The Practical Prepper: A modern conversation about preparedness, survival and being self reliant

News moves quickly these days. It seems like we are constantly jumping from one shock to the next.  In this episode, Nick and Andy uncover some of the current issues including: crypto, nuclear weapons, missing submarines, speeches from Putin, and the energy crisis.  Andy throws down some alarming predictions. He reviews some facts about the recession and energy crisis that you'll want to hear.  Right now, being aware of what is going on around you is more important than ever. Inform yourself and be prepared.  Now is the time to stock up and prepare. Our sponsor Valley Food Storage offers great tasting, non GMO emergency food that lasts 25 years. Use the code PRACTICAL15 to get 15% off your order today.

In this episode we welcome back Fred for another conversation surrounding outdoor survival. This time, he brings along his son, Daniel, as they recall their most recent backpacking excursion down the east coast.  They covered about 47 miles in 3 days. Even when you're going on a shorter backpacking trip, it's important to decide how heavy of a pack you're willing to carry vs. how prepared you want (or need) to be.  Topics covered in this episode include: footwear, water carries and resources, wildlife, mental toughness, skin protection, and food packing and preparation.  It's always a comfort to have a hot meal at the end of a long, exhausting hike. That's why they took some Valley Food Storage meals along with them.  Want to add some new freeze dried food  and 72 hour emergency kits to your outdoor adventures? Valley Food Storage is offering a special deal for our podcast listeners. Enjoy 15% off your entire order when you use the code PRACTICAL15.

Recently, New York City released a Nuclear Preparedness PSA video. This is not the first time the government has used fear as a means to control the public.  In this episode, Nick and Andy take us through a historical look at government control tactics and overreach. This episode really covers all angles: misinformation, the new "definition" of recession, domestic extremist symbols, and agricultural shortages, and China's user agreement hack in TikTok. Anymore, it seems to be something new developing every day.  Knowledge is power. Being aware of what is going on around you is more important than ever in this climate. Are we heading to Cold War 2.0?  Now is the time to stock up and prepare in these uncertain times. Our sponsor Valley Food Storage offers great tasting, non GMO emergency food that lasts 25 years. Use the code PRACTICAL15 to get 15% off your order today.

On today's episode, we are speaking with Rachel again to talk more about how she raises her children in the current digital age that we are all a part of.  “They have to learn how to fail. That is when you learn, and that is when you grow, and that is when you figure out what you're good at and where your god given talent should be applied. Not everybody should get a trophy, and we are in indeed in an everybody gets a trophy stage of life. I feel very comfortable saying that is an absolute disservice to our kids. They need to fail. They need to feel the failure and know that it is a huge part of being successful, and they need to know what they're good at so that they can apply themselves in a way to make a difference.”  Don't forget to support our friends at Valley Food Storage. Use the code PRACTICAL15 at checkout for 15% off your entire order.

On Today's episode we have a special guest, Rachel, who will be telling us about her and her family's experience homesteading and how she teaches her children to prep and live sustainably. "So I want their first option to not be to pick up a device. And what's interesting is when you have them outside or you help condition them to think that way they forget about it once they're outside or once they're distracted doing something physical. I've noticed that the device is in the back of their head, but it's not something that they immediately go to..." Want to add some new freeze-dried food to your homestead? Valley Food Storage is offering a special deal for our podcast listeners. Enjoy 15% off your entire order when you use the code PRACTICAL15.  

 In this second part of Outdoor Survival with Fred, topics covered include the best hiking footwear, water filtration, and some of Fred's hikes he has planned for the Summer.  When it comes to water filtration Fred states..."My absolute favorite is mechanical filtration. And I use a system basically that consists of a plastic bag that is made for scooping water out of a streamer like you hang it up on whatever you got that you kind of elevate the bag...If I just want to do a gallon I can do that... or I think it will hold up to three. If I want to do three gallons at one time, I can do that. And I like that flexibility." Want to add some new freeze dried food to your outdoor adventures? Valley Food Storage is offering a special deal for our podcast listeners. Enjoy 15% off your entire order when you use the code PRACTICAL15.

In today's episode Nick unpacks some great adventures with our guest, Fred. Listen and learn from an outdoor enthusiast's trials and tribulations. "So I'm expecting to come down and maybe we're going to see a bear finally. And he stops and pivots, and his eyes are gigantic in his head. And he's like, it's not a bear. What is it? ...and there's like this eight foot tall Moose on the trail, and his backside was facing us. And we're maybe only like five 6ft from it from the way we came around this corner. And immediately I'm thinking we have no place to go because Moose do what hippopotamus do. They trample people..." What would you even do in this situation? It's good to be prepared for the unexpected. Another way to be prepared for an adventure is with a good map. Where might you be able to get water once you run out along your route? Or, what's going to look like a good area to camp in if you need to plan out where you're staying overnight? Fred goes into the details when it comes to reading maps and route outlining for  hikes. There is definitely some planning required for a multiple day hike into the back woods. Not to mention there are a few tools you will want to have with you.  Want to add some new freeze dried food to your outdoor adventures? Valley Food Storage is offering a special deal for our podcast listeners. Enjoy 15% off your entire order when you use the code PRACTICAL15.

In this episode, Joe speaks with Adam, the host of the podcast: Survive Everyday. No matter what you're preparing for, tornadoes, fires, inflation, whatever, you still need to survive today, right?  We approach the conversation of preparation in a very practical way in this conversation. What are the best practices for preparing on the daily? Joe states: "Today's conversation with us is really about...what are the little things that we weave in that are not frightening, that do remove anxiety, allow you to control the moment when the moment happens, if the moment happens and if it doesn't, you're not out that much, really, in some cases, you gain along the way just for being a little bit prepared." You can't prevent a disaster, but you can certainly be prepared for it. Valley Food Storage is offering a special deal for our podcast listeners. Enjoy 15% off your entire order when you use the code PRACTICAL15.

On this episode, we are joined again by Daisy Luther of The Organic Prepper. Cancel culture, censorship, and accountability are present in the media and it's all controlled by one narrative. How is this happening in the USA? Is critical thinking and free speech at risk? Nick and Daisy also unpack some of the current events in Canada. This new dystopian direction is alarming. Canada is our neighbor, so it's a good idea to be prepared and pay attention to what's going on.   You can't prevent a disaster, but you can certainly be prepared for it. Valley Food Storage is offering a special deal for our podcast listeners. Enjoy 15% off your entire order when you use the code PRACTICAL15.

Inflation has reached new heights. This information-packed episode sheds light on the ever-increasing prices with which we must confront each day.  Have you ever wondered why the cost of products and services keeps rising? You're not alone; a lot of people in the United States question the same thing. In a nutshell, the solution is a phenomenon known as inflation. Financial readiness is one of the most important things you can do in your life to provide yourself and your family peace of mind. You can't prevent a disaster, but you can certainly be prepared for it. Valley Food Storage is offering a special deal for our podcast listeners. Enjoy 15% off your entire order when you use the code PRACTICAL15.

As we have settled into 2022 a little bit, now is a good time to step back and take a look at what's left to do. In today's episode we speak with Daisy Luther, the founder and publisher of 3 websites: The Organic Prepper, The Frugalite, and Preppers Daily News.  Daisy has more than 1 bug out bag. She shares all of the the best advice when it comes to prepping kits and bug out bags. Her actual bug out bag is unique in that she only carries what she absolutely needs. For example, she doesn't carry a stove because she can build something easily on the go if needed. You don't need the most expensive bells and whistles. What is the minimum, most basic equipment you need? Pro Tip: always have a water filter in your purse! Daisy says, they're so tiny you can fit it easily and you never know when you'll need one.  Daisy's has a very humble beginning in her prepping journey. She shares her story and speaks to preparing for your own lifestyle and the changes that could occur to it. Life can change on a dime and if you're not ready for it, life can get difficult.  Where is the line between hoarding and smart prepping? How do you stay organized, especially when you live in a small place? She gives a few great tips on how to organize your stash.  When it comes down to it, it's all about adaptability and self-reliance.  You can't prevent a disaster, but you can certainly be prepared for it. Valley Food Storage is offering a special deal for our podcast listeners. Enjoy 15% off your entire order when you use the code PRACTICAL15.

In this episode of the Practical Prepper Podcast, we break down all things electromagnetic pulse, or EMP. The Host of today's episode, Nick, speaks with Andy about how you can prepare for an EMP attack. Andy spent a decade in the marine corps and works as an infrastructure and business resilience consultant. Needless to say he knows his stuff when it comes to this topic. You can't prevent a disaster, but you can certainly be prepared for it. Valley Food Storage is offering a special deal for our podcast listeners. Enjoy 15% off your entire order when you use the code PRACTICAL15.

In today's episode of The Practical Prepper Podcast, Joe speaks about Veterans Day with a little bit of a new perspective by interviewing 2 women who are mothers of men who are in the army and marines.  We also hear about some of the best ways to support veterans overseas and in your community. When someone is overseas, there is nothing better than receiving a care package or thank you note from home.  They really hit on the importance of mental health and speak about some great information on ways you can not only recognize that someone needs help, but guide them towards the right resources.  We appreciate these women sharing their perspectives and Valley Food Storage gifted a couple of buckets for each woman to help bring them peace of mind in their homes.

In today's episode, Smitty discusses the barest of survival camping instructions, what you need to pack in your camping backpack. It's time to prepare and have a plan and supplies in case an accident happens. Today's episode is brought to you by Valley Food Storage. If you're ready to get the best survival food on the market, click here to unlock your exclusive 25% off coupon.

Today, we break down the rationality as to why Floods are the deadliest of natural emergencies. Schmitt discusses exactly how underprepared we have been when facing the danger of floods.  What is the real cost of experiencing a flood? And what dangers go missed following even in the smallest of floods? Find out all this and more, on this episode of the Practical Prepper Podcast! Today's episode is brought to you by Valley Food Storage. If you're ready to get the best survival food on the market, click here to unlock your exclusive 25% off coupon now!

In this episode of the Practical Prepper Podcast, Schmitt looks at his long-lost friends' modern-day lifestyles and remembers how easy it is to place value in frivolous things that really bear no gain to the self in the long run. Today's episode is brought to you by Valley Food Storage. If you're ready to get the best survival food on the market, click here to unlock your exclusive 25% off coupon now!

We weren't born into this life of prepping. We were molded by it. We learned to adapt and overcome to prepare ourselves for any emergency that may come our way. But, not everyone became the flawless prepper they are today without making a few mistakes along the way. In today's episode, Schmitt reminisces about his own journey of becoming a prepper. He shares his thoughts and opinions on what he wished he knew before he started. Ready to start your prepping journey? Click here to get a 25% off coupon on all of our long term food storage now!

History may repeat itself but no one can truly know what events the future may bring. Nor can they know how the economy will fare as we return back to full operation. Financial security should be a top priority for everyone, in today's podcast, Schmitty provides some financial insight into how you can protect your financial assets from the negative impacts of inflation.  This episode is sponsored by Valley Food Storage. Click here to receive 25% off your emergency food order today!

On this episode of the Practical Prepper Podcast our newest host, Schmitty joins the family. He'll be here with you today to discuss critical aspects of the economic fallout we may see as a result of closing the country last year.  This episode is sponsored by Valley Food Storage. Click here to receive 25% off your emergency food order today!  

In the final part of this series, Ken discusses how you can set up the layout of your home to be tactfully sound and puts you and your loved ones in the best possible spot to ward off an intruder. Today's episode is brought to you by Valley Food Storage - the healthiest long term food storage you can buy.    Valley Food Storage is offering you an amazing 25% off coupon just for being a listener of the podcast.    Click here to unlock your 25% off coupon now!

In part 4 of 5, Ken breaks down the essentials to safety and security when having firearms in the household and how you can defend your property and loved ones correctly.  Today's episode is brought to you by Valley Food Storage - the healthiest long term food storage you can buy.  Valley Food Storage is offering you an amazing 25% off coupon just for being a listener of the podcast.  Click here to unlock your 25% off coupon now!

In today's episode, Ken returns again to continue talking about home security and specifically how to defend you and your loved ones without a firearm. Even if you have a firearm, Ken gives great tips and ideas for when you might not be able to reach your firearm in time.  Today's episode is sponsored by Valley Food Storage. The #1 defense against any emergency is long term food storage. If you're ready to start building your kit, click here to unlock a 25% off coupon on your entire order now!

In part 2 of this 5 part series, Ken looks at the inner perimeter of a young couple's home for possible security risks that they don't even know about. Ken discusses how to reinforce your doors and windows from a possible intruder.  Today's episode is sponsored by Valley Food Storage, the best all-natural emergency food company today! VFS is offering you a 25% off coupon just for being a listener! Click here to claim your 25% off coupon and start prepping today!

In today's episode, Ken walks through the outside perimeter of a young couple's home to address any security risks he sees.  Today's episode is brought to you by Valley Food Storage. If you're ready to start preparing for the unknown, now is the best time to stock up on emergency food. Click here to unlock your 25% off discount code from Valley Food Storage today! 

Joe is joined by Jordan again to go through the best bug out vehicles from the affordable to the absurd.  This episode's sponsor is Valley Food Storage. It's always the time to prepare for an emergency, and VFS is here to help you with all of your survival food needs. Click here or go to valleyfoodstorage.com/practicalprepper to unlock 25% off your long term food now!

In today's episode, Joe is joined by Jordan from Valley Food Storage to talk about 2020 and what we just went through, and how survival prepping has become the new normal. Click here to unlock a special offer from Valley Food Storage now! https://valleyfoodstorage.com/practicalprepper 

In today's episode, Joe is joined by "Andy," a cyber-terrorist expert and active CIA asset that fights every day to protect our cybersecurity. This was recorded before 2020, and it's incredible how Andy predicts the issues we see with the Colonial Pipeline in the US. Today's podcast sponsor is Valley Food Storage. If you want the best long term food storage for you and your family, Valley Food Storage has everything you need and more. Click here to check them out now!

As self-reliant individuals, we think through the idea of sheltering in place, of surviving in the cold, and of preparing for blackouts. Preparing for a winter storm is preparing for all three at the same time. Here is the list I use when thinking about getting my home ready for these types of situations.

Well, that stinks! Hopefully, a friend is on the way or your insurance company has free towing. Not Self-Reliant enough for you? Fine! Let's take this from a more extreme position (because it's what we do) and let's assume you can't call for help or fix the problem with what you have prepared in the vehicle. In other words, you need to survive until you are rescued. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make it.

As I mentioned before, getting your car ready for winter is pretty important to me. Here is the checklist I go through to 'winterize' my truck.

Winter weather can turn dangerous quickly. Let me tell you about the 9 things that scare me about Extreme Winter Weather.

So I am writing this the first week of January and I am in the Great Lakes Region of the United States... that can only mean one of these days we are going to have some pretty bad snow - Unless that Global Warming promise has finally come true - but that sounds like another topic for another day. So as the possibility of a major winter storm bears down our now chilled backs, what should we be doing to get prepared? Well, I am so glad you asked as I was just running through that exercise in my home and thought I would take you along on the journey with me. I think the best place to start is with how to understand all those different types of notification that are put out by weather people. Here is my best shot.

I asked my friend and Gren Beret Ken Roberts for some advice on how to pick the right carrying system for me a 3 gun competition. Practical shooting has become one way for me to get more time on the guns while moving as well as just a great de-stressor. So I have been looking at gun belts and carrying systems that would allow me to progress with this training and sport. Well heck, I would be pretty dumb if I didn't ask our resident professional gunfighter to weigh in on it and it just so happens he and I were taping a segment for NSRI on how to perform a Pre Trip Inspection on a truck before a long trip - and the truck wouldn't start! That sounds like a perfect opportunity for me to grab some of his 20+ years of knowledge in carrying ammo around for a living and needing to dispatch it in a hurry.

How long should you prepare to be without resources? There is not a person listening to this that has not asked that question. For as many people who have asked the question, there are that many different answers. This week we have a question from Betty D. who is a new member of the NSRI Facebook Group but has been prepping for about a decade now and like most of us, she is looking for a sanity check on if she has enough prepped or not. So sounds like we got ourselves a topic to jump into.

We haven't covered much on the side of power, but power is one of the essentials that you need these days. I know there are minimalists that would disagree with me here, but people just don't live that way anymore. Come along with me as I respond to Joe B from Florida's question about choosing between solar and wind. 

Odds are if you are on this page you heard a phrase or military term at the gun range you just weren't sure you knew. This article is designed to fill you in on military terms you may not know. You know what, let's do one better than that, let's ask our resident first-person shooter game playing, millennial, camera guy Marty some range trivia and watch as Master Sargent Ken Roberts sets this young'n straight as we work toward one day handing Marty his very own Man-Card. And odds also are that if you went to look up one of these below military terms you were practicing at the range on your fire accuracy. If that is the case and you haven't taken Ken's Beginning Pistol course you need to check that out as well. Accidental discharge (AD) (Noun)-  Otherwise known as Unintentional discharge. Any shot of a gun which is not deliberate. Blow-back (Adjective) - The method of operating low-powered semi-automatic guns. The bolt is literally 'blown' open by the cartridge when the gun is fired. It is normally used for .22 rimfire ammunition only, as any more powerful cartridge would require either an excessively heavy bolt and/or a very strong spring to keep the breach sealed until the pressure had dropped to a safe level before opening the chamber. Brass (Noun) - A term used to mean empty,  bullet casings. Bravo Sierra (BS) (Noun)- US military initials for the word "Bullshit" Can (Noun) -  Firearm silencer or sound suppressor. Carbine (Adjective/Noun)– Commonly used today to indicate any rifle of short overall length- generally, the barrel is shortened. Chain Fire (Verb) - The unintentional discharge of a black powder revolver firing several cylinders at once. A hazardous scenario caused by the bullet ignition, I.E. flashover, from the cylinder being fired, igniting adjacent unfired cylinders due to poor sealing of the chambers. Clearing (Verb) -Fixing a chamber malfunction or unloading a gun and insuring it is unloaded Controlled Pair (Noun) - Two shots fired in rapid succession. Not the "double tap" because in a controlled pair, the second shot will be fired after the shooter has obtained a second sight picture. Cover (Noun) - Hat or Helmet Cross-Dominant (Adjective) - A shooter who is right-handed but left-eyed, or left-handed and right-eyed. Double Feed (Phrase) - A malfunction where the bullet case fails to eject from a semi-automatic firearm and blocks the chamber forcing the new round to not chamber. FUBAR (Phrase) - F***** Up Beyond All Repair Full Metal Jacket (Noun) FMJ- A copper casing called a jacket covering a bullet. These comply with the Geneva Convention on Land Warfare, which specifies that expanding ammunition must not be used against human targets. Grape -  One's head in the US Army or Marines. For example: "Put your cover [hat] on your grape." whereas fighter pilots in the Airforce call a grape an aircraft/pilot that is easy to shoot down. Inner-10 (Noun) - The smaller ring enclosed by the 10-ring on a target. Normally the Inner-10 does not have a score value, it is used as a tie-breaker between competitors with an identical numerical score; the one with the higher number of Inner-10's being the winner IPSC (Noun) - The International Practical Shooting Confederation is an agreed-upon set of standard scoring for competitions. It also describes a torso target that is used in these competitions with an "A" being the center of the chest and head. Keep Your Booger Hook Off Of The Bang Switch (Phrase) - "Keep Your Finger Off Of The Trigger Of A Firearm." A basic safety protocol of operating a firearm. Putting a finger on the trigger of a firearm should be one of the last steps of shooting, performed after the firearm has been shouldered and aiming downrange has begun. Keyhole (Noun) -A bullet hole caused by a tumbling bullet or the bullet holes in target shooting that are so close together as to form a 'keyhole' shaped group on the target. Moon Clip (Noun) – A flat, circular loading device for revolvers On the double (Phrase) - As quickly as possible; without delay. Operator (Noun)- Military persons qualified/certified to physically operate a weapon system. First used by Delta Force to distinguish between operational and non-operational personnel assigned to the unit. Oscar-Mike (Verb, Phrase) - On the Move, from the phonetic alphabet. Pull Distance (Noun) – The distance the trigger must travel before it reaches the breakpoint and fires the gun. Braden Langley will talk a lot about this in this free download of Pistol Academy 101. Racking The Slide (Verb) – The one action process of loading the chamber. Pulling the slide back to its rearmost position, and then letting it go forward under its own spring tension. Rig (Noun) - a gunbelt used for competition or duty that can hold multiple magazines Sabot (Noun) –  Ad device that allows a firearm to shoot ammunition for which it is not built for. A lightweight carrier surrounding a heavier projectile of reduced caliber. Shitbird (Noun) - An individual in the military unit everyone rags on or hates for making life harder on everyone. "...Since Jesus was a corporal" (Phrase) - (US Army and Marines) For a very long time. Example: "I haven't been home since Jesus was a corporal." Snubby (Noun) – A short-barreled revolver. Spray and Pray (Verb) – Rapidly firing many shots at a target as possible in the hope that one or more may hit the target. Squib (Noun) – Duds or rounds of ammunition which has less power than it is supposed to, often having no powder at all. Weapon System (Noun) - A weapons system is a device or coordinated set of devices or objects that consists of one or more weapons and a means of delivery as well as integral equipment and materiel. A weapons system is distinguished from a weapon in that while it incorporates one or more weapons in many instances it can also be used for other purposes.

Many of you have heard the old adage "One is none, two is one" and as self-reliant individuals, we truly live by that mantra. But what if your second idea falls through, what next? The Army teaches Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency or PACE as a way to deal with planning, and this episode is a little bit of insight into the kinds of things that Green Beret Ken Roberts and I talk about on the way to the range, but more importantly, your catching the back half of a conversation about realistic planning. Let me know your thoughts and if you guys like these raw takes.

WWI -Armistice Day On a very typical cool and damp autumn day nearly 37 miles north of Paris, France, I field of generals and diplomats meet aboard the rail carriage of French General Ferdinand Foch. It is nearly dawn on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, and after 1564 days of fighting, the Brittish, German, and French Militaries have finally decided that in the 11th hour of this day they would lay their weapons down. This Armistice Day will be celebrated by not just those countries but by all of those nations that laid down the lives of their citizens to stop tyranny. The Germans would surrender  2,500 heavy guns, 2,500 field guns, 25,000 machine guns, 1,700 airplanes and all submarines they possessed  They were also asked to give up several warships and disarm all of the ones that they were allowed to keep. With the Treaty of Versailles to follow 6 months later, Germany would take responsibility for their actions and agree to repay $35 billion in retributions to which the last payment was finally made in 2010. Veteren's Day Just after the close of the Korean War in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. This was more inclusive of all of those that served both domestically and abroad. By 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed by Congress, which moved the celebration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. The law went into effect in 1971, but in 1975, as the Vietnam War came to a close,  President Gerald Ford returned Veterans Day to November 11, due to the important historical significance of the date. Where originally it was a celebration of peace, Veterans Day is now a moment to commemorate veterans of all wars. Traditionally, every Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day, Arlington National Cemetery holds an annual memorial service. The cemetery is home to the graves of over 400,000 people, most of whom served in the military, but don't confuse the two days. This is not a day of national mourning, nor a day of celebration of peace. It is now a date of reflection for those that choose to protect the United States from foes both on our soil and in meeting the fight where it begins in the hope that it never comes home. Veterans Today The military men and women who serve and protect the U.S. come from all walks of life; they are parents, children, grandparents, friends, neighbors and coworkers, and are an important part of their communities. Here are some facts about the veteran population of the United States: 18.2 million living veterans served during at least one war as of 2018. 9 percent of veterans are women. 7 million veterans served during the Vietnam War. 3 million veterans have served in support of the War on Terrorism. Of the 16 million Americans who served during World War II, about 496,777 were still alive as of 2018. Connecticut was home to the highest percentage of World War II veterans as of 2018 at 7.1 percent. 2 million veterans served during the Korean War. As of 2017, the top three states with the highest percentage of Veterans were Alaska, Maine, and Montana, respectively. How Do Veterans Want You To Observe It? For many civilians, this is a day where we remember to say "Thank you for your service". For some veterans, they will be immensely grateful for the respect, for some they will be slightly embarrassed as they don't feel they are due thanks for the profession they have chosen and appreciate not to be in the spotlight. The truth is that like all civilians, each service member is unique onto themselves. All three of my brothers served in theaters of war and each with a remarkably different experience. Even within a single patrol unit that served together, different solders carry and reflect on their service in different ways. That is not to take away from any one of them, but to say that just like the civilian population, those that have lived the military life are each also different in how they experience and remember it.  Many will spend the day with pride for their service as they should, where others will mourn losses of close friends. Some will reach out to old buddies they have lost touch with throughout the year and others will spend the day alone. There are many ways that we as citizens can each participate in the observance of Veterans Day and here are a few of my favorites If you're an educator, discuss the opportunities that there are in serving in the military. Bring in veterans to talk about their time and why they joined. If you are an employer, celebrate the contributions to your team that veterans make and how their military service supports the growth of your company. If you don't employ veterans today, make today the day you reach out on one of the many websites that employ veterans to see if the next hire at your place could be a veteran. Don't be afraid to thank strangers wearing a military cap for their service, but don't be startled if their reply is not the one you thought you were going to get. Spend more time with those in your family and friends that served and make sure they have an ear to share their story with. I like to use a pretty unassuming question like "tell me about why you joined the military?", or  "what was the fondest time from your time in the service?". Too many of our veterans still carry a heavy weight that they don't want to open up about so avoid prying questions about their service and focus on the positives. They will open up about the rest when they are ready. All that being said, I will spend the day thinking about the ones that I love that have served and the sacrifices that they, their spouses, and their parents have made to defend this great country. God Bless America! For even more facts about Veterans Day, check out some of my sources: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/veterans-day-facts https://www.tenfactsabout.co.uk/0002armistice.htm http://www.weathercast.co.uk/nc/weather-news/news/article/the_weather_in_1918.html

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library President Ronald Reagan is one of those few presidents that has successfully crossed political lines in his career, leaving a legacy in the hearts of Americans. The physical structure that holds his legacy and remains was in jeopardy of being annihilated by flame.  That was until 550 goats stepped in the save the day. That's right...goats. Knowing that this season would be hot and windy, the Ronald Regan Presidential Library curators brought in 550 famished goats to work the property. It really paid off in spades as the wildfire firefighters, or Hot Shots, were able to contain the blazes that came within meters of the library gently searing the exterior walls. President Reagan's legacy was scorched but remained otherwise untouched due to brave work from the Hot Shots, great forethought from the museum's staff, and the insatiable appetite of hundreds of goats. Wildfires and California I know what you're saying, real cute - goats. Well Californians are looking for any help they can get right now and as feel-good as that story might be, what we are talking about is more than just important artifacts. Hundreds will lose their lives this year in California alone due to wildfires and I want to make sure that you are not one of them. So let's spend a few minutes together here and walk through what to do in advance, during, and after a wildfire. I should also not misguide you into thinking this is a California problem. California has plenty of problems and for those of you that live there, you are very aware which ones are theirs alone and which ones are shared. Wildfires have happened in 38 states and yes most of the fires typically occur in California, but this is really a problem from coast to coast so let's get into it. Preparing for a fire When the call goes out to evacuate, it's way too late to start thinking about what to get at that point. The good news is that if you have a bug-out plan ready for any other situation it will apply here as well. If you don't, here are some thoughts about bugging out in a wildfire. Where to go Unlike when evacuating from  a hurricane, leaving a wildfire endangered area can be quiet and almost eerie. The first thing you need to have is a place where you are headed. You should have made arrangements in advance so that you are not surprising anyone. Consider this an unplanned vacation to go see a relative. You're going to be using vacation time and vacation fund dollars to get out of dodge, so you might as well make it a vacation. Spend time with an old friend or use up some of those hotel points somewhere with sand. What ever you decide, I would advise trying to take your mind off of what you are coming back to. If you have an insurance policy that covers fire like most do, then you're covered and if your like my wife you were probably thinking of redecorating anyway. I know I am making light of the situation, but as a person that has had my house burn down before I will tell you it is only stuff. The next few months will suck and you won't be able to get a mental break from it when your back. Go get your head on right and find your release or support system. Above all, take the loved ones with you early. Fuel So what else do you need in your bug out plan. Well, if your not the first out of town, plan on there being some standard convinces closed you would normally expect. For instance make sure you have plenty of fuel. In some of the remote parts of California, Utah, Nevada and New Mexico that I have ventured through, if the two fuel stations you were counting on are closed, you might be in a new kind of crisis - stranded. Stock up on fuel. I have a Ram 1500 and it gets about 18 MPG, so I will have 100Gal of fuel on hand at any time. Once I load that thing up with water gear and family, and if visibility is hampered, I'm going to be getting 12-15 per gallon. My fuel plan is the same year round. I have those red 5 gallon fuel containers that I have labeled January, March, May, July, September, and November. When I fuel them up I get an octane that I can run in my small engines like a 93 and I add some fuel stabilizer to them like a Sta-Bil. Then each time the first of that month rolls around, I just our it in my truck and fill it up again. That way I have at least 30 gallons available in that manner. If you are really good, start adding in the even months and you can get 60 gallons of fuel on hand at any time. If you generator is gas, you are really going to love it because when the power company starts shutting down the lines, you are going to be catching up on your shows while your neighbors play solitaire by candlelight. Food Not only will the gas stations be potentially closed, but restaurants are probably not going to be reliable either. You should have as least a 72 hour food kit on hand with the water and. the fuel to make it. I personally keep a go bucket with one week of food ready to go. That way I just grab the ahndle on my food bucket, and my go bag and i can be gone in minutes. Water Speaking of water, you need at least one gallon per person per day for a minimum of three days (Plus water for pets). If you don’t have or can’t carry with you that much water, consider bringing water purification methods that travel well like tablets or pumps so that you can be sure, especially when returning, that you are consuming potable water. Cash The amount of cash you can carry is based on your lifestyle, but remember that with the number of people traveling there will become infrastructure issues with internet connectivity and power consumption. Be ready for restaurants and store credit card machines to be offline. I recommend denominations of $20 and smaller only. Radio When it is time to evacuate, you may need to have a battery-powered radio with extra batteries that can access the NOAA weather station. This will help you with road closures and how the fire is moving. Bedding If you are heading to a government shelter, some of the trappings of home will help you with the adjustments. Lack of sleep will exacerbate the stress levels leading to unhealthy responses. Try to ensure that you can get a good night’s sleep at your safe place. Clothing Seasonally appropriate clothing should be packed for a duration of 3 days. Bring long-sleeved shirts and pants along with closed-toe shoes. When arriving back after the fire, there can be debris and you need to make sure you protect your body and feet. First Aid Kit You should assume that many medical first responders are also firefighters. That means that if you need to call them you are pulling multiple people out of the fight. Ensure that you are ready to care for yourself with proper medical supplies. Ensure medicines are with you, This is not the time to need to get into a hospital because your needed medications are back at the house. Map & Compass Having a map and compass of the area will help you when cell signals are down and your primary and secondary routes are compromised. Practice reading them in advance. N95 Mask This ventilator will allow for particulate filtering and keep your lungs clean. I have one of these that I use in my workshop at home, but they are also good for high pollen grass mowing and other practical uses. Each person in. your party should have one. Special items This mostly pertains to babies and the elderly, but diapers, special food and formula, and any supplies that are specific to their age like walkers or a wheelchair Toiletries Hygiene is not only important in the way of preventing illness, but also as a means for normality and sense of comfort. Pack a toothbrush,  toothpaste, washcloth, hand soap, sanitizer, shaving needs, and haircare items. Flashlight and Batteries We hope you make it clear of the fires, but in some cases, the smoke that is can blacken out the night. It's also possible that you will not find hotel space along your route to your destination or shelter and may need to weather a night in your car. Be prepared to not rely on the car battery power for any stays without the engine on as you will drain the battery. Don’t sleep with the engine running as you will run out of fuel and can have other issues that are not ventilating correctly. Pack a good flashlight or lantern. Preferably one that has a crank or solar recharger. Ensure you have extra batteries as well. Cell Phone Keep in touch with loved ones, post that you ave okay on social media, and access maps, and weather updates. In addition to the phone itself, have the charging cord, any adapters you may need to plug it into a wall socket and any backup batteries or power cells. Toys, books, non-electronic games There is going to be some downtime and whether you have kids or not, even a deck of cards can go a long way. Pet care items During Katrina evacuation, ASPCA estimated that over 100,000 pets were left behind and nearly 70,000 of those perished. The remaining created issues for first responders who were encountering both animals that now needed saving deterring them from helping people in need and creating safety issues for them getting to the people in need. Be prepared to take your animal with you. Water - 1 gallon per day per animal. Food - 3-10 days worth of food. I always just keep one extra bag on hand which is good for shelter in place or loading up in the truck. Collar and Leash - Laws vary by county and private facilities. You are responsible for controlling your animal along the way. If your dog is like mine, on my property he doesn’t always wear a collar, so don’t forget that and a leash. proper identification/immunization records - If your dog has been licensed and treated, bring that paperwork with you. Medicine Carrier or cage - There are pet-friendly hotels and evacuation shelters. Most will require your pet to be kenneled and to have the appropriate paperwork for vaccinations. Most shelters will not allow pets, but you will get turned away from “pet-friendly” shelters if you don’t have those items. Documents to bring with you: Store important documents in a fire and waterproof container. This is ideally a portable safe. Insurance papers Medical records Bank account numbers Social Security cards/Passports Deeds or mortgages Birth and marriage certificates Stocks and bonds Recent tax returns Wills Preparing for the Fire Here are a few things that you should do if time allows to prepare for the fires. Clear the vegetation from around your home for 30 ft. Mow the lawn to cut down on fixed vegetation Lean or cover your gutters so that easy to burn debris will not catch an ember on your home. Prepare sprinklers around the house and get out any hoses that you may have that can be used to fight spot fires. Close all the doors and windows of the house so that sparks cannot get in. Move all flammable furniture to the center of the rooms to prevent heat from combusting them. Put all valuable items that will not be ruined by water in a. pool or pond. Time To Go So when they say it's time to go you need to head out fast. Usually, there is ample notification of hours to get out of the way of the fire, but you should also have a. 5-minute plan and a 2-minute plan ready to go.  Before you head out here are some things that you should think about doing.  Turn on all the hoses that you staged including sprinklers on your house. Turn on all lights for the safety of the firefighters that may need to enter your smoke-filled house. Leave doors unlocked as you exit and unhook your garage door if it is automatic. One of the best ways that firefighters will save your house will be to get holes in the roof opened up to let it burn out and get water directly on it. Put a ladder up to the roof against the front of your home. This will signal to the firefighters that you have left and give hem and extra tool to use to reach your roof. Enact the family emergency communication plan and check in with your out of town contact. Sheltering In Place So I am assuming you were ready to go, got your stuff set up as fires approached, tried your primary route of evacuation when authorities said to go, tried your secondary route, and in the end were trapped. Why in the hell else would you be reading this? Who in their right mind is going to risk death to stay back and protect stuff that in insured? Well, the least I can do is try to. Keep you alive at this point. Call your emergency contact and let them know tha tyou are going to shelter in place and to call the authorities if they don't hear from you in 30-60 minutes. Turn off the gas to your house at the main. Try not to blow yourself up. Stay on the leeward side of the house. The windward portion of the house will take on the most damage as it catches fire first. board up. any windows and heat break if you can. Remember that the fire will likely be 1500 degrees Fahrenheit and the front will engulf the house for about 15 minutes. Move all furniture away from the walls at most of it is combustible. It's basically made of gasoline. Change into non-polymer clothes like cotton or wool that will not melt in the heat. If you can moisten the room do so as it will make it harder to burn. As soon as the front is passed, head outside and see if you can put out any spot fires with any hose that is left. If helps neighbors if you can. Reach out to your emergency contact to let them know you made it.

Any culture in history that has survived the test of time has developed symbols, rituals and even idols that bind the culture together. Only very few symbols are raised to the level of an idol and I would say the defining moment of that assertion is when those within the culture are willing to lay down their most dear gift, their own life in its defense. We have seen this all too often in the annals of our American lore that soldiers on the battlefield will leave cover to pick up and carry the flag forward at the risk of their own life. It should then only be fitting as Americans that we take a few minutes to explore the history of the flag, and how we now today revere this idol of our freedom. But idols gain their reverence only through the rituals where we commit ourselves to their glory and I propose to you, as Americans our two most enduring rituals and their history today of the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. Let's explore them all now together. The Flag By 1775,  the War for Independence was well underway even though a true Declaration was not yer declared. At this time, various flags were flown to represent the rebellion. Some of the first would be the evergreen tree on a field of white with the words "An Appeal to Heaven". Those flown by the colonial Marines included the famous Gadsden flag with its own declaration of freedom, "Don't Tread On Me". Others including the Son's of Liberty flag which represented the original desention that started it all with the Boston Tea Party drew to the attention to the newly formed Continental Congress that there was a need for unification. With that in mind, three members of Congress approached a widowed seamstress in Philidelphia to help create a new unified symbol. Betsy Ross was a widow and her Uncle by Marriage, George Ross knew of her skill as an upholsterer. She and George Washington attended the same church and sat but one pew from each other. George and George, along with Robert Morris, a wealthy landowner and member of the Continental Congress, walked into her home to commission her to sew the new flag that would unite the colonies. Her modifications to Washington's original idea would bring to life our most revered symbol. By June of 1776 Congress adopted the 13 star and 13 stripe flag and a few days later - Declared Independence. Over the years the flag would change with the addition of each new state and during the war of 1812, inspired as he watched the battle of Baltimore from a Brittish ship as an emissary, Francis Scott Key penned a poem entitled "Defence of Fort M'Henry" which he later with the help of his brother paired to an old English pub song entitled "To Anacreon in Heaven". As it was published later across the United States, it was relabeled after the name of the fifteen stars and fifteen stripes flag: The Star-Spangled Banner. Even as South Carolina secedes from the Union in 1861, President Lincoln refuses to remove stars from the flag as his devotion to reuniting America was steadfast. By 1892, we would see the adoption of the Pledge of Allegiance. This devotion pledging allegiance to the flag will concrete the flag of the United States as an idol of culture and simultaneously, launch what will be a series of court cases that will question the 'fabric' of its being. This challenge to our unified American symbol of freedom has grown as deep as the principals it stands for. We saw this first in 1943, just as the nation was about to launch into a critical role in the last World War when the Supreme Court upheld that schoolchildren, or anyone for that matter, cannot be forced to salute the flag. In essence, the Supreme Court was granting legal idol status to the flag saying that if a person's religious beliefs prevent them from worshiping any other idols, that they need not be required to worship at our American Flag. By 1949 the great flag debate became more entrenched when the flag, like those great fore-fathers and other influential Americans, received its own day. On August 3rd, President Truman named Flag Day to be celebrated each June 14th. By 1954 our elected congress to a step to add the words "Under God" to the pledge of allegiance to entrench the idea that were are all created by the same Maker, and our civilized society lasts only because of His glory. Taking it one step further in 1989, in response to protests related to the Vietnam War, Congress passed the Flag Protection Act, which moved stated "Whoever knowingly mutilates, defaces, physically defiles, burns, maintains on the floor or ground, or tramples upon any flag of the United States shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both". As courts begin to interpret the Constitution to dictate that Symbolic Free Speach is more important than the symbol of the flag, Congress decides to take their actions one step further and change the Constitution through an amendment to prohibit the desecration of the flag. Ultimately, they will fail. The same logic was brought to bear on the Pledge of Allegiance, now containing the words "Under God". The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decided that it is constitutional to have the words in our National Anthem as a similar vernacular is cited in our Declaration of Independence, they did note in an earlier ruling that forcing anyone to recite it would violate their personal beliefs. Oh the Places Its Been In 1787, Captain Robert Gray sailed the American flag around the world ultimately making shore in the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington, naming the river for his boat and claiming the far coast for the united states. Over a century later in 1909, Explorer Robert Perry places pieces of the American flag around the North Pole. In 1963 barry Bishop places the flag on the highest point in the world only to be outdone in 1969 as Neil Armstrong pins one to the moon. Some times the places the flag travels are to symbolize strength like in 1945 when the flag that stood over Pearl Harbor was raised over the White House and the Japanese surrendered symbolizing the beginning of the end of WWII. Why Does It Look Like That? What does the flag really symbolize anyway? I think for each of us depending on our backgrounds it can mean a slightly different thing. From its inception, there was not as much symbolism that was outwardly recorded as one might think. However, to clarify things, Congress has published their interpretation of the meaning of the flag and here it is: White - Purity and Innocence Red - Hardiness and Valor Blue - Vigilance, Percervierence, and Justice Stars - The fifty states and the heavens - A divine goal that Man has desired from the beginning of time Stripes - The 13 original colonies and the rays of light that those that emanate from the sun which shines on our land. How To Show Your Patriotism Correctly I am no Vexilogist (person sho studies flags), but here is my list of what is in law today and also anything that is commonly accepted practices. Over a Street - Hanf with the Union on top and facing North if an East/West Street or East if the street is North/South. Crossed - When the US flag is crossed with another flag, the US flag should be on the viewers Left and its pole should be in front. With other flags on the Same pole - The US Flag should be on the top. With other flags on adjacent poles - The US flag is raised first and lowered last. The other flags are not raised to the same height as the American Flag, and the US flag is on the left-hand side of the viewer. Out of a building window - The flag should leave the building with the Union first with the union on top. On a casket - the union of blue should be placed at the head and over the left shoulder. Carried With Other Flags In A Procession - It should be on the color guard's right side or if there are multiple rows it can be in the front center alone followed by the other flags. Grouped With flags of other nation-states - It should be even in hight and of similar size to the other flags as is customary of nations not at war. If over an embassy the US flag will be on the leftmost position, followed by the host nation, and then any other nations alphabetically in English, then followed by non-nation flags. Next to a podium or pulpit - to the speakers right. On a car - if flown on a pole it should be firmly affixed to the right front fender. If flat like that of a sticker, then it should be displayed with the union toward the front of the car as if blowing in the wind as it drives. It is okay to put them on both sides of the vehicle, but the one on the right side should be a reverse of the one on the left. In a window - the Union should be on the top left side of people standing outside. On a Uniform - it should be worn on the shoulder and like on a car the stripes should face backward. How To Fold A Flag The flag should be folded along the long edge in half, then in half again. The Union should be on the bottom at that time and the flag should then be folded in triangles toward the Union until the end then tucked into place. When Is A Flag At Half Mast?  You can always check back in here for the most up to date information on where the flag should be, but in short, the flag is ordered to half-mast by the President of the United States. When a flag is ordered to half-mast, it should be taken to the top of the pole first quickly then lowered slowly to half-mast.

So I am hearing a lot of questions from people who are new to buying Food Planning and so I thought I would share with you today the top 5 mistakes people make when buying long-term food storage, so let’s jump right into it... 1. Buying food instead of fuel You see the body cannot live on just any food. It is an engine and it runs a specific type of fuel - Calories. Luckily there are 4 grades of fuel that calories come in - Protein, Fat, Carbohydrates, and Sugars. So why would you buy food by the pound, by the serving, or my favorite that I have seen - by the cubic foot? Our body doesn’t run on cubic feet. Does it?? Why else should you not buy on cost per serving? Do you know who regulates serving size?? FDA? USDA? Nope. No one does. I saw one company online that it would take 35.3 servings of their food a day to get to 2,000 calories. Sure they were the cheapest per serving, but if you eat 4 servings a day you would die.  As a point of reference, a serving size typically represents what a 100 lb person will eat for a meal. Typically we eat 3 meals a day and one snack. So an adult should be consuming around 8 servings per day on a 2,000 calorie diet.  2. Not including what you need in the fuel you are buying So getting in your calories, or macronutrients as you might think of them, is a need to run the engine, but what keeps all the parts working are the micronutrients. I am going to tell you 6 micronutrients that I think you should be looking for when buying long term storage food. So here is the rundown... Iron is what your body needs to create hemoglobin and neurotransmitters. Deficiencies affect your ability to think sharply and to get oxygen to the muscles. Look for Legumes like beans Lentils peas and soy to help keep your iron high Folate is the next one which is what helps regenerate cells Your body is constantly killing off old cells and replacing them with new ones. If you stop the material that it uses to build new cells it doesn’t stop your body from cycling out the old ones anyway. Look for Folate in Legumes, Asparagus, Eggs, and Bananas.  Zinc fights viruses and bacteria and to keep a healthy immune system. Look for it in meats, legumes, dairy, eggs, whole grains, and potatoes. Iodine is responsible for maintaining your thyroid which manages the hormones that affect your metabolism. Without Iodine your body will be less efficient at metabolizing the other micronutrients. Look for this in Dairy and Iodonized sodium. Yeah, not all salt is bad you actually need it.  Magnesium supports muscle growth, your immune system, and balances your glucose. Eat Legumes, Whole Grains, and Bananas to get your needed amount.  Vitamin A is found in eggs, breakfast cereal, fortified milk, carrots, and broccoli. Vitamin A regenerates your eyes and replenishes skin.  3. Paying for fillers Now I just told you that legumes like beans, lentils, peas, and soy are great sources of so many micronutrients. But they are usually less expensive to buy locally at a store near you. They are freeze-drying a product that will last just dried for 20 years on its own. That is like putting a life jacket on a seal - it is already going to do what you want without it. Instead, just buy them locally and account for the calories, then when you make your purchase you can buy based on 1800 calories a day instead of 2000. I guess you could pay them to waste science on a product that is already shelf-stable and pay them to pack it up in very expensive bags or cans, then put it on an airplane to your house. I just have better ways to spend my money.  4. Overbuying Too many people get scared at the cost of buying a year's worth of food. Part of the sticker shock comes from not knowing how much they spend on food already and the other part is that they may be overestimating the amount they need to get started. After buying the staples locally (Grains, legumes, rice...), start to build your pantry with canning and jarring.  Grow and jar your own food, and purchase just an extra can or two at the grocery store each trip until you have what you need, then rotate through it. Finally, purchase Freeze Dried Food to augment what you have and reduce the need for rotation. Use a spreadsheet to understand how many calories you need for the number of people you are feeding. Account for the calories on hand as you start to put it together. I bet you will only be buying 1200-1600 calories per person per day. That will shave off 25% of the cost. 5. Understanding how long it lasts So I will do a blog on just freeze-dried food and why it's the best method for storing long-term storage food, but in short, it is the only food that will last up to 25 years. There are very little supported studies that will back that up so when I hear “up to” 25 years, I only count on it for 20. Now you will see companies toting a 30-year taste guarantee. Well, they are just betting on the fact that either they or you won’t be there for that long. I will tell you that food will still deteriorate over time. Don’t plan to just store it that long. You should be sampling it along the way. Work it into your regular meals. It is cheaper than some of the stuff you are eating each week anyway. Find the stuff you love to eat and buy more of that over time.  Here is the last thing you need to know and it’s a biggie. If it doesn’t say freeze-dried, then it is likely just dried. Just remember that dried foods in the best conditions last half the time that freeze-dried foods do with limited exceptions as I noted above. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy pancake mix from a vendor, it just means understand how long it is going to last and work your way through it accordingly   Be sure to let me know in the comments if you have made any other mistakes along the way that you want to pass on, or if you have any questions about Freeze-Dried Foods I am happy to answer them. * Author Note: Joe Borowski is the Dean of Self-Reliance at the National Self-Reliance Initiative and is also the VP of Innovations at Valley Foods Storage, helping to bring clean and tasteful foods into the Freeze-Dried world.

The Numbers: $5,504 - The annual cost of enrolling in a 4-year university in the United States in 1985 $12, 274 - What it would cost in today's dollars to attend a year of education in 1985 $26,593 - What the average cost of a year of 4-year college is today 116% - The percent by which the cost of a year of college has risen from 1985-2016 accounting for inflation. 31% - the average rate of increase in college tuition every 10 years 8:1 - The ratio of how much college tuition increases to how much salaries made by college graduates increase each year on average o.3% - the average rate of salary increase for a 4-year college grad 10% - rate ar wich student loans outpace automobile loans each year 3.9% - Rate of healthcare growth (that is roughly 39% over 10 years) #1 - The United state's rank in the world at providing student welfare (Private Suites, Lazy Rivers) #2 - Rank of the US globally on the cost to educate a student (Luxemburg is #1, but it is free to all adults)

Sponsor Valley Food Storage NSRI30 30% off orders of $100 or more Show Topic Top 5 reasons why should you start an urban apiary? Topics (you list the reasons and we will talk through them. If 5 doesn’t fit, just adapt the number in the title) Just anybody can't do it (time & dedication) They don't need a lot of space It's really not about the honey (most of the work I do does not involve getting honey) This is some of the most delicious honey ever and the bees kill it!  This alone IS NOT saving the bees Notes 11,143 Beekeeping businesses in the United States $843MM industry 14,301 employees Trailing 5-year growth rate of 9.5% How to reach Wesley https://akronhoney.com keeper@akronhoney.com

Unemployment 30% Percent of Americans that are self-employed or employed by a company with less than 20 people 35% The percent of the workforce that is comprised of millennials 1:2 The chances that a dual-income household will experience a loss of a paycheck due to unemployment during their lifetime Financial Emergency 1:4 The chance your household visited an Emergency Room last year 11.8 The average age of a car on the road in the US today 4% the increase each year of the average age of a car on the road in the US Natural Disaster $23,000,000,000 The cost in losses to US families from House fires in 2018 1,319,500 The number of homes that caught fire in 2018 1,200 the number of tornados that touched down on US soil in 2018 23% Percentage of the US population that could be affected by a hurricane in 2019 70,000 number of wildfires in the US in 2017 10,000,000 How many acres were consumed by wildfire in the US in 2017 $8,000,000,000 Losses due to flood damage in 2018 Terrorist Attacks Power Water Fuel Civil Unrest Riots Labor Strikes Rebellion Martial Law

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Show Notes: Podcast 10 - When you should pack your weight in bacon Today's Sponsor: Valley Food Storage Coupon Code: NSRI30 Discount: 30% off your order of $100 or more By the Numbers: 2,170 - Miles long the Oregon Trail was from Independence, MO to Willamette, OR 1836 first wagon train on the Oregon Trail 1803 year Great Brittian Declares War on France in response to prohibiting GB trade with Europe 1803 year France sells 'Louisianna' to the United States at $18/mile 1803 year that Jefferson commissions Louis and Clark to map the new territory 1814 year the War of 1812 treaty of Ghent signed restoring order to the Canadian border and stopping Canadian trappers from expanding south $4 the amount a Beaver Pelt sold for in 1840 $1 the daily wage in 1840 1843 year of the Great Migration 43,000 number of Mormons that migrated along parts of the Oregon Trail from 1840-1860 1848 California GOld RUsh begins 65 percent of the male population that moved from Oregon to California in 1849 6 Months of food needed to make the journey 20 pounds of sugar each wagon carried 150 pounds of bacon in each wagon 200 pounds of flour per person that was packed for the trail 268,000 travelers that used a portion of the Trail from 1840-1860 95% survival rate of those that started the journey 12,000 died by desease 4,500 died by indigenouse attacs 500 Froze to death 500 Were trampled 500 were shot by non-indigenouse 500 scurvey 500 drowned 1971 year the game Oregon Trail came out developed by the Minnisota Educational COmputin Consortium

Facts (care of CNN): Nineteen men hijacked four fuel-loaded US commercial airplanes bound for west coast destinations. A total of 2,977 people were killed in New York City, Washington, DC and outside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The Victims: At the World Trade Center (WTC) site in Lower Manhattan, 2,753 people were killed when hijacked American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 were intentionally crashed into the north and south towers, or as a result of the crashes. Of those who perished during the initial attacks and the subsequent collapses of the towers, 343 were New York City firefighters, 23 were New York City police officers and 37 were officers at the Port Authority. The victims ranged in age from two to 85 years. Approximately 75-80% of the victims were men. At the Pentagon in Washington, 184 people were killed when hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the building. Near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, 40 passengers and crew members aboard United Airlines Flight 93 died when the plane crashed into a field. It is believed that the hijackers crashed the plane in that location, rather than their unknown target after the passengers and crew attempted to retake control of the flight deck. As of July 2019, 1,644 (60%) of 2,753 WTC victims' remains have been positively identified, according to the medical examiner's office. Timeline: September 11, 2001 8:46 a.m. ET - American Airlines Flight 11 (traveling from Boston to Los Angeles) strikes the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. 9:03 a.m. ET - United Airlines Flight 175 (traveling from Boston to Los Angeles) strikes the south tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. 9:37 a.m. ET - American Airlines Flight 77 (traveling from Dulles, Virginia, to Los Angeles) strikes the Pentagon Building in Washington. 9:59 a.m. ET - South tower of WTC collapses in approximately 10 seconds. 10:03 a.m. ET - United Airlines Flight 93 (traveling from Newark, New Jersey, to San Francisco) crashes in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. 10:28 a.m. ET - North tower of WTC collapses. The time between the first attack and the collapse of both World Trade Center towers is 102 minutes. https://timeline.911memorial.org/#Timeline/2 December 13, 2001 - The US government releases a tape in which Osama bin Laden takes responsibility for the attacks. December 18, 2001 - Congress approves a measure to allow the president to designate September 11 as "Patriot Day" on each anniversary of the attacks. December 2001-June 15, 2004 - The original Victims Compensation Fund processes death and injury claims from families and relatives of September 11 victims. Families of those killed had until December 22, 2003, to apply for compensation. The fund reopens in 2011. May 24, 2007 - The Chief Medical Examiner of New York City, Dr. Charles S. Hirsch, rules that the death of Felicia Dunn-Jones in 2002, from dust exposure, is directly linked to the 9/11 attack and therefore a homicide. July 19, 2007 - The New York Medical Examiner's Office announces that the remains of three more people are positively identified. 1,133 victims, 41% of the total, remain unidentified. January 2009 - The medical examiner's office rules that Leon Heyward, who died the previous year of lymphoma and lung disease, is a homicide victim because he was caught in the toxic dust cloud just after the towers collapsed. January 2, 2011 - President Barack Obama signs the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, reopening and expanding the scope of the Victim Compensation Fund. June 17, 2011 - The New York medical examiner rules that Jerry Borg's death on December 15, 2010, is a result of inhaling toxic substances from the dust cloud generated by the collapsing twin towers. May 10, 2014 - The unidentified remains of those killed in the attacks are returned to the World Trade Center site where they will be kept in a repository under the jurisdiction of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner of the City of New York. August 7, 2017 - The New York City medical examiner's office announces that the remains of a man killed at the World Trade Center are positively identified due to more sophisticated DNA testing being available. September 11th Victim Compensation Fund: The original fund operated from December 2001 to June 2004. The initial Victim Compensation Fund received 7,408 applications for both death claims and personal injury claims. The fund made awards in 5,560 of those cases. The reopened and expanded fund has operated since January 2, 2011. Information on total awards is updated regularly and posted here. Families who agreed to get compensation from the federal fund agreed not to sue the airlines. Economic Impact: $500,000 - Estimated amount of money it cost to plan and execute the 9/11 attacks. $123 billion - Estimated economic loss during the first 2-4 weeks after the World Trade Center towers collapsed in New York City, as well as decline in airline travel over the next few years. $60 billion - Estimated cost of the WTC site damage, including damage to surrounding buildings, infrastructure and subway facilities. $40 billion - Value of the emergency anti-terrorism package approved by the US Congress on September 14, 2001. $15 billion - Aid package passed by Congress to bail out the airlines. $9.3 billion - Insurance claims arising from the 9/11 attacks. Cleanup at Ground Zero: May 30, 2002 - Cleanup at Ground Zero officially ends. It took 3.1 million hours of labor to clean up 1.8 million tons of debris. The total cost of cleanup was $750 million. Homeland Security: The Department of Homeland Security was created in response to September 11. It merged 22 governmental agencies into one, including the Customs Service, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the US Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Through the Container Security Initiative, over 80% of imported maritime containerized cargo is prescreened before entering the US. March 12, 2002 - The Homeland Security Advisory System is introduced. April 26, 2011 - The National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) replaces the color-coded Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS). Links https://www.cnn.com/2013/07/27/us/september-11-anniversary-fast-facts/index.html https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/11/us/sept-11-firefighter-michael-haub-identified/index.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_workers_killed_in_the_September_11_attacks

Sponsor: Steel River Co.  https://steelrivercompany.com/ Discount Code: NSRI30 for 30% off your purchase of $100 or more (one per customer through the end of the month) In the last few days, Big business and government have been making some announcements around firearms as tools of defense and tools of terror. Because I like to keep it as unbiased as possible when we think about how we should be prepared for this kind of situations which are become more practical than anyone ever imagined let's start by looking at the facts, dive into the recent press releases, and then I promise at the end I will let you know where I stand and why. You bet it's going to be a rocky conversation, but I bet you don't guess how it ends, I think you're going to be surprised... The Numbers: 27 .     The number of active shooter incidents in 2018 38 .     The number already in 2019 through August 16 .     The number of states that had incidents 85 .    The number of people who lost their lives in these shootings (excluding scumbags whose names you won't hear on this blog) 128 .   The number of wounded in these crimes 27 .     The number of shooters; 23 male, 3 female, 1 at large 10 .     The number of shooters that took a cowardice exit 11 .     The number that were taken in by the  good guys (4 of them were held by armed citizens and 3 by unarmed citizens until authorities arrived) 4 .      The number that committed suicide by cop 1 .       Killed by a concerned armed citizen. 4 .     The number of active shooters in California, the state with the most in 2018 5 .      The number of active shooter situations that were stopped by citizen involvement. 22%   The percent of the time a rifle was present   Citizen Intervention In three incidents, unarmed citizens confronted the shooter, thereby ending the shooting. In one incident, a citizen wrestled the gun away from the shooter. The shooter fled the scene and was apprehended approximately 34 hours later at another location. In one incident, citizens confronted the shooter (including one who was pistol-whipped by the shooter), allowing others to flee the scene. The shooter committed suicide at the scene before law enforcement arrived. In one incident, a teacher wrestled the shooter to the ground and restrained him until law enforcement arrived and apprehended him. In two incidents, armed citizens possessing valid firearms permits exchanged gunfire with the shooter. In one incident, two citizens retrieved their guns from their respective vehicles, then shot and killed the shooter. In one incident, a citizen armed with a gun confronted the shooter, but no gunfire was exchanged. A second citizen exchanged gunfire with the shooter, but neither was struck. The shooter fled the scene and was apprehended by law enforcement a short time later at another location. Locations 16 .  Occurred in Business locations 5 .    Occurred in Education Settings 2 .    Were in open spaces 2 .    Healthcare facilities 1 .    Government property 1 .    House of worship The Announcements Government On the last day of August 2019, the day after the Odessa, TX shootings, New law went into effect in Texas that changed the way you can carry a gun in the state: You can now carry in places of worship Can no longer prohibit renters from having firearms Now you can keep your firearm concealed in your car at school No laws will be inforced on CCW when evacuating or returning to a disaster Disaster shelters will now allow you to bring them in If you are caught with a CCW and you did not know that the area prohibited concealed carry, if you're asked to leave and you do then there is no crime. Overall, Texas sees the issue as not enough guns in the right places at the right time. Big Business Walmart announced that it will discontinue selling ammunition in .223, .556, and .22 calibers. They view these calibers as the primary for assault-style weapons and want to distance themselves from the murders. They also joining Kroger, Dicks Sporting Goods, Starbucks, Target and Wendy's in asking that people not open carry in their stores even if they have the right to. Today, open carry is only banned in California, Florida, Illinois and DC. Lastly they are pulling handguns from the only state they sell them in today which is Alaska. 20% .    Percent of the ammunition sold in the US that is sold by Walmart 6% .      Percent of the ammunition Walmart wants to sell in 2020 by eliminating rifle calibers 2% .     Percent of US gun sales done at a Walmart Much of this is spurred by liability costs as in The Estate of Maurice Stallard v Kroeger. In this instance, the daughter of the deceased is suiting the store for letting guns into it and asking that they ban guns at all stores. Kroeger responded by asking that customers don't open carry. Kroeger stopped the sale of all firearms in their 45 Meyers stores as well. When Dick's Sporting Goods realized that the Parkland, FL shooter who killed 17 purchased his gun from one of their stores, they started pulling guns from 10 of theris stores as a pilot which cost them $150MM. Despite that, their stocks are up 4% and they are looking to remove guns from 135 of their 730 stores by the end of the year. They also instituted a policy to only sell to those 21 and over which is quickly becoming standard amongst big box stores including Dick's owned Field & Stream locations. Outside influence on Big Box Camping World, owner of Gander (Formerly Gander Mountain), who is focused on selling RV's and Campers also sells firearms. The Sofware giant SalesForce had been toting doing an implementation at Camping World and had asked that Camping World change their stance on selling firearms. Camping World has not budged, but they are also no longer listed as a customer of SalesForce. Links Active Shooter Incidents In The Us 2018 041019 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kroger-gun-ban-woman-sues-for-gun-ban-in-kroger-grocery-stores-after-fathers-murder/

Hurricanes are the most impactful and costliest natural disaster that we face in the United States. They are also the most likely natural disaster to impact a person in a coastal region - that's a quarter of the US population. If you or someone you know is in or entering into this region, we want to make sure you know what to do when it happens. This episode will focus on how to understand the information being provided by local and national weather services, walk you through the 6 things you need to know to prepare for hurricane season, provide you with the 15 things you need in every hurricane evacuation kit, and the list of key documents you should never evacuate without.  Watch on YouTube at https://youtu.be/Vh7fXHpa6Cc

Ronald Regan once said, "The nine most terrifying words in the English Language are - I'm from the Government and I'm here to help". The Gipper obviously was well aware of the Social Security Program and as humanitarian as FDR's thoughts were in '35 when he kicked this off, it's about to get a lot worse and you need to know how it will affect you. I'm going to give you the quick historical run-down on the topic, and overview of the legislation that has passed the House, and what the big holes are in the thought process that you probably want to pick up the phone and call your Senator on before this goes to vote. 

This episode takes a deep dive into the history and the grit that immigrant Americans have woven into our society. Travel with me back in time as I tell the stories of 4 prominent Americans Immigrants. Then let's take a quick pulse on where we stand today the topic before I ask for your help in guiding my thought as I try to wrap my head around the topic of American Immigration.