One of the methods that can be used to purify drinking water in an emergency is UV light treatment. Maybe the process of UV purification is perfectly clear to all you microbiologists out there, but this has always been one of the more “mysterious” water treatment options to me. Really? You just swish this little […]
Water Pasteurization and the WAPI
One way to make water safe to drink is to pasteurize it. Pasteurization is accomplished by heating the water to 65°C (149°F) for a short period of time. The water is then free from microbes, including E. coli, Rotaviruses, Giardia and the Hepatitis A virus. Pasteurization is not sterilization, so although this water is safe […]
Pros and Cons of Popular Water Storage Containers
Last month I asked you all to tell me how you store your water and boy did I get a variety of answers! Which actually, is to be expected. There are a myriad of different containers available for storing water and each method has its pros and cons. Today we’re going to discuss some of […]
What are Gamma Seal Lids and How to Install Them
Gamma seal lids are super handy plastic lids built for 12 inch buckets which includes most standard size 3.5, 5, 6, and 7 gallon buckets. The gamma lids have an outer ring that seals onto your bucket and an inner lid that screws into the outer ring. Both pieces have a rubber gasket, so there […]
How to Make a Paracord Survival Bracelet
Making a bracelet from paracord (also called parachute cord) is a relatively easy project. We did this together as a family and even my 8 year old got one made with not too much help from mom. A paracord bracelet gives you approximately 8-10 feet of usable cord that you can wear wherever you go. […]
Preparedness Quick Tip: Re-use School Backpacks
I don’t know about you, but my kids think they need a new backpack every school year whether the old one is worn out or not. My Jr High student actually wore his out last year, but most times we just end up with extra backpacks around the house, some still in excellent condition. If […]
Seven Times I Was Glad to Have an Emergency Kit Just Last Week
I took a short notice road trip with the kids last week. Approximately 1100 miles round trip to see some family for the holiday. Of course, my vehicle emergency kit was not removed when we packed our suitcases around it. And it’s a good thing, because even though we didn’t meet up with any zombies […]
Preparedness Quick Tip: Summer is Great For Calculating
There are a lot of things that can be done in the summer time to aid your preparedness efforts. I covered five of my favorite summer preparedness related activities in my recent newsletter, but when you’re not doing something, summer is a great time for calculating. Now, when all the kids are home for the […]
Solar Power Systems 101
Guest post from RamboMoe at preparedforthat.com Solar energy is on the way in. In a world with ever-increasing oil and gas costs, and ever-decreasing costs of solar energy technology, the day will come (maybe even soon) where solar energy becomes competitive with more traditional forms of power. Solar power offers some distinct advantages. It’s […]
The Short List of Essential Off-Grid Sewing Supplies
In a grid down situation, sewing may become quite a valuable skill as clothes and furnishings need repaired, rebuilt, or created. Even in everyday life, having the tools and skills to do some sewing repairs can be extremely useful. There are a myriad of sewing tools out there as evidenced by racks of “notions” in […]