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SHTF

Be prepared for when the SHTF. Contingencies, back up plans, security, first aid and hygiene considerations.

How to Make Your own Emergency Water Well

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In areas where water is scarce or contaminated, an emergency well can mean the difference between life and death. Here are some tips on how to make your own emergency water well.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need water and there is no clean water source nearby, you can make an emergency well. This type of well will probably not be suitable for long-term use, but it will provide you with enough water to get by in a pinch.

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Emergency wells are a vital part of disaster preparedness

When disaster strikes, access to clean water is essential for survival. Emergency wells can provide a much-needed source of water in the event of a natural disaster or man-made crisis.

Emergency wells are typically shallow, hand-dug wells that can be quickly and easily constructed with minimal equipment. They can be used to provide water for drinking, cooking, and basic sanitation needs.

While emergency wells are not intended to be a long-term solution, they can be a lifesaving measure in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Having an emergency well in place can make all the difference in surviving and recovering from a catastrophic event.

How to make an emergency well

If you find yourself without access to clean water, one option is to build an emergency well.

It’s a fairly simple but physically demanding process that anyone can do with the right materials and a little bit of know-how.

Here’s how to make an emergency well:

  1. Find a suitable location for your well where you think there may be underground water. Look for an area that is lower than the surrounding land, as water will tend to collect in these areas. It should also be away from any sources of contamination, such as sewage or chemical runoff.
  2. Dig a hole that is at least 10 feet deep. In some areas you may need to go down 25 feet. The deeper the hole, the cleaner the water will be. Using an auger digging drill will make the job a whole lot easier.
  3. Cover the bottom with gravel or sand to help filter the water as it rises up through the filter medium.
  4. Line the hole with rocks or bricks to help keep the sides from caving in if you plan to use the well on a longer term basis.
  5. Insert PVC tubing into the hole. Make sure the tubing extends up above the ground level so you can attach a pump later on. Use a screen or cloth at the bottom of the pipe to keep dirt and debris from entering your well. This will help keep contaminants from seeping into the water.
  6. Attach a hand pump or other type of small water pump to the tubing and start pumping!
  7. Old timers would dig a deep well wide enough to put a bucket or other container down into the hole to collect the water as it seeps in. For this type of well, you would need to place a lid or cover over the top of the well to keep out debris and animals.

You can also buy ready-made water well drilling kits to make the job even simpler.

Emergency wells can be an essential part of being prepared for a disaster

An emergency water well is a great way to ensure that you have a fresh water supply in case of an emergency where your primary water source is cut off.

An emergency well can give you the peace of mind that you need to know that you and your family will have access to life-sustaining water.

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10 Emergency Lights for When the Power Goes Out

10 Emergency Lights for When the Power Goes Out

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oil lamp in woods

Light is an essential part of our daily life that we usually take for granted. But what if a natural disaster or other type of emergency happens and your power goes out? What would YOU do for emergency lights in a grid-down situation such as an EMP or natural disaster?

In this article we’re going to discuss some easy and affordable emergency lighting for the home to use when the lights go out!

Here’s the Prepping World list of 10 light sources for when the power goes out!

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Oil Lamps

Oil lamps have been used for lighting for many hundreds of years. They were the primary light source for our ancestors before the advent of electrical power.

Oil lamps come in all different types of shapes and sizes, so you can pick the one(s) with the appearance and features that you prefer.

We’ve picked up several cool old oil lamps at flea markets and antique stores.

You’ll want to have plenty of lamp oil on hand, and some extra wicks to replace the ones that get used up.

Make sure you use oil specifically made for burning indoors or you’ll have a smoky and potentially dangerous room.

Candles

This one seems pretty obvious, but your prepping stash should contain a lot of candles.

Candles burn for quite a while, are affordable, and very easy to use.

Having some type of candle holder to keep the candle upright and collect dripping wax is a great idea. A glass -walled candle lantern is also great for keeping stray objects out of the flame, and will also protect the flame from breezes.

Make sure you have a good supply of lighters and/or matches!

Alcohol Lamps

Alcohol lamps are similar to oil lamps, but as the name suggests, the fuel source is alcohol.

While all alcohol is flammable, you’ll want to use at least 95% ethanol for best results. The flame is clear and bright, and may also be used for cooking since it gets very hot.

Alcohol lamps are inexpensive and a great option for emergency lighting.

Olive Oil

Another option for emergency lighting when the power goes out is to use olive oil as fuel. All you need is a lamp with a wick, and some olive oil.

To use olive oil as a fuel, fill the lamp with oil so that the wick is saturated. Then, light the wick and allow it to burn until it burns out on its own.

Watch video to learn how to protect from an EMP

Olive oil is a great emergency lighting option because it is easy to find and it burns cleanly.

Solar Yard Lights

If you don’t already have some solar yard or garden lights at your house, you’ve probably seen them in your neighbor’s yard.

These simple devices are placed in the ground lining sidewalks or in garden areas. Using renewable solar energy, they provide a decent amount of light. As long as you have sunlight, they will last for years.

If the power goes out and you don’t have other lighting available, bringing in a few of these lights from your yard at night can give you another emergency lighting source for your home.

Solar yard lights are a great emergency lighting option

Phone Flashlights

Everyone knows to have a few flashlights around your house for portable lighting, but did you know that most phones also come with a flashlight function?

Different phones have different ways of activating the flashlight feature. With some phones, you open the phone’s camera and turn on the camera light.

Other phones may already have an app to use your camera light as a flashlight, or you may need to download one.

using flashlight on smart phone

As a bonus tip, a phone can also be used to signal for help. If you are lost out in the woods or mountains, go to a high hill and flash the camera light to attract the notice of rescuers.

Solar Powered Lanterns

Another great emergency light source is a solar powered lantern.

These are very popular for use with camping when you need some light to use in a tent at night.

Renewable lighting options are ideal since they last so much longer than non-renewable lights like candles and oil lamps.

Glow Sticks

Remember those fun glow sticks that kids use at night?

Glow sticks come in all shapes and sizes and tend to be very affordable. You can even find them at places like Dollar Tree!

You can even get super-sized glow sticks that reportedly last for over 12 hours.

Shortening

Another little-known fuel source is shortening.

Like olive oil, shortening can be used in a lamp with a wick to provide a flame. Depending ont the purity of the shortening, it may be a little smoky when lit.

To use shortening as a fuel, first fill a clean can with solid shortening. Place the can in a well-ventilated area and heat it until the shortening melts. Use caution when handling the hot can.

using shortening for fuel

Once the shortening has melted, dip a wick into the melted shortening and then place the wick into an empty candle holder. Allow the wick to soak up the shortening for several minutes before lighting it.

Depending on how much shortening you use, the it should burn for several hours.

Crayons

The tenth and final item to use for emergency lighting is crayons.

Crayons are made of wax, which makes them ideal for burning. They can be lit easily and will burn for a long time. Crayons can provide enough light to help you find your way in the dark.

Simply light the end of a crayon and hold it up to a wall or ceiling for a small area of light. Be careful, though, as the hot wax will melt and drip down.

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If you have kids at home, you may already have a supply of crayons. Crayons are great not only for kids but even many adults enjoy using crayons with coloring pages. This would be a great way to pass the time during a power outage.

Final thoughts on emergency lighting options

Giving some thought to emergency lighting will help you be prepared for when the power goes out.

There are several ways to light up a room or provide a source of light to see in the dark. Using one of the different types of emergency lights discussed above, you’re sure to find at least one that best suits your needs.

What is an EMP? And is it Dangerous?

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solar flare causing EMP
Solar storms can produce damaging EMPs

An electromagnetic pulse (abbreviated EMP) is an intense and sudden burst of electromagnetic energy. EMPs can damage electronic equipment by frying circuits and disrupting communication.

An EMP could be created by a ground-level nuclear detonation, a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse weapon, or a solar storm (also known as a geomagnetic disturbance).

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Are nuclear EMPS an urgent threat to the USA?

There is no clear consensus on whether or not nuclear EMPs pose an immediate threat to the USA. Some experts believe that an EMP could cause major damage if it were to detonate in the country, while others say that the risk is negligible.

There are many factors that would determine the seriousness of an EMP impact, including how many nuclear explosions took place, how strong they were, and where they occurred.

The U.S. government conducted a hearing in 2015 to discuss this threat and steps needed to prepare and prevent EMP damage.

Is an EMP dangerous?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as the potential consequences of an EMP event depend on a number of factors, including the exact nature of the EMP attack and the location of the target.

However, in general, an EMP attack is potentially very dangerous because it can damage or even completely destroy electronic equipment and networks on a widespread basis, disrupting communications and the electrical power grid, severely impacting the ability of people to work and live effectively.

A strong geomagnetic disturbance from a solar storm hit the Canadian electrical grid in the late 1980s, causing a blackout across the entire province of Quebec.

Will cars function after an EMP?

It is not totally clear what impact an EMP would have on the function of cars, although sensitive electronic components would be most vulnerable.

Cars are designed with a limited life span in mind, so it is unlikely that they would last indefinitely after exposure to an EMP. Older cars are likely to fare the best under the stress of an EMP.

Some car manufacturers have stated that their vehicles are designed to survive up to 15 seconds of exposure to an EMP. However, after 15 seconds of sustained electromagnetic pulses, the electrical and electronic systems within a car may start to fail.

One review suggests that most cars will survive an EMP, and that damage may be minimal and more along the lines of minor functional disruption.

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How can a Faraday cage protect devices from a nuclear EMP?

Since an EMP is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is capable of damaging or destroying electronic equipment, finding ways to shield sensitive equipment is highly desirable.

A Faraday cage is a type of enclosure that can protect electronic devices from an EMP attack.

EMPs are created when a nuclear weapon is detonated or a solar flare generates geomagnetic disturbances. The explosive energy from the detonation or flare then creates a powerful electromagnetic field that can damage or destroy electronic equipment.

Faraday cages are designed to protect electronic devices from the damaging EMP field. The metal walls of the cage create a barrier that prevents the EMP field from destroying the devices that are shielded inside.

Faraday bags are also available to shield sensitive devices from EMP exposure.

Can an EMP damage powered-off electronics?

An EMP attack irradiates electronic equipment with high-energy particles, disrupting its operation. In extreme cases, this may cause the entire device to fail.

While it is not totally clear that that an EMP can damage electronics that have been turned off, it’s certainly possible that a powered-off device would be affected.

Can an EMP damage batteries?

An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) can damage batteries leading to device damage or failure.

Although an EMP may be unlikely, it is still possible, so if possible store your batteries in a Faraday cage.

Can a nuclear EMP damage solar panels?

Solar panels work by using sunlight to create electric currents that power devices like your appliances or your car. A nuclear EMP could damage these solar panels, reducing their efficiency and causing them to stop working. If this happens when you are relying on your solar panels to power your home, you could be in for a difficult and expensive repair, not to mention the loss of power provided by your solar panels.

Final thoughts on EMPs

While the risks of electromagnetic pulses causing widespread severe damage may be relatively low, there is still the possibility of EMPs from either nuclear attack or natural solar flares.

Preppers should evaluate their supplies and take steps to protect their radios, computers, and other vulnerable electronic devices.

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Nuclear Bomb Radiation Supplements

What to do With Your Poo When SHTF

Nuclear Bomb Radiation Supplements

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Our personal planned supplement regimen in the event of a local nuclear missile strike.

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As part of our prepping regimen, we have on hand a specific set of targeted nutritional supplements and pills that reportedly help prevent or reduce the severity of nuclear radiation exposure.

This is based on our personal research and is not intended to be taken as medical advice.

For a quick way to determine the level of radiation to which you’ve been exposed, a simple personal radiation detector can help. I have several of these portable detectors.

nuclear mushroom cloud

1. Potassium Iodide

Potassium iodide is a form of iodine that may prevent radioactive iodine (also known as I-31), which is found in nuclear energy, from being taken up by the thyroid gland.

The following are recommended doses for potassium iodide to prevent thyroid damage from radioactive iodine:

  • Newborn to one month old – 16 mg (one-half of a 32.5 mg tablet)
  • One month to three years old – 32 mg (one 32.5 mg tablet)
  • Three years to 12 years old, or less than 150 lbs. – 65 mg (two 32.5 mg tablets)
  • 13 years or older, or 150 lbs. or greater (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) – 130 mg (four 32.5 mg tablets)

Many potassium iodide supplements come in tablet form of 32.5 mg per pill. For dosages less than 32 mg, you can cut the tablets to the desired size. (A pill cutter makes dividing pills much easier.) For dosages greater than 32.5 mg, take the number of tablets needed to equal that dose.

It may be best taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset.

The FDA/CDC recommends a single dose of potassium iodide (particularly for newborns and infants) to protect the thyroid from radiation exposure. However, other medical experts recommend taking the above dose once daily for up to 14 days if there is ongoing exposure to dangerous levels of radiation.

Potassium iodide provides the greatest level of protection when taken no more than 24 hours before radiation exposure. If unable to take prior to exposure, take it as soon as possible after exposure.

2. Sodium Alginate

Sodium alginate is a natural substance derived from kelp or brown seaweed.

In addition to radioactive iodine, strontium-90 and cesium-137 are radioactive substances emitted by nuclear explosions.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “oral alginates efficiently binds strontium in the gastrointestinal tract and prevent its absorption.”

Alginate is also reported to help bind cesium-137.

Sodium alginate supplements are readily available. In a pinch, Double Action Gaviscon Antacid may be used as it also contains sodium alginate.

The recommended dose is 800 grams (two 400 mg capsules) twice daily on an empty stomach while radiation exposure continues. It is recommended to take alginate at least 30 minutes apart from supplements or prescription drugs to avoid binding those substances.

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After the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986, alginate and pectin were successfully used to help treat radiation-exposure victims.

You can obtain a combination modified citrus pectin/alginate formula to combine these two radiation-busting supplements. For this specific formula, the manufacturer recommends in the event of radiation exposure starting with 3 capsules twice daily on an empty stomach, at least a half hour before food. Best taken early morning and before bed. If radiation exposure becomes imminent, increase to 4 capsules, three times a day for as long as there is radiation exposure and for 2-4 weeks thereafter, then reduce to 4 capsules twice daily for one month, followed by 3 capsules, twice daily until there are no traces of radiation readings and damage.

3. Modified Citrus Pectin

Modified citrus pectin is naturally derived from the skin and pith of citrus fruits.

It has a number of reported health benefits, not the least of which is the ability to chelate (bind and remove) radioactive particles from the body.

You can use modified citrus pectin by itself to help detoxify from radiation, or combine it with sodium alginate for an extra level of protection.

The recommended dosage for modified citrus pectin is six capsules (4.8 grams) three times a day on an empty stomach. For the modified citrus pectin/sodium alginate formula, see the dosing instructions above under the sodium alginate section.

Other Supplements for Nuclear Radiation Exposure

While the three supplements above are generally accepted as the most important in helping the body resist toxic effects of nuclear radiation exposure, other supplements may help as well.

In particular, according to the Life Extension Foundation, polyphenols are known to “act across a range of biomolecular pathways in the body, including favorable modification of gene expression that protects tissues from ionizing radiation.”

A broad-spectrum formula containing polyphenol-rich nutrients such as quercetin, turmeric and green tea extract may be very helpful in cases of radiation exposure.

Glutathione is considered the “master antioxidant” and is known to help protect again radiation exposure. Glutathione supplements are available and may help the body detox from toxic substances.

Final Thoughts on Using Supplements to Fight Nuclear Radiation Exposure

All of us hope and pray we never encounter high levels of radiation such as those from a nuclear missile strike or nuclear reactor accident.

In the event such health-devastating exposure occurs, you would want to have selected supplements on hand to help your body resist the harmful effects of the radiation.

Read next:

What to do With Your Poo When SHTF

Coconut: The Ultimate Prepping Food?

Shopping at Dollar Tree for Prepping Supplies

Check out Daisy Luther’s awesome prepping course, Bloom Where You’re Planted: 12 Lessons to Help You Get Prepped Where You are Right Now!

What to do With Poo When SHTF

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There is a lot to think about when planning for potential disaster scenarios.

Do I have enough food and access to clean water? What about backup power and heating? Understandably, these are some of the top prepping concerns.

But have you ever considered what you’ll do with your poo when the–uh–stuff hits the proverbial fan? If you live in an off-grid or other scenario where waste is sanitarily disposed via a septic system, then you’re good to go.

But the vast majority of people are used to having their fecal matter conveniently flushed down a public sewage system. For these folks, figuring out how to deal with poop and pee in a disaster situation will soon become a top priority.

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Human Waste can Quickly Spread Disease

You don’t have to look very hard anywhere disasters strike to see that diseases rapidly spread when sanitation is lacking. Whether from an earthquake knocking out power (and thus no running water) or refugees fleeing a war zone, untreated human waste is a primary agent of illness.

Cholera, hepatitis and typhoid are just some of the nasty illnesses that can be spread by improper sanitation methods. Needless to say, there will be enough to worry about in a SHTF scenario without adding disease into the mix.

Changing Your Mindset Regarding Poo

Those of us who are parents likely remember when we first started handling dirty diapers. The smell, the appearance–even the texture–of baby poo was a bit stomach-churning for most.

But with time, holding our noses while wiping the stuff off a smooth baby butt soon became second nature. After all, it’s just a little (or sometimes a lot) of poo, which is the normal and natural end product of digestion.

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And it’s in viewing excrement as a neutral substance–rather than a mortal enemy–that progress with poo will more quickly be made.

The key resource needed to properly deal with poo in a SHTF scenario is not a big holding tank but instead is biological material such as sawdust and dirt.

Compost Your Poo When SHTF

Nearly all gardeners use some type of compost to add nutrient-rich matter to their soil. This compost can be made up of all types of materials, usually plant parts such as leaves and grass. But animal manure (usually cow but chicken, rabbit and goat) may also be composted and actually makes one of the richest composts.

While most of us find the thought of composting human excrement to be incredibly icky, this practice has gained ground in recent years. And in a SHTF scenario, it could solve two really important issues: what to do with your poo, and how to nourish garden soil when commercial fertilizer is unavailable.

How to Compost Human Poo

As mentioned, there’s been a growing trend to turn human excrement into compost. This end product is sometimes called “humanure,” and there’s even been a book written about it!

The bottom-line (pun intended) idea is to turn your waste into a biodegradable renewable resource. Here are the basic steps involved with composting human poo.

The first step with composting human poo is having a way to collect it.

While some human poo composters have fancy composting toilets, the most common collection device is a plain five-gallon plastic bucket. You can create a makeshift toilet seat for the bucket by cutting a foam swimming noodle to a length equal to the circumference of the bucket top, then cutting half-way into the piece lengthwise. Finally, fit the modified swim noodle piece onto the bucket as a cushy for your tushie. You can also buy premade seats for convenience.

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Before using your bucket for the first time, put a layer of high-carbon organic plant matter (such as wood shavings, sawdust, shredded paper, or mulch) in the bottom. Ideally this matter should be composed of different-sized materials for the best aeration. Keep a bucket filled with this material near your poo bucket and add another layer of matter each time after you go. Keep the bucket covered when not in use.

When doing your business, it’s best to keep pee out of the poop bucket (toilet paper is fine and don’t worry if some pee makes it in there). Pee is actually sterile and is fine to pour outside as fertilizer for your lawn.

Put your new poo in a compost bin or large trash can

Once your bucket is nearly full, it’s time to take it outside (with the lid tightly sealed, of course). The two most popular options for turning poo into finished compost are a compost bin or a large plastic trash can with wheels.

You can create a makeshift compost bin by placing wood pallets upright, forming a square. Use twine, wire or zip ties to hold the pallets together.

Another option for composting is to use a large (the bigger the better) plastic trash can with wheels. If you go this route, you’ll need to drill a hole near the bottom of the can to allow drainage of excess fluid (installing a spigot is ideal).

How to layer your compost bin or trash can

Before adding your first bucket of poo, put a layer of sticks on the bottom of the compost bin or trash can, then some dry material such as leaves or straw. If using a trash can, you’ll also wants to loosely tie together a small but long bundle of sticks inserted vertically into one corner of the can to promote aeration.

The layering process is fairly forgiving but basically involves a bottom layer of sticks, a layer of dry plant material, a bucket of poo, and a layer of plant material such as leaves, dry grass, cardboard, or kitchen scraps. You’ll want to dig in and form a “crater” in the center of the compost bin in which you pour the poo bucket each time, then cover the new deposit with pre-existing compost material.

Don’t turn or otherwise disturb the compost material other than scraping back the top layer when adding new buckets of poo.

If the pile seems too dry, you can add some pee or graywater. Compost forms best when adequately moist but not drenched. If the pile is too damp, add more dry material.

After emptying your poo bucket, add a little water and liquid soap to the bucket and swipe it out with a toilet brush, then repeat the process.

If pests are an issue with your bin, put a wire cover over it.

If all of this seems too complicated, you can always buy a ready-to-use composting toilet!

How long does it take for compost to form?

Placing your compost bin or trash can in a warm location will accelerate the process of microbes breaking down the poo and plant material, turning them into rich compost that can be used for gardening. It is important that the stuff get hot enough long enough to kill any potentially bad pathogens that could be lurking around. A compost thermometer is perfect for monitoring the temperature.

There is no hard and fast rule as to how long it takes compost to form. Things like outdoor air temperature, rain amounts, and the types of plant matter used all affect how quickly the compost material will become ready to use in your garden. A general guideline is that it takes about one year to make sure the compost gets thoroughly heated enough to kill any bad bugs, then cools and goes through the natural decomposition process of making usable compost.

Final thoughts

Knowing how to handle human excrement in a SHTF situation can make all the difference between staying healthy and succumbing to waste-borne diseases. While not everyone may be in a situation to compost their poo, this option will be viable and practical for many people.

Whether you choose to compost poo in a standalone bin or in a garbage can, doing so will both take care of a potential waste problem and also provide valuable soil enrichment for gardens when commercial fertilizers are not available.

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