Utah Preppers

#preps

105 articles tagged with this topic (Including both blog posts and archived content)

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
#Group Buy #Howto #Medical +2 more
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
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
#Cars #preps #Vehicle Survival
Curing meat
Food Food Storage

Curing meat

Curing meat is an age old process.  It has been used to preserve, intensify flavors, and make unpalatable cuts of meat acceptable for consumption. Most of us don't worry about the preservation aspect so much anymore, but if you've ever made a marinade then you've dabbled in curing (perhaps with out even knowing it).  In this post I'm going to go over some of the ingredients needed to cure meat and introduce a couple of salt mixtures that can be very useful in curing your meats.  I'll also go over some things that could be kept in your food storage.<br /> <!--more--><br /> First of all there are a couple of items that are needed to cure meat.  You don't have to use each of these items when you cure, but they all play an important part in the curing process.

Neybar
5 min read
#BBQ #Cooking #curing +2 more
Goal0 Sherpa Kit
Equipment Reviews

Goal0 Sherpa Kit

Recently, Mike published an article introducing a local company named <a href="http://www.goal0.com" target="_blank">Goal0</a> (<a title="Introducing Goal 0 solar power products" href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2011/03/introducing-goal-0-solar-power-products/" target="_blank">article link</a>). They develop solar products to fit a wider variety of needs than your average solar pack, and so we were very intrigued as to their application to a prepper mindset.

Jayce
7 min read
#electricity #Electronic Preps #gear +4 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
Post Japan Earthquake Notes
Earthquake Family Preparedness

Post Japan Earthquake Notes

I'm posting in an email that was forwarded to me, second hand from the source.  The email is from a lady who's family is currently stationed in Japan, and relates their experiences with the earthquake.  What I like best in this is her own analysis on her preparedness level, and what she wishes she could do better.

Jayce
9 min read
#72 Hour Kits #Evacuation Kits #Food Storage +4 more
The 5-gun challenge
Guns

The 5-gun challenge

A theme that is seeing increased activity on many of our friends blogs is that of the 5-gun challenge.  What does that mean? Well it's a way of answering the common question of "What gun should I buy?"

Jayce
17 min read
#Firearms #gear #preps
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
#72 Hour Kits #BOB #Education +3 more
Utah Preppers Quoted in Mormon Times Article
Links

Utah Preppers Quoted in Mormon Times Article

A nice piece over at the <a title="Food storage includes more than just food" href="http://www.mormontimes.com/article/17917/Food-storage-includes-more-than-just-food" target="_blank">Mormon Times</a> titled "<a href="http://www.mormontimes.com/article/17917/Food-storage-includes-more-than-just-food?" target="_blank">Food storage includes more than just food</a>" includes a quote by me.  While the news source is targeting members of the LDS faith, the article itself is applicable to anybody.  Many people get caught up in simply having a certain number of calories, and not thinking about the other aspects of preparedness.

Jayce
1 min read
#Links #Preppers #preps
Turtle Tuff Shelter Demonstration
Barter Equipment

Turtle Tuff Shelter Demonstration

As a web developer who freelances in addition to my full time employment, I sometimes take advantage of bartering opportunities. Last year one such opportunity presented itself—I was on the lookout for a military surplus tent of some sort, and came across a company called <a href="http://www.turtletuffshelters.com">Turtle Tuff Shelters</a> who made yurt-like geodesic shelters. Their website at the time was very.. ahem.. lacking, so I suggested a barter. They agreed, and a few months later I became the owner of a 24' Turtle Tuff Shelter.

Connor Boyack
6 min read
#gear #Links #preps +2 more
HAM discussion
HAM Radio

HAM discussion

Interested in learning a little more about HAM radio, specifically understanding the "geekier" side of things?  Then check out this session at the Utah Open Source Conference : <a href="http://utosc.com/presentation/164/" target="_blank">Exploring the Radio Frequency Spectrum</a>

Jayce
2 min read
#amateur radio #Education #gear +2 more
Wrapping Up, With Blankets
Family Preparedness Seasonal Preparedness

Wrapping Up, With Blankets

As snowflakes begin to frequently drift down, my wife began her odd seasonal transformation from warm, to cold-blooded being.  I'm not sure how many of you are familiar with this process, but it is the true mark of seasonal change around my home.  Appendages seem to have ice permanently on them, and thus have an odd habit of always finding their way to me, which is cause to no small amount of distress.

Jayce
12 min read
#gear #preps #Winter
Prepping for Work Disasters
Personal Preparedness Tools

Prepping for Work Disasters

We had an emergency at work today, involving a critical server that was not properly cared for by its department. Due to the severity of the situation, I was called in to help recover the server. I had to go pick up the server from the data center and bring it back to to office to work on it. It was important enough that my boss offered to let me take his car, a 2006 Cadillac CTS. I think he was a little surprised when I declined, in favor of driving my 1998 Corolla instead.<br /> <!--more--><br /> By any benchmark, his car is superior to mine in every way. It's faster, has a better sound system and is likely far more fun to drive. So why did I decline? I had two reasons. First, we were in what we all considered to be an emergency. This was no time to take a joyride in the boss's car. But more importantly, his car did not have my emergency tech kit. I didn't think I'd need it, because I was only planning to drive 15 minutes away, pick up a server, and drive 15 minutes back. Nothing was expected to go wrong, at least in the journey itself. But I didn't know what kinds of circumstances I would encounter in that journey. It was not the fear of the unknown that held me back; it was the expectation of the unknown.

TechHat
6 min read
#72 Hour Kits #BOB #EDC +3 more
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
#72 Hour Kits #BOB #Food +3 more
DIY: Horizontal Storage of 55 gal. Water Barrels
How To Water

DIY: Horizontal Storage of 55 gal. Water Barrels

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-2311" src="/images/uploads/2009/07/water_barrels_final.jpg" alt="water_barrels_final" width="200" height="310" />I stumbled across this DIY project recently for storing 55 gal. water barrels horizontally. The biggest drawback of standard upright water barrels is getting the water out when needed. This generally involves either a siphon or a hand pump. Storing the barrels horizontally and adding a spigot to one of the caps makes using the barrels much more convenient. You'll also be more likely to exchange the water every six months since it will be easier to do.

Royal
7 min read
#55 gallon barrels #DIY #horizontal +5 more
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
#Medical #Medical Prep #Pandemic +3 more
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
#DIY #Howto #Pandemic +3 more
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
#EDC #Medical #Medical Prep +3 more
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
#Medical #Pandemic #Pandemic Preparedness +2 more
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
#Medical #Pandemic #Pandemic Preparedness +2 more
Alpine Storage Overages
Food Storage Group Buy

Alpine Storage Overages

Our friends over at <a href="http://www.alpinefoodstorage.com/">Alpine Food Storage</a> recently sent out some emails about some overstocks they currently have.  If you are in Utah, this is a great chance to go browse and pick up some of those deals you might have missed from previous group buys.  If you have some tax refund money left, here's a great way to use some of it.

Jayce
3 min read
#Food #Food Storage #preps +1 more
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
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
#BOB #First Aid #gear +2 more
Tax Refund Preparedness
TEOTWAWKI Survival

Tax Refund Preparedness

We are coming to the time of the year that has become the second Xmas for many Americans.  And I purposely chose to write xmas because it has nothing to do with the real Christmas we should have celebrated so recently.  What I'm talking about is the look people get in their eyes as they get some portion of their taxes back from government.  To many people this is the only surplus of cash they will see during the whole year, and our business world thrives on the swing in spending this influx of cash creates.

Jayce
5 min read
#Economy #Education #Food +3 more
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
#Food Storage #gear #Pioneers +1 more
Emergency home heat
Personal Preparedness Reviews

Emergency home heat

My next preparation project was obtaining an emergency heat source. This is a purchase that I have been researching and planning for a quite a while now, wanting to make sure that I had adequately weighed options and made the best choice. There are a lot of factors to consider including the size and shape of the ares you want to heat, portability, direct verse ambient heat, ease of use, safety, ventilation, and fuel source.

Wade
11 min read
#emergency heat #heat #heaters +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
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
#Electronic Preps #preps
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
#glasses #preps #vision +1 more
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
#Gardening #Leatherwork #Pandemic +3 more
Winter/Snow Driving Preps, Part 3 of 3, Driving Tips
Seasonal Preparedness

Winter/Snow Driving Preps, Part 3 of 3, Driving Tips

<img class="alignright" src="http://www.freefoto.com/images/16/16/16_16_37---Car-in-the-snow_web.jpg" alt="" width="261" height="174" />This is the final post in our 3 part series, Winter and Snow Driving Preps. The first post, Prepping your Vehicle, can be found here followed by our second post, Supplementing your Gear.

Phil
5 min read
#Driving #Preppers #preps +4 more
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
#Education #Food #Food Storage +4 more
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
#Driving #Preppers #preps +4 more
one-quarter cup
Food Storage

one-quarter cup

Over on "Food Storage... A Necessary Adventure", there is a recent post called <a href="http://adventuresinbloggingtoo.blogspot.com/2008/12/have-you-seen-14-cup-lately.html">Have you seen a 1/4 cup lately</a>.

Jayce
2 min read
#Charity #Education #Food +4 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
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
#Depression #Economy #Food Storage +5 more
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
#Food Storage #Links #preps +1 more
Making it Yourself: Cheese
Food Storage How To

Making it Yourself: Cheese

One of my favorite comfort foods to have around is cheese. While I do not consider myself any kind of cheese-snob by any means, I do have several varieties that I like to have on hand, and really care about the flavor and texture of those cheeses. These cheeses make up a very important part of my regular diet, and having to go without them would not only cause me and mine to feel the lack of something, but our bodies would probably quickly notice it, and our digestion would likely suffer.

Jayce
2 min read
#Food Storage #Links #preps +2 more
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
#Document Preps #Founding Documents #preps
Family BOB Example: The Lances
Links Reviews

Family BOB Example: The Lances

A local friend of mine recently posted his notes about creating a set of emergency bags (<a title="Definition of BOB - Bug Out Bag" href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/glossary/#BOB">BOB</a> - <a title="Definition of 72 hour kit" href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/glossary/#72-hour">72 Hour Kit</a>) for his family. It's great to see a friend getting his family so ready, and even better when they can share such excellent information. In his example, I think he does a great job of presenting how he will get his young sons to carry a small part of their own gear, without overtaxing them. I know all younger families like myself worry about how to 'carry enough' for the younger children, and this example shows great thought in dealing with that concern. Check out <a title="72 hour kit" href="http://www.thelances.net/james/2008/11/emergency_preparedness_-_72-ho.html">the Lances BOB setup</a>. Several pictures showing all the included gear, in and out of the bags.

Jayce
3 min read
#BOB #EDC #gear +6 more
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
#72 Hour Kits #Preparedness Christmas #preps
Preparedness Motivational Poster
TEOTWAWKI Survival

Preparedness Motivational Poster

<a href="/images/uploads/2008/11/633553777006896503-preparednessbecauseyouneverknowwhenyoumightneedtofightarancormotivator.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-227" title="because_you_never_know" src="/images/uploads/2008/11/633553777006896503-preparednessbecauseyouneverknowwhenyoumightneedtofightarancormotivator.jpg" alt="because_you_never_know" width="480" height="384" /></a>

Jayce
1 min read
#humor #Motivation #Preppers +1 more
Thoughts on Food Storage
Food Storage

Thoughts on Food Storage

The following is a re-post of content from a while back from <a title="Jayce^" href="http://www.jaycehall.com">my personal blog</a>, responding to a friends comments as he was first getting interested in food storage.

Jayce
9 min read
#Food #Food Storage #preps
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