Using your garden to provide cover

Vegetable planters can provide food and 4 foot of dirt for cover.  With one at each corner, you can feed a family of four vegetables and guard your home against attacks from all directions with guards located at any two diagonally opposite corners.

Using Heirloom Seeds will allow you to save seeds from your best growing vegetables and plant them year after year. In many cases, wild plants will come up in your vegetables beds where seeds fell.

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PVC Survival Tube

Using a short piece of PVC pipe with some end caps, you can make your own PVC burial tube to store a host of supplies (list below).  The end caps glue on one end and press/screw on the other end for easy removal, OR glue on both ends for the most secure long term water tight seal.

Using a 6 inch (or larger) diameter PVC pipe sized to fit your stainless steel guns, you can use two of these low cost flexible PVC caps to cover the ends: http://www.amazon.com/Fernco-Inc-PQC-106-6-Inch-Qwik/dp/B000VZPZNG?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_2&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

 

An advantage, or possible disadvantage of this model is that the metal hose clamp would be easily found with a metal detector.  It could also rust and be hard to get off or even break and fall off over time making it ineffective.  So I might limit this to a shorter term, lower cost alternative.

Another alternative are these slip/glue on caps that can be used on one or both ends:  http://www.amazon.com/Genova-40156-Cap-Sewer-Drain/dp/B000BQPAJ4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_1&smid=A1SV1BYDTUK2Z5

A more expensive alternative is to use on of the above glue on caps on one end, and these two items on the other end for a screw on/off access: 
http://www.amazon.com/Spears-Series-Fitting-Cleanout-Adapter/dp/B009H4245Y/ref=pd_bxgy_328_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1FZAXFPZTXCND1PZ7QXJ

AND

http://www.amazon.com/Spears-P106-Series-Fitting-Cleanout/dp/B009H41U1S?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_3&smid=A2LMF55FDXFV7T

These two combined look like a common sewer clean out port and can be installed in plain sight and still look normal.  They are also likely to last the longest.

There are also off the shelf Burial Tubes for firearms that are available like this one, but remember that PVC has been used for underground pipes for many years because it lasts the longest.

Including some desiccant to absorb moisture along with some of the long term storage bags might be a good idea. Be sure to bury them in a location that you will be able to find them for many years to come, and share one but not all of your locations with different trusted family &/or friends.  Keep a record of who you shared each one with for obvious reasons.

Here are some of the things you can store in a PVC Burial Tube:

1. Take down Stainless Steel 22 caliber survival rife (Marlin or Ruger).
2. Stainless Steel Revolver
3. Ammo with Chrome/Nickle plated casings if possible.
4. Gun oil
5. Old US silver quarters and dimes
6. Magnesium fire starter
7. Water straw filter
8. Para cord
9. Stainless Steel Knife & saw
10. Fish hooks (plated), steel leaders and braided fishing string.
11. Candles
12. Compass
13. Small survival blanket

Remember buried storage items are likely long term which is why stainless steel and other more durable goods are suggested like a filter straw instead of tablets for treating water, or a Magnesium fire started instead of matches. Putting perishable items like batteries could age, corrode and damage many of the other goods in your tube so caution is advisable.  Water containers could leak, so avoid including water (and other liquids), but rather add a water filter.

For some additional ideas on what to pack see the following video:  Wilderness Survival Pack
For additional information see the following links:

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Here are some additional links for building a PVC burial tube:

http://preppers.org/pvc-survival-time-capsule-make-one/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe_vXdMrHHseZ_esYUskSBw

Aquaponics - A combination of fish and plant production using aquaculture and hydroponics systems, is moving from the realm of experimental to commercial. While it is not a commonly seen method, the USDA has some good information on the topic.  Elsevier, a leading publisher globally, reports that you need to raise about $5,000 per year of food to break even.

For a Prepper, Aquaponics is particularly interesting as a sustainable method for producing food.  This however is a partial - facially because as we harvest food from the system and consume them, the nutrients and mass must be replaced. For example; we remove 10 pounds of food then 10 lbs must be replaced. If not, the system rapidly becomes depleted and unproductive. This can be achieved by supplementing your system with organic fertilizer like chicken or horse manure.

A system like this that produce both vegetables and fish, along with a half dozen free range chickens (or other source of manure) to replenish the system, could potentially provide a sustainable supply of food for a long time.  In the Prepper Handbook available on Amazon Kindle for $4.99, I calculate that it takes about 7 acres to sustainability grow enough food for 1 adult.  This includes rotating the land and having space for cattle, goats and chickens.

I am cautious about using Aquaponics, or Hydroponics as a stand alone sustainable food production method for a Prepper.  But such a system could clearly provide diversity and be essential for a person in the city with limited land and valuable as a winter supply of food being raised in a green house to help supplement your dried, canned and smoked food stores built up in the summer.  I also believe that raising a pond of catfish or trout can be a good supplement to your sustainable food plan.  This is discussed in he Prepper Handbook along with a complete sustainable food plan. 

For additional Prepper information, see our Blog Table of Contents

For additional information on Aquaponics, read below on some inflation from the USDA website:

Aquaponics

Dan Burden, AgMRC Content Specialist
D. Allen Pattillo, Department of Natural Resources Ecology & Management, Iowa State University; North Central Regional Aquaculture Center (NRAC)

Overview

Aquaponics is a hybrid food growing technology that combines aquaculture (growing fish) and hydroponics (growing veggies in non-soil media and nutrient-laden water).  This is a relatively new hybrid technology; a survey of readily available professional and hobbyist Internet resources will quickly give one an appreciation of the wide breadth of and passion for this technology.

Aquaponics is intended to be a highly sustainable production system that incorporates principles of water conservation, sustainable vegetable production and perhaps organic plant and animal agriculture.  Systems vary in size from small indoor or outdoor home or classroom hobbyist units to immense commercial units. The systems are usually fresh-water based, but salt-water systems are used for some high-value fish or crustacean production.  It should be noted that the corrosive effects of salt-water can greatly increase the establishment, maintenance and depreciation costs of the production system.

In traditional tank-type aquaculture systems, the fish are raised within a mostly closed system where water is recirculated.  Since it is a closed system, filters are required to remove fish effluent and remove aqueous toxic compounds that result from the effluent or its decomposition.  If not removed, the effluent and its toxic nitrogenous bi-products quickly reach levels that are fatal to fish.  In aquaponics systems, the effluent is as passively managed as possible within the system using sumps and biofilters.  Some solids may be physically separated and removed; however, the majority of the toxic compounds are biologically converted into plant-usable nutrients through bio-conversion by beneficial bacteria within the biofilter.  This nutrient-laden water is now the fertilizer component of the plant aspect of the system.  The plants then remove the nutrients and the “de-nitrified” clean water is returned back to the fish, crustacean or mollusk aspect of the system as their water input.

An intermediate-scale pre-commercial aquaponic system.

The systems are highly sustainable and can be highly efficient to operate.  To create maximum efficiency and the highest return-on-investment (ROI) in a commercial system, energy inputs in terms of lighting (for the plants), aeration (for the fish) and pumps or uplift systems (overall system recirculation) should be carefully considered and reflected in the design of the system.  It is easy to build a working system.  It is challenging to fine-tune that system for maximum efficiency (lowest-cost and lowest-human-intervention operation; highest sustainability), maximum highest-quality plant production and best fish, crustacean or mollusk growth rate and health.
This closed-loop system has many advantages over conventional “open-loop” crop production systems:

• It uses approximately 10% of the land area and 5% of the water volume required by conventional vegetable crops.
• Due to less water and land use, aquaponics is perfect for highly efficient use of existing space or for special applications like intensive urban gardening.
• Crop production time can be accelerated.  For example, butterhead lettuce varieties can be produced in about 30 days, instead of the typical 60-day growing period needed for conventional production.
• Production can occur year-round under a greenhouse or in a temperature-controlled enclosure.  This allows producers to market fresh produce during seasons when trucked-in produce is at their highest seasonal prices.
• Aquaponics is an adaptable process that allows for a diversification of income streams.  High-value herbs, vegetables, and leafy greens, as well as fish, crayfish, worms, mushrooms, and a number of other crops may be produced, depending upon local market interest and the interests of the grower.
• These systems allow agriculture to take large innovative steps toward environmental sustainability.  Because these are mostly-closed-loop systems, nutrient effluent leaving the facility is virtually nonexistent.  Additionally, fish, plant, and other waste solids may be captured and converted into value-added fertilizer products for wholesale or retail sale.
• Growers can start small, with minimal investment, perhaps using scrounged materials to see if the venture is “right for me,” then scale-up as markets and expertise develops.

The Australian Red-Claw Crayfish is an example of a crustacean that can be reared alone or with fish in an aquaponic system.

A nice tilapia harvest.

Example of a simple, but highly-effective siphon and sump used for an ebb & flow system.

Example of “deep-water culture” or “floating-raft” plant-growth technology.

One example of a commercially-available channel system used in Nutrient Film Technology (NFT); note the down-slope oriented channels and the common out-flow return collector.

This vertical drip installation maximizes available space, and is a highly adaptable modular installation.

There are many fish, crustacean or mollusk species that are well suited to aquaponic systems. With respect to fish species, tilapia and barramundi are fast-growing species well suited to the water temperatures of most aquaponic systems.  Other species, e.g., trout, hybrid-striped bass, bluegills, yellow perch or ornamental species like koi or pet-trade cichlids can be raised in these systems, but each species presents its own set of unique challenges and unique markets.  Crustaceans include fresh-water, salt-water and brackish-water shrimp and prawns, and crayfish.  Mollusks (snails) have been raised in some systems.
There are four major types of plant growth subsystems.  These include:

• Ebb and Flow  - This method, also known as flood-and-drain culture, requires the use of a substrate, like pea gravel or expanded clay, for the plant roots to grow in for stability.  This method uses a constant inflow of water and auto-siphon device to flood then quickly drain the grow bed, usually on a 20- to 30-minute cycle.  This periodic water emersion and air exposure produces an environment highly conducive to healthy plant root systems.  This method has the advantage of structural support for larger and heavier fruiting plants, like peppers or tomatoes, that otherwise could be problematic.
• Deep-water Culture  This method, also known as floating-raft culture, requires the use of a platform to support the plants and holes for the roots to access the water.  Styrofoam insulation is typically used as the raft and plastic net pots support the plants.  Aeration should be supplied via air stones in the water under the raft to ensure a high oxygen concentration should the water cease to circulate or become stagnant.  The larger volume of water required for this method has benefits.  It increases overall stability in temperature and water quality, which translates to lower overall maintenance and greater system stability.
• Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) This method of plant culture allows the plant root systems to absorb nutrients from a thin film of water (up to ½-inch depth), while maintaining high oxygen exposure through high atmospheric air contact.  NFT is typically done by emitting a small amount of water into one end of a channel or gutter, and allowing that water to flow by gravity to the other end where it drains into a common collection area.  Because of the high potential surface area, this method allows for greater plant production with less water.
• Drip Irrigation  This method uses drip emitters to provide a constant supply of nutrient-rich water to plant root systems, contained in large buckets of substrate, usually expanded clay or slabs of rock wool.  This method is very well suited to the production of fruiting, vine-type plants that can be grown continuously for multiple years, like cucumbers, tomatoes or some tropical fruits.  Plants generally are ‘trained’ to grow onto a trellis or similar structure for ease of harvest and maintenance.  An advantage to drip irrigation is the more inherently modular design.  If one plant dies or becomes diseased, it is easy to remove that plant or unit of plants and disinfect the area without sacrificing the entire crop.  Also, this method works well for large, heavy plants that need to sit on the floor, perhaps in a large pot.  Although in a large substrate container, the plant and its support infrastructure can easily be maintained, repositioned or modified.

There are hundreds of ways to build an aquaponics system.  Systems can be successful as a hobby-scale installation in a garage or basement, seasonally in the backyard or on the deck, or as full-blown commercial-scale ventures.  The critical considerations for any producer are: the amount of available space; the amount of available money for the project; the intent for and amount of food to be produced; and if a commercial venture, how the products will be marketed.  Aquaponically grown products, like other fish or produce, are highly perishable; it is important to keep in mind that harvest- and post-harvest handling and related marketing considerations are critical components of any aquaponics business plan.

Resources

Aquaponics overview from Growing Power a community group in Wisconsin

Aquaponics How To

Do It Yourself Aquaponics

Friendly Aquaponics

NCRAC: North Central Regional Aquaculture Center

Nelson &Pade a commercial system supplier.

The Aquaponics Source.Com
Seafood Safety

Wikipedia overview of aquaponics
Links checked: August 2013.


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Survive a 2 week Power Outtage

What will you need to survive a two-week power outage? 

What will you be missing?

1. No ATM or credit card ability; stores only accepting cash, rationing supplies
2. No TV, radio, cell phone, computer or iPad
3. No A/C or heating
4. No running water
5. No hot showers
6. No gasoline
7. No lights
8. No refrigerator or freezer
9. No electric stove, oven, toaster or microwave
10. No clothes washer
11. No clothes dryer
12. No electric toothbrush, razor, hair dryer or curlers (starting to sound serious now :-)

So what do we need?  According to the Rule of 3, you can die in:

• 3 seconds without security;
• 3 minutes without air;
• 3 hours without shelter in hostile weather;
• 3 days without water &
• 3 weeks without food.

Do we really need security in a 2 week power outage?  New Orleans needed it only days after a hurricane when people ran out of food and water and started door to door looting.  So after 2-3 days of a power (or water) outage over a large area, it is highly likely that 24-7 armed security plan is needed.

Air is less likely to be a concern in a power outage unless a wildfire causes it, or chemical warfare, in which case a gas mask is needed. Shelter may be a concern if you are not able to get home, or if your home is damaged beyond use. In this case, having supplies in your car or with you would be important. A tent or at the least an emergency blanket is recommended. For our power outage lets assume you are home which is the most common scenario.

However, water will be a serious concern in most any extended event.  For this reason, it is important that you prepare an Emergency Water Supply now.  You need one gallon per day, per person.  For two weeks, that is 14 gallons per person so a family of four needs 56 gallons of water.  This equates to about 18 cases of bottled water (500 ml) or eleven 5 gallon jug which offers a lower cost per gallon than half liter (500 ml) bottles.

Incremental Prepper Water Plan

     Step 1: Start with a water dispenser and a five-gallon jug/bottle of water.

     Step 2: Get a backup 5-gallon bottle of water (or 2).

     Step 3: Get a rack for your backup water bottles and keep it full.

     Step 4: Get another rack and keep it full.

     Step 5: Repeat step 4 until you have your target water supply.

Bottles are an excellent water supply, but you should have other alternatives. Know where your closest community pool, creek or lake is located and have some means to treat the water. Our Emergency Water Supply link has many details on having a good supply of water.

Food should be less of concern, but still one to think about.  Self-heating MRE's would be awesome, but with a 5 year shelf life on something you do not eat regularly, they are not ideal. Our post on Building your food stores the right way is a solid plan. However, in addition to food, you must have a means of Food Preparation & Preservation during a power outage.  It is also critical to have two hand operated can openers (not electric).

If you have a propane stove, then you are in luck.  Natural gas stoves are good as long as the gas company has back up power to maintain pressure. A BBQ Grill that uses propane and having trees around that provide fire wood is the ideal. Better if you have a full back up propane bottle to swap out.  With these things and good NATO or Kitchen matches, you are in good shape, but you need to plan.  These lighters are also very handy and affordable.

Step 1 is to implement your security plan.  Ideally a two person watch, 24 hours, 7 days a week.  Short, 4-hour shifts are best as they allow a more vigilant watch.  Change 1 of the 2 watch persons every two hours so there is someone fresh coming on duty every 2 hours. You should have some form of communications between the security team(s) and a central command center.

Step 2 is a plan for food and water.  Secure/ assemble as much as you initially can, and then prepare to ration it. Open the refrigerator only once per day for a brief minute to take out food to eat for the day.  After the refrigerated foods are gone, start on the frozen foods.  Save all canned and dried goods with long expiration dates to the last. Ration your food supply so the refrigerated and frozen goods are consumed before they go bad. Then ration the other goods to ensure they will last as long as possible.

Have a half dozen of these $5 lights that also serve as solar powered battery chargers.  A larger scale solar power system would be nice to have. 

Here is a good test for you.  Go camping for a 3 day weekend with only what you have in your survival back pack.  Here is a link to the first Alone Survival show back pack contents and a link to the Prepper Handbook Survival Backpack.  OR stay home and don't use any electricity to see how that works for you. Use this as a learning process to be better prepared for an actual extended power outage.  After this, please come back and let us know how it went with a comment to this blog.

For more information:
Blog Table of Contents
Power Outage Preps
Power Outage Heater
DIY Solar System 
The SHTF Day One
Survive a 2 week Power Outage 



  
 

Food Preparation & Preservation

It doesn't matter how well stocked your food stores are if you can't cook it. Cooking and preserving food is an important part of surviving. Cavemen learned, that hanging meat high up in their smokey cave to keep it away from the critters, preserved it even better than cooking.

Short term, the best solution is a nice propane BBQ Grill, with a backup bottle of propane.  Good ones are available from $150 - $200. Most grills can be used with wood once the propane is exhausted, but until then, the propane will cook food if you have no firewood.  If you do, the propane is a great way to get the wood fire started.  The ability to close the grill and moderate the air supply with a vent will allow the fire to smolder which will conserve fuel and be easily restarted later.  A Smoker (see pic) that uses wood is great long-term.  At the very least, you can get an inexpensive grill for under $50 and some wood or charcoal for another $20.

For nomadic cooking, there are a number of good camp stoves, but the ones that are capable of using several different types of liquid fuel (gas, diesel, kerosene, etc.), like the MSR DragonFly are best. These can be used at home, while camping or on the road to cook and stay warm. 

An indoor fireplace is a good alternative as many homes have them.  Investing in a little firewood, just in case is a good idea, especially if you live in places with cold winters. Use your fireplace each year to insure it is working.  As you use it, determine how long your wood lasts so you can plan to have enough to last you at least two weeks (or more).

Another solution is to dig a fire pit or use some of your other resources.  Things like a metal can, terracotta pot, or old refrigerator/freezer will work.  If necessary, borrow a household oven grill to cook on, or even an AC intake filter cover.  It is also critical to have a hand operated can opener (or two).

If firewood is unavailable, find sticks, tree limbs, old wooden furniture, boards from a deck or privacy fence (probably a few that need replacing anyway).  There may be a wooded area or park near your house with firewood available, especially if you have an axe, machete or saw to cut it. Be careful about cooking with treated wood as some may give off hazardous fumes.  At the very least, give this some thought and look around your house to see what is available, then form a few ideas about what you could do.


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Best Prepper Movies

What are the best Prepper movies or shows? Here is a list but I would love to get your vote and suggestions as a comment to this post on which is the best to show us what we might face and/or how we can be better prepared.
Most of these are rated 4 stars or better.

1. History Channel: After Armageddon
2. History Channel: Day after Disaster
3. Contagion- Good time line to show how fast things can melt down.
4. The Walking Dead - The number one TV Drama Series ever.
5. The Book of Eli - Good example of life 30 years after a nuclear war.
6. Revolution (TV Series)
7. Falling Skies
8. Red Dawn
9. I am Legend
10. Dooms Day Preppers (series)
11. Independence Day
12. The Terminator
13. The Day After Tomorrow
14. Outbreak
15. History Channel: Electronic Armageddon 

For more information, see:
Blog Table of Contents;