The Second Annual Sensible Mountain Prepper's Conference, Black Mountain, NC

Save these dates: May 5-6, 2012.  We will be meeting at The Ridgewood Conference Center in Black Mountain!

The Guest Speaker will be William Forstchen, author of One Second After.

If any of you have read or heard this amazing author, you will know he speaks to us in a way that changes lives! He gives us insight in very practical ways, and knows how to provide a timeline for the effects of disaster... His comments will help you frame your preparedness. And how unique! He will be speaking with us in the town where Once Second After was set!

Carolina Readiness Supply, Inc. is sponsoring this event- and they have rounded up a wonderful group of preparedness speakers (including, me!):

Engineer 775
Southernprepper1
Soothch00
MrMadMick15
MrModernSurvival
OneWomanWarrior

This promises to be a great gathering! I have already heard several regional preparedness groups plan to use this as an opportunity to link up with other like-minded neighbors from their own region.
Advanced tickets for the two day event are $15, ($18.00 at the door). The Ridgewood Conference Center in Black Mountain is saving a block of rooms at a special price for conference attendees.
Friday, 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm    Saturday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Get directions and more from Carolina Readiness Supply  72 Montgomery St., Waynesville, NC 28726
(828) 456-5310   www.carolinareadiness.com for more information!

I will be speaking on special needs for women and families during difficult times, and another chapter on Hiding in Place!  I received so many wonderful comments and great support after my presentation at the Sensible Prepper's Conference in Greenville, NC last summer. Hope to see you all again, and meet new friends in Black Mountain!

Meanwhile, check out some of the above speakers on Youtube, and support our generous sponsor, Carolina Readiness Supply.  Their knowledge and stock of emergency supplies, camping gear, and preparedness has never been more important. No matter what your need or interest- you will find it, and many like-minded people, at the conference in Black Mountain. Please come introduce yourself to me there!

Hunting and Gathering

Whether we call ourselves survivalists, preppers, or just plain smart.... being well prepared for disaster or the uncertain future is a good plan.
There are quite a few survival must-have or nice-to-have lists on the Internet. Here is one more!
One thing I might add: As you prepare, consider budgeting some inexpensive yet useful items to use for barter or charity. Ramen noodles are still only about 15 cents a pack, and you can purchase Bic lighters in bulk for very cheap. These items will be in high demand in an emergency situation when the grocery shelves quickly go bare.
Goodwill stores and flea markets often have a selection of basic kitchen items or old garage tools.

Pick up rotary beaters, hand-crank meat or grain grinders.

Old hammers, saws, and even hand crank drills are good to hold on to. (Six weeks after Hurricane Irene- some folks in Connecticut were still without electricity. I'm just sayin'!)

Before purchasing canning jars second hand, be sure to check for any small chips on the rim.

If you have a slightly chipped  Ball jar (and Ball is the most durable, in my humble opinion!), don't necessarily throw it away. There are ways to carefully recycle:

As with any list, pick out and prioritize according to your wants and needs.You will probably be surprised at how many things you already have.  On my carry-around list, I use highlighters to color and prioritize the things I should try to purchase first according to my budget and storage space. A separate color is used to identify things like food or batteries to be rotated or regularly replaced.

Last but not least, seek out training for skills you don't have. The Red Cross, County Extension, and most County Emergency Management groups are glad to have new students or volunteers.  The more you know, the more self-reliant you become. Empower yourself!

1. Generators (Good ones cost a lot)
2. Water Filters/Purifiers
3. Portable Toilets
4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 – 12 months to become dried.
5. Lamp Oil, Lamps, Wicks (Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)
6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.
7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.
8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.
9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar
10. Rice – Beans – Wheat
11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,)
12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)
13. Water Containers Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY.
14. Mini Heater head (Propane) (Without this item, propane won’t heat a room.)
15. Grain Grinder (Non-electric)
16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.)
17. Survival Guide Book
18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without it, long-term lighting is difficult.)
19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc.
20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)
21. Cookstoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)
22. Vitamins
23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder
24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products
25. Thermal Underwear (Tops & Bottoms)
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil)
27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)
28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)
29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many)
30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels
31. Milk – Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)
32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)
34. Coleman’s Pump Repair Kit
35. Tuna Fish (in oil)
36. Fire Extinguishers (or..large box of Baking Soda in every room)
37. First Aid Kits
38. Batteries (all sizes…buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)
39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies
40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food)
41. Flour, yeast & salt
42. Matches (“Strike Anywhere” preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators
44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.)
45. Workboots, belts, Levis & durable shirts
46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, “No. 76 Dietz” Lanterns
47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experiences)
48. Garbage cans – Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting – if with wheels)
49. Men’s Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, etc.
50. Cast Iron Cookware (sturdy, efficient)
51. Fishing supplies/tools
52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams
53. Duct Tape
54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes
55. Candles
56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)
57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags
58. Garden tools & supplies
59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies
60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.
61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)
62. Canning Supplies (Jars/lids/wax)
63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel
64. Bicycles – Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc.
65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats
66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)
67. Board Games, Cards, Dice
68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets
70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)
71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)
72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.
73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)
74. Hand Pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)
75. Soysauce, vinegar, bullions/gravy/soupbase
76. Reading glasses
77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)
78. “Survival-in-a-Can”
79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens
80. Boy Scout Handbook
81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit
82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky
83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)
85. Lumber (all types)
86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)
87. Cots & Inflatable Mattresses
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.
89. Lantern Hangers
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws,, nuts & bolts
91. Teas
92. Coffee
93. Cigarettes
94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,)
95. Paraffin Wax
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
97. Chewing gum/candies
98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)
99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs
100. Goats/chickens

Learning to Prepare? Meet Me at The Fair!

Every season offers new opportunities to learn skills of survival or preparedness, but Autumn is harvest time! Fall abundance is everywhere you turn!

When you think of ways to sustain your family for the long term, do you consider raising a few pigs, cows or goats?  Do you imagine yourself with a few chickens, a sustainable garden, and a safe way to set back food?
Even if you just want an eye-opener to all the possibilities, there's no better place to visit than The County Fair.  This is where you can touch base with some authentic survivalists: the people who have been prepping and making a living doing it, sometimes for generations.

 Many counties hold their own fall fair. Touch base with the local farmers, and learn what crops grow best in your area.  When asked respectfully, most country folk are more than happy to share their knowledge of what works and what doesn't on the farm.  If you'd like a couple of tips about cooking or canning, red and blue ribbon winners will be out in force!

Homemade jellies and jams will be selling like farmhouse hot cakes! Not to mention, good pies to buy!

Every Imaginable Pie!

If you can get to The State Fair, you will find farmers and ranchers who have traveled miles to compete and sell live stock. These are the people who know an Angus from a Hereford, and a Jersey from a Holstein. Very good knowledge if you plan to collect dairy cattle, and not the meat variety. As for chickens, you may see birds of a feather you've never seen before!

Young people who have a passion for raising animals will abound, and possibly inspire your own children.

The North Carolina State Fair offers a Village of Yesteryear, where artists and craftsmen keep primitive skills alive. Rug weaving, lace making, stone carving, and pottery turning are among a few demonstrations. Look for information about quilting and bee-keeping, too. There is even a 3rd generation Tin Smith on hand. (For other views of the ancient art of smiths, check out The Renaissance Faires.  Metal workers who hand forge swords, knives, battle armor, horse shoes, eating utensils, and even jewelry...are found over a fire, showing how it's done.)

There will be a "midway" at the fair. Inevitably, this will be the location for funnel cakes, corn dogs, and red candy apples.  There's always some attention-grabber frying a Snickers bar... but there will be a variety of grilled pork, seasoned turkey, and other good eats:

Even if farm dwelling isn't a part of your plan, you will certainly enjoy a day of feast for the senses, and the family can experience a peek at what daily life could be like in a world without Facebook, television, and city plumbing. Enjoy the day, and the evening!

Frankly, my dear- You need to prepare to make bank!

Here is a subject I have been pondering for a while.

Let's say... a disaster (pick one) happens, and there is a temporary collapse of the way we go about our everyday lives. No banks or ATMs, maybe no jobs... and it may be a while before civilization as we know it comes back.  If ever!
Just our luck, the Tax Collector survives, and wants the taxes on Tara before our cotton field is ready for market! We may be prepared to barter some things, and turn Mama's portiers into a dress... but are there some ways to plan ahead to make some cash in the hard times?
Stealing your sister's wealthy fiance is still frowned upon, so I was excited to see the blogspot, Frugally Sustainable, attack this very question! Here are some of their suggestions, adaptable to small or large spaces:
1.Follow your interests and do what you love – Before you do anything else, do what you love and the provision will follow.
2.Eat from your garden and sell the rest – Utilize every square inch of your property for production. Focus on planting perennials that come back year after year and require little care (i.e. nuts, fruits, berries, etc.). Gather provisions for your family and sell the rest for profit. Consider...selling at a farmer's  market.
3.Raise and sell animals – .... raising heritage breed rabbits and selling them on craigslist and/or to local farm supply stores as pets.
4.Sell pastured eggs from your backyard hens – ... There are farmers that are making thousands of dollars raising and selling pastured eggs.
5.Start a Farm School – ....Open your home to teaching people the old ways of doing things. ...Wisdom that was once commonly passed down from generation to generation has in many ways been lost. People are eager for a rebirth of traditional know-how.
6.Turn your crafty skills into a profitable business – Make candles, soaps, lotions, homemade/repurposed clothing....
7.Write – Begin chronicling your interests. Use social media to your advantage (smile).Create a blog ... someone will find your thoughts valuable.


This is just the short version. I encourage you to visit this great site! Read more at  http://frugallysustainable.blogspot.com/2011/10/how-to-make-money-when-living-self.html

A good point made by this author is that big is not necessarily better. What good is that 160 acres of land over at Twelve Oaks if you don't have the seed or workers to help farm it? Work what you have, and make every square foot count- even on a balcony! Even in Atlanta!
We say we long to find a more simple, self-sufficient way of living... but the more we read and study we see that the simple life is not as simple as it appears. Learn how to make do with less, and how TO DO more! Learn how to can, sew, and garden... and maybe even how to birth a baby, just in case! After all,  Tomorrow is another day! Get ready!

"You are your own First Responder!"

One person who has been a great inspiration to me is Lt. General Russel Honore.  You may remember him as the Army General who led Task Force Katrina.  He is a true American Hero because in the middle of "government inaction"- he stepped in and took a no nonsense control in the way a true leader does.  He set out steps and a plan for help... and when the media whined and balked, he told them bluntly, "Don't get stuck on stupid!"

That sums it up. Don't cry about what's happened, don't tell me all the reasons this wont work, or "that's not practical." Move ahead with a good plan!
Lt. General Honore says one of the hardest lessons learned from Katrina is: "You are your own First Responder!"
His 1st Step jump-start advice:
1. Have a plan to evacuate
2. Have an emergency evacuation kit, and 3 days supply of food and water at home
3. Have a Weather Radio- or some other means of staying informed

This is the very basics... but a life saver, and something we all can do!

A Classic On The Reading List

Whether you are just starting to prepare, or have been at this as "a way of life" for a while, you can certainly appreciate the Preparedness Manual set forth by The Church of Latter Day Saints. Better known as The Mormons, these folks have preparedness and long term food storage at the heart of their belief system. This is not the time or place to debate Mormon-ism... I'm just offering this link if you are interested.
The book, (which you can order from LDS for less than $10, or download for free below), starts off with a little evangelism... but at about page 15 you can begin to see these people have it going on.

Here is a sampling of the table of contents:

FOOD STORAGE
20 Food Storage
22 BARE-MINIMUM Food Storage Requirements,
23 Do you Really have a Year’s Supply?
24 Basic Food List
28 Monthly Food Storage Purchasing Calendar
32 The Seven Major Mistakes in Food Storage
34 Common Storage Foods
35 Grains & Flours
45 Legume Varieties
47 Availability of Grains & Legumes
50 Moisture Content in Grains & Legumes
52 Dairy Products
55 Canned Fluid Milks and Cremes, Butter, Cheese, Eggs,
58 Sugar, Honey and Sweeteners,
63 Fats and Oils
65 Cooking Adjuncts
69 Infant Formula
71 Growing and Using Sprouts
73 Pros & Cons of Freeze-Dried, Dehydrated, MRE, etc..,
74 MREs, Meal Ready to Eat,
81 Storage Containers,
93 Oxygen Absorbers
93 Moisture Control,
99 Spoilage,
105 Storage Lives of Dehydrated Food

111 Water
124 Master Food List
128 Master Seed List
TEMPORAL PREPARATION
129 OK, But what do I prepare for?
132 Surviving in the City
142 Money
145 Defense
147 Clothing
148 Emergency Heating & Cooking
150 Emergency Light
158 Emergency Shelter
159 Master Preparedness List
173 Space Cramp, Where do I Put it all?
175 Emergency Sanitation
176 Emergency Toilets & Garbage Disposal
178 Emergency Generators
184 Thoughts on Disaster Survival, post Katrina
TERRORISM
193 Protecting Yourself From Terrorism,
197 Homeland Security Advisory System,
199 Preparing for a Pandemic,
200 Fact about Avian Flu,
204 Quarentine,
205 Quarentining for Epidemics,
207 Biological and Chemical Agent Dispersion,
211 Common Biological and Chemical Agents
213 Nuclear - Chemical Decontamination Kit,
215 Nuclear Disaster and Warfare
219 What to do After a Nuclear Attack,
221 What to do Before a Nuclear Attack

the link:

http://www.tngun.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/LDS-Preparedness-Manual.pdf

There is also a food calculator on line. Put in the number of people you are preparing for, and it calculates how much food you should expect to store to cover them:
the link:
http://lds.about.com/library/bl/faq/blcalculator.htm 

As I always say... Prepare, then go on and enjoy your life! Have a great day, my friends!

Notes on Privacy & Self-Reliance

•

As promised from the SENSIBLE Conference:

Protect your true identity and your profile. 

Opt out of as many mailings as you can, and put phone numbers on the Do Not Call List

– Obtain a locked Post Office box

– Contact banks to stop credit card offers

– Create a separate email for "hobbies" that may reveal too much about you, decreasing your home security. Many magazines are online… 

– Unless it is a legal document, don’t provide your birth date or your mother’s maiden name

– Shred your mail!

•Limit social networking under your real name- use a code name if possible.

–Limit online pictures of your home, family, assets

–Keep Privacy Controls tight (No friends of friends viewing!)

–Train teens to be more discreet…Monitor Internet

•Carefully vet contractors/cleaners/painters, maids or babysitters needed at your house. If you must have them in, make sure your supplies and personal information are out of view.

– 

Your Private Information is Online- available to anyone

•Internet Searches in your name  now can show

Published pictures of you, candid pictures of you added by others, news articles or Blogs mentioning your name. Real Estate bought and sold in your name, your property values, your property taxes, and whether or not your are current in paying your taxes. Your voting district, and your affiliation. Churches publish their activities online, possibly indicating your membership, as do school alumni trying to link up for reunions. (Arrest records, outstanding warrants, & jail visitation lists are also online in many states).

•Google Earth, & Street view show:

Your House, cars parked in your driveway, and your backyard garden

Google often tracks your membership in clubs, any public or municipal office you have held, and times you have spoken to county government or had your name included in minutes. Your picture may be archived in old high school or college year books online…. Even from the 1970’s or before.

•Open Source* People Searches show:

Your full name, nick names, your age and sometimes DOB. Addresses & phone numbers (former and current), the names of people who have lived with you- (parents, in-laws, children, former spouses) often gathered from credit card or utility bills tied to your address…and more

•Facebook:  Timeline (Nothing safe here!)

•Be aware of who collects your personal info!

•Limit the information you provide them

– “Rewards Cards”… the purchase information is being compiled about you, and locating all purchases at your address.(This includes large amounts of food supplies, computers, laptops, audio-video, wide screens...)

–All Debit and Credit Card usage…. every purchase, your medicines, if you visited an oncologist or any other doctor and what kind... and much of your medical history, how often you go to the movies, etc. (Move to cash).

–“Customer Surveys”, Social Networking “likes”-  are only information collectors!

–Monitor your credit rating

–Limit your profile on the Internet

–

 Self Reliance Lowers Your Profile !