ARE YOU CRAZY!!

by talon2012

Are you Crazy!!!!!

Hey man, what are you doing?
I’m planting my garden.
Well your garden can wait I got tickets to the big game today.
I can’t man I got to get this planted...
Man. You’re crazy you’re going to miss the biggest game of the season.

Storms happen when you least expect them, sometimes from your neighbor or your family. You try to explain why you do the things you do over and over again. Still they think you’ve lost your mind. How do you explain that there is a need to prepare for the unexpected emergency? Let’s step back and take a look at what you do.

You stock pile food, you have all these storage building in your yard, you build fires with no matches maybe even practice building traps too. These are all violable survival traits, and good things to know. Just imagine you are in someone else’s shoes and don’t know about prepping for an emergency. You would think it was crazy too. Trying to tell some people to prep for an emergency is like talking to a brick wall.

Can you remember why you started to prep? Was it because you were involved in an emergency before, or did someone you know tell you to get a survival kit.

Most of us know that we are supposed to have at least three days of non perishable food on hand. Do your friends or family know that, or do they even care. The scenario above actually happened. He got mad because I wanted to plant my garden said I was crazy for missing a game, but when harvest time came around asked me for some of my tomatoes, I always have more than I can use so spread the wealth so to speak. I asked him why he doesn’t plant a small garden in his yard; his answer was he didn’t want to mess up his lawn. I think to myself can you eat that lawn. But should I think he’s crazy for not prepping for some unknown emergency? Likewise should he think I’m crazy for doing what I do, of course not? It’s obvious that he doesn’t truly know or understand why I prep.


Sometimes having to explain our prepping priorities makes us feel make uncomfortable or ashamed or just plan foolish, answering questions about prepping cuts in to our time. That is something that preppers and survivalist don’t have time for do we. We are like ants always working for what might happen, This past spring during the great flood of 2011, We lost our home, so did my friends, we had a camper to live in, so No shelter for us, my friend did not. We had food clothes, my friend only had what they could carry. I saw him in town the other day and he told me he had bought a camper with the money he received from fema, but he said he goes through two bottles of propane every four days. I told him one bottle will last me a month maybe longer.

Because I cook out and use solar heat oil lamps so I don’t use much propane. Guess what now he’s interested. All the years before he called me crazy.

Now he wants to know about this stuff, funny how it took a disaster to wake him up.
All of a sudden I’m Mr. Amazing. Question is do I have time to help him. The answer to that is a big NO. Will I let him and his family go broke on propane electric bills and such the answer again is No. So what will I do? Give him something that will last a lifetime…….. KNOWLEDGE…… tell him where to go for help. Take him hunting and fishing when I go. Show him my solar heater and cooker Make prepping understandable and he will be able to help himself.

I’ve made it a priority to tell someone about being prepared everyday. That’s what Noah did in the bible, he told them the flood was coming. But they didn’t listen until the water was up to there necks. The point is tell someone, whether or not they care. You should see some of the peoples faces when I ask standing in line at the grocery store, I’ll say hello, I was wonding if you had at least three days of food stored for an emergency, or I’ll ask do you know where your flashlight is or extra batteries. They really do look at you like your crazy, but it gets them thinking. They may think I’m crazy for asking but I’ve done the exact thing Noah did I’ve planted a seed in there mind that will make them think about being prepared in an emergency. Who’s crazy now huh, Try it the next time you have a chance. Have a few cards or flyers with some links and maybe some survival advise too help them, because

What you say and do just might have saved that persons life in the future.

Talon2012
http://www.a1tunicafishingsite.com

Prepping 101 Links and Retrospect

I hope everyone had a great holiday season.  I'm sorry that I haven't posted in a while.  This Redneck Wine Glass was a gift and I think I need a whole set  of these.

Now those of you who already know the story of this glass, I'll be quick, I promise.  My husband's friend was shopping with his wife, they saw this in a gift shop with a $16 dollar price tag.  He left, hit the dollar store and $2 later and some epoxy had the same thing.  I would love a set of these over Waterford Crystal any day.

In my last post I was asked not to forget about the new people to prepping.  I haven't forgotten. 

I have dug through some past posts and this is by no means complete just a starter.  First question is why do you want to prep?  More About Prepping   covers some of this.  Who do you include in your Preps?  Who is Included hits on this, it may seem simple at first.  Immediate family members think you are nuts?  We are right there with you with How to Get Others into The Prepper Mindset.  What Kind of Foods Should I Store?  That explains itself.   Should I clear up my debt first?  There is Debt and Preparedness, a lot of people do not think they have anything they can scale back on, this guest post by Tim is an eye opener, Two Different Views on the Same Problem.  I urge you if the light bulb just went off in your head, do not whip out the credit card and put yourself into debt by ordering BOBs (Bug out bags), #10 cans of food and MREs.  You may feel you are behind but you can build slow and will be amazed at how quickly it adds up.  Here is Bare Bones to work on.   You don't want your food preps to spoil so here is a quick article Oh the Humidity of it All.  Hey, I don't live on a homestead, how am I supposed to do this?  Honey, neither do I, a great article from Marica, Prepping in Small Spaces.  This is just a starter and I will be bringing up more beginner topics and links.   Prepping also relies heavily on your preference for things. Using myself as an example, I do not store #10 cans of food.  I store the same size I normally use.  I only store the foods we eat and it doesn't take long to educate yourself to cook as you usually do outdoors without electricity or gas.  In fact you learn real quick when a category 5 hurricane hits lol.   Please use discretion when talking about your preps. We have some like minded friends we talk to, but when an emergency hits, how many people would you like to show up at your door?  I'm not saying not to help anyone but please keep in mind, people who are desperate to show up will be desperate to do anything to get what they need.   We have comments areas on blogs and message boards if you feel you are alone in this or need/want to talk about prepping and there are other places online.  Safety first!  I am looking forward to a great new year with all of you!



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It's Chilly Down Here!

This weather is greatly welcomed after the hot summer we have had.  It makes me think of soup, hot chocolate, cinnamon and allspice.  It also makes me think how thankful I am that we are almost out of hurricane season.   I have a mental list of all the things to accomplish before it gets too cold out.  Trees and shrubs have already been trimmed and need a dose of fertilizer.  Sweet potatoes are doing well, everything else-- not so well, so I need to make notes in my garden book.  Greenhouse needs to be cleaned out and winterized.  Winter clothes and food supply need to be beefed up a little bit.   
I'm also excited because soon I get deer meat!  Yep, it's that time of year again and you have to hear about it.  That means making more freezer room but I will do it gladly and maybe do a happy dance while I'm doing it.  I got caught short on ground deer last year but it's not going to happen this year.  I was a little put out because I thought that I would be losing my new, much larger garden plot but it looks like I will have it a while longer.  How are your plans coming along?

Some of the blogs have gone quiet lately.  Wolverine has talked about this on the main AP blog.  Maybe some people have moved on, or more people have gravitated to the message boards.  I have a hard time keeping up with the message boards but I try on occasion.  I don't post as much because I feel I'm repeating the same thing over and over again.  I haven't given up on prepping, I'm still chugging along.   I think it takes a lot for a prepper to come out and blog because it takes away some of your anonymity.   With the clown parade that is going on for the presidency (current office holder included), it's hard to stay optimistic.   A friend of mine wrote on his blog that he had to put his war in perspective.  That struck a cord with me, after thinking about it a bit, I figure as long as I continue to hold on to my basic theory to take care of my and mine, I have my war in perspective and can remain optimistic.  I'll be around, y'all have a nice day.




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What is our unemployment and poverty rate?

The latest Census Bureau puts us at 15.1 percent poverty level.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts us at 9.1 percent unemployed.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics had us at 9.6 percent for last year.   Since January of 2011 they expanded their data to include people unemployed for up to five years instead of two and our unemployment rate is 9.1 percent?  Our poverty level is a new record high since 1993.  In 1993 our unemployment rate was 6.8 percent  down from 7.4 percent in 1992 with a poverty rate of 14.3, and our poverty rate was 14.4 percent in 1992.   I understand that population increases will effect numbers from 1990's until now.  But here is the breakdown as I see it:

2010-2011
Census poverty level....................15.1%
Unemployment ............................  9.1%

2008-2009
Census poverty level....................14.3%
Unemployment.............................  9.3

How do they contact people who have been unemployed for up to five years?

I guess this is why I will never have a career in statistical analysis.

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Never Forget

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Living With Lee

So far so good.  Not too much flooding yet but the storm is starting to travel east from Louisiana.  If you can, stay off of HWY 90.  A lot of sand being blown around.  By now I hope everyone has the supplies they need since Lee plans on hanging around until Tuesday.  Good luck everyone and be safe!

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The Record Heat Waves

With the record heat waves and drought across the nation, the American Preppers Network hopes that you have been prepared.  Disasters of any type can and do happen anywhere, at anytime, and without warning.  We are now witnessing and will continue to witness a prime example of how one disaster can cause a chain reaction leading to other disasters.  Here are some potential disasters to be aware of as a result of the drought and heat waves.


1) Water shortages.  Water is the number 1 most important necessity to survival.  The average human can only survive 3 days without water, and even less in a heat wave.  I hope you've stored some.  If the water system shuts down or does not have enough, you could turn on the tap only to have a few drips.  If you run into a situation where there is not enough municipal water supply to your home, start looking for other sources of stored water.

• Your hot water tank may have 30 - 50 gallons of water stored. 
• The top supply tank to your toilette is typically clean water that you can use.
• Your plumbing in your house could have a few gallons.  Open a higher faucet in your house as in a shower, sink, or upstairs source to relieve pressure, then open a lower outside faucet to retrieve water from your plumbing system.

Don't short change yourself on water!  Make sure you have plenty for personal consumption.  If you stop sweating, that means you are dehydrated!   

Got Water?

2) Heat.  Heat poses many risks, including but not limited to:

• Heat Stroke.  Watch family members closely, especially the elderly, watch for slurred speech and disorientation.  When in doubt, call for help.  Time lost is brain lost.  Never leave pets or children in a vehicle, and keep them out of the direct sun.  Drink lots of water.
• Fire.  Fires are much more common in the heat.  Things dry out and become more flammable.  Keep dry brush and trash picked up.  Do not store fuel in or around your house, and keep well ventilated in a cool area out of the sun.  Keep grass cut short, especially if your city is rationing water and not allowing watering of lawns.  Do not store any flammables in the direct sun or in your attic.  
• Vehicle breakdowns. Avoid driving unless it's absolutely necessary, or drive at nite. Check your fluid levels and make sure your oil and coolant are topped off.  Bring extra oil and coolant with you in case you need it.  DO NOT top off your fuel tank!  Make sure your tires are property inflated and not over or under inflated.  Bring extra water with you in case you do break down.  Drive with the A/C off when going uphill.  Watch your vehicles tempature when climbing grades.  If your car starts to overheat when going uphill, pull over at a safe location to let it cool.  Check to make sure your thermostat is working before you make your trip.

3) Blackouts.   The nations grids are maxed out.  With everyone using A/C, expect rolling blackouts.  If you are in a blackout, you can wrap sleeping bags around your refrigerator or freezer to help insulate it.  To conserve power, only use what you absolutely need.  Keep lights turned off and keep your A/C set to the warmest temperature that you can safely stand.  Do you have a generator?  Be prepared to use it.  Do you have plenty of non-perishable food stored?  If there is an extended blackout, you may need it.  Stores and gas stations will be shut down in a blackout.  Do you have an emergency battery powered radio and flashlights?

4) Food Prices   Expect food prices to increase.  Especially meat.  Many ranchers are butchering all of there livestock as there is not enough food and water to care for them, this means shortages in the future.  Produce crops are drying up. Prices of corn, wheat and other grains will increase.  Even produce grown in unaffected areas may increase in price as well due to demand.  If the blackouts are too severe, stores, gas stations and truck stops may close down temporarily disrupting the supply chain and preventing food from making it to the stores.

Stay safe during this heat wave and dought.  This is a serious and potentially devastating national disaster.


If you have tips, ideas, news, videos or pictures that you wish to share regarding this heat wave you can submit your article to americanprepper@yahoo.com.  If your article is chosen we will post it on your states preppers network blog.  Top articles will get posted on APN.  The top article of the week will win a free flashlantern valued at $49.95 (made in the USA).  Articles must be submitted before 7/29.

Feel free to copy and repost this article in it's entirety.  Credit source as AmericanPreppersNetwork.com

Here are some free helpful pdf files to download

Fire and Heat Waves
- ARC - Are You Ready - Fire

- ARC - Are You Ready - Heat Wave

- ARC - Are You Ready - Wildfires

- Fact Sheet: Fires

- Fact Sheet: Fire Safe

- WildFires

Water
- ARC - Food and Water in Emergency

- Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water 

- How To Make A Solar Still (Plastic Cover)

- Purification Of Water On A Small Scale 

- Simple Solar Still For The Production Of Distilled Water

- Slow Sand Filters

- Water Purification

- Water Treatment

Fire Safety 

- Fighting Fire 

- Fire Safety

Get More Free Downloads here:
http://preppers.info/Free_Downloads.html