DIY GARDEN: prepping

Showing posts with label prepping. Show all posts

Maintaining Your Internet Security Part One Prepping and Passwords

With the increase in the use of technology, there also come new hazards to our security. Whether you are shopping online or merely checking your email, you may be placing yourself at risk without realizing it. One of the best ways to protect yourself in this technological environment is to use the best passwords possible to safeguard your accounts and activities.

In the modern day world of internet use, it doesnt hurt to be a little paranoid about your passwords. The strength and viability of a password depends on a number of different factors. These usually include the following items:

1) The different types of characters used in the password.

2) The length of the password (total number of characters used).

3) Can the password can be found in a dictionary.

4.) Passwords should contain a minimum of eight (8) or more characters.

5) Passwords should contain a combination of letters, symbols, and numbers.

You can visit this link to check the strength of your passwords and determine if they need to be upgraded to a more secure password:

https://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/password-checker.aspx?WT.mc_id=Site_Link

Don’t inadvertently expose yourself to needless risk. Make sure you use strong passwords to protect yourself when using the internet.

Got strong passwords?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Maintaining Your Internet Security Part One Prepping and Passwords

Prepping on a Budget Affordable Items for Preppers Emergency Lighting

Being caught in the dark when the power goes out can be a very unsettling feeling. This is when you need some form of emergency lighting. A flashlight can go a long way towards solving this problem but sometimes you need a little extra versatility in your preps. You may need the use of your hands and this can be complicated if you are trying to hold onto a flashlight. One item that can serve a number of purposes for use as emergency lighting is a portable solar-powered LED light.

There are a number of versions of these solar-powered lights available. If you want it to help with security, you can get one with a motion detector. They also come in various sizes depending upon your lighting needs and may have as few as 5 LED lights or up to sixty. Most of the solar lights available with 5 or 10 LED lights are available in a very affordable price range ($20 to $25).

This particular solar-powered light is a SUNFORCE #81095 5 LED Solar Shed Light.

The light comes with magnets for attaching it to a metal surface as well as regular screw mounts for attaching it to a wall or ceiling. While designed primarily for tool sheds and other small buildings (chicken coop?). The magnets make it easy to attach to surfaces in a number of ways that increases the usability of the light.

When attached to the front of the refrigerator with the built-in magnets, it provides more than enough light to move around safely and perform simple chores. If attached to a metal surface on your vehicle it can provide sufficient light to change a tire or do minor repairs. The unit provides a fair amount of light that will allow you to maneuver about in a 10 foot X 10 foot room with a fair amount of safely. The light will only last for a few hours before needing a recharge but that time frame should be enough to get most of your important tasks done.

The solar panel is weather resistant but not water-proof. You could probably add a bead of silicone caulk around the front edge of the panel to make it more weather-resistant if you need to mount it in a more exposed area. The power cord is about eight foot long which is sufficient to mount the light and solar panel but would be better if it was just a little longer.

The important thing about preps is that they should be portable, serve a variety of uses and not cost a fortune to operate and require only minimal amounts of maintenance.

Got emergency lighting?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Prepping on a Budget Affordable Items for Preppers Emergency Lighting

Prepping on a Budget Affordable Items for Preppers Emergency Supplies The First Aid Kit

The vast majority of minor medical emergencies can be handled with a simple First Aid Kit. Minor medical problems if left ignored can lead to even more serious problems and quite often can be avoided if you have a minimum of first aid supplies on hand.

First Aid Kits come in all sizes and shapes and most are quite affordable in price. Practical first aid kits can be found with an average price of less than $20. If you have the time and the inclination, you can even assemble a quality First Aid Kit for even less money that will give you the needed supplies to handle a wide variety of minor medical problems. Many times all you may need is a band-aid and some anti-biotic cream to handle a minor emergency.

The affordability of most first aid kits makes them an essential item for your preparedness supplies. Pocket first aid kits that cost about a $1 or small first aid kits for under $10 can be added to your backpack, BOB or carried in the console or glove compartment of your vehicle. This allows you a wide range of options to keep first aid supplies available for when the need arises. A larger and more extensive first aid kit can be kept in your home or at your bug out location that will give you even better and more extensive coverage for those minor medical emergencies that always seem to happen at the most inconvenient time.

Don’t get caught short when a minor medical emergency comes up. Keep first aid supplies handy and avoid more serious problems that could arise if minor injuries are left untreated. For less than $20, you can generally keep a decent amount of first aid supplies on hand without ruining your budget.

Got band-aids?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Prepping on a Budget Affordable Items for Preppers Emergency Supplies The First Aid Kit

Paranoia or Prepping Maintaining a Proper Balance

Everyone prepares to a certain degree but there are those that sometimes let their prepping activities go to extremes. Try as you might, it is almost impossible to prepare for every possible scenario. If you maintain a proper balance in your prepping activities, you will have a better state of preparedness than you might think. Sometimes the simplest things are overlooked because we don’t see them as obstacles until it is too late.

You’ve got a bug-out bag, a bug-out vehicle and a bug-out location but do you have the skills to put your bug-out plan into action. Can you change a flat tire? It’s a simple process but it is also one which many people have never done. Can you change a drive belt on the motor if it breaks? These are simple skills that are easy to practice and develop but which can leave you stranded and vulnerable at the worst possible time if you lack these simple skills. Simple skills can go a long way in helping you be better prepared.

A box of survival seeds won’t do you much good if you lack the gardening skills to make them grow. A stockpile of canned goods and freeze-dried foods won’t last forever and you will need gardening skills to properly balance your food storage program. You will also need to stock your food items accordingly. Excess food storage can increase your chances of having items that expire or go bad before you can use them. Simple gardening skills can help you be better prepared.

Don’t forget to have a plan to maintain the safety and security of your family. Don’t sacrifice your family’s safety or security because simple items were left unattended. Realize that maintaining security should also be a part of your preparedness plans.

Include plenty of family activities that can help to strengthen the trust and loyalty among your group or family members. Make sure to include both younger and older members of your group in your activities. While their knowledge and skills may vary, they can only help to strengthen your efforts. Remember that everyone is capable of making a contribution to your preparedness efforts.

There are numerous aspects to proper prepping and maintaining a proper balance will be critical. You may be unknowingly increasing your costs and utilizing resources you may need elsewhere if you don’t maintain a proper balance in your preps. Know how many in your family or group you are preparing for and adjust your preparedness plans accordingly. Know which skills you are lacking and make an effort to learn them and continue to practice those skills you already have. Balance your prepping efforts with the actual needs of your family or group.

Got balance?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Paranoia or Prepping Maintaining a Proper Balance

Prepping on a Budget Affordable Items for Preppers Silver Coins

While having an emergency fund is essential, it’s even better if you can create a diversified one that will also provide a hedge against inflation. While the purchase of gold coins or bullion is probably beyond the reach of the average prepper, silver coins offer a unique and affordable alternative to add to your emergency fund.

Silver coins can sometimes be found in everyday change or rolls of coins obtained from a bank. All it takes is a watchful eye to spot coins with a high silver content. Silver coins also make an affordable and excellent investment to guard against inflation and can be purchased in amounts that are affordable without destroying the family budget. Silver coins offer a very reasonable option for increasing your emergency funds in an efficient manner.

A little research on the internet can also let you know which silver coins can be easily found and added to your emergency fund. You can also use a resource like JM Bullion which specializes in affordable options for purchasing junk silver.

Got silver coins?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Prepping on a Budget Affordable Items for Preppers Silver Coins

Prepping on a Budget Affordable Items for Preppers Emergency Water Storage

When you have limited funds to prep with, the only way to manage is by looking for specials that will save you money. The first thing you should look for is simple and affordable water storage. Water is something you can’t live without and is one of the first things needed if you experience an unexpected event. Unfortunately, the savings are often hidden and you may not realize there is a bargain right in front of you. Here’s a cheap and inexpensive way to have emergency water storage that is both portable and affordable.

The first thing you will need to get is a manual pump for one of those portable water bottles. These cost about $10 at your local Walmart. They give you a hint on the outside of the package about discount savings without actually telling you. The discount happens to be a $5 coupon off your next purchase of a bottle of water. Using the coupon, the bottle of water (5 gallon size) which normally costs about $11.50 will now only cost you $6.50.

When you add your total cost, you will have only spent $16.50 for a manual pump and five gallons of emergency water storage. The pump also works even if you don’t have power. The water bottles also have a built in handle for portability. A five gallon bottle of water will weigh in excess of forty pounds but is still a manageable weight for most people. The five gallons should be enough water for two people for almost 72 hours.

To increase your emergency water storage, just purchase an additional bottle of water later when your budget permits. This type of setup is ideal for preppers who have limited space.

Emergency water storage that’s portable for less than $20...now that’s a bargain.

Staying above the emergency water storage line!

Riverwalker

Prepping on a Budget Affordable Items for Preppers Emergency Water Storage