Active New Top (30 days) Compact Card Free prepper education through the National Weather Service Bob - September 25, 2021 https://www.weather.gov/wrn/get-involved Good morning, A prepper must continuously learn all the pertinent subjects. NOAA’s National Weather Service offers some courses … on weather of course … that are ideal. I took the Skywarn class – only a few hours. Do note much adjustments to classroom meetings during the pandemic. Make the local inquiries and see what fits into one’s plans and programs. The Moderna CEO made an announcement that the pandemic will end soon. These in person classes are ideal places that can assist GSOPrepper and Jonnie seeking a local prepper group. Just mention to someone attending seeking to learn about the other prepper subjects also and wondering if there’s an area group doing the same. The answers are out there. There are “normal” groups of prepper seeking to increase their knowledge. For relaxation after studies, go to parties at CoCoRa High School …… just joking, just joking ! Preparedness is a de facto requirement of citizenship. FEMA has the ideal philosophy: “Prepare for realistic, worst case scenarios”. Read More 5 10 Check immunizations records; keep current Bob - September 25, 2021 https://www.wric.com/news/virginia-news/virginia-department-of-health-aware-of-several-confirmed-measles-cases-in-afghan-evacuees/ Good evening / morning, It’s not just about the COVID-19 shots / jabs. Virginia now has some measles cases. Preppers must not neglect the foundation of immunizations. COVID-19 is new. Measles not so, Above link tells of introduction of measles via some Afghan arrivals here already infected. Some of these Afghan evacuees are in 3 week quarantine concurrent with getting immunizations. Some of these evacuees were also phased into the community here without the 21 day quarantine and government-provided shots /jabs. Check your shot / jab records NOW and keep current. Here we are fatigued by COVID overwhelming medical facilities and now the additional fatigue from measles. A hurricane or wildfire evac with measles won’t be happening. Article uses term “Health leaders”. Easy to identify the problem. Read More 3 7 I’m fed up with losing lists and forgetting stuff Bill Masen - September 25, 2021 Darn it yet AGAIN I ventured from home in my van and on arrival at my destination I realised I had forgotten a few of the prepping kit items I USUALLY take with me to suppliment my EDC gear. Its my fault because I either forget where I put my check lists OR dont read the list properly and miss an item or to. I even managed to go on a recce mission once without my camera and notebook. So I’ve decided to add a visual aid ( poster) on the door to my prep room to try and use it as a prompt to double check I’ve got all I need. This is my first effort. I always keep food and rations in the van along with PDW gear so its not shown. Read More 5 8 Costco issue warning of shortage, Fox says stock up Bill Masen - September 25, 2021 https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/costco-limit-purchases-supply-chain-inflation-pressure Could see panic buying again unfortunately its a similar issue in the UK. Read More 3 10 Fasteners – Important items needed to repair, attach and help you hold it together during a crisis UbiqueContributor - September 24, 2021 We think of fasteners as nails, screws, bolts with nuts and washers. Most preppers store a wide variety of these items. But there are other kinds of equally important fasteners to store. Zip ties are good to have on hand in a variety of lengths with a consideration that white zip ties don’t last as long as black ties will last. Some types of zip ties are reusable. I also save twist ties, such as the long ones that come with the packaging of certain items. Twist ties also come in packages of garbage bags or can be on bread. I use them to hold inventory tags on my prep item shelves and can be easily moved around. Rope made of synthetic or natural fibres such as hemp and in different length and weights. Watch the synthetic rope for quality. My husband just found out yesterday that a rope he just bought was not the typical poly rope he believed he had purchased. It will need to be repurposed for a much lighter project so as not to waste it. It was good to find that out before it might have been needed in an emergency. Don’t forget the importance of string as a fastener. It can be used to bind and hold herbs for drying. Heavier string can be used to macrame a plant holder. Yarn can repair or bind together when you darn a hole in a sweater or socks. Thread in a variety of basic colors, weights and type cotton and polyester with an large supply of needles of various sizes, plus dressmaker pins are necessary if you need to repair or make clothing. In a long crisis you may need to remake clothing as children grow. Snaps, hooks and eyes, and a grommet tool with grommets are good to have on hand. What about buttons and zippers? Have a variety of sizes on hand to repair clothing. During a crisis, clothing takes a beating and if it becomes a longer duration, consider the need for have buttons and zippers on hand. Bungee cords in a variety of lengths can serve in a range of situations with it’s handy flexibility. Adhesives are a fastener also and should be on hand to repair a variety of materials. “Shoo goo” is the brand I keep in my prep and regular supply for repairing boots. I have kept boots water tight and in use for many additional years using “Shoo goo.” For certain repairs to boots, I have used clamps to hold the pieces together while it cured for twenty-four hours. On the subject of boots, keep a good supply of extra boot and shoe laces in your preps. Superglue doesn’t have the life span of other adhesives, although I keep it on hand for quick repairs of lighter items. I keep Gorilla glue, two-part epoxy glue, wood glue, and ceramic glue on hand. Even acrylic and silicone caulk can be included in glues. I have used acrylic caulk to install small pieces of baseboard. Tape of various types are also important fasteners. I keep tapes like foil (for sealing HVAC ducts, hockey, masking, tuck (for sealing vapor barrier), duct, and a lot of packing tape for it’s variety of use. A good staple gun/brad nailer combo with an assortment of each is very important for repairs. Don’t forget household staples and an assortment of bulldog clips. These items are useful for reorganizing hard printed copies of important information as a crisis continues. Also bulldog clips can be hung with items attached and can be used for more than paper. A pail of roofing repair tar to seal leaks in a roof, roofing nails, and extra shingles can help secure your home if no one is available to repair it during a crisis. Learn how to do it before a disaster happens. There are many other types of fasteners. To be fully prepared, review all the components of your home and your preps and consider what kind of fasteners you might need in a crisis of a long duration. What might wear out? How could you repair the item? Read More 18 25 Advice The essentials of EDC Bill Masen - September 24, 2021 My EDC If I cannot take it with me, I aint going. If I cannot travel with it, I don’t go. If I can not ride or fly with it, I walk or drive. If I cannot enter with it, I turn away. If I cannot keep it with me I wont stay.. On my belt and in my pockets. it does not go in a bag. My EDC is all or nothing. Knife Flash light Lighter Compass Multi Tool Watch Wallet Shades Cell phone Cash Kerchief / Bandana Hat Gloves Pen Sharpie Notebook Flash drive Mask Sanitizer PDW Keys plus mini knife sharpener Read More 10 12 Target shooting grouping gets worse as I move to a heavier bullet grntrkguy1964 - September 24, 2021 I had something interesting happen today. I was shooting 7.62mm 150 grain bullets and this happened…so, I switched ammo to match grade 178 grain and the groups were horrible. Anyone else have a rifle that doesn’t seem to like “the good stuff?” Read More 9 8 Three memes about preparedness Bill Masen - September 24, 2021 Read More 2 4 How do you prevent your BOB from getting stolen? Jonnie PekelnyContributor - September 24, 2021 In a recent discussion of emergency cash on this forum, it was mentioned that burglars often grab things they can go through later. E.g. backpacks. That started me thinking about my BOB, which is very prominently displayed in my not very large living room. It’s there because I want to be able to grab it and go if I need to, but that also makes it excellent fodder for anyone who might break into my house. Of course I realize that the best remedy for this is to harden the perimeter to our houses, but still…. I’ve put quite a bit of money into my BOB, and I would hate it if all that got stolen. Read More 11 31 The Prepared “app” for your phone Jay ValenciaContributor - September 24, 2021 My 12 year old daughter saw me browsing this forum on my phone and asked what I was doing. I explained it was a forum that I’m a member of and what we talk about here. She then asked if it was an app and I told her that they don’t have an application but I can access it from my phone’s web browser. This smart little girl then taught me how I can make it into a sort of app that I can access from my home screen. I’ve been playing around with it for the past two weeks and it has been extremely helpful. Here’s some instructions on how to make this forum into something called a web app. 1. Open up https://theprepared.com/forum/ on your browser 2. Click on the side panel which is usually three dots 3. Select ‘Add to home screen’ 4. You then name your new app something you want Here’s what it looks like on an iPhone I’ve made a folder on my home screen with a link to The Prepared’s main page, the forum, and the blog. It’s been rather handy to just click on this button and be taken directly to the forum or blog so that I don’t miss anything. Read More 8 3 Let’s hear your prepper/survival stories! Mike Hill - September 23, 2021 I want to hear your stories about when you have used your preps, when you have survived a situation, or just anything along those lines of Prepping Stories. I personally haven’t survived any major disaster or had to heavily rely on my preps (that’s why I want to hear from you guys), but I do appreciate my Get Home Bag in my car. So many times I’ve needed a snack, a band-aid, some tylenol, or a piece of rope and I’ve been able to go in there and have it when I needed it. My friends at work knew they could come to me for anything, and 90% of the time, I did have it. Read More 14 20 U.S. government debt ceiling / technical default Seasons4 - September 23, 2021 Greetings, everyone. I’m curious to hear any thoughts on the risk of a U.S. government technical default if the debt ceiling isn’t raised. I’m not an expert in this field, and I’m using terms loosely. I realize that every year the same situation occurs. My thought is that the current political environment might make this year *not* business as usual. Are you making any changes in financial preparedness given your assessment of this risk? Thanks, and thanks to everyone involved in this website. Read More 3 2 Morbid humor helps us cope CR - September 22, 2021 So, it’s no coincidence that EMS and military personnel employ gallows humor as a coping mechanism. If it’s ok I think it would be cheering to share some lighter fare to counteract the bad news we prepare for? Here’s my contribution for today, hope others will share some! https://i.pinimg.com/originals/27/61/c8/2761c8792913a58df247e4c789132c4b.jpg Read More 6 11 Household items rationed Bob - September 22, 2021 https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/costco-warns-customers-over-toilet-paper-delivery-delays Good morning, Above link is a reminder to prep. All last week, Aldi discount grocery had shortages of pizza. All this stuff is not high tech nor subject to foreign supply sources. Again: prepare now. Read More 3 3 COVID-19 vaccine passport Bob - September 21, 2021 https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-0ba36f8d413ed199697f2e8a17199988 Good morning, It’s for domestic use also. This “document” is the future. The reports say it’s already required for some restaurants. From what I understand, it now requires a third shot/jab. I seek the passport for actual travel overseas. Do note this “passport” effectively defeats much of the terrorists efforts in re their plans to do harm to our society. All this is in development. Recommend continue to think about this program. Wouldn’t be shocked if Walmart and other big box stores starts to require vaccine passports. Read More 8 26 Some interesting Prepper Quotes Bill Masen - September 21, 2021 Some quotes are just good common sense, some slightly extreme ( but not neccessarily wrong) All are food for thought. Prepper Quote 1 Never become a refugee, or give up your liberty for a meal. Prepper Quote 2 Never speak with the media. Prepper Quote 3 Opsec and Persec above all else. Prepper Quote 4 Two is one, one is none. Prepper Quote 5 The Government is not your friend. Prepper Quote 6 Civilisation is only 3 days of missed meals away from anarchy. Prepper Quote 7 Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Prepper Quote 8 Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Prepper Quote 9 Prepping is about PREparing for emergencies. Prepper Quote 10 Remember when disaster strikes the time to prepare has passed. Prepper Quote 11 Before entering / leaving a premise ,stop look and listen for threats. Prepper Quote 12 Being self sufficient is the best form of insurance. Prepper Quote 13 A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone. Prepper Quote 14 Prepper EDC gear is NOT optional, except for victims. Prepper Quote 15 When possible always know of MULTIPLE ways out of a Mall / Office/ Building etc. Prepper Quote 16 If TSHTF then main roads are to be avoided at all cost. Prepper Quote 17 During a crisis ALWAYS continiously monitor multiple news sources. Prepper Quote 18 Theres no harm in hoping for the best, so long as you prepared for the worst. Prepper Quote 19 Your ESSENTIAL EDC gear goes on your person, never in a bag. Prepper Quote 20 Prepping is simply taking insurance to the next level. Prepper Quote 21 Better to be a warrior in a garden, than a gardener in a war! Prepper Quote 22 It is easier to prepare and prevent, than to repair and repent . Prepper Quote 23 Preparation through education is less costly than learning through tragedy Prepper Quote 24 Expect the best but prepare for the worst. Prepper Quote 25 Prep and Survive , Adapt and Thrive. Read More 6 7 Is anyone else watching the Las Palmas volcano on Gran Canaria ? Bill Masen - September 21, 2021 I have had this specific volcano on my watch list for over 20 years, since two documentaries reported on it ( Nat Geo and Discovery). Dr Simon Day and other vulcanoligists reported that because of flaws and cracks on the side of this steep volcano that if it erupted in a certain way, that because of the cracks and fissures it could trigger an enormous landslip on the volcanoes flank. And this landslip would likely create a tsunami of immense proportions.. If I remember rightly the local islands would be wiped out in minutes, the east coast of Africa within an hour, Spain and Portugals coast within a couple of hours. the southern UK and Western French coasts would be inundated in around 4 to 5 hours, and the east coast of the US within 7 to 9 hours. The volcano last erupted about 1971 IIRC and has just started erupting again. its destroyed dozens of homes so far, but I’ve seen nothing about the fractures / cracks etc. Read More 4 4 Have you checked your batteries in your device lately? Bigwig - September 21, 2021 I have a shelf full of flashlights and lanterns, most stored with batteries. I don’t want to have to find and load some batteries during a power outage. As such, I periodically check the batteries in these and other battery-powered devices to see if there are any issues, especially ones that I don’t use very often. I did find one light with batteries that had obviously leaked and was corroded. I was able to clean it out and salvage the light. Do you regularly check you batteries in your devices? Read More 7 11 Advice Reducing weight and bulk on prepackaged self-care, health and hygiene items in the BOB? Jonnie PekelnyContributor - September 20, 2021 I am kind of in awe of hardcore preppers who can make a go of it with next to nothing in their BOB. I am on the opposite end, which is too bad, because I have foot problems and the weight of the pack exacerbates them. I realize that I need to start looking for a way to shave off ounces and inches from my BOB stash. One problem for me is that I have a number of self-care items that I feel I need, even in an emergency. The latest example for me is foot cream. I use a very specific type of foot cream nightly on my heels. If I skip a few days my heels start cracking painfully. This makes walking hard. I don’t want that to happen in a bug out situation. But the cream is a b**** to pack. Even the three oz. variety is pretty bulky and not that light-feeling. So, I’m actually wondering how people pack creams and other similar self-care items? Do you take it out of its original bottle and put them in something else? It seems ridiculous to pack multiple tubes and bottles of stuff. I might as well take my medicine cabinet! Read More 7 18 Europe facing double whammy over energy Bill Masen - September 20, 2021 Gossip has it that this fire means there may not be enough power available in the south east if the weather turns bad, Apparently everything is at capacity in the power system now. Plus there is a natural gas shortage across the EU, both issues driving up energy prices very quickly. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58579829 https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/expensive-winter-ahead-europes-power-prices-surge-2021-09-10/ https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/13/europes-gas-shortage-could-make-the-whole-world-pay-more-to-get-warm-this-winter.html If there ever was a good example to develop back up preps for our homes this is it. Far to many of our utilities are operating near capacity and are under prepared for trouble ( like the TX power stations last year. Read More 4 6 Unexpected link between natural gas and food prices. Bill Masen - September 20, 2021 Well here is something I did not know, C02 as a byproduct or fertiliser production is used in the humane slaughter of animals and extending the shelf life of food products. Sooooo in the UK a surge in natural gas prices and shortages of supply has caused two masive fertiliser plants to simply stop production which means theres a shortage of C02 https://www.gbnews.uk/news/government-says-energy-security-is-absolute-priority-amid-gas-price-spike-and-drops-in-russian-supply/129335 Read More 3 7 AA batteries for HT ham radios (particularly Baofengs) Jonnie PekelnyContributor - September 19, 2021 For those of you who use AA battery packs as backup power supplies for your HT radios, particularly Baofengs, what kinds of batteries do you use? Alkaline? Disposable lithium? Rechargeable? How long do they batteries tend to last when powering the radio? (I realize this is dependent on the usage, but some idea would be helpful.) How many sets of batteries do you carry for your radio? Read More 4 6 Advice Utilities shut off – Do you know what to do? Bigwig - September 18, 2021 Recently I came across a video that demonstrated how to shut off the water at the street using a street key. It reminded me that I should have that capability. What about other utilities? Water – We have city water which has the meter inside and two ball-type shut-off valves. Every six months, I take my family down to the basement and let them turn off/on the water to the house (they are not mechanically inclined). As far as the shutoff at the street, the city will be marking where the street shutoff is and I will be purchasing a street key to allow me to shut the water off at the curb if a disaster struck. I’ll probably also get a silcock key that I could use to get water at a business in an emergency. Gas – I know they make specific tools for gas shutoff, but what cheaper alternatives would you suggest? I suppose I could use an old crescent wrench, but interested in other ideas. Electricity – I have a 4-pole breaker to shut off the power to the house. From the outside, I suppose I could pull the meter head. I also have labels for all of the shutoff valves throughout the house (mostly in the basement). Do you know how to shut your utilities off? Do others in your household know? Read More 6 5 AdviceSkills How do I care for potted apple seedling during the upcoming winter? Olly Wright - September 17, 2021 I have a 3-4 month old, 5-6 inch tall, apple seedling that I started growing from an apple I ate, and am worried on what to do with this little guy during the upcoming winter. I live in a 5b growing zone if that helps. Here are the options I’m thinking about: Should I plant it in the dirt outside and let it do it’s best to survive? Store it in a garage that isn’t as hot as inside my house, but not as cold as it would be outside. The garage doesn’t have any light however. But if it loses it’s leaves for the winter, it probably doesn’t need light. Bring it inside my house and keep near a sunny window. This may be too warm for it and not put it into a dormant state. Make a small DIY greenhouse around it outside and try and insulate the pot as much as possible with bubble wrap. I’ve read that apple trees need to go into a dormant state during the winter, so I’m thinking it needs to be cold so it can lose it’s leaves, but not too cold that the roots freeze. Do I still water it during the winter like I have been during the summer? This is the first apple tree that I’ve taken cared of, and I don’t know much about how to make them happy. Any other tips would be greatly appreciated! Teach me how to raise this. Then just for fun, here’s some pictures of it over the past few months. Read More 8 9 Advice Canadian ranchers range management during drought Bill Masen - September 16, 2021 The Canadians are trying techniques to improve drought management in the prairie. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-us-canada-58573877 Read More 4 2 < Prev 1 2 3 … 36 37 38 … 60 61 62 Next > Recently Active Fun ways to teach kids outdoor/survival skills - 6 days agoNews for the week of 2025-06-30 - 7 days agoNews for the week of 2025-06-23 - 2 weeks agoNews for the week of 2025-06-16 - 2 weeks agoNews for the week of 2025-06-09 - 4 weeks ago RULES This forum is heavily moderated to keep things valuable to as many people as possible. Full community policies are here. The basics: 1. Be nice to each other. 2. Stay focused on prepping. 3. Avoid politics, religion, and other arguments. 4. No unfounded conspiracies, fake news, etc. 5. Debate ideas, not people. FILTER Show all Advice Gear Meta News Scenarios Skills

Free prepper education through the National Weather Service

Bob - September 25, 2021

https://www.weather.gov/wrn/get-involved

Good morning,

A prepper must continuously learn all the pertinent subjects.

NOAA’s National Weather Service offers some courses … on weather of course … that are ideal. I took the Skywarn class – only a few hours.

Do note much adjustments to classroom meetings during the pandemic. Make the local inquiries and see what fits into one’s plans and programs.  The Moderna CEO made an announcement that the pandemic will end soon.

These in person classes are ideal places that can assist GSOPrepper and Jonnie seeking a local prepper group.  Just mention to someone attending seeking to learn about the other prepper subjects also and wondering if there’s an area group doing the same. The answers are out there. There are “normal” groups of prepper seeking to increase their knowledge.

For relaxation after studies, go to parties at CoCoRa High School …… just joking, just joking !

Preparedness is a de facto requirement of citizenship. FEMA has the ideal philosophy: “Prepare for realistic, worst case scenarios”.

Read More

5

10

Check immunizations records; keep current

Bob - September 25, 2021

https://www.wric.com/news/virginia-news/virginia-department-of-health-aware-of-several-confirmed-measles-cases-in-afghan-evacuees/

Good evening / morning,

It’s not just about the COVID-19 shots / jabs.

Virginia now has some measles cases.

Preppers must not neglect the foundation of immunizations. COVID-19 is new. Measles not so,

Above link tells of introduction of measles via some Afghan arrivals here already infected.

Some of these Afghan evacuees are in 3 week quarantine concurrent with getting immunizations. Some of these evacuees were also phased into the community here without the 21 day quarantine and government-provided shots /jabs.

Check your shot / jab records NOW and keep current.

Here we are fatigued by COVID overwhelming medical facilities and now the additional fatigue from measles.  A hurricane or wildfire evac with measles won’t be happening.

Article uses term “Health leaders”. Easy to identify the problem.

Read More

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7

I’m fed up with losing lists and forgetting stuff

Bill Masen - September 25, 2021

Darn it yet AGAIN I ventured from home in my van and on arrival at my destination I realised I had forgotten a few of the prepping kit items I USUALLY take with me to suppliment my EDC gear. Its my fault because I either forget where I put my check lists OR dont read the list properly and miss an item or to.  I even managed to go on a recce mission once without my camera and notebook.

So I’ve decided to add a visual aid ( poster) on the door to my prep room to try and use it as a prompt to double check I’ve got all I need.

This is my first effort. I always keep food and rations in the van along with PDW gear so its not shown.

Read More

5

8

Costco issue warning of shortage, Fox says stock up

Bill Masen - September 25, 2021

https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/costco-limit-purchases-supply-chain-inflation-pressure

Could see panic buying again unfortunately

its a similar issue in the UK.

Read More

3

10

Fasteners – Important items needed to repair, attach and help you hold it together during a crisis

UbiqueContributor - September 24, 2021

We think of fasteners as nails, screws, bolts with nuts and washers. Most preppers store a wide variety of these items. But there are other kinds of equally important fasteners to store.

Zip ties are good to have on hand in a variety of lengths with a consideration that white zip ties don’t last as long as black ties will last. Some types of zip ties are reusable.

I also save twist ties, such as the long ones that come with the packaging of certain items. Twist ties also come in packages of garbage bags or can be on bread. I use them to hold inventory tags on my prep item shelves and can be easily moved around.

Rope made of synthetic or natural fibres such as hemp and in different length and weights. Watch the synthetic rope for quality. My husband just found out yesterday that a rope he just bought was not the typical poly rope he believed he had purchased. It will need to be repurposed for a much lighter project so as not to waste it. It was good to find that out before it might have been needed in an emergency.

Don’t forget the importance of string as a fastener. It can be used to bind and hold herbs for drying. Heavier string can be used to macrame a plant holder.

Yarn can repair or bind together when you darn a hole in a sweater or socks. Thread in a variety of basic colors, weights and type cotton and polyester with an large supply of needles of various sizes, plus dressmaker pins are necessary if you need to repair or make clothing. In a long crisis you may need to remake clothing as children grow.

Snaps, hooks and eyes, and a grommet tool with grommets are good to have on hand. What about buttons and zippers? Have a variety of sizes on hand to repair clothing. During a crisis, clothing takes a beating and if it becomes a longer duration, consider the need for have buttons and zippers on hand. 

Bungee cords in a variety of lengths can serve in a range of situations with it’s handy flexibility.

Adhesives are a fastener also and should be on hand to repair a variety of materials. “Shoo goo” is the brand I keep in my prep and regular supply for repairing boots. I have kept boots water tight and in use for many additional years using “Shoo goo.” For certain repairs to boots, I have used clamps to hold the pieces together while it cured for twenty-four hours.

On the subject of boots, keep a good supply of extra boot and shoe laces in your preps.

Superglue doesn’t have the life span of other adhesives, although I keep it on hand for quick repairs of lighter items. I keep Gorilla glue, two-part epoxy glue, wood glue, and ceramic glue on hand. Even acrylic and silicone caulk can be included in glues. I have used acrylic caulk to install small pieces of baseboard.

Tape of various types are also important fasteners. I keep tapes like foil (for sealing HVAC ducts, hockey, masking, tuck (for sealing vapor barrier), duct, and a lot of packing tape for it’s variety of use.

A good staple gun/brad nailer combo with an assortment of each is very important for repairs. Don’t forget household staples and an assortment of bulldog clips. These items are useful for reorganizing hard printed copies of important information as a crisis continues. Also bulldog clips can be hung with items attached and can be used for more than paper.

A pail of roofing repair tar to seal leaks in a roof, roofing nails, and extra shingles can help secure your home if no one is available to repair it during a crisis. Learn how to do it before a disaster happens.

There are many other types of fasteners. To be fully prepared, review all the components of your home and your preps and consider what kind of fasteners you might need in a crisis of a long duration. What might wear out? How could you repair the item?

Read More

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Advice

The essentials of EDC

Bill Masen - September 24, 2021

My EDC 

If I cannot take it with me, I aint going.

If I cannot travel with it, I don’t go.

If I can not ride or fly with it, I walk or drive.

If I cannot enter with it, I turn away.

If I cannot keep it with me I wont stay..

On my belt and in my pockets.

it does not go in a bag.

My EDC is all or nothing.

Knife

Flash light

Lighter

Compass

Multi Tool

Watch

Wallet

Shades

Cell phone

Cash

Kerchief / Bandana

Hat

Gloves

Pen

Sharpie

Notebook

Flash drive

Mask 

Sanitizer

PDW

Keys plus mini knife sharpener

Read More

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12

Target shooting grouping gets worse as I move to a heavier bullet

grntrkguy1964 - September 24, 2021

I had something interesting happen today. I was shooting 7.62mm 150 grain bullets and this happened…so, I switched ammo to match grade 178 grain and the groups were horrible. Anyone else have a rifle that doesn’t seem to like “the good stuff?”

Read More

9

8

Three memes about preparedness

Bill Masen - September 24, 2021

Read More

2

4

How do you prevent your BOB from getting stolen?

Jonnie PekelnyContributor - September 24, 2021

In a recent discussion of emergency cash on this forum, it was mentioned that burglars often grab things they can go through later. E.g. backpacks. That started me thinking about my BOB, which is very prominently displayed in my not very large living room. It’s there because I want to be able to grab it and go if I need to, but that also makes it excellent fodder for anyone who might break into my house. Of course I realize that the best remedy for this is to harden the perimeter to our houses, but still…. I’ve put quite a bit of money into my BOB, and I would hate it if all that got stolen.

Read More

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The Prepared “app” for your phone

Jay ValenciaContributor - September 24, 2021

My 12 year old daughter saw me browsing this forum on my phone and asked what I was doing. I explained it was a forum that I’m a member of and what we talk about here. She then asked if it was an app and I told her that they don’t have an application but I can access it from my phone’s web browser. This smart little girl then taught me how I can make it into a sort of app that I can access from my home screen. I’ve been playing around with it for the past two weeks and it has been extremely helpful.

Here’s some instructions on how to make this forum into something called a web app. 

1. Open up https://theprepared.com/forum/ on your browser

2. Click on the side panel which is usually three dots

3. Select ‘Add to home screen’

4. You then name your new app something you want

Here’s what it looks like on an iPhone

I’ve made a folder on my home screen with a link to The Prepared’s main page, the forum, and the blog. It’s been rather handy to just click on this button and be taken directly to the forum or blog so that I don’t miss anything.

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Let’s hear your prepper/survival stories!

Mike Hill - September 23, 2021

I want to hear your stories about when you have used your preps, when you have survived a situation, or just anything along those lines of Prepping Stories.

I personally haven’t survived any major disaster or had to heavily rely on my preps (that’s why I want to hear from you guys), but I do appreciate my Get Home Bag in my car. So many times I’ve needed a snack, a band-aid, some tylenol, or a piece of rope and I’ve been able to go in there and have it when I needed it. My friends at work knew they could come to me for anything, and 90% of the time, I did have it.

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U.S. government debt ceiling / technical default

Seasons4 - September 23, 2021

Greetings, everyone. I’m curious to hear any thoughts on the risk of a U.S. government technical default if the debt ceiling isn’t raised. I’m not an expert in this field, and I’m using terms loosely. I realize that every year the same situation occurs. My thought is that the current political environment might make this year *not* business as usual. Are you making any changes in financial preparedness given your assessment of this risk? Thanks, and thanks to everyone involved in this website.

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Morbid humor helps us cope

CR - September 22, 2021

So, it’s no coincidence that EMS and military personnel employ gallows humor as a coping mechanism. If it’s ok I think it would be cheering to share some lighter fare to counteract the bad news we prepare for? Here’s my contribution for today, hope others will share some!

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/27/61/c8/2761c8792913a58df247e4c789132c4b.jpg

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Household items rationed

Bob - September 22, 2021

https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/costco-warns-customers-over-toilet-paper-delivery-delays

Good morning,

Above link is a reminder to prep.

All last week, Aldi discount grocery had shortages of pizza.

All this stuff is not high tech nor subject to foreign supply sources.

Again: prepare now.

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COVID-19 vaccine passport

Bob - September 21, 2021

https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-0ba36f8d413ed199697f2e8a17199988

Good morning,

It’s for domestic use also.

This “document” is the future. The reports say it’s already required for some restaurants.

From what I understand, it now requires a third shot/jab.

I seek the passport for actual travel overseas.

Do note this “passport” effectively defeats much of the terrorists efforts in re their plans to do harm to our society.

All this is in development.  Recommend continue to think about this program. Wouldn’t be shocked if Walmart and other big box stores starts to require vaccine passports.

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Some interesting Prepper Quotes

Bill Masen - September 21, 2021

Some quotes are just good common sense, some slightly extreme ( but not neccessarily wrong)  All are food for thought.

Prepper Quote 1 Never become a refugee, or give up your liberty for a meal.

Prepper Quote 2 Never speak with the media.

Prepper Quote 3 Opsec and Persec above all else.

Prepper Quote 4 Two is one, one is none.

Prepper Quote 5 The Government is not your friend.

Prepper Quote 6 Civilisation is only 3 days of missed meals away from anarchy.

Prepper Quote 7 Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

Prepper Quote 8 Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

Prepper Quote 9 Prepping is about PREparing for emergencies.

 Prepper Quote 10 Remember when disaster strikes the time to prepare has passed.

Prepper Quote 11 Before entering / leaving a premise ,stop look and listen for threats.

Prepper Quote 12 Being self sufficient is the best form of insurance.

Prepper Quote 13 A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone.

Prepper Quote 14 Prepper EDC gear is NOT optional, except for victims.

Prepper Quote 15 When possible always know of MULTIPLE ways out of a Mall / Office/ Building etc.

Prepper Quote 16 If TSHTF then main roads are to be avoided at all cost.

Prepper Quote 17 During a crisis ALWAYS continiously monitor multiple news sources.

Prepper Quote 18 Theres no harm in hoping for the best, so long as you prepared for the worst.

Prepper Quote 19 Your ESSENTIAL EDC gear goes on your person, never in a bag.

Prepper Quote 20 Prepping is simply taking insurance to the next level.

Prepper Quote 21 Better to be a warrior in a garden, than a gardener in a war! 

Prepper Quote 22 It is easier to prepare and prevent, than to repair and repent .

Prepper Quote 23 Preparation through education is less costly than learning through tragedy 

Prepper Quote 24 Expect the best but prepare for the worst.

Prepper Quote 25 Prep and Survive , Adapt and Thrive.

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Is anyone else watching the Las Palmas volcano on Gran Canaria ?

Bill Masen - September 21, 2021

I have had this specific volcano on my watch list for over 20 years, since two documentaries reported on it ( Nat Geo and Discovery).   Dr Simon Day and other vulcanoligists reported that because of flaws and cracks on the side of this steep volcano that if it erupted in a certain way, that because of the cracks and fissures it could trigger an enormous landslip on the volcanoes flank.  And this landslip would likely create a tsunami of immense proportions..

If I remember rightly  the local islands would be wiped out in minutes, the east coast of Africa within an hour, Spain and Portugals coast within a couple of hours. the southern UK and Western French coasts would be inundated in around 4 to 5 hours, and the east coast of the US within 7 to 9 hours.

The volcano last erupted about 1971 IIRC  and has just started erupting again. its destroyed dozens of homes so far, but I’ve seen nothing about the fractures / cracks etc.

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Have you checked your batteries in your device lately?

Bigwig - September 21, 2021

I have a shelf full of flashlights and lanterns, most stored with batteries.  I don’t want to have to find and load some batteries during a power outage.  As such, I periodically check the batteries in these and other battery-powered devices to see if there are any issues, especially ones that I don’t use very often.  I did find one light with batteries that had obviously leaked and was corroded.  I was able to clean it out and salvage the light.

Do you regularly check you batteries in your devices?

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Advice

Reducing weight and bulk on prepackaged self-care, health and hygiene items in the BOB?

Jonnie PekelnyContributor - September 20, 2021

I am kind of in awe of hardcore preppers who can make a go of it with next to nothing in their BOB. I am on the opposite end, which is too bad, because I have foot problems and the weight of the pack exacerbates them. I realize that I need to start looking for a way to shave off ounces and inches from my BOB stash.

One problem for me is that I have a number of self-care items that I feel I need, even in an emergency. The latest example for me is foot cream. I use a very specific type of foot cream nightly on my heels. If I skip a few days my heels start cracking painfully. This makes walking hard. I don’t want that to happen in a bug out situation. But the cream is a b**** to pack. Even the three oz. variety is pretty bulky and not that light-feeling. So, I’m actually wondering how people pack creams and other similar self-care items? Do you take it out of its original bottle and put them in something else? It seems ridiculous to pack multiple tubes and bottles of stuff. I might as well take my medicine cabinet!

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Europe facing double whammy over energy

Bill Masen - September 20, 2021

Gossip has it that this fire means there may not be enough power available in the south east if the weather turns bad, Apparently everything is at capacity in the power system now. Plus there is a natural gas shortage across the EU, both issues driving up energy prices very quickly.

 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58579829

 https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/expensive-winter-ahead-europes-power-prices-surge-2021-09-10/

 https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/13/europes-gas-shortage-could-make-the-whole-world-pay-more-to-get-warm-this-winter.html

If there ever was a good example  to develop back up preps for our homes this is it.  Far to many of our utilities are operating near capacity and are under prepared for trouble ( like the TX power stations last year.

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Unexpected link between natural gas and food prices.

Bill Masen - September 20, 2021

Well here is something I did not know, C02  as a byproduct or fertiliser production is used in the humane slaughter of animals and extending the shelf life of food products.

Sooooo in the UK a surge in natural gas prices and  shortages of supply has caused two masive fertiliser plants to simply stop production which means theres a shortage of C02

https://www.gbnews.uk/news/government-says-energy-security-is-absolute-priority-amid-gas-price-spike-and-drops-in-russian-supply/129335

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AA batteries for HT ham radios (particularly Baofengs)

Jonnie PekelnyContributor - September 19, 2021

For those of you who use AA battery packs as backup power supplies for your HT radios, particularly Baofengs, what kinds of batteries do you use? Alkaline? Disposable lithium? Rechargeable? How long do they batteries tend to last when powering the radio? (I realize this is dependent on the usage, but some idea would be helpful.) How many sets of batteries do you carry for your radio?

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Advice

Utilities shut off – Do you know what to do?

Bigwig - September 18, 2021

Recently I came across a video that demonstrated how to shut off the water at the street using a street key.  It reminded me that I should have that capability.  What about other utilities?

Water – We have city water which has the meter inside and two ball-type shut-off valves. Every six months, I take my family down to the basement and let them turn off/on the water to the house (they are not mechanically inclined).  As far as the shutoff at the street, the city will be marking where the street shutoff is and I will be purchasing a street key to allow me to shut the water off at the curb if a disaster struck.  I’ll probably also get a silcock key that I could use to get water at a business in an emergency. Gas – I know they make specific tools for gas shutoff, but what cheaper alternatives would you suggest?  I suppose I could use an old crescent wrench, but interested in other ideas. Electricity – I have a 4-pole breaker to shut off the power to the house.  From the outside, I suppose I could pull the meter head.

I also have labels for all of the shutoff valves throughout the house (mostly in the basement).

Do you know how to shut your utilities off?  Do others in your household know?

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AdviceSkills

How do I care for potted apple seedling during the upcoming winter?

Olly Wright - September 17, 2021

I have a 3-4 month old, 5-6 inch tall, apple seedling that I started growing from an apple I ate, and am worried on what to do with this little guy during the upcoming winter. I live in a 5b growing zone if that helps.

Here are the options I’m thinking about:

Should I plant it in the dirt outside and let it do it’s best to survive? Store it in a garage that isn’t as hot as inside my house, but not as cold as it would be outside. The garage doesn’t have any light however. But if it loses it’s leaves for the winter, it probably doesn’t need light. Bring it inside my house and keep near a sunny window. This may be too warm for it and not put it into a dormant state. Make a small DIY greenhouse around it outside and try and insulate the pot as much as possible with bubble wrap.

I’ve read that apple trees need to go into a dormant state during the winter, so I’m thinking it needs to be cold so it can lose it’s leaves, but not too cold that the roots freeze.

Do I still water it during the winter like I have been during the summer?

This is the first apple tree that I’ve taken cared of, and I don’t know much about how to make them happy. Any other tips would be greatly appreciated! Teach me how to raise this.

Then just for fun, here’s some pictures of it over the past few months.

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Advice

Canadian ranchers range management during drought

Bill Masen - September 16, 2021

The Canadians are trying techniques to improve drought management in the prairie.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-us-canada-58573877

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