Well Water Tips

3 Important Questions To Ask Regarding Heirloom Seeds

Many people who work on their individual plans store up and stock food and water in an attempt to create a sustainable lifestyle for a period of time. But one large question remains - What do you do when the food runs out? Seed harvesting and storing is a practice that goes back to the earliest Americans, and is a time-honored tradition, with some seeds passing down from generation to generation within families.

Svalbard Global Seed Vault

Located in Norway, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault is a secure seed (heirloom) bank located in the Arctic, which functions to preserve a wide variety of plant seeds in an underground cavern about 810 miles from the North Pole. Like the best practices of storing food - cool, dark and dry Norway's environment fits the criteria; 'twas the island of Spitsbergen that rendered the least tectonic activity and placed 430ft above the sea nestled in thick ice and snow stands the entrance to the seed vault for the world. Inside the vault seeds remain at ?18 °C (0 °F).

The seed vault is a preparedness plan to provide food insurance against a large-scale regional or global crises.

The number one problem with Svalbard's Global Seed Vault is that it is in Norway! Ideal storage conditions aside, Norway itself is an intelligent country - look around and listen, hear that? The world seems to be trembling under our feet, threatening a collapse from a variety of categories. I am starting to see why Norway was willing to fund the construction of the Global Seed Vault. Norway is not alone is seeing the value of storing heirloom seeds. There are many countries that have taken particular interest and sending their seeds to the vault including tens of thousands of samples from the U.S with Ireland, Mexico, Canada, Syria, Columbia sending their unique seeds as well. Notable charities like the Linda and Bill Gates Foundation have helped sustain the Global Seed Vault's plans to be ready for the unexpected.

3 Questions To Ask Regarding Heirloom Seeds

The world around us seems to be preparing for collapse or disaster on a dramatic, large-scale. Svalbard's Global Seed Vault was an action plan that launched only a few years ago (2008). It is only logical that we turn our thoughts and concerns and intellectually ask ourselves if we ought to be creating our own Family Seed Vault?

The process of creating your own Family Seed Vault is quite simple, as long as you purchase the CORRECT seeds. Unfortunately, the cute and colorful seeds at your grocery store will not properly assist you in a long-term crisis. Many seeds from your neighborhood store are hybrids “designed” for single-harvest use. The seeds from the harvest will grow again the next year, but the produce may be significantly different in size, color, productivity, and taste. If there is a conspiracy here it's probably just to keep you returning to the cash register each season.

Heirloom seeds are just that, seeds that can be taken from the fruit, vegetable or herbs and passed down from generation to generation - providing bountiful harvests year to come. But there are a few key questions to ask when purchasing heirloom seeds from a trusted source.

1. What mix of fruits, nuts & vegetables will I need to provide adequate nutrition for the total # of people in our family/group?
2. What are the optimal times for planting?
3. What types of soil do I currently have, and should I consider raised beds as an option?

Preserving Religious Freedom

Extend Your Fall Harvest by Dehydrating Fruits and Vegetables

It’s the time of year when everything seems to ripen at once! We have ripe plums, blueberries, apples and pears right now and it’s a challenge to harvest and keep these fruits while they last! While some fruits and vegetables are canned or juiced, we’ve come to appreciate the merits of drying much of our harvest with a food dehydrator.Drying food may seem complicated or unsafe to those unfamiliar with dehydrators. But compared to canning or freezing, drying food is simpler. There’s no hot water or extensive preparation, and very little space is needed since dehydrators are compact, with produce set on closely spaced shelves. Dried and bagged produce does not need to be stored in a freezer, which saves electricity and valuable freezer space, and keeps just about forever!And food dehydrators are also great for urban dwellers, who can buy cases of ripe fruit in the fall at farmer’s markets and preserve the fruit through winter. Instead of buying expensive dried plums, for example, a case of ripe plums is cheap, especially at the end of the day from fruit vendors. Split the plums and set them in a dehydrator, which takes up about the same space as a microwave, and you’ll have a good supply for your own treats or to give as winter gifts.

The 3 Basic Ways to Dry Food:

The key to food drying is to have good air circulation and to do it quickly. Any of these basic drying methods will be effective, but some are more convenient to use, faster to process and can be used indoors.

Sun drying

Warm, dry days in summer and fall are ideal for sun drying, since sun drying is done outdoors. You can set your fruit halves or slices out in the sun directly on screens or on drying trays in an area protected from insects and moisture. If there is any dew, take the trays indoors at night, or set them in an area that has a covering to protect them from the dew – such as an open greenhouse or covered porch. To protect the drying trays from insects, cover your tray unit with remay or cotton netting. If your dryer has racks, cover the opening in front with any screening material.

Avoid placing a sun dryer in any area where air pollution could taint your drying fruit or produce. The ideal temperature for sun drying is between 85 – 100 degrees. Rotate the shelves in a dryer unit so things dry evenly. You may want to turn thicker items like split plums occasionally so both sides have similar drying conditions. I used my green house last year to dry plums – screening the door and windows, turning the plums every day or so – for about 5 days. They lasted all winter and were delicious!

Electric dehydrators

If you plan to do a lot of drying, electric dehydrators are a good investment. Gardeners can make the most of their harvest since many items such as fruit, beans and tomatoes ripen all at once and it can be difficult to process them without much waste. Electric dehydrators come with built-in fans which speed the drying process. Some models are equipped with timers which help make multiple batches more consistent. Most electric dehydrators are compact sized, with varying number of shelves for capacity needs.

When choosing an electric food dehydrator, look for low-wattage units with a good thermostat and low noise fan. Locate the dehydrator in a room which you can let get warm, since these units release into the room as they operate.

The most popular electric dehydrator is the Excalibur, available in both a 5 and 9 tray size. Excalibur Dehydrators differ from other dehydrators because the fan is mounted in the rear of the unit instead of the base like other models. This allows the heat to move horizontally across the trays, making tray rotation unnecessary. The basic model Excalibur is made of polycarbonate plastic, and the shelves are made of the same material. Excalibur also has a 156-page, illustrated book, Preserve It Naturally II: The Complete Guide to Food Dehydrating, which contains many unique recipes.

If you want to avoid plastics, Excalibur makes 5 & 9 tray stainless steel units. These are also available with timers and a choice of cabinet finish. A friend who just dried both cherries and kale said she was very pleased with the results. It was very quiet but hot, so they moved it to a room where they didn’t mind about the extra heat it let off. They dried halved cherries in 24 hours and the kale for 8 hours. She is excited to try more. Her final note to me was, “The whole process and the quality of the dryer has us feeling confident about the food we are putting into our bodies.”

Oven Drying

Oven drying can be an effective method for small amounts of food drying – but mostly in the later cooler temperatures of fall. The challenge is maintaining an even low temperature – maximum 150 degrees, so the food doesn’t cook. Put an oven thermometer where your top tray is so that you can monitor the temperature and keep the door open. Rotate the racks for even drying. You can also dry fruit, such as apples and later fruit crops, over a wood stove on a hanging tray. This works well, as long as you keep the insects off and turn the fruit at least twice a day.

Tips for Successful Food Dehydrating

• Harvest the fruit at peak flavor – i.e. at perfect ripeness.
• Wash and peel if needed and slice into small thick pieces. Spread your fruit in a single layer on the trays, allowing room for circulation.
• The higher the temperature (up to 100-120 degrees for fruit) the faster it dries, but avoid cooking it!
• Turn drying fruit 1-3 times daily – more often speeds the process up. Move the trays around – top to bottom for enclosed units as they dry, and move the fruit on the outer edges to the inside area, as the pieces on the outside dry first.
• The fruit is dry enough when it becomes leathery or brittle.
• You can pre-treat fruit to prevent discoloration if you like by dipping it in ascorbic acid (crushed vitamin C tablets) for 5 minutes. This is usually not needed for darker fruits, such as cherries or plums.

Once you’ve experienced your first batch of dried fruit or vegetables, you imagination will awaken to the many possibilities available through this food preservation technique. Dried cherries, apricots, pineapples, pears and plums are favored winter treats and special ingredients for all kinds of holiday fare. And dried vegetables are easy to store and perfect for adding to soups and stews, in crockpot cooking or just for snacking.

Prepper Product of the Week: BaoFeng UV-5R Dual-Band Ham Two Way Radio

Prepper Product of the Week.

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Communication is one of the most overlooked area’s in most preparedness systems. HAM radio can be confusing and expensive. As I have just recently started getting into HAM – I wish I had seen this radio before buying my own equipment. This 2 Meter handheld is an incredible value and good to learn on.

Remember – you must have a licence in order to talk, but you can listen as much as you want.

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 Product Features:

• 25KHz/12.5KHz Switchable
• Channel Step: 2.5/5/6.25/10/12.5/25KHz
• Frequency Range: 136-174 / 400-480MHz
• 128 Channels 50 CTCSS and 104 CDCSS
• Dual-Band Display, Dual Freq. Display, Dual-Standby
• Can pickup up FM radio, weather bands, and receive and transmit 136-174 / 400-480MHz

Making Your Home More Secure in 5 Simple Steps

It does not take a professional approach in making your house more secure than before. A few simple steps are enough to enhance the security of your house.With homes constantly being invaded by burglars, it is extremely necessary to protect your belongings from the reach of uninvited strangers. An astonishing fact about burglary is that, a burglary happens once in every 15 seconds in the USA. Most of them happen when you are away at work. The cities that recorded the highest burglary are Houston, Chicago, Phoenix, New York, Los Angeles etc. So, what measures have you taken so far in restricting the thieves from breaking into your house?

Step 1

Lock All Your Doors and Windows Properly Before You Leave the House

Locking up all the doors and windows of your house before you leave is the first essential step to take. It is better to use a deadbolt lock as it provides better security. Whenever you leave your home, make sure to lock the garage area and the backdoor because people tend to forget these areas often. Also, do not keep a spare key within the reach of intruders. One common mistake people make is by keeping the spare key under the door mat. By doing this, you would be inviting strangers to break into your house.

Have all the old locks replaced by new, modern and stronger locks. Pin your windows for maximum security. Get rid of hollow doors and have them replaced with solid wood doors or metal ones with lock block. If you having a sliding door at the backyard then make sure to have it secured as well. In case of any confusion, you may call a locksmith and he will assist you well.

Step 2

Get an Alarm System Installed

There are various kinds of home alarm systems available in the market. You can get one of them installed as per your budget, convenience and need. This would an excellent addition to the security of the house. A security system can offer protection 24×7 and can guarantee peace of mind.

Step 3

Have Adequate Lighting

Homeowners often leave the backyard and the garage area unlighted. This invites burglars who hide in this unlighted area of the house and break into whenever they get a chance. So, even if you are away, make sure to light up the exterior areas of the house. You may install a motion sensitive light for the backyard. Do not worry about the electricity bills; instead get a low energy consumption lighting device for the exterior areas of the house.

 Step 4

Cut Away Tall Bushes around Your House

Do not neglect the tall shrubs and bushes that cover the garden area and the exteriors of the house. These can serve as a hiding den for the burglars. Immediately tell your gardener to cut the tall bushes that surround your house, especially around the window area. This method of using environment for crime prevention is known by the name “Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)”.

Step 5

Keep Some Pets

Ever thought of getting a pet for your home? Well, if you haven’t then have a look at these interesting questions being put by Jack Mclean before prison inmates who were burglars. Most of them say they are afraid of dogs and 32% would not opt for burglary if there is any breed of dog in the house. I hope I have explained my point well. Hence, it is more than recommended by home security experts to keep a dog in your house.

The Power of the Word - Ezra Taft Benson

This address, prepared for delivery at the Friday, 4 April 1986, Priesthood Leadership Meeting, was delivered in part by President Benson. The complete text is printed here at his request.

My dear brethren, what a thrilling sight it is to look out over this body of priesthood leadership and to know how many thousands of Saints you serve and how much dedication and faithfulness you collectively represent! There is no other body anywhere in the world today that meets for the same righteous purpose as does this group, nor is there any other group—political, religious or military—that holds the power that you do here tonight.

We live in a day of great challenge. We live in that time of which the Lord spoke when he said, “Peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion.” (D&C 1:35.) We live in that day which John the Revelator foresaw when “the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 12:17.) The dragon is Satan; the woman represents the Church of Jesus Christ. Satan is waging war against the members of the Church who have testimonies and are trying to keep the commandments. And while many of our members are remaining faithful and strong, some are wavering. Some are falling. Some are fulfilling John’s prophecy that in the war with Satan, some Saints would be overcome. (See Rev. 13:7.)

The prophet Lehi also saw our day in his great visionary dream of the tree of life. He saw that many people would wander blindly in the mists of darkness, which symbolized the temptations of the devil. (See 1 Ne. 12:17.) He saw some fall away “in forbidden paths,” others drown in rivers of filthiness, and still others wander in “strange roads.” (1 Ne. 8:28, 32.) When we read of the spreading curse of drugs, or read of the pernicious flood of pornography and immorality, do any of us doubt that these are the forbidden paths and rivers of filthiness Lehi described?

Not all of those Lehi saw perishing were of the world. Some had come to the tree and partaken of the fruit. In other words, some members of the Church today are among those souls Lehi saw which were lost.

The Apostle Paul also saw our day. He described it as a time when such things as blasphemy, dishonesty, cruelty, unnatural affection, pride, and pleasure seeking would abound. (See 2 Tim. 3:1–7.) He also warned that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” (2 Tim 3:13.)

Such grim predictions by prophets of old would be cause for great fear and discouragement if those same prophets had not, at the same time, offered the solution. In their inspired counsel we can find the answer to the spiritual crises of our age.

In his dream, Lehi saw an iron rod which led through the mists of darkness. He saw that if people would hold fast to that rod, they could avoid the rivers of filthiness, stay away from the forbidden paths, stop from wandering in the strange roads that lead to destruction. Later his son Nephi clearly explained the symbolism of the iron rod. When Laman and Lemuel asked, “What meaneth the rod of iron?” Nephi answered, “It was the word of God; and [note this promise] whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction.” (1 Ne. 15:23–24; italics added.) Not only will the word of God lead us to the fruit which is desirable above all others, but in the word of God and through it we can find the power to resist temptation, the power to thwart the work of Satan and his emissaries.

Paul’s message is the same as Lehi’s. After portraying the terrible wickedness of future times—future to him, but present to us!—he said this to Timothy: “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned. …

“From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation.” (2 Tim. 3:14–15; italics added.)

My dear brethren, this is an answer to the great challenge of our time. The word of God, as found in the scriptures, in the words of living prophets, and in personal revelation, has the power to fortify the Saints and arm them with the Spirit so they can resist evil, hold fast to the good, and find joy in this life.

Now to you priesthood leaders we say, look to the prophetic counsel of Lehi and Paul and others like them. In that counsel you will find the solution to the challenges you face in keeping your flocks safe from the “ravening wolves” that surround them. (See Matt. 7:15; Acts 20:29.) We know that you too have great anxiety for the members of your wards and stakes and expend great time and effort in their behalf. There is much that we ask of you who have been chosen for leadership. We place many loads upon your shoulders. You are asked to run the programs of the Church, interview and counsel with the members, see that the financial affairs of the stakes and wards are properly handled, manage welfare projects, build buildings, and engage in a host of other time-consuming activities.

While none of those activities can be ignored and laid aside, they are not the most important thing you can do for those you serve. In recent years, time and again we have counseled you that certain activities bring greater spiritual returns than others. As early as 1970, President Harold B. Lee told the regional representatives:

“We are convinced that our members are hungry for the gospel, undiluted, with its abundant truths and insights. … There are those who have seemed to forget that the most powerful weapons the Lord has given us against all that is evil are His own declarations, the plain simple doctrines of salvation as found in the scriptures.” (In Regional Representatives’ Seminar, 1 Oct. 1970, p. 6.)

In a First Presidency message in 1976, President Kimball said:

“I am convinced that each of us, at least some time in our lives, must discover the scriptures for ourselves—and not just discover them once, but rediscover them again and again. …

“The Lord is not trifling with us when he gives us these things, for ‘unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.’ (Luke 12:48.) Access to these things means responsibility for them. We must study the scriptures according to the Lord’s commandment (see 3 Ne. 23:1–5); and we must let them govern our lives.” (Ensign, Sept. 1976, pp. 4–5.)

In April 1982, Elder Bruce R. McConkie spoke to the regional representatives about the priority the scriptures should take in our labors. He said: “We are so wound up in programs and statistics and trends, in properties, lands and mammon, and in achieving goals that will highlight the excellence of our work, that we have ‘omitted the weightier matters of the law.’ … However talented men may be in administrative matters; however eloquent they may be in expressing their views; however learned they may be in the worldly things—they will be denied the sweet whisperings of the Spirit that might have been theirs unless they pay the price of studying, pondering, and praying about the scriptures.” (In Regional Representatives’ Seminar, 2 Apr. 1982, pp. 1–2.)

That same day, Elder Boyd K. Packer spoke to the stake presidents and regional representatives. He said: “Buildings and budgets, and reports and programs and procedures are very important. But, by themselves, they do not carry that essential spiritual nourishment and will not accomplish what the Lord has given us to do. … The right things, those with true spiritual nourishment, are centered in the scriptures.” (In Meeting with Stake Presidents and Regional Representatives, 2 Apr. 1982, pp. 1–2.)

I add my voice to these wise and inspired brethren and say to you that one of the most important things you can do as priesthood leaders is to immerse yourselves in the scriptures. Search them diligently. Feast upon the words of Christ. Learn the doctrine. Master the principles that are found therein. There are few other efforts that will bring greater dividends to your calling. There are few other ways to gain greater inspiration as you serve.

But that alone, as valuable as it is, is not enough. You must also bend your efforts and your activities to stimulating meaningful scripture study among the members of the Church. Often we spend great effort in trying to increase the activity levels in our stakes. We work diligently to raise the percentages of those attending sacrament meetings. We labor to get a higher percentage of our young men on missions. We strive to improve the numbers of those marrying in the temple. All of these are commendable efforts and important to the growth of the kingdom. But when individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently, these other areas of activity will automatically come. Testimonies will increase. Commitment will be strengthened. Families will be fortified. Personal revelation will flow.

The Prophet Joseph Smith said that “the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” (Book of Mormon, Introduction, italics added.) Isn’t that what we want for the members of our wards and stakes? Aren’t we desirous that they get nearer to God? Then encourage them in every way possible to immerse themselves in this marvelous latter-day witness of Christ.

You must help the Saints see that studying and searching the scriptures is not a burden laid upon them by the Lord, but a marvelous blessing and opportunity. Note what the Lord Himself has said about the benefits of studying His word. To the great prophet-leader Joshua, He said:

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Josh. 1:8; italics added.)

The Lord was not promising Joshua material wealth and fame, but that his life would prosper in righteousness and that he would have success in that which matters most in life, namely the quest to find true joy. (See 2 Ne. 2:25.)

Do you have members in your stakes whose lives are shattered by sin or tragedy, who are in despair and without hope? Have you longed for some way to reach out and heal their wounds, soothe their troubled souls? The prophet Jacob offers just that with this remarkable promise: “They have come up hither to hear the pleasing word of God, yea, the word which healeth the wounded soul.” (Jacob 2:8; italics added.)

Today the world is full of alluring and attractive ideas that can lead even the best of our members into error and deception. Students at universities are sometimes so filled with the doctrines of the world they begin to question the doctrines of the gospel. How do you as a priesthood leader help fortify your membership against such deceptive teachings? The Savior gave the answer in His great discourse on the Mount of Olives when He promised, “And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived.” (JS—M 1:37; italics added.)

The scriptures are replete with similar promises about the value of the word. Do you have members who long for direction and guidance in their lives? The Psalms tell us, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Ps. 119:105), and Nephi promises that feasting upon the words of Christ “will tell you all things what ye should do.” (2 Ne. 32:3.)

Are there members of your flock who are deep in sin and need to pull themselves back? Helaman’s promise is for them: “Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil.” (Hel. 3:29.)

Success in righteousness, the power to avoid deception and resist temptation, guidance in our daily lives, healing of the soul—these are but a few of the promises the Lord has given to those who will come to His word. Does the Lord promise and not fulfill? Surely if He tells us that these things will come to us if we lay hold upon His word, then the blessings can be ours. And if we do not, then the blessings may be lost. However diligent we may be in other areas, certain blessings are to be found only in the scriptures, only in coming to the word of the Lord and holding fast to it as we make our way through the mists of darkness to the tree of life.

And if we ignore what the Lord has given us, we may lose the very power and blessings which we seek. In a solemn warning to the early Saints, the Lord said this of the Book of Mormon: “Your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received—

“Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.

“And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.

“And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon.” (D&C 84:54–57.)

Oh, my brethren, let us not treat lightly the great things we have received from the hand of the Lord! His word is one of the most valuable gifts He has given us. I urge you to recommit yourselves to a study of the scriptures. Immerse yourselves in them daily so you will have the power of the Spirit to attend you in your callings. Read them in your families and teach your children to love and treasure them. Then prayerfully and in counsel with others, seek every way possible to encourage the members of the Church to follow your example. If you do so, you will find, as Alma did, that “the word [has] a great tendency to lead people to do that which [is] just—yea, it [has] more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which [has] happened unto them.” (Alma 31:5.)

Like Alma, I say unto you, “It [is] expedient that [you] should try the virtues of the word of God” (Alma 31:5), in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Water: Storage

As Practical Preppers’ Scott Hunt explains, storing water is probably the most important thing that a prepper can do—and it’s one of the easiest measures to take, as well. “Storage is the easiest part of the solution, and it’s easy for anybody to do, whether you live in downtown Manhattan or Idaho,” he says. Here are some basic tips.

• Figure Out How Much Water You Need to Store. Hunt says that you need about five gallons a day—one gallon for drinking, and another four gallons for bathing, personal hygiene and washing dishes. And while you can get away with using recycled or “grey” water for toilets, you need clean water that’s free of dangerous pathogens for everything else. That means you’ll need 50 gallons for each person in your household to make it through 10 days of a crisis, which gives you time to get your resupply system up and running.
• Find a Safe Place to Store Your Water. Remember that a gallon of water weighs about eight pounds, so you need to store it in a place that can support the added weight. You want to keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. That makes a basement probably the ideal place for your water storage. Because hydrocarbon vapors can penetrate plastic water containers, you want to keep your water supply away from gasoline, pesticides, kerosene, and similar substances.
• Set Up a Storage System. Basic55-gallon plastic water drums go for around $60, but if you’ve got a larger group to provide for, you’ll save money by investing in one of the bigger models available from Internet prepper supply companies. You can get a 10,000 gallon plastic tank for around $5,500. There are even more expensive stainless steel water tanks, which manufacturers claim are more resistant to bacteria and mold growth, and less vulnerable to fire damage. On the downside, that chlorine from your municipal water can corrode steel, so you may want to look for a tank that’s specially lined to cope with that. Offthegridnews.com, a prepper website, provides a detailed guide to various container options.
• Make Sure Your Water Doesn’t Become Contaminated or Foul-Tasting. Bottled water that has a seal showing it has been certified by theInternational Bottled Water Association or the National Sanitation Foundation generally has a shelf-life of one year. If you’re storing tap water or water from some other source, you probably should replace it every six months. To improve the taste of water stored for a long time, pour it from one clean container to another clean container several times, to put air back into it. If you’re concerned that a water supply may have become contaminated, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service offers this handy guide to storing water, which includes instructions of simple disinfection methods.
• Know How to Get the Hidden Supply That’s in Your Pipes. To do this in the event of an emergency, Hunt says, you need to shut off the valve that connects your municipal water supply to your home. (The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that you do that first step immediately in the event of a disaster, to prevent contamination from non-functioning water purification plants from getting into your plumbing.) Then place a container under the lowest faucet in your system, and open it in the cold direction. After that, open a second faucet, which will allow air to enter the system. That’ll get all the cold water that’s been lingering in your plumbing.
• Know What Water Sources You Can’t Safely Use. FEMA advises that radiators, hot water boilers, water beds, toilet bowls and tanks, and swimming pools and spas aren’t safe sources of potable water. Here’s FEMA’s guide to securing stored water and other necessities for emergencies.

If you only do three things:

• Get some two-liter plastic bottles and fill them up with tap water. As James Wesley Rawles notes in his book How to Survive the End of the World As We Know It, Even the most cramped apartment dweller can store some small jugs under a bed.
• Learn how to get drain the water that remains in your pipes. All you need to do is locate your water cutoff switch, and get some jugs or other containers to collect the water.
• Remember all the places and types of water that you can’t drink safely. It’s tough being thirsty, but it’s even worse to be thirsty and sick.

Greenhouse Gardening [Part 2]

Geodesic Dome

A geodesic dome looks much like a ball cut in half. Due to its shape, the dome is durable and reliable. They are built to use maximum space while using the least amount of surface area. One benefit of the dome is that it allows the most amount of light to hit all points of the structure, unlike many other greenhouses with may have shady spots or hot spots. This structure also allows plenty of room for vertical growing.

While this is a superior type of greenhouse, there is one that is even more beneficial and it’s called the biodome.

Biodome

While biodomes come in the same shape as a geodesic dome, they are actually much better in a number of ways and the two shouldn’t be confused.

Biodomes are self contained ecosystems which are controlled to closely resemble a natural environment. An example of this is at the Montreal Biodome in which there are four different ecosystems that visitors can explore. One is based on the South American rainforest, one on the North American wilderness, one on an estuary, and the last one on a polar area that has been divided into an Arctic side and a Antarctic side. This is done by keeping the inside of the biodome precisely controlled.

A biodome, once established, is able to be self sufficient and regenerate its own water and nutrients. There is no need for outside intervention once it is set up and running. However, the purpose of a biodome as a garden is to create the perfect environment for growing your own food source. Biodomes, when built large enough, can also play host to insects and animals.

The benefits of owning a biodome are many and various. Using a biodome for growing food means you can have the perfect temperature and ‘season’ all year long. Unlike a traditional greenhouse, cucumbers and lettuce in the winter are no problem, and neither is cantaloupe in the spring. They save money when it comes to water and energy because the inside of the biodome is regenerative. When using a biodome to grow food, it is easy to determine the exact amount of growing time each different vegetable will need, giving growers the ability to plan exactly when to plant and harvest, making it easy to have enough of any given vegetable at any given time.

Seedlings that are grown in a biodome grow faster than those grown in a hot bed or by other methods. They are not only stronger, but more resilient as well. They can survive being transplanted to a garden easier, if sharing your plants with neighbors, friends, or family is something you’re considering. Biodomes are also good at keeping out bugs and viruses plants can become sick with. The biodome is designed to keep these things out.

The outside of the biodome works much like the geodesic dome in that the sun will not overheat one area or be affected by shade. Plants don’t dry out or even get too much or too little of any given nutrient.

For those who are interested, the biodome can be used for both aquaponics and also for hydroponics. Biodomes are typically a little larger than other types of greenhouses, so in addition to being able to control the environment, there are many more options of how to use the biodome, some of which aren’t possible in one of the more conventional greenhouses. If space is an issue, a smaller sized biodome will work just as good as a large one.

When biodomes are built correctly, they can withstand a variety of environmental factors. Because of the way the biodome is structured, it is very strong and can withstand a lot of pressure. It is best if they are screwed in and bolted down to the ground, so they can even withstand small tornadoes and earthquakes. Many biodomes are builder friendly with simple construction and overall can be more cost effective than many greenhouses.

Biodomes, once unscrewed or unbolted from the ground, are portable and easy to move. Because of this, many cities and towns don’t require building permits as they are considered temporary structures, although it is important to check local building codes.

Biodomes have superior ventilation and are energy efficient due to their shape. Since heat rises, many greenhouses will stay hotter near the top. With a biodome, the heat rises to the top, then naturally gets pushed down as more heat keeps rising, keeping the dome the same temperature year round. A small window inserted at the top of the biodome allows excess hot air to vent, while the vent at the base of the biodome allows cold air in. This exchange keeps the air moving and continually fresh, making the inside of the biodome the perfect place to grow a variety of vegetables.

As people begin to realize how to get back to doing things the way they were for years, there is naturally a learning curve. Whether it’s learning to hunt, can, or even sew, it all takes time. Using a biodome to grow vegetables can decrease the learning curve exponentially when it comes to gardening and a family can be up and running with fresh produce in no time. As time and money are factors for many people, the biodome may be the perfect answer for families.

Biodomes are used by many people in countries all over the world, with great success. As times become harder, money tighter, and dependency on the grid ever more frightening, doing more things for ourselves becomes even more important. Learning about using heirloom seeds in the biodome can help to keep a garden up and running for years to come. Having a garden is a big step in being self sustaining, and knowing where the food is coming from. Gardeners determine what chemicals come in contact with the food, whether or not to use GMO seeds, and other factors. Fresh, healthy produce is readily available year round, making the biodome the best option for most people.

The prophets have been telling us…..

Doomsday Tips: Welding In The Wilderness

Tips from the Great Depression on how to surviving hard times

I’ve had the benefit and privilege of knowing several people, including family members that survived the “Great Depression”, and of hearing how they did it. Most of my family knew how to farm, hunt, fish, and trade.

Today, however, I want to talk about one man’s experience and the advice he gave me concerning surviving hard times in general.

This man lived just North of Arcadia, Louisiana. His father owned a country store that he later took over. Money and many food items were hard to come by along with some fuel items. Mr. Perritt began to trade with the people in his community. He would trade something he had and someone else needed for something they had and he needed.

The community was mostly farm and ranch. Not everyone grew the same things and Mr. Perritt got them to bring their crops to him. He had a gristmill and could produce cornmeal from the corn grown in the area. One could come there and trade beans and peas for corn and potatoes and such.

Everyone in the community was better off during these hard times because of his efforts. Times were hard enough on some that they would trade some land for supplies. Being a good and honest man, Mr. Perritt would give them a contract allowing them seven years to pay their bill plus 1.0% interest and get their land back. Some folks did and some did not.

The advice Mr. Perritt gave me for surviving hard times was this: “If a man owns at least five acres of land with a descent home that is paid for, he has at least $1000 dollars, he has a ¾ ton truck with a flatbed trailer, and he knows how to farm, he can not only survive, he can come out of the hard times in better shape than he went into them.”

Mr. Perritt also suggested having a ½ to ¾ acre pond so my family would have fish to eat. He was assuming I knew how to plant, grow, harvest, and can various produce for my family to eat at the time and during the winter. Some of this produce might also be used to barter with others. The reason for the truck and trailer was that there is always someone wanting something moved or hauled and that could mean cash money or serious barter for something I really need.

He also suggested if I were to have only one firearm, it should be a 12 gage pump shotgun with 28 inch, modified choke barrel. This would handle buckshot well enough and rifled slugs quite well for defense and large game. It would also handle number six shot for taking small game.

Most in the community had chickens and a milk cow, so eggs and milk weren’t a problem. Many raised cattle and some raised hogs, (folks in those days knew how to can meat in jars that would stay good for a year) so meat wasn’t really a problem either.

Times are different now and for the amount of space and feed used, there are some things that could be done differently.

• Six to twelve chickens (with a rooster) will produce all the eggs (and then some) that a family would need.
• One milk goat (with a Billy of course) would produce all the milk needed and is much healthier than cow’s milk. Plus, you’ve got a young goat each year to slaughter.
• Rabbits take up little space and produce more meat per pound of feed than a calf or hog. Rabbit meat is also higher in protein and lower in cholesterol than skinless/boneless chicken breast. Another rabbit advantage is you can breed and slaughter them as needed as apposed to being stuck with 200 to 500 pounds of meat at one time to have to try to preserve.
• Pigeons are another consideration as they take up little space, little feed and taste much like dove.
• One other suggestion was that raised bed gardening would require less space, less equipment, less maintenance, and a quarter acre could produce as much produce as an acre of row type gardening.

I guess this article is getting a little long in the tooth, but you get the idea. My parents and grandparents along with Mr. Perritt’s family and many others survived the great depression (which was one of the hardest times in American history) quite well.

Remember: The future belongs to those who are prepared both Spiritually and Physically.

Tips for surviving a wild animal encounter

It’s a situation you never want to find yourself in. You’re on vacation, peacefully enjoying the planet’s natural wonders and then – out of nowhere – a wild creature attacks. 

While these encounters are usually very rare, Kyle Patterson, spokeswoman at Rocky Mountain National Park, say it's because people aren't aware of their surroundings or don't use common sense. 

"Any wildlife can be unpredictable," she said. "Sometimes you see a visitor who see an animal and think, 'they’re close to the road, I'll just get out and a take a picture.' This isn’t a zoo where it is fenced off." 

Every animal responds differently to human interaction, but a general rule of thumb for any wildlife encounter is be prepared and look for signs.

"If the animal is reacting to you, you’re too close. All wildlife will give you a sign. Some species will put their ears back. Some will scrape their paws. Some will give verbal cues," said Patterson.

In order to help you, we’ve come up with a list of tips for surviving all kinds of animal encounters, from bison to sharks.

Even with this list handy, remember that it is illegal to approach wildlife at the national parks and no matter how prepared you are, expect the unexpected.

1 Bear

North America’s recent rash of bear attacks should be inspiration enough to want to know how to survive a mauling. At least six people in five states have been mauled by black and brown bears recently. There was the Alaskan hunter who was attacked on Saturday, the hikers in Yellowstone National Park who were attacked by a grizzly last Thursday and 12-year-old Abigail Wetherell who was mauled by a black bear on the very same day, while out on an evening jog in northern Michigan.

"These are two species that you shouldn’t never run from: Black bear or mountain lion," said Patterson. "You should make yourself big, as much as you can. Whether it’s taking your jacket and putting it over your head, or picking up sticks or just waving your arms, you need to fight back."

Here’s a list of bear attack survival tips from Alaska’s Department of Natural Resources:

1.) If you see a bear that is far away or doesn't see you turn around and go back, or circle far around. Don't disturb it.

2.) If you see a bear that is close or it does see you STAY CALM. Attacks are rare. Bears may approach or stand on their hind legs to get a better look at you. These are curious, not aggressive, bears. BE HUMAN. Stand tall, wave your arms, and speak in a loud and low voice. DO NOT RUN! Stand your ground or back away slowly and diagonally. If the bear follows, STOP.

3.) If a bear is charging almost all charges are "bluff charges". DO NOT RUN! Olympic sprinters cannot outrun a bear and running may trigger an instinctive reaction to "chase". Do not try to climb a tree unless it is literally right next to you and you can quickly get at least 30 feet up. STAND YOUR GROUND. Wave your arms and speak in a loud low voice. Many times charging bears have come within a few feet of a person and then veered off at the last second.

4.) If a bear approaches your campsite aggressively chase it away. Make noise with pots and pans, throw rocks, and if needed, hit the bear. Do not let the bear get any food.

5.) If you have surprised a bear and are contacted or attacked and making noise or struggling has not discouraged an attack, play dead. Curl up in a ball with your hands laced behind your neck. The fetal position protects your vital organs. Lie still and be silent. Surprised bears usually stop attacking once you are no longer a threat (i.e. "dead").

6.) If you have been stalked by a bear, a bear is approaching your campsite, or an attack is continuing long after you have ceased struggling, fight back! Predatory bears are often young bears that can be successfully intimidated or chased away. Use a stick, rocks or your hands and feet.

2 Elk

Migrating elk are known to take over towns, especially this time of year. For example, Estes Park, a popular resort town in the Rocky Mountains hosts nearly 2,000 elk for the summer months, and much of the year. With a population of only 5,858 inhabitants, the town is literally overrun by elk. 

Rocky Mountain National Park also has a large population of elk. Patterson said the dangerous times are in the spring, when they're protective of their calves, and the fall mating season, known as the rut. "Sometimes the bulls can be very aggressive," she said. "During the rut, elk are in big groups. You want to make sure you’re not in between the aggressive bull elk and the focus on his attention." 

That's why the park takes preventative measures such as closing meadows and sending out teams of volunteers to patrol.

Here are some tips from The Payson Roundup, a small paper that covers Rim Country in central Arizona, an area that has had its fair share of elk invasions.

1.) Always keep a safe distance and if driving, stay in your car.

2.) Never approach a baby calf; they are not abandoned even if the cow is not in sight. The cow is close by or very likely has gone to water and will return. The maternal instinct could produce an aggressive behavior if something might come between her and her calf, so play it safe.

3.) Elks travel in the reduced light of early morning or late afternoon -- so if you want to avoid an elk, don’t go out during dawn or dusk.

3 Bison

Bison are the largest indigenous land mammal in North America. The bulls can often weigh as much as one ton. Not only are they huge, bison are fast. They can quickly accelerate to speeds up to 35 mph. So if they look majestic and docile out on that plain, just remember bison are beasts and they are much faster than you.

If you encounter a bison, here are some tips from Canada’s National Park Service:

1.) If you encounter bison along the roadway, drive slowly and they will eventually move. Do not honk, become impatient or proceed too quickly. Bison attacks on vehicles are rare, but can happen. Bison may spook if you get out of your vehicle. Therefore, remain inside or stay very close.

2.) If you are on foot or horseback: Never startle bison. Always let them know you are there. Never try to chase or scare bison away. It is best to just cautiously walk away. Always try to stay a minimum of 100 meters (approximately the size of a football field) from the bison.

3.) Please take extra caution as bison may be more aggressive: During the rutting season (mid July-mid August) as bulls can become more aggressive during this time. After bison cows have calved. Moms may be a little over-protective during this time. When cycling near bison, as cyclists often startle unknowing herds. When hiking with pets. Dogs may provoke a bison attack and should be kept on a leash. On hot spring days when bison have heavy winter coats.

4.) Use extreme caution if they display any of the following signs: Shaking the head. Pawing. Short charges or running toward you. Loud snorting. Raising the tail.

4 Mountain Lion

Attacks from mountain lions are very rare, Patterson said, and they’re going to prey on elk and deer--not humans.

But she said the danger arises when people hike alone or families with children let the kids run ahead and make noises.

"If a child is running along a trail they can mimic prey," she said. This is why they tell visitors to '"make like a sandwich" when walking along the trails. 

"Families and adults should think like a sandwich and the parents should be like a piece of bread and the children should be the filling. Have an adult should be leading the pack and should be in the back."

Here is a list of tips for a mountain lion encounter from the conservation advocacy group, The Cougar Fund:

1.) Be especially alert when recreating at dawn or dusk, which are peak times for cougar activity.

2.) Consider recreating with others. When in groups, you are less likely to surprise a lion. If alone, consider carrying bear spray or attaching a bell to yourself or your backpack. Tell a friend where you are going and when you plan to return. In general cougars are shy and will rarely approach noise or other human activities.

3.) Supervise children and pets. Keep them close to you. Teach children about cougars and how to recreate responsibly. Instruct them about how to behave in the event of an encounter.

4.) If you come into contact with a cougar that does not run away, stay calm, stand your ground and don't back down! Back away slowly if possible and safe to do so. Pick up children, but DO NOT BEND DOWN, TURN YOUR BACK, OR RUN. Running triggers an innate predatory response in cougars which could lead to an attack.

5.) Raise your voice and speak firmly. Raise your arms to make yourself look larger, clap your hands, and throw something you might have in your hands, like a water bottle. Again, do not bend over to pick up a stone off the ground. This action may trigger a pounce response in a cougar.

6.) If in the very unusual event that a lion attacks you, fight back. People have successfully fought off lions with rocks and sticks. Try to remain standing and get up if you fall to the ground.

7.) If you believe an encounter to be a valid public safety concern, contact your state game agency and any local wildlife organizations.

5 Shark

While shark sightings are on the rise, shark attacks are still relatively rare. Last year only seven people were killed in shark attacks. Although, in 2011, the number of shark-related deaths was 13. On the off chance you come face to face with Jaws, you should be prepared.

Here are some shark encounter survival tips from Discovery’s Alexander Davies:

1.) Don’t panic. If you find yourself face to face with a shark, you’re going to need your wits about you to get away with your life. So keep calm; remember that while sharks are deadly animals, they’re not invincible. Thrashing and flailing is more likely to gain its attention than to drive it away.

2.) Play dead. If you see a shark approaching, this is a last ditch effort to stave off an attack. A shark is more likely to go after a lively target than an immobile one. But once Jaws goes in for the kill, it’s time to fight — he’ll be as happy to eat you dead as alive. From here on out, you’ll have to fight if you want to survive.

3.) Fight back. Once a shark takes hold, the only way you’re getting out alive is to prove that it’s not worth the effort to eat you — because you’re going to cause it pain. Look for a weapon: You’ll probably have to improvise. But any blunt object — a camera, nearby floating wood — will make you a more formidable opponent. Often repeated advice has it that a good punch to a shark’s snout will send it packing. In fact, the nose is just one of several weak points to aim for. A shark’s head is mostly cartilage, so the gills and eyes are also vulnerable.

4.) Fight smart. Unless you’re Rocky Balboa, you’re not going to knock out a shark with a single punch. Not only will a huge swing slow down in the water due to drag, it’s unlikely to hit a rapidly moving target. Stick with short, direct jabs, so you increase your chances of landing a few in quick succession.

5.) Play defense. Open water, where a shark can come at you from any angle, is the worst position place you can be. Get anything you can to back up against, ideally a reef or a jetty. If there are two of you, line up back to back, so you’ll always have eyes on an approaching attack. Don’t worry about limiting your escape routes- you won’t out swim a shark, better to improve your chances of sending him away.

6.) Call for backup. Call out to nearby boats, swimmers and anyone on shore for help. Even if they can’t reach you right away, they’ll know you’re in trouble, and will be there to help if you suffer some injuries but escape the worst fate. Who knows, maybe a group of sympathetic dolphins will help you out – they’re fierce animals in their own right.

7.) Fight to the end. Giving up won’t make a shark less interested in eating you, so fight as long as you can. If the animal has a hold on you, he’s unlikely to let go. You have to show him you’re not worth the effort to eat.

6 Stingray

While stingray attacks are not usually deadly, they are painful and warrant close medical attention. With a recent stingray invasion along the Alabama coast, now is an important time to learn about the barb-tailed sea creature. The animals often bury themselves in shallow water, so even if you are just wading in the ocean, you are still at risk of being stung.

Here are some tips from Jake Howard, a lifeguard at Seal Beach, Calif. on how to handle a stingray encounter:

1.) Always shuffle your feet when walking out to the surf, sting rays are shy and skitish creatures and will generally flutter away at the first sign of danger. The sting is a self-defense mechanism when they get stepped on or threatened. The Sting Ray Shuffle is your first line of defense.

2.) If you do feel something soft and squishy under your foot step off of it as quick as possible. I stepped on a sting ray last weekend, but got off it in time that it didn't get me...Step lightly in other words.

3.) In the case that you do get stung come to the beach as quick as possible, don't panic because it will only increase your circulation, thus aiding in the movement of the toxin through your body. Also you want to try and limit anything that may bring on symptoms of shock.

4.) Go home, or to the nearest lifeguard or fire station to treat it. The wound can vary in pain. I've had a woman compare it to child birth and seen full-on tattooed gang bangers cry like little sissys, conversly I've seen little girls walk away with relatively little discomfort. Either way it's not going to be fun. Pretty much the only real thing you can do for the pain is soak the sting in hot water, as hot as you can stand, but don't go burnin' yourself. You can also take Advil or something, but no asprin. Asprin thins the blood and allows the toxin to travel easier.

5.) Soak the foot until it feels significantly better. The pain probably won't go completely away, but it should feel dramatically better. A little swelling is normal. Be sure to clean the wound as best as possible. If it looks like the sting ray barb is still in your foot see a doctor for treatment. Actually if anything weird at all goes on go see a doctor.