Archive for month: July, 2021

(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.

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.

(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.

(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.

(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.