- Make sure you have / print hard copies of recent bank and other financial statements.
- Make sure you have / print hard copies of important insurance papers, including account numbers and contact info.
- Make sure you have / print hard copies of your contacts (names, addresses, phone numbers).
- Make sure you have physical maps of your area, also your possible bug out locations.
- Make sure you have cash on hand (ATM machines, credit cards, debit cards, even paper checks may not work, and banks won't be open for business - cash may be the only way to transact business for a few hours to several weeks depending on the severity of the situation).
- Make sure you have / print hard copies of important prepper/survival information (example: print instructions from the CDC on how to use Potassium Iodine to treat radiation sickness since you will NOT be able to look it up after a nuclear or EMP attack).
- Most stores and delivery services will not be operating while the grid (power, Internet, etc.) is down, therefore you need to have a minimum of several weeks of food, medicine and other supplies stockpiled BEFORE the event. More is better.
- Have a plan to get home on foot if you are caught away from home when an EMP burst takes out all vehicle electronics. This means having good walking shoes or boots, adequate clothing for the weather, and a get home bag with a bottle or two of water plus a few other supplies you may need. Be armed.
- Have alternate ways to heat your home in winter in case the power is out for an extended period. (Possibilities: woodstove, fireplace, propane heater).
- Have alternate ways to cook if the power grid is down. (Possibilities: woodstove, camp grill, charcoal grill),
"A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences." -- Proverbs 22:3 (TLB)
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Preparing for possible cyberattacks or EMP attacks
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
What You Need In a Basic Tool Set
First, start with a basic Claw Hammer. Hammers are for, well, hammering, usually nails into things. The claw part on the opposite side from the head is used for extracting nails. Hammers can also be used to knock things apart, which can be a rather fun way of relieving stress, though that is strictly an "off-label" use! Hammers come in many different sizes, weights, and claw types, and the handles can be wood, metal, or fiberglass. For your starter kit, I suggest a 7 oz. hammer, perfect for light household duty such as picture hanging. As you build your tool kit you'll want to add a heavier hammer and perhaps one or more specialty hammers at some point.
Next, you need some screwdrivers. At a bare minimum for your starter set, I suggest four - two Phillips head (the ones that look like a cross) in sizes #1 and #2, and two flat head screwdrivers (the ones with a straight edge) in sixes 3/16 and 1/4. You can buy screwdrivers in various lengths, but you'll probably start with six-inch ones. As you add to your tool kit over time, you'll probably want to add different lengths, sizes, and styles (yes, there are many more styles than just Phillips- and flat- head screwdrivers). You can also buy screwdrivers with interchangeable bits, which can be a space saver.
You will also want a pair of needle-nose pliers (six-inch) and regular pliers (six-inch). Pliers are great for gripping, holding, bending, and twisting things (which can be surprisingly useful activities). The needle-nose pliers typically also come with built-in wire cutters/strippers, which can also be useful. Both regular and meddle-nose pliers come in various styles and sizes, and you'll be adding to your starter kit over time.
An adjustable wrench should also be part of your starter tool kit. Like other tools, they come in various sizes, and you'll probably get a larger one at some point (the big ones can get surprisingly expensive), but you should be okay starting out with the standard six-inch in length with a 3/4 inch opening.
A retractable tape measure will prove to be an invaluable addition to your starter tool kit, provided you use it, as it will keep you from making too many mistakes. You can get them in almost any length imaginable, but I recommend a ten- or twelve-foot one for your starter kit. You can get longer ones later, if you need them.
A bubble level, sometimes called a spirit level, will help you make sure that picture frames, tables, and other items are level. You could use a marble, but a level really is more convenient.
An Allen wrench set, also called a hex-wrench set, are those weird-looking, L-shaped, hexagonal pieces of metal, that are surprisingly useful for putting together those some-assembly-required pieces of furniture you buy at the big box stores, among other things. They come in both SAE and metric sizes, and you'll want a set of each.
You'll also want to add a good utility knife/box-cutter to your starter kit. Great for cutting things. I also find a good, sturdy pair of scissors quite useful.
A final item to consider for your basic starter tool kit is a set of precision screwdrivers. There screwdrivers are especially deigned to fit very small screws, like those found on eyeglasses and sunglasses, and in watches and various electronics. Like regular screwdrivers, precision screwdrivers come in various lengths, sizes, and styles. For your starter tool kit, just get a basic set.
At this point, your most basic starter tool kit is complete. You'll probably want to add a tool box, bag or case of some sort to store your tools in, to keep them together so you can actually find them when you need them.
You'll also find it handy to go ahead and buy a variety of hardware (items like nails, screws, bolts & nuts, washers, picture-hanging wire, etc). You can typically find small kits of various hardware at the big-box stores. Don't forget duct tape!
For a more complete discussion of tools beyond just the basics, I recommend the book by James Wesley Rawles, Tools for Survival.
As you build your tool kit and workshop. don't forget about safety equipment like protective eye-wear and gloves. Also, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and first aid kits are a must have.
The tool kit pictured at the top of this article is the Stanley 65-Piece Homeowner's Tool Kit, which mostly meets and even exceeds my criteria for a basic starter tool kit. In addition to the basic tools I mention in this article, it also has some additional drivers and a small socket set. The only thing missing that should be in a starter kit is an adjustable wrench, so you'll want to buy one to add to this kit.
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Monday, June 24, 2024
My Best Advise For Folks Living In Cities or Suburbs
Advantages of a Survival Network:
- Provides mutual encouragement and accountability, enabling you to stay on track.
- Allows all parties to draw on different experiences and skill sets.
- Can divide up tasks and responsibilities among members.
- Can make and split bulk purchases, reducing costs for all involved.
- Can split the costs of certain purchases for which your group only needs one - such as a ham radio.
Many skill sets need to be learned by all group members (examples: first aid & CPR, self-defense). But you can assign certain advanced or specialized tasks to certain members. It might go something like this:
"Sam & Emily, you'll be our medics so you need to get advanced first aid and medical training. John, you'll be our ham radio operator and communications expert, so get the equipment and training you'll need. Bill, you have the only pick-up truck in the group, so you need to get a hand truck and dolly and be available to group members for hauling. Mary, since you're already into sewing, you'll be the group's seamstress so make sure you have plenty of supplies to repair our clothing after the SHTF."
You get the idea. When you go it alone, you have to do it all yourself. When you are a part of a group, those responsibilities can be divided up.
You should also plan how you will provide mutual aid to each other both during a disaster and after. Plan for both natural disasters and man-made disasters. Discuss and write down these plans and expectations to prevent misunderstandings. The more detail, the better. Review these plans often.
Who should be in your network?
Well, I did say trustworthy, like-minded people near you. You're not looking for folks with certain skill sets (worry about skills later). Rather, you're looking for folks who share similar worldviews, concerns, and goals. Start meeting people and talking to them. Look first to those already around you: nearby family & friends, neighbors, fellow church-members, co-workers, and so forth.
I say "nearby" because you need people who are physically near your location. Its great to have a survivalist buddy who lives in another state, but transportation may be difficult in an emergency, and will likely become even more difficult post-collapse as gasoline runs out and infrastructure breaks down. The absolute best situation is someone who lives within eye-shot of your place. Next is someone within reasonable walking distance of your place. You can expand your search outwards from there.
How do you find "like-minded" people?
Unfortunately, this means you will actually have to meet and talk with people. And by talk to people, I mean in real life, not just over the Internet. I'm not saying to introduce yourself as a prepper or survivalist. That is more of a second or third date thing.☺
Once you find a prospect, start feeling them out. Mention watching a hunting show, or a rerun of Dual Survivor, or something similar, and see how they react. Negative reactions, move on. Positive reactions, keep the conversations going. It will probably take several conversations as both parties feel each other out before building enough trust to get into preparedness and survival topics.
Religion and politics do make a difference. Someone diametrically opposed to your views will make a poor fit for your group. Have discussions on these topics early on. Believe me, you'll quickly figure out if they are incompatible with you.
A few warning signs to watch out for:
1- Addictions. Addictions of any kind are a MAJOR warning sign. Do not make them a part of your group until they have successfully and completely overcome their addiction.
2- Nuts/Crazies. I'm not referring to people who are a bit unusual or marching to a different drummer, but those who have actual serious mental problems. Avoid them. Remember, at some point in a crisis, their meds will run out. Besides, the stress and chaos of a crisis will likely make their illness even more serious.
3- Bizarre or Unusual Requests Early On. If you are just getting to know someone and they hit you with a bizarre or very unusual request, tread carefully. Bizarre requests might include asking to borrow a significant sum of money, or to quickly make a serious commitment, or to do something illegal or unethical.
4- Dishonesty. It is a good thing to be guarded with personal information, and concerned with maintaining your privacy. It is something else entirely to outright lie, especially about major issues. Don't expect someone to completely open up to you and tell you everything about their life, especially early on. But you should expect them to be honest in what they do tell you.
Some positive indicators:
1- Stability. Look for signs of stability, or the lack of it, in their lives. If they are holding a job – its a good sign. If they bounce in and out of work often or spend large stretches of time unemployed - it may be a bad sign. Same goes for other areas of their lives – friendships, relationships, living arrangements, and so forth. Of course, context matters, so use common sense. However, generally speaking, signs of stability in their lives are good, and signs of a lack of stability are warning flags. Look for trends within their life, not one time events.
2- Friendship. If you cannot be close friends with someone, it doesn't make sense to include them in your group, no matter what skill sets they bring with them. You will be working closely together, depending on each other on a daily basis in very difficult and stressful times. If there is something about their personality that annoys you, it will only get worse in any collapse scenario. If you don't like them, don't expect to be able to "put up with" them over the long-term, especially during stressful times. It will go wrong at some point. Some questions to consider: Do you enjoy being around that person? Can you have a good time together? Are you both comfortable around each other?
3- Trust. Do you trust that person? Do you feel you can tell them anything without them judging you, telling others, or spreading gossip? Do you trust them to always tell you the truth? Do you trust them enough to always tell them the truth? Can you trust them to not put themselves above the group in a crisis? Can you trust them to take care of tools and other things belonging to the group, every bit as well as they take care of their own personal property? Can you trust them to make the same commitment of time, effort , and finances to the group that you are willing to make?
4- Reciprocity. By this category, I mean how they treat you and others Is your relationship with them reciprocal (involving give and take on both sides)? Do you get as much out of it as they do? Are they a good host AND a good guest? Are they a giver, taker or balanced? Do they try to live by the golden rule, treating others in the same way they want to be treated? As you get to know each other, do they seem willing to sacrifice (time, money, effort) as much for the group as you are?
Friday, June 21, 2024
Some Weekend Reading...
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Medical Gear Deal
Folks,
The fine people at Refuge Medical are currently running a deal ($10 off the regular price) on the Basic Vitals Set, which includes a digital thermometer, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and pulse oximeter. Only four sets left in stock as of this morning, so if you want a set, get it quick. (I already have a set.)This could be a great addition to your first and and medical supplies. The link for this deal is https://www.refugemedical.com/products/basic-vitals-set?sca_ref=3918033.4ftvoHMdig
Get a good first aid kit while you are there, if you don't already have one (you'll get 10% off these high-quality, American-made kits at checkout when you use my links).
Yes, I am affiliated with Refuge Medical, so purchases through my Refuge Medical links help support this website. Thank you!
--Tim Gamble
Monday, June 17, 2024
Survival in a Highly-Centralized, Woke, Socialist/Fascist Police State
Sunday, June 16, 2024
To Hide or Not To Hide
The benefit of this strategy is that we and our family will be less likely to be threatened by the Leftist Mob. The downside is that we will have to deny major parts of who we are and what we believe, and give the Leftist Mob exactly what they want - our silence.
I'm not going to tell you which you should do. I will definitely judge no one for either choice. It is a decision you will have to make for yourself and your family, and will depend on your own circumstances and concerns.
Friday, June 14, 2024
48 Hour Countdown - What will be my final preps?
- Get all cash out of my bank accounts, and collect the contents of any safe-deposit boxes.
- Refill any prescriptions for me and my family. Also get extra OTC meds and first aid supplies while I'm at the pharmacy.
- Make sure both my vehicles are fully gassed-up, and check oil, tire pressure, etc.
- Make sure my extra gas storage is full (I keep 5-gallon gas cans safely stored on my property away from my house). I would buy additional cans/gas to add to this storage.
- Purchase an extra case or two of motor oil (future supplies may be limited).
- (I don't use propane or heating oil, but if I did, I would make sure I had full tanks.)
- Wash the laundry! (Power and/or water will be interrupted for awhile. Might as well get caught up on the washing while I still can.)
- Make sure that my water storage is full and fresh. Would make some last minute extra purchases of 5-gallon water cans and/or several cases of bottled water to add to my water storage.
- Make a quick check of my food storage, to see to if I'm running low on anything.
- Go to local grocery stores, Walmarts, etc. and buy as much canned & dry foods as possible (including extra food for my dog), also cleaning supplies, unscented bleach, sanitation and hygiene supplies, matches, charcoal, etc.
- Go to local stores that sell ammo (I've already made a list of all within 25 miles of my home) and buy as much as I can of the types I use.
- Go by my local coin dealer and local pawn shops that sell silver coins (again, I've already made a list of silver dealers in my area), and buy as much junk silver as possible.
- If I have any cash left at this point, I would buy extra tools and spare parts (spark plugs, duct tape, etc.) that I may need.
- Review with my family, and others as appropriate, our plans for security & safety, and when/how we will bug out if necessary.
Bugging Out
I plan to "bug in" at my current location unless and until it becomes too dangerous to do so. Then, I have planned two options for bugging out. To make sure I'm ready for those options, if I need them, I will make sure my vehicles are full of gas, as well as check the tires and oil. I will also review my bug out plans, make sure I have the needed road maps, and even pre-pack my vehicles to the extent I can, so that when I'm forced to bug-out I can do so as quickly as possible.
If your "Plan A" is bugging out immediately, then do so as early on as you can to avoid the traffic jams and confusion of the last minute escape. Once you arrive at your bug-out location, you can continue with whatever last minute preps you can.
Thursday, June 13, 2024
Disturbing Headlines and What They Mean To You
- Another 36 house mice in New Mexico test positive for H5N1 bird flu (link to source)
- H5N1 influenza outbreak in Texas dairy cattle sparks multi-species transmission concerns (link to source)
- Toddler Infected With H5N1 - Second Human Case In India (link to source)
- New bird flu developments have experts worried about the virus (link to source)
- Lack of Bird Flu Tests Could Hide Pandemic Warning Signs (link to source)
- Australia locks down farms as avian influenza spreads (link to source)
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Handcuff Keys and Lock Picks
Check your state and local laws, but surprisingly in most places these are legal for civilians to possess.
Handcuff Keys (available on Amazon) - Why would you want to have access to handcuff keys if you are a law abiding person? It's not just good cops that have access to handcuffs, but lots of people, good and bad. Having access to handcuff keys might come in handy some day. It is, of course, illegal to hide them from law enforcement for the purpose of escaping police custody, so if you ever get legitimately arrested, immediately let the officer know you have one on you.
Monday, June 3, 2024
A Harmless Man Is Not A Good Man
Something to think about...
"A harmless man is not a good man. A good man is a very, very dangerous man who has it under voluntary control." To the men reading this, I say become dangerous men. With what is likely coming, your wife, children and others you love are going to need you to be dangerous men.
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Andrew Torba: Find Your Tribe And Start Building
Note: I received the following email this weekend from Andrew Torba, the CEO of Gab. He asked that we share it with others, so I am posting it here. In it he echoes much of what I have written about finding and creating Tribe. We will need others to survive what is coming, like it or not. We need to start building those connections now. By the way, I am active on Gab. Please follow me at https://gab.com/TimGamble.
Find Your Tribe And Start Building
The recent guilty verdict in the rigged political witch hunt trial against President Trump has left many on the right questioning what our next steps should be. It’s clear that the forces aligned against us are relentless, and we must adapt our strategies to ensure the survival and growth of our movement. It was also very clear in 2020 that we aren’t going to simply vote our way out of the total and complete capture of our government by parasites with foreign allegiances who hate us.
So, now what?
As we look ahead, it’s crucial to remember that the path forward will require dedication, hard work, and a willingness to make sacrifices. We must not allow ourselves to be disheartened by the outcome of the trial or even the upcoming election, but rather, use these things as a catalyst for renewed determination and resilience. Even if Donald Trump wins the election that does not mean our work is done and we can sit back on the couch and zone out into the TV.
The challenges we face today are significant and complex, requiring a long-term and multi-generational effort to overcome. Our problems cannot be solved with one politician or one election, as some may suggest. Instead, we must focus on the real work of rebuilding a Christian society and creating a better future for ourselves and our posterity.
There are those who sit online all day, telling us to “vote harder” as if that alone will magically solve our problems. While voting is an important part of our civic duty, it is simply not enough to address the deep-seated issues that plague our society. We must not allow ourselves to be distracted by the political drama of the day and instead focus on the real work that needs to be done.
This work involves a number of key components, including the strengthening of our communities, the protection of our families, and the promotion of traditional values and principles. It requires us to invest in our own institutions and networks, rather than relying on the corrupt and broken systems that have failed us time and time again.
Furthermore, we must be willing to make sacrifices and engage in the hard work necessary to achieve our goals. This means dedicating ourselves to the long-term task of rebuilding society, even when progress is slow and setbacks are inevitable. It means prioritizing the needs of our families and communities over our own personal desires and ambitions.
One of the most important steps we can take is to find our tribe. We must surround ourselves with like-minded individuals who share our values, goals, and vision for the future. This means getting far away from enemy territory and establishing distinct communities where we can support one another and work together towards our common objectives.
Living in enemy territory can be a precarious and dangerous situation, especially when the enemy identifies you as a threat. In such circumstances, it is essential to be aware of the risks and challenges that you may face, including the potential for persecution and destruction by the so-called justice system.
The concept of a “jury of your peers” is meant to ensure a fair trial for those accused of a crime, but in reality, this is often far from the case. When you are living in enemy territory, your “peers” are likely to be people who hate you because of who you are, whether that be due to your race, religion, political beliefs, or any other characteristic that sets you apart from the dominant Regime culture.
As a result, you can expect judicial outcomes that match this reality. This means that you may be subjected to an unfair trial, where the jury is more interested in punishing you for who you are rather than determining your guilt or innocence based on the facts of the case. My advice is to avoid these situations by any means necessary by getting out of enemy territory and moving to where your tribe is.
The United States is witnessing an obvious trend of ideological balkanization, with liberals and conservatives increasingly clustering in distinct geographic regions, creating a stark political divide across the nation. This phenomenon is driven by individuals self-segregating into like-minded communities, with liberals gravitating towards “blue” states and conservatives towards “red” states.
States in the South and Midwest are now predominantly conservative strongholds, while the Northeast and West Coast have become liberal bastions. This geographic polarization is evident across various contentious issues, including abortion, gun control, immigration, and LGBTQ issues. This ideological balkanization poses significant challenges to national unity and governance. As states adopt increasingly divergent policies, the notion of a unified nation becomes impossible to imagine going forward.
Whether people like it or not, this is already happening and will continue to in the coming years. Balkanization and segregation are inevitable in a multi-cultural multi-ethnic society. People do this naturally as we are seeing play out right now with the great migrations into red and blue states. The liberal utopian ideal of egalitarianism has failed and will continue to do so. We must be prepared for this reality and start building or migrating to places with people who share our values.
In these communities of our own, we must focus on constructing and strengthening foundational infrastructure. This includes everything from local businesses and schools to churches and social organizations. By investing in our own institutions and networks, we can create a strong and self-sufficient base from which to launch our broader efforts.
Another critical aspect of our strategy must be to make a lot of babies. We have a duty to ensure the future of our people by raising strong, patriotic, and God-fearing children who will carry our torch for generations to come. This means embracing traditional family values and rejecting the destructive ideologies that seek to undermine the sanctity of marriage and the family unit.
As we build our communities and raise our families, we must also be diligent in safeguarding our territory, our people, and their minds. This means staying vigilant against the forces that would seek to infiltrate and subvert our efforts, as well as promoting a strong sense of cultural and intellectual self-defense.
Finally, we must remember to play the long game. Many people want to achieve maximal outcomes with minimal effort, but life simply doesn’t work that way. We must be prepared to put in the hard work necessary to build a better future for ourselves and our posterity.
The guilty verdict in the Trump trial serves as a stark reminder of the challenges we face as a movement. However, it also presents us with an opportunity to redouble our efforts and strengthen our resolve. By finding our tribe, building strong communities, making a lot of babies, and playing the long game, we can secure a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.
Let’s get to work.
Andrew Torba
CEO, Gab.com
Christ is King
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Kaleb House Matching Fundraiser
Kaleb House is one of the charities I support. It rescues and restores child victims of sex trafficking. Special donation matching is happening from June 1 to July 10. This opportunity has the potential to raise up to $500,000 for Kaleb House! Please prayerfully consider donating. Go to https://www.kalebhouse.org/ for more info, including links to the secure donation page. Thank you.
From the Kaleb House Website:
What is Kaleb House
Kaleb House is a residential recovery program providing a safe home-like environment for families and child survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation. Our goal is to provide a biblical covering through redemption and love while preparing them for long-term success. We are dedicated to helping provide resources and tools for restoring the heart so life can become whole, wounds are healed, and hope is brought back.
Our Mission
To provide a Biblical covering for sexually exploited widows and orphans while breaking generational curses.