Category: 4 Patriots

Comparing Portable Generators With Home Standbys

No matter where you live, you’re probably at risk of a power outage. From storms and winter weather, grid attacks, or even a squirrel on a power line. 

Over the past 10 years, power outages in the US increased by 64%. Once a blackout hits your area, you’re left defenseless and in the dark. Sometimes with no way to cook, keep lights on, or power your home security system. 

The only way to avoid losing your electricity? Or to take it with you on-the-go? Backup power. 

But how do you know what type of backup power option to choose? Read on.  

You may need gold for the ‘gold standard’ 

Dave Trezza tests generators for Consumer Reports. He says, “Home standby generators are expensive, but they’re the gold standard in backup power. If you can afford it, I’d tell you to pick a home standby generator every time.”

Not surprisingly, these full-home power solutions are very expensive. Depending on the size of your home and the power you need to generate, they can run from $12,000 to $22,000 or more. Installation can be extra.

Trezza tested home standby generators against gas-powered generators (but not against solar-powered generators). He said home standby generators outperformed all of them. 

In addition to their high cost, home standby generators require a significant amount of fuel. Somewhere in the range of 13 to 48 gallons of liquid propane or natural gas per day. Yikes!

On the plus side, home standby generators are relatively quiet. And they don’t need to be covered due to weather.

Portable generators offer convenience

A much more affordable option for most people is a portable generator. And even if you are fortunate enough to have a home standby generator, a portable generator is a handy item to own. 

You never know when you’ll have to bug out. Or wish to take your generator to a campsite or anywhere else where you will need power.

Portable generators are also very convenient. You can easily move them from one room in your home to another.

A power outage is never fun. But chances are you don’t need electricity in every room of your home until that power returns. A portable generator will run the items you need most in the rooms where they’re located. 

Make sure it’s solar-powered 

Are you in the market for a portable generator? If so, there are a number of features to consider. While far less expensive than a home standby generator, they are still an investment. So, the right decision is essential.

First and foremost, make sure it’s a solar-power generator. Gasoline-powered generators are loud and smelly. They require a lot of expensive gasoline. Sometimes up to 12 to 20 gallons per day. And in a blackout, gas might not be pumping at your local station.

Gasoline generators have also been responsible for many carbon monoxide illnesses and deaths. Especially when owners don’t use them correctly. 

In their panic to provide electrical power when an outage strikes, people can forget to keep it at least 25 feet away from their dwelling. Or they leave windows open and allow dangerous fumes to enter their home. Gas-powered generators also need to be protected from the elements.

Quieter, lighter, and fume-free

The advantages of a portable solar generator over a gas-powered generator are numerous.

One is they’re quiet. So quiet you can even place it in your bedroom at night. Which is important because some folks depend on them to keep medical equipment running. Including CPAP machines.

Portable solar generators are also much lighter in weight than gas-powered generators. They are easily transported from room to room. And easily carried to a car or RV for use outside the home.

These fume-free generators also start up very quickly. That can be crucial for powering your fridge and freezer. Especially if you arrive home not knowing how long the power has been out. It also means getting lights back on in a hurry. And powering your cellphone. 

Preparation = peace of mind 

At the end of the day, if you can afford a home standby generator, it’s a great solution. Of course, it assumes you’ll be able to stay in your home when a crisis hits. To cover your bases, a portable generator makes a safe option.

But if you want to combine affordability with safety and convenience, the choice is clear. Obtaining a portable, solar-powered generator will be a decision you never regret.

It will be there if you have to hunker down in a blackout. And it will be ready to grab and go if you have to bolt out the door.

Like a good friend, it won’t let you down. But it will provide you with the peace of mind you can only get by being prepared.

Your Camping Survival Guide Checklist

Today I want to provide you with some reminders about what to make sure to take with you on your next camping trip, regardless of its length.

If you are one of the 40 million Americans who goes camping annually, it may have been a while since you’ve done it, so I don’t want you to forget anything important.

21 camping ‘musts’

Everyone’s list of camping essentials will be different, but here are some basics I think everyone would benefit from having on-hand: 

• A sturdy, waterproof camping tent
• Sleeping bag, pillows; blow-up mattress or sleeping pad
• Extra clothes including socks, swimsuit, etc.
• Toiletries and toilet paper
• Cellphone
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Power banks for your phone and other electronic devices
• Survival knife
• Compass
• Compact cooking stove
• Fire-starters
• Non-perishable food, including granola bars and healthy snacks
• Water and water bottles
• Cooler for perishable food and drinks
• Disposable cups, plates, utensils
• Cleaning supplies, dish soap
• Towels and washcloths
• Extension cord, tarp, bungees
• Paper clips (handy as a zipper pull, eyeglasses repair, makeshift compass, & more)
• Fully-stocked first-aid kit
• Sunscreen, bug spray (or dryer sheets for insect repellent!) 

Some folks may want to include a weapon in their camping gear, assuming they have a concealed carry license.

Making memories in the outdoors 

People who have never gone camping may not understand its value. Why sleep on the ground outdoors when you could be in a nice comfortable bed? 

But what they learn after they try it is how therapeutic it can be to leave the stress of their lifestyle behind for a few days and get back to nature. The change in environment can be a significant mood booster. And basking in nature’s beauty relieves anxiety.

Camping trips are about making memories with family and friends. You’ll enjoy new experiences that would be impossible to duplicate back at home. And you just may learn a few survival skills that will come in handy down the road. Including fire-starting and cooking over a campfire.

Many people come back home from camping trips being bonded to others better than ever before. Your shared experiences, late-night chats, and early-morning walks all combine to bring you together as a cohesive unit. 

A bug-out scenario rehearsal

A couple more things about camping. While it’s important to take everything you need on a camping trip – especially one lasting longer than a couple of days – you don’t want to overdo it.

If you end up taking a bunch of “just in case” stuff that you don’t end up requiring, it could bog you down and tire you out.

Even more important, try to look at your camping experience as a dry run for a potential bug-out scenario. Surviving in the wild with a limited amount of food, water, and other items will be much easier to deal with if you’ve already practiced this type of thing while camping.

Oops, looks like I failed to mention the most important thing of all – s’mores. Yeah, you can make and eat them at home too, but it’s just not the same.

Happy camping!

Are You Ready for a Colder, Snowier Winter?

No matter where you live in the U.S., you’re likely to get hammered by severe weather this winter. Blizzards, ice storms, freezing temps, high winds… you name it. It’s coming in one form or another.

There are many weather forecasters making predictions for this winter. We don’t have time to look at all of them. So, let’s focus on the Old Farmer’s Almanac. It’s America’s oldest weather forecaster. We’ll also discuss the 7 most important items to have handy for dealing with it. 

Cold + Precipitation = Snow & Ice

The Almanac’s projected winter weather map shows cold and snow for a vast majority of the country. I’m talking about from coast to coast. And extending well south below the Mason-Dixon line. It’s likely to start next month.

In the few areas of the country where they’re predicting more mild temperatures, they’re calling for wetter than average conditions. Including the Deep South.

If you’re not receiving plenty of snow this winter, you’ll probably be getting hit by more rain than usual.

One thing we’ve all learned to dread despite forecasts is a polar vortex. If it occurs, it will bring dangerously cold temperatures to the entire country. 

7 Ways to Prepare 

OK, so it’s going to be a colder and snowier winter than normal. Which will result in power outages, closed roads, and a number of other issues. How can you best prepare for that? Glad you asked. Let me list 7 things to have at the ready.

First and foremost is survival food. Without the vitamins, nutrients, and overall sustenance you can only get from eating enough food, everything will be more challenging to deal with.

You will also need plenty of clean drinking water in secure containers. As well as ways to clean water you may have to gather from potentially contaminated sources. Backup power in the form of a generator is also essential. As is a first-aid kit.

Then add a reliable way to receive vital information. Such as an emergency weather radio. Plus a portable power bank to make sure your cellphone and other electronic devices stay charged. And, of course, plenty of blankets and extra clothes to say warm, inside or out.   

Seniors Beware

Let’s wrap this up by discussing how winter weather can be especially troublesome for seniors.   

From falls on ice and hypothermia when you’re outdoors, to power outages and even depression while inside.

Indoors or outdoors, falls can be debilitating and even life-threatening for seniors. They often result in hip and wrist fractures. And even head trauma.

Once you’re in your 50s and beyond, complications and slow recovery times are common with falls. Ice on sidewalks compounds this problem significantly.

As much as possible, stay inside when it’s icy outside. If you do have to venture outdoors, make sure you’ve put salt down on your sidewalks. Wear shoes or boots with good traction. Remove them when you’re back inside. Otherwise, you could track ice in. 

Hypothermia 

It’s amazing how quickly frostbite and hypothermia can come on. Officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that more than one-half of hypothermia-related deaths involve people over age 65. 

Wear layers both inside and out. Keep your indoor temperature at 68 degrees or so. When you do have to go outside in the cold, make sure you cover all your exposed skin. 

That means a warm coat and gloves. And a hat that covers your ears. Plus a scarf over your nose and mouth, which will protect your lungs from cold air. 

Sunglasses are a must to avoid snow blindness. When back inside, keep your skin from drying out with a moisturizer. And by drinking plenty of fluids. 

Power outages

Cold, snow and ice can wreak havoc with power poles and electrical grids. The key is to be ready for a blackout so you’re not scrambling when it happens.

A back-up power supply, such as a solar-powered generator, can bring you peace of mind. Regardless, keep a flashlight and batteries in a place where you can find them quickly in the dark. 

In another location you can access quickly, stockpile a variety of items. Like blankets and non-perishable food. As well as drinking water, a first-aid kit, and a battery-powered radio. 

Keep your electronic devices fully charged so they’ll last as long as possible during an outage.

Depression

It’s well known that darkness can increase one’s depression. And there are more darker hours during the winter than any other time of year.

Making this problem worse is that we spend less time with friends in the winter due to staying in our homes more. Take advantage of the nicer winter days by getting out and getting connected.

When you need to stay inside for safety, make phone calls to friends and have video chats with them. And have plenty of books and magazines handy to help you pass the time. 

Eventually we’ll be able to enjoy warmer temperatures again. In the meantime, let’s stay as safe as possible.

Do Time Changes Mess with Your Body?

One out of three Americans doesn’t get enough sleep. That’s according to the CDC. Perhaps you are among those 33%. 

So, an extra hour of sleep sounds pretty good, right? That’s what we’ll get on Sunday, November 5, in most of the country. 

But the change from Daylight Saving Time to Standard Time is not all it’s cracked up to be. And that’s why many people want to get rid of this twice-annual time change.

As kids, many of us loved Daylight Saving Time. It meant an additional hour of playing outdoors in the summer. As adults, many of us could live without it.

Are time changes on their way out?

The Associated Press and National Opinion Research Center combined to conduct a poll on this subject. They discovered the vast majority of Americans want the biannual practice of changing clocks ended. 

Seventy-one percent said they prefer to keep their clocks steady throughout the year. Only 28% wished to continue springing forward and falling back.

There was less of a consensus among the 71% regarding which time to stick with.

40% said they wanted to stay on Standard. 31% said Daylight. Some studies show a permanent Standard to be optimal.

Time changes disrupt sleep

Other than the hassle of changing clocks – most of which is done automatically – why are most people against time changes?

There are several reasons. Including those pertaining to health. For one thing, research has shown time changes negatively affect sleeping patterns.

Dr. Phyllis Zee is a sleep researcher at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. She said changing time interrupts sleep schedules. And can worsen problems sleep-deprived people already suffer. Time changes are also linked to heart issues.

Under federal law, states can choose to remain on Standard Time year ‘round. So far, only Hawaii and Arizona have chosen to do so. Legislation on this subject is frequently proposed in other states.

Fewer Z’s = health issues

Let’s take a closer look at the effects of time changes on sleep. One study found that in the week following the spring switch to Daylight Saving Time, teenagers slept about 2.5 hours less than the previous week.

Sleep disruptions were not as severe for older Americans, but were still prevalent. Even without time changes, one in three U.S. adults sleeps less than the recommended seven to eight hours per night. The November time change also disrupts sleep patterns.

Getting less sleep than necessary – known as sleep deprivation – has health problems written all over it. Including serious ones.

Levels of stress hormones are increased when we don’t get enough sleep. And that can result in increased heart rates. 

Internal clocks don’t change

An increased number of car crashes has been connected to time changes. A German study found an increase in fatalities in the week after the start of Daylight Saving Time.

Poor performances on alertness tests are also linked to time changes. These are short-lived effects, but they can be troublesome when they occur.

Circadian biologists say problems adjusting to time changes are due to disruptions of our internal clocks. Our biological clocks are set to exposure to sunlight and darkness. And every cell keeps track of time.

Those clocks regulate a number of bodily functions. Some of which are negatively affected by time changes and our behavioral adjustments to those changes.

Even a mismatch of one hour daily over a period of time can wreak havoc on some of us. It can trigger stress, disorientation, and memory loss. Overall cognitive function can be affected. As can social interactions.

A push to banish time changes 

Some people prefer Daylight Saving Time. Regardless of whether it’s biannual or constant. They dislike driving home after work in the dark during winter. 

Others claim depression sets in when the switch is made from Daylight to Standard Time. Which makes sense. We spend less time in the sun in winter, and low levels of Vitamin D are linked to low mood.      

Lack of sunlight also suppresses production of serotonin. It can play a key role in mood balance. In one hospital study, 11% of people were more depressed after a fall time change.

Some sleep scientists and circadian biologists push for a permanent ban of time changes across the country. They believe any positive effects resulting from time changes are far outweighed by negatives. 

Tips for time change adjustments 

Here are a few tips for avoiding time change pitfalls. 

•  Make a gradual shift. Start going to bed and getting up 10-15 minutes earlier or later (depending on the specific time change) several days before the change. 

•  Stick to your sleep schedule. Once the change has occurred, go to bed and get up at normal times.

•  Maintain good sleep hygiene. Sleep in a cool room with no TV or computer screen distractions.

•  Get out in the sun. Soak in that Vitamin D when you can, even if it’s just for a short walk.

•  Limit caffeine intake. Especially in the afternoon. Eliminate it at night.

How do you feel about biannual time changes, including the one coming up in three weeks? Feel free to respond in the comments section below.

5 Reasons to Gift Preparedness This Holiday Season

I’m going to guess you’ve occasionally mentioned your preparedness activities to others.

Maybe you don’t go into every detail. You want to keep your supplies covert. And you don’t want to sound preachy. But you confide in folks close to you that you’re concerned about America’s future. And you want to be prepared for emergencies. Including extreme weather. 

Now, most of these people will listen politely to what you say. But they won’t do anything about it for themselves. That’s fine. To each his (or her) own. 

But when it comes to family members and close friends… Well, you care too much about them to let it go at a few comments. You don’t want them to struggle when the inevitable happens. And that’s why we should all include some preparedness items in our holiday gifting.

The ‘why’ behind the gift

Before we consider some specific survival items that would make for nice gifts, let’s look at the “why.” What’s the reasoning behind introducing loved ones to a survival mindset?

First and foremost, your gift could actually save their lives in a disaster. I don’t know how you can possibly top that in terms of a gift’s value. 

Second, it will last. Survival food, for example, will stay good for up to 25 years under proper storage conditions. Toys, clothing, electronics… none of them come close to that kind of longevity. 

Third, a gift such as survival food is practical. Your adult children might wear a tie or jewelry item a few times a year. And then stuff it in a drawer and forget about it. Survival food will always be there when they need it. Whether an emergency strikes soon or years in the future. 

Fourth, survival products including food will bring them peace of mind. Few other gifts can offer that type of promise.

Fifth and finally, it will be a gift they never knew they needed. But when they do, they’ll be forever grateful for it.   

Focus on food for family & friends

Of course, which preparedness items you give loved ones will depend on their situation. Where they live. How big their families are. Which preparedness items they might already own.

But one item you can’t go wrong with is survival food. It’s impossible to have too much shelf-stable food for a crisis. 

When someone is forced to go into survival mode, food is what they need immediately and ongoing. It’s difficult to accomplish anything when you’re famished.

Make sure the survival food you gift tastes good and is filling. It should include plenty of variety. And should be enough to feed your loved one and their family during a crisis.

Don’t forget power & water 

There are countless other preparedness items you could present to family members and special friends this holiday season. But let’s just focus on a couple.

In addition to food, the two most important pillars of survival are power and water. The grid is likely to go down in a crisis. Perhaps for only a short time. But more likely for a week or more.

Include gifts that will help people keep their lights on and power the devices most important to them. Such as everything from solar-powered generators to hand-held power banks. 

Nobody will turn down bottled water. It’s good to have a supply of clean water in bottles and larger containers. But just as important is having water purification devices. They will make water from taps, streams, rivers, and lakes drinkable and healthy.

The invisible gift – peace of mind

Now, I’m not saying every gift you give this holiday season should be related to preparedness. Hopefully you’re in a position to offer gifts family members and friends have on their lists.

But add at least one preparedness item such as survival food for each person on your list. That will show them you care deeply about them.

This is especially true for those family members and friends who have not yet gotten on board with preparedness. 

Who knows? Perhaps your gift will be the one that starts their preparedness journey. And someday they’ll thank you for making peace of mind a reality for them.          

Don’t Neglect Fruits & Veggies in Your Survival Stash

We all know we should eat more fruits and vegetables. In fact, experts recommend five to nine servings daily, depending on one’s age and activity level.

But studies show 90% of us don’t get enough of them. This increases our risk of a variety of health problems.

Not only is eating plenty of fruits and veggies essential now. It’s even more important when you’re in survival mode.

Today let’s look at how the one simple change of adding more vegetables and fruits to your diet can help keep you healthier. Eating them is a great way to stay energized for holiday road trips, outdoor activities, and even bugging out. 

Get what you need 

For many of us, eating healthy is easier said than done. However, there are a few simple steps you can take that will make it easier to get the right nutrition. 

1. Think fruits and veggies first

At every meal, aim to fill at least one-half of your plate with vegetables. Avoid heavy sauces and fill the rest of your plate with lean protein and whole grains. Eating fruit first when you snack also leaves less room for unhealthy choices.

2. Make it convenient

After grocery shopping, take a few minutes to chop and package your produce for easy access later. Having fruits and veggies ready to go means you’re more likely to eat the produce you bought… instead of ordering pizza.

3. Boost variety

According to Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, variety is just as important as quantity. “No single fruit or vegetable provides all of the nutrients you need to be healthy,” says the school’s website. 

At the end of the day, it’s not about eating the “right” foods and avoiding the “wrong” ones just because some expert says so. It’s about making the small, everyday choices that put you on a path toward health.

The ‘80/20 Principle’

The fact is, if you’re not eating vegetables and fruits – both now and during a crisis – you miss out on 80% of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrition you need. That’s the “80/20 Principle” for survival nutrition at work. 

Fruits and veggies are responsible for about 80% of your daily intake of vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrition. So without them, you could be putting your health at risk. 

You simply can’t replace all the food quality fruits and vegetables offer by popping supplements, downing energy drinks, or consuming empty calorie foods. 

And because fresh veggies and fruits spoil quickly, they are frequently the first things gone from your grocery store when a crisis hits. Especially when there are food shortages going on. Such as what we’ve been warned about recently. 

Fresh vs. freeze-dried

Some folks say they only like “fresh” fruits and vegetables. Well, maybe during normal times you can consistently acquire them. 

But unless you can carry around a fruit tree and a vegetable garden on your back during a survival situation, “fresh” will not always be an option.  

Freeze-dried fruits and veggies are much tastier than many think. And their shelf life under proper conditions is light years ahead of “fresh” produce. One registered dietician believes freeze-dried fruit is healthier for people than some fruit that’s called “fresh.”

“Frozen and freeze-dried fruit are often more nutrient-dense than their fresh counterparts because they are harvested while in-season and immediately flash-frozen or freeze-dried to lock in all of its good-for-you nutrients,” RD Lindsey Kane said.

Choose a long shelf life

Freeze-dried veggies and fruit maintain a vast majority of their nutrients and natural flavor. They don’t need to be injected with additives or sugar. 

Despite the steps freeze-dried fruit and veggies go through, they are still bursting with flavor. Those steps include being frozen, then placed in a vacuum under very low pressure. That causes ice crystals to rapidly sublime, turning them from solid ice into water vapor. 

Of course, the biggest advantage to freeze-dried fruit and vegetables over their “competitors” is shelf life. Assuming they are kept away from heat, moisture, and light, they can last for years. 

Because 99% of the moisture has been removed from freeze-dried veggies and fruit, they travel well. They are lightweight, portable, and take up little room.

Versatility is another plus for freeze-dried fruit and vegetables. They can be eaten plain or added to a variety of dishes in just about every meal and some desserts. 

Nutritious, tasty, convenient

When picked and flash-frozen at the peak of ripeness, freeze-dried fruits and vegetables are delicious and nutritious. This process seals in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.

Fresh fruit, on the other hand, often continues to ripen after being picked. So, its nutritional value diminishes over time. Among the many fruits that can be freeze-dried without losing nutrition or taste are blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

Plus bananas, apples, and cherries. As well as pineapples, peaches, and pears. These fruits and others will provide you with much-needed calories and natural sugars. Of course, freeze-dried vegetables and fruit are very convenient. Whether hunkering down at home or bugging out. 

And some freeze-dried fruits and veggies can stay good for up to 25 years. You’ll also get plenty of fiber with freeze-dried fruit. Which can help regulate your digestive system and keep cholesterol levels low. 

Don’t leave home without them 

During a crisis, you don’t want to have to go without fruit and veggies for any length of time. 

You’ll need the nutrition they provide. And the great taste will help you deal with the problems you’ll encounter.

Fresh fruit and veggies are not likely to be available in an emergency situation. Make sure you have plenty of them stockpiled in freeze-dried form. 

They will carry you through rough times.

Where Can I Get an Accurate Weather Prediction?

Have you ever stayed home rather than attend an event because of a bad weather forecast? Only to kick yourself later because it turned out to be a beautiful day? 

Or have you ever trusted a good weather report? Only to get soaked by a rainstorm? Or stranded by a blizzard? 

Weather forecasts are usually pretty accurate. But nobody’s perfect. And many factors go into changing weather patterns. Most are challenging to predict.

Adding to the uncertainty is inconsistency between weather reports. One might tell you skies will be clear. Another may predict clouds and precipitation. 

Today I want to talk about some of those challenges. And why weather apps differ from each other. As well as what your most reliable source is for incoming weather.  

Forecasts better, not perfect

Our ability to predict weather has improved through the years. They gather much more data than before.

Atmospheric data includes temperatures, humidity, and wind conditions. Past weather patterns combine with that data. 

There are many more information-gathering devices than before… And in many more locations, including satellites above the earth. 

Updated computers controlling these devices refresh data they gather and analyze. As a result, both long-range and short-term predictions are more accurate. Then again, forecasters make mistakes.

Predictions vary

If there is more weather data available than ever before, why do weather apps disagree so often? Derrick Ryall is head of public weather service at the Met Office of the BBC. He says differences are sometimes caused by interpretations. 

“One big difference between apps is what information they choose to show,” he said. “Some choose to simplify things. While others put in a lot of detail. A lot can come down to perception of accuracy.”

And sometimes there are differences of opinions. For example, one forecaster believes a storm will die out before it reaches a certain area. Another predicts it will become stronger. 

Other times, weather predictions vary due to forecasters themselves. Some err on the side of pessimism about weather. They’d rather face criticism for overestimating the possibility of inclement weather. Than for underestimating it.

On the opposite end of the spectrum? Sometimes the human element is completely removed. Artificial intelligence is sometimes the only source used. AI’s don’t seem to care about criticism.   

Cellphone alerts 

What are some of the best ways to gather info on weather that might affect you? Weather alerts on your cellphone are one. 

Most newer phones have the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) feature. It sends out a loud tone to warn you of an impending emergency. Last week, most of us received one of those alerts. Which was a test. 

Here are a few weather alert apps you can download on your phone. Storm Shield, iAlert, AccuWeather, and The Weather Channel. As well as weatherUSA, ping4alerts!, and The Emergency Email & Wireless Network. 

Storm Shield does not use GPS. So, it shouldn’t wear down your phone battery. iAlert provides weather warnings via text or email. You can select the alerts you want for any of 30,000-plus U.S. cities. 

Ping4alerts! delivers alerts about weather, traffic, and school closures. Plus natural disasters, power outages, and more.    

Nothing beats weather radios

Earlier I promised to reveal the most reliable way to receive weather alerts. It’s a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio. This is the best way to keep tabs on weather threats in your area.

These radios broadcast official National Weather Service warnings, watches, and forecasts 24/7. Plus other hazard information.

You can program your county’s six-digit code into this device. It will sound a loud alarm when dangerous weather is approaching.

Some of these weather radios allow you to choose which alerts you want to receive. And which you don’t.

There’s nothing wrong with gaining your weather information from a variety of places. But when there is conflicting information, a weather radio should be your authoritative source. 

Israel Declares War After Devastating Terrorist Attack from Hamas

Breaking news: shocking and cowardly attacks by the terrorist group Hamas have sparked an all-out war in Israel. 

Over 900 people (including 11 Americans) are dead, thousands are wounded and the terrorists are threatening to execute innocent hostages on TV. 

Israel has responded by formally declaring war and has vowed “mighty vengeance” on the terrorists responsible for this atrocity.  

This could spark the largest armed conflict in the Middle East we’ve seen.

Scary stuff. 

Our hearts are with the innocent lives caught amidst the turmoil overseas. 

Please join me in praying for our troops around the world, who defend our way of life and keep us safe. 

Leave a prayer, or your thoughts, down in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you.

Before I go…

I want to congratulate you once again on the rock-solid decision you made to invest in your preparedness education and gear. 

You saw what was coming and you took action. While other people feel adrift in a sea of uncertainty, you have the confidence and the peace of mind that comes from being prepared to take care of yourself and your family no matter what happens. 

Hats off to you. Thank you for being part of the 4Patriots family.

To your survival, 

Frank Bates

P.S. Rest assured, the 4Patriots team and I will do everything in our power to make sure that smart, patriotic Americans like you are supplied with the life-saving resources that give you peace of mind in these uncertain times.

An Emergency Alert Is Coming Your Way Today

Your cell phone will have a message for you this afternoon. And it might be loud. 

It’s going to speak up between 2:20 and 2:50 p.m. today, Eastern time. During that 30-minute window, you will receive a message on your phone saying the following:

“THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”

You should hear a noise from your phone when this alert is sent to you. And your phone should vibrate. The noise is likely to be very loud, and perhaps startling if not anticipated.

If your phone is set to the Spanish language, the message will appear in Spanish.

Warnings are crucial

As we’ve all learned in the preparedness arena, warnings are essential. We need advance notice regarding anticipated emergencies. Including extreme weather, natural disasters, terrorism, or other public safety dangers. Additional alerts include a presidential notice or an Amber alert. 

And in order to ensure that we receive these alerts in a timely fashion, the federal government periodically sets up these tests. They are sent through FEMA in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission.

This emergency alert system test will be received by people across the country. Phones need to be turned on to receive the message.

If a phone is off when the message is sent, but then turned back on again within 30 minutes, the message will be received.

But if a phone is turned off during that 30-minute window, it will not be received. 

Radio & TV warnings

Now, if you’re watching broadcast or cable television, or listening to your radio when the message is sent, here’s what you will hear and/or see:

“This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.”

If it seems like it’s been a while since you’ve received this type of test, you’re right. The last one was sent on August 11, 2021.

Federal law requires national emergency alert systems to be tested through the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System at least once every three years.

3 ways to avoid hearing the alert

In the extremely unlikely event that an actual emergency occurs during that 30-minute window, the alert you’d receive would be real, and the test would be delayed until October 11.

There are three ways to avoid hearing this alert on your cell phone. One is to have your phone turned off. A second way to avoid it is having your phone on airplane mode. Finally, if your cell phone is not connected or associated with a cell tower, it will not receive the message.

For those concerned about privacy issues, FEMA claims that this alert cannot be used to monitor, locate, or lock your phone. And this broadcast technology does not collect any of your data.

If your phone is turned on but you do not receive this test today, you may inquire as to why by writing an email to the following address: FEMA-National-Test@fema.dhs.gov.

The worst part about this test is the screeching noise you may hear from your phone. But the best part about this test is that it’s just a test. No action is required on your part.

[VIDEO] Survival Minutes | Aluminum Foil + 3️⃣ Lifesaving Uses

In this Survival Minute, former Navy SEAL Cade Courtley reveals the incredible versatility of a common household product – aluminum foil. 

From signaling for help to cooking and even staying warm, learn essential uses that can make all the difference in a survival situation. Don’t miss out on this valuable knowledge from a seasoned expert – be prepared, be resourceful, and be a survivor, not a statistic. 

The Inside Scoop 🎬:

• Former Navy SEAL Cade Courtley demos the versatility of aluminum foil as a survival tool 
• One key application is for signaling for help when in trouble, using sunlight.
• Aluminum foil can also be used for cooking, such as wrapping it around a fist to cook or boil water over a fire.
• Additionally, it can help in staying warm by reflecting heat back towards the body when the shiny side is inside, or away from the body when the shiny side is outside.

Transcript  🎞️: 

“Hi, this is former Navy SEAL Cade Courtley with your 4Patriots Survival Minute. Aluminum foil, something every household has, but has many uses. 

This thing is amazing. You can fold it up tight, super lightweight, put in a pocket, put in your pack, but here’s what you can use it for if you get into trouble…

Signaling. Find the sun and get some help. It’s amazing. All right, another great use is for cooking. Fold it, stick your fist in there, form it around your fist, flatten the bottom and use it for boiling water. You name it. Just stick it on your fire. And then another great thing about aluminum foil, it’s got a shiny side and it’s got a dull side. You can use it to stay warm. How do you do that? Shiny side in reflects the heat back on your body. Shiny side out reflects the heat away from your body.

So those are three great things that aluminum foil can be used for to save your life. This is Cade Courtley with your Survival Minute. Be a Survivor not a statistic.”