This week’s roundup of must-read articles covers all manner of threats from environmental to chemical to digital — and what you can do to protect yourself.
Plus, learn how to keep your prepping under wraps to avoid drawing unwanted attention in a disaster scenario.
Let’s get started.
1. Flooded Wells Could Mean Contaminated Water Supply
In the past year, a number of violent storms — from hurricanes to bomb cyclones — have caused massive flooding in various parts of the U.S.
This piece, published by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, points out an often overlooked consequence of these natural disasters. As water quality specialist Mike Daniels puts it, “When flooding submerges wellheads, there’s a good chance the well water supply has been contaminated.”
I’m on well water myself — and I know many people in the same boat. If you’re concerned about the quality of your well water, there are a couple things you can do…
First, click on the link above to find out the best way to treat bacterial contamination in your home water system.
Second, click on the link below to get your hands on a critical survival tool that can produce clean, safe drinking water for you and your family — no matter how polluted the source.
2. This ONE Survival Item Saved My Life Overseas
Water is absolutely critical to survival. That being said, I’d be willing to bet that only 2% of the U.S. population has a way to filter clean water if a contamination or disruption in the water supply were to take place.
In addition to building up (at least) a 30-day water supply in your home, you should also have a way to filter clean water if that supply were to run out or if you’re forced to leave your home for any reason.
To ensure your family can survive a crisis situation without worrying about dehydration or disease, buy your family one of these crucial devices today.
3. Deadly Nerve Agent Novichok Is a Decades-Old Cold War Foe
On Sunday, former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found slumped on a bench in Salisbury, England, victims of a deliberate nerve gas attack.
The chemical agent used was identified as Novichok, a holdover from the Soviet era. Novichok is considered one of the world’s deadliest weapons. In fact, scientists say it is five–eight times more deadly than VX (which kills 75% of those it touches within eight hours).
The most troubling aspect of this story is not who was behind the attack or who was targeted, but how many people could be next. Some experts believe the alleged perpetrators of this attack possess enough Novichok to kill hundreds of thousands.
It’s a truly terrifying possibility. I don’t mean to scare you, but I want you to be prepared. I’m currently working on an article that will cover what you should do if you’re exposed to deadly nerve agents like Novichok. Stay tuned…
4. The Importance of OPSEC in Your Survival Plans
This post from Two-Way Radio Talk serves as a good reminder to use discretion in your disaster planning. The last thing you want to do is advertise how prepared you are so all your neighbors will know where to come running in an emergency.
Take a look — you’ll discover six ways to increase your OPSEC (operational security) while prepping and five more ways to maintain it after the SHTF. Plus, author Rich Murphy also offers some sage advice for managing OPSEC with children.
5. Spy Games: Is Buying a Chinese Smartphone Risky?
Smartphones are incredibly convenient — they make our lives easier in many ways. However, there are some inherent dangers to storing so much sensitive information in one place. (That’s why I still use a trusty flip phone.)
USA Today recently reported that lawmakers are scrutinizing certain brands of smartphones “over their reputed ties to the Chinese intelligence and military establishment.” Furthermore, the U.S. government is worried that these devices “could be conduits for Chinese espionage, both on a targeted and a grand scale.”
So if you’re in the market for a new smartphone, take a look at the article above to learn which brands to avoid.
And as always…
Stay safe,
Jason Hanson
