Economic Depression, natural disasters, food shortages ... it pays to be prepared and as self sufficient as possible. This blog provides ideas and suggestions on how to prepare for emergencies. This is not a head for the hills type survival site. It is for the average family who lives in the suburbs and wants to be prepared for uncertainty. We will discuss storage of food and water, home safety, growing your own food, etc.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Basic bread recipe

There are many recipes for making bread. The following one is a simple one which I have found to be foolproof. This works in bread making machines too. (You don't need to buy special mixes for bread making machines.)

Whole wheat bread recipe
Combine the following ingredients:
1.5 cups of water
2 tblsp honey
1 tblsp oil
2 cups bread flour
2 cups whole wheat flour
1.5 tsp salt
1 tblsp yeast
Knead, let rise and bake at 325 degrees, or add ingredients to bread maker and let it do everything !

Monday, January 17, 2011

Bugout bag

A bugout bag is a supply of items which are pre-packed in some type of container (usually a backpack) which you could grab and leave with in a BIG hurry if need be. It usually contains enough survival gear to last you 3-6 days or until you get to a safe place. In line with the philosophy of this site, your bugout bag doesn't include everything you would ever need to survive. Rather it is something which you can put in your car and which will help you get home safely if the need arises.

Contents:
Backpack
food (MRE, Granola bars, energy bars, peanut butter)
water (16 oz bottles)
change of clothing
Roll of quarters
First aid kit
Prescription medications
Toiletries
LED Flashlight
Pen and paper
Poncho
Leatherman multi-tool
knife
can opener
spoon
metal cup
Candle
matches
lighter
chemical lightstick
Moistened towelettes
toilet paper
compass
whistle
550 lb nylon cord
duct tape
tin foil
survival / space blanket
spare keys


Bug-Out Tools: Here is a broad list of items every bug-out-bag should have, in no particular order...
Lighter
Magnesium Striker
Waterproof Matches
Canteen
Snare Wire
Fishing Kit
2 Compasses
Compact Binoculars
Topographical Map (know the terrain you are heading towards)
Camper Knife/Fork/Spoon Combo
Camp Knife (for work)
Combat Knife (for defense)
Leatherman Multi-tool
Wire Saw (get one with leather straps, not metal rings)
Folding Camper Saw (for bigger jobs)
550 Paracord
Plastic Zip Ties
Carabiners (numerous uses)
Small Sewing Kit (pack extra needles)
Snivel Kit (don't forget Quick-Clot and poison oak/ivy soap)
Folding Shovel
Small Knife Sharpening Stone
Compact Mess Kit (get steel for durability and stay away from aluminum)
TOILET PAPER!!! (get a thick roll, cut out the cardboard center, and smash it down)
Poncho
2 Thick Emergency Thermal Blankets
Small Camp Stove (I recommend the Bushbuddy Stove)
Water Purification Tablets
Katadyn Water Filter
LED Flashlight (cover light with small piece of clear red plastic to reduce visibility)
Rechargeable Batteries
2 Pairs of Wool Socks (even if you bug-out in the Summer)
Solid Leather Boots (wear these, and make sure they're worn in before an event occurs)
Small Survival Guide (helps you to remember possible strategies)
Wild Edible Plant Guide
Paper
Pen
This seems like an incredible amount of items to carry around on your back, but all of it should fit quite easily into your BOB if you use the space wisely, and the weight should not be an issue. Pack contents will also vary depending on personal survival strategies, but most of these tools should be present in your bag regardless of conditions.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Introduction

Economic Depression, natural disasters, food shortages ... it pays to be prepared and as self sufficient as possible. This blog provides ideas and suggestions on how to prepare for emergencies. This is not a head for the hills type survival site. It is for the average family who lives in the suburbs and wants to be prepared for uncertainty. We will discuss storage of food and water, home safety, growing your own food, etc.

To get started here are 2 excellent files to get you started with food storage: Everything made simple and Everything under the sun. There is more information at everythingunderthesunblog.blogspot.com