Generators… Good; Carbon Monoxide Poisoning… Bad

A generator is the best way to deal with a power outage. There is no dispute about that. And if that were the only thing you need to know about generators, there would be little reason for this communication.

After all, generators can be lifesavers. When you own a generator, you know the next time the lights go out, you have a backup power source to support you and your family.

Generators allow you to keep medical devices functioning. And they can power up your refrigerator and a fan or space heater. Plus a TV, phones, laptops, and more.

But the fact is, the type of generator you use can make a huge difference in your safety. Today I’m going to tell you exactly why that’s true.

Failing to Heed Warnings

A generator is a machine that produces electrical energy in the form of voltage and current. Generators for home use produce AC (alternating current) power. They can power electrical appliances that ordinarily would be dead during a blackout.

Why is it important to have one? Because power outages are increasingly rapidly across the U.S. Just last month in Texas, electricity prices soared and utilities officials pleaded with businesses and residents to voluntarily conserve power from 3 to 8 p.m.

If rolling blackouts occur – or if extreme weather causes a blackout – generators will be used. Gas-powered generator manufacturers warn consumers about carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. But those warnings are not always heeded.

Regardless of what kind of generator you own – big or small, solar or gas – knowing generator safety is key.

It’s Called the Silent Killer

Depending on the levels, carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal. In just five minutes. Most people won’t notice it until they start feeling ill. That’s because it’s odorless and colorless. Falling asleep while CO is present can be deadly. They call it the silent killer.

Following Hurricane Irma in 2017, 11 deaths in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina were attributed to the storm. But an additional 16 deaths were caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.

In 2020, Hurricane Laura tied the record for strongest storm making landfall in Louisiana. More than 900,000 people lost power in the states affected by the Category 4 storm.

Forty-two people in the U.S. were killed by the storm. Among them were at least nine who died of CO poisoning from their gas-powered generators.

‘Disaster Within a Disaster’

During Winter Storm Uri in 2021, some 1,400 people visited emergency rooms for CO poisoning in Texas alone. At least 11 people lost their lives due to it. Dr. Neil Hampson called it the country’s “biggest epidemic of CO poisoning in recent history.”

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo oversees emergency management in the Houston area. She labeled the carbon monoxide crisis a “disaster within a disaster.”

Many of those who suffered carbon monoxide poisoning were improperly using gas-powered generators.

Some were running them in garages. Others were using them too close to vents and widows. In each case, toxic fumes entered their homes. According to the CDC, some 430 Americans die every year from CO poisoning.

Not Just Safety Concerns

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued this warning about generators:

“If used or placed improperly, these sources can lead to carbon monoxide (CO) buildup. Inside buildings, garages, and campers. And poison the people and animals inside.

“These devices should never be used inside an enclosed space, home, basement, garage, or camper. Or even outside near an open window or window air conditioner.”

In addition to CO poisoning, users of gas-powered generators can also experience electric shock, fire, and burns.

If safety concerns were not enough, gas generators are also noisy, which can alert looters to you. You could also run out of fuel to power it. Or that fuel could become unusable if your garage floods. Even well-versed preppers can fall victim to gas generator malfunctions.

Generator Safety Tips

If you absolutely have to use a gas-powered generator, please follow these important safety tips:

Read the generator manual carefully. Follow the instructions to the letter.

Keep your generator at least 25 feet from any building.

Make sure fumes are not blowing toward anything flammable. Such as vegetation.

Store your gas cans properly. And far away from the generator.

Keep your generator away from vents and windows.

Install at least one carbon monoxide alarm in your home. And keep a fire extinguisher handy.

Don’t run your generator while it’s raining. Unless it’s shielded by a waterproof and well-ventilated tent.

Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. Instead, use a heavy-duty, outdoor extension cord to plug appliances into generators.

Before refueling, turn the generator off and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes. Gasoline and other flammable liquid spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.

Have your generator inspected annually and replace any worn parts.

Solar = Safe

And now for the safety tip you need when using a solar-powered generator: Don’t throw it at someone.

That’s about it. A solar-powered generator produces an endless supply of life-saving electricity when you need it most.

And without gas, fumes, or noise. Plus, it’s safe enough to use indoors. Even in your bedroom.

When it comes to safety, a solar-powered generator is the clear choice over a gas generator.

[VIDEO] Survival Minutes | The Multi-Use Military Poncho 🇺🇸

Join former Navy SEAL Cade Courtly in this edition of ‘Survival Minutes’ as he delves into the unmatched versatility of the military-issue poncho. Discover its history, life-saving capabilities, and how even a standard trash bag can serve as a makeshift survival tool. Equip yourself with knowledge and be a survivor, not a statistic!

Drop a comment below with your own survival hacks.

The Inside Scoop 🎬:

– Former Navy SEAL Cade Courtly demonstrates how a poncho can be utilized as a multi-tool.

– The military-issue poncho has been a reliable tool since the Vietnam era due to its versatility and life-saving capabilities.

– Key features: keeps you warm and dry, has a hood to prevent heat loss from the head, and is perfect for constructing an impromptu shelter with its corner pilot attachments.

– If you lack a military-issue poncho, a standard 50-gallon trash bag can serve similar purposes: collecting water, building shelter, or wearing it as a makeshift rain jacket.

Transcript 🎞️:

“Hey folks, this is former Navy SEAL Cade Courtley with your 4Patriots Survival Minute. I want to introduce you to the military issued poncho. You know why this thing is amazing? You know why they keep issuing this out since Vietnam? Because it can do so much and it can save your life. I never went anywhere without one of these.

Aside from the obvious of keeping you warm and dry. It’s got a hood on it. Most of the heat escapes from your head.

It’s also ideal for making a hasty shelter. You know what? Because it’s got eyelets on every corner, bungee cord, rope, stakes, you name it, perfect for a shelter.

If you want to, you can literally tie a knot in the hood, and use it to collect water.

If you do not have a military issue poncho, you probably have your standard 50 gallon trash bag. You can do all the same stuff. Collect water, make a shelter, you can cut a hole in the top and sides, and you can wear it like a rain jacket.

That’s it. I’m Cade Courtley with your 4Patriots Survival Minute. Be a survivor, not a statistic.”

Hunting & Prepping Mistakes Have Much in Common

In many parts of the country, deer season has arrived or is right around the corner. Other animals will also become fair game soon if they haven’t already.

Whether you are a long-time hunter or you’re relatively new to this activity, you could probably benefit from learning about mistakes other folks have made while hunting.

And surprisingly, I’ve found that a number of those errors can be closely compared to miscues some people make in their general preparedness plans.

Today I want to mention a few of those mistakes so you can avoid them. Both in your hunting and preparedness activities.

Don’t procrastinate

If you’re a hunter, hopefully you have your tree stand hung by now. When hunters wait too long in the summer to do this, they sometimes find few deer in the area when they set up camp.

It’s difficult to hang a tree stand without making noise. Cutting shooting lanes and all the walking around that entails can scare off deer that might otherwise hang around the area.

This reminds me of people who wait too long to stockpile survival items. Including food, power, and water filtration items.

They have good intentions and figure they’ll get at it eventually. But then a crisis hits and they kick themselves for not having done it sooner.

A crisis could happen at any time. Why wait around and risk being unprepared?

Don’t rush into it

An opposite problem for hunters is carrying out a chore too early. I’m referring to planting food plots. Early August is an ideal time if there’s been rainfall.

But if it’s been a dry summer as this one has been in many areas, it’s better to wait. Food plots that stay in the ground too long due to dryness won’t attract deer and other animals like the ones that benefit from rain later in the season.

You may be wondering how that can compare with preparedness. After all, it’s never too early to prepare for an uncertain future, right?

That’s true. But if preparing is done too hurriedly without a plan, you may wind up with more than enough of some items and not enough of others. Think first about what you’ll need to be fully ready for a variety of emergencies. Then gather what you can over time.

Don’t overdo it

Many hunters will set up cameras in their hunting grounds in order to check on the number of deer that frequent the area.

But if you have to go on site to accomplish that task, you may convince deer and other animals it’s not a safe area for them. Assuming you spread out your cameras in June and check them in August, try to limit another on-site visit to just one this month.

Check your cameras as often as you want, as long as you’re doing it remotely so you don’t scare off your game.

Speaking of checking in, when stockpiling be sure to check the expiration dates of the cans in your cans in your stash periodically, rotating them out when necessary.

And remember to keep them in a dry, cool place away from light and protected from critters.

Don’t ignore new data

Another mistake some hunters make is relying too heavily on old information and not enough on current info.

They’ve studied the habits of deer and other animals in the past and are relying on that data to tell them where deer are congregating and what their habits are. But like the weather, those things can change. It’s important to stay current on their patterns.

How does that relate to preparedness? Well, if you’re depending on old weather patterns to guide your preparedness plans, you might want to rethink your process…

The fact is, weather patterns have changed dramatically in recent years. We have many more extreme weather events than we used to. And they last longer than previously. Stay up to date with weather patterns in your area. Knowing where storms are and where they’re headed could save your life in a crisis.

Don’t be overconfident

Some hunters – probably more than we think – believe they’ve learned everything there is to know about hunting. As a result, they become overconfident but then sometimes go home empty-handed.

Smart hunters realize they will never know everything about their craft. So they spend some of their free time studying the latest trends – in books, on the Internet, and in conversations with other hunters. They learn things that make them better, smarter, and safer hunters.

Of course, the same thing is true with preparedness. Even if you already have a good supply of backup power, emergency food, and water filtration items, there is plenty to learn about your craft by reading.

The 4Patriots website contains hundreds of articles about preparedness. And there are plenty of books on this subject that can help make you better at getting ready for disasters.

Don’t avoid research

Returning to a couple of themes I mentioned earlier – being organized and not procrastinating – I want to mention two more things.

For a hunter, cutting game without a clue as to how it should be done could end up being wasteful. Learn how to do this before you need to. And getting your meat into a cooler as soon as possible is very important for keeping it fresh.

Similarly, if you’re preparing for an inevitable emergency, do your research first to learn what you need to stockpile and how best to store it.

In addition, while you don’t want to rush into preparing without a plan, you don’t want to dilly dally either. You should make sure you’re well on your way to being prepared before a disaster strikes.

I hope some of the thoughts in this communication resonated with you. Whether you are a hunter or are into preparedness – or both – it’s important to learn from others’ mistakes. The result will be becoming better at whatever you do.

Nearly 50% of U.S. Drinking Water Is Contaminated

When you hear there are contaminants in your drinking water, it’s concerning. When you hear there are “forever chemicals” in your drinking water, it’s downright scary.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are also known as “forever chemicals.” That’s because they don’t break down in the environment or in our bodies. They’ve been linked to a wide variety of serious health conditions.

The CDC estimates that PFAS are in the blood of 97% of Americans. They’re resistant to water, heat, and grease. And they’re found in all sorts of products, including food packaging.

Not to mention creatures… everything from fish in the Delaware River to polar bears in the Arctic.

PFAS Are Everywhere

PFAS are also found in clothing, cosmetics, carpets, firefighting foam, and even toilet paper.

Elsie Sunderland is a professor of environmental chemistry at Harvard University. She said, “You see all these strange things depending on which PFAS you’re talking about and which organ system, but none of it’s good.”

These synthetic chemicals don’t degrade in the environment due to their very strong carbon-fluorine bond.

Because they’re used in so many industries – including automotive, construction, and electronics – PFAS leak into the soil, water, and air over time.

Making Progress… But Not Enough

The U.S. Geological Society released an extensive study revealing that PFAS contaminate nearly one-half of the nation’s drinking water.

More than 700 taps and kitchen faucets in homes, businesses, and schools were examined in this study. Researchers searched for 32 specific PFAS among a group of some 12,000.

Some headway is being made to control the amount of PFAS we’re exposed to. States including Minnesota and Maine are legally blocking the use of chemicals in certain products.

The 3M company agreed to pay a huge settlement for releasing forever chemicals into waterways. But while some chemicals have been removed from consumer products, they’re replaced by others that are yet unregulated.

‘It’s Not Going Away’

It’s clear there is no immediate solution to the problem of PFAS in our drinking water.

John Kmiec is the interim director of Tucson Water. He says, “We know it’s not going away. The thing that gives me the greatest concern is not every community or every water company in the U.S. is actively testing for PFAS.”

Which makes it imperative that we filter water coming out of our taps and water we drink from outdoor sources.

That way we can reduce the odds of consuming contaminated water. Just make sure your purification devices are effective against a variety of contaminants, including PFAS.

Storing Water – How Much & Where?

Once you’ve filtered your water, it’s time to store it properly. How much you store depends on factors such as the number of people in your family and your storage space.

You should have at least one gallon of drinking water per day per person. And another one-half gallon for sanitary purposes and handling other cleaning tasks.

Be sure to store water away from light and heat. A cool, dark space is best. Be mindful of the potential for containers to leak.

Due to the space it takes up and its weight, storing clean drinking water is not the ultimate, long-term solution to the water contamination problem. However, if you hunker down in your home during a crisis, it will pay to have as much clean drinking water stored as you can.

5 Water Storage Tips

I’m going to conclude with five water storage tips below. They could make the difference between life and death following a disaster.

Store in food-grade barrels. Blue, polyethylene plastic storage barrels for large quantities of water are popular. They’ll also help differentiate your water from your fuel and won’t taint your water with toxins.

Clean the containers. Before filling them with water, dilute one teaspoon of bleach in a gallon of water and wash the containers thoroughly, including insides, lips, and lids. Never store water in a container that’s been used to store something else.

Keep them in a proper place. Make sure your water containers do not have access to sunlight, which can result in bacteria and algae growth. A cool, dark place away from chemicals is best. Only use containers with airtight lids.

Secure the containers. Think in advance about which areas in your home would most likely be affected by a disaster and keep the containers out of there. Avoid high places and keep your water locked away if you think looting could be a possibility.
Replace your supply regularly. Yes, it could last for a long time if stored properly, but replacing it at least once a year is a good idea.

How Has Your Life Changed Since 9/11?

Some of you may remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963.

Others may recall where they were and what they were doing when the space shuttle Challenger broke apart just over a minute after launching on January 28, 1986.

Probably all of us can picture where we were and what we were doing 22 years ago today when the deadliest terrorist act on U.S. soil occurred.

We all have the date – September 11, 2001 – indelibly etched upon our minds. Our lives were changed forever. We’ll never forget.

4 planes, 19 terrorists

Today I want to give you a brief recap of that fateful day and remind you of what has changed as a result. I also want to give you an opportunity to chime in with your memories of 9/11. And ask how you commemorate the men and women who lost their lives that day.

It was a sunny Tuesday morning across most of the U.S. when word started coming in that several commercial flights were flying off target with no communication to the FAA or local towers.

Nineteen terrorists hijacked four planes, each taking off from Eastern U.S. airports and headed to the West Coast. American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center, while United Airlines Flight 175 slammed into the South Tower 17 minutes later.

American Flight 77 struck the west wall of the Pentagon. United Flight 93 crashed in a field in Stonycreek Township in Pennsylvania after passengers thwarted the efforts of terrorists steering the plane toward Washington, D.C. and presumably the White House.

War on terror commences

You’re probably reading this paragraph moments after finishing the previous one. But that’s not how I wrote it. I had to step away from my computer for a few minutes to compose myself. My grief and anger came rushing back at me much more forcefully than I had anticipated.

I don’t know about you, but it’s 22 years later and I’m not close to getting over that hideously horrible act of cowardice by America’s enemies. No other event during my lifetime has left me more sad and furious at the same time.

Nearly 3,000 people died that day due to the senseless attacks and at least twice that number were injured. Structural damage was estimated at $100 billion, with total economic damage up to $2 trillion.

Al-Qaeda’s attacks launched a global war on terror that continues to this day. Three years after the attacks, al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden claimed responsibility after having denied it. In 2011, he was killed during a raid on his compound in Pakistan by the U.S military.

Homeland Security founded

As we are all very much aware, many things have changed since 9/11. Especially in connection with national security and travel.

The U.S. and some of our allies have gone to war in Iraq and Afghanistan to battle terrorists whose stated goals include the destruction of America.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security was established in 2003, with headquarters in Washington, D.C. The chief goal of this agency was to develop a security framework to protect our country from large-scale attacks directed from abroad.

There are now nearly 250,000 Homeland Security employees. Among its missions are anti-terrorism, border security, and disaster prevention and management.

The rules have changed

Anyone who has traveled by air over the past 20-plus years knows how dramatically that previously simple activity has changed.

We now stand in long lines, removing shoes and belts. And we now have our persons and our belongings scanned much more carefully than before.

While many people become frustrated over the tactics of the Transportation Security Administration, there is no question that it is much more difficult than before to hijack a commercial flight.

Similar safeguards have been put into place with other forms of travel. Including water and train travel.

Attack sparks patriotism

What about the mindset of Americans following 9/11? How did that change? Shock, sadness, fear, and anger were the immediate reactions of many citizens.

A surge in patriotism ensued. Following U.S. airstrikes against the Taliban and al-Qaeda forces in Afghanistan, nearly 80% of Americans said they had displayed an American flag.

Political differences were set aside, with President George W. Bush’s approval rating leaping 35 percentage points in a three-week span.

Public trust in government rose dramatically. As did the percentage of Americans who turned to churches or prayer in response to the attacks.

Americans are resilient

Of course, nothing lasts forever. While national security remains a major focus of the U.S. government 22 years after 9/11, trust in government has lessened and political partisanship has grown.

The emphasis on security has probably made us a safer nation, but there are many threats we are still grappling with. Including cyber attacks targeting the country’s infrastructure and threatening to disrupt our daily lives.

Americans are resilient people. We always will be. We don’t shy away from challenges and we come together – despite our differences – when the situation calls for it.

None of us will ever be the same after the events of September 11, 2001, but perhaps in some ways we’re better. We’ve proven we can get up off the canvas and proactively carry the fight against our enemies. We’re determined to never be caught off-guard again.

It’s your turn

As promised, I want to provide you with the chance to express your thoughts and memories of this tragic date in U.S. history.

You might want to include where you were and what you were doing when you heard the news. How has 9/11 impacted your life since then?

Please feel free to do that in the comments section below. If there is anything special you have done or are planning to do to honor the women and men who perished on 9/11, please include that as well.

It Will Never Happen to Me… Right?

Every state has emergency response teams and equipment designed to deal with crises caused by extreme weather, natural disasters, and other serious problems.

And when an issue caused by one of these events overwhelms a state’s capacity to deal with it, FEMA moves in to assist.

Sounds like a good system, right? On paper, yes. In reality, often no. Emergencies frequently overwhelm states’ abilities to handle them. And it takes time for FEMA to move in with its workers and resources.

While Hurricane Hilary was pounding Southern California as a tropical storm late last month, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria summed up the situation perfectly: “We’re not built for this kind of rainfall.”

If every state and FEMA official were perfectly honest, they’d be saying the same type of thing regarding their ability to handle extreme weather events and other crises.

You Can’t Count on Help

Cities, counties, and states are just not built for the kinds of emergencies Americans are facing these days. They try, but they don’t have the funding, manpower, and equipment necessary to deal with most crises in a timely manner.

Often the result is the lack of the basic necessities of life – electrical power, food, and clean water – until the situation is resolved. Which can require anywhere from several days to several weeks.

In addition, crises cause blackouts and supply chain issues, which result in food shortages and higher prices.

The answer to this dilemma is becoming self-sufficient so we’re not dependent upon help from the government. It means getting out of the “It won’t happen to me” mindset, making a preparedness plan, and executing it when necessary

Showing Up in Odd Places

The main reason Americans are becoming victims of emergencies more often these days is the increase in both the number of extreme weather events and their intensity.

But another reason is that some of those severe weather events are occurring in areas where they rarely or never occurred before.

Whoever heard of a hurricane affecting half the country? Yet that’s what happened with Hurricane Sandy.

It made landfall in New Jersey, which hadn’t had a major hurricane in decades, but its effects were felt as far west as Illinois. Sandy ended up killing 48 people and leaving millions without power.

And when was the last time a tropical storm struck California? Florida, Louisiana, Texas… sure. But Southern California? It was virtually unheard of.

The storm produced heavy rainfall, high winds, flooding, and mudslides. And it was accompanied by an earthquake. Evacuation orders even occurred in Arizona due to this storm.

Storms Are Getting Stronger

With global sea levels rising each year, hurricanes are becoming more intense. One that might have only caused minor flooding several decades ago is now causing major flooding. Just last year, Hurricane Ian became the deadliest storm to hit Florida since 1935.

Tornadoes are also becoming more frequent and fiercer. They’re knocking out power for more people and destroying more property, especially in the Plains and Midwest.

And then there are derechos, such as the one that slammed Iowa so hard in 2020. It included sustained winds of 70 miles per hour and spawned a tornado outbreak.

Wildfires are also growing in both number and acreage of land being torched. The West and Northwest are particularly vulnerable, thanks to arid conditions and lightning strikes.

Not Preparing Is Illogical

Why don’t more people prepare for emergencies? Especially those caused by extreme weather events.

Sometimes it’s because they are so used to hearing about bad things happening in other regions of the country that their area seems safe to them.

And even after people do experience a severe weather event, they think it’s unlikely something that serious will ever happen to them again.

Educators and psychologists have studied why people don’t prepare for extreme weather after going through it.

Selective Memory Is a Disadvantage

Robert Myer is co-director of the Risk Management and Decision Processes Center at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

“People actually have a really good memory of past storms that they’ve been through,” he said. “But what people tend to forget, which often causes laxness in protection or preparation, is what it really felt like to go through these storms.

“It seems really bad at the time, and you have people thinking, ‘Next time I’m going to really fully prepare; I never want to go through this again.’

“Then three or four months later, you remember the event but forget what it felt like.”

A Plan Beats a Dice Roll

Failing to remember how difficult it was to get through a bad situation – including power outages, food shortages, and a lack of clean water – or believing something like this could “never happen to me” are the equivalent of rolling dice and hoping for the best.

Everyone’s luck runs out eventually. A much more logical – and safer – way to deal with the situation is to assume something bad will happen and prepare for it.

For example, creating a family emergency plan and putting together or purchasing a comprehensive survival kit.

We’ll all face some kind of crisis sooner or later. Those who prepare for it will almost always fare better than those who don’t. Instead of thinking, “It’ll never happen to me,” we should put ourselves in the position of saying, “It just might happen to me… and now I’m ready.”

[Video] Survival Minutes | Household Fire Starters

Discover unexpected fire-starting hacks with former Navy SEAL, Cade Courtley! 🔥 Dive into this Survival Minute and unlock the secret potential of everyday items. From tortilla chips to hand sanitizer, be prepared for any survival situation.

Where can you use this survival minute knowledge next? Let us know in the comments!

The Inside Scoop 🎬:

– Former Navy SEAL, Cade Courtly, provides tips for starting a fire as part of the 4Patriots Survival Minute series.

– Tortilla chips can be used to start a fire due to their high oil content.

– Hand sanitizer can also ignite a fire because of its high alcohol content.

– Steel wool, when combined with a 9-volt battery, can help start a fire. Spread the steel wool out, touch both poles of the battery, and it begins to ember.

Transcript 🎞️:

“Hey folks, this is former Navy SEAL Cade Courtley with your 4Patriots Survival Minute.

I’m going to show you three common things that can help you start a fire first.

Number one, tortilla chips. Alright, because they have a lot of oil in them they actually totally work to help start a fire. Stack them up and away you go.

Number two, hand sanitizer. It’s got a high alcohol content – that’s what does the sanitation. It also helps you start a fire.

Number three, steel wool. Now, this is great if you have steel wool and a 9-volt battery, preferably fine steel wool. Spread it out so the air can get in there, touch both poles of the 9-volt and there you have it starting to ember already.

So there you have it; tortilla chips, hand sanitizer, steel wool and a 9-volt battery – and you have things that are going to help you start a fire.

This is Cade Courtley with your 4Patriots Survival Minute. Be a survivor not a statistic.”

When Mother Nature Strikes, Will You Be Ready?

It’s a question we’ve all had to ask ourselves more frequently these days. Hurricanes aren’t just weather events; they’re life-altering catastrophes. And as the world changes, so does the unpredictability of these storms which is why…

Preparation isn’t paranoia; it’s prudence.

Know Hurricane Terminology

From Tropical Depressions with winds of 38 mph to full-blown Hurricanes roaring at 74 mph and above, it’s crucial to know what’s coming your way. And when forecasters throw around terms like “Eye Wall” or “Storm Surge,” you better believe it’s essential to know what they mean. Knowledge isn’t just power; it’s survival.

The Basics:

Tropical Depressions: Cyclones with winds up to 38 mph.
Tropical Storms: Wind speeds ranging from 39-73 mph.
Hurricanes: Winds that exceed 74 mph. Notably, the upper right quadrant of the storm is often the most intense.
Storm Surge: A dangerous rise in seawater level caused by a storm, leading to rapid coastal and, at times, inland flooding.

Key Terms:

Tropical Storm/Hurricane Watch: Conditions are possible. Issued 48 hours in advance.
Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warning: Conditions are expected. Issued 36 hours in advance.
Eye: The calm center of the storm.
Eye Wall: Surrounding the eye, it houses the storm’s harshest conditions.
Rain Bands: These bands can produce severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and tornadoes.

Predicting a hurricane’s path is a blend of science, technology, and a dash of educated guessing. But when the experts at the National Hurricane Center speak, it’s time to listen. They’re our first line of defense, using advanced computer models to give us a heads-up on what’s brewing in the ocean. Stay updated with real-time information from the National Hurricane Center at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.

Your Hurricane Kit: Non-Negotiables

When the lights go out, and the stores shut down, what’s in your home can make the difference between despair and resilience. When preparing for a hurricane,

Write down and prominently display emergency phone numbers. Ensure they’re easily accessible in your home and saved on your cell phone.
Have a plan to stay informed. A weather radio and device to power your cell phone and computer are invaluable.
Emergency Kit: Prepare a comprehensive emergency supply kit. This isn’t just for evacuation but also if you’re confined to your home. Your kit should include:

At least 3 days’ worth of backup emergency food supplies and clean water
Cooler to store perishable food and temperature-sensitive medications
First aid supplies, prescription medication, and medical devices
Power sources, including flashlights and batteries. Even better – a solar power generator to help keep your devices and appliances working as gas generators can give off deadly fumes
Keep essential documents like medical records, wills, passports, IDs, as well as extra cash in a waterproof container
A fire extinguisher can be crucial – ensure everyone knows its location and usage
Ensure your car’s gas tank is full and keep an emergency kit in your car. If you don’t own a car, pre-arrange transportation for evacuation

Home Sweet (Secured) Home

Your home is your fortress, but even fortresses need reinforcements. Board up windows, trim those trees, and make sure everything that can fly away in a gust is safely tucked inside. Reinforce your garage doors and familiarize yourself with utility shut-offs. And if the winds start howling, remember: stay away from windows and stick to the innermost parts of your home.

Power Outages: The Silent Menace

When the storm hits, power outages are almost a given. And with them come a host of challenges, from spoiling food and dead cell phones to compromised temperature-sensitive medication and medical devices failing. Heat stress and exhaustion can come without access to air conditioning. A power outage isn’t just an inconvenience; it can be a danger if you’re not prepared.

Generators are your best protection against blackouts but picking out the right generator is crucial. Gas-powered generators can be loud, emit deadly carbon monoxide, and require fuel to run at a time when fuel supply chains can be severely disrupted, making it difficult, if not impossible, to refuel a gas generator. Gas stations might be closed, roads blocked, and let’s not forget the long, winding queues of desperate folks trying to get their hands on some fuel.

Solar power generators rely on the sun—a resource that, even after the stormiest days, will eventually return, allowing you to harness safe, energy. Solar generators also operate silently. Let’s face it, when the world is trying to piece itself back together after a hurricane’s fury, the last thing you’d want is the roaring noise of a gas generator. You can even increase your overall power output and decrease charging time by investing in additional solar panels to daisy chain.

Evacuation or Hunkering Down: Making the Call

Sometimes, the best defense is a good escape plan. If authorities say it’s time to go, don’t hesitate. But if you’re staying put, make sure you’re truly ready for what’s coming. Whether it’s ensuring you have a full tank of gas or knowing the nearest shelter, every bit of preparation counts. Remember,

Stay calm and stick to your plan
Avoid floodwaters – just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
Keep your emergency car kit easily accessible
Stay away from downed power lines
Check on your neighbors – especially if they are disabled or elderly
If you leave make sure someone knows where you are going and when you expect to arrive

After the Storm

Once the winds have settled and the rain has ceased, it’s easy to believe the worst is over. But here’s the reality: the danger isn’t always in the storm itself, but often in what it leaves behind. Streets become rivers, power lines turn into potential death traps, and your once-familiar neighborhood? It might now be a maze of debris and hazards.

So, what’s the game plan post-hurricane?

Stay Informed: Just because the hurricane has passed doesn’t mean the alerts will. Keep that radio close. Local authorities will provide updates on road conditions, power restorations, and potential flood warnings.
Avoid the Roads: Those flooded streets? They’re not your friend. It takes just a small amount of water to sweep a car away. And with traffic lights out, intersections become a game of Russian roulette.
Inspect Your Home: But do it safely. Watch out for broken glass, exposed nails, and other sharp objects. If you smell gas or suspect a leak? Get out immediately and alert the authorities.
Boil Your Water: Hurricanes can compromise local water supplies. Until you get the all-clear, boil your water to avoid any nasty surprises.
Document the Damage: For insurance purposes, take photos of any damage to your home or property. It’ll make the claims process smoother.
Stay Away from Power Lines: Downed or not, consider every power line live and dangerous. Report any downed lines to the local power company.
Use Flashlights, Not Candles: The last thing you need post-hurricane is a house fire. Stick to flashlights and battery- or solar-operated lanterns.

The Bottom Line

We’ve seen it all: wildfires in Hawaii, tornadoes in the Northeast, and now, hurricanes that defy all expectations. The world is changing, and with it, the threats we face. But here’s the good news: With the right preparation, you can face these challenges head-on.

Your all-in-one solution? It’s not just about having supplies; it’s about having the right mindset. Prepare today, and no matter what tomorrow brings, you’ll be ready. Because when Mother Nature strikes, the most powerful tool in your arsenal is preparedness.

Start Your Hurricane Preparedness Plan Here >>

Lessons From Our Devastating Past… A Natural Disaster Checklist for the Next Big One

Here’s a haunting, but reassuring statistic:

83% of blackouts in the USA are weather-related. And it’s getting worse. Outages in the past 10 years surged by a whopping 64% compared to the last decade.

It’s eerie. Because storms are getting stronger, too. Last year alone, 18 storms resulted in at least $1 billion in damage each. More than $165 billion total.

But knowing Mother Nature is the main cause for a majority of power outages — it’s reassuring. We’ve seen our fair share of devastating storms that have shaken our communities. So we know what to expect.

The fact of the matter is, you can’t stop Mother Nature. But you can slow down the destruction she causes to you and your family.

Think about it. America’s recent history of natural disasters reads like a cautionary tale (or a guidebook)…

Midwest:

Tornadoes: Remember the devastating twisters in Joplin, Missouri in 2011? They showed us the sheer power of nature.
Floods: The 2019 Midwest flooding was one for the record books, affecting millions of acres of farmland.

Northeast:

Hurricanes: Hurricane Sandy in 2012 was a wake-up call for many. Destroying over 600,000 homes along the East Coast and affecting 24 states.
Winter Storms: The 2015 Snowmageddon reminded us of the power of snow and ice. And how quickly meat goes at the grocery store.

West:

Wildfires: The California wildfires of 2018 were some of the deadliest. Burning 18,000 structures in a matter of 4 hours.
Heatwaves: The 2021 heatwave affected the Pacific Northwest, breaking many temperature records.

South:

Tropical Storms: Tropical Storm Imelda in 2019 showed us that even smaller storms can cause significant flooding.
Hurricanes: Hurricane Harvey in 2017 brought unprecedented flooding to Texas. Hurricane Ian was the deadliest hurricane to strike the state of Florida since 1935. A 162-mile-per-hour monster that destroyed homes, neighborhoods and families.
Tornadoes: The tornado outbreak of 2011 recorded over 200 tornadoes across the Southeast. 122 tornados killed 321 people and devastated the citizens of Alabama.

Recently, we were all reminded by Tropical Storm Idalia about the importance of being prepared.

At 4Patriots, our goal is to help you be ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. I’ve put together a Natural Disaster Preparedness Checklist for you. It’s linked down below for you to download & print it. So you can stash it with all your gear.

Here’s a quick peek…

Natural Disaster Preparedness Checklist:

❐ Clean Water: Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days.

❐ Shelf-Stable Food: Pack a minimum three-day supply of non-perishable food items. More is better. Our delicious survival food is a great choice!

❐ Solar-Powered Radio: To hear news and updates, no matter how long the power is out.

❐ Multi-Use Flashlight & Rechargeable Batteries: To keep a light on in a storm.

❐ First Aid Kit: For any minor injuries.

❐ Whistle or SOS Beacon: To signal for help.

❐ Moist Towelettes & Garbage Bags: For personal hygiene.

❐ Tools: A wrench or pliers to turn off utilities and glass-breaking hammer for dire situations.

❐ Local Maps: To know where to go if you need to leave your home.

And always remember, extreme heat can be very harmful. In fact, sadly, it’s the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. So please… stay cool and drink lots of water.

Your safety and your family’s safety is everything. I promise to help you be ready for anything. Let’s face tomorrow with confidence and care.

>> Download & print your full disaster preparedness checklist here

Is BOGO a Good Deal or a Scam?

Putting together a stockpile of survival items is not easy. In addition to the time it takes, money is a big factor.

That’s why many people look for the best possible deals they can get that will increase their stockpile without sacrificing their finances.

One of the best ways to do that is to watch for BOGO deals. Buy One Get One free is an economical way to double what you acquire for your survival stash. I’m sure you’ve seen BOGO offerings from 4Patriots and I hope you’ve taken advantage of some of them.

Today I want to explain why BOGO deals can be a very good way to up your preparedness game. But I also want to make you aware of some of the red flags you should watch out for.

Say ‘yes’ to that

The positives of BOGO deals are pretty obvious. They help you stock up on items you need without breaking the bank.

Anytime you can get two items for the price of one, it’s worth considering. But only if it’s an item you know you’ll use before its expiration date.

A survival food BOGO is almost always worth looking into and purchasing because you never know how much survival food you’ll need someday.

Assuming you store it in a cool, dark place where it will not lose its nutritional value or taste, it’s hard to go wrong with a BOGO survival food deal.

When ‘free’ ain’t really free

But it’s important to examine the BOGO deal you’re being offered. Some of them are not as good as they sound.

Yes, “free” sounds great. And it often is. But there are some things you need to watch out for. For example, if the price of the original item is jacked up for this type of deal, then “free” really becomes merely “cheaper.”

Another way retailers hide the consumer’s actual cost is by increasing the charge for shipping BOGO items. Again, “free” loses its meaning.

Sometimes consumers are so taken in by the word “free” that they don’t stop to think that the item being offered is something they would not normally buy. And they only use the original item and end up tossing out the “freebie” when it expires.

A good deal… for the seller

Some BOGO deals do not offer two of the same product for the price of one. They offer one product at its regular (or jacked up) price along with another product of lesser value for free.

This may just be a way of getting you to try out the lesser value product (which they’re having trouble selling) in hopes you’ll like it and want to buy it again.

Or the company may merely be trying to free up space in their warehouse because it’s costing them money to keep things there.

Either way, a BOGO deal should not be as appealing to a consumer if the “free” item is not something they really need.

Save those coupons

Some consumers learn about BOGO deals through emails they receive. Others see them in store flyers or coupons.

These BOGO deals are sometimes offered by the manufacturer of the products and sometimes by the store itself. When the deals are from manufacturers, they reimburse the stores for the purchase price.

When the store offers this kind of deal, they absorb the loss. But that’s because they believe it’s worth it to get the consumer in the store, where they will presumably spend money on other items.

On rare occasions, a store will allow a customer to use both a manufacturer’s coupon and a store coupon to save even more money. But usually they will only allow one coupon per sale.

Not quite as sweet

There are other “BOGO” deals that do not offer the same value as Buy One Get One free. Such as Buy One Get One half-off or Buy Two Get One free.

Those types of deals may be worth your dollars; just know that the deal is not nearly as sweet as the true Buy One Get One free.

With any kind of BOGO deal, when you hand your coupon to the worker at the register, make sure it is being processed. Examine your receipt carefully.

If you’re not careful, you might end up getting charged full price for two items when you really only wanted to spend enough for one of them.

To sum up, BOGO deals can be a great way to increase your stockpile for a good price. Or they can be something that sounds better than it really is. Do your homework and you won’t go wrong.

Category: 4 Patriots