What NOT to eat in a crisis

I wasn’t planning on writing an article today…

Especially since the Mrs always tells me how I should be spending more time with her and the kids.

But I just saw something at the grocery store that I had to let you know about.

And to make sure you’re not making the same mistake.

There was this dude with a cart filled with canned food.

You know, canned beans, canned soup, canned meat, and the like.

And I overheard him saying how he’s creating an emergency stockpile.

And how these cans will be essential in bad times.

While I appreciate a man who’s trying to look out for his family,

Canned food ain’t it, brother.

What some folks don’t know is that canned food has a high sodium content.

A single can of minestrone soup contains around 1,550 mg of sodium.

That’s more than half a teaspoon of salt!

You might be thinking that’s nothing,

But let me tell you, if you give that to your family in an emergency,

This is what you’re risking.

Picture this.

The power’s been out for days.

The storm of the century has hit.

And you have your water supply starting to run low.

Then you reach for those canned beans.

And you’re stuffing down salt even though you’re dehydrated!

I’m no doc, but this isn’t healthy.

Take a look at what happens when you’re dehydrated.

The last thing you need in an emergency is for your kids and you to have high fever, sweating, or vomiting.

See how easily things can take a turn for the worse?

Everyone thinks canned goods are ideal for emergencies.

But if you think one step ahead, you begin to see the flaws.

So what’s the moral of our story? Balance, folks, and a keen eye on the details.

It’s not just about having enough to eat but having the right things to eat.

Foods that provide sustained energy, require minimal processing and don’t sap your precious water supply are your real allies in a crisis.

Stay safe, stay smart, and remember, survival is as much about what you don’t do as what you do.

Until next time, please stay safe, God bless, and keep your head on a swivel!

How to harvest rainwater to survive off the grid

It’s pure, gratis, and falls right from the sky.

Yet, in our modern rush, we often overlook this natural bounty.

Brother, if you should know one thing about me is that I hate waste.

I hate how everyday folks take everything for granted.

Their daily meals, especially now, during an oncoming food shortage crisis.

Their electricity.

And most importantly, their water.

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.

Let’s embrace the wisdom of our ancestors.