How to Make a Family Emergency Communication Plan
A step-by-step way to build a family communication plan: contacts, meeting places, out-of-town contacts and what to do when phones fail.
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How to Prepare for a Power Outage in a High-Rise
What changes when the power goes out in a tall building: elevators, water pressure, stairwell lighting, and how to plan for each.
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Apartment Emergency Kit: What to Keep and Where to Store It
What an apartment emergency kit needs, how to fit it in a small space, and where to store each piece so you can find it in the dark.
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How To Make An Off Grid Shower
If you’re ever in a situation where you need to take a shower but you’re nowhere near home, or running water, then an off grid shower may be just the thing you need. Off-grid life does not have to be unhealthy. Showering is a must from time to time, and showering in a DIY outdoor…
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How to Prepare for a Winter Power Outage: Supplies, Heat and Safety
Quick answer: for a winter power outage, have water, non-perishable food, flashlights and batteries, warm layers and bedding, a battery or hand-crank radio, a power bank and a plan for medical needs. Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or gas oven indoors, and install battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed:…
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How to Survive Martial Law
How to survive martial law, because you won’t have access to this information if we enter it! All preparedness enthusiasts fear martial law, and it may be a horrific experience. All of America is currently experiencing unprecedented levels of civil unrest. Uncontrollable rioting, social unrest, and other factors might lead to the declaration of martial…
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Best Survival Spear: Is It Worth Having, and How to Choose One
Quick answer: a survival spear is a niche, low-priority tool. For most preppers, water treatment, shelter, a good knife and saw, and a fishing kit come first. If you still want one, choose by purpose, keep it short enough to handle and strong enough not to snap, and check your local laws before you buy,…
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Best Survival Poncho: How to Choose One That Keeps You Dry
Quick answer: for a go bag or car kit, choose a ripstop nylon or coated-fabric poncho with a hood drawcord, snaps or grommets, and enough length to cover you and your pack. Keep a cheap emergency poncho as a backup, but do not count on it for long, hard use. Staying dry matters because wet…
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Best Survival Watch: What to Look For and Models Worth Considering
Quick answer: choose a watch with a long-lasting power source (solar or a replaceable battery), a sturdy case and strap and honest water resistance. Add an altimeter, barometer and compass only if you will learn to use them. Budget pick: Timex Expedition Gallatin Solar. Feature-packed pick: Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400. Outdoor-sensor pick: Suunto Core. Whatever…
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Best Survival Walkie-Talkies: What to Look For in an Emergency Radio
Quick answer: for most families, a pair or set of rechargeable FRS/GMRS handheld radios that also run on AA batteries is the best starting point. FRS radios need no license, but real-world range is usually a mile or two, not the “30 miles” some packages claim. Add a battery or hand-crank NOAA weather radio for…
