Tag: bags

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 […]

Getting the Biggest Bang for Your Food Buck

Spending money wisely is always a good idea. This is especially true right now as we’re getting hit hard by inflation.

Including food prices that are at their highest levels in 40 years. And if we have another COVID surge this fall as some predict, food shortages could follow.

That’s why it’s very important to get the biggest bang for your buck when it comes to spending on food. 

Today I want to provide some suggestions for how you can do this. Even if you’re only able to put some of them into practice, I believe you’ll be glad you did.

Stockpiling on a budget

I’ve heard plenty of people say, “I wish I could prepare for an emergency. Unfortunately, I can’t afford it. I live paycheck to paycheck.”

But proper budgeting would enable many of us to have at least a small amount of income available to prepare for an uncertain future.

Stockpiling healthy, nutritious food for an emergency is a key preparedness fundamental. And it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to do this. There are simple, inexpensive things we can do 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.

Saving money on food

Here are seven ways to save money while acquiring food to use now and during an emergency. 

Make a list. Grocers know how to position products so shoppers will purchase them. If you have a list, you’ll know just what you need.

Buy store brands. Buying store brands can take a huge chunk out of your grocery costs. Sometimes there will be a brand name item or two you can’t do without. But more often you won’t notice the difference, other than the lower price.

Buy in bulk. This isn’t about warehouse stores with membership fees. It’s about buying more of items you use often when there’s a significant sale. If it means you shop less often, this can add up to even more savings.

Freeze meals. If you’re buying in bulk, make sure your food doesn’t go to waste. You can freeze many items including whole meals. 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.

Use digital coupons. Many stores offer digital coupons not available in the 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.

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.

Use fewer ingredients. Sometimes the simplest food tastes best. Sites such as AllRecipes.com are great for finding different options for your favorite recipes. Usually the top reviews will include tips on how to make them even easier.

Inexpensive food choices

The types of food that will give you the most calories and nutrition for the least amount of money include bananas, beans, canned tomatoes, canned tuna, carrots and corn tortillas.

Plus eggs, frozen fruits and vegetables, oats, onions and pasta. As well as peanut butter, potatoes, whole chicken and whole grains.  

Here are a few more money-saving strategies when food buying:

• Eat before you go to the grocery store. It’s amazing how much more food we buy when we walk the aisles with an empty stomach.

• Buy plenty of groceries. Wait, I thought we wanted to save money. We do. This is a good way to do it because it will lead to eating in instead of eating out or ordering in. Just make sure to consume what you purchase.

• Watch for daily deals. Websites such as dealnews.com and dailysteals.com offer prices you rarely see anywhere else on a variety of items. Just remember not to buy anything you wouldn’t have otherwise bought. 

• Look for free food offers and BOGO deals. Usually with free food offers, you only pay shipping and handling. In addition to getting free food, you can determine whether you want to buy more survival food from that company.

• Grow your own food. A survival garden will provide you with all the vegetables you need for very little money. And your food will be more nutritious than what you get at the store.

Food storage 

Another way to make your food dollars go farther is by properly storing it. Here are a few food storage basics:

Drying and canning

With a food dehydrator, you can dry a variety of food yourself. Then make sure that it is stored in airtight containers. The canning process involves sealing your cooked food while it’s hot in order to kill bacteria that might spoil it. Keep it at room temperature and away from sunlight.

Pickling, brining and salting

Pickling is the technique that uses the combination of salt and vinegar to preserve vegetables, fruits and meats. Brine is a solution consisting of cold water, salt and sugar, and it’s similar to marinating. Salting draws moisture from the meat, preventing bacterial growth.

Smoking and fermenting

The smoking method is used for meat, fish and vegetables. Burning materials such as wood provide strong heat that kills bacteria and other food microorganisms. Fermentation preserves key nutrients in food, controlling decay.

Root cellars

Root cellars keep food at a cool temperature with the proper amount of humidity. Don’t wash dirt off after harvesting your produce. And you’ll want to keep space between your produce on shelves. Among produce you can store in a root cellar are apples, beets, cabbage and carrots.   

Freeze-drying

The best way to store survival food is freeze-drying it and packaging it in Mylar bags. Freeze-drying is a process involving the freezing of food in a vacuum chamber. The food’s moisture then evaporates from its solid state to a gaseous state.

The taste and structure of the food is preserved, but the moisture content is removed. Freeze-drying allows food to retain more nutritional value than other processes. Freeze-dried food also retains its shape and taste after it’s been reconstituted with water.

Food Bars BOGO offer

Earlier I mentioned looking for BOGO offers as a way to get the most out of your food budget. Here’s a great way to do that today.

While supplies last, you can have twice as many 4Patriots Emergency Food Bars as you pay for. These delicious, ready-to-eat “survival cookies” have a lemon-shortbread flavor our customers can’t get enough of.

Designed to last five years under proper storage conditions, they can withstand extreme temperatures and are non-thirst provoking.

So, you pay for nine Food Bars sealed in Mylar pouches, but you actually get 18 of them. And you can keep them anywhere you might get stranded. Such as your car, boat, RV or cabin. 

Here’s how to get yours…

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. […]

4Patriots Contributes to Veterans Adventure Group’s Mt. Rainier Challenge

Those of you who’ve read Cade Courtley’s emails and seen his videos over the past couple of years will not be surprised by this information.

Cade is a former Navy SEAL platoon commander, and he’s been using and endorsing 4Patriots and Patriot Health Alliance products for several years now.

Cade is not the type to sit around with his feet up. Unless maybe he’s just climbed a mountain. The folks in the Veterans Adventure Group (VAG) are the same way. 

So, it was a natural fit for Cade to join 27 of those vets plus three other individuals in June for a climb of Mt. Rainier. Located 60 miles south-southeast of Seattle, it’s the highest mountain in the state of Washington at 14,411 feet.

Cade Gets His Rematch With Mt. Rainier

“I have some history with Mt. Rainier,” Cade said. “In 1998 I formed an all-Navy SEAL team of climbers with the ultimate goal to summit Mt. Everest and plant the Navy flag. We thought that a winter ascent of Mt. Rainier would be a great training climb for this mission. 

“Only two days into our ascent, Mother Nature decided to throw a major obstacle in our way as the weather went from bad to deadly. Blizzard conditions forced us into snow caves for two days at 11,000 feet before we were ultimately forced to turn back. 

“I mentioned to Veterans Adventure Group founder Justin (Matejcek) that I was honored to be joining this group and that I had some unfinished business on the mountain, albeit 24 years later. 

“We started up the mountain and arrived at Camp Muir (10,500 feet), our base camp, ahead of the weather in just under seven hours. Unfortunately, our luck had run out. 

“We learned that due to the 300% over normal snowfall Mt. Rainier had received in the spring, the avalanche danger between us and the summit was incredibly high. In fact, no team had been able to summit in over two weeks.

Nothing Builds Trust Like Teamwork 

“And this included a team from France that has climbed every major mountain in the world. Well, you can’t mess with Mother Nature. After a few minutes of disappointment, we decided to make the most of the time we had on this mountain.

“We practiced rope team skills to include multiple rescue techniques and systems. We each got the opportunity to hang off a 150-foot sheer drop, simulating a fall while the team above solved how they would ultimately pull us back up.

“Putting your life in the hands of your teammates with a successful conclusion… (that was an) experience many of us have not lived since our time in service.

“This is exactly what many of us miss the most from our time in the service. Being in an uncomfortable situation, but knowing we’re all in it together, and doing whatever you can to help your buddy. It was an epic trip with an amazing group.”

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Civilian Life

And that’s what Veterans Adventure Group is all about as well. When Americans serve in the armed forces, they are given a mission. They develop a sense of duty and purpose, and they benefit from a committed network of support.

But what happens when those soldiers return to civilian life? What if they no longer have a mission, a sense of duty, a purpose or a network of support? 

Unfortunately, many U.S. veterans find themselves in that exact position. Some turn to alcohol or drugs to fill a void. An alarming number commit suicide.

Based in Middle Tennessee, Veterans Adventure Group was launched by Justin in 2015. He sought to establish an opportunity for veterans to avoid or rebound from the pitfalls associated with leaving the service and rejoining civilian life.

Appreciation for 4Patriots Products

In the past, 4Patriots and PHA made donations to VAG in the form of an air purifier, survival food and Sun Kettles. As well as Solar Sentry Lights, BugOUT Lanterns and health supplements including Patriot Power Greens.

For the 2022 Mt. Rainier climb, 4Patriots made a $10,000 donation and also contributed Emergency Food Bars, Patriot Power Cells and Survival Food. This was just one part of our “$1K Per Day” commitment in which we will donate $365,000 to worthy causes during 2022.  

Anthony Leon Guerrero was one of the veteran participants. “The care package was awesome!” he said. “I loved it and will definitely put some of it to use.”

“Thank you so much!” Justin said. “Seriously, everything you’ve done for us has been amazing and very much appreciated. I know all the participants took their gift bags and seemed really excited to have received them.

“Cade was amazing to have up there and we all really enjoyed getting to have some direct representation from 4Patriots on site.”

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.

How to Prepare for the Next Inevitable Blackout

Sometimes a power outage occurs when you least expect it. Like on a perfectly sunny day or a calm evening. Often these types of blackouts are caused by an automobile accident, an animal or an equipment failure.

Other times an outage is no surprise at all. Such as when your area is experiencing severe thunderstorms or excessive heat. Or something even worse happens. Like a tornado or hurricane. Our aging infrastructure is no match for these types of weather events. 

There are even times when you’re absolutely certain a blackout will occur. Including when local officials have announced a planned outage to try to keep the electric grid from failing.

Regardless of which scenario leads to the next time your neighborhood goes dark and your food starts spoiling, there’s one common denominator. And that’s your need to prepare.

9 things to do

There are a number of things you can – and should – do to be as ready as possible for the next power outage. I’m going to give you 9 of them today. Plus a 23-item checklist and 4 additional tips and tricks.

And then I’ll let you in on a brand-new offer that might blow your mind but won’t blow your fuses.

The better prepared you are for a blackout, the greater the odds you’ll be able to handle it. Here’s what you can do prior to a blackout.

• Put together a supply of emergency food and water for your family. Start with 72 hours’ worth, then build it up.

• Build an emergency kit or bug-out bag. Store your kit in an easily accessible place. Consider having an additional emergency kit at your place of business in case a blackout occurs while you’re at work.

• Make a family communications plan and discuss it with family members. Conduct a dry run every few months to make sure everyone is ready to carry out the plan.

• Fill plastic containers with water and place them in the refrigerator and freezer. Leave an inch of space inside each one, as water expands as it freezes. This chilled or frozen water will help keep food cold during a temporary outage.

• Be aware that most medication requiring refrigeration can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem. If unsure, check with your physician or pharmacist.

• Keep your car tank as full as possible. Gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. In addition to being your emergency transportation, your car could also be your charging system and the only air conditioning or heating you’ll have.

• Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it.

• Keep all your electronic devices fully charged. You may soon be counting on their batteries.

• Get a good supply of cash. Some stores may not be able to process credit card and debit card purchases. Cash machines may not work.     

Your blackout checklist

Here’s a list of items you should stockpile to be ready for a power outage. Hopefully you can ride out this crisis at home. But be prepared to bug out if necessary.

• Back-up power. A portable, solar-powered generator will help you keep some lights on and power some appliances. Power banks are perfect for smaller electronic devices.
• Nutritious non-perishable food with a long shelf life. Make sure to include plenty of variety, which is especially important in a longer blackout.
• At least 1½ gallons of water per person per day. And a water purification system.
• A hand-crank emergency weather radio
• Flashlights kept in various places in your home and extra batteries
• First-aid kit and instructions
• Personal hygiene items
• Special needs items for children, seniors and those with disabilities
• Pet supplies, including food, litter, etc.
• Manual can opener and cooking supplies, plus disposable utensils and dinnerware
• Warm clothes and rain gear for each family member. Blankets, pillows and sleeping bags.
• Heavy work gloves and boots
• Plastic sheeting, duct tape and a utility knife
• Tools, including a crowbar
• Heavy-duty plastic bags and a plastic bucket for waste and sanitation
• Whistle
• Dust masks
• Cash in small denominations. Banks could be closed and ATMs might not be working in a blackout.
• Photos of family members and pets for re-identification
• Contact lists with phone numbers
• Topographic maps of the area
• Books, games, playing cards and other items to keep you entertained during a blackout
• Surge protectors for when the power suddenly comes back on    

Tips and tricks for handling an outage

In addition to stockpiling the above items, here are a few tips for dealing with a blackout.

Using flashlights rather than candles will help reduce the risk of fire.

Unplug sensitive electronic equipment such as computers, televisions, stereos and printers. When the power comes back on, power spikes could damage delicate electronics.

Only open your refrigerator and freezer doors when necessary. Food will stay good for several hours after a blackout. But not if you keep letting warm air in. Keep a food thermometer handy.

Fill up your bathtub with water immediately after a blackout. Fill pitchers as well and place them in the refrigerator and freezer.

Backup power and emergency food

As promised, I’d like to tell you about a new offer. If you don’t own a Patriot Power Generator 1800, you know you need one. But if you’ve been putting off that purchase for one reason or another, I think I can convince you to delay no longer. 

Because for a very limited time – or until supplies run out, whichever comes first – 4Patriots is offering free gifts worth more than $1,000 with your generator purchase.

And those free gifts include a 3-Month Survival Food Kit. Have we lost our minds? Maybe, but we’ll do whatever it takes to make sure smart and proud Americans such as you have the peace of mind that comes from being prepared for the next inevitable blackout.

Our solar-powered Patriot Power Generator 1800 and 3-Month Survival Food Kit are two of the most popular items we sell. Toss in a convenient payment plan and a money-back guarantee and this becomes a no-brainer. 

Summer Travel Tips… Just in Case You’re Out of Practice

Many of us have traveled less in the past 2½ years than we had at any previous time in our adult lives. The pandemic has not exactly been what I’d call travel-friendly.

For some of us, we’re just now getting back into the routine. Others will be traveling again this summer for the first time in quite a while.

When we were traveling at least semi-regularly, most of us established a routine of preparing for these vacations and business trips. We knew exactly what to pack and which bags to put it in. It became second nature to us.

But if we haven’t traveled for a while and are planning some time away this summer, preparing for those trips might take a little longer. And there’s a chance we might forget to pack something we always used to pack without thinking about it.

Don’t leave home without… sleep 

The first item that comes to mind for me that some folks forget to pack is back-up power. Or more precisely, a way to generate free electrical power.

I’ll give you my recommendation for an easy-to-carry and affordable way to do that in a moment.

First though, I’d like to provide you with some travel tips. Just in case you’ve forgotten them since the last time you packed your bag for a trip.

Regardless of how you’re traveling – air, auto, train or boat – get plenty of sleep in advance. Going into a trip in a tired state is a bad way to start. You won’t be thinking as clearly as you should be and your enjoyment level will drop off.

Travel by car

If you’re traveling by car this summer, make sure you put together an emergency supply kit to keep in the trunk. Here are five items I’d suggest including for a three-day trip. 

• Water. A no-brainer, right? Three gallons of clean drinking water should do the trick. If your water is in gallon containers, make sure you have plenty of smaller empty water bottles you can fill up and drink out of. 

• Non-perishable food. You could survive for three days without food if you had to, but why do that? During a crisis, your body will need strength, so pack some items with a high calorie content. Don’t worry about fat content right now.

• First-aid kit. This kit should include bandages, anti-bacterial wipes, burn salve and wound-closure strips. Plus over-the-counter painkillers and lip balm. As well as a three-day supply of any meds you take regularly.

• Clothing. Include any items you would take on a three-day trip. Including socks and underwear, pants and shirts. Plus sweaters, a windbreaker and a heavy coat. As well as gloves and hat. Don’t forget a pair of hiking boots.

• Outdoor kit. If you have to leave your vehicle at some point during a crisis, you’ll want some objects to help you survive. Including fire-starters, paracord and a flashlight. And a hunting knife, tent, poncho, compass and duct tape.

Make sure the bag itself is sturdy because you may have to lug it around. You don’t want anything falling through a hole or getting wet from the elements. It needs to be large enough to hold all but large water containers. But light enough to carry. 

Enhancing your road trip

Your longer auto trip could be enhanced by following the four tips listed below.

• Eat healthy snacks. You’ll probably stop for one or two good meals per day on your road trip. But you’ll also want to take along some in-between-meal snacks for nourishment and alertness. Make sure those snacks contain plenty of vitamins and nutrients. Nuts, fruits and vegetables will provide what you need.

• Stay hydrated. Although it will probably require an extra restroom stop or two each day, it’s important to keep yourself hydrated on the trip. Water and fruit juices are best. Caffeinated beverages should only be consumed if you need them to stay awake. They can be dehydrating.

• Plan interesting stops. There’s nothing that breaks up a long road trip like a few fascinating stops. It’s easier to stay upbeat when you have 100 miles to the next sight-seeing opportunity than 1,000 miles to your destination. Taking photos at each stop will enhance the vacation memory book you create. 

• Chew and smell. By chewing gum, your blood circulation will improve despite your sitting posture. There are plenty of sugar-free gum choices out there. Also, having a peppermint scent handy is a good idea. Just take a whiff if you feel you’re becoming more tired than you want to be. 

Travel by boat

Many people are taking cruises again. If you’re one of them, here are four tips to make your trip more enjoyable.

• Study the ship in advance. You might not be able to board a cruise ship in advance to check it out. But you can take virtual tours. Knowing where everything is on the ship ahead of time will save you considerable time in trying to find things. Especially if it’s a 15-deck ship.

• Know your ports. Knowing what a port offers in advance will go a long way to enjoying your eight hours or whatever it might be before you have to be back on the ship. Pick out three or four things you want to do at that port before you get there. Then make the most of your time. 

• Pack intelligently. Limit yourself to what you believe you’ll need, leaving room in your suitcase for items you’ll want to purchase to bring back home. Pack clothes for the weather at various ports. Don’t forget a poncho.  

• Check out alternative eating venues. Many folks on cruises – especially first-timers – automatically head to the main dining room or buffet each meal time. But many cruises have specialty restaurants you might enjoy. Especially during longer cruises when variety is more important. 

Travel by train

Some folks prefer to travel by train. Here are a few suggestions if you’re going that route.

• Watch for deals. As with other transportation businesses, the train industry likes to entice travelers with deals. Start your search for a deal well before your departure date, then lock it in. Acquiring your tickets in advance should save you money and take that task off your plate.

• Choose your accommodations carefully. Depending on how long your train trip will last, this is an important consideration. The longer the ride, the more comfort you will require. Maybe you can sleep one night in a coach seat, but any more than that and you should probably book a bedroom that includes a private toilet.

• Check a large bag, hold onto a smaller one. When you’re packing, put items that you won’t need during the ride in one large bag and then check it. That way it’s secure and you don’t have to worry about lugging it around each time you venture from car to car. Keep items you’ll need during the trip in a smaller bag. 

• Study your rest stops. Rest stops on train trips are great, as they give you a good chance to stretch your legs and see a few sights before re-boarding. Know where those rest stops are and what they offer in advance. That way you’ll know exactly where you want to head and what you want to see when you get off the train. 

Travel by plane 

As with other modes of transportation, it may have been awhile since you’ve flown. Here are a few reminder tips if you plan to get on a plane.

• Carry your vaccination card. If you’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19, be ready to prove it. Rules are changing all the time, and you never know when you may be asked to show it. If you’ve decided against vaccination, call ahead to the airline and any hotels where you’re planning to stay to see what their policies are.

• Keep a hand sanitizer in your carryon. In an airport and on a plane, you’ll be in close contact with many people. And you’ll be handling a number of things you don’t normally hold. Such as tray tables, beverage cups, etc. Use hand sanitizer whenever you feel the need.

• Don’t wear open-toed shoes. Even if you’re going somewhere hot, wear solid shoes that cover your toes on a plane. You’ll do a lot of walking in an airport and there are too many things inside a plane on which you could stub your toes. You can always change into more comfortable footwear when you arrive at your destination. 

• Avoid big crowds. Once you reach your destination, find things to do that don’t involve large crowds. Some of those things are the most rewarding. And if you do want to engage in a popular activity, consider going earlier or later than most folks do.

PocketSun Solar Panel

As promised, here’s information about that portable way to gain power you can share with your electric devices. Keeping electronics powered up is essential, no matter where you go or how you get there. 

The PocketSun Solar Panel is a micro-sized solar panel that can actually fit in your pocket. Just unfold the panels and start charging your USB devices (two at once if you want to) for free with the power of the sun.

It’s great for travel, camping, fishing or any road trip. Not to mention emergencies including power outages.

The PocketSun never needs batteries… ever. It’s our smallest solar panel yet, but it can deliver 10 watts of power to your small USB devices.

Here’s how to get yours…

Can You Cook Food With No Electricity?

Violent storms have knocked out electricity for many Americans this spring. Summer is almost here, but all that means is more extreme weather is headed our way.

Depending on where you live, that could mean hurricanes or tornadoes. Or perhaps heavy thunderstorms.  All three can produce plenty of flooding.

But an even greater common denominator is power outages. Blackouts are on the way, so it’s important to know how to cook food without electricity.

We’re accustomed to modern-day electronic devices and appliances. Many of us don’t know what we’d do without electricity for a week, let alone a month.

In an extended outage, you and your family members will want food requiring heating. Granola bars taste great, but you’ll tire of them. Here are some other ideas:

Solar ovens

This is a great option in warmer, sunnier climates. The solar oven cooking method works by converting sunlight to heat. The trapped heat is used to cook food. 

You can bake, boil, steam, stew and even dehydrate food. This is a safe option without flames. No fossil fuels are required and no air pollution is produced.

This method is portable and low maintenance. Food almost never sticks or burns. Most meals don’t require much stirring during cooking.

If you’re new to solar oven cooking, choose recipes that do well with slow cooking. Such as stews and casseroles.

Portable gas stoves

These are best used as an outdoor cooking method. The two best options with portable gas stoves are butane and propane.

Butane stoves are portable and can generate enough heat to do most cooking. However, butane canisters can be pricey and hold a limited amount of fuel.

Propane is a highly dependable fuel at freezing temperatures and high altitudes. The tanks, however, are thick-walled. They’re too heavy to easily carry.

Smaller stoves in this genre are single-burner stoves. But there are also two-burner stoves. If portability is not an issue, larger camper stoves with legs are effective.

Wood and coal-burning stoves

Wood-burning and coal-burning stoves are convenient for use in the winter when you can cook and heat your home simultaneously. But they’re also great in warmer months.

If it is flat enough, you can cook on top of it. The fire should be going strong before you start cooking. It’s best to use cast-iron cookware. It conducts heat, but does not retain it. 

Frying time is similar to using a conventional gas or electric stove. But cooking time is longer.

If your food is cooking too quickly, turn down the drafts. Transfer food to a cooler part of the stovetop. If it’s cooking too slowly, open the drafts and add wood to the fire.

Grills and open-fire cooking 

If you’re able to hunker down at home – or you have one of these grills at your bug-out location – it will come in handy. They use gas or charcoal. 

This is a great way to grill various meats and fish. As well as large vegetables. Grills have an advantage over open-fire cooking because their lids trap more heat.

Open-fire cooking is a simple outdoor solution during a crisis. Set a barbeque grill plate over an open fire and cook. 

Another option is using a large, flat rock. Place the rock over the fire. Once the rock is hot, put your pan or pot on top. The harder the rock, the less likely it is to crack.

Fireplace and fondue pot  

If you’re hunkering down, a fireplace is not a bad choice. Use logs rather than charcoal, which can produce carbon monoxide.

Add a little vegetable oil, salt and pepper to your food before wrapping it in aluminum foil. Then cook it over the flame. Use tongs and rotate the food often. Use a meat thermometer for meat to make sure the inside is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 

You can use a fondue pot to cook a small meal. Make sure your fuel is approved for indoor use.

Stainless steel is the way to go here. Both for cooking and for cleaning up afterwards. Make sure the handles are strong and the base is wide.

Canned heat and engine cooking 

The canned heat method is safe, inexpensive and easy. You’ve probably seen this flaming canister used by caterers to keep food warm.

The no-spill, gel-like fuel is simple to use and can burn for several hours. Canned heat can be used with a chafing dish, fondue pot or certain stoves and grills.

Engine cooking uses excess heat from your car or truck engine. It’s a last-resort cooking tactic.

Identify a hotspot such as the exhaust manifold. Wrap your prepared food in several layers of foil. Secure the food with a steel wire and make sure it’s not touching any moving parts. Close the hood and let your food cook.

Bug-out bag musts

Because cooking without power might have to be done outdoors, include the following items in bug-out bags.

• Pots, Pans and Plates. A store-bought mess kit will do just fine. You can find them in a big box store’s sporting goods department. Because they inter-stack and lock together, they’re easy to carry, use, clean and pack. 

• Silverware. The big box stores should sell interlocking knife/fork/spoon sets. Don’t choose plastic. You don’t know how long you’re going to be using these utensils.

• Aluminum Foil. Use aluminum foil to wrap vegetables, meat or fish when they are cooking over a campfire. As well as to carry cooked food when you start moving again.

• Coffee Pot. Lash a small percolator to the outside of your bag to keep it from banging around or breaking. To really be efficient, keep small, clean clothing items inside it when you’re moving.

• Cooking Pot. Include a large cooking pot with a lid in one of your bags. You’ll be able to heat up larger quantities of food that way, including stew.

• Serving Utensils. When it comes to getting food from the pot or pan to your plate, items such as spatulas, ladles and meat forks are much preferable to knives, forks and spoons.

• Canteen. Make sure you have at least one military-grade canteen in your bug-out bag. The better ones also include a matching cup (which can double as a boiling pot), an insulated carrier and a utility belt for transportation.

• Water Purifiers. Carry a personal water filter and a small bottle of water purification tablets. Nothing spells disaster for a bug-out experience faster than drinking contaminated water.

• Dishwashing Liquid. To keep your cooking utensils clean, include a non-breakable, spill-free bottle of dishwashing liquid.

Don’t wait to experiment 

You don’t have to wait for a tragedy to experiment with cooking without electricity. It can be a fun activity to practice.

Why not give it a try, save some money on your energy bills and become well-versed in cooking without power. You’ll be happy you did.

In fact, my top recommendation for cooking during a blackout is by using the 4Patriots Sun Kettle™ Personal Water Heater.

Using the power of the sun, this incredible device will boil water and cook food. No fuel, flames, or electricity needed.

Here’s how to learn more and get yours…

Remembering Brian Kanterman Honors a Life of Service

4Patriots recently donated several items for a raffle that raised funds for Remembering Brian Kanterman, Inc. of Somerset, New Jersey. They were Patriot Power Cells, a 72-Hour Survival Food Kit, a HaloXT Tactical Flashlight and a Patriot Pure Personal Water Filter.

When he reached his teen years, Brian Kanterman was already considered a very nice and respectful kid. But an incident that would be etched in his mind for the rest of his life was the catalyst for turning a propensity for kindness into a life of service. 

A close friend died in a fire at age 13. The volunteer fire department was unable to reach the burning house in time. Devastated, Brian could have turned to unhealthy habits to help him cope. 

Instead, at age 15, he became a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT). He eventually attained the rank of captain. As soon as he was legally able to do so, he volunteered for Community Fire Company 25 fire service. And became a nationally certified firefighter. 

Brian attended Rutgers University, then became a police officer and eventually a deputy sheriff. Later, while rehabilitating from an injury sustained in duty and waiting to become a K9 officer, he served as a correctional officer in a Virginia prison. 

It was there that Brian tragically passed away after an adverse reaction to an over-the-counter medication. It caused his heart to stop on Christmas Day 2018 at age 25.

Always Polite and Respectful

“As kids, both Brian and his older brother, Jason, were very competitive,” said Stan Kanterman. He is the boys’ father and a private investigator licensed in multiple states. “Both were black belts in martial arts and played traveling baseball.

“Brian played the trumpet and guitar. He was a drum major in the high school marching band. And a member of a first-aid squad and local fire department. Later he was a fanatic about going to the gym. Even when his back was hurting

“He would volunteer for any kind of community thing he could get his hands on. He was an umpire for Little League baseball and a volunteer at our temple for many projects.

“I remember many a day until he got his driver’s license when he would wake me up at 2 a.m. He wanted to respond to an emergency call and I had to drive him. I was very proud of him for the things he did.

“Brian was in the ROTC at Rutgers. He was one of only four cadets who completed the Washington 10K Run. Even with knee, hip and back issues. I’d call Brian a gentle giant. At 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, he was formidable looking. But very polite and respectful.”

Physical Setbacks Didn’t Stop Brian

Even outside his chosen professions, Brian set an example of service. Somerset citizens were never surprised to see him helping the elderly load groceries into their cars. Or assisting an unsteady person crossing a street.

When he’d see a man or woman in uniform, he would thank them for their service. And offer to buy them a cup of coffee. He also volunteered at animal shelters. 

A number of physical issues slowed Brian down from time to time. But they never stopped him from fulfilling his life mission of serving others. 

At age 19 he needed a hip replacement due to a deformity in that joint. The next year he underwent a back operation after a ceiling fell on him while he was battling a fire. As a police officer, he broke all the toes in both feet while pursuing a suspect. 

Nonprofit RBK Established in 1999

Realizing the importance of carrying on Brian’s legacy, Stan and his wife, Tina, established the Remembering Brian Kanterman Inc. (RBK) nonprofit organization.  

The RBK mission is multi-faceted. It includes:

•   Purchasing police dogs for agencies that recently lost a dog in the line of duty

•   Providing service dogs to veterans

•   Partnering with local shelters to provide emotional support animals to veterans and first responders

•   Paying the costs of training individuals who wish to be police officers, firefighters or EMTs 

•   Offering scholarships to individuals who want to go into criminal justice, law enforcement or legal fields 

•   Assisting veterans and first responders struggling with addiction to obtain support

•   Awarding “go bags” to first responders

Eliminating High Price Tags

Many of these mission components involve high costs. The average police dog costs between $17,000 to $21,000. A PTSD dog is about $32,000 and a ballistic vest goes for $3,000. 

A go-bag containing a medical kit for an officer and a dog, plus handcuffs and flashlights, can run up to $1,000. The average cost to train an EMT and firefighter is $750 to $2,000.

“We donated two K9s – one to the Allentown PA Police Department, a patrol K9, and another to the New Jersey Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, a bomb-sniffing dog,” Stan said.

“We have also purchased a PTSD K9 for a New Jersey veteran, which will be awarded in the next few months.” 

Fundraiser Nets $25K for Charity

Last October, a Remembering Brian Kanterman event raised $25,000 for the charity. There were approximately 230 attendees at the fundraiser, held at the Grand Marquis in Old Bridge, New Jersey. 

“We truly appreciate the donations 4Patriots sent in,” Stan said. “And the quality of your stuff is important to us. People come back to our event because we don’t sell junk.”

Stan summed up the volunteer organization’s mission in one sentence:

“We wanted to make sure what Brian did didn’t stop with Brian.”

Common Misconceptions About Survival Food

Have you ever heard anyone say or write something negative about freeze-dried survival food? 

I have. Some say it’s too expensive. Others say the freeze-drying process depletes food’s nutritional value. Or that it doesn’t taste very good.  

Now, I know none of that is true. I wouldn’t be in the preparedness business if I thought any of those statements were accurate.

I also wonder what that person’s food preparedness alternative is. I hope they’re not counting on a can of soup tasting good in 20 years? I’m not even sure how it would taste in three years.

Why is this important? Well, if people believe inaccurate myths about freeze-dried food, they probably won’t stockpile it. And if they don’t store freeze-dried survival food, what are they going to do when they really need it? 

It’s all about water removal 

I want to dispel those myths today so you will have confidence that freeze-dried survival food is the way to go. First, a little history.

The ancient Peruvian Incas of the Andes were the first to utilize the freeze-dried process. At least as far as we know.

They stored potatoes and other crops on mountain peaks. The temperatures would freeze the food. Low air pressure in high altitudes would slowly vaporize water inside the food.

These days, food is quickly frozen to start the freeze-drying process. Then the ice is turned into water vapor and removed by placing the frozen food in a vacuum. This results in a dehydrated product. 

Now, about those myths…

Myth #1: Canned food is all you need.

Having some canned foods in your pantry is not a bad idea. It can’t hurt. But shelf lives probably fall well short of what you and your family may end up needing someday. 

Freeze-dried foods last much longer. And they will taste as fresh in many years as they would today.

Freeze-dried food can stay good for up to 25 years. Assuming it is properly stored. 

And that means keeping it in a cool, dark, dry place. Where air, light, moisture and rodents can’t get at it. 

Myth #2: Freeze-dried food tastes bad and loses nutritional value.

Unlike canned food that can lose its taste and nutritional value over time, freeze-dried food tastes as good and fresh as the day it is packaged.

Natural food has moisture in it. That’s what helps it taste good. But that moisture also makes it vulnerable to microorganisms that cause spoilage.

When food is frozen, microorganisms are unable to grow. Freeze-drying removes nearly all moisture. 

Once food is freeze-dried, it’s simply a matter of packaging it properly in airtight bags. Such as bags made of Mylar. And then storing it where it can’t be contaminated by the elements.

This process also helps freeze-dried food retain its nutritional value better than canned food. Without chemicals. 

Myth #3: Freeze-dried meats don’t break down well in our bodies.

Some people have concerns about how freeze-dried meat might affect their digestive systems.

But freeze-dried food is usually more easily digested than canned food. That’s due to the fact that it does not contain additives or preservatives.

Myth #4: Freeze-dried foods are expensive.

People sometimes worry about the cost of freeze-dried food. Prices may seem higher because freeze-dried food is often sold in bulk.

But when you purchase freeze-dried survival food in bulk, you end up saving money. 

Myth #5: Your options are limited with freeze-dried food.

When many people hear “freeze-dried,” they first think of fruits and vegetables. And those are certainly items you should stockpile.

But freeze-dried pasta, beans, rice, meat and more can also provide plenty of nutrition. Including much-needed protein, minerals and other nutrients.

This is crucial because if a crisis goes on for more than several days, you’re going to desire something other than fruits and vegetables.

For another, the stress you’ll experience during an emergency will raise your cortisol levels. That means potential muscle loss. Maintaining strength will be a must in a crisis.

Memorial Day Event features one FREE 4-Week Food Kit

As you know, we offer a wide variety of survival food with a long shelf life. But as I’m writing this, my stomach is grumbling from hunger. So, I want to mention one of my favorite kits.

It’s the 4Patriots 4-Week Survival Food Kit. It features 196 servings of delicious and nutritious freeze-dried food for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks. This food will stay good for up to 25 years under proper storage conditions.

Everything is stored in airtight, disaster-resistant, space-age Mylar packages. No refrigeration is required. And it’s all secured in a convenient tote.

The only downside with this kit is that it tends to sell out quickly. But the good news is that for a limited time, you can get four 4-Week Survival Food Kits for the price of three. That’s one FREE kit!

And if you want a payment plan for this purchase, I’ve got more good news for you. It’s an interest-free plan with no credit check. But you need to act quickly on this incredible deal. It expires May 31.

Here’s how to get yours…