PREPARE Magazine February 2014

Encouraging, Empowering and Enriching Your Journey

Alarm systems On-The-Go The Impatient Snake Apache Knife Fighting: The Thunder Bird

Do Preppers want marital arts or Self-Defense?

What is Prepping Really The Role of Awareness in Personal Safety

My Secured Home: TV Dinner vs. The Lasagna Effect February 2014

Letter from the Editor

Preparing your food, your water and your alterna3ve transporta3on are always topics in which we can improve our skill set. These topics usually top the list for most people who see the need to prepare. But having all your goods and skills is a moot point if you do not feel safe. That’s why most of the February 2014 Digital issue of PREPARE Magazine is dedicated to Personal & Home Safety.

Of course we have other areas within our pages to share and help round out your preparedness adventure.

An ar3cle that may help to explain who we are to others is en3tled What is “Prepping?” – Really. It’s always great to feel connected and see what’s going on in the Community Connec;ons and to hear from Readers Like You who are on this journey too. And grounding our priori3es properly in preparedness is impera3ve and covered in The Pastor’s Perspec;ve: Prepara;on and Problems.

Fire, Home and Personal Safety are such founda3onal elements of preparedness but we some3mes over look them. However, Personal & Home Safety takes center stage in this digital issue of PREPARE Magazine.

We want you to see The Role of Awareness in Personal Safety and learn about Alarm Systems On-­‐the-­‐Go. One of the Problema;c Paradigms is My Secured Home and the different approaches that can be taken to feel safe. What works best? And in case the budget is a liTle short, if you’ve Got a Dollar try some Cheap Home Security op3ons. If you’ve ever wondered about self-­‐defense for personal safety, have you also wondered: Do Preppers Want Mar;al Arts or Self-­‐Defense? And don’t forget the new installment of, The Thunder Bird, in the instruc3onal story series: Apache Knife Figh;ng and BaSle Tac;cs where you’ll learn protec3ve skills through the art of imagery.

We hope you enjoy the ar3cles and ideas that each valuable contributor has shared with you. Please take the 3me to view each of their bios and visit their websites to connect with them. We are so honored to work with such fine people who want to help everyone who reads a copy of PREPARE Magazine.

If you enjoyed these ar3cles, you may see some in print in the March/April 2014 PRINT edi3on of PREPARE Magazine along with an equal amount of never before published ar3cles on the same topics. If you do not yet receive the EMP proof, off-­‐grid version of PREPARE Magazine in print, please visit us HERE to start your subscrip3on at a great discount from retail prices.

We look forward to Encouraging, Equipping and Empowering your Preparedness Journey each month.

Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to serve you!

All the best,

Donna L. Miller Managing Editor of PREPARE Magazine http://www.PREPAREMag.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS •

Letter from the Editor

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The Role of Awareness in Personal Safety! ! ! !

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Alarm systems On-The-Go! !

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Apache Knife Fighting and Battle Tactic 4: The Thunder Bird!!

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Got a Dollar Cheap Home Security

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My Secured Home: “TV Dinner” vs. “The Lasagna Effect !

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Fire, Home and Personal Safety ! !

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Do Preppers want marital arts or Self-Defense?

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What is Prepping Really !

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Pastors Perspective

Managing Editor Donna Miller

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Special Thank You

Legal Compliance J.S. Defner, Esq.

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From Readers Like You

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The Role of Awareness in Personal Protection

By Don Alley, Bu Tactical

work with no real recollection of the drive. These are examples of Condition White.

Yellow: This is a state of casual awareness. It is not running around in a fighting stance, but just being relaxed and casually aware of the surroundings.

Condition Yellow is where one should strive to be in public places. It means casual observation of the people and things around a person, and their implications. Once a person trains his brain to stay aware, it comes rather naturally, and the deduction process of what is and isn’t normal for the situation is more instinctive.

“Officer, he came out of nowhere.”(remove comma) is the Creed Of The Victim, and an often used statement a victim of a crime utters when describing the encounter. Since most criminals don’t actually attend ninja training schools, and in fact did not come out of nowhere, it stands to reason there is something more at play. That factor is situational awareness. Situational awareness can be broken down into many factors based on the specific situation. For the average person, going about their lives in an average way, the primary focuses can be on self-awareness levels, geographic awareness, environmental awareness, and artificial awareness.

A well known and well understood way of assessing awareness levels is Colonel Jeff Cooper’s Color Code for awareness. Here is a brief version: White: In condition white, a person is oblivious to their surroundings. This may mean asleep, focused on something specific (such as at work in your cubicle), or not paying attention to anything in particular. Recently, a woman was so engrossed in her cell phone while at the mall, she walked right into a fountain. We’ve all had days we get into the car, and the next thing we know we’ve arrived at

Orange: A specific threat indicator has occurred.

Through being aware, something has made the person think there is a threat that they may have to act on. An example would be walking into Wallyworld, and hearing two loud noises sounding like gunshot from within the store. A specific threat has not identified itself, but a threat indicator is there. It may be a danger to one’s person. Because of awareness, there are still options for the protector to engage or disengage the situation. Another example would be walking down the street, seeing someone look up at you, cross the street to meet you, and walk towards you. Condition Yellow allowed the observation. Condition Orange is the specific threat assessment. In Condition Orange, a person should set “lines in the sand” about what may happen in an encounter and what crosses the line, invoking Condition Red. Red: A specific threat has engaged the person. The “line in the sand” has been crossed. The choice to disengage the danger safely has most likely been removed. The person must act to preclude or mitigate harm. Examples are generally any attack, hold-up, car crash, etc. where the risk and harm are real.

A person’s body reacts to different threat levels, and stress inoculation as part of martial training is very

helpful in allowing the protector to act in an appropriate manner. The more measured a person’s body is to stress, the more judgment, rational thought, fine motor skills, and other capabilities they can bring to the encounter. This allows a great deal of skill and training retention.

In addition to the self-awareness that the Cooper’s awareness levels bring, there is also geographic or location awareness. This is understanding where the entrances/egresses are, what objects in the area are cover and what are concealment, what things are likely to be points of contention (such as when in a store, the cash register area is likely to be the biggest threat area), what items are potential weapons or protective measures, and other factors. Remember, these factors are being assessed for an emergency situation, not necessarily for ‘social acceptability’, so the back room of a store marked ‘Employees Only’ might be a viable escape route or hiding place until the threat has gone. A line on a highway lane is there for a reason, but if swerving into an open lane is the required action to prevent harm, the normaluse factors associated with it might not be applicable. Would throwing a chair through a window to create an exit, or smashing through a section of drywall be considered? Looking at the location through an ‘emergency lens’ is a good habit to get into.

Environmental awareness includes terrain features such as dry pavement, rain, snow, ice, standing water, cold, excess heat, day or night, ambient noise level, etc. These can have a profound effect on the ability to act in a protection capacity and need to be well understood. Obviously rain, snow, and ice can affect traction and the ability to run or fight effectively. Excess cold means the person is likely dressed more warmly and has layers to get through to get at protective measures like a firearm or hand weapon. Excess heat can diminish an average person’s ability to engage in a prolonged fight. Night and day affects sight and the awareness of surroundings. All of these things, and more, need to be evaluated so that should Condition Orange or Red be entered into, they are a part of the protective action plan and not a surprise.

Artificial awareness measures are the measures put in place to create awareness for the times self-

awareness cannot be maintained. These include getting a dog or alarm system for the house, motion detection lighting for the yard, smoke alarms and monoxide detectors, etc. Because people must sleep, or must concentrate on things, awareness of surroundings cannot be maintained 100% of the time. Artificial awareness measures are designed to bring us out of Condition White (or augment Condition Yellow), and ideally provide enough time to orient to the threat (Condition Orange). As an example, a home alarm will go off if the front door is opened. The intruder then must find his way to the master bedroom quickly to neutralize any threat the homeowner poses. Ideally, there is unfamiliarity with the home layout, obstacles, doors, and other impediments to this. Conversely, an alarm on the master bedroom door does little good because once tripped, the threat is already upon the homeowner (Condition Red).

By having an understanding of awareness and its benefits, a personal protection incident can be completely averted before it is a threat. Barring the ability to remove one’s self from the situation, the awareness factors above help the person in optimizing their protective actions to help ensure they remain safe. Without awareness, the situation can come upon someone too fast to react, and force them to deal with parameters of the encounter they do not fully understand. In the middle of a fight is not the time to start learning about what options are available. Knowing them ahead of time is.

Alarm Systems On-The-Go

By Ken Youngquist of SurvivalTek

door is opened the parts are separated, thus setting off the alarm.

My "analog" alarm is a simple bell that is used by fishermen. It comes with a built-in clamp for fastening it onto the tip of a fishing pole. Its original purpose was intended to alert fishermen when fish tug at their bait at the end of a static line. I use the bell by fastening it on my B.O.B. when I sit at an airport terminal or sedentary location so that it will alert me if my B.O.B. is moved.

Both of these alarms can be enhanced by using trip lines to trigger them thus enabling them to establish a wider perimeter of coverage.

Many folks have alarm systems installed in their homes for security purposes. That makes good sense. But what do you do when you travel? Many friends who know me know that I travel with my "Bug-Out-Bag" (B.O.B.) because I test it for functionality and practicality, and this includes portable alarm devices.

Although my travels are generally domestic and mundane I am prepared for questionable circumstances by carrying simple alarms that I can use in different ways.

I have an electronic alarm that I picked up at a "dollar store". It's battery powered and was intended for installation on a door or window. It produces a loud shrill sound when it is triggered by the separation between the device and its magnetic component. Typically I will place the alarm on the floor on the inside of the door with the magnetic piece adjacent to it by the door frame. When the

Sometimes alarms can be improvised. A common alarm is created by stacking items like cans. When disturbed by motion they fall and make a ruckus. Another simple alarm that often uses a trip line is a mouse trap. It is loud and unmistakable when triggered. There are selfcontained motion detector alarms available that cover room sized areas. I used to carry one of these but found that it was a bit bulky so I opted for the two alarms mentioned above.

For a creative mind there are many solutions for creating an alarm system. Having a few reliable alarms and practicing with them can give you a measure of safety and peace of mind.

The Thunder Bird

Apache Knife Fighting & Battle Tactic 4

By Snake Blocker, Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas Of all the great birds that The Creator formed, one bird was the largest and most feared of them all. This bird was larger than the great eagles, but the great eagles still ruled all the flying creatures. The great eagles were respected, but always left these neighboring birds alone in the mighty cliffs of the center of Turtle Island. This great bird had such a massive wing span that it would sound like thunder when it flew. The Apaches called this flying creature by the name Thunder Bird. The Thunder Birds would live in the tallest of cliffs, which were impossible to climb up or descend down from. Time after time, the Thunder Birds would fly down and grab an Apache by their shoulders, arms, or legs and smash him or her into the walls of the precipice. The Thunder Birds would then feed the dead Apaches to their young. Before a Thunder Bird would fly off its perch to hunt, it would move both its wings up and down quickly before pushing off their perch. This was done as a pre flight ceremony before takeoff.

The Apache warrior would often carry one weapon on each hip. When there was an opponent on each side of an Apache, the Apache warrior would unsheathe their weapon and come up on each side to strike both opponents. The Apache would strike with an Upward Wind Lightning strike (slash) or Upward Wind Piercing Buffalo strike (stab) at the same time. After the opponent was cut, they usually would slump down and the Apache warrior would follow up with a Downward Wind Lightning strike or Downward Wind Piercing Buffalo strike. The Apache warrior would call this application the Thunder Bird tactic, as it would emulate the flapping of the wings.

Today when a storm is approaching, many Apaches say, “The Thunders Birds are coming.�

It is said that the last of the Thunder Birds were killed by a great Apache warrior and the bones of those Thunder Birds still lie at the bottom of the great precipice in the central desert.

Got a Dollar???

By Survivor Jane

Cheap Home Security Ideas someone from being able to take the door off the track. The “jimmying” method also works to secure your windows as well; especially those old-types of windows that the locks many be a little worn. Just jimmy the stick under the window to avoid it being opened from the outside. Cheap, huh?

With the shape of our nation’s economy, to some of us, if not all, money may be a deterrent in properly securing and protecting our homes, even though the economy has caused an increase in crime as well. It’s true, not all of us can afford the big elaborate security systems, motion detectors and all the buzzers and bells that go along with them, but most of us can still afford a roll of tape, right?

With a simple roll of tape and some other household and/ or craft items you can work wonders at protecting your home. And the good news is most, if not all, can be purchased at a dollar-type store; those little shops that are popping up all over the place that offer a plethora of items for … yep, just a dollar. I came up with a ton of items (that’s a lot by the way) that you can purchase for as little as a dollar (or less.) And even came up with some ideas that you can get for free.

Go out to your garage or up in to your attic and look around. See any orphan 2 x 4 pieces of wood lying around? You can use a 2 x 4 piece of wood as a wooden jamb by placing it up under your door knob to avoid someone kicking your door open: if you don't know this, the weakest point of the door is almost always the lock strike plate.

How about your craft or hobby supplies? Do you have a thick wooden dowel? (Again, if not, they are cheap enough to buy a few of them) Instantly this dowel can be turned into a security measure for your sliding door by placing it into the track to prevent it from opening (a 2 x 4 piece of wood or even a cut-off broom stick can also be used.) You may also want to back out a few of the screws from along the top track of your sliding glass door to keep

Now, look through your holiday crafts. If you have any jingle bells, tie a few of them on strings or pieces of yarn and hang them on all your doors (you’ll eventually get used to the sound - promise.) Every time the door is moved - the bells will jingle. How easy is that? Of course you may get a little ribbing about keeping your decorations up after the holidays. That is, until you share your little home security secret with your house guests! Some of you “creative types” could probably make your “jingle bell door security” a little more décor friendly.

Look around your house. Most of us have a roll of clear tape lying around (like the type used to secure wrapped gifts.) How about fishing wire or sewing thread? These are things we may have at the ready or can be purchased at a dollar-type store. Tape, sewing thread and fishing wire can also be used for security. Say you are going away for the weekend or on vacation, take some neutralcolored thread (tan, grey, black, brown) or even fishing wire and string it across your back gate or the access area of your backyard about 36" to 40" high (make sure it is high enough that it won't be knocked down by wandering animals but that it cannot be seen by an intruder either).

When you get home from your trip (before going into your home), check LINKS this area to see if anyone has been snooping around your home. If the thread has been disturbed, do not go in the house. Instead, if you do sense danger, go back to your car and lock yourself in or go to a neighbor's house and dial 911. If you haven't done so already program 911 to speed dial on your phone (this is one of those free ideas, by the way.)

Now speaking of neighbors, let’s say you see that your rich neighbor has installed a mac-daddy security system.

Invariably with these systems come a bunch of security stickers for their windows and doors, and yard signs. If you are friendly enough with them, ask your neighbor if you can have any stickers that they won't be using to put on your own windows and doors and maybe a yard sign for the front yard too. Bad guys are opportunist-criminals, which mean they will usually skip over a home if they "think" it has a security system and opt for the lower hanging fruit of homes that don’t.

Another suggestion that goes hand-in-hand with the thread and/or fishing wire idea is security stickers. You know, like those labels that are fastened onto items to avoid tampering with? This same concept can be used for your home as well when you are away. Just take some tape (preferably clear), tear off a piece and put it in the lower corners of all your exterior doors - like you've seen done by crime scene techs after investigating a crime scene on those cop TV shows? If you see that the tape has been ripped from the door you know you have had a visitor while you were gone. You can also do this little trick on your vehicle by putting tape on your doors, hood and trunk while at work or in a parking lot. Again, cheap security!

one.) And, install a deadbolt. All of these can be purchased at a dollar-type store.

Here are few other suggestions to consider. Install a peep hole in your front door. Replace the strike plate screws (which are tiny) in your doors with 2” wood screws that screw all the way into the wall framing (if you don’t do anything else I would highly recommend you doing this

And last, but not least, get a dog. Grant it, you may not be able to get one at the dollar-type store - but I'll bet you can get one for free! And a dog will afford you instant companionship and the best security system money could buy - if you had any!

Timers are also a great deterrent. Place the timers in different parts of your home, and while you are away, have them set so your lights come on and go off at different time intervals. This gives an appearance of someone being home - and yes, you guessed it, can be purchased at a dollar-type store as well. Also, this is great for people who live alone as it gives the appearance of activity in the home when it’s just you there.

Oh, and don’t forget about common sense security measures like locking your doors and windows every time you leave the house – those are free!

Problematic Paradigms: My Secured Home “TV Dinner” vs. “The Lasagna Effect”

By Charles Daugherty of Patriot Crime Defense

For the last couple of issues we have been exploring our list of problematic paradigms that keep the average person from being prepared. This month’s focus is perfect for us to knock out several problematic paradigms all in one article. Because this issue is focused on Security, both Personal and Home related, we will examine the paradigms of; “I live in a secured neighborhood”, “The police are here for my protection”, “My alarm system keeps me safe” and lastly “I own a gun.” We will examine each of them from multiple angles and see how they relate to each other. So let’s jump right in.

We as Americans are typically super busy. We all have very tight schedules to follow and we tend to create these mental checklists in our heads in order to keep things straight. Once a box has been checked, we move onto something else entirely and seldom ever go back and revisit that item or issue. When it comes to our personal security and the security of our homes and families, we do the exact same thing. We are looking for that “check and done” scenario. This is what I like to call the “TV Dinner” type of planning, where everything has its place and is kept separate from everything else. I mean, heaven

forbid the Salisbury steak slides over into the apple brown betty! We have compartmentalized every aspect of our lives in order to deal with the stress and complexity.

We simply fail to see the possible interwoven relationships when it comes to security. The proper reality is that our security (home, personal, and mindset) should be a delicacy of blended flavors with melting, gooey cheese. This blended flavor of security should be in every aspect of our lives, no matter where we are and what we are doing. This concept of layering and blending is exactly what we need in order to take advantage of the awesomeness of “The Lasagna Effect”! I mean everyone knows that lasagna is better on the second day when all of the flavors have meshed together. Security is no different. Our mindset and attitude towards it should be layered together in such a way as it could not be separated.

The first problematic paradigm we will look at is “Living in a gated or restricted community provides security for me and my family.” Most of us are familiar with gated or resort style communities. These communities will have some type of key code or monitored access and some

criminals. See someone you don’t know….stop and ask who they are and what they are doing. Your security lasagna may have a gated community as a layer and that’s great, just remember it has limitations.

even have a security guard on staff at the “guard shack” to greet guests and register people that enter.

Smaller communities or subdivisions will opt for neighborhood watch programs in an effort to keep crime at bay. These are all good things, but if we look at this option as if it were a TV dinner, we would see that it is wrapped in cellophane.

Cellophane is easily ruptured and even though we are supposed to open it from a particular corner, nothing is really stopping us from pulling it off from any side. On the surface, these amenities seem to provide great security. The reality is it’s only an illusion of security and here’s why(:) On any given day, dozens to hundreds of people enter these gated communities to do work at your neighbor’s house or your house or to deliver packages or pizza. Most of these communities simply have key code or swipe card pads while others have radio frequency openers like your garage door. Higher end communities will employ a “security guard” to take down your name and information as you enter if you do not have the proper sticker on your car. All of these devices can be and have been hacked and manipulated for years. Security guards never conduct vehicle searches prior to vehicles entering nor do they do background checks on the people entering. The perimeters of these communities are typically very permeable as the gates and access denial systems are focused around vehicular access only. They have no way of preventing people from walking onto your property via the woods, river or golf course adjacent to your community. Even if the entire property is surrounded by some type of fencing, this fencing is not barrier protection with barbed wire, it’s an aesthetic fence that we demand to be beautiful instead of impenetrable. Gated communities by their nature are designed to check incoming visitors but do nothing to stop outgoing traffic. Understanding its limitations helps us understand that these types of communities are simply a layer of protection that is nice to have but cannot do the job on its own. We have to take responsibility to investigate those people and companies that will be entering the community on our behalf and demand to know who you are dealing with. Your niceness is considered a weakness by

The second problematic paradigm is a touchy one. “The police are here to protect me.” People live under the belief that the police are there for their protection, as their guardians from trouble. This is true to an extent; they are our community’s sheepdogs. Police officers serve to maintain law and order within the community; that’s why you get a ticket for speeding or get arrested for disorderly conduct. They patrol the streets and will be dispatched to your home if they are called. Their response times(,) however(,) will vary depending upon the reason or status of the call. The national average for response times is around twelve minutes for a Priority 1 call; in other words a life or death situation. In smaller communities like ours, response times are better. Most agencies take hundreds of calls every day and they must be prioritized. These professionals must put each call into a category and respond to each appropriately. A threat of property damage or theft does not get the same priority as a deadly car crash or “shots fired” call. From the TV dinner perspective, the police are there to patrol the perimeter and maintain order and keep things in their place. We must understand that police officers are not our personal bodyguards nor are they responsible for stopping property theft or preventing bodily injury. They simply cannot be everywhere all the time nor are they available at a moment’s notice. They are full time sheep dogs with too much pasture to cover and too many sheep to watch. They do carry firearms, not for our protection, but for their own. Gone are the days of old when most police officers would be considered “gun guys.” Unless they are on the SWAT team, many of them now only carry because it is a requirement, it’s part of the uniform. Many of them only discharge their firearm once or twice a year in order to requalify. In fact, quite a number of them do not possess the skill set necessary to win a gunfight. I personally know many police officers and deputy sheriffs that have

remarkable skill sets and I don’t want my comment to sound disparaging. But the reality is that there is an ever increasing number of police officers who are not “gun people” and we don’t need to count on their ability with a firearm as our saving grace. The bottom line is that YOU are responsible for your own protection and the protection of your family. Knowing and understanding the roll that the police play within our community and their limitations is another layer in our lasagna of security.

The third problematic paradigm is “My alarm system keeps me safe.” This concept is true in the sense that having an alarm system is a deterrent against the young teenager who is just looking for quick cash or is out to destroying property for pranks. However, alarm systems do not frighten nor deter a real criminal, especially someone who is desperate and addicted to narcotics. For years we have accepted the concept that a simple yard sign and an alarm sounding will scare away the criminal. This is just simply not true. We believe what we are told and then sold. Ever wonder why the alarm commercials start with the bad guy kicking in the door? That’s because 75% of home intruders actually gain access to your home right through one of your exterior doors. An alarm system does nothing to physically stop them! Some of the new commercials even show the criminal kicking in the door and then a loud speaker going off telling the criminal that the police are on the way. WOW, I feel so much safer knowing that my alarm system is yelling at the criminal to go away. Think he will listen? Not on your life.

Criminals know that they have plenty of time to get in and out before law enforcement can get there. Statistics prove out that they know how easy it is to kick in your door and gain access. What’s worse is that when they do they can close the door behind them and all the damage is on the inside of your home, leaving no trace on the outside to warn

others. What we have to do is harden our doors with products like The Door Sentinel (www.mysafedoor.com). A hardened door and door frame will actually keep them out.

Take away their easy access and force them to go to another home. By understanding what the limitations of alarm systems are, we are then able to correctly use them to our advantage to create a safer environment and add another layer of protection to our lasagna. Alarm systems are simply a tool and should be viewed as an alerting mechanism and potential information gathering device. When combined with products like The Door Sentinel and Window Security Film you have a force multiplier that will harden your home from criminals and allow you the time you need to get your family to safety and to confront criminals on your terms and not theirs.

The last problematic paradigm is “I have a gun for protection.”

Now before everyone blows a gasket understand that I am one of the biggest gun nuts around. I got my first when I was five and I am a certified instructor and shooter in multiple disciplines. That being said, we have a fundamental problem within our society when it comes to firearms. We simply believe that because it is in our possession that somehow we also possess the skills required to use it effectively. We need to forget most everything we see on TV or in the movies about gun fights.

Real shootings are stressful, terrifying encounters.

Adrenaline is the enemy of everyone involved. Let’s take a look at some stats from the Police Policies Studies Council.

First, most of the rounds shot by Police Officers in the lineof-duty miss. The research showed only a 15-25 percent accuracy rate overall. More importantly, the research showed that an Officer by himself had about a 50 percent accuracy rate but when you add more Officers doing the shooting, the accuracy falls off a cliff. So much so that if more than two of them are shooting at the same suspect, the accuracy rate is only about 9 percent (distance from the suspect played a role in that). Adrenaline can be your friend and your enemy. We all believe that we will rise to the occasion when called upon, but we will certainly all fall back to the level of training that we have. When it comes to life and death you should want to be on the Varsity team and not riding the bench.

Why is it that we will purchase expensive golf clubs or tennis racquets (for example) and pay for countless gadgets and lessons and then play to get better? But when it comes to owning a firearm, most people feel that if they own

one then they are good to go. I have spent way too many hours on the range with people who have “shot their entire lives” only to see them spray the target like their pistol was a shotgun. We need to be realistic about what we can and cannot do. We need to understand the types of firearms we can have and how each of them is used. This includes the type of ammunition, storage, cleaning and even performance of each. We need to take responsibility and decide that we will acquire the skills, knowledge and attitude necessary to have this awesome layer in our security lasagna. We need to set aside our bravado for our family’s sake and realize that just because we may have the right to use deadly force and shoot an intruder, it should not be our desire to do so nor our first and only tool in home security. Think about it, do you want to shoot the 14 year old who your son used to play with because he broke into your home one night? Or the 70 year old man who has Alzheimer’s who believed this was his home because it looks just like his down the street. Certainly not, but if a firearm is your only layer then you may just have to live with it. Again, think in layers of ooey gooey cheese. Harden your door and windows and remove the access!

By now you should be getting your apron dirty with ideas on how to add layers to your security, both personal and at home. If not, then let me throw some sauce on you and get you covered in cheese.

Developing a secured mindset and attitude is the base layer of your lasagna.

With the right attitude and mindset you can make the correct decisions on what to do and what you are comfortable implementing for yourself, your loved ones and within your home.

Once you have determined that you are going to investigate and initiate change you are on your way to an award winning security lasagna. In wrapping up, I would like to leave you with some of my ingredients that form the layers of my security lasagna.

The first thing I did was to harden my doors from forced entry. I installed Door Sentinels on all of my exterior doors as well as my parents‘ and close friends‘ homes. They can’t hurt my family or steal from me if they cannot get inside!

Shameless plug I know, but I developed the product because the need is so great. Visit www.mysafedoor.com and see what I am talking about.

Consider an alarm system that has a cell phone backup as well as a long life battery for when you lose power. Your battery is only good for a couple of years so make sure you

check it at least once a year. Cameras are a good idea to help law enforcement identify someone who has tried to break in. Don’t buy a cheap one….make sure you can see and identify the image that it saves as a human and not the Bigfoot creatures you see on the news stealing from the gas station. Make sure that the system you chose is from a reputable “proven” company. Do your homework; ask for credentials from the owner and everyone who will be in your home. Understand what you are paying for and don’t be fooled by gimmicks. Glass shatter alarms and motion sensors are great items to add. The new technology can distinguish between a pet and an intruder so you don’t have to worry about your pets setting off your alarm. There are a lot of features available; just make sure you stay on budget and make sure you get the essentials over the fluff.

Don’t give a potential intruder a place to hide! Make sure your landscaping is well trimmed and that windows and doorways are visible to those inside and outside the house.

Use landscape lighting to illuminate critical areas of your home that may be the most vulnerable. Some lights need to stay on all the time but with others you may want to use motion sensors to turn on. You can use these sensors and photoelectric sensors both inside and outside the home.

Change them up from time to time to fool a criminal who may be casing your home.

Keep the garage door down when you are not going in and out! Yes, I know you want the neighbors to see your new iron horse but our tools and gadgets are very tempting to those looking for quick cash. Not only that but most people do not lock the door between the garage and the house.

Please lock the doors and keep them locked. That goes for your car in the driveway. Remember you probably have the garage remote in the car. So if it is unlocked they simply open the door, then open the garage and enter the home.

This happens all the time.

Little Fido? Yes, we have a dog and not a little one either.

This may or may not be part of your home security plan but it is part of ours. Dogs are and can be intimidating to some people while others have no fear at all. The news is full of stories of burglaries where the dog did not do its job or the family pet was killed in the process. Our dog is a great alarm for us and she makes a lot of noise and I know she would put up a fight but she eats a lot and the vet is proud of their work. Not to mention that if she does bite someone I will be looking at some serious legal issues. In Georgia, we are required to have yard signs posted, yes signs not just one but a number of them all over the yard if we want to avoid some of the legal issues. So check your state and counties regulations of dogs as well as check with your insurance agent to make sure you are allowed to have the type of dog you want. This is an expensive and long term

contract as the dog, our Lucy, is part of our family. So think long and hard on this one.

Plant materials or shrubbery when chosen correctly can be an excellent deterrent. I am not just talking about your grandmother’s holly bushes that gave you a little stick when you walked by, I am talking about plants that, well, for lack of a better term, will draw blood. Don’t use these where the kids will be playing! Here are a few of the Genus of plants that I like; Berberis, Chaenomeles, Crataegus, Eaeagnus, Ilex latifolia, Mahonia, Poncirus (crown of thorns) and Pyracantha. Look these up on the internet and visit a local

plant nursery for help with plants in your area. Looks like another article in the future to deal with this subject in detail.

These are but a few of the layers that I use in my security lasagna. Implementing these will get you a long way down the road. I hope you have gleaned some insight into how you can better protect your home and yourself from potential threats and criminals. Remember, layers upon backup layers, that is how to create the perfect Lasagna Effect. Be safe!

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Fire, Home and Personal Safety

By Dr. Kal Sellers DC, MH from Star Valley Herbal College

simply involve delaying the attack or calling attention to those who would assist if they knew to do so.

It is easy, but a bit unrealistic, to plan on a hidden handgun. Handguns have a value, but what we really want is to remove the flame, rather than to just blow it up in our favor. This is not done by shooting someone, but is done by creative solutions.

Home safety can involve so many things. For one thing, in my house we have Vulcan (no longer available new) fire alarms. A similar product can be obtained from MasterGuard. These require no power to operate and are famous for detecting most house fires in 8 seconds and it allows, if someone is home, most fires to be extinguished before any significant damage is done to the house. A system can run 2-3 thousand dollars but no better system for any price exists on the planet. Most hardwired smoke detectors do not work when actually put to the test of detecting smoke and are useless in the case of a fire that puts out very little detectable smoke (such as synthetic carpet).

The sales professional who comes to your home will also tell you much about creating home fire safety plans.

In a calamity, it is probable that fire is a legitimate threat and might be a good deal more threatening than a local gang. Most good people will band together in emergencies.

On the other hand, sometimes the threat will come from other people. When this occurs, it is well to be prepared. Most people are not willing to actually seriously injure another and such behavior does not benefit the whole anyway. It usually does not benefit the individual either. What is better is to be prepared to save one’s self. This involves making the attack, whether personal or some type of assault on one’s property, too expensive for the attacker. It may also

One creative solution is to be prepared to give the attacker what he or she wants. This is not always realistic, but consider the following example: A friend puts $10 or $20 in a clip with a dummy credit card (the kind that is sent when they try to advertise credit cards by mail). When accosted by someone demanding money, he says, “Okay, here you go, this is all I have got!” He then tosses the money clip on the ground a few feet from the attacker. This does two things. It allows him to watch to see if the attacker actually looks at the money (showing that money is, in fact, the interest). It also allows him to go for his weapon, pepper spray or to run away if the attacker seems to be interested in him more than the money (indicating that the attacker wants to do bodily harm in some way instead of just run away with money).

Perhaps various options are easily engineered. One might have a small amount of food during a calamity to give anyone who demands it. This can serve the same purposes. It may easily avert an attack and let the person get something they are after. It also may give delay time and warning if some other intention is present.

In cases where anything of value to the searcher is being searched for, a person might be prepared to turn over a token item of that sort to avoid having the whole cache discovered. This may easily avert suffering on both sides and lead to peaceful feelings instead of open battle. It is often easier to supply what the other person needs than to do battle, and the loss is often far less significant.

Finally, the other (and without a doubt the greatest) threat during times of calamity does not come from

without, but from within. It is lack of proper sanitation. Composting toilets are highly desirable, even if built in a shack out back. No water is required and when properly constructed there is complete sanitation and lack of smell. Sanitation supplies of all sorts are as important to store as food is. A person should have clean water (best if it is municipal since that is already dosed with chemicals to make it store… not ideal, but far better than nothing) stores. A person should be prepared to handle disease. This can be done with herbs as taught in Star Valley Herbal College, and can be done with proper awareness about preventing disease. Often, serious threats need not be serious at all if proper natural healing skills are employed.

Before closing, it seems right to mention that a person should be aware of his or her surroundings and should always be alert to avert danger by not being there or by not appearing to be a profitable target. It is always best to fly below the radar than to stand up and fight unless one is driven by a worthy cause and the cause is actually served by standing up to fight!

Protecting one’s home, averting attack and maintaining sanitation are key considerations in safety during calamity. Many of these principles are harder in dense metropolitan areas. In those cases, perhaps a careful plan of escape from the area—one that might work in spite of traffic—is a reasonable consideration.

Do Preppers want Martial Arts or Self-Defense?

By Jason Hunt, Frontier Christian University To the average person martial arts and self-defense are interchangeable terms referring to the same thing: kicking, punching and weapons usage. Myriads of well meaning people have gone down to the local dojo, thinking that they can receive training to successfully win a street fight or some sort of personal attack, only to be put into a class full of children, typically with a young teenager teaching them how to “fight”. They attend tournaments which focus on touch contact (point sparring) and the training they receive is primarily focused on this type of “fighting”, although they’re told they are being passed along ancient knowledge that has proven effective over the centuries. Then, when that day comes they try to defend their families using what they’ve learned, they end up getting their butt kicked.

The author demonstra.ng Ju Jitsu armbar

The fact is that martial arts are simply codified systems of combat derived from a time when people fought with swords and wore some type of armor. Most are more familiar with Asian styles such as Karate, Kung Fu, Ju Jitsu and the like. These systems were specifically designed for fighting with armor on or to fight against people wearing such armor. Thus, a great many of the techniques found in traditional martial arts, while beautiful in their own right for aesthetic and cultural reasons, simply do not translate well into modern times with their high kicks and wide arching motions. Will consistent practice of such styles make you more effective at defending yourself? Absolutely! Any training is better than none at all. That said, they’re not your best option and if you’re new to this type of training, a lot of time and money can be saved with a little research.

Modern styles based on the ancient, such as American Kenpo (Ed Parker), Jeet Kun Do (Bruce Lee), Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Carlos Gracie/Luis Franca) are leaps and bounds more applicable to our modern age, but these too are still largely based on the rules of the old world, although many would argue that point. They are still in the realm of art and sport- although sects within each respective style have been formulated specifically for street or selfdefense application. Let us not forget the styles of the Pacific originating in the Philippines and Indonesia.

These styles have bridged the gap between the ancient and modern world in such an effective way that they cannot be overlooked as a means to modern combative application. The styles of Kali-Silat, Arnis, Escrima offer training in weapons of all types and sizes, hand to hand techniques, flexible weapons (like whips) and projectile weapons. They’re fast paced, hard hitting and brutal which is a perfect combination for today’s times and especially a crisis event.

Krav Maga is another style that’s become popular over the last twenty years. It’s an Israeli system developed by and for the military that essentially takes from any style what they feel works, then they adapt it to fit modern needs on and off the battlefield. It’s highly effective for urban combat, which is what typically goes on in Israel.

True Krav Maga is not like the glorified fitness versions we find in American gyms. It’s very brutal and to the point and it too offers a variety of hot and cold weapons tactics (sticks, knives, guns and more) and survival. I am of the opinion that Krav Maga and Filipino styles are better suited for self-defense in our age. Now, please understand, there are literally thousands of versions of the old world traditional styles- some teach what looks like Krav Maga, but they call it Karate because of the group they affiliate with! Also, I have not made mention of the American combative styles such as Apache Knife Fighting- which is also very applicable to the needs of today. Martial Arts is a very political industry with a lot of false or misleading claims- so you must do your part to investigate each instructor and style to find the one that best meets your individual goals for self-defense. If you are simply thrown into the mix at the local dojo, you’ll likely never meet your goals.

The need for effective self defense training is an absolute.

What’s more, this training should be considered a requirement for success just like food, water and shelter.

In what I call Survival’s Base 5, we teach that Fire, Shelter, Water, Security and Food are the five top priorities for survival and preparedness. Security not only includes adequate sleep ,protection from the elements, and safety but also personal security- or the ability to defend oneself. Security leads to sustainability; the more secure you are in your situation, the longer you can endure it.

So, my top tips for finding self-defense training would be these:

The author demonstra.ng Krav Maga

Self Defense styles focus on the main thing- YOU. You will typically not find uniforms other than maybe a TShirt, at times no belt systems and usually no prearranged forms (kata/ poomsae). There are no tournaments or rules for self-defense as it’s designed for street and battlefield use. You should expect to learn the basics of body movement, techniques using the head, knees, elbows, forearms, fists, feet and open hands in addition to weapons of all types including bats, broken bottles and firearms. Remember, belt colors are not the goal of self-defense training, your protection is.

In a world filled with fear and violence that only gets worse with each passing week; we must be prepared to defend ourselves and loved ones. It is said that 18.1 million Americans participated in some type of martial art in 2013 according to data from New York City-based research firm Simmons Market Research. MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighting is a very popular sport and is still growing in popularity. It’s estimated that 2.3 million view MMA fights on a regular basis. It must be noted that this is a sport and not a self-defense system, MMA fighters are athletes. To the average person, MMA athletes are looked upon as great fighters and they take nuggets and techniques from what they see on television and in turn, make use of these techniques in their own personal fights.

What this does is increase the need for us to be aware that virtually anyone that we encounter will have some sort of martial arts or fighting knowledge, which makes them a threat should the stuff hit the fan.

1) Outline your self-defense goals and seek out training to meet those goals. If you want to learn to shoot combatively, you find that type of instructor right? The same applies to self-defense. If you want to learn to survive a fight, multiple attackers, etc. find an instructor that offers that type of training. There are not as many as you think due to the liability issues, so be prepared to train at someone’s home, host them at your location or take a private lesson.

2) Research the style or program. Learn what Krav Maga offers vs. Kali-Silat vs. Apache Knife Fighting, etc. Which will best meet your short term, mid-term and long-term goals; train in the order of need, because all are good to know! Also, make sure that the system is compatible with your spiritual nature. Some styles integrate the worship of foreign gods as a natural part of the program and many instructors don’t even know it because that’s just the way they learned it.

3) Try before you buy. Take at least one lesson with an instructor before you buy into their contract or monthly program. If the instructor has any videos, buy those before you visit or find them on YouTube to see what they teach and how they present their material.

4) When all else fails, train yourself. You can learn techniques by watching videos on the subject, but just make sure you practice those techniques consistently and with multiple partners. Have others watch you to make sure what you are doing matches what’s being taught. It’s a tough road to plow should you not be able to locate or afford an instructor near you, but it can be done if you see it as a necessary goal in your preparedness plan.

What is “Prepping”? – Really.

By Donna Miller

What is “Prepping” anyway? Isn’t that what a surgeon does prior to surgery or steps a chef takes prior to making an elaborate dish? What does it mean to ‘Be prepared’? Of course it used to be the Boy Scout Motto (maybe it still is, but being female I’ve never been a Boy Scout so I may be a bit out of date).

It is a little easier to break down the things that are included in preparation planning, prepping or living the preparedness lifestyle rather than trying to define what it is or isn’t. Even though there may be similarities among those who see the need to prepare, ideally, preparedness should look different for each individual, household, budget and belief system. If not, then you’re just prepping for approval from others rather than prepping for your own specific needs.

There is a wide variety of topics included in prepping.

Below is a breakdown of areas; not in order of priority, or even an all inclusive list – but a basic, brief list of things that are often included in a preparedness lifestyle: ✓Ensuring a supply or source of safe drinking water. ✓Learning self-sustaining lifestyle skills. ✓Learning emergency response steps and survival skills. ✓Building your long-term workable pantry or food storage. ✓Learning to responsibly use firearms whether for hunting or for protection. ✓Preparing to use alternative power, medical care, communications and/or transportation.

The list is not all inclusive, but rather is a start to identify some core objectives which help to define “prepping” or “preparedness.” Within the brief list are many variables. Variables which are often dictated by budget, time, environment and support depending upon each individual or family.

New words, new phrases and even the new media frenzy have brought the terms of “prepper” and “preparedness” to the mainstream vocabulary.

Somewhere along the way, however, the terms have missed a mark and begun to be associated with something which I believe is not preparedness oriented, but is sadly focused in a much less productive direction.

No matter which part of prepping is your strongest or weakest area, preparedness does NOT need to include the following: Fear, hording, anger, anxiety, panic or paranoia.

In short, if I had to define any words that might explain how we choose to live, simply to combat a misperception, I guess I simply wouldn’t bother using those words. I’d just live.in the reality of personal protection training.

The Pastor’s Perspective: Preparation and Problems

By Pastor Jeff Rowland

For many years I have talked to others about the difference between a problem and a distraction. A problem is something that needs a solution. A distraction doesn’t have a solution. The only way to properly deal with a distraction is to ignore it. When you ignore a distraction it no longer exists because you have taken from it the source of its power. A problem seeks a solution, and when the correct solution is applied to a problem it is no longer a problem.

What has happened to so many is that we spend our life trying to solve a distraction and ignore a problem. This leaves us ill-prepared for every adversity we face. We will spend our lives completely distracted and never accomplishing anything for the kingdom, or preparing for the problems of our future. Never has this been so illustrated as with our own government. Our government has been distracted for decades while real problems go unsolved. This characteristic is leading us as a nation into a hole that we cannot get out of.

These last days offers problems and distractions. We must identify which adversities represent a problem and which represents a distraction. With the information we have from the scripture we can easily identify these things and gain proper perspective.

For example we face dark times brought about by the power of hell being released at higher levels on the earth.

The spirit of the Anti-Christ is working among us and has been since time began. The agenda of the spirit of the Anti-Christ is to distract us from his main goal.

Though he works in the area of distraction he himself is a

problem. To deal with him as a problem we must apply the solution. The only solution to the spirit of the AntiChrist is to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. The distractions he attempts to put in place in our lives will go away as the power of his influence on us subsides by us walking the Holy Spirit. The solution to darkness is light. The solution to evil is holiness. The solution to weakness is power. If we are distracted by the characteristics of darkness, evil and weakness then we will never apply the real solution and get free.

Therefore real questions need to be asked about what we are doing to prepare ourselves for these last days? Are we distracted by the characteristics of these days and never applying real solutions to the problems of the days? Are we declaring a message to try to deal with distractions or are we offering the correct and real solutions to very real problems? Is government the real problem or the great distraction of our time? Are we so distracted by the economic chaos we are in and are heading for that we cannot apply the solution of entering into a kingdom that will never run out of resources? Is it possible to be so distracted over the immorality of those around us that we never apply the solution of God’s grace and imputed righteousness?

On and on we can ask questions concerning these things.

To really stand prepared we must identify the difference between problems and distractions and we must act accordingly. To really stand prepared we must be ready with real solutions to real problems and be able to function in the power of the strength of Christ in times of difficulty.

From Readers Like You – On the Same Journey!

Topic: Free and low-cost resources

Cherlynn B. wrote: “We've been storing food and supplies since 1975. If it could be done wrong, we've done it! But we've also done a lot right over the years.

We grow and produce much of our own food. We set up barter groups in our area and can get lots of thing made we need in exchange for food and other services. I don't think anyone can ever have "everything" they need. I have seen miracles happen with those who stored what they could when a disaster struck. You have to have faith to store what you can and then leave the rest in the Lord's hands.”

Lori wrote: “I look for online freebies and add them to my bob all the time. It's very easy to do. I, also, use my dehydrator to

make my own meals for my bob. It's healthier & cheaper.”

INNERTECK wrote: “I use coupons and match them with sales and double them when I can to get the most savings for my $$$. I also check Craigslist frequently for Barter and Free items, especially for the garden.”

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On behalf of our readers, subscribers, advertisers, and staff, we wish to extend our heart-felt appreciation to all of you. We believe there is a very special mission for PREPARE Magazine, and are so pleased to be yoked with wonderful people who wish to sow encouragement and help to others in the Preparedness Journey.

Again‌ To all of you who have contributed and shared financial resources, preparedness training, advertising, testimonials, and encouragement, please know that we greatly appreciate you – and look forward to serving on your behalf.

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Our Contributors...

Donald Alley

is a martial science practitioner with over 10 years’ experience. He is a black belt in Jujutsu and a brown belt in Aikido. He is an instructor with the ISBF and a Level 1 Instructor for the US-MTA as well as program coordinator / instructor with Martial Tactical Training of Michigan. He is a certified NRA instructor for Basic Pistol and Personal Protection in the Home. His product line, Bu Tactical, provides everyday carry options for martial devices.

Snake Blocker is a member of the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas, is an accomplished martial artists and Apache Historian. He has served in the U.S. Navy since June 2001 and did tours in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. He is the featured instructor in several videos and promotes his signature line of survival products and knives. Snake has been featured on Deadliest Warrior “Apaches versus Gladiators” and Doomsday Preppers “In the Hurt Locker”.

He hosts “Snake Blocker Survival” on Preparedness Radio Network.

Donna Miller

is a teacher, author, sought-after speaker and trainer. She has been a both 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.

Survivor Jane

is a preparedness expert, homesteader and speaker. She is the editor of the women’s preparedness website www.survivorjane.com and the author of the newly released book “Where There is No Cosmetic Counter”. Jane is also the founder/creator of the hashtag #PrepperTalk on Twitter, a 24 hour forum that brings people from all over the world together to discuss disaster survival and preparedness..

Ken Youngquist

is the creator of Survivaltek, a website dedicated to teaching the ways and means to survive. From his youth, Ken was captivated by primitive living skills, and in his adulthood was intrigued by the television Series MacGyver. The result has been the study and practice of survival skills and the desire to pass on the mantle of preparedness to others. You can visit and learn more at: http://survivaltek.com/

Charles Daugherty

is the owner of Patriot Crime Defense specializing in preventative home security. They have designed and have manufactured The Patriot Door Kit, which when installed will prevent your doors from being kicked in. In addition to his engineering and design background, Charles is an avid outdoorsman, a certified NRA Rifle and Pistol Instructor and Range Safety Officer. His life is simple; he wants to honor God in his work, take care of his family, and help others succeed!

Jason Hunt is the President of Frontier Christian University and Campcraft Outfitters. He has nearly thirty years of martial arts and self-defense experience holding instructor level ranks in Krav Maga, Arnis de Mano, Apache Knife Fighting, Ju Jitsu, Karate and Hapkido.

Reverend Jeff Rowland

is an Evangelist, Preacher, Author and Accomplished Songwriter. Â Jeff sang with his family until joining the US Army as a member of the 82nd Airborne. Â While in the military, Jeff surrendered into the ministry and was ordained in 1985. After leaving the Army, Jeff has served as a Pastor and Evangelist, and now travels full-time, extensively across the USA sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the message God has given him for these Last Days.

JeffRowlandMinistry.com

Dr. Kal Sellers, DC, MH

has been teaching natural healing for over 15 years. He has a family of 7 children and has specialized in preparedness relative to food and medicine. Kal has a private practice, has hosted his own radio show on Preparedness Radio Network and has written articles for major natural health publications for 8 years. Email Dr. Sellers at drkal@live.com and visit his site: Star Valley Herbal College.

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Community Connections General Articles Feature Articles Instructional Articles Photos and Videos Testimonies Preparedness Experiences

Community Connections These groups have meetings in Feb/March

PACIFIC OC Emergency Preparedness Team Orange, CA First Aid Kits - What is necessary and what isn't Thursday, February 6, 2014 - 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM The Plan Las Vegas, NV Plan Encampment ( Bug Out 1 ) Friday, February 21, 2014 7:00 PM to Sunday, February 23, 2014, 7:00 PM

SOUTHWEST Houston Emergency Preparedness Houston, TX STP - Antibiotics and Long-Term Storage Saturday, February 8, 2014 - 2:00 PM Primitive Skills & Wilderness Living (San Antonio Region) San Antonio, TX Primitive Arrow-Making Saturday, February 15, 2014 9:00 AM to Sunday, February 16, 2014, 3:00 PM

NORTHWEST Tidewater Preppers Yorktown, VA Choose your disaster and get motivated!

Saturday, February 15, 2014 1:00 PM Southeastern Pennsylvania survivalist and bushcraft Mohnton, PA Heating with Alternative Fuels Saturday, February 15, 2014 - 11:00 AM

MIDWEST ORGANIC HOMESTEADING & DISASTER PREPAREDNESS Garrettsville, OH Genetic Roulette screening (video on GMO) Thursday, February 13, 2014 - 6:00 PM Northwest Indiana Preppers Saint John, IN BASIC FIRST AID FOR OUTDOOR EMERGENCIES Sunday, February 16, 2014 - 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

SOUTHEAST Fayetteville Preppers Fayetteville, AR Emergency shelters & fire making Sunday, February 16, 2014 2:00 PM FL Panhandle Preparedness Group Marianna, FL PREPAREDNESS Weekend Retreat Friday, February 21, 2014 5:30 PM - to Sunday, February 23, 2014, 12:00 PM

NORTHEAST Southern Michigan Preparedness Network Livonia, MI You Survived a TEOTWAWKI event: What does Survival mean now?

Saturday, February 22, 2014 - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Olympic Peninsula Preppers Port Angeles, WA Ring in 2014 with a Meet and Greet!

Saturday, January 25, 2014 - 10:00 AM

OUTSIDE USA The United Survivalist Network Of Ontario Etobicoke, ON The Bug Out Bag Challenge.

Saturday, February 15, 2014 - 12:00 PM B.C. Sustainable Outdoor Survivalists ( S.O.S.) Vancouver, BC Backyard Bounty Workshop Monday, February 17, 2014 7:00 PM

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