Month: February 2023

27
Feb
2023

How to Prepare for war as a Civilian

apocalypse, catastrophe, end time, nuclear blast, world war

War is one of those things that you can’t imagine happening in your homeland. Since the cold war ended, we mainly see and hear about wars in faraway lands. In reality, war can happen anywhere, given the right circumstances. Let’s talk about how to prepare for war as a civilian.

The war in Ukraine has been raging for a year at this point. In the weeks and months before the start of the war, there was talk that a war may start. None of my family in Ukraine believed Russia would invade. And then SHTF.

Understand Your Geography

Geography plays a massive part in war and war zones. Where you live can affect what threats you may face should a war break out.

Do you live in the wilderness, away from military and strategic assets like power plants? Your preparation considerations will differ significantly from someone living in a major city or near strategic assets like military bases.

Assess your area to inform your prepping choices.

Preparing for war as a Civilian

Stock up on Essential Supplies

If a war breaks out, food, water, and other supplies will be hard to come by. The logistics machine that facilitates our daily lives will break down rapidly in a war zone.

Here is a short list of emergency supplies you should prioritize:

  • Warm and protective clothing

  • Water and water purification supplies 

  • Non-perishable food

  • First aid kit

  • Medication

  • Radios and communication gear

Know Where to Find Shelter

radioactive, danger, nuclear

Your home might be the best place to shelter should a war happen. Some areas have fallout shelters, bomb shelters, and other fortified structures to take refuge in should you need to leave your home.

In the case of nuclear war, finding shelter from fallout and radioactive material will be critical to surviving.

Many cities use subway tunnels, highway tunnels, and other underground places as emergency shelters. Take note of the options in your area should you need to use them.

Warning Signs of a war

A war can break out rapidly with little warning. Other times there are warning signs that something terrible may be on the horizon.

World War 2 had many warning signs prior to things becoming a full on war. In the case of Ukraine, the US and other countries spoke of a potential invasion for months before it happened.

In the US, we have a National Emergency Alert System, one of the standard ways the US government will communicate with civilians if disaster strikes.

Television broadcasts and radio stations will periodically test the Emergency Alert System. Pay attention when you hear the Emergency Alert System in case it’s not just a test.

Stay Informed

When things start getting spicy, stay informed of the developing situation. TV and radio news can be reputable sources of information. Twitter, social media, and other alternative media will generally have the newest breaking news if the situation changes rapidly. Many governments will use all media types to distribute information to the local populace.

Build Your Emergency Kits

outdoor, hammock, bushcraft, survival skills

FEMA recommends all households have emergency response kits in case disaster strikes. These kits are the minimum needed to survive a short time with limited emergency response personnel support.

A basic emergency kit should include the following:

  • Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation)

  • Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)

  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert

  • Flashlight

  • First aid kit

  • Extra batteries

  • Whistle (to signal for help)

  • Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)

  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)

  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)

  • Manual can opener (for food)

  • Local maps

  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

  • Download the Recommended Supplies List (PDF) from FEMA

Get First aid Training

first aid kit, help, suitcase

All those fancy first aid supplies are only helpful with the knowledge to use them effectively. Knowing basic first aid can save the life of you or your family members.

StopTheBleed.org puts on excellent training classes on how to treat major wounds. Best of all, these classes are free! Additional paid training is available through many resources like the Red Cross.

Keep Some Cash on Hand for Emergencies.

ATMs and credit cards may not work during a major disaster due to internet and electrical outages. Having some paper money available can be helpful if you need to buy things.

Bug out or bug in

If a war or significant conflict erupts in your area, it may be best to leave or “bug out”. Getting away from the conflict zone will reduce the immediate threat to you and your family.

In a nuclear attack or reactor meltdown, getting away from the radioactive material can limit exposure to harmful radiation. The more hardened material and distance you can place between yourself and the radiation source, the better.

Bugging out may be ideal, but it can be challenging to leave a city due to traffic and other factors. You’re better off if you can at least get to a more rural or less populated area. Higher population density will worsen things because of the vast number of people trying to survive.

FAQ

What do I need to prepare for war?

You should make an emergency kit and consider prepping emergency food, water, clothes, medication, first aid, and other supplies.

How do civilians survive war?

Civilians primarily survive war by getting out of the immediate area of the conflict zone. People forced to stay, survive by having already prepared for a future disaster situation.

What to do during a war?

Leave the area if possible.

How to survive world war?

Prepare for world war by gathering emergency supplies. Get first aid and survival training prior to the war. Find an safer area to take shelter that is far from strategic assets like power plants and military bases.

Posted by Mike in About SHTF, 0 comments
24
Feb
2023

Are Pine Cones Edible? How to Cook and Eat Pine Cones, Pine Nuts, and Bark.

tree, spruce, cones, are pine cones edible

Pine trees are common in many parts of the world. Their pine cones litter the forest floor in abundance. If you were in a survival situation would you try and eat pine cones? Are Pine cones edible? Yes, some pine cones and pine tree parts are edible! Pine nuts are particularly nutritious and make an outstanding survival food.

Be careful because not all pine trees or pine cones are safe to eat. Keep reading for more information on eating pine cones.

What is a Pine Cone?

Pine cones are the reproductive organs of all coniferous trees including Pine trees. All pine trees have both male and female pine cones. The male pine cones contain the pollen used to fertilize the female cones. When a female pine cone is fertilized it creates seeds that can grow into new Pine trees.

Only female cones contain pine nuts. Male cones only contain pollen.

There are many shapes and sizes of Pine cones. Some species can grow up to two feet in length. Others are short and round. There are even pine cones that look like berries.

pine cones, fir tree, pine tree, male cones

Edible Parts of a Pine Cone

The main edible part of a pine cone is the nuts. Pine nuts are found within the pine seeds. If you want to harvest pine nuts look for green pine cones that are tightly sealed. These will yield the best quality nuts. You can eat pine nuts raw or roast them in a pan.

To extract pine nuts break open the green pine cones. Crack the seeds to reveal pale yellow pine nuts. The pine nuts will have a rich nutty flavor and they are rich in fat and protein. An excellent survival food.

Pine trees with edible nuts:

  • Sugar Pine

  • Western White Pine

  • Longleaf Pine

  • Red Pine

  • Pitch Pine

pine, branch, tree

Can you eat an Actual Pine Cone?

Eating pine cones is not something I would do unless I had no other choice. The Female pine cones are usually too woody to be edible.

If you’re desperate you can boil pine cones to soften them up and eat them. Male pine cones will be softer and edible without any boiling.

What Other Parts of a Pine Tree are Edible?

Pine needles and the inner bark can also be eaten. You can boil pine needles to make a tea. Pine needle tea is rich in vitamin C which will be beneficial during a survival situation.

Pine bark can be stripped from the tree to eat the soft inner portion. If you’ve ever noticed a pine tree with the bark stripped off the trunk twenty feet off the ground, it was probably a Black Bear eating the bark.

pine, needles, conifer

Which Pines are Safe to eat?

Pine trees that are safe to eat:

  • White pine (considered to be the best tasting)

  • Sugar pine

  • Slippery Elm

  • Black Birch

  • Yellow Birch

  • Red Spruce

  • Black Spruce

  • Balsam Fir

  • Tamarack

Which Pines are Poisonous?

The following pine trees are poisonous:

  • Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)

  • Yew (Taxus)

  • Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) – also known as Western Yellow Pine

Nutritional Value of Pine Nuts

Pine nuts are rich in many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are high in fat, protein, and calories making them an excellent survival food.

Serving Size: .25 Cup

Calories673% Daily Value
Total Fat68 g87%
Saturated Fat5 g25%
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium2 mg0%
Potassium0 mg0%
Total Carbohydrate13 g5%
Dietary Fiber4 g14%
Sugar4 g
Protein14 g28%
Vitamin C1%
Iron33%
Calcium1%
Vitamin A1%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Conclusion

Hopefully you’re never in a SHTF situation where you’re forced to eat pine cones. Surviving on pine cones would be tough and sounds miserable. Ideally you will be prepared for any natural or man-made disaster and never have to resort to such desperate measures. If you’re interested in storing emergency food so you don’t need to eat pine cones check out our post on how to store food long term using buckets.

FAQ

Are pine cones poisonous?

Some pine cones are poisonous. Be careful before trying to eat a pine cone.

Do pine cones have nutritional value?

Yes, some pine cones have carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamin C.

What are pine cones good for?

Some pine cones can be eaten. Dry pine cones can be good for starting fires.

What would happen if you eat a pine cone?

It depends on the cone. Some are poisonous while others can be safe to eat.

Can you eat pine cone buds?

Some pine cone buds are safe to eat while some pines are poisonous and shouldn’t be eaten.

Can you eat pine nuts raw?

Yes, raw pine nuts are good to eat. You can also roast them.

Posted by Mike in Food, 0 comments
22
Feb
2023

Can you Boil Salt Water to Make it Drinkable?

waves, sea, ocean, can you boil salt water to make it drinkable

There are many stories of shipwrecked sailors who drink ocean water out of desperation. It’s understandable because, without water, humans will die within three days. If you were in a survival situation near the ocean, can you boil salt water to drink? No, boiling seawater will not remove the salt. Drinking boiled seawater will make dehydration worse.

You could find yourself without fresh water during a natural disaster or survival situation. Keep reading for more information on how to make seawater drinkable.

What Happens if You Drink Sea Water?

drop of water, drop, impact, boiling sea water, saline water, convert salt water

Your kidneys are capable of filtering some salt from the water you drink. Saltwater is about 3.5% salt, considerably more than our bodies can filter.

When you drink seawater, your body will try to excrete excess salt by creating more urine. This process will worsen dehydration.

Drinking enough salt water will cause salt water poisoning. Salt water poisoning will eventually cause organ failure and death.

How To Remove Salt From Seawater In The Wilderness

You must accomplish two main things to make ocean water drinkable:

  • Remove the salt

  • Sanitize the water

Sanitization can be accomplished by boiling the water for at least one minute. Water boils at 212 degrees F, killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. The boiling process will do nothing to remove salt from the water.

You can distill water using several techniques. One method involves boiling salt water and then collecting the steam. The steam will be pure water. The salt will remain in the container used for boiling.

Water purified using the distillation process will be safe for human consumption.

Making a Solar Still

reverse osmosis, water evaporates, drinkable fresh water, distilled water
Image credit: “Puits Solaire” by Solar_still.svg. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons

  1. Dig a hole approximately 3ft by 3ft.

  2. Dig another hole in the center of the first hole. Make this hole large enough for a container to catch condensation.

  3. Place the catchment container in the hole.

  4. Cover the pit with a piece of plastic, tarp, or similar.

  5. Secure the tarp using rocks or other heavy objects.

  6. Place another rock or object in the center of the tarp.

  7. The tarp’s center should hang close to the container to allow condensation to drip from the tarp into the container.

  8. Secure the edges of the tarp to prevent moisture from escaping.

The solar still works by using heat from the sun to cause moisture in the soil to evaporate. Water vapor condenses on the tarp, runs down the inside of the tarp, and drips into the container.

The volume of water distilled will depend on the temperature and the size of the still. Warmer weather will cause more water to evaporate. A larger pit can also generate more water.

Distilling Water Using Evaporation

This process works on the same principles as the solar still, except you are using heat from a fire to evaporate the water. To do this, you need the following items:

  • Cooking pot with lid or heat-resistant container

  • Condenser or cooling tube

  • A container to catch condensation

To distill water using this technique, perform the following steps:

  1. Fill the cooking pot with seawater.

  2. Place the cooling tube into the pot above the water.

  3. Place the lid on the pot.

  4. Heat the water-filled container over a fire.

  5. Once the water boils, steam will travel into the tube and condense into water.

  6. This fresh water will drip out of the condenser tube.

FAQ

What is the best container to store water?

Check out our post on the best water storage containers here.

Does boiling water remove salt?

No, salt will remain in the water even if boiled.

Does boiling water kill everything?

Yes, boiling water will kill 99.9999% of all bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and other pathogens.

Can I make seawater drinkable?

Yes, you can distill sea water to make drinking water.

Is drinking seawater safe?

No, drinking seawater causes dehydration. Drinking too much seawater causes death.

Can you do anything to salt water to make it drinkable?

The only way to make salt water drinkable is through distillation.

What happens if you boil salt water?

Boiling salt water will sanitize the water. Boiling will not remove the salt.

Is drinking a glass of salt water good for you?

Drinking one glass of salt water probably won’t hurt you, but it will cause dehydration.

How much salt water can you safely drink?

A tiny amount won’t hurt you, but drinking salt water will cause dehydration and, in large quantities, death.

Posted by Mike in Water, 0 comments
21
Feb
2023

The Best Ferro Rods (AKA Ferrocerium rod)

The Ferro rod is one of the most reliable and best fire-making tools. Ferro rods are impervious to the elements and work even if they get wet. One Ferro rod can be used to make thousands of fires. I always keep them in my camping gear and as part of my emergency supplies.

When most people start a fire, they usually use a lighter, but what if you’re in a survival situation? Lighters run out of fuel or can break. You’ll want something that lasts a long time and works every time. This is where the Ferro rod comes in.

The Best Ferro Rods

überleben Hexå Ferro Rod

The Best Ferro Rods (AKA Ferrocerium rod)

Check on Amazon

The überleben Hexå is one of my favorite Ferro rods I’ve used. They come in two sizes, but I prefer the six-inch version. The large size makes using the Ferro rod easy, even while wearing gloves.

The überleben Hexå is a medium-hard Ferro rod that makes abundant and hot sparks. The hexagon shape also helps generate sparks easier when using the steel striker.

My only gripe is the striker could be better.

Pros:

  • Large size

  • It lasts a very long time

  • Easy to use with gloves

  • Available with a handle if you want it

Cons:

  • Expensive

  • Striker is flimsy

Feuerstock Survival Tool

ferro rod, great sparks, brighter sparks, fire

Check on Amazon

There is a lot to like about the Feuerstock Ferro rod kit. The rod itself is five inches long and half an inch thick. I like the red coating, which makes finding the rod easier should you drop it.

The Feuerstock comes with the best striker I’ve ever used. The striker has a nice rubberized handle which makes holding it very easy. It also has a carbine striker at the end. It holds a sharp edge for a long time and generates excellent sparks in every weather condition.

For ease of use, the Feuerstock is top tier.

Pros:

  • Excellent tungsten carbide striker

  • Red coated rod

  • Good size

Cons:

  • Not the cheapest

Light My Fire Army

light my fire army, everyday carry, ferro rod, wooden handle

Check on Amazon

The Light My Fire Army is a good choice if you’re looking for a light and compact Ferro rod. The Army Ferro rod material is hard and produces abundant sparks using the included striker. The rod is 2.2 inches long and the minimum size I’d want to use.

The Light My Fire Army is a small rod, and it’s more difficult to hold than the larger Ferro Rods. This small size is excellent if you’re counting grams and want something lightweight.

Pros:

  • Compact and light

  • Small but a good striker

  • Striker includes a whistle

Cons:

  • The small size makes using it more difficult.

Exotac fireROD XL

ferro rod, spark, flint, firesteel, device

Check on Amazon

The Exotac fireROD XL is a serious piece of kit. It has a large 1/2-inch thick Ferro rod and a waterproof storage compartment. The Ferro rod is also threaded so that you can replace it should you use it that much. I like that it includes everything you need to make a fire.

The kit has duct tape and four quickLight tinder tabs. The Exotac fireROD XL is an excellent all-in-one kit with everything you need to start a fire.

Pros:

Large diameter Ferro rod

Waterproof storage compartment

Duct tape and tinder are a nice touch

Cons:

Expensive

What is a Ferro rod?

Ferrocerium rods are a metal alloy designed to be used to start fires. To use a Ferro rod, you take a metal striker and scrape it across the rod. Doing this creates a shower of hot sparks, quickly catching your tinder on fire.

Ferro rods are impervious to the elements and work even if they get wet. They are incredibly durable and last a long time. The Ferro rod must be in your survival kit if you need a reliable way to start fires.

How to choose a Ferro rod

There are hundreds of Ferro rods on the market. Many are made by the same companies and just rebranded. Most of them work just fine, but I’ve learned valuable tips over the years that will help you choose the best Ferro rod for your needs.

Larger Ferro rods are Easier to use

Trying to start a fire can be a real annoyance holding a tiny little Ferro rod. Especially when your hands are wet and cold or if you’re wearing gloves.

I like a large Ferro rod because it is easier to hold. The size makes it very easy to hold and use with my striker. My favorite Ferro rod is six inches long and half an inch thick. I have it tied to a lanyard that I wear around my neck along with a neck knife.

For information on the best neck knives check out our post.

Striker Design is Important

For a striker to work correctly, it needs to have a sharp edge. If it’s too dull, you will struggle to generate sparks. If you buy a Ferro rod with a striker, ensure it works well. If the striker is not sharp enough, you can sharpen it using many knife sharpening tools or some sandpaper on a table.

The striker doesn’t need to be sharp like a knife. It just needs an acute 90-degree angle to drag across the Ferro rod.

The hardness of the Ferro rod

Ferro rods are made in a variety of hardnesses.

A Harder Ferro rod will create sparks, which will be hotter. Harder Ferro rods will also last longer.

Softer Ferro rods contain more magnesium. They generate molten metal that isn’t as hot as sparks and doesn’t last as long.

Some tinder will light better when using a soft Ferro rod.

I like harder Ferro rods, but you should experiment to see which type works best for you.

Extra Features

  • Lanyard Holes: I will only buy a Ferro rod with a lanyard hole. I like to keep my Ferro rod and striker tied together. Keep from losing your Ferro rod and striker by tying a paracord lanyard.

  • Strikers: Many Ferro rods come with strikers. Some Ferro rod kits include a multi-tool striker with saw teeth to help scrape magnesium to help start the fire.

  • Storage Capsules: Some Ferro rods have handles with a storage compartment for holding tinder. This is a nice feature that comes in handy.

  • Carrying Cases: Not necessary if you have a lanyard on your Ferro rod. The carrying case can help hold extra tinder.

FAQ

Is a ferro rod better than flint-and-steel?

Ferro rods are much easier to use than flint-and-steel.

How long will a Ferro rod last?

It depends on how large the Ferro rod is. A large six inch long 1/2 inch thick Ferro rod can last 20,000 strikes. Smaller two inch rod will last about 10,000 strikes.

What size ferro rod is best?

It depends on your needs. Larger Ferro rods last longer and are easier to use. Smaller Ferro rods are lighter.

What is the best striker for a Ferro rod?

Many things can work as strikers. The spine of a knife can work well. Any sharp piece of steel or aluminum will work.

How hot are the sparks from a ferrocerium Rod?

About 2,000 degrees F

Are ferrocerium rods toxic?

No, but don’t try to eat one.

Why is it called a Ferro rod?

Because Ferro is easier to say than Ferrocerium.

Can you use a knife on a ferro rod?

Yes, the spine of a knife works well as a striker if it has a sharp 90-degree angle.

Is a Ferro rod better than magnesium?

These are entirely different things. Ferro rods when struck generate sparks. Magnesium can be shaved into thin slices and can be used to help ignite tinder. The sparks from a Ferro rod can ignite magnesium shavings to start a fire.

Posted by Mike in Gear and Supplies, 0 comments
20
Feb
2023

Does Epsom Salt Expire? Should you add Epsom Salt to Your Emergency Supplies?

does epsom salt expire, epsom salt good, epsom salt expires

Have you ever wondered “does Epsom salt expire?”. Epsom salt has been one of my favorite home remedies for decades. It works wonders for muscle aches. Epsom salt can relieve sunburn. You can even use Epsom salt as a laxative or to help fertilize your garden.

These are just a few ways you can use Epsom salt. Epsom salt is one non-food-related thing I keep in my emergency supplies. It’s just too valuable not to.

What if you have Epsom salt in your cabinet for a long time? No need to worry. Epsom salt will not expire if stored in a cool, dry place like your cabinet.

What is Epsom Salt?

Epsom salt is a naturally occurring mineral made of magnesium sulfate and water. People discovered Epsom salt bubbling out of a spring in England around 1600. There are many places where naturally derived Epsom salt is found.

How Long Does Epsom Salt Last?

You may have noticed your Epsom salt package has an expiration date. The FDA requires an expiration date, but Epsom salt will not lose its efficacy or potency over time. 

If stored in a cool, dry place, Epsom salt will not expire.

How to Store Epsom Salt

Storing Epsom salt is pretty straightforward. Keep your Epsom salt in a waterproof container. If you are not using an airtight container, moisture exposure will eventually cause your Epsom salt to clump. Clumping is not a big deal, and your Epsom salt will work fine.

I keep mine in the original package and then place those in a bucket with a lid for long-term storage. I don’t worry much about the expiration date on the packages.

Store your Epsom salt in a cool, dry place, and it will last nearly indefinitely. If you want more info on storing salt long-term, check out our post.

Uses for Epsom Salt in Survival Kits

Soaking bath for relaxation

bathtub, tub, bathroom

The magnesium sulphate in Epsom salt absorbs through your skin and helps relieve muscle soreness and body aches. One of my favorite uses for Epsom salt is in a soaking bath after a long day out in the woods. It helps with stress relief. It can even help improve your sleep.

To use Epsom salt for a bath, add 2 cups of Epsom salt to your bath water and soak for 20 minutes. An alternative to the bath is soaking your feet in the Epsom salt solution. You will still reap most of the benefits with just a foot soak.

Epsom salt sunburn relief

If you’ve spent too much time in the sun and you’re feeling the effects of a sunburn, you can use Epsom salt to relieve the pain.

Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to a cool bath and soak in the water. You can also use a cool compress soaked in Epsom salt for small areas if you don’t want to make a full bath.

Allergic Reactions

Epsom salt can help relieve itching and inflammation from allergic reactions. You can either create a soaking back using 2 cups of Epsom salt or make a compress and apply it to the affected area.

I once had a reaction caused by a medication allergy that covered most of my body in an itchy rash. One of the only reliefs I found was soaking in an Epsom salt bath. It was a godsend.

Skin exfoliation

You can make an excellent skin exfoliant using Epsom salt and oil like coconut or jojoba oil. Gently rub the salt scrub on your skin to remove dead skin cells.

Reduce swelling and inflammation with Epsom salt

An Epsom salt bath can help relieve pain and swelling in joints and muscles. Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to your bath and soak for at least 20 minutes. You will notice how incredibly relaxed you will feel. Your pain and discomfort will fade away.

For targeted relief, use a compress saturated with Epsom salt water.

Use Epsom salt as a laxative

You can treat constipation and stomach pain by drinking an Epsom salt solution. Epsom salt is a natural laxative. Mix two tablespoons with water and stir. Once the Epsom salt is dissolved, drink the liquid on an empty stomach.

Use Epsom salt in your garden

greenhouse, planting, spring

The magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt helps seeds germinate. It will also make your plants grow bushier and produce more fruit. The Epsom salt will also help deter pests such as slugs and voles.

Mix one cup of Epsom salt in a gallon of water and water your plants every two weeks. You will see notable improvements in your harvest.

FAQ

How long does Epson salt last?

If stored properly, Epsom salt can last indefinitely.

Does Epsom salt come with expiration dates?

Yes, the FDA requires the expiration date listed on Epsom salt containers. The Epsom salt can last much longer than the listed expiration date.

Why Does Epsom Salt Have an Expiration Date?

The FDA requires manufacturers to include an expiration date.

How does Epsom salt work?

Epsom salt enters your body by absorbing into your skin.

What happens if you use expired bath salts?

There is minimal risk of using expired Epsom salts unless it is contaminated.

Which is better for cooking: Epsom salt or table salt?

Do not use Epsom salt for cooking.

Does Epsom salt lose its potency?

No, Epsom salt will not lose its potency over time.

Posted by Mike in Food, 0 comments