Dear Black Bag Confidential Reader,
I’m aware that some of you probably think I sound like a broken record, but I will not stop emphasizing the importance of preparedness. Right now, various parts of the United States are consumed with fire and flood.
Your town could very well be next.
Please take a look at this week’s must-read articles. There are several urgent warnings, along with valuable survival advice.
Let’s get started.
1. Worrisome Hurricane Irma Looms
Parts of Houston are still underwater but another hurricane is already headed our way. Which isn’t all that surprising — we are approaching peak hurricane season, after all. As I’m writing this, Hurricane Irma is barreling straight toward Puerto Rico and there are rumblings of a hit to the continental U.S. as well.
Now, I’ve seen a fair share of hyperbolic articles about Irma, so allow me to share this very measured piece by Dr. Marshall Shepherd, director of the Atmospheric Sciences Program at the University of Georgia. In it, Dr. Shepherd discusses what to look for in the next one–five days, why he’s concerned and which trustworthy source to watch for updates.
And if you live in a potentially affected area, get your emergency preparations in order now.
2. How to Practice Bugging Out
In addition to Hurricane Irma, there are wildfires threatening many residents of the northwest and northcentral United States. Which means no matter where you live, you should have the necessary supplies and a plan in place to bug out in an emergency.
And you must be able to do it in 10 minutes or less. Sometimes that’s all the time you’ll have if a wildfire is racing down the hillside toward your neighborhood or your home is slowly filling with water.
Once you’ve got your gear and your game plan, I highly recommend doing a few dry runs. Check out this post from Smart Prepper Gear for some useful tips on how to practice bugging out so you can be ready to act quickly and confidently when the time comes.
3. Could Your Drink Your Own Urine?
In a survival situation, if you really had to, you’d probably be able to drink your own urine. But how about a stranger’s urine right from the unflushed bowl? Would you risk it?
I did, but it was really no risk at all. I happily drank without fear of bacteria or getting sick. In fact, I was so confident that I’d get pure, clean water from that nasty bowl that I videotaped myself having a drink.
Click on the link above to watch the video. You’ll discover the secret behind my unwavering confidence, and why it could literally mean the difference between life and death for you and your family.
4. Two Wild Alternatives to Coffee
With three kids under the age of 6, coffee is a must-have in my house. And I have some friends who can barely function without it. Maybe you’re also a person who needs their morning cup of joe before they can tackle the day.
If that’s the case, check out this short piece from Outdoor Life’s The Survivalist blog that gives two wild alternatives worth checking out, plus directions on how to prepare them.
Because if the sh*t really hits the fan, there are a lot of creature comforts (coffee included) many people will have to give up — if they don’t know any other options. Or if you simply forget the Folgers the next time you go camping, you can still start your day with a little pick-me-up.
5. SHTF Survivalist Radio Lists
Between several recent articles we’ve published and subsequent reader questions, there’s been a lot of talk about survival radios.
This extensive article from Ask a Prepper details the main types of frequencies used in emergency communication, frequencies to hear broadcasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), ham radio frequencies for organizations like FEMA, the Red Cross and various branches of the military, CB (citizens band) radio frequencies and four emergency communication tips to keep in mind.
It’s useful stuff, folks. Check it out.
And as always…
Stay safe,
Jason Hanson
