Get These 15 Items Now While They’re Available
There are two types of people in the world. One knows it’s only a matter of time before an emergency occurs and so they prepare for it. The other also knows it’s only a matter of time before an emergency occurs, but they figure they’ll deal with it when the time comes.
Because you’re reading this communication from us at 4Patriots, I’ll assume you are among that first group. And I’m very glad to know that.
You’ve seen it over and over again – either firsthand or in the news – so you know some kind of crisis is going to affect you, probably sooner rather than later.
And you know that when it occurs, grocery store shelves will empty of food and water quickly. Long lines will form at gas pumps. People will search for backup power wherever they can find it. I hope you’ve already done what you can to prepare for the inevitable.
Have you thought of everything?
But even if you have thought ahead and prepared for a potential disaster, you might not have considered everything.
To fully protect yourself and your family, you need to prepare for a number of different scenarios with a variety of products.
Below I’ve listed 15 things that could be difficult to get your hands on during a crisis. Because there will be high demand – not to mention jacked up prices – and limited supplies due to disrupted supply chains.
If you take care of these needs in advance, you’ll gain peace of mind. And you’ll have the items you need when others around you are scrambling in panic mode.
Water. I don’t have to tell you how crucial this need is. More often than not, an emergency situation will result in the compromised quality of the local water supply. It could be shut off altogether, or contaminated. You need both a supply of usable water and a way to filter what’s coming out of your taps.
Food. Again, this is pretty basic, and something we’ve preached repeatedly. You need a significant supply of long-lasting survival food to carry you and your family through a crisis. Often first to disappear during an emergency are perishables such as milk, bread, and eggs, as well as non-perishables including soups, stews, grains, and granola and protein bars.
Shelter. Everyone hopes that if a crisis occurs, they’ll be able to hunker down at home rather than having to bug out. That’s usually the case so make sure your home is able to withstand extreme weather events. But in addition, create a plan that involves where you will go and alternate routes to get there if you do need to evacuate. Not everyone can afford a cabin in the woods, so at the very least have a list of hotels/motels outside your immediate area where you could head if necessary.
Medical supplies. Talk to your physician about getting at least a three-month supply of each med you take regularly. Medical supplies will become victims of a supply chain problem, so stay as far ahead of that as possible.
First-aid kit. You should also purchase or assemble a comprehensive first-aid kit and keep one at home and one in each of your vehicles. It’s also a good idea to have back-ups for medical equipment you use regularly, including CPAP machines and blood pressure monitors.
Hygiene items. Toilet paper, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and a wide variety of other personal hygiene items will get scooped up at stores immediately after a crisis occurs. Having a good supply in advance will be a big help.
Backup power. One common denominator with just about every crisis is our vulnerable electric grid going down. It doesn’t take much for that to happen. Which makes having backup power crucial. Your best defense is a solar-powered generator, but you also want to have pocket-sized power banks to keep your smaller electronic devices charged. Including your cellphone.
Fuel. There is probably a limited amount of fuel you’ll want to keep in your garage for safety reasons, but it’s not a bad idea to have a few gallons available in safe containers. A disaster is likely to limit access to fuel. And try to remember to keep each of your vehicles’ gas tanks as full as possible on a regular basis because you never know when a crisis will occur.
Flashlights. Basic flashlights are better than nothing, but what you really want are tactical flashlights that serve a variety of purposes. Including one that can cut a seatbelt or break a window, and that can flash an SOS signal and even charge other electrical items. Keep a couple at home and at least one in each of your vehicles.
Batteries. Some of your emergency supplies, including basic flashlights, need batteries, so compile a collection of batteries in different sizes. A dead battery is one of the last things you’ll want to have in a crisis.
Emergency radio. Regardless of the disaster that will cause you to hunker down or bug out, you can stay on top of the news with an emergency radio. And if it’s solar-powered, you don’t have to worry about your power going out. You’ll have up-to-the-minute information on the crisis, including weather forecasts and which areas are most affected by the emergency.
Fire-starters. This can take many forms, including Bic lighters, matches, and even flint and steel. Weather-proof fire-starters are reliable and effective.
Solar Cooker. If you’re without electrical power – whether at home or after bugging out – you’ll want a way to heat water. A portable solar cooker will do the trick. It can boil water for coffee, tea or cocoa, as well as hot dogs and more. Not to mention a hot wet cloth for cleaning.
Camp Stove. With very little smoke and no gas whatsoever, you can cook meals without power when you have a portable camp stove. Just add twigs and leaves and you’ll have a small fire that can cook a variety of foods.
One more ‘cool’ necessity
A number of the items listed above can fit in a bug-out bag or other emergency kit. Once you’ve fully stocked that kit, keep it near your front door so you can grab it and go in a hurry if necessary.
Let me add one final item to your emergency supplies: ice. Say what? How in the world can I keep ice in an emergency kit?
Well, you can’t, because obviously it will melt. But if you always keep ice in your freezers and have a convenient place to move it to when the power goes out, you’ll be able to keep food and medicines cold, and also use that ice for first-aid if necessary.
And just in case you’re ever tempted to take ice for granted, did you hear what happened last summer in Spain? Due to a heat wave, high energy bills, and ongoing concern about the pandemic, many stores limited the amount of ice bags consumers could purchase.
The same could happen here someday, so be prepared!
Can You Pass a Hurricane Quiz?
Here’s a quick true or false hurricane quiz for y’all:
- True or false: Cyclones rotate clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
- True or false: The minimum sustained wind speed to qualify for a hurricane is 65 miles per hour.
- True or false: A hurricane is said to make landfall when its outer bands reach a shoreline.
- True or false: Storm tide and storm surge mean the same thing.
I’ll have answers for you in a moment. In the meantime, today I’d like to familiarize you with terms used by weather experts when referring to hurricanes.
There are many of them, so I’ll only mention some. But this way you’ll know what they’re talking about when you hear these terms mentioned.
Categories refer to wind speeds
Let’s start off with hurricane categories. They can’t tell you exactly what the results of the storm will be in your area, but they can give you an indication of what you might expect.
Hurricanes are measured on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, ranging from Category 1 to Category 5. The scale was developed by engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Robert Simpson.
These categories only factor in the wind speeds of a hurricane. The amount of water the storm produces and the speed at which the storm travels are separate factors.
In other words, categories won’t tell you how much destruction and flooding will occur, but they will give you a pretty good idea of both.
From dangerous to catastrophic
A Category 1 hurricane has wind speeds of 74 to 95 miles per hour. Structures may sustain some damage and flying debris could strike people, but protected glass windows should make it through without major damage.
With a Category 2 hurricane, wind speeds are between 96 and 110 mph. Older mobile homes will likely be destroyed, while frame homes, apartment buildings, and shopping centers could experience major roof and siding damage. Power outages will occur.
Featuring wind speeds of 111 to 129 mph, a Category 3 hurricane represents a serious risk of injury and death. Mobile homes will probably be destroyed and major damage is likely to houses, apartment buildings, and other structures. Electricity may be unavailable for several days to a few weeks.
Catastrophic damage will occur with a Category 4 hurricane, due to winds of 130 to 156 mph. Collapsing structures and flying debris are likely to result in serious injuries and death. Even well-built homes and other buildings will see severe damage to roofs and upper floors.
A high percentage of frame homes and commercial buildings will be seriously damaged or destroyed in a Category 5 hurricane, featuring wind speeds of 157 and higher. High-rise windows will be blown out, trees will be uprooted, and power will be lost for weeks to months. Long-term water shortages will also occur.
Coming to terms with hurricanes
Now for some hurricane-specific terms:
A hurricane watch is a 48-hour warning letting you know that a hurricane is possible in your area.
A hurricane warning is a 36-hour notice that the hurricane is expected in your area.
The eye of a hurricane is the roughly circular center where winds are minimal. But if you’re in the eye of a hurricane, you’ll soon be hit with the devastating winds of the eyewall.
The hurricane eyewall is the ring of clouds and moisture surrounding the eye of the storm. This is where the wind speeds are strongest.
Storm surge is an abnormal rise in the sea level during a hurricane or other storm. When that surge is moving inland, it can cause life-threatening conditions.
Inundation is the flooding of what is normally dry land. Combined with the high winds of a storm, strong waves can result.
A direct hit occurs when the storm passes to within a distance equal to its radius of maximum wind.
An indirect hit occurs when an area experiences hurricane force winds (either sustained or gusts), but the eye remains off-shore.
Rapid intensification occurs when there is an increase in maximum sustained winds of at least 34.5 mph in a 24-hour period.
True-false quiz answers
As promised, here are answers to those true-false questions I posed earlier:
- True or false: Cyclones rotate clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. False. Cyclones rotate counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
- True or false: The minimum sustained wind speed to qualify for a hurricane is 65 miles per hour. False. The minimum wind speed to qualify for a hurricane is 74 mph.
- True or false: A hurricane is said to make landfall when its outer bands reach a shoreline. False. Landfall occurs when the eye of the hurricane reaches land.
- True or false: Storm tide and storm surge mean the same thing. False. Storm surge is an abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm. Storm tide is the actual level of sea water resulting from the astronomic tide combined with the storm surge.
How did you do? All the answers were false, but now I’m going to tell you what’s true. No matter where you live, you need an emergency weather radio to give you advance notice of dangerous weather.
And 4Patriots just happens to have one available. With this radio, you’ll be the first to know what’s coming.
Our Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio features National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration 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. We made it lightweight with the ability to recharge with the free power of the sun.
We added a hand crank for emergency starting. We even made sure that it could power up other devices when you need them most. Including your cellphone.
I feel like we’ve made the 4Patriots Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio as desirable as we possibly can. But if you need any extra incentive, how’s this?
If you purchase three of them, I’ll provide you with free shipping, and toss in a few bonuses. Including a free Patriot Power Cell, a free 72-Hour Survival Food Kit, a free HaloXT Tactical Flashlight, and a $25 gift certificate.
Landlocked Does Not Mean Hurricane-Safe
When residents of Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin heard that Hurricane Sandy was about to strike the East Coast in 2012, they may have said a prayer for the folks in the storm’s path.
They may have sent out good thoughts and hoped the damage would be limited and lives would be spared.
They may have watched the Weather Channel and other newscasts reporting on the immediate destruction and the long-term power outages that followed.
What they probably never even considered was that where they were – nearly 1,000 miles away from Sandy’s landfall – they would also be affected by the storm. But they were.
Sandy affected 24 states
In fact, Hurricane Sandy ended up negatively affecting the weather and causing problems in exactly one-half of the 48 lower states. It also caused an estimated $65 billion in damage.
Of course, those states include the entire eastern seaboard from Maine to Florida, then across the Appalachian Mountains and as far west as the Midwest.
The most severe damage occurred in New York and New Jersey, with a storm surge that flooded streets, tunnels, and subway systems, and knocked out electrical power to millions.
But it also caused flooding in Midwestern states, with city officials in at least one Wisconsin city calling for a voluntary evacuation of its Lake Michigan lakefront area.
Don’t ignore hurricane warnings
What’s my point here? My point is that even if you don’t live near an ocean, you could suffer a power outage due to a hurricane or other severe storm.
Hurricane season runs from June through November, and climate researchers at North Carolina State University are already predicting more than a dozen storms.
Six to eight of those storms may become hurricanes, while two to three could become major hurricanes, meaning Category 3 or higher.
My suggestion is to not ignore news reports about hurricanes, because that could come back to bite you. Instead, prepare for power outages and make sure you have an emergency weather radio to warn you in advance. More on that in a moment.
Categories refer to wind speeds
Today I’d like to familiarize you with terms that are used by weather experts when referring to hurricanes.
There are many of them, so I’ll only mention some. But this way you’ll know what they’re talking about when you hear these terms mentioned.
Let’s start off with hurricane categories. They can’t tell you exactly what the results of the storm will be in your area, but they can give you an indication of what you might expect.
Hurricanes are measured on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, ranging from Category 1 to Category 5. The scale was developed by engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Robert Simpson.
These categories only factor in the wind speeds of a hurricane. The amount of water the storm produces and the speed at which the storm travels are separate factors.
In other words, categories won’t tell you how much destruction and flooding will occur, but they will give you a pretty good idea of both.
From dangerous to catastrophic
A Category 1 hurricane has wind speeds of 74 to 95 miles per hour. Structures may sustain some damage and flying debris could strike people, but protected glass windows should make it through without major damage.
With a Category 2 hurricane, wind speeds are between 96 and 110 mph. Older mobile homes will likely be destroyed, while frame homes, apartment buildings, and shopping centers could experience major roof and siding damage. Power outages will occur.
Featuring wind speeds of 111 to 129 mph, a Category 3 hurricane represents a serious risk of injury and death. Mobile homes will probably be destroyed and major damage is likely to houses, apartment buildings, and other structures. Electricity may be unavailable for several days to a few weeks.
Catastrophic damage will occur with a Category 4 hurricane, due to winds of 130 to 156 mph. Collapsing structures and flying debris are likely to result in serious injuries and death. Even well-built homes and other buildings will see severe damage to roofs and upper floors.
A high percentage of frame homes and commercial buildings will be seriously damaged or destroyed in a Category 5 hurricane, featuring wind speeds of 157 and higher. High rise windows will be blown out, trees will be uprooted, and power will be lost for weeks to months. Long-term water shortages will also occur.
Coming to terms with hurricanes
Now for some hurricane-specific terms:
A hurricane watch is a 48-hour warning letting you know that a hurricane is possible in your area.
A hurricane warning is a 36-hour notice that the hurricane is expected in your area.
The eye of a hurricane is the roughly circular center where winds are minimal. But if you’re in the eye of a hurricane, you’ll soon be hit with the devastating winds of the eyewall.
The hurricane eyewall is the ring of clouds and moisture surrounding the eye of the storm. This is where the wind speeds are strongest.
Storm surge is an abnormal rise in the sea level during a hurricane or other storm. When that surge is moving inland, it can cause life-threatening conditions.
Inundation is the flooding of what is normally dry land. Combined with the high winds of a storm, strong waves can result.
A direct hit occurs when the storm passes to within a distance equal to its radius of maximum wind.
An indirect hit occurs when an area experiences hurricane force winds (either sustained or gusts), but the eye remains off-shore.
Rapid intensification occurs when there is an increase in maximum sustained winds of at least 34.5 mph in a 24-hour period.
Your own personal warning system
No matter where you live, you need an emergency weather radio to give you advance notice of dangerous weather. And 4Patriots just happens to have one available. With this radio, you’ll be the first to know what’s coming.
Our Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio features National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration 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. We made it lightweight with the ability to recharge with the free power of the sun.
We added a hand crank for emergency starting. We even made sure that it could power up other devices when you need them most. Including your cellphone.
I feel like we’ve made the 4Patriots Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio as desirable as we possibly can. But if you need any extra incentive, how’s this?
If you purchase three of them, I’ll provide you with free shipping, and toss in a few bonuses. Including a free Patriot Power Cell, a free 72-Hour Survival Food Kit, a free HaloXT Tactical Flashlight and a $25 gift certificate.
Here’s how to get yours…
Survival Tools That Fit in Your Pocket
When you walk out your front door in the morning, what do you make sure you’re taking with you?
For me, there are three things I always check.
Did I bring my wallet? Check ✔️
Did I bring my cellphone? Check ✔️
Did I bring my keys? Check ✔️
For each of those items – and maybe you have one or two more you always carry with you – one could quote the American Express card motto: “Don’t leave home without it.”
These three items have something else in common. They can all fit in a pocket, whether it’s in your pants, shirt, or jacket. There’s just something safe and secure about a pocketed item. And you can tell it’s there without even having to look.
3 compact tools from 4Patriots
Now, most survival tools are larger than your wallet, cellphone, and keys. But thankfully there are some that are compact enough to fit in a pocket.
And if you think about it, that’s not a bad place to keep certain tools because you never know when you’ll need one of them.
Sure, you can also keep these items in a backpack or bug-out bag. And it’s not a bad idea to do exactly that with your backup items. But just knowing you can fit some crucial survival tools in your pockets is a good reminder that you should have them with you whenever possible.
Today I want to talk about three of these survival tools. They are a power bank, a tactical flashlight, a water filter, and a mini solar panel. And it just so happens that 4Patriots offers all of them at very affordable prices.
The Patriot Power Cell is a pocket-sized “power plant” that can keep your important electronic devices charged. Including your cellphone, tablet, GPS unit, and many others.
You can charge your power cell with a USB adapter and a wall outlet or with the free power of the sun, thanks to its five-inch solar panel. Once it’s charged, you can use it to power up two devices at the same time.
Despite its compact size, the Patriot Power Cell is powerful. It can recharge your smartphone up to six times before needing to be recharged. And its ruggedized exterior protects against drops. Plus, it features a bright flashlight and an SOS flasher.
Most of our customers buy four at a time. When you do, you get $5 off each unit. Here’s how to get yours…
You probably own at least one flashlight. But if they are not multi-purpose tactical flashlights, you’re depriving yourself of having something far superior. In addition to several light functions, the HaloXT has small solar panels so you can charge it with just the power of the sun.
As well as a glass breaker, a seatbelt cutter, and a compass. The HaloXT also has an anti-slip handle and an adjustable wrist strap. Despite its small size and lightweight, it’s extremely sturdy. That’s because it’s made from aluminum alloy. It can handle abuse.
This tactical flashlight will continue to perform perfectly. It’s weather-resistant, shock-resistant, and corrosion-resistant. It even includes a magnet so you can secure it to your car and use both hands to work.
And you can charge other devices with the HaloXT. Including your cellphone and Patriot Power Cell. Here’s how you can get yours…
PocketSun Solar Panel
Have you ever watched workers installing solar panels on the roof of a house or other building? Those bad boys are effective… but they are usually pretty large and heavy. And require at least a couple of installers. What if you could easily pull a compact solar panel out of your pocket and start charging one of your devices?
Now you can with the PocketSun Solar Panel. Just unfold it and set it down where the free energy of the sun can reach it. Then start charging your USB devices. Such as your phone and tablet.
Weighing less than one pound, this mini solar panel features two USB ports so you can power multiple devices at once. And it never needs batteries.
You can take this extra backup power wherever you go. Including when you travel, camp, and fish. It’s great for emergencies or everyday usage. Get yours here… [link]
Simple to use and perfect for gifting
In addition to fitting in your pocket, the three survival tools I’ve described above have something else in common.
They’re all easy to use and make great gifts. When you buy several, you can keep them in different places in your home and in your vehicle, and give a couple to family members and friends.
They’re also silent and safe, and don’t require the electricity you pay for to keep them charged.
As one of our customers, John C., said, “I cannot believe how many items this company has come up with for our comfort and safety in our survival. Every item has a lot of thought & energy involved in protecting us from just about anything.”
Thanks, John. That’s what we’re here for. Hope you don’t mind, but I printed your comment and carry it with me… in my pocket.
Why Should I Prepare for a Crisis That Might Never Happen?
Which came first, the chicken or the egg? We can debate that one all day if we want to. But here’s a more important question. What will come first, a disaster or your preparedness?
For far too many Americans, the disaster came first. And it left them wishing it had been the other way around. We see it frequently on the news. Extreme weather knocks out power, and most folks don’t have a generator.
Supply-chain problems result in food shortages, and most folks don’t have survival food stockpiled. Water contamination makes tap water undrinkable, and most folks don’t have a water purification system.
And now with war in Eastern Europe and the possibility of NATO getting involved if Russia extends its aggression, Americans might find themselves short of just about everything. Not to mention a pandemic that could show its teeth again.
Don’t wait any longer
4Patriots has been in the preparedness business for years now. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen a time when preparing for an uncertain future was more important than it is today.
It seems like every year we break records for most hurricanes or tornadoes. Extreme weather events are not only becoming more frequent. They’re also getting more intense.
Wildfires are growing in number each year. And in the amount of landscape and buildings they destroy.
Political upheaval in our divided nation has never been greater. Civil unrest threatens peace-loving citizens.
Self-reliance has gone mainstream
I don’t want this communication to be all doom and gloom. So let’s look at the bright side. If nothing else, self-reliance is finally going mainstream.
People now realize that FEMA and other relief organizations can’t save them in an emergency. They understand preparedness is the only thing that can help them and their families deal with the next crisis. And the one after that.
I like how the Ready.gov website states it. “Disasters don’t wait. Make your plan today.” Yep, there’s no time like the present.
If you’re reading this, you probably have a head start in the preparedness area. But whether you are experienced at prepping, a newcomer to the scene or somewhere in between, this information is for you.
Your preparedness checklist
So, what does preparedness look like? Here are some of my suggestions. Of course, we could always add more items.
- Six months’ worth of non-perishable food per person in your household
- At least one solar-powered generator
- Backup portable power banks
- One gallon of drinking water per person per day
- Water purification system
- Personal water heater
- Seed vault featuring non-GMO heirloom seeds
- Camp stove
- Tactical flashlights
- Battery-powered or hand-crank emergency weather radio
- Survival knife
- Fire starters
- Military compass
- Mess kit, including plates, bowls, cups and utensils
- Extra batteries
- Tools, including wrench and pliers, to turn off utilities
- First-aid kit, including prescription medications
- Plenty of extra clothing
- Sanitation and hygiene items
- Important family documents
- Pet food and other supplies
- Survival guides
- Ways to defend yourself and your property
- Cash
Before, during and after
Here are some additional suggestions from FEMA for before, during and after a disaster.
Before – Know the risks and danger signs. Purchase insurance, including flood insurance. Develop a family action plan. Assemble a disaster supply kit. Volunteer to help others.
During – Put your plan into action. Help others. Follow the advice and guidance of officials in charge.
After – Watch out for damage near your home, including downed wires. Repair your damaged property. Take steps to prevent or reduce future loss.
Preparedness = peace of mind
The physical benefits of preparedness are clear. You can see your survival food stockpile anytime you want to. You can hold your water purification devices in your hands. You can move your portable solar-powered generator into any room.
The emotional benefits of preparedness are not as obvious. But they’re just as real. Realizing you have adequate supplies to keep your family and yourself safe in an emergency instills confidence.
Knowing exactly what you and family members will do when a crisis occurs helps reduce fear of the unknown.
Taking steps to protect your home against intruders who may come calling after the stuff hits the fan reduces anxiety.
Patriot Platinum Survival Package
This is the “Holy Grail” of Emergency Preparedness. The Patriot Platinum Survival Package is the biggest, most comprehensive survival kit we offer. With survival food, solar power and water purification included — this package is ultimate peace of mind.
You’ll get a carefully curated collection of our best-selling, top-rated survival products plus 26 FREE gifts.
And it’s available on an easy monthly payment plan. Because a preparedness plan and survival food shouldn’t only be for the wealthy…
Are you ready for whatever life might throw at you at a moment’s notice? You could be with the Patriot Platinum Survival Package.
Severe Spring Weather: Car Safety Checklist
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
Now is the time to prepare your car for an emergency. Because you never know when you’ll get stuck… But you can have peace of mind by being ready just in case.
Are You Weather-Alert Savvy? Find Out Here!
What do you do when you hear an emergency weather report?
Some people immediately rush to their basement. Others think, “I‘d better keep an eye out while I continue about my business.” Still others assume it’s a false alarm unless they hear it again.
They’ve all been right at one time or another. A tornado warning should send you to the lowest level of whatever building you’re in ASAP. Some alerts may be for severe weather that could miss your area. And yes, sometimes weather alerts are announced erroneously.
Today I want to talk about the different types of weather safety alerts we get, including what they mean and how we should interpret them.
Advisories, watches and warnings
Let’s start with these three basics: advisories, watches, and warnings.
An advisory is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent, or likely.
Advisories are for less serious conditions than what exists when watches and warnings are issued. They let you know that if conditions worsen, weather could lead to situations that may threaten life or property.
An advisory should not immediately send someone to their basement. But it should alert listeners to the potential for severe weather. They should continue to listen for updated reports.
Watch for a watch
A watch means weather conditions are favorable for dangerous weather to occur. So, watch out for what could happen with the weather and be ready to take appropriate action.
When you hear that a watch has been announced, you may want to consider changing your outdoor plans until that watch expires.
A watch is obviously between an advisory and a warning. Don’t just wait in hopes that you may hear an updated report. Instead, watch for severe weather in your area, understanding you may have to take action quickly.
A winter storm watch, for example, means it’s a good time to stock up on emergency supplies if you haven’t already done so. And it means to keep checking to see if that watch turns into a warning.
Take heed of a warning
A warning means that a severe thunderstorm, tornado, flash flood, or other major weather event is very likely to occur or has already occurred in an area near you and might be moving toward you.
Get into the lowest part of whatever building you’re in as fast as possible. If you don’t have a basement, move into a room that is away from outside walls and has a door you can close.
A weather alert warning means it is not safe to travel or even venture outside. If you are outdoors when a warning is issued, find the nearest shelter.
Some people who have ignored weather warnings are no longer around to regret their mistake. Please don’t be one of them.
Straight from the horse’s mouth
Standard radio and TVs are one way to keep track of extreme weather alerts. But they will always be behind what an emergency radio can provide you with.
That’s because they receive broadcasts from the National Weather Service. With an emergency radio, you can receive those alerts immediately.
You don’t have to wait for the TV or standard radio weather reporter to read that alert and then tell you about it.
Every second counts when it comes to avoiding severe weather that can cost you your life. Survivors have told countless stories about how having an emergency weather radio saved them.
Extreme weather is increasing
It has become increasingly clear that extreme weather events are more and more common in America these days.
If you haven’t experienced one personally, you’ve certainly seen the resulting carnage on the news. It seems like every year we establish a new record for the number of storms. Such as hurricanes and tornadoes.
And it’s not just the amount of storms. It’s their intensity. They are killing more people, displacing more people, and causing more structural damage than ever before.
That’s why it’s more important than ever to have dependable ways to receive weather alerts. They can save your life.
Cellphone alerts
Make sure you get weather alerts on your cellphone. Most of the newer phones have the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) feature. It sends out a loud tone to warn you of an impending emergency.
There are also 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
But a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio is the best 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.
Liberty Band Solar Radio
Having access to critical information is key to surviving in any emergency. The NOAA weather radio I recommend is the Liberty Band Emergency Solar Radio from 4Patriots. It’s a great way to learn about – and avoid – threatening weather.
This lightweight tactical information hub features NOAA weather alerts and 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.
The Liberty Band will provide you with the advance notice you need to grab your survival gear and seek shelter.
Here’s how to get yours…
Simple Ways to Organize Your Survival Stash
As far as I can tell, there’s only one downside to collecting a wide variety of survival gear. And that’s dealing with the challenge of where to keep it.
Don’t get me wrong – the more you have, the better. But when you start accumulating survival products, they have a tendency to become scattered around your home. And when it’s time to find a particular item, you don’t want to spend a half-hour searching for it.
Today I’d like to talk about some ways to organize your survival stash. Regardless of what it includes.
And that means everything from survival food and water to flashlights and batteries, clothes and medical supplies, and baby and pet items.
Avoid the enemies of survival food
Most survival items you’ll obtain don’t require special storage treatment. But food and water are obvious exceptions.
You want to keep both away from heat, light, moisture, oxygen, and pests. You’ve heard me call them the enemies of food and water, and that’s exactly what they are.
Those enemies can deplete food of nutrients and minerals, and facilitate bacterial growth. And, of course, pests such as rodents and insects can gobble up everything you store if your containers are not secure.
Depending on the shelf life of your food, time can also be an enemy. Keep items that will expire first in the front portion of your supplies so you can easily access them before they go bad and then replace them.
A place for everything, and everything in its place
Once you’ve protected your food and water supplies, turn your attention to organizing them. That way you’ll know right where to go in your basement or other storage areas for exactly what you need at the time.
You also want to organize the stuff you can’t eat. Keep batteries together in one place, as well as flashlights. You probably want to have a flashlight in several different rooms in your home, not to mention your car, but also have one central location for them near your other supplies.
Same with your survival seeds, emergency radios, solar cookers, solar lanterns, power cells, water filters, camp stoves, and generators.
Also have a dedicated space for extra clothes, boots, gloves, hats, and anything else you’d want to wear if the heat goes out or you have to bug out.
Are you using vertical space?
One of the best ways to store a variety of survival items is using vertical space. When you look around most basements, a vast majority of items are no more than a few feet off the ground. If that. Everything above that area that’s not in use is wasted – but very available – space.
Vertical shelving will enable you to store plenty of food items with long shelf lives. Keep heavier items on the bottom shelves and lighter items up higher.
Some of your stash may not fit on shelves, but you still want to get items off the ground to conserve space. You can do this by installing hooks on the walls and rails on the ceiling.
While a basement is ideal for food and water due to its consistently cool temperatures, your garage might be preferable for non-food items that don’t require much in the way of temperature control.
Devote one closet to your stash
In addition to your basement and garage, a closet could be a great place to store some of your survival items.
Depending on how many closets you have in your home, perhaps you could devote the largest one to your survival stash.
Of course, even a closet can get cluttered before long, so formulate a plan for how you’re going to organize it. Then obtain enough bins and other containers to keep items separate by category. And be sure to label your containers so you don’t have to guess what is in each.
That way, when you need a freeze-dried food bag or a water purification item, you’ll know exactly where to look. Same with your energy sources, light sources, first-aid kit, mess kits, and general items.
Check out these done-for-you bundles
It’s very seldom that just one item can fulfill all your survival needs. That’s why 4Patriots offers survival sets and bundles to take care of a variety of needs. These are “done-for-you” offers that start as low as $64.95.
I’ll just quickly mention a couple of them. Our Survival Starter Bundle includes a Patriot Power Cell to charge your electronic devices including your phone, a HaloXT tactical flashlight to light your way and so much more, and a 72-Hour Survival Food Kit to feed you for three days in an emergency anytime over the next 25 years. All for only $79.
Another is our Family Survival Essentials Bundle, priced at $399. With this bundle you get a 4-Week Survival Food Kit, 4 Patriot Power Cells that charge in the sun, and 4 Patriot Pure Personal Water Filters.
There are plenty more choices, so I hope you’ll check out the selection here.
Let There Be Light… and a Whole Lot More
What’s the best possible tool you could have in your home and in your car? A survival knife, a flashlight, a hammer, and a back-up power source all come to mind. As do a few others.
But none of them by themselves will be able to help you accomplish more than a few tasks each. The key to an ultimate survival tool is its ability to take on a number of jobs. Only a multi-purpose tool can do it all.
And that brings us to the best one I know of – the tactical flashlight. 4Patriots just happens to sell a great one, and I’ll get to how you can acquire it shortly.
But first I want to briefly explain why you need one.
First and foremost, a tactical flashlight will help you see your way in the dark. Regardless of whether you’re in the basement looking at your fuse box after the power goes out or outside after dark walking the dog or checking out a noise you heard in the yard.
Second, a tactical flashlight will provide you with various light settings. Super bright for seeing in the distance, normal for when you don’t want to attract attention, and a strobe feature when you’re seeking a rescue.
Next, some tactical flashlights can serve as a hammer if you need to bust open a window or use it as a weapon against an attacker.
Some even include a sharp edge to cut a seatbelt or rope, a magnet to free up both hands for work, and a solar panel to charge it.
Now, any device can have a certain number of functions – 5, 7, 9, etc. But if some of those functions are ones you’ll rarely use, and others are basically the same as each other, the number really doesn’t matter.
However, with the HaloXT Tactical Flashlight from 4Patriots, all nine functions are different, effective, and good for real-world usage.
Let’s take a quick look at each:
· Ultra Bright Flashlight. You’ll be able to see up to 200 meters away and can even use it to temporarily blind an attacker.
· Red SOS Flasher. The color red can be seen from a great distance, and the strobe effect will alert anyone that you need help. Such as if you’re trapped somewhere. It’s a great road companion.
· Work Light. When you’re working on something right in front of you, or you don’t want to attract attention with a bright light, just choose this lower setting.
· Magnetic Mount. There are few car repairs or other emergency tasks you can do with one hand. The magnet will secure your flashlight to a metal surface such as a vehicle, allowing you to use both hands to change a tire or whatever you need to do.
· Seatbelt & Rope Splitter. This flashlight has a razor-sharp edge that rips through a stuck seatbelt or through cordage or rope. It could be a lifesaver if your vehicle goes into a ditch.
· Glass-Breaking Hammer. The hardened-steel tip can quickly break open a car window that could get jammed in an accident. Every second counts in an emergency, such as if your car plunges into a body of water.
· Rugged Compass. A bug-out situation could place you in the wilderness with no clear landmarks to help you navigate. This compass can point you in the right direction.
· Solar Panel. The easiest way to keep your flashlight fully powered is by leaving it outside with the solar panel pointed at the sun.
· USB Charger. As if all this wasn’t enough, you can even use your tactical flashlight to charge other electronic devices such as your cellphone. Just unscrew the compass for access to a USB port.
By now, I think you probably realize you need a tactical flashlight if you don’t already own one. And I hope you’ve become convinced that we’ve got a splendid one with your name on it, just waiting for you to respond.
Radio Frequencies You Need to Know for Emergencies
I can’t recall the last time I saw a bug-out bag list that did not include an emergency weather radio. It’s a crucial item, and that’s why we at 4Patriots make one available to our customers.
Extreme weather alerts have saved lives on many occasions. Sometimes those warnings have come from a television or a standard radio. Or perhaps through a frantic call from a friend or loved one. Or from a siren.
More often those alerts have come through emergency radios. And they’ve arrived prior to media coverage of weather emergencies.
Sometimes just those two or three minutes can make the difference between life and death for anyone facing an immediate weather crisis.
NOAA emergency radio
Your best bet with an emergency radio is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) radio.
NOAA is a government-operated administration that sends out broadcasts every five minutes 24/7/365 related to storms. Including tornadoes, hurricanes, and blizzards, as well as solar flares, nukes and other major problems.
Here is a list of NOAA emergency radio frequencies:
- 163.275
- 162.55
- 162.525
- 162.50
- 162.475
- 162.45
- 162.425
- 162.40
Following is a list of other emergency radio frequencies you may need at one time or another:
- 163.5125 – Military national disaster preparedness frequency
- 163.4875 – National Guard emergency communications frequency
- 156.80 – International maritime distress channel
- 156.75 – International maritime weather alerts
- 155.475 – Emergency communications for police
- 155.160 – Used by various agencies during search and rescue operations
- 154.295 – Used by firefighters during emergencies
- 154.28 – Used by firefighters during emergencies
- 154.265 – Used by firefighters during emergencies
- 138.225 – Disaster relief channel used by FEMA
- 121.50 – International frequency for aeronautical emergencies
- 47.42 – Nationwide Red Cross channel during humanitarian aid missions
- 39.46 – Inter-department emergency communications by police
- 34.90 – Nationwide National Guard frequency during emergencies
CB radio
One way to communicate with family members during an emergency situation when cellphones are not working is through CB (Citizens’ Band) radio.
No license is needed to send or receive communications. Combined with a family disaster plan, it will aid you greatly if cellphone towers stop working.
There are 40 separate channels that CB radios operate on. The only one to avoid is Channel 9, which is reserved for the Emergency/REACT channel.
One thing to keep in mind is that your conversations while using CB radio will not necessarily be secure. Outsiders could be on the same channel at the same time.
Among the other channels are:
- Channel 37 – Unofficial Prepper 37 (USB)
- Channel 36 – Unofficial Survivalist network
- Channel 19 – Used by truckers headed east or west
- Channel 17 – Used by truckers headed north or south
- Channel 13 – Typically used within campgrounds and marine areas
- Channel 4 – Unofficial American Preppers Network
- Channel 3 – Unofficial Prepper CB Network
Ham radio
You don’t need a license for CB radio usage, but you do need one for ham radios. It’s an effective way to communicate when other sources are down in an emergency. Not to mention a fun hobby.
Ham radio (also called amateur radio) has its advantages over other communication forms, but it requires some study. And you need to pass a license exam.
A total of 26 frequency bands are used for ham radio. It provides long hours of communication during emergency situations.
It can be used for experiments with easy configurations anywhere. And it can be interfaced with computers for data transmission and reception. Believe it or not, ham radio operators can even communicate with astronauts at the space station.
On the downside, ham radio operations can be affected by weather and terrain conditions. And ham radios require a power source.
Cellphones and weather apps
Simpler but sometimes less reliable ways to receive alerts or communicate during an emergency are cellphones and weather apps. Most cell phones have the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) feature. It sends out a loud tone to warn you of an impending emergency.
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.
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.
As discussed, 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.
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.
Winter means snowstorms, blizzards and a variety of other severe weather. The Liberty Band will provide you with the advance notice you need to seek shelter.
