How Do I Know Which Emergency Radio to Choose?

There’s a very good reason why nearly every preparedness list includes an emergency radio.

When extreme weather causes a power outage, you need something reliable to provide you with details about the storm and where it’s headed. And you need it quickly.

With violent weather becoming more frequent and more intense every year, owning an emergency weather radio has never been more important.

In keeping with our BlackOUT Friday Event, today I want to tell you exactly what to look for in an emergency radio. There are many choices out there. Some are good, some… not so much. The key is to find one that offers everything you’ll need.

Say yes to NOAA

The first thing you should do when it comes to selecting an emergency radio is make sure it’s a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio.

Having access to critical information is key to surviving in any emergency. With a NOAA weather radio, you’re certain to receive timely information about weather threats in your area. Including evacuation routes and other breaking news.

These radios broadcast official National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24/7. If you program your county’s six-digit code into it, a loud alarm will sound when dangerous weather approaches.

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

Plenty of charging options

OK, now you’re set with weather alerts. Is there anything else you need in an emergency radio? Yes, plenty.

Let’s start with how to keep it charged. A dead emergency radio is useless, so don’t choose one that gives you only one or two options.

You want a 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.

Power bank with a flashlight

Any of those options will keep your emergency radio charged. But you also want to have a radio that can “share the wealth.”

You may find yourself in a position where you need to charge your cellphone. Or a tablet, e-reader, camera, flashlight, cooling fan or another item. Select an emergency radio that can do all that.

There’s no guarantee you’ll have daylight when a weather emergency interrupts your life.

You may also need to light your path. So, make sure your radio includes a bright flashlight.

Light, compact and durable… with extras

Other features you want in an emergency radio are just as practical. For example, you don’t want one that’s heavy. It would be a burden to carry in your hand or in a bag.

You also want a radio that’s compact yet durable. One that can take a few dings without getting damaged. And what about some extras the average person might not think about?

Choose an emergency radio that includes a sturdy metal clip so you can attach it to a backpack or belt loop. Select one that has a charging indicator so you always know how much juice it has. Pick one with an earphone jack so you can listen discreetly.

Finally, you want an emergency radio that’s priced right. If for no other reason than so you can buy several of them. For your home and vehicle, and even as gifts for loved ones.

My recommendation

It may be difficult to believe, but every feature I mentioned as being important in an emergency radio is included in one radio – the 4Patriots Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio.

Of course, this is not a coincidence. We started with the end in mind with this product. We made sure this tactical information hub features NOAA weather alerts, with seven 24/7 weather channels and AM/FM and shortwave radio.

We insisted it include an LCD display clock with alarm and an ultra-bright flashlight.

We made it lightweight with the ability to recharge with the power of the sun.

We added a hand crank for emergency starting. We even made sure that it could power up other devices when you need them most. Including your cellphone.

I feel like we’ve made the 4Patriots Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio as desirable as we possibly can. But if you need any extra incentive, how’s this?

If you purchase three of them, I’ll provide you with free shipping and toss in a few bonuses. Including a free Patriot Power Cell, a free 72-Hour Survival Food Kit, a free HaloXT Tactical Flashlight and a $25 gift certificate.

Here’s how to get yours…

Do You Have Enough Skills to Survive?

Every time we see a disaster on the news that causes people to evacuate – Hurricane Ian and western wildfires come to mind immediately – we’re reminded that the same thing could happen to us at any time.

Extreme weather, such as tornadoes and other violent storms, can send people packing at a moment’s notice.

It’s very possible a serious weather event could put any of us out of our homes for a day or more. Do you have enough survival skills to deal with that?

Today I want to provide you with my list of the top seven survival skills to master. None of them is overly difficult, but they do require practice.

Camping trip practice

Knowing about survival skills and actually putting them into practice are two different things. It’s going to be cold soon in many parts of the country, which makes the next month or so the perfect time to do something very important.

If you are physically capable of this, I’d strongly encourage you to take a weekend camping trip with one or more family members or friends.

It’s a great way to unwind and bond with other people. But I have something even more important in mind for this activity.

I’d like you to use this time to practice some survival skills you may need in the future. In fact, it’s possible you’ll need them sooner than you think.

Get mistakes out of the way

If you can’t afford the time to get away, another option is doing some of these things for one day and night in your backyard. Either way, the great thing about practicing survival skills is that you can learn from your mistakes.

An error during a survival practice drill is not going to leave you in a life-threatening situation. You’ll have enough resources to overcome it and get back home safely.

But if you make a mistake in a real survival situation, it could be fatal. And you’ll be less likely to make that error if you’ve practiced ahead of time.

Here are a few ways you can go about practicing your survival skills, ideally during an upcoming camping excursion.

Shelter making

Once you’ve set up your tent and other camping items, try to build a shelter from what you can find in the woods.

This doesn’t have to be an elaborate shelter. Just something that will keep you covered so you’re safe from the elements.

In a real survival situation, you may get lucky and find a natural shelter, such as a cave, an overhang or very thick foliage.

If not, you’ll have to use forest debris including tree branches and leaves. Now’s the time to practice this. You can find plenty of instruction videos on the Internet.

Fire starting

Even in a real survival situation, you should have easy fire starters such as lighters, matches and magnesium sticks in your bag.

But it’s a good idea to practice starting a fire the old-fashioned ways. Such as with flint and steel, and with a bow and spindle.

Yes, both of those methods will take a while. But that’s what this camping trip is all about – to prepare for a survival scenario.

Again, you can find a number of how-to videos on this subject online.

Water gathering

There’s a reason I listed fire starting before water gathering. You will need to boil the water you find before you can safely drink it.

Hopefully in an actual survival situation you will have enough clean water to last for a while. But eventually it could run out if the crisis continues.

Once you find a water source, gather some in containers and boil it to take out impurities. You should also filter it with a portable water filter.

Take a look at some boiling and filtering videos before you leave for your camping trip. They will give you a variety of ideas on how to purify the water you find.

Signaling

This is an activity you want to be careful about practicing. You don’t want anyone to risk their health or life trying to save you when you don’t need saving.

One way to signal for help is by holding a mirror up to the sunlight and moving it slowly to reflect that light upward. Make sure there is no airplane in sight when you are practicing this.

Something else that can be seen from the air in a cleared area is three of just about anything large enough to be seen. Such as logs. That’s a distress signal.

Smoke from your fire could also be seen by rescuers if they are looking for you in a real emergency.

Tool making

You will hopefully have a good survival knife and a multi-tool in your bug-out bag. But if you don’t have that bag with you in an actual survival scenario, you will have to improvise.

So, it’s a good idea to know how to make a few basic tools out of forest debris. One of those would be a short, sharpened stick you could use as a knife.

Another would be a longer sharpened stick you could use as a spear. These items could help you cut twigs and branches for a shelter and to fish or hunt game.

Internet videos can help you discover different ways to find the right materials in the woods for these tasks.

First-aid giving

Bugging out and injuries go hand in hand. From minor to major, these injuries can derail an escape plan if they’re not taken care of promptly.

Having a comprehensive first-aid kit is job one. Knowing how to use the contents of that kit is just as important.

If you’ve never taken a CPR course, I’d strongly recommend it. Knowing how to perform CPR and the Heimlich maneuver could be a lifesaver.

You should also know how to dress a wound, set a splint, apply a tourniquet, treat a burn, recognize a stroke, and treat hypothermia and heat exhaustion.

Food finding

You’ll have food with you on your camping trip, and hopefully you’ll have some in your bag or vehicle if you have to bug out quickly.

But spend a little time during your camping trip foraging for edible plants and berries, even if you don’t actually eat them.

Knowing which ones are safe and which are poisonous could go a long way toward keeping you healthy during a crisis.

There are plenty of online materials to help you make those decisions.

A real survival situation will be much more intense than a camping trip. But by practicing some survival skills in a comfortable atmosphere, you’ll be able to perform better when it happens for real.

StarFire Camp Stove

Once you’ve found food – or better yet, brought meat, vegetables, etc., with you – here’s a great way to cook that food. The StarFire Camp Stove from 4Patriots is a low-smoke stove that cooks food and never needs gas.

All you need are sticks, twigs, leaves or paper to build a roaring fire. Lightweight (1 pound) and portable, it boils water in 8 to 12 minutes.

Enjoy a skillet breakfast or use it to cook soups, stews, vegetables and meats. It can also roast marshmallows or hotdogs, and provide light.

And with a purchase of the StarFire Camp Stove, you also get FREE bonuses worth $196.10. They include nine of our top-rated survival items.

Here’s how to get yours…

How to Find Deals on Emergency Food

If any of us were ever in doubt about the importance of stockpiling emergency food, Hurricane Ian put those doubts to rest.

The incredible devastation that storm caused in Florida is almost too much to bear. Only those pummeled by the storm who had food on hand were able to eat without worry about where their next meal would come from.

Even if you don’t live in a hurricane zone, you’ve probably encountered extreme weather that has made you wish you had some survival food on hand… or grateful that you were prepared.

Now, nothing is free in life, and that includes emergency food. But there are ways to stretch your survival food dollars, and that’s what I’m here to talk about today.

Seek long shelf lives

It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to stockpile healthy, nutritious food for a crisis. There are some simple and inexpensive things we can do to get ready for trouble.

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. 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. Shop clearance and sales sections, both in stores and online. You’re better off spending time than money.

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. Coupons.com and grocerysmarts.com are a couple of options for obtaining them.

Find and use in-store-only offers. Some of those stores also have periodic case lot sales worth taking a look at.

Look for seasonal sales. Some stores load up on products such as sugar, flour and other baking supplies prior to the holidays.

Grow your own food and preserve it. There are 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.

Some tips & 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. The average couple spends up to $500 or more 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 that your family will eat. Variety is important, both physically and psychologically. But you could buy some of the healthiest food in the store, and if your family won’t eat it, you’ve thrown your money away.

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 that you can’t do without. But more often than not you won’t notice the difference. Except when it’s time to check out.

Use digital coupons. Many stores offer digital coupons not available in weekly newspapers and shoppers. 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 focus your shopping list around items with the biggest savings.

Use a cash-back rewards credit card. You can probably find one that pays 2% back at a minimum. And don’t just use it when you’re out and about. The key is to pay off that card in full each month. Otherwise, you turn a savings into an interest payment.

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 your food doesn’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.

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.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.

Buy in bulk. I saved one of the best for last. We’re 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.

Here’s a bulk bonanza

Speaking of buying in bulk, I’ve got a great way for you to stockpile nearly 5 weeks’ worth of tasty, nutritious survival food at $50 LESS than the normal price for a 4-Week Kit.

For a very limited time, 4Patriots is offering its 4-Week Survival Food Kit at a $50 discount, PLUS two free 72-Hour Food Kits.

What’s included in these kits? Only some of our most popular food items for breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts – designed to last for 25 years under proper storage conditions.

Examples include Grammy’s Sweet Oatmeal and Buttermilk Pancake Mix, as well as America’s Finest Mac & Cheese and Fireside Stew. Plus Frank’s Favorite Alfredo, Dinner Bell Broccoli Bake, Old Fashioned Vanilla Pudding and Sweetly Coated Banana Chips. And more.

Here’s how to get yours…

How to Find Deals on Emergency Food

If any of us were ever in doubt about the importance of stockpiling emergency food, Hurricane Ian put those doubts to rest.

Even if you don’t live in a hurricane zone, you’ve probably encountered extreme weather that has made you wish you had some survival food on hand… or grateful that you were prepared.

Now, nothing is free in life, and that includes emergency food. But there are ways to stretch your survival food dollars, and that’s what I’m here to talk about today.

Seek long shelf lives

It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to stockpile healthy, nutritious food for a crisis. There are some simple and inexpensive things we can do to get ready for trouble.

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.

Never pay full price for anything. Always look for bargains. Shop clearance and sales sections, both in stores and online. You’re better off spending time than money.

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. Coupons.com and grocerysmarts.com are a couple of options for obtaining them.

Find and use in-store-only offers. Some of those stores also have periodic case lot sales worth taking a look at.

Look for seasonal sales. Some stores load up on products such as sugar, flour and other baking supplies prior to the holidays.

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.

Some tips & tricks

Doing this ahead of time as you scan the weekly circular can help you focus your shopping list around items with the biggest savings.

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.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.

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.

Here’s a bulk bonanza

Speaking of buying in bulk, I’ve got a great way for you to stockpile 16 weeks’ worth of tasty, nutritious survival food while only paying for 12 of those weeks.

For a very limited time, 4Patriots is offering a Buy 3 Get 1 deal on its 4-Week Survival Food Kits. That means one free month’s worth of long-lasting food to carry you through a crisis.

What’s included in each kit? Only some of our most popular food items for breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts – designed to last for 25 years under proper storage conditions.

Here’s how to get yours…

What’s in the Rest of My Bags and Why – Part 2, by D.D. in Arizona

This is the conclusion of a two-part article. Part 1 was posted on August 30th. Main Compartment The part number of my bugout bag — a Direct Action Messenger Bag — is BG-MSGM-CD5. I like the new approach of these bags to line the inside with the loop part of Velcro® and then just stick […]

What’s in the Rest of My Bags and Why, by D.D. in Arizona

I suppose this is more of a continuation of the first article link that I submitted to SurvivalBlog and that was posted back in March of 2013: What’s In My 72 Hour Bag (and why). I was surprised to see over 400,000 downloads from my website and I got more than a few e-mailed comments. […]

Learn These Off-Grid Communication Methods

For many of us, it’s hard to imagine our lives without a cellphone. That’s how dependent we’ve become on them. Despite the fact that most of us did not own one during the first half of our lives.

Now, we use them for a variety of tasks. Phone calls, text messages, emails, Internet searches, maps and other usages. And it’s always in the back of our minds that we may need our cellphone to request emergency help. Or receive a call from someone needing help right away.

That’s why we feel so powerless when we realize we left our phone at home. Or when we realize it’s dead.

And even if our fully-charged cellphone is resting comfortably in our pocket, there’s always the chance extreme weather or a natural disaster could render a cellphone tower useless.

Today I want to talk about off-grid ways to communicate when a cellphone is not an option. Hopefully this will never happen to you. But you need to be ready if it does.

Ham radio

Today I want to take a look at different ways to communicate when you don’t have your cellphone with you. Or when it’s at 0 percent power.

One option is ham radio. FEMA uses this method when communication lines are down to communicate vital information during emergencies. Ham radio is also used in police stations, fire departments, hospitals and shelters.

Because ham radio is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), users need a valid license.

Another option is CB radio. Truckers use this form of communication on a daily basis. Some families and businesses use FRS (Family Radio Service) and GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios. They also require licenses due to FCC regulations.

Satellite phone

In an emergency, you’d rather rely on a satellite than a telecommunications network. That’s why satellite phones are so effective. Of course, they should only be used in emergencies. They are expensive and calls are traceable. In some countries, it’s illegal to own a satellite phone.

Depending on where you are when an emergency occurs and your cellphone is dead, you might be able to find a phone booth. There are far fewer of them than back in the day, but they still exist.

Another great option is a landline phone. The challenge in this case is convincing a stranger who owns one to allow you to use it.

GPS Messenger Beacon is considered the little brother of satellite phones. It has an SOS function that transmits your GPS location with an emergency signal to search and rescue teams. It also gives you the ability to send a pre-programmed message to family and friends with GPS coordinates attached.

Morse code

You probably don’t own any homing pigeons or Pony Express horses. But if you really want to take the covert communication thing to a new level, consider learning Morse code.

This was first used in 1844 after being invented by American Samuel F.B. Morse. The code turns letters, numbers and punctuation into a series of dots, dashes and spaces.

Information carriers such as an electric current, radio waves, sounds waves and even signal flags can communicate messages through Morse code.

With Morse code, it’s much easier to filter out background noise and hear weak signals than with some other communication methods.

Signaling

Outdoor Life magazine calls signaling “one of the most under-practiced and underemphasized skill sets in our survival arsenal.” Here are seven ways to signal for help in an emergency. Remember the international code for SOS is three short, three long and three short signals, followed by a pause and then repeated.

Fire. Keep it small and contained, and aim for an elevated area. If you have room and it’s safe, build three fires in a triangle or straight line, about 30 yards apart.

Flag. Always carry a colorful signal flag in your bug-out bag. If you don’t have a signal flag, you can construct one out of colorful clothing attached to a stick.

Flare gun. It should only be used in wetlands or over open water. They’re still burning when they fall, so they can be a serious fire hazard.

Flashlight. You can use this item to flash an SOS whenever you hear an aircraft. This will be even more effective if your flashlight has a strobe option.

Mirror. On a sunny day, this item can reflect sunlight as far as 10 miles away. It can be used to attract the attention of aircraft, watercraft or searchers on foot.

Spell H-E-L-P. This did not work for Tom Hanks in Castaway, but it has been effective in real life. Use logs, tree branches, rocks or vegetation to spell out H-E-L-P in an open area.

Whistle. The range is short for this simple device, but it is effective. Three short blasts are recommended to signal for help.

Like many other survival techniques, signaling for help is a skill best practiced before it’s needed. Knowing multiple ways to signal in an emergency can make a world of difference when the situation and surroundings are rapidly changing.

Family emergency plan

In anticipation of a phone-less crisis, establish a family emergency plan so you will know exactly where to meet family members.

Have a family meeting and make sure everyone knows that if an emergency occurs and no one can contact anyone else, you all will meet at a specific location.

Ideally this would be your home, but that might not be practical in every situation. Pick a secondary, central location everyone could get to without too much trouble from wherever they are most likely to be. Such as work, school or a grocery store.

Revisit this emergency plan every six months or so to update it. And make sure everyone keeps a current version of the plan in their wallet.

Talk-N-Go Walkie Talkies

I saved one of my favorite off-grid ways to communicate for last. It’s walkie-talkies. When a cell tower goes down and the Internet doesn’t work, you can still communicate with family members.

And this is a great time to get them because the Talk-N-Go Rechargeable Walkie Talkies from 4Patriots are back in stock.

These babies never need batteries, and they’re rechargeable via USB. We offer 16 different channels to avoid interference and you can stay connected for up to a three-mile distance.

Easy to use and a potential lifesaver, Talk-N-Go Rechargeable Walkie Talkies are even smaller than a cellphone. Keep tabs on the kids and grandkids, stay in touch while camping, communicate covertly in public… you’ll find all sorts of uses for them.

Here’s how to get yours…

How to Handle “Heatwave Heathens” When It’s Hotter Than…

Why are mosquitos and other flying bugs more prevalent and annoying in summer than in other months?

It’s mainly because most of them either hibernate or die when the weather gets cold. And because when the weather is warm, we humans tend to spend more time outdoors.

What about when it gets really hot? Like in the upper 80s, 90s and even into three digits? Well, those temperatures usually result in fewer sources of moisture for bugs.

And that means they’re even hungrier for your blood than before. Plus, they’re now seeking shelter they didn’t need before. Which means they’ll get inside your home if they can.

Highs in triple digits

The United States has had its share of heat waves this past spring and during the summer. And there is plenty of opportunity for more sweltering heat over the next couple of months.

Just recently, temperatures skyrocketed to 111 degrees Fahrenheit in Lawton, Oklahoma. As well as 110 in Abilene, Texas. Not to mention triple digits in Austin and San Antonio, Texas, and in Mountain Home, Arkansas.

But it wasn’t just the South that saw blistering heat. They’ve experienced high 90s in Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston and New York City.

A heat emergency was declared in Boston and a heat caution was declared in Philadelphia. Residents were warned to stay indoors as much as possible.

Disease-carrying pests

Now, even if most of the U.S. experiences only average heat the rest of the summer, mosquitos and other flying bugs will continue to be a big problem.

They love warm weather and they love to reproduce. That does not bode well for humans. Even if these bugs were only annoying pests that caused itching, they’d be worth trying to avoid.

But some of them also carry diseases they can transmit to humans and animals. Including West Nile virus, heartworm, malaria, dengue fever and chikungunya. And there’s no way to know whether a bug is dangerous. They don’t carry signs. Any bite could make you sick or worse.

In a moment I’m going to let you in on a great way to control these pests in your backyard and at a campsite. First, though, here’s a quick refresher course on avoiding and treating mosquito bites.

Avoiding mosquito bites

Use a mosquito repellent. There are over-the-counter sprays and rub-ons containing DEET. If you want to avoid that chemical, make your own concoction.

Mosquitos aim for thin-skinned areas because they can get to your blood easier. Apply the repellent to exposed areas of skin. Focus on your feet, ankles, lower legs and wrists.

Bugs are also attracted to dark colors. Wear light-colored clothing when you’re outdoors. Long sleeves and pants can be helpful for avoiding bites. A thicker fabric with a looser fit is preferable to tight-fitting, thin fabrics.

Avoid the outdoors around dawn and dusk. That way your blood won’t be available to them during their favorite parts of the day. When indoors, keep windows closed. Make sure screens don’t have holes in them.

Treating mosquito bites

Scratching mosquito bites usually makes them itch more and longer. That’s not a good “treatment.”

If you break the skin while scratching, you can expose yourself to an additional infection. Wash the area with soap and water, then cover it with a bandage.

Ice will slow blood flow to the area, thereby reducing inflammation and swelling. Apply aloe vera directly to the bite to relieve itching and discomfort. Or press a steeped chamomile tea bag to your bite.

Some folks apply other items to their bites. Including honey, vinegar and even an oatmeal paste. Others like to use hydrocortisone cream or take an antihistamine.

BugOUT Solar Lantern

As we’ve seen, mosquitos and other bugs can be very annoying when we’re trying to enjoy the outdoors. And spread disease, both to us and to our pets.

So, let’s keep them at bay the rest of the summer and this fall. My suggestion for accomplishing that task is the BugOUT Solar Lantern from 4Patriots.

It’s lightweight (just one pound) but does the job. We call it the king of bug-zappers. With its solar panel, the BugOUT Solar Lantern charges in the sun.

And it’s rainproof and water-resistant. It both attracts and kills bugs. Without using pesticides or chemicals. And it cleans itself every 72 hours.

Buy 3, Get 1 FREE + a $80.00 OFF Unexpected Discount

The BugOUT Solar Lantern features three different light settings and serves as a decorative light. You can take this compact, portable lantern anywhere you go. It has a convenient handle so you can hang it on a tree branch at your campsite or on a clothesline in your backyard.

So you may want to pick up several of them. And right now is a great time to do just that because we’re offering a Buy 3, Get 1 Free deal.

And right now, there’s a bulk discount, too. You’ll save $80.00 when you claim the Best Deal. But we’re not sure how long we can keep that up.

Protect yourself, your backyard guests and your pets with the BugOUT Solar Lantern.

Here’s how to get yours…

What to Do – and Not to Do – During a Flash Flood

The recent deadly flooding in Kentucky got me thinking there are probably many people who wouldn’t know what to do if they suddenly got caught in a flash flood.

Slow-moving thunderstorms dumped massive amounts of rain across the eastern portion of the Bluegrass State in late July. Many residents drowned from floodwaters, which damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes and vehicles.

As rivers and creeks rose out of their banks, hundreds of rescues occurred via boats and helicopters. Some people waited on roofs and up in trees until help came.

Unfortunately, at least 37 died during the flooding. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear predicted that more bodies will be found.

Have your supplies ready and waiting

As we continue our theme of “Back to Survival School,” I thought this would be a good time to talk about ways to deal with flash floods.

If we have these strategies ingrained in our minds, they’ll be second nature when we’re faced with the situation. And that’s crucial with flash floods. They occur quickly with little warning, so acting fast is important.

Well before a flash flood is a possibility, make sure your bug-out bag and vehicle emergency kit are well-stocked and handy.

Consider in advance everything you might need in order to deal with a flash flood and include all those items in your preparations.

Know the difference between watch and warning

If you believe a flash flood is a possibility, remember your flood safety warning signs. A flood or flash flood “watch” means a flood or flash flood is possible in your area.

A flood or flash flood “warning” means flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

Move immediately to higher ground or remain on higher ground. Stay tuned for possible evacuation orders.

If you’re on foot and come to a flowing stream, stay out of it. Even if the water is not deep, it could push you toward deeper water.

Prepare your family and home

If you believe your home might become a victim of flooding, there are some things you can do in advance.

First, create a family emergency plan and make sure everyone in your household knows what their responsibilities are. The plan should also include a place to meet if you’re separated.

Tie down or bring inside outdoor objects that could be damaged or swept away by flood waters. Including patio furniture, trash cans and children’s toys.

Unplug sensitive electronic equipment. Elevate any items that would be rendered useless by exposure to water. Make sure your sump pump is working properly.

Cautions when arriving back home

If you evacuated during a flash flood but now wish to return, first check with authorities to make sure it’s safe to do so.

Watch out for loose power lines, damaged gas lines and cracks in your home’s foundation before re-entering. If you smell natural or propane gas or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call your local fire department.

When cleaning up your home – inside and out – following a flood, wear protective clothing including a facemask, rubber boots and rubber gloves.

Check on neighbors and friends to make sure they’re OK. Especial the elderly, those who live alone and those with medical conditions.

Turn around; don’t drown

What if you’re in your car when waters start rising quickly? There are some things you can do to increase the odds that you will stay safe.

First of all, if you know water is starting to inundate roads ahead of you, follow the advice of the National Weather Service. They launched a campaign on this subject called “Turn Around Don’t Drown.”

You might think your vehicle can pass through water that’s a foot or less deep, but there are two problems with that.

One is that the water might be deeper than you think. The other is that even one foot of water can carry a car away. And pull that car into deeper areas. Maybe even completely submerging it.

Escape from your vehicle

Mike Berna is a regional director and instructor with the Rescue 3 international group. They provide training to emergency services.

He said that if you suddenly find yourself in deep waters while driving, undo your seatbelt in case the vehicle flips over.

Roll a window down just a bit, which will make it easier to break if necessary. Don’t immediately try to get out of your car. You may be safer in it than wading or swimming in waters that could push you toward other vehicles or rocks.

If the vehicle starts to fill with water, however, you’ll need to get out. If you can’t get a door or window open far enough, smash a window with a hammer or other tool.

Liberty Band Solar Radio

Of course, whether you are on foot or in a car when a flash flood is a possibility, your best bet is to keep on top of emergency warnings. And heed those warnings by getting to higher ground as soon as possible.

And the best way to stay informed with timely news is with a reliable weather radio. A NOAA weather radio is a great way to learn about – and avoid – flooding and threatening weather.

Having access to critical information is key to surviving in any emergency. These radios broadcast official National Weather Service warnings 24/7. Plus watches, forecasts and other hazard information.

4Patriots has created the ultimate tactical information hub. It’s the Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio. This lightweight radio features NOAA weather alerts. And it recharges with the sun.

It has seven 24/7 weather channels and AM/FM and shortwave radio. Plus LCD display clock with alarm and an ultra-bright flashlight. It can even power your cellphone when you need it most.

Summer means flash floods, hurricanes, tornados and other severe storms. The Liberty Band will provide you with the advance notice you need to seek shelter.

Here’s how to get yours…

Household Hacks You Should Know

When it comes to life-saving gear, you are limited only by your imagination – and your commitment to use it. Luckily, there are plenty of versatile items you already own that can double as survival gear.

Continuing our “Back to Survival School” theme for this week, here are some items – combined with knowledge of basic survival skills – that may one day give you the advantage in a survival situation.

Aluminum foil. Great for signaling, it can create a bowl for cooking, or when connected to each side of a battery can be used to start a fire.

Bag of chips. Because of their oily nature, it can make a signal fire.

Bandana. Fanning smoke signals, bandages, signaling.

Batteries. Can never have enough of these and other than the obvious are great for starting fires.

Bed sheets. Shelter, clothing, signaling.

Bleach. Great for disinfecting and can be used to make unsafe water potable.

Bra. The cup of a bra makes an effective facemask when in a toxic or dusty/smoke-filled environment.

Cans (food/coffee). Makes a much-needed makeshift stove or fireplace.

Chapstick. A nice little candle when a cotton wick is inserted into the middle. Also ideal for making things waterproof.

Coffee filters. Filter dirty water, toilet paper, bandage.

Cotton balls. First-aid or tinder for fire.

Dental floss. Can be used as fishing line or to make a snare.

Duct tape. You name it. Pound for pound the best.

Frozen bag of veggies. Ideal for use as an ice pack to reduce heat/swelling.

Hand sanitizer. Other than the obvious, great on cuts and to start a fire.

Pantyhose. Can be used as a fish net and to help filter water.

Plastic bottle. Good for storage, and you can make a solar still by cutting the bottom off, folding it inward, placing upside down and being patient.

Pop can. Can make a fishing rod by wrapping with dental floss and the tab can be made into a fishing hook.

Salt. Can preserve food and be used as an antiseptic for sore throats.

Socks. The thin liner socks are great to prevent blisters and are also ideal for water filtration.

Trash bags. Outstanding raincoat, water collection and shelter.

The true sense of the word “improvise” means you could take just about anything and make it help you survive. Be creative and never quit.

HaloXT Tactical Flashlight

Speaking of items that can provide you with more than one usage, I’d like to remind you of our HaloXT Flashlight with its nine functions.

In addition to its light functions, this tactical 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.

Here’s how you can get yours… or better yet, several of them.