Tag: bags

Don’t Waste Money on These Emergency Supplies

We talk a lot about emergency supplies you should have on hand for when a crisis situation develops. We even provide extensive lists of these items from time to time. 

I think it’s about time we tell you which supplies you should NOT waste your money on. 

Because every supply you purchase that won’t do you much good represents money you could have spent on something that could do you plenty of good.

Not to mention the fact that those unnecessary items take up valuable space in your storage area or bug-out bag.

Limit your single-use items 

The first things I’d look at when seeking to avoid unnecessary emergency supplies are single-use items. The more different uses you can get out of a single item, the better. (Later I’ll mention 10 great multi-purpose items.) 

On the contrary, single-use items such as regular, disposable batteries are a waste of money and space.

Other types of items I keep out of my emergency supplies are those that are not weatherproof. A bug-out situation will require spending more time outdoors than normal. You don’t want too many items that will require staying dry to work. 

Additional things to stay away from when it comes to stockpiling supplies for a crisis are those that require more supplies to function. A great example is a gas-powered generator. Gas is not only heavy to transport, but also can be dangerous.

Avoid these money and space wasters

What are some other supply items you shouldn’t waste money on, for one reason or another? Here are a few:

Mass quantities of paper products. Yes, it’s good to have a decent supply of toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, etc. But stockpiling tons of those items in anticipation of stores running out is probably a waste of money. And it’s unlikely you’ll be able to use them for bartering.

Food with high sodium levels. Some food producers load up their food with lots of sodium. They do it for taste and preservation purposes. But in addition to not being good for you, that sodium is going to make you thirsty. Which means you’ll need even more water than you planned on.

Non-solar electronic devices. The electric grid is often the first casualty when it comes to an emergency caused by extreme weather or other problems. You want to have electronics with solar panels so you can recharge them with the free power of the sun instead of watching them die a slow death.

Water in large containers. You’ve seen those five and 10-gallon containers, right? They’re nice to look at but virtually impossible for most people to transport. If you suddenly have to bug out, you’ll have to leave all that life-giving water behind. Stick to containers the average person can carry. Even a gallon of water is heavy. 

Too many canned goods. I don’t think it’s a bad idea to have some canned food and beverages in your emergency supplies. The shelf life is not nearly as long as survival food, but canned items can sustain you for a while. However, they usually contain a lot of sodium and again, if you have to bug out, they can be very heavy to transport in larger quantities.   

10 multi-use items

I mentioned that multi-use items are important to include in your emergency supplies. Here are a few you might consider adding to your stockpile, as well as some of their surprising uses:

Aluminum foil. Blade sharpener, meat wrapper, trail marker, grill cleaner, keep tinder dry. 

Baby powder. Grease stain remover, ant repellent, deodorant, dry skin soother, shoe freshener.

Baking soda. Brush your teeth, eliminate smells, bug repellent, gain traction, pain reliever.

Bandanas. Handkerchief, washcloth, forehead protector, tourniquet, cordage, blindfold, dog collar.

Honey. Digestion aid, energy booster, inflammation reducer, splinter remover, wound treatment. 

Lip balm. Blister soother, sunscreen, knife rust preventer, glass cleaner, zipper lubricator.

Plastic grocery bags. Insulation, trail marking, food storage, trash holder, wet item separator.

Rechargeable batteries. The function of the batteries doesn’t change but the list of items you can power is endless. 

Steel wool. Fire starter, garden tool cleaner, scissors sharpener, screw tightener, rust remover.

Super Glue. Fix broken knife grip, water bottle sealer, skin repair, backpack strap repair, cordage strengthener.

Got a Basic Bug-Out Bag Ready and Waiting? You Should!

Being prepared means having a bug-out bag or survival kit packed and ready to go.

Following a disaster, government agencies need a minimum of three days to take care of people negatively affected by it. 

You can lessen the impact of those 72 hours by having a survival kit assembled and waiting for you near your front door. 

Here are some items you’ll want to include, understanding that the larger ones will need to be kept in a vehicle trunk:

Must-have’s 

Water and a portable water purifier should be your first consideration. You won’t last long without clean drinking water. Learn multiple ways to decontaminate water. You absolutely must avoid dehydration to survive. Others include:

• Non-perishable food that can be prepared quickly
• Power banks
• Fire-starters
• Flashlights and batteries
• Battery-operated, solar, or hand-crank radio
• Survival knife, pocket knife, multi-tool and compass
• Sturdy shoes, change of clothes suitable for weather conditions, warm hats and gloves, and rain gear
• First-aid kit and instructions
• Space blanket, wool blankets and sleeping bags
• Plastic sheeting and rope or paracord
• Small stove or solar cooker
• Manual can opener and other cooking supplies
• Plates, utensils and other feeding supplies
• Unscented liquid household bleach and an eyedropper for water purification
• Personal hygiene items including toilet paper
• Plastic bucket for waste and sanitation
• Medications for you, your family and your pets

Expanded list

• Loud whistle
• Emergency cash in small denominations
• Tools, including a crowbar
• Zip-top bags
• Fishing kit
• Local topographic map
• Permanent marker, paper and tape
• Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes 
• Contact lists with phone numbers
• Disposable camera
• Dust masks
• Special needs items for children, seniors and those with disabilities

Essential documents

Not everything you stockpile can be eaten, drunk or worn. You also need to have essential, up-to-date documents on hand. If you can keep the following information on paper and/or on your smart phone, in a computer document, and on the web, you will be well prepared for an emergency. 

• Doctor and veterinarian information. This should include a list of current medications and allergies. As well as up-to-date medical insurance information.
• Updated will and power of attorney information
• Life insurance information
• Homeowners and car insurance information
• Bank account numbers and passwords
• Basic list of current bills

Multiple purpose items

There are many items you could include that would serve multiple purposes. They’ll come in handy regardless of what you end up using them for.

Duct tape is one. We could fill an entire book with uses for duct tape. But to name a few… fixing leaks in buckets and boats, wrapping a wrist or ankle after a fall on uneven terrain, a wound water-proofer, boot insulation, and sleeping bag patch. Others are:

• Super Glue
• Aluminum foil
• Steel wool
• Garbage bags
• Tarp
• Lip balm
• Bandanas
• Rubber bands and rubber gloves
• Coffee filters
• Vaseline
• Sewing kit 

3 ways to build a bug-out bag

Now that we know what should be included in a bug-out bag, let’s take a look at how to assemble one so you’ll have it ready to go in an emergency. There are three basic ways to do this.

One is to build your own. The upside here is that you can customize the bag to the needs of you and your family. The downside is that it can be very time-consuming and sometimes rather expensive.

A second way is to purchase a ready-made bug-out bag. That will certainly cut down on your time expenditure. But it might not have everything you want or need, and it could become pretty expensive.

The third way is the one I recommend. It involves building your own bug-out bag with items you know you and your family will need, but then augmenting it with essential items that cover the three basics: power, light and food.

Survival Starter Bundle

You will probably not be surprised to learn that I have those three items prepared for you in a bundle that will save you time and money.

It’s called the Survival Starter Bundle from 4Patriots. We took our best-selling items – Survival Food, the Patriot Power Cell and the HaloXT Tactical Flashlight – and bundled them together for the ultimate survival trio.

The 72-Hour Survival Food Kit contains delicious and nutritious food designed to last for up to 25 years with proper storage. The HaloXT Tactical Flashlight has nine functions to keep you safe. The durable Patriot Power Cell gives you power you need for your electronic devices.

Separately these three items would run $225. But with this incredible offer, you get all three for only $77. And if you choose to buy more than one bundle, I’ll cover shipping and handling costs for you.

Here’s how to order yours…

Remembering Brian Kanterman Honors a Life of Service

4Patriots Pitches in for Fundraiser

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

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

Instead, at age 15, he became a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) and 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 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, 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, causing 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, 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, and 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, to keep himself in shape.

“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. because 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 and 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. Citizens of Somerset, New Jersey 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 and would often take selfies with dogs he’d see on the street, posting them to his social media accounts.

A number of physical issues may have 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 necessity 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 NJ veteran, which will be awarded in the next few months.

“We only donate to volunteer departments. We give them the opportunity to bring on a new EMT or firefighter and get them the equipment they need.”

A variety of essential programs

Following are brief descriptions of the RBK programs:

Addiction Support for Veterans and First Responders

Sadly, many veterans suffer from addiction and do not get the help and resources they so greatly deserve. Addiction support geared toward vets can be found in a number of hotlines and resources seen at www.rememberingbriank.com.

K9 Replacement

RBK seeks to raise enough funds annually to purchase police dogs for agencies that recently lost a dog in the line of duty or when it retired due to age or illness. Many K9 handlers have been left without a partner and are in need of a professional replacement.

Service Dogs for Veterans

Due to the prevalence of PTSD and mental illness among veterans, and the overwhelming stress that first responders deal with on a regular basis, there is an increasingly widespread need for well-trained service dogs to help improve their lives. RBK’s goal is to help fill this need through the adoption of emotional support animals and service dogs for first responders and veterans.

Police Officer, Firefighter & EMT Training

RBK seeks to help pay the costs to train individuals wishing to become police officers, firefighters and EMTs. And to contribute to those already in the field needing additional training and/or equipment.

Donations for Scholarships

Another goal for RBK is to provide scholarships to individuals who want to go into criminal justice, law enforcement or legal fields.

EMT, Firefighter and Police Officer Grants

In the same vein as donating to scholarships, the RBK website offers the opportunity to donate to grants for EMTs, firefighters and police officers. These donations help young people achieve their dreams by becoming public servers.

Go-Bags

Deserving first responders receive go-bags consisting of a gear bag, a ballistic first-aid kit, handcuffs, flashlight, knife, note pads and pens.

Not-for-Profit Donations

All donations made through the RBK website go to not-for-profit programs. They go directly to police officers, firefighters, EMTs, veterans and more people needing help.

4Patriots contributes to fundraiser

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. 

4Patriots donated several items for the raffle. Including Patriot Power Cells, a 72-Hour Survival Food Kit, a HaloXT Tactical Flashlight and a Patriot Pure Personal Water Filter.

“We put together baskets based on three different tiers of value,” Stan said. “People buy as many tickets as they want and then we call out numbers for the next three hours, with volunteer runners verifying ticket numbers and delivering prizes.

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

Those interested in donating to Remembering Brian Kanterman may visit www.rememberingbriank.com and click on “Donate.”

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

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

Another Get Home Bag Approach – Part 1, by G.P.

Three fine articles have gave been posted in SurvivalBlog lately on the subject of Get Home Bags. First, J.M. addressed the question of getting back home if stranded at a distance by using exact planning. Second, St. Funogas described a more general plan that focused on the basics of minimal equipment and keeping up calorie […]

How to Survive a Monkey Attack | Primates Survival Tips

Monkeys are one of the most intelligent yet violent animals globally. When provoked, they can get aggressive and even attack you! If this happens, do you know how you can protect yourself? Read on to learn how to survive a monkey attack. RELATED: 11 Tips to Avoid Animal Attacks How to Survive a Monkey Attack […]

Why Do We Prepare?, by Todd X.

I am a prepper. As a child, I remember my grandmother’s stories of living with scarcity during the Great Depression and her life lessons about the necessity of being prepared. As a teenager, my father was a senior operations officer at the Strategic Air Command (SAC) headquarters. He believed he would have an early warning […]

Tornadoes Are Jumping the Gun in 2022

Late last month, dozens of tornadoes ripped through the South. Including in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

Two people were killed and many were injured. Thousands of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed. 

The tornado outbreak included at least one EF-3 storm. Meaning winds of 158 to 206 miles per hour. Debris was strewn over many miles. Tens of thousands lost power.

Apparently the weather gods do not own a calendar. April, May and June are supposed to be the most dangerous months for tornadoes in the United States. But the carnage started early this year.

2021 was a busy tornado season

It doesn’t take a meteorologist to understand that violent weather is becoming more frequent in America. And more extreme.

In 2021, there were more than 1,300 confirmed tornadoes. The average is about 1,200. They resulted in more than 100 deaths.

A total of 539 of the tornadoes were rated EF0 (65-85 mph winds) and 430 were rated EF1 (86-110 mph). A total of 102 were rated EF2 (111-135 mph), 21 were rated EF3 (136-165 mph) and three were rated EF4 (166-200 mph).

The EF4 tornadoes were reported in Georgia during March, and in Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky in December.

Storms thrive in spring

Why is spring a more dangerous time for tornadoes? Because that’s when atmospheric ingredients join forces to create the perfect storm.

A tornado is most likely to occur when a storm system is propelled by a strong southward dip in the jet stream into an area where warm and humid air is flowing northward.

That jet stream provides the wind shear, or changing wind speed and direction with height. This supports the rotating of supercell thunderstorms.

From the Earth’s surface up to a few thousand feet, a strong wind shear increases the likelihood those supercells will produce tornadoes.

April-June often features strongest tornadoes

Weather history shows that April, May and June are the months with the most potential for tornadoes. Both for the number of storms and their intensity.

More than 50 percent of tornadoes from 1999 to 2018 occurred during those months. There are an average of 272 tornadoes in May in America. That’s followed by June with an average of 202 and April at 189.

The percentage of tornadoes occurring from April through June rises when only the strongest tornadoes are considered. 

For example, of the 59 F5/EF5 tornadoes (wind speeds over 261 mph) occurring since 1950, 49 were in those three months. 

Prepare for the worst

There’s no way to know if this year’s tornado season will be similar or worse than last year’s. But with the start we’ve had, it doesn’t look promising.

The key is to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Let’s take a look at some ways to get ready for a rough tornado season.

First and foremost, make sure your emergency response plan is in place. Whether you are home or at the office, everyone should know what to do and where to take shelter if a tornado warning is issued.

If conditions are right for a tornado to develop, a tornado watch will be issued. If a tornado warning is announced, that means a tornado has been spotted in your area. You should seek shelter immediately.

What to do during a tornado

Here are 5 steps to take during a tornado, according to Ready.gov.

• If you’re indoors, get to a basement, storm cellar or the lowest level of a building. Stay away from windows, doors, corners of buildings and outside walls.
•  If you’re indoors but can’t get to a lower level, find the smallest interior room or hallway as far from the exterior of the building as possible.
• If you’re driving, try to head to the closest structure where you can take shelter.
• If you’re driving but can’t get to a shelter, get out of the car and lie face down with your hands over your head in a ditch or other lower level near the roadway but away from vehicles.
•  If you’re driving and you see a tornado, don’t try to outrun it. Pull over immediately and seek shelter. Avoid overpasses, bridges, tall buildings and flying debris.

Once a tornado passes, you may not be out of the woods yet. Most people who suffer post-tornado injuries get hurt while trying to clean up debris. Including glass and nails.

Also keep an eye out for downed power lines, ruptured gas lines and damaged structures.  

Items to keep handy

Make sure to sign up for your community’s warning system. The CDC recommends we have the following items on hand:

• A tactical flashlight, a battery-operated National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration radio and extra batteries.
• An emergency evacuation or shelter plan, including a map of your home and routes to safety from each room.
•  A list of important personal information. Including phone numbers of neighbors, family and friends, and insurance and property information. Plus phone numbers of utility companies and medical information.
• A 3-5-day supply of bottled water and non-perishable food.
• Personal hygiene items.
• Blankets or sleeping bags.
• An emergency kit in your vehicle.
•  A first-aid kit. Including non-latex gloves, adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment and sterile gauze pads. As well as absorbent compress dressings, tweezers and scissors. Plus adhesive cloth tape, aspirin packets and a first-aid instruction booklet.

Once you’ve done all that, there’s one thing remaining. Practice your plan with your family.

The average time between a tornado warning and an actual tornado is only a few minutes. You’ll be able to make those minutes count if you’re prepared. 

HaloXT to the rescue 

Earlier I mentioned the importance of having a tactical flashlight handy. My recommendation is the HaloXT from 4Patriots. It’s as sturdy as they come. Despite the fact that it’s small, lightweight and easy to handle.

It’s made from aluminum alloy so it’s very durable. It knows how to handle abuse. You can drop it or bang it, and it will still perform perfectly. It’s weather-resistant, shock-resistant and corrosion-resistant. 

Now, the HaloXT Tactical Flashlight with its nine light functions, small solar panels, glass breaker, seatbelt cutter and compass will keep working even if you drop it. 

But you don’t want to drop it while you’re using it. That’s why we’ve given it an anti-slip handle and an adjustable wrist strap. It even has a magnet so you can secure it to your car and use both hands to work.

I hope by now you’re convinced you need a HaloXT Tactical Flashlight. Or perhaps several of them.

Here’s how you can get yours…

Are You Prepared for Hurricane Season?

Do you live in an area of the country that occasionally experiences hurricanes? If so, you know firsthand how devastating these storms can be. These tropical cyclones have sustained winds of 74 mph or stronger. Some have reached 195 mph.

At the center of the air circulation is the eye. There it’s relatively calm. But the strongest thunderstorms and winds circulate in the wall around it.  People in the eye know they’re about to get hit with the ferocious eye wall.

There’s one advantage in dealing with a hurricane rather than a tornado. You have considerably more advance notice to prepare for it.

But both types of storms, as well as others, can be horrific. So even if you don’t live in a hurricane zone, you may find some helpful information here.

Hurricanes don’t watch the calendar

Hurricane season officially starts in 68 days. But it’ll be here before you know it. And as we’ve seen in recent years, named storms usually come earlier than June 1. So don’t wait to prepare. 

One of the biggest downsides to hurricanes is they can be very slow moving. Which means they can produce excessive amounts of water. They can cause extensive flooding. They’re often accompanied by thunderstorms and tornadoes.

Hurricanes can knock out power for days or longer. And cut off usable water supplies. Some of the most destructive U.S. hurricanes in recent memory were Ida in 2021 and Laura in 2020. As well as Michael in 2018, Irma in 2017, and Matthew and Harvey in 2016. 

In 2012, Sandy was the largest Atlantic hurricane on record as measured by diameter with winds spanning 1,100 miles. It affected 24 states. And caused an estimated $65 billion in damage. Especially in New Jersey and New York. 

Having an emergency response plan in place in case a hurricane is heading your way is crucial. The key to dealing with a hurricane is advance planning.

Get your home ready 

One preparedness action is impractical to do in advance. But you should be ready to start executing it at a moment’s notice. When you hear a hurricane is heading your way, quickly prepare your home. This involves: 

•           Boarding up windows with plywood or installing storm shutters.

•           Securing your roof and siding to your house frame with straps.

•           Reinforcing garage doors and trimming long tree branches. And bringing outdoor furniture into your house.

•           Familiarizing yourself and your family with utility shut-off switches and valves in your house. In case you need to evacuate. 

Other activities you should engage in prior to a hurricane approaching your area are:

•           Familiarize yourself with emergency routes and shelters. Print out those routes and keep them in your vehicle’s glove compartment.

•           Prepare an emergency kit you can use at home. Or if you have to evacuate. It should include all the supplies you’d need in a crisis. Including non-perishable food and water. Plus backup power, flashlights and a first-aid kit. 

•           Make yourself aware of community shelters in your neighborhood. Just in case you need to use one.

•           Make sure your car has a full gas tank. And that important items such as a first-aid kit are in your car. Don’t park your car under a tree or power lines. Or in a low-lying area. 

•           Learn in advance which area hotels and shelters accept pets. Prepare go-bags for them as well.

•           Place your important documents in a fireproof safe deposit box.

•           Have a reliable National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio.

During and after a storm

During a hurricane, assuming there was no evacuation order and you decided to ride it out, monitor emergency radio and mainstream media reports.

Close your blinds and move your most valuable possessions away from windows. And then stay away from those windows. Close interior doors and remain in your home’s interior rooms. 

Once the storm has passed, continue to monitor weather reports. Try to use flashlights instead of candles if your power is out.

If you’re returning after evacuating, keep an eye out for flooding. As well as ruptured gas lines and damaged structures. Be aware that water may have become contaminated. Report any damage sustained by your home to your insurance agent as soon as possible.

You need an emergency weather radio

Earlier I mentioned having a weather radio handy. My recommendation is the 4Patriots Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio. 

This tactical information hub features NOAA weather alerts. With seven 24/7 weather channels and AM/FM and shortwave radio.

It includes an LCD display clock with alarm and an ultra-bright flashlight.

It’s lightweight with the ability to recharge with the power of the sun. 

There’s a hand crank for emergency starting. It can power up other devices when you need them most. Including your cellphone.

We’ve made the 4Patriots Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio as desirable as possible. But how’s this if you need extra incentive?

If you purchase three of them, I’ll knock a small amount off the price of each unit. And provide you with free shipping. And toss in a few bonuses. Including a free Patriot Power Cell, a free 72-Hour Survival Food Kit and a free $25 gift certificate. 

Here’s how to get yours…

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.

4Patriots to Sponsor Honor Flight for U.S. Veterans

For U.S. veterans, there is nothing as inspiring as visiting war memorials in our nation’s capital. Especially those who served their country many years ago.

Unfortunately, finances often stand in the way. They’d love to bask in the glory and solemnity of those memorials and Arlington National Cemetery. But they realize it will probably never happen.

Unless, that is, they are part of an Honor Flight. This network has taken off and soared to new heights. It has stuck the landing and disembarked to a raucous celebration.

The Honor Flight Network was established in 2005. It’s a non-profit organization. It flies U.S. military veterans from across the country to Washington, D.C., free of charge. There they spend three days visiting memorials dedicated to wars. Including wars in which they fought.

Program Launched in 2005

The Honor Flight Network launched humbly. Six small planes flew 12 veterans to Washington, D.C. in May 2005. But it became very popular quickly.

Soon commercial jets were used to transport the large number of interested veterans. Approximately 245,000 veterans have been flown to the nation’s capital for this purpose over the past 17 years.

Sites that veterans will see along the tour include the World War II Memorial. And the Air Force Memorial and the Navy Memorial.

Plus the Marine Corps War Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. As well as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and others.

Veterans Treated Like Heroes They Are

Honor Flights typically transport 25-100 veterans and volunteer guardians. The cost of about $25,000 to $100,000 per flight is covered by donations. As well as what the airlines contribute.

Originating from across the country, the flights land at one of three airports. They are Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. And Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. And Washington Dulles International Airport.

Heroes’ Welcome is a subgroup of the Honor Flight Network. They conduct welcoming ceremonies at the airports.

After landing in Washington, the veterans are escorted by their guardians to hotels. And then to the various memorials over several days.

‘I Was That Guy’

There are countless details that go into organizing an Honor Flight. It begins with veterans filling out an application. Generally speaking, veterans who are able to fly can go. They range in age from their 60s into their 90s.

They usually meet a week before the flight. Mainly to get acquainted and go over the agenda. And receive their shirts, hats, jackets and information packets.

They then meet at a hotel the night before their flight and are served breakfast in the morning. Then they are bussed to a local airport.

The closer the group gets to memorials, the quieter it gets. The memories are often still strong. When they see the statues of soldiers, sometimes they will say, “I was that guy” or “I carried that same rifle.” Nearly every veteran on the flight has a story to tell.

An Emotional Return

For many of the veterans, it’s their first time seeing these memorials. Most of them had to immediately start working as soon as they returned from their service. And they never had the time or resources to go.

Many believe that no one shares their feelings about their service. But by the way they are treated on these trips, the veterans realize that people do care. The guardians who accompany them are a big part of that.

How You Can Help

We are sponsoring a Lone Eagle Honor Flight taking place from April 11-13. Several 4Patriots employees will travel to join the group in the nation’s capital.

There we will capture video footage. Including pre- and post-interviews with some of the veteran participants.

4Patriots will also donate Patriot Power Cells to all participating veterans and guardians. They will be included in goodie bags. They will help recipients keep essential devices charged during their stay. And on the flight home.

Here’s how you can get involved: Please take a few minutes to write a letter of gratitude to these veterans and send it to us. Click here to submit your note to them. We will print it out for you and hand out these letters at “Mail Call.” They will be a huge source of encouragement to those who risked their lives for our freedom.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Honor Flight Network should visit www.honorflight.org and click on “Donate.” The cost for a flight is approximately $1,000 for each veteran and another $1,000 for each guardian.

Donations cover airfare and ground transportation. Plus shirts and gear, meals, and a memory book of their specific mission. As well as wheelchairs and walkers as needed. Anything that any of us can do to honor U.S. veterans is worth the time and effort.

I hope you’ll consider adding a letter of thanks to these veterans.