Utah Preppers

TEOTWAWKI Survival

176 articles in this category (Including both blog posts and archived content)

Preppers and recent media interest on Prepping
Meet The Preppers Site

Preppers and recent media interest on Prepping

Prepping has seen a large spike in interest lately with several shows on cable TV networks currently on the air. From our own <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/author/phil801/">Phil Burns</a> on <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2012/02/episode-1-animal-planet-meet-the-preppers-my-pink-gun/">"Meet the Preppers"</a> to <a href="http://www.deepearthbunker.com/">Doomsday Bunkers</a> to <a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/doomsday-preppers/">Doomsday Preppers</a>, interest in people preparing for hard times is at what seems like an all time high. Our <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2012/03/today-showpreppers/">recent post</a> on Prepper coverage on <a href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/46625691#46625691">NBCs Today Show</a> is just one example.

Ekim
2 min read
#Media #Politics #Preppers
Suture Follow Up - Suture Kits and Instructions!
How To Medical

Suture Follow Up - Suture Kits and Instructions!

<a href="/images/uploads/2011/10/IMG_3524.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3997" title="IMG_3524" src="/images/uploads/2011/10/IMG_3524-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>This is a follow up to my previous post on <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2011/10/suturing-a-scalp/">Suturing a Scalp</a>.  At the Self Reliance Expo today, I spent the day with <a href="http://doomandbloom.net/">Dr. Bones of the Doom and Bloom Show</a> and he just happened to be selling suture kits for a great price!  I showed him my post on suturing a scalp and he loved it, then he agreed to let us offer all of you his suture kits for his show price of $20.00!  Click the image on the right to see a much larger picture of it.

Phil
2 min read
#Group Buy #Howto #Medical +2 more
Suturing a scalp
Equipment Family Preparedness

Suturing a scalp

<a href="/images/uploads/2011/10/IMG_1125.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3974" title="IMG_1125" src="/images/uploads/2011/10/IMG_1125-224x300.jpg" alt="" width="224" height="300" /></a>Suturing is an important skill to have.  Knowing how to properly sew somebody shut isn't something you need every day, but when you need it - you need it!  Sure, right now we can just run to the doctor, but what if you're way in the outback or things have collapsed and good medical care isn't easily available.  Suturing allows you to quickly close up a wound to help stop bleeding, help prevent infection and to lower the risk of damaging a wound while trying to get to better care - if needed.  There are plenty of ways and places to get training in suturing without going through medical school.  It's easy to do once you learn, you just need to look around and find a class you can take.

Phil
3 min read
#First Aid #Howto #preparedness +1 more
Quick Skinning, Cleaning and Butchering a Deer
Books How To

Quick Skinning, Cleaning and Butchering a Deer

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0882663917/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=jayce-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399369&amp;creativeASIN=0882663917" target="_blank"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-3945" title="41x8elXHAWL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_" src="/images/uploads/2011/10/41x8elXHAWL._BO2204203200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-clickTopRight35-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>These days, most of us drop our game off at the butcher on the way home and go back a few days later and pick it up in nice white butcher paper. That's all fine and good for now, but what are we going to do if we have to hunt for survival and can't just drop the animal off at the butcher? I've done it myself before and I'm sure I could do it again without any real problems, but if you're hunting for survival the last thing you want to do is ruin your meat by doing something stupid!

Phil
2 min read
#Books #butchering #Howto +3 more
Backyard Chickens
Family Preparedness Food

Backyard Chickens

<img alt="" src="http://www.motherearthnews.com/uploadedImages/Blogs/The_Happy_Homesteader/GardenEggs1.jpg?n=7491" title="Backyard Chickens" class="alignright" width="500" height="350" />Over the past year, I have noticed an increased interest in raising chickens arising all over the nation. Locally, <a href="http://www.ksl.com" title="KSL">KSL</a> has published several articles recently about this phenomenon (see below) as has the <a href="http://online.wsj.com" title="Wall Street Journal">Wall Street Journal</a> (also below) and most prepper blogs. My family started keeping backyard chickens about four years ago and have had some good success. In this article we’ll summarize some of the benefits to raising chickens, what you’ll need to get started and some links to resources to help you out once you’ve got your flock.

Ekim
8 min read
#Food #Gardening #Links +4 more
Curing meat
Food Food Storage

Curing meat

Curing meat is an age old process.  It has been used to preserve, intensify flavors, and make unpalatable cuts of meat acceptable for consumption. Most of us don't worry about the preservation aspect so much anymore, but if you've ever made a marinade then you've dabbled in curing (perhaps with out even knowing it).  In this post I'm going to go over some of the ingredients needed to cure meat and introduce a couple of salt mixtures that can be very useful in curing your meats.  I'll also go over some things that could be kept in your food storage.<br /> <!--more--><br /> First of all there are a couple of items that are needed to cure meat.  You don't have to use each of these items when you cure, but they all play an important part in the curing process.

Neybar
5 min read
#BBQ #Cooking #curing +2 more
Variety in Your Food Storage is a Good Thing
Family Preparedness Food

Variety in Your Food Storage is a Good Thing

Way back in 1998 sweet husband and I were just getting serious about our food storage.  That’s shortly before we had any kids.  We had the opportunity to do some canning at the LDS dry pack cannery and so we sat down to figure out what to can.

Angela
4 min read
#Food #Food Storage
Food Production Systems DVD Giveaway Winner Announcement
Food Gardening

Food Production Systems DVD Giveaway Winner Announcement

<a href="/images/uploads/2011/06/backyardfoodproduction.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-3793" title="DVD we are giving away!" src="/images/uploads/2011/06/backyardfoodproduction.jpg" alt="" width="245" height="226" /></a>We recently posted a review of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0578046725/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=prepper-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217153&amp;creative=399701&amp;creativeASIN=0578046725">Food Production Systems For a Backyard or Small Farm </a> DVD (see it <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2011/06/food-production-systems-dvd-review-and-giveaway/">here</a>. As part of the review we were proud to offer a free DVD to one of our readers who commented on the review. Friday night I used <a href="http://www.random.org/">Random.org</a> to randomly select a winner from the 40 eligible (Sorry <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/author/jayce/">Jayce</a> and <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/author/cboyack/">Connor</a>) entries.

Ekim
1 min read
#Food #Food Storage #Gardening +1 more
Upcoming Giveaway!
Books Gardening

Upcoming Giveaway!

<img class="alignright" title="Backyard Food Production DVD" src="http://backyardfoodproduction.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/general_page_thumbs/FPS_DVD_w_discs_out_noBCKGRND_smallest.jpg" alt="" width="280" height="253" /><br /> Next week we'll be posting a review of the <a href="http://backyardfoodproduction.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/general_page_thumbs/FPS_DVD_w_discs_out_noBCKGRND_smallest.jpg">Backyard Food Production DVD</a>. The producers of the DVD have been kind enough to send us a copy of the DVD to reward one of our lucky readers.

Ekim
1 min read
#Education #Farming #Gardening +2 more
Building a 3 Month Supply using Case Lot Sales
Family Preparedness Food

Building a 3 Month Supply using Case Lot Sales

Inevitably, each year in the weeks preceding the <a href="http://www.mormon.org">LDS</a> General Conference sessions in April and October grocery stores in Utah begin their Case Lot sales. In case you aren't familiar with the term, a Case Lot sale is a sale that allows you to purchase food (and other) items at a discount from a regular grocery store. The only catch is that you need to buy them a case at a time.

Ekim
2 min read
#Food #Food Storage #Links +2 more
Introducing Goal 0 solar power products
Equipment Family Preparedness

Introducing Goal 0 solar power products

<a href="/images/uploads/2011/03/Goal0.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-3623" title="Goal0" src="/images/uploads/2011/03/Goal0.jpg" alt="" width="215" height="50" /></a><br /> Here at UtahPreppers we try to keep an eye on prepping topics, trends and products from all over the country and often the world. Even though we try to keep a global focus we still like finding and supporting local businesses that fit into the prepping niche. We recently met up with a Bluffdale company to take a look at some of their innovative solar products.

Ekim
8 min read
#Battery #gear #lights +7 more
Potassium Iodide (KI) and How to Protect Yourself From Radiation Poisoning
Medical Nuclear Attack Preparedness

Potassium Iodide (KI) and How to Protect Yourself From Radiation Poisoning

<a href="/images/uploads/2011/03/IMG_2430.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3568" title="IMG_2430" src="/images/uploads/2011/03/IMG_2430-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a>With the current potential nuclear crisis in Japan, I have been inundated with questions about<a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2008/11/preparing-for-a-nuclear-attack-determining-your-scenario/"> Fallout Survival</a>, <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2008/11/preparing-for-a-nuclear-attack-some-background/">Nuclear Preparedness</a>,<a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2009/06/the-master-evacuation-kit-list"> General Preparedness</a> and Potassium Iodide among many other things.  I realized that while a lot of these things are covered on Utah Preppers, Potassium Iodide is kind of glossed over.  This post is my answer to all those questions and should be a definitive post on KI or Potassium Iodide.  Please note: at this time, due to the crisis in Japan, KI is <strong><em>Sold Out </em></strong>pretty much everywhere.

Phil
4 min read
#72 Hour Kits #BOB #First Aid +2 more
Starting a Fire with Steel Wool
Equipment How To

Starting a Fire with Steel Wool

<a href="/images/uploads/2011/02/fire.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3453" title="fire" src="/images/uploads/2011/02/fire-202x300.jpg" alt="" width="202" height="300" /></a>Continuing my<em><strong> Heat and Light Series</strong></em>, today we're going to look at an alternative way to start a fire - with Steel Wool and Batteries.  Like I've said in previous posts in this series, this is probably something that every old Boy Scout and every long time Prepper already knows.  The point of this series is to get back to basics and cover things that new Preppers will need to get up to speed on - and to remind some of you about the skills and knowledge you have that you may have forgotten.  :)<!--more-->

Phil
3 min read
#72 Hour Kits #BOB #Education +3 more
Hypothermia - Signs and Symptoms and Treatment
Medical Personal Preparedness

Hypothermia - Signs and Symptoms and Treatment

<img src="file:///C:/Users/Phil/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/Users/Phil/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.png" alt="" /><a href="/images/uploads/2011/02/hypothermia.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-3429" title="hypothermia" src="/images/uploads/2011/02/hypothermia.jpg" alt="" width="280" height="199" /></a>With more than half the country being inundated by massive snow and ice storms and much of the rest of the country having below freezing temperatures, people are at a very high risk for Hypothermia.  Knowing what Hypothermia is and how to treat it not only prepares you to help yourself but most importantly, to help others.  I've consulted several resources to try to put together a very comprehensive overview of Hypothermia.  Those resources include the<a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypothermia/DS00333"> Mayo Clinic</a>, my EMT Training Manuals, the<a href="http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/pdf/cold_guide.pdf"> CDC Guidelines for Hypothermia</a> and the <a href="http://www.hypothermia.org/Hypothermia_Ed_pdf/Alaska-Cold-Injuries.pdf">State of Alaska Cold Injuries Guidelines </a>(Alaska knows more about Hypothermia than anybody, their standards are what we use here for Search and Rescue).<!--more-->

Phil
6 min read
#Cold Weather #Hypothermia #Medical +2 more
How to Make an Emergency Stove from Common Materials
Family Preparedness Fire

How to Make an Emergency Stove from Common Materials

<a href="/images/uploads/2011/02/IMG_2320.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3399" title="IMG_2320" src="/images/uploads/2011/02/IMG_2320-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>The next installment in our Heat and Light series is Making a simple Emergency Stove from Household Materials.  This stove is capable of boiling water in less than 10 minutes and is very easy to use and re-use.  The materials required to make it can commonly be found in the home and should be stored in your preps.  Required are: Paraffin Wax, cardboard and a couple tin cans.<!--more-->

Phil
2 min read
#Cooking #emergency preparedness #Fire +3 more
Making Fire Starting Wafer Candles
Family Preparedness Fire

Making Fire Starting Wafer Candles

<a href="/images/uploads/2011/01/IMG_2315.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3379" title="IMG_2315" src="/images/uploads/2011/01/IMG_2315-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>The next project in my Light and Heat series is making Fire Starting Wafers out of reclaimed materials mostly available at home.  These wafer candles don't have the same burn time (but it's plenty long enough to get a fire going) as the egg carton candles but they have a much smaller imprint.  This project will again be familiar to most Boy Scouts and long term Preppers and Outdoorsmen.  However, the purpose of this series is to get back to basics and review how to generate light and heat with common household projects.<!--nextpage-->As has been mentioned in the comments on the other posts in this series, you can use old candles or other wax sources instead of the new bars of paraffin I use in the demonstration.

Phil
3 min read
#72 Hour Kits
Making Fire Starting Candles
Family Preparedness Fire

Making Fire Starting Candles

<a href="/images/uploads/2011/01/EggTinder.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3368" title="EggTinder" src="/images/uploads/2011/01/EggTinder-194x300.jpg" alt="" width="194" height="300" /></a>Continuing my series on Light and Heat, today I'm going to talk about making Fire Starting Candles.  There are a variety of ways to do this, today we're going to cover using cardboard egg cartons and dryer lint or cotton balls.  This particular project will likely already be familiar to experienced Preppers and Boy Scouts.  This post is aimed at those new to prepping who have never been exposed to this kind of thing.

Phil
3 min read
#72 Hour Kits #BOB #Fire +5 more
Making Tallow Candles
Family Preparedness Light

Making Tallow Candles

<a href="/images/uploads/2011/01/TallowCandle.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3342" title="TallowCandle" src="/images/uploads/2011/01/TallowCandle-300x252.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="252" /></a>One of the things that frustrates me in Preparedness is that many of the texts and resources out there don't adequately cover "Pioneer Skills".  That is to say, they present material lists and instructions that include things that are only available via modern-day manufacturing methods.  Often times what I'm looking for is how do I make something out of nothing - nothing being the great abundance that nature provides us with!  This is very true when it comes to activities like candle, cheese and soap making.  I want to know how to do it in a true collapse or long term survival scenario.<!--more-->

Phil
5 min read
#candles #Howto #light +4 more
Financial Preparedness - MUST be built in GOOD times!
Family Preparedness Lessons Learned

Financial Preparedness - MUST be built in GOOD times!

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-2902" title="CashGold-main_Full" src="/images/uploads/2009/11/CashGold-main_Full.jpg" alt="CashGold-main_Full" width="350" height="221" />Everyone knows times are not good and although we're told they're getting better - they clearly seem to be getting worse.  I've recently had an experience that has severely highlighted financial preparedness for me, I'd like to share the lessons I've learned in the hope that others can avoid my current situation - allow me to give you some background:

Phil
9 min read
#Economy #Financial Preparation #Financial Reserve
Survival Movie Review: 2012
Reviews TEOTWAWKI Survival

Survival Movie Review: 2012

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-2845" title="2012 Roland Emmerich Poster" src="/images/uploads/2009/11/2012-Roland-Emmerich-Poster.jpg" alt="2012 Roland Emmerich Poster" width="270" height="400" />Last night a few prepper friends and I went to the midnight opening show of the new survival/TEOTWAWKI movie 2012. I wasn't sure what to expect as I had already heard that they had blown it or that it was really bad. But I figured even a bad movie can be enjoyed (through mocking) if you've got a group of friends with you!

Phil
3 min read
Building an A.R.K.
Equipment TEOTWAWKI Survival

Building an A.R.K.

Probably the most well known TEOTWAWKI of all time is the story of Noah’s Ark. A devastating flood wiping out everything and everyone you know, and relocating you to some foreign land, is definitely the end of the world as you know it. When thinking about this story, we usually think about the 40 days and nights on the ark, and how Noah and his family had to survive that. But in reality that was not the real survival situation. The real survival situation started when the waters receded and Mr. and Mrs. Noah had to start over. Building, planting, raising animals – all had to be handled from square one.<!--more-->

LukeHopkin
6 min read
#escape #rations #self defense +3 more
Protection Planning for Family and Property class
Events Family Preparedness

Protection Planning for Family and Property class

The city of <a href="http://www.salemcity.org/">Salem, Utah</a> has begun offering Emergency Preparedness classes on various topics. October's <strong>Emergency Preparedness Class</strong> is on Protection Planning for Family and Property. It will be held on Saturday, October 10th, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Salem Community Center, 151 West 300 South in Salem Utah. We are fortunate to have Dave Acosta come and teach this class.<br /> <!--more-->

Ekim
2 min read
#Education #Event #meetup
Survival Food: How to Make Parched Corn
Food How To

Survival Food: How to Make Parched Corn

Corn - You can boil it, toast it, roast it, parch it, eat it raw, grill it, steam it, stew it, cream it, grind it, feed aCorn - You can boil it, toast it, roast it, parch it, eat it raw, grill it, steam it, stew it, cream it, grind it, feed animals with it or humans. You can eat it fresh, freeze it, can it, dry it, drink it or burn it in your vehicle. It's a diverse food that can serve a prepper well if they know what to do with it.nimals with it or humans.  You can eat it fresh, freeze it, can it,  dry it, drink it or burn it in your vehicle.  It's a diverse food that can serve a prepper well if they know what to do with it.

Phil
4 min read
#72 Hour Kits #BOB #Food +3 more
Making Better Char Cloth
TEOTWAWKI Survival

Making Better Char Cloth

When starting a flint and steel or striker type of fire, char cloth makes all the difference in being able to actually get the fire started or just making a bunch of sparks that never catch anything on fire.  Char cloth (sometimes also called charred cloth) is one of those amazing mountain man items that is still very useful today.  Char cloth is pieces of blackened fabric that easily catch a spark and burn similarly to the way steel wool burns--no big flame, but a nice ember burn that doesn't blow out once it's lit.  The spark lights the char cloth and the char cloth is used to light the other tinder.  I've been wanting to add char cloth to my fire kits and having used all my char cloth made by others, I decided to make a batch of my own.

Angela
5 min read
#72 Hour Kits #BOB #DIY +6 more
Survival Book Review: One Second After
Books Family Preparedness

Survival Book Review: One Second After

I've just finished reading One Second After by William R. Forstchen - I received it two days ago - I couldn't put it down. This is an excellent book that I fully recommend every Survivalist/Prepper/Anyone Else read. Seriously, this book is one of those that will help to open people's eyes to just how fragile we are and just how stinkin' hard it is going to be to survive TEOTWAWKI.

Phil
7 min read
#Book #BookShelf #EMP +2 more
Evacuation Preparedness List Review part 3
Communication Equipment

Evacuation Preparedness List Review part 3

<img class="alignright" src="http://interwork.sdsu.edu/fire/photo_gallery/images/jgfire213021x011.jpg" alt="" width="334" height="197" />This is the fifth installment of the Evacuation Preparedness Kit Series.  The first post, on <a href="../2009/06/ready-for-anything/">Evac Prep Basics</a> is here, and the second post, which introduces the <a href="../2009/06/ready-for-anything/">Evac Prep Master List</a> is here.  The third post, and the <a href="../2009/06/evacuation-preparedness-categories/">first post on the list review is here</a>.  This post will pick up where we previously left off in reviewing the categories on the Master List.

Phil
12 min read
#72 Hour Kits #BOB #EDC +2 more
Evacuation Preparedness List Review part 2
Books Clothing

Evacuation Preparedness List Review part 2

<img class="alignright" src="http://kalthoffonthefence.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/ken-traffic-3.jpg" alt="" width="336" height="248" />This is the fourth installment of the Evacuation Preparedness Kit Series.  The first post, on <a href="../2009/06/ready-for-anything/">Evac Prep Basics</a> is here, and the second post, which introduces the <a href="../2009/06/ready-for-anything/">Evac Prep Master List</a> is here.  The third post, and the <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2009/06/evacuation-preparedness-categories/">first post on the list review is here</a>.  This post will pick up where we previously left off in reviewing the categories on the Master List.<!--more-->

Phil
9 min read
#72 Hour Kits #BOB #EDC +2 more
Evacuation Preparedness List Review part 1
Family Preparedness Food

Evacuation Preparedness List Review part 1

<img class="alignright" src="http://www.phillysonline.com/lunch_counter/images/2006/08/03/houston_evacuation.jpg" alt="" width="246" height="344" />This is the third installment of the Evacuation Preparedness Kit Series. The first post, on Evac Prep Basics is here, and the second post, which introduces the Evac Prep Master List is here.

Phil
13 min read
#72 Hour Kits #BOB #EDC +2 more
The Master Evacuation Kit List
Family Preparedness How To

The Master Evacuation Kit List

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1882" title="evaclist" src="/images/uploads/2009/06/evaclist.jpg" alt="evaclist" width="380" height="152" />This is the second post in a series, the first post covers <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2009/06/ready-for-anything/">Evacuation Preparedness basics and can be read here</a>.

Phil
4 min read
#72 Hour Kits #BOB #Evacuation Kits +1 more
Ready for Anything
Family Preparedness How To

Ready for Anything

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1817" title="ss27-hires-small" src="/images/uploads/2009/05/ss27-hires-small-277x291-custom.jpg" alt="ss27-hires-small" width="277" height="291" />

Phil
9 min read
#72 Hour Kits #BOB #Driving +3 more
Skills as a prep
Family Preparedness Food Storage

Skills as a prep

A few weeks ago a guest author on a popular preparation blog discussed the value of gardening as a resource. He put forth the opinion that while he enjoys gardening as a pastime, the decision as to whether to engage in it should be based solely around time and cost. Citing the inability to move a garden in an emergency and the amount of labor required to get to harvest, he concluded that it is better to save your seeds for a bug-out and expend today's efforts and money on a trip to the grocery store. "It's all about time," he says, "not a skill or desire."

Wade
4 min read
#Food Storage #Gardening #Practice +2 more
Book Review: The Zombie Survival Guide
Reviews TEOTWAWKI Survival

Book Review: The Zombie Survival Guide

Since we haven't had a humor post recently (and boy do I need one), I decided to do a little review of one of my favorite books.<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1530" title="zsg-cover" src="/images/uploads/2009/03/zsg-cover.jpg" alt="zsg-cover" width="240" height="240" /> The Zombie Survival Guide, by Max Brooks.  Now who among us hasn't felt some joy in responding to the question, "What are you prepping for" with a glib reply of "For the oncoming Zombie Invasion"?  If you haven't ever used that response, you should try it sometime, and feel the joy.

Jayce
2 min read
#Books #humor #reference +1 more
To Bee or not to Bee?
Events Food Storage

To Bee or not to Bee?

<br /> [caption id="attachment_1488" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Note the Queen on the Bottom right"]<img src="/images/uploads/2009/03/bee1-300x209.jpg" alt="Note the Queen on the Bottom right" title="bee1" width="300" height="209" class="size-medium wp-image-1488" />[/caption] My name is Bryan. I am one of the 3 B’s. The three B’s are as follows: Bryan, Brian, and then there’s the other Bryan. I tell you that so you don’t get us confused. We are all beekeepers. If you were to tell any one of us a few years ago that we would be beekeepers, we all would have told you that you were stone cold crazy! Yet here we all are keeping honeybees…..and loving it!!! So…what happened? <!--more--> We all have the strong desire to want to provide for our families, and prepare for whatever may lie ahead. No, we don’t have spare time gracing us at every turn. We all have our families with several young children. However, we all have a desire to be a part of helping something bigger than just our families. Enter the Honeybees. I came across a news article years ago explaining the importance of honeybees in our society. The more I read about the honeybees, the more I found I was feeding an appetite that I never knew I had. The more I read the more I wanted to know. What I found was absolutely astounding. I can’t think of another insect that has had such a profound affect on civilization than the Honeybee. Honey, beeswax, propolis, pollen, royal jelly, all products of the beehive, has played an important role in the health, and wellbeing of mankind for ages. That does not even take into consideration the pollination work that the honeybee does. The honeybee was brought across the ocean to the Americas by the settlers (known as the white man’s fly to the Indians) to ensure the success of the crops they planted. I’m not even beginning to scratch the surface here. [caption id="attachment_1489" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Catching my first Swarm!!!"]<img src="/images/uploads/2009/03/bee2-300x200.jpg" alt="Catching my first Swarm!!!" title="bee2" width="300" height="200" class="size-medium wp-image-1489" />[/caption] So…why honeybees? The bottom line is that they need our help….. and, we need theirs. About 1/3 of our food supply is dependant on the honeybee for pollination. Disease, pests, and development have virtually eliminated the feral honeybee populations. It turns out that a fruit fly has five times the capability of fighting off disease than the honeybee. It is becoming more and more important to have managed honeybee colonies. We live in a time when “going green” is in. Honeybees definitely play an important role in keeping the planet green. We, along with all kinds of plants and animals need this important species buzzing around. From the liquid gold of the sweet honey (which does not spoil if stored in a sealed container and will help relieve allergy symptoms!!!) , the increase of the yield in my home garden and fruit trees, to the lip balm made from the beeswax collected from the hive, my family has been blessed by having this truly remarkable species around. So, if you are contemplating getting involved in this remarkable journey, it is time to jump in. [caption id="attachment_1490" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Swarms 1 Stings 0!!!)"]<img src="/images/uploads/2009/03/bee3-300x200.jpg" alt="Swarms 1 Stings 0!!!)" title="bee3" width="300" height="200" class="size-medium wp-image-1490" />[/caption] If you are thinking of getting started in keeping bees, you will need to get started on it soon. The bees will be arriving about mid April. You need to pre-order them right away. They always are sold out right after they come in! [caption id="attachment_1491" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Picture of my 6 yr. old helping me install a swarm I caught."]<img src="/images/uploads/2009/03/bee4-300x200.jpg" alt="Picture of my 6 yr. old helping me install a swarm I caught." title="bee4" width="300" height="200" class="size-medium wp-image-1491" />[/caption] For all kinds of helpful information you can visit the Utah County Beekeepers Association web site, or attend an association meeting: <a href="http://www.utahcountybeekeepers.org">www.utahcountybeekeepers.org</a> <h4>Bee Hive Plans</h4> Top bar hive Plans: <a href="http://www.backyardhive.com">BackYard Hive.com</a> Langstroth Hive Plans: <a href="http://www.beesource.com/plans/index.htm">BeeSource.com</a> <h4>To purchase hives/frames and bee keeping products:</h4> <a href="http://www.jonesbee.com">Jones Bee</a> <a href="http://www.mannlakeltd.com">Mann Lake Ltd.</a> <a href="http://www.dadant.com">DadAnt</a> <a href="http://www.brushymountainbeefarm.com">Brush Mountain Bee Farm</a> <a href="http://www.utahcountybeekeepers.org">Utah County Bee Keepers</a> –go to the classifieds section. <h4>To purchase bees packages:</h4> <a href="http://www.knightfamilyhoney.com">Knight Family Honey</a> <a href="http://www.jonesbee.com">Jones Bee</a> If you are interested in getting started in Bee Keeping, there is the <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2009/03/beginning-bee-keeping-class-in-orem/">Bee Keeping Class in Orem</a> on March 20th. If you would like to learn more now though or would like to avoid the class fee, I will be conducting an informal class at my house in Mapleton this Friday, March 13th at 7 PM. We will be going over much of the same information from that class. In addition, we will be putting together a group order for bees and the recommended equipment you need to get started in Bee Keeping. If you are interested in attending this informal class, please RSVP to Bryan Esquivel by e-mailing maplemountainbees@q.com

Ekim
4 min read
#Bees #Education #Event +4 more
10 Scenarios For Which You Should Be Prepared
TEOTWAWKI Survival

10 Scenarios For Which You Should Be Prepared

Preparedness. There is perhaps no other word that conveys so much, yet so little. What does it mean? To what areas of life does it apply (or not apply)? Being adequately and generally prepared of a necessity requires that we ask ourselves all sorts of questions, plan for various scenarios, and abstract our preparations enough such that they can apply to various circumstances, if possible.

Connor Boyack
11 min read
#Education #Lists #Preppers +1 more
Some First-Aid Kit Examples
Events Personal Preparedness

Some First-Aid Kit Examples

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1397" title="firstaidkits" src="/images/uploads/2009/02/firstaidkits.jpg" alt="firstaidkits" width="280" height="153" />First-Aid Kits are kind of a funny prepper item - there are SO many that you can just go buy that it doesn't seem like a big deal.  Yet, countless people I know barely have a box of band-aids in their home.  Those who do go purchase a pre-made First-Aid Kit don't typically pay much attention to it - it's crossed of their 'list'.  But day to day use of the only medical supplies in the house means that after a year or so the First-Aid Kit is severely depleted and nobody notices until there's a need for it.

Phil
3 min read
#BOB #First Aid #gear +2 more
Taking Stock
TEOTWAWKI Survival

Taking Stock

One of my secret, very un-prepper-like joys is getting the call from my wife on the way home, stating that I need to pick something up.  Who knows the reason, but usually that means I'm going to stop by Costco to pick up one of their roasted chickens.  Then again, we tend to pick up one of these pretty often.  Getting a whole chicken works out well, giving us several meals already largely prepared.

Jayce
4 min read
#Cooking #Food #Howto +1 more
Tax Refund Preparedness
TEOTWAWKI Survival

Tax Refund Preparedness

We are coming to the time of the year that has become the second Xmas for many Americans.  And I purposely chose to write xmas because it has nothing to do with the real Christmas we should have celebrated so recently.  What I'm talking about is the look people get in their eyes as they get some portion of their taxes back from government.  To many people this is the only surplus of cash they will see during the whole year, and our business world thrives on the swing in spending this influx of cash creates.

Jayce
5 min read
#Economy #Education #Food +3 more
Learning From the Pioneers
Food Storage Personal Preparedness

Learning From the Pioneers

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1319 scissors-resample" title="1844_1877_1" src="/images/uploads/2009/02/1844_1877_1.jpg" alt="1844_1877_1" width="304" height="211" />Many know that Utah was originally settled by Mormon Pioneers, I'm a descendant of those pioneers from 8 different family lines on my Mother's side.  The Mormon Pioneers crossed the plains from Missouri to Utah in covered wagons, handcarts and many on foot.  Most of them buried family and loved ones under a pile of rocks on their way here.  It was a harrowing experience the like of which will hopefully never be repeated.

Phil
6 min read
#Food Storage #gear #Pioneers +1 more
72 Hour Kit Camp - More Info
Events Kit Camp

72 Hour Kit Camp - More Info

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1304" title="boyshikinggmtnmar2003" src="/images/uploads/2009/02/boyshikinggmtnmar2003-285x215-custom.jpg" alt="boyshikinggmtnmar2003" width="285" height="215" />Kit Camp is definately a work in progress, an idea in active exploration.  We've never done this before and don't know of a precedence to go off of so we're kind of making it up as we go. :)  If you missed the earlier post about it and don't know what I'm talking about, the original <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2009/01/announcing-the-first-semi-annual-utahpreppers-72-hour-kitcamp/">Kit Camp post is here.</a>

Phil
9 min read
#72 Hour Kit Camp #Camping #Community +3 more
Review: Volcano Stove II
How To Personal Preparedness

Review: Volcano Stove II

Last week I had the opportunity to get in on a group buy for the <a href="http://www.volcanogrills.com">Volcano II stove</a>. (Sorry, I would have shared the details but I found out about it <em>very</em> last minute and barely made it in myself!) I had heard good things about this stove, and after a brief review of its features and online ratings, I decided to acquire one.

Connor Boyack
3 min read
#Cooking #Fire #Fuel +1 more
Preparing for a Nuclear Attack: Your Bug-Out Plan
Nuclear Attack Preparedness TEOTWAWKI Survival

Preparing for a Nuclear Attack: Your Bug-Out Plan

This is the third in a series of posts that will go over preparation for a Nuclear Attack. <a href="../2008/11/preparing-for-a-nuclear-attack-some-background/">The first can be found here.</a> The <a href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/2008/11/preparing-for-a-nuclear-attack-determining-your-scenario/">previous post</a> in the series is here.

Phil
5 min read
#Nuclear Survival #Nuke Preps #TEOTWAWKI
On Junk Silver or Silver Coins or Bullion Coins and Bartering
Barter How To

On Junk Silver or Silver Coins or Bullion Coins and Bartering

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-865" title="dimes_sml" src="/images/uploads/2009/01/dimes_sml.jpg" alt="dimes_sml" width="220" height="147" />I'm trying to get this all figured out, it's kind of confusing! <a href="http://www.survivalblog.com/glossary.html#Junk"> Junk Silver, Silver Coins, Bullion Coins, Pre-1965 Coins</a> - it turns out they all pretty much mean the same thing! Hard-Core TEOTWAKI Preppers know that pre-1965 silver coins are made up of actual silver and have good potential barter power. That bartering capability comes from the fact that the U.S. Mint has guaranteed the amount of silver in these coins so they have a known value. Bullion Coins are generally considered the easiest way to have known values of precious metals - hence their potential barter usage. So far this is fairly common knowledge, but there is a lot more to know in order to do this properly - and I'm trying to get it all figured out.

Phil
6 min read
#Bullion #Coins #Howto +5 more
Backing up your computer and preserving your files
TEOTWAWKI Survival

Backing up your computer and preserving your files

The fantastic <a href="http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/">Food Storage Made Easy</a> blog has a great post out on how to set up a regular backup process for your computer. They recommend using my favorite backup company, Mozy - a Utah based company that was started by a friend of mine and was acquired about a year ago. <a href="http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/2009/01/12/mozys-biggest-fan/">Check out their post here.</a> If you don't yet have a backup plan setup, I highly recommend reading their post and following their advice!

Phil
5 min read
#Electronic Preps #preps
Preparing for the flu
TEOTWAWKI Survival

Preparing for the flu

<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&amp;start=1&amp;oi=define&amp;ei=2kxmSfu2OZi2Mcj1jcEE&amp;sig2=lWzQdBeVwKATK2lgA2ZzNA&amp;q=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenza&amp;usg=AFQjCNESZgASdQ-Lf9icZI6gWHrdRcG3Bg">Influenza</a>, more often called the flu is a well known companion to Winter and colder weather. Typically, the flu is a minor annoyance to most people but it kills a surprising number of people in this country each year, typically the very young or vary old.

Ekim
1 min read
#Healthy #influenza #Links +1 more
Wood burning stoves as a prep.
Reviews TEOTWAWKI Survival

Wood burning stoves as a prep.

Here is Utah it is very common to have a basement, often fully finished.  My house is no exception.  Our basement is around 2,000 square feet with only two finished rooms, both bedrooms.  The previous owner of our home had ducting installed to heat the downstairs, but to do so would require another furnace which they apparently decided to set up in the closet of one of the two bedrooms.

Ekim
7 min read
#Cooking #gear #Heating +7 more
The post where we go all Doom and Gloom
Food Storage Political

The post where we go all Doom and Gloom

I suspect that most readers of this blog are slightly more intelligent than the average reality show addicted, talking head worshiping American that thinks that everything going on in the world and economy right now is just a hiccup that'll go away in the spring. You know, the ones that we preppers are pretty sure we're going to have to fight off from killing us and stealing our preps WTSHTF. But, just in case any of you are slightly towing the line with the popular hero-worshiping of the Socialistic head of the 'Office of the President Elect' thinking somehow he's going to Change anything but his mind, or that somehow he's going to bring Hope to the country - I bring you this.

Phil
6 min read
#Depression #Economy #Food Storage +5 more
What have you done to Prep Today?
Links Political

What have you done to Prep Today?

This is a habit I got myself into a long time ago. It's a fairly simple principle - if you do at LEAST one small thing to prep every single day, it will all add up very quickly! Following this principle, I make sure that every day I've done something to prep. It might be as simple as fill a 2 liter bottle with water or doing a quick visual inventory and making a mental checklist of what I need to pick up at the store soon. Other (funner) days it's something much more complex like stocking up on medical supplies, buying another gas can, filling it and putting it with the others.

Phil
4 min read
#Document Preps #Founding Documents #preps
Family BOB Example: The Lances
Links Reviews

Family BOB Example: The Lances

A local friend of mine recently posted his notes about creating a set of emergency bags (<a title="Definition of BOB - Bug Out Bag" href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/glossary/#BOB">BOB</a> - <a title="Definition of 72 hour kit" href="http://www.utahpreppers.com/glossary/#72-hour">72 Hour Kit</a>) for his family. It's great to see a friend getting his family so ready, and even better when they can share such excellent information. In his example, I think he does a great job of presenting how he will get his young sons to carry a small part of their own gear, without overtaxing them. I know all younger families like myself worry about how to 'carry enough' for the younger children, and this example shows great thought in dealing with that concern. Check out <a title="72 hour kit" href="http://www.thelances.net/james/2008/11/emergency_preparedness_-_72-ho.html">the Lances BOB setup</a>. Several pictures showing all the included gear, in and out of the bags.

Jayce
3 min read
#BOB #EDC #gear +6 more
Preparedness Motivational Poster
TEOTWAWKI Survival

Preparedness Motivational Poster

<a href="/images/uploads/2008/11/633553777006896503-preparednessbecauseyouneverknowwhenyoumightneedtofightarancormotivator.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-227" title="because_you_never_know" src="/images/uploads/2008/11/633553777006896503-preparednessbecauseyouneverknowwhenyoumightneedtofightarancormotivator.jpg" alt="because_you_never_know" width="480" height="384" /></a>

Jayce
1 min read
#humor #Motivation #Preppers +1 more
Review: Costco Emergency Supply Kit Deal
Food Storage Reviews

Review: Costco Emergency Supply Kit Deal

In the recent Costco mailer, some friends and I all noticed that a "72-hour" kit that Costco carries had a limited time online discount available.  The $60 kit was/is available for a limited time for $40 with shipping (<a href="http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11314388&amp;search=344593&amp;Mo=0&amp;cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&amp;lang=en-US&amp;Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&amp;Sp=S&amp;N=5000043&amp;whse=BC&amp;Dx=mode+matchallpartial&amp;Ntk=Text_Search&amp;Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&amp;Ne=4000000&amp;D=344593&amp;Ntt=344593&amp;No=0&amp;Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&amp;Nty=1&amp;topnav=&amp;s=1">Costco 72 hour kit sale</a>), so I decided to check it out. One more 72 hour kit could be good for my family, and if it was nice, would make a great gift to give to some family members and friends.

Jayce
8 min read
#72 hour kit #BOB #Food +5 more
CDC Zombies
TEOTWAWKI Survival

CDC Zombies

CDC Zombies

Jayce
1 min read
Cow-Sharing
TEOTWAWKI Survival

Cow-Sharing

Cow-Sharing

Ekim
2 min read
Next Year Seeds
TEOTWAWKI Survival

Next Year Seeds

Next Year Seeds

Jayce
1 min read
On Disinfection
TEOTWAWKI Survival

On Disinfection

On Disinfection

Jayce
2 min read
The Professor
TEOTWAWKI Survival

The Professor

The Professor

Jayce
1 min read
Untitled
TEOTWAWKI Survival

Untitled

Untitled

Phil
2 min read
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