Phil

Survival and preparedness expert

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

FREE HAM Radio Class at BYU!
Communication HAM Radio

FREE HAM Radio Class at BYU!

<a href="/images/uploads/2011/10/KG-UV3D2_lrg.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-4005" title="KG-UV3D2_lrg" src="/images/uploads/2011/10/KG-UV3D2_lrg-281x300.jpg" alt="" width="281" height="300" /></a>Having a HAM radio is essential to communicate in any kind of a disaster scenario!  But, having one and not being able to legally practice because you aren't licensed is pretty useless because you'll have no idea how to use it.  If you haven't got your license yet, it's time to get off the couch and get going!  It's very easy to pass the test, if you pay attention in the class you're pretty much guaranteed to pass.  With the class being free, all you've got to do is go spend a morning at BYU to get it.  The license itself is $14.00 and you'll still have to pay that.

Phil
6 min read
Suture Follow Up - Suture Kits and Instructions!
How To Medical

Suture Follow Up - Suture Kits and Instructions!

<a href="/images/uploads/2011/10/IMG_3524.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3997" title="IMG_3524" src="/images/uploads/2011/10/IMG_3524-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>This is a follow up to my previous post on <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2011/10/suturing-a-scalp/">Suturing a Scalp</a>.  At the Self Reliance Expo today, I spent the day with <a href="http://doomandbloom.net/">Dr. Bones of the Doom and Bloom Show</a> and he just happened to be selling suture kits for a great price!  I showed him my post on suturing a scalp and he loved it, then he agreed to let us offer all of you his suture kits for his show price of $20.00!  Click the image on the right to see a much larger picture of it.

Phil
2 min read
Utah Self Reliance Expo
Announcement

Utah Self Reliance Expo

<a href="http://www.selfrelianceexpo.com/"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3991" title="SaltLakeCitySRXfpss" src="/images/uploads/2011/10/SaltLakeCitySRXfpss-300x180.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="180" /></a>Jayce and I (Phil801) are running a booth for Utah Preppers and the <a href="http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.com/">American Preppers Network</a> this weekend (Oct 7 &amp; 8, 2011) at the<a href="http://www.selfrelianceexpo.com/"> Self Reliance Expo at the Expo Center in Sandy</a>!  We spent the day there today (Friday) and met a ton of new people and had a really great time.  There are lots of vendors, several of them have some very unique and cool products - Jayce, Neybar and I all ended up buying a couple cool things that we suddenly realized we really needed! :)  We worked on getting group buys and deals set up for all of you with some of these cool products - look for those soon!  They also have several classes and speakers throughout the day - check the schedule on their website for details.

Phil
1 min read
Suturing a scalp
Equipment Family Preparedness

Suturing a scalp

<a href="/images/uploads/2011/10/IMG_1125.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3974" title="IMG_1125" src="/images/uploads/2011/10/IMG_1125-224x300.jpg" alt="" width="224" height="300" /></a>Suturing is an important skill to have.  Knowing how to properly sew somebody shut isn't something you need every day, but when you need it - you need it!  Sure, right now we can just run to the doctor, but what if you're way in the outback or things have collapsed and good medical care isn't easily available.  Suturing allows you to quickly close up a wound to help stop bleeding, help prevent infection and to lower the risk of damaging a wound while trying to get to better care - if needed.  There are plenty of ways and places to get training in suturing without going through medical school.  It's easy to do once you learn, you just need to look around and find a class you can take.

Phil
3 min read
Quick Skinning, Cleaning and Butchering a Deer
Books How To

Quick Skinning, Cleaning and Butchering a Deer

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0882663917/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=jayce-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399369&amp;creativeASIN=0882663917" target="_blank"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-3945" title="41x8elXHAWL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_" src="/images/uploads/2011/10/41x8elXHAWL._BO2204203200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-clickTopRight35-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>These days, most of us drop our game off at the butcher on the way home and go back a few days later and pick it up in nice white butcher paper. That's all fine and good for now, but what are we going to do if we have to hunt for survival and can't just drop the animal off at the butcher? I've done it myself before and I'm sure I could do it again without any real problems, but if you're hunting for survival the last thing you want to do is ruin your meat by doing something stupid!

Phil
2 min read
Saved by Preps - Flat Tire
Equipment How To

Saved by Preps - Flat Tire

<img class="alignright" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcThZWZoz2GsD8ftz0ptLklG7kNBoeWwKY74FQcbe70VpsEXX1iYLBN_6uK6Hg" alt="" width="170" height="150" />Yesterday I was driving in my truck to pick up my son from school.  I heard a strange noise outside the truck and rolled down the window to investigate.  I could hear a hissing that rhythmically got quiet as I drove - then I realized, my left rear tire was punctured and deflating FAST!  I pulled over to the shoulder as far as I could and got out to investigate.  Sure enough, there was what looked like a nail hole right through my nice new tire.

Phil
2 min read
Parents - Keep your kids AWAY from the rivers!
Alerts Family Preparedness

Parents - Keep your kids AWAY from the rivers!

<a href="/images/uploads/2011/06/IMGP0543.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3770" title="new nickname of &quot;2shoe&quot;" src="/images/uploads/2011/06/IMGP0543-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>Last night was a pretty rough night, we <a href="http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&amp;sid=15895363">pulled the body of an 8 year old boy out of the American Fork River here in Utah</a>.  He was the fourth kid to<a href="http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&amp;sid=15740924&amp;s_cid=rss-148"> die in the local rivers in the last week</a>.

Phil
5 min read
Potassium Iodide (KI) and How to Protect Yourself From Radiation Poisoning
Medical Nuclear Attack Preparedness

Potassium Iodide (KI) and How to Protect Yourself From Radiation Poisoning

<a href="/images/uploads/2011/03/IMG_2430.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3568" title="IMG_2430" src="/images/uploads/2011/03/IMG_2430-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a>With the current potential nuclear crisis in Japan, I have been inundated with questions about<a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2008/11/preparing-for-a-nuclear-attack-determining-your-scenario/"> Fallout Survival</a>, <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2008/11/preparing-for-a-nuclear-attack-some-background/">Nuclear Preparedness</a>,<a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2009/06/the-master-evacuation-kit-list"> General Preparedness</a> and Potassium Iodide among many other things.  I realized that while a lot of these things are covered on Utah Preppers, Potassium Iodide is kind of glossed over.  This post is my answer to all those questions and should be a definitive post on KI or Potassium Iodide.  Please note: at this time, due to the crisis in Japan, KI is <strong><em>Sold Out </em></strong>pretty much everywhere.

Phil
4 min read
Starting a Fire with Steel Wool
Equipment How To

Starting a Fire with Steel Wool

<a href="/images/uploads/2011/02/fire.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3453" title="fire" src="/images/uploads/2011/02/fire-202x300.jpg" alt="" width="202" height="300" /></a>Continuing my<em><strong> Heat and Light Series</strong></em>, today we're going to look at an alternative way to start a fire - with Steel Wool and Batteries.  Like I've said in previous posts in this series, this is probably something that every old Boy Scout and every long time Prepper already knows.  The point of this series is to get back to basics and cover things that new Preppers will need to get up to speed on - and to remind some of you about the skills and knowledge you have that you may have forgotten.  :)<!--more-->

Phil
3 min read
Hypothermia - Signs and Symptoms and Treatment
Medical Personal Preparedness

Hypothermia - Signs and Symptoms and Treatment

<img src="file:///C:/Users/Phil/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/Users/Phil/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.png" alt="" /><a href="/images/uploads/2011/02/hypothermia.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-3429" title="hypothermia" src="/images/uploads/2011/02/hypothermia.jpg" alt="" width="280" height="199" /></a>With more than half the country being inundated by massive snow and ice storms and much of the rest of the country having below freezing temperatures, people are at a very high risk for Hypothermia.  Knowing what Hypothermia is and how to treat it not only prepares you to help yourself but most importantly, to help others.  I've consulted several resources to try to put together a very comprehensive overview of Hypothermia.  Those resources include the<a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypothermia/DS00333"> Mayo Clinic</a>, my EMT Training Manuals, the<a href="http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/pdf/cold_guide.pdf"> CDC Guidelines for Hypothermia</a> and the <a href="http://www.hypothermia.org/Hypothermia_Ed_pdf/Alaska-Cold-Injuries.pdf">State of Alaska Cold Injuries Guidelines </a>(Alaska knows more about Hypothermia than anybody, their standards are what we use here for Search and Rescue).<!--more-->

Phil
6 min read
How to Make an Emergency Stove from Common Materials
Family Preparedness Fire

How to Make an Emergency Stove from Common Materials

<a href="/images/uploads/2011/02/IMG_2320.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3399" title="IMG_2320" src="/images/uploads/2011/02/IMG_2320-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>The next installment in our Heat and Light series is Making a simple Emergency Stove from Household Materials.  This stove is capable of boiling water in less than 10 minutes and is very easy to use and re-use.  The materials required to make it can commonly be found in the home and should be stored in your preps.  Required are: Paraffin Wax, cardboard and a couple tin cans.<!--more-->

Phil
2 min read
Making Fire Starting Wafer Candles
Family Preparedness Fire

Making Fire Starting Wafer Candles

<a href="/images/uploads/2011/01/IMG_2315.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3379" title="IMG_2315" src="/images/uploads/2011/01/IMG_2315-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>The next project in my Light and Heat series is making Fire Starting Wafers out of reclaimed materials mostly available at home.  These wafer candles don't have the same burn time (but it's plenty long enough to get a fire going) as the egg carton candles but they have a much smaller imprint.  This project will again be familiar to most Boy Scouts and long term Preppers and Outdoorsmen.  However, the purpose of this series is to get back to basics and review how to generate light and heat with common household projects.<!--nextpage-->As has been mentioned in the comments on the other posts in this series, you can use old candles or other wax sources instead of the new bars of paraffin I use in the demonstration.

Phil
3 min read
Making Fire Starting Candles
Family Preparedness Fire

Making Fire Starting Candles

<a href="/images/uploads/2011/01/EggTinder.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3368" title="EggTinder" src="/images/uploads/2011/01/EggTinder-194x300.jpg" alt="" width="194" height="300" /></a>Continuing my series on Light and Heat, today I'm going to talk about making Fire Starting Candles.  There are a variety of ways to do this, today we're going to cover using cardboard egg cartons and dryer lint or cotton balls.  This particular project will likely already be familiar to experienced Preppers and Boy Scouts.  This post is aimed at those new to prepping who have never been exposed to this kind of thing.

Phil
3 min read
Making Tallow Candles
Family Preparedness Light

Making Tallow Candles

<a href="/images/uploads/2011/01/TallowCandle.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3342" title="TallowCandle" src="/images/uploads/2011/01/TallowCandle-300x252.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="252" /></a>One of the things that frustrates me in Preparedness is that many of the texts and resources out there don't adequately cover "Pioneer Skills".  That is to say, they present material lists and instructions that include things that are only available via modern-day manufacturing methods.  Often times what I'm looking for is how do I make something out of nothing - nothing being the great abundance that nature provides us with!  This is very true when it comes to activities like candle, cheese and soap making.  I want to know how to do it in a true collapse or long term survival scenario.<!--more-->

Phil
5 min read
Financial Preparedness - MUST be built in GOOD times!
Family Preparedness Lessons Learned

Financial Preparedness - MUST be built in GOOD times!

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-2902" title="CashGold-main_Full" src="/images/uploads/2009/11/CashGold-main_Full.jpg" alt="CashGold-main_Full" width="350" height="221" />Everyone knows times are not good and although we're told they're getting better - they clearly seem to be getting worse.  I've recently had an experience that has severely highlighted financial preparedness for me, I'd like to share the lessons I've learned in the hope that others can avoid my current situation - allow me to give you some background:

Phil
9 min read
Survival Movie Review: 2012
Reviews TEOTWAWKI Survival

Survival Movie Review: 2012

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-2845" title="2012 Roland Emmerich Poster" src="/images/uploads/2009/11/2012-Roland-Emmerich-Poster.jpg" alt="2012 Roland Emmerich Poster" width="270" height="400" />Last night a few prepper friends and I went to the midnight opening show of the new survival/TEOTWAWKI movie 2012. I wasn't sure what to expect as I had already heard that they had blown it or that it was really bad. But I figured even a bad movie can be enjoyed (through mocking) if you've got a group of friends with you!

Phil
3 min read
Survival Food: How to Make Parched Corn
Food How To

Survival Food: How to Make Parched Corn

Corn - You can boil it, toast it, roast it, parch it, eat it raw, grill it, steam it, stew it, cream it, grind it, feed aCorn - You can boil it, toast it, roast it, parch it, eat it raw, grill it, steam it, stew it, cream it, grind it, feed animals with it or humans. You can eat it fresh, freeze it, can it, dry it, drink it or burn it in your vehicle. It's a diverse food that can serve a prepper well if they know what to do with it.nimals with it or humans.  You can eat it fresh, freeze it, can it,  dry it, drink it or burn it in your vehicle.  It's a diverse food that can serve a prepper well if they know what to do with it.

Phil
4 min read
Survival Book Review: One Second After
Books Family Preparedness

Survival Book Review: One Second After

I've just finished reading One Second After by William R. Forstchen - I received it two days ago - I couldn't put it down. This is an excellent book that I fully recommend every Survivalist/Prepper/Anyone Else read. Seriously, this book is one of those that will help to open people's eyes to just how fragile we are and just how stinkin' hard it is going to be to survive TEOTWAWKI.

Phil
7 min read
Evacuation Preparedness List Review part 3
Communication Equipment

Evacuation Preparedness List Review part 3

<img class="alignright" src="http://interwork.sdsu.edu/fire/photo_gallery/images/jgfire213021x011.jpg" alt="" width="334" height="197" />This is the fifth installment of the Evacuation Preparedness Kit Series.  The first post, on <a href="../2009/06/ready-for-anything/">Evac Prep Basics</a> is here, and the second post, which introduces the <a href="../2009/06/ready-for-anything/">Evac Prep Master List</a> is here.  The third post, and the <a href="../2009/06/evacuation-preparedness-categories/">first post on the list review is here</a>.  This post will pick up where we previously left off in reviewing the categories on the Master List.

Phil
12 min read
Evacuation Preparedness List Review part 2
Books Clothing

Evacuation Preparedness List Review part 2

<img class="alignright" src="http://kalthoffonthefence.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/ken-traffic-3.jpg" alt="" width="336" height="248" />This is the fourth installment of the Evacuation Preparedness Kit Series.  The first post, on <a href="../2009/06/ready-for-anything/">Evac Prep Basics</a> is here, and the second post, which introduces the <a href="../2009/06/ready-for-anything/">Evac Prep Master List</a> is here.  The third post, and the <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2009/06/evacuation-preparedness-categories/">first post on the list review is here</a>.  This post will pick up where we previously left off in reviewing the categories on the Master List.<!--more-->

Phil
9 min read
Evacuation Preparedness List Review part 1
Family Preparedness Food

Evacuation Preparedness List Review part 1

<img class="alignright" src="http://www.phillysonline.com/lunch_counter/images/2006/08/03/houston_evacuation.jpg" alt="" width="246" height="344" />This is the third installment of the Evacuation Preparedness Kit Series. The first post, on Evac Prep Basics is here, and the second post, which introduces the Evac Prep Master List is here.

Phil
13 min read
The Master Evacuation Kit List
Family Preparedness How To

The Master Evacuation Kit List

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1882" title="evaclist" src="/images/uploads/2009/06/evaclist.jpg" alt="evaclist" width="380" height="152" />This is the second post in a series, the first post covers <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2009/06/ready-for-anything/">Evacuation Preparedness basics and can be read here</a>.

Phil
4 min read
Chicken Tractors
Family Preparedness How To

Chicken Tractors

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1757" title="ctract2" src="/images/uploads/2009/05/ctract2.jpg" alt="ctract2" width="380" height="253" />Chicken eggs are an important renewable source of fresh protein that every prepper should consider.  Of course they are also a great source of meat!  Free range chickens (letting your chickens run loose during the day to eat bugs and plants) not only cost less to maintain, they provide richer eggs - which is evident in the yolks of truly free range chickens.  However, if there are lots of potential predators around such as dogs, hawks, skunks, etc. Free Ranging your chickens could be quite dangerous to their health!  That's where we turn to the Chicken Tractor.

Phil
3 min read
Pandemic Quarantine Preparedness
Family Preparedness Pandemic Preparedness

Pandemic Quarantine Preparedness

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1697" title="pandemic-rescue2sml" src="/images/uploads/2009/05/pandemic-rescue2sml.jpg" alt="pandemic-rescue2sml" width="228" height="240" />Swine Flu is gonna kill us all! Swine flu is going away! Swine Flu is man-made! Swine Flu is a natural mutation! Oh, we offended the pigs. It's H1N1! Does anyone know what's actually going on??? Does it matter? Whatever the truth is about this H1N1 (formerly known as Swine Flu) virus there is ONE THING we can each know for sure. Has the last week caused you to think very seriously about your Pandemic Preparedness? Have you reviewed and identified holes in your preps? Have you done something about it? Are you Ready for Anything?

Phil
8 min read
Pandemic Preparedness - DIY Sanitization
Family Preparedness Pandemic Preparedness

Pandemic Preparedness - DIY Sanitization

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1647" title="san-prods" src="/images/uploads/2009/04/san-prods-277x184-custom.jpg" alt="san-prods" width="277" height="184" />Pandemic Preparedness is one of the simpler types of prepping - mostly because it relies heavily on you already being prepped with other things like food storage, water storage, etc.  A major component of Pandemic Prepping is preparation for quarantine.  Sanitation is a major part of Pandemic and quarantine preparedness.  While sanitzation is always important, during quarantine, sanitization will be extremely important in order to keep everyone healthy.  In this post we're going to talk about killing germs and how to do it safely with household products.

Phil
5 min read
Pandemic Go-Kits
Family Preparedness Pandemic Preparedness

Pandemic Go-Kits

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1630" title="pandemic-kits" src="/images/uploads/2009/04/pandemic-kits-265x176-custom.jpg" alt="pandemic-kits" width="265" height="176" />I've had Pandemic Preps at my house for a while now.  I also habitually carried <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>some</em></span> Pandemic Prep stuff in my Day Bag and my Go Bag.  But in the last two days, due to the swine flu breakout/scare,  I've decided to put together a hardened kit to carry, primarily so I don't squish my N95 Masks.  <!--more-->

Phil
2 min read
More Swine flu / Pandemic Preparedness Info
Family Preparedness Pandemic Preparedness

More Swine flu / Pandemic Preparedness Info

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1602" title="viramask_n99esc3501" src="/images/uploads/2009/04/viramask_n99esc3501-324x185-custom.jpg" alt="viramask_n99esc3501" width="324" height="185" />Since my post from yesterday regarding <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2009/04/pandemic-preparedness/">Pandemic Preparedness in light of the current Swine Flu outbreak</a>, I've talked to several other preppers and want to provide our readers with more information.  Specifically I want to share some other/better mask information, some great links for info on the virus spreading and to discuss sheltering in/quarantine a bit more.

Phil
9 min read
Pandemic Preparedness - Swine Flu Outbreak
Family Preparedness Pandemic Preparedness

Pandemic Preparedness - Swine Flu Outbreak

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1584 scissors-resample" title="pandemic-troops" src="/images/uploads/2009/04/pandemic-troops.jpg" alt="pandemic-troops" width="334" height="214" />With the current <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE53N22820090426">Swine Flu scare coming out of Mexico</a> and popping up here and there in the United States, it is prudent to become familiar with the situation and especially prudent to review your Pandemic Preparedness Level.  I should also stress that this is a "DON'T PANIC", Just Prepare! post.  <!--more-->So first, let's get to know the player - what is the swine flu?  Well, it's just a variant of the "flu" that makes the round and gets passed around every year.  Thing is, this variant doesn't typically pass to humans so there is not an anti-virus in production or even made yet.  Don't take it from me though, and don't take it from the 'news'.  Here are links to the CDC info and briefs on this situation:

Phil
5 min read
Some First-Aid Kit Examples
Events Personal Preparedness

Some First-Aid Kit Examples

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1397" title="firstaidkits" src="/images/uploads/2009/02/firstaidkits.jpg" alt="firstaidkits" width="280" height="153" />First-Aid Kits are kind of a funny prepper item - there are SO many that you can just go buy that it doesn't seem like a big deal.  Yet, countless people I know barely have a box of band-aids in their home.  Those who do go purchase a pre-made First-Aid Kit don't typically pay much attention to it - it's crossed of their 'list'.  But day to day use of the only medical supplies in the house means that after a year or so the First-Aid Kit is severely depleted and nobody notices until there's a need for it.

Phil
3 min read
Building a Vehicle Emergency Kit
How To Personal Preparedness

Building a Vehicle Emergency Kit

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w :WordDocument> </w><w :View>Normal</w> <w :Zoom>0</w> <w :TrackMoves /> <w :TrackFormatting /> <w :PunctuationKerning /> <w :ValidateAgainstSchemas /> <w :SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w> <w :IgnoreMixedContent>false</w> <w :AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w> <w :DoNotPromoteQF /> <w :LidThemeOther>EN-US</w> <w :LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w> <w :LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w> <w :Compatibility> <w :BreakWrappedTables /> <w :SnapToGridInCell /> <w :WrapTextWithPunct /> <w :UseAsianBreakRules /> <w :DontGrowAutofit /> <w :SplitPgBreakAndParaMark /> <w :DontVertAlignCellWithSp /> <w :DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables /> <w :DontVertAlignInTxbx /> <w :Word11KerningPairs /> <w :CachedColBalance /> </w> <w :BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w> <m :mathPr> <m :mathFont m:val="Cambria Math" /> <m :brkBin m:val="before" /> <m :brkBinSub m:val=" " /> <m :smallFrac m:val="off" /> <m :dispDef /> <m :lMargin m:val="0" /> <m :rMargin m:val="0" /> <m :defJc m:val="centerGroup" /> <m :wrapIndent m:val="1440" /> <m :intLim m:val="subSup" /> <m :naryLim m:val="undOvr" /> </m> </xml>< ![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w :LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true" DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99" LatentStyleCount="267"> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography" /> <w :LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading" /> </w> </xml>< ![endif]--><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:10.0pt; line-height:115%;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --><!--[if gte mso 10]> <mce :style>< ! /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} --> <!--[endif]--></mce>

Phil
13 min read
Learning From the Pioneers
Food Storage Personal Preparedness

Learning From the Pioneers

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1319 scissors-resample" title="1844_1877_1" src="/images/uploads/2009/02/1844_1877_1.jpg" alt="1844_1877_1" width="304" height="211" />Many know that Utah was originally settled by Mormon Pioneers, I'm a descendant of those pioneers from 8 different family lines on my Mother's side.  The Mormon Pioneers crossed the plains from Missouri to Utah in covered wagons, handcarts and many on foot.  Most of them buried family and loved ones under a pile of rocks on their way here.  It was a harrowing experience the like of which will hopefully never be repeated.

Phil
6 min read
72 Hour Kit Camp - More Info
Events Kit Camp

72 Hour Kit Camp - More Info

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1304" title="boyshikinggmtnmar2003" src="/images/uploads/2009/02/boyshikinggmtnmar2003-285x215-custom.jpg" alt="boyshikinggmtnmar2003" width="285" height="215" />Kit Camp is definately a work in progress, an idea in active exploration.  We've never done this before and don't know of a precedence to go off of so we're kind of making it up as we go. :)  If you missed the earlier post about it and don't know what I'm talking about, the original <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2009/01/announcing-the-first-semi-annual-utahpreppers-72-hour-kitcamp/">Kit Camp post is here.</a>

Phil
9 min read
Ice Storm Stories and Preparedness
Food Storage Lessons Learned

Ice Storm Stories and Preparedness

<img class="alignright" src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20090131/i/r1571731380.jpg?x=400&amp;y=266&amp;q=85&amp;sig=5WL2ww2eC6Oik14Zea3.Xg--" alt="" width="251" height="167" />As most everyone should be aware, the last week has provided a harrowing survival experience for Kentucky and surrounding states with a major Ice Storm cutting off power to over<a href="http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A9j8eu2_rYhJ_Z0A_yTQtDMD;_ylu=X3oDMTBjdmNoOTVjBHBvcwMyBHNlYwNzcg--/SIG=12jq0ecc4/EXP=1233780543/**http%3a//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090202/ap_on_re_us/winter_storm_97"> 1.5 million homes and killing 55 people</a>.

Phil
11 min read
Preparedness Bookshelves
Books

Preparedness Bookshelves

<img class="alignright" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5124BUpG-qL._SL500_AA240_.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="240" />I'm not saying I have the Ultimate Book Collection or even that I have a complete collection of Prepper books, but I do have a decent collection of books on preparedness and Pioneer/Primitive Living (see the photo of my bookshelf) and I've read most of them cover to cover. I'm constantly on the lookout for good prep books and buy one or two a month to read. I love getting referrals to good books - whether they're instructional, reference or fictional (prep based novels) I like having other people tell me what they thought was good/fun/valuable.

Phil
3 min read
Preparing for a Nuclear Attack: Your Bug-Out Plan
Nuclear Attack Preparedness TEOTWAWKI Survival

Preparing for a Nuclear Attack: Your Bug-Out Plan

This is the third in a series of posts that will go over preparation for a Nuclear Attack. <a href="../2008/11/preparing-for-a-nuclear-attack-some-background/">The first can be found here.</a> The <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2008/11/preparing-for-a-nuclear-attack-determining-your-scenario/">previous post</a> in the series is here.

Phil
5 min read
Prepping for and Surviving an Airplane Crash
Personal Preparedness

Prepping for and Surviving an Airplane Crash

<img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-982" title="plane-crash-2" src="/images/uploads/2009/01/plane-crash-2-150x102.jpg" alt="plane-crash-2" width="150" height="102" />Yesterday's incident of a crash landing on the Hudson River where there was a 100% survival rate got me thinking about airplane crash survival and prep.  Apparently several others were thinking about it too, there are several articles out in the last (less than) 24 hours about surviving a plane crash.  Hopefully I can provide a useful summary and some fresh thought on this topic.

Phil
8 min read
On Junk Silver or Silver Coins or Bullion Coins and Bartering
Barter How To

On Junk Silver or Silver Coins or Bullion Coins and Bartering

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-865" title="dimes_sml" src="/images/uploads/2009/01/dimes_sml.jpg" alt="dimes_sml" width="220" height="147" />I'm trying to get this all figured out, it's kind of confusing! <a href="http://www.survivalblog.com/glossary.html#Junk"> Junk Silver, Silver Coins, Bullion Coins, Pre-1965 Coins</a> - it turns out they all pretty much mean the same thing! Hard-Core TEOTWAKI Preppers know that pre-1965 silver coins are made up of actual silver and have good potential barter power. That bartering capability comes from the fact that the U.S. Mint has guaranteed the amount of silver in these coins so they have a known value. Bullion Coins are generally considered the easiest way to have known values of precious metals - hence their potential barter usage. So far this is fairly common knowledge, but there is a lot more to know in order to do this properly - and I'm trying to get it all figured out.

Phil
6 min read
Gardening: Getting Ready for the Season
Gardening

Gardening: Getting Ready for the Season

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-927" title="pottingsoil" src="/images/uploads/2009/01/pottingsoil.jpg" alt="pottingsoil" width="200" height="314" />All the authors on this site are avid gardeners and like any gathering of gardeners, we all have different approaches, best practices and preferences. This planting season will be the first one that we've had this site running so you can expect a lot of posts from us on our gardens! Each of us will be writing posts showing you how we grow our gardens and we'll hopefully have some great guest author posts as well.

Phil
6 min read
Backing up your computer and preserving your files
TEOTWAWKI Survival

Backing up your computer and preserving your files

The fantastic <a href="http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/">Food Storage Made Easy</a> blog has a great post out on how to set up a regular backup process for your computer. They recommend using my favorite backup company, Mozy - a Utah based company that was started by a friend of mine and was acquired about a year ago. <a href="http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/2009/01/12/mozys-biggest-fan/">Check out their post here.</a> If you don't yet have a backup plan setup, I highly recommend reading their post and following their advice!

Phil
5 min read
Vision Prep - storing eyeglasses
Personal Preparedness

Vision Prep - storing eyeglasses

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-903" title="nerdyguy02" src="/images/uploads/2009/01/nerdyguy02.jpg" alt="nerdyguy02" width="154" height="154" />If you're like me and can't quite make out that big E on the eye chart from 5 feet away without vision correction or even if you're not quite that bad, this post is for you. Probably everyone that wears vision correction has thought about having a backup, but what about 5 backups? One backup is great for if you break or lose your glasses/contacts, that's a great prep to have. But what if we're in a TEOTWAWKI situation and you can't get new glasses at all for a very long time? It costs a lot to get replacement glasses and it's a huge investment - usually - now enter <a href="http://www.zennioptical.com/cart/home.php">Zenni Optical</a>.

Phil
2 min read
Prepping for Prepping
Gardening How To

Prepping for Prepping

Prepping - it's an endless activity that has few rewards, and those rewards often are not close in payout to the amount of time and effort that went into them. The interim rewards in prepping include not having to run to the store constantly to keep your food stocked. When you're a Prepper your grocery store is in your own house, going to an actual store is akin to going to a warehouse to get resupplied. The other reward is great personal satisfaction and comfort in knowing that you are ready for anything - well, almost ready - there's ALWAYS something else that can be done. The big payoff rarely comes for a Prepper - and that is when things get bad enough that you're able to make it through it solely because you were prepped. This lifestyle, with it's small rewards and rare big payoff, can be tiring - even overwhelming at times.

Phil
8 min read
Mylar Bag Wrapup - Issues with Mylar Bags
Food Storage

Mylar Bag Wrapup - Issues with Mylar Bags

This will wrap up our series on Mylar Bag Food Storage. You can catch the previous posts here: a <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2008/12/how-to-adventures-in-food-storage-with-mylar-bags/">How-To Pictorial on Storing Food in Mylar Bags</a> and <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2008/12/alternative-storage-techniques-using-mylar-bags/">Alternative Ideas for Mylar Bags</a>.

Phil
5 min read
Winter/Snow Driving Preps, Part 1 of 3, Prepping Your Vehicle
Seasonal Preparedness

Winter/Snow Driving Preps, Part 1 of 3, Prepping Your Vehicle

<img class="alignright" src="http://www.ratemyeverything.net/image/8723/0/Car_in_Snow.ashx" alt="" width="282" height="205" />Here in Utah, Winter is finally upon us! This generally means we get to share the road with a bunch of inexperienced snow drivers who think it's safer, not more dangerous, to drive 15 miles an hour on the freeway. Hopefully, all those people will read this post and we'll fix the I15 problem right here and now! Yeah right. But for you, dear reader, I offer some advice on how to prep your vehicle for winter, what to stash in your vehicle and some driving tips. Hopefully you'll have some sage advice to add to this in the comments.

Phil
5 min read
The post where we go all Doom and Gloom
Food Storage Political

The post where we go all Doom and Gloom

I suspect that most readers of this blog are slightly more intelligent than the average reality show addicted, talking head worshiping American that thinks that everything going on in the world and economy right now is just a hiccup that'll go away in the spring. You know, the ones that we preppers are pretty sure we're going to have to fight off from killing us and stealing our preps WTSHTF. But, just in case any of you are slightly towing the line with the popular hero-worshiping of the Socialistic head of the 'Office of the President Elect' thinking somehow he's going to Change anything but his mind, or that somehow he's going to bring Hope to the country - I bring you this.

Phil
6 min read
Home Canning - In #10 Cans
Food Storage How To

Home Canning - In #10 Cans

I came across this great post today on the <a href="http://safelygatheredin.blogspot.com/">Safely Gathered In</a> blog about <a href="http://safelygatheredin.blogspot.com/2008/12/how-to-can-your-own-food-in-10-cans.html">canning your own food at home in #10 cans</a>. The blog itself is well written and provides a lot of really great info about Food Storage and Emergency Preparedness. They have <a href="http://safelygatheredin.blogspot.com/search/label/Three-month%20supply">weekly posts on Tuesdays</a> that guide you in purchases to build up your 72 hour kits and food storage. If you have a hard time deciding what you need to purchase, or you feel overwhelmed by <a href="http://safelygatheredin.blogspot.com/2008/06/how-toplan-your-three-month-supply.html">everything you need to buy to be prepared</a>, these kind of guides are invaluable!

Phil
2 min read
What have you done to Prep Today?
Links Political

What have you done to Prep Today?

This is a habit I got myself into a long time ago. It's a fairly simple principle - if you do at LEAST one small thing to prep every single day, it will all add up very quickly! Following this principle, I make sure that every day I've done something to prep. It might be as simple as fill a 2 liter bottle with water or doing a quick visual inventory and making a mental checklist of what I need to pick up at the store soon. Other (funner) days it's something much more complex like stocking up on medical supplies, buying another gas can, filling it and putting it with the others.

Phil
4 min read
Preparedness Christmas: Stocking Stuffer Ideas
Preparedness Christmas

Preparedness Christmas: Stocking Stuffer Ideas

This will be the first of a couple themed posts around having a "Preparedness Christmas". With world and U.S. conditions being what they are, if you're like me the last thing you can stomach right now is the idea of spending a bunch of money on silly toys and other frivolous items that will be either lost or destroyed (and somewhat unappreciated) within a week or so of Christmas. Christmas gift giving is a great time to think about sharing the security and comfort of being prepared with the rest of your family.

Phil
3 min read