First off let me apologize to those who read the blog, if any, for not posting on a regular basis. I'm in the process of moving into the new house and don't have a dedicated internet connection at the moment. So for right now my smart phone is what I have to work with.
Fortunately Black Friday has come and gone for us on Guam without any incidents to report about. But for those in the mainland it was a different story. This article in the PDN gives examples of what people looking for bargains can do to eachother. One story received more attention then most, even though it wasn't the worst of them. A lady in a LA Wal-Mart apparently pepper sprayed other shoppers to get an advantage over other shoppers. The stories that got my attention were those of shoppers getting robbed at gun point and even shot for their purchases in the parking lot.
A search on Google for "Black Friday Mayhem" will give you millions of examples of what people have done just to shop for items on sale. Just imagine when SHTF and simple items such as food and toilet paper start becoming scarce, what your average citizen will do to get it. Now keep that in mind and think about your current situation. Right now, if SHTF are you prepared? Or would you have to go out and risk meeting these people? A think even further down the road, when stores have been long out of supplies and people are starving. Is your home safe and secure? Do you have means of protecting you and your family? I'm not trying to scare anyone, that is not my goal. My goal is to get anyone I can reach to into a preparedness mindset, even if it's just one person. So use Black Friday as a wake up call or a reminder of how bad things will get when the Shit Hits The Fan. Take care everyone. Prepare. Survive. Live.
I am constantly thinking about ways that I can make my house harder to get into. I've joked about getting a moat installed around my house, and if money wasn't a problem, I would seriously look into it. Unfortunately money is a problem, so I have to find ways to make my house more secure that are affordable. I wanted to share a few things that I've done that are cheap and easy to do. Keep in mind that i'm not a handy man either, so if I can do it anyone can.
Visibility: If you can see inside your house, that means criminals can too. So they can easily spot something they want just by strolling by. An easy way of fixing this would be by putting up some curtains. Not only does it block visibility, it also blocks out heat and sunlight, which will help save you money on power. Another option is tinting your windows, but costs a bit more. Don't leave valuables outside. If you have hedges or bushes, trim them to cut down on hiding places.
Locks: They won't help if you don't actually use them. I know a guy that complains about getting his stuff stolen, but he also leaves his stuff laying around and his car unlocked with the windows down. For your doors you can install a tougher deadbolt, and one that you can rekey. You will also want to strengthen the doorjamb, because its the jamb that fails when the door is kicked in. You can purchase these kick plates that have 3 inch screws instead of a 3/4 inch screw. Here is an example of a larger plate with the longer screws.
You can add some security to your windows too. The most common one is placing a wooden or metal bar in the inner window sliding track. This is effective, but does not secure the outer window. To address this you can drill through both the inner and outer window and place a nail or screw through them. If you want a more polished look your can purchase a patio door pin at your local hardware store. Here is an example of a few i've installed.
Another measure to add to your window is to place some screws on the upper tracks of both windows. These prevent the windows from being pried up and out.
Some additional tips that will make your house a harder target:
-Motion sensored lights.
-Dogs. It does not have to be a large breed, but a large breed will not only be a good deterent, but will be also protect your family if it needed to. Most criminals are deterred just by the sound a dog present.
-Timers. Timers for lights are a great way to prevent your house from appearing empty. You also also put tv's and radios on timers, to give the allusion of activity.
Guam Prepper Network Videos
If you have any suggestions, please feel free to share, they would be greatly appreciated. Take care everyone. Prepare. Survive. Live.
Visibility: If you can see inside your house, that means criminals can too. So they can easily spot something they want just by strolling by. An easy way of fixing this would be by putting up some curtains. Not only does it block visibility, it also blocks out heat and sunlight, which will help save you money on power. Another option is tinting your windows, but costs a bit more. Don't leave valuables outside. If you have hedges or bushes, trim them to cut down on hiding places.
Locks: They won't help if you don't actually use them. I know a guy that complains about getting his stuff stolen, but he also leaves his stuff laying around and his car unlocked with the windows down. For your doors you can install a tougher deadbolt, and one that you can rekey. You will also want to strengthen the doorjamb, because its the jamb that fails when the door is kicked in. You can purchase these kick plates that have 3 inch screws instead of a 3/4 inch screw. Here is an example of a larger plate with the longer screws.
You can add some security to your windows too. The most common one is placing a wooden or metal bar in the inner window sliding track. This is effective, but does not secure the outer window. To address this you can drill through both the inner and outer window and place a nail or screw through them. If you want a more polished look your can purchase a patio door pin at your local hardware store. Here is an example of a few i've installed.
Another measure to add to your window is to place some screws on the upper tracks of both windows. These prevent the windows from being pried up and out.
Some additional tips that will make your house a harder target:
-Motion sensored lights.
-Dogs. It does not have to be a large breed, but a large breed will not only be a good deterent, but will be also protect your family if it needed to. Most criminals are deterred just by the sound a dog present.
-Timers. Timers for lights are a great way to prevent your house from appearing empty. You also also put tv's and radios on timers, to give the allusion of activity.
Guam Prepper Network Videos
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| From Guam Prepper Network |
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| From Guam Prepper Network |
If you have any suggestions, please feel free to share, they would be greatly appreciated. Take care everyone. Prepare. Survive. Live.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
I recently came across a video about preppers on youtube. A lot of people disagree on how the people in it were potrayed. They feel like they made them look like paranoid, extremist hoarders. Putting aside how it was edited and what they were made to look like. I felt it was a good look at how others are doing in their journey to become prepared. It also made me aware of just how far behind I am in my own preparedness. I know that I'll never have an underground bunker, but i'll strive to have enough food, water and the means to protect my family.
National Geographic: Doomsday Preppers
National Geographic: Doomsday Preppers
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Typhoon Preparedness
Guam is located in "Typhoon Alley", which averages about 31 typhoons a year. In 2011 alone, there have been 34 storms ranging from tropical depressions to category 5 super typhoons. Fortunately, Guam has not been impacted by a typhoon since 2002. Almost a decade without a typhoon to prepare for, I'm sure a lot of people are not ready due to complacency. For a prepper a typhoon or hurricane is an easy one to prepare for. Most items needed, a prepper will usually have and will have a backup, and a backup to the backup. I don't remember where I read the saying, but it goes; “One is none, two is one". I've also read about the one third failure factor. The one third failure factor is having three options, and it’s pretty much a guarantee that two options will fail on you. Leaving you with, you guessed it, one third.
Typhoon/hurricane preparedness is a good gateway into overall prepping and survival. Prepare yourself for a typhoon now and just build upon that. Typhoon prep this month, earthquake prep the next, then fire and tsunami. So by the time that SHTF (Shit hits the fan), you'll be ahead of the game, while the masses are out trying to get what you compiled in months, in a couple of hours. I'm sure even those who have been at it for a while don't mind comparing notes and going through their inventory. Just in case they have missed something or replace gear with something that's more efficient, takes up less space, is lighter and so on.
Now for those of us that are relatively new to prepping and just getting started, it’s nice to have things broken down "barney style". The basics of any preparedness or survival situation are food, water, shelter, health and tools. Below is a list, which in no way a complete list, of items that you should have to start out with. Do not go out and get everything at one time. Evaluate your financial situation and make a plan to buy an item or two every pay day. That way when a warning for a typhoon is given you'll be ahead of the pack and won't break the bank trying to get everything. I won’t go into depth about what types of food to buy and store. For now, just buy more of what you eat. An extra can of spam, corn and mandarin oranges every pay day is a good start. (Just an example).
Food:
-Enough for 3 to 7 days:
- Non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
- Foods for infants or the elderly
- Snack foods
- Non-electric can opener
-cooking tools / fuel (propane, charcoal)
- Paper plates / plastic utensils
-Pet food (don't forget the pets)
Water:
-1 to 2 gallons per person per day
-Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water for bathing, flushing toilets, and cleaning, but do not drink this water.
Health:
-First aid kit
-Prescription medications for at least a week
Tools:
-candles
-flashlights
-Regular flashlights
Battery operated/dynamo AM-FM radio (with Weather-Alert)
-lanterns
-Duct tape
-matches/lighters
-cooler with ice
-batteries (all required sizes)
-rags and mops
Shelter:
-Bring in/secure all loose objects around the house.
-Close shutters, but if none, placing plywood over the windows always works.
Other Misc:
-Cash ($500) Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
-Full tanks of gas.
-Entertainment:
-board games and coloring books for the kids
-good book for you
-Important documents in waterproof container
-Cell phones with extra battery
-Traditional corded telephone
-Check home insurance.
From experience have rags and mops at the ready, because with hard enough wind and rain, it'll find a way in. I recommend placing some sandbags in front of the doors and trying to seal up the window cracks with gorilla tape. Always keep a window on the leeward side open to prevent pressure buildup. I've seen a window mounted air-conditioner fly five feet after we closed all the windows. Have lots of entertainment for the kids to keep their minds off of what's going out outside, and have a good book or two for you.
Again this is just to get you started. I'm sure you already have a lot of this laying around the house already. It’s just a matter of putting it all together and slapping a "Typhoon kit" label on it to make it official. I'm just hoping that reading this has got your hamster spinning his little wheel or the mental juices flowing. Please feel free to let me know what you think and if you can share your kit.
A really great link about Typhoon/Hurricane preparedness:
Modernsurvialblog.com
Guam is located in "Typhoon Alley", which averages about 31 typhoons a year. In 2011 alone, there have been 34 storms ranging from tropical depressions to category 5 super typhoons. Fortunately, Guam has not been impacted by a typhoon since 2002. Almost a decade without a typhoon to prepare for, I'm sure a lot of people are not ready due to complacency. For a prepper a typhoon or hurricane is an easy one to prepare for. Most items needed, a prepper will usually have and will have a backup, and a backup to the backup. I don't remember where I read the saying, but it goes; “One is none, two is one". I've also read about the one third failure factor. The one third failure factor is having three options, and it’s pretty much a guarantee that two options will fail on you. Leaving you with, you guessed it, one third.
Typhoon/hurricane preparedness is a good gateway into overall prepping and survival. Prepare yourself for a typhoon now and just build upon that. Typhoon prep this month, earthquake prep the next, then fire and tsunami. So by the time that SHTF (Shit hits the fan), you'll be ahead of the game, while the masses are out trying to get what you compiled in months, in a couple of hours. I'm sure even those who have been at it for a while don't mind comparing notes and going through their inventory. Just in case they have missed something or replace gear with something that's more efficient, takes up less space, is lighter and so on.
Now for those of us that are relatively new to prepping and just getting started, it’s nice to have things broken down "barney style". The basics of any preparedness or survival situation are food, water, shelter, health and tools. Below is a list, which in no way a complete list, of items that you should have to start out with. Do not go out and get everything at one time. Evaluate your financial situation and make a plan to buy an item or two every pay day. That way when a warning for a typhoon is given you'll be ahead of the pack and won't break the bank trying to get everything. I won’t go into depth about what types of food to buy and store. For now, just buy more of what you eat. An extra can of spam, corn and mandarin oranges every pay day is a good start. (Just an example).
Food:
-Enough for 3 to 7 days:
- Non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
- Foods for infants or the elderly
- Snack foods
- Non-electric can opener
-cooking tools / fuel (propane, charcoal)
- Paper plates / plastic utensils
-Pet food (don't forget the pets)
Water:
-1 to 2 gallons per person per day
-Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water for bathing, flushing toilets, and cleaning, but do not drink this water.
Health:
-First aid kit
-Prescription medications for at least a week
Tools:
-candles
-flashlights
-Regular flashlights
Battery operated/dynamo AM-FM radio (with Weather-Alert)
-lanterns
-Duct tape
-matches/lighters
-cooler with ice
-batteries (all required sizes)
-rags and mops
Shelter:
-Bring in/secure all loose objects around the house.
-Close shutters, but if none, placing plywood over the windows always works.
Other Misc:
-Cash ($500) Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
-Full tanks of gas.
-Entertainment:
-board games and coloring books for the kids
-good book for you
-Important documents in waterproof container
-Cell phones with extra battery
-Traditional corded telephone
-Check home insurance.
From experience have rags and mops at the ready, because with hard enough wind and rain, it'll find a way in. I recommend placing some sandbags in front of the doors and trying to seal up the window cracks with gorilla tape. Always keep a window on the leeward side open to prevent pressure buildup. I've seen a window mounted air-conditioner fly five feet after we closed all the windows. Have lots of entertainment for the kids to keep their minds off of what's going out outside, and have a good book or two for you.
Again this is just to get you started. I'm sure you already have a lot of this laying around the house already. It’s just a matter of putting it all together and slapping a "Typhoon kit" label on it to make it official. I'm just hoping that reading this has got your hamster spinning his little wheel or the mental juices flowing. Please feel free to let me know what you think and if you can share your kit.
A really great link about Typhoon/Hurricane preparedness:
Modernsurvialblog.com
Sunday, October 30, 2011
So you made the decision to start taking more control of your own fate, but don't know where to start. Prepping can be an overwhelming and daunting task, but if you start small and with a plan, it doesn't have to be. Well what better place to start then with what you carry everyday. Your every day carry (EDC), does not have to include all the lastest and most expensive gadgets on the market, but it can if you have the money and don't mind carrying it around with you. My idea of an EDC is exactly what you carry on your person, not in a bag. That goes into another topic of the EDC-Bag, which I'll go more in depth later on. For now just what you carry in your pockets, on your wrists, and maybe around your neck. I only stress what's on you because if for whatever reason you have to put your bag down or you're separated from it. All you have left is what is on you. Some important core elements that I feel should be included in every EDC is a flashlight, multi-tool/knife, watch, and a lighter Below is my latest EDC.
Clockwise. My EDC is Oakley Half Jackets XLJ's. Natural Ice medicated chapstick. A cheap notebook that for taking notes and sketches, that can fit in my back pocket. A Pilot G2 pen. A good disposable pen, cause you always need a pen when you don't have one. A slim Van's card carrier. I like how slim it is because it allows me to carry it together with my little notebook in my back pocket. A SOG Trident Tanto mini, which I carry in my other back pocket. Currently I carry my keys on a separable key ring. It separates my car keys from the other keys that I need. On my keys is a key fob that I made out of 550 paracord. You can never have enough 550 cord handy. There are so many ways that it can be utilized. Again another topic for another day. Also on my key chain is a Steamlight Nano. Very powerful light for its size, which is great because I carry my keys IN my pocket and cuts down on the bulk. Lastly on my keys is a P38, because I can't remember how many times I needed a can opener and there were only broken ones around. Not pictured is my Casio G-Shock Mudman GW-9000A, and a 550 paracord bracelet, which I forgot to take off for the picture. Oh and also my Motorola Defy which I used to take the picture with, encased in a Otter Box. In no way is my EDC set or perfect. It all depends on your preferences. Another item that I'm definitely going to add in the near future is a Split Pea lighter from CountyComm.com and maybe change out my SOG or add a small multi-tool.
Some great websites/blogs about EDC's:
everyday-carry.com
edc-blog.com
edcreviews.blogspot.com
edcforums.com
edcdepot.com
Some great websites/blogs about EDC's:
everyday-carry.com
edc-blog.com
edcreviews.blogspot.com
edcforums.com
edcdepot.com
Monday, October 24, 2011
Welcome to the Guam Prepper Network blog.
The mission of the Guam Prepper Network is to provide a resource for those that want to share their knowledge of survival and prepping on Guam and to help others to be more prepared for emergencies and disasters.
What is a prepper? Someone who recognizes the need to prepare in advance, prior to any emergency or natural disaster occurring.
Surviving and prepping really started for me after the Japan
Saturday, October 22, 2011
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