Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Expedient Water Collection, One Method

Welcome Preppers and Survivalists,

It is very important for preppers to store water, but sooner or later your family's stored water will run out, so you will need to collect water.

There are many methods of collecting water for your family to use. One of the easiest ways is to collect rainwater. In most cases, rainwater is ready to drink.

One way of collecting rainwater is to use a blue trap. Now, you don't have to use a blue tarp; you can use a sheet of plastic or a poncho to collect the rainwater.

First, you will need to collect your supplies. You will need a sheet of plastic or a tarp, 4 pieces of strong string, four poles/posts, and a bucket. Pretty simple especially if you click on the picture on the left for a larger view.

To build, sink the four posts into the ground. You need to make sure the posts go in pretty deep. The posts and the string will have to hold the weight of the rainwater and also survive any wind gusts.

Next, tie the two high corners to the post with strong string. I used 550 cord. You don't need to use 550 cord; any strong string will work. After that, tie the tarp's two lower corners to the posts. Notice I tried to form a 'V' at the bottom. The 'V' directs the water into the bucket.

If you don't have a bucket, place the posts closer together and make all four corners the same height. The tarp will hold the water until you can empty it. Make sure you use strong string because a gallon of water weighs 8 pounds (4 liters weigh about 3.6 kilos)

Possible Modifications

You don't need four poles; you just need four places close enough together to tie the string to hold the tarp up. I have used trees (watch out for leaves and sticks), a fence and two poles, and ... your imagination.

As I wrote in the article, you can use a poncho, sheet of plastic, metal roofing, or anything that can be cleaned enough to collect water. Be reasonable with your imagination; you don't want to use anything dangerous that will leech chemicals into you collected water.

Kiddie pools, food-grade 5-gallon buckets, a hole lined with another tarp are some of the things that could be substituted for a bucket. Heck, if you don't mind getting wet, you could fill individual canteens as the water flows down the poncho.

550 cord, shoe laces, an electric cord from a lamp are some substitutions. If you use wooden poles, you could use nails to hold the tarp to the poles.

Lastly, if your plastic sheet or tarp doesn't have holes along the edges (grommets), you will have to use a technique I learned from M4040's "Tarp Shelter" page.

First, lay out your tarp. Next, put a stone or rock in the corner.

After you do that, fold the corner over the rock and tie a loop around the plastic sheet

Then tie it to your post.

Yes, I know; I used a bed sheet for my explanation but it works for plastic sheeting, too.

M4040 - Home

M4040 - Tarp Shelter

Monday, November 29, 2010

Bugging Out With Kids: Child Carriers

A reader asked my thoughts on worst case scenario bugging out – on foot using Bug out Bags (BoB) and having to carry small children. In the past I’ve written about BoB outfitting with children in mind and strollers and trailers for that purpose, but not baby or child carriers.
Our plans are nothing special in this regard; if we had to bug out on foot (no stroller/trailer), my wife would use a Baby Bjorn carrier (on first, goes to the front) to carry our youngest child in front, and a normal day pack (on second) with mainly food and baby items. Pack on last in-case it needs to be removed fast to run/hide.
I would have our main BoB (meant for all of us-inventory not current!). Our other child could walk some, but I’d have to carry as well. This would be slow going, perhaps 3-6 miles per day.
We’ve used the Baby Bjorn quite a bit and like its functionality and simplicity, but probably most other brands are similar. In an emergency situation you could probably modify a day pack to serve as a baby/child carrier with a few holes cut and some extra padding (but be careful not to cutoff circulation).
The reader specifically mentioned the Performance Ergo Carrier, which looks like a great buy and is able to accommodate toddlers and small children as well as infants (with an insert).
There are also backpacks for carrying children, some of which also have cargo areas. I think if we were to buy a specialized pack, it might be one of those (see REI for examples). The can get pricey (though the Kelty’s look very reasonable) and may not be for infants under six months or so.
I don’t have any specific recommendation on packs except to carry more than just the child if possible, at the very least a fanny pack with the bare minimum emergency supplies should you become separated from your significant other.
Things to consider when selecting a pack system; how much the person carrying the baby/child is able to carry, if they prefer front or back carry, and what sort of other gear (if any) they’ll need to carry.

Trade Goods for PSHTF?

Any ideas for trade goods post SHTF?

Food, ammo, etc. are easy to think of, but any others?

So far, I've thought of

1. Hand Cranked Radios and Flashlights
2. Cement (Apparently very energy intensive to manufacture)
3. Salt
4. Tarps
5. Sleeping Bags
6. Whisky/beer/Cigs/tobacco
7. Heirloom seeds
8. Hand tools
9. Condoms/tampons/toilet paper
0. Wind-up watches
1. Batteries
2. Rechargeable batteries, Solar panel recharging system
3. Water Purifiers
4. Tents
5. That Iodine that protects the thyroid from radiation...Iodoral?
6. Still materials...copper pipe, burners, etc.
7. Advil, Aspirin etc.

Much of this can be bought now, and cheaply but would be impossible to obtain PSHTF...any other ideas or inputs?

Dental Care After TSHTF

I first read about this product over at What If It Is Today. I decided to check my local Wal-Mart and sure enough they carried the same product.
dental emergenccy, survival, preparedness, dentist, DenTek Temparin Max Lost Filling & Loose Cap RepairDenTek Temparin Max Lost Filling & Loose Cap Repair
A dental problem after TSHTF would be quite a problem and for most – there just will be little to be done about it but suffer. This small kit might under – the right circumstances - provide some relief. An additional item such as Anbesol would also go well with some dental supplies.
Here is some detailed information and directions as they appear on the packaging:

DenTek Temparin Max Lost Filling & Loose Cap Repair Designed to repair with the same ingredients dentists use. This is a temporary remedy meant to replace a lost filling, cap, crown or inlay until you have a chance to visit your dentist and should only be removed by a dental professional.
  • Maximum strength complete repair
  • Instant pain relief
  • Fast drying no mix
  • Safe to eat on
  • Clinically proven
  • 10+ repairs
  • Longer applicator easily reaches back teeth
To replace a lost filling: Wash the cavity area with warm water. Scoop a small amount of temparin max from the vial, and roll into a ball between fingers. Slightly over fill the cavity with Temperin max and tamp into place with a cotton swab moistened with water. Close your teeth together, as if you were biting down on a piece of paper, and gently chew or grind on the replaced filling a couple of times to create a comfortable bite. Use a moist cotton swab to remove excess Temparin max from around the area. Moisture will accelerate the set. Temparin max will set softly in your mouth within a few minutes, but avoid chewing on the repair for 2 -3 hours to allow the material to fully set. To secure loose crowns, caps or inlays: Try the crown, cap, or inlay first to see if you can fit it accurately back onto the tooth surface. If you are not able to do so, then do not proceed further. If the crown has a post attached to it or if there is tooth surface remaining inside the crown, Temparin max may not adhere. Carefully rinse the tooth area and the inside of the crown, cap, or inlay with warm water, and do not dry. Scoop a small amount of Temparin max from the vial, roll into a ball between fingers, and place evenly inside the crown, cap, or inlay. Place the crown, cap, or inlay on the tooth and bite down, apply pressure to push into position. Temparin max will begin to harden within a few minutes, but avoid chewing on the repair for at least 2 -3 hours to allow the material to set. Use a tooth brush to gently clear away excess material from around the crown, cap, or inlay.

It is highly recommended that all dental “needs” be taken care of now – while it is still possible. I now have this DenTek Temparin Max as part of my medical supplies along with some Anbesol. I hope I do not have to use either.
Take care all -
© 2010, ModernSurvivalOnline.com. All rights reserved.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Creating a Survival Cache

Is it time to "Get Outta Dodge"?
bug out route, survival cachePlace a survival cache along your bug out route
  • first aid kit
  • MRE’s
  • small fire starting kit (matches/lighters)
  • knife
  • duct tape
  • handgun
  • ammo
  • spare clothes
Speaking of containers………..
My first one is pictured below:
Other potential containers are military ammo cans:
ammo box, survival cache
© 2010, ModernSurvivalOnline.com. All rights reserved.

What does it mean to be prepared?

To me being prepared means a number of different things.

Emergency School Backpack Survival Kit Thoughts

Suppose something catastrophic happened while your kids were at school.  They are there a good part of the day, right?  Unless you home school which would solve this little dilemma for you.  But the majority of us send our kids off to school somewhere every weekday.

We already have a plan in place with the kids that they stay at school with their class/teacher/principal and mom or dad will come get them, but I've been thinking about this some and considering a small packet of "stuff" that could go in their school backpack without taking up much space/weight and give them some survival gear if they had to be stranded at school for a while or hike themselves home.  I haven't done anything about putting one together yet.  I have too many questions that I want answers to first. Like these:

What "emergency" would warrant them actually having to stay at the school for longer than a day?  There was a school last winter that the kids had to stay the night due to a snowstorm making the roads unsafe, but what situations might warrant a longer stay? Our school is easily within walking distance from our house, so under what circumstances would we not be able to get down there or my kids not be permitted to just come home?

This year they are all at the same school, but next year the oldest is headed to the Jr High which is another mile or so farther from the house.  Still walkable, but they won't all be together.  And once they get to High School, that's about 12 miles from the house in a different direction than the other two schools and they won't all be there together either.  Does who is in what school and the location of the school in relation to my house change my plan/strategy and what kind of stuff they might need in their backpack?  Probably.

What does the school have to take care of their students if there is an emergency?  Do the classrooms or faculty have emergency supplies?  I know the lunch room is usually well enough stocked to get through a couple of days of feeding kids as long as there was power to cook the stuff.  But do I trust someone else to take care of my kids in a situation like that?  Or do I want them to have something in their backpack for themselves just in case?

Would they ever consider evacuating the school, and if yes under what circumstances, to where, and for how long?

Would the kids get expelled or something ridiculous if they were found in possession of a firestarting kit?

I guess my main question is if there is even a need for them to have gear in their backpack since the school is so close and our family plan is for mom or dad to come get them at the school if something happens.  I just like to have options and give them security.  I'm not home all day every day, so in some situations it might take a while for either me or dad to get to the school.

What do you think?  And if you would or do send survival gear with your kids to school, what should be included?

How to Prevent Infection in Wounds | eHow.com

 Sometimes the littlest things can cause the biggest problems. I was working around the house and was moving somethings around in the shed. I picked up a fishing rod and the hook broke free and jabbed me in the finger. The puncture was so small I thought nothing of it and kept doing my thing. Two days later my finger ballooned and started throbbing. The end result, as seem in this picture, was for the doctor to rip my fingernail off and lance the bottom portion of my finger in order to allow the infection to drain our of my finger. I've included a link to eHow that discusses how to prevent infections in wounds. With the infections becoming more resilient and less reactive to antibiotics this is something everyone, including myself, should take more seriously.

How to Prevent Infection in Wounds | eHow.com
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Saturday, November 27, 2010

Guest Post: P.O.W. Camp Barter Items

     If you like reading about  barter  goods, you will find more articles   here.
     During a crisis or collapse, many would have to resort to barter.
     Barter has been discussed back and forth with everyone throwing in their two cents on what would be good barter items.
     In German POW camps during WWII, the top three barter items were:
  1. Cigarettes.  Keep in mind that they do turn stale.  Additionally many less people smoke today than sixty five years ago, on a percentage basis.   Store tobacco seeds and then grow it after the SHTF. 
  2. Soap.  This is going to be one of the things that everyone forgets about, (probably because of its non-glamorous nature) or does not have enough of.   I would rather stock lots of bars than try to make it.
  3. Chocolate.  Definitely!  There are hordes of sugar addicts today.  Take a look at the candy aisles at Wal Mart.  If they were not selling all that junk, it would not be there.  Stock lots and lots of chocolate!  And sugar!   Learn to be a Bee keeper.
     Of the three items, using a contrarian viewpoint, soap would be the best item.  How many times have you read that someone is stockpiling bars of soap?  Hardly ever.  Stock the item that will be in short supply and high demand.

     If you liked this article please visit: New Dawn Survival.
     I want to thank Andrew for allowing me to post this at his website.

9 Things to Consider Before You Ever Grow a Survival Garden


Variables to Consider When Growing a Survival Garden


"Bugout Versus Hunker" Short Story by Christopher Young - Chapter 6

Charles heard the cellar door open. The scamper of
little feet came up the stairs. Pink mittens and boots
and pink princess coats went scattered every where. The
hearty pink cheeks held big smiles. "Lookit, lookit!"
small voices chirped. They had built a snow man in the
back yard. Mom reminded them to hang up their coats and
hats and gloves. So they would be dry for the next time.
Dad silently wondered when they would next be able to go
shop for clothes. Dad looked out the window. Sure enough,
there was a snowman. They must have worked hard, at that.
Mom straightened their hair, and sent them to get ready
for a bath. The water heater was natural gas, and they
still had hot water. But for how long, no one knew. Good
thing the laundry was done.

They had called work. They got a busy signal several
times. Finally, someone answered. As they expected,
work was closed, until the electricity came back on.
The table radio was talking, in the kitchen. The
reporter was telling how the riots continued in the
cities. The hungry people were demanding that the
government "do something". They had set up feeding
centers in a couple of the schools and public buildings.
But, there was little they could do without electricity.
They handed out MRE and government cheese, until that
ran out. The government food ran out very quickly.
Charles remarked, that it looks like it's going to get

"What's worse?" his youngest daughter asked. "Well,
Princess. It's hard to explain, but it means that the
adults in the world are misbehaving. They need to act
better. "Do they need a spanking?" she asked. Charles
smiled, and nodded yes. "You will have to help make up
for it, by being extra good for a while. Things like
remember to hang up to your coat, and keep things neat
and clean. You understand?" She nodded yes. Charles
hugged her. Such a gentle spirit.

Butch stood at the edge of the forest. Trying to hide
behind a tree, so he would not be seen. There was his
big, well maintained and perfectly tuned family hauler
truck. Behind the truck was a cop car, with the lights
on. In front of his truck was a tow truck. The scene
was unmistakable. His truck was being towed.

Butch stood for several seconds. The tow driver got
into the cabin, and with a roar of the engine, took
off. With Butch's truck, on the back. The copcar
turned off the lights, and followed behind the tow

Butch slowly walked back towards the camp site. His
wife instantly knew something was wrong. Butch said
"truck got towed". His wife burst into tears. She was
starving hungry. Her feet were wet, and she didn't
have any dry socks. The twins had been whimpering,
and the daughter was wearing her "why did you do this
to me" look. His wife went back into the tent, and
zipped the tent closed. Butch decided to look through
the packs, and through his pockets, and find a way to
make a fire. That was the real priority. In the left
pocket of his coat, he found a magnesium bar, with the
flint on the edge. Now, we're on to something. Butch
reached under his coat, and got the Rambo knife which
he had strapped on. He bent down to the chunk of piney
wood fire log, and started to light it, by scraping the
flint. After several minutes of scraping, still no fire.
But, he had managed to cut his thumb, on his left hand.

Friday, November 26, 2010

7 Special Survival and Preparedness Situations

There are a number of situations for which you may need to alter the "standard" preparedness information you read or learn.  Not every piece of survival advice applies to every family or each individual, and some can even be dangerous in certain situations.  Here's a list of 7 of the more common "kinks in the plan" you may need to consider in your preparations.  Remember these don't just apply to you, but to those you will be caring for also, especially your family members.

1. Food allergies or inability to process certain foods.  This includes things like gluten intolerance and nut allergies. I know a guy who cannot eat green peas or corn.  It causes all kinds of gastrointestinal distress, so guess what's not in his extended food plan.

2. Medical needs.  Is there a medication you need to take every day?  Specific foods you have to eat to keep your body functioning?  Are you or someone you love on oxygen?  Diabetic?  Take medical needs into consideration when you are making your emergency plans.

3. Mobility issues.  Crutches? Wheelchair? Make sure there's a plan in place for emergencies if you have specific limitations on where you are able to go and how you need to get there.

4. Pregnancy.  Expectant mothers need extra food, more frequent meals, and proper vitamins to keep those babies growing right.  Do you get sick much when pregnant?  Crave specific foods?  And the ability to do strenuous work (like cleaning up after a disaster) could be pretty limited from a pregnant lady.  Remember guys, this list applies to your family--you'll likely be the one having to pick up the slack here. ;)

5. Infants.  Babies require a lot.  They need specific foods for proper nutrition and growth.  They are more susceptible to illness and they need protection from the elements in a way that adults don't.  Oh, and they need diapers.  Lots and lots of diapers.  I know that's just a short list, but you get the idea.

6. Toddlers/small children.  These little folks need some special care in your preparedness plans also.  They'll need parents/guardians who can help them remain calm.  They'll only eat certain foods (if they are your kids, you'll probably know their favorites) and don't understand that if you don't eat you don't live, so may be willing to not eat your magical food storage creation because it is strange or different.  They also need protection from the elements similar to babies.  And you may have diaper needs here or potty training regressions in an emergency situation also.

7. Elderly.  A lot of elder care will fall into the medical/mobility sections, but they can also have problems after a disaster with food changes and will to survive.  If you care for an elderly person, make sure to figure their special needs into your emergency plan.

So there are some of the more common special situations that you'll want to consider when you're making your survival plan.  I know we just touched lightly on each of these--we'll probably discuss them in more detail in another post.  And you may have other issues you will need to deal with.  What are your family's special preparedness considerations?

Shelter in Place




To "Shelter In Place And Seal The Room"
  • Bring your family and pets inside.
information from Ready.gov


Butch decided this was a good time to kindle a fire,
and get everyone warmed up. The twins had gone a
couple paces farther into the woods, to perform the
morning piddle. The came back, looking a bit cold
and pale. The daughter asked where was the bathroom.
Butch told her there wasn't a bathroom, and she
wasn't any. She had used the roll of TP for applying
make up. She went and started to unzip Butch's bug
out bag. He knew there was some left over after his
hunting trip, so he didn't say anything. She'd been
a couple McDonalds paper napkins. Well, better than
being stinky.

Butch's wife woke up, with much the same question.
kleenex in the house. She wordlessly tramped off into
the woods, behind her daughter. They would make the
most out of it, until Dad came to his senses.

Butch reached into his already open pack, and pulled
out a Piney Woods fire log. Slipped out his Buck one
handed opening knife, and cut off a big chunk of wax
and sawdust. Reached into his pocket again for his
Zippo ligher. Knelt down to sweep some snow away and
get the fire started. Surely, a fire and some warmth
would make the family's mood improve. About 50 sparks
later, he realized his Zippo was dry. Back to the
pack, and look for the squirt bottle of Ronsonol, to
fill the lighter. The Ronsonol bottle was dry. Well,
the stuff does evaporate. Butch returned to the tent,
to search for another lighter. He didn't have one, he
remembered it ran out of butane  while he was hunting,
and planned to get another one. The kids weren't allowed
to have matches or lighters. He opened his wife's pack.
Plenty of sandwich fixings, but no lighter. She probably
had some gas in the gascan at the truck, and probably
another lighter.

Charles family was enjoying the day home from school
and work. Charles was nervous, he had seen it blowing
in the wind for a while. The government and the world
was getting more unstable as time went on. The govern-
ment kept promising to fix all the various things that
were wrong, but nothing seemed to be gettting better.
They were spending more and more money on recovery, but
there seemed to be precious little recovering going on.
Early in the crisis, Charles had bought a bunch of
canned food. He had brought some home a few cans at
money was tight. He had also encouraged her to bring
home extra food each time she went to the store. They
built a secret room in the cellar, it was behind a
piece of panelling, so it wasn't ovbvious. From what
he could figure, he had about six months food in the
cellar. If they used everything carefully.

The Samurai Sam web site had focused mostly on weapons.
Of course, Sam was interested in the Martial arts. Ninja
techniques, and swords and so on. He had also encouraged
plenty of ammunition. Charles found this interesting. He

Charles took a moment to mentally review the preps
thousand dollars to have it installed. But, it had
provided a bit of heat for the house. He wasn't sure
if the fuel bills were cheaper, after all he did have
to pay for the fire wood to be delivered. He calculated
it one time, and found out that he'd been saving about
kids said it felt warmer when the wood stove was going.
filled the couple barrels. and there was the creek that
ran a couple hundred yards from the house. They would
be okay if the mutant zombies didn't come to town on
motor cycles.

Butch as also mentally reviewing his preps. The tent had
saved them last night. The snow had continued to fall,
And the twins were looking rather cold and pale. He
could salvage. Some fuel for the lighter, and any other
things like sleeping bags.

Butch turned to his wife, and told her that he was
going back to the truck. The twins perked up. Going
stuff out of the truck. The twins were both pale and
starting to shiver in the cold. He explained to them
that he had to go back and get some stuff to light
looked a bit more encouraged, at the thought of
hot food.

Butch tried to remember which direction was the truck.
It had been dark when they arrived, last night. And
the  snow had covered their tracks. He guessed, and
went out in one direction. After about a hundred feet,
he followed his foot prints back to the tent. He then
went out in a different direction. By the next 100
feet, he was panting with exhaustion. The heavy boots,
and uneven terrain were wearing him out. His wife
noticed, and suggested he take one of his heart pills.
that he had left his prescription medicine home. He
he'd taken them on the hunting trip, and the bottles
were empty.

A third trip out to find the truck went in the correct
direction. He traveled slowly the 100 feet to the edge
of the woods. Looking out over the snow was blinding.
The scatter from the sunshine made it nearly impossible

Surviving Your Fears - A Walk in the Dark

Darkness creates a fear that is unique. It seems that we always fear that which we cannot see and when it is hidden by darkness our fear grows even more. Many people seldom experience true darkness but it can be discomforting all the same. With the darkness can come danger, many of these dangers are real and some are merely products of our own imagination. The darkness can also be your friend.
The darkness signals the end of the day and the beginning of a time for rest so that our bodies can renew their energy. It can also come in the form of shade that protects us from the harsh light of the sun. It can also hide us from unwanted attention and allow us to remain unseen and undetected when the need arises. There is a quiet comfort that can be found in the darkness, darkness which is a part of nature and one that is often misunderstood.
Our natural instincts make us seek a source of light almost immediately when the darkness suddenly comes upon us. We don’t see very well in the dark and will quickly seek any source of light available to banish that darkness. A candle, a flashlight or the simple flip of a switch is used to turn the darkness into light. Yet many times we fail to realize our own unique abilities. We have a very unique ability when deprived of one of our senses.
There are a lot of people known as “night owls” who seem to thrive and are often most comfortable at night. They seem to prefer the darkness of night and find it a more comfortable place for them. They embrace the darkness as a part of nature and have become comfortable with its presence. While some people stumble around in the dark, others will quietly move through the darkness as if it were a walk in the park.
Our other senses will begin to compensate for that which we lack. What we cannot see can often be heard or smelled as our other senses becomes more acute so that we can banish the darkness and overcome our fear.
The next time the power goes out or you can’t find your flashlight try taking a walk in the dark.
Got dark?
Staying above the water line!

Preparing for Winter

"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten,
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow"
"With winter right around the corner, it's never too early to start preparing for snowstorms, icy roads, and other types of severe weather," says FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.  "Whether you live in an area that is used to severe winters or not, there are three simple steps all Americans should take to get ready: put together an emergency supply kit, develop a family communications plan, and stay informed about the risks and emergencies in your community." For helpful tips and recommendations see http://www.Ready.gov/america/beinformed/winter.html.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) outlook forecast is that the Pacific Northwest could have a colder and wetter than average winter, while the South may be warmer and drier than usual.  Severe winter weather can include snow or subfreezing temperatures, strong winds and ice or heavy rain storms.  An emergency supply kit both at home and in the car will help prepare people for winter power outages and icy or impassable roads.

  • Ensure your home and car are prepared for the winter weather
  • Buy rock salt to melt ice on walkways
  • Buy sand (we use kitty litter) to improve traction on ice or snow when the car is stuck
  • Purchase snow shovels and other snow removal equipment (keep a small shovel in your car trunk)
  • Have adequate clothing and blankets to help keep you warm.
  • Update your family preparedness plan and contacts list
  • Test your family plan
  • Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government and your children's schools
Bottom Line

Keep informed of weather alerts via TV, radio, email, blackberry, etc. Ensure that you follow at least one of these to get advance notice of the following winter hazards:
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Thursday, November 25, 2010

Deliberate Water Storage, Part 2

Welcome Preppers and Survivalists,

A couple of weeks ago, I gave you some tips on Deliberate Water Storage. I would like to add some more information.

First, any #1 or #2 plastic beverage bottle will work; color doesn't matter. As you can see in the picture to the left, I have three soda bottles, two water bottles, and one Gatorade bottle.

Next, if you can, use only clear plastic beverage bottles. I know, I just said any color will work. That's true.


A clear beverage bottle will allow you to easily see the water in the bottle. When a bottle of water is exposed to light, any light, algae will start to grow. The algae will give the water a light green tint. In a green or blue bottle, you won't notice the water change color.

Next, I used a clean 48 quart cooler to disinfect my containers. First, I washed the cooler with soap and water, rinsed really well with tap water then filled with tap water. Next, I added 12 tablespoons of bleach, since 48 quarts equals 12 gallons.

If you are using your sink to disinfect bottles, you need to wash the sink with soap and water first, rinse, then fill with water and add bleach. Just like above, but watch your amount of chlorine.

Remember, 16 drops of bleach for each gallon of water.

After you make up the sterilizing solution, you need to submerge the bottles and caps (don't forget the caps) in the bleach water for 30-minutes. Make sure there are no air bubbles in the bottles. Air bubbles will allow microorganisms to survive. Yes, this includes the little itty bitty bubbles that seem to form after you have walked away because you have better things to do then look at bottles soaking in a bleach solution.

Not This

Next, a full five-gallon container will weigh 40 pounds (18 kg). You will need an adult or an older teen to carry it from place to place. A 2-liter bottle only weighs 4 pounds (2 kg), so a child could carry the bottle for you.

In the above photo, there are three 5-gallon containers, two jugs and one bucket. The blue jug has a neat feature. It has a spigot that is stored inside the cap, but there is a problem with the design. The cap has a recess that allows dirt and dust to collect in the cap.

To stop the possible contamination of the cap/spigot from dirt and dust, I placed some tape over the recess in the cap.

Lastly, you are going to need something to remove the water from your jugs and/or buckets because a full jug is hard to empty when it is full.

The pump on the left; I bought from Walton Feed for about $13. (You have to download the catalog then search for "pump") The pump on the right; I bought from our local farm and home store for about $3.00.

Stove in a Can

Stores for 5 yrs and burns for 6 hours

  • 1 bottle 70% rubbing alcohol (Isopropyl not ethyl)
  • paint can opener (free from Lowes or Home Depot)
  1. Remove cardboard roll from inside toilet paper and discard
  2. Fold toilet paper to fit inside the paint can
  3. SLOWLY pour rubbing alcohol over toilet paper until covered.


More Books To Download

Ever want to be a cobbler?

How To Make A Shoe

The Art Of Boot And Shoe Making


American Boy's Handybook Of Camplore And Woodcraft



