(Natural News)
When you find yourself out in the wild without water, you have a serious problem. You have to find a source of water somewhere. A portable water filter may save you lots of time and effort, but not everyone has one. It is important then to learn various water filtering techniques, using materials found in the wild. Equipped with this knowledge, you will be more prepared and at ease in case of an emergency.

Here are four ways to filter water without a commercial filter. (h/t to TheSimplePrepper.com)

Sand and charcoal water filter

This filter does not completely purify water, but it can turn cloudy water clear. For this filter, you need:

If you have a plastic bottle, cut the bottom cover and take the cap off. Invert it afterward. If you are using a plastic bag, cut a small hole at the bottom of the bag.

The setup begins at the bottom. Follow these steps:

Evaporation trap

Evaporation traps collect the ground water that has evaporated from the soil into a container. This filter is suitable if you will be staying in the area for a long time. It takes a while to collect water, but it will provide you with a semi-continuous supply.

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Here are the materials you need:

To set an evaporation trap, you need put it in an area that has direct or indirect sunlight. It also needs a lot of space and should be left undisturbed.

Follow these steps to make an evaporation trap:

The plastic sheet will collect the evaporated ground water, dripping it down to the container.

Solar still

A solar still works similarly to an evaporation trap. Solar stills are easier to set up because you can carry the items needed to set it up anywhere. However, like evaporation traps, they also take a while before you can collect the water.

The items you need for a solar still are:

To set up your solar still:

Household chemicals

Common household items can be used to clean dirty water. Aside from purification tablets and drops, you can use something as common as bleach and iodine. If you decide to use this method, strain the water first through a shirt or any other fabric. It must be relatively free of particles before applying the chemicals.

If you decided to use bleach, do the following:

Iodine works as a short-term solution, but it is inadvisable for pregnant women and people with thyroid problems. If you decide to use iodine, follow the instructions below:

Practice these filtering techniques at home to prepare you for any scenario. Read more water purification tips and tricks at WaterPurifiers.news.

This content was originally published here.

We always talk about bugging out when the SHTF. It’s a necessity with certain disasters. But sometimes, it is best to stay where you are.

What happens when there is no need to evacuate where you are?

Going out may be dangerous…. then what?

Today we’ll focus on just that. What things you should focus on first if you need to hunker down.

Shelter

You need to check to make sure your home is secured enough for you to be safe. Things like sliding doors are particularly vulnerable to intruders as is unlocked windows and doors. Make sure your shelter is as safe as it can be.

Also, try to keep items out of the way to keep a clear line of vision around your home, if possible. Secure garages and make sure it will be hard for intruders to break into.

Lastly, keep your prepping supplies in an area where you can get to it easily. If you have your prepping items in an area that could be completely closed off such as a detached garage or a climate controlled storage shed, move them quickly inside if possible.

Food

Preppers are notorious for their food storage because it’s one of the biggest and most important concerns when the SHTF. Of course, we want to feed our families.

But I added this because a lot of preppers like myself forget to rotate my food out so it becomes expired or my wife needs something while cooking dinner and I give it to her out of my stockpile instead of driving to the store when I’m tired. (Come on guys, i know we’ve all probably done it!)

Remember to replenish what you have taken from your food storage, Keep up with expiration dates. Rotate them out. Do an inventory of your food to see what you are lacking.

Water

Storing water is super hard to store because is heavy and you will need so much of it for each family member. Because of this, I lean more towards water purification.

One of my favorite is the Lifestraw from Vestergaard products. They are compact and the ultimate in water purification. Read the fine print however because even though most Lifestraw products remove viruses, some don’t. (Lifestraw Personal & Lifestraw Go do NOT). For prepping purposes, I recommend you use a larger water purification device that meets the standard EPA standard for removal of bacteria, parasites, and viruses.

Medicine

OTC drugs will be few and far between when the SHTF. Buy up a stock of OTC drugs for pains, cold, allergies, and whatever else you think you may need while you can.
Prescription drugs can often be gotten in a 90 supply just by talking to your doctor.

As a reminder, keep all medicines in a safe place where children, teens and persons with questionable judgement cannot get to them.

Protection

Have a way to protect yourself if needed. For some that may mean having a gun or even multiple guns and for others in may mean a knife, or a bow & arrow. Hopefully you have multiple ways to defending yourself.

But just make sure you have at least one way of protecting yourself and your loved ones. If you have guns, make sure you have plenty of ammunition stored. Make sure again to keep these in a safe place away from children!

Light

You need some form of light. It could be an LED or a rechargeable flashlight.  It’s important for security such as it’ll help you keep an eye out at night around the perimeters of your shelter.

Entertainment

One of the most overlooked things by preppers. You don’t want to just survive. You want to thrive in a SHTF scenario. The means having a way to unwind, some refreshment.

Play cards. Read a book. Play UNO or Monopoly. Play charades. There are several things you can do to get your mind refreshed and relaxed.

Final Thoughts

Remember to keep any harmful items such as medicines and weapons away from children and in a safe place.

We hope we have helped you prepare for if you ever do have to hunker down.

This content was originally published here.

Sugar is an essential survival staple when SHTF

There’s a knee-jerk reaction whenever someone mentions the word “sugar.” The immediate response is one of concern and fear – with statements such as “we should avoid it” or “it’s bad for you” topping the list. While this is true regarding processed sugar, its natural sources are the complete opposite. In fact, many preppers and survival enthusiasts say that sugar, in its other forms, is an essential survival staple.

One of the more critical reasons why sugar is crucial when SHTF is its long shelf life. Some types of sugar can be stored away safely for as long as 30 years. It is also relatively cheap to source, and it can be used for a variety of needs.

  • As a food – Let’s begin with the obvious. Sugar is an excellent source of energy and is an ingredient in many recipes. This is unlikely to change, even during a social or economic collapse. Beyond food, however, sugar is also used to make medicinal wines from herbs.
  • As a gardening aid – Sugar mixed with vinegar can accelerate root development in plants. The food is also used to increase microbial activity in soil and feed various helpful organisms such as butterflies. You may also use sugar as bait to trap pests.

Storing sugar: Basics to remember

Regardless of the type of sugar that you plan to store, there are some basic rules to follow.

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The first is that sugar must always be stored in a cool, dry location. Bacteria thrive in moist, hot places so make sure that wherever you store your sugar, it’s in an area that will not be permeated by much sunlight or hit by water.

We also recommend storing sugar in a large, airtight bucket. Be sure to follow a consistent rotation and inspect the content of your stores regularly. This will prevent spoilage.

Listed below are some of the more common sugar types and how long you can expect them to last:

  • Maple syrup – This, too, can be stored indefinitely as long as you don’t open the original container. Once opened, it should be refrigerated.
  • Agave – This only has a shelf life of two to five years. It is somewhat more expensive than other kinds of sugar, though.
  • Granulated sugar – Pre-manufactured sugar can last for around 30 years. Do take note that this form of sugar is highly sensitive to temperature; if the area is too damp, it will form into a hard brick. Granulated sugar is also susceptible to mold and fungal growth. It is likewise important to emphasize that processed sugar is not healthy for you and should only be considered for survival purposes.

Another aspect that must be emphasized is that insects, rodents, and vermin are drawn to the smell of sugar. Remember to keep your storage area clean and free of anything that will attract these creatures.

You are mistaken if you think that rats cannot chew through plastic. It does take some effort, but rats can eventually wear plastic down.

The best way to store sugar is to do so in small quantities. Storing large amounts of sugar can be wasteful, especially if you’re only planning to use a minimum amount each time. Recall that the shelf life of sugar is diminished once its container has been opened. Buy jars that will allow you to pack sugar to last a month in each container. For bugging out, try aiming for two to three jars that weigh a pound each.

Sugar is an extremely versatile food and knowing how to store it away will prove to be extremely useful when SHTF.

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This content was originally published here.

So you’ve stocked up on survival items, but have you actually tested your SHTF plan? Here’s what you need to do to become the ultimate prepper

As a prepper, you are someone who cares about the future safety and freedom of your family, no matter what challenges arise. As a prepper, you’ve invested in survival items that will matter most to your family’s survival. In your mental preparations, you’ve calculated the threats you are most likely to encounter. You have a plan to face it all, but when SHTF, the scenarios won’t play out in order, like you mapped out in your head. The things you thought you’d need might have to be left behind. The items you stocked up on – the ones you spent the most money on – could make you a target. But the one question that separates the men from the boys when it comes to prepping is the question:

Have you actually put your SHTF plans into practice, or is it all untested theory?Have you tested your SHTF plan or do you merely have a fairytale survival scenario playing out perfectly in your head?

What would you eat if you stopped grocery shopping for a month?

Have you gone without power for a day, or a week? Have you even tried trading your skills and items with neighbors, families, and friends? Have you tried preparing meals with your survival stash, without electricity? Have you spent a month without purchasing new groceries from the store? Have you forced yourself to eat through the foods in your fridge and pantry – the only foods that will be there when everything really hits the fan? You will quickly learn that you eat mostly out of pleasure and boredom. When forced to conserve your rations, you will learn when you’re body is actually hungry. You may start to take advantage of all the wild foods growing in your area, including dandelions, red clover, cattail, mulberry leaves, ants, worms, pineapple weed, rodents, insects, and fresh road kill.

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Practice surviving by turning off your home’s running water

What if the water supply was cut off to your home for a month? You won’t really know how to react unless you put yourself in the actual situation. Do you even have a plan to collect water and/or filter water in your area for drinking? Will you collect rainwater or find a way to harvest groundwater? How long can you operate on the water that is left in the plumbing? You’ll quickly learn how to reuse dishware and clothes in order to conserve water. A hot shower will become an afterthought. You won’t know what these feelings are until you actually practice the scenario by turning off your home’s running water.

Quit relying on your phone and start connecting with people in the moment

Have you ever practiced cutting off your communications? Try contacting people without your phone or your internet connection. Leave your phone at home and depend on your ability to talk to people in the moment. Who will you be closest to – who will you have to get along with – if these communications went down? Do you have a secret meeting point arranged with those you love, in case SHTF? What kind of relationship have you established with your neighbors? The way you treat the people closest in proximity to you now could make all the difference if your community is suddenly forced to rely on itself.

Practice confrontation and negotiation

The people who have faced violent threats in the past are the ones who will know how to instinctively react if they are faced with a violent threat in the future. You think you know how you’ll react to a threat, but when push comes to shove, most people freeze up and/or panic at first. Facing a violent threat is not something you can practice, but if you were fortunate enough to live through high stress situations, your mind is already prepared. The next time you are faced with a threat, your breathing will be stronger, your reaction times faster. If you find yourself constantly going along to get along, stop yourself from assimilating and start questioning people. Start testing your ability to confront and negotiate. These kind of interactions make everyone smarter and stronger, especially in times of great stress.

When you put yourself in actual situations, you prepare your mind and your nervous system. With practice, you soon won’t feel entitled to anything, as true hunger pains take over. The state of “depression” you once claimed suddenly becomes laughable, because times can be tougher. By putting yourself in actual survival situations, you quickly learn how to make do with less, while improvising and making a way, even when things seem impossible.

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(Natural News)
Getting pregnant during and after SHTF poses a lot of risks. Not only is there a lack of access to clean facilities and a doctor, it also places an incredible physical burden on the mother. Giving birth in that kind of environment increases the risk of contracting an infection or disease. In the worst-case scenario, it can take the lives of both mother and child.

Without access to clean facilities, it may be better to avoid getting pregnant. For female preppers, this is a big issue. Common methods of preventing pregnancy may no longer be available, and they’ll have to rely on natural ways instead. (h/t to ReadNutrition.com)

The problem with common birth control methods

When it comes to birth control, people usually think of condoms and birth control pills. While they may seem effective in a survival scenario, you also have to consider their disadvantages, such as:

These common birth control methods may not be effective in a disaster. It may be best to switch to natural ways to avoid pregnancy.

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Natural birth control methods

The first thing to do in order to prevent pregnancy is to know your body. Every woman is different: each has different menstrual cycles and varying levels of fertility. To prepare for a disaster, it is best to first consult with your health care provider. Ask if there are any special conditions you need to know. By learning more, you will have a better idea of which birth control method will work best for you.

When disaster strikes, here are some natural ways to avoid getting pregnant:

Calendar/Rhythm method

This method will help you determine the days of your peak fertility and days that you are “safe” to have sex. For those who have a predictable cycle, this is an easy method to follow. However, this method requires you to know the schedule of your menstrual cycle beforehand.

Basal body temperature method

If you have an unpredictable menstrual cycle and you’re not sure of your schedule, you can always use this method. The basal body temperature method (BBT) is also called the “thermometer” method. Compared to condoms and pills, they can be used multiple times and you can buy a few back-ups.

The primary idea behind this method is that there are minute changes in body temperature when a woman ovulates. When the BBT is low, it is a safe day. If the BBT rises, the person is ovulating and more likely to get pregnant.

Follow the steps below to chart your BBT:

The changes in temperature are extremely small, so it’s best to use a special large-scale basal thermometer. Once you get the hang of charting your BBT, you now have a better idea of your safe and fertile days.

Cervical mucus method

This method requires you to examine your cervical mucus. Changes in the cervical mucus’ color and consistency reflect the peak times of fertility. On safe days, women release a cloudy discharge. However, once a woman ovulates, the cervical mucus looks stretchy and clear, like a raw egg white. If the discharge becomes cloudy again, it means the ovulation is over.

In an SHTF situation, pregnancy is risky. If you’re currently pregnant, you must prepare a lot of things in case disaster strikes. Find out more at Preparedness.news.

This content was originally published here.

The Steps to Take After Buying Homestead Land

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You can get so wrapped up in the hunt for land and the price of land and the perfect piece of land itself you forget what’s next.

It’s not a hard thing to do. The day will come when you are standing on several acres of pristine land and it will be all yours. At that moment you will be hit with the shocking reality that now its time to get to work.

Have you any idea what might come of your beautiful land. What is step number one? 

You see, a piece of land requires management. These things dont just happen on their own. So let’s look at some consideration you will have to make upfront. These will be the things you must decide as a new landowner

How Much Land to Clear

Chances are you are going to have to clear some trees or some brush. What does that look like? How much land do you need to grow food on? You dont want to spend undue time and money on clearing land that you dont intend to use. 

Consider how much land you have to clear and get to it! 

What About Water

If you have a homestead, you are going to need water. 

Are you going to drill a well, is there a water source nearby or are you going to try and catch as much water as possible? 

Your water needs will be the next thing to address. Be sure you have access to clean potable water that you can use for the land and the body. 

Create Your Homestead Plan

Once you have considered these two things its time to create your homesteading plan. What kinds of animals do you want to fill that land with and how much food are you going to grow? It’s not easy but it’s going to be well worth it. 

After watching recent events unfold and speaking to family and friends, my wife and I decided to start prepping. Preparedness is a big part of our lives now and I would be honored to share some knowledge with you. Here at SHTF Prepping & Homesteading Central we gather the best prepping, survival, homesteading and DIY articles from around the web.
– “Those who prepare today will survive tomorrow.”

Permanent link to this article: https://www.shtfpreparedness.com/the-steps-to-take-after-buying-homestead-land/

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Traveling to your bugout location on foot may be your only option in a disaster. However, if you have another option, you should consider that.

Image: designboom.com

 Any wheeled option is going to be much faster and more efficient than simply one foot in front of the other. 

Of course, you need to consider the terrain and the route to your location when it comes to choosing the right bugout vehicle. Some bugout terrain will be incompatible with your terrain. Dont try and bugout through a bog on a bike! 

Let’s look at a few viable bugout vehicle options. 

Bugout Truck

 One of the easiest things to consider is the 4 Wheel Drive truck. This type of vehicle can carry a lot of supplies, handle rough terrain and if you have an older truck, before 1980, there is a good chance its EMP-proof! 

Bugout Bike 

They are making tremendous advances with motorized scooters and bikes. There are even bikes that you can pedal and that can ride you around without pedaling. That is a tremendous thing to consider. 

Bikes are great for getting you through things like traffic and even gridlock. They are also good for going off the road if you have the right tires. 

Mini Bugout RV

Then there are things like the radical and even obscure mini bugout RV. You can go out on your own path and create a new bugout vehicle that fits your situation. Remember, you just need the right motor to propel the wheels. 

From there you can build whatever you like, however you like. Remember, you need to become a master of materials and adapting things to work for you. That is one of the most important qualities in terms of survival. 

What would your perfect bugout vehicle look like? What type of fuel would it run on? 

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After watching recent events unfold and speaking to family and friends, my wife and I decided to start prepping. Preparedness is a big part of our lives now and I would be honored to share some knowledge with you. Here at SHTF Prepping & Homesteading Central we gather the best prepping, survival, homesteading and DIY articles from around the web.
– “Those who prepare today will survive tomorrow.”

Permanent link to this article: https://www.shtfpreparedness.com/finding-the-perfect-bug-out-vehicle/

This content was originally published here.

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Off the grid, heat is an issue when temperatures begin to creep below freezing. Depending on your home and the quality of insulation you will struggle to stay warm.

Image Credit: lifewire.com

There is not an efficient battery-powered heater on the market. That is a myth and you will need other options. This is particularly true of people in urban settings who do not have fireplaces. You might not be able to install a wood stove either. 

Nothing is going to be as safe as your HVAC system buy staying warm in your home is crucial. An emergency heat option must be part of your preparedness plan.  If you live in some of the colder regions of this nation, you know how cold home can get without heat. It can be downright deadly.

Propane Heat 

Propane heat is a viable option for those who need a backup plan. There are a wide variety of options when it comes to propane heaters. Propane heat can be very effective in terms of what it’s able to cool. If you invest in a quality propane heater be sure that you use it in an area that is at least 20×20.

This will create some serious problems in terms of carbon monoxide if the room is too small. 

These units can start fires and they also give off high levels of carbon monoxide. You need to be able to monitor these levels. In case you aren’t aware, carbon monoxide is deadly and it will kill your whole family. 

This is the same gas that comes off of generators. Only generators give off much more of it than propane heaters. 

Some units will come with an alarm that sounds if oxygen levels get too low. This is a great feature. 

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Investing in a carbon monoxide detector will also give you a way to be sure you aren’t flooding your home with deadly gas!

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After watching recent events unfold and speaking to family and friends, my wife and I decided to start prepping. Preparedness is a big part of our lives now and I would be honored to share some knowledge with you. Here at SHTF Prepping & Homesteading Central we gather the best prepping, survival, homesteading and DIY articles from around the web.
– “Those who prepare today will survive tomorrow.”

Permanent link to this article: https://www.shtfpreparedness.com/options-for-emergency-heat/

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Many of us don’t even know that coffee can be grown right here, at home!

Image Credit: legacy.sweetmarias.com

This plant is actually quite easy to take care of and if you had guests over would be a very interesting plant to talk about. They produce beautiful flowers and have beautiful red cherries when the beans are developing.

You can get the seeds or starter plants right from Amazon. I personally would get the starter plants as it saves you the time and growing effort it would take. You can get the starter plants for around 19 bucks.

We all need caffeine and even if you dont drink coffee someone around you does. Coffee can be a supreme bartering item. So how do you grow it? 

Simulate Tropical Conditions

You have to grow coffee plants indoors and with plenty of sunlight, in most parts of the country. Look for a room with plenty of sunlight to grow your trees. Coffee plants are understory so you dont want too much direct sunlight. Inside is great for them. 

Water, Water, Water 

Since Arabica is a tropical plant it wants all sorts of water. Water your coffee plants regularly and often. They like both! This is something to consider when it comes to growing coffee in the SHTF world. Your water might be too precious to waste on coffee trees.

Repot Year Over Year

Every spring you will need to transfer your trees to a newer larger pot. This process will allow your coffee trees to mature and be much better at producing the beans you are after. 

It’s best to grow coffee with starter plants rather than from seed.  You will likely have much more success this way, too! If you have the right setup coffee is well within reach.

Also check out this video for more information:

After watching recent events unfold and speaking to family and friends, my wife and I decided to start prepping. Preparedness is a big part of our lives now and I would be honored to share some knowledge with you. Here at SHTF Prepping & Homesteading Central we gather the best prepping, survival, homesteading and DIY articles from around the web.
– “Those who prepare today will survive tomorrow.”

Permanent link to this article: https://www.shtfpreparedness.com/how-to-grow-and-prepare-coffee-at-home-101/

This content was originally published here.

Would you Eat Rat Meat in SHTF?

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We live in a world of infinite convenience. Food is delivered to supermarkets en mass and they throw a lot of it away or donate it to food banks.

 American’s waster 50% of their food on top of that! We can hardly understand starvation. 

In 1st world American terms, starvation is a matter of going 5 hours without eating. We get irritable and even say the phrase, “I am starving!” 

In SHTF one of the first things we will notice is real hunger. People will eat through their pantries in weeks, at most, and then they will get desperate. That is the reality of what we deal with when we see the shelves go bare. 

Eating Rats 

This is not something that is uncommon. Through different points in history and in different parts of the world, rats have been and are food. 

While they are not the most sanitary creatures to handle they do offer up some meat and in a world where things get ugly, you might have a different view of rats. 

There are many recipes and ways to eat rats. 

Food Storage

There is real validity to the phrase “3 days from chaos” and it has to do with the food supply. Maybe you are reading this article and you dont like the idea of eating rats. Well, now is the time to invest in serious food storage. 

Start developing a prepper’s pantry and investing money in building a supply of long term food storage like rice and beans. If you have food you have power. That is exactly how you should look at it. 

The opposite is just the same idea. If you need to depend on someone else for food you are either going to be starving, enslaved or eating rats! 

In this age of convenience, you can stock up on food storage easily. 

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After watching recent events unfold and speaking to family and friends, my wife and I decided to start prepping. Preparedness is a big part of our lives now and I would be honored to share some knowledge with you. Here at SHTF Prepping & Homesteading Central we gather the best prepping, survival, homesteading and DIY articles from around the web.
– “Those who prepare today will survive tomorrow.”

Permanent link to this article: https://www.shtfpreparedness.com/would-you-eat-rat-meat-in-shtf/

This content was originally published here.