Welcome to this week’s Sunday Survival Buzz – a roundup of preparedness news, tips, articles and recommendations from around the web. But first, an update on my own preps.
This week my Amazon prepping haul consisted of some AAA Eneloop rechargeable batteries, fractionated coconut oil (stabilized organic coconut oil in liquid form) and another one of those $8.95 is the Mora 511 utility knifes. On order is a $1 whistle – check it out in the spotlight area below.
A note about those Eneloop batteries: these Sanyo rechargeables are my absolute favorite when it comes to rechargeable batteries. For emergency purposes I have a large supply of standard alkaline batteries, but for day to day I save a lot of money by using rechargeables plus alkalines that are re-charged in the Maximal Power FC999 Universal Battery Charger. One issue I have had with the Maximal Power device is that AAAs do not charge well. I get one recharge out of them and after that not much.
On the other hand, the Maximal Power charger really shines when it comes to the other sizes, especially AAs and 9 volts. More to the point, I have found no discernable difference between new 9V batteries and recharged 9Volt batteries when they used in the Blocklite.
Thinking out loud, I need to update the article How to Recharge Alkaline Batteries to reflect this this new information.
Okay, enough about me. Let’s get on to the Sunday Survival Buzz.
SURVIVAL NEWS & ARTICLES FROM AROUND THE WEB
Mercury from Gold Rush days reaching land below old mines: As if California did not have enough to worry about, there is concern that mercury will enter the food chain and eventually make its way to San Francisco Bay.
Former Dem Staffer Who Fought for Obamacare Makes Huge Admission in Email to Her Old Boss Sue Klinkhamer spent two years defending and fighting for Obamacare while working for Congressman Bill Foster (D-Ill.). But now that she’s seen the effect of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul on her health insurance rates, Klinkhamer is boldly admitting that she was “very wrong.”
Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquakes – A Magnitude 9.0 Earthquake Scenarios: I am not moving but have to tell you, this latest study is darn scary. If you live in coastal Washington or Oregon, you are going to want to see this.
A year later, some Sandy victims wonder if they’ll ever get their lives back: People in storm-battered neighborhoods are still coping with damaged homes and waiting for $48 billion in federal aid pledged for rebuilding. So where is all of the grant money and FEMA money going? My guess is that if you are a politically connected business, you are in luck and have been funded. Like I said, just guessing.
For the Ladies: Okay ladies, this is an important one. This is the answer to the question “what can I do to prepare for the time when tampons may not be available”.
How To Generate Electricity With A Bicycle: Hurricane Sandy left 7 million people without power. Chris Hackett, a Brooklyn-based artist who converts trash into useful objects, wants to help people prepare for the next power outage by teaching the finer points of homemade generator construction. In just under six minutes, he explains how to convert a bicycle and a deep-cycle battery into an electricity source.
This week I had some help gathering the news. Thanks Shelly, for stepping up and helping me with a few of the articles this week. (And for those of you that don’t know, Shelly is also known as the Survival Husband).
BACKDOOR SURVIVAL MAIL BAG & READER TIPS
This came in from reader “Dee”. My response was “Amen to that!”.
“I’m not a doom and gloom, I am optimistic. I do believe in preparing for the worst and if/when it doesn’t happen, wow what a celebration will be had.”
Some common sense advice from “Donna”:
A few things that I have thought about:
For lighting, have a few solar powered yard lights, they will last a while but will not need batteries or electricity.
For security, wasp spray, has almost the same affect as mace, can burn the heck out of your eyes.
For medical, learn at least the basics of first aid and CPR.
NEWS FROM OUR SPONSOR
Something that I need to put on the shelf for backup emergency purposes is a spare set of black Berkey filters. I asked Jeff, the Berkey guy at LPC Survival for his advice and he told me that Black Berkey Elements have a 20-30 year shelf life.
I once had a black filter fail (and it was promptly replaced for free under warranty) but for a relatively small investment, it makes sense to have some extras – just in case. Visit LPC Survival for details on replacement filters and all of their other fine products.
As with all of my sponsors, please pay them a visit and let them know you saw them on Backdoor Survival. Speaking of which, check out the Backdoor Survival Sponsors page and support the fine companies that allow me to keep Backdoor Survival free for everyone.
AND THE WINNER IS . . .
In the article 16 Items To Help You Hunker Down in Comfort, I indicated that one commenter, chosen at random, would receive a copy of my soon-to-be published e-Book, The Prepper’s Guide to Food Storage. I did not forget and the winner is “Jac” whose comment was:
I will be putting together a “hobby kit/package”. I’m a wood carver (VERY amateur), but often have too many irons in the fire to sit and just carve.
I would put all the items needed for one small project in one box. At the end of the “storm” I might have a completed item!!
Congratulations! The e-book is not quite ready yet but I will most certainly send you a copy when it is published – hopefully sometime this month!
THE BACKDOOR SURVIVAL WINTER BLAST IS COMING
Now that the latest book festival is off and running, I am ready to launch the BDS Winter Blast this coming Thursday. What is a winter blast? Backdoor Survival sponsors and friends have come up with a fabulous line-up of great products for you. Each week or two I will share a product review along with a giveaway.
These are real giveaways designed for Backdoor Survival readers. As with the book festival, you will be entered into the giveaway by leaving a comment on this website. Unlike current raffle-mania where there are thousands upon thousands of entries, at BDS you will actually have a reasonable chance of winning. (Now I may be wrong and there may be thousands of entries in the BDS Winter Blast giveaways but I would be quite surprised!)
What are some of the featured items? How about a Royal Berkey from LPC Survival, a Kaito Voyager emergency radio for Camping Survival, a Tactical Traveler emergency kit from Ready to Go Survival, a selection of FD entrees from Survival Based and a whole lot more.
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
Are you a fan of Google Plus? The Google PTB have awarded BDS our own URL. You can find me at https://plus.google.com/+Backdoorsurvival/ and not only that, if you add Backdoor Survival to your circles, you will receive links to new articles in your feed. At least that is the way it is supposed to work. I am a relative newbie when it comes to Google Plus.
THE FINAL WORD
For the past two weeks I have been making salves; salves for muscle aches, salves for dry skin and salves for use in lieu of expensive beauty potions. I am thrilled with the results and as soon as I can do a bit more testing, will share my recipes and techniques.
Part of this interest in salves comes from my renewed pledge to embrace essential into daily life. To that end, I am happy to report that after a lot of research into different EOs from various companies, I have formed an alliance with Spark Naturals.
I am going to have a lot more to say about Spark Naturals in coming weeks but in the meantime, visit the Spark Naturals website and look around. If you decide to make a purchase, use the discount code “BACKDOORSURVIVAL” to receive a 10% discount. (And yes, I do receive a small commission.)
Okay, what about you – what did you do to prep this week? Until next time, remember to make every day a prep day!
Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!
Gaye
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Almost Free: At the time of this writing, this whistle is a bit over $1 with free shipping. How bad can it be?
3 in 1 Survival Whistle with Compass
Bargain Bin: For your discernment, here are some items mentioned in today’s Buzz, items that are popular with BDS readers, and items in the current Amazon Top 10.
Blocklite Ultra Bright 9V LED Flashlight: I now own six of these little gems. There is a similar flashlight called the Pak-Lite (which is more expensive) but it does not have a high-low switch like this one. Less than $10. These little flashlights just go and go, plus, they make good use of those re-purposed 9V alkaline batteries that you have recharged with your Maximal Power FC999 Universal Battery Charger.
Sanyo eneloop 8 Pack AA Rechargeable Batteries : Just the batteries. Any by the way, they charge up just fine with a standard battery charger – it does not have to be a Sanyo. For AAAs, get these: eneloop 8 pack AAA Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries. Can you tell I love these guys?
Morakniv Craftline Q Allround Fixed Blade Utility Knife : Also known as the Mora 511, this is now my favorite knife. It is made of Swedish steel and is super sharp. I paid $12 for this knife last week and today it is $8.95 so I ordered another one. It was worth $12 and of course is a steal at $8.95!
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter : The LifeStraw is considered the most advanced, compact, ultra light personal water filter available. It contains no chemicals or iodinated resin, no batteries and no moving parts to break or wear out. It weighs only 2oz. making it perfect for the prepper. For more information, see my LifeStraw review.
Magnesium Fire Starter : This Campers’ Magnesium Emergency Fire Starter is about $4.
UCO Stormproof Match Kit with Waterproof Case, 25 Stormproof Matches and 3 Strikers: The UCO Stormproof Match Kit is waterproof and holds 25 matches as well as spare strikers. The matches burn for around 15 seconds and are windproof, waterproof, and even continue burning underwater. An integrated striker is attached on the side of the match kit, and can be replaced when worn out.
2 Pack Survival Kit Can Opener, Military, P-51 Model : These can openers makes great addition to any survival, fishing, hiking, or camping pack. They are lightweight and robust and they just work.
Cyalume SnapLight Chemical Light Sticks: Read all about light sticks at Lighting Your Way With Chemical Lighting.
Shop the Emergency Essentials Monthly Specials: The monthly specials at Emergency Essentials feature discounts of up to 35% off sometimes a bit more.
Recent purchases from Emergency Essentials
A couple of the top sale items this month are the Freeze-Dried Diced Roast Beef Steak at 32% off and as well as the Hot Cocoa Combo which is 16% off. You know how I like to have comfort foods and hot chocolate is right up there on the list. This particular combo includes 4 cans: French Vanilla, Mint Truffle, Raspberry, and your basic Gourmet Creamy Hot Chocolate.
I also recommend the Mobile Washer. This is hand operated washing machine. Like a plunger, it uses a technique of pushing and pulling the water through clothes to clean them well without wearing them out. It uses a minimum of water and less soap due to the agitation motion. Use in a bucket (5-gallon suggested), sink or tub. The best part is the price – only $14.95.
These are just some of the items on sale this month at Emergency Essentials. Click on the link below for more great offers.
Shop the Emergency Essentials Monthly Specials
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