25 Obscure Bushcraft Skills For Survival

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Upgrade your bushcraft skills with these 20+ wilderness survival ideas.

25 Bushcraft Skills Every Survivalist Should Brush Up On

Make This Bushcraft Skills Checklist Handy

Bushcraft skills use the natural materials around to get food, build shelter, and defend yourself. As a survivalist, you need to learn not just one but as many bushcraft survival skills as you can.

After learning, you should be able to apply them properly. This way, you can increase your survival, especially when faced with difficult situations.

The question is, with the many types of bushcrafting out there, which one should you prioritize? Here are 25 essential bushcraft skills to start learning:

1. History

Don’t rely only on a survival skills magazine to build your wilderness knowledge. Take it from the survivors of the Great Depression.

Campfire in the mountain  Obscure Bushcraft Skills For Survival

DIY Cordage

Outdoor Survival 13 Winter Camping Tips For Every Survivalist

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Make your winter camping unique, memorable, and well-organized with these 13 useful tips!

RELATED: How To Arrive Safely: Winter Driving

Winter Camping Tips and Tricks Every Survivalist Must Remember

Get Ready for Camping in Winter

Winter camping means having to deal with harsh elements and cold weather. The latter is perhaps the most outstanding feature of the winter camping experience.

Cold weather can be a source of great discomfort to many. For some survivalists, camping in the snow poses an exciting challenge.

It is a way to put their skills to the test, especially if you are camping in a blizzard. If you’re well prepared and know what you’re doing, it can help you better understand your capabilities as well as your limits.

Even though pitching a tent during winter months is not everyone’s idea of fun, it can still become enjoyable and comfortable. The important thing is to prepare, and you will need a lot of cold weather camping gear.

13 Winter Camping Hacks

There are many benefits to winter camping activities. Unlike summer camping, you deal with fewer campers and thus more space.

Cheaper fees are also likely, and you don’t need to handle bugs.

If you have the right winter camping essentials, you will enjoy a restful sleep. The campfire also becomes more enjoyable in the snow.

Most of all, you can make it even more pleasant and memorable with these tips.

1. Prepare for Winter Camping

Camping in the winter requires a lot of preparation. Having the right winter camping clothing and gear alongside mental and physical preparedness can lessen any hassle the activity can bring.

In threatening or challenging situations, the level of preparation will be one of the deciding factors of our fate. Get more details on what should be part of the winter camping gear list.

2. Go to Bed Warm

You can get some good insulation from a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, or winter clothing. They, though, are useless if you’re already freezing.

Winter campers can stay warm in many ways. You can do a little bit of jumpin’ jacks before hitting the sack.

You can also perform sit-ups or press-ups while you’re in your sleeping bag.

3. Eat for Warmth and Energy

If you want to have warmer nights, then your food should adapt to it. Physiologically, our body burns sugar to produce heat.

Eating warm food can increase its sensation. As we devour hot porridge or a steaming bowl of chicken soup, we become warm, thus making us feel more comfortable.

Remember, we need to maintain a certain level of body heat and energy to survive winter camping.

4. Pack the Snow

Pack down your campsite before you set up your winter camping tents. Your body heat can melt the loose snow.

It then leaves you with uneven flooring to lay or sleep upon. You should also position your tent away from the danger of an avalanche or falling trees.

5. Stay Dry

Whenever you’re winter camping, you need to stay dry at all cost. You will feel the biting cold, especially when your layers get wet.

Bringing extra clothing is always helpful. It will protect you from the harshness of the cold.

Staying dry also extends to your gear so protect your winter camping kit with a waterproof layer. You can also place it inside your tent or winter camping shelter.

6. Start Fall and Winter Trips Early in the Morning

You must always remember the sun goes down early during the winter season. Starting your camping trip early in the morning is always better than doing it later in the day.

It will be best to set up your winter tent or find the perfect site before it gets dark.

RELATED: The Prepper’s Guide To Winter Survival

7. Remember, Snow Is a Variable Matter

hand print on snow  13 Winter Camping Tips For Every Survivalist

Before you set your winter camping tent, you need to pick a flat spot with a lot of trees around it. They will act as a natural windbreaker.

Since snow is a variable matter, be aware where you are setting up your tent. Anchor it safely and securely.

8. Keep Your Matches in a Metal, not Plastic, Container

We all know the importance of fire in our daily lives. It helps us cook food and stay warm.

If you’re one of those people who love winter camping, it is advisable to keep the matches in a metal container. Plastic can break when exposed to cold.

9. Put Boiling Water in Your Water Bottle and Sleep with It at Your Feet

If you want to have non-frozen water to drink in the morning, fill your container with boiling water. Put it in a sock and place it at your feet.

You can keep it inside your sleeping bag to provide extra warmth.

10. Don’t Go Alone

Winter camping may be a fun, solitary adventure. You can use it to get away from distractions including people.

It is always safer, though, to have someone to accompany you. During an emergency, you can ask help quick.

If you prefer doing it solo, leave a detailed trip plan or message at home. This way, your loved ones will know where you’re going.

11. Improve Zipper Pulls

Zippers are important to winter camping clothes. They let you put on clothing quickly.

It is essential when you deal with extreme conditions such as snow. Most zippers included in jackets are not for thick mittens or gloves.

Use a little ingenuity and improvise by adding a 3-inch lanyard.

12. Regulate Your Temperature During Your Hike

Regulating your temperature is necessary during a winter hike. You need to be aware or anticipate the weather coming your way.

You have to act upon it before you even experience it. For example, it is better to put on additional layers before reaching the summit or a spot where the temperature is much lower.

13. Don’t Cook in the Tent

Using winter camping tents with stove can be a recipe for destruction. Your tent can catch fire, or it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Definition: Carbon Monoxide poisoning basically removes oxygen from the body. It puts oxygen-sensitive parts of the body at risk such as the human brain, which also affects the visual and cognitive performance of a person.

Choose a spot outside your tent where you can set up a waterproof tarp. If the weather is intolerable, cook inside the vestibule but ensure there is sufficient ventilation.

If you want to know more cold weather camping tips and tricks, watch this video from Bush Channel:

Enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of winter camping, but be ready. Having the proper gear and arming yourselves with knowledge about camping in extreme weather conditions will make your wilderness exploration an adventure to remember.

Penny for your thoughts? Tell us what you think about these winter camping tips by dropping your two cents in the comments section below!  

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<img decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-59425 size-full" src="https://survivallife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/35SL-13-Winter-Camping-Tips.jpg" alt="Placard

How to Survive the Cold Like a Navy SEAL

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Want to know how to survive in harsh conditions? Who better to teach you than the Navy SEALS? Learn how to survive the cold like a Navy SEAL in the post below.

How to Survive the Cold Even in the Harshest Weather Conditions

Figuring out how to survive the cold can be a challenge for even the most experienced outdoorsman. The fact is, humans just weren’t made for the cold, and our bodies are very ill-equipped to handle extremely low temperatures.

But getting caught out in the cold doesn’t have to be a death sentence. There are precautions you can take and things you can do to make sure you survive the cold weather.

survive the cold

 

When it comes to survival, there isn’t anyone on Earth who are more in the know than the Navy SEALs. Their outdoor survival skills are second to none.

These guys are trained to survive in even the most extreme weather conditions no matter where they are in the world. A survivalist would be well advised to take a page from their book when it comes to outdoor survival in winter.

For awesome survival gear you can’t make at home, check out the Survival Life Store!

Want more winter survival tips? Check out these related articles from our site:

Building Your Winter Survival Kit

Man Survives Yukon Winter in Camper Van

The Ultimate Guide to Winter Storm Survival

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**Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer here**

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on February 25, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

How To Arrive Safely: Winter Driving

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AAA  is predicting that 93.3 million Americans will hit the road over the next few days. That’s 1.6 percent more than last year and just 400,000 people shy of the 2006 record.

AAA is also beefing up their staff and preparing its employees for the onslaught of calls from stranded drives all across the country.

Accidents happen, but follow these tips below to insure that you do everything you can to get to your family safely.

Checklist & Tips for Safe Winter Driving

•    Battery and Charging System – Have the battery and charging system tested by a trained technician. A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather.  Automotive shops offer a full charging system diagnostic for a minimal cost (under $20.00) if not for free.

This is one of the number one reason drivers end up stranded as old batteries will quickly be sapped in the cold weather.

•    Battery Cables and Terminals – Check the condition of the battery cables and terminals. Make sure all connections are secure and get rid of any corrosion on the terminals and posts.

•    Drive Belts – Inspect belts for cracks or fraying. Don’t just look at the top surface of the belt. turn it over and check the grooves for cracks or uneven wear.

•    Engine Hoses –Visually inspect the cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks and loose clamps. Also, squeeze the hoses to check for any that may be brittle or spongy these will need replacement.

Tire Inspection

Regardless of season, you should inspect your tires at least once a month and always before a long road trip. It only takes about five minutes.

If you find yourself driving wet, icy, or otherwise less-than-optimal road conditions, you’ll be glad you did!
•    Check tire pressure and make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s suggested PSI (pounds per square inch) of air pressure, which is listed in your owner’s manual and on a label inside the driver’s door.
•    Keep a tire pressure gauge in your glove box or console at all times and check pressure at least once per month  when tires are cold meaning they haven’t been driven on for at least three hours.
•    Look closely at your tread and replace tires with uneven wear or insufficient tread. Tread should be at least 1/16 of an inch or greater on all tires.

winter driving

A quick check for this is the old penny trick; place a penny inside your tire tread, if any part of honest Abe’s head is covered by the tread then you have at least the bare minimum tire tread that is considered safe.

It is then up to you to decide if the bare minimum is enough for you.

Know your car

Every vehicle handles differently, especially when driving in winter conditions. Take time now to learn how to best handle your vehicle in icy weather.
•    Practice cold weather driving when your area gets snow but not on a main road! Until you’ve sharpened your winter weather driving skills and know how your vehicle handles in snowy conditions, it’s best to practice in an empty lot in full daylight.

winter driving

•    Drive slowly. It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. On the road, add a significant amount of extra distance (think 6 car lengths or more) to allow plenty of time to stop.
•    Cold weather braking is tricky: Know what kind of brakes your vehicle has and how to use them properly.  In general most new cars will have ABS installed but check to be sure.  If you have anti-lock brakes apply firm pressure, if you have non anti-lock brakes, pump the brakes gently.
•    If you hit a patch of ice and find yourself in a skid, stay calm and ease your foot off the gas while carefully steering in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go.

This procedure, is known as “steering into the skid,” and will help bring the back end of your car in line with the front.

As a note the above tips on cold weather driving are especially crucial to follow if you live in a warm climate and don’t have much experience driving on icy or slick roads.

Plan ahead

Keep yourself and others safe by planning ahead before you venture out into bad weather.
•    Check the weather, road conditions, and traffic; plan to leave early if necessary.
•    Don’t rush! Allow plenty of time to get to your destination safely. Trying to leave out at the last second not only makes your trip more hectic but the added pressure of being on time will make you much more prone to getting into an accident.
•    Familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go, and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time.

winter driving

Even if you have a GPS, you never know when the satellite could cut out.  I always carry hard copy directions as well as directions on my cellphone in addition to my GPS
•    Keep your gas tank close to full. If you get stuck in a traffic jam or in snow, you might need more fuel to get home or keep warm.

If you do find yourself stuck in the snow make absolutely sure that if you run your engine for heat, you crack your windows and keep your tailpipe clear of snow or anything that could block the exhaust.

Otherwise you could end up being disoriented and eventually die from carbon monoxide poisoning

If road conditions are hazardous, avoid driving if possible.

Keep your vehicle well stocked

Carry items in your vehicle to handle common winter driving tasks such as cleaning off your windshield as well as any supplies you might need in an emergency.

Keep the following on hand:
•    Snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper.
•    Sand or kitty litter, this can be put under your tires to gain traction if your vehicle gets stuck in the snow.
•    Jumper cables, flashlight and warning devices, such as flares and markers.
•    Blankets for warmth.
•    A cell phone and DC charger, water, food, and any necessary medicine (for longer trips or when driving in lightly populated areas).

For other ideas on what to pack in your safe travel emergency kit see my previous post below:

Emergency Travel Kit

Know what to do in a winter emergency

If you are stopped or stalled in wintry weather, follow these safety rules:
•    Stay with your car and don’t overexert yourself.
•    Keep warm
•    Keep calm
•    Put bright markers on the antenna or windows. If the snow has stopped, open your hood, this is a universal sign of distress
•    I said this above but I wanted to restate it:  To avoid suffocation from carbon monoxide poisoning, don’t run your car for long periods with the windows up or in an enclosed space.

If you absolutely must run your vehicle, clear the exhaust pipe of any snow and run it just long enough to stay warm!

Happy holidays and drive safely!

Want more tips? Check out these related articles from our site:

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**Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer here**

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on December 24, 2012, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

13 Winter Survival Methods To Keep You Warm

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Knowing a few winter survival secrets never hurt anyone. That’s why, we’ve outlined 13 in this article to help you when a winter storm brings in snowstorms, freezing rain, snow pellets, graupel, and rime.

They can also minimize your winter problems like having to keep the heat in check at home, blackouts, and frozen water pipes.

Winter Survival Methods: Keeping The Heat In Check

1. Preparing for the Cold Months

It is vital that people prepare for the different seasons of the year, most especially for winter.

Winter Survival Methods

This article will show you what you need to prepare for your winter survival kit.

2. Winter Storm Guide

Preparing for the ordinary winter months is good. Preparing for a winter storm is even better.

Winter Survival Methods

This guide will help you get through freezing rain, snow or sleet. Learn more about the ultimate guide winter storm.

3. 5 Steps To Prepare Your Car For The Winter

We can’t stress enough that preparation is always the key to surviving extreme weather conditions. These winter weather tips will show you how to get ready for a major blizzard:

Winter Storm Survival Tips

  • Put a winter supply box in your car.
  • Check your engine coolant and antifreeze level.
  • Check your tire pressure and tread depth.
  • Use winter windshield wiper fluid.
  • Switch to winter grade oil at your next oil change.

4. Learn How to Roll West Virginia Style

Are you tired of shoveling snow at home just to clear a path for you and your family? Well, this guy down south will show you how to do it in a jiffy.

If the snow falling in your area is wet and sticky, you can say goodbye to those backbreaking lifting and scooping chores for good.

5. Cover The Gaps

There are several life hacks to help you make it through the cold without having to go through little winter inconveniences.

  • You can warm up your home faster by putting a frozen bag of vegetables on top of your thermostat.
  • Place an electric blanket on top of the clothes you want to use for the day before taking a shower.
  • Keep your house humid and retain the heat by not draining the hot water in your bathtub after a bath.
  • Economize on your electric and heating expenses by covering the gaps under your doors with pipe insulation. This keeps cold drafts from entering the room.
  • Give your wheels more traction during the winter by placing kitty litter.

6. Tips on Survival for your Homestead

This article will show you how to protect your livestock, chickens and outdoor pets from freezing to death.

Winter Storm Survival Tips

There are also other methods to protect or at least minimize the damages for your gardens, farm equipment and other parts of your property.

These are winter survival tips for the homestead.

7. Staying Warm During a Power Outage

There are a lot of ways to keep warm off the grid. The most basic way is to put on additional clothing.

But did you know there are specific types of clothing which can keep you warm much more effectively based on its CLO value and level of thermal insulation?

The most significant factor to generate body heat is through increased physical activity. Here’s how to trap body heat to survive.

8. One Simple Technique To Keep Warm

People who lived in colder areas during the old days used this effective trick just to keep warm. It’s called a kidney wrap.

9. Keeping Warm When The Heater Goes Out

Readiness is a must to prevent the heater from going out during the winter. However, even with all the preparation, there may be a time it might still bonk out on you.

Winter Storm Survival Tips

There are several methods on how to keep warm after the heater goes out:

  • Staying as close to the kitchen as you can when using the oven
  • Turning on as many incandescent lights around the house as possible
  • Using candles
  • Closing all your windows
  • Keeping the curtains closed
  • Closing off any rooms to prevent losing heat

Read more about how to protect your house and family from the freezing temperatures.

10. Warm Up a Room with Terra Cotta Pots and a Candle

You’ll be amazed at how much warmer it can be in a room with this ingenious idea.

You can learn to create your own terra cotta pots with candles with just a few bucks. You can also learn to make your own color block crayon candles.

11. Avoid Common Winter Injuries

If you enjoy the outdoors during the winter there are a number of injuries you need to look out for. These common injuries are:

Winter Storm Survival Tips

  • Falling on snow or ice
  • Muscle strain because of scraping ice off your car or from shoveling snow
  • Motor vehicle collisions
  • Accidents while doing activities or playing winter sports

12. Tips On Driving Safely During the Winter

Winter driving can be quite a challenge for a lot of people. As accidents do happen, it is important you follow these tips to get from point A to point B safely.

Winter Storm Survival Tips

  • Check the battery and charging system.
  • Inspect your tires.
  • Know your car.
  • Plan ahead.
  • Keep your vehicle well stocked.
  • Know what to do in a winter emergency.

Read more to know the details on how to drive safely when driving during the winter.

13. Learn It All in One Read

The web can provide you with a ton of information on how to get through the ordeal of a major winter storm.

For your convenience, we have gathered all the information so you could go through them all in just one sitting on how to survive a winter storm.

Watch this video by AdamEater where he shows the warmest winter survival shelter they built deep in bear country:

If you’ve taken the time to read and learn all the aforementioned winter survival methods, spending the cold months with your family and friends will never be quite the same after you have learned all the winter survival skills.

Preparation is everything and knowledge is an essential part of survival.

13 Winter Survival Methods To Keep You Warm  Winter Survival Skills

Have more winter survival skills in mind? Share them in the comments section below!

Up Next: How To Stay Warm In Winter

It Hits The Fan – Basic SHTF Preparedness Guide For Everyone

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Are you prepared enough to survive when the grid suddenly goes down?  Your approach to survival should be designed for you to be ready in almost any given situation when SHTF.

A lot of people are concerned about what to do and where to start.  Yet they don’t possess the skills whether it was never taught to them, or they just haven’t seriously thought about it until now.

Regardless, it’s never too late to learn the essentials of survival.  It’s your key to increasing your chances of getting through the most unexpected big scale disaster that could ever happen.

Basic SHTF Preparedness Guide For Everyone

Some folks want to spend thousands of dollars right out the gate thinking that this is the right approach.  You have to think that you also have a life to live so think wisely about how not to be too worried about the issue.

Disasters can happen in such short notice so your best bet is to be prepared using the most important tips every prepper should be aware of to help you survive.

Some things are just better prepared for before considering stuff such as firearms, clothing, and others.  Expand your understanding about SHTF preparedness and you’ll see how to think wisely in these situations.

Create your bug out plan

Bug out refers to shelter outside of your home. When SHTF, sometimes you’re forced to leave the comforts of your home.

With that said, a bug out plan comes in handy because you already know where to go.

Create your bug out plan  It Hits The Fan – Basic SHTF Preparedness Guide For Everyone

Some preppers often go for RVs as their bug out plan, but I know of some preppers who build a home off the grid – like a cabin in the middle of the woods or another home in another state.

Read more about bug out plans here.

Create your bug in plan

A bug in plan is the complete opposite of a bug out, and this refers to keeping yourself within the confines of your own home. In simpler terms, you are locking yourself inside the house.

Preppers have long debated whether or not bugging out is better than bugging in, but for me, they both have their own merits. Having a bug in plan and a bug out plan is important because you never know when SHTF.

Read more about bug in plans here.

Create a COMMO plan

COMMO, or simply prepper jargon for communication, is important for a lot of reasons. You’ll need to be in touch with your family or fellow preppers when SHTF at all times.

A COMMO plan must include common rendezvous points, recon points, and point persons. You may include your fellow preppers in your COMMO plan as well, and you need to make sure that your family members are well-oriented with your plan.

You may read more about recon plans for your family here.

Build a team or network of preppers

You cannot survive on your own if you don’t have a team. In the USA, there’s already a growing number of teams and networks of preppers within each state that you can join.

Or, you can join our very own FPA: Family Protection Association. Click here!

<img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-72756" src="https://survivallife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/SHTF-preparedness-4.jpg" alt="Build a team or network of preppers

Vanishing Act: Staying Off the Government’s Radar During Disasters & Times of Crisis

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Government police state

In a time of never-ending surveillance, Big Brother mandates, and non-stop government efforts to squelch our founding values and freedoms, staying off the government’s radar and breaking free from the grid has never been more critical – that is especially true during times of crisis or disasters. While many in this country still sadly place their faith and life in the government’s hands, relying on them to help them with every part of their lives – even during the good times – these choices are going to come back to bite a great many people in the ass when things go wrong!

For those who fail to prepare, believing government agencies like FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) are going to come riding to the rescue, let me remind you of a stark reality – the government’s track record in disaster response leaves is not only bad but in many cases it can be deadly. Instead of providing effective aid, their involvement often ushers in waves of bureaucratic red tape, overzealous emergency managers, and wannabe tyrants who despise our freedoms – usually making a bad situation even worse.

On top of that, the financial strains faced by FEMA cast a shadow over their ability to meet the needs of the people during times of crisis. As preppers, we understand the need to be self-reliant rather than placing our trust in government handouts that may never materialize.

If you are serious about preparedness and self-reliance, we believe it is critical to remain invisible to government agencies during disasters, mainly focusing on FEMA and law enforcement. While this may sound counterintuitive for some, we live in a time where government officials, political appointees, and activists are becoming a growing threat to how we live.

In an age where personal freedoms are increasingly threatened, staying off the government’s radar is not just prudent; it’s a survival skill everyone must start considering. So, let’s look at some essential strategies to ensure you and your family can navigate the turbulent waters during disasters and long-term crisis situations, without drawing the government’s watchful eye.

Disaster Preparedness workers

To understand some of our concerns and why we believe it is wise to stay off the government’s radar during disasters, we must first examine the historical performance of federal agencies in response to crises. Unfortunately, we find a disheartening pattern of mismanagement, red tape, questionable decisions – and even worse, the loss of personal freedoms and death at the hands of incompetent government officials. Think that’s hyperbole? Well, then look at what just happened in Maui during the wildfiresv, then tell me the government isn’t a threat to your safety during a disaster.

A Checkered Past We Must Consider!

FEMA, the agency entrusted with responding to natural disasters, often falls short of expectations. Instead of efficiently aiding those in need, their involvement tends to introduce layers of bureaucratic nonsense. Time and again, we witness FEMA struggling to provide timely assistance, leaving disaster survivors frustrated and often times in a worse place than where they started.

Furthermore, depleted budgets, exhausted resources, and overwhelming demand have rendered FEMA ill-prepared to handle even smaller-scale disasters effectively. While many rely on FEMA as their safety net, it’s important to recognize that their limitations could mean the difference between life and death in a crisis.

surveillance cameras

Unfortunately, history is filled with examples of government overreach, where the institutions that are meant to protect citizens’ rights instead have become the architects of their oppression. This concerning trend of eroding liberties becomes particularly pronounced in times of crisis, as governments justify their drastic actions in the name of public safety.

The Thin Line Between Safety and Tyranny

Governments worldwide have long grappled with the challenge of balancing individual freedoms with the ability to maintain order and security. While the necessity of certain limitations on personal liberties in the face of genuine threats can be argued, what we’ve witnessed over the last couple of decades is a growing threat where this thin line is crossed time and time again, paving the way for authoritarianism and the erosion of more of our freedoms. Let’s look at a few recent historical examples.

 The USA PATRIOT Act

In the aftermath of the tragic 9/11 attacks, the United States found itself at a crossroads between national security and civil liberties. The response was the USA PATRIOT Act, hastily enacted to supposedly bolster counterterrorism efforts. While it did facilitate critical intelligence-sharing and surveillance measures, it also opened the door to significant abuses of power. Warrantless wiretapping, data collection on American citizens, and the erosion of privacy rights became a reality. What began as a response to a crisis had lasting implications for personal freedoms.

Hurricane Katrina

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans was plunged into a state of emergency. Floodwaters engulfed neighborhoods, leaving residents stranded and desperate for assistance. With law enforcement overwhelmed and resources stretched thin, the city descended into chaos.

Amid the unfolding disaster, a troubling directive emerged. New Orleans city officials, including then-Mayor Ray Nagin, made the controversial decision to order firearms confiscation. In an attempt to disarm law-abiding citizens, New Orleans police and National Guard troops were deployed to seize privately owned firearms, supposedly to maintain order and curb potential looting.

The COVID-19 Pandemic

The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic witnessed a myriad of government intrusions into every aspect of our lives. Lockdowns, travel restrictions, vaccines passports, and mask mandates were among the measures adopted, with the government claiming it would stop the virus’s spread. However, the line between safeguarding public health and infringing on individual rights became blurred. In some cases, authorities used the crisis as a pretext to stifle dissent, restrict movement, and curb free speech.

These disasters and their aftermath stand as a cautionary tale, illustrating the very real dangers of government overreach when individual rights are cast aside in the name of crisis management.

But make no mistake, this trend isn’t new, and it should serve as a stark reminder that in times of crisis, governments may seize greater control over our lives. These actions can extend beyond health concerns, potentially infringing on our rights under the First and Second Amendments.

Rioters

Martial law is a term that strikes fear into the hearts of most freedom-loving people. It represents a state of affairs in which military forces assume control over civilian authorities, suspending normal legal processes and civil liberties. Emergency orders, while less extreme than martial law, can also threaten individual freedoms – as seen throughout the three years of continuous COVID panic. Government officials typically issue these orders during crises and grant expanded powers to address the emergency— but there is a fine line between necessary intervention and governmental overreach.

From a preparedness standpoint, the use of martial law and emergency orders must be carefully scrutinized. The preservation of individual liberties, including the right to bear arms, freedom of speech, and protection from unwarranted searches and seizures, are all things that the government will try to suspend during times of crisis. Let’s look at the most likely threats:

  • Resource Confiscation: FEMA possess the power to confiscate essential supplies for distribution. It’s crucial to understand that your own stockpiles of food, water, and resources could be subject to seizure.
  • Rationing and Price Controls: During times of scarcity caused by disasters, governments often implement rationing and price controls, which limit the freedom of commerce.
  • Utilization of Government Camps: FEMA has access to numerous government facilities, some of which could be converted into refugee camps or relocation centers. These facilities may serve as places of refuge or control during crises.
  • Restrictions on Movement: Border closures or internal travel restrictions are often applied during pandemics, natural disasters, or other crises.
  • Internet and Communication Blackouts: In certain circumstances, governments around the world have shut down internet access or other forms of communication. This is often justified as a means to control the spread of disinformation or quell social unrest.
  • Suspension of the 2nd Amendment: One of the most contentious aspects of martial law is its impact on the Second Amendment. History has shown that under martial law, authorities may attempt to disarm citizens in the name of public safety.
  • Unclear Plans and Hidden Agendas: One of the prevailing concerns about FEMA is the lack of transparency regarding their emergency plans. The government’s propensity to leverage disasters for power consolidation fuels conspiracy theories and distrust among citizens.
Prison camp

Maintaining invisibility during disasters becomes one of your top concerns in a world where government overreach is a real threat. Here are strategies to ensure you stay off the government’s radar and safeguard your freedom:

1. Bug Out Early

The best defense is often a strategic retreat. If you anticipate FEMA’s involvement in your area, consider bugging out before their arrival. Catastrophic events that warrant FEMA’s intervention usually signal the need to evacuate anyway. Their presence should reinforce your decision to leave, not deter it.

Bug out Resources:

2. Don’t Seek Help or Handouts

Government agencies, including FEMA, offer aid primarily to those who haven’t prepared adequately. As a prepper, your resources and skills should surpass what the government can provide. Accepting government assistance requires revealing personal information and residency proof, undermining your invisibility.

We recommend staying away from anything you must put your name on or register for during times of disaster and crisis. Instead of counting on the government, put together a local network that you can rely on — networks of like-minded individuals. These communities can band together in times of crisis, sharing resources, knowledge, and support.

3. Observe OPSEC (Operational Security)

OPSEC doesn’t end when disaster strikes; it intensifies. Avoid drawing attention to yourself by concealing signs of affluence, such as cooking smells, burning garbage, or excessive lighting. Stay hidden and blend in with your surroundings to remain unnoticed.

4. Stay Away from Government Installations

Avoid all government facilities, including municipal and federal structures. Local authorities might more likely recognize and scrutinize residents, particularly in small communities. Steer clear to minimize the risk of unnecessary attention.

5. Practice the Art of Alibi

If all else fails, be prepared to employ an alibi. Develop a backstory and rehearse it thoroughly. Conceal your prepping activities under the guise of a legitimate hobby or interest. An effective alibi can help maintain your privacy and freedom during critical times. A clerk at the store asks you about all those bottles of water you are buying… “Oh, I coach high school football; it’s for our game this weekend!

In the United States, the declaration of martial law is a troubling possibility that everyone should be aware of, especially given the current climate of uncertainty and government encroachment into all aspects of life.

In a world where government intervention is a double-edged sword, self-reliance and vigilance are our greatest allies. While we may hope for FEMA’s assistance in times of crisis, we must never put ourselves in a position where we must rely on their aid. Instead, we must prepare to take care of ourselves and our families on our own.

Remember the lessons of history and the importance of safeguarding your personal liberties. Invisibility to government agencies during disasters isn’t an act of paranoia; it’s an assertion of your rights and a commitment to preparedness and self-reliance. As responsible citizens and preppers, we must adapt, prepare, and remain vigilant to protect our way of life in an ever-changing world.

Stay vigilant. Stay invisible. Stay free.

The 11 Most Common (And Deadly) Spiders In The U.S.

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Knowledge about spiders helps you identify the poisonous from the nontoxic ones.

RELATED: Survival Skills Guide to Venomous Spiders

Spiders

Landmarking for the Second Intercostal Space for Needle Decompression #bethedifference #ARSneedle

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North American Rescue’s NAR Doc brings you this educational short focused on identifying the anatomical landmarks associated with effective needle decompression. For more info: https://www.narescue.com/enhanced-ars-decompression-needle

A Week with Wolf Part 2- Camping in a 12 Hour Thunderstorm and Saying Goodbye.

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Join my dog, Wolf and myself for the 2nd and final episode of our week in the wilderness together. I say goodbye to my brother, Isaac and enjoy the time alone with wolf. New Merch here! https://www.bunkerbranding.com/pages/joe-robinet Instagram https://instagram.com/joerobinetbushcraft/