American Survival Guide - Issue 4

ASG4_Cover_BACKPACKER 2/22/13 3:32 AM Page US_1
FROM THE EDITORS OF GUN WORLD

AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE ISSUE 4
FROM THE EDITORS OF GUN WORLD
ISSUE 4 / SPRING 2013
U.S. $8.99
DISPLAY UNTIL: 5/28/13
SPRING 2013
GW_ASG4_C2 2/15/13 2:30 AM Page C2
YES, ITS GENUINE STAG.

ALL DRESSED UP.
How do you make a hand-crafted Case knife with our signature India Stag
handle even more beautiful? You dress them up with elegant new features
like slanted and fluted nickel-silver bolsters and a glistening Case Arrowhead
shield. As always, trusted Tru-Sharp surgical steel blades assure youll
be ready for any task. So before you leave for that elegant dinner party
or friendly get-together around the campfire, try on a Case genuine Stag
pocketknife with slanted and fluted bolsters. Its sure to look good on you.
Stockman
#32068 (5347 SS)
Humpback Half Whittler

#32062 (52046 1/2 SS)
Small Texas Toothpick

#32063 (510096 SS)
Visit us online
www.wrcase.com
Peanut
#32065 (5220 SS)
Muskrat
#32066 (MUSKRAT SS)
Join the Case Collectors Club

www.wrcase.com/join
Medium Stockman
#32067(5318 SS)
Like us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/wrcase
GW_ASG4_3 2/15/13 2:15 AM Page 3
Get the emergency supplies you need today!

Dont wait until its too late to buy emergency food supplies and
preparedness items for you and your family!
Food Supplies
Nutritionally Balanced
Time-Tested
Top-Quality Food & Service
Preserved using our advanced Nitrogen
Preservation System (NPS), which replaces
all oxygen with nitrogen in a vacuum-sealed
environment. NPS preserves food more
effectively and safely than oxygen absorbers,
nitrogen flushing, or chemical preservatives.
Canned Ammo Supplies

Top-Quality; New NOT Reloads!
Easy Storage
Lasts Forever; Nitrogen Preservation
Ammunition thats ready
when you need it most.
Preparedness Supplies
Disaster and Emergency Kits, including:
Water Purification & Storage
Fire Starters & Fuels
First Aid
Cooking & Food Prep Supplies
Emergency Tools & Radios
Books & Guides
Order Now
1(800)453-2202
www.ReadyReserveFoods.com
MODEL: LETICIA FARR

PHOTO - DAVE ALAN,
CONTENTS
GW_ASG4_4-5_TOC 2/15/13 2:55 AM Page 4
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THESE

EDITORS CHOICE ITEMS IN OUR
BUYERS GUIDE SECTIONS ...
38
56
77
GW_ASG4_4-5_TOC 2/15/13 2:56 AM Page 5
FEATURES
WRATH OF WATER
COVER
95 DOOMSDAY PREPPERS
60 INTRODUCTION
Learn the homesteading techniques of

National Geographics Southwick family.
PREPAREDNESS
By Torrey Kim
12 INTRODUCTION
61 WHEN GERMS ATTACK
14 THE LINE OF FIRE
In the deadliest hurricane in U.S. history, 8,000
people died. Do you live in a high-risk area? If
so, are you ready?
Pop culture would have you believe zombies will

attack. In reality, America should be prepared to
battle a number of infectious diseases.
100 SURVIVALIST 101
By Erin Hatfield
By Torrey Kim
65 STAY OR GO?
104 PENNY SAVED, PENNY EARNED
When deciding to stay or go during a disaster,

the decision revolves around situational
awareness. Master the details.
Money is the main reason most abandon

their dreams of self-sufficiency, which is
exactly why these 14 methods of saving
will help you.
By Erin Hatfield
20 IN THE EYE OF FEAR

One of our writers was in New York when Super
Storm Sandy unleashed her fury. This is her tale
of survival.
By Abe Elias
The complete guide to living off the grid

as a homesteader.
By Steven D. Gregersen
By Kristin Webb-Hollering
68 SEAL OFF THE POISON

25 MORE EXTREME, MORE OFTEN
In a chemical attack, nuclear meltdown or an

infectious disease outbreak, a gas mask could
save your life. Before you buy, consider these
five tips.
By Torrey Kim
By Torrey Kim
28 AMBER WAVES OF RAIN
74 FOUR-WHEEL SURVIVAL SHELTER
From the West Coast to the Midwest to the East

Coast, floods cause massive damage. And thats
only the beginning of the problems.
Your carand its partscan keep you alive

during an emergency.
Self-sufficiency includes self-defense, and

thats why this guide to selecting the right
gun is vital for your existence.
By Tim MacWelch
By Sean Cooper
113 INTRODUCTION
118 TOP CHOICES

Ten guns you should take a close look at.
34 DRY-FOOD PRESERVATION
URBAN
Before a disaster puts you in a stranglehold,

learn how to preserve your dry foods.
PREPAREDNESS
By Wendy Wilson
81 INTRODUCTION
82 STOPPING MASS VIOLENCE
SPRING
Sandy Hook Elementary School. The Colorado

theater. Columbine. Active shooters create a
security challenge, but you can survive
provided you follow these guidelines.
PREPAREDNESS
42 INTRODUCTION
Spring lures you into the mountains and onto the
local trails, but there are still natural dangers
that lurk around every bend. Be prepared.
Whether its the effects of a hurricane,

a devastating earthquake or a flood, count
on the stores being closed and count on
this guide to make your own soap.
By Erin Hatfield
COLUMNS
86 THE SHOTS HEARD ROUND

THE WORLD
6 FIRST WORDS
8 NEWS & NOTES
130 CLOSING WORDS
By Torrey Kim
Following a mass shooting, minimize the

emotional damage on your children by
following these steps.
47 FARMERS MARKET
By Thomas J. Nardi, Ph.D.
These sure-fire tips will ensure that your spring

garden produces abundantly.
HOMESTEADING
By Torrey Kim
121 PERSONAL TOUCH
By Alon Stivi
43 LURKING DANGERS
MODEL: LETICIA FARR
PREPAREDNESS
114 FIREARMS 101
PHOTO - DAVE ALAN,
GENERAL
Extreme storms can cause billions of dollars in

damage and thousands of fatalities. Can we
anticipate more of this fury?
BUYERS GUIDES
PREPAREDNESS
50 NO WORDS NEEDED
When stranded, there are three methods that will
alert rescue crews. Do you know what they are?
94 INTRODUCTION
By Larry Schwartz
COVER - Photographer: Dave Alan/Thinkstock, National Geographic Channel: Braxton Southwick
Designer: Eric Knagg
89
110
125
38
56
77
89
110
125
WATER PURIFICATION
SURVIVAL ESSENTIALS
FOOD AND WATER
TACTICAL ASSAULT
KNIVES
FLASHLIGHTS
GW_aSG4_6_ediT.cX 2/22/13 2:52 aM Page 6
FIRST WORDS
Peak Readiness
At 20,000 Feet
ISSUE 4 / SPRING 2013

EDITORIAL
Editor: Doug Jeffrey
Contributing Editor: Torrey Kim
Managing Editor: Jeffrey Rick
Art Director: Eric Knagg
By Doug Jeffrey
WANT YOU GUYS
TO TAKE A LOOK
CONTRIBUTORS
Dave Alan, Sean Cooper, Jim Dickson, Abe Elias,
Steven D. Gregersen, Paul Hantke, Erin Hatfield, Tim
MacWelch, Thomas J. Nardi, Ph.D., Larry Schwartz,
Alon Stivi, Kristin Webb-Hollering, Wendy Wilson
AT THIS. LIZ
FIRST HANDED
ME A SURVIVAL
GRENADE AND THEN
ADVERTISING
Gabe Frimmel - Ad Sales Director
(714) 200-1930 - GFrimmel@Beckett.com
David Beckler - Outdoor Group Director
(972) 448-9173
Casey Clifford - Senior Account Executive
(717) 896-8956
Mark Pack - Senior Account Executive
(714) 200-1939
Gennifer Merriday - Ad Traffic Coordinator
SHE EXTENDED ONE
TO MARK, ONE OF MY
CO-WORKERS.
This has a number of survival items
inside, she said. Among other things, it has

a cord, a fire starter, a knife blade and tin
OPERATIONS
foil.
Gus Alonzo: Newsstand Sales Manager

Celia Merriday: Newsstand Analyst
Amit Sharma: Business Analytics Manager
Mohit Patel: Newsstand and Production Analyst
Alberto Chavez: Senior Logistics & Facilities Manager
John Cabral: Creative Graphic Designer
I looked at Mark and smiled.

This is awesome, I said.
Mark and I were amidst a sea of people
and booths at the 2013 SHOT Show, and we
EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION
& SALES OFFICE
were in a back room, awaiting an opportunity
22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200

Yorba Linda, CA 92887
Ph: (800) 332-3330
Fax: (800) 249-7761
www.gunworld.com
to discuss advertising and story ideas with
RockyS2V, a manufacturer of tactical boots
when we were greeted with this survival

opportunity.
Signaling, Water and Food rounded out the
list. Each contains great tips, which youll find
in our News Section, but one is worth noting

here, and that is a
20,000 FEET
feet, I opened the
brochure that accompanies the Survival
Grenade. The first thing

that caught my eye was
the writing on the top
To make sure
yours has a
Hollywood
ending, be
prepared.
left of the brochure: Achieve Peak Readiness

for Peace of Mind.
My eyes then shifted over to the middle
of the pamphlet, where 7 Survival Priorities

dominated the center of the page. I went
through each, one by one.
A Positive Mental Attitude led off.
In a survival situation of any duration,
attitude is the x factor. Unrelieved physical
and mental stress can sap resolve and hamper

decision making. Maintaining a positive mental
attitude combats those stresses and their
negative effects.
I dropped down to No. 2, which is
Wilderness First Aid. Sheltercraft, Firecraft,
CUSTOMER SERVICE
BECKETT MEDIA, LLC
4635 Mc Ewen Road. Dallas, TX 75244
be seen up to 20 miles
away.
SINGLE COPY SALES

(800) 764-6278
(239) 653-0225 Foreign Inquiries
subscriptions@beckett.com
customerservice@beckett.com
BE READY
BACK ISSUES
www.beckettstore.com
Aboard a commer-
cial airliner, most dont
BOOKS, MERCHANDISE, REPRINTS

(239) 280-2380
anticipate being in a
survival situation, but you never know.
DEALER SALES
(239) 280-2380
clear to me just how prevalent preparation is
NEW PRODUCTS OR TO CONTRIBUTE

A STORY OR PHOTO
djeffrey@beckett.com
One thing that is certain is that it was
becoming for more and more people. From

the homesteader to the backpacker to the
Southern California resident who lives in
earthquake country to the Midwest resident

who must co-exist with floods to the Gulf
Coast and East Coast residents who battle

hurricanes.
You never know when youll be thrust
into the leading role during a survival situation. To make sure yours has a Hollywood
ending, be prepared.
Live strong.
BECKETT MEDIA, LLC

Nick Singh: Executive Director
Erin Masercola: Business Unit Editorial Director
Jen Kahn: Circulation Director
This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the
understanding that information presented is from
various sources from which there can be no warranty or
responsibility by Beckett Media, LLC as to the legality,
completeness or technical accuracy.
THinkSTockPHoTo
home at some 20,000
good signal mirror can
Rocky S2V SuRViVal GRenadeS
Later, while cruising
AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 2013 by Beckett Media,

LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from
this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.
GW_ASG4_7 2/15/13 2:16 AM Page 7
GW_ASG4_NEWS 2/15/13 3:25 AM Page 8
NEWS & NOTES
Stop The Spread Of Disease

PREVENT THE SPREAD OF ILLNESS AND DISEASE.
Hygiene is especially
important in an
emergency such as a
flood, hurricane or
earthquake
Hygiene is especially important in an emergency such as a flood, hurricane or earth-
quake, but finding clean, safe running water can sometimes be difficult, the CDC reports.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends keeping your hands clean during an emergency
to help prevent the spread of germs. If your tap water is not safe to use, wash your hands with
soap and water thats been boiled or disinfected.
Centers for Disease Control
CDC
TEEN SURVIVED
ON CREEK WATER
FOR 9 WEEKS
AUS-
TRALIAN
He was expected to recover in a hospital.
The news of his survival was met with great
POLICE
joy, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the
FOR MISS-
any time you leave home. Any of the items noted
SEARCHED
ING TEEN
MATTHEW
ALLEN FOR
NINE WEEKS IN THE COUNTRYS
EXTENSIVE BUSHLAND BUT CAME UP
WITHOUT ANY LEADSUNTIL JAN. 26,
WHEN HIKERS DISCOVERED THE BOY
LYING IN THE BRUSH, ALIVE AND COV-
ERED IN LEECHES AND BITES.
His sole source of hydration had been water
from a nearly dry creek bed, the Australian News

reported.
The 18-year-old was only a mile or so from his
home when he was found, but he was disoriented
and unable to find his way home. He suffered gan-
grene on his feet and legs due to being exposed to

the elements, because he hadnt found shelter for
importance of taking a few pieces of gear with you

in the sidebar could potentially help you survive or
be discovered by rescuers, even if you get lost during a simple jog, and can be tucked easily in your
pocket.
DONT
LEAVE
HOME
WITHOUT
THESE
A whistle
A cell phone
A gel packet
of protein
or hydration
A lighter
A compass
the entire two-month period that he was missing.
Staggering
Statistics
60 AND OLDER
In New Orleans, the people in
this age bracket comprised 15
percent of the population prior
to Hurricane Katrina.
70
A simple
whistle could be
lifesaving if you
get lost and
need to alert
rescuers to your
location.
More than 70 percent of

those who died as a result of the
hurricane were elderly.
200
Many of the 200 people who

died as a result of the hurricane in
Mississippi were also older adults.
CDC
THINKSTOCKPHOTOS
One Mile Is A
Long Journey
THINKSTOCKPHOTOS
ERSONAL HYGIENE AND HANDWASHING ARE CRITICAL TO HELP
Wound Treatment
IT CAN HAPPEN.
THE RISK FOR INJURY DURING AND

AFTER A HURRICANE AND OTHER
NATURAL DISASTERS IS HIGH.
TETANUS, OTHER BACTERIAL
INFECTIONS, AND FUNGAL
INFECTIONS ARE POTENTIAL
HEALTH THREATS FOR ANYONE

WHO HAS AN OPEN WOUND.
The Centers for Disease Control and

Preventions says to seek medical attention as
soon as possible if:
Theres a foreign object (soil, wood, metal
or other objects) embedded in the wound;
The wound is at special risk of infection
(such as a dog bite or a puncture by a
dirty object);
An old wound shows signs of becoming
infected (increased pain and soreness,
swelling, redness, draining, or you
develop a fever).
PROPER CARE FOR

MINOR WOUNDS
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap
and clean water if possible.
Avoid touching the wound with your
fingers while treating it (if possible,
use disposable latex gloves).
Remove obstructive jewelry and clothing
from the injured body part.
Apply direct pressure to any bleeding
wound to control bleeding.
Clean the wound after bleeding has
stopped.
Examine wounds for dirt and

foreign objects.
Gently flood the wound with bottled
water or clean running water
(if available, saline solution is preferred).
Gently clean around the wound with
soap and clean water.
Pat dry and apply an adhesive bandage
or dry clean cloth.
Leave unclean wounds, bites and
punctures open. Wounds that are not
cleaned correctly can trap bacteria and
result in infection.
Provide pain relievers when possible.
CDC
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Expect a variety of infection types from
wounds exposed to standing water, sea life
and ocean water.
Wounds in contact with soil and sand can
become infected.
Puncture wounds can carry bits of clothing
and dirt into wounds and result in infection.
Crush injuries are more likely to become
infected than wounds from cuts.
Take steps to prevent tetanus.
City Dwellers Reap The

Benefits
You dont need acres of land to plant a survival
garden you can even find space in the city to
grow your vegetables.
LIFE IN THE BIG CITY HAS ITS ADVANTAGES.
THERES ACCESS TO ENTERTAINMENT, PROFESSIONAL

SPORTS, PHILHARMONICS AND GARDENS.
If you want to plant a survival garden but your city windowsill just isnt big
enough to grow enough food to feed your family, you might consider appealing to your city for permission to utilize underused land to grow your plants.
This growing trend has made its way to Pittsburgh and should allow many
locals there to enjoy homegrown snacks.
On Jan. 30, Pittsburghs City Council voted to spend $100,000 installing
cool roofs and to plant edible gardens in vacant, city-owned lots so that city
members can grow their own fresh produce, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
reports.
THINKSTOCKPHOTOS
THINKSTOCKPHOTOS
The gardens should be in place by March, after which city residents can
start to sow their survival gardens and get them ready before a fall harvest.
Torrey Kim
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 92)

9
T h e W r at h O f
Wat e r
FROM HURRICANES TO FLOODS AND BEYOND, WATER CAN
POSE MASSIVE DANGER!
WATER.
ITS ONE OF EARTHS MOST ENTICING ELEMENTS FROM A
GURGLING STREAM TO SUNLIGHT DANCING OFF A PRISTINE

LAKE TO THE INEFFABLE BEAUTY OF A WATERFALL.
But theres another side to the story, as water can also be wrathful and
deadly whether thats a Category 5 hurricane along the East or Gulf Coast, a
Midwestern flood or a flash flood in Southern California.
Water. Be prepared.
In This Section
Hurricane Preparation
First-Person Survival of
Hurricane Sandy
The Future of Weather and its Impact

Before, During, After:
Flood Safety Checklist
Dry Food Preservation
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
WATER
GW_ASG4_INWATER 2/15/13 3:40 AM Page 12
12
GW_ASG4_13 2/15/13 2:20 AM Page 13
GW_ASG4_CANE_NEW 2/26/13 5:47 AM Page 14
The Line Of Fire

Understanding Hurricane Mechanics Can Help You
Determine your Odds of Riding Out the Next Big Storm
By Erin Hatfield
ATRINA. FRAN.
AUDREY. ANDREW.
SUMMER AND
AUTUMN ARE BOTH
OPTIMAL SEASONS TO
TRAVEL TO THE COAST FOR
SOME REST AND RELAXATION.
BUT DEPENDING ON WHERE
YOUR PLANS TAKE YOU, YOUR
TRIP COULD BE SABOTAGED BY
A BIG THREAT. IN THE PAST,
THOSE VACATION DESTROYERS
HAVE HAD NAMES LIKE KAT-
RINA, FRAN, AUDREY, AND
ANDREW HURRICANES THAT
DEVASTATED CITIES AND
UPROOTED PEOPLE FROM THEIR
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
COMMUNITIES.
14
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
GW_ASG4_CANE_NEW 2/26/13 5:47 AM Page 15
15
GW_ASG4_CANE 2/15/13 3:44 AM Page 16
HURRICANE
Between June 1 and November 30 each
year, hurricane safety and survival are the high-
Inland, flooding and strong winds can wreak havoc

on property. Rain from hurricanes can saturate the
ground, causing trees to blow over
Dr. Mark Bourassa, associate professor of meteorology
est priorities for many residents along the East
and Gulf Coasts. While the forecasted number

of storms varies from year to year, one thing
remains the samethe science behind hurri-
canes. Understanding hurricanes and knowing

how to prepare when one is forecasted for
your area can help you survive the next big
storm that has the U.S. in its sights.
THE PERFECT
STORM
Atlantic hurricanes, also referred to as
tropical cyclones, most often form off the
western coast of Africa, near the equator. Its
there that one of a hurricanes key ingredients

exists in abundancewarm water.
According to Dr. Mark Bourassa, an associ-
ate professor of meteorology at Florida State

University, the warm water gives off water
vapor as it evaporates. This warm air rises,
where it encounters cooler air that causes it to
TORNADOES
condense, forming clouds and rain. This
WHEN HURRICANES
SPAWN TORNADOES
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
When a hurricane makes landfall, it can trigger

other weather phenomena, including tornadoes.
Traveling over land produces friction that slows a
hurricanes ground-level winds. However, the winds
that are aloft, or near the top of the storm, often maintain their momentum and speed. This wind speed difference sets up a fairly strong vertical wind shear that
provides ideal conditions for tornado development.
While tornadoes can form anywhere, these conditions
are more prevalent on the right front side of a hurricane, particularly in rainbands.
Hurricanes can spawn tornadoes within a day or
two prior to landfall and up to three days after it hits.
Historically, most tornadoes occur on the day of landfall, but some of the most damaging tornado outbreaks took place up to two days later. Hurricanes on
record that spawned tornadoes include Beulah (1967),
Danny (1985), Beryl (1994) and Ivan (2004).
16
DID YOU KNOW?
KNOW THE HURRICANE CATEGORIES
Just before it made landfall in Louisiana, Hurricane

Katrina had sustained winds
of 175 mph, a strong Category 5 storm. The storm had
weakened to a Category 3
by the time the eye crossed
land on Aug. 29, 2005.
Hurricanes can grow to hundreds of miles wide and contain dozens of thunderstorms and multiple weather fronts. As the storms increase in intensity, hurricanes
are labeled according to strength in the following categories:
Category 1: Wind speed 74-95 mph

Category 5: Wind speeds in excess of 155 mph
200
175
150
125
100
Excess of 155 mph
5
4
3
2
1
131-155 mph
111-130 mph
96-110 mph
74-95 mph
75
25
50
0
CATEGORY 1
process makes way for more warm moist air to
enter the developing system while also producing

a great deal of energy and heat.
A hurricane is stacked vertically, like a pipe,
and the system requires strong surface winds to
feed surrounding air into that pipe and provide a

continual source of tropical air.
One of the key factors in hurricane develop-
ment is the wind pattern, explains Bourassa. In

order for a system to transition from a thunderstorm to a hurricane, the winds closer to the
oceans surface must be stronger than those that
CATEGORY 2
CATEGORY 3
Bourassa and
his family have
hurricane
nights several
times a year
during which
they prepare
meals without
any power.
are aloft or higher in the atmosphere. This
CATEGORY 5
Storm sizes can vary greatly, he says.
Weve had small storms like Wilma (2005) and
larger systems like Isaac (2012), he notes.
But take away any of the components of a system,
and it dissipates. Passing over land, cold water or encountering dry air all significantly reduce the energy a tropical
cyclone is able to generate.
THE DANGERS
Each storm carries with it unique dangers, ranging
from wind to flooding to storm surge, that can affect

both those along the coast and inland.
Well in advance of a storm, deadly rip currents affect beaches, making
enables the system to continue to pull in more warm, moist air to feed
itself and being the telltale cyclone pattern.
swimming extremely hazardous. Higher seas are also a leading concern,
tropical system develops. As the system grows and becomes more orga-
(see sidebar on page 16).
When the warm air and energy meet up with ideal wind conditions, a
especially for ships at sea. Hurricanes are also known to spawn tornadoes
nized, what began as a thunderstorm moves through three stages as it
During a storm surge, the winds within the hurricane push water
strengthenstropical depression (winds of 38 mph or less), tropical storm
toward the shore. When combined with regular astronomical tides, water
(winds between 39-73 mph) and then hurricane (wind speeds greater than
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
CATEGORY 4
can rise several feet above normal levels, leading to flooding that damages
roads, buildings and trees. The storm surge during Hurricane Katrina
74 mph).
Once a storm reaches hurricane status, it often has three characteris-
caused many of the storms more than 1,500 deaths, either directly or
ticswind speed of at least 74 mph, a defined eye and eye wall and low
indirectly, the National Hurricane Center notes.
barometric pressure, Bourassa says.
The storm surge is the most prevalent side effect of a hurricane,
17
HURRICANE
High Risk Areas
In addition to size and intensity, what makes hurricanes so deadly and dangerous depends on where
they land. Following are high-risk areas:
KEY TIP
Louisiana
Florida Keys and Miami
Mississippi
North and South Carolina
Houston, Texas
Long Island, NY
Consider having hurricane

nights several times a year,
during which you prepare meals
without any power. This enables
you to determine the best foods
for your survival kit.
Bourassa says. Naturally, a larger hurricane
can trigger a larger storm surge. Also, storms
that track along the coast, like Dennis in 2005,

can create a bigger surge.
But Bourassa advises that those inland are
not immune from a hurricanes effects.
Inland, flooding and strong winds can
wreak havoc on property, he says. Rain

from hurricanes can saturate the ground,
causing trees to blow over onto homes, automobiles, power lines and roadways.
People who live near the coast, in a flood-
plain, or near a river or other waterway are

particularly at risk of flooding.
BE PREPARED
ing a survival kit on-hand that contains a
portable radio, flashlight, batteries, candles,
matches, non-perishable food and water for

each household member, including pets.
You should also prepare your home and
property. Bring in or secure any furniture or
other items in the yard that might blow away
in strong wind, board up windows, and secure
or dry dock any watercraft. Fill your car with

gas in case evacuation is imminent, and know
the routes to your nearest evacuation shel-
ters. When deciding whether or not to evacuate, listen to authorities as well as your
CHECKLIST
FOR SURVIVAL
Survival kit that contains a portable radio, flashlight,
batteries, candles, matches, non-perishable food and
water for each household member, including pets.
At home, bring in or secure any furniture
Board up windows
Secure or dry dock any watercraft
Fill your car with gas
Know the routes to your nearest evacuation shelters
When deciding whether to evacuate,
listen to authorities as well as your instincts.
Practice your plan
Pay attention to local weather forecasts
18
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
that you are well prepared. This includes hav-
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
If you find yourself projected to be in the
path of a hurricane, regardless of size, ensure
instincts. Regardless of local recommendations or mandates, evacuate

if you feel you or your family is in danger.
And dont forget to practice. Bourassa and his family have hurri-
cane nights several times a year during which they prepare meals
without any power. This enables them to determine the best foods
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
in 1900, during which nearly 8,000 people died because they had no
warning.
you dont have access to power, restaurants or stores, he says.
RISE IN HURRICANES
technology cannot predict a hurricanes exact path, especially once it
ning ahead and knowing the dangers one of these storms can bring,
for their survival kit, because you need food youre willing to eat if
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
The improved accuracy of hurricane tracking is very beneficial,
he says. The deadliest hurricane in U.S. history hit Galveston, Texas,
Most importantly, pay attention to local weather forecasts. While
makes landfall, Bourassa indicates that the average error in landfall

prediction has greatly decreased in recent years.
While recent statistics show a rise in hurricane activity, by plan-
you can help ensure you and your family makes it through safely.
The Writer: Erin Hatfield is a freelance writer based on the East Coast.
19
GW_ASG4_SANDY 2/18/13 12:19 AM Page 20
IN THE EY E
How a Staff Writer and Her Son Endured While
Stranded in New York During Hurricane Sandy
THINKSTOCK
20
| A rare blackout was seen in Manhattan following Sandys devastating effects. |
Y E OF FEAR
W
E WERE THERE WHEN MOTHER
We travelled all over Manhattan the weekend before the storm via
NATURE UNLEASHED HER FURY.
taxi, subway and foot, ignoring the weather alerts and enjoying the
EXPLORING NEW YORKS AMAZING
28th, we woke early to head to LaGuardia Airport so we could make
A FUN BUT HECTIC WEEKEND OF
COLLEGES WITH MY SON, BEN, WAS
THE PLAN FOR THE LAST WEEKEND OF OCTOBER 2012.
The last thing we expected to endure on our quick college tour was
finding out what happens when one of the worlds busiest cities gets
our way back to our North Carolina home.
Surely, arriving at the airport four hours before our flight would
provide us the security of a timely exit ahead of the storm, we thought.
Unfortunately, we were wrong. The vacation was over, and the frustra-
tion and fear had just begun.
THINKSTOCK
slammed by a superstorm.
balmy fall breezes and sights of the bustling metropolis. On Sunday Oct.
21
SANDY
If you fear youll be trapped by a storm,

withdraw as much cash as you can.
When the electricity fails, credit cards
might not work for your purchases.
As we left our midtown hotel on that fate-
ful Sunday, people were starting to get wor-
ried in the city as the mayor announced subway, bus and bridge closings.
We felt safe knowing that we had plenty
of timedays, in factbefore Hurricane
Sandy was supposed to hit. Our taxi sped
through the thickening traffic, and our safety
check through security was quick as well. As

soon as we got to the gate for our 4:30 p.m.
Finally, word spread that all the airports
were definitely closing. By this time, all the
rental cars were gone, the buses and subways
were closed and there were only a few bridges

left open to get back into the city.
We waited in line at the airport for two
hours to reschedule our flight for Wednesday
and caught a taxi at twice the normal price to

go back into Manhattan. There was nowhere
else to go. We were officially stuck.
only 10:30 in the morning.
SURVIVAL 101
half from landfall in the Northeast, the airlines
being aware in times of crisis is part of my job.
began to lengthen because pilots and staff
flights, I booked a room at a midtown Manhat-
flight, things started to deteriorate, and it was

Despite the hurricane being a day and a
were getting jittery about its path. Delays
couldnt reach LaGuardia, then rumors started

to fly that the airport was completely shutting
Because I write for American Survival Guide,
While everyone was fretting about cancelled

tan hotel on the east side that was close to
grocery stores, restaurants and other ameni-
down.
ties.
other over where they could charge their
an ATM and withdrew as much money as I
People began panicking, fighting with each
electronics, frantically arguing with hostile air-
line employees for any information, and stockpiling beverages and food from the closing
shops.
Mostly, we were all despairing due to the
hopeless situation of potentially being stranded

in an airport during an oncoming hurricane. It
Before leaving the airport, I had gone to
could. A good rule of thumb when anticipating

a flood disaster is to move to higher ground
and make sure you have cash. The low-lying
and coastal areas will sustain the most water
damage and will cause the electricity to go out,
loaned, rides were shared, emails and numbers
glasses. Stockpiling supplies should always be a
and kindness of others.
$1.08
BILLION
At press time, the
amount of money
that had been
approved by the
government to
assist in the recovery from Hurricane
Sandy, FEMA notes.
35
The number of disaster recovery centers that were set
up in New York
33
up in in New Jersey
6
up in Connecticut
6,538
The storm prompted
this number of
FEMA personnel
to be deployed to
support response
operations, including search and
rescue, situational
awareness,
communications
and logistical
support in states
affected by the
storm, FEMA said.
6
MILLION
The number of
residents who lost
power
$50
BILLION
The total estimated
damage by various
government sources
As soon as we checked in and dropped off
our bags, we ordered from room service and
exchanged, and I was inspired by the humanity
BY THE NUMBERS
making anything but cash useless.
is incredible how alliances with strangers are

formed in the worst of times. Money was
HURRICANE SANDY
requested extra condiments, utensils and
priority in a disaster to ensure sanitation and

sustenance.
22
Its a good
idea to stock
up on ice if a
storm is
approaching.
This way, if
your power
goes out, you
can still keep
your perishables cold.
THINKSTOCK
DELAYS, CLOSINGS
Tuesday and Wednesday

were a mess of chaos,
shortages and frustration.
GW_ASG4_23 2/15/13 2:20 AM Page 23
Paladin Press Partners up with American

Survival Guide to Bring You These Titles
Shoestring Survivalism
Andy James
Softcover, 198 pages,
5.5 x 8.5
Creating the Low-Budget

Homestead
Steven D. Gregersen
Softcover, 184 pages
8.5 x 11
Dirt-Cheap
Survival Retreat
M.D. Creekmore
Softcover, 88 pages
5.5 x 8.5
Eating on the Run

Fred Demara
5.5 x 8.5
Living on the Edge

F.J. Bohan
5.5 x 8.5
Long-Term Survival in the

Coming Dark Age
James Ballou
8.5 x 11
Ditch Medicine
Hugh L. Coffee
5.5 x 8.5
31 Days to Survival
M.D. Creekmore
5.5 x 8.5
Makeshift Workshop Skills

For Survival
and Self-Reliance
James Ballou
8.5 x 11
Self-Reliance During Natural

Disasters and Civil Unrest
George R. Bradford
8.5 x 11
#SRD2 $28.00
#EATR $15.00
#31D $18.00
#SHOE $22.00
#LOE $16.00
#MWS $32.00
#CLBH $25.00
#LTS $25.00
More Makeshift
Workshop Skills
James Ballou
8.5 x 11
#MWS2 $32.00
#DCSR $11.00
#MED2 $27.00
Arming for the Apocalypse

James Ballou
8.5 x 11
#AFA $20.00
USE PROMO CODE ASG13 FOR 15% OFF ALL ITEMS.

Request a free catalog, view our digital catalog,
sign up for our free eNewsletter and check out hundreds of other titles.
)5((
H1HZVOHWWHU
Paladin-Press.com
<:VYKLYZ"4HZ[LY*HYK=0:((4,?HUK+PZJV]LYHJJLW[LK
SANDY
Instead of sleeping, we for-
aged for goods at the local all-
were a mess of chaos, shortages
and frustration. Desperately, I
night grocery stores. Most of the
tried to get back to North Car-
earlier customers, but we didnt
hours to rent a car because the
stores had been ransacked by
olina. First, I stood in line for two
give up. We walked several
phones werent working. The
bottled water, food and medicine.
time I got close to the counter
blocks, carrying bags loaded with

When we got back to the
hotel at midnight, the lobby was
packed with crazed travelers.
Most people were in a state of
shock, both celebrating and cry-
ing about their situations. I told
rental cars were sold out by the
because there was no way for
previous renters to return them

to the still closed-off city.
Next, I fought for five hours
on the phone to get through to
the airline, only to discover that
People began panicking, fighting

with each other over where they
could charge their electronics,
frantically arguing with hostile
airline employees
nothing was leaving New York
my
son not to worry and to keep
Floods often occur without warning or excessive rains. If the weather has been
cool and the

waters are
high, then just one until
rainstorm
can causeI aaccepted
flood.
Thursday.
that,
walking
through
to already
the room.
the six flights up to our room. As
soon as we arrived, I filled our
sink and ice bucket with ice to
keep things cold because we
and booked a flight for Thursday
night. By this time, all of the local
restaurants had run out of food,
spirits and energy; the grocery
stores shelves were empty and
there were no employees at the
didnt have a refrigerator. After
hotel to even run room service.
day, we both collapsed.
ahead and stockpiled supplies
such an exhausting and frustrating
CHAOS AND
ESCAPE
I have been to New York
We were lucky wed planned
prior to the storm.
As we traipsed around New
York City that Wednesday,
shoulder to shoulder with other
survivors, we planned our exit.
City many times, and never have I
The streets were packed with
hit. As we walked around the city
of public transportation and the
seen it so quiet as the day Sandy
that Monday, we saw very few
people venturing out.
The police presence was
strong as they tried to keep citizens safe and indoor with rain
pouring, debris and glass flying,
and electricity out all over the
city. Only small businesses and
sandwich shops seemed to be
revelers, due mostly to the lack

Things were festive in the
city, and people were ready to
leave and explore. We could see

that a shuttle would be impossi-
ble and the bus lines were close
to three hours long, so finally,
when that Thursday dawned, we
woke early, hired a car, and got
to JFK.
night. We went to sleep not
were able to get an earlier
Tuesday.
gage on the way, we finally found
knowing what to expect on
Tuesday and Wednesday
SECOND CITY
EVACUATION EVER
need to find both food and WiFi.
open, and their supplies quickly
dwindled as the day became
Being stuck in a city

during a hurricane
often means that
bridges will flood
and roads out will
be dangerous to
travel.
Luck was on our sidewe
flightand despite losing our lug-
our way home.
Evacuating a city as big as New York

is a huge undertakingand officials
wouldnt venture such a feat unless citizens were facing a huge threat.
That was the case with Hurricane
Sandy, which had been downgraded to a
post-tropical cyclone when it hit New
York City, but was nonetheless destructive.
In preparation, the City issued the
second-ever mandatory evacuation of
coastal areas on October 28, 2012, the
City of New York wrote on nyc.gov.
Sandy carried winds blowing up to 85
miles per hour, as well as peak storm
surge of 13.88 feet.
Source: www.NYC.gov.
24
It is
incredible
how
alliances
with
strangers
are formed
in the
worst
of times.
THINKSTOCK
It was a 40-minute wait to
use the elevators, so we walked
GW_ASG4_CLIMATE 2/15/13 3:52 AM Page 25
MORE EXTREME,
MORE OFTEN
More Storms Are Packing A Greater
Wallop, But Scientists Cant Say If
The Trend Will Continue
By Torrey Kim
Once a storm is approaching land, its easier to predict its

path; however, it can be more difficult to project storm
patterns several years in advance.
OWER. MOTHER NATURE STYLE. THE KIND

THAT CAN DROP A CITY TO ITS KNEES. TO
THE TUNE OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND
THOUSANDS OF FATALITIES.
WILL THE FUTURE BRING MORE OF
THESE? SCIENTISTS ARENT SURE, BUT
THEY CERTAINLY ANTICIPATE STORMS

THAT PACK A WALLOP.
I look at climate with two aspects: intensity (how hot or cold) and vari-
ability, which describes how much the weather varies from one week to the
next, says climatologist Laurence S. Kalkstein, PhD, a professor at the University of Miami and the past president of the International Society of Bio-
Kalkstein, PhD
meteorology. Variability has increased. Things that are more extreme are
happening more frequently, but whether thats a normal trend or whether
its going to change is very hard to say. Weve only been taking records for
120 years, and thats a very short period. But I think its safe to say that
strong events, due to that variability increase, have been occurring more freTHINKSTOCK
things that are more

extreme are happening
more frequently, but
whether thats a normal
trend or whether its going
to change is very hard to
say. Climatologist Laurence
quently.
Its also safe to say, as youre about to see, that predictions are not easy.
25
CLIMATE
WHEN IS
HURRICANE
SEASON?
Most of us keep our
eyes tuned to the
weather between June
1 and Nov. 30, because
thats the official period
of hurricane season.
However, if youre
near the water, you
should know that hurricanes can actually
strike any time; its just
that those are the dates
when the ocean conditions are most ripe for
storms.
June 1 is no magic
number, Kalkstein
says. Hurricanes dont
pay attention to the
dates. The probability
for hurricanes increases
as water warms and
reaches a peak in September or early October
at the warmest and air
aloft is at its calmest.
However, its possible
that a hurricane can
occur other times of
year if the conditions
are right.
its safe to say that strong events, due to that variability

increase, have been occurring more frequently.
Climatologist Laurence Kalkstein, PhD
Under the right conditions, a hurricane

can hit any time of year, even though
June 1 through Nov. 30 is typically
considered hurricane season.
THREE TOP KILLERS

Katrina, which caused more than $75 billion in damages,
was responsible for approximately 1,200 reported deaths,
including about 1,000 in Louisiana and 200 in Mississippi.
Seven additional deaths occurred in southern Florida. Katrina caused catastrophic damage in southeastern Louisiana and
southern Mississippi. Storm surge along the Mississippi coast caused
total destruction of many structures, with the surge damage extending several miles inland. Similar damage occurred in portions of
southeastern Louisiana southeast of New Orleans.
Hugo was responsible for 21 deaths in the mainland

United States, five more in Puerto Rico and the U. S. Virgin
Islands, and 24 more elsewhere in the Caribbean. Damage
estimates are $7 billion in the mainland United States and $1
billion in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
HURRICANE ANDREW 1992

This storm was responsible for 23 deaths in the United
States and three more in the Bahamas. The hurricane
caused $26.5 billion in damage in the United States. Damage
in the Bahamas was estimated at $250 million.
National Weather Service
BY THE DECADES
Category 1 2 3 4 5
VARIATIONS OF CATEGORY STORMS

1961-1970
3
5
4
1
1971-1980
6
2
4
0
1981-1990
9
1
4
1
1991-2000
3
6
4
0
2001-2004
4
2
2
1
MAJOR
TOTAL #
HURRICANES
OF ALL
HURRICANES (CAT 3, 4 AND 5)
1
0
0
1
0
14
12
15
14
9
6
4
5
5
3
AVERAGE PER DECADE | 1851-2004

CATEGORY 1
CATEGORY 3
CATEGORY 5
CATEGORY 2
CATEGORY 4
ALL (1-5)
7.1
4.7
26
4.6
1.2
0.2
17.7
MAJOR (3-5)
6.0
National Weather
Service
THINKSTOCK
2
3
HURRICANE HUGO 1989
THINKSTOCK
Whether more
storms have
formed recently or
the weather service has simply
assigned names to
more of them is
difficult to say.
HURRICANE KATRINA 2005
THE PROBLEM OF
PREDICTIONS
If youve got your eye on the weather every night dur-
ing the news, youre quite familiar with the fact that many
storms can be predicted with accuracy at least a few days

before they approach your town.
Whats more difficult is predicting how many storms
will hit the United States over the course of a yearparticularly when more issues are involved than just storm
fronts.
Climatologists study previous and current weather pat-
terns and then use that data to project what could happen
in the future. However, as any frequent viewer of weather

reports can tell you, predictions arent always accurate.
The reason is because many factors go into the whole picture of the weather.
Such is definitely the case with big storms such as hur-
ricanes.
We have to be careful with storm predictions, says
Kalkstein. The future of hurricanes is dependent on so

many variables that its hard to predict.
For instance, he notes, it may appear obvious that as
water temperatures rise, there should be more hurricanes,

but that isnt always the case.
MANS
IMPACT ON
WARMING
Although most scientists
agree that the planet has gotten warmer, its unclear to
many climatologists whether
humans have caused the
increased temperatures.
I dont believe that theyll
be able to scientifically say
for sure whether humans
have caused warming in our
lifetime, claims climatologist
Laurence S. Kalkstein, PhD.
It will take more climate
research to determine that.
In addition, some climatologists point to recent
colder than usual temperatures in Russia to argue that
global warming arguments
are specious, Kalkstein says.
So although many scientists
think warming will make a
huge impact on our lives, we
dont know the numerical
odds of that happening.
stein says. Warm temperatures without the aloft
pressures will not be favorable to hurricanes. Then
theres the fact that El Ninos usually coincide with low
periods of hurricanes in the Atlantic and no one knows

what the frequency of El Ninos will be.
NAMES, FREQUENCY
If youre ready to move far from the water due to
the fact that additional storms seem to hit the U.S.
every year, its possible that youre just familiar with

the names of themnot with the damage.
Weve definitely had an increased number in
named storms, but it appears that the newsbecause
of better observing equipment and maybe biasesis

calling more storms by name, Kalkstein says.
He points to the fact that although Hurricane Kat-
rina was a huge storm, after Katrina, we didnt have a
landfalling hurricane for several years, so many of them
peaceably go out to sea. So then the question becomes
not how many hurricanes there are, but how many will
hit the U.S., and projecting that is highly uncertain.
GLOBAL WARMING
records), the results show that climate is cyclical. Weve been through
over the past several years, it may be too soon to say whether thats a
believe the climate has warmed maybe a degree or so even though
Although scientists tend to agree that the temperature has risen
long-term cycle or what our role as humans has been in potentially

creating a warmer planet.
all kinds of periods, multi-decadal warm periods and cool periods. I
there are some cold periods, but in my opinion, we cant say for certain whether its linked to humans.
Ive studied climate my whole life, and I can say I dont know the
One thing that appears to be certain is that powerful storms will
answer, Kalkstein says. In Europe, where theyve had records for
continue to hammer the U.S.
THINKSTOCK
longer than we have (although they may not be thermometer
THINKSTOCK
Hurricanes also need high pressures aloft so the
air from the hurricane rises and exits the storm, Kalk-
Although many scientists agree that the

planet is getting warmer, many question
whether thats related to human-created
issues or a cyclical trend.
27
AMBER WAVES
OF RAIN
The Complete Guide To

Protecting Yourself
From Floods
28
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
GW_ASG4_FLOOD_NEW 2/19/13 10:03 PM Page 28
ICTURE AMBER WAVES OF GRAIN.
NOW PICTURE THEM BURIED UNDER FEET OF WATER DUE TO FLOODING ACROSS
AMERICAS HEARTLAND. THIS IS THE REALITY OF WHAT HAPPENS EACH YEAR IN
PARTS OF THE MIDWEST.
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
Many people consider the Midwest to be a refuge to avoid the nasty natural disasters that pummel our coasts. Although flood-
ing has always been a worry among Midwesterners due to the depth and width of the mighty Mississippi River, the chance of this
devastating calamity is increasing and spreading thanks to climate change and other factors.
Fires are also a common occurrence, with expanding droughts across much of this beloved region. Despite the growing nat-
ural dangers in the Midwest, there are precautions you can take to safeguard yourself and your family against these ravaging risks.
29
Kids may not

understand
why theyre
unable to play
outside or go
out in the car
following a
flood. Always
remind them
about the hidden dangers to
ensure their
safety.
FLOODS
WHY A
WATERY MESS
The National Oceanic and Atmos-
pheric Administration (www.noaa.gov)

is the chief resource for issues of cli-
mate change and the resulting effects in

the United States.
The agency, along with the National
Weather Service (www.weather.gov),

suggests that unusually high rainfall,
melting snow from the surrounding
Black Hills and Badlands regions, and
oversaturated riverbanks have been the

chief contributors to the increased
flooding among the Midwests rivers.
Another major factor, which con-
tinues to be a determinant for loss of
property and life along the riverbanks
and the coasts, is the American lust for

waterfront property. Buildings have
gone up all along the water with
absolute disregard for basic geography,
AFTER THE
FLOODS RECEDE:
THE TOP DANGERS
and their lives for the luxury of a water-
Gas leaks
Downed live power lines
Unstable structures
Raw sewage
and people are paying with their homes

front home and view.
SURVIVE A
FLOOD
If your dream has always been to
live near the water, then an action plan

for escape should be part of your
dream as well. With any natural disas-
ter, preparedness is the key to survival.

The Federal Emergency Management
Agency (www.fema.gov) and NOAA
have put together detailed flood maps

and evacuation routes to help citizens
keep afloat.
In addition, you should check your
towns websites, schools and community centers for flood shelters if your
home is damaged or unreachable. Discussing your options and where to
meet with your family before the flood

is essential because you may not be
together. Lastly, organizing a backpack
with essentials like cash, copies of your
identification information and a first aid

THINKSTOCK
home, in your car and at your workplace.
30
THINKSTOCK
kit are crucial and should be kept at
MAKE SURE
CHILDREN
KNOW
When talking to your kids
about flooding, make sure
they know the hidden dangers, what to avoid and
where to go.
For example, gas leaks,
downed live power lines,
unstable structures and raw
sewage are the biggest culprits of death after the flood
recedes.
Remind school age children that you will come to
them if they are at school or
a friends when a flood
strikes. FEMA and the American Red Cross (www.americanredcross.org) have excellent and detailed ideas,
books and pamphlets for discussing flood preparation,
escape and survival with
children.
WHERE FLOODING HITS HARD
1
2
3
4
5
175
587
Iowa
Texas
8
173
280
Missouri
6
7
202
Indiana
Illinois
10
5
172
New York
157
192
Kansas
Pennsylvania
1
135
187
West Virginia
Kentucky
6
7
8
9
10
Source: www.weather.com/blog/weather/8_20264.html
Note: These are the states that experienced the most floods over the 10-year period from 1999 to 2008, according to the Weather Channel:
If your dream has always been to

live near the water, then an action
plan for escape should be part of
your dream as well.
THINKSTOCK
Floods often occur without warning or

excessive rains. If the weather has been
cool and the waters are already high, then
just one rainstorm can cause a flood.
THINKSTOCK
TOP 10 STATES WITH THE

MOST ANNUAL FLOODS
31
FLOODS
Watching the weather and being
aware of flood alerts is the first step

to getting out in time. If it has been
raining steadily for hours or days,
you should be ready to get out
quickly, or you may get stuck due to

impassable roads or swept away in a
flash flood or rising river waters. The

rule of thumb in any flood zone is to
get to higher ground as quickly as
possible. Walking or driving the
evacuation routes through the flood
zone before a flood hits will show

you how quickly you can get to
higher ground in an emergency.
How Lust
Impacts
Damage
Another major
factor is the
American lust for
waterfront
property.
BE READY
Just because you live in the
FLOOD
FACTS
Some floods develop
slowly, while others,
such a flash floods, can
develop in just a few
minutes and without visible signs of rain.
Additionally, floods can
be local, impacting a
neighborhood or community, or very large,
affecting entire river
basins and multiple
states.
Flash floods can occur
within a few minutes or
hours of excessive rainfall, a dam or levee failure, or a sudden release
of water held by an ice
jam. Flash floods often
have a dangerous wall
of roaring water carrying
rocks, mud and other
debris.
FEMA
the chance of this devastating calamity is

increasing and spreading thanks to climate change.
heartland doesnt mean youre safe
from natures wrath. Be vigilant and

aware of the dangers before they
arise to ensure that your family
wont face devastation from floods.

Kristin Webb-Hollering is a
32
THINKSTOCK
The rule of
thumb in any flood
zone is to get to
higher ground
as quickly as
possible. Knowing
the evacuation
routes through the
flood zone before a
flood hits will show
you how quickly
you can get to
higher ground in an
emergency.
THINKSTOCK
MEMORIZE THIS
journalist based in North Carolina.
FLOOD SAFETY CHECKLIST BEFORE, DURING, AFTER

BEFORE
ONE
Check your towns websites,
schools and community centers for
flood shelters if your home is damaged or unreachable.
TWO
Discussing your options and where
to meet with your family before the
flood is essential because you may
not be together.
THREE
Organize a backpack with essentials like cash, copies of your identification information and a first aid
kit. Keep one at home, in your car
and at work.
FOUR
Watch the weather and be aware of
flood alerts.
FIVE
Avoid building in a floodplain unless
you elevate and reinforce your
home. Elevate the furnace, water
heater and electric panel in your
home if you live in an area that has
a high flood risk. Consider installing
"check valves" to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains
of your home. If feasible, construct
barriers to stop floodwater from
entering the building and seal walls
in basements with waterproofing
compounds.
DURING
ONE
Listen to the radio or television for
information.
WHY SO MUCH MIDWEST FLOODING?
TWO
Be aware that flash flooding can
occur. If there is any possibility of a
flash flood, move immediately to
higher ground. Do not wait for
instructions to move.
Unusually high rainfall

Melting snow from the surrounding Black Hills and Badlands regions
Oversaturated riverbanks
Floods like this one in

Minnesota can cause
thousands of dollars
worth of damage in a
single day.
THREE
Be aware of streams, drainage
channels, canyons and other areas
known to flood suddenly. Flash
floods can occur in these areas with
or without typical warnings such as
rain clouds or heavy rain.
FIVE
If you have to leave your home,
remember these evacuation tips:
Do not walk through moving
water. Six inches of moving
water can make you fall. If you
have to walk in water, walk
where the water is not moving.
THINKSTOCK
THINKSTOCK
FOUR
If you must prepare to evacuate,
you should do the following:
Secure your home. If you have
time, bring in outdoor furniture.
Move essential items to an upper
floor.
Turn off utilities at the main
switches or valves if instructed
to do so. Disconnect electrical
appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or
standing in water.
33
Use a stick to check the firmness

of the ground in front of you.
Do not drive into flooded areas. If
floodwaters rise around your car,
abandon the car and move to
higher ground if you can do so
safely. You and the vehicle can
be swept away quickly.
Do not camp or park your vehicle
along streams, rivers or creeks,
particularly during threatening
conditions.
AFTER
ONE
Use local alerts and warning
systems to get information and
expert informed advice as soon
as available.
TWO
Avoid moving water.
THREE
Stay away from damaged areas
unless your assistance has been
specifically requested by police,
fire or relief organization.
FOUR
Emergency workers will be assisting people in flooded areas. You can
help them by staying off the roads
and out of the way.
FIVE
Play it safe. Additional flooding or
flash floods can occur. Listen for
local warnings and information. If
your car stalls in rapidly rising
waters, get out immediately and
climb to higher ground.
SIX
Return home only when authorities
indicate it is safe. Roads may still be
closed because they have been
damaged or are covered by water.
Barricades have been placed for
your protection. If you come upon a
barricade or a flooded road, go
another way.
SEVEN
If you must walk or drive in areas
that have been flooded.
Stay on firm ground. Moving
water only 6 inches deep can
sweep you off your feet. Standing
water may be electrically charged
from underground or downed
power lines.
Flooding may have caused familiar places to change. Floodwaters
often erode roads and walkways.
Flood debris may hide animals
and broken bottles, and it's also
slippery. Avoid walking or driving
through it.
Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may
have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
Stay out of any building if it is
surrounded by floodwaters.
Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
GW_ASG4_DRY 2/15/13 3:59 AM Page 34
Ration Ready
Dried Food ItemsSuch as Beans, Jerky and
SpicesAre Among the Easiest To Prepare,
Store And Transport By Wendy Wilson
IF
OOD IS ESSENTIAL
TO SURVIVAL.
IN A DISASTER SITUATION, THE
POWER MAY GO OUT, LEAVING
YOUR REFRIGERATOR OR FREEZER VIR-
TUALLY USELESS. GROCERY STORE
SHELVES WILL BE EMPTIED, AND
RESTAURANTS WONT BE SERVING
MEALS. FOOD WILL, NO DOUBT, BE A
HOT COMMODITY IN A WORST-CASE
SITUATION.
SIMILARLY, IF YOURE IN THE WILDER-
NESS, YOU WONT HAVE ACCESS TO
URBAN OR SUBURBAN CONVENIENCES.
YOULL HAVE TO FEND FOR YOURSELF
You and your family will need access to food, and
dried items are among the easiest to prepare, store

and transport. Heres a quick rundown of some
dried, portable edibles to keep in your cellar or gobag and how to best store them.
RESOURCES
For more information
about dehydrating foods,
check out How To Dry
Foods: The Most Complete
Guide To Drying Foods At
Home, Deanna DeLong
(Penguin Group, 2006).
SHELL BEANS,
LEGUMES
Choosing
such as black beans, garbanzo beans,
grow your own, let the beans partially
Dried shell beans and legumes
lentils, split peas and soybeansare a
staple in most pantries thanks to their

long shelf life and versatility. These little protein-, starch- and fiber-rich
morsels also travel well. Plus, some
beans and legumes can be sprouted
and grown (or eaten). Theyre a perfect item to have on handjust in

case.
34
You can purchase dried beans and
legumes from your grocer, or you can

grow and dry your own. When you
dry on the plant. Harvest them when

the pod turns light brown and the
seeds are mature. Place the pods in a
cloth sack and hang it in a warm place

for up to two weeks to finish drying.
When completely dry, shake or hit
the sack to break the pods and
release the seeds. Remove the pods
and pour off the beans. Store them as

you would purchased beans.
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
WITH NATURES RESOURCES.
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
USING WHATS IN YOUR PACK ALONG
Storing and
Shelf Life
stored in an airtight, moistureproof container in a cool, dry
place, shell beans and legumes
can be kept indefinitely. They will
take some effort to cook, as
youll need a heat source, water
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
and a pot in which to cook them.

But if you have access to those
essentials, the beans will provide

a ready source of nutrition for
you and your family.
PERFECTION
HOMEGROWN
BEANS, LEGUMES
ONE
Let the beans
partially dry on
the plant.
THREE
Place the pods in a
cloth sack and hang it
in a warm place for up
to two weeks to finish
drying.
dried items are among

the easiest to prepare,
store and transport.
FOUR
TWO
Harvest them when the
pod turns light brown
and the seeds are
mature.
When completely dry,

shake or hit the sack
to break the pods and
release the seeds.
Remove the pods and
pour off the beans.
35
FAST FOOD
When properly dried and
FOUR STEPS TO
Dried foods packaged in individual portions are

ideal for survival-type scenarios. Combine some
dried fruits and nuts in an airtight plastic bag for an
energy-dense snack. Toss together some jerky
pieces and dried vegetables for a midday meal. And
for dessert, pack some fruit leather. These on-thego meals are lightweight and low volumeperfect
for whatever situation you encounter.
DRIED MEATS,
JERKY
DRY
ready-made jerky in your local market, or

you can make your own.
If you make your own, be sure to fol-
Who doesnt love a good jerky?
low tested recipes that use proper tem-
smoked raw meat dried in an oven was a
ease-causing microorganisms, like salmo-
The salted, seasoned, sometimes
favorite among pioneersand its still a
popular snack today. Because most of the

moisture is removed from the meat dur-
ing the drying process, jerky can be
stored without refrigeration, making it
ideal for survival situations. The addition
160
HIT 160
FOR JERKY
If you make your

own jerky, follow
tested recipes that use
proper temperature
of salt and sodium nitrate extends the

shelf life of jerky even more.
and drying time.
Why?
Certain diseasecausing microorganisms, like salmonella
nella and E. coli, may be present in raw

meats and survive the drying process if
not heated to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Storing and
Shelf Life
If you live in a humid area (greater
than 30 percent), jerky can be stored at
Choosing
and E. coli, may be

present in raw meats
and survive the drying
process if not heated
to 160 degrees
Fahrenheit.
perature and drying time, as certain dis-
room temperature for one to two
months in an airtight container; if youre
in a dryer area, the jerky can be kept in a
Just about any lean fish or meat,
container with a loose-fitting lid or one
including beef, game and lamb, can be
with several holes punched in the lid.
turned into jerky. You can purchase
Food will, no doubt, be a hot commodity in a worst-case situation.
HERBS, SPICES
Either way, select herbs and spices you
some of the spices of life.
stand its taste!
Basil, mint, parsley, gingertheyre

Though herbs and spices dont have
Plus, some herbs, like mint and ginger,
like stomach upset and anxiety. If you
herbs in an electric dehydrator, paper
and spices are nice to have around.
When the leaves are sufficiently dry and
to survival, they make food taste good.

can be made into tea to ease maladies
You can dry or dehydrate your
have room in your storage area, herbs
bags, a warm room or even an oven.
crumble easily, or when seeds are brit-
Choosing
tle, theyre ready for storage. Ideally,
As with other pantry staples, herbs
and spicesdried and freshmay be
HOW LONG
WILL THEY
LAST?
Nuts:
Full of energizing
and satisfying fat
plastic bag; if one isnt available, an air-
tight container will suffice. With proper
packaging and storage, herbs and spices
consider growing and drying your own.
year.
should keep well for six months to one
PREPARE YOUR PANTRY
Nut butter:
A spoonful is all
youll need
Dry and dehydrated foods should be a part of everyones pantry and emergency sup-
ply. As with other food items, be sure to label and rotate them regularly to ensure their
Vegetables:
Crunchy and
healthy
freshness and maximum nutrition. In an emergency situationwhether hurricane, tor-
Vegetable leather:
A savory version
of fruit leather
nado, flood, fire or otherwiseyoull be ready to feed yourself and your family.
Wendy Wilson is an award-winning journalist based in Northern California.
SHELL BEANS, LEGUMES
JERKY
HERBS, SPICES
How: Dry them properly and store

in an airtight, moisture-proof container
in a cool, dry place.
How: In a humid area, store jerky in an airtight

container. In a dryer area, use a loose-fitting lid or
one with several holes punched in the lid.
How: Dry or dehydrate your herbs in an electric

dehydrator, paper bags, a warm room or even an oven.
They should be vacuum sealed in a jar or plastic bag.
Life Expectancy: Indefinitely
Life Expectancy: Two months
Life Expectancy: Six months to one year
36
THINKSTOCK PHOTOS
THINKSTOCK PHOTOS
OTHER FOODS TO USE
Fruits:
Sweet, delicious
Fruit leather:
Convenient,
portable snack item
they should be vacuum sealed in a jar or
sourced from your local market. If you
have the time and resources, however,
and packed with

all-natural energy
ing a jar full of marjoram if you cant
Storing And
Shelf Life
much nutritive value and arent essential
With the right

equipment and knowhow, just about any
food can be dried and
stored. Here are some
other ideas for packable, portable dehydrated food products.
use regularly. Theres no sense in stor-
GW_ASG4_37 2/20/13 9:08 PM Page 37
WATER
GW_ASG4_BG_WATER_New 2/21/13 4:28 AM Page 38
Stay H y d r at e d,
Stay H e a lt h y
These Essential And Affordable Products
Will Ensure That You Stay Hydrated On The
Survival Trail BY SEAN COOPER
THERES A GOOD REASON WHY WATER IS CONSIDERED A
BASIC REQUIREMENT IN MASLOWS HIERARCHY OF NEEDS.
While humans can survive for seven to eight weeks without food, youre
likely to only last three to 10 days without water. While you may be surrounded by rivers and lakes, the water isnt drinkable until you purify it.
The following ways to purify waterincluding filters, pens, lights and
tabletsensure that youll never be thirsty again.
EDITORS CHOICE
STERIPEN
www.steripen.com
Model: Traveler Mini
Key Features: Compact, lightweight, up to 3,000 treatments
MSRP: $69.95
38
GW_ASG4_BG_WATER 2/17/13 10:05 PM Page 39
buyers
Guide
WATER
1
1 STERIPEN
$69.95
www.steripen.com
Model: Traveler Mini

Key Features: Compact,
lightweight, up to 3,000
treatments
MSRP: $69.95
Description:
If youre looking for the smallest,
most lightweight water purifier,
the Traveler Mini is right up your
alley. Weighing just 3.6 ounces,
the Traveler Mini is small enough
to be carried in any backpack,
emergency kit or fanny pack.
Dont let its small size fool you
it can purify water just as effectively as other well-known
SteriPENs. Once you get it going,
youll have half a liter of purified,
drinkable water to quench your
thirst in less than a minute.
STERIPEN
If youre
looking for
the smallest,
most lightweight water
purifier, the
Traveler Mini
is right up
your alley.
2 CABELAS
www.cabelas.com
Model: Katadyn Drinking Water

Tablets
Key Features: Compact,
lightweight, easy to stow
MSRP: $9.99-14.99
Description:
Looking for the perfect easy-tocarry water purification system?
Look no further than Katadyn
Drinking Water Tablets. Theyre
perfect whether youre going out
for an afternoon of hunting or a
seven-day unplanned survival
excursion into the wilderness.
The tablets are compact and
lightweightperfect to fit inside
your backpack, so youll have
fresh drinking water wherever
you go. One tiny tablet treats up
to 1 liter of water. It comes in
your choice of 20 tablets per container or 30 tablets per container.
Best of all, its aftertaste-free.
CABELAS
$9.99-14.99
3 STERIPEN
www.steripen.com
Model: Journey LCD

Key Features: Lightweight, fast,
up to 8,000 treatments
MSRP: $99.95
STERIPEN
$99.95
Description:
The power is in your hands with
the Journey LCDpurify half or 1
liter of water in mere moments.
The devices LCD screen displays
useful information, including battery life, countdown clock for
water purification and number of
uses. With more than 8,000 treatments, youll be purifying water
for many years to come with this
handy tool. Weighing 4.5 ounces,
slightly more than the Traveler
Mini, its worth the extra weight
for 5,000 additional treatments,
especially if you expect your survival trek to be a long one.
39
buyers
Guide
WATER
CAMELBACK
$99
$9.99
CAMELBAK
www.camelbak.com
Model: All Clear

Key Features: Weather-resistant
cap, portable, LCD screen
MSRP: $99
Description:
Water bottles are a staple of any
outdoor trip, but do you ever wonder how sanitary they are? All Clear
washes the germs, allowing it to be
a portable purification system conveniently included in your water
bottle. Not only is it durableit
lasts up to 10,000 treatmentsit
can withstand the cold of winter
and the heat of summer to deliver
fresh drinking water every time. It
includes an easy-to-read LCD display, so youll always know when
your water is germ-free and ready
to drink.
5 GLOBAL
HYDRATION
www.globalhydration.com
Model: Aquatabs Water Purification
Tablets
Key Features: 30 tablets per pack,
treats up to 60 quarts
MSRP: $9.99
Description:
Whether youre hunting, fishing,
hiking or boating, dont leave home
without Aquatabs Water Purification
Tablets. Each pack contains 30
powerful water-purifying tablets
able to treat up to 60 quarts of
water. In less than 30 minutes,
youll enjoy fresh, great-tasting,
aftertaste-free water, each and
every time. Unlike some other water
treatments, these tablets are
iodine-free and safe to handle.
Theyre ideal for purifying water to
drink, washing dishes, brushing
your teeth, cooking, and washing
fruits and vegetables.
6 COGHLANS
www.coghlans.com
Model: Water Filter

Key Features: Portable, lightweight,
no after-taste
MSRP: $25.98
Description:
While Coghlans Two-Step Drinking
Water Treatment is perfect for
emergency situations, if youre
looking for a water filter for everyday use, Coghlans Water Filter fits
the bill. Dont let its simple name
fool youthis portable, lightweight
filter is perfect for removing the
nastiest of bacteria, such as giardia
and other amoeba. The unit is compact and easy to use. It includes a
filter, pump, discharge tube,
adapter tube and plastic straw. Filter up to 400 quarts of fresh drinking water in less than a minute. Its
perfect for survivalists in any emergency situation.
GLOBAL HYDRATION
HOW MUCH WATER

DO YOU NEED DAILY?
Humans naturally lose water by
breathing, perspiring and using the
restroom, so its vital to constantly
replenish your water supply to
avoid becoming dehydrated.
While foods like watermelons
are a great source of liquid, youll
need to drink plenty of water to
stay well hydrated. The Institute of
Medicine recommends that an
active, healthy male consume three
liters of water per day, while
females should consume 2.2 liters.
COGHLANS
$25.98
40
CABELAS
$12.99
COGHLANS
$15.28
www.cabelas.com
Model: Frontier Water Filter Straw

Key Features: Ultra-lightweight, compact
MSRP: $12.99
Description:
The Frontier Water Filter Straw is the final frontier
of water purification. Its lightweight and perfect
for throwing it into your backpack for a day in the
outdoors. Its compact so you can fit it in your
bug-out bag, emergency kit or your cars glove
compartmentor all three. Its easy to use; no
set up is required. You can safely drink from any
water, including water holes and rivers. Best of
all, its economical. At $12.99, this is a small
price to pay for clean drinking water wherever
you go.
DRINKING WATER
BACTERIA WATCH
Just like cockroaches, bacteria can
survive just about anything to make you
sick. Some are rare, while others like
salmonella happen all the time.
With a proper water purifier you can filter
away most of these illnesses that are just
waiting to infect you. Here are some of the
most prevalent bacteria to avoid.
Aeromonas species Bacteria found in
water, causing gastric illnesses.
Francisella tularensis Infection can occur
through contaminated drinking water.
Salmonella Most commonly associated
with uncooked meat, but also found in
water.
Shigella Most commonly found in water,
but also found in food.
Toxigenic Escherichia coli Used to test
for water contamination.
Yersinia enterocolitica Found in animals
in close proximity to water.
7 CABELAS
8 COGHLANS
www.coghlans.com
Model: Two-Step Drinking Water

Treatment
Key Features: Easy to use, no after-taste,
includes neutralizer
MSRP: $15.28
Page 1
Description:
You can have safe, fresh water in two easy steps.
Emergency Drinking Water Germicidal Tablets are
a must-have in your familys survival or first aid
kit. You never know when youll need them, but
youll be glad you have them. This water purifier
packs a one, two punch. Not only does it include
Coghlans Water Germicidal Tablets, it also
includes Coghlans Drinking Water Tablets Neutralizer to ensure you always have fresh drinking
water wherever you are. Its effective against
common ailments like bacteria, treats up to 25
quarts and is aftertaste-free.
IT IS NOT A QUESTION OF IF, BUT WHEN . . .

Earthquake, Tornado, Hurricane, Tropical Storm, Ice Storm, Snow Storm, Wild Fire, Flooding . . .
Most of us have experienced a number of these natural disasters in our lifetime. Keeping your
SURVIVAL BAG close so you can grab it and have something to help immediately sustain life,
could be the difference between living to tell the story and being a statistic. Take it from
me, there are things you can do to increase your chances of survival. Let us help you
prepare. Log on to www.SurvivalBagsInc.com. Educate yourself, then plan and train,
to SURVIVE!!
-Mike Haller, President, Survival Bags, Inc.
Former U.S. Marine, Police Officer, Volunteer Firefighter & Paramedic
41
Springs Fury
Prepare now for the most common perils you
might face this spring
ENTICING IS SPRING.
IN THE FOREST, TRAILS MEANDER THROUGH THE BEAUTY, AS

THE SMELL OF PINE PERMEATES THE AIR. IN LOCAL HILL-
SIDES, WILD FLOWERS LURE HIKERS OUT OF THE CITIES. TIS

ALSO THE SEASON TO BEGIN PLANTING YOUR GARDEN.
Springs warm, sunny days are here but hazards underlie springs beauty.
Preparation is critical.
Spring First Aid

Three Methods To Signal
Rescue Crews
Tips To Prepare Your Garden,

So You Can Nourish Your Family
42
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
In This Section
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
SPRING
GW_ASG4_INSPRING_FIRST 2/17/13 10:19 PM Page 42
GW_ASG4_INSPRING_FIRST 2/26/13 5:50 AM Page 43
LURKING
DANGERS
How To Avoid Springs Hazards And Why You Should
Avoid Common First Aid Myths Like the Plague
By Torrey Kim
OTHER NATURE
SHOWS NO
FAVORITES.
ALTHOUGH
SPRING WEATHER
DOESNT NECES-
SARILY BRING TO
MIND THE TYPES
OF PERILS THAT WINTER CAN PRE-
SENT (SUCH AS AVALANCHES AND
THIN ICE), DANGERS ARE ALWAYS
LURKING THAT CAN JEOPARDIZE
YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY.
To ensure that your next expedition doesnt
get derailed, consider these quick tips that will
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
keep you safe.
43
FIRST
30
The number of people who died from
lightning strikes last year
LOWER RISK LOCATIONS

Low rolling hills
THE HEIGHT FACTOR

If youre caught in a lightning storm
avoid being, or being near, the tallest
unfortunately, and last year, nearly 30 people

died from lightning strikes, according to the
National Weather Service. Ensure that you
dont suffer the same fate by knowing when
the bad weather is coming, and having a plan

to avoid the electrical strike.
The most important component of light-
ning safety is prevention, says Gates
Richards, M.Ed., special program manager
If youre caught in a lightning storm, a
good rule of thumb is to avoid being, or being

near, the tallest object in any given area,
Richards says.
In the worst case scenario (being stuck
in a lightning storm), you can assume a lightning position, he says.
This means you should insulate yourself
from the ground, protect yourself from the

weather, and stay small and low.
Disperse a group to minimize the
object in any given area.
with the NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute
chances of multiple casualties, he says.
DO THIS
local weather patterns, anticipating oncoming
lightning, know that the symptoms arent as
Insulate yourself from the ground,

protect yourself from the weather,
stay small and low.
CROWD BEHAVIOR
Disperse a group to minimize the
chances of multiple casualties.
in Lander, Wyoming. This involves knowing

storms, finding relatively low-risk locations
and practicing a lightning drill before a
storm.
If you know a storm is headed your way,
evaluate the safe locations that are nearby.
Lower risk locations include low rolling
hills, Richards says. These would be safer
places for campsites.
44
If someone in your group does get hit by
clear-cut as you see in the movies.
Lightning strikes can produce a wide
range of injuries, ranging from trauma to neurological problems, Richards says. Provide
supportive care, clean or splint any injuries,
and evacuate anyone involved in a lightning
strike. Neurological issues may have delayed

onset, so it's best to evacuate.
SIGNS,
SYMPTOMS
SNAKEBITES
Pain
Swelling
Discoloration beyond the
puncture wounds and
slowly extending back
toward the core
WHEN BITTEN,
DONT DO THIS
DONT
Apply ice or tourniquets
DONT
Cut the bite area and suck
out the venom
DO NOT USE
Electrotherapy
THINKSTOCK
LIGHTNING
SAFETY RULES
With April showers comes lightning,
THINKSTOCK
ANTICIPATE LIGHTNING
The most important component of

lightning safety is prevention.
If you know lightning is on
its way, take cover somewhere safe immediately,
and always avoid being the
tallest object in any area.
Gates Richards, M.Ed., NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute
LIGHTNING PRECAUTIONARY CHECKLIST

Know local weather patterns
Anticipate oncoming storms
Find relatively low-risk locations
THE
Practice a lightning drill before a storm
BIG,
BAD 3
Rattlesnakes
Cottonmouths
Copperheads
Encountering bees and

wasps is nearly unavoidable
in the spring. If someone in
your group is allergic to
their venom, bring along an
epinephrine injector to avoid
anaphylaxis.
DEADLY STINGS
Spring allergies dont just involve hay fever and runny nosesthey
can bring on the potentially deadly sting of bees, wasps and other insects
that carry Hymenoptera venom, which is an allergy trigger for thousands of people.
Most reactions to bee stings involve local swelling and itching, but
for some people, systemic reactions such as anaphylaxis can strike,

which could be deadly. If youre traveling with someone who has a
is in your carry pack (typically in the form of an Epi-Pen).
THINKSTOCK
THINKSTOCK
diagnosed Hymenoptera allergy, ensure that an epinephrine prescription
45
FIRST
the best way to
treat a snakebite is
to cut the bite,
suck out the venom
and spit it on the
ground, right?
NOT SO FAST!
Always try to avoid snakes, but

if youre bitten, seek medical
attention immediately rather
than trying a makeshift remedy.
SNAKE NUMBERS
DEADLY BITES
Anyone who has ever seen an old
cowboy movie knows that the best way to
10,000
treat a snakebite is to cut the bite, suck out

the venom and spit it on the ground, right?
The number of people who will be
Not so fast.
This outdated advice can actually
bitten by pit vipers this year
getting the victim to an emergency care
10
waste precious time that could be spent

facility.
think.
It's incredibly uncommon for people
beyond the puncture wounds and slowly

extending back toward the core.
quets, cutting the bite and sucking out the
year, Richards says. The majority of
treatments, he says.
poisonous snakes native to our part of

North America are pit vipers (rat-
tlesnakes, cottonmouths, copperheads).

However, he advises, it's not impor-
tant to identify the snake, because anyone
die from snakebites each year
None of the myths out there (ice, tourni-
to die from domestic snakebites in the
U.S.fewer than 10 people in any given
The estimated number of people who
venom, electrotherapy) have any use as field

Several will make matters worse, Richards
stresses.
The best treatment for a snakebite is to stay
calm, leave the snake alone, clean the wound,

splint the extremity and evacuate the patient,
AVOID THESE COMMON

FIRST AID MYTHS
If youre surprised to read that cutting a
Richards advises.
snakebite and sucking the venom isnt ideal
evaluation.
he says. If not possible, walking is okay, but stay
be making other common first aid mistakes
bites are dry bites that did not include
10,000 or so people who will be bitten by pit
bitten by a snake (or any animal) should

be evacuated from the backcountry for
Roughly one-third of all pit viper
envenomation, Richards says. If envenomation occurs, signs and symptoms
include pain, swelling, and discoloration
If possible, avoid having the patient walk,
calm and recognize that for almost all of the
for snakebite treatment, then you may also

that could end up making your condition
vipers this year, wound care will be the bulk of
worse.
only happen in a clinical setting.
against the common home remedy of butter
their treatment. Antivenom, if administered, will
For instance, the Red Cross advises

applied to a burn. Instead, the Red Cross
says, treat a burn with cool water. If the
burn is severe and starts to blister, make
sure to see a doctor. Keep the affected area
clean and loosely covered with a dry, sterile
dressing.
Likewise, the agency advises, dont
induce vomiting if someone ingests a poison
such as a wild mushroom or bad water.
Instead, call the Poison Control Center at
800-222-1222 for advice.
Source:
http://www.redcross.org/email/safetynet/
v1n9/firstaid.asp
46
THINKSTOCK
First, know that your chances of dying
from a snakebite are not as high as you
GW_ASG4_GARDEN 2/18/13 1:50 AM Page 47
Farmers
Market
Sure-Fire Steps To Prepare For

A Bountiful Spring Harvest
By Torrey Kim
OW DOES THIS SOUND?
IF YOUVE GOT A PLOT OF
LAND THATS AMENABLE TO
GARDENING, YOUR SURVIVAL
PANTRY COULD BE FULL BY
SUMMERTIME, THANKS TO THE ABUN-
DANT PRODUCE THAT CAN GROW IN
NEARLY ANY CLIMATE. GET A LEG UP
ON YOUR SPRING GARDEN BY PREPAR-
ING YOUR SOIL AND BUYING SEEDS
NOW, SO THEYLL GERMINATE BEAUTI-
I grow all the vegetables that

two people can handle. We can
and freeze enough to last the
winter. Lisa Colburn
Knowing when to harvest

your garden is just as
important as knowing
when to plant it. Bringing
the vegetables inside at
just the right time will
help you deliver optimal
taste.
47
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
FULLY THIS SPRING.
GW_ASG4_GARDEN 2/17/13 10:25 PM Page 48
GARDEN
AVOID DIGGING IN
FROZEN SOIL
You may be eager to get your garden going this spring,
but you dont want to jump the gun and waste time struggling with a rock-hard ground that resists your efforts.
The trick to digging in frozen soil is to avoid doing
so, says Lisa Colburn, author of the Maine Garden Journal. Ive heard stories of folks leaving a shovel stuck in
the soil overnight in November with thoughts of resuming
work the next day but overnight temperatures plummeted and they were unable to free the shovel until the
next springs thaw. Theres no gardening happening in
those conditions.
While sometimes its necessary to dig in slightly
frozen, crusty soil to harvest winter crops, there is the
risk of damaging root crops crushed and scraped by hard,

frozen soil and ice crystals, she adds.
Minimize damage by breaking apart frozen chunks of
soil at least a foot away from root crops and then working
your way closer until you free the crop, she advises.
TURN BAD
SOIL GOOD
Many survivalists forego planning fresh produce
because they fear their soil is not amenable to germina-
tion, but if youre in this position, dont give upyou can
Your survival garden

doesnt need to have uniformly-sized plantsin
fact, it ideally should have
plants of all sizes and
heights at any given time.
remedy the problem either by having a fresh layer of soil
delivered to you or by cultivating your soil with other

ingredients.
I was faced with very bad soil when I moved to my
current home in Maine, Colburn says. I had solid, almost

impenetrable clay. For a few years I added lots and lots of
Composting not only

lessens the amount of
waste in your home, but
also helps you create
organic fertilizer for your
garden.
organic matter that just seemed to disappear! I finally built

raised beds and added great soil. Now, I just add compost
every year. I grow all the vegetables that two people can
handle. We can and freeze enough to last the winter.
CALCULATE
THESE
NUMBERS
Heres how to get

wealthy with gardeners
gold.
Compost is typically
made from organic waste
materials that you can combine together; as it decomposes, the ingredients blend
together to create essential
48
nutrients that can feed your

plants.
Even if your survival garden doesnt cover vast acres
of land, you can still compost
using a backyard bin, in which
you can place food scraps
(such as banana peels and
apple cores), grass clippings
and other organic matter to
get your compost started.
Once the compost is
mature (which can take up to

two years), you can apply this
natural fertilizer to your soil to
make it more welcoming to
your plants.
Source: Environmental Protection Agency,
http://www.epa.gov/compost/t
ypes.htm
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
GARDENERS
GOLD
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
How does your garden grow?

Probably not uniformly, if its anything like most gardens, but thats actually a good thing. Your plants dont have
to grow in perfect unison to ensure that
theyre healthy.
I have different sizes and heights,
Colburn says. I find that at least 8
inches high is best to reduce root competition, and 3 feet wide is easiest to
reach across to work in the bed.
GW_ASG4_GARDEN 2/17/13 10:25 PM Page 49
KNOW WHEN
TO HARVEST
One of the most delicate balances in gardening
is knowing when to harvest your crops.
If you do it too soon,
the flavor wont be as
robust as youd like. If you
wait too long, you could
forfeit not only taste but
also precious nutrients.
Follow the guidelines
on your seed packet to
determine the optimal time
to bring home your produce. For a comprehensive
list, consider reading Cornell Universitys Guidelines for Harvesting
Vegetables, which offers

in-depth advice on each
type of food. For instance,
the guide advises harvesting carrots at 1- to 2-inch
thickness and before the
hot weather arrives.
Visit
www.gardening.cornell.
edu/factsheets/vegetables/harvestguide.pdf to
read the complete guide.
I have different sizes
and heights, Colburn
says. I find that at least 8
inches high is best to
reduce root competition,
and 3 feet wide is easiest
to reach across to work in
the bed.
START SEEDS INSIDE
Optimal germination for most seeds will occur in
warm, moist conditions, Colburn says, which means that
spring is the best time for most people to plant their produce. But even if youve bought seed packs for all of your
favorite flavors, dont sprinkle them around your garden
just yet. Instead, determine the optimal time to plant each

type of produce, and start them inside your house.
Many catalog companies now have charts that are
accurate for figuring out when its time to start seed

inside, Colburn says.
Johnnys Seeds (www.johnnyseeds.com/e-PDGSeed-
The trick to digging in frozen soil

is to avoid doing so. Lisa Colburn
Start.aspx) has an interactive chart. You simply input your

projected frost-free date, and it will tell you when to
plant. For instance, if you expect your garden to be free
of frost by May 1, you should plant squash or watermelon
inside on April 17, and then move the seedlings outside
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
around May 15, the chart indicates.
Most seedlings will need to start inside before being relocated to your outdoor garden.
49
THINKSTOCK
GW_ASG4_SIGNAL 2/17/13 10:29 PM Page 50
50
NO
WO
NEE RDS
DED
Y
Thr
Res ee
cu Mus
e C t-K
rew no
s Ww M
heneth
Youods
re To S
Str ign
al
a
n
By
ded
Lar
ry
S
chw
art
OURE STRANDED.
YOUR CELL PHONE AND RADIO ARE DEAD. YOURE VERY
MUCH ALONE. AND POTENTIALLY IN BIG TROUBLE UNLESS

YOU KNOW HOW TO SIGNAL FOR HELP.
SIGNALING METHODS CAN BE DIVIDED INTO THREE GENERAL
CATEGORIES: AUDIBLE, VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE. ALL THREE CATTHINKSTOCK
EGORIES CAN BE USED DURING BOTH DAYTIME AND NIGHTTIME HOURS, AND YOUR SIGNALING STRATEGY SHOULD
51
SIGNAL
You can use a CD or DVDeven if

theyre brokento reflect light and
alert a rescuer of your position.
HOW TO AIM A
SIGNAL MIRROR
You should practice using a signal
mirror before heading out with one as
your signaling device. You cant simply
flash the light at a plane or vehicle and
hope they see it. This technique works
with commercial signal mirrors as well
as with a CD, DVD or anything reflective
with a hole in it.
1
2
Hold your signal mirror or

CD/DVD to your eye and look
through the aiming hole.
3
4
Moving your mirror to keep the

light on your hand, move your
hand to what you want to signal.
Place your hand in front of you

with two fingers held in a V
shape and move the reflected
light onto your hand. You now
know where it is and can move
it to your target.
Using the hole in your mirror as

a rear sight and the space in the
V between your fingers as the
front sight, aim the reflected
light at your rescuer and move
the mirror up and down or side
to side to cause it to flash. Once
youve aimed correctly, you can
drop your hand to avoid blocking
the reflected light.
In order for you to flash a light at an

aircraft or another searcher, its best to
not be in a direct line between the sun
and your rescuer, since it will be hard
to reflect the light from behind you. If
you find yourself in this situation, lie on
the ground, then use the steps above to
signal the rescuer.
You dont need to worry about sending a coded message like SOS. Just the
flashing will attract attention.
52
THINKSTOCK
Three of any
sound, evenlyspaced a few
seconds apart,
is the universal
signal for
distress. The
response is four
evenly-spaced
sounds.
THINKSTOCK
Did You
Know?
THREE.
AUDIBLE
SIGNALS
fas
t
sa
NATION OF ALL
Send Text Messages.

Send a text to a friend
who checks text mes-
Also, moving even a

few feet can make the
difference between not
having signal and having
enough to send the message. I routinely use this
technique to send my
wife daily updates when
Im backpacking or hunting in wilderness areas. It
may not get out until a
couple hours later, but it
normally does send if
there is any cell service in
the area at all.
INCLUDE A COMBI-
There are many ways to make
An a
ir h
orn
Call 911 Anyway.

Emergency calls to 911
can be placed via any
service providers cell
tower, so if your carrier
doesnt have coverage
where you are, the 911
call may still go through
and rescuers can use the
towers that picked up
your call to help narrow
the search area.
sages on a regular basis.

Text messages take less
power and signal strength
than voice calls, so even
if you dont have any
bars, the text may still
transmit.
because its one of

kit,
the
r.
scue
l re
tia
If you find yourself

with a cell phone but no
signal, you may still be
able to send a message
using one of the following
methods:
y
nc
ge
to send a signal to
ays
ap
ote
tw
es
n
NO SIGNAL DOESNT
MEAN NO MESSAGE
m to keep in yo
ur e
d ite
me
goo
r
pressed air horn or gunshots) will work better.
Use the signaling devices
that run on power or com-
pressed air sparingly so youll
have them available when you
know someone is in the area and will
noise, but you should choose the method
hear them. Also, keep in mind that an audi-
distance. Things like whistles or banging on
the easiest method to use quickly.
that works best for your weather and the

pots work well for medium-range audible
ble signal works both day and night, and its

Items to use for audible signals include
signals, especially if there isnt any wind.
a whistle, air horn, car horn, banging on
is blowing, something that isnt powered by
bugle/trumpet or drum, or something to
For longer distances or when the wind
you or your lungs (like a car horn, a com-
pots, gunshots, musical instruments like a

use like a drum.
KNOW THESE THREE GROUND-TO-AIR SIGNALS

There are a number of ground-to-air signals, but the following are three to keep in mind:
V x
V Indicates you
require assistance
X Indicates you
require medical assistance
ARROW
Shows the direction to your location if it isnt where
the signal is. The arrow can also be used to show the
direction youre traveling.
THINKSTOCK
THINKSTOCK
Use anything you

haveincluding
footprints in the
sandto let
rescuers above
know that you
need help.
53
SIGNAL
VISIBLE
SIGNALS
cell phones have come a long
be moving or stationary. Mov-
electronic devices called per-
Viewable signals can either
ing signals, like flares or flashes

from a mirror, catch a
searchers eye because of the

motion. Ground-based (sta-
tionary) signals work because
they stand out from their environment, like a bright fire at

night or a column of smoke.
Ground-based visual signals
should be visible from all
directions to maximize the
chances of being seen by res-
cuers. You can achieve this by

placing them in large, open
Three of
any sound,
evenly-spaced
a few
seconds
apart, is the
universal
signal for
distress.
During the past 10 years,
way, but the decade has also
Keep in mind
that an audible
signal works both
day and night, and
its the easiest
method to use
quickly.
seen the emergence of other

sonal locator beacons that
allow you to communicate
with rescuers or family while
in the backcountry. These new

emergency communication
devices are useful tools to
include in your survival/emergency bag of tricks, and are

being used by more people
every year.
Some send an emergency
signal with location information, like ACR Electronics
ResQLink (www.acrartex.com),
to the local search and rescue
organization, while others, like

the SPOT
(www.findmespot.com), perform various functions like

tracking your location on
Google Maps, sending text

messages and releasing an
emergency signal.
Of course, if you have
them, satellite phones and

even cell phones offer the
like a hilltop or ridgeline.
Things to use for visual sig-
nals include a signal mirror,
voice messages so you can
give your rescuers or family a

great deal of detail on where
you are.
Things to use for elec-
CD or DVD, smoke bombs,
tronic signals include cell
chute flares, ground-to-air sig-
way radios, personal locator
road flares, flare pens, para-
nals, signal fires, smoke signals
phones, satellite phones, twobeacons (PLB), emergency
(burn inner tubes or tires to
locator transmitters (ELT), and
the car, reflective blankets,
radios (EPIRB).
make smoke), mirrors from
bright flashlights, car headlights

hooked to a car battery, or
strobe lights (individual or built

into a flashlight).
INVISIBLE
(ELECTRONIC)
SIGNALS
emergency position indicating
KNOW
WHAT TO
SIGNAL
Having a signaling device
wont help if you dont know
how to use it. Consider these

tips when determining what
to signal.
54
THINKSTOCK
on a terrain feature as possible
ability to send both texts and
THINKSTOCK
areas like meadows, or as high
Although not thought of as a source for survival gear, boating

supply stores are a great source for signaling devices like
horns, mirrors, flares and smoke signals.
ITEMS FOR
AUDIBLE
SIGNALS
A whistle
Air horn
ITEMS FOR
VISUAL
SIGNALS
A signal mirror
CD or DVD
Smoke bombs
Road flares
Flare pens
Parachute flares
ITEMS FOR
ELECTRONIC
SIGNALS
Cell phone
Satellite phones
Two-way radios
Car horn
Banging on pots
Gun shots
Musical instruments
like a bugle/trumpet
or drum
Ground-to-air
signals
Signal fires
Smoke signals
Car mirrors
Reflective
blankets
Bright flashlights
Car headlights
Personal locator
beacons (PLB)
Emergency
locator
transmitters (ELT)
Emergency
position indicating
radios (EPIRB)
is also effective.
background. For example, if on a beach
apart, is the universal signal for dis-
There are a number of ground-to-air
like wood or rocks to make your sig-
spaced sounds. You can do this with
quick Internet search, but you proba-
Three of anything: Three of any
sound, evenly-spaced a few seconds

tress. The response is four evenly-
three gun shots, three blasts on a whistle or three bright (or smoky) signal
fires. When using sets of three for a
visual signal, they perform best when
placed in a straight line or in a triangle,
bly wont remember all of them. The
noises and not everyone looking for
location of the ground-to-air signal,

your rescuers see it.
ical assistance, and
your location if it isnt where the sig-
nal is. The arrow can also be used to

show the direction youre traveling.
Your ground-to-air signal should
be large (at least 10 feet high) and out
have an SOS feature built into them in
direction. Help the signal stand out by
addition to their strobe feature, which
Also, make sure to use other
such as flares, fires or smoke, to help
assistance
you will have been a Boy Scout or
Navy signalman. Strobe lights often
expose the dark earth beneath.
A V to indicate you require
easiest to remember, are:
An arrow to show the direction to
but it isnt as obvious as the three
nal, or tramp down the snow to
methods to attract attention to the
S-O-S: You can also use Morse
long, long, long, short, short, short),
or snow-covered field, use dark things
three to keep in mind, which are the
An X to indicate you require med-
code for S-O-S (short, short, short,
THINKSTOCK
signals, all of which you can find with a
as this is easiest to pick out in a natural

environment.
THINKSTOCK
Ground-to-air emergency signals:
in the open so its easy to see from any
making it in a contrasting color to its
55
Larry Schwartz, an
outdoorsman/bowhunter, is a hunting
safety instructor and seminar speaker,
whose work has included topics such as
backcountry navigation, shot placement,

wilderness survival techniques, and
backpacking/camping skills.
SPRING
GW_ASG4_BG_SPRING_New 2/21/13 4:31 AM Page 56
S u r v i va l
Essentials
From Boots To Backpacks And Beyond,
Be Prepared For Anything This Spring
BY SEAN COOPER
WHEN YOURE IN SURVIVAL MODE, YOU NEED THE ESSENTIALS WITHIN ARMS REACH.
From boots to backpacks and everything in between, get to know the
essentials youll need on your next venture into the wilderness.
EDITORS CHOICE
MCMURDO
Model: Fast Find 220
www.mcmurdomarine.com
Key Features: Six-year
battery life
MSRP: $245
56
GW_ASG4_BG_SPRING 2/17/13 10:39 PM Page 57
buyers
Guide
SPRING
2
1
MCMURDO
MCMURDO
CABELAS
$179.99
$245
Model: Fast Find 220
www.mcmurdomarine.com
Key Features: Six-year

battery life
MSRP: $245
Description:
A personal locator beacon (PLB) is a
must-have item, especially if youre
traveling far from civilization. PLBs can
save your life by sending your own
unique emergency signal to alert the
authorities if youre injured or have a
medical emergency. Fast Find 220 isnt
just a moniker; this powerful PLB transmits your GPS location to alert the
authorities in an instant. With the push
of a button, you can have emergency
services at your disposal. Your specific
GPS location is transmitted via satellite
and alerts the rescue coordination center to send help and ensure your rescue.
THE NORTH FACE
$240
2 CABELAS
Model: Danner 453

GTX Hiking Boots
www.cabelas.com
Key Features: Waterproof, breathable, leather
MSRP: $179.99
Description:
Hiking in the wilderness doesnt have
to mean sacrificing comfort. When
Danner says waterproof, the company
means it. Danners 453 GTX hiking
boots feature breathable GORE-TEX
materialperfect for rain, snow and
every climate in-between. Guaranteed to last for many years to come,
GTX hiking boots are made of the
toughest of materialsdurable fullgrain nutbuck leather and 1,000denier nylon uppers. Whereas some
boots are heavy to wear and lug
around, thats absolutely not the case
with this pair. GTX boots are light as a
feather compared to your average
heavy work boot and perfect for
walking miles into the forest as you
venture to your secret bug-out location.
3 THE NORTH FACE

Model: Crestone 75 Pack
www.thenorthface.com
Key Features: Comfortable, large
external pockets, weather resistant
hood zip
MSRP: $240
Description:
This 75-liter backpack offers plenty of
storage, making it unbelievably ideal
for multi-day camping trips. The
North Faces patented Opti Fit System
lets you precisely adjust your pack for
optimum comfort, so you wont end
up with a strained back or sore feet
at the end of a long day. Comfortable
shoulder harnesses provide shock
absorption, perfect for hiking uphill or
on rocky terrain. Other nice-to-have
features include a weather-resistant
hood zip, breathable E-VAP back
panel and ample pocket storage.
this powerful
PLB transmits
your GPS location
to alert the
authorities
in an instant.
SIERRA
DESIGNS
$55
KANNAD
MARINE
$399
4 KANNAD MARINE
Model: SafeLink SOLO PLB
www.kannadmarine.com
Key Features: Waterproof, lightweight,
durable
MSRP: $399
Description:
The SafeLink SOLO PLB brings the safety
of 24/7 communication with search and
rescue services to the palm of your hand
in a sleek personal locator beacon.
SOLO is part of the name for a reason;
enjoy your favorite activities, such as hiking, camping and swimming, on your own
with confidence. This compact device is
57
perfect for carrying in your backpack,

coat or even pocket; it comes with its
own carrying pouch, perfect for toting it
on your belt. Not only are PLBs a lot safer
than distress signals like flares, they
allow the authorities to know exactly
where you are with pinpoint precision
every time.
5 SIERRA DESIGNS
Model: Pull-On Down Bootie
www.sierradesigns.com
Key Features: Heavy-duty nylon material,
warm, light
MSRP: $55
Description:
Are you tired of freezing your toes
off after a long day of hiking? Its
vital to keep your toes warm, as you
could lose a lot of body heat if your
feet are as cold as ice cubes. These
Pull-on Down Booties are like heavyduty slippers. They are insulated
with 700-fill powder down, and they
will ensure your toes stay toasty all
night long. The Booties are a musthave when camping during the most
frigid months. Best of all, they are
compact enough to fit in your backpack and easy to put on and take off
in mere seconds.
buyers
Guide
SPRING
ALPS MOUNTAINEERING
$199.99
THE NORTH FACE
$200
ALPS
MOUNTAINEERING
Model: Crestone 75 Pack
www.alpsmountaineering.com
Key Features: Great all-purpose backpack, adjustable shoulder straps, lots of
pockets
MSRP: $199.99
Description:
Take everything along and leave nothing
behind when you head out on your next
survival venture. Solitude Plus is an
upgraded version of the best-selling
Solitude backpack by ALPS Mountaineering. It has the high quality youd
expect from ALPS Mountaineering and
then some, featuring large zippered side
pockets, perfect for carrying just about
anything from water bottles to your
headlamp. Adjustable shoulder straps
and a removable padded waist belt
make this backpack ergonomically
sound. This versatile backpack is perfect to pack your gear for weeklong
excursions in the woods or as a carryon pack when traveling by air.
7 THE NORTH FACE

Model: Terra 65 Pack
www.thenorthface.com
Key Features: Lightweight, cushy
shoulder harness, easily adjustable
MSRP: $200
Description:
Leave the clunky suitcase at home and
take the Terra 65 Pack on your next outing. This backpack offers the high quality youd expect from North Face and a
host of handy features, including easily
adjustable shoulder straps, plenty of
storage and anatomically friendly back
support. The Terra 65 Pack gives a
whole new meaning to durability; lug it
when youre hunting, camping, fishing,
bugging out or even to your job. Pockets
on the outside are perfect for carrying
easily accessible gear, so you can
quickly grab your matches or knife in a
snap. Best of all, a backpack with this
many features never felt so light.
BLACK DIAMOND
Model: Tor Beanie
blackdiamondequipment.com
BLACK DIAMOND
$39.95
Key Features: Warm, hand-sewn

MSRP: $39.95
Description:
We lose a lot of body heat through our
heads. Thats why its vital to wear
proper head gear when the spring
weather is still chilly. The Tor Beanie
is perfect for keeping your most valuable assetyour nogginwarm during those cold mornings. It comes in
your choice of two styles: kiwi or
limestone. The material is very high
quality and its hand-sewn, so you can
expect to have it for many cold seasons to come. Best of all, it quickly
stores in your pack during those
spring afternoons when the weather
quickly warms.
WHAT TO KNOW WHEN SHOPPING FOR HIKING BOOTS

If you plan to take multi-day survival
excursions into the wilderness, its
essential that you invest in a good pair of
hiking boots. Theres a lot more to shopping for hiking boots than simply the
look. Youll want to boots that are
durable, comfortable and best suited for
the environment youll be exploring. You
should consider the following factors
when looking for the right pair of boots.
Durability
Look for boots made of leather to
confirm durability, and ensure that
theyre waterproof.
58
Terrain
Its important to consider the environment where youll be hiking. Will you be
climbing on rocks? Will you be going
uphill or walking on flat land? There are
boots for each of these activities, so be
sure yours are labeled appropriately.
Perfect Fit
Youll want hiking boots that are
snug, but not so tight that theyll cause
blisters. A good rule of thumb is that you
should be able to fit your fingers snugly
behind your heel and the back of your
boots for the right fit.
Hiking Boots vs. Backpacking Boots

If youll be carrying a heavy load like a
bug-out bag, backpacking boots are ideal.
They are durable with stiff soles, perfect
for lugging your heaviest gear around. If
youre going for a day trip you might want
to consider hiking boots, which are lighter
and offer better mobility.
Ankle Support
Low-cut boots are ideal for maintained trails and shorter treks. Mid-cut
boots are best for longer treks and for
carrying up to 40 pounds. High-cut boots
provide added ankle support, perfect for
lugging around 40 pounds.
ALPS
MOUNTAINEERING
9 ALPS MOUNTAINEERING
Model: Red Rock
www.alpsmountaineering.com
$119.99
Key Features: Plenty of pockets, perfect for

beginners and children, adjustable straps
MSRP: $119.99
Description:
Red Rock is best described in two words: rugged
and lightweight. If youre in the market for a
backpack for your son or daughter, look no further than the Red Rock by ALPS Mountaineering.
This pack boasts ample pockets for holding all of
your gear, including a large pocket specifically for
holding a water bottle to ensure your son or
daughter stays well-hydrated. Kids are always
growing, which is why the packs padded shoulders allow you to adjust for kids of all sizes. You
can easily share this pack with the whole family,
making it an excellent bargain.
10 BLACK DIAMOND
Model: Glissade Glove
www.blackdiamondequipment.com
Key Features: All-season gloves,
Thinsulate insulation, waterproof
MSRP: $69.95
10 BLACK DIAMOND
$69.95
Description:
Whether youre traveling in the tundra or scaling
a volcano in summertime, its crucial to have the
proper hand gear to protect your digits. Your
hands are fully protected from the elements
thanks to high-quality Thinsulate insulation. Similar to all-season tires, Glissade Gloves are truly
gloves for all seasons; wear them during winter,
spring and even summer without breaking a
sweat. Extra features include waterproofing,
abrasion-resistant shell and durable goat leather
palms.
Are you prepared to ACT in the event of an
Active Shooter or Terrorist Attack?

Learn How to:
Prevent a violent intrusion

Escape or hide from a shooter
Protect yourself and your family
Survive an Active Shooter attack
Improve security at work, school,
or place of worship
Get your copy of the Active Shooter Survival DVD
Order now at info@actcert.com or call
1-888-4
actcert
1 - 8 8 8 - 4 2 2 - 8 2 3 7
The ACT survival measures can be used by anyone, anytime, anywhere.

59
COVER
GW_ASG4_INCOVER 2/26/13 5:51 AM Page 60
THAT DAY CHANGED OUR LIVES FOREVER.
Cover
S t o r i e s
Topics such as bioterrorism attacks and chemical warfare,
which would have created sheer entertainment on the silver
screen before that day, now create the potential for sheer terror
in our daily lives.
But we shall be prepared because failure is not an option.

60
In This Section
From Viruses to Bioterrorism

Attack, We Must Be Prepared
The Role of Situational Awareness
5 Tips to Help You Buy the
Right Gas Mask
4-Wheel Survival Shelter
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
SEPT. 11, 2001.
GW_ASG4_PAN 2/17/13 10:50 PM Page 61
When
Germs
Attack
From Flu
Viruses
To Bioterrorism
Attacks,
You Must Be
Prepared
By Erin Hatfield
2013 FLU EPIDEMIC
HEALTH CRISIS FACING THE UNITED STATES IS A
vention (CDC), this past winter brought about the earliest
OF COURSE, WERE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO
season typically runs from October until March, with the
IF YOU BELIEVE POP CULTURE, THE NEXT BIG

ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE.
COMMON THREATS SUCH AS INFLUENZA, E. COLI,
SMALLPOX AND MALARIA CARRIED BY THOSE WE MEET, THE
WATER WE DRINK AND PESKY INSECTS BUT TAKING A FEW
SIMPLE STEPS CAN HELP KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HEALTHY.
61
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Pre-
influenza outbreak the U.S. has faced in nearly a decade. Flu

highest number of cases occurring in January or February.
At its peak, the CDC reported that 47 states experienced
widespread geographic flu activity. In short, it was a national

epidemic.
THINKSTOCK
OMBIES.
GW_ASG4_PAN_New 2/22/13 2:54 AM Page 62
PAN
CDC-RECOMMENDED
ADULT VACCINES
Vaccines
arent just for
kids anymore,
advises the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC).
Many adult diseases can be
prevented by upto-date immunizations, some
of which are
started in early
childhood, a few
of which are
listed below:
Diphtheria
Hepatitis B
Influenza
Measles
Meningococcal
Mumps
Pertussis
(whooping cough)
Pneumococcal
Polio
Rotavirus
Rubella
(German measles)
Tetanus (lockjaw)
Varicella
(chickenpox)
In some models that

is not the case and youll
be wearing a mask that
does you no good.
Illustrator: Dan Higgins, CDC

This picture provides a 3D graphical representation of a generic influenza virions ultrastructure, and is not specific to a seasonal, avian or 2009 H1N1 virus.
There are special groups that are
that between 43 million and 89 million cases of
more at risk of suffering the effects of
2009 H1N1 occurred in the U.S. alone.
the flu or other communicable dis-
H1N1 quickly became a pandemic, mean-
eases. CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden
ing that multiple countries were at risk of con-
people who may have had cancer or
as a pandemic are similar to those of an epi-
says this group includes frail, elderly
tracting the disease. The rules of what qualifies
chemotherapy, or people who may
demicthe spread of the disease and the
have weakened immune systems or
number of deaths it causes. The CDC issued
are on medication such as long-term
travel health warnings to help limit the propa-
oral steroids that can also weaken the
gation, encouraging U.S. citizens to delay travel
immune system. The irony is that
to multiple countries. Once the widespread
these people are far less likely to get
H1N1 activity in the U.S. began to wane, the
CDC estimates that between 8,870 to 18,300
the benefit of vaccines available to
people died of the virus. Flu vaccines in the
combat these diseases, as well.
U.S. were quickly developed to combat the
The flu varies wildly from year to
spread of the virus.
year, which is why new vaccines are
Variations of 2009 H1 flu continue to cir-
available each season. But few varia-
culate, but Dr. Joe Breese of the CDC indi-
tions have raised as much concern as
cates that the numbers in the U.S. remain low.
the outbreak of H1N1, also known as

the swine flu, in April of 2009. At the
Were not seeing much of the 2009 H1
time, the CDC and other global health
virus yet so far this year, though it should be
responding to the possible spread of
are, he says. We know that influenza viruses
organizations were preparing and
in a given country, in a given city, in a given
H5N1, the bird flu. But H1N1 proved
region will vary from year to year and in
a more aggressive strain, and within
unpredictable ways.
the span of a year, the CDC estimates
62
THINKSTOCK
said that Europe and other places in the world
GW_ASG4_PAN_New 2/22/13 3:02 AM Page 63
ADD
UP THESE
NUMBERS
47
MAP - CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
In 2012, the number

of states that
experienced
widespread
geographic
flu activity.
43 TO 89
MILLION
In 2009, the
number of cases
of the swine flu.
8,87018,300
The CDCs estimate of
the number of people
who died from the
swine flu in 2009.
EPIDEMIC DEFINED
Dr. Joe Bresee, medical epidemiologist
THINKSTOCK
COMBAT
THE
GERMS
The best way to
protect yourself
from the flu is to
get a flu shot.
Stay home if
you or your
family members
exhibit any
symptoms of
illness.
If youre
traveling
abroad, pay
attention to
global travel
advisories.
Know which
areas pose the
largest risks for
disease prior to
traveling, and
follow medical
advice if youre
going to a highrisk area.
Stay current
on your
vaccinations.
Wash your
hands.
with the CDCs influenza division, defines

an epidemic as widespread activity. It
describes how many geographic areas
are affected by a disease such as the flu.
Epidemiological threats can also originate
Widespread means that more than 50 percent of a geographic region is experiencing the disease.
Smallpox, characterized by raised bumps
GOOD ODDS
outside of the U.S. In February 2003, the first

case of severe acute respiratory syndrome
Those who got a flu

shot were 60 percent
less likely to get sick
with the flu and spread
it to their families.
(SARS) was reported in Asia. The respiratory

virus quickly spread to more than two dozen
countries in North America, South America,
Europe and Asia before being contained.
Worldwide, 8,098 people became infected with SARS,
that appear on the face or body of an infected

person, has been eradicated by a worldwide
vaccination program. Per the CDC, the last
known case of smallpox was recorded in
Somalia in 1977, and the last case in the U.S.
occurred in 1949. The successful elimination of nat-
urally recurring cases led worldwide health practitioners
of whom 774 died according to World Health Organization
to stop vaccinating the general public against smallpox.
U.S., and each person had traveled to another part of the
against smallpox, explains.
CDC continues to monitor SARS activity should the disease
son. People who were
Influenza-related viruses are just one type of disease that
and became immune or
(WHO) statistics. Only eight cases were recorded in the

world with widely spread outbreaks of SARS. Today, the
once again become prevalent.
have the potential to become epidemics, both in the U.S. and

abroad.
REEMERGING THREATS
Other threats include meningitis, norovirus (stomach
flu), whooping cough and tuberculosis. But many scientists
and epidemiologists are wary of a reemergence of smallpox,
a contagious and sometimes fatal infectious disease for which

there is no cure.
63
Dr. D.A. Henderson, who led the WHOs global assault

It only existed in man, not in animals, says Dr. Hender-
infected either recovered

they died. So we just had
to stop the spread from
human to human. We saw

the virus as a chain. If we
could just break the links,

we could prevent many
more cases.
But todays global
political turmoil, particularly following domestic
But todays
global political
turmoil has
led many to
fear that a
bioterrorism
plot would
resurrect
the disease.
GW_ASG4_PAN 2/17/13 10:50 PM Page 64
PAN
terrorist attacks in 2001, has led
travel advisories. Know which areas
plot would resurrect the disease.
prior to traveling, and follow med-
many to fear that a bioterrorism
The CDC reports that the government is taking precautions to deal
with a possible smallpox outbreak.
pose the largest risks for disease
ical advice if you are going to a highrisk area.
For instance, those traveling to
PROTECT
YOURSELF
Africaa region where mosquito-
potential disease poised for out-
those who are traveling via cruise
Regardless of the nature of the
break, protecting yourself from
infection is key to avoiding con-
tracting any illness. Thankfully, there

are some common sense steps to
take should you come in contact
borne malaria is extremely prevalentare often advised to take a
series of anti-malarial drugs, as well

as use insect repellent. Likewise,
ship have been warned to look out

for the symptoms of norovirus,
where contamination is difficult to

contain.
The CDC also advises staying
with any potential carriers.
current on your vaccinations. Peo-
self from the flu is to get a flu shot,
of many diseases that can trigger an
The best way to protect your-
says Dr. Frieden. This past season,

those who got a flu shot were 60
ple can avoid or lessen the effects

epidemic.
Childhood vaccines routinely
percent less likely to get sick with
get well over 90-percent efficacy,
lies. While the flu vaccine is far
cines last longer than a year and
the flu and spread it to their fami-
from perfect, its still the best tool

to prevent getting sick.
Dr. Frieden also recommends
says Dr. Frieden. Many of the vaccover a wide variety of the subtypes
of each disease.
Above all, Dr. Frieden stresses
staying home if you or your family
that you should wash your hands.
illness, be they from the flu or other
your chance of illness from flu and
trips abroad, pay attention to global
contact, says Frieden.
members exhibit any symptoms of

diseases. If you are planning any
This simple act can reduce
other diseases transmitted by close
The simple act [washing your hands] can reduce your chance of illness from flu
and other diseases transmitted by close contact. CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden
THINKSTOCK
In todays world, particularly following the domestic

terrorist attacks in 2001,
many fear that a bioterrorism plot would resurrect
smallpox. Officials have
said that the government is
taking precautions to deal
with a possible smallpox
outbreak.
64
GW_ASG4_GO 2/21/13 4:41 AM Page 65
Stay
OrGo?
Situational Awareness Plays
A Huge Role In Determining
Whether To Bug Out Or Fort
Up During A Disaster
By Abe Elias
ITH INFORMATION
COMES
MISINFORMATION.
PREPPING HAS BEEN
AROUND FOR YEARS,
BUT IT HAS GROWN IN POPULARITY
RECENTLY THANKS TO TELEVISION
SHOWS AND MAGAZINE STORIES. AS A
RESULT, MORE PEOPLE ARE AWARE OF
HOW TO BEGIN PREPARING FOR A DIS-
ASTER. UNFORTUNATELY, NOT EVERY-
65
For example, simply buying gear and wandering
into the woods will not make anyone a survivalist, so

before youre forced to make the decision to either
stay in place or leave your home following an emergency, you should get to know a few simple facts.
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
you will eventually have to

make the decision to stay or go,
and that choice involves quite a
few factors requiring situational
awareness.
THING IS ACCURATE.
GW_ASG4_GO 2/17/13 11:20 PM Page 66
GO
LEARN SITUATIONAL
AWARENESS
From a domestic point of view, if youre facing
disasters that are threatening your family and home,
you will eventually have to make the decision to stay

or go, and that choice involves quite a few factors
requiring situational awareness.
Situational awareness simply refers to your
knowledge of what you have and how well youre

capable of dealing with the problems and threats
around you. Situational awareness will be easier to
understand if you break it down into its three main

areas: self-preparedness, surroundings and
resources.
Step 1:
Self-preparedness
Being prepared means more than stockpiling
gear.
It also involves looking at things like your overall
BEWARE OF
SECONDARY THREATS
Being aware of your surroundings can ensure
that youre aware of not only primary threats, but
also of secondary issues.
For instance, in the province of Quebec in July
of 1996, a tropical storm settled over the Saguenay region and dropped a large amount of rain on
the area. The initial floods were the primary
threat, but what happened afterward with the
failure of various dams and dykes claimed many
more lives. The possible failure of the dams after
a large rainfall or an earthquake would be considered a potential secondary threat that must be
calculated in your decision-making when determining how youd react to a threat.
With the current price of gas being high, its
common for those in the city to own small, fuel-efficient cars. If you decide to bug out on foot to avoid
main roadways and people, be sure each person in
your group is capable of carrying enough supplies to
help support himself. No nine-year-old child is going

to be able to carry his share of clothing and food,
and most certainly wont be able to move quickly
while trying. So when people start talking about just

picking up and fleeing to the wilderness, they must
be able to envision a good idea of what it takes.
ing the number of people you have, along with the
Step 2:
Surroundings
parent who has brought kids on vacation can tell
ing the main routes in and out of your town. It also
the larger the vehicle and the more time youll need
locations of nearby nuclear plants.
you must ask whether yours is capable of transportsupplies you need to reach minimum safety. As any
you, the more people and the more stuff to pack,
before youre mobile.
Surroundings does not simply refer to know-
includes the knowledge of local flood plains and the

For example, in the case of a pandemic, the
health, mobility, skill level, and your capability to
physically and mentally cope with the situation at
hand. I use the term self, but in the case of a family
unit, you really have to look at everyone involved as

one main entity.
Examples of how self-preparedness impacts you
are best seen when deciding to leave your home in
an emergency. If you bug out, each person must be
Make a firm decision on whether to

stay home or bug
out before it
becomes too late to
leave your house.
capable of mobility because your group only moves

as quickly as the slowest person.
The group also has to be capable of transporting
its resources, which can present additional consider-
ations. For instance, when transporting by vehicle,
The possible failure

of dams after a large
rainfall or an earthquake
would be considered a
potential secondary
threat that must be
calculated
Chess and disasters. Heres the connection.

When I was in high school, I was a competitive chess player, and the first lesson my coach taught me was to be
totally aware of the fact youre not playing this game alonetheres someone else sitting across the board from you.
You might wonder how this plays into emergency planning. Simply put, it means youre better off learning how to
handle what may come your way than planning for specific events. This strategy will allow you to deal with whatever
emergency arises instead of being surprised by one you did not foresee.
66
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
Having a water
filtration system is a great
ideabut be
sure your
family knows
how to use it
before they
have to do
so to survive.
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
DISASTER STRATEGY 101
GW_ASG4_GO 2/17/13 11:20 PM Page 67
KNOW YOUR GEAR

Preparations You
Must Take Before
Disaster Hits
smart move would be to stay put in order to
avoid contact with people. You can expect to have

to do this for about two months, when unless
otherwise informed, the pandemic should mostly

be blown over.
If, however, the pandemic has prolonged
itself and has become much worse than esti-
mated, it can create secondary problems. For
instance, if your house is within fallout distance

of a nuclear plant, you must consider whether
the pandemic has impacted enough of the community to no longer supply enough staff members to maintain the nuclear plant. Even if you
previously thought it was a good idea to stay
Organize your
gear before you
bug out to
ensure that its
sufficient for survival, and that
you have room
for it in your car.
put, the potential threat of a new problem could

mean you should re-evaluate.
Step 3:
Resources
When many people think of resources, they
picture their gear, but theres more to it than that.

This term also applies to your social network
and your financial capabilities. Not every disaster
you anticipate is the end of the worldsometimes

it simply can be a localized issue such as a hurricane.
Granted, hurricanes impact large areas and
the weather effects from them can be widespread.

In the case of a hurricane, however, you usually
get enough advanced warning that you can make

a decision on what you are going to do.
If you decide to stay and hunker down, you
have to consider whether you can afford to for-
tify the house and whether you have the supplies

and manpower to do so. If you plan to bug out
KNOW ALL THE THREATS

FIRST THREAT
A tropical storm or hurricane
can cause flooding problems.
1
2
3
SELF-PREPAREDNESS
Entails elements such as overall health, mobility, skill level, and
the capability to physically and mentally cope with the situation.
SURROUNDINGS
Includes knowledge of the main routes in and out of town, local
flood plains and the locations of nearby nuclear plants.
RESOURCES
Gear, your social network and your financial capabilities
If you plan to be
bugged out for a significant period of time,
find a safe and secure
place to build your
temporary home.
fuel the vehicle and if you have people to stay

with outside of the affected area.
PROPERLY PREPARE
As these examples illustrate, theres a lot to
situational awareness, and if used properly, it can
allow you to prepare for any disaster that comes

your way. Its not enough to simply make a rigid
plan.
Instead, paraphrasing the teachings of Bruce
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
If you live near a dam, you

must consider the possible failure of the dam after a large
rainfall or an earthquake.
THREE PARTS OF SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
instead, check whether you have enough funds to
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
SECONDARY THREAT
Lee, be the water that fills the cuppowerful,

yet able to conform and change to any vessel.
Abe Elias is a survivalist.
67
Using situational awareness means that your preparations have to be flexible

enough to meet the demands
of any plan of action.
Owning the right gear is
part of the battle, but having
it organized is the other part.
Its not enough to go out and
buy supplies and gear, and
just throw them in the corner
to await an emergency. You
must familiarize yourself
with their uses and operations.
A good example is the
use of a water filtration system. Before you actually
need it, take it for a test run
to make sure everyone in the
family knows how it works. If
everyone knows how to use
each piece of gear, then the
burden doesnt rest on one
persons shoulders and the
group itself becomes more
capable.
When it comes to your
food supply, the key is to
organize it into two groups:
bug-out supplies and household.
Bug-out supplies have
lighter packaging and should
be more compact, making
them easy to transport. If,
however, you fort up at
home, you can still use those
supplies anyway. The same
concept should be used to
keep your gear organized
into travel supplies vs.
fortifying supplies.
GW_ASG4_MASK 2/26/13 5:53 AM Page 68
The
Seal
Off
Poison
5 Tips To
Help You
Buy The
Right Gas
Mask
By Torrey Kim
A military-grade respiration mask can be a good

idea if youre sure its still
in code, hasnt been used
before, and makes a tight
seal around your face.
68
GW_ASG4_MASK 2/26/13 5:53 AM Page 69
ICTURE THIS.
AN EARTHQUAKE
BEYOND ANY SEISMOLOGISTS WILDEST DREAMS

ROCKS SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA. THE FREEWAY
SYSTEMS COLLAPSE THROUGHOUT

THE SOUTHLAND, AND THE SAN
ONOFRE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IS

NOTHING BUT RUBBLE UPON THE
BEACH. YOUR AIR IS FILLED WITH
NUCLEAR RADIATION PARTICLES.

Imagine this.
A terrorist network strikes an Eastern city
with chemical warfare. In the Midwest, a smallpox outbreak occurs.
What can you do to protect your family
from breathing in these dangerous inhalants?
Strap on a gas mask so you can breathe clean air.

Before you make the investment in masks
for your family, consider these five tips to

ensure that you make a wise purchase.
Improper use of masks and

hoods could pose a threat
to public safety.
The Department of Homeland Security
PROS AND CONS

WHAT
PROS
The best way to

ensure that you can
breathe clean air is
to get a Self-Contained Breathing
Apparatus (SCBA).
They allow you

to breathe clean air
from a tank.
DID YOU KNOW?
They are quite

heavy and typically
only include an
hours worth of air.
THINKSTOCK
This is similar to
what firefighters and
scuba divers use.
CONS
69
GW_ASG4_MASK 2/17/13 11:25 PM Page 70
MASKS
A collection of gas
masks might give
you a great sense
of security, but
unless youre sure
they fit properly,
are in code, and
youve practiced
how to use them,
you might not be
as safe as you
think.
In some models that is

not the case and youll
be wearing a mask that
does you no good.
If you want a high-quality, military-
grade mask, you may be ready to hop
WHAT IF YOU DONT

HAVE A MASK?
If you find yourself in a situation in
which debris is in
the air and you cant
breathe, you can
fashion your own
mask out of the
clothes youve got.
You can wet a
shirt and wrap it
around your face to
cover your nose and
mouth, or use other
types of fabric to filter out small particles. They cannot,
however, filter out
everything.
For instance, the
Hawaii State Department of Health notes
on its Web site that

A damp cloth, or a
paper, gauze surgical or non-toxic dust
mask may be helpful in screening out
ash or VOG (volcanic
smog) following a
volcano eruption.
However, the site
adds, If you find it
more difficult to
breathe with the
mask on, dont use
it. In addition, such
masks are not effective in removing
gases such as sulfur
dioxide, which can
be in the air following such an event.
2. KNOW THE
DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN
MASKS
A gas mask respirator filters many
in the car and head to your military
different types of particles if its up to
member of your family. But be sure the
a new and working filter cartridge.
surplus store to snag one for each
masks are still within code, says survival expert Marty Dent of Seattle.
Some military masks have been
used and used masks are probably not

going to be airtight to your face, he
date, has been stored properly, and has

Depending on the type of respirator,
the mask could protect you from bacteria, chemical threats and other dangerous inhalants.
Standard N-95 filter masks like the
says. Plus, these masks are often out
type you buy at a hardware store are
some models, the filter can be replaced
they also clean particles out of the air as
of date and past their usefulness. In
to make the mask effective again, but
often that is not the case and youll be

wearing a mask that does you no
good.
No matter what type of mask you
use, youll want to ensure that it fits
also helpful to have on-hand, because

you breathe. These masks, however,
do not protect against chemicals, gases,

or vapors and are intended only for low
hazard levels, the Centers for Disease
Control notes on its Web site.
The best way to ensure that you can
tightly around your face so that no
breathe clean air is to get a Self-Con-
sides, top or bottom.
which is similar to what firefighters and
fresh air can get into it through the
70
tained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA),
THINKSTOCK
1. USE CAUTION
WITH SURPLUS
MASKS
THINKSTOCK
A tank that offers a

supply of fresh air
is a great option,
but remember that
it only lasts a certain period and is
heavy to carry.
GW_ASG4_MASK 2/17/13 11:25 PM Page 71
scuba divers use. They allow you to breathe

clean air from a tank. However, they are
quite heavy and typically only include an
hours worth of air.
3. CHECK
THE LABEL
times and store the mask according to the
KNOW THIS
Regardless of what
type of mask you use,
make sure that it fits
tightly around your face
so that no fresh air can
get into it through the
sides, top or bottom.
Depending on the type of threat that you foresee,
youll want to ensure that your mask can do the trick.
Most preppers who expect nuclear fallout will have a
nuclear-approved respirator or SCBA mask, whereas

you may not need such a heavy-duty mask if you are
expecting debris in the air from a tornado. Double-
check the label on any mask youre considering purchasing so youll know what it guards against.
4. PRACTICE MASK
OPERATION
PROTOCOL
If youve purchased a filtration mask from the hard-
labels directions so its ready to use when

you need it.
5. DONT GET
A FALSE SENSE
OF SECURITY
The biggest problem with gas masks and protective
hoods is that they give users a false sense of security,
says the Department of Homeland Security on its Web

site.
Improper use of masks and hoods, as well as a
false sense of security as to their effectiveness, could
pose a threat to public safety, the government notes
on www.ready.gov. For example, it is difficult to obtain

a proper seal with the mask if you have facial hair such
as a beard or long sideburns. Protective masks do not
fit small children.
PLAN B
If youre ever in a situation in which you arent sure
ware store, you know that youll just pull it onto your
that your mask can hold up to the poisonous air out-
But if you buy a gas mask or SCBA tank, you should
and staying inside until the threat passes, rather than
placed in a survival situation, Dent says. Practice several
unfit masks, Dent says.
GAS MASK
CHECKLIST
ONE
Use caution with
surplus masks.
TWO
Do your research
and learn the difference between masks.
THREE
Check the label to
ensure youre buying
the right mask for the
conditions.
FOUR
Practice with
mask before an
emergency hits.
FIVE
Masks can create a
false sense of security,
so understand their
limitations.
cool
and the that
waters
areelastic
already is
high,
thenand
just youre
one rainstorm
can cause a flood.
face,
ensure
the
tight
ready.
side, you are probably better off sealing up your home
Floods often occur without warning or excessive rains. If the weather has been
ensure that you know how to use it long before youre
taking a chance with your family in the toxic air with
Standard filter masks like the type you buy at a hardware

store do not protect against chemicals, gases or vapors,
and are intended only for low hazard levels.
Standard
filtration
masks that
you can
buy at the
hardware
store are
good for
filtering out
certain types
of dust
particles,
but cant be
relied upon
to screen
out some
biological
microbes
or nuclear
fallout.
Centers for Disease Control
THINKSTOCK
THINKSTOCK
WHO CANT
USE A MASK?
If youre prepping for
disaster, youve probably
got a mask at the ready for
you to use when necessary.
However, the CDC notes,
not everyone can use such
a mask.
People with lung diseases such as asthma or
emphysema, elderly people
and others may have trouble breathing, the CDC
notes. Some people with
claustrophobia may not be
able to wear a mask or
hooded respirator. Some
people with vision problems
may have trouble seeing
while wearing a mask or
hood.
71
GW_ASG4_72 2/15/13 2:21 AM Page 72
CONVENIENT FOR STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION

RELIABLE PERFORMANCE FOR WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST
20''
18.5''
The Ruger 10/22 Takedown combines all of the features and functionality of the 10/22 rifle,
Americas
favorite rimfire rifle, with the ability to easily separate the barrel/forend and action/buttstock for convenient
storage and transportation. The simple reassembly of the barrel and action is secure, ensuring an accurate
return to zero for consistent, reliable performance when you need it most. Packed in a rugged, ballistic nylon case
(included with rifle), the Ruger 10/22 Takedown makes it easy to keep Americas favorite rimfire by your side.
WWW.RUGER.COM/1022TAKEDOWN
GW_ASG4_73 2/15/13 2:23 AM Page 73
2013 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
021113
GW_ASG4_CAR 2/18/13 12:17 AM Page 74
Four-Wheel Su r
Whether Stranded Following An Accident Or A
Disaster, Your Car, And Its Parts, Can Mean The
Difference Between Life Or Death By Tim MacWelch
On the bright side, many of these annual events have survivors. In some cases, people have survived with little or no food, water or supplies. But thats
no excuse to travel around unprepared.
74
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
TRAVERSING AN UNFAMILIAR SHORTCUT OR EXPERIENCE CAR TROUBLE IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHEREONLY
TO FIND THEMSELVES HOPELESSLY STRANDED.
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
T HAPPENS EVERY YEAR. GUARANTEED.
EACH YEAR IN THE U.S., MULTIPLE MOTORISTS DRIVE OFF THE ROAD IN DANGEROUS WEATHER, GET STUCK
GW_ASG4_CAR 2/18/13 12:17 AM Page 75
u rvival Shelter
START WITH
PREVENTIVE STEPS
To ensure your survival during such an event, you
must first create a vehicle survival kit. Fill a bin, back-
pack or a duffle bag with important emergency necessi-
ties, sealing the most important things in zip-top bags to
The number one thing to do when you realize that
youre in a survival situation is to stay put. In the case of

vehicle-based survival strategies, your car becomes
your shelter, and you do not leave that car. Unless that
vehicle is on fire or rolling off a cliff, its your new best
friend.
For the past
have a higher
Unless that
vehicle is
on fire or
rolling off
a cliff, its
your new
best friend.
vival than those
Tim MacWelch,
survival expert
keep them dry and safe. This gear should include basic
century that cars
emergencies.
statistics show
survival essentials and some gear specific to automotive

Another important consideration is to always let
someone know where you are going. So many
stranded survival stories revolve around a spur of
the moment trip, which left the victims friends, family

and co-workers with no idea where the missing per-
son went. Imagine the difficulty for search and rescue
crews or local law enforcement when they dont even

know which county or state they should explore to
look for you.
have existed, the

that people who
stay with the car

probability of surwho leave the car
looking for help in stranded scenarios.
Any vehicle with the windows intact will provide
you with a wind- and rain-resistant shelter. No, its not
STAY WITH
YOUR CAR
a perfect shelter, as anyone who has ever had to sleep
time to prepare how youd react in a survival emer-
from the vehicle and heat up stones near the edge of
road. Youve taken your precautions, but what do you
barely hold them to your skin, and then bring them into
in his or her car can tell you. But you can easily
enhance the shelter value of a vehicle by adding blan-
Once youve mastered the preventive steps, its
gency. Lets say your car has broken down on a remote

do now that youre stranded?
kets, extra clothing and sleeping bags for warmth.
You can even build a campfire 10 to 15 feet away
that fire. Get the stones just warm enough that you can
the vehicle as a low-tech space heater.
Although it isnt an
ideal sleeping area,
your car can serve
as an excellent
shelter if youre
ever stranded in
yours.
CAR SURVIVAL CHECKLIST
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
Any good vehicle emergency kit should include the

following items at a minimum:
DIG DEEPER
For more info on

the authors school, go to
www.advancedsurvivaltraining.com/.
Shelter gear like sleeping bags and blankets. Ideally you

should have one item for each seat in your car.
A full change of clothes appropriate to the season, a
spare coat or jacket, and some rain gear or a poncho for
wet weather.
Shelter gear to use outside the car. For example, a tent
for cold weather, or a tarp to give shade in hot climates.
Several gallons of drinking water, and purification
equipment to disinfect more water.
At least three days worth of high-calorie, no-cook foods
75
such as protein bars, MREs, peanut butter & crackers,

trail mix, etc.
A quality first aid kit.
Sanitation and hygiene supplies like toilet paper, feminine products, hand sanitizer, etc.
At least three fire-starting methods, and a small pot to
boil water and cook.
Some basic hand tools, including a knife, wrenches,
screwdrivers, duct tape and rope.
Jumper cables, road flares, Fix-a-Flat spray, tow strap,
starter fluid, ice scraper, and any other automotive supplies that you know how to use.
Flashlight with extra batteries, along with two or three
12-hour light sticks.
Car charger, solar charger or back-up battery for your
cell phone.
GW_ASG4_CAR 2/18/13 12:17 AM Page 76
YOU MUST DO THIS
CAR
In a survival situation, stay put. In the case of vehicle-based

survival strategies, your car becomes your shelter.
Repeat as needed every few
oils from the car can be added to a
On the other extreme of tem-
allowing much greater visibility to
hours.
perature, your vehicle can become

a useful shelter in hot weather.
Open all of the vehicle doors and
Although it may
seem like a good
idea to get out of
your car and go
find help, its
essential to your
survival that you
stay with the car
any time thats an
option.
duce tying material and snares. The
sunny, hot climates. If that isnt

practical, then crawl under the
vehicle and lie on the cooler
the vehicle is a fixed target. The
fire, food and first aid, and you
PARTS FOR
SURVIVAL
Many parts of the vehicle give
you reasons to stay with it because

they can be used for dual survival
purposes.
For instance, the mirrors can
be removed to create signal mirrors to catch the attention of
potential rescuers. The plastics and
Build a campfire 10 to
15 feet away from the
scenarioyou need shelter, water,

need to signal for help every
chance you get.
If you plan ahead to have the
right equipment in the car based
on the season and location you are

traveling through and if youre
creative your stranded vehicle

should give you everything you
need to survive.
Tim MacWelch, who has been a
professional wilderness survival instruc-
tor for the past 16 years, runs a sur-
vival camp in northern Virginia.
vehicle and heat

stones near the edge
of that fire. Get the
stones warm and then
bring them into the
vehicle as a low-tech
space heater.
MIRRORS
These can be
removed to create
signal mirrors to
catch the attention
of potential rescuers.
PLASTICS AND OILS
Added to a campfire,
they will turn the smoke
black, allowing much
greater visibility to your
smoke signal.
HEADLIGHTS,
HORN
These can be
used to
signal for help.
WIRES
Stripped from
unneeded vehicle
systems, these can
be used to produce
tying material
THE LIGHTER
and snares.
This will
produce fire.
IN THE HEAT
Your vehicle can

become a useful shelter in hot weather.
Open the doors and
use duct tape to attach
tarps, blankets or
sheets to the tops to
create cooling shade in
sunny, hot climates.
Your cars
cigarette lighter
and mirrors are
just a few ways
you can use a
vehicles parts
as survival
items.
76
THINKSTOCK PHOTOS
FIRE BONUS
Survival using a vehicle is just
statistics show that people who stay with the car have a
higher probability of survival than those who leave the car
looking for help in stranded scenarios. Tim MacWelch
LIFE-SAVING CAR PARTS
You can enhance the

shelter by adding blankets, extra clothing
and sleeping bags.
tems goes on and on.
like every other type of survival
around like a person tends to do.
BOLSTER
PROTECTION
The list of helpful car parts and sys-
person. And whether searchers are

vehicle is not out there wandering
Any vehicle with the

windows intact will
provide you with a
wind- and rain-resistant shelter.
cigarette lighter can give you fire.
PLAN AHEAD
looking from the air or the ground,
WIND AND RAIN
unneeded vehicle systems to pro-
with your vehicle is that a car is lot

easier for rescuers to spot than a
GIMME SHELTER
help as long as the battery lasts.
doors to create cooling shade in
Another great reason to stay
TWO
Tell someone where
youre going
lights and car horn can signal for
The wires can be stripped from
ground in the vehicles shade.
FIRST
Create a survival kit
your smoke signal. Even the head-
use duct tape to attach tarps, blankets or sheets to the tops of the
BEFORE THE
DISASTER
campfire to turn the smoke black,
FOOD
GW_ASG4_BG_FOOD 2/17/13 11:34 PM Page 77
Dining
Survival-Style
Ensure Your Hydration, Nourishment
With These Handy, Affordable Products
BY TORREY KIM
FLOODS, HURRICANES AND OTHER DISASTERS CAN TURN
YOUR WORLD UPSIDE DOWN. REGARDLESS OF WHERE LIFE

TAKES YOU, ITS CRITICAL TO STAY NOURISHED AND
HYDRATED.
Welcome to the Food and Water Buyers Guide.
These are handy, inexpensive products that will keep you and your family
full and happy on the survival trail.
EDITORS CHOICE
HI MOUNTAIN
SEASONINGS
Model: Home Sausage Making Kit
www.himtnjerky.com
Key Features: Supply your own
meat, includes everything else
MSRP: $20.99
77
buyers
Guide
FOOD
HI MOUNTAIN
SEASONINGS
HI MOUNTAIN SEASONINGS
MSR
$15
$20.99
Model: Home Sausage Making Kit
www.himtnjerky.com
Key Features: Supply your own meat,
includes everything else
MSRP: $20.99
Description:
Whether youve snared a deer or
youve simply bought meat from the
local store, you can make your own
summer sausage to round out your
survival pantry, thanks to this easy kit
that includes everything you need.
Bring it along on your travels and you
wont have to mess with recipe cards
and jars of seasonings, because
everything is packaged for you. Add
your desired cut of meat to the kits
ingredients, and you could be churning out up to 30 pounds of summer
sausagesurely enough to keep your
family energized on the trail.
2 REI
Model: Vacuum Clip Mug
www.rei.com
Key Features: Lightweight,
insulated, easy to clean
MRSP: $22.50
Description:
A great thermal mug doesnt have to
take up extra room in your full survival pack. Open the handle of this
clever cup and it acts as a clip, allowing you to snap it to the outside of
your pack for easy carrying. You can
even pop it onto your belt loop for
easy access while youre out hiking,
hunting or fishing. The double-wall
construction keeps your hot drinks
that way, but it also retains the cold if
youre trying to ensure the ice in your
water doesnt melt.
3 MSR
$6-12
Model: Alpine Utensil Set
http://cascadedesigns.com/
msr
Key Features: Space-saving,
non-stick, lightweight
MSRP: $15
Description:
You dont need to sacrifice quality
cooking gear just because youre
short on space. Pack along this set,
which includes a spatula,
strainer/grater, and spoon that fold
easily so you can pack them away
when youre done cooking. The spatula can serve as a double-duty tool,
with a serrated edge that allows you
to chop through cheese, butter or
other soft foods, while the spoon
includes preset measured lines so
you can use it as a measuring cup at
your campsite. Made of non-stick
nylon, youll just squeeze the handle
to fold up these handy utensils, saving time and space.
JACK LINKS JERKY
2 REI
$22.50
78
COGHLANS
$18
4 COGHLANS
Model: Camp Cooker
www.coghlans.com
youve
got a
built-in
stove
anywhere
you can
build a
fire.
Key Features: Sturdy, lightweight,

cooks evenly
MSRP: $18
Description:
Hauling a big stove from site to site when youre on a
survival excursion is no fun at all, but you neednt
carry one thanks to this innovative product. Just
hang this cooker from your pack with the included
hook, and youve got a built-in stove anywhere you
can build a fire. Youll simply place your food inside
of the cast iron well, close it tightly and hold the handles (which are more than two feet long, allowing
you to stand safely away from the fire), and before
you know it youll be eating like royalty. From grilled
cheese to flounder to venison, you can cook just
about any small meal in the Camp Cooker.
5 JACK LINKS
Model: Jerky
www.jacklinks.com
Key Features: High protein, tasty, lightweight
MSRP: $6 to $12 per bag
Description:
Theres nothing like a burst of protein to keep your
energy high during physical activity, and theres a lot
of it packed into each of these little bags. Grab a
handful of Jack Links jerky while youre waiting in
your deer stand, sitting in a boat or on the trail so
you can enjoy a high-protein, low carb, low fat
snack. Thanks to the jerkys amazing flavor option s,
youll be glad you brought along this easy-to-carry
bag on your next survival trek.
ENGEL
$99
6 ENGEL
Model: Fish Bag
www.engel-usa.com
Key Features: Easy to carry, lightweight, insulated
MSRP: $99
Description:
Youve just caught a 15-pound trout and youre
berthing your ketch so you can take your future dinner ashore, but the cooler is too cumbersome to
transport to your campsite on your own. Its at
moments like this when youll wish you had the
Engel fish bag, which is made of sturdy PVC material
and is insulated with a half inch of polyethylene
foam to ensure that your fish stays cool while you
transport it to your cleaning station. Once you get it
to your destination, you simply unzip it all the way
around and hose off the inner layer to clean it, and
youre ready to take it out again for your next foodgatherin g trek.
7 COGHLANS
Model: Polypropylene Bowl
www.coghlans.com
Key Features: Sturdy, easy to clean, inexpensive
MSRP: $2
Tablewear for
a fireside meal
doesnt have to
consist of a plain
old tin can and
paper plates.
COGHLANS
$2
79
Description:
Tablewear for a fireside meal doesnt have to consist
of a plain old tin can and paper plates. Instead, grab
a few of these colorful but sturdy bowls that you can
clean up in a snap, stack for later use and pack
away quickly. They wont stain, even after serving
scores of camping meals, and you can even use
them in your home kitchen after your survival trip
ends, because they are dishwasher and microwave
safe.
buyers
Guide
FOOD
CLEAN-UP TIP
DO-ALL OUTDOORS
Scrubbing pots at a campsite can be excruciatingly difficult because you dont normally
have your kitchen cleaning tools with you.
A simple tip that many campers use is to boil
a pot of water while youre making your dinner over the fire. When youre finished cooking, you can soak your cook pots, plates and
utensils in the hot water so the food lifts off
more easily, making cleanup faster.
$9.99
8 DO-ALL OUTDOORS
Model: Sports Bottle Holder
www.doalloutdoors.com
Key Features: Mounts to a tree,
lightweight
MSRP: $9.99
Description:
If youve ever sat in a deer stand for more than a
few minutes, you know how cumbersome it can be
to try and secure your water bottle in the tree
crotch or your pocket. Those days are behind you
thanks to this simple and inexpensive solution,
which allows you to screw the bottle holder into
the tree with no tools. Even if you dont plan to
climb into a deer stand, the tree mount can be
great for camping/survival trips when you dont
have time to set up a table. You can keep your
drink right next to your hammock, and it wont fall
thanks to the strong mesh material.
9 LIGHT MY FIRE
Model: Grandpas Fire Fork
www.Lightmyfire.com
Key Features: Lightweight, easy to carry

MSRP: $5
Description:
Want a strong and durable cooking source but you
have no room to pack a three-foot skewer? Secure
Grandpas Fire Fork to a dead branch, and youre
halfway to enjoying a great meal. At just four
inches in length, you can choose the size of your
cooking handle by selecting just the right size
branch you need from the ground. Once the fork is
secured to the end of it, you can get your hot dogs,
game meat or fish cooking securely over your fire
in no time.
LIGHT MY FIRE
$5
10 FOOD PROTECTION SYSTEM
$995-$3,295
FOOD PROTECTION
10 SYSTEM
Model: E.A.T. Pod Roll-Away
Food Bunker
www.longlifefood.com
Key Features: Convenient, hardy,
long-lasting
MSRP: $995 to $3,295 delivered
Description: Youre bugging out and on the run,
but you dont have room in your pack for a pantrys
worth of food. The solution? Dig out the E.A.T. Pod
that you buried underground last year, and youve
got hundreds of servings of food for your family.
E.A.T. stands for Eat Abundantly Tomorrow, and
the product is very true to its name. The company
has packed preserved food into a 17.5-inch or 31inch long corrugated black HDPE underground
water pipe tube, which you can bury underground
or keep above board (your choice), and it will survive heat, cold and humidity. The company has
pre-loaded the tube with well-balanced, delicious
food ranging from full MRE meals to freeze-dried
meals, and welded the other end shut, allowing
you to bury the preserved fare. The Pod is waterproof and tests up to six PSI, ensuring that it will
last you just as long as you need it.
11
COGHLANS
Model: Camp Fork Rest
www.coghlans.com
Key Features: Lightweight, easy to clean
MSRP: $12
Description:
Holding your camp fork over the fire is fun for
the first few minutes. But then the arm fatigue sets
in and you find yourself switching the fork back
12 KATES REAL FOOD
$2.79-$3.29
and forth between
hands to give yourself a
break. The Coghlans
Camp Fork Rest offers
the break for you. Simply secure it into the
ground near your fire,
and then rest your
cooking handle or camp
fork in the slots to keep
arm fatigue at bay.
12
KATES
REAL FOOD
Model:
Meal Replacement Bar
www.katesrealfood.com
Key Features: All-natural,
delicious, filling
MSRP: $2.79-$3.29
each
80
11
COGHLANS
$12
Description:
Ever peek at the ingredients list on a grocery store energy bar to
find that you cant pronounce half of the ingredients? Time to move
on to Kates, the all-natural, hand-mixed, freeze-proof meal replacement bars that allow you to fuel up on the trail without having to
stop and gather your dinner. We loved the convenience of these
small-sized meal bars, which stash easily in a backpack pocket
but what really sold us on them was the taste. Whereas some of the
other healthy bars taste too grainy and the grocery store bars are a
bit chewy, Kates is just right, so youll get to enjoy your food as you
continue on the trail to your destination or ride out the storm.
Guide
BACKPACKS
Mans Fury
Tips For Urban Preparedness
SCHOOLS. MOVIE THEATERS. SHOPPING MALLS.
When an active shooter goes on a rampage, your peaceful world can cross
over into insanity in a heartbeat and that is exactly why the following section
provides methods to combat that craziness.
Take control of your life.
In This Section
Fight Back Against An Active Shooter
Minimize The Emotional

Damage On Your Children
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
buyers
URBAN
GW_ASG4_URBAN_SHOOTER_New 2/21/13 4:33 AM Page 81
81
GW_ASG4_URBAN_SHOOTER 2/18/13 12:07 AM Page 82
STOPPING
MASS
VIOLENCE
STOP SIGN - THINKSTOCK PHOTO
Active Shooters Create An American Security

Challenge, Which Is Why A Plan For Prevention,
Response Are Critical By Alon Stivi | Photos courtesy of DIRECT MEASURES
82
HIS TIME, MOST OF
and where the next such terrorist attack will
INNOCENT YOUNG
lenge that transcends all politics, and no single
THE VICTIMS WERE

CHILDREN.
THERE WERE 26 DEAD,

INCLUDING 20 CHIL-
DREN, AT THE SANDY

HOOK ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL IN CONNECTICUT THAT DEVASTATED THE NATION RIGHT BEFORE

CHRISTMAS.
These innocent children died in vain if we do
not learn from this tragedy and work together to

prevent the next one. The victims of mass violence serve as a warning to us all. We can no
longer ignore the risks and continue to do the
same things, expecting different results. In order

to effectively manage future threats, we must be
willing to think about the problem differently.
These low probabilityyet high conse-
quenceevents continue to occur and are a
growing public concern. No place is immune to an

active shooter attack, and no one knows when
occur. Mass violence is a serious multifaceted chalapproach in itself can stop these killers. The solution must include two key components: prevention and response.
PREVENTION
THROUGH DETECTION
The best way to mitigate risk is to prevent it
from occurring in the first place, so law enforcement agencies have been diligently working on
preventing the next attack. Important reports
about pre-incident indicators among at-risk indi-
viduals have been published online by the United

States Secret Service (USSS) and the Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
I urge everyone to read these free reports.
Recognizing the signs of danger is essential to
early intervention by school staff, parents and law

enforcement and can prevent some of these
attacks but not all of them.
Having all
of the
students
huddle
together in
classrooms
makes it
easier for
the shooter
to inflict
the greatest
number of
casualties
in the least
amount
of time.
STOP SIGN - THINKSTOCK PHOTO
Alon Stivi,
security and
counterterrorism
specialist
83
SHOOTER
ALON STIVIS RESUME
always work. There is no such thing as 100 percent secu-
PREVENTION THROUGH
DETERRENCE
rity and risk can never be reduced to zero. We must be
Perpetrators always attack the most vulnerable vic-
tims. It's no coincidence, that whatever their motivation,

mass murderers attack soft targets.
What makes a school a particularly soft target for a
mass shooting is its vulnerability due to the lack of
defense capabilities (gun-free zone) and the large concen-
prepared to respond effectively when security fails and act

swiftly to protect ourselves.
RESPONSE:
OUTSIDE INTERVENTION
Since the devastating Columbine school shooting in
tration of targets in the area (schools are what we in the
1999, law enforcement agencies across the nation have
ers know that they will be able to create many casualties
better address active shooter threats. Tactical training in
military call a target rich environment.) Potential attackdue to the schools inability to immediately counter the
assault. The only person armed in a school during such
attacks is usually the killer. These inherent vulnerabilities
of schools unfortunately increase the likelihood of future

attacks.
As a first step in improving security, it is highly rec-
ommended that every school assemble a Threat & Vul-
been working on improving their response capabilities to

rapid intervention is frequently provided to local and state
agencies nationwide.
However, law enforcement response times can vary
greatly from as low as several minutes in large metropolitan areas to as much as 30+ minutes in rural areas. Law
Enforcement First Responders (LEFR) are handicapped by

distance, delayed notification, size of the targeted facility,
nerability Assessment (TVA) team and conduct a thor-
lack of information, confusion and various tactical chal-
findings and recommendations of the TVA team, the
ate response to these attacks is unrealistic.
ough assessment of the security on campus. Following the

school can then develop and implement a plan to improve
lenges. Expecting law enforcement to provide an immediBy comparison, it takes only seconds or a few minutes
campus security.
for the shooter to inflict mass casualties. In the majority
help deter or delay a violent intrusion, but it does not
first 10 minutes, prior to law enforcement intervention.
There is no doubt that improving physical security can
of these incidents, most of the casualties occur within the
LEARN MORE,
GET CERTIFIED
If you would like to
host the next ACT Cert
Active Shooter Survival
course in your area or
become an ACT Certified
Instructor, call 888-4ACT-CERT or send an
email to
info@ACTCERT.com.
SAVE LIVES
When facing deadly
threats, the best initial
response is always to
escape (flight).
It is more practical to
train school personnel
how to determine
whether escape is possible and then evacuate the
area if it is. Evacuating
areas that are not under
direct attack and that are
out of the shooters line
of sight can save lives
Lockdown is
indeed easy
to understand and
applies under
duress, but it can
also prove
to be fatal.
Alon Stivi
84
Alon Stivi is a security

and counterterrorism specialist and a POST certified
law enforcement trainer who
emigrated from Israel after
serving in an elite unit of the
IDF. He taught close combat
tactics to the US Navy SEAL
CQB Instructors and has protected Fortune 500 executives and dignitaries worldwide.
Currently serving with the
Los Angeles Sheriff Department as a Terrorism Liaison
Officer and teaches Active
Shooter Survival and Terrorism Responder courses
funded by the Department of
Homeland Security. He has
been featured on network
television, radio and in
national publications.
FIND MORE
INFORMATION
www.ACTCERT.com
Find information on training regarding how and when
to evacuate safely, how to
effectively barricade a classroom, how to conduct a
campus Threat and Vulnerability Assessment, how to
implement effective campus
security, and how to employ
reality-based Last Resort
Survival Measures to effectively stop the shooter.
Serious About Survival?

RESPONSE:
ESCAPE OR DEFENSE
Currently, the only standard procedure
taught in schools across the nation is for staff
and students to go on lockdown and wait for
armed law enforcement to arrive on the scene.
The logic behind this approach is the desire
to rapidly separate the students from the
shooter. Having students locked down in their

classrooms also makes the environment more
should be a consideration only when escape is

impossible. Additionally, if we are to advocate
for self-entrapment (lockdown), it is incumbent

upon us to provide guidance on how to do so
RELOAD!
effectively.
RESPONSE:
FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL
After 9/11, we placed more armed air mar-
shals and armed pilots on airplanes. We also
No place is immune to an active shooter attack,

and no one knows when and where the next such
terrorist attack will occur.
Alon Stivi, CEO of Direct Measures
manageable to the responding officers. Lock-
have armed security officers at federal buildings,
under duress, but it can also prove to be fatal.
Resources (CIKR). The first thing visible to any-
down is indeed easy to understand and applies

By definition, locking ourselves into an
enclosed space is equivalent to being trapped.
Having all the students huddle together in class-
stadiums and most Critical Infrastructure Key
one walking into a federal building today is the

presence of armed security officers.
By comparison, many schools do not have
rooms makes it easier for the shooter to inflict
the same level of protection. Having a well-
amount of time.
in every school would be best. Lawfully carried
the greatest number of casualties in the least
The best initial response when facing deadly
threats is always to escape (flight). It is more

practical to train school personnel how to
determine whether escape is possible and then
trained armed School Resource Officer (SRO)

handguns in properly trained hands at the site
of the attack could greatly reduce casualties and

save lives.
However, because not all schools have an
evacuate the area if it is. Evacuating areas that
armed SRO or in the event that the SRO is
shooters line of sight can save lives and will
and students should be trained to defend them-
are not under direct attack and are out of the

help make the scene more manageable to the
responding officers.
We need to reverse the policy requiring
people to always stay in the kill zone. Having
the option of considering an escape by the people at the scene during the initial moments of
the attack could save more lives. Lockdown
HOW TO SURVIVE
When an Active Shooter
Goes on a Rampage
The first rule of survival
fighting is anything goes.
You should use everything at
your disposal to survive: the
environment, tactics, any
XL 650
Auto Indexing
Uses 7/8 x 14 Dies
800-1000 Rounds/Hour
Interchangeable Toolhead
Auto Powder Measure
Auto Primer System
Lifetime Warranty
unavailable or incapacitated, school personnel

selves. When help is on the way, escape is
impossible and the shooter is breaking into
your classroom, the only viable option is to
fight for survival, by attacking the attacker and

disarming him.
Alon Stivi is CEO of Direct Measures and the
developer of the ACT Cert program.
available tools or weapons,
whenever possible because action
including improvised, blunt, edge,
always beats reaction. You should
or firearms (if available). Anything
also work as a team, as there is
that can slow down the
strength in numbers. If you are
perpetrator and give you an
fighting together and are deter-
advantage is fair play.
mined to win, your chances of
You should use surprise
survival are actually good.
www.TerrorismResponder.com
Tactical training in rapid intervention is frequently provided to local and state agencies nationwide.
85
bluepress.com
GW_ASG4_SHOTS 2/18/13 12:23 AM Page 86
The
Shots Heard
In the Wake of a Shooting, Minimize the Emotional
Damage on Your Children by Following These Steps
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
Any time an incident

happens in a school
environment, your
children might be nervous about returning
to their school.
Remind them of the
safety measures that
you and the teachers
employ to keep them
secure.
86
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
By Thomas J. Nardi, PhD.
Round t h
allow your child to express his con-
AMERICAN POET
debriefings after critical incidents.
RALPH WALDO
EMERSON,
COMMEMORATED THE
children.
One of the keys to a successful crit-
ical incident debriefing is immediacy.
APRIL 19, 1775, AT THE START
opportunity to debrief, the faster they
OF AMERICAS REVOLUTION
FOR INDEPENDENCE FROM
The sooner those affected have an
can recover from the traumatic event.
Indeed, research supports the idea
ENGLAND.
that during the first 48 hours after an
world are those echoing in high school
and most lasting impact. For parents,
Today, the shots heard round the
hallways, college campuses, shopping
malls, fast food restaurants, and most

recently and most tragically, an ele-
mentary school in Newtown, Conn.
on Dec.14, 2012. The entire world has

heard these shots. The entire world
has mourned this horrible loss of
young innocent lives.
While school administrators and
law enforcement officials ponder how
to prevent future school violence, parents have a more immediate concern:
"How has this affected my children, and

how can I address it with them?" The
answer is both simple and complex.
CRITICAL
INCIDENT
DEBRIEFING
As trite as it may sound, the
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
Parents can do the same with their
BATTLE OF CONCORD,
WHICH TOOK PLACE ON
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
cerns. Police and military units perform
answer is "communicate with your
event, the debriefing will have its best

this means talking to children as soon as
possible after the critical incident. Postponing the discussion will not help; it
will only hinder recovery.
The second key to a successful
debriefing is creating a safe environment.
In a debriefing, "safe"
means that the children will

be encouraged to speak
freely. The parents need

to listen without judg-
ment. Dont interrupt.
Dont be critical or dis-
missive of what they say.

Let them see that you
are truly interested in
what they are telling
you.
Correct false infor-
mation that children may
have been told, but dont
child."
put them down for hav-
the negative impact of the incident is to
it. Your unconditional
One of the best ways to minimize
W orld
HESE WORDS,
WRITTEN BY
By the rude bridge that arched

the flood, Their Flag to Aprils
breeze unfurled, Here once the
embattled farmers stood, And fired
the shot heard round the world.
People with Aspergers can present with a

variety of symptoms, including difficulty in
social situations, odd hand or finger movements, and communication difficulties.
However, they are typically not violent.
ing believed or expressed
87
KNOW THIS
Keep in mind that communication is not just verbal. Now more than ever,
after a critical incident, parents need to observe their kids behaviors and be
attentive to their moods.
SHOTS
acceptance will help to foster an emotionally
safe environment for your children.
A safe environment also means physical
safety. Children need to feel safe, secure and
protected at home. They need the reassurance

that they are protected from harm and their
home is a safe place for them.
In addition to allowing children to speak and
be validated, parents may also need to draw the

children out about their emotions. Many chil-
dren are reluctant to reveal their fears to their
parents, so parents should be proactive in helping them express their feelings. Ask your child
what they know about the shooting, and what, if
T.A.L.K.
Allow your kids to express

their views without interruption.
Listen, listen, listen.
Let the kids do most of the
talking. It is about them,
not you. You should speak
only to encourage and validate what is being said.
Keep at it. Make the
chats a regular part of
your schedule. It takes
time to establish an ongoing dialogue but it is definitely worth the effort.
Dont get discouraged if it
doesnt flow at first. It will
over time, so keep trying.
TO YOUR
KIDS
Take the time to

schedule the talk for when
you wont be interrupted.
Dont wait for time to
"open up" -- it wont.
Make the time.
anything, has been discussed in school. Ask for
your childs opinion and reaction. Ask about his

or her friends reactions.
OTHER SIGNS
Keep in mind that communication is not just
verbal. Now more than ever, after a critical inci-
dent, parents need to observe their kids behav-
THE
CHECKLIST
1 EXPRESSION SESSION
One of the best ways to minimize the
negative impact of the incident is to allow
your child to express his concerns.
2 BUILD SECURITY
express themselves when it comes to their emo-
3 WATCH, OBSERVE
tions. They may have conflicting emotions, or
their moods may fluctuate. They themselves may

not even understand what they are feeling. Their
Do they seem quieter or noisier than usual? Are
they tense or agitated? Are they reluctant to go to

school? Have their appetites changed? Are they
having trouble sleeping?
Are they experiencing nightmares? Have their
play activities become more violent? Have they
lost interest in play? Changes in behavior or mood

often signal some distress in a childs life.
ADULTS LEAD
THE WAY
Parents need to remember that they are role
iors and be attentive to their moods.
Children may lack the correct vocabulary to
only way of expressing their emotions and confu-
sion may be through their actions and behaviors.
Create a safe environment
Observe your kids behaviors and

be attentive to their moods
models for their children. It is important, there-
fore, for the parent to take care of him or herself.

The calmer the parent stays, the calmer the child
will be. One teacher in Newtown, kept her class
of children calm by distracting and occupying the

children until help could arrive.
The current tragedy in Connecticut provides
parents with an opportunity to engage their children

in discussion about school violence. Communicating
with your child may not stop school violence but it
can help your child to better cope with it.
Thomas J. Nardi has been practicing psychology in
New York for more than 30 years.
WATCH FOR THESE

SIGNS IN CHILDREN
Communicating
with your child
may not stop
school violence
but it can help
your child to
better cope
with it. Thomas
Do they seem quieter or noisier than

usual?
Are they tense or agitated?
Are they reluctant to go to school?
Have their appetites changed?
Are they having trouble sleeping?
Are they experiencing nightmares?
Have their play activities become
more violent?
Have they lost interest in play?
J. Nardi, psychologist
THINKSTOCK PHOTOS
Tailor your debriefing conversation to

your childs age, and reassure children
that you are there to keep them safe.
88
UNIQUE
GW_ASG4_BG_UNIQUE_New 2/21/13 4:35 AM Page 89
Tact i ca l
As sau lt
A Survival Bag, Which Provides 72 Hours Of
Supplies, And Other Gear That Will Prepare
You For Whatever Spring Brings BY TORREY KIM
PHOTOS BY DAVE ALAN
THE TWO SIDES OF SPRING
ON ONE HAND, THERES THE BEAUTY OF BLOOMING
FLOWERS AND PLEASANT TEMPERATURES. ON THE OTHER,

THE ARRIVAL OF RAIN, INSECTS AND MUD.
To assure that youve got all angles covered, weve presented five specialty
items that will help you keep on track during your survival training and outings.
EDITORS CHOICE
SURVIVAL
BAGS, INC.
Model: Bug-Out Bag
www.survivalbagsinc.com
Key Features: Sturdy bag,
pre-filled with 72 hours
worth of supplies
MSRP: $142-$180
89
GW_ASG4_BG_UNIQUE 2/18/13 12:29 AM Page 90
buyers
Guide
UNIQUE
1 SURVIVAL BAGS, INC.
1 SURVIVAL BAGS, INC.
$142-$180
Model: Bug-Out Bag
www.survivalbagsinc.com
Key Features: Sturdy bag, pre-filled

with 72 hours worth of supplies
MSRP: $142-$180
Description:
If you need to bug out, you dont want
to spend time packing your backpack
with last-minute necessities. Instead,
add one of these bags to your survival
kit for each family member, and youll
be ready to head out the door at a
moments notice. This sturdy but lightweight Fox Tactical Three-Day Assault
Pack comes already packed with 72
hours worth of supplies. It includes
preserved food, drinking water, Adventure Medical Kit for your first aid and
tool needs (including a signal mirror,
headlamp, whistle, compass, duct
tape, and tinder kit, as well as first aid
supplies), 50 feet of paracord, two-person tube tent, emergency poncho,
blanket, waterproof matches, disposable hand warmers, three N95 respirator masks, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, tissue, wet naps and a
Shower-in-a-Bag.
2 OKABASHI
Model: Gardenia Clog
www.okabashi.com
Key features: Comfortable,
lightweight, ergonomic
MSRP: $19.00
Description:
Being on the go doesnt mean having
to live without comfort, and the Gardenia Clogs will allow you to not only
travel in style, but youll also be pampered. The key is the massaging
insole, which gently stimulates your
feet while you walk, ensuring that you
wont suffer foot or back pain. The
easy-to-clean microplast material
remains odor-free, no matter how
many miles you travel. You can go
straight from working in your survival
garden to hopping on the trail and you
wont have to switch out your footwear
in between activities, thanks to the
Gardenias amazing versatility.
OKABASHI
ELIMINATE ONE
POTENTIAL PROBLEM
$19.00
Whether youre training or

involved full-on in a survival situation remember that spring is when
many animals begin to venture outside after hibernation. So, heed
these tips from the Texas Parks &
Wildlife Department:
3 CRKT
Model: Redemption Knife
www.crkt.com
Check your campsite for debris

and move it carefully because
snakes could be hiding under
large rocks or logs.
Clean your campsite or dining
area to ensure that food isnt left
behind that could attract critters.
Keep your tent zipped at all
times. Animals could enter looking for a warm place to hide,
and huddling under your sleeping bag may be just what they
need.
Key Features: Large yet lightweight,

multi-purpose, sharp
MSRP: $300
Description:
Whether youre slashing through brush,
cutting kindling, defending yourself
against a mountain lion or chopping
homegrown tomatoes, you need a versatile knife that can handle every task
you throw its way. The CRKT Redemption can take on every survival job
youve got, thanks to its huge 9.5-inch
steel blade, razor-sharp tip and flat
grind. The contoured handle makes it
easy to hold, even if youre chopping
vigorously, and the leather wrist strap
and nylon sheath ensure that you wont
lose it in the backcountry. We love the
Source:
Texas Parks and Wildlife,
http://passporttotexas.org/stateparks-safe-camping-in-spring
90
GW_ASG4_BG_UNIQUE 2/18/13 12:29 AM Page 91
CRKT
$300
you need a versatile
knife that can handle every
task you throw its way.
three-quarter tang blade, which makes

easy work of any brush you need to
pass through but also made us feel
secure to know its on-hand for personal defense needs.
4 DORFMAN-PACIFIC
5
ALL TERRAIN
$14.99
Model: DPC Outdoor Brushed Twill

Safari Mesh Hat
www.dorfman-pacific.com
Key Features: SPF of 50+, breathable
MSRP: $42
Description:
When youre outside in the spring, youll
face not only increasing heat, but also
humidity as the rains fall. This DPC Outdoor hat keeps the sun and rain off your
face but allows your head to breathe,
thanks to its wide brim to hold the sun
at bay and mesh crown to ventilate the
perspiration away from your head. The
leather chin cord will ensure that the
hat stays put, even if the wind kicks up,
and the SPF 50+ rating will ensure that
you wont end the day with a sunburned
scalp or face. We love how easy this hat
is to store when you dont need it anymore. Just roll it up, pop it into your
pack when the sun goes down and its
ready to wear again in the morning.
5 ALL TERRAIN
Model: Herbal Armor

Natural Insect Repellent
DORMAN-PACIFIC
www.allterrainco.com
Key Features: DEET-free,
water-resistant, powerful
MSRP: $14.99 (Family size)
$42
Description:
Slapping bugs may seem like a natural
by-product of being outside in the
spring, but it doesnt have to be. You
can keep the chemicals away from your
family while staying insect-free thanks
to this innovative herbal bug repellent
that stays at 100-percent effectiveness
for two hours. Its sweat and waterresistant, DEET-free and wont stain
your clothing. Our test of this repellent
revealed that it really did keep the bugs
away and didnt irritate the skin at all
(not even the most sensitive-skinned
testers). Toss a bottle of Herbal Armor
into your spring bug-out bag to ensure
that you wont have to deal with pesky
insects during your next outdoor
adventure.
STAY DRY THIS SPRING

SPRING CAN STILL BRING RAIN
Thus, venturing out during the spring months can equate to a
bag full of wet gear, but you can avoid having to dry out your
items if you remember a few quick tips.
Bring zip-top bags on your journey. If it rains, you can protect your electronics, clothes, food and other gear by zipping
them into these handy and easy-to-pack plastic bags.
Waterproof your boots and other items. Hiking with wet
feet is not only uncomfortable, it can lead to bacteria and fungus

invading your skin. Use a waterproofing spray or oil on your
boots, gloves and other gear so you can stay dry even if youre
trudging through the mud.
Bring a tarp. Having a tarp on hand can protect you in more
ways than one. Lay the tarp on the damp ground before pitching
your tent so it will keep the moisture away from your sleeping
area. Or you can drape it over your picnic table to serve as a rain
fly while youre trying to enjoy dinner.
91
NEWS & NOTES

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9)
fabulous flicks
15 Cant-Miss Survival Movies
Tom Hanks character survives on a

deserted island with just the remnants that
remain from a crashed FedEx plane. Not only a
lesson in survival, but its also a tear-jerker.
2 Waterworld
Watch it just for the sheer visual of a world

that exists after the polar ice caps melt and we
are all ensconced in wateror just watch to
see what the most expensive movie ever made
looked like in 1995.
3 The Perfect Storm
Amazing because its a true story and shows

the unbelievable ferocity of the ocean, this
movie is a must, especially if youre a fan of the
series Deadliest Catch.
END OF WORLD SURVIVAL

4 Mad Max
Produced on a shoestring budget, this postapocalyptic revenge thriller introduced the

world to Mel Gibson as Max, who struggles to
survive amid anarchy.
FAST FACTS, NUMBERS

1911
The automatic pistol, caliber .45, model
1911, U.S. Army is the firearm our expert,
Jim Dickson, recommends as the best pistol
for home defense.
TORNADOES
When a hurricane hits land, it can trigger
a tornado. Be prepared.
NUMBER 1
Your car has broken down on a remote
road; youre stranded. The number one thing
Following the nuclear apocalypse, Denzel

Washingtons characterElimust fight off
every manner of evil as he tries to protect the
one potential key to survivalthe last surviving
copy of the Bible.
6 I Am Legend
Will Smiths character is a virus specialist

who holds immunity to a sickness plaguing the
planet, and he must race against the clock to
find a cure, despite being the last healthy survivor of the deadly virus.
town after
scores of zombies rise from
the dead and go
on the attack. Although shot in 1968, this film
remains one of the best of its genre.
11 Zombieland
With moments of both suspense and hilarity, Zombieland shows how a shy, bookish
teenager manages to escape zombiesand
search for Twinkies along the way.
12 Shaun Of The Dead
MOUNTAIN SURVIVAL
7 Alive
Based on one of the most famous true survival stories of all time, this film follows the
Uruguayan rugby team members harrowing
decision to eat the bodies of their dead teammates after their plane crashes in the Andes
Mountains.
8 Into Thin Air
This rivetingand truefirst-person

account of devastation on Mount Everest shows
what happens following a rogue storm, which
results in eight deaths on the famous mountain.
9 Jeremiah Johnson
Robert Redfords character makes a lifealtering decision to live as a Colorado mountain

manuntil the Cavalry comes to town and
shatters his idyllic solo life.
ZOMBIE SURVIVAL
10 Night Of The Living Dead
The original that launched scores of followers, this movie shows what happens to a small
Although mainly a comedy, youll also get

your share of sheer terror watching the hapless
main character, who is heroic in his deeds.
Youll really care about his survival.
GENERAL SURVIVAL
13 Into The Wild
This sometimes heartbreaking true story

follows a young man in search of an authentic
life, and his struggle to fight the harsh reality of
nature as he detaches from society.
14 127 Hours
Whether youve read the book or not, you

most likely already know that this film follows
the true story of a hiker who must cut off his
own armdepicted in realistically graphic
detailto survive.
15 The Road
Although not the feel-good movie of the

year, The Road shows a father and son fighting cannibals as they attempt to find others who
want to live in a society like they envision.
Torrey Kim
to do when you realize that youre in a

survival situation is to stay put.
Survival expert Tim MacWelch
INDEFINITELY
When properly stored, the shelf life
of shell beans and legumes.
587
The number of floods that hit Texas
during a 10-year period.
600
The number of gallons of fresh water
the Southwick family of National Geographic
fame have on store.
92
THINKSTOCKPHOTOS
SEA SURVIVAL
1 Cast Away
5 Book Of Eli
THINKSTOCKPHOTOS
WEVE ALL BEEN IN SURVIVAL

SITUATIONS MORE OR LESS.
If youve seen any of the following moves,
you certainly have.
Viewing a survival situation on the big screen
allows you to put yourself in the shoes of the
characters that have fought off predators, faced
Mother Nature and even confronted zombies.
Place a few of these flicks in your upcoming
rental queue to get a feel for how survival looks
firsthand.
anchored
by pets
THE CDC REPORTS THAT ONE OF THE MAIN REA-
SONS WHY PEOPLE REFUSE TO EVACUATE IN THE
FACE OF IMMINENT LIFE-THREATENING DANGER IS

CONCERN ABOUT PETS THAT CANNOT BE EVACUATED WITH THEIR OWNERS.
Statistics indicate that households with pets are almost twice as
likely not to evacuate as those without pets. Officials estimate that

between 60-70 percent of American households have pets.
Although there are no specific data on the number of elderly pet
Caring For
The Elderly
owners, research has shown that older adults, especially those living
alone, are likely to have a strong bond with their pets and are unwilling
to evacuate without them, the CDC says.
During Disaster, Elderly Face

Tough Challenges
DISASTER PROMPTED CONGRESS TO ACT

Following the 2005 hurricanes, Congress passed the Pet Evacuation
SOME OLDER ADULTS ARE PARTICULARLY VULNER-
Transportation Standards Act, which requires state and local governments
SONS INCLUDE THEIR IMPAIRED PHYSICAL MOBIL-
CDC
to include household pets in emergency evacuation plans.
ABLE DURING AND AFTER DISASTERS, AND THE REAITY, DIMINISHED SENSORY AWARENESS, CHRONIC
HEALTH CONDITIONS, AND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC

LIMITATIONS THAT PREVENT ADEQUATE PREPARATION AND HINDER ADAPTABILITY DURING DISASTERS, THE CDC REPORTS.
After the 2005 hurricanes, emergency response experts have
placed a new focus on disaster preparedness and response to better

protect vulnerable populations, including older adults, from harm,
the agency says.
Numerous tools and strategies are available to help communities
accomplish this, including advance planning and training, working in

coalitions, ensuring that advocates for older adults participate in
emergency planning, and using community-mapping data to identify

areas where many older adults live, the CDC reports.
E NEWS
KS IN TH
SURVIVAL BOO
Hit The Books
SURVIVAL BOOK 2
SURVIVAL BOOK 1
Name: Ragnars Urban Survival
Name: Barbed Wire, Barricades and Bunkers
been ransacked, the power is off and the low
The tap's run dry, the supermarkets have
In this 126-page guide to readying your
rumble of tanks can be heard in the distance.
home retreat for any scenario, you will learn

how to take proven designs for fortified
The unprepared who refused to believe
that such a thing could happen here will live as
structures and adapt them to your personal
wretched refugeesif they live at all. But for
defense plan.
the preparedfor the city survivorslife will
THINKSTOCKPHOTOS
THINKSTOCKPHOTOS
A dedicated prepper and the author of
Living on the Edge: A Family's Journey to Self-
go on. America's leading survival author
Sufficiency, F.J. Bohan takes you through the
debunks the myth that the only way to survive

is to stock a retreat in the mountains.
wide array of possible fortifications.
PALADIN IS THE SOURCE
For more information on these books, go to www.paladin-press.com/.
93
Self-ReliancE
Being prepared means ensuring your familys
survival without relying on others
FOR MANY, ITS THE NEW AMERICAN DREAM LIVING OFF
THE GRID IN A SELF-SUFFICIENT, INDEPENDENT LIFESTYLE.
To be sure, its a big step, and it takes planning, determination, creativity and
perseverance, which is exactly where we come in. Using experts to provide you
with ideas, well present the maps that lead to a successful life of
self-reliance.
Live your dream.
In This Section
Creating the Low-Budget Homestead

Doomsday Preppers Explain How
To Be Self-Sufficient for One Year
Survivalist 101: How To Get Started,

How To Prepare, How To Make it
Work
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
HOMESTEAD
GW_ASG4_IHOME_PREPPERS 2/18/13 12:41 AM Page 94
94
DOOMSDAY
PREPPERS
Braxton The Brains
and the father from the
Southwick family of
Preppers.
NATIONAL
GEOGRAPHIC
CHANNEL
The Southwick Family, of National Geographic

Channel Fame, Explains How They Are Prepared
To Be Self-Sufficient For One Year By Torrey Kim
HEMICAL SUITS AND
MASKS. ADD TO THAT

600 GALLONS OF
FRESH WATER, 100
GALLONS OF GAS, 100

GALLONS OF DIESEL
FUEL, 1,000 POUNDS
OF COAL, 300 POUNDS
OF CHARCOAL, 14 GUNS AND EIGHT

CHICKENS. TO TOP IT OFF, A YEARS
SUPPLY OF FOOD.
Meet the Southwick family, who, as you can
see, is very well prepared for an emergency.
Maybe you also grow your own food and
have a pantry filled with self-canned snacks. Or
perhaps you stockpile firewood, water, ammuni-
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
tion and cash in anticipation of doomsday. Either

way, you are a prepper, and youre not alone.
The Southwick family of Preppers. (Left to right, front row): Rylee, Jayden and Taja.
(Left to right, back row): Braxton, Kara, Braxton Jr., Treston and Colton.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL
95
DOOMSDAY PREPPERS
THE $20 PER

WEEK PLAN
If youre interested in becoming
a prepper but youre worried about
the financial commitment, start
small.
The biggest thing Ive gotten
from being on Doomsday Preppers
is hearing from people who dont
know where to start, Southwick
says. I was in the exact same
boat. We made a room when we
first got married and I put shelves
in and insulated it for food storage,
but we couldnt figure out where to
start. I went to Costco one day and
bought a 25-pound bag of salt and
that was the first item in the food
storage area. After that, Kara budgeted $20 a week just toward food
storage, and that $20 really adds
up to a lot of food after a while.
RYLEE
Excellent
seamstress
BRAXTON JR.
Capable of living outdoors for
weeks on end, tanning animal
hides, using firearms and
purifying water
JAYDEN
Training to be
a registered
nurse
TRESTON
Fishes, hunts
and fixes
anything
TAJA
Master
gardener
COLTON
Lifeguard,
hunter,
processes wild
meat
THE FAMILY LINE-UP

There are thousands of people like you who are
preparing for a catastrophic event, and the National
Geographic Channel has created a popular show to pro-
file their methods. Doomsday Preppers started airing fresh

episodes again in January to reveal new families who are
demonstrating the fine art of prepping. The program is
currently the number-one rated series on the network,
created a well-oiled plan on his property as well as at his

bug-out locationa family cabin not far away.
Southwick shared details and tips from his survivalist
lifestyle with American Survival Guide to show our readers
just what was required to amass his preparation cache.
and has developed a strong following among survivalists.
FULL SURVIVALIST MODE
Southwick, a Utah-based family man who is preparing for
prepper, but subsequent events prompted him to ramp
One of the breakout stars of the show is Braxton
what he fears might hit the countrya potential biological attack that could kill thousands and create pandemo-
nium. With a wife and six kids to protect, Southwick has
96
Like many people, Southwick started out as a casual
up his plan.
My wife, Kara, and I started prepping with just food
storage quite a few years ago, Southwick says. Our
West Jordan, Utah: The Southwick family are all preparing for a biological attack.
(PHOTO CREDIT: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL
we wanted
to be prepared for
something like a job
loss or a quake
then 9/11 happened,
and I realized how
vulnerable we are
in this country
Braxton Southwick
97
DOOMSDAY PREPPERS
reasons were because we wanted to be prepared for something
like a job loss or a quake, because were in earthquake country.
Then 9/11 happened, and I realized how vulnerable we are in this

country to a biological attack.
In 2010, Southwick began researching biological weapons for
a book he was writing and realized how many countries have

them.
So in 2010 I started preparing for a biological attack, and I
bought masks and chemical suits for my family, he says. We
went from having three months supply of food storage, to having

a years supply just two years later.
In addition to their food stockpile, the Southwicks also hunt
regularly and raise chickens so theyll always have a fresh supply

of eggs.
We do buy some things from the grocery store, but we
could be self-sufficient if we ever have to, he says.
Southwicks wife, Kara, is a master of food storage,
and rotates the food stockpile regularly

to ensure that everything is conWe use our pantry like a
grocery store, and when we

get low on something, I let
Kara know and she buys
more, he says.
Kara does not entirely
share her husbands enthusi-
asm on prepping for a biological
attack, but she does support him in
WHO
DOOMSDAY PREPPERS
WHAT
THEIR SHOW
WHERE
THE NATIONAL
GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL
WHEN
9 P.M. TUESDAYS
NATURAL PART OF LIFE

sumed before it expires.
CHECK OUT
AN EPISODE
Kara budgeted
$20 a week just
toward food
storage, and that
$20 really adds up
to a lot of food
after a while.
Braxton Southwick
his endeavors, and keeps a two-way
radio in her glove box so she can communicate

with the family if the public systems shut down.
She is completely and totally 100 percent on board with
food storage because she never wants the kids to go hungry,

Southwick says. Everything else she only tolerates, like the
chemical suits and masks, because she doesnt want to hear
about the potential bad things that could happen to the children.
911 TIMES 3
Southwick occasionally has drills at home in which the family practices what
theyd do in an emergency, but he keeps the reminders casual even more often.
I talk to the kids about it almost every weekend, he says. Ill just talk to a
few of them and ask them, If you get a 911 text three times from me, what is your
plan? What should you do? and that type of reminder is just part of our lifestyle.
98
HOW, WHY
PREPPING
BECAME A
LIFESTYLE
The family
wanted to be prepared for
something like a
job loss or a
quake. Then 9/11
happened.
I realized how
vulnerable we are
in this country to a
biological attack,
says Braxton
Southwick.
Research
revealed just how
many countries
have biological
weapons.
I started
preparing for a
biological attack,
and I bought
masks and chemical suits for my
family, he says.
The family
went from three
months of supplies to 12
months.
Southwick never had to convert his six children to a
prepper lifestyle because they grew up with it as a normal

part of their family life. In fact, each child has a different
role and responsibility in the familys survival plan. Braxton

Jr., 21, is capable of living outdoors for weeks on end, tanning animal hides, using firearms and purifying water. Jayden, 18, is training to be a registered nurse, so shes the
family medic. Treston, 17, can fish, hunt and fix anything,
while his twin sister Taja is a master gardener. Colton, 16,

is not only a lifeguard, hes also an amazing hunter, and he
can also process and prepare wild meat. The youngest,
Rylee, is an excellent seamstress. Together, the family
could be self-reliant thanks to their complementary skills.

The kids all know their designated areas of expertise,
but they werent simply assigned those subjects, Southwick

says.
As they grew up, I could see their talents in certain
things, which became their specialty areas, he says.
When you get a whole family together, everyone cant do

the same thingeveryone has to have his own role and
my kids love having the responsibility and they take the initiative in their subject areas.
99
everything
else she only
tolerates, like
the chemical
suits and masks,
because she
doesnt want to
hear about the
potential bad
things that
could happen to
the children.
Braxton Southwick
GW_ASG4_101 2/18/13 12:48 AM Page 100
Surviv
How To Get Started, How To Prepare, How To Make It Work
By Torrey Kim
new lifestyle, but a lot of folks have
IS IT THAT EASY
tral heat and air, cable television,
CHANGE.
TO LIVE OFF THE GRID AS

A HOMESTEADER? NOT
a difficult time doing without cenhot water on tap and seemingly
unlimited power at the flick of a
EVEN CLOSE.
switch, he says.
exactly what it takes before you
extremely difficult for children,
vivalist, turn to expert M.D. Creek-
eration: Moving off the grid will
If youve been wondering
can truly consider yourself a surmore, an author and survivalist,
who can help you figure out how

to prepare for this new and
rewarding lifestyle.
START
SLOWLY,
ENLIST
SUPPORT
Often, when people decide to
live the survivalist or off-the-grid

lifestyle, many determine that they
These changes can be
which brings us to another considhave to be a united family
endeavor, he says. If your family
isn't on board with the whole idea,

you probably won't make it very
long.
READING AND
PREPARATION
Once you and your family have
agreed to make the sacrifices
required, you should head to the

library.
Check out every book you
must immediately abandon modern
can find on how to raise a garden,
and live primitively, but the change
build, etc., Creekmore says. If
conveniences (such as electricity)
can be too sudden and they struggle. To overcome this common

challenge, Creekmore advises
starting slowly and planning ahead.

The first thing that anyone
preserve produce, raise animals,
possible, take any related classes,

or seek an apprenticeship with
someone who is already living the

life.
You shouldnt move to a
should ask themselves is, What do
sprawling property at the outset of
Anyone even considering moving
vivalist. Instead, begin your prepa-
I really want? Creekmore says.

off the grid should realize that it
isn't as romantic as some would
your decision to become a sur-
rations right at your current home.

Do everything that you can
have you believe. There are a lot of
where you are, Creekmore says.
and comforts that will need to be
avoid mistakes after you make the
sacrifices that will have to be made

left behind.
This will help you to learn and
move. For example, you could dig
Anyone even
considering
moving off the
grid should
realize that it
isn't as romantic
as some would
have you believe.
M.D. Creekmore
Creekmores best-selling book
31 Days to Survival will help you
get ready for your new lifestyle
using 31 days of lessons,
advice, checklists, and tips.
100
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
Over time you'll adjust to the
LIFESTYLE
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
EADY, SET
GW_ASG4_101 2/18/13 12:45 AM Page 101
alist 101
Your survivalist
abode can range
from a two-story
cabin to a small yurt,
depending on your
familys needs and
your comfort level.
ADAPT
TO THIS
As a survivalist, you
might live without
the following:
Central heat
and air
Cable television
Hot water on tap
Seemingly unlimited power at the
flick of a switch
SURVIVALIST
CHECKLIST
FIRST
Ask yourself, What
do I really want?
SECOND
Check out every
book you can find on
how to raise a garden, preserve produce, raise animals,
build, etc. If possible, take any related
classes, or seek an
apprenticeship with
someone who is
already living the
life.
THIRD
Begin your preparation right at home.
FOURTH
Anyone considering
moving off the grid
should realize that it
isn't as romantic
as some would have
you believe. There
are a lot of sacrifices
that will have to be
made.
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
ALL ABOUT M.D.

M.D. Creekmore is one of America's foremost
experts on survival, emergency preparedness,
and self-reliance.
He has dedicated his life to learning the skills needed
to stay alive in an increasingly dangerous world.
Since its inception in 2007, his blog (www.thesurvivalistblog.net ) has grown into one of the most popular
preparedness sites on the Web.
His books 31 Days to Survival and Dirt Cheap Survival
Retreat are both Paladin Press best sellers.
He is a black belt in Shotokan karate, gunsmith,
survivalist, hunter, trapper, and homesteader.
DIG A LITTLE
DEEPER
MD Creekmore
shares tips about
the survivalist
lifestyle on his blog,
www.thesurvivalistblog.net.
101
GW_ASG4_101_new 2/21/13 4:36 AM Page 102
plant in containers on your balcony. Sprout it, plant
it, grow it, harvest it, preserve it and eat it. By going
through the whole process, you'll learn a great deal
that will put you a step ahead of the learning curve
when you make the move off-grid.
COST: KNOW
WHAT TO EXPECT
Many aspiring survivalists believe theyll save a
fortune after converting to a self-sustaining lifestyle,

but unless you own huge plots of property and
dozens of plants and animals for food, expect to
spend some of your savings during your conversion.
AVOID THE
NO. 1 MISTAKE
When preparing your
survivalist life, avoid the
No. 1 mistake that MD
Creekmore has observed
over the years.
A lot of folks just
starting out spend too
much time and money
building an arsenal of
firearms. I see this all
the time, he says.
Many new
survivalists/preppers
spend thousands of dollars on weapons and
related gear, yet have
only a two-week supply
of food and no water filter or medical supplies.

This is crazy. I love guns
and gear as much as the
next person, but I know
food and water are more
important to my survival.
Weapons do have a
place in your survival
cache, but they arent
the only thing to consider, Creekmore adds.
Sure, we need
weapons to protect what
weve put away, he
notes. Just dont
neglect the other stuff
that is just as important
or maybe even more so.
How much youll spend depends on what you want
when starting out, he says. Once you get everything
Creekmore says.
far lower comparatively than living a typical consumer
and how much you're willing to sacrifice,
Buying property, building a home, planting a
garden and raising livestock are expensive, especially
going, the cost of living a self-sustaining lifestyle can be

lifestyle. The trouble is that it can take years before
you reach the tipping point.
ve
it.
eat
d
an
it
S
pr
up your suburban back lot and plant a garden. Or
, grow it, harve

nt it
st i
a
l
t, p
p
,
t
i
re
t
se
ou
r
Survivalist 101
I love guns and gear as much as the next person but I know food and water are
more important to my survival. M.D. Creekmore
THINKSTOCK PHOTOS
Firearms are typically part of

most survalists kits, but you
dont want to start out by
blowing your entire survival
budget on guns. First, ensure
that youve stockpiled food,
water, and medical supplies to
ensure that you can stay alive.
102
GW_ASG4_103 2/15/13 2:23 AM Page 103
GW_ASG4_BUDGET 2/18/13 12:55 AM Page 104
Penny Saved, P
How To Live On A Budget As A Homesteader
By Steven D. Gregersen | photos Courtesy of Paladin
Excerpted with permission from Paladin Press. The following is from Creating the Low-Budget Homestead
had jobs paying $50 an hour, only to learn that
OF BEING SELF-SUFFICIENT.
third that amount. Even those who tough it out
If I had to guess at the number
one reason people abandon their
dreams of self-sufficiency, Id say it was money.
you aiming for complete self-sufficiency? Are you
sometimes face years of deprivation and stress
its TEOTWAWKI (The End Of The World As
before fiscal progress is seen.
Dont be nave about money. Youre still
Within a few miles of our cabin in Montana, I can
going to need it, but if you follow some of the
foundations where people came to escape the rat
you thought and may find ways to make it while
show you the remains of homes, outbuildings and

race, only to succumb to the heart-wrenching
reality that money is still a necessity in self-suffi-
guidelines, you may find youll need a lot less than

still pursuing your dream of self-sufficiency.
money and pay cash for their land and home,
DECIDE WHAT
YOU WANT
Weve seen others come from out of state who
do you want to attain? Are you just planning to
cient living.
Weve seen people come here with piles of
then run up enormous debts and lose it all.
use your retreat until conditions stabilize? Are
the same job here (if they can find one!) pays a
What level of preparedness or self-sufficiency
104
equipping a place as an insurance policy so that if

We Know It), youll have someplace to go with
family and friends and live your life in relative
security?
Whatever your goal is, you need to make a
list of the skills, tools, knowledge and equipment

youll need to reach your desired level of pre-
paredness. Now go through the list and set prior-
ities. As you save money, get the most important

items first. A list like this will keep you on track,
and youll be able to see the progress youre
making, which will motivate you to continue your

efforts over the long haul.
THINKSTOCK - LAMP
ONEY, AT LEAST
FOR NOW, IS PART
, Penny Earned
HOW HE
ARRIVED AT
SELF-SUFFICIENCY
Steven D.
Gregersen learned
such skills as crop
and animal husbandry while working on the farms of
various relatives;
hunting and fishing
from his father;
camping and outdoor
skills from the Boy
Scouts; discipline,
marksmanship and
first aid from the U.S.
Marine Corps; and
auto mechanics from
vocational school. In
addition, he taught
himself gardening,
trapping, construction, solar power,
food preservation,
heating with wood,
and a host of other
skills essential to an
off-grid, self-sufficient lifestyle. He and
his wife established
their 20-acre homestead in northwestern Montana in 2004.
MONEY-SAVING
TIPS
1 Replace incandescent lights with
low-watt fluorescents or LEDs
2 Use reading lamps instead of

overhead lighting
3 Turn lights off if you arent using them

4 Use motion-sensitive lighting outside
One of the best ways to save

money is to make things
yourself. I wanted a heavy
wool coat but couldnt afford
a new one or find a used
one like I wanted. We purchased two wool coats from
a thrift store for $7.50 each.
I combined them to make a
coat exactly like I wanted.
Not including my labor and
thread, I saved more than
$100 compared to the price
of a new coat.
THINKSTOCK - LAMP
rather than leaving the light on all night
Use it up, wear it out,

make it do, do without.
105
BUDGET
PENNIES ADD UP
My wife tunes pianos for some extra cash. While she has a strong
music background, you dont even need to know how to play a
piano in order to tune one. There are correspondence courses that
can teach you everything you need to know, and the tools are relatively inexpensive. With the advent of electronic tuners, even someone who is tone-deaf can tune a piano to perfection.
Years ago I kept track of every penny I spent for one
full month. That was illuminating, to say the least. The
biggest shock came when I added up my expenditures on
snacks. I averaged $2 a day for snacks and soft drinks from

the machines at work. That didnt sound like much until I
made the yearly connection. That $2 per day times five
days per week for 50 weeks came to $500 a year spent to
rot my teeth and expand my waist.
How much do you spend on things like snacks, soft
drinks and cappuccinos? If you can save just one dollar a

day every day of the year, youll have $365 to spend on
other things. They key here is to set money aside for
the things you really want.
DOWNSIZING
Can you eliminate a vehicle? Youll
spend less on licensing, taxes, insurance,

repairs, tires, maintenance and gasoline.
What about housing? Could you get by
with something smaller or cheaper? If you
CAN YOU
DOWNSIZE?
Personal savings may be anywhere

from a few dollars to more than $100
per month. However small or large, it
adds up over time.
VEHICLE
If you can eliminate a car,
youll spend less on licensing,
taxes, insurance, repairs, tires,
maintenance and gasoline.
Steven D. Gregersen, homesteader
HOUSING
Can you get by with something
smaller or cheaper?
rented an apartment within walking distance of
where you work and eliminated a vehicle as well, you
might be able to save enough to buy a piece of land in the

country somewhere for a retreat.
If youre at the age where you can buy that retirement
home, think carefully about what you get. Do you really
need four bedrooms and five bathrooms? Large houses are
costly to heat and cool, difficult to keep clean, expensive to

maintain, and the taxes and insurance are atrocious.
REEVALUATE YOUR
INSURANCE
The typical American pays insurance on his or her life,
health, home and vehicles. Its important to have adequate

insurance, but remember that the more insurance a sales-
man can talk you into, the fatter his commissionand the
thinner your walletbecomes. Savings can amount to hun-
dreds of dollars per year. Meet your legal requirements on
property and vehicles; carefully analyze what you do and do

not need after that.
Medical care and insurance is a difficult obstacle to
overcome. If youre a veteran, you may qualify for health
care benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

There are also county-, state- and city-sponsored clinics
Our son is changing a

tire on our $49.99 Harbor Freight Tools tire
machine. He saved
more than $200 by buying his tires online and
mounting them himself.
We save more than
$100 per year using this
machine and doing our
tire swaps and repairs
ourselves. It comes with
instructions.
that handle most routine medical needs. Those Im aware
of bill you according to your income. In the event of a longterm or serious illness, and if you qualify, Medicaid or
Medicare may be options.
106
GW_ASG4_107 2/15/13 2:25 AM Page 107
Technology is changing and so are your

needs. DSG Arms specializes in a broad
selection of high-end brand name M4 /
AR-15 weapons and components. When the
difference between this level and the next is
your gear, DSG Arms is there to deliver.
L.E. / Military discounts to all active duty personnel.
DSGARMS.COM
CAGE: 1L0J5
1.800.382.7571
GSA: GS-07F-6007R
Weapons
SALES@DSGARMS.COM
Optics
Components
FACEBOOK.COM/DSGARMS
@DSGARMS
BUDGET
SAVINGS
Youll save money on automotive

repairs by fixing parts whenever
possible. The dimmer switch on
my pickup quit working, so I disassembled it, sanded off the
corrosion, and put it back
together. Its worked like new
ever since. If the repair hadnt
worked Id have had to buy a
new one anyway, so I figured I
had nothing to lose by trying.
101
$2
The amount of
money Steven D.
Gregersen was
spending each
day for snacks
and soft drinks
from the
machines at work
$500
That $2 per day
times five days
per week for 50
weeks came to
$500 a year
$1
Save this amount
each day
$365
If you can save
just one dollar a
day every day of
the year, youll
have this amount
to spend on other
things
BE ENERGY
EFFICIENT
Trading in a gas guzzler for a more energy-
efficient vehicle may save money on fuel, but be
careful here. Add up the differences in miles per

gallon savings vs. the cost of the newer vehicle;
you might find that its cheaper to drive the old
clunker until its worn out. However, when the

time comes to trade it in, get something thats
fuel efficient.
The same holds true of appliances. If your
If I had to guess
at the number
one reason people abandon their
dreams of selfsufficiency, Id say
it was money.
Steven D.
Gregersen,
homesteader
water heater, refrigerator or freezer have a few
them. Use motion-sensitive lighting outside rather than

leaving the light on all night.
Personal savings may be anywhere from a few dollars
to more than $100 per month. However small or large, it

adds up over time.
SAVINGS ON THE
PHONE, INTERNET
The more extras the phone company sells you, the
more money they make. Sure, call waiting is only a couple

of bucks a month, but do you really need it? What about
caller ID, voice mail or unlimited long distance? We save
years under their belt, they are probably power wasters. As they wear out,
about $30 a month by using a calling card for long distance at three cents
replace them with energy-efficient models. Little things like wrapping insula-
per minute. Thats $360 per year available for other things.
tion around hot water tanks and putting the freezer in a colder room make
What about family plans and the other extras that cell phone compa-
a difference as well. Turning down thermostats in winter and up in the sum-
nies offer to save you money? They operate on the same principle to make
mer and using a lower setting on your hot water tank will also save money.
money that were using to save money: they know that an extra 10, 20 or
Connect the television, microwave, computers and Xbox to power
more dollars added to your account equals big commissions over time in
strips and turn them off when theyre not in use. Many of these items have
their pockets. They sell these things by saving you money. Thats pretty
clocks and instant on circuitry that use power even when the appliance is
smart. You spend more to save more, and they get bigger checks by saving
turned off.
you money! You leave feeling good about the bargain you got, they order a
Replace incandescent lights with low-watt fluorescents or LEDs. Use
steak dinner to celebrate their commission for selling you the super
reading lamps instead of overhead lighting. Turn lights off if you arent using
savers package deal!
108
Now this is great if you really
and barbecue grills are your friends.
sold you. But if you wouldnt have
We take advantage of dollar menus
wanted or needed the things they
bought cell phones for the entire family without the package deal, did you
really save money or did you just sign
When you do eat out, spend less.

and coupons.
a contract to buy toys for your kids?
THE JONESES
plans as well, and the same rules
and unlimited electricity. They also
Internet providers have different
apply. Get the plan thats best for you,

not the plan that makes the salesman
the best commission.
Many of our friends have newer
vehicles, bigger boats, larger houses

depend on others to provide food,
fuel, electricity and heat. With the
current economic meltdown, many of

them are on unemployment, with no
prospect of a decent job in
HABITS
Cigarettes, alcohol,
drugs, gambling and
pornography are not

listed here as moral
or health issues.
A pack of ciga-
rettes in my area
costs $5.75. One pack a
the foreseeable future,
PHONE
SAVINGS
and are struggling to

keep their homes
Do you need call waiting?

Is caller ID really mandatory?
How badly do you need voice
mail or unlimited
long distance?
day will cost you $40.25 a
week, $161 a month and $2,093 a
out of foreclosure
and food on the
table.
Instead of march-
ing to the beat of a dif-
ferent drummer, be the
drummer. Develop an independent
year. Thats more than a month of
spirit and lifestyle. Break free. Why
only for cigarettes. The decline of
drag you down, just to impress peo-
income for some people, and thats

your health and productivity add even
more.
go into debt to buy things that will

ple you may not even like?
RENT ITEMS
BE FRUGAL
Spend only on what is needed.
We live by the maxim, Use it up,
wear it out, make it do, do without.
This is easier if youre prioritized and

know the difference between needs
and wants.
Specialty ladders, paint sprayers,
carpet cleaners, backhoes, motor
homes, trucks and trailers are among
dozens of big ticket items that can be

rented at a fraction of what it would
cost you to own them.
SET ASIDE MONEY YOU SAVE

Fewer trips out mean savings on
food, fuel, impulse spending and vehicle maintenance. Consolidate your
trips and make each one accomplish

multiple purposes. If youre going to
be out all day, pack a picnic lunch and
eat at the park instead of a restaurant.
Take some ice from the fridge and a

cooler of soft drinks. Bring snacks
from home. Pocket the savings.
When you forego a cappuccino,
take the money you would have
spent out of your pocket and put it

aside. Keep an envelope at home
and deposit the money there, or
open a separate bank account for

these funds. Do the same with
everything else on this list. Set that
money aside and use it only for the

things designated in your master
plan. Then, when that super deal
comes along, youll be able to cash
REDUCE EATING OUT
in on it.
eat out, but cooking at home from
SUCCESSFUL PLAN
bly eat healthier too. The crockpot
you are truly motivated. Start now.
Im not saying you should never
scratch saves money and youll proba-
This plan will only work if
109
Buy the best you can

afford. Itll save you
money in the long run.
This Troy-Bilt tiller was
purchased over a quarter
century ago and is still
running great. It was built
to last, and last, and last!
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
STAY HOME
buyers
Guide
KNIVES
GW_ASG4_BG_KNIVES 2/18/13 12:58 AM Page 110
BACKPACKS
Central To
S u rv i va l
The Right Knife Can Provide You With Food,
Defense And Shelter
ONE ITEM. JUST ONE THING.
ASK ANY SURVIVALIST WHAT ONE ITEM THEYD BRING ON A

DESERTED ISLAND, AND THE ANSWER WILL UNDOUBTEDLY
BE THAT THEYD BRING THEIR TRUSTY KNIFE.
A knife can be the difference between death and survival, because it can
offer self-defense, it can cut branches for shelter and can seize wildlife to provide you with food. With knives being central to survival, check out a few of
these recommended blades to add to your kit.
EDITORS CHOICE
CUTCO
www.cutco.com
Model: Gut hook hunting knife
Key Features: Sharp, durable,
game dressing features
Suggested retail: $99
THE IMPORTANCE OF BELT CARRY
110
Most survivalists find that keeping a knife on their belt is

immeasurably helpful, because they can reach down, unclip it and
use it with just one hand. If your knife didnt come with a belt
sheath, you can buy a separate one from a variety of vendors that
can fit your knife.
buyers
Guide
2 SOG
KNIVES
1 CUTCO
Model: Gut Hook Hunting Knife
$125
1
CUTCO
$99
www.cutco.com
Key Features: Sharp, durable,
game dressing features
MSRP: $99
Description:
Whether you prefer fishing or hunting to feed
your family, a quality knife is absolutely essential to ensuring that the food gets on your
table. The Gut Hook Hunting Knife suits your
needs no matter which of these you prefer,
with a drop point design, gut hook tip and
amazingly sharp blade. Field dressing and
skinning are made easier with these knife, but
you can also clean fish, cut bait or carry out
other survival activities with the high carbon,
stainless steel blade, which comes in either
straight or recessed edge.
2 SOG
Model: Aegis Folding Knife
www.sogknives.com
Key Features: Folds easily, sharp, durable
MSRP: $125
Description:
You ideally prefer that your folding knife
doesnt pop open at random times like a
switchblade might, but you certainly dont
want to have to dig it out with your fingernail if
you need it in a pinch. The Aegis Folding Knife
offers a great middle ground, because when
you start to manually open it, a spring assists
and allows you to open it quickly and easily. A
built-in safety ensures that it wont slip open in
your pocket. Meanwhile, the 3.5-inch steel
blade is so sharp it will handle all of your survival tasks, then clip to your belt when you
dont need it.
3 DO ALL OUTDOORS
$25
4 COGHLANS
$16
3 DO ALL OUTDOORS
Model: Dead Deer Branch
Clear Cutters and Trail Saw
www.do-alltraps.com
Key Features: Strong, sharp, lightweight
MSRP: $25
Description:
Most people dont include it in their survival
game plans to cut through bone, but if you
ever have to in the course of dressing your
game, it can be done easily with these lightweight but hardy cutters. The kit comes with
both a trail saw and clear cutter in the same
quick-close case, allowing you to cut through
branches, limbs, bone, wood or anything else
that you may come upon in your travels. When
youre done, just toss the kit into your pack
and move toward your next adventure.
4 COGHLANS
Model: 3.5-inch Camp Knife
www.coghlans.com
Key Features: Sharp, comfortable to hold,
lightweight
MSRP: $16
5 SOG
$130
Description:
Sometimes its a comfort to know
youve got your knife right in your
pocket. Thats an easy thing to do with
Coghlans 3.5-inch Camp Knife, which
offers you a sharp blade for every survival task, from cooking to slicing rope
to cutting plants for salad. When youre
done, simply lock the carbon steel
blade into the hardwood handle and
toss it into your pack or pocket.
111
5 SOG
Model: Bowie 2.0
www.sogknives.com
Key Features: Tactical, sharp,
clip point blade
MSRP: $130
Description:
When you think of a tactical knife,
youre probably picturing the Bowie
2.0. Created based on knives used by

the Special Forces in Vietnam, this
knifes 6.4-inch blade can get you out
of just about any jams you may
encounter in your survival travels. Its
straight steel blade has a clip point
edge so you can go from cleaning a
fish to cutting a rope and then use it
for self-defense. It comes with a
leather sheath and a belt attachment
for easy carrying.
buyers
Guide
KNIVES
6 KA-BAR
$98-107
6 KA-BAR
Model: Black Straight Edge
www.kabar.com
Key Features: Multi-purpose,
fixed blade, lightweight
MSRP: $98-107
7 HAVALON
$36
Description:
Youre traveling through brush, unable
to see in front of you, and you hear a
sound in the distance it could be a
deer, but it could also be a predator.
No matter what you find after you cut
through that brush with your KA-BAR
knife, youre prepared for the best or
worst, because this all-purpose blade
will keep you covered no matter what
you find on the other side of the
meadow. A seven-inch blade, paired
with this slip-resistant handle, gives
you an overall knife length of nearly 12
inches. A pocket clip will ensure that
you dont misplace this knifea good
thing, since it could be lifesaving.
8 IAN SINCLAIR
$25
7 HAVALON
Model: Piranta EDGE
www.havalon.com
Key Features: Ultra-thin,
lightweight, easy to grip
MSRP: $36
Description:
If youve ever skinned a deer, you
know it can require near-surgical precision to ensure that you remove all of
the skin but none of the meat. The
Piranta EDGE gives you that surgeons
tool, with an ultra-thin blade and a
lightweight, easy to hold handle. The
best part of this compact wonder is
that youll never need to sharpen it.
The Piranta comes with 12 additional
blades, so if you find that yours seems
a bit dull, just pop out the blade and
replace it with a new one.
8 IAIN SINCLAIR
9 GERBER
$69
10 KA-BAR
$84
www.iainsinclair.com
Description:
When you have no space to spare in
your backpack, you still have room for
this innovative and amazingly sharp
knife. It looks like a credit card, but
you just fold it three times and it
exposes the stainless steel blade,
turning the credit card edges into a
handle. At just 2.2-mm thick, the knife
weighs in at only 13 grams and is
entirely waterproof. When youre finished using it, just clean the edge, fold
it back into its original credit card size,
and tuck it back into your wallet until
next time.
9 GERBER
Model: DMF Folder, Tanto
www.gerbergear.com
Key Features: Tactical, locking, sharp
MSRP: $69
Description:
Whether you need a knife for defense
or for other tactical excursions, the
Gerber Folder has you covered. This
manually folding knife features a 3.5inch blade and a closed length of 4.8
inches so it can snugly fit into your pack.
112
Weighing just 6.2 ounces, you can carry

it anywhere. The ambidextrous handle
features a firm gripping surface, even if
its raining, youve got fish guts on your
hand or if youre just sweating. No matter what your needs, Gerbers DMF is
worth a place in your gear collection.
10 KA-BAR
Model: Kukri Machete
www.kabar.com
Key Features: Long blade, field purpose
MSRP: $84
Description:
Not every survivalist has a
machete as part of his bugout bag, but if youre packing for an extended amount
of time outside, its worth
your while to add the Kukri
machete to your collection.
With a carbon steel blade
measuring almost a foot
long, you can chop through
even the roughest fields to
make your way to safety.
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
Model: Cardsharp Knife

Key Features: Ultra-small,
lightweight, very sharp
MSRP: $25
GENERAL
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
General
Preparedness
THESE TIPS WILL KEEP YOU SAFE AND READY
SELF-RELIANCE.
Whether its learning what to do during a pandemic, understanding everything
you need to know about firearms, making your personal care and hygiene products
or mastering the art of using your car as a survival shelter, youll find this information in the following section.
All it takes is some planning.
In This Section
Pandemic 101
Beginners Guide to
the Right Firearm
113
Personal Care
4-Wheel Survival Vehicle
GW_ASG4_GUNS 2/18/13 1:13 AM Page 114
A Beginners Guide
To Selecting The
Right Gun For
Self-Defense
Firearms 101
THINKSTOCK
Firearms expert Dave Spaulding

says, A gun for a home defense
scenario is for that alone. If you
are not prepared, a gun is not a
good choice.
114
THINKSTOCK
By Sean Cooper
ELF-SUFFICIENCY EXTENDS
BEYOND DISASTER PREPARA-
TION, HEATING YOUR HOME
AND GROWING YOUR OWN
FOOD.
Its also critical to be able to defend yourself and
your family. To help you do that safely, intelligently and
efficiently, we went straight to one of the nations most

knowledgeable gun expertsDave Spauldingowner
and chief instructor at Handgun Combatives. The former police officer guides you every step of the way.
Q: How does one decide if gun ownership is

right?
A: The first thing you need to understand is that a
gun is not something you use to scare someone away.

You have to consider very seriously the following
question: Am I willing to take a life? A gun for a home
defense scenario is for that alone. If youre not prepared, a gun is not a good choice.
Q: Should one buy a handgun, shotgun or rifle?

A: It depends on the environment you live in. If
youre a homeowner or an apartment dweller in a
large urban area, then getting a long gun may not be a
good choice because of the close confines. In this case,

a handgun would probably be your best bet.
Q: What are the steps to purchasing a gun?

A: If youre buying your gun from a licensed gun
dealer, youre going to fill out Form 4473 to confirm
your identity and where you live. Then youre going to
answer a battery of questions. The dealer is then going

to go to the NICS (National Instant Criminal Back-
ground Check System) to see if you have a criminal

record.
KEEP GUNS AWAY

FROM CHILDREN
If you have young children,
youre going to have to keep your
gun safely away from them.
Store it safely in a way they
cant access it, says Dave
Spaulding.
Children are curious and
naturally want to try it out,
he says.
Use good common sense, be
safe and think about this stuff
carefully, so it doesnt become a
tragedy, he notes.
The
larger the
bullet, the
better
effect it
will have.
THINKSTOCK
THINKSTOCK
Dave Spaulding, owner and

chief instructor
at Handgun Combatives
In a home self-defense situation

in which a homeowner lives in an
apartment or home, experts recommend a handgun.
115
TRAINING IS
IMPORTANT
FIREARMS 101
Handling and firing a handgun requires

proper training and preparation. You can
enroll in Dave Spauldings comprehensive
handgun training course through
his website below, which is
www.handguncombatives.com/.
Q: How does one choose the right caliber?

A: Please understand the gun store clerk will try to sell you
what they have in stock. Take your time, be informed and select
a gun. Its really easy to go in and buy a .22 because its relatively
cheap and easy to shoot, but keep in mind its a really small bullet. Its not going to be one to count on to rapidly stop an
assailant. The larger the bullet, the better effect it will have. A .38
special is good to look at.
Q: How does one know what gun will work best for
him?
A: My suggestion is try to find a gun store that also has a
range facility where you can actually try the guns. You can also
try the guns of trusted friends and see what works best for you.
Youll want to see if you have the hand strength and upper body
strength.
Q: What ammo should be used?

A: You want to look for the most effective ammunition you
can get. Youll want to pick a hollow point cartridge (a hole
drilled in the end of it). It expands, it dissipates and it creates a
To become proficient with a

firearm, Spaulding recommends formal training.
larger wound cavity to stop the assailant.
Q: What kind of maintenance

and cleaning do guns require?
A: Read the owners manual of the
ter known training schools. There are
also a large number of regional instruc-
thumb is that if it looks dirty, it proba-
give you the ins and outs.
bly is. Lubricate sparingly with a cloth

with a bit of oil on it. The owners
manual will have recommendations.
Q: How does one become proficient at handling the gun?

A: You have to consider, am I
going to train with this gun or am I
going to fire it a couple times to makes
THINKSTOCK
drawer? You can go to one of the bet-
gun. Keep in mind its a machine, and it
needs to be lubricated. The best rule of
Your environment
will determine
what type of
firearm you
should have.
sure it works and then throw it in a
tors who do a very good job. They can
Q: What accessories should one

buy?
A: Youll need ammo, a gun clean-
ing kit and if the gun is going to be carried, additional accessories like a holster. You dont have to spend a huge
amount of money, you just have to
take your time and select wisely.
Q&
116
WHICH IS RIGHT
FOR YOU?
RIFLE, SHOTGUN or HANDGUN
It depends on the environment you
live in.
HOMEOWNER OR APARTMENT
DWELLER
Due to the close confines of
neighbors, a handgun is best.
RURAL RESIDENT
A rifle or an AR would work
SHOTGUN
If you opt for a shotgun, select one
that has a barrel of 18 inches or less.
This will allow you to negotiate hallways, turns.
You have to consider very seriously the following

question: Am I willing to take a life? Dave Spaulding, owner
and chief instructor at Handgun Combatives
Q: What kind of safeguards

do guns have?
A: Understand that all guns
10:55 AM
come with gun locks. Understand

that safe handling of a firearm is
something that comes from awareness. The gun should be your center of the universe. Nothing that
surrounds you should distract you

from it.
Sean Cooper is a journalist who
&A
THINKSTOCK
lives in Canada.
117
Page 1
GW_ASG4_BESTGUNS 2/21/13 4:44 AM Page 118
the gun will

defend you with
totally reliable,
one-shot stopping
power against any
threat, human or
otherwise.
1911 pistols whatever your

heart desires ask and theyll
make it. (Kimber America)
Old-Fashioned
Firepower
For Reliability And One-Shot Stopping
Power, The Model 1911 May Be The Best
Pistol For Home Defense By Jim Dickson
WHY
ITS HOT
Shootability
Reliability
Firepower
Safety
DO YOU TURN?
SHOOTABILITY
more reliable than automatics, but I have had far
IBER .45, MODEL 1911, U.S.
weight for steadiness and rapid fire without an
revolvers than with automatics.
BEST PISTOL FOR HOME DEFENSE
be fired from either hand or one in each hand, as
1911s reputation for reliability was made with the
in the hand and is easy for anyone to master.
plenty of room for the rust, sand and dirt of com-
THE AUTOMATIC PISTOL, CAL-
ARMY IS, IN MY OPINION, THE
AND GENERAL-PURPOSE USE.
YOU CAN TRUST THE MODEL
1911 WITH YOUR LIFE IN ANY KIND
The 1911 is a perfectly balanced combination of
extra ounce more a true one-hand pistol, able to

circumstances dictate. Recoil is just a light bounce
more malfunctions and parts breakage with
Theres one important thing to remember. The
unaltered G.I. version that was manufactured with
bat NOT the tightened-up Accurized guns that
GUN WILL DEFEND YOU WITH
RELIABILITY
STOPPING POWER AGAINST ANY
weapon that youre staking your life on, and the
FIREPOWER
HERES WHY.
in its more than 100 years of service.
Firepower is bullets hitting people, not aimlessly
OF SURVIVAL SITUATION; THE
TOTALLY RELIABLE, ONE-SHOT
THREAT, HUMAN OR OTHERWISE.
Reliability is of maximum importance on any
1911 has proven the most reliable pistol ever made

You often hear people say that revolvers are
118
match shooters use.
Firepower is an often-misunderstood issue.
spraying lead in their direction.
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
N TIMES OF TROUBLE, WHERE
GW_ASG4_119 2/20/13 12:01 PM Page 119
GW_ASG4_BESTGUNS 2/18/13 1:15 AM Page 120
BEST GUNS
WHAT FLAVOR IS YOUR 1911?

The M1911 is the most imitated handgun in the world.
Its fundamental design is sound, and continues to dominate the firearms market.
Todays 1911 pistols are available in a variety of calibers
and configurations options are limited only by your imagination and budget. From basic entry-level guns all the way up to
competition-ready race guns, the 1911 is the pistol of choice.
Why? A 1911 is easy to shoot, almost as easy to upgrade, and
can handle as much horsepower as you dare.
Its very rare to need more
than four shots in a gunfight.
Dealing with mobs may require

more, and the ability to rapidly
reload with seven-shot magazines
works equally well on moose and

bears. On these big animals you
want penetration, not expansion.

You already have a big enough
Safety is another issue.
The 1911s designer, John M.
Browning, thought that the grip
safety was all that the gun needed,

and intended for it to be carried
cocked with just the grip safety.

The Army insisted on a thumb
safety, and the gun has been car-
ried cocked with the thumb safety

on for more than 100 years with
an enviable safety record.
Safety around children is
bullet.
always mentioned when we talk
end of an enemy charge in the
less penetration can avail them-
your guns and locking them up
you dont want a revolver.
low points. These offer no
has saved the day for many a soldier who was on the receiving
last 100 years. This is one place
Recoil is just a light

bounce in the hand,
easy for anyone to master. (Les Baer Custom)
horse down with one shot, and it
SAFETY
Stopping power is everything
when someone or something is

trying to kill you. Nothing
improves on the stopping power
of the 230-grain full metal jacket

G.I. load at 820 feet per second.
Its a one-shot stopper, designed

to put an enemy cavalrymans
Apartment dwellers wanting
selves of a wide variety of holincrease in stopping power,
despite what the salesman says,
any about any kind of guns. Hiding

will take care of gun safety around
children, until they can be taught
the proper way to handle them.
The 1911 is designed with two
and they do give up the ability
built-in safety mechanisms that
the intruder standing just beside
are ready to use it the grip
to shoot through walls to get at

the doorway you need to go
through. Thats the price you

pay for less penetration.
wont let the pistol fire until you

safety and the safety lever.
You must hold the pistol
firmly to depress the grip safety
on the back of the grip or the

trigger will not move. Your
The 1911 pistol. Shoot big.

(Springfield Armory)
hands must be big enough to
hold the gun to push in the grip

safety as well, and the hands of
children are not able to do this.

The thumb safety on the
left side of the pistol will
not let the gun fire if the
thumb safety is in the up, or
safe, position, and you must

first move the thumb safety
down into the fire position

before firing the gun.
A 1911
magazine
holds seven
rounds of .45
ACP. (Kimber
America)
BEST
PISTOL
The 1911, or specifically the
The 1911 has proved the most

reliable pistol ever made in its
more than 100 years of service.
On the back of the

gun, just under the
hammer, youll find the
grip safety. When you
wrap your hand around
is the pistol that I use and
trust. Every time I go to fire the

gun, it always shoots accurate
and true and that makes the
1911 the best pistol for home
defense or whatever you use it
1911 SAFETY FEATURES

The 1911 incorporates two mechanical
safety devices: the grip
safety and the thumb
safety (or safety lever).
M1911A1 the WWII version
the grip, youre disengaging the grip safety

by holding the pistol
firmly as if you
planned to shoot.
The thumb safety is

on the left rear side of
the gun. Flip the safety
lever up for SAFE; flip it
down to FIRE.
120
for.
That should answer your
question.
GW_ASG4_CARE 2/18/13 1:17 AM Page 121
PERSONAL
TOUCH
How To Make
Your Own Soap
By Erin Hatfield
S UGLY AS
HOMEMADE SOAP.
Weve all heard the
phrase, but todays home-
made beauty products are
anything but homely. In fact,

making your own personal
care products allows you to
have better control over the ingredients that
come in contact with your your skin every day

and allows you to be more self-sufficient when a
disaster shuts down your local stores.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Cold-process soap allows you to use lye to
convert oils and other fatty acids into the salt

that we know as soap. Lye is a caustic base,
meaning that it has a very high pH, and it can lead
to chemical burns if not handled correctly. Wearing protective gear like gloves and an apron, and
working in a well-ventilated area when mixing the

ingredients can help you sidestep most of the
dangers of working with lye. You also want to be
sure that all of the equipment you use for soap
You can use various types of

fats and oils when making your
own soap. Many people find
that olive oil can cure dry skin
issues and helps ease the discomfort of eczema.
making are not used for food or liquids that will

be ingested.
Soap making is a precise process, so all of your ingredients need to be accurately measured.
PROCEED WITH CAUTION
THINKSTOCK PHOTO
LYE
This is a caustic base and
can cause
chemical
burns if not
handled
correctly.
DONT
WEAR
Be sure that
all of the
equipment
you use for
soap making
is not used
for food or
liquids that
will be
ingested.
Wear gloves
and an apron
and work in a
well-ventilated
area when
mixing the
ingredients.
121
CARE
From rose to lavender to sage, you can

customize the scents in your soap to meet
your personal preferences.
Soap making is a precise process, so all of your ingredients
need to be accurately measured. Most recipes are based on
weight, not volume, so invest in a nice digital kitchen scale. The
amount of lye required in each recipe varies depending on both
HOW IT WORKS
Saponification translates to
the oils youre using and the size of the batch. There are a number of lye calculators available on the Internet, but Juliebeth
soap making.
Mezzy, owner of Julies Stuff Natural Beauty Products, recom-
mends Majestic Mountain Sages Lye Calculator (www.thesage.
that produces soap. Chemically, it
and amount of oils they are using to determine how much lye is
(either sodium hydroxide or potas-
In basic terms, its the process
com/calcs/lyecalc2.php), which enables users to select the type
involves combining a base, or lye
required for the saponification process.
sium hydroxide), and a fatty acid

such as oil (or animal fat) to create
a salt, or what we know as soap.
Once you have calculated and measured all of the ingredi-
Each fatty acid has unique characteristics that influence the out-
ents, the first step is to add the lye to the watercarefully. You
come of the reaction, so its highly
want to use a heat-resistant tool to stir the mixture and ensure

that the lye crystals have been properly dissolved. This process
each ingredient and make
generates a great deal of heat, despite starting with room-temperature ingredients, and can reach upward of 300 degrees.
fat youre using. During the reac-
about 100 degrees before you combine it with your oils, so use
glycerol molecule (which turns into
Its very important to let the lye/water mixture cool to
a thermometer to monitor the temperature, advises Mezzy.
And be patient.
important to accurately measure

allowances for the specific type of
tion, the acid releases a single
skin nourishing glycerin), enabling
the fatty acids and base to bond
and form soap.
122
You can either stir your pot by hand to achieve

trace or use a stick blender, as Mezzy does.
THINKSTOCK
PREPARATION PHASE
GW_ASG4_123 2/15/13 2:37 AM Page 123
When disaster strikes...

e
v
a
h
u
o
y
l
l
i
w
?
s
e
k
a
t
t
i
what
Only
$499.99
PLUS FREE SHIPPING*
Only
$69.95
KATADYN Hiker Water Filter

Compact, lightweight and easy to pump
Effective and efficient filtering up to one quart
per minute
.3 micron filtration eliminating bacteria
and protozoa including Giardia and
Cryptosporidium
2-Person, 1-month starter

emergency food supply
Exclusively for American Survival Guide
Readers Only
Nutritionally balanced food supply for two people for 30 days
providing over 2200 calories per person per day
Excellent variety of freeze-dried and dehydrated items providing
both convenience and flexibility in meal preparation
Go to www.BePrepared.com/ASG for full contents and nutritional
information.
Readywise II
2-Person Emergency Kit
Only
$195.95
A two-person, three day emergency kit

offering a balance between portability and
functionality
Contains over 220 emergency supplies
Contains MREs (Meals-Ready-to-Eat),
quality backpacks, first aid supplies, N95
masks, warmth, shelter, flashlight with cell
phone charger and more!
$312.22 value
Go to www.BePrepared.com/ASG and place your order today!

Or call us at 800-999-1863 and mention code ASG2012
Expires Feb. 18, 2013. Pricing subject to change without notice. *FREE shipping to the continental US only (not Alaska, Hawaii, APOs, or FPOs)
CARE
Vary the soap shapes
that you produce by
purchasing different
types of molds.
THE ROAD
TO SOAP
As a massage therapist
Juliebeth Mezzy, owner of
Julies Stuff Natural Beauty
Products
(http://www.etsy.com/shop/julie
bethsSoaps)works with various lotions and had a hard time
finding products in her budget
that werent loaded with chemicals. And then things changed.
I took an aromatherapy
class to learn about salves and
experimented with the recipe
until I reached a consistency I
liked that was similar to lotion,
says Mezzy.
I came into the process with no prior knowledge of
what would and wouldnt work, so there were a few early
form. Many oils such as coconut oil and shea butter are solid
rely on my preferences and intuition to develop basic fra-
whether vegetable- or animal-based, to get them into liquid

at room temperature, so use a double-boiler to heat them
gently until just melted, much like working with chocolate.
Before mixing the cooled lye and the oils, take the tem-
perature of both solutions. They should both be around 100
degrees. If either has cooled below that,
you can increase the temperature by placing the bottom of the pot into a sink of
hot water. Likewise, if either remains too
warm, you can lower the pots base into a

sink of cold water.
TIME TO MAKE SOAP
Once your lye and oils are prepared,
its time to make soap.
Slowly pour the lye/water mixture
into the oils while stirring. If youre stir-
batches where the fragrance just didnt work, she says. I
grance mixtures. It also helps to be mindful of where youll
be using the soap, too. Peppermint oil, for example, isnt a

good match for sensitive areas of skin.
After adding the oils and ensuring the mixture is a uniform consistency, you need to pour it
making your
own personal
care products
allows you
to be more
self-sufficient
when a disaster shuts down
your local
stores.
ring by hand, use a figure-eight pattern to
quickly into prepared molds. Early on,
Mezzy says she used soup cans, silicon
molds and a number of other vessels for
her soap. Today, she uses a custom-made

wooden mold that delivers more consistent shapes and sizes, and she hand-cuts
the soap into similar sizes based on

weight.
The soap needs to sit in the mold for
approximately 24 hours before being
removed and cut into the finished sizes.

Then comes the hard part waiting for
the soap to cure. The key to creating a
ensure that all of the ingredients have been mixed well. Or,
hard, long-lasting bar of homemade soap is allowing the
the process easier and faster.
weeks.
you can do what Mezzy doesuse a stick blender to make
Mezzy advises stirring until the mixture is the consistency
of pudding, which is an indication that saponification is start-
water to evaporate, which can take between four and six
ing to take place. This could take as little as 10 minutes or as
EXPERIMENT
called the trace stage (the step when the ingredients are
recipes, branch out a little and try new oils and fats, as well
and not be pourable. Check for trace every five to 10 min-
during these experiments, though, so youll know how to
long as an hour. But be careful; going too far past what is
perfectly mixed) will cause your soap to harden in the pot
utes if youre stirring by hand, or more often if youre using a

stick blender.
Once youve achieved trace, add essential oils for fra-
grance, as well as any colorants. Mezzy admits to using trial
and error to customize her soap, which hasnt always created a winning product.
As you become more comfortable with basic soap
as fragrance combinations. Be sure to write everything down

repeat the processor what to avoid.
Above all, says Mezzy, Covet the soap that you make.
Keep it in a nice dish and show it off. A lot of love and labor
went into that little bar.
Erin Hatfield is a freelance writer based in North Carolina.
124
SAVE
ON YOUR
INGREDIENTS
Making soap at
home is a highly customizable process due
to the large variety of
vegetable and animal
fats and oils available.
Below youll find a list
of some of the most
common ingredients.
While many of these
are available through
online retailers, shipping costs can be prohibitive. Instead, Mezzy
recommends checking
with your local restaurant supply stores or
organic markets.
Sweet Almond Oil
Aloe Vera Butter
Argan Oil
Beeswax
Butterfat
Canola Oil
Castor Oil
Cocoa Butter
Coconut Oil
Cottonseed Oil
Flax Seed Oil
Hemp Oil
Jojoba Oil
Lanolin
Olive Oil
Shea Butter
Soybean Oil
Tallow
THINKSTOCK PHOTOS
While the lye mixture is cooling, its a good time to
increase the temperature of the oils you plan to use,
LIGHTS
GW_ASG4_BG_FLASH 2/26/13 5:55 AM Page 125
URBAN
Shatter The
Darkness
These Cool Tools Will Provide Ample Light
BY SEAN COOPER
LIGHT.
TAKE IT FOR GRANTED
UNTIL YOU DONT HAVE IT.
AND THEN SEE WHAT YOUR

WORLD IS LIKE.
Although not an absolute neces-
sity like food, shelter and water, a
source of light is still an important
part of your survival gear pack. The

campfire may provide warmth and
light, but you cant take it with you
when you need to find a screwdriver

in your tent.
The following fantastic flashlights
and lanterns will provide light when

you need it most.
EDITORS CHOICE
SOG
SPECIALTY
KNIVES
Key Features: Flashlight-knife
combo, includes batteries and
nylon pouch, 25 lumens
MSRP: $115
125
buyers
Guide
LIGHTS
1 SOG
SOG SPECIALTY KNIVES

Model: BladeLight Fixed
$115
www.sogknives.com
Key Features: Flashlight-knife combo,
includes batteries and nylon pouch, 25 lumens
MSRP: $115
Description:
Whats better than having both a hunting knife
and a flashlight? The Bladelight Fixed knife, of
course! This all-in-one tool features a knife
and flashlight combined into one cool tool. Cutting in the dark is dangerous, but with this
lights six LEDs molded into the handle, youll
have ample light so you can cut your meat,
fruits and vegetables with added precision.
Plus, this knife is not only water-resistant, it
provides an amazing 25 lumens of bright light,
even when its in the sheath. If youre going to
take just one knife with you into the wilderness, dont leave home without the Bladelight
Fixed.
2 BLACK DIAMOND
2 BLACK DIAMOND
$40
5 CABELAS
3 CABELAS
$119.99
$159
Model: Spot Headlamp
Key Features: 3-level power meter, lock
mode, hands-free
MSRP: $40
Description:
If youre looking for the most powerful headlamp, look no further than the 90-lumen Black
Diamond Spot Headlamp. Its perfect in any situation, whether youre cooking by the campfire
or youre venturing out into the wilderness
after dark. You wont have to worry about getting this headlamp wetits waterproof and
protected from spraying and splashing from
any direction. As long as you have three AAA
batteries handy youll never be left in the dark.
Each time you turn on the device, the threelevel power meter displays the remaining battery life, so youll always know when it will run
out. Theres even a lock mode, so you wont
inadvertently turn it on and drain the battery.
4 SUREFIRE
$95
3 CABELAS
Model: LED Lenser M7R

Rechargeable Flashlight
www.cabelas.com
Key Features: Bright 220-lumen output, ideal
for holstered carry, eight advanced functions
MSRP: $159.99
Description:
This is no ordinary, run-of-the-mill flashlight.
The LED Lenser M7R Rechargeable Flashlight
is a dual-purpose flashlightit acts as both a
far-reaching spotlight and a close-up floodlight. Eight powerful functions are at your fingertips, including Morse code, boost, power,
low power, dim, blink, SOS and defense
strobe. You wont need to worry about getting
this puppy wet because its water-resistant
and best of all, the battery is included.
Patented Smart Light Technology delivers two
settings, providing 220 lumens for two and a
half hours on high-power mode or 30 lumens
for an impressive 20 hours on lower power
mode. It comes with a handy recharger, which
fully charges the device in under five hours.
Forgot the recharger? No problem it can also
be recharged through a USB port.
4 SUREFIRE
Model: G2X Pro Dual-Output LED
www.surefire.com
Key Features: Single or dual output,
durable, lightweight
MSRP: $95
Description:
G2X Pro offers the power of two flashlights for the price of one. Single and dual
output options offer the ability to switch
light intensity at the drop of a hat based
on your lighting needs. Switching is a
cinchsimply press the tail cap or press
the switch. This powerful flashlight offers
many hours of battery power2.5 hours
on high and up to 45 hours on low. Not
126
only does it shine blinding light with 320

lumens, it features a nearly indestructible
body, so you wont have to worry about
accidentally dropping it. It comes in your
choice of colors and is backed by SureFires no-hassle guarantee.
5 CABELAS
Model: Coleman Model 2000

Dual Fuel Lantern
www.cabelas.com
Key features: Easy to operate, durable,
option of fuels
MSRP: $119.99
Description:
Made in the good old USA, Coleman is a
name synonymous with quality and, boy,
does it deliver! When we say durable, we
mean durable. Coleman Model 2000 Dual
Fuel Lantern is a long-lasting lantern you
can pass down to your children. Why
fumble with matches when you dont
have to? Batteries and electronic ignition
make lighting the device a breeze. The
lantern provides plenty of lightup to
seven hours on high setting and up to 14
hours on low. Its tubular mantle isnt just
for looksit provides 20-percent brighter
light. You dont have to be an expert to
operate the device. The pump notifies you
when the ideal operating pressure has
been achieved.
GW_ASG4_127 2/15/13 2:44 AM Page 127
10/31/12
1:31 PM
When Disaster Strikes,

will you have what it takes?
Be prepared, order your copy of AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE
How to Develop Mental Tenacity

Top 10 Survival Tools
Navigate Without a GPS
How to Build a Shelter
Light a Fire Anytime, Anywhere
Survival Foods to Keep You Going
Holster Position
Just
99
Call 800-764-6278 today!

Or visit us online at www.BeckettMedia.com
buyers
Guide
LIGHTS
6 COGHLANS
7 BLACK DIAMOND
$7.98
$20.95-29.95
6 COGHLANS
Model: LED Micro Lantern
FLASHLIGHT
MAINTENANCE
Keep Out Of The Garage:
Although its probably the first

place youd think of looking for
your trusty flashlight, the
garage is not the best place.
Moisture and dust can cause
damage. Instead, keep it safe
indoors.
www.coghlans.com
Key Features: Portable, lightweight, pocket-sized
MSRP: $7.98
Description:
Tired of lugging around a heavy lantern? Then you
ought to try the LED Micro Lantern. Dont let its small
size fool you; this is one powerful lantern. Its just as
bright as a regular-sized lantern. Standing just 2
inches tall, its the perfect lantern to attach to your
knapsack. Plus, youll get plenty of hours of light. It
will last for up to 25 hours on continuous shine or 50
hours in emergency strobe mode.
Batteries: We dont recom-
mend mixing and matching

batteries. It might cause your
battery to malfunction and leak
into your precious flashlight.
Also, wait until your batteries
are fully recharged for optimum performance.
7 BLACK DIAMOND
Cleaning: You must keep
Model: Orbit Lantern
Key Features: Collapsible, double-hook hang loop,
bright, non-glaring light
MSRP: $20.95-29.95
8 COGHLANS
$4.25
Description:
Why carry a heavy lantern when you dont have to?
Orbit Lantern is the perfect compact lantern for backpackers looking to travel with the lightest load possible. But dont let its weight fool you; weighing only 3
ounces, this lantern packs an impressive 45 lumens
of bright, non-glaring light to guide your way. You
wont need to fiddle with the light intensity; included
is a dimming switch, which lets you ensure you
always have the perfect amount of light, whether
youre reading or setting up your campsite. Conveniently hang the lantern from your tent ceiling or a
tree branch, thanks to its double-hook hang loop, and
youll never be left in the dark again.
your flashlight clean if you

want it to last many years.
Cleaning includes everything
from the parts to the outside of
the device. Cotton swabs are
perfect for cleaning the battery
contacts, while its always a
good idea to give your flashlight a wipe down with a cloth.
8 COGHLANS
Model: Dynamo Flashlight
www.coghlans.com
Key Features: No batteries required, water resistant,
pocket sized
MSRP: $4.25
Description:
One of the biggest annoyances about flashlights is
the fact that you always have to carry around a spare
set of batteries in case your flashlight runs out. Batteries are a distant memory with the Dynamo Flashlight. This powerful flashlight requires no batteries or
bulbs to shine bright. Simply wind it up for less than a
minute, and youll have more than 10 minutes of
brightness, enough to light up anything up to 100 feet
away. Not only is this handy device water-resistant,
its small enough to fit in your pocket. Its perfect to
bring camping or use it as an emergency flashlight in
your car.
SPG SPECIALTY KNIVES

Model: DarkEnergy 247
www.sogknives.com
Key Features: 247 lumens of brightness, durable,
lifetime warranty
MSRP: $130
Description:
Are you tired of dim flashlights that never seem to
provide enough light? Youll be hard-pressed to find a
more powerful flashlight this size. The DarkEnergy
247A features an impressive 247 lumens of bright-
10 SUREFIRE
$225
9 SOG SPECIALTY KNIVES
$130
ness to pierce the night sky. This incredibly durable,
high-quality flashlight includes a full on-off switch and
its coated in Class III anodizing and backed by a lifetime warranty. When you buy the DarkEnergy 247A
youll never need to buy another flashlight again.
10 SUREFIRE
Model: EB1 Backup
www.surefire.com
Key Features: Tactical,
bright, lightweight
MSRP: $225
128
Description:
Dont let the name fool youyoull never need a
backup flashlight again. Use the flashlight the
pros like security guards and police officers carry.
Select from two fantastic versions: the tacticaltype switch or the click-type switch (you cant go
wrong with either). Blast 200 lumens of light with
the powerful LED emitter. SureFires patented
Total Internal Reflection (TIR) is far-reaching
enough to uncover any prowler if youre traveling
at night. Its pocket clip makes it easy and convenient to carry and it boasts an impressive 40
hours of battery life.
GW_ASG4_AD_Index 2/18/13 1:28 AM Page 129
AD INDEX
PHOTO BY DAVE ALAN
American Tactical Imports . . . . . . . . . 13

Blade-Tech Industries . . . . . . . . . . . 119
CampingSurvival.com (JHL Supply) . . 37
Dillon Precision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
DSG Arms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Kel-Tec CNC Industries, Inc . . . . . . . . . 7
Long Life Food Depot . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Major Surplus & Survival . . . . . . 10-11
Paladin Press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Paracord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Ready Reserve Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Savage Arms, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
STI International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. . . . . 72-73
Survival Bags Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
TOPS Knives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. . . . . . . . 2
Wilson Combat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
129
GW_ASG4_CLOSING 2/18/13 1:22 AM Page 130
CLOSING WORDS
SHE TUGS AT OUR ARM, BEGGING US TO COME OUTSIDE.

For captivating are her eyes,
flowing is her hair, exquisite is her

body.
She is spring.
Bolster your survival skills, so
when she appears at our doorstep

each and every year, you can fall
in love with her yet again.
130
THINKSTOCKPHOTO
AND HOW CAN WE RESIST?
GW_ASG4_C3 2/15/13 2:31 AM Page C3
ONE
GUN
TWICE
THE
FUN
.22/.410
With a .410 under and a .22 LR over, you can put meat in your own stew or
just plink away at the empty tin stew can after dinner. Whether you shoot for
survival or for revival, the new Savage Model 42 has you covered.
Also available in .22 mag and .410.
GW_ASG4_C4 2/15/13 1:52 PM Page C4
ucing . . .
Introd
The E.A.T. P
TM
(Eat Abundantly Tomorrow Pod)

A product by Long Life Food Depot, LLC
Now buy your survival food in our unique roll-away food bunker!
The EAT Pod is made from a section of corrugated, double-wall, 24 inch, round underground water pipe. It is made of HDPE plastic, the
safest plastic for food and water.
It is filled with hundreds of servings of delicious food, and has an HDPE plastic plate welded on each end.
The EAT Pod can be rolled, buried, stored in basement,
or earth-sheltered (covered above ground).
Choices include :
- EAT Pods 1, 2 - MRE Full Meals
- EAT Pods 3, 4 - Freeze Dried, Pouches
- EAT Pods 5, 6 - Freeze Dried, Cans
The EAT Pod prices include shipping and
delivery! (See www.eatpod.com)
Dont spend valuable thousands on
future family dining, only to store the food
improperly and lose most of its shelf life.
The EAT Pod can maximize the Nutritional
Life of the food inside, when optimum
conditions are met.
Works best underground or earth-sheltered,
by providing a water-proof, energy-free Air
Conditioned environment (low temp, low
H2O, even low oxygen)!
The EAT Pod comes with an optional
patented cap which makes it re-usable for
non-burying purposes.
(empty EAT Pod with patented cap can be purchased separately)
The EAT Pod is a PATENT PENDING FOOD PROTECTION SYSTEM by Long Life Food Depot, LLC. For full product details, visit www.eatpod.com
HIDE and PROTECT your future meals as if your life depends on it!
Buried!
WWW.EATPOD.COM
25 years later!

American Survival Guide - Issue 4

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

American Survival Guide - Issue 4

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

ASG4_Cover_BACKPACKER 2/22/13 3:32 AM Page US_1

FROM THE EDITORS OF GUN WORLD

GW_ASG4_C2 2/15/13 2:30 AM Page C2

YES, ITS GENUINE STAG.

Humpback Half Whittler

Small Texas Toothpick

Join the Case Collectors Club

GW_ASG4_3 2/15/13 2:15 AM Page 3

Get the emergency supplies you need today!

Canned Ammo Supplies

MODEL: LETICIA FARR

GW_ASG4_4-5_TOC 2/15/13 2:55 AM Page 4

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THESE

BUYERS GUIDE SECTIONS ...

GW_ASG4_4-5_TOC 2/15/13 2:56 AM Page 5

Learn the homesteading techniques of

Pop culture would have you believe zombies will

100 SURVIVALIST 101

104 PENNY SAVED, PENNY EARNED

When deciding to stay or go during a disaster,

Money is the main reason most abandon

20 IN THE EYE OF FEAR

The complete guide to living off the grid

68 SEAL OFF THE POISON

In a chemical attack, nuclear meltdown or an

28 AMBER WAVES OF RAIN

74 FOUR-WHEEL SURVIVAL SHELTER

From the West Coast to the Midwest to the East

Your carand its partscan keep you alive

Self-sufficiency includes self-defense, and

118 TOP CHOICES

Before a disaster puts you in a stranglehold,

Sandy Hook Elementary School. The Colorado

Whether its the effects of a hurricane,

86 THE SHOTS HEARD ROUND

Following a mass shooting, minimize the

By Thomas J. Nardi, Ph.D.

These sure-fire tips will ensure that your spring

121 PERSONAL TOUCH

MODEL: LETICIA FARR

114 FIREARMS 101

PHOTO - DAVE ALAN,

Extreme storms can cause billions of dollars in

GW_aSG4_6_ediT.cX 2/22/13 2:52 aM Page 6

ISSUE 4 / SPRING 2013

WANT YOU GUYS

GRENADE AND THEN

SHE EXTENDED ONE

This has a number of survival items

inside, she said. Among other things, it has

Gus Alonzo: Newsstand Sales Manager

I looked at Mark and smiled.

Mark and I were amidst a sea of people

and booths at the 2013 SHOT Show, and we

were in a back room, awaiting an opportunity

22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200

to discuss advertising and story ideas with

RockyS2V, a manufacturer of tactical boots

when we were greeted with this survival

Signaling, Water and Food rounded out the

list. Each contains great tips, which youll find

in our News Section, but one is worth noting

brochure that accompanies the Survival

Grenade. The first thing