emergency preparedness
Preparing for Reliable Heating in Uncertain Times
In my old home, I initially heated with propane. However, I quickly realized how expensive it was to maintain, prompting me to switch to a pellet stove—a more cost-effective alternative. At the time, pellets were approximately $200 per ton, and during an average Michigan winter, I burned 3–4 tons, meaning my annual heating cost was around $600–800.
While the pellet stove was more affordable, it relied on an electric auger and ignition system to feed the flame and light the fire. One particularly harsh winter night, the power went out—and with it, my pellet stove. I was left scrambling for alternative ways to heat my home.
This experience raised an important question: What will happen to those relying on pellet stoves, propane, or natural gas in a true TEOTWAWKI (The End of the World as We Know It) scenario where the power grid fails for an extended period?
The Solution: Invest in a Wood Stove Now
If you want a reliable, grid-independent heating source, purchasing a wood stove before hard times arrive is your best option. Brands like Drolet and Jotul offer solid choices. Even if you currently heat with natural gas, having an airtight wood stove or fireplace insert as a backup is essential.
Key Features to Look For in a Wood Stove:
• A large firebox – Small fireboxes require constant refueling, which can be exhausting, especially overnight. I learned this lesson firsthand while hot tenting.
• No reliance on electric add-ons – Skip optional extras like electric blowers—they become useless in a grid-down situation. Once you purchase and set up your wood stove, learn how to use it efficiently and even cook on it.
Stock Up on Firewood
Calculate your winter firewood needs – Determine how many cords of wood your home typically burns in cold months. Choose the right wood type – Hardwoods such as oak, hickory, maple, ash, birch, beech, and black locust burn hot and long. Start fires with softwoods like pine, which work well for tinder and kindling. Prepare firewood properly – Chop logs into manageable pieces, around 3–6 inches in diameter, ensuring they fit in your firebox. Season your wood – Let firewood dry for 6–12 months to reduce moisture, ensuring hotter flames, less creosote buildup, and minimal smoke. Store wood correctly – Keep firewood covered and well-ventilated. Ideally, stack it inside a shed. If a shed isn’t available, use tarps—though not ideal, they are better than exposing wood to the elements. Avoid wood rot – Never stack firewood directly on the ground, as it will eventually rot. Signs of rot include discoloration, softness, moisture retention, crumbling texture, and a musty smell. Lay down two parallel boards or use old pallets to elevate your wood stack for better airflow.
Prepare Before the Grid Fails
Stock up on wood now, before a crisis forces you to rely on manual labor under tough circumstances. If you wait until the grid goes down, cutting wood will become a draining, calorie-intensive task—and you may run into serious issues:
• Chainsaw maintenance – What happens when you need a new part or repairs?
• Chainsaw injuries – In TEOTWAWKI, dealing with wounds from a chainsaw could be life-threatening.
The solution? Cut and prepare your wood now while resources are still available.
If you’re serious about survival, take action today. A properly stored and managed wood supply will ensure warmth, cooking ability, and security when modern heating sources fail.
Civilization’s Fragile Mask: Examining the Balance of Order and Chaos
Have you ever seen the movie “The Purge” or its sequels? These movies explore a dystopian society where, for one night each year, all crime, including murder, is perfectly legal. They delve into how people behave when there is no rule of law for 12 hours, from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM. The movies pose the question of whether violence is an intrinsic part of human nature and highlight the divisions between Americans along socioeconomic lines. The films seem to show just how fragile the veneer of civilization really is and how quickly societal norms break down when the thin layer of order is temporarily removed. Although the movies are fiction, are they wrong about human nature and our capability to commit evil in desperate situations?
I firmly believe there is just a thin veneer of civilization in U.S. society. If you disagree with this point of view, consider the riots we’ve seen in the past few years and how easily they are set off. It doesn’t take much to remove the thin veneer of civilization. Once it’s gone, you see the very ugly side of humanity. What will a person do when they are desperate and fighting for survival? What will they do for their loved ones? What will a parent do to protect their children from starvation? What happens when the grid goes down and the lights turn off?
I’ve worked in a state prison for most of my adult life. I often wonder what would happen to our state prison population if the lights went off permanently. What would the population do? Corrections officers will have their own families to protect and won’t be inside the facilities policing these felons when the grid goes down. Without corrections officers, prisoners will escape and find their way back to our communities. They will be ruthless and will organize into gang-style groups, becoming raiders looting homes and families for food and supplies. Once the food and supplies run out, they’ll start eliminating each other in competition over dwindling resources. The raider gangs that survive will be the toughest and most ruthless. This new way of life will harden them as they learn to survive in a harsh new reality. They will be a dangerous foe, and likely your problem to deal with when the grid goes down. So, what can the average family man or woman do to prepare for such a future?
Preparing for this grid-down scenario and societal collapse is a serious matter and not easy. Here are some steps to help you prepare for such a scenario:
Emergency Supplies and Food: Stock up on non-perishable food, dried food (noodles, beans, rice, etc.), dehydrated food, canned goods, bleach, water purification tablets, MREs, water, medical supplies, and essential supplies. Start with at least a three-month supply per household member, then increase from there.
Security Preparations: Harden your home with security cameras, locks, fences, hard cover to shoot from, and, if you have the money, a safe room or an underground bunker. Learn self-defense skills such as Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, and Muay Thai. More importantly, buy guns and ammunition. You will want an AR15 in .223 and a reliable handgun (I recommend Glock). Get weapon lights for your rifle and handgun, like the Streamlight TLR1 for Glocks, and a Surefire flashlight with replacement batteries.
Community Networking and Team Building: Build an inner team of trusted individuals such as family, close friends, and neighbors. Your inner team should be close enough that you could live with them if society collapses. A diversity of skills is essential. For example, if your sister is a nurse, you will likely want her in your group. Connect with neighbors and vet their skills. In a crisis, having a trusted community around you can provide security and resources.
Skills and Knowledge: Learn essential survival skills such as first aid, navigation, foraging, hunting, gathering food, making water potable, shelter building, primitive fire, and other outdoor survival skills. In Michigan, you can learn these skills at Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute (survivalschoolmichigan.com). Learn homesteading skills like growing food, repairing equipment, and raising animals.
Energy and Power: Purchase generators, solar panels, solar chargers, battery banks, and fuel reserves. Knowing how to start a fire and use manual tools is also useful.
Communications: Obtain the ability to communicate with family, friends, neighbors, and loved ones. Consider buying walkie-talkies, CB radios for your vehicles, and ham radios for your homes.
Bug-Out Bag: Prepare a bug-out bag with essential items in case you need to leave your home quickly. This bag should include food, water, clothing, medical supplies, a gun, ammo, and a change of boots and socks.
Mental Preparedness and Tactical Training: Prepare mentally and emotionally for high-stress situations. Get as much tactical training as you can. Learn how to clear your house alone and as a member of a tactical team. Remember, attitude is everything.
Financial Preparation: Keep some cash and American Silver Eagles on hand, as digital transactions may not be possible. Diversify your assets to protect your finances. Cash and silver can help you through the start of the emergency and preserve your wealth.
Practice Drills: Conduct regular drills with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. This includes evacuation plans, meeting points, and survival protocols.
Battling the Freeze: Essential Tips for the Prevention and Treatment of Frostbite
Frostbite is nature’s brutal way of reminding you who’s boss. When temperatures plummet and you’re exposed to the biting cold for too long, your skin and the tissues beneath can literally freeze solid. It’s the extremities—fingers, toes, ears, and nose—that take the worst hit. Initially, your skin turns ice-cold and red, then goes numb, hard, and pale as it progresses. The more severe the frostbite, the deeper it bites, tearing through muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, sometimes leading to permanent damage or even amputation. From a mild stinging sensation to skin turning a sinister shade of purple or black, frostbite is relentless. Dressing in layers, covering every inch of skin, and seeking warmth as quickly as possible are essential to stave off this icy menace. Once frostbite sets in, immediate medical help is your only lifeline.
Remember the colors red, white, and blue? They’re not just about patriotism—they’re your body waving the white flag to the cold.
Red: The early stage, known as frostnip, where your skin turns red and cold. You’ll feel pain, numbness, and that dreaded pins and needles sensation, especially in your hands and feet. Time to escape the cold, find heat, and seek shelter.
White (and early blue): This is superficial or second stage frostbite. Your skin turns white and stiff, like wax, with the tissue freezing underneath. Strangely, your skin might feel hot at this point. Your body’s sending out distress signals—get warm now!
Blue: Deep frostbite is the real deal. Both superficial and deep tissues are frozen. Your skin turns blue and splotchy, circulation is clogged up, and you’ll start getting blisters. Ignore it, and your skin will turn black and die, leading to potential amputation.
Immersion foot (trench foot): Think WWI. When feet are stuck in water below 60°F for too long, it wrecks the nerves, leaving lasting damage.
So how do you stave off these icy attacks? Get out of the cold, find shelter, find heat, and strip off those wet clothes and shoes. Start rewarming—slowly. It’s gonna hurt, but it’s necessary. Too fast, and you risk stopping your heart. For frostbite, soak the affected area in warm water (not above 103°F) for 30 minutes, replacing the water as needed. Skin should turn red again. Give Ibuprofen for pain and to help blood flow. Whatever you do, don’t let the tissue refreeze—that’s a one-way ticket to more damage. And no rubbing frozen skin!
Remember, it’s a cold, cruel world out there. Stay warm, stay vigilant.
First Aid Kit for Camping or Road Trip
We live in an era marked by danger and conflict. Every day brings new reports of horrific car wrecks, accidents, assaults, crime, war, and other misfortunes. In such an increasingly dangerous world, what can the common man do to protect his family’s health and wellbeing?
Building First Aid Kits of varying sizes is a practical step. Start with an IFAK or a small kit for your hiking, survival, or bugout pack. Then, create a medium-sized kit for your truck or SUV. Finally, assemble a large First Aid Kit, often referred to as a “jump bag,” which typically involves a duffel bag that can be slung over your shoulder. Below is an alphabetical list for a Camping or Road Trip (a larger kit):
Abdominal Pads
Ace Bandages
Adhesive bandages (different sizes)
Adhesive tape
Ammonia Inhalants
Antibiotic Ointment
Antibiotics (bacterial infections) and Miconazole (fungal or yeast infections)
Antihistamines (Claritin D, Benadryl)
Antiseptic wipes
Antiseptics
Blister Pads
Burn Cream or Gel
Butterfly Bandages
Cell Phone-Have it fully charged before you leave and have a charger in your vehicle
Cold packs
Contractor Garbage Bags-Place contaminated clothing inside these rugged bags or use the bags for a make-shift shelter
Cotton Balls
Cotton Bandanas
CPR Mask
Dramamine
Drawing Salve (stings, insect bites, splinters, etc)
Duct Tape
Electrolyte Tablets
Emergency blanket
Epipen
Eye Wash
Finger Splint
Fire Starter (minimum 3 ways to start a fire)
Flashlight-Have extra batteries, I swear by Surefire flashlights
Hand Sanitizer
Hemostatic Gauze and Powder
Hydrocortisone Cream
Hyfin Chest Seal or Vented Chest Seal
IFAK
Imodium
Insect Sting Relief Wipes.
Laxatives
Latex or vinyl gloves
Liquid Bandage
Moleskins
Multitool-endless uses
N95 Mask (if more dire of a situation switch to a gas mask)
Narcan
Nasopharyngeal airway – 28 FR
Needle and Thread stored in Isopropyl Alcohol
Non-stick Pads
Notebook/Pens
Pain-reliever (Aleve, Tylenol, Acetaminophen, etc)
Paracord
Poison Ivy Rinse
Portable Radio-Find out what is going on in the rest of the world
Potassium Iodate (KI) Tablets-This will protect your thyroid if there is a radiological emergency
Powdered Gatorade
Prescription Medications
Prilosec
Quikclot or Celox
Rolled Gauze
Safety Pins
Saline Eye Drops
SAM Splint
Shears (like what EMTs and Fire Fighters use to remove clothing)
Shoe covers
Silk Medical Tape Roll
Snake Bite Kit
Splints
Sterile gauze pads
Sunscreen
Superglue
Thermometer
Tick Removal Tool
Tourniquet
Triangular Bandages
Tweezers
Vaseline
Water Purification Tablets
Whistle/Signaling
Wool Blankets (minimum two)
Wound Irrigation Syringes
Is there anything you would add to this list? For more content and training that could save your life, check out survivalschoolmichigan.com
The Ultimate Nuclear and Chemical Defense Kit
We live in an era marked by wars and the constant threat of conflict. Every day brings new reports of a looming third world war, one that could turn nuclear at any moment. Most of us are not millionaires or billionaires with private bunkers. So, what can the common man do to survive such cataclysmic events? You can build a kit, and find the right shelter if there are nuke detonations.
Gas Mask-Here are 5 recommendations: 1) MIRA Safety CM-7M or CM-8M which is compatible with a 40mm NATO cartridge. 2) Avon Protection M50 3) 3M Scott Safety M120 4) Drager CDR 4500 5) SGE 400/3BB. Each of these 5 are CBRN rated (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) which is what you want.
Protective Suits-Hazmat suit.
Water-Minimum of 1 gallon per person per day. Bring a drink mix like Gatorade. Powder is easiest to transport.
Food-Preferably non-perishable such as freeze-dried food, energy bars, dehydrated fruit, hard candy, etc. Think about calories to stay warm.
Dosimeter
Rate Meter
Charger
Geiger Counter
Sand Bags-Good for creating a buffer from gamma radiation. Although if you are filling them with dirt after a nuclear event you are too late.
Decontamination Kit-A shower and place to wash off contaminants.
HEPA Filters-Use inside the structure you are sheltering in. Hopefully you found a concrete basement below ground, or are the middle floors of a high rise.
Plastic Sheeting and Duct Tape-Seal all vents.
Fresh Clothes-Season dependent.
Contractor Garbage Bags-Place contaminated clothing inside these rugged bags.
Sleeping Pad-Remember, conduction sucks the heat right out of you when you are laying against a cold surface. Put a layer beneath you to prevent this issue.
Sleep System-Sleeping Bag, pillow, blankets
First Aid Kit-For minor cuts, burns and other injuries.
Potassium Iodate (KI) Tablets-This will protect your thyroid and help to prevent cancer at a later date.
Flashlight-Have extra batteries, I swear by Surefire flashlights.
Cell Phone-Have it fully charged before you leave and have a charger in your vehicle.
Mini Stove-Small propane or similar gas stove to cook or purify water. Not contaminated water.
Portable Radio-Find out what is going on in the rest of the world.
Multitool-endless uses.
*If a nuclear bomb detonated and you are still alive, prepare to hunker down in place for a minimum of 3 days. This is due to the fallout and gamma radiation.
Is there anything you would add to this list?
Hardtack: The Timeless Survival Biscuit
Hardtack
Hardtack is more than just a simple biscuit—it’s a steadfast companion that has traveled through the annals of history alongside humanity’s bravest explorers, seafarers, and soldiers. From the days of ancient Egypt, where it sustained sailors on the Nile, to the ranks of the Roman legions marching across vast empires, hardtack has been a reliable source of sustenance.
During the tumultuous Middle Ages, soldiers in battle relied on these resilient crackers, known by various names such as sea biscuit or ship’s biscuit, as their unyielding ally in the face of hunger. Hardtack’s legacy continued to expand, becoming a staple aboard naval vessels across the globe, ensuring that seafarers had a durable food supply on long voyages.
In the American Civil War, hardtack was indispensable for soldiers on both sides, often softened in coffee or soup to make it more palatable. Fast forward to the 20th and 21st centuries, this hardy bread earned the moniker “pilot bread” as it was carried by aviators, proving its worth in the skies.
In a world where modern conveniences might fail, hardtack shines as a beacon of survival. Its incredible durability allows it to last for years when kept dry, outlasting the need for electricity or refrigeration. With just a few simple ingredients—flour, water, and a pinch of salt—anyone can whip up this life-sustaining biscuit.
When you need to bug out, hardtack’s lightweight and compact nature makes it an ideal companion. You can carry enough to sustain yourself without being weighed down, and its versatility in use means you can turn it into a variety of meals.
This recipe makes approximately nine squares, each about 3″x3″. On average, one or two squares would be served per person, making this batch capable of feeding 4 to 9 people.
Recipe for nine squares:
- 2 cups of flour (use white or whole wheat)
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ to ¾ cup of water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees
- Mix the flour and the salt up in a bowl or container
- Mix water into the flour and salt until you make dough
- Roll your dough onto a hard surface that has been pre-floured
- Get the dough good and floury to where it won’t stick
- Cut this dough into squares about 3”x3”
- Use a chopstick or other similar object to poke holes in each of the nine squares
- Poke anywhere from 9-15 holes in each 3”x3” square
- Place the squares on a baking sheet, ungreased
- Bake for a half hour at 375 degrees, turn it over and bake on the other side for a half hour
- If it is not completely dry or hard, keep baking each side
Once your hardtack emerges from the oven, let it cool completely. If you store it in an airtight container, it can last for many months, even years, preserving its legacy as an enduring survival food. Transform your Hardtack into a culinary delight:
- Soak and Savor: To enjoy hardtack without risking your dental health, soak it in water, coffee, broth, or soup until it softens up. This simple trick makes it much more palatable.
- Fry for Flavor: For a delicious twist, pan fry your hardtack. Many people love frying it in bacon grease, adding a rich, savory taste.
- Perfect Pairing: Hardtack pairs wonderfully with soups and stews, complementing the hearty flavors and providing a satisfying crunch.
When times are tough or you’re in an emergency or survival situation, hardtack stands as a reliable ration. While it may not earn a Michelin star, this humble bread will keep you alive and well when you need it most. Bon appétit, adventurer!
Nuclear Survival 101: Essential Steps to Stay Alive and Survive the Aftermath of a Nuclear Detonation
In a world where tensions are high and the threat of nuclear conflict looms large, being prepared for the unthinkable is more crucial than ever. Recent global events have shown us just how volatile our times are, with nations flexing their nuclear muscles and the specter of war casting a long shadow. This article is your no nonsense guide to surviving a nuclear bomb detonation in the U.S. We’ll cut through the noise and give you the hard facts and practical steps you need to protect yourself and your loved ones when the worst happens. Stay sharp, stay safe, and be ready for anything.
On Foot: Get behind cover and lay face down to protect yourself from thermal damage and projectiles. Do NOT look at the blast, doing so will blind you.
Driving: If you are driving when a nuke goes off but are not near ground zero, consider yourself fortunate that you did not get vaporized. Again, do NOT look at the blast as doing so can blind you. If you can help it, you want to be upwind or crosswind of the nuclear fallout. Downwind is the worst place to be because the fallout is coming your way. If you are downwind of the blast, you have approximately 15-20 minutes before the fallout starts raining down on top of you in the form of radioactive dust and particles. Shut off your air circulation system in your vehicle and close the vents. Seek shelter immediately.
Seek Underground Shelter: Find a building made of dense material, like brick or concrete, preferably with a concrete basement. Situate yourself in an interior room away from windows and other walls. The deeper underground you get the better. Radiation levels significantly decrease the lower you go. Choose a corner of the basement that is most below ground level and away from outer walls and the roof. These spots are where radioactive material tends to collect the most. Increase shielding along walls and create a barrier wall in front of the door leading into the room, this can improve shielding from radiation. Think of the downstairs basement of an office with metal shelving and old books and manuals. Use all of this as shielding. Hunker in the basement for 72 hours, as the radiation levels will reduce until they are 1% of their initial value. Using plastic sheeting and duct tape, seal up all air vents, door cracks, etc. Another option for this type of shelter would be a homemade bunker made of sandbags. The sandbags must be at least 3 ft deep to stop radiation.
Decontaminate: Peel off the clothes you were wearing, they could be containing deadly radiation and fallout. Wash any exposed skin. Better yet, take a shower. Contaminated clothes need to go into a quarantined plastic bag and removed. If you must go outside again you PPE.
Supplies: Unfortunately, you were on the road for work and not at your survival retreat in Michigan’s U.P., stocked with 20 years’ worth of food and enough ammo to fight WW3. You will have to look around for what you can eat. Is there a refrigerator? Is there a nearby vending machine you could bust the glass out of? If you have them, take potassium iodide (KI) tablets to protect your thyroid. If you don’t have these tablets, rub a tincture of iodine on your stomach about the size of a basketball.
Communication: Find a radio if possible and listen for further instructions.
Rust Busters: Revive Your Knife with Baking Soda and Vinegar!
Rust Busters: Revive Your Knife with Baking Soda and Vinegar!