Wilderness to Urban and Suburban Survival Primer

Kevin EstelaSurvival Instructor

Wilderness Learning Center435 Sandy Knoll RoadChateaugay, NY 12920

(518) 497-3179www.weteachu.com

Special Thanks The following information contained in this handout is

from the combined knowledge of my father, Wilderness Learning Center family,martial arts training partners, the tribe and great friendships

forged over the years. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, experience and time with me. Thank you as well to all those whose work helps others prepare

for emergencies. Your work is appreciated and overlooked too often.

THANK YOU!

Legal Disclaimer The information in the following presentation is

intended to be used in good faith and in a legal manner. It is the responsibility of the reader to comply with all local, state and federal laws. The Wilderness Learning Center and author assume no responsibility for the misuse or improper use of this information or

the damages caused by anyone who uses the information for any purposes (including illegal

purposes.)

In other words, be a good guy and do the right thing!

Presentation Objectives: Upon reading through this PowerPoint handout you should

be able to:

1. Identify your abilities/inabilities with regard to preparedness.2. Explain how wilderness skills are the foundation for urban and suburban.3. Create a plan for emergency response at home, work and on the road.4. Further strengthen your mental toughness, problem solving and awareness skills.5. Develop training modifiers to assess your ability and preparedness.6. Justify behavioral changes to increase your safety through understanding of urban/suburban emergencies and prep.7. Share what you learn with someone you care about.

Introduction/Mindset/Preparedness• I live what I teach and practice what I preach. I’m

passionate about survival and want to share my knowledge with you. My family’s tradition is rooted in survival, “to the last drop!” There will be no fluff or filler. All of what I present is grounded in reality. Practice what is presented here if you wish to own the skills.

• The Wilderness Learning Center is a full-time school. 537 acres of land and 7 day courses are taught. This handout is a quick sampling of what is covered.

• The Basic Survival Course is skills based. The Advanced Course develops skills further and introduces new skills with a practical field exercise. The Plant Intensive Course is specialized in recognition and use of edible and medicinal plants. The Winter Course extends warm weather knowledge into cold weather conditions.

• “All-ways Prepared/Prepared Always” is the school motto. It is the mindset of a survivor too. It applies to all aspects of life and every concept of survival.

• Train like your life depends on it because someday it might!

• DON’T TAKE RISKS YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO HANDLE!

Universal Preparedness• Many of the skills a wilderness survivor uses can be applied to survival

in the urban/suburban environment. Chances are, you spend more time working and living in an urban or suburban environment than you do where you want to be. You aren’t always going to be on a recreational trip to the outdoors. Learn to survive in all environments.

• While some skills in the outdoors are life-giving, the same skills in the urban/suburban environment may get you killed.

• Some obvious differences are often overlooked in preparedness. Try using your fire starting kit in the city to get warm and you’ll be arrested for arson.

• Luckily, the human body is the same regardless of where it is. The rule of 3’s applies in a town or city as it applies in the wilds. Whether you’re in khaki BDU’s or a business suit, your basic needs won’t change.

• 3 minutes without oxygen, 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food (only averages! You may be different)

• The most important aspect of preparedness is mental toughness and awareness. You can prevent bad situations from becoming worse.

• Ironically, the most prepared will probably never have to use their skills.

• Part of survival in the urban/suburban world is dealing with those who haven’t prepared to do what you are.

• Physical fitness cannot be underrated in its benefits to the survivor.

Survival concepts apply in the wilderness as well

as in “Civilization.”

Causes of Emergencies• Natural Disasters:

-Flood, Earthquake, Fire, Blizzard-Somewhat unpredictable in the short term

• Man-made Disasters:-Criminal activity, civil unrest, terrorism-Somewhat more predictable given indicators

• Self-made Emergencies: -Health-related, lack of preparedness-Most are avoidable with proper prior planning that prevents…

Hurricane Katrina: accessed from www.nasaimages.org

Navigation, Fire, Shelter, Water, Signaling, Food (Part I)

NAVIGATION• Humans take comfort in location regardless of placement in the city or in the

wilderness. This comfort is important in and out of the city.FIRE• Fire is a universal need. While the campfire is essential to the survivalist, it

is trouble in the city. You do need a fire in your home and car to keep you alive though. Think about it. Fire isn’t always found in a fire ring.

SHELTER• General rule, energy out (expended) should be less than energy in

(consumed.)• If you are in a city, there are countless shelters that provide breaks from the

wind and rain. In an emergency, you can seek shelter by breaking into a building as long as there is a genuine emergency. No one will fault you for entering a locked warehouse if buildings are falling all around you.

• A human can live up to 3 hours exposed to the elements.

Navigation, Fire, Shelter, Water, Signaling, Food (Part II)

WATER• Humans need water for life. Regardless of location, water is essential.

Bottled, tap or designer, drink up! Eight 8oz. glasses or bottles a day minimum.

SIGNALING• In the wilds we worry about signaling with fire, mirrors, whistles and

relatively low-tech options. In the modern world, we use 9-11, hang white cloths from windows and look for help kiosks.

FOOD• No matter where you are, food is important! What you consider food may

change! Food is energy and energy is life.

At the end of this handout, you can find references to where you can find more information about wilderness survival topics. This presentation is primarily about skills used away from the wilderness.

Nature of Emergency• If you view an emergency as a departure from the norm

then you must consider the lifespan of an emergency in your surroundings.

• In the wild, order is the norm and you cannot change nature on your own. Human drama in the outdoors can be prolonged due to isolation and remoteness.

• In a “civilization”, order is the norm and it will return at some point. Travel 1 mile outside of “ground zero” and life continues as it has. It will seem as if no emergency is happening elsewhere.

• Urban/Suburban emergencies have a finite lifespan. At some point, order will be restored (even if you think it won’t, you need to hold out and keep a positive mental attitude.)

• Laws do not disappear when an emergency happens. You will be judged for your actions when order is restored. You will have to answer for your actions!

• Consider some of history’s emergencies. Los Angeles Riots, September 11, NYC blackout and Hurricane Katrina. Order has been restored despite inconceivable conditions.

Smallpox InfectionAccessed from www.cdc.gov

SHOCK• Shock will likely set in during an emergency. • Statements such as, “this can’t be

happening”, “can you believe that just happened?”, “oh my God”, “This is horrible!” are common.

• Shock is nothing to be ashamed of. We are human and emotion is part of our being. However, you need to make logical decisions in times of crisis. You must make decisions based on reason and not emotion.

• How you bounce back from shock will determine your survivability.

• Shock may occur initially or it may not set in until an extended time passes.

• Your reaction needs to be as immediate as possible to an emergency.

A quality wool blanket can be a “warm blanket” to comfort those experiencing hard times. It also serves many other purposes. In a home setting where space is

not a concern, it should be included in every kit.

First Aid•If an emergency presents itself, chances are, there will be injuries to treat.•Learn to treat cuts, punctures, burns and other life threatening injuries by taking first aid courses. Practice these skills and don’t neglect reading up on them to refresh your memory.•Don’t purchase equipment you aren’t trained to use. Don’t attempt to treat someone beyond your ability. •Learn to consider, “life before limb.” In other words, will the bleeding cause death first or the infection from using an unsterile bandage? There are cures for infection, there is no cure for death.•Learn to treat these issues before they are issues. Take a community first-aid, EMT, or advanced medical training course.•Consider your own safety before treating others. Always ask if the situation is safe.•You may object to helping others in an emergency but what if the person you’re helping is yourself?•In sum, you need TRAINING, A KIT, PRACTICE

A well-stocked first aid kit is a must for the urban/suburban

setting. Don’t rely on commercial kits having all you need.

Supplement them with extras to make them your own.

Essential Tool: Flashlight• Humans are not capable of seeing in the dark with our naked eyes. In an emergency, the

lights will probably go out.• It is therefore essential to have a tool capable of compensating for our weakness.• A well-prepared person should have the ability to illuminate their immediate area with a

small flood of light (think LED keychain lights) as well as the ability to throw light a distance (think high-powered “tactical light.”)

• Make sure to carry spare batteries as Murphy’s law will come into play.• LED technology has produced highly durable lights with comparable brightness.• Use lithium batteries as they are not affected by cold and store for longer periods than

alkaline batteries. Lithium batteries also produce a more consistent amount of power but there is a noticeable drop in power when batteries are about to die.

• Make sure to dummy cord your flashlight, especially if it has a momentary on button. If you drop your light, it will be lost in the dark. With a dummy cord, you will have it on your wrist if dropped out of your hand.

• Even in broad daylight, a basement or an interior room will be as dark as night. Never leave home without a way to see in the dark.

• Don’t rely on your lighter, what if there is a gas leak or flammable material?• Many flashlights are rated for use by miners in these conditions.• Remember the NYC blackout? What lessons can you learn from that?

Flashlight Reference Photos

A selection of reliable lights Dummy cord in use

Belt mounted carry systems

(Photo courtesy of Bladerigs.com)

Reality Check (You’re Going to Hate This)

• An emergency will expose the weaknesses of members in a party (the old, young, sick, handicapped, etc.)

• You will be responsible for these people if they are not “able-bodied.”• This will affect transportation, supplies, space, medical prep you’ve done,

etc. • Moral and ethical decisions may be forced upon you.• Are you mentally prepared?• A great friend and retired police officer taught me to consider this, what is

the population of a city? How many police officers cover this area? In the suburbs, how far away is the state police trooper who covers this jurisdiction. How long will it take to respond if a call goes out? How long will it take to patrol an area if a call never goes out. This should serve a sobering reminder you may have to become self-reliant.

S.T.O.P. Protocol• Stay Put, Think, Observe, Plan is the definition of the STOP

acronym used in wilderness scenarios. • Sometimes, you cannot stay put in an emergency. Perhaps the

emergency is moving your way (think hurricanes, blizzards, tornado.)

• Sometimes you don’t have time to think and you must react. When a person is choking, don’t think and waste time.

• Sometimes you cannot stick around to observe what is happening (move along). In some cases, you are going to get in the way. If you can’t provide help, don’t interfere with those who can.

• Sometimes, you don’t have time to plan. Your plan should have already been in place.

What Not To Do• Do not attempt to get in the way of

the police performing their job. You will only interfere and become part of the problem.

• Do not become the quasi-lawyer society needs and interfere with authority. In a time of crisis, you do not become smarter or a Constitutional lawyer from watching television.

• It sounds shallow and self-centered, but take care of yourself. Don’t wait around to help. You need to be around to take care of your family. It is not your fault or responsibility if strangers wish to make bad decisions. Get away from the crowds.

• Move away from danger, not towards it.

Take note of your surroundings and keep moving. Keep a mental note of

exits and always have an exit or egress plan.

Quickie Urban Sleeping Bag• Utilizing a trash can liner (the bigger the

better) and old newspapers from a recycling pile.

• Turn the trash can liner inside out if soiled and wipe off as best as can. Stuff with crumpled newspaper. Try to maximize dead air space.

• Seek shelter from elements if possible and climb inside.

• Newspaper is not the best insulation but it will work in a pinch. The trash bag will be a barrier from the wind but protect yourself from the cold.

• Don’t sleep with your head inside your sleeping bag.

• Don’t forget conduction cooling underneath you. Avoid direct contact with the ground.

• If you have garbage bags and a small length of duct tape, you can make a moisture proof barrier as is pictured to the right.

Quickie Sleeping Pad• The quickie sleeping bag will protect you from the cold

around you but the insulation will compress. You need protection from the conduction heat loss the ground causes.

• In the wilderness, the general rule is twice as much insulation under you as above when using natural insulation.

• In a suburban/urban environment, utilize similar principals. Protect yourself with corrugated cardboard, bubble wrap, packing peanuts or Styrofoam. All of these can be found in dumpsters and trash piles. Be careful searching these as dangerous sharps may be uncovered accidentally.

• If you can’t sleep lengthwise, insulate your seat and attempt to get rest sitting upright.

Avoiding Detection (clothing)• Olive Drab and Tan are preferred colors for avoiding detection in the woods.

However, in an urban-suburban scenario, they stand out as “military” or “non-civilian.”

• If you wear camouflage, what does it imply you probably have at home? On your person? In your car? Do you want someone to follow you to find out?

• To avoid raising suspicion, simple jeans and street clothes blend in while “tactical” garb like instructor’s belts and BDU-style shirts are easy to spot.

• How threatening does a “J. Crew” or “Abercrombie” guy look? Purple button-down shirts conceal equipment just as well as camouflage button-down shirts.

• Avoid shirts with political, religious or insensitive comments.

• What message does your outfit say to those around you? Mall Ninja?

• Of all the clothing you wear, consider your footwear of vital importance! You need your feet to walk and run. If your feet are injured, your mobility decreases. Sandals and flip flops might be comfortable but sneakers are better. Sneakers are better but still not as good as solid boots.

• You can’t always wear boots. Wear durable and comfortable shoes whenever and however you can.

Perception is EverythingUrban disaster emergency or burglary tools?

Law enforcement officials might make the

determination for you.

Speaking of Perception…• How people view you is one thing, how aware you are is another.

• Generally, follow your gut reaction. If you don’t have a good feeling about someone/thing, trust your instincts. Always be vigilant.

• Make note of your surroundings and place yourself in your surroundings strategically. Don’t become paranoid but always question “what would happen ?” and “Am I prepared?”

• Start to look at human behavior and actions from a survival standpoint. Size up those around you as potential assets or threats. Compare them to yourself as a general reference (he is taller than me, she has a gun and I don’t, etc.)

• Never let your guard down and keep your head up. When you think of human nature, consider the animal world.

• Think of Africa. What animals are taken down first by lions? Why and when does it happen? Apply the answers to these questions to a bathroom urinal situation. Do you really need to look where you’re aiming? Don’t get caught with your pants down.

• Impairing your perception is a recipe for disaster. Avoid taking risks or placing yourself in situations if you’ve consumed drugs or alcohol (legally of course.)

• Criminals love to prey on the weak and regardless of how many muscles or how fast you are, deviant defeats drunk and passed out.

• If you do decide to drink; drink to remember, not to forget.

Situational Awareness• This basically means paying attention to what is around you. With time, practice and dedicated study,

you will develop ability to read body language, social clues, a level of intuition and almost a sixth sense for when something is not quite right.

• A color code for levels of awareness much like our nation’s awareness code (white, yellow, orange, etc.) can be applied to situational awareness. Many schools teach this.

• You never want to be unaware (white) or assume no one will hurt you. You also cannot exist at the highest (red) level of awareness at all times in response to a highly stressful situation. People will think you’re acting weird if you’re hyper alert when you should be relaxed. Follow social cues. You will suffer from fatigue as it is mentally taxing if you don’t. Somewhere in the middle is appropriate (between simple people watching to the gut feeling something isn’t right.)

• Begin to look for basic clues of your surroundings and slowly add more. Location of exits, proximity to others, unfamiliar vehicles, etc. are a few to start thinking about.

• Look at human behavior. When a person moves, are they hiding something? Favoring a side? Overly observant or cautious? What are they carrying and where? What hand is dominant? Do they have any clothing or tattoos? Keep a mental note to inform authorities later.

• Have a plan at all times. If someone is walking towards you who is raising your level of awareness, have a plan. “If that suspicious person crosses the street in my way, I’ll walk into this store or across the street.” Have a plan and a backup plan! “If he follows me into the store or attacks me I am prepared to…” Prepare your mind before your body acts.

• Remember this quote as well., “Everyone has a plan until they’re hit” Mike Tyson (Former Boxing Champ and convicted criminal)

• You don’t need formal training to become more observant. You do need practice.

• Stick to the basics at first before moving into advanced observation.

Essential Tool: Knife• In the woods, my first choice for a blade would be a 4” fixed blade. • In the city, I routinely carry a folding knife tucked in my waistband with the clip sandwiched

between my belt and my pants waistband. This is the correct way to carry a blade of this style.• I also carry a full-size multi-tool. You don’t always encounter a screw or bolt in the woods, they

are everywhere in the city.• There is comfort in having the right tool for the job and even in the 21st century, the knife is a

tool that has countless uses in the urban/suburban environment. Don’t you hate it when someone asks if anyone has a knife? Every grown man should have at least one and know how to use it.

• Check your local laws as blade length is a determining factor in where and how you carry your blade(s). Also, certain blade styles (stiletto, dirk, sharpened false edge) may be illegal.

• Learn to carry your blade(s) discretely. No one needs to know you have something on you. • Clipping your folding knives to your pocket will identify you as a person with access to a knife.

You can also lose it this way.• You may wish to carry a good folding knife in your belt but a smaller Swiss Army Knife for more

social situations. Get in the habit of carrying more than one.• Always be aware of where you’re carrying your blades. Don’t forget you have one when you are

going through a security checkpoint (i.e. airport, courthouse, etc.)• You may wish to carry two or more knives on you (for “show” and for “go.”)

Blade Photo References

Counter Clockwise from top right: “socially acceptable”, Discreet carry, open carry, illegal by

design in some jurisdictions, recommended folding knives.

Avoiding Detection (Vehicle)• Avoid plastering your vehicle with stickers that alert

others to your interests. Stickers like “I Love Machine Guns” and “Driver Armed and Dangerous” may convince a criminal to break into your car instead of the plain Jane vehicle.

• Vehicles with spare tires, shovels and Hi-lift jacks stand out from those with tools carried inside.

• A vehicle cannot defend itself. Do not leave anything out in the open. Make your car look uninviting without appearing threatening.

• Are some vehicles aesthetically friendly and others threatening? What does your car say about your level of preparedness? Tinted windows are generally associated with deception. What are you hiding?

• Vanity plates are easily remembered. What kind of problems can you foresee with having either your first or last name on a license plate.

• While in your vehicle, drive like anyone else. Do not speed, do not drive distracted, do not do anything out of the ordinary. Pay attention to detail.

• Avoid decorating your vehicle with something easily remembered.

Toyota Prius: What does this car say about the owner? The contents?

Why might fuel efficiency be a benefit in an

emergency?Accessed from

www.toyotaanswers.com

Avoiding Detection (Home)• Your home should not look like a military

base. Iron bars, security cameras and barbed wire indicate something of value is hidden inside.

• There are both active and passive security measures. Active security includes alarm systems, dogs, video cameras (hidden) and sentries. Passive security includes thorny bushes, dead man door stops, double hung windows, low cut bushes, trees cut to prevent driveway blockages and locked away ladders/tools.

• When transporting equipment in and out of the home, do so under darkness or use non-descript boxes.

• Secure your trash until the absolute latest time you can before putting it out on the street.

• Use a paper shredder for sensitive documents.

Use a paper shredder whenever possible on sensitive documents.

The shreds can be mixed with parafin wax to make homemade firestarters.

Bug Out or Bug In?• What is your situation? Are you supplied for the long haul? Do you need to get

someone emergency medical help? Is your home unsafe? Is there known refuge elsewhere? Can your vehicle carry you safely? How fit are you to travel? Are there members of your group unable to make a journey? Is the egress route safe/unsafe?

• When determining whether to stay or go, you need to evaluate your ability. If you are unable, don’t test your ability.

• You must also remember if bugging out, you can only travel as fast as the slowest member.

• These are just a handful of questions and considerations you may encounter in your decision to bug out or bug in.

• While your best friend may have the perfect plan for bugging out, you may end up bugging in. There is no such thing as a one size fits all solution to a problem.

• Depending on your resources, your fitness, your resolve and countless other issues, your solution will be custom and better than playing it by ear or by “going with the flow.”

• My preference is to BUG IN whenever possible but don’t let my opinion sway yours. One scenario where a Bug Out is almost guaranteed is getting out of a city when traveling in a foreign country.

Bugging Out (Part I)• Popularized by movies with the hero running for the

hills with a rucksack or raiding a local sporting goods store for survival necessities.

• In the fantasy world, the hero lives well off the land and takes down large game. He/She becomes one with nature or has a vehicle he/she turns into a home away from home. The vehicle becomes unstoppable.

• In reality, how much can you carry? Have you trained under the weight of a fully loaded pack? Can you carry all the gear you need for every contingency? How do you defend yourself and run when you’re “outgunned?” What do you do when you can’t travel any further by car and have to carry your gear? What if you can make it through a pass and your car can’t?

• Again, there are many questions you must ask yourself and only you can make these decisions. Your situation will dictate how you respond.

• Should you decide Bugging Out is your decision, here are some general guidelines.

• Do a dry run. Give yourself a time limit of 30 minutes or less to pack up what you need and go. Try living off of what you carry for 72hours. See how it goes.

• When you complete your dry run. Write down an after action report. What worked? What didn’t?

• Once you are comfortable doing your dry run, add training modifiers of less time, time of day done, etc.

A pair of safety glasses, disposable mask and hat can fit in most work bags. When

hazardous particles are airborne, you don’t want them in your eyes and you certainly don’t want to breath them in.

Bugging Out (Part II)• If you decide to bug out, where are you going? Don’t make

a bug out bag if you have no destination in mind. Does anyone else have your bug out place in mind? What are the chances you’ll see anyone? If you are successful in bugging out, what happens when you find someone has found your spot too?

• What can you carry out and not expose your well being? How do you disguise your bug out preparedness and blend in? Thinking back to your clothing, does it allow for stuffing pockets with essentials?

• If you are in an urban environment, realize people live on and above ground level. You can be “picked off” and robbed for appearing too prepared.

• What is your goal in an urban environment? Do you want to get out of the city or head deeper into it?

• Your occupation will occupy most of your adult life. Consider you work an 8 hour day, 40 hours a week for the rest of your life. What other activity other than sleep will occupy your time longer? Should you stock up your work place with a “Get Home Bag?”

• Your Bug Out Bag will change with the season. In warm weather, you’ll probably include more water. In cold weather, you’ll add more clothing.

• ASSESSMENT: Take your loaded BOB and walk to a friend’s house. Can you do it? Are you in shape? If need be, are you able to shed your gear quickly to move defensively? Can you access your gear on the run? What would you need to grab on the run?

A small assortment of pocket sized gear can be carried to help you respond to many of life’s little

problems. If it is compact, chances are you won’t leave it at home!

Bugging Out (Part III)• Go to AAA and get maps or buy an atlas and have a hard copy

of maps in case your GPS is compromised. • Never leave sensitive information in plane sight! Create a code

for where you are going and don’t discuss it over a Civilian Band (CB) radio or Motorola Talk-a-bouts.

• When taking rests at rest stops or pit stops, make sure to post a sentry to ensure your convoy’s safety.

• Drive slowly and with caution. Don’t let your emotion cause you to drive recklessly and endanger your transportation.

• Remember your vehicle is your protection. Don’t leave sit unprotected. Safety is found in numbers. This gives riding shotgun its original meaning back.

• Never attempt to drive off-road in an emergency unless you are certain of your vehicle’s ability. Learn what you and your vehicle are capable of before an emergency.

• If you bug out to a shelter, remember you will likely be frisked, searched and be required to surrender your prepped gear for the good of the order. How will you defend your family when you’re “de-clawed.” Remember the Superdome post-Katrina?

• If you have to bug out, you probably did not recognize the warning signs and it might be too late. Long before a storm hits, there are usually warnings. Before civil unrest, newscasters might say “…there is a buildup of tension…” If you’re living in a bad neighborhood now, maybe it is time to relocate. Bugging out shouldn’t involve a last minute decision and I hope it won’t ever come down to this for you.

Have you secured all your sensitive documents? Small fire resistant safes

are portable but an easy target for thieves if not secured as well. Make

photocopies of documents whenever possible. If using a thumb drive,

password protect it and don’t lose it!

Maps and Getting Around• Maps are a birds eye view of your surroundings

with endless amounts of information on them. In the city and suburbs, street maps will provide information about structures, roads, government buildings and much more.

• Maps are usually available for free from city hall. There are many maps that are sub-par and inaccurate. AAA maps are extremely detailed maps for your state.

• If you are planning a route out of a city, you should have both state maps and individualized city maps of each city you are traveling through. Topographical maps will provide the most detail.

• GPS units are merely supplements to maps. There are no moving parts on maps and nothing to break. You can lose a map or have the information (maybe vital) compromised.

• If you purchase map software for your computer, you can access maps without the need of internet or phone connection issues.

Street maps can be picked up at most

city halls

Essential Skill: Jump Starting • Follow this procedure with

Heavy Duty Booster Cables: 1. Positive (red) to Booster Battery then Positive (red) to Dead.2. Negative (black) to Booster Battery then Negative (black) to unpainted metal frame of Dead. 3. Start Booster Car, let run. 4. Attempt to start Dead Vehicle. If Vehicle has been dead for a while, longer charge may be necessary. 5. Once Dead Vehicle restarts, disconnect Negative from Frame then Negative from Booster Battery, then Positive from Dead and finally Positive from Booster.

• Booster Packs: Generally, booster packs will have directions specifying order of procedure. Portable power is a benefit if traveling without a convoy. Portable power needs to be recharged and this is not always possible.

General Notes About Jump Starting:-In theory, hydrogen gas can build up and be ignited by a spark from improperly applied jumper cables.-Never let your cables touch while jumping a vehicle or make contact with your car.-Park cars without letting them touch and park close enough to accommodate shorter cables. -If battery terminals are corroded, steel wool can be used to scour until clean.-Make sure to get a secure clamp on terminals with cables. -Drive your vehicle or let it run to help charge the battery. BEFORE JUMP STARTING!-Put both cars in park and ensure engines are turned off. Set parking brakes and turn off all accessories.

A portable battery pack takes the

guesswork out of jumpstarting but

don’t forget the skill

WLC Revised Vehicle Kit 1. Windshield ice scraper

2. Snow brush

3. Shovel (square pointed)

4. Booster cables (4 or 6 Gauge)

5. Flashlight (w/extra batteries- lithium preferred)

6. Road flares (6)

7. Help flag & extension pole (10’)

8. Axe or hatchet

9. Fire extinguisher

10. Kitty litter (10 lbs)

11. Hi-Lift jack and or come along

12. 12”x 12” x ¾” plywood panels (2)

13. Heavy tow rope or snatch chains

14. Tire chains

15. Gas can & extra gas

16. Space blankets (3)

17. Extra coat, hat & pants (Warm)

18. Gloves or mittens (mittens preferred)

19. Rubber boots

20. Candles (6) & empty coffee can

21. Matches (Waterproof)22. Paper towels (½ roll)23. Blankets (2)24. Tire repair kit 25.Tire inflator/sealer (2 cans)26. WD-40 (1 can)27. Dry gas ( 3cns) (Isopropyl preferred)28. Radiator stop leak (1 can)29. Sterno w/stand & small cooking pot30. Chocolate bars (4 large Bars) or high energy trail mix31. Canned fruit or nuts (2 cans)32. Duct tape33. Bailing wire34. Tool kit35. First aid kit36. Kitchen garbage bags (6)37. Map & compass38. Medications39. Chemical hand warmers (12)

Rally Point and Secondary Rally Point

• If you are working in a group, do you have a central location where you can meet up?

• If you are coordinating with other family members in the same town, do you have rally points established? It is natural to want to stick together in times of crisis. Have you made sure your family members know where to meet?

• When your rally point is compromised, when you find out others are aware of your plans, you may need to move to a secondary rally point.

• Make sure your rally point is not one with a single entrance/exit. (ex. Highway rest stop) What happens if the highway is closed?

• Make sure your rally point is accessible over primary and secondary roads.

• A rally point can be utilized for both bugging out and bugging in. If parties are returning to a home, they can move to it and enter it as a group. Rally points can be established coming from a place of work to a home.

• Keep watch when waiting for others. Cars have blind spots and occupants can be caught off guard and carjacked. When cars slow down, they become vulnerable.

• Look for potential threats and anticipate them. Be prepared to keep moving if confronted with a threat (rapidly pull away.)

Rally Point Photo References

A rally point such as a weather radar, radio tower, water tank or other prominent

feature can be found on most topographical maps and is easily spotted

from many angles. Having a rally point accessible from many directions can be a

benefit. How can it be a liability? This point also is in an area with immediate access to

a major highway in both directions. The photos above are of the same radar from 3 angles. The bottom left is near an industrial

park with many exits and a large open parking lot.

Communication• During September 11th, 2001, cell phone communications were

down with the overload of phone calls made. NYC based lines did not work but Hartford, CT lines did.

• What do you do when your cell phone/crutch isn’t working? How do you deal with the anxiety? Phone cards and spare change (if you can find a payphone) will help.

• Do you have an alternative means of communication? Do you have a CB radio? HAM radio? Know how to use it?

• If you must leave an area, make sure to leave a note somewhere a family member and only a family member will know where to look for it. Do not leave your plans for the public to see.

• If you have Motorola 2 way radios, remember other’s have access to the same frequencies you may be using.

• Be aware of the sensitive nature of information. Too little or too much can hurt you.

• I would advise against an elaborate, read elaborate, code of information. A few common key words may be helpful if rehearsed and understood in a family.

• Don’t throw away old cell phones. They can be included in a vehicle kit as the emergency band still works and they usually are equipped with lithium batteries.

• Don’t dismiss the value of text messaging. The message will get through if a phone line is busy.

• Many phones can receive notices from news networks via text message.

Just because the phone lines are down, doesn’t mean text messaging

won’t help. Maybe these phones are “smart” after

all.

Bugging In (Part I)• I would rather stand and fight than run and die. My home is my castle. My family

ran in the Philippines but the enemy was an invading country’s army. The conditions are not the same now.

• In your home, you have the ability to store more provisions and supplies than in the largest vehicle.

• Your home is familiar territory, on the road, everything is “foreign.”

• You might have 100’s of thousands invested in your property. Do you want to abandon it for someone else to use?

• If abroad for business or pleasure, you may not have the protection you are used to here in the U.S. You may need to bunker down until it is safe to move to the embassy or airport.

• In the short term, you may need to secure your home. This can be done with door wedges, plywood, chains, pad locks and other security items. These preparations should be done well in advance. If possible, avoid external shows of security and make your home blend in.

• In the short term, you need to meet with family members and discuss options for your bug in. Make sure everyone involved is aware of security and safety. Discuss rules and make pacts.

Bugging In (Part II)• If you have advanced notice of a crisis, fill your bathtub with

water. You can use this water for manually flushing your toilet, cleaning clothes, etc. Do not use this for drinking.

• During an extended bug in, you will notice your level of preparedness and if it was sufficient.

• If most emergencies last no longer than 72 hours, a medium length emergency is one that lasts longer. Did you plan for this? What issues will you face? How will you respond?

• Sanitation, health and safety will start to be concerns after a few days without showering. Rubbish will start to build up.

• Should your water stores disappear, is it safe to drink water from your toilet’s tank (not bowl?) How about from your hot water heater? Pipes? Etc?

Bugging In (Part III)• Long-term bugging in may last

weeks in extreme cases. If an emergency lasts too long, you may end up leaving to resupply.

• The choice to return will be made based on the circumstances.

• Have board games to combat boredom or at the very least a deck of cards. This will improve morale.

• Having an extensive library of books with references to survival will help provide answers when time isn’t a sensitive matter. Don’t wait until an emergency to read these books. Store the information away in your head now!

Sensor lights on your home work well when the power grid is up. What happens when it is down?

Are you prepared?

Safe Room (Optional)• A safe room may provide some peace of mind in some circumstances.

Your whole home should be “safe” but preparing one more than others as a room you are able to retreat to as a last resort is often recommended. It should be a bottom-floor room with concrete surrounding as many sides as possible. These rooms are used for protection against natural disasters typically…but…it can be used against home invasion.

• If you choose to create one, this room should be equipped with provisions for the occupants as well as the equipment to sustain life until the situation is over.

• A safe room should have wooden studs placed close together for extra support. Plywood covered with sheetrock will prevent someone from entering without special tools. It is meant to slow someone down (until police arrive), not totally stop them.

• A solid steel door with a large deadbolt backed with a 2x4 dead man is preferred. Get a door that swings open, not in. It is harder to kick in.

• A second entrance is ideal but not always possible.

• Closed circuit cameras, if affordable, allow a person to monitor conditions outside of the room.

• Have your alarm system’s digital video recorder stored in this room as it will record any events police can use later on to investigate.

• Now that you’ve spent all your time on a safe room, what are its limitations?

• How can your safe room be unsafe? This is why I consider it optional.

A safe room can double as a secure location for your prep.

Combination locks like the one above make fumbling for keys

unnecessary

Top 100 Items to Disappear First During a National Emergency (Part I)

• Top 100 Items to Disappear First During a National Emergency (Sources vary for this list)

1. Generators (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy...target of thieves; maintenance etc.)2. Water Filters/Purifiers3. Portable Toilets4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 - 12 months to become dried, for home uses.5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar10. Rice - Beans - Wheat11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,)12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY - note - food grade if for drinking.16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.)17. Survival Guide Book. (YOU SHOULD COMMIT THIS TO MEMORY! DON’T RELY ON A BOOK!)18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.)19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc.20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)21. Cook stoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)22. Vitamins23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous without this item)24. Feminine Hygiene/Hair care/Skin products.25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms)

Top 100 Items to Disappear First During a National Emergency (part II)

• 26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil)27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels31. Milk - Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)34. Coleman's Pump Repair Kit35. Tuna Fish (in oil)36. Fire Extinguishers (or..large box of Baking Soda in every room)37. First aid kits38. Batteries (all sizes...buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food)41. Flour, yeast & salt42. Matches. {"Strike Anywhere" preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.)45. Workboots, belts, Levis & durable shirts46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, "No. 76 Dietz" Lanterns47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience; Historic Times)48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting - if with wheels)49. Men's Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)

Top 100 Items to Disappear First During a National Emergency (part III)

51. Fishing supplies/tools52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams53. Duct Tape54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes55. Candles56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags58. Garden tools & supplies59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax)63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel64. Bicycles...Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)67. Board Games, Cards, Dice68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)75. Soy sauce, vinegar, bullions/gravy/soup base

Top 100 Items to Disappear First During a National Emergency (part IV)

• 76. Reading glasses77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)78. "Survival-in-a-Can"79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)85. Lumber (all types)86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)87. Cots & Inflatable mattress's88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.89. Lantern Hangers90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws,, nuts & bolts91. Teas92. Coffee93. Cigarettes94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,)95. Paraffin wax96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.97. Chewing gum/candies98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs100. Livestock

Gathering and Treating Water• If time allows, gather as much water as possible prior to an

emergency. Have a way to carry and transfer it. Use twist top containers whenever possible. Soda bottles work great!

• Some emergencies will have advanced notice. When this is the case, fill any available containers with drinking water.

• Some commercially available products offer a food grade liner for your bathtub with a siphon pump. Don’t drink straight from the tub.

• You cannot have enough water! It will be depleted faster than you realize.

• Recycle milk jugs, pull out the Rubbermaid containers or kiddy pools and anything else and fill them up. Water will be used not only for drinking but for sanitation purposes too.

• A quality water filter will ensure it is safe as will chemicals (iodine, bleach, chlorine tabs) or the old standby boiling is effective as well.

• Regular bleach, minus any additives, can be used to treat water and disinfect surfaces. Approximately 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water for drinking is the formula. Be warned, all drops aren’t the same size.

• 9 parts water and 1 part bleach is the ratio for disinfectant. Prevent the spread of germs.

• DO NOT DRINK YOUR POOL WATER! Also unsafe, radiator water and toilet water.

• Your hot water heater for your house and remaining water in your pipes is generally safe.

• Treat all water as if it is contaminated. Boiling is the best way to treat water.

• A gallon of water weighs just over 8.5 lbs. Make sure your storage area can support all the weight of the water you will need.

Water stored and dated for rotation.

Caching Supplies• The expression, “Don’t put all your eggs in one

basket” can be taken quite literally in this context. • If you’ve contemplated caching supplies, where

will you do it? How? With what tools?• State vs. Private land? Do you know the law?

What risks do you encounter if you chose to cache in each of these locations.

• An effective cache is a 5 gallon bucket. Consider the morale of having a brick of 500 .22lr rounds, a few spare blades, manual can opener a tarp, a sack of rice and a sack of beans along with some other items in a time of need.

• Also consider the gravest of circumstances. In the event of a fire, how much of your equipment would be lost? It is not a bad idea to keep some equipment in a separate location for circumstances like this.

• A week’s worth of backpacking freeze-dried food for one person can easily fit into a five gallon bucket. Given the long shelf life, this is an excellent idea for a bucket cache.

One week’s worth of food labeled and cached away in an

undisclosed, temperature stable location.

The 5 Gallon Bucket Prep• If you purchase a 5 Gallon Bucket

to create an emergency cache, make sure it is water resistant.

• Depending where you store it, you may need to include a desiccant. How you close it is one consideration, how you open it is another. If all of your preps are in buckets, consider a bucket wrench.

• Gamma Lids are screw top openings and my preferred bucket closures.

• If possible, limit the number of round containers used as they take up space inefficiently. Square containers store more flush and create little dead space.

5 gallon bucket with Gamma Seal lid ready to

be prepped

Sanitation Needs• It is easy to take cleanliness for granted. Water usage is rarely

considered when taking a long hot shower. How much water really is used? How long have you gone without a shower? What health risks and comfort sacrifices are undertaken when showering does not occur on a regular basis?

• A portable shower and baby wipes will help with improving comfort level. In a group, it will also boost individual and group morale.

• Approximately every 18 hours, the human body digests solid food. Where does it go when the toilet doesn’t flush? How do you dispose of it? How can including kitty litter in your prep help your sanitation needs even if you don’t have a cat?

• If water conservation is your concern, then a Luggable Loo, 5 gallon bucket with plywood top or latrine dug in your backyard are alternatives.

• Hand sanitizer and paper towels will prevent bacterial contamination from hand to mouth. Also consider plastic forks and knives as well as paper plates in your kit. Eat off of a clean surface instead of using water to wash dishes. Too cheap to buy? Consider taking an extra couple here and there when you go to fast food restaurants.

• A collapsible wash basin and clothesline will help remove odors from clothing worn days on end.

• Diapers (insert joke here) and kitty litter can help too.• Keep living space clean to prevent rodent and bug infestation.

Portable Toilet:Commercially sold or make

your own with a 5 gallon bucket and

plywood

Food Basics• All diets are based on the basic idea of caloric input and caloric expenditure (the food you eat vs. the

physical activity performed.) Eat more than you work off and gain weight, eat less than you work off and lose weight and eat about the same amount as you use daily and maintain weight.

• Calories can come in many forms including carbohydrates, fats, proteins and sugars. • Some are more quickly metabolized than others but ultimately, the body will recognize food as

calories. You can eat 1000 calories in candy and 1000 calories in steak. Even though the calories are the same, the benefit is different.

• This is why you don’t want to store a single variety of food such as pasta. Your body needs nutrients and minerals to function properly. You must store a well balanced diet of food.

• A well-known company once produced a basic food mix. This included lentils, peas and rice. They did not recommend storing only lentils, only peas or only rice. A variety of foods was recommended in addition to this to avoid food boredom. You may wish to include spices and sauces to mix up your diet.

• On average, assume a person needs between 2,000 to 2,500 calories a day to maintain weight. This amount will vary with each person. Look online for “daily caloric intake calculator” and you’ll find a formula to find out yours. The typical teenager needs 2200 (female) 3200 (male) performing approximately 20 minutes of physical activity daily.

• Once you determine your amount, multiply this by the number of days you are prepping for. Then do the same for all the members of your party.

• Start looking at nutritional content of foods and determine your needs. • I prefer Mt. House freeze dried food for portable kits.

The pouches have a shelf life of approx. 7 years. The #10 cans last even longer.

Food Rotation• Learn to rotate food as it teaches you to use what you store.

Practice with what you’ll fall back on during hard times. Rotation also keeps food freshest. As time goes by, food may lose nutritional value. Keep it as fresh as possible.

• Instead of purchasing a stockpile of food at once, start purchasing a little more each time you go to the grocery store.

• Freeze-dried food is costly and not in everyone’s budget. If you decide to purchase freeze-dried food, try to purchase in bulk as it costs less.

• Rotate food you actually use out of your pantry and onto your plate.

• Buy what you know how to prepare and like. Don’t purchase something you may want.

• Vary food if possible to avoid food boredom. • Store food in a temperature stable environment. Cooler temps

will help it last longer.• The fluctuations in temperature will quickly spoil food. • Purchase a variety of long-term staple food slowly over time

while doing regular grocery shopping. Sugar, wheat, pastas, beans, oil, etc. can all be purchased inexpensively and go a long way. Even though sodium is high in many foods, purchase salt anyway.

• Many foods don’t provide complete nutrition. Purchase some multi-vitamins for long-term prep.

• There are a number of excellent food and food storage sites on the web and I will be glad to refer you to them. These include Camping-Survival.com, Major Surplus and Survival, Mountain House Foods and the LDS Survival Manual.

Conspicuously label all of your food to easily identify expiration dates. Use the oldest food first and rotate your food into your

usual diet.

Food Dehydrating and Canning• A few supplies can extend the shelf-life of food storage.

• A food dehydrator, canning/jarring supplies and a vacuum sealer will aide in food prep for storage.

• Most hardware stores sell canning/jarring supplies.

• Canned/jarred food will last for years as long as it is stored in a cool temperature stable environment like a basement.

• Storing food in a car trunk or near sources of heat will drastically reduce the shelf life. Temperature fluctuations and moisture from condensation and humidity are the enemies of stored food.

• If making beef jerky, your local butcher can slice it into consistently thin strips. You can make it more tender by grinding it before drying. It will be easier to bite and chew.

• Just because a food is dehydrated, doesn’t mean it will last forever. Make it a habit to date your Zip Lock bags when they were packaged and like your other food supply, use the oldest first in your rotation.

• Before dehydrating a large quantity of food, sample smaller sizes to determine if you actually like the taste.

Meals Ready To Eat (M.R.E’s)• Military rations with a wide

variety of menu options. There is a trade-off. M.R.E.’s typically contain a well-balanced menu and a self-heating device. However, they are heavy and expensive.

• Over time and despite packaging, M.R.E’s will spoil. One of the most important factors in the lifespan of your food, all food, is storage in the right temperature. Generally, the warmer the temperature, the less life you can expect out of your food (See Right Caption.)

• MRE shelf life will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer but on average they store well.

In 120 degrees (car trunk) MRE’s will last approximately one month. In 60 degrees

(your cellar) they will last up to 130 months. Find out more in the excellent

article at www.beprepared.com

PROVEN SURVIVAL FOODPemmican Recipe 

• 4 cups of Dried Meat, Beef or Venison - Make the dried meat very dry so that it will powder when you grind it.

• 3 Cups of any dried fruit – Raisins, apples, dates, apricots or pineapple. (Do not use Dried bananas)

• 2 Cups of rendered beef fat. Render fat on extremely low heat, strain and render a second time to remove all animal cellulose.

• Unsalted nuts can be added if desired. 

• Mix all dry ingredients together and then add liquid fat, mixing well until all is covered.

• This mixture will keep for a long time without any refrigeration.

Courtesy of Marty Simon

It has a unique texture and taste but it will store for extended

periods of time and is extremely calorie dense.

Photo Credit: Kevin Estela from WLC Winter Course 2009

Survival Firearms (part I)• Apocalypse tales and movies popularize larger than life firearms and

bandoleers of ammunition slung over your shoulder. However, these images do not help modern urban and suburban survivors reality of preparation.

• In many cases, you cannot discreetly carry large caliber weapons and the ammunition to support them. If bugging out is your plan, you cannot move quickly under the weight of multiple firearms. The old adage, the gun on you is better than the one at home applies. Sometimes, it is what is within reach that matters, not what is in your safe.

• There are times for large caliber weapons so do not discredit their value!• What ammo will be most available in a true emergency? What ammo allows

you to carry hundreds of rounds a small package? What caliber has taken more game than any other? What ammo is reasonable in cost to allow for regular practice? What is a reasonable caliber for a “squirrel rifle?” What is the true survivor’s caliber?

All the answers to these questions can be summed up with a single response.

Survival Firearms (part II) .22 Long Rifle (.22 long, .22 short will fire out of .22 LR chambers too.)

• While not as exotic or enticing as 5.56 or 7.62 battle rifles, the .22 is absolutely practical.

• Given the circumstances, a handgun or long gun chambered in this caliber is an absolute must for the survival scenario. A .22 is the true survival round.

• It can provide food and still be used for limited defensive purposes if need be. More animals have been taken with this caliber than any other.

• Remember, you can’t eat what you can’t hit, so practice regularly!• Suggested rifles include the Marlin Papoose, Springfield M-6, Charter

Arms/Henry AR-7 or the Ruger 10/22.• Suggested handguns include Smith and Wesson 317, Browning Buckmark

and Ruger Mark II.• If you have a handgun and travel over state lines, is it legal? Who is more

accurate, a kid with a rifle or a man with a pistol? Maybe a rifle is a better choice.

Examples of Proven Survival Firearms (all .22 Caliber)

Clockwise from Bottom Left: Smith and

Wesson Model 317, Marlin Papoose,

Springfield Armory M6 Survival (also .410

gauge)

Survival Firearms (part III)• Rounding out your needs is a reliable pump shotgun. 12

gauge is the standard by which all others are judged but don’t discredit smaller gauges. Even .410 gauge is a .41 caliber round comparable to the.40 caliber S&W handgun load.

• There are countless tales of the sound of a 12 gauge shotgun slide racking deterring a crime. If someone enters with intent to do bodily damage to you or your family, do you want them to run away to fight another day? Come back with friends? Your safety and your actions are your decisions.

• A 12 gauge, other than the defensive purpose most experts will explain is the reason you own one, is quite possibly the most versatile firearm you can own. With light loads, you can take birds and small game, with slugs you can take down large mammals, with 00 buckshot you have 9 .30 caliber rounds traveling downrange at once.

• Remember, others in your group may need to use the firearm so consider body types and recoil.

• Carry what you can consistently shoot and hit your target with.

• "You are no more a musician because you carry a violin, than you are a gunfighter because you carry a firearm.” Lt. Mike

Remington 870 Marine Magnum:12 gauge pump shotgun with 6+1

capacity. Nickel Finish for protection in wet environments

Self-Defense• Your best defense is avoidance. Don’t put yourself in dangerous

situations if you can foresee them coming or have the choice.

• However, you may encounter a life threatening situation when there is no option. What are your options? When is lethal force justified?

• Basic info: Distance can be your friend. There are different ranges to consider: Projectile, Long, Medium, Short, Grappling/Ground.

• Defense can be physical presence, voice commands, less-than lethal projectiles, blunt or sharp objects, hand-to-hand.

• Right now, what do you have on you to improve your odds of surviving a fight? What should you carry at the very minimum?

• What can you carry on you for your protection?

• What defensive items fly under the radar and are effective at stopping a threat?

• What kinds of attacks are there? Where can you research these?

• Important to training is the emphasis on reality. Training can take place in a traditional uniform or it can include outfits worn on the street. A person may be flexible in cotton shorts but would struggle to perform moves when dressed in work clothes. What handles do we put on ourselves when we start carrying gear? Think backpack straps and how they can be used to control you.

• Get in the habit of having a defensive weapon easily within reach. You shouldn’t have to go to your trunk, or across the room to get to what you need 3 seconds ago.

Make your training dummy as realistic as possible with

clothing and scenario training.

Essential Skill: Friction Saw• We’ve all contemplated it, being bound by duct tape in an

invasion scenario. How do you escape? • There is a way to cut through tape, cordage or any other

synthetic cord with only a small length of paracord. • A length of paracord with two foot loops tied into the end

can be passed up through the bound wrists and back down to the hands.

• “Riding the bicycle” creates friction in one spot on the binding and spreads friction out over the length of paracord. Heat builds up in one area and spreads out in another.

• Carry a length of paracord in your rear pocket or down one pant leg attached to your belt.

Dogs• Man’s best friend can be a valuable asset to the home in

regards to protection. • Dogs cannot prep for themselves. You need to!• Dogs should be selected for their abilities, not how cute

they are. Avoid emotional connections that may cause you to make bad decisions. In the end, they are just another animal.

• A small dog can alert his/her owner to a foreign presence. A small dog may also have a bark worse than its bite.

• A large dog can be used to protect/intimidate those interested in breaking in. This same dog may turn on its owner if not properly trained/maintained.

• Dogs can also raise attention to your presence on the trail. Their signs and tracks may be a liability to your safety.

• A dog is also another mouth to feed. A dog can end up feeding you if desperate though.

• Psychologically, a dog is an excellent companion in tough times. For children, a dog may be the difference emotionally in an emergency.

• Additionally, dogs might inadvertantly contaminate a house with germs if they wander freely and come in contact with a dangerous substance.

Man’s Best FriendAccessed from www.cdc.gov

With Understanding, Now Build Your Kits

• In addition to the gear you normally carry in the woods, you must now add to your preparedness by creating kits for your vehicle and your home/work.

• Consider building a kit to protect your finances. Keep records of your titles, bank accounts and receipts. Keep these in a secure location! Buy gold if you wish but also have single dollar bills on hand. Make transactions with them.

• Your vehicle is your primary means of transportation and it needs a kit to sustain it. Keep this kit out of site or hidden in plain view.

• Your home is your primary base of operations and it needs supplies to sustain it, you and your family.

• If you find yourself at work more than at home, you need to put a kit in your workplace as well. By the numbers alone, are you more likely to have something happen while you’re at home or work?

• Look to purchase multi-use equipment. • If part of a group, contact retailers or the manufacturer about a group buy at a discounted

rate. Many stores have quantity pricing available.• As with any large purchase, make sure to budget accordingly. Financial survival is equally

important as emotional and physical.• Consider where you spend the majority of your time. If an emergency happens, it might

happen here. Of course, an emergency could happen anywhere at anytime.

Specialized Kit • What can be done with the following?

Sharpie Marker?Wire Coat Hangers?Duct Tape?Chemical Fire Extinguisher?Leather gloves?

Pocketful of change?Saran wrap (plastic wrap?)Bandana?Pad lock?Door Wedges?

Essential Skill: Needs Assessment

• Based on the information presented in this handout thus far, what are the realistic needs of you/your family with relation to preparedness?

• For more check-lists, visit FEMA.GOV. • What are your areas of strength?• What are your areas of weakness?• Where is there room for improvement?• Where can you trim the fat?

Dry Runs, Practice and Self Evaluation Drills

• Have you created a plan for you and/or your family? If so, have you tried a dry run?• Do you have plans for leaving on a moment’s notice? When was the last time you

tried it? How long did it take and what lessons did you learn?• When was the last time you had a blackout? Were you prepared? What if it lasted

longer? Are you stocked?• Do you have an emergency route away from your home? Have you tried driving it to

learn its nuances? When is the most traffic through this area? What detours can you take?

• When you stop at traffic lights? Do you have a way past the car in front of you?• At restaurants, where do you sit? Where are the exits?• Through practice, these drills become routine behavior.• A real simple drill is turning off the main breaker in your home. Do your family

members know where to find flashlights? Do they use them and always return them to the same location?

• Once you learn to prep your family, try to instill the importance of self-reliance on those in your extended family within close proximity to you. It is better they prep too than rely on you as the sole source for help.

Practical Daily Habits Here are some practical habits to utilize on a daily basis.

Do a daily sweep of your house to ensure all doors and windows are locked.-Keep your EDC items in the same place everyday (overturned baseball hat)-Leave a pair of closed toe shoes near your bed at night. Broken glass and flip flops don’t mix well.-Hydrate frequently. Never take for granted this precious commodity. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink.-Always carry your EDC items in the same place. You don’t want to reach for something and not find it where you thought it was.-Back in whenever possible. Studies show you are more likely to get into an accident at the end of the day when you are pulled into a spot head on. Makes sense right?-Avoid using public computers for personal activities (checking E-mail, banking, chat.) You don’t know who has been on it or who can see your activities.-Begin examining everyday objects around you as potential tools/threats. Fire extinguishers, forks on tables, hot liquids, bottles, full toolboxes, etc. Look for secondary and tertiary purposes. Know where they are around you, be aware.-At restaurants, face the door and try to avoid letting people walk behind you. -Alcohol, drugs and texting can affect your awareness. Be responsible!

Conclusions• The information in this PowerPoint handout barely scratches

the surface of the topic of Urban/Suburban survival. • Stay on the right side of the law and don’t go at learning

survival alone. Share knowledge among the good guys!• Learning how to survive never ends and a person can learn

skills to improve their level of self-reliance. • Never settle and always strive to learn more.• Practice these skills whenever you can and be realistic with

your goals. • DON’T TAKE CHANCES! AVOID TAKING

UNNECESSARY RISKS! DON’T BE A HERO! • Hope for the best but prepare for the worst. If an emergency

presents itself, you’ll be glad you did.• Keep a positive mental attitude!

Recommended Gear List• Estela’s Basic 3:

knife, firesteel, metal cup/pot.• Estela’s Everyday Carry (EDC):

Knife, Bic lighter, bandana, PSK, chap stick, pen, wallet, cell phone.

• Estela’s 10 Essential Components:1. Cutting Tools2. Fire Starters3. Water Container and Water Collection and Purification Devices4. Shelter Components 5. Signaling Devices6. Navigation Tools7. First-Aid Kit8. Cordage9. Food and Food Procurement Gear10. Flashlight

Where to Learn More!• www.slideshare.com username Estela. For more handouts similar to this one on

various survival-related topics. • www.camping-survival.com Ask for Tom and tell him Kevin Estela sent you! He’ll

hook you up with a discount!• www.edcdepot.com Talk to Marc and let him know I sent you! He sells great

Every Day Carry items for survival prep.• www.beprepared.com Emergency Essential’s site with good information as well

as products.• www.bulkfoods.com An excellent source of dried food. Sometimes, the prices of

dehydrated food found here are less expensive than making it on your own.• www.nra.com The National Rifle Association is your first step in learning about

firearms safety. Safety rules and training programs can be found on their site. • www.FEMA.gov This government website has a variety of resources youc an

use to help you prep for a disaster. • www.weteachu.com This is the Wilderness Learning Center’s website.

Miscellaneous Notes

No unauthorized reproduction without expressed consent of The Wilderness Learning Center