Tag: bags

Heirloom Seeds: Are They Part Of Your Preparedness Plan?

There seems to be a never-ending list of gear and items that are required in an emergency situation. There are so many factors that are difficult to address due to the unknown. If you were to ask ten different survivalists for a list of their “Top” preparedness items, you’d probably get 10 different answers. And that’s […]

30 Uses For Trash Bags | Bug Out Bag Essentials

Knowing these uses for trash bags will make you save it a special place in your BOB, so check them all out now to know what these are! RELATED: 10 Survival Uses For A Contractor’s Trash Bag Survival Uses For Trash Bags You Should Know By Now! Practical and Survival Uses for Trash Bags Deciding […]

Surviving the Economic Collapse: Essential Supplies

Worried about an economic collapse? Not sure what you should do to prepare? Check out our tips on surviving an economic collapse below. Surviving the Economic Collapse: Essential Supplies History has proven that societies eventually collapse and when they do their citizens are almost never properly prepared.  However, in recent events such as the, economic […]

4 Ways To Deter Wasps Naturally

Want to know how to naturally deter wasps? It may surprise you how easy and effective this shortlist has in store! RELATED: Natural Ways to Repel Grasshoppers Deter Wasps | Effective Ways of Driving Wasps Away How to Get Rid of Wasps If you’re reading this, chances are you have been stung at least once […]

It’s Finally Fall! Are You Ready for Winter?

After the record-breaking heat many of us experienced the past few months, millions of Americans are relieved fall is finally here. 

And while cooler temperatures are more comfortable and fall colors are beautiful, we can’t escape the thought that winter is just around the corner. 

The best time to prepare for our coldest season of the year is now. Otherwise, it will sneak up on us. And that means getting our homes, vehicles, and pets ready to face winter. 

Today I want to delve briefly into each of those areas. I’ll provide you with lists of activities you can carry out over the next couple of months so you’re prepared for what Old Man Winter might throw at us.

Home 

Let’s start with our homes. That’s where we’ll spend the majority of our time once winter sets in. It’s crucial to make sure you’ll be fed, safe, and warm if you have to hunker down for a while due to the weather.

Food – Stockpile as much non-perishable food as possible. Winter storms can knock out power, making it difficult to keep perishable food cold. And they can block roads, making it challenging for food delivery services to get through. Not to mention affecting your grocery store trips.       

Water – The general rule of thumb is to store one gallon of water per person per day for drinking. As well as another half-gallon for cleaning, bathing, etc. But we don’t know how long water quality will be affected by extreme weather, so you also need a way to filter tap water. 

Pipes – As we saw with Winter Storm Uri in Texas, water pipes can freeze when temperatures are frigid. Look around your home for exposed pipes, especially in the attic and crawl space, and insulate them. When temps are nearing the freezing mark, allow a slow drip from all faucets.

Generator – A back-up power source such as a generator will enable you to keep some lights on, your refrigerator working, and a portable heater functioning. Solar-powered generators are safer and quieter than gas generators, and can be used indoors. 

Miscellaneous – Keep a number of miscellaneous items handy in case you’re stuck at home when a crisis hits. Including an emergency weather radio, flashlights, small power banks, and extra blankets, coats, and other clothes.     

Vehicles

Even before winter officially begins, inclement weather including snowstorms, freezing rain, and high winds can strike at any time. If you have a properly maintained automobile, your odds of getting stranded somewhere outside your home will be reduced. 

• Have your battery checked by a trained mechanic. Make sure it’s in top condition to handle winter. Engines need more current from the battery in cold temperatures. 

• Make sure your tires have enough tread to handle slippery roads. Nearly bald tires may get your vehicle from here to there in dry conditions. But they’re a death trap on snow-covered roads. 

• Check your tires’ air pressure. Cold weather can cause air pressure to drop. For safe traction, you want properly inflated tires.

• Ensure that your anti-freeze mixture is about 50 percent anti-freeze and 50 percent water, or 60/40 in colder climates. That way, the radiator coolant won’t freeze. 

• Cold weather reduces your oil’s effectiveness, so make sure your vehicle is current on oil changes. A properly lubricated engine will run best. Use a thinner oil in winter. While you’re at it, check all other fluid levels.

• Change your wiper blades and fill your wiper fluid compartment. Being able to clear rain and snow off your windshield is crucial. Salt on the road gives you better traction by melting ice, but it can smear a windshield.

• Make sure your defrosters in front and back are working properly. When a windshield fogs up, driving becomes dangerous. Check the car’s heater while you’re at it.

• Lubricate window tracks. Freezing rain can seep into window tracks and negatively affect window regulator cables. Use spray silicone or dry Teflon spray lubricant in those tracks. Do the same with door locks. 

• Get a tune-up. A mechanic can check your belts and hoses, ignition, brakes, wiring, spark plugs, and your fuel and emission filters.

• Keep your gas tank as full as possible throughout winter. You never know when you might be stuck on a road for several hours and you’ll want to keep the heat running.

• Build or purchase an emergency car kit. It should include extra hats, coats, gloves, and blankets. As well as a shovel, windshield scraper and brush, battery-powered radio, flashlight, escape tool on the driver’s side of the car, and flares. Plus nonperishable food, water, first-aid kit, jumper cables, tool kit, and cellphone charger. And salt to melt ice and cat litter for traction. Not to mention canned compressed air with sealant for emergency tire repair. And a power bank. 

Pets

Some folks forget to include pets in their winter preparations, but that’s a mistake. Make sure you’re ready to take care of them as well.

Prepare a bug-out bag for your pets. This bag should contain the types of things an animal will need to survive and stay occupied in a crisis. It should include:

• A large bag of the food they normally eat. The way to keep this food from becoming stale is to rotate new bags in an out of the bug-out bag each time you buy one. Better yet for dogs, acquire long-lasting survival food and be done with it.

• Chew toys. Depending on how long the emergency lasts, you will want to keep your animals occupied. For dogs, this would include treats they can swallow and ones that they will only chew on.

• Any medications your animals need. Ask your vet if you can stay at least one month ahead on their prescriptions. For items protecting against heartworm and against fleas and ticks, you should be able to stay six months to a year ahead.

• Extra collars, leashes, harnesses, and carrying cages. You never know when you might have to transport your pets on several occasions during a crisis, so make sure those carriers are sturdy and secure. 

• Papers proving your pets are current with their shots. In an emergency, you might not be able to acquire that information from your vet quickly. But you may have to prove to someone at a different animal clinic or a pet-friendly hotel that their vaccinations are up to date.

• Have current ID tags attached to your animals’ collars, including one or more of your cellphone numbers. Add photos of your pets to their bag for potential re-identification purposes.

• Make a list of local pet-friendly hotels with phone numbers and keep it in their bug-out bag.

Taking care of your home, vehicle, and pet needs BEFORE winter arrives will provide you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re ready.

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

Here’s a haunting, but reassuring statistic: 

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

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

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

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

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

1. Midwest:

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

2. Northeast:

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

3. West:

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

4. South:

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

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

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

Here’s a quick peek…

Natural Disaster Preparedness Checklist:

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

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

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

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

❐  First Aid Kit: For any minor injuries.

❐  Whistle or SOS Beacon: To signal for help.

❐  Moist Towelettes & Garbage Bags: For personal hygiene.

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

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

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

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

>> Download & print your full disaster preparedness checklist here

A Checklist to Help You Enjoy a “Cooler” Camping Trip

There’s just something about packing for a camping trip. Stopping by the grocery store to buy roadtrip snacks and food to cook over the fire. Packing up utensils and the cast iron skillet. Deciding which blankets would be best for a cozy night in the tent. 

There’s a lot that goes into packing up for an outdoor getaway. And there’s nothing worse than realizing you forgot something. 

So if you’re going camping over the next few weeks, you’ll need a well thought out packing list.

Fortunately for you, I’ve got just what you need. And to make it super convenient, you can print it out as a PDF and use it to prepare for your next camping trip. 

When you’ve checked off everything you’ve packed, toss your printout in a bag. It’ll come in handy when you re-pack to head home.

How to chill in the heat

Now, you may be thinking, “Frank, I’d love to go camping, but it’s still pretty hot out there.” Well, I’m here to tell you there are ways to stay cool in the heat that you might not have considered. Including having backup power for fans and other items. 

First, select a campsite that has some shade. Your tents should have mesh that allows airflow. A silk sleeping bag liner will keep you cooler than the typical sleeping bag. And use a battery-operated fan inside your tent.

Take a cool shower once a day. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Keep the sun off your head with a brim hat. Carry white washcloths in your backpack. While hiking, periodically soak one with cool water and wrap it around your neck.

Take advantage of opportunities to wade in a cool body of water. As you walk, eat juicy fruits that will taste refreshing and keep you hydrated. And drink zero-sugar sports beverages for the electrolytes.     

Don’t over (or under) pack

You probably won’t need everything on the list below. Just pick what works for you and your family or companions.

To me, camping is about getting away from the rat race. I want a different kind of routine when I’m away from home. It’s a nice change of pace to see, use, wear, and eat different things than normally. 

You can make do with less on a camping trip by reducing the clutter. At the same time, you can still take all the essentials. 

So, here’s the promised list of camping items. Which ones you choose could depend on whether you’re roughing it or heading to a campground where some amenities are provided. It might also depend on how long you’ll be gone.

General items

• Tent, with footprints, stakes and mallet/hammer
• Ground cloth/tarp
• Sleeping bags
• Sleeping pads
• Backpack
• Blankets and pillows
• Headlamps, flashlights and extra batteries
• Camp table and chairs (if the site doesn’t have them)
• Mini-grill or camping stove
• Lantern
• Clothesline with clips
• Toiletries
• First-aid kit
• Prescription meds
• Sunscreen and protective hats
• Insect repellant
• Lip balm
• Rain gear
• Extra clothing, including several pairs of socks and underwear
• Hiking boots
• Bandanas
• Survival knife
• Multi-tool
• Duct tape
• Paracord or rope
• Saw or ax for cutting firewood (if needed)
• Compass
• Binoculars
• Field guides for flowers and insects
• Whistle
• Walkie-talkies
• NOAA emergency radio
• Disinfectant wipes
• Documents including vehicle registration, insurance, reservations, etc.

Food/food-related items

• Perishable food packed in a cooler or ice chest
• Non-perishable food for snacking and meals
• Plenty of bottled water and other beverages
• Personal water purifier
• Fire starters
• Cooking, serving, and eating utensils
• Cooking pots, pans, plates, and cups
• Tongs and skewers
• Oven mitts
• Cutting board
• Tablecloth with clips or tape
• Canteen/thermos
• Coffee pot
• Can opener
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil
• Dishwashing liquid and sponges
• Paper towels and napkins
• Tupperware
• Zip-top bags
• Trash and recycle bags 

RV Essentials

Recreational vehicles are a great way to travel and camp. But it’s best to know what to take with you in order to handle potential problems with a new-to-you vehicle. Here are plenty of items to consider: 

• Your RV manual
• Drinking water hose
• Sewer kit including hose
• Surge protector
• Generator
• Electrical adapters
• Water pressure regulator
• Tire pressure gauge
• Emergency road kit
• Extra motor oil and fluids (washer, transmission, brake)
• Fire extinguisher
• Wheel chocks
• Rubber gloves
• Emergency brake cable
• Tire iron
• Tire patch
• Jack
• Leveling blocks
• Emergency warning light
• Fuses
• Well-stocked tool box
• Jumper cables

Stay powered up 

As mentioned earlier, backup power is important on a camping trip. There are plenty of reasons for needing backup power. They include charging up your…  

• Cellphones
• Emergency radio
• Mini-fridge
• Electric blanket
• Blender
• Hotplate
• Lights inside a tent
• Outdoor security lights
• Laptop or tablet
• Coffee maker
• Toaster oven
• CPAP machine and other medical devices
• Handheld electronic games
• Boombox
• Electric razor
• Mini-TV
• Blow-up mattress pump
• GPS unit
• Portable fans

Now you have a powerful list 

Without backup power, any of the items listed above could prove useless on a camping trip. Yes, you could get by without some of them, but what if you had to make an emergency phone call?

Or what if an unexpected storm was headed your way and you needed information quickly? What if your perishable food started to go bad? Worst of all, what if you needed to power up crucial medical equipment? 

Camping trips are a lot of fun and a great way to unwind with family or friends. They’re good for your body, mind, and soul. Just make sure you don’t forget to pack any of the essentials before you leave home.

What to Take on Your Next Outdoor Trip

We all have our pet peeves. One of mine is getting somewhere and realizing I forgot to bring something. Maybe that’s why I became a list maker.

Perhaps this is one of your pet peeves as well. If you’re headed to the outdoors soon – for camping, hiking, hunting, or whatever else – no worries. I’ve got you covered.

Today I’m going to provide you with a bunch of items to remember to pack BEFORE you leave home. These items that you can place in your vehicle or backpack are for both your convenience and for dealing with a possible emergency.

Not all of them will apply to your particular outdoor experience. But by running through the list, you can choose the ones that will be most helpful to you.  

The absolute “musts”

A sturdy, waterproof camping tent with pegs and a hammer are musts if you’re planning to sleep outdoors. Of course, you’ll also want to include a sleeping bag and pillows, a blow-up mattress or sleeping pad, and extra clothes including socks and a poncho.

If you’re headed to a campground, find out if they supply wood for your fire or allow you to gather it in their surroundings. If not, take wood with you, assuming it’s permissible. Some places don’t allow that, due to the possibility of introducing new species of bugs to the area. 

Among the tools you’ll want to pack are flashlights (and extra batteries), survival knife, compass, fire starters, extension cord, tarp, bungees, and duct tape.

You’ll need to eat, so don’t forget both non-perishable food and fresh foods in a cooler. As well as a compact cooking stove; disposable cups, plates, and utensils; and cleaning supplies like dish soap. 

Toiletries go without saying. Including toilet paper, washcloths and towels, wet wipes, a fully-stocked first-aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray, and trash bags. And in addition to your cellphone, don’t forget power banks. 

Hunting gear

If you’re going hunting, I’m sure you already have a comprehensive list of things you want to pack for the trip.

Among them will be maps of the area in which you’ll be hunting. You might want to look into gaining permission to hunt on private land, which will be less crowded.

Pack your flashlights, headlamps, two-way radios, etc., and make sure you have plenty of batteries for each. Also include your knives, game bags, nitrile gloves, multi-tool, and paracord.

In addition to your firearms and ammunition, pack your binoculars, game calls and orange flagging ribbon. Toss in a whistle and small mirror for signaling, plus an emergency blanket and an extra pair of boots. 

Water for drinking, cleaning, and bathing is also a must. But it’s equally important to include ways to purify water from other sources. Such as lakes, rivers, streams, and creeks. Here’s a quick look at a few of those ways:

Boiling and disinfecting: 

• Boiling water can get rid of potential bacteria, germs, viruses, parasites, and other pathogens. First filter the water through a paper towel or coffee filter. Then bring it to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute, or 3 minutes at an elevation of 6,500 feet or higher. Next, let that water cool and store it in a sanitized container with a tight cover.
• If you find it’s impossible to boil water, disinfect it with an unscented household chlorine bleach. First filter the water if it’s cloudy. If the bleach has a 5-9% concentration of sodium hypochlorite, add 2 to 4 drops of bleach into a quart container. Shake the container for 1 minute, then turn it upside down and loosen the cap slightly to allow the water flow to clean the bottle threads and cap. Let the bottle sit in a shaded area for a half-hour until the water looks clear.

Iodine & chemical tablets

• Iodine and tablets with iodine (also called tetraglycine hydroperiodide) can kill most germs and can be effective at making small amounts of water safe to drink. But it’s not recommended for pregnant women and those with thyroid issues or shellfish allergies. And it’s not recommended for anyone for more than a few weeks.

After you drop the iodine tablet in, shake your container for about a minute. Then hold the container upside down and unscrew the lid very slightly to allow the iodine to flow into the threads of the bottle cap. Iodine tablets usually require about 30 minutes to take effect

UV lighting and solar water disinfection

• UV light has also proven effective in ridding water of small organisms. Some UV light devices are battery-free and work with a hand crank.

• A simpler method is filling a plastic bottle with water and allowing it to sit out in the sun for a full day. The sun’s UV light will kill most biological hazards in the water.

This solar water disinfection method is easy but does not help with chemical contaminations. Note: They are not as reliable when the contaminants are large, floating particles. And pathogens can hide behind or inside those particles.

Solar cooker

• The solar cooker you use for food can also be employed to remove pathogens and other harmful microorganisms from water. The solar ultraviolet light rays are converted into infrared light rays inside the cooker to produce cleaner water.

Depending on weather conditions, water can be heated to 212 degrees Fahrenheit in about 45 minutes.

Safety tips for drinking from outdoor water sources

In closing, here are some outdoor water safety tips I want to share with you. When acquiring water from lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, etc….

• Avoid water with a strange hue or film on it, and avoid water that is not clear.
• Try to find moving water as opposed to still water.
• Avoid water where there is active growth in it, such as algae or scum.
• Avoid water near roadways or pavement, as it likely has oil and pollutants in it.
• Stay upstream of industrial facilities, mines, and construction.
• Avoid water from farmland, as it might have large amounts of fertilizer and pesticides in it.    

It’s possible you’ll only need one way to clean your water while outdoors. But it’s better to become well versed in a variety of methods because you never know which supplies you’ll have with you during a crisis.

Knowing you’ve packed everything you need for your next outdoor trip will make it all the more enjoyable.

Build the Ultimate Bug Out Kit for Survival | Essential Gear Guide

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Bug out Useful Items: Be Prepared for Anything

When disaster strikes and you need to evacuate quickly, having a well-prepared bug out bag can be a lifesaver. A bug out bag is a portable kit that contains essential items to sustain you during an emergency situation. Whether it’s a natural disaster, civil unrest, or any other unforeseen event, having the right bug out […]