(Natural News)
Barter is the exchange of goods or services of equal value without the use of money. It was nearly forgotten until the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic struck last year and revived bartering. Driven by panic, many people stockpiled essential items like diapers and used their excess supplies to trade them for things such as spaghetti.

In the event of economic collapse, bartering will be an essential skill that preppers must master to secure their family’s needs. Here are some things to keep in mind to barter effectively after SHTF: (h/t to UrbanSurvivalSite.com)

What is valuable in a barter economy?

Scarcity often defines value in a barter economy. In an SHTF scenario, certain items such as prescription medicine will be scarce and therefore increase in value. Only commodities of equal worth can be traded for such items. Offering a shovel for an ax may be a fair transaction but offering four dozen eggs may not succeed.

But if someone who really likes eggs hasn’t eaten them for a year, then trading four dozens of them may just work. Value is also highly subjective. While everyone needs everyday basics such as food and water, different people also have different needs. For example, women might perceive tampons to be more valuable than bullets while men hunkering down by themselves might prioritize the latter.

When bartering, you’ll need to choose wisely who you’re going to barter with and what you’re going to exchange with them. If you have a significant stockpile of tampons, then it makes sense to trade with women in order to get the most out of the transaction. The more important a commodity is to a person, the more that person is willing to swap something extremely valuable in return. (Related: Why you should learn to barter for when SHTF.)

Check out some of the best barter items to stockpile before SHTF:

You can also barter items that you make yourself, such as homegrown produce or baked goods. If you have a unique skill, you can also trade your labor for things or another person’s labor. If you’re an accomplished timber-frame carpenter or a professional blacksmith, then you may find people in your area open to bartering. But like tangible goods, the value of labor also rests upon scarcity. The more specialized your skills are, the better your chances of a successful transaction.

Important tips to barter effectively

Here are a few tips to barter effectively:

Bartering is an important survival skill that allows you to secure things such as food and water in the event of economic collapse. Hone your bartering skill by practicing and stockpiling items of value.

This content was originally published here.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Ammunition has already become a precious commodity. Gone are the days where you could walk into any sporting goods store and find rows upon rows of ammunition on the shelves at affordable prices. 

Today, you’ll be lucky to find any ammunition at all in stores, and when you do find it, it’s usually priced multiple times higher than it was before…and sells out nearly as quickly as it arrives.

In other words, if you want to stockpile ammo, you have to keep a close eye out and act quickly once you find it. And while stockpiling any type of ammunition is certainly better than storing none at all, there are still certain calibers that are in higher demand. 

These are the calibers you’ll primarily want to invest in, especially if you’re going to be stockpiling any ammunition for bartering purposes in a future SHTF or grid-down scenario.

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Here are the most important types of ammunition to stockpile for an incoming collapse:

12 Gauge

12 gauge is the most popular shotgun ammunition sold in the United States today. Birdshot, buckshot, and slugs can be used for bird hunting, home defense, and big game hunting purposes respectively, making it a very versatile round that’s worth stockpiling in all three configurations. In an SHTF scenario, it’s also a round that will be in high demand from those on the bartering scene. 

20 Gauge

20 gauge is the second most popular shotgun ammunition sold today. It’s a good choice for those seeking a shotgun with decent stopping power and less recoil than that of the 12 gauge, but take note that this only applies if your 20 gauge shotgun of choice weighs the same as the same model in 12 gauge. A lighter shotgun will be less adept at absorbing recoil. 

.22 LR 

The .22 LR is an often-underestimated caliber that is excellent for pest control, small game hunting, target practice, and general plinking. It can also be bought in bulk packs at relatively affordable prices and that take up limited space. What’s more, is that the .22 LR is an enormously successful round with American gun owners; many people who aren’t even into guns often have a .22 rifle sitting in the closet, for instance. 

.38 Special and .357 Magnum

The .357 Magnum revolver is a highly versatile handgun due to the fact that it can chamber and fire both .357 and .38 Special ammunition (although a .38 Special revolver cannot safely chamber or fire .357). If you own a revolver in either .357 or .38 you’ll want to stockpile as much ammo for it as you can, but even if you don’t own a revolver either caliber will be valuable for bartering purposes for those that do. 

9mm Luger

The most common caliber for semi-automatic pistols today, the 9mm Luger, is arguably the most important handgun round in general to stockpile. It’s usually cheaper than other handgun rounds and offers less recoil and greater magazine capacity than larger calibers like the .40 S&W or .45 ACP rounds as well. 

.45 ACP

The .45 ACP is a good choice if you want a semi-automatic handgun with more stopping power to it than the 9mm (while also sacrificing magazine capacity). It also remains an enormously popular round as well today with a large customer market if you plan on stockpiling it for bartering purposes. 

5.56x45mm NATO/.223 Remington

The 5.56 and .223 are the most commonly used rounds for the AR-15 series of rifles, the bestselling centerfire rifle in the United States today. Even if you don’t own an AR yourself, millions of other people do, which is why there’s a massive market for the 5.56 today. Take note that rifles chambered for 5.56 can chamber .223, but not the other way around.

.30-30 Winchester 

A compelling argument can be made that the .30-30 has dropped more deer in North America than any other caliber in history. It’s a staple for lever action rifles like the Winchester 1894 or the Marlin 336. Even if you don’t own a lever action rifle in the .30-30, stockpiling it wouldn’t be a bad idea so you can sell or trade it to someone who does own one. 

7.62x39mm

The 7.62x39mm is the most popular caliber for use in AK-type rifles. This is definitely a round that you should stockpile if you personally own or plan to own an AK, or otherwise plan to sell or trade the ammunition to an AK-owner in the future. 

7.62x51mm/.308 Winchester

.308 Winchester is essentially a shorter variant of the .30-06 Springfield, while the 7.62x51mm NATO is essentially a military specification version of the .308 that was developed as a standardized caliber for NATO nations during the Cold War. Since the .308 Winchester is loaded to higher pressures than 7.62x51mm, .308 caliber rifles can likewise chamber 7.62, but not vice versa.  

Today, the .308 Winchester is the most popular centerfire hunting caliber in the United States as well as in the rest of the world. There will be a big market for it in a post-SHTF world. 

.30-06 Springfield 

The venerable .30-06 Springfield remains a very popular hunting cartridge with Americans today. As with the .308 Winchester, it will have a large and dedicated market on the bartering scene in a post-SHTF landscape. 

Remember, storing any kind of ammo is better than storing no ammo at all. The above calibers are just some of the most commonly used in the United States today, and therefore likely to be in the highest demand.

Also remember that there’s also nothing wrong with storing ammunition in a caliber that you don’t have a firearm for. Ammo is a commodity, and if values continue to increase, it can become a lucrative investment or bartering item for you later.

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This content was originally published here.

Before SHTF, preppers have plans and a backup plan (or two). But disasters are often unpredictable, and when you’re in a survival scenario, you may have to improvise and scavenge for supplies. This doesn’t mean looting, though.

Read on for tips on how and where to scavenge for supplies safely in a post-SHTF world. (h/t to SurvivalCache.com)

Scavenging vs looting

Preppers will do almost anything to survive, but you shouldn’t risk your life and abandon your morals just to obtain supplies. If you run out of food, you don’t need to charge into your neighbor’s home and steal from them.

When SHTF, scavenge wisely to avoid getting into arguments with other preppers. Remember that scavenging is not the same as stealing. Stealing means taking things that belong to someone else, often with the use of force.

Meanwhile, scavenging means looking for supplies that have already been thrown away or abandoned. In most cases, you will be scavenging for items that won’t be missed without having to use force.

Revisit the scenario above. If SHTF and your neighbor bugs out, you can safely scavenge their home for supplies since they’ve already abandoned their property and belongings.

The difference between stealing and scavenging is important, especially since it’s crucial for your own safety. If you’re scavenging and come across an area that’s still inhabited, politely ask if they are willing to trade supplies through bartering. If they refuse, don’t force them and walk away.

The reality of scavenging after a disaster

You don’t have to announce yourself all the time, but it might be wise to do so if you’re entering a private residence. A place might seem empty, but it’s better to knock on the door softly and ask if anyone’s home instead of barging in and getting yourself hurt.

In fictional portrayals of disaster scenarios, the main characters usually head for areas like the grocery store where they also check the stock rooms or look under the shelves. They may also search for food and supplies in gas stations or the break rooms in various establishments.

These locations should be at the top of your list in a real-life scenario — but only if you know you can get there quickly. Reconsider your destination if you know a lot of other preppers are also heading to the nearest grocery store to scavenge for supplies.

If you live in the city, it might be better to bug out because you can get trapped in a heavily populated area when other people panic.

Places to scavenge after SHTF

When scavenging in an urban area, bring appropriate hand tools, such as pliers, screwdrivers, a sharp knife or wire cutters. You’ll need different tools since a lot of things worth scavenging have to be taken apart.

When scavenging as part of a group, appoint one person as a lookout, especially if you are going to approach buildings, vehicles or property you’re not completely sure are abandoned. Use a detailed map to navigate and keep track of areas that you’ve already searched. (Related: Advanced prepper tips to take your prepping to the next level.)

After marking down locations you have already visited, take note of resources that you may need in the future. There’s no guarantee that the items will still be there when you return, but it will help cut down the time it takes to search if you end up needing something you already found on a previous trip.

Small cars

Vehicles can be scavenged for different supplies. You’ll find a lot of abandoned vehicles after SHTF. However, their owners would most likely have taken any useful supplies with them before abandoning their vehicles.

On the other hand, if the owners were forced to leave in a hurry, you may still find useful items. Check the vehicles’ interiors and trunks, and look under the seats, between the seat cushions, in the glove compartments and in other nooks and crannies.

Once you’ve checked those areas, you can start taking pieces of the vehicles themselves if you need spares.

Commercial vehicles

You can also check trucks, vans and semi-trucks for materials you’d normally find in small cars. As a bonus, commercial vehicles can be used to transport goods. If you arrive early enough, you may find a lot of abandoned supplies like clothes, food, medicine, tools or water in those vehicles.

Most commercial vehicles would be locked, so make sure you bring your hand tools for easy access.

Distribution centers and factories

Distribution centers and factories might be overlooked by the average person, but a lot of people work in these buildings, so someone might have the same idea as you when SHTF.

Tread carefully when scavenging at distribution centers for food, medical supplies and tools. Avoid cold storage facilities because if the power runs out, the freezers cannot run and goods will spoil.

What you can find in factories will depend on what the factory makes or processes. You’ll probably find items like batteries, fire extinguishers, first aid supplies, fuel, raw materials or tools in abandoned factories.

Veterinary clinics

A lot of people will target hospitals, doctor’s offices and pharmacies for supplies when SHTF.

But not everyone might think to search veterinary clinics because the items inside are usually for pets. Search these areas for items that can also be used on humans, like bandages and rubbing alcohol or tools like scissors.

Other places to scavenge for supplies after SHTF

Check out these other locations after disaster strikes if you need more items for your stockpile:

Scavenge wisely in a post-SHTF world. Don’t use force and check if areas are empty before entering and looking for supplies.

This content was originally published here.

When SHTF and nowhere within your immediate vicinity is safe, you and your family need to bug out immediately. But to quickly and efficiently get somewhere safe, you need some land navigation skills.

During emergency situations, having a handy device to help guide you out of the disaster zone can be very handy. A GPS device, for example, will be extremely helpful.

GPS devices have been widely adopted around the world. But the problem with GPS is many people have become overly reliant on it. Many people even find it difficult to find their way across their own hometowns without the help of a GPS.

The proliferation of devices like smartphones and hiking smartwatches has also made people more reliant on high-tech means of navigation. These devices come with their own maps, GPS apps and preloaded and custom trails.

There is no doubt that these devices can help you and your family navigate and escape a disaster. But these devices run on batteries. Your smartphone, smartwatch or other GPS devices will eventually run out of power. When that happens, you need to be prepared by learning how to use other means of navigation.

When it comes to navigating your way out of SHTF situations, nothing comes close to using simple but effective and proven means of navigation. This means taking out your maps and compasses and looking at the sun and the stars. (Related: Often crucial to survival, the skill of map reading is becoming a lost art.)

Maps should be your go-to item for navigation. Digital maps can be useful, but only while your smart devices still have power. Paper maps will be invaluable, especially when you can no longer rely on technology. Stock up on localized maps that are relevant to you. This includes maps of the area you are living in, road maps of the route you want to take out of a disaster and maps of your bug-out location.

You should also get your hands on topographical maps. These can help you find places of interest such as roads, trails, buildings and campgrounds. They can also help you understand the general environment by providing you information regarding the terrain, the waterways and the general vegetation.

Alongside your maps, you should also have a compass. Some smartphones now also have digital compasses that can help you orient yourself, but having your own physical compass is still a must due to the aforementioned limitations of high-tech gear.

A compass is small, inexpensive and very easy to get in any craft or survival store. There are two compasses you should take note of and bring with you. A magnetic compass always points north and will help you orient yourself. If you want a compass that is more accurate and can be used with maps to help you navigate over areas with excellent accuracy, use the lensatic or military compass.

To further help you find your way, you should also consider learning how to navigate using the sun and the stars.

The fact that the sun always rises in the east and sets in the west is a great way to help you orient yourself even without the use of a compass. At night, if you are lucky enough to have clear skies, the stars can also help you find your way.

As has been stated, high-tech means of navigation can definitely come in handy during disaster situations. But learning traditional means of navigating such as learning how to use a compass and read a map is also very important. These will always come in handy, especially when your devices fail.

Sources include:

PreparednessAdvice.com

Originally posted: https://www.naturalnews.com/2021-07-14-disaster-prepping-land-navigation-skills-shtf.html

The post Disaster prepping 101: Learn land navigation skills to get out of SHTF situations appeared first on Dr. Leonard Coldwell.

This content was originally published here.

(Natural News)
When SHTF and nowhere within your immediate vicinity is safe, you and your family need to bug out immediately. But to quickly and efficiently get somewhere safe, you need some land navigation skills.

During emergency situations, having a handy device to help guide you out of the disaster zone can be very handy. A GPS device, for example, will be extremely helpful.

GPS devices have been widely adopted around the world. But the problem with GPS is many people have become overly reliant on it. Many people even find it difficult to find their way across their own hometowns without the help of a GPS.

The proliferation of devices like smartphones and hiking smartwatches has also made people more reliant on high-tech means of navigation. These devices come with their own maps, GPS apps and preloaded and custom trails.

There is no doubt that these devices can help you and your family navigate and escape a disaster. But these devices run on batteries. Your smartphone, smartwatch or other GPS devices will eventually run out of power. When that happens, you need to be prepared by learning how to use other means of navigation.

More traditional methods of navigation can save your life

When it comes to navigating your way out of SHTF situations, nothing comes close to using simple but effective and proven means of navigation. This means taking out your maps and compasses and looking at the sun and the stars. (Related: Often crucial to survival, the skill of map reading is becoming a lost art.)

Maps should be your go-to item for navigation. Digital maps can be useful, but only while your smart devices still have power. Paper maps will be invaluable, especially when you can no longer rely on technology. Stock up on localized maps that are relevant to you. This includes maps of the area you are living in, road maps of the route you want to take out of a disaster and maps of your bug-out location.

You should also get your hands on topographical maps. These can help you find places of interest such as roads, trails, buildings and campgrounds. They can also help you understand the general environment by providing you information regarding the terrain, the waterways and the general vegetation.

Alongside your maps, you should also have a compass. Some smartphones now also have digital compasses that can help you orient yourself, but having your own physical compass is still a must due to the aforementioned limitations of high-tech gear.

A compass is small, inexpensive and very easy to get in any craft or survival store. There are two compasses you should take note of and bring with you. A magnetic compass always points north and will help you orient yourself. If you want a compass that is more accurate and can be used with maps to help you navigate over areas with excellent accuracy, use the lensatic or military compass.

To further help you find your way, you should also consider learning how to navigate using the sun and the stars.

The fact that the sun always rises in the east and sets in the west is a great way to help you orient yourself even without the use of a compass. At night, if you are lucky enough to have clear skies, the stars can also help you find your way.

As has been stated, high-tech means of navigation can definitely come in handy during disaster situations. But learning traditional means of navigating such as learning how to use a compass and read a map is also very important. These will always come in handy, especially when your devices fail.

Learn more about the many valuable survival skills you need during SHTF situations at Survival.news.

This content was originally published here.

(Natural News)
Before SHTF, you need to stock up on survival essentials like food and water. You also need to make sure that you store fuel properly to make your supplies last longer after disaster strikes. (h/t to LivingLifeInRuralIowa.com)

Storing fuel, particularly gas, may seem hard if you don’t know how to do it properly. Before you stock up on various fuels, plan ahead and do your research.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you want to stock up on fuel before SHTF:

Gas is not the same as diesel

Diesel has a lower octane rating than gas, and this means you can’t run diesel in a gas-powered vehicle or motor. Gas-powered cars can’t easily combust diesel because the latter has low octane.

If you ever get stranded and have trouble finding fuel, putting diesel in a gas-powered engine can make the situation worse. You’ll also have to pay for costly repairs since the fuel system will have to be drained and fuel filters need to be replaced.

Using the wrong kind of fuel on your car can make the engine start running rough and start knocking until it stops running.

Have a good rotation plan for your fuel stockpile

Before you buy different kinds of fuel, set a rotation plan so you don’t waste your time, money and effort.

Gas contains ethanol and this means you can’t stockpile gas for longer than two to three months. Any longer and the gas will go bad unless you mix an additive into the container to preserve the gas longer.

Even with an additive, the gas should be used up within six months.

If you’re going to use gas in your vehicles, decide on a good rotation plan. You can prevent gas from going bad by emptying the containers into your vehicles and having them refilled. Do this every other month or half one month and half the next month.

There are different octane ratings in gas that should also be considered for your rotation plan:

Read up on different kinds of diesel

Diesel lasts longer than gas in storage, but there is a difference in diesel fuels.

During the spring, summer and fall, diesel is usually available as a  biodiesel blend. Many states have mandated this to comply with environmental regulations.

This shouldn’t be a problem until winter. When temperatures drop to 10  F or colder, biodiesel will start to “gel” in containers, barrels and tanks, which can cause problems when SHTF.

Prevent this by adding an anti-gelling additive before the weather starts to turn cold. But if you use an additive, you have to warm up the tank, add warm fuel and change plugged fuel filters.

If you want to stockpile diesel, get unblended diesel (#1 diesel). The rest of the year, you can only get #2 diesel. Unblended diesel costs more but it doesn’t gel in cold temperatures unless it drops down to 30-40 F below zero.

Note that in frigid temperatures, semi-trucks are either stored inside heated buildings or not shut off at all to prevent diesel from gelling. Plan ahead since unblended diesel is usually only available in winter.

Additionally, diesel is different depending on the application.

Diesel sold for agriculture use is dyed red. This type is supposed to only be used in machines that do not see road use, like tractors or certain construction equipment. Red diesel fuel can’t be used in vehicles or semi-trucks.

You’ll be fined if you get caught using red diesel fuel in your vehicles. Red diesel fuel doesn’t have road taxes levied on it and it can only be delivered by a local fuel delivery company or a cooperative.

Use an antibacterial for long-term diesel storage

Condensation or a faulty gasket means you will sometimes have water in your fuel. With diesel, this means the water will have a higher density and sink to the bottom of the fuel tank.

This can be a problem because, under the right conditions, bacteria and fungi can grow right where the water line meets the diesel line.  These bacteria and fungi can give off acidic byproducts which can result in sediment or “diesel sludge” that gets deposited at the bottom of the tank.

Diesel sludge will plug fuel filters, corrode tanks and make fuel unusable. Use a biocide if you’re planning on stocking up on diesel for long-term storage.

Use the right containers

When stocking up on gas or diesel, you need to use the correct containers. Get containers that are rated for gas and diesel storage.

Don’t wait until SHTF to stock up on gas or diesel for your car or generator.

Go to Preparedness.news for more tips on how to store fuel for your stockpile properly.

This content was originally published here.

(Natural News)
The biggest threats during any type of disaster are people who are unprepared. When they start running out of food and realize no one is going to save them, you’ll have to be very careful.

We can’t ignore the reality of roving gangs looking for food in the wake of a disaster. That’s why home defense is an important part of prepping for life after SHTF.

Passive defenses are key to home defense

Your defensive plan must include reliable passive defenses. You have to keep the attackers outdoors to give yourself a tactical advantage so you need something that they aren’t going to get through quickly. No passive defense system is perfect. If it can buy you time to make a stand while the attackers are still outside, it has done its job.

Below are some tips to improve your home defense.

Upgrade your fence

It needs to go all the way around your property and be at least seven feet high. Criminals might still find a way past it, but the point of most of these security measures is deterrence. If you can keep dangerous people off your property altogether, you won’t even have to put your other home security measures to the test. Wooden posts can be changed to steel posts while wooden slats can be covered with corrugated tin. Barbed wire or razor wire can be installed on top of your fence.

Landscape defensively

Use shrubs and trees to your advantage when planning your landscape. Thorny bushes such as blackberry bushes are a great thing to plant in front of windows. But you have to strike a balance as bushes and shrubs can also offer concealment to invaders. Make sure your landscaping still offers 360-degree visibility. As for your fence, plant a thorny vine that grows quickly. It will cover your fence with green leaves and sharp thorns.

Reinforce your doors and windows

Most doors are surprisingly easy to kick in, so reinforcing your doors should be a top priority. Installing a metal doorframe is the most secure measure you can take to reinforce your doors. You can also upgrade your wooden door to a steel door for extra strength and install a small length of steel conduit running a few inches into your doorframe so that your deadbolt will be anchored into an entrenched metal sheath. A bad guy’s other main point of entry into your home is typically through a window. Strengthen your windows by fitting bars over the windows – either on the inside or the outside. You can also install Plexiglas on either side of the window or simply put a dowel rod in the gap where your window slides to ensure it can’t be opened enough for someone to get in.

Get a defensive dog

With superb hearing and scent detection, defensive dogs such as German Shepherds and Rottweilers will alert you if someone is trying to break in. But you have to make sure you train your dog to stay silent on command and to always listen to your cues.

Get a Gun

If the attackers manage to get past all of your defenses, your final defense is a good firearm. If you really want to survive a home invasion, you need to get a good gun and learn how to use it. A baseball bat isn’t going to stop a violent intruder, much less a gang of intruders. (Related: Stay safe at home this summer, when most home invasions and break-ins occur.)

Always have an escape plan

Your defensive plan has to include an escape plan. We can’t tell what will happen when we engage in a fight, but it is important to know when it’s time to bug out.

This part of the plan needs to include communicating to everyone that it’s time to bug out without letting the enemy know. You’ve also got to have a plan for breaking off contact with the enemy. Everyone on your side needs to know your escape route. There should be a surprise trap like a barricade that can be dropped to slow down the intruders just in case they decide to chase you. An escape route that offers at least some concealment can also help.

Bug-out bags and other gear to grab should be readily available along the exit route at the last moment. Establish a rallying point for everyone to meet if you don’t all manage to leave together.

From there, you’re moving into your bug-out plan rather than your defensive plan. So make sure that the two fit nicely together. While you may change your mind and circle back to retake your home, that’s a decision to be made for later.

Follow SelfDefense.news for more news and information related to self-defense and prepping.

This content was originally published here.

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Disclaimer: These traps, although based on authentic historical design, are for entertainment purposes only. Most of the devices will be extremely dangerous for you and others, and we take no responsibility for any harm you cause others or if you should harm yourself.

When the SHTF, defending your home and warding away would-be thieves or attackers is going to be an obvious priority. However, if you are only a single person or small family, it is unlikely you will be able to protect yourself from a determined group of attackers.

However, with well-placed traps, you can physically and psychologically harm these attackers, giving yourself time to better prepare or escape. We will go over some basic types of traps that are effective in home defense and provide you a large number of links to videos and literary sources that will help you create these traps on your own. 

A Disclaimer on Booby Traps Before SHTF

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND YOU RECREATE ANY OF THESE TRAPS OR DEVICES. We repeat: These are for historical education and entertainment purposes only!

Also, bear in mind setting traps when you are not in an SHTF scenario is currently against the law. Should you harm anyone with a trap, even as they break into your home, you will likely be liable for prosecution. You are also just as likely to hurt yourself or a loved one. Please be smart with this information and don’t be an idiot. 

Why and How to Use Booby Traps Effectively in the Home

Traps should not be relied on for your only means of security. Traps will often fail. Though, even a trap that doesn’t injure an attacker will psychologically damage them. Knowing that traps lie in wait will slow down and dissuade attackers, likely buying you more time to prepare or flee. They can also serve as a useful warning system.

Most traps can be very inexpensive and low-tech, though they will require practice and experience to set up and utilize effectively. Here is an informative article made for use by law enforcement that covers the basics of many types of traps and triggering devices.

Traps are best used in areas where people are likely to travel, pathways leading to your home. Stairwells, doorways, and other “fatal funnels” where you can take advantage of the natural landscape will maximize their effect.

Effective Booby Traps for the Home

Most of the manuals and guides consulted for this article dealt with hand grenades and improvised explosives taken from military ordinance. Since those methods will not be as helpful to those defending their home who lack such weapons, we instead focused on traps that could be created from everyday supplies.

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If you wish to look further into more complex devices made from military explosives, links to the relevant manuals are provided at the end of this article. For everything else, we have tried to find links to videos that show you how to construct these items yourself.

Simple Tripwire Alarm

There are dozens of ways to make simple tripwire alarms. Rather than explain each one, I went and found a few videos of different variations. Once you understand these basics, it is not too hard to come up with your own variations. The biggest thing to pay attention to in these videos is how they set up the tripwires as many traps will require tripwires of some form or another.

Spend some time checking out the huge variety of ideas floating around out there.

Anti-Vehicle: Homemade Spike Strips and Caltrops

If you are trying to ward off vehicles, then simple barriers will do just fine. Welding together a chunk of scrap metal can do wonders for closing off a roadway. Constantina wire or barbed wire can also cause a vehicle to become disabled when driven over and wrapped up into the wheel wells.

These roadblocks can also be used to funnel vehicles down specific pathways, which will allow you to do damage to the car in several ways. The easiest way to disable a vehicle will be to damage the tires, though it will take some time for a flat to really stop a car. 

The more damage you can do at once to a tire, the faster you can stop it from operating correctly. The easiest and cheapest way is to make a homemade spike trap with nails or screws, typically coming through a piece of wood or hose. Another method is to use homemade or storebought caltrops. 

When positioned correctly, this can slow down or stop a vehicle from reaching your home and can make aggressors think twice when they need to approach you on foot.

Homemade Spike Strip

Anti-Personnel Traps

The Cartridge Trap

This is a straightforward trap taken from the Vietcong. All you need for this trap is a bullet of a decent caliber, some wood, a tube, and a nail or firing pin. This can be placed under the stairs or essential pathways to your home.

You simply dig a hole and place a wooden board at the base of the hole to flatten the area. You then prop the tube upright, secure it and then place the firing pin (or nail) inside the tube facing up (bamboo tubes were used for this traditionally). Carefully place your bullet on top of the firing pin, also facing up. Make sure the primer is touching the point of the nail, and they are secure in the tube. 

Dig the hole so that only the point of the cartridge is above the ground and camouflage the hole (in the photo, the bullet is sitting a bit too low within the hole). The pressure of a foot stepping on the cartridge should push the round onto the firing pin, and fire it into the trespasser’s foot.

If you dig the hole small enough,  you could get away with a toilet paper roll for the tube then use a nail and a shotgun shell to complete the trap.

Tripwire Firing Trap

The Vietnam Arrow design: This is another trap that can be made with some basic supplies. It utilizes a tube (usually bamboo at about 3 feet long) as a launcher for the arrow. The arrow is placed in the tube. You then use a block of wood, a powerful rubber band, and a catch to lock the band in place. You attach a tripwire to the catch and aim the arrow at where the person will be entering.

This works best in doorways or small passages. When the tripwire is hit, the latch disengages, and the arrow fires. You will need to experiment a bit to figure out the best method for hiding the tripwire and securing it to the release. 

The Shotgun design: This same design can be tweaked a bit, with a spring-loaded firing ping and shotgun shell replacing the arrow and rubber band. You will have to get a little creative with setting it up, but this basic design can be tweaked in order to defend most doorways, stairwells, and hallways.

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In the photo, you see a tripwire attached to a mousetrap, which in turn will activate the shotgun trigger.

Here is a news article about a man who rigged a shotgun to a tripwire on a shed door. It is not hard to imagine how he constructed that device. Here is another article from 1990. While these are sad stories, the efficacy of this type of design for when SHTF is pretty clear.

The Spiked Pit

This would work in the front or backyard. This is a famous trap from the Vietnam war and can be recreated in a number of ways. The most simple method is to simply dig a hole a few feet deep and line the bottom with spiked stakes or barbs.

There are plenty of variations, and perhaps the best way to see one of these in action is in modern hunting pits. This video shows it nicely. 

A Bear Trap

For obvious reasons, a bear trap can be devastating to anyone who steps into one. These are pretty easy to get ahold of and straightforward to set up. You just need to be smart in where you position it and how you camouflage the trap.

While these are illegal in many places, it is still possible to purchase one.  This a goofy video of a guy smashing his phone with one, but it gives you the idea of how these devices work.

Further Reading

This article was only a brief introduction to the thousands of traps and devices that you could employ to defend your home when the SHTF. There are countless examples and variations online, as well as hundreds of books and manuals for you to use to learn more. 

A great manual that delves into many of the ingenious devices made by the Vietcong. Many of these require access to hand grenades or other explosives. An interesting excerpt in the opening of the manual talks about how most of these supplies were obtained by the Vietcong from improperly discarded and stolen US supplies. This might be a good lesson for a prepper after SHTF.

To repeat: WE DO NOT RECOMMEND YOU RECREATE ANY OF THESE TRAPS OR DEVICES. We are not responsible if you choose to ignore this warning.

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This content was originally published here.

(Natural News)
Preppers know that seemingly bothersome weeds are just as useful as other crops in their home gardens.

When SHTF, you can even forage wild edibles like clover and dandelion if you need more food for your stockpile. (h/t to SurvivalLife.com)

The weeds detailed in the list below can be found right in your yard, near your driveway, beside roads, or in the woods near your property.

Foraging tips for beginners

Before you start foraging, read up on common herbs and weeds to make sure you can properly identify wild edibles. Some of them may look like poisonous plants or those that are potentially dangerous to ingest.

Here are other tips that you can follow when foraging:

You also need the right foraging equipment to protect yourself.

Now that you know what you need to do, here are five weeds you should be on the lookout for.

1. Dandelion

Dandelions are edible and their leaves are full of vitamin A. Dandelion leaves can be cooked similarly to collard or mustard greens.

Dandelion roots look a little like carrots and you can low-temperature bake them to dry them. Dried dandelion root can be ground and percolated to make a beverage similar to coffee or tea. (Related: Forager favorites: How to make dandelion tea, salad and jelly.)

2. Red clover

You can probably find red clover in your backyard. Harvest red clover blooms at least one to two weeks after they bloom. If you want the blossoms to stay red, harvest them while they still have dew.

You can turn red clover into tea, a salve, a tincture or a poultice.

It can also be turned into flour. Use a hand mill to grind the dried flower heads and seeds to make flour.

If you plan on eating red clover flowers and leaves, boil them for around 10 minutes to make them easier to digest. The leaves and flowers are a good source of protein.

3. Thistle

Thistle is an edible weed eat that can be found where your yard meets a field or along nearby roadsides.

The new or young leaves can be eaten once the spines are removed. Use the leaves in salads or cook them similar to collard or mustard greens.

Thistle is a biennial plant and in its first year, it has no stem. In this first year of growth, thistle roots can be eaten either raw or cooked.

Early stems of the plant in its second year can be eaten raw or cooked after removing the outer skin.

Thistle roots can be eaten raw or cooked as a table vegetable. You can use thistle roots as an alternative to turnips. Additionally, thistle roots can be dried and ground into flour. The flour can be used as an extender in soups or stews.

Raw roots toasted in an oven at low heat will produce syrup. Thistle syrup has a slightly bitter taste and a caramelized color and you can use it as a sugar substitute.

Pickle peeled and boiled roots in brine or soak them in a cinnamon-flavored, cane sugar syrup to make a sweetmeat that can be served as a side dish.

4. Wild lettuce

Wild lettuce produces milky white sap when you break the plant’s stems. A tall leafy plant, wild lettuce leaves look similar to the leaves of dandelions.

Young wild lettuce leaves can be eaten, but you need to boil them for at least five minutes. Once done, drain and replace the water then boil the leaves again for another five minutes.

If the wild lettuce leaves are still too bitter after being boiled twice, add other salad greens to reduce the bitterness.

Wild lettuce leaves can also be used to make herbal tea. Note that wild lettuce leaf tea has a strong flavor and you may want to sweeten it naturally or dilute it with other juices to get rid of the “dirt and grass” flavor.

5. Wild onion

Wild onion leaves can be chopped and added to salads or cooked dishes. The onion bulb can be pulled or dug out of the ground and used like regular onions to season dishes.

The entire plant is edible raw or cooked. Use wild onions in salads or as a seasoning, green, soup base. You can also pickle wild onions using red bay leaves, peppergrass seeds and some vinegar.

When SHTF, forage for wild edibles like dandelion, thistle and wild onions if you need more supplies for your food stockpile.

This content was originally published here.

Homesteaders are hardworking and self-sufficient individuals. They also know how to use various tools to their advantage.

Just because a homestead requires a lot of time and hard work to maintain doesn’t mean you can’t make things easier for yourself. Before SHTF, invest in useful kitchen tools like a dehydrator and stand mixer so you can keep your family well-fed when disaster strikes. (h/t to Hillsborough-Homesteading.com)

Essential kitchen supplies

With the useful tools detailed in this list, you can cook and preserve food for your homestead. If you have excess harvest from your home garden, you can add more food to your survival stockpile or sell some for extra income.

Chest freezer

Using a chest freezer will help you save on electricity bills since it uses less energy than an upright freezer.

Compost bin

A compost bin is a must-have if you want to grow healthy crops in your home garden without using chemical fertilizers. It will help turn food waste into something useful.

Using a countertop container is one of the easiest ways to collect kitchen scraps. Get a pail with a tight-fitting lid that will fit on your countertop and throw daily food scraps in it.

Empty the pail regularly into a larger outdoor bin or tumbler to gather humus for your garden. Emptying the pail daily ensures that the container won’t stink up your kitchen.

Use a countertop pail with charcoal filters if you’re worried about any odors. Avoid using wooden pails because kitchen scraps contain a lot of moisture.

A dehydrator is a versatile tool to have in the kitchen, especially for homesteaders. You can use it to make healthy and tasty snacks like fruit leather using fruits from your home garden. You can also use a dehydrator to make veggie chips and beef jerky.

French press

A French press is a must-have if you start each day with a cup of good coffee. Aside from making coffee, a French press can also be used to:

Food processor 

With a high-quality food processor, you can make your own food from scratch even after SHTF. As a versatile kitchen tool, a food processor can be used to:

Mason jars 

You’ll need lots of Mason jars along with a canning funnel, jar lifters and other canning equipment for preserving fruits and veggies during harvest season. Extra jars can also be repurposed to store liquids like apple cider vinegar.

Pressure cooker

You can cut down prep time by cooking with a pressure cooker.

Solar oven

If the power goes out, you can cook food using a solar oven. A solar oven doesn’t require fuel, just a clear, sunny day. It also doesn’t produce smoke that can harm your health.

A solar oven can be used to bake, boil, steam or roast food. Most solar cookers reach and maintain temperatures between 250 to 350 F, which is hot enough to cook with.

Solar ovens usually require less water because the water does not boil and take away valuable nutrients with it. Since food cooks slowly in a solar oven, you don’t have to worry too much about burning anything.

Stand mixer

With a stand mixer, you can bake bread and make homemade pasta or ice cream.

Vacuum sealer

Use a vacuum sealer to preserve the quality of your meals or freeze meat and other food when SHTF. Vacuum packing bags also makes storing things in the freezer much easier.

Water bath canner

You can use a water bath canner to process food with high acidity. A water bath canner can also be used to make delicious homemade jams and jellies.

Power tools and backup power supply

Before SHTF, invest in a backup power supply like a generator or solar panels and useful tools for easy home repair. (Related: 5 Machines preppers need in their homestead before disaster strikes.)

Extension cords

You’ll need extension cords if you often work on homesteading projects that require the use of power tools.

Miter saw

A miter saw is essential for various woodworking projects.

Socket wrench

A socket wrench makes it easier to tighten bolts.

Wood chisel

Use a sturdy wood chisel to trim hard edges or carve around things. Remain self-sufficient even after SHTF by investing in useful tools for your homestead, such as a dehydrator, a food processor and a pressure cooker.

Visit Homesteading.news for more tips on how to keep your homestead running smoothly even after disaster strikes.

This content was originally published here.