless, colorless, and tasteless toxic gas. It's the number one cause of deathdue to poisoning in America. Any time you burn something—like gasoline, natural gas, wood, oil, propane, or charcoal—carbon monoxide is released into the air. In outdoor spaces, this usually isn't a health hazard because there is enough area to dissipate and particles never amount to a toxic level. The danger comes when carbon monoxide is released in a contained area like your home, RV, or garage.
You won't know from taste, smell, or sight that carbon monoxide is poisoning you, but your body will. If you have carbon monoxide poisoning, you may feel dizzy, become nauseous or throw up, develop a headache, get confused, and/or pass out.
Carbon monoxide detectors are a lot like smoke detectors, but instead of looking for signs of fire, they detect levels of carbon monoxide. Depending on the brand, detectors operate in one of three ways: with a biomimetic sensor, metal oxide semiconductor, or electrochemical sensor.
Biometric sensors use gels that change color after absorbing a certain amount of carbon monoxide. Metal oxide semiconductors have silica chips that send electrical signals to trigger an alarm. Electrochemical sensors are considered to be the best in the industry. They use chemical solutions and electrodes that release currents to sound an alarm.
You'll want to install carbon monoxide detectors like smoke detectors—on every level of your home. For areas with more carbon monoxide producing appliances, like your kitchen, garage, and basement, you should install multiple detectors.
We have and prefer the battery operated ones over the hardwired ones. No home should be without these!
February 2017! Week Seven!
Well, this week is all about Propane, Guns, Ammo and much much more! Still haven't downloaded your "100 Essentials" list? Get it here: http://www.amp-3.net/resources/ Let's get started!
This week we will be covering a lot of items but this is in no way complete. You should look at my list and then add any additional items you might feel necessary.
Item #6 Propane: Energy for our Past, Present and Future. Why Propane you might ask? Well, it is a really clean fuel. Using propane reduces the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide and air pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide. Plus, it is American made which mean Jobs! As of 2012, more then 145,000 jobs have been produced just from Propane. Propane is also abundant and affordable. Remember: propane comes in a variety of sized containers. Small containers are great for cook stoves, lanterns, Buddy Heaters and much more.
On to item #7 (Guns, Ammo, Pepper Spray, Bear Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bat and Slingshots) Wow! This is a very long list so it's going to take sometime to inform you on all of these so I am enlisting some help!
Really excited to let all of you know that this week I have invited a guest writer to help me out with my blog. He is an expert in the field of firearms, so I asked him to help me with item #7 on our list which is a really complex issue. You may have different opions but here is his:
One of the more common discussions for the or self reliant community is the loaded (no pun intended) question of "if you could only have one gun during a SHTF or WROL which would it be". Well you might as well be talking about religion or politics. It means that much to people. It is the age old question Ford or Chevy and more important 9mm or .45 cal. All too often the discussion comes down to the hardware and I would suggest that it is more important to be concerned with the software, that is for another article.
No matter what gear you have and (this is true with anything not just guns) if you are not capable of using it to its full potential you are wasting the potential of the item. Let's establish a couple truths for this concept.
The gun should have the ability to be used on a number of fronts, personal protection as well as harvesting food. Since the scenario is WROL we are not concerned with a gun that needs to be concealed. Also a handgun is by most, considered a defensive weapon not an offensive weapon. The old saying is you fight with a handgun to get to your shoulder weapon. Let's go a little further say that you are on the move and not defending a static location. Weight and durability needs to come into consideration as does weapon maintenance (parts, lubrication, reliability).
Lets look at what we want the weapon to do. First and foremost it must be capable of protecting your life. In order to do that it must be reliable every time you press the trigger. The number one reason for a gun malfunction is the shooters error in loading the weapon. That is a software issue (training). The second most common reliability issue is a bad magazine. Springs weaken and cause malfunctions. For this article we are talking gear so let's eliminate that the best we can. This gun has a feeding tube not a traditional exterior magazine. Next, the weapon must have the ability to deliver enough kinetic energy to stop the threat that you are protecting yourself from.
The other aspect you want in a survival weapon is the ability to harvest food. Squirrel, bird, opossum and even larger mammals such as deer, moose or bear.
Most of you gun enthusiast probably know the gun that is being described. Yes the great Remington 870 Shotgun. The "manual" pump of the gun makes it very reliable. It is easy for a novice to use and train with. One can use #8 birdshot and fulfill the bill for small game and birds. Load up with the rifled one ounce slug and the gun will take any animal in North America on four or two legs. With minimal training this gun with open sights will give you the accuracy to accomplish all of your survival needs.
The pump shotgun is not as sexy as the M-4, AR-15 and .338 sniper rifle. However, it is very versatile and in the right hands you can accomplish most survival tasks with the gun. The ammo can be reloaded easily and if you are not a reloader, shotgun ammo is comparatively inexpensive to other rifle ammo. Having 100, one ounce rifled slugs on hand and 250 rds of birdshot will give you a start in learning the capabilities of this gun that has been around for decades.
Always remember " Be careful of the man that owns one gun as he probably knows how to use it. -Anonymous
Let me just take a moment and talk about Bear Spray. A very good friend of ours recommended this to keep in our car. Why you might ask? Great question! Bear Spray can be stored in your car door and used against an intruder. Bear spray is NOT just for Bears!
- Maximum stopping power - maximum strength allowed by the EPA/Health Canada - guaranteed via in-house lab
- Greater protection - allows for greatest distance between you & bear with industry max 35-foot range
- Proven - field tested and proven effective with a 3-year shelf life from date of manufacture
- Immediate accessibility via hip holster and glow-in-the-dark safety
- Maximum coverage thanks to heavy fog delivery
The other mentioned items for #7 are items that are very easy to acquire. Well, that's it for this week, we hope that you will continue to follow along each and every week. Invite your friends to join along!!!