Utah Preppers

Ekim

Contributing author and equipment reviewer

88 articles by this author (Including both blog posts and archived content)

Preppers and recent media interest on Prepping
Meet The Preppers Site

Preppers and recent media interest on Prepping

Prepping has seen a large spike in interest lately with several shows on cable TV networks currently on the air. From our own <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/author/phil801/">Phil Burns</a> on <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2012/02/episode-1-animal-planet-meet-the-preppers-my-pink-gun/">"Meet the Preppers"</a> to <a href="http://www.deepearthbunker.com/">Doomsday Bunkers</a> to <a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/doomsday-preppers/">Doomsday Preppers</a>, interest in people preparing for hard times is at what seems like an all time high. Our <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2012/03/today-showpreppers/">recent post</a> on Prepper coverage on <a href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/46625691#46625691">NBCs Today Show</a> is just one example.

Ekim
2 min read
#Media #Politics #Preppers
Backyard Chickens
Family Preparedness Food

Backyard Chickens

<img alt="" src="http://www.motherearthnews.com/uploadedImages/Blogs/The_Happy_Homesteader/GardenEggs1.jpg?n=7491" title="Backyard Chickens" class="alignright" width="500" height="350" />Over the past year, I have noticed an increased interest in raising chickens arising all over the nation. Locally, <a href="http://www.ksl.com" title="KSL">KSL</a> has published several articles recently about this phenomenon (see below) as has the <a href="http://online.wsj.com" title="Wall Street Journal">Wall Street Journal</a> (also below) and most prepper blogs. My family started keeping backyard chickens about four years ago and have had some good success. In this article we’ll summarize some of the benefits to raising chickens, what you’ll need to get started and some links to resources to help you out once you’ve got your flock.

Ekim
8 min read
#Food #Gardening #Links +4 more
Food Production Systems DVD Giveaway Winner Announcement
Food Gardening

Food Production Systems DVD Giveaway Winner Announcement

<a href="/images/uploads/2011/06/backyardfoodproduction.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-3793" title="DVD we are giving away!" src="/images/uploads/2011/06/backyardfoodproduction.jpg" alt="" width="245" height="226" /></a>We recently posted a review of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0578046725/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=prepper-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217153&amp;creative=399701&amp;creativeASIN=0578046725">Food Production Systems For a Backyard or Small Farm </a> DVD (see it <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2011/06/food-production-systems-dvd-review-and-giveaway/">here</a>. As part of the review we were proud to offer a free DVD to one of our readers who commented on the review. Friday night I used <a href="http://www.random.org/">Random.org</a> to randomly select a winner from the 40 eligible (Sorry <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/author/jayce/">Jayce</a> and <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/author/cboyack/">Connor</a>) entries.

Ekim
1 min read
#Food #Food Storage #Gardening +1 more
Upcoming Giveaway!
Books Gardening

Upcoming Giveaway!

<img class="alignright" title="Backyard Food Production DVD" src="http://backyardfoodproduction.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/general_page_thumbs/FPS_DVD_w_discs_out_noBCKGRND_smallest.jpg" alt="" width="280" height="253" /><br /> Next week we'll be posting a review of the <a href="http://backyardfoodproduction.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/general_page_thumbs/FPS_DVD_w_discs_out_noBCKGRND_smallest.jpg">Backyard Food Production DVD</a>. The producers of the DVD have been kind enough to send us a copy of the DVD to reward one of our lucky readers.

Ekim
1 min read
#Education #Farming #Gardening +2 more
Building a 3 Month Supply using Case Lot Sales
Family Preparedness Food

Building a 3 Month Supply using Case Lot Sales

Inevitably, each year in the weeks preceding the <a href="http://www.mormon.org">LDS</a> General Conference sessions in April and October grocery stores in Utah begin their Case Lot sales. In case you aren't familiar with the term, a Case Lot sale is a sale that allows you to purchase food (and other) items at a discount from a regular grocery store. The only catch is that you need to buy them a case at a time.

Ekim
2 min read
#Food #Food Storage #Links +2 more
Introducing Goal 0 solar power products
Equipment Family Preparedness

Introducing Goal 0 solar power products

<a href="/images/uploads/2011/03/Goal0.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-3623" title="Goal0" src="/images/uploads/2011/03/Goal0.jpg" alt="" width="215" height="50" /></a><br /> Here at UtahPreppers we try to keep an eye on prepping topics, trends and products from all over the country and often the world. Even though we try to keep a global focus we still like finding and supporting local businesses that fit into the prepping niche. We recently met up with a Bluffdale company to take a look at some of their innovative solar products.

Ekim
8 min read
#Battery #gear #lights +7 more
Front Sight 4-Day Tactical Handgun Course for $69
Announcement Guns

Front Sight 4-Day Tactical Handgun Course for $69

<img class="alignleft" title="Front Sight Logo" src="http://www.frontsight.com/images/top_rev_logo.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="164" /> In February of 2009, <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/author/cboyack/">Connor</a> attended a 4 day handgun course at the world famous Front Sight training facility near Las Vegas, Nevada. You can find his review of the experience <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2009/02/review-front-sight-four-day-defensive-handgun-course/">here.</a>

Ekim
1 min read
#Education #Event #Firearms +4 more
Instructables Paracord Contest
Announcement Events

Instructables Paracord Contest

One of our favorite DIY sites, <a href="http://www.instructables.com">Instructables.com</a> is hosting a Paracord Contest. The grand prize is a Leatherman with a custom laser etched message of your choice. Paracord is one of the best gotta-have-some-with-you preparedness items. The inner strands can be used for fishing line while the outer shell on its own provides a strong shell for wrapping or weaving other objects. Really, the possibilities are endless.

Ekim
1 min read
#contests #gear #Howto +1 more
Protection Planning for Family and Property class
Events Family Preparedness

Protection Planning for Family and Property class

The city of <a href="http://www.salemcity.org/">Salem, Utah</a> has begun offering Emergency Preparedness classes on various topics. October's <strong>Emergency Preparedness Class</strong> is on Protection Planning for Family and Property. It will be held on Saturday, October 10th, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Salem Community Center, 151 West 300 South in Salem Utah. We are fortunate to have Dave Acosta come and teach this class.<br /> <!--more-->

Ekim
2 min read
#Education #Event #meetup
To Bee or not to Bee?
Events Food Storage

To Bee or not to Bee?

<br /> [caption id="attachment_1488" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Note the Queen on the Bottom right"]<img src="/images/uploads/2009/03/bee1-300x209.jpg" alt="Note the Queen on the Bottom right" title="bee1" width="300" height="209" class="size-medium wp-image-1488" />[/caption] My name is Bryan. I am one of the 3 B’s. The three B’s are as follows: Bryan, Brian, and then there’s the other Bryan. I tell you that so you don’t get us confused. We are all beekeepers. If you were to tell any one of us a few years ago that we would be beekeepers, we all would have told you that you were stone cold crazy! Yet here we all are keeping honeybees…..and loving it!!! So…what happened? <!--more--> We all have the strong desire to want to provide for our families, and prepare for whatever may lie ahead. No, we don’t have spare time gracing us at every turn. We all have our families with several young children. However, we all have a desire to be a part of helping something bigger than just our families. Enter the Honeybees. I came across a news article years ago explaining the importance of honeybees in our society. The more I read about the honeybees, the more I found I was feeding an appetite that I never knew I had. The more I read the more I wanted to know. What I found was absolutely astounding. I can’t think of another insect that has had such a profound affect on civilization than the Honeybee. Honey, beeswax, propolis, pollen, royal jelly, all products of the beehive, has played an important role in the health, and wellbeing of mankind for ages. That does not even take into consideration the pollination work that the honeybee does. The honeybee was brought across the ocean to the Americas by the settlers (known as the white man’s fly to the Indians) to ensure the success of the crops they planted. I’m not even beginning to scratch the surface here. [caption id="attachment_1489" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Catching my first Swarm!!!"]<img src="/images/uploads/2009/03/bee2-300x200.jpg" alt="Catching my first Swarm!!!" title="bee2" width="300" height="200" class="size-medium wp-image-1489" />[/caption] So…why honeybees? The bottom line is that they need our help….. and, we need theirs. About 1/3 of our food supply is dependant on the honeybee for pollination. Disease, pests, and development have virtually eliminated the feral honeybee populations. It turns out that a fruit fly has five times the capability of fighting off disease than the honeybee. It is becoming more and more important to have managed honeybee colonies. We live in a time when “going green” is in. Honeybees definitely play an important role in keeping the planet green. We, along with all kinds of plants and animals need this important species buzzing around. From the liquid gold of the sweet honey (which does not spoil if stored in a sealed container and will help relieve allergy symptoms!!!) , the increase of the yield in my home garden and fruit trees, to the lip balm made from the beeswax collected from the hive, my family has been blessed by having this truly remarkable species around. So, if you are contemplating getting involved in this remarkable journey, it is time to jump in. [caption id="attachment_1490" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Swarms 1 Stings 0!!!)"]<img src="/images/uploads/2009/03/bee3-300x200.jpg" alt="Swarms 1 Stings 0!!!)" title="bee3" width="300" height="200" class="size-medium wp-image-1490" />[/caption] If you are thinking of getting started in keeping bees, you will need to get started on it soon. The bees will be arriving about mid April. You need to pre-order them right away. They always are sold out right after they come in! [caption id="attachment_1491" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Picture of my 6 yr. old helping me install a swarm I caught."]<img src="/images/uploads/2009/03/bee4-300x200.jpg" alt="Picture of my 6 yr. old helping me install a swarm I caught." title="bee4" width="300" height="200" class="size-medium wp-image-1491" />[/caption] For all kinds of helpful information you can visit the Utah County Beekeepers Association web site, or attend an association meeting: <a href="http://www.utahcountybeekeepers.org">www.utahcountybeekeepers.org</a> <h4>Bee Hive Plans</h4> Top bar hive Plans: <a href="http://www.backyardhive.com">BackYard Hive.com</a> Langstroth Hive Plans: <a href="http://www.beesource.com/plans/index.htm">BeeSource.com</a> <h4>To purchase hives/frames and bee keeping products:</h4> <a href="http://www.jonesbee.com">Jones Bee</a> <a href="http://www.mannlakeltd.com">Mann Lake Ltd.</a> <a href="http://www.dadant.com">DadAnt</a> <a href="http://www.brushymountainbeefarm.com">Brush Mountain Bee Farm</a> <a href="http://www.utahcountybeekeepers.org">Utah County Bee Keepers</a> –go to the classifieds section. <h4>To purchase bees packages:</h4> <a href="http://www.knightfamilyhoney.com">Knight Family Honey</a> <a href="http://www.jonesbee.com">Jones Bee</a> If you are interested in getting started in Bee Keeping, there is the <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2009/03/beginning-bee-keeping-class-in-orem/">Bee Keeping Class in Orem</a> on March 20th. If you would like to learn more now though or would like to avoid the class fee, I will be conducting an informal class at my house in Mapleton this Friday, March 13th at 7 PM. We will be going over much of the same information from that class. In addition, we will be putting together a group order for bees and the recommended equipment you need to get started in Bee Keeping. If you are interested in attending this informal class, please RSVP to Bryan Esquivel by e-mailing maplemountainbees@q.com

Ekim
4 min read
#Bees #Education #Event +4 more
SOS Sportster Solar Oven
Personal Preparedness

SOS Sportster Solar Oven

I ordered a Solar Oven Society Sportster Oven with optional reflectors on a Monday and it arrived on my door step a precisely one week later. My neighbor has a Global Sun Oven, but hasn't used it. Not having any experience with this subject, and not knowing anyone who had used one, I performed some research online.

Ekim
3 min read
#Food #Food Storage #gear +4 more
Vendor Review: CountyComm.com
Reviews

Vendor Review: CountyComm.com

I admit it, I am a gadget freak, I particularly love gadgets that cater to the survivalist in me. My <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2008/12/sample-edc-everyday-carrymini-bobbug-out-bag/">EDC/Mini-BOB post</a> from a short time ago, clearly illustrates this point. The bag itself as well as a number of the nifty gadgets adorning or inside it it were purchased from <a href="http://www.countycomm.com">CountyComm</a>, our Vendor in the spotlight for this post.

Ekim
2 min read
#Links #Reviews #Vendor
Preparing for the flu
TEOTWAWKI Survival

Preparing for the flu

<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&amp;start=1&amp;oi=define&amp;ei=2kxmSfu2OZi2Mcj1jcEE&amp;sig2=lWzQdBeVwKATK2lgA2ZzNA&amp;q=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenza&amp;usg=AFQjCNESZgASdQ-Lf9icZI6gWHrdRcG3Bg">Influenza</a>, more often called the flu is a well known companion to Winter and colder weather. Typically, the flu is a minor annoyance to most people but it kills a surprising number of people in this country each year, typically the very young or vary old.

Ekim
1 min read
#Healthy #influenza #Links +1 more
Wood burning stoves as a prep.
Reviews TEOTWAWKI Survival

Wood burning stoves as a prep.

Here is Utah it is very common to have a basement, often fully finished.  My house is no exception.  Our basement is around 2,000 square feet with only two finished rooms, both bedrooms.  The previous owner of our home had ducting installed to heat the downstairs, but to do so would require another furnace which they apparently decided to set up in the closet of one of the two bedrooms.

Ekim
7 min read
#Cooking #gear #Heating +7 more
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