Eric - Member - The Prepared

Reply to: News for the Week 2024-11-4 Posted 1 month ago

Mental Health Self Care This Friday evening, November 15, on Discord at 6PM Pacific / 9PM Eastern, we’ll talk about what we can do to take care of our own mental health. Join our Discord now at this link so you’ll be ready when the event starts: Event Invitation No prior knowledge is required – anyone is free to join us, learn about mental health self care, and maybe teach us a few things. Here are some optional materials you can review in advance. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MLl7301zgGWCEmKBcSB61oLDkbBKDzf0-IecY21i1gs/edit https://www.coursera.org/learn/psychological-first-aid Finding steady ground https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/2018/04/the-power-of-psychological-first-aid Prepper Chat Nights are on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of every month. Recently we’ve started choosing topics in advance. If there are other topics you’d like to see, let us know either here or in Discord.

Reply to: News for the Week 2024-10-28 Posted 2 months ago

Emergency Sanitation: staying clean and avoiding infection during an emergency Shortage of water for handwashing. Backed up toilets. Contaminants floodwaters. Crowded shelters with TB and other diseases. Basic hygiene like handwashing and using a toilet can become surprisingly difficult during an emergency. And failing to keep yourself clean isn’t just gross. It puts you at risk for infection at a time when you may not have access to medical care. This Friday evening, November 1, on Discord at 6PM Pacific / 9PM Eastern, we’ll talk about what we can do to ensure that we stay clean and avoid infection during an emergency. This includes emergency toilets, storing extra water for washing, water-free washing alternatives, and infection control. Join our Discord now at this link so you’ll be ready when the event starts: Event Invitation No prior knowledge is required – anyone is free to join us, learn about emergency sanitation, and maybe teach us a few things. Here are some optional materials you can review in advance. https://theprepared.com/gear/reviews/best-emergency-shower-hygiene-wipes/ https://theprepared.com/forum/thread/best-emergency-shower-and-hygiene-wipes/ https://theprepared.com/forum/thread/grid-down-home-bug-out-hygiene-kit/ Prepper Chat Nights are on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of every month. Recently we’ve started choosing topics in advance. If there are other topics you’d like to see, let us know either here or in Discord.

Reply to: News for the Week 2024-10-07 Posted 2 months ago

Ensuring that you always have water Hurricane Helene isolated some communities for over a week, and access to clean drinking water was one of the major challenges faced by people in those communities. This Friday evening, October 18, on Discord at 6PM Pacific / 9PM Eastern, we’ll talk about what we can do to ensure that we always have enough clean water for ourselves and our families. And how we can help our communities with this problem as well. We’ll start with the basic water preparations in the beginner guide. We’ll also discuss more advanced water topics involving storage, collection, disinfection, and conservation. Join our Discord now at this link so you’ll be ready when the event starts: Event Invitation No prior knowledge is required – anyone is free to join us, learn about water preparedness, and maybe teach us a few things. Here are some optional materials you can review in advance. Prepping 101 Water Essentials Course Prepper Chat Nights are on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of every month. Recently we’ve started choosing topics in advance. If there are other topics you’d like to see, let us know either here or in Discord.

Reply to: News for the Week 2024-09-30 Posted 3 months ago

Lessons from a First-Time Boater Live presentation by Seasons4 on what she’s learned about boating, this Friday evening, October 4, on Discord at 6PM Pacific / 9PM Eastern. After the presentation, we’ll have a discussion about boating. No prior knowledge is required, but anyone interested can learn more from this free, state-specific, online boating safety course. https://www.boatus.org/free Join our Discord now at this link so you’ll be ready when the event starts: https://discord.gg/86PPUdfP?event=1257526091338354712 Prepper Chat Nights are on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of every month. Recently we’ve started choosing topics in advance. If there are other topics you’d like to see, let us know either here or in Discord.

Reply to: News for the week of 2024-08-26 Posted September 4, 2024

Live threat modeling exercise this Friday evening, September 20, on Discord at 6PM Pacific / 9PM Eastern. This is a good way to think about what we’re preparing for and ensure we’re addressing the most important issues. Learn more about the technique from this article. https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/07/how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-mostly-and-love-my-threat-model/ Join our Discord now at this link so you’ll be ready when the event starts: https://discord.gg/wBJefQ5c?event=1257526455756390401 Prepper Chat Nights are on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of every month. Recently we’ve been using these chats to practice threat modeling. Drop by if you’d like to try it.

Reply to: News for the Week 2024-08-12 Posted August 12, 2024

Live threat modeling exercise this Friday evening, August 16, on Discord at 6PM Pacific / 9PM Eastern. This is a good way to think about what we’re preparing for and ensure we’re addressing the most important issues. Learn more about the technique from this article. https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/07/how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-mostly-and-love-my-threat-model/ Join our Discord now at this link so you’ll be ready when the event starts: https://discord.gg/RTaagKX6?event=1257526455756390401 Prepper Chat Nights are on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of every month. Recently we’ve been using these chats to practice threat modeling. Drop by if you’d like to try it.

Reply to: News for the Week 2024-07-29 Posted August 4, 2024

Debbie is a much bigger deal than its “tropical storm” title implies. Check this rainfall map. 25 inches of rain will severely flood Charleston, South Carolina. Many places in Florida and Georgia will have severe flooding as well. Florida and South Carolina are both preparing for water rescues. Anyone whose home would substantially flood with these rainfalls needs to be evacuating immediately to avoid needing those rescues.

Reply to: Can a regular refrigerator be used as a medical refrigerator? Posted July 19, 2024

Yes, it’s very common for refrigerated home medications to be kept in a regular refrigerator at home. Make sure to keep them clean and dry, perhaps by putting them in a ziplock bag before putting them in the refrigerator. Your specific medication should come with storage instructions, including the range of acceptable temperatures. Most likely there is a broad range of temperatures that you can easily meet with a regular refrigerator. Just make sure to double-check this. The other common complications are power outages or traveling/evacuating. Just like any foods you have in the refrigerator, medications can spoil if the refrigerator warms up. For a short power outage, you can just keep the refrigerator closed to avoid letting heat in. For longer outages, you may need to switch to coolers with cold packs. For traveling you can use a cooler with cold packs. I would not use loose ice, because when it melts the water could wet/contaminate your medications. Here is a product specifically designed for keeping medications cold while traveling – “Portable Insulin Cooler Travel Case, Insulated Diabetic Bag with 2 x 160g Ice Packs for 6-8h Cooling Time”. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN65QMN

Reply to: News for the week of 2024-07-15 Posted July 19, 2024

Tonight’s threat modeling exercise was about civil unrest. = Threats = Protest/demonstration in public area Arson of nearby building Stray bullets Mob attack houses Attacks targeting mask wearers = Assets = Life Health Home (near target target area) Pets Mental health = Protections = Stay away from protest Evacuate if protest next door Home hardening Big screws in kick plate Stronger doors Barricading doors Boarding up windows Home insurance or renter’s insurance Routine awareness of cover and exits Keep pets with you Pet friendly evac plan Crate Learn about mental first aid Food you like in eval bag Go to friend’s house – shelter and comfort Plan for fire: Evacuate fast with dog and call fire dept Fire extinguisher handy – extra large for clearing path Hardening yard or outside of house against fire Clarify household roles – fire extinguisher, grabbing dog, grabbing bags Pet training – evac drills Practice emergency plans Well stocked emergency kit Create safe room – Assuming 556 bullets – how to economically block them Harden outer wall against bullets Bring pets in safe room Train pets to go to safe room for bullet noises Moderation in bullet preps – stressful Security cameras that respect privacy Avoid anyone who seems hostile

Reply to: News for the week of 2024-07-15 Posted July 18, 2024

Live threat modeling exercise this Friday evening, July 19, on Discord at 6PM Pacific / 9PM Eastern. This is a good way to think about what we’re preparing for and ensure we’re addressing the most important issues. Learn more about the technique from this article. https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/07/how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-mostly-and-love-my-threat-model/ Join our Discord now at this link so you’ll be ready when the event starts: https://discord.gg/9PFbMwmt?event=1257526455756390401 Prepper Chat Nights are on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of every month. Recently we’ve been using these chats to practice threat modeling. Drop by if you’d like to try it.

Reply to: News for the week of 2024-07-01 Posted July 5, 2024

Hurricane threat model = threats = Flood Wind Falling trees Tornado Roof damage Projectiles Loss of access to city services Power outage = assets = Life Home value Access to food Access to water Temperature regulation Immune health = protections/solutions = Collect anything around house or street that could be thrown to break window or washed into storm drain Clear nearby storm drains Know your nearest storm drains in case they need emergency clearing during storm Lawn furniture tied down or brought inside Choose home with low flood risk Evacuate if CAT3+ or if home has high flood risk Repair any roof damage Home insurance Pictures/video to document home condition Sandbags Stored nonperishable food Stored water – high in waterproof containers Stay indoors during storm Storm shutters or impact resistant windows or impact resistant window treatment Remove high risk trees near home Bike for going to grocery story when fallen trees in neighborhood N95 First aid kit Power bank Ice maker Cooling vest Tent Sleeping bag Hand warmers

Reply to: News for the week of 2024-07-01 Posted July 5, 2024

A minute of exercise adds five minutes to your life. This interview goes into lots of scientific detail. Or if you don’t feel like reading, this would also be a good time for a walk. 😉 https://open.substack.com/pub/erictopol/p/evan-ashley-exercise-may-be-the-single

Reply to: News for the week of 2024-07-01 Posted July 5, 2024

Authy was hacked. If you use this particular security tool, the main concern is an increased risk of SMS phishing or phone number theft because attackers now know what cell phone number is associated with Authy-protected accounts. https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hackers-abused-api-to-verify-millions-of-authy-mfa-phone-numbers/ Recommended mitigations:1) Update to latest version of Authy app.2) Contact your carrier and ensure your phone number is locked to prevent unauthorized number transfers. Your phone is the weakest link in your digital security

Reply to: News for the week of 2024-07-01 Posted July 1, 2024

Live threat modeling exercise this Friday evening, July 5, on Discord at 6PM Pacific / 9PM Eastern. This is a good way to think about what we’re preparing for and ensure we’re addressing the most important issues. Learn more about the technique from this article. https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/07/how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-mostly-and-love-my-threat-model/ Join our Discord now at this link so you’ll be ready when the event starts: https://discord.gg/8CT29KAh?event=1257526091338354712 Prepper Chat Nights are on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of every month. Recently we’ve been using these chats to practice threat modeling. Drop by if you’d like to try it.

Reply to: News for the week of 2024-06-24 Posted June 30, 2024

Hurricane Beryl just made history as the first hurricane to reach CAT 4 strength in June. It’s also looking likely that a second hurricane will form a couple days behind and follow the same path, suggesting a risk of getting hit by a second hurricane while still recovering from the first. https://www.nola.com/news/hurricane/beryl-makes-history-as-first-cat-4-hurricane-to-form-in-june/article_8793f516-36ed-11ef-9da8-9f758c022ea0.html

Reply to: News for the week of 2024-06-17 Posted June 21, 2024

At today’s chat night we threat modeled a heat dome. = threats = *Heat dome* Hot in daytime Hot at night Lasts 30 days Power outage Water outage Road damage Fire Medical care rationing Stuck in traffic = assets = Health – heat stroke Health – adequate sleep Health – burns computers Medications Pets Food in refrigerator Fresh air Access to news and emergency alerts = protections/solutions = Stay indoors Errands before 10am Work hours start earlier Cooling vest – buy or DIY Lots of water Drink frequently Water storage – enough for drinking, cooking, handwashing, cooling off, nozzle for washing Frozen water bottles Soakable bandanas – see deals/sales Sniper veil Plan: get overheated person out of sun, ice, freeze packs Ice machine Shoes/gloves Plan for burn: cool sterile water, call 911 for advice, if skin broken then bandages Index card with severe heat plans Clean computer dust on inside for better airflow Equipment in cooler – with freeze pack, covered in ziplock to stay dry Cooling bandana for insulin or other heat intolerant medications Pet booties Pet walking early morning late evening Ice for fluffy dogs (Shaving dog might be bad – depends on breed) Keep fridge closed until power restored Run A/C if you can Sleep on wet sniper veil Sleep in daytime Fans – esp rechargeable Lay on cement – cooler than air Keep pets in room with you – keep eye on them Cover windows – white sheets, infrared film, cardboard, aluminum Air seal house – esp big holes Mist spray Backup power supply – batteries, solar, car hook to house Go in car for A/C access Reflective window insert for car Hang poncho over car for insulation Car window tint Heat blocking window film for house – $25 for 25×1.5 sheet Crank generator Solar panel Hand sanitizer Alternate routes Elastomeric respirator – high flow Air filter Evacuation plan: bring ice water in cooler Medication in go bag Medication-specific cooler – small insulated mudpack case ~$14 Train pets for evacuation process – drills Goggles or full face respirator for smoke First aid training First aid kit – includes burn gel, bandages, sniper veil, water Medication stockpile Crank radio Radio scanner How to get alerts for phone without internet? Pet first aid training – American Red Cross – 35 minute online course Keep fuel tank full Sun screen Car emergency kit – First aid kit, water, sun barrier, sunscreen, caffeine pills, energy shots, snacks, collapsible pet bowl Routine car maintenance Doggie go bag – water, food Dog cooling vest Mini cr box in car

Reply to: News for the week of 2024-06-17 Posted June 17, 2024

Live threat modeling exercise this Friday evening, June 21, on Discord at 6PM Pacific / 9PM Eastern. This is a good way to think about what we’re preparing for and ensure we’re addressing the most important issues. Learn more about the technique from this article. https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/07/how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-mostly-and-love-my-threat-model/ Join our Discord now at this link so you’ll be ready when the event starts: https://discord.gg/TwsmG97n?event=1236335513867255878 Prepper Chat Nights are on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of every month. Recently we’ve been using these chats to practice threat modeling. Drop by if you’d like to try it.

Reply to: News for the week of 2024-06-03 Posted June 5, 2024

First ever lab-confirmed human case of H5N2 bird flu. No known exposure to animals. Patient died a month ago in a Mexico hospital but the information is just now being released. Note this is H5N2, similar but not the same as the H5N1 that’s infected dairy workers in USA. https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/who-confirms-first-human-case-avian-influenza-ah5n2-mexico-2024-06-05/

Reply to: News for the week of 2024-06-03 Posted June 5, 2024

Lyme disease vaccine on the way! This is a big deal for anyone who works outside, camps, or is otherwise at risk of tick bites. https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/generalinfectiousdisease/110492

Reply to: News for the week of 2024-06-03 Posted June 4, 2024

Live threat modeling exercise this Friday evening, June 7, on Discord at 6PM Pacific / 9PM Eastern. This is a good way to think about what we’re preparing for and ensure we’re addressing the most important issues. Learn more about the technique from this article. https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/07/how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-mostly-and-love-my-threat-model/ Join our Discord now at this link so you’ll be ready when the event starts: https://discord.gg/gzsPpf6b?event=1236335513867255878 Prepper Chat Nights are on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of every month. Recently we’ve been using these chats to practice threat modeling. Drop by if you’d like to try it.

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