The Best Way to Set-up Your IFAK & Why Every Survivalist Needs One
An IFAK or Individual First Aid Kit is an essential part of any survivalist arsenal. No survival pack is complete without a compact IFAK pouch. Your backpack may have all the tools and supplies you need but what if you got injured? Read on as we guide you on how to prepare the best IFAK […]
Weather Alerts Can Save Lives… Here’s How to Get Them
I don’t have to tell you that extreme weather events are becoming more common in America. If you haven’t seen it right outside your home, you’ve seen it on your TV sets.
It seems like every year we establish a new record for the number of storms. Like hurricanes and tornadoes.
And it’s not just the amount of storms. It’s their intensity. The numbers of major hurricanes and devastating tornadoes keep going up. The more storms there are – and the greater their intensity – the more people will die or be injured.
That’s why it’s more important than it’s ever been to have dependable ways to receive weather alerts. They can save your life.
Cellphone alerts
Perhaps you’ve dealt with severe weather many times. Or maybe just a few times. Either way, it’s likely you’ll have to again before too long.
You can improve your survival chances by accessing reliable weather warnings. They come in a variety of forms. So let’s examine a few of them.
First is your cellphone. Most of the newer ones have the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) feature. It sends out a loud tone to warn you of an impending emergency.
Among those emergencies are tornadoes and hurricanes. Plus thunderstorms and flashfloods. As well as windstorms, dust storms, hazmat situations and Amber alerts.
These alerts work. Don’t disable them just because the screeching and beeping noises can be annoying. That’s so they will catch your attention. They are designed to only activate phones connected to a local cellphone tower.
Choice of weather apps
There are a number of weather apps you can download onto your cellphone. They include Storm Shield, iAlert, AccuWeather and The Weather Channel. As well as weatherUSA, ping4alerts! and The Emergency Email & Wireless Network.
With Storm Shield, wherever you are, storm-based alerts are available. It does not use GPS, so it shouldn’t wear down your phone battery.
iAlert provides weather warnings via text or email. You can select the alerts you want for any of 30,000-plus U.S. cities.
Ping4alerts! delivers alerts regarding weather, traffic and school closures. Plus natural disasters, power outages and more.
Nothing beats a weather radio
A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio is also a great way to keep tabs on weather threats in your area.
These radios broadcast official National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24/7.
You can program your county’s six-digit code into this device. That way it will sound a loud alarm when potentially dangerous weather is approaching.
Some of these weather radios allow you to choose which particular alerts you want to receive. And which you don’t.
Don’t turn off that TV
Sometimes you may not have a working cellphone or weather radio handy. That’s when television news can help. It’s another way to gain information about extreme weather in your area.
Extreme weather warnings will scroll along the bottom of your screen. Even during normal programming time.
And if the situation is dangerous enough, the networks will break into programming to issue warnings for certain areas.
Yes, your TV is also susceptible to power outages. But until that happens, keep it on to augment your other emergency weather information.
Don’t bet your life on a siren
Tornado sirens have saved lives. But it’s an emergency weather warning system you should NOT count on.
They often cannot be heard inside a home or business. Which is probably where you’ll be during bad weather. So don’t depend on them.
Even outdoors sometimes they can’t be heard. Especially if the wind is strong against the direction where the siren originates.
And when there are power outages or equipment failures, the sirens might not even work. Other warning systems are usually more reliable.
Extreme weather can be devastating to life and property, but property can be replaced. Early warnings can help save lives.
NOAA radio does it all
Earlier I mentioned the importance of having a reliable weather radio. A NOAA weather radio is a great way to learn about – and avoid – threatening weather.
Having access to critical information is key to surviving in any emergency.
These radios broadcast official National Weather Service warnings 24/7. Plus watches, forecasts and other hazard information.
4Patriots has created the ultimate tactical information hub. It’s the Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio. This lightweight radio features NOAA weather alerts. And it recharges with the sun.
It has seven 24/7 weather channels and AM/FM and shortwave radio. Plus LCD display clock with alarm and an ultra-bright flashlight. It can even power your cellphone when you need it most.
Hoffman-Richter “Reaper”: The Best Fixed Blade Knife You’ll Never Own
I just got my hands on the “Reaper,” the newest knife from Hoffman-Richter… and let’s say; you gotta see it to believe it! This tanto-tipped tactical tool is the most incredible defensive device I’ve ever seen… And it’s also a limited edition! RELATED: [First Look] An Honest Review Of The Hoffman-Richter Wolf The Hoffman-Richter “Reaper” | […]
Worst Case Scenario: 5 Survival Tools and Utensils For Uncertain Times
When disaster strikes, you don’t want to be stuck worrying about how to get food and supplies. All you should have to focus on is keeping you and your family safe and making it through the situation at hand. Due to the nature of emergencies (they can happen anywhere and any time), the only thing you can really do is prepare ahead of time. The truth is, you just don’t know what might happen in any given situation. The unknown can be really scary to a lot of people, but it doesn’t have to be.
Think about it this way: would you rather scramble during an emergency to make sure your family has everything they need, or would you rather stock up ahead of time and be ready for anything? If you’re like most people, we’ll bet you’d choose the latter. Preparing for emergencies doesn’t have to be stressful or hard. In fact, it’s actually really easy to do and won’t take much time at all. All you really need to do is gather your supplies and store them in a safe place.
There are many survival tools and utensils that can come in handy when you’re in a tough situation. Of course, you’ll need food and water, but there are other things you’ll need in order to survive. In this article, we are going to take a look at 5 different things you should consider having ready to go at a moment’s notice. Keep reading to learn more about the tools and utensils you need to get you through uncertain times.
Survival Food Kit
Our 72-Hour Survival Food Kit is your best bet to make sure you won’t go hungry during an emergency. The food in this kit is freeze-dried, giving it a shelf life of 25 years! You will pretty much never have to worry about your food supply again after buying this food kit. The 72-hour kit gives you 16 servings, and it is perfect for storing in your survival kit or survival pack. Any food kit is also great to bring with you for hiking, camping, or other wilderness activities.
Flashlight
You don’t want to be in the dark during any emergency situation. Not only can it make things scary, but it’s also just plain dangerous. Make sure you have a flashlight with you, especially in the case of a power outage. Our tactical flashlight is solar-powered, so you don’t have to worry about batteries or to keep it charged with a charger. All you have to do is leave the flashlight out to charge in the sun, and then you’re good to go. It’s way safer and more reliable than traditional flashlights.
Water Filter
When fighting to survive, clean water is even more important than food. Besides having water bottles or clean water stored, you should have a water filter. This filter removes 99.9% of bacteria, chemicals, and other dangerous things from your water. Having a filter means you never have to go without clean water because you can drink from almost any water source with it. Plus, it’s a personal size, so it’s convenient to pack with you and take on the go.
Power Cell
Communication is key if you find yourself in an emergency. And if you lose power and your phone dies, you might be in trouble. Thankfully, our solar-powered power cell helps to ensure this never happens to you. Leave it out to charge, and then let it charge your devices for you. It has a convenient USB port that works with any USB cable charger.
Power Generator
A generator can be an essential item for helping you make it through any disaster or emergency. One of the most common scenarios in which a generator can be helpful is during a power outage or blackout. Our generator is solar-powered, so you don’t need to get fuel to power it. You can always count on it to work and never have to worry about it failing when you need it most. This generator can power large appliances such as refrigerators, and it can power small medical devices or act as a power source to charge your electronic devices.
How Should I Prepare for An Emergency?
This is a really great question, and not many people know the answer. The importance of emergency preparedness is not stressed nearly enough, and as a result, not nearly enough people are ready for emergencies. As we said, emergencies can happen at any time; they don’t wait for you to be prepared and ready for them. Get ahead of it all by starting to prepare so that you and everyone in your household know what to do in any situation. You need to do two things to prepare for an emergency: Make a plan and gather supplies.
The first step is to make a plan. Ideally, you should go over all of the main types of emergencies that can happen (tornadoes/hurricanes, power outages, etc.) and make a simple plan for each one. For example, if there is a power outage, make sure everyone in your household knows to meet in the kitchen (or wherever makes the most sense in your home). Once everyone is safe and accounted for, you can figure out your next moves. The same goes for any other scenario. Have a place to meet and a general idea of your plan of action once everyone is ready.
After you have your plans made, it’s time to gather supplies. Start by acquiring all of the items on this list, and make sure you have enough for each person in your family. If it’s just you, then you only have to worry about having enough supplies for yourself. You can make a survival kit or a survival pack with all of the essential items you need for emergencies. Then, store it in a safe and easily accessible place that you can get to quickly if needed.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly what you need to do and have to make it through the worst-case scenario. Having a plan and being prepared are your best bets at surviving and staying safe no matter what. If you gather your supplies ahead of time, it will save you money, time, and stress when an emergency happens or disaster strikes. Everyone hopes to never go through an emergency or scary situation, but the truth is these things happen every day. If you have a plan in place and supplies on hand, you won’t be as stressed or scared if you find yourself in the worst-case scenario.
Remember that this guide is meant to help you figure out the tools you need to stay safe, but it doesn’t cover everything you might need when the time comes. Always adjust your supplies to your specific needs, climate, and location. Another thing to remember is that, in the case of emergencies, less isn’t more. You want to have enough of all the supplies and tools you need to survive. You can find everything you need for uncertain times right here at 4Patriots.
Sources:
3 Ways to Be Prepared for an Emergency | United Way
Our Favorite Camping Recipes List
One important part of camping that cannot be overlooked is the food. If you are staying a bit further away from people and cities, then it’s especially important that you pack enough food so you are prepared. You want to have enough food not only to enjoy around the campfire but also to make sure you are prepared for emergencies and any unplanned surprises. You never want to worry about running out of food, which is even more important if you are out in the wilderness with no access to a store. There are lots of great recipes and food items that will make your camping trip both tasty and safe.
4Patriot’s Favorite Camping Recipes
If you don’t like the great outdoors, that’s fine! You can still enjoy a fun camping night right in your own backyard. You can set up a tent, lights, and get a fire pit. Still lots of fun, just a little less outdoorsy with minimal nature and animals.
Whatever your comfort level is or whatever type of camping you enjoy, there’s a way to make it work and have a great time. Whether you want to be in isolation or have all the comforts of home, food is still an essential part of any camping trip.
To make things easy, we compiled a list of our favorite camping recipes for you to try!
Survival Food
One of the best food items you can bring on your wilderness adventures and camping trips is survival food. Typically, people store up and stock up on survival food for emergency preparedness or to have on hand for natural disasters, but it actually works great for camping and outdoor activities.
You don’t have to do any cooking, and all you need is hot water to make the food. Our survival food is dehydrated and has a shelf-life of 25 years, so you won’t have to worry about it expiring. Plus, you won’t have to bring a bunch of different ingredients to create meals around the fire.
Instead, you’ll just need enough meal kits per person for the duration of the trip.
Using survival food is easier, faster, and more efficient than cooking things outdoors. If you want to be fully prepared for your camping trip, try our 4-Week Survival Food Kit. It’ll give you enough food for one person to eat every day for a month.
Or, you can use it to divide amongst the people who go on your camping trip. Four weeks of food means 184 servings that you can keep all for yourself on a long camping journey, or split between family and friends over the course of a few days. Did we mention the food is delicious and nutritious?
Hot Dogs, Burgers, and Sausages
Hot dogs, burgers, and sausages are quick and fun things to make while you are camping. Assuming you don’t have a grill at your campsite or with the supplies, to make all of these things over your campfire. If you want to just stick to the basics, though, hot dogs, burgers, and sausages are the way to go. They cook quickly and they are easy to eat without cutlery and plates.
Plus, they aren’t messy and taste great on their own (but you can still whip out the ketchup and mustard if you want!). All you need is a roasting stick or a roasting tray to put over the fire. Make sure your food is cooked all the way through, throw it on a bun, and you’re ready to enjoy! There’s something about that smokiness from the campfire that makes the food taste so much better!
You can pretty much make anything you want over the fire, like roasted vegetables, veggie burgers, steak, chicken, or seafood. If you go fishing on your camping trip, you could even cook your fresh catch over the fire.
S’Mores
It just wouldn’t be a camping trip without some ooey-gooey s’mores! This delicious treat is an absolute classic and a camping staple. Plus, it’s so easy and simple to make. You can also get creative and play around with different candy and chocolate used in the s’more too.
If you want to make a basic one, you’ll just need marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. It also tastes amazing with peanut butter cups or any other chocolate treat you enjoy.
Do I Need Special Supplies for Camping?
Yes, you do need some special supplies for your camping trip. There are quite a lot of things you should have on hand if you are camping in the wilderness, but we will just mention a few important ones.
One of the most important things you can have is a light source, such as a tactical flashlight. Our flashlight is solar-powered, so you never have to worry about needing batteries or having your flashlight run out of power. Plus, it has a USB charging option, just in case.
Consider bringing along the Sun Kettle Solar Cooker. There are a few different situations in which you will need water, and the solar cooker can help to boil water within minutes. It’s portable and lightweight, which makes it ideal for camping and hiking, or any other outdoor activities.
Another item to consider having on hand is a Personal Water Filter. These are small but mighty devices that help to purify water and remove up to 99.9% of bacteria and chemicals that could be in water found outdoors (streams, rivers, rainwater, etc.). Boiling your water is good, but this is an even better option to ensure you are drinking the cleanest water possible. Plus, they are so much easier (and lighter) to carry around than water bottles or drinking water.
These filters are great for both emergency and non-emergency situations.
Conclusion
Camping is one of the best and most fun pastimes around. For those who love the outdoors, camping is an amazing and enjoyable thing to do with your friends and family. It can be as simple as driving up to your state park, or visiting a national forest.
Using your favorite survival food to eat while camping is a great idea. You can make gourmet food in no time, and you won’t have to worry about prepping food or actually cooking it. All you will need is hot water to prepare your meals.
We have all your favorite recipes, such as mac ‘n cheese, rice, black bean burgers, eggs, and more. You can use survival food for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks. If you want to do your own cooking or supplement the survival food, you can’t go wrong with burgers, hot dogs, or anything else you can grill or cook over the fire. Once you plan your camping menu, just don’t forget to bring your tools and supplies as well!
Sources:
20 Best Camping Gadgets and Accessories of 2021
Navy Seabee Veterans of America Raises Funds for Scholarships, Civic Projects
When Ed Crenshaw of Orlando, Florida graduated from high school in 1968, the Vietnam War was raging. He considered going to college, but instead enlisted in the U.S. Navy.
He signed up in August at age 17, turned 18 in November, married his sweetheart in February and left 10 days later for boot camp. Then it was off to Jacksonville for 23 weeks of aviation electrician training.
“My first choice had been construction battalion,” he said. “My intention was to be a naval electrician, so I put in for that in 1969. I didn’t get my first choice, but aviation electrician was my second choice.”
Ed had hoped his enlistment would keep him out of Vietnam, but he ended up serving three tours of duty there before being discharged. On his first night in Da Nang, a mortar attack occurred. It was a wakeup call for a rookie sailor. Welcome to Vietnam.
Flight Deck Danger
In his first tour of duty, Ed was assigned to an aircraft carrier – the USS Ranger – off the coast of Vietnam. He spent his second and third tours on the USS Enterprise. Learning he could earn an extra $100 a month, he volunteered for trouble shooting duty on the flight deck.
“We were flying missions 16 to 18 hours a day,” he said. “I didn’t know it at the time, but working on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.”
In between tours, Ed was stationed on Whidbey Island north of Seattle, Washington. He was honorably discharged in 1973. After returning to Orlando from the service, he entered the reserve program with a construction battalion outfit there.
He also used his G.I. Bill to earn a paralegal degree from Valencia Community College and a criminal justice degree from Columbia College. Eventually he became an investigator with the Orlando Utilities Commission and then a manager.
During a six-month break from the Commission, he served with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department as a court deputy.
Launching a Local Chapter
In 1999, Ed retired and moved to Young Harris, Georgia. That’s where his chapter of the Navy Seabee Veterans of America (NSVA) is located.
Ed had joined the national organization in the 1980s and was due to become president of the state chapter when he left Florida.
“We went a long time without having an Island here in Young Harris,” Ed said. “But in 2014 a couple of other Seabees and I started an Island. We put an ad in the paper for a meeting we were having, and we got 12 new members right away.”
Seabee chapters are called islands. This goes back to World War II. Due to operational security, the Seabees were not allowed to disclose their locations, so when corresponding they would list their location as Island X. When the SVA was established, it was decided to call the chapters Islands.
Crenshaw Is Island Commander
“We’re up to about 30 members now,” Ed continued. “Which is remarkable because this is a small mountain town. In early March we celebrated the 79th anniversary of the Seabees and the 75th anniversary of the veterans organization. We’re not tied to the military government. We’re like the VFW or the American Legion.
“As Commander of the Island, “I do a little bit of everything. I conduct the monthly meetings, write and send the emails, stay on top of everything, get speakers to come in, and turn in the required information to the national organization.”
Ed is also a member of the local VFW and the Vietnam Veterans of America.
“Both of those groups have cancelled in-person meetings and are doing everything by Zoom, but we’ve continued to meet in-person,” he said. “We’ve been careful and not one person has come down with COVID.”
NSVA’s 11 Objectives
Even though “Seabee” is spelled S-E-A-B-E-E, the name actually comes from the letters C and B, which stand for construction battalions.
Their motto is: “With compassion for others. We Build – We Fight for Peace and Freedom.” More than 325,000 men served in the Seabees during World War II.
The organization’s 11 objectives are:
- To preserve and encourage interest in and support of the national defense.
- To maintain for our country an adequate military posture.
- To promote within our nation increased love of country, patriotism and respect for our nation’s flag.
- To foster and strengthen comradeship and camaraderie among members of the various Islands.
- To stimulate and inspire interests in all fraternal, patriotic, historical and educational activities of the Navy Seabees.
- To perform such charitable work as may be deemed appropriate.
- To assist worthy comrades, their widows, widowers and orphans in their time of distress.
- To promote and instill interest in and respect for the professions, trades, crafts and occupations of our members.
- To assist in the rehabilitation and welfare of the veterans who have served in the United States military forces in time of war and peace.
- To advocate the enlightenment and education of all our American citizens in the principles and values of true democracy and true Americanism.
- To operate as a corporation not-for-profit.
Attendance Doubles for Military Ball
Ed’s Island X-3 chapter held its 6th annual Military Ball for all branch services and civilians on March 6, 2021 at the Ridges Resort in Young Harris, Georgia. The main speaker was retired Commander Mike Streckert.
“Locally we don’t have enough Seabees for a full military function, so we invited all military branches and veterans and opened it up to civilians,” Ed said.
“We had a very good turnout. A total of 143 people signed up and all but three came. Last year we only had 65 because that’s when COVID was really starting to ramp up. So it was good to see that we more than doubled attendance this year.
“An ROTC group from a local Christian high school presented the colors for us. The St. Andrews pipe and drum corps played Amazing Grace and all the military branch songs. It was a great time with good fellowship.”
4Patriots Donates Products for Event
4Patriots donated a number of items for door prizes and the silent auction. Including a Patriot Power Cell, HaloXT flashlight, 72-Hour Survival Food Kit, Firebolt Waterproof Tactical Arc Lighter & Flashlight, and First Aid Kit.
“4Patriots products were very well received and we made over $2,000 from our auctions,” Ed said. “They were most appreciated. If it weren’t for the people and organizations who donate, we’d be in the hole.
“The money allowed us to comp the tickets and food for the high school kids and their leaders, as well as the bagpipers.
“The rest will go into scholarships for local kids, including trade schools which keeps with the Seabee tradition. We help vets and kids, and contribute to civic projects. We help repair plumbing, build wheelchair ramps and do general lawn maintenance here as a thank you to the city for allowing us to use a building for our meetings.”
An inscription on the Navy Seabee Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery sums up what the Seabees have done – and continue to do – for America. It reads: “With willing hearts and skillful hands, the difficult we do at once. The impossible takes a bit longer.”
Solar Generator: Must Have Emergency Essentials
Solar Generator: Must-Have Emergency Essentials
People tend to think about food, water, and supplies when they plan out what they need for emergency preparedness. There’s no denying these three things are absolutely essential and will help you make it through an emergency. Food and water are the most important things you can stock up on to be prepared. That being said, there are other essential items that you should have ready to go in case of an emergency. One of these items happens to be a backup generator for when you lose power.
We think that the best device you can have for any emergency (especially power outages and blackouts) is a generator. But we aren’t just talking about any regular generator that runs on fuel. We are talking about our solar-powered generator to give you power and electricity when you need it most. Unlike other fuel-powered generators, ours is solar-powered, which makes it much safer and way more reliable. It self-charges whenever it comes in contact with sunlight, so you won’t have to worry about it running out of fuel.
One of the best parts about using a solar-powered generator is that it is fume-free. It is also quiet and does not make loud rattling noises, unlike other traditional generators. You can use it to power various items, including large appliances (such as refrigerators, freezers, and medical devices) and handheld devices like cell phones, tablets, and laptops. During an emergency, the last thing you want to deal with is being in the dark, making things even more dangerous. Having a solar-powered generator means you will never have to be without power during an emergency or natural disaster.
What Other Solar-Powered Devices Should I Have?
A generator isn’t the only solar-powered device you can have on hand for emergencies. There are actually many everyday items that are solar-powered, which makes them great for emergencies because they will never die or run out of power. We have a few different options for you to consider adding to your solar-powered collection.
- Power Cell: This phone-charging power cell has two USB ports to charge two devices at once. You won’t ever have to go without your cell phone, even if you don’t have power and can’t use your charger. It can also charge laptops, tablets, and other small devices that use USB cords.
- Flashlight: Our tactical flashlight works great for whenever you need extra light as well as during emergencies. This flashlight has a small solar panel on the front of it which charges it up whenever it comes in contact with the sun. Just leave it by a window or outdoors during a bright and sunny day, and you will have hours upon hours of light from the charge.
- Disinfecting Power Bank: This disinfecting light uses UV-C light rays to kill bacteria. This is perfect for when you don’t have running water and can’t disinfect things with soap and water. It is also a great travel companion for flying and taking trains.
Other Emergency Essentials
While a solar-powered generator is a must-have emergency essential item, there are plenty of other things you are going to need. You can’t survive on having power and electricity alone! Depending on the severity of your situation, you will likely need a variety of tools and supplies to help you if you are going to make it through the emergency unharmed. While different people might need different items that are more specific to their situation, there are some items that everyone will need. Below, we talk about three items that are absolutely essential for emergencies.
Survival Kit
You must have a survival kit to be ready for any emergency. The purpose of a survival kit is to help you make it through any emergency. This kit contains the supplies to treat minor to moderate injuries, store your survival food and clean drinking water, and store tools that can be used in various situations. As long as your situation does not require you to go to the hospital, the survival kit should help you get through whatever the situation might be. There are a few specific items you should consider keeping in your kit.
You should include tools such as a sharp knife and scissors. You will also need a lighter or fire starter, first aid supplies, the survival food we talked about, and purified water. You can also keep blankets, extra clothes, and other similar items to provide warmth and comfort.
Everyone’s situation is different, which means there are likely additional items you may or may not need. For example, if you or a family member needs a certain medicine, you should store extra. Or, if there is a baby in your household, make sure you have extra baby formula or baby food.
Survival Food
If you are going to make it through an emergency, you’re going to need to eat food and enough of it to keep you full and alert. When stocking up on food for emergencies, you want to get non-perishable items. Non-perishable food is also referred to as survival food. If you are looking for the best and most high-quality survival food kits, you will find them right here at 4Patriots. Our food is freeze-dried, which means it is designed to last 25 years.
This non-perishable, incredibly shelf-stable food ensures you will be prepared for emergencies for over two decades! That is a long time to go without having to worry about buying more food or running out of it when you need it most. We have a ton of different options for survival food kits, ranging from a three-day supply to a week-long supply, all the way up to three month’s worth of food (that’s 600 servings of survival food).
First-Aid Kit
You should always have first aid supplies on hand and ready for emergencies. Our first-aid kit contains 129 items, which range from tape to bandaids to scissors, cold packs, and gauze. Basically, it has everything you need to take care of cuts, scrapes, wounds, and other minor injuries. All of these items come in a lightweight 1.5-pound bag that zips up, which makes it super convenient to take places or to store in your survival kit if you have one. Another great thing about this first-aid kit is that it’s not just useful to have for emergencies. It also works well to just have on hand for any everyday injuries that aren’t necessarily an emergency.
Conclusion
Now you know that emergency essentials aren’t just food and water. These are definitely essential, but other things can help make things easier and safer for you during an emergency. Having a solar-powered generator is the best way to ensure that you and your family do not have to go without power during an emergency. Electricity is essential for your ability to communicate, charge important devices, and power your appliances. When you are stocking up on supplies for emergency preparedness, consider getting a solar-powered generator as well.
Sources:
Last-Minute Survival Gear Checklist
Last-Minute Survival Gear Checklist
The most difficult thing about emergencies is that they come out of nowhere. Obviously, this makes preparing and planning almost impossible. If you’ve found yourself wondering what you can do to be as prepared as possible, you aren’t alone. So many people want to ensure they can keep themselves and their families safe from harm’s way. Due to the nature of emergencies, such as natural disasters and power outages, you might be wondering what you can do.
Well, the great news is, there’s actually quite a lot you can do to be prepared and help prevent anything bad from happening during an emergency. The most important thing to stay focused on is… survival. You want to make sure you and your family will make it out of this situation unharmed. To do this, you should start by making a checklist of everything you might need in the case of an emergency. This list will help you get organized before you actually put together your survival gear and supplies.
If you don’t know where to start or what to include, don’t stress. We are here to help and make things easy for you. In this article, we will talk about the last-minute survival gear you should put together to keep you and your family safe. Keep in mind these are suggestions and your needs might vary depending on factors such as the size of your household and the climate where you live. Below is a list of the six survival gear items we think you should add to your checklist!
1. Phone Charger
The Patriot Power Cell phone charger is one of the best things you can have on hand for emergencies. If you can’t communicate during an emergency, that could be a huge problem. Especially if you are trying to organize moving to a new shelter or need to contact a hospital, local authorities, etc., communication is vital. This power cell gets its charge through solar power, which means you don’t have to worry if you don’t have electricity. It has 2 USB ports so you can charge 2 devices at once.
2. Survival Kit
Having a survival kit, even a basic one, is extremely important. A survival kit is designed to get you through any emergency situation including treating injuries, providing food and water, and tools for various situations. Basically, as long as it’s not as serious as going to the hospital, a survival kit should be able to help you get through it. In your kit, you should include tools such as a sharp knife, a lighter, first aid supplies, food and water, and blankets or warm clothes. As we mentioned, everyone’s situation is different, so you might also need to store things like an inhaler or insulin, depending on your needs.
3. Survival Food
When we talk about survival food, we are talking about food that is non-perishable and has a very long shelf-life. It is important to get food that is the most high-quality you can find, such as our survival food kits at 4Patriots. Our food is built to last for 25 years due to the fact that it is freeze-dried. When you freeze dry food, it gives it an amazing shelf-life and makes it non-perishable! For the next two decades, you will be prepared for any emergency just by having our survival food in your home.
When you buy survival food from 4Patriots, you will find that it comes in all sorts of variations and quantities. Once you buy it, you will have years and years before you have to worry about buying more. When you are buying your survival food, consider how many people live in your household because the portions will vary depending on that number. All of our kits are designed to last one individual for the number of days listed on the packaging. For this reason, it is not recommended that you divide the kits between family members. If you have more than one person living in your home, then the best option is to buy one kit per person. These are four of your best options:
- 4-Week Survival Food Kit: This kit is the best bang for your buck and one of the most popular food kits we offer. It will provide you with a month’s worth of food, meaning you will be prepared and covered for a longer emergency.
- 72-Hour Survival Food Kit: The 72-hour kit will give you three days’ worth of all the essentials to help you survive. It’s portioned for one person to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner over three days.
- Grab-N-Go Survival Food Kit: This makes a great kit to keep in your car for road trips or just to have for everyday driving. It comes with 28 servings of food, so it will be enough to get you through a few days if you find yourself in an emergency.
- 3-Month Survival Food Kit: If you want to be prepared for anything, this 3-month supply of survival food is your absolute best bet. It contains a whopping 600 servings of food, which means you won’t ever have to worry about going hungry.
4. First-Aid Kit
It is imperative that you have first aid supplies ready for emergencies. Our first-aid kit has everything you need to tend to minor cuts, wounds, and other ailments. It contains 129 items ranging from gauze to bandaids, to scissors, cold packs, and more. Everything comes zipped up in a 1.5-pound bag, making it easy to store in your survival kit or stash in your car. Not only is this great to have for emergencies, but this first-aid kit is also great just to have for everyday use.
5. Water Filter
Clean water is, by far, the single most important thing you need to survive. It is even more important than food, which is a close second when it comes to necessities. During many types of emergencies, it can be hard to acquire clean drinking water. One of the best things you can do is have a water filtration system on hand, such as the Patriot Pure Personal Water Filter. This device helps to filter out 99.9% of pathogenic bacteria along with dirt and chemicals.
6. Flashlight
Believe it or not, a flashlight is actually one of the more important items to include on your survival gear checklist. Being in the dark can make dangerous situations even riskier. This is especially true for power outages when you will need to see how to unplug things around your house or make it to your fuse box. Our Tactical Flashlight will help to keep you safe thanks to its solar-powered charging system. This means you’ll never have to worry about batteries or chargers to power your flashlight again.
Conclusion
Emergency situations and natural disasters are, unfortunately, a part of life. You never know when you might find yourself in one of these situations. If you are prepared with survival gear, food, and water, you will avoid unnecessary stress and danger no matter what the situation might be. Use our list as a starting point to make your checklist and get your supplies organized. 4Patriots has all of the gear you need to be prepared and to keep you and your family safe.
Sources:
https://www.aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2020/emergency-go-bag.html
https://www.ors.od.nih.gov/ser/dem/emergencyPrep/Pages/Disaster-Preparedness-Tips.aspx
Have you watched THIS video?
I’ll tell you what… I’m floored.
The incredible video messages I’ve got recently from folks across the country – everywhere from Texas, to California, to Pennsylvania – have been truly inspirational.
To be completely honest, it warmed my heart.
These special VIPs wanted to let me know exactly how their 4Patriots Survival Food, Survival Tools and more kept them going during devastating storms, power outages, & beyond.
My team put together a compilation of some of ‘em, and you can watch it here:
These are the kinds of reminders that keep all of us at 4Patriots going – knowing that the work we’re doing is making a real difference in the lives of patriotic Americans like YOU!
From Randy who used his Patriot Power Generator during the record-breaking Texas ice storm… to Marlene who had a light and power lifeline with her HaloXT Tactical Flashlights… to Linda who was so glad she had her Patriot Power Cells on hand to “save the day”…
So many folks depend on 4Patriots to help them feel safe, secure, and better prepared. No matter what kind of curve balls life has in store. And we’ll always be there for you through it all.
Because I was so moved and inspired by what people had to say about their 4Patriots products, my team and I put together a collection of our all-time bestsellers that can help you get prepared, too. Just like all the incredible folks in this video did.
You could call it the “4Patriots Greatest Hits” collection!
Remember, a crisis usually never gives you fair warning, and won’t announce itself until it’s barreling down on your doorstep. Prepare for tough times now, and you’ll sleep better at night… even in an uncertain tomorrow.
Prep Your Vehicle for Severe Spring Weather
Of all the places you could be stuck during an extreme weather event, your vehicle is probably not the worst.
After all, you have shelter from the storm. As well as heat or air conditioning, as long as there’s enough gas to keep your vehicle running.
But it’s rather inconvenient for your biological needs. Including your need for food and water.
Many extreme weather events cause accidents. Some of which can block roads for hours at a time. Even if you’re “safe” in your stranded condition, you’re going to get hungry. And that half-eaten candy bar sitting on the back seat isn’t going to cut it.
Assume you’ll get stranded
Spring might be the most welcomed season of the year. Especially for those who just endured a rough winter.
But spring also brings severe weather in many parts of the country. Late-season snowstorms, tornadoes and heavy rainstorms producing flooding can wreak havoc on your travel plans.
Today I’d like to provide some advice about how to prep your vehicle to effectively deal with extreme spring weather.
As well as some suggestions about items to keep inside your vehicle. In case you get stranded by that weather.
Maintenance makes car sense
First let’s tackle how to prep your vehicle so that it’s ready for whatever types of extreme spring weather we get.
- Keep your vehicle’s gas tank as full as possible. Now, you don’t want to stop every few blocks to top off your tank. But never let it get below half full.
- Get regular oil changes. And keep a couple of unopened quarts of oil in your trunk.
- Check your fluid levels frequently. Windshield wiper fluid could actually save a life in a snow or ice storm. And keep an extra bottle of wiper fluid in your trunk. As well as antifreeze.
- Check your battery regularly. A dead battery is the most frequent cause of drivers getting stranded.
- Check your spark plugs and carry spares, along with fuses.
- Check your brakes periodically. No need to explain why.
- Check your tires’ air pressure and treads regularly.
Vehicle emergency kit items
Now let’s turn our attention to the items you should have in your vehicle’s emergency kit.
- Vehicle insurance card with roadside assistance phone number
- Power bank to charge your cellphone and other electronic devices
- Spare tire and jack. And know how to use them.
- Small but sturdy foldable shovel. It could help you dig out of snow or mud.
- Roadside flares or glow sticks
- Foam tire sealant for minor tire punctures
- Tactical flashlight
- Jumper cables
- First-aid kit
- Tool kit. Including screwdrivers, pliers, vise grips, wrenches, tire pressure gauge and a multi-tool.
- Car fire extinguisher
- Wool blankets and a sleeping bag
- Boots, wool socks, gloves and hats
- Towels (cloth and paper)
- Duct tape
- Rain gear, umbrella, snow brush and scraper
- Sanitary items. Including hand sanitizer, trash bags and wipes.
- Hand-crank radio
- Whistle
- Road maps
- Sand or non-clumping cat litter for tire traction
- Tow rope
- Fire starters
- Cash
- Notebook and pens
- Emergency contact information
- Reflective vest
- Pepper spray. In case of an unwanted approach from a human or animal.
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
Hold the mayo
Now, there are a number of non-perishable food items you could keep in your vehicle. Mostly depending on what you like to eat or would be most filling.
But the important thing here is to have food that fits a number of criteria. For example, it should be something you enjoy the taste of. And that requires no preparation. Something you can just open and eat.
For another, it should be able to withstand a wide range of temperatures. From very hot to very cold.
Finally, your non-perishable food should not leave you thirsty. Because you either won’t have enough water to satisfy your thirst or you’ll drink enough to fill your bladder. Either way you’ll be uncomfortable as you wait in your stranded vehicle.
Luckily… I know just the thing that checks every box I’ve listed here. It’s the 4Patriots Emergency Food Bars. They’re pretty darn delicious, they’re made to withstand extreme temperatures, and require absolutely zero preparation.
