American Preparatory Academy

12892 S. Pony Express Rd. (Just off of I15 and Bangeter)

Draper, Utah 84020

Click here for more details and to RSVP

Testing seed germination also just happens to be a requirement for the Boy Scouts’ Gardening merit badge, so my son got to do this project for us this year while I took pictures. Here’s how we do it.

1. Gather the seed you want to test. Just for fun, I gave him some cucumber seed I had left from the survival seed can packed for planting in 2000. That’s 12 year old cucumber seed.

2. Count out seeds in a number that is easy to convert to 100. 10, 20, 50, or 100 all work well. The merit badge requirement said to test 100 seeds, so that’s what he counted out.

3. Wet a couple of paper towels, double them over so you have one paper towel worth of space, and lay the seeds on half of that paper towel. The size of paper towel you need will be determined by how many seeds you are testing as well as the size of the seeds. You could also do this with fabric, a kitchen towel, etc. If you are testing large seeds like bean or corn, soak them in a bowl of water overnight first to get them a head start.

I was really surprised at the neat and tidy rows here. This is the same son that leaves socks everywhere he goes and whose room you can’t walk into without stepping on clothes, legos, or books. As expected, the neatness didn’t last and by the end he was just sprinkling the seeds on randomly.

4. Once you have all your seeds on the paper towel, fold it over so the seeds are sandwiched by wet paper towel.

5. Put your paper towel seed package in a plastic bag, make sure the bag has air in it and tie it shut. You are creating a little greenhouse for your seeds.

6. Wait. Some seeds will sprout within a couple of days, others take a week or more. It’s okay to check in on them periodically. When your seeds have sprouted, count up the sprouted seeds. If you tested 100 seeds, this total is your germination rate. If you tested 10, multiply it by 10 to get your rate. If you tested 20, multiply by 5, etc.

We had exactly 11 seeds sprout which equals 11% germination.


In the average gardener’s book, 90-100% can be planted normally, 50-80% can be planted more thickly, and anything under 50% (like 11%) would equate to throwing the seeds out and starting over with new seed. However, if these were the only seeds you had or if you don’t like tossing out possible plants, you can plant the seeds that sprouted and at least you’d have 11 cucumber plants. Kind of slim if you were hoping for 100, but definitely better than none.

Good thing I didn’t plant my whole cucumber patch with these seeds!

This method can also be used for jump starting seeds. A friend of ours starts all her squash this way and only plants the squash seeds that sprout. She doesn’t have any empty spots in her garden and her squash plants are about a week ahead of everyone else’s since she starts them indoors about a week before the safe date to plant outside.

When starting your journey down the rabbit hole of preparedness you’ll often see terms referenced such as GOOD (Get out of Dodge), BOL, BOB (Bug out Location, Bug out Bag) and other acronyms that hint at evacuating an area should there be a disaster, civil unrest or many of the other events that we prepare for. One question that can’t be answered by a simple acronym however is WHERE?

My nearest family is about 10 hours away and in either highly populated areas or in areas with limited access in a disaster, so my family needs to consider something more local for our evacuation plan. We decided that as part of our general preparedness efforts we would like to work towards obtaining a property to eventually build a bug out location as well as provide a place for our family to camp and enjoy nature on a frequent basis. I’d like to share some of the things I learned in this process on creating your own bug out location.

You hear it all the time when anyone talks about real estate. Location, Location, Location. But what does this really mean? While everyone would love the ideal 5 acres with a wood lot, a small year round stream, a nice house site and a pasture that is a dream out of reach for most people. In reality, particularly for my area in Northern Utah, a bug out location will probably be located in the local mountains and be well under 5 acres. And when was the last time you saw a stream and wood lot on affordable land here in Utah? Here are some other location considerations to take stock of.

Cabin on a lake by Pathfinder Photo, on Flickr

Distance

One of the primary considerations I had in finding some property was that it should be located no more than 1 to 3 hours away by car. Since this property is meant to serve both a recreational purpose as well as host a bug out location, I also didn’t want it too close to any large populated areas. A property within this range can also be easily visited during Summer on a Friday after work with some daylight left to set up camp. Any farther than this and getting to the property particularly if there are fuel shortages could be a challenge.

Accessibility

Another consideration when you are reviewing potential locations is how accessible the property is in different seasons. Can you get to it should you need to bug out in Winter? What about the “mud season”? Many rural lots are only accessible via dirt roads. In the Spring and Fall, these can become impassable to most vehicles. Some locations have well maintained roads, others may not have been serviced in a decade. Will you be able to safely get you, your family and your supplies to your property without destroying your vehicles and equipment?

The populated areas of Utah are typically in the desert where we get our water from the snow fall in the mountains. This means that there are likely a number of streams and rivers up in the mountains near our bug out areas. While this is great from a water access stand point, it can complicate how accessible a property might be. Ideally you will have multiple ways in and out of the area where your property is located. Should there be a flood that knocks out bridges along the way you should still have at least one more route to get to your property by vehicle. Keep your eyes open when you are on your way to look at property in your chosen area. Take note of any bridges, dams, likely landslide areas, and other hazards that could impede you getting to the area.

One final thought on accessibility is Operational Security or OpSec. Many hard core preppers go to great lengths to ensure that their bug out location is difficult to find and easily defendable. Choosing a piece of property based on this principle is a very personal decision and can greatly limit the areas where you’ll be looking for acceptable land. Keep in mind though that even barring post apocalyptic fantasies, your bug out location will be vacant for stretches of time so vandalism can become an issue. There are pros and cons to either argument. Google Earth, Google Maps and topographical maps can provide you with valuable information without leaving your home. However, nothing beats actually standing on a piece of property and surveying it with your own eyes to determine if it will meet your needs.

County Specific Rules and Building Codes

Laws on land use vary by county so you’ll need to check with your specific county first to know what the rules are. Here are some things to think about and plan ahead for when you are starting to narrow in on a location for your future property.

Water

Some counties in Utah have requirements that a structure cannot be built unless the property has a functional well. This can greatly increase the cost of your bug out location as water rights and well drilling are expensive propositions. Without a well in these locations, you are limited to “recreational” property which can severally limit the improvements you can legally make to your land. There are few subdivisions that may be classified as “Dry” subdivisions where you may be able to build without a well or public water.

Square footage/footprint requirements

I know of one county that requires a permit for any building larger than 200 square feet. 200 square feet and under is considered a shed and cannot be inhabited. The minimum size for a habitable structure is 20 by 20 feet. At this size the property can’t be a year round residence. At 24 by 24 feet, a structure is legal to be inhabited year round.

Septic/sewer considerations

For inhabited structures you’ll generally also be required to hook up to a city sewer system or install a septic system. Either of these can drive up the price of building your retreat. Some areas don’t allow composting toilets either.

Building Process

Your county will have specific rules for what permits are needed for the area your property is located in. If your property is within an HOA you’ll need to follow their rules as well. Depending on where your property is located you may also need to get special permits from the fire department and the health department in order to build and occupy a structure. You should be aware that generally the use of an outhouse seems to be illegal, but I have seen a number of them in different areas, so this could be a sanitation option. Be sure to understand and comply with local laws so you stay out of trouble.

Producing or storing food

Some of your bug out locations may not be in the mountains, but rather in the desert or in an isolated agricultural valley. How well you can produce food on your land will therefore vary widely depending on climate, soil conditions and access to water. If you are planning on growing your own food in the event of an emergency you’ll need to seriously look at these factors. If you are planning on caching a supply of food on your property you should still be aware of how well your land can produce food and the effort involved in doing so. In addition to supplementing your food stores, gardening can be a fun activity.

Finally, take into account the animals that frequent your bug out location. Deer can jump over surprisingly tall fences and love to destroy entire gardens. Find out what pests might exist in your area and take steps to reduce their impact on your food plans.

Finding available land

You’ve decided you are ready to purchase some land to begin prepping for your bug out location, you have a list of everything you want in a property and have narrowed down a specific area. How do you go about finding your own piece of prepper Valhalla?

Know somebody

One of the best ways to find some land that meets your needs is to know someone familiar with the area. They can provide invaluable first hand experience, places to avoid and common pit falls. They may even be able to help you find land for sale that is not available on the open market.

MLS and a good local realtor

Assuming you have a specific area where you are focusing your search, Real Estate sites (select your county, nearby city and choose the property type) can provide you with an idea of properties available for sale in an area as well as an idea of the going price for properties in the area. MLS listings also generally have information about what services are available on each parcel such as power, water, sewer, telephone, etc.

A local realtor can often provide many of the same benefits as knowing a local. Finding the perfect realtor can be challenging. Be sure to ask lots of questions. They should have some familiarity with the local building codes, water issues as well as other local issues that you should be aware of. A realtor is there to advocate for you, the purchaser so be sure to take advantage of their local knowledge. Also, don’t feel obligated to continue using a particular realtor even if you’ve spent a lot of time with them. If they aren’t doing their best as an advocate for you, find someone who will.

KSL

The KSL Classifieds is another potential source for finding property. As always with classified ads, caveat emptor. Be sure to take precautions to protect yourself. If a deal seems too good to be true it probably is.

Seasonality

Once you’ve found your dream property, be sure to look before you leap. I highly advise that you take your time in the process. If you feel pressured to quickly close on a deal that is probably a warning sign. I recommend visiting the area during different times of the year to see how the seasons change the landscape. A forested lot in mid-summer may be a shadeless nightmare from Fall through most of Spring.

After you’ve purchased your land and before you make any concrete plans you’ll want to watch the land over the period of a year. Determine where any run off might go and adapt your plans accordingly.

Deeds

I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV so take this amateur advice for what it is worth and consult a professional should you have any questions. In order to obtain ownership of your property, you’ll need to have a deed filed with the county recorder’s office. There are two different types of deeds that I am aware of.

Quitclaim

Sellers typically prefer to transfer title this way. They essentially Quit or give up their interest in the property, whether they actually own the property or not.

Warranty

Buyers generally prefer to have the title transferred in their name this way. A warranty deed provides the buyer with an extra level of protection should the ownership of the property by previous title holders come into question. Along with title insurance this seems like a bullet proof method of ensuring legal ownership.

Surveying

Depending on where you property is, you may need to have it surveyed in order to determine exactly where the boundaries of your property might be. This can have a huge affect on how you make your plans as there are generally rules regarding building setbacks from property lines. It should also help you identify where any easements (if any) lie on your property. It is better to plan ahead than to be forced to move or tear down a structure later.

Conclusions

I’ve attempted to provide information that I have gleaned by going through this process myself. I plan on doing more posts throughout the year as my family and I begin to improve our property. We are also hoping to get a guest post from Chris Jaussi of Zip Kit Homes to talk about bug out location building alternatives.

Are there any specific subjects or themes you would like to see us cover?

If you are just now learning about this event head over to www.shakeout.org/utah.  In particular check out the how to participate page.  Here is an example of what you as an individual could do (taken from http://www.shakeout.org/utah/individuals/):

1. At 10:15 Drop, Cover, and Hold On Drop to the ground, take Cover under a table or desk, and Hold On to it as if a major earthquake were happening (stay down for at least 60 seconds). Practice now so you will immediately protect yourself during earthquakes! (See this page for what to do if you are in bed, outside, driving, in a tall building, or other situations.) For people with disabilities or access and functional needs, download our preparedness guide (661 KB) PDF.”
2. While still under the table, or wherever you are, look around and imagine what would happen in a major earthquake. What would fall on you or others? What would be damaged? What would life be like after? What will you do before the actual earthquake happens to reduce losses and quickly recover?
3. (Optional) Practice what you will do after the shaking stops.
4. After your drill is complete, have discussions about what was learned and incorporate these lessons into your disaster plan.

This is a great opportunity to look at your emergency plans.  Have you thought about earthquakes?  Is your 72-hour / bug-out-bag ready to go?

If you are on twitter you can follow @UtahShakeOut and the #shakeout hashtag for more up-to-date info.

NEW THRIVE PRODUCTS:

Powdered Egg Whites

For those that use Egg Whites in baking, or only eat egg whites for breakfast.

Scrambled Egg Powder

Great for Omelets, scrambled eggs etc.

Powdered Whole Eggs

Thrive had whole eggs before, but now they’ve removed the Caking Agent in them. The Whole Eggs are best for baking!

New Instant Milk

This will replace their existing Instant Milk. I didn’t think powdered milk got much better tasting than the Thrive instant milk, but this new milk showed in blind taste tests that is is better tasting than their old instant milk. My family loves this stuff and it’s a lifesaver when you run out of milk and someone wants cereal for breakfast or a glass of milk with dinner!

New 10 Grain Pancake Mix

This will replace the 6 grain pancake mix. Get a healthy start to your day with this mix.

You non-cookers are going to like this next one!

Thrive Express Meals:

12 New Freeze Dried dishes, developed by Shelf Reliance’s Chef Todd. They only come in four-serving pouches (NOT CANS) for great tasting, easy and nutritious meals. The pouches make for more uniform meal mixing, so you don’t have some of the ingredients settling to the bottom of the can and have each meal taste just a little different. They have a 10 year shelf life and will be available in 5 packs (all the same entree) and 12 packs (1 of each entree). They come together in one large box with a tear-away front for easy access in your cupboards. Cost will be approximately $1.85 per serving. Add water and in 10 to 15 minutes you have a meal. All natural ingredients, no MSG, preservatives, etc. Easier, less expensive, and better for you than taking the family to the drive through. Not to mention they taste better. I got to sample every one of the twelve this weekend and they are really good.

Thrive Express Meals Include:
Entrees:

Creamy Beef & Noodles, Pasta Carbonara, Southwestern-Style Chicken & Rice, Garden Fresh Vegetable Pasta, Chili Lime Chicken and Rice

Soups:

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, Baked Potato Cheese Soup, Broccoli Cheese Soup, Creamy Garden Vegetable Chowder, Hearty Chili with Beans.

Sides:

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes (with real bacon!), Wild Rice Pilaf

They also introduced the THRIVE Smart Start Pack which is a 3 month food plan with a menu, recipes, and Thrive ingredients to make the recipes with. It’s ONLY available through the Q which is Thrive’s monthly shipment program. You cannot buy these separately. Over the course of 3 months, you’ll get a variety of foods: basics, meats, drinks, fruits, vegetables, desserts, and all 12 of the Thrive Express Pouches. Plus you get a fabulous cookbook with over 26 recipes from Chef Todd that use the foods in the Smart Start Pack. There are recipes that only use the ingredients in the first month’s pack so you can get cooking right away. What a great way to get started using your food storage and learn what you and your family love!

These new products are a fantastic addition to Thrive’s existing line of food storage and will be available online soon. Feel free to send me an email if you have any questions or want to add any of these new products to your food storage before they’re on the website.

For the giveaway, the publishers of Threat Journal are having a drawing for three (3) radiation safety kits.  These packages are designed to help with the three most basic tasks you face during a radiation emergency:

1. Detect
2. Measure
3. Protect

The NukAlert DETECTS elevated radiation levels and alerts you. The Radsticker peel and stick dosimeters MEASURE your accumulated dose of radiation. The ThyroSafe potassium iodide tablets are used to PROTECT the thyroid gland with safe iodine in the event radioactive iodine (I-131) is released during a reactor accident or nuclear detonation. Each package is valued at around $190 and will make an excellent addition to your preps.

Sign up for the Threat Journal here

To enter the drawing for the giveaway, simply sign up for Threat Journal using the link below or by clicking on their banner ad. The drawings and publication are 100% free.

The drawing will be held on May 7, 2012 and is only open those who signed up for Threat Journal via links on the UtahPreppers.com website. Winners will be notified via email as well as announced on the site.
Each of the 3 radiation safety packages being given contains the following:

• (1) NukAlert Personal Radiation Monitor and Alarm
• (5) Radsticker Peel and Stick Dosimeters
• (1) Box ThyroSafe Potassium Iodide Tablets (20 count, 65 mg each)

1600 South Empire Road
Salt Lake City, UT 84104
801-972-4133

NPS calls themselves a “salvage and freight recovery company”.  What that means is their inventory is always changing.  They’re setup with a department store layout, for example: clothing, electronics, house wares, hardware and even groceries.  Generally you don’t go to NPS looking for a particular item, but to see what deals they might have.  Most of their product is reduced from retail prices.  The prices range from being just under retail to steals of a deal, it just depends on how lucky you are.

We just received an email from NPS.  They have a Motorola PM1200 Transceiver they are looking to sell:

“I work for NPS, a shipping salvage company. We receive items that have been shipped and were lost in shipment. We recently received a Motorola PM1200 Transceiver, two way radio. It is new in the box and is for business and emergency bands only. It typically costs about $900.00. We are looking for anyone who might have interest in this equipment. We typically will sell for about half the retail cost. Please let me know if anyone has any interest or if you have a news letter where I could make it available to all who would read it.”

If you are interested in this radio, do a little googling for information, and head over to NPS.

I’m really excited about this conference, in that it is *not* a sales machine. BeReady is the state organization charged with getting citizens ready for known disasters in the state, and it has teamed up with some of the best resources for preparedness around. Anybody who has done real research into local agriculture, animal husbandry, or food preservation has come upon materials published by the USU extension. They are the standard for food preservation testing in the country, and we love having them locally.

Of course, there are vendors there as well, so don’t fret about missing out on the “toys” and fun there as well, but the conference itself is not “consumer-first”, and that should mean a lot to real preppers.

Tickets:

It’s true, tickets don’t really cost very much, but even better when they are free. We have three tickets to give away! For a chance to win, you can do one of the following (and yes, you can enter each way).

1. Comment on this post that you plan to attend
2. Share a link for this contest from our Facebook page (sharing from the page lets us see and count it)
3. Tweet a link that you are attending, and include our twitter account @UtahPreppers

Info:

April 14, 2012 8AM – 5PM

Davis Conference Center
1651 North 700 West, Layton, UT

Check out the flyer for the conference here: Utah Prepare Flyer (18)

Workshops Topics Include:

Check out the full agenda and start planning for your favorites. (Utah Prepare Conference Schedule)

• Earthquake Preparedness
• Using Your Food Storage
• Water Filtration and Storage
• Emergency Power and Fuel
• Containers and Oxygen Absorbers
• Raised Bed Gardening
• Grab and Go Boxes
• Mock Root Cellars

Special Guests Include:

• Nate Leishman, Manager of operation processes and logistics for humanitarian aid for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• Tal Ehlers, EMT and founder of Ready2Prepare
• Crystal Godfrey, Author of Food Storage Made Easy (Some of our best Utah blogger friends)
• Joy Bossi, Author and host of Joy in the Garden radio show
• Karen Bastow, co-author and gardening business owner

View Larger Map

Free Food 2 Go, the expo’s overall sponsor appear to be a vaguely MLM/Co-op plan for food storage. As the sponsor, they will obviously have plenty of information prominently featured. However, if MLM sales pitches turn you off remember that while featured, they are just one of many vendors at the event. With the number of vendors and experts on hand this should prove to be a great chance to get hands-on with many of the suppliers and products discussed here on UtahPreppers.com and in other preparedness circles.

One item of note is that LDS AVOW members make up a large portion of the presenters. This means that they will undoubtedly be subject matter experts on their given subject. However, this also means that many of these presentations maybe targeted more towards the extreme prepper/survivalist rather than the casual prepper or someone just starting to get involved in prepping. Don’t let this put you off though, this expo is bound to provide a wealth of information for preppers at any level.

Here are some of the presentation topics that caught my eye:

• Wilderness Survival
• Cold Weather Survival
• Cooking With Food Storage
• Sprouting
• Home Schooling

Entrance is $12 if you pre-register, and between the vendor booths and sessions, it seems like a good deal. Here at UtahPreppers.com we welcome any chance to learn more about prepping and to meet other preppers so we hope we’ll see you there!

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