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Off the Grid/Homesteading Skills:  Prepper/Survivalist Tips  |
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batznthebelfry
True Blue Farmgirl
1257 Posts
Michele
Athol
Ma
USA
1257 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 03 2012 : 4:55:57 PM
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I love the idea of composting toilets, specially living in a State that gets quite cold in the winter...Outhouses would be sooo cold I think things would stick that I prefer to keep on my body when its below freezing here...:)...serously though it makes so much sense if you are wanting to go more off grid plus eventually you will have wonderful soil from it...here with my chickens I have to wait 6-12 months before I can use their poo so for me the wait would not be a problem plus knowing I am saving water usage, & town maintance on pipes ect would be a benefit for me & make me feel like I am doing something good.....now if I can just get my husband to agree to the idea...lol...Michele'
Chickens rule!
The Old Batz Farm
Hen #2622 |
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FarmDream
True Blue Farmgirl
1085 Posts
Julie
TX
USA
1085 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2012 : 8:38:48 PM
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Tonight I started using my dehydrator to put up some dried fruit and vegetables. I'm growing my little flock/herd of rabbits to 4 this weekend. I'm hoping to add bees this spring.
~FarmDream is Farmgirl Sister #3069
Live Today, Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow
http://naturaljulie.etsy.com
http://julie-rants.blogspot.com |
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oregonatural
True Blue Farmgirl
152 Posts
Susan
Sprague River
OR
USA
152 Posts |
Posted - Jan 12 2012 : 12:31:11 PM
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Wow, you gals totally rule! Here's a couple other tips you might not have thought of and I don't think they were mentioned.
1) The number ONE injury in a disaster is foot lacerations. Who knew? Keep heavy sturdy shoes for every member of your family in your vehicle, your bug-out bag, and your home emergency kit where they won't likely be destroyed.
2) Pet and Animal food. Don't forget the critters. I guess you could eat them too if it came down to it, (I could never) but for a short-term emergency they'll need grub.
3) I LOVED that someone mentioned "food you LIKE to eat." Good thinking. You can only take rice and beans so long. MJF has some great looking stuff but I haven't tried it yet, and it has a very long shelf life. That's important.
4) Storing it. We buy in bulk and store extras in galvanized garbage cans. I have flour and sugar, pasta and oatmeal in them and they never get bugs or moisture. Dunno if that would work where you live, but here where it's fairly dry, it works just fine.
5) Communication. We live off-grid so we have water, wood cook stove, firewood, solar power for pumps and refrigeration, etc, so we're set that way. But if the infrastructure collapses everyone will want a way to communicate. Cell phones and internet may not work. If you can get a message out, designate a friend or family out of your area to contact and let others know to check with them for updates on you. Give them a copy of important phone numbers to get the word out about you.
6) Information and Updates. You are gonna want to know what is going on. I would suggest getting an emergency radio (hand crank or solar power) that at least receives short wave. You have to have an FCC license to broadcast shortwave, but it might be worth looking into. The key here is Short Wave, it will work even in a nuke event or a solar event, whereas other satellite dependent things won't. Remember CB's? That's another option that can work on battery power for awhile.
Cheers ladies! Awfully proud to know you!
Off-grid living in a small solar-powered cabin. Please subscribe to my blog: http://oregonnatural.blogspot.com/
and visit my ETSY shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/OregonNatural?ref=si_shop
THANK YOU from the bottom of my mountain girl heart! |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
Posted - Jan 20 2012 : 01:25:43 AM
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Susan I LOVE your blog!! and who would of thought of shoes as you mentioned! I'm in the process of planning some bulk shopping, my husband likes to say that i'm preparing for doomsday which annoys me. I 've told him that buy shopping in bulk for certain things, it serves several purposes: to save money on groceries, to have food on hand in case of a power outtage, and of course just in case....a supply in case of something worse. I hate having to go to the store at the last minute when we know we are going to have a major storm...the store is busy and such. I cant wait until we move off long island to a more rural place, because I'm getting my wood cook stove and living a more simple life.
Connie
http://www.naturemaiden.com/ - Soap & Candle
http://modern-day-laura.blogspot.com/ -My Personal Blog
http://www.prairiefarmherbs.com/ -Herb Plants for the Home Garden
http://www.thriftyfarmgirl.com/ -My Online Thrift Shop
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FarmDream
True Blue Farmgirl
1085 Posts
Julie
TX
USA
1085 Posts |
Posted - Jan 20 2012 : 5:30:38 PM
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I just read about this today. In case the power goes out and it's at night, go outside and grab your solar lights out of your yard. They'll be fully charged and you won't spend time digging around for flashlights or candles.
Connie- My husband teases me too and I tease him right back. I tell him he's going to be glad I have this in an emergency except I'm not going to let him have any because he made fun of me.
~FarmDream is Farmgirl Sister #3069
Live Today, Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow
http://naturaljulie.etsy.com
http://julie-rants.blogspot.com |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
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Room To Grow
True Blue Farmgirl
974 Posts
Deborah
Kingston
Georgia
USA
974 Posts |
Posted - Jan 22 2012 : 4:15:26 PM
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I was laid off in September. I also was buying a bag of rice, flour and beans every time I shopped. our freezer was filled when I was laid off and so was my pantry. If I didnt do that we would have had to go to a food pantry. because my husband makes to much on disability for us to get food stamps. We havent gone hungry. My husband says he was glad I did that.
deborah
we have moved to our farm...and love it |
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alterationsbyemily
True Blue Farmgirl
686 Posts
Emily
Thomasville
PA
USA
686 Posts |
Posted - Jan 22 2012 : 9:19:01 PM
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So I was on pinterest and someone pinned this tutorial on how to make your own heater in a can http://pgward.org/ep/archives/215 now I am going to be stocking a few paint cans and bottles of rubbing alcohol, because both could be useful
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Farmgirl #2951
No longer renting, offical farmgirl. |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
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FarmDream
True Blue Farmgirl
1085 Posts
Julie
TX
USA
1085 Posts |
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rksmith
True Blue Farmgirl
858 Posts
Rachel
Clayton
GA
USA
858 Posts |
Posted - Feb 23 2012 : 3:57:50 PM
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Have any of you watched Doomsday Preppers? We've been watching it and it has some good tips.
Rachel
Farmgirl Sister #2753
True enlightenment is nothing but the nature of one's own self being fully realised-- His Holiness the Dali Lama
http://madame1313.wordpress.com/ |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
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alterationsbyemily
True Blue Farmgirl
686 Posts
Emily
Thomasville
PA
USA
686 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2012 : 4:46:26 PM
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I love watching doomsday preppers... I sit with a notebook and take notes on things I should think about stockpiling, to keeping food tips, to homesteading. I just ordered us some survival blankets on ebay and I am working on my hubby for a hand pump water purification system. He is not too keen on the ALICE backpack. I figure if we have to bug out though, it would be a good thing to have packed. Also the uses for camping.
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Farmgirl #2951
No longer renting, offical farmgirl.
Check out my new blog at http://featheredhattrading.blogspot.com/
And my new Etsy listings http://www.etsy.com/shop/alterationsbyemily |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
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cj6
True Blue Farmgirl
196 Posts
cj
USA
196 Posts |
Posted - Apr 12 2012 : 11:55:04 PM
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| How do you store things like flour and other grain based items without the bugs or them just going bad? Where is the best place or places to get large (say gallon or so) jars and five gallon buckets? Can you get them free from resturants or stores with say a deli? I want to start doing this but,really am not sure about how to properly do some,no most of it. |
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rksmith
True Blue Farmgirl
858 Posts
Rachel
Clayton
GA
USA
858 Posts |
Posted - Apr 14 2012 : 06:45:07 AM
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You can pack flour and grains in air tight containers and they can keep for years. It's always a good idea to rotate what you have on hand to avoid spoilage. I've got some flour that has been in a plastic storage container for about 3 years now and it's still good. You can get some from restaurants and stores, just be sure to clean and sanitize them well before using them. I also buy containers at Dollar Tree for smaller items. Sometimes you can find sweet deals at Goodwill or other thrift stores. I was at Goodwill yesterday and got several hand warmers for a couple of dollars. There is also a magazine I recently came across called Survivalist and what I've read of it so far (got one issue on my kindle) it's pretty good info, and great for someone just getting started. http://survivalist.com/ If you have a kindle you can download samples from the three issues that are on Amazon.
Rachel
Farmgirl Sister #2753
True enlightenment is nothing but the nature of one's own self being fully realised-- His Holiness the Dali Lama
http://madame1313.wordpress.com/ |
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Room To Grow
True Blue Farmgirl
974 Posts
Deborah
Kingston
Georgia
USA
974 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2012 : 12:55:48 PM
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I make sure I freeze my flour and grains..rice, pasta and any mixes like bisquick and muffins mixes etc. For 24 Hrs...This will kill any bugs that might be in there and there eggs...And then you have to let them air out because they will sweat..Then i put them in air tight containers...I havent had a problem yet.
Deborah
we have moved to our farm...and love it |
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oregonatural
True Blue Farmgirl
152 Posts
Susan
Sprague River
OR
USA
152 Posts |
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batznthebelfry
True Blue Farmgirl
1257 Posts
Michele
Athol
Ma
USA
1257 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2012 : 12:15:35 PM
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I always put a Bay leaf in with my grains & flours to help deter bugs...so far so good...taught this when I was very young...Michele'
Chickens rule!
The Old Batz Farm
Hen #2622
http://theoldbatzfarm.blogger.com |
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oldbittyhen
True Blue Farmgirl
1511 Posts
tina
quartz hill
ca
USA
1511 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2012 : 1:08:41 PM
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I buy all of my flours and grains in bulk, I transfer all to glass gallon jars and I have 2 big chest freezers that they go into, label the lids so its easy to grab what you want...and they stay in there till used...
"Knowlege is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad" |
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alterationsbyemily
True Blue Farmgirl
686 Posts
Emily
Thomasville
PA
USA
686 Posts |
Posted - Apr 20 2012 : 08:25:09 AM
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I recently started putting flour into 2-liter bottles, with some bay leaves. My DH likes it, because he gets to drink Dr. Pepper again. But my local grocer has 25# of flour for $10, I still buy my organic fresh ground flour, but I do not buy it in near as much bulk.
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Farmgirl #2951
No longer renting, offical farmgirl.
Check out my new blog at http://featheredhattrading.blogspot.com/
And my new Etsy listings http://www.etsy.com/shop/alterationsbyemily |
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Room To Grow
True Blue Farmgirl
974 Posts
Deborah
Kingston
Georgia
USA
974 Posts |
Posted - Apr 21 2012 : 09:56:29 AM
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When I store my grains I use bay leaf in them too. No smell or taste of the bay .
we have moved to our farm...and love it |
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batznthebelfry
True Blue Farmgirl
1257 Posts
Michele
Athol
Ma
USA
1257 Posts |
Posted - May 14 2012 : 1:55:49 PM
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though long thought this was something you all needed to read...Michele'
Beware of Homeland Security Training for Local Law Enforcement, by ...
Permalink
I’ve been in law enforcement for the past 18 years. I have attended a variety of training over those years. During the 1990s, most training I attended was community-oriented, sponsored by local agencies or private companies specializing in police training. Themes common to training of the past included topics such as Constitutional rights, community partnerships, youth-oriented programs and problem-oriented policing.
During the past several years, I have witnessed a dramatic shift in the focus of law enforcement training. Law enforcement courses have moved away from a local community focus to a federally dominated model of complete social control. Most training I have attended over the past two years have been sponsored by Department of Homeland Security (DHS), namely the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
No matter what topic the training session concerns, every DHS sponsored course I have attended over the past few years never fails to branch off into warnings about potential domestic terrorists in the community. While this may sound like a valid officer and community safety issue, you may be disturbed to learn how our Federal government describes a typical domestic terrorist.
These federal trainers describe the dangers of “extremists” and “militia groups” roaming the community and hiding in plain sight, ready to attack. Officers are instructed how to recognize these domestic terrorists by their behavior, views and common characteristics. State data bases are kept to track suspected domestic terrorists and officers are instructed on reporting procedures to state and federal agencies. The state I work in, like many others, have what is known as a “fusion center” that compiles a watch list of suspicious people.
So how does a person qualify as a potential domestic terrorist? Based on the training I have attended, here are characteristics that qualify:
Expressions of libertarian philosophies (statements, bumper stickers)
Second Amendment-oriented views (NRA or gun club membership, holding aCCW permit)
Survivalist literature (fictional books such as "Patriots" and "One Second After"are mentioned by name)
Self-sufficiency (stockpiling food, ammo, hand tools, medical supplies)
Fear of economic collapse (buying gold and barter items)
Religious views concerning the book of Revelation (apocalypse, anti-Christ)
Expressed fears of Big Brother or big government
Homeschooling
Declarations of Constitutional rights and civil liberties
Belief in a New World Order conspiracy
A recent training session I attended encouraged law enforcement agencies to work with business owners to alert police when customers appear to be stockpiling items. An example was given that a federal agent was monitoring customers at a well known hunting and fishing retail outlet and noting who was purchasing certain items. This is something to remember the next time you purchase a case of ammo at one of these popular outdoor sports retail stores.
Methods of developing evidence of terrorist activity from virtually any search have also been discussed. Various common materials which may be associated with homemade explosives are listed, such as lengths of pipe, gunpowder, matches, flammable liquids and fireworks. Officers are told when these items are found, they can be listed as “bomb making materials”. The training even goes so far as to instruct officers that the items are cleverly disguised as legitimate, such as gasoline stored near a lawn mower, pipes stored in a shop building or gunpowder stored with reloading materials.
One course I attended used the example of a person employed as a plumber being the target of a search warrant. In this example, the officers were told how to use his employment as a plumber as further evidence of terrorism. The suspect’s employment would be described as an elaborate scheme to justify possessing pipes and chemicals so as to have bomb making materials readily available. Based on this example, all plumbers are potential pipe bomb makers. All gun dealers are plotting to provide arms to gangs or terrorists. All pest control companies are preparing mass poisonings. By using this logic, simply having the ability to do something criminal automatically makes the person guilty of plotting the crime. With all the various methods of manufacturing methamphetamine, it would also be easy to claim that a disassembled clandestine drug lab was located during the search. In other words, it is easy to frame anyone for possessing bomb making materials (or other crimes) if the officer knows what items to list in the report and how to link these items to terrorism.
Another common tactic used in DHS sponsored training is the slander of certain ideologies by linking an erroneous characteristic to a particular group. Here are some examples:
These groups hold the anniversaries of certain dates as significant such a Ruby Ridge, Waco and Hitler’s birthday
They oppose abortion, support gun rights and are affiliated with the Ku Klux Klan
They are fearful of big government, espouse support for the Constitution and want to kill police officers
These groups collect firearms, survivalist books and explosives
These extremists read books such as Patriots, One Second After and The Anarchist Cookbook
They are religious zealots, reading the book of Revelation, speak of the second coming of Christ and plan mass murders to summon the end of the world
These people grow their own food, raise livestock and plot attacks on commercial food production facilities
Do you see how this tactic works? List common characteristics of libertarian/conservative minded people, then throw in a slanderous accusation. If A and B apply, then you should automatically presume C applies as well. If they were disturbed by the incidents at Ruby Ridge and Waco, then obviously they must celebrate Hitler’s birthday. Officers are being conditioned to assume criminal and terroristic views when politically-incorrect views are observed. As simple-minded and ridiculous as this line of thinking is, there are some officers who unfortunately buy into this.
Another training session I attended two years ago discussed the dangerous of people who have strong views of the U.S. Constitution. One trainer made the statement that “these people actually believe the Second Amendment gives them the personal right to own a gun.” Of course, the trainer failed to mention that our Founding Fathers, as well as recent Supreme Court rulings, verify this view as being completely accurate. The obvious attempt here was to suggest to officers that the Second Amendment does not apply to individual gun ownership and to be suspicious of anyone who holds such a view. It was also stressed to be cautious of anyone who quotes the Constitution and even worse, actually possesses a copy of this radical document. Incredibly, in the United States of America today belief in our founding legal principles is now grounds for being labeled a domestic terrorism. Imagine how they would respond to some of the known statements of Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry or George Mason concerning the issue of individual liberty and limited government. It is true that one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter.
There are several things that we, the patriotic, self-sufficient defenders of liberty can do to counter this effort. First, get involved in local elections. Elect county sheriffs who will not fall for such propaganda nor go along with oppressive federal agendas. Elect city council members who will not tolerate such behavior by their city police department. Elect state representatives who will hold state agencies accountable for participating in such tactics. Bring these issues up during elections, demand a public statement on their position on such propaganda and a promise to stand against these efforts while in office.
Second, get to know your local law enforcement officers. It is much more difficult for DHS to brainwash officers against people they personally know. When you are viewed as a neighbor, friend or fellow Christian, these officers are far less likely to submit your name to a terrorist watch list or view you as a potential terrorist. We want local officers to be personally offended when they hear members of their community slandered in such ways.
Third, always be friendly and courteous when speaking to your local officers. Even if that officer has fallen for this propaganda, be sure not to resemble the negative stereotypes labeled to us. After the fifth, sixth or maybe tenth time he deals with one of us, he or she may come to realize we are of no threat to law enforcement or anyone for that matter. Eventually, the officer may attend one of these training sessions, hear the propaganda and say to himself, “This isn’t true, I’ve dealt with many people like this, they are God-fearing, liberty loving Americans, they are not the enemy!”
I hope you find this information useful. Please remember that there are many people in law enforcement that have not, and will never, fall for DHS propaganda. Some of the most patriotic defenders of liberty and believers in self-sufficiency can be found in law enforcement. Officers like me will continue to do our part to fight tyranny from within while the general public can do its part by electing liberty-minded candidates to office and educating their friends and neighbors about issues important to all of us.
Chickens RULE!
hen #2622
theoldbatzfarm.blogspot.com |
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Room To Grow
True Blue Farmgirl
974 Posts
Deborah
Kingston
Georgia
USA
974 Posts |
Posted - May 15 2012 : 06:22:45 AM
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Thanks Michele, This was a lot of information. And this was a law that was passed in congress just a few months ago. It is on you-tube. And a few congress men were against it...but not enough..This is really bad when our own country will do this to the people there are sworn to protect.
Deborah
we have moved to our farm...and love it |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - May 21 2012 : 06:07:12 AM
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Hi Girls -
My son did a research paper this past spring and was presented with this article by my foster daughter who is currently in nursing school. It concerns hospital medical procedures in the event of a pandemic:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-05-05-3774617717_x.htm
This article is cited in one of her training manuals and discussed in detail as part of her course. 'Just thought you'd find it interesting. :)
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Edited by - Ninibini on May 21 2012 06:32:24 AM |
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Off the Grid/Homesteading Skills: Prepper/Survivalist Tips |
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Prepper/Survivalist Tips
