Prepper Handbook Blog

Saturday, February 13, 2016

45 uses for Alcohol

It has been said that ethanol alcohol—the kind of alcohol that makes us drunk—was the first synthesized product that humans made. Originally made from honey, fruits, berries, grains, and other plants left in the sun to ferment, alcohol and its first use documented as far back as 10,000 B.C.

Historically, fermented beverages:

Acted as a substitution for water
Fixed nutritional deficiencies
Served medicinal purposes

Alcohol also had its place in religious ceremonies and even used as currency. Supposedly, vodka was an ingredient in early European gunpowder. And of course, people drank alcohol in order to become intoxicated.

When shopping for liquor, you will find two different numbers on the bottle. One is the percentage and one is the proof. The percentage is the amount of true ethanol alcohol content, while proof is the official government designation of how much alcohol content is in the beverage. Divide the proof in half to get the actual percentage of alcohol.

Use number six: Molotov cocktail for zombie and other hostile elimination.
The term proof comes from 18^th century distillers. To prove the correct alcohol content in their distilled beverages, they added gunpowder. If it did not ignite, there was not enough alcohol. If it burned blue, they declared the alcohol 100 percent proof, or 50 percent ethanol alcohol.
Liquor has its place in a post-apocalyptic world even if you are a teetotaler. Stock up on cheap, high-alcohol content liquors and add it to your long-term food and gear storage. The best liquor for its many different purposes is Everclear. Everclear, made by Luxco, is pure grain alcohol. You can purchase Everclear in 95 percent alcohol content or 75.5 percent. The higher alcohol content is more popular and more effective for survival use. Everclear is illegal in Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and banned in Chicago (of course.) If you live in a state that restricts the sale of Everclear, you may substitute high-proof vodka. Of course, after SHTF and no laws exist you can start moonshining.

If you choose an alcohol other than vodka or Everclear, such as whiskey or gin, purchase at least 70 proof or higher. This ensures the alcohol will burn.

To store alcohol—Everclear, vodka, whiskey, brandy, gin, or rum—purchase glass bottles. These liquors will store indefinitely in the right conditions. Keep your alcohol in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Keep the bottles upright and do not open them. Once opened, the liquid will evaporate and lose its flavor after six to eight months.

Here are 45 survival uses of alcohol

Fire starter
Barter and trade
Alleviate boredom
Calm anxiety
Sleep aide
Molotov cocktail
Antiseptic for wounds
Sterilize needles, tweezers and other instruments
Disinfect questionable water
Relieve poison ivy
Kill odors
Refresh clothing
Bug repellent and killer
Surface cleanser
Anesthetic for tooth pain
Lamp fuel
Make herbal tinctures and elixirs
Facial astringent and toner
Topical treatment
Clean skin before an injection
Fuel for vehicles
Stove fuel
Gun cleaner
Solvent
Mouthwash
Rust prevention
Clean optic glass
Clear congestion and sinuses
Stop the itch of bug bites
Fire accelerator
Numbing agent
Starter fluid for IC engines
Hygienic soak for razor blades and brushes
Weed killer
Chemically cook food
Deodorant
Make perfume
Clean electronics
Kill mold
Remove stains
Dry wet clothing
Break the bottle and use the glass shards as a weapons and cutting tool
Cough suppressant (warmed whiskey mixed with honey and lemon works best)
Help repopulate
Muscle relaxer

If you can think of any more, feel free to comment below.

This article was originally published on CheaperThanDirt.com

For more information see:
Blog Table of Contents

Sunday, February 7, 2016

US Poverty from a global perspective

Despite the oppressive Political Correctness disease that is sweeping our country (led by the main stream media), we are still blessed to live in a time of such abundance. Never in history has even royalty had the luxuries that most of us have today. Even Americans that live in so-called “Poverty” are well above the world’s average income level.

The worldwide median income is about $9,733 per household according to Gallup.com
or $808 per month. The US Poverty level is $24,250 for a family of 4 according to HealthCare.gov which is $2020 per month. In addition, they get earned income credit, food stamps, health care benefits and more, worth an estimated $1,000 per month. So Americans in poverty live over 3 times better than the average citizen of the planet earth. According to Euro News, 48% of the worlds wealth belongs to 1% of the population, which includes Americans in Poverty.

According to the Global Rich List, ....a family of five living just above the poverty line in the US is actually “the one percent” compared to the rest of the world.

But as the planet becomes more globalized and socialized, the lower income citizens pay will increase and the higher ones like the US will decrease, moving closer to global parity. Countries with bigger governments and less capitalism will have lower than average life styles.

So for now, we should give thanks and protect our country. While charity is good, we would not borrow money to provide for strangers, when our own children have needs. This is what our country is doing when we bring in unskilled immigrants and let them get on welfare, food stamps and free health care.

How do we fix poverty? We don't, it has been with us since the beginning of mankind and it will be with us from now on. What we can fix however is insuring that everyone has an opportunity to get ahead by providing a better education that includes trades like construction, auto mechanics, plumbing, electrical, computer repair & programming and much more. Not everyone is going to be a doctor, lawyer or teacher, so we must train them so that a high school diploma means they have skills that will help them raise a family and send their kids to college.

For more information see:

Blog Table of Contents
Protecting America

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Pandemic Preparations

Every 16 to 25 years, there is a pandemic that kills millions of people. Most do not realize that we are currently in the middle of one of the largest pandemics in modern history. That is the AIDS or HIV virus which has killed over 37 million people. We don't realize this, because it kills slowly over 5 to 10 years rather than causing the victim to bleed out on the floor in a few days. But that is what makes a virus like this more dangerous. The victims do not realize they have this virus for years and can transmit it to others for many more years.

You can prepare for a pandemic now. You should know both the magnitude of what can happen during a pandemic outbreak and what actions you can take to help lessen the impact of an influenza (virus) pandemic on you and your family. This checklist will help you gather the information and resources you may need in case of a flu pandemic.

Plan for a Pandemic

Store a two week supply of water and food. During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a store, or if stores are out of supplies, it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand. This can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters.
Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home.
Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins, especially vitamin C. Lysol mouthwash is also good to have and use regularly.
Have disinfectants like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, bleach, Lysol, disinfecting hand cleaners, wipes and soaps. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces like door knobs and handles regularly.
Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
Volunteer with local groups to prepare and assist with emergency response.
Get involved in your community as it works to prepare for an influenza pandemic

During a Pandemic

Limit the Spread of Germs and Prevent Infection
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. Quarantine new retreat arrivals for 7 days.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

For more information

Blog Table of Contents

Printable Materials for Promoting Good Health Habits from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Cover Your Cough
Be a Germ Stopper: Healthy Habits Keep You Well
Flu Prevention Toolkit: Real People. Real Solutions
Stopping the Spread of Germs at Home, Work & School
Flu.gov
U.S Department of Health and Human Service
American Red Cross
Center for Disease Control and Prevention - Influenza/Flu
Center for Disease Control and Prevention - Recent Outbreaks
WHO Pandemic preparedness

http://www.ready.gov/pandemic

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Winter Storm Prepardness

Winter storms, snow, windchill, frost, ice and extreme cold are a coast-to-coast threat to the United States and its territories. Even Hawaii gets snow on its Big Island and frost is a major threat to crops in Southern states. Major cities as far south as Atlanta and Dallas have been paralyzed by snow and ice. Extreme cold is a relative term. It is defined very differently in Miami, FL, than in Fairbanks, AK. This page is designed to teach you how to stay safe in a winter storm or in abnormally cold weather for your area. If you know what to do before, during, and after a winter event, you can increase your chances of survival. On this site, you will find information on winter alerts, science and hazards, as well as snow coverage maps and information describing the different types of winter storms as well as how to deal with extreme cold. You'll also find a broad array of educational materials.

The NOAA Weather Preparedness Events Calendar shows a state by state list of hazards you should be prepared for. In addition, they provide NOAA Weather Radio, a radio channel that everyone should have access to. It will give weather warnings and advice.

Before the storm strikes, make sure your home, office and vehicles are stocked with the supplies you might need. Make sure farm animals and pets also have the essentials they will need during a winter storm.

Your primary concerns at home or work during a winter storm are loss of heat, power and telephone service and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day. In either place, you should have available:

At Home and Work:

Flashlight and extra batteries
Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information
Extra food and water such as dried fruit, nuts and granola bars, and other food requiring no cooking or refrigeration. Seven to fourteen gallons of water per person is recommended by the Prepper Handbook.
Extra prescription medicine
Baby items such as diapers and formula
First-aid supplies
Heating fuel: refuel before you are empty; fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a winter storm
Emergency heat source: fireplace, wood stove or space heater, properly ventilated to prevent a fire
Fire extinguisher, smoke alarm; test smoke alarms once a month to ensure they work properly
Extra pet food and warm shelter for pets
Review generator safety. You should never run a generator in an enclosed space.
Home fires are common each winter when trying to stay warm. Review ways to keep your home and loved ones safe.

In your Vehicle:

Plan your travel and check the latest weather reports to avoid the storm! Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins. Carry a Winter Storm Survival Kit that includes the following:

Mobile phone, charger, batteries
Blankets/sleeping bags
Flashlight with extra batteries
Firstaid kit
Knife
High-calorie, non-perishable food
Extra clothing to keep dry
Large empty can to use as emergency toilet, tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes
Small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water
Sack of sand or cat litter for traction
Shovel
Windshield scraper and brush
Tool kit
Tow rope
Battery booster cables
Water container
Candle and matches to provide light and in an emergency, lifesaving heat.
Compass and road maps, don't depend on mobile devices with limited battery life

Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Avoid traveling alone. Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes.

On the Farm, Pet Owners:

Move animals to sheltered areas or bring pets inside. Shelter belts, properly laid out and oriented, are better protection for cattle than confining shelters, such as sheds.

Haul extra feed to nearby feeding areas.
Have water available. Most animals die from dehydration in winter storms.
Make sure pets have plenty of food and water and a warm shelter.

What To Do If You're Caught in a Winter Storm

When caught in a winter storm, there are life saving actions you can take to protect yourself outside, in a vehicle and inside your home or office.

Find Shelter: Try to stay dry and cover all exposed body parts.
When There Is No Shelter Nearby: Build a lean-to, windbreak or snow cave for protection from the wind. Build a fire for heat and to attract attention. Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat.
Melt Snow for Drinking Water: Eating unmelted snow will lower your body temperature.
Exercise: From time to time, move arms, legs, fingers and toes vigorously to keep blood circulating and to keep warm. Avoid overexertion such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car or walking in deep snow if you are not in good health. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.

If you must drive during a storm, take the following precautions:

Slow down! Even if the roads just look wet they could still be slick. More than 6,000 fatalities occur on the roadways each year due to weather conditions.
Make sure your vehicle is completely clear of ice or snow before starting the trip. Flying snow from cars causes accidents.
Let someone know where you are going and what route you will take. If something happens, this person will know where to start a search.
Don't leave the house without the following a fully charged mobile phone and car charger and a emergency supplies kit in your car.
If you are driving and begin to skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas and turn your wheels in the direction you want the front of the car to go. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS equipped vehicle.
If you are having trouble seeing due to weather conditions, pull over to the side of the road and stop your car until visibility improves. Turn off your lights and use your parking break when stopped so that another car won't mistakenly follow your tail/brake lights and end up hitting you.

If your car gets stuck during a storm:

Stay in the vehicle!

If you leave your vehicle, you will become disoriented quickly in wind-driven snow and cold.
Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat.
While running the motor, open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Clear snow from the exhaust pipe to avoid gas poisoning.

Be visible to rescuers.

Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine.
Tie a bright colored cloth, preferably red, to your antenna or door.
After snow stops falling, raise the hood to indicate you need help

Stay Inside: When using heat from a fire place, wood stove, space heater, etc., use fire safeguards and properly ventilate.

If Your Heat Goes Out

Close off unneeded rooms to avoid wasting heat.
Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
Close blinds or curtains to keep in some heat.
Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Drinks lots of water and other non-caffeinated, non-alcholohic drinks to prevent dehydration. Cold air is very dry.
Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.

For more information see:

Blog Table of Contents
US Government Recommended Preparations
Prepper Handbook

Solar Power System

$5 Solar Battery Charger

Food and water:

Building your food stores the right way

Getting Started (Water)

Disaster Preparations:

Natural & Man Made Disaster Preparations

Terrorist Attack - Best Preparations

Hurricanes

Survival Pack (Security Patrol or Bug Out pack)

Wilderness Survival Pack (Video)

Alone Survival Show Pack Contents
Wilderness Survival

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Off Grid Lighting

This is perhaps the most versatile off grid lighting I've seen.

It provides solar powered lighting for the outside AND inside of your home. In addition, these can be used as a solar battery charger and make great stealth Prepper gifts for family members. With a package of extra rechargeable batteries, these will provide lighting for years.

Here are a few good passive lights that are solar powered and use common AA so they can double as solar battery chargers:

1) LED version