SCP Survival

Are You Prepared for Blizzards and Winter Storms?

March 11, 2024 by Seasoned Citizen Prepper

The weather is not always predictable, as we know. When temperatures hover around freezing, rain can turn to sleet and sleet to snow. One inch of rain equals approximately ten inches of snow.

In October of 2013, the Black Hills of South Dakota had a storm system come in that was just supposed to produce rain. Torrential rains turned to sleet and then to snow. The weight of the freezing rain and sleet snapped power lines.

Two days later with four feet of snow on the ground, and much of the area without power, the storm passed. Entire herds of cattle, horses and sheep on open range, soaked by rain, could not withstand the freezing temperatures and died. Many people were without power for a week.

The longest known power outage that I know of in North America, 3 weeks, due to sleet was in Canada about 25 years ago. It can happen.

Let’s pretend that a winter storm is predicted for your area, you have 3 hours notice. What will you do?

Are You Prepared?

The winter storm has knocked power out for 24 hours…
The winter storm has knocked power out for 3 days…
The winter storm has knocked power out for a week…
The winter storm has knocked power out for 2 weeks…
The winter storm has knocked power out for 3 weeks…

Everyone is in different situations, but you are at home without power in cold temperatures for your area. If you are reading this, you are into preparedness and should have no problem with 1 -3 days without power. But what about a week? Two weeks? Three weeks?

If you can only keep one room in your home warm, when do you decide to turn off the water and drain the pipes? Do you unplug your appliances or turn off the electrical panel switch to prevent power surges? What about 3 weeks with no bathroom facilities? Do you cooperate with your neighbors (And how for how long?) or hoard and go into self defense mode?

What If You’re Caught in a Blizzard or Snow Storm in Your Car?

Yes, this happened to me and it could have turned out badly…

I was coming home from a conference 200 miles from home in a winter storm that turned into a blizzard. As I was going down the interstate listening to the radio I could hear numerous road closings just behind me.

It was wicked going at about 30 mph, basically following tail lights of the vehicle ahead of me. It was white knuckle driving in near white out conditions with numerous cars and tractor trailers in the ditch.

I finally got off the interstate within 20 miles of home and was stunned to see no snow plows on the road. The radio was reporting that the snow plows had stopped because of hazardous conditions. Well, what about those of us stuck trying to get home!

I was within 7 miles of home in my little Escort wagon with about 6 inches of snow on the road and a hill, not a big one either, to climb. Half way up, pushing snow with my front end, I was stopped. I tried it a half dozen more times and was now stuck on the road in the middle of the lane.

That little car wasn’t going anywhere!

This is before I was into preparedness, but still had a winter bag in the car with extra snow boots and a parka. And I did have a cell phone at the time. I called Bob and told him where I was and that I was stuck. He informed me that our 4 wheel drive truck was in the pasture (where we had last hauled wood) and there was no way to come and get me.

The radio was announcing that there would be no emergency rescues that night. To just stay put in your car, if you were stuck, with the emergency lights on and call in your location to 911 for when the snowplows would start clearing the roads in the morning.

What would YOU do?

What if I had gone down in the ditch with the tailpipe covered in snow, but the engine was running for warmth?
What if the car would not run for warmth (out of gas or whatever), what then?
Other thoughts?

The rest of the story…

The little valley I was in blocked enough of the driving snow that I could see a farmhouse in the distance with a light on – it was nighttime. I pulled on my heavy boots and parka and made my way through deep snow and high winds to the farmhouse. They knew me; I knew them. Their son had a 4 wheel drive truck and took me home.

I left my keys in the car with the flashers on and they moved it in the morning when the snow plows started up again. Not fun, but it could have been far worse.

Something to think about…

We are coming up on the Christmas season and your sons, daughters, or grandkids may not have as much sense as you do about what could happen. Please talk to them about winter preparedness and if they don’t have a winter bag in their car, it may be a good gift.

You could save a life.

These questions and this scenario is not at all farfetched–think ahead!

Carne Seca Adovada Soup [Recipe]

March 11, 2024 by Seasoned Citizen Prepper

This was completely an experiment in using only storable items, I’m surprised that it worked out as well as it did.

This is DEFINITELY going to be a lot better if you use homemade, air-dried beef jerky vs. the commercially-made stuff. If you have to use ‘store’ jerky, I’d go for the ‘steak nugget’ style before the flat strips.

Dried Ancho and Pasilla chile peppers are available at every supermarket in areas that have any sort of Latin-American populations, or online. They are very flavorful, but not at all ‘hot’. (Chiles de Arbol can hurt you – not all dried peppers are mild)

They are also pretty cheap flavor-enhancers. If you prep them by breaking off the stem-ends, pouring out the seeds and vacuum-sealing, the 25th Century archeologists who discover your stash will probably say “MMMMM.. tasty…”

This is NOT a quick MRE-type meal. Just like our ancestors, if you’re going to use dried, preserved ingredients, it will take a while, and you may have to plan in advance.

Ingredients:

“big handful” (or 2) of homemade beef jerky (“Carne Seca” in Spanish – a popular Mexican ingredient)
“handful” of dried Ancho and/or Pasilla chiles
heaping tbsp. of dried Oregano leaves
about a tbsp. of ground cumin seed
1-2 tbsp. dehydrated onion flakes
1 tbsp. granulated garlic
water
chicken stock or bouillion (optional)
salt and pepper to taste.

Directions:

In one container, cover the jerky with boiling water, and let sit 3-4 hours to rehydrate.
In another container, add chiles, oregano, onion and garlic, cover with boiling water and let sit to rehydrate. Refrigerating #’s 1 and 2 overnight (covered) is not a bad idea, if possible.
Grind up the chile/herb/onion/garlic/water into a thick sauce. “Abuelita” (grandma) probably used a lava-rock mortar and pestle for this. A hand immersion blender, or a food processor or a blender will work faster under ideal circumstances.
Drain the meat (save liquid) and add rehydrated meat to the chile/herb sauce.
Add the meat-rehydrating liquid, if needed, until everything is submerged.
Let the meat marinate, refrigerated, as long as possible. 2 or 3 days is not a bad idea.
When ready, dump the whole batch into a pot, add water (or chicken stock) until everything is covered.
Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, simmer covered 2-3 hours, checking liquid level – add more if needed (especially if on an open fire)
Let it simmer, uncovered, another 10-15 minutes, to thicken sauce.

This was surprisingly good over rice and black beans with homemade corn tortillas. The meat isn’t ‘fall apart tender’ like a normal pork shoulder Carne Adovada, but much more than just “acceptable” or “MRE” quality.

Survival Cord and Rope Tricks

March 11, 2024 by Seasoned Citizen Prepper

I’m willing to bet that every single one of us has, at some point, dealt with a big ol’ hank of some kind of rope, or other cordage, that looks like this:

All neat and pretty and organized, UNTIL that fateful moment when you actually have to use it, and then, no matter how OCD you may be about unwinding it, it IS going to tangle, knot and kink, and you will waste time trying to get a useful piece of rope to use to fasten something.

It is an even more annoying situation if the cordage is wet and/or your fingers are cold. The hank is also pretty big and bulky. 50 feet of 550 paracord is probably not a huge storage/carry issue. 200 feet of ½ inch rope, done this way, is almost as big as a sleeping bag in a stuff sack. My packs aren’t THAT big.

Old-time mariners apparently swore by flat coils on deck to store extra line for fast deployment. (I would assume they also swore AT them a lot – imagine the daily rum ration being passed out, and Jack Tar kicking the coil, and undoing a half hour’s work..) Since I don’t live on a 100-gun frigate-of-the-line with a full crew of scurvy-knave-pirates to assist me in becoming the Scourge of the Seven Seas, this bulky, non-portable cordage storage idea doesn’t work real well.

Carefully-wound hanging coils also work pretty well, only a bit more tangle-prone than flat coils, but once again, they take up a lot of space, and are not at all easy to store inside a pack or EDC bag.

Where nautical lore fails, mountaineering-practice doesn’t. I was taught this method by a climber-friend when I was in college, and so far, it has never failed me. The “knotting method” is called a “double chain sinnet”.

Spend 5 minutes looking at the photographs and practicing, and you will be able to do it with your eyes closed. It works with string, mason twine, bankline, paracord, clothesline, rope, whatever you have.

NOTE: If you knit or crochet, you can probably already do this better than I can. It’s basically a long line of crochet stitches. (note 2: if your cordage is already on a spool – leave it there as long as possible- spools are HANDY.).

Take the time to untangle, un-knot and un-kink your line (Spin the line between your fingers when it ‘wants to go in the wrong direction’). Put the 2 ends together, and lay it out as evenly and neatly as possible. You’re just making a loop half the length of your rope.
At the “loop” end, tie a simple slip-knot – just an overhand with a loop slipped inside – does not have to be too tight. Tight is not your friend. If the ends are not perfectly-aligned, big deal.. nobody is grading you :)
Take both running pieces (“bights”) of the line, and pass a loop through the loop of the slip-knot.
Tighten slightly, and pass another loop through the loop you just made.
Repeat until you are almost out of rope. Slip the 2 ends through the last loop, just to keep it from unravelling.

You will end up with a flat “strap” that can be used for tying down items to a pack or roof-rack, when needed. Climbers frequently carry their ropes, tied this way “Bandido Bandoleer” style, frequently with extra carabiners through the loose loops. The big advantage is that the rope will now be able to conform to the size and shape on whatever you carry it in/on. (For example purposes, approx. 7 feet of paracord is now about 7 inches long and 1 inch wide)

To deploy your rope, you only have 1 “knot” to undo, then just give it a yank (Pull both ends outward). Assuming you didn’t pull anything too tight, it all pulls free in 1 tangle-free length. Even if it doesn’t save your life on a mountain or at sea, it can keep you from using a lot of bad language when you need a piece of rope. :)

On another note, this method also works well for easily stowing heavy-duty electrical extension cords from becoming tangled nests of annoyance when you need them. (In this usage, it is called a “Contractor’s Wrap”).

Magnifying Glass – Still One The Simplest and Cheapest Survival Fire Starters

March 11, 2024 by Seasoned Citizen Prepper

Alright folks – how many of you remember burning leaves with a magnifying glass when you were kids?

I do. I thought it was the coolest thing to get just the right angle so that the suns light was concentrated onto a pinpoint spot. I would get a small pile of dry leaves, place that bright spot onto them and watch the smoke start to rise – then…..”Fire!!!”

Those were the good ole days.

Anyways – a magnifying glass can be extremely useful. Whether it is reading small print, removing a splinter, or starting a fire – a magnifying glass is an inexpensive item to have as part of a survival and preparedness system.

Sometimes cheap and simple works best.

6 Best Survival Radios

March 10, 2024 by danecarp

When you’re miles away from civilization and power, or simply living a minimalist off-grid life, a survival radio can be an indispensable piece of equipment. Not only will they keep you apprised of atmospheric conditions and weather emergencies, but they also feature an array of other functions and features. These definitely aren’t your dad’s old hand-crank radio!

These portable powerhouses will keep you safe and informed, but what makes each one special? What makes one stand out over the others, and at what cost?

The Short Answer

In a hurry? Here’s our pick for the best combination of features, functionality, quality, and value:

The FosPower Emergency Radio

Why It’s #1:

Can be powered 4 ways
Internal 2000mAh power bank
SOS alarm
Lifetime warranty

Check Latest Price

One of the main criteria to make this list was the ability to charge or power the radio in several ways. The last thing you need in the bush is a dead battery because, at that point, it’s just dead weight. The FosPower radio can run and charge devices from conventional AAA batteries, but it can also charge the internal battery from the built-in solar panel, the hand crank dynamo, and from a Micro USB source.

The FosPower Emergency Radio had the standard AM/FM receiver so that you can enjoy some audio enrichment during your time in the wilderness. It also has a powerful 1W LED flashlight and handy reading light if you need more diffused light for a small area. The respectable 2000mAh internal power bank will help keep devices like your smartphone and your GoPro charged up and ready for adventure.

Additionally, it has the ability to receive NOAA stations and emergency alerts. This can be crucial if you are in a wilderness area prone to powerful storms, flash floods, or even natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, or earthquakes. Having even a few minutes advance notice can literally save your life. If the worst happens, and you need help, it features an SOS alarm to act as a beacon should you need to notify others of your position and situation.

With the nearly perfect blend of necessities and extra features, stuffed in a compact and rugged housing, and available for less than $40, the FosPower Emergency Radio is our pick for the overall best pick.

Other Great Survival Radios

Kaito KA500

6 options for power
AM/FM/SW/NOAA radio
14.5” antenna and signal strength meter

Check Latest Price

The Kaito KA500 is packed with features that other models don’t have, but it also weighs nearly a half-pound more than any other unit and has a higher price point. Not only does it have the usual AM/FM and NOAA support, but this radio also has a dual-range shortwave radio receiver as well. The radio reception is assisted by another feature that other radios don’t have, which is a signal strength meter and advanced reception circuitry. Once tuned in, be even more economical with your battery by using the built-in headphone jack for private listening.

The internal NiMH battery can be charged via the solar panel, hand crank dynamo, Mini USB or AC/DC adapter. The radio can also be powered by 3 AA disposable batteries. Once powered up, you will be able to listen to the radio, receive NOAA and PEAS emergency alerts, or use the built-in flashlight or reading lamp, or charge your devices from the 5V USB output. In an emergency situation, the red LED SOS light can be used to signal for help.

Midland ER310

Digital tuner
2600mAh lithium-ion battery
Ultrasonic dog whistle

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The Midland ER310 sets itself apart from the pack with a couple of unique features. Once you have used the hand crank, solar panel, or USB charger to charge it fully, you will have up to 32 hours of radio operation. The digital tuner makes it easy to find your favorite station, or tune in clearly to local broadcasts. If you need any of the preprogrammed weather bands, it will automatically lock on to the strongest signal based on your location. If you are unable to charge it with renewable sources, it can also accept 6 AA batteries, although they will significantly increase its weight.

If you end up needing the SOS beacon, the super bright CREE LED has a strobe function that is highly visible and has adjustable brightness, and the built-in ultrasonic dog whistle can help to guide search and rescue to your location. An absolutely invaluable tool in areas prone to earthquakes, where you may find yourself trapped and unable to otherwise signal your location. The 2600mAh lithium battery helps extend the life of your digital devices such as smartphones, another key element, and possible lifeline.

American Red Cross Emergency NOAA Weather Radio

Red LED beacon
AM/FM/7 channel NOAA receiver
2600mAh battery

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The American Red Cross Emergency NOAA Weather Radio has a unique shape that guards the volume and tuning knobs from being bumped or accidentally changed. Not only does it come with a respectable 2600mAh lithium-ion battery, but that battery can be charged quickly with the ergonomic and low-effort hand crank, and maintained with the built-in solar panel. The included AC charger offers the quickest charging if you have access to an AC source.

The east to read LCD readout indicates the current power source, the digitally tuned station, and the battery level. The battery pack can reliably power up your digital devices, and the bright but efficient LED flashlight helps significantly in low light situations. The beacon function is comprised of a single red LED.

RunningSnail Emergency NOAA Portable Radio

4000mAh lithium-ion battery
AUX input
Large LCD readout

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The RunningSnail Emergency NOAA Portable Radio packs a surprising amount of power and features into a very modest package. While it can be powered with 3 AAA disposable batteries, you will probably never need to, considering the massive 4000mAh internal power bank it contains. Before you may need to use it, just make sure the battery is topped off via hand crank, solar panel, or Micro USB charging cord, and have hours upon hours of radio time, SOS alarm, reading light, or flashlight use.

In addition to the usual AM/FM/NOAA radio receiver, this unit has an AUX input, so not only can it keep your phone, tablet, or other digital device charged up, but simply connect an AUX cord and have access to your entire digital music collection. AUX input is something none of the other models provide and could be a crucial feature to those who may find themselves using this on more than just an emergency or a periodic basis. The giant LCD display shows detailed battery levels, current power source, and digital volume and tuner information.

RunningSnail Emergency Self Powered Weather Radio

1000mAh lithium-ion battery
IPX3 water resistance
3 options for charging the battery

Check Latest Price

An excellent budget entry, the RunningSnail Emergency Self Powered Weather Radio has all the standard features, with none of the fluff or extras, and is available for less than twenty dollars. The modest 1000mAh internal power bank can be filled by the hand crank, solar panel, or Micro USB cable. At a brisk 2-3 revolutions per second on the crank, this can be fully charged in 4 hours, much faster if charged via USB before it’s needed.

The analog tuner and volume control can effectively tune into any AM, FM, or NOAA station for continuous listening or receiving alerts. The powerful 1 watt LED flashlight will easily light your way, and the automatically-activated reading light will keep your campsite or tent gently illuminated for evening activities. In a pinch, the internal power bank can give your phone a boost, possibly helping make that crucial phone call in emergencies.

Midland Survival Radio — *Like many survival and emergency radios, the Midland ER310 features a USB charging port where you can easily recharge your cell phone on the go.*

What To Look For In Your Survival Radio

The most important thing to keep in mind is battery capacity.

Battery capacity is going to closely align with your desired usage of the radio. If you plan on using it for periodically listening to the weather, or playing the radio fireside in the evenings, then anything with 1000mAh bank will work just fine.

If you plan on using a reading light for a while, listening to the radio or weather for longer periods or more frequently, or keeping digital devices like a phone, tablet, or camera charged and ready, then you will want at least a 2000mAh power bank.

The 2nd factor to consider is the potential for emergency use.

If you are plan on using the radio for receiving emergency alerts, or possibly sending SOS signals in a help-needed situation, then make sure you pick a unit that has those functions, along with the largest battery bank possible. If you need to use an SOS, you won’t want it draining the battery before you have the chance to attract attention.

The 3rd point to pay attention to is your charging and power options.

All of the radios we’ve evaluated can be charged via built-in solar and hand crank, but some have additional ways to power them or fill the power bank.

If you are going to be going from grid power to no power, then an option that fast charges from USB or AC power and has a disposable battery option might be just what you need to juice up before your getaway. If you generate your own power and are more frugal with its consumption, then having it slow charge via the built-in panel is low stress and a green way to fill that internal bank.

Kaito Voyager Survival Radio — *One of the great features of many emergency radios is the versatility in bands. Pictured here, the Kaito Voyager has AM, FM, and 2 shortwave bands.*

FAQs

What is the difference between lithium-ion and NiMH batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries are a relatively newer technology, while NiMH batteries have been around for a long time. You have probably seen NiMH batteries in cordless home phones. They usually have a series of small cells that are bound together, and connect to the device with a small pigtail. Lithium batteries are similar in appearance but are far more effective in their duties. Lithium batteries can hold larger charges, have longer lifespans, and can discharge to a lower level without battery damage than NiMH cells.

Are any of these radios waterproof?

Yes! All of the radios we’ve highlighted have at least a rating of IPX3 water resistance. This means they can be in running water of up to 10 liters per minute for 5 minutes. While they shouldn’t be submerged, they will stand up to being in heavy rain or storms.

How quickly can I charge these radios?

Generally speaking, the hand crank dynamos can recharge approximately 250mAh per hour, when cranked at roughly 2-3 revolutions per second. The solar panels are going to be largely for maintenance charging and keeping the power bank full and will take at least 6-8 hours of direct sun to fill the internal battery. On units that have Micro USB or AC charging, a full charge can occur in just a couple of hours or less depending on battery capacity.

Do the SOS functions send any sort of radio signal?

No. None of these radios are capable of broadcasting in the manner of an EPIRB, or emergency position indicating radio beacon, for example. The SOS functions are limited to an emergency flashing LED or an audible SOS alarm that can be heard from a significant distance in the wilderness.

How much do these units weigh?

The weight will vary from model to model, but the units we evaluated ranged from a super lightweight 7.8 ounces for the RunningSnail Emergency Self Powered Weather Radio, to a still respectable and easily packed 1.4 pounds for the Kaito KA500. With every radio being under one and a half pounds, none of these units are going to add much to your pack or weigh you down.

What’s The Bottom Line?

When it comes down to it, our favorite is the FosPower Emergency Radio. However, it may or may not be exactly what you need. It is important to take into account your personal situation, and your personal needs and wants when making your decision.

You may prefer a larger battery bank, or perhaps digital tuning will be that one thing that really catches your eye. Reading our breakdown of the leading models will ensure you are prepared to make a well-informed decision on which survival radio is right for you.

Soda Bottle Fishing – A Survival Skill?

March 8, 2024 by Seasoned Citizen Prepper

Have you heard of “soda bottle fishing?” I talked to a couple folks, today, and nobody had heard of this fishing method. I never saw it until 2001, when I was living in a campground on the bank of the Shenandoah River.

First, I’m NOT talking about using bottles to float trot lines, which, at least here, is illegal.

I did a lot of fishing that particular summer, using pretty normal tackle, because I was unemployed. I ate some fish, but it was a ‘luck’ (actually skill) thing.

Many of my weekend neighbors, mostly folks from the state of Sonora in Mexico, fed their families (and sometimes me, too) and brought home bass, perch, catfish and carp for the week. They weren’t using fiberglass rods and nice reels. They fished the way they did at home, where everybody was dirt-poor, and resources were in very short supply. Up here, we’d call it “hillbilly ingenuity”. The difference in our styles was, I was ‘fishing’, they were actually ‘catching’. :)

You may not need or want to fish this way every day, but it could be a way to harvest a meal or two, if you need to, using mostly discarded found materials.

You’ll need:

Crappy shorts and sneakers you don’t mind getting wet.
An empty 2-liter plastic soda bottle (remove the label)
50-60 feet of fishing line. This can often be found in the bushes near the shore. If you look around in the submerged rocks/logs, you can often find good fishing lures, as well.
½ oz. or so weight/sinker. (maybe a float/bobber, too)
A hook
Bait

Creating Your Rod and Reel

Tie the end of your line to the neck of the bottle.
If you have the cap, tie a knot in the line, put it inside, and screw on the cap to hold it.
Wrap all the line around the bottle “reel style”. This is the annoying part. Try and be as neat as possible.
Tie on a hook at the end. Add your weight to the line about 8-10 inches in from the hook.
Add a float (a stick or a piece of a foam cooler works) if you want to fish off the bottom, or see when you have a bite.

To use Your Soda Bottle Fishing Setup

Bait your hook.
Walk out into the water about waist deep.
Hold the bottle by the neck in your ‘weak’ hand.
In your strong hand, let out about 2 feet of line, and swing it around above your head (like a “David” type sling). (DO be careful and don’t hook yourself). Let it go in the direction you want to cast.
Point the bottle in the direction of your cast, and just let the line peel off, just like it would off an open-faced spinning reel. Once your cast hits the water, play “spin the bottle” to take up any slack.
Yank and pull to retrieve your line and/or your fish. Repeat as needed. :)

A pair of old work gloves are also not a bad idea. That fishing line can slice you like a razor if you’re not careful.

I don’t have a 2-liter bottle (which would probably work better), but here is a picture of a packable fishing kit, based on an acrylic cigar-tube, that I have been playing around with, recently. I’ll cover the braided line with duck tape for protection. (The other tape bundle is about 50 ft of nylon bankline)

This could also be a handy ‘hack’ if a bunch o’ grandkids show up, and there is not enough “real” fishing gear to go around. In general, where there are kids, there are soda bottles :)