Tag: Camping

A Tactical Flashlight Could Save Your Life

When most of us think of flashlights, we’re focused more on convenience than on life-and-death situations. 

We use flashlights when the power goes out in our home to check the fuse box. Or we use it at night in the backyard to see what the dog is barking at. Or we use it any time of day to look under a bed. 

But the fact is, a tactical flashlight can be a lifesaver. In fact, I did some research and came up with 7 different ways a flashlight could help you in an emergency.

Keep reading to learn about ‘em. And then I’ll give you a dozen things to look for in a tactical flashlight, if you’re in the market for one.      

7 ways a flashlight could keep you alive

1. Spotting danger in the darkness. If you find yourself walking in a dark area – due to a power outage or if you’re camping in the woods – a flashlight is a big help for finding your way, avoiding pitfalls, and spotting dangerous wildlife.

2. Escaping from a hazard zone. If there were a crisis like a blackout, flood, or chemical spill near where you live, a flashlight might be the only tool at your disposal to help you get out of the region as quickly and safely as possible.  

3. Signaling for help. If you get lost in a secluded area, whether during an escape from a bad situation, going off-grid, a camping trip, or are stranded somewhere, a flashlight could be used to signal for help. Especially if your flashlight has a built-in SOS component or a strobe function to it. It’s a great way to alert help to your location.

4. Getting out of a submerged vehicle. When a vehicle plunges into a body of water – and it happens more often than you might think – the driver and passengers have very little time to save themselves from drowning. A tactical flashlight with a razor-sharp edge can rip through a stuck seatbelt. And its glass-breaking hammer can quickly break open a window that could become jammed in an accident.

5. Self-defense from an attacker. There are weapons that would be more useful than a flashlight if you’re attacked. But if you’re in a pinch, a flashlight can temporarily blind an attacker to allow an escape, while its barrel can be used for a counterattack.

6. A vehicle breakdown. If your vehicle breaks down, you’ll need light to check under the hood or change a tire in the dark. And if you have to abandon the car and walk somewhere, it will help light your way. 
                    
7. Charging a cellphone for an emergency call. If your cellphone is dead and you need to make a call for help, some tactical flashlights can charge up handheld devices. That phone call could be your lifeline in an emergency.  

What to look for

Here’s what I look for in a tactical flashlight:

• Ultra-bright LED flashlight
• Solar panel
• Power bank
• SOS light and strobe
• Work light
• Seatbelt/rope splitter
• Glass-breaking hammer
• Compass
• Magnet
• Lightweight
• Anti-slip handle
• Adjustable wrist strap

Everybody needs a flashlight. And several of them are much better than having just one. That way, you can keep one in each of the rooms where you might need it. Not to mention in your vehicles.

But make sure they are tactical flashlights. Because light in the darkness is only one of the advantages you can enjoy with a flashlight.

Sizzling Solutions: Cooking Without Electricity

They say spring comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. There’s plenty of truth to that. Temperatures in many parts of the country are still quite chilly in early spring. But later in the season, they’ve risen considerably.

There is one constant throughout spring, however. And that’s the potential for wet and wild conditions. 

Spring often features snow and wind at the start and violent storms throughout. Including tornadoes. And as we all know, the common denominator is blackouts.

Cooking food never takes a holiday. So, as we approach spring, it’s important to bone up on different ways to cook during inevitable power outages.

So far, 2024 has brought powerful storms and blackouts across the entire nation. From west coast atmospheric rivers to nor’easter snow storms. 

And it’s not just forceful storms that can leave you without power for hours, days, and even weeks… 

A squirrel on a power line

27 million degrees… That’ll get your water boiling  

You need to be able to heat water if you’re home in a blackout. The same is true if you’re in the woods camping or hiking. Or if you have to evacuate due to a crisis. 

If you’re prepared, it won’t be a problem. On most days the sun will help you accomplish the task at hand. 

Not all by itself, though. The sun is 27 million degrees Fahrenheit at its core. But its rays are not hot enough to cook food or boil water by the time they reach Earth.

Fortunately, those electromagnetic rays contain a great deal of energy. They cause molecules in whatever they strike to vibrate. That’s what generates heat. And solar cookers are capable of harnessing that heat. 

Sun-powered ovens

There are a number of different types of solar cookers. They include solar ovens/box cookers and panel cookers. Plus evacuated tubes and parabolic solar cookers. 

The solar oven or box cooker is usually about three to five feet across. It’s basically a sun-powered oven. It heats up and seals in the heat. The open-topped box is black on the inside with glass or transparent plastic on the top. 

It usually has several reflectors featuring flat, metallic, or mirrored surfaces outside the box. They collect and direct sunlight onto the glass.   

A pot of food sits on the black bottom of the box. Sunlight enters the box through the glass top. When light waves strike the bottom, the box heats up and the food cooks.

Methods of cooking

Panel cookers incorporate different elements of box cookers and parabolic solar cookers. They use parabolic reflectors above a box-type oven.

Evacuated tube solar cookers use a double-wall glass tube for the cooking chamber. The space between the glass is created as a vacuum. 

Many people prefer parabolic solar cookers due to their ability to achieve higher temperatures. And their portability.

A parabolic solar cooker uses curved, reflective surfaces to focus sunlight into a small area. The evacuated tempered glass tube traps every bit of heat-producing light that hits it.

No noise. No smoke. No fuel. 

Temperatures inside a parabolic solar cooker can get very hot. But it’s cool to the touch on the outside. So, you can safely handle it with your bare hands when it’s at full temperature.

The sides fold out to reveal two parabolic mirrors. These “wings” grab every bit of sun and focus it on the glass tube.

A parabolic solar cooker does not need batteries or electricity. Because it boils water, it protects you from parasites such as giardia.

It doesn’t need any flames or fuel. You don’t have to be concerned with gathering wood or sticks. And it doesn’t produce smoke or make noise. So, it allows you to keep your location covert.

A hotdog in your kettle? Top foods to cook 

What can you cook with a parabolic solar cooker? Hard-boiled eggs and hot dogs come to mind immediately.

But you could also cook an omelet or vegetarian couscous. Or oatmeal and a wide variety of soups.

As well as mashed potato flakes and instant rice. Plus stovetop stuffing, ramen noodles, and bulgar wheat.

Not to mention pastas that cook in less than four minutes. Such as artisan pastas and instant grits.  

When to use it 

When are the best times to use a parabolic solar cooker? They’re great for camping, boating, and hiking.

As well as picnics, your job site, or tailgating. Or just sitting on the sidelines while your kids or grandchildren play.

Cooking food such as hotdogs, eggs and freeze-dried meals is one way to use a parabolic solar cooker. But there are many others. Including…

• Heating water for hygiene needs

• Keeping liquid hot for hours for coffee, tea, cocoa, gelatin, or baby formula

• Melting snow for drinking or other usages

• Pasteurizing water 

• Killing giardia, cryptosporidium, and other waterborne bacteria 

More ways to cook in an outage

Now, a solar cooker may be the best way to heat water during a blackout. But it’s not the only way. Here are a few others.

Candles & Camp Stoves

If the only item you have available as a heat source is a candle, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to boil water. But you should be able to at least heat it.

Just place a lit candle under a small pan of water and patiently wait for the water to warm. If you can add more candles to the mix, you’ll have a better chance of raising your water’s temperature.

You’d be much better off with a camp stove. All you need for a camp stove is kindling. Such as twigs, leaves, or grasses.

Camp stoves are lightweight and easily portable. Made of stainless steel, they produce only a small amount of smoke. And they’re easy to clean.

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 to make sure the inside is at least 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.

Power outages are inevitable this spring. Some will be short-lived, but others could go on for a while.

Knowing in advance how to cook during those blackouts will come in handy. I hope you’ll be able to utilize one or more of the ways listed above.

Camp Stove vs. Campfire – Which Do You Prefer?

Whether you’re camping or going off-grid in a crisis, when you’re setting up camp in the woods, you need fire. 

Regardless, you need a fire. To heat water, cook food, and stay warm. Your choices are a camp stove or campfire. Which do you choose?

There are pros and cons to both. And the decision may depend on a variety of factors. Including how many people are in your party. How much water you wish to heat or food you want to cook. Or how many hands there are to warm.

Your choice may also depend on what materials you have at your disposal. And whether you are concerned about attracting attention to yourself.

Compact & easy to use

Today I want to discuss those pros and cons. You may end up deciding you prefer one method over the other. But it never hurts to have both options available.

First off, what is a camp stove? It’s a portable cooking device used mainly by outdoor enthusiasts. But it’s also ideal for those who only occasionally – or unexpectantly – find themselves in the middle of nature.

Camp stoves are very compact, making them easy to transport. They come in many different sizes and shapes. And they use a variety of “fuels” to function.

Some require a fuel such as propane or butane, or a blend of them, contained in a canister. Others can provide a fire simply with sticks, leaves, and grasses.

Safety first with stoves

Why use a camp stove rather than building a fire? There are numerous reasons. And the smaller your party, the more it makes sense to choose a camp stove.

Many parks prohibit the use of campfires during the summer. And during dry spells in other seasons. They are too much of a risk for a damaging and possibly deadly forest fire.

A self-contained camp stove provides a much safer alternative. Sparks won’t go flying in different directions.

You’d pretty much have to throw your ignited camp stove into a pile of leaves to start a forest fire.

You don’t need fuel

Another advantage to a camp stove that doesn’t require fuel is the effort to use one, compared to building a campfire. Finding a small amount of sticks, twigs, leaves, and grass will generally be much easier than finding logs.

And if there has been rain recently, it’s likely those logs will be wet and difficult to maintain a fire. Sticks and leaves will dry much faster.

Direct heat is another factor that favors a camp stove over a campfire. A campfire’s heat will drift wherever the breeze takes it. A camp stove’s heat is channeled right where you want it.

You can place your pots and pans directly onto or over your camp stove so they will receive the stove’s direct heat. 

Camp stoves are fast & reliable

Do campfires have any advantages over camp stoves? For groups of people who need or want a larger fire, yes.

Sitting around a campfire, cooking food, roasting marshmallows, and chatting with friends or family members can be a very enjoyable experience.

Some of my best memories are centered around campfires. Bonding with childhood friends at camp and with family members on camping trips is etched into my mind.

But when it comes to convenience, ease of use, safety, and discreet fire-making, camp stoves have some distinct advantages. Especially when you’re by yourself or with a small group.

And when it comes time to survive in a crisis, nothing beats a camp stove for a fast and reliable way to heat your water, cook your food, or generate warmth.

Ways to Stay Warm and Keep Food Cold During Winter Outages

With the seemingly unending winter storms continuing to pelt most of the nation, power outages are inevitable.

In fact, millions of Americans have already lost power this winter. Due to blizzards, heavy rainfall, and tornadoes. 

There is plenty of winter weather to come. And it’s certain to bring more outages. That makes figuring out how to keep yourself warm and your food cold is important.

That’s what I want to talk about today. There are a number of things you can do to make miserable winter weather bearable.

Break out the blankets: How to warm up

First, let’s take a look at ways to keep your home as warm as possible during a blackout. Some are pretty simple, while others you may not have considered before. 

• The single best thing you can do to keep warm in your home during an outage is to use a solar-powered generator. It will allow you to keep lights on and use helpful items like heated blankets.

• Keep your curtains open during the day if the sun is out. And keep them closed at night. You’ll get a greenhouse effect during the day, even if the air is cold outside. And at night you’ll keep some of that cold air from seeping in, especially if you have thick curtains. 

• Keep doors closed in rooms that are seldom or never used. That will help keep cold air from those rooms out of the rooms you use more often. And help keep whatever warm air you’ve got going in some rooms out of those unused rooms.

• As much as possible, get all of your household members to spend as much time as possible in one room. That will limit the number of rooms you need to heat through other means. And there’s definitely something to be said for body heat. 

• If you have a gas oven that is not dependent on electricity, cook meals each day. That will help spread some heat throughout your home. 

• If you have a fireplace, this could be a good time to use it. Some of the heat produced by the fire will escape through the flue, of course, but some will also move into the room where family members are gathered. Candles can also produce heat, but caution must be taken.

• The older your home is, the more likely there are some air leaks in your windows and frames. Applying tape or plastic can help keep that air outside where it belongs.

• Insulate water pipes to keep them from freezing and possibly bursting. Keep a slow but steady drip coming from each faucet in your home.

4 hours until your food’s at risk… 

And now it’s time to take a look at how to keep your food cold during a winter power outage. Not to mention certain medicines that need to stay cold. 

As a general rule, food in a refrigerator should be good for four hours after the power goes out. In a freezer, it should stay safe for 24 to 48 hours. 

But when an outage extends longer than those time periods, that spells trouble. You’re in danger of losing the food you need to feed yourself and your family. 

Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks to help you keep your food safe longer. They just might come in handy next time a power outage occurs in your neck of the woods.

Keep those doors closed

Here’s something to always remember. When the power goes out, there is a temptation to open the freezer and refrigerator periodically. 

Understandably, people want to check on the status of their food. But don’t do it. Every time those doors open, warm air gets in. That shortens the life of your food. 

Keep your freezer and refrigerator doors closed except for removing an item you want to cook or eat right away. Or quickly moving some items from the refrigerator to the freezer. 

The magic temperature is 45 degrees Fahrenheit. If you can keep your food at that temperature or lower, it should be safe to eat. Keeping the doors closed will help. 

Food safety tip: meat down, veggies up 

Whenever possible, keep your freezer and refrigerator full. Food will stay safe during a power outage in a full freezer longer than in a half-full freezer. Same with your refrigerator.

If your refrigerator or freezer is not full, at least group your foods together. Rather than having them spread out.

Because heat rises – even inside a refrigerator – the bottom portion of your refrigerator is colder than the top. 

So, keep meat and fish in the lower levels. Fruits and vegetables can be placed on the higher shelves. 

Stock the freezer with…water 

The more ice you have available, the better you can keep your food cold during a blackout. 

In addition to filling your ice trays regularly, place a couple of bags of ice in your kitchen or garage freezer. 

You could even freeze water in Tupperware containers. But don’t fill them, because water expands when it freezes. It might break those containers. 

When a blackout extends beyond several hours, you can put ice in coolers. Then move some food from your freezer and refrigerator to those coolers.

And if it’s colder outside than inside, you might want to set those coolers outside your door. 

Thermometer beats a taste test

Earlier I mentioned you don’t want your refrigerated food to get above 45 degrees. The best way to ensure that is by keeping a thermometer inside your refrigerator and freezer. 

These thermometers are inexpensive. They are a big help in determining whether food has gone bad during and following an outage. Newer refrigerators have displays on the outside of the door to let you know your freezer and fridge temps. 

If you don’t have a thermometer, don’t make the mistake of testing your food by tasting it. You’re better off throwing something out than getting sick from eating it. 

Refrigerated perishable food will go bad after four hours. Including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, and leftovers. When in doubt, toss it out. 

FREE Freedom Fridge? Yes! 

So, if your power is out and you’re approaching the time when food could start to go bad, what do you do? The answer is the solar-powered and portable Freedom Fridge from 4Patriots. And for a limited time, you can get one for FREE. 

When you claim a Patriot Power Generator 1800, you’ll score a FREE Freedom Fridge on us. It weighs only 17 pounds and it can keep your food cool or warm!

You can run this food locker for up to 30,000 hours over its lifetime. And while it’s perfect for an emergency situation, you can also take it with you for RV trips, camping, or even the grandkids’ soccer games.

You probably already know all about the Patriot Power Generator 1800, but just in case, here’s a quick reminder. This generator, charges up for free in the sun or with an electrical outlet, is fume-free and silent. So, it’s safe to use indoors. And you can plug your Freedom Fridge right into your generator to charge up too!

And to top it all off, you’ll get 2 FREE solar panels to charge your generator and Freedom Fridge. Plus, free shipping and handling.

Hurry, this deal is only available until midnight 2/1. 

Here’s how to get yours…

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BLUF The TOPS Fieldcraft 154 Stainless fixed blade knife is a rugged tool for use in the field or around the yard. It has a 4.75 inch, full-tang, Scandi-grind blade made of 154CM stainless steel. With a price of $295 at the time of this writing, it is not cheap in terms of either price […]

How to Build an Emergency Water Supply

When you’re thirsty, want to wash your hands or take a shower, or need to clean your home, you simply walk to a sink or bathtub and turn the faucet handle.

Most people in the U.S. have never turned that handle and been met with a lack of flowing water. And that’s probably why we take running water for granted.

But the infrastructure in our country has become vulnerable in recent years. This has been proven repeatedly. Extreme weather, natural disasters, and manmade crises have left some people without clean, running water.

Water becomes contaminated either at its source or en route to homes and businesses. Especially when it travels through aging lead pipes. We can’t live long without clean water.

If your water access at home were cut off, you’d need to find clean drinking water to survive. And quickly. Stores will run out of bottled water in a hurry.

Don’t get caught high and dry

Today I want to tell you how to make sure you don’t get caught high and dry when an emergency compromises the quality of water coming out of your taps.

By building a backup water supply, you can safeguard the health of yourself and your family for when a crisis occurs. And remember – the next crisis could be right around the corner.  

Please don’t think you’ll be able to count on FEMA when this happens. The agency is stretched thin. They realize they can’t help everyone in a timely fashion. 

That’s why they advise Americans to have an emergency water supply. They know it could be a matter of life or death. The time for you to take this potential situation seriously is now.

How to store it

In addition to bottled water from stores, there are many types of storage containers appropriate for storing your water. Regardless which container you use, make sure to clean it before putting water into it.

Repurposed Containers: These include empty soda bottles, juice bottles, and any other containers. But keep this in mind:

• Durability – These bottles and containers were not designed for long-term use. For that reason, they are more apt to develop leaks than more durable containers.

• Clear – Many of these containers are clear. This makes it more likely that algae may develop as none of the light is being filtered. That being said, these containers are better than nothing. If you use repurposed containers for all or some of your water storage, it is important to rotate the water and to keep the water out of direct sunlight.

Boxes: Boxed water storage kits are a great choice for a number of reasons.

• The boxes, most of which hold several gallons, can be stacked, making this a good choice for those with limited space. You can easily stack 20 or more gallons in most closets and still be able to use the closet for other purposes.
• Boxed water storage kits keep out light completely, making this a good option for long-term storage.
• Should you have to bug out, boxed water storage kits are easy to take with you. Unlike large barrels that can be heavy to move, water boxes are more manageable.

Barrels: For large quantities of water storage, barrels are a good choice. Be sure to buy barrels designed for water storage. These barrels are made of food grade plastic and are resistant to light and algae.

Pouches: Mylar pouches, similar to those used with boxed storage kits, are a good choice for water storage that doesn’t take up a lot of room. Mylar pouches are lightweight and available in a variety of sizes.

Water bricks: These study plastic bricks come in a variety of sizes with spigots that allow for easy pouring. Some of them are designed for convenient stacking due to their interlocking structure. They’re heavy, but usually have handles for easier transportation.

Prepackaged water: This is another option for your water storage plans. The most common would be jugs and cases of drinking water. These are fine for short-term storage and must be rotated regularly.

Where to store it

You need to find a place to store enough water to last your family in an emergency. Regardless of whether you live in a house with a basement or in a small apartment.

In all cases, you want to be sure to store water away from light and heat. A cool, dark space is best. You also want to be mindful of the potential for containers to leak.

If feasible, take advantage of space under beds or consider dedicating part of an extra closet to your storage.

Storing water outside is not ideal. Avoid extreme temperatures and sunlight. If it is your only option, aim for storage in a carport or other covered area where you can at least avoid direct sunlight.

How much to store

How much water you store depends on many factors. Such as the number of people in your household, how much storage space you have, and how long you would like your supply to last.

The general rule of thumb is one gallon of drinking water per day per person. This is especially important if you live in a hot climate. Or if you need to engage in much physical activity.

You should also have another half-gallon or so per person per day for sanitary purposes and handling other tasks. So, 1½ gallons of water per person per day total.

Some organizations recommend a three-day supply. That’s a bare minimum. Try to store as much as possible.

Even if you have access to water, such as a nearby stream or lake, you still need to consider a water storage program. Many types of disasters could cause your water source to become contaminated.

Sourcing and collecting water

Sourcing and collecting water can be important for both the short-term and long-term. Even if you have stored water, it might not be enough. It’s important to know where you can find water.

Know sources near you: Become familiar with water sources near you. This includes lakes, rivers, streams, etc.

Rain collection: Learning the basics of rain collection is one of the best things you can do in terms of your water survival planning. Rainwater collection includes three steps: collecting, purifying, and channeling it to tanks or barrels for storage.

Some rainwater collection systems are homemade, and it is inexpensive to get started. Others are more industrial and more costly to set up. If you have the proper purification systems in place, you can use rainwater for everything. Including drinking water.

For the most basic of rainwater collection systems, you need to simply cut one of your drainpipes and divert it to a large barrel. Be sure to have more than one barrel on hand so you can collect as much water as possible during a good rain.

Underground water still: This method will not provide you with a significant amount of water. But if done properly, you can acquire about a quart per day.

• Choose a location that gets plenty of sun during the daylight hours and is in a low-lying area.
• Dig about 15 inches down. The sides of the hole should not be straight up and down. Instead, aim for a bowl shape.
• Place your collection container in the center. Cover the entire hole (including container) with plastic sheeting.
• Place a rock over the container and use other rocks to hold down the sides of the plastic sheeting.

Because water collected in this manner may contain bacteria and other impurities, it is important to filter the water before use.

Wells: If possible, consider installing a well on your property as another option. As is the case with other water sources, this water can become contaminated.

Hot water heater: Depending on the size of your water heater, you have somewhere between 30 and 60 gallons of water on hand. Most hot water heaters have a valve from which you can access the water. But you will need a hose or pump to make collecting water easier.

Treating water

You may not have sufficient potable water in your storage. Or you might find yourself in an emergency situation in which you need to treat water. There are several methods to consider.

Boiling: Boiling water will kill pathogens and bacteria, making many water sources safe for drinking. You must boil the water for at least three to five minutes. Cover the pot to avoid losing some water through evaporation.

If possible, filter the water before boiling. This is especially important if the water appears cloudy or has visible debris.

Filters: A high-quality water filter is important. It can mean the difference between safe drinking water and questionable water. Due to the many contaminants found in water, it’s a good idea to filter your water in normal conditions. Not only during an emergency.  

Ideally, you will include two water filters in your kit. The first will be a small pump-type filter, like the ones you would use for camping. The other would be larger and would have the ability to process larger volumes of water.

Chemicals: There are two chemicals commonly used to treat water: chlorine and iodine. Keeping iodine in your emergency kit is a good idea, as it is effective at killing many bacteria found in water. Iodine must be safely stored at the correct temperature or it will lose some of its potency.

All you need to treat water with chlorine is simple household bleach. For every quart of water, add two small drops of chlorine bleach and allow the water to sit for about 30 minutes. If the water is very cloudy, add a couple more drops and allow it to sit an extra 30 minutes.

When a disaster is imminent

On rare occasions, you may know that a potential water contamination event is on its way. Such as a predicted storm. In that case, there are a few things you can do to prepare.

Fill bathtub: Fill your bathtub and sinks with water.

Fill other containers: Even if you do not have large containers, fill anything you can with water. Keep in mind that water stored in some containers should only be used for sanitary purposes. Not for drinking. Such as non-food grade containers.

Buy extra cases of water: This step illustrates the importance of preparing. If you wait until a disaster is coming, you will probably have a hard time finding cases of water.

Clean water is essential… for drinking, bathing, and cleaning. Make sure you don’t get caught without an adequate stockpile of this life-giving essential.

5 Common Problems With Walkie Talkies

Imagine it. Your cell tower goes down and the Internet doesn’t work, BUT you can still communicate with family members. Thanks to what some folks chalk up to kids toy — walkie talkies. 

In reality, it’s not an exaggeration to say they can be life-savers, but some walkie talkies can have drawbacks.

For example, a cheap walkie talkie might have a poor or defunct speaker. What’s the sense in having a walkie talkie if you can’t even understand what your partner on the other side is saying? 

They might also be clunky and bulky. No one needs to be lugging that around when they’re trying to bug-out fast, travel light, or keep their communication device hidden. 

Others might not be as secure as you might think. If your walkie talkie only has a few channels, strangers may be able to listen in on your conversations through your radio frequency. 

There are some great things about having a two-way communication device that doesn’t rely on cell towers. 

But you have to choose the right one. Otherwise you could be left with a dead cell phone and no way to call for help. 

Drawbacks to watch out for 

As convenient and helpful as walkie talkies can be, some of them do have drawbacks. Here are the 5 most common problems I’ve discovered with some walkie talkies: 

• Many of them are big and bulky. They don’t fit in your pocket and they take up a lot of room in a bag.

• They have a short radius and coverage area. It’s often necessary to communicate with people out of your sight range, but with some walkie talkies, it’s difficult.  

• They have slow charge times. Once a walkie talkie’s battery dies down, you want to be able to charge it back up as quickly as possible.

• Poor speaker quality. What’s the point of a communication device if you can’t understand what the other person is saying? 

• Interference. When a walkie talkie only has a few channels, wandering ears are more likely to tune in and hear what you’re saying.

Shop carefully for walkie talkies 

If you’re in the market for walkie talkies, you’ll want ones that are rechargeable via USB.

Get ones that offer a number of different channels in order to avoid interference and communicate discreetly. And ones where you can stay connected for several miles. 

Some great walkie talkies are even smaller than a cellphone. That makes them very convenient for carrying with you when you’re on the go. 

Walkie talkies allow you to keep tabs on the kids and grandkids. As well as to stay in touch with family and friends while you’re camping. Or when you just want to communicate covertly in public. 

Forbes reaches out to 4Patriots

Of course, you also want to make sure you’re acquiring walkie talkies from a reputable company.

Here’s what Forbes contributor Steven John wrote regarding his search for the best walkie talkies on the market. (In the fifth paragraph below, note who he connected with to gain insight on this subject.)

“At present, I have three different walkie talkie sets at home… Do I need three different walkie talkie sets?

“Not really, but I do use each differently, and I did choose them with care for specific applications, such as camping, paddling and for the kids. Needless to say, I came to this project with a solid baseline understanding of this hardware category.

“But I wanted to go deeper, of course, so I reached out to some next-level walkie talkie experts like Joe Bassett, founder of Valiant Outfitters, a company that provides backpacking, backcountry adventure and wilderness survival guide services.

“Bassett is also a ham radio operator and training officer for the Clay County, Florida Amateur Radio Emergency Service who has deployed to provide emergency communication for six hurricanes. Long story short, he knows his communication hardware.

“I also connected with Allen Baler, CEO and Co-founder of 4Patriots, one of the fastest-growing emergency preparedness providers in the country, who specifically recommends having a walkie talkie on hand for any and all outdoor adventures even if you expect to have a phone handy.

“A walkie talkie’s superior battery life, ability to function without cell connectivity and durable construction make it a great choice for different endeavors.”

Most walkie talkies are not perfect. I listed some of their defects above. But they can be a great communication device. Just make sure you get ones that have the features you want and need.

Your Crucial Communication Device Options for This Winter

Aside from the frigid temperatures, the problem with winter is, you don’t know exactly what’s coming or when. You don’t know when that big winter storm is going to wreak havoc in your neck of the woods. 

What you do know is that when it does come calling, communication will be even more important than ever. You’re going to want to know how bad it’s going to be, where it’s going to hit hardest, and what your best escape route might be.

Today I want to talk to you about the various communication devices you should consider owning. Then you can determine which one (or ones) you should have on hand before Old Man Winter pays a visit. 

You can’t always rely on the grid

A natural disaster or other crisis can have wide-reaching effects. Including downed cell towers and power outages. Without Wi-Fi or cell service, the communication devices we’ve come to depend on become obsolete.

Having an alternative communication system during a disaster is almost as important as stocking up on enough food. 

There are two types of communication you need to keep in mind when looking for devices:

• One-way communication allows you to receive important information and updates from local authorities. You will be unable to communicate back, though. 

• Two-way communication is for both sending and receiving information. This will allow you to talk with friends, family, and other community members. 

Walkie-Talkies 

Walkie-talkies are one of the most basic bug-out bag communication devices. They are compact, perfect for stashing into a go-bag, and easy to use.

While walkie-talkies have a limited range compared to other two-way communication devices, many people own them. You may be able to contact others outside your immediate circle if needed. 

Quality matters when it comes to walkie-talkies. You don’t want to go with a cheap set that resembles a child’s toy. A quality set is better to have in your emergency kit and to take camping. 

They usually have a range of up to several miles. And they feature a secure mode for when you don’t want others to listen in on your conversation. 

Plus, they’re easy and quick to recharge with a solar power bank. So you don’t have to worry about your walkie-talkie dying on you.

CB Radio

You’ve probably seen truckers in real life or on television use citizens band (CB) radios to communicate with each other. CB radios offer more range than walkie-talkies. But you’ll still be limited in distance. 

If your friends and family live within a close range, you could each set up a radio in your home. That way you’ll have a quick and reliable way to communicate. 

It’s unlikely your neighbors will also have CB radios. So these radios will offer more privacy for you. However, you may have difficulty reaching out for help with one. 

While walkie-talkies run on batteries, CB radios require a power source. If you choose to go the CB radio route, make sure you’re equipped with a solar generator for electricity. 

HAM Radio

Amateur (HAM) radios give you a wider range than CB radios and walkie-talkies. A HAM radio is the better option if you’re hoping to stay in contact with those living farther from you. Or if you want to increase your chances of reaching people outside your social circle. 

Unfortunately, HAM radios require a license to transmit. In a crisis, you might not be worried about following regulations. But HAM radios do have a learning curve. 

You’re going to want plenty of practice before the real deal happens. Practicing with your HAM radio will also give you a chance to get to know other HAM radio owners. They may be able to help when disaster strikes. 

As with CB radios, you’ll need an alternative electricity source like solar power if the grid goes down. Luckily, many HAM radio operators have invested in alternative power. So you’ll be in good company if a crisis happens. 

Solar Radio

Walkie-talkies, CB radios, and HAM radios are all great for interacting with other people. But they don’t lend themselves toward receiving essential news and updates.

When it comes to one-way communication devices, you can’t go wrong with a simple, solar-powered radio. Especially one that can power up other important devices. Such as your cellphone.

It’s very likely a storm will knock out your power for a while this winter. And make roads impassable. Maybe it will happen several times.

But with a solar-powered radio, you’ll know what’s coming in advance and be more ready to deal with it. 

Stay on top of the weather before it gets on top of you.