From Ron R: How does one properly store propane tanks?
Answer: Store propane only in approved containers with the valve closed. Whether empty or full, propane containers can still contain explosive vapors.
Make sure to store them outside (such as in a shed) and not in direct sunlight. Properly stored, propane fuel will last indefinitely.
From Karl T: Perhaps my greatest concern is the out of control debt and spending. What are your suggestions on this coming disaster?
Answer: There is no question this disaster will occur. We just don’t know if it will be tomorrow or 10 years from now.
As far as money, I would invest in gold and silver coins, as they may be the only things of value after a collapse.
Next, I would establish an emergency money fund that is enough to cover six months of living expenses. Even if the dollar loses value, in the aftermath of an economic crisis, you still may be able to use cash to buy necessities – at least in the short term.
Of course, this is another reason I recommend building up a year’s worth of food storage and emergency supplies because this will allow you to ride out almost any disaster.
From Nathan S: I was watching a video last night on twitter about a family that was followed into an elevator in NYC and mugged by two guys. One had a gun trained on them while the other stole his watch, wallets, phone, etc.
What do you suggest doing? Either give in with kids being there, or do you draw and fight?
Answer: This is a tricky one. If your gut tells you all they really want is the keys, wallet, etc., then obviously give it to them. But, if it looks like they’re going to murder you or try and kidnap one of the kids, then you better draw fast and fire.
From Ronald W: With the recent hurricane I started thinking about flooding. If I’m in my car which window should I break if I end up in water?
Answer: If you ever find yourself in a sinking car, you will typically have 30-60 seconds to escape before the car is submerged. Now, once a car is in the water, it’s very difficult to open the doors so you immediately want to roll down the windows. The longer you wait to roll down the windows the harder it will be to do so. If you can’t roll down a window and you need to smash one out, use whatever window is closest to you. You want to kick in the corner of the window (where it’s stiffest) and not in the middle to break the window. If you are using a hard object or a tactical pen, you still want to strike in one of the corners of the window.
From Sue S: In another email you sent out you said you are a Mormon. This means you believe “Thou shall not kill.” What is your take on that if you are defending yourself and your home.
Answer: Religious scholars have long debated the meaning of “Thou shall not kill.” In biblical Hebrew and in English, killing and murder are different words.
Killing is taking a life. Murder is taking a life with no moral justification. Murder is morally wrong. Yet there are some forms of killing that are morally just, and killing an enemy combatant is one of them.
I don’t believe you violate the commandment by serving in the military or even when defending your family. In other words, if I am protecting or defending my family from someone who is trying to kill us, I have zero qualms about taking their life.
From Frank M: What sources would you recommend to buy pistols/ammo? Do you recommend any retailers?
Answer: If you are looking for firearms you may want to check with local pawn shops. Smaller retailers may have more options.
In addition, I would check out websites such as Bud’s Gun Shop or Cheaper Than Dirt. These are both reputable websites that offer guns and ammo. There’s also ammo websites such as Bulk Ammo and Lucky Gunner that always seem to have ammo.
