Archive for month: July, 2022

One of the biggest things that break our suspension of disbelief when we’re watching post-apocalyptic shows like “The Walking Dead” is the fact that they can start cars that have been sitting for years without any trouble. Once they hot-wire these vehicles — because, of course, there are no keys to be found — the engines start up without so much as a cough from the exhaust. It’s a great writing tool to further the plot, but for anyone who knows anything about cars, it’s entirely unrealistic. 

Transportation in a SHTF scenario will depend on a lot of different factors. Some of these things you can control, while others might sneak up on you. How long will your car last if you need to get around after the world ends? What variables can you prepare for to keep them from throwing a wrench in the works, and how can you realistically make your vehicle last as long as possible after the world as we know it comes to an end?

Choosing Your SHTF Vehicle

The first step in estimating how long your vehicle might last in a survival scenario is to choose the best car or truck for the job. It’s tempting to picture yourself driving around a desolate wasteland in the sports car of your dreams, but while it might look cool, it isn’t practical. The precise criteria you look for in a SHTF vehicle will vary depending on: 

This list might seem like a lot to consider, but it’s not comprehensive. Choosing the best bugout vehicle for your prepper plans is a topic for another time. For the sake of argument, let’s assume you’ve chosen the best possible SHTF car for your needs. There are still plenty of things you need to consider when determining how long it might last once things start to go pear-shaped. 

Variables to Consider

Taking your bugout vehicle to the shop if something breaks down probably won’t be an option in a survival situation. Here are some factors that might impact your car’s life span and how you can overcome them to stay mobile in the apocalypse. 

1. Fuel Availability 

Fuel will be one of the biggest challenges to overcome in a SHTF scenario. Gasoline-powered vehicles account for more than 50% of new cars, with diesel engines only making up about 30%. Unfortunately, gasoline will likely become hard to find in a survival situation. Diesel vehicles are a better option because converting them to biodiesel is easy, and it is possible to manufacture this fuel on your own.

Battery-powered electric cars might seem like a good alternative, but they are only viable if you have an off-grid power source. Otherwise, once the grid collapses, these eco-friendly vehicles become overpriced paperweights because you’ll have no way to recharge them.

2. Mileage

Buying a used vehicle might be a great way to cut costs, especially if you’re prepping on a budget, but make sure you’re paying close attention to the mileage before you sign on the dotted line. The more miles a car or truck has traveled, the more wear and tear it has experienced and the more likely breakdowns become. 

The only exception to this rule might be older vehicles that are easy to repair and find replacement parts for. In this case, those two criteria might outweigh a bit of extra baggage in the mileage department. 

3. Batteries and Charging

Are you expecting things to go back to some semblance of normal after a SHTF scenario, or is this the end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it situation where normality is never going to be an option again? Even if you’re not driving an electric vehicle, you still need to worry about its battery health. The average automotive battery will only last three to five years before needing replacement. Even under the best circumstances, you’ve only got five years before you’ll need to find a new one. 

There’s no perfect solution for dealing with battery life. A car battery can sit unused for two to four years as long as you take the time to store and maintain it properly. Keep it upright, place it in a well-ventilated area and protect it from temperature extremes. If you have access to off-grid power, a trickle charger can maintain your batteries when they aren’t in use. 

4. Access to Parts

Right now, if something on your vehicle breaks, you can head to your favorite shop or auto parts store. This won’t be an option during a SHTF scenario, so you’ll need to find alternatives to secure replacement parts. The best way to avoid this problem is to choose a common make and model, preferably domestic. That way, if things start to fall apart and you find yourself needing parts, you’ll be able to find abandoned cars you can salvage. Common models are always easier to find in a junkyard. 

5. Car Repair Skills

Speaking of finding parts and DIY repair projects, how are your car repair skills? Learning how to fix your vehicle is probably the most important skill you’ll learn as part of your survivalist arsenal. You might not want to try rebuilding an engine from scratch in an apocalypse, but being able to replace broken parts and maintain the vehicle well enough to keep it running can go a long way toward keeping you mobile. 

Start practicing today by maintaining your daily driver. Learn how to check and change your oil, replace filters, and perform other basic maintenance tasks. Once you feel comfortable with those, move on to more complex repairs and modifications. The better you understand the inner workings of your vehicle, the easier it will be to diagnose problems and repair them if going to the shop isn’t an option. 

6. Off-Roading Capabilities

Tooling around in a tricked-out sports car might seem like a great way to spend the apocalypse, but it’s not practical when it comes to things like off-roading. Maybe your survival shelter is well off the beaten path, or perhaps you’ll have to venture off the highway to avoid abandoned vehicles. Whatever the case, you’ll want to consider whether your ride has the kind of off-roading capabilities you’ll need to navigate in a survival situation. 

You don’t necessarily need the fanciest gear or a heavily modded Jeep capable of climbing boulders at close to 90 degrees. However, your vehicle should be able to handle a few bumps and bruises along the way.

The Impact of SHTF Events

What sort of challenges can you expect to face in a survival situation? It’s hard to answer that definitively because we never know what might go wrong or what might cause the world to end. However, there are a few things you should pay attention to when it comes to transportation and the longevity of your vehicle. 

1. Blocked Highways 

Civil unrest, a natural disaster or any number of other events could cause the highways — especially in populated areas — to be partially or entirely blocked. People who can’t move forward may get out of their vehicles and continue on foot, abandoning them in the middle of the highway and in everyone else’s way. Law enforcement or military teams may set up blockades or checkpoints that won’t be removed if things fall apart. Landslides or fallen trees could block or take out part of the highway and make it impossible to proceed. 

2. Damaged or Destroyed Infrastructure

Bridges are an essential part of any highway infrastructure. However, those that cross large bodies of water are often targeted by hostile forces to prevent people from moving in periods of war or civil unrest. Cities that utilize underground transportation such as subways may even experience collapses if the infrastructure supporting those tunnels begins to fail. 

These variables could make it dangerous or even deadly to try to navigate these areas. If you live on an isolated island, you may even find yourself stranded if the bridge that connects to the mainland is destroyed. 

3. Hostile Survivors

People get desperate in survival situations. You may have a group of people you trust, but anyone outside that circle should be treated as a threat until proven otherwise. Taking all the necessary steps to maintain your car in a SHTF scenario won’t do you a lot of good if it gets stolen by the first survivor you come across. 

4. Electromagnetic Pulses

No one wants to think about the possibility of nuclear war, but with superpowers like Russia and the United States retaining their arsenals, the risk always exists. A detonated nuclear device unleashes an electromagnetic pulse that overloads and fries all electronics within range. It will damage or destroy any such components in your vehicles. 

Unfortunately, the only way to prevent this damage is to store your car in a garage equipped with a Faraday cage or by keeping a backup set of electronic devices stored in insulated containers to protect them from the blast. Thankfully, the effects of an EMP are not persistent, so once the initial damage is done, you can safely repair your equipment. 

Be Ready for Anything

Reliable transportation could mean the difference between life and death. Your car won’t last forever in a SHTF scenario. However, being aware of the things that could impact its life span and doing your best to maintain it can make it last long enough for you to come up with alternative transportation options.

(Natural News)
Salt is a staple in many prepper stockpiles. This versatile item can be used for cooking, cleaning and even first aid.

Below are nine reasons to stock up on salt before SHTF. (h/t to FoodStorageMoms.com)

Salt is an essential survival item

During a long-term power outage or other survival scenarios, you can use salt to purify water. Salt can also be used to preserve food.

Salt has many health benefits

Salt has many health benefits when consumed in moderation:

Salt is used for food preservation

Salt can be used to preserve food. Adding the right amount of salt to meat can prevent spoilage and keep it fresh for a longer period.

Additionally, salt can be used to pickle vegetables. This method of preservation is effective and also adds a delicious flavor to the vegetables. (Related: Salt: How and why to store this survival essential.)

Salt can be used for cooking and seasoning

Salt is an important cooking ingredient because it’s often used for flavor enhancement. Adding a bit of salt can help bring out the flavor of various dishes.

Salt can be used for first aid

When SHTF and you get a cut or burn, applying a little salt to the area can help clean the wound and speed up healing. Note that this may hurt so don’t use too much salt.

Salt can be used for cleaning

Salt is great for cleaning your homestead. Sprinkle salt on a damp sponge to help remove stubborn stains from countertops and sinks.

Salt can also be used to clean delicate items like china and crystal. Rinse well afterward.

Salt can be used to deter pests

Sprinkle salt around doorways and windowsills to keep ants and other insects out of your home.

If you have a flea infestation, kill fleas and flea eggs by sprinkling finely ground salt on your carpet. Let the salt sit for 24 hours, then vacuum it up. The salt dehydrates the fleas and eventually kills them.

Salt is essential for soft water systems

If you prefer soft water or need it as part of sensitive skin treatment, you need coarse or pelletized salt for your tank.

Salt can be used to clear ice

Use salt to clear some ice buildup on your sidewalk or driveway. Note that salt used to clear ice is more coarse and that using it often and in large amounts can negatively affect the cement so clear it off as needed and try not to get too much on your lawn.

Tips for long-term salt storage

Follow the tips below to ensure that the salt in your stockpile lasts for a long time:

Store salt in a cool, dry place

Always store salt in a cool, dry place.

This is important because salt can absorb moisture from the air, which can make it clump and hard to use. Use an airtight container to store salt.

Use the right container

Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are best for long-term salt storage. Store salt in five-gallon buckets with gamma lids to keep salt dry.

Replace salt as needed

Like other items in your stockpile, salt will eventually go bad. If your salt starts to clump or looks discolored, replace it.

Tips for storing salt in bulk

Keep these things in mind if you want to store salt long-term in bulk:

How much salt do you need?

Salt storage amounts vary depending on who you ask, but most experts recommend having at least three pounds of salt per person per year for most household uses, like cooking. If you have the space, you can increase this to 10 pounds per person per year.

Here are some things to consider when it comes to salt consumption:

How long will salt last in long-term storage?

Pure salt without any additives will last indefinitely. However, sodium chloride is a stable compound and it will lose potency or flavor benefits over time.

Pure salts like canning salt, pink Himalayan salt and sea salt can last for a very long time if stored correctly. Meanwhile, salts like iodized salt have a shorter shelf life due to additives.

Salts you need in your stockpile

There are many types of salt, but not all of them are ideal for long-term storage.

Here are some of the best salts to stockpile before SHTF:

Before SHTF, stock up on salt if you plan on preserving food. Store salt properly, especially if you plan to stockpile it in bulk, to make it last indefinitely.

Visit Preparedness.news to learn more about salt and other items that you will need in your survival stockpile.

Watch this video that talks about the four reasons you should stock up on Himalayan salt.

This video is from the .

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(Natural News)
Former paramedic and Drumm Emergency Solutions founder Jake Drumm says that preparing for medical emergencies before SHTF should include more than just buying a ready-made first aid kit.

At a self-reliance festival held in Tennessee on June 12, Drumm said that preppers need “to get training, learn how to use the equipment you have and have basic knowledge on mid- to long-term care.” (h/t to TheEpochTimes.com)

Drumm teaches classes on how to manage first aid emergencies in austere environments, like post-tornado or hurricane, a vehicle accident, a shooting or generally if emergency medical services (EMS) aren’t available.

Before SHTF, you need to learn how to do medicine “when you don’t have the stuff to do the medicine,” he said. This also means thinking beyond the initial care.

Drumm explained that the leading cause of death for the one to 45 age group is accidents. At least 50 percent of those are blood-loss trauma. Drumm warned that a person can bleed out in three minutes and his five top first aid kit recommendations reflect those statistics. (Related: Prepping must-haves: Medical supplies and first aid kits.)

Combat-approved tourniquet

Make sure your first aid kit has a combat-approved tourniquet and that you know how to apply it, for how long and how to release pressure without poisoning the body. Knowing this helps prevent the permanent damage they can cause.

Quality pressure bandage/Israeli bandage

A quality pressure bandage or Israeli bandage will help stop bleeding. Drumm advised that it’s important to learn how to apply pressure to stop bleeding when SHTF.

Wound-packing gauze

Drumm said you need a wound-packing gauze, preferably a military-style dressing that comes with a hemostatic agent to aid blood clotting.

Chest seal 

A chest seal is used to treat any penetrating trauma to the chest, like a bullet wound. But like with any emergency situation where first aid is required, there are important steps to follow.

After you call 911, make sure that the area is safe then prepare yourself by putting on protective gloves. Next, assess the patient’s wounds.

If you see a deep puncture wound to the chest wall or if you think there is one, apply a chest seal. Take proper steps to keep air out of the chest cavity.

Applying a chest seal won’t hurt the patient, even if their wound isn’t deep enough for air to enter the chest cavity.

Remember that some injuries such as gunshot wounds will have an entrance and an exit. If the victim has been shot, always check if the bullet exited the body. Both holes must be sealed to avoid a pneumothorax or collapsed lung.

When providing emergency treatment for a chest wound, follow these steps to apply a chest seal:

The best time to apply a chest seal is after the patient exhales so their chest has the least amount of air in it.

Protective gear

Drumm said your first aid kit should have protective gear like gloves and eye protection. You can also use a pair of racquetball goggles.

HITMAN and SHTF

If SHTF and emergency services are not immediately available, many factors should be considered when caring for an injured person. Drumm uses the acronym HITMAN to run through the often intimidating, but very crucial, prolonged field care essentials.

HITMAN is the list to use beyond the initial 15 minutes of emergency care, explained Drumm.

H = Hydration, hypothermia, hygiene and high anxiety

Two measures of how well someone is hydrated are how frequently they urinate and the color of their urine. Lighter-colored urine is better.

According to Drumm, the number one cause of death is exposure or in austere care environments.

Maintain proper hygiene by keeping yourself, the patient and your equipment clean to prevent other illnesses or infections.

Lastly, avoiding “high anxiety” is important for first aid. Drumm advised that you should learn how to calm down when things go south so you can properly take care of injured people after disaster strikes.

I = Infection and increased temperature

Maintaining proper hygiene and keeping your tools clean will help prevent infections.

Before SHTF, learn how to care for someone with a fever. With limited exceptions, “as long as that fever’s controlled, as long as you’re drinking and eating, that fever is not going to kill you,” advised Drumm.

T = Tourniquets, trends and tidy up

Drumm highlighted the importance of knowing how to use a tourniquet and how long to leave it on. He also encouraged people to learn the protocol for tourniquet conversion because releasing a tourniquet that has been left on for too long can be fatal.

When it comes to trends, you need to keep thorough notes of vital signs and treatments, including times. In extreme circumstances, you won’t always remember everything and forgetting important details like vital signs may have negative consequences.

Tidy up means constant cleaning, especially when treating a wound in a survival scenario. It can be difficult to stay clean in an austere environment so you have to remind yourself to keep yourself, the patient and the area clean.

M = Medications

Many Americans take prescribed medication on a daily basis, like antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications or antipsychotic drugs. When SHTF, you may need to stop taking your medication or you will have no choice if your supply runs out.

If you are prepping with a family member who takes prescription medication regularly, develop a plan to wean them off their medication over a 30- to 90-day period. This could be “the most important thing for planning for austere medicine scenarios,” said Drum.

A = Analgesia, alimentary and associated problems

Before SHTF, prepare a plan for pain control. This can be challenging because you won’t always have access to analgesics or painkillers.

Alimentary refers to nutrition and digestion. If you’re taking care of a patient, they will need to eat and drink. They will also need to urinate and poop.

N= Nutrition, night-night (sleep) and no-go

Nutrition is the caloric intake you need to survive. A patient with burns to 40 percent of body surface area requires 10,000 calories in a 24-hour period.

“No-go” refers to the decision to stop care and let someone die. This may sound harsh, but it’s a real consideration with medical planning.

No matter how much you try to help someone, people get sick or injured and die – and you can’t always treat them. For example, if a patient has a 50 or 60 percent burn and you don’t have pain control, fluids and a way to treat infection, the patient is going to die, said Drumm.

“You will not fix everything. We are humans. But you can do some stuff to get prepared now that will make any sort of crisis much easier to manage,” he concluded.

Before SHTF, get first aid training, prepare a first aid kit and learn how to use all the items in it so you can help people who need medical attention.

Visit EmergencyMedicine.news for more first aid tips that you can use when SHTF.

This video is from the .

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