PREPARE Magazine - January 2016

Encouraging, Empowering and Enriching Your Journey

JANUARY 2016

Living in a Box on Wheels How to Make Downsizing NEW Fiction An INSTANT and Keeping Part 1: PULSE "Quick Pack" Your Sanity

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Table of Contents

06 The Art of Downsizing and Keeping Your Sanity

12 Realistic Concerns about an Active Shooter Scenario

18 Living in a Box on Wheels

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23

Letter from the Editor

PULSE - Part One: Andrea

10 Growing Your Own Herbal Medicine

20 How to Make A Quick Pack When You Don’t Have One!

26 A Simple Living Guide to Rainwater Usage

31 Contributors

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Letter from the Managing Editor may top the priority list. A Simple Living Guide to Rainwater Usage may help spark some of your own plans and Growing Your Own Herbal Medicine is a way to avoid relying on the drugstore.

This year, 2016 is poised to contain some very interesting times ahead. We hear the buzz. We see the changes. The reports are showing there are some noteworthy things that may occur this calendar year. That’s why we want to start off with some encouraging words as you trim out the unnecessary and prepare for the things that are of higher priority in your life.

For some people, trimming off the trappings around them is a high priority. That’s why it’s important to learn The Art of Downsizing and Keeping Your Sanity. It may mean they (or you) are considering a move to a more mobile option.

Our long-time authors, and well-seasoned preparedness experts, Bill & Janet Liebsch share their adventure of Living in a Box on Wheels as they have embarked on this new chapter of their lives.

But maybe doing ‘without’ something doesn’t have to be addressed when you develop the ingenuity of using something for untraditional means. Let’s say you need to carry several things in an emergency but don’t have a backpack. So here’s an out of the ordinary use to learn How to Make A Quick Pack - When You Don’t Have One! For others along this journey of preparedness, the goal of more self-reliant and sustainable living

Last year saw a rise in mass shootings or, at least, an instant access to any and all that may have happened, so it’s no wonder that tensions are at the highest ever previously reported. Fear can become a jailer if it is allowed to keep us from growing… so Realistic Concerns about an Active Shooter Scenario are important factors to acquaint ourselves with should, God Forbid, we ever find ourselves in that situation.

Now to add a bit of ‘fun’ within the preparedness thought process. With the New Year, we’re thrilled to now bring you a New Column of Fictional Installments! We hope you’ll enjoy the very first one: PULSE - Part One: Andrea. Each month the story will continue! If you’re impatient or want more than what the author is releasing with us at PREPARE – then you’ll want to buy the book (and part two as well!) Written in journal format we’re sure you’ll be eagerly awaiting the next installment next month!

A life of preparedness is one full of conflict and conundrums as we attempt to explain why we feel moved to prepare or how we choose to prepare and yet it is, in essence, an exercise in hope. Hope that what we learn, what we practice and what share with others will be a tangible ‘safety net’ in times of trouble. It is our sincerest hope that within the Digital or Print pages of PREPARE Magazine that you are finding encouragement and are able to use this work, this labor of love as a means to encourage others.

Donna L. Miller

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The Art of Downsizing and Keeping Your Sanity

By LeAnn Edmondson, Homestead Dreamer

Everyone, at some point in their life, looks around their apartment/house/ room and asks the ques8on “How did I get so much stuff?!” Whether the downsizing is from a move or just because you are sick of walking through paths of junk, there comes a 8me when you need to just get it done. The thought of going through every liIle thing you own is daun8ng, not very appealing, and can be incredibly overwhelming. Many people will start and then about a third of a the way, though, give up because it is just too much to deal with.

There are plenty of sites out there that tell you all the different ways to tackle the chore of downsizing your stuff such as going through only one room at a 8me, or giving yourself a set amount of 8me to get the project done (only to feel guilty when the date comes and goes). Another popular idea is to turn all of your

hanging clothes around backwards on the rack and the next year, anything that is s8ll backwards is taken down and donated or sold. All of these are wonderful ideas but it only draws out the overall chore, which can lead to a loss of sanity and increased feelings of guilt or failure. In the end, you s8ll have the chore staring you in the face.

Part of the problem with downsizing is that people think they are done once they have gone through everything. The fact of the maIer is going through your belongings is only step one. Step two is what you are going to do with all those unwanted items. There are four op8ons here: give it away (dona8ons), sell it, upcycle it to be used in another way, or trash it. In all 4 op8ons, there is addi8onal work to be done. Once you realize and accept this, things get considerably easier because you are mentally prepared to do more than

just step one. It’s kind of like fishing: catching the fish is only the first part.

Processing the fish is the second.

T a k i n g a l l o f t h e a b o v e i n t o considera8on, here are some different ideas of ways you can accomplish your goal of downsizing and geVng rid of the cluIer while also poten8ally puVng some money back into your pocket.

•Have bins, totes, or just areas where you can put the stuff you have gone through. One is for trash, one for dona8on, one for a garage sale, etc. It doesn’t do much good to go through a whole sec8on only to turn around and have the stuff just moved to another part of the room.

•On a quiet evening, sit down with your favorite beverage and get ready to make a list. I specifically say on a quiet evening when you are relaxing 6

‘old and unused’ to you but to someone with nothing, they are precious and most people are very grateful. It takes pressure off them, uncluIers your life, and is an overall win-­‐win.

•Get mean with yourself. That’s right, be downright brutal. Moms, you don’t need to keep every scrap of paper from your kid’s elementary years. Chances are preIy good they won’t want it when they grow up either. Dad’s, if you haven’t used those PVC pipes you got in a project a_er 2 years, it’s 8me to let it go.

because this exercise will work best when you are not in a frazzled or stressed out state of mind. You are going to think about your rou8ne for the first week. Write down all the things you regularly use and need to be comfortable. Of course, you aren’t going to write down each liIle thing but if you regularly use a back scrubber, put it down. I had a back scrubber siVng on my bathroom shelf for years, never used it and it’s a perfect example. Sure, the back scrubber is useful but will I actually use it? Nope. Time to get rid of it.

•When deciding whether or not to keep an item, ask yourself: “If I was star8ng from scratch, would I replace this item?” If the answer is no, it may be 8me to donate or sell it so someone else could use or enjoy it.

•Look at your storage options and see if there is something that can be done to increase or improve the area.

Of course, the first step is to clear the cluIer. Though it may seem counter-­‐

produc8ve to downsizing, I have found that when a storage area is n e a t

The hardest person you will have to baIle on this is yourself. Using some of the earlier sugges8ons (such as

Part of the problem with downsizing is that people think they are done once they have gone through everything.

a n d 8dy, it tends to stay that way longer.

O n c e y o u s t a r t tossing stuff in, that i s w h e n t h e accumula8on starts. Having a place for everything to go makes a big difference!

•Ditch the duplicates. This is especially true if you are moving in with someone. There is no need to have two toasters and two coffee pots. Do you really need fourteen towels? When combining homes, consider giving the surplus to people who are just star8ng out in a new place. That pot and pan set may be

asking “Would I replace this if I had to start over?”) can help you get through the desire we have to keep a vice grip hold onto certain items.

•Be conscious about what comes into your home. This is the first line of offense you have to keep the flow of junk

•SPECIAL NOTE: No maIer what the reason for your downsizing is, it’s really important that you consider

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what kind of lifestyle you are living now and whether or not the items you are looking at actually fits and benefits your lifestyle.

So, you’ve done it: you’ve gone through your whole area and now have a pile of stuff to get rid of.

Whether you give it away, donate it to a charity, have a garage sale, or trash the whole lot, there are some wonderful benefits that go beyond just having less ‘stuff.’

•Donating your items to local chari8es has mul8ple benefits. Your home has less stuff and cluIer, you are helping people who have liIle or nothing, and you can get a tax write-­‐ off that will help put some money back into your pocket. Win-­‐win!

•Keeping track of what you have is easier when there is less of it. If you’re a prepper, being able to tell, at a glance, what you are low on is something few preppers (or people in general) get to experience.

•An overall sense of peace is something I personally feel when I walk into my house and there is no cluIer or pile of stuff in a corner.

Walking into a room where there are piles of stuff that need to be ‘gone through’ causes stress and can make you feel like you are failing somehow.

When the excess is gone, people tend to have less stress, can focus more easily on other things, and tend to just feel more content.

•If you opt to sell items, money going back into your pocket is always a bonus. Yes, puVng together a garage sale can be a hassle but if you get some family members to join you in the downsizing and sale of unwanted items, the peer support tends to push you to finish. Besides, who doesn’t like extra money, less cluIer, or a good deal on useful items?

•By going through all of your worldly possessions, you will not only know exactly what you have but also be mindful of the things that may need to be repaired or replaced. When you use something o_en, it can be easy to overlook the wear and tear or need for repairs. By paying aIen8on, you can end up saving yourself money by repairing versus buying brand new.

I am not saying to get rid of everything that isn’t useful. Tossing granny’s old Christmas ornaments out because they are used only once a year is not what I am talking about here. Those types of things are what make our homes different from the neighbors. Our own touches that make things homey and ours are very important. Holding on to a box of cords you’ve accumulated over the last ten years but haven’t opened in the last two is a good candidate for the curb.

We all need to go through our stuff at some point or another. Using some, or all, of the sugges8ons above, you will be able to overcome the monster that is all that stuff you have accumulated and take charge! When you are done, the house will be roomier and less stressful plus you might get a few bucks back in your pocket!

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Growing Your Own Herbal Medicine

By Donna Miller, Millers Grain House

Long before there were doctors and over the counter medica8ons, people were growing their own herbal remedies so that, through the simple act of gardening, they could manage many of the ills that befell their family members or themselves. You, too, can grow your own herbal medicine—in the garden or in pots you keep in front of the window or on a porch or balcony.

Common herbal remedies can be grown, gathered, steeped in teas, or put in ointments. Here are some herbal remedies that you can grow in the comfort of your own home. If you don’t know how to use the herb, check with an herbalist or get a book such as the Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine Defini8ve Reference Guide to learn the best ways to use these plants for their therapeu8c value: Basil: Basil can be grown in a pot in a sunny room or on your porch. It helps people with poor appe8te, flatulence, lacera8ons, and scrapes. It’s an annual plant but grows to a nice size for picking the leaves and using them for food or medicinal purposes.

Feverfew: These plants have leaves and flowers that can be steeped in a tea or chewed in order to control fever, headaches, arthri8s, and various skin condi8ons.

Johnny Jump Up: This plant has many an8-­‐inflammatory proper8es so it can be used as a tea or for topical applica8on in condi8ons like eczema and blemishes of the skin. Used orally, it can loosen phlegm when you have a chest cold.

Lavender: Lavender has great proper8es when it comes to relaxa8on and calming. It is used as aromatherapy for those who want some stress relief. Apply it to cuts and bruises in order to act as an an8sep8c to decrease the risk of infec8on.

Lemon balm: Lemon balm can be grown in a pot or in your garden. It can be used for many things, including the relief of anxiety, herpes infec8ons, insect bites, insomnia, indiges8on, and flatulence. When topically applied in an ointment, it can lead to faster healing of cold sores.

Chamomile: Chamomile can be used as an infusion or in an ointment for topical applica8ons. The flower heads of chamomile can help relieve tension and anxiety; it also works to ease symptoms of colic and indiges8on. Topically, it helps with skin irrita8ons and areas of inflammatory skin condi8ons.

Echinacea: This perennial plant makes flowers that can be used for colds or flus. It has been shown to enhance your immune system so you can fight off viruses beIer. Try Echinacea tea for when you’re not feeling well and down with the flu.

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Marigold: Marigold is good for skin condi8ons, such as sunburn, blemishes, acne as well as systemic condi8ons, such as stomach ulcers and indiges8on.

Parsley: Parsley is easily grown in an indoor garden. A healthful herb also helps in situa8ons of bad breath or flatulence.

Peppermint: Peppermint is a great herb for gas or diges8ve problems. It can be made into a tasty tea that also helps people with headache pain.

Rosemary: Rosemary is an herbal remedy that helps improve mood as well as memory and concentra8on. It also helps ease bad breath.

Sage: Sage was used for medicinal purposes before it was used in cooking. It helps people with inflamma8ons of the mouth and throat.

Thyme: Thyme is a very strong an8sep8c that works for people who have conges8on, gas, cough, or indiges8on. Steep it as a tea or take and chew its leaves.

St. John’s Wort: This herb is used in many places in Europe and the United States for the management of mild to moderate depression. It is also used for symptoms related to depression, such as insomnia, loss of appe8te, anxiety, and fa8gue. You can grow the herb yourself, using the leaves and flowers in a tea to improve your mood.

You don’t have to have a huge herb garden. Start with a few items and build-­‐up as you gain experience and see how you can relieve many of life’s ailments without using any kind of over the counter or prescrip8on medica8on.

Disclaimers: Photos shown are not intended for plant iden8fica8on but rather example. When growing your own herbs be sure label them correctly a_er purchasing the seed or sprout from a reputable source.

Suggested uses are not intended to treat or diagnose any disease or ailment. Remember to seek a professional before trea8ng any illness.

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Realistic Concerns about an Active Shooter Scenario

By Donald Alley, www.martialtacticaltrainingofmichigan.com The term “ac8ve shooter” has gained unfortunate prominence in the past decade as an increase in the repor8ng o f s h o o 8 n g s c e n a r i o s h a s h i t mainstream news. The term is a func8on of not only the depraved assailant’s ac8ons but also the capabili8es of news to report it as it is happening, rather than a post-­‐incident report a_er the situa8on has been resolved. The term ‘mass murder’ is used to describe the results of an

ac8ve shooter scenario, and is used when there are 4 or more vic8ms.

In most cases, the shooter has chosen a so_ target, such as a school, mall, theater, or another locale that is likely to contain insignificant resistance. The killer rarely has any criteria for leVng people go and is only concerned with high casual8es. A majority of ac8ve shooter scenarios (about 75%) are

stopped by either armed or unarmed non-­‐LEO civilians who acted with force against the shooter. The remainder are stopped by law enforcement or security. Interes8ngly, ac8ve shooter scenarios are generally stopped at the slightest sign of resistance from the populace, rather than an expected significant force needing to be applied to neutralize the aIacker. Many ac8ve shooter scenarios result in the ac8ve shooter commiVng suicide or in a gun fight.

For the modern family, encountering a n a c 8 v e s h o o t e r s c e n a r i o i s extremely unlikely. The situa8ons are covered extensively on the news with each talking head spou8ng out their theories before any facts are even in.

Like a rock thrown in the water, the event is over in an instant but the ripples last long a_erwards. This aIen8on to the event can give the impression they are more common because news coverage of them is more pervasive.

What we can do to prepare We can begin to prepare for an ac8ve shooter scenario by looking at the Use of Force Spectrum. The Use of Force Spectrum is typically shown as a horizontal bar, with situa8onal awareness on the le_, and lethal force on the right. Thus, as one reads the 12

under-­‐react to the threat or its effects.

A person con8nuing to work, or watch TV, when a tornado siren goes off is an example of succumbing to normalcy bias. People con8nuing to water their lawns in the face of severe drought can be a form of normalcy bias. The phrase “Oh my god this isn’t happening!” characterizes normalcy bias fully.

In protec8on training, there is something called the OODA Loop.

OODA is Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act. It is the process by which all ac8on is performed.

bar from le_ to right the force becomes more severe. The issue with this representa8on is that the protector studying it can be ins8lled with the no8on that he must escalate through the spectrum in his response to violence. In actuality, the protector should access the appropriate level of force instantly to give him the best chance to neutralize the threat (while ac8ng jus8fiably). Mar8al Tac8cal T r a i n i n g o f M i c h i g a n u s e s a representa8on of this spectrum with a facet of each touching the center. That center is the person himself and includes an acute awareness of his prepara8ons, skills and capabili8es, and moral and ethical compass. An ac8ve shooter scenario can involve the en8re spectrum, and there are applicable factors coming from each.

Self Awareness This is the awareness of one’s self, his capabili8es, and skills, morals and e t h i c s , e t c . I t a l s o i n c l u d e s prepara8ons for these scenarios. How

much has the protector studied these occurrences? What has he done to prepare? The act of including items in one’s Every Day Carry (EDC) kit is a maIer of self-­‐awareness. A person has skills and tools, is aware of his circle and his protec8ve role to those in it, and has taken the steps necessary to equip himself properly.

Self-­‐awareness is a realis8c and unfiltered understanding of one’s capabili8es and values. This should happen long before any threat of any type. It is something the thoughmul and introspec8ve can and should do immediately. What are a person’s skills? Also, will a person protect himself and circle by moving them out of harm, or will he rely on a partner to move his circle while he faces the threat and saves others (making the local populace ‘his circle’)?

One aspect of self-­‐awareness is normalcy bias. For a person (or people) facing a threat, it is the tendency to either disbelieve or

•Observe: Using one’s senses, a s8mulus is input. It can be sight, sound, smell, etc. It is an awareness of a s8mulus.

•Orient: Using cogni8ve capability, the person orients the s8mulus. This is the mental processing of that s8mulus and what it might mean.

•Decide: As a result of the s8mulus and its implica8ons, a person then chooses a course of ac8on as a result of that s8mulus.

•Act: Based on the decision, the person acts on the s8mulus and its implica8ons the way he decided.

Normalcy bias is an unwillingness to partake in the Orient ac8on. The threats are perceived but the mind c h o o s e s n o t t o b e l i e v e t h e observa8ons, or cannot process the implica8ons of these observa8ons.

Decision and Ac8on are never reached.

Each person needs to shed their normalcy bias quickly when facing a

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t h r e a t . T h e s o o n e r a p e r s o n recognizes the situa8on for what it is and responds appropriately, the greater chance there is for successful survival.

Situational Awareness The most absolute truth in the role of protec8on: Awareness is primary i m p o r t a n c e . W i t h o u t awareness, a protector w i l l b e c o m p l e t e l y r e a c 8 o n a r y i n h i s response to a threat of any type. Situa8onal awareness is defined as an awareness of the factors within a situa8on, a realis8c priori8za8on of their importance, and a reasonable extrapola8on of their significance and likely immediate future ac8on. It was originally used in aerial combat but h o l d s t r u e f o r g e n e r a l awareness of any type.

Like self-­‐awareness, situa8onal awareness should be prac8ced constantly. With some self-­‐training, it can become an automa8c part of one’s consciousness. With some advanced training, it can turn a concerned person into a truly aware and in tune individual.

Assuming the reader is preparing for an ac8ve shooter awareness, there are mul8ple things he should become rou8nely aware of: •P o s i 8 o n y o u r s e l f f o r o p 8 m a l observa8on: This can be as simple as keeping an eye on entrances and exits, but is also important when moving around. Ensuring maximum angles of

observa8on is available helps ensure early awareness of a threat.

•Knowing the loca8on of your circle: If your family is spread out at a shopping center, it can take longer to round them up for an escape ac8on. It can take far longer if you’re unaware of their loca8ons.

•Evaluate obstacles: All around are various obstacles. These might be cars in a parking lot, clothes racks at a store, a big dumb statue that some mall paid for, etc. Understand how these obstacles work for cover (it will stop a bullet from penetra8ng) or concealment (it will provide an interrupt on an aIacker’s line of sight b u t m a y n o t s t o p a b u l l e t ) .

Understand how the facilitate traversing to entry and exit point.

•Entry and exit points: Knowing where these are will ensure a person can scan an entry for a threat, as well as seek a safe exit. Note that normalcy bias can play a factor here. The exit at the back of a store is a valid escape route, despite an employee saying that area is for employees only. In a threat scenario, these normal rules no longer apply. Run right past the protes8ng stock-­‐person and get out of

there. Fire alarm doors are the same category. In an ac8ve shooter scenario, a door that might alarm if opened is of small consequence compared to making an escape. Shed the normalcy inhibi8ons and get out of there.

•Scan people: Those in the protec8on a n d s e c u r i t y fi e l d become very good at r e a d i n g p e o p l e .

Especially in a relaxed or retail seVng, it is obvious who is paying a I e n 8 o n t o t h e i r surroundings vs who is engrossed in their phones or the things in front of them. Look for the people who are actually aware of what is going on. If they appear anxious or suspicious, it might be 8me to 8ghten up y o u r c i r c l e a n d prepare for escape.

Heightened awareness provides 8me.

Early awareness of a threat allows for increased orienta8on to the threat a n d b e I e r d e c i s i o n m a k i n g .

Everything herea_er is the result of the effec8veness of awareness, and the protector’s decision making.

Escape and avoidance Escape and avoidance are generally the best choices for a family in an a c 8 v e s h o o t e r s c e n a r i o . W i t h members of one’s circle present, moving them to safety allows separa8on between the circle and the threat. The greater the separa8on, the more the threat diminishes. Obstacles provide cover and concealment which can add separa8on that is not completely dependent on distance.

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Escape and avoidance require reasonably fit people able to move with purpose out of the threat area.

Going back to self-­‐awareness, a person can ascertain if he can effec8vely escape an ac8ve shooter threat.

Escape points include exit doors, fire alarm doors, loading bays, large office windows a_er a chair has been thrown through it (normalcy bias alert!), or even possibly breaking through the drywall into an adjacent room. Evaluate all exit methods!

Awareness will be key, as there is likely to be screaming, panic, and other mayhem associated with this type of scenario. Avoid succumbing to a herd mentality of escaping people and rely on your already determined escape routes. Chances are the predetermined routes by an aware individual will be more effec8ve than reac8onary routes by the masses.

Hiding is a type of avoidance with concealment being the main factor in success. It can be employed when there are no escape routes and the type of weapon being used relies on specific trajectory (such as a firearm vs an explosive device).

Barricading is the act of preven8ng a threat from entering your vicinity. This can be done in a store’s back room, dropping the gates in a retail mall, or piling objects against a door to prevent entry. If barricading is the only op8on, try to deny line of sight from the aIacker to other people, and aIempt to use objects that will provide cover against the weapon used.

Verbal de-escalation

In recent ac8ve shooter scenarios, verbal de-­‐escala8on does not appear to have mi8gated the threat against people. Ac8ve shooters tend to want high casualty counts as a means of popularizing themselves or their cause. AIemp8ng to talk down a threat or beg for one’s life has had liIle to no effect. In an ac8ve shooter scenario, verbal de-­‐escala8on should not be relied upon.

As a notable excep8on, the incident at Sandy Hook Elementary included a verbal bluff that allowed students to survive. Teacher Victoria Leigh Soto locked her class in their room. When the ac8ve shooter asked where the kids were, she lied and said they were in the gym. She paid for the interac8on with the shooter with her life, but the shooter bypassed that room and went to a different room.

Physical force and intermediate force The physical force category includes mar8al training and generally hand-­‐to-­‐ hand or handheld weapon use against an aIacker. Intermediate force includes tools such as pepper spray and electromuscular disrup8on devices. In these cases, the protector is ac8vely engaging, at close range, an aIacker likely armed with a firearm.

The likelihood of survival for the protector is slim, but past scenarios have shown that an aIacker will surrender or kill himself at the slightest bit of resistance. The aIacker most likely does not want to live with the consequences of his ac8ons (going to prison) and is thus mentally prepared to kill himself before being taken alive. As a protector intent on the well-­‐being of his circle, there is the realiza8on that he can risk death figh8ng the ac8ve shooter with the possibility of neutralizing the threat, or face near certain death of himself

and his circle if no resistance is offered.

In the case of a confronta8on with the ac8ve shooter, mindset and training will be a paramount factor in success.

Even when injured, s8ll pressing the aIack to neutralize the threat allows for the possibility of success. Every 10 seconds an ac8ve shooter is engaged with resistance is more 8me for law enforcement to show up. Every act of resistance is a chance the ac8ve shooter feels he cannot press his aIacks forward and may decide to kill himself. In short, ac8ve resistance to aIack causes the ac8ve shooter to doubt himself and his evalua8on of how so_ a target may be.

Lethal force At this point in the United States, lethal force tools consist primarily of the concealed carry firearm. Most states have laws allowing this now, and in truth, the ‘first responder’ is always the people at the scene who must act to protect themselves while law enforcement responds.

Ac8ve shooter scenarios some8mes include long guns, and a handgun legally carried is at a dis8nct disadvantage against a long gun. There are several advantages a firearm-­‐ armed protector has, though.

•Posi8oning: Assuming the ac8ve shoo8ng did not occur directly in the protector’s vicinity, the armed protector may have 8me to develop a tac8c to engage the shooter. This may be obtaining cover or concealment and awai8ng an opportunis8c shot with good stable firearm support.

•Target acquisi8on: An ac8ve shooter is intent on killing all the vic8ms they can. The shooter must process all

15

movement as a poten8al threat or a vic8m. A handgun armed protector is intent only on one target set (the aIacker(s)). This may allow the range to be closed between the two so that the handgun is not as disadvantaged as the long gun.

•Training: CPLs in most states require some form of training. Many CPL licensees seek out addi8onal training to further gain proficiency in their w e a p o n s . A n a c 8 v e s h o o t e r some8mes has will have some training but is most likely an untrained person who happens to have a long gun. With modern op8cs, these can be easy to

employ effec8vely with less formal training.

Implica8ons and conclusions of the Use of Force analysis For the modern family, there are many factors at play stemming from the use of force spectrum. The type of event may preclude firearms, knives, or other weapons. For the law abiding, these rules must generally be adhered to. For an ac8ve shooter intent on mul8ple cases of first-­‐degree murder, viola8ng a gun-­‐free sign is not even a speed bump to their nefarious goals.

A protector must carefully consider the rules in place at these venues and make the determina8on that is right for him and his circle. If there are policies prohibi8ng protec8ve devices from being used, with no addi8onal protec8on put in place by the venue, it may be a wise decision to avoid those places. If the venue offers severe limita8ons to awareness (loud noises, very busy ligh8ng, etc), it may be a good move to avoid those areas. If the venue requires your circle to split up (such as having kids go to his or her room to play), it is up to the protector in the circle to allow that or not.

Likewise, limited egress op8ons without a for8fied entrance are not a good proposi8on.

16

12

Living in a

Box on Wheels

by Bill & Janet Liebsch, http://www.FedHealth.net

Almost 7 years ago we purchased a used 36-­‐foot Class A motor home with the hopes of traveling around the country from 8me to 8me since we can work anywhere as long as we have phone and internet access.

Unfortunately Bill’s con8nued baIles with health issues only allowed us to go on 2 road trips since 2009.

However, since he beat leukemia and a massive parasite infesta8on and is con8nuing to improve and manage other chronic health issues, we are embarking on a new phase in life.

store a bunch of stuff we may never use again.

During the downsizing process we felt a thrilling sense of libera8on, but also s t r u g g l e d w i t h o u r i n n e r preparedness ins8ncts of “what if we need this if something happens”?

Plus we had to con8nue working in our home offices and cook daily so couldn’t pack those things un8l the

last minute. Something that helped prepare us for RV living is we prac8ced working out of boxes and bins for a few months to determine what we used o_en versus stuff that was nice to have handy.

Clothes were an easy process since we work out of the home, but again it’s amazing how much stuff we hold on to thinking “someday I might wear this” even though it may be 10 or 20+

We recently downsized from a 2,000 square foot home into our 325 square foot RV full-­‐8me. It took months of sor8ng through every single item we had accumulated in both our home and our 2 home offices that we lived and worked in for 20 years, and boy did we have a LOT of crap..!

Our goal was to sell and/or donate 80% to 90% of our possessions since 1) we have limited space in the RV, and 2) our hope is to travel for a year or 2 before seIling down somewhere so why pay to pack, transport and

18

years old. The challenge was going from huge walk-­‐in closets to using 2 8ny closets in RV ~ one 24 inches wide and the other 18 inches wide with a few shelves.

We put some everyday clothes, shoes and linens in our “box” and packed some extra shoes, boots, seasonal clothes and linens into suitcases and canvas bags that could be stored in RV bins or a storage facility then got rid of a vast majority of our wardrobes, towels, sheets, etc.

Another challenge was going from using 2 large bathrooms with big walk-­‐in showers and mul8ple sinks to a 8ny bathroom with 1 toilet, 1 sink and a small shower (that also houses our cat’s liIer box when we’re not showering. Speaking of KiIy, she rules the roost, has seIled in nicely and even took over the Captain’s chair!)

But the biggest hurdle was kitchen items. Bill has a very restric8ve diet since he has celiac disease and issues with food addi8ves like carrageenan, various gums, yeast and other things, so we cook most everything from scratch.

Although our RV kitchen is small, we are able to store our pressure c o o k e r s , c r o c k p o t a n d o t h e r cookware in the limited cabinet space and in tubs in 2 outside bins. And, while the pantry and storage areas are small compared to our home, we are able to stash quite a bit of food and supplies in various places but it takes organiza8on.

Most things run on 110 or 12 volt or propane, plus the RV has a good generator, a solar panel, a large propane tank and spare portable tanks, and a water tank allowing us to live off-­‐grid for a short 8me if needed.

But our hope is things will stay calm so we can travel and work in our box on wheels for a while using power

and hookups at various RV parks na8onwide before we start searching for a personal farm someday.

We were fortunate enough to sell a majority of our household items and donated a por8on to a local charity.

In the process, we have simplified our lifestyle and wanted to share our d o w n s i z i n g s t o r y i n c a s e i t encourages others to evaluate if you are holding on to too much “stuff”.

Think about how many 8mes you h a v e m o v e d i n y o u r l i f e 8 m e (especially during adult life) and, if you are constantly moving the same boxes around or paying to store things for years without using them, maybe it’s 8me to simplify and offload some excess baggage plus possibly help others in need at the same 8me.

19

How to Make A QUICK PACK When You Don’t Have One!

By Christopher Nyerges, www.SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com It’s always best to plan ahead. Carry essen8al gear, since you never know when you’ll need it: knife, fire-­‐starter, water, cordage – that sort of thing. Obviously, you also need some sort of pack.

S8ll, some8mes it happens – you just don’t have what you need when you need it. Then you have to get crea8ve and find some makeshi_ solu8ons.

just like you do with a normal backpack or day pack.

legs and re-­‐8e the pant legs to the waist.

Next, put a length of twine through the belt loops and cinch it up, and 8e it well. Then bring each pant leg up to the waist, and secure the boIom of each pant leg to the waist. That’s it!

From this explana8on, you can see how easy it would be a turn a sweatshirt into a pack. With the sweatshirt, it’s all the same except you begin by taking a bit of cord and tying off the neck. You need to do this very securely, otherwise, you will lose things on the trail.

Go ahead and see how it fits. If the pack straps are too 8ght, you need to let out a bit of the cord on the pant

In the case of a day pack, did you know that you can take a pair of pants, or a sweatshirt, or even a buIon-­‐up shirt and turn it into a day pack?

It’s really simple, and all you’ll need is some rope or cordage.

Let’s use a pair of pants as our example. (Hopefully, you have an extra pair of pants to try this with.)

With a bit of twine, 8e off the end of each pant leg. You should 8e it 8ght.

Pull up the zipper and buIon the top.

Now fill the pants with whatever you need to carry. Fill the legs with so_ material first, since the legs will become your pack straps. Next, fill up the upper part of the pants with whatever it is you need to carry. Try to balance the weight, and don’t have any sharp object juVng into the back, 20

There was one 8me when I actually needed a pack, and the only extra clothing item was my long sleeved shirt. I took off my shirt and buIoned up the front. I stripped some fibre from some yucca leaves and 8ed off the neck.

Next, I 8ed off each cuff.

Since I was using this “pack” to collect acorns and pine cones, I first filled the arms with acorns, which I put into a few paper bags to keep them contained. Then I filled the remainder of the shirt with pine cones. I 8ed off the cuffs, and 8ed the cuffs to the waist of the shirt, securing it all together. It fit well but was a bit uncomfortable because of the pine cones. S8ll, I got home OK and didn’t lose any acorns or pine cones.

1 2

Since it was already dark by the 8me I’d hiked home, I was a bit cold wearing only my t-­‐shirt, but not too uncomfortable.

An emergency pack like this can be a savior in a 8me of need. When I didn’t have a pack at home, I have actually taken an old pair of pants and used them for my “pack” for a day trip.

Although I have seen many varia8ons of this idea over the years, the first 8me I ever saw it was in one of Ellsworth Jaeger’s books, probably “Wildwood Wisdom.”

5

3

4

21

Editor's Note: This is the first excerpt from L.R.Burkard's YA/Suspense PULSE, in which three teens and their families must survive aGer a catastrophic EMP takes down the electric grid.

With the author’s expressed consent, we will be conMnuing the story in each issue of PREPARE. Enjoy!

PULSE Part One: Andrea

By L.R. Burkard

"What'd you do to the car, Andrea?" he demanded. I stared at him. I couldn't believe he was trying to pin it on me.

"Nothing."

"What'd you do to it, huh?" he asked again. I turned and stalked blindly down the driveway to wait by the mailbox. My heart was pounding. Normally I'd enjoy the crunch of snow beneath my boots, and the way the pines lining our driveway are blanketed in white; but I barely no8ced either.

Leave it to Dad to ruin my day before it starts.

So my dad got all upset because when he went to leave for work the car went halfway down the driveway and died. His precious Mercedes. I was just walking out to wait for the school bus and he hurried towards me in a huff, yelling something about how the starter wouldn't even turn over.

Yesterday Mom let me prac8ce driving for about thirty-­‐five minutes and the Mercedes drove just fine. So I'm supposed to know what happened? I'm guessing it's frozen because we're having a mean cold spell. The boIom line is Dad loves his car more than me (he loves lots of things more than me). I blinked away tears that felt cold on my skin the moment they appeared. Where was that bus? I wanted to see my friends and forget about home.

I waited, beginning to freeze. Designer boots aren't made for warmth. I waited a long 8me; I knew the bus should have come already, but I didn't

want to go back—Dad would say I overslept and missed it on purpose or something like that.

Finally, I had to go in. Sure enough, there was Dad, hands on hips, glaring at me.

"Why are you back?"

"The bus didn't come."

He stared at me as if he didn't believe me.

"So walk to school," he said. I gaped at him. Was he kidding? We live, like, five miles from my high school. My mother called him from the kitchen. I turned and stared out the window. Our secluded circular drive was a winter wonderland. In nice weather, it's a beau8ful manicured front, maintained me8culously by landscapers. Today it was a world of white, so cold the snow gliIered. No way was I going to walk to school. Anyway, my father says things he doesn't mean when he's mad, so I took off my coat and boots in the mud room. (There's rarely an ounce of mud in it but that's what we call it.)

I went to heat water for hot chocolate but Mom said, "NOTHING'S working, Andrea. NOTHING. We're having a black out." Our house is like, all electric-­‐-­‐the stove, our heat and even the pump for the well. So when we

23

lose electricity we're preIy much without everything. Mom's sort of freaking out about it. I'll bet her and Dad had one of their fights. We've lost electricity before and the world didn't end. But when my parents actually have a fight, as opposed to just being mad at each other silently, everything and anything makes them crazy.

Dad's been outside 8nkering with his car for the longest 8me, but it s8ll won't start. I hope he can fix it. I can't stand the thought of being home all day with him here. My liIle brothers are home (their bus didn't come, either) and so I'm stuck with the whole family but no one to talk to.

I really don't care why this is happening. I just want it to be over.

This was shocking. "He actually TRIED the motorcycle, in this weather?"

Mom is s8ll freaked out, nervously going around the kitchen like she doesn't know what to do with herself.

She taped the refrigerator shut so we can't let out the cold air, and she unplugged all the appliances.

"Just to see if it would start," she said, s8ll not turning around.

I heard my father come in the side door to the garage, muIering to himself.

"Why didn't he take the Lexus to work?" I asked, keeping my voice low so he wouldn't hear me. I knew he preferred the Mercedes, but I couldn't see why he'd be picky at a 8me like this.

I'd call Lexie except I can't get my idiot cell phone to work. Of all 8mes for this to happen! I charged that phone all last night, and we had power then because when I woke up my alarm clock showed the 8me-­‐-­‐5:05AM. I asked Mom if I could borrow her cell and she said, "All the phones are dead.

Something's going on."

My mom turned and went to the counter and leaned against it, her arms folded across her chest. My mother is a preIy woman, slim, and a dark bruneIe like me, but she o_en looks strained and unhappy. I figure if I were married to my dad I'd look that way too.

"What do you mean?"

"BOTH cars are dead? At the same 8me? How did that happen?"

"Nothing's working!" She tossed her head at me, looking exasperated and creeped out.

"The house phone doesn't work?"

"No. Nothing." She took off with baby Lily to put her down for a nap.

So I can't even text anyone. I can't check online to see if my friends have posted anything. I can't watch YouTube, and just now I turned on my iPod, only it didn't turn on. It should have, but it didn't. There's nothing to do. I may as well have gone to school.

Okay, so Dad said power lines might have been knocked down by the weight of the snow. That doesn't explain why we have no cell phones, but, whatever.

"That's not working, either," she said.

"I have no idea." She looked disgusted.

She went to the sink and started rinsing dishes with water from a plas8c jug.

"Great, I hope that doesn't last," I said.

One day with my father was more than enough for me. I thought of his motorcycle. The motorcycle was Dad's nod to freedom, to his old self, the man he was before the corporate monster mentality owned him. He hardly used it, even in good weather, but he'd never goIen rid of it.

So dad was definitely home for the day.

I decided to keep a low profile by disappearing to my room. Upstairs, I got in bed and picked up my iPad. When it wouldn't power on, I flung it down on the maIress and stared at it.

Why wasn't anything working? Even with a power outage, my cell phone and iPad should work. I felt suddenly depressed. I wished I could talk to Lexie. We'd laugh about having the day off from school because Mr. Sherman, our World Geography teacher would be totally frazzled that class was off schedule. Mr. Sherman follows his schedule like a Nazi. At least that was something to look forward to at school tomorrow—hearing Mr. Sherman bemoan our day off. …If nothing changes by tomorrow, Dad's gonna walk a few miles down the main road with one of the neighbors to find out. He says we're blind as bats with no TV or radio or phones. It's depressing. I hate being stuck at home with this useless family and nothing to do….

Look for the excerpt of is story to con8nue in the next digital issue of PREPARE Magazine…

PULSE is the first in a three book series, the second of which should be out by April 2016, or sooner. Want it all? Can't w a i t f o r m o r e ? S e e P U L S E o n Amazon.com

"Too bad it's snow cover, or he could use the motorcycle."

My mom didn't turn around, but said, in a monotone voice, "That isn't working, either."

24

Advertisement It is that time of year again when summer makes way for fall and people fall in line for a flu shot. If you are like me and try to find natural alternatives to modern medicine that have little to any side effects you may like to try some of the following herbal remedies. It is a good idea to have them on hand when you need them, rather than wait until an emergency to purchase them.

Did you know that some herbs grow just at the time you need them, and as winter is approaching we have a special need to take those herbs that can provide the best immunity to our bodies to enable it to resist germs and arm us with more resistance as we enter those cold months that can make it difficult to prop up our immune system.

The most important herbs that I can recommend to help with the immune system are as follows.

1. Echinacea - Echinacea is a popular herb that has been identified to boost immunity.

Combined with goldenseal, another herb, or enjoyed alone as tea, this member of the daisy family has been found to prevent and treat upper respiratory tract infections as well as the common cold. I recommend Echinacea Purpurea as my favorite for medicinal qualities.

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4. Ginger - This herb has been shown to reduce inflammation, cardiovascular conditions, blood clots and cholesterol. In a study, researchers found that animal subjects given ginger extracts had a significant reduction in cholesterol and blood clotting qualities. Moreover, it has been observed to inhibit the behavior of genes connected with inflammation.

5. Olive Leaf - Olive leaf extract has received a lot of attention from alternative health care advocates in recent decades; however, this immune system booster has been used medicinally for centuries in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, where olive trees grow in abundance. Aside from fighting the common cold and flu, this powerful little leaf can also help increase energy levels, lower blood pressure, stabilize blood sugar levels, and aid in fighting autoimmune disorders. Rich in disease-fighting phytochemicals, olive leaf is especially potent when used in combination with other antioxidant.

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A Simple Living Guide to Rainwater Usage

By Joseph Miller, CVO of PREPARE Magazine

Water is one of our greatest natural resources.

However, when it rains, most of the water ends up in storm drain systems where it has to be treated to be recycled.

But you can actually create systems to store and use rainwater where it will do the most good. You can also save money and natural resources by following a rainwater usage plan for your household.

The Benefits of Storing and Using Rainwater There are many reasons to store and use rainwater. It benefits both you and the environment around you.

People have stored rainwater for thousands of years, so this isn’t a new idea.

It’s just become more popular in recent years as we’ve learned what a great benefit it can be. Understanding more about these benefits can help you make the decision to begin using rainwater.

First, storing rainwater actually reduces flooding and erosion that can be caused by the downspout of your guIers. This can help keep your yard looking great and prevent water from ending up in storage drain systems.

When you store and use rainwater, you can also save money. Normally, you have to pay for the water that you use to irrigate your lawn or to wash your car. But

with stored rainwater, this becomes a free resource for you.

When you use rainwater to water your plants, you’ll actually provide them with beIer nutri8on. Rainwater is naturally full of minerals that are good for plants. It’s also free from pollutants and chemicals found in tap water.

If you live in an area that can be prone to drought, storing rainwater can provide you with a water source during those dry 8mes. City water some8mes becomes restricted during drought condi8ons, but your rain barrels will be accessible to you.

When it comes to the environment, freshwater is an extremely limited resource. Only 3% of the world’s water supply is able to be used for drinking and other home use.

Because water consump8on is high in industrialized countries, natural sources of water are beginning to dry up. Harves8ng rainwater captures a renewable resource and prevents water from entering storm drainage systems where it can become contaminated.

Creating a Storage System for Rainwater Collec8ng rainwater has become a popular way to conserve water in recent years. That’s good news -­‐ 26

like to have more water storage and can afford the extra cost.

A rain barrel typically holds around 50 gallons of water for use. You can have several barrels to hold more water. But if you’re interested in storing much more, you’ll need a different type of collec8on system. One choice is called a Rainwater Pillow.

because it’s made it possible to find many different systems for storing it.

One of the most popular and least expensive methods is using a rain barrel. Rain barrels are large containers that can collect rainwater from the guIers of your home.

They can be made from materials such as large trash cans or buckets.

You can also purchase commercial kits that you can put together easily designed specifically for storing rainwater. Once you have a system in place, your bucket will begin to fill each 8me it rains.

With a rain barrel it’s important to make sure you take some safety precau8ons. For example, the top needs to have a child and pet proof top that doesn’t allow small ones to fall in.

You also need to have a filter at the top that prevents debris from going into the barrel along with the rainwater. If you find that this system works well for you, you can even add mul8ple barrels so that you don’t have any overflow during a rainy season.

Rain barrels typically have a tap at the boIom for you to remove the water. Some of them allow you to aIach a standard garden hose so that you can use the water directly in your yard.

Always make sure that any material you use for your rain barrel is food grade. This means it won’t leach harmful chemicals into the water and the water will be safe to use.

While rain barrels are the least expensive and simplest to install, there are more sophis8cated systems if you’d

The Rainwater Pillow is a system that holds up to 1,000 or more gallons of water using a flexible container. The amount it holds will depend on the size that you purchase. For the typical homeowner, the original 1,000 gallon size is sufficient.

This system is much more expensive, cos8ng thousands of dollars, but if you use a lot of water in your household for gardening or even farming this could be a valuable investment for you.

You can also invest in an underground system that catches rainwater and allows you to pump it out for use. You can purchase a system that will provide water for your lawn and garden, but can also be used for toilets.

This system is quite a bit more expensive than other op8ons because of its size, underground placement, and materials. However, it can pay for itself in the long run by replacing your dependence on other water supplies.

In order to have this type of system, you’ll want to look in your local area for a company that specializes in it.

The cost will depend on your area and your specific needs.

First Flush Systems for the Cleanest Water One concern people have when using a rainwater barrel system from the roo_op is that it can become polluted by materials on your roo_op as the rainwater heads to the guIers.

This is a real concern as debris can contaminate the water in your barrel. A great solu8on for this is to use a

27

first flush system. The first rain you’ve had is usually the most polluted as it washes away debris.

With a first flush system, the first five or even 10 gallons of water are stored and set aside from the rest of your rain barrel storage. This is the water most likely to end up with sediments or chemicals.

You can simply use that water for your lawn and use the rest of the water for your purposes such as a vegetable garden or household cleaning.

Rain Barrel Maintenance Once you have a rain barrel, there are things you’ll need to do to keep it in good condi8on so that you can make use of the water you’ve stored. These simple steps will help you get the most of your system.

First, you should empty your barrel at least once a month. This keeps water from accumula8ng algae and developing an unpleasant smell. If you want to be able to allow water to sit longer, you can add a capful of chlorine bleach to the barrel.

This will stop the development of algae and at that small concentra8on it won’t harm your plants.

However, if you use more than that, it could become harmful. You also want to avoid using an acid such as vinegar because it will harm your plants.

When it comes to your guIers, you’ll want to make sure that you clean them regularly or install a guIer screen that prevents debris from geVng in. This will cut down on the debris and sediment that gets into your rain barrel.

If you no8ce that your barrel has developed a leak, you don’t have to throw it out. In many cases you can use aquarium caulk made from silicone to seal up the hole.

This is available in hardware stores and is inexpensive.

Another concern for rainwater barrels is the development of mosquito popula8ons. Draining the barrel regularly is one way to prevent this. But you can also add a larvae tablet to your barrel that can prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

Adding this type of tablet won’t harm your plants and will prevent problems such as West Nile virus that can be spread through contact with mosquitoes.

You also need to be careful if you live in an area with very cold winters. Freezing and thawing over and over again can weaken your rain barrel. Before it gets that cold, drain your barrel and disconnect it to prevent problems.

When you’re storing your rain barrel for extended periods of 8me, it’s best to store them upside down.

This keeps them free from debris.

How Much Can You Collect?

You may think it will take a long 8me to collect water in your rain barrel. But you can actually collect thousands of gallons a year. You can figure out approximately how much water you’ll collect for every inch of rainfall.

First, you’ll need to es8mate the square footage of your roof. Then divide that number in half. The number you end up with is the number of gallons of water you can collect from one inch of rainfall.

The average house can collect over 400 gallons of water with a half inch of rain. As you can imagine, that adds up fast during rainy seasons. This is a great reason to have mul8ple barrels or larger systems.

Uses for Stored Rainwater Rainwater isn’t usually used for drinking (although it can be), but it can be used for many other purposes. It may surprise you to see how many different ways you can use stored rainwater.

The most obvious use for rainwater that you collect is watering your lawn and garden. It can be costly to water your yard during dry and hot summer months.

Having a rainwater storage system allows you to have access to free water.

It will also allow you to con8nue watering even if your water service has imposed restric8ons due to drought.

28

One of the easiest ways to use your barrel is to connect it to a soaker hose. You can use it to keep your lawn irrigated and you can even use it to protect the founda8on of your home.

While this isn’t available everywhere, many ci8es allow residents to use rainwater to flush toilets. You can even set up a rainwater system where the water is automa8cally brought into your home for toilet flushing.

This can actually save you quite a bit of money on your water bill, especially if you have a large family or many toilets that are used frequently.

If you own an automobile, you can use rainwater to fill your radiator instead of the tap water you might normally use. In most cases this will need to be mixed with an8freeze.

You can also use rainwater to wash your car instead of hooking up the hose to the city water system. This will save money and conserve the water you would normally use.

You can use rainwater for washing dishes and even for bathing if you have a filter system to make it beIer for use inside. It can also be used for laundry. Laundry actually makes up a large percentage of water use in households, so this can save a lot of money.

Having water stored in rain barrels can help you if you have a natural disaster or other emergency that keeps you from being able to use your typical water supply.

You’ll want to make sure that you have filtra8on and purifica8on tools before using it.

For example, you may need to boil the water before drinking or add water purifica8on tablets in order to drink the water.

You can even share the water you’ve collected with neighbors if you have more than you can use. This can serve as a great example and encourage others to install their own rain barrel systems.

You may not think that your small system of rain barrels makes a big difference, but it can make a difference for your household and you can create a ripple effect in your community.

When you need to clean your home, you can use rainwater instead of tap water to mop. Simply fill a bucket and bring it inside to clean your floors and other surfaces.

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Our Contributors...

Christopher Nyerges

Donald Alley

Donna Miller

Christopher Nyerges is the author of 14 books, including “Extreme Simplicity” (Dover books), “How to Survive Anywhere” (Stackpole books), “Guide to Wild Foods” (Chicago Review Press). He has been teaching wild food and self-reliance classes since 1974 via School of Self-Reliance and other organizations. He conducts a weekly self-reliance podcast, weekly field trips, and has appeared on Fox TV as “Natureman,” on National Geographics “Doomsday Preppers,” and other TV shows.

Contact him at: http://www.schoolofself-reliance.com Box 41834, Eagle Rock, CA 90041.

Donald Alley is a martial practitioner with 15 years of experience. He has practiced personal protection training methodologies with full use-offorce spectrum consideration. He is a black belt in classical Ju Jutsu, Assistant Instructor at the Martial Science Center, and an Emergency Preparedness Instructor and Program Coordinator at Martial Tactical Training of Michigan.

Furthermore, he is an NRA Instructor for Basic Pistol and Personal Protection firearm training. His product line, Bu Tactical, includes items for protection, preparedness, and survival applications.

Donna Miller is a teacher, author, sought-after speaker and trainer. She has been both a guest and host on internet and broadcast radio talk-shows and in television interviews. She enjoys teaching online and local classes & ladies retreats. Donna is happily married and has three adult children, and a daughter in-law. She and her husband (Joseph) are the founders Millers Grain House and YourPreparation Station.

EricBill & Janet Liebsch Waters

Linore Rose Burkard

LeAnn Edmondson

Bill & Janet Liebsch are the founders of FedHealth, a publishing and marketing company formed in 1999 to help the public focus on preparedness and health-related issues. We also are the authors and publishers of "IT'S A DISASTER! ...and what are YOU gonna do about it?" and are dedicated to developing programs that primarily benefit First Responders, schools and volunteers. Get a sample of the content with this free mini-ebook HERE

Linore Rose Burkard's first published books were historical romance with Harvest House Publishers.

She now writes YA/Suspense as L.R.Burkard.

PULSE is the first in a three book series. A homeschooling mom of five, Linore grew up in NYC. She now lives with her family in Ohio, which, she notes, is a much better place to be in case of a PULSE really happening! To see L.R. Burkard's romance novels, visit her "alter-ego" website at: http://www.LinoreBurkard.com

lives in beautiful Southeast Alaska with her husband, dogs and cats. The ‘dream’ is to own land and live as self-sustainably as possible. You can follow her on Facebook & Pinterest, as well as on the main site, Homestead Dreamer. Help support her efforts and give her a like on Facebook!

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Our Contributors...

Joseph Miller Joseph Miller heard the call to PREPARE well before it gained any popularity. For over 25 years, before the current climate of our time, before any evidence pointed to the contrary of an affluent future, Joseph was preparing his family for times such as these. With over 20 years of current experience as a CEO for Non-profit corporations and a sought after consultant for numerous multimillion dollar For-profit entities, Joseph is also the Chief Visionary Officer for PREPARE Magazine.

CLASSIFIED ADS * CLASSIFIED ADS * CLASSIFIED ADS * 76 ACRE PREPPERFARM MISSOURI Includes three homes: One newer 3000 sq. ft, one two bedroom cabin, one seven bedroom home, off/on grid, with Amish cooking stoves, metal bldg, wood shed, 20 acres forest for hunting/wood cutting, two ponds, 22 foot geodesic dome greenhouse, walipini, fruit trees, grapes, herbs, deer fence surrounding large garden, fenced pastures, outhouse with septic, hand water pump.

Reduced to $395,000. Link: (76-Acre Sustainable Farm with Three Homes - Hatfield, Missouri SurvivalRealty.com) Email: stouthart@yahoo.com

ARE YOU READY? AUTHOR DAVID BROWNE wants to be your coach and help you prepare To Purchase my book go to: www.preparednessnow.com This is the only book on the market to help you prepare for the economic collapse, riots, martial law and natural disasters. I lived for over 10 years off the grid with my family of 7. I lived my talk. I am also selling my 20ac survival ranch and it is set up...

VISIT BRUSHY MOUNTAIN BERRY FARM Nestled in the foothills of Western NC you will find some of the sweetest blueberries. Whether you pick or we pick or you find us at the Wilkesboro Farmers Market on weekends, you are sure to never forget the exceptional quality of our produce. We’re known for the blueberries – but our produce doesn’t stop there. We grow hydroponic strawberries and more. Come see us!

Visit our Facebook Page

UNIQUE EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY Capture your wedding, event, or portrait with candid photos that bring about the authentic feelings of the moment. No staged or stiff poses here – the skilled eye and quiet involvement of our photography will bring the moments back to life when you see them again. Beahboo Photography has been featured in PREPARE Magazine and requested for multiple events in the Western NC. Check out the gallery, purchase photos or contact us for your event Beahboo Photography

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Kitchen Gadgets, Lessons, Recipes, Grains and More

MILLERS Grain House

"Preparing you and your kitchen with tools, tips, skills and encouragement."

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Learn Preparation Skills

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WonderMill

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Preparation Food Storage

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WonderMill Jr. Deluxe

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Excalibur Dehydrator

FREE WHOLE GRAIN RECIPES • RADIO SHOW • PREPARATION BLOG (800) 824-4655 (828) 536-4988 www.millersgrainhouse.com/store

Mondays-Thursdays 9:00 to 5:00 Eastern Fridays 9:00 to 4:00 Eastern Closed Saturdays & Sundays