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MM.

Week 47 of 52: Emergency Medical Supply (List 4)

Tess Pennington
Ready Nutrition
June 2012

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WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING…A COLLAPSE!

BY JOE ALTON, M.D. AKA DR. BONES AND AMY ALTON, A.R.N.P., AKA NURSE AMY

As a retired physician and nurse team whose entire focus is figuring out strategies for survival situations, We are often asked what medical issues are the most likely to be encountered in times of trouble. The answer depends somewhat on what event you expect to throw society into disarray. Knowing what situations to prepare for and making provision for it will make you a more effective medical resource and might save lives.

Are you expecting:

Economic Collapse? If some event causes us to collapse financially, it stands to reason that food from farm areas will cease to be delivered to supermarkets (who’s paying the truckers?). As such, you’ll be dealing with malnutrition among your people. Besides food storage, you should be stockpiling multivitamins (either commercial or natural) to prevent deficiencies that cause disease, such as Scurvy (lack of vitamin C), Beri-Beri (lack of vitamin B1) or Rickets (lack of Vitamin D in children).

Civil Unrest? Many collapse events will be fraught with episodes of civil unrest, so you should be well acquainted with how to deal with traumatic injuries such as fractures and hemorrhagic wounds. Supplies here will be lots and lots of gauze bandages (keep old sheets, they can be used to improvise), antiseptic solutions such as betadine, and some method of closing wounds (butterfly closures, Steri-strips, surgical or super glue, staples, and/or sutures) when appropriate.

You can expect that many wounds will be contaminated with dirt and debris, and therefore bacteria or other microorganisms. It is essential to know when to close a wound and when to leave it open; this is much more important to understand than how to throw a stitch or place a staple. The young Georgia woman in the news who had a laceration from a zipline injury had her wound closed with 22 staples. Doctors unwittingly sequestered bacteria deep in the injury that caused a serious infection called “necrotizing fasciitis”, costing her a leg and threatening her life.

Pandemics? If your area is invaded by a superflu, you will need plenty of extra masks (both N95 and standard) and gloves (nitrile is less allergenic than latex). You will have to know how to plan out a sick room protocol that will isolate the ill members of your group and you might consider antivirals like Tamiflu. Tamiflu is helpful in decreasing sick time if taken early, and may actually has a preventive effect. Be sure to ask your doctor for a prescription for each member of your family each flu season.

Radiation events? Meltdowns, dirty bombs, nuclear apocalypse, EMPs, Coronal Mass Ejections, whew! If this is something you’re concerned about, learn how to make a shelter in your home that will block radiation effects. Learn about “halving-thicknesses”, the thickness of a material that will decrease your exposure by half. These multiply as you add additional thicknesses of a substance (1/2 x ½ x ½ x ½ = 1/16 total exposure, for example). Here are the halving-thicknesses of various materials:

Lead: 0.4 inches or 1 centimeter
Steel: 1.0 inch or 2.5 centimeters
Concrete: 2.4 inches or 6 centimeters
Soil (packed): 3.6 inches or 9 centimeters
Water: 7.2 inches or 18 centimeters
Wood: 11.0 inches or 30 centimeters

Also, consider the accumulation of Potassium Iodide (KIO4) tablets. These will help prevent certain thyroid cancers which can be a long-term complication of radiation exposure.

You may ask, “How can I know what medical issues I’ll have to deal with if the you-know-what hasn’t hit the fan yet?”. Well, many physicians have found themselves in this circumstance and learned the hard way. Responders to the Haitian Earthquake, Peace Corps caregivers and Doctors Without Borders are just some of the medical personnel that have compiled this information for us. In no particular order, here is a top ten list from one physician that spent 15 months as the sole medical resource in a remote and austere location:

Minor Musculoskeletal injuries (sprains and strains)
Minor trauma (cuts, scrapes)
Minor infections (cellulitis, “pinkeye”, urinary infections)
Allergic reactions (some severe)
Respiratory infections (pneumonia, bronchitis, influenza, common colds)
Diarrheal disease (minor and major)
Dental issues (toothache, loose crowns and lost fillings)
Major traumatic injury (fractures, occasional knife and/or gunshot wounds)
Burn injuries (all degrees)
Pregnancy (!) and Birth Control

You may have thought of the top nine, but have you given some thought to number 10, pregnancy and birth control? Pregnancy is a natural process and usually ends with a healthy mother and baby, but not so long ago the announcement that someone was pregnant was met with concern as well as joy. Complications such as miscarriage, bleeding, and infection are easily dealt with in most cases today, but were a common cause of maternal deaths in the past. If modern medical care is unavailable, you may find yourself thrown back to that era. Consider birth control strategies such as the Rhythm Method and learn the basics of how to deliver a baby.

You’ll benefit from storing as many medical supplies as you can. How much is too much? You can NEVER have too many medical items in your preps; any “extras” you are willing to let go of will be extraordinarily valuable barter items in a collapse situation.

Accumulate stockpiles of antibiotics as well; these will deal with many of the listed issues above if they are used judiciously. My research shows that some aquarium antibiotics may be identical in dosage, action, appearance and even numbering as those stocked in human pharmacies, and may be purchased in quantity without a medical license from a number of online sources.

All of the above topics are discussed in detail for free on our website at www.doomandbloom.net and more so in our recent #1 Amazon Bestseller (Survival Skills Category) “The Doom and Bloom™ Survival Medicine Handbook”. It’s not your everyday first aid book, as its main assumption is that there are no longer hospitals, clinics or doctors, and that YOU are the end of the line when it comes to the medical well-being of your loved ones in times of trouble. You can find it at www.doomandbloom.net, www.createspace.com/3697264, and Amazon.

Please, as you learn how to treat medical problems in hard times, you are learning a skill, not a trade. The practice of medicine or dentistry without a license is illegal and punishable by law. If modern medical care IS available, seek it out.

Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy

Copyright Doom and Bloom, LLC 2012

Special thanks to Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy for contributing their time and effort on this portion of the 52-Weeks to Preparedness.
Preps to Buy:

An assortment of the following:

Multi-vitamins
Gauze bandages
Antiseptic solutions such as betadine
Butterfly closures, Steri-strips, surgical or super glue, staples, and/or sutures
Extra masks (both N95 and standard)
Gloves for treating medical wounds
Antiviral medicines such as Tamiflu
Potassium iodide (KIO4) tablets
Benadryl or allergy medicines
Contraception
Anti-nausea medicine
Electrolyte drinks or homemade electrolyte powders
Braces for sprains
Moleskins for foot relief
Stethoscope
Gloves
Duct tape
Potassium iodide capsules
Snake bite kit
Anti-diarrhea medication (for adults and children)
Antibiotics
Stool softeners
Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
CPR mask
Colloidal silver

Action Items:

Make a list of the medical emergencies you could foresee occurring during an emergency and research (in depth) the preventative measures, treatment and care.
Take an advanced first aid or medical course. Many of the preparedness/survival expos going on offer these sorts of classes. Also doing a simple Google search of “survival courses” will provide you with a long list of region specific courses being offered.
Do inventory and keep an organized list of medical items you have on hand.
Continue to invest in medical emergency manuals and books in order to familiarize yourself with up-to-date medical information.
Be proactive and create first response packs for wounds in order to expedite the emergency care process.
If childbirth during a sudden emergency is a possibility, research and learn the correct procedure in how to assist in the birth as well as ways to keep the baby and mom healthy.

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Author: Tess Pennington
Web Site: http://www.ReadyNutrition.com/
Date: June 22nd, 2012

Week 48 of 52: Essential Tools (List 4)

Tess Pennington
Ready Nutrition
July 2012

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Throughout the course of this preparedness series I have suggested different lists of tools in which you should consider investing. We have touched on the basic tools you should have to be ready for emergencies, discussed top survival tools, and emphasized the importance of tools to build, repair and maintain our homes and gardens in the face of damage or breakdown. Some of you may ask why such rudimentary tools are placed at such high importance during emergencies? Well my friends, quite simply you cannot place a timeline on how long emergencies last and these tools will be a lifeline for you in a reality where electricity and fuel may not be as available as it is today. Tools will help you build, re-build and fortify your homes or property.

It is important to have a diversified collection of tools, because, after all, you never know when you will need one and how long you will dependent on them. For example, my husband purchased a socket set one day at the hardware store. In all honesty, I thought it to be a useless set that he would not get a lot of use out of. To my disbelief I realized how wrong I was and how many uses there are for the socket set. If you are changing wheels or fastening washers and nuts, then you will be using a socket wrench. I stood corrected.

We can never have enough tools in our possession. During the reconstruction phase from the earthquake in Haiti, relief workers who responded to the disaster were asked to bring their own tools in order to rebuild parts of Haiti. The article was eye opening in that those simple tools that are in every one of our tool kits were used to build emergency shelters, sanitation facilities, temporary medical centers and even churches.

The bottom line is that its better to have and not need, then to need and not have! Investing in quality tools could assist in rebuilding your homes and lives more quickly and efficiently. Take the following items into consideration, but do not limit yourselves to what is on the list. Remember that these lists should serve as suggestions and it is up to you to create a personalized preparedness supply that you and your family can rely on.
Preps to Buy:

Welding torch and fuel
Clamps
Sledge hammer
Crowbar
Files
Bolt cutters
Sledge Hammer
Crowbar
Machete
Ratchet set
Chainsaw (gas or electric)
Circle drawing compass
Tin snips
Chisels (Cold chisel and wood chisel)
Wire stripper
Side cutter pliers
Wood plane
Stapler with assorted size staples
Stud finder
Fish netting
Duct tape
String/Twine
Rebar Tie Wire
Measuring tape or ruler
An assortment of nails, bolts, nuts, washers and screws

Action Items:

Rather than purchasing two of the same tools, consider investing in spare parts for the tools such as extra blades, sharpening tools and lubricants such as WD-40 or Vaseline.
Ensure the tools you purchase are of good quality.
Be mindful of your dependence on the grid and find ways to offset it.
Purchase resources that may help you learn skills like building structures, masonry, installing wells or creating shelters that may be needed in a long-term disaster. (For example, an outdoor solar shower would do wonders for morale during a long-term emergency.)

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Author: Tess Pennington
Web Site: http://www.ReadyNutrition.com/
Date: July 30th, 2012

Some minor computer issues, now I am back. A couple more posts and all the information will be here for your inspection.

MM.

Week 49 of 52: Nuclear and EMP Preparedness

Tess Pennington
Ready Nutrition
August 2012

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Some believe that the subject of nuclear and EMP preparedness is all hype. However, those who have observed history know this threat is real and should be addressed. Since the dawn of nuclear weapons, we have always been wary of a trigger happy world leader hastily pushing a nuke detonator. However, according to history the two worst nuclear events that occurred were accidental. Chernobyl, being the first event, had a fire and explosion that released large quantities of radioactive contamination into the atmosphere, and spread over much of the Western USSR and Europe. The second largest nuclear event is the infamous Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster that occurred in 2011.

And what about EMP’s occurring? If you look back into history around 1859, you will read about a solar flare that was so intense that the explosion itself was visible to the human eye. Even more disconcerting, telegraph systems worldwide went haywire. Spark discharges shocked operators and set the telegraph paper on fire. Even when telegraphers disconnected the batteries powering the lines, aurora-induced electric currents in the wires still allowed messages to be transmitted. This ferocious geomagnetic storm was dubbed the Carrington Event. So you make the decision, are these types of disasters all hype or merely sensationalism?

Nuclear Disasters

Each day we are exposed to nuclear radiation, some naturally and some through un-natural means. Those of us who live close to nuclear power plants are exposed more than others. Those that live near nuclear power plants should be especially concerned with nuclear disaster preparedness; especially individuals who live in areas where natural disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes) could damage the nuclear facilities.

If radiation leaks occur, they will affect us one way or another. If you think that the Fukushima emergency is over and done with, think again. We are still dealing with the aftereffects of this one. For instance, the Fukushima nuclear disaster has already affected our food supplies, water sources, and even our health have become affected from the radiation dispersed into the water and atmosphere. Radiation tests conducted since the nuclear disaster in Japan have detected radioactive iodine and cesium in milk, beef and vegetables produced in California (Source). This video is a great source that explains how radiation gets into our food supply.

Although the idea of preparing for an EMP or nuclear disaster is not something we want to think about, there are multiple ways to prepare, prevent and protect ourselves from the effects of radiation.

One of the easiest ways to minimize the effects of radiation is knowing where our food comes from and limiting our exposure to radioactive foods and water sources. Keep in mind that foods, especially seafood from the West coast will be the most affected by radiation.
An electroscope that gauges how much radiation you are receiving daily can be a useful tool. A Kearny Fallout Meter can give daily readings of radiation levels in your area.
Thoroughly wash your produce. Despite arguments to the contrary, you can wash radioactive particles off of produce.
Adopting an anti-radiation diet can provide natural alternatives to assist the body in ridding itself of radioactive toxins. Foods such as kelp, rosemary, spirulina, miso soup and niacin all assist the body in fighting radiation damage. Other foods that may help in combating radiation sickness are foods that naturally detoxify the body. Foods that are high in potassium such as apples, oranges, pineapples and pomegranates are foods that are also good cancer fighters. Foods that are high in antioxidants will also assist your body in ridding itself of radioactive particles. Foods such as green and black teas (make sure that your tea is not from Japan), garlic, cumin, nettles, dandelions, ginseng, lentils, collards and mustard greens are also suggested.
Any food or water stored in sealed containers that have any fallout dust is safe to consume as long as the fallout dust is brushed or rinsed off the outside of the container. Take caution not to allow the fallout dust to get inside the container.
If you are concerned about your water sources, use filtered water in everything, including brushing your teeth and sponge bathing. Purchase a reverse osmosis water filter with extra filtration cartridges. Remember, it is important to replace your filters after multiple uses.
Drinking apple cider vinegar can also assist in flushing toxins and radiation from the body. Baking soda and water is another option as it also flushes radiation and cleans the stomach lining. You can also put baking soda in dish soap, body soap, laundry detergent as the radiation will bind to the baking soda which neutralizes it.
Did you know that the Spiderwort plant is Nature’s gieger counter? This plant naturally has very dark purple flowers and when they are exposed to radiation or near an area where radiation is high, the flowers turn pink. Planting these in your yard will be a great way to know if you are taking in excess radiation.
Knowing in advance how much radiation you are exposed to radiation through natural and un-natural means can help you calculate your annual radiation dose. To find this out, click on the Annual Radiation Calculator.

For a more in-depth look at what you should do if you are exposed to radiation, the symptoms of radiation sickness and how to prepare for this type of emergency, click here.

Electro-Magnetic Pulse

EMP’s are another force to reckon with. An Electro-Magnetic Pulse can be the result of natural events (solar flares) or a man-made attack (a nuclear bomb detonated) and would cripple our way of life. Either type of EMP event would take out the electrical transformers, as well as any unprotected devices (anything electrical – cell phones, computers, cars, electrical appliances, etc.). In other words, we would be thrown back to the pre-electricity days of the 1800′s, without the benefit of homes that were built to run without electricity.

If an enemy of the United States plans to attack the U.S. by means of an EMP, all he needs to irreparably cripple us is a small-scale, five to ten kiloton weapon detonated 200 miles above Nebraska, or a few weapons detonated 50 miles or so above the eastern, western and central United States. The lasting effects would be nothing short of disastrous – literally the end of the world as we know it.

This means that we would not only be without electrical power until transformers could be replaced, but that once they were up and running (a prospect that could take years), all unprotected and unhardened electrical devices would be left useless and would eventually need to be replaced due to the circuits and boards being fried beyond repair. A way to combat this issue would be to purchase or construct an enclosure made of conductive material that blocks both static and non-static electrical fields. This is also called a Faraday cage. For tips on how to construct a Faraday cage and what items to put into one, click here.

All aspects of our way of life would be effected. The greater overall affect of this is that:

1.) Food processing and transit would completely cease.

2.) A vast majority of people would no longer be able to heat or cool their homes.

3.) We would not be able to access money in banks.

4.) All manufacturing would completely cease.

5.) You would not have access to vital medication or medical assistance.

6.) Your personal security could be threatened.

Over the course of this series, I have often emphasized the importance of being ahead of the pack in terms of preparedness. The faster you can react to the disaster in front of you, the more quickly you can be prepared. Once an EMP outage occurs, your paper money will be worthless within a matter of days. Don’t hesitate to spend it. Last minute purchases could include:

Ammunition and weapons
Climate appropriate clothing
Practical shoes/boots
Long-term storage food
Seeds and gardening tools
Bottled water and gravity fed water filtration systems
Fuel such as propane and kerosene
Medications, both prescription and over the counter
Solar devices
Candles, solar yard lights and other alternative light sources
Gold or silver
Batteries in multiple sizes

I have also stressed that it’s not about the preps that you acquire, but your skill level and knowledge with in working with what you have. Taking this a step further, in an EMP survival situation, you would be taking those skills and applying them to an off-grid environment. For example, if you have non-working electrical appliances from the EMP detonation, you will be canning and preserving your food off the grid. Have you practiced that technique? Click here for some pointers.

In conclusion, the threat of nuclear disasters and EMPs are real and we must prepare ahead of time in order to survive the aftermath.Having all of your items prepared and in place before the disaster will keep your family or group safe and ready to bunker in more quickly.

Recommended Research:

For instructions on how to prepare for an imminent nuclear attack and how long to bug in place, click here.

For more information on nuclear disasters, click here.

To learn more about what radiation does to the body, click here.

One Second After by William Forstchen

Jericho TV Series (Available on iTunes, Netflix and Amazon Instant Viewing)

Patriots by James Wesley Rawles
Preps to Buy:

You will of course need:

Long-term supply of food and water
Medical supplies
Sanitation supplies
Emergency lighting sources
Heat sources
Emergency communications (at least a hand-crank or short-wave radio)

Refer to the 52-Weeks to Preparedness List for emergency list suggestions.

In Quantity:

Apple cider vinegar
Baking soda
Epsom salt
Ingestible bentonite clay
Duct tape
Activated carbon
Soap, sponges and/or bristled brush (vegetable scrubbing brush)

For each group or family member:

Geiger counter
Kearny fallout meter
Potassium Iodate (KI03) tablets for all family or group members
Nuke suit
N95 particulate respirator masks
Hooded rain ponchos for all family or group members
Home air filter
Gas masks with extra filters
Filtered ventilation system, powered with manually-powered back up
A nuclear shelter that has an entrance designed to reduce fallout exposure.

Action Items:

Do an inventory on your food, water and preparedness supply to see where you are in terms of short and long-term preparedness. At this point, you should have a multi-level stock of preparedness foods to last long-term (up to 12 months).
Consider purchasing more freeze dried goods (They last for 25 years, so it’s a great investment in your long-term preparedness).
Find out if you are near a nuclear power plant and use the annual radiation calculator to see what your levels are.
Start practicing those survival and homesteading skills!

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Author: Tess Pennington
Web Site: http://www.ReadyNutrition.com/
Date: August 10th, 2012

Week 50 of 52: Bartering and the Community

Tess Pennington
Ready Nutrition
August 2012

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One of my favorite chapters in Patriots was when the main characters were invited to a community market where they bartered with other like-minded individuals for supplies. Personally speaking, that chapter expressed hope – hope that our civilization would not crumble, hope that a community would flourish, that business exchanges would still carry on and ultimately, it was the beginning of a community coming together. If a long-term emergency causes an end to our existing monetary system and an end to the exchange based on fiat currency that our world currently operates in, people will resort back to bartering for skills and services in order to make transactions.

Living in a bartering environment means one must possess certain goods or skills that others find value in. As Brandon Smith writes on the subject:

“If you wish to survive after the destruction of the mainstream system that has babied us for so long,” he says, “you must be able to either make a necessary product, repair a necessary product, or teach a necessary skill. A limited few have the capital required to stockpile enough barter goods or gold and silver to live indefinitely. The American Tradesman must return in full force, not only for the sake of self-preservation, but also for the sake of our heritage at large.”

Check out Brandon’s excellent article on the barter system here. So what items or services would be ideal or deemed valuable for bartering in a long-term emergency? Ideally, for bartering in a short-term emergency, you want to consider the basic survival items that may seem to quickly disappear or items many did not plan for. A list of the top 100 items to disappear first can be viewed here.

Goods

Barter items can be purchased at the dollar store, the flea market or at liquidation houses. Many who are investing in bartering items purchase the smaller quantities of certain items. For example, if someone wanted to stock up on soda for a bartering situation, they would stock up on the cans and not the liter versions of the product. This helps you sell more products. Yard sales are also great places to purchase “trash to treasure” finds. Items that you can acquire and store inexpensively may one day be more valuable than gold. For an in-depth list of items to invest in for a bartering system, click here.

Don’t forget about the items that you can produce yourself. This goes hand-in-hand with the barter of skills. Stock up on the supplies you need to create the following items for a long-term flow of “income”.

Fresh produce
Ammunition (see *caution below)
Home canned items
Preserved meats (jerky, ham, etc.)
Warm knitted or crocheted items (mittens, hats, scarves)
Yarn spun from animal fibers
Homemade candy
Homemade soap
Homemade candles
Wooden or clay bowls and plates
Herbal remedies

*Caution: Exercise great discretion when bartering with weapons and ammunition. It is entirely possible that those items could be used against you to take your supplies. These are items to be bartered only with someone you trust implicitly or as an absolute last resort.

Skills

If the grid goes down or the economy collapses in a long-term way, gone are the days of making your living doing IT work or ringing through purchases at the grocery store. You will need to become not only self-sufficient, but a provider of goods or services. Consider what abilities and knowledge you possess that can be shared with others. And further consider acquiring new skills that could be used as a bartering exchange during a long-term emergency. To see a detailed list of suggested skills for a bartering situation, click here.

Precious Metals

Precious metals are the only form of currency that has stood the test of time. Keep in mind, that if you plan to use precious metals to barter with, it may be difficult to make small trades with. To circumvent this issue, invest in a supply of pre-1965 US silver coins:

These will be useful as cash, due to their known bullion content, and low, easy-to-use value, when the paper money crashes in purchasing power. A dime is now worth about $3 and may be worth $30 or more after the crash.
Silver is less likely to be confiscated by the government (not worth the political and physical effort). FDR did it for gold in 1933.

While you may be able to easily utilize gold and silver as a mechanism of exchange at the onset of a crisis to buy much needed supplies during a currency meltdown and use it to exchange for land or equipment during a recovery period, you may be faced with a period of time when no one will be interested in your PM’s. Selco of SHTF School points out that gold is not the silver bullet that provides complete insulation from TEOTWAWKI. When all hell breaks loose, as it did in the Balkans in the 1990′s, and a war is being fought right outside of your front window, gold and silver may not get you very far, as people are more concerned with the immediate need of getting out of harm’s way than they are with anything else. To learn more about money and wealth preservation during times of uncertainty, click here.

If you plan on purchasing larger quantities or diverse investments of precious metals, there are many different ways to acquire gold and silver. Here are a few of the safest:

• Purchase the pieces from mints or exchanges
• Purchase old pieces of jewelry or coins from yard sales, estate sales, thrift stores and Craigslist
• Purchase from reputable sellers on EBay

Mints and exchanges offer a sure thing. These businesses are built on trust and integrity. If you are investing a large sum of money into precious metals, gather details about the types of coins you are buying, especially if you’re buying gold. Acquire a coin caliper and/or testing kit to ensure you’re getting what is being advertised. To learn more on how to properly test and inspect precious metals before accepting them, click here.

To conclude, if studying preparedness has taught me one thing, it’s that we can’t go it alone. Psychologically speaking, we are social creatures and naturally prone to gravitate toward others. Bartering will not only serve as a way of trading goods and services, but will also serve as a way to bring the community together, to grow closer and start putting the pieces our community back together.
Preps to Buy:

This list is provides some suggestions. For a more in depth list, click on the links provided in the article.

Matches and lighters
Seeds
Canning jars, lids and rings
First aid items
Tools
Water Filtration Supplies
Sewing supplies
Vitamins
Salt
Feminine Hygiene Supplies
Vitamins
Fishing Supplies
Fuel (e.g., gasoline, propane, kerosene, etc.)
Sweeteners such as honey, sugar and syrup
Coffee/Tea
Carbonated beverages
Liquor
Cigarettes/tobacco
Small packages of food (e.g., bags of beans/rice, etc)
Livestock
Cooking oil
Firewood
Farm supplies (e.g., pesticides, fertilizer, etc.)
Weapons, Ammo*
Batteries
Warm clothing
Hats/Gloves/Mitten (think about these the next time you are at the dollar store)
Soap/shampoo
Hand sanitizer
Dental care items (e.g., toothbrushes/toothpaste/floss)

Action Items:

Research which items will be most valuable in an emergency.
Make a point to research, take a class or practice one set of skills per month.
Stock up on necessary items for bartering.

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Author: Tess Pennington
Web Site: http://www.ReadyNutrition.com/
Date: August 24th, 2012

Well folks, here it is the last post for this topic. Please post your comments, visit the original authors website, and if you like what you are reading buy the original author's (Tess Pennington) book.

I hope you have found this information helpful, organised and inspiring.

Cheers,

Mountainman.

Week 51 of 52: Home Defense

Tess Pennington
Ready Nutrition
September 2012

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“If you can’t protect it, you don’t own it;” this popular prepping phrase describes the mentality the unprepared have about you and your preps. I’m not saying it’s fair that people could steal from you, but it’s a reality, and a concern you should not take lightly. The fact is that crime seems to escalate in the aftermath of a disaster; something we have seen with many disasters, and as recently as Hurricane Isaac.

Over the last year, we have discussed how important it is for security measures to be in place especially during and following a wide-spread disaster. In an earlier newsletter written on the subject of external security measures, I wrote, “a ‘bug in’ scenario may be our only choice after a disaster strikes and we must prepare not only for our basic needs, but also for our safety. Since the grid may be down following a disaster, each household should prepare for crime.”

I realize there are some who believe a gun does not belong in the home; and in all honesty, that is your God given choice; be that as it may, if we are talking about protecting ourselves in a short-or long-term disaster, then we have to assume that local emergency responders will not be as readily available and crime could be a threat to our livelihood and well-being. If that is the case, then a firearm should be as much a part of your preparedness plan as having the coveted beans and Band-Aids. I don’t know about you, but if someone kicked in my door, I know they aren’t looking for a cup of sugar. Their motivation is purely to take something that you have or cause harm to you or a family member, and you must assume the worst. Trying to communicate with him or her will not do the trick if they are inside your home. On the other hand, a rifle pointed directly at the intruder’s chest, however, would make a very clear statement, wouldn’t it?

I would like to emphasize that a gun should never be in the home of someone who does not know how to properly handle or understand gun safety protocols; this is an accident waiting to happen. That said, if you plan on owning and keeping a gun in the home, it is my recommendation that every family member, including children learn the gun safety and handling rules. Further, every time you pick up a firearm, you must assume that it is loaded. Checking the magazine and gun chamber to make sure a bullet is not lodged is going another step further in ensuring safety measures.

Lisa Bedford, the Survival Mom, also believes in teaching her children about the importance of gun safety. In her article, “Two Things My Kids Know about Gun Control,” she doesn’t want guns to be a mysterious forbidden fruit. “After all, what is more alluring to a child?… So, our kids have been taught how to shoot. Both have shot a thousand rounds or more from their .22 rifles.” Lisa also recommends visiting the NRA website to use their Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program which is available to individuals, schools, and groups and priced affordably.

Lisa also has a great article geared toward women on the 23 Truths of Firearms you should consider reading.

Best Firearm for Children or First Time Users

So what’s the best all-around gun for the entire family? In my humble opinion, the .22 rifle or .22 pistols are the best choices for first time gun owners or for teaching children how to shoot. A great selling point of this caliber is it has little to no recoil, and can be used in a multitude of situations including home protection and used in hunting small game (and even large game from a certain distance).

An added benefit is the ammunition is reasonably priced, which means that a .22 can be an excellent practice rifle to learn basic rifle shooting skills at a fraction of the cost of other rifles.

Best Firearm for Home Protection

My #1 choice for overall home protection is the shotgun. Either a 12-gauge or the slightly smaller 20-gauge are excellent choices. In the article, “An Introduction to SHTF Home Defense, Guns and Safety“, at www.SHTF Plan.com, the author agrees with these sentiments and goes on to suggest that the best all around shot gun to purchase is a 12-gauge.

“During my concealed weapons permit course, the instructor said something to the effect of “for a home defense shotgun, you can pick any gauge you want…as long as it is 12-gauge.”

First, 12-gauge shotguns offer a generous spread (i.e., you don’t have to be that accurate) and/or stopping power, depending on the type of ammunition of course. Second, 12-gauge shells are BY FAR the most common and the easiest to find (compared to .410, 20-gauge, etc.) and often the least expensive. Wal-Mart (where I buy much of my ammo) usually carries everything in 12-gauge from very light loads for hunting birds and clay shooting to 00 buckshot and slugs.”

As far as what bullets to use, the author explains that 2 ¾ shells are the most common, and most shotguns can use them.

For a SHTF scenario, as opposed to home defense, 00 (‘double ought’) buckshot, which is essentially 7-9 pellets (for a 2 ¾ shell) similar in size to a 9 mm bullet, is probably the way to go, as it offers some spread and SERIOUS stopping power, and decent range (maybe 50 yards or so). If you want more penetration (but no spread), you may want to consider a rifled slug.

…BUT for home defense, 00 buck and slugs MAY not be the best choice. One of the concerns with firing at an intruder in your house is what happens to the bullet/pellet if you miss the bad guy, or it goes through the bad guy? Some ballistics tests have indicated that various types of buckshot can easily pass through several layers of sheetrock because of the relatively high momentum of the projectiles.

Therefore, some experts recommend a lighter load if the shotgun is intended only as a “under the bed” weapon. One commonly recommended load is No. 4 birdshot, which has a higher number of smaller pellets compared to 00 buck. While still offering ‘decent’ stopping power, it will spread a bit more than buckshot and really cut down the possibility of injuring a family member in another room or a neighbor.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you can load your shotgun with alternating rounds (e.g., #4 bird, slug, 00 buck, #4 bird, etc.) just be sure to have the series memorized.

Two of the most popular, reliable and cost effective shotguns available are the classic Remington 870 and the Mossberg 500. Both are pump shotguns that have been tried and tested in real life situations with excellent results.

Best Pistol for Home Defense

Pistols are another popular choice for home defense weapons. Some of the most popular pistols to purchase are .9 mm, .40 cal., and .45 cal., which means that the ammunition is also widely available. In a situation where ammunition becomes scarce, having one of these three calibers, especially 9mm and .40 caliber, may allow you to use it as a medium of exchange to trade for other goods. Likewise, it will be much easier to find than other ‘specialty’ ammunition.

Before you purchase a weapon for home defense, you want to take into consideration:

The price of the firearm, magazine and ammunition
How much recoil it will have
Whether or not there is a safety mechanism on the firearm
What type of firearm offers up the highest capacity for magazines
And of course, which firearm offers the most stopping power

9 mm firearms recoils the least, so it’s generally the easiest of the three to stay on target after pulling the trigger, and usually offers higher capacity magazines compared to the other two. 9 mm is usually the least expensive of the three. A con to this type of firearm is it does have the least stopping power.

.40 caliber firearms offers (in a defensive round) more stopping power than 9 mm, but usually ‘snaps’ (or recoils) more than BOTH 9 mm AND .45. Many law enforcement personnel have switched from 9mm semi-automatic handguns to the .40 caliber in recent years because of the increased stopping power.

.45 caliber firearms offers the most stopping power but you’ll generally have to sacrifice a few rounds of magazine capacity and a bit a penetration (which might be a good thing depending on the situation). Comparably speaking, between the three calibers discussed, there usually isn’t that much of a price difference between the three calibers discussed, although the .45 is the most expensive.

Handguns come in numerous price points ranging from $300 to $1000, so there is certainly a good, reliable weapon out there for anyone who needs to acquire one. The Beretta 92FS 9mm is a favorite in our family and has been used by officers in the United States military since the early 1980′s. Glocks in 9mm or .40 caliber are proven in the field as well. The 1911 model .45 caliber is an excellent choice for those looking for more serious stopping power and has been standard issue (M-45) for the Force Recon element of the United States Marine Corp. since 1985.

Assault Rifles / Long Range Weapons

When discussing home defense preparedness we can’t ignore the possibility of a total breakdown of law enforcement capability in our immediate local region. In an event such as this we may be faced with multiple attackers attempting to overtake our homes and land. While a shotgun or handgun are both excellent close proximity defense weapons, they will not fare well at longer distances. If you have a property with acreage that needs to be defended you’ll want to seriously consider acquiring an assault rifle.

It would be quite difficult to neutralize a target at 100 – 200 yards with a handgun or shotgun, but for an assault rifle it becomes much more feasible.

Like handguns, there are numerous choices available. Here are a couple of excellent options we have found for our own personal defense.

One of the more popular “zombie weapons” out there is the AR-15, made by multiple manufacturers and based on the military version of the M-16. This rifle is chambered in 5.56mm x 45mm round, which is essentially a .223 caliber (there are some special circumstances here, so do your research on ammunition for this rifle if you choose to go with this model). The recoil on an AR-15 is negligible compared to other assault rifles of higher caliber, so it’s easier to control. It is highly customizable allowing operators to add force multipliers that include after-market equipment like scopes, magnification, night vision, flash lights, suppression, etc. Because of its popularity, the AR-15 is fairly inexpensive with base models starting in the $800 range. It’s also widespread in the United States, so parts are readily available. So, too, is the ammunition (for now).

Most families will want to have the same weapons platform – a his and hers model, so that you can share ammunition, after- market equipment and parts. If one gun breaks, you can always use it for parts for your other weapon. Buying two AR-15′s would run at least $1600 for basic models, so cost may be an issue for some.

One alternative option for an excellent “SHTF weapon” is the SKS. Somewhat similar to an AK-47, the SKS is chambered in a standard round of 7.62mm x 39mm. It is not as easily customizable as the AR-15, but as a perimeter defense assault rifle can be just as effective in the right hands. At a starting price point of around $350 it is an excellent choice for those on a budget. There are numerous manufacturers of this weapon, all foreign and originating from Russia, China and Yugoslavia. Certain models of this rifle have been banned in some states (making it all the more desirable!), but they are readily available for purchase online or at local gun shows.

For some, home defense also means being able to protect your property at long range. While assault rifles are effective for a couple of hundred yards, a long-range hunting weapon may be a better option for anything exceeding 200 yards.

Like AR’s and handguns, you have lots of options. And like AR’s and handguns, consider looking into a weapon that utilizes popular ammunition. The .308 is one such caliber and is effective up to roughly 800 yards (though most of us would have a hard time hitting a target at that range). In addition to being able to provide long-range, highly accurate firepower and support, a 308 is an excellent hunting rifle. If society has broken down, there’s a strong likelihood that food will become scarce, so you’ll want to have a weapon with which you can hunt effectively.

Depending on your personal preference, you can consider looking at a traditional bolt-action single shot 308, or going with an assault rifle model like the Armalite AR-10 (used for guard duty by some military personnel because they can stop oncoming vehicles) or the FN AR semi-automatic 308. A bolt action model can be had for $300 – $600 for basic models, and in excess of $1000 for the semi-automatic rifles mentioned.

Magazines

In addition to the magazines that come standard with your firearm – usually two – you’ll want to consider having some in reserve. You can never have too many reserve mags, but stockpiling these can become expensive, so consider having at least three primary magazines and one in reserve.

You can purchase “factory” mags that are manufactured by the same company that made your firearm, or you can purchase after-market magazines manufactured by a number of different companies. The factory magazines are almost always more expensive, and for good reason. They will almost always perform better than those manufactured by original equipment manufacturers. If you have to purchase non-factory magazines, I strongly recommend that you read multiple reviews from others who have tried them. You are depending on your magazine to work to specifications 100% time. Failure can mean death, so it’s in your interest to spend the extra money on the best magazines you can buy if at all possible.

Different states have different laws regarding “high capacity” magazines. In some states like California, magazines cannot hold more than ten (10) rounds, while states like Texas have no restrictions. In recent years federal legislation for high capacity magazine restrictions has been introduced, which means at some time in the future owning a 17 round magazine may be illegal in any part of the country. This, of course, poses a problem in a situation where the rule of law breaks down and you are forced to defend yourself against multiple targets.

One solution for those living in states where high capacity magazines are illegal is to only keep parts on hand. Though I am not advocating that you break or circumvent laws in your state, having parts or a parts kit, as opposed to assembled magazines, may be one way to still be prepared for a scenario where you could be threatened by multiple attackers and a higher volume of firepower is required. If you are ever presented with the worst case, you could re-assemble those parts.

Certain states, like California, also have laws that require “fixed magazines” in rifles that cannot be removed with a simple push of the magazine release. They require a special, external tool (like a screw driver) to remove the magazine. This, of course, poses a serious problem when dealing with an external threat. Though you’d never want to circumvent these laws, in a situation where lawlessness reigns, having parts on hand to make necessary modifications may be beneficial.

Note: Research pertinent laws in your state, as firearm restrictions do vary. The better you understand the laws, the better equipped you will be to make quick decisions when under great stress.

Ammunition

Over penetration in a home defense situation, IS a concern, especially with Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammunition. A ‘nightstand’ pistol, in any of the above calibers, with a defensive round, such as some sort of hollow point, is STRONGLY recommended, as it increases stopping power significantly and reduces the odds of injuring an innocent party.

Purchase a ‘defense’ type (e.g., hollow point) bullet (as opposed to ‘ball’ or full metal jacket) in any of these three rounds provides plenty of stopping power (Click here for a brief description of ammunition types).

How much is enough? In all honesty, you can never have too much ammunition. In a long-term emergency, you will want to have ammunition not only for protecting your home, but for hunting purposes as well. Before we get to a specific number, you need to take into account that you will also need a few thousand rounds in reserve for target practice. At one target practice, one person can easily blow through a few hundred rounds. Having a minimum of 500-1,000 rounds for each of your guns is a good starting point. If you can, purchasing ammunition in bulk will be more economical, but purchasing a box of ammunition every chance you get is alright too. Just stick to what is within your budget!

For something like a .22 which can be used for hunting, personal protection and target practice, you can stock even more especially since it is so cheap. Additionally, take into consideration that purchasing bulk ammunition for popular calibers will be a HUGE bartering item.

Practice

You can either panic when confronted with a life threatening situation, or you can be like the security guard in the following video and act without hesitation to thwart an assault by multiple armed assailants:

View the video here

Put simply, having dependable accuracy when shooting is a skill that takes practice and will depreciate over time if the skill goes unused. Therefore, visit the target range regularly and take an assortment of firearm training classes to maintain or improve your skill level. Courses such as a hand gun class to teach you the right stance, grip, and how to position your body to absorb the gun firing would be a great starting point for beginners. Here is a map to find shooting ranges both indoor and outdoor in your area. One more point I would like to make regarding practicing, is if you or your home comes under attack for any given reason, you will be under a great amount of stress and will need to feel comfortable with the firearm in your hand. When you practice regularly, you become familiar with the gun and subsequently develop muscle memory. If the time comes when you need to use a firearm for defensive purposes, you will be confident in your abilities and your firearm.

One other recommendation for those serious about improving their skills is to attend simulations. Paintball and Airsoft battles add some realism to your training, as you will be firing at live targets (and trying to evade getting shot as well!). It will give you the ability to hone your skills in environments that will be similar to the real thing. Simulated battles like this will also allow you and your team to learn to work together in high stress, high pace environments. What’s more, you can purchase your own equipment and work together in learning how to defend your own property by setting up simulated scenarios.

Body Armor

Here is the reality of it: If you are shooting down range or shooting to protect your home there is a very strong possibility that someone will be shooting back at you. This is especially true should the world as we know it fall apart and you are forced to fend for yourself and defend your family, your home and your supplies.

People are going to die when the bullets start flying. As such, one of the absolute best investments you can make to reduce your chance of serious injury or death is body armor. This includes a helmet, a vest to protect your chest, neck protector, groin protector, and even side guards to protect your ribs and vital organs.

As is the case with firearms, there are numerous options for body armor. My advice is that you save your money and go with the absolute best protection you can afford.

Here is a brief breakdown of the different levels of body armor:

Type I (.22 LR; .380 ACP)
This armor protects against .22 long rifle lead round nose (LR LRN) bullets. Type I body armor is light. This is the minimum level of protection. (Note: In my opinion this is not going to cut it)

Type II-A (9mm; .40 S&W)
This armor protects against 9mm full metal jacketed round nose (FMJ RN) bullets and .40 S&W caliber full metal jacketed (FMJ) bullets. Type II-A body armor is well suited for full-time use by police departments, particularly those seeking protection for their officers from lower velocity 9mm and 40 S&W ammunition. (Note: It’ll stop a lower caliber handgun, but that’s it)

Type II (9mm; .357 Magnum)
This is the next step up from Type II-A and is worn full time by police officers seeking protection against higher velocity .357 Magnum and 9mm ammunition. (Note: It’s good for lower velocity handguns, but that’s about it)

Type III-A (High Velocity 9mm; .44 Magnum)
This armor protects against 9mm full metal jacketed round nose (FJM RN) bullets and .44 Magnum jacketed hollow point (JHP) bullets. It also provides protection against most handgun threats, as well as the Type I, II-A, and II threats. Type III-A body armor provides the highest level of protection currently available from concealable body armor and is generally suitable for routine wear in many situations. (Note: For the prepper planning on worst case scenarios my opinion is that this is the absolute minimum in body armor protection)

Type III (Rifles)
This armor protects against 7.62mm full metal jacketed (FMJ) bullets (U.S. military designation M80), with nominal masses of 9.6 g (148 gr), impacting at a minimum velocity of 838 m/s (2750 ft/s) or less. It also provides protection against Type I through III-A threats. Type III body armor is clearly intended only for tactical situations when the threat warrants such protection, such as barricade confrontations involving sporting rifles. (Note: If you are in a situation where you are firing an assault rifle at the enemy, they are probably doing the same. You’ll want at least this level of protection for those situations.)

Type IV (Armor Piercing Rifle)
This armor protects against .30 caliber armor piercing (AP) bullets (U.S. military designation M2 AP). It also provides at least single-hit protection against the Type I through III threats. Type IV body armor provides the highest level of protection currently available. Because this armor is intended to resist “armor piercing” bullets, it often uses ceramic materials. Such materials are brittle in nature and may provide only single-shot protection, since the ceramic tends to break up when struck. As with Type III armor, Type IV armor is clearly intended only for tactical situations when the threat warrants such protection. (Note: If you are digging in this is the body armor you would want. It is expensive. It is also going to be heavier than other types of protection. Combined with other gear you may be carrying when mobile, the added weight with this body armor may require serious physical conditioning. But, it will stop high power armor piercing rounds – something other protection levels simply can’t do.)

The full article with videos is available for your review here.

Conclusion

The fact that we have the luxury of discussing this issue means that the proverbial you-know-what has not hit fan. In reality, if we were in the midst of a true shtf scenario, you wouldn’t care what firearm you had – just as long as you had something to keep the bad guys at bay. We are lucky that we still have time to research, practice and fine tune this pertinent skill, so use this time wisely.

I leave you with this advice; do not be solely dependent on a firearm for protection. As much as I value my firearm, I know that it can be taken out of my hands and used against me. Learning of other forms of personal protection such as hand-to-hand combat, krav maga, martial arts and other forms to self-defense for last resort measures will only make you more capable of protecting yourself, your loved ones and your preps.

Related Information:

National Rifle Association

Gun Laws State by State

Portions of this article have been inspired by An Introduction to SHTF Home Defense, Guns and Safety written by Rick Blaine
Preps to Buy:

Purchasing guns and ammunition are some of the most expensive items you will be adding to your preparedness supplies, so it’s understandable if you can’t purchase all of these items in one week. Prioritize what’s important and keep your needs in mind when buying items for self-defense. You may need to stretch out these purchases over a longer amount of time. Be sure to do your research on state regulations and considerations for which type of firearm to purchase.

Firearm for home defense
Ammunition (500-1,000 rounds per firearm)
Extra magazines
Spare parts or kits
Gun cleaning kits
Ammunition storage case (waterproof)
Protective gear (i.e., helmet, a vest to protect your chest, neck protector, groin protector, and even side guards)
Gun enhancement equipment (i.e., scopes, magnification, night vision, flash lights, suppression)

Action Items:

Check the pertinent laws in your state, as firearm restrictions do vary.
You may want to consider going to a gun range that rents firearms to test which equipment is best for you and your needs.
Take a hand gun course to familiarize with proper stances, grips to gain better accuracy.
Consider taking a hand-to-hand self-defense class.
Minimize the threat of a home break in or home invasion by adding layers of security to prevent your home from being a possible hit.
Designate a safe room in the home and talk with all family members on proper protocols.

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Author: Tess Pennington
Web Site: http://www.ReadyNutrition.com/
Date: September 14th, 2012

Week 52 of 52: Long-Term Security and Defense

Tess Pennington
Ready Nutrition
October 2012

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Max Velocity of www.MaxVelocityTactical.com has been kind enough to dedicate his time and professional insights to our preparedness community. He has an extensive military background, having served in both the British and the U.S. armies and also as a high threat security contractor. He has served on six military operational deployments, including to Afghanistan immediately post-9/11, and additionally he spent five years serving as a security contractor in both Iraq and Afghanistan. During his career in the British Army he served with British SOF (The Parachute Regiment), to include a role training and selecting recruits for the Regiment. More recently, he has served in a Combat Medic and Civil Affairs role in the US Army Reserves. He is the author of two books: Contact! A Tactical Manual for Post Collapse Survival and Rapid Fire! Tactics for High Threat, Protection and Combat Operations. With his vast military background and real world experience, Max provides the kind of information that every prepper needs to learn, understand and integrate into their long-term security and home defense plans.

Long Term Security and Defense of your Retreat Location by Max Velocity

In this article for the final week of ‘52 Weeks for Preparedness’ I will discuss long term security and defense of your retreat location. We cannot predict now exactly what conditions will look like after a collapse and as such I urge you not to make too many assumptions based on your particular idea of what such a post-SHTF situation will look like. The purpose will be to give you the general principles and techniques of defending a location, which you can tailor and apply as necessary and appropriate. It is best to adopt a mindset of flexibility and gather mental and physical knowledge and ‘tools’ in order to be able to develop your response and put some of these measures in place as you find them necessary and appropriate. For the article I will assume a broad post-SHTF situation of societal collapse with a general absence of law and order.

What is the threat? As a prepper hunkered down at your home, with food stores, the most likely threat will be from looters and marauders. These could take many forms from a simple beggar, through starving neighbors, mobs, tricks and deceptions, to a tactically organized group with weapons and equipment. The worst case is some sort of organized paramilitary style force with heavy equipment bent on forced redistribution. Therefore, remain flexible and have an emergency rally point and extraction route should you be overmatched. Know when you have no alternative but to bug out. You can make this decision if you have the information before the threat arrives and conduct the bug out in good order. Alternatively, you may be forced to make the decision as the attack progresses and have to ‘break contact’ and withdraw under enemy fire; this is one of the most difficult tactical maneuvers. Work on your leadership, decision making and decision points so that your response under the pressure of both time and enemy is optimal. Tied in with this is the need for clear rules of engagement and for the use of force appropriate to the threat.

This short article is mainly concerned with defense of a single location and as such will not go into techniques such as mobile and area defense, which could be useful for a larger community. Remember, the best form of defense is to avoid the fight. But that may not be possible and you have to always plan and prepare for that fight. You can better avoid the fight by adopting a lower profile at your location, attempting to conceal your supplies and capabilities. The opposite of this is to have a high profile and try to use threat of force as a deterrent. But remember that a good rifleman could sit out at long range and simply shoot your defenders in their sentry positions. In my opinion, the best approach for a small survivor group is to adopt a lower profile while maintaining the capability to defeat threats as they are encountered. The following are some principles of defense that you should consider and apply to your location and plan:

All Round Defense, in order to anticipate a threat from any direction.
Depth, in order to prevent penetration of your defended position.
Mutually Supporting Sectors of Fire, in order to increase the strength and flexibility of a defense.
Concealment and Deception, in order to deny the adversary the advantages of understanding.
Maintenance of a Reserve.
Offensive Action (where appropriate), in order to seize or regain the initiative.
Administration, to include:
Appropriate numbers of trained personnel.
Appropriate weapons, ammunition and equipment.
A watch system for early warning.

Most modern family homes do not lend themselves to defense. The structure is vulnerable to high velocity rounds which will pass through multiple frame, wood and plasterboard walls, and also simple mechanical breaches are possible with tools and even vehicles used as rams. They are also very vulnerable to fire. If you try and defend your house from the windows, then you will not be protected by the walls framing those windows and the room can be filled full of high velocity rounds by an attacking group. There is a real danger of being suppressed by superior firepower. If you stay back from the windows as you should, then you limit your fields of fire and unless there are enough of you defending then the enemy will be able to take advantage of blind spots to close with and then breach the house. You need a basement or other ballistic protected safe room for your noncombatant personnel (kids etc.) to shelter in; otherwise they will not be protected from the violence and from the high velocity rounds ripping through the walls.

One of the key things for a prepper defense of a location is to have an appropriate number of trained personnel with appropriate firearms, ammunition and equipment. You will also have to take measures to harden the building to slow down attempts to breach. You need to consider whether or not you want your property to look derelict; this could be good or bad in the circumstances. It would be worthwhile to consider boarding up or shuttering at least the ground floor windows and think about putting up door bars or even board up some of the doors. This will also help with light discipline. External boards can make the place look derelict, but looking derelict could also encourage approach by potential squatters. You could put up the boards internally, or something similar, in order to maintain a low profile and slow any breaches. There a lots of pros and cons each way. When boarding up doors, ensure that you have at least two independent exits that can be used both for routine tasks but also for egress if you have to escape. Boarding up your windows and doors does not make them ballistically hardened. You could have sandbags ready to go, and you will need to consider a big pile of dirt to fill them from. Consider the benefits of simple mass of soil in protecting you from high velocity rounds, and for the construction of fighting positions. Sandbags need to be at least two deep to protect against high velocity rounds. If you try stacking enough of these on a modern upper floor, or even a ground level floor with a basement beneath, then the weight of a constructed fighting position may cause a collapse. You could stack sandbags externally around designated window fighting positions on the ground floor, but you will need a lot of them. Other alternatives would include filling a chest of drawers with soil to create firing positions, or maybe even material such as steel plate that will weigh less but will provide ballistic protection.

From the principles of defense it is clear that we need to establish a plan which provides early warning, all round defense and mutually supporting sectors of fire. We also need to create depth, which is best utilized outside the building rather than with fall back positions inside the house. We can create depth using external fighting positions to keep attackers away from the house, which will also aid mutual support. A key thing that will really help defense of a house is to have a second or more positions outside of the main building that can provide fire support, thus these positions support each other by keeping enemy away from the house and each other. This position(s) could also be another house or cooperating neighbor if it works out that way. This creates a ‘cross-fire’ so you must enforce fire discipline and allocate sectors of fire to ensure you do not cause ‘friendly fire’.

A very important concept is that of ‘stand-off’. This can be created with a combination of fighting positions in depth and cleared fields of fire with obstacles. If you have an obstacle, such as wire, it must be covered by fire to be effective. Utilize stand-off distances to keep enemy away from the property, combined with obstacles to slow vehicle and dismounted approach. Examples like wire are good for dismounted personnel and also vehicles if it is correctly laid concertina wire. Obstacles such as steel cabling, concrete bollards or planter boxes and felled trees will work well against vehicles. This will also have the effect of reducing the risk of attackers getting close to set the place on fire, which they are likely to try if they can’t get in to get your stuff. If we expand this concept we can see how a mutually supporting neighborhood with checkpoints/roadblocks and observation/fighting positions will provide a great advantage. Stand-off is also important in terms of engaging the enemy with accurate effective fire at the longest range that is physically and legally possible. If you are competent and have the equipment for long range effective suppressive fire, this can have the effect of keeping the enemy at arm’s length and reducing the accuracy and hence effectiveness of their fire, which will prevent them successfully suppressing you and subsequently maneuvering onto your position to breach or burn the property. In addition, consider the presence, placement and potential hard protection of any flammable sources on your property and close to your buildings, such as propane tanks and fuel supplies. Ensure they cannot be repeatedly fired upon by the enemy to cause a fire or explosion. The ability to generate accurate effective long range defensive fire depends on skill, equipment, positioning of fighting positions, your policy for the use of force and also the way the terrain affects weapons killing areas and ranges. To engage at long range you have to reasonably fear that the enemy presents a threat of lethal force against your defended location. However, if you are in a closer urban or wooded environment you may find some of your fields of fire are limited and you will have to plan and position accordingly.

Administration is a key factor. While you are maintaining your defense you need to look after the welfare of the team, equipment and the site itself. Administration is what preppers usually concentrate on. This is your “beans, bullets and band-aids”. This is an area where those that are non-combatants can really pull their weight and make a difference. You must maintain a watch system which will be tied in to ‘stand to’ positions and maybe some form of ‘Quick Reaction Force’ or reserve, depending on the resources and numbers available to you. Your watch system can be augmented by other early warning sensors such as dogs and mechanical or electronic systems. Day to day you will need to keep the machine running and this will be the biggest challenge as time goes on. Complacency Kills! Depending on the extent of your preparations, stores and the resources within your property, this will have a knock-on effect to your ability to remain covert and the requirement to send out foraging patrols. People will also start to get cabin fever, particularly kids, and you will need to consider how to entertain them. Consider that while mundane tasks are being completed, there is always someone on watch. People that are not on watch need to have weapons and ammunition carrying equipment close or on their person while doing other things. Consider carrying long rifles slung as well as handguns everywhere you go on the property, with at least a light bit of web gear with some additional magazines in pouches. Rifles should never be out of your arms reach if there is any kind of threat of attack. You should put rifle racks or hooks/nails on walls in key rooms, out of reach of kids, so that rifles can be grabbed quickly if the alarm is sounded.

Regarding your noncombatants or protected personnel; what you do with them depends on who they are. The younger kids will need to be protected in the safest location you have. Others will be useful to do tasks such as re-load magazines, distribute water and act as firefighting crews. Note that you need to have fire-extinguishers and buckets of water and /or sand available at hand during a defense to put out any fires. The more tasks you give people during a crisis, the more the activity will take their minds off the stress of the situation and the team will be strengthened. Ammunition replenishment, water distribution, casualty collection point, first aid, watching the rear and looking after the younger kids are all examples of tasks that can be allocated to make people a useful part of the team when personnel resources are tight.

Firearms and equipment has been covered under the home defense article. For this kind of defensive situation you will be well served by the ability to detect, observe and accurately engage enemy at the longest range possible by day and night. This is easily said, but would take throwing money at it to get all the equipment you need to best do it. In terms of firearms, I would recommend tactical type high capacity magazine rifles for the main work, backed up by handguns and pump action 12 gauge shotguns. The shotguns are good for close work and if the enemy gets in to the building, last ditch stuff. Long range hunting type rifles are good for observation (scope) and longer distance engagement. You would be best served with good optics for your weapons and also observation devices such as binoculars. Think about night vision and even thermal imaging if you can afford it. You will also have to consider that even if you can afford a night vision device, it will only work for whoever has it so how will the rest engage? What type and configuration of these night vision devices, on weapons as sights or not? Without night sights you can fire at muzzle flash or use whatever illumination is available, white light or whatever. A good option is to have parachute illumination flares. Loose barking dogs on your property are perhaps the best low budget early warning system; however consider that they may give away your position if you are trying to be totally covert. Decide on your priorities and strategy and tie that in with what money you have to spend on equipment. You can get expensive systems such as ground sensors, lights and alarms, but these cost money and you have to consider their use in a long-term grid down situation. I would prefer to spend money on optics and night observation devices which will last without grid power (but will require batteries) and can also be taken with you if you have to move locations. Here are some basic suggestions for equipment to augment such a defense:

Appropriate tactical firearms & ammunition
Web gear and magazines
Ear and eye protection
Body armor and helmets, NIJ level IIIa or Level IV
Barbed wire, coiled (concertina) and for low wire entanglements
Sandbags or other ballistic protection options
Night vision devices
Binoculars plus optical rifle sights
Black out curtain and pre-cut plywood for windows
Parachute illumination flares
Trip-flares
Trauma medical kit incl. CAT tourniquets
Range cards
Two way radios and/or field telephones
Multiple fire-extinguishers and/or buckets of water

If you have put a group together for such a defense, they need to be trained on not only tactical shooting and basic small unit tactics and movement, but also briefed and rehearsed on the defensive plan including fighting positions and sectors of fire. Consider that depending on your circumstances and the terrain, you may be benefited by running periodic clearance patrols around the property to mitigate against surprise attack, and to do this your team need to be able to patrol and move tactically, as well as respond to any enemy contact. You will preferably have a medic with a trauma bag. You do not want to ever run out of ammunition, so make sure you have as much as you can reasonably purchase. Like tactics, ammunition quantities are a subjective argument with many solutions. I recommend a personal load of six to eight thirty round magazines on the person, with at least as many full magazines for resupply. And once you have used that, you need another resupply! In a real life contact you will likely use less ammunition than you may during training and you must concentrate on effective accurate fire rather than simple quantity. Train your team to engage positively identified enemy, or suppress known enemy positions. A rapid rate of fire is 30 rounds per minute; a deliberate rate is 10 rounds per minute.

Practice and rehearse the command and fire control procedures at your location, including the communication of enemy locations and actions. Use range cards to tie in sectors for mutual support and to prevent ‘friendly fire’. Run ‘stand to’ drills like a fire drill by day and by night and be able to call out which direction the enemy threat comes from. Be aware of diversions and demonstrations intended to distract you from the main direction of attack. Always cover all sectors, even with just one observer looking to the flanks and rear in a manpower crisis. Keep unnecessary noise and shouting down, allowing orders and target indications to be passed around the position. Every team member is a sensor and a ‘link man’ to pass on information.

Having said all that, you are not going to open fire on just anyone coming to your location. Any actions that you take should be justifiable as self-defense. Do be mindful of tricks and the potential for snipers. However, don’t give up on morality and charity and don’t illegally open fire on anyone that comes near your defended location. You need to agree on rules of engagement for your sentries and you should apply escalation of force protocols to meet a threat with the proportionate and appropriate force necessary to stop that threat. Have the ability to warn anyone approaching, whether you have permanent warning signs or something like a bullhorn that you use as part of your escalation procedures through warning to non-lethal then lethal force as you begin to identify them as posing a threat. Remember that escalation of force is a continuum and you can bypass the early stages and go directly to lethal force if taken by surprise and faced with a lethal threat that must be stopped.

Max Velocity

http://www.maxvelocitytactical.com

Biography:

Max Velocity is an author and trainer providing tactical instruction and advice for those preparing for disaster survival and high threat, protection and combat operations. He is the author of two books on security issues:
Contact! A Tactical Manual for Post Collapse Survival
Rapid Fire! Tactics for High Threat, Protection and Combat Operations
Preps to Buy:

• Appropriate tactical firearms & ammunition
• Web gear and magazines
• Ear and eye protection
• Body armor and helmets, NIJ level IIIa or Level IV
• Barbed wire, coiled (concertina) and for low wire entanglements
• Sandbags or other ballistic protection options
• Night vision devices
• Binoculars plus optical rifle sights
• Black out curtain and pre-cut plywood for windows
• Parachute illumination flares
• Trip-flares
• Trauma medical kit incl. CAT tourniquets
• Range cards
• Two way radios and/or field telephones
Action Items:

Create a defensive plan including fighting positions and sectors of fire and ensure that all group members know the plan and rehearse the plan regularly.
Agree on rules of engagement.
Train each group member on tactical shooting and basic small unit tactics and movement.
Practice and rehearse the command and fire control procedures at your location, including the communication of enemy locations and actions.

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Author: Tess Pennington
Web Site: http://www.ReadyNutrition.com/
Date: October 5th, 2012

53 of 52 Weeks: The Preparedness Lifestyle

Tess Pennington
Ready Nutrition
October 2012

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For the past 52-weeks, we have invested in, researched for and practiced ways to get our families prepared for the unexpected. This investment of time, energy and supplies is not yet complete. You are at pivotal point in your preparedness journey; either you feel comfortable with the preps and skills you have attained and feel they can carry you through an extended emergency, or you have begun to see that it is necessary to take your preparedness journey to the next level. Some of us find that we are never finished preparing, researching or learning new skills to help carry us through a given emergency. This need to learn and develop more is what I want to discuss with you today because it won’t require you to go and invest your money into preps. This next step is about a change you will make to your existing mindset. Because now we are at a point where we shift from preparing for a preparedness lifestyle into living a preparedness lifestyle.

As James T. Stevens says in his preparedness guide, Making the Best of Basics: Family Preparedness Handbook, a paradigm shift occurs once the mindset changes from being prepared to living a preparedness lifestyle, “suddenly it’s neither so daunting or burdensome – it becomes your routine – the way you live on a daily basis!”

That being said, once I adopted this new lifestyle, I realized that my current living situation did not support what I wanted or needed to achieve. I didn’t want to just talk the talk, but wanted to walk the walk. Changes were made, and some of those were met with resistance from friends and family members (something I am sure that many of you have first-hand experience dealing with.). Once I adopted this mindset, my attitude shifted from living in fear to living with courage to face what may come. I had found my balance.

My need to take preparedness to the next level has changed my entire outlook on life. It simplified my life in a way that I no longer am concerned with what the latest fad is or what Snooki is doing on television. In fact, for the better part of 3 years I severed my ties to television and didn’t watch it. Each of us will make our own choices as to what is best for our families, but my choice to concentrate on my preparedness path and work on going forward with it has been a wonderful blessing. I’m much more immersed in caring for my chickens, finding ways to get my garden to grow, appreciating my surroundings and making sure that my family is cared for.

There are challenges to shifting to a preparedness lifestyle and I have documented those issues on my website and in this newsletter. But I continue to stay positive and view mistakes that I make as learning experiences. Sometimes things work out, and sometimes they don’t, but at least I am working towards my goal of being 100% self-reliant. I am thankful that I still have the time to make these mistakes and learn from them.

Throughout your preparedness journey, no doubt many of you have become frustrated because you can’t seem to wrap your head around a certain skill, or you can’t seem to prepare enough because of the rising food prices, or you are growing more and more concerned that a large scale disaster is around the corner and you won’t be ready in time. Don’t get discouraged! We have a wonderful community that is there to encourage us through these bumps in the road; and I am here for you as well. In the coming months, I will be posting videos and articles that will enhance your skill sets and encourage you further. The bottom line is this: we can only prepare so far, then we have to trust our skill sets and leave the rest to God.

I want to leave you with a quote. “Remember, that even though we are preparing for rainy days, it’s important to enjoy the sunshine we have.” Waiting for the bomb to drop is no way to live. In my experience, I have learned the importance of living in the now. We must make time, no matter how small to enjoy the love and the gifts that are surrounding us right now. After all, these are the moments that we are going to look back on and remember.
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Author: Tess Pennington
Web Site: http://www.ReadyNutrition.com/
Date: October 27th, 2012

Ranger,

I am sorry, I buried one of your posts in the middle of getting this avalache of material posted. I sincerely appologize. I hope other readers find your post and quote it, to bring it back to the top.

Mountainman.

Thank you so much, MM, for taking the time to post these "weeks" of Tess Pennington's writings.
I have already been skimming over the first few weeks, and even with making copies of the last number of "weeks" since my last post, it has got me thinking about various things.

However, I firmly believe week 44 should be considered closer to the start of any prepper thinking. I'm not a Financial Planner, but consider financial planning very beneficial. A person has to set priorities which for me, in general, are:
1. M health
2. My wealth
3. My future
4. My family's ...
Financial planning will help a prepper set aside money for reserve, prep acquisitions and to avoid building debt. I've seen increasing debt load happen to people and short-sighted thinking never keeps the ship afloat.

I wish I could print off all the weeks of entries and just give them to my neighbours but I can see I hit a brick wall with prepper discussions in my building. Even last night .... Sigh!

Thanks again for all the effort, Mountain Man.