Tag: bag

Bug-Out Medicine | Dr. Bones & Nurse Amy [PODCAST]

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You Can Stockpile Food – Even on a Budget

Do you have a few million dollars burning a hole in your pocket? If so, you might want to invest in a luxurious underground bunker. 

You and your family could reside in comfort for a number of years. And escape whatever tragedy has befallen the Earth.

You’ll have comfortable beds and furniture. Plus years’ worth of non-perishable food. And nearly very form of entertainment imaginable.

The few folks who can afford something like this are probably not prepping on a tight budget. But some of us have to. And we can’t use the excuse that we live paycheck to paycheck.

This is too important. And 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 budget.

Look for long shelf lives

Today I want to discuss the importance of stockpiling healthy, nutritious food for an emergency. 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 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.

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. 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. 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. Take a quarter to rent a cart, and you’ll also 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 that 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.

My top 5 must-have survival gadgets

In the SEAL teams, if you don’t have the right gear — you don’t come home.

It might be as simple as the extra pair of AA batteries wrapped in tape that made all the difference on a mission in Iraq…

Or that one extra quart of hydraulic fluid that kept my teammate’s heavily damaged helicopter airborne until he was able to safely land it in Afghanistan…

Then there’s the 5 oz. self-applied tourniquet that has saved thousands of lives over the last decade. The fact is, the right tools make all the difference.

But what are the “right” tools? I’ve had to rely on each of these types of tools in many different situations and I can personally attest to their efficacy and life-saving abilities.

Not only do I cover how each of these tools come in handy in critical circumstances, but also how these items – if not part of your everyday carry – at least need to be in your arms reach “Go Bag.”

1. Power: We live in a world where most folks can’t go an hour without their gadgets, TV, mobile phone or their laptop. Well when the SHTF that might not be the case. But if you are fortunate enough to be in a situation where your personal electronics are still working, you are going to need power. This is why I am placing this as the first in my top 5 as a must have for survival. Whether it’s solar power, or rechargeable batteries, having backup power is a must. I highly recommend these USB Rechargeable Batteries.

2. Tactical Rigger Belt With D-Ring Buckle: More than just keeping my pants up, this type of belt has a heavy-duty quick-release buckle that allows the wearer to remove it quickly and use it as a weapon. The D-ring can be used for emergency descent from a high point, used to anchor someone else or as an attachment point to keep someone close in a low-visibility situation.

3. Multitool: You get a lot of bang for your buck with a good multitool. You can cut with it, make repairs with it, even fight with it. I prefer a more robust set of pliers than the needle nose variety that comes on many brands, including the collapsible “fist pack” size.

4. Water Filter: You can go weeks without food, but you will only survive a few days without water. In a survival situation, you can’t always expect clean water to be easily available. Which is why you need to be ready to filter out any possible contaminants that may be lurking in your water supplies. Having a water filter ready and available will also help get you access to clean, drinkable water immediately through streams, puddles, lakes and more.

5. Butane Lighter: There are several reasons you may need to start a fire — to keep warm, cook a meal or perhaps signal someone — and you can’t count on a disposable lighter when that time comes. With the right collection of gear, you will be more prepared to handle any crisis situation and make it home alive. So start building your supply today so that you can be ready for whatever crisis arises.

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Top 9 Best Survival Axe of 2022

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Camping Near Valentine NE | Valentine Nebraska

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You Know You Need an Emergency Radio… But Which One?

You’ve received a few emails from me in the past about emergency weather radios. The purpose was to tell you how important it is to have one handy. That’s why these radios are included in just about every bug-out bag list you’ve ever seen.

Based on how many of you have purchased the 4Patriots Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio, I assume you don’t need any more convincing. 

You realize that extreme weather is becoming more frequent and more violent. So, I’m not going to waste your time trying to convince you to add one to your survival stockpile. 

But if you haven’t done so yet, I do want to provide some tips on what to look for in an emergency radio. Because there are many choices out there. 

Say yes to NOAA

The first thing you should do when it comes time to select 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 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 is…

The emergency radio I’m recommending will not be a surprise. I let the cat out of the bag back in the second paragraph.

And it might 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 knock a small amount off the price of each unit, provide you with free shipping, and toss in a few bonuses. Including a free Patriot Power Cell, a free HaloXT flashlight, a free 72-Hour Survival Food Kit and a free $25 gift certificate.

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Recipe of the Week:  Winter Trail Mix

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