A Dozen Foods You’d Better Grab Quickly
Wouldn’t it be great if we knew exactly which food items would be in short supply this summer?
That way we could stock up on those foods now in preparation for the shortages. Last summer, two of the most sought-after items were eggs and baby formula. Either they weren’t available or they were priced outrageously high.
Now, we at 4Patriots have never claimed to have a crystal ball. We don’t know which emergencies are on the horizon, nor which food items will be in short supply.
But we do spend a significant amount of time researching what the near future is likely to hold for Americans. And that’s how we decide which products to stock up on ourselves in order to provide you with what you’ll need.
We’ve looked at how Russia’s continuing war with Ukraine is affecting the bread, wheat, and corn supply. As well as how Indonesia’s decision to stop exporting palm oil is affecting the supply of vegetable oil. Plus how droughts around the world are affecting a variety of food items.
Shortages = higher prices
Following are items our research tells us could be in short supply this summer. It might behoove you to stock up on some of them now. In no particular order…
Rice. Environmental factors including flooding, heat waves, and drought around the world have negatively influenced the rice supply. And as expected, prices have risen in response. One research firm predicts the 2023 rice production drop will be the worst in nearly two decades.
Bread. Because Ukraine and Russia combine to account for about one-fifth of the world’s cereal grain production, bread, flour, and wheat shortages are likely. Bakeries and factories may have a difficult time gaining the ingredients they need for bread.
Corn. Ukraine has long been a major corn producer. But the war has seriously affected the amount it can grow and export. In the U.S., heat, intense storms, and pests have hurt the Midwest corn crop. Corn is also an ingredient in items such as salad dressings and chips.
Vegetable oil. Among the vegetable oils expected to be in short supply – due to Indonesia’s decision and the Ukraine war – are palm oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, and canola oil.
Beef. Western drought has been the big culprit here, as cattle don’t have enough water and food supplies to stay healthy. Ranchers have had to sell off many of their herds earlier than expected. Shortages and higher prices are the result.
Oranges/orange juice. Florida’s orange production is expected to drop by about 50%, due mainly to the number of orange trees that were destroyed by Hurricane Ian last year. A disease called “citrus greening” is also to blame. It would be the state’s lowest output since the 1930s.
Lettuce. A virus with the nasty name of “impatiens necrotic spot virus,” which is carried by insects, destroyed much of the lettuce crop in California’s Salinas Valley in 2022, resulting in shortages that have carried over to this year.
Sugar. Unlike products that suffered from drought, the sugar crop has been negatively affected by lengthy rainy seasons in countries such as China, Thailand, Brazil, and Pakistan. As a result, the price of sugar is up 13% from last year.
Strawberries. With California experiencing much more rainfall than normal lately, many strawberry farms have flooded. And California produces 90% of the strawberries consumed in America. A Hepatitis A outbreak forcing a strawberry recall did not help matters.
Canned pet food. This expected shortage is more about the packaging than the food. An aluminum shortage will reduce the amount of canned pet food that’s available. Also affected could be canned beer and other canned foods.
Baby formula. This one might see a rebound from last year, but there is still some concern due to the recalls and labor shortages that occurred in 2022.
Champagne. Few of us would list champagne as one of our top 10 food staples, but some like to sip this bubbly on occasion. This time the issue is that demand is outstripping supply, thanks in part to extreme weather affecting crop yield.
By stocking up on some of those dozen food items now, you won’t have to worry about the shortages likely to come throughout the summer.
[VIDEO] Unboxing the Patriot Power Generator 2000X
Scott from 4Patriots unboxes and demonstrates the Patriot Power Generator 2000X, our newest and most powerful solar generator. The 2000X is easy to use and features an LED display panel, offering information like power output and remaining charge. This generator can power a range of devices, including fridges, phones, lamps, and CPAP machines, and can be expanded with additional power using the Patriot Power Generator 2000X expansion pack.
The Inside Scoop 🎬:
- Scott from 4Patriots unboxes the Patriot Power Generator 2000X, a powerful and portable solar generator.
- The generator comes partially charged, making it convenient to use right out of the box.
- The LED display panel is easy to read, showing power output and remaining power in watts and hours.
- Recharging options include an AC charger and a solar panel that can be unfolded and adjusted for optimal sun exposure.
Transcript 🎞️:
“Hey friends, it’s Scott here with 4Patriots. Today we’re going to unbox the Patriot power generator 2000x. It’s our latest generation of powerful and portable solar generators, and I’m so excited to unbox it with you today.
Before we dive in, make sure to hit that subscribe button along with the notification bell. We’ve got some great videos coming out soon and I don’t want you to miss a single one.
So, your order comes in two boxes. This box here is the unit, and this is your solar panel. Let’s open up the generator first. For the sake of time and to keep you from having to watch me cut a bunch of tape and open the box – I went ahead and did it off screen.
Here it is the Patriot Power Generator 2000X. You may not expect this but your generator actually comes partially charged so you can use it straight out of the box. Talk about convenience. Let’s turn it on so I can show you the display panel. Don’t worry, it’s so easy to use your grandkids could do it. All you have to do is click the power button right here on the front. Once it’s up and running you’ll see the bright LED display turn on. We’ve designed this display to be super easy to read, and the screen angles up at you so you don’t have to hunch over to read it. Right here you’ll see exactly how much power you’re sending out and how much power you have left, both in watts and hours. You can also get more detailed information by using the screen toggle button right here it shows you how much power each output is using so you can keep track of your total usage. Like I mentioned before, your new generator comes partially charged so you’ll want to top it off once you get it so you’re fully prepared.
Now, there are a ton of ways you can recharge your new generator. If you have a power outlet available you can use the AC charger that comes with your generator. It rolls up neatly right here behind the unit so you’ll always know where to find it when it’s time to recharge your generator. Let’s unwrap it, and plug it up. This end goes into your wall and the end plugs in right here on the front. You’ll know it’s charging when you see the lightning bolt icon here on the screen. You’ll also see the plug icon light up telling you it’s charging through the AC port, but what if you need to recharge your generator while the power is out? Don’t worry we thought of that too. You can use the included solar panel to recharge your generator using only sunlight.
Let’s go ahead and get that out. So, here’s our portable solar panel. It’s really light. It doesn’t weigh much at all, and what makes this so cool is that it unfolds to double in size. Let me show you how to do that. All you have to do is lift this latch, turn it and pull. Now let’s do it on the other side, and then simply unfold. There are a couple things on the inside here you should know about. First, we have adjustable legs so you can stand it up and point the panel towards the side. That way you can maximize your sun time, and get the most out of your solar panel.
Now, connecting the panel to your generator is super simple. The DC charging port is right here on the front, but the cord is pretty short so most of the time you’ll want to use the free extension cord that comes with your generator. Your solar panel has two sides. An input and an output. The input side lets you daisy chain multiple solar panels together. So if you have two, three or even four solar panels you can attach them all together to cut down on your solar charging time. The output side is going to connect to your generator. To attach the solar panel to the extension cord just pull the little cap off your solar panel’s output cord then connect red to red and black to black. Then do the same for your generator. Voila! You’re ready to charge your generator. I told you it was easy. Now that we’ve topped it off let me show you some of the devices it can power.
We call it 2000X because it has 2,000 watts of continuous output. That means if a device uses 2000 watts or less your generator can run it. For example, let’s say you want to power your fridge so all your fruits, veggies, meat and dairy products don’t go bad. Simply turn on the AC outputs and plug your fridge’s cord into one of the outlets on the front of your generator. Those are the ones that look like the outlets on your wall. And look at that, our food is now safe and cool.
Let’s add some more devices. How about your phone? The last thing you want in an emergency is a dead phone. So we’ll plug it in using the USB port right here. Let’s add a lamp as well so you can have light in your house. What about a CPAP machine? If you use a CPAP you know how critical it is to have power on hand. As you can see everything is powered up, and you even have spare power for more devices if you need it.
Now last but certainly not least, one of the coolest things about the new Patriot Power Generator 2000X is that you can actually stack power on top of its 2000 watt capacity. In the simplest of terms you can expand your generator’s power by plugging this mini generator into your unit. We’re calling it The Patriot Power Generator 2000X expansion pack, because it acts as a solo generator in its own right. It has two AC wall outlets to power your critical devices. For example, you could use the expansion pack in your living room to power a lamp or that very same CPAP machine from before. With this separate expansion pack plugged into your Patriot Power Generator 2000X, like so, you’ll have a total battery capacity of 2956 Watt hours. Enough to run your devices for almost twice as long as you could with the generator alone. And you can even get multiple expansion packs on our website for even more power.
And that’s about everything you need to know to get started with your Patriot Power Generator 2000X. Thanks so much for watching. Don’t forget to like this video if you enjoyed it, and remember to hit the subscribe button and the notification bell so you don’t miss any videos. I’ll see you soon.”
Meet the Founders of 4Patriots
Courage.
That’s what it takes to be free.
Imagine signing your name to a piece of paper that made you a target for the biggest and most powerful military force in the world.
Our forefathers did just that on this day in 1776.
They believed in freedom so much — they put their lives on the line.
Over the years, countless brave Americans have done the exact same. They answered the call and fought to protect our freedom.
And thanks to their courage and sacrifice…
We’re the strongest nation in the world. A shining city on the hill. The home of the free and the brave. The best example of democracy and freedom the world has ever known.
So what does Independence Day mean to us here at 4Patriots? Everything. It’s why we started this company. Because 4Patriots champions freedom and self-reliance.
Here’s a new video from our 4Patriots co-founders (and my kids!) Allen & Erin to tell you the inside story of how we started the business at a kitchen table way back in 2008:
It’s true. Everything they talked about is why the folks here at 4Patriots wake up each day excited to go to work. Because we know we’re going to help hard-working Americans — like YOU — get the peace of mind you deserve.
It’s the same reason why we create insider-only things like our July 4 event. So folks like you can get exclusive access to products that protect their family in today’s crazy world.
Here’s the bottom-line…
At 4Patriots, we’re all about helping you be more self-reliant, more independent and get more peace of mind.
We’ve been blessed to serve millions of patriotic Americans like you in the last 15 years.
We’ve come a long way together. And I promise, we’re gonna keep working hard every day to earn the right to serve you for the next 15 years.
THANK YOU!
Look, in addition to celebrating the true meaning of this special holiday, I’m sure you have plenty of fun & fireworks planned, so I’ll wrap this up.
On behalf of everyone here at 4Patriots…
Happy Independence Day and have a safe and joyous 4th of July!
To your freedom,
Frank Bates
5 Items You Need for Summer Storms
As much as we love sunshine, there’s something to be said for the occasional pitter-patter of raindrops on a summer day.
Those rainfalls often cool off a hot day and add much-needed moisture to ground that tends to harden and grass that yellows in the heat.
But as we’ve seen over and over again, those pleasant, light rainfalls can turn into heavy and sometimes violent storms that do more damage than good.
Hurricanes and tornadoes threaten lives, lightning strikes start fires in dry areas, and strong storms and high winds destroy property.
A vast majority of us will experience some of those severe weather events this summer. So today I want to do what I can to help you deal with them. Below are 5 items you need in order to prepare for inevitable summer storms.
NOAA emergency radio
When extreme weather comes calling, you need something reliable to provide you with details about the storm and where it’s headed. And you need it quickly. That’s where a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration radio comes in.
In addition to early weather warnings, this radio provides evacuation routes and other breaking news. It broadcasts National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts, and hazard info 24/7. If you program your county’s 6-digit code into it, a loud alarm will sound when dangerous weather approaches.
You want an emergency radio with a powerful battery inside. But you also want other ways to charge it. Including plugging it into an outlet, exposing the radio’s solar panel to the sun, and cranking it up by hand.
You also want a radio with a bright flashlight and a power bank to charge other devices, including your cellphone. Plus one that’s compact and durable. Choose one that includes a sturdy metal clip, a charging indicator, and an earphone jack so you can listen discreetly. We’d recommend the 4Patriots Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radios – it provides vital info, charges in the sun, has a bright light component & more.
Backup power
There’s a common denominator when it comes to summer storms: power outages. They are pretty much inevitable. And they can cause a wide variety of problems.
That’s why it’s crucial to have backup power. This could be in the form of a solar-powered generator, or on a smaller scale, a handheld power bank to keep smaller devices running.
Tactical flashlight
The power outage we just discussed means you’ll need flashlights to light your way in the dark. The best ones are tactical flashlights. They have multiple light settings, a hammer for breaking a window, and a sharp edge to cut a seatbelt or rope.
Some flashlights also include a small solar panel so you can charge it with the sun. Plus a compass and a magnetic mount so you can secure your flashlight to a metal surface to free up both hands for work.
Survival food
Nobody has to be told that non-perishable food is important to have during a summer storm that is likely to knock out power for a while. Especially a storm that might keep you indoors longer than normal due to outdoor damage and blocked roads.
Choose an emergency food supply with a long shelf life and which is offered in disaster-resistant packaging. It should be easy to prepare, taste good, and provide plenty of variety.
Bug-out bag
Nobody wants to leave their home during or immediately after a storm. But sometimes that becomes necessary due to damage done to a home. It might not be safe to stay if the storm was severe enough.
If each member of a household has a bug-out bag fully stocked and located near the front door, it will save lots of time and reduce the panic level. Fill it – in advance – with all the essentials you might need over the course of several days.
The More You Know…
The more information you have, the better prepared you’ll be. Now you have an idea of some must-haves to get you through summer storm season. Tornadoes are already ripping through cities and hurricanes are brewing in the warm summer water. A disaster won’t wait for you to be ready.
Two-Thirds of Country at Risk for Summer Power Outages
It’s time we look at our power grid for exactly what it is. It’s life. Our lives. Without it, everything breaks down.
No power for air conditioning in the summer or heat in the winter. No refrigeration for food. Gas stations can’t pump gas. Wells can’t pump water. Traffic lights don’t work.
Now, if America’s three power grids were as reliable as the sun, we wouldn’t have to worry. But they are extremely vulnerable. And they are under attack every day.
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) warns that at least two-thirds of America is at risk for major power outages this summer. Not in five years. Not next year. Right now.
Extreme weather, cyberattacks, and physical attacks are happening on a regular basis. And if any of them takes down one or more of the grids, power outages could go on for weeks or more.
Extreme Weather Is Relentless
The fact is, blackouts are coming. Some outages might be planned, like the rolling blackouts launched by electric utilities in an effort to stave off potential power grid failures.
Or they could be unexpected blackouts due to extreme weather or a sudden large draw of electric power by homes and businesses.
We’ve reached a point in America where hardly a day goes by without seeing a news story of how violent weather knocked out power, destroyed property, and threatened lives.
And now heat and heavy storms are predicted for this summer in many parts of the country. Texas is feeling the brunt of it now with record-breaking heat waves cutting off power to thousands.
Cyberattacks Are Constant
Cyberattacks are also an ongoing threat to our vulnerable grids. They occur every single day in the U.S.
Russia and China conduct the most cyber strikes. That’s according to the Center for Strategic & International Studies. Followed by Iran and North Korea. America has been the target of these cyberattacks more than three times as often as any other country.
According to Dan Coats, director of National Intelligence, the possibility of a crippling cyberattack on our critical infrastructure by a foreign actor is “growing.”
Former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen recently said the U.S. is in “crisis mode.” She compared the danger of a massive cyberattack to a Category 5 hurricane looming on the horizon.
Physical Attacks Are Rising
And then there are the physical attacks against our electric grids. The U.S. Department of Energy tells us that physical attacks on U.S. power grids rose by 77% in 2022.
And the Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center predicts those attacks will continue to rise this year. The attacks range from ballistic damage to internal tampering to vandalism.
The volume of these physical attacks – not to mention the potential for their devastating results – is disturbing, to say the least.
You may recall that approximately 45,000 people were left in the dark in North Carolina last December following shootings at power substations in Moore County. Weeks later, attackers targeted substations in Washington state, leaving thousands without power.
Brian Harrell is former assistant secretary for infrastructure protection at the DHS. He said, “Certain attacks on critical infrastructure should be legally treated as domestic terrorism.”
Long-Lasting Blackout Would Be Catastrophic
The scariest thing about both cyber and physical attacks against the grid is the potential for a long-term blackout.
Experts say that attacks against only 9 of the nation’s 55,000 electrical substations could trigger a blackout that might last up to 18 months.
Former CIA Director James Woolsey said a blackout lasting longer than a year could result in 9 of 10 Americans dying due to starvation and societal collapse.
Despite this clear and present danger…
Our Government Is Woefully Unprepared
The warnings keep coming, but little gets accomplished. Journalist Ted Koppel writes a book about it… actor Dennis Quaid narrates a documentary about it… a few politicians urge fellow lawmakers to do something about it. But it just doesn’t happen.
The U.S. government ignores dire warnings from national security experts and others about our vulnerable power grid. Warnings of physical, electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and cyberattacks…
And who suffers because of their neglect? You and your family.
Imagine a blackout lasting not days, but weeks or months.
Your life would be frozen in time right at the moment your power fails. An entire country plunged into darkness.
Without a generator, your fridge, electric range, and microwave would be useless. All the food in your fridge and freezer – spoiled.
Your well couldn’t pump fresh water into your house. And even if you don’t have a well, a total grid failure means no fresh water to drink, cook, or clean with.
That’s why many Americans are taking matters into their own hands by securing their own solar-powered generator.
And right now, during our July 4 Event, you can secure our most advanced and powerful solar generator: the Patriot Power Generator 2000X. Plus 14 FREE gifts worth $1,639.80, including 1 2 free solar panels, free shipping & more!
And it’s all available on an easy, monthly payment plan.
To your survival,
Robert Boyd
Managing Editor, News4Patriots
Does Russian Insurrection Mean Putin Is Vulnerable?
Over the weekend in Russia, the unthinkable happened. Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin – head of the paramilitary organization known as the Wagner Group – ordered his fighters to move from occupied eastern Ukraine to the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don. That’s where Russia’s Southern Military District headquarters is located.
He then sent an armored convoy toward Moscow, halting just 120 miles south of the capital before turning back. The course reversal followed a deal brokered by Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko.
Calling it a “march for justice” rather than a coup, Prigozhin nonetheless raised the ire of Putin. The Russian president accused his former ally of treason, called him “scum,” and declared his actions “a stab in the back of our country.”
The formerly loyal henchman’s status is now unclear. But of greater interest to us and the rest of the world is whether his action and the lack of response from the Russian military has weakened Putin’s hold on his presidency.
Prigozhin’s Rebellion Was Festering
What led Prigozhin to revolt? For months now he has been complaining about the lack of supplies and ammunition his group has received.
These complaints have been directed mainly toward Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Armed Forces Chief Valery Gerasimov.
Prigozhin recently refused to sign defense ministry contracts designed to bring all mercenary groups fighting in Ukraine under the defense ministry’s authority.
And he claimed the Russian military had staged an attack on his men in Ukraine. He said his dispute was not with Putin, but rather with the “clowns” in charge of the war effort.
A Challenge to Putin’s Rule
When a dictator has been president of an enemy country for more than 10 years, we start to think of him as untouchable. But then something occurs that makes us wonder.
Vladimir Putin has served as either prime minister or president of Russia since 1999 after working as a KGB foreign intelligence officer for 16 years. For the past 17 months, his reign of terror in Ukraine has been well documented and rightfully condemned by many world leaders.
Nations sympathetic to Ukraine including the United States have supplied weapons and counsel to the besieged nation. But they have not become involved militarily for fear of launching World War III.
Within Russia, Putin’s authority to lead an attack against Ukraine has been unchallenged for the most part. Which made last week’s apparent insurrection newsworthy around the globe.
Is Putin’s Iron Fist Softening?
Putin could have ordered his military to halt Prigozhin’s advance. But would they have responded as forcefully as he wanted them to?
Failing to physically stop the insurrection, and seemingly allowing Prigozhin to avoid punishment, has led some analysts to speculate that Putin’s hold on power could be fragile.
One journalist referred to the situation as “the beginning of the end for (Putin).”
He also speculated that Russian frontline soldiers may become hesitant to risk their lives for a commander who has lost their respect.
Playing Field Could Be Evening
How will this bizarre turn of events affect Ukrainian soldiers? It could embolden them and create even more incentive to fight off the Russians.
John Barranco is the 2021-22 senior U.S. Marine Corps fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security.
He said, “Massive amounts of confusion have been sown in Russia’s rear area. And whatever confidence rank and file Russian soldiers had left in their leadership is gone.”
He added he expects morale and the will to fight will slip due to the Wagner Group’s having been Russia’s most effective unit in Ukraine. He expects the mercenary gang to be disbanded.
Will More Dominoes Fall?
Bill Browder, author of Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man’s Fight for Justice, believes a “purge of monumental proportions” is coming to Russia as a result of Prigozhin’s armed uprising.
Some Russians who moved to Turkey due to the invasion of Ukraine are disappointed Prigozhin’s march came to an end short of the goal.
But they are hopeful it will inspire other armed groups, such as the Freedom of Russia Legion, to challenge Putin’s regime.
And they believe Putin’s rule has been weakened, and that it’s only a matter of time before his leadership suffers another blow.
Nuclear Weapons Back in the Conversation
One question on the minds of the world’s leaders is whether these latest developments will affect Putin’s decision regarding using nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
U.S. President Joe Biden has referred to Putin as a “murderous dictator” and a “pure thug.” Putin has recklessly floated the idea of using nuclear weapons in the past, and this latest embarrassment to his leadership could cause him to become desperate.
Perhaps more frightening than the likelihood of Putin using nuclear weapons in Ukraine is a potential change in the Russian power structure that could place the security of the country’s vast nuclear arsenal at risk.
On their way toward Moscow, Prigozhin’s forces pushed through Russia’s central Voronezh region, known to harbor a nuclear-weapon storage facility. The group made no effort to access the weapons.
Antony Blinken is U.S. Secretary of State. He told CBS News, “When we’re dealing with a major power, and especially a major power that has nuclear weapons, that’s something that’s of concern.” He added the U.S. has not seen any recent change in Russia’s nuclear posture.
Stay tuned.
Severe Summer Storms Are Only Beginning
Will the summer of 2023 shape up to be as strong of a storm season as what we’ve seen in recent years? Only time will tell. But based on what we’ve seen this past spring and now in the summer, I wouldn’t be surprised.
The one thing we can be sure of is that extreme weather events will once again cause power outages this summer. It’s inevitable, and the resulting problems will include food spoilage, lack of air conditioning, and fumbling around in the dark.
Just two weeks ago, a tornado outbreak occurred in Texas, Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi over several days. Four deaths, more than 120 injuries, and major damage to structures and trees resulted.
One of the 68 confirmed tornadoes in this outbreak reached the EF3 level in Perryton, Texas. Featuring winds in excess of 150 miles per hour, it injured about 100 people, damaged or destroyed nearly 200 buildings including retail stores, and bent a microwave tower in half.
June tornadoes wreaking havoc
Only a week later, a tornado ripped through the small Texas town of Matador, about 80 miles northeast of Lubbock. Four people were killed and 10 were injured.
The powerful storm included high winds and hail the size of softballs. A volunteer firefighter said that 15 structures were destroyed and the entire west side of the town was “wiped out.”
Wind speeds of more than 100 mph were recorded in other parts of Texas from the storm. Strong enough to derail a train in Navarro County.
That same day, 11 tornadoes were reported across Texas and three other states – Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado – according to the National Weather Service. Hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses lost electrical power.
You could lose food in an outage
Of course, it’s not only tornadoes that result in blackouts. Severe storms do the same in various areas of the country on a nearly daily basis.
One of the casualties of power outages is the food in our refrigerators and freezers. How do we know whether it’s still safe to eat after an outage?
The United States Department of Agriculture offers this guideline. Anything left unrefrigerated for over four hours at temperatures of 40 degrees or higher is at risk of developing food-borne bacteria that could lead to illness.
That’s good information if you know what time your power went out. But what if you return home to find the power is out? How do you know how long it’s been out?
A 25-cent hack will tell you
Here’s a clever hack from cookinglight.com. Put a coup of water in your freezer. Once the water is frozen, place a quarter on top of the ice.
If you come home to find that your power is out, check where the quarter is. If it’s still at or near the top, your food is probably safe to consume.
But if it has sunk down toward the middle of the cup or lower, your food is probably starting to spoil.
Now, that’s hardly a scientific test. And it’s better to error on the side of caution. But nobody wants to waste food, and that little trick could be helpful in determining how long your power has been out.
The message here is one you’ve heard from us many times. Preparedness is the key to handling emergencies, including power outages caused by extreme weather. Make sure you have backup power.
The 3 Most Important Food Preservation Methods for a Crisis
There are few things in life more important than food. It is crucial for life, both in “normal” times and during a crisis.
As we’ve all learned, it’s essential to have long-lasting, non-perishable food to carry us through rough times. But there are many different kinds of food and different ways to preserve them.
How do we know which survival foods are the best ones to stockpile? Which ones will give us the most nutrition and strength to deal with an emergency?
Variety is an essential part of the process of choosing which foods to store. Different foods provide different nutrients. Variety also helps prevent appetite fatigue.
Just as important, what are the best ways to make sure our survival food stays good until we need it?
Store shelves could empty
It’s also important to remember that grocery stores may not be open if things really go south. Or they might have a very limited supply of food.
If you have a significant supply of survival food ready and waiting for you, you’ll be a lot better off than most people when a disaster happens.
The main point I want to focus on today are the three most common survival food preservation methods.
There are others, but I’m going to place the emphasis on freeze-dried, dehydrated, and canned food.
Freeze-dried food
First, let’s look at freeze-dried food. Some people have purchased a freeze-dryer to preserve their own rations. Others buy freeze-dried food in bulk for long-term storage.
The pros of freeze-dried foods include their long shelf life and low moisture content. They can be reconstituted quickly. And they almost always retain their original texture, color, shape, and taste.
Freeze-dried food can be more expensive than other options. And you need water to prepare it.
Freeze-dried food also requires more storage space than dehydrated food, as it is bulkier. This can make it more challenging to transport if you have to bug out, but it’s still a great way to preserve food.
Dehydrated food
This is actually the oldest food preservation method. Native Americans laid out meat, fish, and some plants in the sun to dry them and make them last longer.
The number one pro of dehydration is the fact that almost all the water content is removed. This makes it much lighter and easier to store and transport.
This lack of moisture also reduces spoilage significantly. Dehydrating food is something you can do in your home with a dehydration oven. Dehydrated food is generally less expensive than freeze-dried food.
The cons of dehydrated food include the necessity of water for reconstitution. But that lack of water keeps the weight down. With some dehydrated food, taste and nutritional value can be sacrificed if the dehydration process is not done properly.
Canned food
Almost every pantry in America has at least some canned food in it. Frequently these cans contain soup, vegetables, fruits, beans, meats, sauces, and many other foods.
An advantage of canned food is that it’s relatively inexpensive and offers a large variety. Shelf lives are usually pretty good, and they are packed securely. Another advantage is that they don’t need added water.
A downside is that canned foods are heavy and require a lot of storage space. They are also susceptible to temperature variations.
Canned foods are sometimes not the healthiest option for survival. Especially if that’s all you have. Some canned foods tend to have high levels of sodium and other ingredients that might pose health risks over time, so be careful what you buy.
Don’t neglect eggs
No matter which preservation method you use, and no matter which foods you decide to stockpile, please don’t forget about eggs.
Now, some folks will tell you that eggs are not healthy for you. Mainly due to their relatively high content of dietary cholesterol.
But unless you are allergic to them, they can provide you with plenty of nutritional components, including protein. Eggs contain lutein, zeaxanthin, choline, Vitamin D, selenium, and Vitamin A.
Most important to many people is the protein they get from eating eggs. In fact, some people refer to eggs as the perfect protein source.
According to the 2018 USDA National Nutrient Database, one large egg contains 6.3 grams of protein distributed between the yolk (2.7 grams) and albumen, or white, portions (3.6 grams).
4Patriots has eggs-actly what you need
Speaking of eggs, you have undoubtedly observed that there has been a shortage and that prices have skyrocketed. We don’t know how long the shortage will continue or when the price will drop.
But we do know this. Today you can order a 3-Pack of Whole Egg Powder from 4Patriots in durable #10 cans that will provide you with 216 total servings of delicious, whole eggs. And you can enjoy them now, or anytime over the next 10 years under proper storage conditions.
Packed with protein and Vitamins A and D, this egg powder requires no refrigeration. Great for breakfast, you can also include eggs in your favorite recipes. It’s a perfect addition to your emergency food supply.
I’ll even toss in free shipping and handling, as well as an interest-free payment plan if you’d like one.
Can a Solar-Powered Flashlight Really Do All This?
Today I want to tell you about one of our most popular devices that you can charge with just the power of the sun. So stay tuned.
When you need light in the darkness, a flashlight is your go-to tool, right? Well, it wasn’t always this way. When men and women needed light before electricity, they used torches.
Those torches were followed eventually by candles, oil lamps, and kerosene lamps. Each involved a flame that had to be carried, so there was always the possibility of danger.
Near the end of the 19th century, the incandescent light bulb and the dry battery were invented.
Flash lights needed to rest
The flashlight was created in 1899 and there’s a good reason the word “flash” was used in its name. The small, incandescent electric light bulb was powered by batteries, with a contact switch turning the light on and off.
But these “flash lights” could not emit light for very long. They ran on zinc-carbon batteries that could not provide constant current for extended periods of time. The user had to give these flashlights frequent rests.
Over time, as batteries improved and tungsten replaced carbon filaments, the flashlight became more dependable and popular.
Most of today’s flashlights run on disposable or rechargeable batteries. They use incandescent light bulbs or LEDs (light-emitting diodes). Incandescent bulbs have a tungsten filament. LEDs are semiconductors that emit light.
Standard flashlights still the same
Today, there are two basic types of flashlights: standard and tactical. We’ve all probably used a standard flashlight at one time or another.
Many still require big batteries and they still turn on the same way and weigh about the same.
These basic everyday flashlights are handy when you’re looking for something under a couch. Or when you’re trying to find something in a dark closet. And, of course, when the power goes out in your home.
Standard flashlights are usually constructed from inexpensive aluminum or cheap plastic and low-grade steel. Many don’t last too long.
A variety of devices
Among the many flashlights we see today are incandescent bulb flashlights, LED flashlights and high-intensity discharge flashlights. Plus pressurized gas flashlights, solar-powered flashlights and headlamp flashlights.
As well as shake flashlights, USB-charging flashlights and utility flashlights. And heavy-duty flashlights and work flashlights.
They all have their place, and some are more effective than others. A high-intensity discharge flashlight, for example, can deliver a very bright light. That’s due to an electrical current that runs through a ball of ionized gas.
A shake flashlight turns on by shaking it. It’s powered by magnets that cause a reaction to produce light. A headlamp flashlight is ideal if you need to shine light on something you’re using both hands to work on.
Tactical flashlights the best choice
Tactical flashlights are far superior to standard flashlights. So why settle for anything less?
Tactical flashlights look and feel much different. They’re more durable and weather-resistant. And they feature a variety of settings, such as strobe and SOS. Once you get used to a tactical flashlight, you’ll probably never use a standard flashlight again.
Most tactical flashlights are made with a higher grade of aluminum and are armor-coated. Normally they are lighter in weight than basic flashlights. And they can resist shocks, corrosion and whatever the weather throws at them.
The average standard flashlight gives you about 10 feet of brightness. That’s approximately 100 lumens. Tactical flashlights provide brightness to about 50 feet. And they give you visibility up to about 100 yards.
What to look for
Here’s what I look for in a tactical flashlight:
- Ultra-bright LED flashlight
- Solar panel
- Power bank
- SOS light & strobe
- Work light
- Seatbelt/rope splitter
- Glass-breaking hammer
- Compass
- Magnet
- Lightweight
- Anti-slip handle
- Adjustable wrist strap
Could a tactical flashlight save your life?
A tactical flashlight is not only superior to a regular flashlight. It could also save your life. Here are six ways that could happen.
Spotting danger in the darkness. If you find yourself walking in a dark area – due to a power outage or if you’re camping in the woods – a flashlight is a big help for finding your way and avoiding pitfalls. You might even spot a human with bad intent or an animal looking for its next meal. Spotting either of them before you get too close could save your life.
Escaping from a hazard zone. If there were a chemical spill near where you live and the power were knocked out, a flashlight might be the only tool at your disposal to help you get out of the region as quickly and safely as possible. The same thing would be true if you were dealing with a fire, flood, earthquake or other disaster that would require you to get away quickly.
Signaling for help. If you get lost in the wilderness, whether during an escape from a bad situation or just a camping trip, or are stranded somewhere, a flashlight could be used to signal for help. Especially if your flashlight has a built-in SOS component or a strobe function to it. Light carries a long distance in a short amount of time – something like 186,000 miles per second – and it will attract attention if someone is able to observe it.
Self-defense from an attacker. There are weapons that would be more useful than a flashlight if you’re attacked. A gun comes to mind first, of course. But most of us don’t have immediate access to that type of weapon when we’re out and about. And there are usually restrictions on how and when they can be carried. A flashlight can temporarily blind an attacker to allow an escape, while its barrel can be used for a counterattack.
A vehicle breakdown. If you have to get out of your vehicle after pulling off to the side of the road, your hazard lights should help other drivers see your car. But they won’t help you see what’s going on under the hood. A flashlight will come in very handy in this situation, as it would if you were changing a tire. And if you have to abandon the car and walk somewhere in the dark, it will help light your way.
Charging a cellphone for an emergency call. If your cellphone is dead and you need to make a call for help, some tactical flashlights will enable you to charge it. That phone call could allow you to escape a very dangerous situation.
Everybody needs a flashlight. And several of them are much better than having just one. But make sure you have tactical flashlights because they can do so much more.
Now that I’ve told you what to look for in a tactical flashlight, let me also tell you that you don’t need to look any farther. Because I have the ideal one for you. It’s called the HaloXT Tactical Flashlight from 4Patriots.
In addition to several light functions, this flashlight has small solar panels so you can charge it with just the power of the sun. As well as a glass breaker, a seatbelt cutter and a compass. The HaloXT also has an anti-slip handle and an adjustable wrist strap.
Despite the fact that it’s small, lightweight and easy to handle, it’s extremely sturdy. That’s because it’s made from aluminum alloy. It can handle abuse. And that includes dropping it on the floor or ground, and banging it against something.
It will continue to perform perfectly. This flashlight is weather-resistant, shock-resistant and corrosion-resistant. It even includes a magnet so you can secure it to your car and use both hands to work.
Prep for Summer: How to Stockpile Food on a Budget
Food insecurity is a phrase we’ve heard many times. But usually it’s in connection with other countries.
Unfortunately, we’re now hearing it quite often in the U.S. In fact, the rise of food insecurity is being called “unprecedented” by anti-hunger advocates.
Food insecurity – defined as lacking enough food to live a healthy, active life – is caused by a number of factors. Chief among them are inflation and extreme weather events. Not to mention drought affecting crop yields, plus food stamp cuts,
According to the latest U.S. Census, the number of Americans who say they sometimes don’t have enough to eat has risen from 15.8 million prior to the pandemic to 19.2 million last month.
Summer storms add to challenge
We can’t stop the conditions causing this problem, but we can prepare for food shortages. Do you have a stockpile of survival food ready in case of emergency?
If your answer is no, I’ve got a great, free way to get you started. And if your answer is yes, I’ve got a great, free way to add to your emergency food supply. Either way, you win. More on this in a moment.
There are a number of problems that could occur this summer that would make having a stockpile of survival food even more important than usual.
They include hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, droughts, and heat waves. Each could result in food supply chain issues no matter where you live.
When you have a survival food stockpile, you don’t have to worry about that stuff. You have peace of mind.
But for some of us, finances are standing in the way of putting together a supply of non-perishable food that can hold us over when the going gets even rougher.
Nearly 2/3 of Americans live paycheck to paycheck
It’s easy for me to say, “Get a stockpile of survival food.” It’s another thing to be able to afford it. Inflation has hit all of us very hard.
According to a recent report from CNBC, 63% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. That’s nearly two-thirds of us.
Why? Because rising prices are outpacing income gains. There is less cushion in monthly budgets. Anuj Nayar is the financial health officer for the LendingClub report. Here’s what he says.
“Consumers are not able to keep up with the pace that inflation is increasing. Being employed is no longer enough for the everyday American.”
Things are tough; we need to be tougher
As a result, many people aren’t even thinking about trying to stockpile food. They’re focused on surviving until the next paycheck.
And if they are thinking about it, they say they’ll start or continue stockpiling food when things improve.
Well, that seems like faulty thinking to me. There is no guarantee things are going to get better in the near future. In fact, there’s reason to believe they could get worse.
The way things are going in the world, we need to be prepared. Fortunately, there’s a way to prepare for an uncertain future. Even on a tight budget.
Watch for long shelf lives
It doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to do this. There are some simple and inexpensive things we can do now to get ready for a crisis.
Following an emergency, it’s likely the electrical grid will not be functioning properly. If at all. So you want to make sure a vast majority of your food items are non-perishable.
In addition, we don’t know how long an emergency will last. So it’s best to have as much food stockpiled as possible. And make sure most of it has a long shelf life. In the meantime, for items that don’t, rotate them out periodically so they don’t go bad.
If you’re not already in budget mode, try to get there. That means always thinking about how you can spend less and save more. Among the philosophies that must become part of your daily life regarding food are the following:
- Never pay full price for anything. Always look for bargains. Watch for flash sales. These one-day events offer great savings, but you have to act quickly.
- Buy items in bulk at places such as Sam’s Club or Costco. Or when they’re on sale in regular stores.
- Cut and use coupons.
- Find and use in-store-only offers.
- Grow your own food and preserve it. There is tremendous savings in growing fruits and vegetables. And storing some of them for the colder months of the year.
- Watch for the best deals on websites such as Amazon. They could have exactly what you’re looking for, at a price much less than what you’d spend at a local store.
Tips and tricks
One of the first places you want to look at to save money is your weekly grocery bill. If you’re not paying attention, it can really add up. These days, the average couple spends well over $500 a month on groceries. Let’s look at a few simple ways to save.
Make a list. Grocers know how to position products so shoppers will purchase them. If you have a list, you know just what you need (and what you don’t). And of course, if you avoid shopping when you’re hungry, it’s that much easier to resist tempting displays.
Also, choose foods your family will eat. Variety is important, both physically and psychologically. You could buy some of the healthiest food in the store, but if your family won’t eat it, you’ve thrown your money away.
Shop at Aldi. This no-frills chain offers a smaller variety of products. Usually one store brand of each item. If there is an Aldi in your area, you can easily save money on your grocery bill. Prices are often even better than at Walmart.
Aldi stores now offer imported foods, fancy cheeses and lots of fresh (even organic) produce. And you’ll save a few pennies by taking your own grocery bags.
Buy store brands. Buying store brands alone can take a huge chunk out of your grocery costs. Sometimes there will be a brand name item or two you can’t do without. But more often you won’t notice the difference. Except when it’s time to check out.
Buy in bulk. I’m not talking here about warehouse stores, which have membership fees. And usually a minimum price tag of $10 per item. Even in a regular grocery store, you don’t want to buy large amounts of just anything on sale.
It’s about buying more of things you already use often when there’s a significant sale. If it means you shop less often, this can add up to even more savings.
Another item to purchase in bulk is produce. Onions, potatoes, apples and lemons are almost always cheaper when you buy the bag. Just make sure you actually use them so they don’t go to waste.
Buying beans and grains in bulk can also stretch your dollars while providing hearty, healthy meals.
Use digital coupons. Many stores offer digital coupons not available in the weekly newspaper. To acquire these savings, you’ll likely need to set up an account and check off the coupons you wish to use each time you shop.
Doing this ahead of time as you scan the weekly circular can help you write your shopping list around items with the biggest savings.
Stick to the store perimeter. Center aisles have many expensive, processed foods full of salt, sugar, and other additives. The outside ring of the store is where you’ll find more foods such as produce, meat, and dairy.
You’ll still need to visit the center aisles for a few things. But focusing on the perimeter will give you more bang for your buck. Try leaving your cart at the end of the aisle, and just dash in for the item you need.
Freeze meals. If you’re buying in bulk, you’ll want to make sure things don’t go to waste. You can freeze many items including bread, milk, and chopped vegetables, as well as whole meals. Just remember your power could go out in a crisis.
There are cookbooks with recipes for freezing meals in bulk. When you make a meal, cook enough for two meals so you can serve one and freeze the other. It requires almost no extra work, but will save you time and money.
Use fewer ingredients. Sometimes the simplest food tastes best. But you wouldn’t always know it looking at some of the complicated recipes out there.
Sites such as Allrecipes (AllRecipes.com) are great for finding different options for your favorite recipes. And usually the top reviews will include tips on how to make them even easier.
We’ve all learned that preparedness is crucial. Regardless of how tight our budgets are. By following some of the suggestions above, we can all afford to be prepared for whatever life throws at us.
Free 72-Hour Survival Food Kit
Earlier I promised a free way to get you started on your food stockpiling journey or a free way to add to your stash.
For a very limited time, I’m offering you a free 72-Hour Survival Food Kit from 4Patriots. All I ask is that you pay shipping and handling, which I think is fair.
This emergency food kit features a total of 16 servings, with Grammy’s Sweet Oatmeal for the morning, America’s Finest Mac & Cheese for noontime and Creamy Rice and Vegetable Dinner for the evening.
Simple to prepare, this delicious and nutritious food will carry you through a rough 72-hour stretch. And it’s designed to last 25 years under proper storage conditions.
Here’s how to get your free 72-Hour Survival Food Kit…
† Today your survival food kit is FREE, simply cover $14.95 S&H. This exact kit regularly sells for $27 plus $14.95 S&H on our website. Click here to see it.
* 25-year shelf life under proper storage conditions. Excess heat and/or damage to packaging may decrease shelf life. For more information, see footnote 8.
+ You may want or need more calories per day, especially if you’re pregnant, a child, elderly, or have other health conditions. For more information, see footnote 2.
