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.
On March 24, 2023, tyrant Kim Jong-un boasted about a nuclear drone, that can cause a “radioactive tsunami.”
Supposedly, this drone can remain unseen by moving underwater.
And it can create mass destruction.
Folks, I haven’t seen a more pathetic person than Kim Jong-un.
He is short, fat, and looks like a teenage boy.
And despite being the leader of a whole country…no one takes him seriously.
This is why he might pull the trigger.
He is willing to risk the balance between the U.S. and North Korea for a dick-measuring contest.
But there are more nuclear attack threats for the U.S. other than Kim Jong-un.
Russia just moved its nuclear weapons outside the country for the first time ever.
This was issued in response to the conflict with Ukraine…but how sure are we that Russia doesn’t have ulterior motives?
Who’s to say that they will not turn these nuclear weapons facing our way after they’re done with Ukraine?
If history has taught us anything…it’s that each war crime brings the next one like a string of dominos.
I don’t know where we should expect a nuclear attack from…
But I know one thing…
This is a real threat.
And yet, if you ask anyone in the street about their plans in case of a nuclear attack, they will tell you that “everyone would die anyway.”
So there is no point in preparing for it.
But they are wrong.
With the right preparation, you and your family can survive anything.
And I will show you exactly how to do that in this article.
Preparing for a Nuclear Attack
The first step is simply knowing the potential sources of nuclear threats in your area.
Whether they are military bases…
Nuclear power plants…
Or other facilities that handle radioactive materials…
These are the places where an attack could cause the most damage.
So this is where the enemy is most likely to strike.
If there are any places like these close to your area, take note of them.
Once you have a basic understanding of the risks and scenarios, you can create a nuclear emergency plan.
Let’s see how you can do that.
Finding Shelter
In the event of a nuclear attack, finding suitable shelter is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself.
You need to find a place to live in for one or two days – so you can survive without having to evacuate.
Depending on the type of nuclear weapon used and the distance from the explosion, the ideal shelter may vary.
In general, however, the greatest shelter will be located underground, in a thick-walled building, or in a reinforced concrete structure.
Ideally, the shelter should be as far away from the blast site as possible and should have as few windows as possible.
Once you’ve found a suitable shelter, you are ready for the next step…which is where most people will make a fatal mistake…
Protecting Yourself from Radiation Exposure
One of the biggest risks of a nuclear attack is radiation exposure.
It can cause a range of health problems including cancer, radiation sickness, birth defects, and many more.
To protect yourself, it’s important to understand the different types of radiation and their effects on the body.
Alpha and beta particles can be stopped by clothing or a thin layer of material.
While gamma rays are much more penetrating and require thicker barriers or protective gear.
A nuclear attack will most likely cause every type – so you need to be prepared for every type.
To protect yourself and your loved ones from gamma rays, you have to use protective gear like masks, gloves, and suits.
A gas mask with a HEPA filter can protect against inhaling radioactive particles.
While gloves and suits made from materials like rubber or plastic can protect against skin contact with contaminated surfaces.
If you wait to look for these things after the nuclear attack…you will just not find them.
Everyone is going to be looking for them.
Stock up on protective gear and essential items before a nuclear emergency occurs.
Remember, the better you prepare, the better you’ll sleep at night.
In addition, it’s important to decontaminate yourself and your surroundings – just in case.
This may involve washing exposed skin and hair with soap and water, discarding contaminated clothing and objects, and sealing any contaminated areas to prevent the spread of radioactive particles.
But What If You Become Exposed?
Have you ever heard the phrase “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans?”
Sometimes no matter how well we are prepared…our plans fall short.
It’s something that everyone has to accept.
To ensure you haven’t become exposed to radiation, use a radiation detector.
You can find one for under 100 bucks on Amazon.
These devices can measure radiation levels in the environment and in your body.
And they can help you determine when it’s safe to exit your shelter or take other actions to protect yourself.
If you do experience radiation exposure, it’s important to seek professional attention as quickly as possible.
While there is no cure for radiation sickness, hospitals can provide supportive care to manage symptoms and help your body recover.
In addition, regular checkups and monitoring can help detect any long-term health problems that may arise afterward.
The effects of radiation can last for years or even decades.
And they may require ongoing attention and monitoring.
However, with the right support and resources, it is possible to recover and rebuild after a nuclear attack.
This may involve working with local authorities and community organizations to
Clean up contaminated areas
rebuild infrastructure
and provide support for survivors
Overall, protecting yourself from radiation exposure requires a combination of knowledge, preparation, and guts.
By understanding the risks, preparing for the worst, and staying informed and connected, you can be better equipped to face this daunting challenge.
Remember folks, every little bit can make a difference in an emergency.
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!