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14
Katrina, Andrew and Donna!
By Andre M. Dallau
68
of surging water!
By Fred Mastison
2944
TAKE ACTION NOW!
Concrete steps to prepare
your community for any crisis.
By Will Dabbs
20
5444 SURVIVE AN AMBUSH
3044 DEADLY DUST STORMS Split-second defensive
Escape the suffocating, moves to defeat an attack!
blinding threat of sandstorms! By Michael DAngona
By Fred Mastison
5644 DONT BE A VICTIM!
3244 OWER THROUGH
P IY installation for
D
THE BLACKOUT your home security.
Generators keep the lights bright By Jorge Amselle
when the grid goes dark.
By Will Dabbs 5844 HOME DEFENSE FIREARMS
Reliable, life-saving firepower!
3644
I NVISIBLE KILLERS
Dont be a victim of Home + Self Defense By Robert A. Sadowski
08
from killers and intruders! By Michael DAngona
By Fred Mastison
6644 PANIC ROOMS
4444 SURVIVE A GUN GRAB eat security threats
B
Keep control of your weapon with fast access safe rooms!
in a close-quarters fight! By Scott Conditt
By Phil Elmore
6844 CAN YOUR KNIFE
4644 EMERGENCY SAVE YOUR LIFE?
RESCUE TOOLS Weapon accessibility matters!
Pocket-sized lifesavers. Body concealment solutions.
By Steven Dick By Sara Ahrens
Publisher
Stanley R. Harris
120
Editor
Cara Donaldson
Art Directors
Socrates Gomez
Ron Kuliner
Wojtek Urbanek
Copy Editors
Ryan Pasquale
Greg Lickenbrock
Editorial Assistant
Mark DeLucas
90
Backwoods Advertising Sales
Leticia Henry
7244 PREDATOR ATTACKS Ad Production Manager
Surviving deadly encounters Danielle Correa
with wild animals!
Ad Coordinator
By Fred Mastison Emily Lee
T
The typical thunderstorm embod- pointers on how to weather furious
ies about 360 terajoules of energy storms, while Jorge Amselle reviews vari-
throughout its lifecycle and lifts ous lighting options for those times when
around 550,000 tons of water the grid goes dark. Additionally, Will
vapor. To put that in perspective, Dabbs offers us some common-sense
this is roughly the equivalent of a pointers on surviving a modern-day
20-kiloton nuclear weapon. Large plague as well as a rundown on genera-
thunderstorms can be 100 times tors that can keep things bright during an
more powerful. The energy embod- extended blackout.
ied within a single thunderstorm We live in a dangerous world where
is the equivalent to the electrical disaster can strike at any moment, plac-
production capacity of the entire ing victims in immediate need of emer-
planet. Hurricanes are on an order gency assistance. Robert Sadowski gives
of magnitude even more powerful. us a rundown on the All Hands Volun-
These numbers illustrate the deadly teers, an apolitical volunteer group whose
potential of natures wrath. mission includes rebuilding lives in the
When natural disaster strikes, it be- wake of disaster. These warm-hearted
hooves us to be prepared. In this section souls can remind you that, despite the
Fred Mastison shows us how to survive darkness, there still yet lurks good within
when flood waters inundate our com- the hearts of men.
munity or dust storms block out the sun. When natures fury is unleashed, the
For those survivors who make it past the scope of its destruction can be breathtak-
first critical days, Mastison also walks us ing. This section of Survivors Edge walks
through well-thought-out practical prepa- you through proper preps for those times
rations for surviving in the long term. when Mother Nature chooses to remind
Andre M. Dallau provides some us all of who really is in charge.
Contents
8 Long-Term Survival After A Disaster
14 Lessons Learned From Major Hurricanes
Big Stock Photo
20 Preparing For Floods
24 Rugged, High-Power Flashlights
26 Rebuilding Communities: All Hands Volunteers
29 Americas PrepareAthon!
30 Deadly Dust Storms
32 Backup Power Solutions
36 Prevent Deadly Outbreaks
Beat The
The powers out,
the phones are dead
and a sense of panic
is growing in
T
the general public.
How long can you last?
The age of lightning-quick world news own without any governmental support rupted and water supplies can be tainted.
has brought almost cinematic tragedy to has gained popularity over the last few When coupled with the physical hazards
our televisions and computer screens. years. Hurricane Katrina seemed to have of a storm, finding these resources can
Homes destroyed. People stranded been a wake-up call. In the end, it will be be a challenge. There are basics steps
without food or clean water. Weary souls up to individuals to manage an existence everyone should take regardless of
huddled under blue tarps waiting for in the event of a major catastrophe. So whether or not they live in an area prone
someone to do something. Unfortunately, the question is, how long are you willing to storms and other natural disasters.
many people see these images and still to prepare for? Water is critical and should be seen
maintain a sense of intentional denial that as priority one. Avoid using tap water
it cant happen to them. One Week after a major event unless it has been
More and more people have taken As we have seen with major storms cleared by authorities. You should keep
Straight 8 Photo
heed, though, and are diligently prepar- across the country, Mother Nature is water stored in your house. It is recom-
ing for something they hope will never capable of pushing us back 100 years mended that you store a gallon of water
happen. The ability to survive on your in moments. Power can be severely dis- for each day. Multiply this times the
number of people in your household and unreliable. One of the best places to get Because of this, you should consider a
you will get an idea of how much water these meals is at longlifefooddepot.com. generator. Safely store fuels for the gen-
you really need. If you have warning of an Your emergency kit should include erator and keep a regular maintenance
imminent emergency, then you can also a serious and durable flashlight like a schedule for it. A name respected in this
capture water from your tap before the SureFire G2X Pro, extra batteries, an field is Honda. They make a variety of
system goes down. Companies such as emergency hand-crank radio such as the generators to fit any need.
WaterBob sell specific kits to help you Midland ER102, candles and a first-aid If there is a major event, ATMs will
safely and sanitarily store water in the kit with any medications needed. Ad- not be functioning because of power
bathtub for long periods. ditionally, glow sticks can be a safer alter- outages. In this type of environment cash
Store non-perishable food. These native to candles. Waterproof matches is king. This same lack of electricity will
can be emergency-type meals or the are also one of the most important items eliminate the ability to use credit cards
readily available MRE (meals ready to to include in this survival kit. because the card readers will be lifeless.
eat). These items will need to be storable One of the major problems faced The amount of cash you have on hand
without refrigeration since power will be during major events is loss of power. should be balanced with safety. Never let
Six Months
Well, things are pretty grim at this point,
but not hopeless. If you are planning on
preparing for six months on your own,
then we need to expand and adjust our
planning once again.
A portable water filtration system
has limitations in regards to how much
water it can process before the filter gives
up. Katadyn is still our go-to source for
pumps, but it would be prudent to have
two units now, along with larger water
storage containers.
At the six-month point, you might
consider growing some of your own
food. Vegetable seeds are hearty and
can be stored in cool, dry places for long
amounts of time. You should also con-
sider developing your hunting and fishing
skills. This should only supplement your
existing food stores however. Trying to
live off the land is extremely difficult and
requires a dedicated effort to succeed.
This is especially true for those who dont
have a background in these skills.
While rife with challenges of its own,
a stand-alone fuel tank can be the differ-
ence between electricity and darkness.
Moving away from petroleum may be an
option as well. Fuel tanks are a common
sight in many rural areas. People and
companies install them to help manage
their fuel without having to hit the gas sta-
tion constantly.
Again, youll need to expand your
emergency first-aid kit and general gear
kit to reflect your extended challenge.
You should also seek advanced first-aid
training in the event a serious problem
occurs.
Emergency cash to last six months
can be a challenge in the best of times.
While you should still keep cash, you
should also prepare yourself with items
people may barter for. Food and water
will be like gold if a six-month challenge
arises. Right alongside those will be
demand for batteries, flashlights, simple
tools, rope and other nice to have items.
a r n e d s
o n s le Hurr ic ane
Le s ths f
sm the wraw and Do
o n n a!
N DR E M . D A LLAU
fro
a,dre
An BY A
n
Katri
department or police
force on the streets,
your power was out
indefinitely, that you
had no running water,
that the roads around
your home were im-
passable, which re-
ally didnt matter since
your car was disabled
AP Photo/Eric Gay
and covered in debris,
and your family was
looking to you for
support and stability, rewired their homes so they could discon- alternatives to keep cell phones and
what would you do? nect themselves from the grid (using a even cameras powered off the grid, like
While some people think situations like throw-over switch) and power their entire with the Bushnell Outdoors PowerSync
that happen only in disaster movies, this house. At first, they ran and tested their SolarWrap Mini, which can recharge off
has happened to my family several times. monster generators weekly, then monthly, of any USB port, a 125-volt AC outlet
While I dont wear this fact as a badge then only occasionally, and then they or even through its built-in, roll-up mini
of honor, I have learned much after living eventually sold them. solar panel. Dont be that guy wandering
through three of the top 10 most destruc- No matter if it is food, water or gas, around asking to borrow other peoples
tive hurricanes in U.S. history (Donna what you store has to be rotated and phones during the disaster cleanup.
in 1960, Andrew in 1992 and Katrina used. So, if you commit to being pre-
in 2005, all of which were Category 5 pared, you should know that it is more Maintain Security
storms) as well as city-wide riots in 1968, than just buying gallons of gas, MREs While knives, saws and axes should be
1989 and 1992. Also included in our or even bottled water with the expecta- kept on hand during and after the event,
experiences are a variety of lesser storms tion that years later they still will be good. firearms might be essential to keeping
and hurricanes that knocked down only They wont. If you prepare by keeping a your family safe. In the events I went
small trees and left the local power grid large stock of anything, then be prepared through, I had several instances where
a de-energized mess for just a few days to sustain that effort by maintaining your being armed kept the peace. These
and not several weeks. Other Americans gear, rotating your stock and rebuying incidents probably would have had very
have had it much worse, with the fires out fresh consumables. If you dont, it is a different outcomes for me and my family
West and the floods and tornadoes of the waste of time. had I been hapless. What kind of fire-
Midwest. None of my family were ever
killed or even seriously injured during our Prepare well and keep calm before,
experiences, so I realize that I have been
blessed and lucky when compared to during and after an event, and dont
many others.
Here are some lessons I learned from let your fears consume you.
the times when society failed, leaving just Some say that the first priorities after arms? Any will work, but given a choice
what was on hand to sustain my family a disaster are water and food, but I think I would recommend a pump shotgun, a
during and after a disaster. that communication should be near the .22 rifle, an AR and a Glock, all with lights
top of the list. Communication provides attached and sufficient ammo.
Sustainable Prepping a necessary link to the outside world
Be prepared based on what you can re- and allows you to keep your family and Stay Calm
alistically sustain. The motivation to store employer informed of your status. If you are scared, keep it to yourself,
what you need after an event is easy, but One of the first infrastructure nodes to because if your kids feel that the situation
after the next uneventful season, and be repaired will be cell towers, so having a is greater than their parents can deal with,
the next, is where it starts to get prob- charged cell phone will be a lifeline like no it will leave a scar lasting much longer
lematic. After Hurricane Andrew devas- other. When I was without power at home than you can imagine. After a few days or
tated South Florida, hitting at Category for close to three months after Andrew, weeks, you will be beat up, exhausted and
5 strength, a lot of my friends bought my battery supply was exhausted and all tired of cleaning, carrying and working
the biggest generator they could. They my rechargeable appliances were dead from dawn until dusk. Before you reach
initially kept gallons of fresh gas and even as doornails. Nowadays there are great that breaking point, take the family for a
Aftermath Injuries 7. Firearms with a sufficient quantity of am- to the disaster zone. Some just want to
munition and cleaning supplies. Store them in a work, but some just want to steal and
Even workers who are safe on the job do
secure place for weather resistance and where live off the hardship of others. It is an
stupid things at home. Local hospitals are unfortunate fact.
no one but yourself can gain access.
filled with people who are injured after
Natural Disasters
the disaster. This includes burns from that charged a seating charge, the car because you cannot ever be without a
trying to refuel running generators (that dealership that openly demanded a bribe light after dark. Having a flashlight that
also burned down the house), gruesome to get my car repaired quickly and the op- can be hand-cranked for recharging will
chainsaw wounds, electrical shocks and erators of the out-of-state tractor-trailer make sure you will never be without light.
falls from trees, ladders and roofs. Be full of ice charging sweaty, tired Miamians
smart and work easy. If you cant do a job $20 each for a small bag of ice. Family Protection
safely, then dont do it. It is not just the visible physical damage
Make sure your family has assigned Survival Basics that needs to be addressed, but also the
responsibilities that will give each mem- This includes how to make a fire, how to emotional impact an event has on a fam-
ber direction and purpose. The myth after dress a wound, how to tie knots, how to ily. While it is obvious that your family is
Katrina hit New Orleans was that FEMA live without power for a period of time, very dependent on you for food, water,
was supposed to be accountable to solve etc. This is where prior preparation helps shelter and transportation, they also are
every problem and tend to every need. the most. Not so much by gathering looking to their parents for a mirror as
That may be true for some, but I wouldnt gear, but learning skills that will be useful. how to react emotionally. A panicky, des-
stake my familys welfare on it. Dont just buy a book on survival, but perate or helpless reaction will not help
take a course where you live out of your the situation, and it will infect your whole
Disaster Logistics go bag for several days. I took one with family with a bad attitude that will persist
Make sure you have enough water and Wade Rorich from Bushido Tactical, and long after civilization returns.
food, but dont forget that those are the it taught me a lot and let me know where Prepare well and keep calm before,
first items to be replenished; America is the holes in my preparation and abilities during and after an event, and dont let
good to people in need. Ice in August in were. Another way is just to take your your fears consume you. If you do this,
de-energized South Florida was like gold, family camping for a weekend. It is fun the outcome will be just a great adventure
but it was usually available, as were small and will teach you about primitive living. that made you and your family stronger,
generators and roofing supplies. The next consideration is lighting and happier and closer as a result.
To regain power and dry roofs, skilled what to do about the darkness at night-
tradesmen like electricians and contrac- time. After a disaster and the grid is lost,
tors were mostly honest and helpful, the darkness without the light pollution EMERGENCY CONTACT
but not all, so get references before you in every urban and suburban area is such For disaster planning tips or information
pay. Not tolerated were the profiteers that you cannot see your hand touch- on recovery resources, you can contact
and crooks who used the disaster to ing your nose. Walking outside at night the Federal Emergency Management
prey on peoples helplessness and need. without light is dangerous, so you have to Agency (FEMA) by visiting fema.gov
To this day I remember the restaurant be able to find your flashlight in the dark or calling 800-621-3362.
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AMERICAN GUNSMITHING INSTITUTE AGI
Fatal
Natural Disasters
Survive the
destructive
f
Storm surge
flooding claims
more lives than
any other feature
of coastal storms.
T
There are few things that cause as to mind when flooding is discussed. It is water, flash floods carry debris that accu-
much destruction and distress as generally based around rivers or streams mulates in dry stream beds. These flood
flooding. It is an almost surreal event that begin to exceed their capacity waters rise very quickly and move much
as flood waters rise with a seemingly because of heavy rain or melting snow. faster than any other type of flood water,
inevitable end. There is no stopping The waters eventually leave the confines making them particularly dangerous.
its march forward, which leaves of the river and spread to low-lying areas. In colder parts of the country there is
most people feeling powerless. The water appears to slowly expand as a phenomenon known as ice dam flood-
Flooding can occur anywhere in it continues to flow. This type of flooding ing. Cold temperatures freeze water, cre-
the United States. From flash floods is common in the Midwest and can cover ating significant ice. When large amounts
in the deserts of the Southwest to huge areas. Even in mountainous areas of precipitation are mixed in, it begins to
spring flooding in the Midwest, it this type of flooding can occur. In 2013, push the ice and create a natural dam. If
is something everyone needs to flooding in Colorado affected over 2,380 the dam breaks apart, the water behind it
Photo Courtesy All Hands Volunteers
know more about. square miles. rushes out into the surrounding area. At
Flash floods are more common in dry that point it is very similar in nature to a
Rising Waters areas of the country and develop very flash flood. The dangerous debris in this
There are many types of flooding, and quickly. The hard, sunbaked ground in type of flood, however, contains large
no area is exempt from its dangers. The areas like Arizona creates fast-moving chunks of ice that can actually destroy
most common type is overbank flooding. waterways for rains falling in mountains any structures and vehicles in its path.
This is generally the flooding that comes and valleys. Along with fast-moving For those who live near the ocean
FEMA Photos
be very dangerous. While the
flow may seem slow, it can
contain strong currents.
there is always the danger of coastal Flood waters can destroy entire
flooding. Normally connected to serious communities very quickly. Flooding is a
storms, storm surges can reach as high common occurrence, and its something
that you should prepare for now.
as 25 feet. This, combined with strong
waves, creates a dangerous situation for
those already battling a storm. Storm
surge flooding claims more lives than any
other feature of coastal storms.
Aftermath Hazards
After flood waters begin to subside,
emergency officials will notify residents
when it is safe to go back to their homes.
Take great care when you start to make
your way back home. Flood waters
have the ability to completely change a
landscape and things may be unfamiliar. as floods, especially if you live in flood
DEVASTATING
Watch for downed power lines and other
dangers. Enter your house carefully and
plain areas. FEMA manages the National
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which
EFFECTS
inspect it for damage. If you live in areas makes federally backed flood insurance One of the most destructive and longest-
with wildlife, take care when walking available in communities that agree to lasting floods in recent history occurred in
around the home. Fleeing animals may adopt and enforce flood plain manage- 1993. Unrelenting rain across the Midwest
have ended up inside your home as a ref- ment ordinances to reduce future flood eventually caused levees along the Mississippi
uge from the flood. This is especially true damage. Most insurance policies require and Missouri rivers to fail. The subsequent
for snakes, so take the time to inspect a 30-day waiting period before they flooding killed 50 people and caused over $15
everything carefully. become valid, so plan ahead. The cost billion dollars in damage. The flood lasted over
five months in parts of North Dakota, South
It is important to contact your of the insurance will be based on many
Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa,
insurance agent as soon as possible to factors. The two most important are the
Missouri, Wisconsin and Illinois.
help get the process started. To many value of your property and the historical The flood destroyed over 50,000 homes
peoples shock, most general homeown- records of flooding. Take time to docu- and, according to Lee W. Larson, chief of the
ers or renters insurance policies do not ment your losses for insurance purposes. Hydrologic Research Laboratory at NOAA/
include floods. It is essential that you It will be helpful to the agent if you can National Weather Service, over 75 towns were
confirm your policy covers things such provide as much information as possible. totally and completely under flood waters.
20
Flood water can be a destructive
and lethal force. If you live in an
WAYS TO PREPARE
FOR FLOODS
11. Bring all outside lawn fur- 15. Pack items you are
niture into the house. Along with unable to take with you.
area prone to flooding, you should protecting it, this will keep the
take the time to be prepared. Lets furniture from becoming a debris 16. Listen to emergency
look at the top 20 things you can hazard. updates on the flooding and follow
do to prepare. official directions.
1. Assemble an emergency 5. Install a sump pump with 12. Sandbag doorways and
kit. It should include essentials backup power. basement windows. Sand and
that you can grab and go. This bags are generally available from
kit should include water, non- 6. Keep your tetanus shots emergency services at established
perishable food, hand-crank radio, up to date. Even small punc- central points during a flood.
flashlight, extra batteries, cell ture wounds during flooding
phone charger, first-aid kit, multi- can lead to serious infections.
tool, sanitation items, important
documents and clothes. 18. Dont drive into flooded
areas. Dangerous debris under the
2. Have an emergency plan for surface can damage your vehicle
the entire family. It is best to have to the point it will not run.
a designated meeting area in the
event an evacuation is required. 19. Try to avoid contact with
Choose a location that will be safe flood waters if possible. Sewage,
and clear from the flooding. oil and other contaminants will fill
the waters very quickly.
13. Make plans to deal with
pets before flooding becomes
dangerous.
7. Anchor any fuel tanks or
14. Make sure all underground
structures such as sheds to keep
tanks are secure and sealed.
them from being swept away.
3. Know the dangers of flood- 9. Move furniture and important 20. Do not walk through
items to higher levels in the house, flowing flood waters. Depths of
ing in your area. If you are unsure, only 6 inches can cause you to
Big Stock Photos
This, along with the inventory you did be- be able to provide information on what to life-altering event. What was once your
fore the flood, will expedite the process do with discarded household items. You comfortable and happy home one day
and get you your insurance settlement can also get basic cleaning equipment can become a collection of mud and
much more quickly. from the Red Cross to help you get back destruction the next. Flood water will
Contact your local or state public to normal. Dump sandbags but try to penetrate and fill every space, and with
health department to see if your water keep the sand for possible future use. If it comes immediate as well as delayed
supply might be contaminated. You may your losses are significant, contact local destruction. From swept-away homes to
need to boil or treat your water before emergency officials. Depending on the those that are now filled with mold, few
use. Do not use water that could be scope of the damage, a federal disaster can escape a floods destructive nature.
contaminated to wash dishes, brush declaration may have been made. If this By being prepared you can better protect
teeth, prepare food or wash your hands. is the case, then federal funds will be yourself and your home from the dark
Dress in protective clothes and boots as available to help you. waters that expand out in the destructive
you clean your home. Local officials will Flooding can be a destructive and flow of floods.
Guiding Lights
Photo Courtesy SureFire
ExtremeBeam TAC24
The ExtremeBeam TAC24 flashlight uses a finely crafted reflect-
ing cone to capture the maximum output from its 235-lumen bulb
and project a tight beam out to 400 meters. The difference is that the
reflecting cone is not pressed metal, but instead is machined out of
aluminum billet. The ExtremeBeam TAC24 also features a patented in- 5.11 TMT L2
ternal shock-mitigation system that protects the circuitry. Two different The TMT L2 from 5.11 Tactical is one
models are available, the SWAT and the SR3, and both feature a seven- of the most powerful pocket lights you
hour runtime at the highest setting. (extremebeam.com; 877-579-7878) can find given its 320-lumen output. It
also uses a toggle switch at the back
that lets you select the setting and then
use the rear push-button for activa-
tion. This helps prevent unintentionally
bumping the light on, which will drain
your battery. The water-resistant TMT L2
has a strobe feature, which is good for
emergency situations, and on its lowest
setting will run for 55 hours straight.
(511tactical.com; 866-451-1726)
ZeroHour XD
The ZeroHour XD flashlight is multiple emergency devices in one.
Most notably, it will recharge your electronic devices. In an emer-
gency, communication is key to survival, and if your cell phone goes
dead there is little you can dountil now. At 7.28 inches in length,
you get 1,000 lumens of light, two USB ports for recharging the light
and portable electronics, and the modular design even lets you turn
part of the light into a waterproof container for emergency supplies. On the
lowest setting you get up to 24 hours of continuous illumination, and there is even an
SOS mode that flashes a distress signal. (zerohourxd.com; 844-200-9493)
Back
From
Rebuilding shattered lives in the wake of disaster.
By Robert A. Sadowski Photos Courtesy All Hands Volunteers
5
in the aftermath of a disaster, leading to
armies of volunteers to help those ef-
When the
5
fected by earthquakes, floods and torna-
earthquake in
5
does. You see these individuals and small groups
spontaneously show up at a disaster site ready,
Haiti decimated
5
willing and able to help. All Hands Volunteers
(AHV) organizes these small bands of volunteers that country in
5
into groups that provide hands-on help to disas-
ter-impacted communities around the world. 2010, AHV was
there and stayed
5
One tornado is terrible, but two Rapid Responses
tornadoes were like the end of all time Since its inception, AHV has been
for two years
5
when they hit Pilger, Nebraska, on June involved in over 42 different disaster-
18, 2014. Rare twin tornados spun through relief projects around the globe, using
the small town and leveled three quarters over 17,500 volunteers to do well over
to...help the
5
of it into the ground, killing two residents, 1,000,000 hours of work. Add the number
community
including a five-year-old girl. Pilger was of people who sign up to the work hours
nearly obliterated. You hear the expres- put in and that equals over 35,000 fami-
5
sion of those hit with cataclysmic weather lies assisted.
events say Weve never seen this kind of
thing before or We never thought this
We harness the power of volunteers to
help communities effected by natural di- recover.
5
would happen to us. The day after the
storm hit Pilger, All Hands Volunteers was
on site. With a small team of project staff,
team leaders and a truck full of tools, AHV
assessed the damage to the community
and those who lived there. During the first
week of recovery, they helped coordinate
2,000 volunteers.
Nine years ago, AHV was founded by
David Campbell. When the tsunami of
2004 hit and claimed over 230,000 lives,
Campbell decided to build a website.
Thats usually not the first thought when
the need for help is urgent. While it was not
food, clothing, shelter, heavy machinery or
even hand tools, it did provide a link to the
outside world for victims in the wake of the
disaster. Campbell set up shop in Thailand
and used the power of the internet to get
the word out for people who wanted to
help. It was AHVs first project.
When the earthquake in Haiti decimat-
ed that country in 2010, AHV was there
and stayed for two years to build schools
and help the community recover. Disasters
are unprejudiced and hit poor countries as
well as world powers. Recent disasters in
the U.S. include Super Storm Sandy, which
ravaged New Jersey and New York in Oc-
tober 2012, as well as the flooding in north
central Colorado in September 2013. AHV
was there and still is on the ground in
those locations, helping to rebuild. After a natural disaster, All
Hand Volunteers quickly
assesses the damage and
organizes volunteers from
all over the U.S. and the
world to help an affected
area get back on its feet.
those tasks that catches the headlineslike dont hand out food or clothing, but pro-
vide the people and tools to clear debris
rescue operations do, but it is equally important. and help people get back to a semblance
of their lives.
The cleanup after a natural disaster
isnt one of those tasks that catches the
headlines or the evening news like rescue
operations do, but it is equally important.
After the news crews leave, AHV is en-
trenched in the community until its job is
done. Sherry Buresh is AHVs director of
U.S. responses, and she is the first person
on site after a natural disaster. Buresh is
glued to severe weather reports. When a
disaster hits and is larger than what the
community can handle, Buresh and AHVs
Rapid Response Team go to the site to as-
sess the situation and find out the needs
of the community.
We see how we can fit into what
other disaster-response organizations are
doing, said Buresh. Once we assess the
need and our role, I immediately contact
our volunteer coordinator to get the word
out to volunteers and our core staff team
leaders.
An AHV volunteer helps clean up a home in Colorado after severe flooding by AHV works with other disaster-relief
stripping away rotten wood. Eventually, volunteers helped repaint the new walls. organization and government entities to
coordinate efforts. Organizing volunteers
for debris removal is what AHV does
best, and as both Buresh and Pili said,
they see what the communitys needs
are and fill those needs. They stay as
long as they are needed. It might seem
small, but after Katrina hit New Orleans,
AHV created street signs so relief crews
could get around the crippled city. Street
signs were obliterated by the hurricane
and crews from out of state needed that
info to get the work done.
AHV uses the internet and social media
to get the word out to volunteers. Follow
its Facebook page and Twitter feed to get
the latest info on AHVs efforts in disas-
ter areas. Volunteering is easy. The AHV
website, hands.org, takes applications for
those interested in helping. Volunteer op-
portunities for specific disasters are listed.
All volunteers need to do is provide trans-
portation to the site. AHV will coordinate
pickups at nearby airports, and provide
food and lodging. You can volunteer for as
little as one day, but if you are like most,
you stay as long as you can. Skill sets run
the spectrum from heavy equipment op-
erators and carpenters to those willing to
shovel muck and silt from flood-ravaged
homes for instance.
The work is grueling and the hours
No special skills are required to join the Natural disasters can happen down the are long, but it is highly rewarding and
dedicated All Hands Volunteers teamjust street and across the world, so AHV is always the gratitude of affected communities is
a strong desire and lots of energy to help ready to travel wherever a disaster strikes, nothing short of astounding. For more
people put their lives back together. leaving people broken in its wake. information, visit hands.org.
Shutterstock Photo
TAKE ACTION NOW!
Concrete steps to prepare your community for any crisis.
By Will Dabbs
After the lessons learned from ues. Individuals and families, K-12 schools, increase your preparedness, and; participate
A
Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, the workplaces, places of worship, institutions in community resilience planning.
U.S. government has embraced the of higher learning and community organiza- The national PrepareAthon had its
observation that survival prepping tions are encouraged to participate. genesis with the Great ShakeOut earth-
is a healthy and productive national quake preparedness drills. This program
undertaking. The PrepareAthon is a Disaster Planning moved millions of Americans to practice
government-sponsored initiative held The Ready Campaign is built around earthquake response drills and prepare the
twice a year in spring and fall. The four universal building blocks for prepared- personal gear needed to facilitate survival in
program is designed to inspire nessBe Informed, Make a Plan, Build the face of these disasters. The PrepareAt-
Americans to prepare for a crisis. a Kit, and Get Involved. These four basic hon uses this same model while expanding
The program is internet-driven and involves a concepts will address the unique issues its scope to other sorts of disasters.
call to arms for Americans across the country associated with most any serious crisis. Individuals and organizations can go
to take concrete steps towards hardening While the Ready Campaign was designed online and register to become a part of this
our families and our society against natural to promote awareness, the PrepareAthon activity. While there are focus areas that
disasters, pandemics and terrorist attacks. is configured for practical action directed are proposed for each event, organizers
The first event was held on April 30, towards mitigating the effects of a disaster, encourage participants to spend their
2014, and involved more than five million materials preparation and sheltering. efforts on whatever is best suited for an
Americans. The second is scheduled for The PrepareAthon is designed to bring individual organization and locality.
September 30, 2014. Each National Day together disparate parts of communities Earthquakes are random and hurricanes
of Action has a theme. The spring event to promote the interaction that is inevitably have wiped American coastlines clean along
focused on tornadoes, hurricanes, floods necessary to survive a crisis. The time to the Gulf of Mexico in a cyclical fashion for as
and wildfires. The fall event will concern meet your neighbors and familiarize with long as we have records. Add to this the very
earthquakes, hazardous materials, pan- relief agencies is not when you are standing real threat of terrorist action involving weap-
demic flu and winter weather emergencies. in front of the slab that was once your home, ons of mass destruction or civil unrest and
The PrepareAthon is not about awareness, wondering where you will sleep and what crisis preparation becomes more pertinent
as news coverage and an umbrella govern- you will eat. The PrepareAthon is designed than ever. At some point in his or her lifetime,
ment initiative called the Ready Campaign to make those contacts and exercise those almost every American will face a disaster
take care of that. The PrepareAthon is systems in times of peace so we will all be situation of some sort. Participants in the
geared towards practical action and con- ready when things go sideways. PrepareAthon are encouraged to sign up
crete steps that can be taken to harden our The goals for this initiative are fourfold: online and connect with other like-minded
population against calamity. Understand which disasters could happen Americans to establish relationships, coordi-
Guides are available online to orient Pre- in your community; know what to do to be nate efforts and share lessons learned. For
pareAthon activities toward a variety of ven- safe and mitigate damage; take action to more information, visit ready.gov/prepare.
Deadly
Dust Storms Escape the suffocating,
blinding threat of sandstorms!
BY FRED MASTISON
w
NOAA Photo
Dust storms can reduce visibility to just
a few feet in matter of minutes. Avoid
driving in dust storms if at all possible.
Shizhao Photo
images, these storms are real and hit the
region several times every year, rerouting Dealing With Dust Devils The fine dust that travels inside of the
aircraft and turning daylight to dusk. One phenomenon that must be men- storm will cover everything in its path.
tioned in any discussion of dust storms is
Fast-Moving Threats a dust devil. These are seen all over the Peak State Park in Arizona. He has seen
For geographical and terrain reasons, U.S. and are usually more of an interest- his share of dust devils and dust storms.
Arizona experiences more than its fair ing curiosity than anything. Dust devils At the beginning, its this light sand
share of dust storms. According the are powerful, well-formed whirlwinds. then all of a sudden its like someone
National Climatic Data Center, Phoenix They tend to be long lasting as well. throws a blanket on the windshield.
has experienced over 100 dust storms in Ranging in size from a couple meters He added, Having lived here my whole
the last 10 years. These range from mild to 50 meters, they are the product of life, I know that even when light sand is
to unbelievable. Typically, these brief but updrafts. On a small scale they are of coming I start slowing way down to 40
intense storms begin when air is pushed no danger to people. On a larger scale, miles per hour because I know a blackout
down and forward by a storm front. however, dust devils can be very danger- could be coming.
While compelling to watch, it has to be ous, especially to drivers. The force of
noted that dust storms bring dangers, es- the vortex passing over a car at highway Dust-Proof Gear
pecially to those on the highway or free- speeds can cause the vehicle to be Most people already know they need to
ways. Visibility can be reduced to less pushed slightly. If the event is sudden always have an emergency kit with them
than 12 feet in just moments. In October and an over-correction in steering is when they drive. However, if you live in
2013, a dust storm was a major factor in made by the driver, tragedy can follow. an area known for having dust storms,
a 19-car pile-up just south of Phoenix. This, combined with flying dirt and de- you should consider adding a few extra
The event injured 12 and killed three. The bris, can cause a major safety problem. items to the emergency kit, particularly
highway was closed for over 10 hours Jack McCabe is a ranger at Picacho dust masks and goggles.
good balance: Bolle Tacticals X1000 yourself. At 55 miles per hour, a vehicle needs
Dual Lens X1NDEi will serve anyone well almost 230 feet to come to a stop. That is a
(bolle-tactical.com). very long stretch and can be too much to over-
come if a stopped car suddenly appears in front
Airborne Hazards of you. Even if visibility is only slightly reduced,
As with so many other natural weather you are encouraged to maintain a four-second
events across the country, education gap between you and all other vehicles in front on the side of the road with lights on, you run
is the key to staying safe. Dust storms of you when you can. the risk of being hit by another car. If you are
are spectacular in appearance and have unable to safely pull off the road, turn on your
5. Get Off The Road: Drivers
a tendency to draw people outside, headlights and turn your hazard lights off. Slow
are advised to pull off the highway as soon as
cameras in hand. They are for the most down and move forward cautiously. Use the
they can, according to Bart Graves, a spokes-
part harmless and over quickly, but we highways center line as a guide and pull over at
man for the Arizona Department of Public
must also understand the dangerous the first safe area on the road.
Safety. Some people are notorious for not slow-
side of dust storms. For example, those ing down, which can have lethal consequences. 6. Wait It Out: Once you are stopped
in snow-covered areas are familiar with If visibility drops below 300 feet, you should and have all lights off, it is important to stay
whiteout conditions. In the same man- exit the highway/freeway or pull over. Do not put. Stay inside the car and shut all vents that
ner, dust storms can cause brownouts. stop in the lanes of traffic. draw air in from the outside. It can be danger-
Sometimes there is enough dust in the Once you are off the road, set your parking ous to leave your vehicle primarily because of
air that streetlights come on in the middle brake and take your foot off of the brake pedal. limited vision. The danger of walking back onto
of the day. As with most weather events, Also make sure your turn signals and all other the highway is very real, or even into areas
if you follow the general safety guide- lights are off as well. In many cases, drivers where drop-offs exist. Stay inside and ride out
lines, you will be able to share with your use taillights of the vehicle in front of them as the storm. They are known for passing quickly,
friends how you survived. a navigation guide. If you are sitting stationary and a few minutes of delay could save your life.
POWER THROUGH
THE BLACKOUT
Generators keep the lights bright
when the grid goes dark!
By Will Dabbs
When the power goes offer on-site consulting services to AspectSolar panels incorporate
down from a natural help you determine the system that SOLTRAX technology as featured in the
disaster, terrorist action best suits your needs. It can evaluate SunSocket Solar Generator. Incorporat-
or infrastructure failure, your utility bills to create an annual ing its Maximum Power Point technol-
it suddenly becomes power consumption figure and perform a ogy, AspectSolar produces some of the
painfully apparent how site visit to determine the best location for most powerful solar panels available on
dependent we are on equipment. It can then design a system to the marketplace today. (aspectsolar.
electricity. Without provide the desired energy savings while com; 877-717-7778)
electrical power, dark is working up a detailed estimate on costs
whenever the sun goes and options. (alternative-power.com; ARC Solar
down. If you live out on 970-626-9842) ARC Solar produces a single product
the fringes of the grid, the SPG 3000 Solar Powered Genera-
where power can be AspectSolar tor. This versatile device is optimized to
spotty in a crisis, or you AspectSolar systems are small provide backup power while off the grid.
simply wish to keep your enough to be readily portable yet remain The SPG 3000 consists of a portable self-
lights burning indepen- sufficiently powerful to drive personal contained power unit about the size of a
dent of other peoples electronics and small appliances. From toolbox combined with a folding solar array
problems, the solution the solar-powered Duo-Flex to the En- that rolls up like a sleeping bag.
is a personal generator. ergyBar250, AspectSolar makes inte- The generator is sufficiently powerful
Fortunately, there are grated solar products compact enough to operate basic home appliances like a
lots of options available for easy transport. The LiFePO4 battery refrigerator, yet remains adequately por-
on the market. featured in the EnergyBar250 incor- table to ride comfortably in the trunk of
porates the best technology available a car. The SPG3000 produces about 2
Alternative Power for high-capacity portable needs. kilowatts per clear day and is adequate to
Enterprises AspectSolar battery packs also have run most any RV-based electrical system
Alternative Power Enterprises is a no thermal discharge, so their products while camped away from hookups. This
solar energy company offering solar are completely safe for air travel. device can plug directly into a vehicles
generator design, installation and
maintenance services. It specializes
in ground and roof-mounted photo-
voltaic solar systems, both grid-tied
and off-grid, as well as solar thermal
systems. In addition to its alternative
energy products, the company can
123RF Photo
vehicles electrical system to charge heat into electrical power. Using the is optimized for home use in a crisis.
the onboard batteries in the absence of PowerPot, any external heat source The company designed the Storm
external power. The inverter used in the can charge your cell phone or other Responder specifically for first-time
SPG3000 has a peak output sufficient USB-driven devices while you cook users. Sporting a 7-gallon fuel tank,
to handle high-wattage devices like your food. A 10-minute charge time with all pertinent instructions and
microwave ovens as well. runs a typical cell phone for an hour. operational guidelines printed on the
The SPG3000 incorporates the The PowerPot comes in two sizes, but unit, the Storm Responder is the ulti-
R.E.A.I.C. (Renewable Energy Adaptive the heaviest still weighs in at less than mate portable power system for users
Interconnecting Component) system that 2 pounds. Both PowerPot devices who are unfamiliar with generators.
allows the solar array to service multiple come with a mesh carry bag for easy The unit also includes the StatStation
batteries for increased power storage. portability. Additionally, the com- Digital Display, a control panel that
For the prepper wishing to be self-reliant at panys Lithium 4400 power packs provides everything owners need
home, ARC Solar has the solar system to provide backup power for personal to know with the touch of a button,
make it happen. (arcsolarsystems electronic devices independent of including the amount of power used,
.com; 602-531-9348) commercial power and interface per- total lifetime hours of the generator
fectly with the PowerPot. and maintenance reminders.
Power Practical (powerpractical.com) (briggsandstratton.com;
PowerPot 800-444-7774)
The PowerPot is designed for the Briggs & Stratton
prepper operating where space and Storm Responder
weight considerations are critical.This Briggs & Stratton is the
brilliant little device is affixed to the worlds largest producer of
bottom of an aluminum cooking pot and gasoline engines for outdoor
converts kinetic energy in the form of products. While its product
lineup includes generators
of all shapes and sizes, the
Storm Responder 6,250-watt
portable generator
Photos Courtesy Manufacturers
JASPAK
JASPAK portable generators are fairly
large-scale solar systems made entirely
in the USA. JASPAK generators come in
hardened portable cases and include state-
of-the art rechargeable power cells coupled
with high-tech power management systems.
They connect to JASPAK solar arrays and
can be used to run everything from small
USB-based portable electronics all the way
up to full-sized appliances.
Every JASPAK Solar Generator unit
includes a 153Ah VRLA-AGM deep-cycle
solar power battery with a keyed master on/
off switch, an 1,100-watt continuous/
2,200-watt surge pure sine wave inverter,
and four 120-volt outlets. They also include
a 12-volt subsystem with two 12-volt outlets
and three USB charging ports on individual
switches and fuses. If you are looking for a
solar system large and powerful enough to
power your home, JASPAK is a great place
to start. (jaspak.com; 855-381-3331)
Photos Courtesy Manufacturers
Natural Disasters
Invisible
KILLERS Dont be a victim of a
pandemic disease!
BY WILL DABBS
T
Modern Dangers
Shutterstock Photo
he scope and scale of man disease as were our ancestors. The argu-
cannot even come close: On ment could be made that the current Influenza and Ebola are great con-
our worst day there are simply state of convenient and widespread temporary examples. These are both
industrial limits on humankinds air travel makes the situation infinitely potentially devastating viral illnesses
capacity to kill. For sheer elegance and worse. Where once it was the horse, rat with very different methods of opera-
unbridled blood lust, Mother Nature puts or sailing ship that transported sickness tion. Ebola is a form of hemorrhagic fever
us all to shame. far and wide, now it is the airplane that al- wherein the bodys clotting system is
History provides us with countless lows some fresh germ to circumnavigate rendered dysfunctional. Ebola is thought
dark examples. The Spanish Flu epidemic the globe in a matter of hours. to reside within certain African bats, and
of 1918 circled the planet and killed six For all our high-tech medical wizardry, it is passed via exposure to bodily fluids.
percent of the worlds population. The our defense against pestilence such as Late-stage victims bleed out from their
Black Death swept across Europe from this is still fairly primitive. Survival in eyes and mucous membranes. In some
1346 to 1353, using rats and similar the face of the inevitable onslaught of Ebola outbreaks, the mortality rate for
vermin as disease carriers, obliterating pandemic disease is not nearly as sexy as those infected has reached 90 percent.
as much as 60 percent of the popula- desperate scientists working feverishly There are currently no available vaccines
tion. Even today, the Ebola virus arises in a lab to produce vaccines in suffi- or effective treatments for Ebola. The way
cyclically from the darkest reaches of cient quantities to inoculate the planet. to treat it is not to get it.
equatorial Africa to kill a few hundred Whether you live or die in the face of Influenza is a dissimilar virus with a
unfortunate souls and then retreat back an epidemic can be more a function of comparably diabolical demeanor. Conven-
from whence it came. washing your hands and cooking your tional flu is a recurring feature during the
The dirty little secret is that we are just food properly than some high-dollar winter months. Some years, flu is merely
about as vulnerable today to epidemic medical enterprise. an inconvenience while in others the dis-
1.
membranes) with a sick persons blood or body fluids (urine, saliva, feces, vomit
Wash your hands. This seem-
and semen) or objects contaminated with infected body fluids.
ingly mundane chore is your first
Prevention: There is no vaccine for
line of defense against most diseases.
Ebola. Standard treatment is still limited to
Standard soap is sufficient to kill the
treating the symptoms as they appear. Take
vast majority of the germs waiting to
preventative measures to never come in
pounce on you.
2.
contact with the virus. Always see a doctor
Dont touch your face. Everybody
when you are sick. Wash your hands and
has an itchy nose now and then.
sanitize your most frequented areas regu-
Discipline yourself to scratch your chin
larly, such as the kitchen, bathroom and your
or nose with your forearm rather than
office desk. If you start to experience Ebola
your fingers.
3.
symptoms, get to a hospital immediately.
Cough into your elbow. I know
Dont ignore the signs! For the latest updates
your mother told you to cover
on the spread of Ebola, visit cdc.gov. Big Stock Photo
your face with your hand when you
cough, but that puts a liberal coating of
germs on your hand. These pathogens
Will Dabbs Photo
4.
SARS or MERS. These trendy
Wear a surgical mask in high-
maladies capture sufficient
risk areas. Yes, it does look weird.
headlines to terrify Americas
However, if we ever find ourselves
soccer moms into keeping
subject to Spanish Flu 2.0, that mask
their kids home from school
might save your life. While the mask is
for a few days while making
marginally effective at filtering airborne
frantic calls to the local saw-
pathogens, its real strength is that it
bones for advice. As a small-
keeps you from touching your own
town physician, I field these
face. Most respiratory diseases spread
kinds of queries annually.
due to facial touching.
5.
The truly troubling piece is
Defending against respiratory pathogens like influenza Avoid crowds. The media will
simply that the reason we have
involves basic hand washing and surgical masks. Flu alert you to serious threats. Keep a
not lost a significant portion
travels via respiratory droplets from coughing or sneez- little shelf-stable food and water at the
of our population to a disease
ing. In the face of an epidemic, these basic precautions house so you have the option of staying
pandemic in recent years is
can be more effective than medicines and even vaccines. much more a function of luck home for a few days in the event of
some new, modern plague.
6.
than our medical capabilities.
Avoid air travel during periods
ease can cripple an economy. Every few Emergency vaccines saving the planet
of epidemic disease. There is no
centuries flu will mutate into something from extinction make for great movie fod-
better way to spread an illness than to
sufficiently virulent to threaten planetary der but bear little semblance to practical
shove 200 people into a sealed metal
extinction. Regardless, basic prevention reality. Out here in the real world, the keys
container and let them swap air for
is the key to avoiding 90 percent of the to survival rest in much more tedious stuff.
a couple of hours. A surgical mask is
threats Mother Nature can cook up. Wash your hands, cough into your elbow,
helpful if you must travel.
7.
Thanks to the prevalence of HIV, oc- take a flu shot every year and, in severe
Get a flu shot. The flu shot is
cupational exposure to bodily fluids has cases, suck up your pride and put on a
unique each year and is targeted
been institutionally minimized. Universal surgical mask in high-risk areas. On top of
against the strains suspected of being
precautions ensure that health care that, just take a moment and be thankful
most prevalent in a given season. Some
workers use gloves and face shields that Mother Nature has felt generous in
years it works better than others but
when exposure risks are high, and there the last couple of generations. Her inexpli-
the risks are statistically trivial, and not
is an institutional dogma surrounding the cable reticence to foment something new
catching the flu is infinitely better than
management of sharp instruments. and hideous in recent years is the biggest
treating the flu.
8.
Many of the nastiest players like flu blessing of all.
Stay home when you are sick. Do
are transmitted via respiratory droplets
the world a favor and keep your
from sneezing or coughing. While this
pestilence to yourself. This is not the
method of transmission is remarkably You can learn more about Ebola and time to man up and go to work when
efficient, a few basic practices can help other threatening diseases by visiting you might have a communicable illness.
minimize your risks. the website realworldsurvivor.com.
O
One in 250 Americans will be tools for those times when getting
the victim of a violent crime out quickly means the difference Contents
each year. It turns out that between life and death. Robert
the most dangerous predators Sadowski also gives us a roundup 40 Fortify Your Home
walk on two feet. Live long of those most critical survival tools,
enough and the odds are that contemporary defensive handguns. 44 Survive A Gun Grab
this kind of violence will even- Little will ignite passions
tually touch you or someone faster than a dispute within a
46 Emergency Rescue Tools
you care about. In an increas- family. Massad Ayoob provides
ingly dangerous world filled us a rundown on the nature and
with criminals and opportun- implications of domestic violence 50 Defend Against Domestic Violence
ists, Survivors Edge helps you situations when former partners
even the odds and protect the become dangerous to others. 54 Survive An Ambush
lives of you and your family. Finally, Scott Conditt offers an
In this section, Michael in-depth review of the panic room
56 Prevent Break-Ins
DAngona provides us with defen- solutions from Creative Home
sive techniques to improve your Engineering, a company devoted
odds in an ambush as well as the to creatively incorporating an 58 Home Defense Firearms
lifesaving features of four popular inconspicuous, up-armored safe
martial arts styles. Fred Mastison space into any home. 64 Life-Saving Martial Arts
helps us defend against a home When the time comes to face
invasion, and Sara Ahrens offers the worst society has to offer,
66 Build A Panic Room
up some tips on carrying a knife the difference between life and
as a defensive tool. Jorge Amselle death can depend on your being
explains home security options prepared. The preparation of mind, 68 Can Your Knife Save Your Life?
Sean Utley Photo
to harden your castle against an body and gear for those times
assault, and Steven Dick reviews when danger is at hand is what 70 Deadly Force Encounters
some essential emergency rescue Survivors Edge is all about.
...[a] false sense
of security,
can lead
to a tragic
ending.
Y
Big Stock Photo
Defend
Your
Castle Protect your home and family
from killers and intruders!
Y
BY FRED MASTISON
Your home is your castle. It is a effective because they limit excessive sistance in as little as 15 to 30 minutes.
place you need to feel safe in and light but are quick to activate when they They add strength to the door frame
enjoy sanctuary from the buzz of detect motion. Two of the best compa- and can stop even the most serious at-
daily life. One of the most traumatic nies on the market are Lithonia Lighting tempts to break the door frame.
things that can ever happen is a and RAB Lighting. Plant foliage with security in mind.
home invasion. An assailant targets A dedicated deadbolt on all exterior This is a two-fold point. First, we need
your home and breaks in, possibly doors is a must. The addition of an extra to make sure that overgrown plants
while you are inside. To many, this locking bolt can make the difference and bushes do not provide a place for
is the foundation for a horror movie. between someone kicking in your door nefarious people to hide. Second, you
But there are things you can do, or not. The Medeco Maxum deadbolt will should consider using plants with thorns
though, to limit the chances of a help keep home invaders from getting and barbs near windows. These create a
home invasion. through a locked door. The Maxum fea- natural safety barrier while still remaining
Whenever we discuss fortifying a tures hardened steel inserts and rotating visually pleasing.
home, we must balance this task with pins to provide drill and pick resistance Install a security camera at the
accessibility and looks. Everyone is in against an unauthorized entry. Installed front door. While door peepholes
agreement that while secure, bars on the on a solid door, the Maxum is truly an serve some specific purposes, a
outside of your windows are a bit much. effective threat stopper. security camera is better suited for
This is the challenge we face. With that Also try kick-resistant plates to home use. The more cameras you
in mind, lets look at several things we doors. Even with a quality lock and dead- have around your home the better,
can do that serve our need, without add- bolt, a door frame can eventually give but sometimes cost can be a factor.
ing a moat full of alligators. way if kicked hard enough. The best way One of the best entry-level camera
to stop this is to reinforce the frame with units is the NetGear VueZone, a
Perimeter Defenses a support like the Rebar Door Security wireless camera than can be placed
Make sure the exterior of your home is devices from Kick Proof. These products anywhere and accessed through a
well lit. Using motion-sensor lights is can be installed without professional as- computer, smartphone or tablet.
Shutterstock Photo
root of countless self-defense disci-
plines. Traditional martial arts are
5 HOME-DEFENSE ESSENTIALS schools teaching ancient styles that in-
clude forms of kicking, punching, throws
1. Deadbolts: The can also drive an intruder from and weapon use. There are few things
Medeco Maxum deadbolt will your home because they know as empowering as moving towards the
help keep home invaders from police are on the way. One that mastery of an art. While growth occurs
getting through a locked door. is highly recommended is from with each day of practice, the journey
Installed on a solid door, it is an FrontPoint Security. Profes-
to mastery is long. Self-defense classes
effective threat-stopper. Install sional and well respected,
follow the same framework. While they
them into solid-core doors and
solid frames to get the most are essentially boiled-down martial arts
out of the lock. (medeco.com; use the system to its maximum classes, they require repetition in order
877-633-3261) capacity. (netgear.com; 408- for you to become proficient enough to
907-8000) use your new techniques.
First and foremost, a martial arts
3. Kick- school should be an established school
Resistant Plates: FrontPoint can provide security with references. Second, visit with the in-
Even with a quality lock and services to meet any need. structor to see if their philosophies match
deadbolt, a door frame can (frontpointsecurity.com; 855-
your needs. If they are a school that fo-
eventually give way if kicked 808-1481)
cuses on extreme physical conditioning
violently. The best way to stop
this is to reinforce the frame 5.Firearms: The or hours of meditation, you need to know
with a reinforced door support presence and availability of a that going in. Last but not least, have
like those from Kick Proof. firearm in your home can make a goal in mind and share that with the
It adds strength to the door a big difference. The Glock instructor. This will not be an overnight
frame and can stop even the 17 is a tried and tested pistol or weeklong undertaking. Make sure you
most serious attempts to break popular with law enforcement and the instructor are on the same page
2. Security through. (kickproof.com; 888- agencies around the world. regarding just how long it will take for you
Camera: One of the best 357-0459) Easy to manipulate and shoot, to become proficient. Take your time and
entry-level camera units is the the Glock 17 is a solid choice
visit several schools before you make a
NetGear VueZone. Its a wire- 4. Alarm System: for a home-defense pistol. The
decision.
less camera that can be placed An important component of caveat to this suggestion is the
anywhere with the capacity for any home alarm system is the requirement of training. In the
expansion. Install it and link it panic function. This not only end, your efforts will be worth Take Action Now!
to your smartphone or tablet to alerts police to trouble, but it it. (glock.com; 770-432-1202) Procrastination is a challenge faced
by most people. This, combined with a
A firearm in the
hands of a trained
person dramatically
improves their chang-
es of survival during
a home invasion.
sometimes false sense of security, can
lead to a tragic ending. We encourage
you to review your home today and make
a list of things that will make it safer, then
act on that list. While you might only
accomplish this one item at a time, you
must ultimately get the list completed.
Your action or inaction will determine just
how safe your castle is.
REALWORLDSURVIVOR.COM
Home + Self Defense
I
By Phil Elmore
Kydex sheath with relative ease. Deploy- grab your weapon. Held in the support pointed, sharp and dangerous.
ing it is faster than securing it, of course; hand, it becomes a means of flaying or the issue with an abundance of options,
the sheath has been cut away as much as tenderizing the offending gripor the all of which hurt and deal damage in the
possible to reduce its profile and its neg- body attached to it. process. It is therefore worthy of consider-
ligible weight. The opening in the sheath This is a unique take on a problem that ation when planning your bug-out bag, as it
is enough to get the first set of knuckles concerns law enforcement and preppers could prove to be the lifesaving accessory
past the hole if you have large hands. Care alike, that of weapon retention while in that allows you and your family to escape
must be taken when guiding the spikes close-quarters combat with an assailant. with your lives. For more information, visit
of the knife back into its sheath, but thats Winklers Weapon Retention Tool tackles winklerknives.com or call 828-295-9156.
REALWORLDSURVIVOR.COM
4
Home + Self Defense
Emergency
Rescue
Tools Pocket-sized lifesavers!
BY STEVEN DICK
8
vehicles, the Rescom offers a Cutter is an emergency tool Billed as a must-have insur- of other useful features besides
serrated, one-hand-opening, stripped down to its essentials. ance tool, the FDX weighs its seat belt cutter. These fea-
1.785-inch blade of AUS- Measuring 4.3 inches in overall only 2.4 ounces and has an tures include bottle opener, pry
8 stainless on a handle of length and weighing only 2.25 overall length of 4.5 inches. bar, nail puller, screwdriver and
fiberglass-reinforced nylon. ounces, the Gerber Strap The tool comes equipped with gradual hex driver. In extreme
The 4.5-inch unit weighs only Cutter is extremely portable. a Kydex sheath and a 420HC situations it can also serve as a
2.4 ounces. (bokerusa.com; (gerbergear.com; 800- stainless hook blade. self-defense weapon. The BMT
800-835-6433) 950-6161) (topsknives.com; weighs 0.5 ounces and is 2.7
208-542-0113) inches long. (brousblades.com)
one-hand-opening, 3.25-inch, wrench, a bit driver, a ceramic System sheath designed for
opening 3.4-inch blade of 4034
spear-point blade of 420 stain- knife and arrow sharpener belt, MOLLE or neck carry.
stainless on a gray aluminum
less steel, the model features a and a convenient carabiner The 0.5-inch blade is AUS-8
handle with black rubber inlays.
window breaker, a bottle opener for handy field carry. The stainless steel and mounted
Both a strap-cutting hook and a
and a strap cutter. The last two tool weighs 2.6 ounces and on a Zytel handle. A cutout
window breaker are mounted on
features fold from the butt of the measures 4.8 inches overall. on the shaft also provides an
the butt of the 4-ounce, 7.9-inch
handle frame. (sogknives.com; (leatherman.com; 800- oxygen valve wrench.
knife. (taylorbrandsllc.com;
888-405-6433) 847-8665) (timberlineknives.com;
800-251-0254)
800-548-7427)
DEFEND
AGAINST
Understand
and overcome
the dangers of
domestic abuse.
By Massad Ayoob
Survive
An Ambush Split-second defensive moves
to defeat an attack!
BY MICHAEL DANGONA PHOTO BY SEAN UTLEY
I
Imagine that you are rushing down What may seem like impossible directly behind you. To prevent this from
the sidewalk trying to meet a friend odds, three big men against one small happening, always be sure to move back
downtown and cant find the ad- woman, is in reality a very survivable situ- as the aggressive group fans out. This
dress. You pass street after street, ation. In fact, with a little knowledge and will keep them within your peripheral
all the while getting more and more training, this woman can escape from her vision, until the point comes when you
frustrated that nothing looks famil- attackers trap and most likely take a few have to make a defensive move or go on
iar at all. You notice the buildings and of them down hard in the process. the offensive.
the nearby storefronts appear a bit more
rundown as you keep searching, and the 1. Keep Threats In Sight 2. Plan Your Exit
overall look of the area is marked with When approached by more than one as- Your number-one priority when attacked
graffiti, and litter is scattered everywhere. sailant, always focus on the entire group by multiple people is to find your way
You turn the corner and realize your and not one person individually. If your through the group and escape. Its not
problems just got worse. Three rough- eyes are concentrated on the attacker di- like what you see in the movies. Your
looking men, one holding a steel pipe, rectly in front of you, whether he is spew- assailants wont wait for their turn to at-
quickly surround you. Your only chance ing profanities or making an aggressive tack. They wont stand by while you are
is to make it through the alleyway at movement forward, it becomes very easy executing fancy or flashy self-defense
the opposite end of the parking lot. to let one of his friends slip out of your techniques. Instead, they will all rush
The only problem is that you have to go range of vision. This allows them to get you at once, catch you and beat you to a
through them first. the jump on you from your blind side or pulp, to put it mildly.
need to make sure it doesnt happen again. outside of your home can also be an each lock bolt and screw them in place
above and below to secure them.
wide open. help you. First, it will keep out all but the
most determined burglar, and he will have
The door armor is available in individual
parts or as a complete kit, and it reinforces
to make a lot more noise, which can alert the jamb, the locks and all the hinges. All
neighbors. Second, if you are home, you of the weak points on your door and door
effective deterrent. If things are really will have a lot more time to react by arming frame are reinforced with galvanized,
bad, you could install steel bars on all yourself and calling the police. Third, keep- powder-coated steel strips for superior
doors and windows, although that seems ing someone out of your home in the first strength and long-lasting durability and
extreme, not to mention expensive. A place is a lot more valuable than scaring corrosion resistance. The EZ Armor basic
large dog is a solution for some, but that them off with an alarm or getting some kit is very easy for anyone with a drill to
carries its own liabilities. nice HD video of them stealing your stuff. install, and it does not require that you
Homeowners who have been victim- Finally, think of it as a home improvement remove the entire door from its frame. It
ized by a burglary or who just want to make that can add value to your house. can be completely installed in less than
sure to prevent one in the future should half an hour and includes all the parts you
take note not to forget one of the simplest Armor Upgrades need. The steel shields are very long for a
and most cost effective methods available: One company producing high-quality reason; this allows them to be made thin-
reinforcing your door jambs. A solid lock and effective fixes to help you secure your ner while retaining a lot of strength. Their
and deadbolt wont do you much good if exterior doors is Armor Concepts. The length also redistributes any force applied
the only thing securing them to the house companys owner takes security seriously to the outside of the door along the entire
is some old, dried-up wood and a cheap having been the victim of multiple break- length of the wall stud.
Continued on page 109
2 3
The hinge shield installation is next. Only two are needed The final step is the jamb shield installation. This
for the bottom and middle door hinges. With the door steel plate is about half the height of the door
open (no need to remove the door), remove the two and should be placed in the middle so that the
screws closest to the weather stripping on the hinge side holes on the shield line up with the door lock
that is attached to the door frame. Next, place the hinge holes. There are multiple available holes, so just
shield over top of the old hinge and align the holes where use your thumb to punch out the ones you need.
the removed screws were. Using the supplied 3.5-inch Finally, use the 3.5-inch screws to secure the
screws, secure the hinge shield to the door frame. jamb shield to the door frame.
HOME
DEFENSE
FIREARMS
Reliable, life-saving firepower
for personal protection!
BY ROBERT A. SADOWSKI
Sean Utley Photo
Gear is only
MSRP: $1228.98
because they are the most popular with law
enforcement officers and civilians. If members
of your family have an aversion to recoil, stick
with a light-recoiling .22 LR or a 9mm. If you valuable if
plan on packing a second gun, make it a larger
caliber like a .40 S&W or a .45 ACP. These you know
calibers have more recoil and are better suited
for experienced shooters. how to use it.
Gear is only valuable if you know how to
use it. Train often and train with a purpose. All Train often
mechanical equipment can fail, so understand
how to clear a jam. Maintenance is important, and with
too. You dont need to be able to take down
a pistol blindfolded, but the ability to field strip
and keep a weapon clean and operating can
a purpose.
mean the difference between life and death.
A weapon may get wet with saltwater, caked
in mud or frozen in ice. You will need to be
able to maintain your pistol whatever the
conditions. Here are some of the handguns
to consider for survival scenarios.
Specifications
Caliber: .45 ACP
Specifications Barrel: 5 inches
Caliber: .45 ACP OA Length: 8.5 inches
Barrel: 5 inches Weight: 40 ounces (empty) Specifications
OA Length: 8.75 inches Grips: G10 Composite Caliber: 9mm
Weight: 39 ounces (empty) Sights: Novak Night Sights Barrel: 4.48 inches
Grips: Synthetic Action: SA OA Length: 7.95 inches
Sights: Novak three-dot Finish: Desert Tan Cerakote Weight: 25.06 ounces (empty)
Action: SA Capacity: 7+1 Grips: Polymer
Finish: Ionbond MSRP: $2,158 Sights: Fixed
Capacity: 8+1 Action: Safe Action
MSRP: $2,519.99 Finish: Black, surface hardened
Capacity: 17+1
MSRP: $649-$696
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Specifications
Barrel: 4.14 inches
Caliber: .22 WMR
OA Length: 7.5 inches Specifications
Barrel: 4.3 inches
Weight: 27.2 ounces (empty) Caliber: .22 LR
OA Length: 7.9 inches
Grips: Glass-filled nylon Barrel: 4.4 inches
Weight: 13.6 pounds (empty)
Sights: Three-dot OA Length: 8.5 inches
Grips: Polymer
Action: Striker-fired Weight: 23 ounces (empty)
Sights: Fiber optic
Finish: Black oxide Grips: Laminate or rubber
Action: Semi-auto
Capacity: 17+1 Sights: Ramp front, adjustable rear
Finish: Matte black
MSRP: $429 Action: Single-action
Capacity: 30+1
MSRP: $415 Finish: Black or cobalt anodized
Capacity: 10+1
MSRP: $499
Kel-Tec PMR-30 Ruger 9E
The Kel-Tec PMR-30s edge is its maga- The 9E is a low-cost performer based on
zine capacity of 30 rounds. Add one in the Rugers SR series of pistols. This is essen- Ruger 22/45 Lite
chamber and that is 31 rounds of .22 WMR tially a no-frills, 9mm, striker-fired pistol The 22/45 Lite is part of Rugers renowned
firepower. While the caliber may not be a born for performance. The removable back- semi-automatic .22 LR pistol series. It fea-
bear-killer or man-stopper, the soft-recoiling strap is reversible, so shooters can choose tures a 1911-style polymer grip frame mated
.22 WMR will allow novice and experienced a flat or arched backstrap for a custom fit. to an aluminum receiver with a stainless
shooters better accuracy. The PMR-30 The magazine release and thumb safety steel barrel sleeve. It weighs a mere 23
is a simple design that uses lightweight are ambidextrous. High-visibility, three-dot ounces unloaded. Since its chambered in
polymer and steel to create a pistol that sights are dovetailed into the slide for fast the featherweight .22 LR, you can probably
is user friendly. Unloaded, the pistol only target acquisitions. The rail allows for the carry much more ammo. The 22/45 Lite also
weighs 13.6 ounces, so its easy to pack and attachment of accessories. The trigger has has a threaded barrel that allows for the at-
carry for long periods of time. The caliber a safety lever in its face that keeps the gun tachment of a suppressor so you wont draw
also has small-game hunting applications. from discharging unless it is completely attention when you are hunting squirrels in
(keltecweapons.com; 321-631-0068) depressed. (ruger.com) what was once a city park. (ruger.com)
Specifications
Specifications Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Caliber: .45 ACP Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.5 inches
Barrel: 5.31 inches Barrel: 4.6 inches
OA Length: 8.1 inches
OA Length: 8.9 inches OA Length: 8.1 inches
Weight: 31 ounces (empty)
Weight: 27 ounces (empty) Weight: 34.1 ounces (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Grips: Polymer Grips: Polymer
Sights: Low profile
Sights: Fixed Sights: Fixed
Action: DA/SA
Action: Safe Action Action: DA/SA
Finish: Matte black
Finish: Black, surface hardened Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 17+1
Capacity: 13+1 Capacity: 16+1
MSRP: $571
MSRP: $620 MSRP: $628
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm Specifications
Barrel: 4.4 inches Caliber: 9mm, .357 SIG,
OA Length: 7.7 inches .40 S&W Specifications
Weight: 34.4 ounces (empty) Barrel: 3.9 inches Caliber: 9mm
Grips: Polymer OA Length: 7.2 inches Barrel: 4.25 inches
Sights: SIGLITE night Weight: 26 ounces (empty) OA Length: 7.63 inches
Action: DA/SA Grips: Polymer Weight: 24 ounces (empty)
Finish: Nitron Sights: SIGLITE night Grips: Polymer
Capacity: 15+1 Action: Striker-fired Sights: Ramp front, Novak rear
MSRP: $1,166 Finish: Nitron Action: Striker-fired
Capacity: 15+1 (9mm); 13+1 (.357, .40) Finish: Matte black
MSRP: $669-$713 Capacity: 17+1
MSRP: $596
Sig Sauer P226 MK25
This is the pistol adopted by the U.S. Navy Sig Sauer P320 Carry
SEALs. Several LE agencies also use P226 Sig Sauer is currently offering two models
pistols because they are battle- and street- of the striker-fired P320the Full Size
proven pistols capable of performing in the and Carryand users can change their Smith & Wesson M&P9
worst conditions. As with other P226 vari- calibers and switch between the grip frames The M&P9 is a popular full-sized handgun
ants, the MK25 uses a one-piece aluminum for a better hand fit. Out of the box, the with law enforcement officers and civilians.
alloy frame, a stainless steel slide and a car- P320 Carry offers a 15-round capacity in The Zytel polymer frame comes with three
bon-steel barrel. It is a DA/SA pistol, and the 9mm and 13-round capacities in .357 SIG interchangeable backstraps so the pistol can
MK25 configuration features upgrades to and .40 S&W. This model has a 3.9-inch be customized to most hand sizes. The frame
barrel and weighs only 26 ounces due to is mated to a sculpted slide with a black fin-
Photos Courtesy Manufacturers
Specifications
Specifications Caliber: .45 ACP
Caliber: .22 LR Barrel: 5.01 inches
Specifications
Barrel: 5.5 inches OA Length: 8.67 inches
Caliber: 9mm
OA Length: 9.5 inches Weight: 37.6 ounces (empty)
Barrel: 4.5 inches
Weight: 35.3 ounces (empty) Grips: Polymer
OA Length: 7.6 inches
Grips: Soft Touch Target Sights: Fixed front, adjustable rear
Weight: 29 ounces (empty)
Sights: Ramp front, adjustable rear Action: SA
Grips: Polymer
Action: SA Finish: Matte black
Sights: Three-dot
Finish: Realtree APG Capacity: 11+1
Action: Striker-fired
Capacity: 10+1 MSRP: $2,180
Finish: Melonite
MSRP: $369 Capacity: 19+1
MSRP: $700
Specifications
Caliber: .40 S&W
Barrel: 3.2 inches
OA Length: 6.24 inches
Weight: 19 ounces (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot, adjustable
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Matte black or stainless
Capacity: 6+1
MSRP: $503.73
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm, .38 Super,
.40 S&W, .45 ACP, 10mm
Barrel: 5 inches
OA Length: 8.7 inches
Weight: 36.6 ounces (empty)
Grips: G10 Starburst
Sights: Fiber-optic, Battlesight
Photos Courtesy Manufacturers
Action: SA
Finish: Armor-Tuff
Capacity: 8+1 (.45 ACP),
9+1 (9mm, 38 Super,
.40 S&W, 10mm)
MSRP: $2,865
Life-Saving
Martial
Arts
Karate is just one of
many diverse martial
arts that can be used
for self-defense.
Four self-defense
disciplines
anyone can
master!
BY MICHAEL DANGONA
M
Big Stock Photo
Martial arts are extremely varied in Aikido Defense because of the philosophical mentality of
philosophy, discipline, training and Aikido is a Japanese martial art created controlling your opponent, as opposed to
technique. Some focus on sport, by Morihei Ueshiba during the early 20th a simpler concept of kicking and punch-
where medals and trophies are the century. Its early incarnation was based ing for self-defense.
prizes in well-structured and rule- on Aiki-Jiu-Jitsu, a samurai-based fight-
guided tournaments. Others lean ing style incorporating joint locking, hard The Arnis Advantage
toward philosophy and how martial throws, chokes and bone breaks. As the Arnis, also commonly interchangeable
arts can calm and sharpen minds to founder aged and moved toward a more as Kali or Escrima, is an empty-hand
make you a better person in ev- religious frame of mind, he softened this and stick-and-knife-fighting martial art
eryday life, while still others offer art into what he coined Aikido, the way of originally created in the Philippines. Arnis
personal protection from those out harmonious spirit, which uses techniques was not developed as a structured sys-
in the world who want to do you or that control the attacker without causing tem, but is rather a final product created
your loved ones harm. any permanent damage or injuries. from the collected input of native people
The world is changing and becoming Aikido is performed by redirecting during times of social and political unrest.
more unpredictable. As such, self- the force of an oncoming attack. Then, As such, interchangeable names, terms
defense training should be a must on without stopping the initial movement of and techniques are found throughout
everyones list. The key to starting, the attacker, a controlling lock, projec- this ever-changing martial art. Generally
continuing and eventually completing tion or takedown is completed. Aikido speaking, Arnis is a weapon-based self-
your goal of learning practical martial requires very little physical strength, so it defense art. Empty-hand techniques are
arts techniques for self-defense is for is ideal for women, men who dont live in practiced, but stick offense and defense
you to join a school that is compatible the gym or older people past their phys- is its most known characteristic.
with your personality, philosophy and ical primes. Men who are highly muscular Arnis can be practiced by nearly
overall physical attributes. With dozens or big and strong can do Aikido, but everyone. Men, women and children
of styles, and several variations within more often than not, they tend to use should have no problem with the physical
each style, you will soon find what is their power to force techniques instead requirements of this martial art. Foot-
right for you. Dont settle and dont give of letting the techniques do the work for work drills, wrist and arm stretching and
up your search, because when the time them. This, however, can be overcome basic single- and double-stick drills are
comes to protect yourself from those out and all people, regardless of their size part of nearly all Arnis class exercises
in the world who intend you harm, you and strength levels, can enjoy the art of and dont require an overabundance of
will be glad that you have the skills to Aikido. There is no kicking involved with physical output. There are usually no
evade, defend, neutralize or completely Aikido, so great flexibility is not required. hard takedowns or intense ground work,
humble your opponent(s) and make it Younger people may find Aikido difficult, although instructors class material may
safely back home to your loved ones. not due to the techniques or training, but vary due to the many variations of Arnis
Kung Fu Versatility
Kung Fu is nearly as diverse as the entire
martial arts community. Developed in
China and considered the grandfather
to nearly all martial arts forms, Kung
Fu offers something for everyone.
From hard styles to soft, from internal
to external systems, the offerings are
staggering. Some schools focus on form
training, while others concentrate on
self-defense. Techniques could involve
trapping, striking, high and almost gym-
nastic-like kicks, joint locking and many
more. Its crucial to visit several Kung Fu
schools to observe exactly what is taught
and if you feel comfortable enough to
give it a try. Different body types, people
with varying flexibility and mobility all can
become great Kung Fu practitioners.
Be flexible and look at all the differ-
ent arts. You might surprise yourself by
choosing something you initially never
even considered.
REALWORLDSURVIVOR.COM
4Home + Self Defense
M
Many companies offering high-end
PANIC ROOMS
home security systems routinely
incorporate the latest and greatest
in high-tech innovations, but few
achieve a level of unforgettable
high style. In this regard, one of
High-Tech Shelter
Humble says that he was always intrigued
seeing hidden entryways in films and televi-
sion shows as a kid. After graduating from
Brigham Young University with a degree
in mechanical engineering and developing
robotics for top-tier aviation, medical and
home automation outfits, he pursued an
opportunity to try something out on his own
home renovation project that hed always
wanted to try: create a fully functioning hid-
den door just like the ones hed seen in the
movies. His test project was so successful
that Humble founded Creative Home En-
gineering in 2004, and he has completed
about 500 secret door projects all over the
world since then.
When asked about some of the ideas
that he is approached with, Humble said a
lot of people draw from what they see in the
movies. People come to me all the time readers and iris scanners ensure that only different project were currently working on
having seen Batman and wanting me to those authorized to access the space may has a shelter area of around 10,000 square
replicate it for them in real life. The great enter. For the highly cautious survivalist, any feet (thats not the house, just the shelter)
thing for those with an appreciation for this sequential combination of access points can and were building some secret doors that
combination of high-security and high-art- be designed to require triggering before the are extremely large so that they can conceal
istry is that no idea is too far-out to be ruled door will unlock as well. Make no mistake, the existence of some equally large, dedi-
out by Humble and his team. though, these 007-caliber doors and access cated blast doors.
At Creative Home Engineering, there mechanisms are as novel as they are security
is no fantasy, Humble said. You dream it, rated in the majority of cases. Building Safe Spaces
we build it. Per Humble, his clients have The doors and rooms that Creative Humbles work clearly comes off as that
requested devices ranging from rotating Home Engineering designs come with of a consummate perfectionist, evidenced
fireplaces, moving staircases and levitat- a number of ballistic- and blast-resistant by the companys product samples on
ing pool tables to covert escape slides, armoring options. From NIJ-level bullet- display in the immaculate design office
spinning wine racks and emergency exits proofing to certified nuclear-blast-resistant, and fabrication space in Gilbert, Arizona.
disguised as everyday furniture. Many bank vault-style doors, Creative Home En- With every detail having been meticu-
of these secret features are designed to gineering has a solution for its clientele, and lously engineered and crafted by certified
be retrofit into existing homes, so clients no job is too big or carries too high a level of tradesmen, Humble oversees every aspect,
can make unused bedrooms or storage confidentiality. Recognizing how serious the beginning with ensuring the finished project
rooms into super secret hideaways and business of survival is, and how critical it is will blend perfectly with the existing dcor
safe rooms. This level of concealment to maintain secrecy regarding the designs of the home. Humble isnt satisfied if each
and cover in a home-invasion scenario is and locations of secret doors within homes, concealed production doesnt pass an
priceless, as one can quickly retreat to their part of the process for contracting with up-close-and-personal inspection. He said,
hidden room and monitor activity occurring Creative Home Engineering often includes No one should be able to tell that anything
in the home through video feeds while also extensive customer-mandated non-disclo- is there, even if they are looking right at it
arming themselves and calling for help. All sure agreements and secrecy protocols. with a magnifying glass.
from complete safety and without expo- Confidentiality is par for the course and is Its serious business. Having your refuge
sure to whatever the threat may be within simply part of doing business with secu- discovered by an assailant in a close-quar-
the common area of the home. rity-conscious clients. It is not unheard of ters scenario could be the difference
for those commissioning work from the between life and death in some cases.
Controlled Access company to hire contractors from other An aspect to the craft of concealment
If you think the doors leading to these areas of the country to perform the neces- that Humble elaborates on with great pride
hidden areas are impressive, then the icing sary installation of the doors as a necessary includes the technical design challenges
on the cake is truly the method(s) by which security protocol. that are inherent to sensitive engineering
you may gain access to the hidden rooms. When asked if he could share any projects. If any measurement in the design
Triggering or unlocking features for these general details about some of the most and craftsmanship are off by just a frac-
clandestine passages can be activated by elaborate or extensive builds that the he has tional amount, the doors may not operate
any means the client wishes, such as twisting completed in recent years, Humble said, as fluidly as intended, or could potentially
a candlestick, selecting a favorite book title As far as the most difficult, weve done be visibly detectable to the human eye,
from the library shelf, moving a chess piece several large underground nuclear shelters thus defeating their intended purpose.
to the right position on a chess board, or with multiple entrance points. Right now, As most of the jobs the company is ap-
even knocking on the wall in Morse code. were working on one project that has 10 proached with are retrofits of hidden entry
Biometric security devices like fingerprint secret doors that access the shelter area. A points into existing architecture, oftentimes
Continued on page 109
C
Weapon accessibility matters!
Carrying any concealed weapon one knife, but if confronted with a life-or- be released when the knife is drawn.
for self-defense purposes is futile death situation, survival will partly depend In addition to the influences of apparel
if it cannot be accessed when on accessing at least one knife. Without choices and knife design, the overall size
needed while simultaneously being a crystal ball it is nearly impossible to of a knife may also impact the placement
hidden from plain view. determine with any precision the best of a knife. Knives that are too long can be
In the absence of being able to con- place to conceal a knife. The appropriate- difficult to conceal, difficult to draw and
ceal a firearm, or for times when carrying ness of any placement decision wont be may cause physical discomfort. Assum-
a concealed firearm is forbidden, a knife evident until its been tested, and by then ing that apparel choice, knife design and
for self-defense may be the only deadly- it might be too late. Unless one intends to size are not factors needing consideration
force option available. One compelling carry multiple knives, placement is key. when concealing a knife, a little common
benefit of carrying a knife over some fire- There are several initial factors that influ- sense provides the framework for proper
arms, or other self-defense tools, is that ence the placement of a concealed knife, weapon placement.
they can be easier to conceal because including apparel choices, the specific Whenever a weapon is concealed on
of their compact size. Conversely, their knife design and the knifes size. the body, the main goals for its place-
smaller size can make deployment a chal- ment are concealment and accessibil-
lenge. The reality is that coming to the Fast Access ity. Assuming that the former goal has
conclusion to carry knives for self-de- Certain apparel choices will necessarily been met, the latter will be achieved by
fense, and then selecting it, is childs play influence concealment locations. Skirts, choosing positions that limit body move-
in comparison to the decision-making dresses, and snug-fitting clothing limit ment and clothing barriers. These are
process and commitment to training that a womans placement options for any the same criteria that are employed with
accompanies concealing and deploying concealed weapon. Likewise, certain concealed-carry firearms.
the weapon. Choosing how to conceal a knife designs will inherently determine
knife (or any weapon for that matter) is where and how those knives must be Blade Hideouts
a process that requires careful analysis carried. A wave knife, for example, is Generally speaking, the most natural
and some forethought regarding potential designed so that the hook on the spine position for the draw of any weapon is on
violent encounters. of the blade catches on the inside of a the strong side. Positioning can include
Ask to see any knife enthusiasts pocket when deployed in order to release inside or outside the waistband in any
blade and their response might be, the blade. In order to deploy the wave position that is comfortable for a strong-
Which one? This phenomenon of knife as designed, it must be carried side draw. Clipping a knife to a pocket on
carrying multiple weapons is unique to clipped onto a pocket. An out-the-front the strong side can also be an effective
the knife culture. To some people it may knife design may require the sheath to location, as can wearing a sheathed knife
seem a bit extreme to carry more than be worn on a belt so that the blade can on a chain around the neck.
Placing a knife inside the waistband is Another location for positioning a comfort and security. When hung around
one of the primary locations for carrying it concealed knife is outside the waistband, the neck, the belt clip can be attached to
concealed. The benefit of carrying a knife on the dominant side of the body. The the center portion of a bra, and the sheath
in this manner is that the knife is hidden position of the knife needs to be such that can be secured between the chest wall
from view. In addition, the knife remains the strong hand can grasp it with minimal and the bra itself. Mimicking the tactics
in a secure position because the sheath movement. If a knife is carried in this posi- employed by the Lisa Looper Flashbang
can be wedged in between the abdo- tion, it is important that the apparel choice Holster, carrying a concealed knife in this
men and the pants. Selection of a sheath covers the weapon. Also, care must be manner allows for easy access, security
with a belt clip is preferable. Securing taken to ensure that, if the knife is a fixed and concealment.
the sheath snugly is important because blade, it can be drawn easily from the
many sheaths are not tight, and when one sheath when needed. Stay Defensive!
attempts to draw the knife from it, the Many times, folding tactical knives There are many other locations where
sheath will dislodge. Carrying a folding need to be clipped to a pant or jacket one may consider carrying a concealed
knife inside the waistband is typically ef- pocket. There are a couple of potential knife, such as in a boot, in a purse or on
fective for added retention. problems with folding knives carried in a the support side. These locations may
pocket. The pocket is the most common make a good case for a backup knife, but
EDGED
place a knife is typically concealed, so it not for the knife acting as the primary tool
has to be hidden. But the restrictiveness for self-defense.
WEAPON of the pant pocket may hinder the ability Unless multiple knives are going to
In Fighting from
Concealment, Matt
Jacques teaches self-
defense CCW tactics.
Getting access to concealed. Jacques has more than 20 speed reloads, when your gun runs dry,
good training from years of experience as a retired police tactical reloads, replacing a partially ex-
a knowledgeable officer with federal and state agencies pended magazine with a fresh one during
person can be and as a Marine Corps Military Police a lull, and the importance of acquiring an
T
Two-thirds of the American sort. He also shows us how to
population lives in urbanized maintain a reliable supply of Contents
areas. However, according to drinking water under any circum-
72 Wild Animal Attacks
the U.S. Census Bureau, 94.6 stances. Will Dabbs shows us how
percent of the United States to conjure fire with the Spark-Lite
76 Off-Grid Tools
is still classified as rural open fire-starter as well as how to build a 80 When Toxic Predators Strike
space. Despite the high-tech proper prepper kit without break- 84 Bug-Out Bandanas
trappings of our modern ing the bank. Jane Anne Shimizu
86 Emergency Bushcraft Knife
society, there is still plenty of offers some pointers on protecting
untamed nature in the world. your pets from rattlesnakes, and 88 Fixed-Blade Lifesavers
In the pages to follow, Michael Jay Pinsky reviews the finest fixed- 90 Killer Canines
DAngona shows us some effective blade knives available today.
93 Waterless Waste Solutions
defensive techniques to survive a Eduardo Abril de Fontcuberta
dog attack, as well as a number of provides techniques on wilderness
94 K9 Snake Defense
practical survival applications for tracking and the proper way to 96 Build Your Doomsday Arsenal
the humble bandana. He also walks outfit a 4x4 bug-out vehicle. Terrill 100 Prepper Products
us through the bug-out essentials Hoffman offers an overview of the
102 Are You Prepared For Any Crisis?
necessary to thrive in the face of Wilson Combat Rapid Response
disaster. Doug Larson gives us a Knife, and Kellie Nightlinger deliv- 104 Track Missing Humans
rundown on that most basic of sur- ers the inside story on what it was 106 Crisis Gear
vival tools, the simple but versatile like to survive 21 days in the African
110 Discoverys Naked and Afraid
entrenching tool. Wayne van Zwoll bush filming Discovery Channels
wraps up with an overview of five Naked and Afraid. 114 Water Hazards
of the most critical survival tools. As with most things, wilderness 118 Backwoods Fire-Starters
Fred Mastison delivers articles survival can be done well or it can 120 Off-Road Warriors
Big Stock Photo
Pred ator
Attacks Surviving deadly
encounters with wild
animals!
By Fred Mastison
T
The internet is rampant with a tourist jumping into a polar
Bear Dangers
Shutterstock Photos
the idea that wild animals are bear pen to swim with them to
really harmless and ultimately wildlife advocates determined Many areas across the U.S. have
want to be our friends. The to prove grizzly bears are not bear populations. From black bears
reality is that they are wild dangerous, all have provided to the almost legendary grizzly, they
animals and exist more on lethal results. Admire wildlife should all be treated as dangerous.
instinct and survival mode for their beauty and majesty, Ranging in size from 150 pounds to
than they do on the desire to almost 800 pounds, bears are well
but also respect the dangers
equipped for hunting and defense.
be liked. While this may seem that they present. Strong jaws full of teeth accompa-
harsh, it is important that any- In North America, we have nied by powerful claws make the
one entering a wilderness area a substantial number of dan- bear a serious predator. Beyond the
understand that wild animals gerous animals. The ability to knowledge that bears inhabit most
can be dangerous. The un- understand the danger they heavily wooded areas in the north-
willingness to accept this has present is the first step to ern part of the U.S., we can also
cost people their lives. From avoiding a problem all together. look for signs of their presence:
1 2 3
Keep your camp area clean Secure all food (including pet food) Dont take any food into your tent
of all trash and uneaten food. in a sealed container, and hang it or sleep in the clothes you cooked
Food smells, especially meat, well above the ground and away in. Check shoes for traces of
will attract the most dangerous from tents. Do the same with your food, too. When animals smell a
of animals. Fragrant liquids will trash until youre able to dispose of meal they will follow their noses
also get an animals attention. it properly away from your campsite. anywhere, even into your bed!
Tracks: Bear tracks are recog- to most other meat eaters, it can heed as a warning to leave the area
nized by the heavy impression of also have grass and fiber present. immediately. An animal thats feeding
the ball of the foot. Youll see five Carcasses: If you are in a bear can be very dangerous.
toes and claw prints on each. area and see large numbers of crows Territory Markings: Many times
Scat: The polite terminology for or vultures, it may be a carcass. This bears will claw into trees in order to
animal waste. Similar in appearance is one of the major alerts you should mark their territory.
Wolves And as effective on you as it will be on attacking animals. One of the best on
Big Game the market is UDAP bear spray. Carried by many rangers and profession-
als, it has excellent range and spray duration. For more information, visit
The wolf is one of the most sto- bearspray.com.
ried and legendary creatures of
the woods. The source of unlim- IMPROVISED WEAPONS: If you only
ited tales and myths, the wolf has have a branch or empty hands, strike down
earned a place in the psyche of the onto the bridge of the animals snout. You can
human race. While not as common also attack the eyes with sticks, dirt, rocks
as they once were, there are still or anything possible. Articles of clothing, like
regions that maintain a large num- shoes or belts, can also be used in a pinch. You
ber of wolves. Unlike the average will never overpower the animal. Strive to get
house dog, wolves are large and them to lose interest in you. The minute you are
resourceful predators. Many males able, you need to get away.
can weigh close to 100 pounds and
Always Alert
Wild animals are naturally interest-
ing and beautiful. Our curiosity will
nudge us to get just a little closer,
maybe to get that one great photo or
perhaps just to get a better look. The
wild animal on the other end of that
thought, however, may perceive you
as a threat. At best, they will run off.
At worst, you could end up fighting
for your life. Being educated and
aware of the dangers of wild animals
is the best way to help you enjoy the
beauty of the outdoors.
REALWORLDSURVIVOR.COM
Backwoods
The greatest
hazards are
those for
which youre
unprepared.
OFF-GRID
Big Stock Photo
ESSENTIALS
Five emergency survival tools!
By Wayne van Zwoll
Photos Courtesy Manufacturers
M
uch of what we own existed. Victims of air crashes have lived in the rain or spend a frosty night in your
we dont need. Some because they could improvise tools and emergency shelter. You dont want an
of us nearing curmud- glean food from Spartan landscapes, and introduction to your tools to be the last
geonhood rail against signal with mirror shards. time you see them.
electronic conveniences The greatest hazards are those for
that remind us of this: robot telephone which youre unprepared. While you Do-It-All Knives
calls, car windows married to the ignition cant, by definition, avoid emergencies The Boy Scout knife seemed a good
switch, automated replies to questions altogether, you can mitigate their effect tool when I wore that uniform decades
we want to ask a living person. At the and hike your odds of survival by equip- ago. But knives these days are sturdier,
same time, basic tools lie neglected by ping yourself now. Conditions determine with thicker blades of more practical
people skilled only in the use of a keypad. which tools are most useful; five come shape. Folders have locking mechanisms
A computer and a cell phone can help to mind as essential in just about every so you wont have to carry a severed
you earn money, keep you in touch and crisis outdoors. Youll want these in digit home in your pocket. A useful knife
entertain you. But they cannot by them- your automobile and/or your backpack is small, with a blade of 3 to 4 inches in
selves keep you alive. Go where the elec- whenever you travel beyond the glow of length. I prefer one or two slim blades
tronic ether hasnt penetrated, or where electric lights. To this list add 50 feet of in a folder. A fixed-blade knife can be
rescuers cant reach you easily, and you parachute cord and region-specific items sturdier, but its harder to pack. Few knife
must tap your own resources. You need like a collapsible snow shovel or a gallon chores demand a fixed (or a big) blade.
physical tools and the skills to use them. jug of potable water. Before you venture I see no call for a custom knife; why pay
With felling axes, pioneers built homes afield, test each item so you can de- for art when you need a tool?
and cleared land to farm. With rope and ploy it in the dark and when your hands I have wonderful knives from Dia-
hatchet, hunters fashioned lean-tos long are clumsy with cold. Run a compass mondBlade, Buck, Gerber and Columbia
before polymer tents with alloy frames course in unfamiliar country, start a fire River Knife & Tool (CRKT). Youll find other
worthy brands. Consider a Leatherman between true north and magnetic north) for one-hand use, a lifesaving advantage
multi-tool in addition to a knife. Once, in and following a map course. Declina- if your other hand is injured or numb.
Africa, a long thorn penetrated my shoe tion wont matter to you in Illinois, but it Shavings of USTs individually-wrapped
and my instep and broke off flush. My exceeds 20 degrees on the West Coast, WetFire Tinder ignite even floating on
foot was pinned to my shoe. Since then where I live. A set of Forest Service, water!
Ive carried a Leatherman. Its needle-nose Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Equally useful is the Lightning Strike
pliers solve such problems; its scissors Geological Survey maps, with state road Firestarter from Darrell Holland, an
trim sutures and cloth. While dried foods maps, should be in your kit wherever you Oregon rifle-maker and hunting-supply
have made can-openers less useful than travel, so the compass can do more than source. The striker (on an elastic cord)
in decades past, other clever devices point north. Avoid the nickel-size com- blasts sparks onto tinder or the cotton-
tuck neatly into a Leatherman grip. passes once inletted into the buttstocks like wads provided. The wads burst into
Both knives and multi-tools merit stout of rifles that, unaltered, would now put flame that tenaciously battles wind long
sheaths. children through a year of college. Also enough to ignite a teepee of sticks.
avoid compasses that weigh as much as Besides heating and drying you and pro-
Find Your Way a small revolver. I carry two compasses, viding light for camp chores, a fire cheers
Not many years back, every boy knew because when I am truly confused, it can you. Without fire you are truly alone.
how to use a compass. Now GPS (Global be easy to dismiss one
Positioning System) units for hand and compass as faulty. Two
The BlastMatch
Own The Night
automobile are shoving compasses into become a majority. You can buy flashlights for a
FireStarter trumps
the cobweb class, along with caulked couple of bucks, or spend a hun-
cigarette lighters,
boots and cream separators. But a com- Starting Fire operates with one
dred. Because with flashlights you
pass doesnt need batteries or orbiting Heat can save your get pretty much what you pay for,
hand and can ignite
satellites to function. With a map (of life. Outdoors, fire is youd better spend what you think
its fuel on water!
laminated paper so rain wont turn it to heat. Besides keeping your life is worth. A flashlight not
mush), a compass can bring you out of you comfortable, a fire only shows you a path; it can signal
the wilderness or to a rendezvous point can dry your wet clothes searchers. Its a firearm accessory
youve never seen. Youll want one with a so they dont drain heat that can blind an aggressor or help
base plate for setting as quickly from your body. put your sights on him. Its even
declination (the But when the weather is a weapon when you have noth-
angular difference wet, starting a fire can be ing else. But not every flashlight
a challenge. In my youth, performs all functions or endures
hunters carried waterproof abuse. SureFires flashlights serve
matches in metal canis- law officers and soldiers. A range of
ters. But Ive used a fistful shapes, sizes and lighting options
of these trying to coax includes the palm-size versions I
flame from soggy kindling, prefer. Small lights are easiest to
and wind snuffs matches pack, and are thus more likely to be
and cigarette lighters. with you when you need one. Ef-
Youre much better ficiently directed beams give Sure-
equipped with a de- Fires great reach. The battery life is
vice like that from short compared to weaker lights.
Ultimate Survival (Youll pack fresh batteries.) But LED
A simple Technologies. illumination beats incandescent
compass like The BlastMatch lights for durability and longevity, and
this Brunton DWB Firestarter was alloy bodies trump polymer when you
1894, paired with conceived by a must smack something hard. As with
a handy map, Special Forces compasses, two lights in your kit are
can help you find veteran for downed better than one. Keep a spare; you may
your way. pilots. Its designed also want it to signal. Insist on a brightly
Makeshift Shelters
Proper clothing stops wind and limits
the rate of heat lost from your body in
cold weather. It can also insulate you from
a hot, dehydrating sun. But whatever the
temperature or wind conditions, shelter SureFire makes sturdy, deep-penetrating
adds a crucial layer of protection. Peter lights of all sizes, for all applications.
Kummerfeldt, who carved out a career as Remember to carry spare batteries.
an Air Force survival expert and now con-
ducts schools and seminars on the topic only when its within reach when you
(outdoorsafe.com), advocates a heavy-du- need it, and then only if youre practiced
ty plastic bag like the oversize bags some in its use. If a backpack tent appeals to
states use to gather highway trash. you more than a garbage bag, set it up
Cut a hole in the bottom for your right away. Then take it down and set it
head so you can rest fully cocooned, up in the dark. Follow an orienteering
he says. An eye-catching color like course, or establish one, with a map and
fluorescent orange will help searchers. compass. Change flashlight batteries in
Certainly, a tent is more comfortable, but the dark. Start a couple of fires with wet
it weighs more and takes time to set up. wood in wind. Keep your kit in a mobile
And a tent wont help if you dont pur- pack you can carry hands-free, just as
posefully pack it. The only useful things you do your smartphone.
are those you have with you, Peter points
out. A big plastic bag merits a permanent FOR MORE INFORMATION
home in your pack. Buck Knives
What about space blankets? Theyre buckknives.com;
not as durable, and they dont envelope 800-326-2825
you. Of course, youll carry a cap that re-
tains your heat when wet. Your exposed Columbia River Knife & Tool
noggin is a radiator. In northern climes, crkt.com;
my daypack always has a wool watch 800-891-3100
cap, dry wool gloves and socks. DiamondBlade Knives
Reliable emergency gear helps you diamondbladeknives.com;
800-221-6873
Wayne van Zwoll photo
Gerber
gerbergear.com;
800-950-6161
Leatherman
leatherman.com;
800-847-8665
SureFire
surefire.com;
800-828-8809
Ultimate Survival Technologies
A wall tent is fine long-term shelter, but it ultimatesurvival.com;
requires effort to pack and set up. Be sure
877-738-3738
to carry emergency shelter, too!
When Toxic
Predators
Strike
Responding to
venomous attacks!
BY FRED MASTISON
Snakebite Dangers
According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, 7,000 to 8,000
people each year are bitten by snakes.
Of those, only one in 500 will actually
die from the bite. As a general statistic,
deaths by snakebite rarely exceed 10
in any given year. Individual responses
mouths, rattlesnakes and coral snakes.
Rattlesnakes are the most common
venomous snake, with 31 different
species spread across the U.S. With
the exception of Alaska, venomous
snakes are found across the U.S.
Leading the pack is Arizona with 19
different types of venomous snakes
within its borders.
Most snakebites are the result of
less-than-solid decisions. Teasing or
getting close to any snake is never a
wise move. Left to themselves, snakes
7 Snakebite Donts
If youre bitten, take care to avoid doing
the following:
1. Do not pick up the snake or try to trap it.
This may put you or someone else at risk
for another venomous bite.
2. Do not apply a tourniquet.
generally avoid people and prefer
solitude. Occasionally, our worlds will
collide, however, and bites will occur.
Treatments for snakebites can be
the stuff of legend. From cutting an X
on the bites and sucking out the venom
to tourniquets, treatment suggestions
sometimes are questionable. For a clear
idea of what to do, we will look to the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Treating Snakebites:
1. If you or someone you know has been
bitten, try to remember the color and
shape of the snake, which can help with
treating the snakebite.
2. Keep the victim still and calm. This
can slow down the spread of venom if
the snake is poisonous.
3. Seek medical attention as soon as
possible. Dial 911 or call local emergency
to snakebites vary, as some people can 3. Do not slash the wound with a knife. medical services (EMS).
have an almost allergic reaction while 4. Do not attempt to suck out the venom. 4. Apply first aid if you cannot get the
others suffer only simple pain. 5. Do not apply ice or immerse the person to the hospital right away. Lay or
There are only four groups of ven- wound in water. sit the person down with the bite below
omous snakes found in the continental 6. Do not drink alcohol as a painkiller. the level of the heart. Cover the bite with
United States: copperheads, cotton- 7. Do not drink caffeinated beverages. a clean, dry dressing.
Eight-Legged Attackers of the time it takes to react. Black Widow tion will aid in medical treatment.
While an important part of our environ- bites tend to be more acute, but the 2. Wash the afflicted area with anti-
ment, spiders are by nature venomous. ability to see a clear bite mark is difficult. bacterial soap and water.
Most spiders are too small or have These bites are most often diagnosed by 3. Apply a cloth dampened with cold
venom too weak to injure humans. The the symptoms of its venom. water or filled with ice to reduce swelling.
tarantula is a great example. While It is always best to err on the side 4. Elevate the bite area, if possible.
feared by many, the bite of a tarantula is of caution if you believe you have been 5. Do not attempt to remove venom.
not considered medically serious. Pain- bitten by a spider. You should be con- 6. Immediately seek professional medi-
ful, of course, because of the size of the cerned if the local reaction continues cal attention as soon as possible.
fangs, but it lacks sufficient potency to to get worse for more than 24 hours.
be dangerous. However, spiders do in- Specific things to look for are drainage Deadly Scorpion Stings
deed occasionally bite people and some from the bite area, pain, numbness and An almost other-worldly-looking crea-
of the bites can be dangerous. Similar to redness spreading away from the bite ture, the scorpion has been around for
snakebites, the actual number of spider or circular discoloration around the bite. over 430 million years. There are ap-
bites is small, with an average of 5,000 More serious reactions can appear in dif- proximately 90 different species of scor-
bites per year. The overall reaction to ferent parts of the body, including sweat- pions living in the U.S. and 25 of those
those bites depends on many factors, ing, chills, headache, leg cramps and a have venom strong enough to cause
including age and general health. rapid pulse. This is due to the nature of injury to humans. The largest concentra-
The two medically significant spi- some spider venoms ability to affect tion of scorpions is in the Southwest.
ders in the United States are the Black nerve function. If you experience these The neurologic toxicity is dangerous
Widow and the Brown Recluse. Of the symptoms, you should seek immediate especially to young children. Even with
two, the Black Widow is generally con- medical attention. The CDC suggests this menacing information, only four
sidered to be more dangerous. It is often these steps if you are bitten by a spider. deaths have occurred in 11 years because
difficult to distinguish a spider bite from of scorpion stings. This can be attributed
a bite from another insect. Most cases Surviving Spider Bites: to medical care in the U.S., and high
of Brown Recluse bites are not reported 1. Stay calm. Identify the type of spider general living standards. In Mexico,
until days after the initial attack because if it is possible to do so safely. Identifica- for example, there are approximately
REALWORLDSURVIVOR.COM
VENOM
EXTRACTION
Sawyers
Extractor Pump kit offers a
one-stop bite solution.
Cautious Coexistence
Humans have lived with these venom-
ous creatures for millennia. Our great,
great ancestors faced many of the same
anxieties that the modern human race
faces regarding these small but poten-
tially dangerous creatures. The differ-
ence now is that we are much better
informed and educated when it comes
to these venomous animals. What hasnt
changed, however, is the reaction that
most people experience when they come
face to face with a venomous threat.
REALWORLDSURVIVOR.COM
Backwoods
The versatility
of the bandana
can aid you in
all aspects of
survival and
emergency
situations.
Bug-Out Bandanas
A mere piece of cloth can be the difference
between life and death! ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY MICHAEL DANGONA
W
Without question, the big four ne- sun, and it can even act as toilet paper to camp. Gather wild edibles and wrap
cessities of survival are food, water, when nature calls while you are under them within the cloth for transport until
fire and shelter. But when it comes emergency conditions. you return to your campsite. And when
to versatility, one item surpasses all youre ready to move out from camp,
others: a simple piece of cloth! Campsite Pro secure your items in bandana bundles
The bandana, most widely known as Around your base of operation, the for easy transport and accessibility.
a small accessory for cowboys of the bandana can be your go-to accessory.
West, can be easily adapted for dozens Shred the bandana for tinder to create Weapons & First Aid
of uses in survival or emergency situa- a fire. When cooking, the bandana can The wilderness can be a dangerous
tions. Some applications may be known act as a useful pot-holder, a food wrap place. Bandanas aid in personal protec-
while others might never have been or a makeshift plate. A bandana can also tion and can help treat many types of
considered or expected. However, with serve as a strainer for your boiled items unexpected wounds. Use a bandana
a little knowledge and ingenuity, this or for pre-purified muddy or gritty water. as a sling to throw rocks at advancing
staple of any bug-out bag or survival kit After eating, use it as a rag for clean- animals or two-legged predators out to
may just play a critical part in keeping ing and drying your plates and cutlery steal your supplies or do you harm. Wrap
you alive and well when the unexpected to prevent bacteria and insects from larger rocks within small squares of your
occurs and youre stranded in the wild. finding a new, inviting home. Rip the bandana and tie it with cord to create a
bandana into strips to create lashings for bolas for personal protection or hunting
Personal Protector your shelter or cordage for smaller proj- small game. Tie two or more bandanas
The bandana can be applied directly on ects. Use several brightly colored ban- together to create a spear sling. This is
your body for numerous beneficial pur- danas when exploring to mark your trail used to maximize the impact velocity
poses. Soak the bandana in cold water and avoid getting lost on the way back of the spear when threatened by man
and apply it to the back of your neck
to cool yourself in hot environments. Its easy to turn your bandana into a bolas for hunting or self-defense: Cut two squares of fabric from your
bandana, place a small rock inside each square, and tie paracord or string around the fabric-covered rocks.
Conversely, use it to cover your face
and exposed skin from cold winds and
frigid temperatures to prevent the onset
of frostbite. You can wrap the bandana
around your mouth and nose to protect
from dust, sand or possible biological
contaminants, or use it as a washcloth
when bathing or cleaning any superficial
wounds that you may have sustained.
The bandana will help keep sweat out of
your eyes, keep your neck or head from
getting sunburned under the midday
Backwoods Utility
Think outside of the box when limited
on supplies and equipment. Other uses
for bandanas that may have escaped
your initial thoughts include using it as
a net for fishing for small minnows or
other bait fish. Wrap it around your head
and use it as an eye patch to prevent
dirt from infecting an injured eye. Stuff
a bandana with leaves and tie the ends
together to create a comfy pillow when
sleeping outdoors. You can tie one or
more brightly colored bandanas to a
tall staff to use as a signal flag to attract
others to your location. Wrap and tie
a cloth around each of your hands to
create makeshift gloves for carrying
jagged firewood or prickly branches.
When there is no access to grocery or
drug stores, women can use bandanas
for feminine hygiene applications. Also,
add oil to the bandana for a perfect gun
cloth, or use it to clean your smudgy
eyeglasses, camera lenses or other
reflective surfaces.
You have nearly limitless applica-
tions for this universal tool, and the
more bandanas you pack beforehand,
the better off you will be when the time
comes to put your survival training to
the test. All that is required from you is
some creativity, a bit of trial and error
and steady persistence to find new and
useful applications for this simple yet
extremely versatile go-to tool!
REALWORLDSURVIVOR.COM
Backwoods
RAPID
combination of tool and
weapon. It can respond
quickly to a variety of
emergencies.
Wilson
RESPONSE
Combats
bug-out
ready knife
KNIFE
delivers in the
By Terrill backwoods and
Hoffman
emergencies.
O
Over the years, Wilson Combat gives a little extra snap to the appearance.
has expanded its product line to With either insert, the stonewashed finish
include shotguns, AR-pattern rifles of the metal creates a nice contrast. The
and knives. It is nothing unusual open-back design of the handle not only
for a firearms company to have a reduces weight, but also eases cleaning out
knife, or even a line of knives, the crud that normally collects in the handle
included as a standard product. of a folder. The final feature of the RRX is the
However, I cannot think of a lanyard hole at the end of the handle.
company that carries it to the These are American-made knives, and
same extent as Wilson Combat. each one is hand fitted, sharpened and
The RRX (Rapid Response XL) to improve tuned. Before I tried out the attributes of the
is actually the final variation of wear resistance ELMAX steel, I wanted to get accustomed
a standard Wilson model, the while maintaining to the feel of the knife. Anyone who has a
Rapid Response. The drop- the rust resistance flipper-operated knife knows it can be an
point blade is 3.5 inches long of stainless steel. addictive practice. However, just because
and fashioned from ELMAX The RRX is a right-
steel. For those not handed frame-lock
familiar with ELMAX, it design with a titanium
s a Swedish powdered handle contoured to match
metal that is earning the natural shape of the us-
the reputation as ers palm. The top and bottom
the new super of the handle have pronounced
steel in the knife bevels to increase comfort while
industry. This all other edges around the handle
vacuum-melted have been rounded. Along with dual
steel has thumb studs, there is a flipper that
a high protrudes 0.31 inches from the top of the
carbon and handle when the knife is closed. Once de-
chromium ployed, this flipper acts as a lower guard. The
content RRX comes with a pocket clip that can be
mounted on either side for point-down carry.
One feature of this knife that stands out
is the recessed cocobolo inlay on the side
Steve Woods Photo
coming back
until your
finger is out
of the way.
The balance
point of the
RRX is right at
the gripping
forefinger. The
contour of the
handle will
allow instant
indexing of the
knife even on
a pitch-black
night.
Fixed Blade
Lifesavers
8 knives for bugging out or personal defense!
BY JAY PINSKY PHOTO BY STEVE WOODS
Wilson Combat
C.U.B.
Wilson Combats legendary quality
comes to the knife community with
the Combat Utility Blade (C.U.B.),
a knife crafted to work as hard and
professionally as you do. If youre in
the market for a knife built to last a
lifetime that can do it all, the C.U.B.
is it. This versatile knife is made with
CPM154 steel, with a 3D-machined
G10 handle available in black, black
and green, or black and gray.
(wilsoncombat.com;
800-955-4856)
Specifications
Blade Length 4 4 inches
OA Length 4 9 inches
Weight 4 8.4 ounces
Blade Steel 4 CPM154 stainless
Rockwell Hardness 4 57-59
Edge Type 4 Plain
MSRP 4 $349.95
Vulture Equipment
Works Cholera
The Vulture Equipment Works
Cholera fixed blade is one of the
best choices for anyone who needs
a knife ready to work at home, on
the job or in the backwoods. This
high-quality knife has a Micarta
handle and comes equipped to
handle a variety of survival situations
through its durable 1095 stainless
design and its included magnesium
fire-starter and sparker and 550
cord. The Vulture Cholera knife also
comes with a MOLLE-compatible
sheath for versatile carry options.
(vultureequipmentworks.com;
630-804-9600)
Specifications
Blade Length 4 5.5 inches
OA Length 4 9.5 inches
Weight 4 8.84 ounces
Blade Steel 4 1095 high-carbon alloy
Rockwell Hardness 4 58-60
Edge Type 4 Plain
MSRP 4 Starting at $189.99
SOG Force
SOG knives are well made, durable and seem to always stay sharp. If TOPS Green Badger
you only have enough money for one knife, get the SOG Force. The TOPS Knives Green Badger is a well-made, quick-handling, sharp
use of AUS-8 stainless steel helps separate this clip-point knife from knife ready to respond to an emergency or self-defense situation.
other high-quality knives because of the improved characteristics of This all-business blade comes in two models: one with a handle
the stainless steel when mixed with vanadium. AUS-8 stainless steel wrapped in paracord and the other with a durable G10 handle. The
tends to be more durable, easier to sharpen and last longer than 440 6-ounce, 3.75-inch-bladed Green Badger also comes with a Kydex
series stainless steel knives. (sogknives.com; 888-405-6433) sheath for easy field carry. (topsknives.com; 208-542-0113)
Specifications Specifications
Blade Length 4 3.75 inches Blade Length 4 3.75 inches
OA Length 4 11.25 inches OA Length 4 8.12 inches
Weight 4 10.5 ounces Weight 4 6 ounces
Blade Steel 4 AUS-8 Blade Steel 4 1095 carbon
Rockwell Hardness 4 57-58 Rockwell Hardness 4 56-58
Edge Type 4 Straight Edge Type 4 Plain
MSRP 4 $180 MSRP 4 Starting at $159.95
Backwoods
Killer
Canines
Mans best friend. More likely are very territorial and may feel threat- give the animal any signs that it might
than not, that phrase creates a ened when an unknown visitor enters perceive as threatening. Dont wave
picture in your mind of a loyal and their domain. If possible, avoid the animal your arms or kick your legs, and never
M
obedient dog, sitting patiently at by walking far out of the dogs territorial run away. Running will trigger the dogs
its masters side, waiting for his zone. This may mean crossing over to innate instinct to chase prey. You cant
next command. And for the most part another street, cutting a path through a outrun a dog. Dont even try.
that is usually true. However, as much nearby park or backtracking entirely and Stand sideways to the dog, and dont
WHAT TO DO
will run at you with a sloped, curved
midsection. A non-wagging tale is not
Shutterstock Photo
backpack will also make a great instant
barrier. If you are left out in the open and
have no other choice, remove your jacket
or shirt and wrap it around your weaker
arm. This will give the animal a target
6. Contact a lawyer. You may need to
Big Stock Photo
Use Unarmed
Offensive Moves Carry/Find A Weapon A gun may seem like the ultimate
A physical attack may be inevitable and Having a weapon in hand can be a weapon, but when you are under
you must fight back to protect yourself great game changer when a dog attack stress, getting your weapon drawn
from critical injuries and possibly death. occurs. If you always carry some form and scoring a clean shot is not an
Obviously, the jaws and biting teeth are of weapon on you for self-defense pur- easy task. If unarmed initially, grabbing
the primary weapons of any dog. If the poses, then you instantly have a a long stick or tree branch makes a
animal latches onto your leg or arm, use great advantage. However, makeshift great prodding weapon, and it also
your free limbs to either kick the dogs weapons picked up on the fly will also allows you to create space between
face area or strike at its eyes, nose or work just as well. Concealed weapons you and the dog until help arrives. A
Shutterstock Photo
thick stick or a beer bottle, broken or
intact, will also make a great improvised POST-ATTACK
offensive weapon. FIRST AID
Minimize The Damage
Unfortunately, you may not end up on
Fotolia Photo
the winning end of the dog attack, so
you need to know how to keep your
injuries to an absolute minimum. If the
animal has your arm or leg in its mouth,
dont try to pull away or shake your limb
loose. This will only increase the dogs
intent to stay locked onto you, and it
will make your injuries worse by pulling
the puncture wounds back and forth,
creating a larger injury. If youre taken
down by the animal, or if you fall down
accidentally, protect your vital areas
(torso, head, neck, throat) by rolling onto
1. Control the bleeding. Use any type
of cloth available (shirt, bandana or tear a
your stomach, tucking in your knees and piece of your pants) and apply pressure until
protecting your ears with your hands the bleeding stops. Do not apply a tourniquet
(ball up your fists first!). You may get bit unless the blood continues to flow from
around your body, but your vital areas the wound. If a tourniquet is necessary,
will be protected. Screaming or trying to your belt, bandana, gun strap or a length of
paracord will work.
get away by rolling or getting up will only
2. Wash the wound. Once you have the
encourage the animal to continue its bleeding under control, use soap and warm
assault and cause further bodily damage water to clean thoroughly around the bite as
to you. well as inside the wound itself. Be sure to
The most important rule to always rinse out all of the soap to avoid irritating the
remember is that you can take the dog area further.
out of the wild, but you cant take the
3. Apply antibiotic cream. If you have
antibiotic cream on hand (it really is a
wild out of the dog! Natural instincts that must-carry item wherever you go), apply it
have been reinforced over thousands to your injury and loosely wrap the wound in
and thousands of years are lying just a dry, clean dressing.
under the surface of your family pets 4. Off-grid observation. If youre days
calm and friendly demeanor. Yours, like away from professional medical help, be sure
to notice any changes in your wound that
all other dogs out in the world, can revert
indicate a possible infection. Redness, swell-
back to their primitive, non-domesti- ing, warmth around the area and noticeable
cated nature in the blink of an eye. Its pus could be signs of infection.
only your knowledge and insight about a 5. See a doctor ASAP. Your injuries may
dogs attack characteristics and mental- require stitches to allow them to close prop-
ity, coupled with your own common erly and reduce the possibility of scarring.
sense, that can help you survive when Also, rabies shots may have to be admin-
istered as a precaution against possible
a charging dog has its eyes, teeth and
exposure to the disease.
chomping jaws set on you!
WATERLESS Cleanwaste
WASTE can help prevent the
spread of diseases!
SOLUTIONS By Will Dabbs
S
Some of the simplest and having the capacity to manage human armored vehicles, helicopters or Humvees,
most mundane things can waste safely and conveniently is criti- this system can bring just a tiny bit of civ-
become some of the most cal. In my experience, many of the less ilization to an otherwise utterly uncivilized
remarkable problems in a durable members of our society spurn the world. In civilian disaster applications it
survival situation. What if your wilderness for the simple fact that it has can prevent disease, improve morale and
house comes down in a tornado and you no bathrooms. Cleanwaste addresses protect the environment.
are trapped in your safe room for 24 hours the most basic of problems with brilliant Prepping for unpleasant eventualities
before anybody can dig you out? What engineering and space-age chemistry. is pertinent, timely and, to be honest, kind
if the infrastructure is so badly damaged of fun. While guns, food and shelter are the
that the water system is disrupted and Space Age Design obvious staples of the modern American
the toilets no longer flush? What if an ice The critical component in Cleanwastes survival prepper, at times it might behoove
storm paralyzes the interstate and you are Poo Powder is a NASA developed Super you to think a bit more in practical terms.
K9
SNAKE
DEFENSE
Training your
dog to prevent a
venomous attack.
W
BY JANE ANNE SHIMIZU
Every year
in the U.S.,
approximately C onsidering training your
dog in snake defense?
they receive a stimulus from an
electronic collar. This causes
3. Finally, walk the dog
through a desert simulation.
snakes.
they recognize the odor hear this sound. training to the dog.
ance in New River, Arizona, believes that and provides the best protection against
the smell of a snake is even stronger than the venom of that particular snake. The
the sound of its rattle or the sight of its vaccine has been shown to provide
head. Jim has even successfully trained cross-protection against the venom of
4Most poisonous snake species live blind dogs, who rely only on the smell other types of rattlesnakes and copper-
near rocky and open areas. Rocks offer and sound. A dogs highly sensitive nose heads, too. However, it does not provide
snakes cover from predators, plentiful prey can smell a snake 165 feet away. protection against the Mojave rattle-
(rodents, lizards, insects, etc.) and open snake, cottonmouths or coral snakes.
basking areas. Warning Signs & Vet Care Snake vaccine allows you more time to
4Rattlesnakes generally have heads How can you tell if your dog has been get to a veterinary hospital and reduces
shaped like an Indian arrowhead; the head bitten by a rattlesnake? If you are with the amount of pain and swelling experi-
is larger than the neck. the dog, then you may see the snake enced by the dog. It also provides faster
4In Arizona, the most common species of strike. If you dont see the strike and your recovery times.
rattlesnake, the western diamondback, has pet shows signs of pain, whimpering, Part of the charm of living in the
black and white rings around the tail just swelling, unusual lethargy or bleeding American West is that the land isnt
before the rattles. from the nose, anus or skin, assume the completely tamed yet. This requires us
4The bigger the snake, the more venom worst and immediately go to the vet. to pay attention to our surroundings and
they have. A defensive bite always contains The sooner the veterinarian can be- take various precautions. If you are afield
more venom than a bite to obtain food. gin supportive care, the more likely your with your dog, then both of you need to
4Baby rattlesnakes deliver less venom, pet will survive. At the vets office, they be aware of snakes and the danger they
but their venom is more toxic than an adult
will start IV fluids and anti-inflammatory can present.
snakes. Their bites are especially lethal.
neurological system.
Every year in the U.S., approximately
Poisonous Toads
15,000 dogs are attacked and bitten by
venomous snakes. The highest fatality
rates occur in Arizona, Georgia, Florida,
S nakes are not
the only threat to
dogs in the desert.
Alabama, South Carolina and Texas. Poisonous toads, like
When temperatures move into the high the Sonoran desert
70s, snakes come out of hibernation. toads, are common in
Here in Arizona, we have our dogs Arizona and other arid
snake-avoidance trained every year in areas of the South-
the spring. First, as a precaution, the west. Also known as
man who provides the training milks Colorado River toads,
Big Stock Photo
Shutterstock Photo
O
urs is an age of difficult financial decisions.
Some folks blessed with near-limitless re-
sources can prep for literally any eventuality.
An underground shelter awash in shelf-stable
food and military-grade firepower is great, but what
about the rest of us? What is the young father with a
working-stiff paycheck and a kid in diapers supposed to
do if he wants to be something other than dinner when
the trucks stop rolling and the freaks come out to play?
Fortunately, Im cheap by nature and have come across
some excellent gear that represents a superb value for
the cost-conscious survival prepper.
9mm Backup
Lightweight Sleeper
marker and eat the old stuff first. In this
manner, and with a trivial initial invest-
ment, you can keep two to three weeks
B
worth of shelf-stable food on hand for
eyond an individual those times when the trucks stop rolling
weapon and rations, and the supermarkets empty out.
nothing is more impor-
tant than the humble sleeping
bag when bugging out. It is
comfort and survival in an envi-
ronment typically bereft of any
kind of ease or luxury.
The state-of-the-art Recon
3 Generation 2 sleeping bag is
rated down to 23 degrees Fahr-
enheit, and it is an exceptional
piece of kit. The Recon 3 was
designed with input from mili-
tary operators and reflects the The built-in compression sack is waterproof and
apex of sleeping bag technol- mashes the bag down to about 8 inches by 8 inches.
ogy. The Recon 3 is lightweight Straps are sewn in place to prevent loss.
at about 3 pounds, stores in its
own compression sack and has bells and whistles aplenty.
The shell is Teflon finished for wear resistance. The basic mate-
rial is Ripstop nylon, and each separate component is constructed
of a different nylon material to maximize durability while minimiz- AR500 Armors plates are incredibly tough.
ing weight. The bottom is waterproof and the entire shell water- The author shot one of the companys armor
resistant. The included compression sack squeezes the bag down plates with more than a dozen high-velocity
into a tiny package and is waterproof as well. FMJ rifle rounds in a variety of calibers and
SLEEP EASY: The mummy-style Recon 3 bag sports a draw cord barely caused any damage.
and barrel locks to seal the bag around your face, and it even has
an internal pocket for your cell phone. I have shared a sleeping bag
with an assault rifle on a few occasions, and such well-considered
amenities can pay huge dividends in operator comfort. There are
hanging tabs on both the inside and outside of the bag to facilitate
Draw cords with drying and cleaning, and the heavy duty No. 8 spiral zipper is
barrel locks arguably the best in the world.
secure the head The internal baffle foot is reinforced to minimize the risk of
of the bag around damage when the operator sleeps in boots. The DuPont Thermo-
your face. In truly lite Micro insulation is arranged with 100 grams per square meter
cold weather, the and flat-filled to prevent cold spots. The Recon 3 is 86.5 inches
hood of the bag long when unrolled, yet it stuffs into a space roughly 8 inches by
can be drawn 8 inches when stowed. The bag can also accommodate shoulder
tight enough to fit measurements up to 33.5 inches across. The Recon 3 sleeps great,
around your nose. and the tiny footprint it yields when stowed is simply extraordi-
nary. It also can be stored in your trunk. Should you find yourself
stranded in the cold, as did hundreds of hapless motorists in Atlanta this past winter, The cheap $30 light actually hanging
the Recon 3 keeps you toasty regardless of your circumstances. on your weapon beats the $300 version
Of all the gear available to the modern survival prepper, it is the sleeping bag that the SEALs use that you cannot afford.
is arguably the most critical. For more information, visit reconsleepingbags.com. Inexpensive, imported accessories available
from box stores or the internet are good
options for preppers on a tight budget.
Prepper
Products
Survival gear ready to respond to
your next emergency!
ARE YOU
PREPARED
FOR ANY
CRISIS?
Monthly survival care packages
can keep you safe and alive
against any threat!
BY WIL L DABBS
S
Survival preparedness is ening budget. In such an environment, Setter
big business these days. and SEREBOX offer critical life support on a
Terrorists have entered reasonable payment plan. SEREBOX offers critical
into an unholy alliance SEREBOX is a subscription service. For life support on a reasonable
with Mother Nature to $39 each month, the company will send
payment plan. For $39 each
month, the company will send
make survival prepping a you a box of survival gear. Each month has
you a box of survival gear.
pertinent and potentially a theme. There is a common foundation of
life-saving undertaking. a little food in each installment. One month
While the landscape is cluttered with might be water procurement. Another might undertaking. Thus far, he has had a single
entrepreneurs hawking survival gear be shelter. Yet another might be the means customer quit. That customer ran into dire
that ranges in quality from military grade to grow and sustain a garden. Not knowing financial straits and said he would be back
to rubbish, Scott Setter at SEREBOX what will arrive is part of the fun. At the end of when his finances improved.
offers something unique. a 12-month subscription, the kit is complete.
You can spend a fortune on gear and You can start anytime and you can unsub- How It Works
food to insulate your family from unpleas- scribe with an email or a phone call. SEREBOX is a family business, and
antness ranging from weather gone wild To paraphrase Setter, he has the monthly at a recent survivalists expo, Setters
to an unforecast assault. What Setter and challenge of making each box interesting teenaged sons were as conversant and
his team do is spread the prepping process and useful while remaining a good value. As enthusiastic about the products as their
out so that it is no longer financially painful, subscribers can quit any time they wish, it is father. SEREBOX is described as pre-
and they make it fun at the same time. incumbent upon him to make paredness made easy through a peace-
Some folks enjoy the resources to just each and every month of-mind subscription service. Shipping
purchase anything they might want a worthwhile is free and individual items are also for
to ensure their safety in a crisis, but sale on the companys website. During
Photos Courtesy SEREBOX
most of us are still paying back stu- the course of a full 12-month subscrip-
dent loans, financing our kids tion, all the basics of food, fire, water,
educations and trying to protection and pertinent survival knowl-
make the mortgage every edge are addressed. Setter upgrades
month on an ever-tight- his gear and kits as new products and
REALWORLDSURVIVOR.COM
Backwoods
Tracking
THIS PAGE, TOP: Osku Hellman / www.imttfinland.fi Photo. BOTTOM LEFT: Courtesy of PALADIN PRESS Ultimate Sniper en Espaol by E.Abril de Fontcuberta. BOTTOM RIGHT: Eduardo Abril de Fontcuberta Illustration.
Think like a
predator to track
missing humans
T
or hunting prey.
BY EDUARDO ABRIL DE FONTCUBERTA
through his quarrys eyes. He isnt follow- animal behavior and how they move, But to give you an outline, it is all based
ing him; he anticipates his quarrys next even what their footprint phases are, and on visual tracking to identify the quarrys
move and heads him off at the pass. this is a lot of work. The advantage is that gait and its tracks. This is the case
This is the final objective of learning to animals wont ambush you if you get too whether your quarry is a human, a bird or
mantrack. close or disguise their position, so the four-legged prey.
learning process is far safer with them. In the old days, most trackers used a
THIS PAGE, LEFT: Photo Courtesy of La ciencia de las Huellas F. Gomez and D. Pueyo. RIGHT: Photo Courtesy Tom Brown Jrs Tracker School.
ID Markers Footprints may identify some of your tracking stick, but now most top track-
After you find a spoor, the normal proce- quarry. They will tell you if a woman or ers use a metal measuring tape to look
dure is to determine the number of prey heavy men are among the group you for track signs and to measure the stride
and to identify footprints, specifically the are tracking. But you need to know how length. Remember that human footsteps
size of each and which direction they are many there are; you must also learn if have three phasesthe contact, the mid-
moving. Check your boots and the ani- some of your identified footprints are stance and the propulsion phaseand
mals around camp and start making your among them so you know you are still fol- that each will leave unique markings.
own track data cards. Add all the kinds of lowing the right party. You need to extract Learn to differentiate footprint styles (and
markings you know of to your track-and- from their tracks as much information as each phase) so you can better identify
footprint list. Add the personal ID marks possible about their speed, their load and each prey youre tracking.
of all the enemy boots you can. Add all their possible intentions. And if tracking humans, do not forget
the special footprints you find in your area The footprints shape, overall size and your own security as your foe may try to
of operations. This will allow you to po- the size of its gaits will give you a lot of in- ambush you. Take your time and observe
tentially identify every animal and human formation. Smaller, thinner footprints and carefully the area in front of you with your
that crosses your grounds. shorter steps will tell the tracker that the binoculars before continuing the tracking.
After talking to a very experienced tracks were made by a shorter, smaller If you take your time, take a close look
tracker, I have come to a conclusion person or maybe a woman. If the track is at your map and mantrack correctly, you
regarding the differentiation between thinner, with more earth scrapped around can predict what his path will be. Then
boots with similar soles or those made by it, and has a longer gait, then the footprint find a way to cut him off, overpass him
the same manufacturer. His suggestion is from a person running. and ambush him.
here is to cut notches in the boots of team Even though reading books may give
members so they will be readily identifi- Read The Signs you a taste of what tracking is all about,
able. Trying to remember, draw or pho- The real problem with tracking is that it is you will need a good course and must
tograph each boot sole can be unreliable very difficult to find complete tracks, and spend many hours in the field before you
and time consuming. A notch cut into even if your enemy does not try to hide or are able to read the signs. Contact good
the same place on each persons boot disrupt them, it is difficult to find full foot- tracking schools from experienced track-
will better serve the purpose of knowing prints. This does not mean that without ers such as John D. Hurth, Tom Brown
whom your friends are. At least you will full footprints you cannot track your foe. and Joel Hardin. They are the best in the
have greatly reduced the footprints to You will use all kinds of indicators, called industry. Government agencies are rely-
track as only the rest will be your problem. signs. These are the clues of your preys ing on outsourcing their tracking training
Tracking animals is nearly the same, presence that can barely be seen. for elite spec-ops units like the Navy
but with one additional complication and Finding, identifying and following SEALs and the Armys Delta Force and
one definite advantage. You are not an signs is an art in itself, and you will need now you know why. This is an art and you
animal, so you will need to learn about much more than this article to master it. will need a true artist to learn it.
CRISIS
freeze-dried or dehydrated meals. These,
along with meals ready to eat (MREs), are
your food sources for the next 72 hours
(try to plan for five days in your pack, if
possible) and should be packed in each
GEAR
family members supply bag.
Long-term food resources include fish
from lakes or streams, as well as game
birds and a wide variety of land-based
animals. These all require equipment
including fishing gear, a rifle, bow and
arrow, crossbow, slingshot or even a
makeshift sling. Two or more of these
items should be included in at least one
Bug-out essentials to navigate persons bag per family.
Water in durable, sealed pouches
during and after any disaster! with at least a five-year shelf life should
be packed proportionately into each
persons bug-out bag based upon an
By Michael DAngona individuals body size and environmental
conditions. These work for immediate use
T
and for water needs over the next few
he world is an unpredictable after a major emergency situation, you days. After that, alternate water sources
place. One day you may be should have packed quick, easy-to-eat Photo Courtesy Willow Haven Outdoor
enjoying a relaxing night with items such as energy bars, beef jerky or
your family in front of the trail mixes. These require no heating or
television, and the next you cooking of any kind and can be eaten
might find yourself desperately fleeing on the run if the need arises. Be sure
your home and trying to escape looting to constantly rotate these items in your
marauders, a biochemical attack or an bag when its initially stored to prevent
unpredicted natural disaster. You will eating expired products. Next, once you
barely have enough time to think straight, are in a stay put location, you can build
let alone try to pack bags in a panicked a fire, boil some water and reconstitute
rush to carry your familys much-needed
supplies. Thats where a bug-out bag
comes into play.
A bug-out bag is a pre-filled backpack
loaded with all the essentials that enable
you to survive without any other form of
assistance for a minimum of three days.
Each family member should have their
own bag specifically suited for their per-
A machete
sonal needs. This is no small task, and it
requires some serious thought and plan-
and a multi-tool
ning well before any emergency situation
becomes a reality. Remember, when your
are two of
life or the lives of your family members
are at stake, procrastination and unpre-
your most
paredness are not options. important
Body Fuel
Without a doubt, food and water
bug-out bag
are the most important and essential
components that make up your bug-out
tools.
bag. It takes very little time for you to
become hungry and thirsty, especially
under abnormal conditions when access
to these precious resources is limited or
non-existent. A lack of food and water
can cause bad decision-making, irritabil-
ity and physical weakness, all traits that
can be extremely detrimental to you and
your family while trying to stay alive dur-
ing a crisis situation.
There are two distinct classifications
of food and water needs for your bug-out
bagimmediate consumption and a
long-term food-and-water plan. For the
extremely short term, only a few hours
Versatile Tools
Simply put, you need protective CHOOSING A PRE-PACKED
BUG-OUT BAG
weapons and tools. Luckily, many tools
can double as weapons in many instanc-
es, and vise versa. A machete can help
clear a path through thick foliage but
can also hold off thieving marauders if 6 essentials to look for when picking out
necessary. A camp shovel can multi-task the right pre-assembled bag for you:
around the campsite while also serving
as a useful offensive weapon. Carrying
a collapsible bow with arrows, or a com-
pact crossbow, allows you to hunt small
1. Make sure all the majors are cov-
ered. Items for the big four survival
categories (food, water, shelter and fire)
5. Comfort-test the pack when fully
filled. This bag will be with you
night and day as you travel through all
game for food, or use it for must be adequately included within your possible types of terrain; it needs to be
defense if danger strikes. store-bought bag. Be sure they meet a comfortable. Try it out with the pack fully
The knives you carry (you minimum 72-hour requirement. This is a loaded. Does it instantly feel like a part
should always pack more must. If any are missing or short packed, of you? If not, why not? If you feel any
than one variety: hunting, keep shopping. rough points hitting your lower back or
defense, utility, etc.) can be-
come close-range offensive
and defensive weapons in
2. Examine the durability of the bag
itself. A detailed look at the bag
can reveal many imperfections that can
shoulder area, you may have to reconfig-
ure the items within. If the pain persists,
then the bag itself must be the problem.
times of peril, and yet still become big problems under continuous Continue to try different packs until you
aid you in completing daily use. A bad zipper or two, weakly stitched find the most comfortable one. Your bag
tasks around your campsite. seams, thin outer shell material and poor- should be a help when bugging out, not a
Some examples include ly sewn strap connections can all lead hindrance.
cutting freshly killed meat,
Big Stock Photo
to problems in the field, which can make
your situation go from bad to worse.
Tough fabric, double-stitched seams and
6. Check for additional gear space.
Not all pre-filled bags have every-
thing you would possibly need. You may
high-quality hardware components are have some extra food components or a
what you want to look for. bigger first-aid kit that you want to put in,
of paracord between two trees and drape hammock. They are lightweight and easy problems later, when its too late!
the tarp over the line to create a quick, to assemble. A simple hammock working Other key items that will become
temporary shelter. Variations in size and in conjunction with an overhead tarp can indispensible when out in the wild (and
design can be made depending upon create a protective shelter with minimal possibly on the run) include duct tape,
your specific needs and the layout of the effort. If you want the next step up in several bundles of 550 paracord, signal-
surrounding terrain. design, some hammocks have built-in ing devices, waterproof tarps, durable
If you prefer a more enclosed struc- protective roofs with mosquito-netting gloves, several bandanas, a fire-resistant
ture, tents are your answer. Tents vary on walls to make your sleep as comfort- canteen, a compact compass, a pack of
the market by size, weight and quality of able as possible. zip ties and a hand-powered flashlight.
material. When choosing a tent, be sure
to keep the weight lowno heavier than 2 Campsite Essentials Disaster Ready
pounds per person. Also, try to find tents First and foremost, you need fire- As you build your bug-out bag over
that feature aluminum stakes and poles. starting equipment. This should include time and gather useful information along
They are naturally lighter than steel and a handful of butane lighters and water- the way, you will be adding many more
will greatly decrease unnecessary weight. proof matches, followed by a magnesium diverse items to individualize your pack
Once sheltered with either a tarp or fire-starter and your choice of either a fire for your specific needs, and the needs
tent, you will need a sleeping bag. Sleep- piston, a flint fire-starter or even a 9-volt of those traveling with you. Creating
ing bags will allow you to get a good battery and steel wool. Three to five fire- your own bag from scratch requires
nights sleep by keeping you warm and producing devices are ideal to carry with a lot of testing of the products you
comfortable on the hard ground. Similar you in your bag. initially choose. The equipments ease
to choosing a tent, weight is very impor- A well-stocked first-aid kit is also an of operation, the durability of the tools
tant when choosing the right sleeping absolute necessity. You will find that and weapons, and the taste of the foods
bag. A 2- to 3-pound sleeping bag should first-aid items such as bandages, gauze, you will eat all have to be up to your own
be the maximum you carry in your sur- scissors, tape and antibiotic creams are personal level of acceptance.
vival bag. In addition, your sleeping bag a staple of most store-bought kits, and When under stressful situations and
should be packed in a compression bag there is nothing wrong with starting with time is of the essence, you cant af-
when traveling; this will keep it extremely a standard kit. Items to add to an exist- ford to not know how to assemble your
compact and easy to store. A sleeping ing kit would be burn cream, anti-itch camp stove, set up your tent or use your
pad is another option to include in your cream, a mini-suture kit, pain-relieving fire-starters. You must walk the fine line
shelter supplies. These pads create a bar- pills, stomach relief medicines, tweezers, between what you can afford and what
rier between you and the cold earth and cold and hot packs, as well as any neces- level of quality you need with the various
help keep you warm at night. If space is sary prescription medications. Medica- bug-out-bag items. Remember, things
a factor, however, leaves or thick brush tions have different shelf lives and break easily available to you under normal con-
packed under your sleeping bag can do down quickly in hot or cold tempera- ditions will be lifesavers to have with you
the same job. tures. Do your research first, before you when access to grocery or drug stores is
A final option for shelter is a compact have to bug out, so you dont experience nonexistent.
Another nice feature is that when the other challenges arise as well. Regarding one The RRX carried well, and it is always
door is closed, these security upgrades of the recent nuclear-blast-rated shelter door ready to complete all the utility functions
remain largely invisible so it doesnt look projects, Humble said, That project has been that may come about during a survival
like you live in a war zone. Protecting the technically challenging because of the size situation. Its first use came when a heater
area around the lock itself is important of the components involved, the logistics of hose on my car decided to spring a leak
because if the jamb is reinforced, then the getting it all installed underground, and the strict right at the hose clamp. Fortunately, I had
weak point becomes the door itself, which requirements for the project (earthquake-rated, a screwdriver to remove the clamp, but
will split. The idea to reinforce the hinges forced-entry resistance). have you ever tried to cut anything with a
came about through trial and error. As the As detailed in the companys installation screwdriver? A quick trim job on the hose
other parts of the door were reinforced, procedures overview online, Our secret pas- with the RRX made my stay on the side
the hinges became the weak point and sageways are designed to be installed in minutes of the highway a short one. It also came in
could be kicked in. anywhere in the world. They come pre-hung in handy a day later, when I deemed it wise
If your home has already been broken their own doorframes, which simply slide into to replace all of the hoses on the car. The
into and the jamb badly damaged, a the rough door opening as though it were a RRX is also an excellent tool to turn old,
repair can be costly, but Armor Concepts typical appliance. If you can install a conventional plastic soda bottles into funnels for oil
also produces Fix-A-Jamb II. This long, pre-hung door, you can install one of our secret changes. The RRX could also run competi-
L-shaped, steel plate can be installed right passageways. tion with any garden shears on the market,
over the damage and repairs the jamb, The visit to the Creative Home Engineering by clearing out brush for a campsite and
fixing the door frame while reinforcing it headquarters also featured a look at two of the cutting branches for firewood or a shelter.
against future break-in attempts. companys smaller pre-fabricated concealed
entry points in the lobby, which took the forms of All-Purpose Steel
Beyond Deadbolts a full-body mirror and a dresser. Each opened to The RRX can also serve as a self-defense
Armor Concepts newest product is an ex- reveal secured doorways. The company portfolio weapon. The advantage to a knife is that
tremely innovative deadbolt for your sliding features photos of numerous styles of concealed unlike a firearm, it can also be used as a
glass door. Sliding doors are especially doors and rooms that have been installed, utility tool. My first venture with the RRX
vulnerable since they are typically located at housing all manner of valuables and provisions was to experiment with its slicing and
the back of the home, away from passersby including bank-style closet vaults, full-sized room stabbing abilities. It took very little effort to
and traffic and where noises of a break-in firearm collections, hardened panic/safe rooms open up or penetrate sections of leather
are more easily shielded. Most sliding door and bunkers that could also hold plenty of long- with either a swiping or stabbing motion.
locks are pretty pitiful and easily defeated term food, ammunition, medical supplies and The addition of a layer of denim over the
by burglars. Placing a dowel or other block critical, life-saving survival gear. leather didnt change the results. After
inside the door so it can be slid open is not a little practice, retrieving the knife from
especially effective either since the entire Armored Sanctuary my pocket and deploying the blade soon
door can be lifted off its tracks. The only real Rooms designated as short-term safe rooms became a quick process.
solution is a better lock. can include security video monitoring hardware, After the leather, I moved to something
The Armor Latch is a sliding door separate telephone lines or emergency cellular a little more serious. Ive been testing a
deadbolt that keeps your old lock in place capabilities, food and water supplies, as well as bulletproof vest for another project and
but adds a new and stronger lock above it. fully stocked first-aid kits and chemical toilets. thought I would see how it would perform
A covered lock attaches to the door and is The long-term survival bunkers fitted with against the RRX. A .357 Mag just mush-
secured to the jamb with dual steel rods, top concealed entryways can be stocked with similar roomed and failed to penetrate while the
and bottom, while remaining unobtrusive. provisions and amenities, including chemical, RRX passed through with little effort. That
Installation is very easy with basic tools and biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) air fil- will give you a moment of pause when you
takes no more than 10 minutes. tration systems and comparable levels of personal consider the value of a knife as a weapon.
There are plenty of downloadable in- protective gear. These tests also exhibited the RRXs prow-
stallation instructions and step-by-step vid- Theres no doubt that the high-grade ess in being used for hunting. A knife that
eos for all of these security devices on the materials and level of engineering that go into can easily slice and dice through multiple
companys website. All of the kits and parts each of Creative Home Engineerings doors and layersfur, flesh and bonewill dull
are reasonably priced and are available on- concealed rooms presents a substantial invest- much slower than one that requires a lot
line or at many home improvement stores. ment to the customer. To that end, the question of effort from its user. The RRX may never
Armor Concepts presents some of easiest any true survivor must raise when evaluating what be put to use as a weapon, but the same
home improvements for anyone concerned resources to invest in for completely his or her can be said about my handgun. The knife
about break-ins, and their installation pays preparedness plan is, Can I put a price on my is more than capable of performing that
off immediately in peace of mind. For more life or those of my family members? For more role, but until then it makes a good tool. For
information, visit armorconcepts.com information, visit hiddenpassageway.com or more information, visit wilsoncombat.com
or call 888-582-2295. call 480-899-3477. or call 800-955-4856.
I V I N G
U R
S thV
e
elements
Outlasting th
e wilderness
21 days on N
aked and Afr
A
BY K E LLIE N IG
HTLIN G E R aid.
As my plane neared Arusha, Tanza- strangely, I was starring in it. There was would ever hear from me.
nia, we passed by Mount Kilimanjaro, still no introduction to my partner. The I quickly ate a Tanzanian gourmet
which had captured my imagination suspense was building to a crescendo. The meal, drank lots of water and was helped
since my childhood obsession with searing African sun at over 4,000 feet of into bed. I told the producer that I would
National Geographic. I looked frantically altitude was more than my body knew how be asleep within a half hour, and I felt that
around the plane for who my partner to handle. My pale Alaskan skin began to if I could get cooled down quickly I would
may be. I later learned that they flew him in burn. I was so busy doing interview after be ready to begin the 21-day survival chal-
the night before so we would not meet. interview that I quickly became chronically lenge the next morning. Secretly, I hoped
I was about to start my adventure on dehydrated. I felt dizzy and nauseous, and I was right, and that I wouldnt die in the
Naked and Afraid. my heat exhaustion was quickly turning night from heat stroke. I also wondered if
As we rolled into a remote bush camp into the first stages of heat stroke. my fair skin would be able to handle the
to spend the night and set up pre-show in- Just as the sun set on the eve of my bright African sun.
terviews, I felt butterflies like never before. I epic survival challenge, I experienced one Soon, African nurses buzzed around
was greeted by native Tanzanian staff who of the worst headaches of my life and a me like bees working on the queen. I
led me to my remote African bush tent. fever, and as I was helped into my tent I remember the nurse pricking my finger
The next day was a day of pre-produc- began to vomit. My body was too hot; it to check my glucose, and ice bags being
tion flurry, with myself as the focal point. was shutting down. I quickly sat on the put behind my neck, around my head and
There were cameras, lights, interviews and back deck and I recorded a hope to see around my feet. I remember them talking to
new people running around everywhere. you again video to my family, not knowing me in Swahili and handing me some giant
I felt like I was watching a movie except, if it would be the last communication they Aspirin-like pills; I gobbled them like candy.
I was asleep with in five minutes of lying tion scraping on metal as we passed over daunting survival challenge ever docu-
down. I woke several times in the night, it. I smelled a beautiful sweet smell I cannot mented on television.
visited the water closet and drank large describe. It permeated the air around me; it Alas, the cameraman riding behind me
amounts of water. reminded me of freshness. I heard the calls removed my blindfold. I saw wild beauty in
In the morning, I was up with the wild of strange new birds, but I mostly heard the every direction just as vivid as in my child-
things for one last amazing Tanzanian drone of the Land Rover and the penetrat- hood dreams of this place.
gourmet four-course breakfast, and then ing silence of my driver. I wondered if this is I was here of my own free will to be part
was whisked away with Thomas, who soon how a prisoner being transferred to a place of a human experiment never before filmed
became my Tanzanian brother. Thomas unknown must feel. I became nauseous in a survival docu-series for television. We
was my driver, who led me into a world from the blindfolded off-road driving. My were all here to see if one man and one
unknown to me. skin burned from the strength of the sun. I woman, complete strangers, could meet
felt dehydrated and began to get a head- and survive for 21 days in the wild. We
Into The Unknown
Photo Courtesy Discovery Channel
woman beautiful. I was also there because The author (left) tended
I am tough as nails and I never give up, and their campsite while her
I wanted to show people that they must partner, EJ Snyder (right),
never give up no matter what challenges foraged for resources.
they may be facing in their lives. I also
hoped to show the people watching Naked
and Afraid that the human body is beautiful
in all of its variety.
departing Land Rover on the horizon, and a cartoonish map. We decided to head male and female roles, essentially telling
and soon the figure of a man came into for the closest high ground to make our me women belong in the kitchen. I knew
view. He was naked. How strange to see first nights shelter, and we would head to immediately one of our most difficult chal-
a naked white man in the heart of Africa the circles on the map that we believed to lenges was going to be getting along and
walking toward me. As he approached, I be water in the morning. working as a team for 21 days.
noticed he looked strong as he walked, We encountered two to 10 thorns with That first evening we made a shelter
exuding dominance. I hoped he was not every single step. Rarely did we ever make as well as we could before nightfall. It was
going to be an over-the-top, Type A kind a step in 21 days without thorns entering not lion, leopard or hyena proof. It was the
of guy. I hoped he would treat me as an the bottoms of our tender feet, unless we best we could do with no shoes, limited
equal partner and we could work as a team walked on the river rocks where, earlier, resources and only a few hours of daylight
to accomplish our mission. flood water had washed most thorns away. to work with. We looked up at the stars
As we neared, he presented his hand Within the first few steps after our initial through our shelter that night. In Tanza-
nia at that time of year, there is no way to Extreme Endurance the night to be over as I lay in a fetal posi-
make roofing material in that short of time. My partner, EJ, took on a dominant role. I tion and whimpered to myself. The hyenas
There are no trees with broad leaves and am also dominant, but I am good at taking circled our fire every night, coming closer
the small leaves dry up and crumble away orders from my 20 years of experience night by night. We threw rocks at them and
in the wind in the arid heat. We discussed with law enforcement. I knew that to prayed they wouldnt eat us during one of
our fears, our hopes and made lists of complete our 21-day survival mission as a our few hours of precious sleep. I watched
tasks to complete. duo, I would have to swallow my pride and one in the firelight as it skulked by, inquisi-
On day two, we hiked across the dry take on a subservient female role since tively looking at me through the darkness.
Savannah in 106-degree heat for over 12 EJ voiced his belief in traditional male vs. Hyenas statistically kill more people in
hours, and then we got hit with short tor- female roles, and he reaffirmed this belief Africa than lions.
rential downpour. The pounding rain made daily with his actions. During the heat of the day, it was often
our sunburned bodies feel immediately So, I prepared our firewood for burn- over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. We were
hypothermicbut at last we had water. ing, most of which EJ gathered. I tended always under-hydrated, and because there
I immediately went to the dried-up river the fire while EJ went on hunter/gatherer was nothing to make clothes from, we
bottom and looked for rocks with depres- missions almost daily. I gathered water were under-protected from the suns rays
sions now filled with rainwater. I drank like in my little stainless steel pot so we could on our skin also. EJ is part Native Ameri-
a primeval cave woman, dropping to my hydrate. I boiled the water and lifted the pot can, so his beautiful, lightly bronzed skin
stomach and slurping the water directly with wooden tongs from the fire while EJ was much better at adapting to being out
from the rock to my mouth. Water had sharpened his knife on river rocks or threw in the heat of the day than my fair Austrian-
never tasted so good to me or proved such rocks at scurrying lizards. I made yards of Welsh skin. During the day even lions rest,
a vital lifeblood. braided natural cordage while EJ used his and so did we. We couldnt sleep, how-
There, in this dried-up river valley, we knife to make numerous pairs of sandals. ever, due to hundreds of flies constantly
lived, we survived, we laughed and we The sandals would only last for a few hours attacking our skin and biting our wounds.
cried. We ate ants, ant larvae, tadpole before breaking, so it was a continuous I caught most of the catfish we ate, and
soup, mongoose, tons of catfish, pigeon process. Everything had thorns, from the I showed EJ how to be successful himself.
peas, African sweet potatoes, wild fruits smallest sand burr to the largest tree. That humbled him. He said the whole
not known to be consumed by modern We got infections and burns that experience changed him. He said it made
humans and chewed the roots of a tree for nearly killed us. I was temporarily blinded him more compassionate, and he realized
liquid. We made primitive fire and primitive for a night and part of the next morning by women can do much more than he ever
shelters, and I lived in a small, fetal-posi- poisonous plant sap. Both of our kidneys thought. Through it all, we remained true to
tion-sized cave for most nights. We made were shutting down before we made primi- ourselves and we managed to finish as a
primitive fire after days of failed attempts tive fire to purify our putrid animal-dung- team with honor.
with materials we did not know from a con- laden, manky water. I had two menstrual As we climbed the mountain in 40-
tinent we had never been to before. We periods back to back, with only three days mph winds to our extraction point, the wind
lived amongst the most poisonous tree in in between, due to my body preparing for swept through my hair as the Serengeti
Africa, the Euphorbia. We burned its wood famine. We both went hungry, and were so had swept through me for 21 days. We
not knowing if it would poison us. We sur- thirsty one cannot find words to describe. made it. We made it together. We learned,
vived, but we never thrived. We sometimes We both went cold at night. It was so we grew and we bonded. We changed.
worked together as a team. cold at night that I barely slept. I prayed for We showed the world.
Water
Hazards
Purify your
drinking
water to
avoid its
unseen
dangers!
BY FRED MASTISON
less sediment in them, which makes it tion, one of your first tasks needs to be
easier to purify. This type of water also securing drinkable water, be it through
helps us avoid the protozoa Giardia emergency personnel or ultimately
and Cryptosporidium. They tend to making it yourself. Do not wait until
sink to the bottom in still water, which you begin to suffer from dehydration
makes it easier for us to avoid them. before you act. At that point you will be
Avoid drinking water in areas that have much less effective at purifying your
just recently seen heavy rain. The flow water and could make mistakes. Do
of runoff caused by rain into a water not simply give up and start drinking
source brings a very large amount of water you come across. This can have
bacteria with it. At that point it is best to lethal consequences. The side effects
capture the rainwater itself. of drinking tainted water are not kind
and will lead to even further dehydra-
A Clear Essential tion. As with all aspects of emergency
Depending on the environment, preparedness, you need to have a plan.
people can go without water for days If you plan for the worst, then you will
or hours. Many of the routine functions be prepared for the worst. While things
of our body rely on constant hydration. like food and shelter always make our
Without water, we begin to break down essentials list, the most important on
pretty quickly. In an emergency situa- our list will always be water.
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STREAMING
6 BACKWOODS
There is something primal
1.
warmth, peace and pro-
tection. The capacity Meticulously clear the area around your fire
to build a fire is at the top site of combustibles. The immediate space
should be bare earth.
2.
of the list of critical tasks
in a survival situation. Surround your fire site with something
inflammable. Stones work best and can be
stacked to serve as a reflector to concentrate
the available heat. Note that sandstone contains
microscopic quantities of trapped water and can
explode fairly vigorously when heated sufficiently.
Fueling
after the spark is gone.
Tinder-Quik is a small packet of
compressed cotton fibers designed to be
readily ignitable. To use the Spark-Lite,
the Tinder-Quik is fluffed out a bit as twigs
and similar fuel for the starter fire are set
THE FLAME
in place. Hold the striker wheel a short
distance from the tinder and spin the
wheel in the direction shown by the arrow.
The resulting shower of sparks ignites the
Tinder-Quik in a hurry. If the wheel is wet,
simply shake the water out before using.
stranded outdoors!
also designed to be usable one-handed in
the event of injury. The striker wheel can
be used hundreds of times.
BY W I L L DA B B S When I was an Army aviator on active
I
Photos by Sarah Dabbs duty, we carried Spark-Lite kits in our sur-
vival vests. Matches can absorb moisture
n the wilderness, fire is comfort, All-Weather Kit and become worthless, and cigarette
peace, protection and life. No mat- Of all the countless methods of con- lighters gradually bleed fuel over time
ter how advanced we become, we juring fire in a primitive environment, one until they are empty. By contrast, the
will never outgrow the mesmerizing in particular is waterproof, easy to use Spark-Lite kit is impervious to weather
entrancement of a simple fire. and extremely lightweight. The Spark- and will likely outlive you. A truly trivial in-
In a survival situation, making fire is at Lite fire-starting kit from Four Seasons vestment can put a Spark-Lite kit in your
the top of the list of critical tasks. Finding Survival is as simple as it is elegant. The car, your house and your bug-out bag.
food, collecting water, organizing a simple entire system fits into a plastic box small With a Spark-Lite handy, you will never
agrarian community and fighting intrud- enough to get lost inside a pocket. At its be deprived of fire. For more information,
ers are great, but if you are wet, cold and heart, the Spark-Lite system is a small rod visit fourseasonssurvival.com or call 814-
without a fire, you are combat ineffective. sporting a rotary flint and steel. The rod 234-0698.
Off-Road
When disaster strikes, youll
want a small, nimble 4x4
that can handle off-roading
situations with ease, such
as this four-door 2012 Jeep
Wrangler JK Sahara with a
3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine
and plenty of life-saving gear.
I
find it amusing when I see all those heavy
trucks dressed as mobile survival platforms. I
have a completely different approach that uses
mid-sized, highly mobile 4x4 models dressed
like civilian trucks, not like military troop carriers.
In a survival situation, the most critical scenario is
the one in which you need to move from your main
location to a secondary one while society is im-
mersed in an all-out crisis. In my humble opinion, it
is all about mobility and speed, and full-size trucks
dressed as mobile survival platforms have neither.
We will face various threats and challenges in a
crisis situation, and possessing a working, reliable
mode of transport may make all the difference be-
tween success and failure.
UPGRADE YOUR
DOOMSDAY WHEELS
If youre lucky enough to have a mode of motorhomes, including those from Ford, Dodge
transportation when the end of the world hap- and Chevrolet. Air Lift air spring kits can be eas-
pens, youll want to make sure it is customized ily adjusted for the vehicles specific needs at
to handle the roughest terrains possible. For any time, which will come in handy if you need
those who choose to make camp in a Class A or to make a quick getaway or brave a natural
C motorhome, outfitting your vehicle with Air disaster.
Lifts adjustable air springs can help increase If you have a truck, Air Lifts exclusive
your load support. The air spring kits work with LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate air spring kits are
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You can get these kits for most popular visit airliftcompany.com.
DO-IT-ALL
DIGGERS
Versatile entrenching tools that cut, shovel and defend!
By Doug Larson
T
Photos Courtesy Manufacturers
Real Life Tales COMPILED BY ASHLEY BRISTOW, ADELAIDE FARAH & MATTHEW HOGAN
CRIME-STOPPING CLERK
Worker defends self with managers gun.
A
SOURCE: KCCI 8 NEWS
s
cash. McDonald showed the crime. Initially, McDon-
, De s Mo ine
the thief the empty cash ald didnt believe a gun was
register, prompting him to necessary, but she was glad it
KC CI 8 Ne ws
move behind the computer. came to her rescue.
Teamwork
saves lives at sea!
A
A fishing trip aboard a 28-foot Baha was sinking, its owner sent out texts to his
Cruiser 23 miles off the coast of Flor- wife to let her know his location. Then he
Petty Officer 2nd Class Bartholomew Sullivan, Coast Guard crew member
idas Anna Maria Island could have ordered everyone to put on life jackets,
been deadly without the quick think- place flare guns in their pockets and tied
ing of its captain, Kenneth Edwards. everyone together with a long rope.
Edwards and three friends were on As the boats motors were still running,
their way back to shore when the weather Edwards put two anchors in the water, one
turned bad. Waves slammed into the front tied to the boat and the other to a nearby
of the boat and opened a 2-foot hole in the buoy to ensure that everyone stayed where
fiberglass hull. The boat quickly began to the distress call was made. The U. S.
take on water and started to go down. Ed- Coast Guard arrived 45 minutes later. The
wards and his friends went into action and $60,000 boat was lost, but Edwards and
Quick thinking coupled with technology sent a distress call on the radio. As the boat his friends escaped without injury.
saved the four-man crew after their
28-foot vessel began taking on water.
REALWORLDSURVIVOR.COM
Bear Child Survives
Break-In Siberian
Wilderness
Hungry bear
trapped in
vehicle threatens
Family dog leads searchers
I
passersby!
to stranded toddler!
Its not every day that a bear gets in the
drivers seat. Gumdrops were the lure that a
car owner unwittingly left behind in the middle
console of a Honda Civic that attracted a bear
into the vehicle in upstate New York.
Bears are skilled in opening car doors, so
after making her entrance, the bear got her paws
W
her cubs, the bear became crazed and began
tearing up the cars interior to make her escape.
Air bags were deployed, the seats were shred- With just the clothes on their Nikolayev, a spokesman for the
ded and the dashboard was destroyed. backs, most adults might find Sakha Republic Rescue Service,
Brady and Shannon contacted the police as it hard to survive by them- told the Siberian Times. Even
a local passerby opened the car door before run- selves in a forest for 11 days, if she was aliveand chances
ning for his life. The bear came out and looked let alone a child. But three- were slimnow she would have
around at Brady and Shannon before rejoin- year-old Karina Chikitova definitely have lost all hope. Our
ing her cubs. The car owners were left with the managed to stay alive for 11 hearts truly and deeply sank.
remains of their Honda Civic. days in the forests of Siberias However, it was the family dog
Bears have a keen sense of smell, so when Sakha Republic, surviving on that would ultimately lead rescue
traveling around the Adirondack region or any wild berries and river water. crews to three-year-old Karina
other areas where the animals are present, it is The girls mother believed her Chikitovas location.
wise to not provide food to attract them. Treats daughter and the family dog were We began searches, thinking
left in a car will invite a bear inside. Dispose of all with her husband in a neighbor- that if she had lost her shoes she
food wrappers, drinks and cups that could also ing town, but there was no way to would try and stay away from the
attract the animals, and use a scented air fresh- check because of a lack of phone deep forest, because there is a lot
ener in the vehicle. Likewise, homeowners connections. The family discov- of sharp sticks there, Nikolayev
are advised to secure trash bins, garage and ered the truth only four days later, said. In the morning, almost right
porch doors. Its also a good idea to clean and when a search was launched, the after we began searcheswe saw
store barbecue grills after use. Siberian Times reported. Karina sitting in the grass. We
Due to the time of year, tem- rushed to her, got her a little tea
peratures were not as extreme as and grabbed her to run back to
they could have been for Chiki- the car and doctors.
tova, who made a bed with her On-scene doctors estimated
puppy in the grasses of what was that Chikitova only weighed ap-
described as a bear-infested proximately 20 pounds when she
k Expr ess
forest. Two days before her was found. Despite being without
rescue, Chikitovas dog returned shoes and having been badly bit-
Clar k Lubb s for Adiro ndac
Miracle
On The
Tracks
ap hy.co m
collision with
Amtrak train.
oo tph oto gr
e/G oo fyf
Steven Robles was treated by paramedics
La ur a Jo yc
on Manhattan Beach after escaping the
clutches of a 7-foot-long great white.
Swimmers ca
rried Robles to
great bite
safety.
P ho to ay es
from
Ja ne t H
rning for
w a s th e only wa ed a
n iv
A stop sig blinski, who surv rus.
great white
K o T au
Courtney g with her Ford
ll id in
train co
T
at a crossing marked only by a stop sign. jaws off the California coast.
There were no gates or warning signals to
alert drivers to any approaching trains. Trains The waters along the Califor- Robles swimming and locked
typically travel between 55 to 60 mph at that nia coast are nothing new to onto his right side.
point, and this train was carrying 156 passen- Steven Robles. The 50-year- While struggling with the
gers and crew. old long-distance swimmer predator, Robles used his right
That meeting could have been deadly, but was finishing up his routine, hand to grab the sharks nose,
the cars passenger, 25-year-old Courtney Ko- early morning swim off the loosen up its grip and pry himself
blinski of Michigan City, miraculously survived. coast of Manhattan Beach free. Swimmers in Robles group
Luckily, she was wearing her seat belt at the when the unthinkable came to his aid immediately after
time of the collision. happened. the attack, and a man with
Koblinski was headed to her mothers I was staring at this shark a longboard carried him to shore,
home to pick up her son when her car collided eyeball-to-eyeball with its teeth on where paramedics took over.
with the train. Koblinskis mother, Sheryal the side of my rib cage, Robles Im very experienced out in
Nowak, saw the car come up on the railroad told People magazine. the ocean, Robles told the local
tracks and then watched as the train hit the Stating that he was just in the news channel, KCAL-TV. Ive
rear of the car, ripping off the cars trunk. wrong place at the wrong time, swam my whole life. BecauseIm
When police and firefighters arrived, Robles got in the path of a 7-foot- a strong swimmer, I was able to
Koblinski was alert and talking. After the crash, long great white shark that had sustain myself in [a] way while this
the police reported that Koblinski was trans- been battling a fishing line for injury was going on.
ported to St. Anthonys Hospital in Michigan nearly 40 minutes. Robles walked away with
City, where she was listed in fair condition. Robles was traveling in a numerous stiches along the right
Miraculously, she only had injuries to her arms group of 14 long-distance swim- side of his torso and no sensation
along with some scrapes and bruises. mers from Hermosa Beach to in his right thumb, where an artery
I couldnt believe she had come out of this Manhattan Beach. They were was torn. But more importantly,
alive, her mother, Sheryal Nowak, said about roughly 300 yards off the beach the California native was able to
her daughters narrow escape. when the agitated shark saw walk away with his life.
takes place in Southern a few paces, the area tially saving his life. Not
pe Ph ot o
Colorados San Juan around Campbell and only did the two walk
Bi g St oc k
range, the 14,058-foot Heidt was hit with a away from the moun-
Ma tt Tr ap
A lightning st Handies Peak being the massive bolt. tain without any injuries,
rike can reac ranges highest point. Campbell told but Campbell managed
approaching h temperatu
53,540 deg res
a deadly thre rees Fahrenh That is where Canadian Running.Competitor. to finish the Hardrock
at to anyone ei t,
on the groun runner Adam Campbell com that the blast of race in third place, 44
d.
and his pacer, Aaron lightning fried his miles later.
The Sierra
supplement, Hein said. I never felt hun-
gry throughout the whole six-day ordeal.
In many ways my brain shut out unneces-
sary or superfluous things, specifically
Nevadas
fear, hunger and, to a large extent, pain.
On day six of Heins ordeal, the
search helicopters finally flew overhead.
The search party came thanks to Heins
dad, who had reported Gregg missing
Hiker eats bugs to survive two days after he was expected to come
six days after breaking his leg. home. After initially spending a full day
A
not being seen by two helicopterswhich
both flew within 100 yards a total of six
After being stranded for six days tion, Hein told the Fresno Bee. timesa search-and-rescue helicopter
with no food, limited water and a To stop the bleeding, Hein thought landed just 50 feet from Hein. As the sun
right leg that was shattered in three about using a tourniquet, but decided was sinking between the canyon walls,
places, hiker Gregg Hein will have against it because he knew that would he was finally saved.
to do a few months of rehabilitation eventually lead to amputation. So Hein
before hes able to get back on the let the bleeding slow on its own and
hiking trails again. splinted his leg with his hiking poles,
Hein was hiking by himself down wrapping them with a belt and spare
the 13,600-foot Mount Goddard, part tubular webbing. Hein waited near the
of Californias Sierra Nevadas, when he edge of a glacier for four days, where he
accidentally dislodged a boulder. The said he drank melted ice water to rehy-
boulder broke Heins right leg in two drate and clean the wound.
places and pushed the bone through his Hein then crawled 1,000 feet down
skin, leaving him stranded. the mountain and the half-mile between
Since Hein told friends and family he him and Davis Lake, where he thought
wouldnt be back for another two days, hed have a better chance of being
he knew he had some waiting ahead spotted. It was when he started moving
Gregg Hein Photo
of him. I realized immediately that this toward Davis Lake that he decided to eat
could potentially be a life-or-death situa- a couple crickets, five moths, some ants
CPR Saves
Flees
Champion
Runner
Deadly
Heart-attack victim
survives thanks to
timely CPR!
Abuse
I
It was supposed to be a moment of
triumph. But just seconds after cross-
ing the finish line of the Seahawks
12K Run in Seattle, Washington, Sara
Clerget began to feel weak.
I went over to a little barricade and
Battered wife and Smith and her children flee across
town to the refuge. The womens ref-
I sat down and I put my head between kids survive with uge was housed in an ordinary-look-
help of refuge!
C
my legs, she said. Thats the last thing ing building in west London. Once
she remembers before waking up on a safely inside, Smith was shocked by
stretcher. After finishing the race, Clergets the number of women and children in
heart stopped, sending her into full-blown Come in, love. Youre safe now. her position. The Chiswick house was
cardiac arrest for two minutes. More than 40 years later, Jenny like a refugee camp, so full that the
As she collapsed on the ground, sev- Smith still remembers those words hallways were lined with mattresses.
eral paramedics swarmed around her, and the first spoken to her after she By fleeing to Chiswick, Smith had
one began CPR. Miraculously, they were escaped from her severely abusive unwittingly become part of a multi-
able to get her heart beating again and husband. She fled to Britains first national womens movement. She
Clerget made a full recovery. battered womens refuge in London. spent the next few decades advocat-
Its amazing that I am here today and Now, Smith is recounting her story in ing for battered womens shelters
that Im fine, said Clerget. And its all a new book, The Refuge. across Europe, shedding light on
because they saw this horrible situation Smiths ordeal began in the early the formerly taboo issue of domestic
happening and they immediately reacted. 1970s. It was a time when a man violence. She still counts herself as
According to the American Heart As- could legally rape his wife, and when extremely lucky for having survived
sociation (AHA), properly performed CPR domestic violence was viewed as a the experience, and has committed
immediately after sudden cardiac arrest private family matter. Over the course herself ever since to helping free oth-
can double or triple a victims chances of of their marriage, Smiths husband ers from the prison of abusive homes
survival, but only 32 percent of cardiac inflicted bites, stab wounds, beatings and restart their lives.
arrest victims receive CPR. Sadly, only 30 and even tried to drown her. Doc-
percent of Americans are CPR trained.The tors ignored her. A priest told her to
AHA emphasizes the importance of CPR work harder at making peace with
training, which is often offered through her husband. She was trapped. Her
many local fire departments. life, and the lives of her two young
children, were at stake. Finally, in
May 1973, she made a desperate call
New s & Med ia Ltd.
to the refuge.
Im a battered wife. Can you help
me? she gasped into the phone.
Lind a Nyli nd/G uard ian
HAVE YOU SURVIVED? Tell us your story. Survivors Edge pays $100 for every story
Sara Clerget was lucky tha that we print. Send yours to Survivors Edge, 1115 Broadway, New York, NY 10010, or
t
bystanders at the race were email realworldsurvivor@harris-pub.com. Please include your full name, address, email
trained in CPR and acted qui and phone number (including area code). A signed release is required prior to publication.
ckly.