Survival Prepper

Best Prepping and Survival Tips for SHTF

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The Key to Survival Prepping Success Lies in Consistency

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When it comes to Survival Prepping, you might be wondering, “What’s the secret to success?”

Well, let me tell you, it’s all about consistency. Achieving preparedness for emergencies and unforeseen situations relies on one simple principle – staying consistent. In this article, I’ll explore the crucial role of consistency in survival prepping, and we’re going to do it with a friendly touch. So, grab your favorite beverage and let’s dive in.

1. The Power of Your Consistent Progress

Now, picture this: survival prepping is like a journey, and every step you take is as important as reaching your destination. We’ve all seen preppers who get frustrated because they start and stop their preparations, only to regret it later. You know, the ones who think, “If only I’d stuck to my plans consistently, things would be so much better now.”

2. Consistency in Developing Your Skills

Example 1: Fire Starting: In the world of survival, mastering fire-starting techniques is a must. But here’s the thing – you don’t become a fire-starting pro overnight. It’s all about consistently practicing various methods, like using flint and steel or the friction-based approach. When you put in that consistent effort, you ensure that you can confidently start a life-saving fire under challenging conditions.

Example 2: Shelter Building: Building a shelter in the wild is another vital survival skill. Here’s the secret: consistent practice is your best friend. Keep honing your shelter construction skills using natural materials or tarps. This practice will refine your ability to create safe havens in different environments. Imagine how invaluable that knowledge becomes during crises when you need to protect yourself and your family from the elements.

3. Consistency in Managing Your Supplies

Example 1: Food Supplies: Now, let’s talk about food supplies. Survival preppers often stockpile food with limited shelf lives. It’s not just about buying and forgetting – it’s about consistent inventory checks and rotation. This simple habit ensures you always have a fresh and edible food stash when you need it. By sticking to a strict rotation schedule and being consistent with it, you minimize waste and ensure your family stays well-fed during a disaster.

Example 2: Medical Supplies: Effective medical preparedness requires consistent inventory management. Here’s the deal: you should regularly inspect your first-aid kit, replace expired items, and ensure your medications are up-to-date. This consistency means you’re always well-equipped for medical emergencies. It’s the difference between having life-saving treatment and inadequate care when it matters most.

4. Consistency in Emergency Planning and Drills

Example 1: Evacuation Plans: Consistency is your best friend when it comes to reviewing and updating evacuation plans. Regularly conduct drills with your family or survival group to get everyone familiar with escape routes and designated meeting points. When a crisis hits, your well-practiced plan reduces confusion and enhances safety – that’s the power of consistency.

Example 2: Communication Protocols: Establishing consistent communication protocols among group members is vital. Regularly testing communication devices like two-way radios or signal flares ensures they remain operational during emergencies. This means always having spare batteries and checking your devices if replacement batteries need to swapped out or older batteries have leaked. Maintaining consistency in communication practices prevents isolation and fosters effective coordination. It’s about staying connected when it matters most.

5. Consistency in Managing Your Resources

Example 1: Water Purification: As a Survival Prepper you must consistently manage your water purification resources. Regularly inspecting and maintaining filters, tablets, or boiling equipment ensures you always have a reliable water source. Consistency in water management is critical for preventing dehydration during prolonged survival situations.

Example 2: Ammunition and Firearms: You should definitely include firearms in your survival preparations, therefore consistency in ammunition storage and maintenance is paramount for you. Regularly check your firearms, clean them, and rotate ammunition. This simple consistency ensures your weapons are reliable for hunting or self-defense when you need them most.

6. Embrace a Progress Over Perfection Mindset

Here’s a friendly reminder: don’t let perfectionism hold you back. We’ve all been there, thinking we have to get everything just right. But the truth is, progress beats perfection every time. It’s okay to make mistakes; they’re part of the learning process. Being resilient against criticism and self-doubt is what truly matters.

7. Overcoming Your Roadblocks

We get it – there are roadblocks in your preparedness journey. Sometimes motivation wanes, or you feel overwhelmed by your goals. Guess what? That’s perfectly normal. Instead of trying to avoid these challenges, acknowledge them and have a plan to work through them. Setbacks and obstacles are part of the journey; they shouldn’t stop you from reaching your goals.

8. Lifestyle Habits for Consistency

Consistency in survival prepping isn’t just about supplies and drills. It can also be influenced by your daily habits. Effective time management, prioritization, and finding a balance between rest and action play crucial roles. Creating a consistent daily routine, especially during mornings, afternoons, and nights, helps you allocate time for prepping without stress.

In conclusion, your success in survival prepping hinges greatly on your consistency. Whether you’re developing essential skills, managing supplies, reviewing emergency plans, or overseeing and regularly check your resources, a consistent approach is your foundation of preparedness. So, remember the importance of consistency in your survival prepping journey. It’s not just a goal; it’s a way of life if you seek to be truly prepared for whatever the future may hold.

Could Solar Storms Destroy our Civilization?

CME, coronal mass ejection, Prepper

A massive eruption of solar material, known as a coronal mass ejection or CME, was detected escaping from the sun at 11:36 p.m. EDT on March 12, 2023.


Check out the devastating effects of a CMR from minute 3:10 onward in the video above

Sightings of polar lights far into the middle latitudes, for example in Arizona in the USA or in Germany, show that the sun is sending electrically charged particles and radiation towards the earth more frequently again.

These images from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory show the difference between the last sunspot minimum (left, 2019) and the last sunspot maximum (right, 2014).

Dark spots on the star’s surface are signs of its activity—they emanate the solar storms that produce the auroras. Since the last spot minimum in December 2019, solar activity has increased much faster than most scientists expected.

What can happen if you underestimate this development was shown last year when the American aerospace company SpaceX lost 40 satellites in one fell swoop: The earth’s atmosphere had expanded due to a solar storm – as a result, the air resistance for the satellites became so great that they crashed.

A weak solar cycle has been predicted – but they got it wrong!

The sun reaches its peak number of spots approximately every eleven years. But the duration of the cycles fluctuates, as does the maximum activity achieved.

A large research group has sought and found a consensus for the joint prognosis: According to this consensus prognosis – prepared in the USA by the space agency Nasa and the climate agency NOAA – the 25th solar cycle should be as weak as the 24th cycle, which is the weakest in a hundred years was. Some scientists even spoke of a possible repetition of the so-called Dalton Minimum, which was a phase of reduced activity between 1790 and 1830.

But nothing will come of it. Images of the sun reveal: it is already behaving as wildly as it should, according to the forecast, only during the maximum in about two years.

But a few researchers got it pretty much right so far. A team led by astrophysicists Scott McIntosh from the National Center for Atmospheric Research and Robert Leamon from NASA has predicted the sharp rise in solar activity.

Unfortunately – how the sun’s dynamo works is unclear

Predicting the solar cycle is still a challenging task for scientists. “We don’t understand the sun well enough,” admits astronomer Sami Solanki from the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Göttingen, Germany.

The sun is made up of electrically charged gases called plasma. By rotating, these gases create a magnetic field, similar to a dynamo on a bicycle. According to Solanki, scientists are not yet in agreement on exactly how the solar dynamo works. “There is no generally accepted model,” he says. But you would have to have that to predict the sunspot cycle. Because the cycle is related to changes in the magnetic field – the spots are areas where the magnetic field is particularly strong.

The sun’s magnetic field could be the key

McIntosh and Leamon use different information for their prediction. According to these researchers, the behavior of the solar magnetic field at the sun’s equator can be used to predict what the next cycle will be like.
Basically, the sunspots form in two strip-like areas with a strong magnetic field. These areas appear in both hemispheres at the 50th degree of latitude. At first they seem quite inconspicuous and slowly migrate towards the solar equator. In the further course, the sunspots then appear on the strips.

The CME that was captured by STEREO in July 2012 was comparable in strength to the one that is believed to have struck Earth during the 1859 Carrington Event.
The release is quite dramatic – the research suggests a “solar tsunami” of plasma is let loose, travelling back away from the equator at around 300 metres (or 984 feet) per second

The whole migration of such an area takes 22 years on average. Because the lifetimes of two consecutive stripes overlap by 11 years, four exist at the same time – two on each side of the equator.

According to McIntosh, the decisive factor is what happens when two magnetic field strips reach the equator and disappear at the end of their lifetime. That triggers a kind of tsunami on the sun, he says. The first sunspots then begin to sprout in the two younger strips, which are at around the 25th parallel at the time.

McIntosh calls this point in time – when two stripes are extinguished and two become active – “Terminator“. The exact dating provides the crucial information for his prognosis: the less time has elapsed between the last two “Terminator” events, the stronger the next sunspot cycle should be.

The peak is expected to occur in 2024 or 2025

The last two “Terminator” events were observed in 2011 and 2021. The gap was therefore 10 years, one year less than the average. On this basis, the team around McIntosh and Leamon calculated that the 25th solar cycle will reach a maximum number of spots of about 184. According to the NASA/NOAA consensus forecast, there should have been only about 115 spots, but that level has long since been reached.
McIntosh and Leamon also predict that the current solar cycle will peak in 2024 or 2025. Then there would be even more solar storms than during the initial phase. Accordingly, all solar researchers are now following the further development of the activity with great interest.

This image shows the Sun’s activity on October 1, 2015, towards the end of the last maximum activity. The next maximum, 2024 or 2025, could massively stronger.

We’re in for a bumpy ride!

The 25th solar cycle is not only a test of how well scientists can predict the behavior of the central star. It could also become an involuntary test of the robustness of human civilization.

The weak solar activity in recent years has given humanity a little reassurance. The last really strong cycle happened more than 30 years ago. No one can say for sure how the infrastructure that has since been created will react to violent solar storms. In addition to satellites, power supply and telecommunications are among the endangered areas of technology.

The sun is expected to reach its solar maximum as part of its regular 11-year cycle in 2025. The next termination event is expected to occur when Solar Cycle 25 gives way to Solar Cycle 26 in around 2030.

«2024 and 2024 could be a bumpy ride …” says McIntosh.

All the more reason to prepare and get your Faraday Cage ready to protect essential electronic equipment and communication devices like mobile phones, ham radios, solar battery packs, spare laptops and charging devices. To rely on any Government wherever you live to have robust protection measures in place is to leave things to bureaucrats in their ivory towers.

You owe it to yourself and your family to take responsibility for this yourself and ensure your vital communication devices continue to function after a Solar Flare or CME.

What Are 10 Of The Best Military Surplus Items You Should Get?

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In many situations, military equipment can be a first-rate option for preparedness and survival, and in many cases, it is not that costly. Despite the fact that Army Surplus shops are becoming more uncommon, many still exist.

Because we’re Survivalists and Preppers and we know the value of good military gear, we should make a point of using these shops before they vanish into thin air.

I’ve compiled a list of 10 items plus a bonus that you may find at an army surplus store for less than $20. These are all products I’ve previously bought.

Shemagh

Shemaghs, also known as keffiyeh, are essential gear for most hunters, hikers, and survivalists. These head coverings are easy to find, both in new and secondhand condition, in a variety of colors. Military supply stores are great locations to purchase such goods.

You should always look for a Shemagh that is made of 100% pure cotton fabric. Avoid buying imitations or cheap knock-offs that are made from synthetic materials.

The uses for a simple Shemagh, also known as a headscarf, are worth an entire article on their own, however, I can attest to the fact that mine was used to bandage up my kid with a broken limb while we were out camping.

Watch Cap

When I served as a young enlisted man, I refused to wear the woolen watch cap issued by my unit. My decision was based on the belief that a thinner, more fashionable-looking balaclava mask would make me appear cooler Needless to say, I looked more tactical and cooler but my balaclava was neither warm nor comfortable.Every winter, I wear my old army watch cap to keep my head warm as I commute to and from work, out in the yard, or the woods.

Now with a few more years on the clock and a bit of maturity (ones hopes!) I prefer the watch cap. Woolen hats with thick, long, straight, or no brims are available. As long as they are made of wool, they will keep you toasty. Each winter season, I put on my old military watch hat to keep me warm and protected while I work on my farm, get supplies from the nearest town or venture out into the woods.

Poncho

Military surplus stores frequently sell used, out-of-date, or damaged goods. Ponchos, in particular, may be purchased for a low price. However, before purchasing a secondhand poncho, inspect it for rips, tears, or other flaws like rot.

Ponchos will not only protect you from the rain, but they can also be used as an emergency shelter, a stretcher, a body bag, or a sleeping mat when used with a poncho lining.

If you spot some good quality ponchos at a fair price I recommend buying a few, because you will find you have many uses for them.

Snipers Veil

I frequently use a snipers mask as an ornamental headscarf when out hunting for food or exploring the outdoors. They are good for similar uses like a Shemagh. However, since the veil is made of a fine cotton fabric, it can be used in a variety of situations.

The sniper mask also functions as a superb disguise. They function as a camouflage veil – you can wear it around your head and still look through it without being seen.

Can openers

The “P-38” can-opener was introduced in 1942, along with “K-ration” and “C-ration” meals, and it was in use until the late-1980s. While the military demand for the “P” series has vanished, “P-11” is still manufactured and sold.

These are simple openers made entirely of thin, flat steel. The blades on these gadgets flip out at a right angle. They are inexpensive, so adding a few to your canned goods storage is simple.

The only one I use is the P – 5 -1. I’m sure there’s one in my kitchen utensils. In fact, when I open a tin of canned cream, I can do it faster than most hand-operated openers you buy in fancy kitchen stores.

Field Manuals

Military field manuals seem to be filled with information about everything. They’re a great resource for survivalists and preppers alike, and they’d make a great addition to your prepper’s library. The information contained in these books ranges from weapons and navigation techniques to first aid, so there’ll surely be something of interest for everyone.

Please note – the field manuals noted below relate to the United States Army.

Here are a few important guidebooks to keep an eye out for:

• SH-1276 US Army Rangers handbook  

· FM 20-3 Camouflage

· FM 3-25.26 Land Navigation

· FM 4-25.11 First Aid For Soldiers

· FM 5-31 Boobytraps

· FM 21-76 Survival

Trioxane Fuel Tabs

The tiny gasoline tablets are a frequently overlooked prepper item that you may still be able to locate at your local military surplus shop. While the troops have now switched to utilizing smokeless rations, I recall fondly igniting a few of these pills to make a beverage, as well as warming a package of almost inedible odd meat.

The tiny tablets are also excellent for starting a fire, making them ideal for keeping in a survival kit. I keep one in each bug out bag so everyone in my family can start a fire quickly.

Pouches

I am a firm believer in being organized. Using small pouches, bags and packs to hold equipment is a great way to keep things organized. The army has a large supply of bags and pockets that you may reuse to keep your stuff in order, whether they’re in your backpack or just lying around.

Sleeping Pad

The wonderful thing about a foam camping mattress is that they will never wear out, become leaky, or go flat. Airbeds are becoming increasingly popular, and many campers carry a patch kit with them in case their inflatable bed gets punctured.

The issue is if your mattress deflates at 3am that will still disrupt your sleep uncomfortably and it’s very annoying trying to find and fix a hole in the middle of the night. I’ve slept on a foam mattress since I was eighteen and I’m not gonna change it for a air mattress.

Sandbags

Having a lot of sandbags on hand is a fantastic idea. They don’t require a lot of room when they’re not in use. You can utilize them to direct the flow of water or to provide protection against bullets. You can also use them as weights, counters, or even as a storage space for your equipment.

In most situations, it is impractical to maintain a sufficient number of these items to safeguard a house from a flood. However, having a few dozens of them around will most certainly be beneficial in the event of a power failure.

Ammo Cans

Ammunition storage containers are so valuable that it’s a good idea to keep several of them around. They come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, making them suitable for a variety of applications. They are ideal for storing all kinds of gear that is loose. They’re also small enough that they can fit into a lot of places.

A few years ago, I converted a 7.62mm ammunition box into a tiny tool box that fit nicely behind the seat in my Chevrolet S – 10. I also have an aluminum foil lined container that I use as a Faraday Cage to store some of my amateur radios and electronic equipment.

Some friends of mine have used ammunition boxes to make wood stoves and power banks, as well as a variety of other do-it-yourself tasks.

While some military equipment isn’t worth having, there is a wide range of useful clothing and other equipment available at a reasonable price. These items are often modestly priced, however they frequently provide the greatest value.

I encourage you to check out the army surplus stores for these items. You’ll be glad you did when you take home some great tools and survival gear.

The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Prepping for Survival

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If there’s one thing that recent global events have taught us – and everybody has been affected by this – it’s that we need to be prepared for the unexpected. Whether it’s a natural disaster, pandemic, or economic collapse, being prepared can make all the difference when the chips are down. Prepping for survival isn’t just for doomsday enthusiasts or conspiracy theorists; it’s a

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The Ultimate Survival Prep Guide: Thriving in Uncertain Times

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Introduction:
In a world of uncertainty, natural disasters, and the ever-present threat of societal unrest, being prepared for the worst is more important than ever. With climate change increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events, and global tensions continuing to rise, it’s wise to ensure you and your loved ones are equipped to face any unexpected challenges.

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