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Book Review – “When Things Go Boom” https://survivaltek.com/?p=2711 https://survivaltek.com/?p=2711#comments Sat, 31 Mar 2012 18:51:05 +0000 https://survivaltek.com/?p=2711 Today the term “preppers” has become a buzzword in today’s society that often conjures up visions of extremists who are paranoid. Personally I liken it to the Scout motto “Be Prepared”. “When Things Go Boom” is written by Brian Howard who is a veteran of the armed services, a family man, and a disaster preparedness expert. It’s the “Boom” of extreme events such as natural disasters or human chaos that can radically alter our lifestyle and this book presents a VERY practical approach to being prepared for the interruption of services and amenities that our communities normally provide.

The book is split into 7 parts: personal defense/safety, water/filtration, food/nutrition, shelter/habitat, medical/first aid, communications/navigation/signaling and general. The reading is easy and I found the content to be quite engaging. It is clear that the author walks his talk and provides specific brand names and models of equipment and supplies that he has personally used and trusts to perform. At the end of each section he lists Tips, Do Now!, and Checklist. “Tips” offer survival techniques and cautions, “Do Now!” offers practical actions to begin the preparedness process, “Checklist” lists items to have on hand or acquire – a.k.a. a shopping list.

The author admonishes us to procure supplies and practice survival skills NOW before they’re needed. I hardily recommend this book for those individuals who have resolved to be ready for the time when things go “Boom” and want to learn more. It is a great resource for beginners and experienced individuals alike. I’m glad to have added this book to my personal reference library and find it helpful in developing my own strategy. 

Order Your Copy Today!

 

]]> https://survivaltek.com/?feed=rss2&p=2711 0 Abbreviated Bathing https://survivaltek.com/?p=2666 https://survivaltek.com/?p=2666#comments Sat, 25 Feb 2012 12:00:18 +0000 https://survivaltek.com/?p=2666 Recently I sat in on a group of preppers/homesteaders, some of whom have become independent from “The Grid”. The subject of bathing came up with a variety of solutions that had been employed. One person had traveled extensively and mentioned that during a recent trip to Ghana they lived in conditions that provided only 1 hour of electricity a day with no running water. The living conditions there were sparse by our standards here but it was “life as usual” to the locals. Their bathing solution was using a 2 liter bottle of water for their shower. This simplicity could be employed here during a natural disaster when water supplies may be limited.

You may be familiar with the terms “Navy Shower”, “Sponge Bath” or “Stitz Bath”. These are methods of bathing where minimal water is used due to limited resources or facilities. Areas on your body that require cleansing are first wet or moistened to loosen dirt or accumulated perspiration. This loosens and dilutes dry material and enables soap to be effective when lathered and subsequently rinsed or wiped off. Although limited in quantity, hand wipes or baby wipes can be useful in the short term.

For those who travel abroad, it becomes apparent that bathing and hygiene vary greatly and are largely a cultural phenomenon. American Industries have effectively promoted their products and have helped to create a fragrant society. European countries lean toward a more humanistic natural presence. Third World countries may be even more relaxed.

Some considerations about frequency of bathing would relate to whether you are solitary or live in the company of others, and whether your environment is healthy or hazardous.

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