Water

• Barter and Trade Essentials After SHTF

  I. Introduction

  In an ever-changing world, the concept of preparedness has taken on new dimensions. The unpredictable nature of disasters and societal disruptions has led many to consider alternative strategies for survival beyond the conventional. One such strategy that has gained traction among preppers and survivalists is the utilization of bug-out sailboats. These seaworthy vessels not only provide a means of escape and mobility in times of crisis but also serve as a unique platform for one of the most critical aspects of survival: barter and trade.

  A New Dawn of Exchange

  When disaster strikes and the delicate threads of modern society unravel, the value of traditional currency can swiftly diminish. As supply chains crumble and the availability of goods becomes uncertain, communities are forced to rediscover age-old methods of trade and exchange. In this brave new world, bartering is resurrected as a cornerstone of survival. Items that were once taken for granted – food, water, shelter, and even knowledge – take on new significance as the currency of this changed landscape.

  Navigating the Barter Seas

  Enter the bug-out sailboat, a vessel uniquely poised to navigate the uncharted waters of post-SHTF (S**it Hits The Fan) scenarios. These sailboats offer more than just a means of escape – they provide a versatile platform for barter and trade. With the ability to move swiftly along coastlines and between isolated communities, sailboats become the lifeblood of commerce in a world where overland travel might be treacherous or impractical.

• Build Your Own Watermaker/Desalinator: Convert Any Water Source into Clean, Fresh Water

  In any survival situation, having access to clean water is crucial. Whether you're stranded on a remote island, dealing with a disaster that has disrupted local infrastructure, or preparing for an extended emergency, the ability to convert virtually any water source into clean, fresh water can be a literal lifesaver.

  How It Works: A Simple Explanation

  The process of converting seawater into freshwater involves several key components that work together to filter, purify, and desalinate the water. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

  1. Pre-Filtering: The first step is to remove large debris from the seawater to prevent damage to the more sensitive components of the system. This is often done using a simple strainer or filter.
  2. Pressurization and Filtering: The water is then pushed through a series of filters that further purify it. These include pre-filters designed to remove sediment and other contaminants, ensuring that the high-pressure pump remains intact and functioning optimally.
  3. Reverse Osmosis Membrane: The heart of the system is the reverse osmosis membrane, which acts as a filter with microscopic pores. This membrane separates freshwater from seawater by allowing only molecules smaller than a certain size (typically 0.0001 microns) to pass through. This process is what effectively desalinates the water.
  4. High-Pressure Pump and Storage: The purified freshwater is then pressurized using a high-pressure pump, which sends it through a storage tank or directly into your system for use. Pressure gauges and valves are used to monitor and control the flow of water, ensuring that everything operates smoothly.

  Why It’s Essential for Preppers

  For preppers and survivalists, building your own watermaker offers several advantages:

  • Independence from Stored Water: If you're relying on stored water or a local water source that might become unavailable, having a self-contained system ensures you always have access to clean water.
  • Versatility: This system can be adapted to work with various water sources, including brackish water (a mix of seawater and freshwater) or even saltwater from the ocean.
  • Portability: Depending on the design, your watermaker can be set up in a portable configuration, making it ideal for emergency situations where you need to relocate quickly.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: While building a sophisticated system requires an initial investment, it’s often more cost-effective than purchasing pre-made units, especially if you source parts second-hand or through specialized suppliers.

  Why Watch the Video?

  The associated video provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to building your own watermaker. It covers everything from selecting the right components to understanding how to set up and maintain the system. The video also includes practical advice on wiring, pressure management, and troubleshooting common issues.

  So, if you're ready to take control of your water supply and ensure you’re never left without clean drinking water, watch the video and start learning how to build your own watermaker today!

• Essential Survival Skills for a Collapse: Beyond Guns and Self-Defense

  When we imagine a world thrown into chaos by an economic collapse or social anarchy, it’s tempting to think that guns and self-defense would be the most important tools for survival. However, history, particularly the experience of the Great Depression, teaches us that while security is important, the skills needed to survive—and even thrive—are much broader. Practical, everyday survival skills, such as cooking, sewing, and agriculture, were essential in the 1930s, and would be just as valuable today in the event of a societal breakdown.

  In this article, we’ll explore the most important skills you would need to sustain yourself and your community if modern conveniences disappeared.

• How to Make Your Own Full-Strength Bleach from Pool Shock

  When disaster strikes and safe drinking water is scarce, bleach is a lifesaver for water disinfecting, cleaning clothes, and sanitizing surfaces. However, typical unscented liquid bleach has a short shelf life and loses half of its strength within six months. Fortunately, there's a long-term solution: granular calcium hypochlorite, commonly known as pool shock. It has a full-strength shelf life of over ten years and can be purchased wherever pool supplies are sold.

  To make your own full-strength bleach from pool shock, follow these steps:

• Prepping on a Budget: Tips for Economical Disaster Preparedness

  In today’s uncertain world, being prepared is crucial, especially when it comes to disasters and emergencies. Whether you're a seasoned prepper or just beginning your journey toward disaster readiness, the cost of supplies can sometimes be prohibitive. However, with careful planning and strategic budgeting, you can significantly reduce expenses while still ensuring that you have the necessary resources for survival. This article provides practical tips for prepping on a budget, helping you to create a robust emergency kit without breaking the bank.

  Assess Your Needs

  The first step in any preparedness plan is assessing your specific needs. What are the essentials? For most people, this includes water, food, medical supplies, and basic shelter items. Start by listing these essential items based on your family size and health requirements. This will help you focus your efforts and avoid unnecessary expenditures.

  • Water: Look for large bottles or jugs that come at a reduced price per liter.
  • Canned Goods: Dried beans, pasta, rice, tuna, and other non-perishable foods are great choices. Always check the expiration date to ensure you're not buying expired items.
  • Dried Fruits and Nuts: These can be added to your diet as a healthy snack or used in recipes.

  Buy in Bulk

  One of the most effective ways to save money while prepping is by buying essential items in bulk. Many stores offer discounts when purchasing larger quantities, and over time, these savings can add up significantly. Additionally, buying in bulk allows you to reduce packaging waste, which is environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

  Grow Your Own Food

  If you have the space and time, growing your own food is one of the best ways to reduce costs while increasing self-sufficiency. Start by selecting easy-to-grow vegetables that are nutritious and require minimal resources.

  • Tomatoes: These require full sun but produce large yields.
  • Carrots: They grow well in containers and provide high nutritional value.
  • Leafy Greens (Spinach, Lettuce): These plants grow quickly and can be harvested multiple times per season.

  Utilize Free Resources

  There are numerous free resources available that can help you save money on your prepping journey:

  • Community Gardens: Check if there's an existing community garden in your area. Many local governments sponsor these as a way to encourage sustainable living.
  • Food Banks: Many communities have food banks where you can obtain non-perishable items for free.
  • Homesteading Forums and Websites: These platforms often offer tips on how to reduce expenses while building up your survival skills.

  DIY Projects

  Making use of DIY projects is another great way to stretch your budget further. There are countless tutorials available online for crafting everything from water storage tanks to solar-powered lights. Not only does this help you save money, but it also gives you the satisfaction of creating something yourself.

  • Water Storage Tanks: You can convert empty plastic jugs into makeshift containers by drilling holes and attaching spigots.
  • Emergency Lighting: Make use of inexpensive LED bulbs that last longer than traditional incandescent ones. You can even build your own emergency flashlights out of simple components.

  Practice Smart Shopping

  Even when you're buying supplies, there are ways to cut costs:

  • Shop Seasonally: Buy fruits and vegetables at their peak season when they’re cheaper and fresher.
  • Compare Prices: Always check for deals or coupons before making a purchase.
  • Use Multiple Suppliers: Sometimes local suppliers will offer better prices than large retailers.

  Educate Yourself

  Knowledge is one of the greatest tools you can have as a prepper. Attend workshops, read books, and participate in online forums to learn about various aspects of preparedness. Many resources are free or low-cost, so take advantage of any opportunity available. Understanding how different systems work—whether it's water filtration methods or building shelters—can also help you make informed decisions that could save money.

  Build Long-Term Relationships

  Building relationships within your community can be incredibly beneficial for prepping purposes. By joining groups focused on survival skills, sharing resources becomes much easier and more efficient. Whether it's trading seeds with neighbors during a gardening exchange or pooling together to buy large quantities of food at once, working together reduces overall costs.

• Water Filtration and Purification Methods for Emergency Situations

  In emergency situations, access to clean and safe drinking water becomes a top priority. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes or hurricanes, can disrupt water supplies, leaving individuals without a reliable source of potable water. That's why understanding different water filtration and purification methods is crucial for preppers. This article will explore various water filtration and purification methods that can be employed in emergency situations, ensuring that you have access to clean drinking water when it's needed the most.

  1. Boiling Water

  Boiling water is one of the simplest and oldest methods of water purification. By bringing water to a rolling boil for at least one minute (or three minutes at higher altitudes), you can kill most microorganisms and pathogens that cause waterborne illnesses. Boiling is effective against bacteria, viruses, and parasites. However, boiling does not remove chemical contaminants or impurities.