Guest Author Tom Grounder - Thoughts on what to have when you prep

Tom Grounder is back with another thought-provoking article on the items you should include in your emergency preparations.  Please pay special attention to his recommendations on firearms. Tom's business is firearms training so he speaks from experience. 

If you would like to learn more about Defensive Logic, please follow this link to Tom's website

Defensive Logic

Thank you, Tom!

These are recommendations based on my experience, my own desires to prep, research into history and my belief that such actions are necessary based on what I see the direction of the country going.  Remember that I’m an optimist!! I would love my prepping to be for nothing but ignoring it is not smart in my opinion.  I’m sure that you will find those that may differ with this.  This is strictly my personal feelings based on my training and research.  Each of you should reflect and consider your ability to provide food, needs, comfort and survivability for yourself and your loved ones defense.   

I have broken into “should have” and “get it if you can” categories.

Should have: FIREARMS

1 handgun – 9mm,40 or .45 ACP.   Some recommended models = Glock, Springfield Armory, Ruger, Smith & Wesson, Sig Sauer, Taurus or whatever you can comfortably afford. Do not discount of brand or lesser know handguns.   I’m personally not a Glock fan myself… But they are in mass use worldwide and have a simplicity and dependability that is unquestioned.   Cost is very nominal compared to many other handguns on the market today.  Important: DO NOT discount revolvers.  Some family members may not have the ability to manipulate the operations of a semi-auto pistol. Age, size, injuries to hands, arthritis and other restrictions make revolvers a clear choice.  This allows for additional calibers from .22LR, .38 / Special, .357 Magnum and up.  Please don’t assume that I am saying that the .44 cal is not valid.  It is,… but is not nearly as main stream as the mentioned ones above.

1 Shotgun  - 12 gauge.  Preferably “tactical” in design. (short barrel in 16-18 in long.  It should have rifled sights instead of bead for accuracy with slugs. An extended tube magazine can be added to increase the amount of ready ammo by 1 to 4 more than the original tube.  It can defend, take large game and or small game depending of the ammo load.  You get lots of versatility in one weapon by selecting from the vast diversity of ammo. If you can get one that has an interchangeable long barrel to go from defense to game….that is the way to go.  Benelli, Mossberg, Remington, Rock Island) are some makers that offers such a platform.

1 Rifle - .22 cal  / ( .22 magnum or .17 HMR optional ). Relatively cheap ammo.    .22 is still relatively cheap to shoot and becoming more plentiful. They can provide food in small game form.   If accurate, you can take fairly larger game with well placed headshots. It can defend, has decent range (out to 100 yrds.)  The .17 HMR as ballistic performance and a flat trajectory out to 100+ yards that is outstanding.  For the size of the round (17 to 20+ grains) it has tremendous energy at impact.  

1 Rifle long barrel: large caliber = .30 Caliber Variant. Such as 30.06, .308. 30-30,   .308 caliber is 7.62 x 51 mm (NATO) lots of availability.  Many available Eastern bloc long guns are available in 7.62x 54 and 7.62 x 39. Very close but with distinct performance abilities.   This ammo is not only plentiful, but is cheap. These all provide great range from 100 – 300 yrds effectively with little / nominal training and practice.   All can take large game and can defend at very comfortable distances.   

If you do not own a good long gun, consider a Mosin Nagant.  The market is flooded with them.  They are easily had for between $150-250.00.  They do require massive cleaning to prep and standard cleaning after shooting is a bit more intensive, and a degree of attention to setting the firing pin depth is required, but they have great range, solid ballistics and ammo is ridiculous in availability and price.  A 440 round tin can be had for under $120.00. 

Get if you can:

A handgun for every capable person in the family.

1 Tactical weapon  - AR-15,  M4, Mini -14 style.  Caliber of .223 or 5.56mm.  (I use the term tactical as so many are familiar with that term.)  Many AR platforms will accept both the 5.56 and the .223 and are marked as such.   High capacity magazines (20- 30 rounds) = lots of firepower.   AK- style / SKS soviet bloc rifles.  Caliber of 7.62 x 39.   Ammo is plentiful thus cheap.  Either one of these weapons can take most med-large-game.  Great defensive and offensive weapon.  Good range if needed and practiced out to 100+ yards.   The more the merrier here is the rule.  This could be costly, but if you have able bodied persons in the family, they are a huge force multiplier.  One benefit for the case of soviet bloc firearms is ammo.  Much available stock is steel cased that many have an issue with firing through a non - soviet bloc firearm.  It only makes sense to have a something made by the soviet bloc nations.  The cost and availability of the ammo, ability of these firearms to eat anything put through them is worth it!

Multiple .22 rifles = one for each family member.  Preferably bolt action or semi auto.  This is without a doubt the most efficient way to not only provide, you can practice shooting and sharpen marksmanship skills in every age range for little investment in the weapon itself and the ammunition.  Handguns in the same caliber can be a life saver for those younger and not ready for large calibers.  Most rifles and handguns are semi auto with many rounds on tap.  They may be small, but multiple rounds of 23 to 40 grains moving at close to 1200+ fps can cause a re-think of actions.

There is no other round or firearm in the world that is considered the ultimate survival than the .22LR in rifle form.  Backed with a handgun in the same caliber and you have what I would consider the most valuable piece(s) of your arsenal.

Ammo.  Buy! Buy! Buy!    How much should you have??   In a defensive firefight between two parties, the average number of rounds fired is 7 to 12 in a matter of seconds.  You should be able to sustain endless confrontations.    In a scenario of defending home territory against multiple outside forces, an engagement can go on for hours or days!  Stock up on every caliber you own.  No amount is too much.   In the event of such calamity…this will serve as your ability to defend, feed, trade…and (reality check here) to acquire with force as needed.  

That last line may be hard to digest and sounds brutal and cold, but reality and history indicates that aggressive acts will be required as needed to ensure survival.  Alliances and barters will only go so far.  

To scavenge is a dangerous and often confrontational undertaking... AND A REQUIREMENT TO SUSTAIN YOUR SUPPLIES.  What you come across may be the difference between life and death for you or others. There will be those who…under panic, fear, terror of dying, desperation, hunger, wanting to provide for their loved ones, and simply evil intentions…will want what you have.   There will be no compassion, no concerns for your welfare or survival. 

Morality and common decency will not be something that you can appeal to or have the luxury to bestow.  Decisions to act must be made quickly and implemented.  At this point, what will be your intestinal fortitude?  Rule of Survival: Avoid conflict if you can. Never take with force what you can obtain with honorable trade or by scavenge.

But if an attacker fails in his/her attempt to take from you by your defensive posture,…then to the victor goes the spoils!  Take from them everything!  Chances are they will not need it any way.  Never allow an immediate threat (at that moment) to be a threat to you later.  Be decisive, deliberate, violent, and be deadly. Remember,… they made the choice to engage you.

 Collect basic medical supplies.  Antibiotics (topical and oral), bandages, wraps, band-aids, cortisone, pain killers, anti-inflammatory,    Military crash bags are great and often come stocked.  Sun screens, chap-sticks…etc.  There is no limit to what you should acquire in regards to this area. “Quik-Clot” is a must.  It hurts… but if you need to stop bleeding in a hurry, this is the way.

Not Thought of By Most.  Toilet Paper, cake-bar / liquid body soaps, deodorant, toothpaste and brushes, lotions, feminine products for women (and girls that will be dealing with it as age comes) in the group such as pads, panty liners, and tampons.  (These have many other uses besides the intended for example… tampons make great plugs for wound control.  A puncture or gunshot wound can be contained in its bleeding by a tampon as a temporary emergency fix.)  Emergency sewing kits should be obtained as with fishing gear! Look at everything you use today to make your life “comfortable” and imagine what would be the effect if you did not have it. Stock it!

Clothing for all scenarios and weather.  Footwear is critical.   Boots with lace up, military–tactical style with good support are highly recommended with a huge supply of socks. Jeans and or Fatigue style pants with multiple pockets are good to have at all times. Address all members of the family in this.  Young kids grow rapidly so consider that.

Collect and store non-perishable or long shelf -life foods.  Canned goods, dry goods, pre–packed meals, etc.  Look for high caloric foods. Estimate one meal each per day…two is optimal.  Caloric intake target should be 2000 minimal per day.    Ideally have enough to sustain 6 months for each member of the family at two meals a day.

Batteries , Candles, Oil Lamps and Cooking Option Abilities.   Have at least one good camp stove that is propane powered. Have plenty of the bottles to run it!  Most of us have a gas grill of some kind.  Stock up on the tanks and have them full and ready! Rotate them during the safe time before something happens but always keep them full.  Batteries for any and all lights /devices you have should be stock in levels that some may consider absurd!  A good investment into a wood smoker is a great idea.  The ability to burn charcoal and cooking woods is a huge benefit.   

RIDICULOUS AMOUNT OF BOTTLED WATER! STORE IT NOW!   May I recommend Daily Bread and Shelf–Reliance. Please visit their websites at www.dailybread.com. and www.shelfreliance.com My family has taken this step and it is a good peace of mind.  6 months of these provisions for three is about 2500 to 3000.00.  Payment plans can be arranged if the budget cannot support the initial full layout.

Build to Store.  As you stock, find places where you can store supplies.  This may require some creative ingenuity on your part, but get after it!  Always keep in mind the issue of security and weather if you store outside the main dwelling and never store inside such items as gas, propane and major fuels.

This list is just basics.   You’re specific needs and desires will determine what you need or want to add to it.  Take about an hour or less and look around your home with the mindset that you have lost all power with no foreseeable end in sight.  What would be affected and what would you run out of quickly? What items would have an impact on your daily life (as you know it right now) if it was no longer available?  Consider the impact in magnitude.  If it was gone, what would be affected and how would that effect your overall comfort and ability to cope with the events that you may find yourself in? 

COMFORT IS IMPORTANT!  The ability to cope (think clearly, have normalcy, retain civility, to retain a strong moral compass) is rooted in your comfort and that of those around you.  Although less than what we experience now, little things will make a huge difference when faced with stressful situations of endurance. Remember that those without that comfort will reach levels of brutality that most cannot imagine to obtain it.  There is literally is no end to want you may want.  The idea of this material is to get you to think about your situation and have you expound on it as you feel.   In the end, I truly hope that all my preparation is in vain.

I’d like nothing more than step on my porch some morning and have a big sigh of relief.    I am ever optimistic of our future, but I’m not blind.   There is never more truth in this than now,….  “Hope for the best…but prepare for the worst!”     

Advanced Topics in Preparedness

Here is where the rubber meets the road for me and G.W.!  We have decided to test our readiness to face adversity with a four-month experiment.  From December 1 until March 31 we are going to make an honest attempt to live solely from supplies we have on hand.

For virtually everything in life, practice makes perfect. When it comes to "prepping" I believe that practice is vital to success. You can have shelves and shelves full of cans and jars of food along with all the other things you think you'll need like toilet paper. But you won't have the assurance that you've thought of everything until you actually live from your stored supplies.

We decided on four months because that time period is easily translated into what we would need/use in one year. During our four month experiment, we plan to carefully log everything we use. Once we have that list of four month's worth of supplies, we can multiply by three and (theoretically) know what we'd need for one year.

Doing this dry run during the winter provides some extra challenges. Our garden will be buried under snow so we can't rely on it for food like we do in summer. The chickens don't lay as many eggs through the short daylight period of winter, so we can't expect a steady supply from them. This will force us to rely on food we have stored.

If we do buy something during the four months, it will either show us a hole in our supply plan or else something about our personalities that we couldn't or wouldn't make do or do without.  We do have a few exceptions to our "no purchases" rule. We'll be in the middle of some home renovation/remodeling projects through the winter. Things we need for those projects are allowable purchases.

Over these next four months (August through November) we will be getting ready for the four months without purchases. I'll be busy canning, freezing, and dehydrating produce.  And we'll be making our lists of things we need to buy for storage. 

In my next post, I'll explain to you how we are determining what and how much to have on hand to get us through four months without additional purchases. 

Guest Author Tom Grounder - Thoughts & Issues of Security

Tom Grounder, an NRA Certified Instructor and owner of Defensive Logic, is our guest author today.  Tom is passionate about teaching people to be prepared to defend themselves. His philosophy on the subject is summed up in the name of his company: Defensive Logic. Personal security is best approached in a logical manner and with an individual approach. What is right and what works for me is very likely to be different than what is right for you.  This is where the "logic" comes in to play.

On Saturday, July 19th, I will be joining Tom on his radio show, also called Defensive Logic.  If you are local to Colorado Springs, you can find the show on 98.5 FM and 1040 AM. Or you can listen to the live streaming broadcast at 

I25talk

Click on the link, then on the banner at the top, click on "Listen LIVE I-25 Talk Colorado Springs"

Tom's program runs every Saturday from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM Mountain Time. 

Thank you, Tom, for this excellent article on the topic of preparing.

Thoughts and issues of Security.

I do not consider myself a “dooms-dayer”, “end of worlder” or even a survivalist as defined by many.  I do however believe in the practice of self defense. self reliance and being prepared.   I believe that for one “to not” consider this as a normal outlook on life is a disservice to not only you as a human, but to your loved ones and those whom you consider friends.  

I have a strong feeling that the direction of our society is driving very quickly towards a deep and rapid decline.  That being said, I don’t believe that a cataclysmic event is absolutely on our horizon.  As an optimist I still think that we can pull ourselves back.  Unfortunately I feel that we are at a tipping point that could go at any time with the right push.   What that push may be…I don’t know.  But I don’t believe shoving your head in the sand is the way to approach the possibility.  There will be enough of those types you may have to contend with should events materialize and a social “tanking” becomes reality.  

It is becoming more apparent to me that the need for personal security and scenarios of defense are issues that not only require discussion, but should be seriously implemented and prepped for by all.  

The world, and our precarious place in it, is rapidly evolving.   To use the term “tense and uncertain” is not out of line or context.   I realize that some may feel that my “vision” of the near future is over the top and perhaps totally unrealistic.  That being said here it is. 

In light of the world scene (global tensions, issues of debt, rising prices, unemployment and a clear decline in moral standards)… I believe that a boiling point is close to its peak in this country and world-wide.  A scenario of drastic actions in defense of you, your family, home and immediate neighbors could be a real possibility.  I’m not seeing some “Mad Max” wasteland type of life, but I do believe that the reality of an economic and social collapse of our nation and ramifications to our daily lives could be very close at hand.   Is it absolutely certain??  No,... but highly probable.  

But as with anything else… fortune and luck favors those who can think outside the box and prepare.    I’m not talking about cutting all ties… packing up the family and heading to the mountains.   “Bugging Out” as it is called.  I am no fan of the bug out scenario.  To me, I can think very few situations that would force me to leave my home.  The things we have worked for all our lives and have now…the home and its contents are too critical to walk away from if you need not.  

This includes family members as well as tangible possessions.  You have shelter, protection from the elements, comfort items, the knowledge of the lay of the land around you.  Why would you leave this for an uncertain condition in the boonies??    I do believe that the most crucial period in the event of collapse (economically, power grid loss, food shortage, natural disaster, whatever) will be an almost immediate social breakdown of common decent standards.  This critical time is the “panic phase” in which the reality of what is happening has not fully absorbed into the minds of the masses and panic reaction sets in.  Grabbing of the supplies by any means is a given.

 Let’s take the most likely of disaster scenarios.  Not some off the hook scenario like a Zombie Apocalypse or Alien Invasions…I’m talking real scenarios that face us.  My biggest concern is power grid loss for extended time.  The reason is irrelevant.    If you think this is not a realistic situation, think again.  If you need to have validation…( Katrina, the East Coast Super Storm Sandy, Tornados, a massive snowstorm, torrential flooding, terroristic attack on a city infrastructure, power stations)…you can think of reasons yourself.   Things can happen. The magnitude of them can be small or massive. 

Imagine the Boston Marathon Bombing had the explosion been bigger.  How hard would it have been to create another fertilizer bomb like the one used in Ok City?  Being a veteran of terrorist events from as far back in the late 70’s and early 80’s in Europe, I have no doubt that it is just a matter of time before the technique of small individual attacks (suicide bombers) on targets of lesser value, but higher emotional impact (small town America) begin. Should such a loss of electrical power occur, the time frame for such loss of power could and can far exceed 30 days with no end is in sight.

 Grocery stores carry at best 3 to 4 days of supplies based on the neighborhood it serves.  It will be empty of most usable items within 12 to 36 hours of the event. 

  

Procurement of food, shelter, viable goods, medical supplies, weapons, amunition (there is no limit to this list)… will be sought by others that did not foresee and plan ahead.  In a very short period, (hours or less) the fear and panic turns to simple, basic survival.   The panic grab turns to a hostile and brutally violent procurement event.  The rule becomes “Get what you can to survive”.

 What I want you to remember most of all is simple in its concept… If you have prepared and have stored supplies, this will be sought out by those who failed to take such measures.  Predatory humans will be looking of it.  Sharing with you is not in their plan.   Taking it from you is!!   For you, defending it will be inevitable.   

The mindset of “I cannot or will not take a life”….due to a moral conflict is beyond my understanding.   Your life and that of you families will be at stake here.   Will you really just let it happen?? If you’re inclined to think that you may be able to reason with these people, keep in mind that their mindset is survival rooted in fear and panic.  The capacity for reasoning is limited if not non-existent.   You’re kidding yourself if you think you can talk them into simply moving on.

It is naïve to think that you will be able to appeal to their humanity and good will.  Survival trumps any and all decent human or “Christian” traits that may have existed.  Do not think that I am abandoning the belief in God or faith itself.  I believe!  I believe God will be there, but you have a responsibility to take part in your defense.  I also believe that God expects us to take measures to defend ourselves.  I believe that God helps those who help themselves.  We will come back to faith later in this.

Like most of us, few are owners of large, isolated parcels of land.   You’re generally surrounded on all sides by neighbors. You home is your castle.  It’s not easy to walk away from.  And you certainly have no desire to give it up. 

Unfortunately, our general lifestyles have created little “camps” of isolationist that for the most part, might know the names of those living close to them,  but few can recall the names of someone outside of a 3 to 5 house range in either direction up the street.     In the event of a crisis, this little neighborhood of yours, (your street, block, whatever), will become your best chance at initial survival should the time come.  No doubt that safety is favored by numbers and thus the ability to present a formidable defense. 

But knowing who those persons are and what they are capable of is crucial.  Again, imagine the most basic of a crisis event…a complete, long term failure of the power grid in which all electrical power is lost for an extended time.  By extended I suggest a minimal of 30+ days and or beyond.  The longer it goes, the worse the effect is across the masses.   Foods supplies dwindle to nothing in a matter of days.   Easy fuel dispensing is over immediately.  No lights.  Electric cooking is gone! Refrigeration is gone!  In certain areas water flow may be reduced substantially or lost altogether.  Water treatment facilities will fail to operate.  Potable water will be tough to find within 5 to 10 days.  There is more to consider so at this point let your mind wander. But stay in reality mode.  So if you’re hoping to have some kind of neighborhood interaction and begin your prep,… try this.

PREPARATION:   The key to beginning a plan of defense is getting to know your neighbors.   Throw a block party if you must.  Drag your grill out front.  Illicit help and get a simple burgers and dogs fare going…encourage them to bring a side.  Make it kid friendly!  I would always suggest that you make it as alcohol free as possible.  This is not out of some moral concern.   You want to know your neighbors as they are…clear headed and “normal”.   Be the spokesman if needed.  At some point, and maybe not at this particular event, start engaging in conversation regarding your views and explain this is why you are getting to know who is around you.  If it feels right, address the group.  You may never get to this at a party/gathering.  

Often the effect you have is gradual. Over time more neighbors get to know what you’re about and they either accept it or they don’t.  If you do get the opportunity to address a group, be prepared!!  Be honest in your reason.   Explain that as a source of protection, the collective eyes and ears of the camp are the best line of defense.  Get names on papers, addresses, names and ages of children, PHONE NUMBERS!!!  Make a roster and pass it around to all the neighbors.     

This simple beginning will yield incredible info and increase your ability to actively protect!     Keep this in mind, should a calamity happen, in most cities and towns, small neighborhoods, a simple block of homes, your street, will become individual zones of activity and security.  Each small block can and most likely will become instant, contained camps.  

The inhabitants of these “camps” will be reliant of each other for support, help and very likely, survival.   There is always safety in numbers.  But the numbers must be controlled in a crisis situation.  The harsh reality is that it may be necessary to “cull” those that are clearly a threat to the security and safety of the camp. 

As with most camp operations, there will quickly emerge a leader.  This position will be crucial to organizing security, determination of welfare and delegation of responsibilities.  Once the alpha is identified, support and assume a role according to your abilities, experience and expertise.   If a specific “alpha” does not emerge during your party, expect it to be you.  Take the challenge and do the best you can.  Regardless of who is the designated leader, a chain of command must be established in the event of a loss.

COLLECTIVE TALENT:   As you get to know your closest neighbors… who has what talents? Who has what abilities?   This is very important to learn.  A community is made up of personalities and abilities…all different, but equally important to create a sense of “normal”.   Not all are defenders and fighters.  Perhaps you have a person with an engineering background, mechanical abilities, a medical professional, a teacher, a spiritual minister, builder, carpenter, growers, someone with canning abilities, hunters, and so on!    Know who these people are if you can.  

Regardless of their contribution and skills, they may be called on to perform a duty for which they were not prepared for and had never thought of in the capacity that you’re asking.  Bear in mind that some persons can never take a role of a fighter, or defender.  Know who these people are and do all you can to avoid pressing them into such events.   

BELIEFS:  This is touchy subject.  Make your own determinations here.   For me, I look at it this way. “Among all persons, the desire to be safe and have a place in a group of those determined to have that security… will (and should) trump any and all issue of what some may perceive God to be and what your differences may be to that.” I can look past a person’s religious followings of faith, or lack of, if they are willing to co-exist for survival and the good of the camp.

Me personally I believe in God. Faith is central to my family.  I’m far from perfect in my actions to be “right with God” and whatever that brings me when I’m called,…so be it.   But I try. I believe that in a crisis, God will expect me to stand my ground and if my role is to defend the members of my family or group / neighbors with deadly force to ensure their and my survival, I will meet that challenge with no hesitation.

Religious conversions in crisis events are a sure thing.  Many will begin to turn to it, others will lose it.  I personally believe that in a camp as I described, if you have a spiritual base and leadership in the form of a pastor or minister (ordained or not), you have a core of morality that must be present.   It will make the tasks that we all may face easier to deal with if a strong spiritual refuge is among you.  It grounds you.

TACTICAL  ABILITIES:   The reality of this is the need for a defined mission oriented defense goal for your community or camp.  Each person should have a clear understanding that looting and raids by those seeking to get what they can is an undeniable fact of any disaster, crisis or event that disrupts the normal flow of our lives.  Generally, at the onset of the event, there is a vast amount of mass mobs that will clear a shopping district of goods. 

Homes that have been evacuated by either choice or by order become prime targets for thieves and those seeking shelter.  Law Enforcement resources are dispersed very thin or may not exist at this point and responding to a call for a home invasion to protect your home and those around you is not practical to expect.

This is your responsibility.   The interesting thing about this is that it always has been.  This sits at the root of our nation and its founding principles.   Keep in mind, the term “tactical ability” is not limited to combat action or whatever so many feel is depicted in any number of movies, TV shows and video games.   True tactical security allows you sustain!!!!!   To have, to use, to live, to have a life, and to defend it with distinct advantages and with whatever degree of ferocity is needed based on the nature of the threat.

VIOLENCE OF ACTION:   This is a serious conversation here.  Have you ever really sat down and pondered this?  What is your capability should you be faced with a scenario that can very quickly evolve into a life or death situation?

 Like so many other things, few of us really face this issue.   In the event of a crisis ( and if you need an example again, Katrina and most recently Sandy on the east coast )  riots, looting, murder and many other violent crimes against those that could not defend themselves in the wake of the storm did and will occur!!!!   This will be no different in the future and has been a constant in every crisis situation in the past on this planet.   The media covers all the tragedy, but there was very little coverage of the neighbors that banned together and pooled their resources to collectively survive.   I can assure you that each crisis has such examples.  For you, you must determine now that if you are faced with a threat to your survivability (included family members or even the group)… to what degree will you go to protect it?? 

Violence of action determines not only the amount of force unleashed but most importantly, the speed and prejudice in which it is delivered!   The rule I teach in firearm training for defense is “AVOID & DE-ESCALATE!   Avoid the confrontation if you can. If you cannot, give every opportunity to allow de-escalation.   Keep in mind these options could be exhausted in seconds. 

But if you can look into yourself after a confrontation in which you took a life and you can say that you exhausted the options of avoidance and de-escalation to your adversary, then go about your day and look back no further. 

GET SERIOUS IN TRAINING AND PREPARATION:   To many… often in the camp, within our families and others we may know, the idea of a firearm is a scary thing. It is something they cannot see themselves using our even being around.  And I don’t see them as wrong.  This is a personal feeling that is based in real and tangible fears for them.  Firearms can be dangerous.  People can be hurt by them in innocent ways.  You may never get these folks to change their minds and you must learn to adapt to that.   

The principle idea of a firearm for protection and for provisions is as old as far back as the late 1400,s and beyond.  It is a part of our heritage and our duty as Americans to heed the words of our founding fathers to be the most independent, resourceful, and FREE people on the planet.  It is your duty to carry this into the future for your family and for them to carry forward for their families.  

I could opt to face the challenges of the future without…but I would far prefer to be well armed and trained.    Why???  In a crisis world where an injury that we normally think of as repairable or healable, won’t be so if immediate medical attention is not available or simple antibiotics are not.  Standards of cleanliness may decline due to lack of basic things we take for granted.   The first luxury that will become in short supply could be water.  Injuries, small and thought of as a “boo-boo” can become infected, and fester to a point of death.   Over time our bodies have become less able to ward off the effects of infections on their own. Until we rebuild that ability we must be careful.

 The lack of simple cleaning abilities/items like soap, anti-biotic ointments and a band-aids (and the fact that our bodies have lost certain abilities to fight such infections due to modern medicine) can cause what was once a small inconsequential cut to become a life threatening issue.  This is something that I cannot risk for myself or family.   I want to have the greatest advantage… in the worst situations that can occur… that I can provide.   I feel it is your duty to yourself and your family to provide it as well.  

A cut that festers to infection can take only a few days to a couple of weeks to weaken you or even end your life in a few of months.   Being in good health and acquiring firearms for defense and procurement is essential.  What’s the most important reason to get and learn to use firearms?????  Your aggressors will have them and will use them against you!   Stay fit and rifle up!     

 As you begin to come closer to the neighbors that you know you can depend on, learn what their resources are.   What weapons and calibers do you have in common?   Do you know their level of proficiency in shooting?  What is yours for that matter?   Are you a stand up “static” shooter from behind a bench on line at your local range?  Or do you actually practice the discipline of shooting under pressure?

 Do you practice draws?   In the event of home intruder / invasion...do you know the sounds of your home?   Do you know the creaks, pops and distinct noise that you can associate with someone moving in your home?  

Do you know how to clear you home?  Where are your fire / no fire zones?   What are the “fatal funnels” for you and your threat?   What is your best area of control for defense and offense… your “God Spot”?

Are you completely up on the ballistics of rounds used in your home defense weapons?  What are the penetration abilities?  What lies behind walls that may be a back drop to gunfire?   

 Another concern that is often looked over is the reaction of your family.  Can you be sure that your family will be out of any zones that may hold a fire fight? 

Do your kids know what to do?   Of those old enough to handle a firearm, do they know the proper technique? Have they shot them before?  Do they know how to gain access to them?   All of this should be considered long before you are in the situation and need to know.  

GET YOUR FAMLY, FRIENDS, NEIGHBOR (s) TO A RANGE.  If you have specific expertise in the area of firearms, offer your knowledge to those that lack it.  

The most rewarding thing that I ever do is turn someone on to the joy of shooting and awaken a defensive posture in them!  You may very well change their life.  And you very well may have to rely on them to help save yours    

SHOOT, SHOOT AND SHOOT SOME MORE:   There is no substitute for trigger time and training in different scenarios.  Most states, and Colorado is abundant…have federal lands that allows open shooting.  In such areas…your imagination is the limit to the scenarios that you can create to train on.  Be creative!!  Shoot at varying distances, angles, firing from prone, kneeling, on your back, behind cover, wounded wing one arm...weak side.  Do a static shoot, and then sprint as fast as you can away from the shooting point and sprint back.  Do the same shoot, do it under a time constraint then see how your skills deteriorate! 

 Studies show that regardless of your training level or expertise when your adrenaline and stress level is elevated, your fine motor skills diminish.  Your vision tunnels and hearing will often become directional and go into a mode of filtering.   It’s termed as “auditory exclusion”.  

There is much to learn if you choose to be more prepared and this is just a skimming of the surface. Take it as far and you like.  Range time is not feasible to many with the lack of ammunition. Practice indoor “dry fire” exercises with snap caps.   Although not legal in most city limits, a BB or pellet rifle is a great way to keep up on shooting skills in with little cost and no noise to the neighborhood.  

This is not intended to make you live a ridiculous life of prepping by going nuts. Be reasonable.   Look at what you can do to help you and your family sustain for a minimum of three to six months.  

Get started now!  It is never too late!  

Renee's First Radio Program

Very exciting news here at Crossed Sabers!  I have been invited to be a guest on a radio talk show called Defensive Logic. I'll be talking about the importance of becoming more self-reliant/self-sufficient as well as some of my experiences turning Crossed Sabers Ranch into a working homestead.

The show will air on Saturday, July 19th from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM Mountain time. 

If you are local to Colorado Springs, CO, you can find the show on FM 98.5 and AM 1040.

Otherwise, you can find the program streaming live online at:

I25talk

My segment will start at approximately 9:30 AM Mountain time and run for about the next hour.

I would love it if you tuned in to the show!  I'd especially love it if you tuned in and then called the show to add your ideas, thoughts, and opinions.  

Wish me luck on my first ever radio talk show appearance!

In the Dark

Spring in Colorado is a fickle thing. Yesterday, we enjoyed a beautiful, warm sunny day. Temperatures nearly reached 70 degrees. But oh what a difference a day brings. Today we are hunkered down indoors while a blizzard howls outside. Yup, April 9th and we have a blizzard. The current temperature is 12 degrees. It's been dropping steadily since yesterday at about 6:00 PM.

In the middle of the night I was startled awake when our electricity went out. I can't explain why the absence of power startled me awake, but it did. The first thought that crossed my mind was, "How am I going to make my morning coffee?"  We have an electric stove, so I can't even heat water up for instant coffee. Oh the humanity!  The thought process of an admitted caffeine addict can be illogical. More practical thoughts quickly raced in.

Our water source is a private well. The pump for it is electric. No power, no water. I do have some drinking water stored up, (See my post from last fall about water storage), but how would we flush toilets? There's not enough water stored for that. Crap! Literally.

Then I lay there wondering how we'd keep warm. We have a gas fireplace, but it's not very efficient. It's more for looks than utility. Better than nothing, I suppose.

Next I tried to remember where we stored the battery-powered lanterns. I know where the candles and batteries are, but not the lanterns.

How would I call work to let them know I wouldn't be in to the office? Our land line phone doesn't have long distance and we have no cell phone signal at the house. Where did we put the propane camp stove? How many propane tanks do we have? Are they full? Without electricity to run the stock tank heater, it'll ice over. Gotta remember to break the ice so the horses have water.

With all of this turning over in my mind, there was no way I would fall asleep again. G.W. was sleeping peacefully through all of this. I envy his ability to sleep through anything and everything!

Then the power came back on!

Like a shot I was up and out of bed. I turned on the spigot in the bathtub to fill it with water for flushing toilets. I rummaged around in the garage and found one of our three lanterns. I also loaded up a box with candles, matches, and batteries and brought that up to the living room. Next was making coffee. Whew! At least I'd have my caffeine.

No sooner had I settled in with a cup of coffee when, to quote the Pat Travers' song, "Boom, boom, out go the lights." Again. But this time, I didn't experience that knot of apprehension in my stomach, since I was slightly more prepared.  Less than an hour later, the electricity was restored and has been OK since. 

But the experience got me thinking about some serious shortcomings in our plan for self sufficiency.

The snow's been coming down all day.

The iris and columbine were just beginning to come up in the garden. Now they're buried in snow.

Flocks of birds come to the corral to eat seeds from the hay.

Hard to believe that 24 hours ago it was almost 70 degrees. 

Barn cat Elizabeth wonders what's up with the crazy weather!

Vehicle Preparedness and Safety

Guest author (and my very own hubster) G.W. has written a great set of guidelines for making sure your vehicle is stocked and ready to go in the event you need to get out of Dodge!

When talking about emergency preparedness and safety, your vehicle is one of your most important assets.  This summer there were numerous wild fires and how did people get out of the path?  In their vehicles.  A lot of people had very little notice as the fires swept over the ridge forcing them to leave their homes with just the clothes on their backs.  If you only had 5 – 15 minutes to grab what you could from your home before you had to flee, what would you take?  If your vehicle was already prepared and you had a personal survival kit already assembled then you might have time to gather up some family photos or other irreplaceable mementos.   

There are a number of good tips that can help keep you and your family safe as you navigate your way out of a natural disaster area.  I’ve attempted to list several of them in this article. 

Preparedness Kits.  In my humble opinion there are two types of preparedness kits you should have in your car at all times - a vehicle safety kit and a personal survival kit.  Below are some suggested items to include in each kit.  Items should be stored in airtight plastic bags inside storage containers.

Vehicle Safety Kit

Air Pump / Compressor Battery-Operated Radio w/ Extra Batteries Candles Cigarette Lighter Compass / GPS Unit Duct Tape Fire Extinguisher (ABC-Type) Flashlight w/ Extra Batteries Ice Scraper Jumper Cables Latex Gloves (At Least 2 Pair) Light Sticks Map of Area Matches In Waterproof Container

Plastic Storage Bags (Zip Lock) Radiator Stop Leak Road Flares Sand / Cat Litter for Traction on Ice / Snow Shovel Survival Knife T-Style Lug Wrench Tarp (6′X6′) (Can be used to make a temporary shelter or as a ground cloth to keep you dry) Tire Chains Tire Pressure Gauge & Fix A Flat Tow Strap Trash Bags (Construction Weight) (Can be used as an emergency poncho, to help keep your sleeping bag dry, or to gather and carry water.)

Personal Survival Kit

Blankets / Sleeping Bag Cash, Coins For Phones Cell Phone First Aid Kit / Special Medications Whistle Toilet Paper / Towelette

Games / Books for Kids (if appropriate) Infant Diapers and Wipes (if appropriate) Infant Formula (if appropriate) Personal Hygiene / Feminine Items  Pet Supplies (if appropriate)

Food - Choose whole grain cereals, nuts, energy bars, peanut butter, and food with high liquid content; avoid food that makes you thirsty.  Any special diet foods.  Remember a portable can opener should you chose any canned foods. Water - 1 gal/ person, for 24-hour period. (Write date on all food / water, replace every 6 months.) Spare Clothes - Gloves, hat, sturdy shoes, boots, wool socks, jacket, rain gear, etc. clothing that can be layered

How robust this kit will be for your particular vehicle may depend on several factors. You may want some or all of these items or none at all depending on the vehicle you drive, geographic location, and time of the year.  Keep in mind that during the winter there are other items that should be included, so your kit should be updated with the changing of the seasons.  I’ve tried to make this a simple, but complete list for a basic kit.  I readily acknowledge that this is not the end all list, but it should definitely be a good start.

Keep your vehicle gassed up and ready to go.  Try and maintain your vehicle at a minimum of ½ a tank. Whenever it drops below that it’s an easy and quick stop at the gas station to fill it back up.  Consider that in a natural disaster situation where everyone is trying to get away from the disaster area, the lines at the gas station may be long if the gas stations are even open at all.  It could be total chaos and if you are spending time trying to procure resources (such as fuel) that are in high demand instead of putting distance between yourself and the threat area (if that is the most desired course of action for you and your family), then you will have a much more difficult time escaping.

Maintain your vehicle.  This may seem obvious but in the rush of our daily lives sometimes things get pushed to the side, forgotten or procrastinated until the last minute.  Make sure you keep your oil changed, tires properly inflated, brakes in good working order, lights (headlights, high-beams, fog lights if you have them, turn signals, brake lights, tail lights etc) inspected and maintained. If there are any mechanical issues that you suspect could be a problem, try to address them early and get them taken care of immediately. You never know when disaster could strike and trying to fix your vehicle when you should be driving it, could cost you valuable time when you can’t afford to be sitting in place. In addition to keeping a survival kit in your car, also keep an emergency car tool kit.

Keep your doors locked.  This a good rule of thumb whether you are parked (to avoid unwanted visitors waiting inside when you are not in your vehicle) or whether you are driving.  If you are stuck in any type of traffic or situation where you are moving slowly and the door flies open with someone wanting to help themselves to a ride or more, it adds whole new level of complication to your evacuation plan.  

On a daily basis I could probably live out of my truck for 3 days and when I add in my emergency winter box that timeframe could extend out to about a week.  The most important factor in any disaster situation is to have a plan and include others who will be involved in helping to develop and accomplish the goals of that plan.  If you have other tips that you’d like to offer, please comment below.