There could be a time when everything is lost overnight.
I don’t know when that is, but I can tell you this,
I will be ready for it.
So let’s rediscover the ancient wisdom of collecting rainwater.
It’s a practice as old as civilization itself.
Rainwater is soft, has no ground minerals, and is excellent for plants, laundry, and even personal use with proper treatment.
Let’s talk about how to harvest it the right way.
Your roof is your primary tool.
A clean roof with no obstructions ensures a good flow of rainwater into your collection system.
Regularly inspect for debris, leaves, or anything that might contaminate the water.
Gutters and Downspouts
These are the conduits that channel water from your roof to your storage. Ensure they are clean and equipped with mesh guards to keep out leaves and twigs.
First Flush Diverter
This device diverts the first flow of rainwater, which carries most of the dirt and debris from the roof, away from your storage tank.
Ensuring cleaner water collection.
However, I don’t think it’s necessary.
See why.
Storage Tanks.
This is where your harvested rainwater will be stored. From barrels to large tanks, your storage can be as simple or sophisticated as your needs and space allow.
Ensure it’s properly covered to prevent contamination and evaporation.
Using Your Harvested Rainwater
Collected rainwater can be used for gardening, flushing toilets, and, with the right filtration and purification systems, even for drinking.
Remember, safety first. If you plan to use rainwater for personal consumption, ensure it’s properly filtered and disinfected to take out any pathogens or pollutants.
And we also have to consider the local laws and regulations.
It might sound surprising, but some areas have regulations on rainwater harvesting.
See if rainwater harvesting is illegal in your state.
We have to remain responsible and respectful of our shared resources.
Every drop counts, brother. In times of need, the water you’ve collected can be a lifeline.
But even in abundance, it’s a step toward sustainable living.
Reducing our reliance on treated water and decreasing our environmental footprint.
So that’s me, the big dude sitting across from Tucker Carlson himself! Love that guy!
But enough about me, let’s get to the reason why you’re reading this article in the first place.
I’m sure you’ve seen ‘em.
You might have even referred to yourself as a “prepper” at one point.
This group of people tries to prepare for emergencies.
They stock up on essentials, grow their own food, and meticulously plan for a myriad of scenarios.
But amidst this well-intentioned preparation, they fall into a trap.
A critical mistake that could prove fatal for them and their loved ones in a real emergency.
And it boils down to this. They boast too damn much!
Look, understand the urge to talk about your achievements with like-minded folks.
But when it comes to survival, discretion isn’t just a virtue. it’s a necessity.
Every detailed post about a stocked pantry, Every proud showcase of a stocked pantry, a water supply, a communication method, is potentially a beacon.
In the digital age, knowledge is more than just power, it’s a currency. And in the wrong hands, the knowledge of your preparations could become an invitation.
To those unprepared, desperate, or opportunistic enough to take advantage of your work when society’s thin veneer cracks.
Just see what can happen when people boast too much.
This is why I want to talk to you about the Gray Man Philosophy.
The concept of the “gray man” is not talked about enough in my opinion.
It’s essentially about blending in, not standing out.
This applies not just in the physical realm but in the digital one as well. Talk about strategies, not specifics. Discuss ideas, not inventories.
In other words, find the balance.
Believe in God and his son Jesus…
But also believe in yourself, and especially, you must believe in your basic survival skills.
For example, you don’t see me sharing photos of my backyard so everyone knows where to find me!
But can talk about how I planned my backyard.
There’s a fine line between communal learning and oversharing.
The true strength of our preparations lies in the fact that a few trusted folks know about them.
But be careful about who you trust.
As we continue down this path of preparedness, let’s pivot towards a more guarded approach.
It’s possible to be both prepared and discreet, to be ready for any eventuality without broadcasting our readiness to the world.
This doesn’t mean retreating from our community.
It simply means navigating it with a calculated caution.
Sometimes the most potent weapon is the wisdom to remain unseen.
Let’s stay safe, smart, and cautious.
God bless, and keep yourself, as well as all those that you love, as safe as possible!
The dollar, like the current US military, is losing its value around the world.
I remember when the American currency, as well as the military, used to be proud.
A global leader.
But not anymore, folks.
Inflation is on the rise. And we are currently going through a tough US recession.
And yet, experts say it’s nothing compared to what’s coming.
There could be a time when our wallets are as good as empty.
If that time comes, we have to be ready.
And think outside of the box.
If the world goes to an end of times scenario, and everyone struggles to meet their basic needs, how can we ensure we have food to eat and a roof over our heads?
Well, how did our ancestors do it?
By trading valuable goods and services.
When we talk about bartering, most people think of precious metals, ammunition, or medication as the leading currency.
And while that’s true, there are some humbler and underrated everyday items that will become invaluable in times of need.
Matches, for example.
We take them for granted these days. But in a post-apocalyptic world, the ability to build a fire can mean the difference between a hot meal and going hungry.
So stocking up on waterproof matches? Not a bad idea.
Next up, hygiene products. In extended emergencies, cleanliness can be the first casualty.
Simple items like soap, toothpaste, or sanitary products can suddenly skyrocket in importance, not just for comfort but for health.
An infection in an emergency situation? Not on my watch.
Another underrated example is seeds. Yes, those tiny things we plant in our gardens.
And, of course, skills will be as valuable as items.
Knowing how to mend clothes, repair tools, or even basic first aid? That knowledge can make you indispensable in a pinch.
My advice? Take a moment to reconsider the value of what’s around you.
Begin collecting a few essential items.
Not just for your use,
But as potential barter material.
Remember, in challenging times, it’s often the little things that make the biggest difference.
Let’s keep an eye on the details, folks.
Imagine this chilling scenario unfolding before your very eyes:
The emergency alarms blare, indicating a dire situation.
A government official, closely tied to the current administration, barges into your sanctuary, demanding access to your hard-earned stockpile.
Your carefully accumulated supplies are loaded into their bag, and they start distributing them among neighbors, including those who once mocked the idea of a disaster ever occurring.
It sounds like a nightmare straight out of a dystopian novel or a page from a history book on communist regimes.
But believe it or not, due to Executive Order 13603, recently signed into effect by the Dems, this frightening reality is happening in America right now.
Under this executive order, the government has the authority to seize and redistribute YOUR essential resources, including food, water, and other vital supplies.
However, there is hope.
A survival expert has shared a 30-second “stockpile hack“
That can effectively block the government from laying hands on your carefully curated gear.
This invaluable information is a game-changer for every prepper out there.
Don’t delay! Watch the expert’s short video, especially the crucial segment at 3 minutes and 54 seconds, to safeguard your stockpile and protect your family’s well-being.
Outsmart the government by securing your stockpile.
Remember, knowledge is power, and the time to act is now.
Share this vital information with your fellow preppers before it’s too late.
God bless you for reading this, and please keep your family safe!
Nothing gives you greater peace of mind than being able to supply your own food.
When you know that your family will not go hungry no matter what, you can feel a sense of security that most people can’t understand…
A sense of security that most people will not ever understand.
In the times we are experiencing, there are plenty of challenges that could lead to a food shortage.
From recession to global crises, we have seen everything during the past months.
I want to share with you how you can become your own food supplier, so that you can always survive comfortably.
If you follow everything in this article, then there is no possible way that your family can ever go hungry.
Long-term Food Storage
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room.
If you want to have enough food no matter what, you need to stockpile.
Below you will find the most essential goods you need to store.
Canned goods
Canned goods are non-negotiable when we are preparing for emergencies.
These little metal containers can last for years, making them ideal for long-term storage.
But remember, variety is key!
Stock up on fruits, vegetables, meats, and even soups.
And don’t forget to keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prolong their freshness.
Dehydrated and freeze-dried foods
Dehydrated and freeze-dried foods are a step further toward self-sustenance.
They’re lightweight, compact, and last even longer than canned goods.
You can either dehydrate your own food or shop for ready-made options.
Either way, make sure you store them properly in airtight containers to maintain their quality.
Mylar bags
Friends, this is where things start getting exciting.
Vacuum sealing your mylar bags can help you preserve your food’s freshness for years.
You heard me right, years!
Just make sure you follow the storage guidelines like keeping them in a cool, dark place to ensure they stay in tip-top condition.
Growing Your Own Food
When you’ve stockpiled as much food as you can, it’s time to make use of your garden.
Or, in other words, it’s time to select crops.
In survival situations, calories should be your main focus.
The main type you need to grow is calorie-dense crops like potatoes and corn.
Then there are nutrient-rich crops like leafy greens and tomatoes.
Everyone should have some of those in their backyard.
What a lot of people often neglect, however, are beans, peas, and squash.
These plants provide valuable nutrients and improve soil health through nitrogen fixation and natural pest control.
If you don’t have a lot of space, consider container or vertical gardening.
These methods allow you to grow more food in less space.
Which is really important when you are trying to maximize your produce.
Raising Livestock
I don’t know how many people raise their own livestock anymore…
But it is a game changer for sustainable living.
The No. 1 choice when deciding what animals to raise is chickens.
They provide a steady supply of eggs and meat, and their manure can be used as fertilizer for your garden.
The second option should be goats.
Goats are a valuable addition to any small homestead, providing milk, cheese, and meat.
Some other excellent options are rabbits, ducks, and goats.
They can also be used for land clearing and weed control, as they are browsers by nature.
By carefully selecting and managing small-scale livestock, you can create a diverse and sustainable food supply for your family, even in challenging times.
Research each animal’s specific needs and local regulations to ensure a successful and responsible food supply chain.
Foraging and Hunting
There could come a time when in spite of how self-sustained you’ve become…
You have to abandon everything and evacuate.
It’s a very unfortunate situation.
One that a lot of folks don’t even want to think about.
But remember, we are preparing for any eventuality.
If we have to bug out with nothing but our clothes and a small kit, we have to rely on our skills for survival.
Knowing how to forage and hunt for food can make a huge difference in these situations.
First, let’s talk about foraging for wild edibles.
This is something that you have to do safely.
Take the time to learn about the wild edible plants native to your region.
Invest in a reputable field guide or attend local workshops to become familiar with plant identification.
And for the love of God, be cautious of look-alikes!
Some edible plants have toxic counterparts.
If you eat something that you were not supposed to…
When there is no hospital nearby…
Let’s talk about something else.
Hunting
Knowing how to hunt can be invaluable in times of crisis.
A single adult deer can provide meat that can feed a family of four to six people for several weeks.
If you are good at hunting, you’ll be able to take care of your loved ones with no issues.
It’s crucial to invest time in developing your hunting skills, as it’s something that’s more complicated than most people think.
Tracking and stalking an animal requires a lot of experience and patience.
Also, make sure you know the local laws and regulations, and don’t ever hunt without a permit.
Practice ethical hunting by targeting abundant species, taking clean shots to minimize suffering, and making full use of the animal to minimize waste.
And of course, know how to properly skin, butcher, and package the meat, as well as how to store and cook it.
Foraging and hunting skills can secure nutritional food for everyone in your family in times of crisis.
Community and Cooperation
Humans have survived for such a long time thanks to building communities.
We are in this together.
Your local community is invaluable for sharing resources, knowledge, or even a helping hand.
In times of need, we can ensure that everyone survives.
If you want help from your neighbors, don’t be shy to ask.
And don’t hesitate to help them in return.
Trading with your fellow preppers is an excellent way to strengthen connections and ensure everyone’s needs are met.
And speaking of togetherness, why not establish a community garden?
Collective food production has numerous benefits, like increased food security and shared labor.
By assigning roles and responsibilities, you can create an efficient and thriving garden that benefits everyone involved.
When it comes to ensuring you have enough food to feed your family, anything goes.
I would advise you to take advantage of every one of the tips in this article.
The key to survival is preparation.
So take the time to produce your own food, and comfortably make it unscathed out of any emergency.
However, there is one issue that most people overlook, when it comes to their food storage…
Sanitation.
Whether it’s a natural disaster or a power outage, the risk of foodborne illnesses can increase in emergency situations.
And this makes it crucial to follow proper food safety guidelines.
If you ignore this step, then your whole family instantly becomes vulnerable to food poisoning and disease.
To minimize the risk of foodborne illness, it’s important to keep your cold food cold (below 40°F).
This can be achieved by using a cooler or insulated container with ice packs to keep perishable items cold.
Additionally, it’s important to regularly examine the temperature of refrigerated and frozen items to ensure they are being stored at the correct temperature.
When you prepare the food, it’s crucial to practice good hygiene.
This includes washing hands frequently and cleaning every surface and utensil thoroughly.
If you don’t have any running water, you can use a hand sanitizer or wipes for that step.
If you’re using alternative energy sources, such as a wood-fired stove or solar cooker, it’s important to ensure the cooking temperature is high enough to kill harmful bacteria.
So we’ve covered preparation.
Let’s talk about storage.
It’s very important to store perishable items in airtight containers and to rotate food regularly to prevent spoilage.
If you suspect that a food item has gone bad, throw it out.
The water that you use to cook is also vital.
If the water supply is compromised, it’s important to boil or treat water before consuming or using it for food preparation.
These steps might seem boring, but they play a very vital role in preparedness.
Don’t neglect them!
In fact, if you think someone else could benefit from following these precautions, why don’t you share this with them?
Extreme weather conditions can strike at any moment.
And there could be a time when your house might not be able to sustain them.
Most houses are not built to withstand extreme hurricanes, floods, or thunderstorms.
Having a sustainable shelter that can withstand the elements and provide protection is crucial for ensuring your survival in times of crisis.
But building such a shelter is no easy feat.
It requires careful consideration, planning, and execution.
In this article, I will walk you through every step of the way – so you have no hesitation before start building your shelter.
You will be able to start working on this project with confidence.
Before you do this, however, there is something you need to consider…
Assess The Challenge
Creating a sustainable shelter involves overcoming several obstacles.
If you go into this unprepared, you will probably give up halfway through.
I am not saying this to scare you, but to make sure you are committed to completing this project the right way – without half-assing any step.
First things first, you need to ensure you don’t break your local building codes and regulations.
Consult with local authorities and experts to ensure you’re following the rules.
If you are not careful, it can also be very expensive.
You need to be prepared to keep your ear to the ground, and look for eco-friendly or recycled materials that are readily available in your area to reduce expenses.
Does this sound too bothersome?
If not, then let’s dive into how you can start right away.
Pick The Right Spot
Selecting the right site for your sustainable shelter can make a huge difference in its effectiveness.
To make the decision, think of the type of terrain you’ll be building on.
Look for areas that are flat and stable, and steer away from areas that are prone to flooding or erosion.
You should also take the natural resources available into consideration.
Look for areas that are close to water sources or areas that have a lot of sun or wind.
Finally, consider accessibility.
Make sure the site is easy to reach, and not too far from your house.
Look for areas that are close to roads or other transportation options.
Once you’ve found your spot, you can move on to the next step:
Adhere To The 4 Sustainability Principles
The main difference between shelters and houses is that they are going to run on electricity.
We are building these things to have a way to survive when the grid goes down.
You need a different way to retain heat in the winter and stay cool in the summer.
The four key principles when creating a sustainable shelter are:
Energy efficiency,
Renewable energy,
Water conservation,
And waste management.
To maximize energy efficiency, ensure proper insulation, and utilize passive solar design principles.
Renewable energy sources can reduce dependence on non-renewable ones.
Consider solar, wind, or micro-hydro power, and invest in energy storage solutions to ensure you always have power when you need it.
Harvesting and conserving water is also essential. Install a rainwater collection system, and make sure to use water-efficient appliances and fixtures.
Lastly, incorporate waste management strategies, such as composting and recycling, to minimize waste generation and promote a closed-loop system.
Make Sure It’s Stable
Your shelter has to be able to survive anything.
The foundation, walls, and roof must be robust and resilient to withstand extreme weather conditions.
Begin with a strong foundation, using materials like reinforced concrete or stone.
Reinforce walls and roofs with sturdy framing and sheathing materials, such as steel or engineered wood.
Design your shelter to resist wind by incorporating aerodynamic features and anchoring the structure firmly to the foundation.
Earthquake-resistant construction techniques can include shear walls, moment-resisting frames, and base isolation systems.
These things can be complicated, especially if you haven’t ever done this before.
If you’re not 100 percent certain you will be able to complete this step safely, consult with a local expert.
And make sure they are aware of the appropriate techniques for the local regulations and soil.
Implement Passive Cooling and Heating
Passive cooling and heating techniques can help keep your shelter comfortable and livable year-round.
Building orientation and layout are particularly important.
Orient your shelter so that it receives maximum sun exposure in the winter, and minimum sun exposure in the summer.
This can help keep your shelter warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Using natural ventilation can also help keep your shelter comfortable year-round.
Make sure to design your shelter with plenty of windows and doors to allow for natural airflow.
Another way to control the temperature without electricity is by incorporating thermal mass and insulation.
If you can, try to incorporate every option.
Ensure Security and Defense
Ensuring security and defense is crucial for any sustainable shelter.
It might seem impossible for a shelter without electricity…but there are many ways to do that.
The first one is to make your shelter “invisible.”
In other words, to camouflage it and keep it concealed from potential threats.
Plant trees or shrubs around your shelter to help it blend in with the surrounding landscape.
Implementing perimeter security measures can also help keep your shelter safe.
A simple fence can do wonders to protect you from intruders.
But if you want to go a step further, design a safe room inside your shelter.
Make sure the room is well-ventilated, has a secure door, and is stocked with emergency items such as food and water.
Final Thoughts
I understand that this is a lot to take in one go.
It took me a long time, and I consulted with many people to write this article.
Read this again and again if you have to.
Building a sustainable shelter requires careful planning, adaptability, and a commitment to environmentally responsible practices.
But you don’t have to feel overwhelmed.
Take this one step at a time.
And if you think you have to, consult with a local professional to make sure your shelter is stable.
Remember, you are not designing a second house – you are ensuring you have a place to survive in harsh conditions.
Keep this in mind and you will create an incredible shelter that will help you make it through anything.
If you are ever forced to bug out, you will have to face a harsh reality:
Anything you don’t take with you might not still be there when you come back.
Important documents might be destroyed, stolen, or simply lost.
That is why you should keep a USB file with every essential document in your bug-out bag.
Most preppers have already taken this precaution…
But they don’t usually know if they’ve covered everything.
That is why I will share a small list with you, that contains every important document that you should always have.
Identification Documents. This includes your government-issued ID such as a passport, driver’s license, and birth certificate.
Emergency Contacts. List of important contacts of family, friends, doctors, and emergency services.
Health Records. Keep a record of your family’s history. This should include prescription medications, allergies, and any previous surgeries or treatments.
Records Statements. Anything tax-related, accounting documents or anything that is essential financially fits this category.
Estate Planning Documents. This includes your will, living will, durable power of attorney, and any other documents related to your assets and finances.
Your Property Documents: Deeds, liens, and package policy documents should be kept in a safe place.
Vehicle Papers. Keep every necessary paper of your vehicles in a separate folder.
If you don’t have any of these 7 documents, you may find yourself in a bad situation.
Your bug-out bag should contain a USB stick that includes everything.
But this is not enough,
You should also keep several physical copies of these documents somewhere in your house.
Remember, we prepare for any eventuality.
Just as your physical copies could become lost, so could your digital ones.
The point is to stay safe no matter what.
If you have multiple versions of these important documents, then you will not have anything to worry about.
P.S. Can you think of any other essential documents? Hit reply and let me know!
TheDailyChristian 