Homemade Reusable Ice Pack

We know that reusable ice packs are dirt cheap and readily available so why homemade reusable ice packs? Let your imagination run wild. 

I think the first reason is if you need one real fast and don't have one; or you need one of a specific size or shape. 

I'm sure if you think about it you can come up with a some good reasons to make your own. If for no other reason than all information is good information here are some recipes for DIY ice packs  

The Absolutely Un-freezable Ice Pack 

Blue Gel Ice Pack 

Simple Reusable Ice Pack

Simple Recipe  

Reusable Ice Packs From Diapers - This guy sometimes has a mouth on him but this is an awesome idea for a homemade gel pack 

Reusable Ice Pack from a Diaper 

The Rocket Stove

When it comes to emergency prep we need to store food and water for a length of time, but, remember that you will also need emergency solutions for cooking. I here is one my favorite emergency solutions for cooking.
This is known as a Rocket Stove.
I like these because they can be improvised, a kind of "on the fly" method along with having designs that are easy to build and store. Below are a couple of versions of the Rocket Stove that are simple and can help you become familiar with the concept.

Paint Can Design
This design is simple. The paint can will cost you between 4 and 5 dollars and you can get them anywhere they sell paint. I picked up two at Lowe's

The Welded Design
You will need some welding skills for this one. It's also larger and will be more of a challenge to store but they work beautifully.

An improvised Design using brick or Cinder Block
An "On The Fly" design that could be built using a variety of materials that you would find in your environment.

Remember, good prep is more about knowing how to use what you have on hand.
I will post more on emergency cooking later on. 

30 Self Defense Tips Everyone Should Know.

Self-defense training is much more than learning self-defense moves to defend against different attacks. It also includes your mindset, awareness and ability to think on your feet before, during, and after an attack. The information below can help provide you with the basics; however, this list is not an exhaustive list. I would encourage you (and your family) to take this information seriously and to take the time you need to become well familiar with this subject.

Let’s begin: 

1. Accept that danger exists. Violence can and may happen to you. Don’t live in denial.
2. Take active steps to protect yourself. Learn self-defense and study all you can about prevention and awareness.
3. Understand the laws of self-defense. Be sure that you take time to study legal ramifications of self-defense.
4. Be aware of your environment. This applies when you’re at home, in public places, and especially on vacation or business travel.
5. Walk with confidence. Show confidence from the inside and out. It’s one of the best deterrents to being attacked. Walk with good posture, keep your chin and eyes up, and scan your environment.
6. Tell someone where you’re going. Text, email, call or verbally tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
7. Avoid traveling alone. Attackers are looking for easy prey. Traveling in groups of two or more can also help deter attacks.
8. Keep your distance. The closer you are to a potential attacker the easier it can be for them to strike you or take you to the ground unexpectedly.
9. Keep your hands up. By placing your hands in front of you in a non-threatening, yet tactical position, you will be better prepared to intercept a strike or initiate one.
10. Use reflections.  Car windows, store windows, even hubcaps can help you see things around you.
11. Hit vulnerable targets. Go for the eyes, throat, groin or knees. These are the targets that can give you the most reaction for the least amount of effort.
12. Never give up. Your life is worth protecting and is of great worth. Your safety is your responsibility so do everything you can to keep safe.
13. Use environmental weapons. Most people do not carry a concealed carry weapon. Therefore, you may need to improvise a weapon to help level the playing field.
14. Watch your attacker. While you should be aware of your surroundings, it would be wise to not take your eyes off your attacker.
15. Remain calm. While this may be easier to say than do in a crisis situation, it will help you keep a cool head so you can make quick and decisive actions.
16. Element of surprise. Use speed and be direct without hesitation.
17. Make the first move. Many wait until it’s too late. If there is an opening for a strike to a vulnerable target like the eyes, throat or groin, take it.
18. Find the exits. Whenever you walk into a room, know where the exists are so you can get out, fast.
19. Throw your wallet or purse. If someone wants you wallet or purse, throw it away from you in the opposite direction of where you can run away.
20. Be stern. If a stranger offers to help you with taking your groceries into your house, kindly, but firmly, decline.
21. Don’t turn your back. If at all possible, keep the attacker in your field of view. Turning your back can give them an opening to strike.
22. Cross the street. If you see someone suspicious approaching in the distance, cross the street. If they also begin crossing the street, take off running the other direction.
23. Eye contact. Making eye contact can let a potential attacker know you see them. They would rather take someone by surprise.
24. Trust your intuition. Listen to your instincts. If you sense danger, pay attention to it then take action.
25. Criminals don’t wear name tags. Remember, a criminal can look like anyone.
26. Never move locations. Do not let them relocate you should an attacker try to move you to a different location.
27. Get out of there. Run towards crowds and well-lit areas if someone is following or chasing you.
28. Keep your hands free. If your hands are full or you are weighed down, you will be an easier target.
29. Scream, yell or shout. Making loud noises can temporarily stop an attacker. However, it won’t last forever.
30. Call 911 immediately. It’s estimated that over 3 million crimes never get reported. Don’t take any chances. Call for help as soon as you possibly can.

Take the Preparedness Test

Take a moment and go through the quiz below, it will give you a basic idea of how ready you are and what you need to work on to be ready for the most common of emergencies

PREPAREDNESS TEST:

1. Has your family rehearsed fire escape routes from your home?

2. Does your family know what to do before, during, and after an earthquake or

other emergency situation?

3. Do you have heavy objects hanging over beds that can fall during an earthquake?

4. Do you have access to an operational flashlight in every occupied bedroom?

(use of candles is not recommended unless you are sure there is no leaking gas)

5. Do you keep shoes near your bed to protect your feet against broken glass?

6. If a water line was ruptured during an earthquake, do you know how to shut off the

main water line to your house?

7. Can this water valve be turned off by hand without the use of a tool?

Do you have a tool if one is needed?

8. Do you know where the main gas shut-off valve to your house is located?

9. If you smell gas, do you know how and would you be able to shut off this valve?

10. Gas valves usually cannot be turned off by hand. Is there a tool near your valve?

11. Would you be able to safely restart your furnace when gas is safely available?

12. Do you have working smoke alarms in the proper places to warn you of fi re?

13. In case of a minor fire, do you have a fire extinguisher that you know how to use?

14. Do you have duplicate keys and copies of important insurance and other papers

stored outside your home?

15. Do you have a functional emergency radio to receive emergency information?

16. If your family had to evacuate your home, have you identified a meeting place?

IF AN EMERGENCY LASTED FOR THREE DAYS (72 HOURS) BEFORE HELP WAS AVAILABLE

TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY......................................

17. Would you have sufficient food?

18. Would you have the means to cook food without gas and electricity?

19. Would you have sufficient water for drinking, cooking, and sanitary needs?

20. Do you have access to a 72 hour evacuation kit?

21. Would you be able to carry or transport these kits?

22. Have you established an out-of-state contact?

23. Do you have a first aid kit in your home and in each car?

24. Do you have work gloves and some tools for minor rescue and clean up?

25. Do you have emergency cash on hand? (During emergencies banks and ATMs are closed)

26. Without electricity and gas do you have a way to heat at least part of your house?

27. If you need medications, do you have a month’s supply on hand?

28. Do you have a plan for toilet facilities if there is an extended water shortage?

29. Do you have a supply of food, clothing, and fuel where appropriate For 6 months? For a year?

Our Mission

Hello and welcome.

This blog will be used to post information about emergency and disaster preparedness for yourself, your home, and your family as well as giving tips for emergency (long and short term) storage of food, fuel, and various supplies. Will share links from various sources that provide information that will useful to our mission. Finally, this blog will act as a place for like minded people to gather and share information. Please feel free to comment and to share your experiences and expertise.