Homesteader Depot

Tag: preparedness

  • Don’t Make These Common EDC Mistakes

    Don’t Make These Common EDC Mistakes

    When putting together an EDC kit, it can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between selecting an item because it could really be useful, and selecting an item because it’s really, really cool.

    To start, ask yourself some questions as you contemplate each possible item.

     

    Will this tool be helpful in the region I live in?

    Example, an ice pick is probably going to be of less use in a tropical or desert region.

     

    How many functions are included with this tool?

    Double check to see how many different uses you can get from a single item.

     

    Is the tool tried and tested?

    Check on an item’s return policy, this way you’ll be able to test a tool out and determine if its durable enough.  Preferably you’ll want to do this before you find yourself in a survival situation.

     

    How does the cost compare to the quality?

    Most of the time you get what you pay for.  But it is also possible to find a good deal on a quality item.  Do your research and compare reviews for differently priced items to see how they stack up to cheaper versions.  Then, wait for a sale or other promotion to get the best possible item for your budget.

     

    Is there anything comparable that would be lighter or easier to carry?

    Remember, when it comes to EDC set-ups, smaller and lighter is the goal, not bigger and bulkier.  Shop around and compare sizes versus weight.

     

    Will the tools included give me a better chance of survival?

    While it may be convenient in day to day like to have a set of nail clippers, a bottle opener, and a spoon handle, when you are stuck in the middle of nowhere and need to cut some vines for cordage or drive a stake in for shelter support, these aren’t going to be as handy.

    The Most Common Everyday Carry Build Mistakes

    To help ensure you don’t make some of the common mistakes a novice EDC builder often does, here are some things you need to avoid doing to yourself.

     

    Taking on Too Much

    You would think at this point it would be obvious to avoid weighing yourself down with extras but, like a kid packing his toys for a vacation trip, it all may seem like something you can’t live without, but most of it probably it.

     

    Being a Cheapskate

    A good deal in the store may end up being a deal breaker in an emergency situation.  Invest in quality products that you know you can count on.

     

    Relying Completely on Battery Operated Items

    Yes, a cell phone, flashlight, and GPS can be handy, but what if they stop working?  Or, what if they don’t work at all because you forgot to check the batteries before you left and didn’t grab spares?

    Good substitutes for these are an emergency whistle, a compass, and a hand-crankable light.

     

    Forgetting to Take Care of Your Supplies

    Good knives and other items need consistent care to keep them usable.  Over time, some items, especially metal ones, can corrode from air exposure.  Additionally, batteries can get old and wear out so bring your stuff out regularly to make sure its still in tip-top shape.

     

    Not Knowing How to Use a Tool

    This particular subject reminds me of the book Wild that was later made into a movie.  I haven’t actually seen the movie but I have read the book.  During the advent of her hike, she runs into problems such as not realizing the type of fuel her stove takes and having no real idea how to use an ice ax.

    She was fortunate enough to be in a situation where she could seek help and information as she progressed.

    In a true survival emergency, you are not going to have that luxury.

    For some tools, especially ones that have a specific purpose, the technique to successfully use them may be more complicated than you realize.

    Make sure you take the time to learn exactly how everything works before you find yourself needing to.

    [Don’t Miss This]  Tripple your accuracy with this simple shooting tip…ex sniper used it to increase his precision shooting.

  • Tips to Stockpile Food for the Winter Months

    Tips to Stockpile Food for the Winter Months

    Growing up, one of my favorite things to read were the Laura Ingles Wilder books.  Not only were they entertaining, but she also went into great detail on how their food was grown or raised, butchered or harvested and then processed to keep all winter long.

    Thanks to modern conveniences, most of us don’t really need to take these steps to ensure a comfortable winter, even on a homestead with electricity and appliances.  However, it doesn’t hurt to prepare for a worst-case scenario to ensure you won’t get caught during a bad winter storm or power outage.

    Fortunately, when proper measures are taken, many foods can be kept all winter long.

    Fruits and Veggies

    For fruits and vegetables, storage areas should be cool and dark with moderate humidity and a consistent temperature of 40o.  When planning a homestead or other remote living location, a root cellar is a good addition for long-term storage.  In other homes, a cooler area of a basement or an attached garage can work.

    Stock a cellar as late in the fall as possible. Cure vegetables like potatoes, winter squash, and onions in warmer areas before moving them to the cold storage areas. For other items, chill in the fridge before moving to the cellar areas.

    Many root cellar veggies store better when some dirt is still on them. If you’ve harvested your own or stocked up from a local farmer’s market, shake or rub the excess dirt off instead of washing them.

    Know What Your Food Needs to Last

    Squash should be stored in shallow containers or left on shelves as they are.  Items like garlic and onions are best kept in mesh bags or open boxes so they can breathe. Potatoes must be kept in complete darkness to prevent the skin from going green.

    Avoid piling vegetables together, this generates heat and can lead to them spoiling. Try to spread them out as much as possible and rotate them for even exposure.

    Apples can be stored for months in a box and can be piled more than others.  This will actually assist them by maintaining humidity to keep them crispy.

    Avoid Spoilage

    It’s true that one bad apple can spoil the whole barrel, and that doesn’t just apply to apples.  Handle your fruits and vegetables carefully as even the slightest bump can create an invisible bruise and begin the decomposition process.

    In any storage areas that don’t have built-in climate control, the driest, warmest air will be near the ceiling while more-humid air is nearer the floor and farthest from the door. Keep this in mind as you plan where you will store your produce.

    Inspect your stores regularly and immediately remove any soft or rotten items before they can affect the rest.

    Keeping Meat

    If you are really into the store and save idea, consider smoking and storing your own meats.

    Whether you’ve gone hunting, or gone in with a friend and purchased a whole cow, being able to have a portion of that ready to go without relying on the use of a freezer can be a great idea.

    Used for millennia by some of the oldest civilizations for long-term storage, smoking creates an acidic coating on the meat that prevents bacteria from cultivating. It also dehydrates the meat, making it less hospitable for bacteria to breed.

    So, come late summer and early fall, start planning on what you can stock up on for winter storage.  Not only will this provide you with an emergency supply of food when needed, it is also a great way to keep eating local organic food all year round whether it comes from your own garden or the local farmers market.

     

  • How to Be Prepared for a Power Outage

    How to Be Prepared for a Power Outage

    What happens when you suffer a power outage? A couple of things could happen. You need to wait until the repairs are made and the electric company takes care of things to get the power restored, or you could get the generator going if you have one. Whether you are out in the middle of nowhere on your homestead and are dealing with generator issues, or you are homesteading in the suburbs, you should have some ideas of how to make the power outage as easy to handle as possible.

    A Light Source

    When the sun goes down, you need to have a way to see where you are going and what you are doing in the house, as well as outside. Just because the power is out does not mean you can neglect some of your nightly chores, such as checking on the animals outside, for example. While candles are a tried and true method for lighting the inside of the home, you might want to invest in some solar lanterns. These are a safe light source that can be taken indoors or outdoors.

    Learn to Cook on a Woodstove and an Open Fire

    If you have an electric stove, you are not going to be able to use it during a power outage. If you have gas, you should be okay. However, it is generally a good idea to learn how to cook on a woodstove, if you have one, as well as an open fire, just in case the need arises.

    Emergency Supplies

    Make sure you have a stockpile of emergency supplies, and know where they are and how to access them during a power outage. Always have more than you think you will need, just to be on the safe side, and be sure to replenish the items you use after the power returns.

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  • Are You Making Prepper Mistakes?

    Are You Making Prepper Mistakes?

    If you are into learning how to survive and prepping, you read as much as you can on the subject, and you are generally willing to work hard to make sure you have everything you need when it comes to living after the SHTF. Of course, many out there do not take any steps beyond buying some “cool” and interesting gear, some freeze-dried food, and maybe some water. Those who fall into this latter category could be making some serious prepper mistakes.

    One of the big issues is people buying supplies and then never bothering to rotate through them. If something has a shelf life of five years, you should use it before those five years are up. You need to learn to rotate your supplies. Buy new and use the old. You can’t just buy it and forget it when it comes to things like food and water.

    Another problem people have is forgetting to resupply their items. If you have a first aid kit that you have been taking from over the last year, and you never bothered to resupply it, when the SHTF, you could be in trouble. What if you have a lot of ammo, but you decide to go out to the woods or the range to do some target shooting? You need to resupply that ammo so you have it when you need it.

    One of the other problems comes from preppers and survivalists who have all of the gear they think they need to survive, but they have no practical knowledge of how to use it. They have items they have never used or tried and simply bought them because it seemed like the thing to do. You need to know how to use all of your supplies, and you need to increase your knowledge well beyond what the supplies offer with real world skills.

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  • 30 Non-Food Items to Hoard

    30 Non-Food Items to Hoard

    Yesterday I wrote about 30 items to purge in the New Year for a clutter-free homestead, and one of the purposes for purging is to make room for hoarded items that you do need! So here is a list of important non-food items to hoard in the New Year.

    Keeping with the trend of that article, it’s important to make sure you have a clean and orderly way to store these items. Keep them dry, organized in categories, and regularly go through your stash to make sure everything is in working order, not expired, and will still be useful to you. It’s OK to hoard and then go through your stash a year later and throw out what you might not need anymore. Just keep on top of a functional, accessible hoard stash for emergencies, because you never know when you might need these items!

    1. Aspirin & ibuprofen
    2. Lamp oil, candle wicks and batteries
    3. Borax
    4. Bleach
    5. Garbage bags
    6. Hand sanitizer
    7. Hydrogen peroxide
    8. Rubbing alcohol
    9. Lip balm, lotions, balms
    10. Matches
    11. Buckets
    12. Cotton swabs
    13. Firewood and tinder
    14. Can openers
    15. Lighters
    16. Baking soda
    17. Duct tape
    18. Pens and pencils
    19. Vaseline
    20. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss
    21. Dish soap
    22. Tissues
    23. Toilet paper
    24. Paper towels
    25. Rags
    26. Electrolyte powder or drinks
    27. Ziplock bags
    28. Paracord
    29. Propane and propane tanks
    30. Shampoo and deodorant

    Some good suggestions for organized storage of items like this is cheap plastic bins from Costco or Walmart (these are also great to stock up on!) and also buckets. Make sure to label what you need, separate small items into smaller bins or Ziplock bins. Keep them somewhere that’s easy to access; keep in mind you will be needing this stuff in an emergency so you won’t want to be digging through cluttered crawl spaces trying to find batteries for your flashlights or aspirin for an injured person, for example. The bins are great because they’re easy to tote and move around, transporting your items quickly and easily will probably be ideal so plan for this as well.

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  • How to Build Your Food Supply

    How to Build Your Food Supply

    It’s been awhile since I wrote a prepping-related post, but winter always makes me think of stocking up for disaster.

    If you are just getting into the field of survival and prepping, you know how important it is to have a good stockpile of food, but you might be intimidated by the amount of food that you’ve seen other preppers accumulate. Just because they might have a basement that’s brimming with canned goods and rice doesn’t mean you need to do the same thing overnight. Here are some tips you can follow so you can build your own food supply.

    You can start slowly, and that’s exactly what you should do. In fact, start with just a 72-hour supply of extra food in the house. Over the course of a few weeks or a month, you can build your supply of extra food up to an entire week’s worth. Just a couple of extra cans when you go to the grocery store is all you need to do.

    You also need to think about the amount of space you have available to store the food. Depending on your current living situation, you might not have room for more than a month or two’s supply of food at most. Maybe less. If you have a bugout location that’s safe and has storage, you can move some of your nonperishable items there too. This way, you can build your food storage in both locations.

    Focus on the staples. You need rice, oatmeal, beans, and powdered milk. You need some canned foods that will last for years. What you don’t need to do is spend a fortune on crazy freeze-dried foods that are overpriced for the amount you get. Always make sure you are getting a good deal on anything you buy. As you can see, it’s possible to start up a food supply relatively easily. Get started now.

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  • Calculating Your Wood for the Winter

    Calculating Your Wood for the Winter

    Many homesteaders prefer to utilize wood stoves to help offset the cost of other power sources. It can help them to limit their dependence on the electric company, and if they have solar panels as well, it could eliminate the need entirely. However, if you are going to use wood for heating and even for cooking, you need to make sure you have enough to last the entire winter.

    Think about how often you will be using the woodstove or the fireplace. If you will only be using it during the night, you will need to have less wood on hand than if you use it around the clock to keep the place warm. Also, are you using it to heat your entire house, or are you only using it to heat part of the house, or one of the outbuildings, for example.

    Understanding how much wood you will go through in a typical day will give you a better idea of how much you need. Generally, you will be buying wood in what is called “cords”. A cord of wood measures 4’ high and 4’ wide, while being 8’ long. You do not typically have to buy a full cord of wood though. You can also buy half a cord or even a third of a cord. Make sure you have a place on your property where you can keep the wood out of the weather so it remains nice and dry.

    You will likely have people in your area that sell firewood. If not, you may want to cut down some trees on your own property. When you are buying, it’s always better to have a bit more than you think you need, just so you don’t run the risk of having no wood part-way through the winter. After all, you can always keep the extra wood for the following winter.

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